Over/Under in the Eyes of Sir Nikolai

We get a different opinion on the make up of WSEM today with a countdown of the five most overrated and underrated players in the eyes of Sir Nikolai, Nick Braden, co-captain of the Thunder Duck squad. So, it is a champion's view from the top! I bet you think you already have an idea what his list might look like, but read on; you might be surprised once or twice.

Overs are listed over their respective numbers with the unders under. Get it? Also, player pictures link to their 2011 season stats in case you care to examine Nick's picks further.

	Starting out at number five on my overrated list is the man himself, Mr. Perfect Game, Chris Lewis. The only reason Chris makes this list is because of his tossing of the first ever WSEM perfect game, which put him in a high spot of the free agent market. On the plus side, he is now in a rotation with Dennis Pearson and Dylan Braden that may help him add a pitch or two to make him better, so he will no longer be on this list. If he adds another deadly weapon to his already stacked arsenal, he will throw another perfect game - mark my words.
5
	To start off the countdown of the most underrated players in the league I have to name my fellow Thunder Duck, Josh Roberts. Although people may think he is a complete and total jokester, he is not horrible. He has an absolutely amazing eye at the plate, which leads to a very high on base percentage (OBP) and more runs for the high powered Thunder Ducks offense. Once his fielding gets better he may become an everyday player for us.

	At overrated number four I have another Thunder Duck, Dylan Braden. He may be the second best hitter on the Thunder Ducks and part of the D&D Boys, but when he is bad he is ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. For example, in this year's playoffs he hit .106, even though he hit the home run to win the championship. Those are no stats to scoff at. Sorry, Dylan, I had to do it.
4
	At the fourth most underrated spot is Bobby Hoppe. He is a dominant force on the Deloppes in the shadows of Joey Delano, Nick Snow, and Chad Hoppe. He closes for the Deloppes, although, he should be converted into a starter due to him throwing fast and very accurately. Bobby fights at the plate every pitch to make sure he gets on base.

	Next up, Joe Seto of the newly formed Donkeys. Now, don't get me wrong, Seto is a very good player given the stats he put up this year, but he lacks a good game against a good team. Until he is able to put together good performances against the good teams, I will place him on the over-rated side.
3
	Just edging out his brother for the third underrated spot is B.J. Hoppe. B.J. was the only guy to get a hit off of Dennis in the championship, an excellent defender, and you have to remember he gives it his all on every pitch. I can see him being a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season.

	In the two hole is WWA "fireballer," Austin Bischoff. Bischoff, a.k.a. Brennan Boesch with a half a year of stats, had a Brennan Boesch type year. Once every team figures him out WWA is screwed, because their number one will be taken out of their hands and they basically have no number two. For those that think he is better, or just as good as Dennis Pearson, SHUT UP and do the league a favor. The kid can only pitch, not produce with a bat.
2
	In the two slot we have Jason Hewlett of the Mattseals. Before getting hurt Hewlett was putting up very good numbers on a very bad team: that is unheard of. [Ed. note: Is it really? Last year in the AL West alone you had Fister with the Mariners and Gonzalez with the A's.] Rumors say he has been practicing at work, wherever he works, which leads to the question where does he work to have the time to practice wiffleball? I would love to work wherever he works. If he can stay healthy this season, he will be a very powerful force. This could make the Mattseals a spoiler.

	To round out the countdown of my overrated players we have Mr. Chad Hoppe. Somehow the number one pitcher on the excellent Deloppes in front the one and only lefty, Cliff Comstock. Chad lacks speed, which makes his pitches easier to hit. He should be dropped to the number four on his team. When it comes to batting, if he does not walk it is an automatic out.
1
	Rounding out the under-rated players in the league I have my teammate Josh Nagorski. Gorski is the founder of the Thunder Ducks. This guy may step into Dylan's spot and become the second best hitter on the team. Good defensive abilities, speed, and his performance in the playoffs will make him a leader in batting average and a lead component for the Thunder Ducks to repeat the championship.

-
Nick Braden
Thunder Ducks - 23
KGB