Although we were reigning champs, Network came into the championship game huge underdogs to the more dominant, powerful So Cal Tuzos. The Tuzos lost a heartbreaker to Network last year, 13-12 in 11 innings, after having Network on the ropes in the 9th 11-8. The loss sat with the Tuzos all year and they were determined to come back to dethrone the grittier, guttier Network squad.

The Tuzos ran through the competition in pool play and the playoffs. Network, besides an opening game loss to the Tuzos 11-1, did the same. The scene was set for a rematch and quite possibly the game of the century. I mean, could this game really be any better than last year?

Well, it came close.

Network came out like it did last year scoring early and often. The pitcher who had shut down Network in Game One found out why it's tough to keep a team down twice. Due to my pulled quad in the 7th inning of the semis, I was forced to move myself out of the lead-off spot and down to the bottom of the line-up. But Jim Davidson took over the role and immediately lead the charge. Hits by JD, T-Loe, Army and Mike Veronesi brought Craig Kasin up to the plate with one out. KC got a clutch hit to score two and then Chad Brown followed with another clutch hit. That brought me to the plate. I hit a high chopper to first that Ibarra, their monster first baseman, tried to turn two. He threw the ball into centerfield and Network scored 4 in the first.

Network continued the scoring in the 2nd and 3rd to take a 6-1 lead. DJ Austin was holding the Tuzos in check, a team that averaged over 16 runs a game in the tournament. The defense was solid and our emotions were running high. We continued the onslaught and although the Tuzos scored three more runs in the next two innings we matched them run for run. Going into the 5th we had the Tuzos right where we wanted them, up 9-4, pitching depleted on their end and emotionless.

After Ibarra hit a double in the gap, and the Tuzos knocked him in, Network got up in the 6th to try and match their runs scored for the third consecutive inning. Not only did we match their runs we quadrupled them. A double by Army and a bases loaded single by Mike Veronesi, along with a Chad Brown single through the right side and Network was up by 8. We had the game in the bag. We had our best pitcher on the mound, in a groove, and our emotions were running high.

After a two out double with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 7th, the Tuzos were primed for a comeback. They had reduced the score to 13-8 and had 2nd and 3rd with their best hitter Ibarra coming to the plate.

Terry Loe and I have this pickoff play that we've worked on all year (SUCCESSFULLY, I might add) and tried to execute in the World Series. It never worked once because the word got out that T-Loe had the best catcher's arm in the tournament and all week team's were careful not to stray too far from their bases.....Except this time. As the runner turned and lowered his head to stroll back to the base, T-Loe fired a strike to me and we picked our first guy off. What a timely out and it couldn't have happened at a better time in the game. This was Network's time. Or was it?

Usually when you hear of a comeback of more than 5 runs in any game your first instinct is to think a team unraveled and made a handful of errors. If there ever was a game where the natural elements came into play, this might have been it. It's one thing when fielder's have to deal with high skies and sunlight in their eyes. It's a completely different thing when it happens to your pitcher(s).

As DJ came out for the 8th inning the sun sneaked through an opening in the stadium and was shining right into the pitcher's eyes. DJ had so much trouble seeing the plate he actually had to walk 8 feet in front of the mound to receive the ball back from the pitcher. After three hits and two walks, along with two outs, DJ left the game with Network up 13-11. I decided to bring in the guy who had done it not only every game but every BIG game in Network and the Atlanta Bulls' history, Mikey Moore. All we needed was one out to get out of this pickle. It would prove to be the hardest out to get.

After walking three and giving up two hits including the tying run, the next batter hit a gapper with the bases loaded and Network was behind for the first time all game, 16-13. Robert Wasmund came in and got the last out after giving up a run scoring single to make it 17-13.

I wish I could write that Network duplicated their miracle comeback from last year but that was not the case. Network went quietly in the 9th and the Tuzos had their first World Championship. Network would have to settle for being the 2nd best team in the country.

