Fall 2011 Tournament Preview: Chubby Gangsters

Our huge mega-playoff preview continues, as we take a look at...

#13 Chubby Gangsters
Record: 2-8-1
Runs Scored: 20 (1.82 rpg, 14th in the league)
Runs Allowed: 59 (5.36 rapg, 12th in the league)

Oh what a difference a year makes. After spending most of the first couple seasons in the league as a doormat, the Chubby Gangsters broke through the glass ceiling in the spring, went 10-2, and made a deep run to the semi-finals of the tourney. Although they lost a couple of players to free agency, the core of the team was returning for the Fall season, and expectations were high.

Unfortunately, the Gangsters struggled to adapt to the new personnel changes. Combined with the fact that their previous season's success lead to a more challenging schedule this season, and the Gangbangers were back to their previous losing ways. The Gangsters were rolled, and went the first 8 weeks of the season without securing a win. Lately though, the team has started to come on strong. About 6 weeks ago, CG's Keith Morehart started making bold predictions on the league Facebook group, gauranteeing victories. Since that time, the team has gone 2-3. They've had victories over the Foul Balls and Free Ballin', while playing in close contests with the Clockers and Burning Bridges. The only game that truly got away from them was a 9-0 blowout at the hands of Just For Kicks on October 26th... JFK happens to be the Gangsters first round opponent on Saturday.

The strongest points of the Gangster defense lie in it's ability to defend the bunt. Particularly Charger Steve Midlik excels. Many of the Peninsula's best bunters have been thrown out by him. 1B Thane Osterdahl also has been a big part of the team, contributing great defense and solid offensive production. If both players are available for the tournament, it gives Chubby a much greater chance... Offensively, the team is stronger kicking away than bunting. Midlik, Osterdahl, Morehart, Greg Moore, and Buster Patterson all have the ability to get a hold of one. If their balls find holes, they can do some damage.

As mentioned above, the Chubby Gangsters still have the core of the team that went to the semis last season, and seemed to have improved week over week down the stretch. They have some momentum right now, and are capable of giving JFK a tougher game than they'd have hoped for in the first round.

Other Previews
#16 Foul Balls
#15 Chicken Tetrazzini
#14 NKotB