tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82855103568157479902024-03-08T09:40:04.401-08:00Mind of MacMac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-74679688815539191272009-07-28T15:37:00.000-07:002009-07-28T15:38:42.259-07:00prophetic?I was googling myself and came across this gem of a column from a young mikey morocco. Note that the solo homer was in decline even then:<br /><br />http://www70.homepage.villanova.edu/michael.moroco/pti2.htmMac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-56205668368799088202009-07-28T11:11:00.000-07:002009-07-28T11:33:11.129-07:00Point - Counterpoint with Mac and BenThe two highest averages in the league go toe to toe in a game where they are forced to disagree…<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) Pj and the Ladies is the most surprising number one seed ever.</span><br /><br />Mac’s Point: I’d sure like to be able to check the website for previous years (thanks Ben Smith), but I’m pretty sure I can say with certainty that they are. They needed the bye to the finals more than anyone and you have to like their chances now that it’s only two wins away.<br /><br />Ben's Counterpoint: The past number one seeds (since the current playoff format began in 2004) include the Serbian Jew Double Bluffs in 04 (almost a forgone conclusion before the start of the year), PJ & the Ladies in 05 (not surprising), Wet Dream Team in 06 (not surprising) and the Laser Cats last year (almost a forgone conclusion before the start of the year). That leaves us with Hot Fuzz in 07. Why were they more surprising? Because they are the only top seed other than the Wet Dream Team with only one hall of famer on its roster and unlike Wet Dream, Hot Fuzz didn't feature 3 .600 hitters.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) We will see the same style of play next year, solo homers first and anything else only when necessary.</span><br /><br />Ben's Point: Unfortunately, this will be the case next year. The new blood seems content to take homers and make 35% of their shots rather than move inside and make 50%. As someone who used to shoot a lot of solo dingers himself, I will admit that the coolness is past its expiration date. It's gotten so stale that I can't even shoot solo homers anymore.<br /><br />Mac’s Counterpoint: ***shakes head*** yeah I have no counterpoint. Where is Pat Lackey when we need him?! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3) Queenie Mentrek is the hottest team in the league right now and has to<br />be considered the favorite going in to the playoffs.</span><br /><br />Mac’s Point: I think they have to be after what they did in their<br />final couple of weeks. Nate and Ben are probably the two hottest<br />players in the game right now. You have to like their chances. <br /><br />Ben's Counterpoint: As much as I hate to go against my own team, you can't consider Queenie Mentrek the favorites when: A. They lost to Opie and the E Street Band two out of three times in the regular season and B. Ben Smith will be in South Caorlina August 8. That's not to say Nate, Katie and Jeanne can't win four games without him, but they will miss him in the lineup. And if Nate can't be there either for some reason, this team is toast.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4) Terry Shernisky will win POTY.</span><br /><br />Ben's Point: While he won't win by a landslide as we would have thought a month ago, he still wins. It's hard to ignore the 88 homers even in a year where it seems as if homers are all that anybody shoots.<br /><br />Mac’s Counterpoint: Hmmm, this is sort of a no brainer, but there is an argument to be made that if Terry hadn’t gone MIA for a couple weeks midseason, that his team would be downing beers until the finals. You also have to consider that homers to Terry are like singles to Ben Smith. If you’re looking for a darkhorse, you need look no further than Billy Weisburg. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5) Opie and the E-Street Band and star Terry Shernisky choked in the<br />final game of the regular season.</span><br /><br />Mac’s Point: There’s no doubt that Opie and company didn’t do<br />themselves any favors the first 7 innings of the game, but you have to<br />give the ladies their props. They shat the bed in their first two<br />games yet somehow got the job done when they had to. They shot the<br />daylights out of the ball and seemed to make a double play every<br />inning. They won the game as much as the Estreets lost it.<br /><br />Ben's Counterpoint: They most certainly did choke. While some credit should be given to PJ & the Ladies, the top seed was Opie's to lose. Mac, Terry and Opie played like studs in previous games Sunday afternoon and then played like duds against the Ladies. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6) The league should go with only 6 teams next year.</span><br /><br />Ben's Point: With dwindling attendence, it should be considered. There has been at least one team who had to forfeit its games almost every week because of only one person showing up. There are still enough people to have a league and downsizing the number of teams is the best way to handle the flaky attendence. If, by some random act of God, a team has more than 4 people show up, there 's always Jukebox.<br /><br />Mac’s Counterpoint: I actually like it with seven teams. You have to think that somebody else is going to be running the show next year. With younger leadership, my guess is that that person will want to bring in a few more of their friends as well. Of course, if nobody wants to take over, I can see a one weekend summer tournament in place of a full season. If that is the case, attendance will be through the roof.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7) With Nate Tomko announcing that he can’t see himself running the<br />league next year, the SBL is history after this summer.</span><br /><br />Mac’s Point: Sadly, it wouldn’t surprise me at all. Frankly I thought<br />it was all over after the dismal turnout for last year’s final week.<br />I’ve had a lot of fun this year, so here’s hoping that one of the<br />younger folks can step up and put their own spin on the league.<br /><br />Ben's Counterpoint: Let's be positive, Mac. Isn't the future of the league always in question at this time every year? This league has come too far to not continue for at least 3 or 4 more years. We have a new website coming that will not only look nicer but will make updating it a breeze. We have a younger cast of characters who seem to actually care about the league and should be able to step up when and if they're needed. The SBL doesn't necessarily need one person to do everything like Nate has done for years. If multiple people can handle doing one job each and we lower our expectations just a little, there is no reason why the league can't carry on.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8) Honest Abe's Truth Brigade stands the best chance of any of the lower seeded teams to make a deep playoff run.</span><br /><br />Ben's Point: The Millivanillisecods made a case for themselves, but Honest Abe has the potential to be a scary team. PJ O'Connor has put up huge numbers despite playing most games with only one free hand. Billy D is a streaky shooter, but if he's on, this team can give anyone fits. With that said, watch them get 15-runned twice this week.<br /><br />Mac’s Counterpoint: Not as long as Walker Told Me I have Aids is actually getting into the playoffs. Rumor has it that we’re playing at Frankoviches and that it will be the entire playoffs. Bfrank is definitely going to be there and they have what some might call an easier route to get there. This team is one Terry Hall or Mike Frankovich sighting away from making some serious noise. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9) All-Star voting is all but unanimous on facebook. The biggest snub so far is…</span><br /><br />Mac’s Point: Actually now that I look at the stats really closely, a<br />lot of people (myself included) have little basis on the Spohn over<br />Billy Deforest vote. Deforest is ahead of Bob in almost every category<br />that isn’t double play related…and Billy always fields a team. Sorry<br />Billy D.<br /><br />Ben's Counterpoint: Since I can't go with Billy D, I have to go with Opie. He shows up every week, puts up decent numbers, is entertaining to watch and doesn't take the game too seriously. What more could you want? (Note from Mac: I’d want him to be a Steelers fan)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10) Neither Bryan Frankovich nor Mikeey Moroco, both fixtures in the all-star game for years, will represent the World.</span><br /><br />Ben's Point: Looking at the numbers, neither have shown up as much or played as well as we've been accustomed to. Based on the voting so far, it looks like only one will get in. I do think that will be the case, and it will almost certainly be Frankovich. Bill Deforest will take the other reserve spot leaving Mike on the outside looking in.