levitatin' katie -- it's SPOOKY.more pix at http://www.flickr.com/photos/capnbatty/collections/72157605887342439/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Analysis of the Koch Blockers
First, there were the WhyBunts. Then, there were the Fowl Swingers. Now, the only team worth playing against are the Koch Blockers. And I don't mean this because we beat them and yeah, we have a pretty good team that could likely trounce them on both spots on the field. No, I say this because their attitude towards a slow pitch, no strikes softball game is perfectly adjusted for a Kentucky Fried team.
The game was over so quickly that there wasn't a whole lot of time to evaluate what the other team had in hand. However, there were a few observations.
1) The lineup clearly was just sort of thrown together. Three or so solid hitters, then batting fifth was a young woman who did not know how to knock anyone in. They proceeded to string together a few women and men who had trouble with level swings, so it seems that their lineup was conceived as a 'first come, first served' basis. Therefore, one never knows what type of hitter will be at bat.
2) Adjust positions based on a batter's first swing. If they swing and connect easily, use typical positioning for their next at bat. If they swing, miss, and don't look comfortable doing so, move in. Short fielders should back up the infield for those annoying bloop shots that tend to appear with such batters.
3) The fielding wasn't too bad at all and the lady manning first base was deft at handling. Right field needed some work, but against this team it would almost be criminal to somehow aim that way. Thankfully J.C. has no such trouble.
4) One of the Koch Blockers was wearing a dress but did not play. Was this some sort of distraction technique? Is this why Will dropped the ball in the right field? We must be careful of these underhanded strategies in the future.
Overall, a fun team that might get their wits together for a future match up. However, as it stands, the Catfish are looking like the more seasoned, mildly ruthless team.
The game was over so quickly that there wasn't a whole lot of time to evaluate what the other team had in hand. However, there were a few observations.
1) The lineup clearly was just sort of thrown together. Three or so solid hitters, then batting fifth was a young woman who did not know how to knock anyone in. They proceeded to string together a few women and men who had trouble with level swings, so it seems that their lineup was conceived as a 'first come, first served' basis. Therefore, one never knows what type of hitter will be at bat.
2) Adjust positions based on a batter's first swing. If they swing and connect easily, use typical positioning for their next at bat. If they swing, miss, and don't look comfortable doing so, move in. Short fielders should back up the infield for those annoying bloop shots that tend to appear with such batters.
3) The fielding wasn't too bad at all and the lady manning first base was deft at handling. Right field needed some work, but against this team it would almost be criminal to somehow aim that way. Thankfully J.C. has no such trouble.
4) One of the Koch Blockers was wearing a dress but did not play. Was this some sort of distraction technique? Is this why Will dropped the ball in the right field? We must be careful of these underhanded strategies in the future.
Overall, a fun team that might get their wits together for a future match up. However, as it stands, the Catfish are looking like the more seasoned, mildly ruthless team.
Catfish 11, Koch Blockers 4
Well Fish, give yourselves a big pat on the back! What a great game we had last night! Both our offense and defense were nearly impeccable. We held them to 3 scoreless innings, and 4 innings where they could only eke out a single run. Amazing catches in the outfield (Evan in particular!) and the infield--great plays and throws by Katie at 3rd, Butters at shortstop, Greg at 2nd, and Ryan/Charles at first. Also a beautiful catch by Erin behind the plate! Fantastic pitching by Kate, keeping them on their toes. And 3 homeruns for us, by JC, Evan, and Ryan (who really had 2 homeruns but the first was transformed into a double by a technicality; the same happened to Butters as a matter of fact). Great hitting by most (myself sadly excluded). This was our inaugural Batting Song game, and I have to say I think those fresh beats lit a fire under our butts (especially for Grisha "GaGa" Dokshin)! And Ryan Picazio's bat is truly aflame these days. It is not even a bat really but a bat-shaped weapon of ferocious flame.
