Two teams with histories that couldn't be any different. One team with a storied history, one trying to make its own.
Somerville wrote the YBL book on winning championships, while Malden is looking for their own chapter. Only their second season in the Yawkey League, the Bulldogs have put a strangle hold on the number one seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs thanks to their 22-3-1 record. Somerville, plagued by rain outs and wash outs, has played only 20 games. The Alibrandis, their 13-7 record in hand, would like to improve their playoff standing -- sixth place as of July 22 -- before the season's end. Of course home-field is important, but Somerville's season doesn't start until the field has been trimmed to eight.
Teams like Malden and Somerville, no matter how different they may be in terms of league history and tenure, amount of playoff appearances, uniform color or managerial philosophies, they will always have one constant and one distinct trait in common.
They play to win in the post-season, not to make it there.
Before any games were even played in 2008, Somerville's ticket to the playoffs was punched. They were a given. A lock. A no-brainer. Then Malden flexed and, after about two weeks, the Bulldogs' ticket seemed punched as well.
One team with all the experience imaginable, the other with none at all. But they both set it up the same way. Or that's the way I see it anyways.
Let's look at Somerville first, since they are defending champions. Steve Szathmary and Jon Morse have all but carried Somerville's pitching staff through their first 20, the two of them combining to start 15 of those 20 games. Sprinkle in a little bit of Jared Leiderman and that's been Somerville's staff so far.
That's weird, a name seems to be missing . . . a very familiar one . . .
DesRoches is it? Mark DesRoches? Yes yes, that's the one.
Over the last two regular seasons, "Doc" has thrown 86.2 innings in the regular season and 38 in the playoffs. Seems like a lot of innings for a guy in his early 30's, but a 5-0 mark and a 0.96 ERA over six games in the last two post-seasons says it all for me. This guy knows when to turn it on.
Now, let's cut those regular season innings waaaayyyyyy back. Like, all the way back to 2 IP through 20 games played. What would you have? Well, you'd have a big-game pitcher with experience AND a fresh arm in the playoffs.
What a marvelous idea.
A dark horse/wild card for Somerville may be Steve Durant, a stud pitcher from Suffolk University who got wrangled away from Medford after one start this season presumably because of his relationship with Somerville head coach Mike Powers. If Durant can become playoff eligible, there's a good chance his 3.42 ERA, 72 K's in 73.2 IP and no-hitter against Rivier College as a Suffolk Ram would translate almost seamlessly into YBL success.
With Liederman mixed in, look for Somerville to slowly work DesRoches back into prime pitching form so he's ready for the playoff run, but plenty fresh to be the workhorse he's been in years prior.
Kevin McGovern, Malden's head coach and pitching coach, has been masterful this season at managing his pitching staff, making sure not to over work any one pitcher while keeping all arms fresher than a Cod fillet in Gloucester.
Their stud, Adam Del Rio, the favorite to win the YBL Cy Young, has thrown more than six innings only once this season. His 38.2 innings aren't even top-15 in the league, yet his strikeouts (51) are eighth. That speaks volumes about his effectiveness and his coach's staff management and foresight.
Lenny Carter, a former Nashua Pride pitcher has not pitched since June 19 because of a shoulder injury but the injury may be a blessing in disguise. If Carter, who had 32 K's in 18 IP before getting injured, can come back fully healthy and ready for the playoffs, it will be almost like the DesRoches situation down the road in Somerville. Carter is top-of-the-line, as good as it gets in terms of YBL starting pitching when healthy.
The one question mark for Malden may be closer Jay Wisner, who has pitched in more games this season (20) than in either 2006 (12) or 2007 (16). At 30 years old and not getting any younger, can his arm hold up for a playoff run too? The positive for Malden is that the hard-throwing righty has regained control, bringing his walk numbers way down from 06' and 07'. Maybe the innings are higher, but the pitch counts should be lower. 400hitter doesn't have a pitch counter.
Obviously, all teams don't have this luxury. Many of the pitchers atop the innings pitched leader board are on teams in contention, but not locks to make the playoffs.
The major difference between these mid-level teams and Somerville and Malden is that they're striving for the playoffs, while the Alibrandis and the Bulldogs are yearning for playoff supremacy.
Pitcher of the Week, 7/14 - 7/20
If you recognize this name, sorry in advance but filthy is as filthy does around here. The Donkey, Adam Del Rio once again has roped his fingers around a Pitcher of the Week award, this time for his five-inning show against the Brookline Dodgers. It probably looked like Del Rio was toying with the team with the most strikeouts (205) in the Yawkey League and the fifth-worst team batting average.
