This was a quiet week at the ML level for injuries with only 1 new 60 day DL and 4 - 5 day DLs
Jeremi Edwards SXF - Edwards career was already winding down. He may have a few good innings left in him when he returns but his chances of landing a contract next year in free agency is slim.
60-Day
3/21/2008 PM2
Stewart Shields RIC - This writer expected Shields injury to be a blow to Richmond, but Shields had seen reduced playing time this season. While he sufferred a ratings hit, the injury should not have a long term impact on the 25y/o's career. If he remains underutilized by Richmond he could become a trade target latter in the season.
15-Day
3/16/2008 PM2
Alvin Hernandez RIC - The power hitting Hernandez was having a good Rookie season but will now be out 21 games. While the hamstring injury has delivered a small hit to his ratings it should not have a long term impact and the 23y/o 1st round pick and budding star should fullfil his potential.
15-Day
Raymond Magadan JAC - The 30 y/o Magadan was enjoying the best year of his mediocore career when his shoulder started acting up. If he is fortunate he will return shortly to the starting lineup and pick up where he left off. If he can stay off the DL (health 61) he may still have a career year. Next year is his 1st in arbitration and he will need a good year to avoid the bread line.
15-Day
3/18/2008 AM
Trevor Bellhorn FLA - The journeyman Bellhorn is holding down a middle relief role in the Florida Pen. His stint on the DL with elbow inflamation should not change his status.
15-Day
3/17/2008 AM
The minor league Report
There were numerous injuries in the minors this week but only the rookie injuries have a long term impact.
Artie Parnell KC - The number 12 pick in the draft Parnell is key to KC's future. A power hitting switch hitter the injury could have a lingering impact on Artie's Health and injury risk. Out for the season it will be interesting to see how he rebounds.
Rookie
60-Day
3/22/2008 AM
Clay Wells OAK - Wells is the 3rd round pick of Oakland and is out for the season with elbow surgery. A control pitcher with a poor health history this early injury may be the 1st of many and keep him out of the lajor leagues
Rookie
60-Day
3/20/2008 PM
Dante Sugawara TOL - The 2nd round pick of Toledo is projected defensive SS. The hamstring injury puts him out for the season. Normally a low injury risk this injury will slow his progress but if he can avoid further injury he should approach his potential
Rookie
60-Day
3/19/2008 PM2
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Major Trade Review
The Charlotte Comets traded Eli Gabriel http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=462485 to the Pawtucket Paw Paw for Chad Ratliff http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1036277 . Gabriel had been riding the pines for the Comets and the chance to play full time should have had Eli hammering the ball but Gabriel's debut with Pawtucket is off to a slow start. In exchange for Gabriel the Comets obtained the services of former st round pick Ratliff. Ratliff is also off to a slow start at AA. However, scouting on Ratliff projects him as a dominant ML power hitter.
Whether Gabriel is enough to push Pawtucket into the playoffs this year is debatable. However, Radcliff will help keep the Comets on top for years. In this writers opinion The Comets will benefit most from this trade.
Please post your assessments of the trade.
In the coming week the owners will gather at the all-star game - look for some major trade activity as teams jockey for playoff position.
Whether Gabriel is enough to push Pawtucket into the playoffs this year is debatable. However, Radcliff will help keep the Comets on top for years. In this writers opinion The Comets will benefit most from this trade.
Please post your assessments of the trade.
In the coming week the owners will gather at the all-star game - look for some major trade activity as teams jockey for playoff position.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Injury Report Sunday March 16
Thee were a slew of major new injuries this week
Adrian Colin LAA - A journeyman working in long relief. Out for much of the season with a career threatening arm fractue
60-Day
3/9/2008 PM
Orlando Owen LV - A major blow to the Outlaws season. Owen had been a solid starter the first part of the season. He should return next year. The Outlaws may be seeking a replacement.
60-Day
3/14/2008 PM2
Daryle Kent LAA - Kent's career has suffered a major setback, but the impact on LAA should be minor. Kent's career projected as a LRA with injury risk - the major injury has come early
60-Day
3/14/2008 AM
Jared Hubbard BAL - One of the reasons Baltimore increased its training and medical budget the last 2 years. Hubbard had been off to a torrid start in his rookie year, but will now be out for 23 games. The Crabs will likely keep him out a little longer.
15 - Day
3/11/2008 PM2
Ralph Roth SXF - About to return from the DL, Roth has been a starter. Will he regain his slot at the end of the order or be headed to the pen for LR
15-Day
3/10/2008 PM
Jerome Harris SF - The starting CF with an excellant health history, Harris' injury was not anticipated. Fortunately for the Sharks there should be no long term impact and Harris should be returning shortly
15-Day
3/10/2008 PM2
Benjamin Kinney TOL - Not technically a rookie, Kinney has spent much of his career in the minors. The injury is a blow to his career and emphasises his injury tendencies. He should return to pre-inury form but whether his starting position will still be available is a question.
15-Day
3/13/2008 PM
Cameron Stewart LV - One of the outlaws studs. A long term injury to Stewart would be a problem. Fortunately for the outlaws this is not a biggie. He should return in 14 days as good as new.
15-Day
3/14/2008 AM
Ahmed King FLA - Out 33 day former Cy Yound winner King is having a tough season. Already not performing to expectations this is the kind of free agent signing that can get a GM in trouble. Fortunately the contract is for only one year. Watch for King on the trade market after the all-star break.
15-Day
3/14/2008 PM2
Rich Stokes SLC - Out 30 days Stokes is another player who had not been pitching to form. Was it due to underlying injury? Will he return to form or is this a lost season? In the 2nd year of a 3 year FA contract Stokes has a year and a half to get his career back on track.
15-Day
3/15/2008 AM
There were no new career threatening injuries to ML prospects at the minor league level
Adrian Colin LAA - A journeyman working in long relief. Out for much of the season with a career threatening arm fractue
60-Day
3/9/2008 PM
Orlando Owen LV - A major blow to the Outlaws season. Owen had been a solid starter the first part of the season. He should return next year. The Outlaws may be seeking a replacement.
60-Day
3/14/2008 PM2
Daryle Kent LAA - Kent's career has suffered a major setback, but the impact on LAA should be minor. Kent's career projected as a LRA with injury risk - the major injury has come early
60-Day
3/14/2008 AM
Jared Hubbard BAL - One of the reasons Baltimore increased its training and medical budget the last 2 years. Hubbard had been off to a torrid start in his rookie year, but will now be out for 23 games. The Crabs will likely keep him out a little longer.
15 - Day
3/11/2008 PM2
Ralph Roth SXF - About to return from the DL, Roth has been a starter. Will he regain his slot at the end of the order or be headed to the pen for LR
15-Day
3/10/2008 PM
Jerome Harris SF - The starting CF with an excellant health history, Harris' injury was not anticipated. Fortunately for the Sharks there should be no long term impact and Harris should be returning shortly
15-Day
3/10/2008 PM2
Benjamin Kinney TOL - Not technically a rookie, Kinney has spent much of his career in the minors. The injury is a blow to his career and emphasises his injury tendencies. He should return to pre-inury form but whether his starting position will still be available is a question.
