Long Haul R Us

Puritans strike pure gold with Mateo?

2012-01-22T22:31:00.002-05:00

In the largest IFA signing to date the Salt Lake City Puritans signed Dominican sensation Armando Mateo. Projected to be SS of average fielding ability, but with a plus plus arm, what seemed to really attract owner billhowell75 was the bat that is already near ML level. A four and half tool player, Mateo may grow in to a near .300 hitter with 25 HR power and a .375 OBP. With less than a $50 payroll the billhowell75 clearly saw the value of having a SS that you could feel good about hitting 6th despite the $26.5 million dollar price tag. With strong durability and health projections consider SS taken care of in Salt Lake City.

Asaxton065 has also been courting his SS of the future. Kiki Valentin lacks the plus arm and batting eye of Mateo and may not hit for the same average. Then again his rock solid work ethic may lead him to be ever bit the player Mateo is. For $17.5 million, the Louisville 65'ers also seem to have SS taken care of for a decade.

NL Projection update

2012-01-15T18:33:00.002-05:00

NL North

			GB
OTT	82	80
BOI	72	90	10
BUR	68	94	14
SEA	55	107	27

NL East

			GB
PHI	103	59
SCR	89	73	14
STL	86	76	17
SYR	78	84	25

NL South

			GB
Jackson	88	74
DUR	78	84	10
CHR	67	95	21
Jack	65	97	23

NL West

			GB
Santa	84	78
SAL	79	83	5
SAC	74	88	10
SLC	52	110	32

The AL post spring training

2012-01-15T17:15:00.002-05:00

Updated AL Projections

AL North

			GB
Tac	89	73	-
Van	83	79	6
Iowa	79	83	10
Mad	72	90	17

AL East

Dov	77	85
NY	70	92	7
Bal	69	93	8
Was	63	99	14

AL South

SAS	101	61
LOU	93	69	8
TEX	84	78	17
NO	59	103	42

AL West

SCO	98	64
POR	96	66	2
COL	90	72	8
SF	75	87	23

Season 18 NL Preview

2011-12-29T19:14:00.004-05:00

Projected NL North Standings

	W	L	GB
Ottawa	82	80
Burlington	81	81	1
Boise	66	96	16
F. Sioux Falls	62	100	20

Knine is an HBD god. I have no idea how he did last season. When running my projections 30 out of 32 teams came in about where I expected them to. Three or four games here are there are nothing in a 162 game season. Scottsdale came in much, much higher than I expected. Once I thought about it made sense. Youngest team in Long Haul gets another year of development, some of their best players came up last season and therefore weren't there for the whole season, arj seemed to be playing for draft pick position as soon as his team was eliminated (L11). It made sense. Ottawa on the other had is completely unexplainable to me. What they did in the regular season and especially the playoffs is amazing. As you can see their pure talent at this point projects to make it back to the playoffs, but barely break .500. Their 8th ranked offense, 13th ranked pitching and 6th ranked defense shouldn't scare anyone, though their amazing closet Yuu Hasegawa is a HOF'er an Ramon Jian is a fine pitcher too. Their best hitter is Damaso Molina. Burlington should be nipping at their heals. Their 14 game improvement should be noticable. They have the 9th best offense, 7th best pitching, and 7 best fielding. Carlos Melendez is one of the NL's best hitters and Ron Stevenson is one of the 3 pitchers in the NL. Boise may take a small step back with only 67 wins. While they have the 4th best defense and the 11th best pitching staff, what will really hold them back is their 15th best hitting. Not without a star to build around, Darell Buckley is one of the most famous athletes in Idaho. The "Sioux Falls" franchise is in trouble. Their second best hitter, Brian Blake, couldn't even make Portland last season and was sent to SFX to try to encourage budgie_lover to take on a salary I didn't want. While I happen to know they're minors are loaded with young pitching (I tried to trade for some of it!) their ML outlook is pretty grim as they are old, expensive, and terrible. Eddie Hultzen leads the an offense that will score some runs (13th best), but their pitching staff is not only the worst, the worst by a bunch (.4 runs--if the 15th worst team was .4 runs better they'd have the 4th best staff). Their defense is also the worst in the league.

Projected NL East Standings

	W	L	GB
Philadelphia	101	61
Scranton	98	64	3
St. Louis	84	78	17
Syracuse	77	85	24

The NL East is the strongest division in the NL. Philadelphia is so good that even in the AL they would be expected to win 91 games (don't kid yourself, the AL is much better than the NL and that is with a bump they get from only having to field 8 hitters instead of 9). While their 14th ranked defense wont help, their hitters are the 4th best and their pitching is even better than San Antonio's which is really saying something. Though they lack the depth of Portland's attack, sluggers Jammie Cunningham, future HOF'er Henry Kirk, and Alex Morales are the second biggest "big three" in Long Haul. Their pitching staff may have multiple HOF'ers lead by Virgil Halama, Quinton Hundley, Phillip McNally, and Tom Clayton. Only barley outdone by Philly, Scranton has the second best team both in their divisions and the entire NL. They have the most balenced attack with the 3rd best hitting, 3rd best pitching, and 2nd best defense. Their sluggers begin with HBD legend Eugene Huskey, Derrek Wilkins, Rudy Williams, and Blaine Harris. They lack the depth of Philly's pitching, but T. J. Garcia could pitch for anyone. St. Louis will sadly not have the success their RL team, had, but should still be more than respectable. The 7th best hitting, 5th best pitching and 11th best defense will keep them in the hunt for the wild card. Show Me state fans will be thrilled with the offense J.P. Beltre displays and Lawrence Brower can pitch for me any time. Syracuse will have a tough hill to climb in this division. The don't really do any one thing well with the 10th best offense, 14th best pitching, and 10th best defense. They lack the depth of stars in the rest of their division, although Joseph Suzuki bobble head night should be fun.

Projected NL South Standings

	W	L	GB
Jackson	93	69
Durham	79	83	14
Jacksonville	74	88	19
F. Charleston	60	102	33

Jackson has a problem, but sometimes problems come at the best possible time. If they want to win in the playoffs they must do better than the 12 best pitching staff. However, they will have all season to try to fix as they should not be challenged in the NL South. They have more than enough hitting with the second best batch of hitter in the NL (fourth overall) and the 3rd best defense will only help out their pitching staff. Their best run creators are Skeeter Carreon, Merv McLaughlin, and Pablo Suarez. On the mound Jermaine Sanders will be the anchor of their staff. Durham should make a major stride over last season's 73 win club. With the 4th best pitching (lead by Tripp Coleman, Magglio Navarro, and Vladimir Ricon) and 5th best defense they have 2 of the 3 facets of the game locked up. If they can improve what looks to be the 11th best hitting they will really have something, though at least they have Vic Cruz to build around. Jacksonville also looks to be much improved from last season though the 12th best offense is a concern. Their pitching (8th best) and fielding (9th best) are somewhat better. Pitchers Luke Jennings and Bret Johnson look like possible all-stars. If there is a team as bad as SFX it is the squad formerly of Charleston where 50 wins would actually be an improvement. How bad is the offense in Charleston? They have the 2nd best pitching in the entire NL lead by best pitcher in Long Haul Juan Martin. Albert Perez would be the best pitcher on many staffs as well. Though having the 13th best defense doesn't help, the real problem is an offense that is not only 32 out of 32, but worse than #31 by a project 72 runs.

Projected NL West Standings

	W	L	GB
Santa Cruz	94	68
Sacramento	88	74	6
Salem	84	78	10
F. Seattle	67	95	27

What Santa Cruz does well they do really, really well. Travis Aaron and Felix Kim lead the best offense in the NL and play in the field for what should be the best defense in the NL. However, remember when I told you that SFX had the worst pitching staff .4 runs? Its the Santa Cruz staff that is .4 runs better than them. They should be able to hit their way to the playoffs, but they have to be in the market for more pitching. Glowguy left pleanty in the cupboard for quelch (who I not only used to play GD with, but is also a former owner of Portland). Dann Allen is a terrific hitter and will lead the 4th best offense. The 9th ranked pitching staff may need work as will the 12th ranked defense. League original hogger should have some pieces to work with as his Salem squad should break .500 with a very balance 6th best hitting, 6th best pitching, and 8th best defense. It appears as if Jayhawks must have told Fred Little its either you or me, because he's gone and Fred Little and his $10,000,000 contract remains. Whoever takes them over they will likely struggle with the 14th best hitting, 10th best pitching, and the 15th best defense. Brace Huston has a tremendous arm, but is only good for a few innings a season. Pascual Frucal is a true stud on the mound.

My Playoff prediction

1st Round
Scranton d. Ottawa
Jackson d. Sacramento

2nd Round
Philadelphia d. Scranton (barely)
Jackson d. Santa Cruz

NLCS
Philadelphia d. Jackson

WS
Portland d. Philadelphia to capture their 2nd crown in 3 seasons.

Time to get back to the numbers!

25 Best Hitters in the NL with their RC/27

Jaime Cunningham	PHI	7.89
J.P. Beltre	STL	7.79
Carlos Melendez	BUR	7.63
Henry Kirk	PHI	7.35
Travis Aaron	SANC	7.23
Eugene Huskey	SCR	7.11
Skeeter Carreon	JAC	7.10
Merv McLaughlin	JAC	6.94
Felix Kim	SANC	6.84
Darrell Buckley	BOI	6.79
Hector Rupe	SANC	6.65
Darrell Caufield	BUR	6.58
Vic Cruz	DUR	6.56
Derrek Wilkins	SCR	6.54
Alex Morales	PHI	6.31
Joseph Suzuki	SYR	6.28
Pablo Suarez	JAC	6.21
Rudy Williams	SCR	6.10
Blaine Harris	SCR	6.07
Harry Rivera	SAL	5.99
Stu McCartney	DUR	5.93
Damaso Molina	OTT	5.92
Dann Allen	ANA	5.91
Lou Acker	PHI	5.88
Mark Nakamura	SAL	5.87

25 Best Pitchers in the NL with their non-park adjusted predicted ERA's

Juan Martin	CHA	2.94
Pascual Furcal	SEA	3.04
Ron Stevenson	BUR	3.16
Virgil Halama	PHI	3.21
Tripp Coleman	DUR	3.53
Quinton Hundley	PHI	3.59
Bret Johnson	JAX	3.6
Yuu Hasegawa	OTT	3.63
Jermaine Sanders	JAC	3.67
Brace Houston	SEA	3.68
Phillip McNally	PHI	3.69
Tom Clayton	PHI	3.71
Luke Jennings	JAX	3.72
Bernie Kolb	SAL	3.72
Henry Bush	SCR	3.78
Albert Perez	CHA	3.79
T.J. Garcia	SCR	3.8
Magglio Navarro	DUR	3.8
Lawrence Brower	STL	3.81
Vladimir Rincon	DUR	3.83
Steven Collins	SCR	3.84
Ramon Jiang	OTT	3.85
Stewart Black	BUR	3.87
Lawrence Hissey	SYR	3.88
Harvey Laroche	BUR	3.88

Season 18 AL Preview

2011-12-29T03:14:00.004-05:00

Obviously this is prior to free agency and trades. Once those occur I will try to update my projections.

AL North Projected Standings

	W	L	GB
Vancouver	88	73
Tacoma	83	79	5
Iowa City	79	83	9
Madison	79	83	9

Vancouver won the division last season and projects to repeat slipping by only one game. Their balanced attack (7th best offense, 5th best pitching staff, best defense) is led by slugger Darryl Thomas and pitchers Matty Dyer and Irv Coles. Tacoma should be able to beat .500 with a little luck. Unfortunately, their expected 83 wins is down from the 88 wins they earned last season. Their pitching is ahead of the rest of the team (9th best offense, 6th best pitching, and 14th best fielding). The team's best hitter is Quentin Conigliaro and Dennis Day is the 4th best pitcher in the AL. Newly claimed Iowa City should fight Madison for the cellar of the AL North. Their 79 wins is 3 less than last season. While Jeff has some work to do, he own the team with the 11th best hitting and 8th best pitching. One are of concern for Iowa is the worst defense in the league. While Gene Dorsey gives him a hitter to build around, the true gem of his system is Vern Roa--the best pitcher in the AL. Madison is the best bet to finish last, but their 79 projected wins is up an impressive 13 wins from last season. Their 10th best hitting and 12th best pitching should be helped by the 3rd best defense in the AL. Pitcher Willie Tabaka will be on the cover of their media guide.

