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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Oakland Athletics - Season 4 Preview - Another Season of Youth
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Franchises Still Looking for New Owners
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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
World Major Leagues News: New Commisioner Set For Season 4
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.
-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.
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