Indianapolis vs Hartford

[Say Hey Kid]

Indianapolis

C Roy Campanella - 123 OPS+
1B Jeff Bagwell - 149 OPS+
2B Craig Biggio - 112 OPS+
3B Adrian Beltre - 116 OPS+
SS Ernie Banks - 122 OPS+
LF Willie Stargell - 147 OPS+
CF Willie Mays - 156 OPS+
RF Ken Griffey, Jr. - 136 OPS+
Bench Joey Votto, 1B (L) - 156 OPS+
Bench Chase Utley, 2B (L) - 117 OPS+
Bench Brooks Robinson, 3B (R) - 104 OPS+
Bench Ted Simmons, C/1B (S) - 118 OPS+
Bench Billy Williams, LF/RF/CF (L) - 133 OPS+
SP Tom Seaver (R) - 127 ERA+
SP Phil Niekro (R) - 115 ERA+
SP Clayton Kershaw (L) - 161 ERA+
SP Roy Halladay (R) - 131 ERA+
SP Chris Sale (L) - 145 ERA+
CLOSER Goose Gossage (R) - 126 ERA+
LRP Mike Mussina (R) - 123 ERA+
LRP Wilbur Wood (L) - 114 ERA+
MRP Mike Adams (R) - 165 ERA+
MRP Ron Perranoski (L) - 124 ERA+
SU Doug Jones (R) - 129 ERA+

Lineup

1. Craig Biggio (R)
2. Ernie Banks (R)
3. Ken Griffey Jr. (L)
4. Willie Mays (R)
5. Roy Campanella (R)
6. Willie Stargell (L)
7. Jeff Bagwell (R)
8. Adrian Beltre (R)
9. Pitcher's Spot

Versus

Hartford

Manager: Bobby Cox (has just been ejected)

Catcher: Mike Piazza (R) / Joe Mauer (L)
First Base: Todd Helton (L)
Second Base: Jackie Robinson (R)
Third Base: Scott Rolen (R) / Edgar Martinez (R)
Shortstop: Alex Rodriguez (R) / Barry Larkin (R)

Left Field: Tim Raines (S) / Ralph Kiner (R)
Center Field: Mike Trout (R) / Kenny Lofton (L)
Right Field: Roberto Clemente (R) / Larry Walker (L)

Rotation
1. Roger Clemens (R)
2. Greg Maddux (R)
3. Sandy Koufax (L)
4. Kevin Brown (R)
5. Mickey Lolich (L)

Bullpen
Dennis Eckersley (R)
Hoyt Wilhelm (R)
Billy Wagner (L)
Aroldis Chapman (L)
Tom Henke (R)
Masaichi Kaneda (L)

Lineup:

Raines (S) 123 OPS+ / .385 OB% / 808 SB
Clemente (R) 130 OPS+ / .359 OB% / 240 HR
Rodriguez (R) 140 OPS+ / .380 OB% / 696 HR
Piazza(R) 142 OPS+ / .377 OB% / 427 HR
Helton (L) 133 OPS+ / .414 OB% / 369 HR
Trout (R) 174 OPS+ / .415 OB% / 231 HR / 186 SB
Robinson (R) 132 OPS+ / .409 OB% / 134 HR / 197 SB
Rolen (R) 122 OPS+ / .364 OB% / 316 HR

Click to read more...

 

[Winger for Hire]

I'm going to set-up my team pretty much the same as I did in Rd 1.

Piazza's arm shouldn't be as big a hindrance in this match-up, but Campy's arm will probably reign in my runners thieving tenancies. No matter, in this match-up getting as many base runners as possible will be more important as this will more than likely come down to who's power hitter can do the most damage. The 3-4-5 of each can mash and flat out hit. I'm hoping the super high OB% and contact/power combo of my lower lineup can scratch out some much needed extra runs and turn over the lineup more frequently.

I believe I still have the pitching advantage, though less of an advantage with starters than round 1 but I think my bullpen advantage is just as strong, if not stronger in this match-up.

I'm looking for another 6 game series win here, but it'll be tough.

 

[Say Hey Kid]

If you think Rolen's .364 OB% is super high, Thome has a .402! This round is half over. I'm surprised Tecumseh and Dr. Pepper haven't posted any defenses.

 

[Tecumseh]

I think the depth of my starting rotation gives me an edge here. Of course, I'll be going with a four-man rotation here which means that Chris Sale will add another left-handed option out of the bullpen. Campy will keep Robinson and Lofton and their other fast baserunners nailed to their respective bases. The diversity of left and right handed hitters in my lineup should cause problems for Hartford's starting pitching.

I would not say that my team depends on the long ball although they can definitely win games in that fashion. Nearly everyone in my lineup can hit for both power and a great average. With Campanella's ability to hit to all fields, my decision to place Campanella as my fifth batter means that he can clear bases with one swing whether that be a home run or an extra base hit. Hartford has a damn good starting 3 in their rotation but I think the amount of great offensive weapons in my lineup can pull them out of the game early and with Hartford's lack of long relief options, the floodgates can really open with that flaw exposed.

I'm sure it'll be a great and long series regardless. Best of luck, Winger.

 

[Winger for Hire]

I didn't mean to infer that your (and mine) depend on the long ball, I was just trying to point out that with the defense both teams will be trotting out (both have STRONG 3B defenders, very good to legendary CF and RFs, very good up the middle infielders) and very deep pitching should be able to work out of and avoid jams and long rallies. The long ball, in my analysis, should account for runs gotten in bunches. I'm not sure if I'm articulating my thoughts very well about this, but I think I've gotten my idea across.

Also, Maddux and Clemens laugh at your lineup versatility. Those are two guys who dominated no matter which batter's box you stepped into.

 

[Say Hey Kid]

...Also, Maddux and Clemens laugh at your lineup versatility. Those are two guys who dominated no matter which batter's box you stepped into.

Agreed and don't forget "The Left Hand of God" Sandy Koufax.​

 

[NJDevs26]

In an upset, Hartford downs Indy in seven games behind series MVP Sandy Koufax's 16 IP, 3 ER and 22 K in Games 3 and 7 combined, ironically beating Kershaw in both games including the 3-1 Game 7 finale.

 

[Say Hey Kid]

What a great series! I'll post the finals.

 

[Winger for Hire]

Great series Tecumseh. I was worried since the moment I drew you as a matchup.

 

[Tecumseh]

Great series Tecumseh. I was worried since the moment I drew you as a matchup.

Congrats, Winger. I felt like the matchup was in your favor. That top three is a powerful tool. Best of luck in the final