Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)
News: IBL Power Rankings: Week 10
With the transaction deadline less than a week away, teams are putting the finishing touches on their rosters for the stretch runs. These moves could ultimately decide who comes away with the 2023 title, and the squads at the top have certainly loaded up. Let’s look at one move each team should look to make…
With the transaction deadline less than a week away, teams are putting the finishing touches on their rosters for the stretch runs. These moves could ultimately decide who comes away with the 2023 title, and the squads at the top have certainly loaded up. Let’s look at one move each team should look to make to take themselves to the next level.
#8. Brantford Red Sox (4-23, Previous Week: 7)
Starting pitcher. The offense is not an issue for the Red Sox, but the pitching staff certainly is. They have allowed by far the most amount of runs, and are in desperate need of help to address that. While they’ve taken steps to improve their arms, one more solid starting pitcher could make this team a dark horse for a Hamilton-style upset from 2022.
#7. Guelph Royals (6-19, Previous Week: 8)
Power bat. Guelph seemed that they might have made an addition to help in this aspect when they signed David Mendham, but he was quickly picked up by the Frontier League and might not be available to the Royals this season. Even with Mendham though, they would still need more help in this department. The team has totaled six home runs this season, averaging just over one homer every five games. It’s very difficult to keep up with some of the high octane offenses in the IBL when you can’t hit the ball out of the yard.
#6. London Majors (8-14, Previous Week: 6)
High-leverage reliever. Between Edisson Gonzalez and Owen Boon, it looks like London has stabilized their starting rotation. The bullpen is a different story. They have gotten solid contributions recently from a couple of guys but many of them are heading back to school and won’t be available in the playoffs. If they can add a quality bullpen arm that could shut down games late consistently, it might move them into a higher tier.
#5. Toronto Maple Leafs (13-13, Previous Week: 4)
Top-tier starter. It’s the one thing that Toronto has been missing for the last few years. While Angel Castro was good at times last year, he wasn’t consistently great. Their recent additions to the bullpen has solidified that side of things, which will give them a huge boost come playoff time. If the Leafs can add a top-tier starter, they have a chance to win the whole thing.
#4. Barrie Baycats (16-9, Previous Week: 2)
Veteran Catcher. This one was going to be right-handed power bat, but Barrie just addressed that with the addition of Malik Williams, so instead let’s look at something they need to address before the playoffs – Josh Cote’s inevitable departure. Cote is expected to leave for school prior to the postseason, and with him being one of their best players this season, they will need find somebody who can step in and give them similar production if they want to make a deep run.
#3. Hamilton Cardinals (14-11, Previous Week: 5)
First baseman. With Josh Niles heading back to Canisius, the Cardinals will have a hole to fill at first base. Niles has done a nice job giving their lineup length as the bottom of their batting order leaves a bit to be desired, but with him gone their depth could be exposed. Finding a viable replacement might not change this team’s ceiling, but will ensure that their floor doesn’t get lower.
#2. Kitchener Panthers (17-10, Previous Week: 3)
Bullpen. The Panthers have all the ingredients to be a contender, but to win a championship you need to matchup with the Welland Jackfish, and that means that if you have a lead late, you must be able to hold it, because if they’re up they will. Kitchener has a solid starting rotation, but they don’t have a shutdown arm in the bullpen right now. If they can add one, they will be a legitimate threat.
#1. Welland Jackfish (21-6, Previous Week: 1)
Status Quo. Welland really doesn’t need to add anything else. Their roster is as deep and as loaded as the league has seen in years. The concern for them is that they are so good and so talented that they might lose guys to the Frontier or other professional leagues. There aren’t any holes with the team currently, so there’s no need to add anybody else. If they can keep the band together, they will probably be the favorites until somebody knocks them off in the playoffs.
Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)
News: IBL Veteran Brett Lawson Re-Signs with Hamilton
The Hamilton Cardinals have re-signed veteran right-handed starting pitcher Brett Lawson.Standing tall at 6-foot-8 and hailing from Burlington, Lawson made a mid-season move to the Cardinals from the Welland Jackfish during the 2023 campaign. Despite a limited regular-season engagement, where he pitched 7 innings for the Cardinals, Lawson stepped up remarkably in the playoff series…
The Hamilton Cardinals have re-signed veteran right-handed starting pitcher Brett Lawson.
