At a Glance
Owner: pitnickd - .495 winning percentage, 5 playoffs, 0 World Series titles
Team history: pitnickd's 12th season at the helm, 3 playoff appearances in franchise history (last in season 9)
Last season: 79-83, 3rd place in division
Top hitter: Clay Tanner (.270 BA, .354 OBP, .611 SLG, 57 HR, 130 RBI last season)
Top starting pitcher: Lance Coleman (1-4 with a 3.96 ERA in injury-shortened season, 16-2 with a 1.92 ERA two seasons ago)
Top relief pitcher: Kevin Wood (0-2 with a 5.30 ERA and 22 saves last season)
Notable Departures
Marvin Brantley, Joshua Spencer, Charles Yamaguchi, Tomas Tatis, Mandy Cannon, and Matthew Buck: The Baltimore mets allowed all of these players to leave via free agency, probably in a budget-minded move. Although some are destined to remain on the trash heap, I am surprised that several of them haven't found a new team yet. Brantley batted .272 with 21 HR last year and is a 2-time All-Star with declining, though still serviceable, skill. Spencer is a soft-throwing lefty who compiled a 7.48 ERA last season and who might never see the big leagues again. Yamaguchi is a solid righty with a 4.55 career ERA in 500 ML innings, though he is hampered by durability issues. Tatis had a 6.47 ERA last year and has control issues that have kept him unsigned. Cannon is 40-year old former All-Star who will likely retire soon. Buck is a three-time All-Star whose declining skill only suits him for a possible bench job due to durability and health concerns.
Brady Scott: The mets traded away young LHP Scott in a deal that netted them Carl Edmonds. Scott already has two 60-day DL trips to his record, though experts believe there's not much to worry about going forward. Although he has 4 quality pitches, his mediocre control and tendency to struggle against righties has caused scouts to label him as nothing more than a probable bottom-of-the-rotation starter.
Notable Additions
Carl Edmonds: The mets received Edmonds straight up for Scott. He provides them with a solid arm in the bullpen with his three plus-pitches and good velocity. However, his mediocre durability could limit his innings.
Tony De La Vega: The mets snatched up De La Vega from the free agency pool with a 5-year, $33.5 million contract. De La Vega has both starting and closing experience, and his career 4.07 ERA will be welcome in Baltimore.
Alex Freeman: The mets continued spending, snatching up 7-time All-Star Freeman with a 5-year, $38 million contract. Over the last 11 years, Freeman posted a .307 batting average, 209 HR, and 344 SB for the division rival Lancers.
Alex Rivera: The mets finished off their spending spree with a 3-year, $17.4 million contract to Rivera. The centerfielder from Virginia batted .271 with 16 HR and 24 SB last season for the Colorado Springs Field Mice.
Prospect to Watch
Ewell Romano: This 23-year old RF is a product of the mets farm system, having been drafted in the 1st round in the season 9 draft. He can hit with power and for average, and has a solid eye at the plate. Look for him to be the first man called up for the mets, though he is blocked by Tanner and Stan Damon.
Season Synopsis
The mets spent big this off-season, looking to win now. The batting on this team has always been solid, and it got even better with the additions of Freeman and Rivera. As always, the question is whether or not the pitching can hold up. The staff has some solid talent, such as Coleman, Bartolo Montana, and Placido Pena, but the bullpen is weak and the bottom of the rotation will probably walk a lot of men. Season 12 prediction: 78-84
Friday, April 24, 2009
NL South Tour: Houston Hope
At a Glance
owner: victorzhao - 16 seasons, .537 win%, 13 playoffs, 0 WS titles
team history:: victorzhao's 2nd season, 0 division titles, 0 playoff appearances
last season:: 73-89, 3rd place
top hitter: Juan Contreras (.276, ,337, .652, .957)
top starting pitcherMike Pierre (8-14, 4.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP)
Notable Departures
Vic Andujar: The fleet-footed center-fielder was blocked in Houston by its all-everything CF Juan Contreras, so Andujar found a new home in Montgomery. Andujar had an OBP of over .400 at AAA last season and has, for his career in the minors, a whopping 24 plus plays to 1 minus play. The defensive wiz is slated to take over the duties in center for Montgomery and has already impressed his new bosses with two web gems in the opening week.
Brian Dye: Contreras' presence in center also allowed the team brass to move its top pick in last season's amateur draft for Pierre and Davey Espinosa, who are slated to the team's ace and closer, respectively. Given what the Hope received in return, Dye's promise is readily apparent. The five-tool outfielder can do everything on the field - though he may be somewhat miscast as a centerfielder. Nevertheless, the Hope's minor league system took a hit with the loss of Dye.
owner: victorzhao - 16 seasons, .537 win%, 13 playoffs, 0 WS titles
team history:: victorzhao's 2nd season, 0 division titles, 0 playoff appearances
last season:: 73-89, 3rd place
top hitter: Juan Contreras (.276, ,337, .652, .957)
top starting pitcherMike Pierre (8-14, 4.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP)
Notable Departures
Vic Andujar: The fleet-footed center-fielder was blocked in Houston by its all-everything CF Juan Contreras, so Andujar found a new home in Montgomery. Andujar had an OBP of over .400 at AAA last season and has, for his career in the minors, a whopping 24 plus plays to 1 minus play. The defensive wiz is slated to take over the duties in center for Montgomery and has already impressed his new bosses with two web gems in the opening week.
