Monday, February 25, 2008

A Can of Corn Falls Off the Shelf

mattfurjan

Bad luck strikes the Cleveland franchise. Our offseason Type A free agent acquisition, SP Tito Bradley, sufferred a season ending injury in his debut performance. The cost is steep for 4 1/3 IP. Despite his questionable health (67), management was hopeful that the 20 million budgeted to training would keep him healthy. Oh well, hopefully some of the young guys will pick it up.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Charlotte Season 4 Preview

richhill115

Watchout for the Hillbillys from North Carolina .IN season 3 they lost over 100 games.with new owership they improved with 20 more wins in season 3 and already they are 3-0 .Still the Hillbillys top 2 young prospects are playing in AAA and might be called up in the first month .They should be a .500 team this year and maybe make the playoffs.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Minnesota Season Preview

Minnesota Power Loons

A review and preview of things to come

The defending division champion Power Loons seek to repeat in season 4. It by no means was a runaway, and judging by my competition, it won’t be this year either. Three different division winners in three seasons has proven that.

Montreal has been restocking through trades and the FA market. At 84-78 last season, (256-230 in three seasons) they have been in either 1st or 2nd each year. Judging by the talent they added they will be at or near the top again.

Pittsburgh is only 1 season removed from their 104 win season. They finished last season at 80-82 (276-210) and spent last season re-tooling after losing out retaining their top pitcher who bolted for Vegas. Considering that that was their worst season, they will again challenge for the top spot.

Dover is running with its’ 5th owner. After finishing 33-129 (173-313) last season, there is hope the new ownership can provide some stability and get them back on track. In season 1 they challenged for the top spot at 86-76 and have since lost 100+ the last 2. Good luck and welcome to the NL North sccrplyr16!

The Loons have made the long climb from the bottom of this division to take the crown last season. Using primarily players developed from within, finished 86-76 (235-251) and then were promptly swept by the aforementioned Vegas in the 1st round. Aquiring Alberto Cruz in the offseason from Little Rock has given the Loons a clear #1 pitcher to lead this young group back to the playoffs.

Pitching

Starting Pitching

The average age of this rotation is 26 years old, but don’t let that fool you. There is only 1 starter over that age. Although not flashy, the expectation is to keep the opponents down enough to allow our top offense to overpower the opponent.

Alberto Cruz 20-7 / 237.2 IP / OAV-.276 / Whip-1.33 / ERA-4.13

As a key FA acquisition, Alberto will be counted on to be the stopper this rotation needs. Won 50 games with his first three seasons in Little Rock. At 33 he is still young enough to play another 3-4 effective seasons.

Douglas Ducey 13-9 / 193.0 IP / OAV-.258 / Whip-1.38 / ERA-4.10

Douglas had made all 35 starts last season and proved to be effective. Tied for the team lead with 13 wins, he did a good job keeping the team in every game.

Tony Rosado 5-7 / 95.2 IP / OAV-.269 / Whip-1.41 / ERA-5.08

Tony won his first 5 starts as a late season call-up last season. Although he struggled late last year, he has the right stuff to be at this level. Lets’ just hope he can do it for an entire season.

Pablo Manzanillo 13-8 / 180.1 IP / OVA-.264 / Whip-1.40 / ERA-4.24

Pablo was the co-leader in wins last season. He has been steady since coming to the ML. Would like to see a breakout year from him.

Russ Adkinson 11-13 / 184.0 IP / OVA-.262 / Whip-1.42 / ERA-4.79

Russ came storming back last season after a season ending injury ended his year 2. Making 36 starts showed his durability. He was the only starter last season to record a CG.

Relief Pitching

Group 22-13 / 47 of 57 saves / 432.2 IP / OVA-.265 / Whip-1.38 / ERA-4.58

A couple years ago this was the achillies heel of the team. Adding Tim White to the team has produced amazing results. Guys like James Kim, Torey Alcantara and Billy Ray Sanders have solidified the group.

Position Players

Catcher

Rule 5 selection Patrick Stockton performed well last season (.290-16-79) and has earned a spot in the lineup. But Billy Rivers (.318-21-78 @ AAA) is demanding playing time and claims the job is his. Looks like a platoon for the start of the season.

1st Base

Pasqual Guillen finished strong last season (.277-32-96) and finished 2nd in HR’s. As well as he performed, others could split time here if he starts slow like last season.

