World Baseball League: Following the Sheffield Mountain Hares

[dinosauryoshi]

The Sloths sit 5th in the Central American and Oceania Division, and are hoping to make a late run for the playoffs. Their 74-66 record shows they’ll be a strong opponent. Historically, the Sloths made the playoffs in each of the WBL’s first 5 seasons (2040-2044), including a World Series win in 2041, but haven’t made them since.


Logos by @20_range

Game 1

SP: Giobbe Marinello

Kazuo Tani, who is on pace for 108 RBI this season, had a 4-RBI night to help the San José Sloths down the Sheffield Mountain Hares, 7-4, their 6th loss in a row. Homers from Perez and Saetgaliev, their 42nd and 26th respectively, weren’t enough to make up for a dud start from Marinello, who gave up 6 runs before being taken off after 4.2 innings. September is becoming a month to forget for the Hares, who have yet to win.

Player of the game: Kazuo Tani



Game 2

SP: Alois Herzog

A tie? What is this travesty? Yep, in case you’d forgotten games are tied in the WBL regular season if no one has won after 3 extra innings. Alois Herzog was on great form again, as he went deep, throwing 7 innings and giving up just 2 runs, unfortunately the game ended in a tie so what was even the point?

Player of the game: Alois Herzog



Game 3

SP: Rey Ochoa

Hares fans were left wondering if they’d ever win again as they fell to yet another defeat, in a hopeless 4-0 loss to San Jose. They’ve still failed to win a single game in Sepember, and we’re approaching the middle of the month. San José Sloths starter Danny Licea pitched well against the Sheffield Mountain Hares at Sloths Stadium, leading his team to a win, 4-0. He gave his team 8.2 quality innings throwing 120 pitches and allowing 5 hits. Spanish Rey Ochoa pitched a fine game for the Harws, giving up only 1 run in 6 innings.

Player the game: Danny Licea

[dinosauryoshi]

The Kyiv Terrapins are one of the European Division’s less succesful teams, having only made the playoffs 3 times since 2040, they start the series at 74-70.


Logos: SMH @20_range, KT @low

Game 1

SP: Yushua bin Saqr

Willie Perez had a monster performance in the 9-7 Sheffield win over Kyiv as the Hares roared to their first win of the month. The nine-time All-Star was 4 for 5 with a home run and 3 singles. He scored 2 runs and drove in 5. Perez’ 43rd home run came in the top of the 6th, a grand slam home run off Omero Giorlandino that made it 9-6, Sheffield. Yushua bin Saqr will be happy his offense overcame a dodgy start, as he gave up 6 runs in 4.2 innings.

Player of the game: Willie Perez



Game 2

SP: Mototomo Motoyanagi

Sheffield Mountain Hares starter Mototomi Motoyanagi was on his game, helping his team beat the Kyiv Terrapins, 6-2. He tossed 6 innings of 5-hit ball, while walking 2 and fanning 8. The win puts the Mountain Hares at 71-74. Sheffield took a 5-1 lead on Willie Perez's 44th home run of the season. The 2-run home run sounded like a gunshot off the bat.

Player of the game: Mototomo Motoyanagi




Game 3

SP: Giobbe Marinello

Marinello was getting hit all over the place, giving up 6 runs before he was taken off after 3.2 innings as the Hares lost 10-1 in the final game of the series. Choe proceeded to give up another 3 earned runs as the Hares offense had a thoroughly uninspiring outing, getting only 3 hits as Terrapins pitcher Willie del Pino fanned 12.

Player of the game: Willie del Pino

[dinosauryoshi]

The Jackhammers have made the playoffs 3 times since the league’s inception, and won the Central America and Oceania Division for the first time last year. The have a very similar record to ours this year, at 71-76.



