By Nick Gerhardt
The final Class A poll produced some interesting results with no one quite settling on a No. 1 team and plenty of movement throughout the top 10.
Chaska and St. Patrick both claimed a share of the No. 1 spot for Class A as both teams have surged lately.
Previous No. 1 Baseball 365 slid to No. 3 as a result of the tie for the top spot and another team on a roll, Champlin Park moved up two spots to claim the No. 4 ranking.
The Macs Industrial Warriors, formerly known as Lyon’s Pub, slotted in at No. 5 after they continued their circuit across the state with a matchup with Bird Island.
The St. Paul Mudhens claimed the St. Paul League title and caught the attention of our pollsters, checking in at No. 6.
Miesville’s scuffling continued to leave the panel perplexed and the Mudhens received just a fourth-place vote to remain in the top 10 at No. 7.
After Stockmen’s Irish climbed into the No. 8 spot and Plymouth hit the top 10 for the first time at No. 9 after winning the Riverview League, things got a little wonky. We ended up with a three-way tie for No. 10 with the Moorhead Mudcats, Buffalo and Shakopee claiming a share.
Nate Jackson — St. Boni Saints
1. Chaska Cubs — The Cubs continue to win. Finished off their section but dropped one to the Pub. Three wins away from state. They’ll play the St. Boni Saints, who were the only team to defeat the Cubbies in the section.
2. EP Baseball 365 Pirates — This team sure does love itself and for good reason. They win and they will tell you by how much, who’s awesome, and of course, Nate Cousin box score of one inning pitched. The Riverview all-star team is ready for their section opponent. Will it be Buffalo? For their sake, I hope not.
3. Lyon’s Pub Warriors — The Park National isn’t what it used to be, but the Warriors are still the same team. Gritty, dirty and talented group of ball players. They make plays, get on the bases and cause havoc and pitchers throw strikes. Simple formula to win ball games. I don’t see the Merchants or the Cowboys derailing the Pub from making another state appearance.
4. St. Patrick Irish — The Irish and Dundas are the only teams with winning records in their highly competitive section. The Irish are now the best team in the smallest town for Class A. Although, the depth in this section can cause some problems. Next thing you know, we’re talking about Miesville again.
5. Champlin Park LoGators — The Gators are as hot as the Florida sun. They’re ready to breeze through the section and stand on business at state.
6. St. Paul Mudhens — Champs of the St. Paul League. I’m not sure the TC Saints and Rosetown have what it takes to knock off the Hens. The Hens want another shot at state due to their hiccup against the eventual champs last year.
7. Moorhead Mudcats — The Mud Kitties have been playing great all year and are the No. 1 seed out of Section 8. Mudcats will need to keep the momentum going if they want to get to state. There are some tough teams in the section that will provide difficult matchups.
8. Buffalo Bulldogs — The dogs are ready to make a run in Section 5. Made easy work of the Grizzlies in the section opener. Now they get Tonka which is no easy task. It’s going to be fun to watch and see what the Dogs can pull off. (Ed’s note: Rankings were submitted prior to the Buffalo-Minnetonka series concluded)
9. Bemidji Bucks/Sartell Muskies — Two teams out of Section 8 that appear to be primed for a state appearance. We kind of know what to expect with the other sections but Section 8 is wide open. If Moorhead Mudcats can stay on track, one of these two teams will be golfing and fishing the rest of the summer. That will be a tough pill to swallow based on the season they had.
10. St. Anthony Hogs — The Hogs are rolling! They’re playing their best ball of the season right now. They’ll have no issues getting to state to represent the Skyline.
On the outside looking in: Sartell Muskies, Dundas Dukes, North St. Paul Snowman, Burnsville Bobcats, and Plymouth Dawgs
Matt Marek — Champlin Park LoGators
1. Baseball 365 (25-6-1) — Fazio is back and they’re pounding the ball of late. They will be able to score with anybody, but how well they catch the ball is going to determine how far they go.
2. St. Patrick Irish (18-5) — An impressive run through the DRS and Section 1. A big question for the wondering public will be how extended Zak Endres is and can be. With Tate Marland off to Belmont and gone for state, do they have the pitching depth for a deep run?
3. Lyon’s Pub Warriors (23-4) — It says a lot for a team in townball to go take a team on (long) road trips against quality teams and come out on top, which the Pub did at Bird Island and Chaska last week. The best ability in townball is availability.
4. Chaska Cubs (27-5) — Cubs keep rolling despite a certain segment of the fan base insisting on bringing their own coolers to road games. Kilber has turned back the clock, and with Nolan Kemp looking pretty solid, that’s a pretty good 1-2 to work with. 12 wins by three runs or less is the mark of a team that knows how to win.
5. Stockmen’s Irish (19-4) — A shame that I can’t say ‘this might be their year’ when in reality, there was a good shot that it was.
6. Champlin Park LoGators (21-9) — Seem to be getting hot at the right time, with an eight-game win streak getting snapped by Stockmen’s on Monday.
7. Shakopee Indians (20-8-1) — Eagan vs. Shakopee for the fourth year in a row to go to state!
8. Burnsville Bobcats (17-8) — I’m not ready to throw up the panic flags after the loss to Prior Lake last Sunday in what was a meaningless game, but facing the Jays in the playoffs nine days later might induce a tiny bit of concern (but probably not).
9. St. Paul Mudhens (16-5) — I still don’t know if completely trust a team with only six players on the roster over 23 years-old (it hasn’t historically boded well for postseason success), and with Volkers in the American Association (for now), and some young arms leaving for school, I just don’t know if they’ll have enough, but toppling Air Freight in the St. Paul League, and nearly knocking out Miesville last year should be recognized.
