Hertfalcons.co.uk managed to get a quick Q&A with the two managers before the weekend clash between the Falcons and the Hawks.
Q: Your prediction for the score of the two games?
Bruce Dullea A:
We'll win both games, 9-6 & 10-8.
Paul Auchterlounie A:
Whilst I hate to make predictions, I think that Falcons will win game 1, with a score of 11-5. Hawks will bounce back and take game 2, 9-6.
Q: Key player from your team?
Bruce Dullea A:
Yuji has made our infield defense very strong. He's a key.
Paul Auchterlounie A:
I have many players who could be deemed as key players – those in the infield and the outfield, batting 1-9. If I had to pick 1 it would, I think, have to be Larry Martillo. The strong batting lineup of Falcons needs to be quieted, and I feel that Larry has the experience and guile to bewitch them at the plate, provided the ump knows where the strike zone is.
Q: Most feared player from the opponents' team?
Bruce Dullea A:
We don't fear anyone, but respect all of the Hawks players. Larry gave us trouble in the Kyle Hunlock Series and is a leader on and off the field for the Hawks.
Paul Auchterlounie A:
Sometimes, stats don't mean ****. However, currently leading the Falcons is one of their Japanese import players, Kimiyoshi Saionji. He can hit to either field, is quick around the bases and pulls off great plays with the glove. Others to watch for are Andy Cornish (who can be a little suspect with fly balls at the fence!) and the left side of the infield – it'll need a very sharply hit ball to get through there.
Q: If you could have one MLB player play for your team this weekend who would it be?
Bruce Dullea A:
Barry Zito
Paul Auchterlounie A:
I was going to go for Ryan Howard, reigning National League MVP. He's on a hot hitting streak right now, can go either way and with the short (by MLB standards) fence the balls will just keep on flying. However, Falcons would probably kill the game and just pitch round him to get to the next batter. So with the intention of quieting the Falcons lineup, I've decided to go for a pitcher – Jake Peavy. 2nd in the majors in ERA and leads the majors in strikeouts he should be a good matchup for the predominantly right handed lineup of the Falcons. He'll set the table nicely for Martillo to come in and finish off!!
Q: A short message which you want to give to your opponents.
Bruce Dullea A:
(Note: Bruce will come back a little later on this particular point. He is probably referring to Sun Tzu's “The Art of War” for inspiration)
Paul Auchterlounie A:“There are only 5 things that you can do in baseball – run, throw, catch, hit and hit with power. It's a pity the Falcons can't do any of them”. Leo Durocher. (Ok, so I adlibbed a bit with the quote.)