Standings

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After Thursdays games

Tap Masters over Gruesome Devils
Dusty Cleats over Grisslies (inexplicably 6 innings)

Here are updated standings, remember unofficially.

In the event of a tie in points the order of finish will be determined by the following.

1.  Head to Head of record of the tied teams. (meaining wins and losses NOT runs scored) 
2.  Fewest ties among the tied teams.
3.  Most runs scored among the tied teams.
4.  Best plus / minus among the tied teams.
5.  Coin flip.

After Thursday

• The Master Batters have clinched 1st place.
• The Draft Kings have clinched 2nd place. (winning the tie breaker against the Dog Catchers)  
• The Dog Catchers have clinched 3rd place (losing the tie breaker to the Draft Kings)
• The Beer Bros can finish as high as 4th and as low as 5th. (own tie breaker over Dodge)
• The Hurtin' Units can finish as high as 5th and as low as 6th. (own tie breaker over Dodge)
• The Sliders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 7th.
• The Dodge City Rounders can finish as high as 5th and as low as 7th.
• The Rusty Rebels can finish as high as 8th and as low as 9th.
• The Grisslies can finish as high as 8th and as low as 9th. (own tie breaker over Tap Masters)
• The Tap Masters have clinched 10th place (own tie breaker over Cleats & SOP)
• The Sons Of Pitches can finish as high as 11th and as low as 12th.
• The Dusty Cleats can finish as 11th and as low as 12th
• The Hot Tub Woody's have clinched 13th.
• The Gruesome Devils have clinched 14th.

So as it stands now, very UNOFFICIALLY, here are the known match ups.

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After Wednesday's games

Hurtin' Units over Sliders
Beer Bros. over Rusty Rebels
Grisslies over Sons Of Pitches

Here are the updated standings (the plus / minus for the Tap Masters and Dusty Cleats aren't accurate as I didn't have the final score)

In the event of a tie in points the order of finish will be determined by the following.

1.  Head to Head of record of the tied teams. (meaining wins and losses NOT runs scored) 
2.  Fewest ties among the tied teams.
3.  Most runs scored among the tied teams.
4.  Best plus / minus among the tied teams.
5.  Coin flip.

After Wednesday

• The Master Batters have clinched 1st place.
• The Draft Kings have clinched 2nd place. (winning the tie breaker against the Dog Catchers)  
• The Dog Catchers have clinched 3rd place (losing the tie breaker to the Draft Kings)
• The Beer Bros can finish as high as 4th and as low as 6th.
• The Hurtin' Units can finish as high as 5th and as low as 7th.
• The Sliders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 7th.
• The Dodge City Rounders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 8th.
• The Rusty Rebels can finish as high as 8th and as low as 9th.
• The Grisslies can finish as high as 7th and as low as 10th.
• The Tap Masters can finish as high as 9th and as low as 12th.
• The Sons Of Pitches can finish as high as 10th and as low as 12th.
• The Hot Tub Woody's can finish as high as 12th and as low as 14th.
• The Dusty Cleats can finish as high as 10th and as low as 14th.
• The Gruesome Devils can finish as high as 12th and as low as 14th.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After Tuesday's games

Grisslies over Draft Kings
Hurtin' Units over Dodge City Rounders
Master Batters over Hot Tub Woody's
Sliders over Rusty Rebels
Tap Masters over Dusty Cleats

Here are the updated standings (the plus / minus for the Tap Masters and Dusty Cleats aren't accurate as I didn't have the final score)

In the event of a tie in points the order of finish will be determined by the following.

1.  Head to Head of record of the tied teams. (meaining wins and losses NOT runs scored) 
2.  Fewest ties among the tied teams.
3.  Most runs scored among the tied teams.
4.  Best plus / minus among the tied teams.
5.  Coin flip. 

After Tuesday

• The Master Batters have clinched 1st place.
• The Draft Kings have clinched 2nd place. (winning the tie breaker against the Dog Catchers)  
• The Dog Catchers have clinched 3rd place (losing the tie breaker to the Draft Kings)
• The Sliders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 6th.
• The Dodge City Rounders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Beer Bros. can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Hurtin' Units can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Rusty Rebels can finish as high as 5th and as low as 9th.
• The Grisslies can finish as high as 5th and as low as 12th.
• The Tap Masters can finish as high as 9th and as low as 12th.
• The Sons Of Pitches can finish as high as 9th and as low as 12th.
• The Hot Tub Woody's can finish as high as 12th and as low as 14th.
• The Dusty Cleats can finish as high as 9th and as low as 14th.
• The Gruesome Devils can finish as high as 12th and as low as 14th.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After Monday nights games

Dodge City Rounders over Gruesome Devils
Dog Catchers over Sons of Pitches

The updated standings look like this:

First, these standings are not official nor are the tie breaker rules.  Despite my confidence in them (who cares) the only things that should be considered official pertaining to the league will be found on the league website. 

In the event of a tie in points the order of finish will be determined by the following.

1.  Head to Head of record of the tied teams. (meaining wins and losses NOT runs scored) 
2.  Fewest ties among the tied teams.
3.  Most runs scored among the tied teams.
4.  Best plus / minus among the tied teams.
5.  Coin flip. 

So after Monday. 

• The Draft Kings can finish as high as 1st and as low as 3rd.
• The Dog Catchers can finish as high as 2nd and as low as 3rd. (lose tie breaker to Draft Kings)
• The Master Batters can finish as as 1st and as low as 3rd.
• The Dodge City Rounders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Beer Bros. can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Sliders can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Rusty Rebels can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Hurtin' Units can finish as high as 4th and as low as 9th.
• The Grisslies can finish as high as 4th and as low as 13th.
• The Son's of Pitches can finish as high as 9th and as low as 13th.
• The Hot Tub Woody's can finish as high as 9th and as low as 14th.
• The Dusty Cleats can finish as high as 9th and as low as 14th.
• The Tap Masters can finish as high as 9th and as low as 14th.
• The Gruesome Devils can finish as high as 12th and as low as 14th.

