Traded former Rookie of the Year(3), 3 Time All Star(5-6,8) 3 time Silver slugger Award Winner(DH(3), 2nd base(6,8) Bernie Izquierdo to Little Rock Lusty Lucious Lap Dancers for Juan Hernandez(RF), David Castro(P), Charles Blair(2nd baseman).
Acquired All Star (SS) Bennie Acosta(4), Rickey Prince(RF) (AAA All Star (5,7) & Silver slugger Award Winner(7) from Minnesota PeaceFrog for Kiki Beltre(P) (Two time minor league all Star, HiA(4) AAA(8), and Arthur Adams(RF) (Two time minor league all star,LoA(6) AA(8), Three time Silver slugger Award Winner, SS (6) RF (7-8)
Acquired long time minor league player Ken Buck(P) 2 time AAA Allstar(5,7) from Buffalo Beagles for last years 1st round 28th pick overall Teddy Alexander(P)
We have one of the best paid and vetern Infield in the league:::
An outfield that can be one of the Leagues best:::
And a revamped pitching staff:::
C Stan Jackson ($4,300,000) Back-up C/DH Chad Miceli($3,000,250 +$2,500,000 bonus)
1st baseman Vic Perez ($5,800,000) backup Lee Nicholson ( $760,000)
2nd baseman Tomas Flores ( $2,200,000)(out of the league in season (8)
SS Bennie Acosta ( $8,500,000)
3rd baseman Max Bennett ( $8,000,000)
LF Tony Ibarra ($6,000,000 + $4,750,000 bonus)
CF Norm Zito ($6,250,000)
RF (platooned) Rickey Prince ($343,000) Juan Hernandez ($327,000)
DH (2 way platoon) Orlando Castillo ($3,400,000) Karl Shea ($360,000)
Starting Rotation::
Jorge Guzman ($1,400,000)
Jae Chang ($950,000)
Pete Lorraine ($5,000,000)
Ken Buck ($327,000)
Jake Leon ($3,400,000)
Relief Pitching:::
Tony Hara ($2,300,000)
Mo Bradley ($396,000)
Benito Bournigal ($3,500,000)
Paul Hayashi ($2,800,000)
Rafael Ortiz ($1,390,000)
Harpo Sanders ($360,000)
Ivan Valdes ($500,000)
Closer::: Tony Campos ($5,600,000)
Average age:::
Position Players:: 28
Pitchers::::::::::::: 30
Team Overall::::: 29
Rookies on opening day roster:::
Jake Leon(P), Ken Buck(P) ,Juan Hernandez(RF)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Scott Leaves Las Vegas
Neil Scott, the winningest pitcher in Dealer history has declined his mutual option and team sources say he will not be offered a multi-year contract, making him a free agent. Scott, an original member of the franchise from its Vancouver days, holds nearly every career pitching mark for the team, and went 102-94 over eight years. He is known as an iron man, with no trips to the DL and over 200 innings in each of his 8 years.
Scott goes out a winner as his 14-9, 3.94 ERA performance over 212 innings was a key part of the Dealers playoff drive in season 8. He rose to the occasion in the post-season and his 20 playoff innings (2-0, 2.25 ERA) helped bring a World Series parade to the Vegas Strip.
The 36-year old Scott had a $5 million option for the year, and was increasingly feeling pushed out by the Dealers younger starting pitchers. Always known as a soft-tosser, Scott's fastball has slowed to a crawl, and his durability may have declined to where he can no longer be counted on for 200 innings. Upon declining his option, Scott demanded a 2-year, $5.2 million contract. Scott's agent Wade Nicholson noted that if Scott "flashed that World Series ring" around the winter meetings he should generate a generous multi-year offer.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Dealers take Vigilantes in Epic Seven Game Series
In a thrilling World Series, the Las Vegas Dealers defeated the favored Helena Vigilantes in 7 games, winning the American League's first ever Fall Classic. The series featured 3 extra inning games, including the 18 inning game 4, which the Dealers won on a 3AM walk-off HR by 3B Tom Justice. Game 7, played in Helena, was the highest scoring game of the series as the Dealers won 10-7 after both starting pitchers failed to make it through 3 full innings. The Dealers were led in the finale by Curtis Graham who homered and knocked in 3 runs, and by 5.1 innings of 1-run relief from young righty Luis Rincon, who was the Dealers Game 1 and Game 5 starter.
