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.