What to Watch for in 2013

by  Alex Shore

Stealing, black bats, and good-looking people are among some of the things that will make their presence known in 2013. Given that MLB pitchers and catchers reported to training camp this morning, I thought I would actually acknowledge my duties as WSEM players representative, report to my couch, and write a player based article. This season the league is down to eight teams, with lots of realignment within existing and rookie organizations. I will examine each team and give you my opinion on their pros and cons. Thus, without further delay, let's begin with the Garcia division. The reigning Garcia champion Ducks are the staple team in this division. What to watch for: Dennis Pearson, Dylan Braden and Michael Constanti. Cons: Now, last year I was onto something when I said Lewis would throw off the team chemistry, and now, I see the same out of Constanti disrupting the team chemistry. Bottom Line: Watch out for Dennis' and Dylan’s batting, (Remember these kids could crush the ball at one point, and now we give them a bigger bat?) and Constanti’s pitching help. They are shaky in their lack of depth, though, and that is alarming. Dennis and Mike could be relied on heavily, and I really don’t see any other options for this team. The Belgian Wiffles are next up. What to watch for: yet another plethora of rookies brought to you by David Buhr. Cons: Do they even have a pitcher? Bottom Line: Look for a team here that I predict will have a rebuilding type year, considering half of last year's Belgian Wiffles went on to form another team. That team would be El Diablos. What to watch for: Explosive young talent. Chandler Phillips, Kyle Tomlinson (2012 ROTY), and Craig Skinner took the league by storm last year and played very well for the Belgian wiffles. Cons: They struggled a bit at the plate last year. Bottom Line: If they hit better and pitch as well, I can see a top four team here. The last team in the Garcia is the Islanders. What to watch for: A new team with some old faces, and a potentially deadly lineup. Linebrink signed Ryan Bullard, Jason Hewlett and Joe Seto, all of these players have been around the game and have proven themselves. Cons: Gotta step it up at the plate if they want to stay alive this season. Moving onto the Ringler Division, I’ll start with the champs: the Whiteford Wicked Aces. What to watch for: Austin Bischoff, Joel Crozier, and Evan Bortmas?!!? That’s a powerful team. Cons: Do you see any? I don’t. Bottom Line: They are a force and, in my opinion, are this years “team to beat.” This team is completely well rounded. Next up on the list are the returning Westside Warriors. What to watch for: some upgraded uniforms, new rookies, and returning veteran players. Cons: With the loss of Sam Hatt, pitching is thin. The Warriors need someone to step up and become a solid number three option. Bottom Line: This team can be deadly with the old Maclin Malloy, new Kiefer Haffey, and the bats of Shore and Greg Voutsos, not to mention the return of Nick Woods. Next up is King Friday. What to watch for: Two Coffees, a Matt Murtha sighting, and Adam Cosby. The cons: This team needs someone to step up on the batting end. Bottom Line: It's nice to see King Friday upgrade, look for a better season out of this team than last years King Friday squad. The last team up is Holy Balls. What to watch for: A group of WSEM veterans that can always take a game or two away from you at any time. Cons: A need for rookie players and pitching depth. Bottom Line: This team can make a run at the playoffs and are the potential surprise squad out of this season.