Everything in Baseball Land is great when every team gets in all of their games in week one. It's even better when the league is 11-5-2 on the week with two of the losses being against 6A teams.
I've noticed that over the last six years there has been a major improvement throughout the league. It used to be that of the six 5A MWL clubs, only North Eugene could be counted on to be a playoff team year after year. Then Churchill's program kicked into gear about six years ago. Then Thurston's took off, culminating in a state title. Willamette went to state in '07 and '08. Last year Springfield looked solid, but was it a one year fluke? No, is the answer. The Miller batters are even more agressive this year and the D is strong. Now Marshfield is gearing up and should see dramatic improvment over the next few years.
Strong booster programs, facility improvements and good coaching throughout the league has made the league much more competitive across the board.
When league games roll around, we will likely see the most competitive year ever in league history. Almost every team has a great D im place behind their pitchers. And almost every team has a super solid number one pitcher, although, I don't think there is a pitcher who can deliver an automatic win each time on the mound. And almost every team can put the ball in play all game long, although I don't think any team will have multiple power threats.
It all adds up to anticipation of watching a lot of well played ball games and a lot fewer 10 run spectacles. I'm lovin' it!
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