well, I was half way through the NL North before I realized it was not the east - so here goes on the real east.
Philadelphia Phantoms: 3,2,1,3 - newowner vkhcougars 4,4 -- Philadelphia is in the midst of a rebuild. vhkcougars took over the franchise in season 5 and went directly into rebuild mold. Player payroll is down to 77M and training is now up. The 4 off season trades were all aimed at building the minors and should not impact the ML roster this year with the possible exception of C Cashman at AAA (acquired from the Blue Crabs). However the free agent pitching signing indicate that Philadelphia intends to win more in the coming year than in the past. That being said competing for the division title or a wild card is a feww players off and may require whating for last years and this yars draft and International FAs to mature. Positions with major league caliber or future ML Caliber players are CF, RF, SS, 3B, C and of these CF Tony Chong at 33 may not see the return of Philadelphia to competitive status. AAA has future MLB players at 3B and 2B but no stars and AA iwill not help the parent club. there is much work yet to do. Prediction 4th and 72 wins.
Toledo Chicken Hawks: 4,4,4,4,2,3 - Cladouceur had been slowly moving this team up the standings until a set back in year 6. The player budget has been brought down to 70M as the team puts more effort into scouting and training to improve the on field product. The Chicken Hawks one off season trade sent a journeyman pitcher to the Blue Crabs for a RF prospect with ML potential though not star potential. They did not sign any ML free agents. At the ML level th Infield is ML quality and average on net defense. The Outfield is AAA quality and may be pushed shortly by the players presently at AAA. The position players in the lower minors are limited with only 2 or 3 likely to impact the majors. Pitching is an issue at all levels but the situation in AAA is most critical - the AAA players have the most potential but have control issues. The AAA pitching coach has NO DISCIPLINE. These pitchers need to move back to AA (pitching coach with high discipline) or up to the ML where the pitching and bullpen coaches have average discipline. The future of the Chicken Hawks for the next 2 years may ride on how this is resolved. Unfortunately I can not see the Hawks returning to a winning record without the addition of one or 2 prospects with quality pitches and good control. This should be the focus of any acquisitions. Prediction 3rdT and 74 wins IF there is some improvement in pitching. Otherwise the Hawks may find themselves in 4th.
Boston and Dover to follow in a day or 2
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
AL North Season 7 Preview
Detroit is again the early favorite in the AL North having won this division four of the six seasons, along with two World Series titles in the process. Pawtucket, coming off a wild card season, will be the main competitor- just as they are each year. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Sioux Falls aren't too far behind the front-runners, but both teams will be hard pressed to compete for the division or the wild card in season 7.
Here are the team outlooks with last season's record, followed by projections for season 7 (teams listed in order of last season's finish):
Detroit EliteDetroitDucks
Payroll: $97.4M
(S6: 87-75, 1st place, beat Las Vegas in 1st Round, lost to Vancouver in Div Series; S7: 89-73, 1st place)
Key Additions: SP Peter Dong, 3B Bingo Flynn
Key Losses: 2B Jose Quixote, RP Geoffery Tunkel
The EliteDetroitDucks didn't make any significant changes this off-season and will aim to make a sixth playoff appearance in seven seasons. The addition of Peter Dong adds depth to a pitching staff that had plenty of it already. But while there are several possible starters, nobody has proven to be a true stopper. If Juan Barrios can cut down on the HRs allowed he may become that ace. The closer situation is a huge question mark, as Dwight Mullen will begin the season in that role.
Similar to their pitching, the Ducks' hitting is solid but won't wow you very often. The headliner is young 1B Reagan Basile, fresh off an insane .399 season. Right behind him is big swinging LF Reginald O'Brien.
The bats should give the pitching some fairly consistent run support, but that may not be enough to do much more than last season. The lack of superstars on the hill means Detroit will need at least four reliable pitchers to step up for the starting role. Despite that, the Ducks should be able to hold off Pawtucket this season and earn another division crown.
X-Factor: Detroit is hoping that season 6 acquisition Tony Concepcion can return to his all-star season 5 form. If so, he can provide protection for Basille and O'Brien giving this lineup another big threat.
