Inside the GBL Week 4

Today, I will be discussing the NWLA, Week 4's games, Kyle Lidster, and some statistics.

GBL Week 3 Recap & Power Rankings

After another week in the GBL, it seems like each team is in mid-season form. Pitchers have been on top of their game since Opening Day, and no-hitters are becoming more frequent. There were two in one game on Sunday and, Ethan Arvay threw the seasons first perfect game. The total number of no-hitters and perfect games this season is already at five and, it is only Week 3. Some may wonder if the new bats are to blame for this outburst of unlikely numbers. Power numbers and batting averages have been down compared to previous seasons but, it is only Week 3. We shall see if these trends continue or if these numbers are just anomalies. Each team has now played six games a piece and this is where they stand in Week 3's Power Rankings.

 Week 3 Power Rankings

6. Lightning 2-4 (#5 Last Week)

The Lightning struggled again this week. Without manger, Tommy Merkelis, the Lightning dropped both games to the Gashouse Gorillas by a combined score of 20-3. Andrew Felde, Brandon Garcia, and Tyler Walk are all hitting below .200. The biggest problem this week was not their hitting efforts. Their play was doomed by their fielding efforts. The Lightning had three errors that cost them eleven runs. They are still looking for their first official win this season (Two wins came by forfeit). 

5. Bird Gang 1-5 (#6 Last Week)

Earlier in the week, reports suggested that manager, Matt Zurawski, predicted a Bird Gang sweep over the Nighttime Ninjas. His words nearly game true. In their first game of their series, every player homered. When Bird Gang had runners in scoring position, they delivered. The second game was the total opposite, as they were held hit-less for the second time this season. They've been competitive this season but, they need to generate more offense if they want to make the playoffs. 

4. Taka Drivers 3-3 (#3 Last Week)

Even with three rookies on their roster, the Taka Drivers, are proving to be a difficult opponent. They have won a game in every week thus far. In the last two weeks, they have two wins with only scoring four runs in four games. The Taka Drivers believe they can win. Last week, it was a walk-off home run. This week, it was their patience. The Taka Drivers drew eight walks and, one of those walks won them a game. Once the Taka Drivers become more familiar with the league, they may be dangerous.

3. Gashouse Gorillas 4-2 (#4 Last Week)

This week, the Gashouse Gorillas, were finally able to take both games of their doubleheader. After losing two games this season in the last inning, the Gashouse Gorillas made sure their would be no theatrics. It was all business for the three time defending GBL champions. When opportunities arose they attacked and, broke their opponents will. The Gashouse Gorillas are still a force and will continue to be so barring any setbacks. 

2. Nighttime Ninjas 4-2 (#2 Last Week)

The Nighttime Ninjas are hitting on all cylinders. Ethan Arvay and Mike Kubacki Jr. clobbered nine home runs in two games this week. They have now matched their highest single season win total in since entering the league in 2012. In their victories this season, their pitching has only allowed six runs but, in their losses they have allowed 24 runs. If they continue to pitch well, the Nighttime Ninjas will be a tough out come playoff time. 

1. Stallionaires 4-2 (#1 Last Week)

After Week 3, the Stallionaires have the leagues best pitching staff. They have only allowed three runs to cross the plate all season. They have a combined team ERA of 0.47 with 22 strikeouts. Even with a dominant pitching staff, they have managed to lose two games. They either pitch a shut-out or they manage to get shut-out. In all six of their games this season, they have been shut out twice and, have pitched four shut-outs. Once the offense starts rolling, they may be the leagues best team. 

Week 3 Game Recaps

Stallionaires v. Taka Drivers Game 1 - An exciting early season match-up pitted two ball clubs that have found ways to win this season. As most would expect, there was not much offense in this series. In Game 1, John Reyna and David Konopasek held the Taka Drivers to only three hits all day. Their opponent, also had their way on the mound. The Taka Drivers only allowed two hits all game but, walked five batters. This left many opportunities for the Stallionaires to score and, in the 4th inning Nate Bryan came through once again. It was the only run scored all game and the only run the Stallionaires needed. Final Score - Stallionaires 1 - Taka Drivers 0.

