Whether they admit it or not, you know there's some extra motivation for the Goodfellas this year. Bowing out early last year without 2 of their stars, the G'fellas return what looks like arguably the best roster on paper of any team in this year's competition.
This team is no stranger to success. This core group has won 3 titles together, and reached another final. But it's been 4 years since that happened. Some may think it's fair to wonder if they can recapture that same magic. The talent is there no doubt, but it takes something extra to reach the mountain top in this tournament.
Returning Justin Geri and Billy Jackson to the mix should help. The dynamic duo have been widely considered two of the top five players in the tournament for the better part of a decade. Jackson, boasting 2 MVP's, is the heart and soul of the Goodfellas order. Geri, the backbone of their pitching staff while also providing an elite bat. Stick those two back into the mix, with future hall-of-famer Mike Tedesco, rising newcomer Carmen Daddario and solid veterans Jeff Lunsford and captain Rocco Lombardo, this group isn't off base if their mentality is Trident-Or-Bust.
Projected Batting Order
1. Carmen Daddario
2. Justin Geri
3. Billy Jackson
4. Jeff Lunsford
5. Mike Tedesco
6. Rocco Lombardo
Projected Pitchers
Justin Geri
Mike Tedesco
Carmen Daddario
One Interesting Fact
The 269 combined walks by their lineup ranks first among all teams in history. Their 99 combined home-runs rank 2nd among active teams' rosters.
Key Factor To Watch
I almost used this space to talk about the 4-6 hitters, which if you had to pick a spot of concern that might be it. But instead, I'll say this. Rarely has this team had to field the ball at any noticeable level. If teams can put the ball in play, instead of striking out at the rate they normally do against Geri & Ted (over 45%), if teams can more often make contact, it might prove harder for this team to get outs.
Draftkings Odds
-105 to win WP18, O/U win total: 2.5
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