Game 1

SP: Alois Herzog

The Phnom Penh Jackhammers faced a tough opponent in Sheffield pitcher Alois Herzog, but did just enough to pull out the victory at Kingfisher Park by a final score of 4-3. Herzog went 6.1 innings and allowed no runs in another sterling start. Muwaffaq bin Zuhayr chipped in a devastating 3-run home run for Phnom Penh in the top of the eighth, part of a 4 run inning that gave Phnomh Penh the lead from which the Hares couldn’t recover.

Player of the game: Alois Herzog



Game 2

SP: Rey Ochoa

Another day, another close game, another 4-3 loss for the Hares. Phnom Penh was led by former first round draft pick Aksel Bak. The Norwegian third baseman went 2 for 3 with 2 home runs and a walk. Rey Ochoa threw a blistering 12 Ks in just 5.2 innings, while Saetgaliev and Kadin both got home runs in the loss.

Player of the game: Aksel Bak



Game 3

SP: Yushua bin Saqr

After two tight games where pitching starred, the hitters came out swingin as the Hares won 14-12 in a slugfest at Kingfisher Park. Willie Perez, who finished 5th in the EAA in wins above replacement with 6.9 in 2051, was an unstoppable 4-5 with 2 home runs and a double. He scored 3 runs and drove in 3 and now has 46 home runs on the season. Yushua bin Saqr allowed only 1 run on 5 hits with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in 6.1 innings of work, before the bullpen proceeded to leak runs like a colander. There were too many home runs to mention, but among them was Rob Graham’s 13th.

Player of the game: Willie Perez

[dinosauryoshi]

[dinosauryoshi]

Bucharest Sounds

The sounds are desperately trying to make the playoffs this year and are in contention for a wildcard. They’ve only made it twice in their history, with their only Division win coming way back in 2041. They’re currently sat with a very good 83-67 record.




Game 1

SP: Mototomo Motoyanagi

In a high-scoring contest between Bucharest and Sheffield, first baseman Johnny Pedelty was a difference-maker. Pedelty, who signed a 3-year contract worth $63,000,000 in January, distinguished himself in the 11-9 Bucharest win. He belted 3 home runs, while adding 5 RBI and scoring three times. The Sounds now have an enviable record of 84-67. Motoyanagi and Choe will want to forget their outings, giving up 11 runs between them in just 6 innings. Even a glut of home runs from Morales, Clem, bin Jameel and Ramirez weren’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Player of the game: Johnny Pedelty



Game 2

SP: Giobbe Marinello

Sheffield Mountain Hares pitcher Giobbe Marinello was all business, helping his team muzzle the Bucharest Sounds, 8-1. Marinello yielded 1 run over 6 innings to notch the win. He scattered 5 hits, walked 4, and struck out 4. His record improves to 9-11. Tony Ramirez took Bucharest hurler Jonathan Phillips deep in the bottom of the first. His 3-run home run put the Mountain Hares on top, 3-0, and Sheffield never looked back. Bin Jameel equalled the Hares single-game walks record with 4, and there were home runs from Qiu, Koehler and McBurrows for the Hares in the dominant win, who now sit 13th with a record of 73-78.

Player of the game: Giobbe Marinello



Game 3

SP: Alois Herzog

Pitching was the name of the game in a tight contest between the Sheffield Mountain Hares and the Bucharest Sounds. Sheffield won it, 3-1. Sheffield starter Alois Herzog was in command, with another superb start as he continues to make his case to be the Hares’ ace. Herzog went 7.1 innings, allowing no runs on 2 hits. He collected 6 strikeouts. Bin Jameel’s 10th home run helped on the offensive side.

Player of the game: Alois Herzog

[dinosauryoshi]

The Stockholm Orcas are a 2052 expansion team that has yet to make the playoffs, their highest finish in the Division is 7th, last year.



Game 1

SP: Rey Ochoa

Sheffield Mountain Hares starter Rey Ochoa was dealing as Sheffield beat out Stockholm 5-2. Ochoa went 7 innings and only gave up 2 runs. Offensively Willie Perez hit his 47th home run, as he aims for the big 5-0.