To top it all off, though, the Koch Blockers are really a fun team to play against. Their laid-back and cheerful demeanor betrayed a sportsmanship akin to our own sports-fish-ship, and we all hit it off wonderfully. It certainly was refreshing to play a team that included more than 0 or 1 women on its roster. They were also quite charmed by our batting songs. At the Muddy Charles, we bought them a pitcher, which they graciously guzzled, and when I told them "We'll see you again!" they replied "Oh yeah and we will BRING IT!!!" To which I replied "Yeah you BETTER! BRING! IT!!"
In sum, a truly great time was had by all. Thanks to everyone for playing.
Next week we don't play; our next game is Tuesday, June 8, against the Akamites. If you want to add a batting song, or change the one you've got, feel free to send me an mp3!
Pictures soon to be shared on the blog.
Judy
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Analysis of the 2010 Shadowmasks
Alright, who are these guys? Talk about scrapping that year old script about how to take them on! The asian guy wasn't even there and neither were any women. It's a veritable frat house for graduates at the Media Lab there at MIT, eh?
So what's to know:
1) Like looking up at artillery on top of a hill, we were getting bombarded with opposite field bombs that didn't look like accidents. Fact is, these guys knew where they were hitting the ball and they knew they could hit it far. This powerful fact alone is how the runs piled up. Defense had very little to do with it.
2) There was a lefty who spent his first few at bats trying to poke softballs to left field with moderate, single hitting success. When he decided to hit comfortably, it was like an unplanned NASA trip to the moon with a softball. Yikes.
3) Of the two players that one could visibly tell were not used to softball, one of them grounded to first base twice and the other, curly headed one was completely unpredictable (yet non-powerful). And yes, if you do the math, of the 9 people playing 7 of them were quite capable.
4) Defense was pretty good in the outfield and decent in the infield, though the highlight-wishing shortstop let a few get by him rather easily. I don't recall how the range was of the shortstop or third baseman, so hit to the left side if possible.
Strategies:
a) We need to go four across in the outfield to protect any gap that may get taken advantage of. There were rarely any grounders that made it to the outfield.
b) Play deep ... and play deep everywhere. Unless the batter looks like a non-jock, just play deep. Keep them to singles and doubles in left and center, while prepare to back up the right fielder in case the ball goes even farther. Of all the teams we've played in the past (including LOD) these guys had more of a tendency for serious pop.
c) Hang onto the softball. This is not a remark regarding the slippery conditions which can't be helped, but again towards the obnoxious base running baiting that one or two members like to employ. Don't force a throw if the runner would prefer you to do so in order to advance by gambling on an error.
d) Don't play in wet weather. This is not a strategy more than an obvious fact. We probably could have saved a few runs if the conditions were drier. We also probably could have saved a few runs if the left fielder wasn't thinking about beer for seven innings. Yeesh.
Next week, we win!
So what's to know:
1) Like looking up at artillery on top of a hill, we were getting bombarded with opposite field bombs that didn't look like accidents. Fact is, these guys knew where they were hitting the ball and they knew they could hit it far. This powerful fact alone is how the runs piled up. Defense had very little to do with it.
2) There was a lefty who spent his first few at bats trying to poke softballs to left field with moderate, single hitting success. When he decided to hit comfortably, it was like an unplanned NASA trip to the moon with a softball. Yikes.
3) Of the two players that one could visibly tell were not used to softball, one of them grounded to first base twice and the other, curly headed one was completely unpredictable (yet non-powerful). And yes, if you do the math, of the 9 people playing 7 of them were quite capable.
4) Defense was pretty good in the outfield and decent in the infield, though the highlight-wishing shortstop let a few get by him rather easily. I don't recall how the range was of the shortstop or third baseman, so hit to the left side if possible.
