Line: Mike -1.5
Season series: Shea 2-0 (Week 9: 12-7; Week 18 16-2)
Career playoff records: Mike 3-1, Shea 2-1
All-time head-to-head: Mike 5-4-1
Playoffs head-to-head: Never met
About the matchup
For just the second time in five seasons, we have the No. 1 seed vs. the No. 2 seed in the finals. In fact, that was the only time in league history the lower-seeded team in the championship has won.
Both Mike and Shea had to sweat out Sunday to get past Chris and Bob, respectively, in the semifinals; however, each was able to and now they are into the championship matchup.
"What a ride that semifinals was," Mike said. "I couldn't be any happier for the boys. We started off slow and we heard the negativity about our team. But (Ryan) Braun, being the captain that he is, kept them focused and preached to play our game and the win would come."
For Mike, it's his second appearance, losing to Rick in the league's inaugural season. And, for Shea, it's his first taste as possible title glory.
"We're happy, my Jewish commissioner," Shea said. "It was nice jumping out to a big lead and holding on for dear life. We're excited about moving on to the finals to take on Mike. We (had a) fun celebration ... but (now we) prepare for the battle to continue."
Shea has dominated Mike this season, beating him twice in convincing fashion. If Mike admits it or not, it's sure to play a role throughout the week -- whether it be from media questions, Mike's players saying "Here we go, again," or the confidence it could bring to Shea's players.
As far as the championship? Well, it's time. Now, let's get it on, boys...
In their own words
Mike, on facing Shea: "We are happy to be playing anyone in the finals, but a matchup with Shea is a great way to go out on top. His team beat us twice this year, and we have been waiting to get our redemption. He disrespects the league, disrespects our team, and now we will humiliate him in the big game."
Shea, on facing Mike: "Mike will be quite the opponent. He talks a big game, has the top team, and caught fire (over the) weekend. That being said, I took down Mike twice in the regular season, so I don't expect the finals to be any different."
Mike, on why he will win: "Why will we win? Why wouldn't we win? We are the class of the league, and we just showed we could win in any fashion. It's also an extended week, so multiple starts by Lester and Weaver equals obvious victory. And once again, Braun will show why he is the MVP. Madoff 11-8."
Shea, on why he will win: "TEAM OF DESTINY!!! We continue to make it interesting but do enough to move on. That's the way of the dizzy drunks!"
The Prediction
In my opinion, the best possible final we could have gotten. Really, did anyone want to see Bob or Chris back in the finals? Nope. Fresh blood. And, honestly, the two most consistent teams in their respective divisions. Mike has the better all-around team, but Shea has the scrappy, underdog attitude who has adapted the "Nobody believed is us" mentality. A very tough matchup to predict, but I'm going with Shea to get enough production from his pitching and ride his offense to a 10-8 championship win.
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