batteh blog-o-rama

Nice win (12-7?) last night. Though they helped us out with some shaky defense, we hit the ball pretty well. We managed to survive a wicked sun that pretty much kept Jon from seeing the ball for the first 4 innings. Man, the ball was flying out of the park last night, must be the cold weather. Chaz was an RBI machine including an inside the park HR. Ron also added another inside the parker to pick up more key RBIs. Jon nearly made an amazing play by fielding a ball off the third base bag and gunning to first to just miss getting the out. Next week we’ve got our rematch with the good hitting team.

Here are the updated points. Be sure to edit/add via the comments.

Jon L. (5) [+2 for K]
Charlie (4.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Dan W. (4)
Chris W. (3.5)
Chaz (3) [-0.5 for HR]
Matt (2.5)
Ron (2) [-0.5 for HR]
Pete (2)
John B. (2.5) [+1 for booted grounder]
Ben W. (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
Tony (-3.5)
Jesse (-3.5)

On a night when we didn’t hit much we managed to scrap out a split. The first game required a 4 run comeback in the bottom of the 7th to win but Ron delivered the gamewinner. We turned 4 DPs and overall were pretty solid. The bats just were quiet for a good part of the game. In the second game, we got outhit badly and mercied by the team we split with last week. They are in first and we are locked into second so we’ll get another shot at them in two weeks. Hopefully we can give them more of a game next time- they were very lippy this evening so it’d be nice to knock them down to earth a little.

Here are the updated points. Thanks to Todd for supplying this week’s beverages. As always, be sure to help me out as there were lots of points.

Dan W. (4) [+1 for failing to score run from 3rd (tough point as I think Ron was under the tag)]
Chris W. (3.5)
Chaz (3.5)
Charlie (3.5)
Jon L. (3) [-0.5 for 5-4-3 DP, -0.5 for 10-6-fence-5-2 putout (thanks for saving me a point)]
Matt (2.5) [-0.5 for DP]
Ron (2.5) [+1 for missed pop up]
Pete (2)
John B. (1.5) [+1 for booted grounder, +1 for jackass baserunning, -1 for 2 DPs]
Ben W. (0.5) [+1 for walks, -0.5 for DP]
Todd (0.5) [-5.5 for beverages, +1 and -0.5 (see comments)]
Tony (-3.5) [-1.5 for 3 DPs]
Jesse (-3.5) [-0.5 for HR]

Excellent work in another earning a tough split against a really good hitting team. The first game was a close 15-13 loss while the second game was a 17-16 win with a stirring comeback in the bottom of the 7th down 6 runs. The bottom of the order got hit after hit and the top continued the rally. Todd was the winning run and did some excellent baserunning (including beating out a potential DP ball to prolong an inning after which we scored several more runs) to get into position to score. Tony was intentionally walked (rightfully so after the inside the park HR). I got a hit to bring Jesse up with the bases loaded and 1 out. Jesse delivered the walkoff hit and we proceeded to the parking lot to enjoy Ben’s beverages. Excellent work with the bats. Jesse hit two bombs including one to straight away center that cleared the grassy knoll and the car on the road. Wow!! Tony went deep over the RF’s head for an inside the park HR (wow, we might need to invoke the Jesse rule on you too). Overall, a fun night at the park. Nice work earning the split.

Here are the updated points. Thanks to everyone who commented on the last week’s post. I think I have updated accordingly in last week’s post. As always, be sure to help me out as there were lots of points

Todd (5.5)
Chris W. (3.5)
Jon L. (4) [+1 for GIDP, -0.5 for 5-4-3 DP that wasn’t]
Chaz (3.5)
Charlie (3.5) [+2 for K, -0.5 for 1-3 DP]
Pete (2)
Dan W. (3) [+1 for dropped fly ball]
Matt (2.5) [+1 for missed throw at 2B]
Ron (1.5)
John B. (0.5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP, -0.5 for throwing runner out at home]
Ben W. (0) [-8.5 for beverages]
Tony (-2) [-0.5 for HR, -1 for 5-4-3 and 6-4-3 DPs]
Jesse (-3) [-1 for 2 HRs, +1 for wild throw to 3B]

Excellent work in another DH sweep. First game was a mercy and the second was a nice 14-5 win. Jesse used up our 3 HRs in the first game and Todd and Tony sprayed line drives all over the field. Chaz made a triumphant return with some big hits too. Gloves were pretty solid all night. We had one rough inning but otherwise made play after play. Chris W. had a great diving catch in the OF and the infield got lots of work, particularly Jon L. at 3rd who snagged lots of balls going down the line. Nice!!