Although we were all dejected, we realized that we lost to the better team today. We played error-less baseball and still lost. Our batting line-up hammered the ball and we still lost. Our pitcher's gave us their all, and we still lost. When you do all that, you can not feel dejected. That's life. Sometimes things don't always work out the way you want it to. It was our time last year, and it was the Tuzos time this year. The one thing that was joked about in the reward ceremony was that the series was tied 1-1 now and that we both had to come back next year and settle who's best once and for all.

Thank you all for your kind words and support. And as the Brooklyn Dodger's used to say, "Wait until next year!"

Rick

First off, I want to thank my team for believing in me. Believing that all my efforts over this year would lead to a group of vastly different individuals towards greatness.

On the morning of our second consecutive championship game, I started to reflect on the first six games and realized what lucky individuals we are. Here we are, at the rip young ages of 36-56, and we get to play baseball with our best friends. Not only that, we get to compete at the highest level of amateur baseball in the country. On top of that, we set our goals at the beginning of last year, and we've already met our expectations. When you can wake up in the morning and do something like that, you are already a winner.

I know my guys are going to win today because when we get together and set our minds towards something, as a team, we just make it happen. It truly is what I refer to as, "The Magic and the Madness." I mean, it's 5:30 AM PCT and I just spent 20 minutes in bed with a large bag of ice on my quad, just so I can help contribute something today. Why? Because I know my team looks to me to lead them, and I am determined to not let them down. Just as I expect to lean on my teammates and not let me down. If I can make that one play today that could make a difference in the championship game, the pain, the injury would all be an after thought.

Win or lose on the scoreboard today, we've already won in my eyes. This team consistently comes back from adversity and continues to never quit. We've lost key players over the year, over the week, and still we perform as a team, at a very high level...and we continue to win. We struggle in our careers, and still we keep trying to achieve greatness. We struggle with our families, and still we try to love and provide for them. Today is the culmination of all our hard work in life.

Dear God, thank you for providing me the tools to lead these men, a great group of men, towards victory.

To Terry Loe, thank you for being my spiritual guide.

To Jim Davidson, thank you for the recognition you continuously give me, even when I am down on myself.

To Chad Brown, thank you for showing me how to keep one's head, when all about you are losing their's.

To Robert Wasmund, thank you for showing me how to win with your talent, not with your mouth.

To Pat Armstrong, thank you for being that dedicated friend who always believes in my efforts.

To Scott Bailey, thank you for always showing me what "passion for the game" means.

To Mike Moore, thank you for showing me how legends perform.

To Jeff Wells, thank you for beating father time, continuously.

To Mike Veronesi, thank you for coming into life recently. Your friendship is very important to me.

To Mike Player, thank you for letting me apologize for my mistakes and accepting that I am human and only have good intentions in my heart.

To Miles Whitlock, thank you for being a mensch!

To DJ Austin, thank you for being able to change your thoughts and ideas about who a person is and what he's all about.

To Bill "Flip" Filippone, thanks for always making me laugh. Dude, you are one funny individual.

To Ken Lorow, thank you for wanting to win on every pitch. You are a bulldog!

To Craig, "KC" Kasin, thanks for smiling at every moment of the day. I can never have a bad day when I see you.

To Brien Blakely, thanks for coming out, even for two days, and contributing any way you can. You truly are a "team" player.

To Brian Schaefer, thank you for being so humble. Your overall talent amazes me yet you never talk highly of yourself.

To David Meltzer, Scott Carter and all the Steinberg boys, thanks for showing me the utmost support.

To Chris Pullaro, thanks for being the one friend I can always lean on.

To Alan Goldman, thanks for always being my best friend.

And to all the Network Players out there who could not make the trip, thanks for your well-wishes.

I want to thank you and your families for believing in my dreams and giving me the opportunity to lead us to another championship.

Lastly, I want to thank God for allowing us to continue playing "a kid's game."

