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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

USMLB MOY - NL NORTH

NEW BRITAIN FISHER CATS – jway11

Team records
ML: 62-55
AAA: 76-41
AA: 80-37 (top record in AA)
HiA: 56-61
LowA: 75-42
Rookie: 29-23

GRADES

ML team: B- Even with a solid record, New Britain finds themselves looking up at Detroit and Fargo in the NL North. Veteran 1B Hoss Boone is putting together another solid season. With Boone and Erik West in the lineup, the Fisher Cats are a threat to put up big offensive numbers every game. Veteran Closer Cameron Holt has a career high in saves this season.
Minors: A- Throughout the minors, the Fisher Cats have solid teams. Aside from an average club in HiA, their minor league teams should make the playoffs at every level. The Richmond AA team is particularly impressive, with the best record in the league.
Draft: A-
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: C New Britain signed a handful of free agents this season, but none look to be difference makers. Rule 5 SP’s Ricardo De La Vega and Carmen Leiter are having a solid season for the Fisher Cats, and are solid pick-ups.
Player development: B+ For New Britain, it all begins with C/DH Erik West. West is having an MVP-type season, and is among the league leaders in HR’s and RBI’s in only his third season. The future is bright for West and fans expect him to be a force in the middle of the lineup for a long time. RF Kevin Montgomery provides help to West in the lineup, as he is on pace to exceed 100 RBI’s for the 3rd straight season. In his second full season in the ML, SP Horacia Segui is coming into his own and is having a great season. Fisher Cat fans are excited about what he will bring to the rotation in the future.
Record compared to talent: A- With a payroll among the lowest in the league, New Britain is having an outstanding season at the ML level. They also have a good amount of talent developing in the minor leagues. The future is bright in New Britain.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

MILWAUKEE MELDERS – brewfranks

Team records
ML: 62-55
AAA: 56-61
AA: 69-48
HiA: 62-55
LowA: 58-59
Rookie: 25-27

GRADES

ML team: B- Even with a solid year and a winning record, Milwaukee finds themselves at the bottom of the NL North. Veteran closer Vernon Bolton continues to dominate hitters, and is among the league leaders in saves.
Minors: B- Milwaukee’s minor league clubs are solid all around. Each level is in the running for a playoff berth. The AA team, in particular, is having a great season, and looks to go deep into the playoffs.
Draft: B-
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: B Veteran SP Ebaneezer Canseco was signed to a 3 year deal for Milwaukee. Canseco is having a very good year for the Melders, and if he can continue to pitch anywhere close to the same level, this will be an excellent signing. RF signee Mitchell Pickett is also a solid addition and at 32, is having the best season of his career. Pitcher Pablo Montero, another free agent signed by the Melders, has split time between the rotation and the bullpen, and has put up solid but unspectacular numbers. International signee 1B Bartolo Mesa projects to be an everyday 1B in the majors.
Player development: B+ Young 3B Wesley Stanley is having a great season for the Melders. Fans expect Stanley to be a top slugger in the middle of the lineup for many years ahead. 26 year old LF Julian Hartley is quietly having a very good season and teams up with Stanley to terrorize pichers. Fans in Milwaukee are excited about the recent promotion and ML debut of 2B Sal Moore. Moore has terrorized minor league pitchers and should be in the middle of the Melder lineup for a long time.
Record compared to talent: B+ Fueled by a $62.6 million payroll, and 3 free agent signees that have performed well this season, Milwaukee is exceeding expectations. New management has brought an excitement to Milwaukee, and fans are hoping for the team’s first playoff berth. It looks to be an uphill battle in the loaded NL North. Regardless of the outcome of this season, the future is bright in Milwaukee.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

