Semifinals Preview
(1) Pessimistic Players
(4) Bklyn Royal Giants
-scored 2 of the 3 highest totals during the quarterfinals
-Pess won the season series 4-2 though was outscored 577.05-520.35
-Scheduled 2-start pitchers: Pess – Jeff Samardzija (@CWS, TEX), Dan Haren (SD, @COL), Tanner Roark (@NYM, @ATL); Brook – Matt Shoemaker (@TEX, SEA), James Shields (@DET, CWS), Corey Kluber (MIN, @HOU)
Five Questions
-Can Victor Martinez, Jose Bautista and Miguel Cabrera keep up their hot September hitting (and will Miggy be slowed by his bum ankle)?
-Do Pess and Brook play their extra position player correctly or will they get burned and leave valuable points on the bench?
-Has Josh Fields supplanted Chad Qualls as Astros closer or will this swap backfire?
-How many points does Kershaw score assuming Pess doesn't bench him again for insubordination?
-Does Wade Davis have another big week in the absence of usual KC closer Greg Holland (triceps)?
(2) The Ωtto-man Ξmpire
(3) Shapecity
-Otto won the season series 5-1 and outscored Shape 514.25-414.65
-Scheduled 2-start pitchers: Otto – Rick Porcello (KC, @MIN), Alfredo Simon (STL, @CHC), Jake Peavy (ARI, @ARI); Shape – Chris Capuano (TB, @TB).
Five Questions
-Will Shape be able to hang around despite the 2-start SP disadvantage?
-Can Marcus Stroman and Fernando Rodney carry this team for a second consecutive series?
-Will Dilson Herrera play regularly now that Daniel Murphy is back from the DL?
-Is Casey McGehee about to start a long-overdue power binge?
-Do Yasiel Puig and Greg Holland make it back to full strength during this matchup?
