1. Monterrey Stars (32-11) (Previous Week – 1)
2. Houston Hitmen (31-12) (Previous Week – 3)
3. Ottawa Crawdaddies (29-14) (Previous Week – 7)
4. Milwaukee Bucks (28-15) (Previous Week – 11)
5. Atlanta Brave Vawts (26-17) (Previous Week – 8)
6. Kansas City Bobcats (25-18) (Previous Week – 18)
7. Anaheim Beefpound (23-20) (Previous Week – 16)
8. Cincinnati Highlanders (26-17) (Previous Week – 13)
9. Louisville Grumbling Groundhogs (24-19) (Previous Week – 17)
10. New Britain Fisher Cats (22-21) (Previous Week – 10)
11. Jackson BlaZers (23-20) (Previous Week – 24)
12. Chicago Blackhawks (26-17) (Previous Week – 2)
13. St. Louis Cornerstone (25-18) (Previous Week – 12)
14. Columbus Pride (22-21) (Previous Week – 15)
15. Tacoma Pioneers (24-19) (Previous Week – 9)
16. Colorado Rockies (21-22) (Previous Week – 5)
17. Toledo Boltz (25-18) (Previous Week – 6)
18. Durham Bulls (19-24) (Previous Week – 19)
19. Pittsburgh Pirates (20-23) (Previous Week – 22)
20. Arizona Sting (21-22) (Previous Week – 25)
21. Portland Landports (22-21) (Previous Week – 14)
22. Tucson Chupacabras (21-22) (Previous Week - 4)
23. Charleston Gullah's (18-25) (Previous Week – 27)
24. Minnesota Milfoils (17-26) (Previous Week – 26)
25. New York Fighting Molars (17-26) (Previous Week – 29)
26. Boston Braves (17-26) (Previous Week – 23)
27. Jacksonville RAIDERS (18-25) (Previous Week – 21)
28. Scranton Beet Farmer's (17-26) (Previous Week – 20)
29. Boise Hurricanes (14-29) (Previous Week – 28)
30. Philadelphia HeadHunters (13-30) (Previous Week – 30)
31. Salem Gangstas (12-31) (Previous Week – 31)
32. Cheyenne Xpress (10-33) (Previous Week – 32)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Power Rankings Week 2
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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, Wednesday and Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.
The Hall of Champions (http://usmlbhof.blogspot.com/) is now being built to prepare for the first Hall of Fame inductees in about four seasons. Hopefully it will be finished by then.
To celebrate the first five years that the USMLB has been around and I have ranked every pitcher to find out which pitcher has been the greatest so far in the USMLB. Here are the winners:
2. Kane Hines
3. Phil Nitkowski
4. Carmine Taft
5. Peter Baek
Well it looks people believe that
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Rumor Mill:
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to us what a Vawt is?
Useless Information:
The National League pitchers are out performing the American League pitchers so far this season with the National League having a 4.83 ERA while the American League has a 5.29.
The American League hitters are out performing the National League hitters so far this season with the American League having a .281 AVE while the National League has a .273 average.
The American League fielders are out performing the National League fielders so far this season.
Game of the Day:
http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/Boxscore.aspx?gid=17935528
Monday, February 23, 2009
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, Wednesday and Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.
The Hall of Champions (http://usmlbhof.blogspot.com/) is now being built to prepare for the first Hall of Fame inductees in about four seasons. Hopefully it will be finished by then.
To celebrate the first five years that the USMLB has been around and I have ranked every team to find out which team has had the greatest offensive season in the USMLB. Here are the winners:
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2. Boise Hurricanes Franchise (Season 3)
3. Kansas City Bobcats Franchise (Season 2)
4. Kansas City Bobcats Franchise (Season 3)
5. Durham Bulls Franchise (Season 2)
Well it looks like only 2 people believe that can get to 3000 hits.
Rumor Mill:
Breaking news from Durham: Bulls manager McGraw chased team owner Steinhacker from the team's clubhouse yesterday. Steinhacker said he merely wanted to "inspire the troops." In a confrontation outside the clubhouse, McGraw threw an empty bottle of Gentleman Jack rare Tennessee whiskey at Steinhacker. Fortunately, it bounced harmlessly off Steinhacker's ample behind. "The last time he was in here, we lost five straight," McGraw complained. "This is not over," bellowed Steinhacker. "Next time I'll bring my security detail!” "He'll need the Marines to get in here," retorted McGraw.
Stay tuned, sports fans.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to us what a Vawt is?
Useless Information:
At the leagues current pace we will hit 5875 homeruns by the end of the season.
The Jackson Blazers have allowed only one inherited runner out of the 18 runners that have been on base, while the Atlanta Brave Vawts have allowed 18 out of the 30 inherited runners score so far this season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have thrown out 11 base runners out of the 29 base stealing attempts this season while the Boston Braves have thrown 0 base runners out of the 27 base stealing attempts against them.
Game of the Day:
http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/Boxscore.aspx?gid=17896304
Friday, February 20, 2009
USMLB DAILY
Once again we see the Monterrey Stars at the top of the Power Rankings. Could the Stars be the first team to go the whole season in the number one spot? I guess will all have to wait and see.
To celebrate the first five years that the USMLB has been around and I have ranked every player that has played in the USMLB. This is the winner of the best player award (based on stats):
Second is the Alvin Silva
Third is the Guy Williams
Fourth is the Erik West
Fifth is the Eric Sisk
It looks like everyone is in agreement that
Rumor Mill:
Breaking news from Durham: Bulls minority owner "Stumpy" Veeck confirmed rumors of a rift between him and majority owner George Steinhacker. “Steinhacker should fire himself,” Veeck told us. Veeck, who lost his left leg in a still unexplained accident involving Suzanne Sommers, her thighmaster, two midgets and a goat, said he will stand behind manager "Whiskey Slick" McGraw no matter what happens. "That blowhard Steinhacker can fire anybody he wants," Veeck bellowed. "But, I'm the GM and I can hire anybody I want. McGraw is here to stay!"
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to us what a Vawt is?
Useless Information:
The Pirates and Bulls debut there new road uniforms this week.
Where are they now?:
Ed Houston
Ed Houston is the league leader in RBI’s with 207. He retired during this off-season after not being signed by any team. I caught up with him on the golf course at Palm Beach where he looked really happy. Said that it really hurt when no team wanted his services for this season but now that he has spent so much time with his family he couldn’t think of a better time to retire. He also said that he might think about getting into coaching at the start of next season as he thinks he could teach the young players a lot about hitting. Well let’s hope good things happen to Houston now that he’s beginning a new chapter in his life.
Houston career stats
.290 Average, 190 homeruns, 602 RBI, 547 Runs, 741 Hits, 128 doubles, 23 triples, 300 walks, 77 stolen bases, .371 OBP, .581 SLG, .952 OPS.
WEEK 1 POWER RANKINGS
1. Monterrey Stars (15-5) (Previous Week – NR)
The Stars have scored 8.10 runs per game while giving up 5.05 runs per game. The team has the 7th best pitching staff, 2nd best offensive and 6th best defense in the league so far this season.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (15-5) (Previous Week – NR)
The Blackhawks have scored 5.85 runs per game while giving up 3.90 runs per game. The team has the 2nd pitching staff, 12th best offensive and 3rd best defense in the league so far this season.