Over And Out

To the faithful, thanks!

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Week 4 Stats

INTRO

Yes my friends, I wasn't joking.  The BLOG editions will be few and far between this season I'm sad to say.  Hopefully I'll be able to roll with the stats one on a fairly regular basis though.  I finally got all the setup stuff done and Mr Conforti is working diligently on the data entry and Mr Chiasson on the upload to the website.

So then what are the these stats?  Well, some sit patiently on Sunday morning waiting for this to be published and won't have their coffee until they see it.  In fact, they'll even email me in Florida and complain that its not up!  Its okay, I'm honoured that anyone notices really.  But the point is that people who like these stats, REALLY like them.  Then I found out (at this weeks executive meeting) that some people don't even know that we track additional stats other than what's on the league site. That's okay too of course.

These stats aren't necessarily "pretty".  I try, but I worry more about content than presentation.

Above is an example of a pretty stat.  But its not terribly meaningful, is it?  It try and give a little explanation as I go along.

We track, the number of times a player reaches base, number of at bats and number of runs scored.  From there we (okay, me) do some supplemental stats.  In the coming weeks you'll see that we'll also report in six games segments so if you have a bad start, your hot streak later in the season won't be lost!  It won't be lost on me anyway, I watch for these trends.  :)

Above is an example of a deceiving stat.  See?  It looks like its meaningful, but its about cats and therefore stupid.  On to real stats.  (almost)

Consecutive Games Reaching Base

This is kind of simple.  This list simply tracks players who have hit in every game.  Right now we have 81 of our 168 players who have accomplished this.  When the number of players remaining gets down under 20 I'll start naming them.

To be honest, most people fall off this list because they miss a game, not because they go 0/4 or 0/5.  There's not a heck of a lot of shut outs in this league.

Consecutive Games Scoring A Run

Much the same as above with the exception that its harder to stay on this list!   We're already down to only 29 players left, so I'll probably start naming them as early as next week.

TEAM STATS

Defense:  Things you expect....The Draft Kings leading the league in defense.  Things you don't expect, the Grisslies in 11th in defense!  So this will feed into other more whole stats later, but I always tend to trust defensive stats a little more than offense.

Offense:  Then we have the offense.  Things you wouldn't expect?  The Grisslies having a hitting team?  That's never happened since I've been here.  Not like this anyway.  More on that later, but with 6 games in its going to get harder to move the needle on team stats.

Power Rankings

I'll admit that this is probably my most favourite little stat.  Its pretty simple.  Each team is ranked 1 thru 14 in points in the standings; runs scored; runs allowed and Plus/Minus.  Their totals in the categories are added together and the lowest total is top of the heap for the week.  Not surprisingly, as it addresses all aspects of the league statistically, its a pretty accurate reflection of who's hot.

My read on this is that we have four teams at the top that are cementing a top 6 finish for themselves. Then we have the next 6 teams that haven't quite figured out who they are yet.  They're good enough to do well in at least one category, but haven't found consistency yet.  Then we have the 4 at the bottom that have found the wrong kind of consistency and have some fixing to do.

Standings

The official league standings can be found at www.tottenhamoldtimers.ca Those ones are the only ones that count, but I'm not a big fan of them as most people know, because they are hockey standings and not baseball standings.  There is a reason for that, which is the got forsaken tie.  Ties make proper standings difficult.  But this is my version of baseball standings.

The differences are very subtle and more accurate in my opinion. Plus the Grisslies tied for 5th is way better than tied for 6th on the league site.

Runs Per Hit

I've been toying with this one for a couple of years, mostly looking for trends.  I think I found some.
First, this measures how many hits it takes a team to score a run on average.  Not complicated.  On average it 2.22 hits to score a run in the league two years ago, then it went down to 2.10 last year.  This year through 6 games there is only one team that isn't scoring better than last years league average!  And, had they not scored only one run in their opener, everyone would be ahead of pace.

So what does this mean?  Offense is up.  Dramatically.  Plus the hits are bigger.  The doubles and triples are cashing multiple runs on a single strike of the ball.  We're at 1.93 hits to score a run now across the league.

INDIVIDUAL STATS

These are cut back from previous years.  I'm trying to find an amount I can keep up with, so hopefully this is good.

At Bats:  Pretty straight forward.  Whoever is at the top at the heap at the end of the season will have not missed a game, be on a pretty good offensive club and hit near the top of the order.  Dodge, Grisslies and Master Batters are leading the charge with Ryan Feehely getting in for the Tap Masters.

Hits:  Sometimes the average guy is also the hits guy.  Last season that was the case, but not the two seasons prior.  Scotty Barton looks like he's back being Scotty Barton and Jeff Behan is proving that last years sensational rookie campaign was no fluke!  This will heat up in the summer when guys start missing a game or two.

Runs:  Well Mr. Muirhead is putting his stamp on this category, huh? Barring rain, we'll close off the 1st 6 game segment next week, which it looks like Jerry will win going away.  Three Rounders and four Grisslies in the top 10. Yowza.

Most Improved:  My favourite individual stat.  Cliffy (former Grisslie) is off to a great start as is Craig Escott.  Dude closed last year absolutely punishing the ball and it looks like he's started this year the same way.  There's lots of other good stories in here to keep an eye on.

Rookies:  Who will be this year's Mason, Slipetz or Behan?  So for the Grisslies own Manager of Bats is leading all rookies with an .800 average and 20 hits have him in a tie for 7th overall in the entire league!  Wow, great start!

