Another season past, another disappointing performance for the teams that represent the AL East. After many seasons of nothing more than 1 team in and 1-and-outs in the playoffs, it has come to my attention that this division needs to start making some noise going forward. I am including myself in this conversation, as although I have been successful getting to the playoffs most often, I for the LIFE of me can't get past the 1st round, ESPECIALLY IF IT INVOLVES FACING OFF AGAINST THOSE DAMN DEALERS OR INDEPENDENCE!!!!
Ahem.....with that said, I present to you the Season 16 AL East Preview, in reverse order of how we finished in Season 15:
Philadelphia Phillies
Owner: bball10 (7th Season, 377-595, 0 Playoff Appearances)
Franchise History: (949-1,319, 1 Playoff Appearance, 0 Division Titles)
Season 15 Recap:
Record: 67-95 (4th Place, 26 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .276 / .342 / .448
R / HR / RBI / SB: 851 / 228 / 825 / 155
ERA / WHIP / SO: 5.46 / 1.56 / 1,024
Fld % / CS %: .975 / .311
Additions:
William Woods, SP (Free Agency from Seattle)
Tomas Lima, SP (Free Agency from Syracuse)
Geoff Blake, RP (Free Agency from Minnesota)
Paul Chang, RP (Rule V Selection from Ottawa)
Departures:
Howard O'Malley, RP (Free Agency)
Jimmie Ortega, RP (Free Agency)
Mo Bradley, RP (Free Agency)
James Robbins, RP (Free Agency)
Wiki Almonte, RP (Released)
James Robbins, RP (Released)
Dan Maxwell, LF (Released)
Germany Ransom, RP (Released)
Last season, I said that if bball did not improve on his pitching and fielding, he would not improve on his 69 wins from last season. Guess what?!?! I was wrong. He did improve his pitching and he did improve his fielding, but he finished with only 67 wins last season. Despite his improvements, he still finished 14th in pitching and 16th in fielding in the AL (that's last for those of you keeping score at home). Now, with that said, bball enters this season on a mission to improve on starting pitching. Signing Lima and Woods bolsters a rotation that was lacking last season. Also, signing Blake gives him a solid closer. Hopefully the mass release of Relief Pitchers in the offseason doesn't come back to haunt them. The Philly Offense is potent, as always. Led by Achilles Ramirez, Billy Bush, and Brandon Fisher, they have 3 guys that can get on base and produce runs. If this team figures out its fielding woes, they might see the other side of 70 wins for the first time in 7 seasons.
Pittsburgh sluggers
Owner: larr100 (9th Season, 597-699, 1 Playoff Appearance, 1 Division Title)
Franchise History: 1,200-1,230, 4 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Season 15 Recap:
Record: 70-92 (3rd Place, 23 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .260 / .333 / .413
R / HR / RBI / SB: 760 / 194 / 727 / 124
ERA / WHIP / SO: 5.31 / 1.577 / 975
Fld % / CS %: .981 / .279
Additions:
Lonny Roque, 2B (Promoted)
Willie Prieto, RP (Free Agency from Boise)
Felipe Romo, 3B (Free Agency from Anaheim)
Jacoby Coles, SP (Rule V from Tucson)
Departures:
Rodney Mulder, 3B (Free Agency)
Footsie Moyer, RP (Free Agency)
Pittsburgh took a giant step backwards last season. He declined on all offensive categories, finishing no better than 14th in all AL offensive categories, except Stolen Bases (8th). He addressed this in the offseason by signing Felipe Romo to play 3B. This addition will definitely help Vernon Ojala and up-and-comer Fausto Johnson. The pitching is still led by 4-time All-Star Pedro Tavarez, who finished tied for the most Complete Games last season (8). Larr100 is hoping that the upgrade in offense will be enough to take back some of the losses they incurred last season.
New York Mutuals
Owner: piratestros (8th Season, 550-584, 2 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,240-1,190, 6 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles, 1 American League Championship)
Season 15 Recap:
Record: 88-74 (2nd Place, 5 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .292 / .358 / .461
R / HR / RBI / SB: 945 / 227 / 910 / 232
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.79 / 1.50 / 1,074
Fld % / CS %: .982 / .203
Additions:
R.A. Dixon, SP (Promoted)
B.C. Grace, RP (Promoted)
Luis Rincon, SP (Traded from Las Vegas)
Frank Bates, 3B (Free Agency from Philadelphia)
Nicky Coleman, RP (Free Agency from Tampa Bay)
Ron Niekro, RP (Free Agency from Ottawa)
Departures:
Juan Hernandez, RF (Free Agency)
Patrick Reagan, 3B (Free Agency)
Buddy Johnson, RP (Free Agency)
Don Vernon, SP (Free Agency)
Christopher Stein, RP (Free Agency)
Taylor Everett, RP (Free Agency)
Darwin McBride, SP (Team Declined Option)
Taylor Ramsay, RP (Traded to Las Vegas)
In my mind, I thought that New York was the best team in this division last season. Offensively, they put up improved numbers worthy of a steroid investigation! They led the AL in BA and OBP, and finished only behind Las Vegas in Runs, RBI, and SB in the AL. Per the norm, the off-season was not a vacation for piratestros. They traded for Rincon from Las Vegas, bolstering the rotation, as well as Type-B Free Agent signing of Ron Niekro (an ex-Phanatic closer, I'll have you know). Despite the major deals, they will also be bringing up 2 young arms from the minors. The offense is still led by 4-time 2B Silver Slugger and All-Star Calvin Lee (sniff, sniff -- I smell future HOF'er) and fellow speedster Dan Blank, who set the table nicely for Ramiro Seanez and Vic Diaz. If the new pitching pans out, we could definitely be seeing a new champ this season.