3. Houston Hitmen (13-6) (Previous Week – NR)
The Hitmen have scored 7.21 runs per game while giving up 4.79 runs per game. The team has the 3rd best pitching staff, 4th best offensive and 24th best defense in the league so far this season.
4. Tucson Chupacabras (13-7) (Previous Week - NR)
The Chupacabras have scored 7.30 runs per game while giving up 5.05 runs per game. The team has the 8th best pitching staff, 3rd best offensive and the best defensive in the so far league this season.
5. Colorado Rockies (12-8) (Previous Week – NR)
The Rockies have scored 7.95 runs per game while giving up 5.60 runs per game. The team has the 20th best pitching staff, the best offensive and 8th best defense in the league so far this season.
6. Toledo Boltz (14-5) (Previous Week – NR)
The Boltz have scored 5.84 runs per game while giving 5.16 runs per game. The team has the 9th best pitching staff, 18th best offensive and 28th best defense in the league so far this season.
7. Ottawa Crawdaddies (13-7) (Previous Week – NR)
The Crawdaddies have scored 5.90 runs per game while giving 4.85 runs per game. The team has the 12th best pitching staff, 13th best offensive and 5th best defense in the league so far this season.
8. Atlanta Brave Vawts (12-7) (Previous Week – NR)
The Brave Vawts have scored 7.16 runs per game while giving 5.53 runs per game. The team has the 6th best pitching staff, 5th best offensive and 27th best defense in the league so far this season.
9. Tacoma Pioneers (13-6) (Previous Week – NR)
The Pioneers have scored 4.79 runs per game while giving up 3.53 runs per game. The team has the best pitching staff, 26th best offensive and 18th best defense in the league so far this season.
10. New Britain Fisher Cats (10-9) (Previous Week – NR)
The Fisher Cats have scored 5.89 runs per game while giving up 4.32 runs per game. The team has the 11th best pitching staff, 19th best offensive and 13th best defense in the league so far this season.
11. Milwaukee Bucks (12-7) (Previous Week – NR)
The Bucks have scored 4.84 runs per game while giving up 5.16 runs per game. The team has the 13th best pitching staff, 24th best offensive and 15th best defense in the league so far this season.
12. St. Louis Cornerstone (12-8) (Previous Week – NR)
The Cornerstone have scored 4.40 runs per game while giving up 4.35 runs per game. The team has the 4th best pitching staff, 27th best offensive and 12th best defense in the league so far this season.
13. Cincinnati Highlanders (11-8) (Previous Week – NR)
The Highlanders have scored 4.74 runs per game while giving up 5.32 runs per game. The team has the 16th best pitching staff, 31st best offensive and 7th best defense in the league so far this season.
14. Portland Landports (11-8) (Previous Week – NR)
The Landports have scored 6.47 runs per game while giving up 6.74 runs per game. The team has the 23rd best pitching staff, 9th best offensive and 26th best defense in the league so far this season.
15. Columbus Pride (10-10) (Previous Week – NR)
The Pride have scored 6.05 runs per game while giving up 5.25 runs per game. The team has the 17th best pitching staff, 11th best offensive and the 29th best defense in the league so far this season.
16. Anaheim Beefpound (9-10) (Previous Week – NR)
The Beefpound have scored 6.00 runs per game while giving up 4.74 runs per game. The team has the 14th best pitching staff, 10th best offensive and the 4th best defense in the league so far this season.
17. Louisville Grumbling Groundhogs (10-10) (Previous Week – NR)
The Grumbling Groundhogs have scored 5.30 runs per game while giving up 5.70 runs per game. The team has the 19th best pitching staff, 17th best offensive and 2nd best defense in the league so far this season.
18. Kansas City Bobcats (9-10) (Previous Week – NR)
The Bobcats have scored 7.42 runs per game while giving up 6.84 runs per game. The team has the 28th best pitching staff, 7th best offensive and 16th best defense in the league so far this season.
19. Durham Bulls (8-12) (Previous Week – NR)
The Bulls have scored 6.20 runs per game while giving up 5.85 runs per game. The team has the 18th best pitching staff, 8th best offensive and the 9th best defense in the league so far this season.
20. Scranton Beet Farmer's (9-11) (Previous Week – NR)
The Beet Farmer’s have scored 6.70 runs per game while giving up 6.40 runs per game. The team has the 27th best pitching staff, 6th best offensive and 22nd best defense in the league so far this season.
21. Jacksonville RAIDERS (10-10) (Previous Week – NR)
The RAIDERS have scored 5.20 runs per game while giving up 6.40 runs per game. The team has the 22nd best pitching staff, 15th best offensive and 20th best defense in the league so far this season.
22. Pittsburgh Pirates (8-11) (Previous Week – NR)
The Pirates have scored 4.84 runs per game while giving up 5.32 runs per game. The team has the 15th best pitching staff, 22nd best offensive and 14th best defense in the league so far this season.
23. Boston Braves (9-11) (Previous Week – NR)
The Braves have scored 5.40 runs per game while giving up 6.80 runs per game. The team has the 30th best pitching staff, 20th best offensive and the 10th defense in the league so far this season.
24. Jackson BlaZers (8-11) (Previous Week – NR)
The BlaZers have scored 3.63 runs per game while giving up 4.63 runs per game. The team has the 5th best pitching staff, 32nd best offensive and 21st best defense in the league so far this season.
25. Arizona Sting (8-12) (Previous Week – NR)
The Sting have scored 5.15 runs per game while giving up 7.15 runs per game. The team has the 29th best pitching staff, 16th best offensive and 17th best defense in the league so far this season.
26. Minnesota Milfoils (7-12) (Previous Week – NR)
The Milfoils have scored 5.89 runs per game while giving up 7.05 runs per game. The team has the 25th best pitching staff, 14th best offensive and the 31st best defense in the league so far this season.
27. Charleston Gullah's (5-14) (Previous Week – NR)
The Gullah’s have scored 4.68 runs per game while giving up 5.53 runs per game. The team has the 21st best pitching staff, 28th best offensive and 11th best defense in the league so far this season.
28. Boise Hurricanes (5-14) (Previous Week – NR)
The Hurricanes have scored 4.32 runs per game while giving up 5.11 runs per game. The team has the 10th best pitching staff, the 30th best offensive and 30th best defense in the league so far this season.
29. New York Fighting Molars (6-14) (Previous Week – NR)
The Fighting Molars have scored 4.75 runs per game while giving up 6.75 runs per game. The team has the 26th best pitching staff, 25th best offensive and 19th best defense in the league so far this season.
30. Philadelphia HeadHunters (5-15) (Previous Week – NR)
The HeadHunters have scored 4.70 runs per game while giving up 7.05 runs per game. The team has the 31st best pitching staff, 23rd best offensive and the 23rd best defense in the league so far this season.
31. Salem Gangstas (5-15) (Previous Week – NR)
The Gangstas have scored 4.25 runs per game while giving up 6.90 runs per game. The team has the 24th pitching staff, 29th best offensive and the 25th best defense in the league so far this season.
32. Cheyenne Xpress (5-14) (Previous Week – NR)
The Xpress have scored 5.42 runs per game while giving up 9.58 runs per game. The team has the worst pitching staff, 21st best offensive and the worst defense in the league so far this season.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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, Wednesday and Friday till the end of the season. Draft information will also be added to the Daily report after the draft. If there’s anything you would like me to cover or add just let me know and I’ll do my best to add it.