AL East Projected Standings

	W	L	GB
New York	72	90
Dover	71	91	1
Washington	66	96	6
Baltimore	66	96	6

Look up "winable division" in the dictionary and you are likely to find the AL East. New York killed last season, screaming to 89 wins. The number say, however, that they will return to their previous win totals. That said, 72 wins is a lot when the second best team has 71 wins. New York projects to having the 14th best offense, 10th best pitching staff, and 10th best fielding. Vinny Francis and Omar Lima are among the pitchers in the AL. Dover should give New York all it can handle as it improves 1 game from last season. The may struggle to score runs with the 15th best hitting, 11th best pitching staff and 12th best pitching. Hitting Bernie Rodriguez and pitcher Juan Merced would be a welcome addition to any ball club. Washington projects to have the same record they did last season. They should be able to build around their 8th best fielding as they try to improve the 13th best hitting and pitching. Rolando Ramos would be the best pitcher on many teams (including mine). Madden is one of my favorite owners, but he's got some work to do. Though he has the 2nd best fielding, it won't be enough to overcome the 12th best hitting and 14th best pitching in the AL. 66 wins is down 6 from last season, but Pat Sefcik and Tom Holt give parts to build around or very interesting trade chips.

Projected AL South Standings

	W	L	GB
San Antonio	104	58
Texas	85	77	19
Louisville	85	77	19
New Orleans	62	100	42

The AL South is good. Not only do they have the best team in Long Haul, but they also have last season's AL Champ. This season the division should not be in any doubt. Though they have not had a lot of post-season success, 104 wins is up 1 from last season. They have the 2nd best hitting, best pitching and a respectable 5th best defense. While their stars are almost too many to mention, Todd Clark, Gary Quinn, Pascual Santos, Henry Velaquez and pitchers Ismael Calderone and Reid Bordick seem likely to make the all-star team. Texas looks to improve with 6th best offense, 7th best pitching and 13th best defense. Pitchers Philip Benard, Joe Byrd, and Darrell Weiland are studs on the mounds. Reigning AL Champ Louisville may be off a little from last season despite the 3rd best pitching the AL and the 8th best hitting, though the 15th best defense may hold them back. Louisville is loaded with stars including Marianno Guerrero, Sal Gwynn, and Eduardo Rincon at the plate and Edgard Montana and Steven Ashby on the mound. New Orleans is in a new location, but has the same great owner who seems to be improving his team in leaps and bounds. While that might not show up this season, as they have the worst hitting, worst pitching and 7th best fielding in the AL, they will be a force in the future.

AL West Projected Standings

	W	L	GB
Portland	97	65
Scottsdale	95	67	2
Colorado	90	72	7
San Fransico	80	82	17

The AL West should get 1 if not 2 wild cards this season. Recent champ Portland boasts the leagues best offense highlighted by the best two hitters in the AL Dave Bale and Pedro Perez as well as Wladimir Telemaco and Humberto Flores. They project to improve by 3 games. They may need every run they score as they possess only the 9th best pitching staff and 6th best defense. A team likely to make a lot of noise this season is Scottsdale. Likely to be up 13 games from last season they are this man's pick to capture the 1st WC. They have the most balanced attack this side of San Antonio with the 3rd best hitting and 4th best pitching. Their 11th best fielding leaves some room for improvement. Frank Mills is their best player, but Sid Blake and Bubbles Sutton will scare any pitcher as well. Alexander Little is the 3rd best pitcher in the AL. Uncle is going to be upset when he sees he is projected to win the second wild card with 90 wins (down 16 from last season). The league's second best pitching staff is headed by the league's second best pitcher Bruce Wilkerson. The pitching just keeps coming and coming as Orlando Diaz and Carlos Corpas are also among the top 12. Chad Sosa seems to have recovered from stealing Bale's MVP last season and should be their best hitter. San Francisco can hit and field with anyone (4th best in each), but their 15th best pitching staff holds them back. Chico Martin is the 4th best hitter in the AL will be their sole top ten once they move my virtual man crush and 7th best hitter Alez Gomez to Portland. Seriously, Lance Wallace, Jeret Ducati, Derrek Phillips for him right now. . .all right, I'll move on since I can't be rational about a legit CF with 80/80 contact and power.

Playoffs (these are not based on numbers, just me having fun.
1st round
Sco d. NY
Col d. Van

2nd round
Por d. Sco
SA d. Col

ALCS
Por d. SA

Back to the numbers!

25 best hitters in the AL

	team	est rc per 27
Dave Bale	Por	8.47
Pedro Perez	Por	8.21
Frank Mills	SCO	8.17
Chico Martin	SF	7.64
Sid Blake	SCO	7.32
Pascual Santos	SA	7.30
Alex Gomez	SF	7.16
Edgar Torres	SA	7.12
Cam DiFelice	Col	7.02
Garry Quinn	SA	6.97
Wladimir Telemaco	Por	6.84
Sal Gwynn	LOU	6.82
Eduardo Rincon	LOU	6.79
Todd Clark	SA	6.74
Chad Sosa	Col	6.74
Mariano Guerrero	LOU	6.69
Russell Sanders	SF	6.65
Omar Cruz	Col	6.49
Al Hicks	VAN	6.39
Stephen Jackson	MAD	6.37
Bubbles Sutton	SCO	6.36
Humberto Flores	Por	6.31
Archie Huskey	CHI	6.25
Harry Velazquez	SA	6.25
Howard Norris	SCO	6.22

25 Best Pitchers in the AL
The final column is their projected non-park adjusted ERA

Vern Roa	IOW	3.05
Bruce Wilkerson	Col	3.08
Alexander Little	SCO	3.10
Dennis Day	TAC	3.14
Reid Bordick	SA	3.17
Billy Palmer	CHI	3.23
Joseph Chong	SF	3.27
Orlando Diaz	Col	3.42
Marty Dyer	VAN	3.44
Pat Sefcik	BAL	3.51
Carlos Corpas	Col	3.55
Irv Coles	VAN	3.57
Juan Merced	DOV	3.57
Omar Lima	TAC	3.58
Phillip Benard	TEX	3.59
Vinny Francis	TAC	3.61
Rolando Ramos	WAS	3.63
Joe Byrd	TEX	3.68
Edgardo Montana	LOU	3.69
Mark Francona	LOU	3.71
Charles Moreno	CHI	3.74
Darrell Weiland	TEX	3.75
Livan Hernandez	SA	3.80
Steven Ashby	LOU	3.80
Ismael Calderone	SA	3.81

We'll start with this. If there are other things people want I will try to add them. All input desired! I'll put up the NL tomorrow.

10/9 HBD - Wide News

2010-10-09T23:38:00.001-04:00

10/9 - Randall on Baseball - Silver Linings, Warning Track World - Season 10 draft, Shoeless Joe - All Star snubs, NCAA - Playoff Picture 157, Joey Belle - NL Hot Starts Hitters, Clarkson - New & Notes, Billy Beane -Season Batting Records 131 games, Talk with SoxYanks12 on random topics.

9/27 This week in CAPB, Shoeless Joe tomorrow.

2010-09-27T22:11:00.001-04:00

A one hour episode for the CAPB league. Standings, Top 3 League Leaders - Players and Teams all major categories. The episode went ok but Im a little rusty on doing leagues off the cuff rather than off RSS feeds. It'll get better and more entertaining as I get used to it again.

I've decided to have a 16 listen cut-off on each league. Im going to run TWIHBD as scheduled with CAPB, Shoeless Joe, Rickey, Cobb, & Doubleday M-F. If the league does not reach the 16 podcast listens by the following week I will cut your league from this format.

I will go through every league in HBD one by one in this manner, starting alphabetically. - mostly likely with Aaron unless there is one alphabetically ahead of it until I go through every league. Make the 16 podcast listen minimum and your league is permanent in the format. If I have to do 2 hour episodes - 2 leagues a day to make room, I will. If it gets to the point where I have to squeeze in more Ill do every other week.

There is a contest in October. Please listen for details or look in the blog archives. In short you will have to listen for a secret letter a day during the 5-6pm episode. Collect the letters and unscramble them to spell a player name. Be the first to call in with the correct name and win a free season courtesy of me. The episode to call in for the prize will be first Sunday in November 5-7pm. PLENTY OF WARNING. I may give hints. Secret letters will only be said M-F. You can load up my podcasts 24/7/365. If its worth it to you then you will. If not I keep my money. No sweat.

Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October

2010-09-22T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October: "Ok, Im holding a contest in October. During 20 episodes or thereabouts on M-F - I'll reveal a secret Letter. You can listen on podcast or li..."

A little more thunder in Portland

2010-08-28T11:41:00.003-04:00

After making many different moves this offseason and trying to get younger, Brisque made the biggest and possibly the best move ever in Portland's franchise's history.
Brisque was in a bidding war with many other teams over possibly the best International Free-Agent in Long Haul R Us, or any other world.
Brisque signed 18 year old Pedro Perez out of Matanzas, CU at 11:31 this morning. Perez plays RF and will most likely start off in Low A. Many scouts said Perez has good contact and batting eye, does not hit lefties so well and okay against righties, but his best rating is his power.
Many people have compared him to season one's International Free-Agent Alex Morales. The two both have great ratings, except that Alex is great against lefties and below average against righties. Since there are probably more righties in the world, I would have to say Perez could be much better than Morales and could possibly be the best hitter in the world in a few seasons.
Brisque signed Perez to a minor league contract with a signing bonus of $20 million.

Huntington Bullets are looking to do some Damage

2010-08-17T17:22:00.002-04:00

After going 68-94 last season, the Huntington Bullets and jstnklly are looking to switch that record around. This team may have just bought an extra twenty wins. The Huntington Bullets have signed a total of 4 free agents this season. The Bullets spent around 36 million dollars on free agents this season! The Bullets upgraded their staff with big signing Earl Weston (730 million dollar contract) and Howard Malone. They also upgraded their hitting with gold glove 2B Otis Edmonds.
After signing a bunch of big name players, Huntington is looking to deal some future stud prospects for ML talent. When being asked in the news conference about free agents and upgrading the team, jstnklly replied, "Anyone looking to trade vets for prospects, send me an offer. The two SPs in High-A will take a lot to get, but I have many other options. Mostly looking for ML pitching." After looking into these two SPs, we discovered that the two pitchers were Albert Perez and Henry Burns. Henry Burns was last year's first overall pick. LHRUS is very surprised to see this young phenom is on the trade block. Perez was the second overall pick two years ago. Both of these guys are great pitchers.
Right now, trade talks are sturring between the Philadelphia Pirates and the Bullets. The Pirates were trying to dump some salary and also get a young player out of it to. While the Pirates were looking to do a small trade, the Bullets were looking to change their whole franchise in one click. The Bullets offered the Pirates, Perez and Burns for season elven rookie of the year Virgil Halama and pitching prospect Louie Perry. We have no idea if this trade could be done. The Portland Thunder may also give jstnklly a call later on in the week to discuss a possible trade.

Start of Season 13

2010-08-10T11:23:00.002-04:00

I would like to welcome giants5611, adreid, steadydoses, scrodger, and brisque! This season Oklahoma City 89ers have the first overall pick in this year's draft. They also have the number six pick because last year's number five pick Brant Shaw did not sign. In other news, Cecil Magnante will test the Free Agent market this season. Should be an interesting season. Good luck everyone!

Possible Free Agent Class of Season 13- Geronimo Rijo

2010-07-22T15:32:00.003-04:00

3.) Geronimo Rijo
http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=921458
Rijo is a one time all star, but has ratings and stats of an ace. Last season Rijo went 10 and 9 with an OAV of .207 and an ERA of 2.91! His last two seasons have been great and this upcoming season could be his best. So the real question is, do you want Rijo on your team, or do you want to be facing him?

Possible Teams:
1.) Montreal Maniac- Montreal has an average staff, along with a better bullpen. If they were to get Rijo, Montreal could see their record go up by 15 wins! The good think about Montreal is that they have plenty of cap room and could sign another guy like Jay Ross or even Cecil Magnante.
2.) Open Franchise (Kansas City Last Year)- Could be a good fit here because Rijo could go for under ten million easy.
3.) Colorado Deadbeats- Could use Rijo, but might be a little gamble. If Colorado was to sign him, he might be used as a trading chip.

