SHOULD THERE BE MinimumWinRequirement IN THE WORLD?
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Thursday, January 31, 2019
SHOULD THE BLOG COME BACK ALIVE?
if u all wanted i cld write some stuff but dont know what content u all wld want, let me know!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Season 23 Hall of Fame Vote
It's a pretty well-known fact that the voting process for the HBD Hall of Fame is broken. There are far too many players on the ballot, which, combined with a clumsy voting interface, leads to too many deserving players being left out of the Hall of Fame season after season. We aim to address this backlog of well-deserving players in World Alexander beginning this season by agreeing on 3 players that everyone will vote for. Your other 2 votes are free to go to whichever players you wish.
Below is my opinion on who everyone should vote for. I believe the Tier 1 players are no-brainers, and one of the Tier 2 players should be picked to be added to the 3 players everyone votes for. Please vote for one Tier 2 player in the poll on this blog. The leading Tier 2 vote-getter, along with the 2 Tier 1 players, will be the 3 players everyone votes for this season.
Karim Martin: Like Rudy Aldridge in season 21, Martin is a lock for the Hall of Fame. He ranks 2nd all-time in HR and 1st in hits, runs, and RBI. Add to that 4 MVP awards and 8 All-Star appearances, and you have possibly the most prolific hitter in World Alexander history.
Jimmy Springer: While Springer doesn't have as many wins as some other nominated pitchers, it's hard to deny just how dominant he was. He is tied for 1st place in World Alexander history with a .741 winning percentage (197-69), and with a career 3.22 ERA, a staggering 4 Cy Young awards, 7 All-Star appearances, and 6 World Series rings, he was probably the most dominant SP of his era.
Tier 2
Ryan Andrews: Like some of HBD's best players, Andrews' overall stats suffer from the fact that he was mid-career in season 1 of World Alexander. He still managed 8 All-Star appearances and 7 World Series rings, as well as racking up 576 HR. He was a key player in the dominating Rochester Big and Tall dynasty.
Wally Crespo: Crespo is another player who was mid-career when World Alexander began. He still managed to rack up nearly 2500 hits, 583 HR, 11 All-Star appearances, and 6 Silver Slugger awards at C, all with a PC rating of 95.
Otis Lowell: Lowell was one of those rare players with a combination of a monster bat and blazing speed. Another member of the Big and Tall dynasty, he racked up 2164 hits, 406 HR, and 597 SB (5th in World Alexander history), along with 7 All-Star appearances, 5 Silver Slugger awards (3 at LF, 2 at 1B), and 5 World Series rings.
Edwin Parker: Another player with a shortened career, Parker racked up an impressive 2503 hits and 602 HR. He was also a solid defender, with a Gold Glove award at 1B to go along with 4 All-Star appearances.
Garry Stankiewicz: Stankiewicz was one of the most prolific leadoff hitters in World Alexander history. He finished 2nd in career hits and runs (behind only Martin), while also racking up 400+ HR and SB. Add to this 10 All-Star appearances, 5 Silver Slugger awards at CF, 4 World Series rings, and 3 Gold Glove awards at CF, and you have a very well-rounded and deserving candidate.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Season 19 Draft Analysis: Picks 21-32
21. Milwaukee Brewers - Chad Lannan: The quickest way to describe Lannan would be "platoon SS", which sounds like a poor value in the 1st round. Lannan, however, has the potential to be an extremely valuable platoon SS. Luckily, his poor split is vL, which is much less damaging to a player's value than a poor vR. Excellent contact, great vR, and really good batting eye will make him a force at the plate against RHP's (which should account for 400+ great AB's a year). His defense isn't spectacular but will more than get the job done at SS. Lannan will provide the Brewers with a great option at SS vs. RHP's for a long time. If only the real life Brewers could find one too. Grade: B+
22. Indianapolis Lancers - Ross Prince: I think Prince is a pretty solid value pick for bottom half of the 1st round. I see him as having pretty good splits and control, with two solid pitches and three mediocre-to-crappy ones. Not a franchise-changer, but if he reaches the projections I currently see (no given, since they could drop once he signs) he will be a solid #3 SP...more likely he will be a 4 or 5. Grade: B
23. Little Rock Liddies - Larry Coco: Coco will probably be a decent player but nothing special, which is fine for a pick this late. His D is a little weak for SS, so he'll probably play 3B . Mediocre splits and batting eye will keep him from being a star, but his contact should let him be at least somewhat useful. His blazing speed combined with excellent baserunning skills should allow him to reach scoring position a lot. Probably a mediocre 3B or a very good utility man. Grade: B-
24. Baltimore mets - Carter Farr: I find Farr to be an acceptable but slightly below average pick at this point in the draft. On the surface he looks like a fairly successful SP, with solid splits, decent velocity, and above average control. However, when you note that his lower split is vR and he only has one above-average pitch, he looks a lot like a long reliever or spot starter than a middle-of-the-rotation stalwart. Grade: C+
25. Texas Dragons - Wascar Gil: Seeing a split as low as Gil's vL immediately turns me off to a player. However, I think Gil deserves a second look. That vR isn't great, but will do fine with good supporting ratings. And those beautiful first 4 pitches, great velocity, and pinpoint control give Gil all the supporting ratings needed to overcome those underwhelming splits. I think that his vL rating will hurt him, but I still think Gil will be a solid SP4 or SP5, with maybe a lucky season or 2 where he leads a staff. Grade: B
26. Augusta moose - Malcolm Young: If Young's durability were just 10 points higher, he'd be an absolute steal at pick 26. As it is, though, he's still a solid pick who can help a winning team. When it comes to pitching skill, Young's above-average split set, great velocity and control, and above-average set of pitches will make him dangerous on the mound. But that low durability will keep him stuck as a reliever or a low pitch count SP. Still, given how good Young will be when he is able to pitch, it's a good value for this late in the 1st round. I had him ranked 13th. Grade: B+
27. Hartford Pit Bulls - Alberto Lopez: Lopez is an average or slightly below average 1st round pick, in my opinion. His slightly above average splits, mediocre batting eye, and above average power will not make up for his low contact rating. I see him with a low batting average and unspectacular OBP with about 15-20 HR...but given his defensive prowess in CF, that may be plenty to warrant a starting job. Grade: C
28. New York Juicers - Victor Franco: Franco is an interesting player whose value is difficult to clearly define. On the bright side, he can mash the hell out of the ball when he's playing LHP's, and he'll provide a spark on the basepaths. On the downside, he probably can't hit RHP's enough to justify starting against them with his unspectacular defense. So he'll probably give 200-300 AB of excellent offense a season, meaning he's not a franchise-changer but could still have value. Grade: C+
29. Tacoma Mountain Men - Timo Workman: Low-contact players like Workman are one of the most interesting player types statistically around HBD. They seem to be very inconsistent to me, with All-Star seasons followed by years batting .240. I think Workman has the splits (especially that excellent vR), decent batting eye, and great power to make him an All-Star multiple years in his career. He will also have down years, though, but overall, with a bat like that at 3B, he's going to end up being a positive asset for the Mountain Men for a lot of years. Grade: B+
30. Durham Bulls - Ron Price: Price, to me, is thoroughly ordinary. These are the kinds of players that are picked frequently in this part of the draft. He'll probably make a ML team due to his good vL and great speed, but he will never be anything more than an average starter or a pretty solid platoon man at 2B or LF. These are the guys you can find aplenty in the Rule V draft or free agency. Grade: D+
31. Cheyenne Warriors - Brett Guerrero: Here is the type of dynamic pick teams drafting in the bottom of the first round hope to get to keep their franchise on top. Guerrero has the arm to play C, and while his pitch calling will never be above average, his bat (especially versus LHP's) and great batting eye will allow him to be a solid starter at C for a long period of time. Excellent value pick for the Warriors. Grade: A-
32. Boston Red Sox - Travis Earley: And here we have another example of a difference-maker picked late in the 1st round. While Earley doesn't have the great velocity of many RP's, he does have absolute pinpoint control, a great slider and change-up, and the above-average splits to make him a fixture in the late-inning bullpen of the Red Sox for many seasons to come. Grade: A
22. Indianapolis Lancers - Ross Prince: I think Prince is a pretty solid value pick for bottom half of the 1st round. I see him as having pretty good splits and control, with two solid pitches and three mediocre-to-crappy ones. Not a franchise-changer, but if he reaches the projections I currently see (no given, since they could drop once he signs) he will be a solid #3 SP...more likely he will be a 4 or 5. Grade: B
23. Little Rock Liddies - Larry Coco: Coco will probably be a decent player but nothing special, which is fine for a pick this late. His D is a little weak for SS, so he'll probably play 3B . Mediocre splits and batting eye will keep him from being a star, but his contact should let him be at least somewhat useful. His blazing speed combined with excellent baserunning skills should allow him to reach scoring position a lot. Probably a mediocre 3B or a very good utility man. Grade: B-
24. Baltimore mets - Carter Farr: I find Farr to be an acceptable but slightly below average pick at this point in the draft. On the surface he looks like a fairly successful SP, with solid splits, decent velocity, and above average control. However, when you note that his lower split is vR and he only has one above-average pitch, he looks a lot like a long reliever or spot starter than a middle-of-the-rotation stalwart. Grade: C+
25. Texas Dragons - Wascar Gil: Seeing a split as low as Gil's vL immediately turns me off to a player. However, I think Gil deserves a second look. That vR isn't great, but will do fine with good supporting ratings. And those beautiful first 4 pitches, great velocity, and pinpoint control give Gil all the supporting ratings needed to overcome those underwhelming splits. I think that his vL rating will hurt him, but I still think Gil will be a solid SP4 or SP5, with maybe a lucky season or 2 where he leads a staff. Grade: B
26. Augusta moose - Malcolm Young: If Young's durability were just 10 points higher, he'd be an absolute steal at pick 26. As it is, though, he's still a solid pick who can help a winning team. When it comes to pitching skill, Young's above-average split set, great velocity and control, and above-average set of pitches will make him dangerous on the mound. But that low durability will keep him stuck as a reliever or a low pitch count SP. Still, given how good Young will be when he is able to pitch, it's a good value for this late in the 1st round. I had him ranked 13th. Grade: B+
27. Hartford Pit Bulls - Alberto Lopez: Lopez is an average or slightly below average 1st round pick, in my opinion. His slightly above average splits, mediocre batting eye, and above average power will not make up for his low contact rating. I see him with a low batting average and unspectacular OBP with about 15-20 HR...but given his defensive prowess in CF, that may be plenty to warrant a starting job. Grade: C
28. New York Juicers - Victor Franco: Franco is an interesting player whose value is difficult to clearly define. On the bright side, he can mash the hell out of the ball when he's playing LHP's, and he'll provide a spark on the basepaths. On the downside, he probably can't hit RHP's enough to justify starting against them with his unspectacular defense. So he'll probably give 200-300 AB of excellent offense a season, meaning he's not a franchise-changer but could still have value. Grade: C+
29. Tacoma Mountain Men - Timo Workman: Low-contact players like Workman are one of the most interesting player types statistically around HBD. They seem to be very inconsistent to me, with All-Star seasons followed by years batting .240. I think Workman has the splits (especially that excellent vR), decent batting eye, and great power to make him an All-Star multiple years in his career. He will also have down years, though, but overall, with a bat like that at 3B, he's going to end up being a positive asset for the Mountain Men for a lot of years. Grade: B+
30. Durham Bulls - Ron Price: Price, to me, is thoroughly ordinary. These are the kinds of players that are picked frequently in this part of the draft. He'll probably make a ML team due to his good vL and great speed, but he will never be anything more than an average starter or a pretty solid platoon man at 2B or LF. These are the guys you can find aplenty in the Rule V draft or free agency. Grade: D+
31. Cheyenne Warriors - Brett Guerrero: Here is the type of dynamic pick teams drafting in the bottom of the first round hope to get to keep their franchise on top. Guerrero has the arm to play C, and while his pitch calling will never be above average, his bat (especially versus LHP's) and great batting eye will allow him to be a solid starter at C for a long period of time. Excellent value pick for the Warriors. Grade: A-
32. Boston Red Sox - Travis Earley: And here we have another example of a difference-maker picked late in the 1st round. While Earley doesn't have the great velocity of many RP's, he does have absolute pinpoint control, a great slider and change-up, and the above-average splits to make him a fixture in the late-inning bullpen of the Red Sox for many seasons to come. Grade: A
