Three Thoughts for the Third Year

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

After two seasons of Wiffle in Southeast Michigan, I can’t help but look back and reflect on what this league has become. What started out as simply tournaments at Brownstown Middle School with old high school buddies has now blossomed into one of the largest and most respected leagues in the country. Friendships have been formed within the league, and on a larger scale, I have met and become friends with wifflers from all over the country. It has been quite a fun ride, and I still don’t believe we have hit our peak. With the year coming to an end, I just wanted to share a few ideas/thoughts/opinions/etc., which I think will only help our league.

My first idea is based on something the NHL does: giving out stars to players after each game. The NHL gives out a 1-star, 2-star, and a 3-star to the top three performers in a game. My idea is to give out stars to the top hitter, pitcher, and fielder in each game, or maybe just for the two game series. There can be a few different ways to determine who gets the stars. Either two players (preferably the captains) on each team can decide together who gets the stars. Another idea is if someone keeping score is not a member of either team, they can decide who gets the stars. It won’t be rocket science, and I doubt any controversy would come about from it. If no one player can be decided, I wouldn’t have a problem giving out ½ stars to two players. Why add this Carl? What is the point? Well, my main reason is because I would like a better way to determine the Diamond Digits. Having stars attached to players would be an easy way to determine the best fielders in the league. Giving out stars to the best hitter and pitcher will also help with weekly awards, and it could be a neat little stat to have. Maybe I can even have WSEM Stars made, and players who win them can add them to their hat like college football players do on their helmets. This will be a very simple and fun addition, and it will help me not get ridiculed ever again when I decide the Diamond Digit winners.

My second point is something I am very excited about, but I am not even sure other people in the league know we are doing this. It has to do with scheduling for next year. The way WSEM has handled scheduling in the past, has been each captain making their schedule by communicating with the other captains. If we had only one or two fields in a central location, I would go about with set times on set days the way most leagues in the country do it. We are unique in having each team use their own home fields. In 2011, everything was new to us, so a lot of flexibility was there. Last year we were a bit stricter in scheduling games, but we still let you decide during the season when you would play the other teams. This year we are going about it in a whole new way. We will be having a scheduling meeting in early April. Corbett has laid it out nicely on the webpage: In early April a meeting will be held to schedule each team’s ENTIRE SCHEDULE BY WEEK (I.E. Team X will play Team J in Week 1, Team R and Team B in Week 3, etc.). A representative of each team is expected to attend with knowledge of weeks that look bad for their team (i.e. prom, weddings, or a few guys have vacations/business trips scheduled), so that you can help make the best schedule possible for the entire league. If a team is unable to attend they may inform us beforehand of their “bad weeks”, and their schedule will be set by the rest of the league around that. Specific days of the week scheduled may be decided any time up to day of. We are doing this so that the league can see when big series are occurring and may properly hype what is going on in the league.

I love this idea, and I think it will help smooth out a lot of scheduling problems in years past. Here are a few reasons why I like this. 1. Knowing ahead of time when you will be playing only makes life easier on your team. 2. It still gives you flexibility to determine the day and time you will play, all you have to do is pick the day and time within the week you chose in April. 3. If you know ahead of time one of your players won’t be around that week, you will have plenty of time to find a replacement. 4. No longer will teams refuse to play at times because their star player can’t make it. 5. Road trips can be planned ahead. Say Whiteford has to play the Warriors and King Friday on the road. They can schedule both for the same week, and then knock both series out on the same day. 6. It is simply a cleaner and more polished way of doing things. 7. We will know in advance when big series are coming up, and then tape them and put them online.

My third point is more of a concern. Towards the end of last season I saw a lot of ugliness from certain teams, and I hope it doesn’t carry over into next season. If I wanted to play a game with a bunch of jerks and crybabies, I never would have stopped playing softball. I believe over 90% of our league treats wiffleball the way it should be treated, but there’s some in the 10% that let their emotions get the best of them. I love winning as much as the next guy and losing can sting, I know. Luckily, we have never had a physical altercation which I know other leagues have had to deal with, so I wanted to be proactive with this. Just remember, wiffleball is a children’s game that we take way too serious, but in the end it will always be a children’s game. Thanks guys for two awesome years of WSEM, and let’s make the third the best one yet!

What Makes the Best Pitcher?

		Your Junk my Happy Zone
		by Brandon Corbett

There are a lot of good stats you can go with to tell you who the best pitcher is. Most commonly these are ERA, WHIP, and even strike outs, now that innings are controlled by the rotation in WSEM. If you want to crunch numbers a bit more to see exactly what a pitcher is doing, stats like strike out-to-walk ratio (K/BB) and strike outs per inning (KPI) may get tossed into the mix. K/BB is beautiful, because it speaks to a pitcher's command. It does not say much about his stuff, though. KPI, on the other hand, tells of dominant stuff. However, when used alone it is flawed in that a pitcher could strike out three batters an inning, which looks phenomenal, but then walk six and give up four runs at the same time - which is the opposite of outstanding.

It is also true that strike outs are not the only arrow in a pitcher's quiver. Many pitchers are good at getting batters to roll over on a pitch for harmless ground outs, or catching batters out front for lazy pop flies. These are not skills to be ignored, but when you talk about "the great pitchers" - the ones you want to run out in the big game - you know you want the guy who will take the game into his hand and mow down batter after batter. The pitcher who puts the ball in play for his defense may get the job done, but he gives the offense a chance with that; the pitcher who strikes out just about everyone does not give the offense any chance.

This is why KPI, despite its blind spot, is a valid stat: intimidation and dominance. There is also a way to erase that blind spot. WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) is the exact counterpoint to KPI: balls out of the zone and balls put in play, unable to be fielded. Therefore, using the simple formula KPI - WHIP does not punish a ground ball or pop fly pitcher (much), while it does bolster the impact of the strike out. Basically, this boils down to: number of unhittable or deceptive balls vs. poorly thrown or well hit balls. It is a way to simultaneously measure "filthiness of stuff" and command.

Zero (0) is even: KPI = WHIP. A "minus" (negative number) is more walks and hits than strike outs per inning. A "plus" (positive number) is more strike outs per inning than walks and hits. Additionally, a KPI - WHIP over 1.00 is considered a "super-plus"; there are seven WSEM pitchers who fall into this "super" category. Let us compare the top ten pitchers of 2012 by KPI - WHIP to Coffee Time's traditionally ranked 2012 top ten pitchers and see how things line up.