Brian Dye: Contreras' presence in center also allowed the team brass to move its top pick in last season's amateur draft for Pierre and Davey Espinosa, who are slated to the team's ace and closer, respectively. Given what the Hope received in return, Dye's promise is readily apparent. The five-tool outfielder can do everything on the field - though he may be somewhat miscast as a centerfielder. Nevertheless, the Hope's minor league system took a hit with the loss of Dye.
Notable Newcomers
Pierre: A traditional 4 pitch power pitcher, Pierre is reaching the prime of his career and is looking for a fresh start in Houston after some struggles with the bandbox in Philly. The brass is confident that Pierre can handle the pressure placed upon the probable opening day starter, as the Hope looks for its first playoff appearance in franchise history.
Espinosa: Seldom does a guy go from a AAA set-up guy to a ML closer, but that's the task facing Espinosa, who was also acquired in the Dye trade. Espinosa, a ground-ball machine, certainly has the stuff to get it done - but whether he will remains to be seen.
Darrel Young: Acquired in the trade for Andujar, Young arrives in Houston to help patch up rotation that was held together with duct tape and glue last season. Another traditional four-pitch power pitcher, Young's success may hinge on his ability to deal with the Crawford Boxes in left field.
Henry Anderson: The veteran righthander drew lukewarm interest on the FA market despite being classified as a Type A FA by Elias Sports Bureau. Perhaps peeved by the lack of attention from teams, the 36 year-old righty inked with Houston after the expiration of the compensation period - the 4th SP to do in the offseason. Anderson should provide a stabilizing force for what is now, a very veteran starting rotation.
Oswaldo Ferrer The biggest financial move made by Houston brass was the signing of Ferrer, who was sought after by several clubs. Perhaps liking what the Hope were doing in the offseason, Ferrer disappointed several clubs when he signed a monster 4 year contract with Houston that should take him through his playing career. Although his exact role on the pitching staff is yet to be determined, Ferrer can be very effective in any role, and he has already told the Chronicle, "starting, relieving, closing, I'm here to do whatever the skipper says. For the amount of money they paid me in this economy - that's obviously what I should do."
Garry Browne: Houston capped off its off-season by selecting Browne in the Rule V Draft. Browne, who slugged 61 homers and drove in a ridiculous 179 runs in AA last season, should take a liking to the Crawford Boxes.
Prospects to Watch
Benji Marquez: Rumored to be slated for a call-up by May at the latest, Marquez is Houston's shortstop of the future. The switch hitter should be able to get on base given his discerning batting eye and field his position with his peers. If all the right cards are played, Marquez could see himself in the middle of a pennant race come September
Synopsis
The new additions have brought plenty of buzz to Houston. With the threats of possible secession in the air, the locals will flock to the ballpark in droves, seeking a distraction from talks of Governor Perry's plans for an insurrection. This summer, unlike in summers past, the local nine may keep the fretting fans happy with some winning baseball, and potentially, a playoff game. Look for this team to finish with between 82 and 90 wins, though they may need their passports to play the road games in the playoffs.
Pierre: A traditional 4 pitch power pitcher, Pierre is reaching the prime of his career and is looking for a fresh start in Houston after some struggles with the bandbox in Philly. The brass is confident that Pierre can handle the pressure placed upon the probable opening day starter, as the Hope looks for its first playoff appearance in franchise history.
Espinosa: Seldom does a guy go from a AAA set-up guy to a ML closer, but that's the task facing Espinosa, who was also acquired in the Dye trade. Espinosa, a ground-ball machine, certainly has the stuff to get it done - but whether he will remains to be seen.
Darrel Young: Acquired in the trade for Andujar, Young arrives in Houston to help patch up rotation that was held together with duct tape and glue last season. Another traditional four-pitch power pitcher, Young's success may hinge on his ability to deal with the Crawford Boxes in left field.
Henry Anderson: The veteran righthander drew lukewarm interest on the FA market despite being classified as a Type A FA by Elias Sports Bureau. Perhaps peeved by the lack of attention from teams, the 36 year-old righty inked with Houston after the expiration of the compensation period - the 4th SP to do in the offseason. Anderson should provide a stabilizing force for what is now, a very veteran starting rotation.
Oswaldo Ferrer The biggest financial move made by Houston brass was the signing of Ferrer, who was sought after by several clubs. Perhaps liking what the Hope were doing in the offseason, Ferrer disappointed several clubs when he signed a monster 4 year contract with Houston that should take him through his playing career. Although his exact role on the pitching staff is yet to be determined, Ferrer can be very effective in any role, and he has already told the Chronicle, "starting, relieving, closing, I'm here to do whatever the skipper says. For the amount of money they paid me in this economy - that's obviously what I should do."
Garry Browne: Houston capped off its off-season by selecting Browne in the Rule V Draft. Browne, who slugged 61 homers and drove in a ridiculous 179 runs in AA last season, should take a liking to the Crawford Boxes.
