Team Observations from Satellite #1

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

0 - 2

Although the Ducks were the only winless team at the tournament, I am not worried about them whatsoever. This is a team built for a full season, not for tournaments. Dennis showed he still has the heat, and I expect him to adjust to the 48’ distance well. He also hit one of the loudest home runs I have ever heard. Constanti was very vocal about not liking the new distance, and was a bit shaky on the mound. Now a #2 pitcher, I also expect him to bounce back though. I was very impressed with the Ducks defense, as they seemed to be more alert in the field than in the past.

1 - 2

In typical Alex Linebrink fashion, he brought a team that was fun to watch and even more fun to play against. In the first game of the tournament, Alex and the new look Islanders came back to beat the Belgian Wiffles 8-7. The main reason they won was because of Jason Hewlett’s performance on the mound. Alex didn’t have it that day, but Hewlett sure did. Hewlett also made three outstanding plays in the field in their 2nd round game against King Friday. The Islanders are the epitome of how I wish all teams in the league should act on the field, but don’t sleep on them as they showed they can come back and beat you if you take them lightly.

1 - 2

The Holy Balls came out of the gates fast, beating the Ducks rather easily in their first game. Corbett had three home runs and Paquin showed he has the stuff of an ace. In the 2nd game against the very tough El Diablos, Chris Lewis was not able to get his signature riser pitch going and they were mercied. In their third game against the Belgian Wiffles, the Balls seemed to be a little deflated and they were eliminated. Nick Braden’s easy going fun attitude was missed, but I do expect the more this team plays together, the more cohesive they will become.

1 - 2

King Friday wasn’t able to bring their full roster, but they showed some signs of life against the Islanders in their first game. Matt Murtha pitched a gem, and also had an impressive three-run home run. Against the Diablos in the winner’s bracket Championship, King Friday was completely outmatched and they were mercied. In the loser’s bracket Championship only Carl and Rich remained, so they had to forfeit against the Belgian Wiffles. Murtha showed he can pitch from the new distance, but also showed he does not have the stuff of an ace. This team will need Cosby and Myers or they will have no chance at winning.

2 - 2

The Warriors were the only team to give El Diablos a game, but I am positive Alex Shore doesn’t care. In their first game, the Warriors blew a five run lead, and then also blew many chances in extra innings to send el Diablos to the loser’s bracket. They bounced back nicely though, and beat the Ducks and Islanders rather easily. Kiefer and Bones were both very impressive in their pitching debuts, and it finally appears Alex will have some players who consistently play. In a game that would have sent the Warriors to the Championship, they lost to Jason Matt who was pitching for the first time since the 2011 playoffs. Much like the old Warriors though, I don’t know what to expect from this team. They have the ability to hang with the better teams, but also seem to play down to their weaker opponents.

3 - 2

The Belgian Wiffles deep run was my favorite story of the tournament. It appeared Belgian was going to take care of business in their first game against the Islanders, but they surprisingly blew a big lead and were sent to the loser’s bracket early. After playing in game #1, they then had to wait until game #7 to play their next game. Belgian stayed fresh during the off-time with batting and pitching practice, and then beat both the Holy Balls and Warriors. After a forfeit win against King Friday, Belgian reached the Championship Game. I was surprised to see Ryan Alexia take the mound against el Diablos, but his team was behind him 100%. Even though they lost, this team has earned everyone’s respect.

4 - 0

El Diablos with their eye poppingly awesome teal jerseys had an incredible WSEM debut. Their only true test was against the Warriors in their opening game, but after beating them in extra innings, they mercied the Holy Balls, King Friday, and Belgian Wiffles. The entire team crushed the ball, and Skinner, Chandler, and Dakota all were impressive on the mound. Dakota seems to fit in well with this team, and to my surprise is going to be a full-time player for this team all season. Is it too late to change my mind about the Garcia Division being the better division?