With high school basketball starting in a little over a week my sports journal is really going to pickup in posts. As last year I will be doing a continuous playing and team ranking of players and teams that I watch play and will also be doing previews for games. To kick off the season I'll just be talking about some of the big stories of the season.
The biggest story in division one this year is the transfer of four of the top 25 sophomores transferring from Milwaukee Bay View to Milwaukee Hamiliton. Many people see Hamiliton as a state contender but, personally I believe that they are still a season away from seriously contending for state. Last year at Bay View they were towards of the bottom of the City conference and they had a division one recruit in Johnnie Lacy playing with them. The Hamiliton transfers are getting the headlines but, a bigger transfer is the move of number one soph Larry Bradley transferring from perennial power Milwaukee Vincent to the defending state champions Wauwatosa East. Tosa East was once again going to be a very good team but, Bradley coming in makes them one of the top teams in division one. Along with Tosa East, Madison Memorial and Oshkosh West are the top teams, in my mind, gunning for a state title. Madison Memorial has a pair of division one recruits in 6'6 Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 Vander Blue and adding in freshmen from Canada that is supposedly going to be the top player in his class. Oshkosh West lost only two players from their final four team from a year ago and as usual have great height and bring back there two starting guards.
In division two is probably the most wide open of any division, as to who is the favorite to win state. You could ask 10 people and probably get at least eight different answers as to who is the favorite. Personally I had my money on state runner ups Adams Friendship having the best shot but, now there are rumors that their best player 6'4 Tommie Gaston may not be playing this year. If the rumor is true that may make the division even more unpredictable.
Division three will once again be the debate of privates verse publics, as privates have seemed to dominate D3 year in and year out. The early favorites, all privates, are Lacrosse Aquinas, Eau Claire Regis, Racine St Catherines, and Whitefish Bay Dominican. The top public schools looking to knock them off are Laconia, Cuba City, and Marshall along with the two schools that moved up from division four in Luck and Eleva Strum, who were both at state for D4 last year.
Division four is Randolph as usual and if Benton can finally get past them and win state. Benton has had a great summer playing against many D1 schools and beating a good majority of them. They also have three guards that are in their fourth year of starting and were knocked out by Randolph last year in the sectional final by two points. Randolph is once again Randolph. They have a big man, 6'9 Kyle Kelm, and a Tillema, 6'3 Tyler Tillema, leading the way.
Those are some of the early thoughts of the season with the season just over a week away. In the following week I will be giving my top teams for each division and my preseason all state for each division and possibly a preview into some of the top early season games I will be going to.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series
Well since I'm pretty much butchered my playoffs predictions figured I should take another stab at the big show. The World Series. Like everyone else does I'm going to go through position by position which team has the advantage.
Left Field
Pat Burrell is probably the better player when he's hot but, when he's cold he's on the lower end of left fielders in baseball. Carl Crawford plays better defense and has more speed, while Burrell has the power. I haven't seen Crawford look as good as he did pre injury but, Burrell isn't hitting great either so I call this one a tie.
Center Field
BJ Upton has been the most impressive player in the playoffs so far but, Shane Victorino has been the MVP for the Phillies this post season. Both are very fast players that play great D, have great arms. and are swing the bat great. Another tie here.
Right Field
Big edge to the Phillies here. Jason Werth is playing everyday while the Rays have had four different guys out there in Rocco Baldelli, Gabe Gross, Fernando Perez, and Ben Zobrist. Have that many guys out there just tells me that they have no faith in any of the guys. Not even a debate this is the Phils edge.
Third Base
Same thing in right field except the opposite in that Rays have the edge because Evan Longoria plays everyday while Pedro Feliz and Greg Dobbs platoon. Throw in the fact that Longoria is an all-star and is the hottest player right now outside of Upton.
Short Stop
Edge to the Phillies here. No disrespect to Jason Bartlett and his great defense but, Rollins plays as good as defense and hits the ball better. Not to mention Bartlett had some big errors against the Red Sox.
Second Base
Edge to Phillies (as Chase Utley just goes yard). Akinori Iwamura has been playing really good setting the table for the Rays but, this is Utley. He's the Phils three hitter and was carry the Phils with Burrell and Howard not doing much.
First Base
Phillies have the edge again. Ryan Howard drives in a ton of runs and hits the long ball. Carlos Pena is a clutch player but, doesn't seem like he does much throughout the course of the game until the late innings and at that point the game is over.
Catcher
Finally back to the Rays with the big advantage here. Carlos Ruiz is solid behind the plate but, really isn't a great hitter while Dioner Navarro is an all-star that plays good D and hits the ball well.
DH
Edge Rays. The Rays have guys that are used to being DHs while the Phillies do not. Edge to Rays in the one spot where they have the experience edge.
