BOLD PREDICTIONS (II) - 2013

A TECH MOMENT

A number of people have complained that the Scroll (Marquee) at the top of the page isn't working properly anymore.  That's sort of true.  If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer (regardless of version it would seem), the scroll isn't functioning properly.  There is a bug.  I've tried an assortment of different widgets to correct it, but they are all varying degrees of bad.  I never noticed this right away because I try to stay away from Explorer.   If you're on anything else, including smartphones it seems to be good. 

I use Firefox (Mozilla) which is a free browser.  I find it much more useful and quicker than Explorer.  You can get it at http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

Click on this picture which will be in the middle/right of the page:

Then just follow the steps.  When it asks you if you want to make Firefox your default browser, you can say no or yes.  Either way.  You will still have Explorer and Firefox, so you can still use them both depending on what your needs are. 

Remember this is free.  Believe me, its not any kind of pirated software. 

INTRO

Lets start off will last weeks final rankings for predicting a top 6 finish.  Considering that voting is WICKED down even though the hits are WICKED up, I think we'll do total votes instead of percentages this year.

The Beer Bros.                      2
The Blues Brothers                0
The Brew Jays                       1
The Dislocated Joints and       0
The Dodge City Rounders      2

The same principle applies to this week's poll.  We are looking for your opinions on what clubs have the best chance to making it to the top 6 spots overall.  

This week we're pleased to welcome celebrity reviewer, Jimmy Swaggart!  Holy Cow, did we ever score on this one!  And our league reviewers this week are:  Kevin Boston, Geoff Keogh and Mark Doyle.  Now these aren't the oldest of the old timers but they do have "old Tottenham" blood lines and have been following this league in detail since its inception.   So off we go!

DOG CATCHERS

Kevin Boston, Geoff Keogh, Mark Doyle: Fresh from the farm, this team has a couple of solid rookies coming up to the TOT.  Jim Smith and Don Slipetz are new to the league and are anxiously awaiting their debut.  On the mound the steady Randy Hipken leads the Dog Catchers with long-time fellow Captain Larry Turner.  Six of their returning players hit .650 or over.  The Young/Robinson combination will provide plenty of pop (not brown bottle pops) to knock in Wynnyk and Stacey.  Hitters beware of these dogs because they will eat up ground balls.  They have lots of depth in the outfield led by Doucette

Jimmy Swaggart:  Randy and Larry went to church, that's why I prayed for them to have 4 shortstops.

Doug Dwyer:  Well this is an embarrassment of riches, isn't it?  4 guys that can play short and that's not even counting Cliff Stacey. This club could be really interesting.  10 of 12 guys are infielders so it'll take some managing and adapting.  The good news is that they are a great group of guys and easy to get along with power and average up and down the lineup.  Figuring out the right infield / outfield combo will be the key to the whole thing.

DUSTY CLEATS

Kevin Boston, Geoff Keogh, Mark Doyle: Back in the league is Kevin Hollingshead who will lead the Cleats with his big bat and solid play.  Veterans Bob Pearce, Dave McGovern along with Captains CP and Dane will provide a good core.  Mark Banks could be the money man this year for the Cleats.  High “Hopes” (and we include Troy in that statement) for Emeil Edwards setting the table for Hollingshead, McGovern and Short.   “For those about to Rock” Bill Salutes -u, has improved each year he has played in the league.  He is quick on the bases and a deceptive hitter.  Look out, the Cleats could be full of surprises this year.

Jimmy Swaggart:  Hope springs eternal, praise Jesus.  And thankfully Troy Hope is on this club.  Too bad they don't have a guy named "Prayer" too.  

Doug Dwyer:  I hear this Hollingshead can hit a bit.  McGovern and Edwards can mash a ball pretty good too.  The left side of the diamond looks great and in my book Emeil is an elite outfielder in our league.  Now where does everyone else play?  You've got some really good and versatile players like Sallustio, Short and Pearce.  And to top it off they are all great to play with.  Banks could be a surprise as a rookie, he's been working out his throwing arm by hoisting pints on the Donini deck so he should fit in just fine.  

