8-5A.......

Someone who knows something about this 8-5A district give us a report. I dont have kids going to any of this schools now, but will in the near future. Where can I take my two boys to see some good baseball and good coaching?

I can tell you Jesuit will be very young. Matt Shortall is the player to watch. A good catcher with a great arm and a good bat. He will have to be almost all of the offense and will most likely be pitched around in a overall unproven lineup. If some others can hit, then they will be alright. Like everything, pitching and defense is very unproven but has the chance to be a bright spot.

With having played against them and knowing somewhat what they have, I predict Plano West will be good. . Big stretch I know.

Just from reading the teams in the district, it appears to be one of the most competitive districts in the state. A lot of great history from almost every team there.

Best of luck to them all.

Yes it is a very good district thats why I would really like to hear some potential match-ups and so on. I know we got to have someone who can breakdown the teams for us.

Plano West has a couple against Prestonwood Christian Academy this year. That should be interesting.

i think this is a crapshoot between any of IMO the top four teams (Allen, Plano, Plano West, Wylie)

quote:

I can tell you Jesuit will be very young. Matt Shortall is the player to watch. A good catcher with a great arm and a good bat. He will have to be almost all of the offense and will most likely be pitched around in a overall unproven lineup. If some others can hit, then they will be alright. Like everything, pitching and defense is very unproven but has the chance to be a bright spot.

Shortall is a great player, but he is not Jesuit's only. Tanner Kalina (SS), Reid Plauche (CF), and Josh Bell (OF) can all hold their own on defense and at the plate. Pitching will be key for this team to have success, but they have young arms such as Jacque De Gruy who can throw the ball and Nick Jans, who has the tools to be a great pitcher.

However, Plano West also has top young arms (such as Blum, Huber, and Ellis), so they'll be hard to beat.

Allen is always tough year in and year out.

In my opinion, any of the district games are worth going to as this district has loads of talent, and it'll be a fun one to watch and see what plays out this year.

There is solid pitching in 8-5A this year. I think the most consistent offenses will carry their teams to the playoffs.

Some players to watch (I don't know some of the teams very well):

Blum, Ford, Plant, Huber, Kahn -- West
Reneau, Humes, Harris, Wylie, Zmolik -- East
Altobelli, Johnson, Senor, Parten, Lyness -- Central
Feckley, Jordan, Bass -- Wylie
Johansen, Yarbrough -- Allen
Shortall -- Jesuit

Goldglover, I don't know how familiar you are with Jesuit, but I'm slightly familiar with them.

Bell showed signs of greatness last year but is very young and raw. He looked brilliant at times, and much like a freshman at times. The pitching in 8-5A this year will be a lot better than last, and he won't sneak up on anyone. If he fills out like his dad, watch out.

Kalina and Plauche have serious holes in their swing that they could not seem to fix despite the coach's efforts. They dominated subpar JV pitching and looked baffled at V pitching in short stents.

Jacques does show promise but I thought I remember hearing he had some injury? Any confirmation? His growth could be key. I want to stress again that this is something I heard and was at the beginning of the fall. Could be fixed.

Jans needs to learn how to throw a curve/any secondary pitch for a strike.

Believe me, young and unproven. Losing 10 seniors, including the top 3 pitchers and the entire infield besides catcher will do that.

And yes I'm trying to stir the pot so some of these Jesuit boys get mad and do something about it.

For some reason I feel like Allen will turn some heads this season. Cant find a better quiet player than Yarbrough. Johansen has the raw stuff and with a little better command he will take over. Yes you all are right, Jesuit is unproven and coming into a very hard district. Well just see how far leadership can take them. Shortall will have to pull some weight by himself but some younger players (Plauche, Kalina, Bell) will help a bit with the load. Plano West has to be the favorite (at least from me) because of the assortment of talent coming back. Ford is big time and their young arms will be in full effect. Plano will be strong. The few times I saw them last year they could play and there werent many seniors if I recall correctly. Altobelli commands the field and will be a leader. I dont know much about about Plano East and all I really know about Wylie is Feckley and Jordan. Will be fun to watch all year.