Sophomores:  Go figure.  A Grisslie leads in rookie average and another Grisslie leads in Sophomore average.  The Grisslies, like the Tap Masters have 3 second year players and all six (Hollmann, Byran, Ford, Feehely, Bickford and Hodge) have gotten out of the gate well!

Week 2 - 2015, BLOG edition

General Week 2 Info

As the BLOG continues to evolve and I figure out the frequency and timing of this thing, I thought I'd just pass on some info.

Where are the stats????:  Easy kids.  Yes the stats have transitioned to Lou to track.  We have a new Web Master and new Statistician, but neither of them are the cause for why the stats and standings aren't on the website.  Changing from 15 to 14 teams has necessitated a lot of format changes.  While we have all the data, it looks like hell.  We'll get it sorted out in the next week or so.

• But I know your antsy, so I'll let you know that the Grisslie Captains are a combined 14/17 .826 with 7 runs scored.
• Jens and Steve have 9 runs scored to lead the captain combos and Don and Hugh are tied with in second with 7.  
• The Draft Kings Stike and Chuck, batting a 1.000 are the only captains ahead of the Grisslie dynamic duo for average.  
• The Gruesome Devils are the only 2-0 team .
• The Hot Tub Woody's, Rusty Rebels and Tap Masters are all 0-2.  
• The Woody's got 4/5 top six votes.
• The Rebels 2/5 
• The Tap Masters 2/5.  
• The Draft Kings, Master Batters, Dog Catchers, Dusty Cleats, Hurtin' Units and Beer Brothers sit at 1-0.
• The Sons Of Pitches and Grisslies are the only 1-1 teams. 
• The Dodge City Rounders and Sliders sit at 0-1.  

Heard or seen at the Park:  

• The Master Batters 1st ever game.  They're the home team.  Dave Fleming needs to put the bases in and walks up to Rob Farah and says, "got a hammer?"  Let that one sink in.  
• The Draft Kings gave up 1 run in their opener, against a team that scored 21 in their second game, so they're not dogs.  That's crazy.  
• Se non avente sentitio Tito raccontare la storia "detonatore", consultare il.  Sarabbe felice di dirvi.  Se non lo vedi, io posso dire in mia voce Tito.  
• If you haven't heard Tito tell you the Detonator" story, please ask him.  He would be happy to tell.  If you don't see him, I can tell you in my Tito voice.  
• You would think that most teams would be disappointed with a 0-2 start.  Not Hugh Armstrong!  They're 0-2 with a minus 13.  They are light years ahead of last years pace of 0-2 and minus 30!
• Beer Cup - More on this next week, but the Sons Of Pitches paid for a jug of beer for the Draft Kings (like they need help) who stole the cup from them.  The Draft Kings will get a chance to defend the cup against two 2-0 teams, the Rusty Rebels and the Tap Masters.  If either team wins they will carry it into week 3.  

The Conversation

For anyone who's bothered to follow along here, you know that there are some teams in "the best of all-time" conversation.  Not single-season, which is a whole other debate, but the best over the long haul.  I think maybe I'll do a ranking of them all one week to really stir the pot. 

Anyway, one of those teams that has to merit serious consideration is the Brew Jays.  Best regular season winning percentage ever, finishes of 2nd, 5th, 1st and 3rd before finally having one down year at 12th where they were eliminated early from the playoffs.  The other four years saw a Saturday elimination, a final appearance and 2 quarter finals. 

The architects of this great great squad were Rod Duggan and Bo Niederhuber.  They had an even keel approach that seemed to work.  They gave up their team this year and returned as 'players'; Rod with the Grisslies and Bo with the Hurtin' Units. 

So last week I'm in the Legion after the game and Bo and Rod are both their with their new teams.  While I was in the lineup for a pint, I heard this conversation. 

Rod:  How'd it go?
Bo:    Good, we won!
Rod:  Ya, us too.  We're 1-1. 
Bo:    Wow.  When was the last time you were .500?
Rod:  Banshees.  2009.
Bo:    You okay?
Rod:  I guess.  If we reel off 11 in a row it'll feel normal again. 
Bo:    I hear you.
Rod:  So how's the team.  What's it like playing for Mike and James?
Bo:    I have to say I'm pretty shocked. 
Rod:  Thank God!  I thought I was alone.  These's guys are crazy. 
Bo:    Oh ya?  That's not what I meant though.  James and Mike are great!
Rod:  Really?
Bo:    Sure!  We did the meet-the-team thing at Mike's. 
Rod:  That's nice.  Did he do a BBQ or something?
Bo:    Umm.  No, not really.  It was catered.   
Rod:  Catered?  Seriously?
Bo:    Ya.  I'm feeling kind of bad for you.  Maybe I'll just stop talking. 
Rod:  Its okay.  Don't sweat it.  So catered how?  Pizza?  Maybe wings?
Bo:    Sorry, no.  It was Lobster. 
Rod:  LOBSTER???
Bo:    Ya, but don't make a big deal about it.  They were pacific lobsters, not Atlantic.  And you know what, the asparagus wasn't even bacon wrapped. 
Rod:  Great, so your winning, eating well and I'm stuck with Lauel and Hardy.  Anything else with the Hurin' Units?
Bo:    Well.  There's the wagon. 
Rod:  What the hell is 'the wagon'?
Bo:    They carry their bats and their equipment in a wagon. 
Rod:  Come on. 
Bo:    Swear to god.  If we had a wagon we could have captained for another 2 or 3 years. 
Rod:  At least!
Bo:    How do the Grisslies manage the bats. 
Rod:  They have a Les Vadja?
Bo:    Whats that?
Rod:  The rookie. 
Bo:    The rookie carries the bats?
Rod:  Yep. There may be slave labour or hazing laws being broken, but I have to say that Doug and Rob's knees are a lot better than ours ever were. 
Bo:    My knees are great now.
Rod:  Really?  New meds?
Bo:    Nope.  The team massage therapist. 
Rod:  Of course. 
Bo:   Ya some Sven dude from Sweden.
Rod: Jens?
Bo:   SVEN!  anyway, 3 minutes for every player before the game and its like your 15 again.
Rod:  Stupid and don't have a licence?
Bo:   No.  Young and no pain!
Rod: 3 minutes?  That's bull.
Bo:   He doesn't even need that.  He just goes around and touches everyone on the neck and your totally healed.  You should see Scott Peters.  He's running like an Olympian.
Rod: Never heard of him.
Bo:   I just met him.  Been in the league for years apparently.  Keeps asking me if I'm "radar".
Rod: Oh you got the Radar guy?
Bo:   No.  The guy looking for the Radar guy.
Rod: Screw it.  When do you play next week.
Bo:  We're on the road for 2 next week.
Rod:   On the road, please.
Bo: Ya.  On the road!  Sons Of Pitches Tuesday and Beer Bros., Wednesday.
Rod:   What's the deal with pointing out home and road?
Bo:  Hotels.  You only get the room paid for on the road.  If your at home you're on your own
Rod: This is nuts.
Bo:   [to the legion bartender]  2 jugs of coors light please.
Rod: Where's your wallet?
Bo:  Don't need it.
Rod: why not
Bo:   [to the legion bartender]  On the Hurtin' Units account please.
Rod:  Oh, come on!!!
Rob Farah:  HEY RON, CAN YOU GET SOME CHIPS WHILE YOU'RE UP THERE?  
Rod:  ITS ROD!!!
Rob Farah:  OK ROG!
Rod: These guys are brutal.
Bo:   Sorry Rog.

