BOLD PREDICTIONS (III) - 2012

POLL RESULTS

We already have the Dodge City Rounders in the bank as favourites....now lets look at round number 2!

Which team would you consider to be the favourite of this group? You can pick more than one team

Dog Catchers            20% - a team to watch!

Dusty Cleats              54% - they weren't overlooked this year!!!

Grisslies                     12% - Little love for the defending champs

Gruesome Devils        8% - And NO LOVE for the rookie captains!

Hot Tub Woody's      20% -  probably would have done better if not dragged down at short stop!

Hosted by Clark W. Griswold

The BLOG:  The Hurtin' Units have seen a fantastic year followed by a more normal middle of the pack year.  Which way do you think they're trending?
Clark W. Griswold:  I think you're [expletive deleted] in the head. We're just days from hitting the [expletive deleted] ball park and you want to talk trends? Well I'll tell you something. This is no longer just a season for the Hurtin' Units.  It's a quest. It's a quest for fun.  They're gonna have fun and you're gonna have fun. We're all gonna have so much [expletive deleted] fun we'll need plastic surgery to remove our [expletive deleted] smiles! You'll be whistling 'Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah' out of you're [expletive deleted]!

The BLOG:  What about the Lucky Stiffs then?
Clark W. Griswold:  The Lucky Stiffs aren't the problem.  This BLOG is. Can I refill your beer for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?
The BLOG:   I'm sure the Stiffs will appreciate that in-depth analysis.
Clark W. Griswold:  The Stiffs ARE Lucky.  The have the two most critical pieces from last year's Grisslie's championship team.
The BLOG:  Are you predicting a championship for the Stiffs then?
Clark W. Griswold:  Well aren't you the clever sausage then?  You should think about journalism as a profession.  Really!

The BLOG:  You have something dripping from your chin.
Clark W. Griswold:  That's sarcasm.
The BLOG:  Whatever.  Hey, I heard that McCarron is threatening to leave the Red Dogs.  What do you think Bob Candy would say about that?
Clark W. Griswold:  He'd say, "where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned baseball team. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm baseball emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest baseball season since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny [expletive deleted] Kaye.
The BLOG:  I feel a certain loyalty to Bob that makes me want to disagree, but I can actually see him saying something along those lines!

The BLOG:  On to one of the teams I think did very well in the draft, the Rusty Rebels.
Clark W. Griswold:  I guess so - that draft was like a gift.
The BLOG:  I wouldn't go that far.
Clark W. Griswold:  Hey! If you are looking for any ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Hugh Armstrong, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head, and I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a fortunate, lucky, no-good, rotten, horse shoe up the [expletive deleted], roulette wheel spinning, weight losing, bug-eyed, short-legged, snake eye rolling, draft rigging captain that his!  Hallelujah! Holy [expletive deleted]! Where's the Tylenol?

The BLOG:  Would you surprised if the Tap Masters won it all this year?
Clark W. Griswold:  If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I couldn't be any more surprised.

RADAR's Corner:

PLAYERS NOT INCLUDED:
Rusty Rebels:  Brian Uprichard
Tap Masters:   Dwyane Comer
Hurtin' Units:   Craig Slater, Rob Rumboldt
Lucky Stiffs:   Jason Chiovitti, Steve Lahey 
Red Dogs:      Brad Young, Jon Hardy

 

