Free Agency is over, the Rule 5 Draft has been completed, It's time for Spring Ball! We've had some huge FA signings including the signing by Mexico of Jesus. A few big trades of players that teams hope can be their missing piece. Philly hopes that Cosby can be their Ace and lead them into the Playoffs. Burlington aquired Hanley and Beirne to bolster their line-up. While the Cow Pies added Messemer who they hope can be the power bat they need.
Here's to a new season and the fight for this years World Series champ!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
NL South Preview
El Paso Nachos -- (Formally Oklahoma Society (100-62))
Winning 100 games only placed the Nacho's in 2nd last season. Earning them a Wild Card bid. The Nacho's have a spectacular rotation featuring one of the best pitchers in the Big Leagues. While their line-up isn't weak, it isn't amazing either. The Nacho's are well balanced with youth and vets.
Chad Lamb. Remember that name. In his rookie year he pitched 198.2 innings with an amazing 2.31 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP, winning 16 of 21 decisions. He is the Ace of this staff at age 22. After Lamb comes 27 year old Geoff Rolen who won 13 games last year with a 3.58 ERA. The back of the rotation is solid but neither of the other 2 returning SPs are anywhere near the level of Lamb or Rolen. Last years closer Al Flores is eligible for arbitration this year but should be resigned.
Larry Carver is the teams leader at 2b. He, like Lamb, is only 22 years old and won last seasons 2b Silver Slugger award. Cookie Wilkinson is the teams starting CF, although he can play anywhere on the field. Wilkinson has electric speed and stole 78 bases last season. Dwight Lewis the teams vet leader at SS is back again this season and is hoping to improve upon his 65 RBI's from a year ago. Ryan Carr is another 22 year old 2b palying for the Nachos. He will most likely get the start at 3b again this year.
Even with so many star young players, El Paso's Farm System is not dried up. SS Daniel Dunham is one of the teams top prospects and will undoubtly see time at the ML level this season. At AA Chico Morales is a solid RP prospect and Rick Owens is still a tweener between LR and SP. Although once you get past their AA Team there is a lack of ML prospects.
Memphis King Lawlers -- (96-66)
Last years 4th place team. Yes, that is right 96 wins put Memphis in 4th place. The team is returning most of the same players this year. When I look at this team the Pitching is my biggest concern.
Enrique Carrasquel Is the teams #1 pitcher. He is only 26 years old and is around to stay in Memphis. Last year he logged 214 innings. Homer Conigliaro and Angel Tavarez are both back as the 2 and 3 starters. They are both young guns and will be staples of the Memphis rotation for years to come. The back of the teams rotation is solid but nothing spectacular. Rumor has it that Memphis may be looking to add another arm in the rotation if the price is right. Don Wynn returns as the closer. The Season 1 All-Star converted on 47 of 51 save opportunities last year.
The Lawlers Line-up is young. They aren't spectacular yet, but if this group of guys can stick together. Wow! Edgard Sanchez, Achilles Cohen and Felipe Moreno are their 1b, 2b and SS. Moreno is by far the oldest at 29. The team also has LFJimmie Pichardo who is only 24 and still getting better.
At AAA Memphis has Delino Moss a very young (20 years old) SP with lots of room to grow. At AA the team has its #1 Prospect in SP David Kim. Kim is a well rounded 4 pitch pitcher and could eaisly be pitching for their ML team at some point this season. Vin Velazquez is another top canident to be playing at the ML level at some point in the season. Control is the name of the game for Velazquez, his impressive control and stamina give him the possibility of starting some games in the Big Leagues. Deivi Alomar of their Rookie League has a possibility of playing in the Big Leagues one day also.
Texas Cow Pies -- (108-54)
Last seasons World Series winner over AL Champ the Iowa City Black Lightning. This team is overall very solid and should again be amongst the top of the NL contenders.
The teams rotation doesn't have any true Ace. But what they do have is 5 well rounded pitchers. Torey Fernandez may not be the teams Ace today but he is the Ace of tomorrow. The 21 year old won 20 games in 25 decisions with a 3.12 ERA in his rookie season. 24 year old Greg Regan is their #2 of the future. He is a hard throwing Palmballer and is looking to improve on his 5.11 ERA of last season. Darrin Cole, last years closer is also back. But the job might not be his for long as the team also boasts two sub 22 year old RP's that are very capable of closing out games, Brett Borders and Derek Harris.
Ted Wilson is up for arbitration this year, expect him to get a nice deal from the Cow Pies. Last years NL MVP hit 50 HRs and drove in 159 RBI to go along with his .342 batting average. And at only age 25 he has plenty of productive years ahead. After Wilson there is a drop off in talent in the line-up, Warren Martin returns at 2b and 1b Walker Beirne should be back, like Wilson he is up for arbitration. The team boasts 2 solid power hitting C's in Dwight Ennis and Gregg Fonville, neither are great pitch callers and would thrive in a DH role in the AL. It wouldn't surprise me to see either of them end up in the AL if the deal is right for Texas.
In AAA the Cow Pies boast Jose Rosado a hard throwing righty with a wicked Cut Fastball/Slider combo. The teams #1 prospect is 3b Francisco Torres of AA. Expect him to get a shot early in spring training to prove himself as the teams potential starting corner infielder. Bruce Gibbons is a solid RF currently playing High A ball. He may never be a star but should get a chance to play in the Big Leagues. The same thing can be said about Louis Parnell the teams starting RF at Low A.
Florida Sun City Over The Hill Gang -- (Formally New Orleans Bourbons (96-66))
A wild card team last season Florida would be thrilled to do so again. The team only has 2 starters returning but has some very nice position players.
Jerry Liniak is the teams Ace. With only him and Johnny Bollea under contract for this upcoming season, Florida has some work to do to win 90+ again. Out of the pen the team has super star setup man Denny Hukata and Roberto Sanchez to pitch the eighth before sending in closer Joey Hogan. The team also has Pat Edwards in Long Relief and word is that he will get a shot in the rotation early.
The teams line-up lives and dies with Philip Cashman. Last season NL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger in CF returns at a young age of 22. He hit .346 with 40 HRs and 124 RBI. Trey Evans returns in the Outfield as do Willie Petkovsek and John Miller. Del Wasdin is the current C but Juan Henriquez is on pace to overtake him in the near future.
In the minors the teams AAA squad is ripe with starting pitching talent. Rafael Moya, Christy Williams and Timo Zheng all have real possibilities of getting a crack at the ML Rotation this season. Frank Wells will also be pitching in the Majors soon rather then later. Dee May is a power hitting 1b and also could see ML action this season, the same thing goes for Sean Hampton. At AA the team has Gary Gallagher, a solid pitching prospect. The biggest knock on him is he is only a three pitch player and some in the organization aren't sure how that will translate into an ML starter. Wayne Anderson at Low A is another intriguing prospect. This team is loaded in pitching prospects, so much you'd think they'd have to move a few in the near future.
Prediction:
I'm going with the Cow Pies to win the division again. But don't count out the Nacho's. They are a solid club too and with Chad Lamb anything is possible. Both of these teams should make the postseason. Coming in third I'll take Florida and Memphis in 4th. I see all these clubs being .500 or better.
Winning 100 games only placed the Nacho's in 2nd last season. Earning them a Wild Card bid. The Nacho's have a spectacular rotation featuring one of the best pitchers in the Big Leagues. While their line-up isn't weak, it isn't amazing either. The Nacho's are well balanced with youth and vets.
Chad Lamb. Remember that name. In his rookie year he pitched 198.2 innings with an amazing 2.31 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP, winning 16 of 21 decisions. He is the Ace of this staff at age 22. After Lamb comes 27 year old Geoff Rolen who won 13 games last year with a 3.58 ERA. The back of the rotation is solid but neither of the other 2 returning SPs are anywhere near the level of Lamb or Rolen. Last years closer Al Flores is eligible for arbitration this year but should be resigned.
Larry Carver is the teams leader at 2b. He, like Lamb, is only 22 years old and won last seasons 2b Silver Slugger award. Cookie Wilkinson is the teams starting CF, although he can play anywhere on the field. Wilkinson has electric speed and stole 78 bases last season. Dwight Lewis the teams vet leader at SS is back again this season and is hoping to improve upon his 65 RBI's from a year ago. Ryan Carr is another 22 year old 2b palying for the Nachos. He will most likely get the start at 3b again this year.
Even with so many star young players, El Paso's Farm System is not dried up. SS Daniel Dunham is one of the teams top prospects and will undoubtly see time at the ML level this season. At AA Chico Morales is a solid RP prospect and Rick Owens is still a tweener between LR and SP. Although once you get past their AA Team there is a lack of ML prospects.
Memphis King Lawlers -- (96-66)
Last years 4th place team. Yes, that is right 96 wins put Memphis in 4th place. The team is returning most of the same players this year. When I look at this team the Pitching is my biggest concern.
Enrique Carrasquel Is the teams #1 pitcher. He is only 26 years old and is around to stay in Memphis. Last year he logged 214 innings. Homer Conigliaro and Angel Tavarez are both back as the 2 and 3 starters. They are both young guns and will be staples of the Memphis rotation for years to come. The back of the teams rotation is solid but nothing spectacular. Rumor has it that Memphis may be looking to add another arm in the rotation if the price is right. Don Wynn returns as the closer. The Season 1 All-Star converted on 47 of 51 save opportunities last year.
