Week 17 Preview

The trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and as you'll see after the jump, it could affect matchups as early as this week.

Here are my stats on predictions.
Last week: 2-4
Overall: 2-4
Upset special: 0-1
Mismatch: 1-0

Onto this week!


Match of the week
Ken (11-5) vs. Jack (10-3-3)
Info: The two division leaders square off in a possible championship-week preview. Ken is only one of two teams to beat Jack this season, as he took a 12-7 decision back in Week 7. Jack has struggled the last two weeks, barely beating Richie and tying Dave. Ken is on a roll, winning 5-of-6.
Key player: Carlos Beltran (Ken) won't be playing but is the subject of trade rumors. Will it affect the rest of the team?
All-time series: Jack 3-2
Prediction: 12-9 Ken

Playoff importance of the week
Bob (9-7) vs. Adam (8-8)
Info: Adam is calling this week a "must-win," and who can argue? If he loses, it's probably going to be a long shot to make the playoffs. Bob has lost just twice since an 11-8 Week 7 loss to Adam.
Key player: Michael Bourn (Bob) needs a big week on the base paths to give his team a shot at winning SBs.
All-time series: Bob 4-1
Prediction: 11-7 Bob

Mismatch of the week
Shea (4-12) vs. Joe (10-5-1)
Info: Shea and Joe are both coming off arguably their biggest wins of the season, but for vastly different reasons. Shea crushed Chris for pride, and Joe edged Andy to stay alive for the division title.
Key player: Justin Morneau (Shea) had five homers and 11 RBIs last week, and he may need to do it again.
All-time series: Joe 4-1
Prediction: 14-4 Joe

Trash talk match of the week
Andy (10-4-2) vs. Chris (8-6-2)
Info: The trash talk may not be what we're used to, but moreso Chris being soggy about Andy jinxing him and his team. Lately, Chris has blamed his two-week losing streak on Andy's predictions.
Key player: Kevin Youkilis (Andy) was terrible last week, and it's widely known that when he's off, Andy's entire team is off.
All-time series: Chris 3-1-1
Prediction: 11-9 Chris (upset special of the week)

Also of note
Richie (1-15) vs. Mike (7-9)
Info: With Richie all but having locked up last place, there's not much to play for. Will he make a trade to go after a keeper? It's possible but seems unlikely. Mike, on the other hand, has been active in discussions.
Key player: Matt Holliday (Richie) appears rejuvinated in that St. Louis lineup. Can he do the same for Richie?
All-time series: Richie 3-2
Prediction: 13-7 Mike

Ricky (8-6-2) vs. Dave (4-10-2)
Info: On paper, Ricky shouldn't have much trouble this week, as Dave's team just isn't as good. Of course, that's on paper only. Dave did pull out an 8-8 tie vs. the Fireballs earlier this season.
Key player: Roy Halladay (Ricky) is scheduled to start Wednesday, but will it be with Toronto or someone else?
All-time series: Ricky 2-1-2
Prediction: 15-4 Ricky