Newsline

Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Friday, November 28, 2008

POWER RANKINGS WEEK 4

1. Monterrey Stars (59-25) (Previous Week – 1)

2. Indianapolis Clowns (52-32) (Previous Week – 8)

3. Anaheim Beefpound (53-31) (Previous Week – 11)

4. Tacoma Pioneers (52-32) (Previous Week – 5)

5. Atlanta Brave Vawts (50-34) (Previous Week – 7)

6. Milwaukee Bucks (50-34) (Previous Week - 6)

7. New Britain Fisher Cats (49-35) (Previous Week – 2)

8. Durham Bulls (44-40) (Previous Week – 12)

9. Arizona Sting (49-35) (Previous Week – 14)

10. Kansas City Bobcats (48-36) (Previous Week – 4)

11. St. Louis Cornerstone (47-37) (Previous Week – 16)

12. Houston Hitmen (50-34) (Previous Week – 3)

13. Cheyenne Xpress (49-35) (Previous Week – 9)

14. Jackson BlaZers (46-38) (Previous Week – 15)

15. Cincinnati Highlanders (44-40) (Previous Week – 19)

16. Florida GaToRs (39-45) (Previous Week – 18)

17. Scranton Beet Farmer's (39-45) (Previous Week – 21)

18. Portland Landports (37-47) (Previous Week – 26)

19. Wichita Wranglers (45-39) (Previous Week – 10)

20. Colorado Springs Armed Forces (41-43) (Previous Week – 13)

21. Ottawa Crawdaddies (33-51) (Previous Week – 28)

22. Madison Lasers (38-46) (Previous Week – 24)

23. Honolulu Honus (40-44) (Previous Week – 22)

24. Fargo Woodchippers (39-45) (Previous Week – 23)

25. Burlington Ice Storm (38-46) (Previous Week – 20)

26. New York Cab Drivers (39-45) (Previous Week – 17)

27. Boise Hurricanes (34-50) (Previous Week – 27)

28. New York Mets (33-51) (Previous Week – 29)

29. San Diego Skyhawks (30-54) (Previous Week – 30)

30. Jacksonville RAIDERS (28-56) (Previous Week – 31)

31. Boston Braves (28-56) (Previous Week – 25)

32. Tampa Bay Manta Rays (21-63) (Previous Week – 32)

Monday, November 24, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the Ninth edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the Tacoma Pioneers from the National League West Division.
The Pioneers find themselves on top of the National League West and look to be a good position to repeat as National League West division champions.

So what are you goals for the season:
My goals for this season was simple make the playoffs and have the best pitching staff with an ERA around 3, I would prefer it to be lower then 3 but there’s some good offensives in the National League this season.

What has surprised you most about this team:
Well the offensive is beginning to come around as I thought I might be the worst offensive in the league and win just with pitching like last season but the offensive has held it’s own so far. But the biggest surprise has been the bullpen. The bullpen last season was blowing saves left and right and so far this season they have been able to hold there leads and not letting in runners come around when they come in and that is a great success to me.

What team scares you the most to face:
The Stars would be that team, there just so powerful on offensive and have a good pitching staff to back that up. Should be a good out of the division rivalry if he keeps continuing to win.
Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the American League:
That’s a tough choice with so many good team on the American League side but I would have to say the Atalanta Brave Vawts as there pitching is great and if they where in the National League I would have a good fight for the best pitching staff in the league.

Why have you been trading away some of your top pitchers this season:
That’s a good question. The pitchers that I’ve traded this season will not fit with the direction that this team is going in the future. With each one close to arbitration I figured that it was best to trade them while there hot rather then when there salary is high and can’t trade them. Plus is fun it fun to see if you can add more depth and better players on the fly, rather then waiting for the bottom to fall out before you rebuild your team.

Anything else you would like to add:
This truly is a great league, as it was my first and the won I really have but everything I can into this league. So thank you everyone for making this a great league.

Trades:
Monterrey Stars traded Damaso Velazquez (P) to the Arizona Sting for Dicky Puffer (P). Rating: C
This was just a trade to provide minor league help for each franchise as I really don’t see either player making it to the major any time soon if ever.

Arizona Sting traded Carmen McPherson (P) and 800k to the Ottawa Crawdaddies for Shawn Durbin (SS). Rating: C+
The Sting have some extra pitchers that they need to get rid of and McPherson was one of them and with the Crawdaddies needing some pitching help it was a good trade for both.

Indianapolis Clowns traded Hooks Gagne (RF) and Allen Chase (P) to the Ottawa Crawdaddies for Gus Wilkins (SS) and 2.9m. Rating B-
The Clowns got another offensive weapon for a stretch run as the owner has loved Wilkins for a long time and he finally got him. The Crawdaddies probably got the better end of this trade as they got a good outfielder and pitcher who will probably make it to the majors in a couple seasons.

Rumor Mill:
Breaking news there has been a lawsuit filed against the Brave Vawts mascot claiming that there mascot is a danger to others. There has been no comment from the Brave Vawt organization about this or who has filed the claim.
The mode in the Houston Hitmen organized has gotten worse as the season has gone on with the team struggling a bit now. Hopefully the return of the playing the National League will get this team back into shape.
“The Puffman” Dicky Puffer has never been more happy then joining the Stars franchise to help there Double-A team make a run to the Double-A championship.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to us what a Vawt is?

Poll Question:
Looks like you guys think that the Lasers will not make the playoffs this season even though there in first place right now.

Useless Information:
The National League won the inter-play games this season going 104-96 versus the American League, with the National League South having the best record versus the American League South going 28-20.
The Anaheim Beefpound had the best record 10-2 versus the National League West.

Franchise Information:
The Atlanta Brave Vawts franchise has the most saves then any other team in the league with 233 saves while the Jacksonville RAIDERS franchise has the fewest saves with 151 saves.
The Cheyenne Xpress franchise has the most stolen bases then any other team in the league with 1195 stolen bases while the Arizona Sting franchise has the fewest stolen bases with 159 stolen bases.
The Scranton Beet Farmer's franchise has the fewest errors then any other team in the league with 281 errors while the Madison Lasers has the most errors with 540 errors.

What has happen to him:
Now what has happen to Hank Epstein this season? The two time Firemen of the Year and three time All-Star has really struggled with a 2-3 record, 4.96ERA and 0 saves. The life as a closer is very short termed in this league as he had 134 saves in the first four season and now is bullpen help only. I tried to get a comment from him but the Beefpound are still on lock down but after speaking with his wife she said that maybe a change of scenery would be best for his future.

Friday, November 21, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the Eighth edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the New Britain Fisher Cats from the National League North Division.
The New Britain Fisher Cats find themselves in first place and looking to be the first team from the National League North to repeat as divisional champions.

So what are you goals for the season:
Last season my Fisher Cats started off somewhat slow, but kicked it into gear and were able to win the division and make the playoffs, though we were eliminated in the Divisional Championship Series. We have a good group of talented players here and the ways and means to make the playoffs and to hopefully get to the World Series and walk away with a trophy.
I think the Fisher Cats have as good chance as any in the National League to go to the World Series but it will be a tough road.

What do you think of the league that you helped create:
I love this league. We have a great group of owners here that have really come into their own. To be honest I didn't know how this league would turn out because I've been in some bad leagues where I just had to get out. Now I can never see myself leaving. Originally, Beef and I were trying to start our own leagues but had trouble with recruiting. He contacted me about combining our efforts, and I didn't see a reason not to. We both had our share of committed owners, and with some good recruiting, we filled the league. Now we are in Season 5, which is weird because sometimes it seems like we are still back in the first season. We've definitely come a long way and I appreciate everyone who have helped in making this league a great one.
I think I can say this for everyone. Thank you..

