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Best Case, Worst Case: Scottsdale Sluggers
Turn on those team twitter notifications - ORWBL is back. We’re counting down the days until the 2019 season kicks off on May 5th by looking at the floor and ceiling of all 16 teams in the league. Today we preview the second year grill-masters: the Scottsdale Sluggers (formerly the South Shore Silver Sluggers). We look forward to hearing all about wrong these previews are, and how your team is being “slept on” this season.
Wiffleball News Preseason Ranking: 14
Last Season: 8-16 (6th in the NL, lost to Rolling Prairie in NL Wild Card)
Notable Transactions: Lost Alex Zarazee (Granger), Lost Jacob Hughes (Olive Township)
Key Player: Nate Marino OF
This is a name you might want to get to know. The former Riley High School basketball standout had a solid rookie season for the Sluggers, batting 0.500 with 16 HRs in just 14 games. Marino shined with his athleticism and reliable hands in left field for the Sluggers and will be asked to take on a bigger offensive load with 2018 Rookie of the Year Adam Cseh missing from their lineup. Scottsdale has high hopes for Marino in 2019 and he will undoubtedly be a big part of any success that comes their way. Look for a breakout sophomore campaign from this Slugger.
Best-Case Scenario:
After a year of experience in the league, the Sluggers start to figure things out in their sophomore season. Their late season battles with the Muffs and Emery's Army in 2018 provide a big confidence boost for this season, and they show up ready to roll in the beginning of the season. Losing Cseh hurts, but breakout seasons from All-Stars Nate Marino and Connor Mowers fuel Scottsdale to home field advantage in the NL Wild Card. They continue to grill up great food before the games, upgrading to even more extravagant tailgating entrees. The Sluggers break out in a big way, proving to be one of the rising teams in ORWBL.
Worst-Case Scenario:
Adam Cseh's departure leaves a major offensive whole in their lineup; one that can't be replaced. The Sluggers can't find consistent pitching for the second year in a row and the runs against them pile up. Marino doesn't have the breakout season the Sluggers expect, and the Sluggers finish towards the bottom of the NL once again. To add insult to injury, Scottsdale become so distraught with the tough season that they accidentally burn their coveted pre-game hot dogs and hamburgers. The tailgate is ruined, as is the season.
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