The Lawlers Line-up is young. They aren't spectacular yet, but if this group of guys can stick together. Wow! Edgard Sanchez, Achilles Cohen and Felipe Moreno are their 1b, 2b and SS. Moreno is by far the oldest at 29. The team also has LFJimmie Pichardo who is only 24 and still getting better.
At AAA Memphis has Delino Moss a very young (20 years old) SP with lots of room to grow. At AA the team has its #1 Prospect in SP David Kim. Kim is a well rounded 4 pitch pitcher and could eaisly be pitching for their ML team at some point this season. Vin Velazquez is another top canident to be playing at the ML level at some point in the season. Control is the name of the game for Velazquez, his impressive control and stamina give him the possibility of starting some games in the Big Leagues. Deivi Alomar of their Rookie League has a possibility of playing in the Big Leagues one day also.
Texas Cow Pies -- (108-54)
Last seasons World Series winner over AL Champ the Iowa City Black Lightning. This team is overall very solid and should again be amongst the top of the NL contenders.
The teams rotation doesn't have any true Ace. But what they do have is 5 well rounded pitchers. Torey Fernandez may not be the teams Ace today but he is the Ace of tomorrow. The 21 year old won 20 games in 25 decisions with a 3.12 ERA in his rookie season. 24 year old Greg Regan is their #2 of the future. He is a hard throwing Palmballer and is looking to improve on his 5.11 ERA of last season. Darrin Cole, last years closer is also back. But the job might not be his for long as the team also boasts two sub 22 year old RP's that are very capable of closing out games, Brett Borders and Derek Harris.
Ted Wilson is up for arbitration this year, expect him to get a nice deal from the Cow Pies. Last years NL MVP hit 50 HRs and drove in 159 RBI to go along with his .342 batting average. And at only age 25 he has plenty of productive years ahead. After Wilson there is a drop off in talent in the line-up, Warren Martin returns at 2b and 1b Walker Beirne should be back, like Wilson he is up for arbitration. The team boasts 2 solid power hitting C's in Dwight Ennis and Gregg Fonville, neither are great pitch callers and would thrive in a DH role in the AL. It wouldn't surprise me to see either of them end up in the AL if the deal is right for Texas.
In AAA the Cow Pies boast Jose Rosado a hard throwing righty with a wicked Cut Fastball/Slider combo. The teams #1 prospect is 3b Francisco Torres of AA. Expect him to get a shot early in spring training to prove himself as the teams potential starting corner infielder. Bruce Gibbons is a solid RF currently playing High A ball. He may never be a star but should get a chance to play in the Big Leagues. The same thing can be said about Louis Parnell the teams starting RF at Low A.
Florida Sun City Over The Hill Gang -- (Formally New Orleans Bourbons (96-66))
A wild card team last season Florida would be thrilled to do so again. The team only has 2 starters returning but has some very nice position players.
Jerry Liniak is the teams Ace. With only him and Johnny Bollea under contract for this upcoming season, Florida has some work to do to win 90+ again. Out of the pen the team has super star setup man Denny Hukata and Roberto Sanchez to pitch the eighth before sending in closer Joey Hogan. The team also has Pat Edwards in Long Relief and word is that he will get a shot in the rotation early.
The teams line-up lives and dies with Philip Cashman. Last season NL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger in CF returns at a young age of 22. He hit .346 with 40 HRs and 124 RBI. Trey Evans returns in the Outfield as do Willie Petkovsek and John Miller. Del Wasdin is the current C but Juan Henriquez is on pace to overtake him in the near future.
In the minors the teams AAA squad is ripe with starting pitching talent. Rafael Moya, Christy Williams and Timo Zheng all have real possibilities of getting a crack at the ML Rotation this season. Frank Wells will also be pitching in the Majors soon rather then later. Dee May is a power hitting 1b and also could see ML action this season, the same thing goes for Sean Hampton. At AA the team has Gary Gallagher, a solid pitching prospect. The biggest knock on him is he is only a three pitch player and some in the organization aren't sure how that will translate into an ML starter. Wayne Anderson at Low A is another intriguing prospect. This team is loaded in pitching prospects, so much you'd think they'd have to move a few in the near future.
Prediction:
I'm going with the Cow Pies to win the division again. But don't count out the Nacho's. They are a solid club too and with Chad Lamb anything is possible. Both of these teams should make the postseason. Coming in third I'll take Florida and Memphis in 4th. I see all these clubs being .500 or better.
NL North Preview
Tacoma Toxic Toads -- (Formally Chicago Big Bats (70-92))
The toads are looking to improve on last years team. To do so they will need to find a few more players.
The teams rotation is so-so. It is made up of all middle of the rotation starters who are aging. Nick Barrett is the youngest at 29 and is the teams best starter. The hard throwing 5 pitch pitcher is hoping to improve upon last season. Brian Ray is an innings eater and even though he is on the downside of his career he could be a solid 3rd starter this season. The team returns key setupman Dizzy Caruso who at age 25 is looking to take over the closers role.
There's not much better news in their line-up. The team has a few aging players and a bit of talent. Oscar Canizaro and Endy Suzuki are both hard hitting catchers and are the teams bright spot. Problem is you can only start one catcher and neither is suited to playing 1b, Sunzuki is the better choice if that were the case. Rumor has it that the team is in trade talks with teams in the AL trying to get him a DL job in return for some other position players. Kerry Wainhouse is back in LF and should be solid again also.
At AAA the team has some of the help its ML team needs. Larry Politte is a solid innings eater and could be the teams Ace of the future. Expect an early call up for him. Kris Jackson is another hard hitting catcher and with so many ahead of him moving him isn't out of the question. Todd Bagley and Merv McCormick are two OF prospects who should get an invite to ST ball. Carter Robinson is currently pitching at AA and has the potential to be a backend of the rotation pitcher in the ML. Same goes for Bernard Hausmann. Deivi Beltre is a speedster CF at High A and given a few years to improve will also be starting in the ML. At Low A the team has potential middle of the rotation starter Ricardo Blasco. At only 19 he still has quite a while before he is ML ready. Another hard hitting C you ask? Aurelio Romero is just that at the teams Rookie League.
Syracuse SkyRockets -- (Formally Tacoma Taxmen (76-86))
Last years 2nd place team has moved from Tacoma to 'Cuse. Can the move get them over the top and into first place? We're about to find out!
Galahad Dale is the teams Ace. The 28 year old 5 pitch fireballer returns to the team with a hefty salary of $343,000. He'll earn every penny of that this year. Last year he won 15 games and will once again be the teams best pitcher. His #2 is Brandon Lazzeri who is just as good. The is hoping he can keep up his 2.99 ERA from a year ago. In the Bullpen the team returns key setup man Max Oliva who they are hoping can become their closer this season.
The team however lacks any dominate bats. Pedro Calles is the teams RF and should continue his success. And 1b Richard Butler is an improving bat who shoud be batting in the middle of their lineup this year. Harry Furcal is a solid Catcher but nothing spectacular. This team needs to find an extra bat in the offseason to have a chance at this division.
Mitchell Henry is one of the top catching prospects in the nation. He is a very good pitch caller and has a bat to go with his head. Danny Colbrunn is an inning eating SP. He doesn't have the stuff to be a ML starter. But he could be a spot starter. Alex Cairo is a solid pitching prospect. He doesn't really have the stamina to be a top notch starter so the club is looking into finding him Jim Burkett is a power hitting, speedy CF prospect. He will be a solid OF in the Majors some day. The same thing can be said about Leon Lowell. In the teams Rookie League they have a hidden gem in Oscar Flanagan who is years away from the majors but will be starting there someday. The same can also be said about RF Chris McCormick and P Harry Lawton.
The toads are looking to improve on last years team. To do so they will need to find a few more players.
The teams rotation is so-so. It is made up of all middle of the rotation starters who are aging. Nick Barrett is the youngest at 29 and is the teams best starter. The hard throwing 5 pitch pitcher is hoping to improve upon last season. Brian Ray is an innings eater and even though he is on the downside of his career he could be a solid 3rd starter this season. The team returns key setupman Dizzy Caruso who at age 25 is looking to take over the closers role.
There's not much better news in their line-up. The team has a few aging players and a bit of talent. Oscar Canizaro and Endy Suzuki are both hard hitting catchers and are the teams bright spot. Problem is you can only start one catcher and neither is suited to playing 1b, Sunzuki is the better choice if that were the case. Rumor has it that the team is in trade talks with teams in the AL trying to get him a DL job in return for some other position players. Kerry Wainhouse is back in LF and should be solid again also.
At AAA the team has some of the help its ML team needs. Larry Politte is a solid innings eater and could be the teams Ace of the future. Expect an early call up for him. Kris Jackson is another hard hitting catcher and with so many ahead of him moving him isn't out of the question. Todd Bagley and Merv McCormick are two OF prospects who should get an invite to ST ball. Carter Robinson is currently pitching at AA and has the potential to be a backend of the rotation pitcher in the ML. Same goes for Bernard Hausmann. Deivi Beltre is a speedster CF at High A and given a few years to improve will also be starting in the ML. At Low A the team has potential middle of the rotation starter Ricardo Blasco. At only 19 he still has quite a while before he is ML ready. Another hard hitting C you ask? Aurelio Romero is just that at the teams Rookie League.
