For Flapacamingos, The Window is Now

VINELAND- 3 World Titles, 22 total victories, a division title and an overall aura only matchable by the Yankees and divine figures. The Flapacamingos have built for themselves quite the legacy and the expectations to continue success. But with an aging squad and the rest of the league following their ways and catching up, there is an overwhelming sense within the camp on Old Farm Drive that the window of opportunity may be closing.

The Flapacs have turned in back-to-back disappointing results in Wifflepalooza, losing in the semi-final both years. In 2012 (WP6), the Flapacs held a lead into the 6th inning, when a misplay at the wall by now retired OF Tim Mills gave the Goodfellas' Mike Mazzochi a 3-run HR that would eventually be enough to win the game. The Goodfellas would go on to win the title. Last year the Flapacs dug deep to reach the semi-finals again after losing their first game in shocking fashion to the underdog Cuban Raft Riders. And a 4th inning HR by Matt Garvey in that semi-final gave the Flapacs a 5-3 lead. But once again the home run killed the Flapacs, as Steve Gonzalez belted a homer off of Ryan Ricci in the 6th, giving Fresh Cuts a permanent, 6-5 lead. Fresh Cuts would go on to fall in the final to the Monstars.

Opportunities have been plenty for the Flapacamingos historically, and often they have taken advantage of them. But this team is not getting any younger, and with their contract and salary cap situation the way it is, this could be their best shot at a title in the near future. Management saw the needs, and filled them with the best possible, affordable option in free-agent Ryan Hutchings. "Hutch", brings another power source (of which FLA already have plenty), an experienced pitcher, a solid defender and an all-around mad man.

On paper, there are no real holes, especially if everyone has a solid day. At their peak, this team is as good as you can assemble.. but that's the issue. Recently, even the year they won this thing (WP5, 2011), they haven't all played at their peak. The role players are one thing, but when the stars dont deliver, either at the plate or on the mound, it's hard to overcome mistakes. Obviously no one knows what the future holds. The Flapacs clearly have an elite farm system meaning any dip in performance shouldn't be an extended demise. But for the immediate future, and the league as we know it, now is the time for the Flapacamingos, and it's on the shoulders of their leaders and stars, to deliver the trident home.