Hawaii Winter Baseball Champions

The Waikiki Beachboys (19-17) emerged as champions of Hawaii Winter Baseball, winning 5-1 over the West Oahu Canefires.

Not a big deal really, except that the Beachboys scratched and clawed their way into the title game after a very slow start to the season. They only staved off elimination in their last game of the season, after being down in the top of the 9th. Along the way, the big bats came through, the pitching settled down, and the closer (you know whose brother) slammed the door shut and put out a few fires.

Of course, we're most interested in the Yankee prospects. Injuries got to Austin Romine and Damon Sublett, but both were solid contributors. Andrew Brackman did well, considering he's coming off of TJ surgery and this was his first taste of professional ball. Jeremy Bleich may have been the surprise player of the lot, outperforming predecessors Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy.

I don't know what the Baby Bombers think of Hawaii, but I'd be surprised if they didn't enjoy the experience. Especially after capping off the season the way they did.

Congratulations to the Beachboys, the Yankee prospects, and especially Jeremy Bleich, who made the 2008 All-League Team