The 1986 Playoffs are upon us:
Let's take a look at the matchups in the Shoeless Joe League first, starting with the reigning WPK Champs.
The Chicago Fire:
They are the current holders of the WPK Crown and therefore the team to beat in this post-season.
Chicago is a strong all-around team who in spite of playing their home games in an extreme pitcher's park still had an offense that ranked in the top 5 in the league in most categories other than home runs. That offense is led by 25-year old superstar shortstop Pat Thompson (.331/.378/.434, 8.5 ZR, 6.1 WAR) who is an MVP candidate. They also got strong seasons from Gold Glove center fielder Kyle Hanly (.255/.319/.429, 19.1 ZR, 5.5 WAR) and 28-year old fan favorite left fielder Alex Martinez (.272/.329/.459, 1.4 ZR, 24 stolen bases, 3.5 WAR). But mostly the Fire are a team that wins with a balanced lineup with few weak links, strong defense, and an excellent pitching staff. If anything, a few of their starters (Mike Low, Bill Johnson) somewhat underperformed their talent this season, but the rotation is deep and strong and 23-year old closer Tyler Criss had an excellent first full season in the bullpen.
The Chicago Fire come into the playoffs with no significant injuries and few weaknesses and remain the team to beat.
The Jacksonville Wolf Pack:
Probably the thing that most makes the Wolf Pack a threat in the post-season is the young 1-2 combo at the top of their rotation. Not only do they have Triple Crown winner and almost sure Harris/Lee Award winner Casey Van Fossen but right behind him is 23-year old 2-time All-Star David Parker, who went 19-12 with a 3.73 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while holding opposing batters to a slash line of .240/.295/.385. If he has a weakness it is a propensity to allow home runs (26 given up, 0.9 HR/9) but that will likely be more of an issue if Jacksonville gets by Chicago and if they have to face off with Phoenix in the KCS.
And after these two they have veteran Jose Mendoza, their only starter with any post-season experience, and another talented youngster in Manny Bell.
But they are the reverse of Chicago in some ways, with very poor defense, and an offense that is mostly driven by home runs and is mostly below average. They are also missing one of their big power hitters in Chris Brynteson. Veteran right fielder/DH Tim Evans remains the glue of the offense and 27-year old rookie catcher Marty Stewart (no, not Marty Stuart) was really impressive after being called up in late July.
But what it will come down to, almost surely, is how well the young and inexperienced, but very talented, starting rotation for Jacksonville fares in the playoffs. If they are up to the task, this team could be very dangerous.