| Week 1 > |
| Probable Starters: | |||
| Game 1: | Brandon Corbett | vs. | Alex Linebrink |
| Game 2: | Mike Constanti | vs. | TBD |
The 2012 WSEM season opens up with the Flying Squirrels traveling to play the Campus Commandos at scenic Lafayette Park in downtown Detroit. 2011 was book-ended in similar fashion for these two teams. Both started off the season hot: 2-0 for the Commandos and 3-1 for the Squirrels after Week 1, which earned both spots in the NWLA's top 50 teams. On the other end of the season, both teams saw their playoff runs ended by the Wiffling DeLoppes. 2012 finds the Squirrels and Commandos paired up in the Garcia Division, along with the DeLoppes for good measure, but meeting on Opening Night this season guarantees that both teams will not get off to hot starts again.
Sure, both teams could still mirror each other with a lukewarm 1-1 series on the 27th, which is what happened last season when the teams played at Lafayette. The Squirrels, however, went on to take both games at the Drey to take the season series 3-1. The comparisons between these team's seasons may end at the bookends, but that trend within the season series echoes. The Squirrels outscored the Commandos 14-5 on the season, with the only game of the series in which the Commandos scored was their one win.
Both rosters have changed over significantly since last season, though. The Commandos notably lost their number-one pitcher, Joe Seto. Alex Linebrink is poised to take over the role for his team, and shows promise as a southpaw if he can find consistency on the mound. Much like their lineup as a whole, the Commandos number-two starters seems as though it will be chosen by committee. The Squirrels, on the other hand, added Ass Kickers' ace, Mike Constanti, to their rotation. Constanti joinsMike Merlo, who made his debut at LaFayette Park last season Brandon Corbett (0-1 at Lafayette Park), while Merlo is on the DL. The Squirrels further improved their defense in the offseason with the addition of Diamond Digit winner Ryan Bullard's range and good hands in the outfield.
All of these stats and paper-prophechies mean nothing until the games are played, though; just accompaniment to the excitement and hype leading up to the first pitch, when everything finally becomes real. Anything can happen when the plastic starts to fly and flail! That is why we leave you with this theme jam for Opening Night: April 27th at Lafayette Park. Let the anticipation mount!
Sure, both teams could still mirror each other with a lukewarm 1-1 series on the 27th, which is what happened last season when the teams played at Lafayette. The Squirrels, however, went on to take both games at the Drey to take the season series 3-1. The comparisons between these team's seasons may end at the bookends, but that trend within the season series echoes. The Squirrels outscored the Commandos 14-5 on the season, with the only game of the series in which the Commandos scored was their one win.
Both rosters have changed over significantly since last season, though. The Commandos notably lost their number-one pitcher, Joe Seto. Alex Linebrink is poised to take over the role for his team, and shows promise as a southpaw if he can find consistency on the mound. Much like their lineup as a whole, the Commandos number-two starters seems as though it will be chosen by committee. The Squirrels, on the other hand, added Ass Kickers' ace, Mike Constanti, to their rotation. Constanti joins
All of these stats and paper-prophechies mean nothing until the games are played, though; just accompaniment to the excitement and hype leading up to the first pitch, when everything finally becomes real. Anything can happen when the plastic starts to fly and flail! That is why we leave you with this theme jam for Opening Night: April 27th at Lafayette Park. Let the anticipation mount!
