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Vaughan Expos @ York Diamonds

Expos 6 Diamonds 5

WP - John Raddi
LP - Paul Freeman
SAVE - Carlos Rodrigues
HR - Eric Foley (Diamonds)

 

Mississauga Southwest Twins @ Newmarket Express

Game #1 - Express 6 Twins 5

WP - Steve Zimmermann
LP - Stu Kingston
SAVE - John Bethune
HR - Jay Woodford (Twins), Stu Kingston (Twins), Alex McDonald (Twins), Matt Butler (Express)

Game #2 - Express 5 Twins 3

WP - Greg Whelan (CG)
LP - Chris Lee

Forest Glen Giants @ Milton Orioles

Game #1 - Giants 13 Orioles 0

WP - Jeff Little
LP - Mike Shuryn
HR - Duncan Perry (Giants), Pat Vecchiarelli (Giants)

Game #2 - Giants 21 Orioles 5

WP - Johnny Esper
LP - Matt Noonan
HR - Pat Vecchiarelli 2 (Giants)

 

Peterborough Tigers @ Clarington Cubs

Game #1 - Tigers 6 Cubs 1

WP - Jordan Cleveland (CG)
LP - Lars Clay

Game #2 - Cubs 7 Tigers 2

WP - Shawn Lamb
LP - David Pilot
SAVE - Todd Van Laere

 

Whitby Chiefs @ Bowmanville Blue Jays

Game #1 - Chiefs 4 Blue Jays 0

WP - Tristan Beadle (CG, 8 K's)
LP - Riley Whelan

Game #2 - Chiefs 13 Blue Jays 2

WP - Keith Head
LP - Luke Jenkins
SAVE - Jeff Kingdon

 

Bowmanville Bandits @ Oshawa Talons

Game #1 - Talons 9 Bandits 3

WP - Ryan Reid
LP - Stephen Smith
SAVE - Terry Stephenson

Game #2 - Talons 8 Bandits 0

WP - Jamie Agombar (CG, 1-hitter)
LP - Chris Fraser

 

Port Hope River Rats @ Pickering Pirates

Game #1 - Pirates 5 River Rats 4

WP - Marc Nolan
LP - Nate Moelker

Game #2 - River Rats 4 Pirates 1

WP - Dawson Stone
LP - Sydney Saunders
SAVE - Nick Stone

2012 OSBA Champions

PICKERING PIRATES

2012 Record: 16-9-1

Regular Season Standings: 3^rd

Playoffs: Won the OSBA Championship

What does 5 less wins in a regular season get you? For some teams it is the difference between making the playoffs and being on the outside looking in. For the Pirates – their first-ever OSBA championship. A club that has been near or atop the conference standings for several years, Pickering started off sluggish but by mid-season kicked things into high gear and never let up until the final out of the playoffs.

Key Losses: N/A

Key Additions: Jared Kwart, Craig Megill, Marc Nolan, Darryl Noble

Players to watch for: Ryan D’Souza, Brad Binns, Will Mariani, Scott Gray, Sydney Saunders

2013 Outlook:The Pirates enter the 2013 season riding high off of their championship in 2012.  Avoiding a championship hangover and not becoming complacent will be important in their effort to repeat.  The Pirates will have the core team back again in 2014, so expect chemistry to remain strong.  However, they are not getting any younger and are slowly finding themselves amongst one of the older teams in the OSBA.  Avoiding injuries will be important down the stretch and, hence, managing the pitching staff will be important for head coach - Phil Lacombe.  In addition, look for the coaching staff to leverage strong defence, speed, and a balanced and creative offensive attack in 2013.

 

 

WHITBY CHIEFS

2012 Record: 17-6-3

Regular Season Finish: 1^st

Playoffs: Lost to Pickering in Conference Finals

The Chiefs have become a model of consistency when looking at regular season performance and standing. They’ve also developed a pattern of bowing out in the conference finals – three years running. With several members returning, the Chiefs will also see some of the top players graduating from Whitby’s junior program join the team. Overall depth took a bit of a hit but this club still has a lot of solid pieces in place to remain competitive and compete for the right to represent the conference in the championship finals.

