Team Tuesdays: Ducks

by  Will Smith  &  Brandon Corbett   In 2011, the Ducks (then Git r' Done) were out to show us old folks that "Parents Just Don't Understand." Some say they had a sophomore slump in 2012 as the Thunder Ducks, but they were just having fun playing the game this time around: "chillin' out, maxin, relaxin' all cool. And all (playing) some ...ball outside of the where there used to be a school." Now in 2013, the Ducks are poised to "(Get) Jiggy Wit' It" as they ascend to Ali-esque greatness and blockbuster status. While there may be some truth in 2012 being a down year for the franchise, they were successful in winning their second consecutive pennant: this time with the best record in the Garcia Division. The Ducks also held their own against their rival, and eventual 2012 Champions, the Wicked Aces: splitting the regular season series 2-2. However, in the semi-finals they were swept 3-0 and outscored 8-1 by the Aces in an absolute route. While unconfirmed, that dismantling by the Aces pitching staff seems to have set the Ducks' template for the re-assembly of their 2013 roster. The loss of Chris Lewis and, career Git-r'-Duck, Nick Braden to the upstart Holy Balls in free agency was quickly overcome with the pick ups of Mike Constanti and David Castle. The Switch to Constanti (0.56 ERA, 1.29 WHIP in 2012) is an upgrade at pitcher over Lewis (3.55 ERA, 1.42 WHIP). While Castle and N. Braden are comparable at the plate, .340 and .327 SLG respectively, Castle also adds a third pitcher capable of providing a shut down performance on the mound. That option gives the Ducks the ability to keep a dominant starter in during long games and not worry about having to shut him down for two games. Their rotation is now stocked with more arms than the Wild Wild West. D. Braden, Nagorski, and Pearson The returning Ducks - Dennis Pearson, Dylan Braden, and Josh Nagorski - still bring the thunder. D & D are perennial Bad Boys at the dish. Dylan averages 37 H and 11 HR per season; in 2012, 20 of his 39 hits were for extra bases. Dennis is the only player to have consecutive seasons with double digit home runs: 15 in 2011, 10 in 2012. He also has 91 hits over his two seasons, 40 for extra bases. It is no longer "Just the Two of (Them)", either, as Josh Hitched himself on with an impressive 2012: .333 AVG and .489 SLG with 7 2B and 5 HR. The Ducks' problem will be, as it always has been, defense behind their pitchers. True, they do make some damn nice quick reaction plays from time to time, but I, Robot in the field they are not. Consistency on routine plays, good positioning, and team speed are aspects the Ducks notoriously lack. Perhaps the most fascinating footnote in Ducks history is that they are the only WSEM team to take a first round playoff series to three games twice. You can sign your Hancock to that fact, and also that the 2013 Ducks, with their "Brand New Funk," are aiming to end that trend. "I Think I can Beat Mike Tyson" is the attitude I expect out of the Ducks this season. Will they have a third pennant locked up by Independence Day? Maybe not that soon, but come "Summertime" expect nothing other than the Ducks to have reestablished themselves as the elite of WSEM.