Norfolk Phanatics
Owner: ratatat72 (9th Season, 653-643, 6 Playoff Appearances, 5 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,149-1,281, 8 Playoff Appearances, 7 Division Titles)
Season 15 Recap:
Record: 93-69 (1st Place, Lost to Iowa City in the AL Division Series, 3-0)
BA / OBP / SLG: .281 / .350 / .457
R / HR / RBI / SB: 887 / 242 / 858 / 132
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.53 / 1.43 / 1,099
Fld % / CS %: .982 / .231
Additions:
Walt King, SS (Free Agency from Seattle)
David Camacho, SP (Promoted)
Bernard Perez, SP (Traded from Helena)
Gary Garcia, SP (Traded from Helena)
Bill Pride, RP (Claimed off Waivers from Tampa Bay)
Denny Hukata, RP (Claimed off Waivers from Atlanta)
Departures:
Hector Trevino, SP (Player Declined Option)
Terrence Cox, RF (Free Agency)
Josias Quixote, DH (Released)
Tony Alonso, SS (Released)
Gerald Bichette, RP (Released)
Ted Borland, SP (Released)
Once again, the Phanatics became the AL West fodder for the playoffs. To be honest, I am not quite sure how I won the division. My team did improve in Slugging, but they struck 1,121 times (only Seattle and Syracuse whiffed more in the AL). Though it looks like the Phanatics were busy, keep in mind that the last 4 additions were after we were eliminated in the playoffs before roll-over. Although management was disappointed by the trade veto, they still feel confident that they can be competitive with what they have right now. On offense, the team is led by Bucky Gates, Mateo Flores, and Darrell Rossy. Catcher Dale Nichting is an early Rookie of the Year candidate. Brett Henry had his best season last season, and hopes to continue building on that. The bullpen was lights out during the regular season, led by Marco Karl and closer Louie Martinez
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Jersey Hall of Fame Doubles to Four
Cooperstown--Jersey League voters added two deserving candidates to the Hall of Fame over the offseason, as reliever Carlos Prieto and 2B/LF Donantello Barker were elected.
Carlos Prieto, the league's first HoF reliever, played in the first 14 seasons of the Jersey League. He was a closer for the first 13, then suffered an injury in season 14 at age 42, appearing in only 3 games before retiring at season's end. Prieto was originally was a Detroit Lugnut, but that team was taken over by Helena in season 2. Prieto then stayed with Helena through season 9 when he was claimed off waivers by the New York Mutuals, which is were Prieto stayed until retirement. Prieto was a 7-time all-star and 3-time Fireman of the Year. Perhaps his best season was in Season 1 when he had 37 saves and a 1.71 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. Prieto unfortunately struggled in the playoffs, saving just 8 of 16 with a 9.97 ERA in 20 games. Hall of Fame voters apparently shrugged the poor playoff performance off in electing Prieto. Prieto made $77M over 14 years.
Donatello Barker played from seasons 1-12 and was one of the Jersey League's finest hitters. Barker played 777 games at 2B and 556 at LF, with the LF mostly in the latter half of the career, where he won two Gold Gloves. Barker was a .310 lifetime batting average and hit 410 career HRs, earning 5 all star appearances and the season 5 AL MVP. Barker was originally with the Toledo Pain Train (the precursor to the Minnesota Peacefrog) but was traded to the Colorado Rockies in season 3, where the thin mountain air put a charge into his hitting totals. Barker was a big free agent signing for Tacoma in season 8, where a big park put a damper on his hitting during seasons 8-10, although part of season 10 was played Norfolk after a waiver claim. Barker then left for Philadelphia in season 11, finishing up after season 12. Barker was an available free agent for season 13, but at age 37, the future Hall of Famer couldn't hook on anywhere. Barker never won a ring, but he saw action in 6 post-seasons, hitting 8 HRs and putting up a .985 OPS. Like fellow inductee Prieto, Barker made $77M, but did it over just 12 years.
Carlos Prieto, the league's first HoF reliever, played in the first 14 seasons of the Jersey League. He was a closer for the first 13, then suffered an injury in season 14 at age 42, appearing in only 3 games before retiring at season's end. Prieto was originally was a Detroit Lugnut, but that team was taken over by Helena in season 2. Prieto then stayed with Helena through season 9 when he was claimed off waivers by the New York Mutuals, which is were Prieto stayed until retirement. Prieto was a 7-time all-star and 3-time Fireman of the Year. Perhaps his best season was in Season 1 when he had 37 saves and a 1.71 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. Prieto unfortunately struggled in the playoffs, saving just 8 of 16 with a 9.97 ERA in 20 games. Hall of Fame voters apparently shrugged the poor playoff performance off in electing Prieto. Prieto made $77M over 14 years.
Donatello Barker played from seasons 1-12 and was one of the Jersey League's finest hitters. Barker played 777 games at 2B and 556 at LF, with the LF mostly in the latter half of the career, where he won two Gold Gloves. Barker was a .310 lifetime batting average and hit 410 career HRs, earning 5 all star appearances and the season 5 AL MVP. Barker was originally with the Toledo Pain Train (the precursor to the Minnesota Peacefrog) but was traded to the Colorado Rockies in season 3, where the thin mountain air put a charge into his hitting totals. Barker was a big free agent signing for Tacoma in season 8, where a big park put a damper on his hitting during seasons 8-10, although part of season 10 was played Norfolk after a waiver claim. Barker then left for Philadelphia in season 11, finishing up after season 12. Barker was an available free agent for season 13, but at age 37, the future Hall of Famer couldn't hook on anywhere. Barker never won a ring, but he saw action in 6 post-seasons, hitting 8 HRs and putting up a .985 OPS. Like fellow inductee Prieto, Barker made $77M, but did it over just 12 years.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Jersey World Season 15 AL East Preview
Are you ready for the holidays? The cold weather got you down? Hopefully, this little slice of fantasy fodder will be enough to wet your appetite for the upcoming season (at least for the 4 teams involved). For the rest of you, I just hope you enjoy the musings that is my sixth installment of the AL East Preview.
