the views and opinions expressed in The Jungle do not represent those at Adrean Post, the players, coaches and members. Views and opinions are of the author only.
So don't get all worked up that this is what everyone at Adrean thinks...proceed!

"Who is manning 'The Fort!'"
To secure a spot in the Oneida County Playoffs, all Fort Schuyler needed to do was win one of two games versus Camden and New Hartford yesterday in a special playoff held at Boonville. This however, did not happen. With a huge lead in the first game of the night, Camden battled back and overwhelmed the Fort to secure a spot in the Playoffs. This lead to the matchup New Hartford and the Fort. If there was any indication that the ball is juiced this game verified it. New Hartford had 7 hits in the game, 5 of which were home runs and they went on the defeat the Fort and secure the final spot in the playoffs. Rumor has it that this was the last game for Coach Dispirito at the helm of the Fort. He will be stepping down as head coach after two years. A couple of local coaches are interested in this position. More to come on this in upcoming days.

With last night's happenings, once again those familiar to the Oneida County playoffs will attest to the fact that anything can happen come playoff time. The number one seeds in each division, Sherill and Smith do look strong, however, Coach Mike Macchione's Adrean Post squad has defeated both of those teams this year. If and only if, AP is able to play a complete game, they could regain the success that they have enjoyed in past playoff years. And wouldn't it be great to be in Boonville and watch Smith and Adrean battle one more time for the title.

But don't discount the other teams heading into this year's playoffs on a roll. Coach Greg Gaeta's Utica Post team may be the hottest of them all.. UP has steamrolled it's way to 8 victories in a row and look as though they could make some noise this year. With Camden's comeback victory yesterday and the success that many of their players had in the high school season, don't be surprised if they are back in Boonville one more time.

Whitestown and Sherill both have quality wins this year and have the depth to make a run at a title as well. Love Post of Boonville has the added incentive of having the Championship round played right on their home field. They are a team that can dominate with their bats and make it difficult for even the best of pitchers to succeeed.

Predictions: I have said it once and will say it again. Good pitching beats good hitting. Look for those teams with depth in their pitching staffs to make a run at the title, especially in a double elimination tournament. Adrean has some quality starters in Andy Wengert and Jason Barrone. Chris Darling has been impressive on the mound as well, but his lack of starts in pressure situations may be a factor. Without the services of Frank Arcuri on the hill, AP isn't as strong on the mound as past years, but just may have enough to make a run. Whiteswon has some veteran players who have been in pressure situations before and know what it takes to win at this level. Smith Post's Gary Tarrantino, who is headed to Siena in the fall, has the ability to beat any team any night. With his smooth, almost effortless motion, don't be surprised if he is able to come back on short rest and still dominate teams. Look for those teams with the veteran coaches to make a run like Adrean and Smith. Macchione and the Abone's have been here a thousand times it seems. They know when to make a move and when not to make a move. And don't rule out either team if they suffer an early defeat as some of the most memorable moments for both of these teams was when they were battling out of the loser's bracket.

Anyway, it looks like another exciting year in Oneida County. So log on to Adreanbaseball.com everyday for my commentary and takes on all of the action. I am out!!!!

From the Jungle I am out !