7/13/09 by Brian Meyers The Itch that can't be stratched. Since joining the league in 2007, the Belly Itchers have struck terror into the hearts of opposing team’s loss column; winning at a near .800 clip for three straight years, while on the verge of what appears to be their best season in their 3 year history The only team that has been able to glance a blow of any kind has been the Monday Night 40’s, who have the only two Itcher losses notched into their belt buckles. With only 2 weeks remaining, the Itchers appear to have a 22-2 season all but finalized (sorry Loose Nuts and Cure, but it’s just not going to happen.).  That record toppling their previous best of 19-5 set in 2007. They will also become the first team in the KWL to reach 20 wins in a single season.

What has made this team so much better in 2009?  I’ve got five reasons for you to consider:

5.) Eric Vanvorst hitting extremely well this year; has 9 homers and half of which have been big hits to put the team ahead. In years past, Eric was the “safe out” between a very bloated lineup.  You could always pitch around the guy in front of him, knowing that you had a good chance of getting the out you needed with Eric.  Many teams tried this approach early on and Eric bit them hard.  Adding more power to an already power laden team is ridiculous! 4.) Trimmed the fat from last season.  All though both Brian Richardson and Mike Turley had high moments as members of the Belly Itcher Army last season, both at times seemed to be holding the team back from being even better.  The constant fight for who got to pitched seemed to wear on the team’s core; this ties into number 3 below. Also by removing 2 average bats, this allows for more at bats to the better hitters on the team. 3.) Mike Downs and Adam Bontrager are undefeated from mound this season; a perfect 11-0 combined.  Without the drama caused by number 4, Mike and Adam have had a chance to hone their craft and step up big in 2009.  Together they combine for an ERA in the mid 2’s!  In the past, if you could accept the loss from AJ and beat their second pitcher, you could walk away with a split.  This season it’s been tougher to beat Mike and Adam then AJ! 2.) No more Chet’s Lemons. When the team melted down after last season, the competition in the National League let up.  Chet’s Lemons were “the” team to beat for two seasons.  The Belly Itchers knew that a KWL championship came through beating them.  Every matchup between these two teams were hard fought knock out fights.  1.) Adam Bontrager = 2009 NL MVP!  If Adam gets 1 second place vote that is complete BS!  In 2009, Adam is on what appears to be a crash course with the NL Triple Crown and possibly a 2009 Cy Wiffle trophy.  From the plate, Adam is hitting .443 with 21 homers, 41 Rbi’s, and XX Runs.  His OPS is 1.468.  From the extra piece of carpet he is 6-0 with an 1.94 Era.  One thing that also can not be left out is his ability to play defense; the first and currently only 3 tool (Hitting, Pitching and Fielding) player in the KWL.  Adam is hands down the best player in 2009.

After three years of dominating the league, the Belly Itchers appear to be poised to win their 3rd straight championship.  What would it take to de-thrown the KWL Champs?  To de-thrown the Champs you will need to do/have the following:

5.) Don’t make mistakes!  No baserunning mistakes and no fielding miscues.  Giving them extra bases and extra outs will kill any chance you have beating these guys. 4.) Work the count!  This does not mean take walks.  This means see some pitches, make them lay off and give you something to hit. Get ahead of the pitcher and get a good pitch to hit.  Most importantly when you get that pitch, HIT IT! 3.) Don’t walk them!  Giving them extra runners is suicide! 42% of their baserunners score! 2.) Have a solid team! You will need 1 Stud Pitcher, a very good number 2, and 1 Stud Hitter to be able to sweep them. Then all of them will have to have great games.  1.) The 2009 AL Allstars (+ Andy Ross and Lukas Pederson). Here’s your “Gold Bond” (medicated anti-Itch) team.  Now if only we could get them all to play together….hmmm….nope, not gong to happen.  Maybe a reunion tour for the Chet’s Lemons? No matter what happens at season end, the Belly Itchers have proved to be the KWL team to beat.  If you want a chance at winning the KWL Mullany Cup, you will have to go directly through the heart of the beast.  If you can assemble a team good enough to content, they will welcome you with open arms and accept any challenge.