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Season 19 Draft Analysis: Picks 11-20
11. Sacramento Screaming Eagles - Dale James: James is going to be a very solid player, but in a draft this deep there were star-quality players still on the board at the time he was picked. He's got solid splits, solid power, solid batting eye, and mediocre contact, which means he'll be an average to slightly-above-average starter in RF for the Screaming Eagles. I had him ranked 8th, but his post-draft projections are worse than pre-draft for me. Grade: C
12. Las Vegas Rounders - Rajai Milledge: Milledge would be an excellent value pick near the bottom of the first round (though, once again, my scouts didn't see him), but he's a little iffy in the top half. He's got the control and velocity to be successful, as well as a killer sinker. He's fine against lefties, but the question is whether he can get righties out...and that's kind of an important thing to be able to do. His lack of a solid secondary pitches is troubling as well, but he should be able to pitch a lot of innings as a #4/#5 SP in the ML's...but this high in the draft, you want more. Grade: C-
13. Tampa Bay Sun - Cookie Beltran: Beltran is a rock solid pick (that my scouts once again missed) at this point in the draft. He's no top-of-the-rotation stud like several of the SP's taken above him, but with 4 good pitches, solid splits, and great control, he will be a good #3 SP for a long time...barring injury. And injury is a big worry for someone with as low of health as Beltran. Grade: B+
14. Oklahoma City Outlaws - Ross Venafro: Venafro is a talented bat that is a good pick for middle of the 1st round. He's got a poor glove in RF, but his arm and bat make up for it. He hits RHP's very well, and with good contact and power and solid speed, Venafro (ranked 9th by me) should see the All-Star game at some point in his career. Grade: A-
15. New York Stink Palmers - Sadie Downs: Downs is another good pick for this part of the draft. Catcher is a position with high durability demands, and Downs should be able to play just about every day. Downs will be about average defensively, but his .300 bat will make him a good option at C for a long time. I had him ranked 17th, but his post-draft projections are significant improvements over what I saw before the draft. Grade: A-
16. St. Louis Arch Angels - Derek Zaun: Zaun is another unspectacular but rock solid pick for the middle of the 1st round. Although listed as a 2B, he will probably end up playing LF, which makes his bat a little less impressive. Only slightly above average hitting RHP's, his good contact, power, and very good batting eye should nonetheless allow him to succeed at the plate. Health could be an issue. I had him ranked 10th. Grade: B
17. Charleston Vampires - Bobby Simontacchi: With the Vampires' 2nd 1st-round pick they got one of the best steals of the draft in Simontacchi. The only knock on him is a poor change-up and low velocity...but his great splits, excellent control, and fastball/slider combo will make him a top-of-the-order SP in the future. He was my 2nd-ranked player, behind only Martin. Grade: A
18. Hartford Pit Bulls - Kip Donnelly: Donnelly is an interesting player whose bat reminds me a lot of my own Rafael Quixote: excellent contact and power, above average vL, and a weak vR and batting eye. Quixote has had a successful career, and Donnelly should have him beat in both splits, meaning he should be a very productive player. He also has great speed, though it's hampered by his baserunning skills. Donnelly's bat at 2B would probably make him a frequent All-Star. More likely, though, he will play LF and be an above-average bat for the Pit Bulls. My scouts missed him. Grade: A-
19. Cheyenne Warriors - Achilles Uribe: Uribe is an interesting choice as a 1st round pick. At first glance, he seems like a poor pick due to his very average bat. However, he's got blazing speed, with baserunning skills to make him a true demon on the bases, and he's also going to be a defensive whiz in CF. I think that his speed will really improve his offensive impact, and the (+) plays he makes in CF will probably earn him his share of Gold Gloves. I've also seen guys with worse bats make the All-Star team. Uribe is an unspectacular pick, but he is a guy who can really help his team win without lighting up the box score with big offensive numbers. I had him ranked 29th, but his post-draft defensive ratings outshine the ones I saw pre-draft. Grade: B-
20. Pittsburgh Penguins - Allan Holland: Holland is a player who can play a contributing role on a good team, but guys like him are often available after the 1st round. He will be Gold-Glove caliber at SS, but he is simply unable to hit RHP's. He can be a solid platoon SS against LHP's, but guys like this are frequently available in lower rounds and in free agency, which makes me think he is not worthy of a 1st round pick. Grade: D-
12. Las Vegas Rounders - Rajai Milledge: Milledge would be an excellent value pick near the bottom of the first round (though, once again, my scouts didn't see him), but he's a little iffy in the top half. He's got the control and velocity to be successful, as well as a killer sinker. He's fine against lefties, but the question is whether he can get righties out...and that's kind of an important thing to be able to do. His lack of a solid secondary pitches is troubling as well, but he should be able to pitch a lot of innings as a #4/#5 SP in the ML's...but this high in the draft, you want more. Grade: C-
13. Tampa Bay Sun - Cookie Beltran: Beltran is a rock solid pick (that my scouts once again missed) at this point in the draft. He's no top-of-the-rotation stud like several of the SP's taken above him, but with 4 good pitches, solid splits, and great control, he will be a good #3 SP for a long time...barring injury. And injury is a big worry for someone with as low of health as Beltran. Grade: B+
14. Oklahoma City Outlaws - Ross Venafro: Venafro is a talented bat that is a good pick for middle of the 1st round. He's got a poor glove in RF, but his arm and bat make up for it. He hits RHP's very well, and with good contact and power and solid speed, Venafro (ranked 9th by me) should see the All-Star game at some point in his career. Grade: A-
15. New York Stink Palmers - Sadie Downs: Downs is another good pick for this part of the draft. Catcher is a position with high durability demands, and Downs should be able to play just about every day. Downs will be about average defensively, but his .300 bat will make him a good option at C for a long time. I had him ranked 17th, but his post-draft projections are significant improvements over what I saw before the draft. Grade: A-
16. St. Louis Arch Angels - Derek Zaun: Zaun is another unspectacular but rock solid pick for the middle of the 1st round. Although listed as a 2B, he will probably end up playing LF, which makes his bat a little less impressive. Only slightly above average hitting RHP's, his good contact, power, and very good batting eye should nonetheless allow him to succeed at the plate. Health could be an issue. I had him ranked 10th. Grade: B
17. Charleston Vampires - Bobby Simontacchi: With the Vampires' 2nd 1st-round pick they got one of the best steals of the draft in Simontacchi. The only knock on him is a poor change-up and low velocity...but his great splits, excellent control, and fastball/slider combo will make him a top-of-the-order SP in the future. He was my 2nd-ranked player, behind only Martin. Grade: A
18. Hartford Pit Bulls - Kip Donnelly: Donnelly is an interesting player whose bat reminds me a lot of my own Rafael Quixote: excellent contact and power, above average vL, and a weak vR and batting eye. Quixote has had a successful career, and Donnelly should have him beat in both splits, meaning he should be a very productive player. He also has great speed, though it's hampered by his baserunning skills. Donnelly's bat at 2B would probably make him a frequent All-Star. More likely, though, he will play LF and be an above-average bat for the Pit Bulls. My scouts missed him. Grade: A-
19. Cheyenne Warriors - Achilles Uribe: Uribe is an interesting choice as a 1st round pick. At first glance, he seems like a poor pick due to his very average bat. However, he's got blazing speed, with baserunning skills to make him a true demon on the bases, and he's also going to be a defensive whiz in CF. I think that his speed will really improve his offensive impact, and the (+) plays he makes in CF will probably earn him his share of Gold Gloves. I've also seen guys with worse bats make the All-Star team. Uribe is an unspectacular pick, but he is a guy who can really help his team win without lighting up the box score with big offensive numbers. I had him ranked 29th, but his post-draft defensive ratings outshine the ones I saw pre-draft. Grade: B-
20. Pittsburgh Penguins - Allan Holland: Holland is a player who can play a contributing role on a good team, but guys like him are often available after the 1st round. He will be Gold-Glove caliber at SS, but he is simply unable to hit RHP's. He can be a solid platoon SS against LHP's, but guys like this are frequently available in lower rounds and in free agency, which makes me think he is not worthy of a 1st round pick. Grade: D-
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Season 19 Draft Analysis: Picks 1-10
Disclaimer: I have $16 million advanced scouting (and $14 million HS and college scouting), so my projections are not perfect. This analysis is done based on the projections I see (advanced scouting for signed players, HS/college scouting for unsigned players).
1. Columbus Small Ballers - Russ Martin: Martin was my top-ranked player. He is the definition of a player to build a franchise around: MVP-quality bat, blazing speed, and very solid defense at the most difficult position, SS. He will be an All-Star SS for the Small Ballers for many seasons to come, and was a great pick by chuckster. Grade: A
2. Mexico City Charros - Danys Perez: Another excellent selection. Perez will hit for more power than Martin, but might not get on base as much. He does boast blazing speed, but his defensive limitations mean he'll probably play 3B rather than SS in the bigs. Still, a bat like his at a position other than C/DH/1B/LF are not easy to come by. I had him ranked 5th, but his projections improved when my advanced scouting guys took a look at him. Grade: A
3. Cleveland Redlegs - Russ Paramore: My scouts saw this as an extraordinarily weak pitching draft, and part of the reason is because they missed Paramore. Wow, what a stud. Has the potential to be even better than Jeff Muratore (even before his injury). Nearly unbeatable splits, as well as great control, velocity, one great pitch and three other good ones...I am very unhappy he's in my division. Grade: A
4. Los Angeles Urban Achievers - Corky Ramsey: Ramsey has yet to sign, but when he does, the Urban Achievers will have a great bat to build around. Ramsey has MVP potential, thanks to his great power, excellent eye, speed on the basepaths, and ability to play pretty much every single day. The only downside is he will be limited to 1B or DH throughout his career. Still, an MVP-quality bat with the 4th pick is very good. I had him ranked 3rd. Grade: A
5. Florida Jack A$$'es - Alberto Alvarez: Ah yes, another stud SP that my scouts missed out on. Alvarez is no Paramore, but then again, nobody is. He still has potential to win a Cy Young (or more) during his career. The lack of a 3rd pitch might hurt him a bit, but his control, splits, and velocity make up for it. And with that high durability, he can put up some monster innings for the Jack A$$'es. Grade: A
6. Baltimore mets - Glenn Barnes: And here we have the 3rd stud SP my scouts missed. He's not quite at the caliber of Paramore or Alvarez, but he should see his share of All-Star games during his career. Barnes' excellent splits and great velocity should make up for his low control and lack of good 2nd through 5th pitches. Baltimore management is hoping he doesn't run into health issues during his career, which could be a worry. Grade: A-
7. Charleston Vampires - Orber Espinosa: The wealth of offensive talent in this draft continued as the Vampires picked up a great CF with the 7th pick in Espinosa. Espinosa continues the trend of speedy position players, though his baserunning instincts are subpar. He struggles against LHP's, but his great contact, vR, and batting eye should make him a MVP candidate at some point in his career. He should be very solid in CF as well, and bats like this at a demanding position like CF are rare indeed. My scouts continued their stellar work in completely missing out on Espinosa. Grade: A
8. San Francisco Friars - Don Kelly: The stellar draft continued with yet another MVP-caliber bat going 8th to the Friars. Kelly can hit for power (40+ HR threat) and average. He should be a very solid defender in CF, and could even fill in at 2B in a pinch (though you wouldn't want to play him there for a full season). Getting an MVP-caliber bat at the 8th pick, even at a corner OF position, is still an accomplishment. I had him ranked 4th. Grade: A
9. Madison Cheeseheads - Pedro Gonzalez: Finally the first dud pick in the draft. When Gonzalez throws the ball, he gets people out. He's got pitching tools comparable to Paramore and Muratore. However, Gonzalez suffers from an extreme case of narcolepsy: by the time he's thrown 10 pitches, he's usually asleep on the mound. Although his disorder has entertained dozens of fans at Milwaukee Area Technical College (who often compete in odd contests for the right to wheel him off the field), he probably won't be a great help for a ML baseball team. Luckily for milton7, though, he probably won't sign, as he prefers prefers playing in front of only his parents rather than a packed stadium, and a compensation pick could yield a useful pick next season. Grade: F
10. Nashville Troubadors - Jared Russell: Since he's still unsigned, and since apparently my scouts can't even locate a single college newspaper article about him, I can't give any opinion on this pick. When he signs, I'll update this with analysis.
