Well I finally was able to get to write on this forum, sorry it was so late but I was completely severed from the outside world due to contracting a nasty virus that was probably downloaded by one of my kids. Ironically, said virus was probably created by some prepubescent who at the tender age of 12 already has far superior computer savvy than me.
This little episode entailed me actually having to initiate a dialogue with one of the wonderful non-English speaking tech support people who seemingly fill just about every single job in the technology industry.
Anyway, I hope you like the mid year report card.
Angus Glen = B+ Great hitters. The big difference-maker has been their bats.
Arms = B Young and strong, much improved. They had a great draft. Great veterans added.
Blacksmith’s Bistro = C+ Started strong………fading with the summer heat?
Crupilaw = B The gloves have gaping holes. They have exceptional hitters. Among the massively over-performing teams, they are doing better than expected.
DBS = D Still learning to win. They are great group of gentlemen.
DST Output = A Immense power with the bats and solid in the field.
Flakeboard = B Great guys that seem to lack leadership.
Griffith = D+ Slight improvements this year but need better overall defense.
Village Grocer = B++ The most improved team of the year. The most fundamental basis for this improvement has been the defensive.
Harding Display = A+ Youth, speed, strength and they also have outstanding leadership.
Kelsey's = D They only have 2 real players.
M.A.S. = C A fun team that will get it together by the end of the year.
Nvision/Ed’s = A+ The best in the USPL at finding ways to win, regardless of their lack of infielder talent.
Complete Plumbing = B Inconsistence all year long. Undoubtedly there are positives on this team.
Remax = C+ Learning to live without their two best players has been a challenge. But will win it again this year.
School = C Their outfielders need to be improved. Pitching is irate.
Travel Lovers = D- A very disappointing first half. Inexperience is their biggest impediment.
Wing It = B+ Really really nice guys with great bats and gloves.
winnberg
July 7, 2009 10:02:24 AM
Entry #: 3207806
Interesting take...the #3 team in the league (Harding) gets the best overall grade. Other than that glaring oversight, I tend to agree with most of the grades you've handed out.
I'm also impressed that you spent the time and effort to put this together.
Purelife
July 7, 2009 4:41:22 PM
Entry #: 3208344
I agree with most of the comments and grades except for two of them. The Arms scored a “B” with two wins, ok. Travel Lovers score a “D-“ with four wins. These scores defy common sense.
Remax will “win it again” but they got a “C”.
eyes
July 7, 2009 5:35:42 PM
Entry #: 3208425
Winnberg, Eds also received an A+ and both teams deserve it,DST gets an A only because they are in the weaker division.This whole peice was one of the best and most thought out comments done.
Good job
Hard Express
July 7, 2009 7:19:21 PM
Entry #: 3208526
If anyone would have told me that the standout team this year was Harding, I would have laughed at them, given them a wedgie and urinated on their car. Last year Harding was at best, mediocre. But no more. This season they may not loose another game. A 22 and 3 season. Consistent is the word that defines them.
CC & Coke
July 8, 2009 8:47:39 PM
Entry #: 3209674
Team with a chance: Nivision, DST, Harding and Grocer are near the top of the league in runs scored. There are also up their in runs allowed. Crupi is in the midst of a breakout season.
Trouble teams: Complete Plumbers, Wing it, Bistro and Remax are on a steady decline. Are their effective days over? All four are struggling to live up to pre season polls or past success.
Teams to watch: Arms, DBS, MAS, Flakeboard and the School are rebounding after slow starts but the future does look bright for all of them.
Say GOODNIGHT honey: Travel Lovers, Griffith, Kelsey’s and Angus are beginning to fade way s they play more games, and by the end of this month, could be looking forward to the 2010 draft.
A great year to this point, I would like to take the time to thanks all the executives and the umpires for a superior job year to date.
Matches
July 10, 2009 7:23:03 AM
Entry #: 3211057
POWER RANKINGS Rain was the going to be the story this week but we managed to get all the games in. When the games were played, much remained the same as Harding, Nvision/Ed and DST continue to dominate the league. The Harding/Nvision August 16th matchup is the season’s biggest to date with the winner gaining the upper hand in the race for the league’s number one team. Digital Business Systems are the week’s biggest movers they are on a three game winning streak:
1. Harding (10-3) – The Display boys stretched their winning streak to four and continue to dominate teams. Next week they face two tough teams, we shall see if the streak continues. Can they maintain first place overall and temporary bragging rights as the league best team?
2. Nvision/Ed (10-3-1) – Demolished the Grocer this week with one strong inning, they’ll look to make a statement against Angus this week to maintain top spot. They are currently on a five game winning streak.
3. DST (10-3) – A 1 and 1 week have a steady DST team sitting comfortably in third. One bad inning turned a close game against Remax into a blowout but the week was salvaged with a convincing blow out of Angus.
4. Falkebaord/Brent (7-4-1) – The Bisons extended their winless streak to two with a lost to the lowly MAS boys. Having scored one more run than they’ve allowed, Flakeboard will have to find ways to win the close ones or decline on this list.