FARGO WOODCHIPPERS – calolson

Team records
ML: 68-49
AAA: 71-46
AA: 65-52
HiA: 58-59
LowA: 72-45
Rookie: 23-29

GRADES

ML team: A- Fargo is having an excellent season, and is bunched among the leaders in the NL North. Even if they don’t win the North, they are in great shape for a wildcard berth. Veteran 1B Nicky Duran is helping to lead the way, as he is having a great season at the plate for the Woodchippers.
Minors: B+ In the minors, Fargo has some talent and solid teams all around. Outside of the rookie level, every other team is within fighting distance of the playoffs. Teams at AAA, AA, and Low A all look to go deep in the playoffs.
Draft: B-
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B- Tommie Romero is the biggest addition for the Woodchippers. Since coming over, Romero is having a huge season for Fargo. C/DH Joaquin Ozuna will be a great hitter at the ML level. RP prospect Jim Taylor looks to be a solid part of the future bullpen in Fargo. SP prospects Edgardo Romero and Walt Cortes will be missed.
Player acquisitions: B- Free agent signee 1B Nicky Duran is having a huge season for the Woodchippers. Nicky is in the middle of the lineup and is one of the top run producers on the team. SP David Torres is a value pickup, but has far exceeded expectations with a solid season.
Player development: B SP Brandon Cora continues to put up great numbers for Fargo. With a solid finish, Cora will be in the mix for the NL Cy Young. Cora will be at the top of the Fargo staff for many years to come. SP Jim Little was off to a very good start to the season, but had elbow problems and was put on the DL. If he can stay healthy, Little will join Cora to form yet another solid young starting pitching tandem in the NL. Young 3B Nick Ball has rebounded from a disappointing season last year with great numbers this time around. Fans in Fargo have put their hopes in Ball to become one of the best hitters in the game.
Record compared to talent: B+ With a $60.7 payroll and $18.5 million invested in the coaching staff, Fargo fans expected a solid season from their team. They are exceeding those expectations and are in great position to make a run for the playoffs.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

DETROIT DEMOLITION – yanks0218

Team records
ML: 70-47
AAA: 58-59
AA: 65-52
HiA: 65-52
LowA: 67-50
Rookie: 34-18

GRADES

ML team: A- Detroit is among the top teams in the game this season. Veteran SP Luis Encarnacion is having another solid campaign in the Detroit rotation. Closer Roger Newfield leads the league in saves, and is having a great season for the Demolition.
Minors: A- Detroit’s minor league teams are solid throughout. With the exception of the AAA level team, every level is a lock for the playoffs and has a chance to advance. The AAA team can make the playoffs with a solid finish.
Draft: B
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B- The Demolition have completed 7 different trades this season. Matt Corey has been a huge addition for Detroit. Corey is hitting .400 so far in his time in the Motor City, and looks to be in the middle of the order for a long time. SP prospect Dickie Wells is a great addition, and figures into future plans in the rotation. RP prospect Domingo Estrella should become a nice piece in the bullpen. Detroit will miss CF Heath Fitzgerald, SP Mitch Epstein, and 3B Rex Ross.
Player acquisitions: C+ Free agent SS Vinny Menechino has been a solid performer for the Demolition so far. SP Gerald Wallace got a 4 year deal with Detroit, and has had a very solid season.
Player development: A- After two good seasons, young SP Raymond Pavlov has put it all together this season and is among the league leaders in wins, WHIP and ERA. He is the odds on favorite to win the Cy Young award in the NL and should be a dominant pitcher in Detroit for a long time. After an injury last season, 24 year old Cookie Valdes has stayed healthy this season and is putting together an incredible year. Valdes is among the league leaders in batting average.
Record compared to talent: B+ Led by young SP Raymond Pavlov, the Demolition are among the best teams in the league this season. With a $91.2 payroll, fans are happy to see their team headed for the playoffs. They have a solid mix of veterans and youngsters at the ML level. Detroit has a lot of young talent, and should be a force in the NL for many years to come.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

