2012 Pre-Season Rankings – Team #1 and #2

2012 Pre-Season Rankings

Each day leading up to March 30th which is opening day for Conference USSSA in Las Vegas, I will announce the next  Conference team in the 2012 pre-season rankings!

Remember this is for fun.

Click here for the final 2011 rankings

Click here for the 2011 season preview

2012 Conference Make Up (41 teams):
 4 Major Teams
 9 'A' Teams
21 'B' Teams
 7 'C' Teams

2011 Conference Make Up (38 teams):
 4 Major Teams
10 'A' Teams
20 'B' Teams
 4 'C' Teams

2010 Conference Make Up (34 teams):
 2 Major Teams
11 'A' Teams
15 'B' Teams
 5 'C' Teams
 1 'D' Team

I ranked all of the 'B' teams #14 – #31.  Look for the 'B' teams that draw players from more than two states to be on the bubble when it comes to midseason bumps.  That would be West Coast Doerflinger, Line Drive, and The Scene.

I ranked all of the 'C' teams #32 – #41.  Look for some of these teams to be on the bubble when it comes to a midseason bump to 'B' and also move up the rankings when teams fold or fail to play a complete season.  #34 down through #1 will be revealed, one each day, until the season opener.

Note: most of the pictures in this article are from 2011

#1 Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth – FL
Andy Purcell
Don Dedonatis Jr
Jeremy Isenhower
Greg Connell
Howie Krause
Bobby Hughes
Jimmy Salas
Bubba Mack
Vince Bisbee
Scott Striebel
BJ Fulk
Tim Howard
Sean McDonald

Resmondo returns to defend their #1 ranking and World Series title after going an incredible 70-8 last year.  They lose longtime outfielder Brian Rainwater and middle infielder Bryson Baker.  They pick up Ronald "Bubba" Mack to play middle infield and former GTL center fielder Tim Howard to replace Rainwater.  The core of Resmondo remains reasonably intact with Dedonatis Jr at SS, Andy Purcell at pitcher, and Greg Connell holding down the coveted two spot in the lineup.  Resmondo should get tested and pushed to their limit on both 300 foot fields and baseball fields by the #2 ranked team Laservision, making for an interesting season for sure.

#2 Laservision/Annihilation/Supreme/Easton – MA
Brian Rainwater
Rick Baker
Brian Wegman
Dal Beggs
Kevin Kennington
Bryson Baker
Sam Lopez
Ryan Theide
Geno Buck
Jason Kendrick
Brett Helmer
Scott Kirby
JR Nocera
Josh Bartlett
Billy Messina
Dan Fruwirth
Bill Tassinari
Pierre Alfred

Brett Helmer and his main sponsor Pierre Alfred have assembled a team of equal talent to Resmondo.  Brett grabbed top up and coming players like shortstop Kevin Kennington, infielder Sam Lopez, and first baseman Ryan Thiede to go with his standard major stars Rick Baker, Brian Wegman, Jason Kendrick, Dal Beggs, and Scott Kirby.  Then he "iced the cake" by adding pitcher Geno Buck, outfielder Brian Rainwater, and middle infielder Bryson Baker.  This team is stacked deep with talent, experience, and a hunger to win.  Now they have to execute, learn their roles, and play team ball for a FULL 6 months.

#3 Nordkap/Desert Falls/Easton – UT
Brett McCollum
JD Genter
Mike Bowlin
Anthony Dress
Chad Munger
Joey Formosa
Travis Clark
Brian Zirkle
Josh Olson
Tyson Steele
Rob Olson
Chris Hansen
Donovan Pokraka
Kevin Filby
Managers
Mark Meersman
Rick Olson

Nordkap arrives on the scene of the Major division with a mix of top young major players hand picked from across the rosters of all teams that played last season.  The sponsorship group grabbed Kevin Filby, OF Donovan Pokraka, IF Joey Formosa, SS Anthony Dress, and OF Mike Bowlin from last years #2 team GTL.  Then they grabbed IF Chris Hansen and pitcher Chad Munger from Wood Law.  Travis Clark and Brett McCollum from EWS and IF JD Genter, CF Brian Zirkle, and Tyson Steele from the top 'A' teams.  Nordkap is the big question mark in the Conference.  They are loaded with talent and have the pitching to pull some upsets and challenge the two top teams but I feel this team is one or two years away from challenging for the World Series title.  I hope I am wrong and this team pulls together and each of them step up their game another notch.

