The Prediction Issue

Yes boys and girls, the long awaited predictions issue.  This is where some of our league stalwarts over-analyze ,psycho-analyze, under-analyze, over-rate, over-think each team's roster and make predictions on the league's final standings.

To be clear, this is regular season only....it has nothing to do with playoffs.

See what Scott Peters thinks.  What I think.  What Kevin Boston thinks. And hear from two new comers to the predictions racket.  Bo Niederhuber, one of the two winningest (its a word) captains of all time in this league.  And hear the perspective of 5 time all-star Sir Andy Gee.  Now those two dudes know a little something about winning.

This usually serves as motivation for the teams ranked low because everyone loves being the underdog.  Team's ranked highly will dismiss it as uninformed drivel because everyone hates being the favourite.  And the teams in the middle will collectively stamp their feet and say, "what about us"?

The truth is that we collectively predict correctly at about 70% which just slightly better than most farm animals.  Its no screaming hell.  I'm hoping that improves with Bo & Andy.

That being said, I am appreciative to the boys in the band for doing this again this year and putting their names out there to be open to mocking and ridicule.

This was not the easiest BLOG to put together.  Mark Doyle passed this year and he usually has more stats than I do.  Geoff Keogh was bogged down with work commitments and had to pass.  Kevin Boston had to submit remotely from North Bay or Sault Ste. Marie as he was traveling with work.  Andy Gee contributed from Mexico.  Bo, Scott and I sat around my dining room table and kibitzed.  Not easy with two guys from the Hurtin' Units.

We don't agree on much.  But, the consensus seems to be that we don't have a tragic team this year like last seasons Hurtin' Units or two years ago Grisslies. Someone will finish last, that's assured.  But 2-24 or 3-23?  Not likely.

Lets not take this TOO seriously, its conversation fodder.

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  10-12
All-Time:  42-47-5
Rookies:  Gary Ross
Scott:  Plenty of choice in the outfield but need a way to plug up the infield and create double play opportunities.
Radar:Will finish in the top 6 only if the middle defence can also double up as their top offensive threats.  Keep it loose and keep it fun and this team could be a spoiler.
Bo:  Defense looks good across the outfield, need to catch some magic the bats.
Doug:  Like the pitcher, like the outfield, like Lamb at short.  Lots of guys that will play wherever they're needed.  Those are all good things.   Will the team have a steady and responsible enough defense to contend?  Need everyone in the right spots and playing a low risk game.  
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  14-7-1
All-Time:  75-91-4
Rookies:  Stephen Tsotsos

Scott:  Mason out, Lahey in.  Doesn't seem fair does it?  Speedy outfield, power bats, and some great personalities will make this team fun to watch.
Radar: Will finish in the top 6 with a solid performance from their Captain and fellow power-hitter Lahey.  The loss of Mason will hurt this team so they will look to newcomers to combine for that pop.  Decent outfield and middle defence.
Bo:  This team looks great offensively, moderate power, but lots of line drive hitters. This team looks to be among the leaders in runs scored this season.
Doug:  Let me see if I understand this.  Beechey loses (arguably) the best short stop in the league and in the draft gets (arguably) the best short stop in the league.  Ass.  Lahey is instant offense.  A healthy Gayle and dependable Muirhead should score a lot of runs in front of him.  I like the outfield.  Not sure how the infield all fits together.  In short, there's potential, but I'm from Missouri on this one. (FYI:  Missouri is the "Show Me" state)    
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year: 14-6-2
All-Time:  98-83-11
Rookies:  None.
Scott:  Experience, will it work again this year?  Lots of outfield possibilities, Moon may be asked to play more infield than expected.  Two top hitters need to set the table for the big bats.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if all of the parts can make it work.  A solid middle defence combined with strong pitching and a team filled with fairly set positions from the start.  The offense is pretty deep starting from the top right through 7.
Andy:  this team has this years version of "murderers row" and defensively they look strong up the middle. They can win it all providing they show up and Randy plays like Randy.
Bo:  Having a good group of guys that get along goes a long way to a having a fun and winning season.  There is nice offensive potential here and good defensive ability.
Doug:  Ummmm.....this looks pretty good.  Outfield is between good and great and if they take the time to teach Iacoucci how play 1st base that would be the kind of target every infielder loves.  Moon and Clouthier on the left, very nice.  They won't score like last years Dog Catchers, but then again, no team ever has; but they're gonna score a lot.  I can't see not contending.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  14-8
All-Time:  30-15-1
Rookies:  None