1. Columbus Small Ballers - Russ Martin: Martin was my top-ranked player. He is the definition of a player to build a franchise around: MVP-quality bat, blazing speed, and very solid defense at the most difficult position, SS. He will be an All-Star SS for the Small Ballers for many seasons to come, and was a great pick by chuckster. Grade: A
2. Mexico City Charros - Danys Perez: Another excellent selection. Perez will hit for more power than Martin, but might not get on base as much. He does boast blazing speed, but his defensive limitations mean he'll probably play 3B rather than SS in the bigs. Still, a bat like his at a position other than C/DH/1B/LF are not easy to come by. I had him ranked 5th, but his projections improved when my advanced scouting guys took a look at him. Grade: A
3. Cleveland Redlegs - Russ Paramore: My scouts saw this as an extraordinarily weak pitching draft, and part of the reason is because they missed Paramore. Wow, what a stud. Has the potential to be even better than Jeff Muratore (even before his injury). Nearly unbeatable splits, as well as great control, velocity, one great pitch and three other good ones...I am very unhappy he's in my division. Grade: A
4. Los Angeles Urban Achievers - Corky Ramsey: Ramsey has yet to sign, but when he does, the Urban Achievers will have a great bat to build around. Ramsey has MVP potential, thanks to his great power, excellent eye, speed on the basepaths, and ability to play pretty much every single day. The only downside is he will be limited to 1B or DH throughout his career. Still, an MVP-quality bat with the 4th pick is very good. I had him ranked 3rd. Grade: A
5. Florida Jack A$$'es - Alberto Alvarez: Ah yes, another stud SP that my scouts missed out on. Alvarez is no Paramore, but then again, nobody is. He still has potential to win a Cy Young (or more) during his career. The lack of a 3rd pitch might hurt him a bit, but his control, splits, and velocity make up for it. And with that high durability, he can put up some monster innings for the Jack A$$'es. Grade: A
6. Baltimore mets - Glenn Barnes: And here we have the 3rd stud SP my scouts missed. He's not quite at the caliber of Paramore or Alvarez, but he should see his share of All-Star games during his career. Barnes' excellent splits and great velocity should make up for his low control and lack of good 2nd through 5th pitches. Baltimore management is hoping he doesn't run into health issues during his career, which could be a worry. Grade: A-
7. Charleston Vampires - Orber Espinosa: The wealth of offensive talent in this draft continued as the Vampires picked up a great CF with the 7th pick in Espinosa. Espinosa continues the trend of speedy position players, though his baserunning instincts are subpar. He struggles against LHP's, but his great contact, vR, and batting eye should make him a MVP candidate at some point in his career. He should be very solid in CF as well, and bats like this at a demanding position like CF are rare indeed. My scouts continued their stellar work in completely missing out on Espinosa. Grade: A
8. San Francisco Friars - Don Kelly: The stellar draft continued with yet another MVP-caliber bat going 8th to the Friars. Kelly can hit for power (40+ HR threat) and average. He should be a very solid defender in CF, and could even fill in at 2B in a pinch (though you wouldn't want to play him there for a full season). Getting an MVP-caliber bat at the 8th pick, even at a corner OF position, is still an accomplishment. I had him ranked 4th. Grade: A
9. Madison Cheeseheads - Pedro Gonzalez: Finally the first dud pick in the draft. When Gonzalez throws the ball, he gets people out. He's got pitching tools comparable to Paramore and Muratore. However, Gonzalez suffers from an extreme case of narcolepsy: by the time he's thrown 10 pitches, he's usually asleep on the mound. Although his disorder has entertained dozens of fans at Milwaukee Area Technical College (who often compete in odd contests for the right to wheel him off the field), he probably won't be a great help for a ML baseball team. Luckily for milton7, though, he probably won't sign, as he prefers prefers playing in front of only his parents rather than a packed stadium, and a compensation pick could yield a useful pick next season. Grade: F
10. Nashville Troubadors - Jared Russell: Since he's still unsigned, and since apparently my scouts can't even locate a single college newspaper article about him, I can't give any opinion on this pick. When he signs, I'll update this with analysis.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Who has the best organization? pt 2
I know everyone has been waiting for part 2 of "who has the best organization's top 15."Once again this is the ranking for best organization from rookie to major leagues.Whitehouse Rating= 4 points for world series,3 points for LCS,2 points for div title and 1 point for playoff appearance at any level. NOTE: i mixed up notes on colorado,colorado springs and colombus.The only correction from part 1 is a tie for #18th(tied)-Colorado Springs Field Mice-(104 pts)Big League play these guys rank 9th with 11 appearances in playoffs via 6 by div chamionships and 1 LCS's to their ML banners.They slipped a little in minors with a 22nd ranking with 25 appearances,20 div titles,3 LCS, and 1 world series.psanders is an original owner.So our countdown continues at #14....
#14-New York Stink Palmers-(120 pts)The NY2 club has 6 major league playoff appearances and 1 division title which ranked them 22nd in bigs.Their minor league teams helped them tremendoudly in rankings coming in 10th.with 45 appearances,13 div titles,7 LCS'S and a countdown high at this point, 5 World Series'(4th best in minors).Look for this team to move up in ML rankings as they are one of the 3 youngest teams in league.joshcarolina is an original owner.
#13-Augusta Moose-(127 pts)The Moose ranked 13th in ML's with 7 playoffs appearances with 4 div titles.minor league they ranked 13th with 39 october appearances,32 by div titles,but only 3 LCS titles and lacked points for "closing the deal"in the big series. Mcgupp is an original owner.
#12-Cleveland Redlegs-(133 pts)Cleveland ranks dead last in ML's with 0 appearances-that makes them a very fine minor league club ranking 10th in minors with 44 appearances but get mad points for 40(ranks 3rd total) division titles!! They have 3 LCS titles to add to their point total.However have 0 WS which makes them 1 of 7 teams with no WS banners in their organization!
#11-Boston Red Sox-(136 pts)Red Sox have 2 playoff appearances in ML's to rank them 29th.the made up a lot of points in the minors ranking 9th.they were propelled by 37 appearances via 32 div titles,7LCS titles amd 3 World Series.
#10-Colombus Small Ballers-(143 pts) Small Ballers have a new owner that has some high expectations expected of him.They rank the 4th best ML team with 14 appearances ,13 div titles and 3 LCS titles.A 7th ranking drops them in minors they have acquired 20 div titles,6 LCS, and 3 WS rings in 24 appearances,
#9-Nashville Troubadours-(149 pts)Nashville is tied at 17th in ML's with 6 appearances and 3 div titles.They are 8th in minors with 46 appearances,23 div titles,11 LCS'S and 3 world series trophies.
#7(tie)-Little Rock Liddies-(150 pts) The Liddies are tied 31st with 1 playoff appearance.They pack a punch in the minors with a 6 ranking.After 43 trips ,35 by div title.They have acquired 8 LCS's and 3 World Series rings.
#7(tie)-Texas Dragons-(150 pts)The Dragons rank 10th in bigs with 5 playoff appearances all by division titles and have 1 LCS ,and they made it count gaining their 1 world series victory.Texas was 11th in minors with 39 trips to playoffs,23 div titles,9LCS, and 4World Series triumphs.
#6-St Louis Arch Angels-(160 pts)Arch Angel's rank 3rd best team in ML's with 11 div titles,2 LCS,and 2 WS in their 12 appearances.They finished 14th in minor leagues with 37 appearances via 29 bydiv titles but have only produced 1 LCS and WS.
#5-Scranton Screamin Eagles-(194 pts) a mere 28th ranking in bigs with just 3 palyoff appearances hurts them but in minors this teams always come to play.They have a whopping 53 appearances(3rd in minors),39 div titles(4th in minors),12 LCS(tied for 3rd in minors) and 6 WS(tied for 3rd in minors).
#4-Atlanta Angry Pirates-(195 pts)Another 1 point victory.ML's these guys are 11th with 7 div titles and 8 appearances.Look for that to change over the next couple yrs wit this other young team.Ranking 5th in minors with 43 appearances 38 by div titles,10 LCS,and 6 WS.
#3-Cincinnati Red Stockings-(221 pts)Cincy ranked 5th in ML's with 10 trips to playoffs,9 by div title and 3 LCS titles.A 4th ranking in minors is from their 62 appearances(3rd most),33 div titles(4th),12 LCS(tied for 3rd), and 5 WS(tied for 4th)
#2-SalemStreep Sweepers-(343 PTS)Salem is middle of the bigs, ranking 15th but by far is the most decorated minor league squad by far.in ML's they have 6 playoff appearances and 4 division titles.Where they rack up is in the minors.They have 68 appearances(2nd),60 div titles(1st),23LCS(1st),and 18(1st-5 more than 2nd) World Series'.
#1-Tacoma Mountain Men-(387 pts)Suprise,Suprise!Did anyone doubt the Mighty Mountain Men?They trumped in all categories in ML's,the only team to touch their #1 rankings was Indy with 14 div titles.they have had 9 LCS,8 WS, all in a perfect 17 maximum oppurtunistic appearances.Minor leagues they did finish 2nd with a league leading 70 appearances,but only 52 div titles(2nd),19 LCS(2nd),and 13 WS(2nd).
While i had the numbers crunched i decided to see who was the best division,these were the results:
#1-NL North
#2-(tie)NL South/AL North
#4-AL West
#5-NL West
#6-NL East
#7-AL East
#8-AL South
Top League
#1-National League-2013 pts
#2-American League-1863 pts
I'm sure not averyone approves of this formula, but its just a gauging system for collection of banners through minors and majors and doesnt really mean anything! Hope you all enjoyed the number crunch and have a nice spring!I will check these again in a few seasons, so you better pick up those minor league systems because the Whitehouse is watching!
#14-New York Stink Palmers-(120 pts)The NY2 club has 6 major league playoff appearances and 1 division title which ranked them 22nd in bigs.Their minor league teams helped them tremendoudly in rankings coming in 10th.with 45 appearances,13 div titles,7 LCS'S and a countdown high at this point, 5 World Series'(4th best in minors).Look for this team to move up in ML rankings as they are one of the 3 youngest teams in league.joshcarolina is an original owner.
#13-Augusta Moose-(127 pts)The Moose ranked 13th in ML's with 7 playoffs appearances with 4 div titles.minor league they ranked 13th with 39 october appearances,32 by div titles,but only 3 LCS titles and lacked points for "closing the deal"in the big series. Mcgupp is an original owner.
#12-Cleveland Redlegs-(133 pts)Cleveland ranks dead last in ML's with 0 appearances-that makes them a very fine minor league club ranking 10th in minors with 44 appearances but get mad points for 40(ranks 3rd total) division titles!! They have 3 LCS titles to add to their point total.However have 0 WS which makes them 1 of 7 teams with no WS banners in their organization!
#11-Boston Red Sox-(136 pts)Red Sox have 2 playoff appearances in ML's to rank them 29th.the made up a lot of points in the minors ranking 9th.they were propelled by 37 appearances via 32 div titles,7LCS titles amd 3 World Series.
#10-Colombus Small Ballers-(143 pts) Small Ballers have a new owner that has some high expectations expected of him.They rank the 4th best ML team with 14 appearances ,13 div titles and 3 LCS titles.A 7th ranking drops them in minors they have acquired 20 div titles,6 LCS, and 3 WS rings in 24 appearances,
#9-Nashville Troubadours-(149 pts)Nashville is tied at 17th in ML's with 6 appearances and 3 div titles.They are 8th in minors with 46 appearances,23 div titles,11 LCS'S and 3 world series trophies.