#4 Team Combat/Derby Boys/Pacific Headwear – WA
Scott Brown
Jeff McGavin
Johnny McCraw
Mike Dill
Derek Warren
Jeff Graus
Frank Yeilding
Franck Henry
Jeff Gare
Joey Smith
Dale Roe
Casey Rogowski
Brandon Perry
Davis Bilardello
Staff
Don Cooper
Bobby Nifong
Hector Pagan

Team Combat returns with a new look Major classified team.  They are mixing in some young up and coming players with their veteran Combat major players Scott Brown, OF Johnny McCraw, SS Jeff McGavin, pitcher Derek Warren and Mike Dill.  They have the Canadian contigent – Jeff Gare and Franck Henry, and the younger players like third baseman Frank Yeilding, outfielder Joey Smith, left hand power hitter Casey Rogowski, as well as some new names to the Conference – Brandon Perry and Davis Bilardello.  To start the season this will be an A+ to Major- type team that is building for the future of the Major division and they will struggle to hold their 4th place ranking.

#5 Team 454/Worth – VA
Kevin Bazat
Bill Rhew
Andy Vitcak
Kevin Johnson
Jason Branch
Brent Griffin
Donald Rogers
Mitch Mabe
Phil White
Jeff Hall
Kyle Moyer
Rusty Bumgardner
Matt Bunn
Jesse Harrison
Matt Pesso
Mike Cornell
Benjamin Goswick

Team 454 led by manager Tim Taylor and third baseman/sponsor Bill Rhew return to defend their 'A' World championship from a year ago.  They do so with 9 players from last years team.  They lose outfielder Bubba Mack and center fielder Evan Gallmeier but they pickup former GTL outfielder Jason Branch, and major stars Rusty Bumgardner and Jeff Hall as well as "Mr. Defense" – middle infielder – Matt Pesso.  They also added outfielders Matt Bunn and Jesse Harrison.  Their infield defense with shortstop Kevin Bazat may be as good as any in the game and if Rusty and Jeff can find their role in the offense then this is your #1 ranked 'A' team in the country with a legitimate shot at finishing as high as 4th or maybe even 3rd in the rankings.

#6 Shoppe/Team TPS/Elite – TN
Dan Sanchez
Cory Boothe
Robert Blackburn
Lee Powers
Tony Mack
Tim Cocco
Eric Thompson
Chente Granados
Billy Moore
Kyle Cowart
Shane Spicer
Chris Moon
Jeff Payton

Shoppe has assembled a near perfect 'A' team with a great defense to get them back to the top of the 'A' division they used to rule over year in and year out.  The offense will be led by "table setter" Eric Thompson, third baseman Lee Powers and power hitter Tim Cocco.  Throw in Robert Blackburn who finally looks healthy for an entire season and this team is stacked.  Defensively they added Chente Granados and Tony Mack as well as pitcher Dan Sanchez.  Offensive consistency will be the key.

#7 R & M Troupe/TCP/Easton – IA
LC Watson
Kyle Yerkes
Reggie Schulte
Scott Zaciewski
Matt Albert
Mike Umschied
Brandon Dillon
Aaron Middendorf
Scott Roen
Ron Fields
Joe Gordon
Keith Anderson
Kevin Kull
Richard Salazar
Steve Whaley

R&M has re-tooled after their impressive second half of 2011 where they nearly won the 'A' World in both USSSA and ASA, and won the 'A' bracket of the Conference Championships.  They add a whole bunch of top 'A' talent from Sinister, EWS, and Laser Vision and on paper they have a roster that can compete toe to toe with the top of the 'A' division.  This really is a completely new team.  The only returning players are Ron Fields, Keith Anderson, Aaron Middendorf, Kyle Yerkes, and Scott Roen.