Starting Pitching
This is probably a push here except for the fourth pitcher spot. I just don't see Jamie Moyer being a big time pitcher while the Rays have four solid pitchers.
Relief Pitcher
Brad Lidge has been awesome all year for the Phillies while the Rays bullpen looked rough against the Red Sox. David Price has made the Rays bullpen a little better but, I still give it to the Rays.
With the Phillies currently winning in the second inning of game one 2-0 I'm gonna go with the Rays in the series like just about everyone else. Winning in seven games. I'm taking a split in Tampa Bay and the Phillies taking two of three in Philly, and then the Rays taking the final two at home to win the series. I know I'm pretty much going along with everyone else making picks but, hey everyone else is right.
Left Field
Pat Burrell is probably the better player when he's hot but, when he's cold he's on the lower end of left fielders in baseball. Carl Crawford plays better defense and has more speed, while Burrell has the power. I haven't seen Crawford look as good as he did pre injury but, Burrell isn't hitting great either so I call this one a tie.
Center Field
BJ Upton has been the most impressive player in the playoffs so far but, Shane Victorino has been the MVP for the Phillies this post season. Both are very fast players that play great D, have great arms. and are swing the bat great. Another tie here.
Right Field
Big edge to the Phillies here. Jason Werth is playing everyday while the Rays have had four different guys out there in Rocco Baldelli, Gabe Gross, Fernando Perez, and Ben Zobrist. Have that many guys out there just tells me that they have no faith in any of the guys. Not even a debate this is the Phils edge.
Third Base
Same thing in right field except the opposite in that Rays have the edge because Evan Longoria plays everyday while Pedro Feliz and Greg Dobbs platoon. Throw in the fact that Longoria is an all-star and is the hottest player right now outside of Upton.
Short Stop
Edge to the Phillies here. No disrespect to Jason Bartlett and his great defense but, Rollins plays as good as defense and hits the ball better. Not to mention Bartlett had some big errors against the Red Sox.
Second Base
Edge to Phillies (as Chase Utley just goes yard). Akinori Iwamura has been playing really good setting the table for the Rays but, this is Utley. He's the Phils three hitter and was carry the Phils with Burrell and Howard not doing much.
First Base
Phillies have the edge again. Ryan Howard drives in a ton of runs and hits the long ball. Carlos Pena is a clutch player but, doesn't seem like he does much throughout the course of the game until the late innings and at that point the game is over.
Catcher
Finally back to the Rays with the big advantage here. Carlos Ruiz is solid behind the plate but, really isn't a great hitter while Dioner Navarro is an all-star that plays good D and hits the ball well.
DH
Edge Rays. The Rays have guys that are used to being DHs while the Phillies do not. Edge to Rays in the one spot where they have the experience edge.
Starting Pitching
This is probably a push here except for the fourth pitcher spot. I just don't see Jamie Moyer being a big time pitcher while the Rays have four solid pitchers.
Relief Pitcher
Brad Lidge has been awesome all year for the Phillies while the Rays bullpen looked rough against the Red Sox. David Price has made the Rays bullpen a little better but, I still give it to the Rays.
With the Phillies currently winning in the second inning of game one 2-0 I'm gonna go with the Rays in the series like just about everyone else. Winning in seven games. I'm taking a split in Tampa Bay and the Phillies taking two of three in Philly, and then the Rays taking the final two at home to win the series. I know I'm pretty much going along with everyone else making picks but, hey everyone else is right.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Baseball Playoffs
Major League Baseball playoffs started tonight and though a couple games have already been played decided to make my predictions on how the first round will go.
American League
Rays over White Sox 3-1
The White Sox might be my team but, they've just been so inconsistent this year and the Rays pitching is too good. Sox will sneak one out at home when Beuhrle pitches.
Angels over Red Sox 3-2
Red Sox haven't been the Sox of the last couple years and don't seem like a World Series team to me and the Angels have been the best team in the American League this year. Angels also have K-Rod to close the door who has been great in post season in years past.
AL Championship
Angels over Rays 4-2
Yes the Rays have been great all year long but, I just can't see them winning it all. I think their still one year away. Angels experience is the difference in this one.
National League
Cubs over Dodgers 3-2
I was honestly going to take the Cubs 3-1 but, with the Dodgers already winning today they'll probably win at least one more in LA. Cubs are just too good and the Dodgers aren't as the needed to pull things together at the end to win baseball's worst division.
Phillies over Brewers 3-0
Yes I live in Wisconsin and cheer for the Brewers but, the Brewers never beat the good teams and the only game I see them possibly winning is tomorrow with Sabathia. That games in Philadelphia so I'm still taking the Phils. Sorry Brewers your going home early.