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USMLB MOY - NL EAST

TOLEDO TORNADOS – mab444

Team records
ML: 39-78
AAA: 59-58
AA: 51-66
HiA: 66-51
LowA: 72-45
Rookie: 29-23

GRADES

ML team: F With twice as many losses as victories, it’s been a long season in Toledo. Toledo is one of the youngest teams in the league, and it has shown this year.
Minors: B Aside from a poor campaign at AA, the Toledo minor league teams are having solid seasons at every level. The HiA and LowA teams in particular look to make deep runs in the playoffs.
Draft: C
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Toledo wins the award as the most active trader this year, with 16 trades and 50 total players moving around. The biggest moves for the Tornadoes included getting rid of huge salary veterans like DH Todd Borkowski and SP Howard King. SP Willis Howell, SP Benjamin Ross, 3B Felix Davenport are nice additions. Among those that will be missed include SP Benjamin Connelly, SP Eduardo Rivera, and C Peter Holmes.
Player acquisitions: B Brandon Blanton was among the best prospects in the Rule 5 draft, and was claimed off waivers by Toledo. Blanton has struggled this season, but projects to be a contributor in the future. Toledo was able to claim some players this season and then get value for them in trades. International free agent signee Pasqual Blanco is a very good addition, and projects as a solid RP for the Tornadoes.
Player development: C While most of the ML team is new this season, 1B Terry Ward has been with the franchise for a while. He is having a solid rookie campaign. 2B Geraldo Santana has been promoted to the big league club this year, and is performing well. Fans expect Santana to be one of the top 2B in the league.
Record compared to talent: C With little talent at the big league level and a $64.5 million payroll, fans didn’t expect a whole lot for Toledo this season. New management has been active and serious about rebuilding the franchise. Some veteran players with big contracts have been moved and new prospects have been added. While still a few years away from competing at the highest level, fans are happy to see the immediate work toward that end that has begun this season.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

ST. LOUIS CORNERSTONE – kk73

Team records
ML: 57-60
AAA: 77-40 (top record in AAA)
AA: 79-38
HiA: 80-37
LowA: 80-37 (top record in LowA)
Rookie: 38-15

GRADES

ML team: C- The NL East is the place to be this season for St. Louis. Despite their losing record, they are within reach of the playoffs in the East. Veteran Closer Ed Jefferson is having one of the best seasons of any pitcher in the game. He is simply mowing hitters down and has a miniscule 0.82 WHIP this season.
Minors: A+ Not only are the Cornerstone teams successful at every level of the minor leagues, they are absolutely dominant. Their AAA and LowA clubs have the best records in baseball. Clubs at other levels are not far behind. Look for the Cornerstone minor league teams to go deep into the playoffs at every level.
Draft: B-
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C- In their only trade of the season, St. Louis exchanged lower level players with Cleveland.
Player acquisitions: B SS Melvin Howard was a very good signing for the Cornerstone. Howard is signed to a reasonable contract and is a leader on the field and in the dugout. St. Louis claimed 1B Donaldo Felix off waivers. Felix was a Rule 5 draftee and is having a solid season.
Player development: B+ SP Ronn Hoyt was one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year until an injury. Still, he has shown that he is one of the top young hurlers in the league. 25 year old SP Mark Barkett is among the league leaders in WHIP and ERA, but has been a hard luck pitcher this season with a 10-10 record. Barkett and Hoyt combine to form one of the best young pitching tandems in the game. In his 3rd full season, SP P.T. Ramirez is having a disappointing season all around. Fans hope he will get back on track next year. LF Jason Frazier looks like he could develop into a solid run producer in the middle of the St. Louis lineup for years to come. Cornerstone fans look forward to the ML debut of catcher Gabe Serafini, who should be ready sometime next season.
Record compared to talent: B With a $52.1million payroll and a lot of talent developing in the minor leagues, I don’t know if St. Louis really expected to be a playoff team this season. However, in the NL East, anyone that can get to .500 is a contender for the division. If the Cornerstone can finish strongly, they could find themselves in the playoffs. They also have the pitching to do well in the playoffs, so making a run is not out of the questions. With or without the postseason, there is a lot of young talent and the future in St. Louis is bright.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

