[NovaNation19]

#1 Philadelphia Phillies (106-44, MLB) vs. #32 Abilene Blue Sox (104-46, GNA)
PHI Key Players
DH Andy Beach (.307/.443/.507 - 25 HR - 99 RBI - 6.5 WAR)
1B Kevin Coats (.341/.449/.472 - 12 HR - 92 RBI - 5.7 WAR)
SP Mike Howard (22-4 - 2.32 ERA - 31 GS, 260 IP - 6.5 WAR)
SP Larry Jansen (22-8 - 2.80 ERA - 32 GS, 260.2 IP - 7.2 WAR)

ABI Key Players
LF Frank Means (.321/.371/.455 - 10 HR - 108 RBI - 4.7 WAR)
3B John Pace (.292/.366/.482 - 18 HR - 94 RBI - 4.8 WAR)
SP Rudy Lorona (15-3 - 1.45 ERA - 23 GS, 173.1 IP - 5.5 WAR)
SP Laban Dean (23-7 - 2.07 ERA - 32 GS, 278 IP - 8.5 WAR)

Prediction
While the Blue Sox pitchers shut down opposing hitters in the GNA, they have yet to see anything like what the Phillies bring with five .300+ hitters in the middle of their lineup. Phillies win.

#16 Criollos de Caguas (88-62, PLC) vs. #17 Santiago de Cuba Avispas (87-63, PLC)
CdC Key Players
CF Danny de la Rosa (.319/.369/.467 – 13 HR – 109 RBI – 5.1 WAR)
RF Brian Block (.319/.397/.503 – 16 HR – 95 RBI – 5.3 WAR)
OF Willie Ramos (.293/.387/.519 – 18 HR – 59 RBI – 2.8 WAR)
SP Danny Soler (18-8 – 2.95 ERA – 32 GS, 259.2 IP – 4.1 WAR)

SdCA Key Players
1B Clint Hartung (.318/.368/.646 – 50 HR – 150 RBI – 6.8 WAR)
2B Danny James (.289/.361/.408 – 14 HR – 64 RBI – 4.6 WAR)
C Trevor Kooyman (.314/.393/.416 – 9 HR – 77 RBI – 3.5 WAR)
SP Thomas Baker (21-7 – 2.41 ERA – 32 GS, 265.2 IP – 6.7 WAR)

Prediction
The Criollos may have won one more game and has a significantly more balanced lineup, but in a short series, their below average pitching staff, which recorded the 4th lowest combined WAR in the PLC, fails to contain Hartung. Avispas win.

#8 Joplin Miners (110-40, CBL) vs. #25 Pulaski Counts (102-48, LL)
JOP Key Players
RF Kite Thomas (.348/.429/.602 – 28 HR – 112 RBI – 7.4 WAR)
1B George McQuinn (.329/.395/.522 – 18 HR – 91 RBI – 4.8 WAR)
SP George Vondrashek (25-5 – 2.14 ERA – 32 GS, 269.2 IP – 7.1 WAR)
SP Teddy Eberhard (13-6 – 2.76 ERA – 26 G/22 GS, 169.2 IP – 2.1 WAR)

PUL Key Players
2B Frank Camerota (.362/.440/.528 – 15 HR – 106 RBI – 7.4 WAR)
SS Francis McCluskey (.357/.416/.464 – 1 HR – 83 RBI – 6.4 WAR)
SP John Hill (21-7 – 1.76 ERA – 32 GS, 285.2 IP – 7.9 WAR)
SP John Wilcox (20-9 – 1.88 ERA – 31 GS, 258.2 IP – 8.0 WAR)

Prediction
The Miners are undoubtedly favorites, but expect Pulaski to present a surprisingly difficult #25 seed. The Counts’ middle IF presents a dangerous duo that can do some serious damage and Camerota may be the most talented player in the series, but in the end, the Miners win on the strength of their depth.