To reach the World Series, the AL #5 seed Dealers knocked off Pittsburgh 3 games to 1 in the opening series, #1 seed Kansas City 3-1, and then #2 seed Portland 4-2. Helena, the #1 seed in the NL defeated #4 Buffalo 3-2, and #3 (and defending World Champ) Houston in an epic 7-game NLCS to reach the World Series.
In the minors, Richmond beat Colorado for the AAA crown, Helena beat Boise in AA, Las Vegas took Helena in HiA, Colorado Springs defeated Syracuse in LoA, and Vancouver beat Colorado Springs in Rookie.
To reach the World Series, the AL #5 seed Dealers knocked off Pittsburgh 3 games to 1 in the opening series, #1 seed Kansas City 3-1, and then #2 seed Portland 4-2. Helena, the #1 seed in the NL defeated #4 Buffalo 3-2, and #3 (and defending World Champ) Houston in an epic 7-game NLCS to reach the World Series.
In the minors, Richmond beat Colorado for the AAA crown, Helena beat Boise in AA, Las Vegas took Helena in HiA, Colorado Springs defeated Syracuse in LoA, and Vancouver beat Colorado Springs in Rookie.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Potentially Available Franchises for Season 9
Los Angeles Kingz
This is a once-proud franchise that has fallen on harder times, but is ripe for a rebound. The Kings (then known as the Santa Cruz Redwood) won four straight division titles, but by season 8 had faded to 63 wins. The team has the 6th draft pick this year and signed the fifth overall draft pick last year, the sweet CF prospect Walter Charles. The team has $63.5 million of payroll committed next year, including to stud SS Rafael Borbon and big RF Omar Torcato.
New York Bums The Bums won a disappointing 73 games in season 8 and have the 11th draft pick. The team isn't too far from competing, it had won 90 games in season 7. $49 million in salary is committed for next year, with $7M to big LF Esteban Marquez. Key prospects to build around are two former first rounders: 20-year old Achilles Ramirez, who finished the year in AA and 18-year old Andy Comer who finished the year in LoA.
Tampa Bay Orphans
The Orphans won 72 games last year and have been a perennial 3rd or 4th place team in the AL South. They will have the 9th spot in the draft. Last year they signed Jody Washington with the #6 overall pick. Salary committments aren't bad at all, with no player making more than Kirby Pote's $4.9 million.
New Orleans Bagg-pipes revenge TEAM TAKEN
Grab this squad and have the #2 pick in next year's draft! This is a franchise in need of a high-quality owner that will stick with it, and it is very ripe for a big turnaround--only has $19 million in payroll committed for next year. Last year's owner didn't do much, but he did sign four first round draft picks including the #1 overall Glenn Benson, a SS who projects to a 93! Properly run, this could turn into a very successful dynasty in 3-4 years.
Durham Associates TEAM TAKEN
The associates had a respectable 80 win season last year and have been a historically successful franchise with 6 first place finishes and 2 second place finishes in the NL East. This team has an older core and the new owner will have the choice of resigning some FAs to make one more run or rebuilding. This includes (owed $10.5M this year, team option next year) Gabe Lemke, still a great SP who won 15 games last year and Vin Wengert who is owed $9.5M this year with a mutual option next year. Two other key pieces may be let go: Travis Sandberg is a free agent this year, and Wes Hornsby has a mutual option for the new owner to decide on.
Boston Royal Rooters TEAM TAKEN
This is a storied Jersey League franchise that has mostly been managed by stalwart owner themehl. The Royal Rooters won 87 games in year 8, missing the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. The team is led by allstars 2B Bernie Izquierdo and 3B Max Bennett and has about $44 million in payroll committed next year. This squad shouldn't need much of a turnaround.
Kansas City Rumpshakers TEAM TAKEN
Another great franchise available, as owner dwilli91 departs after 8 very successful seasons. The Rumpshakers won 99 games this year and have been in the playoffs all but one year. The squad has $61 million in payroll committed for next year, including to 29-year old Jersey League all-time wins leader Blaine Prince. Can he make 300? This is a great franchise, hard to believe it has come open.
This is a once-proud franchise that has fallen on harder times, but is ripe for a rebound. The Kings (then known as the Santa Cruz Redwood) won four straight division titles, but by season 8 had faded to 63 wins. The team has the 6th draft pick this year and signed the fifth overall draft pick last year, the sweet CF prospect Walter Charles. The team has $63.5 million of payroll committed next year, including to stud SS Rafael Borbon and big RF Omar Torcato.
