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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

FREE AGENTS

Let's take a look at the top free agents that where on the market during the past off-season.


Harold Morton

The Toledo Tornados signed Harold Morton signed a 2yr/ 9.0mil contract with a 1.0mil signing bonus during the off-season. Morton played for the Anaheim Beefpound last season and put up decent numbers, not great numbers but decent. Morton has lost some power as he's gotten up there with age but his .310 batting average so far this season is prove that he can still hit. At 4.5Mil a year the team is hoping that not only can Morton have some success this season but also will be able to hit next season which I think age will finally begin to slow his hitting down. Morton is hitting .310, with 2 homeruns, 14 RBI and 12 runs. I give this signing 6/10

Gus Wilkins

The Ottawa Crawdaddies signed Gus Wilkins to a 3yrs/31.5mil contract during the off-season. Wilkins played for the Colorado Sky Sox last season and had great numbers in Colorado (not just great power numbers). The Crawdaddies had to be very happy to get a player like Wilkins who is still in his prime and should put up some great numbers in Ottawa. Wilkins is hitting .338, 6 homeruns, 30 RBI, 33 runs and 2 stolen bases. I give this signing 10/10.


Chris Haney

The Crawdaddies also signed Chris Haney to a 2yrs/ 5.6mil contract during the off-season. Haney played for the Durham Bulls last season and put up decent numbers for a reliever. Haney got on the market at the perfect time this season as relievers where in high demand but is Haney worth the 2.8mil that the team will be paying him for the next two seasons, I really don't know as relievers especially middle relievers can be good one year and struggle the next. Haney is 0-0, 2.70ERA, 0 saves, 6.2 innings pitched and 5 strikeouts. I give this signing 5/10.

Richard Evans
The Florida Gators signed Richard Evans to a 3yrs/ 18.3mil contract during the off-season. Evans played for the Texas Talley Whackers last season and he had good numbers for the Talley Whackers last season. Evans is a perfect number two hitter as he makes good contact and knows how to get on base to give the power hitters a chance to bring him hone. Evans is hitting .324, 2 homeruns, 12 RBI, 36 runs and 7 stolen bases. I give this signing 9/10.

Neifi Moya
The Gators also signed Neifi Moya to a 2yrs/ 6.6mil contract during the off-season. Moya played for the Tacoma Pioneers last season and struggled at the plate but that could have been playing in the spacious ballpark in Tacoma. Florida was hoping that Moya just had an off-year playing in Tacoma last season and took a chance paying him 3.3mil a year for the next two years, with the season still early it doesn't look as if Moya was a good chance to go after this season. Moya is hitting .236, 3 homeruns, 11 RBI, 13 runs and 5 stolen bases. I give this signing 3/10.

Jim Buckley
The Gators also signed Jim Buckley to a 2yrs/ 13.0mil contract during the off-season. Buckley played for the San Juan ballerz last season and a pitched very well getting his third straight winning season and pitching for the third straight season over 200 innings with his ERA under 4 each season. Florida did a great job finding him on the market for only 6.5mil a year as I think his age scared a lot of other teams from offering him more money during the off-season, so it was good steal for the Gators. Buckley is 3-0, 3.48ERA, 44 innings pitched, 41 strikeouts and 0 complete games. I give this signing 9/10.

Mike Baxter
The Boston Braves signed Mike Baxter to a 3yrs/ 16.4mil contract with a no-trade clause during the off-season. Baxter played for the Monterrey Stars last season and didn't put up any kind of numbers that stood out on the free agent market this season. I think the Braves took a big chance signing Baxter to such a big contract to a hitter who had a .255 career average with 37 homeruns and 154 RBI the last three seasons. Well the Braves must have seen something that no one else saw as Baxter as been a big reason why the Braves have one of the best offensives this season. Baxter is hitting .357, 10 homeruns, 32 RBI, 34 runs and 7 stolen bases. I give this signing 8/10 (could be the best signing of the year if he can keep up those numbers this season).

P.T. Martinez
The Braves also signed P.T. Martinez to a 4yrs/ 30.4mil contract with a 1.0mil signing bonus. Martinez played for the Durham Bulls last season and was a big part of the offensive that led the Bulls to a World Series victory. Martinez has seen his power number dip a little the last couple season but his hitting skills are still near the top of the league as he has only hit under .300 once during his career and is a big part of getting the Braves at the top of the offensive categories in the American League this season. Martinez is hitting .319, 6 homeruns, 38 RBI and 29 runs. I give this signing 8/10.

Nicholas Daly
The Texas Talley Whackers signed Nicholas Daly to a 3yrs/ 20.0mil contract with a 500k signing bonus during the off-season. Daly played for the Jackson Blazers last season and struggled last season as the Blazers had him bouncing from the bullpen and starting staff. Who is the real Daly, is it the pitcher from last season who struggled as he went from the bullpen and starting staff or the pitcher that 16 games two years ago. The Talley Whackers are hoping that his the pitcher from two years and not the pitcher from last season and paying him 20.0mil the next three season he will need to be. Daly has struggled a little this year going 2-3, 5.59ERA, 37 innings pitched, 29 strikeouts and 0 complete games. I giving this signing 4/10.

Mike Steinbach
The Talley Whackers also signed Mike Steinbach to a 1yr/ 9.0mil contract during the off-season. Steinbach played for the Jackson Blazers last season and didn't have a winning record as he went 10-12 but pitched over 200 innings and an ERA of 4.43. Steinbach couldn't repeat his numbers from two years ago after going 16-4 and looked like age had finally caught up to him but I believe that he still has one more good year in his arm and with the Talley Whackers he will get a chance to win the World Series this season as well. Steinbach is 5-1, 3.74ERA, 43.1 innings pitched, 38 strikeouts and 1 complete game. I give this signing 8/10.

Jeremy Morris
The Monterrey Stars signed Jeremy Morris to a 3yrs/ 14.4mil contract with a 5.5mil signing bonus during the off-season. Morris played for the Durham Bulls last season and was a good closer for them saving 30 games last season. Morris got his first chance last season to close games and didn't disappoint anyone in the way he worked the ninth inning. The Stars needed to get a good closer during the off-season and that's what they did, I do think the signing bonus was a little much but overall they got the right guy for there team. Morris is 2-1, 1.93ERA, 6 saves in 7 chances, 14 innings pitched and 10 strikeouts. I give this signing 7/10.

Brad Campbell
The Kansas City Dirt Bags signed Brad Campball to a 2yrs/ 5.4mil contract during the off-season. Campbell played for the Monterrey Stars last season where he was the main set-up man for the team last season. Campbell pitched almost 80 games and over 100 innings last season while also having his ERA under 3. The Dirt Bags needed some help in the bullpen this season and went a good arm but Campbell was playing in a contract year as he never had an ERA under 4 before last season. Campbell is 0-1, 6.97 ERA, 1 save in 1 chance, 10.1 innings pitched and 9 strikeouts. I give this signing 3/10.

Dave Carlson
The Houston Hitmen signed Dave Carlson to a 5yrs/ 22.0mil contract with a 5.0 signing bonus during the off-season. Carlson played for the Atlanta Brave Vawts last season and was one of the main relievers for the team even though his numbers where kind of high for a reliever last season. I think the Hitmen where desperate for relievers this season as I that they really over paid for Carlson as he is still young but he's got a couple more years before he will hit his prime and then he will up for free agency again. Carlson is 1-2, 3.38ERA, 2 saves in 3 chances, 5.1 innings pitched and 5 strikeouts. I give this signing 5/10 (it would be higher but I think that Houston overpaid for him).

Louie Gibson
The Durham Bulls signed Louie Gibson to a 3yrs/ 12.6mil contract during the off-season. Gibson played for the Colorado Springs Armed Forces last season and was there closer. 14 blown saves last season is something that probably scared off a lot of teams during the off-season which is surprising to me as Gibson has the stuff to be a great closer but maybe mentally he's not closer material. The Bulls saw there relievers from last season leaving the team, so they went out and how to get a good closer so they could defend there championship this season. Gibson is 0-0, 4.09ERA, 8 saves in 8 chances, 11.0 innings pitched and 8 strikeouts. I give this signing 6/10 (I'm a little afraid that the blown saves that he had last season will eventually seek up on him this season, if not his ranking will be higher at the end of the year).

Joaquin Diaz
The Colorado Springs Armed Forces signed Joaquin Diaz to a 3yrs/ 10.5mil contract with an 800k signing bonus. Diaz played for the San Juan ballerz last season and had his worst year of his professional career. Diaz had his first losing season but did pitch over 200 innings and made all of his 32 starts for a year ago. The biggest problem with Diaz isn't his stuff, it's his constantly as he can be lights out one game and have problems getting out of the first inning the next. Diaz is 2-0, 2.89ERA, 43.2 innings pitched, 23 strikeouts and 0 complete games. I give this signing a 7/10.

Vladimir Gonzalez
The Armed Forces also signed Vladimir Gonzalez to a 3yrs/ 11.4mil contract during the off-season. Gonzalez played for the Fargo Woodchippers last season and was of the best set-up men in the National League last season, pitching almost 90 games and over 100 innings, his career low in ERA. You couldn't blame Colorado Springs for going after Gonzalez during the off-season but I believe that they gave to many years and to much money for an aging reliever coming off a career year. Gonzalez is 3-2, 6.98ERA, 0 saves in 1 chance, 19.1 innings pitched and 13 strikeouts. I give this signing a 4/10.


Earl WilliamsThe St. Louis Cornerstone Earl Williams signed to a 3yrs/ 28.5mil contract during the off-season. Williams played for the Colorado Sky Sox last season and had great numbers in the thin air of Colorado. I don't think anyone expects Williams to put up the numbers he had last season but I believe he will still put up great numbers once again this and might have a MVP caliber for the Cornerstone this season. Williams is hitting .313, 13 homeruns, 35 RBI, 33 runs and 5 stolen bases. I give this signing 9/10.

Charlie Hill
The Tornados also signed Charlie Hill to a 1yr/ 6.0mil contract during the off-season. Hill played for the Anaheim Beefpound last season and is one of the best relievers in the game, as he pitches a ton of games, a ton of innings, strikeouts very high for a reliever so why wouldn't the Tornadoes want to go after a reliever like this. I still think that 6mil for a non-closer is a lot of money but if he can get any where near last seasons numbers it might be worth it. Hill is 1-1, 3.63ERA, 1 save in 1 chance, 17.1 innings pitched and 13 strikeouts. I give this signing 7/10 (it would be higher but the 6.0mil is still high to me).