Stallionaires v. Taka Drivers Game 2 - After a tightly contested Game 1, Game 2 was something the GBL has never seen before. Both the Taka Drivers and Stallionaires were held hit-less. Matt Kuna, Nate Bryan, Mark Miecznikowski, and Ryan Voges combined to allow zero hits on the mound. The only base-runners were the combined eleven walks between the teams. Once again, the Taka Drivers found a way to win a game they had no business winning. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 2nd, the Taka Drivers walked in the games only run. Final Score - Taka Drivers 1 - Stallionaires 0. 

Lightning v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 1- Reports suggested that the Lightning were going to forfeit both games. The commissioner, Jeremy Ratajczyk, allowed Tyler Walk to come out of retirement to help his former team. In the first inning, the Lightning jumped out to an early  3-1 lead off a Andrew Felde home run. The Gashouse Gorillas tied the game in the 3rd and, it looked like the game was going to be more competitive then most believed.  With Gashouse batting in the 4th and the game tied at 3, the rain began to fall. There was a short delay and it seemed to suck all the momentum out of the Lightning. When the game resumed play, the Gashouse Gorillas scored nine unearned runs and ended any doubt of a comeback. Final Score - Gashouse Gorillas 12 - Lightning 3.

Lightning v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 2 -  Game 2 led right where Game 1 left off. Jim Tucker had another masterful performance on the mound allowing only one hit in three innings. The Gashouse Gorillas pitching did not allow a run since the first inning of Game 1. Jeremy Ratajczyk hit two home runs and drove in three RBI. Tucker also added three RBI and, the Gashouse Gorillas stomped their opponent. Up by a score of 8-0 going into the 5th, Gashouse had the game wrapped. The Lightning did load the bases on the last inning but to no avail. Final Score - Gashouse Gorillas 8 - Lightning 0. 

Nighttime Ninjas v. Bird Gang Game 1 -  Bird Gang was still looking for its first official win of the season. Manager, Matt Zurawski, guaranteed two victories in Week 3's nightcap. After losing the lead in the top of the 4th, 4-3, Bird Gang came out hot in the bottom half of the inning. Ethan Arvay had trouble locating allowing five runs in the 4th inning. That was all the Bird Gang needed. Each Bird Gang player homered and they were able to shut the door on the Nighttime Ninjas. Final Score - Bird Gang 8 - Nighttime Ninjas 4. 

Nighttime Ninjas v. Bird Gang Game 2 -  After a wasted effort from Mike Kubacki Jr. in Game 1, Ethan Arvay started Game 2. Arvay went to the mound and pitched with an relentless anger. In four innings, Arvay struck out seven Bird Gang hitters. Entering the 4th, Arvay had not allowed a hit. An amazing play by Mike Kubacki Jr. sealed Arvay's perfect game. It was the first official perfect game of the season. The Nighttime Ninjas also added plenty of offense. Arvay hit three home runs and Kubacki hit four. Both Ninjas combine to hit 12-23, 7 HR, and 16 RBI. Matt Zurawski was half right. Final Score - Nighttime Ninjas 16 - Bird Gang 0. 

Week 3 Players of the Week

Many players had an amazing week but, these are your winners for POTW. 

Hitter of the Week - Mike Kubacki Jr. - 8/20, 5 HR, 12 RBI

Pitcher of the Week - Jim Tucker - 2-0, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 K, 6 BB

Rookie of the Week - Lucas Baker - 3/11, 1 HR, 3 RBI.