Pawtucket Paw Paws
Payroll: $78M
(S6: 84-78, 2nd place, lost to Charlotte in 1st Round; S7: 85-77)
Key Additions: SP Hipolito Ordonez, RP Derrick Sauveur
Key Losses: SS/3B Giomar Rivas, SP Olmedo Perez
Ordonez joins a largely unknown rotation. He's a good young pitcher who will benefit from the solid Paw Paw defense that helps lower ERAs. Like Detroit, they have several possible starters but lack any big names. Pawtucket is counting on young Harry Diaz to show the potential that earned him a long-term contract this offseason, and return to a starter's role. The bullpen is filled with veterans who need to do just enough to pass the baton to closer Mitch Jenkins.
Pawtucket's hitters will give some consistent run support, but need to make up for the loss of Rivas with their young talent. All-Star 1B Eric Clifton and power hitting OF Valerio Contreras provide a potent middle of the order, but ultimately the success of this offense may rely on the production of the remaining 2/3 of the lineup.
Dealing Rivas and shopping Contreras screams "rebuilding year", but the Paw Paws still have the manpower to make another playoff run. The question is will they be willing to add an impact player come mid-season if they're in the playoff race. They have the parts right now to win the division, but probably not to make a deep run in the playoffs.
X-Factors: Management is counting on rookie 3B Jolbert Uribe to improve upon his already impressive stint in the bigs last season. They'll need him to help offset the loss of Rivas by adding some punch to the middle of this lineup.
Buffalo Chips
Payroll: $57.8M
(S6: 76-86, 3rd place; S7: 72-90, 4th place)
Key Additions: SP Ken Hafner
Key Losses: DH Pedro Beltre, 3B Benji Dixon
Buffalo may need pitching to carry them if they are to break the string of four straight sub-.500, 3rd place finishes. The Chips young rotation is led by 15-game winners Adam Ramsay and Larry White. If Harry Gandarillas can stay healthy, he'll make this a truly intimidating rotation. Hafner adds depth to a bullpen that has some holes, and with the young offense the relievers will be called upon in many late inning nail-biters.
The Chips' offense will cause Buffalo fans to be cautiously optimistic. They're starting two rookies and three more youngsters with only one year of big league ball, so expecting this lineup to break out this season may not be realistic. But they certainly have the potential to do some damage once they get acclimated to pro ball. After letting most of last season's regulars go, Sockless Joe (Shoeless' great nephew) is selling fans on the hope that they can put it together sooner rather than later. The only proven threat in the lineup is veteran DH Derek Adams. If they can find a way to score consistently, this team will turn some heads.
The season will prove difficult for the Chips to become contenders, as they'll need steady play from many unproven players. If they can keep the core of the pitching staff intact while this young offense develops, the Chips could be a couple moves away from making a deep playoff run. But if Buffalo is out of the race this year and the contenders come-a-calling with some tempting prospects, will they be able to resist? Looks like the young guys may answer that question as the season unfolds.
X-Factor: Leadoff hitter, and SS, Vince Simmons needs to get on base much more than last season to keep some ducks on the pond for the middle of the order. If he can improve on his power numbers from last year, expect to see him move to the 2- or 3-hole to give the lineup more punch.
Sioux Falls Canaries
Payroll: $73.9M
(S6: 71-91, 4th place; S7: 78-84, 3rd place)
Key Additions: LF Bubbles Richard, SP Harry Moya
Key Losses: RP Christopher Spencer
Gaheel is looking to stabilize a franchise that has been plagued by rotating ownership and five last place finishes out of six seasons. The Canaries bring back much of the same pitching staff that allowed the fourth least runs in the AL last season. Alex Bravo will head the rotation in only his second full season in the bigs, and Moya is a great addition to throw in this pitcher-friendly park. Sioux Falls will need last year's tough-luck 15-game loser Bucky Anderson to earn his huge contract by giving 200+ IP. There is a nice mix of veteran and young relievers. After a phenomenal season with 150+ IP coming out of the pen, Bey Hamilton will become the closer with the ability to pitch the eighth and ninth. They'll need to hold any leads this offense can provide.
