Preseason Top 5 Hitters

		The Castle Chronicle
		by David Castle

So far this offseason we have put together rankings for just about everything, from the most underrated players in the league, to the fields we play on in WSEM. This article will just add to that notion as I rank the Top 5 hitters in all of WSEM.

Before the switch to the Griffey and ProStix bats, this was without a doubt a pitchers league, however now it’s a totally different game, one where hitters can thrive. Just like Carl, I will also release the Top 5 Hitters rankings four times throughout the year: preseason, two in the midseason, and after the season is over.

5.  David Castle  -  Westside Warriors

He had his best season offensively in his short 2 years in the league, batting over .400 and coming in second to only “The GOAT” (Dennis Pearson) in home runs with 13. It will be hard to repeat in 2014 with more teams becoming more talented, but not many can say they hit 2 homeruns off of Sam Hatt in the same game; Hatt should be thankful that Castle is on his team this year.

4.  Dakota Ladouceur  -  El Diablos

Dakota can be very clutch, but at times he can be as streaky as my underwear. He knows how to hit the ball all over the field and has above average power. Having a .326 average in a league with some of the most dominant pitching in all of the country isn’t an easy task and I salute him for that. However, this year I look for his average to dip a little and his power numbers to go up to pick up the production lost by Nicco.

3.  Dennis Pearson  -  Holy Balls

I had the privilege to play on Dennis’ team for a handful of games before the Ducks franchise sank. I don’t think I have ever seen any one hit wiffle balls as far as Dennis does, it’s a sight to see. He handedly won the homerun title hitting 22 long balls, 9 more than the second place hitter, and in the 2014 season, he will eclipse the 30 homer mark with ease.

2.  Kyle Tomlinson  -  El Diablos

I think the number two and one spots on this list can be interchangeable, however I put KT here because he isn’t as good of a hitter against top notch pitching as Evan Bortmas is. I’m not saying Kyle is a bad hitter in any way, shape, or form. After all, he did win the 2013 league MVP by batting over .400, having over 40 RBIs, and hitting 10 big jacks. I can see him repeating his MVP season with no problem.

1.  Evan Bortmas  -  Westside Warriors

Evan Bortmas can straight up hit the ball. He can utilize the whole field and can also hit for monster power. He had an awesome season last year hitting over .400, having just under 40 RBIs, and 10 homers. The way he can hit proven pitching is just amazing, he can take over an entire series with his bat, which not many players can do. I believe he will win his second MVP this year, by putting on a clinic at the plate.