Originally Posted by Funky Monkey
GWOC NORTH PREVIEW
This is a weakest overall conference in the GWOC. The addition of Greenville helps but not enough to make that big a difference this year. Here's how I see it for 2011:
1) Vandalia Butler
Pitching matters and overall 0in the GWOC North pitching is not this conferences strength. It looks like Vandalia has the best pitcher in (Haer), and that gives them the edge. Their offense is above average but on most days a top level pitcher will handle them. I'm not sure if they will improve on their 15-9 record of last year but they should improve their GWOC record of 9-4. They should handle everyone in the conferenc and split with Greenville. That will be the difference.
2) Greenville
Yea I know that most will have them penciled in to win the North easily but really they have zero pitching. Fisherbacks graduation left a grand canyon sized void in the pitching and while they might have the best offensive and defensive team that they have had in years (however the catching spot is a huge question mark), its just too hard to win 10-8 every game. I look for them to do well overall because they are well coached but I can't see them beating the teams with the best pitching in the GWOC like Lebanon, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, and Centerville. I predict a 20-8 season, and an early exit from the palyoffs.
3) Piqua
Piqua is a team that just gets a little better every year. They have hard working players but lack true studs. They are well coached and pitch well enough to once again finish in the middle of the pack in the North. Last year they were 12-15 overall but played very well against good teams. They lost to Butler, Greenville, Wayne, and Miamisburg all by 1 run. They were 8-5 in the GWOC North and should improve on that by 1 or 2 wins this year.
4) Troy
This spot was a tough choice between Troy and Sidney. Troy has better talent but a big question mark with the new coach there. The new coach (Herman) last coached at Middletown Madison where he had one of the best pitchers in the state. He was there only one year and there was alot of drama. At Troy he will not enjoy the luxury of having that type of Ace and it will be interested to see how the players take to his unique style. With the talent they have there, this team could easily end up near the top of this Conference. Early success will help.
5) Sidney
Could have been up one spot but overall I'm not sure that they have the same talent level as Troy. Last year they finished 6-19 and they will be challenged to get to 10 wins overall. I will admit that I don't know as much about some of the players on this team because I didn't have the chance to see many of them during the summer.
6) Trotwood
Seriously all I have to say is they have a new coach, and he has big job in front of him. The good news is, there is nowhere to go but up. The cold hard fact is that Trotwood is winless in the GWOC during the last 5 seasons. I for one am rooting for them to break that streak this season. I predict that they will do that this spring. Won't be shocked if they don't but I see them sneaking up on someone and breaking that streak. Good luck there coach.
OOPs
Greenville locks up the GWOC North tonight at 8-0. Lady Wave pitcher Ashley Hanes goes to 12-2 on the mound, way to go kid and to the entire Lady Wave team.
Greenville moves on to the Champions Challenge in Loudonville this weekend.
PS ( Dad is very proud of you Pee Wee )