World Major Leagues

Poll #3 - Camacho Top Pitching Prospect

2011-11-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

In a hotly-contested poll, Seattle righty Eswalin Camacho got the nod as Major Leagues' top pitching prospect.

Camacho took 6 of 21 votes. Pittsburgh's top prospect, Keith Caldwell, was second with 5, Minnesota reliever Kevin Chong got 4, "Other" nabbed 3 votes, and San Diego's Joel Iorg garnered 2. Baltimore's Albert Velazquez rounded out the voting with a single tally.

Camacho set scouts' hearts aflutter last season when he hit the IFA list as a highly-advanced finesse pitcher from the Virgin Islands. Seattle won the lottery with a $20MM bonus, and after 97 Low A innings Camacho is in the Bigs. He's an immediate ROY and Cy Young candidate.

NL South Preview

2011-11-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Houston pulled away to win the division (3rd title in 5 years) by 11 games last year eventually falling to the Phillies in the NLCS. They lost one of this year's top FA's in 2B Miguel Javier; can the Cardinals and Braves close in? Can Florida get it together?

Houston (94-68, 4th in runs, 7th in ERA) countered the Javier loss with FA's Fernando Rivera and Edgard Garrido - decent players but not HOF caliber like Javier. The Astros don't have any real stars on offense, preferring to get contributions from a large cast of role players. The staff has an effective rotation lead by R.J. Garrido, but the plan seems to be to bring in Bailey Mercedes (15 wins in relief last year) early and let Chip Bowles and Albie Padilla close things out. They also have some reinforcements ready in AAA with 3B Fernando Posada (Sea 15 IFA) and RP Pedro Rondon (Sea 12 IFA).

St. Louis (83-79, 11th in runs, 5th in ERA) had a couple of pretty big FA losses (SP Lew Cannon and 1B P.T. Oliva); Elijah Perkins (Sea 12 #44) moves in at first, and I don't think the very deep rotation will miss Cannon - the Cards had 6 pitchers start last year and only 1 (Calvin Langston's respectable 4.19) posted an ERA above 3.74. The bullpen has plenty of good arms, too: Andre Monahan (44 saves) closes, with Dante Little (1.33 ERA) and Hugh Taylor (2.53 ERA) setting up. Swingman Richie Lloyd (Sea 13's # 18 overall) starts in AAA but looks like he could step in if anyone falters.

Atlanta (82-80, 10th in runs, 4th in ERA) Jae Nakano's still the Braves' best hitter - he needs some help. RF Dioner Pettit has some potential but wasn't terribly impressive in his 9-game cup of coffee last season. AAA 2B B.J Colbert might bring a little pop, but their best hitting prospect, SS Jumbo Bravo, is at least a season away. Pitching they're hip-deep in. Hades McDermott (14-8, 3.45 last year) heads the rotation, while Alex Silva and Andrew Burnett lead the closer committee.

Florida (56-106, 16th in runs, 12th in ERA) Long mediocre (1 winning season), the Marlins got worse last year to try to get better. They're starting to bring up some decent young ML players (Michael Brown, Theodore Haney, Sammy Quevedo), and have some better ones in AAA (C Jim Fasano, SP Grover Thames, RP Esdra Moreno - all with 4 minor league seasons). I don't think anyone's raising eyebrows yet, but with a ML payroll of $13.5MM this year the Florida fans may start to question management's commitment to winning.

Forecast: Tough race to call - I don't think the Astros will run away with it, but it's hard to see the Cardinals or Braves scoring enough runs to make a big move. I'll go with the bold prediction and say the Cardinals' pitching is even better than last year, and they win it by a game over the 'Stros. I'd love to see the Marlins make a move up to competitive status (maybe 70-75 wins), which I think they can do if they promote their 3 big AAA prospects early.

AL East Preview

2011-11-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Let's take a look at the AL East, where it's been 4 seasons since anyone finished within single digits of the Yankees. The Bronx Bombers won the division by 14 last year (but fell to Seattle in the second playoff round)...can anyone make a run at these guys?

New York (97-65, 4th in runs, 3rd in ERA): Should score plenty of runs - 2B Alejandro Cruz (and his career .399 OBP) is a top leadoff man, and there's plenty of lumber following him to drive him in (8 players had 18 or more homers last year - Miguel DeJesus paced with 42). No classic ace among the starters, but the top 5 (lead by Bartolo Escobar) could probably all be #2's in most rotations. The bullpen took a few free agency hits, but management responded with Roger Peterson (FA) and Pepper Webster (trade). No reason to suspect any drop-off.

Boston (83-79, 5th in runs, 9th in ERA): Plenty of power, with 4 players belting 30+ HR's last year (SS Max Gutierrez, 2B Roosevelt Thomas, 3B Enrique Rodriguez, and DH Todd Hines) - they might be in the market for a table-setter (top OPS was Gutierrez' .365). Ace Sam Griffin (20-9, 3.14 in a workhorse 240 IP last year) and ironman setup guy Reagan Knoblauch achor the staff; closer Eduardo Rosario keeps things exciting but usually gets the job done. Free agent SP Lew Cannon could be a key addition.

Cleveland (67-95, 13th in runs, 12th in ERA): has some nice centerpieces (SP's Armando Mendoza and Jumbo Mateo, RF Omar Villa) but seems to lack the supporting cast to advance. Budget FA additions Kent Simontachi (1B) and Gus Turner (SS) will help but won't be enough. This franchise has been slowly degrading for a number of seasons...time for a major shakeup?

Baltimore (67-95, 14th in runs, 6th in ERA): has also been in decline of late but the seeds of revival are in place: namely, young guns Benji Picasso (Sea 12 IFA who is 21-18 with a 3.51 ERA in his first 300 ML innings) and Albert Velazquez (Sea 14 IFA, who may debut this year). Throw in a 3rd great arm, Sea 11 IFA Rico Tejera and last year's first-rounder, Terry Helton, and you've got a decent chunk of a Grade A staff in 2-3 seasons. This year? If they promote Velazquez early on he could well be a ROY contender, and they'll take a big step up.

Forecast: The Yankees remain the class of the East and win again. Boston improves a little and contends for a wild card. Baltimore makes a nice jump up and passes the Indians for third.

Interview with a GM - Chase39

2011-11-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

With the off-season and spring training coming to a close, we were able to sit down and talk with one of the biggest movers and shakers this off-season, Washington Nationals GM Chase39. Here is the interview with him.

Interviewer: "What are your expectations for this team this season?”

Chase39: Make the playoffs. Once in anything can happen. Last season I missed the last wild card by one game. I don't see that being a problem, this season.

Interviewer: "Well with that being said how long of a competitive run do you see this team having? Or do you have a plan/idea in place to keep this team competitive for many years to come?"

Chase39: 3 maybe 4 seasons I should be competitive. Depends if can keep adding to pieces to the group through the draft or free agency if necessary.

Interviewer: "Any areas of the team that you are still worried about?"

Chase39: My starting pitching is average at best. Definitely my team’s biggest weakness.

Interviewer: "Any last minute trades or free agent signings in the works to address the pitching staff or any other area of the team before the start of the season?"

Chase39: No I’ll give the team 30 games or so, that should give me an idea of what my team needs.

Interviewer: "Lastly, what was your strategy going into this off-season? Did you know you wanted to make a couple big splashes in the free agent market or was this all something that just sort of happened as the free agent time period progressed?"

Chase39: Yes this was planned ahead of time beginning last season. I had a lot of money coming off the books. I targeted Lindblom, Olivares, and originally Sanchez. After I made the trade with the Marlins, I no longer needed Sanchez. I went after Javier. I had to pay through the nose for all 3, but I got the players I targeted. I've improved my team at C, 3B, 2B, LF, RF, and in the bullpen. My starting pitching is weak, but I’ll take my chances against the rest of the league.

We thank Chase39 for taking the time out of his schedule for this interview. It will be interesting to see how his off-season strategy pays off during this season.

NL West Preview

2011-11-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

We now hop over to the NL West, which was the closest 1-to-4 race among all divisions - San Diego finished 10 back of division winner San Fran. The teams finished in the same order as Season 15's, but big win gains by both the Dodgers and the Padres tightened things up last year.

San Francisco (87-75, 8th in runs, 9th in ERA): returns mostly the same roster that won 87 last year. Perennial Cy Young contender (and 2-time winner) Luis Contreras headlines the staff; B.C. Arroyo, Kent Rolison and Matt Kieschnick form one of the best late-inning relief trios around. On offense, C Edgar Torres and RF Erik Jackson are the main run producers. They'll get a big boost when they bring up SP Ichiro Hara (Sea 14 IFA) and RP Lariel Blanco (Sea 14's #13 overall pick).

Colorado (83-79, 2nd in runs, 13th in ERA): had wholesale free agent losses, most notably SP Roberto Jacquez and RP Branch Cepicky. They countered with their own free agent signings (RP Bum Mercedes, RP Alex Smith, SP Octavio Boliver, SP Tommy McIntyre) and rookie promotions (SP Juan Javier, Sea 11's #46 pick), but I don't think those guys are the caliber of the lost pitchers. They have bats galore, led by RF Mark Payton (.298/68/152 last year)...lotta 13-12 games from the Rockies this year.

Los Angeles (82-80, 14th in runs, 6th in ERA): had a quiet off-season after posting a nice 14-win improvement last year. These guys need to find 3 or 4 hitters somewhere. 2B Carlos Melendez is a good bat, but the rest of the lineup is mostly under .310 OBP. The pitching starts but certainly doesn't end with SP Todd Leon (#2 in Major Leagues' career ERA) - Enos Campbell and Jorge Marichal are solid starters and closer Minnie Greenwood is money. To top it off, Season 13's #1 overall, SP Del Redondo, is chomping at the bit in AAA. How'd you like to be the team facing Leon and Redondo twice each in a 5-game series? But they have to GET to short-series land...here's a crazy idea: trade Redondo for TWO top hitting prospects. I think that's probably doable.

San Diego (77-85, 13th in runs, 8th in ERA): Coming off a 16-win improvement, the young Padres had no significant free agent losses (although they did waive last year's best SP, Alex Rosado, apparently for salary cap purposes) They clearly need more offense, and they could very well get it from the 2nd-year quartet of 1B Dwight Loney, LF Nate Hood, CF Rico Guillen, and RF Babe Brett. The starting staff is unspectacular, but adequate for their big ballpark. The stars of the staff are relievers - Wascar Hernandez, Tori Broome, and FA Branch Cepicky.

Forecast: I just don't see anyone improving enough to challenge the Giants, who will pick up their 3rd straight division title. I like the Dodgers for 2nd - watch out if they can score a wild card (but I don't think they will - see NL East). The surging Padres may well challenge for awhile and will finish a close third. The Rockies will struggle with pitching and fall to 4th.

AL North Preview

2011-11-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

The AL North was the 2nd-tightest division, top to bottom (next to the NL West) last year, with only 14 games separating all 4 teams. With Toronto looking like it's made the most off-season improvement, things could tighten even more.

Chicago (85-77, 2nd in runs, 11th in ERA) needed to improve their pitching and did, signing FA relievers Sarma Nagy and Doug Bay. I think they'll miss Aaron Taylor at 2B, although new DH Don Stafford will bolster the offense. They were actually a little under their expected winning % last year...barring any big injuries they should push 90 wins.

Minnesota (81-81, 15th in runs, 1st in ERA) did it all with pitching last year, and added pitching in free agency (starters Dennis Forest and Jerry York, RP Cristobal Vizcaino). 1B Harry Rivera and RF Fred Leary both had off years; a return to normal for those 2 could add much-needed 20 HR's to last year's 178 total. I'd sure like to see them add a bat or 2 at some point, but as-is they could still gain few games on the Sox.

Detroit (71-91, 8th in runs, 13th in ERA) was pretty quiet in free agency, although they didn't have any big losses. Darwin Koch at 3B and SP Luis Perez should be at least marginal improvements over the departed Phil Hunter and Kane Delaney. The Tigers were pretty far under their expected winning % last year, so one would expect a few more wins. But I'm not convinced they've done enough to make a big run or even hold off the revamped Jays.

Toronto (69-93, 12th in runs, 15th in ERA) on the other hand, made wholesale changes. Perhaps the biggest was the trade that brought in C Pedro Caballero, although the cost was a pretty good starting pitcher (Tony Roque). I like the trade for the Jays - Caballero is 3 years younger and I love the consistent .400+ OBP. They turn to veteran Bo Benard to replace Roque, and may have piked up a key piece in LR Bailey Borders (obtained from Pittsburgh for C Miguel Julio). There were a host of smaller departures and additions...all in all, I think they've done enough to overhaul the Tigers for 3rd.

Forecast: I love the Twinkies' pitching, and I think they'll somehow scratch out enough runs to edge the Sox in a very close race. Toronto improves to finish 3rd.

Top Prospects Series - Pitchers

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a trend down in scoring the next few seasons - there are a LOT of really good pitchers starting their ML careers soon. Lots of close calls here - the poll on this one should be interesting.

1. Eswalin Camacho, SP (SEA, Sea 16 IFA - $20MM): I'm just guessing here since my ADV is useless and there's no development pattern to go by, but with just a little improvement in ratings from where he is now he'll be our top pitching prospect. Pinpoint control, almost un-hittable for righties, and a broad assortment of good (not great pitches). If he has weaknesses (and I'm not sure he does), it's that he's a mere mortal against lefties and he's somewhat a flyball tosser. ** Started writing this before he was promoted, so technically I guess he's not a prospect. But it's my post so I can break the rules if I want.

2. Keith Caldwell, SP (PIT, Sea 15 #1 pick): only 2 pro years and he'd be a quality ML pitcher now. Might end up with both splits 90+...4-seamer and cut fastball are grade A. Will rack up some pretty good strikeout numbers. Although his control will be OK, it's what will keep him from being the best of this crop.

3. Albert Velazquez, SP (BAL, Sea 14 IFA - $20MM): Features a splitter and slider that murder righties...very good control and velocity, and keeps the ball down well. Lefties will at least have a chance, but that's the only flaw.

4. Del Redondo, SP (LA Dodgers, Sea 13 #1 pick): tough lefty has everything. He has great control, is really tough on lefties and battles righties effectively. Sets up his out pitch - an unhittable old-school palm ball - with a good 4-seam fastball. Everything sinks - put a good infield defense behind him and he's going to put up great numbers.

5. Steve Davenport, SP/RP (KC, Sea 14 #2 pick): might have better stuff than some of the P's ahead of him here, but his STA/DUR is going to limit his innings some. But good pitching is good pitching - he brings outstanding velocity, great control, a killer vR and 2 exceptional pitches. Lefty batters will get their licks in occasionally, but it's a minor complaint.

Honorable mention: Midre Johnson, CHI; Sherman Lidge, TB; Chris McBride, HOU; Joel Iorg, SD; Kevin Chong, MIN

Poll 2 - Voters Confirm Santayana as Best Prospect

2011-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Major Leagues' owners confirmed Seattle's Alberto Santayana as the best overall position player prospect in Poll #2, but not unanimously by any stretch.

Santayana got 4 votes, with "Someone Else" tying for the lead. Philly phenom Hector Bennett pulled 2 votes and Dodger IF Jim Garcia took one.

Top Prospects Series - Overall Position Player

2011-10-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

We scoured the workout data. We've interviewed the crusty old minor league managers. We've driven the dusty back roads from the Dominican Republic to Walla Walla, Washington to talk with high-school coaches. All this to bring you THE TOP POSITION PLAYER PROSPECTS IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES.

1. Albert Santayana, IF (SEA): This Season 15 int'l free agent could play at the major-league level now, but Seattle has chosen the conservative route and starts the future superstar at AA. Santayana has incredible power and a great eye; he looks like he'll eventually have pretty low strikeout totals for a power hitter. If there's a flaw with his hitting, it's a weakness against LHP, but I think he'll be OK there. Defensively, Albert will have terrific range and a strong arm. At this point it looks like his glove may end up being a little shaky for 2B or 3B, but that depends largely on his development this season. If he ends up in the OF, he'll add a boatload of Gold Gloves to his Silver Sluggers and MVP's.

2. Hector Bennett, IF (PHI): You know Season 15 was a big IFA year when this guy was only the 2nd-best of the bunch. He'll have excellent contact skills plus very good power - probably 25-35 HR's, even in Seattle. His eye didn't develop as well as his other skills last year, but it's already decent, so he should able to put up respectable walk totals. He already has B+ speed, and as his baserunning skills develop further he'll become a pretty good weapon on the basepaths. Defensively, he's growing into a quality 3B...maybe even GG-quality. 2B will be an option, although I think that arm strength could be wasted there.

3. Melvin Charleston, 2B (SD): The unpolished "tools guy" among the top prospects...we know he's a great athlete, but can only guess at what kind of ballplayer he'll be. We know he's already a pretty advanced hitter, except that good righties can shut him down. Based on his current contact and eye, though, I think he'll be pretty good against righties (with the occasional really "off" year). Given his sprinter's speed, he could see some .330+ seasons. His power might reach 30-HR levels. I don't think his speed is going to translate into steals, though, as his baserunning instincts are atrocious. His defensive talent is range; depending on his development his glove will take him to so-so to pretty good at 2B.

4. Len Sullivan, CF (PIT): We move from the unknown to the pretty-well-baked. Sullivan was Season 14's #1 pick and he's not likely to disappoint the Pirates fans. He looks to be a .300 hitter with 70-75 walks thrown in and maybe 20-HR power. He's another speedburner, but his baserunning skills are just OK - think 30-35 SB. Defensively he won't be a great CF but it's clearly his position for now. Look for his major-league debut this season.

5. Luke Gleason, OF (CHI): Season 15's third pick is a big righty masher who will love hitting HR's (often) in Wrigley Field. All hitters have up and down years, but I think this guy's down years will be 45 HR's. He could top 60 a few times. He'll be a better-than-adequate baserunner for a slugger. Defensively, he'll be a pretty good corner OF or a really good 1B.

Honorable mention: Jim Garcia, 3B (LAA); Julio Osoria, OF (CHI), Jumbo Bravo, IF (ATL)

Top Prospects Series - Defense

2011-10-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

OK, now for the defensive wizards. Note that these are the best defenders among the top prospects, not the best defensive guys who are career minor leaguers or even average major leaguers.

1. Jumbo Bravo, IF (ATL): cannon arm and great range...his glove will probably fall short of GG-SS caliber, but he'll get the job done.

2. Hector Bennett, IF (PHI): range and arm strength as good as you'll find anywhere...glove and accuracy probably mean he's a 3B.

3. Luis Fernandez, IF (FLA): best glove among the top prospects; range and arm strength will be lacking for a SS.

4. Jim Garcia, 3B (LAA): best arm strength among top prospects

5. Albert Santayana, IF (SEA): As if this guy isn't a good enough prospect on offense alone. Only question is what position his glove will let him play...he might get to 3B or 2B territory. If not, he'll be a Gold-Glove OF who leads the league in assists.

Honorable mention: CF Len Sullivan (PIT), CF Eugenio Cubillan (NYM), 2B Melvin Charleston (SD)

Top Prospects Series - Offense

2011-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Which teams will get the best offensive help from their minors in the next few seasons? Looks like the Mariners claim the next mega-star, and the Phillies have two of the top five offense-skills prospects.

1. Albert Santayana, 3B/2B (SEA): best power prospect in the league adds very good contact skills plus an excellent batting eye. Capable of .340, 60+ HR's and multiple MVP's.

2. Melvin Charleston, 2B (SD): great contact, 30-HR power, superb eye and blazing speed will translate into excellent all-round numbers. Only question mark is how well he'll fare against RHP.

3. Tsuyoshi Tabaka, 1B (PHI): gotta love the lefty power hitter who makes good contact and kills lefties. Won't lead the league in walks, but will get his share.

4. Len Sullivan, CF (PIT): another burner...may end up with the best walk totals among the league's prospects. Will handle lefties adequately and toss in 20-25 HR's.

5. Hector Bennett, IF (PHI): not superb in any one area, but no weaknesses. Should consistently hit .285-.325 with 25-35 HR's.

Honorable mention: Dave Diaz (ARI), Luke Gleason (CHI), Mikey York (BAL)

Season 17, Poll 1:Owners Say Nakano is Majors Leagues' Best Hitter Ever

2011-10-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Major Leagues' owners overwhelmingly voted Jae Nakano the best hitter in the world's history in Season 17's first poll.

Nakano got 9 votes to Luis Escobar's 4, with Tim Rogers, Tomas Pascual and Dickie Scharein getting 1 vote each.

Next up we'll tackle the top position player prospects.

Free Agency Part 2

2011-10-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Nationals made the big headlines but there were plenty of other interesting deals made during the second half of Free Agency. Here's a summary of the rest of the Type A and B signings:

Doug Bay, RP: Chicago (AL) - 1 year, $4.6MM. Excellent "old-guy 1-year contract. Bay has seen only a negligible ratings drop (couple of points in DUR) and is looking like he'll be effective until he's 40. Blanch's Grade: A

Ajb's Second Opinion: The screwball specialist will be at it again for one more season. Great control plus nasty nasty screwball equals many outs. Wouldn't be surprised to see him step in and close a few games but for right now he will be a key pitcher out of the pen to bridge the gap between the starters and the closer. Ajb's Grade: A

Neifi Martin, 3B: Philadelphia - 3 years, $11.4MM. Neifi's still good, but the ratings are collapsing. Fortunately the Phillies retained a mutual option for the 3rd year. He'll still hit this year, but the end is in sight. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb's Second Opinion: He's not the player he once was as his ratings are starting to decline. Even so he still should put up solid numbers for the majority of his contract. His bat may still hold up but his defense is falling fast. May see time in the OF. For 3 million a year he is not being overpaid at all. Ajb's Grade: B+

Aaron Taylor, 2B: Pittsburgh - 3 years, $20.8MM. Great defense, a little pop, and he plays 162 games a year. Maybe a little steep on the price tag, but a solid player. Blanch's Grade: A-

Ajb's Second Opinion: Terrific signing, great health and his ratings have not yet started slipping. His offensive production should totally justify the annual salary that he will be making. Ajb's Grade: A

Jesus Olivares, RP: Washington D.C. - 5 years, $110MM. The one everyone's talking about. On one hand, can you give a max contract to a relief pitcher? On the other hand, Olivares can give you SP innings with a little work. You have to take the Olivares, Javier and Lindblom contracts (total: $274MM) as a package deal: World Series or two, they all get an A. No WS, they get an F. For now, Olivares is a very good pitcher who got overpaid. Blanch's Grade: C

Ajb's Second Opinion: Hmm, where have I seen this before. Washington making a huge free agent signing, again. Well there is no doubt who has one of the better bullpens in this world. Like I said before, this is a A+ signing if they win a World Series or two, if they don't, well then that's a lot of money being spent. Ajb's Grade: B

Miguel Javier, 2B: Washington D.C. - 5 years, $90MM. Everything's pretty much all been said about D.C.'s contracts at this point.

Ajb's Second Opinion: See every other Washington signing....

Alex Renteria, C: Tampa Bay - 3 years, $15.3MM. Looks like a great price for an All-Star to me. Blanch's Grade: A

Ajb's Second Opinion: Last year was a great year for him and while he has never had trouble hitting 15-20 home runs a year, his batting average has never been great (until last year). 5 million a year for the next 3 years is not over paying for his services. Ajb's Grade: B+

Len Brower, RP: Tampa Bay - 1 year, $3.9MM. Another good 1 year, old-reliever deal. Blanch's Grade: A

Ajb's Second Opinion: He should be a solid addition to the Rays bullpen, and if he's not? Well he's only signed for one year. Good signing. Ajb's Grade: A

Nigel Simon, 3B: Tampa Bay - 3 years, $15MM. Not a bad price for a guy who could put up numbers close to Vin Sanchez'. Blanch's Grade: B+

Ajb's Second Opinion: A poor man's Vin Sanchez is a good way of describing him. And for 5 million a year he is a lot cheaper then Sanchez. Ajb's Grade: B+

Sarma Nagy, RP: Chicago (AL) - 1 year, $3.7MM. Sox hit the nursing home for another (good) reliever. Blanch's Grade: A

Ajb's Second Opinion: He is coming off of major shoulder surgery. Doesn't have the health he once did, but for 1 year he should be able to be a good asset the the White Sox's bullpen. Just don't pitch him to much. Ajb's Grade: B+

Vin Sanchez, 3B: Milwaukee - 5 years, $101MM. Sanchez is a really good player, no doubt. $101 million worth? No. Blanch's Grade: C

Ajb's Second Opinion: Best player in this free agent class? Yes. Will he make Milwaukee a better team? Yes. Can he carry the team by himself? Probably not. Not a terrible signing, it fills a need but Milwaukee has other things to worry about, like who is going to play CF. Ajb's Grade: B

Tony Cornejo, SS: Seattle - 2 years, $5.4MM. Slick fielder is worth every penny, although he probably continues as a backup. Blanch's Grade: A

Ajb's Second Opinion: Great defensively, average with the bat. He could see some time as the starter at short, but his real value will probably be coming off the bench as the number 1 defensive replacement. Ajb's Grade: A

Joe Davis, RP: Seattle - 2 years, $9.6MM. 5.38 ERA last year. 2.79 ERA the year before while walking 27 in 38 innings. OK. Ryne Duren**, Ricky Vaughn, Nuke Laloosh...Joe Davis? Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb's Second Opinion: He throws very very hard. National League hitters are breathing a sigh of relief now that they do not have to face him.... and fear of getting blasted by him. Needless to say he doesn't have great control. Getting out of Colorado and going to a big time pitchers park should help his numbers. Ajb's Grade: B

** from the Ryne Duren Wikipedia entry:

Rinold George "Ryne" Duren (February 22, 1929 - January 6, 2011) was an American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.^[1]

He was known for the combination of his blazing fastball and his very poor vision. With his thick coke bottle glasses, few batters dared to dig in against Duren. Casey Stengel said, "I would not admire hitting against Ryne Duren, because if he ever hit you in the head you might be in the past tense."