Strategies:
a) We need to go four across in the outfield to protect any gap that may get taken advantage of. There were rarely any grounders that made it to the outfield.
b) Play deep ... and play deep everywhere. Unless the batter looks like a non-jock, just play deep. Keep them to singles and doubles in left and center, while prepare to back up the right fielder in case the ball goes even farther. Of all the teams we've played in the past (including LOD) these guys had more of a tendency for serious pop.
c) Hang onto the softball. This is not a remark regarding the slippery conditions which can't be helped, but again towards the obnoxious base running baiting that one or two members like to employ. Don't force a throw if the runner would prefer you to do so in order to advance by gambling on an error.
d) Don't play in wet weather. This is not a strategy more than an obvious fact. We probably could have saved a few runs if the conditions were drier. We also probably could have saved a few runs if the left fielder wasn't thinking about beer for seven innings. Yeesh.
Next week, we win!
Catfish 11, Shadow Masks 27
Well, Fish,
It was a tough loss last night to the Shadow Masks, in a playfully light yet verging on water-torture sort of rain.
I did try as usual to keep track of who did what, but the paper got so soaked that I can't really read what I wrote. I do recall something like 4 homeruns for us--by Greg, Weininger, Evan, and I think Ryan--or is Ryan's a flashback from last week? There was also a stunning triple by rookie Alexa. Doubles by JC, as well as Greg and Ryan, and I'm sure others. Good hits too by Katie H, and Marc, and I seem to recall Kate C being robbed of a fine hit. As I say the details got a bit washed out on my clipboard, so if anyone has any details to share themselves, please do so.
At any rate, I felt like I needed a hot toddy after the whole thing. Let's try to focus on the fact that we were beating them at the end of the first inning, 5 - 4, and keep that powerful feeling alive for the next time we meet them, which is Tuesday, June 15.
We do have a game next week, Catfish, because the schedule got shifted around: we play the Koch Blockers Tuesday, May 25, on field 2.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Legion of Doom Analysis
As Judy illustrated in her note, this was probably one of the better first games of the season the Catfish have had in the past few years. Usually it is a squalid scene of fumbling ground balls, overthrows, and miscommunication. Our offense also has historically sputtered in the early games while people find their swings and the batting order is fine-tuned. I think that our game against the LOD proved that the Catfish no longer consider the offseason as a reset button.
The Legion of Doom are a good team. They have a strong beginning of the order and a decent end of the order with very few sure outs. The short, dark haired shortstop who looks like someone out of the mafia/WFC could be their best player as he has a rocket arm, aggressive speed, field smarts, and can blast a softball. It would be best to not risk errant throws next time he gets on base because he will gladly take the next base. Good job by Katie to fend him off this past game.
This guy and the next two guys in the order could hit the ball a long way, sometimes to the opposite field. Essentially, when their first four are up at bat, get ready for some containment maneuvers. All outfield should play deep, infield should play deep and conservative on their throws, and the catcher should be ready for anything. Out of their 3 or so at bats each, (12 total), we may have gotten them out once.
Their secret weapon is the sneaky, unsuspecting asian guy who not only was a ferocious third baseman but could also hit for power in most directions. Oddly placed at the end of the order, he is someone to be prepared for next time we meet.
Their fielding is pretty solid and most of the Catfish success came from legitimate hits instead of errors. We will have to have the same magic next time we meet, for if those hits turn to outs we likely won't be as competitive. I also heard the main woman in the group (the one I pegged with a liner) say that they rotate their fielders every 2 innings, though I'm not sure how that worked.
So, it looks like the Legion of Doom are gonna be one of the top dogs in the league, and with the WhyBunts out of the league as well as that other team we thumped last year, it's going to be a challenge for the Catfish to go 9-1. (grin) The Shadowmasks are next week's opponent and I encourage people to give a quick read over my analysis from last June of our first game against them (which we barely lost):
Shadowmasks 2009, first game
I do recall the second game against them which was part of a doubleheader and we smashed them due to either heat or poor Shadowmasks morale ... that was a strange day of great victory. Granted, the info is a little outdated and the team members have likely changed, but it is still likely they only have one woman and it is almost a lock that the big lefty will be smacking softballs Alexa's way consistently. Still, I think we go 1-1!