<br /><br />Mac’s Counterpoint: Sorry, Ben, but you’ve missed the mark on this one. I’m with you that Mikey wont be making it, but I don’t think Bryan has much of an argument either. Chris Errett is ahead of or right there with him in all the major categories…and you think the league brass will give Bryan Frankovich the benefit of the doubt. HAHAHAHA.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-70275180662848641412009-07-23T09:39:00.000-07:002009-07-23T09:42:10.896-07:00Directions to my houseAddress:<br /><br />188 Maple Grove Road<br />West Middlesex, PA<br /><br /><br />...for all you non-mapquesters:<br /><br />(from Sharon/Hermitage)<br /><br />following Route 18 into the heart of West Middlesex. At the only traffic light in town, make a right. You'll cross a bridge over a river. Go about another mile until you see the municipal building on your left. Make the left turn onto Jackson road. Then in about a quarter mile make the first left onto Maple Grove Road. I'm the third house on the right. There are two stone pillars sitting out by the road.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-26481151346299818972009-07-23T09:38:00.001-07:002009-07-23T09:38:24.209-07:00Mac's Power Rankings Week 81) Opie and the E-street Band<br />The E-street band rocks its way back to the top of the charts this week due to a 4-0 record the last two weeks and an impressive performance against the Ladies with both teams missing their premier player. McClelland has been torrid of late and Kippy appears to be on the right track after an unkippylike first half of the season. This week they will meet the Ladies once more to determine which team will gain the all important bye to the finals. E-street looks to get back Terry Shernisky, while the ladies will once again have to work without jewish stalwart Billy Weisburg. I see them rocking Honest Abe and rolling the ladies. <br /><br />2) PJ and the Ladies<br />The ladies had been Maguivering their way to being the best team in the league most of the season but have come back to earth with Billy Weisburg on one of his many vacations. Even without Billy I am not ready to put them behind Queenie. The ladies have made a season of winning the close ones…which is what playoff baseketball is all about. Unfortunately, I see them dropping another to the E-street band and losing a heartbreaker to the Truth Brigade. They will somehow pull it together and defeat Tomko in the rivalry game. <br /><br />3) Queenie Mentrek<br />Queenie looked very impressive last week with Clayton continuing to play well and Tomko returning to his Player of the Year form. Ben Smith also appears to have acquired Goodpastorlike abilities as a leadoff hitter. Maybe they didn’t need Katie Kelly after all. The only thing stopping me from crowning Queenie is that they dominated an embarrassing bad Millivanilli squad in both of their contests…and Ben Smith isn’t going to get six assists against a more qual….actually, against any opponent other than the Millivanilliseconds. I look for them to beat up on walker and jukebox…only to let their guard down and be besting by the 2nd place ladies. <br /><br />4) Jukebox Hero<br />Only in the era of the solo homerun would a disorganized scrapbook of a team be competitive each and every week. Luckily, the stat padding teams below are every bit as random as the worst Jukebox squad. Keep shooting the long ball rest of the teams. I’m sure jacking solo homers will erase the four run deficit in no time. <br /><br />5) Walker Told Me I Have Aids<br />Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I want to rank this team as the fifth best in the league….<br /><br />6) The Millivanilliseconds <br />…but after the epically bad performance of the ‘seconds I have no choice. Three damp towels could do a better job of boxing out. Luckily for them…<br /> <br />7) Honest Abes Truth Brigade<br />…we have Honest Abe, who hasn’t won anything since Michael Jackson was still moonwalking and popping pills.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-3849482196406961092009-07-14T11:02:00.001-07:002009-07-14T11:02:52.601-07:00Mac's Mailbag 7-14-20091. Who, if anyone, from the 22 and younger crowd do you see stepping up to help the league off the court?<br /><br />I’m not really enthusiastic that any of them will step up too much. I’d give Billy Deforest and outside chance. He seems to really enjoy the league and might be able to contribute some creativeness in the article department. <br /><br />2. Give us your top three for the following:<br /> a. Player of the Year: 1) Terry 2)Billy Wesiburg 3) Nate<br /> b. Rookie of the Year: 1) Erret 2)Adam from PJ and L 3) That 15 year old girl<br /> c. Most Improved Player: 1) Deforest 2) Ben Smith 3) Tim Martin<br /> d. Least Valuable Player: 1) Gavin 2) Mikey (if he doesn’t come back) 3)Bryan Frankovich<br /><br />3. Is it a coincidence that Mikey Moroco hasn't shown up the past couple of weeks or is he legitimately steamed over the Katie Kelly trade?<br />I don’t think any reasonable person could think that it’s a coincidence. Mikey’s distaste for Offut is well known.<br /><br />4. Why haven't you done a "Mac's Power Rankings" article yet?<br />Mostly cause I rely heavily on an updated website to write such articles. By the time the standings and scores are updated on Friday, it’s been two days since I’ve had the itch to write a power rankings article. <br /><br />5. Is there a bigger disappointment than Bob Spohn's team? Is there a more pleasant surprise than PJ & the Ladies sans Gavin St. John?<br /><br />No and no. <br /><br />6. Looking back at the draft, which picks made their captains look like geniuses? Which picks make their captains look like morons?<br /><br />I think the baseketball braintrust had a lot of correct assumptions in our draft breakdowns this year. Opie’s picks are being proven correct…and Jon Offut clearly could have done a better job. The only curveballs would be that PJ and the Ladies have had different results with the exact same roster as in prior years….and that Bob Spohn’s team can never be in the same place on the same Sunday. <br /><br />7. How is Jukebox having such a good year?<br /><br />I think it’s a combination of there being some really bad teams, some teams that can’t field a full team, and a shortage of bystanders that aren’t sbl vets. <br /><br />8. How do you feel about the obscene amount of solo homers being shot?<br /><br />The awesomeness of the solo homer has definitely jumped the shark. I remember the days when solo homer aficionados like Lee Nespor, Pat Lackey and Rando would bring the crowd to its feet with a solo homer. Solo homers definitely aren’t special anymore. <br /><br />9. Where has ____________________ disappeared to?<br /> a. Kip Corbett- <br /> b. Dennis Lackey<br /> c. Greg Lackey<br /> d. Aryn Christman<br /> e. the Biddle/Ben/Dank trio<br /><br />The sad thing is that I think all of these players are around and just have moved on to find other things to do. I’m especially upset that I haven’t gotten to see any Lackey this year. <br /><br />10. What have you enjoyed most about the 2009 season?<br /><br />I’ve enjoyed the laid back nature of the league this year…and the laid back team that I play for.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-63872174912434116812009-05-22T12:05:00.001-07:002009-05-22T12:05:55.091-07:00SBL PAGE DOWN?Oh no! How will Katie Kelly keep track of her stats now?<br /><br />I also added a new picture to the blog.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-68232626985043423082009-04-09T11:22:00.000-07:002009-04-09T11:23:08.095-07:00Mac's Mailbag April 9th, 2009How do you feel about B.Frank going before both Terry and Nate?<br /><br />Like everyone I was shocked that anyone went before Terry and Nate…much less two people. I still think there was some sort of wheeling and dealing going on with the first few captains. <br /><br />What are your thoughts on your new team? Are you excited for this season?<br /><br />I think Opie had the first or second best draft. As Terry told me shortly after…it just feels like all the players on the team are laid back…and will play well together. And yes, I’m very excited for this season. <br /><br />Are PJ and the Ladies building themselves to compete or to cause mayhem?<br /><br />A little of both. I don’t think there will ever be a ladies team quite like the one that played my first two seasons in the league...the main cast has grown up. I also think they would like to win a title in a different way than the one in 2005. That said, we’re bound to see a few new antics with the cast of characters they have accumulated. <br /><br />Is there a lot more parity in the league now that the SBL went back to a draft?<br /><br />There certainly isn’t a team that is as stacked as the Laser Cats last year…but I do think that two or three of the teams didn’t have particularly good drafts. <br /><br />How disgusting is the height of Bob Spohn’s team?<br /><br />Yeah, it is a little ridiculous. My only beef is that he might have wanted one more reliable player to go with the three studs at the top. <br /><br />Aside from the top five picks being in surprising order, what was the biggest shock about the SBL draft?