1) Opie and the E-street Band
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.
2) PJ and the Ladies
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.
3) Queenie Mentrek
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.
4) Jukebox Hero
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.
5) Walker Told Me I Have Aids
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I want to rank this team as the fifth best in the league….
6) The Millivanilliseconds
…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…
7) Honest Abes Truth Brigade
…we have Honest Abe, who hasn’t won anything since Michael Jackson was still moonwalking and popping pills.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Mac's Mailbag 7-14-2009
1. Who, if anyone, from the 22 and younger crowd do you see stepping up to help the league off the court?
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.
2. Give us your top three for the following:
a. Player of the Year: 1) Terry 2)Billy Wesiburg 3) Nate
b. Rookie of the Year: 1) Erret 2)Adam from PJ and L 3) That 15 year old girl
c. Most Improved Player: 1) Deforest 2) Ben Smith 3) Tim Martin
d. Least Valuable Player: 1) Gavin 2) Mikey (if he doesn’t come back) 3)Bryan Frankovich
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?
I don’t think any reasonable person could think that it’s a coincidence. Mikey’s distaste for Offut is well known.
4. Why haven't you done a "Mac's Power Rankings" article yet?
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.
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?
No and no.
6. Looking back at the draft, which picks made their captains look like geniuses? Which picks make their captains look like morons?
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.
7. How is Jukebox having such a good year?
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.
8. How do you feel about the obscene amount of solo homers being shot?
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.
9. Where has ____________________ disappeared to?
a. Kip Corbett-
b. Dennis Lackey
c. Greg Lackey
d. Aryn Christman
e. the Biddle/Ben/Dank trio
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.
10. What have you enjoyed most about the 2009 season?
I’ve enjoyed the laid back nature of the league this year…and the laid back team that I play for.
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.
2. Give us your top three for the following:
a. Player of the Year: 1) Terry 2)Billy Wesiburg 3) Nate
b. Rookie of the Year: 1) Erret 2)Adam from PJ and L 3) That 15 year old girl
c. Most Improved Player: 1) Deforest 2) Ben Smith 3) Tim Martin
d. Least Valuable Player: 1) Gavin 2) Mikey (if he doesn’t come back) 3)Bryan Frankovich
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?
I don’t think any reasonable person could think that it’s a coincidence. Mikey’s distaste for Offut is well known.
4. Why haven't you done a "Mac's Power Rankings" article yet?
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.
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?
No and no.
6. Looking back at the draft, which picks made their captains look like geniuses? Which picks make their captains look like morons?
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.
7. How is Jukebox having such a good year?
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.
8. How do you feel about the obscene amount of solo homers being shot?
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.
9. Where has ____________________ disappeared to?
a. Kip Corbett-
b. Dennis Lackey
c. Greg Lackey
d. Aryn Christman
e. the Biddle/Ben/Dank trio
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.
10. What have you enjoyed most about the 2009 season?
I’ve enjoyed the laid back nature of the league this year…and the laid back team that I play for.
Friday, May 22, 2009
SBL PAGE DOWN?
Oh no! How will Katie Kelly keep track of her stats now?
I also added a new picture to the blog.
I also added a new picture to the blog.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Mac's Mailbag April 9th, 2009
How do you feel about B.Frank going before both Terry and Nate?
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.
What are your thoughts on your new team? Are you excited for this season?
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.
Are PJ and the Ladies building themselves to compete or to cause mayhem?
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.
Is there a lot more parity in the league now that the SBL went back to a draft?
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.
How disgusting is the height of Bob Spohn’s team?
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.
Aside from the top five picks being in surprising order, what was the biggest shock about the SBL draft?
To me it was how low the Nespors went. Does Pat Nespor do anything but play in SBL title games?
Which teams have a realistic shot at the championship this season?
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.
Will the reunion of Shelley and Nate pay off with a championship for Queenie Mentrek?
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.
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?
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.
Who in your opinion was the steal of the draft? And who went way too early?
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.
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.
What are your thoughts on your new team? Are you excited for this season?
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.
Are PJ and the Ladies building themselves to compete or to cause mayhem?
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.
Is there a lot more parity in the league now that the SBL went back to a draft?
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.
How disgusting is the height of Bob Spohn’s team?
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.
