Sunday, February 24
Struggles in Cleveland Continue
Although the Cleveland Keggers boast a record of 40-28 as of Feb 24, pm2 cycle, there is not much laughter in the clubhouse. Trailing their longtime rival Columbus Cannibals by 5 games, this is not the season Worion1 (owner/gm/headcoach) was expecting. The offseason addition of perennial Cy Young candidate Don Trammell led to many to believe Cleveland would be bringing back the World Series this year. If possible, Worion1 stated if he could he would fire the entire coaching staff midseason, but since this hasnt been added to HBD yet, my players can only look at themselves to find the winning ways. In order improve, Omar Martin , Marlon Reynolds will be keys to get the offense going, both are hitting about 70 points lower than last season. Closer Tommy Patterson must also return to his Allstar form and find a way to close the door in the ninth inning after already blowing 4 saves this season with a 8+ ERA.
Friday, February 22
Season 7 Draft in Review
Some would call draft time the most exciting of the year. However, those with such enthusiasm were not to be found this year as the quality of the incoming players was much maligned. As always though, you can never evaluate a player pool until they make the long, arduous trek to the Majors. For some that may never happen, for others it may be a quicker transition than we think. Either way, no harm in snap judgements.
1st Round Results
1. Colorado Rocky Mountain Defenders - No real suprise here. Rightfielder Tony Kinney out of Rice University was the most talented positional player available with a phenomenal speed and power combination rarely seen. He projects to be average in the field. The only possible question in his game appears to be whether he'll learn to use his speed. If Kinney and his coaches can develop his baserunning skill, Im sure this player could go down as one of the best weve seen playing in that Rocky Mountain Air.
2. Louisville Freezer Monkeys - Lawrence Tomlinson
It didnt take long for the first questionable selection of the draft to take place. While Lawrence projects to be an excellent defensive center fielder with great speed, his offensive game appears to be severely lacking, even at the highest projected level. It is true, however, that he was the best centerfield option available so if that was your need than I suppose you cant be faulted. It also couldnt of hurt that he shares the same father as the other LT. Illegitimate all the way. Alot of more talented players were passed on though that probably couldve helped in a much bigger way down the road.
3. Portland Wet Streaks - Andrew Michaels (2B)
As of this moment, Michaels has yet to sign. Greedy bastards, kids that think they might like to play another sport, or kids that think school is more important than making the big bucks get no write ups from me. Sign your damn contract.
4. Philadelphia Phantoms - Esteban Fernandez
Esteban, Esteban, Esteban. If everything goes right for this kid, he'll be one of the leagues top pitchers for years to come. His stuff is not the best with his two best pitches projected at 79 and 76 respectively. However, that hardly matters when he has 93/97/97/95 control/splits/velocity ratings. The GM of the Phantoms has been quoted recently as saying "All this losing is getting very old." But this GM is certain that as long as he sticks around to see this kid develop along with Chris Wolf and Floyd Tracy, he should have no problem putting together a winner.
5. Boston Clydesdales - Jim Benard
Although Bernards position of choice is listed as SS, he lacks the skills to play there in the majors and he looks to be moved to 3rd at some point. Offensively, he looks very solid. A 25-90 type that could also provide you with 10-15 steals. A good pick for a franchise desperately needing help on the hot corner.
6. Durham Bulls -
Springer was a guy that looked worse pre-draft in my eyes than after he signed. I guess we didnt scout him well enough, because he certainly is going to be a major player for years to come. Great D at second, not much speed, but great power. He should team up well with last years first rounder Hank O' Malley down the road to give this Durham lineup a major boost.
7. Trenton Falcons - Giomar Rivera (1B). See number 3.
8. St. Louis Lunatics - Rube Eckstein
=/
Nice enough third basemen, but not this early.
9. Los Angeles Stars - Mikey Spencer
This shortstop from Weyerhaeuser, WI should prove to be the long term solution at short for the Stars.
10. Detroit Renegade - Wilbur Gross (2B). See number 7.
11. Arizona Cocopahs -
Gotta love a man named Kiki...I guess. Regardless of the name though, this pictcher could definitly develop into a staff ace. He has everything you could want.