Cubs over Phillies 4-2
Cubs really are the best team in the NL and probably best in baseball. Dempster, Zambrano, and Lily have all finished the year strong pitching.
World Series
Cubs over Angels 4-3
Cubs best team in baseball. Better hitters, better pitching, and have better fans.
American League
Rays over White Sox 3-1
The White Sox might be my team but, they've just been so inconsistent this year and the Rays pitching is too good. Sox will sneak one out at home when Beuhrle pitches.
Angels over Red Sox 3-2
Red Sox haven't been the Sox of the last couple years and don't seem like a World Series team to me and the Angels have been the best team in the American League this year. Angels also have K-Rod to close the door who has been great in post season in years past.
AL Championship
Angels over Rays 4-2
Yes the Rays have been great all year long but, I just can't see them winning it all. I think their still one year away. Angels experience is the difference in this one.
National League
Cubs over Dodgers 3-2
I was honestly going to take the Cubs 3-1 but, with the Dodgers already winning today they'll probably win at least one more in LA. Cubs are just too good and the Dodgers aren't as the needed to pull things together at the end to win baseball's worst division.
Phillies over Brewers 3-0
Yes I live in Wisconsin and cheer for the Brewers but, the Brewers never beat the good teams and the only game I see them possibly winning is tomorrow with Sabathia. That games in Philadelphia so I'm still taking the Phils. Sorry Brewers your going home early.
Cubs over Phillies 4-2
Cubs really are the best team in the NL and probably best in baseball. Dempster, Zambrano, and Lily have all finished the year strong pitching.
World Series
Cubs over Angels 4-3
Cubs best team in baseball. Better hitters, better pitching, and have better fans.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Summers Over
Well now that summer is officially over it's time to give up on the softball season completely and begin to focus on football. Being football season is the reason why my post have pretty much disappeared. Out of the big three sports football is probably my least favorite to watch or follow. I am currently counting down the days until the high school basketball season starts, which is my favorite time of the year. Once high school basketball season starts I will probably have a post almost every day. Right now during the football season I will probably be lucky if I post once a week.
The Packers are currently 2-1 with their new quarterback Aaron Rodgers which I love because I was never a big Brett Farve fan. I just couldn't stand that everyone treated him like a god. The Badgers are 3-0 which isn't a huge surprise because they always play a relatively weak non-conference schedule. They did go out to Fresno State which didn't turn out to be the game that everyone had predicted. The final team I follow closely is the Wisconsin Dells football team. A bit of a surprise to me that their 4-0 but, that may just be because I don't typically follow them very closely, and this may of been expected. I went to the last game and they beat Milwaukee Bradley Tech 35-19 after being down 13-0 in the first quarter. In that game Dells really showed some great athleticism to keep up and beat up on the Milwaukee players which were supposedly more athletic and quicker.
In the final softball tournament of the season we took the majority of our Mt Olympus Dells league team and few other guys mixed in up to Cataract just north of Sparta. This tournament was a good tournament for us because it was a lower level tournament for us to be able to get out feet wet in the tournament experience. Game one we got Crow Bar one of the few teams there that were a regular tournament team. We played even for most of the game and were up 7-5 going into the 7th inning. Crow Bar ended up scoring five runs in the 7th to go up 10-7. We were able to come back and score two runs in the bottom of the 7th but, fell just short as the game ended 10-9 with two runners on base.
Game two we had only nine players but, luckily got matched up with a lower team in Lessons. We were able to jump out early and cruise to a 15-5 win. We ended up losing our center fielder to a pulled hamstring. The final game of the tournament for us we ended up losing to Market Bar 13-10 which had about five guys from Multistack. This game was about us not having timely hitting. Three separate times we had bases loaded and couldn't score anyone. Two of those times with no outs. First time we had bases loaded we had one out and our three hitter, my brother up to bat and he hit a grounder to the short stop. The went for the double play but, didn't get my brother at first but, our guy on third decided not to run and was thrown out at home when he finally did decide to run. The second time we had bases loaded we had our 2,3, 4 hitters up and no outs. A pop out to first, pop out to short, and then a grounder to second ended that rally. The final time we had bases loaded and no outs our 8,9,10 batters were up. Two pop outs to the pitcher and a ground out to short ended that one.
Next year we are hoping to get our own tournament team but, it is yet known if we will or not. It really depends on a few things. Do we want to break ties with our current tournament team Harmony, will the Dells get into the Sunday league for baseball causing us to lose half our team, can we get a sponsor, will Mt Olympus sponsor us or will we be self sponsored, and the final thing and biggest is can we consistently put together a solid team week in and week out. If we can't get a sponsor you might be seeing Young Guns at a few tournaments next year.