2nd Base

Greg Cobb had a great comeback season (.302-3-49 w/27 SB). The move to 2nd base proved a good fit for Cobb and expectations are that he should flourish again.

3rd Base

After the season Thomas Cannon (.298-36-87) had as a utility player. He is being asked to play fulltime at 3rd to get his bat in the lineup more ofton. The fact that he led the team with .973 OPS and only had 363 AB’s shows what he can do with a bat in his hands.

Shortstop

Tony Soto was steller at 3rd base last season and SHOULD have been awarded a Gold Glove. That said, he has the skills to be a SS and his move helps with the Cannon arrangement. After the great rookie season (.327-30-121) he had, this year comes with higher expectations.

Leftfield

Robert McGee (.271-28-92) had a good year and it is hoped he will build on it this season. A fine athlete with all the tools, Robert is expected to be a big part of this teams future. A late season call-up, Flash Lane (.299-5-16 in 24 games) has also earned a spot with the big club. His ability to play multiple roles will prove valuable.

Centerfield

Since season 2, when Vic Cummings (.329-18-89) took over for Cobb in centerfield, we have not had more steady play from any other position. The All-Star, Gold Glove and reighning NL batting champ will be patroling CF again for the Loons and his bat is just as valuable as his glove.

Rightfield

After a Gold Glove in season 2 and the All-Star MVP in season 3, Pablo Guzman has shown his ability to be another All-Star performer for the Loons. He became the first Loon player to amass 200+ hits in a season. He credits his and his teamates success at the plate last year to their new hitting coach.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

San Fran Seals Preview

bradydt

There is a little buzz in San Francisco this spring, as the Seals return their entire starting lineup from their 100 win campaign in Season 3. However, the real buzz involves the offseason acquisition of Season 3 AL Cy Young Award winner, Hades Reynolds.
Some of you may recall that the Seals were promptly bounced in a 5 game series by eventual champ, Columbus Clippers, losing game 5 by a score of 15-0, after 4 close fought games. Realizing their weakness was having no true ace, Seals' management moved quickly, and feels this may be the city's last chance to bring home a champion-- especially because D.C. team looks like a juggernaut in the making...
Don't fret, though, the Seals will remove $34 mil. from the books in the offseason, meaning they will have enough dough to stay competitve...

Monday, February 11, 2008

Little Rock Preview

GuerillaZen1

Big, big changes in Little Rock this season. After winning 308 games in the first three seasons (and never falling below 101 or rising above 105 wins) the tides MIGHT be turning for Rebels. The team is getting much older and has already began to clean house and make room for the next batch of minor leaguers.
Staff stalwart and winner of 50 career games (3 seasons) has been dealt to intra-league rival Minnesota for two young arms.
Sliver slugger winner and All-star Darwin Cook has been dealt for a defensive minded shortstop prospect.
Youngster Wayne Banks will be inserted from opening day to help sure-up the offense and 27 year old, 56 game winner, and 2-time NL CY YOUNG champion Rico Perez has been awarded the richest and longest contract in team history, which should keep the rotation near the middle of the pack.
The Rebels will not win 105 games this season and will fight for their playoff life, but they do expect to be competitive in the National League South, where the competition is slowly getting much, much stronger.

Minnesota Trade Update

Loons get No. 1 starter Cruz!!!!!

In a 5 player deal with Little Rock, the Loons have added Alberto Cruz. He has 50 career wins in the first three seasons of Feller. His 4.24 ERA is good but the 1.33 WhiP is a better sign. At 33 years old and in the last year of his contract, we are hoping to offer an extension that will allow Alberto to retire a Loon.

The departure of my 1st rnd draft picks from seasons' 1 and 2, Clarence Jacquez and Alex Campbell was tough, but I think it will be worth it.

Awards through Season 3

thought I'd place the league awards here and the league members can comment on them. I'll update them as each season passes.

