The hot:
1. Helena Vigilantes. The defending champs are out in front quickly with a 10-4 record.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers. Trying for a worst-to-first turnaround in the NL West, also starting at 10-4. They've given up 39 runs, the least in the league.
3. Boston Red Caps. Rookie owner cspring is pushing all the right buttons and opening with a 9-5 mark. This group leads the league with 113 runs scored.
4. Buffalo Beagles. Trying to return to the playoffs in a tough division, and Trenton's already breathing down our necks. 9-5
5. Minnesota PeaceFrog. Starting 9-5, this is my dark horse to return to the playoffs after a four-season absence.
The not:
1. Rochester Desperados. With a 3-11 mark, Rochester is struggling to be competitive. They've given up the most runs in the league and are being outscored 2-to-1.
2. Nashville Gryphons. A 2-8 division mark is pushing this team down to a 4-10 start.
3. Ottawa Awatto. 14th in the league in OBP, 15th in the league in OPS leads to a 5-9 start.
4. Tacoma Sasquatches. Near the bottom of the league in hitting and pitching, contributing to a balky 5-9 start.
5. Scranton Backyard Groove. Last in the league with a .233 average, first in the league in strikeouts. Not a good combination
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
AL: Hot and Not
The first 10+ games.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
AL West Preview
The West was the strongest AL division during season 10. Both AL wild cards came from the division, along with the ultimate AL champ Las Vegas Dealers. With all 4 owners returning and a strong off-season, it will be no surprise if the division is the strongest once again. Any of these 4 teams could be flying the Season 11 World Series flag above their stadium next spring.
The Las Vegas Dealers are bidding for a fourth AL title, relying again on strong starting pitching and home-grown young bats. With the recession felt deeply in Vegas, and young starting pitchers nearing arbitration, owner jceffali demanded payroll be cut to $67M this year, forcing several key players to depart. SS Jacob Raines, a life-long Dealer, is out and William Hyun a light-hitting but rifle-armed SS takes over until a key SS prospect is ready. Outstanding RF Frank Woo also departed, his services no longer required with the emergence of young corner OFs Quilvio Castro and Esteban Gardel. Castro hit 5 HRs in the Dealers post-season run last year and will start with the big club. Gardel may start in AAA. The loss of the two free agents brought Type A and Type B draft compensation, and the Dealers spent heavily on amateur scouts to replenish the prospect pipeline. Still, the key for the Dealers is keeping their stellar starting rotation healthy, with Max White, Lance Ward, Luis Rincon, Darwin McBride, and Rigo Franco making up the rotation again.
The Vancouver Asteroids finished second last year and went all-in this year in a balls-to-the-wall effort to bring the franchise its first championship. The franchise has a stellar regular season record with 7 playoff appearances in 10 seasons, but has never advanced past the ALCS. This year, owner brooklynpunx has jacked payroll up to $122M while the minor league system will endure another year without signing a legitimate prospect. Key signings included Chip Huson who probably got a bit of a generous contract, and Max Bennett. Of course the team still features all-time Jersey League HR king Bernie Gongora, who at age 30 hasn't lost a step. The big questions on the pitching staff are Perry Ruth, who suffered a tough injury last year and the aging but still effective William Takahashi. If those two stay healthy and can provide one last big year, the Asteroids fans should be in for a treat. After that, it could be a long ride down, as the Asteroids will need to wait for several giant contracts to run off before rebuilding.
It has been a nice ride up for the Iowa City Independence. The team was dreadful back in the day, with two straight sub-60 win seasons back in years 4 and 5. But owner carlspenard stuck with it, learned the game, and has built a winner, with two straight playoff appearances and 91 wins last year. Iowa was quiet in the off-season, bringing most of last year's team back with the exception of back end starter Julio Seguignol and long man Ray Workman. Like Vegas, Iowa also boasts an outstanding young rotation led by Spike Chase and Luis Santos, who will be joined this year by pre-season Rookie of the Year candidate Hipolito Padilla. The big story last year was Rookie of the Year Mickey Fikac, whose 46 dingers in pitcher-friendly Iowa opened many eyes. Many scouts are predicting a sophomore slump for Fikac, but maybe he really is that good? The pressure also continues to be on Karim Espinosa, who has performed reasonably well, but never seems to live up what scouts--or his salary--projects.
