NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (Times) - The 2017 season has ended with two single game elimination matches left to set the final ABL tournament roster. Nottinghamshire will start it's defense against the winner of the Minnesota v Seattle match. The Outlaws certainly had some things about the season to be upbeat about. They set a new ABL record for team wins with 111, breaking the mark of 109 they set last year. They also saw the emergence of rookie pitcher sensation Zi-Xing Feng who went 14-3 with an ERA of 4.00 and an OAVG of .256, which were top 10 finishes.
It was also a squad which changed thru the season, mostly to cope with injuries, but also to deal with some upcoming salary issues. Key additions were former Dallas ace, from Maple, Rich Bussell, and underperforming OF from Mile High, Patrice Delhaye. Lost in those deals were two long time contributors to the Outlaw legacy, 2B Daniel Burris and C/IB/DH Byron Bryant.
We asked Sir William about his view of the squad as they prepared the "Quest for Four".
"Certainly, the short series format is one that gives you concern. One hot pitcher or cold batter and you can be home in a hurry. We have been fortunate with that in the past. Still, I feel we come into this season's matches at less than full strength and not really playing our best ball. Our best pitcher, Antonio Gomez, has been out for the last third of the season, and will miss the entire playoffs. Hopefully he can be fully fit by next spring. LF Leslie Whitney has been out a lot this year. Leslie gets our offense going and his loss since the all star game has clearly affected our offensive play. He may be able to get back for the League matches, but I suspect it will be difficult for him to get his timing back quickly"
"On the plus side, it looks like Patrice Delhaye has passed his fitness and should be available for the playoffs. Again it will be can he get his timing going? So we may get some help in the playoffs. As we finished the season, our hitting has dropped, our pitching has been a little less effective and even our defense has been inconsistent of late."
"I believe the rest will help us a bit, plus we do have the advantage of having the experience in these matches. The lads are excited to get another opportunity at a championship and look to give it their full go. We can only hope that the ball bounces our way at the key moments".
Certainly the supporters will be in full voice at what has become a traditional fall outing, the Nottinghamshire attempts to complete it's "Quest for Four"
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