2015 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

For the second time in MWBL history the same two MWBL teams appear in the World Series in consecutive years and Tempe was part of the first time it happened in 2000 and 2001. They’re probably hoping history repeats itself after they lost to Hollywood last year as they lost the World Series in 2000 then came back to win it in 2001. This is Hollywood’s 4th appearance in the Fall Classic while Tempe is making their 13th appearance. Incredibly they have appeared in 68 percent of all MWBL World Series.

Good luck to Steve Cutler of the Hollywood Werewolves & Chris Tempe of the Tempe Tempers.

Statistically speaking both Welington Castillo and Dave Ross had better offensive seasons than Chris Iannetta for Hollywood, but Chris does have more offensive potential as he hit .267/.421/.533 in the ALCS. The two catchers are pretty similar as hitters with only power separating Chris from Yadier Molina. Molina is much better defensively with a OSBP of 62.5 and also had a 65 game error less streak during the season. Advantage Tempe

Goldschmidt and Cuddyer both under achieved while Morrison and Votto both over achieved during the 2015 season. However during the LCS Goldschmidt hit .471 and Cuddyer hit .353 so they could both have big World Series. During the season the Hollywood first sacker’s were better offensively helped by Goldschmidt’s doubles and home runs. During the year Goldschmidt also had an on base streak of 20 games and an error less game streak of 48 games. Advantage Hollywood

Both second basemen had really outstanding 2015 seasons. The only thing keeping Cano from a monster season was having less than 20 homers and steals. During the year Kinsler was 10th in AVG, 12th in SLG, 3rd in Hits, 9th in Runs, and 5th in hitting streak at 15 games. Over in the NL Cano was on top in AVG and OBP, 8th in SLG, first in Hits, first in Runs, 5th in Doubles, 7th in hitting streaks at 16 games, and third in on base streak at 29 games. Kinsler had the 4th best error less game streak among second basemen in the AL at 53 games while Cano had a stretch where he went 30 games without a miscue.
Advantage Tempe

In 200 less PA’s Tulowitzki nearly bested Castro in every offensive category. His .651 slugging would have led the NL if he had played enough to qualify. Castro had the 20th best batting average in the AL. Tulo had an errorless game streak of 32 games good for 3rd among shortstops in the NL. Advantage Tempe

Both Hot Corner men played to about what was expected of them during the 2015 MWBL season and Beltre is the clear cut better player. The only offensive category Plouffe was better in was doubles where he was 8th best in the AL. For Beltre he was 2nd in the NL in AVG, 2nd in OBP, 4th in SLG, and 9th in RBI. Advantage Tempe

The two outfielders groups are pretty close statistically with Hollywood having more power with Yelich helping give the edge to Hollywood. On the AL league leader boards Werth was 11th and Gordon was 12th in runs. Werth also had an on base streak of 20 games. Yelich was 7th in OBP, 9th in Hits, 2nd in Runs, and 5th in Triples. In the NL Cespedes was 16th in Triples. Defensively Yelich had the longest errorless game streak among outfielders at 124 games. For Tempe Braun had a 70 game errorless streak while Cespedes went as long as 65 games. Advantage Hollywood

Miguel Cabrera is one of the best hitters in all of MWBL and he still leads in most offensive categories even with the combined stats of Gattis and Cabrera. Miguel Cabrera was 6th in AVG, 7th in OBP, 4th in SLG, 7th in Hits, 3rd in HR, and 2nd in RBI. Advantage Hollywood

The strength of Hollywood’s ballclub is it’s starting pitching. Things may be more in flux with the Tempe starters because of a stronger bullpen. On the league leader boards Kershaw was 1st in Wins, 1st in ERA, 6th in IP, 4th in CG, 2nd in SHO-IP with 43 IP, 1ST in SO/9 and 1st in S-OBA at .124. Cueto was third in Wins, 6th in ERA, 2nd in IP, 2nd in CG with 11, 2nd in QS, 3rd in QS Streak at 13, and 4th in S-OBA at .132. Price was 2nd in SO/9. On the league leader boards for Tempe Iwakuma was 5th in ERA and Chen was 2nd in Wins, 1st in ERA, 1st in SHO-IP with 31 IP, and 3rd in S-OBA at .192. Advantage Hollywood

As good as the Hollywood starters were during the 2015 MWBL season the same could be said of the Tempe bullpen; although Joe Smith did do most of his domination prior to joining Tempe late in the year via a trade. On the league leader boards for relievers McGee was 4th in wins, 1st in ERA, 4th in SO/9 rate, and 11th best in R-OBA at .142. Badenhop was 3rd in ERA. Cishek was 2nd in Wins. In the NL Otero was first in Wins, first in Holds, third in ERA, first in IP, 1st in GIR, and 7th in R-OBA at .146. Thornton was 6th in ERA. Holland was 4th in Wins, 5th in Saves, 4 in GIR, and 3rd in R-OBA at .141. Smith was first in saves and did not have an error in any of the 57 games he appeared in this year. Clippard was 1st in Holds, 6th in IP, 9th in GIR, and 4th in R-SO/9. Advantage Tempe

The two teams are pretty evenly matched with Hollywood have a slightly better overall offensive team. This series should go the full 7 games with the outcome determined by either Hollywood’s starting pitching or Tempe’s bullpen.