|
With the race in the Farmers League East Division a close one a series that could be hugely important happens on the last weekend of the season. Starting on September 30th the Moose Jaw Dragons and Regina Pirates will face each other in a three game set to wrap up the season. If the Pirates can trim Moose Jaw's lead to 3 games or less by then this series will determine who gets to start tuning up their golf swing first and who gets to keep playing.
Through the early part of the season the Dragons and Pirates flip-flopped back and forth at the top of the standings but after the all star break the Dragons managed to pull ahead a bit. The Dragons though have been slumping lately and the season-ending injury to All-Star third baseman Jerry Alvarado opens the door a bit for the Pirates.
The Dragons hold a 7-2 advantage in the season series so far and own a lifetime 35-23 mark against the Pirates.
For those who missed it here is a reprint of the relevant parts of the 2005 CBL Season Preview by Chris Kinsella of the Port Hope Argument
Regina: Young, big-hitting team poised to take next step and contend this year. Loaded outfield with RF Genter, Chee, All-World CF Sarrett, LF Shambaugh, Ordenana, all with power numbers better than 65, all 30 and younger. Of course, only Sarrett hits over .280, which is worrisome. Superb rotation makes hitting all but irrelevant - 8 potential starters have ERAs between 3.05 and 3.85. If they hit at all, Pirates could take the division crown. We're betting they do.
Moose Jaw: Three-peat division champs looking for four-peat (whatever that is), and have all the weapons to get there, including aggressive owner ready to trade. Aging in left, otherwise lineup is primed, led by CF Gakeler (65-63-59 - with career BA of .334), poster boy for why ratings don't mean squat. Deep, talented rotation showing some age, with the oldest player in the CBL in 38-year-old Clifton Saban and 7 pitchers 34 and older. Lots of help in AAA. Watch for a battle this year at the top with Regina. If Dragons repeat last year's 9-3 vs. Pirates, they'll make it 4 straight.
|