12. Charlotte Lumbee Warriors - Jolbert Carrara (P) See 10.
13. Richmond Colonials - Greg Anderson (P) See 12. And Damnit.
14. New Orleans Canes - Brendan Maxwell
Maxwell was a bitter sweet selection for the Canes. When surveying the draft beforehand, the New Orleans GM had hoped that pitcher Greg Anderson would fall to thier spot. And that dream almost became reality. Almost. Maxwell is no slouch though. He lacks the glamourous high overall rating, however, thats basically due to his lack of stamina at this point in his young career. All of his other stats are superb.
15. Wichita Wichitards - Thomas Leon
This was another slection that raised a few eyebrows. Leon has well documented control issues and his stuff has best been described as average. The Witchita faithful were not pleased with this selection. To that, the GM had this to say: "Ive got the authority here and the experiance. Thats what counts. Not fans uneducated opinions."
16. Toledo Illini - Vicente Polanco (SS). See 13.
17. Tacoma Typhoons - Duane Francis
Tacoma adds another very good young reliever to its store of up and comers.
18. Anaheim Waves -
Nunez, famous for his patented shades worn whether day or night, is another case of a draftee who will need to make a position switch at some point. He prefers second base, but looks to be at 3rd or one of the corner outfield slots.
19. Kansas City Royal Flush - Luke Cox (1B) See 16.
20. Atlanta KAMIKAZES - Dallas DeHart
Closer with a great name and good stuff, who at 22, looks to join the up and coming Kamikazes sooner rather than later.
21. Chicago Ravens -
"Mustache Gus," as his friends call him, is one of those players that everyone undervaules, but is solid in every area. Plus, he's from some random ass community college. So Im sure he'll feel a need to prove himself.
22. Florida Fightin' Flamingos - Harold Kearns (CF). See 19.
23. Tacoma Typhoons - Elmer Wallace
The second of the Typhoons first round picks, Elmer Wallace is your prototypical masher first basemen. Great hitter, slow as (insert whatever cliche phrase you want). Could eventually definitly replace the venerable Rick Rolle.
24. Pawtucket Piranhas - Alex Calles
I guess if you need a reliever, you need one. It would just be very hard for me to take someone I see projected as a 66 overall in the first round. But Pawtucket has won many more games than my franchise, so who am I to question?
25. Cincinnati Red Doggs - Steven Faulk (SS). See 22.
26. Helena urbanites -
Its hard to believe Mr. Hogan fell this far down. He does have some control issues, but everything else is so good, I think he can overcome them if used correctly.
27. Nashville Sound - Norm Blanton (SS). See 25.
28. Jackson Nine - Spud Hudler (CF). See 26. I would like to start a petition that Jackson can no longer have draft picks by the way. They dont need them.
29. Columbus Cannibals - Odalis Jose
Odalis is one of those guys that gets thier high rating almost solely based on his high stamina which projects at 100. He does have a couple good pitches though. If anyone can manage him to success though, Im sure its the Columbus franchise.
30. Chicago Cubs -
Simmons is very good value at the end of the first round given how many teams lack solid catching. Admittedly, his pitch calling is below average, but he is an excellent excellent hitter.
31. Honolulu Tsunamis - Timo Van Pelt (SS). See 28. Even if this guy doesnt sign, Rob O' Connor is amazing. You also shouldnt have draft picks Honolulu.
32. Cleveland Keggers - Jack Easley
Another Mustache Gus type of player...solid in all areas of the game. These are the type of guys that fill in and help to get you the best record in the league.
Overall, the quality of this draft probably wasnt as bad as everyone initially felt. Every team needs those filler guys like Heving and Easley as I mentioned and there were still bonified stars out there like Kinney and Fernandez. That being said, heres hoping next seasons draft allows teams 16-32 to get a little higher quality of player. Until then.
1st Round Results
1. Colorado Rocky Mountain Defenders - No real suprise here. Rightfielder Tony Kinney out of Rice University was the most talented positional player available with a phenomenal speed and power combination rarely seen. He projects to be average in the field. The only possible question in his game appears to be whether he'll learn to use his speed. If Kinney and his coaches can develop his baserunning skill, Im sure this player could go down as one of the best weve seen playing in that Rocky Mountain Air.
