New York over Burlington (3-0)
Hero: After Burlington's shocking upset of St Louis, New York took advantage of the rest obtained over their bye and quickly dispatched Burlington in 3 games. Norberto Santos paced the offense for the Moose Knuckles from the top of the order. In addition to his steady play at the hot corner, Norberto batted .357 in the series (5-14) with scoring 3 runs and driving in 3 runs. Santos doubled to lead off game 1, and scored to give Omar Vargas all the run support he'd need in a 2-0 victory. He followed that up by launching a bases clearing 3-run double in the bottom of the 2nd to lead New York to an early 3-0 lead, a game eventually won in thrilling fashion with a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th. Finally, in the clinching game 3, Santos lead off the game again with a double, crossing home plate a few batters later, setting the pace for an easy 7-3 victory.
Chump: Delino Rodriquez. Following a long and grueling season, and a tough 5 game set vs St Louis, its obvious Delino is ready for the postseason. New York's tough pitching staff did Delino no favors, constantly pounding him inside, leading to many weak grounders, pop ups and a handful of strikeouts. Just 1 hit in his 12 appearances, no walks and 11 runners stranded on the bases. A sub standard season, based upon his prior success ends with a sub standard series and a trip back home to freshen up for next year.
Salem over Syracuse (3-2)
Hero: An exciting 5 game set that saw Cy Young hopeful Pablo Bonilla save the day in all 3 of Salem's victories. 2.2 innings of 1 hit relief in game 1 allowed Salem to win on a walk off error in the bottom of 12. 3 nights later, with Salem facing elimination, Bonilla got the ball with a 4 run lead in the 7th. Bonilla shut down the door, save a solo shot to open up the 9th before handing the ball to McCraken for the final out and set the stage for a deciding game 5. With the series on the line, Salem holding on to a slim 3-1 lead, Jesus turned things over to Bonilla to close the door in game #5 and send The Witch Doctors back to the ALCS. For the series, Bonnilla carried a WHIP just a shade north of 1, and an ERA of 1.6, not to mention the two huge 2+ innings of work in game 1 & 3.
Chump: Paul Gibson. the .318 average over the series looks pretty good, however 4 of his 7 hits came in the 11-2 game 2 laugher, leaving him 3-17 in the other 4 games. However, the biggest reason for this award came at the end of game #1. In a tight extra innings affair, Salem got runners on the corners with no body out. However, Tanhill bounced back to strike out Tony Trevino and getting an easy pop out out of George Fossum. When Garcia hit it softly back to Gibson at 2b, Syracuse fans felt certain they were heading for the 13th inning. However, Gibson botched job allowed Garcia to reach 1st safely, scoring pinch runner Terry Lewis and sending Salem home a winner.
Fresno over Austin (3-0)
Hero: Connie Lemaster, the hero of their round 1 series over Boston, returns as hero again in round 2. How does a pitcher top a 1 hitter in the postseason? By throwing 8.1 innings of 6 hit, 3 run (2 earned) ball against the potent Austin lineup. As if that wasn't enough, LeMaster gave himself all the run support he'd need in game 1 with a sacrafice fly to the gap in the 4th and a 3 run homer down the left field line off of eventual hall of famer Chad Lamb. Is a perfect game in grasp for Connie as he keeps attempting to outdo himself each round?
Chump(s): Chad Lamb and Corban Walters. Two aces, once traded for one another in a huge blockbuster, 4 world series rings between them, multiple all star appearances, Cy Young nominations and victories would spell the resume of many a hall of fame inductee. As if Lamb's lack luster game 1, including the 3 run shot to his oppossing pitcher wasn't bad enough, facing elimination Walters couldn't even escape the 2nd inning. A double, single, fly out, walk, fielder's choice to plate a run w/ the bases loaded, another double, then a triple and finally a wild pitch gave Fresno a 6-0 lead from which they'd never look back.
