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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

USMLB MOY - AL NORTH

SCRANTON BEET FARMER’S – aa12on

Team records
ML: 52-65
AAA: 41-76
AA: 45-72
HiA: 58-59
LowA: 66-51
Rookie: 22-30

GRADES

ML team: D+ With a young team, most expected Scranton to struggle at the ML level and they have. One of the bright spots is that veteran 3B Angel James continues to hit, and is one of the top offensive 3B in the game.
Minors: D+ Outside of a strong showing at LowA, Scranton has struggled throughout the minors. The HiA club is in the running for a playoff berth. The LowA club will make the playoffs with ease, and will have a chance to advance.
Draft: B- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Scranton has completed two trades and picked up some good talent. Pitcher Ernie Garcia has the best pure stuff, and projects as a starter or long reliever. RP Sammy Beltran is another solid player involved and has had an incredible season out of the big league bullpen with a microscopic 0.68 E.R.A.
Player acquisitions: A The Beet Farmer’s had a very good signing with closer Gene Guerrero. Guerrero is having a great year in the Scranton bullpen. SS acquisition Eddie Erstad has had a good year with a BA over .300. International scouts have earned their money this season, as Scranton has signed two outstanding international free agents. SP Andres Crespo is one of the very best signees this season, and projects as an all-star pitcher. Slugger RF Dante Saitou is also a great addition, and projects as a very good addition in the outfield.
Player development: B SP’s Dario Wallace and Steve McIntyre are a big part of the future in Scranton. Both have had their ups and downs with the big league club this season, but fans continue to have high expectations for their futures. In his rookie season, 1B Phil Shigetoshi is having an outstanding campaign. If he continues to improve, he will be an all-star player in a few seasons. LF prospect Ryne Myers has put up incredible numbers at every level, and Scranton fans anxiously await the day that he will put on a ML uniform.
Record compared to talent: C+ With a $55.4 million payroll and new management this season, Scranton fans expected to struggle at the ML level. However, they are pleased at the signs of progress with new management. Scranton may be a year or two away from competing at the highest level, but they are making decisions to move in that direction.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



OTTAWA CRAWDADDIES – davisbrian

Team records
ML: 60-57
AAA: 75-42
AA: 67-50
HiA: 70-47
LowA: 50-67
Rookie: 33-19

GRADES

ML team: C+ Ottawa is in the middle of the pack in the AL. However, in the underachieving North Division, they find themselves within striking distance of the division crown. Even if they don’t win the division, they have a shot at a wildcard berth with a strong finish.
Minors: B+ The minor league teams for Ottawa are doing very well. Only a poor performance at LowA keeps this grade from being higher. Ottawa should make the playoffs at every other level.
Draft: B DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C- Ottawa has made several trades acquiring veterans for prospects to try to help their big league club. They added SP Benito Garces. Garces is a serviceable starter, but with almost $28 million owed over 4 years, fans wonder if he’ll provide value in the later years of his contract. In a curious move, Max Wood was claimed off waivers and then traded back to the team that released him. Ottawa got a free player out of the deal. They also picked up solid veterans SS Andrew Hampton, RP Jeff Shipley, and RP Alan Hunter. Ottawa will miss SP’s Al Jordan, Gil Ventura, and Ernie Garcia. Hopefully these trades help the Crawdaddies into the playoffs.
Player acquisitions: D Ottawa shelled out some money this season with a lot of free agent signings. Their biggest signing was SP Dick McClain. Thus far McClain has struggled with an E.R.A. approaching 7. RP Nick Bowie and LF Pasqual James were signed to 4 year deals, but both currently sit in AAA. LF Fausto Tavarez also got a 4 year deal, but has spent half the season in AAA. C/DH free agent signee Weldon Erving is having a great year at the plate. Rule 5 selection Dennis Thompson is having a great season on the mound with 9 wins. Another rule 5 selection, Evan Carson, was a solid pick and was eventually traded.
Player development: B Despite being moved from one position to the next, 26 year old utility player Al Vazquez is having a monster season at the plate and looks to be a fixture in the Crawdaddies lineup for a long time. Abraham Millwood has made it to the ML, and has seen immediate success as the Ottawa closer. AAA pitcher Mark Brantley is having a huge season, and Ottawa fans are excited about his future.
Record compared to talent: C Ottawa went wild with free agency this year and currently holds a $94.3 million payroll. Most free agents, however, have yet to play their best baseball. Still, the Crawdaddies have a chance to make the playoffs with a good finish.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