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2. Louisville Freezer Monkeys - Lawrence Tomlinson
It didnt take long for the first questionable selection of the draft to take place. While Lawrence projects to be an excellent defensive center fielder with great speed, his offensive game appears to be severely lacking, even at the highest projected level. It is true, however, that he was the best centerfield option available so if that was your need than I suppose you cant be faulted. It also couldnt of hurt that he shares the same father as the other LT. Illegitimate all the way. Alot of more talented players were passed on though that probably couldve helped in a much bigger way down the road.
3. Portland Wet Streaks - Andrew Michaels (2B)
As of this moment, Michaels has yet to sign. Greedy bastards, kids that think they might like to play another sport, or kids that think school is more important than making the big bucks get no write ups from me. Sign your damn contract.
4. Philadelphia Phantoms - Esteban Fernandez
Esteban, Esteban, Esteban. If everything goes right for this kid, he'll be one of the leagues top pitchers for years to come. His stuff is not the best with his two best pitches projected at 79 and 76 respectively. However, that hardly matters when he has 93/97/97/95 control/splits/velocity ratings. The GM of the Phantoms has been quoted recently as saying "All this losing is getting very old." But this GM is certain that as long as he sticks around to see this kid develop along with Chris Wolf and Floyd Tracy, he should have no problem putting together a winner.
5. Boston Clydesdales - Jim Benard
Although Bernards position of choice is listed as SS, he lacks the skills to play there in the majors and he looks to be moved to 3rd at some point. Offensively, he looks very solid. A 25-90 type that could also provide you with 10-15 steals. A good pick for a franchise desperately needing help on the hot corner.
6. Durham Bulls -
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Springer was a guy that looked worse pre-draft in my eyes than after he signed. I guess we didnt scout him well enough, because he certainly is going to be a major player for years to come. Great D at second, not much speed, but great power. He should team up well with last years first rounder Hank O' Malley down the road to give this Durham lineup a major boost.
7. Trenton Falcons - Giomar Rivera (1B). See number 3.
8. St. Louis Lunatics - Rube Eckstein
=/
Nice enough third basemen, but not this early.
9. Los Angeles Stars - Mikey Spencer
This shortstop from Weyerhaeuser, WI should prove to be the long term solution at short for the Stars.
10. Detroit Renegade - Wilbur Gross (2B). See number 7.
11. Arizona Cocopahs -
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Gotta love a man named Kiki...I guess. Regardless of the name though, this pictcher could definitly develop into a staff ace. He has everything you could want.
12. Charlotte Lumbee Warriors - Jolbert Carrara (P) See 10.
13. Richmond Colonials - Greg Anderson (P) See 12. And Damnit.
14. New Orleans Canes - Brendan Maxwell
Maxwell was a bitter sweet selection for the Canes. When surveying the draft beforehand, the New Orleans GM had hoped that pitcher Greg Anderson would fall to thier spot. And that dream almost became reality. Almost. Maxwell is no slouch though. He lacks the glamourous high overall rating, however, thats basically due to his lack of stamina at this point in his young career. All of his other stats are superb.
15. Wichita Wichitards - Thomas Leon
This was another slection that raised a few eyebrows. Leon has well documented control issues and his stuff has best been described as average. The Witchita faithful were not pleased with this selection. To that, the GM had this to say: "Ive got the authority here and the experiance. Thats what counts. Not fans uneducated opinions."
16. Toledo Illini - Vicente Polanco (SS). See 13.
17. Tacoma Typhoons - Duane Francis
Tacoma adds another very good young reliever to its store of up and comers.
18. Anaheim Waves -
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Nunez, famous for his patented shades worn whether day or night, is another case of a draftee who will need to make a position switch at some point. He prefers second base, but looks to be at 3rd or one of the corner outfield slots.
19. Kansas City Royal Flush - Luke Cox (1B) See 16.
20. Atlanta KAMIKAZES - Dallas DeHart
Closer with a great name and good stuff, who at 22, looks to join the up and coming Kamikazes sooner rather than later.
21. Chicago Ravens -
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"Mustache Gus," as his friends call him, is one of those players that everyone undervaules, but is solid in every area. Plus, he's from some random ass community college. So Im sure he'll feel a need to prove himself.
