Sledge is swinging the ratings hammer again. Here’s the latest:
“I’ve had a few weeks to gather some more info on teams and have a new California Top Ten. Reno-gate really hurt the Nor Cal scene, giving many top teams an unwanted rest. In So Cal, the Young Bucks tourney was really the only action but we saw some Teams battle it out and make more noise to get ranked. Here we go.
1. Casa Trejo Bombers- In the June ISC rankings, the Bombers moved up to 8th in the World and deserved it. Their showing in Palm Springs only added to their number one spot in California. In a good battle on Sunday in Palm Springs, the Bombers beat Team Rainey to solidify the spot. The emergence on newcomer Steve Pinocchio has been the story. Pinocchio stole eight bases in Palm Springs and proved that he has the ability to change the game as a pinch runner. He also adds defensive help and another stick off the bench.
2. Team Rainey- These guys have had a rough season so far but they are playing a very tough schedule. The addition of Sebastian Gervasutti will definately make them better, taking some of the load off the ace Bricklen Anderson. Look for Rainey to break out in Portland. In the past Team Rainey has had good showings at the Rose Cup and we have no reason to believe they won’t this year.
3 Tied. A-1 Tank- The Tank has had a few weeks off which could prove to hurt them as they were supposed to have Reno as a tune up for the Rose Cup. The ISC II doesn’t show them much love in the rankings but that’s mainly because their pitchers are unknown to the ISC II crowd. Zack Abernathy leads the way at the top of the lineup with a fiery attitude and spark plug mentality.
3 Tied. Bakerfield Lumberkings- I admit, I thought these guys would be done by now but they’ve proven to be here to stay. The ISC II committee must have seen something in the recent additions of Strang and Nimmo as they were boosted all the way to 13 in the June ISC II rankings. The Lumberkings have been playing a ruthless schedule and have been holding their own with tough ISC opponents. Having Sonny Perkins on the team has given them confidence and they show it when they play.
5. Taylor Farms- Who….. We haven’t seen much of Taylor Farms this year as they were a late scratch from The Trejo Classic in Palm Springs and they were also affected by the debacle in Reno. Guzman’s boys can still play though and we’ll see at the Best of The West.
6. Panteras- This team has proven they belong as they were able to beat Team Rainey at the Young Bucks tourney in the semifinals. The Panteras went on to take the title with a win over the Amigos and help boost them up the Top Ten. Look for the Panteras to continue rolling into the Best of The West. The arms are keeping them in the game but the emergence of Anthony Rocha and Eli Salazar has been the story. Both are tearing up the travel league hitting near .500.
7. River City Rockers- The addition of Mike Abernathy will help this team continue its winning ways. Look at the past and you’ll see that the Rockers are usually just starting to heat up. Not a bad time….when it counts.
8. Rude Pac- The Rude Pac has been a mainstay on Sunday. They have been around at the end several times this year and they are a dangerous team. Jose Sandoval leads the way with 4 homeruns in the travel league. Look for these guys to continue pressing to get up the Ten.
9. IAC – Solid squad if they ever get to play again. The Reno scandal really hurt the North. Greg Glacier leads a potent lineup that boasts some of the areas best players.
10- Romies Angels- Hunhoff wasn’t at their last tournament and they weren’t as good. If he plays every tourney they will be a top 5 team.”
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