2009 breakdown
With a fresh attitude and a new approach Zack came into 2009 looking to improve in all aspects of his game.
He found out improvement takes time. Zack Started the year looking like he was going to accomplish just that with a 2-1 record
early on but a 1-9 stretch the rest of the way had Zack looking at a 3-10 record. Zack also finshed with a new
"All-Time" record with the lowest Batting Average ( .166 ), and finshed in the top ten in least HR's and Rbi's.
He also set a record with his 3rd Sultan of Suck Award. ( League's LVP, All in good fun ) It wasnt all bad
for Zack though as he won his 10th career game and lost 6 less games than the year before. He also managed to be more
of a help this past year and was willing to lend a hand when needed.
2009 High Point
Started the year 2-1. Beat Longtime Rival Cody 11-4 on May 24th. made the playoffs for the 2nd straight
year.
2009 Low Point
Lost 9 of his last 10 games after a 2-1 start. inlcuding a 1-8 clip
against the Top 8. He finshed the year with the All-Time Lowest batting Average ( .166 ) Zack also won his
3rd Sultan of Suck Award setting a new record.
Playoff Chase
After what was a good start turned bad Zack managed to win 1 of his last 3 games and finish 1 game ahead
of Mink for the 2nd staight year. Zack was the 8th and final seed and ran into a frieght train in Rookie and eventualy
Champ Dan Lambert. Zack was No-Hit in the opening round of the playoff's leaving him to wait for another year.
2010 Outlook
Zack shows that there is some promise in his game. Although he lost 10 games alot of those games were close
or got away from him in the later innings. The Bottom line for Zack, He needs to learn how to finish and close games.
If he can do that he will find himself winning 25% more of his starts. Offensively, He needs to just keep a cool head and
learn to swing at strikes. If he can do that he will find the bat on the ball more often. As far as overnight improvement,
it will take time. Look for Zack to come back wanting to prove something in 2010. I say 5-6 wins and double digits
in HR's but not many over that.
Hot Stove Interview with Zack.
HS: You made the playoffs for the 2nd year in
a row, although as the last seed. You can still say you were in. What do you think you will have to do in 2010 to make it
back again?
Zack: To
make a third appearance I am going to have to pitch like I did in my playoff game against Dan Lambert. Although I lost, I only gave up 4 runs 3 of which came off of errors
HS:
Your attitude was so much better in 2009 then it was in 2008. Do you think that
the tantrum less attitude helped your play?
Zack: Yes,
I do feel keeping my cool helped my performance pitching wise. As for hitting, I feel like I hit better when I’m pissed off.
HS: In 2009 you won a record 3rd straight
Sultan of Suck award. What do you need to do to not have it be a 4 peat?
Zack: Well
that’s simple, Not suck!
HS: What goals do you have for the upcoming season?
Zack: 30
homeruns, 6 wins and an ERA under 7.
HS: What has been your favorite HRL moment in
your 4 years in the league?
Zack: The
first time I beat Cody. I feel like it’s kind of a rivalry because we both
came in as these bottom of the pack players. As we continue to improve I feel my real goal is to be better than him. When
he beat me 5 straight times, I kind of felt like I would never win again. To come back after almost being kept from pitching
that season and to pull out a win, I think it really raised my confidence for the season.
