2000 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW
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Written by Greg “Sarge” Stauffer 10/30/2023 – 9:00 AM ET
The Long Beach Titans’ journey to the World Series is far from that of an underdog or an unexpected entrant. Despite entering the postseason as a Wild Card team, their exceptional performance throughout the year, with 100 wins, ranks them third in the MWWL. Remarkably, they had to face the formidable Blarney Drive Bandits, the best team in the league, 22 times during the regular season.
This Titans team has demonstrated its prowess by sweeping the Goldeyes in the Wild Card Round, defeating the league’s top Blarney Drive Bandits in just five games, and orchestrating a remarkable comeback by clinching games 6 and 7 of the League Championship against the Gas Hornets.
In the words of Skipper Peter Kilmarx regarding their series against the Blarney Drive Bandits, “We achieved success against Blarney Drive by effectively countering Randy Johnson‘s pitching and securing victories in both of his starts. Our offense, while not as potent as in the regular season, delivered crucial hits when necessary. They are a highly skilled team, and if we were to face them again, they could very well win four out of five games.”
The Titans’ success can be attributed to their formidable batting lineup, with a remarkable team batting average of .306, accumulating 1142 runs and boasting no fewer than 11 players with double-digit home runs. Notably, Dave Justice, who had faced personal challenges in 1998 and 1999, displayed the form that earned him the MWWL Rookie of the Year award in 1990. He recorded an impressive .299 batting average, crushed 52 home runs, and led the team with 140 RBIs.
Despite their offensive prowess, the Titans did not neglect their pitching staff, ranking third in team ERA within the MWWL. Their depth is evident with six pitchers achieving double-digit wins. The latter innings of tight games are securely managed by their robust back-end bullpen, anchored by Rod Beck and Curt Leskanic, who consistently perform exceptionally well.
In conclusion, the Long Beach Titans are a strong, resilient team that should not be underestimated.
Representing the American League, we have the Chicago Demolition, a force to be reckoned with in the 2000 MWWL World Series. Having come close in 1998 and 1999, they have finally broken through and secured a place on the center stage.
Their ace and likely Cy Young winner in 2000, known for leading a formidable regular-season staff, compiled an impressive record of 26-3 with a minuscule 1.62 ERA and 216 strikeouts. Opposing teams managed a mere .167 batting average against him. The pitching rotation also features luminaries such as Roger Clemens, the scheduled starter for Game 1, and Kevin Millwood. These three powerhouses can smoothly transition to the pen, where Justin Speier and Nelson P. Cruz combined for 31 saves.
On the offensive front, the Demolition flaunted five players with batting averages exceeding .300 and nine players with double-digit home runs. The standout performer is MVP candidate Carlos Delgado, who boasts a remarkable slash line of .377/.514/.708, culminating in an astonishing OPS of 1.222.
When asked about returning to the grand stage, Manager Corrado expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s about time, as it has been a decade since our last appearance in the World Series. We are thrilled to be here. The Titans are a formidable opponent.”
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of this year’s MWWL World Series opponents:
Catchers: The Titans have enjoyed a solid performance from Mitch Melusky, especially in the postseason. In contrast, the Demolition counters with Charles Johnson behind the plate. Neither team is known for their stolen base prowess, and the Titans, despite having the lowest number of stolen bases in the league, are given a slight advantage due to Melusky’s current form.
First Base: The Demolition has a clear advantage in this department with MVP candidate Carlos Delgado, who had a phenomenal season. The Titans will field Brad Fullmer, who had an excellent season but faces a tough competition in Delgado. This position is a clear win for the Demolition.
Second Base: Denny Hocking has been a pleasant surprise for the Demolition, maintaining a .285 batting average and offering solid defense. Jose Vidro, on the other hand, provides power for the Titans with 111 RBIs and 27 home runs but comes with some defensive concerns. Despite this, the Titans hold a slight advantage due to their offensive strength in a series where runs are crucial.
Short Stop: The Demolition can leverage their speed and agility in this position with Edgar Renteria, who excels in both batting and stealing bases. The Titans’ middle of the defense is potent, with Deivi Cruz contributing to their offense with a .317 batting average. They gain the advantage, focusing on run production.
Third Base: Third base is considered a weaker position for both teams. The Titans employ a variety of players at the hot corner, while the Demolition relies on Jeff Cirillo, who maintains a strong .318 batting average with 92 RBIs. Offense is highly valued in this series, and the edge goes to the Demolition.
Outfield: Both teams have a mix of talent in the outfield. Bobby Higginson shines for the Demolition with 38 HRs and 138 RBIs, and Shannon Stewart offers stability in center field. For the Titans, Trot Nixon and Jeffery Hammonds share center field duties based on pitching matchups, and Dave Justice stands out as the team captain. Defensively, the Demolition has the edge with stronger arms.
Pitching: The Demolition holds a small advantage in pitching, with Pedro Martinez slated for only two starts due to their earlier series. The Titans will rely on Glendon Rusch and their bullpen depth to counter. The series could be highly competitive, but the Demolition has the upper hand in this aspect.
Our Prediction: The 2000 MWWL World Series is poised to be an intensely competitive matchup. Both teams have displayed nearly identical winning percentages and rank highly in both batting and pitching. It is expected that the Demolition may secure a few blowout victories when their bats are hot, while the Titans possess a resilient bullpen capable of mounting comebacks. The experts in Vegas give a slight edge to the Demolition, but they predict a seven-game series with a potential rainout or unforeseen issue that could shift the odds.
In our prediction, we foresee the Long Beach Titans clinching a thrilling seven-game World Series title. However, any unforeseen developments, such as a delay that allows Pedro Martinez to pitch, could alter the outcome. Best of luck to both teams!