Philadelphia Phillies
Owner: bball10 (6th Season, 310-500, 0 Playoff Appearances)
Franchise History: (949-1,319, 1 Playoff Appearance, 0 Division Titles)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 69-93 (4th Place, 17 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .277 / .345 / .448
R / HR / RBI / SB: 846 / 216 / 823 / 99
ERA / WHIP / SO: 6.20 / 1.66 / 1,053
Fld % / CS %: .970 / .316
Additions:
Fred Waters, RP (Free Agency from Minnesota)
Jimmie Ortega, RP (Free Agency from Rochester)
Billy Bush, RF (Free Agency from Charlotte)
Kyle Hobbes, LF (Free Agency from Salem)
Wilkin Castillo, C (Promoted)
Julio Martinez, 2B (Promoted)
Departures:
Taylor Everett, RP (Free Agency)
Julio Rincon, RP (Free Agency)
Dave Fox, SP/RP (Free Agency)
Banana Munoz, RP (Free Agency)
Milt Purcell, CF (Free Agency)
Bartolo Maradona, RP (Free Agency)
Fred Miller, SP/RP (Free Agency)
Rafael Borbon, CF (Free Agency)
Tomas Tavarez, SP (Free Agency)
After a fast start last season (I believe he had the best record at 19-6), bball quickly lost composure and swooned down to his normal resting perch at the bottom of the AL East for the 4th time in 5 seasons. Although he did improve to 69 wins last season (up from 65 wins in Season 13), it is easy to see why this team ended up at the bottom. Poor pitching and poor defense was the undoing for this squad. On offense, this team is led by Brandon Fisher and R.J. Benitez. Both are only really capable of playing 1st Base, so they will probably share the 1B and DH duties this season. On the pitching side, they did not do much to improve, as there is only 1 pitching on the current opening day roster that is capable of pitching past the 5th inning on a consistent basis. If they don't improve on their pitching, they will NOT improve on there 69 wins from last season.
New York Mutuals
Owner: piratestros (7th Season, 462-510, 2 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,152-1,116, 6 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles, 1 American League Championship)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 79-83 (3rd Place, 7 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .269 / .342 / .424
R / HR / RBI / SB: 897 / 191 / 862 / 289
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.92 / 1.46 / 1,107
Fld % / CS %: .978 / .241
Additions:
Taylor Everett, RP (Free Agent From Philadelphia)
Willie Wells, RP (Free Agent From Houston)
Geronimo Tatis, RP (Free Agent From Rochester)
Raymond Reese, RP (Free Agent From Trenton)
Aaron Marshall, RF (Free Agent From Honolulu)
Taylor Ramsay, RP (Free Agent From Arizona)
Marino Martinez, SP (Free Agent From Salem)
Departures:
Carlos Prieto, RP (Retirement)
Norm Zito, 1B (Free Agency)
Johnnie Key, RP (Free Agency)
Miguel Sanchez, RP (Free Agency)
Dennis Daubach, RP (Free Agency)
Nigel Baek, C (Free Agency)
Sandy Milliard, RP (Released)
David Castro, RP (Released)
Harold Koehlert, 2B (Released)
For the first time since piratestros took over the Mutual franchise, they did NOT finish first in stolen bases (that honor fell upon Trenton by 1 SB). They spent the offseason bolstering the pitching, signing 5 relief Pitchers. They will start the season without Darwin McBride, who is on the DL with a shoulder strain. They signed Marino Martinez to cover until McBride returns. On offense, they will be led by speester Calvin Lee, who is currently 4th on the all-time Stolen Base list and has a possibility of being 2nd by season's end, barring any injury or sudden coaching strategy. This team will need to show better on-base presence if it plans to compete for post-season exposure.
Pittsburgh sluggers
Owner: larr100 (8th Season, 527-607, 1 Playoff Appearance, 1 Division Title)
Franchise History: 1,130-1,138, 4 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 80-82 (2nd Place, 6 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .273 / .337 / .457
R / HR / RBI / SB: 847 / 243 / 826 / 145
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.74 / 1.47 / 987
Fld % / CS %: .983 / .174
Additions:
Damian Chang, RP (Free Agent From Tucson)
Terry Perry, SP (Rule V from Tucson)
Doc Huckaby, LF (Free Agent From San Francisco)
Departures:
Buddy Johnson, RP (Free Agency)
Miguel Estrada, RP (Free Agency)
Brendan Harris, C (Free Agency)
Max Rios, SS (Free Agency)
Jayson Caufield, 3B (Released)
Glenn Mitchell, RF (Released)
For the fourth consecutive season, we saw Pittsburgh improve in wins and finished in second place for the first time since Season 9. Pittsburgh re-signed 3-time All-Star pitcher Pedro Tavarez to a 5-year extension, and Mark Woo will take over as closer. On offense, 1B Vernon Ojala and 2B Jose Pascual lead a youthful lineup poised to continue the pressure on the top of the AL East.
Norfolk Phanatics
Owner: ratatat72 (8th Season, 560-574, 5 Playoff Appearances, 4 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,056-1,212, 7 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 86-76 (1st Place, Lost to St. Louis in Division Championship Series, 3-1)
BA / OBP / SLG: .282 / .348 / .432
R / HR / RBI / SB: 871 / 202 / 836 / 163
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.60 / 1.41 / 1,064
Fld % / CS %: .987 / .250
Additions:
Ted Borland, SP (Free Agency From Boise)
Michael Norman, 3B (Promoted)
Chuck Casanova, 1B (Promoted)
Moises Chavez, C (Promoted)
Marco Karl, (Claimed Off Waivers From Trenton)
Departures:
Patrick Ford, 3B (Player Declined Option)
Ron Niekro, RP (Player Declined Option)
Al Gandarillas, SP (Player Declined Option)
Kenny Graham, SP (Free Agency)
Billy Leach, 1B (Free Agency)
Heinie Hamilton, C (Free Agency)
Dale Tracy, SP (Free Agency)
For the second consecutive season, and fourth time in ratatat72's regime, the Phanatics took home the AL East crown. Despite this, the team definitely needs to improve from its pitching performance last season. Brett Henry will need to take his performance to the next level if Norfolk is to continue its success and advance further in the postseason. Norfolk continues to promote from the minors, as Chavez, Casanova, and Norman have been promoted to the Majors. If the Phanatics want to continue their reign on top, the pitching will need to return to form, which will be tough after losing Graham and Niekro to Free Agency.