Player of the game: Rey Ochoa



Game 2

SP: Yushua bin Saqr

The Hares won convincingly 7-2 in game 2 of the series. Starting pitcher Yushua bin Saqr was on top form. He threw 8 innings of 4-hit ball, while fanning 8 and giving up 1 walk. The Mountain Hares improved their record to 76-78, dangerously close to .500.

Yun Qiu had the game’s most important hit, a big 3-run home run for the Mountain Hares in the bottom of the third inning. With Sheffield leading 3-1 and runners on 1st and 3rd, he got a fastball from Eli Rios and swatted a home run to center. It was his 3rd home run of the season, and more importantly, it put the Mountain Hares ahead, 6-1. Saetgaliev also hit his 29th home run of the season.

Player of the game: Yushua bin Saqr



Game 3

SP: Mototomo Motoyanagi

Sheffield city centre was bouncing after the Hare completed a clean sweep of the Orcas with a tight 7-6 win in game 3. Sheffield overcame a superb game from Tewase Kudumu who gave up just two hits in 7 innings.

Kolya Saetgaliev hit the game winner for the Hares, with a run-scoring single in the bottom of the tenth as the crowd erupted both inside and outside the stadium. Rob Graham totalled 4 bases in a good offensive performance, including an important home run.

Player of the game: Tewase Kudumu

[dinosauryoshi]

The Red Squirrels are floundering at the bottom of the European Division, well behind with only 60 wins all season.



Game 1

SP: Giobbe Marinello

The Hares are on a much needed winning streak to finish the season, extending it to 6 with a great 7-2 win over Budapest. Yun Qiu was probably the biggest contributor going 2 for 4 with a home run, a double, and a walk, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once. Marinello also put together a solid outing, giving up 2 runs in 6 innings.

It was left fielder Kolya Saetgaliev‘s only hit that pulled the Hares ahead though, a 2 run home run in the bottom of the third, his 30th, which put Sheffield up 3-1.

Player of the game: Yun Qui



Game 2

SP: Alois Herzog

In a game that looked sure to go to extra-innings, the Hares managed to pull out a 1-0 win at the bottom of the 9th, much to the jubilation of the fans, who were in high spirits as the Hares kept the winning streak alive. Alois Herzog and the pitching core were in fine form, giving up exactly nothing to the Red Squirrels. Pinch hitter Jose Garay came up clutch delivering the run-scoring single to win the game.

"It was a solid team effort and we'll try to keep this momentum going," Garay told reporters after the game.

Player of the game: Alois Herzog



Game 3

SP: Timofte/Baca

The Hares will go into their final series in very high spirits, having beaten the Red Squirrels 12-4 to sweep them, and extend their win streak to 8 games. Abdul-Karim bin Jameel was the main man for Sheffield, which is something we’ve not been able tosay for a while. In addition to his 1 single and 2 home runs, he scored 2 runs and drove in 4. He also added 2 walks. Timofte and Baca put together another good 1-2 punch, giving up 4 runs in 9 innings.

Player of the game: Abdul-Karim bin Jameel

[dinosauryoshi]

The Gentlemen have 82 wins, to Sheffield’s 80, as Sheffield come into the game on a hot streak feeling optimistic about finishing their first season above .500.



Game 1

SP: Yushua bin Saqr

The Sheffield Mountain Hares defeated the London Gentlemen, 6- 3 in game 1. Saetgaliev was the star of the show, going 2-4 with a home run and a double, while adding 4 RBI and scoring once for the Mountain Hares. The win makes it 9 straight wins for the Hares, as they finish the season on superlative form. Bin Saqr helped the cause by going deep, giving up 3 runs in 7.2 innings.