RICHMOND WRECKING CREW – jasonguru

Team records
ML: 41-76
AAA: 55-62
AA: 39-78
HiA: 53-64
LowA: 54-63
Rookie: 12-40

GRADES

ML team: F With a mix of prospects and veterans, Richmond is struggling at the ML level this season. Veteran SP Stu Doster is a bit below his career numbers this season, but is still a solid player at the top of the Richmond rotation.
Minors: D+ Richmond minor league teams are typically a little bit below average. The clubs at AAA, HiA, and LowA are still in the race, but probably longshots to reach the playoffs. Their rookie and AA clubs are having terrible seasons.
Draft: D+
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B Richmond has been an active trader this season, with 7 different deals made. The big name of the group is Todd Borkowski, who was added in a move that saw salary trading on both sides. Borkowski can still hit, but at 35, he has seen his best days pass, and is owed a lot of money in the next 2 years. Richmond was able to acquire SP McIntosh and P Tuck Erdos in the deal, and both are solid prospects. CF Max Wood was also added. Wood is a solid hitter from the CF position, but is owed a lot of money over 4 years. He is still young enough to be productive throughout his contract. C Josh Bunning and SP Heath Thomas are nice additions as well. 2B Matt Corey will be missed.
Player acquisitions: A- SP Emmanuel Navarro was claimed off waivers this season, and has filled his spot in the rotation admirably. International free agent SS Juan Alomar is a huge pick up. He projects to be a top SS, and is possibly best position player among the IFA’s this season.
Player development: B In his first full season at the ML level, 1B Bill Rain is having a great year at the plate and is a solid run producer in the middle of the lineup. In his second full season, SS Patsy Lincoln is improving upon the solid numbers he put up last season and should be a solid part of the lineup for years to come. Super prospect SP Wilson Fisher is having a terribly disappointing season in his sophomore campaign. After a promising rookie season, Richmond fans were sky high on Fisher. Even with his struggles this season, he projects as one of the top SP prospects in the league.
Record compared to talent: C- New management assumed a lot of salary this season, with a payroll of $100.2 million. With that much money invested in veterans, the season has been a disappointment at the ML level. Many players have underperformed for their talent level. Management has looked to some younger guys and is slowly beginning to focus on rebuilding.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

LOUISVILLE COLONELS – brentblades

Team records
ML: 57-60
AAA: 11-106 (worst record of any team in any league)
AA: 33-84
HiA: 29-88
LowA: 43-74
Rookie: 26-27

GRADES

ML team: C- Louisville is right in the thick of things in the NL East, even with a losing record. Veteran pitchers Sidney Musial and Jim Buckley are both in the final year of their contracts, and have been solid this season. They will each leave Louisville with a difficult decision about whether to resign them.
Minors: F While Louisville teams are struggling at every level, their AAA club takes ineptitude to a whole new level. With only 11 wins in 117 games, it’s amazing that they continue to even put a team out there. What’s even worse? They have mostly road games left this season, where they have been even worse than they are at home. They are on pace for a truly historic season.
Draft: D+
DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: D+ None
Player development: x Young C Phil Takada continues to punish ML pitching in his 3rd season. Takada has proven that he is one of the best young offensive catchers in the game. Closer Magglio Salinas is one of the best young closers in the game. Salinas is having a decent season, but fans expect him to become one of the best closers in the game.
Record compared to talent: B- With an $87.4 million payroll, Louisville finds themselves with a mediocre record. Still, they are right in the middle of the division race in the NL East. New management this season has followed the path in place for them from last season. Fans are a little bit concerned about the terrible AAA record, and a perceived lack of moves. However, if they can make the playoffs, it will be a good season for Louisville.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow

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USMLB MOY - NL SOUTH

SAN ANTONIO STARS – goldie1973

Team records:
ML: 60-57
AAA: 74-43
AA: 74-43
HiA: 72-45
LowA: 72-45
Rookie: 41-11 (top Rookie record)

