scorkep wrote:I just want to add that some people put a lot into Friendlys. I think you can ask different coaches and they all may have a different answer as to why they play friendlys.
Some play just to win!
Some play to work on things for the summer, to see new players they have picked up, etc etc
Also some teams at this point bat everyone (14 batters) and some like we have seen at this point in the year do not have a full team yet and bat 10. We even had to lend a team a player so they could play us. What I am trying to say is that scores just don't always show who maybe the stronger team at this point. So guess I have to agree that it is early in the season to really know. BUT on the other hand, I am sure we all agree that at this point there are some stronger teams. But are they really 1, 2, 3, at this point?
As far as playing up in a friendly? Not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing. I will have to say that some of the pitching we saw Saturday in 12's, look stronger then the 14u that were playing. (not trying to start a fight here) Just is it better to play strong 12 team, or weaker 14 to say you beat a 14 team?? Just a thought!
I agree completely, way too early and although Friendlies can give you a general idea of the team's overall calibur, unless you watch all games, which pitcher is thrown to what team, etc. you really can't say based upon the scores. As far as playing up a division, I don't think the 12U teams playing up are doing so to just "say they beat a 14 team", they are hoping for a challenge to raise the team's overall level of play and figure the best way is to play up. On Saturday, there were a couple "okay" pitchers in 14s, but also some just "okay" pitchers in 12's as well...