Traditional Measure
1.	A. Bischoff
2.	Hatt
3.	Bortmas
4.	E. Bischoff
5.	Constanti
6.	Skinner
7.	Cosby
8.	Pearson
9.	Corbett
10.	Phillips

KPI - WHIP
1.	A. Bischoff	+2.07
2.	Skinner	+1.84
3.	Bortmas	+1.78
4.	Hatt	+1.56
5.	E. Bischoff	+1.51
6.	Phillips	+1.28
7.	Pearson	+1.04
8.	Cosby	+0.72
9.	Hughes	+0.70
10.	Shore	+0.69

Overall, the lists are similar. Eight of ten pitchers show up on both. The most interesting part is who moves where. Craig Skinner jumps from slot 6 on the traditional list to number 2 under KPI - WHIP. Another Belgian-now-Diablo, Chandler Phillips, is also a big mover from 10 on the traditional scale to 6 under KPI - WHIP. Might having played for a "small market team" have effected their four-slot differences? Just asking... Big shifts in the other direction include Sam Hatt, going from 2 on the traditional list to 4 in KPI - WHIP, and Mike Constanti completely disappearing from the KPI - WHIP list ¹, while in the fifth slot on the traditional scale.

Many do stay close to home, though. Number one, in every sense, Austin Bischoff holds the first spot on both lists. Evan Bortmas, also, occupies the third slot for both. Dennis Pearson and Adam Cosby flip slots 7 and 8, while Evan Bischoff comes in just one spot shy on KPI - WHIP from his traditional scale rank of number 4.

There is also some vindication in a player like Justin Hughes making his way onto the KPI - WHIP list. Hughes had a great 2012 season, but was overshadowed by his teammates for awards, All-Star votes, talk, and even top ten lists. When it comes down to numbers alone, he finally gets some recognition at number 9.

ERA is an important number to look at, no doubt. It is not going anywhere, and like AVG for hitters it will always be a "go to" stat. It does not tell the entire story, however, and that is why new categories keep popping up to shortcut determining the best. KPI - WHIP is not a "be all, end all" by any means. It does, however, take an intriguing stat in WHIP and add the "dominant stuff" factor into it. Who is the best pitcher? Will stats will ever really tell us that? Or will it all come down to the moment and who rises to the occasion to provide that answer? We will - and should - always try to determine that beforehand, and pinning dominance alongside command is as good a bet as any in determining who is the best of the best.

¹ He is at number 11 with a +0.47

Equipo el Martes: El Diablos

by  David Buhr   Don't let the "El Diablos" name fool you. They're Spanish for fighting chickens all extremely nice guys. And though they're nice guys, this team will be a mighty force to be reckoned with in the 2013 season. During the offseason, El Diablos were formed by four former Belgian Wiffles and is being Captained by Mark Phillips. Mark played a few games in the 2012 season as a part of the replacement team, Seamen. Mark's numbers may not have been great in that period of time, but after playing against him, I see some serious potential for him to be a threat as both a hitter and a pitcher. Although four Wiffles were originally forming El Diablos, one left during the offseason. Losing David Castle's bat and pitching arm seems like a harsh blow to any team, but El Diablos had already been quick to pick up Dakota LaDouceur. LaDouceur provides the lineup with serious power and a consistent bat as he batted over .300 and tied for the league lead in Home Runs with 20 in the 2012 season. And though El Diablos don't necessarily need another pitcher, Dakota provides as a good backup pitcher. I had the privilege of playing on the same team as three of the players on El Diablos during the 2012 season and was sad to see them leave, but I truly enjoyed the 2012 season. Let's look at that talent. Starting with CJ Phillips, we see a kid with a power arm on the mound and some pop at the plate. All he needs is more consistent plate appearances and he'll be hitting for average too. CJ's accuracy on the mound at times was lacking, but I expect him to hone in on his control skills and to be one of the top 5 pitchers in the league next season. Craig Skinner is another great pitcher, in fact, one of the best. I believe he will definitely be the ace of El Diablos team next year. With a 7 inning perfecto against the Squirrels, another near perfect game against the Donkeys (not even going to a 3-ball count on anyone until the 5th inning!), and an ERA under 1.00 in 2012, Skinner was easily one of the top 3 pitchers in the league in 2012 and I expect he'll be better in 2013. What Skinner lacks at the plate, he more than makes up for on the mound. He has more than just a couple pitches coupled with speed and accuracy. He is my favorite to win the 2013 Clown Shu, though there will surely be some stiff competition. Along with such great pitching, El Diablos have a major force in their batting lineup in Kyle Tomlinson. Kyle seems to live by former President Teddy Roosevelt's mantra, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." That's just what Kyle did in 2012. We have a lot of talkers in WSEM, including CJ and Skinner, but Kyle quietly gets the job done. He batted .346 with 6 Home Runs as well as a great OBP and several walks helping to earn him 2012 Rookie of the Year honors. Though his offensive numbers are impressive, what often gets overlooked is Tomlinson's defensive prowess. He saved many a would-be-hit or Home Run that never seemed to get caught on film, but I saw him do it. Look out for Kyle to vie for MVP honors next season alongside Dakota LaDouceur. Overall, El Diablos is going to be a team you don't want to mess with in 2013! With potential MVP and Clown Shu candidates, I expect them to be one of the top 3 teams in the league!

Stealing the Show

		Your Junk my Happy Zone
		by Brandon Corbett

Rules re: Steals in the 2013 Rulebook

-   Teams have 2 steal attempts per game. -   While the pitcher is in their wind-up, a batter attempts a steal by shouting "STEAL" and leaving the base. -   The pitcher must then throw the ball home; they may not step off the mound.     -   If the ball misses the zone, the runner is SAFE.     -   If the ball hits the zone, the runner is OUT.     -   If the batter fouls off the pitch, an attempt will not be counted as used; the runner will return to the base.     -   If the batter puts the ball in play, it is live and the attempt will be counted as used. -   No double or triple steals.     -   Only 1 runner with an open base in front of them may attempt at a time.     -   If multiple runners attempt:          -   The trailing runner(s) will be called out for leaving their base early.          -   The lead runner's attempt will play out as normal.