Dtiger - something tells me you aren't going to be getting the Jesuit Baseball Booster Club Alumni Award this year.

Does it count for anything that one of the players you mentioned has the cutest mom in the stands?

Honesty doesn't get me very far.

I don't seem to care. But if I gave enough money, I think I'd have a shot!

Make no doubt about it, I want them to do well, and I have no beef with any of them. Nice kids, I evaluate what I see and I tell it how it is (in my opinion ).

Only if that mom can distract the players for the other team.

Well, it is unfortunate for Jesuit in several sports that they got moved into one of the toughest districts around. It will be a dog fight in 8-5A and I believe one of the Plano schools will come out on top, but to be politically correct I can't say on-line which one.

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:

Some players to watch:

Altobelli, Johnson, Senor, Parten, Lyness -- Central

There is a top player to add to that list - senior Benjamin Taylor - new to Plano Senior this year - he will make a difference in all aspects of the game.

Oh.....another "move-in"???

CS -- will the Trojans be a state contender, as usual? And leave it to you to identify the cute moms!

quote:

"There is a top player to add to that list - senior Benjamin Taylor - new to Plano Senior this year - he will make a difference in all aspects of the game."

Strongly agree. Taylor will add a consistent bat to a lineup that is already pretty strong as well as contribute some quality innings on the mound.

the sleeper in this group is a gutty performer named Jason Barrentine, a deceptive lefty, who has a strong mound presence. He will take Plano East far this year.

quote:

Goldglover, I don't know how familiar you are with Jesuit, but I'm slightly familiar with them.

Bell showed signs of greatness last year but is very young and raw. He looked brilliant at times, and much like a freshman at times. The pitching in 8-5A this year will be a lot better than last, and he won't sneak up on anyone. If he fills out like his dad, watch out.

Kalina and Plauche have serious holes in their swing that they could not seem to fix despite the coach's efforts. They dominated subpar JV pitching and looked baffled at V pitching in short stents.

Jacques does show promise but I thought I remember hearing he had some injury? Any confirmation? His growth could be key. I want to stress again that this is something I heard and was at the beginning of the fall. Could be fixed.

Jans needs to learn how to throw a curve/any secondary pitch for a strike.

Believe me, young and unproven. Losing 10 seniors, including the top 3 pitchers and the entire infield besides catcher will do that.

And yes I'm trying to stir the pot so some of these Jesuit boys get mad and do something about it.

Dtiger

I'm somewhat familiar with Jesuit baseball. I even got to see Kalina and Plauche play in the summer and caught two of their games in the fall. I've seen great improvement and maturity in their play and especially their swings now. I can guarantee you they'll do big things for the Jesuit program this year. I talked to a dad the other day, and Jacque is almost 100% back so there's no worry there. Bell will definatly continue to mature and have success. They may be unproven, but by the end of the season, D/FW baseball will know their names quite well.

After watching a number of kids this fall in MSL, I think that Plano West will still be dominant in batting and pitching with Blum and Huber. One kid that caught my eye in the fall MSL league, that played big for PW in the playoffs last year, was a sophomore named Blake Parker. This kid can flat hit and run and has been utr. I think he played football at PW. With Ford, Kahn, Dillard, Plant and Parker still in the batting limeup, they are still very formidable.

Look forward to watching.

quote:

I'm somewhat familiar with Jesuit baseball. I even got to see Kalina and Plauche play in the summer and caught two of their games in the fall. I've seen great improvement and maturity in their play and especially their swings now. I can guarantee you they'll do big things for the Jesuit program this year.

I agree with goldglover. These kids have the talent.

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:
Oh.....another "move-in"???