#9 Jersey City Giants (92-58, USBA) vs. #24 Hamilton Cardinals (89-61, BC)
JCG Key Players
RF Chris Kula (.337/.458/.511 – 11 HR – 64 RBI – 5.6 WAR)
LF Jerry Kirks (.320/.384/.465 – 18 HR – 105 RBI – 3.3 WAR)
SP Joe P Coleman (14-5 – 2.21 ERA – 23 GS, 191.2 IP – 4.9 WAR)
SP Stubby Overmire (14-14 – 3.16 ERA – 34 GS, 270.1 IP – 8.0 WAR)

HAM Key Players
CF Gene Barth (.337/.425/.586 – 7 HR – 28 RBI – 3.1 WAR)
1B Norm Doherty (.253/.342/.441 – 25 HR – 96 RBI – 1.8 WAR)
SP Dan Lewandowski (21-8 – 2.49 ERA – 32 GS, 271.1 IP – 9.2 WAR)
SP Vance Stine (17-14 – 2.72 ERA – 31 GS, 261.2 IP – 8.3 WAR)

Prediction
Hamilton possesses a major wild card in CF Gene Barth, who posted 3.1 WAR and a 178 OPS+ in just 46 games played after being activated from the Reserve Roster. But, Jersey City’s roster just flat out has more talent on it. Giants win.

#4 Phoenix Rising (90-60, MLB) vs. #29 Madisonville Miners (110-40, UBL)
PHX Key Players
RF George Wilson (.299/.334/.478 – 19 HR – 105 RBI – 3.8 WAR)
C John Dempsey (.289/.349/.498 – 14 HR – 80 RBI – 3.6 WAR)
SP Vic Raschi (17-11 – 2.79 ERA – 33 GS, 274.2 IP – 6.4 WAR)
SP Mel Harder (14-9 – 3.90 ERA – 31 GS, 242.0 IP – 4.8 WAR)

MAD Key Players
1B Robert Proulx (.386/.461/.618 – 16 HR – 136 RBI – 8.6 WAR)
LF Allen Fahringer (.314/.381/.499 – 12 HR – 126 RBI – 4.8 WAR)
SP Frank Schwitz (25-5 – 1.91 ERA – 33 GS, 283.1 IP – 8.4 WAR)
SP Bernard Olinger (20-8 – 3.05 ERA – 32 GS, 221.2 IP – 6.1 WAR)

Prediction
This is perhaps one of the most interesting matchups of Round 1 in the Americas Cup. Phoenix has an extremely balanced lineup but no major stars, while the Miners have a lineup with several players who are capable of playing above the UBL, led by Proulx, the best player on either team. We’ll take the Miners in a stunning Round 1 upset.

#13 Eau Claire Bears (95-55, CBL) vs. #20 Johnson City Cardinals (100-50, AmBL)
ECB Key Players
1B Sid Gordon (.320/.412/.559 – 31 HR – 130 RBI – 7.4 WAR)
LF Kevin Fugerson (.328/.387/.499 – 17 HR – 103 RBI – 5.3 WAR)
SP Bert Thiel (20-9 – 2.74 ERA – 32 GS, 266.1 IP – 8.0 WAR)
SP Clarence Peters (27-4 – 2.12 ERA – 32 GS, 284.0 IP – 8.1 WAR)

JCC Key Players
3B Frank Dean (.325/.378/.490 – 14 HR – 107 RBI – 5.5 WAR)
CF Chris Van Tassel (.309/.381/.472 – 12 HR – 99 RBI – 6.7 WAR)
SS George Sutch (.283/.331/.514 – 25 HR – 101 RBI – 4.7 WAR)
SP Art Kuehl (16-14 – 3.15 ERA – 31 GS, 254.1 IP – 4.3 WAR)

Prediction
The Cardinals have been an extremely successful organization, but this matchup looks like a struggle for them on paper. With multiple injured starting pitchers, expect Sid Gordon to mash and lead the Bears to a victory.

#5 Cleveland Indians (88-62, MLB) vs. #28 Leones del Caracas (93-57, CSB)
CLE Key Players
SS Vern Stephens (.291/.361/.488 – 31 HR – 98 RBI – 6.8 WAR)
2B Pawelek Nowak (.300/.380/.463 – 15 HR – 88 RBI – 2.7 WAR)
3B Richard Dawson (.330/.404/.507 – 9 HR – 73 RBI – 4.1 WAR)
SP Ted Kucharczyk (17-7 – 3.00 ERA – 32 GS, 225.1 IP – 5.5 WAR)

LdC Key Players
3B Da-Xia Han (.264/.388/.434 – 21 HR – 104 RBI – 5.3 WAR)
1B Jack Daniels (.271/.378/.485 – 23 HR – 116 RBI – 4.1 WAR)
SP Jesus Hurtado (16-11 – 2.42 ERA – 34 GS, 275 IP – 6.6 WAR)
SP Isaias Vargas (16-7 – 3.13 ERA – 31 GS, 230.1 IP – 4.3 WAR)

Prediction
This one appears to be a glaring mismatch. The best hitter on the Leones wouldn’t come close to cracking a strong Cleveland lineup. The Indians did nothing spectacular in the MLB, scoring just the 14th most runs and allowing the 8th fewest runs, but they’ll cruise.

