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Eugene Church · 09-07-2009, 11:33 AM

The Islandian Times

Monday, April 4, 2005

BNN Preseason Poll 2005

Tycobbian Union South Division
If you judged the TU South by last year's pennant chase, it could be called a "one-horse division" as the Cape Coral Hurricanes easily won it. Manager Huggy Miller's charges outdistanced Colchester by six games, but Uncle Robbie Wilbertson's valiant Elites did make it interesting until the final week of the season before fading. The other six clubs ranged from 18 to 34 games behind the champion. This year it looks like deja vu all over again.

The Hurricanes dominated the TU South with superb pitching. Miller has great depth throughout his mound staff, both in starters and the bullpen. Cape Coral led all comers in the IPA with a fantastic 2.82 team ERA. The Hurricanes also carry a big stick, finishing among the leaders in offense, too. Miller has even made his line-up better with the trade acquisition of outfielder Simon Manetas, a .327 hitter in 2004 for Ancona. Cape Coral also added a fine glove man at second base in Fancy Phelan to shore up his defense. The outlook for 2005 looks glorious for the Hurricanes.

Wilbertson is blessed with an abundance of batters that were among the top teams in run production, homers and batting average. They pretty much hit their way to second place last year, but the Elites can't compete when it comes to pitching. Colchester hurlers (3.47 ERA) are not bad, but they are not in the class of Cape Coral. Wilbertson has two fine starters and an impressive closer. However, he will need much more help on the mound to contend with the Hurricanes. His club made it a race last year, but it may be more difficult to hang with the Hurricanes this season. The BNN poll slotted the Elites for the number two spot again in 2005.

None of the other clubs in the TU South have the overall talent to challenge Cape Coral and Colchester. Ginza (3.18 ERA) has a strong hill corps, but is woefully weak in offense. The remainder of them suffer from a lack of pitching and hitting. Most of the teams have added 6-8 newcomers to the roster in the hopes of hitting a few jackpots. This division is one of the weaker in the IPA.

Prediction: Team (Last Year)
1. Cape Coral Hurricanes (1st)
2. Colchester Elites (2nd)
3. San Alejo Montaneros (4th)
4. Ginza Ninjas (6th)
5. Summerland Sunsets (3rd)
6. Arroyo Grande Suns (7th)
7. Turon Typhoons (5th)
8. Southport Sun Sox (8th)

09-07-2009, 11:33 AM	#1198
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,894	The Islandian Times Monday, April 4, 2005 BNN Preseason Poll 2005 Tycobbian Union South Division If you judged the TU South by last year's pennant chase, it could be called a "one-horse division" as the Cape Coral Hurricanes easily won it. Manager Huggy Miller's charges outdistanced Colchester by six games, but Uncle Robbie Wilbertson's valiant Elites did make it interesting until the final week of the season before fading. The other six clubs ranged from 18 to 34 games behind the champion. This year it looks like deja vu all over again. The Hurricanes dominated the TU South with superb pitching. Miller has great depth throughout his mound staff, both in starters and the bullpen. Cape Coral led all comers in the IPA with a fantastic 2.82 team ERA. The Hurricanes also carry a big stick, finishing among the leaders in offense, too. Miller has even made his line-up better with the trade acquisition of outfielder Simon Manetas, a .327 hitter in 2004 for Ancona. Cape Coral also added a fine glove man at second base in Fancy Phelan to shore up his defense. The outlook for 2005 looks glorious for the Hurricanes. Wilbertson is blessed with an abundance of batters that were among the top teams in run production, homers and batting average. They pretty much hit their way to second place last year, but the Elites can't compete when it comes to pitching. Colchester hurlers (3.47 ERA) are not bad, but they are not in the class of Cape Coral. Wilbertson has two fine starters and an impressive closer. However, he will need much more help on the mound to contend with the Hurricanes. His club made it a race last year, but it may be more difficult to hang with the Hurricanes this season. The BNN poll slotted the Elites for the number two spot again in 2005. None of the other clubs in the TU South have the overall talent to challenge Cape Coral and Colchester. Ginza (3.18 ERA) has a strong hill corps, but is woefully weak in offense. The remainder of them suffer from a lack of pitching and hitting. Most of the teams have added 6-8 newcomers to the roster in the hopes of hitting a few jackpots. This division is one of the weaker in the IPA. Prediction: Team (Last Year) 1. Cape Coral Hurricanes (1st) 2. Colchester Elites (2nd) 3. San Alejo Montaneros (4th) 4. Ginza Ninjas (6th) 5. Summerland Sunsets (3rd) 6. Arroyo Grande Suns (7th) 7. Turon Typhoons (5th) 8. Southport Sun Sox (8th) Last edited by Eugene Church; 09-07-2009 at 11:50 AM.