Friday, March 4, 2011
Erick Webster Reaches Run Milestone in Win
Atlanta, GA -- Buffalo scores 4 runs in the 3rd inning to beat the Atlanta Red Legs, 4-1. It was the final run of the inning that is most notable, as it involved Erick Webster scoring for the 1,500th time in his illustrious career. It occurred in the 3rd inning when Louie Ontiveros grounded a single to Right Field. Congrats to Webster on this historic feat. Surely only a matter of time before we can officially put HOF in front of his name.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Jersey League Adds Fifth Hall of Famer
The Jersey League Hall of Fame grew to five members with the election of Julius Costello at the beginning of season 16. Costello was primarily a left fielder, and played 13 seasons with five teams, but largely Seattle and Montreal. Costello ended with 496 HRs and 1,296 RBI, and a stellar .958 OPS. Costello won 2 MVPs, was a 6-time all-star, and also picked up 2 Silver Sluggers. Costello played most of his career with poor teams and never had a single playoff at bat. Costello's greatest year was perhaps season 3 in Madison, where he had 73 HRs and 156 RBI.
Congratulations on joining the Jersey League Hall of Fame, Julius Costello!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
AL East Season 16 Team Previews
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
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
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
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