Polls: (Comments, Complaints, Gripes & Grievances)

[catamount36]

what do you guys think about the new polls?? seems like no one west of raleigh plays baseball. west forsyth runner-up last year was not even mentioned??? only lost 4 players. glenn was picked 3rd?? last years state chapion in 1-a was picked 2nd and only lost one player?? i know these polls mean nothing. but still?? what do you think of impact baseball??????

[Prepster]

I think it's a big state...with a LOT of really fine baseball players in it. It's natural that our regional prejudices are going to color our estimation of who ought to be included in lists, whether of schools or individuals.

I look at the lists and I see more schools and players from the east than I see from the west, but I also know that many baseball people familiar with North Carolina will tell you that there are more high quality players in the east. And, while I see more eastern schools and players, I also see a meaningful representation from the west (For instance, I believe the All-Impact list of players carries two players from Tuscola.).

With respect to Impact Baseball, I think the owner approaches the job with a sincere interest in increasing quality players' visibility and doing so throughout the region he's chosen to cover. And, as far as his charging $50 a year is concerned, I don't fault him for expecting to be paid for something that is a valuable service to many and a fulltime pursuit on his part.

Here's a related thread from the HSBaseballWeb; one that includes a reply from Impact's owner:

HSBaseballWeb Thread (http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=5316041581&f=1106002781&m=8776060412)

[Braves]

I am one that hopes Andy makes a killing..so he can afford to spend time in Charlotte. He probably gets a little nervous when he ventures 50 miles outside of Raleigh in his '91 jeep with 188,000 miles plus.

As a voice of reason stated, " are we better off with Impact Baseball, than without "

[phantom89]

I have always felt about polls like I do television. You don't HAVE to watch. Polls are as significant as allowed by the individual. If you know that they don't matter and it bothers you to read opinions that you strongly disagree with...don't read them. Simple as that. Personally, I look at them out of curiosity every now and then, because I think it is exciting when a team surprises everyone. On the other hand, it is interesting to see how a team that is picked first week after week handles themselves and the pressure of that spot. It is just another aspect of the game(i.e.Anaheim):).

[homerun4]

it's all about the money most of the teams that are ranked are the ones that sent most of the players to the impact showcases.look how good west forsyth is finished second in the state and returns almost every one and none are listed on impact baseball.

[Braves]

South Meck had one player (Ben Kerr) and they were ranked 3rd.

Polls don't mean anything..they are just a conversation topic. THE only thing that means everything is the State Championship!

[NCBBallFan]

The polls are based on a vote by the staff (paid & unpaid) so you are seeing a consensus.

Most of these polls are affected by the perceived depth/quality of the pitching staff and the all-around defense. Offense usually plays a distant 3rd. Perceived depth is affected by what they have seen and what they have heard. When the Baseball America/NC Coaches Poll comes out, you will probably see different ratings.

Returning starters aren't enough. It's an arms race. Literally.

[Braves]

...and rumor has it, that our own Prepster and Phantom played a major role in aiding the decisions in the Impact Baseball poll. Of course, I don't believe in rumors, but there you go

[Prepster]

I got a laugh out of your comment, Braves; but, just so that everyone knows, I have never and will never have any say in that sort of thing. Andy Partin has MUCH better sources than I to consult.

Now...as I've said when ABSOLUTELY PRESSED to name the team I think has the best chance to win the SW4A...I'd have to go with the veterans at South Meck. So, when I saw South Meck up there representing the SW4A in the Impact Baseball Poll, all I could do was nod my head in (uncertain) agreement!

[NCBBallFan]

The Baseball America/NCHSBCA preseason baseball poll should be coming out a week from this monday (Feb 24th).

What movement/changes do you expect from the Impact Baseball preseason poll? You do you think was under-rated or over-rated?

:confused:

[NCBBallFan]

Predictions:

1. A NW4A team will break into the Top 10 in the coaches poll with another one getting an honorable mention.

2. 2 more SW4A teams will get honorable mention.

3. TC Roberson will break into the Top 10 in the 3A poll.

[Mudcat]

I agree that TC Roberson will and should appear. I know Impact is taking into account all that graduated but they have worked very hard in the off season and still have a lot of talent. West Henderson and Tuscola may both drop a couple of spots now, simply beacuse of where the majority of the votes come from.

