The playoffs are upon us! Feel free to take a closer look at our rosters, transactions, and matchups by following these links: Legacy League, Prodigy League, Futures League. Likewise, if you’d like to read the previous weeks’ reviews, follow this link.
Legacy League
Twenty one weeks have come and gone. Entering the final week, there were 4 teams tied for 3rd place, with a team 0.5 games out of the playoffs and another 1 game out. The circumstances worked out in such a way, creating a three way tie for 5th place between Mookie and the Betts (Ben Palmer), Lieutenant Danaldson (Dave Cherman), and Ian’s Pornogriffey (Ian Post). Nobody knew how the tie would be broken until Monday morning, when the standings reflected Ian and myself in the playoffs and Ben on the outside looking in because the tiebreaker appears to have been games lost. At least Ben didn’t get relegated? Regardless, it led to the following quarterfinal matchups:
#3 The Bear and the Maiden Faria (Nick Pollack) vs. #6 Ian’s Pornogriffey (Ian Post)
In an OG Pitcher List quarterfinal, we see two of the longest tenured PL writers. Ian tumbled down the standings with his Week 21 defeat, but he still resides in the 3 vs 6 matchup. Ian gets Joey Votto back at the perfect time, as he’ll hope to pair him with Cody Bellinger, James Paxton, and the TATIAGA himself, Clayton Kershaw to take down the famous Nick Pollack. Meanwhile, Nick counters with a white hot infield of Javy Baez, Manny Machado, and Justin Turner, and the equally hot Jacob deGrom and German Marquez. Who will earn the right to face another OG Pitcher List writer in Alex Fast next week?
#5 Lieutenant Danaldson (Dave Cherman) vs. #4 Choo That Snell (Rick Graham)
Rick’s team is built around a balanced offense that gets HRs and SBs from almost every spot in the lineup and a pitching staff that racks up saves and Ks. He gets two starts this week from Madison Bumgarner, can he cash in? Meanwhile, the newly re-named Lieutenant Danaldson (because his legs don’t work) is relying on Jose Ramirez, who has propped up my offense all season. He and the Yankees will be heavily relied upon this week, as my team features four of them- JA Happ, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, and Giancarlo Stanton. Who will advance to face Max Posner in the semis?
Prodigy League
PLAYOFF UPDATE
Semifinal 1- #5 good Kris, m.A.A.d. Robbie (Jason Dunbar) vs. #1 Killer B’s (KV)
A few days ago, I was asked to weigh in on this matchup and who I predicted to win and I thought Jason had a good shot at a comeback. KV is doing everything in his power to snuff that out, like a true #1 seed. However, R, HR, SB, ERA, and WHIP are all still very close. However, at this point, it’s not looking great for good Kris, m.A.A.d. Robbie. I hope the second half of this matchup at least makes things interesting.
Semifinal 2- #3 DothRockies Horde (Austin Bristow II) vs. #2 Walker Buehler’s Day Off (Myles Nelson)
Similarly, I was asked to weigh in on whether Austin or Myles was more likely to pull this one out, and this time, my bet is looking much better. Austin holds a slight edge in a few categories, but is within striking distance in every category in which he currently trails. Austin was in a nervewracking matchup last week vs Jonathan Metzelaar and I’m sure he’d like to continue to hold this lead and avoid something as exciting this time around.
Remember, the winners of BOTH of these respective matchups will advance to the Legacy League next season.
Futures League
The Futures League also has a bit of an odd setup, where only the top 4 players made the playoffs and the teams will now take part in a 2-week semifinal, followed by a 2-week final, meaning they will be playing longer than the other two leagues.
Semifinal 1: #1 Hans Molemen (Ben Chang) vs #4 Team Gorman (Brennan Gorman)
Brennan has made it this far on the back of Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts on offense and elite production out of the bullpen. But Brennan is now missing Aroldis Chapman indefinitely. Will this cost him in his quest to join the Prodigy League? Meanwhile, Ben cruised to the #1 seed thanks to Matt Carpenter, Scooter Gennett, Eugenio Suarez (should we call his team the Waiver Wire Warriors?), and Khrush Davis on offense and Max Scherzer powering the pitching staff. Who will win out and continue their title dreams?
Semifinal 2: #3 House Acree (Tim Acree) vs #2 Acuna Moncada (Austin Perodeau)
On the other side of the bracket, Tim’s man crush Ozzie Albies led his team for much of the year along with Paul Goldschmidt and the dominant Zack Wheeler. Can he get Chris Sale back in time to save his season? He’ll have to overcome the #2 seed, Austin Perodeau, who just got Gary Sanchez back (is he healthy?). Austin’s team features rookies all around with Juan Soto and Ronald Acuna along with Joey Lucchesi. Who will advance to the Prodigy League?