#7(tie)-Little Rock Liddies-(150 pts) The Liddies are tied 31st with 1 playoff appearance.They pack a punch in the minors with a 6 ranking.After 43 trips ,35 by div title.They have acquired 8 LCS's and 3 World Series rings.
#7(tie)-Texas Dragons-(150 pts)The Dragons rank 10th in bigs with 5 playoff appearances all by division titles and have 1 LCS ,and they made it count gaining their 1 world series victory.Texas was 11th in minors with 39 trips to playoffs,23 div titles,9LCS, and 4World Series triumphs.
#6-St Louis Arch Angels-(160 pts)Arch Angel's rank 3rd best team in ML's with 11 div titles,2 LCS,and 2 WS in their 12 appearances.They finished 14th in minor leagues with 37 appearances via 29 bydiv titles but have only produced 1 LCS and WS.
#5-Scranton Screamin Eagles-(194 pts) a mere 28th ranking in bigs with just 3 palyoff appearances hurts them but in minors this teams always come to play.They have a whopping 53 appearances(3rd in minors),39 div titles(4th in minors),12 LCS(tied for 3rd in minors) and 6 WS(tied for 3rd in minors).
#4-Atlanta Angry Pirates-(195 pts)Another 1 point victory.ML's these guys are 11th with 7 div titles and 8 appearances.Look for that to change over the next couple yrs wit this other young team.Ranking 5th in minors with 43 appearances 38 by div titles,10 LCS,and 6 WS.
#3-Cincinnati Red Stockings-(221 pts)Cincy ranked 5th in ML's with 10 trips to playoffs,9 by div title and 3 LCS titles.A 4th ranking in minors is from their 62 appearances(3rd most),33 div titles(4th),12 LCS(tied for 3rd), and 5 WS(tied for 4th)
#2-SalemStreep Sweepers-(343 PTS)Salem is middle of the bigs, ranking 15th but by far is the most decorated minor league squad by far.in ML's they have 6 playoff appearances and 4 division titles.Where they rack up is in the minors.They have 68 appearances(2nd),60 div titles(1st),23LCS(1st),and 18(1st-5 more than 2nd) World Series'.
#1-Tacoma Mountain Men-(387 pts)Suprise,Suprise!Did anyone doubt the Mighty Mountain Men?They trumped in all categories in ML's,the only team to touch their #1 rankings was Indy with 14 div titles.they have had 9 LCS,8 WS, all in a perfect 17 maximum oppurtunistic appearances.Minor leagues they did finish 2nd with a league leading 70 appearances,but only 52 div titles(2nd),19 LCS(2nd),and 13 WS(2nd).
While i had the numbers crunched i decided to see who was the best division,these were the results:
#1-NL North
#2-(tie)NL South/AL North
#4-AL West
#5-NL West
#6-NL East
#7-AL East
#8-AL South
Top League
#1-National League-2013 pts
#2-American League-1863 pts
I'm sure not averyone approves of this formula, but its just a gauging system for collection of banners through minors and majors and doesnt really mean anything! Hope you all enjoyed the number crunch and have a nice spring!I will check these again in a few seasons, so you better pick up those minor league systems because the Whitehouse is watching!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Who has the best organization? Pt 1
Well we all know who has the best ML franchise and that would be Tacoma,but after a little thought i wondered who had the best entire organization.There was a couple different ways I found to answer the question.What i decided to do was come up with a formula that could be understood with easy explanation that would rank by covering all levels of play,majors and minors.The Whitehouse formula as I have named it, is scored like this.For a Divisional Title you get 2 points,League Championship you get 3 points, and for a World Series 4 points and 1 point for a playoff appearance,in any level.NOTE : no points were given for Divisional Champion Series wins.I broke it down for the bigs at first and decided to go for an entire franchise ranking,these are the results of the Best Organizations since inception(up through season 17) I will break the teams down in a 2 part write up counting down to #1,hope you all enjoy!
#32-Charleston Vampires-(23 pts)Have only made it to the ML playoffs once,which tied them for a 30 rank in ML's and have had only 7 divisional titles and 1 wild card appearance in minors as their highest accomplishment.
#31-Sacramento Screaming Eagles-(39 pts)With 1 divisional title and 4 ML total appearances, Sacramento has also blundered in the minor leagues, but is tied for 24th in ML rankings,to have a bright side if there is one.The Screaming Eagles have 5 minor league div titles with 15 appearances in playoffs in minor leagues.
#29(tied)-Baltimore Mets-(43 pts)Baltimore ranks 18th in ML's with 3 division titles and 6 total playoff appearances but their minors have failed them in getting them props for the Whitehouse ratings.1 league championship and 8 division titles in minors.pitnickd is an original owner.
#29(tied)-New York Juicers-(43 pts)The Juicers came in 12th in ML ratings, but like Baltimore dont put much thought into minor league accomplishments,which hurts in these rankings. 2 league championships and 7 divisional titles which make up all their ML playoff appearances is impressive.Though,their minors has failed to produce but 1 world series,1 1 league championship and 1 div title and has had 13 playoff appearances in the minors.
#28-Salt Lake(44 pts)-This franchise, although, has had success with 6 divisional titles and 2 League Championships in the Bigs for a #7 ranking,they have been horrid in the minors with a measely 3 minor league division titles and 12 playoff appearances in all minor league levels over 17 seasons.
#27-Oklahoma City Outlaws-(49 pts)With 2 division titles,their only ML appearances, does rank them 22nd in the bigs.But a dismal minor league system with 10 total division titles,1 league championship(that they did make count), and 1 world series in 16 appearances just doesn't help them in these polls.
#26-Ottawa Rough Riders-(53 pts)Ottawa has 9 ML playoff appearances,1 league championship and 1 division title which ties them for 14th at big league level their minor league has failed to fire.20 minor league playoff appearances have brought them home just 1 league championship with 8 titles which ranked them 26th in minor league ratings.They do play in a division with mighty Tacoma but there are no excuses in baseball.
#25-Tampa Bay Sun-(67 pts)They rank 23rd in ML's with 2 division titles and those were their only appearnces.In minors have had 30 playoff appearances,9 div titles,3 league championships and 1 world series team but i see a brighter future with the Sun with thompkinsaj at the helm.
#24-Madison Cheeseheads-(71 pts)Madison was 27th in ML ratings with 1 div title and 2 appearances but picked it up in the minors a bit.They had 20 appearances,15 by div titleway,3 LCS's and the first of our teams unveiled to have 2 World Series rings.
#23-Durham Bulls-(85 pts)Durham has some nice ML ball teams and are ranked 8th with 9 playoff apearances,7 of them by div title, and had 1 LCS.The 24th ranking in minors was the stinker for Durham,they have had 30 minor league playoff appearances with just 1 LCS and 13 div titles to their belt.
#22-Indianapolis Lancers-(97 pts)The mighty Lancers of the major leagues are ranked #2 in pro rankings with 71 pts.They have been in playoffs 15 of 17 seasons with 4 world series rings all via their 4 and only LCS's(they make it count, they are 4-0 in world series when they make it there)also adding 14 div titles out of the 17 yrs.Very Impressive!!! Their minors....arent so hot!They are ranked the 28th worst minor league organization.They only have 10 playoff appearances with 8 div titles in 85 opportunities....with no minor league banners!danman is original owner along with world commissioner!
#21-Colorado Moonshots-(101 pts)They rank 25th in bigs with 4 playoff appearances and 1 div title.a 16th ranking gives them a boost in minors with 24 appearances,20 of them by division titleway.They have 6 minor league LCS's and the first of our teams to have 3 World Series banners from the minors.
#20-Las Vegas Rounders-(102 pts)Edging Colorado out by one point is Las vegas.3 div titles helped pull them away and 5 total tickets punched in october ranked them 19th in big league play.32 appearance via 26 div titles helped get them to 1 LCS in which they won their one and only WS title in the minor leagues.
#19-Milwaukee Brewers-(103pts)Another 1 point victory in the rankings.A 27th ML ranking didnt help with 1 div title and only 2 playoff appearances.They picked it up in the minor leagues(14th) with 40 big banging appearances,15 by div title,with 7 big LCS AND 2 WS banners hanging in Miller park...these awards all brought to you by kainvb, an original owner.
#18-Mexico City Charros-(104 pts)Once again a tight race won by 1 point.Mexico City has been to 7 playoffs 2 by the way of div titles and won 1 LCS but lost in their only chance at a Championship which ties them for 15th on the big league scale.Minor leagues they ranked 19th with 32 appearances,19 div titles ,4 LCS'S and 2 WS
#16-Iowa City Moonlight Graham's-(107 pts)The Moonlight Graham's are interesting they have 0 div titles but have 2 appearances in which one they won the LCS and world series which ranks them 20 in ML rankings.Minor leagues they rank 15th by 33 appearances 29 by div title, 1 LCS and world series.
#15-Florida Jack A$$es-(117pts) Florida ranks 6th in ML's.They have been to playoffs 10 times 8 by div titles.And have also won a LCS and have a WS ring!Minors,The jack a$$es look like exactly that they fall of to 20th.32 appearances, 21 div titles,2LCS's and 1 minor league world series banner.
Didn't see your team , you were lucky enough to make it to the top 15 coming soon.....
#32-Charleston Vampires-(23 pts)Have only made it to the ML playoffs once,which tied them for a 30 rank in ML's and have had only 7 divisional titles and 1 wild card appearance in minors as their highest accomplishment.
#31-Sacramento Screaming Eagles-(39 pts)With 1 divisional title and 4 ML total appearances, Sacramento has also blundered in the minor leagues, but is tied for 24th in ML rankings,to have a bright side if there is one.The Screaming Eagles have 5 minor league div titles with 15 appearances in playoffs in minor leagues.
#29(tied)-Baltimore Mets-(43 pts)Baltimore ranks 18th in ML's with 3 division titles and 6 total playoff appearances but their minors have failed them in getting them props for the Whitehouse ratings.1 league championship and 8 division titles in minors.pitnickd is an original owner.
#29(tied)-New York Juicers-(43 pts)The Juicers came in 12th in ML ratings, but like Baltimore dont put much thought into minor league accomplishments,which hurts in these rankings. 2 league championships and 7 divisional titles which make up all their ML playoff appearances is impressive.Though,their minors has failed to produce but 1 world series,1 1 league championship and 1 div title and has had 13 playoff appearances in the minors.
#28-Salt Lake(44 pts)-This franchise, although, has had success with 6 divisional titles and 2 League Championships in the Bigs for a #7 ranking,they have been horrid in the minors with a measely 3 minor league division titles and 12 playoff appearances in all minor league levels over 17 seasons.
#27-Oklahoma City Outlaws-(49 pts)With 2 division titles,their only ML appearances, does rank them 22nd in the bigs.But a dismal minor league system with 10 total division titles,1 league championship(that they did make count), and 1 world series in 16 appearances just doesn't help them in these polls.
#26-Ottawa Rough Riders-(53 pts)Ottawa has 9 ML playoff appearances,1 league championship and 1 division title which ties them for 14th at big league level their minor league has failed to fire.20 minor league playoff appearances have brought them home just 1 league championship with 8 titles which ranked them 26th in minor league ratings.They do play in a division with mighty Tacoma but there are no excuses in baseball.
#25-Tampa Bay Sun-(67 pts)They rank 23rd in ML's with 2 division titles and those were their only appearnces.In minors have had 30 playoff appearances,9 div titles,3 league championships and 1 world series team but i see a brighter future with the Sun with thompkinsaj at the helm.
#24-Madison Cheeseheads-(71 pts)Madison was 27th in ML ratings with 1 div title and 2 appearances but picked it up in the minors a bit.They had 20 appearances,15 by div titleway,3 LCS's and the first of our teams unveiled to have 2 World Series rings.
#23-Durham Bulls-(85 pts)Durham has some nice ML ball teams and are ranked 8th with 9 playoff apearances,7 of them by div title, and had 1 LCS.The 24th ranking in minors was the stinker for Durham,they have had 30 minor league playoff appearances with just 1 LCS and 13 div titles to their belt.