Key Losses: Mike Moorcroft, Adam Tedesco, Matt Kissel, Stephen Harrington

Key Additions: Jake Olynyk, Marc Stanoev, Kyle Smeelen, Tyler Mitchell, Mackenzie Clugston, Mike Del Fuoco

Players to watch for: Preston Wasmund, Tristan Beadle, Ryan Fleming, Dan Alayon, Graig Andrew

2013 Outlook: The veteran leadership lost in Moorcroft and Harrington cannot be put into words. With Harrington’s retirement that leaves just Graig Andrew as the final member of the inagural 2007 team. Tedesco and Kissel – two players who joined the club from junior were part of a young core this team has building around. Thankfully, all team members take pride in managing this club from a personnel perspective and once again chipped-in to find top-notch talent. Healthy pitching depth is a concern heading into opening weekend, but overall, the Chiefs should be a contender in the East.  

 Port Hope Flyers

 2012 Record: 18-8-0

Regular Season Finish: 2^nd

Playoffs: Lost to Pickering in Semi Finals

For a club that had mixed players’ reactions about joining the OSBA, the Flyers did extremely well in their first campaign. Finishing just one point behind Whitby in the overall conference standings, the Flyers finished 10 points higher that the now defunct Oshawa A’s – to capture their first division pennant. The Flyers have strong pitching, a balanced attack throughout their line-up and play well defensively – making them a contender once again this season. 

Key Losses: Sandy Clark, Andrew Flay

Key Additions: Marc MacDonald, David Elliot, Joel Hallowell

Players to Watch For: Brett Jiggins, Robert McNab, Kyle Maloney, Brad Pickering, Cory Baker

The Flyers are hoping to repeat their success they had in their first season in the OSBA.  The Flyers have the majority of the team returning for their 2013 season with the additions of David Elliot, Joel Hallowell and former Flyer Marc MacDonald. Pitching should once again be a strength for the Flyers having Bobby Gilligan, Mike McNaught, Cory Baker and Owen Sharp in the rotation.  Flyers offensive will once again be counting on reigning MVP and Silver Slugger winner Brad Pickering, Robert McNab, Ryan Davis and Brett Jiggins.

 

BROOKLIN DODGERS

2012 Record: 15-11-0

Regular Season Finish: 4^th

Playoffs: Lost to Oshawa A’s in ¼ Finals

Brooklin had a nice bounce-back year after failing to make the play-offs in 2011. Led by a strong veteran core, the Dodgers added several players last year in an attempt to give the club some much needed depth. Some familiar faces re-join the club and with a little additional tinkering, Brooklin will once again field one of the more experienced teams in the conference.

Key Losses: Derek Grieve, Darryl Noble, Wayne Feltham, Todd Blair, Jeremy Majoros, John Wesley, Jason Graham, Jon McGillen, Ryan Corey, Mike Cappadocia

Key Additions: KWayne Wickens, Mike Weir, Dan Wilson, Greg Pomroy

Players to watch for: Dan Blea, Sam Grabowski, Mike Desputeaux, Lawrence Thomas, Jeff Canning

2013 Outlook: Despite the additions last year Brooklin has trimmed their roster which could create some issues given some of those members are playing on a part-time basis. This will certianly give other members an opportunity to step-up and carry larger workloads. The Dodgers have done a great job over the years minimzing turnover, but this past off-season appears to be an exception. Nevertheless, look for the Dodgers to be where they were last year – challenging for a top spot within the conference.

  Port Hope River Rats

2012 Record: 9-14-3

Regular Season Finish: 6^th

Playoffs: Lost to Pickering in ¼ Finals

The River Rats meet and possibly exceeded expectations last summer. The ball club comprised of mostly Junior-aged players with a handful who had graduated did a solid job in their first season at Senior and within the OSBA. Wanting to be competitive, the club delivered. For their efforts, the River Rats were a mid-pack team by season’s end - good enough for 6^th – which earned the club a play-off berth and an opportunity to gain post-season experience. While the club was swept by the eventual champions any anyone on the River Rats would tell you they were very pleased with how the season unfolded.