Your friend for life,

Rick

The National Network team keeps on rolling. After a first game defeat at the hands of the So Cal Tuzos, Network has won five in a row and will now compete for a chance to repeat as 35A finalists. Waiting in the wings is the powerful So Cal Tuzos who in 6 games have scored 98 runs and given up only 12. One of the wins was against Network, an 11-1 trouncing and payback win from last year's 13-12 thriller defeat in the 2008 finals.

Sacramento won their quarterfinal game in dominant fashion, 10-0 over Colorado. They took that energy into the semis by striking early against Network. With the game tied at one, Network starter Bill Filippone gave up a three-run homer and Network found themselves down for the first time since game one, 4-1.

In the 5th, the pivotal moment in the game occurred and changed the momentum. With two out an the bases loaded, Pat Armstrong launched a bomb into the left centerfield alley to clear the bases and tie the game at four. Singles by Mike Veronesi and Craig Kasin added three more and Network never looked back. Scottie Bailey had three hits, and the hits, walks and steals at the top of our line-up by Jim Davidson and I sparked the team to double digit runs.

On two sad notes, starter Bill Filippone felt a pain in his elbow in the 5th and had to be replaced by Mike Player. Player and Mike Moore did a great job keeping the Bulldogs in check. In the 7th however, Rick Cohen pulled up into third lame and was forced to be replaced. His status for tomorrow's final is questionable.

Tomorrow's Final will take place at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 1:00 PM PCT. Final Game Starter is the hard throwing righthander from Richmond, IN, DJ Austin. Network is confidant that the result against the Tuzos will be different this time around. Stay tuned

Rick

Not much to report today other than Network dominated the winless Ventura Cubs 13-3. The win, which was contributed by all the Network members, earned Network a quarterfinal bye and a trip to their third semi-final trip in three years.

All 15 Network members were in the line-up and all 15 got to play the field, pitch and hit at some point in the game. Ventura was pitching depleted by Game Five and merely wanted to go back to Cali and call it a day. Game Five enabled me to get all my pitchers some work besides semi and final starters, Bill Filippone and DJ Austin.

Going into the playoffs, we are set for success. While seeds 3 thru 6 must travel the 45 minutes to Surprise Stadium for an 8:30 AM game, Network gets a much needed good night's sleep. We plan on leaving for Surprise at 10:00 AM for our 12 noon game. Whoever we play will be tired and pitching depleted. My starting pitchers are raring to go and fresh. My starting line-up are all in a groove and the infield/outfield has settled in nicely. With a few new players to get acclimated towards, five games will help hurry that process. So many players are hot right now that no matter what my line-up is, no one in the order is a weak spot.

Tomorrow starts the real playoffs in this World Series. WE WILL SETTLE FOR NOTHING LESS THAN A REMATCH OF LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH THE DANGEROUS SO. CAL TUZOS.

RICK

With Network short three starters today because of work related issues, the powerful Network offense overcame the adversity and battered 18 hits off Colorado, including 4 hits by Scottie Bailey and 3 hits by Mike Moore. Again, all the starters contributed at the plate. Sympathy cards can also be sent to Pat Armstrong for hitting the hardest 0 for 4 in the history of ofers.

The real story was Scottie Bailey's masterful pitching and the strong defense of the Network team. Bails scattered 11 hits but seemed to never really be in trouble, getting the big K (8 of them) when we needed it.

Two plays happened today that I have never seen in all my baseball playing days. The first one was so simple a play yet so brilliant it has to be noted here.

Mike Moore, who is not fleet of foot at 51, hits a sharp grounder to the shortstop. Mike was told to not expand any energy since we need his arm and legs for the playoffs (pitching-wise.) Everyone yells out to Mike to take it easy down the line...after all, it's a routine play. The shortstop throws the ball slightly off base but the first baseman catches it and adjusts himself, standing in front of the base, waiting to easily tag Mike out as he lumbers down the line. Mike starts to slow up and just before the first baseman is about apply the tag, Mike dips down and slides a leg underneath him, through his legs, touching the base before being tagged. The umpire calls Mike Moore SAFE. To have that much athletic prowess, to make that quick a decision on a routine play, shows you the kind of athlete Mike Moore was and still is. I'd be remiss to mention that last week Mike Moore was inducted into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. Kudos to Mike!