Cristobal Vizcaino, RP: Minnesota - 2 years, $6MM. Had a couple of good seasons in Minnesota, so maybe the homecoming does him good. Can't fault the Twins for the price. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb's Second Opinion: Had a rough go, during his two years in Arizona. Still a solid left handed pitcher. Good health and has not started his decline ratings wise. Good signing. Ajb's Grade: B+

Jerry York, SP: Minnesota - 2 years, $13MM. Is a 200-game winner in HBD like a 300-game winner in rl? Jerry's still got it. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb's Second Opinion: Does the old man still have 2 years left in the tank? Probably. Great health and surprisingly has not had a major drop off in ratings yet. Should continue his ascent towards the top 5 record in wins, as he only needs 4 to be in 5th place. Ajb's Grade: B+

Carl Ashley, RP: Arizona - 1 year, $1.9MM. The Diamondbacks wrap up FA with another nursing home reliever. Not the best of the old RP's, but the best price. Blanch's Grade: B+

Ajb's Second Opinion: Good reliever already, but the price the Diamondbacks got him at he looks like a great reliever. Should have one solid year left. Ajb's Grade: B+

Pitchers Go Early, Lindblom Hits Jackpot in FA

2011-10-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Many of the league's top available starters took early offers today, with 8 hurlers signing. Catcher Cory Lindblom was the day's big winner, taking home a $74 million deal with the Nationals. Today's A/B signings (through PM2 Cycle Part 1):

Branch Cepicky, RP: San Diego - 3 years, $21MM. Mega-innings reliever will enjoy the move from Colorado to San Diego. Nice value for a guy that could throw 200+ innings. Blanch's Grade: A

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Good Health and he has not seen a major decline in his abilities. However last season was his first as a starter. High ERA can be attributed to playing in Colorado, while his low stamina would make him a better fit back in the bullpen. Overall a 3 year run at 7 million isn’t a bad risk, for a back end starter or top of the line reliever/closer. Ajb’s Grade: B+

Sherman Moore, SP: Kansas City - 3 years, $18.6MM. Long-time Twin becomes a back-of-the rotation guy for the pitching-rich Royals. Won a career-best 11 last year - could easily top that this season. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Solid innings eater, nothing great about him, but nothing bad. Working as a 4^th or 5^th starter will greatly help his numbers and give the Royals solid production at the back end of their rotation. Decent contract for the next 3 years. Ajb’s Grade: B

Taylor Mullin, 1B/OF: Toronto - 1 year, $4.25MM. 13-year vet has had a couple of off years, but the ratings suggest he can still hit. Bet worth taking. Blanch's Grade: B+

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Classic low risk/high reward contract. Of course that is all banking on if he hits. Mullin is near the end of his career but still has the ability to put together a .280+/20+/85+ season. His low range and arm strength will basically make him a 1B/DH. Ajb’s Grade: A-

Bo Benard, SP: Toronto - 2 years, $15MM. Has the control and vR of an ace, but the P2-P4 apparently lead to inconsistency - 5 seasons with ERA's above 4.00. But no ratings declines at 35, and if he matches his career ERA (4.18) over his contract, the Jays will probably be pretty happy. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Possibly steal for Toronto getting him at 7.5 million. That is of course he puts together another season like last year. Still for a solid innings eater with great health 7.5 million a year isn’t out of range for him. Ajb’s Grade: B+

Lew Cannon, SP: Boston - 2 years, $11.4MM. Career 3.39 ERA man (and 143 wins) has had some injury-related ratings dings, but remains a top SP (only 1 4+ ERA season out of 13). Blanch's Grade: A+ Bargain

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Health is a risk for this player, but when he is healthy he puts up great numbers. Is starting to see a decline in his ratings, but should hold together alright for two years. Ajb’s Grade: A-

Al Jose, RP: Montreal - 2 years, $9.2MM. Career started a little slowly, but has now run off 5 straight good seasons. Ungodly curveball...nice addition for the Expos. Blanch's Grade: A-

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Nasty, nasty curveball, just average against LHB and is pretty good against RHB. Has solid control and isn’t prone to giving up walks. Good signing. Ajb’s Grade: B+

Kane Delaney, SP: Cincinnati - 2 years, $10.8MM. Extreme groundballer has a 5-pitch assortment - he'll get his K's but will also dish out some free passes. The big question may be how he'll adjust to a smaller ballpark. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb’s Second Opinion: The good – groundball pitchers historically have success in Great American Small Park. The bad – 5 million for a long reliever is a little much. The ugly – is starting to decline in his ratings, also health is a BIG concern as his right elbow is being held together by gum and a paperclip (MacGyver style). Ajb’s Grade: B-

Damaso Baez, CF: New York Mets - 3 years, $22.5MM. Not great range for a CF, but a plus glove and a bazooka arm (for a CF). Add in 20+ HR power and you have a top-rung CF. Not a bargain, but not a bad price for an offense/defense package of this caliber. Blanch's Grade: B+

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Just on defense alone, he’s worth a couple million a year. Add in 20+ homers and 20+ steals and his contract is justified. Now if he could only hit better than .240….. Ajb’s Grade: B

Frank Ruffin, 1B: Toronto - 1 year, $4.4MM. Ordinarily I love the old-guy 1-year contract, but Ruffin has become a bit innocuous to be a 1B or DH. Third Type A/B FA of the day for the Jays. Blanch's Grade: C

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Another low risk/high reward signing (I love these kind of signings). 20+ homers and .250+ average for 4 million, I can’t find a reason to complain about that. Of course he should never see any other position besides DH. Ajb’s Grade: B-

Denny Sullivan, SP: Nashville - 3 years, $18.3MM. Blazing fastball, keeps it down, quality pitches...and wild. That about sums up Sullivan, who has posted a 4.15 career ERA. Blanch's Grade: B

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Could be casted as the real life Ricky Vaughn (besides the glasses and criminal record). Solid health and hasn’t started the infamous old player decline yet. Will he be able to produce solid numbers of the life of his contract, remains to be seen. Ajb’s Grade: B

Roberto Jacquez, SP: Pittsburgh - 5 years, $46.1MM. Given the other contracts for starters signed today, the Pirates appear to have overestimated the market for Jacquez. The front-loading will take some of the sting out in future years, though, and Jacquez is still top-notch despite last year's ratings hit (injury). Blanch's Grade: C

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Was able to put on good numbers in a horrid ballpark (Colorado). However he is coming off elbow surgery from last season, his health is a big question mark and he appears to be declining. The only way he can justify this contract is by staying healthy and putting up decent numbers. Ajb’s Grade: C+

Cory Lindblom, C: Washington D.C. - 5 years, $74MM. The question is not whether he'll be worth this amount in the out years - he won't. The question is whether D.C. wins a championship with Lindblom behind the plate in the next 2-3 years. If so, it's a Grade A signing. Until then, Blanch's Grade: C-

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Wow what a contract! It’s obvious Washington is in a World Series or bust mode, so getting as much offensive production as possible is the main key. Is he worth the contract? No. But if Washington wins 1 or more World Series titles in the next 3-5 years then the contract doesn’t matter as much. Ajb’s Grade: C- (No World Series titles) A (World Series titles)

John Lee, SS: San Diego - 4 years, $21.3MM. Lee has been an ace defensive SS with a little pop - 103 career HR's. The problem is, his power rating will start dropping and the park will suppress HR's. Still a top SS, but the price on the last 3 years may be a little high. Blanch's Grade: C

Ajb’s Second Opinion: Defensive stud, average on offense. His power numbers will probably drop moving to San Diego, but he should solidify the Padres infield. Health is a slight concern as well possibly ratings decline in the 3^rd and 4^th years of the contract. Ajb’s Grade: C+

Nationals...WOW!!

2011-10-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Already headline-makers on day 1 of FA (committing $74MM to catcher Cory Lindblom), the Washington Nationals blew the doors off free agency today with a max-$ ($130MM) contract for RP Jesus Olivares and a $90MM deal for 2B Miguel Javier.

Along with the trade for LF Paul Henderson and 3B Joaquin Guzman, the moves totally transform D.C.'s already-good offense. Look for 1115-120 HR's and 75 SB's as the Nats try to supplant Colorado atop the runs-scored list.

Although it's unclear how the team plans to use Olivares, it's doubtful they would offer a max contract to someone they pictured in a 60-inning closer role. More likely, they're expecting him to throw 2-3 innings in the middle of games...with no lead safe against this team, could he win 20 as a setup man?

Who's The Best Hitter In Major Leagues' History?

2011-10-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it depends on your stat.

Here are the top 5 by the most traditional measure, OPS:

Luis Escobar .993
Dickie Scharein .991
Tim Rogers .979
Harold Wilkins .975
Jae Nakano .975

Here they are by rc/27:

Nakano 9.41
Escobar 8.78
Tomas Pascual 8.62
Scharein 8.45
Rogers 8.42

4 of 5 the same, although Nakano moves from 5th to first.

Finally, by "approximate woba (weighted on-base average)". ((2 x OBP) + SLG %)/3 ends up being a pretty good proxy for woba.

Escobar .474
Nakano .471
Rogers .466
Pascual .465
Scharein .456

Who's your pick?

Philadelphia Phillies Season Outlook (Season 10)

2010-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Last season was a disappointing one in Philly, finishing last overall. Pitching stats were high, offense numbers were low. It was a transition year, to say it as positive as possible. Hopefully, season 9 marks the turning point for the Philly franchise, having never made the post season in World Major Leagues, nor ever even finished higher than third in the NL East. New direction was added, a plan was formed to keep advancing in that direction, and goals have been targeted at the end of that plan. Unfortunately, this season in itself does not promise a whole lot more than number nine.

It will be better...but small steps better, not the type of progression we were actually hoping for for this franchise. One of our short term goals, finishing .500, was supposed to be in sight this season, backed by some strong FA market activity. However, due to vacation plans and unanticipated lack of internet, those major signings were few and far between. Philly had their sights on two of the top Pitchers in this year's FA mad scramble, Kyle Powell and Victor Solano, which would have greatly improved this team. Looking back though, it's a double sided two edged sword bullet that was narrowly dodged, in terms of contracts. It was lucky in one sense to have avoided the slippery slope of Powell's contract, but unlucky to miss out on Solano who went for lower than expected. .500 is still in sight, but it might take a lot of good fortune to hit it this season.

The focus in Philly still remains on the long-term. Youth, depth and quality are the four buzz words that front office seems to fall back on after such set backs as this past FA period. A few decent Pitchers were signed, and some higher quality hitting will improve the team from last year, but not much was achieved in the long run. Two youthful pitchers, Todd Leon and Rafael Santiago, stand on that mound on the horizon, waiting to make their ML debut and impact on the franchise and the league. Most likely that will happen next season though, season 11. A budget that can attack the FA market could play a major role in that season ahead. For now, some fresh faces and a number one draft pick add some life to what will most likely be an event depleted season 10. There have been some rumors of trade, but wheeling is dealing is difficult when assets are low.

The goals for Philly are .500, 90 wins and a division title. Small steps though, small steps....for now.

Season 10 Predictions

2010-01-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

jgnjr asked jonboynky and I who we thought the division favorites were for season 10, presumably because we were the World Series representatives from season 9, and I figured it might make a good blog post and (hopefully) something that the prior year's World Series participants are willing to do on a yearly basis. Also hopefully, something that Minnesota management will have to do in season 11 and beyond! ;-)

Without further ado, here are my picks for division favorites.

NL North
Milwaukee Brewers - The class of the NL North, the Brewers return an impressive staff bolstered by the big FA signing of Kyle Powell. When a 100-win team adds to its strength such as the Brewers have, it's tough to see them anywhere but the top of the division.

NL East
Washington D.C. Nationals - This will likely be a battle, and the Mets return seemingly intact after a division title last season. With no major losses and a couple of savvy veteran role player signings in FA - including the very experienced defensive wizard Jesus Moralez - the Mets could easily be the team to beat for the time being in the NL East. That said, the Nationals were solid last season and I think this may be Washington's year, and what fun is it to just predict repeat winners anyway?

NL South
St. Louis Cardinals - In what is likely the toughest division in the NL, the Cardinals have taken the somewhat unusual step of mixing things up via trade immediately following a title run. It remains to be seen how it will impact the franchise, but while the rest of the division is nipping at the Cardinals' heels, they've yet to make the move that would put them over the top to unseat St. Louis.

NL West
San Francisco Giants - Years of quality drafting and excellent international scouting have quietly turned SF into something of a powerhouse on the left coast. Not given much media coverage way out west, SF nevertheless is poised to repeat as division champs and make a deep postseason run.

AL West
Oakland Athletics - A regular season juggernaut, and with the franchise's core of talent locked up this season and beyond, there's no reason to expect Oakland to slip in season 10. After the incredible run of regular season success Oakland has had, however, it's fair to say that fans have become impatient and merely winning the division crown is not nearly as satisfying as it once was.

AL South
Nashville Sounds - In season 9, Nashville posted the best record ever by an AL South member, improving on the division's previous best by a remarkable nine games. Though Tampa also turned in a good effort to finish .500 - giving the division two teams at or above .500 for the first time since season 2 - Nashville has separated itself a bit from the pack and is the pick to beat in the division until proven otherwise.

AL East
Baltimore Orioles - With a relatively quiet off-season, it looks as though no one has been able to close the gap and catch Baltimore, who won the division in season 9 with a comfortable 18-game cushion.

AL North
Chicago White Sox - Ah, yes, the bloodbath that is to be the AL North. Defending division champion Detroit hasn't missed a step and should see the post-season again, but I couldn't just pick all of the season 9 AL division winners to repeat, and Chicago has made great strides signing two top FA bats - Turk Weaver and Taylor Mullin - and landing front-end pitcher Mike DeJean from Seattle for minor league prospects. These new additions should be enough to boost Chicago to the top of the division, though it'll be far from easy and Detroit remains a force to be reckoned with.

New For Season 10!!!

2010-01-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

In an effort to bring the World Major Leagues Blog up to speed, a chat-room as been added to help facilitate trade discussions. You can find the link to the chat-room in the upper right-hand corner of the blog. Hopefully this will be the first of many additions to the blog this season (I say that every season, don't I?). Good luck in the long season ahead!!!

In Pursuit of Perfection... (Clean Sweeps)

2009-07-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

Sure, if you have sacrificed your future for the present, you can win the majority of your Major League games pretty easily. And yes, if you have all of your best players sitting in the minors, it's pretty easy to win most of those games, too.

The true mark of a successful owner, however, is when he can be successful at every level. Likewise, the true mark of a great HBD cycle is when your franchise accomplishes a clean sweep - a win in every game it played during that cycle.

Let's see what owner can reach perfection the most often during the season. Send me (Minnesota Twins) a trade chat if your franchise experiences perfection during a particular cycle, and I'll add you to the running tally below. For purposes of this tally, only cycles with at least 4 games played will count as "perfection." The final winner will get my hearty congratulations and some modest bragging rights.

For this season 8, our first tracking the "clean sweeps," the tally will begin post-All-Star break.

Good luck everyone!

Season Totals
1.......7*......Oakland Athletics
2.......6*......New York Mets
3.......3.......Nashville Sounds
4.......2.......Houston Astros
5.......1.......Milwaukee Brewers
5(T)....1.......Montreal Expos
6.......0.......Everyone Else

Perfect Cycles
Houston Astros - 8/3 PM (6/6); 8/3 PM2 (6/6)
Milwaukee Brewers - 8/8 PM (6/6)
Montreal Expos - 8/14 AM (6/6)
Nashville Sounds - 8/7 PM2 (6/6); 8/8 PM (6/6); 8/17 AM (6/6)
New York Mets - 8/4 PM1 (6/6); 8/5 AM (5/5; rookie off); 8/5 PM (6/6); 8/7 PM2 (6/6); 8/11 AM (5/5; rookie off); 8/16 PM2 (5/5; rookie off)
Oakland Athletics - 8/4 AM (5/5; ML off); 8/5PM2 (6/6); 8/7 PM (6/6); 8/10 AM (6/6); 8/10 PM2 (6/6); 8/11 PM (6/6); 8/15 PM (6/6)

First Half Pickup of the Season (Minnesota Twins edition)

2009-07-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

The Twins enjoyed a great deal of off-season stability once again heading into Season 8, so this particular accolade was not hotly contested. Only two ML contributors ended last season as a member of some other franchise. Coincidentally, both of those players ended last season as part of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Runner-up for the First Half Pickup of the Season (Minnesota Twins edition) is Wade Harper. The only Rule 5 acquisition for the Twins this season, Harper was selected in Round 1 of the Rule 5 Draft, with the 32nd overall pick. Though he has been part of the platoon, along with William Koh, that was asked to replace departing Free Agent Solly Yearwood, management was fully aware that Harper's value was tied to his glove rather than his bat.

Prior to being picked up by the Twins, Harper had never been fully appreciated by the franchise that employed him. A Third Round pick (108th overall) in Season 3 by donaldkey and the Chicago Cubs, Harper signed for the modest sum of $425,000 as a signing bonus. He then logged 190 AB in 69 games for the Cubs' Rookie League team that season before he was released. Recognizing his value as a minor league defensive replacement, jonboynky claimed him off of the waiver wire on behalf of the St. Louis Cardinals and assigned him to the AA level after the season had ended.

For the next three seasons, Harper toiled away at the AA level as a part-time player. He production with the bat was unspectacular, but he slowly forced himself into the lineup more and more often by virtue of his defensive prowess. His AB progressed steadily from season to season, from only 70 AB in 101 games in S4, to 191 AB in 100 games in S5, to 238 AB in 102 games in S6. Finally, in S7, still at AA for STL, Harper broke into the lineup full-time, posting a .224/.299/.310 line in 504 AB in 144 games. Though he struggled to make contact at times (103 strikeouts), Harper did accumulate 30 extra-base-hits and 20 stolen bases in that full season. Nevertheless, he did not fit into the long-term plans of STL, and so was left unprotected in S8's Rule 5 draft, where he was snapped up by the Twins.

Since getting his break in Minnesota, Harper has filled his role admirably. As the primary SS against right-handed hitting, Harper has batted .205/.271/.308 in 117 AB over 40 games. He's also been successful on 5 of his 6 stolen base attempts and contributed 14 runs, 4 doubles, a triple, 2 home runs, and 13 RBI. More importantly, he has fielded the SS position well, turning in a .981 fielding percentage and a 5.09 Range Factor thus far.

All that said, while Harper has undoubtedly been a valuable role player for the Twins so far, he is clearly not the winner of the First Half Pickup of the Season (Minnesota Twins edition). That honor goes instead to Hideo Hyun.

Primarily a left fielder in S7 for the Cardinals, Hyun was reasonably productive last season, particularly with the bat, hitting .243/.319/.513 with 38 HR and 23 SB. Eligible for his second arbitration hearing in S8, however, Hyun was seeking more money than the Cardinals thought he was worth. As such, he found himself in the unenviable position of being released and looking for work before Spring Training in S8.

The Twins, at that time, were faced with a bit of a dilemma. Management thought the ML squad was one big bat from becoming a top contender, and while Blade LaRue had filled in admirably towards the end of S7, he wasn't quite what management had in mind long-term. After some very surprising arbitration hearing results (most notably Virgil Mendoza and Gabby Martin losing their cases and being awarded the league minimum of $378,000 each), the Twins had an unanticipated payroll surplus and went looking at the available free agents.

By this point, four days after arbitration hearings, most of the better FA had been signed and were holding press conferences showing off their new uniforms. Hyun, however, had seemingly slipped through the cracks. Though not the big bat Twins management was hoping for, Hyun's combination of power and speed seemed to fit well with the Twins transition to a more well-rounded offensive team, and management thought he would be worth the signing as a stop-gap until the big bat could be landed (those attempts eventually proved fruitless). Hyun, anxious for a place to play, signed with the Twins for the reasonable salary of $3,750,000 in a one-season deal.

Four years removed from a stellar rookie season (.285/.346/.655, 56 HR, 102 runs, 130 RBI), Hyun found himself at a career crossroads when Spring Training opened. With All-Star candidates Jay Black and Hiram Bang firmly entrenched at the corner OF positions, Hyun was given the opportunity to compete for AB at 1B/DH. With the pressure on, especially with Donn Stafford expected to make the jump to the Major Leagues as the primary DH, Hyun performed admirably, hitting .389/.421/.667 in 18 Spring Training AB. While Stafford opened the season in AAA, Hyun played on a nearly daily basis early in the season at DH vs LH pitchers and 1B vs RH pitchers. When Stafford was called up, Hyun stuck as the 1B vs RH SP and the 4th OF vs LH SP, used to keep other players fresh (Moe Larkin generally starts vs LH SP).

So far, Hyun has recaptured the potent production that characterized his inaugural ML campaign. Appearing in 53 games, Hyun has logged 217, batting .313/.373/.650 for an OPS of 1.023 to go along with 20 HR and 10/11 SB. A 20-20 season seems in the works, and if playing time allows, 30-30 seems a possibility as well. Hyun has fit particularly nicely into the #3 spot in the batting order, allowing him to both score runs (53) and drive them in (50).

For all these contributions, Hideo Hyun has unquestionably been the First Half Pickup of the Season for the Minnesota Twins. For that Twins management salutes him, and vows to do its best to help Hyun add a World Series title to his collection of baseball accomplishments.

Spring Training Strategies: Season 8

2009-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

I am going to open this one up for complete interaction and discussion.

What are your Spring Training strategies?

To get started, I try to run with 30-35 pitchers and 30-35 hitters. I also like to ensure I have at least 3-4 players for each key position (SS, 2B, 3B, CF and C). As far as pitching goes, I generally run a staff of "Tandem" Starters 1-4 giving 8 SP plenty of IP over the course of the spring. The "locks" for the rotation usually make up the "a" portion of the tandem, while the prospects generally make up for the "B" part of the tandem. Every other pitcher on my roster gets designated a Setup A. As they accumulate innings, they get benched untill all members of the staff have a roughly equal amount of IP. For example, after 2-3 games I will go through and rest any RP that has pitched at least 1-2 innings, ensuring that those who haven't pitched yet will get their chance. With 30-35 pitchers on hand (22-27 of which are RP), each usually gets between 3-6 IP over the course of 3-8 outings or so. As far as hitters go I let my starters start the first game or two, then I try not to play any of my ML starters again until the last few games of the Spring. I like to run lineups out there consisting of my best prospects and some fringy-types to see how they play out. I used to think it would help one of my lesser players catch a DiTR, but I have since learned that playing time during Spring Training has nothing to do with DiTR's. This is just a rough overview on how I approach the dreaded Spring Training games. What's your approach?

Mike Piazza Award

2009-04-16T07:54:00.001-07:00

Voting Criteria - Please vote based on relative value of the pick (so consider round/pick), his success at varying levels (the higher the level the better), and his long-term prospects to contribute at the Big League Level.

Without further ado, here are the candidates submitted for the first Mike Piazza Award (covering seasons 1 - 6).

In Alphabetical Order:

Livan Baez - Season 3, Round 4, Pick 127, New York Mets, trooperbud

Oswaldo Concepcion - Season 2, Round 22, Pick 708, Minnesota Twins, zbrent716

Jake Howington - Season 4, Round 3, Pick 76, Nashville Sounds, tonywin33

Oswaldo Lee - Season 4, Round 8, Pick 251, Colorado Rockies, mr_stickball

Chris Leverton - Season 6, Round 3, Pick 92, Chicago White Sox, pfontaine

Tiny Towers - Season 4, Round 6, Pick 193, Boston Red Sox, Stewart_UK

Michael Urich - Season 4, Round 3, Pick 80, Houston Astros, coachdeal10

Power Ranking Results

2009-04-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

Rank - Team - Votes - Record as of 4/16/09 AM game (Winning percentage)

#1 - Minnesota Twins - 9 - 42-18 (.700)
#2 - Houston Astros - 3 - 42-19 (.689)
#3(T) - Milwaukee Brewers - 2 - 32-29 (.525)
#3(T) - Oakland Athletics - 2 - 41-20 (.672)
#3(T) - Pittsburgh Pirates - 2 - 37-23 (.617)
#6(T) - Detroit Tigers - 1 - 39-21 (.650)
#6(T) - St. Louis Cardinals - 1 - 35-26 (.574)
#6(T) - San Francisco Giants - 1 - 30-30 (.500)

Owner Interview: tonywin33

2009-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

I think I saw it on CNNSI.com. Always loved sim type games so I figured I would check it out. Been hooked ever since.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

Trying to build the exact team I want; through draft, free agency, and trades. The only thing is, my ideal team keeps changing the more I learn about this game. More specifically the draft is what I spend the most time on. I'm a sucker for a good draft.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

So far, the playoffs. I know that sounds dumb, but let me explain. I have 6 real seasons (the other 3 were as a replacement owner for horrible teams) under my belt. I haven't been to the playoffs since my first season. When you're not in the playoffs, they seem to drag on forever. Hopefully that will change this year.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

I think I saw an ad pnut posted in the classifieds. Looked like a good league at the time. Luckily, I was right. Best league I've been in by far.