Its hard to believe that the Salem Argonauts finished last in season 10, barely missing the playoffs with 89 wins. This is a good team from top to bottom and owner hooner65 was active with several free agent signings, including slugging 1B Cameron Lewis, as well as two big trades, both of which sent away prospects. The first trade brought Dealer farmhand Wade Jefferies, a fine 2B or CF that was stuck in the Dealers system in exchange for SP prospect Hooks White. The second was a blockbuster, bringing solid 3B Taylor Payton and CF Weldon Flores. Shipped away were prospects Vince Mercedes, Louie Kaufman (wow, that kid can hit!), and Angel Ramirez. Unfortunately for pitchers everywhere, big 1B Karl Shea will return for the Argonauts this year, as will slugger Sergei Hackman.
The Las Vegas Dealers are bidding for a fourth AL title, relying again on strong starting pitching and home-grown young bats. With the recession felt deeply in Vegas, and young starting pitchers nearing arbitration, owner jceffali demanded payroll be cut to $67M this year, forcing several key players to depart. SS Jacob Raines, a life-long Dealer, is out and William Hyun a light-hitting but rifle-armed SS takes over until a key SS prospect is ready. Outstanding RF Frank Woo also departed, his services no longer required with the emergence of young corner OFs Quilvio Castro and Esteban Gardel. Castro hit 5 HRs in the Dealers post-season run last year and will start with the big club. Gardel may start in AAA. The loss of the two free agents brought Type A and Type B draft compensation, and the Dealers spent heavily on amateur scouts to replenish the prospect pipeline. Still, the key for the Dealers is keeping their stellar starting rotation healthy, with Max White, Lance Ward, Luis Rincon, Darwin McBride, and Rigo Franco making up the rotation again.
The Vancouver Asteroids finished second last year and went all-in this year in a balls-to-the-wall effort to bring the franchise its first championship. The franchise has a stellar regular season record with 7 playoff appearances in 10 seasons, but has never advanced past the ALCS. This year, owner brooklynpunx has jacked payroll up to $122M while the minor league system will endure another year without signing a legitimate prospect. Key signings included Chip Huson who probably got a bit of a generous contract, and Max Bennett. Of course the team still features all-time Jersey League HR king Bernie Gongora, who at age 30 hasn't lost a step. The big questions on the pitching staff are Perry Ruth, who suffered a tough injury last year and the aging but still effective William Takahashi. If those two stay healthy and can provide one last big year, the Asteroids fans should be in for a treat. After that, it could be a long ride down, as the Asteroids will need to wait for several giant contracts to run off before rebuilding.
It has been a nice ride up for the Iowa City Independence. The team was dreadful back in the day, with two straight sub-60 win seasons back in years 4 and 5. But owner carlspenard stuck with it, learned the game, and has built a winner, with two straight playoff appearances and 91 wins last year. Iowa was quiet in the off-season, bringing most of last year's team back with the exception of back end starter Julio Seguignol and long man Ray Workman. Like Vegas, Iowa also boasts an outstanding young rotation led by Spike Chase and Luis Santos, who will be joined this year by pre-season Rookie of the Year candidate Hipolito Padilla. The big story last year was Rookie of the Year Mickey Fikac, whose 46 dingers in pitcher-friendly Iowa opened many eyes. Many scouts are predicting a sophomore slump for Fikac, but maybe he really is that good? The pressure also continues to be on Karim Espinosa, who has performed reasonably well, but never seems to live up what scouts--or his salary--projects.
Its hard to believe that the Salem Argonauts finished last in season 10, barely missing the playoffs with 89 wins. This is a good team from top to bottom and owner hooner65 was active with several free agent signings, including slugging 1B Cameron Lewis, as well as two big trades, both of which sent away prospects. The first trade brought Dealer farmhand Wade Jefferies, a fine 2B or CF that was stuck in the Dealers system in exchange for SP prospect Hooks White. The second was a blockbuster, bringing solid 3B Taylor Payton and CF Weldon Flores. Shipped away were prospects Vince Mercedes, Louie Kaufman (wow, that kid can hit!), and Angel Ramirez. Unfortunately for pitchers everywhere, big 1B Karl Shea will return for the Argonauts this year, as will slugger Sergei Hackman.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
AL East Scouting Report, Part 5 (Projections Sure to Go Wrong)
After displaying the scouting reports for each of the teams in the AL East for Season 11, I now provide the projections where I think they will finish this season. Due to my biased stance as GM and owner of the 2-time defending champs, I will probably be way off, so if any other impartial owners care to give an opinion, please feel free to do so:
In reverse order of finish:
4. Philadelphia Phillies -- I think that this team has improved a LOT since last season, and they will not lose 100 games, but the pitching staff is still too young and inexperienced to get the job done compared to the rest of the division.