Key Losses: Marc Stanoev,

Key Additions: Ken Harmon

Players to Watch For: Kyle Dekesyer, Jordan Jeans, Nick Stone, Dawson Stone, Brandon Vaters

Outlook 2013: Building on where they left off, the River Rats should try to use their regular season standing as a bench-mark for improvement this summer. Adding a few more wins would be a great step in overall achievement. Plus, if successful, it should also position the club well in an effort to qualify for the play-offs.

 

 

 

OSHAWA TALONS

 

2012 Record: 9-15-2

Regular Season Finish: 7^th

Playoffs: Lost to Port Hope Flyers in 1/4 Finals

The Talons played well enough to make it into the playoffs for the first time in three years. This club has always been competitive but has had challenges of being able to put together hot streaks for long stretches. Historically the team struggles out of the gate and picks it up in the second half. Some unforuntate injuries over the years have also depleted their depth putting management back to the drawing board every off-season. Things may be picking up for the Talons who have been able to acquire a big bat for the middle of their line-up which is something the Talons have needed for a few years.

Key Losses: None

Key Additions: Adam Dupont, Jorges Robles, Hiro Jingyi Su, Cody Leocata, Ryan Colburn, Chris Ricketts

Players to watch for:Steve Embrey, Anthony Cole, Chad Reid

2013 Outlook: Making the playoffs last season should be a huge moral boost for this club. Looking to build on that success, the Talons have upgraded their offence and defence in the offseason, and have strengthened the depth of their pitching staff.  Having lost many close games in 2012, it would not take much for the Talons to have a significantly improved record in 2013.

 

CLARINGTON CUBS

2012 Record:9-15-2

Regular Season Finish:8^th

Playoffs: Lost to Whitby in Quarter Final

The Cubs failed to defend their league title and basically suffered from championship hangover all summer. Year over year their record was slightly worse despite qualifying for the playoffs as the 8^th seed. In fairness, the Cubs lost some key offesnive players who also were very solid defensively as well. A strong core returns with some major FA acqusitions. The Cubs are the biggest benefactors in the folding of the Oshawa A’s. Mix in some former players returning and some good young talent coming up from Jr and this club leaps up considerably in overall talent and potential.

Key Losses: Dan Wilson, Brennan McNeely,

Key Additions: Mick Kurhan, Mark Dainty, Matt Tosoni, Thomas Fearon, Daniel Cooke, Todd Blair, Wayne Feltham, Brennen Conquer, Todd Van Laere, Colin Cockburn, Justin Recon, Shaun Hall, Rob Watson, Kyle Taylor, Mike Vance

Players to watch for: Mark Dainty, Mick Kurhan, Matt Tosoni, Todd Blair, Colin Cockburn

2013 Outlook: Heavily into fantasy sports, Head Coach/GM Chris Killoran must be all smiles when he sits down to figure out his line-up and pitching rotation. Easily the busiessiest GM in the off-season, the Cubs on paper are a pure juggernaut. Look for them to bust out of the gate this weekend.

 

Bowmanville Blue Jays

2012 Record: 9-16-1

Regular Season Finish: 9^th

Playoffs: Failed to Qualify

A club that appeared to be folding in the off-season when coaches Mike Snider and Jamie Tessier both decided to retire did a great job of dodging some uncontrollable circumstances and re-building on the fly. Mark Salonius stepped in to become the new GM/Head Coach and immediately started working with the returning core to keep the team in operation. Formerly known as the Ajax Indians, the Blue Jays came about when team management found out their home park would be closed this season in preparation of the Pan Am games and had no choice but to relocate. So with change comes excitement and the Blue Jays are looking to push for a playoff spot this season.

Key Losses: Mike Snider, Jamie Tessier, Marc MacDonald, Chris Paelez, Ryan Gordon

Key Additions: Mark Salonius, Jeremy Majoros

Players to watch for: Luke Jenkins, Riley Whelan, Paul Evans, Joe Campa, Jeff Whittle

2013 Outlook: New name, new park, new uniforms, new management, new personnel, new team websie – all adds up to a lot of uncertainty when trying to predict just exactly how the Blue Jays will do this season. Similar to the situation of the Kendal Eagles, the Blue Jays simply need to erase thoughts of last season while drawing from experience. This club will obviously need time to gel and evaluate player performance on-field. They’ve been holding work-outs for a few months but the true test comes from strong competition across the conference. A solid effort with consistency should keep the team in the playoff picture and catch some teams off-guarad along the way.

