Big Hoss Report

2012 D Preseason Rankings

2012-01-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

After what I consider a down year from D last year I think D is back where it should be and by that I don't mean the teams were bad in D last year, I just mean there wasn't that many teams in D at all last year. Just like E, I do believe that D is pretty wide open this year, but filled with a lot of talented players and teams and should make for some real good C/D tournaments this year, unlike year past. I am really looking forward to watching some great battles from D this year with the depth D has to it and the talent as well.

Top 5

1. Trust Sports: The Defending Class E World Champs are bringing back a total of 8 members from Trust, 5 from Trust/Wicked and 3 from Trust Sports. They added added some veterans to the team from Mush Reloaded, R&L, Toledo Borrachos and collected more E World Champs from Blue Crush as well. When talking to Rod Frazho he told me that this Trust team is the team to beat in D this year, not just hear in Michigan, but Nationally.. He wants the target on their backs, in fact this is his direct quote, "I built this team knowing that teams will want to dethrone us, I look at us with the team with the most talent and most experience" He continues, "Were the world champs, we had to make impacts and I feel like we are the most complete team out there and have around 12 guys on our team that have won world rings, we are the team to beat this year!" Trust has a great team, but they also have great guys on their team. Like I said D is deep and they will be pushed in every tournament they play in this year.

2Detroit'sOwn/Own IT/Elite: BK is back to running DO they way he wants, he has the team he wants, surrounded by guys that no what it means and what it takes to wear the DO. They have a very talented to team this year, with great leaders such as Diggz, Eller, Monster and Kutch, they have their share of rings too, just in case Rod wants to know :). DO vs. Trust match ups should be very interesting and entertaining on the year. BK is more motivated than he has been in years and it looks like he is having fun again, which is definitely will be the key to DO's success..

3.Korody: I think this another team that will definitely compete with Trust, DO and other to win tournaments every weekend. They have a good group of guys that have played and experience higher class ball, which is huge, because it just gives you that much more confidence playing in a lower level, even if there really isn't much differences between the levels. I think Korody will hit with any team in D and definitely will make noise when it counts.

4. Exotic Robotics: Not a lot of people talking about Exotic, but I really like this team a lot and I think they could be one of those sneaky teams before it is all said and done and make a legit run in the big 3. They have added some real nice pieces and they do enjoy playing together and having fun, which is always a good mix to have. B.White and the boys will be in the mix when it counts.

5. Pointe After: I am really interested to see how this team does this year, I believe defensively they should be one of the top teams in D and I think they got a nice mix of guys from Trust/Wicked last year with some players that Donny Wynn brought aboard as well. I do think with the defense Pointe After has you will see the best of Chromy this year pitching..

Other Teams:

Nxt Lvl/Elite: Another team with really good defense as well, this is the mushtube team from last year, but they have made some real nice picks up and they should be competing every weekend and could easily of been in the top 5 listed above. This being their 2nd year in D and with their leadership on the team they should make a nice jump from last season.

Detroit Elite: I don't really know the Apex guys personally, so I don't get the hate on them on the board, their roster looks very legit, I like the pick up of Youngblood and Massey, I believe they will be difference makers at the D level and this team was arguably the 2nd best team in D last year and they will compete hard this year and could very well be right back there this year as well.

Detroit Drama: Shuk always puts together a squad that can compete and have fun, I really haven't heard too much about their pick ups, but I am sure he has something in the works, I know they lost a few guys from last year's team, but by the end of the year I bet Drama will be playing its best ball. I always enjoy watching Shuk play the game, he has fun and gets under people's skin doing it, gotta love it.

Havoc/Larry's Tire: Heard this team was a NSA C team and I believe last year Jim's Beef was sponsored by Larry's Tire as well and I believe if they played a full time utrip schedule last year they could of been the 2nd best team in Michigan, that team flat out hit the ball.

X-Factor: The Factor is making the jump from E to D and there doing it on there own, which is nice to see. I got to talk to Ken a bit Saturday and he said that they really only added 2 or 3 guys, I believe they were Mayhem guys. I am sure they will struggle some at first in D, but they will get it right and compete with the big boys before its all said and done.

Those are really the only D teams I have heard of as of now, but those are 10 solid teams for sure and I am looking forward to seeing the D games this year, definitely should be some fun games to watch. And there definitely will be other teams that are good that I haven't mentioned or don't know about..

Alright, I will see you guys during the season, I forgot why I stopped doing these things, they take forever.. Hopefully I never get this bored again :) Good Luck to everyone!

Big Hoss

2012 E Pre Season Rankings

2012-01-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Preseason Rankings are always fun, no matter if it is College football or basketball or preseason power ranking in the NFL, MLB, or NBA. They are hardly ever right and there is a reason for that, it tough to rank any team before actually watching the play. Your ranking them on the names that they got, the potential that they have and reputation of the program or team.

The the first time in a long time I do believe E is very wide open, the last handful of years everyone kind of knew who the top 2-3 teams were going to be and as of now I don't see one team that will just dominate E, I think the parity is better than it has been in a long time and you can thank Trust/Wicked for that and not because they won Worlds, but because they finished 13th at E North and that opened up Dooley's to be a national bump up team or they could of been this year's dominate E team.

Top 5:

1. PBR Resurrection: I haven't confirmed anything with Shane, Mike or Mex who are putting this team together, but from what I have gathered and seen. I believe this team is going to be very good in E this year. If your a softball nerd like myself you could see this forming last year at the end of the year. The core group of guys played with Revolution and a few of them have won rings in a higher class, coming into the season with that confidence and swagger is pretty big in E. I have heard rumors of J-Rob joining them and Chris Fillicia those would be two huge pick ups for them and could put them over the top. The biggest thing I like about this team is that is a group of guys that are friends on and off the field and they have played and won together already. Pitching and Defense helps win at any level, but in E it is the main thing that can carry a team, so if they don't have that on their team to start they will struggle, but I am sure they will make the right moves along the way.

2 Aftermath: I give them a slight edge at the 2 spot for now and this is because I think the Gaff's are great leaders and they put together very competitive teams. Again the core of this team has played together for a while now and they have won and done very well at higher levels, it wasn't that long ago that "The Show" now Aftermath was a national bump up team from D to C. Last year I thought they had one of the most underrated infields in E, I thought their problem most of the year was at pitching, they added a pitcher late in the year, but if they haven't added more than that, they could face a lot of the same problems they did last year with the inconsistency at time. I am a fan of Eaves who left for Syndicate and think he is really underrated so we will have to see if Mike Scott and whoever else they added will be enough to put them over the top.

3. Motor City Mutiny: Another impressive roster that was posted on the Mush Board, they definitely have a lot of talent on this team and should be one of the top E teams in Michigan this year. I do think once they start gelling they could be the best team in E before it is said and done. You hear a lot of people say it is the Assault guys from last year, but when I look at the roster I tend to think their main pieces are Trick guys from back in 2010 with some Assault guys to compliment them. Their really shouldn't be any reason why this team don't compete on Sundays, I have heard the ego thing, but I don't buy that, everyone who plays this game has an ego and I do mean everyone. Mutiny has defense, pitching and offense and maybe the best hitter in E this year with big Josh, this kid will be playing up very soon, he is a talent that is just starting to get recognized.

4. Detroit Syndicate: For as much crap as they get on the Mushboard, they are really good guys. Does that make them a really good team? No, but I believe this team is different than last year.. They did lost some talent, but they gain some in return. Opher from Blue Crush who has won world's should be a good leader on this team which is pretty young, they have two very capable pitchers with completely styles of pitching. OF looks fast, overall I would say Syndicate has improved from last year, I did get to watch them play in the Dome tournament against X-Factor and both were very good, close games that they split. As long as they remember its a long season and never get to high with the "ups" of the season and never get too low with the "downs" of the season they will be alright.

Bright Horizon: Again another team with their core players returning, they have some very talented younger players who have been tournament ball for a couple of years now with some veterans mixed in there as well. I thought they dramatically improve last year and I can see that happening again this year.. A concern area my bit pitching, but I don't know who they have picked up or not from last year, but I do know that this team will compete every game and will win their fare share of games this year.

Other Teams:

Lights Out Softball: This team has been around for a few years now and each year they seem to make the right moves towards the end of the season to make a nice run in the final three tournaments, looking at their roster I do believe this is the best roster that they have started off a season with since they have been running this team, they are another team that should definitely compete in E this year and with the right moves along the way could be one of the top teams by the end of the year. Plus they have added some nice pieces that should help them compete against the "top" teams in E right away.

Detroit Riot: Another team that the core has been playing together for a few years now and they were a sneaky team last year, pulling off some nice upsets throughout the year. I do think they will go into this season a lot more confident and that will help them in the close games and against some of the "top" teams in E this year. If they get solid pitching and defense they will be very good this year, their offense should be alright.

MushKings: It looks like a core of the Mushsportz guys and Kings guys have combined for a team this year, which is very cool, both of this teams always support other teams in anyway that they can with fundraisers and area great group of guys. They will definitely have fun this year on the field and they will compete as well, they are one of those teams that you don't want to sleep on because they can get runs in bunches. And like BUM has stated they will make the right moves when it counts.. Mushsportz always had its best team heading into the big 3.

Basers: Here is another team that is talked about on the Mush Board, don't know them personally, but they seem alright. Basers did finish with a higher power rating than Syndicate last year, just wanted to point that out, so if they make the right moves this year they should be alright, can't wait to see them play this year. They were definitely a scrappy bunch last year.

Rock Bottom I actually think this team could be a sleeper this year, again the core has been together for years and they did compete with some of the top teams in E last year, they have solid pitching and defense, the hitting is a bit streaky, but so are most teams in E, I wouldn't be surprised if they finished as one of the top teams in E by the end of the year.

Avengers: I heard this team was built mostly for festivals, but they should be alright in E this year. They have a core of colt .45 guys from a couple of years ago and they were slightly above .500 in class, so as long as Rick Clark don't mess things up they should compete and have fun all year. Villains > Avengers.. FACT!

Agent X: Gotta give the Agent X guys some love on the Big Hoss Report, I honestly don't know a whole lot about this team, but their league lineup page is the best page I have seen from any softball team, simply amazing. Looks like they have been playing together for a few years now and seem to be loyal to their friends, which is a nice change of pace in this softball game. I do remember them competing in some tournaments last year and with this being their 2nd full year in tournament ball and with E being as level as a playing field as it is this year they should have a lot of fun and win games.

Mitten MoundPounders: Don't know them at all, but could we give the new guys some love, they just want to promote their bowling fundraiser and have fun playing ball this summer, they will be jaded soon enough as softball guy walking around liberty :)

Sorry if I forgot any teams, just kinda did it off the top of my head of the teams I have heard of this year so far, I know their teams like MC SWAT, MC Cocks, Tri County, Yardbirds amongst others that have teams, I just don't know a whole lot about them yet, but like I said E is wide open this year for all these teams. Good Luck to everyone in 2012. I hope to see you all at the fields sometime.

Big Hoss

Great White Hope's D/E NIT Predictions

2011-06-24T16:12:00.001-07:00

1 Blazers vs Venom - Blazers
2 Assault vs Irish Swagger - Irish Swagger
3 Bright Horizon vs Detroit Riot - Horizon
4 XFACTOR vs Cocks - XFACTOR
5 Aftermath vs Mushsportz - Aftermath
6 Pipe vs Big Gamers - Gamers
7 D Nation vs Sand Baggers - Sand Baggers
8 Blue Crush vs Apex - Blue Crush
9 Perkins vs Motown - Perkins
10 Drama vs Phillies - Drama
11 Trust MARIO vs Blazers - Trust
12 Irish Swagger vs TNT - TNT
13 Bright Horizon vs XFACTOR - XFACTOR
14 Syndicate vs Aftermath - Aftermath
15 Kings vs Big Gamers - Kings
16 Blue Crush vs Sand Baggers - Blue Crush
17 Perkins vs Mush - Perkins
18 DO vs Drama - DO
19 Riot vs Cocks - Cocks
20 D Nation vs Apex - Apex
21 Big Gamers vs MushSportz - Big Gamers
22 Mush vs Venom - Mush
23 Drama vs Assualt - Drama
24 Motown vs Blazers - Blazers
25 Phillies vs Irish Swagger - Phillies
26 Pipe vs Syndicate - Syndicate
27 Sand Baggers vs Cocks - Sand Baggers
28 Bright Horizon vs Apex - Apex
29 Trust vs TNT - TNT
30 Aftermath vs XFACTOR - XFACTOR
31 Kings vs Blue Crush - Blue Crush
32 Perkins vs DO - DO
33 Big Gamers vs Sand Baggers - Sand Baggers
34 Mush vs Drama - Mush
35 Phillies vs Blazers - Phillies
36 Apex vs Syndicate - Apex
37 Trust vs Sand Baggers - Trust
38 Aftermath vs Mush - Mush
39 Phillies vs Kings - Phillies
40 Perkins vs Apex - Perkins
41 TNT vs XFACTOR - TNT
42 Blue Crush vs DO - DO
43 Trust vs Mush - Mush
44 Phillies vs Perkins - Perkins
45 Blue Crush vs Mush - Mush
46 Perkins vs XFACTOR - XFACTOR
47 TNT vs DO - TNT
48 Mush vs XFACTOR - Mush
49 Mush vs DO - Mush
50 Mush vs TNT - Mush
51 Mush vs TNT - Mush is your champion in the IF game.