MADISON LASERS – quantum76

Team records
ML: 62-55
AAA: 54-63
AA: 43-74
HiA: 27-90 (worst record in HiA)
LowA: 46-71
Rookie: 28-24

GRADES

ML team: B- Madison is having a solid season at the ML level. While they would be behind in every other division, they find themselves leading the AL North. Veteran 2B Freddy Adcock continues to be one of the best offensive players in the game.
Minors: D- Madison won’t make the playoffs at any level. The HiA club is exceptionally bad with 90 losses.
Draft: F DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ Madison’s biggest move was to trade for CF Heath Fitzgerald. So far Fitzgerald has disappointed this season, but he is talented enough to get back on track. 3B Willie Blaylock and SP Dickie Wells left in deals and will be missed.
Player acquisitions: C+ Free agent RP Ellie Ashley is the most significant acquisition and has been a very good setup man this season for Madison.
Player development: B Even with his numbers down this season, 25 year old 1B/DH Darren Higginson continues to show why he is one of the best hitters in the game. He is the odds-on favorite to retire with the highest career batting average of all time. Young 2B Dave James has played all over the field in his rookie season, but is having a very good year. After 34 wins in his first two seasons, SP Chad Armstrong is having a disappointing year. Still when he’s on top of his game, Armstrong is virtually unhittable. Lasers fans expect Armstrong to be one of the better SP’s in the league for a long time.
Record compared to talent: C With the highest payroll in baseball at $136.4 million, Madison is under the weight of some huge contracts from seasons past to aging veterans. After two excellent years to this point, the Lasers are still having a solid season this time around, but definitely to a smaller extent. They will have to really come alive to advance in the playoffs against the top teams in the AL.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



CHICAGO LEGIONAIRES – jgnjr

Team records
ML: 42-75
AAA: 72-45
AA: 63-54
HiA: 57-70
LowA: 55-62
Rookie: 27-25

GRADES

ML team: D- The Legionaires have struggled mightily this season, and have the one of the worst records in the AL. The future is a bit brighter, however, as several good players are closing in on the big leagues. A top draft pick next season will help as well.
Minors: B- The minor league clubs are within shouting distance of the playoffs at every level, except perhaps HiA. Lots of talent should give the AAA and AA clubs a chance to advance in the playoffs.
Draft: B DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Chicago made a great trade to bring in SP prospect Eduardo Rivera. Rivera projects as a middle of the rotation starter. C/DH Peter Holmes will definitely hit at the ML level. 3B Felix Davenport and RP Domingo Estrella will be missed.
Player acquisitions: D+ Chicago signed 3 non-descript International free agents this season and a host of free agents as depth guys. Their biggest free agent acquisitions, 2B Germany Hitchcock and LF Tony Rodriguez, are having decent years. Both will be around for several seasons, and must continue producing into their later years to bring value to Chicago.
Player development: C+ In his second full season, 23 year old 1B Tim Perry is having an excellent campaign and will be in the middle of the Chicago lineup for a long time. SS Ken Lincoln is reaching his prime, and is having another solid season. AAA 2B Sammy Aguilar and SP Bartolo Rosado both made appearances in the big leagues this season. They will both return at some point and project to be solid pieces for the Legionaires.
Record compared to talent: D With new management and a payroll of $83.5 million, Chicago finds themselves rebuilding this season. Still, they have the talent to be much better than what they’ve shown. Some good subtle moves have begun the rebuilding process for the Legionaire team.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