Play Number Two falls into the category of the "who-knew?" play. Miles Whitlock, a Network substitute, resident baseball enthusiast, overall good guy and one of the producers of "Faded Glory" moved into rightfield with Network up by a score of 8-2 in the 9th. Miles is normally a first baseman, but I wanted to get Jeff Wells some time in the field as well and Jeff can only play first base.

So Colorado puts together a few hits and we get a few outs and it's now 8-4 with two outs and a man on third. A little too close for comfort but a strong lead nonetheless. The Bulls batter hits a high fly ball to...RIGHT FIELD...and Miles runs in...runs back...and makes the catch for the final out. Or was it?

As I come out to congratulate Miles, over my shoulder I hear some commotion. I turn to see the other team arguing with the umpire. Whatever for? I run in to see what all the commotion is about and discover that Colorado has protested the catch because...MILES CAUGHT THE BALL WITH HIS FIRST BASEMAN'S MITT! This constitutes and illegal catch. The batter gets a hit and no runners advance. I realized that because Miles is a lefty, and we don't have any other lefties besides Jeff Wells (who is also a first baseman) Miles couldn't borrow anyone's mitt to play right so he used his first baseman's mitt.

So now we have to go back to our positions with a different scenario: first and third, 2 outs with the tying run in the on-deck circle. Pitcher Scott Bailey handled the unusual situation surprisingly well.

The next batter hits a deep fly ball to center that somehow KC can't pick up...Jim Davidson can see it and starts running hard towards it. Finally, KC picks it up last minute and makes the catch! GAME OVER.

The win virtually locks up the #2 seed for the playoffs. Network still has to win tomorrow and keep the runs allowed down, but they play the 0-4 Ventura Cubs, a team we have beaten badly before. The importance of the #2 seed this year is highly advantageous. With only 6 teams making the playoffs instead of 8, the quarterfinals pits 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5. 1 & 2 get byes and the #2 seed avoids the dominant Tuzos until the finals.

Network has all their playoff pitchers ready for a run. Bill Filippone, last year's semi-final winner arrived today and will be Network's starter for this year's semis. DJ Austin arrives tomorrow hoping to pitch us to another championship on Friday. We all want another crack at the Tuzos, another shot with our full squad and a week worth of baseball under our belts.

It's starting to get exciting!

Rick

After our humiliating lost to the dominant Tuzos last night Network found themselves in two must win situations on Day Two. With an inspiring visit from ex-major leaguer, ex-Atlanta Braves All-Star Brett Butler, Network jumped all over the California Zephyrs with 4 runs in the first inning. The hitting display didn't end there. A 7-run 4th put the game out of reach early and enabled Rick to get playing time for everybody.

Everyone contributed to the romp, including three hits a piece by Robert Wasmund and Jim Davidson. We switched the infield around and we played flawlessly. With his family watching from the stands, Ken Lorow went the first five innings. Although he gave up 11 hits, they were scattered, and he consistently got the big out when we needed it.

The same went for Game Three against last year's 35A runner-ups, the Portland Red Sox. The Red Sox were considered the #3 seed in the tournament and strong contenders for the title. Network jumped all over them in the first inning with hits by Cohen, Schaefer, Armstrong and Kasin, and walks to Bailey, Veronesi and Brown. At one time, Network lead 13-1, so the final score wasn't indicative of our domination. This wasn't a weak team and just as we were stunned by our loss to the Tuzos, Portland was shocked at their own weak play. Brian Schaefer lead the hitting attack going 4 for 5 with a triple and double, and Pat Armstrong went 3 for 4. Six players in the line-up had 2 hits or more and the field was solid as well.