Great White Hope

Softball Guy's D/E NIT Predictions

2011-06-24T16:11:00.001-07:00

06/23/11
D/E NIT Predictions

Game 1: Blazers v. Motor City Venom
Winner: Blazers

Game 2 Detroit Assault v. Irish Swagger
Winner: Irish Swagger

Game 3: Bright Horizon v. Riot
Winner: Riot

Game 4: Motor City Cocks v. XFactor
Winner: X Factor

Game 5: Aftermath v. MushSportz.com
Winner: Aftermath

Game 6: Northwest Pipe v. Represent/Big Gamers
Winner: Northwest Pipe

Game 7: D-Nation v. Sand Baggers
Winner: D-Nation

Game 8: Apex v. Blue Crush
Winner: Blue Crush

Game 9: Motown Raiders v. Perkins
Winner: Perkins

Game 10: Detroit Drama v. Detroit Phillies
Winner: Drama

Game 11: Trust v. Blazers
Winner: Trust

Game 12: Irish Swagger v. TNT Softball
Winner: Irish Swagger

Game 13: RIOT v. X-Factor
Winner: XFactor

Game 14: Aftermath v. Syndicate
Winner: Aftermath

Game 15: Kings v. Northwest Pipe
Winner: Northwest Pipe

Game 16: D-Nation v. Blue Crush
Winner: D-Nation

Game 17: MushReloaded v. Perkins
Winner: Perkins

Game 18: Drama v. DO/Mush
Winner: Drama

Loser Game 19: Bright Horizon v. Motor City Cocks
Winner: Motor City Cocks

Loser Game 20: Sandbaggers v. APEX
Winner: APEX

Loser Game 21: MushSportz v. Kings
Winner: Kings

Loser Game 22: Cocks v. Blue Crush
Winner: Blue Crush

Loser Game 23: Assault v. DO/Mush
Winner: DO/Mush

Loser Game 24: Motown Raiders v. Blazers
Winner: Raiders

Loser Game 25: Phillies w. Irish Swagger
Winner: Irish Swagg

Loser Game 26: RIOT v. APEX
Winner: APEX

Loser game 27: Represent/BG v. Syndicat
Winner: Syndicate

Game 29: Trust v. TNT
Winner: Trust

Game 30: XFactor v. Aftermath
Winner: XFactor

Game 31: Northwest Pipe v. D-Nation
Winner: D-Nation

Game 32: MushReloaded v. Drama
Winner: MushReloaded

Loser Game 33: MushSportz v. Bluecrush
Winner: Blue Crush

Loser Game 34: Perkins v. DO
Winner: DO/Mush

Loser Game 35: Raiders v. Irish Swagger
Winner: Irish Swagger

Loser Game 36: APEX v. Syndicate
Winner: Syndicate

Loser Game 37: TNT v. Blue Crush
winner: Blue Crush

Loser Game 38: Aftermath v. DO/Mush
Winner: DO/MUSH

Loser Game 39 Northwest Pipe v. Irish Swagger
Winner: Northwest Pipe

Loser game 40: Drama v. Syndicate
Winner: Drama

Game 41: Trust v. XFactor
Winner: Trust

Game 42: D-Nation v. MushReloaded
Winner: MushReloaded

Loser Game 43: BlueCrush v. DO/Mush
Winner: DO/MUSH

Loser Game 44: Northwest Pipe v. Drama
Winner: Drama

Loser Game 45: D-Nation v. DO/MUSH
Winner: D-Nation

Loser game 46: XFactor v. Drama
Winner: Drama

Loser Bracket semifinal game 48: D-Nation v. Drama
Winner: Drama

Game 47: Trust v. MushReloaded
Winner: MushReloaded

Loser Bracket Final Game 49: Trust v. Drama
Winner: Trust

Final: MUSHRELOADED v. TRUST
Winner: Trust

If game and tournament champion: MushRELOADED!

SOFTBALL GUY

Buddha's C, D and E Rankings

2011-06-15T13:40:00.001-07:00

Top 5 in C

Following suit with Hoss, I'm leaving Linedrive out of the rankings and wish them the best of luck playing a full conference schedule

1. TG/TPS - Not their best showing this season, but still gonna be as tough a team as any to beat over the long run

2. R & L - Have been kind of low key lately but fact of the matter is they have won their last 2 tourneys entered, and could give TG a real run

3. Mayhem - Based more on 2-1 record against Korody at #4, Mayhem is still struggling to find the great tournament they really need to get over the hump

4. Korody - Improving a little with each tournament, they could start making some noise come August. Don't sleep on these guys making a great run

5. Plumbers - Back in action at the Windy City Major, there's alot to be said for an NSA team to go out to a U-Trip major and win a game or 2. Solid top 5 team

Surprise of the week - Pure Divine

They surprised everyone this week, including the teams they played. They had been a virtual "look through", but teams are gonna have to take them seriously now.

Didn't really have a disappointment this week. Great week for C ball

Top 5 in D

Same as last week. No changes, upsets, stunning moves to speak of

1. Mush Reloaded

2. Drama

3. Blue Crush

4.DO/Mushtube

5. Sandbaggers/Apex

Top 5 in E

1. Trust/Wicked - Took a weekend off, but still by far and away the team to beat in E

2. X Factor - A solid run for them this weekend, playing in a full field and beating some good teams along the way

3. Dooley's - Yeah it's a huge leap but the fact is they ran the table in a large E field. This is the team I expected to see in April and May

4. Trust Sports/Repo Monkey - A split on the season so far. Trust is moving up this week for a good 3-2 finish. Repo slips for their 2nd tourney in a row finishing middle of the pack

5. Aftermath - Another great tourney for the guys from Aftermath. Defense and young talent will carry these guys for a lot of games

Surprise of the week - Dooley's

I know it shouldn't be because they were turning a corner 2 weeks ago, but 6-0 in an NIT was an awesome tourney

Disappointment of the week - Mushsportz

I hate to do it to a group of guys I like alot, but they just did not look ready to play ball this weekend. I have a good feeling they'll bounce back to the top 5 before the season is out, but this was a bad weekend

~ Buddha

Big Hoss Rankings for C, D and some E talk as well.

2011-06-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

C Rankings:

With the continue rumor of Line Drive being bumped up to B, I will leave them out of this week’s C Rankings.

1. 1, TG/TPS- Even though the struggled this past weekend, they still finished 3-2 and have been the most consistent team outside of Line Drive in C this year. I am positive they will bounce back nicely in their next tournament.

2. 2. R&L Concrete- Yeah I continue to keep them in the Rankings for Michigan teams, they play a lot of tournaments here in Michigan and have a few Michigan guys on their team as well. They have been one of the hotter teams in C, it will be interesting to see if the time off effects that at all.

3. 3, Korody- Korody keeps getting better every weekend they play and their last tournament they played in they made a very nice run, beating some really good teams in the process, I believe they have taken the next step to really compete in C locally this year.

4. 4. Mayhem- Rough tournament for the Mayhem guys last weekend, but they have shown that they can compete in C, even winning a tournament on the year. Once they get more consistent, which I believe they will, watch out for this team heading into the Big 3.

5. 5. Plumbers- Still have Plumbers in my top 5, they have a very talented roster and can hit with any team in C. Definitely a team nobody should sleep on.

Surprise Team of the Week:

Pure Divine: They had a great tournament this past weekend finishing 4-2 with very impressive wins over GLX and TG this past weekend and both of their losses came to the hands of RAC who ended up winning this past weekend’s tournament. Hopefully they can build on this momentum moving forward and make some noise in the C Division.

D Rankings:

1. 1. Mush Reloaded- They continue to be the top of the D class here in Michigan. They made it to another championship game this past weekend, before getting double dipped by RAC late Saturday Night. This team is just on a whole other level right now than the rest of the D teams.

2. 2. Blue Crush- The 2-5 spot is very wide open, but Blue Crush had a very impressive tournament a couple of weeks back at the D/E NIT. They finished 4-2 in that tournament and all 6 games they played were against D teams that weekend. Their only losses were to Mush Reloaded and Jim’s Beef who finished 1^st and 3^rd that weekend.

3. 3, Drama- They get a slight edge of DO/Mushtube and Perkins because they beat them the last time they went out and played. This team will only get better as the season goes along, just like they did last year.

4. 4. DO/Mushtube.com- They have struggled in their past two tournaments, but they have been missing some key pieces as well. Mushtube still has a winning record versus D teams on the year and they have beaten Mush Reloaded already on the year, once they find those couple of missing pieces they will be just fine.

5. 5. Perkins- Definitely a veteran group that can hit with anyone and D and as they have shown already on the year beat anyone as well.

Surprise Team of the Week:

Jim’s Beef- This is from a couple of weekend’s ago, but Jim’s Beef who mainly plays NSA definitely surprised some teams that weekend and finished 3^rd in the D/E NIT. I would love to see them come out and play more UTrip this year, it will definitely make D more competitive.

E Talk:

Mushsportz: Even though they finished 0-2 this past weekend, you have to be impressed with how Mushsportz has been playing on the year, not only are they beating the teams they are suppose to, but they are upsetting some teams in the process. Definitely a fun team to watch and I think once they get their core guys their consistent instead of plugging in guys here and there it will only make them better.

Kings: A lot of talk about the Kings a couple of weeks ago after they went 0-2 in the D/E, but I think they showed this past weekend when they hit the ball consistently they are a very dangerous team and can compete with anyone in E. Nice Run by the Kings this past weekend.

Dooley’s: You could see it the D/E a couple of weekends ago that they were turning things around and they definitely proved that they are a very legit team this past weekend, by not only winning this past tournament, but pretty much dominating it. Great weekend out of Dooley’s.

Aftermath and X-Factor: These two teams never get the credit that they deserve, but all they do is compete week in and week out and win more games than they lose. Both teams have a core of young talent that they can build on for years to come and X-Factor definitely does have the X-Factor with Chaffin pitching, he keeps you in pretty much every game he pitches. Great weekend by both of these two teams.

Big Hoss

Softball Guy's E Rankings

2011-06-14T16:12:00.001-07:00

E Rankings

Trust/Wicked/Mario: Took the weekend off but as long as they’re in E, I don’t see them budging from the 1st place spot.
Aftermath/red-eye sports/Hal's/rri: They’ve been an extremely scrappy team all season. They have talent at the plate, in the field, and can keep composed under pressure games and seem to have a blast while they do it. Now that they put up a 5-2 run this weekend, I’m glad to put them in the top 5.
XFACTOR/TAYLOR FORD: It’s been a while, but I am truly glad to see that they have seemed to put it together. A good mix of young guys and veterans makes this team tough to beat late in the day. Hope to see them stay for a while.
Dooleys/Pole Position/lv financial: An impressive 6-0 finish and a tournament win with all of the “big dogs” except Trust/Wicked/Mario in it catapults Dooley’s into 4th place this week. A miserable start to the season kept them out of the top 3 presently, but I hope to see them carry this momentum into the rest of summer.
Trust Sports Softball: They went 3-2 this weekend w/ wins coming off of Blazers, Represent/Biggamers, and Repo. All of them were close games. They need to win a bigger tournament if they’re going to stay in the top 5. It was a true toss-up between Repo and Trust here.

(Pleasant) Surprise of the week: Kings. Behind the scenes, I’m rooting for these guys. They seem to have the tools to put it together and win a few games, and I hope they keep it up. They went 4-2 this weekend, making me eat my words, predicting an 0-2 finish while imploding. Way to defeat the odds.

Flop of the Week: MushSportz.com. They lost to Yardbirds and Off in the Shower. I predicted them to keep the momentum from last week, improve, and go to the Championship this past weekend and they disappointed. They are not a two-and-que team, so expect them to bounce back, but this was tough to watch.

-Softball Guy

The Great White Hope's C and D Rankings

2011-06-14T16:10:00.001-07:00

C Rankings

1. LineDrive - LD takes #1 this week after another impressive showing in the conference tournament in Chicago. I really hope they stay in C to represent Michigan in Florida come Worlds. They translate well from the Majors back to C using their homeruns wisely and being able to hit gaps.

2. TG - While they may not have had their normal weekend they played well enough to finish 3-2. This weekend saw the return of Randy Temple to TG. Yet another great ballplayer on a team of outstanding talent. Looking forward to more Tg/LD matchups in the months to come.

3. GLX - Dominating win over TG gets them this spot. Lots of young talent coupled with veteran leaderhsip should translate to more victories. They just haven't put it together yet. And with Billy Barrett still not there this team is only going up in the rankings.

4. Korody - Played NSA this past weekend. Not sure how they did so based on the last C NIT they played everyone tough losing by 3 to LD and sending Mayhem home after losing to them to fall into the loser's bracket. They'll play spoiler the rest of the year cause I just don't see them beating TG or LD consistently to jump up here.

5. Mayhem - Poor showing this past weekend finishing 1-2 barely beating a D team with their 1 win. I see these guys also playing spoiler the rest of the year.

Surprise of the Week

Pure Divine - Had some impressive wins over TG and GLX knocking both out and only losing to eventual champion RAC. Let's see if they can do it on a regular basis.

Flop of the Week

Mayhem - Too much talent and chemistry to go 1-2.

D Rankings

1. Mush Reloaded - Surprise surprise they are still here at 1. Getting double dipped never looks good but I believe RAC was the better team. Looked good all weekend and have for the year. Don't fix what's not broken.

2-5 is wide open and I don't have valid reasoning for each so I'll just list them.

2. Drama
3. DO
4. Blue Crush
5. Apex

Flop of the Week
Detroits Own - Even with it being a C/D I expected more out of this team. They continue to struggle on the mound but I've heard that's changed. They didn't seem to hit as a team at all and just look dejected on the field. Let's hope next time they take the field there ready to win.

Surprise of the Week
No real surprise here in D.

- The Great White Hope

Buddha's E NIT Predictions

2011-06-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Round 1

Team Turmoil vs Northwest Pipe - Winner: Turmoil

Detroit Assault vs Blazers - Winner: Assault

Bright Horizon vs Reloaded - Winner: Bright Horizon

Represent/Big Gamers vs All Bizness - Winner: Represent/Big Gamers

Rock Bottom vs Aftermath - Winner: Aftermath

MI Assassins vs MC Cocks - Winner: MC Cocks

Dooley's vs Off in the Shower - Winner: Dooley's

Mushsportz vs Yardbirds - Winner: Mushsportz

Irish Swagger vs Avenue/Jamboozies - Winner: Irish Swagger

Tanel/Vivio's vs MC SWAT - Winner: Tanel 360

Round 2

Team Turmoil vs Detroit Riot - Winner: Team Turmoil

Assault vs Trust Sports - Winner: Trust Sports

Bright Horizon vs Represent - Winner: Represent

Aftermath vs Syndicate - Winner: Aftermath

Repo Monkey vs MC Cocks - Winner: Repo Monkey

Dooley's vs Mushsportz - Winner: Dooley's

Irish Swagger vs X Factor - Winner: X Factor

Tanel 360 vs Kings - Winner: Kings

3rd Round

Turmoil vs Trust Sports - Winner: Trust Sports

Aftermath vs Represent - Winner: Aftermath

Repo Monkey vs Dooley's - Winner: Repo Monkey

X Factor vs Kings - Winner: X Factor

4th Round

Trust Sports vs Aftermath - Winner: Aftermath

Repo Monkey vs X Factor - Winner: Repo Monkey

Winner's Final

Repo Monkey vs Aftermath - Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser's Bracket Round 1

Reloaded vs All Bizness - Winner: Reloaded

Off in the Shower vs Yardbirds - Yardbirds

Round 2

Rock Bottom vs MC Cocks - Winner: Rock Bottom

Mushsportz vs Reloaded - Winner: Mushsportz

Irish Swagger vs Northwest Pipe - Winner: Irish Swagger

Blazers vs Tanel 360 - Winner: Tanel 360

Avenue vs Riot - Winner: Riot

MC Swat vs Assault - Winner: Assault

Bright Horizon vs Yardbirds - Winner: Bright Horizon

MI Assassins vs Syndicate - Winner: Syndicate

Round 3

Rock Bottom vs Mushsportz - Winner: Mushsportz

Irish Swagger vs Tanel 360 - Irish Swagger

Riot vs Assault - Winner: Riot

Bright Horizon vs Syndicate - Winner: Bright Horizon

Round 4

Mushsportz vs Turmoil - Winner: Mushsportz

Represent vs Irish Swagger - WInner: Irish Swagger

Riot vs Dooley's - Winner: Dooley's

Bright Horizon vs Kings - Winner: Kings

Round 5

Mushsportz vs Irish Swagger - Mushsportz

Dooley's vs Kings - Winner: Dooley's

Round 6

X Factor vs Mushsportz - Winner: X Factor

Dooley's vs Trust Sports - Winner: Dooley's

Round 7

X Factor vs Dooley's - Winner: X Factor

Losers Bracket Final

Aftermath vs X Factor - Winner: X Factor

Finals

Repo Monkey vs X Factor - Winner: Repo Monkey

~ Buddha

Big Hoss E NIT Predictions

2011-06-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Winner's Bracket

1st Round:

Turmoil vs. Northwest Pipe: Northwest Pipe has some talent on their roster, but just hasn't gotten it going yet. Turmoil is one of those teams that are really scrappy and can hang with and beat most of the teams in this field when they play good defense.