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USMLB MOY - AL EAST

NEW YORK HIGHLANDERS – yanksrule11

Team records
ML: 70-47
AAA: 61-56
AA: 55-62
HiA: 47-70
LowA: 59-58
Rookie: 25-27

GRADES

ML team: A- The Highlanders find themselves as one of the best teams in the AL, but looking up at Atlanta in the standings. Still, they should make the playoffs with ease. Veteran 1B Luis Nunez is having an MVP caliber season, and continues to be one of the best sluggers in the game. Along with Nunez, 2B Bobby Henry helps to form one of the top hitting tandems in the game. RP Ryan Figueroa is one of the best setup men in the game.
Minors: C- New York’s minor league teams are average. The AAA team is the best of the bunch and leads the East in the playoff race. Aside from HiA, teams at other levels have some work to do if they want to make the postseason. The HiA team is out of the race.
Draft: A- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C+ The Highlanders just acquired SS Cy Ryan for a couple of prospects. If Ryan can help NY go deep in the playoffs, this will be a good move. If not, the $29 million over 4 years is a gamble for someone that to this point has been solid but unspectacular.
Player acquisitions: B+ While they haven’t been active, NY did sign one of the top international free agents this year. Signee Jorge Rojas projects as a future all-star slugger in RF.
Player development: B 25 year old SP Tracy Bowie is building upon the start he had last season, and is among the top pitchers in the AL this season. After starring in AAA for more than 2 years, SP Mark Kwon has made it into the big league rotation. Fans are excited about his potential. AAA closer Donne McClellan continues to dominate minor league hitting, and is poised to make his ML debut soon.
Record compared to talent: A- With a $78.1 million payroll and a mix of talented players, the Highlanders have exceeded expectations this season. Nunez and Henry are carrying the team on their back, and fans are excited about the team’s chances in the playoffs.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



KANSAS CITY DIRT BAGS – rklongball

Team records
ML: 66-51
AAA: 61-56
AA: 75-42
HiA: 58-59
LowA: 48-69
Rookie: 23-30

GRADES

ML team: B+ Stuck in the ultra-competitive AL East, the Kansas City Dirtbags find themselves looking up at both Atlanta and New York in the standings, despite a successful campaign. Veteran closer William Hanson is paving the way for the Dirtbags, and leads the AL with 33 saves.
Minors: C+ The Dirtbags have one of the better AA teams in the league, and find themselves fighting for the playoffs in AAA and HiA. LowA and Rookie teams are struggling.
Draft: C- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C+ In their only trade of the season, Kansas City acquired SP Rondell Borbon and cash for a prospect. Borbon was off to a solid start until getting injured. If he returns and pitches well through next year, this will be a good trade for the Dirtbags.
Player acquisitions: B+ Free agent signee SS Victor Santiago was one of the biggest names signed in the offseason. Santiago has had a solid campaign and is signed to a reasonable contract. RP Craig Rivers signed on the line for Kansas City, and has had a productive season. Rule 5 selection SP Napolean Fordham is having a huge season for Kansas City with a 12-3 record. He may be the most successful selection in the Rule 5 draft.
Player development: A- 24 year old RF Alex Lee continues to build upon his huge campaign last season with incredible numbers again this year. Lee will be a premier hitter in the league for many years to come. 26 year old SP Walt Davenport is quietly becoming a star. C Scott Rapp continues to show why many consider him one of the top young catchers in the league. Young SP Jayson Christensen has made his ML debut this season and has had both flashes of brilliance and growing pains. Still, fans are excited about the potential of the young players for the Dirtbags.
Record compared to talent: B Kansas City has done an excellent job of balancing veterans with young talent. They have signed some veteran free agents to short contracts that won’t impede their home grown talent. With a $98.8 million payroll this season, the Dirtbags should be on their way to the playoffs.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



CLEVELAND BARONS – misty

Team records
ML: 50-67
AAA: 61-56
AA: 46-71
HiA: 60-57
LowA: 63-54
Rookie: 31-22

GRADES

ML team: D Veteran SS Rich Hale is having another productive season, albeit not as productive as years past. After receiving a contract extension at the beginning of the year, Cleveland fans hope that with his solid makeup he will continue to be a great player for the next 4 seasons. Similarly, CF Lonny Hughes got a contract extension this season, and thus far is having a disappointing campaign. Fans expect him to bounce back to his career norms next season.
Minors: C+ Only a dismal campaign for the AA club keeps this grade from being higher. The Barons should complete for playoff berths at every other level.
Draft: F DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C The Barons have been active traders this season. RF Tommy Crede, SS Alex Roque, and 1B Heath Brown are very good pickups and should be solid players for many seasons to come. Pitchers Benjamin Ross, Heath Thomas, and Carson Shaw will be missed.
Player acquisitions: B Free agent 1B Chad Nathan was resigned by the Barons after applying for free agency. He is having a very good season for the Barons, and should be a solid fixture in the lineup for the duration of his contract. SP Pablo Alfonzo is a great international signee for Cleveland and projects as a #1 or 2 starter.
Player development: C- After tearing up AAA for part of the season, LF/3B Matty Rodriguez has made it into the ML lineup and is off to a good start. Cleveland has a host of pitchers that are a year away from making it to the big leagues.
Record compared to talent: C- Under new management this season, Cleveland is trying to keep its best veteran players, while at the same time developing young talent for the future. With a payroll over $90 million, fans were hoping for a better year, but are to this point showing patience with ownership. Some big contract extensions were given out this season. Much of Cleveland’s success over the next couple seasons will depend on those players having productive seasons.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



