Dog Pound 2008 Season Preview

February 24, 2008

BURLINGTON, MA - After a very disappointing 2007 season, what will the aging Dog Pound team bring to the table in 2008? There is no debate that 2007 was a horrific season, it prompted the first time in Dog Pound history in which the team failed to make the post season. Well Dog Pound fans across the country want to know what does the Dog Pound plan to do differently and what is needed by their players in order to finally win a B League championship. Most players are still sickened by the horrific performance of 2007, so below I break down the keys to the 2008 season's success.

BRYAN RILEY (PITCHER) Bryan Riley has taken over as the 2008 head coach. He needs to walk the walk and not talk the talk after his constant critisism of last years skipper John Breslin. I expect his performance on the mound to only get better for the 2008 season. He is steadily becoming a true ace in the Burlington Softball League. If he can manage himself and position himself properly during his hitting highs and lows, this will be critical.

CHRIS DOHERTY (OUTFIELD) The 2007 team MVP is expected to improve from his stellar 2007 season. Reports of increased off-season conditioning may play a huge factor. Additionally, the discovery that he is as blind as a bat and needs to wear glasses will obviously improve his play in the field. Expect to see Chris Doherty in the high .400 range at the plate with improved power numbers. May be required to replace Matt Gillis in the 4 hole.

BILL TAMMARO (OUTFIELD / FIRST BASE) 2007 was simply a disgrace for the long time A League stud. Bill needs to refind that passion of years past. Some believe the commute from Rhode Island played a factor last season and with an upcoming marriage this season, Bill is expected yet another distraction. Expectations are low for the BillT, expect to see him batting near the end of the order in 2008.

MATT LEARY (FIRST BASE / OUTFIELD) The biggest concern for Leary in the 2008 season is the absence of fellow hippie Matt Gillis. Hopefully he can attend more than 8 games this season because he probably has the best glove at first and best speed of any player in the B League. If Matt can avoid flying out, he is an ideal lead-off hitter.

CHUCK DOHERTY (OUTFIELD / SHORTSTOP) Chuck's numbers have increased significantly each season with the Dog Pound and this is expected to continue into 2008. Expect to see Chuck bat near the top of the order. Chuck may be expected to see significant playing time at the shortstop position during the 2008 season as well.

LUKE LEMELIN (SHORTSTOP / THIRD BASE) Luke continues to be a top hitter year after year with the Dog Pound and is expected to perform the same in 2008. Expect to see Luke batting in the top 4 every game. The biggest challenge and necessity for Luke and the Dog Pound is his defense. If he continues to struggle at shortstop expect to see him playing third by game three.

IAN RACE (OUTFIELD / CATCHER) The 2007 Rookie of the Year winner is hoping to avoid the sophomore jinx during 2008. Expect similiar results out of Ian during 2008. Ian will fit nicely in the middle of the Dog pound line-up during the 2008 season.

JASON GUIDI (SECOND BASE) If Jason Guidi can perform like he did in 2005, the Dog Pound will be in a prime position for play-off contention. Guidi needs to find what works for him and stick with it. Expect a solid glove out of him over at second base, and expect to see him near the end of the order.

DAN DOHERTY (OUTFIELD) Dan is arguably the best outfielder in all of the Burlington Softball League. Expect similiar results out of him with the glove in 2008. I expect Dan to be the most improved hitter on the team for 2008. He has the skills, he just needs to swing the bat hard and good things will happen. Expect to see Dan in the top 5 of the order every game.

DAN SCHULER (OUTFIELD / SECOND BASE / CATCHER) Dan had an amazing 2007 season. He came through time and time again with timely hits. Dan's positioning in the field and in the line-up are not fully known at this time. In now his third season with the Pound, expectations are very high for the youthful Dan.

JOHN BRESLIN (THIRD BASE / CATCHER / PITCHER) Brez finished the 2007 season as the hottest player on the team with the bat. Expectations are high for Brez as well, now that he can soley focus on his own job and not on creating a socialistic environment within the Dog Pound.

ZACH BALLOU (UNKOWN) Zach will have some big shoes to fill in replacing the Dog Pound's most strong and consistant bat in Matt Gillis. He is expected however to finish near the top of the Dog Pound Rookie of the Year Award for 2008.