Very pleased with our pitching. Zach Fritz, Sean Swetnam, Ryan Rivers, Brett Foskey, Zach Lucas and Joe Devine have pitched very well.
Defensively we have struggled, making several errors, yet at the same time showed signs of brilliance. Neil Holland has made some outstanding, almost unbelievable plays in the field, along with Stewart Ijames gunning at home from deep right field.
Offensively Stewart Ijames has stole the show topping off some screaming line drives with a grand slam at pitcher friendly parks. Matt Burch and Zach Fritz have been hitting well also.
I see it every year. This tournament does a lot of things for each player. Some catch on quicker than others, but I believe it helps each player when they head back home. Every pitcher we have faced changes speeds consistently, as well location. It makes each player realize the "hitter's count" and "pitcher's count." The ones that figure it out and get in sync usually do well, yet every year very good players struggle a bit. Defensively, bobble a ball, and if not squelched, you will have started a big inning for the other team. The growth process is to stay in the game mentally, versus the racing heartbeat and playing emotionally. Most figure it out, but some sooner than later.
Very pleased so far even though we are 1-3 with losses to Miami Tigers, Tampa Bay Raiders, and Dallas Panthers and a sole win over ECTB. A couple plays in any of the three games and we are easily 4-0, yet that is why they play the game.
We play again today at 12:00 with Joe Yermal on the mound.
Al McCormick
http://www.mostvaluableplayer.biz