ATLANTA BRAVE VAWTS – vawt

Team records
ML: 74-43
AAA: 48-69
AA: 56-61
HiA: 61-56
LowA: 64-53
Rookie: 28-25

GRADES

ML team: A Atlanta’s success is led by great pitching, and veteran SP’s Ray Jackson and Larry Rath are having great seasons. At the plate, budding superstar Frank Surtain gets most of the attention in Atlanta, but veteran RF Nick Collins has quietly put up what may be his best season yet. Collins is among the league leaders in AVG, OBP, and OPS.
Minors: C Atlanta’s minor league system matches that of a team trying to win it all this season. The best players have made it to the big league club, while younger guys are developing at lower minor league levels. They are in the running for a playoff spot at every level except AAA.
Draft: A DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Atlanta made a great trade to bring in veteran SP Howard King and add depth to an already solid pitching staff.
Player acquisitions: D+ No significant acquisitions this season
Player development: A- After a successful rookie season last year, 23 year old 3B Frank Surtain has improved this season and lays claim to being one of the top young hitters in the game. Atlanta fans have been expecting great things from 25 year old SP Andruw Dunston. While Dunston is having a solid season and could reach a new career high in wins, Brave Vawt fans still wait for him to put together an all star campaign. On the mound, Phil Nitkowski is one of the best young hurlers in the game and is just dominating hitters this season.
Record compared to talent: B+ With a $90.1 million payroll and a lot of talent at the ML level, Atlanta is right where many expected this season – leading their division and battling for the best record in the league.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

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USMLB MOY - AL WEST

TUCSON XPRESS – powercats22
Team records
ML: 51-66
AAA: 54-63
AA: 67-50
HiA: 78-39
LowA: 57-60
Rookie: 24-29

GRADES

ML team: D The Xpress find themselves struggling this season, as many youngsters are acquiring ML experience. The good news – they are on pace for a top 10 draft pick next season.
Minors: B+ The HiA and AA Xpress teams are playoff locks, and the HiA team has a chance to go deep in the playoffs. Teams at other levels have been mediocre this season.
Draft: B+ DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Tucson has been almost a daytrader this season with 8 trades and more than 20 players moving around. Christopher Newhan acquired from Toledo is the headliner of this group, and projects to become a dominant future closer. Newcomer pitchers Josh Romano, Eddie Henderson, and Jim Wells also figure to be important pieces of the Xpress staff - at least until they get traded again. Erubiel Sanchez can become an all-star RF in the future. Among those leaving, closer prospect Lonnie Rizzo, veteran SS Cy Ryan, and SS prospect Julio Rincon will be missed. The Xpress also perfected trading for money this season, and brought in $10 million dollars with trades, few of which involved taking on salary.
Player acquisitions: B- Del Lee is the headliner of the group as one of the top international signees of the season. Lee has the potential to be an ace and at 18 has quickly made it to AAA, and is holding his own there. Veteran 3B Dave Roberts was claimed off of waivers along with his $6 million salary over the next 3 years. Roberts is a serviceable player, but that’s a lot of salary to assume for a serviceable 30 year old. Brandon Blanton is a decent pitching prospect taken by Tucson in the Rule 5 draft and later traded away.
Player development: C- In his 3rd season in the big leagues, top starter Esteban Fernandez hasn’t yet lived up to the promise that Xpress fans have hoped for. He has great stuff, but hasn’t yet figured out all the nuances of being a great pitcher. The good news – he’s only 25 and has his best days ahead. Victor Sojo and Jeff Shourek are following in the shoes of Fernandez with a mix of good outings and poor ones. If they can each get their act together, these three youngsters can form a great nucleus for the pitching staff for many years to come.
Record compared to talent: D+ While certainly not the most talented team in the league, the ML Xpress team is not at the bottom of the league in talent either. Several young players have experienced growing pains this season. Xpress management told us that they expect that this year will be a learning experience to propel the youngsters to better things in the future. With an $80 million payroll and almost $14 million in their coaching staff, Xpress fans were hoping for the playoffs. Instead, after three losing seasons, fans are beginning to wonder if there will come a time when they won’t be rebuilding.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow


SAN JOSE SABERCATS – texanboiler
Team records
ML: 59-58
AAA: 55-62
AA: 53-64
HiA: 66-51
LowA: 68-49
Rookie: 19-34

GRADES

ML team: C The Sabercats are in the middle of the pack in the AL. They still have an outside shot at the playoffs, but it will be an uphill climb to get there. Veteran starter Tito Ramirez is having another very solid season in the final year of his contract, and will leave a difficult decision for management when contract negotiations come.
Minors: B- The HiA and LowA SaberCats teams are playoff locks, and each have a chance to make some noise. Teams at other levels have been mediocre at best. The rookie coaches should consider different careers after this season.
Draft: D- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: A- The SaberCats have only added a few players this season, but international signee Max Moreno is a huge addition. He projects as an all-star pitcher, and will be a big part of future plans in San Jose.
Player development: B- Stud closer Shane Haad has picked up where he left off last season and has been flat out dealing with more than a strikeout an inning. At 23, the future for Haad is bright. In the field Jose Espinoza, Marvin Stark, and Glen Lewis are each approaching their prime, and the trio have put together solid campaigns this season in such a pitcher-friendly ballpark. Still, SaberCat fans have higher hopes for 3B Espinoza in particular, and still wait for him to put together a All-Star season. He may be pushed into competition to do so, as top prospect 3B David Taylor is tearing up AAA, and looks to make his ML debut next season. With another solid season, team officials are also very high on AAA starter Chet Kingland, and think he has the makings of a future top starter.
Record compared to talent: B ML Franchise rankings put the SaberCats right at the bottom of the American league. With a $55.5 million payroll, San Jose has exceeded expectations this season. Many youngsters are nearing their prime. If management can add a solid pitcher or two, the franchise looks to be a solid competitor in the West for many years to come.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow


CHEYENNE FEATHERWOUND – weirdterd456

Team records
ML: 56-61
AAA: 39-78
AA: 49-68
HiA: 51-66
LowA: 55-62
Rookie: 29-23

GRADES

ML team: C- Cheyenne is a very veteran team this season, but has been hit hard with injuries. They are a longshot to make the playoffs. 27 year old SP Edgar Perez is having the best season of his career, and is among the top 10 in the AL for E.R.A.
Minors: D Outside of a solid rookie team, the Featherwound teams are struggling everywhere. AAA coaches are clearly over their heads with a dismal campaign.
Draft: F DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C Cheyenne traded pitching prospects with Tacoma for their only trade of the season.
Player acquisitions: C Cheyenne signed veterans Cliff Adkinsson, Anthony Jacobs, and Ben Ward to moderate free agent contracts this season, and has added 3 international signees. While all look to be serviceable players, none in the group is a difference maker.
Player development: B- CF Lewis Shouse has had a solid ML debut this season. LF Carmen Garcia missed some games this season with a lengthy DL trip, but Featherwood fans have high expectations that Garcia will become one of the game’s best sluggers. 26 year old DH Adrian Duncan is having a very solid year at the plate this season, and projects to be a force in the middle of the Featherwood lineup for many years to come.
Record compared to talent: D With a $105 million payroll and an aging team, the Featherwood look likely to miss the playoffs this season. Next season is critical for Cheyenne. If the veterans can’t get it done, a new supply of young talent may be needed for the franchise.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow


ANAHEIM BEEFPOUND – beefpac
Team records
ML: 70-47
AAA: 68-49
AA: 58-59
HiA: 61-56
LowA: 57-60
Rookie: 12-41 (worst Rookie record)

