Standing update;
In the AL, Columbus has regained the top spot in the North. At 68-45 (8 gm up), the Clippers are looking to take their show back to the playoffs. Pitching and defense are driving them this season, while getting just enough offense to do the trick.
The East has been a revolving door at the top. Currently the DC Nationals have the honors @ 66-47 (6 games up). Second in the league in runs scored and 5th in ERA, the nationals have a very balanced attack.
Texas is again leading the South. After climbing out of the cellar in season 1 to a division championship in season 2, the Armadillos (59-54) are 2 games up. Leading the league in fielding and 3rd in hitting has helped overcome the 11th rated pitching staff.
San Francisco is leading the West by 11 games @ 71-42. 2nd in batting and 1st in pitching has put the seals in a great spot late into the season. This is a step up from last season, where the Seals were hovering the bottom of the division.
The NL doesn't have as much of the volitivity of the AL;
The East is again dominated by New Britain. For the 3rd year in a row, the Nexus @ 64-49, are in a commanding position. This team hits well (2nd in NL) and scores runs. They are 7 games up on the Monkey's from Buffalo.
Little Rock is running away with the South. This team has won this division each of the 1st 2 years and at 76-37 (20 games up) looks to have no trouble again this year. 1st in pitching, 4th in batting and 5th in fielding Makes the Rebels the favorite this season.
Salem has made a good run out of the West. At 69-44 (7 games up), they ar pitching well (2nd in NL) and hit just well enough to drive you nuts. They are 5-5 against Little Rock this season and could be the David that could upset Goliath.
Last and probably least is the NL North. The Power loons are 60-53 (4 games up) on a division that took until the 76th game for anyone to be above .500. The Loons are 14th in pitching, 5th in fielding and 1st in hitting. If there is anything I can be happy with, it's the fact we are in contention this season (2.5 years in the making).
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Minnesota In Season Update
In season update from the Power Loon Press;
At 47-46, the Loons are over .500 for the 1st time after the All-Star break. Hopefully this trend can continue, because we are also in 1st place by 1 game. That said, we need pitching to come around to guide us to the finish line.
Notes from the All-Star Break;
Vic Cummings (CF) and Pablo Guzman (RF) were voted to the team this season. Cummings batted lead-off (0-3) and Guzman was the MVP hitting the game winning 3-run HR to put the NL club in front for good.
As for the season, well, it has been an up and down ride.
At catcher, Patrick Stockton (.316-12-60) and Brett Benoit (.305-1-6) are providing offensive help that was very unexpected. I hope this holds out. I had Rivers(.340-18-60 w/7sb) tabbed for this spot and he is tearing up AAA. Could make for interesting decisions next season.
1B has been occupied by Pasqual Guillen. Pasqual (.238-17-52) has good power, but the batting average has killed me. He has nice ratings, but they are not translating into good BA.
2B Greg Cobb is rockin'. Greg (.326-3-30 w/13sb) has filled a need, granted without power, but is getting on. He bats in the 9 spot AFTER the pitcher. I read in one of the forums someone asking if this had been done effectively. He has scored 52 runs this season from that spot and it looks like it may work.
3B Tony Soto (.311-15-63) has done nicely for a rookie. He played SS in AAA, but has done a fine job handling this role.
SS Phil Gibbons (.287-9-31) and Mark Freeman (.308-5-21) are platooning well at this position and will keep doing this as long as it works.
RF Pablo Guzman (.313-16-63 w/11sb) is building on last years' GG rookie season. Named a starter to the All-Star team this year, Pablo has done most of his damage from the lead-off spot.
CF Vic Cummings (.332-12-61 w/22sb) also made his first All-Star start. Vic is leading the team in Avg, runs, doubles and SB. He is a do everything CF that should make more trips to the mid-summer classic.
LF Robert McGee (.276-22-69) has cooled a little with the BA but is the team leader in HR and RBI's.
Pitching update;
Pablo Manzillo has bee solid this season (9-4 / 1.53 WhiP / 4.83 ERA) but I wish he could go deeper into games.
Tony Rosado (12-5 / 1.24 / 3.84 @ AAA) was brought up to see if he could add stability to the starting unit. Made ML debut right before the break and went 6 inn for the win. Lets hope this keeps up the rest of the way.
Russ Adkinson (6-9 / 1.39 / 4.67) has struggled at times, but he has the tools to survive. I think he just needs run support.