No, not a move in.....he lived in the zone all 4 years (maybe even all 12 years) ... he moved from John Paul II to his "district" school for his senior year.

quote:

Originally posted by ElDominican:

quote:

I'm somewhat familiar with Jesuit baseball. I even got to see Kalina and Plauche play in the summer and caught two of their games in the fall. I've seen great improvement and maturity in their play and especially their swings now. I can guarantee you they'll do big things for the Jesuit program this year.

I agree with goldglover. These kids have the talent.

Talent yes. There is no doubt about it. How much expierence though? This will play a key part because of the strength of the district. So many good pitchers will be in the district and every night will be a battle. The way I see it is many teams will shy away from Shortall and try to prove the rest of the lineup. This could always change though.

Basically this district will be powerful and should be followed really close. Some great baseball will played on those district nights. Honestly, Plano West wins in the aspect of expierence. To be a part of a state championship shows you what it is like to win. They simply know how to win. Blum, Huber, and Ellis(on the rise) can take care of teams. And What sub par pitcher wants to face Ford? None.

All I can say is that I am excited and it will be fun to watch.

Some talent? No doubt. But they weren't playing against the top this summer or fall and aren't use to seeing guys like Feckley or Blum. An inside source of mine tends to agree with me: potential is there for Jesuit, but when was the last time potential won a ball game? Also, the fall game I saw involved a lot of K's with the same fundamental problem. Jesuit will turn a few heads because Jacques has something, but he must be healthy. Shortall is a beast.

DTiger, respect your opinion but I would have to believe it's been a while since you've seen these kids. Don't know them that well but I do know that at least one of the aforementioned (in addition to Shortall) played MSL last fall and I doubt the pitching will be a whole lot tougher than that. Additionally, all mentioned were either frosh or sophs last year. I would have to believe that the physical, emotional and mental growth is huge from the age of 15 to 16 or 16 to 17 for that matter. Oh well, just one way to find out. Let's play ball!

It hasn't been that long since I saw them over the summer, and every day at practice last spring.

quote:

It hasn't been that long since I saw them over the summer, and every day at practice last spring.

A year is a very long time for these kids to step up their game and fine tune anything that wasn't up to par. I don't think it's fair to have opinions that are from an extended period of time ago. A LOT can change.

quote:

Talent yes. There is no doubt about it. How much expierence though? This will play a key part because of the strength of the district.

Dallas Dad, experience is very important. Plano West has a step forward on all these teams because they know what they have to do and how to do it. However, how much experience did Evan Longoria or Alexei Ramirez have in the Big Leagues before this year? You can't count anyone out.

quote:

Originally posted by goldglover:

quote:

Talent yes. There is no doubt about it. How much expierence though? This will play a key part because of the strength of the district.

Dallas Dad, experience is very important. Plano West has a step forward on all these teams because they know what they have to do and how to do it. However, how much experience did Evan Longoria or Alexei Ramirez have in the Big Leagues before this year? You can't count anyone out.

Well yes you can. Your argument is very flawed by A)comparing MLB payers to first year varsity players
B)simply not being correct with their "lack of experience"

EVAN LONGORIA.....

NCAA- Played in 114 games at Long Beach State
(was not recruited out of high school although earning 4 VARSITY letters) Attended Rio Honda CC previous to LBS.

429 Abs in college. A few more than any 4 year starter in high school.

Oh these numbers dont include his Cape Cod career previous to his senior year where he earned MVP honors.

MILB

205 games

758 Abs

Led Montgomery Biscuits to championship with a walk off HR.

So before his rookie year with college and MILB combined Evan Longoria played in(with Cape Cod League games and ABs left out)....

319 games

had 1187 ABs

Experience?

--------------------------------------------------

ALEXEI RAMIREZ

Led Cuba Serie Nacional in HRs (20)

Member of Cuba top level National Team (3 seasons)
-Winning a GOLD MEDAL in the 2004 OLYMPICS!

Played for Cuban WBC team and led them to championship against Japan.