Best Fit- Montreal would be the best fit for Rijo. This offseason could be huge for Montreal who could acquire three pitchers.

Possible Free Agent Class of Season 13- Clarence Kolb

2010-07-22T15:03:00.007-04:00

2.) Clarence Kolb
http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=918838
Possibly the best closer in Long Haul R Us, Kolb and his old owner less organization are trying to work out some sort of deal. Long Haul R Us Magazine explained that Kolb will most likely test free agency as he is expected to make close to 15 million dollars a season. As of how many years he could get is still unclear. Kolb currently has 300 saves and has a career ERA of 3.48. Kolb also could pitch close to 200 innings if used correctly due to his durability of 90 and stamina of 39. The one time Cy Young winner could be the most expensive free agent if pitching is needed that much.

Possible Teams:
1.) Open Franchise (Kansas City Last year)- This teams was 37 for 62 in save opportunities last season and currently has one solid young pitcher. This team's payroll is a little high, but if they make some room, Kolb could get a lot of innings here.
2.) Boise Barnstormers- Winner of last years Under Dog's Food Bowl, this team could use a lot of pitching, especially in the bullpen. Kolb who can pitch way over 100 innings would help this team out a lot. Only problem is, I don't know how much Kolb's presence would actually help this team.
3.) Salem Saints- This team already has a pretty decent closer, Ted Crosby. However, Crosby is a huge gamble with a control of 19. In the closer roll, you need someone you can depend on. If Salem thinks they can stick with the 27 year old, then Kolb is probably a long shot to pitch in Salem.

Best Fit- Boise could use someone like Kolb to help the reining U.D. Champs turn their organization around and Kolb is the first step. However, Kolb could go for a lot of money and I am not sure if Boise would be willing to go that high for a 33 year old.

Possible Free Agent Class of Season 13- Cecil Magnante

2010-07-22T14:34:00.013-04:00

1.) Cecil Magnante
http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=922689
Three time all star and three world series rings, Cecil is one of the top SPs this off season that could go for a lot of dough. Last season, the Philadelphia Pirates tried to deal Cecil before the deadline but were unable to. The Pirates' organization did their best to keep the trade talks quiet, but word got out and Cecil became furious. When the Pirates contacted Magnante at the end of the season, he told them "I'm not signing with a team just so they can trade me for a boat load of prospects in 2 months." Cecil is a Type A free agent and is asking for a 2 year deal worth 11.6 million. Over his 12 year career, Cecil has averaged about 219 innings a season and an average record of 15 wins and 8 loses, along with a 3.73 ERA and an average of 158 strikeouts a season!

Possible Teams:
1.) Oklahoma City 89ers- One of the worst pitching teams in the league last season and with their park built for no home runs, Cecil and his high flyball tendency would be a perfect fit for the 89ers. If Cecil goes here, he could be an easy Cy Young possibility.
2.) Dover DBagers- Dover had the worst pitching possible last season and could really use an ace. Although Cecil is getting older, Dover needs a lot of pitching help.
3.) Colorado Deadbeats- No matter how good of a pitcher you are, you are always going to have a tough time playing in Colorado. Could use a little more pitching, but shouldn't go crazy.

Best Fit- If the 89ers were to sign Cecil who tends to let the ball fly, he would fit perfectly in the park and would dominate.

Rookie Manager of the Year

2010-07-19T18:22:00.002-04:00

There were a few new managers this season in Long Haul R Us and I would like to give credit to jstnklly who took over the Huntington Bullets, but also took over reigny's team. Some of you may know reigny is not one of the greatest owners in HBD. But still congratulations to him for turning the team around.
The Rookie Manager of the Year is awarded to tomjames who took over Little Rock for sonneboy2000. Sonneboy2000 was always a good owner in Long Haul, but we lost contact with him and so did the rest of the HBD community around the middle of the season. So tomjames took over the team and turned it around the best he could and did a great job. Good job tomjames and Long Haul R Us would like to thank you for helping the team!

Rollover

2010-07-19T18:09:00.002-04:00

Season 12 is about to end soon, with season 13 right around the corner. If interested to join Long Haul R Us please contact raidersfan. Write up about open teams to come shortly! Will include top prospect list, along with top stars, team strengths and weakness, possible players leaving and coming to join franchise!

Wichita wins the Divisional Douchebags Cup

2010-07-07T16:47:00.003-04:00

This years Divisional Douchebags Cup is rewarded to the Wichita WINNERS for beating the Baltimore Beatdown two out of the three games. Both of these teams have continued to argue over the past few years and battled for first place in the AL East. Wichita finished the season 95-67 and Baltimore finished 85-77. The MVP of the Divisional Docuhebags Cup goes to Henry Bush, who went 8 innings and struck out 10 while giving up only two hits and no walks in game two. The Douchebag of the DD Cup is rewarded to two different players. Wichita's CF Alberto Torcato and pitcher Ramiro Aguilar. Torcato was ejected in game two after striking out looking. Aguilar was brought into the first game in the fifth inning. On his third pitch, Kiki Chavez hit a home run down the left field line. This was also Chavez first career ML home run and most likely his last. On top of that, Aguilar came out of the game with a forearm "cramp" and was unable to pitch. And Montreal will win the World Series next year. Okay! Both of these players can cry me a river. Once again, congratulations to commishcawlz and the WINNERS for winning the Divisional Douchebags Cup. Good luck next year Baltimore!

Boise Wins the Under Dog's Food Bowl

2010-07-07T16:34:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to the Boise Barnstormers for winning this years Under Dog's Food Bowl! Boise, with the help of their solid staff, was able to sweep the Montreal Maniac in a three game series. Congratulations also for not being the worse team in the league! And sorry Montreal for probably being the worse team in the whole entire league. At least both teams will get a solid pick! The MVP of the Under Dog's Food Bowl goes to Norberto Park, who went 4 for 9 in two games and hit 3 home runs and drove in nine. The Dog of the Food Bowl goes to the Maniac's starters who pitched a total of 11.1 innings in three games and gave up a total of 16 runs! Congratulations to these two teams for getting a good draft pick next year and... that's it.

Game two of the Under Dog's Food Bowl

2010-07-05T12:33:00.004-04:00

In game two, the Boise Barnstormers defeated the Montreal Maniac 5-2. Boise's Pedro Gomez was rewarded the win and went five innings and gave up two runs. Harry Forrest was rewarded his 18th save of the year. Norberto Park hit his 27th home run, going one for four with a walk. On the other side, Stretch Kendall earned his 11th loss of the year going five innings and giving up four runs.

Up until the the sixth inning, it looked as if Montreal would be able to squeeze in a win. However, Kendall ran out of gas and fell apart, giving up three runs. On a bright side, Montreal's bullpen looked solid going four innings and giving up only one run. Once again, Norberto Park was the player of the game.

In tonight's game, Cristobal Castro looks to take the mound against Maniac's Farmer Houston. Houston is one of the best pitchers the Maniacs have. Houston is 11-14 with an era of 4.81.

PREDICTION: Because Montreal's bullpen has been doing pretty well and the starter is better than the first two, Montreal wins.

Final Score: 2-3

Game one of the Under Dog's Food Bowl

2010-07-05T07:46:00.009-04:00

In game one, the Boise Barnstormers crushed the Montreal Maniac 20-1. One of Boise's top pitchers Ruben Trevino was rewarded the win, going six innings and giving up one run. Long relief pitcher Trevor Jefferson was rewarded the save going three innings and striking out one. The player of the game was Norberto Park, who hit two home runs and drove in eight! Park also leads the team in home runs (26) and runs batted in (107).

The pitcher that was able to pitch this batting practice was scrub Benito Mercedes. Fresh from the minors, Mercedes is 1-2 with an era of 9.69. Mercedes was able to go 2.2 innings, giving up 7 runs and 2 home runs. Mercedes was rewarded the loss.

Not all looks bad for the Maniac as stud 2B Darrell Caufield looks to fight for the rights of not being the worse team in the whole world! Kurt Hawkins takes the mound this afternoon against solid pitcher Pedro Gomez. Although neither pitcher has anything special, expect a pitcher's duel due to the fact that either team can hit.

PREDICTION: Win goes to Boise late in the game due to the fact that the top of Boise's order is pretty solid and the Maniac have only good hitter.

Final Score: 4-1

Power Rankings 6-24-10

2010-06-24T15:53:00.003-04:00

HOPELESS TEAMS
32. Montreal Maniac – 46-80 LW: 29 – 31st Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 57-105; playing a little above prediction.

31.Oklahoma City 89ers – 46-80 LW: 32 - 32nd Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 25th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 68-94; playing a little below prediction.

30.Dover DBagers – 50-76 LW: 31 - 19th Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 22nd Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 59-103; playing a little above prediction.

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
29.Kansas City Royals – 48-78 LW:28 – 24th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 5th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 70-92; playing a little below prediction.

28.San Diego Missions – 47-79 LW: 26 – 30th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 30th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 74-88; playing well below prediction.

27.Little Rock Anti-Clintons – 48-78 LW: 30 – 25th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 17th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 58-104; playing a little above prediction.

26.Salem Saints 51-75 LW: 24 – 16th Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 23rd Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 82-80; I was way off in a bad way.

25.Toronto and the Lone Ranger – 54-72 LW: 27 – 23rd Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 26th Fielding Pre-season prediction: 63-99; playing a little above prediction.

THE THANKS FOR PLAYING BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR TEAMS
24.Huntington Bullets 55-71 LW: 25 – 7th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 1st Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 57-105; playing well above prediction.

23.Florida Manatees 58-68 LW: 19 – 14th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 24th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 76-86; right on.

THE WHERE ON LIFE SUPPORT TEAMS
22.Durham CroBulls 59-67 LW: 23 – 29th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 20th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 79-83; playing a little below prediction.

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
21Boise Barnstormers 57-69 LW: 21 – 26th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 7th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 76-86; right on.

20Colorado Deadbeats – 62-64 LW: 22 – 3rd Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 21st Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 58-104; way off in a good way.

19.Burlington Beavers 62-64 LW: 20 – 28th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 15th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 86-76; playing a little below prediction.

18.Charlotte Blue Devils 60-66 LW: 16 – 20th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 16th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 85-77; playing a little below prediction.

17.New Orleans Knights 63-63 LW: 17 – 21st Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 3rd Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 81-81; right on.

THE AVERAGE TEAMS
16.Helena Emperors 63-63 LW: 12 – 11th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 10th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 91-71; playing well below prediction.

15.Anaheim Los Angeles Conquistadores 67-59 – LW: 13 – 27th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 8th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 72-90; playing well above prediction.

14.Louisville Sluggers 67-59 LW: 18 – 13th Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 11th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 83-79; playing a little above prediction.

13.Trenton Tea Baggers 65-61 LW: 14 – 17th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 2nd Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 86-76; playing a little below prediction.

THE ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
12.Baltimore Beatdown 66-60 LW: 15 – 9th Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 18th Fielding.
Pre-season prediction: 89-73; playing a little below prediction.

11.Santa Cruz Is Coming to Town 68-58 LW: 10 – 12th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 29th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 84-78; right on.

10.Cleveland Elite Senators II 72-54 – LW: 11 – 6th Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 14th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 77-85; way off in a good way.

9.Texas Justice 68-58 LW: 9 – 1st Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 31st Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 90-72; Right on.

THE GREAT TEAMS
8.Wichita WINNERS 68-58 LW: 7 – 15th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 19th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 118-44; way off in a bad way.

7.Chicago Fish Tacos 72-54 LW: 8 – 8th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 4th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 90-72; Right on.

6. St. Louis Birdos 72-54 LW: 3 – 22nd Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 12th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 95-67; Right on.

THE ELITE TEAMS
5.Tacoma Rain 75-51 LW: 4 – 10th Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 27th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 112-50; way off in a bad way.

4.Cincinnati Flying Pigs 77-49 LW: 5 – 4th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 9th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 95-67; playing a little above prediction.

3.Ottawa Morissettes 79-47 LW: 5 – 18th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 13th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 109-53; playing a well below prediction.