22. Florida Fightin' Flamingos - Harold Kearns (CF). See 19.
23. Tacoma Typhoons - Elmer Wallace
The second of the Typhoons first round picks, Elmer Wallace is your prototypical masher first basemen. Great hitter, slow as (insert whatever cliche phrase you want). Could eventually definitly replace the venerable Rick Rolle.
24. Pawtucket Piranhas - Alex Calles
I guess if you need a reliever, you need one. It would just be very hard for me to take someone I see projected as a 66 overall in the first round. But Pawtucket has won many more games than my franchise, so who am I to question?
25. Cincinnati Red Doggs - Steven Faulk (SS). See 22.
26. Helena urbanites -
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Its hard to believe Mr. Hogan fell this far down. He does have some control issues, but everything else is so good, I think he can overcome them if used correctly.
27. Nashville Sound - Norm Blanton (SS). See 25.
28. Jackson Nine - Spud Hudler (CF). See 26. I would like to start a petition that Jackson can no longer have draft picks by the way. They dont need them.
29. Columbus Cannibals - Odalis Jose
Odalis is one of those guys that gets thier high rating almost solely based on his high stamina which projects at 100. He does have a couple good pitches though. If anyone can manage him to success though, Im sure its the Columbus franchise.
30. Chicago Cubs -
Simmons is very good value at the end of the first round given how many teams lack solid catching. Admittedly, his pitch calling is below average, but he is an excellent excellent hitter.
31. Honolulu Tsunamis - Timo Van Pelt (SS). See 28. Even if this guy doesnt sign, Rob O' Connor is amazing. You also shouldnt have draft picks Honolulu.
32. Cleveland Keggers - Jack Easley
Another Mustache Gus type of player...solid in all areas of the game. These are the type of guys that fill in and help to get you the best record in the league.
Overall, the quality of this draft probably wasnt as bad as everyone initially felt. Every team needs those filler guys like Heving and Easley as I mentioned and there were still bonified stars out there like Kinney and Fernandez. That being said, heres hoping next seasons draft allows teams 16-32 to get a little higher quality of player. Until then.
Tuesday, February 19
Tsunami Surge
-Hololulu Star Bulletin
Felipe Castro's return to the big team has sparked a large winning streak. The Tsunamis have gone from the bottom of the AL West to a 3-way tie at the top by winning 15 of their last 17 games. "Felipe is a team player all around," quoted Tsunamis president, gm, and manager Letchkins. Bench coach Todd Thompson had this to say, "As soon as he came back he hazed the 2 new guys. Preston and Cliff showed up at the next press conference wearing pink tutu's, tiaras, and carried fairy wands. It really loosened us all up. I think we were a little tight early this season."
The tsunamis resurgeance has happened on both sides of the ball. Lou Robbins, now of the Tsumanis AAA-affiliate Little Breakers wasn't getting the job done at all. "Lou just wasn't ready to be a ML starter. He was great off the bench, but was having trouble working day in and day out." Instead Castro has stepped in and is fielding .990 and already has 2 webgems on ESPN in his short stint. As a bonus Castro is also batting near .300 and has an OBP of almost .400.
The chants of "overrated" have begun to cease during home games, and instead the air is buzzing with excitement again in Honolulu.
Felipe Castro's return to the big team has sparked a large winning streak. The Tsunamis have gone from the bottom of the AL West to a 3-way tie at the top by winning 15 of their last 17 games. "Felipe is a team player all around," quoted Tsunamis president, gm, and manager Letchkins. Bench coach Todd Thompson had this to say, "As soon as he came back he hazed the 2 new guys. Preston and Cliff showed up at the next press conference wearing pink tutu's, tiaras, and carried fairy wands. It really loosened us all up. I think we were a little tight early this season."
The tsunamis resurgeance has happened on both sides of the ball. Lou Robbins, now of the Tsumanis AAA-affiliate Little Breakers wasn't getting the job done at all. "Lou just wasn't ready to be a ML starter. He was great off the bench, but was having trouble working day in and day out." Instead Castro has stepped in and is fielding .990 and already has 2 webgems on ESPN in his short stint. As a bonus Castro is also batting near .300 and has an OBP of almost .400.
