SASL D2 playoffs are here and the powerhouses of D2 start their Championship Cup chase this Sunday.

Assassins (2) vs Legion (3)

The defending Champions have continued their strong push for another title by bringing back essentially same the team. Legion on the other hand is a merge of various veterans that have come together to earn one of the top 3 seeds in this year’s playoffs, narrowly escaping the wild card matchup. The two double header matchups between these teams during the regular season resulted in a clean sweep by the Assassins, but playoff softball is always a different game. Can the Assassins continue to add to their championships? Or can Legion overcome them with the presence of SASL champions within their roster themselves?

Lets break this matchup down by position:

Catcher: Cory Ullger (Legion) vs Manpreet Singh(Assassins)

Manpreet is a long time member of SASL and has been a value to the Assassins since their foundation. Legion have added Cory whose bat is among the elites of the league, and he can hit it a long way if he gets a hold of one.

This matchup goes to Cory.

Pitcher: Parvesh (Legion) vs Naresh/Danny/Sugar (Assassins)

There's no doubt that both of these pitchers are of the elite within D2, both of them being nominees for Cy Young. PK is also a very hidden bat who finds ways to get on whether in front of you or over your head if you cheat. However, Dan has been a league of his own with the value he brings on the mound and in the middle of the Assassins lineup.

This matchup belongs to Naresh.

1b: Anthony Dindyal (Legion) vs Rishi Rampal (Assassins)

A very close matchup between 2 elite gloves at 1b, arguably the 2 best gloves at their position in D2. Key components on the offensive side as well. Very even matchup.

This one is a tie, Anthony = Rishi.

2b: Milan Patel (Legion) vs Vito Ciaccia (Assassins)

Vitos consistency on the defensive side of the infield has been a big part on Assassins getting that # 2 seed. No attendance issues like others within the Assassins roster, Milan from Legion is of the most underrated and elite bats of the league in competition for the batting title in D2 and he will take the win in this matchup.

Milan owns this matchup.

SS: Josh Abbensetts (Legion) vs Brian Bilello (Assassins)

Brian is rated as one of the top 5 players in the division for a reason. Minus attendance there's nothing he won't do to help Assassins get the win. Josh of Legion is no slouch and has the capability to stand toe for toe with Brians production. Offense Brian, Defense Josh.

Brian takes this one, as the gap between their offense is greater than the gap between their defense.

3b: Joe Waterhouse (Legion) vs Reggie Sawh (Assassins)

Reggie is a young player that has displayed flashes of brilliance through his years in the league, consistently improving his talent “floor” every year. He can hit it over your outfielders head and even over a fence occasionally. His defense is similar, where he will make a brilliant play, but also lose a routine ground ball once in a while. Newcomer Joe Waterhouse has shown top tier defense at third base in the league, high IQ, and an ability to spread the ball around the field. While he doesn’t have the same level of pop as Reggie does with the bat, his consistency wins this matchup for him.

Joe wins this matchup.

OUTFIELD

Kyle Majid Kunal Luis (Legion)

Sajeel Shane Basile Ryan (Assassins)

Zero defensive weakness from both outfields. Assassins have the same outfield that has won them a prior championship but, Legion has grouped together an elite outfield that can stand toe to toe with the Assassins defensively. Sajeel will man a great LF while Shane and Basille should cover the middle as Ryan protects the right side. Legion should have Kyle Majid Kunal and Luis from left to right. If I was forced to choose I'd say Legion cover more ground and have better arms, while the offensive side anybody can have their day. Head to head, Assassins might win the four matchups but as a whole I'm giving a slight edge to Legion for their intangibles, arms and speed in the outfield.

Legion holds the advantage.

One major intangible that Legion holds in their back pocket is Tyler Burasingh. He is someone that can be a game changer providing a strong bat and a more than capable infield and outfield glove. He is a young talented player with speed, power, and a strong arm. He gives Legion a versatility where they can slot Tyler in and move other players around to make up for any inconsistency or weakness during a series. 

Another player often slept on is Aroup Sorijum. You can count on his steady glove in the outfield when needed, and he can make the close plays at home as well. His bat has also improved this season as we see from the stats he has put up.

This matchup was swept away during the regular season by the Assassins winning all 4 games. Legion kept one game close, losing only by 3 but the other three defeats were all by double digits. However, attendance issues have plagued both teams all year and assuming both teams come to the semifinal matchup in full strength anybody can win this playoff season. Pitching will be huge, defense can't give extra outs within their half inning and the offense has to get on base before trying to win it on 1 swing. Eisenhower 2 might favor the small ball hitting team more and the tricky big outfield dimensions will be a challenge. I'm picking this series to go 3 games and the third seed, Legion, pulling off the upset victory.