GRADES

ML team: C+ San Antonio is having an average season at the ML level. Veteran 2B Chief Martin continues to hit, and is one of the better offensive 2B in the league. Veteran closer Lyle Taft continues to get people out, and at 35, is on pace for a career high in saves this season.
Minors: A+ San Antonio is one of only two teams with a winning record at every level, and their minor league teams are simply dominant at every level. They will make the playoffs and have a chance to go deep with each team.
Draft: B- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B- In their 2 trades, the most significant move for San Antonio was the acquisition of SP Mitch Epstein for C Josh Bunning. Both players look to be solid contributors when they reach the ML teams.
Player acquisitions: B+ Free agent signee Mike Baxter is an incredibly signing for the Stars. Not only is he an incredible value with a one year deal, he will provide draft picks after this season should the Stars choose to not resign him. International signee SP Harry Morales IFA is a very good pick up for San Antonio, and projects as a #2 pitcher in the rotation. Signee Dennys Chang projects as a very good RP.
Player development: A- San Antonio has an incredible supply of young talented pitchers. In his 3rd season, 25 year old SP Brandon Ellis continues to post great numbers. Ellis will be a fixture in the Stars pitching staff for a long time. CF 26 year old RF Brian Turner is having his best season yet for the Stars, and a bright future is ahead for Turner. Future superstar Santiago Alfonzo is making a run at a .400 batting average in AAA. Sean Foster is having a monster season at AA, and fans are excited for the time he makes it to the big leagues. With all of the young talent in the organization, the future is bright in San Antonio.
Record compared to talent: B+ With a $48 million payroll, San Antonio is clearly building for the future, and have a wealth of talent in the minor leagues. They look to be a year away at the big league level. Once their young talent reaches the big leagues, look for San Antonio to be good for a long time.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

JACKSON BLAZERS – bodean

Team records
ML: 67-50
AAA: 69-48
AA: 58-59
HiA: 64-53
LowA: 55-62
Rookie: 18-34

GRADES

ML team: B+ Jackson is having another successful season at the ML level and hope to win the NL South for the third straight season. 2-time Cy Young winner SP Bey Dillon is having another excellent season. While he probably won’t get to 20 wins again this season, he is the guy you want on the mound in a big game, and is a dangerous component of a playoff team. Veteran closer Kane Hines has some of the nastiest stuff in the game. While he won’t match the 49 saves from a year ago, he continues to be a dominant force in the Blazer bullpen.
Minors: C Jackson has a solid mix of minor league teams, particularly at the higher levels. The AAA team is the best of the bunch, and looks to go deep in the playoffs. AA and HiA teams will battle for playoff berths, while teams at LowA and the Rookie level are struggling this season.
Draft: C- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B- C/DH Kenneth Bryant is the best piece of the Blazers only trade of the season. Bryant will definitely hit once he makes it to the ML.
Player acquisitions: B+ Jackson hasn’t made a lot of moves, but the ones that they have made look good on paper. LowA 1B Derek Hull is a great minor league signing for the Blazers, and projects to be a solid ML player. International signee Mark Chang projects as a possible all-star at 2B, and is a great addition.
Player development: B- In his rookie season, fans have been expecting great things from SP Wilt Frank. Frank hasn’t had a huge season, but has shown the flashes of brilliance that show why management thinks he will become a top pitcher. In his 3rd season, 2B Donatello Carpenter continues to hit well, and will be an integral part of the lineup for many years to come.
Record compared to talent: A- With a $72 million payroll and a solid mix of talent, Jackson is in a great position to make the playoffs. Management has done a great job of balancing veterans with young talent. Fans are hopeful that this year the team will advance deep in the playoffs.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