The Packers are currently 2-1 with their new quarterback Aaron Rodgers which I love because I was never a big Brett Farve fan. I just couldn't stand that everyone treated him like a god. The Badgers are 3-0 which isn't a huge surprise because they always play a relatively weak non-conference schedule. They did go out to Fresno State which didn't turn out to be the game that everyone had predicted. The final team I follow closely is the Wisconsin Dells football team. A bit of a surprise to me that their 4-0 but, that may just be because I don't typically follow them very closely, and this may of been expected. I went to the last game and they beat Milwaukee Bradley Tech 35-19 after being down 13-0 in the first quarter. In that game Dells really showed some great athleticism to keep up and beat up on the Milwaukee players which were supposedly more athletic and quicker.
In the final softball tournament of the season we took the majority of our Mt Olympus Dells league team and few other guys mixed in up to Cataract just north of Sparta. This tournament was a good tournament for us because it was a lower level tournament for us to be able to get out feet wet in the tournament experience. Game one we got Crow Bar one of the few teams there that were a regular tournament team. We played even for most of the game and were up 7-5 going into the 7th inning. Crow Bar ended up scoring five runs in the 7th to go up 10-7. We were able to come back and score two runs in the bottom of the 7th but, fell just short as the game ended 10-9 with two runners on base.
Game two we had only nine players but, luckily got matched up with a lower team in Lessons. We were able to jump out early and cruise to a 15-5 win. We ended up losing our center fielder to a pulled hamstring. The final game of the tournament for us we ended up losing to Market Bar 13-10 which had about five guys from Multistack. This game was about us not having timely hitting. Three separate times we had bases loaded and couldn't score anyone. Two of those times with no outs. First time we had bases loaded we had one out and our three hitter, my brother up to bat and he hit a grounder to the short stop. The went for the double play but, didn't get my brother at first but, our guy on third decided not to run and was thrown out at home when he finally did decide to run. The second time we had bases loaded we had our 2,3, 4 hitters up and no outs. A pop out to first, pop out to short, and then a grounder to second ended that rally. The final time we had bases loaded and no outs our 8,9,10 batters were up. Two pop outs to the pitcher and a ground out to short ended that one.
Next year we are hoping to get our own tournament team but, it is yet known if we will or not. It really depends on a few things. Do we want to break ties with our current tournament team Harmony, will the Dells get into the Sunday league for baseball causing us to lose half our team, can we get a sponsor, will Mt Olympus sponsor us or will we be self sponsored, and the final thing and biggest is can we consistently put together a solid team week in and week out. If we can't get a sponsor you might be seeing Young Guns at a few tournaments next year.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Softball Leagues End
With both my men's softball leagues coming to an end its time to look back on the seasons. One league ending well and the other league coming to a rough end.
In the Mauston league we ended up finishing the regular season tied in first place having split our four games with Harmony. Then for some reason we needed to have a one game playoff in order to determine which team would have the higher seed in the playoffs. We only had nine players and for some reason we decided to have our number two pitcher pitch and then have our number one play the field. Harmony ended up hitting us hard and taking the win. In the first game of the playoffs we played Randalls with our number one pitching. Had a slow start and had to finish with eight players, as one of our guys had to work that night, and still managed to win by four runs. In the championship game we played Harmony again of course and had to play them with eight players. We jumped out early and were able to hang on to a three run lead.
My Predictions
1. Harmony- Won the tournament last year and are even more stacked as they added a couple guys from Harmony 2 who were unable to put a team together.
2. Anjeros- My team won the regular season title last year but, fell to Harmony in the championship and will be missing arguably are best player from last year.
3. Randalls- Has a few players that have played a decent amount of softball and should be able to beat the bottom two teams.
4. Dream Sports- Bunch of young guys that just haven't played enough softball.
5. Wonderlys- Not a lot of experience on this team and will probably struggle to win a game.
Actual Finish
1. Anjeros
2. Harmony
3. Randalls
4. Dream Sports
5. Wonderlys
After having a great regular season in the Dells league, it ended one game too early. In the regular season we finished in second place, with Sand Bar taking first. Stroede Bros and Monks finished up tied in third. Playoffs things changed a bit. The top four teams all had byes and the second group of four all won their games, with Ducks receiving a forfeit due to Wilderness bringing in some "ringers". The second round ourselves, Mt Olympus, Stroede bros, and Sand Bar moved on. Knuckleheads upset Monks in dominating fashion winning 17-1. In the semi finals we did not come to hit and ended up loosing to Stroedes 10-3 while Sand Bar beat Knuckleheads easily. In the championship Stroedes came out hot and beat Sand Bar 19-9.