#22-Indianapolis Lancers-(97 pts)The mighty Lancers of the major leagues are ranked #2 in pro rankings with 71 pts.They have been in playoffs 15 of 17 seasons with 4 world series rings all via their 4 and only LCS's(they make it count, they are 4-0 in world series when they make it there)also adding 14 div titles out of the 17 yrs.Very Impressive!!! Their minors....arent so hot!They are ranked the 28th worst minor league organization.They only have 10 playoff appearances with 8 div titles in 85 opportunities....with no minor league banners!danman is original owner along with world commissioner!
#21-Colorado Moonshots-(101 pts)They rank 25th in bigs with 4 playoff appearances and 1 div title.a 16th ranking gives them a boost in minors with 24 appearances,20 of them by division titleway.They have 6 minor league LCS's and the first of our teams to have 3 World Series banners from the minors.
#20-Las Vegas Rounders-(102 pts)Edging Colorado out by one point is Las vegas.3 div titles helped pull them away and 5 total tickets punched in october ranked them 19th in big league play.32 appearance via 26 div titles helped get them to 1 LCS in which they won their one and only WS title in the minor leagues.
#19-Milwaukee Brewers-(103pts)Another 1 point victory in the rankings.A 27th ML ranking didnt help with 1 div title and only 2 playoff appearances.They picked it up in the minor leagues(14th) with 40 big banging appearances,15 by div title,with 7 big LCS AND 2 WS banners hanging in Miller park...these awards all brought to you by kainvb, an original owner.
#18-Mexico City Charros-(104 pts)Once again a tight race won by 1 point.Mexico City has been to 7 playoffs 2 by the way of div titles and won 1 LCS but lost in their only chance at a Championship which ties them for 15th on the big league scale.Minor leagues they ranked 19th with 32 appearances,19 div titles ,4 LCS'S and 2 WS
#16-Iowa City Moonlight Graham's-(107 pts)The Moonlight Graham's are interesting they have 0 div titles but have 2 appearances in which one they won the LCS and world series which ranks them 20 in ML rankings.Minor leagues they rank 15th by 33 appearances 29 by div title, 1 LCS and world series.
#15-Florida Jack A$$es-(117pts) Florida ranks 6th in ML's.They have been to playoffs 10 times 8 by div titles.And have also won a LCS and have a WS ring!Minors,The jack a$$es look like exactly that they fall of to 20th.32 appearances, 21 div titles,2LCS's and 1 minor league world series banner.
Didn't see your team , you were lucky enough to make it to the top 15 coming soon.....
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
AL North Season 18 Preview
Scranton Red Barons
Key additions: Stevie Reed, Luther Broome, Louis Gibson, Harry Mateo
Key losses: Eddie Marshall, Tex Parnell, Clem Smith, Fred Lieberthal
Although this franchise won 87 or more games each of the past 3 seasons, they missed the playoffs each year, and new owner pgburner realized some moves were necessary to push them over the hump and land their first playoff berth since season 14. Gibson and Mateo were signed to small 1-year contracts to provide an offensive burst, and newly promoted Phil Hampton should provide some pop from a corner outfield position. The starting rotation looks pretty solid, but the bullpen will probably need more help than just newly signed Reed and Broome. Prediction: 95-67
New York Juicers
Key additions: David Ontiveros
Key losses: Gabe Douglass, Hector Beltran, Erubiel Martin, Ismael Santiago
The Juicers underwent a tumultuous off-season that could cause them to lose their 6-season hold on 1st place in the notoriously tough AL North. The biggest loss was 2-time MVP Beltran, who left to sign a 5-year, $102 million contract with Colorado Springs. The bats of Martin and Santiago will also be missed, but Ontiveras, acquired in a trade with Salt Lake City, will greatly help the lessen the blow. Along with Emmanuel Machado and on-base machine Hideo Hujimoto, this offense still has the capability to put up lots of runs. And the 1-2 punch of Raymond Buckley and Daisuke Kimura will probably keep the Juicers in playoff contention all season. Prediction: 94-68
Cincinnati Red Stockings
Key additions: None
Key losses: Matty Oliva
Not much changed over the off-season for the Red Stockings, who look to return to the playoffs after a first round exit last year. There's no doubt that the offense will be solid, led by Tony Shannon and Mack Webster. The real question is whether the pitching staff will repeat its performance last season, when SP's Tomas Alomar, Ken Gehrig, and Tuck Sweeney all posted 16 or more wins and ERA's of 3.45 or below. My guess is the staff will take a step back this season. Prediction: 86-76.
Milwaukee Brewers
Key additions: Eugene Nicholson, Luis Nieves, Vladimir Bautista, Stuart Kirkland
Key losses: Darrel Young, Bret Gagne, Jimmie Morales
Last season, the Brewers won 88 games...and finished in dead last in the division. Their off-season plan appeared to be replacing departing old pitching with some fresh old pitching from the free agent market. However, their pitching staff appears to be stronger than last season's staff, provided injuries and aging don't strike too hard. The offense is once again led by Bosco Hyers and a solid, but not spectacular, supporting cast including Adam Gagne and Albert Lugo. The season likely depends upon incoming SP Nicholson's ability to stay healthy. Prediction: 84-78
Key additions: Stevie Reed, Luther Broome, Louis Gibson, Harry Mateo
Key losses: Eddie Marshall, Tex Parnell, Clem Smith, Fred Lieberthal
Although this franchise won 87 or more games each of the past 3 seasons, they missed the playoffs each year, and new owner pgburner realized some moves were necessary to push them over the hump and land their first playoff berth since season 14. Gibson and Mateo were signed to small 1-year contracts to provide an offensive burst, and newly promoted Phil Hampton should provide some pop from a corner outfield position. The starting rotation looks pretty solid, but the bullpen will probably need more help than just newly signed Reed and Broome. Prediction: 95-67
New York Juicers
Key additions: David Ontiveros
Key losses: Gabe Douglass, Hector Beltran, Erubiel Martin, Ismael Santiago
The Juicers underwent a tumultuous off-season that could cause them to lose their 6-season hold on 1st place in the notoriously tough AL North. The biggest loss was 2-time MVP Beltran, who left to sign a 5-year, $102 million contract with Colorado Springs. The bats of Martin and Santiago will also be missed, but Ontiveras, acquired in a trade with Salt Lake City, will greatly help the lessen the blow. Along with Emmanuel Machado and on-base machine Hideo Hujimoto, this offense still has the capability to put up lots of runs. And the 1-2 punch of Raymond Buckley and Daisuke Kimura will probably keep the Juicers in playoff contention all season. Prediction: 94-68
Cincinnati Red Stockings
Key additions: None
Key losses: Matty Oliva
Not much changed over the off-season for the Red Stockings, who look to return to the playoffs after a first round exit last year. There's no doubt that the offense will be solid, led by Tony Shannon and Mack Webster. The real question is whether the pitching staff will repeat its performance last season, when SP's Tomas Alomar, Ken Gehrig, and Tuck Sweeney all posted 16 or more wins and ERA's of 3.45 or below. My guess is the staff will take a step back this season. Prediction: 86-76.
Milwaukee Brewers
Key additions: Eugene Nicholson, Luis Nieves, Vladimir Bautista, Stuart Kirkland
Key losses: Darrel Young, Bret Gagne, Jimmie Morales
Last season, the Brewers won 88 games...and finished in dead last in the division. Their off-season plan appeared to be replacing departing old pitching with some fresh old pitching from the free agent market. However, their pitching staff appears to be stronger than last season's staff, provided injuries and aging don't strike too hard. The offense is once again led by Bosco Hyers and a solid, but not spectacular, supporting cast including Adam Gagne and Albert Lugo. The season likely depends upon incoming SP Nicholson's ability to stay healthy. Prediction: 84-78
NL North Season 18 Preview
Ottawa Rough Riders
Key additions: Jay Hughes
Key losses: Carlos Fernandez, Lonny Aguilar, Neil O'Neil
The Rough Riders have done a real nice job staying competitive with a small payroll in recent seasons, and this season should be no different. With a payroll under $50 million and no huge losses following a 93-win season, the Rough Riders look to compete for the division title once again this year. The offense is led by former ROY winner John Murata and fellow young slugger Sawyer Delmonico, and the rotation, though it features no true ace, is solid and should keep the team in games enough for the offense to push the Rough Riders to the playoffs. Prediction: 90-72.
Tacoma Mountain Men
Key additions: Buddy Cepeda
Key losses: Jimmy Springer, Tomas Concepcion, Vladimir Bautista, Donne Higginson, Jamie Risley, Peter Chong
After 17 years of unmatched success, including 8 (eight!) World Series titles, including one last season, it might finally be time for Tacoma (formerly the Rochester Big and Tall juggernaut) to return to the pack. Although a lot of talent was lost during the offseason, the Mountain Men still boast a strong starting rotation led by Robert Walton, and a few good middle-of-the-lineup bats, led by Benito Perez. They aren't my pick to repeat, but I think they have a chance at making the playoffs despite all the off-season losses. Prediction: 87-75.
New York Stink Palmers
Key additions: None
Key losses: Dennys Hayes
We've all heard a lot about New York's rebuilding plan, and now it's time to see if there are going to be results. The offense is led by Ben Bickerton and young Javier Santana, and the pitching staff is led by Mark Cox. Owner joshcarolina obviously feels he has enough young talent on this franchise to make a run at the playoffs this season, but a weak starting rotation and a mediocre offense will probably lead to a finish in the bottom half of the division. Prediction: 74-88.
Madison Cheeseheads
Key additions: Carlos Fernandez, Freddy Dixon, Michael Lee, Neil O'Neil, Eddie Marshall
Key losses: Charles Suzuki, Grant Kapler
After a disappointing 89-loss campaign last season, the Cheeseheads set out to improve their pitching through free agency, and they did just that, inking SP's Dixon and Marshall and RP's Fernandez and Lee. However, without a true ace atop the rotation or top-notch slugger in the middle of the lineup, the Cheeseheads will probably disappoint this season as well. Prediction: 73-89.
Key additions: Jay Hughes
Key losses: Carlos Fernandez, Lonny Aguilar, Neil O'Neil
The Rough Riders have done a real nice job staying competitive with a small payroll in recent seasons, and this season should be no different. With a payroll under $50 million and no huge losses following a 93-win season, the Rough Riders look to compete for the division title once again this year. The offense is led by former ROY winner John Murata and fellow young slugger Sawyer Delmonico, and the rotation, though it features no true ace, is solid and should keep the team in games enough for the offense to push the Rough Riders to the playoffs. Prediction: 90-72.
Tacoma Mountain Men
Key additions: Buddy Cepeda
Key losses: Jimmy Springer, Tomas Concepcion, Vladimir Bautista, Donne Higginson, Jamie Risley, Peter Chong
After 17 years of unmatched success, including 8 (eight!) World Series titles, including one last season, it might finally be time for Tacoma (formerly the Rochester Big and Tall juggernaut) to return to the pack. Although a lot of talent was lost during the offseason, the Mountain Men still boast a strong starting rotation led by Robert Walton, and a few good middle-of-the-lineup bats, led by Benito Perez. They aren't my pick to repeat, but I think they have a chance at making the playoffs despite all the off-season losses. Prediction: 87-75.
New York Stink Palmers
Key additions: None
Key losses: Dennys Hayes
We've all heard a lot about New York's rebuilding plan, and now it's time to see if there are going to be results. The offense is led by Ben Bickerton and young Javier Santana, and the pitching staff is led by Mark Cox. Owner joshcarolina obviously feels he has enough young talent on this franchise to make a run at the playoffs this season, but a weak starting rotation and a mediocre offense will probably lead to a finish in the bottom half of the division. Prediction: 74-88.
