Team Preview: High & Dry

High & Dry:

Last Year: 0-4, last in West Division

Additions: Eric Lepouski, Steve Bishop, Scott Crowell

Losses: Greg Kuhlen, Joey Ingram, Earl Errig, Danny Errig

Schedule:

11:00am  Super Smash Brothers

12:15     bye

1:30        Flapacamingos

2:45        Belgian Wiffles

What’s New: High & Dry returns for their second year, likely much better prepared for battle than last year. Coming from a league that doesn’t rely on base running or extensive defense, these guys came in last year already at a disadvantage. But now having a year of experience under their belt, adding to a re-tooling of the roster, they should definitely be much more accustomed to the pace and structure of this tournament.

Hitting: The High & Dry lineup is full of capable hitters. All of these guys are veterans of the South Jersey Wiffleball League, which having experienced firsthand, is no easy place to play. They were able to work a remarkable 31 walks in just 4 games last year. Where they seemed to struggle was the task of getting those guys home. They scored just 29 runs with their 61 base runners last year, leading to believe the adjustment phase of the tournament is mostly to blame for the struggles with runners in scoring position. Opponents shouldn’t count on them missing so many opportunities again.

Pitching: This was definitely an area of struggle last year after posting a 13.16 team ERA. It’s possible that the difference in bat size used in this tournament, compared to what this team is used to using had something to do with that. They’ve added some depth in this area in the offseason with Lepouski and Crowell, who will compliment staff ace Sean Friel. Along with great poise and mechanics, Friel brings to the table the chess-match mentality needed to succeed in pitching. Throw in the fact that he has excellent stuff, Friel is a guy to watch going into this tournament. He’s likely one of the most underrated guys in the whole league.

Prediction: This could definitely be a dark horse team this year. If they can make the necessary adjustments on the basepaths and in the field defensively, I think having a year under their belt will make all the difference. They’ve had a tough divisional drawing, but that doesn’t necessarily prohibit them from moving on. If they can steal one of the games they won’t be favored in, the sky is the limit for this squad. Predicted win total: 1-2, playoffs possible.