Season Recap
Congratulations to Rum Riot, your Fall kickball champions! It has already been 2 months since kickball ended... How is everyone's productivity on Friday mornings now? I only get hangovers when I don't drink so mine have been terrible, thanks. I was extremely impressed with the End of Season party for Fall. It's been quite awhile since we've had that kind of showing and we actually tapped those kegs quick. Well dones go to Kathy for all the work she put in, Mac for his hosting, and Lawson for providing wings. Thanks to Binga's for not throwing me out for beating people with balloons (sorry for jagerbombing). I figured I would do an end of season wrap up and show everyone how terrible I am at forecasting the season. I made some preseason predictions wayyy back in August when it was 80 degrees warmer. I'll let you enjoy how bad I did. Also, I gave each team grades for the season. This may seem like a long read, but I'm just copy/pasting most of this.
#8. The Closers (Off: 64, Def: 61, Int: 62, Overall: 62)
Scouting Report: New team so it's tough to tell. Good kickers, decent pitching, not seeing much in bunting or overall defense.
Scouting Report: New team so it's tough to tell. Good kickers, decent pitching, not seeing much in bunting or overall defense.
TC has the illustrious honor of starting in the basement this season. I'm surprised Cobb didn't follow his pal Bez to Muff N Men, I thought you 2 were as close as Bert and Ernie. It's tough to really rank these guys because I don't know half the team, and the other half hasn't registered yet. No clue who will be playing catcher or charger, but at least pitcher and 1st base are solid. This season does mark the return of Doug Thorp... Not too sure if he will help or hurt TC, not sure if anyone cares that he's back either. This will be one of those seasons where Cobb should just get shitfaced every Thursday and tear down OPT karaoke. Expected W/L: 1-6-1. Actual W/L 2-7.
One of the few I got close to right this season. These guys were like Peyton Manning. Strong start then when the temperature got lower they all disappeared, literally. Kind of a shame to waste the talents of Lamo and Francis. Grade: D-. They did better than expected, but giving up and forfeiting the end of the season is lame.
#6. Ma Dixon Cider (Off: 76, Def: 76, Int: 58, Overall: 73)
Scouting Report: Very good kickers up and down, lots of potential in the field, not very good at bunting or pacing themselves drinking.
The Summer league sloshball champions will be displaying their god awful bunting skills this Fall. Most of the Spring team (It Ain't Gonna Kick Itself) is back with prized chug off contender America roaming the outfield with that crazy fuck, Russ. The infield will be the biggest wild card with a couple 2nd season players manning the skill positions. MDC should definitely put runs on the board each week as some of them can bunt well and everyone on this team can boot effectively. Hopefully, Casey doesn't make too many errors over thinking whether or not he should've left for NDW. Expected W/L: 3-5. Actual W/L 1-7-1.
The Dice K team this season. Give up a bunch of runs in the first inning then settle down and do just enough to make the game close. They gave us one of the season's best games against HML in the playoffs. Nailed the scouting report, underachieved on the record. Grade: C+. They never really got clobbered and record didn't reflect how well they played.
Predictions for the Season
James "America" Boudreau beats Brian Sing for the Chug Off Crown. The Lighthouse league has softened Sing up and this is the man do dethrone him.
They only battled twice. First time was very close, second time wasn't. James never came out after kickball again. Well played, Sing.
NDW will beat HML and MNM, but lose to someone else. They are due for one of those games where Kerry and Houghton can't come and Corliss has to pitch and it's just a disaster.
They beat neither team, Kerry didn't play this season, and NDW was so bad they changed their name and traded their best player.
Stevey finally gets tossed from a game. Looooooooong overdue.
I spelled Houghton wrong.
NDW beats Muff N Men in the Finals 5-3 to win again. It's hard to predict anything else since they always seem to win.
Neither team made it to the finals.
I'm taking offers for Spring. For the right price, I won't pick your team to win or predict that you do anything good all season. Happy New Year everyone. See you all next year at some point!
-Sparks
One of the few I got close to right this season. These guys were like Peyton Manning. Strong start then when the temperature got lower they all disappeared, literally. Kind of a shame to waste the talents of Lamo and Francis. Grade: D-. They did better than expected, but giving up and forfeiting the end of the season is lame.
