Saturday, July 29, 2017

Inside the GBL 2017 - Episode 13 - Griffleball Playoff Scenarios and Power Rankings


GRIFFLEBALL POWER RANKINGS


1. GasHouse Gorillas 14-2

The GasHouse Gorillas took care of business without Ryan Galiher and Caleb Jonkman this week. The duo of Jim Tucker and Jeremy Ratajczyk combined for eight home runs and 22 runs batted in. They are riding a 12 game win streak heading into a showdown for the top seed against the Taka Drivers

2. Taka Drivers 15-3

Even with a split against the Nighttime Ninjas, the Taka Drivers have supplanted themselves as a powerhouse in the GBL. Their offense has had its issues in the past two weeks only putting up seven runs in four games. Yet, they are 3-1 in those contests and pitching/defense are their keys to success.


3. Nighttime Ninjas 8-8

With a victory against the Taka Drivers, the Ninjas have guaranteed a playoff berth once again. Mike Kubacki pitched a gem in the first game and Sammy Krucek's home run was enough to split the series. They will also welcome the return of Jeffery Holden in Week 10. Expect them to be tough to beat heading into the playoffs.


4. Ducks on the Pond 6-10

The Ducks on the Pond have put themselves in a good position to make their first ever playoff appearance. Last week they took care of the Bird Gang behind the arms of Chris Diehl and Zack Duvnjak. They both did not allow a run in two games against the Bird Gang and take on the Digger Dudes with a chance to get into the big dance.

5. Digger Dudes 5-13

Most thought (including me) that the Digger Dudes would not even be in playoff contention at all. But, they have found a way to win a few games and if a few things bounce their way they could be the four seed. The lesson here is to never count anyone out, ever. Especially, when they have former Gold Hands winner, Nate Bryan, and rookie standout, Brandon Burnell, on the squad.


6. Bird Gang 2-14

At this point in the season, the Bird Gang are the first team eliminated from playoff contention. They have only mustered 11 runs in 16 games this season. They even had to recruit the help of myself to field a team. When that happens, your season is not going well. They will have to regroup and find a way to get back to it next season.

GRIFFLEBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

HITTER OF THE WEEK
Image may contain: one or more people, cloud, sky and outdoor

Jim Tucker
.444 AVG 8/18 4 HR 13 RBI 6 BB
ALSO
(2-0 6.5 IP 10 K 3 BB 2 HA 1 ER)

PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Image may contain: one or more people, people playing sports, sky, basketball court, cloud and outdoor

Zack Duvnjak
1-0 5 IP 0 ER 1 HA 2 K 0 BB


WIFFLE OUT!




Saturday, July 22, 2017

Inside the GBL Episode 12 - Back to Griffleball and GBL Power Rankings


GBL POWER RANKINGS


1. GasHouse Gorillas 12-2 

After losing 2 of their first 4 games, the GasHouse Gorillas have won 10 in a row. With the addition of Caleb Jonkman from Leroy, the Gorillas have added to an already stacked roster. They also bolster the league's best pitching has they have only allowed 11 runs all season.

2. Taka Drivers 14-2

Taka has ran a buzz-saw through the rest of the league's teams not named GasHouse. Everyone on the team is hitting for more power this year as they lead the league in home runs. And their pitching staff is just as good as in year's past. Their sights are set on another return trip to the World Series,


3. Nighttime Ninjas 7-7

It has been a rough few weeks for the Ninjas as they are 2-4 in the last three weeks. It is not enough to move them out of the number 3 spot. They split their games with the Dudes and Ducks but, were swept by GasHouse. The pitching has been suspect of late but the offense can hang around with anyone.

4. Digger Dudes 5-11

The Digger Dudes were able to jump back into the fourth spot in the playoffs with a sweep of the Bird Gang. Nate Bryan found his stroke as he hit three home runs. And with the addition of Cole Felde, they add another arm to the starting staff. Don't look now but the Dudes may find themselves in the playoffs.


5. Ducks on the Pond 4-10

After being swept by the top team in the GBL, the Ducks are looking to bounce back. They have the tools to get into the playoffs, as Chris Diehl is one of the league's best players. But, their offense continues to falter to as they were shut out for the fifth and sixth time this season. Yet, they are still in the mix for the last playoff spot.


6. Bird Gang 2-12

It has been a long year for the Bird Gang offense as they have only scored 11 runs in 14 games. They also have the league's worst ERA and the Bird Gang are in danger of missing the playoffs. The Bird Gang have six games to figure it out before they will be watching the playoffs from the sidelines.

GBL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

HITTER OF THE WEEK
Image may contain: one or more people, basketball court, child and outdoor

Nate Bryan
.444 AVG 4/9 3 HR 7 RBI 1 BB

PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Caleb Jonkman
1-0 5 IP 0 HA 0 ER 7 K 1 BB



Saturday, July 8, 2017

Inside the GBL - Episode 11 - NWLA Tournament Predictions


T.Walk is joined by Jeremy Ratajzcyk, Ryan Voges, Jim Tucker, and Jackson Buzea to preview the NWLA Tournament next week. WARNING - This podcast may go off the rails a lot.

In case you do not make it past the predictions, the GBL Power Rankings go as followed.
1. GasHouse Gorillas 10-2
2. Taka Drivers 12-2
3. Nighttime Ninjas 7-5
4. Ducks on the Pond 4-8
5. Digger Dudes 3-11
6. Bird Gang 2-10