#8 TYJA/Suncoast Reebok – NY
Mark Weber – sponsor
Lee Trotter – player/sponsor
David Kessler
Jeff Wallace
Dennis Rulli
Neil Haglund
Terry Rosenbalm
James Curtis
Luis Reyna
Dustin Roberts
TJ Thompson
Lee Lipshutz
Ryan Harvey
Vic Cordova
Rich Gulash
Kevin Gillot

The 2011 Suncoast and TYJA sponsors merge and put together yet another great team.  The top players from each team are joined by TYJA reps Jeff Wallace and Dennis Rulli.  They also pick up GTL infielder Victor Cordova, Blitz outfielder David Kessler, and R&M pitcher TJ Thompson among others. We definitely have to wait and see how this mix gels.  The talent is definitely there to make a run but you have 'B' players moving up, major players moving down, and sponsor/managers merging.  An interesting mix that could out play their #8 ranking.

#9 Taylormade/TM Sport/Mizuno – VA
Brian Floyd
Chris Calcutt
Brandon Jonas
Chyenne Brooks
Brent Haywood
Brian Logan
Jeremy Yates
Stacy Bolton
Brandon Jonas
Chad McLamb
Chris Kirian
Branden Blake
Jeremy Egan
Mike Rhines
Nick Floyd
Travis Taylor – Sponsor

Taylormade lost Robert Blackburn and SS Kevin Kennington as well as their west coast duo of Johnny Bailey and Eli Aguilar.  But this team re-tools again with some quality pickups like infielder Chris Kirian, former Resmondo player Mike Rhines, and the return of outfielder Chad McLamb.  This team finished 2nd at the Major World Series last year after finishing the regular season in 20th place in the points.  Look for them to have a better regular season than last year and look for the young players to all take it up a notch.

#10 Sonny's – Louisville Slugger – WY
Alexis Ramirez
Brian Faria
Charles Cunningham
Chris Greinert
Danny Lopez
Jeremy Davis
Jonathan Lenz
Kevin Ballard
Manny Liriano
Michael Noonan
Nick Robertson
Sammy Christensen
Westy Guill

Sonny's will need to rebound from a lackluster 2nd half of 2011.  They add a couple more sticks in Chris Greinert, Jonathan Lenz and speedy outfielder Nick Robertson, but lost the Granados brothers from the team that finished 5th in the computer rankings a year ago.  A western heavy schedule could give them a shot at some good tournament finishes and some confidence heading into 'A' Worlds.

#11 Ca Sports/Miken/Creative Stucco/MOJO
Brian Justice if
Ryan Robbins of
Brian Blount if
Nate Holcomb uti
Brian Farrar of
Landon Helm uti
Ronnie Lytle of
Jason Hatley if
Matty Crawford if
Scotty King uti
Jason Baxter if/sp
Tommy Bain p/sp
Drew Pinckley Uti/p
James Shoopman of
Josh Riley ss
Jay Ross manager
Doug Reed manager/sp

Ca Sports joins the Conference as an good 'A' team.  A veteran bunch led by major players Ryan Robbins and Brian Justice.  A middle infield of Brian Blount, Josh Riley, and Matt Crawford is solid.  The question mark here will be USSSA pitching and the fact they will be the lowest 'A' seed at most tournaments until they score some points since they were not in the Conference last year.

#12 Blitz/Weller/Watanabe/K&G/Easton
Mike Rogers
Jon Jamison
Brad Tabler
Frank Gruber
Nick Masur
Richie Jones
Jimmy Carter
Jason Roesch
Chris Ashley
Dan Bean
Brad Reckart
Shane Hatfield
Jayson Scott
Brad Jones

Blitz steps up to the 'A' division after a 'B' World title in 2011.  They bring back a large core of the players that won that title, plus they add veteran Major and Major Watch List players Dan Bean, Brad Reckart, and Shane Hatfield.  The entire team except for Bean is from the Cincinnati, Ohio area.  This team has the potential for having great chemistry and should be a tough out in the midwest tournaments.  If they can get off to a quick start they have a chance to finish in the top 10 in the rankings…that is a big "IF".

