Cannonball
Ex "Expert"
- Feb 25, 2009
- 4,897
- 113
BB's teams had 13 players.
I run with 14-15 for my 18U team.
Explain.
IMO, showcase is all about them, as long as 'them' is the players (and not parents) and 'them' remains plural.
Boulder IDT is a high profile event, however I disagree with only playing your best lineup there like it's a straight championship tourney. The 6 pool games should provide some exposure opportunities for others by mixing them in, especially anyone that has a school interested in seeing them. Pitchers should have a short leash on them so games don't get out of hand. Teams should be able to mix in 1-2 other reserves at a time without a noticeable drop-off.Likewise if you're at a tourney such as Boulder it's more about showcasing the team as a whole. Wins count so the best lineup plays and everyone needs to embrace that.
Boulder IDT is a high profile event, however I disagree with only playing your best lineup there like it's a straight championship tourney. The 6 pool games should provide some exposure opportunities for others by mixing them in, especially anyone that has a school interested in seeing them. Pitchers should have a short leash on them so games don't get out of hand. Teams should be able to mix in 1-2 other reserves at a time without a noticeable drop-off.
Teams do need to keep an eye on securing a return berth by winning a couple games out of 7+ and/or keeping their losses close, however there's not much gained beyond that unless you can contend for the championship. Everyone should expect things to tighten up for the bracket games, especially in Louisville where the top 6 earn a return berth to Boulder.
We'll have 14 in the summer. This fall with 11, it was tough and ended up in one tournament with 9.