Pittsburgh over Las Vegas (3-1)
Hero: The Killer C's (Carlos Fuentes, Carlos Alveraz, Chet Turner, Clyde Valent). Its hard to differiant b/w the 1st and the last at the top of Pittsburgh order. Certainly Las Vegas wishes they would have stayed home. A combined 24-64 at the plate (.375 avg), 18 runs (75% of the team's runs scored), 17 rbi and 7 home runs.
Chump: Julian Hall. I think its safe to say this is a series Hall would love to forget. Following an outstanding rookie campaign, with the bright lights of the playoffs at full glare, Hall wilted under the pressure and failed to deliever for Las Vegas. That's failed to deliever anything other than a single walk and weak ground out to 1b scoring a runner from 3rd with 1 out. Otherewise, he was 0-16 at the plate despite only 2 strikeouts over the entire series. You'd have thought that a few of those other 14 outs would find a hole somewhere, anywhere, but not with Pittsburgh flashing the leather.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Season 12, round 1: Heros & Chumps
Back by popular demand (ie I actual thought about it and have a little time to squeeze in, don't know if anyone actually cares) its time for the first round of this season's playoff Heros and playoff chumps.
Burlington over St Louis (3-2):
Hero: Charles Tamura. It wasn't all that long ago that Tamura was considered one of the elite center fielders in this world; a 3 time all star and twice silver slugger from seasons 3 thru season 6, Tamura was a solid combination of speed, power, defense the day he entered the majors. What once looked like a promising hall of fame career, started to hit the skids around the same time the Black Lightening franchise started to hit the skids. A late season trade to Burlington last season allowed Tamura to flash signs of his old self, however this season was another dissapointment, until now that is. Despite hitting just .252 and being forced over to RF, Tamura saved his best for the playoffs. A key 2 run homer in the 4th inning lead Burlington to a 3-1 game 2 lead and evened the series. 2 nights later, with the scene shifted back to the arched city, Tamura picked up a key rbi double to help push Burlington out to a 2 run lead. Burlington 2-1 series lead was short lived, as St Louis bounced back to trounce Burlington in game 4. A quick 3-0 St Louis lead in game 5 looked like the death nail, however Tamura help lead the come back by driving in their first run after getting hit with a pitch. During his next trip to the plate, with Burlington now down 5-1, Tamura drove a pitch over the wall to pull Burlington back to w/n 3 runs. During his next trp, Tamura would draw a walk and later scored to tie the game at 5 helping Burlington force extra innings where they'd win the series with a dramatic walk off 2 run homer in the bottom of the 12th.
Chump: Art Conner. With everything going St Louis way in game 5, up 5-2 with 2 outs in the 7th Conner gave up a line drive double to score Tejada from 1st. Conner remained on the mound for the 8th where he promptly loaded the bases before giving up a game tying double and handing the ball off to the next reliever. A had a feeling at the begining of the year, as well as at the begining of the playoffs that this was St Louis' year to take home the big prize. Their time is coming, there is little doubt of that, but thanks to Conner's game 5 performance, like the cubs, they're going to have to wait until next season.
Syracuse over Jacksonville (3-2)
Hero: This is a series that had a bit of eveything. Dominate pitching, offensive explosions, clutch hits, big comebacks and long homers. With so many heros, its hard to pick just one, Hic Hartley jumps to the front of the line by hitting .286 with a homer, 7 rbi and 4 runs scored. Hic drove in the 1st or 2nd run of each Syracuse victory in this series, helping to set an early tone for each win as well as driving in 2 key runs to bring Syracuse to w/n 8-7 in game 5, then later scoring the tying run in the next at bat.
Chump(s): Jacksonville's key sluggers Jolbert Mieses, Frank Donovan & kent Stinnett, all regulars to the mid season classic, hit a respective .167, .100 and .111 on the series. With so many other picking up the slack, just 1 or 2 key hits would from any of these 3 heart of the order batters would have won the series for Jacksonville.