The Story

Do you know Will?

Allow me to introduce you. 

Beards are funny.  Not necessarily funny looking, just ---- funny. 

For instance.  You know the band ZZ Top?  They are a trio of musicians who are known for their beards almost as much as they're know for producing Don Cherry's into song.  However, did you know that only 2 of the 3 have beards?  Sure you did.  But I bet you didn't know that the one guy who doesn't have a beard is named Frank Beard. 

See?  Beards are funny. 

How about this.  The school BYU in the states has a zero tolerance no-beard policy.  Its a clean leaving, proper decorum thing.  BYU is named after Brigham Young, the president of the Latter Day Saints, was the governor of Utah and was the founder of Salt Lake City.  So his school's no-beard policy must be a reflection of him, right?

Brigham Young.

Beards are funny that way.

Some of the most honest, most trustworthy, most creative people in history have had beards.  Abraham Lincoln.  Leonardo DaVinci. Steve Jobs.  The prophet Muhammad.  Jesus. 

Which brings me back to the honest, trustworthy and creative Will.  I asked him at the 'meet the team night', to tell me something interesting about his beard.  Something I could write a little bit about.  I got more than I expected.  Will sent me a note, "I sometimes hide things in my beard, would that work?"

Ya.  Beards are funny.  Tell me what you've got.  Will sent me pictures.  Really, not at ALL what I expected. 

This is Will storing Bows for Jo.  That's good husbanding. 

This is Will supplying his own candles for his 19th birthday.  When you legally go to a bar for the 1st time, its always cool to do something memorable.  Mission accomplished. 

You many not recognize this right way, but Will has 12 pieces of Salt Water Taffy in his beard.  He claims that he always brings enough for everyone on the team, but no one ever seems to want a piece.

Will is busy.  He's all over the outfield running like a demon.  He hits, runs the bases and scores runs.  When he's not doing all of those things, he's coaching 3rd or 1st.  He is a BUSY guy!  But still, all those things considered, he'll sit on the bench when he gets a second, pull out a crayon and colour us a picture. 

The man has a gift.  Just resign yourself to that fact.  Did you know for instance that Will made an adult sized chesterfield completely out of lego?  True story.   He's also known to carry lego in his beard for those spur of the moment projects. 

Lights aren't working Keogh?  No sweat. 

Will's obsessive compulsive cleanliness is a double edged sword.  Sure, he always smells like Old Spice Fiji on the bench, but honestly, the guys are getting a little tired of the offers for Q-tips. 

 Snack?  Will always has spaghetti!

 The Grisslies can always share drinks because Will has straws at the ready. 

The tooth-pic stunt earned Will the nickname "the Porcupine". 

I know that you're thinking that these umbrella's are for drinks at the Legion.  You couldn't be more wrong.  While he doesn't like to talk about it, Will suffers from Ombrophobia which is the uncontrollable fear of rain.  If there is even the slightest threat in the sky, out come his umbrellas.
 

And then of course, we have Will's go-to snack.  Gummy-Beards!

This Week's Games

 

Week 1 - 2015, BLOG Edition

The Conversation

For those of you new to the BLOG, the conversation (usually between me and Rob) tends to appear pretty often.  Sometimes they're 100% true.  Sometimes they're 100% made up.  Usually its about 50% true with the swear words (mine) removed and a little enhanced.  I always let people determine for themselves what is true or not.

This one however; is surprisingly accurate.

647-528-9669:  i GOts a neW phne!
Doug: Congratulations.  Who are you?
647-528-9669:  itssss me!
Doug: Ya.  I know that YOU know its you, but I don't know who you are.  You just show up as a phone number.

647-528-9669:  o

647-528-9669:  its the pPresdenant and CEo of the GrissliES!
Doug: Ahhhhh.  Okay Rob, I'll save your address.
647-528-9669:  you no where i live
Doug: I'll save it in my phone

Rob: ok.  are you donE yet?
Doug: yep, but it doesn't matter, you can still txt while I'm doing other stuff. 