[cc12501]

Alright guys, let's see who can put together some kind of Sweet 16 based on what they've seen this offseason. This should be interesting.

[Mudcat]

What areas are included in this poll?

[NCBBallFan]

Western NC Schools only:

1. Tuscola (3A)
2. South Meck (4A)
3. Charlotte Christian (Ind)
4. Glenn (3A)
5. W Rowan (3A)
6. Wake Forest Rolesville (4A)
7. South Caldwell (4A)
8. Myers Park (4A)
9. Alexander Central (4A)
10. TC Roberson (3A)
11. Providence (4A)
12. North West Cabarrus (3A)
13. W. Henderson (2A)
14. E. Burke (4A)
15. W. Forsyth (4A)
16t. Hickory (3A)
16t. Southpoint (3A)

Honorable Mention:
Richmond Cnty (4A)
Hopewell (4A)
Butler (4A)
talk about taking a shot in the dark - well, at least we have somewhere to start/some list to knock

[cc12501]

Charlotte area and areas close by. What NC did was fine.

[Braves]

NC- I see that Prepster is rubbing off on you:)

[NCBBallFan]

Ok Braves ---- but my wife looks good in red......

Where did I make my mistakes Braves.

[Braves]

Actually, it looks pretty good..Just don't jinx the #2 team. They will be good, but are they better than MP, Providence, Butler and East Meck?

[NCBBallFan]

I may have NW too high at #12 - That's a talented group over there but they have a tough road ahead of them with WR and others in conference.

Edited: And I completely forgot about Burns when I was making it up - no idea what to do with them
Reedited: Richmond should be ranked also and drop WF Rolesville - too far to the east.

[Wufman]

NCBBALLFAN, I'm only famaliar with the Western NC teams, but I like your group of teams on your list. I was just wondering about East Meck, what do they have returning and should they be included somewhere on this list?

As for ranking Northwest Cabarrus #12, thats probably about right,,, because they have an excellent team this year with a good combination of strong senior leadership, strong pitching and a nice blend of good young talent.

[Braves]

East Meck has two returning studs for pitching, Ben Buchanan and Craig Burnham. Tyler White ( Senior CF) has been All Conference since freshman year. Matt Hill is a slick fielding, good hitting switch hitter that is sparking Pro interest. David Teague (OF) is one of the most dangerous hitters in the conference and Joey Savago is a Sophomore catcher already rated one of the best in Charlotte. They have an excellent coach and some help from JV's.

They are loaded and ready to compete for Conference Champs!

[Wufman]

Thanks Braves, thats what I thought. I'm famaliar with all those names and also happen to know that Coach Greeson is one of the best. I just didn't know if some of those guys had graduated. Since you've indicated those guys are back, I would definitely have East Meck in my Sweet 16 poll. I still like NCBBALLFAN's poll with East Meck around 10th-11th...

[Braves]

I agree..the problem with ranking the SW4A teams is they will beat each other up during conference games, but it won't mean they shouldn't be ranked. The difference between the Conference champs and the 5th place team is this much...l-l

[NCBBallFan]

Braves??

The SW4A is sooooo even - if we think they are going to spend all season beating each other up, should we just give the SW4a positions 7-11? There will be quite a few losses by some quality teams in that league.

Where do you put Richmond in the list. They are supposed to have a bunch returning also.... How about Burns? They are also tough.

How about that East Rutherford bunch with Chad Flack leading them? He's a lot like Woodard - can carry the team on his back with no help for a few weeks.

[Braves]

Preseason 16:

1. Tuscola
2. Charlotte Christian
3. S. Caldwell
4. Providence
5. Glenn
6. West henderson
7. South Point
8. Myers Park
9. West Rowan
10. South Meck
11-16 they are too close for me to decide

[Wufman]

Ok, everybody's got one, so here's my Preseason Sweet 16 list:
1- Tuscola
2- South Caldwell
3- Charlotte Christian
4- Glenn
5- West Rowan
6- Providence
7- South Meck
8- South Point
9- Alex.Central
10-TC Robeson
11-West Henderson
12-East Meck
13-Northwest Cabarrus
14-Richmond County
15-Myers Park
16-Hickory

[NCBBallFan]

Just to make sure every team gets consideration that deserves it:
Here are some of the top teams, by classification in the western part of the state.