First off all I would like to thank all the new teams that have joined the league this season. I hope that you enjoy the league as much as I do and that you’ll hang around for a while.
Sad news for the USMLB world is that “The Puffman”Dicky Puffer has retired. Asked what is going to with his life now that his baseball career is over, Dicky replied he would like to get a coaching job at his old high school in Maryland but will probably join the family business again at Puffer Marshmallows. Good luck to the Puffman on his future endeavors.
What a start to the season for the Tucson Chupacabras at 11-3 already but could be even more shocking is that the team has only allowed 55 runs which averages out to 3.92 runs per game. With an offense almost scoring 8 runs per game know wonder there off to a hot start.
To celebrate the first five years that the USMLB has been around I have ranked every franchise to find the best franchise in the USMLB for the last five years and here is the winner:
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Yes I know they have never won a world series but they have won the American League East four straight years and have made the playoffs for five straight years. They have played 46 playoff games going 21-25 during that time. They also have the most victories for any team during the last five years. They also had the second best pitching staff, fourth best offensive and seventh best defense during the same five years. The team has also had 10 AllStars, 2 Cy Young Winners, 1 Firemen of the Year Winner, 1 Silver Slugger award and 2 Gold Glove awards.
Second is the Durham Bulls franchise
Third is the Anaheim Beefpound franchise
Fourth is the Monterrey Stars franchise
Fifth is the Jackson BlaZers franchise
Rumor Mill:
Breaking news from Durham as Owner George Steinhacker is now regretting firing Alfred "Sparky" Martin and that he is thinking about rehiring him this season. A top ranking official in the Durham operation spoke on condition of anonymity because he is afraid that he will be fired for speaking about this to the public said “the new manager McGraw had spoke to Steinhacker like he was a cadet at West Point the other day and Steinhacker had to be talked out of firing McGraw on the spot.” Should be an interesting season in Durham this year.
We are still waiting for Vawt to explain to us what a Vawt is?
Useless Information:
The Monterrey Stars are already on pace to hit 473 homeruns by the end of the season which would break the record of 376 homeruns.
The Tacoma Pioneers are on pace to only give up 502 runs during the season which will be 3.09 runs allowed a game which would break the record of 585 runs allowed.
Milwaukee Bucks are on pace to have 842 double plays by the end of the season which would break the record of 530 double plays.
Where are they now?:
Now what has happen to Mark Phillips? The two-time AllStar is sitting at home wondering if any will be calling for his services this season. Phillips has hit 218 homeruns during last five seasons with 24 coming in Anaheim last season. His agent has been claiming all off-season and the beginning of this season that he could still hit and would be a welcome edition to any team looking for a power bat off the bench or as a starter. For right now Phillips will be enjoying the golf courses and spending time with his family. His agent also went on to say that if his client doesn’t sign with a team this season he might call it a career.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Pittsburgh Pirates (Second Place)(80-85 victories this season)
Lineup:
Chief Martin LF (Martin smashed 50 homeruns and the team is expecting him to put up the same power numbers this season)
Victor Santiago CF (Santiago smacked over 200 hits last season and will be back in the lead-off spot for the team this season)
P.T. Martinez RF (Martinez is the other power threat in the lineup but he can also get the hits when he needs to)
Pedro Cabrera 3B (Cabrera numbers will improve this season as he plays more the 100 games like last season)
Gus Wilkins 2B (Wilkins will have no problem getting is hits and batting average in his first full season with the team)
Samuel Clark SS (Even at 34 Clark is looked upon to produce some decent numbers this season)
Lonny Hughes 1B (Another veteran in lineup that can still produce but his numbers are falling)
Max Dodd C (What an oppertonaty for Dodd to learn from all the veterans in the lineup about the art of hitting this season)
Starters:
Walt Cortes (Cortes had a decent season last year with 10 victories and keeping his ERA under 4 and the team is looking for him to improve those numbers this season)
Benjamin Ross (Ross had a career season last year with 17 victories and an ERA under 4 as well and could be the staff ace this season)
Harry Blanco (Blanco led the team with 18 victories and was one the reason for the team success last season and will try to keep those numbers this season)
Willis Howell (Howell probably won’t repeat his 14-5 record from last season but I believe you will still have a decent year)
Max Nieves (Nieves could be given the shot at the fifth spot in the rotation this year)
Closer:
Daniel Strickland (With the closer spot very much open this season, Strickland could be given a chance to close)
Rankings to start the season:
9th ranked offensive
25th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
None
Players Lost:
Hideo Uchida LF (Left via Free-Agency)
New York Fighting Molars (Fourth Place)(60-65 victories this season)
Lineup:
Adam Beimel RF (Beimel had another decent season last year and will probably be around the same type of numbers this season)
Max Wood CF (Wood is really the only power threat in the lineup and there big run producer)
Vin Roque LF (Could be given a shot of playing in the field this season)
Patsy Lincoln 3B (Lincoln will need to improve his average if he’s going to improve his power numbers)
Mark Chang 2B (Could be given the second base job this season)
Mule Brewer SS (Brewer is probably there best option at shortstop this season)
Juan Piedra 1B (Piedra is not a typical first basemen as he can still bases and doesn’t have much power)
Vic DaSilva C (Look for DaSilva to have a nice season this year)
Starters:
Wilson Fisher (Fisher won the Cy Young last year and is one of the best pitchers in the league but will once again be on a losing team this season)
Heath Thomas (Thomas pitched almost perfect last season in his short stint in the majors last year and will be expected to reproduce those number this year)
Frank Koh (In is first season as a starter last season Koh produce some decent numbers)
Oscar Koh (The younger brother of Frank could be given another shot at the rotation this year)
Garland Haney (Haney only had two starts last season but could win the fifth spot in the rotation as spring training ends)
Closer:
Jerome DeRosa (DeRosa has established himself as one of the best closers in the game today)
Rankings to start the season:
26th ranked offensive
22nd ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Dennis Finley 3B (Rule-5 Draftee)
Players Lost:
Ralph Bowen P (Left via Free-Agency)
Joshua Vaughn P (Left via Free-Agency)
Norm Long 3B (Left via Free-Agency)
Woody Ruffin LF (Left via Free-Agency)
Art Denham P (Left via Free-Agency)
St. Louis Cornerstone (First Place)(87-92 victories this season)
Lineup:
Jason Frazier LF (Frazier enjoyed a decent season last year and could be entering his prime this season)
Augie Boswell CF (Boswell doesn’t get on-base very much but when he does he always seems to steal next base)
Earl Williams RF (Williams is the big power threat and run producer in the lineup and the one that could really hurt you)
David Cota 3B (Cota will hit around 20 homeruns this season to go with 40 to 50 stolen bases)
Donnie Spehr 2B (Could see a lot of time at second base this season)
Melvin Howard SS (Howard can hit for a good average and have one of the best glove at his position)
Carlos Alvarez 1B (Alvarez hit a career high 32 homeruns which led the team as well)
Gabe Serafini C (Serafini will probably start the season as the opening day catcher but will get a lot of pressure from Juan Vazquez this season)
Starters:
Mark Barkett (Barkett is the staff ace and has averaged 13 victories a season during his career)
P.T. Ramirez (Ramirez is a decent pitcher that always seems to have to same number of victories and losses every season)
Ronn Hoyt (Hoyt is the work horse of the team pitching over 240 innings last season)
Adam Beard (Beard only made 12 starts last season and is looking to rebound after a disappoting year)
Wendell Bradley (Bradley took over for Beard last season and had decent year and giving him the chance to start in the rotation this season)
Closer:
Ed Jefferson (Jefferson won his third starting Fire Man of the Year last year and is the best closer in game)
Coaches Corner:
The goal this year is to win the division in every level of our system. A playoff series win would also be a nice thing. Where always looking for a strong pitcher and also a slick fielding shortstop would be a big help for the team if we can find does during the off-season. Adding solid, low-level minor leaguers is also a key for the success of are minor league teams. Donnie Spehr could be a real candidate for Rookie of the Year since he’ll bat high in the lineup and should put up good numbers. This team as always tried to win with pitching and defense and we don’t see that changing any time soon. We drafted pitching early on and in a season or two they should be ready. We also have some young contact hitters that will hopefully be around for several seasons. This is still a building season but 85-90 wins should be attainable.