New York Bums The Bums won a disappointing 73 games in season 8 and have the 11th draft pick. The team isn't too far from competing, it had won 90 games in season 7. $49 million in salary is committed for next year, with $7M to big LF Esteban Marquez. Key prospects to build around are two former first rounders: 20-year old Achilles Ramirez, who finished the year in AA and 18-year old Andy Comer who finished the year in LoA.
Tampa Bay Orphans
The Orphans won 72 games last year and have been a perennial 3rd or 4th place team in the AL South. They will have the 9th spot in the draft. Last year they signed Jody Washington with the #6 overall pick. Salary committments aren't bad at all, with no player making more than Kirby Pote's $4.9 million.
New Orleans Bagg-pipes revenge TEAM TAKEN
Grab this squad and have the #2 pick in next year's draft! This is a franchise in need of a high-quality owner that will stick with it, and it is very ripe for a big turnaround--only has $19 million in payroll committed for next year. Last year's owner didn't do much, but he did sign four first round draft picks including the #1 overall Glenn Benson, a SS who projects to a 93! Properly run, this could turn into a very successful dynasty in 3-4 years.
Durham Associates TEAM TAKEN
The associates had a respectable 80 win season last year and have been a historically successful franchise with 6 first place finishes and 2 second place finishes in the NL East. This team has an older core and the new owner will have the choice of resigning some FAs to make one more run or rebuilding. This includes (owed $10.5M this year, team option next year) Gabe Lemke, still a great SP who won 15 games last year and Vin Wengert who is owed $9.5M this year with a mutual option next year. Two other key pieces may be let go: Travis Sandberg is a free agent this year, and Wes Hornsby has a mutual option for the new owner to decide on.
Boston Royal Rooters TEAM TAKEN
This is a storied Jersey League franchise that has mostly been managed by stalwart owner themehl. The Royal Rooters won 87 games in year 8, missing the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. The team is led by allstars 2B Bernie Izquierdo and 3B Max Bennett and has about $44 million in payroll committed next year. This squad shouldn't need much of a turnaround.
Kansas City Rumpshakers TEAM TAKEN
Another great franchise available, as owner dwilli91 departs after 8 very successful seasons. The Rumpshakers won 99 games this year and have been in the playoffs all but one year. The squad has $61 million in payroll committed for next year, including to 29-year old Jersey League all-time wins leader Blaine Prince. Can he make 300? This is a great franchise, hard to believe it has come open.
Friday, February 27, 2009
National League Playoff Race Heats Up, Stars Still in the Mix
SAN ANTONIO (February 27, 2009) - With the regular season almost seventy five percent complete, there are several close playoff races in the National League (NL) this year in Jersey League Baseball. The local San Antonio Stars are slap dab in the middle of two of these races, both the NL South Divisional race and the NL Wildcard race.
In the NL South, the Houston We Have a Problem lead the division with a record of 73-47 (.608) with the Stars 3 games back at 70-50 (.583).
Houston, the reining World Series champions, is led by slugging right fielder Bernie Gongora. Gongora, who currently is the Major League home run leader with 67, has 20 more than American League leader Tony Beimel's 47 home runs.
The Stars, led by starting pitcher George Reagan, still have one 3 game series with the "We Have a Problem" in Houston and both teams have 42 games remaining for the season. If the Stars are going to make up their 3 game deficit on Houston then Reagan, who is 8-0 with a 2.02 Earned Run Average in his last 11 games, will need to continue pitching as he has the last 2 months.
The National League has two Wildcard teams who make the playoffs, along with the four Divisional winners. The loser of the NL South pennant will still be in the middle of the NL Wildcard race. Currently, the Stars would have one of the two Wildcard spots. The Tucson Hohokams have a 1 game lead over the Stars for the first Wildcard spot. San Antonio has a 3 game lead over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, their closest Wildcard competitor, for the second Wildcard spot. The Stars and the Sky Sox are currently playing an important three game series, which is their last meeting of the season. The Stars won the first game of the series and lead it 1-0. The Sky Sox, losers of 9 in a row, need to turn it around if they want to get back into the Wildcard Race.
Also in the running for a Wildcard spot are the Durham Associates (7 games behind the Stars), the Minnesota PeaceFrog (11 games behind the Stars), and the Trenton Patriots (12 games behind the Stars). The Associates have won nine of their last ten games and are moving up in the standings while the PeaceFrog are 5-5 and the Patriots are 4-6 in their last ten games. The Stars have three home games left with Durham, four games left at Minnesota, and 3 home games remaining with Trenton.