Rob:  really?
Doug: LOL, ya.  

Rob:  love you too.
Doug: ?

Rob:  love you too.
Doug: okay.   Where did that come from? 

Rob:  LoL means Lots Of LovE, right?
Doug: hahahaha.  No.  It means Laugh Out Loud.  

Rob:  I'm liTerally L'ing out L right now.
Doug: You may need to practice the texing acronyms.  

Rob:  like what?
Doug: OMG

Rob:  o MY god.
Doug: right.  What about WTF

Rob:  Why ThE face?
Doug: No.  It means What The f**k

Rob:  can you swear on this?
Doug: You have to know your audience, but sure. 

Rob:  Fluking A

Rob:  Flicking

Rob:  ficking

Rob:  Funking A
Doug: I get it 

Rob:  fulkinng A
Doug: let it go.....

Rob:  why do the words keep changing?
Doug: its the auto correct feature.  

Rob:  that's a feature?  do i pay exTra for that?  i'm going to cancl that and get the wrslting channel on my phne.
Doug: Comes with the phone.  Has a camera too.  

Rob:  flunck off.
Doug:  LOL

Rob:  I know that one!!!!
Doug: Okay, txt some else, I've gotta make dinner. 

Rob:  Okay.  LOL for now.
Doug: It means Laugh Out Loud.  

Rob:  oH right.  I forgot.

(Remember when phones were actually meant for cars?)

****************
one hour Later
****************

Rob:  Hey
Doug:  No one to talk to?

Rob:  Yes.  bUT I have a question
Doug: sure. 

Rob:  what does idk mean?
Doug: I Don't Know.

Rob:  That's what Doris said too.
Doug:  He's right. 

Rob:  So who would know?
Doug:  know what?

Rob:  what IDk means?
Doug: ????

Rob:  what?
Doug: I already told you what it means.  

Rob:  I missed that.  

Rob:  O!!!  I have a text coming in, I'm goiNG to have to put you on hold.
Doug: There is no 'hold'.  

Doug: ughhhh, never mind.

Yep, the 1st flip! (AKA, Rob McCarron's phone)

****************
Ten Minutes Later
****************

Rob:  I can't find my new Penis
Doug:  Excuse me?

Rob:  Fruck....Uggh.  I can't find my new BASEBALL PENIS
Doug:   Not any better.

Rob:  Flunk.  I CAN'T FIND MY NEW WHITE BASEBALL PENIS
Doug: hmmmm, yelling doesn't appear to be helping either.  

Rob:  P

Rob: U

Rob: M

Rob: A

Rob:  S
Doug:  You can't find your new white baseball Pumas?

Rob:  Penis!!!! Yes!!!

Rob:  Ugh.
Doug:  LOL

This looks Soooooo convenient!

****************
30 minutes later

****************

Rob:  I'm back.
Doug: Goodie.

Rob:  any luck fiGuring out what IDK means?
Doug: I told you.  It means "I" "D"on't "K"now.  

Rob:  oooooooooooooooooooooooh.  I get it now. let me try. 

Rob:  IARLFTTBSRU?
Doug: ???????

Rob:  It means,.....opps, getting a txt, i'''m really popular.  back soon.

I think this was on MASH

****************
30 Minutes Later
****************

Rob:  Hey, i'm back.
Doug: what are you doing?

Rob: Jerkin hard.
Doug:  ? ? ? you know its Doug, right ? ? ?

Rob:  WORKIN' 

Rob:  WORKIN' HARD!!!
Rob:  I AM WORKIN' HARD!!!

Rob:  Stupid texting machine.

predates DownTown Billy Brown

****************
One Hour Later

****************

Rob:  I'm back.

Doug:  How did you live this long without a phone?

Rob:  I know!!!!!!  I eventook it to the bathroom!
Doug: so what was that long acronym?

Rob:  It statds fro I Am Really LOOKing Forward To THe Baseball Season ARe You?
Doug: so.....that's not really an acronym.  You can't just shorten everything you type down to the 1st letter and think people will understand it.

Rob:  I thought that was the policy.
Doug: Not really.  There's no policy.  There's just a common set of short forms.  Stuff like LOL, BTW, IDK, and others.  

Rob:  ok then. You're so LOL
Doug: I don't think i've seen an acronym used out of context before. 

Rob:  Stop!  You're killng me!  You are  SOOOOO LOL
Doug: Okay then.  TTYL (talk to you later)

Rob:  Okay.  TTYL (talk to you later) too!
Doug: Good lord. 

Rob:  GL.to you too

****************
One Hour Later
****************

The classic, my 1st phone.  Its nearly paid for

Rob:  I'm done
Doug: calling it a night?

Rob:  ya.  Just finished masturbating.  It makes me so relaxed.  I fall asleep way easier. 

Rob:  FRUNCK!!!  I meant MENSTRUATING!!!
Doug: I find that no less awkward. 

Rob:  Meditating.  Medi frickin tating.
Doug: I see

Rob: FLUCNK ME!!!
Doug: I think you've flucnked us all.  TTYL

Rob: TTYL (talk to you later) too.

THE SONG

Again, for those of you new to the BLOG..... The song started as Rob's inspirational speech to the team before every game.  Its evolved over the years.  There's some good ones....and....some not so much. However; love it or hate it, the song is leaving as a permanent fixture of the BLOG.  The truth is that it is the most time consuming part of this whole enterprise and it only has a small (and loyal) audience, so its an easy time recovery opportunity.

So, that being said, there will be a song under the following conditions:
1.  when something presents itself too me and just needs to be done!
2.  if I find myself with sufficient slack time to try and be somewhat creative.
3.  if someone submits a song, I'm happy to give them credit and cut & paste it into the BLOG.