GRADES

ML team: A- Anaheim should win the AL West. They are a team bound for the playoffs, and will fight for a first round bye. Veteran closer Hank Epstein continues to blow hitters away, and is tied for the AL lead with 33 saves.
Minors: B The minor league teams for Anaheim are having solid years. Their AAA team is a lock for playoffs, while solid teams at LowA, HiA, and AA are in position to make runs at postseason berths. Division managers have to love playing against Anaheim’s rookie team, seeing mostly DH-type players, with only a few position guys and 5 healthy pitchers.
Draft: C- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: A Anaheim was one of the more active traders this season, and came out on the positive end of many moves. Young SP Herbert Brandt is a huge acquisition for Anaheim, and is the current E.R.A. leader in the A.L. Anaheim also hit the jackpot bringing in SP Gil Ventura. SS Juan Amaro, RP Carson Shaw, and RP Lyle Myatt are very nice additions. Anaheim will miss DH Kenneth Bryant, 1B Erubiel Sanchez, SP Bernie Castillo, and 3B AJ West.
Player acquisitions: B RP Darryl Schmidt is a solid pick up for the Beefpound in the Rule 5 draft. Free agent signee Francisco Manto is having a great season. Signee Harold Morton is having a disappointing season, but comes off the books after this year. Anaheim also nabbed international free agent SP John Wang. Wang looks to have great splits and average pitches.
Player development: C+ The Anaheim franchise is loaded with young talent. While slumping a bit this season, RF/1B Vin Cordero is a future superstar. Similarly, SP Miguel Martinez has yet to live up to his potential, but huge things are expected for the hurler. Young SS Junior Lui is having a very solid season, and big things are expected ahead. At 12-1, SP Delino Maduro is a Cy Young candidate this year, and Beefpound fans hope this season will be the start of a long successful career.
Record compared to talent: B+ Anaheim has one of the most talented teams in the majors, and along with it, has one of the top records in the game as well. The biggest challenge for Anaheim in the future will be making wise economic decisions with their young talent in arbitration and free agency.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green
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USMLB MOY - AL SOUTH

TEXAS TALLY WHACKERS – awilley14

Team records
ML: 75-42
AAA: 62-55
AA: 69-48
HiA: 54-63
LowA: 66-51
Rookie: 29-23

GRADES

ML team: A Texas is battling it out with Atlanta for the top record in the Majors.
Minors: B+ The minor league teams for the Tally Whackers are having respectable campaigns. The best of the group is the AA team, which looks to go deep in the playoffs.
Draft: D DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B- Texas got solid RP Ernie Torres in their only trade of the season.
Player acquisitions: B+ International free agent Jimmie Navarre is a solid pick up and projects to be a future everyday RF. 30 year old free-agent LF Grant Barker has been an excellent catalyst for Texas for this season. Free agent SP Yamil Guzman was one of the biggest signings in the offseason and Guzman has delivered for Texas with 13 victories.
Player development: B Already in his 3rd year in the big leagues at 21, OF Glenn Matheson is becoming one of the best pure hitters in baseball. After a .389 batting average and an injury last season, 2B Tim Rooney was the subject of a lot of talk this offseason. Rooney has responded with a solid, but unspectacular campaign. Texas fans anticipate bigger things ahead for him. Texas fans also expect great things from SS Henry Anderson, who made his ML debut this season.
Record compared to talent: B+ With a $90.9 million payroll, Texas is having an outstanding season. Everyone expected the Tally Whackers to be the class of the AL South, but few expected them to battle for the best record in baseball.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



SANTA FE SIDEWINDERS – jwinner5

Team records
ML: 60-57
AAA: 67-50
AA: 67-50
HiA: 83-34 (Top record in HiA)
LowA: 69-48
Rookie: 34-18