Friday, July 25, 2008

USMLB PITCHER OF THE WEEK


Dan Meacham of the Jackson Blazers is the Pitcher of the Week for the week of 7/17/08-7/25/08. Meacham had a record of 4-1 during the week in 5 games started. He gave up only 11 runs in 36.0 IP for an ERA of 2.75. He had 24 strikeouts against only 12 walks and a WHIP of 1.14.

USMLB PLAYER OF THE WEEK




Glenn Matheson and Henry Anderson of the Texas Talley Whackers the USMLB Player of the Week for the week 7/17/08-7/25/08. Matheson had 37 hits in 94 at bats for an average of .394. He also hit 10 homeruns, had 42 RBI's and 23 runs scored. He also had a OBP of .452 and OPS of 1.239, 7 doubles and 3 stolen bases. Anderson had 40 hits in 90 at bats for an average of .430. He also hit 9 homeruns, had 29 RBI's and 29 runs scored. He also had a OBP of .500 and OPS of 1.328, 9 doubles and 6 stolen bases.

Friday, July 18, 2008

NATIONAL LEAUGE NORTH PREVIEW

Fargo Woodchippers (calolson)
The Woodchippers last season came charging down the stretch to take the National League North but it seemed like all that energy used to take the National League North was used as the team didn’t make it far into the playoffs. The team has won the National League North two out of the last three seasons and with all the offensive coming back this season there shouldn’t be any question that they could take the division once again this season. The team only lost David Torres (P) (11-2, 4.53ERA, 159IP), Vladimir Gonzalez (P) (8-4, 3.43ERA, 1SV) and Benji Cruz (P) (3-1, 6.72ERA, 2SV) to free agency. The team signed Frank Nakamura (P) (7-8, 4.10ERA, 140.1IP) from the Hartford Demolition for 2yrs/7.2mil, Stuart Davidson (P) (1-2, 4.71ERA, 49G) from the Tacoma Pioneers for 2yrs/1.35mil and Ugueth Estrada (P) (5-4, 2.56ERA, 3SV) from the Tacoma Pioneers for 4yrs/23.2mil. The team resigned Philip Dunn (C) (.294, 22, 67). The team didn’t trade for anyone during the off-season. The team saw that last season there pitching staff struggled a little and they went hard into the free agent market this season to make sure it was correct.
The Woodchippers had the second best offensive in the National League almost scoring a thousand runs. The scary thing is for the other team in the National League North that nothing about this offensive has changed and they will be looking to score around a thousand runs once again. AllStar Nick Ball (3B) (.314, 40, 141) is one of the two true power hitters in this lineup and with 141 RBI and 210 hits he’s also a true hitter and a team leader. AllStar Nicky Duran (1B) (.297, 35, 123) is the other true power hitter in the lineup and easily cleans up the bases if Ball misses the opportunity. The returning players Jaime Basile (2B) (.267, 14, 92), RF Gold Glove A.J. Balfour (RF) (.283, 15, 73), Tommie Romero (SS) (.335, 6, 81), Jorel Seo (CF) (.280, 16, 78), C Gold Glove Ricky Gibbons (C) (.313, 25, 78), Pablo Mesa (3B) (.290, 28, 66), Philip Dunn (C) (.294, 22, 67) and Livan Guerrero (SS) (.268, 3, 30) should still be one of the best offensive this season. It’s very hard to find the weakness in this lineup as they do just about everything right.
The Woodchippers pitching staff gave up 775 runs last season which is about the middle of the pack for the National League. They went out into the free agent market to replace the three pitchers that left for the free agent as they got some good bullpen help and some help for the rotation this season. AllStar Brendan Cora (17-5, 3.44ERA, 204IP) is the staff ace and the only Allstar from the pitching staff. When I talk with Cora he said that he’s got a lot to prove and what’s to become one of the elite pitchers because he feels know ones talking about him this season after last seasons terrific numbers. John Cho (15-7, 5.37ERA, 197.2IP) was second on the team in victories but the team really hopes he can bring his ERA down this season. Harry Beltran (10-8, 4.84ERA, 152.1IP), Jim Little (7-6, 3.70ERA, 126.1IP) and Ugueth Estrada should fill out the remaining spots in the rotation. I really don’t know who will be the closer this season as the team will have a lot of options but if I had to choose one for this team I would say Rico Martin (3-6, 3.86ERA, 21SV) because he was a part time closer for this team last season. I really don’t know about this teams pitching staff as it could go any way as they could be better then last or worse as there are some unknowns about it.
Projected Lineup
Jaime Basile
Tommie Romero
Nick Ball
Nicky Duran
Ricky Gibbons
Jorel Seo
A.J. Balfour
Pablo Mesa
Rotation
Harry Beltran
Jim Little
Brendan Cora
Ugueth Estrada
John Cho
Closer
Unknown

Projected Record – 95-67

New Britain Fisher Cats (jway11)
The Fisher Cats made a big improvement last with winning 18 more games from the previous year for franchise record 88 wins. This team is very interesting to me as they seem to have the offensive to compete in the National League North but the pitching staff is the big question mark for me as they seem to be going for youth in the staff. I think last season was a mirage for this team as the offensive held this team up and I believe that they will fall below .500 this season. The team only lost Randy Coolbaugh (CF) (.186, 1, 11) and Felix Riggs (P) (1-2, 4.56ERA, 71G). The team signed didn’t sign any from the free agent market. The team resigned Nicholas Herndon (CF) (.292, 4, 59) and Cameron Holt (P) (3-10, 5.40ERA, 35SV). The team traded P Gold Glove Rafael Machado (P) (15-8, 4.39ERA, 186.2IP) and a minor leaguer with 3.0 mil to the Ottawa Crawdaddies for Adam Warner (P) (2-2, 6.14ERA, 22G) and two minor leaguers. They also exchanged minor leaguers with the Ottawa Crawdaddies from another trade. The team really focused on resigning some of there top players but the trade of Rafael Machado is a big question mark to me with the pitching staff looking for an ace.
The offensive last season score over nine hundreds runs with a great mix of speed and power. I don’t think there’s a tougher first five hitters then there are on the Fisher Cats as they scored 558 runs, 900 hits, 119 doubles, 139 homeruns, 536 RBI, 383 walks, 149 stolen bases, .296 AVE, .375 OBP, .481 SLG, so good luck with the pitchers that have to face them. NL MVP/ AllStar/ C Silver Slugger Erik West (C) (.321, 66, 193) is without a question the MVP of the National League last season and will probably win the award this season again. AllStar Nicholas Herndon (CF) (.292, 4, 59) was resigned during the off-season and was a great signing as it would have really hurt this team with Herndon’s 82 stolen bases and 117 runs out of the lineup. Returning players Kevin Montgomery (RF) (.300, 33, 127), Lonnie Grove (2B) (.260, 29, 92), Jesus Mendoza (CF) (.282, 7, 68), SS Gold Glove Kennie Sexson (SS) (.256, 13, 73), AllStar Hoss Boone (1B) (.282, 29, 89) and Pedro Javier (3B) (.308, 17, 74) should have no problem being as good as they were last season. Can the players at the bottom of the lineup produce better numbers this season because the top five will bring fear to the pitchers they face this season?
It looks like the Fisher Cats pitching staff could be in real trouble this season, as they have three rookies in the starting rotation and no one in the bullpen with an ERA under 4 from last season. I think the Fisher Cats are taking a big risk this season by starting three rookies in the rotation after having a great season last year, it really seems like a step back to me but I’m just looking in from the outside and jway11 is the owner and after the 88 wins he might know what he’s doing this season. Horacio Segui (12-10, 4.43ERA, 162.2IP) will be put in as the number pitcher for this team but Segui is not a number pitcher and more of a middle of a pack pitcher so who knows what kind of pressure will be put on him to perform this season. Carmen Leiter (11-13, 5.36ERA, 191.1IP) is the only other starter left from last season and the same with Segui will have a lot of pressure place on him to teach the rookies how to pitch in the big leagues. Jerry Franco (minor leagues), Esteban Polanco (minor leagues) and Carlos Pujols (minor leagues) should finish the rest of the rotation. Cameron Holt will be the closer this season after saving 35 last year but how long will he be the closer with 6 blown saves and a 5.40ERA last season. This could be a very long year for the pitching staff as the fans should have fun watching there club score a lot of runs but they will also be seeing a lot of runs scored against there team.Projected Lineup
Nicholas Herndon
Jesus Mendoza
Erik West
Kevin Montgomery
Hoss Boone
Lonnie Grove
Pedro Javier
Kennie Sexson
Rotation
Horacio Segui
Carlos Pujols
Jerry Franco
Carmen Leiter
Esteban Polanco
Closer
Cameron Holt

Projected Record – 78-84

Hartford Demolition (yanks0218)
The Demolition had one the World Series Championship the previous year and looked as if they would get there second straight National League North title last season but they ran out of steam towards the end and ended as a wild card team where they where quickly removed from the playoffs. The owner (yanks0218) hated playing in Detroit as he thought it was killing is hitting and with a 39-42 record at home he might be right, so he moved the team to Hartford hoping that it will be live into his offensive but keep the pitching strong. The team lost Al Wills (P) (5-5, 5.14ERA, 3SV), Frank Nakamura (P) (7-8, 4.10ERA, 140.1IP) and Damaso Carrasquel (P) (4-1, 3.87ERA, 2SV). The team signed Artie Holmes (P) (9-10, 6.55ERA, 195IP) from the Madison Lasers 3yrs/16.8mil with a 1.0mil signing bonus and Carson Minor (P) (3-6, 5.71ERA, 4SV) from the Florida Gators for 2yrs/4.2mil. The team resigned Hal Whitman (P) (5-2, 4.46ERA, 1SV). The team traded a minor leaguer to the Houston Hitmen for Bud Iorg (SS) (.297, 13, 64) and a minor leaguer.
You wouldn’t think that a team scoring over eight hundred runs would still be in the category of struggling, but the team scored a good hand full of those runs on the road and then struggling with the bats at home. The team is hoping that the new city of Hartford will allow the offensive to thrive on the road and at home. LF Gold Glove Clem Barkley (LF) (.288, 32, 101) was the only player last season for this to score a 100 runs, 30 homeruns and 100 RBI’s last season and the team is looking for his numbers to jump this season in the new ballpark. 1B Silver Slugger Cookie Valdes (1B) (.359, 18, 95) hit really well on the road or at home as you don’t have a .359 batting average if you can’t hit at home and with the new ballpark you should see his power numbers improve this season. Returning players Nomar Kirby (SS) (.325, 16, 67), Chris Murphy (2B) (.284, 25, 95), Vinny Menechino (SS) (.289, 12, 60), Endy Hemingway (C) (.264, 6, 53), Alberto DeSoto (3B) (.274, 13, 61) and Matt Corey (2B) (.338, 7, 33) should improve there numbers from last season in there new ballpark. How much will the effect of the new ballpark have on this offensive? I believe that it will improve from last season.
The pitcher lost a couple of people in the free agent market so they went and got a couple to replace them and it probably is an improvement from last season. The pitching staff this season will have a CY Young winner and a closer that is tied for the all-time lead in saves for the USMLB so the pitching staff really shouldn’t change from last season even in the new ballpark. CY Young/ AllStar Raymond Pavlov (19-5, 2.65ERA, 217.1IP) is without question one of the best pitchers in the league and will need to be just as good this season for the team. Walt Hayes (14-8, 4.04ERA, 193.2IP) was the nice surprise for the team last year and the team would love to see it again this season. Gerald Wallace (9-8, 4.45ERA, 131.1IP), Artie Holmes and Carson Minor should fill out the rest of the starting rotation this season. AllStar Roger Newfield (2-3, 3.86ERA, 49SV) is one of the best closers in the game and tying the all-time save record last season made him jump in to that category but will need to stop so many blown saves this season. The pitching staff is one of the best in the league but the biggest question is what will the new ballpark have on the effect on the staff.
Projected Lineup
Nomar Kirby
Cookie Valdes
Clem Barkley
Chris Murphy
Alberto DeSoto
Bud Iorg
Vinny Menechino
Endy Hemingway
Rotation
Artie Holmes
Raymond Pavlov
Carson Minor
Walt Hayes
Gerald Wallace
Closer
Roger Newfield

