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Player Watch: Edition 4. |
As we get ready to dive into the 2007 postseason, we analyze which players on each team can become the X-factor and help push their teams through the playoffs
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Jim Noel:
If the Indians have any chance of riding all the way to the township series, it will have to be on the arm of their team ace, Jim Noel.
The team captain has alot on his plate for this upcoming playoff season. He has to juggle his lineup and also has the responsibility of keeping his team close against the Nation Leagues best pitchers. Don't count his Indians out just yet, as they are getting ready to put up their best in the NLDS.
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Joey Brainerd:
The wildies have the pop to produce runs in a hurry, but without Joey get on base ahead of the big hitters, they may find themselves coming up short come the 6th inning. Joey is carrying a .414 OBP from the regular season, but needs to be sure to maintain or exceed that number.
In the 2006 playoffs, Joey was held to a .096 average and a .275 OBP. His numbers directly effect how far the wildies will go in this years postseason.
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Daryl Hutson:
With alot of teams pitching around fellow teammates Jim and Brian, Daryl will find himself in big positions to drive in runs. Known for his knack to drive in runs with 2 outs, he must help supply the offense to keep the ball rolling and keep his team rolling into the next round of the playoffs.
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Josh Tuinstra:
Josh hit an impressive .383 in the regular season and really came on of late on the mound. Josh will most likely follow teammate Andy Ash in the pitching rotation and depending on how Ash is pitching, Josh may become the lifeline of his team on the hill.
Clutch hitting will be huge as they match up for the 3rd time with the Wildies, this time in the ALDS.
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Eric Vanvorst:
Eric showed through the first several weeks of the season that he can swing a big bat, however his .300 average is nothing to shake a stick at either. Heading into the postseason as the #1 seed, teams might start pitching around the two larger hitters on the Belly Itchers; Bontrager and Downs. This will leave Eric in position to prove that he is more to the team then just an extra player. If Eric hits .350+, the Belly Itchers can prove that they are in fact the team to beat!
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Brian Barber:
The lemons certainly have no problem scoring runs, but often they are subjectable to large offensive outbusts by opponents. The Lemons will be turning to Brian every other game in hopes of taking opposing teams out of their rythem.
In order for the lemons to go the full distance, Barber will have to pitch like the pitcher that beat Cy Wiffle winner Brian Meyers on 7/12/07. |
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