Winner: Turmoil

Assault vs. Blazers: Blazers and Assault both have been struggling on the year, but Assault did get the best of the Blazers last weekend in a very close game. I don't think we have seen Assaults best softball yet of the year.

Winner: Assault

Bright Horizon vs. Reloaded: Bright Horizon is one of those young teams that competes every weekend they go out there. They just need to learn how to close out games and win those close ones to take it to the next level.

Winner: Bright Horizon

Big Gamers vs. All Bizness: Represent had a very nice weekend last weekend, earning their world berth in the process. This team has always been a team that always surprise you when you least expect it and they did it again last weekend.

Winner: Big Gamers

Rock Bottom vs. Aftermath: Aftermath is the team I would watch out for this weekend, every weekend they go out and play all they do is improve as a team. Rock Bottom has played together in a long while, so they could start off slow in this game.

Winner: Aftermath

Assassins vs. MC Cocks: Assassins even though improved from last year, still have been struggling as of late, this would be a huge win for them against the Cocks. Cocks have been very consistent on the year and they keep adding key pieces that are going to make them a threat when it counts.

Winner: MC Cocks

Dooley's vs. Off in the Showers: Dooley's had a very nice weekend last weekend, I look for them to build on that and continue their winning ways this weekend. This team will be extremely dangerous once their bats become more consistent, because their defense is top notch.

Winner: Dooley's

Mushsportz vs. Yardbirds: The RETURN OF THE YARDBIRDS!! If it is the same core of players from the last couple of years, they are definitely a group that surprises teams at times, but Mushsportz has been the surprise team of the year so far and I don't think they will lose to a team that they are pretty familiar with in the 1st round.

Winner: Mushsportz

Irish Swagger vs. Jamboozies: Irish Swagger's main thing that has hurt them all year long is starting the tournament off slow and have to fight their way through the loser's bracket. I hear they have made some real nice pick ups, but we will have to wait to see how those pick ups gel in with the core of the team.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Tanel 360 vs. MC SWAT: Tanel 360 tends to be in every game that they play in and there is a reason for that, they play pretty good defense and usually play the game the right way, they are definitely going to be a tough out for anyone in this tournament.

Winner: Tanel 360

2nd Round:

Detroit Riot vs. Turmoil: Riot is one of those teams that you can't sleep on, you look up and down their roster and you don't really see anyone you recognize, but before you know they are winning games and going deep into tournaments, I do think they will have their hands full against Turmoil in this first game.

Winner: Turmoil

Detroit Assault vs. Trust Sports Softball: These two teams played earlier in the year and Trust Sports came from behind and one a close one in the late innings. Assault is a team you don't want sticking around, close in the late innings, because they can surprise, but I do think Trust wins this game.

Winner: Trust Sports Softball

Bright Horizon vs. Big Gamers: Big Gamers trying to build on last week's momentum will face a team with lots of speed and grit, they have faced each other once on the year and Bright Horizon won that game pretty big, I do think this game will be a lot closer, but end with the same result.

Winner: Bright Horizon

Detroit Syndicate vs. Aftermath: ***UPSET SPECIAL*** Syndicate played great last weekend in the D/E NIT and should want to build on that momentum, but I do have this game as my UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK, these two teams are familiar with each other and Aftermath got the best of them at Strawberry Fest, plus I am hearing Syndicate might be a little short handed this weekend as well.

Winner: Aftermath

Repo Monkey vs. MC Cocks: Repo better not get off to a slow start against the Cocks or they could be in trouble in this game, but I don't think they will, I believe they will be up for this tournament and will make a very deep run in this tournament.

Winner: Repo Monkey

Dooley's vs. Mushsportz: I see this game being very low scoring and not decided to the later innings of the game. Both teams have very solid pitchers and both teams have played very good defense on the year.

Winner: Dooley's

X-Factor vs. Irish Swagger: I know the popular pick here would be Irish Swagger with their new pick ups, but I really like what X-Factor has done over the past month after losing a key piece to there team all they did was pick each other up and make nice runs in every tournament they have played in since.

Winner: X-Factor

Tanel 360 vs. Kings: This could be another low scoring game, neither of these teams are really known for their offense, but the Kings do get streaky every once in a while and when that happens they are a tough team for anyone to beat. They just need to find that line up that makes that a consistent occurance.

Winner: Kings

3rd Round:

Trust Sports vs. Turmoil: If Trust Sports looks past Turmoil, they will lose this game. Turmoil is a team that usually don't beat themselves, so you have to go out and beat them. If Trust Sports offense shows up this weekend they will be a tough out in this tournament.

Winner: Trust Sports Softball

Aftermath vs. Bright Horizon: Two teams that no one really knows a whole lot about, both teams are young and very talented, this game could go either way, but I really like the leadership of Gaf on Aftermath, I think he has this team heading in the right directions. Aftermath in a close one.

Winner: Aftermath

Repo Monkey vs. Dooley's: This winner of this game could be considered the favorite to win this tournament. Repo seemed really flat last tournament for whatever reason, I am sure Dooley's will see a different Repo team this time around, but I still think Dooley's will sneak it out in the end in a nail biter.

Winner: Dooley's

X-Factor vs. Kings: The last time I seen X-Factor play against a 4 man outfield, they absolutely ate it up and I really think that is where the Kings are going to struggle all year against some of the top teams who know how to hit against the 4 man. Plus Chaffin for X-Factor is a difference maker when he is one pitching.

Winner: X-Factor

Winner's Semi-Finals:

Trust Sports Softball vs. Aftermath: Aftermath won the last meeting between these two teams in a real low scoring game. I don't know if Trust took them lightly, but Aftermath is definitely a team that shouldn't be taken lightly. Again, if Trust offense is going they should win this game.

Winner: Trust Sports Softball

Dooley's vs. X-Factor: This should be another real close game between two very good teams, I expect a lower scoring games between these two and the winner of the game might be decided on the coin flip and whoever wins the hammer.

Winner: Dooley's

Winner Bracket Finals:

Trust Sports Softball vs. Dooley's: This is definitely the best team Trust has faced to this point in this tournament. Another game that could go either way, but I think Baker will be the difference in this game, I think he will have a lot of the Trust hitters off balance most of the game.

Winner: Dooley's

Loser's Bracket

1st Round:

Reloaded vs. All Bizness:
Winner: Reloaded

Off in the Shower vs. Yardbirds:
Winner: Yardbirds

2nd Round:

Rock Bottom vs. Cocks
Winner: Cocks

Mushsportz vs. Reloaded:
Winner: Mushsportz

Northwest Pipe vs. Irish Swagger:
Winner: Irish Swagger

Blazers vs. Tanel 360:
Winner: Tanel 360

Avenue vs. Detroit Riot:
Winner: Detroit Riot

SWAT vs. Assault:
Winner: Assault

Big Gamers vs. Yardbird
Winner: Big Gamers

Assassins vs. Syndicate:
Winner: Syndicate

3rd Round:

MC Cocks vs. Mushsportz: This should be a very good game, both teams are very similiar, but Mushsportz are the hot team right now and keep finding ways to win.

Winner: Mushsportz

Irish Swagger vs. Tanel 360: If Swagger is on and hitting they are a tough team for anyone in this tournament to beat and if it is true that they have found another good pitcher then they should make a deep run through the loser's bracket.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Detroit Riot vs. Detroit Assault: Should be another close game, Both teams are pretty similiar, but Riot has found ways to win games that is something Assault needs to start doing.

Winner: Detroit Riot

Big Gamers vs. Detroit Syndicate: Another game that will be very close with two teams that are pretty similar to each other. Who ever makes the less mistakes defensively in this one will win this game.

Winner: Detroit Syndicate

4th Round:

Turmoil vs. Mushsportz: The last time these two played each other the game was easily won by Mushsportz, I do think this game will be a lot closer, but again Mushsportz will find a way to win this game.

Winner: Mushsportz

Irish Swagger vs. Bright Horizon: Another game that will be closer this time around than when they first met, but I still think Irish Swagger has enough to get by Bright Horizon in this one.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Detroit Riot vs. Repo Monkey: Repo will bounce back nicely in this game and be poised to make a run toward the championship game.

Winner: Repo Monkey

Detroit Syndicate vs. Kings: The last time these two teams played it went extra innings, before Kings had one of there "streaky" innings offensively and opened up. I believe this game will be another close one, but I was guaranteed that the Kings are coming out this weekend with a edge this weekend after being the laughing stock all week.

Winner: Kings

5th Round:

Mushsportz vs. Irish Swagger: I think this is where Mushsportz run for the weekend ends by losing a close one to a very gritty Irish Swagger team. Oh, yeah I heard Irish Swagger made pick ups ;)

Winner: Irish Swagger

Repo Monkey vs. Kings: This definitely would be the biggest win of the year for Kings, but they are going to have to hit and hit a lot of they plan on beating Repo in this game. I think both Repo pitchers could keep Kings off balance to have them struggle enough offensively for Repo to win this game.

Winner: Repo Monkey

6th Round:

X-Factor vs. Irish Swagger: A match up from earlier in the tournament, which I predicted X-Factor to win, but with Irish Swagger rolling through the loser's bracket and X-Factor being a bit cold, I think Irish Swagger wins this game.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Repo Monkey vs. Aftermath Softball: There are a few teams that I don't think Aftermath is quite on their level yet, and Repo Monkey is one of them. They will play them tough, and will play good D, but Repo should win this game.

Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser Bracket Semi-Finals:

Repo Monkey vs. Irish Swagger: I actually think this game could be quite interesting and could get a bit chirpy on both sides, neither team will back down and both have plenty of experience that it should make for a very entertaining game.

Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser Bracket Finals:

Repo Monkey vs. Trust Sports Softball: Trust does have a lot of talent, not sure if all that talent has gelled together yet and Trust did have a very nice draw to get to this point of the tournament. Repo definitely is the best team Trust will have faced to this point in the tournament and Trust will have to jump on Repo early if they want to win this game.

Winner: Repo Monkey

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Repo Monkey vs. Dooley's: I do believe this championship match up will go to an "IF" game with Repo winning the first game. The second game I expect a very close and heated game, but I do think Repo will be double dipping Dooley's.

CHAMPION: REPO MONKEY

Well, I am glad I usually only do the D and higher predictions, because I really forgot how long this did take. I will see everyone Saturday and hopefully everyone has Fun and please BE SAFE!

Big Hoss

Softball Guy's E NIT Predictions

2011-06-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy
06/09/11
E NIT Prediction

Game 1: Team Turmoil v. Northwest Pipe/Johnny III This should be a good matchup for Northwest. They need to win a few to make a name for themselves and through Turmoil, they could do so.

Winner: Northwest Pipe

Game 2: Detroit Assault v. Blazers Assault is a solid team, talent wise, and Blazers have struggled since their inception. Assault easily here.
Winner: Detroit Assault

Game 3: Bright Horizon v. Reloaded Bright Horizon needs to get out in front early this tournament and they could make a surprising run.
Winner: Bright Horizon

Game 4: Represent/Big Gamers v. All Bizness I don’t know much about All Bizness so I’m going to give this one to Rep/BG.
Winner: Represent/Big Gamers.

Game 5: Rock Bottom Softball v. Aftermath/Red-Eye Sports Aftermath is a pretty good team if they can hit. Their defense should be ok, they just need 3 or more hits per inning and should be good in this one.
Winner: Aftermath

Game 6: MI Assasins v. Motor City Cocks The Cocks are a talented and deep team, I’d like to see them shake things up in E this summer, especially with those new snazzy uniforms.
Winner: Motor City Cocks

Game 7: Dooleys/Pole Position v. Off in the Shower Yes I’m going to say it, Dooley’s beats off in the shower quickly here. Haha
Winner: Dooleys

Game 8: MushSportz.com v. Yardbirds This should be a good matchup from last year but I don’t think the Yardbirds are remotely similar to last year’s squad. MushSportz.com by a landslide here, they’ve impressed me lately.
Winner: MushSportz.com

Game 9: Irish Swagger v. Avenue/Jamboozies Rumor has it that Irish Swagger just picked up a solid pitcher so I’m going with Swag here.
Winner: Irish Swagger

Game 10: Tanel 360 v. Motor City S.W.A.T. If Tanel 360 can lock up their pitching they should be good here.
Winner: Tanel 360

Game 11: Detroit Riot v. Northwest Pipe Even though I like Northwest Pipe, I feel that RIOT has to come out of it’s shell sooner or later.
Winner: Detroit RIOT

Game 12: Assault v. Trust Sports Softball Trust barely beat Assault a while back and I think Assault will try to make a run.
Winner: Assault.

Game 13: Bright Horizon v. Represent/Big Gamers
Winner: Bright Horizon

Game 14: Aftermath v. Detroit Syndicate Syndicate is missing a few guys this weekend, including SS, and Pitcher, but I think they fill the void.
Winner: Detroit Syndicate

Game 15: Repo Monkey v. Cocks
Winner: Repo Monkey

Game 16: Dooleys v. MushSportz.com
Winner: MushSportz.com

Game 17: XFactor v. Irish Swagg
Winner: Irish Swagger

Game 18: Tanel 360 v. Kings
Kings have pretty much imploded this year. They went 0-2 last weekend and I don’t see them improving much.
Winner: Tanel 360

Loser Bracket Game 19: Reloaded v. All Bizness
Winner: Reloaded

Loser Bracket Game 20: Off in the Shower v. Yardbirds I’ll say it again Yardbirds beat off in the shower to bounce them
Winner: Yardbirds

Loser Bracket Game 21: Rock Bottom Softball v. Motor City Cocks
Winner: Cocks

Loser Bracket Game 22: Turmoil v. XFactor
Winner: Turmoil

Loser Bracket Game 23: Blazers v. Kings
Winner: Kings

Loser Bracket Game 24: Avenue/Jamboozies v. NW Pipe
Winner: NW Pipe

Loser Bracket Game 25: SWAT v. Trust Sports
Winner: Trust Sports

Loser Bracket Game 26: MI Assasins v. Aftermath
Winner: MI Assasins

Loser Bracket Game 27: Reloaded v. Dooleys
Winner: Dooleys

Loser Bracket Game 28: Represent/Big Gamers v. Yardbirds
Winner: Represent/Big Gamers

Game 29: RIOT v. Assault
Winner: RIOT

Game 30: Bright Horizon v. Syndicate
Winner: Syndicate

Game 31: Repo Monkey v. MushSportz.com
Winner: MushSportz.com

Game 32: Irish Swagger v. Tanel 360
Winner: Irish Swagger

Loser Bracket Game 33: Cocks v. Dooleys
Winner: Dooleys

Loser Bracket Game 34: Turmoil v. Kings
Winner: Turmoil

Loser Bracket Game 35: NW Pipe v. Trust Sports
Winner: Trust Sports

Loser Bracket Game 36: Represent/Big Gamers v. MI Assasins
Winner: Represent/Big Gamers

Loser Bracket Game 37: Assault v. Dooleys
Winner: Assault

Loser Bracket Game 38: Bright Horizon v. Turmoil
Winner: Turmoil

Loser Bracket Game 39: Repo Monkey v. Trust Sports
Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser Bracket Game 40: Tanel 360 v. Represent/Big Gamers
Winner: Tanel 360

Game 41: RIOT v. Syndicate
Winner: Syndicate

Game 42: MushSportz.com v. Irish Swagger
Winner: MushSportz.com

Loser Bracket Game 43: Assault v. Turmoil
Winner: Turmoil

Loser Bracket Game 44: Repo Monkey v. Tanel 360
Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser Bracket Game 45: Irish Swagger v. Turmoil
Winner: Irish Swagger

Loser Bracket Game 46: RIOT v. Repo Monkey
Winner: Repo Monkey

Game 47: Syndicate v. MushSportz.com
Winner: MushSportz.com

Loser Bracket Final Game 48: Syndicate v. Repo
Winner: Repo Monkey

Championship game 49: REPO Monkey v. MushSportz.com
WINNER: Repo Monkey

Championship “IF” Game 50: Repo Monkey v. MushSportz.com
Winner: Repo Monkey

REPO COMPLETES THE DOUBLE DIP ON AN IMPRESSIVE MUSHSPORTZ.com RUN.

