Juice Is Wild
Series 2 is ripe for drama on the diamond
The second leg of the 2007 baseball season gets underway next weekend with the staging of BP Series 2 and it promises to be another thrilling show for Filipino baseball fans of all ages.
If anything, last summer's Series 1 opened a new window into the competitive sporting world around us, one that is ripe for entertainment and a testament to our nation-building on the diamond. Six teams representing the new geographic-division alignment will grind it out over a three-month campaign at the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
As we approach Opening Day, one cannot help but wonder what's on tap. BaseballPhilippines.com takes an in-depth look at each team as we make our bold prognosis for Series 2.
Predicted order of finish...
North Division: (1) Manila Sharks, (2) Marikina Shoemakers, (3)Makati Mariners.
South Division: (1) Cebu Dolphins, (2) Forward Taguig, (3) Dumaguete Uni-bikers.
Manila Sharks
[Manila Sharks Preview]
The Sharks shored up their offense but remained complacent with last summer's worst pitching staff.
Keys to winning:
Christian Galledo, Larry Icban, Virgilio Roxas, Bacchus Ledesma, and Bambol Servo bring out the lumber.
RHP Charlie Labrador learns how to pitch more efficiently.
The youngsters on the team pick up the slack for weary veterans.
Burning questions:
How consistent is the pitching staff?
How do the veterans on the team adjust to subpar performances?
Clubhouse celebrity:
Bacchus Ledesma
Series 2 outlook:
First, North Division
Series 2 Runner-up
Marikina Shoemakers
[Marikina Shoemakers Preview]
The Shoemakers are stocked with pitching, but may have to deal with a clash of interest.
Keys to winning:
The Shoemakers focus on fundamentals and play selfless baseball.
Roel Batuto must overcome wildness and limit the number of base runners he allows.
Manager Randy Dizer effectively rotates his pitchers.
Burning questions:
Will there be a gap in team chemistry and a conflict of interest between which players take the field?
Does this team have enough experience as far as offensive firepower is concerned?
Clubhouse celebrity:
Toss-up
Series 2 outlook:
Second, North Division
Makati Mariners
[Makati Mariners Preview]
The Mariners lack offensive clout, but if their pitching holds up, there is good chemistry within the line-up for an encore performance.
Keys to winning:
Editho Justo needs to re-establish himself as a serious threat at the plate and possibly on the hill.
Jon-Jon Robles must be able to locate his pitches, while Christian Canlas must learn to pace himself.
Old reliables such as Sandy Barredo and Justo need to bring back their flair and assist manager Jeffrey Santiago in invigorating the younger players.
Burning questions:
How will Santiago address this team’s lack of offensive prowess?
Who will emerge as a third pitcher?
Clubhouse celebrity:
Chun Wang Song
Series 2 outlook:
Third, North Division
Cebu Dolphins
[Cebu Dolphins Preview]
The Dolphins pack the circuit's most potent offense and will look to claim the title it let slip away last summer.
Keys to winning:
The offense stays loose and patient.
LHP Joseph Orillana paces himself and RHP Ervick Vijandre keeps his focus on the game.
Joel Binarao, Sofronio De Juras, and Jon De Ubago come close to their old form.
Burning questions:
What happens if Orillana cannot pitch?
How will the team approach the batter’s box?
Clubhouse celebrity:
Richard Gomez
Series 2 outlook:
First, South Division
Series 2 Champion
Forward Taguig
[Forward Taguig Preview]
The Forward see the limelight with a new team and the nation's top hurler.
Keys to winning:
LHP Ernesto Binarao does not experience burnout.
LHP Melchor Palacol needs to reaffirm his all-around game from three years ago.
Roel Empacis and Jeffrey Hardillo regain their form and carry a positive attitude in the clubhouse.
Burning question:
How far does team chemistry go on this team?
How consistent will the offense be?
Clubhouse celebrity:
Gary Ejercito
Series 2 outlook:
Second, South Division
Dumaguete Uni-bikers
[Dumaguete Uni-bikers Preview]
The Uni-bikers have an interesting blend of veterans and youngsters, but it may not be enough to compensate for a lack of pitching depth and offensive power.
Keys to winning:
Marlon Caspillo needs to come close to his old form and re-establish himself as an elite player.
Another pitcher needs to step up and lessen Darwin Dela Calzada’s load.
The veterans play station-to-station baseball and execute with the leather.
Burning questions:
Will their bats be able to outslug the competition?
Who will step up on the mound behind Dela Calzada?
Clubhouse celebrity:
None
Series 2 outlook:
Third, South Division