2.San Antonio Sentinals 83-43 LW: 1 – 5th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 6th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 107-55; right on.

1.2. Philadelphia Pirates 88-38 – LW: 2 – 2nd Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 28th Fielding
Pre-season prediction: 97-65; way off in a good way.

LHRUS POWER RANKINGS 6-17-10

2010-06-17T14:43:00.002-04:00

HOPELESS TEAMS
32. Oklahoma City 89ers – 39-67 LW: 30 - 32nd Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 25th Fielding
Bright Spot: Let me think on this.

31. Dover DBagers – 41-65 LW: 32 - 20th Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 23rd Fielding
Bright Spot: At least there no longer in the 32nd spot in the power rankings.

30. Little Rock Anti-Clintons (Americans) – 34-72 LW: 31 – 27th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 17th Fielding
Bright Spot: Could play for the first annual UD Bowl trophy this season. And pick a name.

29. Montreal Maniac – 42-64 LW: 29 – 31st Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding
Bright Spot: Enjoying the one week of summer in Montreal is always nice.

28. The third place team in the National League South
I know there’s another team in the National League South, I just can’t think of the name.

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
27. Toronto and the Lone Ranger – 44-62 LW: 26 – 23rd Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 24th Fielding
Bright Spot: They will always have a cool name.

26. San Diego Missions – 41-65 LW: 27 – 29th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 29th Fielding
Bright Spot: If they could win the close games, they would have a better record but if they could hit they would also have a better record.

25. Huntington Bullets 43-63 LW: 23 – 6th Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 1st Fielding
Bright Spot: Scoring over 5 runs a game is always good but don’t pay attention to the pitching staff giving up almost 6 runs a game.

THE THANKS FOR PLAYING BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR TEAMS
24. Salem Saints 44-62 LW: 25 – 13th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 27th Fielding
Bright Spot: A winning record against your division is always a good goal to complete but going 33-52 against everyone else isn’t a good goal to have.

THE WHERE ON LIFE SUPPORT TEAMS
23. Durham CroBulls 51-55 LW: 22 – 30th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 12th Fielding
I hate to say this but the 97 year old vet I talked with last week passed away. The team scoring 22 runs in 2 games was just too much for his heart to take. Good news for the old vet is that it took the team 8 more games to score 22 runs.

22. Colorado Deadbeats – 49-57 LW: 23 – 3rd Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 15th Fielding
Bright Spot: The pitching staff showed a little improvement this week but really how much worst could the pitching staff get.

21. Boise Barnstormers 46-60 LW: 19 – 22nd Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 8th Fielding
Bright Spot: The team has talent but they have a serious curse placed upon the team. I would be calling a priest, rabbi and the Ghostbusters to figure out something.

20. Burlington Beavers 49-57 LW: 20 – 28th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 14th Fielding
Bright Spot: See Above

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
19. Florida Manatees 53-53 LW: 18 – 12th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 21st Fielding
Bright Spot: Being a below average team with a winning record then a below average team with a losing record.

THE AVERAGE TEAMS
18. Louisville Sluggers 55-51 LW: 17 – 22nd Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 11th Fielding
Bright Spot: Playing in a weak division is always good if you’re an average team.

17. New Orleans Knights 55-51 LW: 14 – 17th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 3rd Fielding
Bright Spot: Wildcard spot is within reach but Taco and Justice stand in there way.

16. Charlotte Blue Devils 52-54 LW: 12 – 21st Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 19th Fielding
Bright Spot: In the wildcard race even as they sit 20 games out of first place.

15. Baltimore Beatdown 53-53 LW: 16 – 11th Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 18th Fielding.
Bright Spot: They have no trouble beating down teams on the road but when you getting beat down at home, can we truly call you the Beatdowns?

14. Trenton Tea Baggers 54-52 LW: 21 – 19th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 2nd Fielding
You’re making it hard for me to ignore you.

13. Anaheim Los Angeles Conquistadores 56-50 – LW: 11 – 25th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 5th Fielding
Great efforts so for Anaheim but you’re starting to fade. To the rest of the people out there “TOLD YOU SO”.

THE ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
12. Helena Emperors 54-52 LW: 9 – 10th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 10th Fielding
I put you in the Top Ten last week and this is how you repay me. Helena is banned from the Top Ten for the rest of the year, well unless you convince me you truly belong.

11. Cleveland Elite Senators II 59-47 – LW: 10 – 8th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 22nd Fielding
I think it was Cleveland who put the losing curse on the Burlington Beavers and Boise Barnstormers. Once again I will say there is no way this team should have won this many games already.

10. Santa Cruz Is Coming to Town 59-47 LW: 15 – 15th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 30th Fielding
See what you can accomplish with an offense. Now let’s work on that defense of yours.

9. Texas Justice 57-49 LW: 8 – 1st Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 31st Fielding
Bright Spot: This proves that you can win games with nothing but an offense. What happens to the Justice when the bats cool off?

THE GREAT TEAMS
8. Chicago Fish Tacos 58-48 LW: 13 – 9th Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 4th Fielding
Bright Spot: If the season ended to day the team would be in the playoffs but the season is still happening and a lot of things can happen by the end.

THE ELITE TEAMS
7. Wichita WINNERS 60-46 LW: 6 – 18th Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 20th Fielding
Bright Spot: They can now take it easy the rest of the season, as the division is there’s to lose.

6. Ottawa Morissettes 66-40 LW: 7 – 16th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 16th Fielding
Bright Spot: It will take an act of God to stop Ottawa from winning the National League North.

5. Cincinnati Flying Pigs 67-39 LW: 5 – 4th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 9th Fielding
Bright Spot: The Pigs have been a Top 5 team all season but it depends on how you look at it; they haven’t moved up in the Power Rankings at all this season.

4. Tacoma Rain 66-40 LW: 3 – 7th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 28th Fielding
It must be nice to be on Auto Pilot and still be one of the best teams in the league.

3. St. Louis Birdos 66-40 LW: 4 – 14th Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 13th Fielding
Bright Spot: I don’t think any team will want to face St. Louis in the playoffs, but winning it all as a Wild Card team is never easy.

2. Philadelphia Pirates 72-34 – LW: 1 – 2nd Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 26th Fielding
It really hurts me to do this but sorry Philadelphia you are no longer the number 1 team in the league. But look at it this way, you still have the best record in the league.

1. San Antonio Sentinals 71-35 LW: 2 – 5th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 6th Fielding
Ok! Ok! San Antonio I will take your seriously now. Great job into getting the number spot and hopefully you can win the World Series because I’m still picking Tacoma.

Possible Records Update

2010-06-11T17:52:00.007-04:00

Since it is the All Star Break, I thought now would be a good time to update some possible new records.
LF Darin DePaula of the Durham CroBulls was off to a fast start this season. DePaula has stolen 50 bases and has only been caught twice! With 91 games finished, Darin is averaging a stolen base almost every other game. In order to beat Phillip Hunter's record of 106 stolen bases, DePaula would have to steal 56 more bases in 71 games, which is close to a steal a game. DePaula is on pace to steal 89 bases by the end of the season. The CroBulls are going to have to let Darin run a little bit more in order for him to break this record!
Closer of the Cleveland Elite Senators II, Marty Dyer has to put in more effort in order to beat Clarence Kolb's record of 58 saves. In 91 games, Dyer is 31 for 31 with saves. That is almost a save every three games! Dyer is on pace to have 55 saves by the end of the season. Marty has a very good chance to beat the record, but will have to continue his save streak in order to break Kolb's record!
Cincinnati Flying Pig's starting pitcher Fonzie Lewis was off to a great start going 13-5 in 91 games. Lewis is going to have to win 11 more games in 71 games in order to break the record. Lewis is currently on pace to go 23-9 this season. The current record is held by George Ramsey and Darryl Morgan with 24 wins.
Although Lewis started of the season leading the league in wins, Darryl Priest of the Tacoma Rain took the lead. Priest is currently 15-4 with an ERA of 3.03. Priest is the only player of the four to actually be on pace to beat the record- with an amazing 27 wins!

Power Rankings 6-10-10

2010-06-10T14:51:00.012-04:00

HOPELESS TEAMS
32. Dover DBagers – 32-57 #21 Hitting/ #32 Pitching/ #18 Fielding
As if the DBagers didn't have enough problems this season, fans are now wearing brown paper bags to all the homes games. Team has decided to charge for outfield seats and free admission for the rest. Remember to come early and get some good seats.

31. Little Rock Anti-Clintons (Maybe Lumber Jacks) – 25-64 #31 Hitting/ #27 Pitching/ #20 Fielding
Pick a name already people

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
30. Oklahoma City 89ers – 34-55 #30 Hitting/ #29 Pitching/ #21 Fielding
There’s one bright spot for the 89ers, there no longer a Hopeless team.

29. Montreal Maniac – 35-54 #32 Hitting/ #28 Pitching/ #32 Fielding
You have to feel bad for Maniac’s, the season as been real ugly for the team so far. Perhaps if the Maniac’s could hit, pitch and field it could improve on there record. Until then, the Maniac’s will continue to sit in the NL North cellar.

28. Kansas City Kansas City Royals 33-56 #28 Hitting/ #26 Pitching/ #6 Fielding
Will not say anything about the Kansas City Kansas City Royals until they fix there name.

27. San Diego Missions – 33-56 #26 Hitting/ #18 Pitching/ #29 Fielding
San Diego is slipping into the Pacific Ocean at this rate. A weird development this season has been if the Missions played all there games on the road, they would be in the playoff race.

26. Toronto and the Lone Ranger – 37-52 #22 Hitting/ #23 Pitching/ #24 Fielding
Getting outscored by a combined margin of 66 runs, it’s the Toronto’s pitching that's the problem, with an ERA of 5.02. Maybe the real Lone Ranger could pitch for the team?

THE THANKS FOR PLAYING BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR TEAMS
25. Salem Saints 37-52 #14 Hitting/ 24 Pitching/ #26 Fielding
The Saints can hit with the best of them. The pitching staff most be praying to the wrong god this season because they can’t stop anyone. Salem is tied for the most blown saves with 18, only 6 less then the saves the team has collected all season.

24. Colorado Deadbeats – 38-51 #3 Hitting/ #31 Pitching/ #14 Fielding
Deadbeats pitchers have an 6.33 ERA, but apparently they think it could get worst then that very soon: The Deadbeats seem to be interested in any pitcher with a pulse. They have open tryouts starting in a week, so if you think you can make it as a pitcher in the major leagues, give it a try.

23. Huntington Bullets 38-51 #6 Hitting/ #30 Pitching/ #1 Fielding
Slowly, quietly, the Bullets might be coming around. The pitching staff is finally showing signs of life. There are only two questions, then: (1) is it too late? (2) can they play the rest of there games on the road? The Bullets sit 14 games out, a long but not impossible deficet.

THE WHERE ON LIFE SUPPORT TEAMS
22. Durham CroBulls 44-45 #29 Hitting/ #19 Pitching/ #8 Fielding
No matter what happens to the CroBulls, they have truly confused the city of Durham this season. A 97 year old retired vet stated “Might as well go home and spend time with the wife if the team can’t score some runs.” No comment from the wife.

21. Trenton Tea Baggers 42-27 #27 Hitting/ #16 Pitching/ #2 Fielding

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
20. Burlington Beavers 41-48 #23 Hitting/ #12 Pitching/ #10 Fielding
This is a weird team, everything says they should have a better record but they don’t. They have scored 5 more runs then allowed, are almost even at home and the road. Think they should change there name to the Burlington Mysteries.

19. Boise Barnstormers 40-49 #25 Hitting/ #11 Pitching/ #13 Fielding
See above

18. Florida Manatees 44-45 #13 Hitting/ #20 Pitching/ #16 Fielding
The Manatees don't have a good back of the rotation, they don't have a good bullpen, they have an average defense, and they have an average lineup. The Manatees are going to have to scratch and claw if they want to make it to the top. But then again these are Manatees, I don’t even think they can scratch or claw.

17. Louisville Sluggers 46-43 #17 Hitting/ #22 Pitching/ #9 Fielding
They have opened up a little space in the National South. Never mind the team being out scored by 23 runs already, first place is first place.