The chants of "overrated" have begun to cease during home games, and instead the air is buzzing with excitement again in Honolulu.
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Saturday, February 16
Niekro to 9-0
Garrett Niekro pitched his league-leading 3rd complete game to move his record to 9-0 on the season. The Cubs were going head to head with the NL West leading Colorado Rocky Mountain Defenders and by winning this game finished a sweep of the 3 game series. Third baseman Hayes Hodges after the game said, "It's a long season, but hopefully this showed everyone who the top team in the NL really is."
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Friday, February 15
41 Game Mark Updated Power Rankings
The Contenders
1) Jackson Nine: The nine have continued their regular season dominance of the AL and stand at 31-10
2) Colorado Rocky Mountain Defenders: This year's biggest surprise as the team will most likely pass last year's win total at the 50 game mark!
3)Cleveland: Always a juggernaut, stands atop their division already
4) Columbus: They are like Cleveland Jr., Elite, but not quite Cleveland.
5)Chicago Cubs: The 4th NL team in the Top 5, definately one of the teams on a roll looking very dominant this early in the season.
6) Witchita Witchitards: I'd say they're here with smoke and mirrors, but had a great win streak early this season.
7)Chicago Ravens: The other Chicago team is tearing up the AL again this season.
8) New Orleans Canes: Another surprise team as they are in the same division as the Nine.
9) Charlotte Lumbee Warriors: Top AL central team has made some big improvements this season.
10)Tacoma Typhoons: This team has made the move toward a possible playoff team this season. Great managerial moves have turned this club from doormat to contender.
11) Pawtucket Pirahanas: A winning record thusfar is a godsend with the way this pitching staff has underperfomed.
The Pretenders
12)Richmond Colonials: With the entire AL West sucking it up, could steal a playoff spot, if they keep it together for another 120 games.
13)Kanas City Royal Flush: The 4th AL south team in the top 15. Rough looking up at all those other talented teams...
14)Atlanta Kamikazis: Atop the NL South, but only 5 games over .500 so its anyone's race...
15)Florida Fighting Flamingos: Most people thought they'd already be shopping their older players, but have somehow pulled out a .500 record.
16)Nashville Sound: Things are looking pretty optimistic as the sound have greatly improved from last year.
17)Arizona Cocopahs: One of this year's disappointments, but still easily in striking distance for the playoffs or even division crown.
The what the hell happeneds
18) The entire AL West
A) Anaheim: They happen to have the best record in a usually tough division
B) Boise: Underperform much?
C) Honolulu: See Boise
D) Helena: See Honolulu
How about next year?
22)Detroit Renegade: A team that has always been ok, but just can't get over the hump.
23)Philadelphia Phantoms: Team owner is looking for anyone, anyone to take some of his older players away...
24)Freezer Monkeys: Have pushed the Illini to the bottom of the division somehow. great work.
25)Toledo Illini: Oh how the mighty have fallen. Once a NL powerhouse, now reserved to NL East Doormat, sad.
26) Trenton Falcons: Looking better as managment took over a nightmare. Keep up the good work.
So how's next year's draft looking?
27)Los Angeles Stars: A tumultous team with constant management turnover. Someone will right this ship someday.
28)Portland Wet Streaks: Keep working for that high draft pick... ;)
29)St Louis Lunatics: Howling at the moon just isn't getting it done anymore...
30)Boston Clydesdales: Too much Budwiser in the clubhouse has really gotten to these guys already this season.
Fighting for that #1 spot (in the draft)
31) Cincinnati Red Dogs: What happened Errff? Brutal.
32)Durham Bulls: You know you're supposed to win games right?
Biggest Suprises:
Out of nowhere, Colorado has become the cinderella story in the NL. They've gone from perennial losers to the toast of the mile high city. Around town people have gotten very excited and one bar patron was quoted, "I told my buddy I'd drink a beer for every win they'd get this year. Guess I better start drinking now..."
Biggest Disappointments:
Without a doubt, Cincinnati and Honolulu. Both playoff teams a season ago were slated to be Top 10 teams again this season. Not so much.