I think he has the "experience" and knows a thing or two about winning

Dallas Dad,

I didn't word my analogy very well. My apologies. The NCAA and Minor Leagues are tough competition but it's no where near the competition in the MLB. Longoria went into this last season with NO Major League experience and I'd say he fared well as many others would agree. The same applies with these highschoolers. It's not like they haven't had any experience whatsoever before. It's a new step into varsity, just as it was a new step into the big leagues for Longoria.

Seems there's an eager new group of new 8-5A posters.....ready to bring back the glory days of Swami, Bighit, swingdoc, and the Rock dads! Even FO got in on it back in the day.

The team to watch in this district is Wylie led by two of the best players in the metroplex: Daniel Jordan and Jake Feckley. Jake is arguably the best pitcher in the area abd Daniel has recovered from his injury. Look for the Pirates to finish at or near the top of the district.

Some classics back in those days for sure............

Four years of classic Rockwall v. McKinney when it was JUST Rockwall and McKinney...........

The Bish, Clark, Kiesch, Leverton, Smitty, Miller time.

Pearl Harbor at Baylor.

A final game at OU.

I lost a deposit on an apartment in Rockwall............

A long, long time ago.

It sure seems like Plano is not getting any love this year and is flying under the radar. I think they are going to surprise anyone that takes them lightly as they will be very solid this year with good Pitching, Hitting and Defense.

While the Wylie's (Feckley & Jordan) and Allen's (Yarborough & Johansen) are all great players their Teams don't have much else. Plano West will of course be very solid but with the number of returning Starters (Altobelli, Johnson, Senor, Parten, Lyness, Chaney) at Plano this year. 2009 could be the year for the Wildcats!

Plano has some fine players, but when you have not been to the playoffs since the Clinton administration, it is hard to be considered. I think that Plano will has a chance to make the playoffs (they do have a good coach) but in order to get to the level of PW etc.., you have to have great experience, pitching and and a proven hitting lineup. With Ford, Parker, Dillard, Kahn and Plant back, it will be hard to match, not to mention the pitching of Blum and Huber etc.

Good luck to all.

Horns, thank you for the kind words about my son, Blake Parker. I am new to this site, but look forward to the upcoming season. Good luck to you and everyone in 8-5A.

Dave

I believe the four playoff slots will go to PW, Wylie, Allen, and Plano. PW will reload and Wylie has a load of experience with 12 seniors on this years team. Johanssen and Bolton should do a solid job for Allen and Plano is returning many solid players as well. I look forward to see how this all shakes out!

PWbaseball you are welcome. I hear a lot of nice things from scouts and parents about your kid and the program at Plano West. Look forward to watching.

projected finish

1/2 - Wylie/Allen - pitching and defense
3 - Plano Sr. - depth/experience at all positions
4 - Plano West -good hitting (weak defense except 3B)- if arms are healthy look out

texasbaseball, pretty funny. What experience does Plano, Wylie, Allen have over Plano West. State Championships, Playoff experience, Better hitting, Better Pitching?? No, No, No and No. Dont think anyone would agree with your assessment, outside of those kids parent. Those kids will be playing for 2nd place etc..

I think it is time to get hornsr1 some royal and black pom-poms before his cow eats more cabbage.

I'm just kidding you hornsr1....I am a big PW fan and catch several of your games each year but the more I read your posts the more I am pulling for Allen, Wylie and Plano.

"Always remember when you are on top of the world , that the earth rotates every 24 hrs."
Makris, Steve G.

cheapseats,

LOL. I will tone down the love fest. It is pretty funny the lack of respect that is being given to a team that won the State Championship 7 months ago. While the other team do have 1 or 2 good players, PW has 7 or 8. Hard to beat.

Giving up cabbage before I strain a quad with the poms.

Given the pitching in this district this year, I think it will come down to who can play the best "small ball". I think it will be a very tight race to the playoffs in 8-5A this year.

PW lost their district starters on the hill. They lost their all-state 2B and LF and their starting SS and C ---- so they're "new" up-the-middle. Their stud 1B will see few fastballs....and they face strong pitching from Wylie and Allen and a strong offensive lineup vs Plano. Those awarding the Wolves a place in the state finals may be guilty of a.....ummmm.....premature evaluation.