The pitching was handled by Mike Moore, Jeff Wells and Robert Wasmund. This enabled Rick to continue to save his big arms for later in the week. It's all about pitching in the end, and Network has yet to use their big guns Bill Filippone and DJ Austin. Hopefully they will be used for our semi-final and final appearances.

The Schedule doesn't ease up tomorrow. In Goodyear Stadium, home of the Reds and Indians, the #4 seeded Colorado Bulls, last year's 35R semi-finalists (Network beat them 7-3) wait. Network can assure ourselves of a #2 seed with a win and a small runs allowed. That would enable us to have a bye for the playoffs Thursday morning (meaning no quarterfinal game) and a trip back to the semi-finals. Our goal is to get the Tuzos in the final and pay them back in the worst way.

GAME FOUR - 12 noon PCT - Goodyear Stadium - Colorado Bulls vs. National Network.

RC

Some great stories start out with a tragedy and end with a triumph. This is hopefully one of those stories.

With all the opening day drama of losing our third baseman to a Hollywood audition (Bruno) and our outfielder and team speedster to the law (Atwater) as well as one of our best hitters (Josh Davis) Network was scheduled first game to take on the poewrful So Cal Tuzos in what would be a repeat of last year's final game 13-12, won by Network. However, the game proved to be a snooze as Network came out about as flat diet soda left on the bar overnight.

Even with these subtractions to our lineup we still had what we thought was a Murderer's Row, good fielding and a deep pitching staff. But sometimes team's don't just play up to their expectations. Tonight was one of those nights.

The Tuzos took and early 1-0 in the first on a few timely base hits. Network matched them when Brian Schaefer tripled with two out and scored on a wild pitch. In the third the Tuzos but together a string of hits to take a 2-1 lead with bases loaded and 1 out. After a strikeout by starter Mike Player and a quick two strike count Player then hit the batter in the arm forcing in the Tuzos third run. The next batter cleared the bases with a double over centerfielder KC's head (who made two great catches earlier) and Network found themselves quickly down 6-1.

Network had first and third in the next two innings but was unable to score.

A couple of errant throws in the field, scored 4 more runs in the next couple of innings.

Network had two other chances to score but both times Terry Loe and Pat Armstrong lined shots that turned into double plays.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the highlight of the night- Brian Schaefer's stupendous catch in right center to save a run in the 6th. Schaefer also lead the team with two hits. The other hits were by Cohen, Wasmund, Bailey and Loe. Cohen was also the only one to earn a base on balls. Network had an uncharacteristic 5 strike outs at the plate as well and failed to get an RBI for the first time ever.

When Network failed to score in the bottom of the 7th the game was called for the dreaded mercy rule and Network was brought down to earth for the first time in 8 games. It was the worst loss in Network history, the first time we ever were mercy ruled and the lowest hit total ever by the Network team (6).

Afterwards, the team seemed cheerful enough to forget about what happened, blame it on first day jitters and move on to tomorrow's early doubleheader. Hats off to the Tuzos for whipping our asses and giving us a wake-up call. As we shaked hands we the Tuzos we all said, "See you in the Championship."

Rick

Can't sleep as the east coast-west coast change of times has got my clock all messed up. It's 6:30 AM which is 9:30 AM eastern and all I can think about is playing ball 12 hours from now.

Our reign as 2008 champs is over and we have to start a new story in the saga which is the Network team. Already we've had major drama and he we haven't even seen a pitch yet. The league has set up a brutal schedule for us. They know we are the team to beat on paper and they're going to make it as tough as they can for us to repeat. A 7:00 PM game tonight PCT, followed by a doubleheader first thing in the morning, 8:30 AM PCT and 12 noon PCT. And no softy teams in the bunch.