SOFTBALL GUY

Softball Guy's C/D NIT Predictions

2011-06-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy
06/09/11
C/D NIT Prediction

Game 1: Pure Divine v. Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) I expect to be impressed from RAC coming all the way from NY to play.

Winner: Rochester Athletic Club

Game 2: GLX v. Motown Raiders I’m hoping GLX proves me right here, there need some help

Winner: GLX

Game 3: KHAOS v. Sand Baggers Sand Baggers impressed me a few weeks ago, they could do big things.

Winner: Sand Baggers

Game 4: DO/MUSHtube.com v. Joe’s Tavern Joe’s is coming from OHIO and they have a ton of talent.

Winner: Joe’s Tavern

Game 5 Mayhem v. RAC Good matchup here, expect a hard hitting game.

Winner: RAC

Game 6: TG v. GLX TG in 5

Winner: TG

Game 7: MushReloaded v. Sandbaggers MushReloaded will be too much coming off their win last week.
Winner: MushReloaded

Game 8: D-Nation v. Joe’s Tavern I was promised that D-Nation will come out hard this weekend, but I don’t think they have enough to beat Joe’s.
Winner: Joe’s Tavern

Loser Bracket Game 9: KHAOS v. Mayhem
Winner: Mayhem

Loser Bracket Game 10: DO/Mushtube.com v. GLX
Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

Loser Bracket Game 11: PureDivine v. Sandbaggers
Winner: SandBaggers

Loser Bracket Game 12 Raiders v. D-Nation
Winner: D-Nation

Game 13: RAC v. TG This will be a very fun game to watch, I hope I can see it.
Winner: TG

Game 14: MushReloaded v. Joe’s Tavern Expect a very loud game here on a show-diamond.
Winner: MushReloaded

Loser Bracket Game 15: Mayhem v. Do/Mushtube.com
Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

Loser Bracket Game 16: Sandbaggers v. D-Nation
Winner: D-Nation

Loser Bracket Game 17: DO/Mushtube.com v. Joe’s Tavern
Winner: Joe’s Tavern

Loser Bracket Game 18: D-Nation v. RAC
Winner: RAC

Game 19: TG v. MushReloaded
Winner: TG

Loser Bracket Game 20: Joe’s Tavern v. RAC
Winner: RAC

Loser Bracket Final Game MushReloaded v. RAC
Winner: MushReloaded

Championship: TG v. MushReloaded

Winner: TG no “IF” game needed.

Softball Guy

Big Hoss C/D NIT Predictions

2011-06-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Winner's Bracket

1st Round:

Pure Divine vs. RAC: Pure Divine has been struggling so far on the year and RAC usually comes down once to twice a year and makes some noise when they do show up. They seem to always be up to face the Michigan teams and crowd.

Winner: RAC

GLX vs. Motown Raiders: I expect GLX to have a nice start in this tournament with the draw they have, Don't know much about Motown Raiders, but GLX is a veteran group that should win this game.

Winner: GLX

Khaos vs. Sand Baggers: Sand Baggers are coming off their best tournament of the year where they finished 4-2, but 3 of those wins were against E teams, so it will be interesting to see if they can continue the momentum against higher level competition. Khaos has struggled on the year, but I continue to wait for this team to turn it around, they have too many veterans on this team to continue to play the way that they have been playing.

Winner: Khaos

Joe's Tavern vs. DO/Mushtube.com: I really don't like this draw for DO/Mushtube.com, even though Joe's Tavern struggled in their last tournament, losing to two E teams I believe they will be ready to make a run in this tournament. I heard Mushtube again is missing some key pieces this weekend, which could really hurt them in this game.

Winner: Joe's Tavern

2nd Round:

Mayhem vs. RAC: This should be a very good game to watch, Mayhem has been playing a lot better as of late and even though RAC's overall record isn't very impressive, I believe they match up with any team in this tournament. ***UPSET SPECIAL***

Winner: RAC

TG/TPS vs. GLX: Right now if the rumors are true and Line Drive did actually get bumped up to B then TG is the class of the C division. They have been playing great all year and even though they got double dipped last weekend to Line Drive, I expect them to make another deep run this weekend.

Winner: TG/TPS

Khaos vs. Mush Reloaded: Mush is probably the hottest team in Michigan softball right now and they are going for their 4th straight tournament championship this weekend. If they play how they have been the last few weeks, they should win this game.

Winner: Mush Reloaded

D-Nation vs. Joe's Tavern: D-Nation has struggled quite a bit as of late, but hopefully they can rekindle some of that early tournament play they had going on and make a nice run in this tournament. They don't have an easy task with facing Joe's Tavern in their first game though.

Winner: Joe's Tavern

Winner's Semi-Finals:

RAC vs. TG/TPS: The RAC guys won't be intimidated by TG, but TG also won't be intimated by RAC either, this game could get very exciting, but I do think that the home team will win this game.

Winner: TG/TPS

Mush Reloaded vs. Joe's Tavern: These two teams have played each other twice already on the year, with Mush Reloaded taking both games. Neither game looked like a blow out, so I do expect another close game in this one as well. I do see the home team winning this game as well.

Winner: Mush Reloaded

Winner's Bracket Finals:

TG/TPS vs. Mush Reloaded: These two teams are pretty familiar with each other and have faced each other once so far on the year, which TG/TPS won a close game. I expect another real close game between these two teams, it is always fun watching games like then when you have arguably the best C team in the state vs. arguably the best D team in the state.

Winner: TG/TPS

Loser's Bracket:

1st Round:

Sand Baggers vs. Mayhem: I think this game will be closer than some may think, but Mayhem will bounce back after their early lost to win this game.

Winner: Mayhem

DO/Mushtube.com vs. GLX: Another real tough match up for Mushtube. I think Mushtube is going to have to score a lot of runs to beat GLX in this one.

Winner: GLX

Pure Divine vs. Khaos: This game could go either way, but if Khaos plays their game that they are capable of they should win this game.

Winner: Khaos

Motown Raiders vs. D-Nation: This might be the game that D-Nation needs to get back on track and take some of the pressure off of themselves with their recent tournaments.

Winner: D-Nation

2nd Round:

Mayhem vs. GLX: These two teams have played once so far on the year and Mayhem won pretty big in that match up, but I don't see this game being a blow out, I believe that GLX will play Mayhem tough through out.

Winner: Mayhem

Khaos vs. D-Nation: This is a big game for both teams for confidence alone. Both teams have to be looking at this match up and think that they should win. The team that makes the less mistakes defensively will win this game.

Winner: D-Nation

3rd Round:

Joe's Tavern vs. Mayhem: I really like Mayhem in this match up, I think if Mayhem shows up offensively in this game, they could open things up early on Joe's Tavern.

Winner: Mayhem

RAC vs. D-Nation: D-Nation will have to jump on RAC early and hope they come out flat in this game if they want a chance to win this one in the late innings, if they don't this game could get very ugly.

Winner: RAC

Loser's Semi-Finals:

Mayhem vs. RAC: They faced each other early in the tournament with me predicting RAC to win that game in a close one. I think you have have the same results in this game.

Winner: RAC

Loser's Bracket Finals:

Mush Reloaded vs. RAC: This could be the game of the tournament, with all the talking that both of these teams are capable of doing. I think this game could get very heated and will be extremely close, but I do see RAC winning a close one here.

Winner: RAC

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

TG/TPS vs. RAC: I believe RAC will come out on fire in the first game and win that game, but after being double dipped last weekend by Line Drive, TG will bounce back in the second game and win this tournament.

Winner: TG/TPS

Hopefully the rain holds off for this tournament and the E NIT to go off this weekend. Everyone have Fun and BE SAFE!

Big Hoss

Buddha's C, D and E Rankings

2011-06-06T20:20:00.001-07:00

Top 5 in C

1. Linedrive - An excellent tourney again. Double dipping TG/TPS for the 'Ship and playing great all over

2. TG/TPS - Right behind Linedrive, these guys are still a rock solid team and a force to be reckoned with in C

3. R & L - With a week off, nobody jumps up in front of them this week so they remain a top 3 team again

4. Mayhem - A good weekend for them, but are struggling against top teams. They really need to turn a corner and make a push in a full field

5. Korody - A great run for them after a first game loss, coming back and rattling off 4 including a payback to Mayhem. If this is indicative of the rest of their season, they're gonna pull some upsets

Surprise of the week - Korody

A big boost for them and solid run. They picked a good time to get hot

Disappointment of the week - Fire in the Hole

1 win on the season so far, they just can't seem to get anything going

Top 5 in D

1. Mush Reloaded - No surprise here. 1 loss, albeit to an E team, didn't slow them down a bit. Coming back on Sunday and double dipping TNT, just shows the grit and talent these guys have

2. Drama - 2-2 isn't bad but knocking of DO and Perkins before losing to Blue Crush and a very hot Jim's Beef team coupled with a consistent year moves them up to 2

3. Blue Crush - 2 really good pickups and a team to play with every weekend. They showed up ready to play this weekend and finished a very respectable 4-2. They're turning around really quick

4. DO/Mushtube - 2-2 and doing fine but expectations got a little high early and they have since hovered right around .500. Still a good team, but I think even they would like to expect another high finish sometime soon

5. Apex & Sandbaggers - I'm gonna sneak them both into the top 5 this week. 3-2 is a good finish for Apex who is staying consistent. 5 -2 for the Baggers is a very nice recovery and they played some tough games to get there

Surprise of the week - Jim's Beef

1st time in U-Trip, playing 10 games in a weekend, and playing the last 9 from the losers bracket. That is one hell of a run

Disappointment of the week - Phillies

From top 5 last week to 0-2. They didn't look very good at all and really need to get back on track

Top 5 in E

Note: I would probably have TNT Softball in the rankings, but since I don't know how often they'll be coming to the mitten I'm keeping the top 5 in E to MI teams

1. Trust/Wicked - Still #1. First 2 losses in 4 tourneys came against the hottest teams of the weekend. I have no doubt they'll bounce right back next time out

2. Repo Monkey - Definitely not their best showing this season but still way too talented to move down yet

3. X Factor - Not at LPA this week, but missing guys and splitting a roster apparently, they went out and had another good display of their talents and won a few games along the way

4. Syndicate - Like them or not, they're consistent and have alot of moxey. A stunning game against Dooley's and a nice win over Apex puts the solidly back in the top 5

5. Trust Sports & Own It/DO - Neither team had a pariculary great tourney, but both teams are too talented right now to remove from the top 5

Surprise of the week - ALOT!!!

Represent had a great tourney and won some really good games this weekend. Dooley's finally looks like their coming alive. Not a surprise really, but seeing TNT in action this weekend made me believe some of the hype. Mushsportz played some of the most fun games I've watched all year. This was a great tourney for E softball in general

Disappointment of the week - Kings

They are just not consistent. Good weeks followed by bad. Offense that looks unstoppable followed by 4 runs in 2 games. Defense is going to carry them through alot of games, but that will start to wear on any team come Aug/Sept

~Buddha

Softball Guy's E Rankings

2011-06-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Volume 3
06/06/11

E Rankings

1. Trust/Wicked/Mario: Had a tough 3-2 finish this weekend after losing the much anticipated match-up against Mush Reloaded.

2. Repomonkey: A disappointing loss to Dooley’s who seem to have come around for the summer surprised me, but finished 3-2.

3. Detroit Syndicate: Went 3-2 this weekend. I had the chance to watch them play the 11 inning showdown against Dooleys and it was a blast to watch. There is a ton of passion on this team, and if they can keep their youngster emotions in check I think they can be a consistent top 5 team.

4. Own it Realtor/DO: Some will complain that they made it into the top 5 after a 1-2 finish. A new-formed team put together and led by a veteran of the game. They have a veteran pitcher and consistent hitters, their one issue I see is their defense. Don’t sleep on this team.

5. Mushsportz.com: There is a TON Of chatter about this team throughout the softball community. They have been a consistently mediocre team through the years, but I watched them play two games this weekend. They have a solid line-up, top to bottom, and have a deep bench. I’m not expecting a ton from them but I think they can be a top-5 team.

Surprise of the week: Dooleys/Pole Position

They got off to a very very slow start, and were the butt of many jokes early this year, but they had a solid 3-2 finish, beating Riot, Bright Horizon, and Repo. I’m rooting for them next weekend and am curious to see how they come back.

Flop of the week: Kings

They won a TAGS tournament 2 weekends ago and seemed to be a little bit too confident, coming out with a 0-2 finish against a tough TNT and MC Push. They truly need some veteran consistency to level these guys out. While they do have talent, they need help in the field, but with the emotions on this team, I could see them folding before worlds.

Softball Guy's C and D Rankings

2011-06-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Volume 3
06/06/11

C Rankings

1. Linedrive: Won the C NIT at Liberty this weekend. Rumor had it that they’re getting bumped to B, but for the time being, the rivalry of Linedrive and TGI is ever-present. They double-dipped TG to win it and they’re an electrifying team.

2. TG: Went 3-2 this weekend, and needed to win one of two against Linedrive but couldn’t hold them off.

3. Mayhem: They both beat and lost to Korody, on their way to a 3-2 finnish. They are better than 3-2, just need to come out and wake the bats up on-time.

4. Korody: Went 4-2 at the NIT this weekend losing to Mayhem and Linedrive.

5. R&L Concrete: Haven’t played since the 5/14 C/D but won that tournament with an impressive 5-0 run without TG or Linedrive there.

D Rankings

1. Mush Reloaded: Impressive 7-1 run this weekend and won another D/E tournament. I’d like to see them in a C/D to see how they’ll match up in a tougher D worlds. They’re a solid team and by far the number one in this class.

