Fearless Predictions III

Season Start Date

Day one and Day two of the season have been lost and games rescheduled.  Too bad, Monday was beautiful and Tuesday is off to a great start!

Fear not.  Your captains will be in touch with you to communicate new dates and times for your games.  In fact 8 of the 12 teams involved have already accepted their make up date.  Great work fellas.  

Back to the schedule.      

LIVE FROM THE

Rob: So?  How do you like the team?
Doug:  Great!  I'm really happy.  A couple of things to figure out, but I think we have a real chance of beating last years three win total. 
Rob: God, I hope so.  I hope the other guys who are now on other teams beat that too.  It was painful. 
Doug:  Sure was.
Rob:  So any good stories going on in the league?
Doug:  Well its a little early but I heard a really juicy one
Rob:  Really, what's that?
Doug: Okay, you have to keep this really hush-hush though. 
Rob:  You bet. 
Doug:  So, it seems that Down Town Billy Brown is up to something.  He's retained a constitutional lawyer and has been going over law text books all winter.  Seems he gave up being a captain to focus on this new cause. 
Rob:  Really?  What's the cause?
Doug: Not sure, I'm still working on that.  You know, using my investigative journalism background.  But I'll have the full story in a week or two. 
Rob:  Sounds interesting.  Anything else new? 
Doug:  Not really.  Oh, I went and threw the ball around last Sunday at Keogh. 
Rob:  Is that why you're shaking hands with your left hand?
Doug:  Ya.  I haven't been able to get my hand above my waist in since Sunday. 
Rob:  So other than you being a suck, how did it go?
Doug:  Well, I'll be honest.  They were smoking the ball at me.  So friggin' hard, I have a bruised glove hand right now.  And the hits?  Sharp and crisp and really challenging to field.  I had to really be on my toes to catch anything.  And when I hit I couldn't get anything through the infield.  They defense looked to be in mid season form. 
Rob:  Sounds like really good ball.  Pretty competitive for this early in the season. 
Doug:  That's what I thought too!
Rob:  So who was there?  Squirrel?  Lahey?  Doyle?
Doug:  No.  I don't think you know them. 
Rob:  What?  Come on, I know everyone in the league.  Was it Cragg?  Dickson?  Maybe Rose?
Doug:  Pretty sure it wasn't them. 
Rob:  So who was playing this wicked ball?
Doug:  Well, there was Gina. Kathrine. Susan. Erin. Cheryl. 
Rob:   The Draft Kings?
Doug:  Cute, but no.
Rob:   Ladies play tough, eh?
Doug:  You have no idea. 

UPDATES:
OPENING DAY
The season is right around the corner and it kicks off with two big opening night games!  Game1 features the finalists from last years championship game, the Tap Masters against the Draft Kings.  The Tap Masters will try to be the first runner up to knock off the champs in game one of the next season.  Being opening day, there will likely be 1/2 inning updates via twitter.  You can either follow the score on the twitter app if you have it OR your friendly neighborhood BLOG comes with its own live Twitter Feed you find here:  Twitter Feed.  Game2 will be every bit as good.  The Dodge City Rounders will begin their defense of The Beer Cup against the Blues Brothers.  Interesting, I think these two teams were the last two with a chance to have won it last year.  Funny how these things work out, eh? 
THE BEER CUP
The Beer Cup is a trophy donated to the League in 2013 by the Grisslies.  The intent was to give something to follow and track throughout the year for fun.  The way it works is that the winner of the Dodge City Rounders Vs. Blues Brothers game on Monday will hold the 2014 edition of the Beer Cup.  In their next game they'll defend it against their next opponent or lose it to them.  Last season 7 of our 15 teams held The Beer Cup at one time or another; 3 teams (Red Dogs, Brew Jays, Dodge City Rounders) successfully defended the Cup and only four teams (Dog Catchers, Draft Kings, Rusty Rebels and Tap Masters) never had a chance to play for it.  Other than the very valuable trophy, the winning team gets 12 beer tickets at the end of year banquet (no Danny, not each....its for the whole team)
THE STATS
Starting Saturday May 10th and on every subsequent Saturday, you will find the complete stats pages for the league on the BLOG.  You will find the league standings that we keep, my version of baseball "games behind leader" standings, you'll see the top 10 in average, top 10 in runs scored, The top 10 in average and runs scored for each quarter of the season, the most improved hitters over the previous seasons stats, leaders in At Bats, Leaders in total Hits, batting averages of rookies, sophomores and (because The Beechey and The Squirrel will whine if I don't) this year we've added juniors (which are 3rd year players).  Later in the season we have 1st and 2nd half comparisons and my favorite, the Power Rankings. So get your coffee and laptop Saturday mornings and enjoy. 
FANTASY LEAGUE
There are only a few days left to register and get your team in.  We are up $880.00 in the pool, half of which is for local charity.  The updates for the Fantasy League will be found on that tab above, not in the main body of the BLOG.  This is the first year we've tried this so there will bound to be some trial and error with how this works.  My goal is to update the standings for Saturday morning, but we'll see how successful I am.  I'm also waiting for the final count to be in before coming up with a payout plan.  
JUSTIN KEOGH FUND
The Fund's facebook page membership has grown by 40% in the last two weeks.   That's terrific and really aids in future communication.  The link to the page is here is if you would kindly send a friend request to:  Justin Keogh Fund   They are currently looking for Logo ideas, details can be found on the Facebook page.  You don't have to have known Justin to participate.  Friends of the family, friends of baseball, friends of the area and anyone who would like to follow a good news story are welcome.  
BLOG STATS
This past week the BLOG went over 200,000 lifetime hits.  I continue to be amazed.  Here is the brief six year history of readership & we're off to good start this year.  Just a tiny bit behind last years pace but should still get another 50,000 for this year.  Who knows?  Maybe the fantasy league will even drive us higher.  Rumor has it that even Chuck Cragg will have to sign on to check the standings. 

