Going into selection Sunday, I thought I'd get a jump start on everything and offer up my projected Top 16 seeds and the 8 current bubble teams. Based on teams currently ranked and not going and games still pending, here are the top sixteen seeds I see in come selection Sunday:
Top 16
#1 - Dead Presidents
#2 - Texas Republic
#3 - Big Lebowskis
#4 - Potomac Fever
#5 - DGS
#6 - Insliders
#7 - Big In Japan
#8 - Dukes of Haphazard
#9 - Suspicious Packages
#10 - Moderately Sober
#11 - Dragon Slayers
#12 - Owego Fire Department
#13 - Destroyers
#14 - Cap City Brewery Flyers
#15 - Un Do's
#16 - Vito Power
Last 4 in (45-48): Bases Loaded, What Exit, Orange Crush, Jolly Rogers
The Waiting Room (49-52): Hired Guns, 18th Amendment, Kansas, FDA
Games to be played: Green Sox v. Milestones - implications for this game could completely overturn all of these current rankings, a win by the Milestones might even launch them into the tournament.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Risers and Fallers...
My apologies to all of my loyal and unloyal readers out there, I've been absent for most of this month and thus further out of the loop than I normally am. With the end of the season nearing and the standing having currently locked, I thought it would be a good a time as any to nod at a few of the risers and fallers from last year to this year.While some may consider the Diplomats to be highly over ranked sitting at #14 overall, they do top our list as the highest top 20 riser this year. Jumping from #91 overall last year into the Top 15, they certainly head our list of biggest risers. Second on that list is a team that erupted to beat several good squads this year, Moderately Sober. Sitting at #13 this year, that's a 47 spot jump from last years finish at 60 overall (which, interestingly enough was a drop of 48 spots from their #12 2007 ranking, so maybe they have just righted the ship). Really the only other team with any noticeable climb into the Top 20 from last year would have to be the highly controversial Suspicious Packages. Many have claimed that the Packages are overrated at #10 overall, but at 13-1 you can't fault a team that managed to jump 41 spots from 51 overall a year prior. Those are the three biggest risers out there, but there was a landslide of teams going the opposite direction.
Leading the pack as probably one of the most surprising fallers is Fat Drunk and Awesome. FDA has been a league power since season one so it's hard to imagine how this kind of a fall from grace took place, but there they sit at an astonishing #71, down 68 spots from their 2008 ranking of #3 overall. Perhaps not quite as impressive in numbers, but certainly in storyline is the drop from #8 to #30 by the former League Champion Blue Pups. Granted the Blue Pups have played a schedule that makes everyone else's schedules look like a cake walk, but still the #30 ranking is a bit of a shock. The Great Lakers join this list with a 58 spot drop to #69 from a 2008 rank of #11, they're followed closely by Big Riggin who plummeted 41 spots from #18 to #59 this year, both teams are likely on the outside looking in come playoffs.
One of the House records is the Hired Guns rise of 87 spots from 2007 to 2008. This record is a testament to how flexible a beer league can be. An interesting note though is that the Hired Guns have dropped back to #59 overall from their glory at #17 last season. It's one thing to earn your way to the top, but don't be fooled at how hard it can be to stay there, and as we saw with Moderately Sober, the good teams often don't stay down for long.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Bubble Teams
As it gets closer to tourny time for the House League the talk over who the top seeds should be is heating up. It's fun to kick around who belongs in the top 16, who should be #1, are the usual suspects there, but what about the teams hanging on for dear life? What about the Bubble Teams?Going over the middle of the pack standings, there are some teams that stick out to me as being on the bubble and potentially on their way OUT:
1. Jolly Rogers - barely inside the buffer zone and with a game against a team ranked so low a win might even hurt them, and a game against another bubble team in the Liberal Agenda, the Rogers could be on the outside looking in, or at least counting on one of the slots currently held by a team with less than 10 games played to open up for them.
2. Liberal Agenda - conversely if they drop the game to the Jolley Rogers, and lose to the Dragon Slayers, they may become one of those Green teams conserving gas by not trekking out to Fairfax.
3. Strike Place Market - this team is reeling after back to back losses, it's looking more and more like they will have to win that Washington state matchup with WAsabi to make the cut outright.
4. Hired Guns - sitting on the very edge, a loss to the Milestones in their last game of the season could be the straw that breaks the camels back and ousts them. It will be a tougher game than they think.
5. Bases Loaded - with a tough 3 game stretch coming up, they could easily drop all 3 and find themselves well down in the lower 50's.