How did a team with the fourth best pitching finish last in the division? Because Sioux Falls scored more runs than only two other AL teams. Unfortunately for Canaries' fans, not much has changed this off-season. There is speed at the top of the order, starting with one of the best names in the game, 2B Jose Jose, followed by Bruce Wells. Those two should get on, but the lineup lacks power. The big bat belongs to aging veteran DH Johan Faulkner, who needs to forget a disappointing season 6 for this team to succeed. The bench is not very deep, so the reliable vets must stay healthy.
With the Canaries' pitching and defense, they'll be in most games in the late innings. But to make a run at the playoffs, they desperately need some of their young position players to produce. Expect to see plenty of small ball, which Sioux Falls will need to use effectively to improve on a 14-24 record in 1-run games last season. A lot has to align for this team to get to the playoffs as is, so if they're close look to see Gaheel in trade talks looking for someone to drive in runs.
X-Factor: Acquired in the Spencer trade, new LF Bubbles Richard will be counted upon to be a big run producer at the heart of this lineup. As Faulkner ages his power will also slip, but he should still get on base. The table will be set, now Bubbles just needs to come through.
Here are the team outlooks with last season's record, followed by projections for season 7 (teams listed in order of last season's finish):
Detroit EliteDetroitDucks
Payroll: $97.4M
(S6: 87-75, 1st place, beat Las Vegas in 1st Round, lost to Vancouver in Div Series; S7: 89-73, 1st place)
Key Additions: SP Peter Dong, 3B Bingo Flynn
Key Losses: 2B Jose Quixote, RP Geoffery Tunkel
The EliteDetroitDucks didn't make any significant changes this off-season and will aim to make a sixth playoff appearance in seven seasons. The addition of Peter Dong adds depth to a pitching staff that had plenty of it already. But while there are several possible starters, nobody has proven to be a true stopper. If Juan Barrios can cut down on the HRs allowed he may become that ace. The closer situation is a huge question mark, as Dwight Mullen will begin the season in that role.
Similar to their pitching, the Ducks' hitting is solid but won't wow you very often. The headliner is young 1B Reagan Basile, fresh off an insane .399 season. Right behind him is big swinging LF Reginald O'Brien.
The bats should give the pitching some fairly consistent run support, but that may not be enough to do much more than last season. The lack of superstars on the hill means Detroit will need at least four reliable pitchers to step up for the starting role. Despite that, the Ducks should be able to hold off Pawtucket this season and earn another division crown.
X-Factor: Detroit is hoping that season 6 acquisition Tony Concepcion can return to his all-star season 5 form. If so, he can provide protection for Basille and O'Brien giving this lineup another big threat.
Pawtucket Paw Paws
Payroll: $78M
(S6: 84-78, 2nd place, lost to Charlotte in 1st Round; S7: 85-77)
Key Additions: SP Hipolito Ordonez, RP Derrick Sauveur
Key Losses: SS/3B Giomar Rivas, SP Olmedo Perez
Ordonez joins a largely unknown rotation. He's a good young pitcher who will benefit from the solid Paw Paw defense that helps lower ERAs. Like Detroit, they have several possible starters but lack any big names. Pawtucket is counting on young Harry Diaz to show the potential that earned him a long-term contract this offseason, and return to a starter's role. The bullpen is filled with veterans who need to do just enough to pass the baton to closer Mitch Jenkins.
Pawtucket's hitters will give some consistent run support, but need to make up for the loss of Rivas with their young talent. All-Star 1B Eric Clifton and power hitting OF Valerio Contreras provide a potent middle of the order, but ultimately the success of this offense may rely on the production of the remaining 2/3 of the lineup.
Dealing Rivas and shopping Contreras screams "rebuilding year", but the Paw Paws still have the manpower to make another playoff run. The question is will they be willing to add an impact player come mid-season if they're in the playoff race. They have the parts right now to win the division, but probably not to make a deep run in the playoffs.
