 | Coffee Time | |
| by Carl Coffee |
After a quiet fall in the Wiffle world, the winter brought a sudden, unpredicted emergence on both the WSEM facebook page and written articles from WSEM players. I really love everyone’s participation this season with the articles, but I know you guys also miss some Coffee Time!
Last season I ranked the top five preseason pitchers and hitters. I nailed some of my predictions (DeLano #1 hitter), but whiffed badly on others (B. Constanti #1 pitcher). A top five list this year would leave out a lot of well-deserved talent, so I decided this year to make my lists top ten. I am going to start with pitchers. Enjoy!
10. Maclin Malloy - Donkeys
Maclin Malloy is only one of two players to be ranked on both last year’s top five list and this year’s top ten list. The Westside Warriors struggled last season to have a consistent roster show up for games, and Malloy was pretty much just a part-time player. He appeared in nine games and only started in five of those. He ended the season with a 3-3 record with one save. Malloy also gave up a staggering 60 walks in 38.2 innings, but did have 83 strike outs. His WHIP was 2.28 due to his high walk total, and his ERA of 3.36 was middle of the road compared to other starting pitchers. So with all these negative stats, why is Malloy even on this list? Malloy only allowed 28 hits last season. Sure, you could attribute that to his high walk total, but if you ever batted off him before, you know he is tough to make contact with. If Malloy can pull a Dennis Pearson and improve on his accuracy this season, he will easily become an elite pitcher. He has the pitching velocity that a lot of pitchers would drool over. Malloy has joined the Donkeys this season, so maybe Joe Seto, who has incredible accuracy, can rub off on this youngster.
9. Jason Hewlett - Jason Mattseals
In 2012, we will introduce a new award, Most Improved Player. Jason Hewlett deserved this award every single time he played last season. When Hewlett first showed up at the Wind-Up tournament last spring it was his first time ever throwing a wiffleball at a competitive level. Each time he took the mound after that he only got better and better. Unfortunately an injury kept him out of the playoffs, but he has told me he is incredibly excited and ready to pitch in 2012. Jason won three games for the Mattseals in 2011, and if you look at the Mattseals offensive numbers, you’ll know that is an impressive feat. Jason had 79 strike outs in 51 innings while giving up 44 walks. I am very anxious to see what Hewlett does this season. The Mattseals are not exactly world beaters defensively or offensively, but Hewlett is the kind of pitcher who will throw five innings of shutout wiffleball. If his team can score some runs, you may see Hewlett double or triple his win total from last season.
8. Joe Seto - Donkeys
In 2011, no pitcher in the league started more games or threw more innings than Joe Seto. Seto was unable to get his tournament team, the Donkeys, to commit to forming a league team last season. So, without his own team to play on, he joined the Campus Commandos. Seto put the team on his back and finished with an 8-11 record. He appeared in 20 games, started in 17 of them, and threw for an astounding 94 innings. He finished third in the league in strike outs with 162, and only allowed a microscopic 27 walks in all of those innings pitched. Seto isn’t known for bringing heat, but his ability to freeze you with a breaking ball makes up for it. Seto also puts a lot of balls in play, and with an improved defense behind him, you will see his hits allowed and ERA both decrease. Knowing he can only pitch in 14 games has to excite Mr. Seto, as he no longer will be overworked, nor have the weight of an entire team counting on him. Also, teaming up with fireballer Maclin Malloy gives the Donkeys a very nice 1-2 punch.
7. Mike Merlo - Flying Squirrels
Mike Merlo joined the Flying Squirrels midseason when they were desperate for pitching help. He gave them more than they ever could have expected going 4-0 in four starts. All four starts were complete games, and he only allowed one run: earning him an incredible 0.25 ERA. Merlo also had 32 strike outs while only allowing four walks. Merlo did not get looked at for any postseason awards due to him joining the league midseason, but he definitely is in the running this season for the Clown Shu. Merlo’s critics will point out the fact that he beats up on the weaker teams, while struggling against the better ones. This criticism is highlighted by what happened to Merlo during the playoffs. His playoff numbers were much different than his regular season ones. In three starts he went 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA. Merlo is a fierce competitor who never complained when he was replaced as the ace late in the 2011 season by fireballer Austin Bischoff. He took the role as the #2 starter very well, and he will once again assume that role with the Squirrels acquiring Michael Constanti. I expect another big season out of Merlo, especially if the Squirrels give him some run support.