#6. Ma Dixon Cider (Off: 76, Def: 76, Int: 58, Overall: 73)
Scouting Report: Very good kickers up and down, lots of potential in the field, not very good at bunting or pacing themselves drinking.
The Summer league sloshball champions will be displaying their god awful bunting skills this Fall. Most of the Spring team (It Ain't Gonna Kick Itself) is back with prized chug off contender America roaming the outfield with that crazy fuck, Russ. The infield will be the biggest wild card with a couple 2nd season players manning the skill positions. MDC should definitely put runs on the board each week as some of them can bunt well and everyone on this team can boot effectively. Hopefully, Casey doesn't make too many errors over thinking whether or not he should've left for NDW. Expected W/L: 3-5. Actual W/L 1-7-1.
The Dice K team this season. Give up a bunch of runs in the first inning then settle down and do just enough to make the game close. They gave us one of the season's best games against HML in the playoffs. Nailed the scouting report, underachieved on the record. Grade: C+. They never really got clobbered and record didn't reflect how well they played.
#7. Fall-Tea Balls (Off: 65, Def: 69, Int: 78, Overall: 69)
Scouting Report: Lots of experience, weak on offense, infield defense is okay, strong pitching.
Scouting Report: Lots of experience, weak on offense, infield defense is okay, strong pitching.
The Twisted Tea killers overachieved out the ass in Spring, but I don't think they will be so lucky this season. Baker is gone and Lawson has no idea who will show up on a week to week basis. FTB should have Shane back and they have one of the better pitchers in the league, but I expect the offense will let them down each week. If any team can overcome all that (by blacking out) it will be these guys. I'm expecting a lot of Kan Jam to try and get the confidence back. Expected W/L: 2-6. Actual W/L: 3-6
I guess I did pretty well predicting the bad teams. They definitely brought their "A" drinking game to the fields every week along with more Kan Jam sets than I thought existed. Once Mikey decided to show up their runs allowed improved significantly. Grade: B. 3 wins from a team that really gave zero shits all season is pretty good.
#1. No Dead Weight (Off: 94, Def: 84, Int: 91, Overall: 89)
Scouting Report: Virtually no weaknesses on offense, smart defense, best pitcher, BShaw is a guaranteed out, play better when ahead.
NDW will be going for their unprecedented 173rd straight kickball title this season, but I think it could prove to be their most challenging season yet. No one on the team gives a shit about this season. Houghton, Busque and Geoff are focused on hops, Kathy and Kerry are focused on bowling, Scott and BShaw are getting hitched, Darcey is focused on farm animals, and Papi is focused on himself. I'm sure when it counts, they'll step it up as always and win, but the regular season could be an uphill battle. Expected W/L: 7-1, I'm sure they'll forfeit a game. Actual W/L: 4-4-1
From championships to sinking ship, here's where things went all wrong. In my defense, when Scott sent me the rosters I was led to believe that The Legend was playing. NDW was just terrible this season. They aren't used to losing 4 games in a year, let alone 4 in a season. They ended up taking free agents that really only helped them not forfeit each week. They traded who ended up being voted "MVG" for popcorn, and their captain was ejected from a game. Rumor has it they will be reloading for Spring and another Vegas run, so enjoy their failure while you can! Grade: F. Preseason #1 to one and done is a huge failure.
#3. Hand Made Love (Off: 72, Def: 78, Int: 85, Overall: 77)
Scouting Report: Great defense, experienced, decent kickers, not much on offense after first 5 kickers, mediocre pitching.
TShaw is still livid about the 5th inning that never was last season and because of that, head refs are no longer getting 5 bucks a game so we can afford to rent Fitzpatrick for the playoffs this season. So thanks for that, jackass. This could a be a generous rank depending on whether Steve plays this season. HML knows well how not having the best catcher can affect your record (see last Fall). Rumor has it that Shaker paid off Hopper to put him on this team, then promptly saved a new girl from having her kickball career scarred for life (and probably winning a championship) by playing with NDW. So now HML is stuck with MaShakes blacking out every week and a girl who's never played before. Bravo. Expected W/L: 5-2-1. Actual W/L: 6-2-2.
