112 replies to this topic

[tribeguy13]

You truly have me puzzled Big Daddy, but don't worry, I still have my eyes and ears out in the big metropolis of Russia, I'm on to you. haha
I can see how you would be leary of a lot of ACME success. If I do recall, two summers ago they also dominated teams, and though their year was good, they didn't play to their potential in my mind.

You bring up a great point in Hunsucker. I wonder if he'll be able to adjust to being the key player on their team. After looking at Anna again, I really think they'll be tough to beat. They'll have Naseman, Abbott, Hunsucker, Eslass, and Wolters. They need someone besides Hunsucker to step up and be a good pitcher.

It'll be hard to keep track of all that goes on in the league this year in West Virginia....Knowing the Sidney Daily News and all.....

[tribeguy13]

#1 The big one Who will Leugers beat? He really has the race in his hands. If he can beat any of the Big 3 teams in the league he will be the deciding factor.

#2 How will little Hoying handle getting pushed into the SS position at Loramie. Trust me I know Sturwold very very well and if it was me Hoying Jr. would get the call on my team.

#3 Can Clark be the force he can be? When he is on he is effective.

#4 How will Russia Seniors handle it if Coach Shoffner plays some of the young guys ahead of them? I know it was a mess during basketball season with people whinning and crying.

#5 Houston always seem to hang with Loramie a game or so will Loramie have enough leadership to overcome an upset bid.

#6 Zumberger?? How will he develope with a so called players coach in Shoffner (haha). He always seems to get the second tier players playing well.

#7 Watch out for Covington and Lehman in the tournament!! Both will be pretty good with top pitching returning (Moss, Sparks - Covington) (Peltier - Lehman) Don't sleep on Triad either.

#8 Will Russia have the advantage with a Senior dominated, been through it all, team.

#9 Coverstone pitching in my eyes he is the best Loramie will have. Who will catch him?

#10 If Loramie or Russia run the table in the SCL they will have a great chance at going really far in the tournament. I know that is really hard to do but if it is done that team will have to be playing very well. Anna it will be diferent if they do it since they are D3.

#1 Leugers will be able to beat anyone with the run support. I think that the better question isn't who will he beat, but rather will his teammates be able to put enough runs on the board to get those wins.

#2 The shortstop position isn't really Justin's yet. I think it will be a battle with Jacob Maurer and Justin. Third and second base will be just as interesting. We need to find a leader in the group from the JV team that was County Champs last year.

#3 Zach Clark is like a lightswitch. I totally agree with you here, if they can get him to produce game in and game out, they'll have a great duo with Hunsucker and him.

#4 I think there's a big difference between Russia's baseball and basketball teams. Their baseball team won't rely on a freshman as one of their main players like the basketball team does. I think they'll be all right, especially with Shoffner as head coach.

#5 Great point about Loramie-Houston. Look at the tournament game...Loramie escaped with a 13-8 win. The closest game until Regionals.

#6 Zumberger is a non-factor player for Russia. He'll pitch non-league games and maybe the occasional Jackson Center game. I don't know where all of the hype for this kid came from. He's a presence on the basketball court, not the field.

#7 I would look more at Covington than Lehman. Moss is a heckuva hitter as well as pitcher. Sparks has his days, and the Buccs have their role players that you need to make a run. I was never impressed with Coach King, I think he'll struggle at Lehman. Triad had a great senior class but will be able to make a run against weaker teams.

#8 The senior heavy team will certainly help against some teams, but against others that have an equal amount of senior leadership I don't see much of an advantage. By the end of the year when it counts, in the words of Coach Sturwold, "Freshman are now Sophomores, Sophomores are Juniors, Juniors now Seniors, and Seniors, well, you have no excuses anymore.

#9 The combination of Coverstone - Long will work a like the Goldschmidt - Long combo did last year. As for who will catch...that's still a mystery. Eric Drees will get a look, but other than him I don't know if there's anyone capable of catching the quality pitcher Coverstone i.

#10 I think that Loramie and Russia will have a very good chance of facing each other in the Regionals like in 2002 if Shoffner doesn't go after the Skins' right away. Watch out for Minster though. They return ALOT, including All-Ohio shortstop and leading hitter of the area last year, Allan Heitbrink, and Coach of the Year for D-IV Mike Wiss.