6. Chris Lewis - Thunder Ducks
Chris Lewis’ 2011 season was a lot like Joe Seto's. He was put on a team, was the only pitcher on that team, and then at the end of the season changed teams. Chris appeared in 20 games for the Belgian Wiffles, and 16 of them were starts. He finished with a 9-9 record in 88 total innings. Chris always pitched with a crippled roster and had only two guys playing defense behind him. With that said, he was a one man wrecking crew who shocked the league a few times by beating Git r’ Done once, and the Wiffling DeLoppes twice. Chris was second in the league in strike outs with 177, and gave up a respectful 50 walks. I believe his 2.61 ERA and 1.72 WHIP would have been much lower if he had a full defense behind him. The league took notice of his accomplishments however, and voted him on the All-Star team. So what does 2012 have in store for Mr. Riser? Well, he has joined the champs and will be their #2 pitcher. Yep, the guy who had 177 strike outs and nine wins will not even be the ace of his team. Chris will never have to worry about playing with a three man roster anymore, and his run support will be much improved. With the pressure off Chris as the ace, I could see him once again winning nine games or even more.
5. Chad Hoppe - Wiffling DeLoppes
Chad Hoppe is the second pitcher who made both the 2011 top five pitcher list and this one. He was ranked third last season, and a solid 2011 campaign earned him close to that once again. I think Chad epitomizes a wiffleball pitcher. He has 15 (so it seems) different pitches, he throws strikes, and the guy hustles like no other pitcher in the league. His hustling skills earned him the Diamond Digit Award for pitchers. Chad went 9-3 for the DeLoppes last season, and had an amazing 1.98 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. In 53 innings pitched he only allowed 32 walks and had 91 strike outs. His playoff numbers were even more impressive. Chad won three playoff games, had a 0.95 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He also had 63 strike outs in the playoffs, which was third best behind Pearson and Bischoff. Chad’s consistency and work ethic will give him another solid season in 2012. With the best defense in the league behind him and great run support, Chad could easily improve on his impressive 2011 stats.
4. Cliff Comstock - Wiffling DeLoppes
The other star pitcher for the DeLoppes ranks one spot ahead of teammate Chad Hoppe. Although the DeLoppes usually pitch Chad first and Cliff second, Cliff had the ace numbers for his team. Cliff was second in the league in wins with 13. He only lost three games for the DeLoppes in 16 starts. Cliff’s most impressive stats was his incredible 1.02 WHIP. If you don’t count midseason players Merlo or Bischoff, Comstock had the best WHIP among starting pitchers. In 67.2 innings pitched, Cliff had a 1.33 ERA, 108 strike outs, and allowed a very low 21 walks. Cliff’s impressive 2011 season earned him an All-Star nod which was well deserved. Much like Chad, Cliff has a rich arsenal of pitches. His fastball is nothing to laugh at, and he also can freeze you with a first pitch breaking ball that makes you look like a scarecrow. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one thing, Cliff is a lefty! Being a lefty in a league dominated by right handed hitters should be a disadvantage for Cliff. That is not even close to the case however, Cliff uses his southpaw powers to hang breaking balls that knick the outside corner. With the new pitching rules in place, I highly doubt Cliff will win 13 games again, but a double digit win total is definitely not out of the question.