Teams waiting to get IN:
1. Big Sticks - possibly already in with the 10 game rule, BS has an easy matchup against Stimulus Package and then a big game against MB to close out the season. Even if they go 1-1 they could still make it, 2-0 they are a lock.
2. Big Riggin - all they have to do is beat 18th Amendment and then cruise to the finish line. They may be tougher than it seems, but I think they can do it.
3. Kansas - with one game left against a higher ranked Bases Loaded, a game I think they can win, that will put them at 10 and inside the loop to pick up one of the vacated spots.
4. Not rocket Scientists - with 4 easy match ups left, they could glide into the playoff picture with consistent performances. They should make it out to Fairfax.
5. Xunshine Staters - unknown to many, this team is good and on a roll. If they can manage upsets of the Destroyers and Scared hitless, which is possible, they'll make the cut. This is my long-shot pick to make it.
These are just a few of the Bubble Teams out there, and with the way the RPI is calculated it's nearly impossible to predict this outcome, but it's always good to spread a little ink to the middle teams. They're as big a part of the league as anyone else.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Who's #1?
Who's #1 in the House League right now? Well, a lot of teams would like to claim they are. Dead Presidents have been sitting firmly at #1 for some time now, and seem content to ride out the season there with only one more Late August game against the Big Lebowskis. That said, their average rank of opponents is only 36, which is fairly weak comparatively.And how about those Big L's anyway? Sitting at an average opponent rank of 23, they are one of the hottest teams out there. Tearing through teams at a 23 run per game clip since their loss to another top end contender, the Insliders. The Dude thinks his team is #1, just read the message boards.
Where do the Insliders sit? Seemly on pace to breeze through the regular season and firmly planted in the #2 seed, the Inslider were hailed as possibly the best team in the league. That didn't seem to phase the upstart Dragon Slayers who edged by the Insliders and almost effectively bumped LNF's motly crew out of this conversation. With a half a month left, they could bounce back, they did beat DGS who was also at one point talked of as the creme de la creme.
Don Johnson are sitting #2 right now, but with only 5 games played and no particularly awe inspiring victories in those five, they've got work to do before they can don the mantle of best in the league.
Texas Republic may have the best case. In spite of a blatantly weak overall schedule, they are doing what good teams should do and putting up 21 runs a game against the weak teams. On top of that, they do hold an edge over the Big Lebowskis after a solid beat down of the Dude and the Jesus in week 1. They certainly factor into this conversation and may be the front runner for #1 overall.
The last team in consideration has to be Potomac Fever. Not only are they currently stuffing their opponents with a remarkable 3 runs per game allowed over their last 9 contests, but they have the history to back them up. Always a top contender in the regular season and the playoffs Pot Fever has a rightful claim to #1. If they polish off the Keystoners, Blue Pups, DGS and the Insliders to finish out the season, they will be the best team, hands down.
So you've got historical powers performing, you've got new powers making their claims, you've got great teams beat by great teams beat by other great teams who were beat by the first great teams. There are enough twists and turns in the "who's #1 conversation" to make a roller coaster junky puke. Not being afraid to take the criticism, I'll leave you with my #1 and then round out the top 5.
#1 - Texas Republic - at 10-0, with some of the best offensive and defensive numbers out there, not to mention they are sitting on a solid victory over the second hottest team the Big L, they belong here.
#2 - Big Lebowskis - yes they have two losses, yes they are obnoxious, yes they are good. No team is hotter, or possibly playing better right now.
#3 - Potomac Fever - if they go 4-0 to end the season, they are hands down the #1 team in the House league, they could already be.
#4 - Dead Presidents - time to get off their asses and prove themselves.
#5 - Insliders - they still have time to bounce back and climb this list, beat Pot Fever and their well on their way.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Big Games Highlight Big Week
There will certainly be no lack of excitement this week with a plethora of big games on the radar and possibly none as impacting as this weeks House site game of the week with the Big Lebowskis taking on the Dukes of Haphazzard. This game will almost surely produce an elite champion waiting to claim their 1st round by come playoffs. If you think this game of the week is going to be a thriller, there are several other match ups that might catch your interest.
Playmates v. Potomac Fever - As Hef prepares his playmates to back up some recent smack talk, Potomac Fever is quietly positioning themselves for yet another shot at playoff glory.
FDA v. Saints - what happened to these two teams? Both used to be feared in leagues, now they both are on the verge of missing the playoffs, being a must win for both teams, this game has some potential to be a great one.