Del Rio was masterful in this game, dealing for five innings, giving up only one hit while striking out 10 and walking three. The Bulldogs won the game, 3-0, and Del Rio won his seventh game in as many starts.
A few numbers for you: This was Donkey's fourth double-digit strikeout game of the season; He now has a 51:8 K:BB ratio, which may be illegal is 17 of 50 states; It's the second time this season Del Rio has played to the tune of five innings, one hit and 10 K's.
If you stretch the numbers out, this season is reminiscent of Pedro Martinez' glory days with the Red Sox in 2000/2001. Down right filthy.
Hitter of the Week, 7/14 - 7/20
East Boston All-Star Chris Santosuosso was like a hungry wolf amongst a flock of stray sheep last week, as he and his team feasted on some of the weaker pitching staffs the Yawkey League had to offer. In games last week against three of the six worst pitching staffs in the league (Chelsea, Cambridge and Brookline), the Bluefish outfielder went haywire.
In 14 at-bats over a four game span, Santosuosso collected eight hits including a grand slam and two doubles. He finished the week with 11 RBIs and four runs scored. The Bluefish went four for four as a team, including a win over the Stewert Division leading Brighton Brewers.
As the season plays out, the cream always rises to the top.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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19 comments:
Who threw last night and got the loss for the Bulldogs? Just curious since it's not posted on the game recap yet...And not being a jerk, really just don't know.
Tardugno
Thank you!
I have followed the Yawkey League for about 5 years now. I mainly catch the Brighton Brewers games because I know the names of a couple of the guys on the team and I live around the corner. I would say, if they can get their pitching staff healthy and have their starting line up back, they will be a force in August.
Somerville has the crown and will always until someone throws them a chair...but Malden hasnt earned anything yet and they seem to think they have. I relate them to a rookie NBA pick that walks around with diamond studded earings in before he even plays a game. And after hearing how pathetic they are from the MCKay victory last night there is not enough class in the world to make Malden a respected team in this league!! Win it all or not, they are swamp scum. And let's also keep in mind this is MEN'S LEAGUE baseball...I think Malden's players keep their own stats and run home to their girlfriends to tell them they went 3 for 4!! One word...CLASSLESS!
hey mom, can you get me some more rice krispy treats and tang? no mom, i wont get it myself...im busy commenting on blogs for a baseball league! meeeeehhhhhh
seriously, the malden/sommerville attention is cool, but there are other teams this league that can win it all. why dont you actually look at the other happenings of the league. there is a lot of good baseball and big games coming up and you waste your time on teams who are locked in for the playoffs!
plus its kinda sad that if you cut someone down you cant show your face... except for Jim, props to you... i guess
more annoymous bull!
Raspect us or not we don't care.The thing that is funny to me is we may be like the rookie with the big earrings but like any other sport you will always have the CBA player commenting on how good everyone else is!
Somerville is still the best no doubt about it, and there definately are some quality teams out the like southie,east boston,the brewers,and medford,ect,but seems to me the only time you people comment is when we lose a game(sorry you haven't had to many times to comment) and have an unfortunate thing happen to us and maybe lose our composure. I can garuntee we won't lose our composure again,no more slip ups,and hopefully that will bring us a shot at at title. Not the title you so easily handed us Jim but another maybe YBL CHAMPIONS! you never know still alot of baseball left.
By the way JIM,were you at that Malden/Mckay game or are you just going by what you may have heard? I look forward to your response!
and i always sign my name
Chris D #4
Chris - Thanks for the response.
I have to be honest, I was not at the game. I was given details by the Umpire Association and Prez McKay. Keep it classy big guy! But I have been to four of your games and you guys bitch more than my ex-wife! It should be an interesting stretch run here.
Do you work? Hopefully it is not a client facing position as your spelling, grammar and sentence structure are terrible!! It could be that the steriods have rotted your brain a bit Brian Bosworth.
Again, you are aware that this is MEN's League Baseball correct? It seems like you are trying to live the dream still...let me tell you, yours is dead.
And to field a question I know will be sent back, I do work. For the United States Postal Service, so I am writing this on your dime; thanks for paying for my house (if you aren't quick I mean your tax dollars are paying my salary). And it is also raining and we do not deliver in the rain...Newman!
