It doesn't seem like there's been a team more thoroughly preparing for this year than the IB's. After a much needed year off, the Dinger squad is back and re-vamped, looking to finally reach the top. Do they have questions? Sure, what team doesnt? But there is a dearth of talent on this squad capable of winning it all.
It starts with team captain, all-time wiffle legend Allen Cruz, who's leadership will be needed along with his arm and bat. A 5-tool player, Cruz projects to be the absolute rock of this club. Beyond Cruz, former all-star and top rookie T.J Suppi returns to the mix, playing in his first tournament since 2021. Izayah Quinones returns his bat to the Ironballs order as well.
The questions, as they are, remain on the mound. Outside of Cruz, Ironballs pitchers have a combined 7.87 ERA in 52.5 IP in their history. They will need to figure out an answer for the non-Cruz innings. While this problem is not unique to the Ironballs, it is one that could undermine them quicker than others given their lack of historically top hitters. The talent is there, now it's time to put it all together.
Projected Batting Order
1. Allen Cruz
2. T.J Suppi
3. Tim Suppi Sr.
4. Izayah Quinones
5. Kev Caraballo
6. Jose Garcia
Bench: Dylan Tollefson, Joshua Rodriguez, Sam Celebre
Projected Pitchers
Allen Cruz
Jose Garcia
T.J Suppi
One Interesting Fact
Ironballs have produced Top Rookie in 2 of their 3 previous tournaments. They enter this year with 4 rookies.
Key Factor To Watch
Who is going to emerge as the 2nd pitcher? Right now it looks like Jose Garcia is going to get that opportunity, as Ironballs have already named him the starter for Game 1 on Saturday. But that spot to this point is mostly unknown. It's the formula we all know. If you have 2 elite starting arms, you give yourself a lot more room for error. Cruz's resume shows that he's one, but the 2nd arm is the key.
Draftkings Odds
+155 to win WP18, O/U win total: 1.5
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