I-Meck 2nd half of season??????

Pre season predictions were not too bad. Now that we have been through the line-up once what do you folks think now and why?
My two cents: Hough will get up off the mat and make a run for a high finish. Mooresville, Lake Norman and North Meck will get stronger and compete every game but all of these three must tighten up their defense. Mallard Creek is still a question mark to me as they continue to look for depth on the bump. If Mallard Creek's opponents can shut down the top 2/3 of their line-up, the Mavericks are going to struggle. I continue to pray for Vance and West Charlotte.
Let's get it on!!!!!!!!!!

 

What about Hopewell?

I completely forgot about Hopewell. Must be because Hopewell is the only team in the conference that i have not seen play a game. Stats show they play much better at home though.
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Mallard creek needs some pitching depth, but theit offense keeps pressure on you with their speed. Their defense is solid and the bottom of their order needs to pick it up a little in the second half.

Hopewell seems to be the most well rounded team. They hit pretty well, defense is solid, plenty of pitching and a fair amount of team speed.

North Meck is very succeptable. They remind me of Mooresville last year as they struggled to the finish line after a hot start. Their defense is ok, they have a couple of stud hitters, Ryan(2014) has worn us out at the plate. Pitching will be their down fall. Leonard(2011)-(UNCP) is legit, but his pitch count is really climbing and they don't have alot after that.

Lake Norman has played well all year. Their returners are doing as expected and some newcomers are playing nery well. They are a solid scrappy team with senior leadership.

Mooresville seems to have tightened it's defense up some. Brennan(2012) is back and that makes a difference on the bump. in the field, and at the plate. The pitching is doing about what I expected, solid, but not dominating. Devin Bagwell (2013)was very impressive his last few appearances on the mound. They could make things even more interesting.

Hough is of course young and will take their lumps this year. They do have some great talent, and will get a win or two against the "big 5" in the second half as the awe of varsity ball is overcome and they relax and play. Lookout for them in 2012 and beyond.

Vance will improve with the Ledfords at the JV helm. There will be more baseball interst and it wouldn't surprise me to see some summer ball started for their players.

West charlotte is West Charlotte. Their players love the game and do work hard, but the lack of early training haunts them every year. They have some good athletes, but are lacking in fundamental baseball skills.

 

DirtyMo, you are all over it!!

DirtyMo,
Good summary, great analysis and quite objective. Thanks, man

 

Warning to I-Meck participants. If any of your players chew tobacco be sure to not do it when playing Lake Norman. Their coaching staff tried to have a player ejected for having tobacco in his pocket. With certain umps it could happen.

 

Chewing

Using tobacco within the confines of the field would be an automatic ejection. Doubt back pocket counts!

 

I know I am missing a couple games, but this race can't get much tighter!

Mallard Creek 6-1
Lake Norman 5-2
North Meck 5-2
Hopewell 5-2
Mooresville 5-3

 

Right you are, DirtyMo, and..................

An analysis shows that Mallard Creek's 6 wins include two against West Charlotte. ......... Even so, if I were a betting person, my $ would be on the Mavericks but I ain't givin' no odds. When push comes to shove, defense and pitching get you through..... and they got defense. Their bats can get to anybody on the bump the second time through the line-up. Also Coach McGeorge is showing to be an asset.

 

I would imagine that all of the top 5 have at least 1 win against Vance and 1 against WC, so it is what it is.

 

DirtyMo, thanks for sharing that................

My point was that of Mallard Creek's 6 conference wins, two are over West Charlotte and one is over Vance. So, be picky, if you like, but it is what it is. It is like the Mets playing each team in their division once in early season except the Cubs who they had two series with. Do the math and your projections and what do you think? i would say Mallard Creek will end up in 4th place. A further analysis shows that the Mavericks are the premier team in the conference "up the middle". Their combination of Catcher, ss, 2nd baseman and centerfielder may be the best in the West. That is from defense, hitting, speed, smarts, etc. Perhaps that will carry them to the top of the league. While their their pitching may be only 2 to 3 deep, that may be enough. I guess I just talked myself into I-Meck champs. Sorry to ramble but I do my best thinking while typing.
Everybody have a great week and see you at the parks. I will be the one with mustard, onions and chili. No cole slaw for me. Not made for hot dogs...........