Week 11 Picks

 Predicted Winners in bold. I'll have more commentary on games starting next week.

Granese v. Lapine

Pollock v. Bykofsky

Randell v. Goldfarb

Harris v. Younger

Jacoby v. Wallman

Mamone v. Marrone

Applebaum v. Beilis

Feldman v. Carlin

Week 11 Power Rankings

Here are this week’s power rankings. Last week’s ranking is in ():

1. Applebaum(1)
2. Jacoby(2)
3. Beilis(3)
4. Carlin(4)
5. Wallman(7)
6. Bykofsky(8)
7. Goldfarb(5)
8. Younger(6)
9. Randell(10)
10. Lapine(9)
11. Feldman(13)
12. Granese(11)
13. Marrone(12)
14. Pollock(15)
15. Harris(14)
16. Mamone(16)

Sunday's Picks

 Week 10 Picks

Beilis v. Mamone

Goldfarb v. Feldman

Bykofsky v. Harris

Younger v. Randell

Randell v. Pollock

Marrone v. Jacoby

Wallman v. Pollock

Carlin v. Granese

Lapine v. Applebaum

Wednesday Night Predictions

I'm still waiting to see if we're going to have a guest predcition for tonight's games. In the meantime, here are my picks. This is a good time to mention that I went a perfect 9-0 for last week's picks, so my early struggles seem to be over. I wish I could say the same about my team's performance thus far!

Harris v. Applebaum

This appears to be a game of the haves and have nots, but of course nothing in our league is that simple. After getting shut out for the remarkably second time this season, Team Harris will be playing with something more than a chip on their shoulders. But while having a little extra edge is good and all, it can only take them so far. Applebaum is rolling, and I don’t think this run is going to end by losing to a team that’s struggling this much to score runs. SO maybe it IS as simple as a game between the haves and the have-nots.

Mitch’s Prediction- Applebaum 14 Harris 6

Jacoby v. Randell

So far in the National League it’s been Team Applebaum, Jacoby and then everybody else. . . . way, way down in the standings. A Team Randell win tonight can bridge that gap just a little bit. It’s certainly possible. Lately Team Jacoby has not been dominant, and this is a field we can usually count on 1-2 homeruns from JZ. But I think Occum’s Razor is at play here. It just comes down to that Jacoby is the better team and will prevail. Like I mentioned last week, while we associate U.H. being a hitter’s paradise, the night games tend to favor the better defensive clubs.

Mitch’s Prediction- Jacoby 12 Randell 8

Week 10 Power Rankings

Week 10 Power Rankings:

This week we have a few instances of teams moving down the rankings despite winning their games. This is because quality of wins is one of the determining factors when figuring out the rankings.

The key storyline developing as we’re now midway through the season is how dominant the American League has been, supported by their 15-8 record over the NL. And yet despite this fact, the top two teams on the list are from the AL.

It’s been a nice run for Team Jacoby, but their current mini slump (even if the last loss was a nail biter) gives Applebaum a chance to enjoy being the top dog in the league. The buzz around the league is that while it’s accepted that Jacoby has a very good team, many want to see how they do against the much tougher American League teams before anointing them as the clear cut best team in the league. So far Team jacoby has not responded as well as they would hope.  Meanwhile, before the season I thought they’d fall victim to the “too many cooks” syndrome. Instead the opposite has occurred, and if any team can be commended for its team unity, it’s Team Applebaum. Of course, that can also be the result of winning.

Week 10 Rankings:

1. Applebaum (2)
2. Jacoby (1)
3. Beilis (5)
4. Carlin (3)
5. Goldfarb (4)
6. Younger (6)
7. Wallman (7)
8. Bykofsky (9)
9. Lapine (8)
10. Randell (10)
11. Granese (14)
12. Marrone (13)
13. Feldman (12)
14. Harris (11)
15. Pollock (15)
16. Mamone (16)

Week 9 Picks

Quick Picks for today’s games. Happy Father’s Day:

Harris v. Wallman

Randell v. Bykofsky

Feldman v. Younger

Pollock v. Marrone

Applebaum v. Carlin

Beilis v. Jacoby

Mamone v. Lapine

Goldfarb v.Granese

Wednesday Night Preview

This week’s guest is Team Granese’s current player of the week Doug Cohen. No one has been more responsible in taking this league to another level, statistics wise, so I’m very honored to have his commentary for tonight’s games. Although we have very similar predictions, I like how we took different routes to get to the conclusions.

