2005 Rumor Central

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

Now that the season has come to a halt and all there is left is the usual end of the year fun tourneys I ask the question.........Where's the rumors? I know there are some teams out there ready to make a run for 2005 and where do the players come from? Rumors baby...I need rumors. Who's the Peter Gammons of the fastpitch world?

fastpitch fanatic · Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 3

i heard that the tribes team is planning on playing in more tournaments next year and possibly the alliance they could be a team to watch Question

MADPUMPER95 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 234 Location: Corona, Ca

IF THE TRIBES TEAM HAS ALL THEIR PLAYERS SHOW UP THEY WILL BE VERY TUFF TO BEAT

brucebanner · Joined: 31 Jul 2004 Posts: 23

I heard that Mitch M. was asked to throw for the US National team, but has refused to take his test for perormance enhancing substances. Negotiations are continuing.

Mikey · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 102 Location: Whittier, CA

I also heard at the center of this controversy is the infamous Dr Terry B. But hey, it's only rumor.

brucebanner · Joined: 31 Jul 2004 Posts: 23

I heard that Dan Rather is behind the rumor and that he has documents to support it.

Rounders17 · Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Posts: 215 Location: San Diego, CA

I didn't know that beer was on the banned performance enhancement substance list. Besides, it was recommended from my Dr. Terry B.

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

There are several open pitchers out there that need places to play. California needs to open up the pocket book and get a contender. Cox, Muzelar, Algar.....all need places to play.

MADPUMPER95 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 234 Location: Corona, Ca

the only way to get those guys is to win the lotto hands down. whats up hammer

fastball freak · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 2

It's not the bases of forking up the dough for a big name pitcher that will win you the ISC. In case you haven't noticed, all the big name pitchers that have won the ISC over the last decade have not done it on their own. Zack never did it until he went to a formidable team like the Gators in the mid 90's , Todd Martin until the Bombers in Clearwater, Frank Cox didn't do it with Owen Sound, nor did Muzelar do it in Nfld. Hey, if Kirkpatrick was so dominant (I know he is still young) why didn't Calgary win the ISC's. It's obvious to see, that until California teams come to a realization that, hey maybe their not as good as they think they are, should probably play with a super team, because that is basically what is happening anyways. The best players in California are being lured away by the top 4 teams in the country, and until there is a super team in California with a base of solid players, and I am not talking about Team Rainey, that can put their ego's aside then maybe you can go after a top caliber pitcher and possibly win a title. I am not saying I have the right answers or outlook, but I know enough to know that their is not a single team in California that can compete with the big boys.

Your comments would be be appreciated........and if it is going to be all negative...don't bother, you haven't got a ground to stand on........

looking forward to 05'

" Leafs " Rule
Look for our website soon....

Troy

bruined · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 34 Location: CALIMESA,CA.

Fastball Freak,
Not only do you need a core of ball players you need the coaching.If we had a winning(championship proven) coach than we could go get the BIG NAME PITCHERS AND PLAYERS.If a Denny Brucket,John Becker,Rod Peterson or a Ron Simmons were to to come to California, i guarantee marque players would fallow.Who knows maybe someone can get the sponsoring and lure a top notch coach to the west coast,it would be great for local fastpitch.As far as competing with the BIG BOYS,IAM WORKING ON IT........Bruined

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

You're right. Top managers bring top players. Get Bruckett to California and asll of the sudden there would be a few top notch players coming with him. And to you, fastpitch freak, don't be stupid....money is the issue. Yeah, you're right with all of your infinite wisdom about the past of all the big pitchers....they did hava a supporting cast. But the reason they had a supporting cast is simple....cash. I never once said that if Team Rainey had a top notch hammer pitcher, they would compete with the big boys, although it would definately help...who wouldn't it help. I did say, however, that California fastpitch could use to have a sponsor try to get some players like that because it would only help the state of the game. Expanding open fastpitch beyond the midwest, canada and new zealand/australia is a good thing and getting the pitchers is the way to do it because they are the game. Baseball has the homerun hitters, but we have guys that can throw 100mph and that is exciting to the fans. i'm sure you've been to an ISC world tournament by the way you talk the game, but for some of us, we've only been to one, and its pretty exciting. It needsa to come to cali. Hope that wasn't too negativve for you...being so sensitive and all. Out!!!!

MADPUMPER95 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 234 Location: Corona, Ca

glad to see sledgehammer out of his cage. hahahahahaha. so how was your first isc experience. wasnt it the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

damo

Farm27 · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Quartz Hill, CA

Pitchers still command the big dollars and the top pitchers get it. Zack in the mid 90's won the ISC almost completely on his own Whitey and Middie did the same thing in 2002. Look at the shutouts they threw and had to throw.... when a team hits around .200 or lower and you win the ISC it is not hard to figure out how dominant they were. Players bring players. Skippers can certainly influence some decisions but it comes down to the players and who they want as teammates. All great managers consult their current roster on who they should get or not. As far as all the "best" players being lured away from Cal to play on these so called super teams I know of one in the last 6 years and now I believe there are two. Hardly a revolving door of players leaving to play elsewhere. I hope I wasn't to harsh with the comments next time I will be more sensitive. Have a great winter all and good luck to everyone in the so.cal tourneys!

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

glad i wasn't the only one who had these feelings. And you're right, there are only two players playing on the so called "super teams" out of california, and if anyone else in the state had the OPPORTUNITY to play with these teams they would too......Maybe not the fastpitch freak though....he's too pure.