What team scares you the most to face:
The Fisher Cats fear no team. Though we are concerned with how much better the Milwaukee Bucks have become. They have such a good offense. Danny Harding is a beast this year and he could very well challenge for the MVP award.
I don’t think a lot of the elite teams are very happy about that comment.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the American League:
In the American League: Atlanta and Anaheim are always good. They both have great pitching as well as great hitting. With the amount of wins they pile up each year they could both be serious World Series contenders. Though my pick is Beef and his Beefpound, because who wouldn't love a World Series showdown with the two creators of USMLB.
A lot of teams are picking the Beefpound to represent the American League this season and plus it would be interesting to see the creatures face off in the World Series.

With so many of your top players up for arbitration after this season will we see a big jump in payroll from your team:
The time has come where young players need to get paid the big bucks. I'm sure my payroll will take a jump, though I don't know how much as of right now. In terms of their futures, I haven't quite decided yet what I will do with my players. I have a good pool of solid prospects, so I can look within if I happen to deal players or let them go.
I think this will be a huge problem for a lot of teams in the near future as a lot of there young players will need to get paid or let them enter the free agent. Should be interesting to watch.

Anything else you would like to add:
Thank you again to all of you who have committed to this league and who have done your part to make this one of the elite. You may not think of it, but I believe that we are all a family here. A crazy family that is obsessed with this game and can't seem to get away. Good luck to everyone this season.
Yes good luck to everyone.

Trades:
Houston Hitmen traded D.T. Telford (P), Mark Allensworth (P) and Duke Ford (P) to the Tacoma Pioneers for Mac Nakamura (P). Rating: B+
A lot of people will think trading away Mac Nakamura is crazy at this point in his career but after speaking with the Pioneers they believed with all the pitchers coming into there arbitration years they just wouldn’t be able to keep all there pitchers and to let a couple go while there worth a lot more then in the next year. This trade will help out both teams in the long run.

New York Cab Drivers traded Tuck Pisciotta (LF) and Juan Alomar (CF) to the Fargo Woodchippers for Vernon Cain. Rating: B-
I think this will be the beginning of the Woodchippers getting rid of there major league talent for some good prospects as the National League North looks to be really tough this season with the Bucks improving so much.

Rumor Mill:
Dario Wallace is said to be very un-happy in Boise and would like to move to warmer climate as his sick and tried of the cold north, also he would like to play somewhere near sea level as he thinks the thin air is effecting his pitching. Little does he know it’s not the thin air effecting his pitching, it’s his pitching that is effecting his pitching.
Dicky Puffer is contacted me and would like all the GM’s to stop making fun of him and would like to report that his not gay if that’s effecting any team from picking him up.
It doesn’t look like any team from the American League North really wants to win the division as every team in under .500 and with every team struggle expect for Scranton Beet Farmer's we could see are first division leader with out a winning record in the league this season.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to us what a Vawt is?

Poll Question:
Looks like right now with the poll that you guys think the Madison Lasers will not make the playoffs even though there in first-place a couple games ago.

Useless Information:
Cookie Pena is one of the few teams that fears his bat as he’s the all-time leader in Intentional Walks with 62 but I believe that Erik West who started the season with 60 will pass him this season. Hoss Boone holds the single season record with 46 intentional walks in season 3.
Kane Hines hold the record for the best saving percentage in a single season as he went 48 for 49 in season 2 for .980 percentage. He also as the best career save percentage at .932 percent (192 – 206)
Claude (The Vacuum) Marshall has the most career great plays at second base with 23 great plays and holding the single season with 14 great plays at second base.

Franchise Information:
The St. Louis Cornerstone franchise has the most strikeouts by any pitching staff in the league with 5026 strikeouts, while the Kansas City Bobcats franchise has the fewest strikeouts by any pitching staff with 4174 strikeouts.
The Cincinnati Highlanders franchise has hit he most balls over the fence in the league with 1450 homeruns, while the Tacoma Pioneers franchise can’t seem to find the fence as they have only 662 homeruns.
The Wichita Wranglers franchise love to help out there pitching staff as they have the most double plays in the league with 2080, while St. Louis Cornerstone have the fewest with 1646 double plays but with the Cornerstones leading the league in strikeouts they don’t really need the double play to help there team win.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

WEEK 3 POWER RANKINGS

The third week saw some big jumps by a couple of teams and some big falls for a couple teams as well. It’s good to see that the Atlanta Brave Vawts finally in the top ten again but where still waiting for the Anaheim Beefpound to finally make it back to the top ten as well. The Monterrey Stars jump into the number one stop this week with a huge week with only losing four games during the week. The Kansas City Bobcats and Brave Vawts debut in the top ten this week, while the Arizona Sting and Cincinnati Highlanders drop out of the top ten this week. The Stars and Bobcats also had the best record during the week going 16-4 while the Ottawa Crawdaddies had the worst record going 3-17. The Stars have scored the most runs with 419 (6.87 runs per game) while the Tacoma Pioneers have allowed the fewest runs with 221 (3.68 runs per game). Stars has the best home record of 25-10, while Clowns have the best road record 22-10. The Stars also have the biggest divisional lead with 9 games ahead of the Jackson BlaZers. The National League South is the toughest division to play in with the American League West behind it, followed by the National League North, then the American League South, then the American League East, then the National League West, then the National League East and then the American League North. The reason why the Clowns fell seven spots this week was because of there week record of 7-12. With past Power Rankings before this season I never incorporated the weekly record to the equations’ that I have but that changed this season that’s why your seeing big jumps with teams having a great week and big falls with teams having bad weeks. As the season goes through that should stop has the records will be more broken up and the weekly record won’t affect that as much. Before the Xpress talk about not respecting them every team above they had a better week then them expect for the Clowns and the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Bucks where 12-8 compared to your 12-7 so that one loss didn’t hurt them as much.


1. Monterrey Stars (42-19) (Previous Week – 3)
The Monterrey Stars moved up two spots into the number 1 spot this week after going 16-4 during the week. The Stars are scoring 6.87 runs per game while giving up 4.34 runs per game. The Stars have the 2nd best pitching staff, 2nd best offensive and 13th best defensive in the league so far this season.

2. New Britain Fisher Cats (39-22) (Previous Week – 5)
The Fisher Cats moved up three spots this week after going 14-6 during the week. The Fisher Cats are scoring 6.25 runs per game while giving up 4.18 runs per game. The Fisher Cats have the 3rd best pitching staff, 5th best offensive and 4th best defensive in the league so far this season.

3. Houston Hitmen (41-20) (Previous Week – 2)
The Houston Hitmen fell one spot this week after going 13-7 during the week. The Hitmen are scoring 6.85 runs per game while giving up 5.05 runs per game. The Hitmen have the 13th best pitching staff, 3rd best offensive and 14th best defensive in the league so far this season.

4. Kansas City Bobcats (36-25) (Previous Week – 14)
The Kansas City Bobcats moved up ten spots this week after going 16-4 during the week. The Bobcats are scoring 6.84 runs per game while giving up 5.69 runs per game. The Bobcats have the 26th best pitching staff, the best offensive and 3rd best defensive in the league so far this season.

5. Tacoma Pioneers (37-23) (Previous Week – 8)
The Tacoma Pioneers moved up three spots this week after going 14-5 during the week. The Pioneers are scoring 4.85 runs per game while giving up 3.68 runs per game. The Pioneers have the best pitching staff, 23rd best offensive and 17th best defensive in the league so far this season.

