Championship preview: (1) Mike vs. (2) Shea

Records: Mike 15-7-1, Shea 13-10
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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The showdown

It was about eight weeks ago that I noticed Bob and Adam were primed for a division-title showdown in Week 22.

I had my eye on it the whole time, hoping that the two would stay close in the standings to set up a dramatic final week.

It's here. Both competitors are pumped, both competitors have done and still are doing some trash talk, and both want this win badly.


"It's a big week for the Miners, which goes without saying," Bob said. "We have risen up to the challenge in the past and I don't see it being any different this week."

Led by Josh Hamilton, Adam is at the top of just about every offensive ranking, so it's crucial for hm to take the majority of hitting categories. If Bob can steal a few, he should take the win.

"I'm confident in my players," Adam said. "I believe they can come through and win the week. However, I would like my team to not feel pressured and gear up for our playoff run."

Adam leads Bob in the standings by a half-game. The winner gets the top seed in the playoffs. The loser is the No. 3 seed. That is a HUGE difference. No wild-card team has ever won a championship.

"Capturing our third division title in four years is a big deal to us, as well as the best single season record in Keeper League history," Bob said. "We've had a tough few weeks, but we showed signs of life over the weekend, and I think that will carry over into this week."

Bob has answered the challenge all year of defending his title, and the fact that Adam is the one challenging him is a huge surprise. We keep waiting for Adam to fall flat, but credit to him because it hasn't.

"I'm excited," Adam said. "It's just refreshing to finally be in contention and make the playoffs for once."

Everyone expects a close match. The poll of managers voting on who will win is currently 5-4. Bob predicts a 10-9 win by himself. And why shouldn't he?

"My confidence factor is a 7.5 on a scale of 10," Bob said. " My words for Adam are may the best manager (me) win."

And Adam's words for Bob?

"Beware," he said.

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Bob declares himself The Team to Beat

About a month ago, Adam made some bold statements to Bob.

He has backed it up, having gone undefeated since saying those words. Now, Bob is responding with some words of his own.

Despite being a half-game behind Adam in the standings, Bob declared to the media last night that the Cole Miners are The Team to Beat in the Tiger Woods Division.


"I feel that I have the pitching and the offense to take the division title," Bob said. "Plus, I have made the playoffs every year, won the division two out of three years, and won the title last year. I think my team learned from the first few weeks of the season that you can't take anything for granted in this league."

It certainly appears that Adam (10-4-1) and Bob (10-5) are in a two-way race for the division title. No one else is within three games.

Still, was it wise for Bob to open his mouth when Adam is on such a hot streak and clearly has been the best team in the league this season? I asked Bob if Adam's juggernaut offense scared him at all. He said no.

"Adam has a good offense, but I think my offense is just as good," said Bob, "and when it is going, I think it's the best in the league."

One thing everyone can agree on is that this is uncharted territory for Adam, whereas Bob has been down this road before. Bob has made the playoffs, won a division and won a championship. Adam hasn't even made the playoffs.

"I do think my experience plays a big factor," Bob said. "I have been here before and I know what it takes. You can have the best team in the league on paper, but if you can't manage it right, then you can really hurt yourself in the playoffs. I'm not saying that will happen to him, but it is definitely a factor for teams that haven't made it far before."

Sounds like Bob is calling Adam out. It should be an exciting division race for the final seven weeks. And, of course, all eyes will be on Week 22 when Adam and Bob meet for what is likely to be a division title.

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Joe responds - 10 days later

If you all remember, Bob came out with some strong words prior to Week 1, calling it an "easy first-week matchup" against Joe.

Well, I was stunned by this. Like any good blogger, I contacted Joe almost immediately after to try and get a comment to run with the story.


So after informing him, he told me he'd answer some questions because Bob "forgot who he was talking about. I need to remind him."

So I did. I sent over a few simple questions. Joe chose not to respond until this week - 10 days and a victory later!

I'll post his responses just for the hell of it, but what I want to know is: Delayed trash talk: Fair or foul?

Here is Joe's reply:

Brett-

I didnt want to respond until after the matchup was over. I am a strong believer in letting my actions speak louder then my words.

I have been waiting for a rematch with the WOC since he beat me last yr. Bob is a humble person normally when I saw this post I was a little surprised. I also got a little offended considering I am a previous champion two time finalist and have 4 playoff wins and only one loss. I also have never had a losing season. My first season i didnt make the playoffs and was 12-10 and overall not including the post season i am 40-24-2. (not including this year) Its amazing that I can still be questioned. I would also like to add that the first week of the season isnt as important to the finals but its nice to start off with a win against the reigning champ. He has a good team, and will be in it until the end.

I did get a little redemption in the finals of football this year. I would like to see the Seton Hall Pirates alum dominate the fantasy circuit again this year.

Wish everyone the best, and would like to see teams like Adam and Hal be more competitive this year, I think both programs have taken steps in the right direction.

- The Self Proclaimed Greatest Fantasy Manager of all Time

So, gents, fair or foul?
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