Week 16 Preview

Every week from here on out is big, so consider this a (hopefully) new feature to the blog.

It'll be a preview of the current week.

So with that, on we go.


Match of the week
Andy (10-3-2) vs. Joe (9-5-1)
Info: Fresh off a terrible losing streak, Joe gets a chance to make a statement. Andy has one loss since Week 7 and has been on an offensive roll lately. Andy beat Joe 14-6 last time they met, but that was Week 1. Certainly things have changed since then.
Key player: Mark Teixeira (Joe) has seven games this week against Baltimore and Oakland.
Prediction: 11-9 Andy

Playoff importance of the week
Adam (8-7) vs. Ricky (7-6-2)
Info: I labeled this arguably Adam's biggest week in franchise history, and I stand by that. He is right in the thick of things and certainly a favorite with Dave, Shea AND Richie all left on the schedule. A win this week would be huge. But, Ricky has Adam's number. He won 11-7 the first time around and is 4-1 all-time vs. Adam.
Key player: Raul Ibanez (Adam) is off the DL and a key to Adam's chances. Prediction: 10-7 Adam

Mismatch of the week
Richie (1-14) vs. Jack (9-3-3)
Info: Jack should cruise to a win this week, but that's what we thought last week against Dave. He ended up tying. Will Richie set his lineup this week?
Key player: Nick Blackburn (Richie) has two starts this week on the road, increasing the chances for a complete game.
Prediction: 12-6 Jack

Trash talk match of the week
Shea (3-12) vs. Chris (8-5-2)
Info: With these two in the same apartment for three days this weekend, we're in for some fun. I imagine it going something like this. Shea actually sets his lineup because he's not working and while watching Baseball Tonight sees one of his players do well. He snickers repeatedly each time this happens, grinning at Chris. Chris replies with one of his patented, "Shea if you don't shut up, I'm going to shove this poker chip down your throat." I can't wait.
Key player: Chad Gaudin (Shea) appears to be an early-week stiff! And his two starts are against Florida and Washington.
Prediction: 14-5 Chris

Also of note
Ken (10-5) vs. Mike (7-8)
Info: These two potential trade partners and best friends go head-to-head for likely the last time this season. Mike has a 3-2 lead in the all-time series and a 13-6 win earlier in the season. A loss here likely eliminates Mike from a real shot at the playoffs. Ken needs a win to keep up his trek to the division title.
Key player: Brad Hawpe (Mike) is very close to being traded to Ken. Will it impact this week?
Prediction: 10-8 Mike (upset special of the week)

Bob (8-7) vs. Dave (4-9-2)
Info: Both managers are coming off big weeks, Bob beating Ricky and Dave tying Jack. With the roll Bob has been on lately, it'd be tough to imagine him losing to lowly Dave.
Key player: Ben Zobrist (Dave) thought he was traded, but it was called off when he failed his physical.
Prediction: 13-5 Bob