The Stars are playing in their first season in San Antonio, having moved from Richmond at the end of last season. They had played the previous six seasons in Richmond, making the playoffs twice while there. The Stars franchise also played their first season as the St. Louis Ramming Blue Cardinals. They are trying to get back to the playoffs after a five year absence, and certainly control their own destiny at this point of the season.
In the NL South, the Houston We Have a Problem lead the division with a record of 73-47 (.608) with the Stars 3 games back at 70-50 (.583).
Houston, the reining World Series champions, is led by slugging right fielder Bernie Gongora. Gongora, who currently is the Major League home run leader with 67, has 20 more than American League leader Tony Beimel's 47 home runs.
The Stars, led by starting pitcher George Reagan, still have one 3 game series with the "We Have a Problem" in Houston and both teams have 42 games remaining for the season. If the Stars are going to make up their 3 game deficit on Houston then Reagan, who is 8-0 with a 2.02 Earned Run Average in his last 11 games, will need to continue pitching as he has the last 2 months.
The National League has two Wildcard teams who make the playoffs, along with the four Divisional winners. The loser of the NL South pennant will still be in the middle of the NL Wildcard race. Currently, the Stars would have one of the two Wildcard spots. The Tucson Hohokams have a 1 game lead over the Stars for the first Wildcard spot. San Antonio has a 3 game lead over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, their closest Wildcard competitor, for the second Wildcard spot. The Stars and the Sky Sox are currently playing an important three game series, which is their last meeting of the season. The Stars won the first game of the series and lead it 1-0. The Sky Sox, losers of 9 in a row, need to turn it around if they want to get back into the Wildcard Race.
Also in the running for a Wildcard spot are the Durham Associates (7 games behind the Stars), the Minnesota PeaceFrog (11 games behind the Stars), and the Trenton Patriots (12 games behind the Stars). The Associates have won nine of their last ten games and are moving up in the standings while the PeaceFrog are 5-5 and the Patriots are 4-6 in their last ten games. The Stars have three home games left with Durham, four games left at Minnesota, and 3 home games remaining with Trenton.
The Stars are playing in their first season in San Antonio, having moved from Richmond at the end of last season. They had played the previous six seasons in Richmond, making the playoffs twice while there. The Stars franchise also played their first season as the St. Louis Ramming Blue Cardinals. They are trying to get back to the playoffs after a five year absence, and certainly control their own destiny at this point of the season.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Santa Cruz Redwood moves to Los Angeles.
New owner is happy to join the league and has moved the Redwoods from Santa Curz to the Big City of L.A.
... Had a tough time resigning some key free agents, lost a few good ones but I think we should be competitive in the West. Looks like a tough division, I see the division coming down to Tucson and Tacoma with Colorado and our team having a strong finish. Should be fun.
We have rookies Rafael Santana ,Albert Espinoza and R.J. Cole trying to make a major impact this year. And we look forward to adding to our minor leagues with a very high pick in this years draft.
... Had a tough time resigning some key free agents, lost a few good ones but I think we should be competitive in the West. Looks like a tough division, I see the division coming down to Tucson and Tacoma with Colorado and our team having a strong finish. Should be fun.
We have rookies Rafael Santana ,Albert Espinoza and R.J. Cole trying to make a major impact this year. And we look forward to adding to our minor leagues with a very high pick in this years draft.
Friday, January 9, 2009
AL West's 5 Best Pitching Prospects
This spring, scouts have noted that the AL West (hey, write about your own division if you want to read about your guys) is boasting 5 of the top pitching prospects in the game. All are former first round draft picks and are still with their original franchises. Ranked in order:
#1
Chase was a #3 overall pick by the Iowa City Independence in season 5 out of high school, and this bonus baby has developed nicely through 3 straight seasons of sub-3 ERA in the minors. Owner carlspenard has babied Chase, with full years in Rookie, LoA, and HiA, and never exceeding 140 IP. The righty is slated for AA this year, but the pitching starved Iowa City fans want to see him in a ML uniform soon.
Strengths: Tremendous stuff, throws hard, excellent control, and if you do hit him, it's a ground ball. Stays in excellent health.
Weaknesses: Low stamina and poor makeup have led some to question if he has the mental toughness for major league ball.
Projection: Best ERA and WHIP in the league, but in the shower by the 7th inning.
#2
Ward was drafted #7 out of college in season 5 by the Las Vegas Dealers, two picks after Spike Chase. The lefty has twice thrown 200+ innings in the minors and won both the AA and AAA Cy Youngs. Ward will pitch in the majors this year, although Dealers owner jceffali is expected to demand a few more starts at AAA.