WSEM players were given the chance to discuss their opinions on possible changes for 2013. Only one comment was made in response to steals, which was unfortunately anonymous, and could not be allowed through. The gist of that comment: Steals are fun and quirky, but they are based on luck and take away from the pitcher versus hitter dynamic. Yes, shifting dynamics are a result of introducing a new facet of any game. However, having two steals per game is not going to render the pitcher versus hitter match-up obsolete. Steals introduce a new strategy into WSEM games, and that adds another level to an at-bat. All the presence of a steal does is ask the pitcher to be on the board. It doesn't tell him he can't throw a ball in the dirt to get a batter to chase; it tells him to be careful and aware when he throws it. It also increases a hitter's responsibility for runners on base. It is no longer just about bringing them around, his responsibilities now include making sure runners stay on base by fouling off close pitches. In fact, the whole team network will have to work together more in deciding the strategy for a game, and communicating to stay on the same page. Let's look at a few situations where steals come into play. 1)  Late in a game, runner on second, no outs, a ringer coming up to the plate, hitting team has one steal. In the past, there would be no chance this big bat would see a single pitch to hit with first base base open. Now, the steal makes a pitcher stay on (or at least around) the board to keep the runner at second and from scoring on a sac fly. 2)  How often have we seen pitchers walk the bases loaded, and get out of it with three strike outs? With steals, that pitcher now has to dial it in sooner or find himself in a bit of trouble. 3)  Remember those extra-inning marathon games with a 1-0 or 2-1 score, where runners rarely get past second, that show up a handful of times a season? Intelligently using steals can help manufacture runs to decide those quicker. 4)  Go back to scenario 1, but this time the team has both of their steals. Now, that pitcher really needs to step up for his team and be on target. "Game 7, legend-in-the-making" kind of stuff. Examples of an out / caught stealing and a successful steal attempt. [Video] Bottom line, steals take nothing away from the game or harm it in anyway. They demand pitchers be better. They beg runners to be more involved in the play and what is going on. They urge teams to think strategically about game situations. They should cut down on the ridiculously long games, which is addition by subtraction. They will insert some excitement into scenarios that used to be dull. But what about Anonymous' claim that steals also add luck to the game; is their truth in that? In this system, the process of stealing a base involves about the same amount of luck as hitting a 75-80 mph pitch. You scout the pitcher, figure out his tendencies: Does he go for the board on the first pitch? If he is ahead in the count, will he try to make the batter chase? Are there any tells in his wind-up or delivery? Then, you use that information to guess what and where the next pitch will be, and decide whether to run or hold. This is the same technique you use at the plate against fireballers (assuming you don't just use the *flail like a madman!!!* technique). Guess the pitch and location right, you look like a hero; guess wrong and you look like a fool. And that is what playing Wiffle is about: crossing back and forth over a fine line between ridiculous and awesome until it is completely wiped away. 60:30:10. Sixty percent of WSEM is the shenanigans and fun that happens at the field. Thirty percent is what spills over into the exaggerated media coverage. Only ten percent of WSEM is the result or competition on the field. Steals not only add a new layer of strategy to the game being played, but the boisterous cheers and deflating sighs they get in reaction play perfectly into the over-the-top atmosphere around the game, as well. That is the most important thing for this league.

Splitting the A-team: The Manchester Project

		Your Junk my Happy Zone
		by Brandon Corbett

The Manchester Punchouts may not have won the Commissioner's Cup, due to reasons ultimately anticlimactic and a little bit nauseating. However, what they were able to do is absolutely dominate the 2012 season (26-2, +160 run differential) and the individual stat categories. Punchouts owned the number-one spot in the five big offensive categories (AVG, HR, RBI, OBP, SLG%), and had the second slot in all of them except for AVG. Altogether, they filled 13 of the 25 possible slots; representing 52% of the league's offensive leaders!

It was three players filling those slots and doing all that damage: Evan Bortmas (2012 MVP, Batting Champ, co-HR King, and NWLA 1st Team Hitter), Dakota LaDouceur (2012 co-HR King and NWLA 2nd Team Hitter) and Sam Hatt, who may not have the offensive bling of his former teammates, but he does have the substance - top 5 in AVG, OBP, and RBI. Where Sam's stock really starts to shoot up, though, is on the mound. He narrowly missed out on the Clown Shu, finished the season second in Ks (138) and ERA (0.27), tied for first in wins (10), and earned a spot as an NWLA 1st Team Pitcher. Evan also gets a boost from his pitching: another NWLA 1st Team and 10 win pitcher, and top 5 finisher in K (136) and WHIP (0.94)in WSEM.

Three undeniably explosive players, who have all split up and signed with new teams. It was early in the offseason that Bortmas divulged he and Hatt may not be back for 2013, but the team might continue if someone else wanted to run it. LaDouceur was attempting to retool a Punchouts roster minus Evan and Sam. However, after Bortmas' signing with the Wicked Aces was announced in early October, LaDouceur accepted an offer to play with El Diablos in 2013. It was not until November 26th, after being courted by several captains over a parade of Thanksgiving dinners, that Sam finally announced his return to WSEM for the 2013 season, signing with the revived Westside Warriors.

Three better suitors could not have been found for the former Punchouts to spread their talents across. The impact of these free agent signings should be tremendous - assuming semi-regular participation, of course. Most early power rankings put the reigning champion Aces at the top with some combination of El Diablos, Warriors, and Ducks in spots two through four.

For the Aces, the Bortmas signing is out of Steinbrenner's book. They add a fourth pitcher with a sub-1.00 ERA, and third with a WHIP below 1.00. The team already ran a three/four man rotation last season with brothers Austin and Evan Bischoff, Justin Hughes, and Joel Crozier. So, having many effective options to run out is not new territory for them. That said, Bortmas' biggest contribution to the lineup is his bat. Last season the Aces' regulars hit between .246 and .291; Bortmas hit nearly .100 points higher with a .389 AVG. The Aces team hit 18 HR; Bortmas hit 20. Couple his power with moving into Poolside Park for a possible 14 games, and the new Evan may put up crazy numbers in 2013. What has already happened is a dominant Aces pitching staff not only got padded, but just added lot of firepower behind it.