#12 Stockton Ports (98-52, CBL) vs. #21 Richmond Roses (99-51, AmBL)
STK Key Players
C Rocco Cardinale (.336/.405/.543 – 23 HR – 96 RBI – 6.9 WAR)
CF Walt Pocekay (.354/.404/.509 – 12 HR – 101 RBI – 7.2 WAR)
SP Don Fracchia (17-5 – 2.46 ERA – 26 GS, 205 IP – 5.5 WAR)
SP Daniel Brainard (18-6 – 3.67 ERA – 31 GS, 250 IP – 5.0 WAR)

RCH Key Players
SS Robert Heavern (.382/.439/.540 – 11 HR – 108 RBI – 6.2 WAR)
2B John Cooney (.339/.492/.451 – 4 HR – 67 RBI – 8.7 WAR)
SP Peter Swain (21-6 – 2.00 ERA – 30 GS, 256 IP – 8.8 WAR)
SP James Herndon (20-8 – 3.05 ERA – 31 GS, 265.1 IP – 7.2 WAR)

Prediction
The Roses managed to score the 3rd most runs in the AmBL despite having the 27th most home runs as a team, on the strength of a .296 team AVG and a league-leading .376 team OBP. They’ll use that formula to overcome the Ports’ strong middle of the order and advance to the next round.

#2 New York Giants (97-53, MLB) vs. #31 Albuquerque Dukes (110-40, NBL)
NYG Key Players
C Yogi Berra (.309/.348/.524 – 24 HR – 119 RBI – 4.6 WAR)
SS Gyou Fujimoto (.259/.408/.464 – 27 HR – 107 RBI – 7.6 WAR)
SP Matt Zent (21-6 – 2.90 ERA – 33 GS, 242.1 IP – 9.4 WAR)
SP Fred Hutchinson (22-6 – 3.27 ERA – 32 GS, 250.2 IP – 5.4 WAR)

ALB Key Players
SS Richard Gentzkow (.418/.509/.785 – 42 HR – 146 RBI – 13.6 WAR)
2B Paul Halter (.435/.498/.779 – 39 HR – 132 RBI – 11.1 WAR)
1B Ron Bowen (.396/.409/.722 – 44 HR – 166 RBI – 10.7 WAR)
SP Virgil Butler (21-8 – 2.60 ERA – 32 GS, 266.1 IP – 7.8 WAR)

Prediction
The Dukes may be the 2nd lowest seed, but don’t expect this to be an easy series for New York. Gentzkow, Halter, and Bowen are three of the most talented players in any league of the WBF, and are a testament to the incredible scouting Albuquerque has done. However, the Giants will pounce on the dreadful non-Virgil Butler pitching the Dukes offer.

#15 Toros de Tijuana (89-61, PLC) vs. #18 Topeka Owls (101-49, AmBL)
TdT Key Players
LF Gil Coan (.336/.356/.545 – 13 HR – 110 RBI – 4.3 WAR)
2B Eric Hegewald (.311/.387/.424 – 10 HR – 69 RBI – 4.2 WAR)
SP Edgar Cruz (15-10 – 3.23 ERA – 33 GS, 242.2 IP – 5.2 WAR)
SP Alex Rangel (9-9 – 3.33 ERA – 25 G/22 GS, 181 IP – 3.4 WAR)

TOP Key Players
LF Max E West (.301/.384/.543 – 31 HR – 118 RBI – 5.6 WAR)
C Joe Garagiola (.332/.427/.557 – 18 HR – 90 RBI – 7.2 WAR)
SP Richard Pahmahmie (23-5 – 1.93 ERA – 32 GS, 270 IP – 10.9 WAR)
SP Robert Scheer (15-7 – 3.16 ERA – 26 G/24 GS, 190.2 IP – 4.6 WAR)

Prediction
The Toros have a very well-balanced lineup, but lack stars both in the lineup and in the rotation. They’re also a bit banged up right now, so expect the Owls to lean on the Pitcher/Catcher duo of Pahmahmie and Garagiola and advance.