Strengths: Very durable with outstanding control.
Weaknesses: This soft tosser won't put up high Ks and vulnerable to the long-ball.
Projection: Solid #1 starter who can finish a game.
#3
Santos was the #2 overall pick by the Iowa City Independence in year 6, and even though he had just 1 year in college, carlspenard has pushed him faster than Spike Chase. The right-hander jumps to AAA this year after sporting a 2.36 ERA in HiA last year.
Strengths: Solid stuff and control, keeps the ball down, and very durable.
Weaknesses: Soft tosser whose health habits have been called into question. Santos also lacks the mustache that the other 4 have.
Projection: Great #2 after Chase--a 1-2 punch made for October baseball.
#4
Incaviglia was the 27th pick in season 7 out of high school by the Portland Beavers. The righty won the Rookie League Cy Young last year which earned him a promotion all the way to AA. Some scouts question the wisdom of skipping LoA and HiA at the tender age of 19, however the young Texan is well on his way to meeting projections and may have the makeup to handle it.
Strengths: Nice stuff, throws heat. Durable. Four very good pitches.
Weaknesses: Health a concern and lefties might hit well off him.
Projection: Puts up great numbers in Portland's pitcher's paradise.
#5
White is very similar to Spike Chase, but the stuff isn't quite as good. White was the #9 pick by the Las Vegas Dealers in season 4 out of high school. He pitched at each level, though just 1/2 year at LoA and HiA, with an ERA of about 3.
Strengths: Throws gas, murder on righties, solid control. Stays in great health.
Weaknesses: Durability, and his managers hate when he throws that 5th pitch.
Projection: Should put up strong numbers, but has trouble pitching deep into games.
#1
Chase was a #3 overall pick by the Iowa City Independence in season 5 out of high school, and this bonus baby has developed nicely through 3 straight seasons of sub-3 ERA in the minors. Owner carlspenard has babied Chase, with full years in Rookie, LoA, and HiA, and never exceeding 140 IP. The righty is slated for AA this year, but the pitching starved Iowa City fans want to see him in a ML uniform soon.
Strengths: Tremendous stuff, throws hard, excellent control, and if you do hit him, it's a ground ball. Stays in excellent health.
Weaknesses: Low stamina and poor makeup have led some to question if he has the mental toughness for major league ball.
Projection: Best ERA and WHIP in the league, but in the shower by the 7th inning.
#2
Ward was drafted #7 out of college in season 5 by the Las Vegas Dealers, two picks after Spike Chase. The lefty has twice thrown 200+ innings in the minors and won both the AA and AAA Cy Youngs. Ward will pitch in the majors this year, although Dealers owner jceffali is expected to demand a few more starts at AAA.
Strengths: Very durable with outstanding control.
Weaknesses: This soft tosser won't put up high Ks and vulnerable to the long-ball.
Projection: Solid #1 starter who can finish a game.
#3
Santos was the #2 overall pick by the Iowa City Independence in year 6, and even though he had just 1 year in college, carlspenard has pushed him faster than Spike Chase. The right-hander jumps to AAA this year after sporting a 2.36 ERA in HiA last year.
Strengths: Solid stuff and control, keeps the ball down, and very durable.
Weaknesses: Soft tosser whose health habits have been called into question. Santos also lacks the mustache that the other 4 have.
Projection: Great #2 after Chase--a 1-2 punch made for October baseball.
#4
Incaviglia was the 27th pick in season 7 out of high school by the Portland Beavers. The righty won the Rookie League Cy Young last year which earned him a promotion all the way to AA. Some scouts question the wisdom of skipping LoA and HiA at the tender age of 19, however the young Texan is well on his way to meeting projections and may have the makeup to handle it.
Strengths: Nice stuff, throws heat. Durable. Four very good pitches.
Weaknesses: Health a concern and lefties might hit well off him.
Projection: Puts up great numbers in Portland's pitcher's paradise.
#5
White is very similar to Spike Chase, but the stuff isn't quite as good. White was the #9 pick by the Las Vegas Dealers in season 4 out of high school. He pitched at each level, though just 1/2 year at LoA and HiA, with an ERA of about 3.
Strengths: Throws gas, murder on righties, solid control. Stays in great health.
Weaknesses: Durability, and his managers hate when he throws that 5th pitch.
Projection: Should put up strong numbers, but has trouble pitching deep into games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)