Good Morning class,
Today we begin the process of determining the baseball and softball champions of the Los Padres League. Last year the baseball title was almost a four-way tie - but the Braves pulled it out by the skin of their teeth in a down year for the LPL. The race this year is close again - but I think we might just be able to pick out a winner.
The girls were chasing Templeton last season, and although the Eagles stumbled a couple of times, they were the best in the league (if records don't lie), and pulled in the title. But they graduated the heart of their team, and almost the entire rest of the league returns intact. Who's going to take it this year ? One team has clearly staked out front-runner status.
BASEBALL
[Team Schedules/Results & Rosters at Bottom]
Today's Games:
Santa Ynez [7-1] @ Lompoc [7-1] 4 pm
Santa Maria [2-5] @ St Joseph [4-1] 4 pm
Morro Bay [3-3] @ Templeton [0-5] 4 pm
Carpenteria @ Cabrillo [5-3] 3:30 pm
The Outlook
The LPL this year is definitely a two division set-up this year, with Lompoc, Santa Ynez, Cabrillo, and St Joe on top, and Santa Maria, Morro Bay, and Templeton, well, not.
Here's how I see the LPL race shaking out -
1) Lompoc
2008: 13-13, 9-3 (1st)
2009: 7-1 [67 runs scored -18 runs allowed]
The Braves have come out of the gate swinging - literally. They have scored 67 runs in just 8 games while allowing only 18. They have also done it against quality competition. The lone blot on the young season, a 3-2 loss to the SLO Tigers (3-1), was to an admittedly less than overpowering opponent - coached by local boy Casey Candaele, but it was their first home game of the year. They have since won 4 straight, and none were closer than 4 runs. They have pitching, hitting, and depth.
The pitching among the top teams in the LPL, is fairly deep and mostly solid. Somebody is going to have to score some runs and it looks like the Braves can do it. Besides, people have been writing off the Braves on an annual basis for several years now, and they keep finding a way to win. Bottom Line - They're the Champs until someone takes the title away from them and they don't sem to be in a big hurry to have that happen.
2) Santa Ynez
2008: 15-10, 8-4 (T-2nd) [Only LPL team over .500)
2009: 7-1 [58-20]
This one (2nd / 3rd) is a real tough call. The Pirates have padded their stats with some lower divisions teams (Bishop Diego, Carpenteria, Mission Prep), but also have wins over some good teams - including a 4-3 win over the SLO squad that have handed Lompoc & St Joe their only losses thus far. But then they lost 3-2 to a Nipomo outfit that Lompoc pounded 14-3.
3) Cabrillo
2008: 13-13, 7-5 (4th)
2009: 5-3 [43-37]
This team is driving me nuts !!! This group could win the league, they could finish fourth. They are a real question mark going into league play. Pitching ? Check. Hitting ? Check. Defense, coaching, and a load of intangibles ? Check. Check. Check. Consistancy ? Uhhhh- I'll get back to you.
They lost the season opener (7-1 Righetti) and have played well during the week, but have lost the afternoon game of both weekend double-headers.
4) St Joseph
2008: 12-12, 8-4 (T-2nd)
2009: 4-1 [47-17]
The Knights have a solid squad and have outscored the oppostion 58-20 in 5 games, but those numbers are skewed by a massive (24-2) thumping they administered to a woeful Coast Union (1-4) team. They have also some good wins, solid young pitching, and a senior laden roster. Can they hit good pitching ? Maybe. Would I be shocked if they finished higher than this, or even took the title ? No.
5) Morro Bay
2008: 10-16, 4-8 (6th)
2009: 3-3 [37-30]
[Error on Schedule Below, MB beat Atas 7-6]
These Pirates have wins over Southlands Christian (9-1), Coast Union (17-4), and Atascadero (7-6). SLC is 5-1 against small schools in Orange County, the Broncos lose to almost everybody by 10, and the Greyhounds are 0-4. Hey, at least they've outscored the opposition.