My Predictions
Contenders
Stroede Bros- Won 9-1 and have a good amount of guys from my tournament team.
Moosejaw- Didn't see them play but, have heard their always towards the top of the league.
Knuckleheads- Lost in 10 innings but, are a young athletic team that should win a decent amount of games.
Sandbar- Last years champs that beat Knuckleheads.
Mt Olympus- Gotta put our own team and we did put up the most runs of the night.
Middle of the Pack
Scott Construction- Didn't see them play but, they have some big hitters and some guys that have played a decent amount of ball.
Edge O Dells- Lots of young guys that can hit the ball. Won their first game but, their D is suspect.
Monks- Lost their first game to Edge O Dells but, they have a lot of guys that have played a ton of ball and should rebound and give a lot of teams some trouble.
Ducks- Won their first game and were winning 9-3 when I left but, have a lot of players and a good portion of them haven't played a lot of ball.
Bottom Dwellers
Wilderness- Didn't see them play but, heard they lost 9-1 and that they weren't too good.
Royal Excavating- Lost their first game and didn't look to impressive.
Marleys- Lets just say that they are in for a long year.
Actual Regular Season Finish (tournament finish)
1. Sand Bar (2)
2. Mt. Olympus (tied 3rd)
3. Stroede Bros (1st)
Monks (tied 5th)
5. Moosejaw (tied 5th)
6. Knuckleheads (tied 3rd)
7. Edge O Dells (tied 5th)
8. Ducks (tied 5th)
9. Wilderness (tied 9th)
10. Scotts Construction (tied 9th)
11. Marleys (tied 9th)
12. Royal Excavating (tied 9)
Well with all my leagues done for the summer and only two tournaments left I may be going into hibernation. May be back tomorrow with ranking thoughts but, otherwise will probably be back after Labor day with tournament thoughts.
In the Mauston league we ended up finishing the regular season tied in first place having split our four games with Harmony. Then for some reason we needed to have a one game playoff in order to determine which team would have the higher seed in the playoffs. We only had nine players and for some reason we decided to have our number two pitcher pitch and then have our number one play the field. Harmony ended up hitting us hard and taking the win. In the first game of the playoffs we played Randalls with our number one pitching. Had a slow start and had to finish with eight players, as one of our guys had to work that night, and still managed to win by four runs. In the championship game we played Harmony again of course and had to play them with eight players. We jumped out early and were able to hang on to a three run lead.
My Predictions
1. Harmony- Won the tournament last year and are even more stacked as they added a couple guys from Harmony 2 who were unable to put a team together.
2. Anjeros- My team won the regular season title last year but, fell to Harmony in the championship and will be missing arguably are best player from last year.
3. Randalls- Has a few players that have played a decent amount of softball and should be able to beat the bottom two teams.
4. Dream Sports- Bunch of young guys that just haven't played enough softball.
5. Wonderlys- Not a lot of experience on this team and will probably struggle to win a game.
Actual Finish
1. Anjeros
2. Harmony
3. Randalls
4. Dream Sports
5. Wonderlys
After having a great regular season in the Dells league, it ended one game too early. In the regular season we finished in second place, with Sand Bar taking first. Stroede Bros and Monks finished up tied in third. Playoffs things changed a bit. The top four teams all had byes and the second group of four all won their games, with Ducks receiving a forfeit due to Wilderness bringing in some "ringers". The second round ourselves, Mt Olympus, Stroede bros, and Sand Bar moved on. Knuckleheads upset Monks in dominating fashion winning 17-1. In the semi finals we did not come to hit and ended up loosing to Stroedes 10-3 while Sand Bar beat Knuckleheads easily. In the championship Stroedes came out hot and beat Sand Bar 19-9.
My Predictions
Contenders
Stroede Bros- Won 9-1 and have a good amount of guys from my tournament team.
Moosejaw- Didn't see them play but, have heard their always towards the top of the league.
Knuckleheads- Lost in 10 innings but, are a young athletic team that should win a decent amount of games.
Sandbar- Last years champs that beat Knuckleheads.
Mt Olympus- Gotta put our own team and we did put up the most runs of the night.
Middle of the Pack
Scott Construction- Didn't see them play but, they have some big hitters and some guys that have played a decent amount of ball.
Edge O Dells- Lots of young guys that can hit the ball. Won their first game but, their D is suspect.
Monks- Lost their first game to Edge O Dells but, they have a lot of guys that have played a ton of ball and should rebound and give a lot of teams some trouble.
Ducks- Won their first game and were winning 9-3 when I left but, have a lot of players and a good portion of them haven't played a lot of ball.
Bottom Dwellers
Wilderness- Didn't see them play but, heard they lost 9-1 and that they weren't too good.