Miguel Hernandez (6-10 / 1.73 / 7.36) has probably come up too early. We just cannot stay in many of the games he pitches in.
Douglas Ducey (7-8 / 1.50 / 4.80) is having a better 2nd ML season. At 120 inn pitched, he leads the staff. This may not be saying much, but it is better than where he was last season
The middle relief has performed better. Most notably, James Kim (1.30 WhiP / 2.88 ERA), Ricardo Nieves (1.39 / 3.77) and Billy Ray Sanders (1.33 / 3.84) have done a nice job keeping us in games when the starters go out.
The Loons aquired Timothy White (1.08 / 0.84) from Toledo to be the closer. He is 6-6 since coming to Minnesota and is doing well.
At 47-46, the Loons are over .500 for the 1st time after the All-Star break. Hopefully this trend can continue, because we are also in 1st place by 1 game. That said, we need pitching to come around to guide us to the finish line.
Notes from the All-Star Break;
Vic Cummings (CF) and Pablo Guzman (RF) were voted to the team this season. Cummings batted lead-off (0-3) and Guzman was the MVP hitting the game winning 3-run HR to put the NL club in front for good.
As for the season, well, it has been an up and down ride.
At catcher, Patrick Stockton (.316-12-60) and Brett Benoit (.305-1-6) are providing offensive help that was very unexpected. I hope this holds out. I had Rivers(.340-18-60 w/7sb) tabbed for this spot and he is tearing up AAA. Could make for interesting decisions next season.
1B has been occupied by Pasqual Guillen. Pasqual (.238-17-52) has good power, but the batting average has killed me. He has nice ratings, but they are not translating into good BA.
2B Greg Cobb is rockin'. Greg (.326-3-30 w/13sb) has filled a need, granted without power, but is getting on. He bats in the 9 spot AFTER the pitcher. I read in one of the forums someone asking if this had been done effectively. He has scored 52 runs this season from that spot and it looks like it may work.
3B Tony Soto (.311-15-63) has done nicely for a rookie. He played SS in AAA, but has done a fine job handling this role.
SS Phil Gibbons (.287-9-31) and Mark Freeman (.308-5-21) are platooning well at this position and will keep doing this as long as it works.
RF Pablo Guzman (.313-16-63 w/11sb) is building on last years' GG rookie season. Named a starter to the All-Star team this year, Pablo has done most of his damage from the lead-off spot.
CF Vic Cummings (.332-12-61 w/22sb) also made his first All-Star start. Vic is leading the team in Avg, runs, doubles and SB. He is a do everything CF that should make more trips to the mid-summer classic.
LF Robert McGee (.276-22-69) has cooled a little with the BA but is the team leader in HR and RBI's.
Pitching update;
Pablo Manzillo has bee solid this season (9-4 / 1.53 WhiP / 4.83 ERA) but I wish he could go deeper into games.
Tony Rosado (12-5 / 1.24 / 3.84 @ AAA) was brought up to see if he could add stability to the starting unit. Made ML debut right before the break and went 6 inn for the win. Lets hope this keeps up the rest of the way.
Russ Adkinson (6-9 / 1.39 / 4.67) has struggled at times, but he has the tools to survive. I think he just needs run support.
Miguel Hernandez (6-10 / 1.73 / 7.36) has probably come up too early. We just cannot stay in many of the games he pitches in.
Douglas Ducey (7-8 / 1.50 / 4.80) is having a better 2nd ML season. At 120 inn pitched, he leads the staff. This may not be saying much, but it is better than where he was last season
The middle relief has performed better. Most notably, James Kim (1.30 WhiP / 2.88 ERA), Ricardo Nieves (1.39 / 3.77) and Billy Ray Sanders (1.33 / 3.84) have done a nice job keeping us in games when the starters go out.
The Loons aquired Timothy White (1.08 / 0.84) from Toledo to be the closer. He is 6-6 since coming to Minnesota and is doing well.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Minnesota In Season Update
Power Loons in-season update;
Well, the coach hiring process was slow, but the loon's (20Mil) budget provided a good base of teaching talent this year. Hopefully, this will help the young team.
The rule 5 draft brought a couple of talented players my way. At SS, the Loons took from talent within the division by stealing Mark Freeman from Pittsburg. Mark is definately a defensive asset, but his bat has helped to.
Minnesotan native Patrick Stockton (C) came over from Montreal. He has the ratings to make you believe he'll be a star. Only time will tell.