Prospects to Watch
Benji Marquez: Rumored to be slated for a call-up by May at the latest, Marquez is Houston's shortstop of the future. The switch hitter should be able to get on base given his discerning batting eye and field his position with his peers. If all the right cards are played, Marquez could see himself in the middle of a pennant race come September
Synopsis
The new additions have brought plenty of buzz to Houston. With the threats of possible secession in the air, the locals will flock to the ballpark in droves, seeking a distraction from talks of Governor Perry's plans for an insurrection. This summer, unlike in summers past, the local nine may keep the fretting fans happy with some winning baseball, and potentially, a playoff game. Look for this team to finish with between 82 and 90 wins, though they may need their passports to play the road games in the playoffs.
NL South Tour: Richmond Revolution
At a Glance
owner: grivfmd1 - 49 seasons, .559 win %, 34 playoffs, 5 WS titles (2 with Houston in Shlabotnik, Columbus and Pittsburgh in Sandberg, Detroit in Coooperstown)
team history: grivfmd1's 9th season with the franchise, 3 division titles, 2 wild cards
last season: 88-74 (wild card), defeated Little Rock 3-2 in Divisional Play-In, lost to Rochester 3-1 in Divisional Championship
top hitter: Chris Myers (.304, .361, .592, .953)
top starting pitcher: Richard Park (14-10, 3.51 ERA, 1.25 WHIP)
Notable Departures
Cedrick Waters: Richmond declined to renew the contract of rotation mainstay Waters, who piled up 180 innings last season while sporting a not-too-shabby .344 ERA. Waters, one of the change-of-speeds artists in the game, is still looking for work, though the calls of his family back in Eclectic, Alabama are getting louder and louder for the 37 year-old family man.
Clint Smith: A fixture in centerfield for Richmond since season 6, the veteran Smith moved to left field last season with his declining range and finds himself now out of work in season 12. Always a fan-favorite with his easy-going smile, Smith leaves Richmond as the club's 3rd leading career run scorer, and 4th leading base stealer.
Grant Kapler: One of the best set-up men in the league last season (77 innings, 2.32 ERA), the righty sinkerballer left for the friendly confines in the offseason and will bring his heavy sinker with him. Although Kapler's departure netted Richmond the 44th pick in the upcoming amateur draft, his presence will still be missed in the bullpen.
Notable Newcomers
Terry Brooks: Richmond stayed relatively quiet in the offseason, making no trades and picking up no one in the Rule V draft. Richmond, however, did resign three of its own free agents on the open free agent market: SP Pedro Johnson, bullpen workhorse Phil Maloney, and five-tool rightfielder Ben Gonzales. Rumor has it that Gonzales, a two time member of the 30-30 club, was ready to put on a Houston uniform before Richmond resigned him at the last second prior to the expiration of their compensation rights. To replace Kapler in the bullpen, however, Richmond signed three relievers, and the best among them is Brooks, an effective reliever with a lifetime ERA of .466. Brooks, however, will not be a happy camper in Spring Training, he left behind the beaches of Honolulu for the urban sprawl of Richmond, and got a nice paycut for his troubles as well.
Prospect to Watch
Malcolm Young: Young, coming off back to back 40-40 seasons in the minors, is ready for the call whenever the phone rings. A dual speed-power threat, who has a keen eye for the strike zone, has long been groomed as Richmond's outfielder of the future - and the future is not far off.
Synopsis
Richmond retains the core of last season's wild card squad, which includes Myers, Park, Gonzales, Johnson and Maloney. Although its lineup is a bit suspect at the moment, an early season call up to Young should make Richmond, at minimum, a co-favorite for the NL South crown. If all goes well, Richmond should finish with between 84 and 92 wins.
owner: grivfmd1 - 49 seasons, .559 win %, 34 playoffs, 5 WS titles (2 with Houston in Shlabotnik, Columbus and Pittsburgh in Sandberg, Detroit in Coooperstown)
team history: grivfmd1's 9th season with the franchise, 3 division titles, 2 wild cards
last season: 88-74 (wild card), defeated Little Rock 3-2 in Divisional Play-In, lost to Rochester 3-1 in Divisional Championship
top hitter: Chris Myers (.304, .361, .592, .953)
top starting pitcher: Richard Park (14-10, 3.51 ERA, 1.25 WHIP)
Notable Departures
Cedrick Waters: Richmond declined to renew the contract of rotation mainstay Waters, who piled up 180 innings last season while sporting a not-too-shabby .344 ERA. Waters, one of the change-of-speeds artists in the game, is still looking for work, though the calls of his family back in Eclectic, Alabama are getting louder and louder for the 37 year-old family man.
Clint Smith: A fixture in centerfield for Richmond since season 6, the veteran Smith moved to left field last season with his declining range and finds himself now out of work in season 12. Always a fan-favorite with his easy-going smile, Smith leaves Richmond as the club's 3rd leading career run scorer, and 4th leading base stealer.
Grant Kapler: One of the best set-up men in the league last season (77 innings, 2.32 ERA), the righty sinkerballer left for the friendly confines in the offseason and will bring his heavy sinker with him. Although Kapler's departure netted Richmond the 44th pick in the upcoming amateur draft, his presence will still be missed in the bullpen.
