West Conference 2012 Season Preview. Teams are listed in order of their 2011 ranking.


SoCal Alliance: Same exact line-up they fielded for the past two seasons so they should continue to be among the best on the circuit. We don’t expect them to produce another 54-3 season with 7 tourney championships since some key players have promoted and getting time off will be a big challenge this year. Expect to see them using more fill-in players than in past years. The heartbreaking loss in the World Series “IF” game made this team more unified and hungrier than ever. Some teams implode in defeat. These guys used it for motivation. Expect to see them return to the World Series with laser like focus on being the first 3x champions.


Sin City Combo: Continue to improve year after year and they will continue to flirt with #1 West status all year. The addition of Ron Connor to anchor the outfield will insure they will be even better this year. Here is what the offer: Talented roster + strong leadership + dedication to travel East every year + host one of the top tourneys in the circuit= blueprint for success year after year. This is a winning program.


California Quake: The Quake have folded after well over a decade of being one of the most dominating teams in the nation. The former World Champs are gone but not forgotten. Look for many familiar Quake faces spread out onto teams such as: Lockdown, Aftershock, Showtime, Sin City, Nitro2Go, etc.


Concord Police Softball: We look for them to build on their outstanding World Series performance, but word is they might be hurting for outfielders due to some serious injuries. Had to pull out of the DEA Kickoff due to mounting injuries but should be rolling again come Sin City Madness. That said, we expect them to come out of the blocks a little slow and gradually build momentum. Their Manteca tourney in the Summer will be a can’t miss for the West teams. When the dust settles they should still be deeply entrenched as a top 5 West team once again.

West Coast PSC: We hate to call them one-hit wonders, but that about sums it up for them. The team folded weeks after their epic World Series run. If anything, WC PSC has proven that you CAN put together a team of free agents in the off-season and immediately be an impact team on the circuit. Look for former WC PSC players in new uniforms such as: Lockdown, LAPD Blue, CHP Pound Da Gap, and elsewhere.

LAPD Blue: The Blue lost some top talent this off-season. Middle infielders Robert Roque and Happy Moya joined Lockdown, but the biggest surprise was Dave Braun moving to cross town rivals, the DEA Combo. Many considered Braun the future of the Blue as he is a tremendous talent and charismatic leader. Make no mistake, these losses will be difficult to overcome. Fortunately the team brought in a young charismatic leader and one of the WC top pitchers Steve Wrathall (WC PSC). Wrathall will keep the Blue in games with his fearless pitching style, and the bat of Hall of Famer Tim Morris (WC PSC) will be a welcome addition to a line-up already chocked full of sluggers such as Todd Patino, Todd Waymire, Jerry Janacek and Jeremy Hershey.

DEA Combo: Our pick for the most improved team this off-season. That is impressive considering they were already one of the best teams in the nation, but the additions of Dave Braun and Ken Dawley (Red Republic) are the perfect ingredients to this collection of veteran warriors and young guns. They now field the most balanced roster we have ever seen them compile so it certainly won’t be a shock to see them sitting atop the totem pole come season’s end. Unless something has changed they will have a very deep roster so if they have a challenge, it will be finding enough innings and at bats for everyone. Whatever the case, this team has the makeup to be the best DEA team they have ever fielded…and that’s impressive considering their banner history.

So-Cal Lockdown: The moves made by this team were unprecedented in modern day cop ball. They were a very good team, one of the best in WC. To see them completely overhaul the team was nothing less than shocking to many. Keep in mind, Brandon St. Aubin was named WC Manager of the Year so he knows what he is doing. St. Aubin saw the difference between good teams, and elite teams and his moves were made to get to the next level. He now has three pitchers including two former World Series Champs (Lowell Buck/Quake and Robert Roque). He added youth, speed, and defense. Last year his team succeeded by simply outscoring opponents (think Patriots here). But was his focus on pitching and defense at the cost for losing offense? And what about chemistry? This team will be the most watched team in the WC circuit for the first few tourneys.

West Coast Aftershock: They are usually the biggest mystery in the WC. Year after year the field one of the most talented rosters in the circuit, but they generally fall short of expectations. Their Achilles has always been inconsistency and that was mainly due to a revolving door of personnel. This year will be different! This team needed stability and a veteran presence. Derwin Longmire, Tom LaRoque and Lester Lawson ooze stability, leadership and that winning swagger that comes with…well, winning of course. It is our belief that that talent laden Aftershock will have their best year as they boast over 5 former World Series champs on their roster and a host of young guns such as Quintin Lewis.