Projected Record – 95-67


Milwaukee Bucks (waydogg5)
The Bucks last season where called the Melders but no one in Milwaukee liked that name so the new owner changed it the Bucks. The Bucks last season had one of the biggest turn around for a franchise last going from 68 wins to 86 wins. I think last season the Bucks played a little above there skills as they either won big or lost big last season. I think that you will probably see a slight decline this season but I don’t think it will be as bad as going back into the 68 wins from two years ago. The team only lost Erik Adams (P) (6-8, 5.52ERA, 122.1IP), Del Friend (P) (3-3, 6.62ERA, 1SV) and Norm Kirk (1B) (.286, 16, 60). The team didn’t sign anyone from the free agent market. The team traded a minor leaguer to the Monterrey Stars for Lyle Taft (P) (1-5, 3.98ERA, 38SV).
Most of the offensive will remained from last season from a team that scored 5.48 runs per game last season. The thing with this offensive is that the team can hit the ball over the fence and run around the bases but there hitting is only average and do struggle with getting on base at times. Wesley Stanley (3B) (.281, 52, 123) is a player outside of Milwaukee that you hear very little about but after last years stats it’s going to be hard for Stanley to be an unknown this season. Julian Hartley (LF) (.275, 40, 104) makes a good one-two punch batting behind Stanley and this year should once again provide that kind of protection to the lineup. Returning players Mitchell Pickett (RF) (.275, 23, 91), Tomas Olivares (CF) (.273, 12, 60), Hi Stoops (2B) (.298, 14, 70), Felipe Alvarez (SS) (.268, 21, 61) and Chris Bellhorn (C) (.247, 20, 64) should be about the same kind of production from last season. Can this team provide enough players on base especially in front of there two power hitters or will they once again only have one player with over 100 runs this season?
The pitching staff is like the other teams in the National League North this season, looking for some young arms to fill spots in the rotation. The Bucks have a couple good arms in the rotation and I believe the best closer in the National League so there’s a lot of upswing with this staff. Ebenezer Canseco (17-13, 3.57ERA, 189IP) had no problem being the staff ace last season and really thrived in the role and the team is looking for him to repeat those numbers this season. Justin Scutaro (16-11, 4.69ERA, 3CG) was also a nice surprise for the team last year and this season should provide a good 1-2 punch in the top of the rotation. Elmer Archer (7-4, 4.08ERA, 1SV), Miguel Bautista (3-6, 5.13ERA, 98.1IP) and Raymond Walton (minor leagues) will battle it out for the remaining spots. Vernon Bolton (4-2, 1.24ERA, 42SV) proved why he is the best closer in the National League last season with only 1 blown save and an ERA just over one, you really can’t get any better then that. Beyond Canseco and Scutaro there’s a lot of big question marks about the rotation and until the team traded for Taft there where some question marks about who was going to get the team to the closer if the starters couldn’t go 8 innings every game.
Projected Lineup
Philip Burks
Tomas Olivares
Wesley Stanley
Julian Hartley
Mitchell Pickett
Felipe Alvarez
Chris Bellhorn
Hi Stoops
Rotation
Ebenezer Canseco
Raymond Walton
Elmer Archer
Justin Scutaro
Miguel Bautista
Closer
Vernon Bolton

Projected Record – 79-83

Thursday, July 17, 2008

AMERICAN LEAGUE NORTH PREVIEW

Scranton Beet Farmer's (aa12on)
The Beet Farmer’s have seen there record get worse every year with there record falling down to 67 victories last year. With a lot of young players playing last year it was expected that the team wouldn’t do so well but with this year coming it is expected that the Beet Farmer’s might have a chance at .500 this year. The team lost Ernie Garcia (P) (0-0, 4.76ERA, 3G), Albie Jacquez (P) (4-3, 6.36ERA, 7SV), Walt Biggio (SS) (.270, 0, 20), Walter Hatcher (2B) (.259, 7, 53) and Gene Guerrero (P) (3-2, 3.32ERA, 15SV) to free agency. The team only signed Fritz Hernandez (2B) (minor leaguer) from the Portland Landports for 4yrs/14.8mil. The team traded Dario Wallace (P) (6-13, 6.75ERA, 152IP) to the Colorado Sky Sox for Vicente Domingo (RF) (.353, 50, 179) and a minor leaguer with 4.0mil coming to the Beet Farmer’s as well. The Beet Farmer’s made one trade that improved there offensive to be something to fear in the National League North.
The Beet Farmer’s offensive only scored 799 runs last season which in the American League is an offensive that struggled all year. You should really see a big improvement in there offensive this season with just one trade. Rookie of the Year/ AllStar Phil Shigetoshi (1B) (.330, 26, 101) is a young first basemen that has a very bright future ahead of him as he won the Rookie of the Year in the American League. Dean Clark (DH) (.309, 30, 106) in a big bat in the middle of the order and provided the protection that was needed for Shigetoshi to have a successful season last year. The returning players Dwight Hennessey (2B) (.247, 26, 97), Vernon Graves (2B) (.252, 15, 75), SS Gold Glove Eddie Erstad (SS) (.299, 5, 55), AllStar Angel James (SS) (.346, 29, 105), LF Gold Glove Marc Rivera (2B) (.290, 12, 56) and Byung-Hyun Shibata (SS) (.233, 3, 24) should improve from last season. This offensive should be a whole lot better this season as the young players will improve and Domingo will fit right in the middle of order.
The Beet Farmer’s pitching staff nearly gave up a thousand runs last season but the team had expected that it might be a tough year for the staff but they also expect there will be improvement this year as they didn’t add anyone to help from a trade or the free agent market this season. Victor Diaz (10-7, 5.86ERA, 2SV) pitched mostly from the bullpen last season but the team thinks that he is ready to become a starter on the major league level. Carter Wise (4-13, 5.26ERA, 184.2IP) believe it or not but Wise was looked upon as the ace of this staff last season, as he was able to eat up some innings to give the bullpen a break last season. Paul Hurst (3-7, 6.46ERA, 1SV), Steve McIntyre (7-6, 5.64ERA, 140.1IP), Alex Vizquel (P) (4-14, 8.00ERA, 129.1IP) and Phil Lee (minor leaguer) should fill out the remaining spots in the rotation. Sammy Beltran (1-5, 3.68ERA, 5SV) will be given the closer role this season as he did very well from the bullpen last year and the team is hoping that he can step up into a closer role this season. Last season the pitching wasn’t very good for the Beet Farmer’s with the starting rotation being awful. If this team has any chance to improve the staff has got to get better and get better quick.
Projected Lineup
Marc Rivera
Phil Shigetoshi
Dean Clark
Vicente Domingo
Angel James
Dwight Hennessey
Vernon Graves
Eddie Erstad
Oswaldo Bennett
Rotation
Paul Hurst
Carter Wise
Steve McIntyre
Alex Vizquel
Victor Diaz
Phil Lee
Closer
Sammy Beltran

Projected Record – 63-99

Ottawa Crawdaddies (davisbrian)
The Crawdaddies saw a huge improvement from the previous with a 19 game swing and putting a huge scare into the Madison Lasers that maybe there reign on top of the American League North was about to come to an end. There plan from last season was simple, hit the ball over the fence, have some speed sprinkled throughout the lineup, have the pitchers only go 5 or 6 innings and let the bullpen close out the games and this was worked to perfection. The team lost Antone Rhodes (RF) (.200, 0, 1), Jeff Shipley (P) (6-5, 4.24ERA, 8SV) and Cliff Woodson (P) (9-9, 4.17ERA, 3SV). The team signed Gus Wilkins (SS) (.332, 32, 136) from the Colorado Sky Sox for 3yrs/31.5mil and Chris Haney (P) (8-9, 4.14ERA, 1SV) from the Durham Bulls for 2yrs/5.6mil. The team resigned Danny Smith (P) (3-3, 4.42ERA, 5SV). The team traded Adam Beimel (RF) (.259, 2, 8) to the Indianapolis Wrecking Crew for a minor leaguer. They also traded Adam Warner (P) (2-2, 6.14ERA, 22G) and two minor leaguers to the New Britain Fisher Cats for Rafael Machado (P) (15-8, 4.39ERA, 186.2IP) and a minor leaguer with 3.0mil coming there way. The team made one more trade, trading Spike Sweeney (C) (.471, 3, 6) to the San Jose Sabercats for a minor leaguer. The team wanted to have the momentum that they had last season and put into the off-season with some big signings and trades and that’s what the owner did this off-season.
The offensive only scored just over 900 runs last year which would put them in the middle of the pack in the American League, as they did hit the ball over the fence well, stole the bases when they had too and found a way to score more runs then the other team. AllStar Al Vazquez (SS) (.296, 55, 145) crushed the ball all over the field and will be a staple in the middle of the Crawdaddies order for some time. Clay Offerman (SS) (.293, 9, 60) provided what every good offensive needs and that is a lead-off hitter that can get on base and put some pressure on the pitchers with the threat of him stealing. Returning players Al Guillen (SS) (.310, 32, 104), Luis Johnson (SS) (.311, 15, 104), Weldon Erving (DH) (.310, 14, 73), C Gold Glove Donte Cashman (C) (.287, 32, 86) and Felix Davenport (3B ) (.250, 6, 45) should have no problem being as good as they were last season. Can this offensive become an elite offensive this season in the American League?
The Crawdaddies knew that if they where going to compete against the Madison Lasers that they had to have a good pitching staff, so instead getting there starting pitchers getting tired in the late innings that they would rely on the bullpen to win them games and that’s what this team will do this year as well. Mateo Romano (12-8, 3.99ERA, 198.1IP) was a good steady starting pitcher take could take the team to the sixth inning but was happy to see the bullpen close out the games for him. Ajax Peavy (11-8, 4.51ERA, 1SV) started the season in the bullpen but quickly went into the starting rotation and proved that he was ready for the job. Benito Garces (10-9, 5.58ERA, 182.1IP), Dennis Thompson (10-7, 4.04ERA, 189.1IP) and Rafael Machado should finish the rest of the rotation. Abraham Millwood (3-3, 2.98ERA, 24SV) will be given the closing job once again and the team is hoping that he can get more saves this year and less then the 5 blown saves he had last season. Can relying on the bullpen work for one more year or will all the work from last season effect them this season?
Projected Lineup
Clay Offerman
Luis Johnson
Al Vazquez
Gus Wilkins
Al Guillen
Donte Cashman
Weldon Erving
Felix Davenport
Roy Whitaker
Rotation
Rafael Machado
Mateo Romano
Ajax Peavy
Dennis Thompson
Benito Garces
Closer
Abraham Millwood