2. Blue Crush: Lost to Mush Reloaded and Jim’s beef but went 4-2 en route to a 4^th place finish. I think they’ll get better as the season gets rolling.

3. DO/Mushtube: 2-2 finnish this weekend was disappointing but the potential on this team is huge. They could be a terrific team, they just have to put it all together

4. Perkins Insurance/Trillium: Good wins against the Phillies and Riot, and 2 tough losses to D-Nation and a not to be overlooked Sandbaggers.

5. Sandbaggers: Got a good draw this weekend, going 5-2, beating 3 E teams and losing to Blue Crush twice

Surprise of the Week: Jim’s Beef

They had quite a run going 8-2. No one really knew a lot about this team but I got a chance to watch them play a few games. They have a ton of young guys, and they hit gaps well. Not a lot of extra base hits, but they could be a tough team to beat consistently if they played any more U-Trip tourneys. I guess they’re an NSA team, so don’t expect to see them back any time soon, although I’d love to add them to the mix of rivalries.

Flop of the Week: D-Nation

Lost to Blue Crush and Apex. Apex isn’t anything special and D-Nation is better than they showed, they truly just flopped.

Softball Guy

The Great White Hope's D/E NIT Predictions

2011-06-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

Play IN Round:

Northwest Pipe vs. MC Swat
Winner: MC SWAT

Ruby Tuesdays vs. Raiders
Winner: Ruby Tuesdays

1st Round:

Repo vs. Own It:
Winner: Repo

Basers vs. Big Gamers:
Winner: Big Gamers

Bright Horizon vs. Mushsportz:
Winner: Bright Horizon

Trust Sports vs. Assassins:
Winner: Trust Sports

Riot vs. Dooley's:
Winner: Dooley's

Syndicate vs SWAT:
Winner: Syndicate

MC Push vs. Tanel 360/Vivio's
Winner: MC Push

Kings vs. TNT Softball
Winner: TNT Softball

Blazers vs. Trust/Wicked
Winner: Trust/Wicked

Assault vs. Venom
Winner: Assault

Badlands vs. Ruby Tuesday's
Winner: Ruby Tuesday's

Jim's Beef vs. Mush Reloaded
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Detroit Drama vs. DO/Mushtube
Winner: DO/Mushtube

Detroit Phillies vs. Perkins
Winner: Perkins

Blue Crush vs. D-Nation
Winner: Blue Crush

Apex vs. Sand Baggers
Winner: Apex

2nd Round:

Repo Monkey vs. Big Gamers
Winner: Repo Monkey

Bright Horizon vs. Trust Sports
Winner: Trust Sports

Dooley's vs. Syndicate
Winner: Dooley's

MC Push vs. TNT Softball
Winner: TNT Softball

Trust/Wicked vs. Assault
Winner: Trust/Wicked

Ruby Tuesday's vs. Mush Reloaded
Winner: Mush Reloaded

DO/Mushtube vs. Perkins
Winner: DO/Mushtube

Blue Crush vs. Apex
Winner: Blue Crush

3rd Round:

Repo Monkey vs. Trust Sports
Winner: Repo Monkey

Dooley's vs. TNT Softball
Winner: TNT Softball

Trust/Wicked vs. Mush Reloaded
Winner: Mush Reloaded

DO/Mushtube vs. Blue Crush
Winner: DO/Mushtube

4th Round:

Repo Monkey vs. TNT Softball
Winner: Repo Monkey

Mush Reloaded vs. DO/Mushtube
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Winner's Bracket Finals:

Repo Monkey vs. Mush Reloaded
Winner of Winner's Bracket: Mush Reloaded

Loser's Bracket:

1st Round:

Northwest Pipe vs. Detroit Riot
Winner: Detroit Riot

Motown Raiders vs. Jim's Beef

Winner: Jim's Beef

2nd Round:

Blazers vs. Venom
Winner: Blazers

Detroit Riot vs. Detroit Badlands

Winner: Detroit Riot

Drama vs. Phillies
Winner: Drama

D-Nation vs. Sandbaggers
Winner: Sandbaggers

Own It vs. Basers
Winner: Own It

Mushsportz vs. Assassins
Winner: Mushsportz

S.W.A.T. vs. Jim's Beef

Winner: Jim's Beef

Tanel/Vivio's vs. Kings
Winner: Kings

Round 3:

Blazers vs. Apex
Winner: Apex

Riot vs. Perkins

Winner: Perkins

Drama vs. Ruby Tuesday's

Winner: Drama

Sandbaggers vs. Assault
Winner: Sand Baggers

Own It vs. MC Push

Winner: Own It

Mushsportz vs. Syndicate
Winner: Syndicate

Jim's Beef vs. Bright Horizon

Winner: Bright Horizon

Kings vs. Big Gamers
Winner: Kings

Round 4:

Apex vs. Perkins
Winner: Perkins

Drama vs. Sand Baggers
Winner: Drama

Own It vs. Syndicate
Winner: Own It

Bright Horizon vs. Kings
Winner: Bright Horizon

Round 5:

Trust Sports vs. Perkins
Winner: Trust Sports

Dooley's vs. Drama
Winner: Drama

Trust/Wicked vs. Own It
Winner: Trust/Wicked

Blue Crush vs. Bright Horizon
Winner: Blue Crush

Round 6:

Trust Sports vs. Drama
Winner: Drama

Trust/Wicked vs. Blue Crush
Winner: Trust/Wicked

Round 7:

Drama vs. DO/Mushtube
Winner: DO/Mushtube

Trust/Wicked vs. TNT Softball

Winner: Trust/Wicked

Round 8:

DO/Mushtube vs. Trust/Wicked
Winner: Trust/Wicked

Loser Bracket Final:

Repo Monkey vs. Trust/Wicked
Winner of Loser Bracket: Trust/Wicked

Championship Game:

Mush Reloaded vs. Trust/Wicked
Tournament Champion: Mush Reloaded (No IF Game Necessary)

Softball Guy's C NIT Predictions

2011-06-03T13:12:00.001-07:00

Softball Guy
06/03/11

C-NIT Predictions

Game 1: Toledo Borrachos v. Lakeside Knights
Winner: Toledo Borachos

Game 2: Fire in the Hole v. Pepsi/Mooselodge/Tanel Betta Duck
Winner: Pepsi/Mooselodge

Game 3: Mayhem/Wolf-Hulbert/DC Realties v. Korody/Worth/Lindrivesportz/Tyja
Winner: Mayhem

Game 4: GLX v. P&P 333/Suburban/Larry’s Tire/CMT
Winner: P&P

Game 5: Toledo Borachos v. TG/TPS/Elits
Winner: TG

Game 6: Linedrive/Triple SSS Sportscards v. Pepsi/Mooselodge
Winner: Linedrive

Loser Bracket Game 7: Fire in the hole v. Korody
Winner: Korody

Loser Bracket Game 8: Lakeside Knights v. GLX
Winner: GLX

Loser Bracket game 9: Kodory v. Borachos
Winner: Borachos

Loser Bracket Game 10: Pepsi/Mooselodge v. GLX
Winner: GLX

Game 11: Mayhem v. TG
Winner: TG

Game 12: Linedrive v. P&P
Winner: Linedrive

Loser Bracket Game 13: Mayhem v. GLX
Winner: Mayhem

Loser Bracket Game 14: P&P v. Borachos
Winner: P&P

Game 15: TG v. Linedrive
Winner: TG

Loser Bracket Semifinal Game 16: P&P v. Mayhem
Winner: Mayhem

Loser Bracket Final Game 17: Linedrive v. Mayhem
Winner: Linedrive

Championship game 18: TG v. Linedrive
Winner: Linedrive

Championship “IF” Game 19: Linedrive v. TGWinner: Linedrive double dips TG for the final.

Softball Guy's D/E Predictions for June 4th

2011-06-02T19:38:00.001-07:00

Softball Guy

06/02/11
D/E NIT Prediction

Game 1: Northwest Pipe/Johnny III v. Motorcity S.W.A.T.
Winner: Northwest Pipe

Game 2: Motown Raiders v. Ruby Tuesday
Winner: Ruby Tuesday

Game 3: Own it realty/DO v. Repo Monkey
Winner: Own it realty/DO

Game 4: Detroit Basers v. Represent/BG
Winner: Detroit Basers

Game 5: Bright Horizon v. Mushsportz.com
Winner: Bright Horizon

Game 6: MI Assasins/Lights out sports v. Trust Sports Softball
Winner: Trust Sports

Game 7: Detroit Riot v. Dooleys/Pole Position/LV Financial
Winner: Dooley’s

Game 8: MC Push/Clark Building v. Tanel360/Vivios Pub
Winner: MC Push

Game 9: Kings v. TNT Softball
Winner: Kings

Game 10: Blazers v. Trust Sports/Wickedsports/Mario
Winner: Trust Sports/Wickedsports/Mario

Game 11: Detroit Assault v. MC Venom
Winner: Assault

Game 12: Jim’s Beef v. Mush Reloaded/Sinister
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Game 13: Detroit Drama v. DO/Mushtube.com
Winner: DO/Mush

Game 14: Detroit Phillies/Xtreme/Sports55 v. Perkins Insurance/Trillium/Butches
Winner: Perkins

Game 15: Blue Crush Softball v. D-Nation
Winner: D-Nation

Game 16: Apex Softball v. Sandbaggers
Winner: Apex

Game 17: Northwest Pipe v. Detroit Syndicate
Winner: Syndicate

Game 18: Detroit Badlands v. Ruby Tuesdays
Winner: Ruby Tuesdays

Loser Bracket Game 19: MC S.W.A.T. v. Detroit Riot
Winner: Detroit Riot

Loser Bracket Game 20: Motown Raiders v. Jim’s Beef
Winner: Jim’s Beef

Loser Bracket Game 21: Blazers v. Venom
Winner: Blaxers

Loser Bracket Game 22: Detroit Drama v. Phillies
Winner:Drama

Loser Bracket Game 23: Blue Crush v. Sandbaggers
Winner: Blue Crush

Loser Bracket Game 24: Repo Monkey v. Represent/Big games
Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser Bracket Game 25: Mushsportz.com v. MI Assasins
Winner: MI Assasins

Loser Bracket Game 26: Tanel360/Vivios v. TNT Softball
Winner: Tanel 360/Vivios

Loser Bracket Game 27: Detroit Riot v. Detroit Badlands
Winner: Detroit Riot

Loser Bracket Game 28: Northwest Pipe v. Jim’s Beef
Winner: Northwest Pipe

Game 29: Own it Realty/DO v. Detroit Basers
Winner: Own it Realty/DO

Game 30: Bright Horizon vs. Trust Sports Softball
Winner: Trust Sports

Game 31: Dooley’s v. Syndicate
Winner: Syndicate

Game 32: MC Push v. Kings
Winner: Kings

Game 33: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. Assault
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked

Game 34: Ruby Tuesday v. Mush Reloaded
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Game 35: DO/Mushtube.com v. Perkins
Winner: Perkins

Game 36: D-Nation v. Apex
Winner: D-Nation

Loser Bracket Game 37: Tanel 360/Vivios v. Detroit Basers
Winner: Detroit Basers

Loser Bracket Game 38: Northwest Pipe v. Bright Horizon
Winner: Northwest Pipe

Loser Bracket Game 39: MI Assasins v. Dooleys
Winner: Dooley’s

Loser Bracket Game 40: REPO Monkey v. MC Push/Clark
Winner: Repo Monkey

Loser Bracket Game 41: Blue Crush v. Assault
Winner: Blue Crush

Loser Bracket Game 42: Drama vs. Ruby Tuesday
Winner: Drama

Loser Bracket Game 43: Detroit Riot v. DO/Mush
Winner: DO/Mush

Loser Bracket Game 44: Blazers v. APEX
Winner: Apex

Game 45: Own it Realty/DO v. Trust Sports Softball
Winner: Own it Realty/DO

Game 46: Syndicate v. Kings
Winner: Kings

Game 47: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. Mush Reloaded
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Game 48: Perkins v. D-Nation
Winner: Perkins

Loser Bracket Game 49: Apex v. DO/Mush
Winner: DO/Mush

Loser Bracket Game 50: Drama v. BlueCrush
Winner: Blue Crush

Loser Bracket Game 51: REPO v. Dooley’s
Winner: Repo

Loser Bracket Game 52 Northwest Pipe v. Detroit Basers
Winner: Detroit Basers

Loser Bracket Game 53: Trust Sports Softball v. DO/MUSH
Winner: Trust Sports Softball

Loser Bracket Game 54: Syndicate v. Blue Crush
Winner: Blue Crush

Loser Bracket Game 55: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. REPO
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario

Loser Bracket Game 56: D-Nation v. Detroit Basers
Winner: D-Nation

Game 57: Own it Realty/DO v. Kings
Winner: Own it Realty/DO

Game 58: Mush Reloaded v. Perkins
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Loser Bracket Game 59: Trust Sports Softball v. Blue Crush
Winner: Trust

Loser Bracket Game 60: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. D-Nation
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario

Loser Bracket Game 61: Trust Sports Softball v. Perkins
Winner: Perkins

Loser Bracket Game 62: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. Kings
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario

Game 63: Own It Realty/DO v. Mush Reloaded
Winner: Mush Reloaded

Loser Bracket Semifinal Game 64: Perkins v. Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario

Loser Bracket Final Game 65: Own It Realty/DO v. Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario

Championship game 66: Mush Reloaded/Sinister v. Trust sports/Wicked/Mario
Winner: Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario

Championship Game 67 (IF GAME): Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. Mush Reloaded/Sinister
Winner: Mush Reloaded/Sinister
SCORE: 17-14

Buddha's Rankings for C, D and E.

2011-05-24T13:52:00.001-07:00

Top 5 in C

1. Linedrive - An excellent tourney down at the Motor City Major. This is 2 Majors in a row that they played with some of the best in the country and won some games along the way. If they play like they did this weekend for the rest of the summer, they're gonna be tough to beat

2. TG/TPS - Still one of the most consistent teams in the region. They play stellar O and D and can play with any team in the country and win a ball game or two

3. R & L - Strictly based on recent head to head (I think these teams are neck and neck right now), R & L is gonna stay at the 3 spot. How often the Michigan teams will see them this year is up in the air but when they make the trip North, their coming here to win

4. Mayhem - Finally a tourney win for Mayhem, albeit in a small field. This coupled with their good run at Liberty is just the boost they needed to get going

5. Plumbers - Still getting good results over in NSA they are staying top 5. Can't wait to see them play ball again

Surprise of the week - Linedrive

Tied for 5th at the Major NIT and turning alot of heads along the way

Disappointment of the week - Barrachos

Not a good showing this weekend for a team with alot higher expectations from fans and themselves

Top 5 in D

1. Mush Reloaded - Nothings changed here. Still the class of D

2. DO/Mushtube - Reluctantly they're gonna stay at 2 for now. They had a decent showing this weekend but they didn't seem like the same team from the last tourney

3. Drama - Not bad for a tourney where they were missing a handful of regular starters. If they could squeak out a couple of wins in field like this, they should only improve with their full lineup

4. Phillies - A weekend off but still having a good season and should be ready to start going in a couple weeks

5. Blue Crush - I had them top 5 to start, but after their first awfuls showing, they have improved every time out since. With big wins this weekend over DO, a tough Crew team and finally finding their offense, they could be getting back on track

Surprise of the week - Crew

3rd place finish and being in every game they played, this was a great tournament for them

Disappointment of the week - Specialty Modifications

After a nice run last weekend, they looked pretty bad this time out. 4 runs in 2 games won't win a whole lot in any class

Top 5 in E

1. Trust/Wicked - A nice come from behind win against Repo gives them yet another tourney win on the year

2. Repo Monkey - The only thing slowing them down is that they keep running into the buzzsaw that is Trust/Wicked

3. Trust Sports - A good run with a solid defense that surprised me a little bit. That's a 2 weekends in a row that they have come out and played very well with their new lineup

4. X Factor - Another good tournament, letting alot of their young guys get alot of time this weekend, they are one of the most consistent teams in E

5. Aftermath - Getting better every weekend and clicking as a team, they are going to put alot of pressure on some teams in the next few months.