Syracuse SkyRockets -- (Formally Tacoma Taxmen (76-86))
Last years 2nd place team has moved from Tacoma to 'Cuse. Can the move get them over the top and into first place? We're about to find out!
Galahad Dale is the teams Ace. The 28 year old 5 pitch fireballer returns to the team with a hefty salary of $343,000. He'll earn every penny of that this year. Last year he won 15 games and will once again be the teams best pitcher. His #2 is Brandon Lazzeri who is just as good. The is hoping he can keep up his 2.99 ERA from a year ago. In the Bullpen the team returns key setup man Max Oliva who they are hoping can become their closer this season.
The team however lacks any dominate bats. Pedro Calles is the teams RF and should continue his success. And 1b Richard Butler is an improving bat who shoud be batting in the middle of their lineup this year. Harry Furcal is a solid Catcher but nothing spectacular. This team needs to find an extra bat in the offseason to have a chance at this division.
Mitchell Henry is one of the top catching prospects in the nation. He is a very good pitch caller and has a bat to go with his head. Danny Colbrunn is an inning eating SP. He doesn't have the stuff to be a ML starter. But he could be a spot starter. Alex Cairo is a solid pitching prospect. He doesn't really have the stamina to be a top notch starter so the club is looking into finding him Jim Burkett is a power hitting, speedy CF prospect. He will be a solid OF in the Majors some day. The same thing can be said about Leon Lowell. In the teams Rookie League they have a hidden gem in Oscar Flanagan who is years away from the majors but will be starting there someday. The same can also be said about RF Chris McCormick and P Harry Lawton.
AL West Preview
Salt Lake City Big Love -- (Formally ALB buttachurnas (92-70))
Last years AL West winner Salt Lake returns a solid team, including a plethora of Short Stops.
The teams rotation is very solid. Red Parker is the teams hard throwing Ace with a wicked Curve. Parker had a steller 2.87 ERA last season yet only won 15 games. Carl Turnbow is a 22 year old lefty. He is a prototypical Ace and is a 5 pitch pitcher. Last year he only got 1 start which didn't even last an inning and he gave up 2 ER, giving him an infinate ERA. The team is hoping he can improve upon that this year. The back of the teams rotation is made up of solid vets who should pitch well for the team all season. Louis Damon returns as the closer. A sorce close to the team says he would like to move to the rotation, although no offical word has been given.
The team is loaded with SS's. 22 year old Jay Houston is the most promising of the mosh pit. Nick Philips is a sensational hitting C but is only average calling a game. Also returning is 31 year old 3b Turner Coleman. The team has been rumored to be in trade talks with other franchises to try and unload his salary. Kent Lewis is another solid young player for Salt Lake. He is their starting RF coming into Spring Training and looks to have a productive year.
At age 20, B.C. Delaney is working his way up the teams Farm System very quickly. The kid has a sensational Fastball/Change Up combo and with his impressive gym rat attitude he should be in the majors in no time. Charles Cheng is another SS in their system, he has a great work ethic also and should blossom into an ML short stop in no time. Jose Armas is a power hitting 1b, being only 19 he still has a lot of time to be groomed into an ML star. Fernando Tavarez is another SS in the teams Farm System. He is being a very solid power hitter and should continue to work his way up the minors.
Kansas City Clutch -- (90-72)
Kansas City made it into the Post Season last year by winning a Wild Card spot. The team is solid but with a few other teams being very young KC will have to battle for a spot in the Post Season this year again.
The teams Rotation is young. They lack a true Ace. Cozy Cambridge isn't there yet. But he is their future Ace. He should open the year as the teams #3 or 4 starter and could easily work his way up the rotation very quickly. Damion Cooper is another young stud pitcher. He won't end up the pitcher that Cambridge can become. But he will be their #2 starter of the future. All-Star Closer, Pablo Bonilla returns this year. He is one of the best closers in the game today and at only age 23 will only be getting better.
Omar Lopez is the teams best player. Last year's AL Rookie of the year and Silver Slugger RF returns and once again will anchor this teams line-up. Ben Maduro also returns at 3b and will, once again, help protect for Lopez. Clyde Hinske is starting LF and is another key piece of their line-up.
22 year old LF Don Atkins is back and should get an invite to spring training. While he is still a year or two away from the majors, this kid has talent. Phillip Rivers returns at Low A ball. This kid really won't ever be a MLer, but I had to point out his name. Marty Arnold is also pitching with Rivers and at age 19 he looks to have Major League written all over him.
Vancouver Hurricanes -- (Formally Seattle Dawgs (82-80))
Is it coincidence that as I start to write this that Pandora begins to play the song Hurricane by Something Corporate?
The team has 4 pitchers under contract for this upcoming year. Neither of their returning starters are very good. Elvis Duffy is by far the teams #1 pitcher. But he is more like a 3 or 4 for a playoff contender. None of the pitchers returning in the Pen are that great. The team really needs to resign SP and Ace Jesus Fernandez. If they can do that they should be a solid team.
The teams line-up doesn't look much better. They are very shallow and have a lot of Free Agents. Terry Backe is a bright spot at CF. He is young and should continue to improve. But the team lives and dies with slugging LF Clarence Guiel. The 23 year old will be a staple of Vancouver for quite some time to come.
Another LF, Alex Park, of the teams AAA team is waiting in the wing to get a chance to play at the ML level. The team also has Hick Hartley. A Slugging SS that shoud have been playing ML ball 3 years ago. He was last years MVP at AAA with a .359 average and 63 HRs for 200 RBI. He will be starting for their ML team this year. No doubt about it. 20 year old Manny Norman is a very intriuging prospect at catcher. He has above average pitch calling and a very powerful bat. He is a few years away but could get a chance sooner then some expect. At age 22 Barry Walker may be the added arm in the rotation the team is looking for. He might be young and only at AA ball. But he could be useful this year. And if he isn't playing in the Bigs this year he will be soon. Andre Rhodes is a solid 2b prospect at High A. At Low A Hooks Womack is a power 1b bat and will eventually make it to the bigs. Currently assigned to their Rookie League are pitchers Luis Benitez and Lance Watson. Both pitchers that should see a fast move up to High A or AA while they work their way up to the Majors. Danny McCracken is in their Rookie League Pen Closing and should eventually be a relief arm in the Majors. More intruging is Fausto Manuel. A 19 year old 5 pitch pitcher who will one day be an Ace in the Majors and is the teams #1 long term prospect.
Honolulu Tiki Torches -- (83-79)
The Tiki's are back and looking to improve. They have a fairly young nucleus and with a few signings/promotions they could be in the thick of things.
24 year old starter Bruce Dougherty is the teams Ace. Last year he won 12 games and had an ERA of 3.48. After Dougherty the rotation tappers off a bit. Turner O'Connor is the teams #2 pitcher but he is slowing with age. In the Bullpen Julio Ordonez returns as the closer.
The teams line-up has a few solid players in it. Including standouts T.J. Stark at 2b and Ernest Grieve at SS. In CF the team has Ernest Grieve who at age 27 is still young. After these players the team really needs to find another bat to insert into its line-up at either 1b and/or dh.
In the minors the team has SP Rolando James. He is currently pitching at AAA ball and will recieve an invite to spring ball. 22 year old Alex Kelly is another young pitcher who has a Major League future and is the teams closer of the future. 23 year old Catcher. Chad Reed is a possible callup this year to bring power into the line-up. Jerry MacDougal at AA is a ML Pitching prospect. 19 year old SP at High A ball Mateo Sanchez is another strong canidae in a few years to be in the ML rotation. Victor Encarnacion at Low A ball is a C/DH power hitting prospect. Kent Stinnett is a power hitting SS prospect and should see a fast rise through the minors.
Last years AL West winner Salt Lake returns a solid team, including a plethora of Short Stops.
The teams rotation is very solid. Red Parker is the teams hard throwing Ace with a wicked Curve. Parker had a steller 2.87 ERA last season yet only won 15 games. Carl Turnbow is a 22 year old lefty. He is a prototypical Ace and is a 5 pitch pitcher. Last year he only got 1 start which didn't even last an inning and he gave up 2 ER, giving him an infinate ERA. The team is hoping he can improve upon that this year. The back of the teams rotation is made up of solid vets who should pitch well for the team all season. Louis Damon returns as the closer. A sorce close to the team says he would like to move to the rotation, although no offical word has been given.
The team is loaded with SS's. 22 year old Jay Houston is the most promising of the mosh pit. Nick Philips is a sensational hitting C but is only average calling a game. Also returning is 31 year old 3b Turner Coleman. The team has been rumored to be in trade talks with other franchises to try and unload his salary. Kent Lewis is another solid young player for Salt Lake. He is their starting RF coming into Spring Training and looks to have a productive year.
At age 20, B.C. Delaney is working his way up the teams Farm System very quickly. The kid has a sensational Fastball/Change Up combo and with his impressive gym rat attitude he should be in the majors in no time. Charles Cheng is another SS in their system, he has a great work ethic also and should blossom into an ML short stop in no time. Jose Armas is a power hitting 1b, being only 19 he still has a lot of time to be groomed into an ML star. Fernando Tavarez is another SS in the teams Farm System. He is being a very solid power hitter and should continue to work his way up the minors.