6. Milwaukee Bucks (37-24) (Previous Week - 6)

7. Atlanta Brave Vawts (36-24) (Previous Week – 15)

8. Indianapolis Clowns (37-23) (Previous Week – 1)

9. Cheyenne Xpress (37-23) (Previous Week – 10)

10. Wichita Wranglers (37-24) (Previous Week – 9)

11. Anaheim Beefpound (35-25) (Previous Week – 12)

12. Durham Bulls (30-31) (Previous Week – 18)

13. Colorado Springs Armed Forces (31-29) (Previous Week – 19)

14. Arizona Sting (34-26) (Previous Week – 7)

15. Jackson BlaZers (33-28) (Previous Week – 13)

16. St. Louis Cornerstone (32-28) (Previous Week – 11)

17. New York Cab Drivers (29-31) (Previous Week – 26)

18. Florida GaToRs (26-35) (Previous Week – 29)

19. Cincinnati Highlanders (32-28) (Previous Week – 4)

20. Burlington Ice Storm (30-31) (Previous Week – 16)

21. Scranton Beet Farmer's (27-34) (Previous Week – 22)

22. Honolulu Honus (29-31) (Previous Week – 25)

23. Fargo Woodchippers (29-32) (Previous Week – 23)

24. Madison Lasers (26-35) (Previous Week – 28)

25. Boston Braves (24-36) (Previous Week – 27)

26. Portland Landports (25-36) (Previous Week – 17)

27. Boise Hurricanes (24-36) (Previous Week – 20)

28. Ottawa Crawdaddies (20-41) (Previous Week – 21)

29. New York Mets (21-39) (Previous Week – 24)

30. San Diego Skyhawks (22-38) (Previous Week – 30)

31. Jacksonville RAIDERS (19-42) (Previous Week – 31)

32. Tampa Bay Manta Rays (11-49) (Previous Week – 32)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the Seventh edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the Indianapolis Clowns from the National League East Division.
The Clowns have gotten out to a great start but they have cooled down recently but with a tough schedule they just went through any one would have struggled that bad.

So what are you goals for the season:
My goal was to have a winning record. I thought I had the pieces to make a run with guys like Chief Martin and good starting pitching.
I think that you’ve done a great job so far this season and I believe a winning record is within reach.

How does it feel like to be back in this league:
This league was one of my favorites from the very beginning because I was among newer owners when I started and had my “home" team in Los Angeles. It didn't hurt that I technically won the division 3 years in a row.
Well I think I speak for everyone it’s good to have you back and happy to that you’re not in the National League West anymore so that my team has a chance to shine.

What team scares you the most to face:
I guess I fear the Stars since I am 0-6 against them so far.
I know the Stars has to be the team that everyone fears this season.
Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the American League:
I guess I'll go with Anaheim. I don't really look at other teams, so I'm just going by their record and past history.
I think that would be a safe bet but they may not get out of there own division at the end of the year.

What do you think the reason is for your team’s poor performance as of late:
Although my team has hit a lull, I don't feel they were as good as they started or as bad as they have been lately. Take away the 6 losses to Monterrey recently and we still would've been playing .500 ball more or less.
I think playing the Stars will always hurt your record no matter how well you play.

Anything else you would like to add:
This is a very competitive world. Jway11 & Beef have been excellent in their patience with recruiting and I look forward to more seasons here in USMLB. tomjames and his blogging has made this a very entertaining league. I personally rate it my top three and I've been in quite a few leagues. I've been here for most of the 5 seasons and intend on staying in the league as long as I play the game. Clowns show a happy face no matter how they are doing, much like I do in real life. Although we're not in LA, I feel this team is a perfect fit for me.
I really don’t think the clowns always bring a happy face to the teams they have played so far this season.

Trades:
Tacoma Pioneers where in the trading mood again as they traded Tommie Relaford (P) and Pablo Jimenez (P) along with 500k to the Honolulu Honus for Britt Hamelin (P) and Jim Glynn (P). Rating: B+
This trade was a very even trade with the Honus getting some pitching help at there major league level and the Pioneers getting a couple young arms that they where looking for. In a couple of years I think everyone will be happy with this trade.

Monterrey Stars traded Ben Donahue to the Boston Braves for Tommy Crede and 3.7m. Rating: B-
The Stars got another power hitting outfielder to help out there offensive even more in Crede while they gave away a good young outfielder to get this deal done.

Rumor Mill:
Could we see the return of the dreaded Vawt Power Rankings this season, we can only hope that it comes true.
A lot of fans in Tacoma are wondering what going on with the Pioneers trading away players left and right, with 2/3rd of the starting rotation being shipped out. Will the trades end in Tacoma or will see more trades from there first place team.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to use what a Vawt is?

Poll Question:
I hope jway11 is ready for his interview.

Useless Information:
Greg Turner of the Durham Bulls have won 34% of his teams victories with his 10 victories so far this season while no other pitcher has more then 4.
Danny Harding of Milwaukee Bucks have hit 31% of his teams homeruns with 28 homeruns so far this season while also leading the league in homeruns early this season.
Henry Anderson and Tim Rooney the shortstop and second basemen for Wichita Wranglers have to best double-play combo in the league with them combining for 114 double-plays.
The Monterrey Stars are hitting 2.08 homeruns per game for there total of 123 homeruns which is tops in the league but if they keep up that pace they will finish with 336 homeruns which is way down from there record breaking performance last season of 376 homeruns, 2.32 homeruns per game.
The Burlington Ice Storm and Atlanta Brave Vawts are leading the league in strikeouts with 427, 7.23 strikeouts per game. If they both keep up that pace they will finish the season with 1171 strikeouts which is below the league record of 1185 by the St. Louis Cornerstone in season three.

Franchise Information:
The Jackson BlaZers franchise has the lowest ERA by any team through the first five years with a 4.02 ERA while the Kansas City Bobcats franchise has the worst with a 6.72 ERA.
The Kansas City franchise has the highest batting average by any team through the first five years with a .303 average while the San Diego Skyhawks has the lowest at .251 average.
Scranton Beet Farmer's franchise has the best fielding team during the first five years with a .990 fielding percentage while the Madison Lasers and the Houston Hitmen has the worst with a .980 fielding percentage.

The answer to yesterday Trivia Question:
Which team one the first World Series? And how long did the series go?
Answer:
Boston Americans in eight games.

Monday, November 17, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the Sixth edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the Boise Hurricanes from the National League West Division.
The team is below .500 for must of the season but if this team can get it’s bullpen in order I think they will make a strong run as the season get’s closer to the end.

So what are you goals for the season: “My goals for this season were to make the playoffs, however, at this point, if I keep blowing saves that might be an impossible dream.”
Having 8 blown saves already will hurt any team trying to make the playoffs but the season is still young and a good portion of it’s still left to play.

Why did you decided to move out of Colorado and come to Boise after last season: “My move to Boise from Colorado was solely because I felt like pitching in that park was giving my pitchers no chance to win games. So far this year it is working out better for me, but I'd like so see a little more improvement in the pitching department.”
I do think the has helped you pitching staff but your offensive has suffered a little bit from the move as well. The starting pitcher I believe has really improved but the bullpen is really hurting your team right now.

What team scares you the most to face: “The team that scares me most is the Pioneers. They are tough in that park that seemingly has no fence. And tomjames always seems to make the right moves at the right times, which is never good for any owner like myself”
For everyone’s information Tacoma does have a fence, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s there plus flattery will not help you win the National League West.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the American League: “In the American League there are some real tough teams, but I can't help but think that Phil Nitkowski will help the bravevawts ultimately get that World Series birth he so desperately wants.”
Well there the favorites every year and they disappoint the people in Atlanta every year as well maybe this might be a different story this season.

If there was one word to describe your team what would that word be: “Potential. I look at these guys and I see a team that has what it takes to win games and be a contender, hopefully, they will read this and agree.”
All the ablitliy in the world is nice but if you don’t know how to close out games your going to lose more then you should.

