| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| El Prez |
Posted - 04/11/2013 : 08:44:19
From the office of the Commissioner and President of 10U Baseball,
Coming to you from the high office located high atop the ivory tower with some thoughts, wisdom and insight in the third installment of the State of the Union of 10U travel ball. So come on in the dugout and let’s see where 10U travel ball is today.
Let me start off saying that the NWGA censor has been quiet as of late. I would like to thank him for providing this outlet and discussion about 10U elite baseball. Let me tell you, he looks good in his new “No Censoring the Commish” t-shirt! He has been taken off the official watch list for now.
So what has transpired since State of the Union Part II?
There is actually someone who has the gall to suggest that they might influence the agenda of the Commissioner and President of 10U Baseball, which is somewhat amusing. We do not condone gin and juice as our official beverage and manicures and pedicures are for women or very girly men. You might also want to tone down the rhetoric about my productivity as well. You have been added to the watch-list. Don’t mess with the Comiss-izzle.
All this talk about illegal bats is nonsense. If a bat beats you, there are other issues that you might want to consider. How about pitching and defense for a start? A BBCor sticker will not change the outcome of the game. Yes we should all abide by the rules, but complaining about bats is for the rec league. By the way, your players need to tuck their shirts in.
And for those who want to practice medicine without a license, I would suggest that you stick to your regular job of stocking the shelves at the Piggly Wiggly. I have a doctor, well several of them. Dr Pepper, Dr Oz and Dr J are all on retainer. You have found yourself at the top of the official watch-list.
Now to address some other discussions, and let me put some issues to rest.
There seems to be some angst out there about who is, who will be, or who might be a stud. Come on people, relax. There are some great ball players out there and there are some who have real promise. Who knows what will happen in the next 8 years before it matters? Each and every boy out there is one injury, one throw, one BB, one accident from never playing again. Life, health and attitudes are fragile. Enjoy the boys while they are here, healthy and having fun. They will be off to college too soon, so let’s just support them, encourage them, and do what we can to help them improve their skill sets and hopefully raise them into great young men.
I will say this, the next Bryce Harper and Mike Trout will most likely not come from AA ball. Who knows if we have any future stars, but there are some outstanding athletes playing ball in this area now. 5-tool, pro prospects? Who knows?
What I do know is that many of these kids can find a way to pay for a higher education by playing ball someday. What happens after that is timing, luck, growing, and knowing the right people. It’s ok to call them studs, there are plenty of them out there right now and they are showing in 10U to have potential. That’s all. But they have to come from somewhere, why not here? Ask Marlon Byrd, Buster Posey and Jason Heyward if they played AA ball. Probably not.
Now the size and weight discussion. Big kids don’t equal great players. Not much science or mystery here. Size does help when they can throw hard or swing a big bat, but there are 5 tools. Don’t be worried about size. Very few of these kids have started their “official growing, stinking, sprouting, dropping” phase of their life so let’s pick this back up in a year or so. I am sure we will be talking about a 6’-1” 185 pounder soon enough. If you need further insight, go talk to Dustin Pedroia if size matters. He is a friend and supporter of the Commish.
Offspeed, thanks for the support. You can come by the office for your official “I Love El Prez” t-shirt.
There have been some showdowns and square-offs lately and we have taken notice. The Halos have lost one to Nate’s Slaw Dogs, and one to the Stros. It seems that they are human after all. After a poor showing in the ATL NIT, the Orange Stars from ECB might have come alive. We will see if these trends continue.
The Angels, Warriors, Stros and Nate’s Top Dogs are headed to Lowndes County to play some elite teams from the bikini state. Should be interesting to see if the Angels can break out, the Warriors can win one, the Stros can keep the momentum going and the Dogs can rebound. There are some real talented teams from Gatorville coming so let’s pull for the GA teams to dominate. Updates to come.
Now, let’s talk about rankings. Don’t worry about coaches’ polls, USSSA points or TravelBall Select top 10, this is the official ranking – straight from the high office of the Commissioner and President of 10U Baseball. Enough said.
The unequivocal Number 1 has been relinquished. The Halos have shown a chink in the armor and it seems there is no clear, undisputed top ballclub.
There are however several that can take that spot. Here is my list in no particular order:
The Halos – lost a couple lately, even throwing their aces. They can be hit, they can be scored upon. It will only take time before Captain Curtis gets these boys back on their winning ways. You don’t want to make them mad.
The Astros – won 6 in a row at Super NIT, and have finally shown what most of us already knew. They can be the best ballteam in the state if they play like they can. By the way, it is my understanding they batted all 12 at the NIT. Impressive.
The Chilli Dogs – Won some big games, lost some big games. They can be dangerous and beat anybody on a given day. Need more than two aces to go deep.
The Angels – have not played up to their potential. When they do, they will be a force. Don’t count them out.
As far as the rest of the bunch, I just don’t know. Yes, 643, the Black Knights, and maybe the orange Indians from Acworth could make a showing, but not seeing them pursue the big games. These teams can beat anyone but not sure they can go deep at the big tourneys. If you disagree, remember where to lodge your complaints.
By SOTU IV, I should be able to give a definitive top 3, and that might be all there is.
I do want to mention some other teams from this region that are very good teams. If you run into any of these guys, put your chinstrap on because these boys can play some ball:
The Avalanche, Yalobusha Giants, Alabama Elite, Dulins Dodgers, Jackson Coyotes, and CBC Riverhawks can all put it to you. These teams will shut you down and pound the ball. Let’s keep GA on top and beat these guys when they show up.
Well, there is plenty to do here at headquarters. I am checking bat stickers, mound heights, and the weight-to-height ratios of athletes from 9 to 13 year olds. Tell the boys to play hard and have fun. I’ve been enjoying this warm weather here in the ivory tower. Don’t forget to come by and get your t-shirts.
As I close this third installment of this SOTU on 10U travel ball, I want remind those who have differing opinions to send them to the regional office. I will have the front office go through them and I will address as needed.
Thank you for your participation in 10U ball and see you at the park,
Clean picks and cold smoke,
El Prez
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