Today's song stems from an email conversation between myself, Mr Dancey and Mr Hopkins.  

I AM THE DANCEMAN

(to the tune of I Am The Walrus)

I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.
See how they run like Dwyer from a liner see how he fly.
I'm Howling.

Sitting on a bleacher, waiting for the team to come.
Hot Tub Woody's tee-shirt, stupid bloody Tuesday.
Man, we're never gonna have a rut, gonna kick some Unit's butt.
I am the Danceman, they are not the Danceman.
I am the walrus, coo coo ca chew!

Kevin "skippy" Cavalier is running
Pretty little runs on the score sheet in a row.
See how they fly like Tristan in the Sky, see how they run.
I'm writing, I'm scoring.
I'm jeering, I'm crying.

Grey shirted Grisslies, Timmy Two Beers no longer on their side.
Troy Hope's wheels, Gord Dol's glove,
Boy, Gee will hit it up the middle and leave Farah with his knickers down.
I am the Danceman, they are not the Danceman.
I am the walrus, coo coo ca chew!

Sitting in Coventry garden waiting for the sun.
If the sun don't come, Dickson will laugh
From the stream of jokes from Caldwell's mouth.
I am the Danceman, they are not the Danceman.
I am the walrus, coo coo ca chew!

Expert text pert choking smokers,
Don't you think the joker laughs at you?
See how they run like Dwyer from a liner see how he fly.
I'm Howling.

Then the Master Batters, Might have to give Lenny the start.
Doesn't really matter, I could start Larkin.
Man, you should have seen Fast Eddy's face light up.
I am the Danceman, they are not the Danceman.
I am the walrus, coo coo ca chew!

THE GAME

Welcome to the league Superior Battsmen!

The Grisslies started slowly but made up for it with some truly uninspired play in the middle innings!  We did close to get within three and ultimately fall 16-11.

Rookie Les Vadja had is first career hit, run and RBI in this game.  Way to go!
I'm on pace to score 52 runs and have 52 errors.  Excellent.
Rob is on pace for 52 strikeouts and 52 walks.  Swell.
Brad Smith is on pace for 25 more broken feet.
Rick Lyon on pace for personally breaking the record for most jugs in a season by a team.
Rod Duggan on pace to tell guys to just "shake it off" 10,400 more times
Will Goodin on pace for turning 26 home runs into 26 triples
Joel Hodge is on pace for 52 more fist fights with Tom Ball.

Great start fellas.

More after the Woody's game on Thursday

The Prediction Issue

Yes boys and girls, the long awaited predictions issue.  This is where some of our league stalwarts over-analyze ,psycho-analyze, under-analyze, over-rate, over-think each team's roster and make predictions on the league's final standings.

To be clear, this is regular season only....it has nothing to do with playoffs.

See what Scott Peters thinks.  What I think.  What Kevin Boston thinks. And hear from two new comers to the predictions racket.  Bo Niederhuber, one of the two winningest (its a word) captains of all time in this league.  And hear the perspective of 5 time all-star Sir Andy Gee.  Now those two dudes know a little something about winning.

This usually serves as motivation for the teams ranked low because everyone loves being the underdog.  Team's ranked highly will dismiss it as uninformed drivel because everyone hates being the favourite.  And the teams in the middle will collectively stamp their feet and say, "what about us"?

The truth is that we collectively predict correctly at about 70% which just slightly better than most farm animals.  Its no screaming hell.  I'm hoping that improves with Bo & Andy.

That being said, I am appreciative to the boys in the band for doing this again this year and putting their names out there to be open to mocking and ridicule.

This was not the easiest BLOG to put together.  Mark Doyle passed this year and he usually has more stats than I do.  Geoff Keogh was bogged down with work commitments and had to pass.  Kevin Boston had to submit remotely from North Bay or Sault Ste. Marie as he was traveling with work.  Andy Gee contributed from Mexico.  Bo, Scott and I sat around my dining room table and kibitzed.  Not easy with two guys from the Hurtin' Units.

We don't agree on much.  But, the consensus seems to be that we don't have a tragic team this year like last seasons Hurtin' Units or two years ago Grisslies. Someone will finish last, that's assured.  But 2-24 or 3-23?  Not likely.

Lets not take this TOO seriously, its conversation fodder.

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  10-12
All-Time:  42-47-5
Rookies:  Gary Ross
Scott:  Plenty of choice in the outfield but need a way to plug up the infield and create double play opportunities.
Radar:Will finish in the top 6 only if the middle defence can also double up as their top offensive threats.  Keep it loose and keep it fun and this team could be a spoiler.
Bo:  Defense looks good across the outfield, need to catch some magic the bats.
Doug:  Like the pitcher, like the outfield, like Lamb at short.  Lots of guys that will play wherever they're needed.  Those are all good things.   Will the team have a steady and responsible enough defense to contend?  Need everyone in the right spots and playing a low risk game.  
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  14-7-1
All-Time:  75-91-4
Rookies:  Stephen Tsotsos