3. Michael Constanti - Flying Squirrels
The wrong Constanti brother had the amazing 2011 pitching season. I ranked Michael’s brother, Brian, as the #1 pitcher going into the season. Brian absolutely stunk, however, going 1-9 with a 4.86 ERA. Michael on the other hand shocked the league and went 9-3 with a 1.54 ERA. The Ass Kickers would have been a complete disaster if it wasn’t for the breakout season from Michael. Along with the nine wins and impressive ERA, Michael had 121 strike outs which ranked fourth best. If not for the forfeits the Ass Kickers had, I believe Michael would have trailed only Pearson in that category. In 61.1 innings pitched, Michael only allowed 42 walks, so his accuracy is among the best in the league. In 2012, Michael has joined the Flying Squirrels, who have a deep roster of regular players. He no longer will have to worry about forfeiting or playing with a three man roster. He has already been slated as the Squirrels ace, and, if he is available, will pitch the maximum 14 starts he is allowed. I see Michael having another solid season. 2011 was an unexpected All-Star season for Michael Constanti, but another one should be expected in 2012.
2. Austin Bischoff - Whiteford WA
Austin Bischoff took the league by storm in 2011. The Flying Squirrels were short a pitcher during a Tri-Meet in early July, so Austin Bischoff was asked to fill in for a day. That day he shut out both the DeLoppes and the Warriors going a combined 2-0 with 27 strike outs and allowed only four hits. He of course was asked to come back the following weekend against the Commandos, and went 2-0 with 29 strike outs and allowed just three hits. It was then time for the playoffs, and Austin did not disappoint. In four playoff starts, which included a 12 inning pitching duel against Comstock and the DeLoppes, Austin only allowed one total run. I am going to combine his four regular season games with his four playoff games to show you how unbelievable Austin’s pitching stats were. In the eight total games, Austin went 7-1, had a 0.11 ERA and a WHIP of 0.65 in 46 total innings. Austin also had 120 strike outs and allowed just 12 walks. Easy math there to determine his 10/1 Strikeout-to-walk ratio, which is absolutely sick! Batting against other fireballers like Pearson and Malloy, you never know if a strike is coming, but against Austin, you know he will hit the board. It impresses me a lot that even though you know where his pitches are going to hit, you still cannot hit him. Austin and front office member Joel Crozier formed the Whiteford Wiffle Association (yes, that is their team name), and this season joined WSEM as an expansion team. They will not be total unknowns, however. WWA already has a tournament title under their belts after winning the Beat It tournament last September. Plain and simple, there is one last thing to say regarding Austin Bischoff: Dennis Pearson, you now have some competition!
1. Dennis Pearson - Thunder Ducks
How could I leave Dennis Pearson off the top five list last season? That answer is simple; Dennis could not hit the strike zone at a consistent level. Dennis impressed everyone with his high 70s fast balls as far back as 2009, but he was always incredibly wild. Going into last season, he still had not shown he improved his accuracy. Well, 2011 was a season of complete dominance for Dennis. His amazing season which earned him the Clown Shu and an All-Star bid, is why Dennis is at the #1 spot. Dennis and Git r’ Done came out of the gates fast in 2011 by winning the Wind Up Tournament in the Spring. Dennis never took his foot off the pedal and finished the regular season going 14-4 with one save. Those 14 wins were also the best in the league. Not counting Merlo or Bischoff’s shortened seasons, Dennis’ 1.30 ERA was the best in the league among starting pitchers. His 233 strike outs were not only the best in our league, they were the best in the country. His strike out dominance earned him the NWLA Strike Out King Award. Dennis did improve on his accuracy, but that didn’t mean he stopped walking batters. Dennis still gave up 97 walks, which was the highest in the league. Although it is obvious Dennis had a great regular season, it was in the playoffs where he really shined. Dennis started six games in the playoffs, won every single one of them, and pitched a total of 51 innings. Many of his playoff wins came in marathon extra inning affairs, but Dennis never showed a moment of weakness. In all of those innings pitched, Dennis only allowed one run. Dennis also struck out 144 batters in the playoffs which bring his 2011 strike out total to 377. Dennis’ most impressive playoff stat in my opinion was that he only gave up 29 walks in all of those innings pitched. 2012 should be another great season for Dennis, but it will be impossible to have numbers like that with the changed pitching rules. No one was more upset at this change than Dennis, and after looking at his stats you can see why. I am very curious to see if Dennis can once again win the Clown Shu. Dennis now has some direct competition with Austin Bischoff, so a repeat performance will not be easy to come by.