Red Republic: Every time someone tries to announce the demise of Red they bounce back stronger than ever. It looked as if the loss of Ken Dawley to the DEA would be a death blow to the team, but like the Phoenix they rose from the ashes and now look better than ever. Red inked two young stud players who have plenty of civilian ball experience. They have shored up chemistry issues and as a team the routinely take batting practice together. While most of you reading this have been enjoying your off-season NOT playing softball, Red has been out there playing in civilian tourneys (and winning) on a regular basis. While you were resting, they were out getting better. We expect a fast start out of the gate IF their full line up shows up.

NorCal Choir Boys: Their moves (if any) have been quiet and under the radar. We did hear about a proclamation made by management that the team will return to top tier status when in past years they have climbed as high as #3 in the WC. We know they reportedly lost shortstop Bryan Schmidt to Hardcor, but that deal was supposed to have been inked last year and never transpired. The Choir Boys have some of the best leadership/management of any team on the circuit. Alan Case is always hustling for the team and their Ba$h for Ca$h tournament is unprecedented. That figures to be a huge success. Given their desire to elevate their status, dedicated leaders, ability to draw sponsors etc. we figure they once again be in the top 10 and probably flirting with the top 5. The uncertainty as to who they added/lost only adds a mystique to this team. For now, we consider them quiet assassins.

Hardcore: The former World Champs look to recapture the swagger of 2009. In 2010 & 2011 they massaged their roster, added some very talented players and competed at the highest level but there seemed to be a little something missing. From an outsider it looked like the team was searching for a true leader. They had plenty of talent but needed someone to organize and channel that talent over the course of a season. That little something isn’t so little, it’s Mark Jackson and he is back! Mark was the guy out hustling for sponsors, hustling for new players and coordinating the efforts of the team. A key to this team will be the health of shortstop Jason Hart. Mark Tolliver does a good job pitching to the strengths of his defense, and not having hurt will impact Tolliver’s game too.

Vegas Heat: They were second only to Lockdown as the most improved team last season. They added some young talented players to compliment their core veteran group. One thing that helped get them on the map was increased exposure. The team played in some high profile tournaments such as the Summer Classic and Tahoe. We were surprised to not see them at the DEA Kickoff to open this season. Big time teams seek out big time competition. We believe the Vegas Heat is now Majors caliber so we hope they continue their trend last year of entering the high profile police softball circuit tournaments.

Nitro 2 Go Hitmen: We liked the way they finished the 2011 season with a nice run in the World Series. We also like their off-season additions of slick fielding Eric Kent (Aftershock), multi talented Keith Crofton and the CenCal duo of Scott Drewery and Mike Wade (Syndicate). Team manager Lyle Reyes is a dedicated and organized leader so you can count on this program running seamlessly. We see them as a bubble team bouncing between Majors/Gold status all season. They will beat some Majors teams but could struggle against a steady diet of: Sin City, DEA, Alliance, LAPD Blue etc. When the dust settles we see them being one of the favorites to win the Gold division in World Series VIII.

South Bay Outlaws: Best we can tell this team has folded. Hopefully former team manager Will Salmon can rally the troops in the near future to make a comeback!

Team Texas: In 2009 they looked to be on the verge of becoming one of the nation’s elite teams. They had an epic run in the World Series and vowed to attend more of the high profile tournaments. True to their word we saw them at venues such as Virginia Beach. They sputtered in 2010 and almost fell off the map in 2011. They came into World Series VII looking rebuilt and refocused but they couldn’t get the engine firing on all cylinders. Now there is some question as to who will lead the team into the 2012 year. Rumors were swirling that Kevin Shoch might return but that remains to be seen. We sincerely hope that someone in Texas takes the reigns and marches this team back into the national spotlight this season. There is no shortage of talent in Texas, and we are confident that they could even field a World Series championship team…but the time to work toward that goal is sooner rather than later. If they don’t play in the circuit all year then try to put a team that hasn’t played together in World Series VIII they will probably find themselves struggling to capture chemistry.

Southwest Elite: Gone but resurfaced under the name BP Arsenal. It appears they are going to be a team comprised exclusively of USBP agents. This team seemed to be on the fast track back in 2010 but they lost some very talented players in 2011. It now appears those players, specifically Saul Enriquez and Danny “El Toro” Ruiz are coming home. We expect them to get the ship righted now and with the addition of some young talented players new to the circuit they could turn some heads early in the season. We see them as a bubble team bouncing between Majors/Gold this season.