6) Santa Maria
2008: 2-22, 0-12 (7th)
2009: 2- 5 [39-61]
Can score a little against weak teams (12-8 over Dunn, 13-1 over Coast Union), but can't stop anybody. Mission Prep outscored them 21-4 in the double-header. Already equaled last years win total - so improving.
7) Templeton
2008: 10-12, 6-6 (5th)
2009: 0-5 [14-57]
Just not very good so far - closest game was 9-10 loss to Pioneer Valley [2-2], next best was being shut out 5-0 by King City [6-6]. Out-scored in the other three 42-5.
Schedule Part 1
Part 2
Rosters
Today we begin the process of determining the baseball and softball champions of the Los Padres League. Last year the baseball title was almost a four-way tie - but the Braves pulled it out by the skin of their teeth in a down year for the LPL. The race this year is close again - but I think we might just be able to pick out a winner.
The girls were chasing Templeton last season, and although the Eagles stumbled a couple of times, they were the best in the league (if records don't lie), and pulled in the title. But they graduated the heart of their team, and almost the entire rest of the league returns intact. Who's going to take it this year ? One team has clearly staked out front-runner status.
BASEBALL
[Team Schedules/Results & Rosters at Bottom]
Today's Games:
Santa Ynez [7-1] @ Lompoc [7-1] 4 pm
Santa Maria [2-5] @ St Joseph [4-1] 4 pm
Morro Bay [3-3] @ Templeton [0-5] 4 pm
Carpenteria @ Cabrillo [5-3] 3:30 pm
The Outlook
The LPL this year is definitely a two division set-up this year, with Lompoc, Santa Ynez, Cabrillo, and St Joe on top, and Santa Maria, Morro Bay, and Templeton, well, not.
Here's how I see the LPL race shaking out -
1) Lompoc
2008: 13-13, 9-3 (1st)
2009: 7-1 [67 runs scored -18 runs allowed]
The Braves have come out of the gate swinging - literally. They have scored 67 runs in just 8 games while allowing only 18. They have also done it against quality competition. The lone blot on the young season, a 3-2 loss to the SLO Tigers (3-1), was to an admittedly less than overpowering opponent - coached by local boy Casey Candaele, but it was their first home game of the year. They have since won 4 straight, and none were closer than 4 runs. They have pitching, hitting, and depth.
The pitching among the top teams in the LPL, is fairly deep and mostly solid. Somebody is going to have to score some runs and it looks like the Braves can do it. Besides, people have been writing off the Braves on an annual basis for several years now, and they keep finding a way to win. Bottom Line - They're the Champs until someone takes the title away from them and they don't sem to be in a big hurry to have that happen.
2) Santa Ynez
2008: 15-10, 8-4 (T-2nd) [Only LPL team over .500)
2009: 7-1 [58-20]
This one (2nd / 3rd) is a real tough call. The Pirates have padded their stats with some lower divisions teams (Bishop Diego, Carpenteria, Mission Prep), but also have wins over some good teams - including a 4-3 win over the SLO squad that have handed Lompoc & St Joe their only losses thus far. But then they lost 3-2 to a Nipomo outfit that Lompoc pounded 14-3.
3) Cabrillo
2008: 13-13, 7-5 (4th)
2009: 5-3 [43-37]
This team is driving me nuts !!! This group could win the league, they could finish fourth. They are a real question mark going into league play. Pitching ? Check. Hitting ? Check. Defense, coaching, and a load of intangibles ? Check. Check. Check. Consistancy ? Uhhhh- I'll get back to you.
They lost the season opener (7-1 Righetti) and have played well during the week, but have lost the afternoon game of both weekend double-headers.
4) St Joseph
2008: 12-12, 8-4 (T-2nd)
2009: 4-1 [47-17]
The Knights have a solid squad and have outscored the oppostion 58-20 in 5 games, but those numbers are skewed by a massive (24-2) thumping they administered to a woeful Coast Union (1-4) team. They have also some good wins, solid young pitching, and a senior laden roster. Can they hit good pitching ? Maybe. Would I be shocked if they finished higher than this, or even took the title ? No.
