Week 2 Preview

Some close matchups and some blowouts last week. Some expected wins, some unexpected.

This week, we get into the joys of Week 2. Like the 0-1 teams stressing over a potential 0-2 start.

One thing to note about this week is how lopsided most of these matchups have been in the past.

Onto the Week 2 preview we go.


Stats on predictions:
Last week: 2-4 (oof!)
Overall: 2-4
Upset special: 0-1
Mismatch: 0-1 (Currently writing a check to my bookie)

Match of the week
Andy (1-0) vs. Joe (1-0)
Info: The only one pitting two 1-0 teams vs. each other, we have to make this the match of the week by default. With the new playoff rules, it's especially important to pick up wins against potential playoff teams. Andy and Joe have both made the playoffs the past two seasons.
What to watch for: Ryan Howard and Vernon Wells carried these two teams last week. Can they keep it up for another one?
All-time series: Joe 4-2
Prediction: Joe 11-8

Mismatch of the week
Rick (1-0) vs. Mike (0-1)
Info: This was a tough one, as most weeks it wouldn't be a mismatch. In fact, Mike has won 5-of-6 career meetings against Rick. But, early in the season, we're going based on power rankings.
What to watch for: Neither team has a pitcher starting twice this week. So who is that an advantage for?
All-time series: Mike 5-1
Prediction: Rick 13-6

Upset of the week
Jack (0-1) vs. Chris (1-0)
Info: This would only be a mild upset at this point, based solely on records. Still, Jack's bad week plus Chris' great weeks leaves me thinking things could even out.
What to watch for: With Brian Roberts landing on the DL, does Jack make a move and cut ties with Bedard or Chapman?
All-time series: Chris 3-2-1
Prediction: Jack 10-8

The rest of the week
Hal (0-1) vs. Bob (0-1)
Info: Hal opened some eyes with a tough, but close, 10-9 loss last week, while Bob made fans want to close their eyes with an opening-week dud.
What to watch for: We respect Hal as a manager, but until the expansion team gets its first win, every veteran is going to be sweating being that person to lose and go in the history books.
All-time series: N/A
Prediction: Bob 12-7

Ken (0-1) vs. Adam (1-0)
Info: Adam was the surprise of Week 1, and he said all the right things afterward. Ken is regrouping after being blown out and having nothing to play for once the weekend came.
What to watch for: I want to see how Adam reacts to being the favorite and whether he can duplicate last week's success.
All-time series: Ken 5-0-1
Prediction: Adam 11-9

Shea (0-1) vs. Dave (1-0)
Info: Neither team had a great week, but Dave managed to pull out the win. Shea, on the other hand, is already facing questions about whether the expectations were too high.
What to watch for: Shea did not get what he wanted out of Alex Rodriguez last week. How long will he tolerate the ineptness?
All-time series: Shea 5-1
Prediction: Dave 10-9