Player of the game: Saetgaliev




Game 2

SP: Mototomo Motoyanagi

There was partying throughout Sheffield as the Hares beat the Gentlemen 8-4, securing their best record in history with 82 wins, and continuing their win streak, the longest live streak in the WBL, to 10. Second baseman and hot prospect Rob Graham played a big role. Graham went 3 for 3 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk. With Sheffield leading 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Graham hit a sinker from Sashenka Babenko for a 3-run home run. It was his 15th home run of the season and put the Mountain Hares ahead, 6-1, a position from where they weren’t to be caught.

Player of the game: Rob Graham



Game 3

SP: Giobbe Marinello

The Hares finished the season a team record setting 83-78, thanks to yet another win against the Gentlemen, making it 11 straight. Fittingly, in what might be his final season for the Hares as he becomes a free agend, Willie Perez was the star. The final score was 10-0. The Sheffield first baseman was a force to be reckoned with as he has been all season. He banged out 3 extra-base hits, including 2 home runs and 1 double as the crowd sang his name over and over again into the Sheffield sky; “Willie please don’t go....”

Last year’s star, Abdul-Karim bin Jameel, had a big 2-run double for the Mountain Hares in the bottom of the fourth inning. With Sheffield leading 3-0 and the bases loaded, he got a slider from Chris Patterson and swatted a double to right-center. It was his 16th double of the season, and more importantly, it put the Mountain Hares ahead, 5-0.

Player of the game: Willie Perez



What a season, finishing 7th, well above the 13th as predicted at the start of the season. I’ll be doing a year in review for the team, but will probably save that for after the playoffs, which kick off immediately.

As the Hares aren’t in the playoffs, we’ll be following another team, but more on that in the next post.

[dinosauryoshi]

[dinosauryoshi]

I like to pick a favourite to back in each division. Generally this is purely based on either location, name, or whether I like the logo. Not on the team’s quality. As the Hares haven’t made the postseason, we’ll follow the highest ranked one that makes the playoffs, if indeed any of them have. This year’s teams were:

Pineapple Conference (The Americas and Oceania)

South America - Porto Alegre Enologos (Winemakers)
Central & Oceania - Havana Cafecitos
North America West - Idaho Owls
North America East - St Louis Flycatchers

Mango Conference (Europe, Africa and Asia)

Europe - Zurich Mountaineers
Africa - Kinshasa Leopards
West & South East Asia - Hanoi Mopeds
Central & East Asia - Osaka Blossoms

We can see that only two of these teams make the playoffs, and the best record goes to the St Louis Flycatchers, so that’s who we’ll be following. I’ll profile the team before we get into their wildcard round game against the Honolulu Seahawks, a game which they go into as the favourites.

[dinosauryoshi]

Before we follow the Flycatchers to hopeful success, let's learn a bit about them:

The Flycatchers have now made the playoffs 4 times in their history, having won their division just the once in 2047.

Rotation

Evrim Shushud - the 32 year old Turk is undoubtedly the team’s ace, racking up an impressive 6.0 WAR this season. His curveball is one of the best in the league, and he backs this up with a deep repertoire including a fastball topping out at 97mph. He has a 3.69 ERA for the season.

Yasahiro Nushikawa - the 30 year old Japanese lefty has accumulated a decent 3.0 WAR this season. It’s been his best season yet, having come from the Havana Cafecitos in 2056. He has a few plus pitches, but can be inconsistent.

Jason Currie - the 26 year old American has been somewhat disappointing this season. He’s touted as a good second in rotarion type player, but has been bang average this season with a WRC+ of 101. He has a blistering fastball that tops out at 99mph, as well as one of the league’s best cutters when he’s on form. Unfortuantely good form has been hard to come by as he finished the season with an ERA of 5.09.

Sammer Mutegi - The 27 year old Cameroonian lefty has an overpowering fastball that can cause batters trouble, but he’s also a bit of a aliability when it comes to his control. He finished the regular season with a WAR of 1.6 and an ERA of 6.06. The Flycatchers will be hoping not to rely on him too much in the postseason.

Bullpen

Their bullpen ranked 20th in the Americas and Oceania conference.

