Meet The All Stars!
Picking the All Star team was something that Rob and I looked forward to since the end of last season. We agreed right away on a few of the picks. We disagreed on a number but ultimately won each other over with what we believe to be sound baseball arguments. Truth be told we could have another All Star team of guys that didn't get picked and it would still be impressive and competitive.
We had a short list over the winter and we had a "bubble" team. We agreed that we'd let the month of May play out to see if anyone played there way on to the team. There were some surprises.
Let's take a quick look at the composition of this team. This team was based largely on the performance of our players but also with view of what the Young Timers bring to the table in terms of their defense, bats and speed. We determined (and who wouldn't really) that we needed to have a fast and aggressive outfield. That being said, they had to be players that who, while fleet of foot, were also 'baseball aware' and knew the value of crisp cut-offs, minimizing extra bases and maintaining force plays. We believe our outfield selections accomplish that mission.
The infield personnel in our league is typically built around Short and Second and a large part of that is because every team in our league has a couple of players that are potential threats hit into double plays. You need middle infielders who won't panic and can execute. This game may have a double play or two, but we're not counting it. What we need from the middle is execution on the cut off, anchoring the bag, excellent communication between the infield and outfield and preserving extra bases at all costs. We think we have that as well. Then we have the corner infield spots. In our league these are nice to have and can make a big difference on your club, however its also where you might try to 'hide' a glove now and again. For this game these positions become absolutely critical, with 12 hard pull hitters, 3rd and 1st are going going to get a lot of action and we'll need hard nosed defensive players with middle infielder awareness. Our choices give us that.
Our pitcher, which I'm sure is a surprise to no one is flanked by two accomplished P2's who can step in if necessary.
Pitcher, Andy Gee, Lucky Stiffs - Andy is a 3 time All Star and widely recognized as an elite pitcher in the league. We don't keep pitching stats so its hard to quantify, but when you get a consensus like that, you have to assume that 179 guys can't be wrong. For me, Andy is a pitcher who plays like a Short Stop. Or maybe he's a Short Stop who's also a good pitcher. He is constantly moving fielders and he has an awareness of all the eventual outcomes of each individual pitch. Plus he pitches with a plan and can adjust on the fly while keeping his fielders in the loop. Offensively, Andy is a .737 career hitter since 2004 and is off to a .833 start through May of this year which has him sitting at 6th in the league.
1st Base (P2), Scott Barton, Dusty Cleats - Joining Andy Gee, Scott too is a 3 time All Star and is as good as they come with the stick. 2011's season of 96/108 (.889) was completely off the charts. It was also seemingly impossible to improve upon. However, Scott found a way to do it by batting 1.000 (22/22) for the month of May. To put it in perspective, since last years All Star game Scott has been out precisely 5 times over the last 24 games. Scott is a heady player on the diamond and can play slick defense or 'grind it out' defensively. He offers us a strong reflex glove on the down the line pull hitters.
2nd Base, Doris Casullo, Dislocated Joints - One of the luxuries of an All Star team is being able to adjust positions. With Scott sliding to 1st base, we get to keep one of our games best Short Stops in the middle of the diamond. Doris, who plays with a combination of physical ability coupled with an anticipation for the play that is second to none, will provide a lock down right side combining with Barton. Offensively, Doris is a slash hitter who can aggressively attack either line and has had multiple appearances in our top 25. On the bases, his speed forces defenders to be perfect with their fielding and relays or he'll make them pay with extra bases. Doris is making his 2nd All Star appearance.
Short Stop, Mark Doyle, Dusty Cleats - Mark has won 2 championships in his 4 years in the league and finished 2nd in batting in his second year. He has moved back and forth between center field and short stop in his 4 seasons and finds himself back playing Short regularly again this year. If needed, he gives us tremendous flexibility being able to play every position on the diamond and play them all well. At a critical defensive position he has the ability to read the game for trends while staying true to the core defensive responsibilities. Mark's power is unquestioned; a feared gap hitter with power to all fields and above average speed on the bases. Mark's .744 career average is among the best on the team. This is Mark's 2nd All Star Game.
3rd Base (P2), Dave Argue, Grisslies - Dave is a fearless defender and is the perfect person to play the hot corner against the young timers. Dave is blessed with a far above average glove and an arm that doesn't quit. With the bat, you appreciate Dave the more you see him. He plays situational baseball and will forgo his own average to score runs and advance runners, both are aspects of 'team ball' that we anticipate being necessary against this competition. In close games, he's at his best. On top of that, I don't know anyone who makes more consistent hard contact. Dave is playing in his 1st All Star Game.
Infielder, Steve Lahey, Lucky Stiffs - Steve is a rookie in the league and had the unenviable challenge of coming in as a #1 player. If that gave him any cause for pause, it hasn't been apparent. Through May he was leading a brilliant rookie crop in hitting at .833. That average is good for a tie for 6th overall in the league. He was also 1st in the league in total hits, 2nd in At Bats and 3rd in runs scored. The highlight so far has to be his 3 home run game against the (then) undefeated Dislocated Joints. But if you like defense, you'll want to watch Steve play. He has unparalleled range at Short and an exceptionally quick release. Lahey becomes the 1st rookie ever named to the All Star Game.