Surprise of the week - Team Turmoil

They really left it all on the diamond and put together a great weekend. If they could just square away their pitching, they could very well get some more games on Sunday the rest of the way

Disappointment of the week - Irish Swagger

They had a good thing going and just kind of let the wheels fall off this weekend. I think this is an exception with all their young talent, but the team vets will have to teach them how to win in big team fields

Have a safe holiday weekend everyone!

~ Buddha

Softball Guy's E Rankings

2011-05-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Volume 2
05/23/11

What a beautiful weekend to play softball. Here are my updated rankings after observing many games on Saturday.

1. Trust/Wicked/Mario: The clear favorite, they’ve won the past 3 tournaments they’ve played and they’re 15-0 in the past 3 tournaments, including a 5-0 run this past weekend.

2. Repomonkey: If they could figure out a way to beat Trust they’d be rolling, but as long as Trust is an E team, I don’t see Repo coming close to taking over the #1 spot.

3. Team Turmoil: A new-comer this ranking, they put together a nice string of wins and finished 4-2 this weekend, both of their losses coming from Repo.

4. Trust Sports Softball: Falling to 4^th place this weekend is Trust Sports Softball. After losing a real barn-burner to Aftermath 3-1 in their first game, they won 4 straight before losing to Aftermath and running out of steam against XFactor, posting a measley 1 run.

5. Aftermath: Aftermath beat Trust Sports, Own it Realty/DO (who took Trust/Wicked to the bottom of the 7^th), a much improved MushSportz.com, Syndicate, and SWAT. They only had one “Pushover” team in SWAT, and managed to

Surprise of the week: Not going to an individual team, I’m just surprised that there were physical altercations on the fields this weekend. When you mix booze with heat and egos I suppose you get fighting, but I was surprised that the chirping developed this weekend.

Flop of the week: Irish swagger. Rumors have been circling with these guys and whether or not they’ll be adding some new guys to the lineup, but Irish Swagger lost by 11 to Repo, and BallHawgz (who?). Pitching seems to be their Achilles heal at this point.

-Softball Guy

Softball Guy's C and D Rankings

2011-05-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Volume 2
05/23/11

C Rankings

1. TGI: Didn’t play this weekend but is still my favorite team in C.

2. Linedrive: Played in the Music City Major and Beat 1 C team, 1 B team, and an A team before losing back to back to A teams. Linedrive & TGI battling back and fourth in the rankings.

3. Mayhem: Won the Strawberry Fest tournament by going 3-0, against 4 other teams.

4. GLX: improving this week in the polls by going to the championship at Strawberryfest.

5. Karody: nothing really to speak of, but they beat out p&p to get into the top 5.

D Rankings

1. Mush Reloaded: Impressive 5 and 0 championship run at the Strawberry festival w/ a differential of 10 runs

2. Blue Crush: 3-2 finish at the strawberry festival and a solid veteran led team.

3. DO/Mushtube: Doesn’t seem to quite have the swagger that normally accompanies a DO team, but they should be a solid team all summer. 3-2 finnish at Strawberry Fest beating teams fairly easily. Need to jump on teams early to stay winning.

4. APEX: 2-2 finnish this past weekend at Strawberry Fest disappoints the softball guy after a #3 ranking last week.

D-Nation: Didn’t play at the strawberry fest but expect them to make some noise in early June

- Softball Guy

Softball Guy's C and D Predictions

2011-05-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Strawberry Festival C Prediction sw

5/20/11

1^st Round

Fire in the hole v. Pepsi/Mooselodge/Tanelbettaduck= Pepsi

2^nd Round

GLX v. Toledo Borachos= Toledo Borachos

Pepsi v. Mayhem=Mayhem

3^rd Round

Borachos v. Mayhem=Mayhem

Losers Bracket

1^st Round

Fire in the hole vs. GLX= GLX

2^nd round

GLX v. Pepsi=GLX

3^rd Round

Toledo Borachos v. GLX= GLX

FINAL

Mayhem v. GLX=Mayhem, no if game

Softball Guy

Strawberry Fest D Predictions

May 20, 2011

1^st Round.

Crew v. Detroit Drama=Detroit Drama

Blue Crush v. Specialty Modifications= Specialty Modifications

DO/Mush vs. Team Salsa=DO/Mushtube

Mush Reloaded v. Nutech= Mush Reloaded

B.O.S.S. Softball v. Next Level Softball= B.O.S.S. Softball

Arsenal v. Best Damn Bar= Arsenal

Khaos v. Vickers= Khaos

Apex Softball v. Rogans Metals= Apex

2^nd Round

Drama v. Specialty Mod= Drama

Do/Mushtube v. Mush Reloaded= Mush Reloaded

BOSS v. Arsenal= Arsenal

Khaos v. Apex= Apex

3^rd Round

Drama v Mush Reloaded=Mush Reloaded

Arsenal V. Apex= Apex

LOSER BRACKET
1^st Round

Crew v. Blue Crush=Blue Crush

Salsa v. Nutech=Nutech

Next Level v. Best Damn Bar= Best Damn

Vickers v. Rogans= Vickers

2^nd Round

Khaos v. Blue Crush=Blue Crush

BOSS v. Nutech= BOSS

DO/Mushtube v Best Damn Bar= DO/Mush

Specialty Mod v. Vickers= Specialty Mod

3^rd Round

Blue Crush v. BOSS=Blue Crush

DO/Mush v. Specialty Mods= Specialty mods

4^th Round

Blue Crush v. Drama=Blue Crush

Specialty Mods v. Arsenal=Specialty Mods

5^th Round

Apex v. Blue Crush=Apex

FINAL= MUSH RELOADED vs. APEX=Apex

IF GAME= MUSH RELOADED V. Apex=MUSH RELOADED

Big Hoss C and D Predictions for Strawberry Fest.

2011-05-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

With a lot of the C teams either taking the weekend off or playing elsewhere, this is a very small, but very open tournament for one of these teams to win and make a semi-statement moving forward.

C Tournament:

Winner's Bracket:

1st Round:

Fire in the Hole vs. Pepsi/Moose Lodge/Tanel Betta Duck: I believe this is the first time Pepsi/Moose Lodge will be playing together as a team. They have some names on their roster that I am familiar with, this game should be competitive, but I like that Fire in the Hole have been playing already on the year and the core has played together for a while.

Winner: Fire in the Hole

2nd Round:

Great Lakes Express vs. Toledo Borrachos: Borrachos another real good team from the Toledo area has moved up a level each of the last couple of year finishing in the top 10 percent in worlds and winning E worlds back in 09. This should be a very good and competitive game from both teams.

Winner: Toledo Borrachos

Mayhem vs. Fire in the Hole: Mayhem has a real good tournament last weekend finishing in 2nd place and looked like the Mayhem team that we have all grown accustom to watching playing. I believe they will ride that momentum into this tournament and continue to play great ball.

Winner: Mayhem

Winner's Bracket Finals:

Mayhem vs. Toledo Borrachos: The Borrachos have beaten R&L twice on the year already and R&L has beaten Mayhem on the year, so it would make sense to pick the Borrachos in this game, but I like Mayhem in this tournament and them playing close to home I believe helps as well.

Winner: Mayhem

Loser's Bracket:

1st Round:

Pepsi/Moose Lodge vs. Great Lakes Express: I think GLX will rebound nicely in this game after a tough battle with Borrachos in their first game.

Winner: Great Lakes Express

2nd Round:

Great Lakes Express vs. Fire in the Hole: GLX will continue rolling in this game beating a scrappy Fire in the Hole team.

Winner: Great Lakes Express

Loser's Bracket Finals:

Great Lakes Express vs. Toledo Borrachos: The Borrachos got the best of them in their first match up and I don't see this one being much different. Toledo wins another close game.

Winner: Toledo Borrachos

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Toledo Borrachos vs. Mayhem: Can the Borrachos make it two straight weeks that an Ohio team comes to a Michigan tournament and wins it? I do see this game going to the "IF" game, but at the end I think Mayhem will do enough to win this tournament.

Winner: Mayhem

D Tournament

1st Round:

Crew vs. Drama: We have a split squad game here with some of the normal Drama players, playing with the Crew this weekend. This game should be a lot of fun and really close as well.

Winner: Drama

Blue Crush vs. Specialty Modification: This will be the first time I get to see Blue Crush on the year, heard they have made some additions, it will be interesting to see how they gel in this tournament.

***UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK***

Winner: Specialty Modification

DO/Mushtube vs. Team Salsa: I am pretty sure Salsa is a very competitive league team out of the Waterford area, heard they have some pretty big sticks in their line up. DO/Mushtube is coming off back to back impressive finishes in their past two tournaments.

Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

Mush Reloaded vs. Nutech/Brotherhood: Don't know anything about Nutech and I am not sure if Mush will have their full squad there this weekend, so this could go either way. But I will take the Mush guys.

Winner: Mush Reloaded

BOSS Softball vs. Next Level Softball:

Winner: BOSS Softball

Arsenal vs. Best Damn Bar:

Winner: Arsenal

Khaos vs. Vickers: I think this is a very interesting match up, I heard a lot about Vickers and have been waiting to get a chance to see them play, Khaos definitely needs a bounce back weekend here.

Winner: Khaos

Apex Softball vs. Rogan's Metal: Apex is another team looking for a bounce back weekend after struggling in their past couple of tournaments. They started out on fire, but once the real tournament season has began they have cooled off.

Winner: Apex Softball

2nd Round:

Drama vs. Specialty Modification: With only half their squad playing on their team this weekend, I do like Specialty Modification to pull off another upset in this round.

Winner: Specialty Modification

DO/Mushtube.com vs. Mush Reloaded: I do believe the series is tied up on the year one game a piece, so this is an early rubber match for these two teams. If Mush does have their full roster there I do believe they win the game, but I am not sure if they will and I am too lazy right now to text anyone on their team to ask so I am assuming they won't.

Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

BOSS Softball vs. Arsenal:

Winner: BOSS Softball

Apex vs. Khaos: This should be a very good and competitive game, both teams are pretty similar to each other and I believe Apex has one win in this series already. I believe this is the weekend that Khaos starts to turn things around

Winner: Khaos

Winner's Semi-Finals:

Specialty Modification vs. DO/Mushtube.com: This is where the string of upsets for Specialty Modification will end on the weekend, with DO/Mushtube.com winning this game.

Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

BOSS Softball vs. Khaos: Even though Khaos is showing signs of turning it around if they win their first two games of this tournament. BOSS Softball is a very good team out of Ohio and I just haven't seen enough from Khaos on the year to have them win this game.

Winner: BOSS Softball

Winner's Finals:

DO/Mushtube.com vs. BOSS Softball: This will be the third weekend in a row that DO/Mushtube has made it to the winner bracket finals. In the previous two they did not win the game, but I do believe the third time is a charm.

Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

Loser's Bracket:

1st Round:

Crew vs. Blue Crush:

Winner: Blue Crush

Salso vs. Nutech:

Winner: Salsa

Next Level Softball vs. Best Damn Bar:

Winner: Best Damn Bar

Rogan's Metal vs. Vickers

Winner: Vickers

2nd Round:

Apex vs. Blue Crush:

Winner: Apex

Arsenal vs. Salsa:

Winner: Salsa

Mush Reloaded vs. Best Damn Bar:

Winner: Mush Reloaded

Drama vs. Vickers

Winner: Vickers

3rd Round:

Apex vs. Salsa

Winner: Apex

Mush Reloaded vs. Vickers:

Winner: Mush Reloaded

4th Round:

Apex vs. Specialty Modification:

Winner: Apex

Mush Reloaded vs. Khaos

Winner: Mush Reloaded

Loser's Semi-Finals:

Apex vs. Mush Reloaded:

Winner: Mush Reloaded

LOSERS FINALS:

Mush Reloaded vs. BOSS Softball:

Winner: Mush Reloaded

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Mush Reloaded vs. DO/Mushtube.com: Mush fights their way back to the championship game, I do believe this will go to the "IF" game with Mush Reloaded winning the 1st game in a close one, they tie the series on the year. But not only do I think they will win the 1st game, I think we will see the first double dip of the year as well to take the championship game.

Winner: Mush Reloaded

I hope everyone has a good time this weekend at the Strawberry Fest, it is always fun tournament and a very good time. Remember while enjoying your beverages this weekend, BE SAFE!

Big Hoss

The Softball Guy's E Predictions for the Strawberry Festival

2011-05-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

Softball Guy

Strawberry Festival E Predictions
05/20/11

First Round:

Heidelberg v. Own It Realty/DO: I’ve been hearing rumblings of a new DO E team. With the leadership that goes along with DO, I’d assume they can put together a solid enough squad to get through to the 2^nd round.

Winner: Own It realty/DO

All American Sports Bar v. XFactor: X Factor was thought to be a threat in E Softball this year. They may make a run this weekend.

Winner: X Factor

Avenue Sports Bar v. Bright Horizon Bright horizon made a few solid pickups over the off season and has the potential to be in the top half all tournament.

Winner: Bright Horizon

MI Assasins v. Northwest Pipe: If the Assasins can stay hitting and limit their errors, they have an opportunity to play late Saturday.

Winner: Assasins

Motor City Cocks v. Tanel 360: This is a tough one but Tanel hasn’t faced a TON of adversity yet, have to go with the Cocks here.

Winner: Motor City Cocks.

Avenue/Jamboozies v. Represent/Biggamers: Represent lost a significant bat in their lineup this week but has enough to win this first one.

Winner: Represent/Biggamers

Cobras v. Repo Monkey: Repo by a landslide.

Winner: Repo

Agent X v. Irish Swagger: I’m actually hoping to see Irish Swagger win their first few so that we can see what they do when they only have to play 4 or 5 games a day, rather than 8.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Detroit Basers v. Reloaded: Basers have a lot of talent and had a good run in Canton without the Big Boys there last week. They’ll be confident and should ride that into Saturday afternoon.

