A Team-by-Team Breakdown of the 2015 MNWA
4/4/2015
by Trent Steffes
It's right about this time of year that Wiffle Fever starts to peak, especially here in Minnesota. The snow is gone, and temps are remarkably high for this time of year. In the coming weeks, guys will get out an practice, HRL's season will start, and JC Memorial Field will be set up for the 2015 MNWA Opening Day event on Saturday May 23rd. It's hard to handle that Opening Day is still 7 long weeks away, because of the "early" Spring we are having here in the Land of 10,000+ Lakes. It is also this time of year that the National wiffleball scene becomes flooded with anticipation, as well. The NWLA's St. Patty's Day predictions should be out sometime soon. I have also thought it would be difficult to have to go out and search for any sort of information that would lead to a prediction about a league champion. So here at MNWA, we're going to give you (an MNWA outsider) a complete guide to the teams that make up the league this year. I'll give you my projected lineup, rotation, breakdowns, team MVP and a reason why they'll win the MNWA Championship.
Big B's
Lineup:
1. Andy Hartung R
2. Ethan Fabel R
3. Zach Bussmann L
4. Chris Polzine R
5. Auston Steffes R
Breakdown:
The B's are going to be centered around potential of every not named Zach Bussmann. Ethan Fabel is three years removed from one of the poorer batting seasons in MNWA history, Andy Hartung is 2 years removed from playing, and Auston Steffes is 3 years removed from having a competent season at the plate. And then we have Chris Polzine, a rookie who no one outside the B's organization has a gauge on. Although time away form the game can hurt players, I think it will be great for Fabel and Hartung. Fabel looked much better than remembered at Winter Wiffs, and Andy was always reliable at the plate. Steffes' calling card for this team should be to get walks. The main thing that will keep this team from crumbling is Zach Bussmann. I am convinced he will help his players flourish at the plate under productive managing, and his bat along in the lineup will elevate them, as he had a .306 average in 10 games with 13 RBI's. If the B's get on base for Bussmann, they'll have an easy time getting runs.
Rotation:
1. Zach Bussmann R
2. Auston Steffes R
Breakdown:
This is hardly a two-man rotation. In the most recent BEAH!cast, Bussmann let the world know that he plans on taking on almost all the pitching duties. Which is no problem at all for the B's. Bussmann put up a 1.27 ERA in 2014 with 41 K in 8 games pitched. Safe to say that a team should feel comfortable having that guy pitch a lot. Auston Steffes would be the #2 starter, but will most likely see his innings in relief of Bussmann. Auston posted a rough-looking ERA of 8.90 in 2014, but that number should decrease dramatically in a smaller role. His nasty slurve ball absolutely baffles hitters.
MVP: Zach Bussmann
No real explanation needed here.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
The reason this team will win the title is Zach Bussmann. He absolutely has the talent and confidence to carry this team. They may have a lull at the beginning of the season as guys get into Wiffleball form, but even through potential stretches like that, they still have a great chance of winning because of Zach. His elite pitching and hitting and hopefully elite managing should include them in any MNWA title talks.
Dragons
Lineup:
1. Bryce Paulson R
2. Devin Nelson R
3. Jay Zimmerman R
4. Andrew Lindor R
5. Ryley Nelson L
Breakdown:
Normally, Ryley Nelson is a #1 hitter but on a team like this, Bryce Paulson should see the spot. Bryce had a .306 BA in 2014 and an OBP of ..457. Bryce can also take a walk when needed. So that's why he should see the #1 slot. Devin Nelson is always capable of doing something big. He was the MVP of the MNWA Gophers and hit .257 in a down 2014 season. Jay Zimmerman is consistently one of the best hitter when he shows up. He is invaluable to the potential success of this team. Andrew Lindor is a self-proclaimed "homer-or-strikeout" kind of guy. So putting him behind three guys that can all easily get on base is a good fit. And then Ryley Nelson who has had well documented struggles against good pitching, of which there is a lot this year. Overall, this is a very good lineup. The top of the order should set up Lindor for some big spots and hopefully a chance for everyone to contribute to a lot of runs scored.
Rotation:
1. Devin Nelson R
2. Bryce Paulson R
Breakdown:
While one might expect a similar pitching workload form Devin Nelson as they would Zach Bussmann, Devin has stated that he would like Bryce Paulson to get a start per event. Devin, himself, is able to handle all starts. Last year, he posted a 4.69 ERA and 38 K, but like his hitting, it was a down year. Bryce has a 3.0 ERA in just a game pitched last year, so the sample size for his potential success as a once-an-event starter is small. But I believe this is a good plan, with having Paulson provide a change of pace for the Dragons as they attempt to back-up their run scoring with serviceable starting pitching.