Royal Excavating- Lost their first game and didn't look to impressive.
Marleys- Lets just say that they are in for a long year.
Actual Regular Season Finish (tournament finish)
1. Sand Bar (2)
2. Mt. Olympus (tied 3rd)
3. Stroede Bros (1st)
Monks (tied 5th)
5. Moosejaw (tied 5th)
6. Knuckleheads (tied 3rd)
7. Edge O Dells (tied 5th)
8. Ducks (tied 5th)
9. Wilderness (tied 9th)
10. Scotts Construction (tied 9th)
11. Marleys (tied 9th)
12. Royal Excavating (tied 9)
Well with all my leagues done for the summer and only two tournaments left I may be going into hibernation. May be back tomorrow with ranking thoughts but, otherwise will probably be back after Labor day with tournament thoughts.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Softball Bats
Decided to go with the ranking of softball bats over the White Sox game because the Sox lost and it wasn't that great of an interesting game. When ranking the bats I'm going to first do my personal preference in bats and then ranking what I've seen guys hit.
My Rankings
1. Miken Ultra 2 (illegal)- This bat is the best bat out there that you can use. Ball just jumps off this bat without a lot of effort.
2. Original Miken Freak (illegal)- Great great asa bat. Can really see the difference now that this bat has been banned. My home run total has gone way down.
3. Demarini Juggernaut- Love the flex of this two piece bat and you don't have to swing hard and the ball just jumps. Takes a little while to get used but, once you get used to it can't put it down.
4. Demarini White Steel- Best single wall bat out there. Competes right up there with any double wall bat. Have hit some of my deepest bombs with this bat.
5. Miken NRG- Its a miken so you know its good. Have to put a little more muscle in the ball but, hits the ball really hard.
6. Demarini Evo- Another reflex demarini which I love. Swings a little heavier then other demarini's but, still has great pop off the bat.
7. Miken Maniac 484- A stiffer bat but, when it hits the sweet spot the ball will go.
8. Miken Freak 98- Very very stiff bat but, the more you hit it the hotter the bat gets. Needs to be broke in.
9. Anti-Virus Combat- Has the best grip of any bat and swings nice. I just never seem to hit the sweet spot on it and don't like the feel when it hits the ball.
10. Toledo Katana- Durability is an issue with this bat. Swings great and feels good when you make contact but, really lacks power if you miss the sweet spot.
What I've seen rankings
1. Miken Ultra 2(illegal)- Seen guys hit 400 foot bombs with this bat enough said.
2. Miken Original Freak (illegal)- Everyones home run totals have dropped since this bat has been made illegal. This bat created "Miken Power".
3. Miken Recoil- Hits rocket line drives. Seems to have a long break in time though and swings alittle heavier.
4. Rip It Reaper- Not a very common bat but, seen guys hit monster bombs. Guys that I know love the feel and the power they get off the bat.
5. Worth Mayhem- Been told a few times that this is the best bat out there. Seen some good power out of this bat.
6. Anti-Virus Combat- Seen a lot of power hitters use this bat and it seems the more you hit it and the worse it looks the hotter this bat is.
7. Easton Synergy- Have heard mixed reviews about this bat but, have seen a few guys that hit the long ball extremely well and have always used this bat no matter what else was allowed.
8. Demarini Juggernaut- Have seen a lot of little guys hitting home runs with this bat that should never be hitting home runs. Great small guy bat.
9. Miken NRG- Has some very good pop but, like I said you do have to swing hard to make the ball go. Not quite the original freak but, close.
10. Mizuno Orange Crush (illegal)- Haven't seen a lot of good out of this bat but, have heard a ton of good things and its illegal for a reason.
Well theres my thoughts on the bats that I've used or seen. When I first started playing softball Demarini Ultimate Weapon was my bat, then Demarini White Steel, then Miken Original Freak and Ultra 2 when allowed, and now I'm on the Demarini Juggernaut with some Miken NRG mixed in. I love the Mikens and Demarini's but, as you look at my other rankings every bat company gets the job done as far as bats are concerned.
My Rankings
1. Miken Ultra 2 (illegal)- This bat is the best bat out there that you can use. Ball just jumps off this bat without a lot of effort.
2. Original Miken Freak (illegal)- Great great asa bat. Can really see the difference now that this bat has been banned. My home run total has gone way down.
3. Demarini Juggernaut- Love the flex of this two piece bat and you don't have to swing hard and the ball just jumps. Takes a little while to get used but, once you get used to it can't put it down.
4. Demarini White Steel- Best single wall bat out there. Competes right up there with any double wall bat. Have hit some of my deepest bombs with this bat.
