Team Preview: Belgian Wiffles

Belgian Wiffles:

Last Year: 5-1, 2^nd in East Division, Defeated Goon Squad, 2-1, to win Wifflepalooza IX

Additions: Zach Rosengrant

Losses: Kevin Fischer

Schedule:

11:00am  Flapacamingos

12:15     bye

1:30        Super Smash Brothers

2:45        High & Dry

What’s New: The loss of Fischer will be evident for the Belgian Wiffles, but his replacement is certainly someone to keep an eye on. Other than that there are no changes for the Wiffles, as they march into Wifflepalooza X as confident as any returning champion in history and, for good reason. The Belgian Wiffles return virtually the same lineup that assaulted pitching in this tournament last year. Rullo, last year's MVP, belted a tournament record 9 homers en-route to the title. They will be one of the serious favorites once again.

Hitting: In addition to Rullo, both Fischer & Stevenson also broke and/or tied the previous tournament HR record, with 6 & 7 respectively (previous record held by Al Etter, 6, in WP1). The only concern could be, that with most of their production coming via the long ball, what happens if they are unable to connect in the same ways this year? They will certainly face everyone's best pitchers throughout the day, and if there is an adjustment period with the lineup change it could cause some issues. Sure, this is all a stretch, but there really isn't a whole lot to pick at with these guys, they're solid up and down the lineup.

Pitching: Here's where some questions could arise. Kevin Fischer was lights out down the stretch last year. He won the Title Game MVP, by giving up 1 run and striking out 9 over 7 innings. Rullo also logged significant innings last year, but his stats showed he was clearly the distant #2 pitcher. So that leaves some questions. Without Fischer, who will log the majority of the responsiblity? And maybe more importantly, who will fill in that 2nd spot again. If newcomer Rosengrant can step in and provide stability on the mound, that clears up a lot of the picture for the Wiffles.

Prediction: Obviously there is no way to tell what will happen tomorrow. But based on what we've seen, and what is on paper, I don't see any way the Belgian Wiffles do not make the playoffs at the very least. Their play speaks for itself. They are prepared, and if teams aren't ready again they will likely face yet another blitzkreig. Projected win total: 2-3, playoffs.