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 3^rd 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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USMLB MOY - AL NORTH

SCRANTON BEET FARMER’S – aa12on

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

GRADES

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

OTTAWA CRAWDADDIES – davisbrian

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

GRADES

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

MADISON LASERS – quantum76

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

GRADES

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

CHICAGO LEGIONAIRES – jgnjr

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

GRADES

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

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USMLB MOY - AL EAST

NEW YORK HIGHLANDERS – yanksrule11

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

GRADES

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

KANSAS CITY DIRT BAGS – rklongball

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

GRADES

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

CLEVELAND BARONS – misty

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

GRADES

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

ATLANTA BRAVE VAWTS – vawt

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

GRADES

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

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