ASL PREVIEW
FOR 2009
Ok
folks, here is the preview for this year’s softball
season!
Teams list in predicted order of
finish:
North A
1-Linden – last year’s finalist also has the advantage
of pulling any talent out of U2 (what little there is) that it can. Odds of
winning championship (6-1)
2-Linden Fridays – Previously having
been with Pway Fridays, Christoss is sure to have some talent in his new
store. Odds on winning championship
(10-1)
3-
Edison – after a four year absence Edison
returns to the league. It’s a good
bet they will pick up where they left off, losing badly and often. Odds on winning championship
(100-1)
4- Woodbridge – yet to surpass 4 wins in a
season. Will be
hard pressed to reach that this season. Odds on winning
championship (500-1)
North B
1- Manalapan – Defending champions with the short right
field fence will be sure to have enough fire power to be a threat once
again. Odds on winning championship
(3-1)
2- Milltown – After years in the cellar, Ricke, has organized this squad enough to have a breakthrough
year. Odds on winning championship
(10-1)
3-Freehold Fridays – These guys are a total mystery but
my hunch is that they will be competitive and have enough to finish ahead of a
weakened Middletown team. Odds on winning championship
(25-1)
4-Middletown – Always competitive team seems to be
fading into the sunset finally due to employee attrition. Odds on winning championship
(30-1)
South C
1- Wall – Perennial power still plays on the worst field
in America that plays right to their
strength. Always
tough to beat. Odds on
winning championship (3-1)
2- Tinton Falls – This should be a very tough
division between the top three teams and I think TF will finally make it to the
playoffs. Odds on winning
championship (7-1)
3- Howell – Tough playoff loss last season has them
hungry to get back. Looking for their second championship. Odds on winning championship
(7-1)
4- Ocean – If they could ever get organized and add a
few key players from Brick they could be formidable. The thought here is that they
won’t. Odds on winning championship
(200-1)
South D
1- Manchester – Brand new store = lots of
employees to choose from. Only
question is the organization but BO should be able to get the troops set. Odds on winning championship
(8-1)
2- Lacey – Better than last season could be just enough
to battle for one of the last playoff spots. Odds on winning championship
(20-1)
3- Manahawkin – Another new team to the league. Last second addition
to the schedule will likely struggle until they know what to expect. Odds on winning championship
(50-1)
4-Toms River
– Haven’t really been exciting to watch since the early 2000’s. That trend should continue. Odds on winning championship
(75-1)
Week one games:
Linden (-4) at Linden Fridays
Woodbridge (+6) at Edison
Milltown (+4) at Manalapan
Freehold Fridays (-2) at Middletown
Ocean (+31) at Wall
Manchester (-7) at Toms River
Lacey (-3) at Manahawkin
***Game of the Week***
Howell (+1) at Tinton Falls
Good luck everyone and be sure to send directions to the
road teams before the last second.
Ray