5. Who is tonywin33?

A stay at home Dad by day and retail Loss Prevention at night. I was a Manager a couple of years ago but seeing my son about two hours a day didn't cut it. So when my daughter was born I went part-time and stayed home with both of them. I'll never be able to complain about not seeing my kids enough, that's for sure.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

Favorite sports are NFL (Carolina Panthers), MLB (Atlanta Braves), and Mixed Martial Arts

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

Toss up between watching the Panthers in the Super Bowl (on TV) and going to my first MLB game as a teenager. My parents, best friend, and I made a road trip to Shea Stadium to see the Reds (my favorite team before moving to Atlanta) play the Mets. Jose Rijo pitched a 3 hitter against the Mets that day.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

Fantasy and Playstation mostly. Played some Front Office Football too.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

Vince Borbon SP in AA. My 1st ever pick with the Sounds. Should be an All Star pitcher at the ML level one day.

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

The league leader in batting average right now, A.J. Hemingway. He just seems like he's built to play in the Nashville ballpark.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

I've been able to improve my big league team without trading away all of my future prospects so I feel good about the medium and long term. Short term, this feels like the year for me to finally finish in something other than 2nd.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

Since Kansas City beat me for the division lead two of the last three years, I would probably go with them. Unfortunately, grissom left the league so it feels a little different this year.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

Good eye and splits. Depending on what I need at the time, power comes into play.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

Control, Splits, Pitch #1,#2, and GB/FB. Playing in Nashville and against Texas all the time does not bode well for flyball pitchers.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

Nothing great yet. Best of the rest was probably signing 3B Glendon Stein a couple of season ago. He's been exceeding any expectations I had of him.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

Probably putting P Darby Scott on the waiver wire last season. It's not that he was that great, but I essentially gave him away to the Yankees and then had to spend money to replace him with a free agent. Scott's been pretty decent for the Yankees the last season or so.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

I think winning my first playoff series will be my most memorable moment (when it happens). So until then, probably moving up to Division II in Hoops Dynasty. That was pretty cool even though I've dropped Hoops Dynasty altogether in favor of HBD.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

This team's strength has almost always been hitting. That seems to have continued this season, though I would like a few more home runs.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

Pitching, pitching, pitching, followed by fielding. This team has had issues with pitching since I got here. I'm making some progress, but not enough yet.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

Overall, it's a great league. Would like to see a couple of the powerhouses fall out of the playoffs though. Nothing personal pnut and zbrent.

Tonywin33 also offered up this nugget:

Bonus question: 21. Favorite all time movie? Cool Hand Luke

Steal of the Draft - AKA Mike Piazza Award

2009-04-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

With the Amateur Draft coming up, I thought it might be interesting to see who the very best player was out of those who "slipped through the cracks" in the first 6 seasons and was drafted in Round 3 or later.

So here's how we can do it - Go to World Office-->Reports-->Draft History. Set Season to "All", Franchise to your own Franchise, and Round(s) to 1-5, then 6-10, then 11-15, then 16-20, then 21-25. Check to see who you think was the very best prospect and/or the very best value pick your franchise drafted in Round 3 or later. As a shortcut, you can see the Current Level of the player all the way to the right. Odds are, if a player drafted Round 3 in S1 hasn't made the ML yet, he's not going to.

Post your Franchise's best value Round 3 or higher prospect and/or your franchise's best value pick in the comments. I'll collect them all, link them in a post, and we can vote for the winner of the Mike Piazza Award.

Power Ranking Poll

2009-04-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Please vote to the left for the one team you think is the best in the World right now. Voting closes on 4/14/09. Only teams with a .500 record or better were eligible.

Owner Interview: basilleaf2

2009-02-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

I don't remember exactly. I'm sure I was just surfing the web sometime and stumbled across the site. Been a member for about 8 yrs. now.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

Watching the younger players progress and make it to the ML level.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

I really can't stand spring training. I try to get my players a little playing time, but more worried about fatigue and injury. I almost never depend on ST to determine any of my starters.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

I actually received a credit for a free season for playing one of Fox's web games. Been in Evangeline league for 11 years now but with a free season, I needed to find another league & I liked the Major League theme.

5. Who is basilleaf2?

A 35 year old warehouse manager who is married with 3 wonderful kids, leaving in Indiana. An avid sports fan. Football - my first love, followed by hockey, baseball & basketball.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

Die hard Pittsburgh Steeler fan, great year this season. Also Die hard fan of The Ohio State University. Love the Reds (one of these years), Blackhawks, and Celtics.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

The 2002 OSU Buckeyes beating Da "U" for the championship.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

Played them all on Nintendo, but when Sony came out with Triple Play, that ended any free time I had. Madden, etc lost all my interest for seasons at a time of Triple Play.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

Luis Contreras is probably my best prospect in the minors. My ML lineup have a couple young guys that could be a potential all stars.

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

Mark Blum has been on my ML squad since day 1 and has endured the many losing seasons. Hopefully this team is turning the corner and he will see a playoff run in the near future.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

Right now I'm pretty excited about short, medium & long term. Hopefully this team will make a run next year at a playoff spot. With the draft picks and international prospects, the minors have a good amount of talent for several years to come.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

When you haven't come close to winning since the birth of the league, It's hard to have a big rival. I guess I'd say Natic Empire since he's dominated the NL West division.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

I'm a big splits guy. Need either contact or power with good splits. Eye, and speed are nice additions, but want good well rounded hitters.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

All 4 of the main categories. Stam, control, & splits. Don't pay much attention to FB/GB, put some weight into the pitch ratings.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

I haven't made many moves since I want to believe I have most of the pieces to the puzzle, just need them to all get to the ML level and mature.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

No particular move, but a couple of international prospects that I signed and then an even better one comes along, and I've already blown my load on other players.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

Still waiting on a signature moment. I've made it to the division championship series in my other league, but nothing noteworthy.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

Youth and salary flexibility. While they are young and getting the ML minimum, easy to spend money on the draft, training, international prospects.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

Again...youth. Just not quite there yet. Trying to be patient, but the time has come when this franchise should start to make some playoff runs, or ownership should be questioned.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

Considering where this league was just a couple of seasons ago, great strides have already been made. A solid group of owners who have been through some bickering and turmoil, just would like to see a solid group of 30 owners who keep coming back year after year.

Owner Interview: overeasy

2009-02-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

I originally signed up in December of 2001 where I did nothing but 10 game spring training sessions of SBD, one right after the other. I never paid them anything until a couple of years later when I started playing Hoops Dynasty with the dream of someday coaching my alma mater of Pacific in the Big West Conference of Division 1. I didn't start playing HBD until I was invited to join a new private world being formed by a member of my HD world who apparently respected my accomplishments over my 20+ season HD career. Once I started HBD, I knew I was done playing HD.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

Honestly, its hard for me to pinpoint any one item at this point as it is a very thorough and complete simulation game. It's the ultimate stat geek's wildest dream.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

If you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have said coach hiring or the time consuming transaction process. Since then, I've adapted my approach to coach hiring which has made it tolerable and the advanced roster moves page has greatly expedited team setup. Now I would have to say spring training as it has become pretty tedious trying to make sure your current and future ML players get enough action to see benefit and prevent skill degradation. But ultimately, you just spend the entire time praying no one important gets hurt in a meaningless game.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

I was invited to join with a personal invitation from the league commissioner, pstrnutbag44. He had just recently become a replacement member of the league I created and commish, Kinsella.

5. Who is overeasy?

I'm a 34 year old married man with two young boys, almost 3 and almost 1 year old. I live in Portland, OR and work as an electrical engineer with a small consulting firm.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

I have always been a fan of the three major American sports. For baseball, my first ever Little League team was called the Braves and with daily access to games via Superstation WTBS, I became an Atlanta Braves fan with my favorite player of all-time being Dale Murphy. This was despite the fact that I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but the Giants were our Little League rivals, so I just couldn't like any team with that name.With the 49ers conducting their Summer camp in a nearby park (and in those days they didn't even put up anything to stop you from watching right through the fence), I became a big fan of the team.In those same years, the NBA was all about two teams, the Lakers and the Celtics. I was one of the many kids who was mesmerized by the things that Magic Johnson did on the court. But honestly, with the changes in the way that the NBA game is played over the last 20 years, I would rather watch college than the NBA, where all of the players actually put out total effort for the entire game.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

Watching on television, I would have to say "The Catch." It was my first season following football where I actually understood what was going on and so it seemed pretty magical that my team was going to the Super Bowl. Of course, it also made me expect it to happen every season.In person, it would definitely be my senior year of college (1997) when the Pacific Tigers defeated Utah State for the Big West Conference Tournament title. It was their first NCAA basketball tourney appearance since 1979 and their first ever Big West title since joining the conference in the 80s. I was among those that rushed the floor to celebrate with the team.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

The first baseball game I played was simply using my baseball cards to simulate seasons in my head and track things using notebooks. This started shortly after I first started collecting cards, with my first ones being 1983 Donruss cards. How the players performed was sometimes based off of my knowledge of the players, but many times it came from how they looked in their pitcher. The most notable player who was a stud in my games but didn't actually become one in RL until later was Dave Stewart. He sure did look like a bad ass in his picture while playing with the Texas Rangers. The most notable RL dud who shined in my mind was Glenn Bragg. Man that guy looked like a monster that should have been hitting 40+ homers a year. I simulated about 25 seasons over the course of 1983-1989 when I had other priorites being in high school.I did play in a fantasy baseball league freshman and sophomore years of high school. It was a lot of work in those days compiling stats from the league stats in the newspaper on Sunday.As for video games, I played the ultra-realisitic baseball game on the Atari 2600 with the three fielders, including the pitcher. I didn't own another baseball game until I bought a used copy in 2004 of EA Sports' MVP Baseball 2003 for my PS2. I'm still playing the same franchise season that I originally started and I'm somewhere around Game 120.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

While I've got a couple of potential ace starters in my minors, I think there is nothing that is more of a sure thing in this game as power. The 18 year old kid I drafted this season, Butch Reed, with $20M projections looks as follows: Con 83, Pwr 96, vL 100, vR 65, BE 74. He is going to flat out rake, especially against lefties. He is even a passable catcher with a 70 PC projection. The reason he dropped to my draft position is probably because of his only 69 Dur projection. So I might only get 120-130 games out of him, but he could very well still hit 40 homers a season.

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

I don't really think a last place team has an MVP, so my franchise player at this point for the ML team would have to be Charles Mann. The 21 year old has played a passable 2B and has been great at the plate since his mid-season call-up. In 44 games, he has a .383 OBP and a .576 Slug. Pct with 12 homers and 9 SB.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

My major league team does not currently possess the talent to compete. Between the farm and the ML team, I think I have the makings of a pretty good pitching staff once everyone has developed. So in the short term, I need to keep payroll down in order to bring in some more quality position prospects, as this area is severely lacking. I'd like to be able to have a team that can annually compete within 4-5 seasons.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

It takes time and a competitive team to develop a rivalry, of which I currently have had neither.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

I don't really look for any one particular style but try to find guys with the right combination to be successful. A lower power player better have very good scores in the other four categories, as power really does seem to be the primary attribute that can overcome other shortcomings.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

I haven't had much success with starters with less than 60 control so I typically use that as a minimum, but like most the goal is for as many numbers to be 70+.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

Since I haven't done too much other than trade away some veterans that I wasn't going to resign for some cheap ML role players, I would say my best move was joining the league.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

Since I haven't traded away anyone of consequence yet, I don't think I have one.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

This past season, it was a special moment to win the World Series in the world I created. The team was truly "my team" as only 2 players on the playoff roster were in my franchise at world creation, a RH hitting specialist 1B/LF/DH and the #5 SP assigned as a long reliever for the playoffs who didn't pitch at all.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

Young starting pitching: With Arlie Gant and Junior Gil on the ML team, Byron Watson and Luis Cruz in HiA, and Felix Tyner in LoA, I've got potentially a very good future starting rotation.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

Hitting: Right now I am in short supply of quality hitters, because outside of Charles Mann (ML), Bo Hines (AAA), and Butch Reed (RL), the only other ML quality bats I have are going to put up decent homer totals, but with a low OBP.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

I think the league could use more parity. I don't know what happened here in the early seasons, but there is a wide talent gap between the haves and have nots. So hopefully with time and stable ownership, the talent will eventually become more equally distributed.

Power Rankings: Comments

2009-02-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

Feel free to comment/discuss votes below!

Owner Interview: coltonrocks

2009-02-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

I can't remember exactly but I belive I saw it mentioned in SportsIllustrated a while ago and figured I would give it a try.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

I think I would have to say the fact that you can control every aspect of the team and make all the decisions to help the team win.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

Like most people probably coach hiring. Losing sucks too though ;)

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

I was looking through the classifieds for a league that would take a rookie owner with absolutely no experience and this was one that caught my attention being modelled after the real major leagues. I came in season one and was able to get my Jays which also drew me to this league.

5. Who is coltonrocks?

I am actually an 18 year old first year Commerce/Business student at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. I have played just about every sport out there and am currently playing University football here for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies which makes coming up with the time and money to play this something of a challenge. That is the main reason I am only in this one world but it has definately been worth it so far.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

I played football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and just about everything else you can think of when I was younger. I have to go with mostly Canadian teams being from there. I will say the Toronto Raptors and Blue Jays, Calgary Flames, and for football I would have to say the Baltimore Ravens with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Football and basketball are my two passions though.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

Although I dont remember much about it as I was very young, the Jays winning back to back World Series' in the early 90's was huge for everyone in Canada and is incredible to watch old highlights of it. The Joe Carter home run specifically was a huge moment in sports for me. More recently and probably unknown to most here would be my hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders winning the CFL's Grey Cup in '07.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

I haven't played much for baseball games other than just the MLB series on PS2 and I usually have one or two fantasy teams every year in baseball.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

This is an easy one. For sure I will go with Willie Fernandez my AAA Shortstop. I have been really trying to get a SS for the past couple of year and the deal I was able to swing with the Mets to get Fernandez and Victor Gabriel will hopefully work out great for both teams. Fernandez has a good combination of defense and offense and should be an all-star calibre SS for a long time.

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

Aurelio Manuel is fast becoming our Franchise Player and team MVP. He was picked up in a deal with the A's in season 3 and has been very good so far hitting at least 20 HR's and 100 RBI's in each season here in Toronto. I am hoping that Eddie foxx can take over part of this role as well and he seems to be on his way with a solid season going here in season 6.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

I had thought that we would be making at least a run at a playoff spot this season but I have been terribly disappointed with the way we are playing right now. I feel we have a great pitching staff and our starters are all young and cheap at least for the time being so I see our medium term prospects as being pretty bright. In the long term things get a little more grey. We have a few solid prospects but many are close to being ML ready, so refilling the minors is my biggest concern for next season.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

Who else can I say other than my division mates especially zbrent. Everyone just seems to be getting better so it looks like this division will continue to be one of the toughest in the world for a long time.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

In hitters, splits and eye are the most important for me. I like to have both over at least 60. I dont pay as much attention to power as some people but I will take it if I can get it.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

In pitchers its control, splits, then pitches in that order. They have to have one of good splits or good pitches though. I probably would not take a pitcher with control less than 50 unless they were an absolute stud in every other rating.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

Getting Manuel and Doug Duran in season three has been a solid trade for both myself and the A's in my opinion. I belive that getting Fernandez and Gabriel this season will be a great deal in the future but giving up Byron Watson for them was tough to swallow.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

There are so many where do I start. Signing Neil Torres this year hasn't seemed to have panned out very well but I had the cap room and he has a mutual otion for next year which will most likely be picked up. Another poor move was signing Ajax Kaline to a 4 year deal worth 8.13 million per season and Zip O'Donnell to a 2 year deal worth 12.5 million per season in season 1. Then trading R.J. Wood and two others for Lucas Jones and two others. I pretty much destroyed my first season with those three moves.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

As this is the only world I am or have ever been in I guess te most memorable moment was making the season 3 playoffs. Hopefully I can improve on that and make a WS run in the next few seasons.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

I thought it was pitching but they haven't been as good as I thought they were.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?This season it has been my bullpen. It has been made up of mostly the same pitchers for the last couple seasons but has really struggled so far this season.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

It has been very good and stable since pstrnutbag took over as commish. Maybe me winning a playoff game would make things better but I don't have any real beefs with the way things are running right now.

Who Will Represent the NL in the NLCS? (Poll Results)

2009-01-27T08:51:00.000-08:00

Who Will Represent the NL in the NLCS? (Poll Results)

Poll Instructions - Pick the two NL teams you think will meet in the NLCS. Please do not vote more than once, and feel free to leave comments below!!

The Results (19 Voters)

1 (5%) Atlanta Braves

1 (5%) Chicago Cubs

0 (0%) Cincinnati Reds

0 (0%) Colorado Rockies

0 (0%) Florida Marlins

4 (21%) Houston Astros

0 (0%) L.A. Dodgers

0 (0%) Milwaukee Brewers

0 (0%) Montreal Expos

0 (0%) N.Y. Mets

0 (0%) Philadelphia Phillies

1 (5%) Pittsburgh Pirates

1 (5%) S.D. Padres

1 (5%) S.F. Giants

13 (68%) St. Louis Cardinals

11 (57%) Washington D.C. Nationals

Total Teams Named - 33. Since there were 19 voters, if everyone followed the rules, there should have been 38 teams selected (2 per voter). Since there were only 33, I imagine some people (myself included) misread the question and selected only the team they predict to WIN the NLCS. Oops.

Based on the results, it looks like people expect the favorites to have little problem separating themselves from the rest of the pack and dominating the playoffs as well. Over half of the voters expect either the probable #1 seed Washington D.C. Nationals, the probable #2 seed St. Louis Cardinals, or both to make the NLCS. Besides those two teams, only the Houston Astros (4 votes) had more than a single vote of support.

Who Will Represent the NL in the NLCS?

2009-01-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

New Poll up to your left! Pick the two NL teams you think will meet in the NLCS. Please do not vote more than once, and feel free to leave comments below!!

Owner Interview: shakazulu5

2009-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

After reading Moneyball I was all about Sabremetrics. Came across an ad for Simleagues on MLB.com, tried it out, and the rest is history.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

Organizational planning. Offseason mostly, but also during the season during dull moments at work when I can plan out where I'm pegging top prospects to play and how soon, prospects I don't have a place for and want to use trade, etc. I love structuring trades, planning which FAs to go for, making the "huge move". I've used countless scraps of paper scribbling different lineups and pitching staffs down. As rewarding as winning is, every offseason is the biggest challenge cuz if you're not moving forward you're moving back.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

Surprisingly it's not coach hiring- used to be, but I've been able to breeze through it recently. Spring Training still sucks- longest six days in HBD. If you're evaluating guys to bring up, it's usually only the 23rd-25th guy(s). They should play a ST game every half cycle.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

Thaceo's thread about rebuilding a world. Thought it was a great idea, and unknowingly took the team who's previous owner caused all the problems in the world the first 2 seasons. First comment I got when posting in WC was something like, "It's nice to actually pay attention to Atlanta's posts again." Thaceo bailed, pnut saved the day, and here we are.

5. Who is shakazulu5?

A fun loving 26-yr old, mortgage banker by day, student by night. Born and raised in Chicago and suburbs, live in Chicago now and can't imagine leaving. Die hard Cubs, Bears, Bulls fan- my perfect afternoon starts in the Wrigley Field bleachers at 1:20, Old Style in one hand, Chicago-style dog in the other... then there's all sorts of shenanigans that follow, but that's for another time.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

Guess I jumped ahead of myself back there. So, my favorite sport to play is (and always has been) basketball, to watch throughout a season it's baseball, but to watch just one game it's football b/c of the greater significance each game has.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

I wish I could say Paxson's 3-pointer over the Suns or any of countless Jordan moments, but I stupidly took the 90's Bulls for granted. So it'd be in 2003, Cubs just beat Atlanta to win their first postseason series in 95 years, drunk on Clark and Addison with thousands of other people doing the tomahawk chop, unreal. Made me realize how crazy this city will get WHEN the Cubs win it all:-)

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

There were tons. Nintendo- the RBI Baseball series, Major League Baseball, Bases Loaded (underrated), Baseball Stars, Baseball Simulator 1.000, Base Wars, Roger Clemens MVP Baseball, Tecmo Baseball. Sega- all EA Sports all the way, namely Tony LaRussa and Triple Play, then the best baseball console game ever: MVP Baseball 2005 for PS2. Haven't bought another since

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

Seeing that I've traded each of my top picks away and haven't acquired much young talent via trade, this is definitely my franchise with the least minor league talent. So, I'll go with either RP Andrew Burnett (LoA) this year's top pick C Lefty O'Leary (Rookie)- mainly b/c I haven't had a chance to trade him away. Will either be a star? No. A better question is will either make it to the Big Leagues in a Braves uniform? Hmmm...

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

I've probably had a different team MVP each season, but I gotta go with Miguel Martin despite his rough season 6 so far. Since I took over in season 3 through last season, he's hit .321 with a .428 OBP and a .587 SLG, averaging 132 Runs and 118 RBI, and a league MVP Award in season 4. So I don't have to worry about a #3 hitter for at least a couple more seasons.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

Short was supposed to be amazing, as I thought I improved on last season's 103-win team, yet here we are at 35-32. I'm hoping the hitting will come around, as the pitching's right about where it should be but my hitting that has finished no worse than 3rd in RS is currently 14th. The future's a question mark- I have a few veteran players with some good years left in them, but also a few pitchers filing for social security that I'll have to replace in free agency or via trade (see question 9 about crappy minors)

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

If it weren't for jonboy calling me out in his interview, and then proceeding to dominate the division so far this season, I'd say zbrent and the Twins simply because in my three seasons here we've met in the WS twice, each winning once. But as jonboy mentioned, our NLCS series was ridiculous (my coworkers probably thought I was on crack while I was going through the play-by-play). And coachdeal's Astros are a damn good team too, so it'd have to be those two. One helluva division, by far the best in this world ;-)

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

My specific preferences change somewhat depending on my home ballpark, but in general it's batting eye first, then splits and power, then contact (although I've started weighing CON higher). But a couple real high ratings can compensate for mediocre ones elsewhere. I'll usually take the better bat over the better glove, but I try to keep at least a couple defensive players up the middle (usually 2B and/or SS, and CF). And since I don't steal bases, don't care about speed or baserunning.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

Control, then at least one of splits or pitches- I'll take really good pitches with decent splits, and vice versa. I pay little to no attention to velocity or GB/FB unless it's at one extreme. I like SPs w/ higher DUR and lower STA- typically undervalued/misused, they'll be cheap to keep b/c of the lower OVR. Downside is they may not net you much compensation in FA- had two CYA winners in this world, neither was even a Type B the following season.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

I made 12 trades in season 3 to rework the team, as the previous owner had a vastly different philosophy than me. But getting SP Sam Betemit for CF Tony Martin was huge for me. Martin is an excellent CF, just doesn't fit my system- low eye and much of his value is in basestealing, and I had a CF I liked in the minors. Betemit is the prototypical undervalued SP b/c of low Stamina, even previously used as a reliever. He helped me win a WS in season 3 while winning the CYA, and has gone 55-19 w/ a 3.19 ERA for me. And at 32 and only making $4.4M, he'll be a cheap top of the rotation guy for a couple more seasons.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

A combination of moves to effectively dole out all of my top minor league talent. One day I looked through my minor league system, and poof! It's gone. And the prospect fairy didn't even leave me a quarter.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

Happens to be in this world, winning my first HBD World Series. I went something like 14 or 15 postseasons without having even reached the WS, so that was extremely satisfying.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

The stats would say it's my bullpen (20/23 in saves, 4 guys w/ under 2.75 ERA), but screw the stats- I still think it's hitting. I added two real nice bats to an already solid lineup, so I'm gonna keep betting on that horse until some 3rd grader's using it as glue.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

Jameson, but that's only the owner. Aging pitchers with no help in the minors. It's real tough to deal for SPs when the cupboards empty.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

After the thaceo incident our commish has done an amazing job turning this into possibly my most solid world. Maybe some more blog activity- although once again, pnut's doing the job here also. So I'll have a Coke.

New Power Ranking Format!!!

2009-01-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the New Power Rankings for Major Leagues. Place your votes on the left (you can choose up to 5 teams, please only vote one time though). Feel free to use the comment area below if you would like to expand on your votes in any way. Thanks for your participation.

Owner Interview: erffdogg

2008-12-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

found it thru mlb.com and started playing SLB. as soon as HBD came out though i was hooked and i rarely play SLB anymore. i still have a team or 2 going every now and then but nothing like HBD.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

all of it. being able to build a team the way you want and then watching it (hopefully) dominate. i get as much pleasure from watching my prospects develop as i do in winning in the bigs and if it takes 3 or 4 seasons to build a winner that's all part of the fun. a close 2nd would be the comraderie you develop with certain owners and competing against them season in and season out.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

coach hiring. nuff said.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

i was the Reds owner for a couple seasons earlier but left for reasons i can't remember now. i've always liked the mlb themed worlds and when letch dropped his teams i figured it would be a good opportunity to get back in. first and foremost i am a Reds fan but i've been know to root for the mariners from time to time as they are the closest AL tam to where i live. so i thought it would be a good fit.

