The World Series

Before these douchebags get into the booth and ruin this World Series for us...oh wait, this isn't for real? You mean my wife is right that writing a blog about imaginary baseball players is a sign of complete and tragic lunacy? Dammit.

Since we're here anyways, let's look at this year's world series matchup, pitting the Kansas City Monarchs against the Atlanta Mad Dogs.

STARTING LINEUPS
Atlanta
The only weak link in this lineup is Ronn Swann. The first baseman followed up his underwhelming regular season with a dog of a post-season, where he has hit .132 with nine strikeouts in 38 at-bats. Harry Blanco has mounted a post-season MVP campaign, batting .400 with four homers and 21 RBI. He gets protected in the lineup by Roger Winston (.357-3-12) and Tomas Julio (.328-3-16). Winston, it is worth adding, has hit safely in the last six playoff games.

Kansas City
The Monarchs, while playing well, aren't as dominant as I had expected from the plate. Yes, Al Mendoza (.372-6-13) and Henry Cust (.293-6-16) have done their part, as has Hunter Pierre (.275-4-7). But, a trio of KC players have yet to warm up -- Philip Jacobs (.244), Terry Leonard (.243) and Shawn Sanders (.128).

EDGE: ATLANTA. My gut says KC, but you go with the hot hand.


STARTERS
Atlanta
I didn't expect much from Atlanta and they delivered. They're running a four-man rotation led by Lloyd Jeffries (3-1, 4.15 ERA). Unfortunately, he has walked more than he has struck out (11-8). Magglio Rodriguez is putting together the best post-season run with one win and a 3.86 ERA in his three starts. The other starters have been fairly unimpressive.

KC
Solid with a slight blemish -- McKay Hernandez. The Cy Young hopeful is 0-2 with a 7.24 ERA in his two starts. Benny Pujols and Midre Navarre are bringing the stuff and Ugueth Neruda ws effective in his one appearance.

EDGE: KC


BULLPEN
Atlanta
José Bonilla has saved four of five, but is 0-2 with a 6.75. Not as solid as you'd hope. Nick Fultz has been lights out in 12 appearances and 15.1 innings pitched. He was 3-0 with a 1.76 ERA, but holds a dominant 0.72 WHIP.

KC
Kevin Ong has locked up all five of his save opportunities in superstar fashion, holding opposing hitters to three hits and a 0.53 WHIP. Raf Jacquez (1-0, 1.50) and Tomas Ayala (1-0, 4.86) bridge the gap.

EDGE: KC

INTANGIBLES
Such a bullshit category.

HOW WILL IT END? Atlanta will give it a good run, especially at home, but pitching wins championships. Kansas City in six.