16. Baltimore Beatdown 43-46 #12 Hitting/ #14 Pitching/ #11 Fielding.
The mission is simple for the Beatdown the rest of the year: survive. Find a way to improve but don’t fall to the rest of the pack behind them.

THE AVERAGE TEAMS
15. Santa Cruz Is Coming to Town 47-42 #19 Hitting/ #6 Pitching/ #30 Fielding
Maybe if they find enough people to mail letters to Santa Clause, he can finally come to town and delivier a gift of an offense to the team. This would be a scary team with an offense.

14. New Orleans Knights 49-40 #10 Hitting/ #15 Pitching/ #3 Fielding
Wish the last Wildcard spot could be a fight to the death. Right now it would a Fish Taco versus a Knight. A Fish Taco sure sounds good right now.

13. Chicago Fish Tacos 48-41 #11 Hitting/ #17 Pitching/ #4 Fielding
Bet you didn’t see a Fish Taco beating a Knight did you.

12. Charlotte Blue Devils 47-42 #16 Hitting/ #9 Pitching/ #22 Fielding
The Blue Devils must be wishing they played in a different division. Third place, 13 games out is all they have to show for a very good season so far. If the played in the National League South they would be in first place but so would every other National League team.

THE ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
11. Anaheim Los Angeles Conquistadores 49-40 #24 Hitting/ #7 Pitching/ #5 Fielding
Until this team can shows me something, I refuse to put them in the Top Ten. Also they will fade after the Allstar break (putting hands together and praying)

10. Cleveland Elite Senators II 52-37 #7 Hitting/ #21 Pitching/ #25 Fielding
I don’t know what they offered to the baseball gods because they shouldn’t be here, let alone have 52 wins. They have scored only 12 more runs then allowed with an above average offense, below average pitching staff and a horrible defense. Need to find out more about this.

9. Helena Emperors 47-42 #11 Hitting/ #17 Pitching/ #4 Fielding
May be third in there division but there in front of the Santa Cruz Is Coming to Town and Anaheim Los Angeles Conquistadores in the power rankings. It’s good to be the Emperor.

8. Texas Justice 47-42 #1 Hitting/ #25 Pitching/ #31 Fielding
Baseball is a funny game sometimes: The Justice can’t pitch or field but they always find a way to win. Just imagine what this team would be like if they had an offense.

7. Ottawa Morissettes 55-34 #20 Hitting/ #8 Pitching/ #23 Fielding
Still riding the wave they created during the first week of the season. Just seems like the team is coasting the rest of the way but with the rest of the division I really don’t blame them..

THE GREAT TEAMS
6. Wichita WINNERS 52-37 #18 Hitting/ #2 Pitching/ #17 Fielding
With a name like the WINNERS, I’d expect nothing less from the team. Should have an easy time the rest of the season as the division isn’t that strong.

5. Cincinnati Flying Pigs 55-34 #4 Hitting/ #10 Pitching/ #15 Fielding
While the Flying Pigs continue to pound out the hits like a bull, their pitching is going unnoticed -- and it should be noticed. The team ERA is 4.03 and there only allowing 4.38 runs per game. While the offense will remain, the jury is still out on the starting pitching. If these two can hang on and put up good numbers the rest of the way, the American League North should be a fun race all the way to the end.

4. St. Louis Birdos 56-33 #15 Hitting/ #1 Pitching/ #12 Fielding
This is proof that playing the league toughest division doesn’t always help. Second best record in the National League and still 4 games out. Still, the Birdos have all the makings of the top team, including their best starting staff in many years.

THE ELITE TEAMS
3. Tacoma Rain 59-30 #8 Hitting/ #4 Pitching/ #28 Fielding
I think it time for the Rain to let up a little. There’s nothing more to prove with a 21 game led in the division before the All-Star break.

2. San Antonio Sentinals 59-30 #5 Hitting/ #3 Pitching/ #7 Fielding
Sorry San Antonio, all your huffing and puffing still won’t make me change my mind about Tacoma winning the World Series. Plus I can’t take you seriously when your not even number 1 in the power rankings.

1. Philadelphia Pirates 60-29 #2 Hitting/ #5 Pitching/ #27 Fielding
It seems that Philadelphia is finally starting to hit a rough patch. The offense has come down a bit, same with the pitching staff. Still, they have the best record in the majors, so it's important to understand the difference between concern and panic. A Pirates team with holes is still one of the better teams this league has every seen.

NL and AL South Draft Review

2010-06-04T19:28:00.006-04:00

NL SOUTH

Louisville Sluggers
Positions of Need: CF, SS, RP
Summary: Mixed bag of a draft they seem to target certain guys who would be sure things for the team passing up on better skilled prospects for guys they must have been in love with. Sanders will be a great closer and might turn out to be the best and most easily translatable reliever of those to go in the top 10. Manship isn't going to be dominating but should be a solid major leaguer. Overall not a bad draft for ML potential players as they landed 3 solid options.
Grade: B
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.26 CF Earl Coleman- Better suited for 2B, but this guy can hit and Run well enough to be in the league (AA)
S10 1.50 SS Carl Crosby- Defensive superstar, but poor performer at the plate and on the bases. Will be a career defensive replacement and spot starter (HiA)
S11 1.6 CF Pete Peters- was a huge reach with the 6^th overall pick last season, he is a light hitter with great speed, He has a place of many teams, and he's just not the star you would want with a top 10 pick (HiA)
S11 1.35 1B Eddie Hultzen- solid power bopping 1B his middle of the road splits will scare some. (HiA)
S11 1.53 RF Tyler Dempster- Above average runner and a solid hitter, good late 1^st round pick up last season (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.9 RP Jermaine Sanders- In the year of the RP Sanders goes in the 1^st 10 picks. I believe he was the 4^th top 10 pick for RP in this draft. Sanders is a great all around reliever with precision control and 2 dominant pitches. He might be an elite closer one day in this league.
1.36 SP Gary Manship- some signing issues with Manship allowed him to slip into the late 1^st round. Overall he is a solid starter with 5 workable pitches including a good sinker. His control is already tolerable as an 18 year old prospect. He has a lot of growing to do and average makeup.
2.68 2B Rob Roberts- poor hitter with average speed and defense. Maybe a 1 star prospect at best huge reach in the top of the 2^nd round.
3.101 LRP Michael Byrd- above average fastball is the only solid pitch in his 5 pitch arsenal. His splits and control are MLB potential, although bottom of the barrel, He might still get a good number of innings in his career as a cheap alternative for a staff.

Durham CroBulls
Positions of Need: RP, SP
Summary: Coleman is going to be great in the right situation, but he will need to be monitored and watched. Walbeck further adds to a freshly growing bullpen. The best pick might be their 3^rd rounder where they pick up a perfect NL specialist in Bubba Ennis.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.4 RF Ryan Halama- Solid hitting prospect with good power and batting eye Traded S11 to Cin (AAA)
S9 1.54 3B D.T. Bailey- he is as fast as he is blind. Will strike out a whole bunch and steal a whole bunch no power. (AA)
S9 1.62 SP Joel Swift- Middle of the road splits average pitch selection. (AA)
S10 1.9 3B Fernando Gardel- UNSIGNED
S11 1.5 P Roland Gosling- top of the rotation type Starter, Gosling has 4 pitches good control and solid splits.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.7 RP Tripp Coleman- His Stamina and Durability scream out relief pitcher with limited pitch count. He would be a great closer if carefully monitored and maintained. He has ace quality splits and control with an outstanding Sinker and an above average slider. The 7^th pick might be a bit high for a guy you have to watch to make his piece fit into your teams puzzle.
1.50 RP Al Walbeck- solid reliever with above average control and splits. He has a great Split Fastball to work with and a solid 4-semaer to fall back on. Probably not going to be a superstar but a nice piece deep in the 1st round.
2.67 SP Alvin Merrick- In college he was known As: wild thang" Merrick. He might have killed a mascot or two with his killer velocity and lack of control. 5 solid pitches his best being his changeup. Unless he finds some control he does make it out of the minors.
3.99 2B Bubba Ennis- Great runner and speed guy with great contact. I love this pick in the 3rd round He should be a good defensive replacement in the field and a pitch running extraordinaire.

Kansas City Kansas City Royals
Positions of Need: SS, CF, C
Summary: Started a run on Relief pitching that lasted throughout the 1^st round. Everyone went into a mad grab for quality relievers. Defensive Stud and Speedster Midre Jacquez is a nice pickup in the 2^nd round. Overall I think KC got some prospects to be happy with that filled some of their needs.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.9 P Stewart Black- a Low durability reliever who has shown mix results as the ML Closer, He should be very successful if his pitch count is controlled. (ML)
S9 1.36 P Garland Badilla- 4 pitches middle of the road left/right splits he is going to be a mixed bag in the MLTRADED SEASON 10 to CLEV (AAA)
S9 1.49 P Tomas Borges- 3 quality pitches but average control and stamina will limit him to relief, he might sneak a few spot starts in his career (AAA)
S10 3 P Anthony Clifton- Pitching ace already in the bigs for good reason this guy can pitch. Not even close to full potential and he already averages almost a strike out an inning in the ML. (ML) S11 1.7 SP Howard James- Ace quality pitcher with 5 pitches excellent splits and good control lacks game changing velocity and is strictly a fly ball pitcher. (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.3 RP Luke Jennings- fairly developed Reliever for an 18 year old. He has a great pitcher splits and perfect control. His 3 pitches should bring him great success as a reliever for many seasons. At pick #3 he went way to high in the draft
2.63 SS Midre Jacquez- 2 great tools with his elite speed and running and his great defensive presence. He should have success in the Majors with those tools even with his lowly bat.
3.95 2B Hub Faulk- Better suited for RF or LF, he is a slightly above average hitter, but might not be skilled enough to get regular At Bats in the Majors.

Little Rock Anti-Clintons
Positions of Need: SP, RP, CF
Summary: Took a serious risk with their #1 pick Alvin Bradley. Bradley's signabilty issues scared off a number of suitors, but maybe Little Rocks risk will pay huge dividends and they will get a late 1^st round gem. Only time will tell, but you have to commend the guts. The rest of the draft doesn't deliver much in the way of ML prospects.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 1.14 1B Todd Clark- elite level hitter but the 1^st round is a stretch for a low fielding position. He can hit near the top though (AAA)
S10 1.28 SP Carson Lockhart- good college pitcher would have drafted higher if his stamina was better, but still he has 4 pitches on top of good control and left/right combination (AAA)
S10 1.39 P Vin Starr- Struggles at times against Lefties, but should pitch in the majors one day with 3 great pitches. (AAA)
S10 1.44 P Josh Pecina- he has the pitch selection and velocity of a star but has low stamina and average control. He will be a solid mop-up long reliever in the majors for a time. (AAA)
S10 1.55 2B Perry MacRae-Contact hitter with no power and bat batting eye but great speed and base running. He should provide enough tools to have the option to strike out as much as he wants in the Majors. (AAA)
S11 1.23 RF Tony Valenzuela- Good speed, but average hitting he seems the ball well and seems to understand the pitching he just doesn't have the natural talent.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.22 SS Alvin Bradley- he has 3B written all over him on defense. He possesses a plus bat with good speed. I would expect numbers close to a .290 hitter with 20 HR and 35 SB when he is ML ready. He is fairly developed and should rise quickly through the minors. He is considering football as a career option so he will be a late signer.
2.82 SS Ellis Henson- The backup plan for Bradley not signing. Defensively he's worse at 3B but he is capable. He is almost as quick and runs overall better than Bradley. He is a much poor hitter and is slated to be nothing more than an AAA grinder.
3.114 SP Richard Braun- Great pitcher to have in the minor leagues he will eat innings and throw solid games, He has poor baseball splits and will struggle to much against ML hitting to be a viable major league option.