5. Who is erffdogg?

hmmmm.... erff is a 30 something year old scotch irish auto mechanic who is hopelessly addicted to baseball, beer and babes. i live in montana so in the summer i play amateur baseball, i fish, i camp, i golf and i drink. in the winter i just drink. if you met me you'd think i was a redneck. i have a kick ass mullet and i sometimes wear a kilt.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

baseball. the Reds. i'm originally from Cincy and grew up watching the reds of the 80's and 90's. i watch football but don't really have a team. the Bengals suck ass. my girlfriend is a Bears fan so i do have a team to root against at least. i like hockey but not professional hockey. i catch an amateur hockey game every now and then up here.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

although it was just before i was born i'd have to say the 75 and 76 world series's. who doesn't like beating the red sox and yankees? in my lifetime, and i know this isn't baseball related, but i think when Dale Earnhardt won the Daytona 500. i was and still am a huge Earnhart fan. i've kinda strayed away from Nascar since he died. it's just not the same anymore.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

not much really. i played RBI. i still play games on Playstation. i currently have the newest Show game. I still play actual baseball in a wood bat league so all fantasy and video game baseball is of secondary importance to me there. yes even HBD. i spend way less time on my teams in the summer when i'm playing ball.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

if i had to pick one i'd say Erik Thompson in AA. he's no all-star but he'll be a decent defender and an average bat. i have a few guys that have some good tools in the minors but no real stars. i do have some good young guys just starting out in the bigs though.

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

don't know yet. Mike Dejean will be an excellent #1 and hopefully this year. i fear he may have been rushed but hopefully it won't hurt him too much. just traded for Harry Alonso, Taylor Mullin and Cesar Castillo on the offensive side and i could see any of them being an mvp type as far as the team goes. Alonso especially. we'll see.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

i'm looking to win now which is why i made the trades i did. letch did a good job of building the pitching staff on this team but the offense was lacking. i'm a big offense guy so i went and got some big bats and we'll see if they can overcome Safeco. most my guys are younger so if it works i should be good for awhile. if not it'll be a rebuild as the minors are thin.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

looking at the names in here i don't really have a rival. i've played against several of the owners here and against some like chase39 in the same division for seasons in other worlds. i'd like to meet my old Reds team in the WS if were ever possible. i'd like to beat my old team.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

good splits mostly but i love guys with big power and good eye. i'm not too attached to contact and wtf is bunt? of course there are guys you look for different thing is like a leadoff hitter but i've many succesful teams without a leadoff type. big bats from top to bottom.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

splits #1. then gb/fb though i've never been in a pitchers park this extreme so i don't know if i'll put as much importance on it here. control and pitches would be next. i don't mind a guy with average control if his pitches and splits are good. i rarely pay attention to velocity.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

hopefully the Alonso, Mullin trade but it is yet to be determined.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

i'd say trading one too many pitchers away this early. i'm ok now but an injury will hurt.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

finally winning a WS in MLB world. i had already won 4 but that one was the sweetest. i'd had a dominant team for several years and always made the playoffs but then i turned into Bobby Cox (or MikeT) and couldn't win. finally did after 9 seasons though.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

before i made the trades i did it was the pitching staff. i still have 2 very good frontline guys and a decent backend of the rotation but a kinda shaky bullpen. i have yet to see how a potent offense does in a pitchers park like this but in any other stadium i'd put my offense up against anybody's i'm hoping it works. we'll see.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

probably Safeco. it's a new experience for me. that and not much depth.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

ask me again later. i haven't noticed anything i dislike yet and as of now i wouldn't change anything.

Trade Spotlight (Update on Sydney White)

2008-12-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hardball Dynasty's

Sidney White

Following up on the prior Trade Spotlight, Sidney White has a new home in Seattle, and it is suiting him just fine. 25 games into S6, White is hitting .315/.371/.562 while playing 3B for the Mariners. To land White, the Mariners gave up Cristobal Vizcaino, Jolbert Acevedo, and Antonio Maeda.

White, along with the recently acquired Taylor Mullin and Harry Alonso, has the potential to help Seattle field a top offensive team, even while playing home games in the pitcher's haven of Safeco Field. Only time will tell whether that is enough to help the Mariners rebound from a disappointing S5 and revert back to the S4 form that netted them a 101-61 record.

Season 6 Power Rankings: Through 25 Games

2008-12-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

After taking a brief poll amongst Major League Owners, the following Power Rankings have been published for your enjoyment only. It is a representation of how the owners around the league feel the teams should be ranked. Hopefully, the next round will get a little more input!

1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Washington D.C. Nationals
4. Philidelphia Phillies
5. Kansas City Royals
6. San Diego Padres
7. Arizoa Diamondbacks
8. Chicago Cubs
9. Oakland Athletics
10. San Francisco Giants/Houston Astros (Tie)

Amongst the surprises here are that the Atlanta Braves were only mentioned by a single voter, despite being a perennial contender in the NL. The KC Royals have certainly made some huge strides an a relatively weak division with their incredible offense. The Giants slip in, all that talent should start paying off. I cant say I disagree St. Louis at #1. The combination of youth and talent there is amazing. Current WS Champs, the Twins, seem to be slipping in a lot of owners opinions. Washington was consistently ranked between 2-4 by almost all the voters. Oakland and Arizona come up fairly even across all the voters and should make for a great divisional chase down the stretch.

The 2-Hole:First Look At Oakland Part 2

2008-12-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

The 2-Hole

Welcome to the second installment in our "lineup" of blog material out of Oakland. This time, we'll glance over the 11-man pitching staff in Oakland for Season 6. Having only 11 pitchers means that outside the 5-man rotation, and the long/swing man, there are only 5 arms available out of the pen in the late innings. Further complicating this matter is the fact that there is only one left-handed pitcher on the enitre staff, and he's in the rotation. This will require some heavy workloads and very good bullpen management by the coaching staff consisting of Bench Coach Jorge Estrada, Bullpen Coach Sterling Staley, and former Detroit Pitching Coach Louie Porter. Estrada and Staley were both previously with the Athletics orginization. Estrada was the team's Bullpen coach last season, and Staley served as the AAA Pitching coach in Oakland since the start of Season 3. Having these cats on board helped to form the plan to go with the 11-man staff. Let's take a look:

Starting Rotation

1. Fernando Rosado (15-9, 3.33 ERA over 208.0 IP)
2. Steve Kennedy (15-5, 3.74 ERA over 192.2 IP)
3. Spike Shannon (13-4, 3.67 ERA over 154.1 IP)
4. Matt Scalici (13-9, 4.08 ERA over 165.1 IP)
5. Rico Rijo (11-4, 4.04 ERA over 120.1 IP)

Bullpen

Long/Swing: Herbert Piper (Career 49-28, 3.50 ERA in 655.0 IP as SP in MiLB)
Setup B: Virgil Picasso (3.23 ERA, 0.99 WHIP in 61.1 IP)
Setup B: Danny Leach (3.78 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in 33.1 IP)
Setup B: Doug Bay (5.34 ERA, 1.55 WHIP in 60.2 IP)
Setup A: Fonzie Wayne (1.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP in 17.1 IP as Sept. Callup)
Setup A: Lance Woolf (3.36 ERA, 1.39 WHIP in 142.0 IP!)

A lot has changed since the days of running a more specialized bullpen Oakland. A few seaons back, it was all about slotting guys into specific roles. There was a lot of success found using the LHS/RHS roles under the old coaching staff. However, with the acquisition of Woolf and the drafting of Wayne, Oakland was given a unique opportuniy to really shorten the bullpen down. These two workhorses can easily provide shutdown innings totaling between 250-300 innings between just the two of them. They key wil be them remaining healthy, and Wayne to show he is indeed ready for the big leagues. His "struggles" in the minors have long been attributed to his not feeling challenged at any level, as he was generally considered ready when he was drafted in Season 3.

As far as the middle innings go, Picasso has certainly proven he's capable of being a quality reliever. Posting excellent numbers and keeping a great deal of inherited runners from scoring, he has consistantly proved his worth as one of the most underrated of the Athletics. Bay and Leach are also no stranger to shutting down opposing hitters, although Bay certainly seemed to have lost his touch last season. Hopefully, taking the ball a little less often will help him regain his form. Herbert Piper has the ability to come in any inning, any time. He can start, bridge the gap to Woolf and Wayne, or fill in if/when the injury bug strikes. He definitely showed us the ability to get Major League hitters out last season in his first taste of the bigs (1.01 WHIP, 5.84 K/9, 1.46 BB/9).

Lastly, the rotation. Unfortunately, Oakland still lacks that elite-level Ace to propel them from perpetual playoff failure to World Champs. However, the rotation is still a top quality rotation, featuring very talented starters, top to bottom, all of which kept their ERA's around or below the 4.00 mark. Rosado leads this young and talented rotation as the pitcher who seems to be able to domiate the most often, although Kennedy is not far behind. These two form a solid 1-2 punch at the top, and can work a solid 200 innings each to head the rotation with certainty. Beyond that are three pitchers all still under 200 innings pitched in the bigs. Shannon, Scalici and Rijo have some of the most electric stuff you'll ever see at the bottom of a rotation. Scalici especially seems to have at least 3-4 plus pitches that he can throw in any count to get batters swinging away, or simply beating the ball into the ground for a ground-out. Rijo's control is amongst the best you will ever see, especially for a kid that inexperienced at the big-league level. Rico came up last year to fill a spot in the rotation due to injury and has never looked back. Spike Shannon (the lone Lefty) was that injured pitcher, and he was able to get back on solid ground after a shaky return from his DL stint for Elbow Inflammation. If any of these three falter, Piper will be around to step in, as will Brooks Everhart down in AAA.

It'll be intersting to see how the 11-Man-Plan holds up, and if Oakland can have another very fortunate year injury-wise. The talent is there for this team to dominate, but the consistency in the rotation is certainly the weak point that will need to be adressed at some point. Although there are some very talented arms in the system, there is no "Ace" ready to dominate in the bigs yet this season, so Oakland may have to continue to discuss trades with other teams if they wish to add that elite Ace. Great ptiching simply isn't enough. You need the best. Keeping opposing teams to 4 runs or less will certainly help this team win a lot of games, as the offense figures to score a ton. However, they need to find a way to cut that number in half if they want to ever see that WS trophy.

On Deck: The 3-Slot! A look at the Prospects in Oakland's system.

Leading Off: First Look At Your Season 6 Oakland Athletics

2008-12-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

Leading Off

Welcome to the first of 9 installments focusing solely on the Oakland Athletics. Today, in the leadoff spot, is your Oakland Athletics Season Six Preview. We will cover how this team looks at the beginning of the season and what to expect from the Athletics in their quest to finally take home the Major Leagues World Series Title.

First, we'll take a brief look at the projected lineups for the Season 6 Oakland Athletics, which will be doing something a little different this season, as far as platooning some key players goes.
Roosevelt Thomas asked if he could be the everyday lead-off hitter, and has been granted his wish by Oakland management, who is very excited to see what he can bring as the full time table-setter with his combination of power and speed. Mo Springer brings his 51 homers in 432 AB's down to the 8-hole where he says he feels no pressure and can just drive the ball as he pleases and also utilize his incredible speed when he's not smacking the ball silly. Hey, whatever works for you Mo! Kent Lewis is expected to take on his share of playing time, as are rookies Ronald Traynor and Bud Hogan. Being able to shift former AL MVP Turk Weaver between 1st and 2nd helps get these guys into the lineup, as well as Charley Jameson's willingness to take a seat vs. lefties. Weaver will also be allowed to reclaim his 3rd spot in the order, where he too claims to preform much better.

The defense is all around above average, never lacking in range at any position. However, the glovework of Weaver at 2nd, Springer in CF & Piper Ross occasionally at SS could use a little improvement. Former SS Jeff Zambrano has transitioned into a very good, if not great, 3rd baseman defensively and provides a ton of value all around. C Hersh Hargrave has been aging extremely well for a catcher, able to play in over 135 games in four straight seasons and handles himself very well behind the plate. Last season was quite possibly his best offensively, but it's been told that the way he handles his staff is an overlooked and vastly underrated part of his game. Hopefully, the teams excellent range can help it to overcome it's faults with the glove.

Overall, the starting 9 are extremely solid vs. both lefties and righties. Take a look:

Lineup Vs. LHP
1. LF Roosevelt Thomas (.298/.377/.550 in 342 AB's)
2. 3B Jeff Zambrano (.323/.380/.571 in 396 AB's)
3. 1B Turk Weaver (.293/.373/.500 in 594 AB's)
4. RF Terry Heffner (.295/.367/.580 in 553 AB's)
5. DH Ronald Traynor (.326/.436/.675 in 1661 Career MiLB AB's)
6. C Hersh Hargrave (.331/.430/.488 in 523 AB's)
7. 2B Kent Lewis (.331/.408/.481 in 2271 Career MiLB AB's)
8. CF Mo Springer (.329/.374/.745 in 432 AB's)
9. SS Piper Ross (.279/.335/.503 in 569 AB's)

Bench Vs. LHP
C - Bart Morgan
1B - Bud Hogan
DH - Charley Jameson
1B/LF/RF - Peter Small
Utility - Timothy Jones

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lineup Vs. RHP
1. LF Roosevelt Thomas (.298/.377/.550 in 342 AB's)
2. RF Terry Heffner (.295/.367/.580 in 553 AB's)
3. 2B Turk Weaver (.293/.373/.500 in 594 AB's)
4. 1B Bud Hogan (.325/.412/.627 in 2324 Career MiLB AB's)
5. DH Charley Jameson (.286/.375/.497 in 517 AB's)
6. C Hersh Hargrave (.331/.430/.488 in 523 AB's)
7. 3B Jeff Zambrano (.323/.380/.571 in 396 AB's)
8. CF Mo Springer (.329/.374/.745 in 432 AB's)
9. SS Piper Ross (.279/.335/.503 in 569 AB's)

Bench Vs. RHP
C - Bart Morgan
DH - Ronald Traynor
2B - Kent Lewis
1B/LF/RF - Peter Small
Utility - Timothy Jones

Noticeably different this season is the fact that there are 14 position players on the 25-man roster. The Athletics approach this year seem to be slanted toward an even more powerful offense, better balanced by the capabilities of the bench players.

Amongst those regularily on the bench will be backup catcher Bart Morgan, who's defense has kept him at the ML level backing up Hargrave for a couple of seasons now. It helps that he carries a bit of pop in his bat to go with those solid defensive skills. Timothy Jones will be around to handle the more demanding defensive substitutions that may need to be made. Not only can he cover any position on the diamond except catcher, he is lightning fast on the basepaths and comes in very handily as a pinch-runner. Peter Small is a cat that can handle 1B and the Corner OF positions nicely, while carrying a decent amount of pop in his bat and fairly quick speed as well. ALmsot equally effective against righties and lefties, he's handy for using against those managers who like to micromanage their bullpen.

When a LHP starts the game, Oakland will have two huge power bats than can come off the bench to hit later in the game if the opposing manager is forced to go to his pen. Bud Hogan & Charley Jameson are two of the most intimidating bats a manager can have at hand late in the game. As for when a RHP starts, Oakland will have the same luxury with Ronald Traynor available to pinch-hit late and the added versatility of IF/OF Kent Lewis to fill in capably anywhere on the diamond, and hit very well against lefty relievers. These added dimensions to the bench are expected to help boost an offense that will need to score plenty of runs after another failed attempt by Oakland ownership to bring in an elite Ace stater.

On Deck: #2 Hole - A look at the 11-man Pitching Staff in Oakland this season.

Owner Interview: jonboynky

2008-12-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

I actually began on WIS back in May 2001. I first heard about SimLeague Baseball by our local talk radio host Lance McAllister and have been a part of the WIS community ever since. I’ve play SimBaseball and Football, Hoops Dynasty and Clutch Racing Dynasty. I have only played HBD since it came out.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

In addition to watching your players grow and formulating a long term strategy for building your team, I enjoy watching rivalries develop over time. The NLCS between myself and Atlanta last season was epic and now that the Cardinals are competitive I see the NL South as being a toss up which should lead to some bad blood between us.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

I think the least favorite aspect of the game is that I wish our “fake players” had more personal aspects to them. I understand the temper, patience, and make up ratings but I feel they have very little aspect on a player. I would like to see 50 game steroid suspensions. I’d like to see a guy go postal on his manager for not getting enough playing time or get a 10 game suspension from the commish for starting a bench clearing brawl. Admin has done an awesome job with creating HBD and I hope that in the future some of the enhancement will include dealing with adversity just like in real life.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

Simply by reading the forums. A great majority of my teams were located in Cheyenne and I saw Major Leagues starting and thought it would be fun to try a different type of team and theme.

5. Who is jonboynky?

I am a 36 year old single father of my son Jamie. I grew up in Michigan and have lived in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area for 13 years. I am self employed as a management recruiter specializing in the hospitality industry.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

I grew up a Detroit Tigers fan and still follow them along with the local Cincinnati teams (Reds and Bengals). My favorite sport is probably racing. I enjoy all forms of racing, including NASCAR and Formula 1 but my favorite is Dirt Late Models. Almost every Saturday night from March till September you’ll find me at a local dirt track.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

Watching the 1984 Detroit Tigers win the World Series. I remember that team started off 35-5 and then went to the west coast and got swept by the lowly Seattle Mariners. I was pissed.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

My first baseball game was the old Baseball on Atari 2600. I loved those stick figures and square baseball. I’ve played so many over the years it is hard to keep track, everything from salary cap challenges to keeper leagues.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

That would be the 6’2” lefty from Lafayette , GA, Mr. Bobby Ray Dixon. Dixon was the first player chosen in the S3 amateur draft. Dixon is only 21 and is already a 77 OV. Dixon will start this year at AAA but may get called up later on this year. Dixon is kind of quirky in the fact that his velocity rating is 94, projected 100, and yet his four pitches are a change up, cutter, sinker and slider. Last year he struck out 162 in 151.1 innings. I’ll take that

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

The reigning NL Cy Young winner, Cesar Carrasquel. I traded for him at the beginning of last year and he did not disappoint going 19-4 in his first season in the NL. Carrasquel accounts for almost 25% of my total payroll with his $12M salary but he is well worth it.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

I believe the Cardinals will contend again this year for the NL South title. My team is young (average age of 26.3) and only two players are 30 or older. Many of my top players have yet to fully develop so I expect them to be better this year than last year’s 92 win team. I expect the Cardinals to become exceptional tough in a couple of more years once Dixon makes it to the bigs along with 20 year old Roberto Jacquez. I think that the Cardinals will have the best 1-2-3 starting rotation in the league for years to come which will make them a beast come a short playoff series.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

As I mentioned earlier, the battle with Atlanta in the NLCS was a classic and I think that has really lit a fire in the Cardinals. We open the season with four against the Braves and look to jump ahead early in the standings.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

I am attracted to more all around solid hitters. I am big on batting eye and contact. Also, I am a big speed guy which is why I prefer NL teams, I like the small ball aspect of the game. The push/pull rating is useless.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

Obviously control and splits are important…..If a guys control is less then 60 chances are I won’t even look at him. I have exactly 2 pitchers on my staff whose control is less then 74. When evaluating pitchers I look at his 2nd and 3rd pitches. A guy with splits in the 60s or 70s can be equally as effective as a guy with splits of 80s if his 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th pitches are above average.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

Dealing for Cesar Carrasquel last year. I gave up 2 MVP caliber players in SS Miguel Lopez and 3B Brian Morris, along with SP Harpo Patterson. In return I got OF Trevor Corsi who batted .297 with 18 HR and 36 SB, along with the NL Cy Young winner. Pitching wins championships.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

There are two actually…..a deal in S4 where I sent Vin Moya and Roosevelt Thomas to Colorado for Walker Leonard, Courtney Shaw and Jose Johnson. I would not have done that deal again, that goes to show that you should NOT evaluate trades while at work….not a good idea. Also a S5 trade where I sent Brian Richardson to Montreal for Solly Yearwood I probably should have thought twice about.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

That would probably be me very first world title in S2 of Rookies. Your first one of the most special but I’m proudest of winning 3 out of 4 titles in Pete Rose and am currently going for a three-peat.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

Balance and youth. My team is still developing and the future is bright in St. Louis. My team has a nice blend of speed and power. Lead off man 23 year old Alex Solano led the league with 130 SB while batting .299 in his rookie season while LF Hideo Hyun is the teams power threat slugging 39 HR last year which was down from 56 in S4. The Cardinals had 4 players with more than 30 SB and 6 players with 17 or more HR.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

At this point lack of a dominate closer. Carl Ashley had a solid season recording 40 saves in 43 chances and posting a 2.63 ERA but the year before was 28 for 35 in save opps with a 5.61 ERA. While there are plenty of good relief pitchers in HBD, I think WIS needs to do a better job of creating dominate shut down closers. In MLB, there are always 5 or 6 guys who are money day in day out, in HBD, it is a crap shoot from day to day or season to season on how relief pitchers perform, even for the best of the best.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

I think that Major Leagues is quietly one of the most solid worlds in HBD and peanut has done an awesome job as commish after the fiasco that was thaceo. I think the only think that could improve the world is having the Cardinals represent as World Champions, which will happen within the next three seasons. I have my international scouts assigned this year to the jungles of Nigeria searching for a mild strain of the Ebola virus to bring to Atlanta, Houston and Minnesota……not looking to kill anybody but it wouldn’t hurt my feelings either if a few teams lost some players for 250 days because of an airborne virus. 8 )

Nationals Season 6 Preview

2008-12-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

After winning the NL East in season 5 handily. The Nationals were shut down by the strong pitching of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Nationals have a strong bullpen, good starting lineup, decent starting pitching and good defense. The problem is and has been they do not have two top Ace pitchers that can shut down the other teams lineup in the playoffs, when every run scored or prevented is crucial. Nationals management did not address this issue during the spring, but will be on the lookout for something to develop later in the season. The Nationals starting line-up for Season 6:

C: Karim DeRojas offense fell off a bit from season 4

Ned Holmes will be the back up.

1B: Miller Locke had a nice sophomore season.

2B: Eric Brantley tailed off a bit from season 4.

3B: D'Angelo DeLeon moved to 3B last season, think he's more suited there

SS: Chad Fitzgerald gold glove winner last season

Horace Curtis will see some time at SS, in the IF and OF

Ralph Rivers listed at SS, but more of a backup at 3B and the OF

LF: Tomas Pascual not ready to start at 2nd but bat is too good

CF: Enrique Rodriguez not ready to play SS, will give him a shot at CF

Duffy Bell gold glove winner last season, will backup in the OF

Juan Rosario backup in the OF

RF: Evan Strange moved him to RF last season

The Nationals Pitching staff for Season 6:

SP1: Dave Rizzo lack of a good 2nd pitch hurts him at times

SP2: Pedro Torres had a nice season last year

SP3: Mark Knight made a starter in season 4 and hasn't dissappointed

SP4: Del Jang

SP5: Albert Ontiveros hoping for a breakout year this season

LRA: Butch Barker mopup, the odd start

SuA: Earl Simmons hoping for a big year from him

SuA: Matt Cole

SuA: Carlos Nieves

SuB: Mike Linton

SuB: Scooter Mann Rule 5 pick this season

CL: Vic Toca was great last year

Youngsters: Ross Lamb, Herman Mahler, Alex Mercado may see some

time in the Majors this season. Nationals management is excited

about this season. Management expects to make the playoffs,

than who knows what will happen.

Chicago White Sox Season 6 Preview

2008-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Season 6 will be the second season under new ownership here in the Windy City. Season 5 showed signs of progress for the Pale Hose. Despite finishing just below .500 at 80-82, the Sox outscored their opponents by 84 runs in season 5. That projects to an 89-73 record normally. So the Sox really underperformed their true talent last year. The vast majority of the blame has to go to the bullpen, which was atrocious at times and had a gaping hole at closer. The Sox one major Free Agent signing this offseason was a major move to address that deficiency. Let's take a look at the team.

Position Players:

First Base: Benji O'Keefe
O'Keefe established himself as a force to be reckoned with as a rookie in S5, putting up .284/.348/.561 with 38 HR and 105 RBI. He was a top 5 selection for the AL ROY. At 24, he should be a solid contributor for seasons to come.

Grade: B+

Second Base: Carlton Barker
Barker was the Sox' biggest FA signing of S5 and he paid immediate dividends. Barker won the Silver Slugger award for 2B, posting a .315/.393/.523 line with 26 HR, 95 RBI and 35 SB from the top of the order. He also scored 114 runs. Barker earned his hefty paycheck of $8.75 million and will be expected to repeat his S5 performance. His range has diminished at age 32, so there are concerns about his defense. The White Sox system is rich in 2B prospects, so he will need to remain at the top of his game to avoid being shifted to the outfield.

Grade: A-

Shortstop: Wilfredo Lopez
Lopez may carry a bat made of balsa wood, but his glove is made of the finest leather. Lopez won the AL Gold Glove award in S5, making 9 + plays and just 12 errors. As long as he's vacuuming up balls in the IF, he should continue to play regularly and keep the job from Delanor Hemingway, who is also a gifted fielder with some power. Both are young, Lopez is 25 and Hemingway is 27.