Scott:  Infield is set with a deep bench in case of injury.  Outfield solid.  Key will be shutting down the gaps for extra base hits on defense and chipping away and cashing in on extra base hits on offense.
Radar:Will finish in the top 6 if the bats can pester the opposition all year long with extra base hits.  Not a lot of home run power but pesky.  The defense will have no issues bringing it to first so expect a lot of double plays this season.
Andy:  Strong up the middle and now stronger with Darryl. They have a nice balance with their infield and outfield. They can win it all if they hit for high average.
Bo:  The middle is great with Gaudet, Chuck and Stike.  The question is what happens in the outfield. If they get that sorted out they'll be fine.
Doug:  Pitching and strength up the middle and add Bartens and Hjelholt to the corners and you've got something good.  The Achilles heel is the outfield.  There are some good players here, don't get me wrong; but they'll be challenged to run down balls with the same regularity as some other teams. If the outfield collectively over delivers, they'll be in great shape.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  6-16
All-Time:  67-98-3
Rookies:  None

Scott:  One of the strongest middle infields and throw in Rouleau at 3rd and you'll need to put the ball in the air against this team.  That doesn't mean that they a have a week outfield either.  Will finish in top 6 if outfield doesn't get worn out chasing balls in the gaps.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can keep healthy.  The season is long and this team needs to be in the game day in and day out.  
Bo:  There's nothing wrong with these players.  Where they play will make all the difference in the world.
Doug:  1st covered, 2nd covered, SS, 3B, OF, P, C .... covered, covered, covered and COVERED!   From May 4 to Sep 3 its a GREAT team.  Will be in top 6 in offense, should be in defense too.  End of conversation.  The playoffs are a different story, but a top drawer regular season team.  
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  13-7-2
All-Time:  77-84-9
Rookies:  Les Vajda

Scott:  Really mixed bag of age and experience.  Finding the right balance and chemistry in the batting order might be the key to success.  Lets hope injuries don't put pressure on the people having to play defensive positions they're not used to.
Radar:  Will "Goodin" finish in the top 6 with a lineup that must be consistent.  There is good potential to be a team with some pop combined with a team with average.
Andy:  They too have a nice mix of power and average at the plate as well as balance with the infield and outfield. They can win it all providing Rob brings his game every night. If they have to bring in their P2.....trouble.
Bo: Good mix of players and experience.  If the bats show the power potential that we see on paper then they'll be okay.
Doug:  Wow.  Every position has a person who plays it regularly!  The defense should be good out of the gate.  The offense?  As usual it will come down to Rick Lyon's bat.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year: 9-13
All-Time:  33-33-4
Rookies:  Ted Blowes

Scott:  Well captained and will be a fun team to play against.  Defensive strength in the key.  Defensive positions will help them shorten time on the field and focus on scoring.  Rookies could be the deciding factor for this team making it to Sunday this year.
Radar:Will finish in the top 6 if they can piece all of the parts together.  Need to find a middle infield to make it a go.
Bo:  If Ted brings to the table the same sporting sense to ball as he does to ball-hockey the Gruesome Devils will find themselves with a steal.
Doug:  I don't see any issues in climbing above the .500 for their careers.  There is a combination of baseball sense, brute strength, speed and hilarity.  Jens Lepa should probably be a #2, but; when you deliver a case of 24 of the Sweden's cheapest beer to the ratings committee; unexplained good things can happen.  Nice squad.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year: 11-11
All-Time:  88-98-6
Rookies:  Tristan Emmett
Scott:  Good depth, speedy outfield, solid infield with welcome return on Larkin.  Will Cavalier be able to repeat a sensational first year in the league?  Top 6 if Andy Gee doesn't get shipped out to Siberian minor leagues for disciplinary reasons.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if the Woody's can stay away from the Master Batters.  Those two teams make a bad combo.  On the field, this is a team with some speed and extra base potential.
Bo:  This team looks steady from top to bottom.  The vets don't have a lot of miles on them and have two good captains to fall back on.
Doug:  Wow.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  3-18-1
All-Time:  51-61-8
Rookies:  Todd Hicks

Scott:  Definitely no worry of repeating last years last place showing.  Strong infield will make outfield a busy place to be.  Look out for rookie Hicks to emerge as a top tier player.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can keep the other teams' offense at bay.  Their sticks will be a threat but expect lots of shootouts this season.
Andy:   Another team of tough outs that should hit for a high average. If they can figure that out and they find a good outfield combination this team could go all the way.
Bo:  My first captains since John Stiff.  These guys have a lot to live up to!!!  Will having 4 captains on the field at the same time help or hurt???
Doug:  Well the Units should be able to bounce back from last years disaster.  Speaking from experience, its tough to do it twice in a row.  Interesting mix of guys.  Combo of people with nothing to prove and people trying to take the next step.  If it mixes it could be interesting . But there's no way this team is tragic.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  0-0
All-Time:  0-0
Rookies:  Bob Blewett, Jon Douma

