by Trent Steffes
3/18/2018
On this Sunday, two of the most popular leagues in the NWLA are holding their league drafts. WSEM is holding their fantasy-style complete team assembly draft, and SWBL is doing their rookie draft. And I'm not going to lie, it's got me craving an MNWA Draft. There aren't enough rookies in MNWA each year to hold a rookie draft, but a WSEM style draft where managers assemble their teams via the draft is something that I personally think is very doable in MNWA and, to put it bluntly, would shake up the league.
I don't want to get on a soapbox here because that's not the point of this article, but the argument of "we want to play together as friends" is weak in this context. There's more than enough opportunities throughout the summer to play with friends, like NWLA Tournament, SWBL, and HRL. Also, we're all pretty much friends in this league. It's not secret that the league is pretty exclusive and a lot of us have been playing with and against each other for the better part of a decade!
Anyways, this article is just a mock draft of what an MNWA draft might look like. I took the 4 teams, listed them in a list randomizer in alphabetical order, and the order determined was this:
3/18/2018
On this Sunday, two of the most popular leagues in the NWLA are holding their league drafts. WSEM is holding their fantasy-style complete team assembly draft, and SWBL is doing their rookie draft. And I'm not going to lie, it's got me craving an MNWA Draft. There aren't enough rookies in MNWA each year to hold a rookie draft, but a WSEM style draft where managers assemble their teams via the draft is something that I personally think is very doable in MNWA and, to put it bluntly, would shake up the league.
I don't want to get on a soapbox here because that's not the point of this article, but the argument of "we want to play together as friends" is weak in this context. There's more than enough opportunities throughout the summer to play with friends, like NWLA Tournament, SWBL, and HRL. Also, we're all pretty much friends in this league. It's not secret that the league is pretty exclusive and a lot of us have been playing with and against each other for the better part of a decade!
Anyways, this article is just a mock draft of what an MNWA draft might look like. I took the 4 teams, listed them in a list randomizer in alphabetical order, and the order determined was this:
- Oars (Trent Steffes -- collusion)
- Sox (Garrett Grage)
- Buxtons (Ben Kapsner)
- Elites (Auston Steffes)
Round 1
1. Mat Peisert
So it was easy to make this first pick because I am the manager of the team, so I would be the one making the pick. I'm not going to throw a bunch of stats at you because I'm basically the anti-Kapsner (check out Ben's detailed series of the Top 10 MNWA Players in each phase of the game) so for me, it's all about the eye test. Does he look like an ace? Does he hit like an anchor of a lineup? If yes to both, then that guy is an ace and a lineup anchor. And Mat's answer to both is yes. If you were at NWLAT in 2017, you saw Mat absolutely slice and dice through elite lineups, including the defending champs. And in MNWA, you move him three feet closer and make the zone a lot bigger. There's not reason in the world to think that Mat won't be a Top 3, 2, or even 1 pitcher in MNWA. And his hitting is lit AF too.
So it was easy to make this first pick because I am the manager of the team, so I would be the one making the pick. I'm not going to throw a bunch of stats at you because I'm basically the anti-Kapsner (check out Ben's detailed series of the Top 10 MNWA Players in each phase of the game) so for me, it's all about the eye test. Does he look like an ace? Does he hit like an anchor of a lineup? If yes to both, then that guy is an ace and a lineup anchor. And Mat's answer to both is yes. If you were at NWLAT in 2017, you saw Mat absolutely slice and dice through elite lineups, including the defending champs. And in MNWA, you move him three feet closer and make the zone a lot bigger. There's not reason in the world to think that Mat won't be a Top 3, 2, or even 1 pitcher in MNWA. And his hitting is lit AF too.
2. Zach Bussmann
So far I've been pretty chalk, just assigning each of these dudes to their teams that they're on now. But Bussmann is the total complement to Garrett. Nobody in MNWA claims a better career than Bussmann does, and he gets it done in all three phases of the game. He's a feared hitter, and elite pitcher and oh yeah. He's the two-time defending fielder of the year. You'd be pretty challenged to find a more complete wiffleball player than Zach Bussmann.
So far I've been pretty chalk, just assigning each of these dudes to their teams that they're on now. But Bussmann is the total complement to Garrett. Nobody in MNWA claims a better career than Bussmann does, and he gets it done in all three phases of the game. He's a feared hitter, and elite pitcher and oh yeah. He's the two-time defending fielder of the year. You'd be pretty challenged to find a more complete wiffleball player than Zach Bussmann.
3. Matt Newell
Wow this list is boring as hell. Newell might be the best pitcher in the league right now. He is stuff is fast, accurate and moves a lot. What else could you ask of a pitcher? His offense is often overlooked, without good reason. He can be really productive, as long as he's not in a "who can swing at the worse pitches contest" with Andrew Johnson.
Wow this list is boring as hell. Newell might be the best pitcher in the league right now. He is stuff is fast, accurate and moves a lot. What else could you ask of a pitcher? His offense is often overlooked, without good reason. He can be really productive, as long as he's not in a "who can swing at the worse pitches contest" with Andrew Johnson.
