Griffle Nerds: Griffleball Power Rankings and POTW Week Five

The GBL is now halfway through season seven and it has become clear which teams are going to make a championship push. The Gashouse Gorillas, Taka Drivers, and Bird Gang are all vying for the top three spots in the league. Even with some of the top tier teams dropping a game in week five (Taka and Gashouse), there is no doubt who the best squads are in the league. On the other hand, two playoff teams from last season continue to struggle. The Nighttime Ninjas are 1-7 since sweeping the Ducks on opening day. That is all without MVP, Ethan Arvay, who has been a non-factor this season. The Stallionaires are not the same team they were last season. Every week they start two rookies, who continue to adjust to some of the league's better pitching. The expansion team, Ducks on the Pond, broke through for their first win but, their slow start may hurt them in the long run. It should be a interesting second half of the season.
Usually wiffle ball is a pitcher's games but, Week Five included an explosion of offense. The GBL hit thirty home runs in week five and each series had a team score more then ten runs in at least one game. The Gashouse Gorillas found themselves in the middle of a slug-fest with the Ducks on the Pond. In doing so, the Ducks were able to secure their first Griffleball win against the four time defending champions (go figure). The Bird Gang offense finally found the form they had a few times last season. They scored twenty-nine runs in a sweep of the Nighttime Ninjas. In the Sunday Night Griffleball showcase, the Taka Drivers steamrolled their way to an easy game one victory against the Stallionaires. It appeared that Taka would sweep but, they wasted a masterful performance by their starter. Ryan Voges pitched over six innings of no-hit wiffle ball but, they lost due to no run support. In a week full of upsets and offense, the Power Rankings will reflect what took place on the Griffle Grounds and at the Janke Cage.

WEEK FIVE POWER RANKINGS

1. Taka Drivers 7-2 (Last Week #2)

The Taka Drivers continue to keep show the GBL that they are a team with few flaws. Their loss in week five was a bit fluky mainly because of how they lost. When a pitcher throws six plus innings of no-hit wiffle ball, chances are you are going to win. They have a great pitching rotation and everyone can eat a few innings. The Taka Drivers are on the top of their game every week and each box score will prove their consistency.

2. Bird Gang 8-4 (Last Week #3)

It was just a matter of time before the Bird Gang offense would come to life. They scored 29 runs in week five and have won four straight games (including Memorial Day). Their pitching continues to be one of the league's best. With a full squad, they can compete with anyone in the league. They could struggle to score runs against top tier arms but, for now they are one of the hottest teams in the GBL.

3. Gashouse Gorillas 7-2 (Last Week #1)

The Gashouse Gorillas are going nuts at the plate in 2016. They lead the league in every offensive category and don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. They did have a major letdown this week by dropping a game to the Ducks (who were win-less). Without their best starter, the Gashouse Gorillas pitching staff can be vulnerable. After a disappointing loss, expect them to be ready for a rare three game set against Taka when play resumes.

4. Stallionaires 3-7 (Last Week #5)

The Stallionaires always find a way to win. All of their wins have came in the last inning and always have a chance they steal a game. Their patience paid off against Taka this week in a game they had no business winning. Their rookies are starting to get on base more often and it could translate into runs at some point. Their biggest concern is at the plate and one guy can't keep doing all the heavy lifting.

5. Ducks on the Pond 1-7 (Last Week #6)

The Ducks on the Pond showed the GBL that they aren't the same team as they were in week one. They clobbered the defending champs pitching and mercy ruled them in game two of the series. The Ducks are starting to show some potential that they might have for the second half of the season. Do not count them out quite yet. They may take a few games in the coming weeks and could find themselves in playoff contention by years end.

6. Nighttime Ninjas 3-7 (Last Week #4)

The Nighttime Ninjas have one of the GBL's best offenses but, their pitching keeps costing them games. The Ninjas are 1-7 since opening week and have not looked like the same team that had the best record last season. Their pitching staff has the worst ERA in the GBL and have put them in a bad spot to start the season. If they don't turn it around soon, they may be on the outside looking in.

WEEK FIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

HITTER OF THE WEEK