Notable Newcomers
Terry Brooks: Richmond stayed relatively quiet in the offseason, making no trades and picking up no one in the Rule V draft. Richmond, however, did resign three of its own free agents on the open free agent market: SP Pedro Johnson, bullpen workhorse Phil Maloney, and five-tool rightfielder Ben Gonzales. Rumor has it that Gonzales, a two time member of the 30-30 club, was ready to put on a Houston uniform before Richmond resigned him at the last second prior to the expiration of their compensation rights. To replace Kapler in the bullpen, however, Richmond signed three relievers, and the best among them is Brooks, an effective reliever with a lifetime ERA of .466. Brooks, however, will not be a happy camper in Spring Training, he left behind the beaches of Honolulu for the urban sprawl of Richmond, and got a nice paycut for his troubles as well.
Prospect to Watch
Malcolm Young: Young, coming off back to back 40-40 seasons in the minors, is ready for the call whenever the phone rings. A dual speed-power threat, who has a keen eye for the strike zone, has long been groomed as Richmond's outfielder of the future - and the future is not far off.
Synopsis
Richmond retains the core of last season's wild card squad, which includes Myers, Park, Gonzales, Johnson and Maloney. Although its lineup is a bit suspect at the moment, an early season call up to Young should make Richmond, at minimum, a co-favorite for the NL South crown. If all goes well, Richmond should finish with between 84 and 92 wins.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NL East Tour: Boston Red Sox
At a Glance
Owner: jway11 - .513 winning percentage, 8 playoffs, 0 World Series titles
Team history: jway11's 2nd season at the helm, 1 playoff appearance in franchise history (season 1), 6 straight last-place finishes
Last season: 52-110, last place in division
Top hitter: Tony Rodriguez (.307 BA, .349 OBP, .492 SLG, 17 HR, 84 RBI)
Top starting pitcher: Charles Zhang (Rule V draft pick, 14-6 with a 2.65 ERA last season in AA)
Top relief pitcher: Willis Thompson (7-4 with a 3.57 ERA and 1 save last season)
Notable Departures
Bret Gagne: Owner jway11 allowed Gagne, his team's closer from last season, to leave the Red Sox via free agency as his franchise seeks to get younger at the big league level. Gagne saved 31 games last season and has 85 saves for his career. He signed a 2-year, $3.2 million contract with the Durham Bulls, and should provide some solid innings out of the bullpen.
Victor Jacquez: Some fans were confused when jway11 traded this 23-year-old up-and-coming young pitcher for a couple of prospects. Jacquez pitched over 200 innings last season and posted a 4.69 ERA. He was the victim of poor run support, though, as he posted a 6-20 record.
Davey Espinosa: Although Espinosa has the talent to be a successful ML RP, he had fallen out of favor with Red Sox management in past seasons due to his career 5.09 ERA. Espinosa spent last season in AAA, where he compiled 10 losses and a 6.08 ERA. He's got the skill to be in the bigs, and the Houston Hope took a gamble on him when they traded two young players for Espinosa and Mike Pierre. Espinosa might be closing games for the Hope this season. The role is not foreign to him, as he has 50 career ML saves.
Mike Pierre: Pierre was included in the Espinosa trade for a couple of young talented players. Pierre was part of the Red Sox' rotation last year, as he went 8-14 with a 4.88 ERA. The Houston Hope hope he can recapture some of his season 8 magic, when he went 13-9 with a 3.78 ERA.
Notable Additions
Tony Flores: Although some fans mourn the departure of Victor Jacquez, many realize Flores could make them easily forget Jacquez. Flores was acquired in the Jacquez trade from the Oklahoma City Outlaws. He was the 4th overall pick in the season 10 draft, and he has all the tools to be an ace.
Andruw Shields: Shields was the other piece of the Jacquez trade. He's a young OF prospect with blazing speed, great baserunning instincts, a penchant for putting wood on the ball, and a fantastic batting eye. He won't hit for much pop and he probably will be limited to platooning against righties, but he should be a contributor when he makes his ML debut in a couple seasons.
Brian Dye: Dye was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Espinosa and Pierre to the Hope. Dye can do just about everything well: he's got great power and speed and an ability to make contact. He was the 11th overall pick in the draft last season, and at 23 years old already, he's likely on the fast track to the big leagues.
Ted Stone, Joaquin Santana, and J.J. Robinson: The Red Sox picked these three players off the waiver wire. None of them are stars, but each can play a role on the Red Sox this season. Stone is a 26-year-old RP who might close for the Red Sox this season, Santana is a 26-year-old OF who has a .272 career average in over 1600 AB, and Robinson is a probable platoon hitter who was discarded by the Lancers.
Charles Zhang, Luis Bonilla, Juan Jimenez, and Davey Nye: These are 4 of the 9 players selected by the Red Sox in this year's Rule V draft. Zhang is the best of the bunch. He was accidentally left unprotected by the Radioactive Reindeer and was snatched up 1st overall. He immediately takes over the role as the Red Sox' best SP. Bonilla is another SP picked in the draft. He's nothing special but should provide some important innings. Jimenez is a 24-year old offensive catcher who batted .309 at AA last season. Finally, Nye is a solid young 3B who has a career .337 BA in over 1700 minor league AB.
Prospect to Watch
Glen Waterson: Waterson is one of several very good young pitchers in the Red Sox minor league system. He was the 2nd overall pick in the season 10 draft, and projects to be a frontline starter for the Red Sox.