I know how much you guys like to chase down umpires to their cars so for now on I will sign my address as well. I figure the house does not move so it is easier for you guys to approach then a moving vehicle.
Keep it classy Chris D #4 aka Brian Bosworth.
Jim Bauer
307 Washington Street
Brighton, MA
Jim,
Do you still play baseball or do you just stalk those of us that still can?
I didn't realize that my English professor was grading this but I will try harder to spell everything correctly.
With that being said,the YBL doesn't test for performance enhancing drugs but if you hold the cup i willpiss in it for.Try holding it in your mouth I promise i won't miss.
Finally i do work. I am a local 7 Ironworker and like you we do not work in the rain. I also have no problem paying for your house because ironworkers make much more tha letter carriers.
I am sorry if that last statement bothered you...wouldn.t want you to go postal.
love and kisses,
your new pen pal,
Christopher Deane
15 G street
Souh Boston,MA 02127
please make sure I get my mail i am waiting for an important delivery.I would say please but since i pay you i don't really have to
Jim and Chris: Let's chalk this up and put it away. I don't want this to become a pissing contest (no pun intended).
Keep it a bit lighter, alright?
I don't know Big Jim but out of respect for you Ryan....no problem.
I just dont't like being called out by somebody who I don't know or who doesn't really know me
I will continue to enjoy reading your blog.Thanks for writing them.
Chris D #4
at least the yawkey league is finally getting ineresting, playoffs should be fun
Just a reminder -- this IS all about having fun. In the end one team wins and one teams does not.
I always look forward to stopping by here and reading the stories & comments. They are fun and light hearted at times. This is recreation and escapism at its best. We all have our jobs and other social/family issues. BUT - when we come here -- we go to our "safe place". A place where no one can get at us.
Baseball is all about that! Escape the real world -- have fun. Enjoy the time you play, because those years will swiftly pass you by.
BTW - I agree - there are many other teams in the YBL that can KO Somerville. We have a well balanced league with some tremendous young talent from colleges and universities all over America. We also have solid and tremendous Vets, who help sustaiin us over the years. Chris D is one of them and I count him as a best pal.
I do appreciate Jim's points and input. I hope what happened after the game in Malden the other night is not the only thing people will remember. The game was an 8 inning War of Prime Time Baseball. The underpuppy won. I liked that cuz it was my squad. We were out numbered but not out classed. We threw 7 YBL Rookies between the white lines and pulled off a great victory.
Calls or no calls -- both teams impacted the end result - not the umps!
With that said YBLprez...you then encourage the use of steriods in a MEN's League?? Your Boy Brian Bosworth loves that stuff.
HEY BIG JIM,
Missed you at Rogers tonight! I was hoping that Mr.Bauer might show his face because if I had all these things to say I would definately want to say them to that persons face,you know be a man so to speak.
Obviously I am not dealing with a man but more of a coward who hides behind a keyboard.
I will be at Rogers on the 4th of August to play the Brewers.Hope to see you there,probably won't though.
If i don't I am going to walk away from this the bigger man litterally.
Good luck
Your pal
Chris D #4
hey jim,
Jusy wanted to let you know that in no way am i threatening you I would just like to meet or see who you are. You obviously know who I am so I think it would only be right if I knew you.
Maybe there is no "Jim Bauer".
Maybe it's just a pen name some other phony is hiding behind,either way I find it funny that I have become the focal point of some poos slobs anger.
Looking forward to seeing what happens on the 4th.
Chris D #4
xoxoxoxoxoxo
I really need to proof read this stuff because i am really having spelling issues.
Chris D #4
Chris,
Do you realize you are having a conversation with yourself?
The Yawkey League and I have spoken out very strongly against the use of any type of enhancment drug. We endorse the use of physical training and proper body building as an alternative to any type of drug use.
I posted a lengthy message two years ago about this issue on the face page of the YBL website. I provided those involved with the use of enhancement substances the opportunity to come forward without penalty. I exposed a number of players with information on programs conducted by the City of Boston.
Those programs helped the kids who stepped forward. Others decided to handle matters on their own or continue to use those substances.
What a person does on their own is out of my and the League's jurisdiction. We are against the use of steroids -- PERIOD. To state anything to the contrary is a disgrace.
How this issue became a part of the discussion here confuses me. The personal attacks on this Blog are beginning to become foolish.
Once you have to run it to home plate rather than throw it, I will be taking any and all steroids available!
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