15-Day
3/13/2008 PM
Cameron Stewart LV - One of the outlaws studs. A long term injury to Stewart would be a problem. Fortunately for the outlaws this is not a biggie. He should return in 14 days as good as new.
15-Day
3/14/2008 AM
Ahmed King FLA - Out 33 day former Cy Yound winner King is having a tough season. Already not performing to expectations this is the kind of free agent signing that can get a GM in trouble. Fortunately the contract is for only one year. Watch for King on the trade market after the all-star break.
15-Day
3/14/2008 PM2
Rich Stokes SLC - Out 30 days Stokes is another player who had not been pitching to form. Was it due to underlying injury? Will he return to form or is this a lost season? In the 2nd year of a 3 year FA contract Stokes has a year and a half to get his career back on track.
15-Day
3/15/2008 AM
There were no new career threatening injuries to ML prospects at the minor league level
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Injury Report Sunday 3/9/2008
Samuel Fetters BUF Fetters career is winding down - the injury will have little impact
15-Day
3/5/2008 PM
3/8/2008 PM2
Back, strain
Archie Simpkins CHY Simpkins is a major piece for the Cowboys - fortunately the long term impact on his career is negligible but missing his bat for 25+/- games further hurts the Cowboys
15-Day
3/8/2008 AM
3/16/2008 PM
Rib cage, strained
Fausto Trajano DOV - A minor player for White Cliffs - no impact
15-Day
3/4/2008 PM2
3/11/2008 PM2
Oblique, strained or stiff
Max Samuel JAC -At 36 and fragile Max's career is nearing an end - he may hang on for the year as a pinch hitter
15-Day
3/7/2008 PM2
3/19/2008 PM
Neck, bulging disk
Tim Relaford JAC should return shortly - no impact on his career
15-Day
3/6/2008 PM2
3/9/2008 PM
Neck, stiff/strain
Brian Daniels ROC - a speedster at 1B the injury does not appear to change his status -
15-Day
3/4/2008 AM
3/11/2008 PM
MCL, strained
Shawn Dickson SXF - a significant injury to a younger but injury prone player - this will have an impact on his future. Another injury may end his career. In the last year of a contract he will be a major risk to sign
15-Day
2/25/2008 PM
3/10/2008 AM
Shoulder, sprained
Francis Young CHA - losing your closer is hard - some loss in effectiveness, but when he returns he should pick up where he left off - in the last year of his contract he will be more of a risk to (re)sign.
60-Day
2/29/2008 AM
3/22/2008 PM2
Rotator cuff, sore
Tony Reynoso CHY - ouch, already an injury risk - the medical/training staff will need to handle with care when he returns
60-Day
3/1/2008 PM
3/31/2008 PM2
Elbow, tendinitis
Victor Donovan CHY double ouch, an expensive loss. And a major loss for Donovan himself in next years free agency. He has the skills to come back at the end of the season but will be less effective. These 2 loses have had a major negative impact on the Cowboys season.
60-Day
2/26/2008 AM
4/7/2008 PM2
Elbow, surgery
Jimmie Gomez SLC - fortunately for Gomez he just signed a long term contract, unfortunately for SLC they own the contract - Gomez is young enough he may rebound from this injury but it will take a year or 2
60-Day
2/16/2008 AM
4/10/2008 PM
Elbow, surgery
Earl Bichette TB - fortunately for Tampa Bichette at 26 should return to form after the injury, the only residual effect may be on his risk of further injury (which was already significant). Tampa had just signed Bichette to a long term contract but their investment may not be impacted long term by this injury.
60-Day
2/28/2008 P
3/25/2008 PM2
Groin, torn muscle
Major Prospect Injuries
Donaldo Fernandez BAL - on the verge of being useful at the ML level as a pine brother/spot starter - recurrent injury issues are a major concern
AAA
60-Day
3/1/2008 AM
3/25/2008 PM2
Ankle, bone bruise
Stephen Graham DOV - projecting to a setup/closer at the ML level this season ending injury will slow his progress
AA
60-Day
2/25/2008 PM2
AM
Elbow, surgery
15-Day
3/5/2008 PM
3/8/2008 PM2
Back, strain
Archie Simpkins CHY Simpkins is a major piece for the Cowboys - fortunately the long term impact on his career is negligible but missing his bat for 25+/- games further hurts the Cowboys
15-Day
3/8/2008 AM
3/16/2008 PM
Rib cage, strained
Fausto Trajano DOV - A minor player for White Cliffs - no impact
15-Day
3/4/2008 PM2
3/11/2008 PM2
Oblique, strained or stiff
Max Samuel JAC -At 36 and fragile Max's career is nearing an end - he may hang on for the year as a pinch hitter
15-Day
3/7/2008 PM2
3/19/2008 PM
Neck, bulging disk
Tim Relaford JAC should return shortly - no impact on his career
15-Day
3/6/2008 PM2
3/9/2008 PM
Neck, stiff/strain
Brian Daniels ROC - a speedster at 1B the injury does not appear to change his status -
15-Day
3/4/2008 AM
3/11/2008 PM
MCL, strained
Shawn Dickson SXF - a significant injury to a younger but injury prone player - this will have an impact on his future. Another injury may end his career. In the last year of a contract he will be a major risk to sign
15-Day
2/25/2008 PM
3/10/2008 AM
Shoulder, sprained
Francis Young CHA - losing your closer is hard - some loss in effectiveness, but when he returns he should pick up where he left off - in the last year of his contract he will be more of a risk to (re)sign.
60-Day
2/29/2008 AM
3/22/2008 PM2
Rotator cuff, sore
Tony Reynoso CHY - ouch, already an injury risk - the medical/training staff will need to handle with care when he returns
60-Day
3/1/2008 PM
3/31/2008 PM2
Elbow, tendinitis
Victor Donovan CHY double ouch, an expensive loss. And a major loss for Donovan himself in next years free agency. He has the skills to come back at the end of the season but will be less effective. These 2 loses have had a major negative impact on the Cowboys season.
60-Day
2/26/2008 AM
4/7/2008 PM2
Elbow, surgery
Jimmie Gomez SLC - fortunately for Gomez he just signed a long term contract, unfortunately for SLC they own the contract - Gomez is young enough he may rebound from this injury but it will take a year or 2
60-Day
2/16/2008 AM
4/10/2008 PM
Elbow, surgery
Earl Bichette TB - fortunately for Tampa Bichette at 26 should return to form after the injury, the only residual effect may be on his risk of further injury (which was already significant). Tampa had just signed Bichette to a long term contract but their investment may not be impacted long term by this injury.
60-Day
2/28/2008 P
3/25/2008 PM2
Groin, torn muscle
Major Prospect Injuries
Donaldo Fernandez BAL - on the verge of being useful at the ML level as a pine brother/spot starter - recurrent injury issues are a major concern
AAA
60-Day
3/1/2008 AM
3/25/2008 PM2
Ankle, bone bruise
Stephen Graham DOV - projecting to a setup/closer at the ML level this season ending injury will slow his progress
AA
60-Day
2/25/2008 PM2
AM
Elbow, surgery
Saturday, March 8, 2008
NL South - Hush Puppy!! Is this party over???
