Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
So, we already know Rochester is the best team in the NL - let's see how the race for #2 is going! Here's the low down on the NL Playoff picture.
Starting Pitching
1. Rochester
2. Memphis
3. Jackson
4. New York
5. Sacramento
6. Cincinnati
Rochester’s staff was simply dominant this year, with all 5 of their starters winning 17+ games. While Jackson may have more talent in their rotation, the Memphis staff performed better in the regular season. New York’s top of the rotation was solid this year, and may be a bit underrated. Sacramento is led by well publicized Cy Young candidate Timo Green who was phenomenal, although it will be tough not to give every award to Rochester this season. After Timo, it gets a little shaky though, compared to what the other teams have. Cincinnati is far behind the others, although their stats are slightly skewed since they player in a hitter’s park.
Bullpen
1. Rochester
2. Jackson
3. Sacramento
4. Memphis
5. Cincinnati
6. New York
Rochester, once again is on top, they had an extremely consistent bullpen, and only blew 14 saves. Jackson’s bullpen was also very consistent, but they blew a few more saves than Rochester did. Sacto may have the most talented bullpen in the league, but we have to downgrade them since Sammy Felix was pretty awful at times this year. Memphis’s Billy Cox may be the best closer here, given Felix’s down year, but some of their other relievers have been hittable this year. New York’s bullpen numbers were a bit better than Cincy, but we’re giving them the edge due to their hitter’s park, we think they have just a bit more talent.
Offense
1. Rochester
2. Memphis
3. Cincinnati
4. Jackson
5. Sacramento
6. New York
Rochester put up mind blowing offensive numbers this year, and are easily the league’s best lineup. The rest of the pack is far behind them. Memphis is the best of the rest, led by slugger Buddy Poole. Cincy will likely be riding the bat of stud 3B Marvin Mays, who in just his 2nd full big league season has established himself amongst the league’s elite. Jackson edges out Sacramento, with just a slightly more deeper and consistent lineup. New York is in last place by a lot here, although Shayne Lemon did pot 47 HR’s and 128 RBI’s, the rest of the lineup didn’t do much.
Overall Rankings
1. Rochester
2. Jackson
3. Memphis
4. Sacramento
5. New York
6. Cincinnati
Projected NLCS: Rochester vs. Memphis
Projected NLCS winner: Rochester
You’d have to be off your rocker to predict anyone but Rochester to win the NL. Let’s face it, something’s wrong with the game engine if they don’t win. It’s really too bad Jackson has to play Rochester in the 2nd round, as we think they have a great shot to beat Memphis. Although, we wouldn’t be completely surprised if Sacramento upset Jackson in the first round either. New York and Cincinnati seem to be a notch below the rest of the teams, it would be surprising to see either upset Memphis. Although, the biggest surprise of all would be if Rochester doesn’t win the NL.
Best of luck to the NL Playoff Teams, except Rochester, don't want to waste luck on a team who doesn't need it!!