GRADES

ML team: C+ The Sidewinders are rebuilding this season, but still have an outside shot at a wildcard spot. Veteran catcher Guy Williams continues to be one of the best pure hitters in the league and is among the league leaders in AVG, OBP, and OPS.
Minors: A As one of only two franchises with a winning record at every level, the minor league teams for the Sidewinders are having excellent seasons everywhere. Each team should make the playoffs with a chance to advance. The HiA team is particularly impressive with the best record of anyone at that level.
Draft: B+ DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Desperate for pitching, Santa Fe picked up excellent pitching prospects in Al Jordan and Walt Cortes. Since acquired, SP Benjamin Connelly has become one of the better parts of a beleaguered staff, and catcher Mike Vaughn should become a solid catcher both offensively and defensively. The Sidewinders will miss veterans SP John Cho, SS Andrew Hampton, and RP Jeff Shipley.
Player acquisitions: D+ Santa Fe acquired several Rule 5 players, but none look to be difference makers.
Player development: B- 24 year old RF Eric Sisk is becoming one of the superstars of the league. He will challenge for league supremacy in HR’s and RBI’s this year, and for many years to come. In his 3rd year, 3B Benny James is having his best season yet and looks to become one of the best run producers in the game from the lead-off position. Young 1B Tony Alvarez is having a somewhat disappointing season, but big things are expected ahead. In AAA, SP’s Paul Flanagan and Brendon Wright, and 2b Pedro Sanchez are all having excellent seasons and look to make their ML debuts soon.
Record compared to talent: B With a young team and a $39.3 million payroll, Santa Fe fans knew that this would be a rebuilding season going in. If they can somehow make it into the playoffs, this will be a very successful season for the Sidewinders.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green



HOUSTON KINGS OF KUMBIA – kumbiakings

Team records
ML: 47-70
AAA: 67-50
AA: 62-55
HiA: 51-66
LowA: 51-66
Rookie: 40-12

GRADES

ML team: D With a mix of veterans and youngsters, Houston is struggling at the ML level this season. One bright spot for Houston is veteran closer Boots Gaetti. Gaetti continues to be one of the better closers in the game.
Minors: C+ Houston has a lot of talent in their minors, particularly at AAA and in Rookie league, and their teams are poised for postseason success. The AA Kings of Kumbia also look to make the playoffs.
Draft: B DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D In their only trade of the season, Houston traded C Alex Franco and RP Lyle Mallet to Anaheim for SP Ariel Diaz and 3B Benny Julio.
Player acquisitions: C+ 3B Bud Iorg is a solid pick up off of waivers for Houston. Iorg projects as an everyday 3B and is having a solid year. Free Agent signees Tony Goldman, Candy Newsome, and Wayne Hitchcock are serviceable guys signed to reasonable contracts, but none are difference makers.
Player development: A- Young SP Cliff Sheets hasn’t had the same success in wins and losses that he did last season, but Sheets is a future star for Houston. He projects as one of the top pitchers in the league. The name Eric must be something special in the USMLB league, as AAA 1B Eric Flynn will become another of the league’s great sluggers. Future all-star catcher Tomas Roque is having another huge season, and Houston fans are very excited about his future.
Record compared to talent: D With their $78.7 million payroll and many veterans, the Kings of Kumbia are in limbo at the ML level. Management has been patient with talent in the minor leagues, and hopefully it will pay off in the future.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow



IOWA CITY RAIDERS – deerhunter

Team records
ML: 33-84 (worst ML record)
AAA: 51-66
AA: 61-56
HiA: 54-63
LowA: 62-55
Rookie: 15-37

GRADES

ML team: F At 33-84, Iowa City has the worst record in the majors. One bright spot is that veteran SP Elston Long is quietly having an excellent season for Iowa City, and is among the league leaders in E.R.A.
Minors: C- For Iowa City, minor league teams at AA and LowA are battling to make the playoffs. AAA and HiA teams are on the outside looking in, and the Rookie team is having a dismal season.
Draft: B DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: C- Rule 5 acquisition C Adrian Hutch looks to be an everyday catcher and a solid pick up. The Raiders made a big investment in free agent LF Albert Thornton with a 5 year ML deal. Thornton is currently struggling in AAA.
Player development: C+ P.T. Bolton made his much anticipated debut in the majors this season into the Iowa City bullpen. Raiders fans have been questioning why coaches won’t put him in the rotation, particularly with the season they are having. In his first full season, RF Joshua Sedlacek is having a solid season and should be a good piece of the Raiders lineup moving forward. CF John Torres has shown that he can do some very good things with the bat when he’s healthy. The key throughout his career will be to keep him healthy. At only 19, SS Philip Gabriel has already made it to AAA, and Iowa City expects great things from him.
Record compared to talent: D+ With a dearth of talent at the ML level left by two previous owners, fans in Iowa City didn’t expect a lot this season, and they got even less than they expected. With limited talent at the ML level, Iowa City is looking to develop talent and build for next year.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow

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