BOLD PREDICTIONS (III) - 2013

INTRO

Deep sigh.

The marquee is buggered.  The poll is busted.  Thank god this is just a BLOG and not a fire station or a strip club were a busted pole could be really costly.

I've put a request in with "BLOGGER" who runs this site but its too late to be able to rectify anything.  Instead of the usual league voted favourites, I've begged our committee of experts to submit a top 6 list.  It wasn't easy.  As much fun as the reviews have been, its not easy to go out on a limb and pick teams and abandon your cloak of anonymity (which I believe may have been one of the superpowers from X-men school).  In particular it was hard to twist Geoff Keogh's arm.  But Radar, me and Peters got one arm and Doyle got the other and we managed to get him to cry uncle.  Actually, in this town it could have been uncle, brother or cousin.

Anyway, you'll be able to make fun of me, Mark, Geoff and Kevin at the end of the year for our fearless predictions.  There's a beer on this, so I know they'll take it seriously.

Meanwhile, this weeks reviews were written by Kevin Boston, me, and a combined contribution from Mark Doyle and Geoff Keogh, and finally (this cost a fortune) our guest reviewer is none other than Eldrick "Tiger" Woods.  

So here is our last set of reviews with the predictions at the bottom....

HOT TUB WOODY'S

Kevin Boston: Looks like there are plenty of twigs on the Woody’s this year.  With Keogh and Goodin bashing in runs, the HTW’s will be looking towards the steady sticks of the Danceman, Goosney and of course Barton.  This core will be tough to get around.  Crafty hitters like Larkin and Horgan keep fielders on their toes because they can squeeze an extra base hit out when called upon.  Defensively, their team looks very erect and stiff.  Opposing teams will have to nail the Woodies’ gaps and avoid hitting it right to their players or else it will be a quick inning.  This team always has fun which translates into wins.  Chemistry looks solid.  Could this be NSFE’s year to hoist the trophy?  (EDITORS NOTE:  If you're not laughing after that review, you need to reread)

Mark Doyle & Geoff Keogh:  If there is any team to be ‘excited’ by the warm waters of the new season it’s The Hot Tub Woody’s.  This team is strong up the middle with Keogh at short and either Barton or Goodin at second. Their outfield appears to be very solid with Horgan, Chiovitti, Ball and Dancey. Larkin at 3rd and NSF Eddie at 1^st base. Veteran Bob Vaughan will take the mound and provide leadership for the infield.  This is a solid lineup at the plate filled with speed at the top followed by average and power in the middle which makes for formidable Hot Tub sticks.

Tiger Woods:  Seriously?  Woody's?  I could talk for weeks on this subject.  Do I need to review the rest?  These guys are obviously winning it all.  Did I ever tell you my Woody story?  Its very hush hush. 

Doug Dwyer:  Keep 'em healthy!  Barton, Chiovitti and Captain Dancey all fought lengthy injuries last year.  If they all stay upright this team has the potential to blend really good team speed and defense.  Tom Ball, Jason Chiovitti, Jeff Dancey and Lance Horgan make for a speedy and responsible outfield foursome.  Blaine Richards is a great 5th at any spot.  Having Goodin AND Keogh makes this a fantastic middle infield and Goosney and Larkin sharing 3rd and firing darts to Hopkins rounds out a nicely set team.

HURTIN' UNITS

Kevin Boston: Midsummer evening games at Coventry 2 will be the Units’ best friend.  With all of those power lefties in their lineup, the opposition’s defense better be ready on the right side.  Rookie Hagar is a great pick-up and will add some consistency to their lineup.  Mix him in with the veteran leadership of McClean, Olliffe and JT, and the Units could squeeze out a few wins.  Defensively, they have some good arms in the outfield.  The keys to success are to limit the opposition’s runs and be patient

Mark Doyle & Geoff Keogh: The Hurtin' Units went to the draft and picked an outfield that is definitely not hurtin’! Chiasson, Cudnik, McClean, rookie Hager and Olliffe. This may prove to be the best outfield in the league, and factor in their averages, look for plenty of base runners. With Glecoff and crew there is plenty of power to score Basacchi,  Lyon and Kononiuk. Matched with the passion of Taylor and Olliffe these are a force to be reckoned with on Playoff weekend.