The Predictions!
The timing is less than perfect on this.  The previous two editions of predictions were up for a full week.  This one will only be up a day shorter.  However I'll keep the poll up for the same amount of time as the other two were and in the first Saturday Stats BLOG I'll reveal the "Panel Of Experts" picks as well as the league consensus. Here is where the voting lays so far:

Now.....round III

Hurtin' Units

Kevin Boston:  Bill Clouthier returns to try to win it all with Kevin.  This was the storybook tale from last year’s playoffs and that energy will carry over into this year.  The Captains Oliffe and Taylor play a fun style of ball and their teams respond well.  Rick Greenfield and Esau are keys to their success while Coxy can burn you often.

Will finish in the top 6 if:  Play to win it and use the knowledge of their vets.  They need to play smart and be on top of every situation.

Doug Dwyer:  You may as well make Coxy a co-captain, he always seems to be drafted on this team.  This team has singles hitters, doubles hitters and legit power threats.  There's no soft touches with the sticks.  This infield could be ridiculous.  McGovern and Clouthier Jr on the left side and Cox and Clouthier Sr. on the right side.  The outfield will be anchored by Curran and Olliffe with Comer and Greenfield holding down the corners.  There are some positioning question marks but the offense should keep them in the game.   

Will finish in the top 6 if:  If the defense proves to be stable this squad will score more than enough to get in the top six. 
Scott Peters:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  they bring last years individual performances to the table - if Comer gets socks to match his jersey, look out!
Geoff Keogh:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  Their four new "rookies" adjust to the intensity of the league !!
Mark Doyle:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  Their veterans that have taken time off come back and play like they can
 

Rob Ford: Look out.  I have a file.  There are very important papers in here.  VERY important.  I'm not 100% sure what they are, buy I'm told that they're really urgent for the Hurtin' Units to do their lineup!  Make way!

Rusty Rebels

Kevin Boston:  Lots of sticks and solid up the middle on D make the Rebels a team to look out for.  This team will score a lot of runs with extra base hits with Rose, Armstrong and Gee.  Their defence led by Tucker and Ranby in the outfield tighten up those gaps.  Look for these Rebels to go deep into the season.

Will finish in the top 6 if: their defence plays tight down the lines and the core hits for extra bases.  Look out for lots of gap hitters.

Doug Dwyer:  Year after year after year I take the Rusty Rebels in my top six.  Year after year after year I'm wrong.  Maybe this is the year the jinx ends.  Armstrong just keeps getting better, they have an all-star pitcher (literally), 40% of the elected executive and another all-star outfielder.  Then there's all they guys not mentioned who could be difference makers on any given night.  There is lots here. 

Will finish in the top 6 if:  They establish a steady and reliable infield to go with an outfield that has depth and will play responsibly. 
Scott Peters:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  they feed off the consistency of Gee on the mound and the leadership of Booth and Armstrong - nice versatility on the bench.
Geoff Keogh:  Will finish in the top 6 if:  Their experience, great pitching and pop in their bats, continues
Mark Doyle:  Will finish in the top 6 if:  The strong leadership prevails and I'm not just talking about the captains. Not panicking goes a long way in a 4 game round robin
 

Rob Ford: Let me tell you about the Rusty Rebels.  I love this team.  I've talked to them all individually and I will confirm right now that they are NOT at all Rusty.  No sir.  However, they are indeed Rebels.  Except for Esau.  He is most assuredly not a rebel.  He's far too nice for that. 

Sliders

Kevin Boston:  A rookie team with lots of veteran players including perhaps the best outfield in the League.  Speedy fielders Moye and Horgan are quick while McCarron and Cudnik don’t miss too much.  On the infield, Mooner teams up with Short up the middle while sweet Lou is pretty dangerous with the stick.  McKendrick is among a group of guys who add a lot of depth and great spirit which equals wins.