 

 Kendal Eagles

2012 Record: 8-16-2

Regular Season Finish: 10^th

Playoffs: Failed to Qualify

The 2012 season did not go as planned for the Eagles. Coming over from the EOBA with the two Port Hope teams, it was Kendal who failed to get off the ground and plummeted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. A club with a lot of experience and veteran leadership, Kendal simply did not make the grade – finishing 8 games below .500 in 26 regular season games. With a long off-season the Eagles certainly have had time to let everything sink in. A club that wins games on pitching and defence, a better effort from start to finish will be required if this club wants to reach its goal of making the playoffs.

Key Losses: Chris Stark, Dave Drew

Key Additions: N/A

Players to Watch For: Nick Stacey, Bryan Landry, Phil Cammasulli, Tyson Gimblett, Russell Hunt

Outlook 2013: Looking for positives on a poor inaugural season, Kendal can enter the 2013 campaign knowing things can’t get much worse. Part of their struggles last season may have come from the fact in previous years there was nothing to play for with respect to playoffs and a league championship. Meaning, all the games were essentially for exhibition in preparation for Provincials. Look for the club to play with purpose this season.

 

Bowmanville Bandits

2012 Record: N/A

Regular Season Finish: N/A

Playoffs: N/A

If you build it, they will come. For the Bandits that was the case. Some hard work went into reaching out to just about anyone and everyone looking for a place to play and the effort paid off. GM/Head Coach Stephen Smith brings an expansion team to Bowmanville with modest expectations and a willingness to build a team from the ground up. After several indoor sessions the team was put together and will look to cut their teeth in what has become a very strong Eastern Conference.

Key Losses: None

Key Additions: N/A

Players to watch for: Mitchell Potok, Adam Hudson

2013 Outlook: The great thing about being a true expansion team is that there is no way of knowing what the team will accomplish. There is no need to place great expectations on the group and many teams will look past the Bandits on the schedule. If the Bandits can sneak in a few wins here and there they could have a shot at making the playoffs.

Peterborough Tigers

2012 Record: N/A

Regular Season Finish: N/A

Playoffs: N/A

Like the Port Hope River Rats last season, the Peterborough Tigers have elected to move their team to the senior ranks despite still having players at the junior age level. Wanting to be part of a group that offered strong competition the Tigers will add another young club full of promise and skill. If this club plays like the River Rats did last season they should have no problem being competitive and well within the playoff picture.

Key Losses: N/A

Key Additions: N/A

Players to watch for: Grant Elson, Cory Barker, Dan Burke, Brad Thompson, Kurtis Borland     

2013 Outlook:  This club while an expansion franchise certainly knows how to keep the press out of their clubhouse. Not much to report on this Tigers aside from many of them having been together since Mosquito. Team chemistry will not be a problem for the Tigers and they’ll need that plus a strong work ethic should they hope to create some noise at the senior level. Experienced and a history of achievements behind them suggests the Tigers will be just fine and a contender for many years to come.

York Diamonds

Head Coach: Paul Freeman

2012 Standing: 17-7-2 (1^st in Western Conference)

# Of Years In OSBA: 4^th

# Of Finals Appearances: 1

# Of Championships: 0

Twitter Handle: N/A

Defining Franchise Moment:  Winning its first 8 playoff games in 2012 and being up 2-0 in the best of 5 finals, then go on to lose the next 3 straight.

Key Losses: Tsukasa Murakoso, Ernie Morrison, Justin Williams, Nick Guglielmo 

Key Additions: Matt Graham, Jamie Parkes, Andrew Greig, Brian Dikdan

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013:  York got off to a slow start in 2012, but caught fire in the 2^nd half.  They carried the hot streak to a 1^st place finish in the western conference, before rolling through the Twins, Mets and Majors on its way to the OSBA final.  The York Diamonds were within one win of the title last year, but the team is in a state of flux this season. With a high volume of part-time players, the lineup may look different every night and it's anyone’s guess how the on-field product will fare. Lefthander Tsukasa Murakoso returns to Japan, leaving a huge void in the starting rotation

3 Team Goals For 2013:

#3 – A team scouting trip to Japan.