Week 4 Games

(Sunday, May 31st)

3:00 PM - Gashouse Gorillas v. Bird Gang Game 1

4:00 PM - Gashouse Gorillas v. Bird Gang Game 2

5:00 PM - Stallionaires v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 1

6:00 PM - Stallionaires v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 2

7:00 PM - Taka Drivers v. Lightning Game 1

8:00 PM - Taka Drivers v. Lightning Game 2

Wiffle Out!

  

GBL Week 2 Recap & Power Rankings

Opening Day was filled with excitement and Week 2 ended the same way. Every team cam ready to play and the GBL had its first slate of full games this week. The Bird Gang and the Lightning, who did not participate last week, played their first games. The defending champions, Gashouse Gorillas, wrestled with the young up and coming, Taka Drivers. After a promising win against the champs, the Stallionaires, look to continue their run back to a GBL World Series. The Nighttime Ninjas attempted to get a sour taste out of their mouths from last week. After two weeks of games in the books, these are your Week 2 Power Rankings.

6. Bird Gang 0-4 (#6 Last Week)

After a no-show in Week 1, Bird Gang came to play in Week 2. Even with a few losses, the Bird Gang gave the Stallionaires a run for their money in Game 1. They only lost 3-0, but they did not generate any offense in both games. If they intend to make the playoffs, they must score. 

5. Lightning 2-2 (#5 Last Week)

With two easy forfeited wins last week, the Lightning were finally ready to play. The box score showed a different story. The Lightning only produced two hits in two games of work. Without Tommy Merkelis, the Lightning did not strike. 

4. Gashouse Gorillas 2-2 (#1 Last Week)

After dominating the last three seasons in the GBL, the Gorillas might be finally running out of gas. In two games this season, the Gashouse Gorillas have goose-eggs at the end of their box score. Reliver of the year in 2014, Jeremy Ratajczyk, already has two losses on the season. It is too early to worry, but there are cracks in the champion's armor. 

3. Taka Drivers 2-2 (#3 Last Week)

The Taka Drivers have had to open the season against both of the World Series teams from last season. They could be easily 0-4, but they showed promise by splitting both of their double-headers. Game 1 versus the Gashouse Gorillas was an example of the champs dominance, but Game 2 showed the resilience of the Taka Drivers. Ryan Voges smashed a walk-off home run to win Game 2 1-0. The Taka Drivers came to play in 2015. 

2. Nighttime Ninjas 3-1 (#4 Last Week) 

After getting shelled in their last game in Week 1, the Nighttime Ninjas rose from the darkness. They won both games matched with their opponent (Lightning). Mike Kubacki Jr. pitched 8.1 innings of no-hit wiffle-ball, and pitched a four inning no-hitter in Game 1. He was one out away from pitching two in one day. 

1. Stallionaires 3-1 (#2 Last Week)

After splitting last week's tough match-up with Gashouse, the Stallionaires came stampeding into Week 2. They allowed zero runs in both games against the Bird Gang. Their offense also improved, and they scored nine more runs then they did a week ago. The Stallionaires are making an early case for the favorites to go all the way. 

Week 2 Game Recaps

Nighttime Ninjas v. Lightning Game 1 - In the first two innings, the Nighttime Ninjas scored 4 runs in the top of the 1st and 4 in the top of the second. That was all the support Mike Kubacki Jr. needed. He only needed one run because he did not allow a hit in four innings of work. It was his first no-hitter since joining the GBL. Kubacki Jr. was masterful of the mound only allowing two base-runners by two walks. Ethan Arvay also helped Kubacki's crusade by going 5-8 with 9 RBI. Rookie Brandon Garcia had a rough first game for the Lightning, and so did his teammate Andrew Felde. In 8 at-bat's total, they could not muster a hit. The final of the game was Nighttime Ninjas 13, Lightning 0. 

