2nd annual Provincial Team Preview

Provincials are only 4 days away and teams will be gearing up hopefully to hoist the championship on Monday. The field has six teams which all will be vying to win and plan at trip to Trail, BC for westerns. Let's take a look at the participating teams.

Yorkton Yankees: Not much is known about Yorkton other then they were 7-5 in the SESBL regular season play and were knocked out of the first round of playoffs. Yorkton did score 106 runs in 15 games which means they can put the bat on the ball. Be interesting to see their team and what pickups they have.

Regina-Holdfast Trappers: This I believe is a sleeper team to do some damage this weekend. Holdfast was one win away from the finals last year in Regina & also won provincials two years ago. There one of three teams that will be playing in the very tough pool A. They play in the QVBL which is a very competitive league. It will be interesting to see what pickups from Regina they will tab but one thing is for certain is that Regina-Holdfast will be a solid team.

Saskatoon Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have struggled this year holding a 5-11 record however, they're a very young team led by their talented center fielder Robbie Mang & vet Brad Hutchinson. Pitching is always a solid point for the Blue Jays who have some vet's and some new arms as well. If they can put everything together like they did three years ago when they won provincials and westerns watch out!

Marysburg Royals: Marysburg probably has one of the most deepest teams of the six and the favourites of pool B. Royals currently have a 10-9 record in the SSBL They are strong in all regards from pitching, fielding, & hitting. With the talent the Royals have this year plus pickups could make a serious run of this year’s title.

Lloydminster Twins: The runner ups from last year will have a chip on their shoulder for this weekend. Lloyd is part of the very strong pool & plays out of the NSRBL. They have a 12-0-1 record against fair competition but made a run last year and should be one of the standouts this year again. One big question for Lloyd is whether or not they have enough pitching. Last year it seemed they ran out of pitching towards the end of the tournament so it will be interesting if they pick up any arms.

Saskatoon Outlaws: The defending champs will be poised for another run this year. The Outlaws dominated provincials last year in all regards running away with the championship outscoring their opponents 30-6. This year however will be a tougher go around. Outlaws are the last team of pool A which see's three very strong teams. Outlaws have a 9-7 record this year in league play & 3-0 in tournament play. It has been a weird year for the Outlaws, they started off 4-0 but struggling to field players, wacky schedule, & injuries derailed the team. However, after winning the Big Moose tournament the boys have finally started to hit their stride at the right time. With picks ups; Dallas Hucul, Brooks Asham, Graham Duff, Drew Calanchie, & Craig Flannigan should make another run at the title.

The action starts of this Friday July 29 @ 7 with Regina-Holdfast against the Outlaws. Come out for a great weekend of ball, prizes, booze, & food. Weather is looking sunny & hot so come out and watch some great ball.