[tribeguy13]

Good catch big daddy...
Here's the thing...Aaron was first team all ohio as the shortstop, and Allan was second team all ohio as a pitcher. That's a pretty good brother combo right there.

[tribeguy13]

Really Tribe who do you think was the best D4 shortstop last season?? Nothing against Mr. Hietbrink but I know a guy from your home town actually just down Dawson Rd. who wasn't to shabby!! His name has slipped my mind though?

You are right though with those two guys alone Minster will be good. They are great kids and good players to build around.

It doesn't really matter who I think was the best SS last year. I KNOW who it was, and I think his two home runs off of Minster's ace Bob Inskeep in the regional semi-finals proved it, but that just shows that offensive statistics are the most important things when voting for position players.

Back to next year though....I am also hearing whispers that Eric Drees might be a candidate for the third baseman's position at Loramie.

oh and big daddy...that's probaby why Jared is playing at Toledo this year.

[catturnedfrog]

I think the whole infield situation will be the key to Loramie's season...Like you said Tribe, you lose 3 guys that started for 4 years and there will be huge holes to fill. I think the adjustment that the newbies in the infield make will be the key for Loramie's team.
Even though I am rooting for Russia 100%, i have to go back to the whole Zumberger comment. The kid is meant to play basketball. He doesn't have the game smarts to be an everyday player. He lets too many of the little things effect him and he doesn't throw consistent strikes. I think it's more about Cayle McEldowney, Brook Schafer, and Nathan Wilson.

[tribeguy13]

I agree with three things you said in that post catturnedfrog...
Loramie's biggest adjustment will come in the infield, but they have had HUGE JV success the last few years and I wouldn't be too worried about them defensively.
Nathan Wilson will be a key to Russia's success. He was able to beat us last year and was really affective. He was hitting his spots, and if he can continue to do that, then they'll be tough with a good 3 man competition.
The other thing is that people are putting too much on Zumberger. He's no good. If he starts to struggle with one batter, he'll be junk for the next four. The kid throws hard, but its no good if its not strikes.

[Voice Of Reason]

The other thing is that people are putting too much on Zumberger. He's no good. If he starts to struggle with one batter, he'll be junk for the next four. The kid throws hard, but its no good if its not strikes.

Probably a true statement looking back, but what does a new coaching staff do going forward? Most on here have agreed the basic tools are there, maybe it takes a "players' coach", as many have stated about Shoffner, to get his mental game there also.

Don't be too surprised if it does happen.

The Voice has spoken

[Voice Of Reason]

I think the whole infield situation will be the key to Loramie's season...Like you said Tribe, you lose 3 guys that started for 4 years and there will be huge holes to fill. I think the adjustment that the newbies in the infield make will be the key for Loramie's team.

Oh ye of little faith, Sturwold has been about defense for many, many years, and his system will rise again. That's the least of the worries at Loramie. Pitching and hitting will be the deciders of whether the Redskins will be champs again. Defense is a constant under Sturwold.

The Voice has spoken

[tribeguy13]

Voice you bring up a good point. All of the guys that are vying for infield spots this year are solid defensive players. I realize you think that defense will be the strong suit, but I assure you that making the adjustment from JV ground balls to Varsity ground balls is a tough one. I think their success will all depend on how well they adjust on the defensive AND offensive side.
And Shoffners a great coach, but I don't think he can work miracles, and I can't see Zumberger pitching in the big league games when they have Schafer and McEldowney.

[Voice Of Reason]

I see Loramie as the third team in the league.

I'll take $20 of that.

First or second is my pick, probably 3 losses getting beat by Botkins with Leugers on the mound, splitting with Russia, and possibly dropping one at Anna. Can't see them finishing third or lower unless Botkins' key league games are spaced out enough that Leugers can pitch ALL the big ones.

The Voice has spoken

[tribeguy13]

Who is Geubaux? During the summer Logan Neirgardner and Brook Schafer did a majority of the catching. I think Paul is best fitted for the infield on that team myself. They lose Jordan Monnin, and Paul was an infielder during the summer at Piqua Legion. Cayle McEldowney will play CF in my mind. He can cover a lot of ground with his speed and really got "seniored" last year by the coach. He's a good little player.
Closer role is also a role that is very special, at every level. You have to have the right mindset, and a lot of guys, even at the major league level, have problems with this. I can see him as a "relief specialist" more, because in high school ball a closer isn't always necessary and tough to keep a kid at that mentality. I question whether Zumberger would be able to handle the pressure of a close game.
Maybe Coach Gooding will be what JC needs. I'm doubting it though, they don't have much talent over there.
As for finishing third, well, I don't think you're right about that. Sorry Big Daddy. I'm more with Voice here. He said that until someone proves that Loramie isn't the team to beat, you have to look at last year's lineup and see that there are 5 returning hitters with 8 returning lettermen. I think it just depends on how many times they face Leugers.

