2012 Tournament Preview, Part 1

1. PITA PIT

Pita Pit boasts a strong resume coming into the 2012 tournament, which is the same old song and dance for them.  They are the favorite to hoist the cup this year and are hungry for another championship after losing in the Final 4 a year ago and the championship game a year prior to that.

They have won by 10 runs or more in all but four of their games this season.  They execute their game plan effectively and are very difficult to beat even on an off night.  Look for them to make a deep run this year with a good chance of taking it all.

PITA PIT (10-1)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 FREE STATE 18 5 13 W
2 BALLS DEEP 18 0 18 W
3 BALD BEAVERS 39 4 35 W
4 TELLERDACTYLS 16 1 15 W
5 PARTY 7 4 3 W
6 WEST COAST 12 2 10 W
7 CHALMERSIZ 4 1 3 W
114 17
6.706
POOL 1
8 GOATS 8 2 6 W
9 BARRACUDAS 15 5 10 W
10 DAS BOOT 5 10 -5 L
28 17
1.647
11  BARRACUDAS  12  2  10  W

2.  BARRACUDAS

The Barracudas are the reigning champions of the KVKL.  Last season they began as a new team and were relatively unknown with the exception of a few key players.  Fortunately, many of the players on the roster had a few seasons under their belts to make up for the learning curve of the new players.

The Barracudas came into the tournament a year ago as the overall 5 seed and had to rank as one of the lowest seeded teams to ever claim the cup, and boy does winning one championship change people’s opinions in a hurry.   Heavy is the head that wears the crown indeed.  This year they enter as the 2 seed and still have lofty expectations.  A tough tournament draw will definitely test their attempt at winning another championship, with possible games against Red Lyon, Wildman, and the Screamers just to get out of their field of eight teams.  Another deep run is certainly possible, but it will take smart, well executed kickball.

BARRACUDAS (9-2)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 JAZZHAUS 24 1 23 W
2 BARRACUDAS 31 3 28 W
3 CHANNEL 6 16 6 10 W
4 ASTEROID HEAD 23 2 21 W
5 SCREAMERS 12 9 3 W
6 DIRTY MIKE 15 7 8 W
7 SLOWRIDE 8 6 2 W
129 34
3.794
POOL 1
8 DAS BOOT 12 2 10 W
9 PITA PIT 5 15 -10 L
10 GOATS 15 8 7 W
32 25
1.28
11  PITA PIT  2  12  -10  L

3. LOVE GARDEN

Love Garden has had one goal and one goal only in their minds this season: get back to the finals and bring home the hardware.  A year ago they reached the finals and fell short losing to the Barracudas.  They’ve had a whole year to dwell on that fact and expect them to step onto the field with an attitude.  They come into the tournament with only one loss and they hope to end their season that way.  Anything else will likely be a disappointment (but they have had one hell of a season).  Don’t be surprised to see them back in the finals, but as the KVKL gets stronger, reaching that goal gets tougher and tougher.

LOVE GARDEN (10-1)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 CORKSUCKERS 27 3 24 W
2 ROCKETS 17 3 14 W
3 GHOSTS 39 1 38 W
4 HARPER VALLEY PTA 22 0 22 W
5 RED LYON 7 3 4 W
6 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 14 4 10 W
7 GOATS 7 13 -6 L
133 27
4.926
POOL 2
8 HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES 18 1 17 W
9 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 13 8 5 W
10 CHALMERSIZ 7 3 4 W
38 12
3.167
11 DAS BOOT 10 5 5 W

4. CHALMERSIZ

The Chalmersiz have had another successful season.  They seem to have this kickball thing figured out as they get better and better every year.  Their final obstacle is competing with the big dogs.  They are certainly capable of beating every team in the league on any given sunday, but doing it five times in a row is what it takes to win a KVKL championship.  The Chalmersiz seem to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder this year as they aim to prove that they are ready to take the final step.  If they get ahead of themselves too much they may find themselves watching the remainder of the tournament from the stands once again.  If they play their game, watch out.  They could give the overall #1 seed, Pita Pit, a run for their money if they advance that far.

