CATCHER
Gabby Hartnett has put together a solid season behind the plate, whereas
the Jihad have been left with a platoon system of Moe Berg and Muddy Ruel.
ADVANTAGE: Mississippi
1ST BASE
Basically it has come down to the Misfits' George Sisler, who has
had a remarkable season despite injuries. Lu Blue has not been a suitable back-up.
Sahara has the ever ready Jim Bottomley, who has played consistently
all season. However, with Sisler hot, Bottomley does not compare.
ADVANTAGE: Mississippi
2nd BASE
Sahara's Otis Brannan is not a prime time player. But with Frisch's very poor
season, there is not a clear match-up here. Not this year, at least. Perhaps in the
microcosm of life's mysteries can this be explained.
ADVANTAGE: Even
3RD BASE
There is no doubt that Willie Kamm has been one of the most pleasant surprises
in the desert. However, in this Series, his counterpart is the Mississippi
Mauler, Freddie Lindstrom. It should be a treat to watch the hot corner this series.
ADVANTAGE: Mississippi
SHORTSTOP
A weak spot in both teams. Joe Boley vs. Jackie Tavener. Of course, Boley has shared
time with Dick Bartell and Heinie Sand, and Tavener has remained solid.
ADVANTAGE: Even
OUTFIELD
The Jihad have some pop in the outfield, with Babe Herman, Chick Hafey and the
aging-but-we-can't-tell Sam Rice. Mississippi, on the other hand, has an outfield
of Hack WIlson, Riggs Stephenson and Goose Goslin. As far as the battle of
the bats, the outfield is where offense will be decided.
ADVANTAGE: Even
STARTING PITCHING
There isn't any batter in any league who looks forward to seeing Carmen Hill and
Burleigh Grimes, who have anchored the Mississippi staff. With Ted Lyons and Eppa
Rixey, the Misfits definitely have some strong arms. However, Sahara does have
the best staff in the league, with Waite Hoyt, Garland Braxton, Larry Benton, and
Herb Pennock. They are the reasons why they are here.
ADVANTAGE: Sahara
BULLPEN
Jack Scott leads the Jihad in saves, but does get hit pretty hard at
times. Bill Sherdel and George Earnshaw should help out in relief.
Neither Kremer or Ogden can be dependable out of the pen for the Misfits. Mississippi
better hope for nine innings from their starters each game.
ADVANTAGE: Sahara
INTANGIBLES
The head-to-head season totals shows an advantage to Mississippi, 13-9. Neither team
had any
competition for the pennant, and the races were over early. However, the Sahara
won in a decidedly weaker division, and didn't fare too well outside. The lack
of hitting will be a problem, not just this series but also in the long run. Their
pitching, though, is the reason that they finished well ahead of the others, and
if the pitching holds up, they have a chance.
Mississippi, on the other hand, has very good ptiching as well, but their offense
is the reason that they finished with the best record in the DBS. They took an
early lead, remained fairly healthy, and never looked back on their goal. Mississippi
is a sure sign that over-managing can hurt, and sometimes you should just let
the boys play.
ADVANTAGE: Mississippi
PREDICTION
Mississippi in 5
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