Will finish in the top 6 if:  their outfield plays like they way they can.  Loads of talent out their which will prevent teams from taking the extra base hits.

Doug Dwyer:  Lou and Carol-Ann Dennis have to be THRILLED with their first draft.  In what is looking like the year of strong outfields, I would consider this one to be top tier with Cudnik, McCarron, Moye and Horgan.  Four center fielders, beat that.  The infield starts with Moon at short and probably Short at 2nd.  The rest will take some plug and play but you've got players are adaptable. 

Will finish in the top 6 if:  the undecided positions fall nicely into place and they play offensively individually like they all have historically.  
Scott Peters:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  they can get guys on base for the booming bats in the line-up - hard to lose when you always score more runs.
Geoff Keogh:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  They use the abundance of speed to compliment the hard hitters that follow
Mark Doyle:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  Their outfield plays as expected. Another strong outfield  

Rob Ford: So here's the deal.  I wear a size 22 collar.  My neck is the same size as Brad Moye's waist and I still can't do up the top button.  I don't know how Chris Farley was able to do it. 

 

Sons of Pitches

Kevin Boston:  The other rookie team will creep up on the opposition with flares.  Polny defines heart and hustle while Bones is the poster boy for durability and craftiness.  Doris is among the elite in the League and Gaudet is arguably the best pitcher in the game.  Kahuna packs some punch and Basscchi delivers great defense.  Keys to this team will be making sure everyone clicks at the right time.

Will finish in the top 6 if:  their key role players come up big in tough situations.  This team will play with a lot of heart and hustle.

Doug Dwyer:  I would recommend not overlooking the rookie squads.  Hard to say how this team would be best laid out, but I'd be tempted to put Doris in center field and Kahuna at short.  Doris would be joined by Chris "The Whale" Parsons and Jamie Allan in the outfield.  This team has too many 3rd basemen which is stating the obvious, but they're a largely adaptable bunch and easy to get along with.  Some are going to have to move but they take solid gloves to new spots.  Pitching is deep and Bones is a steadying influence that every club would love to have.  I just hope he's over his championship hangover.   

Will finish in the top 6 if:  Paul and Dave are able to find 'happy places' for people.  If that happens and the defense looks good, scoring really shouldn't be an issue for this squad.
Scott Peters:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  they can play with the same style and intensity as their captains - don't let Roger pull out his tournament hat!
Geoff Keogh:

Will finish in the top 6 if: The infield rich team can flash the glove in the outfield too!

Mark Doyle:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  Can single teams to death and let their defense take care of the rest
    

Rob Ford: Holy crap you Tottenham baseball people take your media seriously, eh?  Yes, I like the Son's Of Pitches.  Hey, does anyone know how to get to 15 Windsor Road from here?

Tap Masters

Kevin Boston:  Get your pens ready because this team’s score sheet will be full.  Lots of stick power on the Tap Masters with Gaudet and Peters followed by Brooksie.  Combine that with the depth of Tanner, Bowers Power, and the steady Bell and you have a good group of players.  Hager is versatile and rookie Feehley will help this team down the stretch.

Will finish in the top 6 if:  their depth on defence and in the batting order come through.  Lots of talent on this squad will make them a tough team to play against

Doug Dwyer:  What?  Sandy Bell not getting drafted by Rookie Captains?  I thought that was in the constitution as "mandatory".  So, lots to like with this team in terms versatility.  Last years finalists ended up with Peters patrolling Center and there a lot of options surrounding him including, Tanner, Buttigieg, Gaudet, and Feehely.  Short is looking like Schrank and third Brooks with Hagar a nice fit at 2nd, which could leave Jennings to rotate through the infield.  All the infielders can play all spots so it truly is pretty flexible.  Jason plays all over and Charlie can give some relief at 1st.  There are a couple of fellas here who can go deep, but there's a lot of guys that can hit deep doubles and triples all day.   

Will finish in the top 6 if:  The defense meshes.  This could honestly be great if everyone finds a role and likes it or it could be a struggle if it takes a while to find roles.  Might take some mixing and patience. 
Scott Peters:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  they can tap more than the keg after the games - great potential, great blend of skill and knowledge 
Geoff Keogh:
Will finish in the top 6 if:  Jason doesn't provide too much pizza all summer to slow them down on the base paths
Mark Doyle:  
Will finish in the top 6 if:  Their bats and outfield play as good as they can. This is the year of the good outfield

Rob Ford: PIZZA!!!!!!!!

And round 3 is in the Books!  An update on the pool, if you're interested in joining, the cost is $20.00, half goes to charity.  So far $440.00 is ear marked for local charities!  We rock. For info and joining instructions, follow this link.  http://www.tottenhamoldtimers.blogspot.ca/2014/04/draft-dust.html