Congrats to the Devils. Their title was well earned. A lot of those guys have put serious time into the league. Hopefully the over 26 team can get one, too.

The Ducks underachieved this year as a team, in the playoffs, but we had several outstanding individual performances over the course of the season.

Comeback Player of the Year: James Fago

He literally left and came back. After three years on the Black Sox, and one season wandering the East Coast, Fago set a single season league record for saves with seven (7). After he shook the rust off, he was one of our best hitters down the stretch. He also brought his little brother with him, and Colton lead the team in strikeouts both as a pitcher and as a batter.

Rookie of the Year: Matt Muslin

I’m hoping he comes back next season, and they don’t get their shit together up north. Matt posted a .600 obp from the leadoff spot and never complained about playing out of position. We had big shoes to fill at third, and he figured out the turf and the bad hops at Springview, and played great for us.

Defensive Player of the Year: Mark Lombardi

He was our most consistent outfielder. In true gold glove fashion, he was also our best hitting outfielder and lead the team in home runs (2). He threw out several runners this season, made a couple great diving catches, and patrolled the deepest part of West Field for us this year.

Offensive Player of the Year: Derek Clark

Hit .470 and tied Tony with 7 doubles. We had a really good lineup this year, and Clark made everyone better.

Pitcher of the Year: Matt Mullen

He was our most consistent pitcher this year. He gave us a chance to win every time out, and was always positive and picked up his teammates. We played hard for him. We had a great staff and bullpen this year. I’m so disappointed we lost in two games in the tournament.

MVP: Tony Casale

He was the best player on our team this season, and should get serious consideration for league MVP, especially if Stumpf gets POY award, Tony played a great shortstop on two very tough home fields, and held our infield together and lead the team in extra base hits, and stolen bases, and hit .500. Please don’t move away, Tony.

Also of Note:

Tom Pulice is still the best catcher in AA despite an influx of talent at the position. He’s also gonna be manager next season. Godspeed, Tom.

John Zuzak earned a rotation spot with his performance against D2 in the season finale. He also showed up every week and got on base a lot for us. He made the most of his opportunities and never complained.

Thanks again, everyone for another mostly good season that ended poorly. Hopefully Tom can coach us up next year and we can win a title.

Look for fall ball updates and Columbus Tournament stuff in the coming weeks.

Quack