Madison Cheeseheads
Key additions: Carlos Fernandez, Freddy Dixon, Michael Lee, Neil O'Neil, Eddie Marshall
Key losses: Charles Suzuki, Grant Kapler
After a disappointing 89-loss campaign last season, the Cheeseheads set out to improve their pitching through free agency, and they did just that, inking SP's Dixon and Marshall and RP's Fernandez and Lee. However, without a true ace atop the rotation or top-notch slugger in the middle of the lineup, the Cheeseheads will probably disappoint this season as well. Prediction: 73-89.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The State Of The New York Stink Palmers
The New York Stink Palmers started a rebuild after a dismal season 13 winning only 71 games and had a diminished minor league system.Their 1st move was to get young players that were one day capable of playing in the major leagues and being an annual playoff team.This provides the hurdle of, by the time these young players make it to bigs the stars or core players of now are rapidly declining so it was apparent to me that those stars of now needed to be moved.which leaves a ML team defenseless.Pitching was a major problem, no one wants to trade with a team that has nothing to offer back in the pitching department since every owner wants a top notch prospect to depart with a good solid pitcher.Position players http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=373755 and http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=373788 were moved along with pitchers http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=350477 and http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=958587 . With these moves arrived setup pitcher http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3041411 and Rookie of the Year candidate http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2806179 who has seen the best offensive production year for a NY2 guy in a decade,along with http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2847768 and http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2281574 to give me a holdover 3rd baseman until a miracle happens and one comes to new york along with a cple other additions.I'm still looking for that guy!
So that left a young bad team after the loss of the last few above average players left from the whole franchise, but had started a decent beggining of young capable players.With the drafting of http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2657307 a year before at number 8 in the draft, before the tear down, and the placement of Javier i was only in need of a left fielder who came along quickly.The rule 5 draft let http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2281557 fall through the cracks and sure up a young outfield along with http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2466741 to give me a #4 or 5 starter.That meant drafting infield,pitching and a nice catcher was all that was left in my rebuild.....besides the wait of them developing.With the next draft http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2847378 fell to the 19th pick and gave me what i wanted at catcher.With the loss of those pricey big leaguers came loss of a budget which allowed me to play in the international market and acquire some pretty good players which included a starting shortstop in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2806201 . Then after learning that http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2466830 was not going to be the Big Bat star believed in New York we made a move to acquire a bat in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1802143 for more contact.About this time another international free agent was picked up to play 2nd base position and fit the age range(which was key for anyone i was looking to acquire) http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1737534 has played well and is molding into a nice ML player. With the addition of utility player http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2416393 my infield was about finished and all that was left to assemble was pitching.
This was the trickiest part of all because who wants to depart with a good pitcher especially a young one,once i realized this, it had to be the draft i had to rely on. http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3041427 was the 1st stop,i needed pitching and with his low accuracy he fell to 8th somehow. In just his 3rd major league start he throws a no-hitter and establishes himself as a threat every time on the mound and still is just in his rookie year.Next draftee was a #6 pick in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3231331 who has already suffered a broken arm but can still be a #3 guy.Then comesalong a #1 draft pick with all the cream not yet risen to the top, http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3501706 makes for a nice #2 and leaves me looking for bullpen help and a starter to complete this long treachorous rebuild.The international market was huge in these 4 yrs, i didnt get everyone i was after but acquired a few nice pitchers in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3184948 , http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3185025 , http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3441615 , and http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3441751 .Add players to the great skills of http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2466757 and by golly i think we have a team! Milledge,Lester,Valentin,Montero/Rollins gives me a 1thru 5 that can give a great chance to win over any starting 5 put against it in 5 years, i believe. With Cox,Hitchcock,Abreu,Alcantara,Fernandez, and Pascual in the bullpen and if closer http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1138475 can hold on for a few yrs with his 96 makeup and remain a solid closer, i believe we have a annual playoff team that may gain back to back world series! These guys will take a few yrs to be fully developed and playing to at full potential but i think it is a promising team that will make some noise in a few seasons.Its not the best team ever assembled but since i started with next to nothing im happy with the 4 season process now i just hope i can afford all these guys contracts when that time comes :)
So that left a young bad team after the loss of the last few above average players left from the whole franchise, but had started a decent beggining of young capable players.With the drafting of http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2657307 a year before at number 8 in the draft, before the tear down, and the placement of Javier i was only in need of a left fielder who came along quickly.The rule 5 draft let http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2281557 fall through the cracks and sure up a young outfield along with http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2466741 to give me a #4 or 5 starter.That meant drafting infield,pitching and a nice catcher was all that was left in my rebuild.....besides the wait of them developing.With the next draft http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2847378 fell to the 19th pick and gave me what i wanted at catcher.With the loss of those pricey big leaguers came loss of a budget which allowed me to play in the international market and acquire some pretty good players which included a starting shortstop in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2806201 . Then after learning that http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2466830 was not going to be the Big Bat star believed in New York we made a move to acquire a bat in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1802143 for more contact.About this time another international free agent was picked up to play 2nd base position and fit the age range(which was key for anyone i was looking to acquire) http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1737534 has played well and is molding into a nice ML player. With the addition of utility player http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2416393 my infield was about finished and all that was left to assemble was pitching.
This was the trickiest part of all because who wants to depart with a good pitcher especially a young one,once i realized this, it had to be the draft i had to rely on. http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3041427 was the 1st stop,i needed pitching and with his low accuracy he fell to 8th somehow. In just his 3rd major league start he throws a no-hitter and establishes himself as a threat every time on the mound and still is just in his rookie year.Next draftee was a #6 pick in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3231331 who has already suffered a broken arm but can still be a #3 guy.Then comesalong a #1 draft pick with all the cream not yet risen to the top, http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3501706 makes for a nice #2 and leaves me looking for bullpen help and a starter to complete this long treachorous rebuild.The international market was huge in these 4 yrs, i didnt get everyone i was after but acquired a few nice pitchers in http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3184948 , http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3185025 , http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3441615 , and http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3441751 .Add players to the great skills of http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2466757 and by golly i think we have a team! Milledge,Lester,Valentin,Montero/Rollins gives me a 1thru 5 that can give a great chance to win over any starting 5 put against it in 5 years, i believe. With Cox,Hitchcock,Abreu,Alcantara,Fernandez, and Pascual in the bullpen and if closer http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1138475 can hold on for a few yrs with his 96 makeup and remain a solid closer, i believe we have a annual playoff team that may gain back to back world series! These guys will take a few yrs to be fully developed and playing to at full potential but i think it is a promising team that will make some noise in a few seasons.Its not the best team ever assembled but since i started with next to nothing im happy with the 4 season process now i just hope i can afford all these guys contracts when that time comes :)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Record Update Pt 2
Now that we have the offense out of the way, lets talk pitching.Curt Schilling(PHI),Jimmy Springer(TAC),and Al Carreras(STL) have always been huge name pitchers in this league and have owned many records between them.One record that i dont see being broken by anyone other than these guys is complete games,with the new AI and changes made to whatif these guys are the top dogs probably for life!To give these guys some credibility i am going to list a few record facts to support them.Out of the 3 Springer leads win % by a large chunk and neither of the other 2 are in the top 5,Schilling holds the strikeout title and i dont think any of the other 2 will catch him,Carreras and Schilling are tied for shutouts in their career,and Carreras has a 6 win lead over schilling245-239 for the win's record.a 33 yr old David Lugo(IND) is not far behind them with 194,so it will be interesting to see if danman can get him wins to put him in contention for the record.There is another good pitcher in the world that deserves some recognition named Robert Hinchcliffe from the Salem City Slickers that owns some records.He recently passed Schilling in games started but has thrown 305 less innings than Schilling and is behind leader Carl Blalock(176) by 2 in most losses followed by Pedro Johnson(172)(NAS) and a young Joshua Womack(149) at 32 yrs old in Baltimore.Some players are stuck on bad teams with no offense but these guys show up without injuries for a great chunk of the time and i felt they Hinchcliffe deserved the recognition.
The save record is owned by Benji Banks at 441 and has a crop of young pitchers coming for his record.Rafeal Tatis(NYJ) is 6 yrs younger and is already at 396 ,followed byVin Estrada(OTT)32 yrs old and 345 saves and then Davey Sosa(FLA) at 325 and 31 yrs old.Save percentage is lead by Davey Sosa in a extremely close race with Hector Kierschnick (PHIL) and then Rafeal Tatis.Tony De La Vega(BAL)leads the world in OAV followed by Ed Owen ,another up and comer from St. Louis.De La Vega also is tied for 1st at the moment for K's through 9.A couple other players making a push at he K/9 is another Baltimore player named Chance Rivera and a 29 yr old Graeme Hinch from Seattle Emeralds.Also we have a new ERA leader for the time being in Joe DiFelice(STL) who recently overtook it from Jimmy Springer.
Here are a couple fun facts i noticed.Schilling leads league with 51,381 pitches thrown 3,500 more than Robert Hinchcliffe(who is 3rd). 9 more wild pitches from Eddie Bryant and we have a new wild pitch leader.and the 4th and 5th worst OAV pitchers ever in the world still found homes in Salem(Marshall Cox) and Vancouver(Troy Downs) not being harsh i had Cox, but just found it interesting they have homes!
The save record is owned by Benji Banks at 441 and has a crop of young pitchers coming for his record.Rafeal Tatis(NYJ) is 6 yrs younger and is already at 396 ,followed byVin Estrada(OTT)32 yrs old and 345 saves and then Davey Sosa(FLA) at 325 and 31 yrs old.Save percentage is lead by Davey Sosa in a extremely close race with Hector Kierschnick (PHIL) and then Rafeal Tatis.Tony De La Vega(BAL)leads the world in OAV followed by Ed Owen ,another up and comer from St. Louis.De La Vega also is tied for 1st at the moment for K's through 9.A couple other players making a push at he K/9 is another Baltimore player named Chance Rivera and a 29 yr old Graeme Hinch from Seattle Emeralds.Also we have a new ERA leader for the time being in Joe DiFelice(STL) who recently overtook it from Jimmy Springer.
Here are a couple fun facts i noticed.Schilling leads league with 51,381 pitches thrown 3,500 more than Robert Hinchcliffe(who is 3rd). 9 more wild pitches from Eddie Bryant and we have a new wild pitch leader.and the 4th and 5th worst OAV pitchers ever in the world still found homes in Salem(Marshall Cox) and Vancouver(Troy Downs) not being harsh i had Cox, but just found it interesting they have homes!
The Career Records Outlook Pt1
First lets talk offense,the world as we know it has been ruled by Rudy Aldridge(IND) but all that is changing.Dont get me wrong,Aldridge still leads the world in HR's and has a 117 HR lead on the young 33 yr old Karim Martin from Durham,but for how long?Is Perez the new King of Alexander?Not so fast Aldridge still has a 562 runs created lead over Martin which is huge and has a slim 35 RBI lead. Although Martin has scored more runs than "Rudy the Great" not sure if he has earned to be crowned The King!
Gary(The Stank) Stankiewick(IND) has put up some offense himself at 36.He has recently taken the lead in games played from Wally Crespo(Karim Martin is only 100 back at 33)to prove he is an ironman and ready for every game.He also has taken the hits record away from Rudy Aldridge and also owns the runs scored and plate appearances record(by 921 appearances).Martin is only 176 runs scored behind "Stank" in runs scored, so is this is a premature assumption about Martin?Only time will tell but i will miss the greatness and awesomness of Rudy Aldridge,who wowed us all with his power!
A few other records are out there in jeopardy or already been taken over that also need mentioning.The career OBP owned by Aldridge is being threatened by Helena Loggers,Adam Gagne its a close .468-.459. Aldridge has a firm grip on the INT walks also at 228 but a young powerful Jorge Park in Colorado is only 29 and has 105 and will threaten the most feared batter in history for his title.There has been a plethera of young speedy players moving up the stolen base rank and Benito Perez looks to be the next Rickey Henderson at the young age of 30 he has swiped 605 bases which leads his closest competitor(Larry Richard-Burlington Bay Bogarts) by 85 and they are the same age.The retired Hector Sterns still holds the triple's record at 150 but Karim Martin is 33 and closing at 117 after just passing "The Stank" whos stuck at 113! On a lighter note the beanbag award has been taken over by Edwin Parker from Oakland,how much longer can this 37 yr old take pitches for the team?
Gary(The Stank) Stankiewick(IND) has put up some offense himself at 36.He has recently taken the lead in games played from Wally Crespo(Karim Martin is only 100 back at 33)to prove he is an ironman and ready for every game.He also has taken the hits record away from Rudy Aldridge and also owns the runs scored and plate appearances record(by 921 appearances).Martin is only 176 runs scored behind "Stank" in runs scored, so is this is a premature assumption about Martin?Only time will tell but i will miss the greatness and awesomness of Rudy Aldridge,who wowed us all with his power!