#13 Team DeMarini
Chris Larsen
Seth Stephens
Brendt Newbill
Ed Vega
Billy Susdorf
Mitchell Johnson
Jeffrey Flood
Dale Brungardt
Bryce Oliviera
Adam Elliot
Kaeo Rubin
Pat Paschal
Jeremy Guillory
Manager: Aaron Ingram
Coach/player: Jeremy Guillory

Team DeMarini is a new Conference 'A' team with plenty of offense and I'm guessing a west coast schedule that could allow them to rack up points similar to what Sonny's did a year ago and make the top 10.  Led by veteran sluggers Chris Larsen, Seth Stephens, new Long Haul Bomber Ed Vega, and pitcher Brendt Newbill, this team could contend at any tournament where the top major teams don't show.  They have a core of young and talented outfielders in Adam Elliot (#7 on the Major prospect list), Kaeo Rubin, and Bryce Oliviera.  They also have Pat Paschal who showed some great offense at the Major World Series last year.  The rest of the players I am not familiar with and thus the #13 ranking.  This team is mixing some good Major players with some good 'B' and 'A' players and it will be interesting to see if the 'B' guys can raise their game and if the Major guys can be patient and carry the team when they do not.

#14 West Coast Doerflinger/Easton
Aaron Martinez
Steven Lopez
Rego Nieto
Junior Robledo
Julio Salazar
Cal Ford
Robert Sena
John Bailey
Eli Aguilar
Mario Granados
Brian Munson
Jason Grissom
John Gallegos
Jay Hill
Chuck Shimels

West Coast is my pick for top ranked 'B' team in the Conference.  With a ton of 'A' experience in OF Eli Aguilar and IF Johnny Bailey from Taylormade, and veterans like IF Julio Salazar, SS Rafael Robledo, pitcher Robert Sena, and some others like Mario Granados, Johnny Gallegos, Jay Hill, Cal Ford and my favorite player Chuck Shimels – this team is set for a run.  Then throw in the defense of some young players like MI Aaron Martinez, 3B Rego Nieto, and outfielder Brian Munson and you have yourself a stacked team that will more than likely finish ahead of some of the 'A' teams.  Oh yes, almost forgot the leadoff hitting of Steven Lopez.  Wow, nice team.

#15 Fencebrokers/GameTimeSupply/Worth
Chris Walker EH
Zach Keene EH
Scott Morrison EH
Mike Lowrey IF/P
Greg Hartwick IF/OF
Brad Wallace IF/OF
Brent Gigerich IF-1b
Tim Bowser IF-1b
Nick Aldridge IF-2b
Manny Reynolds IF-3b
Pat Burton IF-ss
Chris Cope OF
Rob Stewart OF
Jason Anderson OF
Jason Bridges P
Coach – Joey Powell
Manager – Mike Wilson

FBI is back in a big way as they pick up Greg Hartwick, Tim Bowser, and Pat Burton, among others.  This team is set for a 'B' World run.  Look for them to compete well at the events where there are no major teams and slip into the World Series where they know anything can happen.

#16 Line Drive Sportz/SSS
Willie Allen
Matt Rear
Dan Hall
Cory Large
Shannan Green
Thomas Luna
Joel Ramos
Dan Evans
Jason Ferguson
Brian Blay
Billy Barrett
Charlie Anderson
Clay Smitherman

Line Drive tweaks an already stellar 'B' team that finished #18 in the computer rankings in 2011.  They have two of the top defensive infielders in the game in Joel Ramos and Willie Allen.  They have a pair of pitchers in Billy Barrett and Dan Evans.  And they have a number of young up and coming players like Matt Rear, Dan Hall, Brian Blay and Cory Large to go with Conference veterans Ferguson, Anderson, Smitherman, Luna, and Green.  Where is Ford?  Maybe he isn't playing with them this year?  That would be a loss.  I'll have to drop them in the rankings now.  🙂

#17 The Scene/Easton
Toni Albicocco – coach/sponsor
Matt Arlett
David Garcia
Sean Cambridge
Ryan Goodman
John Robinson
Mark Dennis
Charlie Case
Sean Boldt
Blake Williams
Chris Arredondo
Brad Barnowsky
Anthony Aceves

The Scene re-tools for 2012 by adding some offense with John Robinson, some all around play with David Garcia, and some defense with Ryan Goodman.  This team played well in winning the 'B' Conference championship at the end of last season and look like they have room to add whatever players they need to the roster. 