DGS v. Raucus Caucus - I don't know if their for real, but a quality win over the Dragon Slayers has the Rauc making some noise on the message boards. DGS is coming off a tough loss and will be looking to dispatch the Caucus and regain their composure.
Destroyers v. Homers - this may not look like much on the outside, but the Homers are a quality squad and the Destroyers have proven themselves to be a formidable force on the diamond giving this face off all the makings of a classic.
Milwaukees Best v. Vito Power - Previously the game of the week, but rained out. These two teams get another shout out as they are both fighting for 1st round byes.
How about those match ups for excitement? Well, that was just Monday and Tuesday.
Un Do's v. Affairs Not Relations - These two middle of the pack teams match up very well and this could turn into a very close game. Both are trying to stay in the Top 30 and they'll need a win to do it.
Potomac Fever v. Vito Power - this very easily could have been the game of the week, both teams on a roll, both teams capable of winning the playoffs, this is a must see game.
Dragon Slayers v. Insliders - you want defense? these two teams got it. Both showcase fantastic leather on the field with some strong bats to support it. This could be an upset special.
There are at least another 5 or 6 games that I could list on here that are sure to be great match ups, but I am going to end my preview by highlighting the "Softball Guys Game of the Week"....that game is...
Channel 4 News Team v. AgFASilitators - folks, softball may not get any more pure than this. The cream of the beer league (well, not really beer, that would be illegal, more so "special beverage league") crop face off in a clash of titans. Classy meets perfection in this battle and I can guarantee you one thing, both teams will be sporting more spiles and drinking more beer than any other team in the Cap Lounge come Thursday night. This is what it's all about.
Playmates v. Potomac Fever - As Hef prepares his playmates to back up some recent smack talk, Potomac Fever is quietly positioning themselves for yet another shot at playoff glory.
FDA v. Saints - what happened to these two teams? Both used to be feared in leagues, now they both are on the verge of missing the playoffs, being a must win for both teams, this game has some potential to be a great one.
DGS v. Raucus Caucus - I don't know if their for real, but a quality win over the Dragon Slayers has the Rauc making some noise on the message boards. DGS is coming off a tough loss and will be looking to dispatch the Caucus and regain their composure.
Destroyers v. Homers - this may not look like much on the outside, but the Homers are a quality squad and the Destroyers have proven themselves to be a formidable force on the diamond giving this face off all the makings of a classic.
Milwaukees Best v. Vito Power - Previously the game of the week, but rained out. These two teams get another shout out as they are both fighting for 1st round byes.
How about those match ups for excitement? Well, that was just Monday and Tuesday.
Un Do's v. Affairs Not Relations - These two middle of the pack teams match up very well and this could turn into a very close game. Both are trying to stay in the Top 30 and they'll need a win to do it.
Potomac Fever v. Vito Power - this very easily could have been the game of the week, both teams on a roll, both teams capable of winning the playoffs, this is a must see game.
Dragon Slayers v. Insliders - you want defense? these two teams got it. Both showcase fantastic leather on the field with some strong bats to support it. This could be an upset special.
There are at least another 5 or 6 games that I could list on here that are sure to be great match ups, but I am going to end my preview by highlighting the "Softball Guys Game of the Week"....that game is...
Channel 4 News Team v. AgFASilitators - folks, softball may not get any more pure than this. The cream of the beer league (well, not really beer, that would be illegal, more so "special beverage league") crop face off in a clash of titans. Classy meets perfection in this battle and I can guarantee you one thing, both teams will be sporting more spiles and drinking more beer than any other team in the Cap Lounge come Thursday night. This is what it's all about.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Dragon Slayers Fall, Softball Guy tastes Humble Pie.
Well, after all that, Big in Japan stepped up and delivered, beating DGS 15-12, and placed my foot squarely in my mouth. To that I say, well done BIJ, I was completely wrong. A couple of other interesting match ups that went down this week could be showing us some late starters who have a legitimate claim to make.
Moderately Sober 12, FDA 8 - FDA was once a power house to be reckoned with, now they sit at 2-3 and are rapidly approaching crisis mode, meanwhile, Mod Sober has played their way into the Top 20 looking to go higher.
Texas Republic 25, Milwuakees Best 4 - Texas Republic is playing as good as any team out their right now, this latest trouncing of a Top 15 team is merely another notice to the league that they mean business.