The Lineup

Jose Garcia (3B) - The 29 year old American is a fan favourite for his base-stealing antics. Aggressive on the bases and blessed with plenty of speed he’s always an exciting watch. He is a good contact hitter with enough pop to have got 23 home runs this season, with 99 RBIs and a WAR of 4.6. His OPS+ was 128.

Kyril Zlygarev (SS) - One of the league’s best shortstops on his day, Zlygarev has a great eye and hit his single-season home-run record this year with 19. He’s been a key part of the lineup since his signing from the Salt Lake City Skiers last year, and the Russian is an excellent fielder. He’s racked up a WAR of 4.3 this season, with an OPS+ of 123.

Gary Kaufman (RF) - The American was drafted by the Flycatchers in the 1st round in 2047, and has been a fan favourite since. He’s had a slightly down year, with a WAR of of 4.2 (his lowest since 2054), but it’s still been a good year with 32 home runs and an OPS+ of 126. He’s a former gold-glover and all-star, both in 2056.

Cory Allan (C) - The 29 year old American is a league average type catcher. His blocking and framing are decent, and his arm is bang-average. He has good home-run power and decent discipline, racking up a WAR of 3.2 and an OPS+ of 105, with 30 home runs this season.

Tyler Myer (LF) - Plays a below average right or left-field but can put up well above aberage numbers at the plate. This season he hot for 30 home runs, an OPS+ of 133, and racked up 3.0 WAR despite being a - defender.

Juan Vega (1B) - The 37 year old Cuban is the Flycatchers’ most decorated player, and although he’s undoubtedly in the last years of his career, continues to put up productive seasons. He’s a 4-time all star, has a rookie of the year and a silver slugger award. He’s racked up 43 home runs this year, 111 RBIs, and a WRC+ of 128 as he continues to put up good, if no longer all-star caliber numbers.

Sean Melton (2B) - 26 year old Sean Melton is a bang average batter and fielder, having notched up a 2.0 WAR with an OPS+ of 101.

Chris Brisco (3B) - A good eye, but below average bat skill make Chris Brisco a below average player who has had an unspectacular season. In fact he’s only accrued 2.1 WAR over the 10 seasons he’s been in the league.

John Flitner (CF) - Probably their weakest position. Flitner projects to be very good, but he’s not there yet. He’s had an OPS+ of 78, and an underwhelming WAR of 0.8 for the season, largely thanks to an inability to avoid strikeouts due to not getting enough contact.

[dinosauryoshi]

Game 1

SP: Nasahiro Nushikawa

The Wildcard Series got off to a quiet start, with the traveling Honolulu Seahawks taking a low-scoring, 2-1 win over the host St Louis Flycatchers. Honolulu’s pitchers didn’t give the Flycatcher offense much of a chance and used the timely hitting of Joe Pennington to seize the win. The third baseman stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the ninth inning to put the Seahawks on top, 2-1.

Player of the game: Lufti Mu’tazz (Honolulu SP)



Game 2

SP: Jason Oliver

The Honolulu Seahawks moved to within one game of the Second Round, downing the St Louis Flycatchers on the road by a score of 3-1. Seahawks right-hander Jason Oliver had a strong outing. He threw 7.0 innings, giving up only 4 hits. Honolulu used a clutch at-bat from Ricky Lopez to capture the win. The right fielder hammered a 2-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to put the Seahawks ahead, 3-1. Rwandan left-fielder Kwafil gave St Louis they’re only offensive spark, with a solo home run in the second inning.

Player of the game: Jason Oliver




Game 3

SP: Sammer Mutegi

Honolulu won the final game by a 7-5 score at Honolulu Grounds, as our following of the Flycatchers is a short-lived one. Syrian Moosa Salim earned series MVP honors for the Seahawks, giving up no runs in his 6 innings pitched. The Honolulu Seahawks will play against the São Paulo Gold Sox in the next round. Juan Vega did manage to hit a home run as the Flycatchers went out with a whimper. Sammer mutegi lasted only 2.2 innings, having given up 4 runs. Ethiopian Salif Benidah Mera wen 2-2 with a home run for the Seahawks.