So-Cal Riot: This team burst onto the scene in 2010 with their offensive onslaught at the DEA Kickoff. It was a packed house on Sat. evening in the elimination rounds when the Riot put themselves on the map as huge underdogs vs the loaded NorCal Choir Boys that night. So we expected big things from them all season and the reality was, we probably expected too much from them. They cooled off, had their share of ups and downs but now they seem to be in a steady pattern of improvement. This is a good thing. There are no unrealistic expectations so they can simply go out and play ball. And when they get to hitting, look out, they can get red hot. We expect them to be one of the Gold division top competitors all season and it would not surprise to see them steal a few Gold division tourney championships. We are specifically looking for them to do well in the Riverside West Conference Championship and the LAPD Blue Classic as both are played in their own backyard (home court advantage).

Valley of Syn: Now in their sophomore season this team is quickly becoming a mainstay in the police softball circuit. They are well run by team manager Steven Garcia and they do not hesitate to travel as they are seen from SoCal to NorCal and all points in between. They had some huge pickups last season but one big loss this past off season. Young Gun Mario Barroso decided to return back to cross town rivals the Cen Cal Syndicate this winter. No worries for Valley of Syn, they have already regrouped and added even more talent. Their 2012 squad should be even stronger than their 2011 team which is impressive considering they finished 9th in the World Series Gold Division which is an outstanding accomplishment in their 1st season.

Stanislaus: Every year this team seems to be on the bubble of getting to that next level and then they lose a player or lose their steam. We really liked what we saw at the World Series where they finished 3rd in Gold ahead of big ticket teams such as Greene County Enforcers, Iowa Lawmen and NorCal Elite. We know its too early to make bold predictions BUT with Metro Detroit and Vegas Heat both bumping up to Majors in 2012 there is no reason why Stanislaus wont be the favorites to win Gold in WS VIII.

CenCal Syndicate: When Mario Barroso left and then Mike Wade/Scott Drewery also took their talents elsewhere we were worried about the viability of this team. Would they even field a team? Sometimes you have to break it down to build it back up the correct way. Its kind of like getting your nose broken only to have the doctor re-break it to set it straight. We think that is exactly what has happened with the Syndicate. Barroso has now returned. Management is committed to fielding a top caliber team. They have been quietly rebuilding and they are already committed to playing in some high profile ps circuit tournaments in 2012. It could be their best year ever!

Team Vargas: Vargas finished 2011 on a high. They tied for 7th in the WS Gold division and anytime you are still playing ball on Sunday against the quality of teams that come to the WS you have accomplished something to be proud of. This team is chalked full of seasoned vets who have played against (and defeated) some of the WC top teams. They also have a mix of young guns eager to make a name for themselves in the circuit. This is a well run, active team. They are already seeking out the top competition by committing to high profile tournaments such as DEA Kickoff and WC Regional Championship. The future is bright for Vargas.

NorCal Shockers: This team was the Cinderella story of the 2011 World Series. They played many of their games with only 9 players. Their matchup vs eventual runners up Vegas Heat was an EPIC game and fun for all those who witnessed it. The key ingredient for this team this year will be roster consistency and dedication. IF they get dedication from their players we expect them to have a banner sophomore season. If for whatever reason they are left scrambling to pick up players days before a tournament it will be a huge disappointment. They have already proven they can hang with and beat some of the best teams. Imagine if they had a full squad at the World Series? Team manager Perry Flowers is doing his best to find dedicated players. Now its up to them to follow through with their commitment to this promising team. The DEA Kickoff will be their first test.

Fontana Gunslingers: These guys are flat out good. They are a small fish holding their own in a shark tank of combo teams. Their Riverside Summer Classic performance was our first glimpse of how competitive they can be against top caliber teams in the ps.com circuit. We do have concerns now. They have posted they will have difficulty fielding a team in 2012 and we don’t see them on the list of teams for the DEA Kickoff. If there is a Gunslinger reading this right now, please don’t let this team unravel. You have built a tremendous amount of respect on the circuit in a short time, you need to do whatever you can to build on it, don’t let it slip away.

Nor Cal Elite: We love the make-up of this team. This team is chocked full of giant killers. There is no doubt this team can slay many of the dragons in the WC Majors division (some of the players on this team have a history of slaying dragons). We like the fact this team travels, seeks out the best competition and simply does not make excuses. In case you didn’t notice they looked great at WS VII with an impressive 5th place finish. They are scheduled to kick off 2012 at the DEA Kickoff against the best the WC has to offer. So far the WC has never won the World Series Gold Division. We pegged Stanislaus as being WC top contender for the title. We think Elite can give them a run for their money. You read it here first!