Their run of squeaking by games until blowing it to NDW came to an end this season. Only having Steve for one game hurt them a bit, but they still fared well until our annual monsoon playoffs at Fitzy. TShaw was easily the best ref this season, blowing a league low %23 of calls. They had the top voted charger in Adam, and it showed with one of the better defenses in the league. Grade: B. Kind of a pedestrian season for these guys.
#2. Muff N Men (Off: 85, Def: 90, Int: 68, Overall: 85)
Scouting Report: Very strong defense, can kick and bunt effectively, easily rattled, too much THC.
The Muff's were the busiest this off season acquiring Pierce and Bez from the now defunct Beast From the East. So, if you're scoring at home, this will be the 3rd team in 3 seasons Bez has played for. Also, if you're looking for some good players for next year, I'm sure this team will probably break up after this season. These guys should be one of the favorites to challenge NDW this season (if Bez doesn't make them all quit), with a strong offense and what should be the best defense in the league. They were practicing bunting all Summer season as well. Too many visits to the woods could be their biggest downfall. Expected W/L: 5-2-1. Actual W/L: 7-2-1.
Sooo word on the street in the Muffs will be no more come Spring (shocking!) and Bez will be rejoining NDW. I'm sure that will change about 500 times from now until then, but I'm running with it. Not sure where Joey, the top catcher, will end up... I think Bez told me but I forgot, probably Lighthouse or something. A solid regular season with a disappointing playoffs. I'm sure it's somehow my teams fault for reffing. Guess you guys should have reffed our game better... I'm kidding... or am I? So after preseason title talks in Spring and Fall, both teams Pierce played for dismantled. Grade: D+. Can't overlook the solid regular season, but with NDW and HML not being all that good these guys underachieved by not winning it all.
#4. Prestige Worldwide (Off: 77, Def: 76, Int: 63, Overall: 74)
Scouting Report: Good top of line up, solid defense, mistake prone, hot headed.
The team formerly known as T'keela Mockingbirds returns with a stronger team than Spring. PW was the hottest team not named NDW going into the playoffs last season and almost pulled the upset against HML in the semi finals. No doubt one of the more ill tempered teams in WAKA, with a Bermuda Triangle of anger management issues in the infield (assuming Stevey catches). Overall this should be a decent team that could be dangerous by season's end. Expected W/L: 4-4. Actual W/L: 6-5.
These guys were on the roller coaster all season. Beating the Muffs then getting crushed by NDW. They went on a great run to the finals, falling just a bit short to the next team on this list. Chemistry seemed to be their glaring weakness, letting close or bad calls affect them. But, when PW put it all together, they could beat any team at any time, in any weather. Grade: B+. Beat some of the best teams in the league but also lost to some of the weaker teams.
#5. Rum Riot (Off: 69, Def: 76, Int: 79, Overall: 74)
Scouting Report: Good defense, strong kickers, lots of experience, inconsistent bunting.
These guys are going back to the Rum Riot name after Pitch Please laid a giant egg in the Spring. I noticed Ollie picked up Dambrie for the Fall season, proving RR is as desperate for girls as Papi is at 12:45 in the Old Port. Though, the addition of Big Mac will be a huge help for the 2 games he will show up to. Defense shouldn't be much of an issue this season, but I'm guessing the offense will struggle as it did in Spring. This will be a mediocre season for RR, but they surely could pull off a couple upsets come playoff time. Expected W/L: 3-4-1. Actual W/L: 7-3-1.
Rum Riot finally got over the hump and won a Championship! While I'm sure Mac helped a bit when he showed up, who knew adding Dambrie would be the difference maker this season. Their defense was the best in the league and by far the most consistent with veteran charger, Ollie, Cy Kerry winner, Travis, and the emergence of Joe Kane as a top notch catcher. The offense did what it always does, score just enough to make the other team press a bit. Congratulations! Grade: A+. After Spring season, I thought these guys were going to break up. guess I was way wrong.
End of Season Awards
I got 5 reps from every team (except The Closers) to vote for anyone who wasn't on their team. No player I've come across deserved the charger award named after them so until that happens it will be something different every season.