Rankings to start the season:
13th ranked offensive
15th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Julio Sosa P (Minor League Deal)
Players Lost:
Cesar Delgado P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Will Casanova P (Released)
Buddy Strickland CF (Released)
Bruce Jenkins P (Claimed off Waivers by the Philadelphia HeadHunters)
Rudy Adams 1B (Claimed off Waivers by the Philadelphia HeadHunters)
Alex Espinosa SS (Claimed off Waivers by the Monterrey Stars)
Toledo Boltz (Third Place)(70-75 victories this season)
Lineup:
Chad Jones LF (It will be nice for Chad Jones not the be refered to as Chad Jones 1 on this team this year)
Rick Smalley CF (Could be shortstop or might see time in centerfield this season)
Nicky Duran RF (Duran is really the only power threat in the lineup and will need to find a spot in the lineup once again this season)
Rollie McMillon 2B (McMillon will provide a nice back of the lineup edition once again for this team)
Ed Hernandez 3B (Could play second base or third base as his numbers are too good not to be in the lineup this season)
Andrew Hampton SS (Hampton is quietly become a great shortstop in the league)
Phil Takada 1B (Takada had a really disappointing year last season and is looking to get back to form and could be challenged with the fist basemen position by a young rookie this year)
Carlos Rodriguez C (Will probably platoon with Charlie Newson this season)
Starters:
Harry Beltran (Beltran pitched better then his 5-13 record last season and is the staff ace with the most experience in the starting rotation this year)
Ivan Serra (Will be given a chance to stay in the rotation the whole year after making 14 wonderful starts last season)
Vladimir Pulido (Pulido is only 23 years old so it could be an up and down season for him once again this year)
Hector Liriano (Will be looking for his first career win this season after going 0-6 last year in 10 starts)
Alex Goya (Goya is another young pitcher looking to make a difference in the rotation this year)
Closer:
Mickey Collins (Collins will start out the season as the closer but his 11.65 ERA from last season as the fans worried about what the late innings will bring this year)
Coaches Corner:
We need to take a hard look at this team and figure out what kind of team it wants to be. The team is going to take a good five or six seasons to turn around and be competitive once again. We have some decent talent in the minor leagues, but not every prospect is going to fit what the team's philosophy and identity. Our main goal is to trade away some of the veteran talent that we have and get some good talent in return. We will also have to trade away the prospects that do not fit the identity and philosophy we are trying to create. Most of the talent that will help us in the future will have to come from the draft. We don't have a group of overwhelming talent in the minors, so they transformation will have to come from the Rule 5 and Amateur Draft. Watch out for the Rookie first basemen Ryan Relaford, he's been improving every season in the minor leagues, and with the exception of a 3-game stint in AA, he hasn't batted less than .315. He's deserving of a shot in the big leagues, and this season is going to be a defining moment in his career. We want to see how the team does in a neutral ballpark and see where the strengths and weaknesses are before we really focus on a philosophy this year. We are thinking of building a fast team based on good contact and defense. In this first season, I think we'll be lucky to get to 40-wins. This is going to be a tough first five seasons while I strip the team down and rebuild from the ground up.
Rankings to start the season:
7th ranked offensive
32nd ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Frank Nakamura P (8-2, 4.27ERA, 5SVS)(2yrs, 3.6mil)
Charlie Newson C (1yr, 1.0mil)
Bubba Reagan P (3yrs, 12.0mil)
Walt Hayes P (7-10, 4.53ERA, 2SVS)(2yrs, 4.8mil)
Players Lost:
Lance Brow 2B (Left via Free-Agency)
Graham Jefferson P (Left via Free-Agency)
Marvin Stark CF (Left via Free-Agency)
Louis Kolb P (Left via Free-Agency)
Julio Rodriguez P (Left via Free-Agency)
Jeff Shipley P (Left via Free-Agency)
Boots Porzio P (Released)
Justin Beckwith P (Released)
Brian Huff P (Released)
Ned McMillon P (Released)
Angel Vizcaino P (Released)
Barney Kramer P (Released)
Thomas Bonilla P (Released)
Ken Potvin P (Released)
Julius Hartman P (Released)
Hiram Dougherty P (Released)
Nicky Davis C (Released)
Pedro Flores C (Released)
Spike O'Brien SS (Released)
Gary Clark P (Released)
Cozy Medina P (Released)
Benji Sierra P (Released)
Stephen Mayer P (Released)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
AMERICAN LEAGUE SOUTH PREVIEW
Durham Bulls (First Place)(85-90 victories this season)
Lineup:
Grant Barker LF (Barker will be looking for his third straight season with more the 200 hits this year)
Vin Lopez CF (The team is hoping that Lopez can get back the hitting form he showed in season 4 where he hit over .300 and not the form he had last season with a .258 average)
Glenn Matheson RF (Matheson won his second Gold Glove last season and he also still produced some big numbers for the team as well)
Adrian Duncan DH (Duncan was signed to a big contract the off-season looking to prove he was worth every penny of it)
Norm Long 3B (Long side a good size contract to provide solid work at third base for the team this season)
Jamie Jung 2B (Jung could see have a chance to play second base this season)
Henry Anderson SS (The scary thing about Anderson is that he is still only 25 and is getting better every season)
Alvin Silva 1B (Coming off of his MVP season in season 4, Silva still produced the power numbers last season but his average dropped .70 points below the previous season)
Humberto Maranon C (Could platoon with Theo Harvey in starting time this season)
Starters:
Yamil Guzman (If you don’t look at Guzman’s career ERA you will find one of the top pitchers in the league)
Humberto Johnson (Johnson is still looking for his first season with more then ten victories)
Shane Lomasney (Lomasney always seems to get knocked around but he still finds a way to keep the team in the game)
Ignacio Mateo (Looking forward to being back into the rotation this season)
Hector Mesa (Mesa could win the fifth starting spot with a good spring training)
Closer:
Donnie Washington (Would like to see what Washington could do as the full time closer this season)
Coaches Corner:
The main goal really this season is to just survive. Really don’t know what is going to happen as the season goes along. The minor leagues really need to be fixed, as it really doesn’t look like any help is coming to majors any time soon. The team would like everyone to know that this team will win at what ever cost we need to make to win. I think this team will be stuck right at .500 with 81 wins and 81 losses.