A few other records are out there in jeopardy or already been taken over that also need mentioning.The career OBP owned by Aldridge is being threatened by Helena Loggers,Adam Gagne its a close .468-.459. Aldridge has a firm grip on the INT walks also at 228 but a young powerful Jorge Park in Colorado is only 29 and has 105 and will threaten the most feared batter in history for his title.There has been a plethera of young speedy players moving up the stolen base rank and Benito Perez looks to be the next Rickey Henderson at the young age of 30 he has swiped 605 bases which leads his closest competitor(Larry Richard-Burlington Bay Bogarts) by 85 and they are the same age.The retired Hector Sterns still holds the triple's record at 150 but Karim Martin is 33 and closing at 117 after just passing "The Stank" whos stuck at 113! On a lighter note the beanbag award has been taken over by Edwin Parker from Oakland,how much longer can this 37 yr old take pitches for the team?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Franchise Wins Through Season 15
- Rochester/Tacoma - 1611 (107 per season, .663 W%)
- Indianapolis - 1482 (99, .610)
- Pawtucket/New Britain/Washington D.C. - 1416 (94, .583)
- New York (NL) - 1402 (93, .577)
- (T-5) Colorado Springs - 1374 (92, .565)
- (T-5) Anaheim/Honolulu/Seattle - 1374 (92, .565)
- Montgomery/San Antonio/Kansas City/El Paso - 1368 (91, .563)
- St. Louis - 1327 (88, .546)
- New Britain/Ottawa - 1323 (88, .544)
- Kansas City/Durham - 1309 (87, .539)
- Albaquerque/Oklahoma City/Las Vegas/Vancouver/Salem - 1288
- Augusta - 1272 (85, .523)
- Toronto/Fargo/Buffalo/Syracuse/Boise/Minnesota/Cincinnati - 1260 (84, .519)
- Baltimore - 1256 (84, .517)
- Texas/Tampa Bay - 1237 (82, .509)
- Montreal/Pawtucket/Philadelphia - 1194 (80, .491)
- Nashville/Louisville/Richmond/Mexico City/Nashville - 1192 (79, .491)
- San Diego/San Juan/Helena - 1170 (78, .481)
- Milwaukee - 1168 (78, .481)
- Louisville/Santa Fe/Atlanta/Memphis/San Juan/San Antonio/Houston - 1143 (76, .470)
- Cleveland/Columbus/Chicago/Philadelphia/Iowa City/Rochester - 1129 (75, .465)
- Charleston/Tampa Bay/San Antonio/Jackson/Mexico City/Jackson/New Orleans - 1111 (74, .457)
- Chicago/Jacksonville/Cleveland - 1110 (74, .457)
- Madison/Scranton/Philadelphia/Madison/New York (AL) - 1106 (74, .455)
- New Orleans/Santa Fe/Charlotte/Wichita/Atlanta - 1105 (74, .455)
- Boise/Arizona/Oakland - 1095 (73, .451)
- Las Vegas/Tacoma/Tucson/Las Vegas/Salem/San Diego/Oklahoma City - 1085 (72, .447)
- San Francisco/Los Angeles/Boise/Arizona/Boise/Anaheim/Las Vegas/Vancouver - 1081 (72, .445)
- Norfolk/Syracuse/Philadelphia/Wichita/Chicago/Burlington - 1067 (71, .439)
- (T-30) Cincinnati/San Juan/Boston/Chicago/Philadelphia/Boston - 1007 (67, .414)
- (T-30) Richmond/Cleveland/Hartford/Trenton/Charleston - 1007 (67, .414)
- Atlanta/Tampa Bay/Nashville/Little Rock/San Antonio/Florida - 972 (65, .400)
Monday, July 20, 2009
HR poll
Here are links to the players and their stats so far:
Rudy Aldridge - ML years 12, HR 709, Age 33
Clay Tanner - 11 ML years, 613 HR, Age 32
Karim Martin - 11 ML years, 556 HRs, Age 30
Rudy Aldridge - ML years 12, HR 709, Age 33
Clay Tanner - 11 ML years, 613 HR, Age 32
Karim Martin - 11 ML years, 556 HRs, Age 30
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Season 12 NL Playoff Races
NL North - It looks like the Rochester Big and Tall will take the division crown again, for the 7th straight year. With 24 games to go, they lead the New York new york by 9 games. However, for the 1st time in recent memory, the Big and Tall will actually have to fight for a 1st-round bye in the playoffs: they lead the Houston Hope by only 5 games in the battle for the 2 seed. The Big and Tall's drop-off from last year (.716 W% to .609) can best be attributed by an underachieving pitching staff, especially former closer Vin Ugueto (3.45 ERA last year, 6.81 this year) and RP Bernie Bonilla (3.16 ERA last year, 5.75 this year). SP's Willie Santiago, Julio Rosa, Gabe Burks, and Jimmy Springer have also all posted ERA's above their career averages.
NL East - The Indianapolis Lancers have clinched the division crown for the 10th straight season, and have the 1 seed pretty much wrapped up as well (18 game lead with 24 to go). Their improvement can be attributed to a couple factors: Rudy Aldridge bounced back from a career-worst year to become an MVP favorite again, and several other hitters are having career years: Orber Estalella, Damaso Moreno, and Eddie Sterns. The 1-2-3 punch of David Lugo, Erick Sweeney, and Sam Stewart has led the pitching staff.
NL South - This is the tightest race of all divisions right now, with the Houston Hope leading the Richmond Revolution by only a game. Luckily, the runner-up will likely end up with a Wild Card spot. The Hope are looking for their 1st ever playoff appearance along with their 1st ever season above .500. Victorzhao has engineered an amazing turnaround from last season, when the Hope finished with almost 90 losses. 1B B.J. Frascatore has been one of the keys to the turnaround. He missed much of last season with a knee injury, but has come back strong (.325 BA, 36 HR). Juan Contreras has kept up his consistent production, and the rest of the lineup contains 5 guys batting between .269 and .317 with 24-37 HR. The bullpen has been rock solid, anchored by closer Davey Espinosa, who spent the last 2 years in AAA after being a highly-touted Rule V selection in season 7.
NL West - This is another division with a close race, as the St. Louis Arch Angels are leading the upstart Oklahoma City Outlaws by only 3 games. The runner-up has a shot at a Wild Card spot, but isn't a shoo-in. The Arch Angels finished with a W% near .600 last year, but are hovering around .550 this season. The drop-off is largely due to a struggling bullpen. Season 12 Fireman of the Year Hector Kieschnick has been unable to match last year's success, and Michael Glass has fallen off after a successful year as setup man last season. The good news for the Arch Angels is the top of their rotation will keep them in any playoff series, with Charles Suzuki and Mo Levrault having fantastic years. The Outlaws have caught almost everyone by surprise. This franchise hasn't had a winning season since season 2, but are poised to break that streak this year. The offense is led by season 10 Rule V pick Geraldo Nieto and Russell Yeager. The Outlaws don't hit for much power, but they find ways to get on base and score runs. The pitching staff is powered by Victor Jacquez, who has bounced back nicely from a 20-loss season in Philadelphia last year, Kyle Foster, and closer Ryan Michaels, who is a perfect 15-for-15 in save opportunities this year.
Wild Card - The NL Wild Card race is one to watch this year, with 5 teams within 5 games of each other, all battling for 2 spots. The Revolution have the top spot right now, and are looking for their 5th consecutive trip to the playoffs. Vin Estrada is 2nd in the world in saves for them, and Chris Myers has continued being a real offensive force. The Baltimore mets are 2 games behind the Revolution and hold the 2nd Wild Card spot right now. They are looking for only their 2nd playoff appearance since season 2. They're once again led by HR machine Clay Tanner and a great 1-2 punch in the rotation in Lance Coleman and Tony De La Vega. New York is only a game behind Baltimore. New York is looking for their 1st playoff appearance since their 6-year streak ended in season 7. A midseason trade that brought Zach Clemens their way has really helped the offense. Their pitching has been pretty mediocre, though Sid Erdos has been a bright spot. The Cleveland Redlegs are only a game behind New York. Edwin Parker, Sherman Nathan, and Brent Morgan will give the Redlegs 3 players with 40 HR, and P.T. Jimenez has been phenomenal this year (league-leading 41 out of 42 saves). Finally, the Outlaws are only a game behind the Redlegs.
NL East - The Indianapolis Lancers have clinched the division crown for the 10th straight season, and have the 1 seed pretty much wrapped up as well (18 game lead with 24 to go). Their improvement can be attributed to a couple factors: Rudy Aldridge bounced back from a career-worst year to become an MVP favorite again, and several other hitters are having career years: Orber Estalella, Damaso Moreno, and Eddie Sterns. The 1-2-3 punch of David Lugo, Erick Sweeney, and Sam Stewart has led the pitching staff.
NL South - This is the tightest race of all divisions right now, with the Houston Hope leading the Richmond Revolution by only a game. Luckily, the runner-up will likely end up with a Wild Card spot. The Hope are looking for their 1st ever playoff appearance along with their 1st ever season above .500. Victorzhao has engineered an amazing turnaround from last season, when the Hope finished with almost 90 losses. 1B B.J. Frascatore has been one of the keys to the turnaround. He missed much of last season with a knee injury, but has come back strong (.325 BA, 36 HR). Juan Contreras has kept up his consistent production, and the rest of the lineup contains 5 guys batting between .269 and .317 with 24-37 HR. The bullpen has been rock solid, anchored by closer Davey Espinosa, who spent the last 2 years in AAA after being a highly-touted Rule V selection in season 7.
NL West - This is another division with a close race, as the St. Louis Arch Angels are leading the upstart Oklahoma City Outlaws by only 3 games. The runner-up has a shot at a Wild Card spot, but isn't a shoo-in. The Arch Angels finished with a W% near .600 last year, but are hovering around .550 this season. The drop-off is largely due to a struggling bullpen. Season 12 Fireman of the Year Hector Kieschnick has been unable to match last year's success, and Michael Glass has fallen off after a successful year as setup man last season. The good news for the Arch Angels is the top of their rotation will keep them in any playoff series, with Charles Suzuki and Mo Levrault having fantastic years. The Outlaws have caught almost everyone by surprise. This franchise hasn't had a winning season since season 2, but are poised to break that streak this year. The offense is led by season 10 Rule V pick Geraldo Nieto and Russell Yeager. The Outlaws don't hit for much power, but they find ways to get on base and score runs. The pitching staff is powered by Victor Jacquez, who has bounced back nicely from a 20-loss season in Philadelphia last year, Kyle Foster, and closer Ryan Michaels, who is a perfect 15-for-15 in save opportunities this year.
Wild Card - The NL Wild Card race is one to watch this year, with 5 teams within 5 games of each other, all battling for 2 spots. The Revolution have the top spot right now, and are looking for their 5th consecutive trip to the playoffs. Vin Estrada is 2nd in the world in saves for them, and Chris Myers has continued being a real offensive force. The Baltimore mets are 2 games behind the Revolution and hold the 2nd Wild Card spot right now. They are looking for only their 2nd playoff appearance since season 2. They're once again led by HR machine Clay Tanner and a great 1-2 punch in the rotation in Lance Coleman and Tony De La Vega. New York is only a game behind Baltimore. New York is looking for their 1st playoff appearance since their 6-year streak ended in season 7. A midseason trade that brought Zach Clemens their way has really helped the offense. Their pitching has been pretty mediocre, though Sid Erdos has been a bright spot. The Cleveland Redlegs are only a game behind New York. Edwin Parker, Sherman Nathan, and Brent Morgan will give the Redlegs 3 players with 40 HR, and P.T. Jimenez has been phenomenal this year (league-leading 41 out of 42 saves). Finally, the Outlaws are only a game behind the Redlegs.
Friday, May 29, 2009
NL West - Midseason update
It's been another crazy season for the doormat division in Alexander. And some interesting surprises along the way to this mid way point.