#18 Down2Earth/SBC/Worth
Drew Dubberly – Sponsor
Scott Henderson – Manager
Tommy Eller – Manager
Lee Payne
Sean Greer
Leslie Griffis
Shawn Bridger
Geno Burdick
Eric Byrum
Bruce Nail
Todd Hilton
Blaine Bolin
Jason Gilfillan
Shannon Leonhardt
Chivas Clark

Down2Earth returns with 6 of their players from their #13 final ranking in 2011.  They picked up 3 players from Gas It, Chivas Clark from Primetime, and add pitcher Eric Byrum, and hitter Geno Burdick.  The sponsor, Drew, added some managers in Scott Henderson and Tommy Eller as well.  A new look for an already successful team and a lot of talent should make for an interesting season and an outside shot at one of those coveted Major World Series berths. 

#19 Demarini/Dream/DirtySportswear
Manager: Mike West
Coach: George Quinones
Chris Wilson
Dave Moore
Chitty Baggs
Brad Marlette
Andrew Collins
Sean Jones
Nick Santana
Orlando Castillo
Tony Elrod 
Steve Allen
Steve Lloyd
Adam Rockoff

A new Conference team from Florida with some big time veteran names like Rockoff, Wilson, Moore, and Lloyd.  This team should compete well from the start and is built well to play in the Florida tournaments where the hardware is won.  Why is Robert Hendren not on this roster?  He is a gamer.  Heard he might be with The Scene?

#20 Columbus Pipe/DSS Bats/Easton Bats/Easton
Jeff Schmitt
Mike Malesko
Steve Edwards
Dan Matheney
Larry McCoy
Bob Niemet
Cory Hogle
Cody Gilbert
Rick Potter
Andy Mazzier
Lee Leon
Eric Saxton
Scott Lydy
Shane Dancer
Will Tollison

Pipe returns to the Conference with some of their veterans from past Conference successes (Malesko, Edwards, Schmitt) and a new group of players including the Potter, Gilbert, Mazzier core from Midwest Swing.  This team could gell and become a beast of the 'B' division.  New and less experienced pitching is probably the biggest question mark.   

#21 HEADHUNTER CHRONICLES/CANCOOKER/SHSSPORTS.COM/LETHAL
Chad Loudon
Chad Folsom
KR Eaton
Wesley Parker
Larkin Grant
Justin Hunt
John Brigman
Ron Pearce
Carlton Griffin
Raley Vincent
Jonathan Scott
Jesse Scott
Jody Hodo
Sponsor- Mark Knight

A new team to the Conference with a nucleus of players from last years Down2EarthSports 'B' team that did so well. Offense shouldn't be a problem led by former T&R Stucco pitcher Chad Loudon, outfielder Larkin Grant, and the twin Scott brothers. This team won the prestigious Boone's offseason tournament and have their sites set on a 'B' World run as well as a Major World Series berth.

?

#22 4 THE FALLEN/Easton/3N2
#24 DEXTER AVERY
#21 TYLER BEUERLEIN
#29 MILES BUSH
#43 JERMAINE FLYTHE
#8 DAXTON MAMUYAC
#23 BRYAN MARTIN
#6 JAKE MAYS
#10 MIKE QUARLES
#5 MICHAEL RASSO
#11 MATT SUDER
#3 DARWIN VINSON
#22 GREG ZAYAS
#14 CHRIS CHANEY- MANAGER
#7 JAIME FREGOZO-COACH

I usually only root for the underdog in any game I watch on the circuit, but this year I am pulling for this team to make the Major World Series.  4 The Fallen is a Conference 'B' team that is representing the armed forces.  This team plays hard and the one thing that can't be measured is how far that comraderie and chemistry that this team has will take them?  A great team and a fun team to watch and follow if you get the chance.

#23 SBS/Combat
Dave Jaber – Sponsor/Manager
Tommy MacDonald – Sponsor/Manager
Jon Sear
Tim McCormac
Brian Fong
Tim Pemberton
Clif Williamson
Josh Pack
Chris Hoshaw
Ryan Barabe
Brian Higginbotham
Joe Yusko
Shawn Pederson
Brent Haugen
Mike Gibbens
Prentiss Knight
Shannon Smith 

This team can go as far in the Conference and the 'B' Worlds as they want.  But they have to want it and take it.  A true veteran group with a C-Town core, and some young up and comers.  Hopefully it doesn't take a year to shake the rust off.  🙂