Austin Shiner Bocks - brettm1220 - 30-12 - 2,2,1,1,1,3 - a World Series Ring in year 5 then missing the playoffs - will the real Shiner Bocks please stand up (or did they consume too much of their name sake after the WS and could not stand up). 99M for player salary, 12 coaching, and 17 training does not leave much for scouting and recruiting. The Shiner bocks are playing in the here and now. The ML players on average are young and expensive - and may be getting more so. The Shiner Bocks need to keep them all or keep paying up in the Free Agent market because there is very little in the minors to promote or trade. But for now they are a solid club that appears to have a lock on the NL South. Baring an injury or 3 - then it could get interesting.
Prediction: 1st in the South at 100-62 but not going to the WS.
New Orleans Mardi Gras - bobkordecki - 20-22 - 3,3,2,4,2,1 - 123M in player salary!! and 11M in training & coaching - not much going into the minor league system - New Orleans is living in the here and now in spades. They may also be living in the past. Several quality starters over 30 could use more training than they are getting. They have had significant drops in their abilities. All of them have at least one more year to go on their contract which will compound the issue for New Orleans. A trade to a high training $$ team for a prospect could help both teams involved. If things remain unchanged Mardi Gras will be quickly followed by Ash Wednesday. The fall off in abilities is already resulting in a fall off in team performance. Prediction: 77-85 and out of the playoffs
Tampa Bay Rum Runners - jerichokings - 18-24 - 1,1,3,WC,3,WC - 4 playoffs and no appearances in the league championships - Tampa has been close, but not close enough - 85M but only 11M in training - 20 for prospects - is Tampa in a rebuilding mold?? Doesn't seem right with most of the players under 30. Offense is solid as is the defense (except for catcher) but so far the pitching has been ugly. Losing a #2 starter doesn't help but that was recent and only means that the pitching has gone from bad to worse. When scouting the pitching it seems they should be pitching better - has it been the competition? Is this an "off year". Or is the weakness at catcher showing up in the pitchers performance. Should Jerichoking go after a defensive catcher?? I think Tampa is better than the first quarter has shown - but not good enough to challenge for a division of WC, Prediction: 80-82 and outside looking in.
Jackson Jackelopes - BrianCampos - 16-26 - 4,4,4,3,4,4 - The salary is down from 99M to 60M, training is up from 11M to 19M and scouting is maxed for the draft. BrianCampos is remodeling and building for the future. There are a half a dozen players at the ML level that belong the rest do not and 16-26 is overacheiving. There are a couple of over 30 MLers that could help a challenger that are probably available for a prospect. There is help in the minors but most of it is 2-3 years away. BrianCampos is doing what is necessary but this year is scortched earth - Prediction: 50 - 112
Prediction: 1st in the South at 100-62 but not going to the WS.
New Orleans Mardi Gras - bobkordecki - 20-22 - 3,3,2,4,2,1 - 123M in player salary!! and 11M in training & coaching - not much going into the minor league system - New Orleans is living in the here and now in spades. They may also be living in the past. Several quality starters over 30 could use more training than they are getting. They have had significant drops in their abilities. All of them have at least one more year to go on their contract which will compound the issue for New Orleans. A trade to a high training $$ team for a prospect could help both teams involved. If things remain unchanged Mardi Gras will be quickly followed by Ash Wednesday. The fall off in abilities is already resulting in a fall off in team performance. Prediction: 77-85 and out of the playoffs
Tampa Bay Rum Runners - jerichokings - 18-24 - 1,1,3,WC,3,WC - 4 playoffs and no appearances in the league championships - Tampa has been close, but not close enough - 85M but only 11M in training - 20 for prospects - is Tampa in a rebuilding mold?? Doesn't seem right with most of the players under 30. Offense is solid as is the defense (except for catcher) but so far the pitching has been ugly. Losing a #2 starter doesn't help but that was recent and only means that the pitching has gone from bad to worse. When scouting the pitching it seems they should be pitching better - has it been the competition? Is this an "off year". Or is the weakness at catcher showing up in the pitchers performance. Should Jerichoking go after a defensive catcher?? I think Tampa is better than the first quarter has shown - but not good enough to challenge for a division of WC, Prediction: 80-82 and outside looking in.
Jackson Jackelopes - BrianCampos - 16-26 - 4,4,4,3,4,4 - The salary is down from 99M to 60M, training is up from 11M to 19M and scouting is maxed for the draft. BrianCampos is remodeling and building for the future. There are a half a dozen players at the ML level that belong the rest do not and 16-26 is overacheiving. There are a couple of over 30 MLers that could help a challenger that are probably available for a prospect. There is help in the minors but most of it is 2-3 years away. BrianCampos is doing what is necessary but this year is scortched earth - Prediction: 50 - 112
NL North at the Quarter Pole
PARITY - "a nobel yen, and very restful every now and then"(apologies to Mordred/Camolot), but not very restful for those on a par.
New York Natty Dreads - shakazulu5 - 4,1,WC,3,1,1 - 4 playoffs but no league championships - 95M salary and 15M in Training - Middle tier in offense the Natty Dreads need a bat or two but they are not going to find it in the minors, at least for a year or 2. A couple of the present ML bats might have benefited by a year more in the minors. The Natty Dreads are surviving on pitching, but there is no room for a error, an injury to the #1 or 2 SP will eliminate the Natty Dreads from contention. Does Shakazulu5 mortgage the future by trading off the limited minor league talent to gain the playoffs but another early exit, stand pat and hope for the best, or retrench. Prediction: New York stands pat but misses the playoffs and finishes tied for 2nd/last at 82-80.
Chicago Orphans - New - WC,WC,WC,1,WC,2 - 5 playoffs and no league title appearances - 2nd place will not get a team in this divison to the playoffs, it is going to be win or go home at the end of the season. At 68M and 20 training the Orphans appear to be planning for the future but the future may be now, as the Orphans cornered the player of the week owners this week. The offense is very young and already good - next year they will be very good. The pitching is older and not as accomplished but can get the job done. And there are reserves in the upper minors that can be called up if needed to spell the MLers if injuries occur. This team will be better in the 2nd half of the season than they are now. Prediction - they are THE strong contender for the division title projecting to 94-68 but are a year away from a strong playoff run.
Rochester Genesee - dsmba - 1,WC,1,WC,3,3 - 4 playoffs appearances and no league titles - as previously noted there will not be a WC in this division this year - beat the Orphans or go home. 60M player budget 20M prospects, 18M training - clearly Genesee sees its future in the future, but given the parity in the division could its future be now? The offense is not getting it done and to date dsmba is keeping the future in the minors. The pitching should be better but is being hampered by the defense. The pitching is also older and will be fading in the coming years. This puts dsmba in a tough spot - most of the hitting in the minors needs another year and there is little in the way of arms in the minors. Stand pat and the Orphans run away with the divison in the 2nd half - trade a prospect for a veteran or 2 and take a run at it this year BUT sacrifice some future - and the future in Rochester is not as good as it is in Chicago. Prediction - Genesee stands pat and ties for 2nd/last 82-80
St. Louis Macrobrews - jamier2003 - WC,4,4,4,4,4 - the Macrobrews would be justified in feeling like the doormats of the NL north even though they have been around .500 the last 2 seasons. 70M in player payroll and 18M in training suggest they are on the right track, but are the Orphans and Genesee already ahead of them on this track. There is some quality at the ML level in the positions and the defense is solid. There are bats in the minors but it would be stretching a little to bring them up now. The Orphans have decided to stretch and it may payoff for them, should the Macrobrews do the same? The pitching at the ML level is average and all the pitching in the minors appears flawed (wildness/effectiveness) so there may not be as much help coming in pitching. "the last shall be first" I don't think so, but "the 1st shall be last" or at least tied for it. Prediction: The macrobrews do not bring up their Minor league bats and finish 82-80 in a 3 way tie for 2nd/last. But if the Macrobrews are hanging around .500 at the all-star break and The Orphans have not begun to put the division away some promotions may be in order.
