PEBA Playoff Preview – The Imperial League
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Head to Head: 8 – 7 (NO) (6 1-run games)
Keys to success for New Orleans: 6-strong, continue hot streak
New Orleans breezed through the Imperial League with a second half record of 56 – 29 (.659). Unfortunately for the Maulers, coming off a 20 – 7 September, this team might be playing the PEBA’s best baseball right now. Backed by a stellar rotation, the Trendsetters have the tools to make quick work of any foe in a shortened series. Projected starters in games 1-4 have combined for a 3.12 ERA in 95.1 IP this year against Manchester. Quality starts could lead to quick victories via the trio of Joaquín Hernández, Carlos Antonio and Dave Phelps in the bullpen.
Player to Watch: José Cortéz
Cortéz only managed a .227 AVG versus the Maulers hurlers this year but, if a .447 SLG% is any indication, what he did hit went a long way (3 HR in 44 AB). The short porch in right (290’) bodes well for the left-handed slugger. Expect him to go deep at least once during his tour of New Hampshire.
Keys to success for Manchester: Inning for Inning, Win game 1
While the Maulers’ starters don’t have the gaudy numbers the impeccable Trendsetters do, they undoubtedly have the ability to match their performances any given day. Giving way to studs Dustin Mosely and Augusto León, strong performances from their starters can shorten these games just as much as their counterparts. A win in game 1 really puts this team in an excellent position to advance early. I expect the Maulers to face Chandler Davis in game 2 and Alberto Semblano in game 4 (if necessary). The Maulers have a .650 win percentage against lefties this year and, to back it up even more, Davis suffered a 5.38 ERA in 26.2 IP against them. An early exit of Golden Arm Conan McCullough in game 1 puts Manchester in the driver’s seat for the remainder of the series.
Player to Watch: Albert Torres
Torres is no stranger to the spotlight. His 48 homeruns lay claim to a 1st place finish in the Imperial League. The Pennsylvania native is coming off a September in which he blasted 10 long balls. Torres has hit 7 homeruns against New Orleans this year, and 32 of his 48 homeruns have come at Whiten Field. Look for him to play an integral part – especially at Whiten Field – and just sit and watch the fireworks.
Head to Head: 10 – 5 (CST)
Keys to success for New Jersey: Chase starters, 3-run homers
New Jersey’s patient approach at the plate led to 738 base-on-balls, which was good for 1st place in the Imperial League. Base runners aplenty will lead to some lopsided scoring here with the formidable tandem of Rubén Cruz and Cal Edwards. The two combined for 66 HR and 226 RBI. Running up the score will surely lead to some early exits of Charleston’s starters, which spells success for the Hitmen. Quality outings from its starting pitching (which ranked 3rd in ERA in the IL), a deep bullpen and capitalizing on big RBI situations will give Charleston a run for their money.
Player to watch: Rubén Cruz
Cruz has proven to be a prime performer in the playoffs in the league's short history. He has a .293/.417/.622 line that includes 8 HR in 82 postseason at-bats on his resume. The 27-year-old is coming off what is perhaps his best season and placed second in the IL in VORP at 79.3. His numbers against Charleston this year: .294/.393/.471.
Keys to success for Charleston: Double plays, bullpen
Expect the starting pitching to endure some high pitch counts, which inevitably will lead to early exits. Although they have three starters with 227+ IP on the year, they will have to minimize base-runners and manage their pitch counts to maintain that level of production. Base-on-balls countered with double-play balls will be how they do it. The longer these games last, the more they tip in favor of the Hitmen. A deeper bullpen packed with lefty specialists will be the Achilles’s heel for Charleston in this series. 4 of Charleston’s top 6 hitters are left-handed batters.
Player to watch: Matsusuke Nakayama
Nakayama embarrassed many left-handed pitchers this year, leading to a line of .303 / .431 / .629 – which included 7 home runs in 89 at-bats. New Jersey employs 4 left handed relievers, so expect Matsusuke to come up big in late situations for Charleston.