Lapine v. Wallman

Doug’s Take: Team Wallman is coming off a disappointing loss to Granese on Sunday and will be looking to right the ship quick.  While this Brock Farm team is as good as anyone, they seem to play to the level of their competition each week. Team Lapine's rookie sensations still have their rough Wednesday night loss to Jacoby a few weeks ago fresh on their mind, and they will be looking for redemption under the lights. If they have Callow (and Dennis doesn't have trouble in RF), they will be tough to beat.  Will Captain Wallman let Uncle Leo pitch to Seidenberg? If they do, this could be a shoot out. I expect the fences to be lined for this battle of Law firms.

Doug’s Prediction:  Wallman 14 - Lapine 12

Mitch’s Take: This game features two teams who are not living up to expectations. These two clubs are identical in record and nearly identical in run differential. So where is there an edge? It comes down to the Union Hill Factor. I’ve given some thought as to what this means. I used to think the field gives an edge to power hitting teams who may not be as strong as defense. I used to assume the field would minimize defensive shortcomings. In this regard, Lapine would have the advantage.

But instead, I’m realizing what may be a more accurate reading of “The Union Hill Factor” or more precisely “The Wednesday Night Union Hill Factor”. Teams with experienced and skilled outfielders have a significant advantage playing in the tricky lights. We’re seen numerous times already this year when the lights have caused outfielders to completely misplay a flyball. It is here that Wallman has the edge and where the difference will be felt.

Mitch’s Prediction: Wallman 14 -Lapine 10

Carlin v. Marrone

Doug’s Take- Team Carlin is currently the hottest team in the league and they will be looking to make it 5 W's in a row on Wednesday night. After some ugly injury problems, Team Marrone is getting healthier and have strung together back to back victories for the first time this season..  In this highly anticipated R.Carlin v M.Carlin re-matchup, Team Marrone will be looking for revenge from their earlier season 19-8 swim club drubbing..  That was the week that the Team Marrone problems began (Glen's broken foot and Herman's bike accident), so a win in primetime might get them back on track. Will Glen be pitching with duck tape around his foot again?? If he is truly healthy, then I see can this team notching many more wins, but I don't think it happens on Wednesday night. Always go with the hotter team on a streak.

Doug’s Prediction: Carlin 10 - Marrone 7

Mitch’s Take- After already commentating on my newfound belief that Wednesday night games favor sound defensive teams more than I originally thought, I’ll keep my comments about this game short. While Marrone’s defense has improved vastly over the past two games, I’m not confident that they’ll keep it up over the long run. Old habits die hard. This is a Carlin team that will force the issue; they’ll make fielders make the extra throws and thus will take advantage of Team Marrone’s weakness. I think Marrone has enough bats to make it interesting, but in the end we’re starting to realize Team Carlin’s 7-2 record is not an accident.

Mitch’s Prediction- Carlin 18 -Marrone 12

Week 9 Power Rankings

Week 9 Power Rankings:

A few general notes before we get to this week’s rankings:

·        After the first five teams, there is a huge dropoff. The top five teams can almost appear in any order although Goldfarb moves up a spot for being the first team to beat Jacoby (without Greenspan making it even more impressive).

·        Team Jacoby retains the top spot because everyone is entitled to one bad game. The gap has certainly shrunk, and it’ll be exciting to see if Jacoby can reassert their dominance or if this is the beginning of a little slump.

·        Team Younger is moving like a bullet to #6 thanks to an impressive three week span where they’ve won every game by double digits. When the middle of the pack is so close, it’s that kind of performance that’s going to make you stand above the rest.

·        The power rankings were a lot more fun to do when my team was always near the top! Of course I may be biased, but I still believe in Team Pollock. The defense should be getting better, but the real culprit is the offense. Averaging 10 runs a game isn’t enough for a defense that even when improved, won’t be among the elite. It’s painful to put as at #15, but I have to do knowing that it’s temporary.

This Week’s Rankings.Last week’s rankings are in ().