Scott:  Mason out, Lahey in.  Doesn't seem fair does it?  Speedy outfield, power bats, and some great personalities will make this team fun to watch.
Radar: Will finish in the top 6 with a solid performance from their Captain and fellow power-hitter Lahey.  The loss of Mason will hurt this team so they will look to newcomers to combine for that pop.  Decent outfield and middle defence.
Bo:  This team looks great offensively, moderate power, but lots of line drive hitters. This team looks to be among the leaders in runs scored this season.
Doug:  Let me see if I understand this.  Beechey loses (arguably) the best short stop in the league and in the draft gets (arguably) the best short stop in the league.  Ass.  Lahey is instant offense.  A healthy Gayle and dependable Muirhead should score a lot of runs in front of him.  I like the outfield.  Not sure how the infield all fits together.  In short, there's potential, but I'm from Missouri on this one. (FYI:  Missouri is the "Show Me" state)    
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year: 14-6-2
All-Time:  98-83-11
Rookies:  None.
Scott:  Experience, will it work again this year?  Lots of outfield possibilities, Moon may be asked to play more infield than expected.  Two top hitters need to set the table for the big bats.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if all of the parts can make it work.  A solid middle defence combined with strong pitching and a team filled with fairly set positions from the start.  The offense is pretty deep starting from the top right through 7.
Andy:  this team has this years version of "murderers row" and defensively they look strong up the middle. They can win it all providing they show up and Randy plays like Randy.
Bo:  Having a good group of guys that get along goes a long way to a having a fun and winning season.  There is nice offensive potential here and good defensive ability.
Doug:  Ummmm.....this looks pretty good.  Outfield is between good and great and if they take the time to teach Iacoucci how play 1st base that would be the kind of target every infielder loves.  Moon and Clouthier on the left, very nice.  They won't score like last years Dog Catchers, but then again, no team ever has; but they're gonna score a lot.  I can't see not contending.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  14-8
All-Time:  30-15-1
Rookies:  None

Scott:  Infield is set with a deep bench in case of injury.  Outfield solid.  Key will be shutting down the gaps for extra base hits on defense and chipping away and cashing in on extra base hits on offense.
Radar:Will finish in the top 6 if the bats can pester the opposition all year long with extra base hits.  Not a lot of home run power but pesky.  The defense will have no issues bringing it to first so expect a lot of double plays this season.
Andy:  Strong up the middle and now stronger with Darryl. They have a nice balance with their infield and outfield. They can win it all if they hit for high average.
Bo:  The middle is great with Gaudet, Chuck and Stike.  The question is what happens in the outfield. If they get that sorted out they'll be fine.
Doug:  Pitching and strength up the middle and add Bartens and Hjelholt to the corners and you've got something good.  The Achilles heel is the outfield.  There are some good players here, don't get me wrong; but they'll be challenged to run down balls with the same regularity as some other teams. If the outfield collectively over delivers, they'll be in great shape.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  6-16
All-Time:  67-98-3
Rookies:  None

Scott:  One of the strongest middle infields and throw in Rouleau at 3rd and you'll need to put the ball in the air against this team.  That doesn't mean that they a have a week outfield either.  Will finish in top 6 if outfield doesn't get worn out chasing balls in the gaps.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can keep healthy.  The season is long and this team needs to be in the game day in and day out.  
Bo:  There's nothing wrong with these players.  Where they play will make all the difference in the world.
Doug:  1st covered, 2nd covered, SS, 3B, OF, P, C .... covered, covered, covered and COVERED!   From May 4 to Sep 3 its a GREAT team.  Will be in top 6 in offense, should be in defense too.  End of conversation.  The playoffs are a different story, but a top drawer regular season team.  
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  13-7-2
All-Time:  77-84-9
Rookies:  Les Vajda

Scott:  Really mixed bag of age and experience.  Finding the right balance and chemistry in the batting order might be the key to success.  Lets hope injuries don't put pressure on the people having to play defensive positions they're not used to.
Radar:  Will "Goodin" finish in the top 6 with a lineup that must be consistent.  There is good potential to be a team with some pop combined with a team with average.
Andy:  They too have a nice mix of power and average at the plate as well as balance with the infield and outfield. They can win it all providing Rob brings his game every night. If they have to bring in their P2.....trouble.
Bo: Good mix of players and experience.  If the bats show the power potential that we see on paper then they'll be okay.
Doug:  Wow.  Every position has a person who plays it regularly!  The defense should be good out of the gate.  The offense?  As usual it will come down to Rick Lyon's bat.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year: 9-13
All-Time:  33-33-4
Rookies:  Ted Blowes

Scott:  Well captained and will be a fun team to play against.  Defensive strength in the key.  Defensive positions will help them shorten time on the field and focus on scoring.  Rookies could be the deciding factor for this team making it to Sunday this year.
Radar:Will finish in the top 6 if they can piece all of the parts together.  Need to find a middle infield to make it a go.
Bo:  If Ted brings to the table the same sporting sense to ball as he does to ball-hockey the Gruesome Devils will find themselves with a steal.
Doug:  I don't see any issues in climbing above the .500 for their careers.  There is a combination of baseball sense, brute strength, speed and hilarity.  Jens Lepa should probably be a #2, but; when you deliver a case of 24 of the Sweden's cheapest beer to the ratings committee; unexplained good things can happen.  Nice squad.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year: 11-11
All-Time:  88-98-6
Rookies:  Tristan Emmett
Scott:  Good depth, speedy outfield, solid infield with welcome return on Larkin.  Will Cavalier be able to repeat a sensational first year in the league?  Top 6 if Andy Gee doesn't get shipped out to Siberian minor leagues for disciplinary reasons.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if the Woody's can stay away from the Master Batters.  Those two teams make a bad combo.  On the field, this is a team with some speed and extra base potential.
Bo:  This team looks steady from top to bottom.  The vets don't have a lot of miles on them and have two good captains to fall back on.
Doug:  Wow.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  3-18-1
All-Time:  51-61-8
Rookies:  Todd Hicks

Scott:  Definitely no worry of repeating last years last place showing.  Strong infield will make outfield a busy place to be.  Look out for rookie Hicks to emerge as a top tier player.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can keep the other teams' offense at bay.  Their sticks will be a threat but expect lots of shootouts this season.
Andy:   Another team of tough outs that should hit for a high average. If they can figure that out and they find a good outfield combination this team could go all the way.
Bo:  My first captains since John Stiff.  These guys have a lot to live up to!!!  Will having 4 captains on the field at the same time help or hurt???
Doug:  Well the Units should be able to bounce back from last years disaster.  Speaking from experience, its tough to do it twice in a row.  Interesting mix of guys.  Combo of people with nothing to prove and people trying to take the next step.  If it mixes it could be interesting . But there's no way this team is tragic.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  0-0
All-Time:  0-0
Rookies:  Bob Blewett, Jon Douma

