Technika Brno (0-0)  vs.  Draci Brno (0-0)

The defending champions open their title defense against Coach Randy Barber’s Technika squad on Friday in what promises to be an interesting affair. Draci lost talented national team catcher Michal Bren (.426) to crosstown rival MZLU but added another lethal bat in Jan Jablonka (.391). Technika finished in the middle of the pack a year ago but possesses a quality pitching staff that boasted a 3.43 ERA in 2007. American import Jon Dobyns (1B/P) will play a major role in the fortunes of Technika this season.

MZLU Express (0-0)  vs.  Black Hill Blansko (0-0)

The Express had a terrific 2007 in which the team posted a 20-8 record and reached the league finals. The addition of former Draci standout, catcher Michal Bren, should bolster the squad biggest weakness last season – scoring runs. Veteran Leos Kubat anchors one of the league’s best pitching units. Black Hill Blansko struggled at the plate (.190) and on the hill (6.57) last year and will have a difficult task against MZLU in the season opener.

Krc Altron (0-0)  vs.  Tegola Titans (0-0)

The Eagles had the second-best pitching staff in the league a year ago posting an impressive 1.73 ERA. Jakub Jonak (1.47) and Matej Husek (0.80) were the workhorses for a team that went 17-11 and nearly reached the league championship series. The Titans had the worst offense in the league in 2007 hitting .173 and crossing home plate just 52 times in 28 games. Tegola added a pair of free agents, Jiri Vit (OF) and Vit Krepinksy (P), but lost their ace Jan Drabek who will pitch in the second division this season.

Skokani Olomouc (0-0)  vs.  Arrows Ostrava (0-0)

Skokani won only eight games a year ago but featured some talented hitters and pitchers. Radek Nemec and Jakub Vojak were among the league leaders with 24 hits apiece while Vojtech Holicky starred on the hill with a 1.75 ERA in 56.2 innings. Lukas Vesely also contributed logging 49.2 innings. The Arrows were led in 2007 by Jakub Malik who captured the batting title (.458) but will play in Holland this year. Zdenek Votava and Boris Bokaj lead a pitching that tallied an impressive 3.69 ERA a year ago. Votava won six games and Bokaj registered five wins and fanned 45 in 63 innings.

Tags: Czech Republic