[tribeguy13]

Pitching is the one area where Loramie, though they aren't experienced, is deep. I have seen Mitch Ahlers throw and I was very impressed. I would think he'd be the second best lefty in the league this year. They also have right handers Coverstone, Kyle Turner, and last years' JV ace Jacob Maurer, who bettered Minsters' Allan Heitbrink during ACME ball.
Something you brought up though Big Daddy, is the importance of Ryan Schemmel to last years team. He is often overlooked by people because they look at Hoying or Goldschmidt's great numbers, but Schem was one of the primary reasons that Loramie beat Botkins when Leugers pitched (Goldy was knocked out in the first inning), and ended up helping steer the ship towards a number one seed. I can see Turner being this type of pitcher for them. Andy would be effective at places with large outfields, because when those guys scorch balls into the outfield, Loramie will have the fielders to track them down.

The only pitcher that I think will give Loramie fits will be Leugers. The rest of the guys would have to have a lot of defensive help. Anna pitchers could get that, an I'm just a little sceptical about Russia defense right now...

Paul played a lot of right field and second base for legion. I'm thinking he'd be a better fit for shortstop, and last time I talked to him, he planned to be in the infield.

[Stitch]

I'm telling you boys...Anna will have more to say about the SCL race than anyone else seems to be giving them credit for. They were co-champs last year and have a deep program. Both varsity and jv teams have won a lot of games the past couple of years.

Loramie will be fine this year. They are going to win a lot of games because the kids have learned how to win and expect it. (Kind of like Loramie was in basketball from the mid 80's to the mid-90's). They will have a nice core on offense with Ahlers, Schulze, Barga, and Coverstone. They will need production out of these players at the top of their lineup as I don't see a whole lot of danger from the remainder of the lineup. Defense will be fine. Pitching will be fine.
We know Botkins has Leugers.
There has been enough talk about Russia on this thread. I have nothing to add.
Houston?
Jackson Center - They lost their chance at winning the league when Joe Torre signed on with the Dodgers.
Fairlawn - Unless the class of 1966 suits up they have little chance.

This order, by the way is my prediction of how these teams will end up. With possible co-champs as they finished last year.

[Tim Dweeb]

Stitch, I believe you are right on.

Anna will be very competitive this year. They have phenominal athletes and competitiors with a lot of experience. These are the same athletes that play in a very successful football program and are having a tremendous basketball season. I saw them beat Loramie in basketball last night and much of this same group are going to carry their athleticism onto the baseball diamond this spring. Lead by Naseman, Elsass, and Wolters, who all have a ton of experience, mix in young talent like Hunsucker and Clark, they will have the pieces to have a very strong team. One drawback may be Coach Muelfeld. His arrogance may get in the way. In tough times, when the game is tight, he has the tendency to pull the team down with all his whining and moaning. When things are going great for his team however, his cheerleading abilities are stellar.

[tribeguy13]

In tough times, when the game is tight, he has the tendency to pull the team down with all his whining and moaning. When things are going great for his team however, his cheerleading abilities are stellar.

VERY good point Tim. Playing third base against him for 4 years put my ear right in their dug out. One inning he'd be the most encouraging coach around, and the next he'd be whining about...well just about anything... from the color of the grass to the umpiring. It has to be very confusing to play for him!

Stitch, you bring up a great point on many different areas. One thing I want to add is that Houston will be able to win some games against second-tier pitching. They have young talent back and return Kevin Roeth, who can smack the ball around. They lose Matt Poeppelman, who is a big loss at catcher, so it's questionable how they'll fair without their leader. And i laughed out loud at your JC and Fairlawn comments!!

[Voice Of Reason]

I'm telling you boys...Anna will have more to say about the SCL race than anyone else seems to be giving them credit for. They were co-champs last year and have a deep program. Both varsity and jv teams have won a lot of games the past couple of years.