Grade: C+

Third Base: Neal Kelly
Kelly carries a lot of thunder in his stick. Kelly led the AL in HR's with 52 while driving in 119 runs. His line of .272/.338/.566 was rock solid. Kelly was underutilized as a DH under the previous regime. While his defense is not stellar, it is more than adequate to play the field regularly. Kelly is just 28 and was signed this offseason to a very reasonable 4 year contract at $4 million per season. Expect another truckload of bombs this year.

Grade: B+

Left Field: Davey Morales
Morales is another power bat in the Sox lineup. Morales contributed 31 HR and 91 RBI while posting .260/.339/.473 in S5. In three big league seasons, Morales has averaged 34 HR per season. An adequate defender, Morales would seem to be holding a place for super-prospect Benito Andujar, whose ETA is S7. His reasonable arb-contract of $1.8 million makes him a sensible holdover this year.

Grade: B-

Center Field: Juan Diaz
After GM Ferris Bueller dealt high-ceiling CF Paul Wagner early in S5, the job fell to Diaz. Diaz is a player of modest talents, but he stepped up and outperformed Wagner, posting .275/.355/.373 from the #2 spot in the lineup. He also chipped in 26 SB and solid defense. Diaz would seem to have a hold on the position for the next 1-2 seasons until prospect Aaron Taylor is ready.

Grade: C

Right Field: Deivi Mercado
Deivi is a player that seems like he should be better than he is. He is talented, with good splits, power and a decent eye. He posted .256/.327/.456 in S5 with 30HR and 96 RBI. He was drafted as a SS and was the franchise's first #1 draft pick, going #17 overall. At just $378K, Mercado is worth the starting nod for another season, but a lack of improvement may hurt his chances with the team long term.

Grade: C+

Catcher: Sandy Webster
Sandy was acquired from the Reds before S5 to address the Sox' serious OBP deficiency. Webster delivered, hitting .319/.399/.452 from the #3 hole. His defense and pitch calling is merely adequate, which is why the Sox keep a defensive stalwart, Teddy Smalley, on the roster to back Sandy up.

Grade: A-

DH: Josias Vega
Vega is yet another youngster on the Sox roster at 25, but is entering his 4th ML season. Vega's specialty is hitting RHP and getting on base. His .305/.369/.459 line shows he succeeded at that goal. This is an area that could be open to upgrade, should the Sox find the right deal.

Grade: B

Pitchers:
SP1: Garry Brinkley
Garry is a 22 y.o. wunderkind and was the #1 overall selection in the Season 2 draft. S5 was his rookie year, and after a mediocre first half, he tore through the league after the All Star break. His final numbers showed a 16-9 record in 33 starts. He threw 218.1 innings and posted a 3.13 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Brinkley earned a spot on the AL ROY ballot for that performance. The Sox expect big things from Brinkley in S6 and a 20 win season is not out of the question.

Grade: A

SP2: Daryl Payton
Payton was the 2nd big free agent signing of the S5 preseason and was handed a handsome 5 year contract that pays about $11 million per season. Payton has a terrific 80-46 career record, but was only 13-12 with a 4.05 ERA in S5. Payton is going to need to improve on those numbers to pull the Sox into playoff contention in S6.

Grade: B

SP3: Thomas Connor
Connor is entering his 5th season in Chicago pinstripes. After signing a 3 year/$21 million extension before S5, Connor posted a solid 12-6 mark with a 4.01 ERA in 197.1 innings. With his good control and solid splits, the 29 y.o. Connor should anchor the #3 spot this year.

Grade: B+

SP4: Felipe Lee
Lee is the sole left hander in the rotation. Lee is just 23 y.o. and has some ability. He comes off a disappointing S5, when he went just 9-14 with a 5.01 ERA. He started 32 games but pitched just 169 innings. That's not going to get it done. If Lee can return to S4 form and post a mid 4's ERA and pitch over 180 innings, he will be an asset.

Grade: C-

SP5: Ned Gaston
Gaston has a lot of ability, when he knows where the ball is going. The current White Sox regime places a large emphasis on control, which would seem to make Gaston's position in the rotation tenuous. Still, the 25 y.o. went 9-12 last season with a 4.96 ERA in 194.2 innings. That's not bad for a #5 starter. Still, Gaston would seem to be keeping a seat warm for Kane Delaney, who will be starting at AAA in S6.

Grade: C-

Long Relievers: Eugene Carey Warren Perez
Both are options as starters, but given their control problems, seem best suited for long relief roles. While Perez was nothing special in S5, Carey posted a 3.05 ERA in 85.2 innings. He may see some time in the rotation should Gaston or Lee falter.

Grade: B-

Setup Men: Torey Lee Al Tomlinson Ben Gray Ira Lawrence
Lee and Lawrence were nice finds by GM Bueller in S5. Lee was picked up in the Rule 5 draft and posted a 3.81 ERA in 106.1 innings. That is a valuable setup man, and he's a lefty to boot! Lawrence was released by the Rockies in S5. So while the Rockies pay Lawrence's $5.6 million salary for the next 3 seasons, Ira comes off a 3.44 ERA in 55 innings.

Tomlinson is last year's (failed) closer. While he converted 28/34 saves in S5, he was awful in other situations, posting a 2-11 mark with a 6.84 ERA. He has been shifted to 2nd lefty behind Lee. He has talent and may perform better in lower leverage situations. He had 2 fine seasons before S5.

Ben Gray was a F.A. signing before S5 and disappointed. He was paid $5 million (incl. bonus) in S5 and rewarded the ChiSox with a 5.59 ERA in 75.2 innings. He also has a better prior track record and is hoping to rebound.

Grade: B

Closer: Yuniesky Romano
Romano is this season's big free agent prize for the Sox. After a bidding war, the Sox signed Romano to a 3 year/$20 million contract. At 35 y.o., Romano is a risk, but the Sox have cranked up their training budget in an attempt to keep his (and the other vets) skills sharp. Romano has 135 career saves and a 3.21 ERA. He is desperately needed to stabilize the end of the game and allow the Sox to play up to their Pythag record.

Grade: A

The Sox had the talent of an 89-73 team last season. Had they played up to that run differential, they would have snagged the #1 wild card slot in S5. By addressing the bullpen woes, the Sox hope to close the gap between potential and reality. Another year for young studs like Brinkley and O'Keefe should also help. The goal of this year's Sox is to finish with 88-92 wins and make the playoffs. The ultimate goal is S7, with the integration of prospects Andujar and Delaney, followed by Taylor in S8 when the Sox hope to compete for the whole ball of wax.

A Look Ahead to Season 6 for the Minnesota Twins; Part 2 - Position Players

2008-12-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

Join us as we preview the position players for the Twins as the try to make it back-to-back-to-back World Series titles. Also, don't forget to check out the preview of the pitching, posted earlier.

Without further ado, here's the position-by-position breakdown for the coming season - at least as things stand right now.

Catcher
Jesus Alcantra
S5 stats - .348/.414/.719
Career - .285/.349/.551
Contract - $1,730,000, 1 year
Outlook - The Twins are counting on Alcantra to stay healthy this season. He'll be a part-time player due to his 38 Durability and lack of strong pitch-calling (65), but he needs to produce about 200 PA of quality for things to go according to plan.

Brutus Morris
S5 stats - .221/.308/.326
Career - .217/.286/.364
Contract - $1,290,000, 1 year
Outlook - Morris will hopefully log a lot of AB this year, both as a starter and as a defensive/rest replacement in any game started by Alcantra. His splits and contract are poor, but reasonable eye (52) and solid power (76) enable him to have a bit of pop (23 career HR in just over 1 full season of AB). Really though, he fits with the Twins' focus of pitching and defense, and his 92 pitch-calling has helped him post sub-3.75 CERA in each of his 3 MLB seasons.

Overall Rating: C+
The combo of a good bat and good glove make this a slightly above average position, but nothing spectacular. Hopefully the two combine for 15-25 HR and Good D.

First Base
Herbert Lieberthal
S5 stats - .303/.386/.891
Career - .321/.406/.584, 215 HR, 393 XBH, 600 RBI, 597 runs
Contract - $7,650,000, 1 year
Outlook - The Iron Man of the World, Lieberthal hasn't missed a game in 5 seasons. Although Father Time has sapped him of some of his power (now 62), his contact, splits, and eye have remained very strong (all over 80). This may be the first season Twins management gives him some time off, both to keep him fresh for any possible post-season run and to see whether any of the newcomers has the chance to take over in S7.

Overall Rating: B+
In his prime, Lieberthal was an easy A and a consistent MVP candidate. He's coming off an All-Star appearance in S5 and can still rake, but he isn't the long-ball threat he used to be. Thankfully, as the younger Twins have developed, he isn't asked to carry as much of the load and can provide veteran leadership and timely hitting instead.

Second Base
Ed Wheat
S5 - .261/.340/.412
Career - .270/.343/.425
Contract - $360,000, 1 year
Outlook - Wheat has shown flashes of having his bat break through and his career .768 OPS is respectable, but he's really there for his glove. His still-improving 82 Range, 83 Glove, 88 Arm Strength, and 78 Arm Accuracy might be sufficient to play SS, but the Twins focus on D and so have Wheat playing 2B instead. It seems to have paid off, helping the Twins turn the 5th most DP last season despite the pitching staff posting the lowest OAV and WHIP in the league. The Twins are hoping the D holds strong and Wheat takes a modest step forward offensively, perhaps approaching 20 HR in S6.

Overall Rating: B+
Wheat seems unappreciated by the public, having never won an award and being overshadowed by his flashier teammates, but he is the type of glue guy that really does help win championships. His outstanding glove and arm make him among the best fielding 2B in the World, and his bat brings more to the table than people realize.

Third Base
Virgil Mendoza
S5 - .291/.344/.640
Career - .276/.335/.577
Contract - $360,000, 1 year
Outlook - A season 5 All-Star, Mendoza is an absolute force on offense. Another transplanted SS, he's above average on defense too (81-77-86-84 and improving). With 49 HR in only 131 games last season, he may push 60 HR if the Twins end up playing Virgil in 150+ games.

Overall Rating: A
Mendoza will challenge for an MVP in the near future. Offensively he's among the best at any position and defensively he's among the best 3B in the World.

Shortstop
Anthony Haney
S4 - .224/.277/.262 (only 40 AB in S5)
Career - .246/.296/.337
Contract - $1,505,000, 1 year
Outlook - Not particularly effective with the stick, Haney is in the lineup for his glove. 88-86-95-98 translates into gold glove level defense and the Twins are more than willing to sacrifice a little offense for great defense. That said, if he can stay healthy, Haney should be able to produce something positive with the bat, particularly against left-handed pitching (rated 71).

Russell Simpson
S5 - .267/.311/.289
Career - .270/.318/.301
Contract - $378,000, 1 year
Outlook - Simpson is the prototypical super defensive utility man (89-84-92-87) and speedster (98 speed). He filled in admirably at SS when Haney went down last season and also logged innings at 2B, 3B, LF, and CF. More effective versus right-handed pitching (rated 77), he gives the Twins the option of having an effective SS platoon without sacrificing a late-inning defensive replacement.

Overall Rating: C+
Excellent defense more than makes up for average bats, and the combo results in the SS position being slightly above average for the Twins.

Left Field
Michael Gordon
S5 - .260/.362/.540
Career - .277/.358/.537
Contract - $378,000, 1 year
Outlook - Gordon is one of the real sluggers on the Twins. His Power/Eye combo of 93/97 and his ability to switch-hit results in a high frequency of home runs - 15 HR in 79 games in S3; 32 HR in 119 games in S4; 35 HR in 126 games in S5. While his D is slightly below league averages, the Twins think it's worth it to get his bat into the lineup, and he is generally replaced by a better defensive player late in the game.

Overall Rating: B-
His bat strikes fear into opposing pitchers - particularly those with a penchant for giving up the long ball - but his sub-par D keeps Gordon from being a truly exceptional LF option.

Center Field
Jesus Morales
S5 - .253/.290/.427
Career - .251/.288/.437
Contract - $378,000, 1 year
Outlook - Consistent with the Twins M.O., Morales offers defensive first, bat second. While his batting average and on-base percentage leaves something to be desired, he does have some pop (75 power) and is good for about 20 HR per 130 games. His real value, however, is his (Gold) glove. After winning the 2B Gold Glove in S3 and th CF Gold Glove in S4, Morales was beat out in S5. In each of the last three seasons, he's recorded 14 plus (+) plays. Like others on the Twins, his defensive ratings (91-93-87-81 and improving) might make him a SS on other teams, but on the Twins he's a top-flight defensive CF.

Overall Rating: B
The combo of Gold Glove defense and ~20 HR per season is tough to find at the CF position and, despite the low BA/OBP, Morales is well above average.

Right Field
Hiram Bang
S5 - .304/.380/.594
Career - .289/.369/.547
Contract - $6,500,000, 4 years
Outlook - The switch-hitting Bang was rewarded with a lucrative contract extension following S5, and he had more than earned it. Bang has recorded a .975+ OPS since arriving in Minnesota, and seems poised to play a central role in the future of the Twins. His defense is slightly below average for a RF but not terribly so, and his big bat forces itself into the lineup.

Sydney White
S5 - .300/.355/.508
Career - .284/.342/.463
Contract - $5,140,000, 1 year
Outlook - As previewed in the prior Trade Spotlight, the Twins are looking to move White in order to play Mendoza full-time at 3B and Bang full-time at RF. White pushed his way into the lineup last season, starting games at both 3B and RF and coming in as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement. While he can certainly produce, especially against right-handed pitching (rated 85), with Bang locked up long term White's future with the Twins seems limited.

Overall Rating: A-
Bang is an excellent RF option that most teams would love to have. Likewise, White would start for many teams and he is almost certainly the best backup 3B/RF guy in the World. If he isn't traded, he'll likely force his way into the lineup against right-handed pitchers again this season.

Designated Hitter
Curt Falk
S5 - .340/.401/.675
Career - .290/.382/.613
Contract - $4,600,000, 1 year
Outlook - As a S5 All-Star and MVP candidate, Falk really made the Twins offense go last season. His 1.076 OPS led the team (amongst players with 100+ AB). He has the potential to see some time at 1B/LF, but is more well-suited to DH, so the Twins plan on using him primarily in that role.

Overall Rating: A
Falk is on par with the very best of the World's designated hitters. He should play a big role in the center of the Twins lineup in S6.

Others
There are a few other Twins competing for positions with the major league team. While it is unlikely that more than one or two of the following guys stick to begin the season, they are worth keeping an eye on should a trade go through or the injury bug strike the team.

Moe Larkin
S5 - (AAA) .346/.416/.685
Career - (minor league) .313/.403/.644
Contract - $343,000, 1 year
Outlook - Rookie Larkin is particularly effective against left-handed pitching (rated 73) and his Power/Eye combo (82/85) should make him worthy of at least a modified platoon. His defensive allows him to play part-time at RF/LF/1B/DH, so he has a good chance of sticking with the big league club.

Blade LaRue
S5 stats - (AAA) .271/.347/.606
Career - (minor league) .293/.391/.622
Contract - $343,000, 1 year
Outlook - Sub-par splits and the presence of Lieberthal have kept LaRue from capitalizing on his spectacular Power/Eye combo (93/92). After years of dominating the minor leagues, it's time to see whether LaRue can make the leap up in competition and contribute to the ML club.

Carson Parrish
S5 - .243/.302/.262
Career - .245/.318/.300
Contract - $378,000, 1 year
Outlook - Parrish is reasonably effective against right-handed pitching (54 rated) but isn't really much of a threat offensively. While his defense (86-83-97-89) is excellent, it may be tough for him to stick behind both Simpson and Haney.

Julian Ross
S5 - (AAA) .324/.395/.698
Career - (minor league) .311/.401/.695
Contract - $343,000, 1 year
Outlook - Ross is something of a duplicate of LaRue and it may be tough for both of them to make the team. While Ross does have the benefit of being a switch hitter with the excellent Power/Eye combo (95/88), his defense is weak even for 1B and management seems to have a preference for LaRue.

OVERALL TEAM POSITION PLAYER RANKING: A-
There are likely better offensive lineups than the Twins - indeed 4 teams scored more runs in S5 - but it is tough to find a better defensive team. While 3 teams had a better fielding percentage and 4 teams had more DP, the Twins tied for the league lead in plus (+) plays and had the fewest minus (-) plays in the World in S5. The combo of above average offense and great defense gives the Twins one of the best all-around group of position players in the World.

Atlanta Tribune: Braves Season 6 Preview

2008-12-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

ATLANTA- After getting dominated by the Minnesota Twins in the World Series, the Braves come into season 6 with some difficult expectations- anything short a WS title will be a complete disappointment. With an aging pitching staff, this may also be the last chance Atlanta has before the pitchers file for social security and the team rebuilds with youth.

So far this offseason GM Shaka Zulu has already made some moves that could improve a team that has averaged over 104 wins per season since he took over, including a WS title in season 3. The first big move was to acquire slugging 3B Stew Hanson from the Royals.

"We wanted Stew last year, but we just couldn't get the right package together," Zulu said. "Fortunately this time we were able to work it out. He's a younger guy who's put up some real nice numbers in the past and we feel that in the middle of our lineup he's only gonna hit better."

Hanson will be one of two new additions to the lineup, joining free agent acquisition Paul Wang. Wang had a down year offensively in season 5, so the Braves are hoping that he can return to the form that made him a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger. With Wang joining the outfield, Zack Rusch will move from RF to 2B- this transition has many worried that the defense will let down the NL's 3rd best pitching unit from season 5. Management is clearly counting on the offensive improvement to outweigh any deficiencies in the field. With last season's batting champ Garrett Woodson and season 4 MVP Miguel Martin preceding Hanson, Wang and Rusch in the lineup, they might just be right.

While the defense may suffer, the pitching staff was bolstered by the trade for 2-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, Calvin Hyun. He'll have big shoes to fill, as he takes former Cy Young winner Vinny Andrews' spot in the rotation. After another great season, management decided Andrews would better serve the club coming out of the bullpen after seeing his IPs decrease each of the last two seasons. Andrews will be counted on to anchor a bullpen full of question marks after the loss of last season's workhorse, Yuniesky Romano, following Romano attacking rookie catcher Carlos Oropesa after getting lit up in Game 3 of the World Series.

But the man toeing the hill on opening day may be biggest question of them all. Acquired prior to season 3, Sam Betemit made a historic conversion from reliever to starter punctuated by a Cy Young Award and a WS title. Each season since then his innings pitched have gone down while his ERA and WHIP have gone up, and after a terrible season 5 postseason performance some think he may be headed back to the bullpen before long.

Returning the bulk of the roster from last season's 102-win team, it's tough to see this club failing to make a sixth consecutive trip to the postseason. But with the incredible strength of the NL South- Houston and StL joined Atlanta in the playoffs with 103 and 92 wins, respectively, while Florida won a very respectable 77- nothing can be taken for granted. On paper things seem to have improved slightly from a season ago, but the Braves are still an injury or two away from watching the playoffs at home. Shaka Zulu insists he isn't done improving the team yet, as he still covets a good right-handed reliever and another bat to come off the bench. With the Rule 5 draft approaching, and plenty of time to swing more trades, chances are this isn't the finished product.

Owner Interview: zbrent716

2008-12-10T18:57:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the first installment of a new series, "Owner Interview". Up first, MInnesota Twins owner and two-time Major Leagues Champion, Zbrent716.

1. How did you get into whatifsports?

Sad to say this, but I don’t actually remember. To be fair, it has been almost 7 years since I joined in January 2002. I came in around the same time that Fox Sports had some sort of ad for WhatifSports, but I think I just stumbled across the site while surfing the web.

2. What is your favorite thing about HBD?

The extended time frame and the chance to see players complete a full career. Toward the end of my time playing simleague baseball, I played almost exclusively in progressive leagues because they share some of the same characteristics; HBD just takes that to the next level.

3. Least favorite thing about HBD?

I know it is controversial, but the lack of H2H play is probably my least favorite thing about HBD. I initially tried HBD when it first came out, but it didn’t hook me right away, in large part because I was so active in SimLeagueLive leagues. It wasn’t until quite a bit later than I gave HBD another try and got really into it (primarily through my involvement in Major Leagues), effectively cutting into my time playing SimLeagueLive leagues. Combining HBD with H2H play would be a combination of the two things I like most in WhatifSports, and while there are issues that would have to be resolved, I think the final result would be well worth the effort.

4. How did you find out about Major Leagues?

I think one of the things I wasn’t a huge fan of with HBD when I first tried it was that it used make believe players, with make believe franchises, in make believe (or at least minor league) parks. Coming from SimLeagues, I didn’t fully embrace the idea of getting rid of the familiar aspects of baseball in their entirety. I think I first saw Major Leagues being discussed in the forum (not sure if it was an official recruitment thread or just a discussion of setting up a “realistic” World) and I really liked the idea. When I was given the opportunity to join with my favorite MLB team, I jumped at the chance.

5. Who is zbrent716?

Zbrent716 is a generally good guy who has spent the better part of his life in school of one sort or another. He’s (relatively) recently finished with his education (at least for now) and is working as an attorney in New York State.

6. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?

Baseball is my favorite sport without question. My favorite pro sports teams are the Minnesota Twins, the Boston Celtics, and the San Francisco 49ers. I despise the Yankees and it still makes me a little nauseated when I think about the fact an owner (I forget who) made reference to the Major Leagues Twins trying to become a dynasty like the Yankees.

7. All-time favorite sports moment?

While the Twins’ World Series wins in ’87 and ’91 rank up there (’91 more so just because I remember it better) and actually being in Yankee stadium to see the Yankees fall in Game 6 of the ’03 series to Josh Beckett was awesome, I think my favorite sports moment actually isn’t from baseball. I’m a graduate of UAlbany, and in March of 2006 I saw the Great Danes play in the first NCAA tournament game in the school’s history. For the first 30 minutes of the game, the #16 seed Great Danes were playing with the mighty #1 UConn Huskies. Later that year, UConn sent 5 players to the NBA – four first round picks (Rudy Gay, Hilton Armstrong, Marcus Williams, and Josh Boone) and one second round pick (Denham Brown). UAlbany went on a run in the second half to open up a double-digit lead with about 10 minutes to go, and it looked as though they were going to pull off the unthinkable – a #16 beating a #1 – and destroy 99.9% of the brackets in the country. Unfortunately, UConn rallied and pulled out the win, but for UAlbany to play toe-to-toe with the best the country had to offer for that long was truly fantastic.

8. What other baseball games have you previously played? (tabletop, fantasy, video, computer, i.e. anything from Strat-O-Matic to Baseball Mogul to RBI Baseball and everything in between)

I’ve played fantasy baseball of one form or another for about 15 years or so. The first league I did was a stock-market style game, but I do mostly roto-style leagues now. I also played in a lot of SimLeagues before HBD.

9. What player, in your minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?

For the most part, the future stars in my system have already broken into the major leagues. Of those left in the minors, I think the most potential would be found in one of two players: (1) Harold Creek, RP or (2) Harry Rivera, 1B. Creek has a really rare combination of control, splits, and pitches. According to my advanced scouting, his control should top out in the mid-90s, with his vLH in the mid-70s, his vRH in the low-90s, a first pitch of 99 and a second pitch of 87. With 53 durability and 27 stamina, he won’t be a workhorse, but he should be very effective for the IP he throws. Harry Rivera, on the other hand, reminds me a lot of the offensive rock of my major league club –Herbert Lieberthal. He projects to 85+ in contact, power, vRH, and eye, with his only (relative) weakness being a 70+ vLH. If he develops fully, he has a good shot to be the second Twin who becomes a member of the 500 HR club (Virgil Mendoza should get there first).

10. Who is your Franchise Player and/or team MVP?

Chris Y. Nen. While many players have contributed, the 5-time All Star and 5-time Cy Young award winner is in a class all of his own.

11. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?

Short term, we’ve got a decent chance to make it back to the playoffs. Once there, anyone can win, so we may have a shot to take back-to-back-to-back World Series titles. Medium and long-term, the outlook is a little less rosy. It has been tough to land the true studs picking in the back end of the draft, so there will likely be a significant downturn and retooling at some point. Hopefully Twins fans will be patient and realize that we’ll be doing everything we can.

12. Who is your biggest Major Leagues rival?

I’ve got good rivalries with a few owners, and I have a ton of respect for my fellow AL North owners – toughest division in the World! That said, my biggest rival has to be the commish – pstrnutbag44. While I’ve had the upper hand in the major leagues so far, he’s always tough and he’s kicked my butt out of a few minor league playoffs. The wins, when they come, are just a little bit sweeter when they are against Oakland.

13. What do you look for in a Hitter?

In a Hitter, the Contact-Power combo. In a position player generally, the Defense first and then power. I’d had success with guys like Jesus Morales – no dominating offensive ratings, but decent (75) power and a great glove. I’ll take his 18-20 HR and Gold Glove defense and love it.

14. What do you look for in a Pitcher?

Control is the only must-have for me in a pitcher. This goes hand-in-hand with my focus on Defense. If I have guys like Jesus out there, I want the ball put in play so he can help the pitcher out. The pitcher who puts men on via the walk doesn’t make proper use of the talent I put behind him.