#7 Baltimore Orioles (98-52, USBA) vs. #26 Millonarios Beisbol Club (99-51, CSB)
BAL Key Players
3B Drew Hutt (.373/.430/.574 – 20 HR – 119 RBI – 8.8 WAR)
LF Pete Reiser (.347/.413/.531 – 14 HR – 83 RBI – 5.9 WAR)
SP Mika’il Bin Zakiy (15-5 – 2.18 ERA – 29 GS, 218.2 IP – 7.2 WAR)
SP Matt Dimitratos (18-8 – 2.55 ERA – 32 GS, 254 IP – 6.2 WAR)

MBC Key Players
1B Xian-gan Su-tu (.308/.418/.502 – 22 HR – 110 RBI – 5.4 WAR)
RF Bob Addis (.307/.355/.482 – 6 HR – 97 RBI – 3.9 WAR)
SP Marcos Santiago (23-5 – 2.96 ERA – 32 GS, 255.1 IP – 7.9 WAR)
SP Manuel Cabrera (8-9 – 2.81 ERA – 23 GS, 156.2 IP – 5.1 WAR)

Prediction
This one is just simply a mismatch across the board. The Orioles are straight up a better team and will move on to Round 2.

#10 Syracuse Chiefs (92-58, USBA) vs. #23 Montreal Royals (90-60, BC)
SYR Key Players
LF Jacob Wood (.338/.427/.466 – 12 HR – 85 RBI – 5.3 WAR)
SS Pat Niceley (.341/.396/.449 – 5 HR – 51 RBI – 5.2 WAR)
RF Tommy Holmes (.314/.375/.435 – 8 HR – 87 RBI – 3.2 WAR)
SP Albert Kinsey (9-5 – 3.10 ERA – 19 GS, 154 IP – 2.9 WAR – 1.7 WAR over 75.1 IP in CBL)

MON Key Players
CF Alan Lalonde (.288/.371/.500 – 29 HR – 89 RBI – 6.0 WAR)
RF Jan Wemp (.290/.378/.464 – 13 HR – 92 RBI – 2.9 WAR)
SP Don Roy (20-7 – 2.88 ERA – 32 GS, 249.2 IP – 6.1 WAR)
SP John Eassson (12-5 – 3.16 ERA – 30 GS, 196.2 IP – 4.0 WAR)

Prediction
Contrary to the previous matchup, this one is much closer on paper. At the end of the day though, the Royals didn’t finish in the top 5 of runs scored OR runs allowed in the Canadian league. We’ll take the Chiefs who appear to be just a tick better across the board.

#3 New York Yankees (96-54, MLB) vs. #30 Oshkosh Giants (108-42, FBL)
NYY Key Players
CF Vasa Ognenovic (.294/.386/.494 – 29 HR – 103 RBI – 6.8 WAR)
2B Joe Gordon (.263/.352/.396 – 18 HR – 86 RBI – 4.0 WAR)
SP Dutch E Leonard (19-12 – 3.01 ERA – 33 GS, 275.1 IP – 7.0 WAR)
SP Ethan Cahall (17-6 – 3.30 ERA – 28 GS, 207 IP – 4.6 WAR)

OSH Key Players
CF Peter Brozovich (.322/.383/.532 – 23 HR – 97 RBI – 8.3 WAR)
3B Stan Jok (.296/.372/.518 – 28 HR – 98 RBI – 6.7 WAR)
SP Charles Fowler (21-8 – 1.96 ERA – 32 GS, 262.1 IP – 6.7 WAR)
SP Charles Pipher (24-7 – 2.35 ERA – 32 GS, 276 IP – 6.2 WAR)

Prediction
Oshkosh has some strong talent in the middle of their order, but they haven’t seen pitching like the Yankees offer. Despite having two rising stars injured in Duke Snider and Ewell Blackwell, the Yankees shouldn’t have any problem moving on.

#14 Martinsville A’s (95-55, CBL) vs. #19 Gigantes de Carolina (86-64, PLC)
MAR Key Players
1B Nate Fulmer (.323/.385/.461 – 17 HR – 80 RBI – 5.2 WAR)
RF Eddie Wilson (.314/.394/.476 – 21 HR – 99 RBI – 5.0 WAR)
LF Brent Csonka (.274/.373/.519 – 32 HR – 113 RBI – 3.3 WAR)
SP Herbert Whitcomb (20-6 – 2.84 ERA – 29 GS, 238 IP – 6.3 WAR)

