Updated Power Rankings- Week 8

1.       Applebaum (1)- Last Sunday was a real test for our defending #1 ranked team as they faced another 6-1 club minus Mark Carlin.  Nobody would have thought less of Applebaum if they lost. Instead they won comfortably while proving that giving up 54 runs during that infamous stormy double weather was a huge misnomer. To put this in perspective, Team Applebaum gave up 67 runs their first three games and only 27 in the five games since. There might be other teams only one or two games behind their 6-1 pace, but right now they are clearly ahead of the competition.

2.       Jacoby (2)- I think even by Jacoby’s own admission, his team has not played their best softball over the past two games. It says a lot about their talent and championship mentality that they manage to pull out victories in both games en route to a 6-2 record.

3.       Carlin (3)- With their 6-5 victory on Sunday, Team Carlin is now 3-0 in one run games. What’s interesting is that the combined record of these three opponents is 4-17. Maybe it’s a worrisome sign that they haven’t had more decisive victories against the lower half of the league. Sunday’s showdown against a hot Team Mamone will give us more evidence for how Carlin does against some stiff competition.

4.       Mamone (7)- If we can now overlook  Applebaum giving up 54 runs in a doubleheader then perhaps it’s time to put Mamone’s first two games in the rearview window as well. Since then, they’ve won four consecutive games including three games by comfortable margins (15, 13, and 6 runs).  

5.       Randell (5)-  Did you know Team Randell has led the league in highest average scoring per game(Runs Scored+ Runs Against) for three straight years? Right now they’re ranked 8^th in the category, so it’s likely going to end this season.

6.       Feldman (4)- I’d still want to buy their stock, but I’m waiting for them to go on the run I think they’re capable of going on. They’ve alternated between winning and losing every game this season, the very mark of inconsistency.

7.       Beilis (6)- If their offense can improve, perhaps Beilis can have a shot a cracking the top 5 again. Beilis is the only team to give up double digit runs only one time this year.

8.       Marrone (8- They’re hanging onto the 8^th spot by a thread, but I think they should rebound from a tough couple of games. If not, then there are a few other teams knocking at the door.

Other Notes:

·         I’ve said before that I felt Team Lapine would get on a hot streak eventually once their rookie pieces fall into place. A victory against a tough Team Feldman last Sunday could be the start of something special.

·         Although it may seem like only platitude, I think my team showed a lot of promise playing close games against some tough opponents. Two of our losses have been one-run defeats against top 5 teams, and another defeat was the result of the craziest game I’ve ever been a part of, the 38-31 “Tornado Game” against Applebaum.  In addition Matt Pollock’s command of the strike zone has grown significantly over the past month. All of this means nothing if the good effort doesn’t result in wins, but I have a good feeling a winning streak is on the horizon.