SoCal Warpigs: We didn’t know much about this team until October. That’s when they unleashed a monster who went swing for swing with Brett Helmer in the HR Derby (both hit 9 bombs on 10 swings). This team is living life in the fast lane and they are passing established teams like they are standing still. They are already entering the high profile tournaments and gunning for the so called “big dogs.” If there is a scheduling god, can you please put them in the same bracket with SoCal Lockdown at the DEA Kickoff? These guys have a little extra incentive against Lockdown and we think they might just pull a rabbit out of the hat if given the opportunity.

Officers Only/Washington: We only get to see them once a year so we are hoping they can make it down to at least 2 tourneys in 2012. In World Series I, II, III they battled side by side with the Goliaths of police softball. They suffered many heartbreaking 1 run losses to giants such as the Quake. We believe the Gold division is made for teams like OO. We were surprised they didn’t fare better in 2010 & 2011 since they didn’t have to face any true goliaths. Coach Bill Judd is a great leader and can mash the ball. He knows what it takes to get to the next level. We anticipate him bringing a stronger team to the field in 2012.

LADA Gold: We had high hopes for this team. They seemed active in 2011 but pulled out of the World Series. Then, when things started looking bright for them in 2012 they pulled out of the DEA Kickoff 1 week before the event. They have a solid and dedicated team manager/leader, Henry Valdez. They are trying to do the right thing by fielding a competitive Gold team but for some reason there is some apathy with the players. We suggest Henry utilizes the Free Agent section of the message board and find some dedicated players. And for those who waffle with their committments...he needs to replace them. If you are interested in playing for this active, centrally located SoCal based team we highly encourage you to contact Henry on the message board.


NEW TEAMS

California Showtime: The Quake is gone but based on the roster Jess Lopez has compiled we believe Showtime can step into their shoes. And those are some BIG shoes. This “first year” team has an all-star lineup. Former WC Player of the Year Jeff Regino, former Quake pitcher Matt Boykin, multi-talented Mike Mayer, slugger GG Guerra, Robbie Rosas…the list goes on and on. We typically wait for a team to earn their status on the field, but we will be shocked if this team finishes outside the top 5 this season. Top 1, 2 or 3 is more likely.

Alameda’s Most Wanted/AMW: Honestly we don’t know much about AMW. What we do know is they seem very organized and their program seems professionally managed. They have a dynamite website. They are co-hosting Bacon Ball Bay Area with Aftershock and they are already paid for many high profile tournaments including DEA Kickoff and West Conference Riverside Championship. Our sources say they have the talent to run with the big dogs. Although they are a “unknown” all indications are they will make an immediate impact on the circuit. They are a welcome addition and we wish them the best of luck this season.

LA Lawmen: We think this MIGHT be the reformation of the LAPD Lawmen. The LAPD Lawmen were a staple in the circuit and the creation of Majors/Gold divisions would have certainly allowed this team to flourish. They were always a bubble team between A/B flight. We think they could have an epic run in the Gold division this year if they can bring some of that talent back into the mix.

Pound tha Gap: So far this is an exclusive CHP team comprised of some of the best CHP players in the state. CHP is a huge agency so they have the ability to pull talent from all over the state. We think they managed to hook the 2011 WC Sponsor of the Year after the demise of WC PSC. Like Showtime, we think a lot of people will be watching how they fare at the DEA Kickoff.

SoCal Dawgs: They took 2011 off and now they are back. IF and a big IF they get some of their talented ballers back such as Tyson, big Fig, etc. they shouldn’t miss a beat. Lets not forget just 2 short years ago these under-DAWGS sent the defending World Champs HardCor into the loser bracket in the Summer Classic. Message to the Dawgs, there are plenty of talented free agents out there floating around. If you need dedicated players use the free agent section of the message board. Like the movie Field of Dreams: If you post it they will come!

Arizona Ablaze: We keep hearing they are coming. We were told they were going to debut at the DEA Kickoff, but we don’t see their name on the list. We don’t see them on the verbal list for the WC Regional Championship either. Everything seemed promising…now we are hoping they didn’t lose the wind from their sails before they even got a chance to leave the dock. We are still holding onto hopes they will be a staple in the circuit.