Here are the updated points. Wow, lots of points this week, both positive and negative. Be sure to correct/add via the comments as I’m sure I lost track of something. Hopefully Ben’s flu-like symptoms will subside so that he can bring beverages next week. Ben: FYI- the team voted to give you another point but don’t worry- you’ll reset to zero after the beverages.

Ben W. (8.5) [+1 for not making arrangements for beverages (your brother plays on the team after all)]
Todd (5.5) [+1 for not scoring run from 3rd, +1 for errant throw]
Chris W. (3.5) [-0.5 for diving catch, -0.5 for force out at 2B]
Jon L. (3.5) [+1 for GIDP, all other plays a wash giving the number of putouts recorded]
Chaz (3.5) [+2 for K, +1 for misplayed grounder]
Charlie (2) [+1 for walk, -0.5 for K]
Pete (2)
Dan W. (2)
Matt (1.5)
John B. (1.5) [+1 for booted grounder, -0.5 for 6-3 DP]
Ron (1.5) [+1 for calling off Chris and not catching ball]
Tony (-0.5) [+1 for leaving runner on 3B]
Jesse (-3) [-1.5 for 3 HRs]

Great job in a DH sweep with two mercy wins. The bats were solid up and down the lineup. Todd and Tony got hit after hit and Jesse hit two bombs. Gloves were solid too- Ron and Danny both made great diving plays in the OF. Great start!!

Here are the updated points. Wow, lots of points this week, both positive and negative. Be sure to correct/add via the comments as I’m sure I lost track of something. Looks like Ben is up next for beverages. Is that a record for points earned in one game?

Ben W. (7.5) [+1 for being late, +2 for K, +1 for walks, -0.5 for K]
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (4.5) [+1 for failing to catch ball he called]
Jon L. (2.5) [+2 for K, +1 for wild throw]
Pete (2)
Dan W. (2) [+1 for holding scorebook and not keeping score, -0.5 for diving catch]
Matt (1.5) [+1 for ground balls, -0.5 for diving stop]
Charlie (1.5) [-0.5 for K]
John B. (1) [+1 for wild throw home, -0.5 for 4-6-3 DP]
Chaz (0.5)
Ron (0.5) [+1 for throw from OF that allowed run to score, -0.5 for diving catch]
Tony (-1.5) [-0.5 for 4-6-3 DP]
Jesse (-1.5) [-1 for 2 HRs]

For those of you who missed it, there was an article about Roundtree Softball on annarbor.com:
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/roundtree-bar-grill-is-prolific-in-ball-and-brew/

Be sure to check out the slideshow- luckily no throwing errors were caught on film but I am in the background of at least one (and possibly two?) photos.

Nice work in the intraleague tourney this evening. It was a great comeback win in the first game. We were down early 9-1 after their big 7 run inning and managed to keep clawing back. Jesse dragged us along with two solo HRs and Brian shut them down only allowing 1 run through the latter half of the game. We went into the bottom of the 7th down 10-5. Tony led off with a hit to get us started. After some debate with two outs, they pitched to Jesse with a runner on and he tomahawked another HR to center. Then the hit parade started- Chris W. got a triple, Chaz got a hit, and everyone kept passing the bat. Danny delivered a big blow scoring the two tying runs with a triple deep to CF. We held in the extra frame and then Ben started the bottom with a hit, advanced crazily to second on a hit from Charlie, and then scored the winning run as Tony continued to hit line drive after line drive. Sweet comeback- way to use the hammer!!

The big comeback win got us another meeting with Fenders. It was a classic matchup with lots of good defense and timely hits. They just got a few more than we did, squeaking out a 5-3 victory. Tony continued to hit like a demon and the defense was solid all night. We turned two DPs and Danny made a great throw to get a runner advancing to 3rd. Pete made some nice catches in RF and managed to fight through a leg injury. Jesse made some great picks at 1B, saving me at least one point and the team two runs. Tough loss but glad we got a chance to play two.

Now that the summer season is over, it’s time to start thinking about the end of the year BBQ. We can host. After the games this evening, I threw out a date but we have commitments on 8/8 and 8/22. I heard a few folks say that 8/15 was bad for them. Let’s do this to find a suitable date- please leave a comment on this post with your BBW availability for the Sat. afternoons in August. We’ll then shoot for one that works for the most folks.

Here are the updated points. Wow, look at all those negative points. We’ll carry these over to the fall.

Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (3.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Pete (2)
Charlie (2) [+1 for walks]
Matt (1)
John B. (0.5)
Dan W. (0.5) [-0.5 for clutch triple, -0.5 for OF assist, +1 for grounding into DP]
Chaz (0.5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP]
Ron (0)
Jon L. (-0.5) [-0.5 for 5-4-3 DP]
Tony (-1) [-1 for 6-4-3 and 5-4-3 DPs]
Jesse (-0.5) [-1.5 for 3 HRs]

Just realized I didn’t post after our loss a few weeks ago to Fenders. We just didn’t hit enough and they had a big inning. We’ll hopefully get another shot at them in the tourney next week.

Here are the updated points. Thanks to Jon for bringing a large quantity of delicious beverages.

Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (2.5)
Pete (2) [+1 for misplayed ground ball]
Matt (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1)
Jesse (1)
John B. (0.5) [-0.5 for 4-6-3 DP]
Tony (0) [-0.5 for 4-6-3 DP]
Dan W. (0.5)
Jon L. (0) [-5 for beverages]
Ron (0)

Excellent mercy win over the Roys this evening. The game was close for a while and then we broke it open with some big innings late. Thanks to Pete for his walk off single just as it started raining. The gloves were solid- Pete started us off on a good note with a diving catch in CF for the first out of the game. Matt made a great diving play in RF and kept the ball in front of him, saving at least a run. Jesse made some nice plays at 1B, including snagging a wild throw from me that only he could get. The bats were solid- Jesse hit the ball hard all over the field (including into me at 2B- my bad!!), Matt had his line drive stroke going, and the two lefties at the top of the order kept getting on base and scoring runs. Nice work!! Gotta gear up for the last game of the year against Fenders!!

Here are the updated points. Jon probably doesn’t deserve a point since he is injured but hey, we enjoy beverages.

Jon L. (5) [+1 for grounding into DP (this one is dubious due to injury but our next game is at 6:15 against Fenders…)]
Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (2.5)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1)
Jesse (1) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
John B. (1) [+1 for throwing error, +1 for getting hit by Jesse’s ground ball]
Tony (0.5)
Dan W. (0.5)
Ron (0)

Nice 8-4 win tonight. It seems as if we hit just enough- 5 runs in the first and then 3 in the 6th. It was a tight 5-4 game for most of the affair. Jesse hit some BBs down the 3B line and just missed a HR. Ben drove in a couple of runs with SF (and didn’t earn any points). The gloves were solid too- Tony made a nice play on a grounder in the hole near first, Chaz had a great pickup and force at 2B on an in-between hopper, and the OF tracked everything down. Nice work!!

Here are the updated points. I am perplexed by the scarcity in points this year. We are just too good? In an effort to take advantage of the nice weather and an early game, I brought beverages in a proactive strike. I think we should initiate a new scoring rule to encourage this behavior in the future- anyone that brings beverages before required gets -6. What do you think?

Jon L. (4)
Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (2.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1)
Tony (0.5)
Dan W. (0.5)
Ron (0)
Jesse (0)
John B. (-1) [-5 for beverages]

Tough two run loss tonight to our archrival Fenders. It was a tight game- a few plays here and there and the outcome might have been different. I felt like we hit lots of line drives right at them (plus Mel kept catching everything up the middle!!). I sure hated making the last out as I would have loved for them to have to deal with Jesse and Chris with the tying run on base. Doh!! Gloves were solid- Tony made a nice catch of a line drive and Jesse caught a pop foul crashing through the fence.

Here are the updated points for this week based on what Jon L. noted in the scorebook and subsequent explanation.

Jon L. (4)
John B. (4) [+1 for lining into DP]
Ben W. (4) [+0.5 for bad baserunning, +1 for harping on Jon L. to “give more points!” for the first half of the game, then complaining about his base-running point, and begging Chris to take half of it. (the word was “begging”)]
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (1.5) [+0.5 for coaching error]
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1) [+1 for walks]
Tony (0.5) [+1 for failing to score run from 3rd, -0.5 for great catch]
Dan W. (0.5)
Ron (0)
Jesse (0)

Sounds like a tough night- sorry to bail on short notice. Here is Charlie’s report and the updated points..

The bats fell silent, making for a tough but brief night. A collective 7 for 28 evening six singles and a walk) led to a 7-2, 44-minute loss to Cubs Third Base Tavern. Tony, Jesse, and Chris were on base twice; Chaz picked up the other hit and scored both runs.

A tip of the cap to Edward Evans, David Ratner, and Brian Roddy for subbing on short notice.

