Full Wifflepalooza XI Schedule and Analysis: MLW Network Exclusive

In this piece, we will do a full breakdown and preview of every game, with analysis and detail unavailable anywhere else. So let’s get to it…

At 8:00am, the pre-game shows begin on NBC Sports and MLW Network. Dan Patrick, host of Football Night In America and the Dan Patrick Show, will host on NBC Sports live on-set from the Willie J. Huff Sports Complex. Matt Vasgersian will host on MLW Network, from Landis Avenue & The Boulevard in Downtown Vineland. The games themselves, will be broadcast via the following. Field 1 games, will be on NBC, with the play-by-play from Al Michaels. Field 2 games will be on NBCSN, with play-by-play from Bob Costas, and Field 3 games will be on USA Network, with play-by-play from Mike Tirico. At 9:45am, team batting practice becomes available on fields 2 & 3 for all teams. Anyone who would like to be there earlier, BP can be arranged as well. 10:30 all players are expected to be present, to collect entry fees, take team pictures and do a general roll call. By 10:45 the Opening Ceremonies begin, with Introductions, the first pitch and the National Anthem, performed by Carrie Underwood. Then, by 11:00am, we’re ready for first pitch, and here begins our analysis.

11:00am

Field 1- High & Dry v. Flapacamingos

            As per Palooza tradition, the defending champion always gets to play the first game on Field 1, as it is in the best shape possible for that game. For a 2^nd straight year, the Flapacs drew the team 2 card in the divisional drawing, and find themselves the opponent in this classic match-up. This whole year will be as tough to predict as any, especially since we do not really know a ton of certainty for the teams coming back. High & Dry are defending champions, but we have no idea the team they’re going to field, and we already know the Flapacs have more questions than answers at this point. These squads have faced off each of the last two tournaments, splitting the match-ups. Look for a hotly contested, close game to start the day off, giving a slight edge to High & Dry.

Field 2- Super Smash Bros v. Mandingos

            With the Mandingos re-shaping, they appear to be in an even better spot offensively. Adding two proven hitters to an already potent lineup will do nothing but help. The biggest question other than who’s gonna pitch for the Mandingos, is the health of future hall-of-famer Ryan Hutchings. Hutchings, 26, broke his foot in a motorcycle incident, and while he will most likely be a full participant in WP11, his effectiveness is in question. Super Smash Brothers are in a tough spot, they return most of the same roster that started with an impressive 5-0 win, but followed that up by not scoring a run the rest of the day, being outscored 20-0 in the final two games, leaving them 1-2 and out of the playoffs for a 3^rd straight year. They will need to find more pitching, and overall consistency if they want to get off to a good start again this year. Edge in this one goes to the Mandingos.

  

Field 3- Back Door Bandits v. Goodfellas

            One of the more premier feature games to be played during the early part of the day, Back Door Bandits, under new management, captain Mike Sheridan, are by far the lead favorites to win WP11. Their first hurdle is a legendary franchise of this event, the Goodfellas. Once again run by Rocco Lombardo, the G’fellas are back and as hungry as ever. G’fellas are expected to return maybe the best pitching duo remaining in the league (Allen Cruz & Mike Tedesco) which might give them the upper hand in this match-up. While the Bandits lineup is dominant, they do not have a dominant arm themselves. The Bandits will return Eric Bomenblit this year, who hit what is one short of the record for homers with 8, and one short of the record for RBI’s with 17, in his only tournament appearance in WP9. He was courted heavily by a number of teams in free-agency, but decided to remain with the Bandits on a one-year deal. These teams combined for 24 runs in their match-up last year, won by BDB. The Bandits may indeed go on to win the whole thing, but there has never been an undefeated team in this tournament for a reason. Give the edge in this one to the G’fellas.

12:15pm

Field 1- Goodfellas v. Mandingos

            It’s the second game of the day for each team and one that will possibly decide the playoff fate for one of these squads. If one or both win their first contests, the winner of this moves to 2-0, and all but certain to reach the postseason (Note: G’fellas missed postseason last year in spite of being 2-1, so it can happen). Whichever ace does not throw against the Bandits for the Goodfellas, will likely throw in this one, leaving a tough road for Mandingos hitters. These two squads have met twice before, the first time a 24-0 G’fellas slaughtering, and last year’s 4-3 Goodfellas win. While the Mandingos are clearly closing the gap, this particular match-up is going to be a tough one. Edge – Goodfellas.