GdC Key Players
2B Jack Maguire (.305/.409/.474 – 13 HR – 78 RBI – 5.4 WAR)
1B Victor Lopez (.288/.331/.414 – 10 HR – 65 RBI – 2.5 WAR)
SP Albert Salcedo (16-10 – 3.60 ERA – 30 GS, 222.2 IP – 3.6 WAR)
SP Evan Marek (11-7 – 3.19 ERA – 30 G/24 GS, 200 IP – 2.7 WAR)

Prediction
The Gigantes allowed the fewest runs in the PLC, but it isn’t a league ripe with talented pitching, and their staff hasn’t faced much of what Martinsville is capable of bringing to the table. We’ll take the A’s to advance, especially if they can get their ace Mason Bowes (1.54 ERA in 26 GS) healthy enough to pitch in a decisive game 3 if necessary.

#6 St. Louis Cardinals (85-65, MLB) vs. #27 New River Rebels (94-56, LL)
STL Key Players
RF Andy McGinty (.366/.438/.593 – 30 HR – 133 RBI – 7.0 WAR)
CF Joe DiMaggio (.313/.386/.526 – 25 HR – 97 RBI – 5.8 WAR)
2B Jackie Robinson (.323/.385/.489 – 14 HR – 79 RBI – 5.1 WAR)
SP Bob Feller (23-9 – 2.85 ERA – 33 GS, 262.1 IP – 5.6 WAR)

NRR Key Players
LF Ralph Davis (.374/.439/.681 – 18 HR – 99 RBI – 6.4 WAR)
1B Silvio DiMenna (.342/.429/.588 – 24 HR – 124 RBI – 6.0 WAR)
SP Bobby Davis (15-1 – 2.39 ERA – 20 GS, 135.1 IP – 5.1 WAR – 3.86 ERA in 51.1 IP in MLB)
SP Sam Brackens (22-7 – 2.59 ERA – 32 GS, 250.2 IP – 7.2 WAR)

Prediction
The Rebels have some individual standouts who were outstanding performers in their respective leagues, but the trio of McGinty/DiMaggio/Robinson blows those standouts out of the water. Expect Feller to dominate as the Cardinals advance.

#11 Sioux Falls Canaries (90-60, USBA) vs. #22 Victoria Athletics (94-56, BC)
SFC Key Players
RF Bobby Dyer (.302/.377/.487 – 20 HR – 97 RBI – 4.2 WAR)
CF Robert Freeman (.286/.365/.416 – 11 HR – 74 RBI – 3.0 WAR)
SP Richard Verbic (21-10 – 2.74 ERA – 33 GS, 269.1 IP – 8.6 WAR)
SP Len Perron (15-8 – 2.96 ERA – 30 GS, 231.1 IP – 4.8 WAR)

VIC Key Players
C Vic Mastro (.407/.487/.626 – 16 HR – 77 RBI – 8.6 WAR)
LF Leo Davies (.274/.386/.437 – 21 HR – 85 RBI – 3.8 WAR)
SP Fred Pfennig (20-9 – 3.33 ERA – 32 GS, 248.2 IP – 6.0 WAR)
SP Daryl Riordan (11-9 – 3.30 ERA – 27 GS, 204.2 IP – 4.5 WAR)

Prediction
Vic Mastro is without a doubt the best player in the series, but the Athletics lineup around him isn’t very threatening. Sioux Falls doesn’t have that kind of menacing bat, but they have a consistent if not unspectacular lineup that grinds down opposing pitchers. The Canaries will advance in an entertaining series.

Round 2 Predictions
#1 Philadelphia Phillies def. #17 Santiago de Cuba Avispas
#8 Joplin Miners def. #9 Jersey City Giants
#29 Madisonville Miners def. #13 Eau Claire Bears
#5 Cleveland Indians def. #21 Richmond Roses
#2 New York Giants def. #18 Topeka Owls
#7 Baltimore Orioles def. #10 Syracuse Chiefs
#3 New York Yankees def. #14 Martinsville A’s
#6 St. Louis Cardinals def. #11 Sioux Falls Canaries

Round 3 Predictions
#1 Philadelphia Phillies def. #8 Joplin Miners
#29 Madisonville Miners def. #5 Cleveland Indians
#2 New York Giants def. #7 Baltimore Orioles
#6 St. Louis Cardinals def. #3 New York Yankees

Semifinal Prediction
#1 Philadelphia Phillies def. #29 Madisonville Miners
#6 St. Louis Cardinals def. #2 New York Giants

Championship Prediction
#1 Philadelphia Phillies def. #6 St. Louis Cardinals