5. Miken NRG- Its a miken so you know its good. Have to put a little more muscle in the ball but, hits the ball really hard.
6. Demarini Evo- Another reflex demarini which I love. Swings a little heavier then other demarini's but, still has great pop off the bat.
7. Miken Maniac 484- A stiffer bat but, when it hits the sweet spot the ball will go.
8. Miken Freak 98- Very very stiff bat but, the more you hit it the hotter the bat gets. Needs to be broke in.
9. Anti-Virus Combat- Has the best grip of any bat and swings nice. I just never seem to hit the sweet spot on it and don't like the feel when it hits the ball.
10. Toledo Katana- Durability is an issue with this bat. Swings great and feels good when you make contact but, really lacks power if you miss the sweet spot.
What I've seen rankings
1. Miken Ultra 2(illegal)- Seen guys hit 400 foot bombs with this bat enough said.
2. Miken Original Freak (illegal)- Everyones home run totals have dropped since this bat has been made illegal. This bat created "Miken Power".
3. Miken Recoil- Hits rocket line drives. Seems to have a long break in time though and swings alittle heavier.
4. Rip It Reaper- Not a very common bat but, seen guys hit monster bombs. Guys that I know love the feel and the power they get off the bat.
5. Worth Mayhem- Been told a few times that this is the best bat out there. Seen some good power out of this bat.
6. Anti-Virus Combat- Seen a lot of power hitters use this bat and it seems the more you hit it and the worse it looks the hotter this bat is.
7. Easton Synergy- Have heard mixed reviews about this bat but, have seen a few guys that hit the long ball extremely well and have always used this bat no matter what else was allowed.
8. Demarini Juggernaut- Have seen a lot of little guys hitting home runs with this bat that should never be hitting home runs. Great small guy bat.
9. Miken NRG- Has some very good pop but, like I said you do have to swing hard to make the ball go. Not quite the original freak but, close.
10. Mizuno Orange Crush (illegal)- Haven't seen a lot of good out of this bat but, have heard a ton of good things and its illegal for a reason.
Well theres my thoughts on the bats that I've used or seen. When I first started playing softball Demarini Ultimate Weapon was my bat, then Demarini White Steel, then Miken Original Freak and Ultra 2 when allowed, and now I'm on the Demarini Juggernaut with some Miken NRG mixed in. I love the Mikens and Demarini's but, as you look at my other rankings every bat company gets the job done as far as bats are concerned.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Softball Rankings Round 4
Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted on here but, life has been busy between work, softball, and a small social life. Since I've last posted our tournament team of Harmony is basically disbanded and I seem to be playing with a different random team every weekend. Two weekends ago we put together basically our own team to be sponsored by Harmony and went down to Hub City to play. The tournament was round robin of six teams and we struggled to a 2-3 record and just couldn't seem to get our bats going. We were in every game but, just couldn't get over the hump and break out. Despite the rough record we still finished the tournament in a tie for third place, as every team just beat up on each other. Jim and Marilyn's came away with the tournament win by dominating everyone.
The following weekend we played up in Wilton with a local team. They struggled to field a team which really hurt us. We finished at 2-2, I was only there for the two losses, and finished tied in fifth place. Multistack looked much more impressive then the first time I saw them in Camp Douglas as they went on to win the tournament.
Rankings
1. River City Coors Light (Lacrosse) Camp Douglas- Very very good team that hit the ball extremely well. Always hit line drives and only hit homers with runners on base.
2. Varsity Club (Baraboo/Madison/ Elroy) Tomah- Play very good defense, hit the long ball really well, and have one of the best pitchers around in Ronny Murray.
3. Multistack(Tomah/Sparta) Camp Douglas, Wilton- Hard hitting team. Play very good defense and hustle out every play and take the extra base.
4. Breakaway (Tomah/Sparta) Camp Douglas, Tomah, Wilton- Just like River City hit very hard line drives.
5. Harmony 2 (Mauston) Tomah, Lyndon Station- Another team that hits the long ball very well and plays pretty good defense. Can really string runs together.
6. Jim and Marilyns (Hub City, Richland Center) Hub City 2, Wilton- A good portion of the team is from Bar Ron Farms. Have a couple of very good power hitters and have a never give up attitude.
7. Bar Ron Farms (Ithaca/Spring Green) Hub City- Hit the ball very very hard and are always going for the long ball. Also have a pretty solid pitcher.
8. Mt Tabor aka The Barn (Mt. Tabor/Kendall) Hub City, Wilton- Similar to Bar Ron Farms in that they hit the long ball pretty well and play some pretty solid defense. Very solid 1-10. Appear to be getting a little old but, can still rise to the occasion and beat anyone.