Aside from the top five picks being in surprising order, what was the biggest shock about the SBL draft?
To me it was how low the Nespors went. Does Pat Nespor do anything but play in SBL title games?
Which teams have a realistic shot at the championship this season?
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.
Will the reunion of Shelley and Nate pay off with a championship for Queenie Mentrek?
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.
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?
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.
Who in your opinion was the steal of the draft? And who went way too early?
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.
2009 Draft Recap
So now that everyone has read the mock drafts....what do i think of the actual picks? Read on...
ROUND 1
1) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: PJ O'Conner
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.
2) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Bryan Frankovich
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.
3) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Nate Tomko
The picks start making much more sense from this point forward. Nate goes here because Queenie knows Nate better than Terry.
4) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Terry Shernisky
Somehow the Opster lucked out and landed what many considered to be the number one overall talent with the 4th pick.
5) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Billy Weisburg
Did anyone not see this one coming?
6) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Chris Everet
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…
ROUND 2
7) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Katie Kelly
…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.
8) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Gavin St. John
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.
9) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Matt McClelland
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.
10) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Mike Morocco
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.
11) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Terry Hall
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.
12) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jon O
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.
ROUND 3
13) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Lenny Crist
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.
14) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Chris Pasci
Frankovich has said that he can get Pasci to come...which would make this team really really good.
15) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Ben Smith
According to Ben Smith, he will be there almost every week. Reliability was key here considering that Mike might of might not show.
16) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Kip Corbett
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.
17) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Tim Martin
Hard time should get a lot more playing time this year…and is a much needed boost on defense.
ROUND 4
18) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: D. Shaffer
I really don’t know who the guy is, but does anyone else miss Fred Shaffer?
19) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: The Lackey Brothers
I’m always excited at the thought of Lackeys.
20) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Aryn Christman
With 4 very reliable players, this was well worth the gamble.
21) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Brandon Gillshire
Someone told me recently that Gillshire has started to wear shoes. I really hope that was just a winter thing.
22) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Jon Biddle
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.
23) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Sweet Lou Shernisky
Is someone going to pick a Nespor?
ROUND 5
24) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Lee Nespor
There we go. I’m really hoping that this team shows up.
25) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Mike Frankovich
Mike Frankovich may have to pursue nursing career elsewhere, but he is well worth the risk here.
26) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Shelley Goodpastor
Nate is one of the few people in the SBL who could probably get Shelley to come if they need her.
27) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Danielle Hennon
Danielle adds another consistent hitter that wont take away from Terry or Opie’s homerun totals.
28) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Pat Nespor
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.
29) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Chuck Music
Billy better hope some of these rookies and unknowns pan out.
ROUND 6
30) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Stud Frankovich
At least with Stud we already know he’s unreliable.
31) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Sam Lynn
I’ve heard that she’s back in the area…and will be a good fit for this team.
32) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Derrick Lochovich
He seems to come around if he’s needed
33) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: J. Clayton
Personally I like to see Clayton and Tomko play against each other…but you can’t fault this pick here.
34) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Ben Elliot
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.
35) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jamie Moroco
< insert random comment about my love for Jamie Moroco here >
ROUND 1
1) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: PJ O'Conner
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.
2) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Bryan Frankovich
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.
3) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Nate Tomko
The picks start making much more sense from this point forward. Nate goes here because Queenie knows Nate better than Terry.
4) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Terry Shernisky
Somehow the Opster lucked out and landed what many considered to be the number one overall talent with the 4th pick.
5) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Billy Weisburg
Did anyone not see this one coming?
6) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Chris Everet
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…
ROUND 2
7) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Katie Kelly
…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.
8) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Gavin St. John
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.
9) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Matt McClelland
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.
10) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Mike Morocco
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.
11) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Terry Hall
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.
12) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jon O
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.
ROUND 3
13) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Lenny Crist
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.
14) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Chris Pasci
Frankovich has said that he can get Pasci to come...which would make this team really really good.
15) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Ben Smith
According to Ben Smith, he will be there almost every week. Reliability was key here considering that Mike might of might not show.
16) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Kip Corbett
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.
17) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Tim Martin
Hard time should get a lot more playing time this year…and is a much needed boost on defense.