Anything else you would like to add: “I just love this league, and I would like to thank everyone who has been here since the beginning for being so good in helping me get settled in. As a new comer I feel like I am just as highly thought of as those who have tenure here. This has been great fun and I am excited with the idea that this league is here to stay.”
I think we all agree with that.

Trades:
Burlington Ice Storm sent Abraham Guerrero (P) to the Milwaukee Bucks for Ivan Cedeno (1B). Rating: C
The Bucks got a good reliever that they needed to sure up the bullpen, while the Ice Storm got a low-end prospect that may have a chance in the majors in about four or five years so it will be a while before we really know the outcome of this trade.

Rumor Mill:
The Pioneers seem to be looking to trade some top name players and will follow this development as the season goes on.
The Gators have been asking some owners if they would like to buy there draft picks, no everyone knows that the commisoner would never let this happen but it’s interesting to see a team ask for that kind of trade.
The Stars have sent closer Jeremy Morris to a sports phsycholigist to find out what the problem is since they have done a long list of test and nothing physical is wrong with him. Well lets hope that he can get the help he needs because the team really needs him to close out the games for them.
Alberto Sanchez was signed from the Braves with a record setting signing bonus this year of 15.8m, which is still well below the record signing bonus of 21.3m for Hiram Suzuki in season 3.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to use what a Vawt is?

Poll Question:
The Indianapolis Clowns won the poll question and there new logo is up. Hope everyone enjoys it. A new poll question is up now

Useless Information:
No useless information is today as I don’t have the time to finish this completely as I need to pick up my son from the hospital. Stopped breathing on us during the weekend, but everything is fine now and the doctors say he should be good from now on so let’s hope. Well I guess this really isn’t useless information after all.

Trivia Question:
Which team one the first World Series? And how long did the series go?

The answer to yesterday Trivia Question:
Who are the only two players to win Major League Baseball's Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in the same season?
Answer:
Fred Lynn in 1972 and Ichiro Suzuki 2001

Thursday, November 13, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the fifth edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the Cincinnati Highlanders from the American League East Division:
The team has gotten off to a great start this season so far, holding a five game led over the Atlanta Brave Vawts.

So what are you goals for the season: “To make the playoffs and injure at least two of Beef's pitchers by hitting the ball up the middle as much as possible.”
Well I think this team has a good chance of making the playoffs this season and I really don’t think the team likes the Brave Vawts all that much.

What would it feel like if you beat out Atlanta for the AL East Crown?: “It would feel a lot like season 1.”
I still think Vawt remembers that as well.

What team scares you the most to face: “Vawt has the scariest pitching rotation so I'll say his team early in the year. He always has Big Phil throw about 200 innings though so by the playoffs he has nothing left.”
Another dig at Vawt again, I guess when you have one the best teams in the league everyone is gunning for you.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the National League: “I like the Bucks to make the WS from the National League.”
I think that’s the first vote I have for the Bucks going to the World Series.

Do you think the move to Cincinnati has helped your team more then playing in New York: “Not really. It's fun to change ballparks to see the difference. I'd like to go back to NY sometime if that ballpark opens up again.”
Well I think New York would love to have you back.

Anything else you would like to add: “I love playing in this league, it’s one of the best leagues to play in.”
I think we all agree with that.

Trades:
Tacoma Pioneers hit the trade market again sending Rickey Karl (2B), Mateo Sosa (C) and Pinky Brooks (P) to the Kansas City Bobcats for Benny James (3B) and Derek Ferrell (P) with 4.0mil going the Pioneers. Rating: B
The Pioneers where looking for some setup help and another offensive weapon since there at the bottom of the league once again while the Bobcats where looking for young major league potential players. I think this trade was a win-win for both teams.

Rumor Mill:
The Anaheim Beefpound has been in a lock down mode about talking with the media, it’s like trying to get the gold out of Fort Knox. I was able to catch up with starting pitcher Miguel Martinez before the lock down took affect and he said that the team is fine expect for one guy in the bullpen and he doesn’t understand why the coach keeps sending him out there pitch when he gets killed every time out there. It should be interesting in Anaheim for a while.
Boise Hurricanes could be getting desperate to move closer Nicholas Fox as he as blown a save the last three times he’s entered the game. His stock is falling fast so it could be hard to move him for what the team wants for him.
Clay Offerman from the Durham Bulls is said to be very upset by the team putting him on the waiver wire as he just doesn’t understand why no team wants him on his team this season after signing a big contract for the Portland Landports before being waived by them and claimed by the Bulls.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to use what a Vawt is?

Poll Question:
So far you guys want to the Clowns and Cab Drivers to get new logos but there’s one more days to vote so come on a vote, we don’t need a tie.

Useless Information:
Offensive Player of the Week: Danny Harding (LF) (Milwaukee Bucks) he went 29/81 for a batting average of .358 and hit 15 homeruns in 20 games. Harding also drove in 43 runs and stole 4 bases.
Pitcher of the Week: Pat LaRocca (P) (Houston Hitmen) He gave up 5 earned runs in 15 innings for an ERA of 3.00. He went 5-0 over a span of 5 games. LaRocca struck out 15 while only walking 5.
Darren Higginson of the Madison Lasers is the best hitter in the league right now as he as the highest career average at .366 and hits with 873, which he will probably be the first player to 1000 hits by the end of the season.
Carmine Taft of the Monterrey Stars is the best strikeout starting pitcher in the league with 795 strikeouts against only 878 innings pitch for an 8.15 strikeouts per nine innings.
Kennie “The Wizard” Sexson of the New Britain Fisher Cats could be the best fielding shortstop in the league as he’s only got 27 errors in his 5 year career with a career league leading 22 great plays at shortstop.

Trivia Question:
Who are the only two players to win Major League Baseball's Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in the same season?

The answer to yesterday Trivia Question:
What is the oldest continuously used ballpark in the World?
Answer:
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest continuously operated ballpark in the world is Fuller Field in Clinton, Massachusetts. Clinton is a small town located 35 miles west of Fenway Park in Boston, the oldest Major League Baseball ballpark. Fuller Field has been in operation continuously since 1878.

WEEK 2 POWER RANKINGS

The second week saw some big jumps by a couple of teams and some big falls for a couple teams as well. For the first time in Power Rankings history the Anaheim Beefpound and the Atlanta Brave Vawts are sitting out of the top 10. The Clowns are still number one in the rankings and unless they start to collapse they may be the first team be in the number one spot from the beginning of the season till the end. The Highlanders, Bucks, Pioneers and Wranglers debut in the top ten this week, while the Cornerstone, Beefpound, Beet Farmer’s and Gators drop out of the top ten this week. The Highlanders also had the best record during the week going 16-4 while the Manta Rays had the worst record going 3-17. The Monterrey Stars have scored the most runs with 295 (7.20 runs per game) while the Indianapolis Clowns have allowed the fewest runs with 150 (3.66 runs per game). Arizona Sting has the best home record of 16-7, while Clowns have the best road record 19-4. The Clowns also have the biggest divisional lead with 6 games ahead of the Cornerstone. The American League West is the toughest division to play in with the National League North behind it, followed by the National League South, then the American League South, then the American League East, then the National League East, then the National League West and then the American League North.