#24 BaughFord.com/Logo Express/Advantage Sports/Buzini Sports/Worth
Matt Blanton
Brad Blankenship
Brian Autry
Gary Powell
Kyle Pearson
Ricky Smith
Tommie Baugh
Andy Urban
Jeremy Holmes
Chad Pearson
Ricky Haymans
Josh Buckner
Jason Mercer
Mike Blakeman
Tanner Herring 
Matt Hunt – Manager
John Adkins – Coach
David Strickland – Sponsor 

BaughFord.com has a "Logo Express" type feel to their roster led by veterans Brian Autry, Ricky Haymans, Matt Blanton, and the return of Brad Blankenship.  To be honest from Team #26 in the rankings up to #14 (all the 'B' teams) you could pretty much put them in any order and it would make sense.  Baugh could do very well in the Conference points when you consider how many teams from GA, FL, and the southeast are going to be at all of those tournaments, because the more Conference teams that show up at your tournaments, the more points you will score.

#25 Red’s Astros/TPS/Sports Den
Travis Dale SS/OF
Doug Martin OF
Steve Kingsolver 1B/C
Fred Lawson 2B/MI
Tony Henry 1B/3B/OF
John Steele C/1B/2B
Wally Maybrier OF
Rob Roop 1B/P/3B
Chris Lane OF
Jake Stambezze 3B/SS
Troy Krider MI/SS/OF
Levi Wright P/IF
Randy Lawson P/Utility
Jody Wendell IF/Utility
Dennis Buis IF

Herb Price Coach/Sponsor
Red Moore Coach/Sponsor
Rob Likens Coach/Sponsor
Jerry Scudder Administrative/Coach
Sonny Yamcharern Stats/Coach

With every pick this rankings article gets harder and harder.  My only real experience seeing Red's Astros play is when they play in Cincinnati or Indianapolis and they are always a gritty veteran bunch that nearly beat Resmondo last year.  Red's joins a wide open 'B' division and they should be able to score plenty of points in the big midwest events.  Look for some upsets from Red's and a push to be an outside contender to make that 16th spot in the World Series.

An amateur broadcast of the end of the Reds vs Resmondo game from Cincinnati from 2011 (Before I learned how to fix the audio problems and knew anything about broadcasting)  lol

#26 Magic/S&S/TYJA/Easton
Bill Bertrand
Chris Carr
James Giguere
Aaron Guido
John Hickey
Sean Hussey
Jeff Lahair
Chad McCarthy
Kirby Murphy
Frank Naugler
Jeff Silveira
Scott Sunderland
Matt Tindell
Joe Venturini
Dale Zwack
Todd Pease

Magic pickedup up a number of interesting players like former Long Haul bomber Todd Pease, outfielder Matt Tindell, and infielder Aaron Guido to improve the team.  A year ago this team would have been knocking on the door of the top 20, but this year the 'B' division is much deeper.  If everything comes together Magic has a chance to do something special.

#27 BLB/Hubs Pub/Miken
Sponsor / Coach – Travis Jones
Kevin Lucas
Kenny Leach
Corey Newman
Dustin Boone
Justin Hall
Brandon Hubbard
Scott Hubbard
Bob Hankins
Blaine Barth
Will Dooley
Derek Balven
Pat Price
Todd Newton
Mark Hansen

BLB/Hubs returns with a 'B' team that will have to prove they are better than average in a stacked 'B' division for 2012.  Look for them to play the midwest Conference circuit.

#28 Prime Time/Easton
Keyma Wright
Ronald Grace

I don't have the rest of the Prime Time lineup yet so I am placing them #28 in the rankings.  Obviously if they play a full season and tap into the unlimited BSC talent pool then they should finish much higher.  This team has not made a good run at the 'B' Worlds recently though, but they do play well in the southeastern Conference events like Atlanta.