4. Devin Nelson
Auston can be a good pitcher in MNWA but the last few years, he really hasn't been. Devin would give Auston the arm he needs, and someone to rely on at the plate. This was an easy pick to make, considering that he sitting just a few feet away from me and I just asked him. But this 4/5 draft position is really fun to work with, because he wouldn't have to worry about taking the best overall player, he just needs to worry about getting a good pitcher and a good hitter. Coincidently, Devin is both.
Auston can be a good pitcher in MNWA but the last few years, he really hasn't been. Devin would give Auston the arm he needs, and someone to rely on at the plate. This was an easy pick to make, considering that he sitting just a few feet away from me and I just asked him. But this 4/5 draft position is really fun to work with, because he wouldn't have to worry about taking the best overall player, he just needs to worry about getting a good pitcher and a good hitter. Coincidently, Devin is both.
Round 2
5. Andrew Johnson
Andrew and Auston are two time teammates and even won an MNWA championship together (remember that? I guarantee that Andrew doesn't.) Here Andrew bolsters a lineup in the best way and gives you top level defense. Could you argue Peter is the better hitter and fielder? I guess. But the only difference I see between them is the plate discipline and when Andy hits the way he does, you shouldn't care about that. And there's another difference but WE DON'T SEE COLOR IN MNWA YOU RACISTS!
Andrew and Auston are two time teammates and even won an MNWA championship together (remember that? I guarantee that Andrew doesn't.) Here Andrew bolsters a lineup in the best way and gives you top level defense. Could you argue Peter is the better hitter and fielder? I guess. But the only difference I see between them is the plate discipline and when Andy hits the way he does, you shouldn't care about that. And there's another difference but WE DON'T SEE COLOR IN MNWA YOU RACISTS!
6. Peter Monsrud
Alright, this is just dumb and not nearly as fun as I thought it would be. Peter is arguably the best hitter in the league, and like Andrew he plays top level defense. Nothing else to say. Please refer to the last pick if you need any further analysis.
Alright, this is just dumb and not nearly as fun as I thought it would be. Peter is arguably the best hitter in the league, and like Andrew he plays top level defense. Nothing else to say. Please refer to the last pick if you need any further analysis.
7. Jordan Johnson
Great hitter, blah blah blah. The biggest difference between Jordan and the other guys taken in this round is that he can bring it on the mound. He has a history of great pitching and will definitely be a good complement to his teammates Buss and Garrett.
Great hitter, blah blah blah. The biggest difference between Jordan and the other guys taken in this round is that he can bring it on the mound. He has a history of great pitching and will definitely be a good complement to his teammates Buss and Garrett.
8. Sam Essen
Sam is straight up a game changer at the plate. In a round full of offensive giants, Sam might have the best potential of them all. He's proved himself in MNWA in limited capacity, and is a feared hitter in HRL. If Sam played MNWA full time, he might be considered the best hitter in the league.
Sam is straight up a game changer at the plate. In a round full of offensive giants, Sam might have the best potential of them all. He's proved himself in MNWA in limited capacity, and is a feared hitter in HRL. If Sam played MNWA full time, he might be considered the best hitter in the league.
Round 3
9. Kevin Knutson
Kevin is another one of the more complete players in the MNWA. Ever since Kevin took a year off to study abroad, he has really developed into a legitimate #2 option in a rotation and a hitter pitchers would rather not face in the lineup. In this lineup (as he is in his regular team's) he is the third best hitter, and that should be something that really concerns opposing pitchers. Kevin at #9 would be a steal!
Kevin is another one of the more complete players in the MNWA. Ever since Kevin took a year off to study abroad, he has really developed into a legitimate #2 option in a rotation and a hitter pitchers would rather not face in the lineup. In this lineup (as he is in his regular team's) he is the third best hitter, and that should be something that really concerns opposing pitchers. Kevin at #9 would be a steal!
10. Jay Zimmerman
This is another complementary pick for the Sox (I need to find another word...) because Jay isn't like any of the other guys on this roster so far. Jay isn't an overpowering pitcher, but is someone who definitely has starting potential mainly because he is pretty accurate. He's also a very, very solid hitter at the plate. And his size and length (oh yeaahhhh) in the field is something that would make a great defense even better. No matter what, the Sox would have some combination of Bussmann, Johnson, and Zimmerman in the field. And that's just lit.
This is another complementary pick for the Sox (I need to find another word...) because Jay isn't like any of the other guys on this roster so far. Jay isn't an overpowering pitcher, but is someone who definitely has starting potential mainly because he is pretty accurate. He's also a very, very solid hitter at the plate. And his size and length (oh yeaahhhh) in the field is something that would make a great defense even better. No matter what, the Sox would have some combination of Bussmann, Johnson, and Zimmerman in the field. And that's just lit.
