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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 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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