Projected Record – 93-69

Madison Lasers (quantum76)
The Lasers have one the American League North for three straight seasons now but ever since they won the World Series in season 1 the team seems to be falling back into the pack of the American League and with the Ottawa Crawdaddies improving it looks like the fourth straight division title is in series jeopardy this year. The team lost Chet O'Connor (P) (1-2, 6.08ERA, 1SV), Malcolm Reed (P) (5-4, 6.55ERA, 26G) and Art Denham (P) (12-9, 5.52ERA, 200.2IP). The team didn’t sign any from the free agent market. The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. The team may have slipped a little last season but the owner still believes that he has the right team to win the division again and get back the World Series.
The offensive wasn’t the problem for the Lasers last season as they once again scored over a 1000 runs proving that they still have one of the best offensive in the whole league. Ed Houston (SS) (.295, 35, 120) has seen his production slip a little the last couple years but he’s still a great force in the middle of the order and when guys are in scoring position he always finds a way to get them home. Darren Higginson (C) (.346, 31, 99) proved that even a catcher can be one of the best hitters in the league. Returning players Dave James (2B) (.284, 20, 101), Freddie Adcock (2B) (.343, 27, 99), Sherry West (3B) (.249, 41, 93), Harry Voigt (C) (.283, 24, 79), Heath Young (3B) (.293, 12, 65), Don Xaio (C) (.269, 39, 101) and Ricky Hogan (C) (.232, 11, 47) should have no problem getting close to there numbers last season. Can this offensive that is getting older still provide the kind of number the fans of Madison have expected from them?
The pitching staff really let this team down last season giving well over 900 runs and making the American League North a close race through out the whole season. The team is expecting the staff this season to improve and get this team another division title this year. The team added a lot of pitchers from there minor leagues and the Rule-5 Draft to see if it can improve this year. Chad Armstrong (13-10, 5.59ERA, 215.2IP) will need to start pitching like an ace, as that’s what the team has given him this season. Ned Frazier (11-12, 5.65ERA, 181.2IP) is the only other starting pitcher from last year on this team to have a spot this year and the team is hoping they don’t regret that decision. Louis Corino (minor leagues), Ralph Ewing (minor leagues) and Mark Higgins (minor leagues) should fill out the rest of the starting rotation this season. Larry Ellenwood (0-1, 3.24ERA, 31SV) should once again be asked to close the door at the end of the game this season again and once again should do well in that role. The rotation was a mess last season and with all the young pitchers in the staff this season it just might be a mess again.
Projected Lineup
Freddie Adcock
Darren Higginson
Ed Houston
Don Xaio
Sherry West
Dave James
Harry Voigt
Heath Young
Desi Hammonds
Rotation
Chad Armstrong
Louis Corino
Ralph Ewing
Mark Higgins
Ned Frazier
Closer
Larry Ellenwood

Projected Record – 81-81


Portland Landports (scooterbop)
Last season the Landports where the Chicago Legionaires before the new owner moved them Portland for this season. The Portland fans will be watching a major rebuilding job oops I mean a “youth movement” this season as this team needs some help if there going anywhere soon. It seems such a long time for this franchise when they last made it to the playoffs and the team seems to be getting worse every year, will this be the year that the trend is reversed? The team lost Miller Young (CF) (.233, 4, 18), Marvin Wilson (P) (4-1, 7.08ERA, 4SV) and Willie Montanez (SS) (.224, 2, 15). The team signed Stephen Mayer (P) (1-2, 5.96ERA, 19SV) from the Boston Braves for 3yrs/1.41mil, Wayne Root (P) (11-12, 5.03ERA, 202.1IP) from the Houston Hitmen for 2yrs/700k with a 2.2mil signing bonus, Felix Riggs (P) (1-2, 4.56ERA, 71G) from the New Britain Fisher Cats for 3yrs/1.0mil with a 800k signing bonus and Al Priest (1B) (minor leaguer) from the Colorado Sky Sox for a minor league deal. The team resigned Bartolo Rosado (P) (1-6, 5.67ERA, 73IP). The team traded Tim Perry (1B) (.282, 35, 111) to the Jackson Blazers for Rich Blue (RF) (.315, 0, 43). I think the team did a good job getting some veterans to hold the positions till the minor leaguers are ready but at the same time the got these guys at a really cheap price.
Last season the Landports offensive wasn’t even close to the problem for this team as they did score the runs to keep the team in games last season. This year though I think that the team might struggle a bit on the offensive side, I do see that this team is moving in the right direction. Tomas Rosario (3B) (.278, 31, 84) is one of the true power hitters left in the lineup from last season and is expected to even do better this season. Andy Roenicke (2B) (.284, 3, 49) has a lot of speed with the prove of 71 stolen bases last season but he will be moving out of the lead-off this season with the trade for Blue. Returning players Ken Lincoln (SS) (.296, 23, 82), Tony Rodriguez (LF) (.293, 18, 76) and Peter Holmes (C) (.267, 19, 53) will need to provide the offensive this season. The biggest question I have for this team is where the big RBI guy is going to come from this lineup because they have the guys to get on base and steal a base but they don’t have RBI in the lineup.
The struggles that this team will see this season will come from the pitching staff that really isn’t different from last years team with the bullpen the only thing that really improved. Michael Dickey (15-11, 5.13ERA, 214IP) was the only starting that held his own and getting 15 wins for a team with only 65 wins is a great feat but can any team stand for there ace pitcher to have a 5.13ERA. Wayne Root was signed to provide another quality arm or what this team really needed was an innings eater. Vin Bryne (6-9, 5.05ERA, 148IP), Cesar Delgado (6-8, 6.20ERA, 123.1IP), Bartolo Rosado (1-6, 5.67ERA, 73IP) and Edwin Saipe (2-4, 5.19ERA, 60.2IP) will battle it out for the remaining spots. Mayer was signed to provide the team with a reliable closer this season and I believe that he will do fine in that role. Beyond Dickey and Root the rest of the starters will need to step up and show the fans of Portland that this team may be going through a hard time right now but the future will be bright real soon.
Projected Lineup
Rich Blue
Andy Roenicke
Tomas Rosario
Ken Lincoln
Tony Rodriguez
Al Priest
Peter Holmes
Apollo Hayes
Lance Brow
Rotation
Michael Dickey
Edwin Saipe
Cesar Delgado
Wayne Root
Vin Bryne
Bartolo Rosado
Closer
Stephen Mayer

Projected Record – 60-102

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST PREVIEW

Atlanta Brave Vawts (vawt)
The Brave Vawts once again saw themselves on top of the American League East last season and making it all the way to the American League Championship before bowing out to the Texas Talley Whackers. There really hasn’t been more of a consistent team in the league then probably the Brave Vawts as the team is 292-194 with a .601 winning percentage in the first three years of the league and with playing in probably the toughest division in the league that’s a good record. I know I like to give mess with the owner (Vawt) but I might regret this I really do believe he’s one of the best managers in this league. The team only lost Tiny Sheets (2B) (.242, 1, 18), Patrick Johnston (C) (.284, 4, 29) and Dave Carlson (P) (9-6, 5.22ERA, 3SV) to free agency. The team only signed Steve Barclay (CF) (.263, 7, 62) from the Jackson Blazers for 2yrs/4.2mil. The team acquired Cookie Pena (C) (.303, 17, 54) from the Indianapolis Wrecking Crew when they traded away Adam Beimel (RF) (.259, 2, 8) to the Wrecking Crew. The Brave Vawts knew that they really didn’t need to change much about this team, so they just found some bench players that could fill in a starting spot if there’s an injury in the lineup.
The Brave Vawts had scored the fourth most runs in the American League last season with 1001 runs as the lineup as great power in the middle, great speed up front and good contact hitters towards the end of the lineup make this a lineup that’s hard to deal with on a daily basis. Frank Surtain (3B) (.292, 52, 149) as been forgotten with all the power hitters in the American League but make no mistake once a pitcher faces him they’ll remember for the rest of the year. AllStar/ RF Silver Slugger Nick Collins (RF) (.353, 38, 124) fits perfectly in front of Surtain as he gets to see a lot of great pitches and he knows what to do with them. The returning players Alex Sojo (SS) (.285, 16, 82), Aubrey Hutchinson (1B) (.288, 37, 99), Mac Johnson (C) (.304, 24, 96), Luis Carreras (SS) (.278, 19, 84), Morgan Robertson (2B) (.293, 16, 76), Ricardo Martinez (C) (.277, 8, 68) and Wade May (DH) (.271, 13, 51) will have no problem producing the same numbers from last season. Unless a major injury happens to Surtain or Collins this offensive will continue to roll and once again become on of the best in the American League.
The Brave Vawt had probably the second best pitching staff in the American League last season and with 4 AllStar’s and the CY Young winner in the staff it’s makes you wonder why they weren’t number one. The Brave Vawt this season should once again have one of the best staffs in the American League and it might just have the best with Nikowski having a full year in the rotation this season. AL CY Young/ AllStar Phil Nitkowski (11-4, 1.76ERA, 153.1IP) started the season as the closer but the team quickly saw the error of that and moved him into the rotation where he became even more dangerous to become the CY Young winner in the American League. AllStar/ P Gold Glove Ray Jackson (16-6, 3.78ERA, 176IP) not only was Jackson a AllStar pitcher but he was the best fielding pitcher in the American League and the team is looking for him to become a great star this season. Andruw Dunston (14-7, 4.75ERA, 217.2IP), AllStar Larry Rath (16-11, 3.79ERA, 5CG) and Samuel West (12-11, 5.50ERA, 189.2IP) should fill out the remaining spots in the rotation. AllStar Paul Krause (5-5, 3.17ERA, 26SV) didn’t start out the season as the teams closer but he was put into the role once Nitkowski was moved to the rotation, then Krause became an AllStar but he did blow 6 saves so that could be something to watch this season. Last season the pitching staff for the Brave Vawts was one of the best but the bullpen had become there achillies heel with 8 blown saves and an ERA over 5 the bullpen will need to improve this season.
Projected Lineup
Morgan Robertson
Alex Sojo
Nick Collins
Frank Surtain
Aubrey Hutchinson
Mac Johnson
Luis Carreras
Steve Barclay
Ricardo Martinez
Rotation
Phil Nitkowski
Larry Rath
Andruw Dunston
Samuel West
Ray Jackson
Closer
Paul Krause