We have to get out of the gate strong this year and keep our winning attitude from last year intact. Any dissension this year might shake up the loosey-goosey style Network has become accustomed to-- it's our signature trademark. We win, and that's just all we know how to do. 13-2 in the last two years against the best competition in the country for over 35 (8-0 last year). Our overall dysfunction in life translates to a very functional team on the ballfield. I'd like to say it's because of my managerial style- my ballplayers know exactly what I am thinking at all times. My players know where and when they are playing, and they all know their specific roles on this team. It's a team by committee, and although I am captain of the ship I have many deck hands that I take advice from constantly (including my roommate, the professor, Dr. Terry Loe. We are truly a team in every sense of the word.

We have a bunch of new players this year that were hand-picked by me. I don't just look at talent (which, of course is a big factor in determining worthiness to wear the red & black N.) Can this guy get along with others who are, well, off the beaten path? Do they have the ability to pick others up when they are down? (We do no internal or external bashing on this team, no bench bellowing as I call it.) Is this guy just quirky enough to fit in with a bunch of eccentric misfits? And is this guy a GAMER? That's probably the most important factor of earning a spot on this team. Does he want to win bad, so bad that he will never give up on me and on this team, even when times look bleak? Even when we're down by three runs in the ninth to the best team in the country? (As was the case in last year's championship.)

The starting line-up is set (check the Game 1 2009 Box Score) and it looks slightly different from our final game last season. I'm excited to see our new pitcher shine on the mound. At 6'4", with an unusual delivery (would you expect nothing else), Mike Player puts the fear of God into batters. He comes from angles the batters have scarcely seen and although his fastball doesn't hit mid-80's like some other Network pitchers, he's

Network had a quite a first day of the NABA World Series...and we didn't even play. We found out some rough news today in that we will be without two of our players, one starter for Game 1...and we almost lost our catcher to a bad smoothie at the Atlanta airport.

Terry Loe started the day with food poisoning. The extra smoothie he had in the Atlanta airport must have been made rancid milk or spoiled strawberries. Terry immediately fell ill to food poisoning and almost fainted a few times on the flight to Phoenix. He spent most of our flight in the men's room and I thought he wouldn't make it. I'm happy to say that he has made a quick recovery once we got him medication and got him back to the hotel.

It didn't stop there. As soon as I got off the plane I received a desperate voice mail from Atlanta Bulls coach Jeff Boyar. One of our players girlfriend's called him frantically with some terrible news. (nameless) had been on medication and got into an accident. No one was hurt but (nameless) had a prior DUI and since he was the cause of the accident he was immediately taken to county jail. It doesn't look good and Network will have to do without their speedy 4th outfielder...but it wasn't over.

Hours later, our star 3rd baseman, Chris Bruno called to tell me he has a major audition and pitch meeting Monday and can't make the first three games minimum. That's a huge loss in both his glove and his bat.

With all that said, that's why The Network is reigning champs. We are a very deep team that can weather any storm, including the one we faced today. We have all day Sunday to rest up for Sunday night's game against the tough Tuzos.

Stay tuned as the saga of Network continues.

Rick

Hey-Ho to all our Network fans and followers.

The 2009 World Series is upon us. National Network, the 2008 35+ National Amateur Baseball Champions, are ready to take on all comers as we go for back-to-back titles in Phoenix Arizona, Oct 11th-16th.

This year's competition is much sterner than last year's and the NABA has made it even tougher for us to repeat. If we can survive the first 3 games against 3 top opponents in an 18 hour period we should be on our way to at least a trip to the semis and beyond.

As reigning champs, and with the debut of our award-winning documentary, "Faded Glory," the year was filled with fond memories and great moments. As I traveled around the country showing our film at various festivals, each one of my teammates was able to make an appearance in select cities. We premiered in Atlanta where Terry Loe, Pat Zapp, Josh Davis, Bobby Atwater, Miles Whitlock, Darien Smith, Chris Pullaro and Mike Moore joined in on the Q & A after th show to a packed audience. And who could forget the appearance of Viginia Beach, Virginia's own Troy Startoni? Chad Brown came to the Delray Beach FF in Florida. Brien Blakely in Kings Mountain, NC. Robert Wasmund in Newport Beach, CA. The LA Boys: Bruno, Davidson, Bailey, Army, Wellsie, KC, Ahearne and Schaefer at both LA United and ALL Sports LA festivals. Even newcomer Mike Veronesi made the 2nd Atlanta screening...Besides, he wanted to see what he was getting himself into! lol

