Derek's Power Rankings

#1 DEAD MONEY

2009 Record 14-5

Offense rank = 1st

Defense rank = 1st
This team of big batting bruisers takes the top spot on our preseason rankings. They have been nothing but a thorn in the side of the Grizzlies since day one. Although they suffered a tough first round exit at the hands of the Bullets expect this team to bounce back strong as ever. A member of Money was quoted at Brad's wedding, "We just had a tough day. It wasn't meant to be!" With last seasons tough loss behind them expect this team to bounce back in a big way.

#2 BALLZ DEEP

2009 Record 13-9
Offense rank = 4th

Defense rank = 7th
After a tough nail biting loss in the championship series last spring Ballz Deep has kept their eyes on the prize. A tough power hitter can change the game with one swing of the bat, and Ballz Deep has a monster of a man anchoring their powerful lineup. After beating the Grizzlies in the first of two games on championship Tuesday, Ballz Deep fell a bit short in Game #2. They will be one to watch.

#3 DIRTY GRIZZLIES

2009 Record 14-6
Offense rank = 3rd

Defense rank = 2nd
Coming off a championship season one would expect to see this team atop the standings. Many things went well for the Grizzlies last season. Solid defense and timely hitting put them in the championship circle. A good group of players that all know their roles has led to this squads success. With an off-season of moves look for this team to come back better than ever.

#4 WILD TURKEYS

2009 Record 8-9
Offense rank = 5th

Defense rank = 5th
The Wild Turkeys have been in the league as long as anyone on the Grizzlies can remember. They are a team based around good speed and solid defense. They can beat any given team on any given Tuesday. Expect this squad to make some noise not only in the regular season, but the post-season as well!

#5 DOUBLEWIDE EXPRESS
2009 Record 9-8
Offense rank = 6th

Defense rank = 4th
This group of gentlemen were new comers to the Hopkins league in 2009. They showed that they can play with the big boys. Many hard fought wars were waged for Doublewide. They finished their inaugural season with an impressive 9 wins. Solid pitching and a defense to back it up were keys in their success. A good impression was made in 2009 and we at the Grizz expect nothing less than another good season from this crew.

#6 TEAM ALLIANCE
2009 Record 6-12
Offense rank = 7th

Defense rank = 8th

2009 was a rebuilding year for Alliance. Many of the members of the 2008 squad participated but it was tough for them to get on the same page. They did hand the Grizzlies a tough loss in the month of May. We all know that this is a team that can put together a solid effort and could very well be a force to be reckoned with.

#7 SILVER BULLETS
2009 Record 5-14

Offense rank = 8th

Defense rank = 6th

Last year an impressive play-off push was made by the Bullets. After knocking off the #1 seed they were given a forfeit to the championship game. It was shown that this team can put together a solid game when it counts. They had some tough match-ups against the Grizzlies, but the win against Dead Money in the play-offs proves that this team has to be on the radar.

#8 TEAM EXTREME
2009 Record (NA)
Offense rank = NA

Defense rank = NA
This squad is believed to be in its inaugural season in the Hopkins softball league. Being as its the first season for the Extreme we have to make them earn some cred in the power rankings. We hope this team is another solid competitor for the league. Look at it this way Extreme, "there is no where to go but up!"

*Elite Exteriors is apparently out of the league this year, they had a record of 7-11, but were ranked 2nd in Offense and 3rd in Defense.

Major Injury News

If you have not heard already, our former 2008 MVP (21 HR in 19 games that season) has had a major injury and will be missing the 2010 season.  See below for a statement...

Hello all,
Today has been a difficult day for me, my team, and my family. I recently learned that I have a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum in my right shoulder which requires surgery. I suffered the injury during the 2009 St. Louis Park Recreational Football Championship. I attempted to rehab my shoulder in the off-season between football and softball but to no avail. So I will be "Pat Nesheking" you guys and having surgery right before the season, and as a result I will not be playing for the Dirty Grizzlies in the 2010 season. I will be with the team rooting them on during their quest to repeat as champions. I will also be getting ready for the 2011 season coming back stronger than before. Thank you and good luck.

Brent Wunderlich-#11

Dereks brother-in-law Cary has been recruited to fill Brents hole.  He gladly accepted the challenge.  I understand that sounds really gay, but I am too stunned by the news right now to change it.  Cary has subbed for us in the past and will likely take over pitching duties from Derek...who will move to 2B.  Please welcome Cary to the team as we move forward without Wunder.

Scout the competition...

Looks like other teams in our league have websites too.  Check them out.  Should be interesting reading when the season gets rolling...

Dead Money
http://deadmoneysoftball.blogspot.com/

Wild Turkeys
http://wildturkeysoftball.blogspot.com/

Park Tavern
http://ptgreensoftball.blogspot.com/

Another Sponsor!

I just got a email from BWW in Plymouth, they are gonna sponsor us for $200 as well.  We were also able to aquire a new Miken Freak Limited Edition as well.  It is brand new in the wrapper, we got it from craigslist. Therefore, I will need you to send in league fee to me ASAP.  I will send out the information in a email.  If  you have any questions give me a call.  thanks!

Sponsorship Details

Just thought I would let you know we locked in $200 bucks from Joe Sensers to help pay for the team.  I have also paid the the league fee too...so we are all set  I will let you know how much everyone owes.  Hopefully Buffalo Wild Wings will give us some money too...still waiting to here back from them.   Be prepared to send me a check next week.  I will send out a email though with all of the information after I hear back from BWW.  Thanks!

Roster shaping up...

Ok guys, the roster is starting to come together for the 2010 season. 
Here is what we know...

These guys are in for sure for most games...

1. Brad
2. Derek
3. Hof
4. Kluge
5. Fos
6. Brian
7. Brent
8. Chad
9. Tim
10. Tom

Tim and Tom are new additions...Tim is a friend of Chads, Tom is Dereks Brother-in-Law.   Both guys should be decent.

Still waiting to hear from these guys...

1. Dan
2. Jon

Dan's job moved to the other side of town, but ealier in the year stated that he still wanted to be a part of the  team, Jon has subbed for us before but hasn't confirmed if he will be able to play full-time or not.

Want to be in, but can't be full-time due to work...

1. Aaron (said he would be available for late games if we need him)

Thse guys are out from last year...

1. Gabe (moved back to Fargo)
2. Joey  (unable to play due to personal commitments)

I will submit our perliminary roster and sign-up forms soon.  I will also check for sponsorship money.  After that I will let you know how much you owe...I am guessing somewhere around $60 bucks a person.