Premier Conference Predictions
This off-season for the Premier Conference has been frantic to say the least. The majority of teams have improved their roster to make this group very evenly matched going in to 2015. Here is a quick preview and rankings of these teams in what should be the most competitive year in the TBL to date.
Well the best hitting team in the league just acquired one of the best pitchers in the TBL. Joel Heard who last year with the now defunct Leaside Aeros was a strikeout specialist. While he shuts down opposing players the DiRenzo brothers along with TBone and Middy will do what they do best. Put up a ton of runs in what could be THE YEAR for the St.Clair Saints.
Prediction 1st place
After a couple years of underachieving at the plate Birch Cliff decided to go out and get some help. Mike Wesson will look to be the savior for this squad. Some say he could be the best hitter in the league. If that's the case then the Bears will be Hoisting the cup once again. Art Stoner,Jason Darby and JP will get back to dominant form and Scott "Wild Thing" Baker should continue his steady pace on the mound.
Prediction 2nd place
The 2014 champs are setting up nicely for another big run this year. No upgrades were needed but the Leslieville Brickies know exactly what they need to improve upon. The Snowman, Rocky, Matty K and The Grinder ended the year with great chemistry as they shattered the TBL records for RBI's and BB's. Time will tell if this team suffers from a Burby Cup hangover.
Prediction 3rd Place
Cliffside is another team that added a huge bat to the lineup. Former batting champ and 2 time ring holder Ashley Allinson will vault this team further up the standings. Gino Collura could emerge as a top 5 pitcher but can the bullpen hold up to win games? The pressure is on for reliever Rob Sanfrancesco "treat". The Heights should be involved in some late inning shoot outs.
Prediction 4th Place
When you lose a player who the previous year took home POY and league MVP honors it's hard for that team to continue their past success. The loss of Derek Young and the fact that several teams got better this off season can only mean a drop in the standings for this powerhouse. Sure Joe Callahan will coast on the mound and there's no doubt Greg Majster will crank out dinger after dinger, but the Rockets season rests solely on newly acquired Rob Skasko. Can he get through 2 innings? Can he hit? Right now the odds are not in Roncesvalles favour.
Prediction 5th place
Normally a new franchise gets ranked at the bottom of the standings but Bellwoods is filled with veterans, big bats and a lot of heart. Reminiscent of past St. Clair teams this squad should put up a ton of runs but may find it hard to keep opposing batters off the stat sheet. Teams will try and stay away from Leon"Big Papi" Perez and newly aquired Ryan Avey. Pitching wise if Leon and Andreas Constantinou don't adapt to the premier bats then it could be a long season of kicking trash cans.
Prediction 6th Place
This team is much better than their low ranking but unfortunately you never know how the injuries are going to affect the pitching staff. If Chris Toman can get off to a good start at the plate then there really are no holes in the Dusters batting lineup. If Jack Cherry can harness that brilliant pitching performance we saw in last years playoffs then all bets are off. No matter the ranking The Beach boys always predict a deep playoff run.
Prediction 7th Place
North York decided not to keep up with the Joneses. This mid level team has now dropped to the bottom. But you have to admire a team that doesn't want to go out and get outside help. Do they have an elite player? Former Slugger of the Year Rob Leth is apparently in great shape after a winter of pond hockey. But the rest of the Masons are question marks. Every year however they manage well above predicted wins. If you don't play your best then they will beat you. It's that simple.
Prediction 8th place.