Projected Record – 101-61

Boston Braves (warswics)
Well last season this team was called the Cleveland Barons but with a new owner he thought it would be a good idea to shack the bad luck in Cleveland and move to Boston. There’s a lot of talent on this team especially from the offensive side, as it makes you wonder if the previous knew what they where doing as I don’t think this team should have two losing season in the last three years and never making the playoffs, so maybe the new owner can turn this team around in the very tough American League East this season. The team lost Pablo Alfonseca (P) (1-2, 4.15ERA, 2SV), Hiram Thomas (RF) (.228, 6, 21), Stephen Mayer (P) (1-2, 5.96ERA, 19SV), Sean Pierce (P) (7-6, 4.98ERA, 121IP) and Nipsey Rivera (3B) (.201, 18, 48) to free agency. The team signed P.T. Martinez (3B) (.328, 33, 115) from the Durham Bulls for 4yrs/30.4mil with a 1.0mil signing bonus, Mike Baxter (2B) (.252, 8, 38) from the Monterrey Stars for 3yrs/16.4mil plus a no-trade clause and Gil Lefebvre (P) (6-10, 5.56ERA, 131IP) from the Cincinnati Highlanders for 1yr/4.8mil. The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. The team went hard after a good power hitter and gave Martinez a big contract for a position that they really needed any kind of production from.
There was no problem with the Braves offensive last season scoring over 900 runs. When any one gets on base for this team the players behind him finds ways to bring him around which is never a bad thing when your going to have to score a lot of runs to compete in the American League especially the East. Chad Nathan (1B) (.307, 34, 131) is a great first basemen but with so many other great first basemen in the American League he gets forgotten but the fans in Boston will soon begin to love him. AllStar/ SS Silver Slugger Rich Hale (SS) (.321, 19, 91) should once again be at the top of the order and once again become a huge torn in the side of the pitchers he faces. Returning players LF Silver Slugger Rob Cooper (LF) (.299, 24, 107), Steven Pedersen (1B) (.304, 24, 86), Tommy Crede (RF) (.292, 30, 110), Lonny Hughes (CF) (.277, 7, 48) and Matty Rodriguez (LF) (.319, 12, 46) should have no problem being as good as they were last season. How much better will this offensive need to get this team to a winning record once again this season?
You would think giving up 939 runs last season that the pitching staff was close to one of the worst staffs in the American League, you would be wrong as the staff wasn’t the best but it certainly wasn’t the worse either sitting nicely in the middle for the American League. Roy Van Hatten (13-8, 3.29ERA, 150.2) only started 23 games last season but he did lead the team in victories and ERA last season and the team is hoping that he can repeat those numbers again this season. Paul Lee (9-16, 6.82ERA, 3CG) will need to keep the hits down this season if he’s going to improve from last season. Eddie Drew (4-7, 6.21ERA, 116IP), Gil Lefebvre and Dean Randall (6-10, 6.16ERA, 133IP) should finish the rest of the rotation. As of right now I’m not really sure who the closer is going to be as there are some good options but not a lot experience coming from the bullpen but if I had to name a closer I guess it would be Matt Schmidt (4-3, 3.98ERA, 10SV). Can the pitching staff keep the team in the games this season so that there offensive has a chance to win them some games?
Projected Lineup
Rich Hale
Rob Cooper
P.T. Martinez
Chad Nathan
Tommy Crede
Steven Pedersen
Lonny Hughes
Mike Baxter
Brendan Norton
Rotation
Paul Lee
Dean Randall
Eddie Drew
Gil Lefebvre
Roy Van Hatten
Closer
Unknown

Projected Record – 76-86

Cincinnati Highlanders (yanksrule11)
The Highlanders really surprised me last season with how good this team was, even with all the young players that came to the team last season. The owner (yanksrule11) decided that New York wasn’t a place that the young players didn’t need to be playing in with all the temptations that New York would bring so he moved to Cincinnati and hopefully it will help the young players focus only on baseball this season. With three straight playoff appearances and 90 win season I guess I will never underestimate this team again. The team lost Calvin Hasegawa (SS) (.250, 3, 20), Herman Harris (3B) (.282, 11, 36), Iago Shiell (P) (2-3, 4.56ERA, 53.1IP) and Gil Lefebvre (P) (6-10, 5.56ERA, 131IP). The team only signed Mark Masato (1B) (minor leaguer) from the Ottawa Crawdaddies for a minor league deal. The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. With the team already full with good young talent there wasn’t any good reason for this team to make any moves this off-season.
Any offensive would be thrilled to one great power hitter but this team has two great power hitters which makes this offensive dangerous to any one who faces them as the team scored 933 runs from last season. The problem with this lineup seems to be that it’s very front loaded with the back of the lineup not having as good hitters as the front of the lineup. AL MVP/ AllStar/ 1B Silver Slugger Luis Nunez (1B) (.335, 66, 150) makes every pitcher that faces him have nightmares the night before it truly one of the best power hitters in the game today and even though he hit is career low of 66 homeruns last season that is not any sign that he is about to slow down. AllStar/ 2B Silver Slugger Bobby Henry (3B) (.298, 51, 127) may have only had 127 RBI’s to go with his 51 homeruns but when your hitting behind Nunez the RBI chances are going to be lower then they would be on a different team. Returning players Mark Phillips (3B) (.292, 35, 102), Cy Ryan (SS) (.276, 26, 77), Rob Carlson (CF) (.266, 9, 67), Jody Fox (LF) (.282, 11, 54), Vic Olivares (C) (.233, 12, 48) and Pedro Alvarez (3B) (.249, 14, 59) should have no problem getting close to there numbers last season and will probably improve it. Can the Highlanders get any sort of production from the bottom of there lineup or will they have to get that from the first five once again?
The pitching staff proved last season that you can be young and also be good in the American League. The team only gave up 814 runs last season the third fewest runs allowed in the American League and with another season under there belts the young pitchers should get better. AllStar Tracy Bowie (17-10, 3.65ERA, 231.2IP) is the staff ace and what the young pitchers will be looking up at as this season goes on. Theo Martin (13-7, 4.31ERA, 177.2IP) said that is goal this season is to win 15 games, ERA under 4 and pitcher over 200 innings when I spoke to him earlier in the week and with his talent he might be able to do that this season. Mark Kwon (1-3, 6.00ERA, 48IP), Socks Leach (13-11, 4.43ERA, 225.2IP) and Albert York (10-6, 6.79ERA, 156.1IP) should fill out the rest of the starting rotation this season. Magglio Salinas (3-6, 3.12ERA, 35SV) should once again be asked to close the door at the end of the game this season again and once again should do well in that role. As of right now I’m not really sure who the closer is going to be as there are some good options but not a lot experience coming from the bullpen but if I had to choose one it would Herb McCarthy (3-3, 3.50ERA, 12SV). The staff will have a good mixer of youth and talent both in the rotation and bullpen but will the young players take a step back this season is any ones guess.
Projected Lineup
James Martin
Mark Phillips
Luis Nunez
Bobby Henry
Cy Ryan
Pedro Alvarez
Jody Fox
Vic Olivares
Rob Carlson
Rotation
Tracy Bowie
Theo Martin
Socks Leach
Albert York
Mark Kwon
Closer
Unknown

Projected Record – 90-72


Kansas City Dirt Bags (rklongball)
The Dirt Bags had one of the biggest turn around from last season improving by 17 games the previous year and making it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In my opinion rklongball should have won Manager of the Year with the great improvement that he did with the team. Unlike the rest of the American League East teams the Dirt Bags had the most changes, so if that will effect there team this season is any ones guess. The team lost Craig Rivers (P) (3-12, 5.03ERA, 52G), Doc Becker (2B) (.237, 2, 42), Orlando Guevara (P) (2-5, 5.79ERA, 1SV), Pedro Padilla (LF) (.260, 10, 38) and Wesley Buckley (P) (0-1, 11.57ERA, 14G). The team signed Heath Fitzgerald (LF) (.274, 18, 83) from the Madison Lasers for 3yrs/24.0mil with a 2.0mil signing bonus and Brad Campbell (P) (5-6, 2.98ERA, 79G) from the Monterrey Stars for 2yrs/5.4mil. The team resigned Adam Torres (P) (2-2, 2.22ERA, 32G), Wilfredo Fernandez (3B) (.288, 38, 125) and William Hanson (P) (1-3, 1.83ERA, 44SV). The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. The Dirt Bags needed to resign some good players during the off-season so it left very little room to find some players in the free agent market but they still get a steal with Fitzgerald.
Last season the offensive scored the fewest runs in the American League East but with 905 runs that doesn’t mean that the offensive wasn’t any good. The team didn’t have much pop expect for a couple of players but what they do have is great speed and they had fun running around the bases last season. AllStar Victor Santiago (SS) (.309, 15, 107) may not have the power you expect from someone with 107 RBI’s but hitting second in this lineup allowed him to slap the ball around while runners where constantly in scoring position for him. AllStar Peter Bang (1B) (.300, 13, 68) was the hitter batting in front of Santiago and was consistently on second base with his 73 stolen bases from last season. Returning players Wilfredo Fernandez (3B) (.288, 38, 125), Scott Rapp (DH) (.309, 14, 95), Alex Lee (RF) (.289, 45, 122), Jim McEnroe (CF) (.262, 12, 65) and Matthew Small (LF) (.307, 10, 89) should once be running around the bases this season. The biggest question I have for this team is will they get any production from there catcher this season or will he just be a missing link in the chain of this offensive?
The pitching staff only gave up 820 runs which in the American League is a great number the have. The bullpen looks to be the strength of the staff once again with a great closer in AllStar William Hanson (1-3, 1.83ERA, 44SV) and with the signing of a great set-up man Campbell. Walt Davenport (14-10, 3.88ERA, 213.1IP) saw himself as the staff ace last season as he led the team in victories (14), ERA (3.88), innings pitched (231.1), strikeouts (144) and tied for the most complete games (2) in the starting rotation. William Adcock (11-5, 3.92ERA, 133.1IP) pitched great last season but his 21 starts really hurt him from putting up better numbers last season. Rondell Borbon (6-1, 4.45ERA, 1CG), Jayson Christensen (10-11, 5.36ERA, 184.2IP) and William Creek (6-4, 5.27ERA, 95.2IP) will battle it out for the remaining spots. Hanson is without question one of the best closers in the game and should once again provide that same quality this season. Injuries took a little toll on the pitching staff last season but with everyone healthy this season it should get better from last season.
Projected Lineup
Peter Bang
Victor Santiago
Alex Lee
Wilfredo Fernandez
Heath Fitzgerald
Scott Rapp
Matthew Small
Jim McEnroe
Curt Price
Rotation
William Creek
Rondell Borbon
William Adcock
Jayson Christensen
Walt Davenport
Closer
William Hanson

Projected Record – 91-71

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

TOP 250 PROSPECTS BREAKDOWN

The Santa Fe Sidewinders have 19 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Hick Meacham (P) at #42.

