Week 19 Preview

Only 4 weeks to go. Yes, I'm a day late on these, but no one wins matchups on Mondays anyway.

Stats on predictions:
Last week: 4-2
Overall: 9-9 (Yeah baby, back to .500)
Upset special: 2-1
Mismatch: 3-0

On we go with a major upset prediction this week! Find out, after the jump.



Match of the week
Joe (12-5-1) vs. Bob (11-7)
Info: Bob keeps mowing his way through his competition, but this is his biggest test yet. A win here and we can start breaking down the different divisional scenarios. A loss and Joe remains the favorite.
Key player: Ichiro (Joe) was nearly dealt at the trade deadline last week, but Joe didn't pull the trigger. Will that backfire?
All-time series: Bob 3-2
Prediction: 10-9 Bob

Playoff importance of the week
Chris (9-7-2) vs. Adam (8-10)
Info: Adam still has yet to win since the All-Star break. That's four straight for you counting at home. Chris has control of the sixth and final playoff spot, but still could use a win.
Key player: Vlad Guerrero (Chris) has been on fire since hearing he'd been dealt to a contender.
All-time series: Chris 4-1
Prediction: 12-7 Chris

Mismatch of the week
Ricky (8-8-2) vs. Richie (2-14)
Info: Who will win the battle of the Richards? If Ricky wants to make the playoffs, he better. Richie has never beaten Ricky in his career.
Key player: Roy Oswalt (Richie) is one of three players to get two starts this week, which could turn out to be a critical advantage for Richie.
All-time series: Ricky 5-0
Prediction: 10-9 Richie (major major upset special!)

Trash talk match of the week
Andy (10-6-2) vs. Mike (8-10)
Info: The trash talk has already begun in the smack talk, with Mike saying Tim Lincecum is going to be the reason he wins. Only problem, as Andy noted, is that Lincecum's only start will be before the trade is processed.
Key player: Luke Scott (Andy) has been criticized left and right the past few days, and he responded with a homer Monday. But come Thursday, he'll be going against Andy.
All-time series: Mike 3-2
Prediction: 11-7 Andy

Also of note
Jack (11-4-3) vs. Shea (5-13)
Info: Shea has proven he can take down some of the top teams, and he'll be out to do so this week after Jack stirred up the pot with comments about the lower-tiered teams.
Key player: When Justin Morneau (Shea) has strong weeks, Shea usually fares well. With protection from A-Rod now, let's see how he does.
All-time series: Jack 3-2
Prediction: 13-5 Jack

Dave (6-10-2) vs. Ken (12-6)
Info: Ken is coming off a monstrous offensive week, and frankly his offense has been clicking since it has added Bobby Abreu.
Key player: Hanley Ramirez (Ken) leads the way for Ken's offense, and he's the engine that has been making it go.
All-time series: Ken 4-1
Prediction: 14-4 Ken