The Legion of Doom are a good team. They have a strong beginning of the order and a decent end of the order with very few sure outs. The short, dark haired shortstop who looks like someone out of the mafia/WFC could be their best player as he has a rocket arm, aggressive speed, field smarts, and can blast a softball. It would be best to not risk errant throws next time he gets on base because he will gladly take the next base. Good job by Katie to fend him off this past game.
This guy and the next two guys in the order could hit the ball a long way, sometimes to the opposite field. Essentially, when their first four are up at bat, get ready for some containment maneuvers. All outfield should play deep, infield should play deep and conservative on their throws, and the catcher should be ready for anything. Out of their 3 or so at bats each, (12 total), we may have gotten them out once.
Their secret weapon is the sneaky, unsuspecting asian guy who not only was a ferocious third baseman but could also hit for power in most directions. Oddly placed at the end of the order, he is someone to be prepared for next time we meet.
Their fielding is pretty solid and most of the Catfish success came from legitimate hits instead of errors. We will have to have the same magic next time we meet, for if those hits turn to outs we likely won't be as competitive. I also heard the main woman in the group (the one I pegged with a liner) say that they rotate their fielders every 2 innings, though I'm not sure how that worked.
So, it looks like the Legion of Doom are gonna be one of the top dogs in the league, and with the WhyBunts out of the league as well as that other team we thumped last year, it's going to be a challenge for the Catfish to go 9-1. (grin) The Shadowmasks are next week's opponent and I encourage people to give a quick read over my analysis from last June of our first game against them (which we barely lost):
Shadowmasks 2009, first game
I do recall the second game against them which was part of a doubleheader and we smashed them due to either heat or poor Shadowmasks morale ... that was a strange day of great victory. Granted, the info is a little outdated and the team members have likely changed, but it is still likely they only have one woman and it is almost a lock that the big lefty will be smacking softballs Alexa's way consistently. Still, I think we go 1-1!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Catfish 22, Legion of Doom 24
I think we really set the tone for the rest of the season last night against the Legion of Doom. We may have lost, true, but it was always close and we were always in the running, right up until the top of the 7th! I think almost everyone (yours truly excluded) got on base last night. JC (held together by a bungie cord) got some fantastic doubles, singles by Katie, Kate, Greg, David, Marc, Ryan, Evan, Erin, Johna, Alexa--and HOME RUNS by Ryan and Marc! Ryan's scored 3 runs sometime in the middle of the game (3rd inning? 5th inning?); and Marc's was a fateful run that tied it up for us in the top of the 6th. Defense was also great--Ryan had a couple of really nice snags at first base that bear mentioning, and rookie Johna came oh so close to making a key out at home!
We started off well, getting 5 runs in the first inning to their measley 2. The only inning we didn't score was the 2nd, and they caught up a bit, making it 5 - 4. Then we each had a high scoring 3rd inning to tie it up at 9. Somehow they managed to be leading by 1 run, 16 - 15, at the end of the 5th inning. Then Marc's homer tied it up. Unfortunately then they came back and scored 8 big runs in the bottom of the 6th. (I was pitching; ugh.) So it was 16 - 24. But the Fish valiantly rallied in the top of the 7th, scoring 6 runs, with some clutch hitting by rookie Alexa, Kate C, and Marc.
Our momentum couldn't quite get us to finish off the Legion of the Doom. I think maybe if we had, Laura C. would have seen the error of her ways and come over to our side. But we'll meet this Doomy Legion again, on Tuesday, June 22. Until then, we should remind ourselves that we are fierce, warrior Fish with nothing to be ashamed of. Indeed there is much of which we should be proud!
Next game is Tuesday next week, vs. our old nemesis the Shadow Masks. Stay tuned to this blog for Evan's take on the Legion of Doom.
Thanks to all for playing! And thanks to Ebi for taking pix--can't wait to see what turned out.
Judy
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