Kansas City Clutch -- (90-72)
Kansas City made it into the Post Season last year by winning a Wild Card spot. The team is solid but with a few other teams being very young KC will have to battle for a spot in the Post Season this year again.
The teams Rotation is young. They lack a true Ace. Cozy Cambridge isn't there yet. But he is their future Ace. He should open the year as the teams #3 or 4 starter and could easily work his way up the rotation very quickly. Damion Cooper is another young stud pitcher. He won't end up the pitcher that Cambridge can become. But he will be their #2 starter of the future. All-Star Closer, Pablo Bonilla returns this year. He is one of the best closers in the game today and at only age 23 will only be getting better.
Omar Lopez is the teams best player. Last year's AL Rookie of the year and Silver Slugger RF returns and once again will anchor this teams line-up. Ben Maduro also returns at 3b and will, once again, help protect for Lopez. Clyde Hinske is starting LF and is another key piece of their line-up.
22 year old LF Don Atkins is back and should get an invite to spring training. While he is still a year or two away from the majors, this kid has talent. Phillip Rivers returns at Low A ball. This kid really won't ever be a MLer, but I had to point out his name. Marty Arnold is also pitching with Rivers and at age 19 he looks to have Major League written all over him.
Vancouver Hurricanes -- (Formally Seattle Dawgs (82-80))
Is it coincidence that as I start to write this that Pandora begins to play the song Hurricane by Something Corporate?
The team has 4 pitchers under contract for this upcoming year. Neither of their returning starters are very good. Elvis Duffy is by far the teams #1 pitcher. But he is more like a 3 or 4 for a playoff contender. None of the pitchers returning in the Pen are that great. The team really needs to resign SP and Ace Jesus Fernandez. If they can do that they should be a solid team.
The teams line-up doesn't look much better. They are very shallow and have a lot of Free Agents. Terry Backe is a bright spot at CF. He is young and should continue to improve. But the team lives and dies with slugging LF Clarence Guiel. The 23 year old will be a staple of Vancouver for quite some time to come.
Another LF, Alex Park, of the teams AAA team is waiting in the wing to get a chance to play at the ML level. The team also has Hick Hartley. A Slugging SS that shoud have been playing ML ball 3 years ago. He was last years MVP at AAA with a .359 average and 63 HRs for 200 RBI. He will be starting for their ML team this year. No doubt about it. 20 year old Manny Norman is a very intriuging prospect at catcher. He has above average pitch calling and a very powerful bat. He is a few years away but could get a chance sooner then some expect. At age 22 Barry Walker may be the added arm in the rotation the team is looking for. He might be young and only at AA ball. But he could be useful this year. And if he isn't playing in the Bigs this year he will be soon. Andre Rhodes is a solid 2b prospect at High A. At Low A Hooks Womack is a power 1b bat and will eventually make it to the bigs. Currently assigned to their Rookie League are pitchers Luis Benitez and Lance Watson. Both pitchers that should see a fast move up to High A or AA while they work their way up to the Majors. Danny McCracken is in their Rookie League Pen Closing and should eventually be a relief arm in the Majors. More intruging is Fausto Manuel. A 19 year old 5 pitch pitcher who will one day be an Ace in the Majors and is the teams #1 long term prospect.
Honolulu Tiki Torches -- (83-79)
The Tiki's are back and looking to improve. They have a fairly young nucleus and with a few signings/promotions they could be in the thick of things.
24 year old starter Bruce Dougherty is the teams Ace. Last year he won 12 games and had an ERA of 3.48. After Dougherty the rotation tappers off a bit. Turner O'Connor is the teams #2 pitcher but he is slowing with age. In the Bullpen Julio Ordonez returns as the closer.
The teams line-up has a few solid players in it. Including standouts T.J. Stark at 2b and Ernest Grieve at SS. In CF the team has Ernest Grieve who at age 27 is still young. After these players the team really needs to find another bat to insert into its line-up at either 1b and/or dh.
In the minors the team has SP Rolando James. He is currently pitching at AAA ball and will recieve an invite to spring ball. 22 year old Alex Kelly is another young pitcher who has a Major League future and is the teams closer of the future. 23 year old Catcher. Chad Reed is a possible callup this year to bring power into the line-up. Jerry MacDougal at AA is a ML Pitching prospect. 19 year old SP at High A ball Mateo Sanchez is another strong canidae in a few years to be in the ML rotation. Victor Encarnacion at Low A ball is a C/DH power hitting prospect. Kent Stinnett is a power hitting SS prospect and should see a fast rise through the minors.
AL South Preview
Mexico City Gallos Grandes -- (Formally Santa Fe Gallos Grandes (113-49))
Last years top team is back and in a new location! This team is talented. But what will the location change hurt them? The team also has their 3 top position players up for arbitration. While they are expected to return, it will be costly for the team.
Mexico City has 2 dominating starting Pitchers. Including last years AL Cy Young Winner Steve Cornelius. In a spectacular trade move by their GM before the season even started last year they traded 2 prospects to the Iowa City Black Lightning in return for their Ace. Joe Cohen is the teams #2 pitcher and is the 2nd of their dominating rotation. Harold Blake, their All-Star Closer, returns as their closer and is the youngest pitcher on their ML staff at age 25 and is one of only two pitchers under the age of 30.
The team sports a plethora of dominating position players, but again they are an older bunch. Domingo Fernandez last years Silver Slugger winner at 3b is eligible for arbitration this year, but is expected to be signed to a long-term deal. Mikey Robbins, another Silver Slugger from Mexico City, returns at LF assuming a resigning which form a source close to the team is their first priority this offseason. Carlos Zurbaran is also up for arbitration this season but is expected to return.
The teams cupboards are kinda bare. Their AAA team doesn't have any ML ready players and neither does their AA team. Kevin Lee is their best prospect at or above the AA team. Vic Bennett is a potential ML relief arm down the line and is currently playing at High A. Red Benton is a few years away, currently at Low A, but is a ML caliber C prospect. Pedro Lorenzo is young but has plenty of time to grow into a solid relief arm also.
Tampa Bay Thunderbirds -- (Formerly the Florida Hurricanes (65-97))
Tampa Bay is loaded with young stud pitchers. On the other hand they are very lacking in quality position players.
Sandy Murphy is a stud and the Ace of the staff at the young age of 23. Last season he posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 34 starts. Rick Richardson is the teams #2 returning pitcher while Anthony Post and Mario Dyer round out the returning rotation. Andres Guzman looks to be the early favorite to take the final rotation spot baring a trade or signing. The team also returns 24 year old closer Harold Williams and 21 year old Andres Marquez their #1 set-up guy. Although Marquez wants to battle for the closer spot, no official word has been given as to whether it is actually up for grabs.
The line-up is a completely different story. While they are young also there really isn't any young stars on their ML roster. Lou Gumbert is their starting CF and while he will be a solid ML player, he is not ML ready now at age 22. Benny Melton is another example of a solid prospect who is not yet ML ready.
In their Farm System they have a few quality prospects. Ismael Dali is a solid SP prospect at AAA. Quentin Randa and Len Knott are both Good ML Relief Prospects. After these guys their Farm system is very weak. They don't have any Good Position Prospects as their best potential prospects are already in the ML.
Houston texans -- (Formally Houston Astros (70-92))
The 2nd place finisher in the South last season returns a top-notch starting rotation and solid position players.
Their rotation is very solid, with 2 #1 starters in Richard Bruske and Davey Johnson. Both are still on top of their game and are the leaders of this Houston team. Junior Rios is their #3 starter, but is getting old and is on the downside of his career. Larry Eischen is eligible for arbitration but should return as their leading setup arm.
The team has a solid, yet not spectacular line-up. SS Benji Harvey is their #1 position player and will need to carry the load this season. He gets help from 23 year old OF Roger Jackson and 27 year old 2b Kirk Brede. The team relies on Teddy Schoendienst behind the plate. Schoendienst is a solid all around catcher.
Doc Hunter is the teams #1 prospect and he could be starting in most rotations around the league this season and in my mind will be starting somewhere, whether it be in Houston or not. Brendan Riley is another young arm currently pitching at their AAA level. Junior Leon is the teams top position prospect in AAA ball. The teams AA team is lacking of any ML talent but playing High A ball is Donn Forrest a well rounded 3b who should see ML time in his future. Josh Donnelly is the real stud here and he should see time at the Major League level this season baring some unforseen derailment. Playing on their Rookie League team is 20 year old Miguel Aparicio. Aparicio is going to be a star some day at the ML level.
Last years top team is back and in a new location! This team is talented. But what will the location change hurt them? The team also has their 3 top position players up for arbitration. While they are expected to return, it will be costly for the team.
Mexico City has 2 dominating starting Pitchers. Including last years AL Cy Young Winner Steve Cornelius. In a spectacular trade move by their GM before the season even started last year they traded 2 prospects to the Iowa City Black Lightning in return for their Ace. Joe Cohen is the teams #2 pitcher and is the 2nd of their dominating rotation. Harold Blake, their All-Star Closer, returns as their closer and is the youngest pitcher on their ML staff at age 25 and is one of only two pitchers under the age of 30.