<br /><br />To me it was how low the Nespors went. Does Pat Nespor do anything but play in SBL title games? <br /><br />Which teams have a realistic shot at the championship this season?<br /><br />When is the last time that a team won an SBL title without having one of the three best players in the league (at that time)? Allow me…never. That said, I’d be shocked if a team that didn’t have Nate, Terry or Frankovich on it won it all this year. <br /><br />Will the reunion of Shelley and Nate pay off with a championship for Queenie Mentrek?<br /><br />If she and Mike come with regularity, I think they have to be the favorites. Still, they have to be a little worried that Shelley didn’t come the last few weeks last year. <br /><br />Which player do you think could move into that upper echelon of players this year? Who do you think will see a dramatic decrease in production this season?<br /><br />If I had to pick one that could join that elite group it would be PJ O’Conner. He’s probably the best defensive player in the league and will get a chance to be the man for his team on offense as well. As far as a drop, I’m going to leave out players who will drop off due to reliability issues. I think the most likely candidate for that kind of drop statistically will be Opie Neff. Now that he’s a big whig in the league, there is no way that he plays in 27 games like last year. Also, he is sharing the shots with another prolific homerun threat. Clearly it seems that Opie is willing to give up homers for championship contention.<br /><br />Who in your opinion was the steal of the draft? And who went way too early?<br /><br />I thought the steal of the draft was Terry Shernisky. To get him at the 4th pick is absolutely ludicrous. Pat Nespor also went way below his talent level. I thought someone who went way too early was Jon Olsavsky. Yes, he is one of the all time greats. But, Jon Offutt really needed to get someone ultra reliable with that pick…and Olsavsky has been ranked high in that category the past few seasons.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-89046940985483202022009-04-09T10:40:00.000-07:002009-04-09T10:41:45.043-07:002009 Draft RecapSo now that everyone has read the mock drafts....what do i think of the actual picks? Read on...<br /><br /><br /><br />ROUND 1<br /><br />1) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: PJ O'Conner<br />In perhaps the most stunning turn of events in recent memory, John stuns the SBL world by forgoing on the big three and picking young PJ with the overall first pick. I’m shocked, stunned, and wondering if John Offutt was actually at the draft to make this pick.<br /><br />2) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Bryan Frankovich<br />This pick is at least defendable. My guess would be that Bob wanted to prove himself without his Laser Cat’s cohorts…and also knew that Jeanne desperately needed a superstar. <br /><br />3) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Nate Tomko<br />The picks start making much more sense from this point forward. Nate goes here because Queenie knows Nate better than Terry.<br /><br />4) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Terry Shernisky<br />Somehow the Opster lucked out and landed what many considered to be the number one overall talent with the 4th pick. <br /><br />5) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Billy Weisburg<br />Did anyone not see this one coming? <br /><br />6) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Chris Everet<br />Building a team around a rookie isn’t always the best idea, but all indicators are that this kid could be a stud. You know that the league’s dictator wasn’t going to let Deforest pull an O’mahoney and wait to pick this kid up…<br /><br />ROUND 2<br /><br />7) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Katie Kelly<br />…but he could have at least waited till this spot to take Everet. Katie Kelly has a temper at times, and being picked below a player who has never even played baseketball could be a slap in the face to the diva of the SBL.<br /><br />8) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Gavin St. John<br />I think Gavin in this spot is a steal. One of the newly reformed ladies recently told me that they plan to win the title this year. Adding St. John certainly could get them there. <br /><br />9) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Matt McClelland<br />With another of the league’s premier long range shooters already in tow, McClelland was probably the right pick here. He’ll give them a leadoff hitter and someone to set the table on defense.<br /><br />10) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Mike Morocco<br />Even though he says he wont be as reliable as in past years, at this point teams would have been foolish to pass up on arguably the forth best player in the league.<br /><br />11) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Terry Hall<br />While early indications were that he might have quit the SBL after last year’s playoffs, I actually have received confirmation that Terry Hall does plan to suit up in 09. Teaming with Spohn and Frankovich could could be just what Terry needs to win a championship.<br /><br />12) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jon O<br />Offutt takes the original Jon-O….once again leading me to believe that he may not have been there. The only time I have heard Olsavsky talk about Offutt…it wasn’t very flattering. <br /><br />ROUND 3<br /><br />13) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Lenny Crist<br />At a time when Offutt probably needed a really reliable player, there might have been a better pick. Still, if this team shows up they will probably be a fan favorite.<br /><br />14) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Chris Pasci<br />Frankovich has said that he can get Pasci to come...which would make this team really really good.<br /><br />15) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Ben Smith<br />According to Ben Smith, he will be there almost every week. Reliability was key here considering that Mike might of might not show.<br /><br />16) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Kip Corbett<br />One could have made the argument that Kip should have been picked 3 or 4 spots before this, but I’m sure Opie didn’t mind getting one of the most consistent hitters of all time. <br /><br />17) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Tim Martin<br />Hard time should get a lot more playing time this year…and is a much needed boost on defense.<br /><br />ROUND 4<br /><br />18) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: D. Shaffer<br />I really don’t know who the guy is, but does anyone else miss Fred Shaffer?<br /><br />19) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: The Lackey Brothers<br />I’m always excited at the thought of Lackeys.<br /><br />20) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Aryn Christman<br />With 4 very reliable players, this was well worth the gamble.<br /><br />21) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Brandon Gillshire<br />Someone told me recently that Gillshire has started to wear shoes. I really hope that was just a winter thing.<br /><br />22) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Jon Biddle<br />I think either Nespor would have been a better pick here, but I also can’t argue with Biddle if he shows up a couple weeks. <br /><br />23) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Sweet Lou Shernisky<br />Is someone going to pick a Nespor?<br /><br />ROUND 5<br /><br />24) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Lee Nespor<br />There we go. I’m really hoping that this team shows up.<br /><br />25) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Mike Frankovich<br />Mike Frankovich may have to pursue nursing career elsewhere, but he is well worth the risk here.<br /><br />26) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Shelley Goodpastor<br />Nate is one of the few people in the SBL who could probably get Shelley to come if they need her.<br /><br />27) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Danielle Hennon<br />Danielle adds another consistent hitter that wont take away from Terry or Opie’s homerun totals.<br /><br />28) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Pat Nespor<br />I’m actually a little upset at some of the players who were picked over Pat Nespor. But, I’m really excited to see the team he’s on. <br /><br />29) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Chuck Music<br />Billy better hope some of these rookies and unknowns pan out.<br /><br />ROUND 6<br /><br />30) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Stud Frankovich<br />At least with Stud we already know he’s unreliable.<br /><br />31) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Sam Lynn<br />I’ve heard that she’s back in the area…and will be a good fit for this team.