The Monterrey Stars have 17 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Mike Bonds (1B) at #1.

The San Jose SaberCats have 17 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Kenny Logan (1B) at #6.

The New Britain Fisher Cats have 17 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Damaso Seneca (RF) at #10.

The Houston Hitmen have 13 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Rocky Meadows (SS) at #7.

The Anaheim Beefpound have 12 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Rodrigo Romero (P) at #8.

The Honolulu Five-O's have 11 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Casey Gumbert (P) at #34.

The St. Louis Cornerstone have 11 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Al Azocar (P) at #4.

The Scranton Beet Farmer's have 10 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Carlos Javier (1B) at #11.

The Ottawa Crawdaddies have 10 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Shawn Durbin (SS) at #24.

The Jackson BlaZers have 10 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Greg Dunn (SS) at #13.

The Atlanta Brave Vawts have 9 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Chris Unroe (P) at #23.

The Durham Bulls have 8 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Max Dodd (C) at #72.

The Tucson Xpress have 8 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Geraldo Rodriguez (RF) at #3.

The Cincinnati Highlanders have 7 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Donne McClellan (P) at #16.

The Tacoma Pioneers have 7 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Victor Navarro (SS) at #55.

The Hartford Demolition have 7 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Davey Lopez (P) at #57.

The Portland Landports have 7 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Justin Lewis (P) at #28.

The Texas Talley Whackers have 7 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Rico Lopez (C) at #63.

The Iowa City Raiders have 6 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Ned Fogg (P) at #5.

The Milwaukee Bucks have 6 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Orber Sierra (CF) at #9.

The Fargo Woodchippers have 5 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Sidney Kolb (P) at #25.

The Toledo Tornados have 4 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Pasqual Blanco (P) at #87.

The Boston Braves have 4 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Bernie Castillo (P) at #109.

The Florida GaToRs have 4 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Willie Cordova (SS) at #56.

The Colorado Sky Sox have 3 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Arnold Buchanan (SS) at #37.

The San Diego Friar Power have 3 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Kordell Trunk (P) at #14.

The Indianapolis Wrecking Crew have 3 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Heath Thomas (P) at #124.

The Colorado Springs Armed Forces have 2 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Cliff Johnstone (P) at #165.

The San Juan ballerz have 1 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Orber Liriano (2B) at #216.

The Kansas City Dirt Bags have 1 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Kid Greene (SS) at #88.

The Madison Lasers have 1 prospects in the top 250 there highest ranked player Dutch Douglas (SS) at #17.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST PREVIEW

Indianapolis Wrecking Crew (jasonguru)
The owner of the Wrecking Crew thought that the team needed a change from the city of Richmond moving the team to Indianapolis which will hopefully bring better luck to this team. There where very little changes done with the team after the fire sale during the season last season. The team is the third youngest team in the National League this season and the fourth in major league experience this season so who knows what will happen this season for the team. With the National League East being so weak the Wrecking Crew has just as a good chance of winning the division as any other team. The team only lost Tim Lloyd (P) (0-3, 9.69ERA, 43.2IP), Hersh Garland (P) (1-1, 9.62ERA, 1SV) and Hersh Garland (P) (2-2, 6.38ERA, 3SV) to free agency. The team only signed Nicky Davis (C) (.195, 5, 22) from the Cincinnati Highlanders for 2yrs/1.5mil. The team traded Cookie Pena (C) (.303, 17, 54) to the Atlanta Brave Vawts for Adam Beimel (RF) (.259, 2, 8). The team also traded a minor leaguer to the Ottawa Crawdaddies for Adam Beimel who the team had lost in the Rule 5 Draft.
The Wrecking Crew had no problems last season scoring runs, as they scored as they scored the 6th most runs in the National League with 873 runs. With all the young hitters still in the offensive this season there shouldn’t be any problem for this offensive to improve there numbers from last season. Patsy Lincoln (3B) (.288, 32, 103) proved that he could produce the numbers to be one of the best third basemen in the league and the team will once again look to him this season to produce the numbers. Juan Piedra (1B) (.275, 17, 61) isn’t a typical first basemen as he as great speed and only a little pop in his bat but for this team is fits right in. The returning players Max Wood (CF) (.279, 28, 89), Norm Long (CF) (.265, 37, 92), Troy Byrne (2B) (.281, 12, 47) and Vic DaSilva (C) (.300, 19, 54) will have no problem producing the same numbers from last season. Can this offensive continue to improve from last season or will there youth make them to inconsistent to make any different this season?
Last season the pitching staff really let them down giving up the second most runs in the league with 1144 runs. The pitching staff may have struggled last season but the second half saw there numbers improve slightly helping the team not lose over 100 games last season. Stu Doster (13-11, 4.56ERA, 223IP) was the lone bright spot for the pitching staff as the team looked to him to pitch every game he could and providing quality innings that the bullpen really needed to see. Norman Latham (7-11, 4.64ERA, 128IP) only started 23 games last season but with his limited duty pitched well and giving the team hope that he could become a good starter for the team. Wilson Fisher (6-13, 8.94ERA, 145IP), Don Gilkey (4-3, 5.71ERA, 86.2IP) and Rip Knowles (0-1, 4.61ERA, 1SV) should fill out the remaining spots in the rotation. Jerome DeRosa (0-0, 9.15ERA, 15SV) may or may not be the closer that this team needs but his experience at saving games could be the only reason he might get the job this season but he probably will be replaced as closer really soon during the season. Last season the pitching staff for the Wrecking Crew was bad but the team still believes that the staff can improve and the young pitchers will step up this season.
Projected Lineup
Juan Piedra
Max Wood
Patsy Lincoln
Norm Long
Vic DaSilva
Woody Ruffin
Troy Byrne
Adam Beimel
Rotation
Wilson Fisher
Don Gilkey
Stu Doster
Norman Latham
Rip Knowles
Closer
Jerome DeRosa

Projected Record – 68-94

St. Louis Cornerstone (kk73)
The Cornerstone last season saw there franchise have there best record and for the first time get out of the cellar in the National League East. With all the good things that happen last season for the Cornerstone the pitching staff brought the greatest joys battling with the Pioneers all season to have the best pitching staff, with the staff allowing the fewest runs in the league. With all the great success of the pitching staff the team still was 3 games under .500 proving that timely hitting is just has important has great pitching to have a winning season. The team lost Valerio Moreno (3B) (.287, 10, 44), Rudy Simpson (LF) (.186, 1, 1) and Tony Lanier (1B) (.289, 10, 69) to free agency. The team signed Earl Williams (RF) (.343, 50, 142) from the Colorado Sky Sox for 3yrs/28.5mil and Dennis Funaki (P) (5-3, 4.29ERA, 105IP) from the Florida Gators for 1yr/1.9mil. The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. With timely hitting needed with the team they went hard after a great right-fielder and hopefully Williams can produce for this team.
The Cornerstone believe that the addition of Williams will be the missing piece for this team to make it to the playoffs this season and help bring stability to there offensive and take some much needed pressure off the pitching staff. Rookie of the Year David Cota (2B) (.295, 23, 85) is hoping that a sophomore slump isn’t in his future and that he can once again provide the great lead-off hitting that he did a year ago. Melvin Howard (SS) (.266, 20, 73) will benefit greatly from hitting in front or behind Williams this season and should improve his numbers from a year ago. Returning players Buddy Strickland (CF) (.248, 11, 57), Jason Frazier (LF) (.242, 16, 65), Albert Glavine (3B) (.282, 14, 59), Matty Sanchez (2B) (.248, 6 ,44) and Donaldo Felix (1B) (.270, 22, 63) should have no problem being as good as they were last season. How much will the effect of Williams have on this offensive this season?
There can’t be much said that hasn’t been said about the Cornerstone pitching staff from last season as when you only give up 694 runs that’s telling the league that if you going to win against the Cornerstone it’s going to be a tough battle at the plate. AllStar/NL Fireman of the Year Ed Jefferson (1-2, 2.03ERA, 49SV) has become the best closer in the game with back to back 49 save seasons even with the team not having a winning record. Mark Barkett (14-11, 2.93ERA, 4CG) was a tough luck pitcher last season only having three more wins then loses even though his ERA was under 3 as this season he is looking for a little more help from his offensive to get him more wins. Adam Beard (15-8, 4.20ERA, 182IP), AllStar Ronn Hoyt (10-7, 3.72ERA, 181.1IP), P.T. Ramirez (8-12, 5.51ERA, 176.1Ip and Funaki should finish the rest of the rotation. Can the pitching staff repeat what they did last season or will the league have had the time during the off-season to figure them out?
Projected Lineup
David Cota
Albert Glavine
Earl Williams
Donaldo Felix
Melvin Howard
Jason Frazier
Buddy Strickland
Matty Sanchez
Rotation
P.T. Ramirez
Mark Barkett
Ronn Hoyt
Dennis Funaki
Adam Beard
Closer
Ed Jefferson