AL SOUTH

San Antonio Sentinals
Positions of Need:
Summary: Totally hate the Rodriguez pick with their 1st overall selection, there seem to be other talent on the board which made a lot better sense with that pick, Getting Gil deep in the 2^nd round illustrated that even on their own draft board. Lombardi and Allen both are skilled players but like all late 1^st rounders they are flawed and will need to be in very defined roles for them to succeed.
Grade: D+
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.25 Rp Junior Tavarez developed reliever with solid control and good right/left understanding. 3 pitches including a top flight sinker. (AAA)
9.1.42 2B Lee Brock- middle of the road hitter with good speed and base running. His defense is good enough to play most any position except SS and CF.
9.1.60 2B Virgil Maxwell- Good contact but an overall light weight hitter. He could play every day and contribute near the bottom of a lineup, but he is nothing more than a stopgap player.
10.1.32 P Tyson Cross- UNSIGNED
10.1.42RP Glendon Stockton- 3 pitches and good splits, glendon's low durability is not ideal for a reliever. (HiA) 11.1.29 P Von Pose Solid #2 or 3 starter on a good major league club. Von's makeup will make him a slow mover through the minors (AA)
11.1.34 P Reid Bordick- star 2 pitch reliever he has outstanding splits and great control and pitches, his low stamina will keep him to 1 or 2 batters max an appearance. (AA)
11.1.63 P Zoltan Jackson- Long Relief prospect with middle of the road splits and pitch selection, not going to make much of a major league splash (AA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.32 SS Davey Rodriguez- below average fielder. He isn't much better in the field with above average power but poor contact hitting. Below average speed makes up the trifurcate of AAA player. Poor pick at #1
1.43 SP Tom Lombardi- poor durability on an otherwise solid relief pitcher. He has elite level control and 3
pitches to throw out over the plate. He just will be limited on the number of batters he can face an outing and the
number of appearance in a season. Probably a reach in the 1st round for this reliever.
1.48 C Bo Allen- Better DH than a positional player so on an AL team he should be fine. Great overall hitter with above average power and good batting eye. He isn't going to hurt you at the plate at all.
2.61 SS Carmine Gil- solid defender and a better overall player than #1 pick Rodriguez. He can play SS and should blow through the minors fairly quickly and be a key defensive sub. He will strike out a lot at the plate but he has enough bats to count on him to deliver some offense.
2.69 SP Rickey Eckenstahler-- Solid late 2nd round Pitcher. He struggles against Left hander hitters and has only 1 plus pitch to work with. He is not a bad pick up late in the 2nd round.
2.90 RP Charles Fonville- His fastball and Slider are unhittable when they get going and rank among the best scouts have seen, His control is also considered elite level. His drawback is his average pitching splits which show his struggles against Right Handers who at the MLB level might eat him up. Still might be a good risk/reward pick late in the 2nd.
3.122 SS Shigetoshi Zhang- Average hitter below average defender, above average speed. He's just a mixed bag in the 3rd round. Most likely he's nothing more than a minor league lifer.

Texas Justice
Positions of Need: SP, LF
Summary: Got their LF in the 1^st round, but had to reach for him. They still need to increase their stable of Farm arms, which seems to be desperately lacking
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.23 2B Stephen Albers- A guy who can hit and field. Not much not to like when he makes the league (AA)
9.1.41 SS Enrique Flores- better suited for 3B great power, but probably will hit for an average around .260 (AA)
9.1.51 C Tori Tatum- great offensive catcher offers a solid body behind the plate. (AA)
10- NO PICKS
11.1.28 SS Shane Kerr- Average hitter above average speed. Might be a weak SS in the field
11.1.31 SS Quinn Coco- Contact bloop single guy, he has little power and average speed, better suited for 3B.
11.1.45 CF Aaron Munro- Great speed, but a slight better than average contact hitter. He can play the field fairly well and should be solid platoon versus left handers.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.12 RF J.P. Diaz- huge reach in the mid 1^st round. He is a fast no power bat that sees the ball well, but can't drive it deep enough to even make up for his plus speed. He should steal 25-40 bases a season and has the running sense to take advantage of poor catchers and exploitable pitchers. To high in the draft for a guy that doesn't offer more than 2 tools. Needs to field as well
3.104 SS Phil Maxwell - would be more successful on defense at 3B, he doesn't offer enough at the plate (poor batting eye and hitting stats) and can't run the bases well enough to merit this high of a pick. Type A
4.136 CF Andrew DeJean – a contact hitter with poor batting splits. He might get some AB's against right handers, His bread and butter might be his speed if he develops his baserunning he might be a good defensive pinch runner in the league. Type B

Florida Manatees
Positions of Need: SP, C
Summary: Florida is young and has great depth everywhere. Their biggest weakness would be starting pitching where they have a number of young stars already developing. What they need is a few stronger stamina arms to extend the innings pitched for the starters, Superstar AAA P Edgardo Montana would be better in Long relief or setup with his stamina. Ashby fits the bill for the type of pitcher they needed for their farm. Omar James will also be an asset when he is ready to contribute. Both should be great players to have on any team.
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.2 SS Sal Gwynn- all around all-star, but weak against Left handers, still has great defense and hitting and should be a value then he breaks the big leagues (AA)
9.1.31 P Darrin Lennon- 4 pitches with good control and solid splits he could be a Great #2 guy if you overlook his durability (AA)
9.1.34 2B Derrick Brewer- Good stamina and control but average splits, His sinker and Fastball makeup for his poor Curve. (LoA)
9.1.47 P Darby Speier- Good speed and good contact, but lower power numbers and very mediocre left/right splits (HiA)
9.1.52 LF Vincente Moreno- average hitter and runner, but nothing more than a flash in the pan for major league prospects (HiA)
10.1.7 RP Ben Van Hatten- Great power reliever he could strikeout the side easily in an ML game. Might be the closer of the future for Florida. Great control and splits. Downside outside of his Curve his pitch selection is quite poor. (HiA)
10.1.33 CF John Bolick- Solid ML prospect, He has 5 tools to offer Florida including good speed, solid hitting and precision fielding. (AA)
11.1.3 SS Von Hammonds Average fielder and solid runner. He has great contact and splits, but not much power. He's probably a .320 hitter with 10 hr power and 25+ stolen bases. (LoA)
11.1.52 CF Jim Becker- solid power but will struggle putting the ball in play without making an out He also has good speed could be a solid 2B or CF prospect. (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.4 P Steven Ashby- Solid #1 or 2 option for a ML rotation, he has very underwhelming pitches, but he has strikeout power and great stamina to overcome his shortcoming.
2.64 P Omar James- One of the best Sinkers scouting has seen. He struggles some with his control, but if he develops that should be fine and he could be a good 10 closer in the league.
3.96 RF Conor Shaw- Shaw might be Long Hauls version of Rob Deer, this guy than belt it out of the park when he gets a hold of it, but he will bat close to .220-.240 on the season with a good amount of strikeouts.

New Orleans Knights
Positions of Need: RP, C, 3B
Summary: The Knights have taken a fill in approach to their bullpen, they are stacked with veteran talent, but lack any home grown recruits, this can be an expensive way to close out a game, Their start catch is also showing signs of his age and it would be nice to have a guy moving up the ladder to replace him. 3B Sherm James has never been a superstar, but a stable force on the hot corner, his contract expires at the end of the season. New Orleans brought in a few talented, but flawed prospects. Mcdill is talented and it will be interesting to see his reaction to major league hitting, he will dominant at times, but more than likely he will also lose control of games without a very good catcher.
Grade: C-
Historical 1^ST Round
9.1.3 P Bobby Buchanan- great changeup but 3 other average pitches after that to work with. He struggles against left handed hitting, but his control and stamina should make him a ML pitcher soon (AAA)
9.1.29 Russell Fontenot- Defensive wizard, Fontenot will struggle getting the ball in play without any natural talent at the plate, he does have great understanding how to hit and will draw a walk, but not a major league hitter. (AA)
9.1.35 Marcus Davis- Already nearly developed Marcus still has average splits, but still is weak against left handers. His control is also going to cost him at times. He has 3 great pitches. (AA)
9.1.48 SS Marcus Wilson- Solid Defense and good contact hitter, but little power and average baseball knowledge and batting eye. He will be a defensive guru in the league (AAA)
9.1.53 Robinson Embree- Poor splits will keep his knuckle curve out of the league most of his career. (AAA)
10.1.14 1B Rodrigo Torres- great hitter, but average splits and defense. Might have been a reach in the top 20 for a 1B (AAA)
10.1.17 SS Eli Torres UNSIGNED
10.1.34 P Jerome Harris- Poor control on an average reliever with only a changeup to throw. (HiA)
10.1.47 2B Virgil Ortiz- solid runner with above average contact and little power. Not an ML starter for long in the league, but still could find a role (HiA)
11.1.57 P Bill Key- Poor Control and durability will limit Key's role on a major league club, His best role will be in relief, but I'm not sure who if anyone will give him a major league shot (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.6 P Dan McDill- Average left/right splits will condemn a rather spectacular pitcher, with 3 great pitches, in college his fastball, curve and changeup won him many games at his high velocity. In the majors he will struggle at times. Still a reach in the top 10
1.49 SS Paxton Casey- NOT SCOUTED
1.59 RF Lloyd Vernon- Considering Basketball for a career. He's an average ML prospect at best with even worse batting splits. Good luck in the NBA Vernon.

AL and NL East Season 12 Draft Review

2010-06-02T22:13:00.008-04:00

Philadelphia Pirates
Positions of Need: SS, 3B, RP
Summary: The Pirates are a team built for today. They have a relatively young and able ML team, so the farm system is less of a concern right now, but they so have very shallow depth at SS where 28 year old ML starter Luis Ordonez is the only multi tool prospect the system has. Third Base has a more immediate concern with 30 year old Ed Serrano hold down the position, signed from Season 13 he's showing signs of his age and will start slipping even more in the future seasons. There is again no true heir to 3B in Philadelphia.
Grade: D-
Historical 1^ST Round
S10 (31) 2B Max Ruiz- Defensively great with good speed, average bat. (AA)
S11 (33) SP Paul Bruce- Solid low stamina starter, (LoA)
S11 (46) Cl Tike Levis- could be a solid closer has average control.
S11 (49) LF Cody Campbell- average hitter major injury in s12
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.24 RF Clint Kouzmanoff- great contact hitter with solid speed and batting eye. He has below average splits and low makeup
1.45 2B Mark Dirks- great contact and no power. Dirks is fast and runs well. At 22 he is developed but has poor makeup how much will be improve in his limited time. Poor splits should keep him in the minors.
2.92 SS Eliezer Valdez- no bat with defense better suited for right or left field. He doesn't offer enough speed to even back his way into the majors as a replacement.
3.124 LF Andy Vasquez- Mr. Average will max out in AAA.

St. Louis Birdos
Positions of Need: SP, CF, 2B
Summary: The Birdos are in very good shape both on the farm and in the Majors. They have had solid drafts in the past, but drafting late has not allowed them to pick up a superstar. They have gathers a great supporting cast. The areas looking to improve are the Starting Pitching where they have a few veterans that they could look to replace in the future and a sure starter for 2B and CF.
Grade: A-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (13) Luke Comer- fireballer with average splits, might be a #5 guy sometime in his career (AA)
S9 (32) SP A.J. Freel- Control issues on an otherwise solid pitcher (AA)
S10 (11) C J.P. Beltre- Superstar hitter, but durability issues will limit his effect to 400 abs a season (AA)
S10 (37) P Craig May UNSIGNED
S11 (26) SP Donatello Blake- UNSIGNED
S11 (60) 2B Haywood Brown- good speed, great contact average splits (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.27 2B Carl Shannon- all contact and speed. He is not going to get many out of the park, but should steal 60+ bases a season. He is very developed for 18 and could be a factor sooner than later. He will struggle against good pitching with his middle of the road splits
1.28 RP Gregg Charles Solid reliever with3 plus pitches and good control. He has a poor durability and stamina mix, but should be overlooked for any reliever with3 good pitches.
1.42 SS Cyrus Fletcher= Defensive superstar with great speed and base running. His bat projects to be average with little power, but the rest of his interchangeable will help get him a shot
2.87 RP Carter Pillette= potential to have 3 useable pitches including a solid 4 seamer. His right hand split makes him a risk on the mount but he still has a good potential to play a role for a team.
3.100 P Mel Choo

