Griffleball 2016 Power Rankings and Team Prediction Podcast

In just a few days, sounds of wiffle-balls will be heard zipping through the air at Sheppard Park. Grown men will begin infesting the park to play competitive wiffle-ball and, their shouts will be heard (almost) every Sunday until September. Griffleball is back. It is hard to believe the GBL has been around for seven years. The league has had its fair share of ups and downs but, the future seems bright for this growing league.

As many of you may already know, the league lost the two time champion Lightning but, a new team has emerged. The Ducks on the Pond will entering their first year in the GBL and will face a tall task of competing with the veterans of the league.  The five returning teams, Bird Gang, Gashouse Gorillas, Taka Drivers, Nighttime Ninjas, and Stallionaires will all be returning many of the same players. They all have added more pieces to help them get over the hump or, to help them beat Gashouse.

The Gashouse Gorillas have won four straight GBL titles and are looking for an unprecedented fifth, The competition has increased dramatically but, it did not slow them down in last years playoff. They did struggle during the regular season but, consider them a shoe-in to defend their crown.

The GBL should have an exciting season in 2016 and let's hope that many others around the area begin to tune in. Stay tuned for more updates via Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, and the GBL website. And one more thing, it looks like it'll be raining on opening day. It wouldn't be the GBL without inclement weather.

(I also linked my prediction podcast to the the end of the blog, for team by team breakdowns check out the pod.)

PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

1. Gashouse Gorillas 2015: 12-8 (2016 Prediction: 14-6)

When you win four straight champions and return basically the same team as last season. There is really no other choice to put at the top spot entering 2016. They will easily be one of the best teams again this season. Their only question going into the season is, who will and who can beat them?

2. Taka Drivers 2015: 13-7 (2016 Prediction: 17-3)

After an impressive inaugural season, the Taka Drivers are looking to take the next step. With the addition of a GBL great, even if it is for limited weeks, may help them if Lidster can make it during playoff time. Without him expect improvements from all three sophomores (Voges, Mieznikowski, and Bartley).

3. Stallionaires 2015: 8-12 (2016 Prediction 6-14)

The Stallionaires are looking to make a third straight World Series appearance but, they may have a tougher time then in years past. It seems like their roster may change from week to week and consistency could be an issue. Expect them either to take a step back or sneak into the fourth spot again. 

4. Nighttime Ninjas 2015: 14-6 (2016 Prediction 13-7)
After a great regular season, the Ninjas fell flat in the playoffs. They realistically don't have any weaknesses but, their bats went cold at the wrong time last season. They will look to turn things around this year and try and notch their first playoff series win. 

5. Bird Gang 2015: 5-15 (2016 Prediction 7-13)

With an offense that could put up big numbers, the Bird Gang could hit their way into the playoffs. Their biggest issue will be on the mound. If they are unable to get outs, they will struggle. Expect more offense and a bit better pitching and the Bird Gang could find themselves in fourth. 

6. Ducks on the Pond 2015: N/A (2016 Prediction 4-16)

 The Ducks on the Pond will replace the storied franchise. Managed by Brian Brilmyer, the Ducks may struggle this year. It will be tough road for them, not only because of their experience in the league but, because of the league's other teams.