<br /><br />32) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Derrick Lochovich<br />He seems to come around if he’s needed<br /><br />33) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: J. Clayton<br />Personally I like to see Clayton and Tomko play against each other…but you can’t fault this pick here. <br /><br />34) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Ben Elliot<br />He’s definitely in the area. I’d like to see Big Whitey finally get his chance to play a big role on a good team. <br /><br />35) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jamie Moroco<br />< insert random comment about my love for Jamie Moroco here >Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-5454355842972464292009-03-30T13:35:00.000-07:002009-03-30T13:36:29.339-07:00Mac's Mock Draft 2009So I figured I’d get the blog started right this year by giving my loyal readers a taste of what the SBL draft might look like. Enjoy…<br /><br />ROUND 1<br /><br />1) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Nate Tomko<br />Every year folks try to spice things up by making an argument that Nate Tomko isn’t the consensus number one pick. Every year, he proves that it isn’t even close. I look forward to John Offutt having a much improved season…or Nate having a coronary being on his team…one of the two. <br /><br />2) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Terry Shernisky<br />Last year Bob Spohn developed to one of the most underrated talents in the game playing third fiddle on the Laser Cats. This year he will need to step it up another notch to compliment the second greatest player ever to wear an SBL jersey.<br /><br />3) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Bryan Frankovich<br />Jeanne has proven to be more than capable at the leadoff spot. Having Frankovich on both sides of the ball should put her right in the hunt for the Left-Eye come season’s end. <br /><br />4) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Gavin St. John<br />You can doubt Gavin’s choice of music and men, but you can’t deny that he took it to another level at crunch time last season. Gavin is a force in all areas of the game which should match well with Opie<br /><br />5) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: PJ O’Connor<br />By bringing another talented PJ into the fold, this team could unleash chaos on upon the league…no matter what their name is. <br /><br />6) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Christ Everett<br />Supposedly he’s good…and he works at the lube…so I can see Billy D picking him up here…<br /><br /><br />ROUND 2<br /><br />7) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Katie Kelly<br />…especially when he has another pick right after it to pick up the best leadoff hitter in the game today.<br /><br />8) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Billy Weisburg<br />If this team added Billy Wesiburg to an already good defense, their opponents could be seeing red all season. <br /><br />9) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Terry Hall<br />Terry Hall is freakishly talented on defense. Being on a team where he doesn’t have to be the number one option on offense could be a good fit. <br /><br />10) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Mike Morocco<br />Mike claims that he’ll be in Pittsburgh and might not make it, but with Gavin and Bryan already coming from that way, I’d be shocked if he missed more than 3 weeks.<br /><br />11) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Matt McClelland<br />While he’s lost a step over the years, McClelland could give Bob and Terry the intangibles needed to get back to the top of the mountain in 2009.<br /><br />12) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Kip Corbett<br />I’d be tempted to take more of a leadoff hitter in this spot, but Kip is a wiley veteran that could probably adapt his game to hit firtst…and would be <br /><br /><br />ROUND 3<br /><br />13) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Pat Nespor<br />While John and Kip are bound to get under Nate’s skin (and vice versa) at least 2 or 3 times during the season, John would be wise to take a feel-good type player with this pick…and nobody can be angry when they get to play with Pat Nespor. <br /><br />14) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Ben Smith<br />Having a solid nucleus in place, Bob can now find a player that might not be there every week, but will be solid when he comes. Enter Ben Smith.<br /><br />15) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Brandon Gillshire<br />Jeanne and Gillshire seemed to always get along.<br /><br />16) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Mike Frankovich<br />Mike Frankovich is quietly one of the best lead-off hitters in the game. While he might miss a few games due to back and legal concerns, I see him being there at least five weeks.<br /><br />17) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Dennis Lackey<br />Yes, he’s past the mindset where Baseketball is his Sunday priority, but I’m guessing he’s good for 3 or 4 solid weeks. <br /><br /><br />ROUND 4<br /><br />18) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Greg Lackey<br />…and if he doesn’t come, Billy can utilize Greg instead.<br /><br />19) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Lenny Crist<br />More familiar faces in familiar places. <br /><br />20) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Lee Nespor<br />Opie and Lee could set some sort of record for solo homers by teammates in a season. <br /><br />21) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Jon Olsavsky<br />Jon has some unexplainable fondness for Frankovich…and he also gets along well with Jeanne. If anyone can get the salt and pepper haired legend to return for another round, it’s this team.<br /><br />22) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Shelley Goodpastor <br />Shelley is too good for a team not to take a chance on her. <br /><br />23) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Chris Pasci<br />I don’t see him coming if he isn’t on Mikey’s team, but you never know.<br /><br /><br />ROUND 5<br /><br />24) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Aryn Christman <br />It looks doubtful that she’ll be up this summer, but you can’t go wrong with picking her here.<br /><br />25) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Danielle Hennon<br />Danielle probably wont come every week this summer, but she’s far better than people give her credit for.<br /><br />26) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Chuck Muszik<br />I’ve heard this kid’s name for like 4 seasons now and still couldn’t pick him out of a crowd at the Lube after a few beers.<br /><br />27) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Lou Shernisky<br />It’s always a treat when Lou shows up.<br /><br />28) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Jeff Pallini<br />Pallini is the perfect player in this spot. He only comes when asked and always does something memorable.<br /><br />29) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Jon Biddle<br />I can see Billy going a little wild here and picking up the big names that might not show the whole season.<br /><br /><br />ROUND 6<br /><br />30) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Jared Clayton<br />Make that a double.<br /><br />31) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Cassie Pyle Nespor and Tara Shawley<br />My guess is that Tara would be more upset at not being picked than Cassie….but better safe than sorry.<br /><br />32) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Pat Lackey<br />Is Pat fuzzy head or feather hair? I can never remember.<br /><br />33) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Stud Frankovich<br />You know what the SBL needs? An RSS feed…and Stud making a few appearances to pad cousin Bryan’s stats.<br /><br />34) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Rob Whitling<br />Supposedly Rob is moving in with another of his boy toys this July. I give that the same chance as Jamie Morocco coming back to play more than 4 weeks this year…<br /><br />35) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jamie Moroco<br />…which makes me sad.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-22163482167961515322008-08-02T13:26:00.000-07:002008-08-02T13:34:00.333-07:00Mac's Mailbag: 2008 Playoffs Week OneRumors are swirling around the SBL that Queen captain Bryan Frankovich almost quit the league last week. Do you think the Frankovich hating will rear its head again in the playoffs?<br /><br />No, in most instances the playoffs are run strictly on the up and up. I mean, we’ll still make snide remarks about him…but if he loses in the playoffs it will be because he got beat, not because he was put in the penalty box for not shooting a homer.<br /><br />Should Oatcake have sent Shelley Goodpastor to the Kamikazies instead of Katie Kelly?