CHALMERSIZ (9-2)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 WEST COAST 9 1 8 W
2 PARTY 7 3 4 W
3 TELLERDACTYLS 15 0 15 W
4 BALD BEAVERS 27 2 25 W
5 PITA PIT 1 4 -3 L
6 BALLS DEEP 12 7 5 W
7 FREE STATE 11 5 6 W
82 22
3.73
POOL 2
8 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 6 3 3 W
9 HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES 10 5 5 W
10 LOVE GARDEN 3 7 -4 L
19 15
1.267
11 GOATS 13 7 6 W

5. GOATS

The Goats have had a very productive season, but they’ve also lost four out of their last six games.  Luckily for them, they wound up as the five seed and have a nice draw for the post season tournament.  If they come out and play their game they are a tough team to beat and could make a deep run in the tournament.  They will likely have their work cut out for themselves in week two of the tournament if they plan to play the final weekend of the tournament with likely matchups against Chalmersiz and Pita Pit.

GOATS (7-4)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 HARPER VALLEY 23 0 23 W
2 GHOSTS 26 4 22 W
3 ROCKETS 8 5 3 W
4 CORKSUCKERS 28 6 22 W
5 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 24 9 15 W
6 RED LYON 6 8 -2 L
7 LOVE GARDEN 13 7 6 W
128 39
3.282
POOL 1
8 PITA PIT 2 8 -6 L
9 DAS BOOT 16 8 8 W
10 BARRACUDAS 8 15 -7 L
26 31
0.839
11 CHALMERSIZ 7 13 -6 L

6. DAS BOOT

Das Boot could easily make a deep run of their own, but they will likely face Sacred Sword again in their second game this coming Sunday, a team they defeated by the narrowest of margins earlier this season.  If they survive they likely face Love Garden and will try from some revenge for a week 11 loss.  Boot’s biggest obstacle will be playing well in consecutive games, something they’ve struggled with throughout the season.

DAS BOOT (8-3)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 LOS MATADORES 3 5 -2 W*
2 BREWBALLERS 18 4 14 W
3 GANG GREEN 10 2 8 W
4 SPACEPUSSY 18 1 17 W
5 SACRED SWORD 12 11 1 W
6 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 14 2 12 W
7 LIBERTY HALL 19 0 19 W
94 25
3.76
POOL 1
8 BARRACUDAS 2 12 -10 L
9 GOATS 8 16 -8 L
10 PITA PIT 10 5 5 W
20 33
0.606
11 LOVE GARDEN 5 10 -5 L

7. WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE

Wildman assembled their current roster with the hopes of bringing home the hardware this season.  They’ve lost four of their last six contests, but all of that will be forgiven if they make a deep run in the tournament.  They will certainly prove their skill if they advance through a tough pool of eight and make a Final Four appearance.  When they play their game they are a tough team to beat.

WILDMAN (7-4)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 GANG GREEN 15 1 14 W
2 SPACEPUSSY 28 3 25 W
3 LOS MATADORES 11 4 7 W
4 BREWBALLERS 22 7 15 W
5 LIBERTY HALL 24 7 17 W
6 DAS BOOT 2 14 -12 L
7 SACRED SWORD 13 1 12 W
115 37
3.108
POOL 2
8 CHALMERSIZ 3 6 -3 L
9 LOVE GARDEN 8 13 -5 L
10 HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES 3 8 -5 L
14 27
0.519
11 PARTY!! 13 7 6 W

8. LOS MATADORES

The Matadores are on quite a run winning their last seven games.  They hope to keep to their winning ways and make a push in the post season tournament.  Had they not forfeited a game earlier this season, they likely would have gotten an even better seeding.  If they can win their first two games of the tournament, which would included a likely rematch with Hurtz Donutz, who they defeated convincingly a week ago, they will most likely play Pita Pit and get a chance to prove whether or not they are a force to be reckoned with.