15. What is the best move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

My best move was probably either drafting Virgil Mendoza with the 12th pick in the S1 draft or dealing Kent Davey and Donaldo Benitez for Gabby Martin. That trade was towards the end of S1 and Kent Davey had been having a fine season for me – ended up going .297/.364/.563 with 26HR in 394 AB. Donaldo projected to a marginal inning-eater SP, and that’s basically what he has become (4.68 career ML era). In return, I got Martin – a great SP who is only lacking in the workhorse categories. He may only throw 150 – 175 IP in a season, but he’ll be among the best for those innings. He made his debut in S4 and contributed to a World Series win and then took a step forward and became a great #2 behind Nen in S5, helping lead to another title. In S5 he finished top 5 in the Cy Young voting, going 15-3 in 157.2 IP with a 1.08 WHIP and a 3.08 ERA. Speaking of Nen, meeting his demands after S3 and signing him to an extension was a pretty good move too. An honorable mention goes to locking up the unsung hero of the staff – John Jang – to a 4-year contract after S1 for only $3.0M per year.

16. What is the worst move you’ve ever made in Major Leagues?

The Vin Navarre fiasco. Reviewing it now, it could have been much worse, but it was just a complete mess on my part. I dealt for Navarre from Baltimore, giving up Bryan Blue, Ted Chapman, and Jeromy Hudson. Hudson never made the majors and Chapman has never had more than a cup of coffee with a ML club, but Blue has had a solid, if not spectacular, ML career. He enters S6 with a 54-37 record, 690.1 IP, and a 4.26 ERA. That said, it wasn’t so much the players involved as the fact I gave up on Blue too quickly – he had a 6.67 ERA in 6 starts for me and I wanted to trade him too much. Things went from bad to worse when, less than a month later, I turned around and dealt Navarre to Boston for Benjamin Surtain, Harry Williamson, and Yamil Rosado. Williamson was dealt away in a later small deal and never reached the majors. Rosado was taken from the Twins in the Rule 5 draft. Surtain never played in the majors for the Twins, but was at least part of the package that landed Buddy Bryne. The deal was really bad though, because, just like I had been impatient with Blue, I was similar with Navarre. With Baltimore before the Twins, Navarre had a 3.15 ERA and a 3-1 record. With Boston after the Twins, Navarre had a 3.28 ERA and a 7-3 record. With the Twins, Navarre went 3-8 with a 6.21 ERA. For his career, Navarre has tallied 1099.2 IP and posted a 69-46 record, a 1.27 WHIP, and a 3.90 ERA. I would probably have been better off riding it out with Navarre or at least getting more back in a trade.

17. What is your most memorable HBD moment, any world?

Winning S4 ML World Series in 5 games. (Dis)honorable mention – missing out on the Rookie, Low A, and AA playoffs in S4. Prior to that the Twins franchise had made the postseason at every level for the first 3 seasons.

18. What is your team’s #1 strength?

Pitching. Nen obviously is a great anchor, but the rest of the staff has been exceptional as well. In S4, the Twins set a World record for fewest runs allowed, giving up only 579 runs the whole season (539 earned) – the only time a team has broken the 600 run level. We gave up the fewest runs again in S5 (641) but a number of teams closed the gap significantly. Despite being in a park that (slightly) favors hitters, the fact that the Twins had given up the fewest runs during both World Series runs shows that the true strength of the team is its Pitching. Honorable mention to the Defense, which certainly contributes to allowing so few runs.

19. What is your team’s #1 weakness?

More of a franchise/ownership weakness, but I’m going to go with the inability to land everyday studs via the amateur draft. With the exception of Virgil at pick 12, S1 and (maybe) Harry Rivera, I haven’t drafted much more than role position players. Part of it is my focus on pitching, part of it is not having very high picks, but part of it is just not doing the best possible job with my rankings as well, and now it is beginning to become evident looking at my minor league system.

20. In what ways, if any, do you think Major Leagues could improve?

Blog activity may be the only way I can think of. We have an good league where owners are consistently trying to improve their teams, so there is plenty of activity within the World. Keeping turnover relatively low has allowed some good-natured rivalries to develop too. If the Blog, which is sort of our voice to the outside HBD community, reflects the true nature of the World, I think we’d be all set.

A Pre-Season Look At: The Oakland Athletics

2008-12-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

After another heartbreaking playoff loss in Season 5, the Oakland Athletics are looking to make some major moves in an effort to help them avoid yet another early exit from the playoffs.

Oakland has been plagued with the problem of being an excellent 162-game season team. However, they have proven several years in a row that they simply are not cut out for the short series. The reason is simple: Lack of a true Ace.

The pitching is solid, that's for sure. Anchored by Steve Kennedy & Fernando Rosado, followed in a pen captained by workhorse Lance Woolf & up and comer Fonzie Wayne (1.56 ERA in his Sept. callup), the pitching in Oakland is certainly top-notch...except there is no Chris Nen/Cesar Carrasquel out front. It's no coincidence that those two teams made it as far as they did in the postseason.

The offense, on the other hand, is absolutely stacked. Leading the charge in Season 6 will be the young, outstanding trio of Roosevelt Thomas, Jeff Zambrano & Mo Springer. Former Season 4 AL MVP Turk Weaver is also still on board, although his numbers certainly fell off a bit last season (.332/.392/.607 in S4 & .293/.373/.500 in S5). Terry Heffner is also still around to patrol Right Field and abuse opposing pitchers with that career OPS around .965. Noteable is that last season, 8 players had over 20 HR's with Bryant Browne posting 19. Bear in mind that Thomas (20 HR's in 342 AB's), Zambrano (23 HR's in 396 AB's) & Springer (51 HR's in 432 AB's!) all started the season in AAA. Imagine what a full season of just those three can do for a team's offense.

So, what to expect out of Oakland in the offseason? I think they'd look to move a bunch of their young, solid players like 1B Bryant Browne, SP Willie Segui, RP Lance Turner, etc in an effort to upgrade to a true Ace. I also think you'll see them do something similar to what they did with Woolf last season and sign Kennedy and Weaver to long-term deals as they both have offered to take "less than market" deals. Also, expect to see a lot of the same coaches as most will be retianed, with perhaps as few as 4 being overheard as wanting to "test the market". Only time will really tell but one thing is certain, they will spend as much as they can on Training, Medical and their Advanced Scouts as these three keys have always helped lead to a succsful team in Oakland.

Trade Spotlight (Sydney White, Minnesota Twins)

2008-12-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

Name: Sydney White
OVR: 81
Age: 29
B/T: L/R
Position: 3B/RF

Last season: .300/.355/.508/.863, 25 HR in 453 AB.
ML Career: .284/.342/.463/.805, 233 XBH in 2410 AB.
Contract: Arbitration-Eligible, seeking $7.3M.

Comments: Sydney is being pushed out of Minnesota by the emergence of 3B Virgil Mendoza and RF Hiram Bang. Though Sydney has been a .300+ hitter in 3 of his 5 ML seasons, Virgil is a superstar-in-the-making who cannot be denied and Bang has proven to excel as a Twin. One of the most interesting things about Sydney is that he is continuing to improve, despite being over 27. From the start of Season 5 to the start of Season 6, he picked up 1 point in health (now 83), one point in makeup (now 94), and one point in vRH (now 85), while not having a single rating drop!

Looking For: Youth. The main reason Sydney is being shopped is the money he is asking for. While he is a very good player, Minnesota does not want to spend $7.3M on a utility guy/backup 3B. The contract demands do, however, drive down his value somewhat, and so the Twins are only hoping to land a future ML setup guy or future ML utility player (top glove and power preferred, splits not expected but a bonus).

Best Suited For: (1) A Top Contender who wants that one more bat to help make the push over the top, especially vs. RH pitchers or (2) A rebuilding team that has cap room to spare. Sydney can either be shopped again at the trade deadline, when a Top Contender needs that one extra piece and may be willing to overpay or, with a 81 OVR, he would almost certainly be a Type A when he goes FA, and he'd bring in good draft picks as compensation to help with the rebuilding process.

Trade chat or offer up if interested, but move quickly because the Twins would like to work something out prior to the arbitration hearings.

A Look Ahead to Season 6 for the Minnesota Twins; Part 1 - Pitching

2008-12-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

With the start of Season 6 just around the corner, it's time to preview the defending champion Minnesota Twins, so here goes. In part 1, we focus on the pitching staff.

Although it might be best to let the veteran players go off and explore greener pastures, Twins management has decided to try and keep the team together for at least one more season to see if any of the magic remains. Most of the pitching staff will be filled with established major-leaguers, and Twins management will be actively seeking to deal away some of the major-league-ready talent that simply won't get a chance to contribute to the Season 6 version of the Twins.

SP #1 - Yup, you guessed it. Lefty Chris Y. Nen is being brought back for another season of being the Twins' Ace. Though he is a few points off his ratings peak, Nen still rates as arguably the best SP in the World and with a good team behind him is poised to challenge for his sixth consecutive Cy Young Award.
Contract - Signed through S6 for $11.5M.

SP #2 - For the first time in years, there is a new #2 SP in Minnesota. No, no one was brought in via trade, but this year right-hander Gabby Martin is set to be moved up in the rotation. After an outstanding season where he finished in the top 5 of the Cy Young voting, sporting a 15-3 record with a 1.08 WHIP and a 3.08 ERA, Martin took another step forward in the off-season and is poised to make even greater strides. Still only 23 years old, Martin has the potential to be one of the most effective pitchers in the World. His Achilles heal may be his lack of a great durability/stamina combo (only 28/62 presently), which will limit his IP over the course of a season and could potentially put some added strain on the bullpen.
Contract - With only 1 ML year under his belt, Martin is locked up for the bargain price of $360k in S6.

SP #3 - Though he struggled somewhat in the Season 5 post-season, Twins management has enough faith in lefty John Jang to bring him back in Season 6 to act as the veteran core of the rotation. Jang has been quietly spectacular for the Twins over the past 5 seasons, accumulating a career record of 67-47 with a 1.26 WHIP and a 3.57 ERA over 1014.1 innings. In Season 5, management called off the dogs early and rested many veterans (including Jang) down the stretch, but he still posted an impressive 13-7 Win-Loss record to go with a 1.18 WHIP and a 3.70 ERA in 175.1 IP. On many teams, he'd be considered an Ace in his own right and be the career leader in most pitching categories, but he has been overshadowed by Nen.
Contract - Management recognized his true value in the off-season, giving him a 2-year contract extension at an over 50% increase - though at only $4.6M per year, he's still a great bargain.

SP #4 - Used as a swingman last season, 27-year-old righty Vic Nitkowski is likely to move into the rotation full-time this season. In 53 games last season (9 starts) Nitkowski threw 118.1 innings, with a 13-4 record and one save, a 1.06 WHIP, and a 2.59 ERA. After enjoying a 2-point increase in OVR rating in the off-season, including an impressive 3-point jump in vRH, Twins management is confident in Nitkowski's ability to be among the best, if not THE best, #4 SP in the World.
Contract - Nitkowski is arbitration-eligible and asking for $5.7M this season. The Twins have not yet decided whether to give him a one year deal or extend him long-term for 4 years at $5.8M per.

SP #5 - It's tough to consider a season where a pitcher went 11-4 a "disappointment" but that's exactly what last season was for then-#3 SP Clay Bellhorn. Bellhorn posted a respectable 1.39 WHIP and 4.29 ERA, but management hoped for much more from the highly-rated lefty. Still only 28 years old, maybe the move to SP #5 will help remove some pressure from Bellhorn and allow him to reach his full potential.
Contract - Like Nitkowski (above) Bellhorn is arbitration-eligible this season. Perhaps recognizing he has yet to fulfill his potential, Bellhorn is asking only $1.7M for Season 6, though management is considering the option of locking him up for the same rate as Nitkowski - 4 years at $5.8M per.

Long Relief -
Paul Suzuki (LH, 93.0 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 3.97 ERA in S5) is the established lefty long-reliever coming out of the pen. Arbitration-eligible, he'll likely be brought back for his one-year asking price of $1.6M. The righty RP that teams can expect to see coming in for long relief is Reid Moeller. Moeller was outstanding in his first full season with the Twins, going 11-0 in 84 appearances, with a 1.33 WHIP and a 2.98 ERA. He's seeking $1.7M in arbitration. The Twins are also committed to giving lefty Brian Helling an opportunity to succeed in S6. Though he has struggled more than expected in the past, his ratings and high ceiling suggest he may be poised to break through. Making only $378k, there's the potential for a good payoff with very little risk.

Setup Pitchers -
Twins management has yet to decide what route to take with stud right-handed RP Buddy Bryne. His effectiveness is undeniable (81 G, 84.0 IP, 1.14 WHIP, 3.86 ERA in S5; 351 G, 361.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 3.58 ERA career), but he is asking for the very high sum of $7.3M in arbitration. Alternatively, he's looking for only $6.0M per in a long-term deal, but that would require a four-year commitment. Though he will almost certainly be counted on by the Twins in their S6 push, it's not clear whether he will be locked up beyond that. His left-handed counterpart, Matt Crespo, was inked to a 1-year deal in the off-season for $4.0M. Crespo has been solid for the Twins since being brought over in S3, and management is expecting him to be the lefty anchor for the pen. Following two consecutive seasons of sub-2.75 ERAs, management also brought back righty Jason White by signing him to a 2-year extension at $2.8M per. White actually led the Twins in saves last year, but since the club employed a closer-by-committee, he only totaled 9 saves. Rookies Carlos Blanco (RH, 23 years old, $343k), Timothy Kent (RH, 25 years old, $343k), Tommy McIntyre (LH, 25 years old, $343k), and Tex Sefcik (RH, 27 years old, $343k) are expected to compete with returner Ralph Bradshaw (RH, 58 G, 69 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 3.26 ERA in S5; $378k in S6) to give the Twins bullpen depth in S6. Unfortunately, Twins management wants to only carry 13 pitchers going into S6, so someone is going to be left out in the cold.

That means if you are in the market for pitching options, Minnesota is a great place to go shopping!

Happy Days in Minnesota!

2008-12-05T18:52:00.001-08:00

"The World Champion Minnesota Twins" - Is has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

People in and around the Twin Cities certainly do, as they're still feeling the hangover from the second consecutive World Series title. Though it seems like only a few days have passed since the Twins were able to complete their post-season run, the fact is an entire off-season has gone by and now we enter season six with a clean slate.

The Twins start Season Six on equal footing with everyone else and you can be sure other teams will be gunning to knock off the defending champs. It's tough to say how the season will play out, but at least for a few days all 32 franchises can dream of this being their year. Best of luck to everyone!

Season 5 Playoffs: American League

2008-11-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Better late than never (Baltimore, Tampa, Chicago and San Diego already out), he's a quick look at the next round of AL playoffs in the quest for the Season 5 Championship:

(1) Minnesota Twins (113-49) take on the (5) Cleveland Indians (88-74)
Minnesota lead season series 7-3

Can any team stop Minnesota on their way to the first repeat championship in Major Leagues history? Minnesota simply throws Nen out game 1 and practically ensures themselves a win in that game, plus the opposing teams can usually count on seeing later in the series as well. He purely dominates in the post-season. Career post-season records for Chris Nen, absurd. In 197 IP, his WHIP is a mere 0.95 while his ERA sits at 2.47. However, Cleveland clearly has the hitting to get something done here if they click on all cylinders, as the have before. Any lineup featuring Miguel Lopez and Tim Rogers is going to score some runs.

(2) Oakland Athletics (102-60) take on the (6) Boston Red Sox (88-74)
Boston lead season series 7-3

Oakland mirrors several professional Bay Area sports teams in that they are always a contender, just never for the series. A wise man once said "My sh!t just doesn't work in the playoffs." and never could there be a more accurate description of the GM in Oakland now. With no truely dominant ace, the pitching staff is going to have trouble running up against the real Aces. Edgar Alvarez and Joaquin Gongora are a real 2-headed beast in Boston. However, the Oakland lineup is full of mashers like Mo Springer, who was very impressive after being called up later in the season. Turk Weaver followed up his MVP season with a lot less impact then would be desired, and there are rumours the club could be looking to move him in the offseason. Is this his last chance to win that ring in Oakland?

Draft Class: Season 5 Round 1 Review

2008-10-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

This years Amateur Draft class was perhaps the class that will be remembered for having a very small amount of impact players, and for being low in overall talent in general. Here is a quick glance at some first round gems. Harry Rivera appears to be the best overall hitter drafted, being taken by Minnesota with the 30th pick. Only 3 arms went in the first 10 picks that may have the potential to be front-line starters: Ronnie Hundley, Patsy Brewington and Albie Espinoza. As far as valuable position players go, SS Hunter Robertson was arguably the best player available and was nabbed by Texas with the 3rd pick. I had my eyes on outstanding C prospect Scott Ward, who ended up getting swooped up happily by Atlanta with the 38th pick. A couple of potential closers also went in the first round in Louis Black, who looks to be an extreme workhorse already, and Vic Olmeda. Hopefully, next years class will be a bit more like previous seasons. The general consensus gathered from GM's was that there was enough to plug a few holes in the system here and there, but overall it was quite the disappointment. With that, here's to the future Diamond's in the Rough that we all hope this draft was full of!

World Champion Minnesota Twins (Pt. 2?)

2008-10-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

For the first time in Major Leagues history, a repeat World Series champion could be on the way. Now, I know what you are thinking....."It's entirely too early". Is it really though? The Minnesota Twins, currently 57-21, are absolutely dominating the competition this season. Fresh off the heels of sweeping another of the AL's more dominating (yet inconsistent) teams in Oakland, the Twins look to march their way towards another World Series, and it will be the 4th time in the first 5 seasons of the Major Leagues that they will represent the American League. Headlined by the always dominant, 4-time Cy Young award wiining Chris "Cy" Nen, have managed to mercilessly destroy almost every team in their path this season. Amazingly, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks somehow managed to sweep the reigning world champs earlier this season, but the aforementioned dismantling of the Athletics really shows this teams true level of talent. As of yesterday's games, Nen has a spakling 2.59 ERA over 121.2 IP and sits at 12-1 making him an easy front runner for his 5th Cy Young. Meanwhile, slugger Curt Falk and homegrown Virgil Mendoza have been blasting opposing pitchers away, both players OPS'ing over .950. What truly stands out about this Minnesota team is their record on the road, going an unbelievable 31-8 facing their opponents away. That's enough to rattle even the strongest willed of teams. What makes matters worse for the AL teams is that Baltimore really isn't too far behind Minnesota, and is very, very tough to face at home with their 29-9 record there, and 53-25 record overall. Look out National League, the American League sure looks to be getting tougher year in and year out!

New Season...New Champ...New Struggles...

2008-10-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another season of Major Leagues, and sorry for the delay! Busy times these days, but we all have the time for some baseball!!! Another season has gotten underway and defending World Series Champions, The Minnesota Twins (31-7) seem well on their way to defending their title by running straight through the other teams as if they were comprised entirely of AA players. St. Louis over in the NL has really become a solid squad over the last year, and could definitely surprise some folks this year over in the NL....I'd be willing to bet we'll say the same about San Francisco next season. In other news, for the first time in league history that I can recall, the Cubbies are in 2nd behind the Expos....boy that Montreal squad sure has quietly gotten to be a really good team. The biggest disappointment of the season has to come from the AL West, but which team could you point to? All of these teams seem to be way more talented then their respective records (all teams at or above .500 & within 2 games of each other). Perhaps most dissapointed is the GM of the Oakland Athletics who wouldn't take the time to talk with us, but did blurt out that he was "extremely dissapointed and looking to majorly shake things up...". A few trades have occured recently, and some pretty talented International Free Agent's have been signed recently as well, proving again that missing even a day in Major Leagues can put you behind your competition and leave you scrambling. Stay tuned as we'll have a close-up look at just what has got that Oakland GM so frustrated in the next few days. See ya soon!!

Season 4 NL Playoff Preview

2008-08-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

The National League playoffs weren't set until the final game in season 4. In the West, San Diego and Colorado tied with 100-wins apiece, but Colorado received the division title and first-round bye because of winning the season series 6-4. The Cubs and Braves once again ran away with their divisions, as the Braves earned home-field throughout the playoffs with hopes of defending their World Series title.

In the East, Pittsburgh grabbed a division title while the real fireworks came from Washington- they rattled off seven straight wins to snatch the final wild card spot from first time owner coachdeal10 and the Houston Astros. So can Washington ride that momentum through their first-round matchup with Chicago?

#3 Chicago Cubs (arodsagent2) 96-66, 851 RS (5th), 765 RA (6th)

#6 Washington D.C. Nationals (chase39) 88-74, 916 RS (2nd), 793 RA (9th)

Season Series: 5-5

A dead even season matchup between these two teams sets the stage for what should be a very good series. Chicago's offense boasts six hitters with a .500+ SLG, including the 2-3-4 combo of Cory Sherman, Victor Solano and Edgardo Calles. Combatting the Cubs' big bats will be a Nationals' staff lacking that go-to starter. While Dave Rizzo posted a career best 18 wins, hitters won't be losing any sleep before facing him. Getting closer Vin Toca from Cincinnati helped solidify an already sound bullpen, but they'll need to be at their best against this Cubs' lineup.

With only one pitcher starting 30 games due to injuries, the Cubs have gotten used to counting on their bullpen to win games. And despite 28 blown saves, the Cubs went an NL best 28-16 in one-run games. Cesar Gill is probably still their best starting option, and then Joey Caldwell and the bullpen step in to hold down the fort. And they'll certainly have their hands full facing the best offense not in Coors in the NL. A young nucleus of Miller Locke, D'Angelo DeLeon and Evan Strange powers Washington's offense. They should force Chicago to dip into that bullpen early and often.

Prediction: In a real tight series Washington's offense will carry them to a certain point, but their pitching won't keep the lid on the Cubs' enough to take the series. Chicago in five.

#4 Pittsburgh Pirates (afatrain) 89-73, 779 RS (11th), 677 RA (3rd)

#5 San Diego Padres (Natic_Empire) 100-62, 798 RS (7th), 676 RA (2nd)

Season Series: 6-4 PIT

These two teams are very similar to each other, built on pitching and small ball. While Pittsburgh's offense was 4th in AVG and 2nd in SB, they were 14th in SLG. Rolando Diaz is the big bat, and he's surrounded by solid contact hitters and a couple speedsters. But San Diego's pitchers are usually up to the task, led by Cy Young candidate Fergie McLemore, RP Pascual Barrios and a very solid staff all the way through. The starters racked up an astounding 20 complete games, so the Padres bullpen shouldn't get too taxed.

The Pirates' pitching, while similar to the Padres' in numbers, is much different in its makeup. Veteran Jared Peters and ROY hopeful Lew Cannon do cause fits for opposing hitters, but the Pirates aren't afraid to go to the pen as that's where the real strength lies. They just need to get the ball to closer Albert Dorsey, and he usually takes care of the rest. Of course all San Diego needs is some baserunners to make magic happen. They led the majors with 292 SB, having five guys with 20+ SB. The centerpiece of this crew is Giomar Lugo, who put up a ridiculous 40-2B, 31 HRs, and 112 SB.

Prediction: As I write this, Pittsburgh is up 2-0 in the series. I planned on picking SD, so I'm gonna stick with that and say the Padres rally back at home to even the series and take game five in PIT. (This is obviously not a wise choice, but since I wanted to have this out yesterday I don't want to flip-flop my guess based on games played) San Diego in five.

Waiting in the Wings

#1 Atlanta Braves (shakazulu5) 103-59, 909 RS (3rd), 669 RA (1st)

The Braves appear to be in good shape to defend their title having earned home-field advantage after posting a 56-25 home record during the season. MVP candidate Miguel Martin and 1B Garrett Woodson garner most of the attention, while the rest of the lineup is not flashy but still quite productive focusing on getting on-base and gap-to-gap power.

After last year's CYA winner Sam Betemit and this year's Cy Young candidate Vinny Andrews, the staff is not overly impressive. But, like their hitting, the Braves' strength is not having any glaring weaknesses. Expect the staff to be even tougher once the rotation is shortened for the playoffs.

Outlook: A second-round matchup with SD or PIT will be a tough test, as the offense has gone through droughts at times. But with the pitching able to pick them up, I'll take Atlanta in six.

#2 Colorado Rockies (mr_stickball) 100-62, 1064 RS (1st), 848 RA (11th)

Any discussion involving Colorado's chances has to start with the offense, having outscored the next closest offense by 148 runs and leading the league in most every offensive statistic. They have four guys with over 40 HRs in the lineup, led by Humberto Rincon and his 64 dingers, while Nigel Shibata sets the table atop the order. The Rockies will be in any game strictly because of this potent attack.

Pitching in Coors is never a good thought, but Cy Young hopeful Vin Moya and crafty veteran Vin Navarre have led this staff to the least runs allowed in the Rockies' history. Aaron Wright heads a bullpen that thins out after the first few solid arms. With the opposing pitching always better in the playoffs, Colorado's starters will need to give quality starts to keep the pen fresh and give the offense a good chance to bust out.

Outlook: Colorado's impressive hitting would be put to a bigger test playing Chicago, but they have too much firepower. The Rockies' pitching is good enough to keep the Cubs' offense at bay and Colorado should advance in six.

NLCS Prediction: Another battle of the top two seeds, this one would be a real tight one. I'm not sure that Atlanta's pitching is strong enough to contain the Rockies' bats, but the Braves' offense is certainly no slouch either. This series may come down to a couple low-scoring games, and I'm giving the edge to Atlanta simply based on their depth for late inning close games. Braves in seven.