<br /><br />Man…that is a really tough one. I’m going to say that I’m biased. Shelley has always been one of my favorite sbl superstars. That said, there is no question that Shelley isn’t as lights out from triple and beyond as she has been in the past. But, I also think you have to consider best and worse case. Katie is more of a given. She is going to make 4 of every 5 from the double stripe without thinking about it. Shelley meanwhile might only make 7 of 10 at the same range….but Shelley has way more exploding potential, and I have to think she’s more than capable of putting up one of her ungodly 13 of 14, 3 homer, 10 RBI games. Of course, she has to show up for this to come true.<br /><br />Do you still agree with your statement a few weeks ago that Oatcake and the Queens are the only teams with a realistic shot to beat the Cats in a three game series?<br /><br />If anything, I’d change my prediction to include only the Queens and not expand the list. I do however think that the blockbuster trade between Oatcake and Jukebox gave both of them a punchers chance. But the Queens have far and away the best shot.<br /><br />Are you a fan of the current playoff format that has the first place team going all the way to finals?<br /><br />No, but I honestly can’t think of better one. I didn’t like the idea of not playing for a week in 2004…and I think it does take the possibility of a crazy upset out of the mix. But, the only way to do it would be to leave a team out of the playoffs…and I’m not betting that team would show up if they weren’t in the playoffs. <br /><br />Which of the four teams without a first round bye is the most likely to make a deep playoff run?<br /><br />Without a doubt that is Jukebox Hero. The addition of Katie Kelly was a piece that they desperately needed, and if Mike can get Pasci’s ass out of bed I would actually consider them favorites over the Democracy. I also think they have the firepower to surprise Oatcake.<br /><br />How will any team defeat the mighty laser cats? Maybe by pulling a tonya harding on Terry and Nate? Or is there no hope?<br /><br />There’s not much hope, but the Cats have looked beatable in the latter stage of the year. The more people who show up for their team, the less at bats that Tomko and Shernisky get. If you can keep persuading Billy “Mini Ted” Deforest to jack up homers and can throw off Spohn, things could get interesting. <br /><br />Lame duck President Nate Tomko has admitted that things didn’t really work out this year as far as parity in the league is concerned…how do we get back to 2006 and 2007 when any team could pretty much beat any other?<br /><br />I’m giving him a Presidential mulligan on this season. He couldn’t have known that so many vets would hang it up, or that Bob Spohn would play like one of the super heroes tattooed on his arms. The following people have more to do with the lack of parity than Viceroy Tomko: George Kovac, Jamie Moroco, John Olsavsky, all three Lackeys, Lenny Crist, Ben Smith, Chuck Music, Dank Elly, Jamie Fabian and Mike Frankovich’s parole officer. <br /><br />Which court would you like to see host the second week of the playoffs?<br /><br />I’m a big fan of Hoffa Centre…but I didn’t get to play at Buttsex Ballpark this year. <br /><br />Ben Smith has pretty much made a career out of his legendary performance during the playoffs a couple years ago. Who could be the player this year that could surprise us by having a career playoffs?<br /><br />One player that comes to mind is Terry Hall. He’s been inconsistent, has never really been an integral part of a deep playoff run, and is not really mentioned among the best players in the league. A Ben Smithian playoff run and an Oatcake finals berth would make a lot of people forget that he had a lower batting average than his girlfriend and John Offutt this regular season. <br /><br />Do you think the offensive friendly low hoop at the Nespor house will help or hurt the lower seeds this Sunday?<br /><br />Not really either. I think everybody wins when we play at the Superdrome. While it certainly makes it easier for Mike and Pasci to drain homers, I know for a fact that Kip Corbett loves that middle homer at the Nespor house.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-68589683604703122192008-07-17T21:26:00.000-07:002008-07-17T21:27:25.930-07:00Mac's Mailbag 07-18-2008A special thank you to Ben, Mike, and Bryan for submitting questions this week.<br /><br /><br />You were the only one with a last name other than Frankovich that thought the Queens would pull off the win last week. So, what chance do the rest of the teams have at stealing the left eye from our baseketball overlords?<br /><br />While I like to say that any team can beat any other on any given week, that just hasn’t been the case this entire year. I don’t think it’s a secret that only the queens and oatcake have even a punchers chance of beating the cats in a three game series. The Queens and Oatcake both have flaws that are more of an issue than the occasional slow start of the Cats…and I think that losing last week did nothing but take the pressure off of the Laser Cats.<br /><br />Does anyone other than fan favorite Opie Neff have a shot at winning rookie of the year?<br /><br />No.<br /><br />Where do you think the SBL will be in 1 year? How about 5 years?<br /><br />I didn’t think I would ever be saying this, but I can honestly say I don’t see the SBL going away next year and will probably be around in some form or another 5 years from now. It’s more fun than church softball, that’s for sure.<br /><br />If you could be on a team with three people of your choice not on your team this year, who would they be and why?<br /><br />I actually think I answered something like this question earlier in the year….but three people I haven’t played with yet are Rando, White Terry, and Mikey<br /><br />Last week Nate put up a list of his current all-star teams, which didn’t include yourself or Ben Smith…thoughts?<br /><br />I actually agreed with all his choices (with stats being as they were then) except that I had Mikey as captain of the World instead of Stud. Nothing personal, but Stud doesn’t have the games played or dedication to the league that his cousin’s part time lover has. Also. There’s still a lot of baseketball left to be played this year. Gavin better show up these last couple weeks and M. Frank better keep with the torrid pace to be there come season’s end.<br /><br />Is Nate Tomko having his best season ever (and thus the best season ever in the SBL)<br /><br />Man, that’s a tough one. I’m going to have to say yes just because the stats are going to end up being mind numbing. Still, I think the Tomko of 2004 or 2005 (consider that he only played about 2/3 of the time in 2004) may have been a little more dominating overall. <br /><br />What’s the dumbest prediction that you’ve made this year?<br /><br />It would probably be the one about Jamie Moroco having baseketball in her blood and not being able to stay away all season. <br /><br />Was last week’s Cats/Queens game the best of all time?<br /><br />No. It really only got exciting when the Cats started to come back in the last couple innings. Even the first battle between the two teams in my mind had more back and forth excitement to it. For my money (and off the top of my head) the greatest game of all time would have been from the 2003 playoff series when the gonads and strife lead by Nate battled the Transexual Heartbreakers of Jared Clayton. It was the two best players (who really didn’t get along all that well) in the league battling to see who would eventually go on to become sbl champion…oh, and it took place in the middle of a thunderstorm. <br /><br />Who would you most like to see write an article this year that has not?<br /><br />That would have to be Mikey Moroco. He made an attempt last year with the PTI things…and I thought they were pretty lame. But, I have to admit that a year in college has given Mikey a keen sense of humor that I actually find very humorous. Id really like to see that transfer into a regular article.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-60062294661340372622008-07-11T20:59:00.000-07:002008-07-12T07:39:22.546-07:00Mac's Power Rankings 07-11-2008Going to Florida, Looking for jobs and golfing with Rando has pretty much taken up my week, but I figured I'd give you guys a little something...and yes, I'm well aware that I'm spending my Friday night writing an article that will only be read by Rando, Nate, Billy, Kip and Ben. Enjoy!<br /><br />1) The Laser Cats<br /><br />Two best players of all time…stop…best defensive team ever…stop…have the ability to turn the switch when they need to…stop…may give tomko an aneurism if a slow start costs them the perfect season…especially against Bryan Frankovich this coming weekend…stop…those who think it isn’t a possibility might be taking the surging queens lightly…stop<br /><br />2) The Queens of the Rest Stop Reach-around<br /><br />The queens have been the second hottest team during the last few weeks. Despite drawing the ire of sbl brass for the last four years, the head of the Frankovich monster just can’t seem to be cut off. While I definitely am not a fan of the Frankovich captaining style at times, I think anyone who doesn’t give the queens a shot at beating the laser cats this weekend should rethink it…only if stud comes of course. I mean, he has a lineup that could score 15 runs before the Laser Cats reach that 5th inning plateau, it’s at the queens home court, and Frankovich is due to come through against arch nemesis Nate Tomko. If he fails this time, I don’t think we can really call it a rivalry without laughing…unless you mean the type of rivalry that the steelers and browns have had for the last 14 years or so. <br /><br />3) The Oatcake Hate Monsters<br /><br />While stars on vacations combined with the pushing back of the SBL schedule ruined what could have been a competitive game against the laser cats last week, im not ready to blow the trade whistle just yet. This team is still capable of beating anyone on any given sunday.