2A: (4 teams listed)

West Henderson, East Rutherford, Mount Pleasant, West Guilford

3A: (7 teams listed)

Saint Stephens, East Rowan, West Rowan, Northwest Cabarrus, Tuscola, Glenn, TC Roberson

4A: (13 teams listed)
Butler, East Meck, Myers Park, Providence, South Meck, South Caldwell, Alexander Central, East Burke, Richmond County, Hopewell, West Forsyth, Mt Tabor, McDowell

The larger schools are deeper in the talent base so there are more of them - this doesn't mean that they are necessarily better, but they are more likely to have more depth on the mound. As for ranking?

1. If one team out of the SW4A establishes dominance, they would get one of the top rankings for they are playing the toughest conference schedule.

2. The same argument could be said of the NW4A.

3. Hopewell may have a great record, be an outstanding team and be virtually untested come playoffs. Meca8(9) is down this year (Phillip O Berry joins the conference next year).

4. The MAC & NPC could merge and form a super-conference.

5. We don't know enough about what is happening up in the Greensboro/Winston Salem area.

[ajax]

St. Stephens plays ACHS 1st game of the year this coming Tuesday..Also, confused how anyone could rank South Caldwell over ACHS, when ACHS beat them both times last year..NW4A should read ACHS,East Burke,South C..

[Nostradamus]

Would anyone mind filling me in on when the observer is putting out it's highschool baseball preview? how in depth will they be in their coverage? thanks

[NCBBallFan]

St Stephens is supposed to be the best 3A teams in the Soutwestern Foothills 3A this year. They also have Burns & Hickory in that conference.

Keep us posted on that game - it is also a candidate for the
"Game of the Week!"

[Braves]

Originally posted by Nostradamus
Would anyone mind filling me in on when the observer is putting out it's highschool baseball preview? how in depth will they be in their coverage? thanks

I'm going to get Langston to post a response about this

[ajax]

Other than Matthews who is St. Stephens supposed to have?

[rcbbfan]

Personally, I believe that all the guys at West Rowan would be extremely honored that any of you guys would consider them in your Sweet Sixteen polls. It's probably the first poll of any kind that they've been considered for.

[wanksta50]

what are the top five teams in charlotte? mine are : (not in order) providence, myers park, charlotte christian, east meck, south meck

[NCBBallFan]

I'm sure that this question will be answered soon, but, to me, you have to include Hopewell into the mix for now also. Not in order - Myers Park, South Meck, Hopewell, Char. Christian, Providence

[Baseball Manager 02]

I am not fully shure but i'd have to say , South meck, charlotte christian and east meck would be there.

[DodgerBlues]

NCBBall, Braves and Wuffman -- You guys all have tabbed Tuscola for the top spot. For those of us who are less well-traveled and who are underinformed, would one of you please give us some details about Tuscola, their personnel, schedule highlights, etc., and the reasons you guys pick them at the top. And, by the way, where is Tuscola? :huh:

[NCBBallFan]

The Mountaineers are in the same conference with T.C. Roberson around the Asheville area. Last year, they went undefeated in conference, defeating TC twice during the regular season. They only had (i think) 2 losses last year, 1 in the playoffs and are returning most of their key players. They also have that great intangible - senior leadership. They were the MAC conference champs last year. I know they were 19-1 and ranked #2 in the state going into the playoffs last year.

The key players for Tuscola are;
1. Eric McConnell, P: Who gives you that quality arm as a stopper on the staff.
2. Blake Murphy, Catcher: Great hitter & closes down a running game
3. Steve Reinhold, CF: Erases every mistake in the OF, raw speed on the base paths & hits for power


They are all signed to colleges for next year.

[Wufman]

Actually, Tuscola is from the "Big City" of Waynesville, near another big mountain city called Canton,,,,, maybe 30 minutes west of Asheville.

The Tuscola baseball team is legit,,, they are awful strong.

[NCBBallFan]

Dodgerblues

Mudcat is the resident expert on that part of the state. He's up at W Henderson and sees Asheville, TC (reining 3A state champs), Tuscola, etc etc.

Now, I'm sure that Mudcat will think that he can take Tuscola 2 out of 3 --- but they are a fine program.

OBTW: So is W Henderson - they are ranked #1 in the state pre-season among the 2A schools. There are NOT many 4A teams I would choose over West Henderson.