Projected Record – 84-78

San Juan ballerz (barton84)
The Ballerz use to be the Louisville Colonels last season, a team that won the National League East and put some scares into the playoffs as they made it to the National League Championship before losing to the Durham Bulls, despite the fact that the team only won 82 games. The team this season lost a lot of players, especially to the pitching staff this season but the team believes that even with the changes that the young players should be able to step up and get them to the playoffs once again. The team lost Sammy Mailman (LF) (.323, 9, 24), Joaquin Diaz (P) (9-14, 4.25ERA, 201IP), T.J. Walker (P) (12-8, 4.83ERA, 160.1IP), Charlie Hines (P) (2-1, 5.21ERA, 4SV), Jim Buckley (P) (14-11, 3.81ERA, 205.2IP), Edgardo Martin (P) (0-0, 9.00ERA, 1G), Shane Tatum (P) (0-0, 1.15ERA, 15.2IP), Stephen Alexander (SS) (.286, 0, 1) and Pepe Franco (1B) (.331, 9, 30). The team signed Andrew Hampton (SS) (.282, 8, 54) from the Ottawa Crawdaddies for 3yrs/19.5mil, Craig Rivers (P) (3-12, 5.03ERA, 52G) from the Kansas City Dirt Bags for 2yrs/3.2mil. The team resigned Mel Reed (P) (1-3, 2.84ERA, 1SV) and Sidney Musial (P) (16-10, 3.47ERA, 233.2IP). The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season.
The offensive last season for the Ballerz wasn’t the best but they could hold there own against any them and there hoping that the move to San Juan will bring the bats alive. AllStar Phil Takada (C) (.311, 30, 93) is one of the best hitting catchers in the league and the leader of the offensive for this team. Chad Jones (3B) (.284, 27, 99) not to be confused with the Chad Jones that plays right field for this team is a great third basemen and should once again provide the protection for Takada this season. Returning players Rollie McMillon (2B) (.309, 8, 69), Jason Harvey (CF) (.267, 4, 41), Jose Owen (LF) (.263, 16, 57), Cookie Vargas (RF) (.293, 16, 62) and Chad Jones (RF) (.324, 29, 87) will need to provide the runs that this team will need to score this season. The National League East isn’t about hitting like the American League but if this team can score enough runs this season they will once again be at the top of the National League East. The pitching staff was hit hard during the free agent period losing 6 players with four of them being a major part of the staff. The staff is got younger from last season but will that mean that the staff is any better or will they take a step backwards and hope that the offensive can pick up there slack. Sidney Musial (16-10, 3.47ERA, 233.2IP) was the number one priority for this team to get him back before he tested the free agent market and that’s what the team did offering him a good size chuck of cash to stay with the team. Tommy Jenkins (10-13, 4.77ERA, 200IP) had some struggles last season but his ten victories showed the team that he is ready to become a good number 2 starter for this team. Benji Sierra (1-0, 8.68ERA, 18.2IP), Homer Metcalfe (minor leaguer) and Frank Yoon (4-6, 7.83ERA, 1SV) should fill out the rest of the starting rotation this season. Magglio Salinas (3-6, 3.12ERA, 35SV) should once again be asked to close the door at the end of the game this season again and once again should do well in that role. The pitching staff took some big hits from last season but will the young players be able to step up and help this team into the playoffs once again this season.
Projected Lineup
Andrew Hampton
Rollie McMillon
Chad Jones
Phil Takada
Chad Jones
Jose Owen
Cookie Vargas
Jason Harvey
Rotation
Sidney Musial
Tommy Jenkins
Frank Yoon
Homer Metcalfe
Benji Sierra
Closer
Magglio Salinas

Projected Record – 81-81


Toledo Tornados (mab444)
The Tornados only mustered 57 wins last season falling from a playoff caliber team the first couple season in the league to the basement of the National League East last season. Last years debacle wasn’t mab444 fault as he only took over the team mid-way through the season and tried his best to stop the flood waters from completely destroying his team last season. The team lost Rollie Russell (1B) (.237, 6, 18), Jolbert Chavez (P) (0-3, 7.23ERA, 18.2IP), Carlos Vazquez (P) (1-3, 1.47ERA, 14G), Robert Price (P) (3-8, 6.72ERA, 17SV), Rigo Costilla (P) (0-2, 6.43ERA, 7IP) and Junior Torres (P) (1-2, 4.02ERA, 53.2IP). The team signed Herman Harris (3B) (.282, 11, 36) from the Cincinnati Highlanders for 1yr/3.5mil, Boots Gaetti (P) (2-1, 2.88ERA, 27SV) from the Houston Hitmen for 2yrs/6.7mil, Hector Acosta (1B) (.341, 18, 116) from the Houston Hitmen for 2yrs/7.2mil, Rogers Dodd (P) (10-3, 4.21ERA, 2SV) from the Durham Bulls for 2yrs/6.0mil, Charlie Hill (P) (10-6, 2.95ERA, 7SV) from the Anaheim Beefpound for 1yr/6.0mil, Harold Morton (1B) (.285, 16, 84) from the Anaheim Beefpound for 2yrs/9.0mil with a 1.0mil signing bonus and Gene Guerrero (P) (3-2, 3.32ERA, 15SV) from the Scranton Beet Farmer's for 1yr/5.6mil. The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. The team went very hard into the free agent market mostly getting bullpen help which was a big problem for the team last season. The team spent 44mil on the seven players they got from the free agent market this season.
The offensive last season for the Tornados was awful last season, the worse offensive in the National League but with the new owner taking over the team mid-way through the season a lot of young players saw some much needed time in the major league lineup last season. Rex Ross (3B) (.306, 16, 78) produced as a good lead-off hitter last season and hopefully with some new player batting behind him he can score even more runs this season. Dennis Brown (CF) (.281, 2, 34) is a good hitter but seemed to struggle with runners in scoring position and the team will need him to improve those numbers this season. Returning players Bob Ulrich (RF) (.277, 11, 46), Reggie Wise (2B) (.263, 15, 47), Terry Ward (1B) (.268, 5, 37) and Bill Good (CF) (.260, 6, 44) will need to improve just a bit this season if this team has any chance of making the playoffs this season. Will the signing of Hector Acosta and Harold Morton provide any kind of numbers to help this offensive produce any kind of number this season or will be paid a lot of money to provide ok numbers this season?
The pitching staff not have been the worse in the National League East but they still weren’t all that good almost giving up a 1000 runs last season. Once again the team had a lot of changes and the young players really needed to go through those growing pains to become a better staff in the future. Reagan Gardner (10-11, 4.77ERA, 183IP) will be looked upon to become the staff ace this season as he was the only pitcher for the team to have double digits in wins last season. Harry Blanco (5-4, 3.07ERA, 93.2IP) only pitched 14 games last season but he showed that he was ready for the major leagues and will be looked upon to become a good pitcher this season. Walt Cortes (minor leaguer), Roger Hines (minor leaguer), Benjamin Ross (8-6, 4.66ERA, 141IP) and Daniel Strickland (minor leaguer) will battle it out for the remaining spots. Boots Gaetti was signed to become the team closer and after 27 saves from last season I think it was a good decision from the team. Look for the bullpen to pitch a lot of innings this season as there going to be good but the starting rotation will need all the help they can get to produce any kind of number this season.
Projected Lineup
Dennis Brown
Rex Ross
Hector Acosta
Harold Morton
Bob Ulrich
Reggie Wise
Terry Ward
Bill Good
Rotation
Harry Blanco
Reagan Gardner
Walt Cortes
Roger Hines
Benjamin Ross
Daniel Strickland
Closer
Boots Gaetti

Projected Record – 63-99

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH PREVIEW

Florida GaToRs (gatorbum)

The Gators fell just short of making the playoffs last season only four games separated them from the last playoff spot. The owner has realized that the team is ready to make a playoff push and went hard in the free agent market to find the missing pieces that will get them into the playoffs. The team only lost Carson Minor (P) (3-6, 5.71ERA, 4SV) and Dennis Funaki (P) (5-3, 4.29ERA, 105IP) to free agency. The team signed Richard Evans (CF) (.317, 25, 98) from the Texas Talley Whackers for 3yrs/18.3mil, Jim Buckley (P) (14-11, 3.81ERA, 205.2IP) from the San Juan ballerz for 2yrs/13mil, Andres Veras (SS) (minor leaguer) from the Tuscon Xpress for minor league deal, Neifi Moya (RF) (.266, 22, 86) from the Tacoma Pioneers for 2yrs/6.6mil and Art Denham (P) (12-9, 5.52ERA, 200.2IP) from the Madison Lasers for 2yrs/5.6mil. The team didn’t make any trades during the off-season. The Gators went really hard after players in the free agent market spending 43.5mil between four players hopefully it was a smart decision.
The Gators offensive had no problem scoring any runs last season with 858 runs scored, so once again the offensive will be looked upon to get this team to the playoffs. AllStar/ LF Silver Slugger Frank Jacobsen (LF) (.355, 45, 133) is without question the team MVP from last season and one of the best players in the league with a great mix of power and speed. Darby Thomas (SS) (.293, 36, 126) took to protecting Jacobsen in this lineup to the best of his abilities and put up some good numbers because of that. The returning players Denny Kwon (1B) (.272, 28, 103), 3B Gold Glove Andy Diaz (3B) (.303, 21, 89), Tony Roberts (CF) (.222, 6, 40), Roberto Gonzalez (2B) (.258, 33, 79), Edwin Randall (C) (.290, 12, 65), Willie Izturis (3B) (.280, 16, 63) and Rico Rosado (RF) (.282, 14, 59) will have no problem producing the same numbers from last season. Will this team find enough playing time to make these good hitters happy or will they need to trade some unhappy players away for some pitching?
The pitching may not have been the strength of the team but they did show some signs of how good they could be when everything goes right for them. The staff gave up 817 runs, with the team hoping that this year the young players and the couple of free agent signings will make the staff a whole lot better. AllStar Wilt McGee (15-8, 4.25ERA, 4CG) was the lone AllStar from the pitching staff and pitched like the staff ace that this team thought he could be. Tony Hernandez (17-9, 3.61ERA, 174.1IP) was a nice surprise for the team as he led the team in victories with 17. Jim Buckley, Jason Burns (12-8, 4.98ERA, 3SV) and Albert Jose (13-9, 3.55ERA, 177.2IP) should fill out the remaining spots in the rotation. Jermaine Curtis (0-2, 4.14ERA, 30SV) will once again be the closer this season, unless he struggles with blown saves once again. The starters should once again be good, even great on some nights but can the bullpen hold the leads that they will probably see quite a bit this season?
Projected Lineup
Richard Evans
Andy Diaz
Frank Jacobsen
Darby Thomas
Denny Kwon
Neifi Moya
Roberto Gonzalez
Edwin Randall
Rotation
Wilt McGee
Tony Hernandez
Jim Buckley
Albert Jose
Jason Burns
Closer
Jermaine Curtis