3. Norfolk Phanatics -- This team is developing into a good farm system producer, with the likes of Brett Henry, Mateo Flores, and Bucky Gates. I just don't think they have done enough to make this team better. With what the Mutuals and Sluggers have done during the offseason, I just can't see this team making the necessary run to make it 3 in a row. I hope I am wrong.
2. Pittsburgh sluggers -- The team's 3rd place finish I think is more an underachievement by the team than any other explanation can fit. This team will rebound with a better record this season, but just will lose out on the trophy.
1. New York Mutuals -- The emergence of Calvin Lee plus the addition of Vernon will be enough for this team to win the division. If they can decrease the errors on the field and limit the ERA down to under 5, then this team will be dangerous.
In reverse order of finish:
4. Philadelphia Phillies -- I think that this team has improved a LOT since last season, and they will not lose 100 games, but the pitching staff is still too young and inexperienced to get the job done compared to the rest of the division.
3. Norfolk Phanatics -- This team is developing into a good farm system producer, with the likes of Brett Henry, Mateo Flores, and Bucky Gates. I just don't think they have done enough to make this team better. With what the Mutuals and Sluggers have done during the offseason, I just can't see this team making the necessary run to make it 3 in a row. I hope I am wrong.
2. Pittsburgh sluggers -- The team's 3rd place finish I think is more an underachievement by the team than any other explanation can fit. This team will rebound with a better record this season, but just will lose out on the trophy.
1. New York Mutuals -- The emergence of Calvin Lee plus the addition of Vernon will be enough for this team to win the division. If they can decrease the errors on the field and limit the ERA down to under 5, then this team will be dangerous.
AL East Scouting Report, Part 4
Norfolk Phanatics
GM/Owner -- ratatat72 (4th Season, 226-260 Record, 2 AL East Crowns)
Season 10 Recap
Record: 81-81 (1st Place, Lost in Division Play-in Series to Vancouver, 3-1)
BA/OBP/SLG: .279/.343/.437
R/HR/RBI/SB: 900/206/863/207
ERA/WHIP/SO: 4.60/1.45/1,031
Sv/SvO: 47/67
Key Additions
Roosevelt Hernandez (DH)
Sticky Patterson (1B)
Woody Ross (P)
Chili Satou (P)
Key Losses
Chip Huson (3B, FA)
Benito Pelaez (P, Released)
Richard Priest (P, FA)
Buster Phelps (1B, FA)
Donatello Barker (LF, FA)
Clarence Gwynn (P, FA)
Projected Starters
C Heinie Hamilton
1B Sticky Patterson
2B Bucky Gates
3B Ugueth Castillo
SS Mateo Flores
LF Ross Hart
CF Rafael Borbon
RF Steve Oliver
DH Edgar Telemaco / Roosevelt Hernandez
SP Brett Henry
SP Dale Tracy
SP Allen Chapman
SP Al Gandarillas
SP Chili Satou
CL Ron Niekro
Compared to the rest of the division, ratatat72 seems to have held the cards he has and is hoping that he can win (again) with what he has. He decided to let go of perennial All-Star Chip Huson to FA in hopes of getting draft picks to build for future success. With the last of the horrible salaries that was inherited to him winding down after this season, ratatat72 will finally begin to get some freedom to make some more serious moves beginning next season. For now, though, Phanatic Phrenzy will have to make due with the same bunch that has carried them to the last 2 titles, with some minor tweaks made to cover up some losses (Castillo claimed off waivers last season to offset the loss to Huson, Niekro claimed off waivers to supplant Dunham for Closer). When asked what direction he plans to go this season, ratatat72 simply replied, "Ask me that question again as we approach the trading deadline."
