2016 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

After toiling 5 years in the American League East never winning more than 62 games Bethesda moved over to the National League East in 2015 and discovered winning baseball under the DH-less NL rules. After winning 90 games in their first season the Bandicoots came back and won 96 under the leadership of Nik Malatestinic in 2016.
After a hard fought division series that went the full 7 games against Sacramento Bethesda faced off against MWBL’s best team during the 2016 season. The Columbus Explorers, who went 126-36 during the regular season. Based on how the regular season played out things looked gloom for Bethesda going into the NLCS against Columbus. The Explorers were 70 – 11 at home, 32-10 in one run games, and 19-0 in extra-inning games. However, the Bandicoots weren’t bedazzled by the Explorers regular season accomplishments even though they only won once in 12 tries against Columbus. The Bandicoots of Bethesda – a small neighborhood in the town of Innisfil, Ontario surprised the mighty Columbus Explorers by taking the series 4 game to 1 including three 1 run victories to move on to the World Series.
The 2016 season saw the Detroit Crime win over 100 games for the third time in franchise history in route to a franchise record setting 123 win season. Detroit under the leadership of Sergio Ivone had been to the ALCS twice before losing in 6 games in 2000 and 2004. This season marked their first division title since 2004.
Winning the division definitely helped them get past the tough Chicago Mobsters, who won 119 regular season games themselves and were regulated to wildcard playoff entry due to Detroit’s strong season, as the Crime won 3 of the 4 games played at home during the Division series. In the ALCS Clayton Kershaw held Detroit to two hits while striking out 10 in a complete game 1 victory. Then the Crime won three straight including two in Hollywood before winning the pennant in game 6 at home.   Lots of excitement for the 2016 MWBL World Series as this is the first appearance for both Bethesda and Detroit. It will be the first franchise title– no matter the winner. Here’s how the two teams matchup.

Detroit’s catchers are a little bit better throwing runners out while the Bethesda offense was little better in the running game although both teams were in the lower end of stolen bases among team leaders in each league. A.J. Pierzynski’s offense at the position gives the Bandicoots the edge. A.J. had the longest hitting streak for the NL at 23 games.  Advantage BET

On the American League leader boards Fielder was 7^th in AVG, 9^th in OBP, and 12^th in SLG. Over in the National League Gonzo was 5^th in AVG, 3^rd in OBP, 6^th in SLG 7^th in Hits, 8^th in HR, and 6^th in RBI. The defense (Gonzalez had a 98 errorless game streak) and advantage in slugging in particular doubles and homers gives Gonzalez the slight edge over Fielder.  Advantage BET

Stephen Drew hit more homers than Ben Zobrist, but that was only category he was the better player in. Zobrist was 11^th in AVG, 10^th in OBP, and 12^th in Runs.  Advantage DET

Jhonny Peralta is the better hitter among shortstops. Peralta had an on base steak of 27 games – good for 6^th best in the AL. While Iglesias is the better defender Miller did have some pop for Bethesda and did steal 9 bases, but Peralta’s advantage in AVG and OBP give him the edge.  Advantage DET

The two third baseman are very similar when it comes to slugging and home runs, but Machado overtakes A-Rod in the other categories. Machado, an AL MVP candidate was 9^th in AVG, 6^th in OBP, 7^th in SLG, 2^nd in Hits, 2^nd in Runs, 5^th in HR, 7^th in RBI, and had the 4^th longest on base streak at 28 games. Rodriguez was 6^th in OBP, 7^th in SLG, 6^th in HR, and 9^th in RBI.  Advantage DET

Jones and Gutierrez provide some power as part of Detroit starting outfielders, but the real star is Harper. Just like his teammate third baseman Machado Harper can make a case for MVP considerations as well. Harper was first in OBP, first in SLG, first in Runs, 8^th in Doubles, 2^nd in HR, 8^th in RBI, and had an errorless streak of 62 games. The speed and defense from Bethesda’s trio gives them the advantage. Cain was 10^th in OBP, 4^th in Triples, 9^th in SB, and had the longest On Base streak in the NL at 30 games. Peralta was 10^th in Triples and had an errorless streak of 60 games. Meanwhile Ethier had a nice batting average and on base percentage while having an errorless streak of 45 games.  Advantage BET

The combination of Shaw and Colabello for the Bandicoots don’t equal one Morales for the Crime. Morales led the AL in batting average and was 5^th in OBP, 4^th in SLG, 5^th in Hits, 2^nd in Doubles, and first in RBI.  Advantage DET

Bethesda has 4 good starters and Detroit has a CY candidate in Madbum. For the Crime Carrasco had the best SO/9 in the AL. Bumgarner was 2^nd in Wins, 2^nd in ERA, 2^nd in QS, and was 2^nd in Starters-OBA at .162. For the Bandicoots Arrieta and Gray were tied for 4^th in the league in Wins and tied for 2^nd in IP. Arieta was also 1^st in ERA, 4^th in CG, 3 in QS, 2^nd in QS Streak at 11 games, and 1^st in Starters-OBA at .143. Gray was 2^nd in CG, led the league in SHO, and had a Starters-OBA of .192 good for 6^th overall in the NL.  Advantage BET

Two very good bullpens. It was hard to limit to just the 5 relievers for each team. For Detroit Benoit and Siegrist were 7^th in Holds. Benoit was 1^st in ERA and he held hitters to a .155 batting average – 7^th best. Wilson was first in Relief Wins, 5^th in ERA, 6^th in IP, and 7^th in R-OBA at .149. Siegrist was 6^th in ERA, 7^th in SO/9, and first in R-OBA at .105. Britton was 8^th in Saves. For the Bandicoots the two who closed the most were Hill (11^th) and Axford (15^th) in Saves. Madson held hitters to a .166 OBA.  Advantage DET

Two closely matched teams. The Series should go 6 or 7 games. In the end Detroit’s power and bullpen will be too much for Bethesda to overcome.