GRIFFLEBALL POWER RANKINGS
1. Taka Drivers (16-4, 7-5)
After being eliminated by the GasHouse Gorillas in 2015 and 2016, Taka got their revenge in 2017. The Take Drivers are now defending champions and ended the reign of GasHouse. Coming into this season there is nobody better suited for the top of the list. From top to bottom, this is the best roster in the GBL. They can put anyone on the mound at any given time and cause fits for their opposition at the plate. And, Taka will have Kyle Lidster suit for up a few games this season. They have a influx of riches and use them wisely. With the target on their backs, how will they face the adversity? If it is anything like last year's playoffs, I would say pretty well.
2. GasHouse Gorillas (16-3, 6-4)
Usually the top spot is reserved for the GasHouse Gorillas but, their rivals got the best of them last season. Needless to say, the Gorillas are going to be as hungry as ever to get back on top. They dominated nearly all of last season and they looked poised to make it six championships in a row. GasHouse still has all the talent from last year but, recent developments have caused Jeremy Ratajczyk to be out for a month (fractured finger). He is the one that makes their offense go and it will be interesting to see how they fare without him. That's if they even need any runs due to the Cy Young caliber pitching staff they boast.
3. Nighttime Ninjas (11-8, 2-3)
It was another first round playoff exit for the Ninjas as last year's may have been the most painful of all. The Ninjas led 2-0 in their series against Taka and it looked like they were on their way to their first World Series appearance. Then fate intervened numerous times against them and just like that it was over. Heading into this season, they have added a few new bodies to hopefully counter what happened to them last season. This should help the Ninjas rest their guys when possible. They still have virtually the same team as last year but, can be more flexible with the rookies added. I still expect a playoff appearance from Nighttime but, can they finally get over the hump?
4. Ducks on the Pond (8-11, 0-3)
The Ducks are coming off a season where they squeaked into the playoffs with a below .500 record. They needed a series sweep in Week 10 to clinch and this season they are looking to add a postseason victory to their franchise history. They have shown the ability to compete with any team in the league but always fall short in clutch situations. If they can find a way to increase their power and be more consistent on the mound, the Ducks could be a dangerous squad throughout the season. I expect them to improve and battle for the last playoff spot this season.
5. Digger Dudes (5-15, N/A)
The Dudes exceeded expectations last season as many thought their roster would struggle to win a game. They ended up staying in the playoff race until the last week of the season and probably surprised many. If I were to pinpoint their biggest weakness from last season it would have to be pitching. And, they addressed their biggest need by selecting a proven arm in Andrew Felde. This should help bolster their pitching and keep them in games throughout the season. The last time Andrew pitched a whole season, his team made the playoffs. That could be a sign of good fortune.
6. Leroy Legends (N/A)
The only reason Leroy is sitting at the bottom of the first Power Rankings is simple. Even though we do know and have seen many of their roster on the field, how will Leroy translate to Griffleball? Since it is a relative unknown on how they will perform, they start the year at number six (could only go up from here). I do not expect them to stay down here for long as they do have quite the roster of many NWLA "Legends." If they have their entire roster show up every week, they could find themselves competing late into the playoffs.
AWARD PREDICTIONS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Jim Tucker
CY YOUNG - Ryan Voges
SILVER SLUGGER - Sammy Krucek
RELIEVER - Jackson Buzea
MANAGER - Tim Wiltjer
GOLD HANDS - Chris Bartley
COMEBACK - Andrew Felde
ROOKIE - Kyle Gagliardi
WIFFLE OUT!
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