New York Natty Dreads - shakazulu5 - 4,1,WC,3,1,1 - 4 playoffs but no league championships - 95M salary and 15M in Training - Middle tier in offense the Natty Dreads need a bat or two but they are not going to find it in the minors, at least for a year or 2. A couple of the present ML bats might have benefited by a year more in the minors. The Natty Dreads are surviving on pitching, but there is no room for a error, an injury to the #1 or 2 SP will eliminate the Natty Dreads from contention. Does Shakazulu5 mortgage the future by trading off the limited minor league talent to gain the playoffs but another early exit, stand pat and hope for the best, or retrench. Prediction: New York stands pat but misses the playoffs and finishes tied for 2nd/last at 82-80.
Chicago Orphans - New - WC,WC,WC,1,WC,2 - 5 playoffs and no league title appearances - 2nd place will not get a team in this divison to the playoffs, it is going to be win or go home at the end of the season. At 68M and 20 training the Orphans appear to be planning for the future but the future may be now, as the Orphans cornered the player of the week owners this week. The offense is very young and already good - next year they will be very good. The pitching is older and not as accomplished but can get the job done. And there are reserves in the upper minors that can be called up if needed to spell the MLers if injuries occur. This team will be better in the 2nd half of the season than they are now. Prediction - they are THE strong contender for the division title projecting to 94-68 but are a year away from a strong playoff run.
Rochester Genesee - dsmba - 1,WC,1,WC,3,3 - 4 playoffs appearances and no league titles - as previously noted there will not be a WC in this division this year - beat the Orphans or go home. 60M player budget 20M prospects, 18M training - clearly Genesee sees its future in the future, but given the parity in the division could its future be now? The offense is not getting it done and to date dsmba is keeping the future in the minors. The pitching should be better but is being hampered by the defense. The pitching is also older and will be fading in the coming years. This puts dsmba in a tough spot - most of the hitting in the minors needs another year and there is little in the way of arms in the minors. Stand pat and the Orphans run away with the divison in the 2nd half - trade a prospect for a veteran or 2 and take a run at it this year BUT sacrifice some future - and the future in Rochester is not as good as it is in Chicago. Prediction - Genesee stands pat and ties for 2nd/last 82-80
St. Louis Macrobrews - jamier2003 - WC,4,4,4,4,4 - the Macrobrews would be justified in feeling like the doormats of the NL north even though they have been around .500 the last 2 seasons. 70M in player payroll and 18M in training suggest they are on the right track, but are the Orphans and Genesee already ahead of them on this track. There is some quality at the ML level in the positions and the defense is solid. There are bats in the minors but it would be stretching a little to bring them up now. The Orphans have decided to stretch and it may payoff for them, should the Macrobrews do the same? The pitching at the ML level is average and all the pitching in the minors appears flawed (wildness/effectiveness) so there may not be as much help coming in pitching. "the last shall be first" I don't think so, but "the 1st shall be last" or at least tied for it. Prediction: The macrobrews do not bring up their Minor league bats and finish 82-80 in a 3 way tie for 2nd/last. But if the Macrobrews are hanging around .500 at the all-star break and The Orphans have not begun to put the division away some promotions may be in order.
Friday, March 7, 2008
NL west at the quarter pole
(P)review of the NL west at the Quarter pole
San Francisco Alcatraz Sharks 28-12 Owner dbgmpd - 1,2,3,2,WC,WC - The Blue Crabs just finished a close encounter with the Sharks and did not enjoy the event. A 82M budget, an increased training budget, and many of the position starters under 30 indicates the Sharks are going to be solid for several years. The pitching, esp SP, is older and thin - a major injury will have a major negative impact on the Sharks season. The minors are not strong and using prospects to get a needed piece late inthe season may be difficult. All that being said if the Sharks avoid injury they are contenders. A couple of injuries and they are just pretenders.
Oakland Bees 27-13 hshack -4,3,4,4,4,4 - "something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear" - high salary, low training (6M), low medical - the opposite of what most winners are doing. The Bee's are young and talented in the majors and have several minor leaguers that will fill in over the next few years if the low training and medical budgets take their toll on the present MLers. There is 20M in salaries sitting in the minors with contracts that will free up cash when they expire. What hshack does with the cash will be interesting. It would seem the team will be at risk for injuries with training and medical budget but may have the depth to survive it, unless that injury occurs at SP then it is going to be a struggle. So like the Sharks the qustion is contender or pretender. I'm betting on some injuries leading to pretender.
Cheyenne Cowboys 20-20 jonboynky - 3,1,1,1,1,1 and 2 trips to the WS without the cigar - another high salary team but with 14M in training. "Time has come today" - The Cowboys are in their sweet spot. Several of their stars are at their peak and several still on the rise, but in 3 years the peaks will be passing and their is little in the minors. The low scouting budgets and late draft picks will keep the minors barren. So now is the time. Trailing the Sharks and Bees in the division has to be a worry. There is enough strength in the NL North and East that relying on capturing the last WC is a dangerous stradegy. The Cowboys need to run down one of the leaders. Without much in the minors to promote or trade they have to rely on the starters to stay health. This observer bets that the Cowboys training gets them through to a 94-68 record and that one(or both) of the leaders fades a mid season. Prediction WC and then the pitcing carries them a couple rounds in the playoffs.
Salt Lake City Slingers 17-23 mahnk 2,4,2,3,3,3 - hiding in the basement - waiting - 3-5 MLers in AAA and several more in the lower minors. 77M salary but only 10M in training - are the prospects and young MLers going to reach their potential? The Slingers could compete this year if they choose to. If not this year then next year. Do the pieces fit together, that I'm not sure of? I might bring the prospects up at this point and find out. They have spent the necessary 21 days in the minors not to have the present year count towards arbitration. If the pieces don't fit then change them in the off season. If they do fit together it will make life tougher on the leaders. Prediction: If the Slingers keep the young guns in the minors 72-90, if they bring them up early 81-81 but either way they are a year or two away and need to make some adjustments.
San Francisco Alcatraz Sharks 28-12 Owner dbgmpd - 1,2,3,2,WC,WC - The Blue Crabs just finished a close encounter with the Sharks and did not enjoy the event. A 82M budget, an increased training budget, and many of the position starters under 30 indicates the Sharks are going to be solid for several years. The pitching, esp SP, is older and thin - a major injury will have a major negative impact on the Sharks season. The minors are not strong and using prospects to get a needed piece late inthe season may be difficult. All that being said if the Sharks avoid injury they are contenders. A couple of injuries and they are just pretenders.
