Team Preview: Goon Squad

Goon Squad:

Last Year: 3-3, 2^nd in West Division, L to Belgian Wiffles in Championship, 2-1

Additions: Kyle Castellini*, Jimmy Oliva*

Losses: Rocco Lupi*, Johnny Malatesta*

*= we're not acutally sure who's gonna show up for these guys. Their roster assembly has been a total abortion

Schedule:

11:00am  bye

12:15     Mandingos

1:30        Goodfellas

2:45        Waffle Stompers

What’s New: Considering who we're talking about, nothing. This is the same dysfunctional, slightly toasted squad we've seen for years now, just a lot younger and slighty (I mean just slightly) less vulgar. These Goons have once again been assembled out of necessity, as 10 days before Wifflepalooza X, Jeff and Mark Ronchetti, as well as Patrick Hennessy (who was already doubtful with a foot injury) were all suspended for PED use. But if you know anything about the history of this team, you know none of these news items should surprise you.

Hitting: The Goons have always been competent at the plate, and based on the returning players that should remain a constant. They have one of the lowest On-base Percentages of any organization, but their BA. with runners in scoring position is the highest by far. Meaning, they don't get the most guys on, but when they do they manage to bring them home. Look for long time Palooza legend Tyler Martini and Johnny Malatesta (if available) to carry the bulk of the hitting.

Pitching: The pitching staff is gonna be a real hodge-podge of amateurs. Last year Malatesta and Lupi both carried the bulk of the innings, and both are unlikely to be available this season. The top remaining pitcher from last year is Tom Derer, who managed to strike out 7 in just 9 innings, but also walked 18 in that same amount of time. It will likely be one of the newcomers to try their luck on the hill this year. Look for Kyle Castellini and Jimmy Oliva to get plenty of opportunities here.

Prediction: Honestly, we have no idea. They could finally break through and win it all if they have their whole squad, or they could go winless. It depends on a few things, first of which are matchups. Yes, they've done very well in big games against the Goodfellas the last 2 years this is no secret. They play in the 2nd set of games again this year. That game will go a long way to deciding one or both of the playoff spots in the West. They matchup pretty solidly with a couple of other squads they may have to face if they reach the postseason. As Martini said on Media Day, the one goal for this team is to be as drunk as possible, and to "Make the Goonies Great Again"... Predicted win total: 1-2, playoffs likely