Loramie will be fine this year. They are going to win a lot of games because the kids have learned how to win and expect it. (Kind of like Loramie was in basketball from the mid 80's to the mid-90's). They will have a nice core on offense with Ahlers, Schulze, Barga, and Coverstone. They will need production out of these players at the top of their lineup as I don't see a whole lot of danger from the remainder of the lineup. Defense will be fine. Pitching will be fine.
We know Botkins has Leugers.
There has been enough talk about Russia on this thread. I have nothing to add.
Houston?
Jackson Center - They lost their chance at winning the league when Joe Torre signed on with the Dodgers.
Fairlawn - Unless the class of 1966 suits up they have little chance.

This order, by the way is my prediction of how these teams will end up. With possible co-champs as they finished last year.

The Voice is ok with most of this, but having a hard time with Botkins before Russia. One man a team does not make. He can take them from bottom to middle, but not much more than that. At this point in time, I'd throw Anna, Loramie, and Russia in the hat and whichever one came out on the draw I'd be ok with that as my pick. Leugers will personally have a say in the race, but that say will only be which one of the other three mentioned teams doesn't win it when he beats them in a 2-1 game, knocking them off the top of the heap.

The Voice has spoken

[tribeguy13]

I'd have to say that I agree with the voice here. You could choose between Russia, Anna, and Loramie, and they have a great chance of winning the league championship. Botkins won't finish ahead of Russia. Leugers won't be able to pitch both games in one week, so if they have Anna or Loramie or Russia within 5 days, they'll be doomed. Leugers is a great pitcher but they have nothing besides him on the hill, and their defense is weak. Unless they make some major improvements during the course of the off season, i see them in 4th place in the league.

[Voice Of Reason]

Any new news out there?? I have heard alot of teams are starting to get conditioning in full swing among some other things!!

If I were coaching at Botkins this is what I would do. I know it will sound stupid to some but this is what I'm thinking. I would first off be a realist and come to the conclusion that we are not going to win the league. Secondly, I would set Leugers on a pitching schedule and not pitch him as often as I have in the past. Maybe a every 5 day schedule instead of every three or four days. Some may ask why I would do this and I will tell you. You need to get ready to make a tournament run. I will tell you this thier will not be anyone who wants to play or coach that will jump on Botkins in the tourney draw. If they play a seeded team it will not be the seeded teams choice. In a one game series Botkins has a good shot at any team in this sectional. Botkins coach should just try to figure out how to score three or four runs and they have a good shot with Leugers on the mound. I know it would be a hard sell to the fans or the players but I really feel that realistically Botkins has NO chance to win the league, BUT tey will be a team that is very dangerous in the sectional tourney. I'm not the Botkins coach (thank God for the rest of the league) haha!! so I guess this will never happen. I just thought I would give you guys something to think about. I know some will say its a stupid idea, some may agree. This is just my opinion that would help Luegers stay fresh all season and not be wore out come tourney time.

Easy to say in February, hard to say 3rd week of April when you have a ballgame to win. Only coaches of teams without a league affiliation start setting themselves up for the tournament before a week or two from it.

The Voice has spoken

[tribeguy13]

I can see where both of you guys are coming from. I don't know how good Botkins offense will be. They return every player they had when we played them last year and Leugers pitched, and if Schemmel wouldn't have come in and pitched a gem things could have gone the other way for us. If the team struggles then I can see your approach Big Daddy, but if they're actually decent I can see them trying to make a run.

I got a question for you though Big Daddy...were you at the Piqua Legion game at Sidney on the 4th of July?? I think I have you narrowed down...

[tribeguy13]

Tribeguy,

I'm not sure I was there for that one or not!! I have been told by some Doctors I have C.R.S. Who won and how did you do? I know Sidney had a pretty solid team lastyear. I have also hear Coach Magatoeux has hung up the coaching shoes at Piqua. Is there any truth to that?

oh no! CRS?? I have been talking to my fellow RCers from the shelby co area and i think i got ya pegged. Sidney won and we were actually pretty close for it. I had a few hits in the game. I really remember getting two hits off of Ryan Leugers after he made me look like a fool during the high school season. Coach Magatoeux is in fact not coming back next year. I don't know who his replacement is. I heard coach Roberts was taking over, but I also heard that some Nealeigh guy from the Ansonia/Bradford area was in the running but haven't heard much sense then.