Charlotte Blue Devils
Positions of Need: SP, RP, CF
Summary: The future Blue Devil offense is fairly set, they have good depth at Catcher, OF and 2B and should be able to translate this depth into trades to cover some of the thinning areas. Pitching is starting to become a concern for the future. They have a number of aging arms who need replacements ready down the road. A few of the relievers are already 35+ and are on the downsides of their careers.
Grade: A
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (22) Eugene Lieberthal-Solid long reliever/spot starter (AA) could be effective in a few seasons
S9 (58) RP Steven Collins- elite closer with 2 pitches (AA) 60/68 career minor League saves
S10 (24) 2B Rob Yates- light hitting speedster (HiA)
S10 (54) CF Glenn Berry- TRADED (S11) Average bat with good speed and solid D. (AAA) .300+ average in 2 AAA Season.
S10 (58) 2B D.J. Christenson- decent contact hitter with poor base running (HiA)
S11 (16) C Derrek Wilkins- .350 career average in the minors in part time action could be a star in the ML (HiA) 3 season away at most.
S11 (22) 1B Rudy Williams- Good slugging 1B he should be a solid 5 or 6 hole hitter in a few season (HiA)
S11 (40) LF Blaine Harris- power slugging OF with solid speed splits (LoA)
S11 (47) SS Dave Bates- good contact hitter with solid speed, better off at 3B (LoA)
S11 (55) LF Wayne Mordecai- speedy of with solid hitting chops, might struggle against Righties. Slow learner might never reach projections. (LoA)
S11 (66) LF Dan Eveland- All speed contact only hitter, makeup says he never develops into his projections.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.30 P Malcolm Brown- already pretty developed for 19 he has an odd stamina where he sits between a long reliever and a starter. Good control and 4 good pitches. I like this pick at 30
1.57 LRP Preston Weaver- going to be an effective long reliever with3 plus pitches and good velocity and control. He has an average right hand split that needs to be developed to its full potential if he makes this league.
2.88 SP Bill Dunn- low splits might keep him from being a factor. He has great control which should make his pitch selection that much better.
3.120 P Lou Eiland- good 3^rd round selection. Lou slid to the 3^rd because he has no true defined role on the team. He's an athlete that should be able to pitch effectively in a few seasons when he gets close to his projections 3 plus pitches solid control and splits.

Burlington Beavers
Positions of Need: SS, SP, RF
Summary: Right now the Major league team works with a below average defensive SS and a rotation which is veteran by all standards. These are major concerns that they need to address in the farm for the future. In the Season 12 draft they need to get a few quality farm arms and a potential future starter at SS. They could also work the trade wire and dangle out positional depth at 2b and catcher to wrangle a few upgrades for the future.
Grade: D
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (6) 2B Ken Moss- good speed and contact, (ML) 22Sb in 400 ML AB's
S10 (5) C Pascual Santos-could be a great DH, poor Catcher ( HiA)
S11 (17) 3B Jordan Cloud- Poor Splits solid hitter good speed (LoA)
S11 (41) LF Tony Almanza- good hitter poor splits (HiA)
S11 (56) 3B Marty Christiansen- Average grind type player/ (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.15 LF Wilfredo Andrus- average hitter with high speed and poor base running. He is going to be a frustrating player in the way his base running will neutralize his speed
2.75 RP Rocky O'Brien- below average versus right and lefties with great control. His pitch selection features a good fastball and a solid slider and changeup. His velocity is good enough to get a few strikeouts.
3.107 SP Antonio Moreno- poor left/right split but he has great stamina and good control. His pitch selection is average at best. He is going to be a huge inning eater in the minors

AL EAST

Baltimore Beatdown
Positions of Need: 3B, SP, CF
Summary: The Major Leagues have 2 29 year old players covering 3B, both could be upgraded upon for the future, but currently there is no depth behind them. The Starting Pitching might be an even more immediate problem as the youngest starter is already in his upper 20's. They need to find upgrades for this system now.
Grade: C-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (12) RP Vic Williams- great control and 3 pitches average splits. Big gamble with the 12^th pick (AAA)
S9 (57) RP Alexander Nelson- TRADED (11) average control and splits will limit is effectiveness in the ML (HiA)
S10 (10) RP Pat Sefcik- Elite closer with poor durability if he has elite tools everywhere else (AA)
S10 (46) SP Sherm Taylor- Solid middle rotation pitcher (HiA)
S11 (59) SP Peaches Brosius- poor splits will keep him out of the ML (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.58 SP Mark Joseph- great stamina with good control. He has poor pitch selection and average to below average splits. He's going to be an inning eater.
2.89 RP Brian Riedling- solid reliever with 3 solid pitches and good control. He needs more durability if he wishes to be an impact in the Majors. A Durability bump would make him a great option for the Pen.
3.121 RP Michael Park- great control with average splits. He has very poor durability for a reliever. I'm not sure is future holds much above AAA.

Wichita WINNERS
Positions of Need: SS, RF/LF, 3B
Summary: SS Jason Merrick might be able to be shift over to cover the 3B hole that is developing, He's not suited to play Short regularly without causing major defensive woes, but a shift to 3B would benefit him and his playing time. SS still needs a future everyday fielder whose bat will not kill the lineup. Right/Left fielders should be a fairly easy pickup late in the draft and they did so with Mario Kirk.
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (21) SP Chris Sanford- TRADED (S11) skilled starting pitcher very close to ML potential (AAA)
S9 (40) SP Andre Barkley TRADED (S10) could be an ace Closer or long reliever (ML)
S9 (50) P Harry Romo- Average splits on a solid long reliever (AAA)
S10 (23) CF Chance Martin- Solid speedster with good contact poor batting eye (AA)
S10 (53) LF Ed Jacquez- Average hitter good splits (AAA)
S10 (57) SP Todd Simms- below average splits 4 good pitches (AAA)
S11 (32) SP Yorvit Alarcon- Average starting pitcher, middle rotation guy (AA)
S11 (42) SS Watty Buddie- below average hitter good speed better at 3B. (R )
S11 (48) CF Cy Miller UNSIGNED
S11 (50) 2B Carl Ryan- Poor Splits with decent power and speed.
S11 (51) SS Dorian King- left hand hitting contact hitter good speed below average base running
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.25 SS Jason Merrick- Better suited for 3B, Jason has a power bat with good batting eye. He will struggle with his batting average and might bat around .260 for most of his career, but he should do so while batting 30+ home runs and drawing 75+ walks a season
1.41 CF Stump Boyd- good defensive CF with average contact ratings. He's a solid hitter against lefties. And a decent runner with good base running. Expect 20+ stolen bases, but struggles abound at the plate.
1.47 SP Grady Crawford- 5 good pitches including a great curve, nice changeup and an amazing cut fastball. He is going to get guys watching those pitches go by. He has precision control. He will struggle with major league hitting though and might never get a shot at showing those skills in the pros
1.56 P Jonathan Diaz
2.74 RP Ben Dougherty- Featuring a great Cut fastball and 3 other fallback pitches, Dougherty should find some success in the minors. He has below average control but he still might be good enough if he makes his projections to play in the majors consistently
2.85 LF Mario Kirk- fairly developed already at 19; he will be a slow learner the rest of the way, if he makes his projections you are looking at a plus hitter with 15-20 homerun power and a .270 batting average. He will strikeout a far amount.
3.102 2B Darrel Strong- Better suited for RF/LF he has good speed, but this will not make up for his average hitting and base running. He should have a solid minor league career ahead of him, but probably has no major league hope as he stands.
3.117 RP- Virgil Vincente- Low durability reliever with great right/left splits he has 3 above average pitches to work with and strikeout velocity to make them look that much better. He will make a great 1 inning closer. Poor control will be his stumbling block to the Majors.

Dover DBagers
Positions of Need: C, 3B, SS
Summary: The left side of the infield needs some major shoring up. Already the ML club has 2 rule 5 Shortstops on the roster. The DBags drafted away from needs in the 1^st 3 rounds instead focusing on the best player. Tanner should be a guarantee mainstay in Dover for awhile. The Catching draft pool was very shallow but it would have been good to see them pick up a guy to fill the hole.
Grade: C+
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (45) SS Jody Jennings-good speed and solid hitting
S9 (61) P Vladimir Palmeiro UNSIGNED
S10 (19) P Otis Webb UNSIGNED
S10 (27) RP Pinky Darwin- Solid everyday reliever (AAA)
S10 (35) CF Trevor Randall Average hitter and fielder grind type player (hiA)
S10 (43) CF Ossie Barry UNSIGNED
S10 (51) RF Chad Darwin UNSIGNED
S11 (10) SS Prince Sanford- UNSIGNED
S11 (20) LF Brayan Nelson- Great hitter with solid chops (AA)
S11 (54) CL Dioner Garces- Solid reliever with 3 pitcher below average against lefties. (HiA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.21 SP Bruce Tanner- solid late round pick up, Tanner has 5 pitches including a lights out Knuckleball and a plus fastball. As with any Knuckleball guy he's not going to strikeout many, but he should be able to control the game very well and pitch deep into games. Should be able to get a few all-star nods in the future and be able to pull in a few sub 4 era seasons.
1.55 SP Ernest Carmona- great control and his feature pitch changeup are sick, but he will struggle with his consistency versus major league pitching. If he makes the league he will hover around a 5.50 ERA
1.60 2B Brent Roth- All defense and speed. Roth's bat is not major league caliber, but his glove and wheels project to be top of the league capable. He might make a great defensive option and if He bunts anywhere near what his projections show he might be a valuable late inning guy at the plate.
2.81 SP Quinton Douglass- has the stamina and control teams want in the major league pitcher. He lacks the ability to consistently get batters out and will find himself in a lot of trouble at times. His sinker and slider will get him out of some trouble, but still expect a 5.80 + ERA
3.113 2B Billy Barkett- weak hitter with speed but not a smart runner, His defense isn't good enough to make up for the rest of his short comings. Career minor leaguer. Might see AA consistently.

Huntington Bullets
Positions of Need: SP, CF, RP
Summary: Former #1 pick Danny Gilbert should be moved over to give 3B depth in the minors, he is not a capable SS, but would be a great 3B. CF O.T. Lincoln
Has a 4 season deal running through Season 16 he will be 35 when that deal expires, They need to fill his shoes with someone and be ready for him to decline the next few seasons. The Starting pitching could also use a few more fresh faces to up the competition and improve the ranks. Last season #1 pick Albert Perez is a good start to a future rotation, but the addition of College Pickup this season Henry Burns might even be better. This guy will be a ML star in the future. The pickup of C Ismael Acevedo in the 6^th round is also I nice diamond find.
Grade: A-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (15) SS Danny Gilbert- Could be a solid 3B with plus hitting (HiA)
S10 (13) 2B Jeff Cooney- developed fielder with a good projected bat 2-3 season away (AA)
S11 (2) SP Albert Perez- solid pitching prospect but will struggle against left handers.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.1 SP Henry Burns- This seasons #1 is the best Pitcher in the draft and deserve the #1 pick because of it. Projects to have 2 elite pitches in his Curve and Fastball. His velocity should put him in the league leaders in strikeouts each season and best of all he will be in the majors in most likely 2 seasons with the right training and coaching.
3.93 SP York Dougherty- High Schooler who feels college is going to be a better career choice right now. At 7M in bonuses I would have to agree college is a better option. He projects to have a ML quality curve and slider but very little command of the strike zone.

AL and NL North Season 12 Draft Review

2010-06-01T21:27:00.005-04:00

NL NORTH Season 12 DRAFT SUMMARY

Ottawa Morissettes
Positions of Need: 2B, SP, RF
Summary: FA signee Jumbo Cerveza is signed through Season 1; Ottawa needs to find a replacement for him something they lack on the farm right now. Season 9 first rounder Billy Nixon might be a solid fill in, but he can't be counted on in full time action. The Starting pitching is young for the most part, but is at the perfect age to start to build a farm to replace them. Ramon Jiang an international pickup has been solid as a #1, but the rest of the rotation could use an upgrade. SP Steve Kelton could start to feel the effects of age and he's signed through S14. They need to have a guy to step up in his place in 2 seasons.
Grade: C
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (18) RF Guy Phillips- Light hitter with good speed- (AAA) should be ready to go next season
S9 (28) 2B Billy Nixon- average hitter not going to last long in the majors- (AA)
S9 (39) 3B Angel Gibson- has power can hit good enough against left handers, struggles against righties. (HiA)
S10 (12) SS Vic Cruz- Defensive stud with a solid bat for the bottom of the lineup. (HiA)
S11 (11) SP Gary Seay- Stamina will make him a starter with a limited pitch count maybe 90 pitches, but they should be a good 90 pitches. (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.40 P Eric Rogers Supplemental Pick
2.71 3b - below average hitting respect with a weak glove and plotting speed. Type A Reimbursement
2.84 SS Max Morales= weak hitting prospect with a below average glove might be better off at 3B, but can play SS in the minors
3.116 2B Max Morales- can plow the ball when he gets a hold of it. Poor splits might kill his ML dreams. He does have a solid glove.