Oakland Bees 27-13 hshack -4,3,4,4,4,4 - "something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear" - high salary, low training (6M), low medical - the opposite of what most winners are doing. The Bee's are young and talented in the majors and have several minor leaguers that will fill in over the next few years if the low training and medical budgets take their toll on the present MLers. There is 20M in salaries sitting in the minors with contracts that will free up cash when they expire. What hshack does with the cash will be interesting. It would seem the team will be at risk for injuries with training and medical budget but may have the depth to survive it, unless that injury occurs at SP then it is going to be a struggle. So like the Sharks the qustion is contender or pretender. I'm betting on some injuries leading to pretender.
Cheyenne Cowboys 20-20 jonboynky - 3,1,1,1,1,1 and 2 trips to the WS without the cigar - another high salary team but with 14M in training. "Time has come today" - The Cowboys are in their sweet spot. Several of their stars are at their peak and several still on the rise, but in 3 years the peaks will be passing and their is little in the minors. The low scouting budgets and late draft picks will keep the minors barren. So now is the time. Trailing the Sharks and Bees in the division has to be a worry. There is enough strength in the NL North and East that relying on capturing the last WC is a dangerous stradegy. The Cowboys need to run down one of the leaders. Without much in the minors to promote or trade they have to rely on the starters to stay health. This observer bets that the Cowboys training gets them through to a 94-68 record and that one(or both) of the leaders fades a mid season. Prediction WC and then the pitcing carries them a couple rounds in the playoffs.
Salt Lake City Slingers 17-23 mahnk 2,4,2,3,3,3 - hiding in the basement - waiting - 3-5 MLers in AAA and several more in the lower minors. 77M salary but only 10M in training - are the prospects and young MLers going to reach their potential? The Slingers could compete this year if they choose to. If not this year then next year. Do the pieces fit together, that I'm not sure of? I might bring the prospects up at this point and find out. They have spent the necessary 21 days in the minors not to have the present year count towards arbitration. If the pieces don't fit then change them in the off season. If they do fit together it will make life tougher on the leaders. Prediction: If the Slingers keep the young guns in the minors 72-90, if they bring them up early 81-81 but either way they are a year or two away and need to make some adjustments.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
AL west at the quarter pole
Vancouver Vigilantes - Owner: Crump123 2,1,1,1,WC,1 - has been the big dog in the AL west but has made the League championship only once and never has been the the WS. Player Salaries has been around 75M most years, HS/Col Scouting, Adv Scouting, and training have all been kept at 20M for several years. The question is not whether the Vigilantes will make the playoffs but can they advance. The starting pitchers are older than average and time may be running out on the Team. Catcher and SS are an issue with a rule 5 starter at SS and no prospects apparent in the minors at either position. IF the Vigilantes make the WS the games in the national league parks are going to be an issue, but even the AL games are going to offer the opposing pitcher some easy innings. Through 36 games the Vigilantes are in 1st with a 29-8 record and are the likely division winner but with the weaknesses on the team I do not see them progressing to the WS unless they are active in the trade market and willing to give up some future for a better chance in the present. Predicition 1st 106-56 but out no later than the league championship
Las Vegas Outlaws: Owner tmf12 - the once and ? future Kings of the NL west - 1,2,WC,WC,1,WC - Like Vancouver Las Vegas has 5 trips to the playoffs with not league championships to show for it. At 25-12 they appear headed for another playoff trip - but will it be with the same result? The team can hit (2nd in runs scored), field, and pitcher (3rd in ERA). They are a mixture of veterans who will begin to fade soon and younger stars. The minors are average and well balanced but there are not any budding superstars that could fill in for an injury to a major player. An injury in the starting pitching will send the Outlaws scrambling. If they can avoid injury they do not have the holes in the line up that the Vigilantes have and are a better bet to get to the league championship and even the World Series. Prediction 102-60 WC and out by the league championship (unless they meet Vancouver in which case the go to the WS).
Anaheim Arch Angels: New owner kcg67 - 3,3,3,3,3,3 - Kcg67 could have a multiyear challenge to get out of third and into the playoffs. Unless he gets very aggressive expect a 7th straight year in the 3 hole for Anaheim. With a cut player budget and beefing up the scouting and training the rebuilding process has started, but it could be a chore. There are pieces in the minors but by the time some of these players are ready for the ML some of the present quality MLers will be fading. This observer thinks kcg67 needs to go one way or the other - youth or experience -he could go with youth and try to shed a couple of older players for some AA/AAA ML prospects. Unfortunately there are a dozen other teams that wish to do the same thing. So maybe he should gamble and try to pick off a few quality players and go for the last WC - at 18-19 he is tied for the last WC. Prediction: If kcg67 goes for it and makes a couple of trades for quality he takes down the last WC - if not another "3" on the record.
Santa Cruz Manresa Boys: Newer Owner rockindock -4,4,4,4,4,4- The salary is down but has more to go. There are a couple of MLers left on the parent club but I'm not sure the ML team would win a 7 games series with the minor leagers. Management could move some of the pitchers up this year but the question would be ?why. All it might do to the ML club is loss some draft slots, but it may be time from the player prospective to get this done. There are some MLers that could help another team now - would management trade them off? present record 13-24. Prediction: 60 - 102 - a couple of drafts and maturing prospects away for respectibility.
Las Vegas Outlaws: Owner tmf12 - the once and ? future Kings of the NL west - 1,2,WC,WC,1,WC - Like Vancouver Las Vegas has 5 trips to the playoffs with not league championships to show for it. At 25-12 they appear headed for another playoff trip - but will it be with the same result? The team can hit (2nd in runs scored), field, and pitcher (3rd in ERA). They are a mixture of veterans who will begin to fade soon and younger stars. The minors are average and well balanced but there are not any budding superstars that could fill in for an injury to a major player. An injury in the starting pitching will send the Outlaws scrambling. If they can avoid injury they do not have the holes in the line up that the Vigilantes have and are a better bet to get to the league championship and even the World Series. Prediction 102-60 WC and out by the league championship (unless they meet Vancouver in which case the go to the WS).
Anaheim Arch Angels: New owner kcg67 - 3,3,3,3,3,3 - Kcg67 could have a multiyear challenge to get out of third and into the playoffs. Unless he gets very aggressive expect a 7th straight year in the 3 hole for Anaheim. With a cut player budget and beefing up the scouting and training the rebuilding process has started, but it could be a chore. There are pieces in the minors but by the time some of these players are ready for the ML some of the present quality MLers will be fading. This observer thinks kcg67 needs to go one way or the other - youth or experience -he could go with youth and try to shed a couple of older players for some AA/AAA ML prospects. Unfortunately there are a dozen other teams that wish to do the same thing. So maybe he should gamble and try to pick off a few quality players and go for the last WC - at 18-19 he is tied for the last WC. Prediction: If kcg67 goes for it and makes a couple of trades for quality he takes down the last WC - if not another "3" on the record.
Santa Cruz Manresa Boys: Newer Owner rockindock -4,4,4,4,4,4- The salary is down but has more to go. There are a couple of MLers left on the parent club but I'm not sure the ML team would win a 7 games series with the minor leagers. Management could move some of the pitchers up this year but the question would be ?why. All it might do to the ML club is loss some draft slots, but it may be time from the player prospective to get this done. There are some MLers that could help another team now - would management trade them off? present record 13-24. Prediction: 60 - 102 - a couple of drafts and maturing prospects away for respectibility.
