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