SW4A Preview - 2010

I respect your opinion, but here are a few things that you might not be aware of at SM!

1. Having a new Coach (Tuscan) that really cares about the program is a plus! Wait til you see the complex, ..... a major improvement over last year. There is actually grass in the infield this year!

2. I agree that MP's Holberton is a stud, ........ but South Meck has arguably the best catcher (Deuce Wright Spartanburg Methodist) in the conference.

3. SM's outfield consists of two of the better athlete's in the conference. Caleb Cunningham (On Deck) & Trevor Hovis (SC Panthers). This outfield will be as good as any in the conference! Both pitch as well!

4. I agree that right now there appears to be some holes in the infield, but there are a couple of underclassmen that show a lot of promise.

5. Last year SM had four starting pitchers, which three of them graduated. They now have two seniors (Michael Atz & Harrison Hood) that both played on high quality showcase teams this past year (CBC Diamond Rats & On Deck). They both threw a lot of quality innings for last years team. Between the two of them, they will mostly likely get most of the starts.

6. Underclassmen! A lot of young talent waiting for their opportunity!

7. Attitude & Confidence!!! Talk to any of the players and you'll see a confidence that wasn't there a year ago. We all know what happens when you as well as the whole team has that! Nothing but good things can happen!

IMO:
Will they win the conference? ..... Who knows!
Will they surprise a lot of people and compete? ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Will people be saying this year, ...... what they were saying about last year's team ....."they had more talent than most teams but couldn't win"!! NOT A CHANCE!
Is this a rebuilding year! Think what you want, .... but you better come prepared to battle!

 

Good job Dave--that was a great recap. Trevor Hovis is a man child with a football mentality. I hope his personality leads this team.

Coach Tuscan is excellent. What a great pick up for South Meck.

 

All your other points are great ones but #2 loses you some credibility big man. Holberton is clearly the pre season favorite to be SW4A POY.

 

Hey Rich .... I agree that Holberton should be the Pre-Season favorite, but I did say that Wright was "ARGUABLY" the best catcher! IMO!!

 

WOW, question a man's credibility and hand out the POY before the season even begins. This could only happen in the SW4A.

Both these young men are leaders on their teams, both can receive, both can throw and both can hit. As I understand it they are good friends that respect each other's talent and live about 2 miles from each other. Having a chance to watch these first rate catchers compete this year will be a treat for all SW4A fans. Add Austin at Providence to the mix and this might be the premier position to follow for 2010. I for one can't wait. I would however wait to hand out the POY until the season is played. It could very well be any of these or about a dozen other players that could have a season of a life time.

 

Well put and well said PLOWBOY!

 

Here may be a hint on potential canidates for POY in the SW4A:

2009 - Alex Wood - Ardrey Kell - P
2008 - Jordan Darnell - Ardrey Kell - P
2007 - David Mailman - Providence - P
2006 - Robbie Bray - Independence - P
2005 - Mitch Besselievre - Providence - P/David Rubinstein - South Meck OF
2004 - Jonathan Ratledge - South Meck - P
2003 - Rob Wilson - Myers Park P

Not saying that a postion player is not worthy, just making note of what the history is saying.

 

Based on history, I'll give you one...Olen Little, East Meck. Olen can swing the stick pretty well, too, but the young man is an absolute bulldog on the mound.

Watch out for Patrick McMahon, Butler, also.

Whomever wins the confence, it will come from that team...doh..that's prophetic!

 

Agreeing with Dawgswood just goes against my principles but, if you have to pick a "preseason favorite" for POY, the first person that tops the list based on last year's numbers is Mr. Holberton. Granted, a valuable pitcher has gotten the nod each and every year back to 2003, the last three winners greatly increased their odds of winning with their bats as well. And while Mr. Wright is a very talented catcher, I don't believe his last year’s numbers were as good as Holbertons. Whomever wins the POY next Spring, I’m sure it will be well deserved.

Now why is it that Butler has no votes to win the conference? It seems they are always ranked at or near the bottom every year. That could be a good thing, because if history repeats itself they will probably have a pretty good season.

 

Favorite = A contestant or competitor regarded as most likely to win.

Nowhere in the definition does it say something has been handed out. Hope that helps you.