AL MVP Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Davey Fasano new york meade_2004
Season 2 Domingo Guapo Hummers 7Yankees7
Season 3 Dennis Pratt Cans of Corn mattfurjan

AL Cy Young Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Steve Sherman Lone Stars yanks0218
Season 2 Houston Vernon Hummers 7Yankees7
Season 3 Hades Reynolds Spartans jwillcox

AL Rookie of the Year Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Mike Newfield Seals bradydt
Season 2 Don Kell Nationals gidoni13
Season 3 Dingo Banks Nationals gidoni13

AL Fireman of the Year Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Timothy White Mud Hens kevmax100
Season 2 Philip Wright Hummers 7Yankees7
Season 3 D'Angelo Marichal Sea Dogs cj_stevie

NL MVP Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Rock Moore Silent Assassins ARomano
Season 2 Rock Moore Silent Assassins ARomano
Season 3 Endy Ramsey Nexus square2

NL Cy Young Award

Season 1 Rico Perez Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 2 Charlie Kelly Splittin' Aces doontristy
Season 3 Rico Perez Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1

NL Rookie of the Year Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Rock Moore Silent Assassins ARomano
Season 2 Paul Robinson Nexus square2
Season 3 Matt Michaels Splittin' Aces doontristy

NL Fireman of the Year Award
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Alan Grey Nexus square2
Season 2 Sidney Kashmir Splittin' Aces doontristy
Season 3 Louie Ardoin Latchkey Monkeys plessburglar

AL Silver Slugger Award - DH
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Ralph Lyon Hummers 7Yankees7
Season 2 Troy Brown ReDawgs BostonDawg
Season 3 Kerry Jensen Seals bradydt

AL Silver Slugger Award - C
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Willie Castillo new york meade_2004
Season 2 Del Cubillan Lone Stars yanks0218
Season 3 Milton Stokes Seals bradydt

AL Silver Slugger Award - 1B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Davey Fasano new york meade_2004
Season 2 Jae Maeda Roadrunners quantum76
Season 3 P.T. Cortazar Seals bradydt

AL Silver Slugger Award - 2B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Peter Sakamoto Gamblers gator993
Season 2 Domingo Guapo Hummers 7Yankees7
Season 3 Rico Rosa Seals bradydt

AL Silver Slugger Award - 3B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Gregory Brower Roadrunners quantum76
Season 2 Gregory Brower Roadrunners quantum76
Season 3 Vic Miranda Clippers job314

AL Silver Slugger Award - SS
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 James Lo Roadrunners quantum76
Season 2 James Lo Roadrunners quantum76
Season 3 Don Kell Nationals gidoni13

AL Silver Slugger Award - LF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Mike Newfield Seals bradydt
Season 2 Hensley Lawson Armadillos rmkelley15
Season 3 Chad Beckett Clippers job314

AL Silver Slugger Award - CF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Rod Mahoney Sidewinders pak4427
Season 2 Daryl Perkins Stranglers acatala
Season 3 Steven Mussina Melanoma jwesty5

AL Silver Slugger Award - RF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Jay Malone Roadrunners quantum76
Season 2 Dennis Pratt Cans of Corn mattfurjan
Season 3 Dennis Pratt Cans of Corn mattfurjan

NL Silver Slugger Award - P
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Geoffery McInerney Abnaki hhavey
Season 2 Julio Trevino Durham Bulls cortezd
Season 3 Claude Doerr Latchkey Monkeys plessburglar

NL Silver Slugger Award - C
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Rock Moore Silent Assassins ARomano
Season 2 Rock Moore Silent Assassins ARomano
Season 3 Rock Moore Silent Assassins ARomano

NL Silver Slugger Award - 1B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Darwin Cook Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 2 Cooper Fischer Splittin' Aces doontristy
Season 3 Deivi Mendez Nexus square2

NL Silver Slugger Award - 2B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Adam Miles freeze ggd1022
Season 2 Rogers Peterson Durham Bulls cortezd
Season 3 Elroy Williamson Polecats frik

NL Silver Slugger Award - 3B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Sammy Harris Pirates typhoon26
Season 2 Charles Perry Latchkey Monkeys plessburglar
Season 3 Angel Polonia Red Wings TheGator

NL Silver Slugger Award - SS
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Angel Polonia Red Wings TheGator
Season 2 Angel Polonia Red Wings TheGator
Season 3 Vernon Hunter Surfers Dave062451

NL Silver Slugger Award - LF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Endy Ramsey Nexus square2
Season 2 Endy Ramsey Nexus square2
Season 3 Endy Ramsey Nexus square2

NL Silver Slugger Award - CF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Frank Barrett Alex Gordon's ewchippe
Season 2 Henry Bell Scandals orabbi
Season 3 Matt Michaels Splittin' Aces doontristy