#29 Buzinisports.com/BWW/Worth
2 Cody Childress OF
4 Bryan Cooksey INF
5 Eric Patten INF
6 Jeremy Moreau OF
7 Brock White INF
8 Jason Williams INF
9 Brady Bascle OF
10 Tjay Busin Sponsor/Coach
11 Mike Graves Coach
12 Steven Gentry Sponsor/Utility
14 Steve McLin INF
15 Kyle Wilks INF
16 Clint Harris INF
18 Jeff Lohrmann Sponsor/Coach
20 Ricky Owens INF
21 Justin Stuart OF
22 Ryan Taylor INF
24 Brooks Bryan OF
25 Keith Robinson Coach
33 Donald Plaisance P
50 Mikey Whitlow INF 

The BuziniSports team returns to the Conference for the 2nd year in a row after finishing as one of the top 'C' teams in the country in 2011.  Buzini is led by veteran pitcher Donald Plaisance, pure hitter Kyle Wilks, and outfielder Justin Stewart.  This is a team capable of finishing much higher than their #29 ranking but need to play a full season to do so.

#30 P&P 333/Suburban/Larry's Tire/CMT/AllOut/Combat Sports
Josh Onstott(OF,C, Head Coach)
Brian Baker(MI)
John Zocco(2B,3B)
Todd Fairbanks(P)
Matt Lavender(C,EH)
Michael Ortiz(OF)
Ryan Lyster(SS,2B,OF)
Kenny Geiersbach(2B,3B,OF)
Jeff Filkins(3B,P)
Shane Prince(OF)
Jerry Hall(OF)
Joe King(OF)
Chris Havens(C,EH)
BJ Smith(SS)
Dave Andrus(1B,C)
Brandon Bongard(OF)
Rocky Smith(3B,2B,1B,C)
Tracey Flack(Asst Coach)

P&P out of Michigan? had an impressive run at the USSSA 'C' Worlds in 2011 to win it.  They step up to the Conference 'B' division where they will do just fine having played in a couple of Conference events last year.  Fairbanks, Lyster, Geiersbach among others have had their taste of the upper level and this should be a solid year to build a foundation for a 2013 'B' World run. 

2011 'C' World Champs – P&P

#31 TPS/Sports Center
Coach Duane McKinney
Coach Todd Thomas
Coach Clay Hudson
Lance Smith
Brandon Bates
David Adams
Jamey Carter
Mitchell Chappell
Brent Chappell
Bryan Dendy
Al Downs
Chad Hall
Dustin Harper
Billy Slone
Blake Terrell
Dusty Thompson
Zake Wakefield
Richard White

Sports Center out of Mississippi dips their toe in the Conference world led by some experienced players in Lance Smith and Brandon Bates.  This team could surprise some in the 'B' division but their goal should be a .500 record in Conference and a good seed for the 'B' World.

#32 Miken Mafia/ASP Nation
Tim Barnes – Manager
Antwain Bates
Tim Hamer
Ty Herrick
Charles Key
Lyf Nimmo
Chris Potts
Richard Salazar Jr.
Stuart Snell
Marcus Thornton
Jason Trammell
Zane Trammell
Corie Waldrep

ASP Nation lost Clay Smitherman and Kelly Hartman, and although there is plenty of great softball talent in Texas, I am sure they were counting on these guys to be a big part of their team.

#33 Westshore Pizza/Team TPS
Bobby Vasatauro sponsor
jeff "whit" whitman coach/team manager

jason leek p
scott stinson c
blake king 1
scott langford 2
robert knoblauch 3
billy moran ss
berto pajon mi
dan kirkwood of
joey labriola of
jorge bravo of
gabe caride utility/p
jeremiah henry utility
john " homey" holmes dh/p
herman wilkinson utility

Westshore Pizza out of Florida made a great showing at last years 'A' World and 'B' Worlds and I believe they won like 5 Winter World tournaments including the USSSA Open Winter Worlds where they beat a number of great teams.  Westshore is led by the CF defense of Joey Labriola (or so I am told) and it will be fun to see what they can do on the baseball fields in Kissimmee come April.  The hardware is won in Florida so this team has an inside edge on 'C' and 'B' World events.

#34 Pure Romance/Easton
Manager: Brett Kostoff & Nick Cicchinelli
Projected Roster:
Brandon Bellamy (PRI)
Rocky Staton (PRI)
Jason Gardner (PRI)
Ben Cosgrove (PRI)
Michael Ditmer (PRI)
Mike Thompson (PRI)
Chris Wessel (PRI)
Tommy Stevens (PRI)
Dan Feichtner (PRI)
Johnny Miller (PRI)
Ryan Noe (EAP)
Matt Tucker (EAP)
Roger Drake (EAP)
Ryan Aloisio (EAP)
Chea Romine (Associates)

Pure Romance out of Cincinnati brings back most of their squad that played well in 2011.  This team is set to make a strong run at 'C' worlds and would be a top 'B' team if they wanted to be.