X-Factors: Management is counting on rookie 3B Jolbert Uribe to improve upon his already impressive stint in the bigs last season. They'll need him to help offset the loss of Rivas by adding some punch to the middle of this lineup.
Buffalo Chips
Payroll: $57.8M
(S6: 76-86, 3rd place; S7: 72-90, 4th place)
Key Additions: SP Ken Hafner
Key Losses: DH Pedro Beltre, 3B Benji Dixon
Buffalo may need pitching to carry them if they are to break the string of four straight sub-.500, 3rd place finishes. The Chips young rotation is led by 15-game winners Adam Ramsay and Larry White. If Harry Gandarillas can stay healthy, he'll make this a truly intimidating rotation. Hafner adds depth to a bullpen that has some holes, and with the young offense the relievers will be called upon in many late inning nail-biters.
The Chips' offense will cause Buffalo fans to be cautiously optimistic. They're starting two rookies and three more youngsters with only one year of big league ball, so expecting this lineup to break out this season may not be realistic. But they certainly have the potential to do some damage once they get acclimated to pro ball. After letting most of last season's regulars go, Sockless Joe (Shoeless' great nephew) is selling fans on the hope that they can put it together sooner rather than later. The only proven threat in the lineup is veteran DH Derek Adams. If they can find a way to score consistently, this team will turn some heads.
The season will prove difficult for the Chips to become contenders, as they'll need steady play from many unproven players. If they can keep the core of the pitching staff intact while this young offense develops, the Chips could be a couple moves away from making a deep playoff run. But if Buffalo is out of the race this year and the contenders come-a-calling with some tempting prospects, will they be able to resist? Looks like the young guys may answer that question as the season unfolds.
X-Factor: Leadoff hitter, and SS, Vince Simmons needs to get on base much more than last season to keep some ducks on the pond for the middle of the order. If he can improve on his power numbers from last year, expect to see him move to the 2- or 3-hole to give the lineup more punch.
Sioux Falls Canaries
Payroll: $73.9M
(S6: 71-91, 4th place; S7: 78-84, 3rd place)
Key Additions: LF Bubbles Richard, SP Harry Moya
Key Losses: RP Christopher Spencer
Gaheel is looking to stabilize a franchise that has been plagued by rotating ownership and five last place finishes out of six seasons. The Canaries bring back much of the same pitching staff that allowed the fourth least runs in the AL last season. Alex Bravo will head the rotation in only his second full season in the bigs, and Moya is a great addition to throw in this pitcher-friendly park. Sioux Falls will need last year's tough-luck 15-game loser Bucky Anderson to earn his huge contract by giving 200+ IP. There is a nice mix of veteran and young relievers. After a phenomenal season with 150+ IP coming out of the pen, Bey Hamilton will become the closer with the ability to pitch the eighth and ninth. They'll need to hold any leads this offense can provide.
How did a team with the fourth best pitching finish last in the division? Because Sioux Falls scored more runs than only two other AL teams. Unfortunately for Canaries' fans, not much has changed this off-season. There is speed at the top of the order, starting with one of the best names in the game, 2B Jose Jose, followed by Bruce Wells. Those two should get on, but the lineup lacks power. The big bat belongs to aging veteran DH Johan Faulkner, who needs to forget a disappointing season 6 for this team to succeed. The bench is not very deep, so the reliable vets must stay healthy.
With the Canaries' pitching and defense, they'll be in most games in the late innings. But to make a run at the playoffs, they desperately need some of their young position players to produce. Expect to see plenty of small ball, which Sioux Falls will need to use effectively to improve on a 14-24 record in 1-run games last season. A lot has to align for this team to get to the playoffs as is, so if they're close look to see Gaheel in trade talks looking for someone to drive in runs.
X-Factor: Acquired in the Spencer trade, new LF Bubbles Richard will be counted upon to be a big run producer at the heart of this lineup. As Faulkner ages his power will also slip, but he should still get on base. The table will be set, now Bubbles just needs to come through.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
NO Quitters history
Founded as a "polite" elite league No Quitters!! has completed 6 seasons
Year 1
As in most leagues preseason year 1 saw the most positioning and repositioning. In the end Boston won the WS defeating the Blue Crabs 4-1. 26 or 32 owners returned for season 2.