Last season I ranked the top five preseason pitchers and hitters. I nailed some of my predictions (DeLano #1 hitter), but whiffed badly on others (B. Constanti #1 pitcher). A top five list this year would leave out a lot of well-deserved talent, so I decided this year to make my lists top ten. I am going to start with pitchers. Enjoy!
10. Maclin Malloy - Donkeys
Maclin Malloy is only one of two players to be ranked on both last year’s top five list and this year’s top ten list. The Westside Warriors struggled last season to have a consistent roster show up for games, and Malloy was pretty much just a part-time player. He appeared in nine games and only started in five of those. He ended the season with a 3-3 record with one save. Malloy also gave up a staggering 60 walks in 38.2 innings, but did have 83 strike outs. His WHIP was 2.28 due to his high walk total, and his ERA of 3.36 was middle of the road compared to other starting pitchers. So with all these negative stats, why is Malloy even on this list? Malloy only allowed 28 hits last season. Sure, you could attribute that to his high walk total, but if you ever batted off him before, you know he is tough to make contact with. If Malloy can pull a Dennis Pearson and improve on his accuracy this season, he will easily become an elite pitcher. He has the pitching velocity that a lot of pitchers would drool over. Malloy has joined the Donkeys this season, so maybe Joe Seto, who has incredible accuracy, can rub off on this youngster.9. Jason Hewlett - Jason Mattseals
In 2012, we will introduce a new award, Most Improved Player. Jason Hewlett deserved this award every single time he played last season. When Hewlett first showed up at the Wind-Up tournament last spring it was his first time ever throwing a wiffleball at a competitive level. Each time he took the mound after that he only got better and better. Unfortunately an injury kept him out of the playoffs, but he has told me he is incredibly excited and ready to pitch in 2012. Jason won three games for the Mattseals in 2011, and if you look at the Mattseals offensive numbers, you’ll know that is an impressive feat. Jason had 79 strike outs in 51 innings while giving up 44 walks. I am very anxious to see what Hewlett does this season. The Mattseals are not exactly world beaters defensively or offensively, but Hewlett is the kind of pitcher who will throw five innings of shutout wiffleball. If his team can score some runs, you may see Hewlett double or triple his win total from last season.8. Joe Seto - Donkeys
In 2011, no pitcher in the league started more games or threw more innings than Joe Seto. Seto was unable to get his tournament team, the Donkeys, to commit to forming a league team last season. So, without his own team to play on, he joined the Campus Commandos. Seto put the team on his back and finished with an 8-11 record. He appeared in 20 games, started in 17 of them, and threw for an astounding 94 innings. He finished third in the league in strike outs with 162, and only allowed a microscopic 27 walks in all of those innings pitched. Seto isn’t known for bringing heat, but his ability to freeze you with a breaking ball makes up for it. Seto also puts a lot of balls in play, and with an improved defense behind him, you will see his hits allowed and ERA both decrease. Knowing he can only pitch in 14 games has to excite Mr. Seto, as he no longer will be overworked, nor have the weight of an entire team counting on him. Also, teaming up with fireballer Maclin Malloy gives the Donkeys a very nice 1-2 punch. 7. Mike Merlo - Flying Squirrels
Mike Merlo joined the Flying Squirrels midseason when they were desperate for pitching help. He gave them more than they ever could have expected going 4-0 in four starts. All four starts were complete games, and he only allowed one run: earning him an incredible 0.25 ERA. Merlo also had 32 strike outs while only allowing four walks. Merlo did not get looked at for any postseason awards due to him joining the league midseason, but he definitely is in the running this season for the Clown Shu. Merlo’s critics will point out the fact that he beats up on the weaker teams, while struggling against the better ones. This criticism is highlighted by what happened to Merlo during the playoffs. His playoff numbers were much different than his regular season ones. In three starts he went 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA. Merlo is a fierce competitor who never complained when he was replaced as the ace late in the 2011 season by fireballer Austin Bischoff. He took the role as the #2 starter very well, and he will once again assume that role with the Squirrels acquiring Michael Constanti. I expect another big season out of Merlo, especially if the Squirrels give him some run support.6. Chris Lewis - Thunder Ducks