Catcher, Ed Hopkins, Hot Tub Woody's - "Not So Fast" Eddie has a career average of over .600 since 2004. However, Ed has been selected to this team in recognition to his tremendous contributions to our league. Ed started the Help The Kids Play organization which over a 100 children in our community have benefited from, he has served on the league executive numerous times and has served as the captain of one of the four longest running teams in the league. Ed is playing in his 1st All Star Game.
Catcher, Bob Candy, Red Dogs - A .712 career hitter since 2004, Bob is a respected player on the field. Off the field, Bob is one of our corner stones. He has the distinction of being in the league since day one and the captain of the longest standing team in the league. He has served countless times on the executive, been the league scheduler, the statistician, done field maintenance and has volunteered at every turn for league tournaments and events. Bob is playing in his 1st All Star Game.
Left Field, Rick Cudnik, Grisslies - Before last season Rick had a career average of well over .700. A great average for sure for such a dangerous power hitter. Last year, due to illness Rick tailed off a fair bit. The power was sapped and the average went down. However, Rick is back! Through 7 games in May, Cudnik is hitting .857, has hit for the cycle in a game, is 5th overall in the league in hitting and has the 6th highest improvement in the league in batting average. Defensively, having a Center Fielder play a corner outfield spot is almost cheating. Rick is playing in his 2nd All Star Game.
Right Field, Phil Glecoff, Dog Catchers - Phil is in his 3rd year in the league and has quickly made a name for himself as an elite Center Fielder and feared power hitter who can also produce a high average. Phil hit .710 as a rookie, followed up with a .781 season and is now tearing it up this year with a .913 average through May. He is currently 2nd in the league in hitting, tied for 12th in total hits, is tied for 11th in runs scored, and is 7th in the league in runs scored per at bat. Phil is playing in his 2nd All Star Game.
Center Field, Scott Peters, Dodge City Rounders - Scott's hitting is simply ridiculous. .733, 746, .750, .722, .809, .738, 663, .759 and .813 so far this year. Scott has taken up permanent residency in the top 25. However Scott's offense is often overlooked because of his stellar defensive contributions. Scott anticipates with the batter's swing better than just about anyone and makes a regular habit of making difficult plays look routine. Scott's high baseball IQ makes him the type of player who never overlooks the minute details within the game or an individual play. The discussion will often happens in the bleachers, Peters or Pendlebury. There's no wrong answer. Scott is playing in is 1st All Star Game.
Center Field, Neil Pendlebury, Beer Bros. - Thankfully we don't have to choose, instead we get the best Center Field combo possible. Neil's average has steadily progressed upward to the point of hitting .766 last year and making the top 25 with ease. His start of .760 this season has him on pace to do the same. Neil is quite obviously a brilliant defender using both his baseball savvy and blinding speed to his advantage and he runs the bases with sheer aggression. He plays with the same intensity and will leave his feet to make a play on the dead run regardless of the score. Neil will be appearing in his 2nd All Star Game.
Outfielder, Al Fry, Dodge City Rounders - Al has one season under .683 since 2004. During that span he's averaged .724. Through May this year Al is 4th in the league in hitting (.889), 4th in the league in hits (24), 16th in At Bats (27), 1st in runs scored (20), 4th in the league in improved batting average, 3rd in runs per hit (.833 runs scored for every hit) and 1st in the league in runs per at bat (.741 runs for every time at bat). If that's not enough, Al continues to field at an elite level and will be able to substitute throughout the outfield. Al is making his 1st All Star Game appearance.
Captain, Rob Farah, Grisslies - Rob has the distinction of being the only Old Timers winning All Star captain when he was an emergency fill in last year. He is aiming to go 2-0 and make someone win three to pass him! Rob has won 3 Old Timers Championships and has served as captain of one of the 4 longest running clubs in the league.
Captain, Doug Dwyer, Grisslies - Will be responsible for telling base runners to turn left. Doug is in his 3rd year of captaining the Grisslies with Rob and has a lifetime record 39-30-1 as a captain. He remains bitter about the one tie.
Bat-Boy, Rob Hayward, Brew Jays - The player with last years game winning hit and who was subsequently knighted, has been brought back to serve in the much sought after role of Bat-Boy. Sir Rob's experience as the bat-boy in training for the Lollipop Guild in last years August tournament was major factor, but the six week Bat-Boy program he recently completed at Seneca College has made this one of our easier decisions. While not an official 'game' appearance, this two time All-Star will be in the dug out and in uniform for a 3rd consecutive year.
There you have it, comments always warmly appreciated.
4 comments:
That Doris, always running away from the ball.
Great blog though Doug! I'm glad you recognized that there are enough quality players in the league to make at least another full all-star squad.
Thanks for the kinds word....the issue for Rob and I was never about finding guys, you're quite right, there are lots of people worthy and able. Expanding the roster to 20 would be sweet (unless you're the 21st guy). Cheers and thanks again for the feed back!
great pick for bat boy.....I hope he lives up to the pressure from the Candy-Man. Should be great team and game
We view the bat-boy as an integral role on the team. The value of clean towels and fresh spitz is not lost on us!!!
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