Well, the 2009 version of National Network is a slightly altered version of 2008, and even more altered from 2007. This year, with hard economic times falling upon us all, the week-long commitment in Phoenix will be tough on everybody. We lost a great bat and a great leader in Josh Davis not returning and two of our best pitchers, two ex-pros, Mike Roesler and Pat Ahearne. We also won't have the rah-rah services of our team mascot Darien Smith. Darien, happy to say, is doing well after his 2008 deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's Disease. He'll be within all our thoughts and our hearts.

With that said, the newcomers to the Network team fit the team pie nicely. First off, we finally have a regular shortstop in the Atlanta Clowns Mike Veronesi. Mike is a gritty, gutty, determined player with both a great glove and bat. He'll slide in perfectly at the #2 spot in our line-up and steal hits away from batters with his range and arm. What's really got me excited are the addition of three stud pitchers. Ken Lorow, an Atlanta Bulls member, brings his confidence and curveball to the mound in Game 2. Mike Player from Birmingham, Alabama is a solid 6' 4" side-winding righthander who will put the fear of God in any opposing batter from the right side. And finally, DJ Austin, from Richmond, Indiana and the Atlanta Bulls has joined Network for the first time and is slated to pitch us to victory in the championship game.

Coming off the 3 errors in 8 games performance from last year, the infield will be expectedly solid. Hard to improve on last year's numbers but with a slew of first baseman and the Bruno-Veronesi-Cohen 3b-ss-2b combo, we'll make it tough for opponents to sneak one through either side of the infield.

The outfield is the same as last year with its Usual Suspects. JD, Schaefer, KC and Bobby A will work the 4-man rotation to perfection.

Chad Brown and his stick return after missing 2007 and will be a nice DH addition. The monster bat of Robert Wasmund returns as well.

An opening day line-up (check the box score, it's already posted) could be compared to any Murderer's Row line-up. There isn't a soft stick in the bunch, (no Viagra needed here.)

Pitching-wise we are as deep as ever. Mike Player will open the series against the So Cal Tuzos, the team Network beat last year in the championship game, 13-12. You can bet the Tuzos will be gunning for us in that first game, Sunday, 7 PM PCT at Tempe Diablo.

Game two and three, doubleheader day, will be pitched by Bulls' stalwarts Ken Lorow (vs. Cal Zephyrs) and Mike Moore (vs. last year's 35A Runner-Ups, the Portland Red Sox.) It will be a very difficult day for us not only because of the competition, but our games are at 8:30 AM and 12 noon (Tempe Diablo) less than 8 hours away from playing a night game the day before. With our deep roster, we should be able to weather the storm, however, our age finally becomes a factor when getting a good day/night's rest. Network, however, always rallies around each other and we're sure to come out of this okay. We always hope for a 3-0 start but would take 2-1 and been done with the 18 hours.

Game Four on Tuesday has ironman Scottie Bailey on the mound against our last year's semi-final opponent, the Colorado Bulls (you get the picture now, NABA is throwing the whole kitchen at us.) The game will be played in the new Goodyear Stadium, home of the Dodgers spring training facility. Game 5 on Wednesday vs. the Ventura Cubs goes to the senior member of the team, the 57 year old submariner, Jeff Wells.

With playoff expectations high, and a first round bye in the works, Bill "Flip" Filippone returns to hopefully pitch the semi-final game and newcomer DJ Austin will be set to pitch us to back-to-back championships. If we get a quarterfinal game, Mike Player gets the nod.

Well, that's it in a nutshell, baseball fans.

I will try and post these blogs daily along with the box scores and the schedule score in the front. Please feel free to respond to anyone of these blogs. Wish us luck!

Rick Cohen