#2 – Stop using an aluminum bat for the pregame infield warm-ups.

#1 – Win 1 more game.

 

 

 

Scarborough Dragons

Head Coach: Adam Johnston

2012 Standing: N/A

# Of Years In OSBA: 1^st

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

# Of Championships: 0

Twitter Handle: N/A

 

Defining Franchise Moment: Being the only OSBA franchise that is nicknamed after a mythological fire breathing creature.

 

Key Losses: N/A

Key Additions: N/A

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013: The Dragons come into the 2013 OSBA season as an expansion team but they are not your normal expansion team as they are rich in history and championships dating back to 1993.  Spending the last 10 years in SABL and winning the last 3 straight championships it was time for a change and a bigger challenge that the Dragons believe they can get from the OSBA teams.  The Dragons roster seems to have a well-balanced roster through a mixture of young arms and bats with the ever important veteran leadership.  It will be interesting to see how the team adapts to the change from aluminum bats they used in SABL to the wood bat game used in OSBA.  Because of this coach Adam Johnston will have to rely less on the power of his team’s bats and try to figure out how to win using more of his team speed and defense.  Some people refer to the 2013 edition of the Scarborough Dragons as the most talented squad to have put on the jersey in the team's 20 year history. One former OSBA player recently quoted "The Dragons team has that uncanny ability that when they smell blood they go in for the kill and it's not a matter of IF they will finish you off, it's more of WHEN will they decide to finish you off".  With that being said others argue that the youth of the team (average age being 25) will be the team's downfall as they will have to learn how to change their mindset of going from the hunted now to the hunter, which is a totally different approach to the game.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Host a team fundraiser by selling its aluminum bats.

#2 – No ejections.

#1 – Have no runners picked off 1^st base by a left-handed pitcher during day games when it’s warmer than 24 degrees Celsius.

 

Vaughan Expos

Head Coach: Jimmy Gonzalez

2012 Standing: 12-14-0 (7^th in Western Conference)

# Of Years In OSBA: 4^th

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

# Of Championships: 0

Twitter Handle: N/A

Defining Franchise Moment: Its awesome white uniforms.

Key Losses: N/A

Key Additions: N/A

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013: The Expos were playing consistent baseball, and sitting comfortable in a playoff spot, until some roster issues late in the year cost the team some points and all of the momentum they had going into the playoffs.  While not knowing of any significant additions or losses for the ’13 season, the Expos have always had a solid mix of pitching and hitting that allows them to be competitive week in and week out.

3 Team Goals For 2013:

#3 – Make sure that the team’s diamond supplier in Vaughan is kept very happy.

#2 – Sell out each home game that’s played at Christie Pitts.

#1 – Remember to declare the two-out catcher rule before each game.

 

 

 

Newmarket Express

 

Head Coach: Steve Zimmerman

 

2012 Standing: 14-10-2 (3^rd in Western Conference)

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 12^th

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 1

 

# Of Championships: 1

 

Twitter Handle: N/A

 

Defining Franchise Moment: Winning the 2004 OSBA championship.

 

Key Losses: Jesse Nakayama, Brent Dufton, Alan Kung, Tim Coburn, Scott Gow, Marc Arsenault 

 

Key Additions: Gbenga Ajasin (OF/P), Vazken Boyrazian (1B), Matt Butler (C/1B), Lloyd Crespi (2B/EH), Marty Patience (DH/1B).