Fresno over Boston (3-0)
Hero: For all the drama in the AL, the NL 1st round was quick and easy for both series winners. Fresno's offense did a fine job of dispatching Boston, but Connie LeMaster's 1 hit 13-0 shut out to open the series gave clear signal that Boston wasn't about to make a cinderella run. LaMaster's 9 ks and 0 walks proved that he wasn't just getting lucky, but clearly outmatching Boston on this early October evening.
Chump: Its not Boston's fault that they made the playoffs a season or two before they were ready. Ridney's made great strides the last couple of season rebuilding the franchise and despite the .500 record the poor division allowed him to sneak in a season or two early. With a roster full of young developing talent, and plenty more coming thru the ranks, I expect to see Boston in the playoffs many times the next 5+ seasons, however since we have to award a goat we'll share the blame to the entire offense that managed just 6 hits, 2 walks in no runs in back to back home shutouts in games 1 & 2.
Pittsburgh over Little Rock (3-0)
Hero: Another quick series highlighted by Alex Pineda's pinch hit grandslam in the top of the 9th to send Pittsburgh to a series clinching 8-6 victory. Limited by low durability, Pineda made the most of his limited action, catching game 2's victory and the key pinch hit to send Little Rock packing.
Chump: If Pineda is your hero, then Jeremy Cintron is your resident chump. The left handed closer was entrusted with a 3 run lead in the top of the 9th. After retiring the first batter, Cintron gave up 3 straight singles, then nearly escaped with a strikeout of Lee for out number 2. However a walk of McPherson brought Pittsburgh to w/n 2 runs, then the pinch hit grand slam by Pineda sealed the deal.
Burlington over St Louis (3-2):
Hero: Charles Tamura. It wasn't all that long ago that Tamura was considered one of the elite center fielders in this world; a 3 time all star and twice silver slugger from seasons 3 thru season 6, Tamura was a solid combination of speed, power, defense the day he entered the majors. What once looked like a promising hall of fame career, started to hit the skids around the same time the Black Lightening franchise started to hit the skids. A late season trade to Burlington last season allowed Tamura to flash signs of his old self, however this season was another dissapointment, until now that is. Despite hitting just .252 and being forced over to RF, Tamura saved his best for the playoffs. A key 2 run homer in the 4th inning lead Burlington to a 3-1 game 2 lead and evened the series. 2 nights later, with the scene shifted back to the arched city, Tamura picked up a key rbi double to help push Burlington out to a 2 run lead. Burlington 2-1 series lead was short lived, as St Louis bounced back to trounce Burlington in game 4. A quick 3-0 St Louis lead in game 5 looked like the death nail, however Tamura help lead the come back by driving in their first run after getting hit with a pitch. During his next trip to the plate, with Burlington now down 5-1, Tamura drove a pitch over the wall to pull Burlington back to w/n 3 runs. During his next trp, Tamura would draw a walk and later scored to tie the game at 5 helping Burlington force extra innings where they'd win the series with a dramatic walk off 2 run homer in the bottom of the 12th.
Chump: Art Conner. With everything going St Louis way in game 5, up 5-2 with 2 outs in the 7th Conner gave up a line drive double to score Tejada from 1st. Conner remained on the mound for the 8th where he promptly loaded the bases before giving up a game tying double and handing the ball off to the next reliever. A had a feeling at the begining of the year, as well as at the begining of the playoffs that this was St Louis' year to take home the big prize. Their time is coming, there is little doubt of that, but thanks to Conner's game 5 performance, like the cubs, they're going to have to wait until next season.
Syracuse over Jacksonville (3-2)
Hero: This is a series that had a bit of eveything. Dominate pitching, offensive explosions, clutch hits, big comebacks and long homers. With so many heros, its hard to pick just one, Hic Hartley jumps to the front of the line by hitting .286 with a homer, 7 rbi and 4 runs scored. Hic drove in the 1st or 2nd run of each Syracuse victory in this series, helping to set an early tone for each win as well as driving in 2 key runs to bring Syracuse to w/n 8-7 in game 5, then later scoring the tying run in the next at bat.