[75gitane]

did anyone see this Baseball America/NCHSBC preseason poll
yet?

http://northcarolina.ihigh.com/0,1673,1_1_1_70963,00.html

quite a few familiar names there.

[Braves]

Yeah...it appears that they respect the SW4A teams. Of course, it is just Pre-season, but it gives you something to talk about.

[NCBBallFan]

The SW4A is getting the respect it deserves - Instead of 2 teams from the west in 4A, there are 6....Probably because half the voters have at least seen (or heard of the programs/players)... Overall, it's a pretty balanced view.....And appropriate for 3 SW4A teams to be there.

Now - someone try a sweet 16 since you have the data from 2 polls plus all the reports from here!!!!

[Mudcat]

Can't really post a sweet 16 here since not familier enough with the 4A schools. As far as a 2 out of 3 with West Henderson and Tuscola? You could fund the whole season off of the gate from that series. See ya tonite.

[Prepster]

Yep...it just like I was saying: If PUSHED, I have to go with the veterans on that Sabres club. However, I don't expect any ground to be given up easily among the top 5 or 6 in the SW4A from start to finish.

Also, we shouldn't be surprized if there's less representation from the conference in the poll at season's end, since so much of a statewide ranking depends on the won-loss record.

That doesn't bother me, as I feel pretty strongly that the top couple of teams from the SW4A ought to be able to compete at the highest level of competition once the playoffs begin...and THAT'S what really counts.

[Braves]

Amen, Brother Prepster

[gonzo]

I think with the parity in the SW4A this year, we picked a good year to be getting 4 teams for the state playoffs.

[Braves]

Originally posted by gonzo
I think with the parity in the SW4A this year, we picked a good year to be getting 4 teams for the state playoffs.

You're right Gonzo !

But with Waddell's win against WM and Olympic crushing their opponent 12-1, we NEED 7 playoff positions.

[NCBBallFan]

It's pretty much like we've been saying all pre-season. The SW4A is loaded, with lots of parity and the Meca8 is very young and not very deep. Hopewell hasn't played yet, North squeezed by a great SM team, CCabarrus squeezed by a good Moorseville team and the rest have pretty much gotten spanked so far. I expect Indy to pick it up some - Providence is a tough opponent for your first game when you have a young team. Central may struggle when they get into head-to-head with the SW4A.

There is a good case being made for regional playoff berths, decided within an extended geographic region instead of purely by conference. The NW4A is always tough, the NPC is balanced and tough. the Big South isn't as balanced this year and Southpoint may run away with everything.

The SW4A is going to be brutal. What a great group of players.

[Nostradamus]

so any idea yet when the observer puts out its anual high school baseball preview?

[NCBBallFan]

Originally posted by Nostradamus
so any idea yet when the observer puts out its anual high school baseball preview?

My Guess (and it's only that - a SWAG -- I don't use Braves infamous crystal ball - I cut a deck of cards)

They will probably wait until after basketball near completion - about the time the conference match-ups begin. Somewhere between the 8th - 11th of March would be my guess. If they haven't had a chance to follow any teams early, it will take a few games to get a feel for what's out there this year.

It's hard to predict the effect of one graduating senior on some programs, but it can have a profound effect. You need a few games to tell, and a chance to see the underclassmen coming up.

[Prepster]

After watching the North Meck-South Meck game last night:

(1) I'd agree wholeheartedly with what I've seen others post here about the exceptional quality of the young pitching on BOTH teams.

(2) I can't imagine that young...and very talented...team from North Meck not giving Hopewell all they want. That series should be a really good one!!

[Braves]

Yep..Hopewell vs NM should be an exciting series

The one I am looking forward to is Saturday:

Hopewell vs Myers Park @ Hopewell 2:00

Cruse vs Woodard / Battle of the Titans


:boxing: should be fun

[NCBBallFan]

I'm going to bump this up to get it fresh in our minds ... by the end of this week, we may be ready to start discussing this one.

[Original]

In your opinion were the observations accurate on teams to watch?

What about players to watch? Seems to me the Observer left out some key players.

and....Where did those stats come from? Last season? Pre season? Coaches?

:feedback: :aok:

[NCBBallFan]

Soap Box Time!!!!!!

I thought that the observers coverage of HS baseball reflected a complete indifference to the sport. If that is all of the attention that they are going to pay, no credence may be given to any of their polls .... Sweet 16, All-Meck, All-Observer... any of them.