Tiger Woods: OMG...did anyone even look at these teams?  I take back what I said about the Woody's, THESE guys are the champs!  First off, they're the UNITS!  That's only one notch below being called the PACKAGE!  Then they have 3 guys named Richard and one name Cox.  I SHOULD BE ON THIS TEAM!  Cox, Woods, Richard....UNITS.  Come on Tottenham!  On a lighter note, I still reminisce about the times that Danny and I have had at Perkins restaurants and various truck stops.  He sure does like good coffee!

Doug Dwyer:  Yes, the Hurtin' Units.  A lot of people like this team.  I'm not on the band wagon with both feet yet.  Is it the Chiasson factor?  Is it not knowing about Olliffe's recovery?  Hager and Cox look like a solid middle infield pairing.  McClean, Chiasson, Glecoff and Cudnik make for a pretty high end outfield.  I'll assume the surgically repaired Olliffe is at 1st base and Vince at 3rd.  They still have to find spots to play Brian Kononiuk, Rick Lyon and Richard Gabourie.  That's not a bad problem to have. Taylor's pitching was greatly improved last year and if he takes another step forward this year it could make the difference.

RED DOGS

Kevin Boston: Built like a typical Red Dogs team, this year’s squad has some power in their core.  Holmann is a reliable stick and will provide some stability in the lineup to compliment Candy and Avery.  Swabuck and the veteran Candyman are always dangerous  with their smart hitting and ability to think three plays ahead.  On the mound is the underrated Tito.  He does his job by keeping his team in the game and giving 110% every time.  Look for a lot of chess-match types of games this year with this team and be careful not to let your guard down.

Mark Doyle & Geoff Keogh:   This team lead by the father and son Candy Combo look to get Red Hot up the middle with (Mike) Candy at short and Grenkie and 2^nd. With nobody hitting under 570 last year they will be counting on having plenty of base runners to move station to station. Their outfield lead by Holman and rookies Parsons and Chiavaroli could prove to be the surprise of the season. Tito will provide plenty of playoff experience on the mound having 1 jacket and a runner up in the last 3 years.  This team could surprise a lot in the playoffs

Tiger Woods:  Swabuck is the question mark from what I've read on the bathroom walls. Can he keep it up?

Doug Dwyer:  Meet Peter Holmann.  7th in the league in hitting last year at .787.  Nice rookie season.  Mason, Peters, Avery, Moon, Cudnik and Barton were the ones to better his average and only Mason Peters and Moon did it with more hits.  He and the formidable Mike Candy will likely patrol Center with Stephane Simard and Clayton Avery getting time in outfield too.  The infield might be a little plug and play to start off as they try to figure out their shortstop which may end up being the younger Candy.  Swabuk might be the second base answer.  The individuals on this team all look good, just haven't figured out how they all fit together.  But Bob has a knack for putting together a good squad to challenge for the top.

RUSTY REBELS

Kevin Boston: This is perhaps the team to look out for this year.  Lots of balance on the sticks and in the field.  Three-time All-Star pitcher Andy Gee leads the Rebels into this season.  He can hurt you with the bat and will work every batter with his precise pitching.  Consistent hitters like Goncalves, Booth and Armstrong are solid while returning to the TOT is Chris Ross who can find more holes than a bunny rabbit.  Dickson needs to return to his old power stroking and will be a key asset with his ability to play any key position.  Rounding out this team are Gyori and the Pieman who have shown consistent improvement over the past few years.  Look out because they will burn you

Mark Doyle & Geoff Keogh: This team is one of the early favourites. It won’t take them long to shake the rust off.  Led by captains Booth and Armstrong this team is strong from top to bottom. The League’s best pitcher Gee can beat you with the glove or stick, while Dickson and Armstrong will take care of the middle infield with Goncalves, Ross, Tanner and Harrett in the Outfield. This team also has the secret weapons of the Pieman and Esau Lewin to count on for timely hits and speed on the bases. A consistent lineup will keep the bases flowing, so look for this team to stir it up at the end of the year.

Tiger Woods:  Dickson.  'nuff said.  