MVP: Devin Nelson
Devin will no doubt be the heart and soul of this team. He has tasted some MNWA success before, and he is more than determined to get back to the top surrounded by a team of his friends. After a down year last year, I think Devin will be able to go sub- 2.00 with his ERA and even hit above .300. There's no reason to think that Devin won't lead this team to title-contender status and be in the conversation for league MVP.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
The Dragons' title chances boil down to chemistry. They are all from the same area, and have all played together at some point. If they all end up getting on a collective hot-streak, they could be one of the better teams in all of NWLA. They will obviously be riding on the arm of Devin Nelson but if he returns to 2012, 2013 form, their title chances look extremely good.
Buxtons
Lineup:
1. Ben Kapsner R
2. TJ Engels R
3. Jordan Johnson R
4. Peter Monsrud L
Breakdown:
This is a team flying by on the potential of their players. Ben Kapsner and Peter Monsrud have been extremely impressive in their limited playing time (Peter's was so impressive it earned him 2014 Rookie of the Year) but it boils down to how Kapsner, Monsrud, and rookie TJ Engels can respond to the elite level of pitching they will be facing. Luckily, they have savvy veteran Jordan Johnson with them. Jordan is consistently one of the best players in MNWA. Last year, he posted a .389 BA so he is the center of their offense. Kapsner is more than capable of having an OBP above .600 so if Engels can figure out how to hit or take walks, they will set up Jordan easily. And then the unlikely power of Peter Monsrud will come into play once he bats clean up. This offense has the potential to be absolutely explosive but with everything else about this team, it's potential.
Pitching Rotation:
1. Jordan Johnson R
Breakdown:
There isn't even a number 2 guy on this team. The success of this team lives and dies with Jordan Johnson's arm. If he can replicate himself from the past (including a 0.5 ERA in two starts in 2014) they can beat anyone on the planet. But should the unthinkable happen and something keeps Jordan from pitching, they are in deep trouble. They need some depth here, but only in case of emergency that Jordan can't pitch.
Team MVP: Jordan Johnson
Same reason as Zach Bussmann for the B's. The team lives and dies with him.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
I think that they stand as one of the more favorites right now. That's based on potential from Jordan Johnson's supporting cast. If Kapsner and Monsrud can replicated their success throughout a whole season, this team will end the season with the championship and be contenders for the NWLA Small League champions.
Bad Company
Lineup:
1. Garrett Grage R
2. Andrew Johnson R
3. Trent Steffes L
4. Matt Newel R
Breakdown:
This is a lineup chalk full with guys who can get on base. They had a combined .471 OBP last year. Garrett Grage should be expected to take a few walks and get a decent amount of hits this year. Andrew Johnson is undeniable at the plate in all of his seasons, hitting .429, .385 and .400 in his last three seasons. Needless to say, Andrew will be in the hunt for the batting title this year, again. Trent Steffes was the MNWA batting champion last year, with a .342 average. He is on the up-and-up in terms of his career number, he had never played better than he had last year. This Bad Company team is built on the hope he does not regress. And finally, Matt Newell is good for a home run or two per event, but often does not run out ground balls so even though he as decent numbers in the past (.205 BA with 12 BB last year) he will have to up those numbers to aid Bad Company.
Rotation:
1. Garrett Grage R
2. Matt Newell R
3. Trent Steffes L
Breakdown:
Although the BC rotation does not have the best pitchers in the league, it is easily the strongest staff in the MNWA by far. Garrett Grage has proven himself twice this off-season that he is ready to be in the talk of Pitcher of the Year, while Matt Newell has briefly shown that he should have no problem adjusting to the solo uses of official wiffleballs. Trent Steffes had several dismal performances on the carpet last year in several different contexts, but has used the off-season to get better and become serviceable in need. The depth of this rotation is a blessing, because instead of building a foundation on one pitcher's arm, there are two B+ level pitchers and a serviceable emergency pitcher to work with here. As was stated: there isn't one elite-pitcher in this staff, but there are three decent onces.