Chump(s): Jacksonville's key sluggers Jolbert Mieses, Frank Donovan & kent Stinnett, all regulars to the mid season classic, hit a respective .167, .100 and .111 on the series. With so many other picking up the slack, just 1 or 2 key hits would from any of these 3 heart of the order batters would have won the series for Jacksonville.
Fresno over Boston (3-0)
Hero: For all the drama in the AL, the NL 1st round was quick and easy for both series winners. Fresno's offense did a fine job of dispatching Boston, but Connie LeMaster's 1 hit 13-0 shut out to open the series gave clear signal that Boston wasn't about to make a cinderella run. LaMaster's 9 ks and 0 walks proved that he wasn't just getting lucky, but clearly outmatching Boston on this early October evening.
Chump: Its not Boston's fault that they made the playoffs a season or two before they were ready. Ridney's made great strides the last couple of season rebuilding the franchise and despite the .500 record the poor division allowed him to sneak in a season or two early. With a roster full of young developing talent, and plenty more coming thru the ranks, I expect to see Boston in the playoffs many times the next 5+ seasons, however since we have to award a goat we'll share the blame to the entire offense that managed just 6 hits, 2 walks in no runs in back to back home shutouts in games 1 & 2.
Pittsburgh over Little Rock (3-0)
Hero: Another quick series highlighted by Alex Pineda's pinch hit grandslam in the top of the 9th to send Pittsburgh to a series clinching 8-6 victory. Limited by low durability, Pineda made the most of his limited action, catching game 2's victory and the key pinch hit to send Little Rock packing.
Chump: If Pineda is your hero, then Jeremy Cintron is your resident chump. The left handed closer was entrusted with a 3 run lead in the top of the 9th. After retiring the first batter, Cintron gave up 3 straight singles, then nearly escaped with a strikeout of Lee for out number 2. However a walk of McPherson brought Pittsburgh to w/n 2 runs, then the pinch hit grand slam by Pineda sealed the deal.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The other side of the coin
Going back to season 5, Salem was a budding franchise on the cusp of something special. The prior owners (3 over the first 3 seasons) had clearly acquired talent, but were also clearly tanking. By the time I got there in season 4, there was enough talent to challenge for a playoff appearance, but nearly enough pitching to get us over the top. Despite turning over a sizable portion of the major league talent to get the proper pieces in place, a top of the rotation ace was sorely lacking. After squeezing out a divsion title (despite just 84 wins) and a league championship appearance, Salem went on the hunt for a top shelf ace for season 5 and beyond.
Enter flytekk and the Florida Flytekks, a new owner to this world in season 5, a new owner to the game. Under the prior regime, Fly's new organization had been near the top of the world. Along with average 100+ wins each of the first four seasons, the organization brought home the big trophy in season 3. Fly found himself in the middle of a very solid organization with enough talent to compete right away. However, he had a clear mission in mind. He didn't want to ride the coat tails of the previous staff to a W-S title, he wanted to mold the organization his way. So off the trade market he went, peddling his wares for top shelf talent. Despite more than one brash statement, a handful of pissed off owners and several outrageous demands, Fly held tight to his guns when Salem came calling to incquire about the services of season 3 Cy Young and perinial all star ChadLamb. Salem had a couple of top level prospects worthy of a deal, but Fly in all his brashness was insisting on both CorbanWalters and StewartWells. Both bright young prospects with all multiple all star appearances all but assured.
The demands for Lamb were not only beyond absurd, they were fairly in line with several other deals that had crept thru the grapevine involving Fly and his first offseason. More than 1 owner vowed to never do a deal with him. Personally, I didn't care much either way, but when Fly mentioned that without both Walter and Wells, Lamb wasn't heading for the pacific northwest. Fine I said, told him I'll gladly trade either, but certainly not both should he change his mind. Thinking any deal was pretty much dead in the water, Salem had set its eyes elsewhere until a few days later, Fly relented and offered up a deal so perfect, I hadn't even thought of it. One that fit Salem's current needs so well, as well as Fly's long term goals that it couldn't be passed up. In addition to Lamb, Fly added postseason super star, GalahadDale in exchange for Walters, Wells and the contract of the solid and steady PTAbbott.