Season Synopsis
Expectations for the Red Sox are not high at the ML level. Jway11 says he hopes to top last season's 52 wins, and to acquire some more great young talent through the draft, the IFA market, and trades. This team will almost certainly struggle both offensively and defensively, as the lineup and pitching staff don't look to contain many (if any) All-Stars. However, jway11 is shedding contracts and acquiring talent, the right way to turn a franchise around. Season 12 prediction: 56-106
Owner: jway11 - .513 winning percentage, 8 playoffs, 0 World Series titles
Team history: jway11's 2nd season at the helm, 1 playoff appearance in franchise history (season 1), 6 straight last-place finishes
Last season: 52-110, last place in division
Top hitter: Tony Rodriguez (.307 BA, .349 OBP, .492 SLG, 17 HR, 84 RBI)
Top starting pitcher: Charles Zhang (Rule V draft pick, 14-6 with a 2.65 ERA last season in AA)
Top relief pitcher: Willis Thompson (7-4 with a 3.57 ERA and 1 save last season)
Notable Departures
Bret Gagne: Owner jway11 allowed Gagne, his team's closer from last season, to leave the Red Sox via free agency as his franchise seeks to get younger at the big league level. Gagne saved 31 games last season and has 85 saves for his career. He signed a 2-year, $3.2 million contract with the Durham Bulls, and should provide some solid innings out of the bullpen.
Victor Jacquez: Some fans were confused when jway11 traded this 23-year-old up-and-coming young pitcher for a couple of prospects. Jacquez pitched over 200 innings last season and posted a 4.69 ERA. He was the victim of poor run support, though, as he posted a 6-20 record.
Davey Espinosa: Although Espinosa has the talent to be a successful ML RP, he had fallen out of favor with Red Sox management in past seasons due to his career 5.09 ERA. Espinosa spent last season in AAA, where he compiled 10 losses and a 6.08 ERA. He's got the skill to be in the bigs, and the Houston Hope took a gamble on him when they traded two young players for Espinosa and Mike Pierre. Espinosa might be closing games for the Hope this season. The role is not foreign to him, as he has 50 career ML saves.
Mike Pierre: Pierre was included in the Espinosa trade for a couple of young talented players. Pierre was part of the Red Sox' rotation last year, as he went 8-14 with a 4.88 ERA. The Houston Hope hope he can recapture some of his season 8 magic, when he went 13-9 with a 3.78 ERA.
Notable Additions
Tony Flores: Although some fans mourn the departure of Victor Jacquez, many realize Flores could make them easily forget Jacquez. Flores was acquired in the Jacquez trade from the Oklahoma City Outlaws. He was the 4th overall pick in the season 10 draft, and he has all the tools to be an ace.
Andruw Shields: Shields was the other piece of the Jacquez trade. He's a young OF prospect with blazing speed, great baserunning instincts, a penchant for putting wood on the ball, and a fantastic batting eye. He won't hit for much pop and he probably will be limited to platooning against righties, but he should be a contributor when he makes his ML debut in a couple seasons.
Brian Dye: Dye was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Espinosa and Pierre to the Hope. Dye can do just about everything well: he's got great power and speed and an ability to make contact. He was the 11th overall pick in the draft last season, and at 23 years old already, he's likely on the fast track to the big leagues.
Ted Stone, Joaquin Santana, and J.J. Robinson: The Red Sox picked these three players off the waiver wire. None of them are stars, but each can play a role on the Red Sox this season. Stone is a 26-year-old RP who might close for the Red Sox this season, Santana is a 26-year-old OF who has a .272 career average in over 1600 AB, and Robinson is a probable platoon hitter who was discarded by the Lancers.
Charles Zhang, Luis Bonilla, Juan Jimenez, and Davey Nye: These are 4 of the 9 players selected by the Red Sox in this year's Rule V draft. Zhang is the best of the bunch. He was accidentally left unprotected by the Radioactive Reindeer and was snatched up 1st overall. He immediately takes over the role as the Red Sox' best SP. Bonilla is another SP picked in the draft. He's nothing special but should provide some important innings. Jimenez is a 24-year old offensive catcher who batted .309 at AA last season. Finally, Nye is a solid young 3B who has a career .337 BA in over 1700 minor league AB.
Prospect to Watch
Glen Waterson: Waterson is one of several very good young pitchers in the Red Sox minor league system. He was the 2nd overall pick in the season 10 draft, and projects to be a frontline starter for the Red Sox.
Season Synopsis
Expectations for the Red Sox are not high at the ML level. Jway11 says he hopes to top last season's 52 wins, and to acquire some more great young talent through the draft, the IFA market, and trades. This team will almost certainly struggle both offensively and defensively, as the lineup and pitching staff don't look to contain many (if any) All-Stars. However, jway11 is shedding contracts and acquiring talent, the right way to turn a franchise around. Season 12 prediction: 56-106
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
NL South Tour: Wichita Wack Jobs
At a Glance
owner: peio - 22 seasons, .457 win %, 10 playoffs, 2 WS titles (Durham in Munson)
team history: peio's 1st season at the helm, 6 division titles (in world's 1st seven years)
last season: 66-96, 4th place in division
top hitter: Donne Higginson (.319, .410, .532, .942)
top starting pitcher: Charlie Tatum (Rule V Draftee, 10 IP in season 11)
Notable Departures
Carlos Franco: In a payroll trimming move, Wichita allowed the reliable and fleet-footed outfielder Franco walk. The 32 year-old Franco, still awaiting a ML job offer, deprives Wichita of a reliable top-of-the-order hitter who can snag it with the best of them. Although his defensive abilities were perhaps a bit under-utilized defensively in left, Franco would be a welcome addition to many teams.