• Al Hayward had a very consistent year last year hitting over .600 throughout and finishing at .667.  He also was one of a very select group to have authored a 6 hit game!
• A fly ball eating machine at any outfield spot, Anicete Goncalves crushed 74 hits and finished the season with a .718 average.  He had 9 games with 4 or more hits and only 5 games with less than three.  He's a constant threat.  
• Cameron Clark is pretty versatile (for a lefty).  He's a top drawer center fielder and can play any infield spot to boot.  Cam is a regular in the top 25 finishing in a tie for 21st at .742 last season. 
• Flying a little under the radar last year was Clayton Avery.  That can happen on a team with Douglas, Glecoff, Routledge and Sagert lighting it up.  Clayton brings a steady glove, good speed and a very reliable stick (.680) with the threat of gap power.  
• After a rocky start with the stick, Dave Kidd finished the season at .574.  He is listed as a P2 this year which means there will be less opportunity for that knuckle ball to make me look stupid.  
• After the Grisslies first 5 games last year Freddy Mercury (AKA Gord Robertson) had an average of .000.  Swear to God.  He would go on to finish the season at .556, slam his first out of the park home run AND be the offensive MVP of the finals!  In my top 15 at either 1st or 3rd.  Nice pickup.  
• Gord ROBINSON had a bit of reverse season to Freddy.  He was hitting .780 through 10 games and slamming home runs everywhere.  He went .583 over the rest of the year (which most of us would happily take) before rebounding in the playoffs.  Plays an elite 3rd, Short or 2nd.  I haven't really seen him in the outfield but have no doubt he'd be fine there too.  The Units will love this pick.  
• If the season was another game longer Jamie Allen would have hit .700.   He steadily moved his average up to .689 to finish the year.  That after a start of .483 after 9 games; that's a fantastic turn around.  Jamie could be a big steal.  
• UNKNOWNs:  Craig Slater (Rookie), Rob Rumboldt (Returning after 17 year hiatus).  Rumour has that Rob can no longer walk and drink coffee at the same time....he may be the perfect "Hurtin' Unit".   
• CAPTAINS:  Well....James Taylor enters his 1st year as a P1 after filling for the honorable Bill Jonkman last year while he was rehabbing.  James did pretty well last year but has a steep hill in his 1st full time go around.  There will undoubtedly be bumps but he'll be fine.  And he has a an extremely reliable P2 behind him when he needs it.  Mike Olliffe (2 L's, 2 F's) is a good outfielder and hit .685 last year with some power.  Both work well together as captains and are good with their teams.  

The Bright Side:  There is power on this team.  Anicete, Clark, Robinson, Robertson and Olliffe can all crash the fences.  There is some good speed on the bases throughout too.  They should score a lot of runs. They are middle of the pack in average, but its average with power.  Nice combo.    
The Less Bright Side:  Hmmmm.  Not sure who's playing second base.  Not sure where Rumboldt plays.  If he's at 1st then Freddy moves to 3rd, that could be nice.  If RR is in the outfield its going to be crowded out there I think.  

 
• Andre Comeau narrowly missed the top 25 in hitting with his .724 average.  I would expect that he does the same or better this year.  Crazy speed and good defense.  
• Joining Andre is a top 25 hitter from last year (#19) in Andy Gee.  Andy continues to be one of the league's elite pitchers and good guys.  Good defense from the mound too!
• Going 3/3 in the good guys department the Stiffs have Calvin Steeves.  Cal is a good outfielder and has some moments of greatness making some of the most spectacular you'll see all season.  Cal had a down year (for him) last year hitting .609.  He is my early pick to have the seasons most improved batting average.  
• Catfish Hunter played stellar center field for the Grisslies last year and is also an accomplished second baseman.  He carried a hot stick into playoffs (.818 over his last 6 games) to lead the team from the lead off spot.  Has very good speed and is an intelligent base runner.  
• Mickey Mannell gives you some flexibility.  He can catch and he can play a very respectable 1st base.  The Stiffs should consider themselves lucky (get it?) to have him as Mickey damned near single handedly put them out of the semi's with his four hits.  Don't be fooled by his average, the Mick is clutch.  And he has AMAZING shirts.    
• John Barlow I know more from chatting with than playing against.  A very nice guy who hit an uneven .607 last year.  John would have great stretches (.750 thru his 1st 4 games) and tough patches.  All told, a good team mate and a good league guy.  
• Mr. Incredible (Ken Doan) had a trip to the quarters last year with the Brew Jays and gave us all a reminder of sportsmanship.  After missing 10 of the first 12 games, Ken hit .719 over last 8 games as he got into his playoff groove.  Plays a very nice outfield to boot.  
• Steve Hunt brings top drawer short stop play to the Stiffs.  Additionally, Steve brings a solid and consistent bad to the dance. Steve can hit the ball hard, not necessarily out, but hard and deep.  
• UNKNOWNs:  Jason Chiovitti (rookie), Steve Lahey (rookie)
• CAPTAINS:  The Stiff / Campbell duo continues.  Clayton plays sound infield defense and had eight (8) perfect games at the plate last season!  John continues to be a credible corner outfielder and hits triple his weight!  

