Question about Hopewell

[Htownballa20]

I was just wondering about some other peoples thoughts on their current team. They seem to be losing more than expected and was wondering some why. My opinion is the egos out weight their talent over there, so if they dont change something and change it quick they will have another long year like last year's sub-500 team....thanks......

[NCBBallFan]

Early in the season, with all of the bad weather we have had, most teams haven't hit their stride yet. Most scrimmage games were cancelled and virtually every team "lost" the first two weeks of the season's preparation. With that large loss of time, arms that were ready got stale and you have to "re-tune". Same with bats.

What you see in March isn't the same thing as what you see in April. Teams that are playing well will probably continue to play well, but other teams that start out slowly may take-off as the weather gets warmer and the practices become more consistent.

It's too early to tell about any team.

[oldguycoach]

Hopewell has a very talented team but is looking for an identity that they can relate to and establish themselves. Too many players not playing their natural positions and the lineup is in constant makeover. Positive reinforcement is needed badly because when a team starts doubting themselves, regardless of its talent level, it does not bode well for them. It is not too late for this train to get back on the track and be a dominant force in their conference but they will need to start believing in themselves again and this comes from the top.

[Htownballa20]

NCBballfan every other team has had the same weather conditions and same line up changing problems but before the season your post about Hopewell dealt with their dominence of the MECA 8, but now you are changing your tone it seems and i was just wondering why. i dont care bout weather and all that. I think we all know that the team is filled with individuals and don't play as a team... But they do have some talent and could be pretty solid but i don't think they could ever be dominate...case closed

[NCBBallFan]

{inserting tongue into cheek}
Htown.... you really gotta take that new course at North:

Master Bagging (aka Sand Bagging IV)..
{extracting tongue}

Braves is the teacher.

[Prepster]

I couldn't agree more with ANY of that, NC! LOL!

[Htownballa20]

well i don't see any smileys or tongues anywhere on this thread......???????

[NCBBallFan]

:roflmao: Prepster ... get me out of this one .. I can't stop laughing long enough to type!!!

[Htownballa20]

well explain a little where i can see what is soo funny......cuz i am not the aka "Pops" of this board and dont really understand ur post about Hopewell

[NCBBallFan]

Ok ... About Hopewell ... Candid straight answer.

#1. They are not playing up to their potential.
#2. Their pitching rotation isn't right.
#3. They haven't started hitting.
#4. They have guys out of position.

The point I am making is that all of these things are correctable. Once they do correct these things, they will be a load for anyone in the state to handle. If Hopewell hits up to thier potential and quits making mistakes, they will be very tough to beat. But.... they may not correct them. If they don't, it will be a disappointing season for them.

About North Meck ... Candid straight answer.

#1. They may be one of the fastest teams in the state.
#2. They are going to score runs ... maybe not alot in every game but they will be very hard to shutout.
#3. Their defense, especially the OF, is outstanding.
#4. Their pitching is what I would call "good HS pitching".

The fact that they are getting "good" pitching (which is better than decent pitching) from primarily 2 sophomores bodes well for the future. The fact that these two sophs don't have to shut out other teams bodes well for this season. BUT ... young teams are inconsistant. You don't know how well they can handle being ranked and if that's going to interfere with their play. I would have preferred for them to continue winning every game and everyone else taking them lightly. As it is, you may see them catching every other teams #1 pitcher the rest of the season when they could have been facing the #2 guy a lot more.

There are a lot of teams in the state that are un-ranked that have very-good to great pitching. It's a complement to the players, but may place artificially high expectations if they have to face someone like Ryan Marion or Arik Hempy.

The reason (I believe) that they are ranked is more a credit to their speed, hitting and defense all which can keep you in games against most anyone. You don't often see "well-rounded" teams in H.S. and they look well-rounded (but VERY YOUNG).