DCR – SALEM WITCH HATS (0-0) AT THE SLOG GHOULS (0-0)
WHAT TO KNOW
Salem is not expected to have a successful first season, with P.A.M. predicting the Hats at 28-32 in the Brotherhood League. They are expected to finish 5th in the league for runs scored (390) but lead the league in runs allowed (372). If they are scoring more runs than expected, the Witch Hats could be a contender for the division crown.
The Slog is predicted to finish 34-26 on the season in the BL, expected to match Finch Farm for the division win. There is something that seems to lift them ahead of any other team in the CBO: leadership. In order to find success, they will need to overcome the expectation that they are last in the BL in pitching. The Ghouls are expected to score 432 runs on the season, with 416 runs against them.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SALEM
Expect the Witch Hats to rely on strong pitching to stay in the game. Outside of pitching, they will probably rely on the bats of 3B Pistol Schmidt and 1B Antonio Toeclaw.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE SLOG
Hits, hits, and more hits. Other than at the catcher position, every other starter has better than average expectations. The Slog is expected to average a league-best 7.2 runs per game. They will have to start off hot against the Witch Hats’ first two starters, but few of their games are expected to be low-scoring affairs.
KEY PLAYERS IN THE SERIES
SAL: Starting Pitching—Josh Hugs beat out first-round pick Terrance Artman for the ace position in the lineup, which bodes well for the one-two punch. The CBO is expected to be all about the bats, but the Witch Hats’ pitching staff may have what it takes to keep them in more games than predictions indicate.
SLOG: Killer Infield – With the combination of Millioncap Go at 1B, C.T. Woodard at 2B, Lernz Tentsleep at SS, and Stoop Bugwing at 3B, the Ghouls should have the best infield in the CBO. Go and Tentsleep are both young but natural-born leaders that should help keep the team balanced when things do not go their way.
PREDICTION: Despite the season predictions, we at DCR think the Witch Hats will start off faster than the Ghouls. Maybe they'll find a little magic, or maybe some frog guts, in their hats. Anyway, for the weekend...
Witch Hats Win 2 of 3