Rankings to start the season:
2nd ranked offensive
8th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Hector Mesa P (Acquired via Trade from the Houston Hitmen)
Adrian Duncan DH (.293, 32, 100)(4yrs, 22.8mil)
Theo Harvey C (.246, 1, 11)(1yr, 327k)
Norm Long 3B (.259, 22, 59)(3yrs, 16.5mil)
Brian Kim 1B (Acquired via Trade from the Louisville Grumbling Groundhogs)
Players Lost:
Oscar Smith 3B (Left via Free-Agency)
Tony Hernandez P (Left via Free-Agency)
Omar Diaz P (Left via Free-Agency)
Brad Betancourt RF (Left via Free-Agency)
Don Clark C (Released)
Tim Rooney 2B (Trade to the Louisville Grumbling Groundhogs)
Houston Hitmen (Second Place)(85-90 victories this season)
Lineup:
Art Roskos RF (What a nice breakout season for Roskos last season and expect him to be around the same type of numbers this season)
Clyde Vaughn CF (Vaughn will enjoy a full season centerfield and the team will enjoy watching him play as well)
Geraldo Rodriguez LF (Rodriguez is another young player that will be given every chance to prove he can play)
Shep Bolton DH (Bolton will spend most of the here playing DH and not catcher)
Ronn Castillo 3B (Castillo could be pushed out of the third base spot if he hits below .200 once again)
Sean Foster 2B (You should begin to see Foster putting up some really good numbers starting this season)
Rocky Meadows SS (Meadows played his first full season and showed everyone that age doesn’t matter when you have the talent to play)
Todd Kirk 1B (Kirk had is first full season last year and now fans are really getting excited about him playing everyday)
Tomas Roque C (Roque could be the best option for the catcher spot for this team on a daily basis)
Starters:
Cliff Sheets (Sheets set the bar really high last season can he repeat that performance, for the team to compete he will need to)
Mac Nakamura (Nakamura is like a live grenade, everyone is just standing around waiting for him to exploded)
Lariel Camacho (Camacho is just a solid number three pitcher)
Edwin Saipe (Saipe is good at one thing and that is eating innings which helps the team through out the season)
Mariano Belliard (Could be given a shot at the fifth spot this season)
Closer:
Magglio Salinas (Salinas did a great job in is first full season as the closer for the team last season)
Coaches Corner:
The Hitmen will continue to work towards becoming a perennial contender, although we are still a year away from being where we want to be. During the off-season we were looking to move multiple role players in package trades to lock up some long term, impact players as we move towards the future. Watch out for Geraldo Rodriguez this season, the new comer to Houston and will surprise some people. The Hitmen really rely on young talent at the Major League level at all costs. The Hitmen have stripped the farm in 25 trades in 2 plus seasons. Only six players on the Major League roster were on the team when we started the team in Houston. We will once again field the cheapest and youngest roster in the major league. I think anything less then 100 wins will be a disappointment.
Rankings to start the season:
20th ranked offensive
5th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Edwin Saipe P (Acquired via Trade from the Tacoma Pioneers)
Luis Palmeiro P (Rule-5 Draftee)
Donaldo Calderon 3B (Rule-5 Draftee)
Manny Barrett P (Rule-5 Draftee)
Players Lost:
Blake Newman SS (Left via Free-Agency)
Dummy Hartzell P (Released)
Dustan Grace C (Released)
Hector Mesa P (Traded to the Durham Bulls)
Jacksonville RAIDERS (Fourth Place)(63-68 victories this season)
Lineup:
Joshua Sedlacek LF (Sedlacek had is best season last year and is looking to build upon that)
Marvin Stark CF (Stark was added during the off-season to provide solid play at the centerfield position with some offensive mix in)
Mac Cust RF (Cust could make a big impact during his rookie season)
Adrian Hutch DH (The team would like to see more power out of Hutch this season)
Bosco Campbell 3B (Campbell is the only power threat left in the lineup and is looking for his sixth straight season of 40 or more homeruns and it amazes me he has never been to an All-Star game yet)
Frank Simmons 2B (Watch out for Simmons this season, could have a great rookie campaign)
Pat Rhodes SS (Rhodes can steal any base, he just has trouble getting onto the first one)
Carl Shave 1B (Shave will probably see his numbers improve again this season hitting in front of
Campbell again)
Terry Clemens C (The catcher spot is open for this team and with a strong spring training Clemens could win it out)
Starters:
P.T. Bolton (Look for Bolton to have a breakout season this year)
Ben Canseco (Canseco could see a lot of time in the rotation this season)
Bubba Mattingly (Mattingly did not pitch as bad has is 3-14 record would indicate and with a little help could see his record improve)
Elston Long (Long is the franchise leader in victories with 52 and look for him to be around 10 more victories this season)
Bronson Lui (Would like to see if he can pitched once again in the rotation at the major league level)
Closer:
George Robinson (Robinson has been added to the watch list for the season)
Coaches Corner:
Well the Raiders may not have a lot of goals but the big one is not to lose 100 games once again. The pitching needs to improve for this team to make any jump in the standings. George Robinson will probably be one of the best closer even though he won’t get a lot of save chances this season. We just need to find a way to win and once we start winning you will really see this team turn the corner. I think we can win 63 games this season.
Rankings to start the season:
19th ranked offensive
26th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Roy Shirley P (2yrs, 6.6mil)
Marvin Stark CF (.245, 5, 28)(1yr, 3.1mil plus 4.5mil in signing bonus)
Jay Larson P (Claimed off Waivers)
Players Lost:
Zeus Glover 2B (Left via Fee-Agency)
Vic McGee DH (Left via Fee-Agency)
Pepper Crawford P (Released)
Tom Donovan P (Released)
Tom Saberhagen RF (Released)
Damon Meyers P (Released)
Anthony Montague P (Released)
Kansas City Bobcats (Third Place)(85-90 victories this season)
Lineup:
Hiram Suzuki LF (Suzuki is only 21 years old but he seems like he’s ready to play in the major leagues after a small part last season)
Stubby Lewis CF (Will probably bring a gold glove to centerfield like he did last season in left field)
Eric Sisk RF (Sisk won his second MVP award last season and will probably surpass the 300 homerun mark this season)
Vicente Melendez DH (Melendez is a good DH and that is really the only thing he is good at)
Rickey Karl 2B (Little Ricky Karl is the speedster on this team)
Adam Buck 3B (Buck plays solid third base and helps out with the offensive when they really need him to)
Blake Brinkley SS (Brinkley will probably platoon with Miguel Reyes at shortstop this season)
Tony Alvarez 1B (Alvarez hit his fewest homeruns last season but it isn’t really anything to be worried about)
Guy Williams C (Williams will probably hit two milestones this season, 1000 hits and 300 homeruns)
Starters:
Martin Satou (Satou is still only 22 years old so expect some growing pains as well this season)
Flip Sheldon (Sheldon is looking forward to this season as he believes he is entering his prime and worked really hard during the off-season to improve himself)
Paul Flanagan (Flanagan won 16 games last season but I think that will be very tough for him to repeat this season)
Al Jordan (Jordan never lost last season and the team is really looking forward to see what he can do this season at the age of 22)
Luis Barajas (Barajas is only 21 years old and with a good spring training could find himself in the rotation this year)
Closer:
Matt Schmidt (The team is high on Pinky Brooks but the fans are high on Schmidt so it could be a good battle for the Closer spot for this team this year)
Coaches Corner:
The main goal this year is the win the division title this season and making a deep push into the playoffs and of course everyone’s ultimate goal is the win the World Series. We are depending on the youth of our team this season so the off-season was really slow here in Kansas City. With 3 guys 22 or younger and already having success last year we expect for the team to improve this season. Pinky Brooks is the player we hope will surprise people this season. With no proven closer on the team, the hope is for the rookie to prove he can be elite closer. The team’s philosophy right now is trying to out score the opponent as we wait for the young pitchers to develop. We expect for them to struggle at times but we know the offense can pick up the slack as we have a good blend of speed and power which will make a top 5 offense in our eyes this season. I think the team will be better then last season with everyone coming back so we could get around 97 wins this season.