5) Morro Bay
2008: 10-16, 4-8 (6th)
2009: 3-3 [37-30]
[Error on Schedule Below, MB beat Atas 7-6]
These Pirates have wins over Southlands Christian (9-1), Coast Union (17-4), and Atascadero (7-6). SLC is 5-1 against small schools in Orange County, the Broncos lose to almost everybody by 10, and the Greyhounds are 0-4. Hey, at least they've outscored the opposition.
6) Santa Maria
2008: 2-22, 0-12 (7th)
2009: 2- 5 [39-61]
Can score a little against weak teams (12-8 over Dunn, 13-1 over Coast Union), but can't stop anybody. Mission Prep outscored them 21-4 in the double-header. Already equaled last years win total - so improving.
7) Templeton
2008: 10-12, 6-6 (5th)
2009: 0-5 [14-57]
Just not very good so far - closest game was 9-10 loss to Pioneer Valley [2-2], next best was being shut out 5-0 by King City [6-6]. Out-scored in the other three 42-5.
Schedule Part 1
Part 2
Rosters
SOFTBALL
Today's Games:
Santa Ynez [2-3-1] @ Lompoc [4-3-1] 4 pm
Santa Maria [0-4] @ St. Joseph [4-5] 4 pm
Morro Bay [5-0] @ Templeton [2-3] 4 pm
Cabrillo has the BYE
The Outlook
Four Head Coaches are gone, but most of the players are back. The 08 Champs, Templeton lost 6 players, including all-everything pitcher Kat Hicks and most of their offensive production, to graduation. St Joseph (1), Morro Bay (1), Lompoc (2), and Santa Ynez (2) lost 6 combined. Cabrillo only lost 4. So with so many folks back - who wins this thing ?
Lets start, as softball always does with pitching. Who's got it & who doesn't ? Can anyone hit the ball ? Can anyone hit good pitching ?
One team has clearly answered those questions and more this pre-season, and that team is -
1) Cabrillo
2008: 13-11, 6-6 (5th) [117-98]
2009: 9-0 [70-3]
Doug Meeder's Conqs have mowed down the opposition, and have now won 10 straight (they were the only LPL team to finish last season with a win). They have hammered out 70 runs, twice the number of runs scored by all but one other team. Defensively most of the league has given up 24-34 runs, Cabrillo has allowed 3.
Kiley Shae Aldridge heads a deep crew of pichers, and everbody on the roster can hurt you at the plate.
2) Lompoc
2008: 14-12, 7-5 (T-3rd) [85-85]
2009: 4-3-1 [64-24]
Last year the Braves had trouble scoring runs, and won down the stretch due to a tremendous pitching performance by Carrillo. Under new Coach Margie Ledgerwood the offense is way up - some of the time. Carrillo returns with a good veteran corps, but has also been uneven.
3) Morro Bay
2008: 16-11, 7-5 (T-3rd) [112-68]
2009: 5-0 [21-1]
Somebody will likely beat the Pirates this year, but they will actually have to score a run to do it. That has happened exactly once so far, as returner Kim Dauer has been nails in the circle for new head man Arnie Silacci. Cori Gacad is one of the leaders for a group that put up points last year, but has struggled early.
4) St Joseph
2008: 16-13, 9-3 (2nd) [119-54]
2009: 4-5 [29-26]
The Knights played a fairly tough pre-season slate and had some problems. This continued Saturday at the Northwood Tournament, were they fell to Los Altos 6-0, and the hosts 1-0. Defense and pitching have been good, but the offense has been slow. Should compete for a playoff berth.
5) Templeton
2008: 19-5, 12-2 (1st) [120- 35]
2009: 2-3 [17-34]
Senior players, like the six they lost, make a difference. Not just in terms of skills and abilities, but experience, leadership, and maturity. The Eagles reurn a nice core but have already surrendered as many runs as the team did last year, and the offensive production is way down. New Coach Stony Humphries has some work to do.