NL Silver Slugger Award - RF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Anthony Buehrle Tall Firs agentverde
Season 2 Richie Paul Splittin' Aces doontristy
Season 3 Richie Paul Splittin' Aces doontristy

AL Gold Glove Award - P
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Ralph Davis Lone Stars yanks0218
Season 2 Russell Broome Mud Hens kevmax100
Season 3 Pedro Martin Sea Dogs cj_stevie

AL Gold Glove Award - C
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Marty Williams Roadrunners quantum76
Season 2 Marty Williams Roadrunners quantum76
Season 3 Jose Olmeda Spartans jwillcox

AL Gold Glove Award - 1B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Juan Mesa Sea Dogs cj_stevie
Season 2 Ron Benson Snowbirds drnick77
Season 3 P.T. Cortazar Seals bradydt

AL Gold Glove Award - 2B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Ruben Diaz new york meade_2004
Season 2 Travis Strickland Melanoma jwesty5
Season 3 Francisco Rodriguez Mud Hens kevmax100

AL Gold Glove Award - 3B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Woody Cannon Seals bradydt
Season 2 Benji Olivo Armadillos rmkelley15
Season 3 Trent Welch Melanoma jwesty5

AL Gold Glove Award - SS
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Richard Mills Cans of Corn mattfurjan
Season 2 Douglas Park Melanoma jwesty5
Season 3 Douglas Park Melanoma jwesty5

AL Gold Glove Award - LF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Ismael Mondesi Clippers job314
Season 2 Fred Leach Dirty Old Men bobkordecki
Season 3 Javier Machado Cans of Corn mattfurjan

AL Gold Glove Award - CF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Ralph Hines Lone Stars yanks0218
Season 2 Shawon Campbell Snowbirds drnick77
Season 3 Rogers Floyd Ponies sidekicker

AL Gold Glove Award - RF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Del Chiba ReDawgs BostonDawg
Season 2 Christian Zheng Hummers 7Yankees7
Season 3 Tommy Newfield Krushers itsmedennis

NL Gold Glove Award - P
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Wilton Moore Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 2 Felipe Moreno Latchkey Monkeys plessburglar
Season 3 Ralph Davis Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1

NL Gold Glove Award - C
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Bronson Terrell freeze ggd1022
Season 2 Bronson Terrell Scandals orabbi
Season 3 Bronson Terrell C'est Moi! crehling

NL Gold Glove Award - 1B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Gregg Lindsey Warriors itsjimmy91
Season 2 Mickey Fisher Tall Firs agentverde
Season 3 Deivi Mendez Nexus square2

NL Gold Glove Award - 2B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Adam Miles freeze ggd1022
Season 2 Rogers Peterson Durham Bulls cortezd
Season 3 Tony Jacobs Kings trapapoodle

NL Gold Glove Award - 3B
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Milton Oliver Red Wings TheGator
Season 2 Leonardo Hill Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 3 Edgar Velazquez Kings trapapoodle

NL Gold Glove Award - SS
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Phil Gibbons Power Loons ebpyle
Season 2 McKay Forbes Tall Firs agentverde
Season 3 McKay Forbes Tall Firs agentverde

NL Gold Glove Award - LF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Ruben Lira Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 2 Rodney Duckworth Silent Assassins ARomano
Season 3 Endy Ramsey Nexus square2

NL Gold Glove Award - CF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Jeremy Hughes Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 2 Jeremy Hughes Southern Rebels GuerillaZen1
Season 3 Vic Cummings Power Loons ebpyle

NL Gold Glove Award - RF
Player Franchise Owner
Season 1 Shaggy O'Brien BlueNotes rpsrn
Season 2 Pablo Guzman Power Loons ebpyle
Season 3 Anthony Buehrle Tall Firs agentverde



Award leaders through three seasons are as follows;

New Britain - 9 awards from 4 players
4 Silver Sluggers
2 Gold Gloves
1 ROY
1 MVP
1 Fireman

Little Rock - 9 awards from 7 players
1 Silver Slugger
6 Gold Gloves
2 Cy Youngs

Santa Fe / Atlanta - 8 awards from 5 players
6 Silver Sluggers
2 Gold Gloves

San Francisco - 8 awards from 6 players
5 Silver Sluggers
2 Gold Gloves
1 ROY