<br /><br />4) Voltron<br /><br />Disappointing…very disappointing. I’m not sure they would crack the top two even if they played well, but with their talent they should at least be in the discussion. <br /><br />5) Banana Democracy<br /><br />I see that others are drinking the Ben Smith cool-aid once again. Seeing as he has had a couple good weeks in a row, he’s bound to turn into Mr. Hyde real soon. Could the comedown be a result of caving to the pressure from others to shoot more long balls? Four years of inconsistency leaves me skeptical that Ben has turned the corner…though the game against the Laser Cats could be a great time to make me eat crow. <br /><br />6) The Fleshy Funbridges<br /><br />Man I love the funbridges…but they have a difficult three weeks to end the season.<br /><br />7) Jukebox Hero<br /><br />2-0?!!!! Wowsers!<br /><br />8) The Kyoto Kamikazees<br /><br />Usually the way to get back on the right track is to make sure that three players show up. I think Mikey’s interest in baseketball has declined this year in favor of women and booze, but I’m really hoping he doesn’t go down as the captain of the most disappointing team in SBL history. They can still turn it around.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-84092625803229292562008-06-27T21:21:00.001-07:002008-06-27T21:21:51.093-07:00Mac's Mailbag 6/28/08Ben Smith:<br /><br />Which teams are underachieving right now? Which are overachieving?<br /><br />I think the Kamikazees and the Queens have been the early disappointments of the year. As far as overachieving, I guess you could go with the banana democracy…who have one and competed in a few games in which they were outclassed. <br /><br />Can Terry Hall step it up and get into the POTY mix as many pundits predicted?<br /><br />I’m going to have to agree with Nate that he simply isn’t going to be on the level of the big three. I do however think he’s on the one team on which he doesn’t have to be on that level to make a splash in the postseason.<br /><br />Katie Kelly:<br /><br />What SBL team name do you think is the best of all time?<br /><br />It would be really close between Bukkake Tsunami and Minoriteam. I know the Tsunami came from the overused “odd sexual phrase,” but I loved their shirts. <br /><br />Who would win in an all girl SBL scrum?<br /><br />The SBL guys…and in a less important way, Shelley Goodpastor.<br /><br />Nate:<br /><br />Give me a team of possible All Star snubs that you could turn into world title contenders.<br /><br />Sure. This is assuming a lot, but is possible: Myself, Shelley, Rando, Stud…and Opie coming off the bench. <br /><br />Cassie “The Assassin” Pyle-Nespor:<br /><br />What Dewey Decimal call number would you give for baseketball?<br /><br />Well, the easy thing to day would be to classify it as: DVD FIC BAS, but that would be cheating. In non fiction and most closely related to basketball, it would definitely start with 796.323….but without my copy of DDC I cant really get into location codes and variants. <br /><br /><br />Opie:<br /><br />Which SBL diva should I ask out and why? Who should I avoid?<br /><br />Wow man. You picked the wrong league for single guys. The more I think of it, I guess every single lady in the SBL has some attachment that could lead to you getting your ass kicked or banished from the SBL...Katie has Terry, Aryn has Nate, and if you tried anything with Shelley I’m pretty sure the gods of the left triple would strike you down on the spot. A kid named O’Mahoney once tried to get fresh with Katie Kelly and his body still hasn’t been found. I think your best bet is to ask Rob about his pierced tongue.<br /> <br />Billy:<br /><br />How do you feel about the penalty President Corbett gave KT Kelly last week?<br /><br />I think I made it fairly clear that I wasn’t a fan. A game earlier, Rando threw shoes, socks, and dead babies on the floor and was allowed to continue in a game that was over the week before. Then the next game Katie gets put in the sin bin during the most important part of a big game for insulting the ref? If we’re passing out penalty innings for questioning the refs, I think there are far bigger culprits than Katie Kelly. While I still think Kip will make a fine president, that’s not change we can believe in.<br /><br />What do you think of the return of Jared Clayton to Voltron and it’s possible effects on the rest of the season?<br /><br />Wow, I really wish Voltron played the Laser Cats in week 7 instead of week 6. Give Clayton a week to get back into the swing of things with his new team, and you’ll forget who Terry Shernisky is. He was battling with Nate Tomko while Terry was in high school. But seriously, the thought of he and Billy together is scary. <br /><br />PJ:<br /><br />Why didn’t you go on vacation with us this year?<br /><br />Honestly I just cant afford it, and it fell on the wrong week. I just moved out of Chambersburg with the intent to find a new job in Western PA. Not a good time to be taking vacations with me having nothing to do but drink heavily.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-24387573786279683702008-06-23T12:34:00.001-07:002008-06-23T12:35:09.447-07:00I miss Ben Smith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FtOZuP2TZEo/SF_64PnkoWI/AAAAAAAAADk/B2ZmruVpNs4/s1600-h/100_2572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FtOZuP2TZEo/SF_64PnkoWI/AAAAAAAAADk/B2ZmruVpNs4/s320/100_2572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215162737690452322" /></a>Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-51741240259224641512008-06-18T11:28:00.001-07:002008-06-18T11:28:42.625-07:00Mac's Mailbag 06/18/2008Where has Ben Smith been?<br /><br />He hasn’t fallen off the face of the earth. In fact, he’s been making changes to the SBL page for me because linux and the SBL page just don’t get along. While I suspect that “car troubles” has been secret code for “my girlfriend doesn’t want to spend her weekend with a bunch of idiots who take a made-up game way too seriously,” Ben has told me that he plans to be a regular in the second half of the year. Now, if we could only get Jon to show up and drop that ridiculous average down a few points.<br /><br />What does your Oatcake team have to do to knock off the undefeated laser cats?<br /><br />Well, aside from my idea to give Nate a beer laced with ruffies, I think all of the following have to happen:<br /><br />1) Shelley has to be there.<br />2) I have to get out of moving my friend from her apartment and be there<br />3) The Laser Cats have to get off to a slow start<br />4) Oatcake has to have two five run innings off the bat<br />5) Either Nate or Terry needs to have one of those 6 for 12 type games<br />6) We can’t miss double plays or fail to box out<br />7) Terry Hall has to play like Terry Hall can<br />8) We need to score over 25 runs<br /><br />If all that stuff happens, we have a shot.<br /><br />Aside from yourself, who is the best of the “good at baseketball but not at basketball” crowd?<br /><br />Hey now. Basketball certainly wasn’t my sport in high school or ever, but I’ll have you know that Big Rando and I once carried the scrubby duo of Nate and Billy to a third place finish in one those YMCA 3 on 3 things. But I digress…<br /><br />Hmmm, Jon O was the first to come to mind, but the more I think about it, he might be good at basketball. I think I’ll go with Kip Corbett. I’ve never seen him play, but I’m assuming it isn’t his thing. <br /><br />A few weeks ago, Nate said that Terry Hall was looking more like Billy and less like one of the big three every game. Your thoughts?<br /><br />Well, let me start off by saying that being compared to one of the five best players of all time is hardly a slap in the face. But, it is true that Nate, Terry, Clayton, and to a lesser degree, Frankovich, have shown a killer instinct and will to win that is hard to stop. It’s no fluke that teams with one transcendent star with a killer instinct have won every SBL title. Teams with balance like Oatcake may have no problem scoring 18 per game every time out, but what happens when they need to score 30? I guess what I’m trying to say is that I think it was a fair description. Personally, I hope he catches fire and torches the rest of the league.<br /><br />Will the Laser Cats be considered the greatest team of all time at season’s end?