early fall tournament results '08...

[jag1]

we have 3 kids on the DL and didn't play...( and may not play until the first indoor 16u tourney..!), was wondering if the first weekend had any surprises..? How did the 12u, 14u, and 16u's fare..?

[Canocorn]

The only big suprise we heard about was at Xtreme Showcase in Indy. Indiana Magic 18U got beat by Noblesville Flames 18U (above average rec team). Heard the Chaos, and Akadema looked good at 16u, and Xtreme 91 is clearly the best 18u team in the state. Looks like Diamond Chix 16U won their tournament with a 6-2 record. Not sure who they lost to, but I thought they would have walked over everyone there.

[ballguy]

What about Team Indiana? How do they compare at 18's?

[Canocorn]

They came in 3rd last weekend out of 7 teams, behind Outkast and Chix. They are above average. But the just added another player, that should help them out a lot.

[ballguy]

There are 2 18 Team Indiana's now. Cara's and Duanes. I think you are talking about Duane C's team that moved up from 16 last year.

[Canocorn]

You needed to specify. I assumed you were talking about the 18U team, and not the "Gold" team. The Gold team is ok, nothing earthshattering. There are a few that are better in the state. If the 18u and 18 gold team played. It would be a 3-1 game in favor of the Gold with Esparza pitching against Osborn.

[ballguy]

What does it take to be considered a "Gold Team" and are there really any gold teams in Indiana? Also has any one got a take on the Spooktacular last weekend at Chuck Klein park?

[Canocorn]

To be considered a "GOLD" team, they first have to qualify at a gold tournament. Only one team from Indiana did that last year- Indy Magic. They went to the Gold world series and went o-for the tourney I believe. Several teams have "gold" in there name, but are not actually at the gold level. Are they a good team - sure. But they don't have a team made up 15 girls going to Cal, UCLA, or Arizona.

Know nothing about the Spooktacular - I guess to fall break only had 10 teams or so.

[bucketboy]

Last weekend at Chuck Klein was a hit and giggle event with teams moving players around etc..
and many were using pick up players as it was fall break weekend for many as well.

Troy's 16u Shockwaves looked really good on Sunday in their first two games and were up 1-0 when the Xtreme hit a 3 run homer in their last game of the day.

In 18u the Xtreme and Shockwaves Red were the two best teams there. The Michigan Warriors looked very solid as well.

The Pride and Terror played well at times and I am sure will be better after a winter of work.

Pitching depth will be an issue for many teams as it seemed everybody had a good number 1, but the ability wasn't there in the number 2's and 3's.

I am sure some teams just wanted to play one last time outside or play some games to get ready for this upcoming weekend in St. Louis and or Terre Haute but all in all it was a good weekend for most.