Rankings to start the season:
16th ranked offensive
21st ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Will Casanova P (3yrs, 8.4mil)
Players Lost:
Sean Holtz P (Left Free-Agency)
Ross Chase P (Left Free-Agency)
Victor Romano P (Left Free-Agency)
Boots Gaetti P (Left Free-Agency)
Nicholas Fox P (Left Free-Agency)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST PREVIEW
Anaheim Beefpound (Third Place)(84-89 victories this season)
Lineup:
Bud Jackson LF (Jackson just finds a way to get on base and then he finds a easy time stealing the nest base as well)
Bum Clarkson CF (Clarkson doesn’t have any power in his bat but his glove is now made out of gold)
Christopher Burks RF (Burks sure does love to swing at anything even close to the plate as he only had 2 walks all last season)
David Taylor DH (Taylor is young but his bat might just keep him in the lineup this season)
Juan Amaro 3B (Amaro is just a solid player that will put up solid number once again this season)
Karim Lee 2B (Looking to bounce back after an injury season last year)
Junior Lui SS (Lui is making is case every season he could be the greatest shortstop to ever play in the USMLB)
Vin Cordero 1B (Cordero is really the only power threat in the lineup that the Beefpound will have this season)
Zip Wirth C (Can hit for power when he’s in the lineup)
Starters:
Miguel Martinez (Well if you follow Martinez trend so far in his career he should have a good season this year)
Paulie Yarnall (Yarnall will need to see more innings pitched this season if he’s going to get more victories)
Daisuke Lui (The older brother of Junior Lui, Daisuke is beginning to make his own name for the family)
Herbert Brandt (Brandt was the team leader in wins last season with 13 but 157.1 innings pitched is not what you want out of a starting pitcher)
Delanor Romero (Expect another solid season from Romero this season)
Closer:
Rodrigo Romero (The team thinks they have found the future closer that every team would want in Romero)
Coaches Corner:
A World Series title is really what this team needs this season. I'm tired of flirting with it, its time to claim one. Anything less is considered a failure. We still need to keep our core group of guys together and also add depth at all levels if we are going to contend this season. Rodrigo Romero should get more innings this season and with that he should see more saves from him this year now that he is finally healthy. I think this is the year his dominance will become evident. Go strong or go home is the motto that is hanging from every locker this season, it’s a little extra to motivate the guys. The team is shooting for 95 wins. The talent in this world is getting better and I think some of the lower teams are working hard and will come up and shock some people. You can't look past any one team in this league anymore.
Rankings to start the season:
22nd ranked offensive
6th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Lance Morton P (Acquired via Trade from the Boston Braves)
David Taylor 2B Acquired via Trade from the Arizona Sting)
Players Lost:
Mark Phillips RF (Left via Free-Agency)
Keith Winston P (Traded to the Boston Braves)
Jay Larson P (Claimed off Waivers by the Jacksonville RAIDERS)
Jimmie Rios SS (Traded to the Arizona Sting)
Lance Morton P (Claimed off Waivers by the Minnesota Milfoils)
Colorado Rockies (Fourth Place)(78-83 victories this season)
Lineup:
Damaso Nieves RF (Nieves was brought in the power solid right field play and expect his offensive number to jump as well)
Lewis Shouse CF (Expect Shouse to improve his .244 batting average from last season in the thin air of the Rockies)
Carmen Garcia LF (Garcia has always been a 20 homerun type of guy through out his career he will now hit 30 easy)
Cookie Gonzalez DH (Gonzalez isn’t much of a catcher anymore but he can still hit)
Eric Cross 3B (Cross is in search of a position as his bat is good enough to be in the lineup)
Pedro Sanchez 2B (Sanchez’s power numbers will go way up this season)
Eli Guerrero SS (Could go from contact guy to a power hitter no one is expecting)
Santiago Mesa 1B (Mesa could have his greatest year this season)
Eddie Bass C (Bass is in a tough battle with Max Ransom for the starting catcher spot)
Starters:
Eddie Serrano (Serrano was asked if he would enjoy pitching in Colorado and he just ran off crying)
Joaquin Diaz (Diaz has sent a statement through his agent that he will not be talking with the media this season, as he just wants to focus on pitching)
Albert Jose (Jose want to rethink his contract he signed during the off-season)
Ebenezer Canseco (A starting job is a starting job no matter where you pitch)
Napoleon Fordham (Let us all pray for Fordham who will think about changing his last name to Fomdham (Found on Mound Dead)
Closer:
Ned Fogg (Need a closer Fogg is the team’s man this season)
Coaches Corner:
The goals is simply get around .500 this season. The minor league system if going to be the main concern as we need to find players that will fit with the ballpark we play in now. We really don’t need base stealers like the team has now. We need more contact for power type hitters. Carmen Garcia should improve all his number the board. Ground ball pitching to good fielders in the infield and an outfield that can both hit and have good range is the type of players that where looking to coming to Colorado in the future. I think with the few bad contracts that the team has we can still get 82 wins this season
Rankings to start the season:
12th ranked offensive
16th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
B.C. Tracy 2B (Acquired via Trade from the Charleston Gullah's)
Tito Ramirez P (11-7, 3.05ERA, 182.2IP)(1yr, 2.6mil)
Albert Jose P (8-5, 5.13ERA, 2SVS)(2yrs, 8.0mil plus a 1.2mil signing bonus)
Danny Smith P (2-1, 5.46ERA, 2SVS)(1yr, 327k)
Damaso Nieves RF (.314, 12, 66)(2yrs, 6.6mil plus a 200k signing bonus)
Ebenezer Canseco P (10-9, 6.23ERA, 57SO)(2yrs, 5.0mil plus a 500k signing bonus)
Napoleon Fordham P (3-2, 4.12ERA, 52G)(2yrs, 5.0mil plus a 500k signing bonus)
Players Lost:
Cliff Woodson P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Tony Brea P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Jim Buckley P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Edgar Seguignol 3B (Left via Fee-Agency)
Pat Sugawara 2B (Left via Fee-Agency)
Irv Jensen LF (Traded to the Charleston Gullah's)
Adrian Duncan DH (Released)
Arizona Sting (Second Place)(84-89 victories this season)
Lineup:
Chris Murphy LF (With Murphy getting a shot at playing the whole season this year he could see his number greatly improve)
Jim McEnroe CF (McEnroe is in the lineup because his glove in centerfield)
Malcolm Lanier RF (Lanier is one of the power hitters that the team will have in the lineup this season)
Wilfredo Aybar DH (Aybar is one the best DH’s in the league and will have another good season this year)
Diego Campos 3B (Campos will once again provide solid offense and defense for the team this season)
Jose Espinoza 2B (A star is being born with Espinoza becoming the face of the franchise)
Jeremi Jones SS (Jones may not have much speed on the bases but he is still a perfect lead-off hitter)
Kenny Logan 1B (Logan just loves to hit and the power will come as his career goes along)
Dummy Palmer C (Palmer will win the starting catcher of fan favorite Randy Montgomery this season)
Starters:
Brendan Wright (Wright had a breakout season last year with 16 wins)
Chet Kingland (Kingland will need to improve over last season if he wants to stay in the rotation this year)
Scooter McMichael (McMichael could see another season in the rotation)
Elvis Romano (Romano is really going to be pushed this season and he may not survive it)
Max Moreno (The rookie could win a starting rotation during spring training)
Closer:
Shane Haad (With 160 saves already Haad is on his way as one of the best closer ever)
Coaches Corner:
This team is finally looking to get over the hump and wrestle the division title away from the Beefpound and make the playoffs this year. This franchise as always stuck with a simple strategy of making minimal changes via free agency and promote from within. Max Moreno has arrived. I’m looking for this young pitcher to make a big impact in the rotation. To knock of the Beefpound this team will need to win 100 games this season for us to accomplish our goals.