Oswaldo Ferrer: The durability-challenged Ferrer also said good-bye to Wichita in free agency, signing a healthy 4 year, 26 million deal with division rival Houston. Although Ferrer would be hard-pressed to deliver more than 130 innings to any team, he can be being extraordinarily effective in those innings. Wichita will be hard-pressed to replace Ferrer's presence on the staff.
Rafael Quixote: Wichita traded the potential middle-of-the-order bat to St. Louis (who was then flipped to Indianapolis) in the offseason. Given the rebuilding project, many Wichita fans questioned the new owner's decision to deal Quixote. The franchise has apparently high hopes for Trenidad Montero, who was main piece acquired in exchange for Quixote.
Notable Newcomers
The big news out of Wichita was the banner haul in the Rule V Draft. In addition to getting a potential rotation mainstay in Tatum, Wichita drafted another jaw-dropping eight players. The haul is headlined by Tatum, and future solid bullpen pieces Karim Carrasquel and Andres Jose.
Prospect to Watch
Eduardo Arias: With so many youngsters at the big league level, it's difficult to pinpoint who the next prospect to arrive who is not already in the majors. The rather depleted AAA roster of Wichita is headlined by Arias, who profiles as a potential platoon C at the next level.
Synopsis
The 2nd youngest squad in the NL, featuring an avg salary of less than $600k at the ML level, is not looking to contend this season. But Wichita, the recipient of the franchise transfer, is happy just to have a team - which is good thing. Wins will likely be few and far between in Wichita this season - who will be in contention for a top 5 draft spot.
owner: peio - 22 seasons, .457 win %, 10 playoffs, 2 WS titles (Durham in Munson)
team history: peio's 1st season at the helm, 6 division titles (in world's 1st seven years)
last season: 66-96, 4th place in division
top hitter: Donne Higginson (.319, .410, .532, .942)
top starting pitcher: Charlie Tatum (Rule V Draftee, 10 IP in season 11)
Notable Departures
Carlos Franco: In a payroll trimming move, Wichita allowed the reliable and fleet-footed outfielder Franco walk. The 32 year-old Franco, still awaiting a ML job offer, deprives Wichita of a reliable top-of-the-order hitter who can snag it with the best of them. Although his defensive abilities were perhaps a bit under-utilized defensively in left, Franco would be a welcome addition to many teams.
Oswaldo Ferrer: The durability-challenged Ferrer also said good-bye to Wichita in free agency, signing a healthy 4 year, 26 million deal with division rival Houston. Although Ferrer would be hard-pressed to deliver more than 130 innings to any team, he can be being extraordinarily effective in those innings. Wichita will be hard-pressed to replace Ferrer's presence on the staff.
Rafael Quixote: Wichita traded the potential middle-of-the-order bat to St. Louis (who was then flipped to Indianapolis) in the offseason. Given the rebuilding project, many Wichita fans questioned the new owner's decision to deal Quixote. The franchise has apparently high hopes for Trenidad Montero, who was main piece acquired in exchange for Quixote.
Notable Newcomers
The big news out of Wichita was the banner haul in the Rule V Draft. In addition to getting a potential rotation mainstay in Tatum, Wichita drafted another jaw-dropping eight players. The haul is headlined by Tatum, and future solid bullpen pieces Karim Carrasquel and Andres Jose.
Prospect to Watch
Eduardo Arias: With so many youngsters at the big league level, it's difficult to pinpoint who the next prospect to arrive who is not already in the majors. The rather depleted AAA roster of Wichita is headlined by Arias, who profiles as a potential platoon C at the next level.
Synopsis
The 2nd youngest squad in the NL, featuring an avg salary of less than $600k at the ML level, is not looking to contend this season. But Wichita, the recipient of the franchise transfer, is happy just to have a team - which is good thing. Wins will likely be few and far between in Wichita this season - who will be in contention for a top 5 draft spot.
Tour of NL South: Little Rock Radioactive Reindeer
At a Glance
owner: eclipse33 - 36 seasons, .481 win %, 13 playoffs, 1 WS title (Columbus Crush, Gibson)
team history: eclipse33's 9th season at the helm, 2 division titles (seasons 10-11)
last season: 89-73, NL South Champions, Lost 3-2 in Divisional Play-In Round to Richmond
top hitter: LF Greg Quantrill, (.303, .409, .537, .946) (AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS)
top starting pitcher: Eugene Nicholson (9-7, 1.30 WHIP, 4.00 ERA)
Notable Departures
J.P. Oropesa: The Reindeer return their nucleus remarkably intact from last season's division championship team - welcoming back every regular on the field and all but one member from last season's starting rotation: the veteran Oropesa. The 37 year-old righty made 32 starts for Little Rock last season, and compiled a respectable 8-5 record with a 4.43. The soft-tosser 10 wins short of an even 100 for his career remains in the FA pool looking for work after spending his last 7 seasons with the Reindeer.