Similarly, what LaDouceur brings to El Diablos is a huge bat to run out at the top of their lineup. 2012 RoTY, Kyle Tomlinson (.346 AVG, .515 SLG), prefers batting further down in the four spot. So, being able to slide LaDouceur (.339, .835) in at the top of the order will still bring up strong El Diablos at-bats more often in games. In 2012 it took Dakota until his sixth game to record his first hit. However, after that, he was only held hitless in two games for the rest of the season. Chandler Phillips and Craig Skinner have El Diablos pitching well-stocked, so the key to El Diablos getting the most impact from this signing seems to be, simply, getting Dakota out to games early and often.

Hatt provides a fantastic player to lean on early in the season for Alex Shore and a Warriors roster returning many players who have taken a year off, and bringing in a new crop of rookies. Having Hatt's arm in the rotation could give Maclin Malloy time to find the form he is capable of possessing on the mound. At the plate, Hatt and Shore are similar hitters: lefties with a good deal of power and solid contact. Also, once on base, both are smart, aggressive baserunners making them a dangerous duo to build a lineup around. This signing has the makings of one that can push the Warriors up to the front of the line to play for a Commissioner's Cup.

The chance of former Punchouts returning to the WSEM Championship Series looks promising. The fact that we very well may see them on both sides of it is enticing, in that we may finally get the chance to see these stars play for the Commissioner's Cup!

Comparison of Stats per Team from 2011 to 2012

Stats per Team (Season)
	11	12	11*	12*
BB	99.63	96.5	99.17	96.75
K	215.75	231.9	215	235.5
R	86.13	60.17	81.83	54.13
H	126.25	110.4	122.17	111.25
HR	16.75	16.7	16.67	14.75
TB	197.63	175.8	190	170.38
* Adjusted with high/low extremes removed

Stats per Team (Game)
	11*	12*
BB/g	3.54	3.46
K/g	7.68	8.41
R/g	2.92	1.93
H/g	4.36	3.97
HR/g	0.60	0.53
TB/g	6.79	6.08
* Adjusted with high/low extremes removed

First, league batting average fell from a respectable .281 in 2011 to a painful .226 in 2012. That free fall came even with the introduction of the rotation rule, which halved the number of games the most dominant starters could pitch.

Walks came down from 99.17 to 96.75 per team on the season, a 2% change. Per game this is a .08 reduction, to 3.46 from 3.54. Well within the margin of error, maybe, but it does show that number-two and three pitchers handling half of the games did not have any effect on control.

Strike outs increased by 20.5 per team on the season: a 10% change. Per game that is an increase from 7.68 to 8.41. Further showing increasing dominance of pitching over hitting, with even number-two and three pitchers able to boost KpG.

Hits and power numbers (total bases and home runs) saw similar fall off around 10%: 9% for H, 10% for TB, and 12% for HR. There were nearly 2 less HR hit by a team in 2012 - 16.67 in 2011, 14.75 in 2012 - resulting in 1 HR hit every 2 games instead of 3 in every 5. Team hits were reduced to below 4 per game, from 122.17 on the season to 111.25. And team total bases dropped by 0.71 per game to just over 6, falling from 190 on the season in 2011 to 170.38.

Perhaps the most striking drop-off, runs per team plummeted by 27.71 on the season: from 81.83 in 2011 to 54.13 in 2012. A staggering 34% decrease. This equates to a 1-run per game fall-off from 2.92 to 1.93.

* Numbers used for this analysis derived from league averages after the the highest and lowest were taken out to remove extremes. Except league AVG, which is all inclusive. Unadjusted numbers are also displayed in the table.

Ducks are Covered

		Your Junk my Happy Zone
		by Brandon Corbett

The Ducks dropped the Thunder from their name and early forecasts saw them limping into the 2013 season. The reason for the dismal outlook was the departure of Chris Lewis and, founding member, Nick Braden to play for the Holy Balls. The move left powerhouse arm Dennis Pearson and big bats Dylan Braden and Josh Nagorski as the only ducks on the pond. Yes, the three totalled 28 HR in 2012, knocked in 68 runs and hit .287, collectively; an impressive three-hit combo to be sure. However, three men does not a Wiffleball team make; just ask the Belgian Wiffles in 2011 or the Manchester Punchouts in the 2012 Championship Series. Who would fill the needed slots on a Ducks roster expecting nothing short of a return to a second championship?

Well, it did not take long to see the big changes brought in - changes that center on one key facet of the game. Freed of the "thunder," the Ducks adopted a new look: a swerving Wiffle pitch with the ball and its trail forming a Ducks head and beak. That designing around the pitch has been the basis of the team's offseason strategy, as well. The Ducks first free agent signing was Mike Constanti. In 2012 with the Squirrels Constanti had a 0.56 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 79 K to 21 BB in 45 IP. Those numbers earned him the start for Garcia in the All-Star game; he now joins the other Garcia All-Star pitcher, Pearson, in the Ducks rotation. They were not done yet, though. David Castle, formerly with Belgian, was then signed as a third dangerous arm in their arsenal. Castle's season numbers were up and down, however, he turned it on when the games mattered in the playoffs: dialing up his speed and locking in his accuracy.


See Constanti deal in the first minute of this
video, then Castle starting at four minutes in. These signings seem to be a measured response to being swept out of the playoff semi-finals by the Wicked Aces. Being able to run capably dominant starters out game after game, no matter the situation, is what the Aces were able to do on their march to the title, and now - on paper, at least - the Ducks have matched that ability and paired it with an always potent offense, which also looks to be bolstered by having Castle (.284, 19 RBI) in the mix. With eight of the nine current teams involved in the offseason movement of veteran players WSEM is going to look very different in 2013, but the Ducks have once again positioned themselves as one of the preseason favorites atop the league.

Fall Fantasy: Player Awards and Stats

	♔ ♔ ♔	-	Chandler Phillips
	Chandler was ordered by new El Diablos Captain, Mark Phillips, to play in the fall. He came, he hit the ball - a ton, and is leaving with three crowns. He could have the quintuple crown, if such a thing existed, also leading in OBP and SLG%. Mark's managing looks to be paying off already.
	Fall Clown Shu	-	Evan Bischoff
	Evan had a great 2012 season on the mound (0.00 Era, 0.61 WHIP, 70 K) yet his name was barely brought up in Clown Shu talks due to "lack of innings". Unsatisfied, Evan threw his lot in for fall ball to prove he is the real deal. And here he is: second in ERA, first in WHIP. Command struggled adjusting to mid-pitch with 10 BB, but he allowed the fewest hits of any pitcher (6). What clinched the Fall Shu for Evan were his two wins to give his team the championship.