Honolulu seems to have forgotten how to get people out and the team has gone from the #1 pitching staff in the AL to the bottom of the barrel. Manager Letchkins frustration has started to show through, "I don't know what's happened, but I just had the drinking water tested and instituted a 9pm curfew. These guys won't be out of my sight much, I suspect we've been sabatagued by one of the other teams..."
Cincinnati has fallen even further. Usually a playoff team, the Redd Dogs have only managed 12 wins so far this season. Manager Errffdogg is simply quoted as, "No comment".
1) Jackson Nine: The nine have continued their regular season dominance of the AL and stand at 31-10
2) Colorado Rocky Mountain Defenders: This year's biggest surprise as the team will most likely pass last year's win total at the 50 game mark!
3)Cleveland: Always a juggernaut, stands atop their division already
4) Columbus: They are like Cleveland Jr., Elite, but not quite Cleveland.
5)Chicago Cubs: The 4th NL team in the Top 5, definately one of the teams on a roll looking very dominant this early in the season.
6) Witchita Witchitards: I'd say they're here with smoke and mirrors, but had a great win streak early this season.
7)Chicago Ravens: The other Chicago team is tearing up the AL again this season.
8) New Orleans Canes: Another surprise team as they are in the same division as the Nine.
9) Charlotte Lumbee Warriors: Top AL central team has made some big improvements this season.
10)Tacoma Typhoons: This team has made the move toward a possible playoff team this season. Great managerial moves have turned this club from doormat to contender.
11) Pawtucket Pirahanas: A winning record thusfar is a godsend with the way this pitching staff has underperfomed.
The Pretenders
12)Richmond Colonials: With the entire AL West sucking it up, could steal a playoff spot, if they keep it together for another 120 games.
13)Kanas City Royal Flush: The 4th AL south team in the top 15. Rough looking up at all those other talented teams...
14)Atlanta Kamikazis: Atop the NL South, but only 5 games over .500 so its anyone's race...
15)Florida Fighting Flamingos: Most people thought they'd already be shopping their older players, but have somehow pulled out a .500 record.
16)Nashville Sound: Things are looking pretty optimistic as the sound have greatly improved from last year.
17)Arizona Cocopahs: One of this year's disappointments, but still easily in striking distance for the playoffs or even division crown.
The what the hell happeneds
18) The entire AL West
A) Anaheim: They happen to have the best record in a usually tough division
B) Boise: Underperform much?
C) Honolulu: See Boise
D) Helena: See Honolulu
How about next year?
22)Detroit Renegade: A team that has always been ok, but just can't get over the hump.
23)Philadelphia Phantoms: Team owner is looking for anyone, anyone to take some of his older players away...
24)Freezer Monkeys: Have pushed the Illini to the bottom of the division somehow. great work.
25)Toledo Illini: Oh how the mighty have fallen. Once a NL powerhouse, now reserved to NL East Doormat, sad.
26) Trenton Falcons: Looking better as managment took over a nightmare. Keep up the good work.
So how's next year's draft looking?
27)Los Angeles Stars: A tumultous team with constant management turnover. Someone will right this ship someday.
28)Portland Wet Streaks: Keep working for that high draft pick... ;)
29)St Louis Lunatics: Howling at the moon just isn't getting it done anymore...
30)Boston Clydesdales: Too much Budwiser in the clubhouse has really gotten to these guys already this season.
Fighting for that #1 spot (in the draft)
31) Cincinnati Red Dogs: What happened Errff? Brutal.
32)Durham Bulls: You know you're supposed to win games right?
Biggest Suprises:
Out of nowhere, Colorado has become the cinderella story in the NL. They've gone from perennial losers to the toast of the mile high city. Around town people have gotten very excited and one bar patron was quoted, "I told my buddy I'd drink a beer for every win they'd get this year. Guess I better start drinking now..."
Biggest Disappointments:
Without a doubt, Cincinnati and Honolulu. Both playoff teams a season ago were slated to be Top 10 teams again this season. Not so much.
Honolulu seems to have forgotten how to get people out and the team has gone from the #1 pitching staff in the AL to the bottom of the barrel. Manager Letchkins frustration has started to show through, "I don't know what's happened, but I just had the drinking water tested and instituted a 9pm curfew. These guys won't be out of my sight much, I suspect we've been sabatagued by one of the other teams..."
