1997 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

Mid-West Winter League Commissioner’s Office – Report submitted by Ken Kuryliw – Winnipeg Goldeyes – April 20th, 2021

California and Winnipeg met in the World Series in 1991, then again last year in 1996. Winnipeg Goldeyes the underdog in 1991 and won 1996 in 5 games as the favorite over a 116 win California team.  In 1997, California again led the MWWL in wins with 121 in the AL, and Winnipeg won 105 games in the NL.

CATCHERS

Jim Leyritz did a solid job and turned last year’s starter, Terry Steinbach, into a backup for California. Lopez was a strong middle-of-the-order hitter for Winnipeg and has provided the offense for the Goldeyes in the playoff so far. Advantage(Minor) Winnipeg as Lopez/Matheny provided world-class defense and controlled the running game better than Leyritz/Steinbach.

FIRST BASE

Mark McGwire is the soul of the Winnipeg offense but John Olerud is in the conversation as he almost matches McGwire because of his on-base skills. Slight Advantage: Winnipeg (Minor).

SECOND BASE

This one is not close as John Valentin far outclasses Jeff Frye/John Franco. Advantage California (Major).

THIRD BASE

Matt D. Williams provides power and RBIs, while Edgardo Alfonzo provides high average and on-base skills. Both are amazing in the infield at third.  Advantage (Minor) California

SHORTSTOP

Nomar Garciparra is the more powerful bat but Omar Vizquel‘s speed and defense balance that out. Advantage (None)

OUTFIELD

 California’s bats in the outfield are much better than Winnipeg’s Jay Buhner and the scrappers. Advantage (Major) California

DESIGNATED HITTER

California’s Designated Hitter so outclasses Winnipegs.  Winnipeg’s Robin Ventura was hurt most of the year.  It’s a Major Advantage for California but alas is only 3 of the 7 games. In NL the Quakes may bench John Olerud and go with Andres Galarraga vs Mark McGwire and the minor 1B advantage for Winnipeg would be lost.

STARTING PITCHING

Winnipeg got to the World Series because of the starting pitching, they were slightly better than California’s top 4 starters. Advantage (Minor) Winnipeg.

RELIEF PITCHING

Jeff Shaw has been amazing in the playoffs he’s 4-0 with 4 saves in the 8 wins that got Winnipeg to the World Series. The Winnipeg pen is counting on the starters then use control master Rod Beck 1 BB per 8 innings pitched, and Shaw to close it out.  Trevor Hoffman, Doug Jones, and Robb Nen lead a deep and strong California pen, as they rely on solid 90 pitch efforts from the starters and then go to the elite pen.  Clearly, California has the better pen, but the way Winnipeg counts on their starters and only a pair of relievers are not as big of an advantage as it appears. Advantage (Minor) California

Overall:

It seems very clear California Quakes are favored to win their 2^nd  World Series in four tries. Winnipeg matches their pitching and fielding but is nowhere in the same class of hitting. Winnipeg has however never lost in the World Series going 3 for 3 including handing California both their World series losses.

Vegas Bets says even with all the veteran grit, and playoff experience Winnipeg will be very lucky to even push this series to six games never mind win this series.. California in 5 games, as the bats come through.