10. Buffalo Bulldogs (20-1) — Ran roughshod through the NSL and added a couple nice wins over North St. Paul and Burnsville. Tough draw for Baseball 365 if the Bulldogs can get through Minnetonka in Section 5 play this week!
Honorable Mention:
Plymouth HitDawg — Only 12-10, but they get a nod for winning the Riverview
North St. Paul Snowmen — Haven’t had what you would call a “quality” win since early June. St. Paul Mudhens-light (nobody over 23).
St. Anthony Hogs — Speaking of heating up at the right time, the Hogs have won six of seven with wins over Shakopee, Stockmen’s and North St. Paul.
Minnetonka Monarchs — Just can’t seem to string a few quality games together.
Miesville Mudhens — I think I saw Gamm and Rinehart taking the mound in a league game not too long ago … oof.
Air Freight Unlimited — Can they flip the switch yet again?
Minneapolis Mudcats — I’ve got my eye on them …
Andover Aces — Close out the regular season as the clear No. 2 team in the Metro Minny
St. Paul Highland Park Beavers — Not a particularly expansive non-St. Paul league schedule, but remember, they were Class A runners-up not that long ago.
Waconia Lakers — There seems to be a big divide between the top four teams in Section 2 and rest. Fully expect to see the Lakers advance past Victoria.
Sartell Muskies, Moorhead Mudcats — My picks to come out of Section 8. Sartell doesn’t have that signature win, while Mudcats have the 365 dub on the resume.
Minneapolis Cobras — Another team that just can’t seem to string a few together, but they know how to win in August/September.
Tom Kolar — Air Freight Unlimited
The final rankings of the regular season, as playoffs get underway in most Sections. Looking around the State I think it is difficult to properly rank teams. I am trying to blend a mixture of past success but reward teams that have had good seasons so far. The variety among the leagues and sections make deciphering what is real versus not real akin to figuring out the Enigma Machine. Anyways, here is my best shot at ranking these teams. Feel free to roast me on Twitter/X if you feel the need (@tomkolar17).
1. St. Patrick Irish — No. 1 Seed in Section 1. Have a lot of good wins under their belt and having a ton of Mankato guys doesn’t hurt. Assuming they take care of business against Faribault/Hastings, I think I have a pretty good idea of who they don’t want to face in the second round of their section tournament.
2. Chaska Cubs — I don’t know anything about this team other than they have some great uniforms. 27-5 during the regular season is why they are here. I assume they take care of business against St Boni and get the No. 1 seed out of Section 2.
3. Champlin Park LoGators — Final four team last year, it looks like their big winter additions are beginning to show up more and have won six in a row. No. 1 seed out of the Metro Minny. They have a former pro leading their rotation. Unless they are missing some of the big dogs in the first two weekends, there is no reason they shouldn’t be around that last weekend with a good shot to win it.
4. Miesville Mudhens — Tough regular season, but I honestly don’t care a ton. They have a tough draw and a tough section, but with their experience I assume they make it out of it. Sources have been telling me defense has been an issue, assuming they get that cleaned up their bats can play anywhere.
5. St. Paul Mudhens — Won the St. Paul League fair and square this year for their first league title (yes, last year they were the No. 1 seed from our league, but last time I checked a .722 win%>.714 win %, but what do I know I’m just an accountant.) Jokes aside, in all honesty they have a solid squad that has good speed and defense and a good lineup Nos. 1-9 with capable pitching.
6. Plymouth Hit Dawg — Winners of Riverview League, I don’t know much about them and would appreciate it if they entered some more scores onto the site since it is pretty easy. They would have been included in my last rankings had that been the case. Anyways, have been to the tourney the last couple of years, is this the year they can make it over the hump?
7. Baseball 365 — Adding experience from SLP has certainly helped. They play a ton of games and seem to have good attendance, which is half the battle in townball.
8. Air Freight Unlimited – Pedestrian regular season posting a 9-5 record, but I think the St. Paul League may be one of the more underrated leagues in the state. Postseason experience and have added some new young guns.
9. Lyon’s Pub Warriors — No. 1 Seed out of the Park National. Play a ton of games and were in the final four last year. Think they lost some guys but not sure. Will be a tough out in the tournament.
10. St. Anthony Hogs — No. 1 Seed in the Skyline League, experienced team and just good guys. Tough start to the regular season but beginning to find their footing recently. Not sure what they have for pitching but they play good fundamental baseball that travels well.
Just Missed – St Paul Hops, Dundas, New Market, Burnsville, Shakopee.
Class A rankings (As of Aug. 3)(Pts)(Previous)
1. Chaska Cubs (26)(2)
1. St. Patrick Irish (26)(3)
3. Baseball 365 (23)(1)
4. Champlin Park LoGators (19)(6)
5. Minneapolis (Lyon’s Pub) Warriors (18)(4)
6. St. Paul Mudhens (13)(7)
7. Miesville Mudhens (7)(5)
8. Stockmen’s Irish (6)(9)
9. Plymouth HitDawg (5)(NR)
10. Moorhead Mudcats (4)(10)
10. Buffalo Bulldogs (4)(NR)
10. Shakopee Indians (4)(10)
Also receiving votes: St. Paul Hops, Dundas, New Market, North St. Paul Snowmen, St. Anthony Hogs, Minnetonka Monarchs, Burnsville Bobcats, Air Freight Unlimited, Bemidji Bucks, Sartell Muskies, Minneapolis Mudcats, Andover Aces, Highland Park Beavers, Waconia Lakers
