Rich Guillod is the Mets owner, and both he and Pulsonetti are in their second year of service.

The Cardinals have been approved by the League for the 2012 season. If not for the Rockies the Cardinals would have the most dominant rotation in the League. Bobby Daly’s 10 wins led the league in 2011 and his 1.32 ERA was second only to former teammate and Cy Young winner Dakota Kenny. While he will no longer share the rotation with the League’s best pitcher, he didn’t do too bad with ex-Red Sox pitcher Joe Schaefer. Schaefer’s 4-4 record is a little deceiving as he threw to a 2.56 ERA and averaged over 10 Ks a game. Schaefer batted .341, third best in the league and Daly has long been known as one of the most dangerous hitters in the League. Both players are capable of playing above average defense, but neither were fully utilized in 2011.

Bobby Daly is the Cardinals owner and 2012 will mark his fourth year running a team. Both he and Schaefer are always willing to take time out of their busy schedule and help out the League.

“There have been numerous rumors circulating recently regarding the return of Palisades WBL Legend Pete Montanez. The most recent of these placed Mr. Montanez in a Core with our client. We would like to publicly state that this is completely and totally false. While there was some passing interest early in the offseason, Mr. Danner’s agent doesn’t even speak spanish, so talks were never able to begin. There were also concerns over Mr. Montanez’s inability to provide a valid Birth Certificate, after serious doubts arose to his claim that he is only “18″ years old. This was further verified by resident league expert Joey Maniscalco, who said ‘There’s no way that guy is 18. Trust me, I know an 18 year old when I see one, and there’s no way hes only 4 years older than my girlfriend’. While we cannot speak to Mr. Montanez’s future status within the Wiffleball community, we felt it necessary to set the record straight for the fans and owners in the league. That said however, the joint venture of Mr. Danner and Mr. Montanez’s YARPI (or Yoga And Rape Prevention Institute) has been wildly successful, and they are currently seeking investors for anyone interested. Please contact the league for more details.”

The Nationals have been approved by the League for the 2012 season. Palsiades WBL legend John Colluzzi makes it a family affair as he signs on the dotted line with cousin and Nationals owner Ralph Filosa. Colluzzi pitched to a five and one record through the first half of 2011, but couldn’t get it going at the plate hitting only .209 by the mid way point. Colluzzi turned it around in the second half ending up with a .254 batting average and was among the League Leaders in hits(29), home runs(9) and RBI(37).

Filosa became an invaluable fielder on a team of superstar fielders and had a break out year at the plate in a season that was considered by many, the best pitching the League has ever seen. While seven home runs and 17 RBI with a .244 batting average may not seem like an all star performance, this was certainly a case of the numbers not telling the entire story. Time and again Filosa was able to get big hits in the late innings that were good for at least six of the White Sox 18 wins.

Ralph Filosa is the Nationals owner, and both he and Colluzzi have been here since day two, which was only a week after day one. Filosa has championed so many pet projects for the League, like the strike zone logos and foul poles to name a few. John Colluzzi has been the League’s Director of operations since 2010 and has singlehandedly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsor support. He has also published all three of the yearbooks and hundreds of promotional posters and flyers, as well as coining the Palisades anthem, “Get that shit out of here”.

Andy Blickley is the Marlins owner, and both he and Goldsmith have been a valuable asset to the League’s advertising and media divisions. Blickley was recruited this past fall to join Brett Bevelacqua & Anthony Bevilacqua in the formation of the Palisades Foundation.

Could it be true?  Have our prayers been answered?  Or has this two-time Cy Young winner just inadvertently applied for the head groundskeeper position at Cottage Lane Park? Early on New Year’s morning a text message from ex-Blue Jays owner Pete Montanez was sent to Commissioner Bevelacqua that cryptically states that he would in fact, “See (him) on the field.”  The conversation continued with guarantees to Bevelacqua that if the Dodgers were to get the first overall pick, Montanez would enter the Draft.  Bevelacqua replied “if we get the first pick we would most certainly draft Guillod, he is younger and better looking.”  What followed next was a volley of racist messages, that were slung against greek players Jason Paraskevas and Nick Anezoulakis.  This comes as no surprise as Bevelacqua and Montanez have long been vocal on and off the field with their prejudices against the Greek people.  Conversations broke off later that afternoon when Bevelacqua sent 200 grape leaves and a tray of spanakopita to Montanez’s residence.

Where Montanez and the Palisades WBL go from here is anybody’s guess.  Sources close to Montanez say, don’t discount his return with the return of another Palisades great, Frank “The Entertainer” Maresca.  Only two questions:  Can Maresca be trusted to play an entire season and didn’t Montanez get the tattoos on his feet removed?

