Team(s) for the committed?

[chatterbox]

Been hearing this topic come up quite frequently lately and wanted to get other views on this. Are there teams in California that are made up of girls that are either verballed or signed that play in tournaments, friendlies (to practice) or showcases here and there just to stay sharp? If not, wouldn't it make sense for these girls to play on a team like this so they are consistantly playing and not sitting the bench once they are committed? Thoughts?

[Sftbll4ever]

SGV Velocity does that and they are a good team!!

[Tyton]

Fury Softball-Santos is doing that. Have a core of committed players. Playing to win, keep sharp, and go to college ready to compete at the next level. Roster will be comprised of all verballed or signed players.

You can email the coach at tom@furysoftball.net or woody@furysoftball.net.

[badcallblue]

If you can get a few teams, maybe 10 to 12 teams, get some fields and umpire you could actually have a "committed player league". they can maybe split it up into North and South divisions and at the end have a Championship game. Here are some reason to do this.

(A) This will keep the players sharp.
(B) They would actually be competing against one another.
(C) The rosters could be limited to 15
(D) Reduce cost in travel.
(E) Your schedule would be laid out well in advance, including home and away status.
(F) Teams with fields can make a little on their snack bar.

JMO

[Safebyahare]

Item (1) So after the fall showcase season what happens??? There are now players who are singed or verbaled on the so called "unsigned" team..
Item (2) WHY IS YOUR DD NOT COMPETING FOR SOMETHING IN A SHOWCASE!!! Is your team only as good as its weakest player?? Always do your best...
Item(3) I DO agree tourneys have more energy. This is why PGF Nationals has the best of both worlds.
Item(4) Perhaps SoCals Finest, Surf City, AFC,ect should post results. Sure it's a showcase, but bragging rights are a very powerful motivator, and tool.
Item(5) At issue will be, scouts like to revisit reassess their incoming players. Scouts might also prefer to see a tourney rather than a set showcase or split their time. Also teams may also skip showcase opportunities to follow the best???
Item(6) At some point both teams in organization become off balance, both with players signed, but stacked differently. And as always one team will become the step child of organization. (nothing new here)

Just a little food for thought.

[Trophy Hunter]

There aren't many tournaments, and most other teams are showcasing, so where and who would you play? There are plenty of kids already signed to put together a bunch of teams, but many already play for the better coaches and might not want to leave them?

It sounds like a great idea, would love to hear more about how it would work on a practical level.

It might be cool to set up a league type situation with standings and a playoff, it translates well in HS, where all the kids we know play their hearts out.

[badcallblue]

Here's another idea to chew on but probably wouldn't happen.

Why not earn what field you play on in the next showcase you participate in based on your record in the previous showcase you played in with that organization?

I am sure that would get all teams playing harder and coaches coaching harder. It would also allow some teams to get on fields they would never have a chance to get on.

Power rankings is another thought.

All I know is the college coaches i have spoken to have all told me they would like to see it more competitive then the current format.

[Safebyahare]

Normal Fri. and Sat.. Blind draw, 7 inning Sundays.(or skip draw)
With that thought, the unsigned teams play only 2 on Sunday,(recruiters gone home) and the signed teams play 3 on Sun.
I do like the thought of posting results. This will allow a better ranking of who truly has the strongest teams.
Might even make Brackey's job a better science.