Scott:  Good balance strong outfield, Keogh anchoring the infield.  Quiet leadership with the exception of Tanner :)
Radar: Will finish in the top 6 if the team does not suffer a number of Tommy John surgeries as a result from overuse of arms.  This will be a fun team to play on.  Keogh will need to carry a lot on his stick and everyone on the team will have to give him a hand.  Hint to teams...the handshake rule after the game does not need to apply to this team.
Bo:  If they can manage the rough times as new captains and take advantage of the good streaks, they'll wind up just fine.
Doug:  Its actually a pretty good distribution of infield and outfield players.  Some shift work to contend with, but I've heard some rumours that rookie brings a little bit of game with him.  The best part of this team might be the new captain's ability to steer the ship.  I think they'll be able to keep it fun and show progress throughout the year.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  13-9
All-Time:  92-94-6
Rookies:  Ryan Marshall

Scott:  Infield is set and then some.  Outfield will need strong communication while chasing fly ball. Setting the table for Brooks and Young shouldn't be difficult.  Will finish in the top 6 if hitting finds consistency and clutch hits to pull out tight games.
Radar: Will finish in the top 6 if...this is not an if, they will finish in the top 6.  This team is loaded with lots of pop and solid defence from top to bottom.  Look out.  It could be a back-to-back championship in the making
Andy:  They have the team that can do a repeat performance providing they can put an outfield together and they need Brad to hit the ball on a line.
Bo:  Like the left side of the infield and the offensive potential.  Its a lot to ask for a repeat, The Wild might be safe for another year.
Doug:  Like Hugh was saying, the only thing harder than repeating is Gary Basso's head.  Not a bad squad at all.  Nice balance in and out and if Rumboldt is 100%, then the Reb's got a steal!!!  Really like the infield defense behind Sandy.  Good draft.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  9-13
All-Time:  9-13
Rookies:  Glenn Armstrong
Scott:  Some big bats in this line up.  Need to get runners on and spread power throughout the batting order.  Defensive versatility could be the key to making this team endure the long season have a good playoff run.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if the big bats come out to play.  They will need to carry this team to ensure they get a jump on the scoreboard.  Not a lot of speed but look for several doubles this year.
Andy:  Sliders look to be a team with a good balance of on base percentage and power. Defensively, if they can put a descent infield together and Lou returns to championship pitching form, they can win it all.
Bo:  Stringing together consistent at bats from 1 thru 12 will be the challenge.  If they score enough runs to keep up with their defense they'll be fine.
Doug:  Don't be afraid to use Dude at 3B, he made steady improvements throughout last year...and his bat is about to make him jump up 2 points in the ratings  He's that close.  I guess the big issue here is the same as last year; a bona-fide short stop.  Kahuna might be answer in the second half of the season, but right now its time to plug and play!
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  12-10
All-Time:  12-10
Rookies: Rob Quadrini

Scott:  Strong experienced outfield.  spray the ball around if you're planning on beating this team.  Don't underestimate a batting lineup that is bound to keep other teams guessing.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can find positions for everyone.  Lots of guys on this squad play several positions so they will need to sort that out.  They will also need to keep games low scoring to make a go out of it.
Bo:  Being overloaded at some positions might hurt at times but there is tons of offensive potential on this team to compensate.
Doug:  For anyone who didn't see Jeff Behan pitch as a p2 last year, do yourself a favour and go watch him before you have to face him. Two monsters from last years Grisslie squad here.  There might be 4 2nd basemen and 2 or 3 SS's but the good news is they're all versatile. Other good news, very nice outfield too!  Not much downside here.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  15-7
All-Time:  37-31-2
Rookies:  Paul Doyle
Scott:  Good depth defensively and offensively.  Shrank might be able to return to the infield where he's more comfortable and allow Ross to swallow up would be hits in the outfield.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can determine who will be the middle infield and if they can get a someone on first to help turn DPs.  The OF needs to ensure they get the ball to the infield quick.
Bo:  This team is well laid out at all positions.  Moderate power, but very reliable on base.
Doug:  Nice balance and a decent outfield.  You guys will enjoy fielding behind Kevin Bryan.  The Tap Masters have been competitive year after year.  This team might not have quite the power they're used to, but it certainly makes up for it with OBA and baseball brains.  Plus some teams (See the history of the BrewJays) just expect to win regardless of who's on the team.
Kanye West:

TOP 6

And now....the moment you've been waiting for.

The teams are not listed in order of finish, simply alphabetically.