AL Playoff Preview

2008-08-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Season 4 Playoff fever has hit Major Leagues World. In the AL there were a couple races coming down to the wire, but none more exciting than the battle for division "supremacy" in the South. If this were the Kentucky Derby all four horses would be put down after the race. But alas, it's baseball, and anything can happen in the playoffs. So Kansas City limped in with an eye-popping 73-89 record.

The reigning AL champion Minnesota Twins proved how badly they want another crack at a World Series title by dominating the North, seemingly locking up the division by the All-Star break. In the West, Oakland edged Seattle in the last few games of the season to earn the #1 seed and, more importantly, a first-round bye. But the loser of of this division race still gets the good fortune of drawing KC in the first round.

Rounding out the playoff field are the #3 and #6 seeds, and division rivals, Baltimore and Boston. This will likely be the more intriguing matchup in the first round, so let's take a closer look.

#3 Baltimore Orioles (gydk) 100-62, 988 RS (1st), 755 RA (5th)

#6 Boston Red Sox (Stewart_UK) 95-67, 840 RS (5th), 705 RA (4th)

Season Series: BAL 8-2

Baltimore's making their first playoff appearance despite winning 90 and 88 games in seasons 2 & 3. The bats have carried them into the postseason, as they've put up staggering numbers at the plate. There is power throughout the lineup, but the glue is still RF Harry Price. Boston's ace Joaquin Gongora needs a good outing as the shaky back end of the rotation will rely heavily on the bullpen, which is fortunately very solid. The biggest factor could be "super reliever" Zack Damon- with Baltimore's offense he should see a lot of action, especially relieving the 3 and 4 starters.

The Baltimore rotation is solid throughout, but they lack a true ace. Graham McCartin has been the closest thing to it this season, and he will be available after an injury to throw Game 1 if gydk chooses. The biggest weakness for the Oriole staff is giving up the long ball; fortunately for them, Boston hit the second least HRs in the AL. But they make up for their 5th lowest team SLG% with a very efficient offense. Second in the AL in AVG and 3rd in SBs, expect to see some small ball out of Boston. Young CF Mike Fasano sets the table for guys like 1B Kyle Graves to knock em in.

Prediction: Boston's top-heavy rotation should make things interesting, but in the end Baltimore has too much offense. The Orioles pitching, while not spectacular, is just good enough to keep the Red Sox' scoring low enough to let the Baltimore bats lead the way. Baltimore in four.

#4 Kansas City Royals (grissom97) 73-89, 800 RS (12th), 855 RA (10th)

#5 Seattle Mariners (letchkins) 101-61, 803 RS (10th), 624 RA (2nd)

Season Series: SEA 7-3

The AL West has been the running joke throughout the season, although it's mostly been the teams in the division making those jokes. Nevertheless, after beating out Nashville for the division title the Royals are not planning on going quietly. What makes them dangerous is their ability to manufacture runs, as evidenced by their league-high 285 SBs. Midseason call-up Johnny Rowan has added some much needed pop to this lineup, but the Royals will need some other bats to get hot to score against the Mariners' pitching. Kyle Powell and Bernie Cordero make up a dangerous 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, followed by uber-prospect Mike DeJean who's hit the ground running in his rookie season.

The Royals pitching is only marginally better than their hitting. Midseason acquisition Tim Truby is the only starter who's shown some consistent success, so expect to see a lot of the Royals' bullpen in this series. The good news for KC is that the Mariners offense had some troubles of its own. The potent heart of the order is their 2-3-4 combo of Fisher, Escobar and Hendrick. They'll be doing all the heavy lifting, but will need some contributions from others if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Prediction: On paper, Kansas City looks completely outmatched... and they are. Barring some truly inspired performances by Royals players who haven't done it all season, Seattle should be making flight plans for Oakland in round 2. Seattle in four.

Waiting in the Wings

#1 Oakland Athletics (pstrnutbag44) 104-58, 891 RS (4th), 633 RA (3rd)

"The Commish" has put together quite a team, posting the best record in the ML. The offense will get on base a lot, having drawn 75 more BB than the next closest AL club. MVP candidates Turk Weaver and Terry Heffner get most of the attention, but the lineup also has three other hitters with an OBP of .400+ and a SLG of .475+.

Two young SPs, Steve Kennedy and Fernando Rosado, head a solid rotation front to back. If any starters run into trouble early, pnut doesn't worry too much as Lance Woolf picks up the slack.

Outlook: Likely facing Seattle in the second round will be a test, but the A's should get by in six. From there they want a rematch with arch-rival Minnesota and a chance to go to the World Series. Grab your popcorn for that series, it should be a dandy.

#2 Minnesota Twins (zbrent716) 102-60, 808 RS (9th), 579 RA (1st)

The Twins will be the team to beat in the AL until proven different. They've made it to the ALCS all three previous seasons, going to the World Series in two of those seasons. So now zbrent's only goal is finishing up and getting the title. Minnesota's offense has a ton of power, but the reliance on a couple youngsters makes it somewhat inconsistent. Herbert Lieberthal and midseason pickup Hiram Bang (very fitting name) are an imposing duo, even moreso with the power hitters that surround them.

As scary as the Twins lineup can be, the pitching is what makes this train go, setting a Major Leagues World team record for least runs allowed. Of course the spotlight will stay on soon to be four-time Cy Young Award winner, C.Y. Nen. But Nen's not alone, Jang and Bellhorn would be #1's on most teams in the league and will follow in the rotation. The bullpen is solid, and a healthy Twins rotation will make life difficult for any opposing lineup.

Outlook: I can't see Baltimore beating this team more than twice, but I'll go ahead and take the Twins in five. In a short series, you'll probably only see a three-man rotation from Minnesota and even Baltimore's offense won't consistently put up runs against these guys. Then it's on to Oakland.

ALCS Prediction: In a rematch of last season's ALCS, the question is can Oakland take the next step? I don't think this is the year. Last year's Twins team made it to game 7 of the WS despite losing all but the batboy to injuries, so there's no reason to think this team won't get back to the October Classic. Minnesota in seven.

The Long Journey.....

2008-06-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

You've heard it said before. It's a long road to the Major League's. To finally break the barrier and make it from AAA, or even lower in the minor's, to the bigs is a dream come true. It's takes a lot of hard work, dedication, talent, skill and sacrifice to even get drafted these days.

Many, many players spend a lifetime toiling around the minors, serving as filler and depth for most ballclubs. Merely happy to scrape out an existence playing the game they love so much. For a few of these lifetime minor leaguer's, they have an opportunity after 4+ years of service time to be drafted during the offseason in the Rule 5 draft.

In the Rule 5 draft, any player not on a team's 40-man roster and with 4+ years of experience is eligible to be drafted by another team (for $100,000), provided the team can keep the player on it's 25-man ML roster all season. If not, he must be offered back (for $50,000), first passing through waivers. When on waivers, any team can claim the player and give him a shot, provided he still remains on a ML 25-man roster.

This brings us to the long road of young Rey Wan. Obviously, there is something in his skill set that attracts a lot of the owners around the league. Since being selected by Minnesota (from Arizona) in the Rule 5 Draft, he's also made it to Philidelphia and all the way up north to Toronto. He's once more hit the Waiver Wire, and who knows where his whirlwind journey shall take him next. Perhaps he'll make it down south to Florida or Tampa, maybe he'll finally head back West to a place like Oakland or San Diego or even home to Arizona. I hear Cleveland is looking for a Center Fielder, maybe they'll be next to take a chance.

It'll be interesting to see where this kid ends up, and if his talent let's him stay in the bigs not just this season, but for many to come. Keep your eyes peeled for the weary traveller. Who knows? Maybe he'll end up starting at 2nd for Minnesota?

Jake Walton No-Hits Tampa Bay

2008-06-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

If you had been making a list of pitchers most likely to throw a no-hitter, Jake Walton’s name probably never would have come up in the discussion. The 31 yr old lefthander has had a less than stellar career up to this point. Yet on this night he victimized the potent Tampa Bay attack in a 112 pitch, 5 strikeout, 5 walk performance. The only time he got into trouble was in the eighth when he gave up back to back walks with 2 outs, but the threat was stopped when Mel Munoz grounded out to end the inning.

After throwing the first no-hitter of the season Walton has given the team hope that this may be a turning point to jump start his struggling career. It is not realistic to believe that Walton will be able to keep his ERA under 3.00 all year but for this one night he was the top pitcher in the league and no one can dispute it or take it away from him.

Season 4: NL Review

2008-06-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Preseason Review:

NL North

Chicago Cubs (97-65 Season 3)
Stars Cory Sherman (C), Victor Solano (3B), Julio Chavez (LF) provide the big bats for the Cubs offense. On the pitching side Torii Baker, Cesar Gil & Octavio Bolivar will set the tone. The Cubs should be able to hold on to the division again this year but with age starting to become a factor younger talent will need to be brought in if they would like to continue their reign

Top Prospects:
SS Jacque Cornelius (AAA), SS Oleg Little (Hi-A), LF Rico Baez (AA), RP Winston Richardson (Hi-A)

Prediction: 95-67

Cincinnati Reds (87-75)
Outfielders Carl Rhodes, Brad Johnson & Tracy Owens lead the offense for the Reds. The thin pitching staff is lead by starters Stubby LaRoche & Vin Navarre. Age and a lack of depth will hurt Cincy’s chances of matching last year’s record. With few top prospects ready to make the leap to the show it is imperative that this team begin to stock the farm teams to keep the team from falling into the basement.

Top Prospects:
2B Wes Wagner (Hi-A), SP Chad Martin (Hi-A), RP Blake Denny (AA)

Prediction: 78-84

Milwaukee Brewers (71-91)
Justin Cash (C) & Kevin Vaughn (SP) are the stars of this team in transition. With most of the organizations talent still in the minors this will be a long season in Brew Town. Fortunately there are several quality prospects in the minors so the talent level should begin to rise as soon as management decides the they are ready for the show.

Top Prospects:
2B Miguel Javier (Lo-A), 3B Duke Swindell (AAA), SS Enrique Lopez (Hi-A), LF Bernard Harvey (AAA), SP Roger Radmanovich (AA)

Prediction: 65-97

Montreal Expos (82-80)
Solid players throughout the roster will keep the Expos competitive; however the lack of any standouts at the ML level will keep things somber north of the border. Competent performers like Rico Rosa (2B) & Kent Davey (RF) will lead the offense, as arms such as Henry Tracy & David Vincente will try to hold other teams in check.

Top Prospects:
2B Napoleon McGee (Hi-A), 3B Don Yamamoto (RL),

Prediction: 72-90

NL East

New York Mets (95-67 Season 3)
Having hung on to take the division crown last year the Mets hope this year will be even better. Alexander Springer (1B) & Miquel Lima (RF) lead the attack, as Calvin Hyun (SP) & Earl Simmons (RP) lead the hurlers. Unfortunately it appears the improvement of the other teams in the division will make the New Yorkers fight it out for a wildcard berth.

Top Prospects:
C Cookie Paige (Hi-A), SS Willie Fernandez (Hi-A), SS Christopher Vaughn (AA), SP Arlie Gant (AA), SP Peter James (AA), SP Merv Stuart (Hi-A), RP Gus Rivera (AAA)

Prediction: 92-70

Philadelphia Phillies (81-81)
The big bats of Bernie Wells (1B) & Jay Black (RF) will terrorize opposing pitching again this year, while pitchers Vic Nitkowski & Raul Gonzalez try to tame the other team’s bats. The Phil’s have few quality prospects so the current ML team needs to step up and take them to the promised land. The lack of enough talent will keep the Phil's on the sideline during playoff time and unless management dives into the free agent pool it will not change anytime soon.

Top Prospects:
SS Dave Chouinard (AAA), SS Sammy Pulido (AAA), SP Nerio Breen (AAA)

Prediction: 82-78

Pittsburgh Pirates (93-69)
Standout performers Tony Martin (CF), Rolando Diaz (2B), Lou Blair (SS), Alfredo Guerrero (SP) & Martin Lyon (RP) make the Pirates a very dangerous team. While they fell short last year this should be their year to capture the division. This is another team that needs to take advantage of their window of opportunity with a lean crop of prospects in their system.

Top Prospects:
C Eric Waddell (AAA), 1B Rey Barr (Lo-A), SP Sam Risley (Lo-A), RP Davey Pena (Hi-A)

Prediction: 95-67

Washington D.C. Nationals (75-87)
Setting the tone for the offense will be Miller Locke (1B) & D’Angelo DeLeon (CF), doing the same on the bump are hurlers Albert Ontiveros (SP), Dave Rizzo (SP) & Hector Trevino (RP). The Nat’s are almost ready to contend and it appears that a few of the missing pieces to this puzzle are in the minors hoping to join the team in the near future.

Top Prospect:
2B Tomas Pascual (AA), SS Enrique Rodriguez (Hi-A), SP Nash McNamara (AA), SP Stewart Winn (AAA), RP Herman Mahler (Lo-A)

Prediction: 78-84

NL South

Atlanta Braves (108-54 Season 3)
The two Miguel’s, Ramirez & Martin, are wielding potent bats for the Braves. Rickey Brooks and a strong bullpen will try to repeat last year’s performance as Atlanta attempts to bring home another World Series Trophy. Matching last year's 108 victory total will be a tall task but the other teams are still building so it's a foregone conclusion that Atlanta will be one of the playoff teams in the NL.

Top Prospects:
DH Andrea Baxter (Hi-A), LF Erik Buckley (AAA), RP Elroy Benson (AAA)

Prediction: 96-66

Florida Marlins (65-97)
With young bats like Seth Davis (3B), Albert Leonard (CF) & Cyrus Manning (RF) the future is bright in South Florida. However starters Victor Solano & Alvin Young need more help to get the pitching up to the same level as the offense. The minors have been depleted as most of the talent is now on the ML roster so new players will need to be brought into the organization to fill any holes the team may have.

Top Prospects:
RP Chad Sanders (AAA), RP Denny Sullivan (AA)

Prediction: 74-88

Houston Astros (65-97)
Ryan Stahl (C), Hugh Clark (CF) & Billy Hutch (RF) are all young talented and now playing in the majors. These youngsters along with pitchers Hick Hogan & Tomas Vasquez will form a strong nucleus for the Astros as they build for the future. A few more top prospects are knocking on the door and should be allowed to play with the big boys very soon.

Top Prospects:
2B Willie Luebbers (AAA), SP Derek Rando (AAA), RP John Mateo (AA), RP Everett Dale (AA)

Prediction: 72-90

St. Louis Cardinals (34-128)
The abysmal record of last year is now in the past. Talented offensive contributors like Brian Morris (3B) & Miguel Lopez (SS) fill the lineup and should allow the team to put up some big numbers. The pitching staff led by Felipe Borbon (SP) & Carl Ashley will need some more help before they can keep the opposition under control and it looks like some of this talent will come from the minors. Even with several top prospects this team has room and a need for a infusion of more quality players.

Top Prospects:
CF Julian Brogna (AAA), CF Alex Solano (AA), SP Branch Cepicky (AA), SP Bobby Ray Dixon (Hi-A), SP Vernon Eckstein (AA), RP Virgil Morales (Hi-A)

Prediction: 68-94

NL West

Colorado Rockies (85-77 Season 3)
As you would expect in the Mile High Altitude the ball will be flying all over the park. Pitchers with out strong constitutions will be squeamish when forced to face this offensive juggernaut. Nigel Shibata (1B) freed from the hitter’s nightmare of Petco Park should thrive in his new surroundings with the help of players such as Nigel Black (LF). Pitching will be a concern with half their games being played in Coors Canaveral’s launching pad. If the starters can give the Rockies 5-6 strong innings their strong bullpen should be able to bring the team home. It looks like a two team fight for the division as San Diego appears vulnerable.

Top Prospects:
1B Miguel DeJesus (AA), SS Pepe Guerrero (AA), SP Cecil Stephens (Hi-A), RP Andy Palmer (AAA)

Prediction: 86-76

Los Angeles Dodgers (84-78)
The LA roster has been constantly changing as new management revamps the team to better suit their desired style of play. Offense should not be a problem with hitters like Myron McDonald (2B) & Shane Hardy (3B) on board however the lack of power will mean the Dodgers will need to manufacture runs and hope their pitchers can pick them up when need be. This year the team will take a step back as they are molded into shape by management with hopes that the future will bring playoff berths.

Top Prospects:
2B Brandon Simmons (AAA), LF Al Nathan (AAA), RP Sean Jenkins (AA), RP Al Jose (RL)

Prediction: 70-92

San Diego Padres (95-67)
Long ball hitters struggle in Petco but this doesn't scared the big bats of Giomar Lugo (2B) & Roberto Miranda (RF). As hitters run from San Diego, pitchers can’t wait to take the mound. The leaders of the staff will most likely be Fergie McLemore (SP) & Billy Morris (RP). The Padres are again the favorites to win the division but with the improvements Colorado has made it should be a fight to the finish.

Top Prospects:
3B Kenny Melfi (AAA), 3B Floyd Lyon (AAA), LF Rey Mailman (RL), RP Alexander Bagley (AAA), RP Michael Harris (AAA)

Prediction: 90-72

San Francisco Giants (70-92)
There will be no joy on the bay this season. Last years struggles will continue until more talent is brought in to help young stars Mark Blum (2B), Emil Rodriguez (SS) & Davy Crudale (SP). The good news is that there are several young stars that just need a little more seasoning before they will be added to the ML roster. This year will be bad, next will be better and watch out the following year.

Top Prospects:
2B Roger Balboa (AAA), DH Hector Durazo (AAA), CF RJ Henry (Lo-A), SP Norm Long (AAA), SP Hades McDermott (AAA), RP Zephyr Lane (AAA), RP David Espinosa (AA)

Prediction: 74-88

Season 4: AL Preview

2008-06-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

AL North

Chicago White Sox (64-98 Season 3)
Coming off a tough season last year it looks like another long summer on the south side. But all is not lost Sox fans with young offensive stars like Delanor Hemingway and Davey Morales the future is looking up. There are several top prospects that will be arriving in the next 2-3 yrs that will allow Chicago to compete with the leagues elite teams so patience from management and fans alike will be necessary.

Top Prospects:
1B Benji O’Keefe (AA), 2B Andy Kelly (Lo-A), 2B Quilvio Rosario (AA), LF Timothy Jackson (AA), SP Gary Brinkley (AA), SP Kane Delaney (Hi-A)

Prediction: 70-92

Detroit Tigers (63-99)
The Tigers seem to have enough offensive firepower with the likes of Max Beech & PT Oliva, the big question is whether Greg Higginson & FA pickup Hugh Purcell can anchor a thin pitching staff. If the pitching holds up enough to allow the bats to do their thing Detroit will escape the basement.

Top Prospects:
SS Henry Fisher (AAA), SS Phil Hunter (Hi-A)

Prediction: 68-94

Minnesota Twin (100-62)
A fine selection of arms is the strength of this teams championship dreams. Led by Chris Nen & Clay Bellhorn the Twins staff looks loaded. The offense on the other hand is waiting for the arrival of some of their top prospects before they will be on the same level as their pitching staff. They should have enough to take the division, however a deep run in the playoffs is unlikely at this time.

Top Prospects:
2B Donne Harper (AAA), SS Virgil Mendoza (AAA), SS Ed Wheat (AAA), DH Donn Stafford (Lo-A), SP Gabby Martin (AAA), SP Tommy McIntyre (AAA), SP Emmanuel Montero

Prediction: 92-70

Toronto Blue Jays (97-65)
The Blue Jays are another team that will go as far as their pitching will take them. Sandy Brooks & Timothy Truby are part of a strong rotation and Todd Wood & Gerald Funaki are part of a deep bullpen. This team will need to find some more firepower to help their pitchers if they would like to make another playoff run.

Top Prospects:
LF William Hollins (AAA), SP Eddie Foxx (Hi-A), SP Ross Lamb (Hi-A)

Prediction: 75-87

AL East

Baltimore Orioles (88-74 Season 3)
Having assembled a team that includes the bats of Taylor Mullin, Neifi Martin, Harry Price and the strong arms of Mikey Finnessey, Rafael Mateo, Pascual Gonzalez the Orioles are well balanced and ready for a deep run in the playoffs. It will be no comfort to the rest of the league that a large portion of the ML roster is filled with young players and there are more prospects in the minors that will only aid to keep Baltimore on top for a long time.

Top Prospects:
C Del Bale (AAA), 1B Spud Nielsen (Hi-A), SS Wayne Young (Hi-A), LF Joe Nakano (AAA), SP Charlie Bailey (AAA)

Prediction: 94-68

Boston Red Sox (93-69)
Pitcher Hal Menechino & centerfielder Mike Fasano are two of the few young stars on this very veteran team. The remaining players on the ML roster are mostly over 30 so if the Red Sox want to make a run at a championship it must be done now. With few top prospects in the minors it is time for Boston to start working on getting replacements in place very soon.

Top Prospects:
C Jude Daniels (Lo-A), 2B Rudy Hernandez (Hi-A), 2B Trent Reid (Hi-A), SS Omar Pineda (AA), RP Lew Brower (Lo-A)

Prediction: 86-76

Cleveland Indians (94-68)
Trevor Corsi (LF) & Cesar Carrasquel (SP) lead a team that surprised some by winning the division. However it will be tough for a repeat with the team as it stands now. There is some talented young players almost ready to compete for a ML job but this season appears to be more of a transitional year.

Top Prospects:
C Dude Robinson (AAA), SS Norberto Prieto (AA), SS Miguel Ramirez (AAA), LF Dennis Grimsley (AAA), LF Francisco Marin (AA), SP William Malloy (AAA), RP Ross Heredia (AAA)

Prediction: 84-78

New York Yankees (56-106)
Last years record was indicative of the talent level in the Bronx. Don Satou while a productive .300 hitter hamstrung this team with his $20 mil/yr contract. Next year the organization will have the ability to go after some top talent to help supplement the players that management chooses to keep during the rebuild of this downtrodden franchise. This years Rule 5 draft brought in Andy Junge (CF) & Abraham Sutton (2B) to a team in need of more talent.

Top Prospect:
C Blake Krause (AA), 2B BJ Stearns (AA), LF Derrick Saturria (AAA), SP Orlando Ramos (AAA)

Prediction: 65-97

AL South

Kansas City Royals (78-84 Season 3)
Sluggers Stew Hanson (3B) & Hiram Bang (RF) lead this team’s offense which should be very potent. The big question mark is the starting pitching. While the bullpen was addressed this off season it appears management is waiting for their pitching prospects to strengthen the rotation. Though the Royals won the division last year their record was nothing to be proud of and more pitching will be needed if they are able to make the playoffs again.

Top Prospects:
C David Kim (AAA), 2B Johnny Rowan (AAA), SS Jerry Moore (Lo-A), CF Brian Zhou (AAA), RF Fred Leary (AAA), SP Lawrence Schmidt (AAA)

Prediction: 85-77

Nashville Sounds (63-99)
The Sounds struggled last year and just missed losing 100 games. Big time bats like AJ Hemingway (DH) & Damaso Cordero (3B) should be able to keep the offense chugging along. However this is another team that needs to upgrade its pitching staff to be able to have realistic title hopes.

Top Prospects:
C Lou Fisher (Hi-A), 2B Tyler Servais (AA), RP Bucky Malone (AAA), RP D’Angelo Gongora (AAA)

Prediction: 68-94

Tampa Bay Devil Rays (73-89)
Management opened their wallets to bring in FA’s Pep Salmon (CF), Carmine McGee (RF) & 15 million dollar man Neil Torres. These three vets bring talent and experience to a team that needed both, the question is will it be enough to get to the playoffs. The pitching staff and offense both need further upgrades to be serious threats in the playoffs but they should have enough talent to battle for the title in the AL's weakest division.

Top Prospects:
1B Fernando Izquierdo (AA), SS Brian Pong (AA), RF Willis Howell (Hi-A)

Prediction: 82-80

Texas Rangers (72-90)
Following their division mates, the Rangers are in need of improved pitching and the lack of it will be a problem all year. The bats of Abdullah Daniels (LF) and newly acquired Richard Owens (CF) will keep the team on the score board. The question is who will they put on the mound to stop the other team from doing the same.

Top Prospects:
1B Bob Aldridge (AAA), 2B Fernando Rivera (AA), SS Deivi Guerrero (AAA), LF JD Stern (AAA), LF Luke Brock (Hi-A)

Prediction: 72-90

AL West

Anaheim Angels (87-75 Season 3)
While not deep in offensive talent the Angels do have Roger Byrnes (3B), Glenn Norton (SS), Erubiel Santiago (SS) & Jesus Otanez (CF) to torment opposing pitchers. Add to that starters Dennis Sirotka, Roy Whitaker and relievers Joshua Mays and Sarma Nagy on the hill to again make Anaheim a very dangerous team. Anaheim has the talent to again make the playoffs and it would be surprising if they didn't.