Rankings to start the season:
11th ranked offensive
14th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Dummy Palmer C (.263, 5, 15)(2yrs, 4.8mil)
P.T. GuerreroP (Rule-5 Draftee)
Jimmie Rios LF (Acquired via Trade from the Anaheim Beefpound)
Players Lost:
Tito Ramirez P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Will Randolph C (Left via Fee-Agency)
Bill Snyder P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Ricky Bennett P (Released)
Alex Mann P (Released)
Marino Mendez P (Released)
Miguel Abreu C (Released)
David Taylor 2B (Traded to the Anaheim Beefpound)
Cheyenne Xpress (First Place)(85-90 victories this season)
Lineup:
Esteban Juarez LF ()
Michael Long CF ()
Donn Bergman RF ()
Kenneth Bryant DH ()
Butch Halter 2B ()
Dave Roberts 3B ()
Manny Hasegawa SS ()
Erubiel Sanchez 1B ()
Ricky Gibbons C ()
Starters:
Esteban Fernandez ()
Victor Sojo ()
Harry Hollandsworth ()
Del Lee ()
Jeff Schourek ()
Closer:
Shawn Buckley ()
Rankings to start the season:
6th ranked offensive
11th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
None
Players Lost:
Luis Encarnacion P (Left Free-Agency)
Scott Coleman C (Left Free-Agency)
Mateo Romano P (Left Free-Agency)
George Lincoln P (Left Free-Agency)
Tony Wood C (Left Free-Agency)
Albert Jose P (Left Free-Agency)
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST PREVIEW
Atlanta Brave Vawts (First Place)(100-105 victories this season)
Lineup:
Alex Sojo LF (Sojo provides a lot of pop at the back of the order for the Brave Vawts)
Luis Carreras CF (A good glove and gap power is how Carreras has survived his major league career so far)
Mac Johnson RF (Johnson hit 22 homeruns with 91 RBI’s last season but he really is man without a position this year)
Don Xaio DH (Xaio will make this offensive very good this season just by being in it)
Frank Surtain 3B (Four straight seasons with 100 or more RBI’s for Surtain during his short career expect another 100 RBI performance out of him this season)
Ellie Bowman 2B (Could be a good lead-off hitter if he got on base at a better pace)
Mitch Durbin SS (Durbin won’t impressive you with his offensive ability but his glove will leave you in amazement)
Luis Nunez 1B (Nunez could find some new life in Atlanta this season)
Cookie Pena C (One of the best hitters in the league also one of the best catchers as well, could be in the running for MVP this season)
Starters:
Phil Nitkowski (Nitkowski has the be the best pitcher in the league but the only knock against him is that he doesn’t pitched beyond the sixth inning)
Samuel West (After a 20 win season in season 4, West came back with 15 more and has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the league)
Larry Rath (Rath is the workhorse of the staff and with 70 career wins he is also one of the best in the league)
Ray Jackson (Old faithful Jackson may not have the prettist numbers but he always seems to find a way to win)
Gil Lefebvre (Lefebvre is really looking forward to be spending time in the rotation this season)
Closer:
Chris Unroe (Looking to be the full time closer this season)
Coaches Corner:
The Brave Vawts goal every season will to win the World Series at what ever cost. We really wanted to add power to the lineup and with Don Xaio and now Luis Nunez I believe we accomplished are goals for the off-season. There will be no real surprises from this team this season. We really love being the role of the hunted, if really let’s you know your at the top or for us near the top. We have no secrets about how we win here in Atlanta on base percentage and pitching are kings. I could see this team approaching 100 victories once again this season.
Rankings to start the season:
4th ranked offensive
4th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
William Hanson P (6-3, 4.12ERA, 2SV)(1yr, 2.7mil plus a no-trade clause)
Don Xaio C (.314, 36, 104)(3yrs, 14.4mil plus a 600k signing bonus)
Mel Sweeney P (Rule-5 Draftee)
Tony Santana P (Rule-5 Draftee)
Luis Nunez 1B (Acquired via Trade with the Cincinnati Highlanders)
Nicholas Fox P (4-4, 4.31ERA, 10SVS)(1yr, 1.9mil)
Players Lost:
Nick Collins RF (Left via Free-Agency)
Ricardo Martinez C (Left via Free-Agency)
Mandy Adams CF (Left via Free-Agency)
Morgan Robertson 2B (Left via Free-Agency)
Marshall Jameson P (Left via Free-Agency)
Julian Gabriel P (Released)
Albie Salinas P (Claimed off Waivers by the Minnesota Milfoils)
Todd Kelley P (Rule-5 Drafted)
Mendy Mitchell C (Traded to the Cincinnati Highlanders)
Columbus Pride (Fourth Place)(76-81 victories this season)
Lineup:
Alex Lee RF (Lee is one of the premiere power hitters in the league and once again should be near the top of the homerun leader board again this season)
Corey Skinner CF (Was signed to provide a solid foundation in center field for the team this season)
Milt Kroeger LF (Kroeger really improved his game last season getting his first 100 RBI year for the team)
Chad Nathan DH (Nathan can still hit but the DH is really only his role left he can play)
Tommy Crede 3B (Will need to rock at third base this season)
Heath Fitzgerald 2B (Looking to rebound after a injury filled season last year)
Shawn Durbin SS (Was plucked from the Rule-5 draft to be given the chance to play everyday)
Carlos Reynoso 1B (Was given a chance to play first base last season and still has a lot to prove)
Scott Rapp C (Rapp won’t hit for a lot of power but still finds way to get on base on a daily basis)
Starters:
Walt Davenport (Davenport needs to prove he can be a top-tier starter in the league but after losing 17 games and an ERA of 5.77 he is a long way from doing that)
William Creek (Creek needs to prove he’s ready to be a major league pitcher)
Del Suh (Suh may have given up a lot of hits and runs last season but he did the most important thing a pitcher can do, keep his team in the game)
Brandon Blanton (After a rough season last year, Blanton is ready to try is chances in the rotation once again)
Jack Andrews (Could find himself in the fifth spot after not thinking he would get out of the minors to start the season)
Closer:
Derek Ferrell (Ferrell will finally be given a chance to prove he can be a closer this season)
Rankings to start the season:
25th ranked offensive
23rd ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Jack Andrews P (Minor League Deal)
Derek Ferrell P (Claimed off Waivers)
Stuart Davidson P (Claimed off Waivers)
Tommy Crede 3B (.273, 29, 85)(5yrs, 20.0mil plus a no-trade clause)
Tyrone Boyle P (5-2, 5.37ERA, 2SVS)(5yrs, 10mil plus no-trade clause)
Corey Skinner CF (.260, 0, 27)(5yrs, 9.5mil plus a 700k signing bonus and a no-trade clause)
Shawn Durbin SS (Rule-5 Draftee)
Players Lost:
William Adcock P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Brad Campbell P (Left via Fee-Agency)