Jolly Rogers 15, North State Flood 13 - though these are teams who are just competing to make the playoffs, this is a big win for the Jolly Rogers to upset NSF. A few more of these will have the rogers in the playoffs.
Dead Presidents 21, Saints 7 - the Saints, who many hold as under the radar contenders, simply couldn't keep up with perenial power DP. Sitting at 10-0 with a mild schedule to finish the year, DP has a perfect season within reach.
Raucus Caucus 10, Dragon Slayers 9 - from the looks of it, this upset had to be a wild ride. The Caucus certainly backed up their message board representatives talk and took down the once top dawg Dragon Slayers. Like Moderately Sober, the Caucus is cruising lately.
These are just a few interesting games from last week, there was plenty of great softball action throughout the week.
Moderately Sober 12, FDA 8 - FDA was once a power house to be reckoned with, now they sit at 2-3 and are rapidly approaching crisis mode, meanwhile, Mod Sober has played their way into the Top 20 looking to go higher.
Texas Republic 25, Milwuakees Best 4 - Texas Republic is playing as good as any team out their right now, this latest trouncing of a Top 15 team is merely another notice to the league that they mean business.
Jolly Rogers 15, North State Flood 13 - though these are teams who are just competing to make the playoffs, this is a big win for the Jolly Rogers to upset NSF. A few more of these will have the rogers in the playoffs.
Dead Presidents 21, Saints 7 - the Saints, who many hold as under the radar contenders, simply couldn't keep up with perenial power DP. Sitting at 10-0 with a mild schedule to finish the year, DP has a perfect season within reach.
Raucus Caucus 10, Dragon Slayers 9 - from the looks of it, this upset had to be a wild ride. The Caucus certainly backed up their message board representatives talk and took down the once top dawg Dragon Slayers. Like Moderately Sober, the Caucus is cruising lately.
These are just a few interesting games from last week, there was plenty of great softball action throughout the week.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Top 5 Top 10's
Top 10 Teams:
1. Insliders - despite one loss, they've played everyone and their dog, these guys are for real and they have to be itching for a tourny championship.
2. Dead Presidents - can't ignore their success at 9-0, but it would be good for them to beef their schedule up.
3. Texas Republic - a prolific offensive powerhouse, these guys are rolling through opponents and taking names, now as they run into some tougher teams, we'll see their metal.
4. Potomac Fever - at 8-1, and that one loss being to another Top 10 talent, Pot Fever has the experience and the talent to go a long way.
5. DGS - despite early commentary on DGS, they are a great team, overcoming early rust to run the table against severall good teams with the exception of a loss to the surging Vito Power.
6. Don Johnsons - always strong contenders, the DJ's are in position to be right there again, although it's about time they scheduled a little tougher teams.
7. Big Lebowskis - if you look past there surge and offensive production you're out of your mind, now they just have to learn to play in the tournament.
8. Dukes of Haphazard - great wins against the Blue Pups and Milwaukee's Best have the Dukes sitting pretty.
9. Vito Power - they are absolutely rolling through teams these last few weeks and probably deserve a higher rank than this.
10. Blue Pups - yes, they have 4 losses, but they belong in the Top 10, it's just that simple.
Top 10 Offenses:
1. Texas Republic
2. Big Lebowskis
3. Scared Hitless
4. Destroyers
5. Moderately Sober
6. Bases Loaded
7. Don Johnsons
8. Pot Fever
9. Fat Drunk and Awesome
10. Blue Pups
Top 10 Defenses:
1. Texas Republic
2. Pot Fever
3. Dragon Slayers
4. Insliders
5. Owego Fire Department
6. Moderately Sober
7. Vito Power
8. DGS
9. Dead Presidents
10. Big Lebowskis
Top 10 Surprises (to date):
1. Blue Pups at 4 losses.
2. FDA at .500.
3. Saints ranked 37th
4. The Thomas Pain posts 4 wins since making Most Beeriffic.
5. Dragons Slayers have gone quiet since dropping out of the top 10...wait, not a surprise.
6. The Dude found a mini-me on the boards...a.k.a. the Rauc.
7. 15 teams have 0 wins, and 7 of them are ranked higher than a team with only one win.
8. Ricky Henderson has only had one post about his Hall of Fame induction.
9. The Lounge has gone almost completely dead for Thursday Post games.
10. This blog hasn't had more angry hate posts.
Most Beeriffic 10:
1. Channell 4 News Team - that's right, they've stayed classy the whole season making them the team that everyone loves to play.