1. Indianapolis Clowns (30-11) (Previous Week – 1)
The Indianapolis Clowns remain in the top spot after going 14-6 during the week. The Clowns are scoring 7.15 runs per game while giving up 3.66 runs per game. The Clowns have the best pitching staff, the best offensive and the 3rd best defense in the league so far this season.
2. Houston Hitmen (28-13) (Previous Week – 5)
The Houston Hitmen moved up three spots this week after going 15-5 during the week. The Hitmen are scoring 6.88 runs per game while giving up 4.83 runs per game. The Hitmen have the 8th best pitching staff, 4th best offensive and 21st best defensive in the league so far this season.
3. Monterrey Stars (26-15) (Previous Week – 8)
The Monterrey Stars moved up five spots this week after going 14-6 during the week. The Stars are scoring 7.20 runs per game while giving up 4.78 runs per game. The Stars have the 7th best pitching staff, 2nd best offensive and 15th best defensive in the league so far this season.
4. Cincinnati Highlanders (26-15) (Previous Week – 19)
The Highlanders moved up 15 spots this week after going 16-4 during the week. The Highlanders are scoring 5.24 runs per game while giving up 4.56 runs per game. The Highlanders have the 11th best pitching staff, 16th best offensive and 4th best defensive in the league so far this season.
5. New Britain Fisher Cats (25-16) (Previous Week – 6)
The Fisher Cats moved up one spot this week after going 12-8 during the week. The Fisher Cats are scoring 5.51 runs per game while giving up 3.98 runs per game. The Fisher Cats have the 3rd best pitching staff, 9th best offensive and 10th best defensive in the league so far this season.
6. Milwaukee Bucks (25-16) (Previous Week - 11)

7. Arizona Sting (25-16) (Previous Week – 9)

8. Tacoma Pioneers (23-18) (Previous Week – 17)

9. Wichita Wranglers (23-18) (Previous Week – 13)

10. Cheyenne Xpress (25-16) (Previous Week – 2)

11. St. Louis Cornerstone (24-17) (Previous Week – 7)

12. Anaheim Beefpound (23-18) (Previous Week – 4)

13. Jackson BlaZers (23-18) (Previous Week – 12)

14. Kansas City Bobcats (20-21) (Previous Week – 24)

15. Atlanta Brave Vawts (22-19) (Previous Week – 14)

16. Burlington Ice Storm (21-20) (Previous Week – 28)

17. Portland Landports (19-22) (Previous Week – 15)

18. Durham Bulls (17-24) (Previous Week – 29)

19. Colorado Springs Armed Forces (18-23) (Previous Week – 25)

20. Boise Hurricanes (19-22) (Previous Week – 16)

21. Ottawa Crawdaddies (17-24) (Previous Week – 22)

22. Scranton Beet Farmer's (20-21) (Previous Week – 3)

23. Fargo Woodchippers (19-22) (Previous Week – 26)

24. New York Mets (18-23) (Previous Week – 21)

25. Honolulu Honus (18-23) (Previous Week – 27)

26. New York Cab Drivers (18-23) (Previous Week – 18)

27. Boston Braves (15-26) (Previous Week – 30)

28. Madison Lasers (15-26) (Previous Week – 31)

29. Florida GaToRs (16-25) (Previous Week – 10)

30. San Diego Skyhawks (16-25) (Previous Week – 20)

31. Jacksonville RAIDERS (14-27) (Previous Week – 23)

32. Tampa Bay Manta Rays (8-33) (Previous Week – 32)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the fourth edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the Jacksonville RAIDERS from the American League South Division:
The team hasn’t gotten off to a good start at all only winning 14 games so far but at least they don’t have the worst record in the majors so there’s always a good side to a bad situation.

So what are you goals for the season: “Goals not to finish in last place --and within the next year or 2 to make a run at the playoffs.”
Well I hate to say this but I think last place is where this team will finish the year at, the American League South is that much better this season.

What do you need to do to this franchise to turn it around: “Need starting Pitching and some sticks. Though we opened the wallets this year we will do the same till we get it right. With our Bikini’s at the Ballpark promotion, we have seen a huge rise in our uh revenue.”
I think pitching will need to be the main so this team goes after next. And I thought with the team in Jacksonville wearing bikini’s to the ballpark was normal dress attire.

What team scares you the most to face: “The Indianapolis Clowns -- I think I was scared as a child.”
The Indianapolis certainly is giving a lot of team’s nightmares this season.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the National League: “The Clowns look tough early, though barring any injuries (just jinxed him didn’t I) he should take that division (Jinx Jinx) trades near the deadline could move a couple of teams ahead if the right players are involved, so the clowns need to watch out.”
I think someone really does have a problem with the Clowns and the Raiders have to thank there lucky stars they don’t face the Clowns this season .

What would be the one thing you would change about this league: “I would like to have the ability to make coaching changes.”
Wouldn’t we all like to do that?

Anything else you would like to add: “I want to say thank you for flying me out to Washington to do this interview, very classy, also what is a VAWT anyways?”
No problem, also first class amenities from this franchise. I really don’t know what a Vawt is but I think Vawt reads this and would be happy to answer that.

Trades:
Tacoma Pioneers sent Midre Contreras (SS) and Sam Walsh (P) to the Ottawa Crawdaddies for Orlando Izquierdo (P), Dan Romano (P) and Tony Rodriguez (SS). Ranking: B
The Pioneers gave up to good players with Major league experience under there belt for some young players that will help this team with there reliever problems. I think that this trade will help out both teams in the long run.

Rumor Mill:
Vawt says that he has been misquoted about the last question during his interview so here is his real answer “My team is the greatest thing since slice bread and there isn’t any other team is better then mine.” So there you go Vawt.
I have been told from a reliable source that the bullpen for the Houston Hitmen have been sleeping with knifes under there pillows during road trips and making sure they never leave there lockers before and after the game as they are afraid for there lives as the owner (an ex-hitmen by a rumor) as it out for them if they keep blowing saves. I don’t know the owner is kidding or not but it certainly has the bullpen on high alert.
Knucklebones the Clowns owner was hoping that the team would remain in the shadow during the season but with there great start the team can no longer hide in the shadows as it seems they are the powerhouse in the National League early this season.

Poll Question:
So far you guys want to the Clowns and Cab Drivers to get new logos but there’s two more days to vote so it’s anyone’s to win.

Useless Information:
This league must really love hitting left-handers as the league is hitting .283 against left-handed pitches, with the Boston Braves hitting .333 against them. The league is hitting .269 against right-handed pitchers, with the Indianapolis Clowns hitting .310 against them.
So far this season the league as thrown out 362 base stealers in 1360 attempts for a percentage of .266. The San Diego Skyhawks has thrown out 21 of the 48 attempts against for a percentage of .433 which is the best in the league in caught stealing and percentage. New York Mets has thrown out 16 of the 63 attempts for a .254 percentage which is the most attempts that any team has faced so far.
Frank Jacobsen and Edgar Seguignol hold the record for the longest hitting streak in the league with 35 straight games with a hit.
Bey Dillon is the ultimate ground ball pitcher already getting 119 forced double plays when he’s on the mound. Double plays will kill any rally for any team.
Don’t run on Tony Maduro as he as thrown out .355 percentage of would be base stealers during his career.

Trivia Question:
What is the oldest continuously used ballpark in the World?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the third edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the defending American League East Champions the Atlanta Brave Vawts:
The team hasn’t gotten out to a good start leading the American League East like but with the team winning 3 out of 4 against one of there biggest rivals the Anaheim Beefpound so things are looking up for the team.

So what are you goals for the season: “To finally make it to the World Series. Four straight playoffs and four straight early exits.”
Well this could be the year for the Brave Vawts to make it, as anyone could win the World Series, especially from the American League.

Why do you think you team in struggling so far this season: “Not sure. My starting pitchers are still top notch, but my bullpen is off to a rough start. My offense is also off to a poor start. I think I am a NL team stuck in an AL body.”
I really do think that the Brave Vawts will be fine at the end of the season and make the playoffs.

What team scares you the most to face: “I think I fear the teams that build around pitching or OBP instead of power.”
I think Vawt is running for president because he really dodged that question.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the National League: “Monterrey has some offense, but I think the computer calibrated and managed pitching staff of Tacoma will ride a sub 3.40 ERA to the World Series.”
I think it would be fun to face the Brave Vawts in the World Series but I don’t think my team has the offensive to make it to the World Series.