9. Harmony (Mauston) My Tourney Team- Team that can really string the runs together and when there hot they can play with anyone.
10. Anjeros (Mauston) Mauston League- Play very solid defense and have very good hitters 1-9 and a pretty solid pitcher.
11. Harmony (Mauston) Mauston League- Combined players from the two Harmony's make this team pretty good.
12. Sand Bar (Wisconsin Dells) Dells League- Pretty good pitcher and a very solid hitting team all around. A very smart team, thats also very aggressive on the bases and on defense.
13. Crow Bar 2 (Warrens/Tomah) Warrens, Tomah- Solid hitting team that's played a lot of ball and play some pretty good defense. Looked to be a much improved hitting team the second time I saw them and had a better pitcher too.
14. Nubs Pub (Lacrosse/Sparta) Camp Douglas- Hit the ball really hard and can really string some runs together.
15. E.C.S. (Markesan/Dells) Lyndon Station- Young team with a lot of team speed. Hit the ball extremely well to the opposite field and cover a lot of ground in the outfield.
HM
Mt. Olympus (Wisconsin Dells) My Dells League Team
Sloopys (Lacrosse) Tomah
Monks (Wisconsin Dells) Dells League
Only two real give changes appeared in the new rankings. Jim and Marilyns appear since this was the first time I've seen them and Multistack made it into the rankings after there great tournament in Wilton. Kind of debating what my next topic will be about. I just went to the White Sox game last night, so I may write about that and I was also thinking about ranking my preference in softball bats and which bats are the best in my opinion.
The following weekend we played up in Wilton with a local team. They struggled to field a team which really hurt us. We finished at 2-2, I was only there for the two losses, and finished tied in fifth place. Multistack looked much more impressive then the first time I saw them in Camp Douglas as they went on to win the tournament.
Rankings
1. River City Coors Light (Lacrosse) Camp Douglas- Very very good team that hit the ball extremely well. Always hit line drives and only hit homers with runners on base.
2. Varsity Club (Baraboo/Madison/ Elroy) Tomah- Play very good defense, hit the long ball really well, and have one of the best pitchers around in Ronny Murray.
3. Multistack(Tomah/Sparta) Camp Douglas, Wilton- Hard hitting team. Play very good defense and hustle out every play and take the extra base.
4. Breakaway (Tomah/Sparta) Camp Douglas, Tomah, Wilton- Just like River City hit very hard line drives.
5. Harmony 2 (Mauston) Tomah, Lyndon Station- Another team that hits the long ball very well and plays pretty good defense. Can really string runs together.
6. Jim and Marilyns (Hub City, Richland Center) Hub City 2, Wilton- A good portion of the team is from Bar Ron Farms. Have a couple of very good power hitters and have a never give up attitude.
7. Bar Ron Farms (Ithaca/Spring Green) Hub City- Hit the ball very very hard and are always going for the long ball. Also have a pretty solid pitcher.
8. Mt Tabor aka The Barn (Mt. Tabor/Kendall) Hub City, Wilton- Similar to Bar Ron Farms in that they hit the long ball pretty well and play some pretty solid defense. Very solid 1-10. Appear to be getting a little old but, can still rise to the occasion and beat anyone.
9. Harmony (Mauston) My Tourney Team- Team that can really string the runs together and when there hot they can play with anyone.
10. Anjeros (Mauston) Mauston League- Play very solid defense and have very good hitters 1-9 and a pretty solid pitcher.
11. Harmony (Mauston) Mauston League- Combined players from the two Harmony's make this team pretty good.
12. Sand Bar (Wisconsin Dells) Dells League- Pretty good pitcher and a very solid hitting team all around. A very smart team, thats also very aggressive on the bases and on defense.
13. Crow Bar 2 (Warrens/Tomah) Warrens, Tomah- Solid hitting team that's played a lot of ball and play some pretty good defense. Looked to be a much improved hitting team the second time I saw them and had a better pitcher too.
14. Nubs Pub (Lacrosse/Sparta) Camp Douglas- Hit the ball really hard and can really string some runs together.
15. E.C.S. (Markesan/Dells) Lyndon Station- Young team with a lot of team speed. Hit the ball extremely well to the opposite field and cover a lot of ground in the outfield.
HM
Mt. Olympus (Wisconsin Dells) My Dells League Team
Sloopys (Lacrosse) Tomah
Monks (Wisconsin Dells) Dells League
Only two real give changes appeared in the new rankings. Jim and Marilyns appear since this was the first time I've seen them and Multistack made it into the rankings after there great tournament in Wilton. Kind of debating what my next topic will be about. I just went to the White Sox game last night, so I may write about that and I was also thinking about ranking my preference in softball bats and which bats are the best in my opinion.
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