Team MVP: Andrew Johnson
This team is going to need the best hitting to stay in title contention. And their lineup will be centered around Andrew Johnson. Not only that, but they will rely heavily on him in the field. If you've seen Steffes and Newell, they are better suited as DH and pitchers. So that leaves one of them and Andrew to field while Garrett is pitching. Andrew Johnson will be a huge factor in their success at the plate and in the field.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
The bottom line for Bad Company is their proven experience. This is what sets them apart from other Steffes-managed teams. Bad Co. had four guys who have all proven in years past that they thrive as role players. It is up to Steffes to give them the right roles, but should the weather the storm of the first event, I have an unbiased opinion that this team should be one of the first teams talked about when it comes to prep-season title talks.
by Trent Steffes
It's right about this time of year that Wiffle Fever starts to peak, especially here in Minnesota. The snow is gone, and temps are remarkably high for this time of year. In the coming weeks, guys will get out an practice, HRL's season will start, and JC Memorial Field will be set up for the 2015 MNWA Opening Day event on Saturday May 23rd. It's hard to handle that Opening Day is still 7 long weeks away, because of the "early" Spring we are having here in the Land of 10,000+ Lakes. It is also this time of year that the National wiffleball scene becomes flooded with anticipation, as well. The NWLA's St. Patty's Day predictions should be out sometime soon. I have also thought it would be difficult to have to go out and search for any sort of information that would lead to a prediction about a league champion. So here at MNWA, we're going to give you (an MNWA outsider) a complete guide to the teams that make up the league this year. I'll give you my projected lineup, rotation, breakdowns, team MVP and a reason why they'll win the MNWA Championship.
Big B's
Lineup:
1. Andy Hartung R
2. Ethan Fabel R
3. Zach Bussmann L
4. Chris Polzine R
5. Auston Steffes R
Breakdown:
The B's are going to be centered around potential of every not named Zach Bussmann. Ethan Fabel is three years removed from one of the poorer batting seasons in MNWA history, Andy Hartung is 2 years removed from playing, and Auston Steffes is 3 years removed from having a competent season at the plate. And then we have Chris Polzine, a rookie who no one outside the B's organization has a gauge on. Although time away form the game can hurt players, I think it will be great for Fabel and Hartung. Fabel looked much better than remembered at Winter Wiffs, and Andy was always reliable at the plate. Steffes' calling card for this team should be to get walks. The main thing that will keep this team from crumbling is Zach Bussmann. I am convinced he will help his players flourish at the plate under productive managing, and his bat along in the lineup will elevate them, as he had a .306 average in 10 games with 13 RBI's. If the B's get on base for Bussmann, they'll have an easy time getting runs.
Rotation:
1. Zach Bussmann R
2. Auston Steffes R
Breakdown:
This is hardly a two-man rotation. In the most recent BEAH!cast, Bussmann let the world know that he plans on taking on almost all the pitching duties. Which is no problem at all for the B's. Bussmann put up a 1.27 ERA in 2014 with 41 K in 8 games pitched. Safe to say that a team should feel comfortable having that guy pitch a lot. Auston Steffes would be the #2 starter, but will most likely see his innings in relief of Bussmann. Auston posted a rough-looking ERA of 8.90 in 2014, but that number should decrease dramatically in a smaller role. His nasty slurve ball absolutely baffles hitters.
MVP: Zach Bussmann
No real explanation needed here.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
The reason this team will win the title is Zach Bussmann. He absolutely has the talent and confidence to carry this team. They may have a lull at the beginning of the season as guys get into Wiffleball form, but even through potential stretches like that, they still have a great chance of winning because of Zach. His elite pitching and hitting and hopefully elite managing should include them in any MNWA title talks.
Dragons
Lineup:
1. Bryce Paulson R
2. Devin Nelson R
3. Jay Zimmerman R
4. Andrew Lindor R
5. Ryley Nelson L
Breakdown:
Normally, Ryley Nelson is a #1 hitter but on a team like this, Bryce Paulson should see the spot. Bryce had a .306 BA in 2014 and an OBP of ..457. Bryce can also take a walk when needed. So that's why he should see the #1 slot. Devin Nelson is always capable of doing something big. He was the MVP of the MNWA Gophers and hit .257 in a down 2014 season. Jay Zimmerman is consistently one of the best hitter when he shows up. He is invaluable to the potential success of this team. Andrew Lindor is a self-proclaimed "homer-or-strikeout" kind of guy. So putting him behind three guys that can all easily get on base is a good fit. And then Ryley Nelson who has had well documented struggles against good pitching, of which there is a lot this year. Overall, this is a very good lineup. The top of the order should set up Lindor for some big spots and hopefully a chance for everyone to contribute to a lot of runs scored.
Rotation:
1. Devin Nelson R
2. Bryce Paulson R
Breakdown:
While one might expect a similar pitching workload form Devin Nelson as they would Zach Bussmann, Devin has stated that he would like Bryce Paulson to get a start per event. Devin, himself, is able to handle all starts. Last year, he posted a 4.69 ERA and 38 K, but like his hitting, it was a down year. Bryce has a 3.0 ERA in just a game pitched last year, so the sample size for his potential success as a once-an-event starter is small. But I believe this is a good plan, with having Paulson provide a change of pace for the Dragons as they attempt to back-up their run scoring with serviceable starting pitching.