Monday, March 3, 2008
AL South Predictions
The AL South is Charlottes division. They have controlled it the last 5 seasons and are in control again this season. Richmond should come in second this season but look like they will miss the playoffs. Florida appears to be making progress but is lacking pieces on offense to make a legitimate run. KC will be pulling up the rear here. I see some puzzling things going on in KC.
Charlotte comets (S6: 106-56 1st place, WS winner: projection S7:115- 47 )
agrybaus- 7(2 WS; 5 straight division titles); $100m Player Salary
Additions: None (not Phillip Reagan)
Losses: Alex Andujar (SP),
Overall Preview: Well writing this part way into the season it is safe to say this team is good. They should win this division going away. 12 games in and they have an 8 game lead. The offense is stacked with a silver slugger at just about every position. The rotation is just as good and the pen is solid.
Offense: Six all stars provide the core of the offense and the remaining 3 batters get overshadowed because of the greatness of the first 6. Mike Hayes is an offensive force at DH. C Jamie Lofton should not hit but it really doesn’t matter. hit Albert Escobar, a natural SS, covers 2b and is an imposing presence and could win an mvp if not for… LFSantiago Nieves is the presence in the middle of the lineup. SS Benji Groom is in the lineup more for his glove than his bat, but he still hits his fair share out. Vic Hill, a natural SS, covers 3b and could finish 3rd in the MVP race…unless of course CF Raul Cortez slugs his way into the top 4. RF Alex Sanchez could be the best play on several teams, here he is about the 6th best, and for that he will hit 30+ hr and bat over .300. There is an allstar at every position even bench where Gabriel and Martin are pulling in big checks, a combined $12m for watching.
Defense: This team has 3 natural ss playing various positions. Lofton has about the highest pc I have seen. And Cortez is solid in CF. LF and RF are about league average but again their bats make them great.
Rotation: This rotation has 3 Cy Young candidates, another ace and a solid contributor with suspect control. Shibata, Russell and Johnson may battle each other for the cy young award and could all win 20+ games. How Joe Russell was resigned for a contract that average $5.5m per season is beyond me. Damaso Perez very likely will win 20 games not only because of the offense but because he has skills too. Buchanan is a good #5, on many staffs he could be a #3.
Bullpen: The pen is good as well. Wilson and Farley do a solid job bridging the gap (when there is a gap to bridge). Whang and Downs set it up and Young is a premiere closer. Good stuff. Oh there are 3 other quality arms too.
The Farm: SS Hugh Stoops and CF Antone Zaun could step in immediately if needed. Omar Olivo is a stud catcher, but will be limited to about 350 AB. LF Lariel Felix and LF Roger Jones are both a ways off but should contribute on the ML level at some point. Harry Pena is a future Rolaids reliever candidate. Vic Alou, Jose Moreno, and Mario Haney will be a solid ML contributors
X-Factor: Playoff performance. This team is the front runner to represent the AL in the WS. A lot of that depends on how his stars produce in the post season. This team has so many stars though it will not fall on the shoulders of just one player.
Richmond Rounders (S6: 83-79 2nd place: S7: 81-81 )
Dblaine Owner since season 1; $54.8 Player Salary
Additions: SP Esteban Romano, RP Vic Almanza, RP Jamie Monroe
Losses: 1b Guillermo Flores,
Overall Preview: This team is an interesting one to look at. There are some aging stars and developing prospects. The $54m player’s salary allows for the funds to be allocated elsewhere. The core group is solid they just lack the star power to really drive the offense and staff. They will be middle of the pack. Moving forward they are top heavy with DH and 1b prospects and could benefit by flipping these for position prospects, especially at key defensive positions. There are some very good sp prospects down on the farm. As a whole I say 81 and 81 but I could see them pushing to 88 wins but not more.
Offense: Old pros C Marcus Haywood is the team captain and the heart and soul of this team. He is a solid bat and should hit a ton, despite showing some signs of slippage at 31. 3b Thomas Pena is a rising star. 2b Norberto Alomar, 3b Brian Zhang and SS Red Sanford represent the other major contributors
Defense: Red Sanford is a solid defender up the middle. Short of that the defense looks to be on the lower half the spectrum. There is some potential at a few positions but with a 60 glove at this point Alomar has potential to make a ton of errors at 2b. Corey Denham will call most games from behind the plate and he is a good catch and throw type backstop who knows how to work the hitters strengths and weaknesses when calling a game.
Rotation: On the Mound I count 7 potential starter Dougherty, Watson, Nunnari, Shibata, Romano represent the 5 main guys and all are solid. Watson is the best of the bunch but is getting older.
Bullpen: All pieces of the bullpen are solid. None stand out as great but none are your typical mop up types. Mathews is the closer but at 35 is showing his age. Jamie Monroe looks like he can develop into the best reliever of the group.
The Farm: Miguel Alomar projects to be pretty good but is he a starter or reliever? Miguel Cruz however will be very good, and would be one of Richmond’s best ML starters right now. Miguel Gardel projects to be just as good but is a ways off still. 3b Appier will make an impact down the line. Taubensee, Romano and Stephens are going to be very good DH. LF Lincoln is ready to go on the majors now. Alvin Hernandez will be a masher at 1b soon.
X-Factor: Team defense! The pitchers will underperform as long as the defense continues to drop routine balls. They lack the range at some key positions as well.
Kansas City NQ Pilots(S6: 76-86 3rd place: projected record S7: 58-104 )
threester- 2nd season ; $81.4 Player Salary
Additions: Victor Ruffin (SP); Archie Tracy (rp); Scot Reed (1b); Guillermo Flores (1b/C); Anthony Charles (rp); Buddy Person (CL); Omar Ramirez (SS); Lyle Evans (3b); Jose Lira (2b); Herbert Perry (LF)
Losses: Vic Almanza (rp)
Overall Preview: This team is interesting to look at. They have 7 players who are either 1b, DH, LF or RF on the roster. There is no true catcher, although Flores would do the job. The 2b, Mark Roosevelt has decent range but no glove and the SS has below range and glove. There is also no true CF. The offense is ok but lacks a superstar and lacks depth. About $18 million was spent this offseason retooling the roster, which leads me to ask, is it better to spend and lose or not spend and lose?
Offense: On offense the most reliable pieces are 1b Endy Leiter, lf Giovanni Nye, and 2b Tracie McMillon. Nye and McMillon are still developing and look like they will get better. SS Omar Miro is average in every way, except paycheck where he will collect $7.1m this season. Overall this team will struggle to score runs.
Defense: The defense, as pointed out in the general preview is unique. While most teams load up on SS, 2b and CF, Threester has focused on cornering the market on 1b and corner of. There is no true CF on the roster and the team lacks range.
