by John Baum
I’m off to a bit of a rough start in prediction games in Switzerland…Last week in
Swiss baseball action; I hit just over half of my predictions, 3-2. I look to turn it
around this week. Although I don’t think many people would have thought that the Devils
would handle the Indians the way they did…so here we go for the weekend of May 24th and
25th.
INDIANS TRAVEL TO THERWIL, WINNER COMES OUT IN 2ND PLACE
This week in Swiss baseball, the top match up of the weekend once again involves the
Therwil Flyers,(2-1), this time matching up against the Lausanne Indians,(4-2). After an
impressive win over the Barracudas this past weekend, look for the Flyers to continue
playing well. The new addition of John Alexander as playing/coach is sure to pay off in
an already potent offense. The Flyers, having only played 3 games thus far this season,
are out to show they are contenders this weekend. The Indians, with 2 losses to teams
with a combined record of 2-8, look to rebound from a surprise split last weekend. The
mighty bats of the Indians stole game 2 from the Devils, a pair of 3-run homeruns making
the difference. The Indians struggle to find their form this weekend in Therwil. Stefan
Kollers’ mix of speed will baffle the Indians in game 1. The second game I see a
slugfest, but the Flyers once again come out on top with the sweep.
PREDICTION: FLYERS WIN BOTH
EAGLES TRY TO KNOCK OFF CARDINALS AGAIN
The Reussbuehl Eagles, (1-3), travel into the capital this Saturday to take on the
defending champion Cardinals, (6-0). Over the past two seasons the Eagles are the only
chink in the Cards armor, handing the champs their only 2 losses of the 2007 season. I’m
sure that the Eagles are aware of this, and should give them confidence coming into these
games. Jerome Muller will do his best to get the ‘Cards sluggers out front with his
offspeed junk, which always yields plenty of popups. The Cardinals are lifted by the
return of Severin Fries to the pitching rotation this weekend, (sore shoulder). Johnny
Perigos and the lethal Cards offense should battle through this weekend and take care of
business. Look for the Cardinals to continue their winning ways by sweeping the Eagles in
the doubleheader.
PREDICTION: CARDINALS WIN BOTH
BARRACUDAS LOOK TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS AGAINST FROGS
After a tough loss to the Flyers at home last weekend, the Zurich Barracudas,(4-3), go up
against the struggling Sissach Frogs,(1-5). at the Heerenschurli. Jeff Mottl, coming off
a career worst start should get back on track this weekend against a weak Frog offense.
The ‘Cudas offense did manage to score 6 times off national team pitcher Stefan Koller,
so it seems the hitters are seeing the ball just fine. The Frogs on the other hand are
struggling on both sides of the ball…this trend will continue this weekend in Zurich as
the Barracudas get back to winning ways, completing a weekend of sweeps in Switzerland.
PREDICTION: BARRACUDAS WIN BOTH
{mrb-schedule:2008-05-24|2008-05-25|CH}
{mrb-standing:switzerland-2008}