It seemed obvious to me that no investigative effort when into that article at all.


:wasted: :teeth: :stooges: :smash: :sarcastic :dunce: :chair: :beatup: :nono: :monkes:

And finally: :anon:

[reaching for ladder to get off of soapbox]

[NCBBallFan]

I don't know where the stats came from but the list of players was fine ... just not complete. All of the players and teams listed definitely qualified as being there. There were just too many omissions.

[Original]

Nice article on the West Meck Golf team and I liked the article on the twins that play softball. I agree that the coverage should be more in depth, I chalked it up to the season just starting and that there WOULD be feature articles to come. I am eternally optimistic. Observer did some features last year that were good on baseball players. I just know that there are a boat load of talented Jr's and Sr's that have worked really hard and I hope that the Observer has it on the radar screen to do a nice collage of these players. I'd like to see the feature mix up the schools . Lots of players play together on teams that are not school teams and have a rapport built with each other which would put an interesting twist on an article as we move into the heart of the HS season. Take it by counties ....there are so many great kids to choose from that bring different talents to the game. I'd like to see full color / collage of players with their various school uniforms on posed together and then have not only stats but the players PHILOSOPHY of why they practice hard, play hard and what they get from it.

WHere is LARRY "LARGE AND IN CHARGE" when we need him? We need to get this BB feature article stuff rockin! I remember some post early on by Langston BUT with my short term memory all but shot.....I can't remember what his level of comittment was on baseball articles.

[NCBBallFan]

In all fairness....

It has been an exciting basketball playoff race that is very time consuming to follow.........

Maybe if I just lowered my soapbox a little bit ........

[Braves]

If I'm not mistaken yesterday's artcicle was on golf, soon they will highlight baseball.

I need to get langston on here.

[Papabear]

Somebody explain this one to me, please. I'm sure that Cliff Mehrtens put together the list of "players to watch" with the help of our old buddy Langston "Playstation" Wertz and Brett Honeycutt. These are the same guys who for at least the last two (and maybe three) years have named Chris Carrara (Charlotte Christian) to at least one of their end of season Observer teams. Chris has signed with Winthrop, and is off to another good start this season. Nothing against the shortstop from South Meck, I hear he's a good player. But how does the Observer list him instead of Carrara? And listen to this. A player selected to a post season Observer FIRST team this past spring missed the last half of the season with an injury. I'm still trying to figure that one out.

[wanksta50]

i agree with papabear, goose carrera should have been listed. hes an outstanding player and should have been listed. i think b/c dan bard is so good(best player in charlotte, best pitcher in state) he takes a little of the spotlight away and noone really notices goose, but he should have been listed

[Original]

Papabear wrote... Somebody explain this one to me, please. I'm sure that Cliff Mehrtens put together the list of "players to watch" with the help of our old buddy Langston "Playstation" Wertz and Brett Honeycutt.



PapaBear... Know the bylines of the names mentioned but don't know the "history" behind the names....I thought I detected a bit of sarcasim , which is fine with me, I just wondered if I was feeling the "vibes":afro: correctly and if so what's the "scoop" on these reporters and what's "behind the story"...... :thinking:

[Braves]

Originally posted by wanksta50
i agree with papabear, goose carrera should have been listed. hes an outstanding player and should have been listed. i think b/c dan bard is so good(best player in charlotte, best pitcher in state) he takes a little of the spotlight away and noone really notices goose, but he should have been listed


Well, we agree that Ben Kerr is a tremendous player and team leader, but the fine people of TBR Preps notice Goose Carrara and nominate him as our SS. Of course, Goose is a regular on here, so he is our favorite:)

Just kidding. They both deserve attention

[gonzo]

NCBB, can I climb up on the soapbox with you a little? I just want to defend Brett Honeycutt a little. I had the good fortune to talk to Brett numerous times over the last two years. He is caught in a catch-22. Langston is the boss, but he doesn't give a hill of beans for baseball. Brett is stuck covering high school baseball by himself for the most part. And the Observer in their political correctness has him covering baseball in their entire distribution area. So Brett is run ragged. Last year during Legion season, a lot of the Area 3 and 4 updates during the tournament that made the Observer were actually updates that came from a core group of baseball writers from the smaller area newspapers, mostly co-ordinated by Richard Walker at the Gaston Gazette. Brett is frustated by this, but he is not the big chief, Mr. Playstation is.

