SOFTBALL PRESEASON ANALYSIS
PRE SEASON ANALYSIS
CHAMPAIGN SUPERNOVAS: Skipper Vincent Cannistraro has the unenviable task of managing a team that plays in the same league as the IM refs, the Detroit Tigers, the Taiwan National Team, and the Chemistry Team. Until someone on the Novas has the guts to stand up and take Charles Anderson's breath, it will be tough for them to beat every team, both in the regular season and the playoffs.
Strength: Pitching: The starting rotation no matter how inconsistent should be a strength for the Novas. Any rotation that has Victor Wang, Greg Wallace and George Glekas has potential to be solid. The "signing" of free agents Jesse Kuiper and Ernst Lamothe gives the Novas one of the best rotations in the league and they all will benefit from the wider strike zone.
Strength: The Middle of the Batting Order: Kyle Plunkett, Jesse Kuiper, John Comninos, and Cory Funk are as dangerous a quartet as any three thru six hitters in softball. All four have the potential to put up very big numbers.
Strength: Experience: This team has a lot of players who have been through many winters. Some of the members on the team are seasoned veterans of the IM softball battles, however, they have very few wins and no titles to show for it. They will provide much knowledge and leadership to the players who don't have much intramural softball experience. Also, Ernst can sing and dance like nobody's business, he might as well consider performing in between innings. If nothing else, Dan's questionable taste in clothing can be distracting enough for opposing players.
Weaknesses: Age: The Novas have one of the oldest teams in softball and while that gives them the necessary experience, that also makes them susceptible to injuires, which will could derail them.
Weaknesses: If Ernst Lamothe doesn't live up to expectations (keeps getting injured) and George Glekas's back doesn't hold up, the Nova will suddenly become a team that will be looking for people to fill the roster. Vince Cannistraro and Daniel Pan (who needs to get Kate out of his mind) need to rebound from an off year to give the Novas two solid hitters at the end of the batting order.
Watch out for:
1) Leadoff Hitter: Ernst Lamothe is known as the Fastest Man in the Midwest, with or without his car. It has been rumored that Ernst can outrun Jack driving a Ford Escort, however, it hasn't been confirmed. If Ernst makes contact, he will reach base and more likely score with Stan, Kyle, Jesse, John, and Cory hitting behind him. The Novas will have to make sure Ernst's alter ego (Pimp) stays in check.
2) Defense: Many runs in softball results from errors in the infield. Will the Novas watch Salley Emanski's Sofball Fielding Videos to cut down on their errors? Stay tuned.
3) New comers: Jesse Kupier: There is a buzz surrounding Jesse as the favorite for best new comer Also, John Comninos possesses one of the best voice over-pipes in a very long time. Just don't let him talk you into submission. Kyle Plunkett may look like a family man, but when it comes to battle, he will leave his family behind to get this job done.
3) Vince Cannistraro and Daniel Pan: Both of them have a bullet and the name on them is "JACK". Rumor has it that they will strike out for the sole purpose of mocking the humble IM ref or mocking him by eating donuts on the bench?. Are these rumors true? Stayed tuned.