Pitching Stats


Batting Stats

Fans everywhere enjoy a good friendly, everyone enjoys giving into a good fantasy, and everyone loves the Fall - just too bad there isn't much Wiffle going on. Ah-ha! (Take on Me) That's where the the friendly and fantasy can come across even stronger. Four teams of five have been arbitrarily selected to compete and entertain us over the slow months. To determine the outcome of each at-bat a random number generator from 1 to 1000 is used. Each player's number ranges are different: their AVG and OBP are multiplied by the opposing pitcher's WHIP to set the ranges for hits and walks; from there a player's percentage of singles, doubles, triples, and home runs are spread over their "hit range": singles start at 1, home runs end at the highest number in the hit range. Walks follow above hits, and a pitcher's number of strikeouts in the 2012 season set the strikeout range after walks. Every number above that is an out made in the field: numbers closer to 1000 are fly outs, while lower numbers are ground outs. Depending on the situation sacrifice flies, advancing runners, peg outs, and double plays also come into play. You'll see that strikeouts and walks are disproportional to a real game, and that just adds to the entertainment! Let's just say everyone agreed to play these friendlies mid-pitch.

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Game 6: 12 2 6 Curves (1-1)  VS.  Sinkers (2-0)

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- The Curves make no lineup changes despite the loss. The team feels confident that the pieces laid out as they are - 1. Bischoff, 2. Buhr, 3. Nagorski, 4. Hewlett, 5. Coffman - will be more than good enough to win the Fall Championship with Evan Bischoff taking the mound (They did score 9 in the loss, with runs at the top and RBIs from the back end).

- Sinkers haven't played since 10/14 in a 17-15 shootout win over the Risers. Asked whether the layoff may hurt their production Phillips responded, "we got this." Then asked if Sinker's championship shirts will feature the slogan Hughes interupted, "will? Been wearing mine since September," as he lifted his jersey to show off a shirt reading "Sinkers, Fall Champions 2012, We always had this." No mention of their lineup, but they haven't changed anything yet. Why start now?

Top 1st
Buhr and Hewlett reach base on a single and walk, but they come sandwiched between two ground outs and a fly out. Curves unable to get anything going against Phillips in the first.

Bot 1st
Easy inning to start the day for Bischoff: two outs on the ground and a lazy pop out. Score is 0-0 after one.

Top 2nd
Two one-out singles (Buhr, Nagorski) and a walk (Hewlett) get a threat going for the Curves. A fielders choice by Coffman keeps the bases loaded with two outs for Bischoff, who makes up for his K earlier in the inning with a 2 RBI double to right-center. Buhr follows with his third hit of the game, a single scoring both Coffman and Bischoff. The inning ends on a Nagorski fly out to left, but four runs in for the Curves.

Bot 2nd
Hewlett robs a home run off the bat of Phillips on the first pitch of the inning. The deep fly shakes Bischoff up, and he walks the next two batters. He settles back down, getting Braden and Alexia on more routine fly outs. 4-0 Curves after two innings.

Top 3rd
Cleansing inning in the third for Phillips with help from Alexia and Hughes turning a double play (SS - 2nd - mound) on Coffman after a Hewlett walk. Bischoff then slaps a single to left, but nothing comes of it as Buhr flies out to Roszell in center. Sinkers quiet the opponents bats, but need to wake theirs up to get in this championship deciding game.

Bot 3rd
Two more walks (Phillips, Braden) by Bischoff, but he gets the other three batters out on fielder's choices. No harm, no foul... and no hits given up yet on the day. Score remains 4-0 Curves.

Top 4th
Three up, three down for the Curves in the fourth. They make it a busy inning for Roszell chasing down fly balls in left, but nothing else. Still comfortable in command of the game, though.

Bot 4th
That comfortable feeling gets a little less as Phillips hits a hard drive to left to lead off an inning for the second time, and this time out of the reach of Hewlett. Solo home run. Bischoff seems to shake off this hard hit quicker getting the next two batters out in the air then on the ground. Braden then steps up and crushes another ball deep to left and over the wall. Second solo home run of the inning. Alexia grounds out to finish the inning, but the Sinkers get on the board and back into this game. They still trail the Curves 4-2 with one inning left to play.

Top 5th
After that scare, the Curves look to add some insurance with the top of the order due up. Bischoff steps up with a single, and Buhr hits a one-hopper to Alexia in short left that he handles for the first out (FC 2nd). Phillips then kicks it up a notch needing just two pitches K to Nagorski, get Hewlett to pop out to right and end the inning. Curves hold onto their two run lead needing just three more outs to win the Fall Championship.

Bot 5th
Bischoff walks Phillips, then trades out runners on the next two batters with fielder's choices to the circle: both out at second. One out left to get, but Braden keeps the Sinkers alive with a single to left. Alexia draws a walk, bringing Phillips back up to the plate. He draws his second walk of the inning, pushing Hughes across the plate. Tying run standing at third, two outs. Roszell slaps the ball into right, Buhr charges in and flips the ball to Bischoff for the final out! 12 2 6 Curves hang on and win the Fall Championship in exciting fashion 4-3!

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H
	0	4	0	0	0	4	7
	0	0	0	2	1	3	3

12 2 6 Curves  (2-1)			Sinkers  (2-1)
OFFENSE			OFFENSE
E. Bischoff	3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R		Hughes	0-4, BB, R
Buhr	3-5, 2 RBI		D. Braden	2-4, HR, BB, RBI, R
Nagorski	1-4, R		Alexia	0-4, BB
Hewlett	0-2, 3 BB		Phillips	1-2, HR, 3 BB, 2 RBI, R
Coffman	0-4, R		Roszell	0-4, BB
PITCHING			PITCHING
E. Bischoff	3 R, 3 H, 2 HR, 7 BB		Phillips	4 R, 7 H, 3 BB

Standings
	W	L	+/-
	2	1	-1
	2	1	+2
	1	2	-1
	1	2	0

The 2012 Fall Fantasy season comes to a rousing close. The 12 2 6 Curves took advantage of the Sinkers' cockiness and jumped out quickly to a 4-0 lead. It was big hits by E. Bischoff and Buhr in the top two spots that pushed in the runs, and that's just what they did all fall long. A classic 1-2 duo, combined to hit .517 with a .576 OBP. Their power numbers were modest, though they did hit four doubles: more than the rest of the league combined. It was the entire team getting into the act, though, to get the win with numbers 3, 4, and 5 - Nagorski, Hewlett, and Coffman - coming around to score those big early runs.

