HISTORY 2017
What did the WHAT? Sftbll lineup and pitching staff have in common in 2017? Both were able to figure out how to light up the scoreboard. The Club displayed one of the most efficient lineups in all of softball, centered on the breakout performances of Ralph Lozano, Danny Morales, Tim Matesi, Kevin Matesi and Cal Haley.
Behind their breakout years and contributions from others in the lineup, the Club was able to lead the league in hits and runs scored. Softball fans will remember the Chicago Spring Tournament. WHAT? Sftbll defeated - The Bagels squad, 12-10 in the Championship game on Saturday April 23rd. On the following day, they defeated - Try Not to Suck squad, 14-13 in the Wheeling Sunday Night Spring League Championship.
As any softball fan knows two of the most important elements of any good softball team are good defense, and clutch hitting. At times struggling with both the Club was not able to maintain consistency out on the field, and even with their great offensive production they were not able to compete in the struggling during the playoffs. The Club finished 60 - 33, and with a Wheeling spring and summer league championship title along with a Chicago spring tournament championship that was led by shortstop Danny Morales and outfielders Adam Tagli and Kevin Matesi. Winning pitcher on record was Ralph Lozano.
The WHAT? Sftbll had five players get some consideration in the MVP voting but their highest finisher and the unanimous winner was Aaron Archibald who batted .582 / 1.397 OPS in 265 plate appearances.
Statistically, Ralph Lozano was as deserving as Danny Morales but finished 2nd out of the 5 players who got at least one point in the voting. It’s surprising a 60-win team didn’t have its power hitter’s finish higher on the voters’ ballots.
Danny Morales and Ralph Lozano led all position players in Wins Above Replacement. Morales did it with a terrific bat, hitting .611 / 2.008 OPS with 15 home runs. He was one of just five players with enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title to have Zero Strike-Outs with several reach on BB’s. The other four were Troy Bloom, rookies Chris DeRue, Tim Matesi, and Jonny Yarnall. That’s impressive company.
Probably the most surprising player on the WHAT? Softball Squad this year was outfielder Tim Matesi. He made his debut on January 7th, against Str 8 Ballin squad in Chula Vista Tournament.
Matesi belted his first career HR in Gm 1 on April 2nd, against the PF Flyers club.
Infielder Ryan Siembal had his best year since his rookie season. He set career highs in base hits (154) and RBI’s (100).
Rookie ball players who made their summer debut were infielders Zach Pawlowski, Alex Rodgers, Tino Torres and outfielder Chris DeRue, Tim Matesi, Nick Krocker and Dave Collins - all played for winning outfits in High School and brought that mentality with them to WHAT? Sftbll.
The WHAT? Sftbll definitely had something to build on for the 2017 season; they had established an offensive juggernaut that would be able to keep them in any game. However, lacking roster depth, the Club have not given themselves much to look forward to.
One of the costly players who played but didn’t provide much value was shortstop Dakota Morand, whose personal traits was highly questionable and only hit .429 in 198 plate appearances. He spent 13 days on the DL with body soreness in August and another 17 days on the DL with back discomfort in September.
Infielder Nolan Sordyl was a slightly less expensive version of Dakota Morand who played even less and only hit .419 in 34 plate appearances.
He spent the rest of his summer wondering around the big city looking for his dreams. After seemingly establishing himself for good in the big leagues, outfielder Troy Bloom had two stints of wondering around himself. He struggled to show up and play this year, but he did hit .675 in 79 plate appearances.
Whether they go after a top tier free agent bat or shop in the bargain bin, the WHAT? Sftbll will need some top notch prospects for the batting order. Unless they shift to rebuild mode, it will be imperative for the team to get off to a good start to avoid following behind the elite teams.