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.

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.

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.

CHAVEZ is BACK!

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

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.