1. Jacoby(1)
2. Applebaum(2)
3. Carlin(3)
4. Goldfarb(5)
5. Beilis(4)
6. Younger(13)
7. Wallman(6)
8. Lapine(9)
9. Bykofsky(7)
10. Randell(8)
11. Harris(11)
12. Feldman(10)
13. Marrone(16)
14. Granese(14)
15. Pollock(12)
16. Mamone(15)

Week 8 Predictions

Projected Winners in Bold:

Wallman v. Granese

Bykofsky v. Applebaum

Goldfarb v. Jacoby

Carlin v. Pollock

Beilis v. Randell

Younger v. Mamone

Lapine v. Harris

Marrone v. Feldman

Team In Biggest Need Of A Win- (Tie) Lapine and Pollock

Team That Could Have The Biggest Statement Game- Randell

Teams Whose Wins Wouldn’t Be An Upset Due To Opponant Missing Players(Better Known By The Acronym “TWWWBAUDTOMP”) – Bykofsky and Goldfarb

Week 8 power rankings

Last week's rankings are in parenthesis:

1. Jacoby (1)
2. Applebaum (4)
3. Carlin (5)
4. Beilis (2)
5. Goldfarb (3)
6. Wallman (7)
7. Bykofsky (9)
8. Randell (8)
9. Lapine (6)
10. Feldman (10)
11. Harris (13)
12. Pollock (11)
13. Younger (15)
14. Granese (12)
15. Mamone (14)
16. Marrone (16)

Wednesday Night's Preview

Once again, we have a special guest for Wednesday night’s predictions. This week we have Jordan Krant, 2012’s winner for Most Improved Player. Unfortunately, we only have one Wednesday night game on the slate this week. I like Jordan’s observations so much, that I’m taking a backseat and I’m just going to include this thoughts. For the record, I concur with Mr. Krant’s prediction.

Granese vs Younger

This rivalry goes back many years and from my memory, Younger has more often than not come out on top for bragging rights over long time friend Matt Granese.  I think the game is decided by 1 or 2 runs late in the game as both teams seem evenly matched, but I think a Jared Goldberg HR over the fence will give Younger their second win in a row.

Pick - Younger

Week Seven Predictions

 Predicted winners are in bold:

Lapine v. Younger- It’s a wonder that a team loaded with this much offensive talent is 3-4. In fact despite their sub .500 record, they have the third best run differential in the league. Now is about the time that the win column will start to reflect how dangerous this team can be.

Wallman v. Marrone- With the Brocks out, this is the perfect time for Marrone to end their stretch of futility.

Granese v. Harris- Both teams have shown signs of life lately but I think the momentum of Team Harris is slightly bigger than Granese’s right now.

Harris v. Jacoby- If my earlier predictions prove to be correct, Team Harris will come into this game satisfied to get at least one win on Sunday. Beating the best team in the league is too tall of an order, even for a team starting to find its legs.

Jacoby b. Mamone- The neon green machine will keep going strong. I don’t think we’re looking at an 18-4 final record, but at the end of Sunday, we should be looking at an 8-0 team.

Bykofsky v. Beilis- This won’t be as big of a landslide as most people probably assume. Bykofsky has confirmed themselves as the sleeper team of the year. However, they have one of the most difficult double headers imaginable.

Pollock v. Applebaum- Just when Team Applebaum’s buzz has reached a new level, they have their flattest game of the year. One game can just be an aberration. Two games starts becoming a trend. Meanwhile, Team Pollock’s new look defensive construction is off to a good start and will face a major test this week. If we win, then the league may have to reassess a team that currently has 6 players (Roland, Pollock, Pollock, Pollock, Freeman, Silberman) batting at least .500.

Feldman v. Randell- Stat of the Week: Team Randell has given up exactly 11 runs in their last 5 games. Team Feldman plays very solid D, so it may be challenging for the offense to score the 12 runs that will be necessary.

Carlin v. Goldfarb- With all due respect to Team Carlin, I have a strong feeling that this will be the game that clearly establishes Goldfarb as being one of the best teams in the league while Team Carlin starts falling back to the middle of the pack.

Bykofsky v. Goldfarb- It’s hard for me to predict a double loss for Team Bykofsky. I like their club, but like I said earlier, this is as tough of a double header as you can have. I wouldn’t be surprised if they prove me wrong one of these two games. It’s just hard to pick against a Goldfarb squad that should be establishing themselves as one of the elites.