Anything else you would like to add: “I love playing in this league and nothing can be better then playing here.”
I will have to agree with him with that one.

Trades:
The Durham Bulls sent Tony Martin (2B) to the St. Louis Cornerstone for Bob Schilling (P) Rating: C
This trade was really just to trade some minor league players around. As it doesn’t look like any one team really got any superstars out of this deal but minor league help never hurts as it gives the future major league players experience at winning ball games and that never hurts.

Rumor Mill:
Good news in Tampa Bay as the team finally one yesterday and the three guys have final come down from the billboard. They where asked if they would come back to the billboard if the teams starts losing and they said they would but probably stay up there for the rest of the year as it was fun.
Some of you guys thought I was a little to rough on Vawt yesterday (ok just Vawt thought that) about what going on with his team and would like an apology but according to Vawt I’m a computer, so computers don’t apologizies.
Cheney Stadium of the Tacoma Pioneers will change its name to the Black Hole of Tacoma as both the home and away teams are just hitting .227 combined 258 hits.


Poll Question:
So far you guys want to the Clowns and Cab Drivers to get new logos but there’s three more days to vote so it’s anyone’s to win.

Useless Information:

The league so far this season has only 142 plus plays against 241 negative plays for .371 percantage of plus plays to negative plays which is way below a league average of the last four season of .446 plus plays to negative plays.

Alvin Silva is the career leader in 2 out RBI’s with 259 RBI’s with 2 outs. No wonder he as a lifetime RBI mark 613 second best in the league.

Brady Teut has a great role of being a pinch hitter for his major league career and he has the most by any pinch hitter with 54.


Trivia Question:
Who was the last pitcher in the Major League to win 30 games? What was his record? And team pitched for?

Monday, November 10, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the second edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the defending American League Champions the Anaheim Beefpound:
The team hasn’t gotten out to a good start leading the American League West like normal but it looks like this year might just be a little tougher for them. Well have to wait and see.

So what are you goals for the season: “Nothing less than a World Series Championship is all but a failure in my book. I feel you must always get better and that is all that is my next step since I fell short last year. And I would also like to recover from poor decision making on my part when setting my budget this year.”
Well this could be the year for the Beefpound but I believe there’s better competition in the American League this season so it could be a battle all season long to get there.

If you could have any player from another team who would it be? and why?: “I love me some Khoury Glass. You can never have enough speed!”
I think every team would love to have a player like that. A rare talent in the majors that’s for sure.

What team scares you the most to face: “The Xpress. Knowing how bad they were last year and that they are putting some wins together and his young talent is coming around.”
He may want to forget about the Arizona Sting who are nipping at there heels as well.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the National League: “I think Monterrey stands a good shot. They are solid at home and that makes it very tough to head south to try to knock them off. IF they get home-field advantage, they will be a force that can roll through the competition to meet me in the finals. Booya!”
I really wouldn’t mind seeing a rematch in the World Series between the Beefpound and the Stars once again.

Anything else you would like to add: “I love playing in this league and nothing can be better then playing here.”
I will have to agree with him with that one.

Trades:
The Tacoma Pioneers sent Buddy Colbert (P) and Victor Navarro (SS) to the Durham Bulls for Vic Nye (CF), Don Fielder (P) and Brad Allen (P). Rating: C
This trade helped both team fill some needs. It looks like Durham gets a reliable reliever and a young shortstop with a shot at the majors, while the Pioneers got a decent outfielder and pitchers that will help out there minor league teams with maybe Allen getting a shot at the majors next season.

The Monterrey Stars sent Roy Walker (C) and Seth Dillon (P) to the Houston Hitmen for Julio Cruz (C) and Seth Law (P). Rating: B-
If this was near the trade deadline this would be a blockbuster trade. The Hitmen get a young, powerful catcher in Walker who will probably become there everyday DH and a good young reliable starter to help there pitching staff in Dillon. The Stars got a young catcher with some upside but I don’t see him staying with the team for long as he’s more of a DH hitter. But I think the real reason for this trade was that the Stars wanted Law which I hate to say this is just like the pitchers he has now and he will still need to find that ACE he’s looking for.

The Anaheim Beefpound sent Tito Holt (P) to the Portland Landports for Robinson Buckley (1B) and Gene DeJean (LF) with 3.5M going to the Beefpound. Rating: D-
I didn’t like this trade the first time I saw it and I don’t like it anymore now I’ve really looked into it. I believe that the Beefpound just raped the Landports on this deal. The Landports got a decent pitcher with some control problems with his last year of options so there going to have to pay him next season, while the Beefpound got two good prospects and 3.5m in cash. I may only veto a couple trades a year and I did veto this trade and I hope that the other owners will take the time to look at trades like this.

Rumor Mill:
Three people in the Tampa area have climb a billboard with the Manta Rays logo on it and said there not coming down until the Manta Rays finally when another game. I would say these people are crazy but with the nice warm better in Tampa it’s got feel good just hanging out with your friends for a while.
I’ve learned from some sources that Vawt the owner of the Atlanta Brave Vawts almost fired his manager and destroyed his office from the team poor start. The same source has said that players and managers are staying away from him as they don’t know if they’ll still be on the team if they catch him in the wrong mode. Let’s hope things get worked out in Atlanta because a unhappy Vawt is bad for the league.


Poll Question:
I guess you guys would like to see Vawt under the hot seat next. Let’s hope his head doesn’t exploded from the tough questions he will face about his team poor season so far.

Useless Information:

Hoss Boone (1B), Guy Williams (C), Richard Evans (CF), Frank Jacobsen (LF) and Kane Hines (P) are the only players to be four time AllStars in the league.

LIFETIME TEAM RECORDS



Team W L PCT HW HL RW RL HPCT RPCT
Atlanta Brave Vawts 409 239 0.631 203 121 206 118 0.627 0.636
Wichita Wranglers 401 247 0.619 199 125 202 122 0.614 0.623
Anaheim Beefpound 391 257 0.603 197 127 194 130 0.608 0.599
Jackson BlaZers 386 262 0.596 191 133 195 129 0.590 0.602
Madison Lasers 360 288 0.556 180 144 180 144 0.556 0.556
Boise Hurricanes 359 289 0.554 179 145 180 144 0.552 0.556
San Antonio Stars 357 291 0.551 182 142 178 146 0.562 0.549
Cincinnati Highlanders 354 294 0.546 170 154 184 140 0.525 0.568
Florida GaToRs 339 307 0.525 180 144 161 163 0.556 0.497
Fargo Woodchippers 334 314 0.515 156 168 178 146 0.481 0.549
Durham Bulls 333 315 0.514 175 149 158 166 0.540 0.488
Burlington Ice Storm 333 315 0.514 171 153 162 162 0.528 0.500
Tacoma Pioneers 328 320 0.506 155 169 173 151 0.478 0.534
New York Mets 322 326 0.497 166 158 156 168 0.512 0.481
Ottawa Crawdaddies 316 332 0.488 157 167 159 165 0.485 0.491
Arizona Sting 315 333 0.486 169 155 146 178 0.522 0.451
Kansas City Bobcats 314 334 0.485 168 156 146 178 0.519 0.451
Portland Landports 312 336 0.481 147 177 165 159 0.454 0.509
St. Louis Cornerstone 310 338 0.478 152 172 158 166 0.469 0.488
New Britain Fisher Cats 307 341 0.474 159 165 148 176 0.491 0.457
Boston Braves 307 341 0.474 164 160 143 181 0.506 0.441
Tampa Bay Manta Rays 304 344 0.469 162 162 142 182 0.500 0.438
New York Cab Drivers 304 344 0.469 144 180 160 164 0.444 0.494
Indianapolis Clowns 301 347 0.465 145 179 156 168 0.448 0.481
Colorado Springs Armed Forces 297 351 0.458 138 186 159 165 0.426 0.491
San Diego Skyhawks 296 352 0.457 140 184 156 168 0.432 0.481
Milwaukee Bucks 294 354 0.454 144 180 150 174 0.444 0.463
Honolulu Honus 289 359 0.446 149 175 140 184 0.460 0.432
Cheyenne Xpress 289 359 0.446 148 176 141 183 0.457 0.435
Scranton Beet Farmer's 286 362 0.441 147 177 139 185 0.454 0.429
Houston Hitmen 275 373 0.424 143 181 132 192 0.441 0.407
Jacksonville RAIDERS 244 404 0.377 120 204 124 200 0.370 0.383

Trivia Question:
Who ever sends me the correct answer to this question will be the next owner I’ll interview.
Name the three teams that have never been to the World Series?

