Team Preview: Super Smash Brothers

Super Smash Brothers:

Last year: (As Cuban Raft Riders) 0-4, last in East Division

Additions: P Chris DiPrimio

Losses: IF Chris Shelden, OF Nelson Denan, P/OF Vinnie Foschi

Schedule:

11:00am High & Dry

12:15     Flapacamingos

1:30        Belgian Wiffles

2:45        bye

What’s New: The artist formerly known as the Cuban Raft Riders are now under new management. Long-time captain and founder John Bergen has relinquished his role as both, and is now focusing solely on his performance on the field. The new boss is Pete Polo, who has his work cut out for him in making this franchise one of the elites. 3 years ago this team surprised everyone and made the playoffs when no one thought they would. But that squad had deep pitching depth, something this team hasn’t been able to duplicate in more recent years. Couple that with the fact that they had the lowest OPS (On-base plus Slugging) of any team in the tournament last year (.797), it makes for a tough formula to win games with. If the Super Smash Brothers are to live up to anything close to their namesake, they have to be better at the plate.

Hitting: With the small roster overhaul that’s been done, the Smash Bros. return just one HR from last year (Pete Polo). They only hit 4 as a team last year, the least of any team in the tournament. Hitting was a struggle last time around, but with a condensed batting order and the addition of an experienced wiffle-pro in DiPrimio, look for a solid improvement in the offensive statistics this year.

Pitching: Matt Wallace, statistically, appears to be the most-effective pitcher on the roster for this coming year. But with very limited experience, can he be relied on to carry the weight for this team? Unless DiPrimio can log serious, effective innings, this could be an area of struggle again for the Smash Brothers.

Prediction: With changes up and down the organization, they will certainly be more competitive than they were last year, but how much is certainly the question. Can they be a playoff team? In a tough Eastern Division that seems unlikely, but don’t be surprised if they piece together the pitching well enough that they don’t upset some familiar foes once again. Predicted Win total: 1, no playoffs