On another note, give me Goose, give me Ben, give me both. If I had both, I would just make one of them my second baseman.

As for a comment on another thread about Goose being a power hitter, if anyone was at the first tryout last year for senior state games, they would have seen Goose and his power as he sent a rocket out of the park at South Point. And the "bigger name on the other line" is defintely working at Christian. Look at all the pitchers, plus Paul Bennett who Goose has played behind. Just like Matt Camp over at South Point last year. Matt was almost not recruited at all until state games and now he is a starting freshman and NC State and wearing it out. Watch those cracks, you might just fall in one. ;)

[Mudcat]

the "Goose" Carrera

[Braves]

:roflmao: Good one Mudcat

[NCBBallFan]

Anyone know when the revised BA/NCBCA poll is due out and when the Observer will run the first sweet 16 poll?

After 2 weeks, any surprises? Any changes on what we thought prior to the games starting?

The following are the early season surprises to me:

1. AC Reynolds starting out 5-1. Great start with some quality wins.

2. Tuscola, TC Roberson & East Rutherford with early season losses.

3. Hickory getting off to a 4-1 start. Good young program.

[NCBBallFan]

Leading Candidates (25 teams) - Not in any order.

Ind: Charlotte Christian,

2A: West Henderson, East Rutherford, Mt. Pleasant, East Henderson

3A: Ragsdale, Tuscola, TC Roberson, Glenn, St. Stephens, West Rowan, Piedmont, Hickory

4A: South Meck, Providence, Hopewell, Myers Park, McDowell, East Meck, McDowell, AC Reynolds, South Caldwell, Alexander Central, West Forsyth, North Forsyth

[Prepster]

Traditionally, Butler doesn't get shut out. Theirs is normally a quality hitting club up and down the lineup.

One game doesn't a trend make; but, it's interesting, nonetheless.

[Prepster]

You know, looking down your list of 25, NC, I'm struck by how many high quality clubs the west has this year. I think you and others know how much respect I have for eastern teams like Fuquay Varina, Garner, Rose, Williamston, and several others. I think I see a number of clubs on the list of 25 who are capable of giving some of those teams a real run-for-their-money come playoff time.

[NCBBallFan]

Originally posted by Prepster
Traditionally, Butler doesn't get shut out. Theirs is normally a quality hitting club up and down the lineup.

One game doesn't a trend make; but, it's interesting, nonetheless.

Maybe it does.....Collins did a nice job with his no-no. I saw that Elliott was the LP. Does anyone know if the "Haus" is logging many innings this year, or is he slated to be the "closer"

[NCBBallFan]

Richmond (pre-season Baseball America #5 in the state)
lost to Purnell Swett 3-2.

Fuquay-Varina beat Garner 5-1

[NCBBallFan]

I can say this because I'm not in the conference, but another surprise is that the SW4A looks to be shaking down fairly quickly to a 3 team race. Providence, South Meck, Myers Park.

Early season losses by Butler & East Meck make you wonder if they have the horses this year to compete with the top teams.

Butler got no-hit by Providence the game after being 1-hit by North Meck.

East Meck has two big early season losses to Hopewell and A.L. Brown.

[Braves]

Don't be concern for EM...they will be fine and competing for the championship. That game with Brown was an aberration

[Wufman]

Braves, let me just make a couple points. First of all, I agree with you that I would not worry about East Meck either, because they have some very fine ballplayers and a very good coach in Chet Greeson. However, will all respect, I was at the East Meck/Kannapolis game and I'm not sure what you mean by saying that game was an "aberration",,,, but I "DO" know what an old-fashioned tail-kicking is, when I see one. This was a game in which Kannapolis simply hit the ball well and they jumped out to a big lead. No luck, no full moon, no fancy tricks,,,, the Kannapolis boys just hit the ball,,,, to the tune of 14 runs in 5 innings. I'm sure East wasn't throwing their ace pitcher, but neither was Kannapolis. East Meck fans/players can say that they made mistakes if it makes them feel better, but nobody made an error when those Kannapolis boys hit 2 homeruns and another 3-4 balls over the EM outfielders' heads.

East is a fine team, but they simply got beat on this night, plain and simple. :D