William Hanson P (Left via Fee-Agency)
Wilfredo Fernandez 3B (Left via Fee-Agency)
Ray Greenwood C (Released)
Jayson Christensen P (Released)
Napoleon Fordham P (Released)
Allie Wall 3B (Released)
Albie Salinas P (Claimed off Waivers by the Minnesota Milfoils)
Olmedo Ayala P (Released)
Kiki Espinoza C (Claimed off Waviers by the Tacoma Pioneers)
Juan Mercedes P (Released)
Boston Braves (Third Place)(76-81 victories this season)
Lineup:
Ben Donahue LF (Donahue saw limit time last season but will be given the starting job this season)
Mandy Adams CF (Adams was signed to provide even more speed for the team)
Mike Baxter RF (Baxter led the team in stolen bases last season and look for him to steal even more this season)
Felix Davenport DH (Davenport may not hit for power out of the DH position but he still gets on base)
Julio Rincon 3B (Rincon his a hitting machine getting over 200 hits last season)
Mo Davis 2B (Davis was plucked from the Rule-5 Draft for the chance)
Louie Terrero SS (Terrero job is to provide great defense support for the pitcher, any kind of offense is a plus)
Jim Watson 1B (Watson will grow into his power numbers and they should improve above his 18 homeruns from last season)
Ray Greenwood C (Greenwood was added to the lineup for his offense and not his catching abilities)
Starters:
Roy Van Hatten (Pitched better then his 6-12 record would indicate he did)
Alberto Sanchez (The young pitcher will be given a shot in the rotation this season)
Tommy Jenkins (After last season it has a lot of people talking in Boston that Jenkins is done and they should have never brought him in last season)
Eddie Drew (Drew was a nice surprise for the team last season leading the team in victories with 12)
Dean Randall (Randall may not hang onto the fifth spot this season if he pitches like he did last season)
Closer:
Brad Campbell (Campbell could earn the spot as the closer for this team this season)
Coaches Corner:
Our goal is to continue to acquire talent through the draft and the International market. At this point we have cleared the payroll, and while it may seem like there isn't a plan, there is. So for this season we are looking to acquire a future #1 or #2 starting pitcher. We realize we aren't in a position to challenge Atlanta, so rather than spend money on Free Agents (and the market isn't full of great prospects from what we have seen) we figured we'd buy one or two young guys who represented good value and continue to build a team of young quality players. When we signed Alberto Sanchez we felt he would be a guy who could step up and step up fast. He has a bright future and will help us improve in the next few seasons. As we have kind of indicated the philosophy of the club is to build through the drafts and the international market. We want long term success, and to do that you have to stock the minors with talent and let it develop. We will not have a player budget too much higher than what it is now, and we plan on continuing to have large prospect and scouting expenditures. 5. We realize that this season might be the "depth of our winter” so to speak. We have no illusions that right now our ML squad is not deep at all. If our players rise to the occasion we hope to be somewhere near .500 by the end of this season.
Rankings to start the season:
28th ranked offensive
20th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Mandy Adams CF (.272, 2, 12)(4yrs, 20mil)
Cesar Delgado P (10-8, 3.97ERA, 165.1IP)(2yrs, 6.4mil)
Rigo Lopez P (3-2, 4.14ERA, 1SV)(3yrs, 10.2mil)
Ray Greenwood C (.275, 17, 57)(2yrs, 2.6mil)
Brad Campbell P (6-3, 4.98ERA, 66G)(2yrs, 2.0mil)
Mo Davis 2B (Rule-5 Draftee)
Richard Mueller LF (Rule-5 Draftee)
Yamid Castillo C (Rule-5 Draftee)
Keith Winston LF (Acquired via Trade from the Anaheim Beefpound)
Players Lost:
Jimmie McConnell P (Left Free-Agency)
William Kraemer 1B (Left Free-Agency)
Wayne Root P (Left Free-Agency)
Rich Hale 3B (Left Free-Agency)
Bill Good CF (Released)
Brendan Norton C (Released)
Paul Lee P (Released)
Robin Casian P (Released)
Yamil Gonzalez P (Released)
Lance Morton P (Traded to the Anaheim Beefpound)
Cincinnati Highlanders (Second Place)(81-86 victories this season)
Lineup:
Rob Carlson LF (Carlson will improve after last years disappointing season)
James MartinCF (Martin is a speed demon who just slaps the ball around the infield and got his first gold glove last season)
Matt Reagan RF (Reagan will to expect to produce even more now that Nunez is gone)
Cy Ryan DH (Probably won’t be with the team much longer as the team is looking to shop him around)
Rod Champion 2B (Could be given a chance to start this season)
Francisco Manto 3B (Manto had a wonderful first season with the Highlanders last season)
Kennie Sexson SS (Sexson was added to bring gold glove caliber defense to the team this season)
Mark Masato 1B (Masato could get over 60 homeruns this season)
Donte Cashman C (Cashman was signed to bring solid catching to the team this season)
Starters:
Mark Kwon (Kwon could be a sleeper pick for a pitcher to look out for this season)
Ralph Middlebrook (Middlebrook came out of no where to win rookie of the year for the American League but I don’t think he will be sneaking up on anybody this season)
Tracy Bowie (Bowie added three starting pitcher with more then 10 victories for the team and he also led the team in innings pitched and strikeouts)
Lewis Robertson (Robertson will improve but he will stay remain in the back of the rotation)
William Adcock (Adcock was signed to bring another solid starter into the rotation)
Closer:
Donne McClellan (McClellan will break the single season save record for the team this year)
Coaches Corner:
This team will just need to make the playoffs for everyone to consider the season a success. We really needed to get a power catcher and I believe we were able to do that with Cashman joining the team. Developing prospects is a big part of this team with the minors all about teaching OPS to the players so they are ready when they get the majors. I could see are team winning around 85 games this season.
Rankings to start the season:
24th ranked offensive
17th ranked pitching staff
Players Added:
Kennie Sexson SS (.252, 12, 68)(1yr, 4.1mil)
William Adcock P (14-12, 3.76ERA, 215.1IP)(3yrs, 15.4mil)
Todd Kelley P (Rule-5 Draftee)
Donte Cashman C (.279, 15, 52)(2yrs, 2.6mil)
Mendy Mitchell C (Acquired via Trade with the Atlanta Brave Vawts)
Players Lost:
Ron Herrera RF (Left Free-Agency)
Luis Nunez 1B (Traded to the Atlanta Brave Vawts)
Harry Morales C (Released)
Pedro Campos 2B (Released)
Erick Hernandez SS (Released)
Scot Hill P (Traded to the Tucson Chupacabras)
Virgil Julio C (Traded to the Salem Gangstas)