11. John Cronin
It's very possible that this would be the steal of the draft. John has spent a few years in MNWA, but really hasn't logged a large amount of playing time. His most significant performance came this past summer at the Final Tournament. John is a really reliable hitter at the plate, with good power potential and plate discipline. But the best part about John's game is his pitching. John with used/scuffed balls is absolutely filthy. And in MNWA, we used completely clean balls. John is still pretty damn good with clean balls and I think he's only going to get better. And if there's any duo to help him develop with clean balls, its manager Ben Kapsner and ace Matt Newell.
It's very possible that this would be the steal of the draft. John has spent a few years in MNWA, but really hasn't logged a large amount of playing time. His most significant performance came this past summer at the Final Tournament. John is a really reliable hitter at the plate, with good power potential and plate discipline. But the best part about John's game is his pitching. John with used/scuffed balls is absolutely filthy. And in MNWA, we used completely clean balls. John is still pretty damn good with clean balls and I think he's only going to get better. And if there's any duo to help him develop with clean balls, its manager Ben Kapsner and ace Matt Newell.
12. Evan Sibbet
Evan is going to be an MNWA rookie this year for this exact team, and he's a very safe pick here at the end of the third round. For all the reasons I said John Cronin can be a great MNWA player, Evan embodies all those qualities and more. He's a rookie in MNWA but he's still a seasoned wiffle player, with even more potential at the plate and on the mound than Cronin. Ironically, these to are teammates in HRL.
Evan is going to be an MNWA rookie this year for this exact team, and he's a very safe pick here at the end of the third round. For all the reasons I said John Cronin can be a great MNWA player, Evan embodies all those qualities and more. He's a rookie in MNWA but he's still a seasoned wiffle player, with even more potential at the plate and on the mound than Cronin. Ironically, these to are teammates in HRL.
Round 4
13. Dan Duehn
This last round is all about plugging any holes in a team so far, or taking the chance on an under-developed veteran. Huck Finn, as he's known in HRL, is a dangerous pitcher. He consistently posts sub-2.00 ERA in HRL, so he should transition to MNWA pretty well. Dan also has solid hitting potential, and is straight up a great all-around player. Dan would be a great "rounding out the roster" player, mainly because he's really, really good.
This last round is all about plugging any holes in a team so far, or taking the chance on an under-developed veteran. Huck Finn, as he's known in HRL, is a dangerous pitcher. He consistently posts sub-2.00 ERA in HRL, so he should transition to MNWA pretty well. Dan also has solid hitting potential, and is straight up a great all-around player. Dan would be a great "rounding out the roster" player, mainly because he's really, really good.
14. Ryley Nelson
Another developmental pick for Ben Kapsner, Ryley Nelson has shown more signs about being a really good player than signs of a below-average player like he was. Ryley's playing time has unfortunately been limited in the past few seasons (including a whole year off in 2016) but all he has done is grow and get better. I wish Ryley could be a full-time player, but he's a college athlete who just doesn't seem to have the time. Still love him though.
Another developmental pick for Ben Kapsner, Ryley Nelson has shown more signs about being a really good player than signs of a below-average player like he was. Ryley's playing time has unfortunately been limited in the past few seasons (including a whole year off in 2016) but all he has done is grow and get better. I wish Ryley could be a full-time player, but he's a college athlete who just doesn't seem to have the time. Still love him though.
15. Chris Neumann
Neumann is the best player left on the board, here. But that doesn't mean Chris isn't a great player. He can hang with the best at the plate, and in a rotation full of good pitchers, he can help lighten the regular season load on the mound. Like I said, this round is about plugging holes, and Neumann can give you clutch hitting and decent pitching here.
Neumann is the best player left on the board, here. But that doesn't mean Chris isn't a great player. He can hang with the best at the plate, and in a rotation full of good pitchers, he can help lighten the regular season load on the mound. Like I said, this round is about plugging holes, and Neumann can give you clutch hitting and decent pitching here.
16. H8R
My team in this draft has decent if not great pitching, hitting and fielding here. So with the last pick, why not add some championship experience with H8R from the HRL? He's a multiple time champion, and is a very capable hitter and fielder. Idk, it's the last pick and H8R is funny!
My team in this draft has decent if not great pitching, hitting and fielding here. So with the last pick, why not add some championship experience with H8R from the HRL? He's a multiple time champion, and is a very capable hitter and fielder. Idk, it's the last pick and H8R is funny!
Imaginary Rosters
M: Trent Steffes
1. Mat Peisert 2. Sam Essen 3. Kevin Knutson 4. H8R |
M: Garrett Grage
1. Zach Bussmann 2. Jordan Johnson 3. Jay Zimmerman 4. Chris Neumann |
M: Ben Kapsner
1. Matt Newell 2. Peter Monsrud 3. John Cronin 4. Ryley Nelson |
M: Auston Steffes
1. Devin Nelson 2. Andrew Johnson 3. Evan Sibbet 4. Dan Duehn |
Who won the draft??
Let us know on Twitter! @MinnyWiffs
Or don't. I don't care. I need a nap.
Or don't. I don't care. I need a nap.