Friday, November 7, 2008

USMLB DAILY

Welcome to the first edition of the USMLB Daily. A lot of news and information will be in here and fun things will be added through out it. I hope that you enjoy and that the report will be up Monday through Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. Trades that happen from this day forward will also be added to the report. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add (real or not) just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.

Interview with the defending World Series Champions the Monterrey Stars.
The team hasn’t gotten out the best start that they where looking for but first place is still a good place to be this early in the season that’s for sure. So I ask the owner 5 questions and here is his response.

So what are you goals for the season: “I’d have to say my goals going into the season were to begin to lock up some of my better players to long term deals to upgrade the back end of my rotation, improve my bullpen and land a true ACE.”
Well I believe the only thing that is missing this early in the season is finding that true ACE but every other goal has been accomplished in my opinion.

Who from you team is going to surprise people this season: “I’d have to say, with this being Mike Bond’s first full season his final numbers will be a bit of a surprise to people.”
I would say once again he’s right with finding some good talent that is young and ready for the major. Good job.

What team scares you the most to face: “It’s a tough question because I see plenty of teams that I know can beat me (New Britain, Fargo, St Louis, Tacoma and my whole division) but Jackson has the pitching staff from top to bottom and a ball park that just doesn’t suit my team well.”
He may want to add the Indianapolis Clowns to that mix as well with the way there playing.

Are you looking to add anymore players to improve you team during the season: “I’m always looking to acquire players that can make my organization stronger. I’ll keep my eye out for minor league players that suit my team but the Big-League team is my focus. I’d like to land that ACE I’m missing.”
I think by the end of the year he may add that ACE he’s missing.

Who do you think will make it to the World Series out of the American League: “I’d like to think my team can compete with anyone and the BeefPound gave me all I could handle. Without Junior Lui’s error in the ninth inning of game 6, I’m paying cash for this season and not credits.”
I really wouldn’t mind seeing a rematch in the World Series between the Beefpound and the Stars once again.

Anything else you would like to add: “I would like to add, both Knucklebones and szekrenyi have done great jobs to get their teams back in contention so quickly. Thank you.”
I will have to agree with him with those two owners turning those teams around so fast.

Poll Question:
Well the poll question was what is the hardest division to play in and you guys agree that the American League West and the National League South is the hardest divison to play in.


Useless Information:
Jeffrey Neal is leading the league with 8 inherited runs scored so far this season with leaving 9 stranded for a percentage of 47% which is above the league average of just 32% of inherited runners scoring so far this season with the Durham Bulls the worst with allowing 56% of inherited runners scoring and the New Britain Fisher Cats the best with 0% of inherited runners scoring so far this season.

Incase any one was wondering I have found the 5 highest paid players in the league (without signing bonus) and here they are.

1. Freddie Adcock (2B) (Madison Lasers) 15m this year or 15% of the teams payroll
2. Peter Baek (P) (Tacoma Pioneers) 11m this year or 24% of the team’s payroll
3. Gus Wilkins (SS) (Ottawa Crawdaddies) 10.5m this year or 12% of the team’s payroll
3. Fergie O’Shea (C) (Fargo Woodchippers) 10.5m this year or 15% of the team’s payroll
5. Earl Williams (RF) (St. Louis Cornerstone) 10m this year or 19% of the team’s payroll

I hope that it’s worth it to the Pioneers to pay a single player nearly one-fourth of the payroll this season.

Teams Payroll this season (subject to change with trades through out the year)
Florida GaToRs $107,883,555
Madison Lasers $101,730,000
Monterrey Stars $91,822,424
Wichita Wranglers $91,364,500
Anaheim Beefpound $87,173,426
Ottawa Crawdaddies $87,110,105
Atlanta Brave Vawts $86,983,259
Burlington Ice Storm $75,690,797
Honolulu Honus $72,100,503
Fargo Woodchippers $68,991,329
Indianapolis Clowns $67,938,315
Durham Bulls $67,086,310
Cheyenne Xpress $65,226,907
Portland Landports $64,293,000
Tampa Bay Manta Rays $64,262,611
Jackson BlaZers $63,817,000
Boise Hurricanes $60,862,117
San Diego Skyhawks $58,290,389
Kansas City Bobcats $57,978,918
New York Mets $56,228,319
Jacksonville RAIDERS $54,361,000
Cincinnati Highlanders $53,810,564
St. Louis Cornerstone $53,298,667
Arizona Sting $49,359,000
New York Cab Drivers $49,285,611
Milwaukee Bucks $46,249,728
Tacoma Pioneers $46,005,222
Boston Braves $45,345,000
Colorado Springs Armed Forces $45,141,947
Scranton Beet Farmer's $40,519,000
New Britain Fisher Cats $38,626,000
Houston Hitmen $26,148,087

Well I wanted to look at where the first round draft picks from the first season have been doing and where there now. So here’s the list of draft picks from season one and how far they have made it.