Rotation: Archie Tracey is the highlight of the pitching staff. He is a very good closer, sadly there have been few opportunities for him. Byung-Hyun Chang, and Buddy Person do a good job setting it up for him. I like Miguel Flores but with that D behind him he is going to struggle. He is not the type of pitcher to blow batters away but more the type to rely on ground balls. Ooops. Overall the whole pitching staff is slanted towards inducing grounders. This is a recipe for disaster. Anthony Chalres has a durability of 0 and pitched in the RL last season. There are 3 players under 30 years old here so an overhaul is on the way.
The Farm: SP OT Relaford and Milt Rivers are better than several ML SP. There are 4 P at AA, that is total not 4 worth watching. There are 7 at LoA, one is worth watching Miguel Hernandez will be very good, provided he is not burnt out. SP Dwight Scott is a legit ML prospect who at 23 is wasting time in the RL. Same thing about RF Eduardo Coronado. C Geoff Martin has potential to be a good player. C Odalis Blasco will make a solid DH. Not many positions guys worth writing home about.
X-Factor: The defense. This team is geared towards bringing on grounders but the D is geared towards dropping them. Not a good mix. I expect a last place finish here.
Florida Orlocks (S6: 69-93 last place: projected record S7:78-86 )
Nosferatu- 7 seasons; $73.9 Player Salary
Additions: SP Ahmed King;
Losses: Non worth noting
Overall Preview: The pitching staff and defense will hold this team in a lot of games. The offense may not score many runs though and it will hurt. This team needs about three more abts to really put something together.
Offense: The offense is led by SS David Viriato. At 23 he is good and looks like he could be much better. Thumper Smith will pound lefties but may struggle against certain righties. Placido Astacio is the third key player on offense. After the three of them there are holes. The team is young with only three players at the ML level who are over 30.
Defense: This team is built around defense. They will get to a lot of balls and keep the staff in most games. Don Koh is a very good game caller, sadly he hits like Charlie O’Brien.
Rotation: I count 12 starters and 1 long reliever on the staff. All of them get the ball over the plate. With that defense supporting him, Carl Mlicki should be the anchor of this rotation for a long time, he may end up with a a lot of ND’s this season though as the offense may not come to his support. J.T. Peterson, Olmedo Perez and Al Cust look like the other bright sports in this rotation.
The Farm: SP Whitey Donatello is waiting for his shot at AAA. Matty Velazquez will be a very good ml reliever. HiA C Darrel Vernonhas potential. AAA LF Louis Bates also may make an impact in the majors. Overall there is a lack of depth in the Florida minor league system.
X-Factor: David Viriato; Can the future MVP produce enough to get this team to .500? There is a lack of pieces around him and he cannot do it by himself
Charlotte comets (S6: 106-56 1st place, WS winner: projection S7:115- 47 )
agrybaus- 7(2 WS; 5 straight division titles); $100m Player Salary
Additions: None (not Phillip Reagan)
Losses: Alex Andujar (SP),
Overall Preview: Well writing this part way into the season it is safe to say this team is good. They should win this division going away. 12 games in and they have an 8 game lead. The offense is stacked with a silver slugger at just about every position. The rotation is just as good and the pen is solid.
Offense: Six all stars provide the core of the offense and the remaining 3 batters get overshadowed because of the greatness of the first 6. Mike Hayes is an offensive force at DH. C Jamie Lofton should not hit but it really doesn’t matter. hit Albert Escobar, a natural SS, covers 2b and is an imposing presence and could win an mvp if not for… LFSantiago Nieves is the presence in the middle of the lineup. SS Benji Groom is in the lineup more for his glove than his bat, but he still hits his fair share out. Vic Hill, a natural SS, covers 3b and could finish 3rd in the MVP race…unless of course CF Raul Cortez slugs his way into the top 4. RF Alex Sanchez could be the best play on several teams, here he is about the 6th best, and for that he will hit 30+ hr and bat over .300. There is an allstar at every position even bench where Gabriel and Martin are pulling in big checks, a combined $12m for watching.
Defense: This team has 3 natural ss playing various positions. Lofton has about the highest pc I have seen. And Cortez is solid in CF. LF and RF are about league average but again their bats make them great.
Rotation: This rotation has 3 Cy Young candidates, another ace and a solid contributor with suspect control. Shibata, Russell and Johnson may battle each other for the cy young award and could all win 20+ games. How Joe Russell was resigned for a contract that average $5.5m per season is beyond me. Damaso Perez very likely will win 20 games not only because of the offense but because he has skills too. Buchanan is a good #5, on many staffs he could be a #3.
Bullpen: The pen is good as well. Wilson and Farley do a solid job bridging the gap (when there is a gap to bridge). Whang and Downs set it up and Young is a premiere closer. Good stuff. Oh there are 3 other quality arms too.
The Farm: SS Hugh Stoops and CF Antone Zaun could step in immediately if needed. Omar Olivo is a stud catcher, but will be limited to about 350 AB. LF Lariel Felix and LF Roger Jones are both a ways off but should contribute on the ML level at some point. Harry Pena is a future Rolaids reliever candidate. Vic Alou, Jose Moreno, and Mario Haney will be a solid ML contributors
X-Factor: Playoff performance. This team is the front runner to represent the AL in the WS. A lot of that depends on how his stars produce in the post season. This team has so many stars though it will not fall on the shoulders of just one player.
Richmond Rounders (S6: 83-79 2nd place: S7: 81-81 )
Dblaine Owner since season 1; $54.8 Player Salary
Additions: SP Esteban Romano, RP Vic Almanza, RP Jamie Monroe
Losses: 1b Guillermo Flores,
Overall Preview: This team is an interesting one to look at. There are some aging stars and developing prospects. The $54m player’s salary allows for the funds to be allocated elsewhere. The core group is solid they just lack the star power to really drive the offense and staff. They will be middle of the pack. Moving forward they are top heavy with DH and 1b prospects and could benefit by flipping these for position prospects, especially at key defensive positions. There are some very good sp prospects down on the farm. As a whole I say 81 and 81 but I could see them pushing to 88 wins but not more.
Offense: Old pros C Marcus Haywood is the team captain and the heart and soul of this team. He is a solid bat and should hit a ton, despite showing some signs of slippage at 31. 3b Thomas Pena is a rising star. 2b Norberto Alomar, 3b Brian Zhang and SS Red Sanford represent the other major contributors
Defense: Red Sanford is a solid defender up the middle. Short of that the defense looks to be on the lower half the spectrum. There is some potential at a few positions but with a 60 glove at this point Alomar has potential to make a ton of errors at 2b. Corey Denham will call most games from behind the plate and he is a good catch and throw type backstop who knows how to work the hitters strengths and weaknesses when calling a game.
Rotation: On the Mound I count 7 potential starter Dougherty, Watson, Nunnari, Shibata, Romano represent the 5 main guys and all are solid. Watson is the best of the bunch but is getting older.
Bullpen: All pieces of the bullpen are solid. None stand out as great but none are your typical mop up types. Mathews is the closer but at 35 is showing his age. Jamie Monroe looks like he can develop into the best reliever of the group.
The Farm: Miguel Alomar projects to be pretty good but is he a starter or reliever? Miguel Cruz however will be very good, and would be one of Richmond’s best ML starters right now. Miguel Gardel projects to be just as good but is a ways off still. 3b Appier will make an impact down the line. Taubensee, Romano and Stephens are going to be very good DH. LF Lincoln is ready to go on the majors now. Alvin Hernandez will be a masher at 1b soon.