Chris Lewis’ 2011 season was a lot like Joe Seto's. He was put on a team, was the only pitcher on that team, and then at the end of the season changed teams. Chris appeared in 20 games for the Belgian Wiffles, and 16 of them were starts. He finished with a 9-9 record in 88 total innings. Chris always pitched with a crippled roster and had only two guys playing defense behind him. With that said, he was a one man wrecking crew who shocked the league a few times by beating Git r’ Done once, and the Wiffling DeLoppes twice. Chris was second in the league in strike outs with 177, and gave up a respectful 50 walks. I believe his 2.61 ERA and 1.72 WHIP would have been much lower if he had a full defense behind him. The league took notice of his accomplishments however, and voted him on the All-Star team. So what does 2012 have in store for Mr. Riser? Well, he has joined the champs and will be their #2 pitcher. Yep, the guy who had 177 strike outs and nine wins will not even be the ace of his team. Chris will never have to worry about playing with a three man roster anymore, and his run support will be much improved. With the pressure off Chris as the ace, I could see him once again winning nine games or even more.5. Chad Hoppe - Wiffling DeLoppes
Chad Hoppe is the second pitcher who made both the 2011 top five pitcher list and this one. He was ranked third last season, and a solid 2011 campaign earned him close to that once again. I think Chad epitomizes a wiffleball pitcher. He has 15 (so it seems) different pitches, he throws strikes, and the guy hustles like no other pitcher in the league. His hustling skills earned him the Diamond Digit Award for pitchers. Chad went 9-3 for the DeLoppes last season, and had an amazing 1.98 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. In 53 innings pitched he only allowed 32 walks and had 91 strike outs. His playoff numbers were even more impressive. Chad won three playoff games, had a 0.95 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He also had 63 strike outs in the playoffs, which was third best behind Pearson and Bischoff. Chad’s consistency and work ethic will give him another solid season in 2012. With the best defense in the league behind him and great run support, Chad could easily improve on his impressive 2011 stats.4. Cliff Comstock - Wiffling DeLoppes
The other star pitcher for the DeLoppes ranks one spot ahead of teammate Chad Hoppe. Although the DeLoppes usually pitch Chad first and Cliff second, Cliff had the ace numbers for his team. Cliff was second in the league in wins with 13. He only lost three games for the DeLoppes in 16 starts. Cliff’s most impressive stats was his incredible 1.02 WHIP. If you don’t count midseason players Merlo or Bischoff, Comstock had the best WHIP among starting pitchers. In 67.2 innings pitched, Cliff had a 1.33 ERA, 108 strike outs, and allowed a very low 21 walks. Cliff’s impressive 2011 season earned him an All-Star nod which was well deserved. Much like Chad, Cliff has a rich arsenal of pitches. His fastball is nothing to laugh at, and he also can freeze you with a first pitch breaking ball that makes you look like a scarecrow. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one thing, Cliff is a lefty! Being a lefty in a league dominated by right handed hitters should be a disadvantage for Cliff. That is not even close to the case however, Cliff uses his southpaw powers to hang breaking balls that knick the outside corner. With the new pitching rules in place, I highly doubt Cliff will win 13 games again, but a double digit win total is definitely not out of the question.3. Michael Constanti - Flying Squirrels
The wrong Constanti brother had the amazing 2011 pitching season. I ranked Michael’s brother, Brian, as the #1 pitcher going into the season. Brian absolutely stunk, however, going 1-9 with a 4.86 ERA. Michael on the other hand shocked the league and went 9-3 with a 1.54 ERA. The Ass Kickers would have been a complete disaster if it wasn’t for the breakout season from Michael. Along with the nine wins and impressive ERA, Michael had 121 strike outs which ranked fourth best. If not for the forfeits the Ass Kickers had, I believe Michael would have trailed only Pearson in that category. In 61.1 innings pitched, Michael only allowed 42 walks, so his accuracy is among the best in the league. In 2012, Michael has joined the Flying Squirrels, who have a deep roster of regular players. He no longer will have to worry about forfeiting or playing with a three man roster. He has already been slated as the Squirrels ace, and, if he is available, will pitch the maximum 14 starts he is allowed. I see Michael having another solid season. 2011 was an unexpected All-Star season for Michael Constanti, but another one should be expected in 2012.2. Austin Bischoff - Whiteford WA