Bischoff had an off night giving up 7 walks and 2 home runs, while getting no strike outs. Luckily his defense played a great game behind him to allow only 3 hits to a powerful Sinkers offense. Even with two players vying for the triple crown, said offense showed no real life until the fourth inning. True, Phillips did have a home run robbed in the second, but taken with the rest of the Sinkers' ABs on the day, it seemed more like hitting for the home run crown than to win the game. A flat performance by the favorites, but they get to go out on fire regardless; those shirts they had made are in need of burning.

Player stats and awards for the Fall Fantasy season to come at the end of the week.

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

With the current success of the Punchouts and Wicked Aces in the NWLA Large Team Tournament, I thought it would be fun to have a WSEM mock tournament. I took the eight teams from 2011, ten from 2012, and the nine current teams signed up for 2013. I then ranked them and had them face off. I used an advanced scientific formula that took months to come up with to determine the winners . Just kidding, I simply used a random number generator. To add to the fun, I picked game MVP's and key stat lines in each match-up. Can you tell I get bored in the off-season? Enjoy!

2011			2012			2013
2011 Git R’ Done	3		2012 Manchester Punchouts	1		2013 Whiteford Wicked Aces	4
2011 Wiffling DeLoppes	6		2012 Thunder Ducks	8		2013 Ducks	5
2011 Westside Warriors	14		2012 Whiteford Wicked Aces	2		2013 El Diablos	9
2011 Flying Squirrels	7		2012 Flying Squirrels	15		2013 Holy Balls	12
2011 Belgian Wiffles	18		2012 Belgian Wiffles	10		2013 Flying Squirrels	13
2011 Ass Kickers	11		2012 Jason Mattseals	17		2013 Westside Warriors	16
2011 Campus Commandos	22		2012 Donkeys	19		2013 Belgian Wiffles	20
2011 Jason Mattseals	23		2012 Campus Commandos	24		2013 Belle Islanders	21
			2012 King Friday	26		2013 King Friday	25
			2012 Seamen	27

1st Round

1. 2012 Manchester Punchouts       vs.   32. BYE  Score:  N/A  MVP:  N/A  Key Stats:  The Punchies took advantage of their BYE by trying to find a fourth player. No word yet if they were successful.	8. 2012 Thunder Ducks       vs.   25. 2013 King Friday   Score:  Thunder Ducks 5    King Friday 1   MVP:  Dylan Braden   Key Stats:  D. Braden 11 Ks, N. Braden 3-4, HR
16. 2013 Westside Warriors       vs.   17. 2012 Jason Mattseals   Score:  Mattseals 3    Warriors 1   MVP:  Adam Cosby   Key Stats:  Cosby 12 Ks, Franzen 2-4, 2 RBIs	9. 2013 El Diablos       vs.   24. 2012 Campus Commandos   Score:  El Diablos 2    Commandos 0   MVP:  Craig Skinner   Key Stats:  Skinner 14 Ks, C. Phillips 2 RBIs
4. 2013 Whiteford Wicked Aces       vs.   29. BYE   Score:  N/A   MVP:  N/A   Key Stats:  The 2013 favorites aren’t cocky, but they are confident.	5. 2013 Ducks       vs.   28. BYE   Score:  N/A   MVP:  N/A   Key Stats:  The 2013 Ducks have been watching videos of the 2011 Git R’ Done in hopes of recapturing their old magic.
13. 2013 Flying Squirrels       vs.   20. 2013 Belgian Wiffles   Score:  Squirrels 6    Belgian 0   MVP:  Adam Cosby   Key Stats:  Cosby 14 Ks; Myers 4-5, 2 HRs	12. 2013 Holy Balls       vs.   21. 2013 Belle Islanders   Score:  Islanders    2 Balls 1   MVP:  Alex Linebrink   Key Stats:  Linebrink 10 Ks, Egan GW RBI
3. 2011 Git R’ Done       vs.   30. BYE   Score:  N/A   MVP:  N/A   Key Stats:  2011 Dennis Pearson was a beast, this team will be dangerous.	6. 2011 Wiffling DeLoppes       vs.   27. 2012 Seamen   Score:  DeLoppes 7    Seamen 0   MVP:  Joey DeLano   Key Stats:  DeLano 4-4, Cycle; C. Hoppe 12 Ks
14. 2011 Westside Warriors       vs.   19. 2012 Donkeys   Score:  Warriors 4    Donkeys 1   MVP:   Alex Shore   Key Stats:  Shore 4-5, 3 RBIs; Malloy 11 Ks	11. 2011 Ass Kickers       vs.   22. 2011 Campus Commandos   Score:  Commandos 3    Ass Kickers 2   MVP:  Joe Seto   Key Stats: Seto 11 Ks, 2 RBIs; Grant 4 BBs
2. 2012 Whiteford Wicked Aces       vs.   31. BYE   Score:  N/A   MVP:  N/A   Key Stats:  The 2012 champs spent this time cleaning the trophy, hoping to make it smell better.	7. 2011 Flying Squirrels       vs.   26. 2012 King Friday   Score:  Squirrels 4    King Friday 0   MVP:  Mike Merlo   Key Stats:  Merlo 13 Ks; Coffee 4-4, 2 RBIs
15. 2012 Flying Squirrels       vs.   18. 2011 Belgian Wiffles   Score:  Squirrels 2    Belgian 1   MVP:  Michael Constanti   Key Stats:  Constanti 12 Ks, Corbett 3-4	10. 2012 Belgian Wiffles       vs.   23. 2011 Jason Mattseals   Score:  Belgian 4    Mattseals 1   MVP:  David Castle   Key Stats: Castle 11 Ks; Buhr 3-4, HR