Field 2- High & Dry v. Jeremy’s Team

            We know literally next to nothing about either team, but history has shown that most teams in their first ever Wifflepalooza tournament, seem to struggle to find their way. This being their first ever game, against the defending champions, doesn’t seem like a positive scenario. Edge- High & Dry

Field 3- Flapacamingos v. Goon Squad

            The game’s oldest rivalry is renewed in this mid-day time slot as the original Goon Squad lineup returns for another shot at finally capturing the elusive trident. The Flapacs & Goons played in WP9, but the Goons were made up mostly of prospects and free-agents at that time. While the Goons were victorious 7-6, the real most recent previous match-up of these squads that will take the field this year, was the WP8 title game. The two squads played 7 thrilling innings, including 8 homers, 5 lead changes and one of the game’s all time defensive plays, a robbed homer turned double play by the Flapacs’ Kris Lapsley. The play had to be reviewed, and was upheld to turn the momentum of the game permanently. The Flapacs would win their 4^th title by a score of 9-8. This year’s match-up will be the 10^th time the two teams have faced each other in the history of Wifflepalooza, with the GS holding a 5-4 edge. Goons will be hungover / still drunk, and there’s a chance the Flapacs will be coming off a loss, meaning they’re gonna need to win this one. Edge- Flapacs.

1:30pm

Field 1- Super Smash Bros v. Back Door Bandits

            This match-up could end pretty quickly if the Smash Bros do not find a legit high-end pitching performance. The Bandits, as discussed before, are loaded and ready to get over the hump. If they play their game, this one will be just a blip on the radar. Edge – BDB.

Field 2- Flapacamingos v. Jeremy’s Team

            I wish I had something more certain to speak on when it comes to Jeremy’s team. While we have their roster, there are so many unknowns on it. This match-up has potential to be an instant classic if the roster is high quality. Could potentially be the difference in either, or both squads making the postseason. If the roster is not high quality, expect the Flapacs to begin to hit their stride in the 2^nd mid afternoon slot, on their way to a playoff spot. Edge- Flapacs

Field 3- High & Dry v. Goon Squad

            Goons might be just drunk enough by this point to start running their mouths. Let’s put a firm controversy alert on this game now. High & Dry will be playing their finale, and with the Goons knowing they still have one more tilt left, expect High & Dry to play with some urgency. They’ll want to nail this down to firm up a playoff spot in the East. If the Goons are coherent, and play their game they have as good a shot to win this as any game they play. Edge- High & Dry.

2:45pm

Field 1- Jeremy’s Team v. Goon Squad

            If all previous statements end up being accurate, this will be a battle for 3^rd in the East, with no real playoff implications. In the chance that there ends up being a playoff spot on the line in this one, expect the Goons to have former Cy Young Jeff Ronchetti ready to toss. He is as good a big game pitcher as there’s ever been in Wifflepalooza, and as much as they tend to let things get away from them, the Goons will want to make the playoffs if they see the possibility before them. Edge – Goon Squad.

Field 2- Back Door Bandits v. Mandingos

            In a rematch of last year’s highest scoring game in Palooza history (Dingos won 16-15 in an upset), BDB and the Mandingos will face off with a playoff spot almost certainly on the line. We can expect another extremely high scoring event, with very little interest in quality pitching. However, when all is said and done, the Bandits will likely find a way to get outs in a more timely fashion and get another W under their belt. Edge – BDB.

Field 3- Super Smash Bros v. Goodfellas

            What will likely result as a stat-padding game for both teams, the Smash Bros and G’fellas will face off for the first time since the 21-0 mercy killing by the Goodfellas in WP9. Expect a better showing this time from the Smash Bros, as like we said before, they’re one pitcher away from being a real threat. Edge – Goodfellas.

VEGAS BOVADA ODDS – AS OF 7.6.17

Back Door Bandits- 2/3

Goodfellas- 7/1

Mandingos- 11/1

Flapacamingos- 12/1

High & Dry- 14/1

Jeremy’s Team- 16/1

Goon Squad- 19/1

Super Smash Bros- 47/1