Scott:  Good balance strong outfield, Keogh anchoring the infield.  Quiet leadership with the exception of Tanner :)
Radar: Will finish in the top 6 if the team does not suffer a number of Tommy John surgeries as a result from overuse of arms.  This will be a fun team to play on.  Keogh will need to carry a lot on his stick and everyone on the team will have to give him a hand.  Hint to teams...the handshake rule after the game does not need to apply to this team.
Bo:  If they can manage the rough times as new captains and take advantage of the good streaks, they'll wind up just fine.
Doug:  Its actually a pretty good distribution of infield and outfield players.  Some shift work to contend with, but I've heard some rumours that rookie brings a little bit of game with him.  The best part of this team might be the new captain's ability to steer the ship.  I think they'll be able to keep it fun and show progress throughout the year.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  13-9
All-Time:  92-94-6
Rookies:  Ryan Marshall

Scott:  Infield is set and then some.  Outfield will need strong communication while chasing fly ball. Setting the table for Brooks and Young shouldn't be difficult.  Will finish in the top 6 if hitting finds consistency and clutch hits to pull out tight games.
Radar: Will finish in the top 6 if...this is not an if, they will finish in the top 6.  This team is loaded with lots of pop and solid defence from top to bottom.  Look out.  It could be a back-to-back championship in the making
Andy:  They have the team that can do a repeat performance providing they can put an outfield together and they need Brad to hit the ball on a line.
Bo:  Like the left side of the infield and the offensive potential.  Its a lot to ask for a repeat, The Wild might be safe for another year.
Doug:  Like Hugh was saying, the only thing harder than repeating is Gary Basso's head.  Not a bad squad at all.  Nice balance in and out and if Rumboldt is 100%, then the Reb's got a steal!!!  Really like the infield defense behind Sandy.  Good draft.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  9-13
All-Time:  9-13
Rookies:  Glenn Armstrong
Scott:  Some big bats in this line up.  Need to get runners on and spread power throughout the batting order.  Defensive versatility could be the key to making this team endure the long season have a good playoff run.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if the big bats come out to play.  They will need to carry this team to ensure they get a jump on the scoreboard.  Not a lot of speed but look for several doubles this year.
Andy:  Sliders look to be a team with a good balance of on base percentage and power. Defensively, if they can put a descent infield together and Lou returns to championship pitching form, they can win it all.
Bo:  Stringing together consistent at bats from 1 thru 12 will be the challenge.  If they score enough runs to keep up with their defense they'll be fine.
Doug:  Don't be afraid to use Dude at 3B, he made steady improvements throughout last year...and his bat is about to make him jump up 2 points in the ratings  He's that close.  I guess the big issue here is the same as last year; a bona-fide short stop.  Kahuna might be answer in the second half of the season, but right now its time to plug and play!
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  12-10
All-Time:  12-10
Rookies: Rob Quadrini

Scott:  Strong experienced outfield.  spray the ball around if you're planning on beating this team.  Don't underestimate a batting lineup that is bound to keep other teams guessing.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can find positions for everyone.  Lots of guys on this squad play several positions so they will need to sort that out.  They will also need to keep games low scoring to make a go out of it.
Bo:  Being overloaded at some positions might hurt at times but there is tons of offensive potential on this team to compensate.
Doug:  For anyone who didn't see Jeff Behan pitch as a p2 last year, do yourself a favour and go watch him before you have to face him. Two monsters from last years Grisslie squad here.  There might be 4 2nd basemen and 2 or 3 SS's but the good news is they're all versatile. Other good news, very nice outfield too!  Not much downside here.
Kanye West:

TEAM INFO:
Last Year:  15-7
All-Time:  37-31-2
Rookies:  Paul Doyle
Scott:  Good depth defensively and offensively.  Shrank might be able to return to the infield where he's more comfortable and allow Ross to swallow up would be hits in the outfield.
Radar:  Will finish in the top 6 if they can determine who will be the middle infield and if they can get a someone on first to help turn DPs.  The OF needs to ensure they get the ball to the infield quick.
Bo:  This team is well laid out at all positions.  Moderate power, but very reliable on base.
Doug:  Nice balance and a decent outfield.  You guys will enjoy fielding behind Kevin Bryan.  The Tap Masters have been competitive year after year.  This team might not have quite the power they're used to, but it certainly makes up for it with OBA and baseball brains.  Plus some teams (See the history of the BrewJays) just expect to win regardless of who's on the team.
Kanye West:

TOP 6

And now....the moment you've been waiting for.

The teams are not listed in order of finish, simply alphabetically.

So if we look at total counts, you'll see that the Dog Catchers are the only team picked by EVERYONE to finish in the top 6.  This doesn't make them favourites to finish 1st overall, it only means that we're all idiots if they don't finish in the top 6.  The Hot Tub Woody's are a close 2nd four picks and the only one who didn't pick them is their starting pitcher.  I think that may be some "jinx-nerves" coming into play.  The Grisslies, Cleats and Units are the last of the teams picked by the majority.  With two Hurtin' Units on the panel, I'll let you all debate the possible impact of that.

We have 12 of our 14 teams picked by at least one person to be in the top 6.  The only teams not picked are the Master Batters and Gruesome Devils.  This of course means that one of those two will definitely finish in the top 6.  It also means that our draft was once again AWESOME!!

Good luck to all!