WBL insider’s say that they would completely stake their reputation on a Montanez/Danner CORE-2.  After opening a wildly successful Yoga and Rape Prevention Institute together, it was only a matter of time before these two perennial All-Stars would join forces on the field.

Last, but not least, 2011 Commissioner’s Award winner Andy Blickley seen here with Montanez, who appears to be looking over a 2012 contract.  Rumors state that Blickley has made an over the top offer and was quoted as saying, “only a pussy would turn down this contract”.

Even if his retirement announcement holds true and Monty hangs up the cleats you will still see him around the ballpark in 2012.  Montanez contends that he still wants to be a integral piece in the Palisades WBL machine, but sadly with a third grade education, a front office job or any type of management position is out of the question.  Luckily the transition from Fred S. Keller to Cottage Lane will open up multiple labor positions on the grounds crew.

The Blue Jays were the winningest franchise in Palisades WBL history compiling a 57-19 record that included three straight championships between 2008 and 2010.  I say were because as of this moment, it doesn’t look as if the storied franchise will be back in 2012.  We’ve all read the rumors that Lando, Holbrook and Squitieri are headed for the draft, as well the comments from team owner Pete Montanez that he is, “leaving wiffleball and his beloved Canada to open a Bed and Breakfast in Union City, NJ,” but insiders have speculated that the B&B is an elaborate rouse to deflect speculation that there is something more that caused these Titans of Toronto to go their separate ways.

Reports say that Montanez has sent several derogatory and threatening text messages pertaining to the character and well-being of Lando’s pet cat “Peaches.”  Peaches, a beloved Lando family pet of the last four years, has had an on-going feud with Montanez over an alleged kitty litter incident at the 2010 Blue Jays Championship celebration party held at the Lando mansion outside of Toronto.  In a TSN interview Lando said, “He is nuts, this stuff with the cat has gone to far.  I’ll be honest, winning the 2010 Palisades WBL Championship was one of the happiest moments of my life, but bittersweet in a way. 24 hours later I found a drunk and completely nude Pete Montanez in my pantry, hovering over Peaches’ litter box, eating a salami, mozzarella and roasted pepper hero, and, well, you get the idea.”  He added, “[Montanez] still denies it to this day and Peaches hasn’t used the litter box since.”

Holbrook and Squitieri could not be reached for comment, but there have long been rumors that Montanez is persona non grata in either of the two sluggers swank downtown Toronto apartments.

Should They Core up?

It looks like the free agent market is beginning to take some shape.  I see a few diamonds left in the rough though. Two top-tier Palisades WBL superstars that are not in a Core-2.

Chris Danner:  He’s a big game pitcher. He has all the tools to make any hitter in the league look utterly stupid. The single most impressive pitch in the Palisades WBL is Danner’s drop. It is second to none, and no one can question his work ethic or his will to win. I expect Danner to ascend to the very top-tier of the league in 2012.

Anthony Lando:  Why oh why are you not in a Core-2? Maybe you’re holding out to be a part of something bigger? Right now you’re a first round slam dunk.

The most important thing about Lando is that he’s shockingly consistent. He’s the best offensive weapon in the Palisades WBL and without a doubt be in the MVP discussion again next season.

Why not throw these two stars together? Anchor your pitching and your offense in one swoop.

At the start of the 2012 season, the Palisades WBL will see its first implementation of Core-2 system. The Core-2 system alters the way teams are forming in 2012, and has caused a spirited debate about the merits and shortcomings of the new system. But regardless of your stance on the new system, the real burning question here is, will it last? It has been no secret that in five short seasons the League has gone through four different formats for team formation, and while each seems to have refined the process and made the league more competitive, one has to wonder when a lasting system will be settled on.

Each season may give a new perspective on how to tweak a system for the better, but to give the League solidarity and continuity, it needs to pick a system, whatever that may be, and stick with it. Is this finally the one?

2. Should the Giants/Mets get the 1st overall pick if Puls and Dooly core?

Speaking of how team formation is changing with the Core-2 system, one of the major points of contention is draft position. By placing no restriction on Core format, you can see any combination of pitchers and hitters in a Core-2. As it currently stands, all dual-pitcher cores will draft last, behind single and no-pitcher cores, respectively. However, the reigning PWBL Champs seem to have found a loophole in the system, looking to form the 2012 Mets core with batting champ Rob Pulsonetti, and defensive standout Kris Dooly. The obvious plan here is to then get the first overall pick in the draft and pick up staff ace Rich Guillod.