With the addition of Dale & Lamb, Salem's rotation was quickly in the running as league's best. Lamb would headline the Salem rotation to the next two world series championships. Dale, in addition to a career best 19 wins in season 6, was his typical postseason dominate self, going 4-1 over seasons 5 & 6, in addition to a 6-0 mark in season 7 helping guide Dover to a W-S, Dale's 4th ring in 5 seasons.
While the deal made perfect sense from a talent standpoint, there was more than one owner concerned that Fly was selling off his high end talent, and wouldn't even be around more than 1 or 2 seasons. Fly gladly claimed he was in it for the long run, and garunteed he'd be playoff bound in his 4th season at worst, and competing for a W-S quickly there after. Well Fly upped that mark by 3 seasons, making his first postseason in season 6 and hasn't missed the playoffs since, adding 4 division crowns in the meantime. Furthur more, when season 9 rolled around, Fly opened up the bank account to re-sign Lamb as he hit free agency, as well as the top pitching coach needed to ensure his services. From the original deal, PT Abbott was quickly flipped, while Wells and Walters are key cogs in their franchise. Now that Fly has won his first title, will number 2 be far behind?
As I look back on how this deal dramatically affected the fortunes of both teams, I'm left to wonder if this isn't one of the biggest deals made in this world. Not only did both teams come up winners in this deal, but both won big.
Enter flytekk and the Florida Flytekks, a new owner to this world in season 5, a new owner to the game. Under the prior regime, Fly's new organization had been near the top of the world. Along with average 100+ wins each of the first four seasons, the organization brought home the big trophy in season 3. Fly found himself in the middle of a very solid organization with enough talent to compete right away. However, he had a clear mission in mind. He didn't want to ride the coat tails of the previous staff to a W-S title, he wanted to mold the organization his way. So off the trade market he went, peddling his wares for top shelf talent. Despite more than one brash statement, a handful of pissed off owners and several outrageous demands, Fly held tight to his guns when Salem came calling to incquire about the services of season 3 Cy Young and perinial all star ChadLamb. Salem had a couple of top level prospects worthy of a deal, but Fly in all his brashness was insisting on both CorbanWalters and StewartWells. Both bright young prospects with all multiple all star appearances all but assured.
The demands for Lamb were not only beyond absurd, they were fairly in line with several other deals that had crept thru the grapevine involving Fly and his first offseason. More than 1 owner vowed to never do a deal with him. Personally, I didn't care much either way, but when Fly mentioned that without both Walter and Wells, Lamb wasn't heading for the pacific northwest. Fine I said, told him I'll gladly trade either, but certainly not both should he change his mind. Thinking any deal was pretty much dead in the water, Salem had set its eyes elsewhere until a few days later, Fly relented and offered up a deal so perfect, I hadn't even thought of it. One that fit Salem's current needs so well, as well as Fly's long term goals that it couldn't be passed up. In addition to Lamb, Fly added postseason super star, GalahadDale in exchange for Walters, Wells and the contract of the solid and steady PTAbbott.
With the addition of Dale & Lamb, Salem's rotation was quickly in the running as league's best. Lamb would headline the Salem rotation to the next two world series championships. Dale, in addition to a career best 19 wins in season 6, was his typical postseason dominate self, going 4-1 over seasons 5 & 6, in addition to a 6-0 mark in season 7 helping guide Dover to a W-S, Dale's 4th ring in 5 seasons.