William Harris (P) First pick overall never signed with the Madison Lasers organization
Archie Hitchcock (SS) Second overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Tacoma Pioneers
Clem Barkley (SS) Third overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Monterrey Stars
Pedro Sanchez (2B) Fourth overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Colorado Springs Armed Forces
Denny Coffie (RF) Fifth overall picks as made it to the majors and is playing for the Houston Hitmen
Greg Dunn (SS) Sixth overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Jackson BlaZers Organization
Arnold Buchanan (SS) Seventh overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Boise Hurricanes
Danny Harding (LF) Eighth overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Milwaukee Bucks
Tony Rodriguez (SS) Ninth overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Ottawa Crawdaddies Organization
Donnie Spehr (2B) Tenth overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the St. Louis Cornerstone Organization
Orber Liriano (2B) 11th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Tampa Bay Manta Rays
Jeff Schourek (P) 12th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Cheyenne Xpress
Damion Wilson (SS) 13th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Honolulu Honus
Justin Lewis (P) 14th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Houston Hitmen
Lyle Dunham (CF) 15th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Florida GaToRs Organization
Mikey Frey (RF) 16th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Fargo Woodchippers
Ryan Freeman (RF) 17th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the St. Louis Cornerstone Organization
Joshua Sedlacek (LF) 18th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Jacksonville RAIDERS
Morgan Wright (P) 19th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Arizona Sting Organization
Ryne Myers (3B) 20th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Scranton Beet Farmer's
Matt Logan (P) 21st overall pick as made it to the Hi-A level in the Anaheim Beefpound Organization
Kevin Lloyd (2B) 22nd overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level in the Atlanta Brave Vawts Organization
Arnold Carter (P) 23rd overall never signed by the Anaheim Beefpound organization
Ned Franco (P) 24th overall pick as made it to the Double-A level in the New Britain Fisher Cats Organization
Kevin Throneberry (P) 25th overall pick as made it to the Double-A level in the Colorado Springs Armed Forces Organization
Harry Martinez (P) 26th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Florida GaToRs
Jayson Christensen (P) 27th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the New York Mets
Jeff Bailey (P) 28th overall pick as made it to the Double-A level for the New Britain Fisher Cats Organization
Adam Thomas (C) 29th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Scranton Beet Farmer's
Ned Fogg (P) 30th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Colorado Springs Armed Forces
Sting Stowers (P) 31st overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the New York Cab Drivers
Miguel Bennett (CF) 32nd overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Jackson BlaZers Mateo Sosa (C) 33rd overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Tacoma Pioneers
Stan Wight (C) 34th overall pick was never signed by the Boise Hurricanes organization
Pat LaRocca (P) 35th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Houston Hitmen
Allen Justice (P) 36th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Houston Hitmen
Gil Ventura (P) 37th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Anaheim Beefpound
Pedro Martinez (P) 38th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Atlanta Brave Vawts
Vladimir Pulido (P) 39th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Tampa Bay Manta Rays
Storm Simas (P) 40th overall pick as made it to the HI-A level for the Cheyenne Xpress Organization
Rigo Alvarez (P) 41st overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Boston Braves Organization
Stump Vaughn (P) 42nd overall pick was never signed by the Jacksonville RAIDERS
Harley Ray (LF) 43rd overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Arizona Sting Organization
Mike Helms (LF) 44th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Scranton Beet Farmer's Organization
Burt Tanner (2B) 45th overall pick was never signed by the Anaheim Beefpound organization
Omar Ferrer (CF) 46th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Portland Landports
Travis Treadway (P) 47th overall pick was never signed by the New York Mets organization
Phil Perry (P) 48th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the New Britain Fisher Cats Organization
Bill Lawton (RF) 49th overall pick was never signed by the Cincinnati Highlanders organization
Norman Latham (P) 50th overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the New York Cab Drivers
Sam Wyatt (RF) 51st overall pick as made it to the majors and is playing for the Burlington Ice Storm
Felix Einertson (CF) 52nd overall pick as made it to the Double-A level for the Tacoma Pioneers Organization
Robinson Buckley (1B) 53rd overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Portland Landports Organization
Rick Smalley (SS) 54th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Tampa Bay Manta Rays Organization
Bob Schilling (P) 55th overall pick as made it to the Double-A level for the St. Louis Cornerstone Organization
Ben Donahue (2B) 56th overall pick as made it to the Double-A level for the Monterrey Stars Organization
Gerald Leach (P) 57th overall pick as made it to the HI-A level for the Jacksonville RAIDERS Organization
Mac Cust (CF) 58th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the Jacksonville RAIDERS Organization
Donne Dean (P) 59th overall pick as made it to the Triple-A level for the New York Mets Organization

I know that the first edition wasn’t that great but it will get better I promise as I will have more time look for information and with more interviews on the way it should interesting as the questions will change. The next edition will have an interview with the Anaheim Beefpound and the poll question will be up to pick the next one. A tour of a ballpark will also debut next week and more useless information will be there. Remember if there’s something that you would like me to cover please let me know and I will work on it. Thank you.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

WEEK 1 POWER RANKINGS (Season 5)

The first week of the power rankings had some good suprises as some teams that where struggling last season have started the season really well, while teams that entered the season as the favorites have struggled some what so far. The season is still early and a lot of things can change in the rankings from week to week till the end of the season. The toughest division to play in so far this season is the American League West followed by the National League East, then by the National League South, then by the American League South, then by the National League North, then by the American League North, then by the National League West and last is the American League East.

1. Indianapolis Clowns (16-5) (Previous Week – NA)
The Indianapolis Clowns start the power rankings in the top spot this season. The Clowns are scoring 7.90 runs per game while giving up 3.52 runs per game. The team is scoring more points so far this season then any other team in the league with 166 runs scored. Chief Martin is leading the way for the team as he’s leading the league in RBI’s with 27 and with three other players with over 20 runs scored already this could be a very exciting year in Indianapolis this season. The Clowns have the 3rd best pitching staff, the best offensive and the best defense in the league so far this season.

2. Cheyenne Xpress (15-6) (Previous Week – NA)
The Cheyenne Xpress will fall to the number two spot to start out the season in the power rankings. The Xpress are scoring 5.33 runs per game while giving up 3.71 runs per game. The team big turn around early in this season has been it’s pitching staff, pitching lights out almost every night. Each starter for the team has an ERA under 4 and super reliever Jeff Schourek has all ready got 4 victories for the team. The Xpress have the 2nd best pitching staff, 6th best offensive and 6th best defensive in the league so far this season.

3. Scranton Beet Farmer's (14-7) (Previous Week – NA)
The Scranton Beet Farmer’s will start out the season in the third spot in the power rankings. The Beet Farmer’s are scoring 6.48 runs per game while giving up 4.52 runs per game. The team holds the best record on the road in the American League at a record of 9-4 and it’s 7-3 record against American League North has really help them jump to the American League North lead. The Beet Farmer’s have the 14th pitching staff, 3rd best offensive and 9th best defensive so far this season.

4. Anaheim Beefpound (14-7) (Previous Week – NA)
The Anaheim Beefpound start the season in the fourth spot to start out the season in the power rankings. The Beefpound are scoring 6.38 runs per game while giving 4.38 runs per game. The team has the best home record in the American League with a 9-2 record but it’s 5-5 record on the road will need to improve if they would like jump into first place in the American League West. The Beefpound have the 11th best pitching staff, 4th best offensive and 15th best defensive so far this season.

5. Houston Hitmen (13-8) (Previous Week – NA)
The Houston Hitmen will start the season in the fifth spot in the power rankings. The Hitmen are scoring 7.00 runs per game while giving up 4.57 runs per game. The team has scored more runs then any other team in the American League, with four starters hitting over .300 providing, with Art Roskos leading the way with a .396 average the team is getting a lot of players on base so far this season. The Hitmen have the 7th best pitching staff, 2nd best offensive and 19th best defensive so far this season.

6. New Britain Fisher Cats (13-8) (Previous Week – NA)

7. St. Louis Cornerstone (13-8) (Previous Week – NA)

8. Monterrey Stars (12-9) (Previous Week – NA)

9. Arizona Sting (13-8) (Previous Week – NA)

10. Florida GaToRs (11-10) (Previous Week – NA)

11. Milwaukee Bucks (12-9) (Previous Week - NA)

12. Jackson BlaZers (12-9) (Previous Week – NA)

13. Wichita Wranglers (11-10) (Previous Week – NA)

14. Atlanta Brave Vawts (11-10) (Previous Week – NA)

15. Portland Landports (11-10) (Previous Week – NA)

16. Boise Hurricanes (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

17. Tacoma Pioneers (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

18. New York Cab Drivers (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

19. Cincinnati Highlanders (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

20. San Diego Skyhawks (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

21. New York Mets (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

22. Ottawa Crawdaddies (8-13) (Previous Week – NA)

23. Jacksonville RAIDERS (10-11) (Previous Week – NA)

24. Kansas City Bobcats (8-13) (Previous Week – NA)

25. Colorado Springs Armed Forces (8-13) (Previous Week – NA)

26. Fargo Woodchippers (9-12) (Previous Week – NA)

27. Honolulu Honus (9-12) (Previous Week – NA)

28. Burlington Ice Storm (9-12) (Previous Week – NA)

29. Durham Bulls (7-14) (Previous Week – NA)

30. Boston Braves (7-14) (Previous Week – NA)

31. Madison Lasers (5-16) (Previous Week – NA)

32. Tampa Bay Manta Rays (5-16) (Previous Week – NA)