Here we go again. In part 3, we'll break down teams 6-8. Be sure to check out part 1 and part 2 if you missed 9-16)
#8 Chubby Gangsters
Captain: Buster Patterson Color: Carolina Blue Spring 2011 Record: 10-2 All Time Record: 20-25-2 Wentworth Trophies: 0
The Chubby Gangsters were once the league's doormat, struggling to win many games. But they steadily improved season over season until this spring when they emerged as a top team, finished 10-2, and made the league semi-finals. Giving hope to many teams who are currently at the bottom of the table that if you work hard, you can improve and compete (if that's what your goal is of course).
And while the team is looking to build upon that, many kickball pundits are predicting a hangover for the Gangsters. The team is losing three key contributors in co-captain Tracy Colby, SP Jeffrey Scott, and catcher AJ Derr. The trio defected from the Gangbangers prior to the seasons starting to found the expansion team, Shake N Bake.
So while they will have a challenge to fill those roles, it would be unwise to write off the Gangbangers just yet. Those three players were not the only reason CG was successful. They still have an elite charger in Steve Midlik, who is a dual threat on offense and defense, and Thane Osterdahl is a great option at first base. Buster Patterson may look to fill either the pitching vacancy himself or shift over to catcher, allowing Greg Moore to hold down the duties. Which is only if one of their rookies don't emerge as viable options there. Patterson did a great job of recruiting athletes from minor league kickball and from the rugby fields of Hampton Roads to fill out his roster.
So while the experts (most voters in the preseason coaches poll, which will be released tomorrow, voted the Gangsters between 8th-10th) are dismissing the Chubby Gangsters chances, I wouldn't take them lightly. Remember, no one predicted they'd go 10-2 last season either.
#7 Jagernauts
Captains: Justin Littell, Katie Litle Color: Gold Spring 2011 Record: 7-5 All Time Record: 28-25-4 Wentworth Trophies: 0
The Jagernauts are returning with 94% of the same roster as the Fall. The only change being longtime cheerleader Kathleen Krohn joining the team to replace the beautiful Dottie Wood. So, we pretty much know what to expect from them. No team straddles the line between fun and competitive like the 'Nauts do. Hell, I don't have to tell you that, just check out Justin Littell's Fall 2011 Preview Video.
As goofy as they can be (please refer to the guy in the chicken costume), they can bring it on the field. The top of their order is as potent as they come. Dan "Easy 2 Score" Moore established himself as perhaps the best leadoff kicker in the league in the Spring, getting on base over 90% of the time and scoring 13 runs. Ch Joe Mazzitti and C Kevin Gitkos were also on base machines (copyright NoShoes) for the 'Nauts. Giving them several opportunities for the big legs of Kim "Silver Bush" Merritt and Alden Lawrence to drive in runs. Production behind the top of the order is inconsistent however, which is where the Jagers will hope to improve this Fall.
Defensively, Gitkos is an exceptional talent behind the plate, earning 2nd team honors. The charging duties are handled by a committee of Merritt, Mazzitti, and Moore. All three of them being servicable. Their pitching is above average with Merritt and Mike Seals mixing two completely different styles to keep kickers off balance. Mike Ramey holds it down at first base, and is as reliable as they come. Meanwhile the outfield is a solid, with very few mistakes given that they've played together for so long. Katie Litle is one of the best female players in the area.
So while they may appear to be just a fun loving and carefree team, the 'Nauts are not to be taken lightly. There is a lot of talent on this team and they are fully capable of hanging with the top tiered teams on any given night.
#6 Rumspringa
Captain: Matt Wellbrock Color: Royal Blue Spring 2011 Record: 7-4-1 All Time Record: 16-17-2 Wentworth Trophies: 0
"These guys improve year after year," Jagernaut captain Justin Littell said recently, "I expect them to be in the thick of it before all is said and done."
Indeed, the 'Springa franchise has come a long way from their first season in the spring of 2010. They went 2-8-1 that year, but by keeping their core largely unchanged and continued working hard and getting better. That is a testament to the leadership of Scotty Moriarty and Sabra Swilley. Now, those two are stepping down as captains, while remaining with the team, and turning the 'C' over to Matt Wellbrock. It's not clear what changes or differences, if any, the team will have under Wellbrock's regime, but I would expect him to take the ball and run with it.
Lick It Before You Kick It captain George Kiriazidis shared his opinion of 'Springa earlier this week:
The only thing that may be holding this team back is the total number of players, 20. That's a deep lineup to have to move through and get back to your top. The defense will be stout as usual with Ricky [Holmes] and Troy [Southall] leading the way. The team will also have to find a way to get Guy Sumrell worked into the game plan because he proved last season he can be a force. The only slight loss on the defensive side is not having Gary Weems for the one-two punch with Wellbrock on the mound.
Despite the loss of Weems, this is a team that is bursting with talent that will most likely win their fair share of games.
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