2. Team Carebears - while a decent team who plays pretty good teams, these folks are just out to enjoy a beer league for what it is.
3. The Thomas Pain - shirking off an early Beeriffic Ranking, the Pain has risen to the challenge and now sits at a lofty 90 Overall.
4. Blue Mold - quite possibly the most entertaining group of individuals ever assembled on a softball field.
5. Zebra Muscles - not scared to schedule the big teams, the Muscle's have flexed their stripes all year long.
6. Capital Punishment - quite possibly the drunkest group of individuals ever assembled on a softball field.
7. Children of the Corn - still leading the league with 10 losses has them firmly on this list.
8. Recession Session - if you need any further proof their is a recession, just take a look at their runs scored total, these are the times that try men's souls.
9. New Rage Mastadons - for managing to make it into the top 80 with only 1 win, that's talent.
10. Bakers Dozen - I don't think anyone needs to tell them that 13 is an unlucky number, but 122 runs allowed over 5 games is much more unlucky.
1. Insliders - despite one loss, they've played everyone and their dog, these guys are for real and they have to be itching for a tourny championship.
2. Dead Presidents - can't ignore their success at 9-0, but it would be good for them to beef their schedule up.
3. Texas Republic - a prolific offensive powerhouse, these guys are rolling through opponents and taking names, now as they run into some tougher teams, we'll see their metal.
4. Potomac Fever - at 8-1, and that one loss being to another Top 10 talent, Pot Fever has the experience and the talent to go a long way.
5. DGS - despite early commentary on DGS, they are a great team, overcoming early rust to run the table against severall good teams with the exception of a loss to the surging Vito Power.
6. Don Johnsons - always strong contenders, the DJ's are in position to be right there again, although it's about time they scheduled a little tougher teams.
7. Big Lebowskis - if you look past there surge and offensive production you're out of your mind, now they just have to learn to play in the tournament.
8. Dukes of Haphazard - great wins against the Blue Pups and Milwaukee's Best have the Dukes sitting pretty.
9. Vito Power - they are absolutely rolling through teams these last few weeks and probably deserve a higher rank than this.
10. Blue Pups - yes, they have 4 losses, but they belong in the Top 10, it's just that simple.
Top 10 Offenses:
1. Texas Republic
2. Big Lebowskis
3. Scared Hitless
4. Destroyers
5. Moderately Sober
6. Bases Loaded
7. Don Johnsons
8. Pot Fever
9. Fat Drunk and Awesome
10. Blue Pups
Top 10 Defenses:
1. Texas Republic
2. Pot Fever
3. Dragon Slayers
4. Insliders
5. Owego Fire Department
6. Moderately Sober
7. Vito Power
8. DGS
9. Dead Presidents
10. Big Lebowskis
Top 10 Surprises (to date):
1. Blue Pups at 4 losses.
2. FDA at .500.
3. Saints ranked 37th
4. The Thomas Pain posts 4 wins since making Most Beeriffic.
5. Dragons Slayers have gone quiet since dropping out of the top 10...wait, not a surprise.
6. The Dude found a mini-me on the boards...a.k.a. the Rauc.
7. 15 teams have 0 wins, and 7 of them are ranked higher than a team with only one win.
8. Ricky Henderson has only had one post about his Hall of Fame induction.
9. The Lounge has gone almost completely dead for Thursday Post games.
10. This blog hasn't had more angry hate posts.
Most Beeriffic 10:
1. Channell 4 News Team - that's right, they've stayed classy the whole season making them the team that everyone loves to play.
2. Team Carebears - while a decent team who plays pretty good teams, these folks are just out to enjoy a beer league for what it is.
3. The Thomas Pain - shirking off an early Beeriffic Ranking, the Pain has risen to the challenge and now sits at a lofty 90 Overall.
4. Blue Mold - quite possibly the most entertaining group of individuals ever assembled on a softball field.
5. Zebra Muscles - not scared to schedule the big teams, the Muscle's have flexed their stripes all year long.
6. Capital Punishment - quite possibly the drunkest group of individuals ever assembled on a softball field.
7. Children of the Corn - still leading the league with 10 losses has them firmly on this list.
8. Recession Session - if you need any further proof their is a recession, just take a look at their runs scored total, these are the times that try men's souls.
9. New Rage Mastadons - for managing to make it into the top 80 with only 1 win, that's talent.
10. Bakers Dozen - I don't think anyone needs to tell them that 13 is an unlucky number, but 122 runs allowed over 5 games is much more unlucky.
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