NY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
LT: Hi there, it’s Leonardo Totti coming to you live from the packed Irondequoit Grounds in Rochester for the inaugural New York Championship Series clash, between the Rochester Union and the Syracuse Maples. I’m joined by the ever-informative Brian Guthrie today, but not here – Brian is at the beautiful Rockaway Stadium in Queens for their clash against the Manhattan Victory, isn’t that right Brian?
BG: Hey Leo – you’re right, it’s a beautiful place to be right now. They’ve just turned the floodlights on this past few minutes which looks amazing, as the crowd are forming seas of not only the light blue of Queens but also the dark blue of Manhattan. The atmosphere is electric, and everyone is getting excited for what should be a wonderful game of baseball.
LT: Absolutely. Now, we’ve got about 15 minutes before Union pitcher Mario Cisneros gets things underway here, which just about gives us time to weigh-in on the competition beforehand – so first, Rochester v Syracuse… for me, this is Rochester’s series to lose. They’re 7 games ahead of City Division winners Queens and 15 games ahead of the Maples, and it’s largely due to that danger trio of Keith Schmeling (who of course has just claimed the Triple Crown), WAR-leader CF Israel Mejia and Jose Marquez, who has been unfairly looked over this season but nevertheless has topped the number of double hits and only has 2 fewer runs than Schmeling. What’s your take on it?
BG: If I had to choose a side on pain of death I’d agree and say it’s Rochester’s time, but I really think it’ll be a close-run thing – possibly 5th game stuff.
LT: Really? How so?
BG: In my opinion, it rests on Bryan DeMond against Keith Schmeling, and I honestly believe that DeMond will show his best colours in these playoff scenarios. Bryan has a WAR only bettered by Mejia, is margins off of the 1.000 OPS and with Mejia on the DtD list with a dodgy ankle and sore elbow, I’m honestly not sure if he’ll be playing for the next few days. Neither sides have played particularly strong defensive baseball but have topped their division regardless – 4.08 ERA for Rochester and 4.19 for Syracuse, whereas Buffalo, Albany and Yonkers have all managed sub-4’s – but Rochester have also lost starters Victor Garcia, Bobby Santillan and Luis Dominguez, and I’d say that Syracuse have been marginally better on starters this entire season. I reckon that yes, Rochester will be in the final, but if DeMond, Kennedy, Lopez are having good days and Redfern is on his game, then the Union are going to be given a tough old time doing it.
LT: Interesting. So, we’re both saying that Rochester are going to be in the final then – what about your end? Queens or Manhattan?
BG: Aaaaah… I reckon this is going to go Manhattan’s way Leo. If you’d asked me this time last month then I’d have said Queens, 100%, but the Diamonds have hit a skid of form and have only won three games in their last 10 – and even worse, haven’t won a single game in 5. Manhattan however are in good form, having won 8 games over the same period and on a 4-game winning streak, and have only looked to be getting stronger and stronger as the year has progressed. If Manhattan can get to the 9th in the lead then they’ll probably win – Mike Yerger has done a superb job as closer this year, although the Diamonds’ Roberto Sanchez hasn’t been a slouch, either. Overall though, we’re looking at Manhattan’s attacking prowess against Queens’ defensive might, and I think overall, it’ll be just enough for the Victory.
LT: The only thing I would say – and I’m sure you’re already acutely aware of this being in Queens right now Brian – is that the Diamonds have such a strong fanbase, and some say this is why they’ve got the best home record in the entire competition. And of course, the first two games of the series are being played at Rockaway Stadium, so Manhattan will have to watch out that they don’t get buried before the series moves to Stuyvesant Stadium.
BG: Yeah, that’s a pretty good point.
LT: Thank you Brian, means a lot. So, we’re lumping for Rochester and Queens, then?
BG: Rochester and Manhattan, for me.
LT: Ahaha, nearly got you there. We’ve only got a couple of minutes to go before things get underway, so let’s turn our attention to our respective games, for this inaugural, 2017 New York Championship playoff series!