Jealousy is a funny thing. Did new players transfer into the district?, because I recall PW had little trouble with the pitching in the district last year.

I don't think anyone rewarded them a spot in the State finals, just respect for winning in 2008.

While the players mentioned will be missed there are still 7 All District (in some form) players returning to the lineup with proven experience in the playoffs. That cannot be said for the other teams. I think that PW would love to be underestimated. Thank you.

While I appreciate horns enthusiasm, I think that PW will be good over the duration of the season. I am not sure that we should be ranked that high, but appreciate the pollsters respect.

There are some fine players in our district and 8-5A should have success in the State playoffs from all of the teams that qualify.

Good luck to all.

hornsr1 - You did have some pretty good seniors with decent bats and arms graduate...didn't you? Coats, Kiser, Holmes, Hughes, Bruce....and pitchers Flora and Johnson?

The folks you are calling jealous in this thread were some of your biggest fans in the post season last year....If you go back and look at this site, you all rec'd plenty of hearty "Good lucks and "Congrats" during your state title run.

Jealous I am not.....just adding to the discussion. And how will they be underestimated with a preseason #1 ranking? Certainly no one here -- or anywhere -- denies their 2008 greatness -- and where is the lack of respect for the state champions? Tap the brakes a bit hornsr1 -- we understand your affiliation.

no worries, I apologize for any comments that offended anyone. I wish the best for all.

Yes, Flora, Coats, Kiser and Holmes will be missed.

It's all good, hornsr1 -- we're just giving you a bit of a hard time. It's a good time of the year for dog piles.

quote:

Originally posted by hornsr1:

While the players mentioned will be missed there are still 7 All District (in some form) players returning to the lineup with proven experience in the playoffs. .

Are these the 7 returning All District players?
Ford (1B), Plant (3rd), Blum (Pitcher), Huber (Pitcher), Kahn (OF), Parker (DH), Dillard (OF)
Yes, they are all quality players and I look forward to watching them play.

hornsr1 - who will be in the running to fill the starting catcher role? Will JK be in the mix? He was quite a catcher when I had the opportunity to see him play in his pre-HS days.

Hornsr1, knows PW well, however, I don't think he remembers the competition well. PW played Wylie twice last year and one of those games Feckley pitched. PW won a very low scoring game, 1-0 or 2-1. Feckley is back and will be better. PW beat Allen and Johansen 4-3. If Johansen can command he will be tough to beat. My point is PW won low scoring close games against good teams with good players and those players are back.

Plano almost beat PW at PW. They threw a senior lefty who moved the ball around and changed speeds well. In the end PW won but was fortunate to do so.
Plano has more coming back in the field and at the plate than anybody in the district. They have a solid number 1 pitcher in Partnen. Question, who might step up for Plano on the bump this year? If they get nice surprises on the bump from some newcomers they could be a real hand full.

I do think Plano East is a sleeper. Their hopes will hinge on Barrantine and Arieta. If both pitch well, they will be tough. Line-up doesn't have a lot of pop but they have several hitters back from last years team and adding a few that will be better than some of those that graduated last year (look for a big year from A. Harris).

agree wih Kirk - this is going to be an exciting year. wish all the best.

HEYYYYYYY...thanks Kirk...finally some love for East. It is good to be the underdog. Just some food for thought: East has 7 returning players (non-pitchers) with playoff experience. Someone mentioned the fact that small ball will be a big factor and the one thing that East does have is SPEED. Good luck to everyone and let's not forget our newest members Boyd and Jesuit as they would love to stay under the radar too.

Kirk,

For the record, PW beat Allen 13-5 @ PW and 4-0 @ Allen.

quote:

Originally posted by hornsr1:
Kirk,

For the record, PW beat Allen 13-5 @ PW and 4-0 @ Allen.