Philadelphia Phillies
Owner: bball10 (6th Season, 310-500, 0 Playoff Appearances)
Franchise History: (949-1,319, 1 Playoff Appearance, 0 Division Titles)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 69-93 (4th Place, 17 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .277 / .345 / .448
R / HR / RBI / SB: 846 / 216 / 823 / 99
ERA / WHIP / SO: 6.20 / 1.66 / 1,053
Fld % / CS %: .970 / .316
Additions:
Fred Waters, RP (Free Agency from Minnesota)
Jimmie Ortega, RP (Free Agency from Rochester)
Billy Bush, RF (Free Agency from Charlotte)
Kyle Hobbes, LF (Free Agency from Salem)
Wilkin Castillo, C (Promoted)
Julio Martinez, 2B (Promoted)
Departures:
Taylor Everett, RP (Free Agency)
Julio Rincon, RP (Free Agency)
Dave Fox, SP/RP (Free Agency)
Banana Munoz, RP (Free Agency)
Milt Purcell, CF (Free Agency)
Bartolo Maradona, RP (Free Agency)
Fred Miller, SP/RP (Free Agency)
Rafael Borbon, CF (Free Agency)
Tomas Tavarez, SP (Free Agency)
After a fast start last season (I believe he had the best record at 19-6), bball quickly lost composure and swooned down to his normal resting perch at the bottom of the AL East for the 4th time in 5 seasons. Although he did improve to 69 wins last season (up from 65 wins in Season 13), it is easy to see why this team ended up at the bottom. Poor pitching and poor defense was the undoing for this squad. On offense, this team is led by Brandon Fisher and R.J. Benitez. Both are only really capable of playing 1st Base, so they will probably share the 1B and DH duties this season. On the pitching side, they did not do much to improve, as there is only 1 pitching on the current opening day roster that is capable of pitching past the 5th inning on a consistent basis. If they don't improve on their pitching, they will NOT improve on there 69 wins from last season.
New York Mutuals
Owner: piratestros (7th Season, 462-510, 2 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,152-1,116, 6 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles, 1 American League Championship)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 79-83 (3rd Place, 7 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .269 / .342 / .424
R / HR / RBI / SB: 897 / 191 / 862 / 289
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.92 / 1.46 / 1,107
Fld % / CS %: .978 / .241
Additions:
Taylor Everett, RP (Free Agent From Philadelphia)
Willie Wells, RP (Free Agent From Houston)
Geronimo Tatis, RP (Free Agent From Rochester)
Raymond Reese, RP (Free Agent From Trenton)
Aaron Marshall, RF (Free Agent From Honolulu)
Taylor Ramsay, RP (Free Agent From Arizona)
Marino Martinez, SP (Free Agent From Salem)
Departures:
Carlos Prieto, RP (Retirement)
Norm Zito, 1B (Free Agency)
Johnnie Key, RP (Free Agency)
Miguel Sanchez, RP (Free Agency)
Dennis Daubach, RP (Free Agency)
Nigel Baek, C (Free Agency)
Sandy Milliard, RP (Released)
David Castro, RP (Released)
Harold Koehlert, 2B (Released)
For the first time since piratestros took over the Mutual franchise, they did NOT finish first in stolen bases (that honor fell upon Trenton by 1 SB). They spent the offseason bolstering the pitching, signing 5 relief Pitchers. They will start the season without Darwin McBride, who is on the DL with a shoulder strain. They signed Marino Martinez to cover until McBride returns. On offense, they will be led by speester Calvin Lee, who is currently 4th on the all-time Stolen Base list and has a possibility of being 2nd by season's end, barring any injury or sudden coaching strategy. This team will need to show better on-base presence if it plans to compete for post-season exposure.
Pittsburgh sluggers
Owner: larr100 (8th Season, 527-607, 1 Playoff Appearance, 1 Division Title)
Franchise History: 1,130-1,138, 4 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 80-82 (2nd Place, 6 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .273 / .337 / .457
R / HR / RBI / SB: 847 / 243 / 826 / 145
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.74 / 1.47 / 987
Fld % / CS %: .983 / .174
Additions:
Damian Chang, RP (Free Agent From Tucson)
Terry Perry, SP (Rule V from Tucson)
Doc Huckaby, LF (Free Agent From San Francisco)
Departures:
Buddy Johnson, RP (Free Agency)
Miguel Estrada, RP (Free Agency)
Brendan Harris, C (Free Agency)
Max Rios, SS (Free Agency)
Jayson Caufield, 3B (Released)
Glenn Mitchell, RF (Released)
For the fourth consecutive season, we saw Pittsburgh improve in wins and finished in second place for the first time since Season 9. Pittsburgh re-signed 3-time All-Star pitcher Pedro Tavarez to a 5-year extension, and Mark Woo will take over as closer. On offense, 1B Vernon Ojala and 2B Jose Pascual lead a youthful lineup poised to continue the pressure on the top of the AL East.
Norfolk Phanatics
Owner: ratatat72 (8th Season, 560-574, 5 Playoff Appearances, 4 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,056-1,212, 7 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles)
Season 14 Recap:
Record: 86-76 (1st Place, Lost to St. Louis in Division Championship Series, 3-1)
BA / OBP / SLG: .282 / .348 / .432
R / HR / RBI / SB: 871 / 202 / 836 / 163
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.60 / 1.41 / 1,064
Fld % / CS %: .987 / .250
Additions:
Ted Borland, SP (Free Agency From Boise)
Michael Norman, 3B (Promoted)
Chuck Casanova, 1B (Promoted)
Moises Chavez, C (Promoted)
Marco Karl, (Claimed Off Waivers From Trenton)
Departures:
Patrick Ford, 3B (Player Declined Option)
Ron Niekro, RP (Player Declined Option)
Al Gandarillas, SP (Player Declined Option)
Kenny Graham, SP (Free Agency)
Billy Leach, 1B (Free Agency)
Heinie Hamilton, C (Free Agency)
Dale Tracy, SP (Free Agency)
For the second consecutive season, and fourth time in ratatat72's regime, the Phanatics took home the AL East crown. Despite this, the team definitely needs to improve from its pitching performance last season. Brett Henry will need to take his performance to the next level if Norfolk is to continue its success and advance further in the postseason. Norfolk continues to promote from the minors, as Chavez, Casanova, and Norman have been promoted to the Majors. If the Phanatics want to continue their reign on top, the pitching will need to return to form, which will be tough after losing Graham and Niekro to Free Agency.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tacoma Takes Thrilling Series
Talk about well-deserved! After 13 seasons of falling short, mjmage has taken the Jersey League title in Season 14. mjmage is an original Jersey League owner and has long been one of the league's best: through season 13 he had 12 winning records, 3 NL West titles, and 2 NL pennants, and he's had to battle every year with plague's always-strong Tuscon Hohakams in the tough NL West.