Player of the game: Honolulu Seahawks



We'll continue to follow the playoffs from the wings, zooming in for some team previews when we get to the World Series. Here's the rest of the Wildcard Series results:

[dinosauryoshi]

In come the big boys! This is where the divisional champions get thrown into the mix. Last year they dominated this round, but that has not been the case this year.

Of the 8 division champions only four have made it through to the last eight in the playoffs.

On the Americas and Oceania side: Sao Paolo Gold Sox beat out the Honolulu Seahawks 4 games to 2, the Memphis Steamers beat the Salt Lake City Skiers 4 games to 2, and the Calgary Tartans swept the Panama City Poets 4-0. One of the World Series favourites going in, the Santo Domingo Dolphins lost out to the Philadelphia Ruffed Grouse 4,3 in a very tight series.

On the Europe, Africa and Asia side, only one division champion made it through to the last eight; the Shanghai Peaches, who beat out the Bucharest Sounds 4 games to 2. The other matches were all won by teams coming from the wildcard round: the Kinsasha Leopards beat the World Series favourite Dar es Salaam Giraffes 4-3 in a very tight series, the Berlin Bears beat the European champion Moscow Blizzards 4 games to 1, having come third in that division, and the Baghdad Chukars beat the West & South East Asia champion Manila Snakes 4-1.

It all looks set to be a very interesting third round. Calgary Tartans and Sao Paolo Gold Sox are the only teams to have already won a World Series, two in the Tartans' case. In the TAO conference, we're guaranteed a new winner of the Mango Trophy, with no conference or World Series champions in their midst.

Here's the bracket:

[dinosauryoshi]

I know that being division champions is now a highly respectable banner to adorn a stadium with, but everyone wants that World Series and Conference Championship right? Well, this year has yet again shown that being division champion, and thus getting a bye in the wildcard round, helps with that, as 3 of the 4 teams in the conference championship round were champions of their respective division.

The only one that doesn't fit that bill are the Baghdad Chukars, who came 2nd in the West & South East Asia Division, but beat out the Berlin Bears in the Third Round to bag themselves a place in the Conference Final!

The Central and East Asia champion Shanghai Peaches beat out the Kinsasha Leopards 4 to 1. On the Americas and Oceania side, two previous World Series winners made the Conference Finals, the Sao Paolo Gold Sox and the Calgary Tartans, who beat out the Philadelphia Ruffed Grouse and Memphis Steamers respectively. We'll see what happens in the Conference Finals, and then we'll team preview the teams that make it to the World Series and follow each game as we wait to see who will end up the 2058 World Series Champions, I'll (of course) be rooting for the team that hasn't won it yet...

Here's the bracket as it stands:

[dinosauryoshi]

The Americas & Oceania

Sao Paolo Gold Sox v Calgary Tartans

The Calgary Tartans won the series 4-3 to win the 'Pineapple' (TAO) for the third time, a new WBL record. The 29 year old Angolan third baseman, Victor Cadoro got the MVP. Cadoro went on a bit of a tear in the middle of the series, going 3 for 4 and 4 for 5 in games 3 and 4 respectively, getting 11 hits , 7 RBIs and averaging .481 across the 7-game series. The Gold Sox will go home disappointed they haven’t been able to secure their second Conference Championship, but they can be happy with a very successful season, and a division title

Europe, Africa and Asia

Shanghai Peaches v Baghdad Chukars

The Peaches took the series 4-2, to become the second Chinese team to win the Mango (EAA), after the Shenzhen Peanuts did so in 2052. Shanghai's right fielder, the Chinese superstar Koi-sho Hsi was named series MVP after playing an instrumental role in winning the series. Hsi was on fire throughout, in a series which saw him put up a .364 average, as well as 4 home runs and 9 RBI. Neither team had won a Conference Championship before, but it was the Peaches who were to march on into the World Series, hoping to become the first Chinese team to win the coveted trophy, and the first Asian team since the Pyongyang Grasshoppers way back in 2045.