The problem with this, is that this also gives the reigning champs the first pick in all of the subsequent rounds as well. Can the league turn a blind eye to this sort of draft shenanigans? True, the Mets risk not having the first overall pick and someone else picking up Guillod, but would anyone risk Guillod not giving 100% for a team he doesn’t want to be on? With all of the commotion this offseason, the Mets are considered the third or fourth best core going into next season, but we have to remember, they did win it all last year with just these three guys on the field in the World Series. Is it fair to allow the 2011 Champs to get even better with the first pick in the second and third rounds of the draft? Or will two non-pitcher cores step up and squash the plans for the first Mets team to be relevant since 2000?

3. Will we get 10 teams this year? And if so, will they all be competitive?

10 teams. That was what commissioner Bevelacqua said in the offseason. He is a man on a mission, tirelessly working to reach his goal. Expansion is ever on the mind of the PWBL, and with a nine team season last year, 10 teams seems like an easy step to take for 2012. However, early in the offseason there are only four officially declared teams, and despite rumblings of up to five other teams, none have officially stepped forward and put pen to paper to announce their franchise. With the Core-2 system changing how teams are forming, are more players reluctant to core-up? Or is this just another case of the slow start to the next season that we often encounter?

In any event, the important question is not whether we can get 10 teams, but whether we can field 10 competitive teams. Many of the “premier” players from 2011 have already declared allegiance to a Core, so will the remaining members of the PWBL be willing to step up and take a gamble on finding a stud rookie arm or bat in the draft?

4. When will the rules finally start being applied?

Every year the rules get tweaked bit by bit to accommodate situations from previous seasons, and Commissioner Bevelacqua has worked hard to ensure that most of these situations are now covered. But, despite a rulebook being issued each season, and players being instructed to become familiar with all the rules, it’s still a stretch that more than 10% of the league could enforce the rules with authority. And with the retirement of Pete Montanez and the status of Matt Hollbrook currently unknown, we could lose two of the rule book aficionados the League has come to rely upon in the past.

If a batter swings but the ball hits them in the hands is it a foul ball? Will the “a pitcher must have X number of balls to pitch for every game” ever be enforced? I know both of these situations played heavily into last season, and could do so even more this year.

5. How will the new field effect the game?

The WoLF, FSK, or however you want to refer to it, the beloved and storied field that was home to the PWBL for five seasons now, is no longer the home of PWBL. Yes, it’s okay to cry, this one time.

Due to extenuating circumstances beyond the League’s control, the PWBL will be moving to a new home in 2012, playing at the fields at Cottage Lane just a few miles away. The real question here is, how are these new digs going to effect the 2012 season? A lot of hard work and maintenance was put into FSK over the years and it turned into an ideal wiffle arena.

The fields at Cottage Lane will sport dual fields each week, both without a single tree within 50 yards of the fields. How will the wind wreak havoc on the pitchers this season? Will this turn out to be the wiffleball equivalent of New Yankee Stadium, with homers leaving the park at alarming rates? Such a prospect may at first be daunting, but were this to happen, would the emphasis switch to the power hitting teams in the league over the dominant pitching ones? We won’t know for sure until the season starts, but Cottage Lane could very well be the most influential player of the season.

6. How are the rookies coming in this year? Can they possibly outdo last year’s?

Trenary. Bevilacqua. Schaefer. Robles. Guillod. Pulsonetti. This time last year these guys were a bunch of unknowns. There were questions about whether rookies could hit the elite pitching of the league, and then Pulsonetti takes the batting title. There were questions about whether rookies could anchor a pitching staff, and Trenary gave Dakota a run for his money at the Cy Young, setting what is sure to be an unbreakable strikeout record. There were questions about whether rookies could be all around studs in the league, and Bevilacqua wins Rookie of the Year. Bevilacqua was also in the running for MVP, and don’t look now, but of those upstart Giants that won it all? All rookies. And those other new guys? Yeah, they’re not too bad either.

With a crop of rookies that instantaneously made the leap from questionable talent to elite status, can the 2012 rookies possibly compete? Can they even come close? Expectations are sure to be much higher for rookies this year, and will that lead to more pressure, and consequently more meltdowns? With Core-2′s forming the way they are, a rookie class that can immediately come in and be game changers will be essential to making the teams at the top of the draft competitive World Series contenders.

Can they do it?!

7. Will commissioner Bevelacqua ever win a championship?

After five seasons of steering the League’s ship, pouring hours upon hours of his time into the PWBL, Commissioner Bevelacqua is the architect of one of the premier wiffleball leagues in the country. And yet the success is bittersweet, as he has yet to hoist the prize of prizes, the coveted Silver Bucket overhead at the end of a season in grand victory.