The team sports a plethora of dominating position players, but again they are an older bunch. Domingo Fernandez last years Silver Slugger winner at 3b is eligible for arbitration this year, but is expected to be signed to a long-term deal. Mikey Robbins, another Silver Slugger from Mexico City, returns at LF assuming a resigning which form a source close to the team is their first priority this offseason. Carlos Zurbaran is also up for arbitration this season but is expected to return.
The teams cupboards are kinda bare. Their AAA team doesn't have any ML ready players and neither does their AA team. Kevin Lee is their best prospect at or above the AA team. Vic Bennett is a potential ML relief arm down the line and is currently playing at High A. Red Benton is a few years away, currently at Low A, but is a ML caliber C prospect. Pedro Lorenzo is young but has plenty of time to grow into a solid relief arm also.
Tampa Bay Thunderbirds -- (Formerly the Florida Hurricanes (65-97))
Tampa Bay is loaded with young stud pitchers. On the other hand they are very lacking in quality position players.
Sandy Murphy is a stud and the Ace of the staff at the young age of 23. Last season he posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 34 starts. Rick Richardson is the teams #2 returning pitcher while Anthony Post and Mario Dyer round out the returning rotation. Andres Guzman looks to be the early favorite to take the final rotation spot baring a trade or signing. The team also returns 24 year old closer Harold Williams and 21 year old Andres Marquez their #1 set-up guy. Although Marquez wants to battle for the closer spot, no official word has been given as to whether it is actually up for grabs.
The line-up is a completely different story. While they are young also there really isn't any young stars on their ML roster. Lou Gumbert is their starting CF and while he will be a solid ML player, he is not ML ready now at age 22. Benny Melton is another example of a solid prospect who is not yet ML ready.
In their Farm System they have a few quality prospects. Ismael Dali is a solid SP prospect at AAA. Quentin Randa and Len Knott are both Good ML Relief Prospects. After these guys their Farm system is very weak. They don't have any Good Position Prospects as their best potential prospects are already in the ML.
Houston texans -- (Formally Houston Astros (70-92))
The 2nd place finisher in the South last season returns a top-notch starting rotation and solid position players.
Their rotation is very solid, with 2 #1 starters in Richard Bruske and Davey Johnson. Both are still on top of their game and are the leaders of this Houston team. Junior Rios is their #3 starter, but is getting old and is on the downside of his career. Larry Eischen is eligible for arbitration but should return as their leading setup arm.
The team has a solid, yet not spectacular line-up. SS Benji Harvey is their #1 position player and will need to carry the load this season. He gets help from 23 year old OF Roger Jackson and 27 year old 2b Kirk Brede. The team relies on Teddy Schoendienst behind the plate. Schoendienst is a solid all around catcher.
Doc Hunter is the teams #1 prospect and he could be starting in most rotations around the league this season and in my mind will be starting somewhere, whether it be in Houston or not. Brendan Riley is another young arm currently pitching at their AAA level. Junior Leon is the teams top position prospect in AAA ball. The teams AA team is lacking of any ML talent but playing High A ball is Donn Forrest a well rounded 3b who should see ML time in his future. Josh Donnelly is the real stud here and he should see time at the Major League level this season baring some unforseen derailment. Playing on their Rookie League team is 20 year old Miguel Aparicio. Aparicio is going to be a star some day at the ML level.
AL East Preview
Burlington Burros Inteligentes -- (Formally the Iowa City Black Lightning (84-78))
Last years AL Champs are back in action in a new City! The team, whose run to the World Series was miraculous, returns the same front office in hopes of returning to the WS this season.
The team is very well rounded and has a very solid team all around. The team has a stud Ace in Scot Meluskey. Meluskey lead the team to the #6 seed in the playoffs with his 4.12 ERA and 15-9 record. The team is leaning on him if they are to make noise again this season. The team also returns its #2-4 pitchers. Wascar Bonilla is on the downside of his career, but is still a solid back of the rotation pitcher. Bonilla threw in 31 games last season posting a 3.31 ERA but a lack of run support left him with a 12-11 record. Both Hector Charles and Al Rios return. Rios is the teams youngest pitcher and has the highest ceiling on their ML team. A late signee from the DO this past year Rios was key in the teams run to not only the playoffs but also the WS. The team also returns Rip Luebbers, their closer. Although rumor has it that they are looking to add a closer and move luebbers into the set-up role.
The teams line-up starts with LF Harry Posada. Posada is the leagues highest paid players. Rumor has it that the Burros are looking to unload his contract. While no publication has been made official a source close to the team stated "We'd take just about anything to move him." The team also returns C Chuck Messmer who they feel is one of the top C's in the league. Messmer hit .291 last year with 34 HRs. The teams leadoff hitter Melvin Xaio looks to dominate yet again this year. He missed 32 games due to injury last season yet still managed to steal 91 bases while only getting caught 5 times. The team has mentioned they wouldn't be surprised to see the speedster get triple digit steals this year.
The teams farm system is solid, but they gave up a few prospects late to add SS Diego Johnson for the push to make the playoffs. Buddy Perez, the top player recieved in last years infamous "Cornelious Trade" Is ML ready but didn't play too well last season which resulted in him ending up in AAA to end the season. The teams top pitcher in AA is Cody White who could be up as early as this year depending on how things shake out. At their High A Level, Jose Carrasco of the DO is a very solid prospect and while still a few years away from the ML he could be trade bait.
Richmond River Rats -- (86-76)
The Defending AL East Champs are back! They sport a talented team with solid depth. But some of their players are starting to age. The team has solid pitching depth but only one outright stud in their rotation. And their Bullpen is solid.
The River Rats #1 Starter is 28 year old Ace Antonio Richardson. Richardson lead the team to the division title with a 4.22 ERA and a 10-8 record. Matty Bush is the teams #2. Even on the downside of his career Bush is still a quality pitcher. Last season Bush had a sub 4.00 ERA and won 13 games. Bailey Ramirez is the teams #3 and hopes to take over the #2 from Bush this year. Ramirez is a 21 year old pitcher and is the best young gun that Richmond has. The teams Bullpen is very solid with Bono James in the 8th and Alex Blume in the 9th.
The River Rats are solid across the board In their line-up, but are older then some of the other teams in their division. Woody Olsen, Abraham Holden, Carl Witt and Les Valentin are their 4 key position players and are all over the age of 32. Richmond has the most experience of the teams in this division due to age. But age might also be the factor that keeps them from the top.
While their ML team might be a bit old, their Farm System does have talent that should be ready when they are needed. J.D. Ainsworth is a power hitting LF with a great eye and at only 22 he has lots of years to grow into an ML stud. Brian Pellow who is currently playing ball at AA is another power hitting prospect that Richmond has available to them. Pellow is a decent C, but might end up playing DH in the Big Leagues. Josias Castro who is also at AA is a great fielder and is one of the franchies top prospects. At High A ball Nerio Tate is a solid 1b prospect and at age 19, Oswaldo Camacho is a solid relief prospect, granted he is years away from the Majors. At Low A, Willie Sosa and Dewey Lombardi are their two best starting pitching prospects. While Sadie Alexander is a potential ML Closer. At Rookie League Carl Knowles and Keith Bagwell top the charts.
Boston Puritans -- (74-88)
The Boston Puritans were the 4th place finishers in the only division in the League that returned all four coaches. The Puritans are the least talented team in the division but that doesn't mean they don't have a chance.
The team doesn't have a true Ace. While Derrick Carroll does have the stuff to be an Ace, he still hasn't filled that role yet. The 25 year old starting pitcher is the teams most talented SP. Gary Christenson is the teams #2 pitcher but is on the downside of his career. At age 33 he is still a very useful pitcher but shouldn't be counted on to be a top line pitcher. Tom Key returns as the teams closer where he was very successful last year pitching in 62 games and converting on 23/30 saves with a 3.38 ERA.
The teams line-up is not that impressive although it does have some very bright spots. Emil Montanez, while being old, is still a very good contact hitter and should help provide some offense this year. Jonathan Huff is a solid SS and should once again be able to hit for a .300+ average. Vernon Lofton is the teams best young offensive player. At age 22 he hit for a .287 average and knocked in 41 runs.
Sarma Stark, playing for the teams AAA team is a stud SS prospect and could eaisly see an early season callup this year. At only Age 20 he has LOTS of time to grow. Pitching at AAA is Catfish Kent, who is not quite ML ready yet but is the teams closest ML ready Pitching Prospect. At AA Bobby Borders is a 1b/DH that has the potential to be an ML player as do pitchers Kent Nathan (who could be starting in the teams ML rotation), Kiki Aguilera and Cesar Santiago. In High A John Chase is a solid DH prospect. Pedro Quixote is a solid SP prospect and Brian Gragg could prolly start at RF for their ML team.
Philadelphia Black Lightning -- (Formally the Scranton Dunder Mifflins (80-82))
Philadelphia is an interesting team. They are very very young across the board, which means they will have lots of money to spend in Free Agency this year. It's up to management to decide who to target.
As mentioned before this team is young. Their Rotation is solid, but young. Chili Stocker and J.R. Kingman are the teams top 2 pitchers, 24 and 23 respectively. Also Fonzie Leonard, the oldest returning starting pitcher is the worse of the 3 at age 25. In the Bullpen the club has Sun Satou returning as their closer and Bo Judd and Pasqual Flores returning to set him up, 25, 23 and 22 respectively.
The team is also very talented in their Line-up, but they do have a few big holes they must fill. The team has a major hole at SS after trading Diego Johnson to the ICBL late last season. The teams top players are a trio of 23 year olds Ed Donovan a 2b who hit .295 with 30 HRs 101 RBI and 62 SB in his rookie season, Jolbert Mieses a C who won last years AL Silver Slugger Award batting .339 with 37 HRs and 116 RBI and Walter Miller a LF who hit 39 HRs last season with a .286 average. The team also starts speedster Gary Bush who they recieved in a trade from ICBL last year at CF. The teams oldest starter is RF Stephen O'Connor who transitioned to the OF last year from 2b and won a Gold Glove.
The teams Farm System is fairly deep. Starting with Starting Pitcher Greg Walker who got called up late last season due to injuries but will start this year in AAA. Also at AAA is SP Arthur Olerud. AA 1b Lyle Wise is a star in the making. At age 19 he is moving fast up the teams Minors. Mark Murata is a slugging 2b who the team has been rumored to be trying to move for a Starting Pitcher. Omar Mendez is a slugging 3b, but the team is already stocked with 3b at the ML level. Also at AA both Alex Belliard and Jimmie Sardinha are good SP prospects. The team also has a young 18 year old SP, Alex Black at Low A. Watch out for him. He may be years away. But when he reaches the Bigs he could be a very impressive pitcher. The team also has a young closing prospect in Peter Palmer of their AA squad. Again he is years away. But has great potential.
Prediction: This division is very even. I could easily see 3 teams going to the playoffs out of this division. I like Philadelphia to take the division as I feel they have enough to give up in terms of prospects to make their team just a bit better then the rest. Although there is a bit of speculation there that they will indeed be able to make a move, something they were unable to do last season. If things stay just the way they are I like Burlington to win the division with Philly coming in a close 2nd. Followed by Richmond and Boston.
Last years AL Champs are back in action in a new City! The team, whose run to the World Series was miraculous, returns the same front office in hopes of returning to the WS this season.
The team is very well rounded and has a very solid team all around. The team has a stud Ace in Scot Meluskey. Meluskey lead the team to the #6 seed in the playoffs with his 4.12 ERA and 15-9 record. The team is leaning on him if they are to make noise again this season. The team also returns its #2-4 pitchers. Wascar Bonilla is on the downside of his career, but is still a solid back of the rotation pitcher. Bonilla threw in 31 games last season posting a 3.31 ERA but a lack of run support left him with a 12-11 record. Both Hector Charles and Al Rios return. Rios is the teams youngest pitcher and has the highest ceiling on their ML team. A late signee from the DO this past year Rios was key in the teams run to not only the playoffs but also the WS. The team also returns Rip Luebbers, their closer. Although rumor has it that they are looking to add a closer and move luebbers into the set-up role.
The teams line-up starts with LF Harry Posada. Posada is the leagues highest paid players. Rumor has it that the Burros are looking to unload his contract. While no publication has been made official a source close to the team stated "We'd take just about anything to move him." The team also returns C Chuck Messmer who they feel is one of the top C's in the league. Messmer hit .291 last year with 34 HRs. The teams leadoff hitter Melvin Xaio looks to dominate yet again this year. He missed 32 games due to injury last season yet still managed to steal 91 bases while only getting caught 5 times. The team has mentioned they wouldn't be surprised to see the speedster get triple digit steals this year.
The teams farm system is solid, but they gave up a few prospects late to add SS Diego Johnson for the push to make the playoffs. Buddy Perez, the top player recieved in last years infamous "Cornelious Trade" Is ML ready but didn't play too well last season which resulted in him ending up in AAA to end the season. The teams top pitcher in AA is Cody White who could be up as early as this year depending on how things shake out. At their High A Level, Jose Carrasco of the DO is a very solid prospect and while still a few years away from the ML he could be trade bait.
Richmond River Rats -- (86-76)
The Defending AL East Champs are back! They sport a talented team with solid depth. But some of their players are starting to age. The team has solid pitching depth but only one outright stud in their rotation. And their Bullpen is solid.
The River Rats #1 Starter is 28 year old Ace Antonio Richardson. Richardson lead the team to the division title with a 4.22 ERA and a 10-8 record. Matty Bush is the teams #2. Even on the downside of his career Bush is still a quality pitcher. Last season Bush had a sub 4.00 ERA and won 13 games. Bailey Ramirez is the teams #3 and hopes to take over the #2 from Bush this year. Ramirez is a 21 year old pitcher and is the best young gun that Richmond has. The teams Bullpen is very solid with Bono James in the 8th and Alex Blume in the 9th.
The River Rats are solid across the board In their line-up, but are older then some of the other teams in their division. Woody Olsen, Abraham Holden, Carl Witt and Les Valentin are their 4 key position players and are all over the age of 32. Richmond has the most experience of the teams in this division due to age. But age might also be the factor that keeps them from the top.
While their ML team might be a bit old, their Farm System does have talent that should be ready when they are needed. J.D. Ainsworth is a power hitting LF with a great eye and at only 22 he has lots of years to grow into an ML stud. Brian Pellow who is currently playing ball at AA is another power hitting prospect that Richmond has available to them. Pellow is a decent C, but might end up playing DH in the Big Leagues. Josias Castro who is also at AA is a great fielder and is one of the franchies top prospects. At High A ball Nerio Tate is a solid 1b prospect and at age 19, Oswaldo Camacho is a solid relief prospect, granted he is years away from the Majors. At Low A, Willie Sosa and Dewey Lombardi are their two best starting pitching prospects. While Sadie Alexander is a potential ML Closer. At Rookie League Carl Knowles and Keith Bagwell top the charts.
Boston Puritans -- (74-88)
The Boston Puritans were the 4th place finishers in the only division in the League that returned all four coaches. The Puritans are the least talented team in the division but that doesn't mean they don't have a chance.
The team doesn't have a true Ace. While Derrick Carroll does have the stuff to be an Ace, he still hasn't filled that role yet. The 25 year old starting pitcher is the teams most talented SP. Gary Christenson is the teams #2 pitcher but is on the downside of his career. At age 33 he is still a very useful pitcher but shouldn't be counted on to be a top line pitcher. Tom Key returns as the teams closer where he was very successful last year pitching in 62 games and converting on 23/30 saves with a 3.38 ERA.
The teams line-up is not that impressive although it does have some very bright spots. Emil Montanez, while being old, is still a very good contact hitter and should help provide some offense this year. Jonathan Huff is a solid SS and should once again be able to hit for a .300+ average. Vernon Lofton is the teams best young offensive player. At age 22 he hit for a .287 average and knocked in 41 runs.
Sarma Stark, playing for the teams AAA team is a stud SS prospect and could eaisly see an early season callup this year. At only Age 20 he has LOTS of time to grow. Pitching at AAA is Catfish Kent, who is not quite ML ready yet but is the teams closest ML ready Pitching Prospect. At AA Bobby Borders is a 1b/DH that has the potential to be an ML player as do pitchers Kent Nathan (who could be starting in the teams ML rotation), Kiki Aguilera and Cesar Santiago. In High A John Chase is a solid DH prospect. Pedro Quixote is a solid SP prospect and Brian Gragg could prolly start at RF for their ML team.
Philadelphia Black Lightning -- (Formally the Scranton Dunder Mifflins (80-82))
Philadelphia is an interesting team. They are very very young across the board, which means they will have lots of money to spend in Free Agency this year. It's up to management to decide who to target.
As mentioned before this team is young. Their Rotation is solid, but young. Chili Stocker and J.R. Kingman are the teams top 2 pitchers, 24 and 23 respectively. Also Fonzie Leonard, the oldest returning starting pitcher is the worse of the 3 at age 25. In the Bullpen the club has Sun Satou returning as their closer and Bo Judd and Pasqual Flores returning to set him up, 25, 23 and 22 respectively.
The team is also very talented in their Line-up, but they do have a few big holes they must fill. The team has a major hole at SS after trading Diego Johnson to the ICBL late last season. The teams top players are a trio of 23 year olds Ed Donovan a 2b who hit .295 with 30 HRs 101 RBI and 62 SB in his rookie season, Jolbert Mieses a C who won last years AL Silver Slugger Award batting .339 with 37 HRs and 116 RBI and Walter Miller a LF who hit 39 HRs last season with a .286 average. The team also starts speedster Gary Bush who they recieved in a trade from ICBL last year at CF. The teams oldest starter is RF Stephen O'Connor who transitioned to the OF last year from 2b and won a Gold Glove.
The teams Farm System is fairly deep. Starting with Starting Pitcher Greg Walker who got called up late last season due to injuries but will start this year in AAA. Also at AAA is SP Arthur Olerud. AA 1b Lyle Wise is a star in the making. At age 19 he is moving fast up the teams Minors. Mark Murata is a slugging 2b who the team has been rumored to be trying to move for a Starting Pitcher. Omar Mendez is a slugging 3b, but the team is already stocked with 3b at the ML level. Also at AA both Alex Belliard and Jimmie Sardinha are good SP prospects. The team also has a young 18 year old SP, Alex Black at Low A. Watch out for him. He may be years away. But when he reaches the Bigs he could be a very impressive pitcher. The team also has a young closing prospect in Peter Palmer of their AA squad. Again he is years away. But has great potential.
Prediction: This division is very even. I could easily see 3 teams going to the playoffs out of this division. I like Philadelphia to take the division as I feel they have enough to give up in terms of prospects to make their team just a bit better then the rest. Although there is a bit of speculation there that they will indeed be able to make a move, something they were unable to do last season. If things stay just the way they are I like Burlington to win the division with Philly coming in a close 2nd. Followed by Richmond and Boston.
Friday, August 8, 2008
AL North Preview
Montreal Royals -- (Formally the WIC KC Photogs (69-93))
The Montreal Royals are a team that needs a few more players to make any noise this season. The team has a fairly solid starting rotationbut after that are very lacking. Their position players are not up to ML caliber. That being said a starting rotation is key and with 2 top tier pitchers anything is possible.
Donzell Cosby is their Ace. He went 13-16 last year with a 4.94 ERA. Cosby is looking to be a bit more competitive this year, but it is possible he could be solid trade bait for a contender at age 33. Cosby's partner in crime is 24 year old Pat Politte. The Royals hope that Politte can become more then the #4 starter he was last season. Politte is the player that the Royals are building their team around and should have a better season then his 8-10 record of last season.
The one bright star in the teams line-up is LF Andy Clayton. Clayton is a power hitting stud and should be able to be a force in his first full Major League season. After Clayton the Royals are very thin in their rotation but they are also young. Chris Costello is their young SS and should be a solid player for years to come. Costello hopes to bat better then his .221 average this year and 8 HRs.
In the Farm system the team does have SP Harpo Norton. Norton is the teams most ML ready player and should see work in the Bullpen early on. Jason Levine is the starting 1b for their AA team and should also see a quick call-up to the majors. His power hitting and eye should vastly improve their offense.
In their Rookie League the team has 2 very solid SP's that could either see ML time for them this season or be serious trade bait for a team that is rebuilding. Rookie League Cy Young Winner Eric Drew is a stud at age 21 and while he isn't starting for their ML club just yet, he is well on his way. Also Omar Vargas is their #1 prospect and the better of their 2 RL pitchers. Vargas will be a force when he makes it to the ML, whether it be with the Royals or another team.
Hartford Whalers -- (Formerly the Detroit Losers (80-82))
The Hartford Whalers finished 2nd in the North last season and is a team that is looking to do a bit more this year. The team needs to find a top of the rotation starter if they would like to do anything more then compete. The line-up is pretty solid. But a solid line-up can only take you so far.
The teams returns last years #1 Pitcher. But that's not saying much. Sid Jenkins is that player and he is not an ML #1. Last season Jenkins went 1-3 in 7 starts with an ERA of 6.07. He could be useful as a back of the rotation guy, but Hartford needs to find a better #1. The teams best returning pitcher is Frankie Monroe. Monroe was the talk of a possible trade to Scranton last season but the trade fell through shortly before the deadline. While Monroe is on the downside of his career he still had a solid S1. He started 32 games, going 17-6 with a solid 3.16 ERA. Hartford needs another year like last season out of Monroe.
Hartford sports a very solid 2b in Charlie Quinn who last seaon hit .262 with 39 HRs and 114 RBI. Quinn is one of the teams top two bats along with SS Roland Rivers. Rivers hit .276 last season and at 25 is still looking towards his best days in the ML. Also LF Clyde Mullin is looking to improve on his S1 stats. He hit 31 HRs, but only knocked in 81 runs due to a lack of baserunners ahead of him. Mullin also needs to work on his hitting for average and improve on his .255 average of last season.
Looking towards the future and dipping down to their farm system Hartfords AAA team looks a little bare with really no ML ready talent. Marvin Magnusson is their best prospect at this level and while he isn't ML ready right now, he could be seeing time at some point this year. Kris Barkett is a solid prosepct also. The same could be said for their AA team. At their High A level the first prospect that jumps out is Closer Victor Baez. While Baez is only 22 he should be a solid relief arm sometime in the future for Hartford.
Buffalo Wings -- (Formally the Milwaukee Brew Crew (102-60))
Last years 1st place club in the North has been taken over by a new owner and moved to a new city. Only time will tell if the move from Wisconsin to New York was a good move.
The Wings are a solid club. Starting with their rotation where they are not only talented but young. The teams Ace is 33 year old Jerry King. King lead the team to the playoff's last season with a 21-7 mark and a 2.79 ERA. The teams #2 starter is 23 year old Roger Osborne, who struggled at times last season and is hoping to improve on his 5.52 ERA from last year. In the bullpen this year their looks to be a battle brewing for the Closers role. Last years incumbent, Hipolito Saenz is coming off an All-Star year, but at age 34 some within the organization believe he may be past his prime. Those within the organization that don't believe Saenz has much left are pushing for 24 year old Roscoe Anderson to get the job.
The teams pitchers are by far the teams strength. It's line-up is solid but not sensational and if the club is to repeat last seasons 100 win feat, they will once again have to rely on their pitching. The teams top offensive threat is 25 year old 2b Vladimir Calvo. Calvo is the teams leader on the field and is still improving his game. After Calvo the team really lacks any proven bats and it is something the organization has said it will look into during the winter meetings.
Onto the Farm System, where The team finds its first bat ready for the big leagues in C/DH Bosco Swann. Swann is a power hitting player and could immediatly impact the teams line-up. After Swann there aren't any other impact players in their AAA level. On their AA level the story is different. Karim Wilfredo is a possible star in the future, while he isn't ML ready just yet he could get a call up this year if things don't go as planned. Also Damaso Peron and Greg Davidson are two other solid prospects that could either be trade bait or work their way up the Buffalo System. The teams top prospect at their AA is a pitcher from Nampa, ID Mario Key. Key is a hard throwing righty with a 4 pitch selection. Key is a top prospect in the nation and at only 21, he has lots of room to grow.
Milwaukee Badgers -- (Formally the Cleveland Naps (78-84))
The Badgers are short on pitching. And what pitching they do have is not that great. Javier Sanchez is the teams #1 starter to start the season. He is young and could blossom into a top of the rotatoin guy, but for now he is more suited as a #4 or 5 pitcher.
The team brings back talented C Tom Harper. Harper is hoping to have more of an offensive impact this season and improve upon his 19 HRs. Alex Arnold the teams returning LF is the teams middle of the order hitter. Last year Arnold hit 42 HR's but lacked a solid AVG. If the team can get him more protection he could easily have a much superior year. The teams 2b Benny Trinidad is the teams All-Around best player. Last year he lead the team with 48 HRs and a .331 avg.
Their isn't much immidate help via Milwaukee's Farm System. The teams first ML prospect is in High A. Doc Coleman is a solid pitching prospect, but it is still uncertain whether he is a LR or a SP. The team also has RF Bill Franklin who is a solid prospect but is still a few years away from hitting in the big leagues. Willis Lewis is at Low A and could make an impact sometime in the future in the Big Leagues.
Prediction:
I'm going with the Wings to win the division this year. They are by far the best team in my opinion. Things might change after the Winter Meetings and Free Agency. But for now Buffalo is the pick.
The Montreal Royals are a team that needs a few more players to make any noise this season. The team has a fairly solid starting rotationbut after that are very lacking. Their position players are not up to ML caliber. That being said a starting rotation is key and with 2 top tier pitchers anything is possible.
Donzell Cosby is their Ace. He went 13-16 last year with a 4.94 ERA. Cosby is looking to be a bit more competitive this year, but it is possible he could be solid trade bait for a contender at age 33. Cosby's partner in crime is 24 year old Pat Politte. The Royals hope that Politte can become more then the #4 starter he was last season. Politte is the player that the Royals are building their team around and should have a better season then his 8-10 record of last season.
The one bright star in the teams line-up is LF Andy Clayton. Clayton is a power hitting stud and should be able to be a force in his first full Major League season. After Clayton the Royals are very thin in their rotation but they are also young. Chris Costello is their young SS and should be a solid player for years to come. Costello hopes to bat better then his .221 average this year and 8 HRs.
In the Farm system the team does have SP Harpo Norton. Norton is the teams most ML ready player and should see work in the Bullpen early on. Jason Levine is the starting 1b for their AA team and should also see a quick call-up to the majors. His power hitting and eye should vastly improve their offense.
In their Rookie League the team has 2 very solid SP's that could either see ML time for them this season or be serious trade bait for a team that is rebuilding. Rookie League Cy Young Winner Eric Drew is a stud at age 21 and while he isn't starting for their ML club just yet, he is well on his way. Also Omar Vargas is their #1 prospect and the better of their 2 RL pitchers. Vargas will be a force when he makes it to the ML, whether it be with the Royals or another team.
Hartford Whalers -- (Formerly the Detroit Losers (80-82))
The Hartford Whalers finished 2nd in the North last season and is a team that is looking to do a bit more this year. The team needs to find a top of the rotation starter if they would like to do anything more then compete. The line-up is pretty solid. But a solid line-up can only take you so far.
The teams returns last years #1 Pitcher. But that's not saying much. Sid Jenkins is that player and he is not an ML #1. Last season Jenkins went 1-3 in 7 starts with an ERA of 6.07. He could be useful as a back of the rotation guy, but Hartford needs to find a better #1. The teams best returning pitcher is Frankie Monroe. Monroe was the talk of a possible trade to Scranton last season but the trade fell through shortly before the deadline. While Monroe is on the downside of his career he still had a solid S1. He started 32 games, going 17-6 with a solid 3.16 ERA. Hartford needs another year like last season out of Monroe.
Hartford sports a very solid 2b in Charlie Quinn who last seaon hit .262 with 39 HRs and 114 RBI. Quinn is one of the teams top two bats along with SS Roland Rivers. Rivers hit .276 last season and at 25 is still looking towards his best days in the ML. Also LF Clyde Mullin is looking to improve on his S1 stats. He hit 31 HRs, but only knocked in 81 runs due to a lack of baserunners ahead of him. Mullin also needs to work on his hitting for average and improve on his .255 average of last season.
Looking towards the future and dipping down to their farm system Hartfords AAA team looks a little bare with really no ML ready talent. Marvin Magnusson is their best prospect at this level and while he isn't ML ready right now, he could be seeing time at some point this year. Kris Barkett is a solid prosepct also. The same could be said for their AA team. At their High A level the first prospect that jumps out is Closer Victor Baez. While Baez is only 22 he should be a solid relief arm sometime in the future for Hartford.
Buffalo Wings -- (Formally the Milwaukee Brew Crew (102-60))
Last years 1st place club in the North has been taken over by a new owner and moved to a new city. Only time will tell if the move from Wisconsin to New York was a good move.
The Wings are a solid club. Starting with their rotation where they are not only talented but young. The teams Ace is 33 year old Jerry King. King lead the team to the playoff's last season with a 21-7 mark and a 2.79 ERA. The teams #2 starter is 23 year old Roger Osborne, who struggled at times last season and is hoping to improve on his 5.52 ERA from last year. In the bullpen this year their looks to be a battle brewing for the Closers role. Last years incumbent, Hipolito Saenz is coming off an All-Star year, but at age 34 some within the organization believe he may be past his prime. Those within the organization that don't believe Saenz has much left are pushing for 24 year old Roscoe Anderson to get the job.
The teams pitchers are by far the teams strength. It's line-up is solid but not sensational and if the club is to repeat last seasons 100 win feat, they will once again have to rely on their pitching. The teams top offensive threat is 25 year old 2b Vladimir Calvo. Calvo is the teams leader on the field and is still improving his game. After Calvo the team really lacks any proven bats and it is something the organization has said it will look into during the winter meetings.
Onto the Farm System, where The team finds its first bat ready for the big leagues in C/DH Bosco Swann. Swann is a power hitting player and could immediatly impact the teams line-up. After Swann there aren't any other impact players in their AAA level. On their AA level the story is different. Karim Wilfredo is a possible star in the future, while he isn't ML ready just yet he could get a call up this year if things don't go as planned. Also Damaso Peron and Greg Davidson are two other solid prospects that could either be trade bait or work their way up the Buffalo System. The teams top prospect at their AA is a pitcher from Nampa, ID Mario Key. Key is a hard throwing righty with a 4 pitch selection. Key is a top prospect in the nation and at only 21, he has lots of room to grow.
Milwaukee Badgers -- (Formally the Cleveland Naps (78-84))
The Badgers are short on pitching. And what pitching they do have is not that great. Javier Sanchez is the teams #1 starter to start the season. He is young and could blossom into a top of the rotatoin guy, but for now he is more suited as a #4 or 5 pitcher.
The team brings back talented C Tom Harper. Harper is hoping to have more of an offensive impact this season and improve upon his 19 HRs. Alex Arnold the teams returning LF is the teams middle of the order hitter. Last year Arnold hit 42 HR's but lacked a solid AVG. If the team can get him more protection he could easily have a much superior year. The teams 2b Benny Trinidad is the teams All-Around best player. Last year he lead the team with 48 HRs and a .331 avg.
Their isn't much immidate help via Milwaukee's Farm System. The teams first ML prospect is in High A. Doc Coleman is a solid pitching prospect, but it is still uncertain whether he is a LR or a SP. The team also has RF Bill Franklin who is a solid prospect but is still a few years away from hitting in the big leagues. Willis Lewis is at Low A and could make an impact sometime in the future in the Big Leagues.
Prediction:
I'm going with the Wings to win the division this year. They are by far the best team in my opinion. Things might change after the Winter Meetings and Free Agency. But for now Buffalo is the pick.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Season 1 Awards
First off the MVP Awards!
Season 1's AL MVP award went to:
Who batted .411, with 48 HR's, 134 RBI while scoring 153 runs with an OBP of .512!
The NL MVP Award goes to:
Wilson hit for a .342 Average on the year with 50 HR's, 159 RBI and scored 128 Runs.
The AL Cy Young Award went to:
Cornelius led the Regular Season Gallos Grandes to the Overall Best Record and into the ALCS. He pitched 35 games and went 25-8 while sporting a 2.96 ERA and Striking out 221 batters in 268.0 innings.
The NL Cy Young Award went to:
Liniak pitched 247.2 innings this past season and complied 26 wins and 5 losses. He struck out 226 batters while posting a 2.62 ERA.
The AL Rookie of the Year went to:
At age 24 Omar Lopez broke into the majors and his rookie season was nothing short of brillient. He batted for .342 and hit 29 HRs with 109 RBI.
The NL Rookie of the Year went to:
Cashman broke into the Majors at age 22 playing CF and 3b for Florida. Cashman batted for .346 average and hit 40 HR's and 124RBI. Cashman's future looks bright as does that of Florida!
Season 1's AL MVP award went to:
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Who batted .411, with 48 HR's, 134 RBI while scoring 153 runs with an OBP of .512!
The NL MVP Award goes to:
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Wilson hit for a .342 Average on the year with 50 HR's, 159 RBI and scored 128 Runs.
The AL Cy Young Award went to:
|
| ||||||||||||||
Cornelius led the Regular Season Gallos Grandes to the Overall Best Record and into the ALCS. He pitched 35 games and went 25-8 while sporting a 2.96 ERA and Striking out 221 batters in 268.0 innings.
The NL Cy Young Award went to:
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Liniak pitched 247.2 innings this past season and complied 26 wins and 5 losses. He struck out 226 batters while posting a 2.62 ERA.
The AL Rookie of the Year went to:
 |
| ||||||||||||||
At age 24 Omar Lopez broke into the majors and his rookie season was nothing short of brillient. He batted for .342 and hit 29 HRs with 109 RBI.
The NL Rookie of the Year went to:
|
| ||||||||||||||
Cashman broke into the Majors at age 22 playing CF and 3b for Florida. Cashman batted for .346 average and hit 40 HR's and 124RBI. Cashman's future looks bright as does that of Florida!
Season 1 Finish
It was a fantastic season 1, caped off by the improbable run of the Iowa City Black Lightning and coach uchuskies.
The team was lead by 2b Jolbert Seneca who batted .313 with 7HRs and 16 RBI and Melvin Xaio the speedy CF who batted .269 and stole 12 bases. The teams Ace Scot Meluskey won 4 games with a 3.13 ERA and 30 K's in 46 IP.
However the #6 seeded Lightning fell short of their goal of winning the World Series when they went up against the #1 team from the NL, the Texas Cow Pies.
The Cow Pies won the 6 game series and claimed the World Championship for coach timo1964.
The Cow Pies relied heavily on LF Ted Wilson, the eventual NL MVP who batted .333 with 7 HRs and 18 RBI and SS Mo Gonzales who hit for a .366 average and 15 RBI while scoring 11 runs.
The teams Ace pitcher, Tex Miller dominated the entire post season posting an undefeated 4-0 record with a 0.35 ERA. No one was more dominating then him.
Recapping the season there is one trade that most effected the outcome of the season and in all cases cost the Black Lightning a World Championship. The trade of SP (and eventual Cy Young Award Winner) Steve Cornelius to the Santa Fe Gallos Grandes before the season started. Steve (and Santa Fe) dominated the AL for most of the year, until falling short to the ICBL in the ALCS. In return for Cornelius the Lightning recieved Buddy Perez and Peaches Page. Both prospects with some upside. But neither will do what Cornelius could have done for the Lightning this past season.
The team was lead by 2b Jolbert Seneca who batted .313 with 7HRs and 16 RBI and Melvin Xaio the speedy CF who batted .269 and stole 12 bases. The teams Ace Scot Meluskey won 4 games with a 3.13 ERA and 30 K's in 46 IP.
However the #6 seeded Lightning fell short of their goal of winning the World Series when they went up against the #1 team from the NL, the Texas Cow Pies.
The Cow Pies won the 6 game series and claimed the World Championship for coach timo1964.
The Cow Pies relied heavily on LF Ted Wilson, the eventual NL MVP who batted .333 with 7 HRs and 18 RBI and SS Mo Gonzales who hit for a .366 average and 15 RBI while scoring 11 runs.
The teams Ace pitcher, Tex Miller dominated the entire post season posting an undefeated 4-0 record with a 0.35 ERA. No one was more dominating then him.
Recapping the season there is one trade that most effected the outcome of the season and in all cases cost the Black Lightning a World Championship. The trade of SP (and eventual Cy Young Award Winner) Steve Cornelius to the Santa Fe Gallos Grandes before the season started. Steve (and Santa Fe) dominated the AL for most of the year, until falling short to the ICBL in the ALCS. In return for Cornelius the Lightning recieved Buddy Perez and Peaches Page. Both prospects with some upside. But neither will do what Cornelius could have done for the Lightning this past season.
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