And so off we go to the World Series, which will start in Calgary as the Tartans take on the Shanghai Peaches at Baseball Plaza thanks to their superior regular season record.

We'll do a team preview on both contenders, before we run down the series game by game, as it happens.

[dinosauryoshi]

Logo by @20_range

This is the Tartans 7th trip to the playoffs, having won the World Series in 2055. They have won their division an impressive 4 times, and also made the World Series in 2053, where they were beaten by the Yaounde Chimpanzees. They’re one of the most decorated teams in the WBL and go into this very much as the favurites.

Key Players

Dennis Forsell (C) - Undoubtedly one of the best catchers in the league, the 26 year old American is more of a standout offensively than defensively, where he’s fairly average. This year he batted for a very .328 average, with an OPS+ of 155 and 20 home runs, and also made it into the All-Star game, which, when considering there are 76 teams per conference, is no mean feat.

Kalifetona Hatora (SP) - The 32 year old Niuean was an all-star in 2057, and part of the Tartans’ World Series winning team in 2055, like Forsell. Hatora racked up an impressive 5.4 WAR this season, with an ERA of 3.81. A mean fastball, unique forkball and a whole plethora of good secondary pitches make him a very strong ace.

Zach Dadzie (SP) - Yet another all-star, this time in 2056, Dadzie is an American with good pop and very good range at the plate. He’s also boasts above average speed at the position. This year he racjed up a WAR of 4.9, and an OPS+ of 120, while launching 29 home runs.

Luis Lopez (CL) - The Spanish Closer is one of the absolute finest in the game, with multiple all-star appearances and the reliever of the year award in 2056.

Sekla Karume (1B) - A fan favourite, and prototypical slugger. He racked up a daft 55 home runs this season. Prone to swing and misses, but when he connects, he connects.

Maurice Walpole (LF) - The 27-year old from England is one of the league’s best left-fielders defensively, and grades out above average as a hitter too, with a particularly strong OPS+ of 129 this season.

Osama Yamaguchi (SP) - The Tartans’ other leading pitcher, is one of the most loved players in the league due to his seemingly infinite off the field interests that he regularly talks about. Generally an average pitcher, he’s come alive this year with a WAR of 4.7, which he’s chieved mainly due to his superb control.

[dinosauryoshi]

Logo by @20_range

The Peaches have made the playoffs 5 times, and this is the first year they’ve won their division, and the conference championship. They’re hoping to make it a 3 banner season with a World Series Victory.

Key Players

Koi Sho-Hsi (RF) - The 30 year old right-fielder is a two-time all-star, and 3-time playoff series MVP, so he knows how to turn up for the big games. One of China’s most loved players, he has racked up an impressive WAR of 5.7 this season, hitting for an eye watering 166 OPS+. Most impressively of all though he hit a ridiculous 64 home runs

Abdul Hakim Tarkhan (LF) - The 27 year old Pakistani is equally at home at right or left-field. He has a discerning eye, picking up plenty of walks, but also a lot of home run power. He had 6.1 WAR, with an OPS+ of 159 this season, while racking up 64 home runs like Hsi. Together they make a fearsome tandem.

Elia Bartoccini (SP) - The Swiss starter is quietly reliable. His third season in the league has been his best, with a WAR of 5.0 and an ERA+ of 130. The Peaches ace is good at basically everything, though not outstanding at anything. He’ll usually beat his opponents with his power and accuracy, and less so his stuff or off-speed pitches.

Aderrig Alisjahbahna (C) - The Thai catcher was an all-star in 2056, and is highly regarded both defensively and offensively. He totalled 3.1 WAR this season, with an impressive 34 home runs, which he managed on a low batting average of .255.

