2018 Fellowship Series Preview

The playoffs are here! And Middle Earth Sports Network (MESN) has the scoop.

In the Shire Conference, it's Bywater vs. Bree and Moria vs. Rivendell.

Bywater is the defending SGCBL champ, and they come into the postseason winning their 5th straight Hobbit Division pennant. The Bounders are basically all about pitching. They finished 3rd in the Conference in Runs Allowed, led by Glodunter Bromburg (17-8, 2.51 ERA), Bagdreg the Hated (15-14, 2.89 ERA) and Cristian Estrella (15-11, 3.97 ERA) and anchored in the pen by closer Haleodur Grilgol (38 Saves). The bad news is that their star hitter, Elendil *L'pu, is out with an inguinal hernia.

Bree is back in the playoffs as the Dwarf Division champs. The Cheese won more games than any other in Shire Conference (101), and their powerful bats finished 1st in most offensive categories. Biggles *Dogsbody (.319, 30 HR, 111 RBI), Grikak Spleenwhomper (.345, 20 HR, 106 RBI), and Teun Mulder (.302, 26 HR, 94 RBI) will lead the attack without veteran Kobur Hammermaker (strained Achilles tendon), Duuk Braingobber (strained medial collateral ligament) and Bill Pelham (strained rib cage).

Moria has a nice mix of hitting and pitching, vets and rookies. The pitching staff boasts three 15-game winners (Quinn Ladygrass, Sarkla Elril-gambor and Theodorus Tumbletoe), and their hitting includes Vruugak Fareomer (.275, 32 HR, 101 RBI) and Brandewyn of Rohan (.285, 21 HR, 119 RBI). Unfortunately, their star catcher, Splinter *Jack, is out with a damaged knee.

Rivendell has the only 20-game winner in the Shire playoffs, Elegrina Peremral (23-8), and the Royals finished at the top of the heap in pitching. Alongside Peremral, Rivendell puts Mundin Elfplate (18-6, 2.92 ERA, 322 K), Estagrel Bladeslinger (14-8) and the recently acquired Denaumir Deneadur (7-6, 3.10 ERA). Plus, they have the best closer of the four teams, Deallyra Undomiel (42 Saves, 1.95 ERA).

In the Mordor Conference, it's Numenor vs. Dol Guldur and Grey Havens vs. Isengard.

The Numenor Kings are back in the playoffs for the first time since their glory days almost 10 seasons ago. Somehow, without any true pitching star, the Kings finished with the 3rd best pitching staff in the Mordor Conference and allowed the fewest hits of any team. Sortai Guril (.290, 36 HR, 95 RBI) and Minto Foxburr (.289, 19 HR, 67 RBI) lead the attack with Gilly Hill on the DL with a hyperextended knee.

Dol Guldur comes cruising into their 3rd playoffs as the defending Mordor Conference champion and winning 106 games this season. They don't have any key injuries, and their pitching staff includes Lerin Iceywater (22-4, 2.17 ERA), Dejatok Belebrildur (17-8, 3.76 ERA), Fareand Elraralindë (15-5, 2.70 ERA) and Vralak Footpoker (12-8, 3.62 ERA) for starters and Ronald Husband (40 Saves) in the bullpen. Meanwhile, Herman *Slobberknocker (.349, 32 HR, 95 RBI), Gollilmer Fyrith (.288, 39 HR, 118 RBI) and Samwise Peatfingers (.270, 40 HR, 124 RBI) lead a devastating lineup.

Grey Havens outlasted Dunharrow, taking the Orc Division flag on the last day of the season--their first pennant in 8 years. The Stars finished near the bottom in every offensive category, but they made up for it with pitching. Born Long Cleve (19-8, 2.54 ERA) leads a staff that includes Donethirion Donethir (15-6, 3.29), Merimac Snowmouth (12-10, 4.45 ERA) and Aragon *the Chaste (12-11, 2.85).

Despite their relatively impressive showings over the last few seasons, this is the first time the Isengard Raiders have made the playoffs since 2008. They were #1 in hitting, with Ragnar *Stonecutter (.363, 39 HR, 128 RBI), Glomli of Erebor (.336, 25 HR, 88 RBI), Merilmir Knifecrawler (.325, 26 HR, 133 RBI), Isumbras Bauwyn (.308, 24 HR, 98 RBI) and Marroc Gamwich (.284, 19 HR, 94 RBI). They also had arguably the league's best pitcher in Renato Morales, who won a record 29 games while only losing 2.

Posted at January 19, 2009 11:39 AM | more from Bree, more from Bywater, more from Dol Guldur, more from Grey Havens, more from Isengard, more from League News, more from Moria, more from Numenor, more from Rivendell