Top Prospects:
SS Cap Turner (RL), DH Kelvin Graves (Hi-A), RP Dustan Brocail (AAA)

Prediction: 90-72

Arizona Diamondbacks (78-84)
Dickie Scharein (2B), Bruce Myers (SS) & Omar Navarro (DH) will be beating on opponents pitching all season long. Brian Averill & Jerry York have the goods to mow down opponents consistently. Will this be enough weapons and will can the rest of the roster step up to help out enough to push them into the playoff hunt. While the answer this season may be no there is additional talent in the farm system that should put this team in the thick of it in the near future

Top Prospects:
C Benj Recchio (AA), 2B Derrin Davenport (AA), 2B Steve Weaver (Hi-A), LF Carl Robertson (AA), SP Nolan Foster (AA)

Prediction: 76-86

Oakland Athletics (107-55)
Offensive talent throughout the lineup makes it easy to understand how the A’s put up such a gaudy win total last year. Turk Weaver (2B) & Terry Hefner (RF) swing two of the biggest bats on the team. Unfortunately for their opponents they are equally talented on the mound. Starters Steve Kennedy, Willie Segui and relievers Lance Wolf, Albert Mota headline a staff that can shut down even the most dangerous offenses. If this isn’t bad enough news for their rivals then the fact that they have more talent on the way up the minor league ladder should cause more sleepless nights for the other teams in the league.

Top Prospects:
1B Bud Hogan (AAA), 2B Herb Elarton (AAA), SS Jeff Zambrano (AAA), Ronald Traynor (AA), RF Roosevelt Thomas (AA), SP Fernando Rosado (AAA), RP Fonzie Wayne (AA), RP Sid Crabtree (AAA)

Prediction: 105-57

Seattle Mariners (92-70)
This team has decent offensive capabilities however other than Luis Escobar (DH) it is lacking the power that most of the top teams have. Rob Goldberg (CF) & Rafael Mondesi (RF) are speed burners and must use it to help create some runs to compensate for the power shortage. Arms like Pat Garland & Kyle Powell will be able to keep the other teams offense stuck in neutral, so on most nights it won’t be necessary for the Mariners to score a lot of runs. With the A’s in the same division the Mariners realistically only hope for a wild card spot.

Top Prospects:
2B Alex Julio (AA), 2B Richie Wade (AA), SS Erik Thompson (Hi-A), CF Wiki Uribe (AA), RF Cooper Sedlacek (AAA), RF Marvin Walton (AAA), SP Mike DeJean (AAA), RF Vladimir Rijo (AAA), RP Antonio Martin (AAA)

Prediction: 90-72

Jockeying for Position

2008-06-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

The yearly preseason maneuvers are now complete as the season is ready to begin. As is the norm teams looking to contend for the title jumped into the free agent and trade markets to find the missing pieces for their championship dreams.

Here are some of the top players that were moved this off season deals.

Arizona needed a leadoff hitter and acquired the veteran bat of Rick French. In the free agent market they grabbed P Hades Christiansen, Stump Laker, Henry Blake.

Atlanta picked up P Jerry Lee and SS Arthur Hyers.

Boston added vets C Matt York & Will Barr through free agency.

Colorado decided to add to their offensive firepower by adding speedsters Nigel Shibata & Bonk Coles and additional power when it acquired Andre Shields. To keep pitching coach Otis Duffy happy they also added a few arms when they picked up Frank Glover, Lonnie Jacome & Vin Moya. Duffy must have asked Santa for more toys to play with and received $15 million man Bobby Joe McIntosh & Bryant Hodges.

Detroit in need of some help for the pitching staff went into the plucked Hugh Purcell, Adam McGee & Howard Flynn from the FA market.

Florida added the very capable Randall Wheeler to their bullpen.

Houston was able to pick up Mateo Alvarez & Eric Perry to bolster their pitching staff. The biggest move by the team however was adding stud catching prospect Ryan Stahl.
Adding 9 free agents 30 or older lead by Pascual Sosa & Clarence Rothschild has turned this team into the over-the-hill gang.

Kansas City needed to strengthen a weak bullpen and feel they have with the signings of Alex Estrella, Larry Koch & Billy Garcia.

Minnesota not wanting to be left out of the fun turned to LF Dee Young for some extra offense.

New York Mets filled a couple of holes with veterans CF Hiram Nakano & 1B Alexander Springer.

New York Yankees were able to find a way to pry loose a major young arm in closer Bill Hoffman, but also lost Ryan Taylor in the Rule 5 draft thereby taking away another young talent they had acquired.

Oakland also found some talented young arms for their bullpen on the market and came away with a couple of Lance’s in Wolf & Turner.

Pittsburgh went looking for speed and a centerfielder and found Tony Martin to their liking.

St. Louis looked to strengthen their defense up the middle and added catcher Damaso Neruda & shortstop Randy Cortes. Offensive help was also provided when Walker Leonard & Courtney Shaw came aboard.

Texas came away with a major young talent by adding Richard Owens.

Toronto thought that a more veteran presence was needed and brought in P Timothy Truby & SS Rabbit Cunningham.

Washington went with youth and picked up a good young catcher in Karim DeRojas.

One Man's Opinion....(06-12-08)

2008-06-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome back fans, and it's time for some random observations from around Spring Training so far this season:

Most leagues are characterized by one thing or another, and something that really stands out about World Major Leagues is the insanely dominating pitching around, especially in compariosn to other leagues out there. In the AL alone you've got Minnesota's CY Nen, Clevland's Cesar Carrasquel, Seattle's got a few arms with Pat Garland & Kyle Powell (and Mike DeJean!!! on his way). Over in the NL you can see outstanding arms like Norm Long's in SF. That's just brushing the surface there to, it's amazing the hitters in this league stand a chance!

Another thing I noticed sets this league apart is it's owners seem to demand the player's maintain their existence on some fairly reasonable contracts. Aside from a few exceptions, I notice a lot of players have to wait until the beginning, and sometimes end, of ST just to catch on with a team. It's great to know that salaries will always seem to keep themselves in check.

There has also been a ton of movement around the league, with a flurry of trades occurring over a 3-4 day span. Things have since cooled off as it seems owners are taking a long look at what they have on hand before making any final decisions. You can certainly tell this is going to be a very active season.

The Rule 5 wasn't much to write home about this year, although if Ernest Heath can bounce back from injury, he could be an asset to someone down the line. Most of the other players figure to be offered back at some point in the season.

That's all I can see so far this week, as I'm simply overwhelmed just to be enjoying some baseball again. This season is shaping up to be a fine one, so keep your eyes peeled for more from ST as we take a look at some of the hot position players making some noise as teams head into the regular season.

The Final Seven Have Been Selected

2008-06-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

After a lengthy and exhaustive search the final 7 owners have been selected. Commissioner P-nut has put in a lot of time and effort to find the best fits for the remaining franchises and determined that these people are the right ones for the jobs.

In the American League, the Chicago White Sox were picked up by HBD vet Casanelly. The Detroit Tigers will have newcomer Sdhizzle leading the way, as the Nashville Sound are guided by the somewhat more experienced Tonywin33.

Over in the National League there were 4 teams available with only the Washington Nationals’ Chase39 having any previous experience. However, the new blood and enthusiasm being displayed by rookies Slickwillie (Arizona Diamondbacks), Coachdeal10 (Houston Astros), and J_homicide (Montreal Expos) seems to be infecting the whole league.

It was a difficult off season for Commissioner P-Nut with the wholesale changes that needed to be undertaken. With everyone now in place it’s time to get on the field and begin the season long battle for the championship trophy. Good luck everyone.

Oakland Athletics - Season 4 Preview - Another Season of Youth

2008-06-01T12:45:00.001-07:00

Welcome back friends for a little preview of what to look for this Spring as our awesome Athletics approach another anecdote-filled, asthma and arrythmia-inducing annual adventure, after another agonizing and afflictive avenue of annhilition adduced by Minnesota.

Fresh of their 107-55 Season 3, AL West Champions The Oakland Athletics have quite a few questions heading into Season 4. Quite a few players have left via Free Agency, leaving some holes for some new faces to fill. Some of those leaving include SP Chief Shuey, Setup Man Hugh Purcell, CF Gabe Hunter & DH Sherm Tapani. In line to take their place will be another outstanding crop of youngsters, chomping at the bits to get their crack at the ML roster.

As far as filling out the Rotation is concerned, Shuey's place can taken by one of many options down at AAA, including Top- Prospects: Pedro Eusebio, Bob McFarlane, Spike Shannon or Fernando Rosado. There could also be a surprise candidate or two, depending on what Rico Rijo, Sting Peterson and last year's Rule 5 pick Francisco Beltre have to say about things.

The Bullpen, already young & solid, can be shored up with live arms like Albert Mota, Jay McNeil and last year's 1st Round pick for Oakland Fonzie Wayne. The bullpen was a very interesting spot for Oakland last season as they ran with no true Closer, and may plan to do the same this season continuing to mix & match depending on matchups. It worked out quite well with only a couple of disasterous outings mixed in last year.

The bigger questions, however, lie in the lineup. Oakland's farm may be stacked with pitching that is ready to go, and it's also stacked with some nice Position Players....that aren't quite so ready. However, ready or not, a few will be getting their chance this season much like last year's influx of ROTY-quality youngsters. Mo Springer hopes to lead this group, making an effort to march right into the Starting CF job in Oakland. He's got the talent, but is he ready for it? His .333/.402/.788 line in AAA at 21 years old last year say he's ready, with the only question being his hands on defense. The range is there, but he has his fair share of misplays due to some "rough" hands still.

A good competition will be brewing for the DH job in Oakland with several young mashers trying to force their way onto the big league club. Charley Jameson, Derrick Juden, Vince Morris, Bud Hogan, Ronald Traynor and last year's compensation pick in the draft, Miguel DeJesus all would love to start raking for the ML squad, however with Bryant Browne deeply entrenched at first, leaving only DH open, one or more of these guys may have to find a new home to find a chance to start.

One competition that could prove to be a good one is happening over at 3rd Base, were Piper Ross & Stuffy Karsay may be forced to platoon, or one of the two may have to be moved. Also, coming up fast behind them is Kent Lewis, another hot prospect that will be extremely versatile in the field. Worse case scenarion happens with Springer, and any of these guys could step in and help at CF as well.

SS will have to wait another season or two before the arrival of uber-prospect Jeff Zambrano, as his glove definitely needs some work if he's to have a chance of sticking at SS. For the most part, the rest of the roster seems to be stacking up much the same as last year, with the only competition seeming to be for that 4th/5th OF spot.

We'll bring you more from Oakland as we get more, and until then, patience prevails until the start of Spring. Until then, thoughts of reaching 115 and a WS title this year, as it can be done with this much talent & depth around. Of course, that's just one man's opinion, fella' name a' Smitty, first name Word.

Franchises Still Looking for New Owners

2008-05-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

In the American League:

Arizona Diamondbacks

This team has always finished either a few games over or under .500 so it will only take some minor corrections to allow them to compete in the tough AL West. With a solid pitching staff that includes Mark Jang, Brian Averill Jerry York and Willis Harding the D-Backs can hold other team’s offenses in check. The offense is lead by the most talented player in the league, Dickie Scherin (2B) and not having reached his full potential yet things will only get better.

The farm system has many fine prospects that will soon be pushing for ML jobs. Haywood Franco (SP), Branch Buchanon (2B), Derrin Davenport (LF) and others will either reinforce the existing talent or can be used as trade bait.

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have struggled but have a strong group to build around. On the ML level the mound corps are anchored by Ace Steve Mills, a young player with lots of potential. Thomas Conner, Warren Perez and Al Tomlinson are also capable hurlers that will keep this team competitive. The offense is lead by Davey Morales, Paul Wagner and Deivi Mercado who can all do more than patrol the vast outfields of the league.

Down on the farm top prospects Garry Brinkley (SP), Benji O’Keefe (1B), Timothy Jackson (LF), Felipe Gandarillas (RF) are chomping at the bit to get their opportunities on the big stage and have the talent to take advantage of it.

With some work this team will be able to compete sooner rather than later.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers suffered thru some questionable management decisions causing this strong offensive team to fall to a new franchise low in wins. The pitching staff needs a serious infusion of quality arms with a focus on better control, while the team’s offense seems to be strong and also appeared to suffer under the previous regimes management style. Max Breech (2B) & PT Oliva (RF) are extremely talented hitters that make this offense run. The team also has help on the way in the form of Russell Rolls (C), Jon Olson (RF) & Cy Hunter (CF).

This team will need a patient hand to guide it thru a rough year or so as more talent is acquired.

Nashville Sounds

This team started strong in season one and has recorded a worse record each season after that. While the bullpen is strong with the likes of Chris Jacome & Roscoe Valentine, the starting rotation could use some help.

The Sounds have some very potent bats in their lineup with the leaders being AJ Hemingway (1B) & Jude Taubensee (2B). Cesar Castillo (SS), Don Brock (LF), Julo Mendez (COF) & Matty De La Vega (COF) also can be counted on for offensive help.

The AAA, AA & RL teams all finished above .500 but the minors could use an additional influx of talent. The Nashville organization will need some retooling but isn’t that far from being a consistent contender.

In the National League:

Houston Astros

The NL South has been dominated by the reigning WS Champion Atlanta Braves. While Houston has finished in 2nd twice they have never finished above .500. Unfortunately this team needs a large influx of talent. Hick Hogan & Tomas Vazquez are two strong starters to build a staff around. Control issues plague a majority of the remaining pitchers on the ML staff. The offense will also need to be addressed with limited options available currently. There is some help in the minors and players like Delino Flores (3B), Don Thurman (RP), Ricky Roberts (3B), John Mateo (RP) & Hugh Clark (CF) will help upgrade the team’s talent level in the near future.

A solid owner with a plan to improve the team’s talent throughout the organization should be able to make a dramatic impact on this struggling team.

Montreal Expos

Only one year removed from a 90 win season the Expos have the talent to compete in the always tough NL North. The offense is tough from top to bottom but with a few additional arms added to the pitching staff a playoff appearance may be within reach.

The minor league teams were well taken care of as AAA, Lo-A & RL teams won their division. The only team to finish below .500 was the AA team but it appears that there are several players that will be ML worthy throughout the minors.
With only minor changes I would expect a new owner be able to come in and battle for a playoff position immediately.

Wholesale Changes Ahead for Major League World

2008-05-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

With the recent exodus of the previous commissioner, Major League World has undergone a gigantic transformation. Pstrnutbag44 in a bold move has taken over leadership of this 4 year old league in an attempt to bring stability to a world trying to join the ranks of the elite organizations on the WIS site.

To this end Pengoman, Jamsing7 and Pbodine have rejoined the league to reunite with the returning owners to form a solid base with which to build on. Pengoman previously ran the Nashville franchise but has decided that rebuilding the NY Yankees will be a more rewarding challenge. Jamsing7 again takes over the helm of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays a team he successfully lead before last seasons slip under a different owner. Pbodine has returned to the Milwaukee franchise that he lead to the only winning season in franchise history.

Some veteran owners have also found the MLW to their liking and will be joining the mix this season. Stewart_uk (Boston Red Sox), Grissom97 (Kansas City Royals), Arodsagent2 (Chicago Cubs), Edham55 (Philadelphia Phillies) bring a vast amount of HBD experience and success to help strengthen a dedicated group.

The league has made it known that they are willing to take a chance on new talent. So far relative newcomer Afatrain (Pittsburgh Pirates) and rookies dropyerglove (Los Angeles Dodgers), Mikesons1973 (Cincinnati Reds) have joined the fold.

So far the screening process imposed by Pstrnutbag44 seems to be attracting quality individuals with the desire to build successful franchises in these Major League cities. The future looks bright for the Major League World with a few more franchises still looking for new owners, interested parties are encouraged to contact Pstrnutbag44 via sitemail.

World Major Leagues News: New Commisioner Set For Season 4

2008-05-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome back baseball fans, it's that time once again to prepare for another exciting season of Major Leagues baseball! To properly set you up for the new season, we're going to hear from the new Comissioner of World Major Leagues as he gets us up to date on what's coming ahead for season 4.
-WS

Word Smith - Thanks for the brief interview, we know you are a very busy person trying hard to fill up the league and get it going. We appreciate you taking out the time to let us know a little bit about the state of the league and where you see it going forward.

Pstrnutbag - No problem at all. Any press is good press and we really need to get our name out there, help us fill up some of these teams without owners. It's amazing to me to see these extremely talented teams that have no owner right now, no direction. Offensive powerhouse Dickie Scharein (Arizona) has no owner to report to. The Cincinatti Reds are also going to make a great run for the playoffs, if they only had the right direction.

Word Smith - What would you say is the probelm then? If your league is just overflowing with talented players like Alex Groom (Philly) and Andres Gonzalez (Montreal), why is it so tough to find new owners for teams like New York?

Pstrnutbag - Well, as far as New York goes, that's the only team in the league that's in obvious rebuild mode. They got saddled with some bad contracts (Don Satou) but there is certainly light at the end of their tunnel. As for the others, a lot of it is pure economics. It's a tough time for folks, especially money-wise. Nobody wants to plop down the $$$ to buy a team that they are unsure of these days. I'm pretty sure the minor controversy we had toward the end of last season may have scared off a few potential owners as well. As it stands now though, we have a new commisioner, and a very clear understanding with all current owners about the expectations of fielding a competitive team. Everyone in the league gets along great, and they are all extremely dedicated and passionate not only for their teams, but for the league as a whole.

Word Smith - What is it that you plan to do to promote your league? What can you do to attract good owners?

Pstrnutbag - Well, honestly, it's a tough job. Aside from some classified posting, a stack of personal invites I sent out, and counting on some help from my leaguemates, there isn't a whole lot that can be done. All I can really do is put the league and open teams out there, and hope somebody sees how talented these teams are. I have considered some sort of promotion though to help fill the last few spots, something involving some GC's. We'll have to see how it all plays out over the next day or two though. Hopefully the lure of talent and possibly some free credit will be enough to convince owners that now is a prime opportunity to get into a very solid world full of great owners. I also plan to begin contributing to the world Blog alongside yourself, Smitty. The blog itself seems to add a lot to the league when it gets used often.

Word Smith - I don't know about you fans, but I'd love to get one of these great teams. Seems like things are looking up and trodding along in World Major Leagues. We'll have to see what the future holds, but this writer says we've got ourselves a hell of a season approaching. If only a few new owners can step forward, this world isn't far off from what they call "elite". Much like the Patriot League, friends. That's just one man's opinion, fella' name 'a Smith, first name Word.

CHAVEZ is BACK!

2008-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Chicago - After today's PM game

Julio Chavez
Chicago
Cubs
Age: 31	B/T: R/R
Born: Huatabampo, MX
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

will be activated off of the 60 Day DL after tearing his ankle ligament. He should go right back to the #3 hole in the lineup, with Cory Sherman moving back to #5 and the switch hitting Victor Solano remaining in the cleanup for the R-S-R synergy.

With Chavez back the Cubs lineup is very dangerous 1-5. Carlton Barker leads things off and has already stolen 31 bags. Batting 2nd is Edgardo Calles, who despite a slow start is starting to really heat up and bring his #'s back to a more normal career pattern. Not your normal #2 hitter, Calles gets on so much that putting him #2 in front of the previously mentioned Chavez-Solano-Sherman should provide many RBI opportunities.

Rounding out the rest of the healthy lineup is Alfredo Rosado, who is starting to show signs of aging in the #6 spot. Harold McMurtry provides some more power in the #7 spot, but will need to start getting on base more often if he wants to keep a regular amount of playing time with Chavez back now. Batting 8th is Oscar Gryboski, who is having a career worst year at the plate as he is below the Mendoza line. Lucky for him his defense is what is really valued and its as good as ever.

The return of Chavez will certainly strengthen the bench, the question is, who gets sent down when he returns?

Top 10 & Bottom 5

2008-03-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

First the TOP 10

1. Oakland A's - At 45-20 they have the best record throughout. The youth has been injected (only 2 players north of age 30) and so far the results justify the transition. Whether they can hold up down the stretch and hold off the Angels & Mariners in a stacked AL West is the only question. A playoff spot seems likely, unless the injury bug wipes out the young A's team.

2. Atlanta Braves - Currently their record sits at 41-25. They jumped out of the gate and were extremely hot to begin the season. Have cooled off just a touch, yet they still lead the NL (if you take out Colorado) in runs scored. They aren't just a 1 trick pony however, as their 283 Runs Allowed is good for 4th in the NL. Whats even scarier is that their expected winning %(.658) is even higher then their actual winning %(.621), meaning they have room for improvement. This could be the year Atlanta finally goes deep in the playoffs.

3. Chicago Cubs - Don't let the 42-24 record fool you, this is not the Cubs teams of year 1 or 2. The team is showing signs of age, and the bullpen is an absolute mess besides Monte DeJean, who started out on fire(0 Runs in 18 ip to start the season) but has been merely average of late. The rest of the bullpen can't be trusted at anytime. Still they've survived the loss of NL MVP Julio Chavez and SP Pedro Torres. The return of former Cy Young Octavio Bolivar has been a boost, but is now where near his former self. If the Cubs are to have any chance they'll need their bats clicking and for Cesar Gil to revert back to his Cy Young form. Expect a return engagement to the playoffs, but with another early exit. The L4 certainly has management concerned.

4. Anaheim Angels - The Angels have the misfortune of being in the AL West and stuck behind the A's. Their 40-25 record would put them in 1st in any other AL Division. They are out to prove that last year's fall to 4th was just an aberration and that they will make the playoffs again. They will be returning, the only question is will it be as a division leader(and 1st round bye) or not.

5. San Diego Padres - Currently 3rd in the NL in runs allowed(276) which is the benefit of playing your home games at Petco. Is 5th in runs scored, so they can also get after it. Still with Colorado nipping at their heels and the way they score runs the West will be competitive till the end.

6. Toronto Blue Jays - Record sits at 40-26, the Jays were an early season surprise after last year's 4th place finish. They aren't surprising anyone anymore and have stumbled as of late (5-5 in the last 10).

7. Boston Red Sox - The defending champs got out of the gate slow, but have really started to crank it up lately. They are 9-1 in their last 10, with a current 5 game winnig streak to put their record at 35-30.

8. Minnesota Twins - Not sure how they have such a bad record (36-30) with all that pitching (Nen, Jang, Kirk). I'm sure it has something to do with all the roids that Carmine McGee has taken over the years and thus making him break down. They'll need the offense to pick back up to make the playoffs, although they are on the right track. For evidence see 8-2 in the last 10 and current W4 streak.

9. Texas Ranger - 33-33 currently, with a 7-3 record in the last 10, they are suprisingly much better on the road then at home in Arlington. Still leading their division despite playing .500 ball. Still the playoffs are anything but a given since 3 games seperate them from 4th place.

10. New York Mets - 7-3 in their last 10 has allowed them to climb into the division lead(tied with the Pirates). Their 14-9 record in 1 run games and 3-1 run record in extra innings suggest a good bullpen, methinks its lack of offense that puts them in those positions. Still they're expected to be in the fight for the division crown all year.

28. San Francisco Giants - 31-34 overall, 3-7 in their last 10, current L2.

29. Detroit Tigers - 28-38 Overall, 3-7 in their last 10. They are a Jekyll and Hyde type team. Can't play very well at home (9-21) but when they get out on the road they become much better (19-17).

30. Houston Astros - 3-7 in their last 10, and 24-42 overall, yet some of those wins have come against St Louis. They did show enough to sweep the Cubs in Chicago so their are signs of life. We expect more in that division however.

31. New York Yankees - Current management was saddled with many bad contracts, and they've done an admirable job attempting to clean house. Still with an L9 on the board currently they belong down here.

32. St Louis Cardinals - With a record of 11-55 they have a strangle hold on the 1st pick in next years draft(that would make 2 years in a row). Better kick them this year though because with all that talent that is being horded, they won't be down forever.

Another Injury in Wrigley-ville

2008-03-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Chicago - Good morning Cub fans! While the Cubs won the 3/21 am game, it did not come without a price. Starting pitcher Pedro Torres

Pedro Torres
Chicago
Cubs
Age: 28	B/T: R/R
Born: San Francisco De Macoris, DO
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

was lost for the season with nerve irritation in his forearm. Torres won 18 games last year for the Cubs, and his record this year was 5-2. The veteran righty, only 2 seasons removed from a perfect game, has plenty of big game experience (see his playoff stats for proof 2-0 in 3 starts, 22 IP, 1.64 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) and will be missed in the rotation.

Torres' injury comes on the heels of reigning NL MVP Julio Chavez 's current stint on the DL for a torn ligament in his ankle. While Chavez was leading the team in HR's and RBI's, his loss is softened by the platoon of Harold McMurtry , Endy Brooks , & Al Johnson, with McMurtry getting the biggest increase in AB's and producing 12 HR's and a .573 slugging percentage.

The good news on the injury front is that Octavio Bolivar (Season 1 Cy Young & Rookie of the Year) had recently returned from last years elbow surgery. While he has yet to approach his previous Cy Young standards, he has provided a nice boost to the rotation, which is even more needed now that Torres has gone down for the year. Called up from AAA to take Torres' place is Torii Baker who earlier in the year had been reported to be shopped around in hope of upgrading the bullpen. Lucky for Chicago GM Donald Key that he held on to him. Although expect some struggles with Baker, in time he should be fine. They decided to leave Jacob Bland in the battered bullpen instead of being sent back to the rotation. Bland had been a starter until this year when he was the 6th man in a 5 man rotation. He has pitched well enough, but Cubs management decided that it was better to call up Baker and put him in the rotation then to put Bland back in.

Only time will tell if they made the right moves!