2nd Round

1. 2012 Manchester Punchouts       vs.   17. 2012 Jason Mattseals   Score:  Punchouts 5    Mattseals 0   MVP:  Evan Bortmas   Key Stats:  Bortmas 4-5, 4 RBIs; Hatt 3-5	4. 2013 Whiteford Wicked Aces       vs.   13. 2013 Flying Squirrels   Score:  Wicked Aces 3    Squirrels 0   MVP:  Austin Bischoff   Key Stats:  A. Bischoff 14 Ks; Crozier 2-4, 2 RBIs
8. 2012 Thunder Ducks       vs.   9. 2013 El Diablos   Score:  Thunder Ducks 4    El Diablos 2   MVP:  Dennis Pearson   Key Stats:  Pearson 14 Ks, 2 RBIs; Lewis HR	5. 2013 Ducks       vs.   21. 2013 Belle Islanders   Score:  Islanders 1    Ducks 0   MVP:  Daniel Egan   Key Stats:  Egan 13 Ks; Linebrink 1-4, RBI
3. 2011 Git R’ Done       vs.   14. 2011 Westside Warriors   Score:  Git R’ Done 3    Warriors 1   MVP:  Dennis Pearson   Key Stats:  Pearson 14 Ks, N. Braden HR	2. 2012 Whiteford Wicked Aces       vs.   15. 2012 Flying Squirrels   Score:  Wicked Aces 3    Squirrels 0   MVP:  Austin Bischoff   Key Stats: A. Bischoff 14 Ks, E. Bischoff 2 RBIs
6. 2011 Wiffling DeLoppes       vs.   22. 2011 Campus Commandos   Score:  Commandos 2    DeLoppes 1   MVP:  Alex Linebrink   Key Stats:  Linebrink 13 Ks, Seto HR	7. 2011 Flying Squirrels       vs.   10. 2012 Belgian Wiffles   Score:  Squirrels 2    Belgian 0   MVP:  Austin Bischoff   Key Stats:  Bischoff 12 Ks, Murtha HR

Elite 8

1. 2012 Manchester Punchouts       vs.   8. 2012 Thunder Ducks   Score:  Punchouts 3    Thunder Ducks 1   MVP:  Sam Hatt   Key Stats:  Hatt 13 Ks, LaDouceur 2 RBIs	4. 2013 Whiteford Wicked Aces       vs.   21. 2013 Belle Islanders   Score:  Wicked Aces 4    Islanders 1   MVP:  Joel Crozier   Key Stats:  Crozier 12 Ks, Hughes HR
3. 2011 Git R’ Done       vs.   22. 2011 Campus Commandos   Score:  Commandos 2    Git R’ Done 1   MVP:  Joe Seto   Key Stats:  Seto 12 Ks, HR; Linebrink 2-4, RBI	2. 2012 Whiteford Wicked Aces       vs.   7. 2011 Flying Squirrels   Score:  Squirrels 2    Wicked Aces 0   MVP:  Brandon Corbett   Key Stats:  Merlo 13 Ks, Corbett 2 HRs

Final Four

1. 2012 Manchester Punchouts	VS.	4. 2013 Whiteford Wicked Aces
Score:  Punchouts 2    Wicked Aces 1       MVP:  Evan Bortmas       Key Stats:  Bortmas 12 Ks, RBI, Hatt 2-4, RBI
22. 2011 Campus Commandos	VS.	7. 2011 Flying Squirrels
Score:  Commandos 1    Squirrels 0       MVP:  Alex Linebrink       Key Stats:  Linebrink 11 Ks, Pfefferle RBI

CHAMPIONSHIP

In the inaugural WSEM Mock Tournament, one team was expected to make it this far, the other is a complete shocker. The #1 seed 2012 Manchester Punchouts roster consists of Evan Bortmas, Sam Hatt, Dakota LaDouceur, and Jimmy Hamilton. The Punchouts went 26-2 in the 2012 regular season, and then reached the Championship Series. Unfortunately they weren't able to field a team in the Championship, and had to forfeit to the Aces. The Punchouts also are currently ranked #4 in the NWLA rankings, and reached the Final Four in the NWLA Large Team Tournament. In the WSEM Mock Tournament, they have beat the #17 2012 Mattseals in the 2nd round, #8 2012 Thunder Ducks in the Elite 8, and the #4 2013 Wicked Aces in the Final Four.

The Punchouts opponent are the 2011 Campus Commandos. The #22 seed Commandos roster consists of Joe Seto, Alex Linebrink, Eric Pfefferle, and Adam Grant. In 2011, the Commandos went 9-19 in the regular season, earning them the 7th seed. In the playoffs they went two and out against the DeLoppes. To get the Mock Tournament Championship, the Commandos have pulled off an amazing four straight upsets. In the 1st round the Commandos beat the #11 2011 Ass Kickers and then followed that in the 2nd round with a win over the #6 2011 DeLoppes. In the Elite 8 the magic continued and the Commandos took down the #3 2011 Git R' Done. In the Final Four, the Commandos would meet their fourth straight 2011 team, the #7 Flying Squirrels. The Commandos took care of business against the Squirrels to reach the Championship Game. Best of Luck to both teams!

1. 2012 Manchester Punchouts	VS.	22. 2011 Campus Commandos
Score:  Punchouts 3    Commandos 2       MVP:  Sam Hatt       Key Stats: Hatt 13 Ks, 2 RBIs; Hamilton, RBI

Fans everywhere enjoy a good friendly, everyone enjoys giving into a good fantasy, and everyone loves the Fall - just too bad there isn't much Wiffle going on. Ah-ha! (Take on Me) That's where the the friendly and fantasy can come across even stronger. Four teams of five have been arbitrarily selected to compete and entertain us over the slow months. To determine the outcome of each at-bat a random number generator from 1 to 1000 is used. Each player's number ranges are different: their AVG and OBP are multiplied by the opposing pitcher's WHIP to set the ranges for hits and walks; from there a player's percentage of singles, doubles, triples, and home runs are spread over their "hit range": singles start at 1, home runs end at the highest number in the hit range. Walks follow above hits, and a pitcher's number of strikeouts in the 2012 season set the strikeout range after walks. Every number above that is an out made in the field: numbers closer to 1000 are fly outs, while lower numbers are ground outs. Depending on the situation sacrifice flies, advancing runners, peg outs, and double plays also come into play. You'll see that strikeouts and walks are disproportional to a real game, and that just adds to the entertainment! Let's just say everyone agreed to play these friendlies mid-pitch.