Didn't mention the game at PW since neither Bolton or Johansen pitched that game. You are probably right regarding 4-0 score at Allen. However, Johansen pitched and if not for walks/HBP and timely hitting, game very easily been 1-0. My point is the district has 4 or 5 teams with players that can affect the outcome in their favor...mainly pitchers:

Allen- Johansen and Bolton
Wylie- Feckley, McClendon and Rice
PE- Barrantine and Arieta
Plano- Parten and 2 Sophmores (don't know their names but their are high hopes)
PW- Blum, Huber, Ellis

All five teams have two solid starting pitchers, so thinking you are going to miss somebodies no. 1 doesn't mean you are going to have it easy.

Hornsr1, keep tooting your teams horn before a game is even played. That usually works out real well.

Kirk,

Agreed that those are some fine players and I am not tooting anything yet. LOL

Just trying to make a point that not much has changed from 2008 in regards to pitching, hitting in 8-5A and that those who had success in 2008, will probably do the same in 2009.

Good luck to all.

quote:

Originally posted by hornsr1:
Kirk,

Agreed that those are some fine players and I am not tooting anything yet. LOL

Just trying to make a point that not much has changed from 2008 in regards to pitching, hitting in 8-5A and that those who had success in 2008, will probably do the same in 2009.

Good luck to all.

I would argue that a lot has changed. Every team in 8-5a has lost hitting (Plano excluded) but a lot of the top pitchers are back...except for Plano West (but Blum and Huber could be best 1 and 2 in district). However, until they play the games, their will be a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Plano is the team this year that Plano West was last year. They have proven position/hitters players but the question for them is pitching? If Plano can answer the pitching question like PW did last year they will be team to beat. IMO!

I respectfully disagree. I don't see any BIG bats at Plano, just a couple of good hitters, little power. More importantly, no pitchers that throw with any velocity or movement. Decent to average pitching wont beat teams with good hitters.

I guess we will see.

Whew, give it a rest. I agree with Kirk, there a number of teams that have a chance to win district. It will be fun to watch.

Horns...how many BIG bats are there anywhere in the district? I only count 1 at PW (actually there is another but he will be too busy pitching and prob not bat which is good news for the rest of the district). Plano has several very good hitters and there is some power you are overlooking. Heck, East has two BIG bats! You made the statement yourself that "decent to average pitching wont beat teams with good hitters." But what happens when you have above average pitching like several of the district teams do facing teams with good hitters? That is why this year will be a lot of fun and no one can really predict anything right now.

Macks,

I think everyone in the PW lineup hits HRs (all returning are All District), that cannot be said for the other teams. This above average pitching you are refering to had little to no effect on the bats that are returning at PW. I am sorry where how did Pano and PE do in the playoffs with these bats you are speaking of in 2008.

Also, to my knowledge PW does not have any returning pitchers that batted in district in 2008 (or are known for their skills at the plate), so I hope this mystery batter appears to help out.

It will be interesting to say the least.

Horns,

While I appreciate your enthusiasm, and as a parent of a kid who plays at PW, I/we respect ALL of the teams/parents/coaches etc.. in our district. In the future (as my father would say), if you can't say anything positive, please don't say anything at all.

Thank you!

quote:

Originally posted by madmacks:
Horns...how many BIG bats are there anywhere in the district? I only count 1 at PW (actually there is another but he will be too busy pitching and prob not bat which is good news for the rest of the district). Plano has several very good hitters and there is some power you are overlooking. Heck, East has two BIG bats! You made the statement yourself that "decent to average pitching wont beat teams with good hitters." But what happens when you have above average pitching like several of the district teams do facing teams with good hitters? That is why this year will be a lot of fun and no one can really predict anything right now.

1 big bat? Dont jump the gun on anything. Pwest has some very solid hitters that I know can be right there with a "big bat". Ford does pack a lot of punch in his swings. Planos Altobelli can hit for days. Maybe not the most power but he can hurt you with his bat. Jesuit has recent Tulane commit Shortall who, might be pitched around, can put a real charge in the ball. A younger player in Josh Bell can also hit the ball with most varsity players. Wylie will hit.... flat out. Yarbrough has to be one of the best hitters in the area for Allen. Dont know much about East and Boyd but I can say there is more than 1 "Big Bat".

quote:

granite he might be pitched around

I hear he is rock solid.

quote:

Originally posted by Natural:

quote:

granite he might be pitched around

I hear he is rock solid.

