‘Tis the season for rankings and here is the Ontario ISC II Preseason Rankings.
As the name suggests, this covers teams that are eligible for ISC II play. Without further adieu, here they are:
2005 Ontario ISC II Preseason Rankings
1. Smully’s Tavistock Merchants
Added power hitter/pitcher Mike Pinder and Shawn Brown to already strong lineup. How long will leadoff batter & sparkplug Dean Kaufman stay retired?
2 Harriston Mercury’s
With Ryan Dilgee & Terry Martin in Elora, there’s some holes to fill for last year’s ISC II Champs. Joe German is signed on to back up Scott Smith.
3 Micksburg Twins
Have to be considered top seed at ISC II Qualifier in Blackburn with Corey & Shawn Costello.
4 Norwich Razorbacks
Signed Todd Winkworth, Ben Blonde & Drew Winger to go with ace Tim Neill & added Cory Winkworth plus a couple of sticks from East coast, but losing shortstop Jeff Konigshofer.
5 Palermo Athletics
Biggest beneficiary of slightly looser ISC II restrictions, reclassified veteran club is loaded with senior experience, especially with NAFA Hall of Famer Gord Scott on the mound.
6 Kanata Team Easton
Most of the former Kemptville Thunder players landed here including ace Dan Konkle.
7 Port Elgin Blue Devils
With berth to ISC II ToC already in their back pocket, BDs will be heard from in Chippewa Falls.
8 Bridgeport Braves
With decision to open up ISC II by a small degree, Scharr brothers will keep this team in contention.
9 Elora Rage
Picked up several players from Breslau, including Don Harris, Kevin Pomfret, Terry Martin & Greg Scheele to go with Ryan Dilgee, who is playing here and not in Harriston.
10 Niagara Snappers
Full-time additions of pitcher Dan Duemo & DH Jarrod Burtt will solidify Snappers’ lineup and playing in ISC league provides solid experience.
Honourable mentions (alphabetical):
Alvinston Indians – Still looking for pitching to replace Drew Winger. Also lost Kyle Mitchell from ISC II roster, but veteran club is still competitive.
Aylmer Cardinals – Dan Beecroft & Ryan Cummings will keep Aylmer in every game.
Cobourg Stingers – Will be a threat to win the Blackburn qualifier with addition of Lyle Brown.
Glencoe Astros – If Shaun Winship is on form, Glencoe will be heard from in Innerkip. Added three starters from Shedden.
Hamilton Hawks – Apparently looking at ISC II for 2006, have added Newfoundland junior pitcher Lee Cose for selected weekends.
Highgate Rock – Added pitcher Jeremy Osbourne & catcher Bryan Depencier, but looks like Blonde is gone to Norwich for ISC II.
Jarvis Rock – Can hit with anyone. Big question: Is Dave “Farmer” Martin back?
Kingston Cowboys – Won Loughborough leage in 2004 and will be playing in Blackburn.
Mississauga Arrows – Could be tough if Chris McColl pitches full-time. Addition of Craig Walker & junior Drew Hathway for tournaments gives some pitching depth.
Stouffville Mennos – With Scott Evans they won Intermediate elims, but even without, they’re very good.