Jon L. (4)
Todd (3.5) [-0.5 for throwing out runner]
John B. (3)
Ben W. (2.5)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (1)
Chaz (1)
Dan W. (0.5)
Tony (0) [-6.5 for beverages]
Charlie (0)
Ron (0)
Jesse (0)

Sounds like a great win on Monday. Sorry I missed it!! Here is Charlie’s report and the updated points..

Tonight was the season debut for Jesse and Pete and Jon?s new knee brace, and we got Todd back from a short vacation. The top of the order led the way, with the first four hitters (Tony, Todd, Jon, and Jesse) collecting 14 hits in 16 at bats, including HR in Jesse’s last two at bats, and Chaz kicked in a 3 for 4 night as well. Overall, we hit a collective 28/42 (.667 for those of you who remember your ?times seven? table). Pete won the award for the hardest hit out of the night, fortunately caught by the pitcher, thus avoiding injury to a very delicate part of the anatomy. The defense was solid all night; the highlight was Todd?s throwing out a single-stretching runner at 2B in the bottom of the 5th, and Chaz hanging on to his glove, which in turn hung on to the ball. Brian pitched the first four innings and Charlie closed, neither ever going to a three-ball count. The final was 20-4. Both Jesse and Tony brought beer, but Jesse got his cooler opened first, so Tony will be bringing next week.

Tony (6.5)
Todd (4) [-0.5 for throwing out runner at 2B]
Jon L. (4)
John B. (3)
Ben W. (2.5)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (1)
Chaz (1)
Dan W. (0.5) [+1 for stranding runner at 3B]
Charlie (0) [-0.5 for K]
Ron (0)
Jesse (0) [+6 for bringing beverages (wow, that sounds funny)]

Good work in a DH split last night. We just didn’t hit quite enough in the first game, a frustrating 8-7 loss to a team we usually beat. Nice comeback in the last inning- we scored 4 but couldn’t push the last one across. The between game BP must have helped as there was lots of hitting in the second game- a mercy win after 5. The gloves were solid- Dave made some nice plays in the OF and Chris W. tracked down a few deep ones. On the offensive side, it must have been throwback night. The Wus hit like it was 1999 with both getting inside the park HRs. Then Charlie was hitting like it was 1974 as he took second on a base hit to RF. Good to see Jesse out at the games last night- get well soon.

Here are this week’s points . Looks like Tony’s “first K in 12 years” has elevated him to the buy zone. So plan on staying after the next game (next week is Memorial Day, no game) to enjoy Tony’s beverages.

Tony (6.5) [+2 for K]
Todd (4.5)
Jon L. (4)
John B. (3)
Ben W. (2.5) [+1 for being late, -0.5 for inside the park HR]
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (1)
Chaz (1) [+1 for grounder at 3B]
Charlie (0.5) [+1 for bobbled grounder, -0.5 for K]
Ron (0)
Dan W. (-0.5) [-0.5 for inside the park HR]]
Jesse (-6)

Great job tonight in a 15-3 mercy win over 10 Guys Named Roy. Our bats showed up in a big way- lots of hits up and down the lineup. Chaz continued his hot hitting and most everyone found some green somewhere. Gloves were solid too. Ben managed not to earn double points in his inning where he asked to play 3B. Todd made a great sliding catch in LF and Tony had a lightning quick turn on the game-ending 6-4-3 DP.

Amazingly, I don’t think anyone earned any points this week. Charlie brought postgame beverages and since there were such high quality, he now has a clean slate.

Tony (4.5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP]
Todd (4.5)
Jon L. (4)
John B. (3) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP]
Ben W. (2)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (1)
Dan W. (0)
Chaz (0)
Charlie (0) [-8.5 for beverages]
Ron (0)
Jesse (-6)

Excellent start to the season in a 17-5 mercy win over the team with the annoying pitcher. Lots of hits up and down the lineup. Chaz continued his hot hitting from the preseason tourney. Plus, he along with Jason really made them pay for intentionally walking Chris W. Sweet!! Nice work in the field too with Jon L. fielding some wicked shots at 3B and Todd making a fine running catch in the OF.

Here are this week’s points (just Charlie?). Looking back at the final post from last fall, it sounds like we were going to make Jesse bring beverages for being 5 away from 0 on the negative side. Perhaps we can get him out to watch and provide. Otherwise, it looks like Charlie is up too. Any up for postgame beverages next week?