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013: The Express’ strong offense carried them to a division title and 3^rd place seed in the west in 2012.  The only team in the west with Saturday home games lost in the first round of the playoffs to the expansion Mets.  Through the offseason, the Newmarket Express have experienced its highest turnover in recent years, especially within the last month where 4 key players learned they are unable to play this season.  These losses will undoubtedly have an impact on this season's performance.  After losing the big bats of Scott Gow, Tim Coburn, and Alan Kung, and the steady play of Brent Dufton and Jesse Nakayama, the Express will be in tough to repeat their offensive domination from years past.  The only real good news the last month is the addition of Gbenga Ajasin, who will significantly boost the Express offense and will be an added arm on the mound as the #4 starter.  The return of Marty Patience is also a boost to the team and will give us some added depth.  As usual, the Express lack in pitching, with only John Bethune, Jesse Barker, Steve Zimmermann, and Gbenga Ajasin as starters, and Greg Whelan as the lone reliever, expect many innings from each pitcher as they try to share the workload.  With only 15 players on the roster, and Gregory Whelan moving the end of June, commitment is the greatest concern for Coach Zimmermann, who worries any hiccups in injuries or personnel could mean a week-to-week scramble for bodies.  Expect some better defense this year with Vazken Boyrazian and John Bethune solidifying the infield, and Steve Reiss and Gbenga Ajasin patrolling the friendly confines of the Fairgrounds outfield.  Chemistry is excellent this season, but will team Chemistry and better Defense be enough to balance out the lack of pitching and a less potent lineup?  The Express expect to make the playoffs in the 6-8 seed, but will more than likely be in tough against their 1st round opponent.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Maintain spotlessly clean dugouts out all times.

 

#2 – Get its former coach, and legendary OSBA inspirational speaker, Brian Booth out to a game.

 

#1 – Field 9 guys every week, without having to put Mr. Chan in the outfield.

 

 

Forest Glen Giants

 

Head Coach: Rick Boutillier & Kevin Horton

 

2012 Standing: 14-9-3 (5^th in Western Conference)

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 8^th

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

 

# Of Championships: 0

 

Twitter Handle: N/A

 

Defining Franchise Moment: Getting rid of the black pants after the ’07 season.

 

Key Losses: Mario Mainelli

 

Key Additions: Unknown

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013:  Another offseason brought another long list of changes for the Giants.  Long time head coach, Alan Micolino, has retired; leaving the field duties to player coaches Rick Boutillier and Kevin Horton, with franchise owner Ron Smith still overseeing operations.  The Giants have also lost long time pitching ace Mario Mainelli, but the team’s new coaches have been recruiting diligently.  Expect another competitive Forest Glen team this summer.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Memorize each other’s names by the end of May.

 

#2 – No forfeits.

 

#1 – Have a team social event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mississauga Majors

 

Head Coach: Bruce Cooper

 

2012 Standing: 14-8-4 (2^nd in Western Conference)

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 7^th

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

 

# Of Championships: 0

 

Twitter Handle: N/A

 

Defining Franchise Moment:  Assistant coach, Ryan McNeil’s, MLB player comparisons on the team website.

 

Key Losses: N/A

 

Key Additions: N/A

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013:  The 2012 season was arguably the Majors best in its franchise’s OSBA history.  Elite pitching carried the team to a 2^nd place finish in the western conference and a birth in the conference finals; which it would lose to York.  With an almost identical roster returning for the 2013 season, the Majors hope to take the next step, and reach the finals for the first time in franchise history.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Make sure to have score sheets, lineup cards and the coaches contact list at all games.

 

#2 – Have at least one person named Pileggi at every game.

 

#1 – Win the western conference.

 

 

 

 

Metro Mets

 

Head Coach: Vince Novielli

 

2012 Standing: 9-13-4 (6^th in Western Conference)

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 2

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

 

# Of Championships: 0

 

Twitter Handle: @metromets

 

Defining Franchise Moment: The retirement of the Rodrigues brothers.

 

Key Losses: David Clark, Nelson Rodrigues, Brian Rodrigues

 

Key Additions: Sean Difeo, Chris Hastings, Maiker Santana, Chris Novielli

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013: The Mets were a competitive team in its expansion year of 2012.  The team won the first playoff series that it ever played in, before getting knocked out by York in the 2^ndround.  The 2013 Mets are looking forward to the challenge a new year will bring them. After last year’s second round loss to the diamonds, the Mets are looking for more offensive consistency this year; something that was considered its downfall in 2012. This group of Mets are a tight knit group of men who are quickly building team chemistry looking to do some damage this year in the western conference. They have lost a few key players but have added some very nice pieces to the team at the same time. The season cannot start soon enough for this group.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Lead all OSBA teams in total Tweets.