Oakland Acorns
The Acorns are still finding it difficult to produce wins at the ML level. A 33-50 record one week before the All-Star Break is making this reporter question his ability to predict the future. (84-78 good for 3rd in the West)
The Acorns management has not found the magic formula yet, despite bringing up future star Dicky Robertson. Dickey has struggled in his first 14 games... but not many rookies could handle the pressure fans are placing upon his shoulders. Acorn fans are tired of waiting for a playoff appearance. And rightfully so with underacheivers Harry Silva, Jeff Fischer, Louis Russell, and Eddie Bryant not meeting expectations so far this season. Here's hoping for a much better second half.
St. Louis Arch Angels
The Arch Angels are the model of inconsistency this season. Nothing seems to be coming together the way it should be... and the fans are blaming management for making poor decisions... despite leading the division. Management claims the liberal media is skewing the facts... but it's hard to ignore some facts:
Clay Edwards is having his worst season since he was brought up. And 3/5 of the rotation is struggling to put up wins. Ugueth Montero can't find the groove he was in last season, Joe DiFelice is just recently starting to show signs of being a dominate pitcher again, and Don Darnell is trying to convince the fans that last season wasn't a fluke... he has some work to do.
The bright spots - Augie Dorsey is holding his own as a rookie. Harry Milton is having a career best first half, and looks to be heading to yet another All Star Game. Mo Levrault is continuing to improve every outing on his way to another All Star game. And after last seasons devastating injury, Charles Suzuki has come back very strong this season - and looks to be joing Mo in the All-Star rotation.
Helena Loggers
Helena is disappointing if you look at the standings... but this team will make a charge. They are simply to good not to.
Erubiel Martin has struggled to find his power, but is showing signs of improvement. Howie Ward is having a rookie of the year type season... emerging as a team leader at his age is impressive. He may be the player Helena management looks to to get this team back on track in the 2nd half. Ivan Alfonzo is just awesome... he just craps consistency.
Helena's problem seems to be with the Pitching staff. A team era of 4.96 usually doesn't net many wins. Look for Helena to make some "adjustments" in the second half to try to ignite a spark in this team.
Oklahoma City Outlaws
While it's no surprise to anyone in Oklahoma.... this reporter is shocked, and impressed by the performance of the Outlaws thus far in the season. This roster of overachievers has been incredible. And they have shown no sign of letting up.
The Outlaws are finding ways to win. While no one man is leading the team... a true team effort. The effort is captained by Russell Yeager. Can Russell and his teammates keep finding ways to win in the second half? Oklahomans think so.
It should be an exciting 2nd half in the NL west... many variables are at play.
Oakland Acorns
The Acorns are still finding it difficult to produce wins at the ML level. A 33-50 record one week before the All-Star Break is making this reporter question his ability to predict the future. (84-78 good for 3rd in the West)
The Acorns management has not found the magic formula yet, despite bringing up future star Dicky Robertson. Dickey has struggled in his first 14 games... but not many rookies could handle the pressure fans are placing upon his shoulders. Acorn fans are tired of waiting for a playoff appearance. And rightfully so with underacheivers Harry Silva, Jeff Fischer, Louis Russell, and Eddie Bryant not meeting expectations so far this season. Here's hoping for a much better second half.
St. Louis Arch Angels
The Arch Angels are the model of inconsistency this season. Nothing seems to be coming together the way it should be... and the fans are blaming management for making poor decisions... despite leading the division. Management claims the liberal media is skewing the facts... but it's hard to ignore some facts:
Clay Edwards is having his worst season since he was brought up. And 3/5 of the rotation is struggling to put up wins. Ugueth Montero can't find the groove he was in last season, Joe DiFelice is just recently starting to show signs of being a dominate pitcher again, and Don Darnell is trying to convince the fans that last season wasn't a fluke... he has some work to do.
The bright spots - Augie Dorsey is holding his own as a rookie. Harry Milton is having a career best first half, and looks to be heading to yet another All Star Game. Mo Levrault is continuing to improve every outing on his way to another All Star game. And after last seasons devastating injury, Charles Suzuki has come back very strong this season - and looks to be joing Mo in the All-Star rotation.
Helena Loggers
Helena is disappointing if you look at the standings... but this team will make a charge. They are simply to good not to.
Erubiel Martin has struggled to find his power, but is showing signs of improvement. Howie Ward is having a rookie of the year type season... emerging as a team leader at his age is impressive. He may be the player Helena management looks to to get this team back on track in the 2nd half. Ivan Alfonzo is just awesome... he just craps consistency.
Helena's problem seems to be with the Pitching staff. A team era of 4.96 usually doesn't net many wins. Look for Helena to make some "adjustments" in the second half to try to ignite a spark in this team.
Oklahoma City Outlaws
While it's no surprise to anyone in Oklahoma.... this reporter is shocked, and impressed by the performance of the Outlaws thus far in the season. This roster of overachievers has been incredible. And they have shown no sign of letting up.
The Outlaws are finding ways to win. While no one man is leading the team... a true team effort. The effort is captained by Russell Yeager. Can Russell and his teammates keep finding ways to win in the second half? Oklahomans think so.
It should be an exciting 2nd half in the NL west... many variables are at play.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
NL East Draft Review
Disclaimer: My advanced scouting is at $16 million and my high school and college scouting are at $14 million each, so these might not be 100% accurate.
Boston Red Sox - The Red Sox had the first overall selection in the season 12 draft, and they went with SS Harry Porter. Porter projects as a future All-Star SS, but unfortunately their scouts didn't pick up on future Cy Young winner Jeff Muratore, who would've been a great #1 overall pick. Porter will play passable defense at short, and should post a decent batting average with 20-HR power. He also is a devil on the basepaths and brings all the intangibles with him. The Red Sox got Walker Jodie in the 2nd round with the 48th overall pick. Jodie's control is suspect, and he doesn't have a 2nd out pitch to go with his blazing fastball. He might end up as a back-of-the-rotation starter in a best-case scenario. The Red Sox got Arthur Reed in round 3 with the 80th selection. Reed is passable behind the plate and solid with the bat. Alex Swann and Josh Thompson, the Red Sox's 4th and 5th round picks, project to be platoon players at the big league level. The Red Sox got a solid 1st rounder, and picked up several more players that could help the ML club at some point in the next couple rounds.. Grade: A-
Baltimore mets - The mets chose Sam Adams with the 14th overall pick in round one. Adams will play slightly above average defense at SS while putting up solid numbers at the plate. He won't be a perennial All-Star, but expect to see him make it at least a couple times. The mets didn't have another pick until the 4th round, where they chose Alan Walton. He projects as a bottom-of-the-rotation starter in a best-case scenario, but he doesn't look like he's willing to sign. The mets' only other pick of consequence was Buck Walker, who should be a minor league innings-eater and possibly make it to the show. The mets gave away their 2nd and 3rd round picks when they signed Tony De La Vega and Alex Freeman. With only one selection in the first 3 rounds, the needed to make sure they made it count, and they did. Grade: B+
Cleveland Redlegs - The Redlegs picked CF Shawn Kaufman 21st overall. Kaufman projects to be one of the top defensive CF in the world, and he should get on base a fair amount as well. He struggles driving the ball, but his high contact percentage, solid speed, good eye, and excellent defense makes up for it. Sam Servais was the Redlegs' 2nd round selection. Servais, a switch-hitter, boasts solid power, but can struggle when he bats righty. The Redlegs' 3rd and 5th round picks, Edgard Espinosa and Jacob Nicholson, are fringe ML players. Overall, the Redlegs had a solid draft. Kaufman probably won't be an All-Star but he'll greatly help out on defense, and Servais could hit 20 HR in a platoon role. Both also have solid speed on the basepaths. Grade: B
Indianapolis Lancers - The Lancers started things off by grabbing Kris Alexander with the 31st overall pick. When Alexander arrived at camp, Lancers management was dismayed to find his durability much lower than what the scouts said. This is the 2nd time this has happened recently to the Lancers (Toby Watkins in season 10 was another example). Nevertheless, Alexander could be a long reliever or possibly a 5-inning starter when he makes it to the big leagues. The Lancers chose Jesse Treadway with their supplemental pick, 39th overall. Treadway's bat was too good to pass up, and the Lancers hope he can play 1B in the future, though his range and glove are suspect. The Lancers took Jeff Sele in the 2nd round. Sele is a catcher with a solid bat who might be headed to an AL team, because his work behind the plate leaves something to be desired. Highlights from the rest of the draft include Bip Witt, Miguel Pena, Howie Ponson, and Albert Presley, all of whom face an uphill struggle to make it to the show. Coming into the draft, Lancers management was hoping to draft a pitcher who could make it to the big leagues some day, and Alexander provides that. Plus, Treadway could be a steal if he doesn't hurt the defense too much. Grade: B+
Boston Red Sox - The Red Sox had the first overall selection in the season 12 draft, and they went with SS Harry Porter. Porter projects as a future All-Star SS, but unfortunately their scouts didn't pick up on future Cy Young winner Jeff Muratore, who would've been a great #1 overall pick. Porter will play passable defense at short, and should post a decent batting average with 20-HR power. He also is a devil on the basepaths and brings all the intangibles with him. The Red Sox got Walker Jodie in the 2nd round with the 48th overall pick. Jodie's control is suspect, and he doesn't have a 2nd out pitch to go with his blazing fastball. He might end up as a back-of-the-rotation starter in a best-case scenario. The Red Sox got Arthur Reed in round 3 with the 80th selection. Reed is passable behind the plate and solid with the bat. Alex Swann and Josh Thompson, the Red Sox's 4th and 5th round picks, project to be platoon players at the big league level. The Red Sox got a solid 1st rounder, and picked up several more players that could help the ML club at some point in the next couple rounds.. Grade: A-
Baltimore mets - The mets chose Sam Adams with the 14th overall pick in round one. Adams will play slightly above average defense at SS while putting up solid numbers at the plate. He won't be a perennial All-Star, but expect to see him make it at least a couple times. The mets didn't have another pick until the 4th round, where they chose Alan Walton. He projects as a bottom-of-the-rotation starter in a best-case scenario, but he doesn't look like he's willing to sign. The mets' only other pick of consequence was Buck Walker, who should be a minor league innings-eater and possibly make it to the show. The mets gave away their 2nd and 3rd round picks when they signed Tony De La Vega and Alex Freeman. With only one selection in the first 3 rounds, the needed to make sure they made it count, and they did. Grade: B+
Cleveland Redlegs - The Redlegs picked CF Shawn Kaufman 21st overall. Kaufman projects to be one of the top defensive CF in the world, and he should get on base a fair amount as well. He struggles driving the ball, but his high contact percentage, solid speed, good eye, and excellent defense makes up for it. Sam Servais was the Redlegs' 2nd round selection. Servais, a switch-hitter, boasts solid power, but can struggle when he bats righty. The Redlegs' 3rd and 5th round picks, Edgard Espinosa and Jacob Nicholson, are fringe ML players. Overall, the Redlegs had a solid draft. Kaufman probably won't be an All-Star but he'll greatly help out on defense, and Servais could hit 20 HR in a platoon role. Both also have solid speed on the basepaths. Grade: B
Indianapolis Lancers - The Lancers started things off by grabbing Kris Alexander with the 31st overall pick. When Alexander arrived at camp, Lancers management was dismayed to find his durability much lower than what the scouts said. This is the 2nd time this has happened recently to the Lancers (Toby Watkins in season 10 was another example). Nevertheless, Alexander could be a long reliever or possibly a 5-inning starter when he makes it to the big leagues. The Lancers chose Jesse Treadway with their supplemental pick, 39th overall. Treadway's bat was too good to pass up, and the Lancers hope he can play 1B in the future, though his range and glove are suspect. The Lancers took Jeff Sele in the 2nd round. Sele is a catcher with a solid bat who might be headed to an AL team, because his work behind the plate leaves something to be desired. Highlights from the rest of the draft include Bip Witt, Miguel Pena, Howie Ponson, and Albert Presley, all of whom face an uphill struggle to make it to the show. Coming into the draft, Lancers management was hoping to draft a pitcher who could make it to the big leagues some day, and Alexander provides that. Plus, Treadway could be a steal if he doesn't hurt the defense too much. Grade: B+
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