Five Northern Division Quarterfinal Questions

Both of these matchups are interesting and exciting. Sanford might be the No. 2 seed, but Keene has a 4-2 lead in the season series. Vermont won the division and the season series against Laconia- but have been pummeled 11-0 by the resilient Muskrats after several off days.

Here are five questions about the Northern Division quarterfinals.

How good is Laconia's offense?

Martinez

It is the best in the league in terms of average (.270) and they feature strong bats up and down the lineup. They're aggressive (3rd in stolen bases) and have erupted in several games. The Muskrats have four guys over .315 on the season, including the dangerous Braxton Martinez.

They have seven guys who have 14+ RBIs, but I don't think this is the league's best offense. Mystic, Vermont and several Southern Division teams all score more runs. They might have a high average, but they're on base percentage and OPS is fourth. In conclusion, it's a top-five lineup but not the best in the playoffs.

What does Vermont do without Elliot Ashbeck?

Ashbeck

Elliot Ashbeck had one of the best seasons for a Vermont starter but was still snubbed for an All-Star spot. He was shut down by his college coach after going 5-0 with a 2.20 ERA over seven starts. The Mountaineers will miss him, particulary if they face off against Sanford as the Bradley right-hander was dominant against the Mainers- 14 innings of one-run ball while allowing just nine hits.

However, the Mountaineers shouldn't skip a beat- just like they didn't when they lost Evan Bell to knee surgery. Bell had had made three excellent starts, but Vermont has more then enough depth. Ryan Davis, Ty Wiest, Daniel Koger and Sam Spencer form a strong postseason rotation, and they can get spot starts from the likes of Jordan Doyle and Cameron Sorgie if needed.

What kind of momentum does Keene have?

Blandino

Once again, Keene started their season poorly. After last season's early debacle, many people had all but ruled out the Swamp Bats. That was before they were incredible in July, seized the division title and went on to take the championship from Newport.

Rinse. Repeat. A new squad of Swamp Bats- a group that Kevin Watterson said was the best he'd assembled on paper- started just as poorly, going 1-7. They bounced back, putting together win streaks of four and five to sit at .500 on July 2nd. A playoff spot was in reach, and Keene closed out the year winning five of eight to take the No. 3 spot, avoiding a playin game with North Adams.

Do they have momentum? Well, Keene- led by four hitters over .400 over the last five games- have looked like the Swamp Bats of last year with strong pitching and even better hitting. Momentum is questionable, however, as they have a depleted pitching corps- it should be interesting to see how they fare against a very talented Mainers pitching staff. Matt Blandino get's the start in game one.

Who enters on the hottest streak?

Lyman

Vermont. The division champions went 15-8 in July and cemented themselves as the Northern Division champions. They tied a franchise record in wins while also sharing the monthly lead in wins with Plymouth. Sure, they had a letdown at the hands of North Adams (eventually resorting to position players in a rout) as they tried to set the record, but they had the playoffs locked up.

Even more dangerous is Vermont's production from several different players. Colin Lyman has been hitting the ball exceptionally well- .706 over his last five games as he's 12 for his last 17. After Lyman, Ian Sagdal is hitting .500 after struggling early on and has really hit his stride. Those two, combined with the trio of All Stars in the lineup make this Mountaineers team a dangerous offense.

Best bullpen?

Gesell

It's hard to really judge this by individual stats, because many relievers in the NECBL end up starting a game or two. You can, however, look at situational stats. Laconia has never blown a lead after six innings (a perfect 15-0), while Vermont (23-2), Keene (17-4) and Sanford (17-2) have all been good.

However, entering the ninth, nobody has been as good as the Mountaineers. They're a perfect 23-0 behind the unconventional approach- seven different players have recorded saves. Jared Gesell leads the way, having picked up five while utility man Adam Picard has four.