While the deal made perfect sense from a talent standpoint, there was more than one owner concerned that Fly was selling off his high end talent, and wouldn't even be around more than 1 or 2 seasons. Fly gladly claimed he was in it for the long run, and garunteed he'd be playoff bound in his 4th season at worst, and competing for a W-S quickly there after. Well Fly upped that mark by 3 seasons, making his first postseason in season 6 and hasn't missed the playoffs since, adding 4 division crowns in the meantime. Furthur more, when season 9 rolled around, Fly opened up the bank account to re-sign Lamb as he hit free agency, as well as the top pitching coach needed to ensure his services. From the original deal, PT Abbott was quickly flipped, while Wells and Walters are key cogs in their franchise. Now that Fly has won his first title, will number 2 be far behind?
As I look back on how this deal dramatically affected the fortunes of both teams, I'm left to wonder if this isn't one of the biggest deals made in this world. Not only did both teams come up winners in this deal, but both won big.
Monday, April 11, 2011
the "Next 10" series, part 5, corner infielders and power bats
finally we've come to the spot we're we can throw defense out the window and grab the biggest, baddest bats under 26 that this world has to offer. As we approach the end, its my hope all of these guys get some consideration for the HoF. I'm sure the primarily defensive types will struggle to get in, as well as the middle relievers, but all of these guys should be multiple time all stars, if not pace setting record holders. We'll start the last 3 picks looking at 3b, where defense is certainly a consideration. ValRosario was signed out of the dominican as a SS, but has moved to CF for St louis. Frankly his defensive ratings would suggest he could handle any position on the diamond defensively outside of catcher, and would be a gold glover at all of them but SS & CF. We've decided to make him our 3b, where he may well be the most valuable position player in this world once you add his .850+ OPS bat to his defense. At 24, and only 4 seasons into his career (2+ in the majors) Val has already made the last 2 all star teams and shown up on the MVP ballots. While it may be a season or 2 too soon for legit MVP consideration, expect him to remain a fixture on the final ballots over the next decade. Moving across the diamond, we'll take a look at one of the sweetest swings in this world: JulianHall is still a season away from making the show, despite his multiple seasons w/ an OPS over 1.000, Hall will remain an elite hitter, despite power in the mid 70s. A switch hitter, Julian is equally effective on both sides of the plate and should settle out in the mid to upper 80s in contact, splits & batting eye. Finally, rounding out the roster, we'll add the biggest power threat in the world. Afterall, what kind of "next 10" team wouldn't include the guy most capable of knocking down all home run records? RaulCerda, in his second full season hit 47 long balls this season. Season 10's rookie of the year, Raul knocked out 36 long balls in 150 games with an OPS of 1.010. This left handed masher should have no trouble approaching 700 long balls by the time his career is over.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
the "next 10" series, part 4: Middle of the Diamond
Jumping from the defensive minded Catcher spot, we'll move across the diamond to the equally important defensive spots at SS and 2b, however, with no PC rating to worry about, we'll look for a little offense in these spots as we get near the completion of this "next 10" squad. NorbertoSantos leads us off at SS. Admittadly, he's a little more "Jeter" at SS than Omar Vizquel, but he's definently Barry Larkin at the plate. Even though NY has him playing primarly 3rd base, we'll slide him to SS and watch his bat shine. Santos made his first All star appearance in his rookie campaign of season 10, ending with 27 long balls, 93 rbi, and 97 rbi for the powerful Moose Knuckles lineup. Despite having a sophomore slump in season 10, he's still going to score voer 100 runs, hit mid 20+ homers, and drive in 70+ runs. Still showing slight signs of improvement at 23, Santos should continue on to a very solid .290/.375/.465 type career. Very solid numbers for any SS. If Santos is going to provide the offense at SS, we'll back him up w/ a premier young defensive SS in the league. When it comes to defense, HipolitoIglesias doesn't dissapoint. On top of that, he's carrying a .700+ OPS bat to compliment all that defense. He's certainly not going to crush any team offense numbers hitting around 12-15 homers a season while playing superb defense. Forming Santos' double play partner will be EugeneGarcia. Season 4's #4 overall pick, Garcia is favored to win his 1st gold glove this season, his first full season playing 2b. And if you think this is strictly a defense first, Garcia's .800+ ops bat has lead to three consecutive all star appearances, begining with his first full season in the bigs during season 9. A nice combination of a little bit of pop, and a good amount of speed (172 steals in 217 attempts) Garcia gives the added benefit of playing near gold glove level defense if needed in CF. Next in the series, we'll take a look at 3b, 1b and DH to round out the last 3 spots on the team.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
"The Next 10" series, part 3, Catchers
To paraphrase from young guns a bit, catchers must regulate any stealin' of their property. They're dame good, too, but you can't be any geek of the street, you've gotta be handy w/ the leather, if you know what I mean. Earn your keep. As mentioned earlier, its never been my intent to make a team of the best 3 & 4 hole hitters over the next decade, but rather to put a team together molding them into how I like to see a team operate. When it comes to catchers, you've got to handle the defense fist, then any bat will be a bonus.
