Griffleball Final Power Rankings and Players of the Week

After ten and a half weeks, the GBL has found its four playoff teams. The Gashouse Gorillas, Taka Drivers, Bird Gang, and Nighttime Ninjas will take the field in a few weeks to decide who will make it to the World Series. The first three teams knew that they would be in a few weeks ago, but the Nighttime Ninjas needed to secure one more victory to find their way back to the post-season. They took on the Ducks on the Pond, the feisty expansion team, to see who would face the Gashouse Gorillas in round one. In the first game, the Ducks pitching staff shut down the high powered offense of the Ninjas to only one run. During the game, Brian Brilmyer crushed two home runs in the same inning to give the Ducks the cushion they needed to win game one. Then, the pressure was on the Ninjas rookie, Jeffrey Holden, to ensure the Ninjas would stay out of possible tiebreaker game if they Ducks won. Over three innings, Holden would strike out four and hold the Ducks to one hit. He came to the Ninjas just when they needed a solid pitcher and the Ninjas offense exploded at the perfect time. They scored eight runs in the second and three in the third to end the game via mercy in three innings. There was no need for a tiebreaker after that and the Ninjas find themselves in the post-season once again. Round one will feature the Taka Drivers square off with the Bird Gang, and the Gashouse Gorillas battle with the Nighttime Ninjas. Before any playoff games take place, the home run derby and GBL All-Star game will be played first. After winning the derby last season, Sammy Krucek will defend his crown as home run king against Jeremy Ratajczyk, Andrew Felde, Ryan Galiher, Jim Tucker, and Brian Brilmyer. It should be a fun contest to watch and there should be plenty of long balls from this group. After the derby, the GBL will host its All-Star game between Team Voges and Team Zurawski. Team Voges will consist of fellow teammate Jackson Buzea, Jim Tucker, and Matt Kuna. On the other hand, Team Zurawski will field Jeremy Ratajczyk, Sammy Krucek, and Andrew Felde. Matt Zurawski managed the winning team last season and will attempt to win again for a second straight year. When the festivities end, it will be back to business for the GBL as the four teams left standing will begin their journey to call themselves champions.

 Scoreboard

8/7/16 - Ducks on the Pond 5 Nighttime Ninjas 1 (W - Brilmyer, L - Kubacki)

Deciding Moment - Down 1-0 in the second, Brian Brilmyer crushed two home runs in the second to give the Ducks a 5-1 lead and ultimately the win. 

8/7/16 - Nighttime Ninjas 11 Ducks on the Pond 0 F/3 (W - Holden, L - Duvnjak)

Deciding Moment - The Nighttime Ninjas took advantage of control issues in the second to a tune of eight runs, four hits, and six walks to put the game out of reach. 

Players of the Week (Series)

HITTER OF THE WEEK

Brian Brilmyer

3 Hits 5 At-Bats 2 Home Runs 5 RBI 1 BB

PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Jeffrey Holden

1-0 3 Innings Pitcher 1 Hit Allowed 4 Strikeouts 0 Walks

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gashouse Gorillas 15 - 5
2. Taka Drivers           12 - 8
3. Bird Gang               11 - 9
4. Nighttime Ninjas     9 - 11
5. Ducks on the Pond  7 - 13
6. Stallionaires            6 - 14

FINAL POWER RANKINGS

1. Gashouse Gorillas 15-5 (Last Week #1)

The four time defending champions are that much closer to going for their unprecedented fifth stright title. They boast the league's best offense and hit for power more then any team in the league. There will be a bulls-eye on their back once again,

2. Taka Drivers 12-8 (Last Week #2)

The Taka Drivers had a rough stretch in the middle of the season, but stayed afloat due to their great pitching. Every player on their roster can start or relieve. This makes them dangerous in the playoffs and they could be the best chance the league as of knocking the champs off their pedestal. 

3. Nighttime Ninjas 9-11 (Last Week #4)

The Nighttime Ninjas are sneaking into the playoffs after winning the final regular season game. They have one of the league's best offense and just signed a pitcher that could get them over the hump. The Ninjas have played well as of late and could use that momentum in the playoffs.

4. Bird Gang 11-9 (Last Week #3)

Even though they fall one spot in my power rankings, the Bird Gang are a great team with a bunch of intangibles. The Bird Gang find ways to win whether by the bat or on the mound. As of late, they are on a 2-5 stretch and their offense as tailed off during those games. 

5. Ducks on the Pond 7-13 (Last Week #5)

The Ducks impressed during the second half of the season and put themselves in a situation where they could make the playoffs. Unfortunately, their slow (0-7) start doomed them in the long run. I expect a better season from them in 2017

6. Stallionaires 6-14 (Last Week #6)

It was a season to forget for the team who has made two straight World Series appearances. They had a few bright moments during the season and Matt Kuna played like a man possessed (earning him an All-Star nod). They will look to regain form next season.