Cy Kerry Award for Best Pitcher: Travis Jordan (Rum Riot)
Golden Ginn Award for Best Catcher: Joey MacLean (Muff N Men)
Silver Slinger Award for Best Charger: Adam Hanrahan (Hand Made Love)
Not a Guaranteed Out Award for Best Girl: Kathy Nugent (NDW/Fall-Tea Balls)
I guess I did pretty well predicting the bad teams. They definitely brought their "A" drinking game to the fields every week along with more Kan Jam sets than I thought existed. Once Mikey decided to show up their runs allowed improved significantly. Grade: B. 3 wins from a team that really gave zero shits all season is pretty good.
#1. No Dead Weight (Off: 94, Def: 84, Int: 91, Overall: 89)
Scouting Report: Virtually no weaknesses on offense, smart defense, best pitcher, BShaw is a guaranteed out, play better when ahead.
NDW will be going for their unprecedented 173rd straight kickball title this season, but I think it could prove to be their most challenging season yet. No one on the team gives a shit about this season. Houghton, Busque and Geoff are focused on hops, Kathy and Kerry are focused on bowling, Scott and BShaw are getting hitched, Darcey is focused on farm animals, and Papi is focused on himself. I'm sure when it counts, they'll step it up as always and win, but the regular season could be an uphill battle. Expected W/L: 7-1, I'm sure they'll forfeit a game. Actual W/L: 4-4-1
From championships to sinking ship, here's where things went all wrong. In my defense, when Scott sent me the rosters I was led to believe that The Legend was playing. NDW was just terrible this season. They aren't used to losing 4 games in a year, let alone 4 in a season. They ended up taking free agents that really only helped them not forfeit each week. They traded who ended up being voted "MVG" for popcorn, and their captain was ejected from a game. Rumor has it they will be reloading for Spring and another Vegas run, so enjoy their failure while you can! Grade: F. Preseason #1 to one and done is a huge failure.
#3. Hand Made Love (Off: 72, Def: 78, Int: 85, Overall: 77)
Scouting Report: Great defense, experienced, decent kickers, not much on offense after first 5 kickers, mediocre pitching.
TShaw is still livid about the 5th inning that never was last season and because of that, head refs are no longer getting 5 bucks a game so we can afford to rent Fitzpatrick for the playoffs this season. So thanks for that, jackass. This could a be a generous rank depending on whether Steve plays this season. HML knows well how not having the best catcher can affect your record (see last Fall). Rumor has it that Shaker paid off Hopper to put him on this team, then promptly saved a new girl from having her kickball career scarred for life (and probably winning a championship) by playing with NDW. So now HML is stuck with MaShakes blacking out every week and a girl who's never played before. Bravo. Expected W/L: 5-2-1. Actual W/L: 6-2-2.
Their run of squeaking by games until blowing it to NDW came to an end this season. Only having Steve for one game hurt them a bit, but they still fared well until our annual monsoon playoffs at Fitzy. TShaw was easily the best ref this season, blowing a league low %23 of calls. They had the top voted charger in Adam, and it showed with one of the better defenses in the league. Grade: B. Kind of a pedestrian season for these guys.
#2. Muff N Men (Off: 85, Def: 90, Int: 68, Overall: 85)
Scouting Report: Very strong defense, can kick and bunt effectively, easily rattled, too much THC.
The Muff's were the busiest this off season acquiring Pierce and Bez from the now defunct Beast From the East. So, if you're scoring at home, this will be the 3rd team in 3 seasons Bez has played for. Also, if you're looking for some good players for next year, I'm sure this team will probably break up after this season. These guys should be one of the favorites to challenge NDW this season (if Bez doesn't make them all quit), with a strong offense and what should be the best defense in the league. They were practicing bunting all Summer season as well. Too many visits to the woods could be their biggest downfall. Expected W/L: 5-2-1. Actual W/L: 7-2-1.