LOS MATADORES (8-3)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 DAS BOOT 5 3 2 L***
2 SACRED SWORD 10 7 3 W
3 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 4 11 -7 L
4 LIBERTY HALL 9 14 -5 L
5 BREWBALLERS 14 10 4 W
6 GANG GREEN 19 2 17 W
7 SPACEPUSSY 18 4 14 W
79 51
1.549
POOL 3
8 SLOWRIDE 10 4 6 W
9 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 16 11 5 W
10 PARTY!! 15 4 11 W
41 19
2.158
11 HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES 14 6 8 W

9. HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES

It’s been quite a season for the Hurtz Donutz.  They have fun while they play and their enthusiasm has translated to a decent number of wins this season.  It’s unlikely they survive the first weekend of the tournament, but they should be a force to be reckoned with in either the Less Awesome Bracket or the Reasonably Less Awesome Bracket.  However their season ends, I’d consider it a success.

HURTZ DONUT (7-4)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 SCREAMERS 5 8 -3 W*
2 BARRACUDAS 3 31 -28 L
3 DIRTY MIKE & THE BOYZ 9 8 1 W
4 SLOWRIDE 4 3 1 W
5 JAZZHAUS 21 4 17 W
6 CHANNEL 6 12 7 5 W
7 ASTEROID HEAD 11 3 8 W
65 64
1.016
POOL 2
8 LOVE GARDEN 1 18 -17 L
9 CHALMERSIZ 5 10 -5 L
10 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 8 3 5 W
14 31
0.452
11 LOS MATADORES 6 14 -8 L

10. SCREAMERS

The Screamers enter the tournament as the overall #10 seed, but had they not forfeited a game week one, they would only have two losses; an impressive feat.  When they come to play they can give nearly any team fits with their speed and aggressive base running.  If they don’t make a deep run they are an example of another team who could hoist the first ever Reasonably Awesome trophy.  If they’re on their game, look out.

SCREAMERS (8-3)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES 8 5 3 L***
2 JAZZHAUS 24 3 21 W
3 ASTEROID HEAD 8 6 2 W
4 CHANNEL 6 8 1 7 W
5 BARRACUDAS 9 12 -3 L
6 SLOWRIDE 8 13 -5 L
7 DIRTY MIKE & THE BOYZ 8 7 1 W
73 47
1.553
POOL 4
8 SACRED SWORD 7 1 6 W
9 RED LYON 6 4 2 W
10 FREE STATE 11 4 7 W
24 9
2.667
11 SHADOWBOXERS 11 6 5 W

11.  SACRED SWORD

Sacred Sword has had a less than amazing season by their own standards, but that doesn’t mean they are not a good kickball team.  They are currently enjoying their longest winning streak of the season at three games.  They’ll likely have a chance to avenge their loss to Das Boot earlier this season in their second game of the first weekend.  A win in that game could be about all it takes to consider this season a success.  Sword is a hard team to bet for or bet against due to their inconsistency, but they are a tough, tested team regardless.

SACRED SWORD (7-4)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 BREWBALLERS 11 2 9 W
2 LOS MATADORES 7 10 -3 L
3 SPACEPUSSY 26 6 20 W
4 GANG GREEN 14 4 10 W
5 DAS BOOT 11 12 -1 L
6 LIBERTY HALL 12 3 9 W
7 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 1 13 -12 L
82 50
1.64
POOL 4
8 SCREAMERS 1 7 -6 L
9 FREE STATE 15 0 15 W
10 RED LYON 11 7 4 W
27 14
1.929
11 SLOWRIDE 16 9 7 W

12. PARTY!!

Party has been sliding a bit towards the end of the season.  It will be interesting to see if they can put it together for the post season tournament.  Surviving the first weekend doesn’t seem likely, but hey, not everyone can advance.

PARTY (6-5)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 BALD BEAVERS 29 2 27 W
2 CHALMERSIZ 3 7 -4 L
3 FREE STATE 33 8 25 W
4 WEST COAST 18 9 9 W
5 PITA PIT 4 7 -3 L
6 TELLERDACTYLS 6 4 2 W
7 BALLS DEEP 17 4 13 W
110 41
2.683
POOL 3
8 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 6 9 -3 L
9 SLOWRIDE 7 6 1 W
10 LOS MATADORES 4 15 -11 L
17 30
0.567
11 WILDMAN ATTACK FORCE 7 13 -6 L

13. SLOWRIDE

As usual, Slowride is nearly impossible to predict at season’s end.  Just when it seemed easy to write them off, they came alive and showed everyone what they are capable of, and in week 10 against Shaolin they put on a dominating performance, winning by 11 runs.  Unfortunately, consistency is a must in post season play and getting past the Chalmersiz in round 2 seems unlikely.  It would be a huge deviation from their recent tournament history if they prove me wrong.