After the first 43 games, the Loons are 19-24 and only 3 games out of the division lead. They have shown signs of improvement this season (ie. leading the NL in hitting), but still are an up and down team.
The hitting is much better than season 1 when we were last in the ML and now in the top 5. They are still a young team and I think this could get better.
The Infield;
At catcher, Stockton has really done a nice job of adding average and power (.329 BA - 9HR - 36 RBI). His bat and Benoit's late inning defensive ability have been a good combination.
Guillen has taken the 1B job this season. He leads the team in HR's (.243-11-30), but the BA must improve or I will be forced to look elsewhere.
The plan at 2B was to use a combination of Gryboski/Cannon. Unfortunately, Gryboski was injured in spring training (I should have seen it coming because this happened in the start of season 2). Cannon was hitting poorly so I brought up Sanford to fill the role, but the hitting got worse. I made the decision to move Greg Cobb to 2B and WOW it worked. Cobb is hitting .320-2-15 and has a .987 fielding %. it is good to see him being productive since he lost his CF job to Cummings.
At 3B, Tony Soto started the season slow. Now he is storming back (.302-8-39). I hope this keeps up.
Phil Gibbons has done another fine job at SS .291-5-17, but the addition of Freeman has given me another option without giving up the defense.
The Outfield;
In Left is Robert McGee. Robert is hitting well (.310-9-33) and has been a great defensive improvement over Nick Jordan.
Vic Cummings has been his steady and consistant self. Hitting .331-5-32 w/11 SB he again is showing why I think he will be a perenial All-Star.
RF Pablo Guzman, fresh of his rookie year where he hit .268-16-73 and recieved his 1st Gold Glove, is hitting .326-6-22.
These three, I hope, will be a staple for the Loons OF for the next several years.
Well, the coach hiring process was slow, but the loon's (20Mil) budget provided a good base of teaching talent this year. Hopefully, this will help the young team.
The rule 5 draft brought a couple of talented players my way. At SS, the Loons took from talent within the division by stealing Mark Freeman from Pittsburg. Mark is definately a defensive asset, but his bat has helped to.
Minnesotan native Patrick Stockton (C) came over from Montreal. He has the ratings to make you believe he'll be a star. Only time will tell.
After the first 43 games, the Loons are 19-24 and only 3 games out of the division lead. They have shown signs of improvement this season (ie. leading the NL in hitting), but still are an up and down team.
The hitting is much better than season 1 when we were last in the ML and now in the top 5. They are still a young team and I think this could get better.
The Infield;
At catcher, Stockton has really done a nice job of adding average and power (.329 BA - 9HR - 36 RBI). His bat and Benoit's late inning defensive ability have been a good combination.
Guillen has taken the 1B job this season. He leads the team in HR's (.243-11-30), but the BA must improve or I will be forced to look elsewhere.
The plan at 2B was to use a combination of Gryboski/Cannon. Unfortunately, Gryboski was injured in spring training (I should have seen it coming because this happened in the start of season 2). Cannon was hitting poorly so I brought up Sanford to fill the role, but the hitting got worse. I made the decision to move Greg Cobb to 2B and WOW it worked. Cobb is hitting .320-2-15 and has a .987 fielding %. it is good to see him being productive since he lost his CF job to Cummings.
At 3B, Tony Soto started the season slow. Now he is storming back (.302-8-39). I hope this keeps up.
Phil Gibbons has done another fine job at SS .291-5-17, but the addition of Freeman has given me another option without giving up the defense.
The Outfield;
In Left is Robert McGee. Robert is hitting well (.310-9-33) and has been a great defensive improvement over Nick Jordan.
Vic Cummings has been his steady and consistant self. Hitting .331-5-32 w/11 SB he again is showing why I think he will be a perenial All-Star.
RF Pablo Guzman, fresh of his rookie year where he hit .268-16-73 and recieved his 1st Gold Glove, is hitting .326-6-22.
These three, I hope, will be a staple for the Loons OF for the next several years.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Little Rock Preview
GuerillaZen1:
After consecutive World Series losses in the first two seasons of Feller, the Little Rock Souther Rebels are in the process of getting younger over the next two seasons -- having let two key offensive cogs hit the FA market and three more will do the same following season 3.