Cincinnati has fallen even further. Usually a playoff team, the Redd Dogs have only managed 12 wins so far this season. Manager Errffdogg is simply quoted as, "No comment".
Wednesday, February 6
Scoreless Streak Ends, But Wins Continue
Garrett Niekro's scoreless streak ended at 19 innings in his third start of the season against the Illini. However, after the 1 inning blip, he went on to pitch another 4 scoreless innings in the game to win 13-4. In his next start he pitched 8 innings giving up only 1 run to start the season 4-0. He has only given up runs in only 2 of the 32 innings he has pitched, and leads the league in wins and innings pitched.
Saturday, February 2
Garrett Niekro Starts Season Hot
Garrett Niekro of the Cubs has started the season with 17 consecutive scoreless innings, after this morning's 2-0 eight inning win versus Louisville. This follows up his opening day shutout victory over Wichita. When asked about his Cy Young chances, Garrett responded: "I have a great team behind me. If they keep playing like this, anything is possible. Our focus is on the World Series, not individual awards."
Friday, February 1
Toledo Illini Pre-Season Outlook
The Toledo Illini start the season a much different team than what it has looked like over the past few seasons. Mr. Knapp, team owner, has decided to go with a significant youth movement. Gone are many veterans and the salary along with it. The Illini will be fielding a very Marlinesque lineup this year with a total budget of 26 million for the entire roster. Yes folks, it could be a long year, but the team has stockpiled some young arms and has some good young bats at the major league level. Get your licks in on the Illini this year, this team could be a major player in the future. However, for this year, expect a very mediocre record as youth serves!
Chicago Cubs Pre-Season Outlook
There was no Bartman to blame, just an incredibly hot Tacoma team that left the Chicago Cubs one win short of the World Series last season. But the Cubs are back with their eye on reaching the Championship here in Season 7.
They bring a good mix of experience and youth, with some of their top players of the past moving into lesser roles. Samuel Flanagan, five time all-star and fifth all time in OPS moves to a reserve role to make room for young stud Ruben Torres. Bryan Jones and his 74/93 L/R splits take over the right handed portion of the C platoon for recently traded Jose Julio. Another diaper dandy Ricardo Guerrero gets a full time role in CF. Four time all-star Julian Lee, Vance Pierre (top 10 all time in Runs) and Lee Becker --#4 all time in RBIs/Runs and #5 all time in HRs -- remain in the starting lineup to round out a big time offense.
The pitching staff is moving into its prime, with ace Garrett Niekro carrying on his family's proud history of pitching excellence. Wilfredo Amaro continues to grow into those lofty projected ratings, even after his 28th birthday. The Cubs expect great things from him this year. Best of them all may be 22 year old Willie Santos, just waiting to break out. And if anyone struggles, newly acquired Dale Morton and Tanyon Snelling are waiting in the wings in AAA.
It should be a great year. Nothing short of a championship will satisfy the folks in the owners box at Wrigley Field.
They bring a good mix of experience and youth, with some of their top players of the past moving into lesser roles. Samuel Flanagan, five time all-star and fifth all time in OPS moves to a reserve role to make room for young stud Ruben Torres. Bryan Jones and his 74/93 L/R splits take over the right handed portion of the C platoon for recently traded Jose Julio. Another diaper dandy Ricardo Guerrero gets a full time role in CF. Four time all-star Julian Lee, Vance Pierre (top 10 all time in Runs) and Lee Becker --#4 all time in RBIs/Runs and #5 all time in HRs -- remain in the starting lineup to round out a big time offense.
The pitching staff is moving into its prime, with ace Garrett Niekro carrying on his family's proud history of pitching excellence. Wilfredo Amaro continues to grow into those lofty projected ratings, even after his 28th birthday. The Cubs expect great things from him this year. Best of them all may be 22 year old Willie Santos, just waiting to break out. And if anyone struggles, newly acquired Dale Morton and Tanyon Snelling are waiting in the wings in AAA.
It should be a great year. Nothing short of a championship will satisfy the folks in the owners box at Wrigley Field.