Winner: Basers

MC Push/Clark Building v. MushSportz.com: MC Push made it’s way into my top 5 this week because of their abilities. They lost their best player, but should be ok early. Don’t sleep on MushSportz though they are sneaky.

Winner: MC Push

Aftermath/Red-Eye v. Trust Sports Softball: Trust Sports should be confident after their first tournament win of the season last week at Canton. The true test will be this week, even though it’s still a festival.

Winner: Trust Sports

Motor City S.W.A.T. v. MRM Mechanical: MRM Mechanical is a new team, don’t know much about them.

Winner: S.W.A.T.

Ball Hawgz v. Blazers: Blazers beat RepoMonkey a few weeks ago. We’ll see if it was a fluke.

Winner: Blazers

Second Round:

Trust Sports/Wicked/Mario v. Own It Realty/DO: Should be one of the interesting match-ups of the weekend. Expect a loud game and a lot of hard hits.

Winner: Trust

XFactor v. Bright Horizon

Winner: XFactor

MI Assasins v. MC Cocks

Winner: MC Cocks

Represent/Big Gamers vs. Detroit Syndicate: Detroit Syndicate ran out of steam last week but they’re a young team, expect a bounce back weekend.

Winner: Syndicate

Repo Monkey v. Irish Swagger

Winner: Repo

Detroit Basers v. MC Push

Winner: MC Push

Trust Sports v. S.W.A.T.

Winner: S.W.A.T.

Blazers v. Turmoil

Winner: Turmoil

Third Round

Trust v. XFactor

Winner: Trust

MC Cocks vs. Syndicate

Winner: Cocks

Repo V. Push

Winner: Repo

Trust v. Turmoil

Winner: Trust

Fourth Round

Trust v. Cocks:

Winner: Trust

Repo V. Trust

Winner: Repo

Fifth round: Trust V. Repo

Winner: Trust

Loser’s Bracket

1^st Round

Cobras v. Agent X

Winner Agent X

Reloaded vs. MushSportz.com

Winner: Mushsportz.com

Aftermath v. MRM Mechanical

Winner: Aftermath

All American v. Avenue Sports Bar

Winner: All American

Northwest Piping v. Tanel 360/Vivios

Winner: Tanel 360/Vivios

2^nd Round

Blazers v. Agent X

Winner: Agent X

Swat v Mushsportz.com

Winner: Mushsportz.com

Detroit BAsers v. Aftermath

Winner: Basers

Ball Hawgz v. Irish Swagger

Winner: Irish Swagg

Heidelberg v. Represent/Biggamers

Winner: Represent/Biggamers

Assasins v. All American

Winner: Assasins

Bright Horizon v. Tanel 360/Vivios

Winner: Bright Horizon

Avenue/Jamboozies v. Own it Realty/Do

Winner: Own It realty/DO

3^rd Round

Agent X v. Mushsportz

Winner: Agent X

Basers v. Irish Swagg:

Winner: Irish Swagg

Represent/Biggamers v. Assasins

Winner: Represent/Biggamers

Bright Horizon v. Own It realty/Do

Winner: Own it/DO

4^th Round

X Factor v. Syndicate

Winner: X Factor

MC Push/Clark v. Own it Realty/DO

Winner: MC Push

5^th Round

Trust Sports v. X Factor

Winner: Trust Sports

Cocks v. Push

Winner: Push

6^th Round: Trust v. Push

Winner: Trust Sports

7^th Round REPO v. Trust Sports Softball

Winner: Trust

FINAL:

Trust Sports/Wicked Sports/Mario vs. Trust Sports Softball

WINNER: TRUST SPORTS/Wicked/Mario No “If game needed”

The Softball Guy's C and D Rankings

2011-05-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Volume 1
05/19/11

C Rankings

1. TGI: They have a number of 1^st place finishes, one 3^rd place finish, and a 5^th place finish at a major, finishing 2-2 with an average runs scored per game of almost 30 runs. They are the most consistant, here-to-stay C team I have seen.

2. LineDrive: Photo finish for the #1 spot this week after LineDrive puts on a show at the Major this past weekend and beating TGI. They are a solid team. Their bats seem to be alive, and if they can play solid defense, they’ll be able to avoid mishaps like losing to MushReloaded.

3. P&P 333 Going 0-2 at the Major, P&P lost by 2 runs to a B team, and put up 23 runs against an A team. Anyone that can hang with the big boys like that deserves credit and lands themselves in the top 5.

4. Mayhem: they’ve had their way with a number of D teams, and seem to be a solid team in May. I’m hesitant to make them a legitimate threat in C, but they have a good squad, a bunch of nice guys, and I’m hoping for the best out of this bunch.

5. Korody: I don’t have a lot of options here, but Korody has the talent and the opportunity to stay in the top 5. I don’t believe they will, but we’ll see. They only beat Perkins by 2, and lost to D-Nation. They’re supposed to be better than that, and I think they will improve as the summer progresses.

D Rankings

1. MushReloaded: With a few wins against significant C teams, and coming off their first tournament win of the season down in Ohio, they are the real deal. #1 right now with a prediction to be #1 the rest of the summer.

2. DO/Mushtube: I’m not sure if 2 losses to Trust/Wicked says something about how DO should have won those games or that Trust is too good for E, but they are 0-2 against E teams, but have made significant improvement since their 1-2 spring states showing. They now have a second and third place finish and if their coach makes the right moves at the right time in the games they should be a force in D all summer.

3. Apex: I don’t know a TON about this team other than they ran through the Taylor Mudfest a few weeks ago. They had to beat a few solid teams to get there but we’ll know more after this month is over. Don’t sleep on Apex, stay tuned, tons of raw talent, needing to put it together.

4. Detroit Phillies: Coming off a 3^rd place finish in Ohio, they have C talent hidden on a D team. With work, they could be a top 3 team.

5. D-Nation: Mixed results for the vote on the board about their uniforms, I personally like them, the fact that they use the Old English D, and I love Monster so that’s cool too. On to softball… They don’t seem to have the consistency they were looking for at the beginning of the season but don’t count them out. They have the talent and the personnel to make a name in D, but they have to get started NOW if they want to get on a role.

Surprise of the week: Detroit Phillies
-Finishing 3^rd at the D NIT in Ohio going 3-2, the Phillies could be a force to be reckoned with.

Flop of the week: Khaos
-losing to Joe’s and Blue Crush, both by 5. Could have been worse, but they have too much potential to be finishing 0-2 ever.

Buddha's Rankings for C, D and E

2011-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Top 5 in C

1.TG/TPS - Yes they lost to Linedrive this weekend, but they also had a great run over on the west side in another association and are still the most consistent so far this year in C

2. Line Drive - I'm giving them a big climb this week. Went down and played well enough in C'Bus to have other teams whining about them on another message board or 2. Picking up right where they should be, I expect them to play a bunch of Sundays this season

3. R & L - A great weekend for them. Staying consistent on both side of the ball is going to make them tough to beat

4. Plumbers - A rough go this week for them but they are a still a team that can win any game at any time. I would like to see them play some of the top 3 more closely or get a win, but time will tell

5. Mayhem - Back where I saw them after a rough start this year, a solid 2nd place finish puts them back in the top 5. Now let's see if it's the norm or the exception

Surprise of the week - Korody

I'm not sure how surprising it is for some, but they just haven't looked good so far this year and a 2-2 finish could right the ship for this team

Disappointment of the Week - Great Lakes

After a good Spring States run, they followed it with a not so great showing this past weekend. They're looking a little inconsistent right now, and need to find a groove quick in this tough C class

Top 5 in D

1. Mush Reloaded - Hard to argue with all the success they're having right now. They are the team to beat in D

2. DO/Mushtube - Another great tourney, finishing as the highest D team this weekend. I still think their defense and pitching need some fine tuning, but they are looking good right now

3. Perkins - Based on overall performance, I'm gonna keep them up here for now. A decent showing again this weekend, and getting better it seems with each tourney

4. Drama - A week off doesn't do them much harm as they will play as much ball as any team in D this year, and will be a tough team all season

5. Phillies - A good weekend for them in Ohio, with their only 2 losses coming to the teams that played the finals. They looked more like a team this weekend and could be starting to get rolling

Surprise of the week - Phillies

It's good to see these guys getting ready to give good games to their competition

Dissapointment of the week - D Nation

I hung on to them last week thinking they would turn it around, and they flat out didn't. They have their work cut out for them if they want to get back up towards the top in D

Top 5 in E

1. Trust/Wicked - Nothing else to say. Still the best team in E

2. Repo Monkey - Still going to be playing a lot of Sunday ball and with their full line up, are a force in E

3. Trust Sports - A nice win, a line up that the team seems to like and is comfortable with and playing good offense and defense. They could be trouble for a lot of teams in E

4. Irish Swagger - Like them or not they keep winning softball games. If they could just stay out of the losers side for an extra game or 2, they'd be tough to beat

5. X-Factor - A solid weekend down in Sylvania finishing 3-2 for 4th place against all Ohio teams this past weekend.

Surprise of the week - Syndicate

They way they've been running as of late, and rumblings about problems within the team, they came out to their home turf and a nice showing this weekend

Disappointment of the week - MC Venom

A culmination of the season to date, but they are struggling to get anything going so far this year.

Good luck to all the teams in Strawberry Fest this weekend! Always a good time!

~Buddha

The Softball Guy's E Rankings

2011-05-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Softball Guy

Volume 1
05/18/11

After a short hiatus, I am back, and will try to update my E,D, and C rankings and thoughts weekly. I try to be unbiased and opinionated and if anyone would like to get their thoughts out through me, please feel free to contact me, my information is below.

E Rankings:

1. Trust/Wicked Sports/Mario: This team was off last weekend with a few of them playing in an NSA tournament in Jackson. Regardless, they seem to be the real deal. It’s mid-way through May, and all of the rumors about the “super team” that Lanvers and Rodney put together seem to be spot on. They have a deep lineup, a solid outfield, and their infield is better than most. We’ll see how they do come late August, but I’m curious to see whether they can match up with E team from Texas when they’re down in Florida this fall.

2. Trust Sports Softball (JV/Luigi): They had a nice run in Canton this past weekend. With the Big Boys sitting out, they had a chance to match up with the teams they “had” to beat to earn any credibility. After rolling Assasins, they went 7 innings to beat Riot, broke a 3-3 tie in the 7^th to beat Syndicate, and handled Irish Swagger to take down their first tournament win of the season. They played well top to bottom, and their new pitcher gave them a chance to win all day. They beat Irish Swagger to win the Championship in what I think was Swagg’s 8^th game of the day so I’ll be keeping an eye on this rivalry for the next month or two.

3. RepoMonkey: Repo went 0-2 in the D/E two weekends ago and lost to MushSportz.com and Blazers. I know they have talent and will be a force in E if they use their top to bottom depth and speed on the base baths. They lost to Blazers, who beat Khaos (which isn’t saying much) who is a “D” team, so I’m not ready to bump Repo from the top three quite yet.

4. Irish Swagger: If they can stay consistent and not lose any of their players, I think they’ll stay a top-5 team all season. Bulldogs were a good team last year, and a lot of them come from there. The problem they seem to run into is that they lose early and have to battle back. They don’t seem to have a problem going through the loser’s bracket yet, but it seems that they tend to run out of steam late in the day. A loss to a surprisingly good Detroit Basers early this past weekend in Canton bumped them from the Winner’s bracket and forced them to roll through Venom, SWAT, RIOT, Basers, and a 22-4 win over Syndicate to face Trust (trust’s 4^th game) in an win or go home Championship game. From the sounds of it, there are a few guys available willing to go to this team, and with some consistency, they could stay in the top 5 all summer.

5. MC Push/Clark Building: some would expect Syndicate to be in the top 5 but with an over-all losing record, and the big loss to Trust and Irish Swagger, they’ve been replaced. I had the opportunity to watch Push at spring states, and was impressed with their top-to-bottom talent. They lost their best player to Trust, so we’ll see if they can rebound/replace and continue to stay effective both offensively and defensively. If they can shore up a leadership role from a talented hitter, they could be a top five team.

Surprise of the week:

Detroit Basers: seems like people keep saying this about the Detroit Basers, maybe one of these weeks they’ll break into the top 5. They have a lot of raw talent, but seem to lack consistency. Keep an eye on them , they could be a force in E.

Flop of the Week:

Motor City Venom: Appear to have only one win on the season against S.O.S. Softall. They went 0-2 in Canton this weekend losing by a combined 34 runs to Assasins and Irish Swagger. These guys seem to have support and organization, but their skills and ability need a shakeup if they expect to stay together this season. I can’t imagine doing this all summer long, unless they are truly out to enjoy the cold beer, the warm air.

Random thoughts: The Assasins went 3-2 this weekend. They have a lot of guys that are new to softball, and seem to keep improving. Their coach has a winning attitude and seems to be willing to make the moves to create w inning team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them creep into the top 5 by July. As mentioned in the “Surprise of the Week”, the Detroit Basers have the ability to finish the summer with a combined winning record If they can stay together. Detroit Syndicate is a good team. I would like to rank them 5^th, but after the pounding they took in their 2 losses this weekend, I just couldn’t. They have the tools to win a few tournaments but seem to lack the maturity be a consistent top 5 team.

IF you have any questions, concerns, complaints or would like to add your two cents to my weekly thoughts, feel free to email me at SoftballGuy2011@gmail.com

Big Hoss C and D Rankings with some E chatter

2011-05-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

With teams playing in a couple of different areas this past weekend it definitely made for an entertaining weekend to get updates and keep track of how the out of state teams were doing. This was no exception in C where you had Line Drive, TG and P&P all playing in Columbus, IN in the major tournament this past weekend.

Top 5 in C:

1. Line Drive: They get the slight edge of TG this week in my Rankings. The two teams got to meet up this past weekend, with Line Drive winning the game by 10 runs. Line Drive finished the tournament undefeated and got a share of 1st place with the rain shortened tournament.

2. TG/TPS: They finished 2-2 this past weekend in the Major tournament, but they are probably the hottest team in softball right now, winning tournaments in every association that they play in. They definitely made the jump from D to C with ease and I believe they will only get better through out the year.

3. R&L Concrete: With arguably the "best" 3 C teams in the state playing out of state this past weekend, R&L took advantage of the opportunity given to them this past weekend by winning the C/D NIT at LPA finishing with a perfect record beating some real good competition in the process. Just like TG I believe this team will only get better as the season continues.

4. P&P 333: Even though Plumbers went 0-2 this past weekend at the Major tournament, they remain in the top 5 this week. They showed how they stack up against local competition a few weeks back at LPA and I believe that playing up in tournaments will only make your team stronger when it comes September.

5. Mayhem: Mayhem bounced back nicely this weekend making a very deep run after an early lost to Elk & Elk to finishing in 2nd place in this tournament. You would figure it was only a matter of time before they started gelling and winning some games, this teams is too talented to have a weekend like they did a few weeks ago.

Surprise Team of the Week:

Korody: Don't know if it was too much of a surprise, but I did want to give the Korody guys some love for a very solid tournament and finishing in 4th place this past weekend. Hopefully they can build on this weekend for their upcoming tournaments.