Nighttime Ninjas v. Lightning Game 2 - The Lightning started Game 2 exactly how they finished Game 1, hit-less. Mike Kubacki Jr. held the Lightning without a hit for four more innings. The Lightning finally broke through in the 5th with a few hits, and also scored  run. It was not enough, because Ethan Arvay had 5 more RBI to add to his exceptional hitting performance. That proved to be enough offense for the Ninjas. The Lightning were stifled again and dropped another game. The final of the game was Nighttime Ninjas 7, Lightning 1.

Bird Gang v. Stallionaires Game 1 - After an impressive win last week, the Stallionaires looked to build momentum coming into Week 2. It proved harder then they thought. The Bird Gang challenged the Stallionaires in Game 1. Matt Kuna provided all the offense the Stallionaires needed by clobbering a two run home run in the 3rd. Rookie David Konopasek also added an insurance run in the 4th. Even though both teams only generated two hits a piece, the Stallionaires made them count with runners in scoring position. The final of the game was Bird Gang 0, Stallionaires 3. 

Bird Gang v. Stallionaires Game 2 - After a competitive Game 1, the Stallionaires showed their might in Game 2. Nate Bryan threw a no-hitter and had the Bird Gang guessing all game. Bryan also drove in 3 RBI. Also, Matt Kuna hit his third home run of the season, bringing his total to three of the season. He also drove in 5 RBI and went a perfect 4-4. The Stallionaires held the Bird Gang scoreless in two games, and only allowed a total of two hits. The final of the game was Bird Gang 0, Stallionaires 8.  

Gashouse Gorillas v. Taka Drivers Game 1 - The Taka Drivers wanted to prove to the GBL that they could hang with the big boys, but Game 1 belonged to the Gashouse Gorillas. Ryan Voges started and only pitched one inning, allowing five earned runs. Jeremy Ratajczyk hit his first and second home run of the season, while driving in 7 runs. Zach McIntyre also hit his first home run of the season. Every player on the Gashouse Gorillas drove in an RBI. Jim Tucker also pitched wonderful, he is now 2-0 on the season. The game ended in the 4th because of the mercy rule. Voges was the only Taka Driver with an RBI. The final of the game was Gashouse Gorillas 11, Taka Drivers 1. 

Gashouse Gorillas v. Taka Drivers Game 2 - After losing big in Game 1, the Taka Drivers wanted to avenge their worst loss of the season. The rain began to fall in Game 2, but it did not seem to bother Ryan Galiher or Mark Miecznikowski on the mound. Both pitchers did not allow a run in 3 innings of work. Gashouse had plenty of opportunities to score drawing four walks, but only had four hits. By the 5th inning, neither team had scored a run, and it looked like we were in store for another extra inning night-cap. With Ryan Voges up to bat in the bottom of the 5th, and one out, Voges had other things in mind. Jeremy Ratajczyk threw a high hanging slider, and Voges made him pay by rocketing a deep drive into the grass in center. Ryan Voges hit a walk-off home run to give the Taka Drivers their second win of the season. The final of the game was Gashouse Gorillas 0, Taka Drivers 1. 

Players of the Week

Hitter of the Week - Ethan Arvay - 8-17. 14 RBI. 8 BB. 3 HR. 

Co-Pitcher of the Week - Nate Bryan -  1 W. 5 IP. 0 ER. 0 H. 3 K. Threw a no-hitter.

Co-Pitcher of the Week - Mike Kubacki Jr. - 2 W. 8 IP. 1 ER. 1 H. 4 K. Threw a no-hitter. 

Rookie of the Week - Ryan Voges - 3-7. 2 RBI. 1 HR. Hit a walk-off home run. 

Week 3 Slate

3:00 PM - Stallionaires v. Taka Drivers Game 1

4:00 PM - Stallionaires v. Taka Drivers Game 2

5:00 PM - Lightning v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 1

6:00 PM - Lightning v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 2

7:00 PM - Nighttime Ninjas v. Bird Gang Game 1

8:00 PM - Nighttime Ninjas v. Bird Gang Game 2 

WIFFLE OUT!