FLORIDA GATORS – gatorbum

Team records
ML: 62-55
AAA: 61-56
AA: 63-54
HiA: 55-62
LowA: 57-60
Rookie: 26-26

GRADES

ML team: B- The Gators are within striking distance of the playoffs, but still find themselves looking up at Durham and Jackson in the NL South. LF Frank Jacobson has been a fixture in the Gator lineup for years now, and has shown why he is one of the best hitters in the game this season. Jacobson is becoming a Hall of Fame-caliber player. Veteran SS Darby Thomas is having the best season of his career, and is among the team leaders in many offensive categories. SP Albert Jose is also having a career year, and is among the lead leaders in WHIP.
Minors: C Florida’s minor league teams are in the middle of the pack at every level. They have some talented players in the minors, but no dominant teams. Still, management has done a good job at every level to develop a competitive team that has a shot at the playoffs.
Draft: F DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: B- Veteran SP Tony Hernandez was a great free agent signing for Florida this season. Hernandez has been one of the better pitchers in the rotation for Florida. Florida has signed many other free agents and several international free agents this season, but none look to be difference makers.
Player development: C Young pitcher Jason Burns has bounced back and forth between the starting rotation and the bullpen. Burns has disappointed somewhat this season, but fans have high expectations for his future. 2B Roberto Gonzalez hasn’t met expectations this season either. Gonzalez is still young enough to become a star for Florida, but fans are trying to temper their enthusiasm with him. Fans are excited about CF prospect Edgar Tejada, who is having a great season in AAA. He looks poised to make his debut with Florida’s ML team next season.
Record compared to talent: C- With a $102.4 payroll, Florida came into the season hoping to finally get over the hump and make the playoffs. And while they still have a chance to do so, they are a bit of a longshot. If they can’t get over the hump, at some point management will have to decide when to focus on developing younger players.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

DURHAM BULLS – eric9930

Team records
ML: 65-52
AAA: 60-57
AA: 53-64
HiA: 60-57
LowA: 62-55
Rookie: 23-29

GRADES

ML team: B Veteran RF Joseph Kim is quietly having an excellent season at the plate for Durham, and is among the team leaders in many offensive categories. Although his power numbers are down a bit this season, 3B PT Martinez continues to be a solid fixture in the middle of the lineup for Durham.
Minors: x The minor league teams for the Bulls are mostly in the middle of the pack. Teams at AAA, HiA, and LowA look to fight for playoff berths. AA and Rookie teams are on the outside looking in.
Draft: B DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ None
Player acquisitions: C Free agent signee C Mike Sewell was signed to a reasonable contract this season for Durham, and is having a solid season. Pitcher Phil Milliard was signed this season to a 4 year deal, but is so far having a disappointing campaign. Milliard will have to improve over the next 3 years to make this a good signing. 2B Louis Perez got a 3 year deal, but is currently working through his struggles at AAA.
Player development: B 1B Brian Kim is second cousin to Joseph in RF, but won’t be second in any other category for long. In his second full season, the younger Kim is showing why many consider him one the best young 1B in the game. In his sophomore campaign, SP Buzz Jones is having a solid campaign. Still, with the incredible expectations that Durham fans have for Jones, they were hoping for more. SP Greg Turner is having a solid season in his second ML season, but still hasn’t shown the same incredible success he had in the minor leagues.
Record compared to talent: B+ With a $67.7 payroll, Durham is balancing expectations at the ML level and those with player development. However, with solid pitching and young talent at the ML level, they look to make the playoffs, and may have a chance to make a run if a couple of pitchers get hot.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