Standing tall at 6-foot-8 and hailing from Burlington, Lawson made a mid-season move to the Cardinals from the Welland Jackfish during the 2023 campaign. Despite a limited regular-season engagement, where he pitched 7 innings for the Cardinals, Lawson stepped up remarkably in the playoff series against Barrie, delivering a standout performance by striking out 10 batters across 8 innings and achieving a commendable ERA of 3.37.
With a rich career spanning over 500 innings in the IBL and accumulating more than 400 strikeouts, Lawson’s experience is unparalleled in the league. His illustrious career includes clinching the IBL’s prestigious Dominico Cup with the Barrie Baycats from 2014 to 2018. Lawson’s professional journey was kickstarted when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft, following his tenure at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, marking the beginning of a six-season journey in professional baseball. The Cardinals will continue to lean on Lawson’s proven leadership and track record of success throughout the 2024 season.
“Lawson is one of the model IBL veterans, and with a young roster, we’re fortunate to have him back with us,” said George Halim, Hamilton Cardinals General Manager. “He’s a lifetime pro who knows how to get outs, and knows how to compete while giving us a chance to win when he’s out there.”
About the Hamilton Cardinals
The Hamilton Cardinals Baseball Club are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, established in 1919. For more information visit: https://www.theibl.ca & https://www.iblcardinals.ca
Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)
News: JACKFISH ANNOUNCE CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION GAME AGAINST QUEBEC CAPITALES
WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish, Niagara’s sports entertainment destination, is excited to announce they will host the 2023 Frontier League Champions Quebec Capitales for a preseason game at Welland Stadium on Monday, May 6.Gates are scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Concessions will be available and tickets…
WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish, Niagara’s sports entertainment destination, is excited to announce they will host the 2023 Frontier League Champions Quebec Capitales for a preseason game at Welland Stadium on Monday, May 6.
Gates are scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Concessions will be available and tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 905-735-9834 or by clicking here.
“It will be great to open the doors on May 6 for the exhibition against Quebec,” team President and Director of Fun, Ryan Harrison said. “I appreciate Pat Scalabrini and the entire Quebec Capitales for making this happen for us and all of our fans. It will be tremendous for our players – and our gameday staff – to get in a preseason game under the lights as we continue to prepare for Opening Day. It’s incredible to be home at the Pond.”
The Québec Capitales (French: Les Capitales de Québec) are a professional baseball team based in Quebec City, Quebec. The Capitales have been members of the Frontier League since the 2020 season after a merger between the Can-Am League and the Frontier League in October 2019. Since the 1999 season, the Capitales have played their home games at Stade Canac.
The Jackfish return to The Pond on Saturday, May 18th at 6:05 pm for their 2024 Home Opener. Season membership and flex plans are on sale now at wellandjackfish.com/2024 or by calling 905-735-9834.
The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish.
Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)
News: Leafs Re-Sign Pitcher Chris Nagorski
TORONTO, Ontario – The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@MapleLeafsBaseball) announced today the re-signing of 5 time IBL Champion Right-Handed Pitcher Chris NagorskiNagorski returns for his 3rd season with the Leafs after spending 8 seasons in the IBL with Guelph and Barrie. Nagorski is 2nd all time in IBL career saves (25) and 12th all-time…
TORONTO, Ontario – The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@MapleLeafsBaseball) announced today the re-signing of 5 time IBL Champion Right-Handed Pitcher Chris Nagorski
Nagorski returns for his 3rd season with the Leafs after spending 8 seasons in the IBL with Guelph and Barrie. Nagorski is 2nd all time in IBL career saves (25) and 12th all-time in appearances (136 games) . Last season in 12 games, Chris stuck out 8 and had an ERA of 5.26 in 13.2 Innings pitched.
“Chris is a tremendous team player and understands his role as a leader and late inning relief pitcher. He knows how to be ready to pitch and helps the younger players adjust to the IBL. We are excited to have him back this year.” GM Jeff Lounsbury
“I am thrilled to run it back with the boys and contribute to a new era of Toronto Maple Leaf Baseball” said Nagorkski
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year-old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.mapleleafsbaseball.com or follow the Maple Leafs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This announcement is brought to you by NEW ERA CAP COMPANY official hat supplier of the Toronto Maple Leaf Baseball Team. New Era | New Era Hats & Apparel – New Era Cap
Photo: Craig Aikin
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