ROUND 4
18) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: D. Shaffer
I really don’t know who the guy is, but does anyone else miss Fred Shaffer?
19) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: The Lackey Brothers
I’m always excited at the thought of Lackeys.
20) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Aryn Christman
With 4 very reliable players, this was well worth the gamble.
21) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Brandon Gillshire
Someone told me recently that Gillshire has started to wear shoes. I really hope that was just a winter thing.
22) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Jon Biddle
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.
23) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Sweet Lou Shernisky
Is someone going to pick a Nespor?
ROUND 5
24) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Lee Nespor
There we go. I’m really hoping that this team shows up.
25) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Mike Frankovich
Mike Frankovich may have to pursue nursing career elsewhere, but he is well worth the risk here.
26) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Shelley Goodpastor
Nate is one of the few people in the SBL who could probably get Shelley to come if they need her.
27) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Danielle Hennon
Danielle adds another consistent hitter that wont take away from Terry or Opie’s homerun totals.
28) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Pat Nespor
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.
29) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Chuck Music
Billy better hope some of these rookies and unknowns pan out.
ROUND 6
30) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Stud Frankovich
At least with Stud we already know he’s unreliable.
31) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Sam Lynn
I’ve heard that she’s back in the area…and will be a good fit for this team.
32) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Derrick Lochovich
He seems to come around if he’s needed
33) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: J. Clayton
Personally I like to see Clayton and Tomko play against each other…but you can’t fault this pick here.
34) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Ben Elliot
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.
35) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jamie Moroco
< insert random comment about my love for Jamie Moroco here >
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mac's Mock Draft 2009
So 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…
ROUND 1
1) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Nate Tomko
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.
2) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Terry Shernisky
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.
3) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Bryan Frankovich
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.
4) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Gavin St. John
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
5) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: PJ O’Connor
By bringing another talented PJ into the fold, this team could unleash chaos on upon the league…no matter what their name is.
6) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Christ Everett
Supposedly he’s good…and he works at the lube…so I can see Billy D picking him up here…
ROUND 2
7) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Katie Kelly
…especially when he has another pick right after it to pick up the best leadoff hitter in the game today.
8) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Billy Weisburg
If this team added Billy Wesiburg to an already good defense, their opponents could be seeing red all season.
9) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Terry Hall
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.
10) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Mike Morocco
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.
11) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Matt McClelland
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.
12) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Kip Corbett
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
ROUND 3
13) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Pat Nespor
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.
14) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Ben Smith
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.
15) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Brandon Gillshire
Jeanne and Gillshire seemed to always get along.
16) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Mike Frankovich
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.
17) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Dennis Lackey
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.
ROUND 4
18) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Greg Lackey
…and if he doesn’t come, Billy can utilize Greg instead.
19) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Lenny Crist
More familiar faces in familiar places.
20) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Lee Nespor
Opie and Lee could set some sort of record for solo homers by teammates in a season.
21) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Jon Olsavsky
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.
22) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Shelley Goodpastor
Shelley is too good for a team not to take a chance on her.
23) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Chris Pasci
I don’t see him coming if he isn’t on Mikey’s team, but you never know.
ROUND 5
24) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Aryn Christman
It looks doubtful that she’ll be up this summer, but you can’t go wrong with picking her here.
25) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Danielle Hennon
Danielle probably wont come every week this summer, but she’s far better than people give her credit for.
26) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Chuck Muszik
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.
27) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Lou Shernisky
It’s always a treat when Lou shows up.
28) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Jeff Pallini
Pallini is the perfect player in this spot. He only comes when asked and always does something memorable.
29) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Jon Biddle
I can see Billy going a little wild here and picking up the big names that might not show the whole season.
ROUND 6
30) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Jared Clayton
Make that a double.
31) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Cassie Pyle Nespor and Tara Shawley
My guess is that Tara would be more upset at not being picked than Cassie….but better safe than sorry.
32) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Pat Lackey
Is Pat fuzzy head or feather hair? I can never remember.
33) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Stud Frankovich
You know what the SBL needs? An RSS feed…and Stud making a few appearances to pad cousin Bryan’s stats.
34) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Rob Whitling
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…
35) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jamie Moroco
…which makes me sad.
ROUND 1
1) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Nate Tomko
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.
2) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Terry Shernisky
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.
3) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Bryan Frankovich
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.
4) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Gavin St. John
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
5) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: PJ O’Connor
By bringing another talented PJ into the fold, this team could unleash chaos on upon the league…no matter what their name is.
6) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Christ Everett
Supposedly he’s good…and he works at the lube…so I can see Billy D picking him up here…
ROUND 2
7) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Katie Kelly
…especially when he has another pick right after it to pick up the best leadoff hitter in the game today.
8) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Billy Weisburg
If this team added Billy Wesiburg to an already good defense, their opponents could be seeing red all season.
9) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Terry Hall
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.
10) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Mike Morocco
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.
11) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Matt McClelland
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.
12) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Kip Corbett
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
ROUND 3
13) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Pat Nespor
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.
14) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Ben Smith
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.
15) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Brandon Gillshire
Jeanne and Gillshire seemed to always get along.
16) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Mike Frankovich
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.
17) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Dennis Lackey
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.
ROUND 4
18) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Greg Lackey
…and if he doesn’t come, Billy can utilize Greg instead.
19) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Lenny Crist
More familiar faces in familiar places.
20) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Lee Nespor
Opie and Lee could set some sort of record for solo homers by teammates in a season.
21) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Jon Olsavsky
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.
22) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Shelley Goodpastor
Shelley is too good for a team not to take a chance on her.
23) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Chris Pasci
I don’t see him coming if he isn’t on Mikey’s team, but you never know.
ROUND 5
24) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Aryn Christman
It looks doubtful that she’ll be up this summer, but you can’t go wrong with picking her here.
25) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Danielle Hennon
Danielle probably wont come every week this summer, but she’s far better than people give her credit for.
26) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Chuck Muszik
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.
27) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Lou Shernisky
It’s always a treat when Lou shows up.
28) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Jeff Pallini
Pallini is the perfect player in this spot. He only comes when asked and always does something memorable.
29) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Jon Biddle
I can see Billy going a little wild here and picking up the big names that might not show the whole season.
ROUND 6
30) TEAM BILLY DEFOREST: Jared Clayton
Make that a double.
31) TEAM BIG RANDO & PJ: Cassie Pyle Nespor and Tara Shawley
My guess is that Tara would be more upset at not being picked than Cassie….but better safe than sorry.
32) TEAM OPIE NEFF: Pat Lackey
Is Pat fuzzy head or feather hair? I can never remember.
33) TEAM JEANNE MENTREK: Stud Frankovich
You know what the SBL needs? An RSS feed…and Stud making a few appearances to pad cousin Bryan’s stats.
34) TEAM BOB SPOHN: Rob Whitling
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…
35) TEAM JOHN OFFUTT: Jamie Moroco
…which makes me sad.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Mac's Mailbag: 2008 Playoffs Week One
Rumors 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?
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.
Should Oatcake have sent Shelley Goodpastor to the Kamikazies instead of Katie Kelly?
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.
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?
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.
Are you a fan of the current playoff format that has the first place team going all the way to finals?
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.
Which of the four teams without a first round bye is the most likely to make a deep playoff run?
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.
How will any team defeat the mighty laser cats? Maybe by pulling a tonya harding on Terry and Nate? Or is there no hope?
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.
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?
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.
Which court would you like to see host the second week of the playoffs?
I’m a big fan of Hoffa Centre…but I didn’t get to play at Buttsex Ballpark this year.
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?
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.
Do you think the offensive friendly low hoop at the Nespor house will help or hurt the lower seeds this Sunday?
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.
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.
Should Oatcake have sent Shelley Goodpastor to the Kamikazies instead of Katie Kelly?
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.
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?
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.
Are you a fan of the current playoff format that has the first place team going all the way to finals?
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.
Which of the four teams without a first round bye is the most likely to make a deep playoff run?
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.
How will any team defeat the mighty laser cats? Maybe by pulling a tonya harding on Terry and Nate? Or is there no hope?
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.
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?
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.
Which court would you like to see host the second week of the playoffs?
I’m a big fan of Hoffa Centre…but I didn’t get to play at Buttsex Ballpark this year.
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?
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.
Do you think the offensive friendly low hoop at the Nespor house will help or hurt the lower seeds this Sunday?
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.
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