 

#2 – Bring the loudest fans to the All-Star game...again.

 

#1 – Keep a close eye of for other teams not using the league required ‘ROML’ baseball.

 

 

Mississauga (905W) Orioles

 

Head Coach: Peter Nicolaichuk

 

2012 Standing: N/A

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 1^st

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

 

# Of Championships: 0

 

Twitter Handle: N/A

 

Defining Franchise Moment: Changing its team name from the Milton Orioles to the Mississauga Orioles to the 905-West Orioles before ever playing a game in the OSBA.

 

Key Losses: N/A

 

Key Additions: N/A

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013:  As an expansion team for the 2013 season, the Orioles were formed by a small group of players with past OSBA experience who joined forces with another group of players who participated in the OSBA tournament last fall.  Small tryouts were held to fill the remaining roster spots, and with the season start around the corner, the Orioles feel they have a club that is ready to compete in OSBA.  Returning to the league will be manager/player Peter Nicolaichuk, as well as Dan McGee, and Matt Smith.  Expectations are high coming into the season, and look for the team to try to get off to a strong start early in the season to build confidence.  Players to watch: Mike Shuryn, Sam Larson, Dominic Blago.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Do not change its team name again until at least the next offseason.

 

#2 – Do not commit any 1^st to 3^rd balks.

 

#1 – Make the playoffs.

 

 

Mississauga North Tigers

 

Head Coach: Robert Buckberrough

 

2012 Standing: N/A

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 1^st

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

 

# Of Championships: 0

 

Twitter Handle: N/A

 

Defining Franchise Moment: Getting into the free coffee and donuts at the league meeting, before the franchise was accepted.

 

Key Losses: N/A

 

Key Additions: N/A

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013: As the first expansion team to join the OSBA from the MBA junior loop in six years, the Tigers are by far the youngest team in the OSBA this year.  This group is the 3^rd different team to assume the ‘Mississauga North Tigers’ name; and it hopes to have more success than the previous two.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Sign up for a Twitter account.

 

#2 – Win more games than the ’08 Tigers.

 

#1 – Have at least 1 player drafted in the OSBA fantasy pool.

 

 

 

Mississauga Twins

 

Head Coach: Ken Woodford

 

2012 Standing: 9-17 (8^th in Western Conference)

 

# Of Years In OSBA: 8^th

 

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

 

# Of Championships: 0

 

Twitter Handle: @mswtwins

 

Defining Franchise Moment: Losing the longest game (17-innings) in OSBA history.

 

Key Losses: Graeme Ogilvie

 

Key Additions: N/A

 

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013:  The 2012 Twins got off to the worst start in OSBA history, putting up a 1-13 1^st half, before turning thing around with an 8-4 2^nd half.  This offseason has been much quieter so far than the last for the Twins; when it traded the right to Tom Malyk to the Pickering Pirates for a 3-cycle washing machine.  The trade worked out for both clubs, as Malyk won an OSBA championship and the Twins suffered from zero leg infections in 2012.  With the season less than a week away from starting, the Twins are still working on finalizing its roster.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

 

#3 – Get win #2 before July.

 

#2 – Do not collectively consume 87 beers before a game.

 

#1 – Mix in a playoff win.

 

Vaughan Vikings

Head Coach: Morty Fergenbaum

2012 Standing: 16-8-2 (4^th in Western Conference)

# Of Years In OSBA: 4^th

# Of Finals Appearances: 0

# Of Championships: 0

Twitter Handle: N/A

Defining Franchise Moment: Winning the 2010 OSBA Fall Classic.

Key Losses: N/A

Key Additions: N/A

Summary Of 2012/Outlook For 2013:  The Vikings got off to a hot start in 2012, but struggled with a handful of injuries to its pitchers later in the season.  The team returns most of its key players for the ’13 season and fully expects to be one of the elite teams in the west again this summer.

 

3 Team Goals For 2013:

#3 – Make sure that all uniforms are accounted for at the beginning of each game.

#2 – Get Morty or Hersch into a game.

#1 – Stay healthy.