LesBush a former end of the 1st round draft pick following Syracuse's title run. When you consider that the weakness in his defense is an arm accuracy that should land in the 75 range, its hard not to fall in love with his glove. However, even better is his left handed projections on his bat. True enough, he'll never have more than average power, however his contact, splits & eye should all land in the 65+ range, with his vR & eye approaching 80. And if that wasn't good enough, his conditioning is strong enough to put him behind the plate for 140+ games a season. If teams haven't already regretted passing on him in the draft, it won't take too many all star appearances to have them realize their mistakes.
VincentParra If I'm going to hold defense as a priority here, than how can I pass on the top defensive catcher currently in the show. He's got the 2nd best arm, 4th best arm accuracy & 2nd best pitch calling in the show, all at the ripe age of 25 and coming off a gold glove season to prove he knows how to put his skills into effect on the diamond. He'll never be confused with Johny Bench at the plate, but his .690 OPS is repectable enough given his superior defensive gifts.
While on a defensive parade, we'll jump across the diamond and look at SS & 2b next.
LesBush a former end of the 1st round draft pick following Syracuse's title run. When you consider that the weakness in his defense is an arm accuracy that should land in the 75 range, its hard not to fall in love with his glove. However, even better is his left handed projections on his bat. True enough, he'll never have more than average power, however his contact, splits & eye should all land in the 65+ range, with his vR & eye approaching 80. And if that wasn't good enough, his conditioning is strong enough to put him behind the plate for 140+ games a season. If teams haven't already regretted passing on him in the draft, it won't take too many all star appearances to have them realize their mistakes.
VincentParra If I'm going to hold defense as a priority here, than how can I pass on the top defensive catcher currently in the show. He's got the 2nd best arm, 4th best arm accuracy & 2nd best pitch calling in the show, all at the ripe age of 25 and coming off a gold glove season to prove he knows how to put his skills into effect on the diamond. He'll never be confused with Johny Bench at the plate, but his .690 OPS is repectable enough given his superior defensive gifts.
While on a defensive parade, we'll jump across the diamond and look at SS & 2b next.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The "next 10" series, part 2: The Outfield.
Ok, so we've got 12 pitchers, 5 starters, 7 relievers. Now we need 13 bats to compliment them. the pitching part was pretty straight forward, breaking it down to starters, long men, and short men. The bats become a little tougher. Like I mentioned early on, my goal isn't to just list the 13 best #3 hole hitters (not that we're going to be lacking for a prototypical #3 bat), but to blend a team to compliment both defense and offense. Defense up the middle, power at the corners. Perhaps a defensive specialist if he's going to be lights out, or an elite DH w/ no position to man but the bench. I'm going to go with 2 catchers, 6 infielders, & 5 outfielders for the next 13, but for sure, several of these guys would play adequate defense at several spots. So away we go with our selections in the outfield.
Did I mention defense? Every elite team needs an elite outfielder, and DelinoRodriquez more than fills that role. Elite range, plus a solid glove and arm, it won't be long before Delino brings home a gold glove for his work out there. Oh, and if you think that means he leaves the stick on the bench when he heads to the plate, you'd be wrong. Thru nearly 3 seasons worth of playing time, he's put up an .878 ops. Last season's 35 homer, 140 rbi effort brought home his first silver slugger. Despite the move to the pitching friendly Burlington, expect several more silver sluggers go come his way.