GRISSLIES

Kevin Boston, Geoff Keogh, Mark Doyle:Defensively, the Grisslies are a tight squad which will force opposing bats to work for every run. Dwyer and Casullo in the infield with Saunders, Gaudet, Gayle and Wadden leading the outfield.  This team is loaded with options with Tinkler, Muirhead and Dol who are very versatile at multiple positions.  Gayle is expected to lead the Grisslies with his explosive speed to kick start the offense.  Captain Rob Farah always prepares his teams for the post-season and will often catch opponents off guard with his flaring hits.   Historically, the Grisslies balance their batting order which has always proved to be successful.


Jimmy Swaggart:  Jesus healed the weak, the down trodden, the immobile.  This team has Doris Casullo, right?

Doug Dwyer: The Grisslies have some speed.  They have some gloves.  They have some average.  They have some arms.  They have some versatility.  Even some youth.  But they have no power.  That's okay, power is rarely a factor on Sunday afternoons in September, but it sure makes the season a lot of fun!  Gaudet, Saunders and Gayle give the Grisslies 3 legit center fielders and Tinkler, Wadden, Casullo and Dwyer give lots of options in the infield.  Starting pitching looks steady! 

DRAFT KINGS

Kevin Boston, Geoff Keogh, Mark Doyle: Rookie captains Stike and Cragg “Drafted” well this year by picking up fellow Fenelon Falls old teammate Jeff Handley who muttered “I can’t wait to play with these misfits again.”  Veteran pitcher Sandy Bell is known for his consistent approach, good defense and leadership.  The DK’s have lots of speed in the outfield with Routledge and Muirhead.  Five players hit over .700 last year providing a great amount of ball smacking power.  Handley and Brooks are known to hit the fence with gapers to knock in guys like Bones and Smith who are often on base with crafty hitting.  Look out for more timely hitting if Caldwell regains his old stroking habits.

Jimmy Swaggart:  John 2: 9-10  And the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”  I believe this sums up the Draft Kings

Doug Dwyer:  Its easy to lose focus when you see a top 3 of Cragg, Handley and Stike.  But I don't recall any championships being won by 3 guys no matter how good they are.  More power (like they need it) and a sure handed 3rd base option comes with Brooks.  Rouleau brings a multitude of infield options and a reliable bat.  Routledge has speed and defense, and same with Muirhead.  You won't find a more sure glove at first than Caldwell.  He'll even dig out most of Chuck's throws.  The team looks really balanced, but the scored with DeLand, Bones and Simon.  They are all very different players but are key contributors and good attitudes.  Simon's hitting has really spiked in the last couple of years and can play anywhere.  Bones and DeLand both have savvy and knack for delivering at crunch time.  Once you get passed the top 3, its a good looking club.  

GRUESOME DEVILS

Kevin Boston, Geoff Keogh, Mark Doyle: This team is full of heart and hustle.  Polny, Charlie “Hustle” O’Leary, Vienneau along with their Captains Lepa and DeLand will ensure this team is always on the ball.  Power-wise, Lahey is arguably the hardest hitting batter in the league.  Behind him in the lineup is sophomore Jeff Sagert who can hit for power and average.  Rounding out their power core, is Jens and Mark Kolsen.  Opposing teams’ defense better be ready for this squad.   Art, Jens and Brian are quick in the field and are smart to hit the cutoff men Lahey and Polny.  Rounding out the corners are Kolsen and Sagert for a strong infield.

Jimmy Swaggart: Basso?  Lahey?  DeLand?  Lepa?  This boat is leaking.   I might be able to help with the Lord's assistance.  Thank God I Noah guy. 

Doug Dwyer: I expect this team to be overlooked by a few people.  I also expect them to do really well.  This team's lineup just screams of energy and effort.  Lepa, Richards, O'Leary, Sagert, and Vienneau are all aggressive ball players who never let up on a play whether on the bases or in the field.  The rest of the guys are a little more on the quiet side.  Lahey may have a few double play combinations to try out before they settle on a regular routine, but the options are good ones.  Kolsen, Lahey and Sagert bring at three pronged power threat that can't be matched by too many teams.  Basso, Lepa, Richards make up three fourths of a solid outfield.  They'll have to plug and play to find the fourth member.