Each and every year he has fielded a competitive team, never failing to make the playoffs, and yet he has fallen short each time. No longer an overpowering hurler, Bevelacqua has refined his pitching, and knows that ground outs count just as much as strikeouts. As such, he has added defensive all-star Eric Lanks as his right-hand man in forming the 2012 Dodgers, knowing that every ball the sure-handed Lanks fields is going to record an out. With more talent than ever before in the League, and what looks to be a promising draft position going into 2012, will the Commish finally put together a squad that will bring home the big one?

8. What is the status of the Gallo brothers? And will any team take a chance on them?

7-0. Just two seasons ago, Joe Gallo went undefeated in the PWBL, and looked to be a force for the 2011 Astros, having two MVP’s providing his offense, and a prodigy in training in younger brother Nick providing his backup on the mound. But then suddenly, the 2011 Astros fell apart, Joe went back to school, and Nick’s attendance was questionable each week.

With significantly lower pitching and hitting stats than his phenomenal 2010 season, and attendance being a major question mark, will anyone take a risk on either Gallo brother? Perhaps a team with two arms looking to get a few starts mid-season to rest their starters, knowing they may not have the brothers Gallo come the playoffs? Or perhaps a team willing to gamble on a long shot might take a chance on one or both, hoping that last season has left them with a chip on their shoulders. The Gallos are one of the most interesting player cases of 2012, as both have shown the potential to be difference makers, but are the ultimate high-risk/high-reward types of players

But who is willing to take that gamble?

9. Is Pete Montanez actually retired?

Tiger and Elin. Kobe and Vanessa. Montanez and the Blue Jays. It seems these days that no high-profile sports power couples can stay together. After a post-season run that many didn’t expect out of the Jays, and coming up just short in one of the most epic World Series to date, Montanez shocked the wiffleball world by announcing his retirement from the PWBL. But despite the out-of-left-field announcement, few people in the league have reacted, as the general consensus is that Montanez will be back in some capacity before the 2012 season is over. The man himself even mentioned toying with the notion of returning mid-season through the waiver process to help out a struggling team, but the real question is, how long can he hold out once the plastic itch comes back in spring?

If, as he claims, he will be showing up to the field to watch some of the games, will it really be possible for him to resist the calling? As one of the most storied players in PWBL history, Montanez could easily turn around the fortunes of a struggling team mid-season. It seems unlikely that any team could pass up the opportunity to claim him if the time should come. I’m sure the future Hall of Famer’s status will be monitored closely by all the teams in the league as the 2012 season nears and begins, because Montanez might just be the key to turn a good team into a World Series contender come October.

10. When will fantasy wiffleball finally start?

Let’s be honest, from September to February, there is essentially only one sport that consumes the minds of America every Sunday, and that’s football. And from September to January, every other day of the week is also consumed with football, of the fantasy variety. Fantasy sports are one of the largest and fastest growing forms of entertainment, and thanks to major sports websites like ESPN, people are able to make entire careers out of fantasy sports.

So the last burning question is, when will we see a fantasy incarnation of the sport that consumes the minds of America from April to October: Palisades WBL. There are so many possibilities, how can we not? Should we give part of the winnings to the winner of the fantasy league? Who will be the first PWBL Pete Rose? If you play, do you have to draft yourself (someone get some NFL players on the line, they must know this stuff works.) Whatever the case may be, it’s about time we saw fantasy wiffleball in all our lives. Because maybe it will help make that strikeout just a little less painful when you know the guy who struck you out is also on your fantasy team.

Bevilacqua & DiGioia in pregame warm ups.

YANKEES
The Yankees have been approved by the League for the 2012 season. The Yankees are the first legacy CORE-2 of the 2012 season, meaning these two were Yankees last year, and so far are the only two players that will play on the same team as they did in 2011. Led by owner and 2011 Manager of the Year Joey DiGioia has had a long and storied history with the Palisades WBL. After being brought up to the “bigs” by the 2009 Dodgers, DiGioia quickly made a name for himself as an integral part of the most prolific line up in Palisades WBL history. In 2010 he moved from the Dodgers and had himself an All-Star season on the hard hitting Tigers. By 2011 he was ready to take a leadership role within the League and constructed the Yankees and once again DiGioia was in the middle of an incredibly productive lineup.

Anthony Bevilacqua took the Palisades WBL by storm in 2011.  Getting himself eight wins off the carpet, hit .288 with nine home runes and drove in 28 to win the 2011 Palisades WBL Rookie of the Year. Bevilacqua also threw 79.1 innings in 2011, more than any other pitcher in the modern era (2009-present).

DiGioia has been one of the driving forces behind the Palsiades WBL media machine, though he is best known for his off the field appearance in a 2011 episode of “Special Moments,” and is far and away the best dancer in the League. Bevilacqua was responsible for much of the art work on Scuff Stats and is a founding member of the Palisades Foundation, the charitable arm of the Palsiades WBL.