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USMLB MOY - NL WEST

TACOMA PIONEERS – tomjames

Team records
ML: 61-56
AAA: 64-53
AA: 65-52
HiA: 78-39
LowA: 61-56
Rookie: 22-30

GRADES

ML team: B- Despite a winning record, the Pioneers will likely miss the playoffs for the third straight season. Still, fans are happy with new management this season and a significant increase in wins.
Minors: A- Outside of a poor showing in the Rookie team, the Tacoma minor league teams are having excellent seasons. They are in the running for a playoff spot at every other level. The HiA team has been particularly good this season, and looks to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Draft: B- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B Tacoma has been one of the more active traders this season, seeing lots of players move in 9 different deals. Most of the deals have involved moving veterans for prospects, and a whole lot of money has come off the books. RP Lonnie Rizzo is the best addition to the club, and projects as a top closer.
Player acquisitions: A- Peter Baek is all smiles this season after going from the pitching wasteland in Santa Fe to the huge park in Tacoma. Baek was the top free agent off the board this offseason, and has delivered for Tacoma with excellent numbers this season. With a strong finish, he’ll be in the running for the Cy Young. Veteran closer Nicholas Fox was signed in the offseason, and has come out of nowhere to rank among the lead leaders in saves. International signee C/DH Miguel Marquez is a nice addition and projects to be a very good offensive catcher.
Player development: B+ CF Ray Hines has seen the ML club in parts of three seasons, and with his recent promotion, hopes he is up to stay. Hines tore up AAA pitching, and is off to a good start in the majors so far. While Baek got most of the attention in the off-season, young hurler Tommie Relaford has actually been the best starter for Tacoma this season, and he will be in the Cy Young race with a good finish. 25 year old SP Peter Webster has been a tough luck pitcher all season. Webster has posted a losing record, despite good peripheral numbers and great stuff. Tacoma fans expect Webster to be one of the top pitchers in their rotation for years to come. 3B Brook Diaz is having an excellent year in his first full season in the majors. 1B Victor Cruz has tormented pitchers his entire career in the minors. Fans are excited about his recent promotion to the ML club, and expect him to be in the middle of the order for a long time.
Record compared to talent: B Tomjames has been delivering all year in his first season for Tacoma, and has turned over the roster to young talented players. The future is bright for the Pioneers. Oh, and his work on the blog is pretty impressive as well.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

SAN DIEGO FRIAR POWER – sidekicker

Team records
ML: 44-73
AAA: 67-50
AA: 58-59
HiA: 45-72
LowA: 54-63
Rookie: 14-39

GRADES

ML team: D- There have been a lot of struggles in San Diego this season, as the team has one of the worst records in the league. Closer Jesus Rodriguez is one of the bright spots for the Friar Power. Rodriguez is among the league leaders in saves this season.
Minors: C- The minor league teams for San Diego are struggling at most levels. Still, fans are excited about some of the talent in AAA, and look for that team to make a run in the playoffs.
Draft: B- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: D+ San Diego has complete 3 trades this season. In their biggest move, they acquired 3B AJ West and SS Daryl Lawrence for SP Herbert Brandy. West and Lawrence are nice young additions for the Friar Power, but SP Herbert Brandt will be sorely missed. A few other players were added that should be solid additions. Pitcher Mak Nakamura will also be missed.
Player acquisitions: C- San Diego signed SP Scott Presley to a 3 year deal and put him straight into the rotation. Presley has struggled so far this season with a 4-10 record. SP Tim Archer got a 4 year deal and started out with the ML club, but struggled, and is currently trying to work through his troubles in AAA. Veteran SP Preston Wright got a 3 year deal with the Friar Power. Wright was injured for part of this year, and so far looks like a solid bottom of the rotation pitcher.
Player development: C+ In his rookie campaign, 21 year old SP Del Tavarez has come out of nowhere with a solid season. Fans are becoming more and more excited about his potential. Coming in with high expectations, 25 year old SS Sean Bird is struggling mightily this season. Friar Power fans are excited about the rookie season of Art Roskos. Roskos is hitting .300 and showing why many expect him to become one of the top hitters in the game. RP Raymond Garcia made his debut this season, and is expected to grow into the closer role in a few seasons.
Record compared to talent: C Under new management this season and without a ton of talent at the ML level, fans knew going in that this would be a rebuilding season for the Friar Power. With some young talent that is close to the ML level, it may not take too long for San Diego to make it back to the playoffs.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