Haha! I just realized that mistake. I think I will change that to save my integrity....

This district is going to be too close to call. Every team in 8-5A has talent.
Tryouts and first days of practice less than a week away!

Dad's aren't we there yet???

Dad, are we there yet???

DallasDad,

Please know I did not mean to say there was only 1 big bat in the district. I agree 100% with what you have said and that was my point all along...there are a lot of great hitters in this district that produce for their teams. It may not show up in the HR bracket, but they are just as dangerous. Johnson at Plano, Reneau/Humes at East, along with the ones you mentioned and the numerous that I missed or don't even know that will surface as the year goes on. Just think about what we were saying this time last year...where was Blum/Huber/Johnson/Parker......most of those didnt even know of these young men (although I certainly did). I believe this year will bring the same as there is a lot of talent that we didnt get to see last year as much that have the potential to make the same impact (Ellis/Barrentine/Arrieta/Harris/J. Bell/Mays/Ashby/Black). Again, I missed a lot, but I know these men may very well be the next ones to shine. I have the utmost respect for every one of these young men and wish them all well. I sure hope our district can once again dominate the playoffs...just know it can be any one of these teams and playing each other can only make them stronger during crunch time. GOOD LUCK

quote:

Originally posted by hornsr1:
Macks,

I think everyone in the PW lineup hits HRs (all returning are All District), that cannot be said for the other teams. This above average pitching you are refering to had little to no effect on the bats that are returning at PW. I am sorry where how did Pano and PE do in the playoffs with these bats you are speaking of in 2008.

Also, to my knowledge PW does not have any returning pitchers that batted in district in 2008 (or are known for their skills at the plate), so I hope this mystery batter appears to help out.

It will be interesting to say the least.

Agreed that the Plano West line-up has the best depth around. Opposing pitchers will get no breaks which is what makes this team so good.

Time to dust off the mouse and chime in....My limited productivity at work will now drop to almost zero for the new few fun weeks

Though it is hardly a prediction, my cloudy crystal ball sees many close games. We all expect the "named" players to perform, but the guys lower in the lineup may steal a few unexpected games this year to tighten things up.

All of these kids have played against each other since they were about 5 (and are friends) so I don't see much intimidation. Execution will always be important in those close games, no surprise... It is going to be a great season....good luck you to all of your sons!!

IMO this division is so evenly matched that defense will be the ultimate determinating factor - particularly up the middle

Allen - has most experience back, followed by PLANO and Wyle

quote:

Originally posted by T-Ball:
Time to dust off the mouse and chime in....My limited productivity at work will now drop to almost zero for the new few fun weeks

Though it is hardly a prediction, my cloudy crystal ball sees many close games. We all expect the "named" players to perform, but the guys lower in the lineup may steal a few unexpected games this year to tighten things up.

All of these kids have played against each other since they were about 5 (and are friends) so I don't see much intimidation. Execution will always be important in those close games, no surprise... It is going to be a great season....good luck you to all of your sons!!

T-Ball,

How is T-Ball son?

By the way, is the limb you crawled out on sturdy enough for you?

kirk -- did you drop your cell phone in the Lincoln snow?

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:
kirk -- did you drop your cell phone in the Lincoln snow?

No, it just hasn't thawed out yet. I can receive calls, just can't make any.

How's Panther Son?

Matt Shortall is probably the best all around hitter in the district

jesuit needs nick jans to step up this year, i have seen him pitch before, if he's on, he is hard to hit. he has a bulldog mentality. but he has a hard time controlling an offspeed sometimes. but if he can come through, him and de gruy will be a tough test for hitters this year

Thats quite a compliment with hitters like Ryan Ford, Alex Yarbrough, and Bo Altobelli in this district, just to name a few.