Year 2
Year 2 brought a new AL team to the WS. Detroit defeated the Blue Crabs 4-1. Year 2 also saw the appearance and disappearance of "team of 7" an attempt to run a franchise with a different owner at each level. The effort was noteworthy for its dysharmony. 27 of 32 owners returned for yr 3
Year 3
Detroit encores its WS with a 4-3 victory over the Blue Crabs (there is increasing concern that Blue Craps are managed by the Atlanta Braves manager Billy Cox). 28 of 32 owners return for year 4. While the numbers are good a couple of hte teams have had annual ownership changes and increased attention is paid to stability starting in yr 4.
Year 4
The initial aging of the Blue Crabs is apparent in their early exit from the playoffs. This allows the NL to get a new franchise to the world series. Unfortunately the outcome is the same with Charlotte defeating Cheyenne 4-2. Stability is the primary off season issue as 8 teams are replaced, many of them for the 2nd or 3rd time.
Year 5
The Blue Crabs fade continues and they are displaced by Scranton as divison champs. However it is Austin that wins the NLs 1st World Series title with a 4-2 victory over Dover. 27 of 32 owners return. Recruiting for the 5 emply slots is slow as the Commish commits to filling only with experienced owners and staying private.
Year 6
Stability has been established. Charlotte and Cheyenne reprise the year 4 World Series with the same result. 31 of 32 teams return and the 32nd owner is Kcg67 who had won the initial world series. No Quitters rolls to year 7 in less than 24 hours. Hopefully this stability is here to stay.
In total 4 different teams have represented the AL in the WS winning 5 tittles
and 4 different teams have represented the NL winning only 1 WS.
Detroit 2 WS
Charlotte 2 WS
Austin 1 WS
Boston 1 WS
Year 1
As in most leagues preseason year 1 saw the most positioning and repositioning. In the end Boston won the WS defeating the Blue Crabs 4-1. 26 or 32 owners returned for season 2.
Year 2
Year 2 brought a new AL team to the WS. Detroit defeated the Blue Crabs 4-1. Year 2 also saw the appearance and disappearance of "team of 7" an attempt to run a franchise with a different owner at each level. The effort was noteworthy for its dysharmony. 27 of 32 owners returned for yr 3
Year 3
Detroit encores its WS with a 4-3 victory over the Blue Crabs (there is increasing concern that Blue Craps are managed by the Atlanta Braves manager Billy Cox). 28 of 32 owners return for year 4. While the numbers are good a couple of hte teams have had annual ownership changes and increased attention is paid to stability starting in yr 4.
Year 4
The initial aging of the Blue Crabs is apparent in their early exit from the playoffs. This allows the NL to get a new franchise to the world series. Unfortunately the outcome is the same with Charlotte defeating Cheyenne 4-2. Stability is the primary off season issue as 8 teams are replaced, many of them for the 2nd or 3rd time.
Year 5
The Blue Crabs fade continues and they are displaced by Scranton as divison champs. However it is Austin that wins the NLs 1st World Series title with a 4-2 victory over Dover. 27 of 32 owners return. Recruiting for the 5 emply slots is slow as the Commish commits to filling only with experienced owners and staying private.
Year 6
Stability has been established. Charlotte and Cheyenne reprise the year 4 World Series with the same result. 31 of 32 teams return and the 32nd owner is Kcg67 who had won the initial world series. No Quitters rolls to year 7 in less than 24 hours. Hopefully this stability is here to stay.
In total 4 different teams have represented the AL in the WS winning 5 tittles
and 4 different teams have represented the NL winning only 1 WS.
