12u Fall tryouts-Who are favorites & sleepers going forward?

[newASAparent]

Just from the few games I have seen I don't think team California should make that list. I think Spartans have that spot locked up. I would out Mizuno in the 6 spot I think. Then maybe team California in the 7.

[bigballer]

I haven't been impressed with Spartans or Cali as of late. I'd like to see them head to head. Which of the three Mizuno teams do you like? Also, AASA Richardson could be in the bottom of the top ten.

[Dozerdog]

LTG is playing down South.
Breeze 01, Foothill Gold 01, and Spartans 01, are playing in Roseville/Folsom.
Where is OBS 01 this weekend? Would love to see them get off the waiting list and make it in next weekend.

1. LTG
2. OBS
3. F-Gold
4. Breeze
5/6. Spartans, Team Cali
6-10. ?????

OBS is playing a 14s friendly in Tracy.

[texmex45]

I love the thought being put into the rankings. With the sea of mediocre 12U teams in the area, it makes for great debate when trying to put together a top 10. I have had a chance to see most everyone play that is worthy of consideration. My thoughts are:

1. LTG: Until one of these teams beats them in a game that matters, they hold on to #1
2. FH Gold: Possibly the most "complete" team: pitching, hitting, defense, speed
3. OBS: Unreal team speed, a super #1 pitcher and good coaching.
4. Breeze: Similar to FHG in terms of being complete
5. Lady Spartans: Depend on which LS team shows up. Sometimes they are as good as anybody
6. AA Mizuno Stewart: Same as Lady Spartans...could beat anyone on any given day
7. KG Hitters-Baptista
8. San Jose Sting
9. AASA-Richardson
10. Need help on this one!!!

[Old man softball]

1.LTG
2.OBS
3.Gold 01
4,5,&6 breeze,Spartans,mizuno in what order you like. I don't see a point in going to 10. If your waiting for your daughters team to move into the 10 spot you should probably look for a new team.

[newASAparent]

Tex I would put OBS ahead of Foothill. My DD has played them both and I just feel like OBS is a better team. Other than that I like the standings.Maybe TC in the 10 spot? Is there a difference between top 4? Is LTG and OBS above the rest or is it fairly even? Are all 4 above the rest of the pack?

[texmex45]

ASA parent....I don't think there's much of a difference between the top 4 or 5. In other words, no one really rises to the top as clearly better than the rest. The times I've seen LTG play, I have not been that impressed, but they win consistently. Is it coaching? They would probably say yes, and it may very well be.

[POP Time]

Here is how I would view things at this point Tex n I are pretty close. I also included my view on coaching staff’s and org’s to help look down the road for a few. I would imagine many moves for teams and players will take place the end of next summer like the 00 teams saw this last season.

1. LTG: A few of the teams below have beaten them. This team is only about 5 or 6 deep in the line up but they manage to win tourneys. No such thing as a game that doesn’t matter, they hold on to #1
Coaching Staff: With out a doubt Henderson is a good coach, however I do think he has done a good job over selling himself. For a team with a no cut policy who preaches development they sure seem to replace more then they developed.
Org: No org it’s just a team,nothing to help pave the way but with the Jolene and Danyelle tie in they will be able to get their foot in the door of some of the better tourneys down the road

2. OBS: Best 1 - 2 combo in pitching of the 12u teams, team is very well rounded, lots of speed pretty strong D overall. This is a pretty strong line up thru about 8 or so. The killer when playing them is they can execute both small ball and hit. Overall hard to defend.
Coaching Staff: 2 very good coaches who have been there done that. Looks like Ervin is a bit more mellow in the assist roll
Org: Has a strong 18g team but I don’t think there is enough there for the future. If they stay together I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team make an org move down the road.

3. FH Gold: Take the #1 pitcher off of this team and they win half the games they currently play. The team is well rounded with the bats and has a strong lineup through 7 or 8 but the D has little work to do behind 14 and the holes seem to be shown with the other pitchers on the mound
Coaching Staff: Perez is a joke and continues to hold this team back. Some coaches make good players great others like Perez just manage good players to win local tourneys.
Org: Great local org however for the long term softball players this group will have to make a move in the next year or so if they truly want to get seen. The org is just not known outside of the area and other then the 14's Niccum team doesn't seem to have anyone who travels to get the name out there.