Austin Bischoff took the league by storm in 2011. The Flying Squirrels were short a pitcher during a Tri-Meet in early July, so Austin Bischoff was asked to fill in for a day. That day he shut out both the DeLoppes and the Warriors going a combined 2-0 with 27 strike outs and allowed only four hits. He of course was asked to come back the following weekend against the Commandos, and went 2-0 with 29 strike outs and allowed just three hits. It was then time for the playoffs, and Austin did not disappoint. In four playoff starts, which included a 12 inning pitching duel against Comstock and the DeLoppes, Austin only allowed one total run. I am going to combine his four regular season games with his four playoff games to show you how unbelievable Austin’s pitching stats were. In the eight total games, Austin went 7-1, had a 0.11 ERA and a WHIP of 0.65 in 46 total innings. Austin also had 120 strike outs and allowed just 12 walks. Easy math there to determine his 10/1 Strikeout-to-walk ratio, which is absolutely sick! Batting against other fireballers like Pearson and Malloy, you never know if a strike is coming, but against Austin, you know he will hit the board. It impresses me a lot that even though you know where his pitches are going to hit, you still cannot hit him. Austin and front office member Joel Crozier formed the Whiteford Wiffle Association (yes, that is their team name), and this season joined WSEM as an expansion team. They will not be total unknowns, however. WWA already has a tournament title under their belts after winning the Beat It tournament last September. Plain and simple, there is one last thing to say regarding Austin Bischoff: Dennis Pearson, you now have some competition! 1. Dennis Pearson - Thunder Ducks
How could I leave Dennis Pearson off the top five list last season? That answer is simple; Dennis could not hit the strike zone at a consistent level. Dennis impressed everyone with his high 70s fast balls as far back as 2009, but he was always incredibly wild. Going into last season, he still had not shown he improved his accuracy. Well, 2011 was a season of complete dominance for Dennis. His amazing season which earned him the Clown Shu and an All-Star bid, is why Dennis is at the #1 spot. Dennis and Git r’ Done came out of the gates fast in 2011 by winning the Wind Up Tournament in the Spring. Dennis never took his foot off the pedal and finished the regular season going 14-4 with one save. Those 14 wins were also the best in the league. Not counting Merlo or Bischoff’s shortened seasons, Dennis’ 1.30 ERA was the best in the league among starting pitchers. His 233 strike outs were not only the best in our league, they were the best in the country. His strike out dominance earned him the NWLA Strike Out King Award. Dennis did improve on his accuracy, but that didn’t mean he stopped walking batters. Dennis still gave up 97 walks, which was the highest in the league. Although it is obvious Dennis had a great regular season, it was in the playoffs where he really shined. Dennis started six games in the playoffs, won every single one of them, and pitched a total of 51 innings. Many of his playoff wins came in marathon extra inning affairs, but Dennis never showed a moment of weakness. In all of those innings pitched, Dennis only allowed one run. Dennis also struck out 144 batters in the playoffs which bring his 2011 strike out total to 377. Dennis’ most impressive playoff stat in my opinion was that he only gave up 29 walks in all of those innings pitched. 2012 should be another great season for Dennis, but it will be impossible to have numbers like that with the changed pitching rules. No one was more upset at this change than Dennis, and after looking at his stats you can see why. I am very curious to see if Dennis can once again win the Clown Shu. Dennis now has some direct competition with Austin Bischoff, so a repeat performance will not be easy to come by. 
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please, sign your name to your comments.