There is young talent waiting in the wings and following a 102 win Season 1 and 101 win season two, Little Rock still feels as though it controls the National League's Southern division, but has reservations about its ability to win a third National League Pennant.
Rookie Omar Candalaria has big shoes to fill following the inevitable departure of NL homerun king Joseph Chang. Last season, Candalaria batted .352/.439/.479 in limited duty during his late season call up.
Pepper Bailey looks to build on a stellar rookie season in which he hit .306/.434/.655 with 46 homeruns in 435 at bats. The phenom comes into his sophomore season with a chip on his shoulder after being ROBBED of the National Leagues Rookie of Year award. When asked about losing the award to a relief pitch, Bailey responded with a simple "No comment."
The pitching looks to be better than ever in Little Rock as three rookies who pitched well during season 2's second half look to sure up the back end of the rotation behind stalwarts Alberto Cruz and Rico Perez. Cruz has gone a combined 30-13 during the first two seasons of Feller and Perez is an equally impressive 36-15.
The bullpen remains exactly the same as last season and hopes to maintain an impressive level in excellence.
All in all, things are looking bright in Little Rock. The team continues to infuse young talent with its veteran stars while building its farm system through the draft. The teams frugile owner still refuses to dip into the International FA market and his pos. has not hurt the team thus far.
PLAY BALL!!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Y3 Rollover
ebpyle:
Whoo Hoo!!!!
Whoo Hoo!!!!
Let Season three begin. The coaches have begun the rehiring process and the FA's are being resigned.
Let all that is Feller begin right here. All prognostications are welcome and encouraged.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Minnesota Season Review
Been a busy month. here is how the loons fared in season 2.
The season is almost over and I sit in second place in the division, unfortunately 24.5 games out of 1st. The ML squad won't make the playoffs (67-77), but I hope the minors are a showing of things to come. All 5 levels have made their post-season (4 Division champs and 1 Wild card).
An update of the Pitching;
Doc Gentry was traded to Portland for prospects. This should be a move for the better, but Doc has gone wild for the Firs and is now a Cy Young canidate.
Howard Lidle .283 / 1.39 / 4.63 / 7-10
Darrell Robertson .263 / 1.74 / 5.10 / 9-8
Billy Ray Sanders .288 / 1.50 / 4.83 / 2-9
Douglas Ducey .283 / 1.59 / 6.32 / 7-10
Pablo Manazillo .259 / 1.41 / 3.43 / 8-5
This group will go through some changes next year, but there is a good core of players to build from.
The bullpen has been better this year (.269 / 1.55 / 5.37 / 27-29) and I think I am starting to understand how to manage it.
The season is almost over and I sit in second place in the division, unfortunately 24.5 games out of 1st. The ML squad won't make the playoffs (67-77), but I hope the minors are a showing of things to come. All 5 levels have made their post-season (4 Division champs and 1 Wild card).
An update of the Pitching;
Doc Gentry was traded to Portland for prospects. This should be a move for the better, but Doc has gone wild for the Firs and is now a Cy Young canidate.
Howard Lidle .283 / 1.39 / 4.63 / 7-10
Darrell Robertson .263 / 1.74 / 5.10 / 9-8
Billy Ray Sanders .288 / 1.50 / 4.83 / 2-9
Douglas Ducey .283 / 1.59 / 6.32 / 7-10
Pablo Manazillo .259 / 1.41 / 3.43 / 8-5
This group will go through some changes next year, but there is a good core of players to build from.
The bullpen has been better this year (.269 / 1.55 / 5.37 / 27-29) and I think I am starting to understand how to manage it.
Finished the season 73-89, three games worse than last season, but I can see the rebuild process taking shape. Next seasons' lineup should be the best one yet.
At catcher, newly aquired Billy rivers will work with Brett Benoit platooning season 3
Pascal Guillen (.368-8-29 in 40 games) will take the 1B job.
Yannick Gryboski (.290-4-25) and Thomas Cannon (.257-35-105) will compete for 2B. Thomas was moved from 3B to make room for Tony Soto (.296-25-99 AAA) who appears ready to roll at the ML level
At SS, Phil Gibbons (.250-25-83) will again be patroling the left side. His bat is nothing special, but his fielding (.991) is second league wide.
There will be a change in LF this year. Nick Jordan(.268-0-34 35/43 SB) is being replaced with Robert McGee(323-28-130 12/20 SB @ AAA).
ROY canidate Vic Cummings (.294-20-87 29/33 SB) had a nice 1st season. We are looking forward to bigger things from the stud CF.