GBL Opening Day Recap & Week 1 Power Rankings

The sun was shining, the smell of spring was in the air, and the wind was gusting.  The players have been waiting all year to step in front of blue and white lawn chair to take their cuts. The lines were being re-painted, the foul poles were put in place, and the GBL flag flew high. April 26th was the first day for Griffle Ball and the action did not disappoint. After a few tightly contested games and one lopsided affair, the Week 1 Power Rankings have been decided.

6. Bird Gang 0-2
After forfeiting their first two games of the season, the Bird Gang have dropped to number 6 in Week 1.

5. Lightning 2-0
Even though the standings state the Lightning are in first place, the forfeit wins hurt their Power Ranking. Without playing a game, it is hard to determine whether they should be higher on the list.

4. Nighttime Ninjas 1-1
With an impressive Game 1 win against the Taka Drivers, Game 2 was not so pretty. Their win shows the league how good they can be, and their loss shows that they still have much to prove.

3. Taka Drivers 1-1
After an impressive loss to the up and coming Nighttime Ninjas, the Taka Drivers showed their muscle in Game 2. They scored 18 runs in 3 innings and the mercy rule was used to end the Ninjas suffering.

2. Stallionaire 1-1
After going toe-to-toe in Game 1 with the 3-time defending champs, the Stallionaires took down the juggernaut Gashouse in Game 2. It took an heroic performance from Nate Bryan to finally end Gashouse's 30 plus game regular season winning streak.

1. Gashouse Gorillas 1-1
Even though they finally lost a game in the regular season, it took extra innings for them to finally lose. Barring any setbacks, they are still the team to beat this season.

Opening Day Game Recaps

Taka Drivers v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 1 - After the Taka Drivers took a 3-0 lead in the top of the 2nd, the Ninjas answered right back in the same inning with 5 of their own. In his GBL debut, Mark Miecznikowski hit two home runs in the same inning but, it was not enough. After Kubacki's 3 solid innings, A.J. Fletcher and Ethan Arvay shut the door on the comeback. Mike Kubacki Jr. reached base in all five at-bats to get the ball rolling for his team, and his team came through to help the Ninjas get their first win.

Taka Drivers v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 2 - Still looking for their first win, the Taka Drivers needed a spark. That spark became Jackson Buzea. After missing the first game, "Buzz" drove in 8 RBI and went 6-9 in his first game with his new team. Ryan Voges and Mark Miecznikowski went a combined 7-11 with 9 RBI. Ethan Arvay and A.J. Fletcher struggled in 3 innings pitched giving up a total of 14 earned runs. The Nighttime Ninjas had no answer for the Taka Drivers.

Stallionaires v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 1 - In a rematch of last year's GBL World Series, these two teams came ready to play. Jim Tucker took a no-hitter into the 5th inning, while John Reyna only gave up 2 earned runs in three innings. The wind and cold weather may have been a problem. Most balls that would have been hits or home runs literally stopped in mid-air and became easy outs. If it wasn't for Jim Tucker's big 2 RBI hit in the 3rd, this game may have lasted as long as Game 2. 

Stallionaires v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 2 - The nightcap may live down as one of the greatest GBL games of all-time. The players were cold, the wind was gusting, and each team would not budge. Matt Kuna of the Stallionaires and Ryan Galiher of the Gorillas were basically untouchable. Even when Nate Bryan and Jeremy Ratajczyk came in for relief, each team could not manufacture any offense. There were plenty of opportunities for each team but, neither capitalized until Nate Bryan in the top of the 9th. With one on and one out, Nate Bryan smacked a 2-run bomb into right. The game was almost over but, Gashouse had other plans. Gashouse loaded the bases in the bottom half of the 9th. Already a hero, Nate Bryan needed be to perfect. He pitched himself into a jam but, came through with clutch pitching and a bit of his Gold Hands. 