Projected Record – 88-74

Durham Bulls (eric9930)
The Bulls got hot during there unbelievable playoff run last season to become the World Series Champions. The Bulls pretty much have the same team from last season that was built around great pitching and timely hitting and once again you should see that from this team again. The team lost P.T. Martinez (3B) (.328, 33, 115), Jeremy Morris (P) (2-1, 2.27ERA, 30SV), Chris Haney (P) (8-9, 4.14ERA, 1SV) and Rogers Dodd (P) (10-3, 4.21ERA, 2SV) to free agency. The team signed Damaso Nieves (3B) (.279, 13, 59) from the Monterrey Stars for 2yrs/5.8mil and Louie Gibson (P) (2-3, 4.84ERA, 38SV) from the Colorado Springs Armed Forces for 3yrs/12.6mil. The team has not made any trades during the off-season. The team looked to only add free agents at the positions that they had lost to free agency.
The offensive had become one of the best in the National League last season and with little changes to the lineup this season I believe that the numbers should once again be one of the best in the National League this season for this team. AllStar Vinny Hunter (SS) (.272, 16, 66) will once again looked to get on base and set up the big power bats in the middle of the order this season, with him probably easily scoring over a 100 runs this season. Joseph Kim (RF) (.262, 47, 113) led the team in homeruns and tied for the team led in RBI’s and once again should be at the top of that list this season. Returning players 1B Gold Glove Brian Kim (1B) (.332, 36, 113), Dario Chong (CF) (.259, 15, 80), Claude Marshall (2B) (.241, 8, 51), Jim Wilson (LF) (.270, 24 ,63) and Mike Sewell (C) (.264, 16, 58) should have no problem being as good as they were last season. How bad is the lost of P.T. Martinez to the offensive and where will the team find the offensive to replace him?
The pitching staff last season was good with a good mix of the young players and the veteran pitches to help this team not only make it to the playoffs but to win it all. AllStar William Woo (16-8, 4.62ERA, 247.1IP) came out of nowhere and became one of the best young pitchers in the league but his constantly will need to get better if you wants to become of the of the best pitchers in the league. Buzz Jones (13-6, 3.48ERA, 2CG) is one of the best power pitchers in the league which his 185 strikeouts in 188.2IP should tell how good of a power pitcher he is. Greg Turner (13-10, 4.42ERA, 5CG), Robin Casian (7-12, 5.70ERA, 200.2IP) and Mark Matsumoto (7-11, 2.99ERA, 171.1IP) should finish the rest of the rotation. Louie Gibson was picked from the free agent for one thing and one thing only and that was to become the team’s elite closer. Once again the starters will be good this season but the bullpen struggled last season and the team will need it to strengthen if they want to repeat.
Projected Lineup
Vinny Hunter
Damaso Nieves
Joseph Kim
Brian Kim
Dario Chong
Jim Wilson
Mike Sewell
Claude Marshall
Rotation
Buzz Jones
William Woo
Robin Casian
Mark Matsumoto
Greg Turner
Closer
Louie Gibson

Projected Record – 92-70

Monterrey Stars (goldie1973)
The Stars moved from San Antionio to Monterrey this season but that wasn’t the only changes that this team went through. The owner seeing that the rest of the division seems to be leaving the Stars behind went hard into the free agent market to find the right pieces to bring on the best division in the league even harder to win this season. The team lost Mike Baxter (2B) (.252, 8, 38), Horacio Ortiz (1B) (.237, 39, 96), Marshall Jameson (P) (2-4, 5.68ERA, 78G), Troy Glauber (CF) (.333, 1, 4), Brad Campbell (P) (5-6, 2.98ERA, 79G), Damaso Nieves (3B) (.279, 13, 59), Dewey Heredia (C) (.291, 12, 43) and Kyle Gonzales (LF) (.246, 5, 21). The team signed Barney Padden (SS) (.242, 7, 38) from the St. Louis Cornerstone for 1yr/4.0mil, Hayes Hampton (P) (minor leaguer) from the Iowa City Raiders for 1yr/3.2mil, Ricardo Ramirez (C) (.347, 7, 45) from the Colorado Sky Sox for 5yrs/23mil with a 8.0mil signing bonus, Jeremy Morris (P) (2-1, 2.27ERA, 30SV) from the Durham Bulls for 3yrs/14.4mil with a 5.5mil signing bonus, Nipsey Rivera (3B) (.201, 18, 48) from the Boston Braves for 2yrs/2.3mil and Billy Ray Lombardi (1B) (.339, 4, 11) from the Kansas City Dirt Bags for 2yrs/2.8mil. The team resigned Lyle Taft (P) (1-5, 3.98ERA, 38SV). The team traded minor leaguers with the Houston Hitmen and receiving 300k from the Hitmen, the team also traded with the Milwaukee Bucks sending Lyle Taft (P) (1-5, 3.98ERA, 38SV) for a minor leaguer.
The offensive really did let this team down last season only scoring 714 runs with most of the free agent signings going to offensive this season there hoping that it won’t become that once again. 2B Silver Slugger Chief Martin (2B) (.263, 35, 123) was the offensive leader for the team, as he was the only player on the team with over a 100 RBI’s and close to the 100 run mark. Scott Coffie (SS) (.242, 10, 45) has great speed but with almost 150 strikeouts last season stopped him from becoming a good lead-off hitter. Returning players Brian Turner (RF) (.278, 25, 85), Denny Ishida (LF) (.249, 15, 62) and Marc Penny (C) (.275, 20, 53) will need to provide the runs that this team will need to score this season. Can this team score enough runs to provide a scare to the rest of the teams in the division this season?
With the offensive finding trouble scoring runs from last season there was a lot of pressure put upon the pitching staff and the staff proved that they where ready for the challenged. The team is looking for the staff to improve in there new ballpark and bring this team close the playoffs this season. AllStar Brandon Ellis (13-8, 3.74ERA, 194.2IP) not only became an AllStar but was the staff ace for the Stars last season and from what I’ve heard he’s ready to become even a better pitcher this season. Omar Diaz (8-5, 3.11ERA, 104.1IP) is young and ready to prove that he can pitch a whole season the same way he pitched in limited duty last season. Trent Diggins (5-4, 5.40ERA, 71.2IP), Seth Dillon (3-4, 4.71ERA, 65IP) and Abdullah Hernandez (9-15, 4.45ERA, 192.1IP) should fill out the rest of the starting rotation this season. Jeremy Morris will be given the closer job this season and are hoping that it will become a great signing this season. The pitching staff is strong and with the young pitchers scattered throughout the staff it will only improve as the year goes on.
Projected Lineup
Scott Coffie
Denny Ishida
Chief Martin
Brian Turner
Marc Penny
Barney Padden
Billy Ray Lombardi
Nipsey Rivera
Rotation
Brandon Ellis
Omar Diaz
Abdullah Hernandez
Trent Diggins
Seth Dillon
Closer
Jeremy Morris

Projected Record – 81-81


Jackson BlaZers (bodean)
The Blazers last season was expected to win the division from the fans and management and that’s actually what the team did last season. The fans weren’t very happy that the team didn’t make the World Series but they believe that the team is on the right track and will once again be at the top of National League South this season. The team lost Kenneth Bryant (DH) (.100, 0, 0), Mike Steinbach (P) (10-12, 4.43ERA, 201.1IP), Justin Collins (LF) (.256, 1, 15), Steve Barclay (CF) (.263, 7, 62) and Nicholas Daly (P) (6-3, 4.73ERA, 80IP). The team didn’t sign anyone from the free agent market. The team exchanged minor leaguers with the Houston Hitmen, the team also traded with the Portland Landports receiving Tim Perry (1B) (.282, 35, 111) when they traded Rich Blue (RF) (.315, 0, 43) to the Landports. Another trade involved the Blazers trading a minor leaguer to the Colorado Sky Sox for Tony Armas (RF) (.361, 24, 117). The team may not have gotten anyone in the free agent market but they did get some good players in some good trades that they made in the off-season.
The offensive for the Blazers are there for one reason and that is to provide just enough runs for there pitching staff or keep them in games when the pitching staff struggles a little and that’s exactly what the offensive did last year. With some big trades in the off-season the offensive is expected to become a force like there pitching staff this season. AllStar/ 2B Gold Glove Donatello Carpenter (RF) (.276, 18, 87) was a good lead-off hitter and a big helper to his pitching staff with his great defensive play from last season. Virgil Julio (C) (.278, 34, 91) may not be as good hitters as the American League catchers but in the National League he is one of the best. Returning players Sven Griffin (3B) (.261, 18, 90), Jim Howard (SS) (.269, 23, 83) and Chico Posada (LF) (.240, 26, 68) will need to improve just a bit this season if this team would like to repeat as division champs. With the team trading AllStar Rich Blue everyone is wondering if someone can make up the lost of his numbers this season.
The pitching staff last season was expected to bring the team to the playoffs and that’s what they did as they took the team on there back and won there division. AllStar Bey Dillon (19-9, 2.96ERA, 8CG) once again was one of the best pitchers from last season and the go to guy in the staff for this team. Dan Meacham (13-8, 4.27ERA, 6CG) pitched well but left 11 games in the decision of the bullpen which he will want to improve this season. Tomas Gomez (13-11, 4.31ERA, 219.1IP), Wilt Frank (5-8, 5.20ERA, 159.1IP and Greg Flanagan (0-1, 2.70ERA, 20IP) should fill out the rest of the staff. AllStar Kane Hines (1-2, 2.47ERA, 46SV) became one of the best closer in the game last season and with only 4 blown saves his efficient was also one of the best. The team is looking to see if some young players in the rotation and the staff can step-up for this staff this season.
Projected Lineup
Donatello Carpenter
Tony Armas
Tim Perry
Virgil Julio
Jim Howard
Chico Posada
Sven Griffin
Erick Hernandez
Rotation
Bey Dillon
Dan Meacham
Tomas Gomez
Wilt Frank
Greg Flanagan
Closer
Kane Hines

Projected Record – 92-70

Friday, July 11, 2008

TOP MIDDLE RELIEVERS

1.

Charlie Hill
Toledo
Tornados
Age: 35B/T: S/R
Born: Anaconda, MT
Position(s): P (SuA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Alan Hunter (Ottawa Crawdaddies)
3. Ellie Ashley (Madison Lasers)
4. Pepper Gunderson (Jackson BlaZers)
5. Gene Guerrero (Toledo Tornados)
6. Adam Torres (Kansas City Dirt Bags)
7. Bill Jenner (Indianapolis Wrecking Crew)
8. Randy Hall (Texas Talley Whackers)
9. Iago Shiell (Colorado Springs Armed Forces)
10. Carson Shaw (Anaheim Beefpound)