Pablo Guzman(.268-16-73) struggled his first season in RF. Fielding was good, but the batting could have used some improvement.
The team is gradually weeding out overpriced old talent for newer improved versions. Hopefully the Power Loons will be more competitive in season 3.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Minnesota In Season Update
At 22-13, this team has surpassed expectations, so far. Pitching has been above average and we are getting major contributions from some who were not expected to be on the team. I’m trying not to get too hyped because it is a long season. Here are some team stats to be proud of;
Team BA is better than last year at .275 and HR’s are up (48). Runs per game is over 6 and that is a direct reflection to my record (22-13). Fielding % is tied for 1st in the world at .988. this has been the staple of my team for the 1st season plus. With the team ERA at 4.16, I am in most of the games this year (7-3 in 1 run games). The pitching staff is in the top 5 of the following catagories;
WhiP – 1.35
HR allowed – 37
OBA - .254
Here is a look at how my boys are doing;
Pitching
Starting Pitching
Howard Lidle
Last Season OAV-.233 / Whip-1.29 / ERA-3.43 / 12-6 (33 Starts)
This season OVA-.266 / Whip-1.14 / ERA-3.86 / 3-2 (7 starts)
Although the record doesn’t show it, we have been in each and every game he pitches.
Doc Gentry
Last season OAV-.260 / Whip-1.34 / ERA-4.03 / 9-10 (30 Starts)
This season OVA-.224 / Whip-1.13 / ERA-2.64 / 3-1 (7 starts)
Doc has not been the power pitcher he was last year, but he is steady and sure each outing.
Darrell Robertson
Last season OAV-.238 / Whip-1.52 / ERA-4.21 / 13-4 (29starts in MILB)
This season OVA-.213 / Whip-1.37 / ERA-3.56 / 5-2 (7 starts)
Darrell has been a great surprise this season. At 23 and playing mostly at HiA last year he has really come though. Only worry is the team leading 30 BB in 43 Inn.
Billy Ray Sanders
Last season OVA-.287 / Whip-1.35 / ERA-5.50 / 2-3 (15 starts)
This season OVA-.280 / Whip-1.32 / ERA-2.63 / 0-0 (2 starts)
Billy has come into the starting role as of late to see if he can’t improve on Torey Alcantaras’ rough start (.281-1.59-4.97). So far the reviews are mixed.
Douglas Ducey
Last season OVA-.305 / Whip-1.61 / ERA-7.82 / 1-3 (6 starts)
This season OVA-.319 / Whip-1.84 / ERA-8.63 / 3-4 (7starts)
Doug has got to pick himself up. 5 of his 7 starts have gone over 6 innings, but even though he leads the team with 31 K’s, his .319 OVA is killing him.
Relief Pitching
What can I say but WOW!. This group has greatly improved from the last season. Hopefully this can continue. At 5-2 and 11-15 in save opps, this has been a great improvement. 1.22 Whip and 3.38 ERA is far better than last season.
Position Players
Catcher
Turner and Benoit are driving me crazy. Last year you could count on them to hold up their end of the batting (around .277). This year their combined .228 avg is brutal.
1st Base
Victor Lira and his .272 BA and team leading 12 HR’s are a pleasant surprise. Thank god I didn’t have to depend on rookies here. Lira has been a good FA pickup for the price ($875K)
2nd Base
Gryboski was hurt to start the year and hasn’t come back well yet. Wiggington has filled in nicely and hitting .318 in the 2 hole has been pleasant. Both of these players are in the last year of their contract and if this keeps up, will not be back.
3rd Base
Cannon is hitting less than last season (.256-10-33) for average, but the power numbers have improved.
Shortstop
Gibbons(.259-4-20) has picked up right where he left off last year. Great defense, average hitting. I guess I’ll take it.
Leftfield
Jordan(.282-0-9) has again held his own leading off. Second on the team in SB’s with 9, he has given the team a good start to each game. Would like to see that BA come up, but he is what he is.
Centerfield
Cummings hase been everything I expected. (.362-7-26) and a team leading 11 steals has been quite impressive. I have been hitting him 4th, but I think I need to move him to 3rd to maximize his Avg/Pwr/Spd combination.
Rightfield
Guzman(.287-4-28) has fullfilled my needs in right. His bat and range have filled a hole that was really a ? leading into the season.
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