Mister Baseball

by John Baum

After a slow start predicting games here in Switzerland, I made a strong comeback, connecting on all six games last week to push my record to 9-2. Just before the midseason pause some exciting games spice the weekend up. A battle for first place in Therwil, and the first ever televised games will surely make for a weekend to remember!

CHALLENGERS AND BARRACUDAS PLAY IN EMBRACH IN TELEVISED GAME
The teams from Zurich travel to Embrach to play in front of cameras from Star TV Saturday at 11:00am, and 2:00pm. Both teams are looking to solidify their playoff standings. The Barracudas (6-3) are currently in 3rd place, and the Challengers (5-5), are tied for 4th. The game is a rematch of last weeks Swiss Cup affair that the Barracudas won easily 13-3. The return of ‘Cudas ace Jeff Mottl (2-2, 2.95 ERA) will help their cause. The X-factor in these games is the signing of the ex-Cudas ace foreign pitcher, James Sanders. How will he be used this weekend, and will his signing energize the Challengers? The other key is Nderim Coma’s ability to back up last week’s quality outing, and shut down the mighty challenger bats. The Challengers have won five straight heading into this weekend, but that looks to end sometime in the doubleheader.
PREDICTION: BARRACUDAS LOOK GOOD ON CAMERA AND SWEEP CHALLENGERS.

SISSACH AND WIL LOOK TO CLIMB OFF THE BOTTOM
The two teams who reside at the bottom of each group play Saturday in Wil. The Frogs (1-7) have lost the last 7 games played, and look to be heading for relegation games. The Devils, having defeated two teams currently headed to the playoffs, look to find some consistency in the season. The arm of Roger Salvodelli (1-3, ERA 4.35) shut down the Lausanne Indians heavy hitting order last time out.
The Frogs counter with a resurgent Danny Traina, who has bounced back from a tough ‘07 campaign to post a respectable 1-1 record with a 4.38 ERA. The Devils have the edge when Rusty Tiedemann (1-2, 3.29ERA) pitches game two. This game has the fate of both teams in the balance, as one will likely end up in the relegation zone, while the other will most likely stay up in the NLA.
PREDICTION: DEVILS TAKE 2…IF TIEDEMANN GOES GAME 2!

BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY IN THERWIL AS THE CARDINALS TRAVEL TO FACE THE FLYERS
The undefeated and 1st place Bern Cardinals (8-0) meet the 2nd place Therwil Flyers (4-1) Sunday at the Kannelmatt. The games, whose outcome will decide, who ends up in first place at the midseason break, are going to be fierce battles. Two of the top offenses face off against two of the league’s top pitching staffs. The Flyers have four new bats in the lineup this year, Reto Siegel (.455AVG), Daniel Eichenberger (.368AVG), Australian Chris Blackbee (.591AVG), and playing/coach John Alexander (.364AVG); have energized an already solid Flyers team. Stefan Koller (3-0, 3.81ERA), one of the top Swiss arms, and Chris Blackbee (1-1, 2.25ERA) man the hill for their team as they look to shut down the dangerous Cards offense. The pitching staff for the Cards is once again healthy as Severin Fries is now back and throwing at 100%. The offense is also at full force, with all the regular starters available. Look for the Cards arms to silence the red hot bats of the Flyers, and the offense to find its groove heading into the Euro Qualifier. I have to give the Cardinals the edge in this one, until someone knocks the Redbirds from the top; they have to remain as favorites in every game they play.
PREDICTION: CARDINALS MOVE WIN STREAK TO 22 STRAIGHT WITH TWO HARD FOUGHT VICTORIES!

Time	Div.	Home	Visitor	Field
Dates and Times are subject to change! In case of doubt check with the responsible national federation!
Saturday, June 07 2008
11:00	2	Zürich Challengers	Zürich Barracudas	Zürich Heerens...
11:00	1	Wil Devils	Sissach Frogs	Wil Lindenhof
Sunday, June 08 2008
11:00	1	Therwil Flyers	Bern Cardinals	Therwil Känelmatt

Standings 1

Standings 2