SLOWRIDE (5-6)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 CHANNEL 6 7 1 6 W
2 ASTEROID HEAD 9 6 3 W
3 JAZZHAUS 16 1 15 W
4 HURTZ DONUT D-HOLES 3 4 -1 L
5 DIRTY MIKE & THE BOYZ 10 11 -1 L
6 SCREAMERS 13 8 5 W
7 BARRACUDAS 6 8 -2 L
64 39
1.641
POOL 3
8 LOS MATADORES 4 10 -6 L
9 PARTY!! 6 7 -1 L
10 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 19 8 11 W
29 25
1.16
11 SACRED SWORD 9 16 -7 L

14. SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS

The Shadowboxers have struggled a bit during the second half of the season.  If it wasn’t for late game heroics against Red Lyon they would have lost six of their last seven games.  Expect Shaolin to put on a show in either of the two secondary brackets should they lose early.

SHADOWBOXERS (6-5)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 ROCKETS 6 5 1 W
2 CORKSUCKERS 21 8 13 W
3 HARPER VALLEY PTA 36 11 25 W
4 GHOSTS 10 7 3 W
5 GOATS 9 24 -15 L
6 LOVE GARDEN 4 14 -10 L
7 RED LYON 7 5 2 W
93 74
1.257
POOL 3
8 PARTY!! 9 6 3 W
9 LOS MATADORES 11 16 -5 L
10 SLOWRIDE 8 19 -11 L
28 41
0.683
11 SCREAMERS 6 11 -5 L

15.  RED LYON

As the 15 seed, Red Lyon is one of the most dangerous teams not seeded in the top eight or so for one reason only: they don’t get absolutely shit canned during tournament play and they have very capable, veteran kickballers.  If they do fall early, they could be contenders for hoisting the Reasonably Less Awesome Bracket trophy, unless they decide to end the season with a bang and party their way to the end of their season.

RED LYON (7-4)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 GHOSTS 19 4 15 W
2 HARPER VALLEY PTA 18 2 16 W
3 CORKSUCKERS 8 0 8 W
4 ROCKETS 12 2 10 W
5 LOVE GARDEN 3 7 -4 L
6 GOATS 8 6 2 W
7 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 5 7 -2 L
73 28
2.607
POOL 4
8 FREE STATE 26 11 15 W
9 SCREAMERS 4 6 -2 L
10 SACRED SWORD 7 11 -4 L
37 28
1.321
11 LIBERTY HALL 8 4 4 W

16. CORKSUCKERS

What a season it has been for the Corksuckers.  Dare I say they have potential to be a difficult out in the tournament?  If they hadn’t drawn the overall #1 seed, Pita Pit, for their potential second round match-up I think it could have been a reality.  Look for the Corksuckers to make a splash in either losers bracket.  Either way, a tip of the cap for an amazing season.  Starting off with four straight losses and following it up with six consecutive wins is impressive.

CORKSUCKERS (7-4)
RUNS FOR ALLOWED DIFF W/L
1 LOVE GARDEN 3 27 -24 L
2 SHAOLIN SHADOWBOXERS 8 21 -13 L
3 RED LYON 0 8 -8 L
4 GOATS 6 28 -22 L
5 GHOSTS 15 10 5 W
6 ROCKETS 9 5 4 W
7 HARPER VALLEY PTA 19 4 15 W
60 103
0.583
POOL 5
8 LIBERTY HALL 14 12 2 W
9 ASTEROID HEAD 15 6 9 W
10 WEST COAST 20 4 16 W
49 22
2.227
11 FREE STATE 12 4 8 W

***NOTE***

The raw numbers following the division scores and pool scores are averages of the number of runs the particular team has scored per run allowed.

Example:  Game 1,  Team A wins 5-1.  Game 2, Team A loses 5-9.  Their average would be 1.000 having scored 10 runs and having allowed 10 runs.