In Season 14, Tacoma won 97 games to take the NL West and the #2 seed, before sweeping arch-rival Tuscon in 3 games and knocking off Minnesota in a 6-game NLCS. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise that has been very successful over the years for 4 different owners but had never won a World Series, crushed all competition in the AL. St. Louis, behind Jersey League all-time Wins leader Blaine Prince and free agent signing Robb Yarnall. St. Louis won 101 games, swept Norfolk, and beat the Las Vegas Dealers in a 5 game ALCS.
In the series, St. Louis pressed the aging Price, starting him twice on less than 100% rest. St. Louis took game 1 by a 2-1 score, but Tacoma's offense erupted for a 10-2 win behind Glenallen Wakefield's 3 RBI. Game 3 went to Tacoma 2-1 behind an 8th inning pinch hit by Sherm Karnuth but then St. Louis evened with a 1-0 game 4 victory. Game 5 again went to Tacoma by a 2-1 score. With 1st & 3rd and one out in a tie game in the bottom of the 8th, the Cardinals were at double play depth but couldn't turn it, allowing the go-ahead run to score. St Louis came back to take game 6 by an 8-6 score and it was all set for the deciding game 7.
In Game 7, the Tacoma manager oddly went with Jorge Renteria as the starter, even though he was shelled as the game 6 starter But after two batters, Renteria was mercifully pulled, and it was left to the bullpen. Tacoma was down 2-1 in the top of the 9th and it appeared bleak when St. Louis CF Don Wells made a spectacular play for the first out, but then the mighty Harry Suarez drilled a HR to tie the game. In the top of the 10th, Tacoma led with a base hit and stole second, then the crucial hit from Glenn Benson drove home the go-ahead run. The big question for St. Louis' manager: where was Yarnell in Game 7? He had only thrown to 5 batters the previous day.
Congrats to mjmage!!!
In Season 14, Tacoma won 97 games to take the NL West and the #2 seed, before sweeping arch-rival Tuscon in 3 games and knocking off Minnesota in a 6-game NLCS. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise that has been very successful over the years for 4 different owners but had never won a World Series, crushed all competition in the AL. St. Louis, behind Jersey League all-time Wins leader Blaine Prince and free agent signing Robb Yarnall. St. Louis won 101 games, swept Norfolk, and beat the Las Vegas Dealers in a 5 game ALCS.
In the series, St. Louis pressed the aging Price, starting him twice on less than 100% rest. St. Louis took game 1 by a 2-1 score, but Tacoma's offense erupted for a 10-2 win behind Glenallen Wakefield's 3 RBI. Game 3 went to Tacoma 2-1 behind an 8th inning pinch hit by Sherm Karnuth but then St. Louis evened with a 1-0 game 4 victory. Game 5 again went to Tacoma by a 2-1 score. With 1st & 3rd and one out in a tie game in the bottom of the 8th, the Cardinals were at double play depth but couldn't turn it, allowing the go-ahead run to score. St Louis came back to take game 6 by an 8-6 score and it was all set for the deciding game 7.
In Game 7, the Tacoma manager oddly went with Jorge Renteria as the starter, even though he was shelled as the game 6 starter But after two batters, Renteria was mercifully pulled, and it was left to the bullpen. Tacoma was down 2-1 in the top of the 9th and it appeared bleak when St. Louis CF Don Wells made a spectacular play for the first out, but then the mighty Harry Suarez drilled a HR to tie the game. In the top of the 10th, Tacoma led with a base hit and stole second, then the crucial hit from Glenn Benson drove home the go-ahead run. The big question for St. Louis' manager: where was Yarnell in Game 7? He had only thrown to 5 batters the previous day.
Congrats to mjmage!!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Did you hear that?? Was it a sonic boom?? Thunder clapping?? A meteorite crashing into the Big Apple??
NO!!! It was the collapse of the New York Mutuals American League Baseball team. After having a huge lead after 100 games into the season the next 62 was a disaster. If we didnt know this was a Major League Team, and thats still up for debate, we could have sworn that these were the bad news bears.
Was Morris Buttermaker managing this team??
The bullpen was just plain pathetic. 11 Blown saves by the closer(Sandy Milliard) and a total of 29 blown saves by the bullpen. 69 SVO 40 Saves.
The bullpen era was a whooping 6.39 allowing 409 runs (374 earned runs) in 527.1 innings and atrocious 107 long ball givin up. The starting pitchers did an adequate job at keeping us in ball games this season.
Don Vernon should have been an Cy young canadidate this season starting 32 of 35 games and a 2.94 era with a 15-4 record.
As of meeting with the coaching staff last night we have informed, bench coach Angel Melendez, pitching coach Giovanni Little, fielding instructor and minor league operation manager Giovanni Watson, bullpen coach Hipolito Ontiveros, 3rd base coach Walker Carver, and 1st base coach Randy Benjamin that we will be moving in another direction and that have been relieved of there coaching duties and that they will not be offered a contract for next season. We have offered Lariel Cedeno hitting coach a contract to return next season.
We will not stand for mediocracy on this team.
Despite a good offensive team three players did not play up to there potential Gerald Pratt, Norm Zito, and Teddy Evans.
I want to apologize to the fans of the Mutuals this is not the way New York baseball is suppose to be played and changes are on the horizon!!!