Doug Dwyer:  It must be April.  I'm liking the Rusty Rebels again!  Everyone knows what Booth and Armstrong bring to the picnic and Andy has been the all - star pitcher 3 years running.  After that they have a lot of balance and good guys.  John Harrett makes his long awaited return and adds to the already high baseball IQ on this squad.  Dickson is completely dependable in either Center or Short and Anicete continues to shine with the glove and the bat.  Paul Gyori at 3rd and Piero Del Greco at Catcher seem like locks.  Gyori has improved his play every year and might be one of the better value picks in the league.  After that, there are some moving parts with Ross (OF), Tanner (IF/OF), Len (IF), that will all contribute  but need to fall into a regular defensive routine.  Just a few bits to piece together.  They will.  I like this team.   
TAP MASTERS

Kevin Boston: This year’s father/son combo team is the Tap Masters.  Pendlebury squared and Clouthier X 2 provide some solid synergies of playing ability and smarts.  Add Butler and Schrank to this mix and the Tap Masters could be Jedi Masters of the ball diamond by the time this season plays out.  Joseph was on fire towards the end of last season and the Tap Masters are banking on that pop to help their lineup.  Defensively, these lads are quick and have some good arms all around.  It will be tough to find gaps on this team

Mark Doyle & Geoff Keogh:  Blood flows thicker than water (or beer) through these taps. With the Clouthier / Pendlebury combo there is over a century of baseball experience through the middle infield and outfield. The two Cliffs offer a formidable defense, while with the names of Rumboldt, Butler and Koolhaas, this team hope to master the base paths. Factor in the experience of Jonkman, you will not find a deeper knowledge of hitters and defense in the league. Look for this team to ‘Tap’ the knowledge of their ‘Masters’

Tiger Woods:  No offense, but this team is finishing last.  Schrank?  Really?  Do you know who I am?

Doug Dwyer:  Two Bill's (not related).  Two Clouthiers (related).  Two Cliffords (not related).  Two Pendleburys (related).   Its going to be a messy year trying to figure out hits on the Tap Masters score card.  Schrank and Clouthier (Jr.) are likely the solutions at short and Rob Rumboldt at 2nd.  Koolhaas plays and excellent 3rd base and Captain Bowers completes the infield at 1st.  Clouthier (Sr.) can and will play anywhere.  The outfield looks frightening with Pendlebury (Jr & Sr.) Tucker, Joseph and Butler all taking turns shagging flies.  This could be good!

PREDICTIONS:

Okay, so we'll find out in about 4 months who the best prognosticator is.  These are assembled alphabetically.  If you find any that aren't it does not indicate a favourite, it simply indicates that I can't alphabetize.  

So here is your quick synopsis:

The Dusty Cleats, Grisslies and Red Dogs are the only three teams to not collect a single vote.  That likely means one of those clubs will win the regular season.

The Draft Kings are the only team to get 4 votes from the "panel of experts".  Best of luck to the newest captains, but here is a word of caution.  The team voted to finish 1st last year was the Dodge City Rounders.  They were a top 6 club and had a great year bowing out in the semis.  The team that DID win the regular season and make it all the way to the final was the Brew Jays.  Our preseason voting had them in 10th place, although I will say that I had them correctly picked.  Click HERE for the evidence from last April. See?  Even a blind squirrel can find the odd nut.

Next we have a cluster of six teams that received 3 votes each.  The Beer Bros., Blues Brothers, Dislocated Joints, Gruesome Devils, Hot Tub Woody's and Tap Masters.  Realistically, our "pack" of teams in the standings is usually between 2nd and 12th place for the bulk of the season.  All those teams will likely be in that cluster until the August push or fade that each club has.

Same can be said for the teams that had two votes.  The Dodge City Rounders, Dog Catchers and Rusty Rebels.  I wouldn't be surprised to see any of them at the top.

Finally, the expansion cousins Brew Jays and Hurtin' Units both received only a single vote.  Bo probably likes that so he can fly under the radar.  James probably likes it so he can give the "no one respects us" speech to the team.  Again.  I wouldn't be at all surprised to see either of these teams near the top.

There it is.  Done.  Nothing left to do but play!  Bring on the sun and we'll see you with an opening day BLOG!

NOTE:  My sincere thanks to Geoff, Kevin, Mark and Scott for their significant contributions to the last three blog editions.  It made it more fun (and less work) for me.  Thanks guys!