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Old 08-09-2020, 12:52 PM   #204
BirdWatcher
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Kinsella Classic Series preview: The Denver Brewers

While it might be a bit too reductive to boil it down this way, it could be argued that the 1977 Kinsella Classic Series is a classic match-up of great pitching against great hitting.

The Denver Brewers are a dangerous offensive club, especially at home, where 4 of the 7 KCS games are scheduled. They haven't been a very good running team this year, but they scatter hits all across the field, work deep counts and draw a lot of walks, and even hit for more power this year then is usual for them. Having received fine performances by role players such as Jon Williams, Jake DiCesare, Nick Ward, and John Flores- all of whom made the post-season roster cut- who all hit left-handed pitching well, they are a balanced offense, more so than in the 1976 KCS which they lost to Columbus 4 games to 2.

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And while the Brewers don't have the starting rotation that matches up to Columbus (who does?), with the strong seasons of their Japanese duo up top- Sadahige Kawasaki and Sekien Hamasaki- and the fact that Columbus doesn't have the left-handed hitters that could give the right-handed Brewers pitchers fits, this category isn't a total gimme for the Whalers. Much will depend upon which version of Steve Green in 1977 shows up and whether John Weaver can continue to provide some quality innings, but the Brewers could compete in this area.

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The Brewers bullpen should be at least the equal of the Whalers, and finished the season with the best ERA in the MGL. The Brewers defense is nearly the equal of Columbus and is a bit less error prone, having finished 2nd in the MGL.


In summary a quick run-down of the matchups:


Starting Rotation: Advantage Columbus, but perhaps not a huge advantage.

Bullpen: Probably essentially even.

Defense: Slight advantage, maybe, Columbus.

Lineup/offense: Big advantage Denver!

Home field advantage: Denver, if they can take advantage of it early.
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The Denver Brewers of the W.P. Kinsella League--
The fun starts here(1965-1971: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=289570
And continues here (1972-1976): https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=300500
On we go (1977- 1979): https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=314601
For ongoing and more random updates on the WPK:https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=325147, https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=330717

Last edited by BirdWatcher; 08-09-2020 at 12:56 PM.
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