<br /><br />It’s certainly possible. While they are off to the best start, they certainly aren’t totally demolishing teams like other teams in the past have done. They could never have gotten off to these slow starts against teams like the Double Bluffs or the Thunder Studs. Add in the fact that those teams had to deal with the monetary systems of player point values and it only speaks to the fact that they have a way to go before being considered the best ever.<br /><br />Which team has the best chance to upset the Cats?<br /><br />I maintain that the Queens have the best chance. If Bryan, Stud and Aryn show up to play Nate, Terry, and company, they have the talent to match up. While it certainly is no secret that Bryan has a habit of vanishing when he plays Nate’s teams, isn’t he about due?<br /><br />What do you think should be on the agenda for President-elect Corbett?<br /><br />I think the era of Kippy will usher in a lot more technology usage. I fully expect there to be more videos taken and perhaps made into an end of the year type video. Some other ideas he’s thrown out there that would be great? An electronic scoreboard and a computerized stat system that will not only make keeping the book easier, but it will sync up to the website for up to the minute stats…which should allow Frankovich to know when to shoot that middle single to boost his average.<br /><br />After two straight weeks of several players shooting homers strictly for stats, have things gotten out of hand?<br /><br />Yeah, when Lee was on the path to 100, I thought it was a refreshing chang-up and a good storyline for a struggling funbridge team. When it happened again this past week, I really think the Kamikazies needed to focus more on winning both games that everyone shooting nothing but homers. Stats are one of the coolest things about the SBL, but sometimes the pursuit of these stats can take away from the game.<br /><br />Which rookie has been the biggest addition this year?<br /><br />While I’m partial to the kid who doesn’t wear shoes (Gillshire), I have to give it to Opie. He’s pretty awesome, and nobody could call him a ringer. <br /><br />Who has been the MVP of the first half of the season?<br /><br />I think you have to go with Nate and Terry as co-mvps right now…but the surprise behind them is Stud. I mean, we have to give him credit for at least a few of Bry Bry’s double plays right? If he plays more than six games in the second half of the season and the Queens surge….watch out.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-89865969285788771682008-06-17T21:07:00.000-07:002008-06-17T21:08:29.317-07:00SBL Power Rankings 06/18/08Now that I’ve been there a couple of weeks in a row, I guess I feel qualified enough to pump out a new edition of the SBL Power Rankings. If any of you assholes submit me some questions, I might even answer those in the next couple of days too.<br /><br />1) Laser Cats<br /><br />While I’m not quite ready to christen them the best team ever, it is impossible to deny that the Cats are head and shoulders above the other teams in the league this year. Though they have a habit of mailing in the first few innings, the Laser Cats can score in bunches when they have to, and news that Nate isn’t going to be missing time afterall isn’t good news for the rest of their league. <br /><br />2) Oatcake Hate Monsters<br /><br />The Hate Monsters certainly belong at number two on the list, but beating up on teams they should beat up on isn’t going to cut it the second half of the season. Getting Shelley back will help fill the gap, but they will need to find a way to win with Mac missing a couple of the next few weeks. We’ll know a lot more after their three games against the cats in the next four weeks. <br /><br />3) Voltron<br /><br />Losing to Kyoto last week certainly doesn’t inspire my confidence, and if more than one of the Queens had stuck around last Sunday, Voltron may have been in a different spot. Still, you can’t deny that all of the players on this team have moments that leave us awestruck. I just want to see more consistency on both sides of the ball before I make up my mind on this team.<br /><br />4) The Queens<br /><br />How does a team with Aryn Christman leading off, Bryan Frankovich in his prime, and Stud actually coming regularly play .500 baseketball. While I actually think this team has the best chance to hand the Laser Cats a loss this year, they shat the bed the first half of the year…and their problems go deeper than just poor attendance last week.<br /><br />5) Bananna Democracy<br /><br />They lost both games this past week, but they also played two of the league’s better teams. Big wins over good teams in the past few weeks give them the street cred to remain at 5.<br /><br />6) The Fleshy Funbridges<br /><br /> God do I love watching the Funbridges…sadly, they just aren’t very good. <br /><br />7) Kyoto Kamikazees<br /><br /> SBL superstar entering his prime and out of his lover’s shadow….check<br /><br /> Rookie ringer who seems to be made of more Shernisky than O’mahoney…check<br /><br /> Two SBL HOFers who contribute when they show…check<br /><br /> A Lackey…check<br /><br />(In short, this team frustrates me.)Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-52714137973768516802008-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:002008-06-05T09:18:29.572-07:00Mac's Mailbag 06/04/08Does the SBL need to mandate repairs on the hoop at KY court to prevent the insane banking?<br /><br />I actually think there are far better hoops out there for bank shooting. I’m thinking this is just another way to bust on Frankovich, so I’ll say yes.<br /><br />Your team struggled mightily last week, what do you guys have to improve on?<br /><br />I said at the beginning of the year that Terry Hall needed to be the player we all know he is capable of becoming. I could go into a much longer answer, but I think Nate’s power ranking the other pretty much hit all the points, especially the part about the killer instinct. This team has the table setters, but needs someone to be the man. Having me back on defense probably wont hurt much either.<br /><br />Can Shelley Goodpastor rebound from a disappointing week?<br /><br />It’s not often Shelley Goodpastor messages me that she can’t shoot anymore. It might have been worse than the time I heard they were canceling Walker, Texas Ranger. Luckily, I was reassured when I read the writeups. Sooner or later, Shelley was bound to have a game in which she didn’t shoot above .500. Since when did 11/22 shots become a bad week? I won’t be taking my Goodpastor poster off the wall just yet.<br /><br />Now that the league has been banished from Ass Clown, which arena should become the new “Mecca”?<br /><br />I’ve long been a fan of Hoffe Centre. It has the room, the decent hoop, and SBL sympathetic parents. <br /><br />Can we expect to see you attending every week from here on out?<br /><br />A lot of that will depend on my job search. I know that I’ll be missing the weekend of June 21st, but other than that my summer is largely up in the air. <br /><br />Rumor has it that Billy Weisburg has spurned your advances to be his roommate, is this true?<br /><br />Billy has assured me that we can still cuddle. As I told him a couple weeks ago, I certainly can’t blame him for wanting to live on his own. After putting up with drunk people passing out/throwing up in his room for several years, the jewish one deserves a homeland to himself if he so chooses. Besides, I still have Kip.<br /><br />What is one change you think should/will be made in the SBL?<br /><br />I think Ben Smith needs to get on this SBL 2.0 webpage he’s been talking about for several years.<br /><br />Who is the most underrated player in the SBL?<br /><br />Mike Moroco. His poor average this year not withstanding, Mikey seems to be the best player in the league that nobdy ever talks about. Honestly he’s probably in the top 7 players in the league, yet very few people are aware of it.<br /><br />I know you are really interested in the political scene. Compare the SBL presidential situation to the current political scene.<br /><br />I’m not sure if the situation will Nate and Kip has blown over after week two, but I really can’t find any comparisons to local politics. The nearest thing I can think of would be the Russian political scene. Putin may not be President anymore, but he is directly responsible for installing Demitri Medvadev and is still the most powerful man in the country. Can you see Nate Tomko giving up all control of the SBL? Would anyone less driven be able to sustain the league? I say no on both counts. <br /><br />Can anyone stop the Laser Cats this year/should we pick teams differently in the future?<br /><br />When Nate and Terry are both there, I don’t think any team can beat them. That said, I really don’t think it was meant to be this crazy. I think Nate wanted to be on a competitive team and also add the interest of the league’s two best players having to co-exist. It seems that nobody told Bob and the rest of the other Cats that they were supposed to be somewhere between scrubby and decent to keep things even. Nate and Terry were always going to be good, but it’s been the emergence of Spohn that has really made them go up to an elite level. I’m not ready to blame the league office, especially seeing as how close the teams have been in the past.