This is our 1st year of posting players and pitcher of the year.
season 9
ML Offensive player: Karl Shea
ML Pitcher: Jae Chang
Minor league offensive player of the year: Glen Lange (LoA)
Minor league Pitcher of the year: Earl Page (AA)
SEASON 10
ML Offensive Player: Norm Zito
ML Pitcher: Karim DaSilva
Minor League OPLOY: Jake McDowell (AA)
Minor League Pitcher of the year: Bob Tracy (AA)
Season 11
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML Pitcher: Carlos Prieto & Kirk Gardner
MILPLOY: Jake McDowell (HighA)
MILPOY: Darryl Whiteside (LoA)
Season 12
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML POY: Carlos Prieto
MILPLOY: Lonny Roque (AA)
MILPOY: Chico Cruz (AA)
Season 13
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML POY: Kirk Gardner
MILPLOY: Sal Moore (AA)
ML POY: R.A. Dixon (LoA)
Season 14
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML POY: Don Vernon
MILPLOY: Abraham Stull
ML POY: Pete Mathews
Season 15
NO!!! It was the collapse of the New York Mutuals American League Baseball team. After having a huge lead after 100 games into the season the next 62 was a disaster. If we didnt know this was a Major League Team, and thats still up for debate, we could have sworn that these were the bad news bears.
Was Morris Buttermaker managing this team??
The bullpen was just plain pathetic. 11 Blown saves by the closer(Sandy Milliard) and a total of 29 blown saves by the bullpen. 69 SVO 40 Saves.
The bullpen era was a whooping 6.39 allowing 409 runs (374 earned runs) in 527.1 innings and atrocious 107 long ball givin up. The starting pitchers did an adequate job at keeping us in ball games this season.
Don Vernon should have been an Cy young canadidate this season starting 32 of 35 games and a 2.94 era with a 15-4 record.
As of meeting with the coaching staff last night we have informed, bench coach Angel Melendez, pitching coach Giovanni Little, fielding instructor and minor league operation manager Giovanni Watson, bullpen coach Hipolito Ontiveros, 3rd base coach Walker Carver, and 1st base coach Randy Benjamin that we will be moving in another direction and that have been relieved of there coaching duties and that they will not be offered a contract for next season. We have offered Lariel Cedeno hitting coach a contract to return next season.
We will not stand for mediocracy on this team.
Despite a good offensive team three players did not play up to there potential Gerald Pratt, Norm Zito, and Teddy Evans.
I want to apologize to the fans of the Mutuals this is not the way New York baseball is suppose to be played and changes are on the horizon!!!
This is our 1st year of posting players and pitcher of the year.
season 9
ML Offensive player: Karl Shea
ML Pitcher: Jae Chang
Minor league offensive player of the year: Glen Lange (LoA)
Minor league Pitcher of the year: Earl Page (AA)
SEASON 10
ML Offensive Player: Norm Zito
ML Pitcher: Karim DaSilva
Minor League OPLOY: Jake McDowell (AA)
Minor League Pitcher of the year: Bob Tracy (AA)
Season 11
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML Pitcher: Carlos Prieto & Kirk Gardner
MILPLOY: Jake McDowell (HighA)
MILPOY: Darryl Whiteside (LoA)
Season 12
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML POY: Carlos Prieto
MILPLOY: Lonny Roque (AA)
MILPOY: Chico Cruz (AA)
Season 13
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML POY: Kirk Gardner
MILPLOY: Sal Moore (AA)
ML POY: R.A. Dixon (LoA)
Season 14
ML OPLOY: Ramiro Seanez
ML POY: Don Vernon
MILPLOY: Abraham Stull
ML POY: Pete Mathews
Season 15
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Jersey League Season 14 -- AL East Preview
It's just about that time of the season again -- I dust off my journalistic editorial hat, put it on (still feels nice), and once again try and summarize the doings (and un-doings) of what transpired over the off-season in preparation for the upcoming season. I am proud to announce that we have the same group of owners for the past 5 seasons, and some rivalries are starting to flourish. With that said, I present to you my Season 14 AL East Preview. As always, I will report in reverse order of previous Season finish. Enjoy!
Philadelphia Phillies
Owner: bball10 (5th Season, 241-407, 0 Playoff Appearances)
Franchise History: (880-1,226, 1 Playoff Appearance, 0 Division Titles)
Season 13 Recap:
Record: 65-97 (4th Place, 29 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .272 / .334 / .418
R / HR / RBI / SB: 845 / 189 / 819 / 212
ERA / WHIP / SO: 5.88 / 1.62 / 1,011
Fld % / CS %: .980 / .183
Additions:
R.J. Benitez, 1B (Promoted)
Raul Candelaria, C (Promoted)
Micah Russell, SS (Promoted)
Graham Mitchell, SP (Free Agency from Oklahoma City)
Jumbo Guerrero, IF (Free Agency from Atlanta)
Julio Rincon, SP (Free Agency from Houston)
Departures:
Vladimir Hernandez, 2B (Free Agency)
Walt King, SS (Free Agency)
Russ Schneider, SP (Free Agency)
Curtis Graham, RF (Free Agency)
John Wang, RP (Free Agency)
Luis Estrada, C (Free Agency)
John Manning, SP (Released)
Eduardo Miranda, CF (Released)
Philadelphia fans seem to be abuzz over the offseason moves that bball10 has executed for this season. The fact that they had the most successful season under his tenure (albeit only 65 wins, but still an improvement nonetheless) coupled with the influx of young talent that has been instilled into the Major League roster. R. J. Benitez and Raul Candelaria should offset the loss of Estrada and Graham, and although losing Miranda and Hernandez will be a big loss in speed on the basepaths, Philly hopes to regain some of that with the callup of Micah Russell. They improved in every major category listed above from previous season, with the exception of Caught Stealing, where they ranked 29th in the Major Leagues last season. Personally, I like that they were so active in the offseason. Bball10 realizes that his team needs to improve, yet they didn't go nuts and sign any high contracts to do so. With that in mind, they will need to make great strides in pitching to be competitive in the East this season.