Flop of the Week:

I really didn't see a flop team in C this past weekend, most teams finished round about where I thought they would with the top C teams in this tournament separating themselves from the bottom C teams.

Top 5 in D:

1. Mush Reloaded: They won their tournament down in Sylvania this past weekend against some pretty good D competition down there. You always have to enjoy having a Michigan team go out of state, especially that state to the south of us and bring back a championship. Getting this first tournament championship is huge for this team, they didn't want to start off slow this year.

2. DO/Mushtube.com: After finishing 2nd in the D/E a couple of weekends ago, they following up this past weekend by finishing 3rd in the C/D and they were the top finishing D team as well. I believe this is a team that hasn't even come close to peaking yet and when they do, it should make D a lot more interesting to watch.

3. Detroit Phillies: Another team that traveled out of state this past weekend, they finished 3rd after an early lost to Mush Reloaded in the tournament. Phillies are a team that will compete all year and be very consistent at the D level and shock a team or two in the process.

4. Detroit Drama: They took this past weekend off and I hear that they are taking the next couple of weekends off as well, this maybe the only way that they get out of the top 5 of my Rankings. But, I am sure as soon as they play again they will find themselves back in the top 5.

5. Perkins Insurance: They finished with a respectable 2-2 this past weekend losing to DO/Mushtube and a real tight one with Korody. This is another team that I believe will be very consistent all year in D and will give the "top" teams at the D level a run for their money.

Surprise Team of the Week:

Blue Crush: After a real bad start to the year, they had a nice run this past weekend finishing 2-2 and both games that they loss were real close. This is what this team might of needed to get some confidence back, I know they are not playing a whole lot this year and they are short handed, but I think they will be alright when it counts.

Flop of the Week:

D-Nation: This could of gone to either D-Nation or Khaos, but since I believe I picked Khaos last week, I will pick D-Nation this week. They have been struggling since their nice run at the C/D a few weeks back. This gives them 5 straight losses and back to back 0-2 tournaments.

E Chatter:

Trust Sports Softball: I am not sure if I have seen a team finish 4th (Spring States) then do a complete roster make over getting rid of some real big pieces to add some other within the course of 1 tournament like I have with Trust Sports. It did work for them this past weekend as they finished 1st place in Canton, then they made a few more key pick ups for the stretch run now that they are frozen. I really believe this team is definitely a top 3 team the rest of the way.

Detroit Basers: If I was doing E rankings, Detroit Basers would of been my surprise team of the week. They had a very good tournament this past weekend in Canton finishing in 4th place. I believe most of these guys are new to the tournament scene, but I like the fact that they have been playing most weekends and they continue to win some games that you don't think that they will win. I think they are ahead of the curve for a 1st year experience tournament team.

Irish Swagger: If these guys can just avoid losing that early game in a tournament it would only make them that more dangerous. I hear from a lot of people after they get done playing them say, their not that good, we should of beat them, but this team is pretty good and they are a scrappy bunch that the core has been playing together for a while now. They finished 2nd this past weekend after making a very impressive run in the loser bracket after another early lost in a tournament.

Well, that is all I have for this week's rankings. I am sure I will see most of you this weekend at Canton for the Strawberry Fest, everyone Have Fun and BE SAFE!

Big Hoss

Buddha's Predictions for E Qualifier in Canton 5/14/11

2011-05-13T23:10:00.001-07:00

1st Round

Assassins vs MC Venom - Winner: Assassins

Irish Swagger vs Avenue/Jamboozies - Winner: Irish Swagger

S.O.S Softball vs MC S.W.A.T. - Winner: S.O.S. Softball

2nd Round

Team Turmoil vs Detroit Riot - Winner: Detroit Riot

Trust Softball vs Assassins - Winner: Trust Softball

Irish Swagger vs Basers - Winner: Irish Swagger

S.O.S Softball vs Syndicate - Winner: Syndicate

3rd Round

Detroit Riot vs Trust Softball - Winner: Riot

Irish Swagger vs Syndicate - Winner: Irish Swagger

Winners Bracket Final

Riot vs Irish Swagger - Irish Swagger

Losers Bracket 1st Round

Avenue/Jamboozies vs Team Turmoil - Winner: Team Turmoil

Assassins vs MC S.W.A.T. - Winner: Assassins

Basers vs Venom - Winner: Basers

2nd Round

Turmoil vs Assassins - Winner: Assassins

Basers vs S.O.S. Softball - Winner: Basers

3rd Round

Assassins vs Syndicate - Winner: Syndicate

Basers vs Trust Softball - Winner: Trust Softball

4th Round

Syndicate vs Trust Softball - Winner: Trust Softball

Losers Bracket Final

Trust Softball vs Riot - Riot

Finals

Riot vs Irish Swagger - Winner: Irish Swagger

~Buddha

E World Qualifier 5/14/11 (Canton)

2011-05-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is another tournament that is wide open with some of the top teams taken the weekend off. Hopefully the rain holds off so they can get this tournament in.

Winner's Bracket

1st Round:

Assassins vs. Venom: Venom has struggled as of late, but this a type of tournament where they can get things rolling and get the confidence that they need. I really like where the direction the Assassins are going in, they had a real good outing at Spring States, and they do have home field advantage in this game.

Winner: MI Assassins

Irish Swagger vs. Avenue: Irish Swagger needs to avoid the start they had two weekends ago, even though they bounced back nicely in that tournament, it is definitely easier to finish a tournament when you avoid an early loss. I think Swagger will be ready in this game to avoid that scenario.

Winner: Irish Swagger

SOS Softball vs. Motor City SWAT: SOS has won their first game of the weekend the last two weekends, but haven't done much after that. Inconsistent pitching could hurt them in this game, but I do see SOS sneaking a win in the first game for the third straight week.

Winner: SOS Softball

2nd Round:

Turmoil vs. Riot: This should be a very good game, it is basically a coin flip. Whoever has the hammer in this one, probably will sneak out the win in the 7th:

Winner: Detroi Riot

Trust Sports vs. MI Assassins: I think this game will be a lot closer than people think. Trust adding a few new guys could take a minute for them to start gelling, Assassins need to take advantage of that early, if they don't it could be trouble.

Winner: Trust Sports

Basers vs. Irish Swagger: If Swagger plays up to their ability their is no reason for them to lose this game, Basers are a team that are very streaky and very inconsistent on the year so far.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Syndicate vs. SOS Softball: This is a good match up for Syndicate, they have been struggling as of late and this could be the perfect game to get their confidence and swagger back. Plus they are playing in Canton and they are very familiar will those fields.

Winner: Detroit Syndicate

Winner's Semi-Finals:

Detroit Riot vs. Trust Sports: Trust should have most of their guys here for this game and I think that will be a huge help for this game versus a very good and very scrappy Detroit Riot team. This is another game that I think will go down to the wire.

Winner: Trust Sports

Irish Swagger vs. Detroit Syndicate: This should be a very good game to watch, I can see this game getting very loud and chirpy, which I actually thinks plays into Irish Swagger hands, they have been involved in these types of games before and done very well in them.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Winner's Bracket Finals:

Trust Sports vs. Irish Swagger: Trust is losing a few guys for this game for various reasons, but I don't know if that would make a difference or not against Swagger who is a veteran bunch and does very well in these Canton tournaments. When Irish Swagger hits they are tough for anyone to beat especially with their top notch defense they have.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Loser's Bracket:

1st Round:

Avenue vs. Turmoil: I think this will be a nice bounce back game for the Turmoil guys, they are a scrappy bunch that is capable of beating any team in this tournament and any given time.

Winner: Turmoil

Motor City SWAT vs. MI Assassins: After a tough lost to Trust, Assassins should bounce back in this game and get back to their winning ways.

Winner: MI Assassins

Venom vs. Basers: This is definitely a winnable game from Venom, as long as they get solid pitching with good defense behind that pitching they should win.

Winner: Venom

2nd Round:

Turmoil vs. MI Assassins: This is a really tough game to call, like I said I think Turmoil is capable of beating anyone in this tournament, but the lose of Haidy pitching might have them struggle a bit in this tournament and Assassins could take advantage of that.

Winner: MI Assassins

Venom vs. SOS Softball: Another very winnable game for Venom, these are games that they must win and must build on for team chemistry and confidence heading later into tournaments.

Winner: Venom

3rd Round:

MI Assassins vs. Detroit Syndicate: As long as Syndicate keeps in composure after the Irish Swagger game and play their game, they should be able to find a way to beat Assassins in this one.

Winner: Detroit Syndicate

MC Venom vs. Detroit Riot: I think whoever jumps out early in this game is going to win this game, Riot has been playing more consistent ball on the year and I think that will help them bounce back after a tough loss.

Winner: Detroit Riot

Loser's Semi-Final:

Detroit Syndicate vs. Detroit Riot: This is a game where if both teams want to take the next step, they need to win. Two very similiar teams, young, athletic and can score runs in bunches at times. I give the slight edge to Syndicate in this one because of their defense.

Winner: Detroit Syndicate

Loser's Finals:

Detroit Synciate vs. Trust Sports: These two teams played each other down in Cincy where Syndicate came out on top in 8innings. Syndicate has been struggling since and Trust is has a much improved roster. The problem is that some of the key pick ups won't be there for this game.

Winner: Detroit Syndicate

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Detroit Syndicate vs. Irish Swagger: I think you will see a lot of the same chriping you did in the first game of this tournament between these two teams, but I don't believe this game will go to an "IF" game I think Irish Swagger wins a close one in the first game.

Winner: Irish Swagger

Hopefully the rain holds off for this tournament to go, if it does everyone Have Fun and BE SAFE!

Big Hoss

**Side Note**

X-Factor is down playing in Sylvania against some pretty good teams, so good luck to those guys down there, beat up on some Ohio teams for the rest of us.

C/D NIT Predictions for 5/14/11 by Big Hoss

2011-05-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

With 3 of the "top" C teams going out of state this weekend and the "top" D team also playing out of state, this tournament should be wide open for anyone to win.

Winner's Bracket

1st Round:

Best Damn Bar vs. Perkins Insurance: I don't know much about Best Damn Bar, I see that they have a couple of familiar names on their roster, but the one tournament they did play in, they didn't fair to well in. Perkins is coming off a pretty impressive first tournament last weekend, we will see if they can continue their winning ways this weekend.

Winner: Perkins Insurance

Pure Divine vs. R&L Concrete: This will be a very good test for Pure Divine to see where they measure against one of the top C teams in the area. R&L is loaded with Ohio talent, with some Michigan talent in there as well, I expect them to win this game pretty handidly.

Winner: R&L Concrete

Elk & Elk vs. Mayhem: This is not a very good draw for a struggling Mayhem team. I do believe whoever does win this game does have a great chance in making it into the championship game. I am giving the edge to Elk & Elk in this one with their veterans and leaders on their team.

Winner: Elk & Elk

2nd Round:

DO/Mushtube vs. Sand Baggers: This was a real close game the last time these two teams met and I expect the same kind of game this time around as well. It will be interesting to see if Sand Baggers can build of their performance from last week and if DO/Mushtube can do the same as well, especially without the R&L guys on their team this weekend.

Winner: DO/Mushtube.com

Perkins Insurance vs. D-Nation: D-Nation is looking to rebound after their lack luster performance last week and if they play anything like they did a couple of weeks ago in the C/D tournament, they could make a very deep run in this tournament. I give the slight edge though to Perkins in this game as of right now they are just more consistent of a team and that is because the core of them have been playing together for a while.

Winner: Perkins Insurance

R&L Concrete vs. Great Lakes Express: This should be a very good game and I think it will be close through out, both teams are pretty evenly match, but for one reason or another R&L seems to do very well in the tournaments at LPA.

Winner: R&L Concrete

Elk & Elk vs. Korody: Korody will have to hit with Elk & Elk if they want to win this one, if they can do that, I think they have the defense that could steal this game at the end, but if they don't hit with Elk & Elk this game could get very ugly.

Winner: Elk & Elk

Winner's Sem-Finals:

DO/Mushtube vs. Perkins Insurance: This was a pretty intense game last week and I expect the same thing out of these two games this weekend as well. DO got the best of Perkins that night, but I think the outcome might be different in this one. That is why this is my UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK.

Winner: Perkins Insurance

R&L Concrete vs. Elk & Elk: An all Ohio match up in this one, even though I detest everything Ohio this should be one of the better gams of the day. Both teams can be very explosive offensively, which always can lead into a exciting game for a fan to watch.

Winner: Elk & Elk

Winner's Finals:

Perkins Insurance vs. Elk & Elk: I really don't like this match up for Perkins, they are a very good D team, but Elk & Elk is a very good C team and the difference between the two can be huge. If Perkins jumps on Elk & Elk early they could make it interesting.

Winner: Elk & Elk

Loser's Bracket

1st Round:

Pure Divine vs. Sand Baggers: I don't think there is that much difference in these two teams, this game should be very close. Pure Divine did beat Sand Baggers a couple of weeks ago, so they will have some confidence going into this game, but so will Sand Baggers with their veterans on their team and them doing very well last weekend.

Winner: Pure Divine

Mayhem vs. D-Nation: D-Nation played Mayhem very tight a couple of weeks ago and lost a close one to them. This game could be very similiar, but I think Mayhem will be looking to make a statement in this tournament and try to make a run.

Winner: Mayhem

Best Damn Bar vs. Great Lakes Express: I expect a huge bounce back game from GLX in this game, they will be posed to make a run through the loser's bracket and get to that championship game.

2nd Round:

Pure Divine vs. Mayhem: Mayhem starts to get on a role for the first time all year as I see them beating Pure Divine in this game.

Winner: Mayhem

Great Lakes Express vs. Korody: Should be a very good game to watch and a very close game as well, I think GLX edges out Korody in this game.

Winner: Great Lakes Express

3rd Round:

Mayhem vs. R & L Concrete: These two teams had a lot of classic and close battles through out the year last year, with this being the first time the two teams are meeting up this year, I definitely think you will see another classic battle between these two teams.

Winner: Mayhem

Great Lakes Express vs. DO/Mushtube.com: DO is going to have to score a lot of runs to hang in this game, which we know they are capable of, but they can get inconsistent offensively at times and they will definitely hurt them if that happens in this game versus GLX.

Winner: Great Lakes Express

Loser's Bracket Semi-Finals:

Great Lakes Express vs. Mayhem: I believe this is where Mayhem's run comes to an end in this tournament with GLX edging them out in the late innings.

Winner: Great Lakes Express

Loser's Bracket Finals:

Great Lakes Express vs. Perkins Insurance: Another match up that I don't reallly like Perkins in, especially if GLX is rolling through the loser's bracket at this point. Perkins keeps it close at first, but I believe GLX will pull away late.

Winner: Great Lakes Express

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Great Lakes Express vs. Elk & Elk: I do believe with GLX on fire to this point that they will take this to the "IF" game, but then I think Elk & Elk will regroup and rebound to win the 2nd game in this match up.

Winner: Elk & Elk

Let's hope the rain holds off enough to get this tournament in tomorrow. Good Luck to the Michigan teams that are heading out of state this weekend as well. See you all tomorrow, Have Fun and BE SAFE!

Big Hoss