GM/Owner -- ratatat72 (4th Season, 226-260 Record, 2 AL East Crowns)
Season 10 Recap
Record: 81-81 (1st Place, Lost in Division Play-in Series to Vancouver, 3-1)
BA/OBP/SLG: .279/.343/.437
R/HR/RBI/SB: 900/206/863/207
ERA/WHIP/SO: 4.60/1.45/1,031
Sv/SvO: 47/67
Key Additions
Roosevelt Hernandez (DH)
Sticky Patterson (1B)
Woody Ross (P)
Chili Satou (P)
Key Losses
Chip Huson (3B, FA)
Benito Pelaez (P, Released)
Richard Priest (P, FA)
Buster Phelps (1B, FA)
Donatello Barker (LF, FA)
Clarence Gwynn (P, FA)
Projected Starters
C Heinie Hamilton
1B Sticky Patterson
2B Bucky Gates
3B Ugueth Castillo
SS Mateo Flores
LF Ross Hart
CF Rafael Borbon
RF Steve Oliver
DH Edgar Telemaco / Roosevelt Hernandez
SP Brett Henry
SP Dale Tracy
SP Allen Chapman
SP Al Gandarillas
SP Chili Satou
CL Ron Niekro
Compared to the rest of the division, ratatat72 seems to have held the cards he has and is hoping that he can win (again) with what he has. He decided to let go of perennial All-Star Chip Huson to FA in hopes of getting draft picks to build for future success. With the last of the horrible salaries that was inherited to him winding down after this season, ratatat72 will finally begin to get some freedom to make some more serious moves beginning next season. For now, though, Phanatic Phrenzy will have to make due with the same bunch that has carried them to the last 2 titles, with some minor tweaks made to cover up some losses (Castillo claimed off waivers last season to offset the loss to Huson, Niekro claimed off waivers to supplant Dunham for Closer). When asked what direction he plans to go this season, ratatat72 simply replied, "Ask me that question again as we approach the trading deadline."
AL East Scouting Report, Part 3
New York Mutuals
GM/Owner -- piratestros (3rd Season, 125-199 Record)
Season 10 Recap
Record: 76-86 (2nd Place, 5 GB)
BA/OBP/SLG: .271/.344/.456
R/HR/RBI/SB: 916/246/880/313
ERA/WHIP/SO: 5.50/1.69/1,066
Sv/SvO: 43/67
Key Additions
Jerry Halama (P)
Jacob Raines (SS)
Don Vernon (P)
Gabe Eaton (P)
Key Losses
Pete Lorraine (P, Declined Option)
Tony Hara (P, FA)
Jake Leon (P, FA)
Sam Bell (2B, FA)
Paul Hayashi (P, Released)
Endy Hume (P, Released)
Projected Starters
C Ramiro Seanez / Ray Hogan
1B Rickey Prince
2B Calvin Lee
3B Patrick Reagan
SS Jacob Raines
LF Tony Ibarra
CF Norm Zito
RF Vitas Quinn
DH Edgar Abreu
SP Karim DaSilva
SP Don Vernon
SP Kirk Gardner
SP Jerome Damon
SP Ken Buck
CL Carlos Prieto
It's becoming no surprise that the Mutuals are quickly becoming a rising force in the AL East. After starting his GM career with a 49-113 record, piratestros couldn't wait to start the next season (who wouldn't). But last season saw quite possibly the biggest turnaround by a squad this reporter's ever seen. Finishing at 76-86 and contending for the AL East crown up until the last 14 games of the season where it seemed the wheels fell off, it seems as if this New York team made a statement -- this division better get tougher, because we are. The addition of Calvin Lee via the Rule 5 draft was a gift from above, and had arguably ROY (and some might say, AL MVP) were it not for the team's demise and his defensive liabilities. He stands to only get better, as does the rest of this squad. The only question will be whether the pitching can be better. Don Vernon has been added to supply a little improvement to the rotation. If anything, this team will be fun to watch as they run, run, run towards the shot at the division crown.