Richmond Colonials Pre-Season Outlook
Richmond is under new ownership and the decision was made not to make any big financial commitments during this offseason. The mantra around the front office was to build through the draft and try to pick up some decent free agents on one year deals. They were able to get two extra picks for Albert Yount, unfortunately he signed so late that even though he was a Type A free agent, Richmond only received a sandwich pick and a 3rd rounder, but its better than nothing.
Richmond was also able to pick up several decent free agents on one year deals to do their best to compete this season. However, the outlook is solidly on the future and the franchise looks to build around Rod Stephens (currently at AAA). Rod was injured during spring training but looks to make a strong comeback and possibly see some time in the bigs later this season.
Richmond was also able to pick up two promising youngsters in Brad Krivda and Fausto Aguilar and have assigned them to High A as starting pitchers. Krivda and Aguilar join Jermain Bold (at Low A) as the top 3 starting pitching prospects in the organization. We expect big things from those three in a few seasons.
Richmond was also able to pick up several decent free agents on one year deals to do their best to compete this season. However, the outlook is solidly on the future and the franchise looks to build around Rod Stephens (currently at AAA). Rod was injured during spring training but looks to make a strong comeback and possibly see some time in the bigs later this season.
Richmond was also able to pick up two promising youngsters in Brad Krivda and Fausto Aguilar and have assigned them to High A as starting pitchers. Krivda and Aguilar join Jermain Bold (at Low A) as the top 3 starting pitching prospects in the organization. We expect big things from those three in a few seasons.
Philadelphia Phantoms Pre-Season Outlook
The past two seasons, the Phantoms have saddled their fans with some pretty bad baseball, including a 100 loss season last year. Management has been adamant that the team’s quest for a turnaround be focused on patient rebuilding, not a quick-fix solution. And now, it seems, the Phantoms are poised to make some noise in the NL North.
"I don’t want to have another 100-loss season,” says general manager Dara Chhim, who took over the team in Season 5. “I’m not asking fans to accept another 100-loss season, but we are going to turn this around through scouting and development. We have a commitment to do this the right way in the long term.”
The Phantoms figure they can avoid triple-digit losses in 2008 and start moving forward by first improving a pitching staff that had a horrible bullpen and an atrocious rotation. The Phantoms are trying to right the ship by bringing up highly touted pitching prospect, Floyd Tracy, as well as trading for veteran pitcher, Louie Jones. They also acquired Clarence Shipley via the Rule 5 Draft.
However, the biggest news in the off season for Philadelphia fans was the announcement that the Philly Phenom, Joel Paige, was coming to play with the big boys. Drafted in Season 4, Paige was voted Rookie of the Year and was also given the Silver Slugger Award. He has ripped up opposing pitchers in the minor leagues and hopes to continue the trend in the big leagues.
Along with Paige, the Phantoms also added some heavy artillery by trading for big slugging first-baseman Bo Roundtree. Roundtree smacked 61 homers and drove in 161 runs last season with the Atlanta Kamikazes.
Philly fans get ready for Phantastic ride!!!
"I don’t want to have another 100-loss season,” says general manager Dara Chhim, who took over the team in Season 5. “I’m not asking fans to accept another 100-loss season, but we are going to turn this around through scouting and development. We have a commitment to do this the right way in the long term.”
The Phantoms figure they can avoid triple-digit losses in 2008 and start moving forward by first improving a pitching staff that had a horrible bullpen and an atrocious rotation. The Phantoms are trying to right the ship by bringing up highly touted pitching prospect, Floyd Tracy, as well as trading for veteran pitcher, Louie Jones. They also acquired Clarence Shipley via the Rule 5 Draft.
However, the biggest news in the off season for Philadelphia fans was the announcement that the Philly Phenom, Joel Paige, was coming to play with the big boys. Drafted in Season 4, Paige was voted Rookie of the Year and was also given the Silver Slugger Award. He has ripped up opposing pitchers in the minor leagues and hopes to continue the trend in the big leagues.
Along with Paige, the Phantoms also added some heavy artillery by trading for big slugging first-baseman Bo Roundtree. Roundtree smacked 61 homers and drove in 161 runs last season with the Atlanta Kamikazes.
Philly fans get ready for Phantastic ride!!!
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