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Around the Bases: Week 8
Bridgewater and Tijuana have their work cut out for them
By Listen DePleyohs / Baseball Tri-Weekly
The weeks move by so quickly, and I am running out of witty things to say. Fortunately, I have my superior intellect to guide me.
After last week results, I can finally say that Plymouth is for real this season. Yet, they are still at the bottom of my power rankings. No respect.
With only four weeks left this half, let’s look at who has the toughest road. For the power teams, the schedule is just a vacation agenda. To the rest, it is the source of pride and disappointment. Look for these teams to see their place in the standings shift considerably:
Toughest
Bridgewater (Las Vegas, Tijuana, Weymouth, Golden)
The fun may be over for the geezers. As one of the few teams that can match up offensively and defensively against the two top teams, this last month will be pivotal. Bridgewater can afford a tough game or two, but they need to clean up against Tijuana and Golden to close out the half strong. How they play will decide the league leader in the end.
- Going .500 through this stretch is the goal, but realistically they have to aim higher.
Tijuana (Golden, Bridgewater, Winston-Salem, Quebec City)
Like their scrawny second baseman, the Hispanics were living large on their quick start. Tijuana has beaten only one top eight team when they squeaked by Rakeville 5-4, and after a wakeup slap from Weymouth, they have a tough month ahead of them to finish out the first half. To have a successful first half, Tijuana must hold their own against the Piglets and Weasels, while beating the Gryphons and Monsters.
- A loss to either Golden or Winston-Salem will only solidify that they are barely playoff contenders.
Easiest
Rakeville (Quebec City, Plymouth, Bizton, Haverhill)
Slow and steady the Rockets have been this season, scratching out a 5-2 record by the skin of their teeth. Now things ease up, with their final three games against three of the worst teams in the league. If Rakeville can get past an injured Quebec City this week, they are in a great position to move up in the standings.
- To be successful, Rakeville must blowout at least one team, and preferably two to be a factor in the league. A loss this month is not an option.
Bizton (Plymouth, Haverhill, Rakeville, Tokyo)
After getting beaten on all season, the folks in Bizton hope it is their turn to hit back. They have been hot the last month, and if that can continue, they may be knocking on the playoff door. Look for Haverhill to be the toughest match up. The Swingers are fighting for their lives, and are looking at the Markies like a predator stalks prey.
- Bizton could go 3-1 on this trip or 1-3. If it is the later, then it would be wise for them to reassess their goals.
So, here are the match ups this week and how to bet in Vegas. (Mr. Depleyohs does not condone gambling.)
LV at BRW
While the Las Vegas Doggs won’t be in first place by the end of the week, it won’t be because they are slacking. With Weymouth facing off against Haverhill, the Doggs have a considerably tougher match up against the best team in the EHCC.
Bridgewater is 5-1-1 going into the week, destroying Tokyo and Rakeville 8-2. Now, they take aim at the defending champs. They are healthy, with an excellent rotation and the best offense. You don’t think so? Well, they averaged 31 RBIs a week last month. Take that. And with Beltran hampered by an injury, the Doggs should be concerned.
Las Vegas will have their hands full, but I am still predicting they win. Champions have a way of stepping up.
QC at RAK
Some say the Piglets are underperforming, and others say Rakeville is over-performing. This week will be a good test of those theories. Both won 5-4 the week before, and neither was impressive. What is most interesting about this game is the pitching. With both teams looking at their hurlers as the best, this should be a war.
One thing Quebec City has going for them is the return of Jason Schmidt from a strained right shoulder. His presence gives the Piglets the mental edge. They also picked up Erwin Santana, hoping he will get one or two more starts until the return of Kelvim Escobar.
Rakeville hasn’t sat back either, picking up Chris Capuano in place of prospect Jose Cappellan to increase production.
The return of Jim Thome could be a blessing for either team. How he performs may determine the game.
PLY at BIZ
The Bells won last week. The Bells won last week. That is almost as shocking as when Bye Week tied. When asked what the reason was, the Bells coach cited his relief pitchers. It turns out Plymouth has seven relief pitchers on the team. They have two closers, a few setup men, and even a long relief guy in John Halama.
“Our bullpen is the best in the league,” said Gil Meche, who is hoping he will suck enough for Seattle to be moved out of the rotation. “We win holds every week. No one can compete with us in that category. Our coach is very proud of us.”
The Markies, on the other hand, are firm believers that if it is not a real category, there is no reason to win it. With that sensibility, they hope that they can win big this week to get themselves into contention. The key for Bizton will be to actually change their lineup during the week. Studies show that checking your team increases success.
In light of Plymouth’s big win, look for Bizton to win 6-3.
Listen DePleyohs’s Lock of the Week: Winston-Salem over Tokyo 7-2
| 1. | Weymouth | ( - ) |
| 2. | Las Vegas | ( - ) |
| 3. | Bridgewater | (+1) |
| 4. | Rakeville | (+1) |
| 5. | Quebec City | (+2) |
| 6. | Tijuana | (-3) |
| 7. | Winston-Salem | (-1) |
| 8. | Bizton | ( - ) |
| 9. | Golden | (+1) |
| 10. | Haverhill | (-1) |
| 11. | Tokyo | ( - ) |
| 12. | Plymouth | ( - ) |
League Notes
-- Ticket sales in Tokyo have been so low, EHCC officials are worried the team may not be financially able to compete next season. To increase revenue, the Oih oihs have begun dressing the players in school girl outfits. NO word on who came up with this brilliant idea.
-- To combat the success of the Brockton Rox in the Can-Am league, the Bridgewater Weasels have been wooing Oil Can Boyd to leave the regional rival and join the EHCC. A team insider pointed out that he wouldn't even be the oldest player on the roster.
-- Bizton's Adrian Beltre was arrested last week for failure to pay child support, as was Weymouth's Carl Pavano. Both claim the children are not theirs and plan on taking their fight all the way to the Maury show.
Listen DePleyohs writes a column for Baseball Tri-Weekly. The editor of this website is running out of funny things to say about him. Howe sucks.