So if we look at total counts, you'll see that the Dog Catchers are the only team picked by EVERYONE to finish in the top 6.  This doesn't make them favourites to finish 1st overall, it only means that we're all idiots if they don't finish in the top 6.  The Hot Tub Woody's are a close 2nd four picks and the only one who didn't pick them is their starting pitcher.  I think that may be some "jinx-nerves" coming into play.  The Grisslies, Cleats and Units are the last of the teams picked by the majority.  With two Hurtin' Units on the panel, I'll let you all debate the possible impact of that.

We have 12 of our 14 teams picked by at least one person to be in the top 6.  The only teams not picked are the Master Batters and Gruesome Devils.  This of course means that one of those two will definitely finish in the top 6.  It also means that our draft was once again AWESOME!!

Good luck to all!

1 Week Left!!!

Like Harrison Ford, I'm Frantic

Like Sting, I'm Tantric

Like Snickers, Guaranteed to satisfy.

So here we are.

Finally.  One last week before we can officially welcome the 2015 season.  While there are no games until May, teams will be drafted starting at noon (sharp) on April 11th and jockeying for "which team had the best draft" will start at 1pm and last for the next four and a half months.

This week is a big one for our league.  It begins with Rookie Night on Thursday which is an evening for our rookies, where we explain to them the goings on and uniqueness of our league.  This has never failed to be a great night and we're looking forward to another good one.

Hot like wasabi when bust rhymes

Big like LeAnn Rimes

Because I'm all about value

Then after Rookie Night, we have two short days to recover before the draft.  As usual we will draft the pitchers first.  First the P1's, then the P2's.  Then we'll start with 12th round of the draft and meander our way back to the 1st round.

Who do you think we'll get as a #1?  Do we want a Shortstop or Center fielder?

The draft is fun in sooo many ways.  You get to see folks that you haven't seen all winter.  For 150 people or so, you get a new team!  It is a blast watching your team come together round by round; but the story isn't complete until you draft in that last (1st) round.  The 1st round will either complete your team or leave you with some challenges.

How can drafting one of the best 14 players in the cause you problems?

The vertigo is gonna grow

'Cause its so dangerous

You'll have to sign a waiver

It can happen.  Ask the Rusty Rebels if does.  You can draft a great team and end up without a shortstop by drafting a #1 who's an outfielder.  That can really hamper a team defensively.  The Rebels tried a number of options last year.  They gave up 21, 27, 28, 11 and 19 runs in their first five games.

21.2 runs per game, poor Andy Gee

Not pretty.

But they overcame that two ways.  First they lost one of their best hitters in Randy Rose who moved to Newfoundland and they picked up Victor Dermott from the waiting list.  Their offence went from waiting for a bloop and a blast to being more about moving runners along and scoring consistently. Additionally, Victor stabilized the Shortstop spot and steadied the over all defense with his dependable play.

 Victor had some range and good ball sense, much like Snoopy

So the bottom line?  The Rebels went on a crazy run to end the season and climbed all the way to the top 6 in the league which earned them home field in the playoffs.  In the playoffs they ran the table going 6-0 and finished as Champions for the 2014 season

As much as you may THINK you know your team on draft day, you never really know anything for sure.

THE CONTEST

Too early to think about Christmas?  Not in these here parts.

The Santa Claus parade is kind of a big deal around here and for the first time ever, the Tottenham Oldtimers put in a float last year.  In large part due to the work of Charlie O'Leary, Peter Hayward, Tim Osmond and Jason Bowers we were able to overcome the complete lack of effort from Doug Dwyer and pulled off an entry in pretty short order.

We had so much fun that we want to do it again!  We took the idea to the executive meeting in February and got the League's support to have a committee work toward a float for this year.  Those mentioned above are on the committee and if you have any interest you can contact any them.

But this year won't be a courtesy float like last year.  Nay.  This year will be spectacular!  The only thing we're missing is an idea.

Hence the contest.

This is open to all league members and friends and family from the age of 19 and upward.  We are looking for a float THEME and general DESIGN.  We are not expecting anything on drafting paper and drawn to scale.  Just something like this:

Theme:  Pirates
Design:  Make the float look like a pirate ship with a mast and and sail etc....

I've given that example because its all I could think of and is the stupidest idea for a Christmas parade float EVER.  But if it was for a pirate parade, then it would be awesome.

Please understand that we will not be able to rebuild the Millennium Falcon on our float. Our committee will choose the winner based on which entry got us closest to picking our float for this year.

Please send your ideas to:  Tottenham.Oldtimers.Contests@Gmail.com 

Oh and the prize will be paid out at the Help The Kids Play Tournament in July.  The prize comes in the form of multiple plastic glasses and should keep you busy for a few hours.  I can't advertise free beer so you'll have to use your imagination or ask Karen Turner or Danny Chiasson (our usual contest winners) for more details.

The contest closes on June 15th 2015!!!  Enter early!!!  Enter often!!!