This time of year summer burby is a distant memory and we are all focused on our family and friends and the stress that comes with trying to finish off our Christmas lists. If we could all ask Santa for one burby related gift, what would it be?  Let's have a look at a couple things that TBL teams might be hoping Santa comes down the chimney with...

The Beach Dusters - The champions are still milking the win and enjoying the fruits of their labor but they have assured us all they will be even more hungry in defense of their title. If Jack Cherry wrote to Santa he would ask for an injury-free season. The Dusters would be downright scary if Strevens/Toman could keep their arms fresh and pain-free all year, not to mention Cherry has some unfinished business as a reliever and would love to be healthy enough to contribute there too.

North York Masons - All things considered this was a wonderful season for the TBL's favorite underdogs. There isn't alot to ask for when you come up a little short in the title game but if Rob Leth had one thing in mind, it might be hits. The Masons had the fewest total hits and lowest team average in the league. They have found their ace in Meredith, now they just need to gets hits with more consistency to back him up.

 

Saint Clair Saints - The Saints keep getting a visit from the Ghost of Christmas PASS, meaning they can't stop giving opposing players a free base. The gritty West End crew may appreciate a bigger box in 2014, but Santa is more likely to give them a more accurate arm. Marc DiRenzo is rumored to be hitting the cages this offseason.....with a pitching coach!!! St.Clair proves every year that they don't need charity and Santa can go f**k himself.

             St.Clair hands out their own gifts. Just ask Steve "Kringle" DiRenzo

Leslieville Brickies - Santa was good to the Brickies last year as they found Matty Kowall under the tree and he went on to win the R.O.Y award. Adrian Golombek might be writing down consistency on his list. The Brickies scored 96 runs and had a team ERA of 2.12 but ultimately did not reach the big game for the first time ever. If the Brickies game on the field matched the consistent level of instensity and preperation of Golombek before games, I think we could see them return to the final.

Roncesvalles Rockets - If the Rockets were a Christmas movie they would be National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Wacky, fun and unpredictable...but we all know the one thing they need. If Majster opens up his present and gets a 14 game letter of commitment from DY/Joe this team has the pieces to challenge for first place, and a title.

 

Birchcliff Bears - The Bears have always hung their hat on pitching and timely hitting to win tight games. They already got their stocking stuffer in the form of Rob Scotland signing a lucrative contract. Jason Darby didn't really address the teams biggest need with that signing so he'll have to ask Santa for some steroids. The Bears hit just 5 HR as a team all of last season, obviously last in the league in that category.

Don Valley Vikings - The Vikings changed alot of peoples minds as last season wore on and gained some serious respect. Let's be honest though, the last place team will always have alot of gifts and gadgets on their list. If Angelo Nitzis writes Santa, he's gotta be asking for an ace. The Vikes showed they can string together some runs when they are hot...but the pitching has always let them down when it counts.

       LOOKS LIKE THERE IS ALREADY SOMETHING UNDER THE TREE FOR DON  VALLEY

 

As for myself, I just hope to have another great season of burby both as a player and a fan. I am really looking forward to playing in Tier 2 and getting to meet even more great burby friends along the way. Here's hoping you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday season, Merry Christmas TBL.

 

Rob Scotland & Adrian Golombek