The Bright Side:  This team is strong up the middle at pitcher, short, and multiple center field options.  Overall, they may have the best outfield going with Steeves, Hunter, Comeau and Doan.  If they choose to move The Wadd back to 2nd they still have Stiff to play a corner outfield spot.  Clayton is logical and good at 1st and The Mick won't disappoint anyone catching or at 1st.  Without seeing the rookies, this has the potential to be one of the better defensive teams in the league.  

The Less Bright Side:  Like the Units, the Lucky Stiffs are decidedly middle of the pack in average.  However, their team lacks the up and down the lineup power that the Units have.  They could struggle to score runs, but their defense should keep them in each and every game.  AND...defense wins championships. 

 
• Blaine Richards played for the banshees last year and overcame a bit of a shaky start.  He progressed steadily throughout the year.  He hit 643 in his last dozen games.  .753 in his last 4 games.  He's trending upward.  
• Red back on the Red Dogs.  After pitching great for them last season, Eric "The Red" comes back for another tour of duty with the Candy's.  Eric hit .610 last year and continues to baffle the Grisslies year after year.  
• Hey Gary, how's your hand?  Wait until you catch a few from your short stop.  Gary Cox had another fine year last season hitting .624 and being one of 20 league players to muster 100 at bats.  Gary plays 2nd base very well and can play right field better than most.  Good pick up for sure. 
• Jim Rouleau can play all over the infield and play well.  His average was low for him last year at .605 but he put himself behind the 8-ball after the 1st four games going 4/17.  From that point on he hit more like himself at a .683 clip.  
• Whether at 1st base, 3rd base or left field, Mark Kolsen brings good play and a calming presence to the field.  He's the first guy to pick up a team mate, a nice guy to have around. With the stick however; the nice guy goes away.  Last year he ripped 76 hits in 106 at bats (.717) finishing 33rd overall in the league in batting.  And he did this with power, there aren't a lot of cheapies off of his bat.  
• Another looming presence on the 2012 edition of the Red Dogs is Rick Hjelholt.  Rick is a slick fielding 1st baseman who was not rewarded for his hard shots last year.  You hear a lot of people speak negatively about some high averages, ("he just forces people out in front of him") but the opposite is true for Rick.  He hit ropes often from what I saw and he just seemed to have bad luck hitting them to where people were standing.  His .476 average does not tell the tale, at least in my humble opinion is doesn't.    
• Entering his sophomore season, Robert Quadrini moves from the Rebels to the Red Dogs.  I'm sure it will be a relief to get away from Hugh's constant badgering and into the more tranquil setting of a Bob Candy run team.  Rob started 3/4 in his first game.  Then went 0/3.  Then 3/3. Then 0/3.  You get the idea; and such is the life of most rookies in this league.  I can attest to that!.  Rob:  KEEP YOUR FEET STILL!, you'll be fine.  
• Robert McCarron.  What to say about Robert.  He definitely looks good in Red!  Rob is a very good outfielder and a smart positional player overall.  And he hits like a good old fashioned farm boy....hard!  Robbie is rarely cheated at the plate; always getting good aluminum on the ball.  Last year he had 83 hits in 110 at bats (.755) which was good for 15th overall in the league in average, 1st in at bats and 2nd hits.  The "woe is me....I'm slowing down" stories are a little tough for the rest of us mortals to take Mr. McCarron. Another top 20 finish in batting seems to be tied up with a black velvet band.
• UNKNOWNs:  Brad Young (Rookie - apparently sucks), Jon Hardy (Rookie)
• CAPTAINS:  The senior Candy hit .646 last season and played all over the place to fill in spots.  The junior Candy would have finished 8th in the league in hitting if he had enough at bats to qualify.  Mike is elite in center field and pretty damned good at short stop too when called upon. 