Detroit 2 WS
Charlotte 2 WS
Austin 1 WS
Boston 1 WS
NL East History and Preview
The Scranton Quakers and owner Saffron entire the 7th ear of NO Quitters!! on a role. They have gradually moved up the division standing and have won the divison in yrs 5 and 6. In year 6 the Quakers succumbed in the League Championship series. They have been able to maintain a low player budget with strong budgets in scouting and training. The offseason brought a single trade for a setup reliever and a late free agent signing of another Relief pitcher but otherwise the divison champions stood pat. The Quakers are young, talented, and reliant on pitching. Keeping this club together as salary demands increase will be a challenge.
The Baltimore Blue Crabs roared into No Quitters with 4 straight division titles but have slipped to second in the NL east (and oout of the playoffs) as the team aged and mistakes were made in resigning players. Year 6 was a improvement on year 5 and the Crabs hope for continued improvement in yr 7. The crabs have a mixture of youth and experienced players who play excellant defense, score runs, and usually pitch well. However, they don't play consistent ball and are prone to injuries. Ultimately they will only go as far as their pitching. Two trades brought platoon SS and a long reliever - back up SP to the Crabs and a new CLoser was signed off free agency. Otherwise the team is persuing the title with essentially the same players as year 6, a balance of pitching and hitting that may or may not mesh in year 7. Management has a well stocked minors that could be a source off promotions to the majors or "trade bait" for players that will fit into the "Crabby Way".
The Washington Senators are on their 3rd owner and are coming off and headed for rebuilding years. They hope to score in the draft as they look to the future. No major players were brought in via trades though several veterans departed, as the Senators slashed their player budget. They also passed on most of the free agent market. The Washington fans will need strong stomachs when the Senators are up at bat but the pitching should keep many games close.
Pittsburg reached bottom in year 5 as their owner worked through the nature of HBD. The pitching is young and has potential but the offense needs punch, esp playing half their games in the cavernous Pittsburg park that sucks the bats right out of the hitters hands. Good for your pitchers - bad for your hitters. The owner has settled into a more patient program of development and a couple of quality additions to the day to day line up in the next year of 2 will make the team very competitive.
PredictionsScranton and Baltimore battle to the end of the year - the losser gets a WC birth. Pittsburg stays in 3rd but breaks out of the 100 loss season pattern of the last 3 years. Washington contends for the st pick in the draft.
The Baltimore Blue Crabs roared into No Quitters with 4 straight division titles but have slipped to second in the NL east (and oout of the playoffs) as the team aged and mistakes were made in resigning players. Year 6 was a improvement on year 5 and the Crabs hope for continued improvement in yr 7. The crabs have a mixture of youth and experienced players who play excellant defense, score runs, and usually pitch well. However, they don't play consistent ball and are prone to injuries. Ultimately they will only go as far as their pitching. Two trades brought platoon SS and a long reliever - back up SP to the Crabs and a new CLoser was signed off free agency. Otherwise the team is persuing the title with essentially the same players as year 6, a balance of pitching and hitting that may or may not mesh in year 7. Management has a well stocked minors that could be a source off promotions to the majors or "trade bait" for players that will fit into the "Crabby Way".
The Washington Senators are on their 3rd owner and are coming off and headed for rebuilding years. They hope to score in the draft as they look to the future. No major players were brought in via trades though several veterans departed, as the Senators slashed their player budget. They also passed on most of the free agent market. The Washington fans will need strong stomachs when the Senators are up at bat but the pitching should keep many games close.
Pittsburg reached bottom in year 5 as their owner worked through the nature of HBD. The pitching is young and has potential but the offense needs punch, esp playing half their games in the cavernous Pittsburg park that sucks the bats right out of the hitters hands. Good for your pitchers - bad for your hitters. The owner has settled into a more patient program of development and a couple of quality additions to the day to day line up in the next year of 2 will make the team very competitive.
PredictionsScranton and Baltimore battle to the end of the year - the losser gets a WC birth. Pittsburg stays in 3rd but breaks out of the 100 loss season pattern of the last 3 years. Washington contends for the st pick in the draft.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
HBD- No Quitters
Welcome to the HBD No Quitters blog. To get posting rights send me a sitemail. If you have content you would like to see let me know and you can add it or I will find a way to add it. Welcome to the blog.
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