X-Factor: Team defense! The pitchers will underperform as long as the defense continues to drop routine balls. They lack the range at some key positions as well.
Kansas City NQ Pilots(S6: 76-86 3rd place: projected record S7: 58-104 )
threester- 2nd season ; $81.4 Player Salary
Additions: Victor Ruffin (SP); Archie Tracy (rp); Scot Reed (1b); Guillermo Flores (1b/C); Anthony Charles (rp); Buddy Person (CL); Omar Ramirez (SS); Lyle Evans (3b); Jose Lira (2b); Herbert Perry (LF)
Losses: Vic Almanza (rp)
Overall Preview: This team is interesting to look at. They have 7 players who are either 1b, DH, LF or RF on the roster. There is no true catcher, although Flores would do the job. The 2b, Mark Roosevelt has decent range but no glove and the SS has below range and glove. There is also no true CF. The offense is ok but lacks a superstar and lacks depth. About $18 million was spent this offseason retooling the roster, which leads me to ask, is it better to spend and lose or not spend and lose?
Offense: On offense the most reliable pieces are 1b Endy Leiter, lf Giovanni Nye, and 2b Tracie McMillon. Nye and McMillon are still developing and look like they will get better. SS Omar Miro is average in every way, except paycheck where he will collect $7.1m this season. Overall this team will struggle to score runs.
Defense: The defense, as pointed out in the general preview is unique. While most teams load up on SS, 2b and CF, Threester has focused on cornering the market on 1b and corner of. There is no true CF on the roster and the team lacks range.
Rotation: Archie Tracey is the highlight of the pitching staff. He is a very good closer, sadly there have been few opportunities for him. Byung-Hyun Chang, and Buddy Person do a good job setting it up for him. I like Miguel Flores but with that D behind him he is going to struggle. He is not the type of pitcher to blow batters away but more the type to rely on ground balls. Ooops. Overall the whole pitching staff is slanted towards inducing grounders. This is a recipe for disaster. Anthony Chalres has a durability of 0 and pitched in the RL last season. There are 3 players under 30 years old here so an overhaul is on the way.
The Farm: SP OT Relaford and Milt Rivers are better than several ML SP. There are 4 P at AA, that is total not 4 worth watching. There are 7 at LoA, one is worth watching Miguel Hernandez will be very good, provided he is not burnt out. SP Dwight Scott is a legit ML prospect who at 23 is wasting time in the RL. Same thing about RF Eduardo Coronado. C Geoff Martin has potential to be a good player. C Odalis Blasco will make a solid DH. Not many positions guys worth writing home about.
X-Factor: The defense. This team is geared towards bringing on grounders but the D is geared towards dropping them. Not a good mix. I expect a last place finish here.
Florida Orlocks (S6: 69-93 last place: projected record S7:78-86 )
Nosferatu- 7 seasons; $73.9 Player Salary
Additions: SP Ahmed King;
Losses: Non worth noting
Overall Preview: The pitching staff and defense will hold this team in a lot of games. The offense may not score many runs though and it will hurt. This team needs about three more abts to really put something together.
Offense: The offense is led by SS David Viriato. At 23 he is good and looks like he could be much better. Thumper Smith will pound lefties but may struggle against certain righties. Placido Astacio is the third key player on offense. After the three of them there are holes. The team is young with only three players at the ML level who are over 30.
Defense: This team is built around defense. They will get to a lot of balls and keep the staff in most games. Don Koh is a very good game caller, sadly he hits like Charlie O’Brien.
Rotation: I count 12 starters and 1 long reliever on the staff. All of them get the ball over the plate. With that defense supporting him, Carl Mlicki should be the anchor of this rotation for a long time, he may end up with a a lot of ND’s this season though as the offense may not come to his support. J.T. Peterson, Olmedo Perez and Al Cust look like the other bright sports in this rotation.
The Farm: SP Whitey Donatello is waiting for his shot at AAA. Matty Velazquez will be a very good ml reliever. HiA C Darrel Vernonhas potential. AAA LF Louis Bates also may make an impact in the majors. Overall there is a lack of depth in the Florida minor league system.
X-Factor: David Viriato; Can the future MVP produce enough to get this team to .500? There is a lack of pieces around him and he cannot do it by himself
Saturday, March 1, 2008
AL east continued
Boston - 1,1,2,2 (kcg67) - new owner jdrake27 3,2 (77-85) - The Brontoraptors have gone the high payroll route (103M) sacrificing the International free agent market and to a lesser degree high school scouting. At the ML level the position players are average across the board with the exception of a critical need at Catcher. None of these players are past their prime and can serve as a solid nucleus to improve on. Besides Catching the short stop position is most in need of attention. Starting Pitching is solid and the addition of an excellent pitch calling/defensive catcher, who can also hit, would be highly valuable. The relief corp is suspect and late inning 1-2 run loses are likely to be numerous. The ML pitching coaches are appropriate for the pitchers skills. In this observers opinion a quality catcher and a closer/RP are what this team needs to get over .500. Help at SS defensively is available in AAA or AA for next year but catcher and closer are a black whole through out the minors. There is one future star in the minors - Clay Lane. A trade seems the only near term solution. Prediction: No trade and Boston battles the other 2 teams for last - Acquire a quality catcher and closer/RP and >.500 with an outside shot at a wild card (depending on the strenght of the other divisions). At present 3rdT (no 2nd place team) 74-88.
Dover White Cliffs: 2,3 - new owner carnivore 3,1,1,1 - Carnivore has build the white cliffs into the power of the AL east. Despite their success the salary base is still low (76M) and training high (20M). The ML offense is playoff caliber with the exception of the OF (look for trade action at these positions). The pitching is suspect. Whether new acquisition long ball prone (which is what led to him not being resigned in Baltimore) Ryan Allen will be an improvement is debatable(Dover plays in a + HR park) . If the SP can get to the 7th with the lead the relief corp will probably hold on to it. This is not good news for the other teams in the division. There are some position players in the minors that could marginally upgrade the outfield this year or next but after that things are very light. The same can be said for the pitching - clearly the best chance of winning for Dover is the next 3 years. They have enough to easily win the division but I do not believe they have either the hitting or pitching to get through the playoffs to the World Series. Prediction 1st place at 98 -64 but disappointment in the playoffs.
Dover White Cliffs: 2,3 - new owner carnivore 3,1,1,1 - Carnivore has build the white cliffs into the power of the AL east. Despite their success the salary base is still low (76M) and training high (20M). The ML offense is playoff caliber with the exception of the OF (look for trade action at these positions). The pitching is suspect. Whether new acquisition long ball prone (which is what led to him not being resigned in Baltimore) Ryan Allen will be an improvement is debatable(Dover plays in a + HR park) . If the SP can get to the 7th with the lead the relief corp will probably hold on to it. This is not good news for the other teams in the division. There are some position players in the minors that could marginally upgrade the outfield this year or next but after that things are very light. The same can be said for the pitching - clearly the best chance of winning for Dover is the next 3 years. They have enough to easily win the division but I do not believe they have either the hitting or pitching to get through the playoffs to the World Series. Prediction 1st place at 98 -64 but disappointment in the playoffs.
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