A player to look out for this year in 8-5A is a pitcher from Wylie by the name of Josh McClendon. I saw him pitch last spring and a little this summer and he was very effective. If he can be consistent, look for him to make a big impact for Wylie.

Known, but Unknown Senior Outfield & Infield combos who can make a difference:
Plano East: Tyler Wylie (2B), Nathan Snodgrass (OF)
Plano: Riley Senor (2B/IF), Reid Lyness (OF?, 1B)
Plano West: Donald Plant (3B), Jeffrey Kahn (OF)
I personally think that Tyler Wylie might be the top leadoff hitter in the area. Both Reid Lyness & Jeffrey Kahn look, swing & play so much alike & will be the best all-around hitters. Riley Senor will be the most consistent. Nathan Snodgrass will be a big time & valued leader & has a very accurate & strong arm. Donald Plant is the raining co-defensive p.o.y. of 9-5A & might drive in the most runs if you put him behind Ford.
Of course these are only my thought & opinions...
-long time reader, 2nd time poster

Welcome aboard NRMS31. East also has valuable senior leadership in Humes and Reneau and good experience in Zmolik and Bell. If Barrentine is consistent and Arietta can log quality innings, East may surprise some. Alex Harris may be ready to turn heads and there are a few fine athletes joining the varsity from JV. SS may be their biggest question mark. I agree that Wylie will be an asset in several ways. Even though West won state last year, this may be one of the strongest top-to-bottom seasons in 8-5A since the glory days that included commentary from Swami and his Rockwall guys and the legendary FO.

Go MIZZOU -- Go East!

horns,

I stand corrected and need to correct a mistake I made when saying PW has a big bat that will be too busy pitching. Rumor has it that a certain "ace" will also get to log time in the field and at the plate. If this holds true, PW has just added a bat similar to Ford (IMO). And by the end of the season, horns , you will be rethinking your statement that PW does not have any pitchers that "are know for their skills at the plate".

PD - forget the "IF he is consistent"

I have watched Jason pitch this summer and fall. eliminate the "if" - - Jason will be a force this spring he's a gutsy competitor whose day has arrived.

Kirk,

Is the limb you are referring to due to my weight?
Junior is doing well...Back seems to be holding up with lots of hitting. He is excited to get things going. I am starting my therapy soon to deal with him leaving in a few months.

texasbbfan -- I wasn't being negative about JB -- I hope he does well -- consistency is a key for all pitchers at all levels, eh?

pd - didn't think you were negative - I'm just a big fan of Jason's having watched him now for 3+ years

Saturday first real workout. Boys look bigger and stronger.

Great to be a dad!

T-Ball...what are we going to do next year???
Senior day is right around the corner!

They have a special day for T-Ball's kid???? Oops, I read that wrong.

I get it ha!- Everyday is special for T-Balls son.

it took some deep thought but I finally got it after I thought about it for awhile.

No need to do the research CS, but I have 4899 deep posts here....the rest are fluff.

I tried to get them to drop the "i" but the other families were not going for it.

T-Ball,

Enjoy every minute!!!!

Time for a lunch meeting, call me.

Scrimmages start next week, any interesting matchups that everyone should be aware of early in the season for 8-5A?

East vs FM Marcus 2/10
East vs Rockwall 2/17

How's the teams of 8-5A been doing early in the scrimmage season? Any particular teams sticking out?

Jesuit beat pearce 7 to 6 in the opening day game. The youth of the team showed in the first four innings. (6 errors) but as the game moved on there were clutch at bats from senior leaders. Overall a very sketchy game to start off the season but a win is a win.

Allen, Boyd, West, & Wylie all play in McKinney tourney this weekend. Could be interesting.

If you are a coach in the difficult district 8-5A, is it better to play in tournaments with quality competition or play lesser quality opponents in tournaments etc.. to pad your record? Which helps your team the most?