<br /><br />What’s been the story of the SBL season thus far?<br /><br />I think the story is that the league is still thriving after all these years. When I tell people elsewhere about the SBL and show them the webpage, I love their reaction. All of them think it borders on crazy, and half of them think it’s awesome.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-80536238665769437332008-05-16T08:36:00.000-07:002008-05-16T08:37:37.078-07:00Mac's Mailbag 5/16/081. How many games played do you see for the following players in 2008: Nate Tomko, Ben Smith, Shelley Goodpastor, Jon Olsavsky, Dennis<br />Lackey, Jamie Moroco, Jared Clayton, Mikey Moroco, Matt<br />McClelland?<br /><br />NT: 15, BS: 18, SG: 9, JO: 17, DL: 4, JM: 20, JC: 10, MM: 21, MM: 14<br /><br />2. Will we ever see trades in the SBL again? If so, what trades do you think would make sense? <br /><br />The past two seasons there really haven’t been as many such roster moves, but you have to keep in mind that in the past couple seasons, the teams have been pretty much hand picked by either team captains or people who know something about baseketball. I really think this year you may have a chance to see the trade deadline come into play, as there are in my opinion many more chances for personality/team chemistry clashes than in the last couple. Which teams might you see makes some moves? Well, the three teams that come to mind are…<br /><br />The Kamikazzes (PJ and John have seemed content in the last couple years to come when it suits them...which is not good for a captain who needs them there every week yet might not have the stones to call and bitch at PJ to come like Nate or Rando would). <br /><br />Banana Democracy (If a player on the roster isn’t at least in question as far as attendance goes, then he is a rookie…and we all know that sometimes rookies aren’t what they seem. Also, for karma’s sake, I think kippy needs to trade for a girl)<br /><br />Fleshy Funbridges (If good players are not getting their share of playing time on a good team (see team Hall) then this could be the logical destination. I don’t know anyway who doesn’t enjoy playing with Rando.)<br /><br /><br />3. If you could make your own team of players you have never played with, who would be on it?<br /><br />Shernisky, Rando, Pat Nespor and myself<br /><br />4. If you were to construct your own All-American team, with drinking<br />ability being the only attribute considered, who would be on it?<br /><br />Nate, Rando, Ben Smith, Bill, and Wes Davis<br /><br />5. What is your status for this summer?<br />This really is a loaded question. The one thing for sure is that I’m going to find a new job and will not be there opening day (or probably the first couple weeks). After that, I see a few distinct possibilities.<br /><br />1) I find a job in Pittsburgh and come home to play Sundays.<br />2) I end up moving in with Billy and working back in the valley<br />3) I take a job with the government in DC and work most every Sunday<br /><br />Yeah, to make matters worse, I kind of met a girl out here…so nothing is really for certain. <br /><br />6. Which team (not yours) will you enjoy watching most this year?<br /><br />The fleshy funbridges!<br /><br />Funny yet not contrived team name…check<br />Jaime Moroco on roster…check<br />Two most likeable GFs in the league…check<br />Loveable fat rookie who isn’t a ringer…check<br />Player expected of taking performance enhancers in the past…check<br />Biggest lightweight/funniest drunk ever (Palini)…check<br />Captain who cares more about fun than winning…check<br /><br />What more is there to love?<br /><br /><br />7. Will we see regular updates to your blog?<br /><br />It will really depend on how things play out with this new job and where I’m living.<br /><br />8. Who's the biggest cheater: Bryan Frankovich (picking up ringers unknown to the rest of the league in past drafts), Bill Belichik (videotaping scandal), or Barry Bonds (steroids)?<br /><br />When Ben Smith starts scraping the bottom of the barrel with questions, it’s obvious. <br /><br />Ummmmm, I’m going to go with Bonds. At least the other two will admit to their crimes. Barry Bonds insults my intelligence.<br /><br />9. Who is your dark horse POTY candidate?<br /><br />Wow, this is going to sound wrong, but I have to say Terry Hall.<br /><br />10. Rank the seven statistical categories in order of importance.<br /><br />Didn’t you ask me this same one last year Ben? <br /><br />1) Games played, 2) RBIs 3)DPs 4) Average 5)Assists 6)HRs 7) POs<br /><br />11. How does it feel to be in the Hall of Fame? Any speech planned?<br /><br />It honestly feels very similar to the Player of the Year Award in that I certainly didn’t feel deserving, but apparently was acknowledged for things other than just athletic prowess. Let’s face it, Frankovich came from that same year and he is a much more gifted athlete. Let’s just say it meant a lot. If I were to die tomorrow, I’d want it on my epitaph.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285510356815747990.post-88280877702677674522008-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:002008-05-08T20:00:43.259-07:00Power Rankings 05/08/2008Yeah, that’s right bitches…rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated…probably by Ben Smith…that asshole. <br /><br /><br />1) The Laser Cats<br /><br />Any time you lead off a roster with the two best baseketballers of all time, you’re going to be the favorites going into the season. I’m not buying into all the talk of the two stars not being able to co-exist. I think both are going to be willing to change their game a little to hoist the left eye at the end of the year. The lame duck President has a habit of winning SBL championships every other year, and I think he has a good shot this year. I have a strong suspicion that this team will be intact come playoff time, and we already know that Terry can play with only one teammate if needed during the regular season. <br /><br />2) Team Fro<br /><br />This season looks to be a lot different for young captain Terry Hall. While last year was certainly a painful one, he has the talent to go all the way this year. If the Laser Cats have a team of players that may face chemistry issues at first, team Fro’ will have that going in, as many of the players have played with each other before. The key to their success really will be the emergence of Hall as one of the marquee names in the league, on par with the Frankovichs and Moroccos of the league (if not in the Shernisky/Tomko category). McClelland will certainly miss several weeks at the start of the year, but should be there more as the year goes on. There is also an outside shot that Shelley Goodpastor could be lured out of exile….which would spell doom for the rest of the SBL. My lone critique would be for them to dump these ringers and pick up Big Ted.<br /><br />3) Team Frank<br /><br />I don’t know what the hell Frankovich was thinking picking up so many players who dislike him. I’m not talking about the fake rivalry that many of us have with B-Frank either. Big Whitey just does not like him. That said, Bryan is the third best player in the league…and Aryn isn’t far behind. <br /><br />4) Voltron<br /><br />I couldn’t agree more with the fact that the best thing that could have happened to Mike Frankovich was to be free of his brother’s captaining. It’s like in that movie A League of Their Own. He’s going to get much better this year playing under Billy. This is certainly the most likeable team in the league…if they traded Gavin St. John for Pat Nespor, they might have the most likeable team of all time. I only wish they had someone with a little more fire to play under the basket with Billy.<br /><br />5) Kyoto Kamikaze<br /><br />Morocco better start praying that Jon, PJ and Greg all come regularly…which is a pretty big reach. This could finally be the season that Mikey steps out from B.Frank’s shadow and carries a team of his own. The question is what kind of team will he be carrying. <br /><br />6) Team Fear the Sun<br />I don’t know many of the people on Kip’s roster, but I do know Ben and Dennis. I can’t see Dennis showing up week in and week out, and I just don’t see who is going to be the go-to guy on this team. This could change quickly once we get a look at these rookies. <br /><br />7) The Fleshy Funbridges<br /><br />The knowledge that Jamie Moroco is boinking some dude that isn’t me certainly plays into this ranking. But almost as scary is the rumor that George “The Juice” Kovac is now drug free and has lost about 30 pounds. We all saw how that worked out for Giambi. Will he be the same player without the Human Growth Hormone or the roid rage? Will he even come for a captain who to my knowledge he has little connection to? Let’s just say I’m looking for Fat Ass Davis to get a lot of action this year…which isn’t a good thing if Rando actually wants to win this year.Mac11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03539416606607091903noreply@blogger.com0