MVP: Devin Nelson
Devin will no doubt be the heart and soul of this team. He has tasted some MNWA success before, and he is more than determined to get back to the top surrounded by a team of his friends. After a down year last year, I think Devin will be able to go sub- 2.00 with his ERA and even hit above .300. There's no reason to think that Devin won't lead this team to title-contender status and be in the conversation for league MVP.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
The Dragons' title chances boil down to chemistry. They are all from the same area, and have all played together at some point. If they all end up getting on a collective hot-streak, they could be one of the better teams in all of NWLA. They will obviously be riding on the arm of Devin Nelson but if he returns to 2012, 2013 form, their title chances look extremely good.
Buxtons
Lineup:
1. Ben Kapsner R
2. TJ Engels R
3. Jordan Johnson R
4. Peter Monsrud L
Breakdown:
This is a team flying by on the potential of their players. Ben Kapsner and Peter Monsrud have been extremely impressive in their limited playing time (Peter's was so impressive it earned him 2014 Rookie of the Year) but it boils down to how Kapsner, Monsrud, and rookie TJ Engels can respond to the elite level of pitching they will be facing. Luckily, they have savvy veteran Jordan Johnson with them. Jordan is consistently one of the best players in MNWA. Last year, he posted a .389 BA so he is the center of their offense. Kapsner is more than capable of having an OBP above .600 so if Engels can figure out how to hit or take walks, they will set up Jordan easily. And then the unlikely power of Peter Monsrud will come into play once he bats clean up. This offense has the potential to be absolutely explosive but with everything else about this team, it's potential.
Pitching Rotation:
1. Jordan Johnson R
Breakdown:
There isn't even a number 2 guy on this team. The success of this team lives and dies with Jordan Johnson's arm. If he can replicate himself from the past (including a 0.5 ERA in two starts in 2014) they can beat anyone on the planet. But should the unthinkable happen and something keeps Jordan from pitching, they are in deep trouble. They need some depth here, but only in case of emergency that Jordan can't pitch.
Team MVP: Jordan Johnson
Same reason as Zach Bussmann for the B's. The team lives and dies with him.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
I think that they stand as one of the more favorites right now. That's based on potential from Jordan Johnson's supporting cast. If Kapsner and Monsrud can replicated their success throughout a whole season, this team will end the season with the championship and be contenders for the NWLA Small League champions.
Bad Company
Lineup:
1. Garrett Grage R
2. Andrew Johnson R
3. Trent Steffes L
4. Matt Newel R
Breakdown:
This is a lineup chalk full with guys who can get on base. They had a combined .471 OBP last year. Garrett Grage should be expected to take a few walks and get a decent amount of hits this year. Andrew Johnson is undeniable at the plate in all of his seasons, hitting .429, .385 and .400 in his last three seasons. Needless to say, Andrew will be in the hunt for the batting title this year, again. Trent Steffes was the MNWA batting champion last year, with a .342 average. He is on the up-and-up in terms of his career number, he had never played better than he had last year. This Bad Company team is built on the hope he does not regress. And finally, Matt Newell is good for a home run or two per event, but often does not run out ground balls so even though he as decent numbers in the past (.205 BA with 12 BB last year) he will have to up those numbers to aid Bad Company.
Rotation:
1. Garrett Grage R
2. Matt Newell R
3. Trent Steffes L
Breakdown:
Although the BC rotation does not have the best pitchers in the league, it is easily the strongest staff in the MNWA by far. Garrett Grage has proven himself twice this off-season that he is ready to be in the talk of Pitcher of the Year, while Matt Newell has briefly shown that he should have no problem adjusting to the solo uses of official wiffleballs. Trent Steffes had several dismal performances on the carpet last year in several different contexts, but has used the off-season to get better and become serviceable in need. The depth of this rotation is a blessing, because instead of building a foundation on one pitcher's arm, there are two B+ level pitchers and a serviceable emergency pitcher to work with here. As was stated: there isn't one elite-pitcher in this staff, but there are three decent onces.
Team MVP: Andrew Johnson
This team is going to need the best hitting to stay in title contention. And their lineup will be centered around Andrew Johnson. Not only that, but they will rely heavily on him in the field. If you've seen Steffes and Newell, they are better suited as DH and pitchers. So that leaves one of them and Andrew to field while Garrett is pitching. Andrew Johnson will be a huge factor in their success at the plate and in the field.
Reason Why They'll Win the Title:
The bottom line for Bad Company is their proven experience. This is what sets them apart from other Steffes-managed teams. Bad Co. had four guys who have all proven in years past that they thrive as role players. It is up to Steffes to give them the right roles, but should the weather the storm of the first event, I have an unbiased opinion that this team should be one of the first teams talked about when it comes to prep-season title talks.