The Bright Side:  The entire outfield, short stop, 1b and 2b are somewhere between good and awesome.  The Red Dogs based on last year are supposedly 13th in hitting.  I give this a big "whatever".  I think Brad will make a huge difference and take some of the load off of McCarron.  I hope it doesn't rejuvenate him though, because we don't need him getting any better.  Quadrini and Rick will both hit better.  The power is ridiculous.   

The Less Bright Side:  Sooooo.....Rick and Mark are both ideally suited for 1st base.  Gary and Jim are both ideally suited for 2nd base.  So there will be two odd men out and one of them I suppose will play 3rd.  These aren't actually bad problems to have and will give some options when there are holidays or injuries.    

 
• "For those about to rock" Bill Sallustio.  So Bill.....you thought I was bad, huh?  Enjoy playing with Mr. Armstrong!  Bill hit .635 last year but hit .700 over his last 10 games.  He's particularly good in the clutch with runners on.  He is a very responsible outfielder.  No stupid risks.  Hits the cutoff, doesn't give up extra bases.   Very solid pick up. 
• The pitching looks solid with Bob Vaughan.  I saw Bob at the draft and he looks to be in great shape, fit, healthy and ready to play.  A hearty "Welcome Back" from your fans at The BLOG.
• Another player who provides a lot of options for captains is Brett Mabee.  He is a strong outfielder and a very good middle infielder.  A bit of an off year with bat last year at .550, I wouldn't expect that will continue.  
• God Dol had a spectacular year with the bat last season missing the .700 club by only 1 solitary hit.  He finished at .697 and was remarkably consistent.  He had only one game all season with fewer than 2 hits. 
• I keep hearing this Kevin Moon guy is pretty good.  Sure, he plays a good outfield.  Sure he's a really good short stop.  And 2nd baseman for that matter.  He hit a very deceptive .628 last year in what was a bit of a down season with the bat.  But I can't remember the last Mooner hit that wasn't a big one for his team.  Look for the return of the "moon-shots".  
• Mike Ghaney enjoyed a trip to the finals last year along with Brett.  Ghaney had a great year playing all around the outfield and collecting an even 50 hits.  He it almost a 100 points in the first half of the season, hopefully the Rebels won't wear him out like the Cleats did!
• Allow me to introduce The Kahuna who needs no introduction (hahaha).  Roger Burton is a nice guy.  I thank god for that because if he ever threw the ball in anger somebody would be in the hospital.  Apparently we have a rookie who has an arm better than Kahuna, but we will not anoint a new "best arm" until we see it live and factor in accuracy.  As a hitter, Roger has few rivals.  He had 100 bats (T14th in the league), 82 hits (3rd in the league) and a sparkling .820 average.  He joins McCarron and Barton as the only players with 100 or more ABs, 75 or more hits and a .750+ average.  He's 'okay'. 
• Speaking of awards.....Steve Grenkie has been drafted by the Rebels for a 4th consecutive year!  The odds of that are ridiculous.  At this point they should just make him a co-captain.  Steve is a good all around player and has excellent speed.  He started last year slow in hitting, sitting at .540 at the half way point of the season.  He looked a lot more like the guy we've become used to seeing in the second half going .700 the rest of the way.  
• Wilf Roblin quietly put together a very nice season last year in what was the Wild's attempt at the (never been done) three-peat.  They made it pretty damned far though, bowing out in the semi's.  Wilf was 56 for 80 hitting an even .700.  Only two games with less that 2 hits shows his consistency.  
• UNKNOWNs:  Brian Uprichard (Rookie).  I'm sure Brian Uprichard, Blaine Richards, and Brian Richards aren't going to cause any problems on the stats sheets?!?!?!?
• CAPTAINS:   Hugh and Don are good captains in how they treat their team and the abilities on the field.  Hughie caught fire in the second half of the season, hitting a sweet .787 over the last 12 games.  He finished at .702 overall.  He is above average at any infield position and is credible in the outfield.  Much the same, Don saw his average climb about 80 points in the second half as he overcame a bit of slow start with the bat.  Donnie continues to be athletic and capable in the outfield and play 1st base at a high level. 