GM/Owner -- piratestros (3rd Season, 125-199 Record)
Season 10 Recap
Record: 76-86 (2nd Place, 5 GB)
BA/OBP/SLG: .271/.344/.456
R/HR/RBI/SB: 916/246/880/313
ERA/WHIP/SO: 5.50/1.69/1,066
Sv/SvO: 43/67
Key Additions
Jerry Halama (P)
Jacob Raines (SS)
Don Vernon (P)
Gabe Eaton (P)
Key Losses
Pete Lorraine (P, Declined Option)
Tony Hara (P, FA)
Jake Leon (P, FA)
Sam Bell (2B, FA)
Paul Hayashi (P, Released)
Endy Hume (P, Released)
Projected Starters
C Ramiro Seanez / Ray Hogan
1B Rickey Prince
2B Calvin Lee
3B Patrick Reagan
SS Jacob Raines
LF Tony Ibarra
CF Norm Zito
RF Vitas Quinn
DH Edgar Abreu
SP Karim DaSilva
SP Don Vernon
SP Kirk Gardner
SP Jerome Damon
SP Ken Buck
CL Carlos Prieto
It's becoming no surprise that the Mutuals are quickly becoming a rising force in the AL East. After starting his GM career with a 49-113 record, piratestros couldn't wait to start the next season (who wouldn't). But last season saw quite possibly the biggest turnaround by a squad this reporter's ever seen. Finishing at 76-86 and contending for the AL East crown up until the last 14 games of the season where it seemed the wheels fell off, it seems as if this New York team made a statement -- this division better get tougher, because we are. The addition of Calvin Lee via the Rule 5 draft was a gift from above, and had arguably ROY (and some might say, AL MVP) were it not for the team's demise and his defensive liabilities. He stands to only get better, as does the rest of this squad. The only question will be whether the pitching can be better. Don Vernon has been added to supply a little improvement to the rotation. If anything, this team will be fun to watch as they run, run, run towards the shot at the division crown.
Last Chance for the Aging Patriots?
Trenton- Manager Darren Lloyd took a long drag before flicking his cigarette across the room..."I don't know how much we have left in the tank-We've won 93 games each of the past two seasons but can't seem to play well come the play-offs." Clubhouse comedian Terry Barkett interrupted Lloyd's interview with his own conjecture. " What we's be needin' is some balls", alluding to the manner in which the Patriots folded once the national spotlight shown on the Trenton ballclub.The Patriots have averaged 95 wins per season since their inception- but have come up small during the post-season.
Louie Hiro , the club's senior spokesman, added his own opinion, " We not getting younger, we getting older"..."We tired of roosing and now we need some better ruck"
They may need more than better luck. Their minor leagues being barren, the cash-strapped franchise will find a difficult time improving upon what they already have. Their rotation is solid, and is led by Robb Yarnall who may be the best pitcher in the entire Jersey League- if he can go deeper into ball games.
Robb Yarnall has the arm of a young Roger Clemens, but unfortunately its attached to the body of an old Jamie Moyer- he can go about 5 innings before fatigue sets in. This puts pressure on the Patriot bullpen- and those are not players that can deal with pressure. Banana Munoz enters his third season with Trenton. "At first I loved this place- and I could pitch forever. But now after two years of eating nothing but pizza and whatever other fattening Italian food they got down there in Chambersberg, I can go about one inning per game"
So there you have it- The Trenton Patriots are a diverse bunch- but a diverse bunch with similar traits- they smoke, eat poorly and are generally in no shape to play a full nine innings of competitive ball. With no help on the horizon it will be up to the 25 man roster to stay healthy and push each other- or they will all soon be looking for a job in another town.
Posted by Feamster at 8:49 PM 0 comments
Louie Hiro , the club's senior spokesman, added his own opinion, " We not getting younger, we getting older"..."We tired of roosing and now we need some better ruck"
They may need more than better luck. Their minor leagues being barren, the cash-strapped franchise will find a difficult time improving upon what they already have. Their rotation is solid, and is led by Robb Yarnall who may be the best pitcher in the entire Jersey League- if he can go deeper into ball games.
Robb Yarnall has the arm of a young Roger Clemens, but unfortunately its attached to the body of an old Jamie Moyer- he can go about 5 innings before fatigue sets in. This puts pressure on the Patriot bullpen- and those are not players that can deal with pressure. Banana Munoz enters his third season with Trenton. "At first I loved this place- and I could pitch forever. But now after two years of eating nothing but pizza and whatever other fattening Italian food they got down there in Chambersberg, I can go about one inning per game"
So there you have it- The Trenton Patriots are a diverse bunch- but a diverse bunch with similar traits- they smoke, eat poorly and are generally in no shape to play a full nine innings of competitive ball. With no help on the horizon it will be up to the 25 man roster to stay healthy and push each other- or they will all soon be looking for a job in another town.
Posted by Feamster at 8:49 PM 0 comments
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