Charles Zhang: The 22 year-old hard-throwing righty was a surprise omission from Little Rock's 40-man roster and was plucked with the 1st pick of the Rule V draft by the Boston Red Sox. Zhang, who seemed destined for a spot in the Reindeer Rotation, had a stellar season 11 in AA, compiling a sterling 14-6 record with a 2.65 ERA in 156 innings. Although stunned by his omission from the 40-man, Zhang welcomes an opportunity in the big leagues with Boston.
Notable Newcomers
None. The Reindeer were quiet in the offseason - making no trades and signing no notable free agents on the market other than resigning Quantrill to a 5-year 33 million dollar deal.
Prospect to Watch
Kevin Ellis: The 24 year-old righty is next in line to get the call to the Bigs. The number 1 overall selection in the season 6 amateur draft, Ellis harnesses sharp control and command of two plus pitches, a fastball and a slider. With his arsenal, Ellis should be a mainstay in a ML rotation, though some of the luster has come off the once can't-miss prospect.
Synopsis
There's a lot to be said for stability - and Little Rock screams it. The staff is anchored by its shutdown bullpen, headlined by the dynamite closer Don Davis. In the field, shortstop Hunter Hunt is nearing his prime and should lead a good though not great lineup surrounded by the likes of LF Quantrill, 2B Sherman Graham and slugging 1B Karim Almanza. This group will go as far as its starting pitching can carry it - and thereinlies the biggest question mark. Aside from Nicholson, the Reindeer lack strong complementary pieces. Tomas Concepcion is great in stretches, though he could hardly be counted on for more than 120 innings or so. Given the question marks in the rotation, signs point to another season between 80 and 88 wins.
owner: eclipse33 - 36 seasons, .481 win %, 13 playoffs, 1 WS title (Columbus Crush, Gibson)
team history: eclipse33's 9th season at the helm, 2 division titles (seasons 10-11)
last season: 89-73, NL South Champions, Lost 3-2 in Divisional Play-In Round to Richmond
top hitter: LF Greg Quantrill, (.303, .409, .537, .946) (AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS)
top starting pitcher: Eugene Nicholson (9-7, 1.30 WHIP, 4.00 ERA)
Notable Departures
J.P. Oropesa: The Reindeer return their nucleus remarkably intact from last season's division championship team - welcoming back every regular on the field and all but one member from last season's starting rotation: the veteran Oropesa. The 37 year-old righty made 32 starts for Little Rock last season, and compiled a respectable 8-5 record with a 4.43. The soft-tosser 10 wins short of an even 100 for his career remains in the FA pool looking for work after spending his last 7 seasons with the Reindeer.
Charles Zhang: The 22 year-old hard-throwing righty was a surprise omission from Little Rock's 40-man roster and was plucked with the 1st pick of the Rule V draft by the Boston Red Sox. Zhang, who seemed destined for a spot in the Reindeer Rotation, had a stellar season 11 in AA, compiling a sterling 14-6 record with a 2.65 ERA in 156 innings. Although stunned by his omission from the 40-man, Zhang welcomes an opportunity in the big leagues with Boston.
Notable Newcomers
None. The Reindeer were quiet in the offseason - making no trades and signing no notable free agents on the market other than resigning Quantrill to a 5-year 33 million dollar deal.
Prospect to Watch
Kevin Ellis: The 24 year-old righty is next in line to get the call to the Bigs. The number 1 overall selection in the season 6 amateur draft, Ellis harnesses sharp control and command of two plus pitches, a fastball and a slider. With his arsenal, Ellis should be a mainstay in a ML rotation, though some of the luster has come off the once can't-miss prospect.
Synopsis
There's a lot to be said for stability - and Little Rock screams it. The staff is anchored by its shutdown bullpen, headlined by the dynamite closer Don Davis. In the field, shortstop Hunter Hunt is nearing his prime and should lead a good though not great lineup surrounded by the likes of LF Quantrill, 2B Sherman Graham and slugging 1B Karim Almanza. This group will go as far as its starting pitching can carry it - and thereinlies the biggest question mark. Aside from Nicholson, the Reindeer lack strong complementary pieces. Tomas Concepcion is great in stretches, though he could hardly be counted on for more than 120 innings or so. Given the question marks in the rotation, signs point to another season between 80 and 88 wins.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Whitehouse Report 4/21
First off i want to let everyone know these are strictly opinions of mine and never mean to offend or piss any one off ,also i would like to thank danman and the long time owners of world Alexander and thank you for your support.Now lets talk some baseball, i will be writing some write ups thru the season and today i want to start off with my SHOUT-OUT of the month to Benji Banks(3 time Fireman of the Year) of the Texas Rebels Rebels a long time closer in this league who leads the league by a whopping 121 career saves over the up and comer Rafeal Tatis of the Montgomery Maulers. Tatis will probably reach close to this milestone of a stat 1 day if he can stay away from injury because he is the young age of 29 compared to Banks' 35.
Today, i want to mostly talk about career records.We have a couple career records in jeopardy to ponder at the beginning of this promising season 12 for many teams.C-A-R-E-E-R !! Careers are what makes our sim worlds, we live in,and i feel these players should be acknowledged since whatif doesnt promote them enough, so these are the ones in turmoil this season.
