23 SIDEARM REVIEW: #1 HARRISON HIGHLANDERS

                               HARRISON #1: CAN NUMBERS LIE ??

FRONT OFFICE 

Arthur Gandolfi went 56-106 in his first year at the helm and most would write it off as a rookie learning year.  But further analysis reveals Gandolfi was planting the seeds for success.  A look at the numbers tell the story. 

ROTATION 

Gallen 560
Nola 604
Quintana 645
Stripling 614
Otto  734

BULLPEN 

Ed. Diaz 446
Almonte 470
Clarke 718
Farmer 611
Hentges 516
Jamesson 619
LeClerc 625
Stephens 647
Swanson 535

LINEUP 

WD. Smith c 807
N. Lowe 1b 851
Giminez 2b 837
JP Crawford ss 675
Renifigo 3b 724
Brantley of 785
Harris of 853
Judge of 1111
Hiura dh 765

BENCH 

Arcia if 733
Kredler if 477
Marsh of 679
Peterson of 698
Villar if 787
Wynns c 571

ANALYSIS

This team has alot of story lines.  It is simply outrageous to believe a team can go from 56 wins to a World Series championship but that is where the numbers take us.  Then you think of the 69 Mets or the 67 Red Sox as teams who rose from the ashes to World Series appearances. 

Did Judge deserve a 22 MLB MVP ??  I would say no as long as Ohtani is on our planet but I am sure Gandolfi would disagree.  He will enjoy watching Judge chase the SSL record for most HRs in a season but Barry Bonds (110) name will be hard to erase from the record books.

Nola, Gallen, Quintana and Stripling can all win during the regular season and in a playoff game.  The bullpen, like many others in this league, is simply outstanding.  Almonte and Ed. Diaz are closers in anyone's bullpen and there is just a stream of quality arms waiting to dominate opposing hitters.

The lineup can just wear out any pitching staff.  Judge has plenty of support with Smith, Lowe, Giminez and Harris all hitting above the 800 mark.In fact, Crawford is the only starter hitting 675 or below.  The bench offers defense, pinch hitters and versatility, everything you can ask for from a bench.

The numbers say the Highlanders will run away with a AL West title and win the 23 World Series.  On the other hand, that prediction is alot of pressure to place on a team which only won 56 games in 22.  It will be interesting to see if Gandolfi can deliver for Highlander nation.