---

Game 5: Risers (0-2)  VS.  Cheese (1-1)

---

- The Risers got the offense started last game (to the tune of 15 runs), but still couldn't get the win. They again choose to change things up, this time going with a "feel" thing in addition to just going by the numbers. Tomlinson says he hits best at fourth in the order, and he is .300 with 3 R but no RBI or HR, so he is moving down to the four slot. Constanti, Seto, and Mushinski are all coming off big games (4-6, HR, 4 RBI ; 2-4, HR, 5 RBI; 3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI - respectively) and will move up to the one through three slots. Franzen, struggling in the fall (.143 AVG), bats fifth. Constanti (0-1, 5.00 ERA) takes the mound for his second start.

- Confident in their lineup's performance, the Cheese make just one switch with Cosby (0-1, 7.00 ERA) taking the mound for the second time. Cosby, hitting .444 and coming off a 2-4 game with a HR, will switch to the third slot with Lewis (.333 AVG) taking over the fifth. They have put up 15 runs in 2 games. Led by Crozier (.636 AVG, 5 R) at the top of the order with Pfefferle bringing them home (.444 AVG, 6 RBI).

Top 1st -
Cosby starts out strong getting two easy groundouts and a lazy pop fly to Crozier in center.

Bot 1st -
Constanti matches with a sound start of his own: a slow-roller and soft line drive to Franzen in right, and a pop up to Seto in left. Pitchers on their game, no baserunners after one.

Top 2nd -
Cosby starts out the second looking to continue dominance. He strikes out Tomlinson, then gets Franzen to roll over on a pitch for an easy out by Shore in left. Constanti then gets to him with a sharp single to center, and Seto follows by pushing a ball behind Pfefferle down the right field line for an RBI triple. Mushinski then flies out to left to end the inning. One run in.

Bot 2nd -
Constanti runs with his team's 1-0 lead, three-up/three-down in similar fashion to the first: two pop outs, and a roller back to the mound. Risers take a 1-0 lead to the third.

Top 3rd -
Tomlinson leads off with a single to left; Franzen hits into a fielder's choice and trades places with him. Constanti steps to the plate and helps out his cause, blasting a 3-0 inside slider over the left field fence. Cosby responds by striking out Seto on three pitches. Mushinski slaps a seeing eye single into right, then Cosby Ks up Tomlinson for the second time to end the inning. 3 strike outs on the day, but 3 runs also for the Risers.

Bot 3rd -
Constanti keeps pitching to contact, and keeps getting outs. Shore and Cosby both fly out to Tomlinson in center to start the inning. Back-to-back walks to Pfefferle and Lewis follow, before Crozier gets underneath yet another ball for a pop fly to Seto in left. Out. 3-0 lead for the Risers heading to the fourth.

Top 4th -
Cosby comes through for his team with a blank inning. Soft line out and a grounder back to the mound start the inning; Seto then ropes a two-out single to left, but gets stranded as Mushinski grounds out to Pfefferle right.

Bot 4th -
Cheese need runs, and Shore answers the bell by leading off with a triple that runs along the wall in right-center. He scores immediately on a ground ball out by Cosby. They add a walk later in the inning, but are unable to get anymore going with two lazy fly outs. Cheese close the gap to 3-1 with three outs left.

Top 5th -
Cosby starts finishing off the game strong with two ground outs. Constanti then draws a walk and Seto singles to right, before Mushinski lines out to Tomlinson in center. Cheese need 2 runs, last call!

Bot 5th -
Shore fouls off a few pitches leading off, then turns on a strike, but hits it right at Franzen in right. One down. Cosby fights off a close, tight first pitch, but squibs it right back to the mound for out number two. Constanti stays with the inside pitch against Pfefferle and gets him to roll over one to Seto in left, relayed quickly to the circle for the final out. Risers end their Fall season with their first win, 3-1 over the Cheese!

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H
	0	1	2	0	0	3	7
	0	0	0	1	0	1	1

Risers  (1-2)			Cheese  (1-2)
OFFENSE			OFFENSE
Constanti	2-4, HR, BB, 2 RBI, 2 R		Crozier	0-4
Seto	3-5, 3B, RBI		Shore	1-3, 3B, R
Mushinski	1-5		Cosby	0-4, RBI
Tomlinson	1-4		Pfefferle	0-3, BB
Franzen	0-4, R		Lewis	0-1, 2 BB
PITCHING			PITCHING
Constanti	1 R, 1 H, 3 BB		Cosby	3 R, 7 H, 1 HR, 1 BB, 3 K

Standings
	W	L	+/-
	2	0	+3
	1	1	-2
	1	2	-1
	1	2	0

The MVP of this game is an easy pick. Mike Constanti went 2-4 with a HR and had a hand in each run scored for the Risers in their first win of the Fall. He also nearly shut down the Cheese offense completely. The Risers' lineup moves paid off, with Joe Seto and Constanti providing a great one-two punch at the top of the order. It seems like nothing the Cheese could have done would have affect the result; Constanti was straight dealing on the mound. Shore gets a big nod for coming through late with a hustling triple in a huge spot to spark a run and late life for the Cheese. This was a vintage Wiffle game (without the Ks): low scoring with timely hitting deciding the day.

The Risers' win locks them into a third place finish. A 12 2 6 Curves (1-1) win over the Sinkers (2-0) has them both finish 2-1 to claim the first and second spots, respectively. The Risers would claim third over the Cheese with the head-to-head victory. A Sinkers win over the Curves grants them a perfect 3-0 first-place finish, while three teams finish 1-2, which would cause the head-to-head tiebreaker to be thrown out. Run differential would then decide the final placing. In such a scenario the Cheese are in top position at an even 0, the Risers again place third with a -1, and the Curves finish fourth going into their final game with a -2.

The finer points going into the final game: Whoever wins, Sinkers or Curves, is the Fall Champion. If Sinkers win: 2nd place is Cheese, 3rd is Risers, and 4th is Curves. If Curves win: 2nd place is Sinkers, 3rd is Risers, and 4th is Cheese.