Charlie (8.5) [+1 for walk, +1 for HR (might as well pile on since you reset when beverages are provided]
Tony (5) [+1 for bad throw (self-assessed)]
Todd (4.5) [+1 for throw to 3B that got away]
Jon L. (4)
John B. (3.5)
Ben W. (2)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (1)
Dan W. (0)
Chaz (0)
Ron (0)
Jesse (-6)

We were introduced to Settlers of Catan about 7 years ago by some colleagues at work and have been hooked on the game and German board games in general ever since. We have propagated the game to several other friends and family as well- now there is a copy pretty much everywhere we go. And we are always discovering that people we know are also into Catan.

I came across this interesting article in Wired magazine about the game designer, Klaus Tueber, and the design of Settlers.

Are you a Catan lover? How were you introduced to the game?

It’s that time of the year again. Don’t let the boss see you streaming the games as you “work”. The We Hate Tim league has been dominated by the Battehs so far:

John (2007)
Matty (2008)

So, here is your chance to be immortalized in We Hate Tim picking history. So let’s have another fun year in the 2009 version of the “We Hate Tim” league. Join the league, make your picks, and come back here to talk smack.

To enter, click the link below and read further for our league name and password (the usual, of course):

Our League

Or, if you have problems with the link above, enter through the main page:

Game Front: http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage
Group: We Hate Tim
Password: timrocks

Ten entries are allowed so go ahead and use one to pick your underdog to go all the way. Also, be sure to come back here and join in the conversation through the NCAA tournament via the comments. Have fun!!

Excellent effort in the first game last night. We jumped out to a 9-3 lead only to give up the lead after a rough inning where we couldn’t quite get the last out. But we tied the game up 10-10, only to be behind again 12-10 going into the top of the 7th. But Todd started our rally in the 7th and we scored 5 runs with lots of great hitting to take a 15-12 lead. After they scored a run in the bottom, we got a DP with Jesse sneaking behind the runner to double him off after a caught line drive and Danny made a nice running catch for the last out. Also, thanks to Chaz for coming out to cheer us on- it was nice to see him as he is recovering.

After some discussion, it turns out that game was not a playoff game but was simply the last game of the regular season. Since we were both 8-2 with a 2-2 head to head record, we had to play another game to determine the league champion. In the second game, the hit a ton and made some great plays on the couple of balls we hit hard. It was a rather embarassing 15-0 mercy in 4.

Again, thanks for a great summer and fall season. Rest up for the spring and let’s try to plan a post-season outing.

Here are this week’s points and the ones that will be carried forward to next year. Thanks to Dan W. for providing postgame beverages and snacks. As always feel free to comment, correct, add, etc. Since Jesse is 5 points away from 0 on the negative side (first ever), we’ll have him provide beverages first in the spring.

Charlie (6.5) [+2 for K]
Tony (4) [+1 for missed ground ball, -0.5 for DP]
Jon L. (4)
Todd (3.5)
John B. (3.5) [+1 for missed ground ball, -1 for 2 DPs]
Ben W. (2)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (1) [+1 for getting thrown out at home]
Dan W. (0) [+1 for misjudged fly ball, +1 for getting thrown out at 3rd, -8.5 for beverages and snacks]
Chaz (0)
Ron (0)
Jesse (-6) [+1 for wild throw, -0.5 for DP]

Excellent game last night with a 14-7 victory. The game was close throughout and was tied 6-6 going into the bottom of the 6th. Jon led off with a hit and we rolled from there scoring 8 runs to bust the game open. Jesse continued his HR streak with an opposite field shot and Chris W. made them pay for intentionally walking Jesse thereafter (including twice to load the bases). The gloves were solid too- Tony made an awesome leaping catch of a line drive and then quickly threw to first where Jesse made a nice pick and tag to complete the DP. Also, Tony managed to get his head out of the way after a ground ball took a wicked last hop. Charlie also snagged a hard line drive up the middle. Solid effort- we’ve got one more game next week with the good hitting team so let’s come to play.

Here are this week’s points. Thanks to Chris W. for providing postgame beverages and snacks (actually it was the ghost of Chris W. as he had to run off after the game). As always feel free to comment, correct, add, etc. Also, since we have single 7:30 game next week, perhaps Dan W. could provide some post-game beverages?

Dan W. (6.5) [+1 for dropped fly ball]
Charlie (4.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd, -0.5 for K]
Jon L. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Tony (3.5) [+1 for missed ground ball, -0.5 for DP]
John B. (3.5)
Ben W. (2) [+1 for bad circa-1996 baserunning to make last out at 3rd]
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chris W. (0) [-6.5 for beverages]
Chaz (0)
Ron (0)
Jesse (-6.5) [-0.5 for HR]