#35 Monster/Combat
Coach – Donovan Jackson
Coach – George Phillips
Wayne Kennedy
Sonny Wimberley
Earle McWright
Paul Webster
Kaeo Rubin
Ezzard Wilkins
Geo Miller
Justin Twedt
Vince Palagio
Brian Kruse
Pedro Hawkins
Jeff Palagio
Billy Brazier

Monster out of Washington is led by an entertaining and effective pitcher, Earle McWright, and veteran manager George Phillips.  The Conference dual event in Florida is their first tournament and could be a real eye opener for them.

#36 Sagnasty/Worth/Prototype from Texas.  I have not seen a roster with this team either but I know they are one of the top 'C' teams out of the 7 that are in the Conference and play with a lot of hustle and defense.

#37 Major League Dynasty/D2E/Worth
Greg Millsaps
Matt Rando
David Samples
Greg Milsap
Rodney Roland
Derek Jones
Jason Magnum
Josh Robinson
Craig Davis
Dakota Beavers
Mike Banks
DJ Johnson
Matt Easterday
Ricky Hayes
Heath Center
Coach – Donnie Munford

Major League is a combination between the 2011 Dynasty and Major League teams.  Both of which played well in the Conference events in 2011. 

#38 O.C. Swats / Easton
Henri Nuber- Coach, Manager, Sponsor
Fred Scripture- assistant manager/ player
James Devad
Adrian Hollinger
Alex Mugica
Allen Samuel
Ron Noyola
Jerry Stringer
Trevor Young
Olonzo (Woody) Woodfin
Jordan Arroyo
Cameron Cox
Adam Smylie
Steven Snyder
Lopez – scorer

Longtime upper level sponsor Henri Nuber out of California brings his squad to the Conference for the first time.  A western heavy schedule could allow for a better finish than 39th and some upper level experience in players like Olonzo Woodfin, among others should help.

#39 B&B/Sears/N&N Financial
Eric Bunn Inf
David Byrum OF
Michael Craven P/Utl
Dave Eberflus P/Utl
Cory Franklin OF
Jeremy Garner Inf
CJ Jacinto Inf
Edmund Locklear Inf
Brent Powers OF
Rich Racobaldo Inf
Corey Rogerson OF
Keith Whitman OF
Barry Bunn Coach/sponsor
Brian King Coach/sponsor
Chris Alphin Coach

This team looked good in the Conference event last year in NC.  First year Conference team where the competition should prepare them well for 'C' Worlds.

#40 TG United, a 'C' team out Michigan will dip their toe in the Conference pool this season.    Look for them to be a tough out on Friday nights when the ball is flying as most good 'C' teams are.

Chris Schwartz
Jeff Payton
Dan Moorhouse
John Greer
D.J. Hughes
James Sparrow
Josh Masden
Kevin Carper
Ray Zielinski
Joe Dorton
Mike Olah
Trent Sizemore
Chris Kimball
Ryan Morrow
Tim Miller
Justin Green
Bob Roose-Coach
Mike Quinn-Manager

#41 Wheelhouse/GametimeSupply
The self sponsored team out of Wisconsin has shown great heart competing with the best each year in Conference play but have no real results to show.  I haven't seen a roster but they will not finish in the top half of the Conference.

Best non-conference teams that I know of so far:

#1 3rd Street Financial/Loveless Hardwood/TPS out of Cincinnati.  Picked up some of the Blitz players and had a nice showing at 'B' Worlds in 2011.

#2 Ts 13 out of Nebraska? area, picked up Nate Staats to build on an already quality team.

#3 Darkside out of NY.  Some of the players that played Conference 'A' last year.

#4 Checking/Worth out of CT.  A 'C' bump last year with a quality veteran squad.

#5 AZM out of Arizona.

I'm sure there will be some other quality B teams out of the Houston area and Texas, as well as Minnesota and rumors of a good Miken team up there.  I don't have a whole lot of non-conference knowledge as far as the 'B' teams go.