Pittsburgh sluggers
Owner: larr100 (7th Season, 447-525, 1 Playoff Appearance, 1 Division Title)
Franchise History: 1,050-1,056, 4 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Season 13 Recap:
9
Record: 79-83 (3rd Place, 15 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .271 / .337 / .458
R / HR / RBI / SB: 860 / 247 / 837 / 136
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.93 / 1.48 / 947
Fld % / CS %: .982 / .253
Additions:
Mark Woo, RP (Free Agency from Rochester)
Bryan Ross, SP (Free Agency from Iowa City)
Departures:
Max Winchester, SP (Free Agency)
Pittsburgh had a good rebound last season, improving 14 games. With that said, I was a little surprised to see that they weren't a little more aggressive in the market to continue the momentum from last season. However, they did pick up 2 good pieces to their pitching. Woo has closer experience and can come in and take over should Brian Morgan falter. Bryan Ross will definitely help the rotation led by All-Star Pedro Tavarez. On offense, it is status quo for the Sluggers. They were able to produce more runs in Season 13, despite hitting less Home Runs compared to Season 12. I give this team a decent chance of coming out on top in the East this year.
New York Mutuals
Owner: piratestros (6th Season, 383-427, 2 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,073-1,033, 6 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles, 1 American League Championship)
Season 13 Recap:
Record: 82-80 (2nd Place, 12 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .281 / .355 / .434
R / HR / RBI / SB: 938 / 185 / 904 / 330
ERA / WHIP / SO: 5.14 / 1.54 / 1,120
Fld % / CS %: .978 / .304
Additions:
Kevin Simpson, SP (Free Agency from Trenton)
Fausto Pineda, SP (Traded from Honolulu)
J.P. Henriquez, SP (Free Agency from Honolulu)
Departures:
Harry Johnson, IF (Released)
Brian Sanders, RP (Free Agency)
Alex Dunham, RP (Free Agency)
Louis Collier, C (Free Agency)
Pablo Trajano, RP (Free Agency)
Karim DaSilva, SP (Team Declined Option)
Vitas Quinn, RF (Team Declined Option)
Geoffery Kelly, IF (Released)
T.J. Richardson, 1B (Released)
As all other teams in the East saw improvement from the previous season, New York did not share the same team success. Despite some improvement in getting on base offensively, the pitching took a step backwards, and that ultimately led to New York's season disappointment. Piratestros, not to be outdone by any Steinbrenner family, went out and made some big waves in the FA, signing J. P. Henriquez to bolster the rotation. Henriquez will replace the spot left by Karim Silva, who became a free agent when New York declined his option for the final year of his contract. Offensively, this team will still steal their way to victories, as they led the Majors in Stolen Bases for the 5th consecutive year. Piratestros keeps boasting that their defense is improved. That is still yet to be determined.
Norfolk Phanatics
Owner: ratatat72 (7th Season, 474-498, 4 Playoff Appearances, 3 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (970-1,136, 6 Playoff Appearances, 5 Division Titles)
Season 13 Recap:
Record: 94-68 (1st Place, Lost to Iowa City in the Division Play-in Series, 3-0)
BA / OBP / SLG: .275 / .345 / .435
R / HR / RBI / SB: 891 / 214 / 859 / 216
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.20 / 1.35 / 1,067
Fld % / CS %: .987 / .269
Additions:
Michael Norman, SS (Promoted)
Departures:
Malcolm Cornelius, 1B (Free Agency)
Roosevelt Hernandez, DH (Free Agency)
Dallas Pratt, RP (Free Agency)
Steve Oliver, RF (Released)
As owner ratatat72 enters his 7th season, he had to be proud of Norfolk's turnaround from the previous season. Every pitching category that was so abysmal in Season 12 became a strongpoint in Season 13. With that said, it is hard to see what Season 14 holds for Norfolk. They did add depth with their SP by adding Kenny Graham and Les Turner off waivers last season during the playoff push. Offensively, Bucky Gates and Mateo Flores continue to field the middle and will do so for a while, as both signed long-term deals this offseason to avoid arbitration. Losing Oliver hurts their ability to have a speedy guy at the bottom of the order, but rookie Michael Norman looks to take over RF, so shouldn't be too much of a drop in the batting order. Overall, this team can win again, but will need to see the same pitching success to do so. Hopefully, not too many players had career years last season.
Philadelphia Phillies
Owner: bball10 (5th Season, 241-407, 0 Playoff Appearances)
Franchise History: (880-1,226, 1 Playoff Appearance, 0 Division Titles)
Season 13 Recap:
Record: 65-97 (4th Place, 29 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .272 / .334 / .418
R / HR / RBI / SB: 845 / 189 / 819 / 212
ERA / WHIP / SO: 5.88 / 1.62 / 1,011
Fld % / CS %: .980 / .183
Additions:
R.J. Benitez, 1B (Promoted)
Raul Candelaria, C (Promoted)
Micah Russell, SS (Promoted)
Graham Mitchell, SP (Free Agency from Oklahoma City)
Jumbo Guerrero, IF (Free Agency from Atlanta)
Julio Rincon, SP (Free Agency from Houston)
Departures:
Vladimir Hernandez, 2B (Free Agency)
Walt King, SS (Free Agency)
Russ Schneider, SP (Free Agency)
Curtis Graham, RF (Free Agency)
John Wang, RP (Free Agency)
Luis Estrada, C (Free Agency)
John Manning, SP (Released)
Eduardo Miranda, CF (Released)
Philadelphia fans seem to be abuzz over the offseason moves that bball10 has executed for this season. The fact that they had the most successful season under his tenure (albeit only 65 wins, but still an improvement nonetheless) coupled with the influx of young talent that has been instilled into the Major League roster. R. J. Benitez and Raul Candelaria should offset the loss of Estrada and Graham, and although losing Miranda and Hernandez will be a big loss in speed on the basepaths, Philly hopes to regain some of that with the callup of Micah Russell. They improved in every major category listed above from previous season, with the exception of Caught Stealing, where they ranked 29th in the Major Leagues last season. Personally, I like that they were so active in the offseason. Bball10 realizes that his team needs to improve, yet they didn't go nuts and sign any high contracts to do so. With that in mind, they will need to make great strides in pitching to be competitive in the East this season.