Adriao Palmer (LF) - One of the WBL’s most decorated players and a sure fire future hall of famer, Palmer is now 39 and on the decline, but he can still contribute plenty, particularly on offense. The 7-time all star, 2-time silver slugger, and World Series winner in 2041 had an OPS+ of 135, and his 27 home runs showed he can still be a star player. His lack of speed can make him somewhat of a liability at left-field nowadays, but his offense absolutely makes up for it.

Yefin Galaiko (SP) - The Kazakh starter is not going to blow away anyone with his fastball or stuff, but he has superb command and a large pitch selection that keeps batters off guard. He’s had his best year so far in the WBL, with a WAR of 4.0, and an ERA+ of 140, while racking up 143 strikeouts in 33 starts.

[dinosauryoshi]

The Calgary Tartans started the World Series in style, downing the visiting Shanghai Peaches at the Baseball Plaza by a score of 9-4 to take an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Tartans left-hander Jesus Garcia threw 6.1 innings of 4-hit ball, giving up just 1 run, in a game where the Calgary offense exploded in the third inning, notching up 5 runs as Papuan pitcher Djajadiningrat had a bit of a meltdown for the Peaches, before being replaced with one out remaining in the third. Calgary catcher Rich Paredes had the key at bat of the inning. With the bases loaded and two out, he stroked a 2-run single to center, making the score 4-1 Calgary. American reliever Matt Speedy, lived up to his name by throwing bullets, but unfortunately they weren’t the most accurate as the Tartans pounced and knocked him for 4 runs in the 7th, making it 9-1 to Calgary. The Peaches rallied somewhat in the 8th, getting 3 runs, but it wasn’t enough. Juan Ponce was the Peaches’ best offensive performer, racking up 4 RBI while going 2-4 with 2 doubles. The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Baseball Plaza in Calgary.

Player of the game: Jesus Garcia



Calgary Tartans 1 - 0 Shanghai Peaches

[dinosauryoshi]

A big day at the plate from right fielder Koi-sho Hsi was not enough to keep the Calgary Tartans from extending their lead in the World Series. to 2-0, as they aim to become only the 3rd team to win 2 World Series. Peaches star Koi-sho Hsi was on fine form 3-5 with 2 doubles, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 2 in the loss, as the travelling crowd sung his name at Baseball Plaza. In a tight game, it was Zach Dadzie’s two-out single in the bottom of the 8th that proved decisive, giving the Tartans an 8-7 leadm which Luis Lopez very capably finished off. The Tartans star closer gave Peaches batters no chance, as he got the final 6 out without a hint of a hit. The Peaches’ Kazakh starter Pavlova Okulshky didn’t have his best outing, giving up 6 in 6.1 innings, while home runs by A. Tarkhan (5th Inning off J. Almanza, 1 on, 2 outs) and A. Alisjahbana (6th Inning off L. Mai, 0 on, 2 outs) were only enough to keep it close. The Tartans are just 2 wins away from another WBL crown.

Player of the game: Koi-sho Hsi

Calgary Tartans 2 - 0 Shanghai Peaches

[dinosauryoshi]

Already down 2-0 in the World Series, the Shanghai Peaches put on their best show, beating the Calgary Tartans by a final score of 6-4 to claw one back. Rich Paredes was the star for the Peaches, refusing to end up on the losing side again. The 29 year old Cuban, who has had a down season, came alive when it really mattered. He was 3-4 with a home run and 2 singles. Juan Ponce also deserves a mention for a clutch at-bat with two out in the bottom of the sixth for the Peaches. Coming up with a runner on 1st and Shanghai trailing 3-2, he hit a 2-run home run to the roar of the Peaches fans at the Orchard. There were plenty of home runs to go around, as pitchers on both sides struggled to keep the ball out of the stands. Other than the Peaches’ Swiss ace Bartoccini that is, who was characteristically reliable, giving up just 1 run in 4.2 innings.

Player of the game: Rich Paredes