#1-Stolen Bases : The All-Time stolen base holder is slowing down in his old age, Bonk Alexander,(2 time all star for the new york2 franchise)is leading and has a new home in the Augusta Moose franchise.His lead is 428- 411 over young Steve Johnson of the Jackson Jokers.Many people suspected Billy PettyJohn would elapse this record after his season five, 140 steal season,he and Salem owners revolutionized the game somewhat with speed on the bases and always a threat to swipe an extra almighty base.The promising Pettyjohn unfortunately retired at the ripe age of 27-could it have been the minimal pro pay he was making....what if?????
#2- K's thru 9 : Powerhouse rochester has a great battle on their hands with Julio Rosa and Jimmy Springer both are so close in strikeouts thru 9 innings it is got to change hands once or twice through the season.Rosa leads with a career K/9 of 8.32 and leads the 4-Time cy young winning and rookie of the year recipient,Jimmy Springer,who has a 8.26.These are Great pitchers that get the job done but i found it interesting that two guys from our draft in season 2 were lurking at 3rd and 5th Mo Levrault( 10th pick) of the St Louis Arch Angels had a 7.74 and in fifth place was Eugene Nicholson(11th pick) of the LIttle Rock franchise at 7.54,which is good to see some of the talent coming of age for the teams that have needed help.
#3-HR's Allowed : Now this is kind of a doozie for recognizing the leader of this stat,but ill get into that in a sec, Chad Schilling leads this terrible stat over Carl Blalock by a measly 11 hr's 372-361. i hope Schilling can shake off this stat because its not a fair shake for him and im about to tell you why.Chad Schilling is only 33 yrs of age but he has thrown close to 3,000 more pitches,155 more innings AND trails the all time strikeout leader Rodney Blauser,(which he will surpass barring no injuries) who is 38 yrs old, and only out by about 100 strikeouts.and read #4!!!
#4-Wins-Chad Schilling is in the fight of his life...and looks like he will prevail,unless Al Carreras has something to say about it.The Pawtucket Patriots new acquisition at the steep price of 5 yr/50 mill, making him the hot item of the off season,is the same age as Schilling at 33 and trails the Montgomery Mauler(Schilling) by 6 wins.189 to 183,kind of funny that they make 10 mill difference a year and the better one at the moment isnt the one "getting extra cheese on their Whopper" as we will say.To state milestones Schilling also has 2 Cy Young awards to Carreras'1
Hope you all enjoyed this update from the Whitehouse Report and i will be back with more through the season to see how things are going and with more info on teams and players of your sim world.
Today, i want to mostly talk about career records.We have a couple career records in jeopardy to ponder at the beginning of this promising season 12 for many teams.C-A-R-E-E-R !! Careers are what makes our sim worlds, we live in,and i feel these players should be acknowledged since whatif doesnt promote them enough, so these are the ones in turmoil this season.
#1-Stolen Bases : The All-Time stolen base holder is slowing down in his old age, Bonk Alexander,(2 time all star for the new york2 franchise)is leading and has a new home in the Augusta Moose franchise.His lead is 428- 411 over young Steve Johnson of the Jackson Jokers.Many people suspected Billy PettyJohn would elapse this record after his season five, 140 steal season,he and Salem owners revolutionized the game somewhat with speed on the bases and always a threat to swipe an extra almighty base.The promising Pettyjohn unfortunately retired at the ripe age of 27-could it have been the minimal pro pay he was making....what if?????
#2- K's thru 9 : Powerhouse rochester has a great battle on their hands with Julio Rosa and Jimmy Springer both are so close in strikeouts thru 9 innings it is got to change hands once or twice through the season.Rosa leads with a career K/9 of 8.32 and leads the 4-Time cy young winning and rookie of the year recipient,Jimmy Springer,who has a 8.26.These are Great pitchers that get the job done but i found it interesting that two guys from our draft in season 2 were lurking at 3rd and 5th Mo Levrault( 10th pick) of the St Louis Arch Angels had a 7.74 and in fifth place was Eugene Nicholson(11th pick) of the LIttle Rock franchise at 7.54,which is good to see some of the talent coming of age for the teams that have needed help.
#3-HR's Allowed : Now this is kind of a doozie for recognizing the leader of this stat,but ill get into that in a sec, Chad Schilling leads this terrible stat over Carl Blalock by a measly 11 hr's 372-361. i hope Schilling can shake off this stat because its not a fair shake for him and im about to tell you why.Chad Schilling is only 33 yrs of age but he has thrown close to 3,000 more pitches,155 more innings AND trails the all time strikeout leader Rodney Blauser,(which he will surpass barring no injuries) who is 38 yrs old, and only out by about 100 strikeouts.and read #4!!!
#4-Wins-Chad Schilling is in the fight of his life...and looks like he will prevail,unless Al Carreras has something to say about it.The Pawtucket Patriots new acquisition at the steep price of 5 yr/50 mill, making him the hot item of the off season,is the same age as Schilling at 33 and trails the Montgomery Mauler(Schilling) by 6 wins.189 to 183,kind of funny that they make 10 mill difference a year and the better one at the moment isnt the one "getting extra cheese on their Whopper" as we will say.To state milestones Schilling also has 2 Cy Young awards to Carreras'1
Hope you all enjoyed this update from the Whitehouse Report and i will be back with more through the season to see how things are going and with more info on teams and players of your sim world.
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