Pittsburgh sluggers
Owner: larr100 (7th Season, 447-525, 1 Playoff Appearance, 1 Division Title)
Franchise History: 1,050-1,056, 4 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Season 13 Recap:
9
Record: 79-83 (3rd Place, 15 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .271 / .337 / .458
R / HR / RBI / SB: 860 / 247 / 837 / 136
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.93 / 1.48 / 947
Fld % / CS %: .982 / .253
Additions:
Mark Woo, RP (Free Agency from Rochester)
Bryan Ross, SP (Free Agency from Iowa City)
Departures:
Max Winchester, SP (Free Agency)
Pittsburgh had a good rebound last season, improving 14 games. With that said, I was a little surprised to see that they weren't a little more aggressive in the market to continue the momentum from last season. However, they did pick up 2 good pieces to their pitching. Woo has closer experience and can come in and take over should Brian Morgan falter. Bryan Ross will definitely help the rotation led by All-Star Pedro Tavarez. On offense, it is status quo for the Sluggers. They were able to produce more runs in Season 13, despite hitting less Home Runs compared to Season 12. I give this team a decent chance of coming out on top in the East this year.
New York Mutuals
Owner: piratestros (6th Season, 383-427, 2 Playoff Appearances, 2 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (1,073-1,033, 6 Playoff Appearances, 6 Division Titles, 1 American League Championship)
Season 13 Recap:
Record: 82-80 (2nd Place, 12 GB)
BA / OBP / SLG: .281 / .355 / .434
R / HR / RBI / SB: 938 / 185 / 904 / 330
ERA / WHIP / SO: 5.14 / 1.54 / 1,120
Fld % / CS %: .978 / .304
Additions:
Kevin Simpson, SP (Free Agency from Trenton)
Fausto Pineda, SP (Traded from Honolulu)
J.P. Henriquez, SP (Free Agency from Honolulu)
Departures:
Harry Johnson, IF (Released)
Brian Sanders, RP (Free Agency)
Alex Dunham, RP (Free Agency)
Louis Collier, C (Free Agency)
Pablo Trajano, RP (Free Agency)
Karim DaSilva, SP (Team Declined Option)
Vitas Quinn, RF (Team Declined Option)
Geoffery Kelly, IF (Released)
T.J. Richardson, 1B (Released)
As all other teams in the East saw improvement from the previous season, New York did not share the same team success. Despite some improvement in getting on base offensively, the pitching took a step backwards, and that ultimately led to New York's season disappointment. Piratestros, not to be outdone by any Steinbrenner family, went out and made some big waves in the FA, signing J. P. Henriquez to bolster the rotation. Henriquez will replace the spot left by Karim Silva, who became a free agent when New York declined his option for the final year of his contract. Offensively, this team will still steal their way to victories, as they led the Majors in Stolen Bases for the 5th consecutive year. Piratestros keeps boasting that their defense is improved. That is still yet to be determined.
Norfolk Phanatics
Owner: ratatat72 (7th Season, 474-498, 4 Playoff Appearances, 3 Division Titles)
Franchise History: (970-1,136, 6 Playoff Appearances, 5 Division Titles)
Season 13 Recap:
Record: 94-68 (1st Place, Lost to Iowa City in the Division Play-in Series, 3-0)
BA / OBP / SLG: .275 / .345 / .435
R / HR / RBI / SB: 891 / 214 / 859 / 216
ERA / WHIP / SO: 4.20 / 1.35 / 1,067
Fld % / CS %: .987 / .269
Additions:
Michael Norman, SS (Promoted)
Departures:
Malcolm Cornelius, 1B (Free Agency)
Roosevelt Hernandez, DH (Free Agency)
Dallas Pratt, RP (Free Agency)
Steve Oliver, RF (Released)
As owner ratatat72 enters his 7th season, he had to be proud of Norfolk's turnaround from the previous season. Every pitching category that was so abysmal in Season 12 became a strongpoint in Season 13. With that said, it is hard to see what Season 14 holds for Norfolk. They did add depth with their SP by adding Kenny Graham and Les Turner off waivers last season during the playoff push. Offensively, Bucky Gates and Mateo Flores continue to field the middle and will do so for a while, as both signed long-term deals this offseason to avoid arbitration. Losing Oliver hurts their ability to have a speedy guy at the bottom of the order, but rookie Michael Norman looks to take over RF, so shouldn't be too much of a drop in the batting order. Overall, this team can win again, but will need to see the same pitching success to do so. Hopefully, not too many players had career years last season.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Helena Takes Second Title
The Helena Vigilantes laid claim to being the Jersey League's most successful franchise with its second World Series title in Season 13. Helena also won in Season 10 and now has 3 NL pennants. Helena joins the Las Vegas Dealers and the Houston We Have a Problem with 2 World Series titles each. The New York Irish have three titles, but owner buffaloqb left the league after season 4 and the team has languished since.
Helena was the best Jersey League team from start to finish in season 13, winning 108 games, the most in the league. Helena then swept Tacoma 3-0 and beat Tuscon in 7 games to reach The Fall Classic. In the World Series, Helena bested the Iowa City Independence in 6 games. The Independence, the #5 AL seed, upset both the #1 seeded Las Vegas Dealers and the #2 seeded Rochester Orphans to bring home their second AL pennant.
Congratulations joemac55 and the Helena Vigilantes!
Helena was the best Jersey League team from start to finish in season 13, winning 108 games, the most in the league. Helena then swept Tacoma 3-0 and beat Tuscon in 7 games to reach The Fall Classic. In the World Series, Helena bested the Iowa City Independence in 6 games. The Independence, the #5 AL seed, upset both the #1 seeded Las Vegas Dealers and the #2 seeded Rochester Orphans to bring home their second AL pennant.
Congratulations joemac55 and the Helena Vigilantes!
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