6) Santa Ynez
2008: 8-16-1, 1-11 (7th) [103-162]
2009: 2-3-1 [35-34]
For the Pirates, a plus one run margin represents a lot of improvement, but probably not enough. New Coach Chris Robinson is relying on pitchers Adriana Garza & Sam Kelly to move the program forward.
7) Santa Maria
2008: 7-21, 2-10 (6th) [74- 175]
2009: 0-4 [2-34]
Lets see - give up 8.5 runs per game and score one every other game. Coach Mia Ituralde hopes to get some production from P Sam Serna & CF Rae Marrufo.
[Click to expand]
Schedule/Results:
Roster:
Today's Games:
Santa Ynez [2-3-1] @ Lompoc [4-3-1] 4 pm
Santa Maria [0-4] @ St. Joseph [4-5] 4 pm
Morro Bay [5-0] @ Templeton [2-3] 4 pm
Cabrillo has the BYE
The Outlook
Four Head Coaches are gone, but most of the players are back. The 08 Champs, Templeton lost 6 players, including all-everything pitcher Kat Hicks and most of their offensive production, to graduation. St Joseph (1), Morro Bay (1), Lompoc (2), and Santa Ynez (2) lost 6 combined. Cabrillo only lost 4. So with so many folks back - who wins this thing ?
Lets start, as softball always does with pitching. Who's got it & who doesn't ? Can anyone hit the ball ? Can anyone hit good pitching ?
One team has clearly answered those questions and more this pre-season, and that team is -
1) Cabrillo
2008: 13-11, 6-6 (5th) [117-98]
2009: 9-0 [70-3]
Doug Meeder's Conqs have mowed down the opposition, and have now won 10 straight (they were the only LPL team to finish last season with a win). They have hammered out 70 runs, twice the number of runs scored by all but one other team. Defensively most of the league has given up 24-34 runs, Cabrillo has allowed 3.
Kiley Shae Aldridge heads a deep crew of pichers, and everbody on the roster can hurt you at the plate.
2) Lompoc
2008: 14-12, 7-5 (T-3rd) [85-85]
2009: 4-3-1 [64-24]
Last year the Braves had trouble scoring runs, and won down the stretch due to a tremendous pitching performance by Carrillo. Under new Coach Margie Ledgerwood the offense is way up - some of the time. Carrillo returns with a good veteran corps, but has also been uneven.
3) Morro Bay
2008: 16-11, 7-5 (T-3rd) [112-68]
2009: 5-0 [21-1]
Somebody will likely beat the Pirates this year, but they will actually have to score a run to do it. That has happened exactly once so far, as returner Kim Dauer has been nails in the circle for new head man Arnie Silacci. Cori Gacad is one of the leaders for a group that put up points last year, but has struggled early.
4) St Joseph
2008: 16-13, 9-3 (2nd) [119-54]
2009: 4-5 [29-26]
The Knights played a fairly tough pre-season slate and had some problems. This continued Saturday at the Northwood Tournament, were they fell to Los Altos 6-0, and the hosts 1-0. Defense and pitching have been good, but the offense has been slow. Should compete for a playoff berth.
5) Templeton
2008: 19-5, 12-2 (1st) [120- 35]
2009: 2-3 [17-34]
Senior players, like the six they lost, make a difference. Not just in terms of skills and abilities, but experience, leadership, and maturity. The Eagles reurn a nice core but have already surrendered as many runs as the team did last year, and the offensive production is way down. New Coach Stony Humphries has some work to do.
6) Santa Ynez
2008: 8-16-1, 1-11 (7th) [103-162]
2009: 2-3-1 [35-34]
For the Pirates, a plus one run margin represents a lot of improvement, but probably not enough. New Coach Chris Robinson is relying on pitchers Adriana Garza & Sam Kelly to move the program forward.
7) Santa Maria
2008: 7-21, 2-10 (6th) [74- 175]
2009: 0-4 [2-34]
Lets see - give up 8.5 runs per game and score one every other game. Coach Mia Ituralde hopes to get some production from P Sam Serna & CF Rae Marrufo.
[Click to expand]
Schedule/Results:
Roster:
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