Sooo word on the street in the Muffs will be no more come Spring (shocking!) and Bez will be rejoining NDW. I'm sure that will change about 500 times from now until then, but I'm running with it. Not sure where Joey, the top catcher, will end up... I think Bez told me but I forgot, probably Lighthouse or something. A solid regular season with a disappointing playoffs. I'm sure it's somehow my teams fault for reffing. Guess you guys should have reffed our game better... I'm kidding... or am I? So after preseason title talks in Spring and Fall, both teams Pierce played for dismantled. Grade: D+. Can't overlook the solid regular season, but with NDW and HML not being all that good these guys underachieved by not winning it all.
#4. Prestige Worldwide (Off: 77, Def: 76, Int: 63, Overall: 74)
Scouting Report: Good top of line up, solid defense, mistake prone, hot headed.
The team formerly known as T'keela Mockingbirds returns with a stronger team than Spring. PW was the hottest team not named NDW going into the playoffs last season and almost pulled the upset against HML in the semi finals. No doubt one of the more ill tempered teams in WAKA, with a Bermuda Triangle of anger management issues in the infield (assuming Stevey catches). Overall this should be a decent team that could be dangerous by season's end. Expected W/L: 4-4. Actual W/L: 6-5.
These guys were on the roller coaster all season. Beating the Muffs then getting crushed by NDW. They went on a great run to the finals, falling just a bit short to the next team on this list. Chemistry seemed to be their glaring weakness, letting close or bad calls affect them. But, when PW put it all together, they could beat any team at any time, in any weather. Grade: B+. Beat some of the best teams in the league but also lost to some of the weaker teams.
#5. Rum Riot (Off: 69, Def: 76, Int: 79, Overall: 74)
Scouting Report: Good defense, strong kickers, lots of experience, inconsistent bunting.
These guys are going back to the Rum Riot name after Pitch Please laid a giant egg in the Spring. I noticed Ollie picked up Dambrie for the Fall season, proving RR is as desperate for girls as Papi is at 12:45 in the Old Port. Though, the addition of Big Mac will be a huge help for the 2 games he will show up to. Defense shouldn't be much of an issue this season, but I'm guessing the offense will struggle as it did in Spring. This will be a mediocre season for RR, but they surely could pull off a couple upsets come playoff time. Expected W/L: 3-4-1. Actual W/L: 7-3-1.
Rum Riot finally got over the hump and won a Championship! While I'm sure Mac helped a bit when he showed up, who knew adding Dambrie would be the difference maker this season. Their defense was the best in the league and by far the most consistent with veteran charger, Ollie, Cy Kerry winner, Travis, and the emergence of Joe Kane as a top notch catcher. The offense did what it always does, score just enough to make the other team press a bit. Congratulations! Grade: A+. After Spring season, I thought these guys were going to break up. guess I was way wrong.
End of Season Awards
I got 5 reps from every team (except The Closers) to vote for anyone who wasn't on their team. No player I've come across deserved the charger award named after them so until that happens it will be something different every season.
Cy Kerry Award for Best Pitcher: Travis Jordan (Rum Riot)
Golden Ginn Award for Best Catcher: Joey MacLean (Muff N Men)
Silver Slinger Award for Best Charger: Adam Hanrahan (Hand Made Love)
Not a Guaranteed Out Award for Best Girl: Kathy Nugent (NDW/Fall-Tea Balls)
Predictions for the Season
James "America" Boudreau beats Brian Sing for the Chug Off Crown. The Lighthouse league has softened Sing up and this is the man do dethrone him.
They only battled twice. First time was very close, second time wasn't. James never came out after kickball again. Well played, Sing.
NDW will beat HML and MNM, but lose to someone else. They are due for one of those games where Kerry and Houghton can't come and Corliss has to pitch and it's just a disaster.
They beat neither team, Kerry didn't play this season, and NDW was so bad they changed their name and traded their best player.
Stevey finally gets tossed from a game. Looooooooong overdue.
I spelled Houghton wrong.
NDW beats Muff N Men in the Finals 5-3 to win again. It's hard to predict anything else since they always seem to win.
Neither team made it to the finals.
I'm taking offers for Spring. For the right price, I won't pick your team to win or predict that you do anything good all season. Happy New Year everyone. See you all next year at some point!
-Sparks
Comments
Post a Comment