If contact was made, the wiffle ball would carry (and carry and carry and carry) until it would find its way over the fence. The 19 home runs hit in week three would seem to back up that statement.
For the other three teams (Stallionaires, Ducks on the Pond, and Nighttime Ninjas), they would probably wish to forget this week even happened. The Ninjas, who came into the week with the highest scoring offense, did not plate a single run. The Stallionaires only offense came from a Matt Kuna home run and gave up 31 runs in two games. The Ducks on the Pond are still looking for their first victory and have been outscored eight to one. Luckily for all these teams they still have more then fourteen games left to get their season back on track.
With three weeks past, it seems that the Taka Drivers and Gashouse Gorillas are the league's best. Right behind them are the Bird Gang, who still have some doubts but are definitely improved over last season. While it seems those teams may be heading towards the playoffs, it is too early to consider them locks. For now, they will just have to settle for the top three spots in week three's power rankings. (Also, Kyle Lidster made his return to the GBL in week three. No big deal.)
Week Three Power Rankings
1. Gashouse Gorillas 4-1 (Last Week #1)
After dropping the first game of the season, Gashouse has won four straight. During their winning streak they have outscored their opponents 45 to 5. The deadly combination of Ratajczyk, Tucker, and Galiher can dismantle opponents in any way. They can hit, pitch, and field just as well if not better than most teams in the league. They have a solid chemistry between them and each player knows their roles. They will be favored to win at least one game every week and appear to be on track for a better regular season than last year.
2. Taka Drivers 4-1 (Last Week #2)
After a bit of a struggle with their offense in week two, the Taka Drivers rebounded with a commanding sweep of the Ninjas. They won both games via the mercy rule and shutout the Ninjas in both games. They also enjoyed the added benefit of having a Hall of Fame Griffleballer this week in the form of Kyle Lidster. Even with the injury to Mark Miecznikowski, their pitching staff is even better then they were last season. They are allowing less then two runs a game. The Taka Drivers may not have the best power lineup but, they will manufacture runs. As of right now, the Taka Drivers are the best bet to dethrone the champs.
3. Bird Gang 4-2 (Last Week #5)
This will be the highest the Bird Gang have ever been in the GBL Power Rankings. They have finally found a winning formula with Andrew Felde and Matt Zurawski. It may not be pretty but, they are getting the job done. The Bird Gang are also winning without Lucas Baker, Nick Trauscht, and Cole Felde. Between those three players they have only combined to play three games. Even with their four wins, some concerns still linger (inconsistent offense and relief issues). With a big nightcap against Gashouse in week four, they may finally have a chance to silence their doubters.
4. Nighttime Ninjas 2-4 (Last Week #4)
If Ethan Arvay and Sammy Krucek continue to miss games, it could be a long season for the Nighttime Ninjas. Especially if they miss games against the top two teams in the rankings. Nothing went right for the Ninjas this week. They could not muster any runs, they had trouble getting outs, and they also made a few errors in the field. they have been blown out in their last three contests. The best thing for this team right now is short term memory loss. They need to move on and focus on what is next. If they can do that, they can still be a tough opponent week in and week out.
5. Stallionaires 1-3 (Last Week #3)
The 2016 season may be a transition period for the Stallionaires. Nate Bryan, David Konopasek, and John Reyna are all still on the roster but, will not be seen as much as last season. Manager Matt Kuna has recruited help but, the players he has added are inexperienced to the GBL. Aaron and Josh Ross are both rookies and are still getting familiarized with the league. They gave up 31 runs to the Gashouse Gorillas and were lost via the mercy rule in both games. The Stallionaires need to keep teams close to win because they are always one swing away from stealing a victory. As long as they do not give up 31 runs in two games, their strategy will continue to work.
6. Ducks on the Pond 0-4 (Last Week #6)
The Ducks on the Pond still have some work to do but there are signs of promise. They were within one swing of winning their first GBL game but, fell just short in a 2-1 loss to the Bird Gang. The Ducks are having a majority of their issues at the lawn chair. They are scoring exactly one run a game and their pitching has not been too great either. After a good performance in game one, the Ducks allowed nine runs in game two. If not taken seriously, they could surprise a team. Each week will come with new challenges and each week they will grow as a team.
Week Three Players of the Week
Hitter of the Week - Jeremy Ratajczyk - 19 Hits 26 AB 5 HR 3 Doubles 2 Triples 20 RBI
Pitcher of the Week - Andrew Felde - 1-0 6 IP 0 ER 2 Hits Allowed 7 K 4 BB
Rookie of the Week - Brian Brilmyer - 2 Hits 8 AB 2 HR 2 RBI
Week Three Nightcap: Taka Drivers v. Nighttime Ninjas
WIFFLE OUT!
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