The Bright Side:  Armstrong, Moon, Mabee and Kahuna are all candidates for the short  and second base combo.  No matter which two are used, it'll be a good combination.  The outfield has lots of options with Grenkie probably being the best "go get it" guy in center.  Wilf, Donnie, and Bill are more than credible out there as well.  Overall the team is balanced, power, average, pitching, defense.  Good draft.

The Less Bright Side:  Hoping Kahuna is back to 100% with the foot.  If he's not, and losing Mabee for half the games (shift work) might be tough for the team to overcome.    

• Brian Kononiuk was a rookie last year with the Torn Ligaments.  He hit dead on .500 last season but with only 26 hits in 52 ABs.  He'll find more consistency if he's able to get to more games, but a nice start for sure.  
• As a poker player, Dan Routledge sure can play baseball!  After taking four years off, he came back like he hadn't missed a day.  He was top 25 in hits and finished at .723.  Good speed and good defense to boot.  Never looks you in the eye when he's bluffing though.    
• Another second year player, Esau Lewin will spend his sophomore season with the Tap Masters.  Esau hit .603 in his rookie season and brings deceptive speed to the bases.  Being a cricket player it took Esau a little while to figure out the subtle difference in the swing.  But he did it!  He went from hitting .433 in the 1st half to a whopping .708 in the second half!  This pick could be a steal!
• How good is Geoff Keogh?  Our home park is named after him, that's pretty telling isn't it?  Geoff started last year 24 for his first 24.  I can't even get my head around that.  Add to that super short stop play and all around good guy and you have the composition of a great player.  
• Mike Roche apparently plays a number of positions, but I remember him mostly playing 3rd base and he plays it well.  He rounds out my top 3rd sackers with Brooks and Larkin.  Roche hit .656 last year and did it with decent gap power.  His line shots are threats.  
• Yet another player in year two is Paul Doyle.  Doyle had more hits (63) than any other 1st year player last season.  His average (.733) had him out of the top 25 by a single point.  He has average and power.  He can play center at a high level and is the second best short stop on the team.  
• Despite what you may have read last year, Randy Rose is NOT a thorn.  He is a good outfielder and can bounce around the infield a bit as well as pitch.  Randy is also a big hitter.  He drove the ball to a .679 clip last year and has the ability to play a short 'on base' style game as well as crash fences. 
• Former batting champ Sandy Bell returns for another year as one of the game's better pitchers.  Sandy's average was down a little last year (.544) but the pitching was still true and fast.  And the defense from the mound is superior.  Watch for Sandy to bounce back some with the bat this year making this pick more of a steal than it already was!
• Timmy Two Beer enters his 3rd year in the league.  Last year he won the leagues most improved player award.  TTB hit .625 last year and really started to utilize his speed both on the bases and in the field.  Tim's most dramatic improvement was in the field.  He went from an average outfielder to a guy that can steal hits.  He's ready to play center field I think. 
• UNKNOWNs:  Dwyane Comer (Rookie)
• CAPTAINS:  Rookie captains Jason Bowers and Tim Schrank.  I have no idea what they will be like as captains, but as players they suck.  Just kidding.  Bowers hit .538 and battled some injuries last year, he'll be looking to rebound this year and get that power stroke back.  Meanwhile, if you read this whole thing you remember that Kahuna, McCarron and Barton as the only players with 100 or more ABs, 75 or more hits and a .750+ average?  Well, Timmy Schrank had 100+ ABs, 75+ hits and missed on the average by hitting .748.  Tough break.  Tim would like to tell you that he should be rated a 7 or 8, but numbers don't lie.   

The Bright Side:  You have 3 guys that can play short and 3 that can play center field.  Defense in the middle shouldn't be an issue.  They have nice speed and nice power.     
The Less Bright Side:  This will be a test for the 1st year captains.  Tim Osmond has a bit of an "attitude" shall we say?  I'm not saying he's a prima donna, but.....if the ballet slipper fits.  Oh, and any team with any Doyle is already behind the 8-ball.  At least you got the athletic one.