It was an exciting opening day in the GBL. The champs finally lost, a new franchise showed it can hang with the big boys, and some games didn't even happen. The weather played a factor in a few games but, that did not stop the players. Next week's games look just as exciting and Week 1 is in the books. Will the champs falter again? Will Bird Gang show up? Can the Nighttime Ninjas find some pitching? Was the Taka Drivers' first win a fluke? Can the Stallionaire build momentum? Will the Lightning get to play? We will find out this season. Welcome to Griffle Ball.

Week 2

3 PM - Nighttime Ninjas (1-1) v. Lightning (2-0)

4 PM - Nighttime Ninjas (1-1) v. Lightning (2-0)

5 PM - Bird Gang (0-2) v. Stallionaires (1-1)

6 PM - Bird Gang (0-2) v. Stallionaires (1-1)

7 PM - Gashouse Gorillas (1-1) v. Taka Drivers (1-1)

8 PM - Gashouse Gorillas (1-1) v. Taka Drivers (1-1)

Will a Legend Move On?

When the Griffleball League first started, Kyle Lidster was one of the best players in the league. He was a dominant force not only on the mound, but he also was an extraordinary hitter. Kyle has over 100 home runs and carries a .325 career batting average, and a modest 1.50 career ERA. The league has feared him since 2010, but now father time may be working against Lidster. 

Lidster has only played in four games over the last two seasons, and the Lightning have not won a league title since he has played a full season. He was the former manager during the Lightning's back-to-back championships in 2010 and 2011.  Now Zac Adams and Tommy Merkelis must decide whether or not they should keep him on the roster. 

Lidster does deserve a spot on the roster even though he might not make a game this season. He is a legend in the GBL community, but roster decisions have made headlines already this season, This would not be the first big headline of the off-season. Are the Lighting ready to move on from one the greats? 

Or are Zac and Tommy waiting for the return of Kyle Lidster for the playoffs? This will be an interesting decision. Stay tuned for more Griffleball news, rumors, and headlines. 

The Gashouse Dilemma

After sending Arvay to the Ninjas, the Gashouse Gorillas will have six players on their roster heading into the draft. A normal roster has four to five players, and with the addition of a high draft pick, Gashouse may have to part ways with one or more of their teammates.
They have a few options to determine who stays and who will be likely heading to a new team. Gashouse could send some of their players in exchange for a few picks in next years draft, if they decide to rebuild, This move could help them in the long run, and add more championships in the future. It could also backfire, and they may become less competitive.
Another option is for Gashouse, and manager Jeremy Ratajczyk, to take part in a trade that sends multiple players for a position of need. This might be there best move, if they can find a willing trade partner.
The last option is if they do not find any suitors in the trade market. This is a last resort, and it would involve releasing some of their players into this years draft class. Whether or not they do any of this will be up to Mr. Ratajczyk. Only time will tell, but the clock is ticking.

The Possible Effect of the Arvay Trade

Over a few days trade discussions have heated up between the Nighttime Ninjas and the Gashouse Gorillas. The speculated trade is Ethan Arvay to the Ninjas, and Mike Dempsey to the Gorillas. It is a blockbuster trade that would send one of the best all around players in the game to the Ninjas. While on the other hand, the Gorillas would receive one of the only lefties in the GBL.

In a recent statement by the Ninjas manager, Mike Kubacki Jr., he stated, "(Arvay) is one of the top arms in the league. Easily 2rd or 3rd best. Any manager in the league would want him in their rotation." He would also be returning to the Ninjas for the second time.

Since joining the league, Arvay, has posted a career .405 batting average, a 25-2 win-loss record, and an ERA just a tad above 2. Batters can not seem to catch up to his high velocity, and opposing pitchers can not seem to get him out.

On the other hand, the Gorillas would be gaining Mike Dempsey. The most effective left-handed pitcher in the league. With a short supply of lefties in the league, this could be a game changer for the Gorillas.

The trade could be beneficial to both teams, but only time will tell.