Now that we've got the middle manned, we're going to need some thunder. Welcome to the team ClydeValent and his 99 rated power. Clyde may be just "average" in LF, but his 197 homers at the age of 25 leaves little doubt that should he stay healthy, he's going to bust thru the home run record one day.
AlexBaker is the next OF to join the team. An elite left handed outfield who's already made 3 all star teams as well as picking up last seasons Gold glove in RF. At 25, Baker is embarking on perhaps his finest season yet, taking 17 homers and 71 rbi into the all star break, a .332 average and a .600+ slugging average.
One quick look at Baker's skills tells you he's going to need some help vs lefties, at least as far as an all next decade team goes. The outfield is getting a little "too left handed", so when looking for a righty, we came up with an even better switch hitter to add to this all star collection. RicardoEstrada, season 7's top draft pick knocked out 26 homers with 96 rbi in his rookie campaign last year. Not one to rest on his success, Ricardo is aiming to top his numbers this season, having all ready knocked out 24 long balls and 59 rbi as we approach the all star break. At 23, Ricardo has 15 strong seasons sitting in his tank expected to end in a HOF election.
Finally, we turn to KenBorchard for our final OF spot. Season's 9's rookie of the year, Ken has crossed the plate 100+ teams in each of his two full seasons, and is well on his way to matching last seasons total of 140 by scoring 84 runs as we approach the all star break. Every team needs a table setter, and Ken's 98 batting eye and 83 contact to go with his 85 speed means he's going to get on base at an exceptionally high clip thruout his career.
Next we'll take a look at the middle of the infield, Catchers, shortstops & 2nd basemen.
Did I mention defense? Every elite team needs an elite outfielder, and DelinoRodriquez more than fills that role. Elite range, plus a solid glove and arm, it won't be long before Delino brings home a gold glove for his work out there. Oh, and if you think that means he leaves the stick on the bench when he heads to the plate, you'd be wrong. Thru nearly 3 seasons worth of playing time, he's put up an .878 ops. Last season's 35 homer, 140 rbi effort brought home his first silver slugger. Despite the move to the pitching friendly Burlington, expect several more silver sluggers go come his way.
Now that we've got the middle manned, we're going to need some thunder. Welcome to the team ClydeValent and his 99 rated power. Clyde may be just "average" in LF, but his 197 homers at the age of 25 leaves little doubt that should he stay healthy, he's going to bust thru the home run record one day.
AlexBaker is the next OF to join the team. An elite left handed outfield who's already made 3 all star teams as well as picking up last seasons Gold glove in RF. At 25, Baker is embarking on perhaps his finest season yet, taking 17 homers and 71 rbi into the all star break, a .332 average and a .600+ slugging average.
One quick look at Baker's skills tells you he's going to need some help vs lefties, at least as far as an all next decade team goes. The outfield is getting a little "too left handed", so when looking for a righty, we came up with an even better switch hitter to add to this all star collection. RicardoEstrada, season 7's top draft pick knocked out 26 homers with 96 rbi in his rookie campaign last year. Not one to rest on his success, Ricardo is aiming to top his numbers this season, having all ready knocked out 24 long balls and 59 rbi as we approach the all star break. At 23, Ricardo has 15 strong seasons sitting in his tank expected to end in a HOF election.
Finally, we turn to KenBorchard for our final OF spot. Season's 9's rookie of the year, Ken has crossed the plate 100+ teams in each of his two full seasons, and is well on his way to matching last seasons total of 140 by scoring 84 runs as we approach the all star break. Every team needs a table setter, and Ken's 98 batting eye and 83 contact to go with his 85 speed means he's going to get on base at an exceptionally high clip thruout his career.
Next we'll take a look at the middle of the infield, Catchers, shortstops & 2nd basemen.
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