NL Playoff Preview
Shooter McGavins (2) vs The Ones (7)
We know Joel got some good pop and his experience with the Savages dynasty helps but Sijo is a well tenured player. Both have similar numbers and we take Sijo in matchup due to experience. Advantage: Ones
Pitcher – Aasheesh vs Fred
Aasheesh will look to keep The Ones in check. He throws consistent good strikes but his bat is very weak. But Shooters just need him to do what he’s been doing all season. Be a ace on the mound. Fred has an ok rookie season. He doesn’t walk many and has an average bat.
Advantage: Shooters
First Base – Amby vs Rich
Amby a former MVP candidate and one of the most fierce hitters in the league with solid numbers. Rich a seasoned vet, very consistent and solid glove. However, this season he’s batting below .400. Due to the offensive fire power, we think this is a shoe-in for the Ones. Advantage: Ones
Second Base – Nitin vs Irfan (fill in)
Nitin having a pretty solid season but Irfan is a premier defender and brings a hot bat the last couple years. Nitin is a very underrated player and has come on Hot the second half of the season. In addition, Irfan brings solid experience from one of the best teams in SASL history and a couple rings. This is Ronak’s position, but with his injury, irfan has done an admiral job filling in in the infield. Advantage: Shooters
Third Base – Waqas vs Naeem
This is a very exciting defensive matchup featuring two of the league’s best infielders. Both of these guys can play anywhere. If Waqas had a stable schedule, he would be an MVP candidate but this year and last, Naeem has put the league on notice and was a runner up for MVP last year. Enough said! Advantage: Ones
Shortstop – Khurram vs Ray
Two oldies who are like an expensive vino. Both have aged but have aged graciously and as always are having solid season. Both bring years of experience with one 1 main difference, Khurram runs his mouth, while Ray is the nicest person ever. We really couldn’t choose who has the advantage here. Advantage: None
Left Field: Mike vs Zabi
Mike is a front runner for MVP. Leads his team in 5+ categories and his one of the most feared players in the league, even after taking a year off (as to why he’s even playing in the NL). Zabi a solid slap hitter, excellent defender and valuable for his team will bring his best but doesn’t square up to Mike. Advantage: Shooters
Left Center Field: Asad vs JoJo
This is a very exciting matchup featuring two studs who bring it both defensively and offensively. Asad has a slight advantage on offense, while Jojo has a slight advantage on defense. Both have a lot of fire and maybe the most important players on their teams. Advantage: None
Right Center Field: Vijay vs Sohi
Vijay had a pretty solid season being in line with his season last year. Sohi on the other hand, didn’t have his best season but a very respectful outfielder who has made some sick plays. The shooters get this one due to Vijay’s experience and speed. Advantage: Shooters
Right Field: Nick vs Mike
Both outfielders had pretty good years on offense. Both are decent outfielders as well. Similar numbers and similar defense made it hard for us to choose. But Nick will get the advantage based on his versatility and the hard nose style he plays. Advantage: Shooters
Bottom line:
During the season the Shooters, who are the #2 team in the NL had a 25 run advantage over the Ones, who started the season very slow. Shooters 4, The Ones 0. However, the Ones have really heated up in the second half the season similar to last season where they went a miracle run in the playoffs, while all of the Shooters loses came in the second half of the season.
Some interesting notes is that the Shooters will be missing their captain, Ronak who had a breakout season of his own, but cannot play due to injury. Rumors have it there maybe a couple others missing for the Shooters as well.
The Ones may not have the record but are one of the more mature teams in the league and are on fire and a team everyone should fear. Shooters even with the number 2 seed may have drawn the scariest first round matchup full of upset potential.
Though the Shooters have a 5-3 advantage when matching up positions (with a couple ties), the Ones have a better bench. This is the Shooters first real season in the league and it seems like they are basically a bunch of second tier players with the exception of Mike Velez. While the ones have a couple first tier players with a bunch of vets and due to that reason, we believe the Ones will beat the Shooters and pull of the upset.
Game 1: Ones 13 vs Shooters 7
Game 2: Shooters 11 vs The Ones 8
Game 3: Ones 9 vs Shooters 6