LAS VEGAS ZONE - lvrecsports

Team records
ML: 54-63
AAA: 19-98
AA: 29-88 (worst record in AA)
HiA: 50-67
LowA: 15-102 (worst record in LowA)
Rookie: 26-26

GRADES

ML team: C- Las Vegas looks to miss the playoffs for the 3rd straight season. On the bright side, veteran 3B Woody Garcia is having another huge season for the Zone, and is one of the top offensive 3b in the league. SP Midre Torres is also having another solid season.
Minors: F The minor league teams for the Zone are collectively the worst group of any team, with poor teams everywhere. They are seeing some absolutely dismal campaigns at AAA, AA, and LowA. Only an average rookie team has any shot at the playoffs.
Draft: A- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: C Las Vegas completed two trades this season. C Davey Calvo is a great pick up for the Zone, and projects to be an excellent offensive and defensive catcher. 2B Odalis Montanez and RP Ernie Torres will be missed.
Player acquisitions: B- SP Carmine Taft was one of the biggest signings of the free agency season, and got a 4 year deal with the Zone. Taft has been ok this season, but probably hasn’t met fans expectations based on his deal. He will have to pitch well for many more years to make this a good signing. 2B Odell Hudson got a reasonable 2 year deal and is having an excellent season for the Zone. Free agent signee RP Ricky Jeffries may be having the best season of the bunch, and is signed through next season.
Player development: C+ 2B Rondell Lowe spent some time with the Big League club this season and struggled. Now back in AAA and playing well, he is on track to return to the ML team and fans expect big things from him. C Dave Riley is having a very good season at AAA, and is not too far from the ML. Fans are very excited about young prospect 1B Ryan Relaford. Relaford is the best prospect for the Zone, and projects to become a great slugger when he reaches the big leagues.
Record compared to talent: D+ With an $86.3 million payroll and an aging team, fans expected some struggles this season in Las Vegas. They are too far out of the race to make a run, and the team faces some important decisions this off-season with veteran players. Even with new management, fans are concerned about the terrible state of the minor league teams. An infusion of young talent may be needed next season for the Zone.
Coach hot seat ranking: Yellow

COLORADO SKY SOX – knucklebones

Team records
ML: 76-41 (top record in the league)
AAA: 59-58
AA: 55-62
HiA: 43-74
LowA: 39-78
Rookie: 32-21

GRADES

ML team: A Colorado is fighting with Atlanta for the top record in the ML. Veterans RF Earl Williams, 3B Vicente Domino, LF Tony Armas, and SS Gus Wilkins are all having monster seasons at the plate. Several of these guys will be in the running for the MVP. When you post an E.R.A. below 4.00 in Colorado, you’re doing something special. That’s exactly what SP Gil Henson is doing this season for the Sky Sox. While he may not get the hardware at the end of the season, Henson is having a Cy Young type season in Colorado.
Minors: D+ Colorado’s rookie team is the best of the bunch, and should make the playoffs with ease. AAA and AA clubs are having average seasons, and teams at HiA and LowA are among the worst teams at those levels.
Draft: A- DRAFT GRADE REVIEW
Trades: B+ Colorado has made several trades to help their team this season. C Ricardo Ramirez was off to an incredible start until he got injured. 2B Odalis Montanez was a huge addition and is having an excellent season all-around. SS Rickey Mitchell and C Davey Calvo will be missed.
Player acquisitions: Free agent C Max Ransom was signed to a small deal. In limited action, Ransom has performed admirably.
Player development: C- In his sophomore campaign, C Frank Cooper is having a huge season at the plate, and fans are excited about his potential. RF Manny Vanguri is having a solid rookie season.
Record compared to talent: A Ownership made a great decision to move the franchise to Colorado this season. With a veteran group of great hitters, the team is taking full advantage of the Rocky Mountain air. Colorado is among the most talented teams in the league this season. With their $84 million payroll, and $15 million invested in coaches, fans expected a good season and the team is delivering. Colorado can make a run in the playoffs if the pitching can hold up at all.
Coach hot seat ranking: Green

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