5. Just Wing It (7-5-1) – The Wings went 1-1 this week losing by eight to the Angus, dismantling the dropping Bistro men by seven. With two games remaining against the Arms and four more against sub .500 teams, the Wings are in a great position to make a run at first overall.
6. Crupi (7-7) – It is with no surprise that the law men went 1-1 this week, besting the deprived Travel team by six, and losing to the improving School team by six. Earlier in the season they lost four straight, now the Crupi fellas have become a .500 team. However unless they can go on a run and play some defense, it looks like they’ll be starting the playoffs with a lower seed.
7. MAS (5-7) – The MASters played twice this week with a split decision with a win over Flakeboard and a lost to Just Wing It. The games were not really as close as the scores indicated. However it looks like MAS only has one deep threat (Garr) and if he isn’t hitting well they don’t stand a chance. It doesn’t look like they have the consistency to cause anything but minor trouble for the rest of the teams this season.
8. Remax (6-6) – The Champs are part of a four team cluster (Bistro, School, Grocer) jammed in the middle of the standings. Their slow start to the year has them sitting in eight, but they’ve shown the ability to play some quality baseball with recent victories against the DST and Harding. Offensively this team is struggling, scoring a miserable ten runs per game, by far the worst in the league. With most of their remaining games against teams close in the standings, a few more victories should have them safely in the championship bracket.
9. School (6-6) – When it rains it pours. The School boys are having a very tough year and after continued their inconsistent ways with a loss to Harding and a win over Crupi. The only bright spot on the season has been the victory against the Nvision/Ed and possible tie-breaker should they finish in a tie for eighth. Otherwise this team is looking to be home on Sunday during the playoff weekend.
10. Grocer (5-3-3) – It’s not like the Grocers aren’t trying. They put together a two game winning streak with impressive wins over Crupi and Remax. Looking at their remaining schedule they will lose another five games at least, it looks like the season is a wash and the will be drafting high again next year.
Jim_the_Ump
July 10, 2009 8:30:16 AM
Entry #: 3211084
Good game between The School and Harding last night, a 19-16 slugfest eventually won by Harding. Both teams really hit the ball well, but there were some outstanding defensive plays also. Congrats to both teams on a well played game… if that’s the kind of ball we’re going to see in the playoffs, it should be a fun final weekend.
Mithin Chicklets
July 10, 2009 11:20:21 AM
Entry #: 3211278
Harding may not lose a game for the remaining of the year. When you play them, there is no emotion. No spirit. I wonder if it isn't due to the overemphasis on winning. They look and sound like they have a rod squarely up their buts. That is what makes them so good. I am impressed.
Steaner Jr
July 10, 2009 1:11:54 PM
Entry #: 3211371
haha I'm not sure whether to feel complemented or insulted by this... I can tell you that this group does not lack spirit or emotion. In fact sometimes if anything these qualities are too prominent. It is actually a very loose group that is off to a good start but that's all it is... a good start.
Goodness
July 10, 2009 3:26:33 PM
Entry #: 3211516
Steaner, I couldn't have said it better myself..I didn't even feel that rod up my arse..But if we keep winning I ain't taking it out!!!
#17 Goody
warezy
July 11, 2009 10:49:41 AM
Entry #: 3211943
Rumour out of the Harding Camp...Is there number 1 hitter and greatest fielding asset "The Dunster" is done for the season. Could this spell disaster...or just less bats smashed across the infield fence and more beer to go around in the parking lot?
Hard Express
July 13, 2009 11:09:23 PM
Entry #: 3214003
Dunny injury will not hurt Harding it only makes them a better team. He will be missed in the “room”, he is a character guy.
SHR
July 14, 2009 7:31:53 PM
Entry #: 3215116
Three No. 1 teams this year and one good history lesson to be taught by the champs. Nvision, DST and Harding are the best three teams but they need a history lesson in winning like Remax. The school bus will be going by any minute boys.
Goodness
July 15, 2009 8:23:53 AM
Entry #: 3215573
First off, who the hell is Hard Express? I know it's not one of ours as we've asked the buys...
Secondly, I hated school. There won't be any lessons this year and I never took the bus either my no name friend. (SHR) ?? There are at min. 6 great teams this year and any one of them could win the whole shbang. It's all about the bounces, which way are they going to go on Championship weekend????
Goody #17
.adrenaline
July 16, 2009 6:01:56 PM
Entry #: 3217512
Web USPL
July 16, 2009 6:38:16 PM
Entry #: 3217541
adrenaline, Thanks for the video. It is exceptional. We appreciate all your help with the pictures and the videos. Your continued support to the USPL is second to none. You are our number one fan.
Chris
.adrenaline
July 17, 2009 1:41:47 AM
Entry #: 3217852
No problem, Chris. Always fun to combine two of my passions in photography and softball. Here's an updated copy that features the league logo at the end. Enjoy and best of luck to all teams in the second half of the season:
