Another baseball season is underway with spring training games kicking off across the nation yesterday. Here in Philly we were able to watch the Black Lightning. This years Black Lightning features the same line-up as last season, but the pitching has been majorly revamped.
The team returns star 2b Ed Donovan who was an MVP candidate last season. Also returning is the rest of the infield. At ss is Che Kim and at 3b is Stephen O'Connor. At 1b is last years starter Tony Cueto but the team has been flirting with trading Cueto so that prize prospect Lyle Wise can begin his major league career this year. In the outfield the team returns all 3 of last seasons starters. LF is Walter Miller, CF is Gary Bush and in RF is Brett Cortes for his back from season ending injury late last season.
The teams Ace Donzell Cosby returns and should anchor the rotation. This year he isn't the undisputed best pitcher on the team. Over the summer GM Zach Stocker decided to acquire a large money contract in Richard Bruske who is slotted as the teams #2 starter this year. In the #3 slot is young gun Chili Stocker who looks to be a solid #3. Jose Ibarra and Arthur Olerud round out the rotation.
In the bullpen this team has a whole new, younger look. Gone are all the old players and big money contracts and in are the teams top relief pitching prospects. GM Zach Stocker has made quality young relief pitchers a key in trades and he has these 3 new gems in his bullpen this season. Peter Palmer is the top setup man this season after coming over in a trade that included C C.C. Hanley. The team also has recently acquired Marc Beverlin who looks to be a solid late inning guy. The team looks to have a battle brewing between 2 time al-star Sun Satou who is the teams current closer and recently acquired 22 year old Danny Brinkley. It will be interesting to see how this teams bullpen sticks together with so many new players.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hot Stove News!
3 trades processed recently and we will review them, and look at some free agent signings.
Trades
The Charlotte Crocs recieve Russell Hall from the St. Louis blue browns in exchange for Walker Beirne. I like St Louis in this deal aquiring a good 3B in Beirne, but the Crocs did recieve a solid prospect and unloaded his contract.
Next The Little Rock Jaeger Bombs recieve Vicente Arias and Hamish Kennedy from the Dover Devils in exchange for William Shin and Lucas Darensbourg. I dont get this trade at all for Dover. If your going to give up Arias, you need to get something back, and they didnt. I like LR big time in this trade.
The Indianapolis Chuck N Duck recieve Joseph Jang and Bronson Sasaki from the Fargo Woodchippers in exchange for 2,000,000 dollars, Les Valentin and Ajax Darwin. Another trade I dont quite get. Why give up 2 million bucks, and 2 solid players, and not get back quality value? The prospects Indy is getting are nice, but they should have gotten more IMO.
Next Up Lets Check The Top 5 FA Signings Of Pitchers And Position Players As Of Right Now. FYI Im Going By Overall Rating And Potential
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Trades
The Charlotte Crocs recieve Russell Hall from the St. Louis blue browns in exchange for Walker Beirne. I like St Louis in this deal aquiring a good 3B in Beirne, but the Crocs did recieve a solid prospect and unloaded his contract.
Next The Little Rock Jaeger Bombs recieve Vicente Arias and Hamish Kennedy from the Dover Devils in exchange for William Shin and Lucas Darensbourg. I dont get this trade at all for Dover. If your going to give up Arias, you need to get something back, and they didnt. I like LR big time in this trade.
The Indianapolis Chuck N Duck recieve Joseph Jang and Bronson Sasaki from the Fargo Woodchippers in exchange for 2,000,000 dollars, Les Valentin and Ajax Darwin. Another trade I dont quite get. Why give up 2 million bucks, and 2 solid players, and not get back quality value? The prospects Indy is getting are nice, but they should have gotten more IMO.
Next Up Lets Check The Top 5 FA Signings Of Pitchers And Position Players As Of Right Now. FYI Im Going By Overall Rating And Potential
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Dr. Z's Trade Report
We've had yet another flurry of trades go through, with many more to be processed here at the commissioners office within then next 24 hours. It has been an exciting start to another great season of baseball!
Trade Analysis:
Winter Meeting Rumors:
Trade Analysis:
In trade #1 the Philly Black Lightning sent starting pitcher Fonzie Leonard to division rival Boston Puritans in exchange for prospects Marc Beverlin and Herman Runyan. I'll take the Lightning in this trade due to the fact that they have assembled a very solid and young core of relief pitchers in the past 365 days and Beverlin adds to that.
In trade #2 the Charleston Chews swapped Rob Smart for Nick Hunter with the San Diego Zonkey's. I think both teams came out pretty equal in this trade and can't choose a winner at this point.
In trade #3 the Boston Puritans aquired Torey Castilla in exchange for Frank Cook who went to the Colorado Spring Cosmos. I like Boston's aquisation here and teamed with Leonard they have improved their pitching staff quite a bit. On the flip side I am sure that Colorado Springs was happy to unload Castilla's contract.
In trade #4 (that just cleared the office minutes ago) Mexico City aquired 9 million dollars of payroll in Tom Harper and Ernest Ferguson from Trenton for stud catching prospect Red Benton. While this trade makes Mexico City a clear favorite for the AL crown, I like Trenton's aquisation of Benton more, and of course the payroll cut. Nice Job!
Winter Meeting Rumors:
Rumor has it that 2 AL clubs are effortlessly trying to aquire top notch pitchers. It is unclear who exactly is targeted but a few of the names that have been flown around are Las Vegas' Lance Watson, Houston's Doc Hunter, Helena's Bruce Dougherty, Tampa Bay's Earle Smart, Fresno's Rod Young, Arizona's Red Parker and Montreal's Greg Walker. More to come on this situation as more information becomes avialable.
Both new Syracuse stars, LF Harry Posada and Ace Pitcher Scot Meluskey have both publicly stated that they are relieved to be out of the Iowa City/Burlington/Charlotte oranization. Apparently their idea of being Major League stars was not changing club location year in and out.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hot Stove Rumors With A Few Trades On The Side.
In this edition of the Hot Stove we look at some rumors swirling around the league, some true, some false, and some so rediculous only a mad man could have conjured them up. We will also review the 2 trades that processed recently.
Rumor Mill
The Charlotte Crocs are believed to be shopping anyone and everyone over 27 and/or a 4 million dollar contract except Kris Jackson. FACT
Rumor has it that the Philadelphia Black Lightning are secretly shopping star 2B
FACT
The Durham Bulls are accepting offers from teams for every single SS on their team, as they quote "we are loaded at SS in Durham" FACT
Around the water cooler it is believed the El Paso Nachos are looking to package star pitchers Galahad Dale and Chad Lamb for 2-3 OFers. FALSE
Reports are flying in of a complete organization trade between the Tacoma Amber Flashlongs and the Mexico City Gallos Grandes FALSE
There you have it folks thats The Rumor Mill for this week.
Now lets take a look at the trades.
The Charlotte Crocs recieve Theodore Bonham and Andres Dominguez from the Buffalo Wings in exchange for Hector Charles and Junior Colome. Who do I like in this trade? Now the Wings, but in the next few seasons the Crocs.
The Indianapolis Chuck N Duck recieve Orber Lee and Ted Hines from the Fargo Woodchippers in exchange for Floyd Reichert. Who do I like? The Chuck N Duck for bringing in 2 solid prospects.
Rumor Mill
The Charlotte Crocs are believed to be shopping anyone and everyone over 27 and/or a 4 million dollar contract except Kris Jackson. FACT
Rumor has it that the Philadelphia Black Lightning are secretly shopping star 2B
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The Durham Bulls are accepting offers from teams for every single SS on their team, as they quote "we are loaded at SS in Durham" FACT
Around the water cooler it is believed the El Paso Nachos are looking to package star pitchers Galahad Dale and Chad Lamb for 2-3 OFers. FALSE
Reports are flying in of a complete organization trade between the Tacoma Amber Flashlongs and the Mexico City Gallos Grandes FALSE
There you have it folks thats The Rumor Mill for this week.
Now lets take a look at the trades.
The Charlotte Crocs recieve Theodore Bonham and Andres Dominguez from the Buffalo Wings in exchange for Hector Charles and Junior Colome. Who do I like in this trade? Now the Wings, but in the next few seasons the Crocs.
The Indianapolis Chuck N Duck recieve Orber Lee and Ted Hines from the Fargo Woodchippers in exchange for Floyd Reichert. Who do I like? The Chuck N Duck for bringing in 2 solid prospects.
Hot Stove Report 2
In this edition of The Hot Stove we will review the second flurry of trades happening in Ripken Jr.
The Charlotte Crocs send 5,000,000 dollars, Harry Posada, and Alton Parris to the Syracuse SkyRockets in exchange for Daniel Flores, Harry Lawton, and Pedro Calles. In this deal I like both teams. Charlotte unloaded 20 million dollars and recieved 3 prospect 2 of which will be starting this year. The SkyRockets recieve good hitting LF Harry Posada and future stud SS Alton Paris.
The Little Rock Jaeger Bombs receve Ernest Walker from the Buffalo Wings in exchange for James Blair. In this deal I like the Wings for bringing in versatile prospect James Blair.
The Dover Devils recieve Richie Byrd from the Buffalo Wings in exchange for Benito Fernandez. I like both teams for addressing needs in this deal, but gun to my head I give this one to the Devils.
The Indianapolis Chuck N Duck recieve Ed Clark, and Jeremi Allen from the Dover Devils in exchange for 3,000,000 dollars, Brandon Park, and Dewey Lombardi. In this deal I like the Devils. Both teams players recieved matchup pretty close, but the devil recieve 3 mil helps their case out.
The Iowa City I Wanna Score More recieve Orber Torres, and Miguel Borbon from the Dover Devils in exchange for Quentin Randa and Brady Dodd. In this trade its tough to say who won. But I would give it to Iowa City for snagging Borbon.
The Charlotte Crocs send 5,000,000 dollars, Harry Posada, and Alton Parris to the Syracuse SkyRockets in exchange for Daniel Flores, Harry Lawton, and Pedro Calles. In this deal I like both teams. Charlotte unloaded 20 million dollars and recieved 3 prospect 2 of which will be starting this year. The SkyRockets recieve good hitting LF Harry Posada and future stud SS Alton Paris.
The Little Rock Jaeger Bombs receve Ernest Walker from the Buffalo Wings in exchange for James Blair. In this deal I like the Wings for bringing in versatile prospect James Blair.
The Dover Devils recieve Richie Byrd from the Buffalo Wings in exchange for Benito Fernandez. I like both teams for addressing needs in this deal, but gun to my head I give this one to the Devils.
The Indianapolis Chuck N Duck recieve Ed Clark, and Jeremi Allen from the Dover Devils in exchange for 3,000,000 dollars, Brandon Park, and Dewey Lombardi. In this deal I like the Devils. Both teams players recieved matchup pretty close, but the devil recieve 3 mil helps their case out.
The Iowa City I Wanna Score More recieve Orber Torres, and Miguel Borbon from the Dover Devils in exchange for Quentin Randa and Brady Dodd. In this trade its tough to say who won. But I would give it to Iowa City for snagging Borbon.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
FA Outlook
With Free Agency just around the corner, here's a look at the top available players.
Pitchers:
He is a very solid guy for the middle of anyone's rotation. Solid L/R splits, teamed along impressive Velocity and Control are always good. Pair that with 3 70+ pitches and you have a solid pitcher. A lack of stamina is a concern though.
High velocity and control and 3 60+ pitches make Itou a very solid back of the rotation guy who can pitch a solid 6 innings a start.
Harvey Baez, Matthew Houston, McKay Carr and Gene Butler are a few solid setup choices.
Infielders:
Carlos Vazquez is a solid 1b power bat. Who also has a solid eye.
Pedro Lopez is the top 1b Free Agent. His blend of power and contact and his uncanny ability to pick up the ball from LHP make him a sure multimillionaire.
There is a real weakness in the 2b FA's this year. Juan Chavez is the top Free Agent at 2b.
At 3b the top player is Harry Martin who is a slugger playing third.
Carl Witt may be aging but he is still a serviceable starter at ss.
He is one of the top Free Agents this year and will command a lot of attention in the open market. He is a contact hitter with solid L/R splits.
Another top ss Free Agent. Gonzales is a solid combo contact/power hitter with solid splits.
Outfielders:
Gus Huang is a slugging lf who is on the open market.
In cf one of the top free agents is Willie Bennett who has a solid bat in both contact and power.
Catchers:
For what Zip Sweeney lacks behind the plate he more then makes up for in pitch calling. This stud catcher is sure to find a new home this year.
And if you thought Sweeney's pitch calling was good James Kelleher's is better.
Top Free Agent -
Macias is a slugger. Even at age 31 he is still hitting the ball to the fences. He has also developed a very good eye over the years.
Pitchers:
He is a very solid guy for the middle of anyone's rotation. Solid L/R splits, teamed along impressive Velocity and Control are always good. Pair that with 3 70+ pitches and you have a solid pitcher. A lack of stamina is a concern though.
High velocity and control and 3 60+ pitches make Itou a very solid back of the rotation guy who can pitch a solid 6 innings a start.
Harvey Baez, Matthew Houston, McKay Carr and Gene Butler are a few solid setup choices.
Infielders:
Carlos Vazquez is a solid 1b power bat. Who also has a solid eye.
Pedro Lopez is the top 1b Free Agent. His blend of power and contact and his uncanny ability to pick up the ball from LHP make him a sure multimillionaire.
There is a real weakness in the 2b FA's this year. Juan Chavez is the top Free Agent at 2b.
At 3b the top player is Harry Martin who is a slugger playing third.
Carl Witt may be aging but he is still a serviceable starter at ss.
He is one of the top Free Agents this year and will command a lot of attention in the open market. He is a contact hitter with solid L/R splits.
Another top ss Free Agent. Gonzales is a solid combo contact/power hitter with solid splits.
Outfielders:
Gus Huang is a slugging lf who is on the open market.
In cf one of the top free agents is Willie Bennett who has a solid bat in both contact and power.
Catchers:
For what Zip Sweeney lacks behind the plate he more then makes up for in pitch calling. This stud catcher is sure to find a new home this year.
And if you thought Sweeney's pitch calling was good James Kelleher's is better.
Top Free Agent -
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Macias is a slugger. Even at age 31 he is still hitting the ball to the fences. He has also developed a very good eye over the years.
Hot Stove Report
So far in this early season of Ripken Jr there has been a flurry of trades including some big time players. Lets review them shall we?
Charlotte Crocs receive Louis Parnell and Gregg Fonville from the Little Rock Jaeger Bombs in exchange for Chip James, Virgil Tapies, and A.J. Jeter. In this trade both teams filled needs but by the fact LR recieved 1 more prospect the get the nod as trade winners.
Iowa City I Wanna Score More receive Justin Price from the St. Louis blue browns in exchange for Stan Ventrella In this 1 for 1 trade of prospects Iowa City gets the nod because frankly Ventrella is a great fielder and has blazing speed, but nothing else is that great. Price is a much better hitter and a solid C.
Little Rock Jaeger Bombs receive Fausto James, Jesse Hoyt, David Walker, Christopher Sirotka, Robert Cairncross, and Andre Rhodes from the Montreal Royals in exchange for Wade Lincoln, Torey Fernandez, and Warren Martin. A blockbuster of epic proportions. I like the Jaeger Bombs in this trade for pulling in so many nice prospects. but Montreal did a good job in filling up their wholes as well.
Iowa City I Wanna Score More receive Ted Wilson from the Little Rock Jaeger Bombs in exchange for Andres Guzman and Ted Lush. Although they gave up Ted Lush I like Iowa City in this trade for bringing in a veteran in Ted Wilson, but you have to commend LR for getting Lush
Mexico City Gallos Grandes receive Oscar Baumann and Bryan Elliott from the New York Evil Empire in exchange for Edgardo Nieves, Ethan Ellis, Glenn Powell, Edwin Koch, Harold Blake and Carlos Zurbaran In another blockbuster trade I like Mexico City for trading for stud pitcher Oscar Baumann period.
Charlotte Crocs receive Kris Jackson and Peter Elster from the Syracuse SkyRockets in exchange for Scot Meluskey In this trade its hard to judge as the second part of this blockbuster has not been completed yet. But the skyRckets pulled in stud SP Meluskey, and in the 2nd deal Harry Posada who is a great hitter. While the Crocs unloaded a huge contract burden while pulling in 4 potential players who could be in th estarting lineup in the 2 deals.
Montreal Royals receive Alex Arnold from the Trenton Generals in exchange for Bing Frazier, Oleg Penny, and Alejandro Liriano In this deal I like Trenton for pulling in 3 great prospects while only giving up a veteran in Alex Arnold, not to say Arnold is not good. But as for Montreal getting Arnold will be a big boost for their OF.
Keep A Lookout For More Hot Stove Reports Featuring More Trades, Rumors, and FA Signings.
Charlotte Crocs receive Louis Parnell and Gregg Fonville from the Little Rock Jaeger Bombs in exchange for Chip James, Virgil Tapies, and A.J. Jeter. In this trade both teams filled needs but by the fact LR recieved 1 more prospect the get the nod as trade winners.
Iowa City I Wanna Score More receive Justin Price from the St. Louis blue browns in exchange for Stan Ventrella In this 1 for 1 trade of prospects Iowa City gets the nod because frankly Ventrella is a great fielder and has blazing speed, but nothing else is that great. Price is a much better hitter and a solid C.
Little Rock Jaeger Bombs receive Fausto James, Jesse Hoyt, David Walker, Christopher Sirotka, Robert Cairncross, and Andre Rhodes from the Montreal Royals in exchange for Wade Lincoln, Torey Fernandez, and Warren Martin. A blockbuster of epic proportions. I like the Jaeger Bombs in this trade for pulling in so many nice prospects. but Montreal did a good job in filling up their wholes as well.
Iowa City I Wanna Score More receive Ted Wilson from the Little Rock Jaeger Bombs in exchange for Andres Guzman and Ted Lush. Although they gave up Ted Lush I like Iowa City in this trade for bringing in a veteran in Ted Wilson, but you have to commend LR for getting Lush
Mexico City Gallos Grandes receive Oscar Baumann and Bryan Elliott from the New York Evil Empire in exchange for Edgardo Nieves, Ethan Ellis, Glenn Powell, Edwin Koch, Harold Blake and Carlos Zurbaran In another blockbuster trade I like Mexico City for trading for stud pitcher Oscar Baumann period.
Charlotte Crocs receive Kris Jackson and Peter Elster from the Syracuse SkyRockets in exchange for Scot Meluskey In this trade its hard to judge as the second part of this blockbuster has not been completed yet. But the skyRckets pulled in stud SP Meluskey, and in the 2nd deal Harry Posada who is a great hitter. While the Crocs unloaded a huge contract burden while pulling in 4 potential players who could be in th estarting lineup in the 2 deals.
Montreal Royals receive Alex Arnold from the Trenton Generals in exchange for Bing Frazier, Oleg Penny, and Alejandro Liriano In this deal I like Trenton for pulling in 3 great prospects while only giving up a veteran in Alex Arnold, not to say Arnold is not good. But as for Montreal getting Arnold will be a big boost for their OF.
Keep A Lookout For More Hot Stove Reports Featuring More Trades, Rumors, and FA Signings.
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