4. Breeze: Very complete team one of the best 01 pitcher in the area. The D has holes in it which means they have to be able to hit past the mistakes. This team is pretty strong in the line up through 6 or 7
Coaching Staff: Kevin Warren is now the “Assistant” this is a prime example of the fact the Breeze gets it... This is a great addition and will move the team in the right direction.
Org: Whether you like working bingo or not, on the large scale the Breeze has a well know name with a group of very strong teams to help pave the way on the bigger stage.

5. Lady Spartans: This team is very well rounded, not afraid to travel and play the better teams. Pitching is enough to get them past even the top teams when the D plays well. Solid through the top 6 – 7 batters.
Coaching Staff: I honestly think Price is a pretty good coach. His team has managed to keep a good core which is always a good sign. He just needs to figure out how to stay in the game more. Getting tossed n watching from the parking lot does not help your team.
Org: They have done a good job getting the Spartans name out locally but I think even if you ask them they would like a larger org name to help down the road.

6. San Jose Sting: I have only got to see a few innings of play with this team but looking at results of their play they deserve to be ahead of the next 2.
Coaching Staff: I know little about the staff as I have only seen them a few times.
Org: Strong Org overall who has been on the map for a number of years. Currently they have a few good teams ahead of you to help you along the way.

7, KG Hitters – Baptista: This team has a bit of speed and like the Spartans have pitching that will keep them in games with the top teams.
Coaching Staff: Baptista is a good coach with a number of years of experience. The longer he has this team the better they will get.
Org: Another strong Org for Northern Cal. Kiko get’s it and is not afraid to ruffle feathers within the org to do what is best for the org. Plenty of strong teams to pave the way.

8. AA Mizuno Stewart: Tex had this team in the 5 or 6 spot comparing to Spartans. I think the pitching is pretty good, another team who is strong through 6 or so in the lineup. You never know what your gonna get with the D. I slide this team down because the only team above them they have beaten to my knowledge is LTG on a Saturday.
Coaching Staff: Stewart might be listed as Head Coach but Boykin is running the show. I am not sure if these parents understand how lucky they are for that? It’s probably the only reason they are developing and getting better.
Org: There is a reason all good teams leave this org before 14’s. If you can talk Stone into staying you might have a good team in front of you to help pave the way. If they jump ship get in the life raft behind them.

9. AASA Richardson: Typical small ball team. Works great in 10’s but as you get older you are going to need to hit. Defense and Line up is not yet there when comparing to the top teams.
Coaching Staff: Other than yelling C’mon!!! A lot I do not see much when it comes to coaching that will develop players.
Org: One of the top orgs in Northern Cal. Plenty of good teams and tradition ahead no reason to look for another org unless they are unable to pair you with a good coach.

10. Team California: Someone said they should be on this list. I would probably put them above AASA however AASA did beat them last weekend. I think as a brand new team and staff they are doing about what they should. They have run ruled LTG; they played OBS close last weekend. The 1 and 2 pitcher are pretty good but like many they are missing that true #1. D has been very hot n cold which is to be expected with all new kids. Lineup, like many only strong thru 5 or 6. Like many this team is in need of a few additions.
Coaching Staff: Zuvela knows his stuff. If you ever get a chance to talk with him he really understands the game. I don’t really know the others but I can’t imagine Freehill is helping things there.
Org: Up and coming org who is developing a great rep with the teams and coaches they have assembled in the older ages. Strong teams ahead of you paving the way and with Grangers name on things that will help.

[bigballer]

Spot on POP Time. Well thought out, well executed, and right on the mark. I'd like to make a motion that POP Time take over Line Drive Louie's roll as 12U ranker. Any second's

[bigballer]

Why don't the top ten list coaches get together and either sign up for the same tourney or put a competitive friendly together. It's really a win-win, best talent vs. best talent. Two pools of five teams each, 4 game guarantee, a straight up tournament style friendly. And please two umpires. Pleasant Grove has two diamonds and Sheldon has two. One pool at each school. The schools are only 5 miles apart, so we could split time on Sunday if needed. With all the connections everyone has we should be able to make something work. Parents can drag and chalk the fields in between games.