Trenton Tea Baggers
Positions of Need: CF, 2B, RF/LF
Summary: Both 2B's on the ML roster are contracted through season 13. Denny Cummings is still young and very capable of playing and being a star, but if he doesn't resign they have a huge void behind him in the minors. CF is a bigger concern with Karim Ugueto and Miguel Henriquez
splitting time each showing some strength but neither is offering an everyday solution right now.
Grade: C-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (17) 2B Larry Moore- TRADED (12) solid runner, but poor batting splits (AAA)
S10 (25) LF Scot Cox- average hitter with decent contact, speed is negat3d by base running (AA)
S10 (38) RF J.D. Driskill- Good Power, solid hitter and runner (AAA)
S11 (13) SP Harold Lollar- might be a better long reliever, but can pitch
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.8 CF Franklin Thornton- defensively solid with great speed and Base running IQ. He has an average to below average bat. He might earn the nickname Mr. GDP with his pension to put the ball in play
1.51 Type B SS Freddie Simpkins=poor makeup makes you wonder if he will ever make his fielding projections. If he can come close he will be a slightly below average SS with some speed, he hits well enough to be a factor at the plate, and poor splits will limit the numbers of at bats he gets in his career.

Boise Barnstormers
Positions of Need: CF, 3B, RP
Summary: Boise has played all season without a multidimensional guy in CF and this is one of the reasons they sit 10 games under .500 on the season. The team is also saddled with 2 large contracts on players who are no longer able to play at their contract levels in LF Lonnie Morton and 3B Pedro Escobar. 3B is wide open in the Minors for a prospect to climb through the system. Right now it's one the team's biggest need for the future outside of CF.
Grade: B
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (24) RP Dan Fife- Durability issues have plagued is minor league stay (HiA)
S9 (59^th) SP Bill Webster – Retired never pitching an inning of minor league ball (s10)
S10 (18) P Tracy Hallman- Solid Long Reliever- spent 2 seasons at Rookie ball (LoA)
S11 (12) P Melky Nunez- Good Long Reliever spot starter (R) waiting for second season of rookie ball
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.11 SP Junior Gandarilla-poor durability and average makeup are his major knocks but he does have 5 potential pitches to throw at the batters plus good splits and above average control, he might lose a start or 3 during the season, but he should offer enough on the mound that an owner can overlook those issues.
3.103 SP Al Silva- he has 5 pitches but below average control isn't great on a soft tossing pitcher, he also has average splits versus right and left and will be eaten alive in the pros as he stands.

Montreal Maniac
Positions of Need: SS, SP, 3B
Summary: Montreal has been struggling through a number of seasons of poor performances. Their scouting seems to find all the wrong players the last few seasons and mismanagement of the farm has cost the team S10 #1 pick Trevor Hull who signed in free agency in S11 with Durham. They have also made big reaches for others in the draft. Montreal is very shallow in the infield with almost no depth at Short and third base in the minors. Their starting pitching depth is equally as shallow. It would be hard to not get prospects in key position for the Maniacs.
Grade: C
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (8) RP Rick Ginter- Big Reach for a solid reliever should be in the bigs next year though (AA)
S10 (2) UNSIGNED 2B Tyler Hull- light hitting with good base stealing combos (AAA) 1 year away for Durham (signed as FA)
S11 (4) SP Charlie Burns- fireball hurler with low control (HIA) will walk many but should strikeout More.
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.2 SP Harvey Laroche-big reach for a pitcher who is comparable with the #11 pick Junior Gandarilla. Like
Junior Gandarilla he has low durability and 4 solid pitches. He does offer pinpoint perfect control and will pitch toward the top of any rotation.
2.62 RP Chris Killian-he has all the tools to be an effective relief pitcher, except above average splits. He does have 2 plus pitches and a good stamina to durability ratio. His control also his very right on.
3.94 SP Mike McDonald- here's a great 3^rd round diamond; he has all the tools to be successful in the major leagues as a starter. Great splits. 3 plus pitches and good control. His stamina is fine and his durability will be an obstacle that might cost his 3 starts a season. Great pick in the 3^rdthough

AL NORTH

Cincinnati Flying Pigs
Positions of Need: RP, CF, 3B
Summary: Cincinnati has been a class act in drafting. They seem to always get their guy and bring home a number of guys who fill not only needs but have a legitimate chance to make an impact in the league. Their "needs" are nowhere near what other teams need. While they could use depth at 3B they have a number of good SS's who can shift over and fill that need. They also have a number of relievers who are getting older, but Bullpen help can come in ready supply in free agency.
Grade: B+
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (46) DH Benito Mesa- Solid DH with good Power (AAA) could be playing now just not in the field
S10 (21) SP Dennis Rollins- Patience will pay off he should develop into a #1 or 2 starter in time (AA)
S10 (30) LF Harry Rivera- good eye and exceptional versus Righties (bad against left) AA not showing his speed in the minors yet.
S10 (41) 2B Clinton Mercedes- great contact but average splits hurt good speed (AA) close to potential
S10 (45) 1B Brandon Jones- good speed for a 1B but not enough bat to make it. (AA)
S11 (62) 2B Mark Freeman average hitter and runner nothing special (HiA)
S11 (68) 2B Jim Morton- left hand hitting specialist with good speed and no power (LoA)
S11 (69) LF Clark Lyons- below Average hitting (LoA) little Ml potential
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.16 C Stephen Jackson Could be the best Catcher in the draft, he is an above average hitter with a great batting eye. He calls a decent game as a catcher, but does not have a plus catcher's arms so a good base runner will be able to eat him up
2.76 RP Elroy Tanner-He has 2 ace quality pitches in his fastball and slider, both ranks among the game's best. Throw in a solid sinker and tanner obviously can pitch. His velocity will allow him to strikeout a ton of guys his control a middle of the road and might turn teams off as well as his low durability for a reliever.
3.108 2B Rex Kelly- good splits on an average hitter. Not likely to play 2B but might be an okay right/left fielder.

Cleveland Elite Senators II
Positions of Need: LF, C, 2B
Summary: The Senators are getting old. They have a number of big contracts coming off the books at season end, which would allow for new blood to invigorate the lineup, the problem is their most senior position C, LF, and 2B they don't have an adequate replacement coming up the pipe.
Grade: B
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (5) SP Don Walls- potential Ace (AAA) should see action next season
S10 (37) RF Darryl Thomas- middle of the road hitter with pop and great speed (AA)
S10 (52) 1B Antone Valentine- solid hitter (AA)
S10 (22) 3B Al Hicks- all power hitting hit 49 dingers in HiA with a 300+ average (AA)
S10 (56) 2B Gary Charles—Slappy but quick 2B (HiA)
S11 (19) SS John Dessens- Could turn into a solid SS with a decent bat. Not a superstar (HiA)
S11 (58) CF Solly Wiltse- Potentially average utility guy (AA)
S11 (67) SS Patsy Holliday-below average bat good speed (LoA)
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.23 SP Erick Perez 2 pitch ace with control and stamina that all teams look for in a starter. His velocity is top tier and should strikeout enough guys to be a league leader. His biggest drawback is lack of a true #3 or 4 pitch.
2.83 RP Vic Valdes- His poor makeup will make it difficult to make his projections. If he gets close he will have 2 good pitches with above average splits and control. Most likely he will not realize his potential and burn out in the minors or get a shot as a rule 5.
3.115 RF Wolf Howard

Chicago Fish Tacos
Positions of Need: C
Summary: One of the best put together minor league systems. They have young talent throughout the ML and farm system. This draft will be one where they could add even more depth and maybe solidify their only weakness C in the minors.
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
S9 (19) CL Alexander his velocity is top tier his low durability will be an issue that affects his value. Still will be very effective when he pitches
(ML) 11.12 ERA 8/13 saves
S10 (20) SP Don Petersen- very nice potential ace (AAA) maybe 2 seasons away from potential 16-0 in HiA season 11
S11 (27) 2B Don Wilkerson UNSIGNED
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.20 RP Alex Rivera- 3 good pitches with strikeout velocity and great stamina for a reliever. He does have average durability so pitch counts will need to be monitored. At 18 he has time to develop and good makeup to make those projections. Thinking about pro hockey
1.29 SS Joe Long - projects to be a solid defensive CF with a good singles bat. He isn't going to develop power enough to be a threat. He is strongly leaning toward college. At 6M right now I would let him go. Type D
1.54 C Horacio Guerrero- projects to be a #1 hitting catcher he has some pop in his bat but should make his living with a solid batting average if he can overcome his poor makeup. At 18 he has time to develop, a patient owner with a good training budget and a solid coaching staff might get a solid prospect out of him, Type B
2.80 LF Reagan Rhodes is a middle level prospect he has some of the tools to make it such as the ability to connect with a pitch and power it out of the park, but he struggles severely against right hinders and has low makeup so he may never develop into a starter of any worth. - Possibly looking at some college ball
3.112 LF Raymond Baxter

Toronto and the Lone Ranger
Positions of Need: RP, SP, C
Summary: The Ml is in pretty good shape, but they do need to grow better farm arms. The current crop is skilled but many have stamina flaws. Other current ML Pitchers are 30+ and their heir apparent needs to be found
Grade: B-
Historical 1^ST Round
Notes: traded away season 9 #1 pick P Einar Tavarez (10^th overall pick) in season 10 (above average starter) Season 10 (4^th) Trot Ankiel- power hitting 2B 2 years away
Season 11 (9^th) 3B Joe George- light hitter with good speed and power base running
Season 11 (37^th) SP Mark Robinson- AAA quality pitchers
SEASON 12 DRAFT
1.17 Sp Jonathan Stephens This guy has loads of potential he projects to have ace quality splits with great velocity and awesome control. With 4 go to pitches what's not to like. He just needs to get close to those projections with his mediocre makeup. He also will be fighting low durability
1.37. RF Sean Campbell Type A
1.52 LF Damian Riggan Type B
2.70 RF Jerrod Yashian-poor hitting prospect but has good wheels and base running. He might be a solid pinch runner, but you can't expect better than a .240 hitter with 10-15 homeruns a season. Type A
2.77 RP Frank MacDougal- fell in the draft as a result of sign ability issues. A solid relief pitcher but far from elite. He is looking to be paid like he's top tier it would be a reach to give him 5M+ to sign.
3.109 2B Josh Hansen- should be slid over to 3B he's an all or nothing power slugger. He projects to be a .220 hitter with 30+ homeruns if he gets out of the minors and you can tolerate his low batting average.

A New Tradition in Long Haul?

2010-05-31T11:26:00.007-04:00

In Long Haul, there have been many close games along with fun competition throughout the whole league. I would like to introduce two new trophies to the Long Haul R Us League!

The Under Dog's Food Bowl:

Around this time every season, everyone of Long Haul will vote for which two teams they think deserves to be in this competition. The two teams will have to be doing pretty terrible in order to be able to compete for this trophy. This trophy will be able to be won in the last series of the two teams!

The Divisional Douchebags Cup:

This Cup will also be played in the last series of the season. However, this trophy is only allowed to be won by two competitive teams. Since season 9, these two teams have battled over and over again to come in first and they are both currently tied for first place. The Divisional Douchebags Cup will be played for by Baltimore Beatdown and Wichita WINNERS! They will play for the cup on July 6 in Wichita.

New Little Rock Owner Off to Quick Start

2010-05-27T21:56:00.010-04:00

The new owner and GM of the Little Rock Anti-Clintons, tomjames, is off to a fast start since his arrival to Long Haul R us. Tomjames has a career record of 1391-1363 (.505) and out of his 17 season career, has made the playoffs 8 times.
Tomjames has made a handful of moves so far this season to try to get Little Rock back on track. He also traded 26 year old 2B Jason Carson for ex-Birdos Moises Lee. He has also promoted, demoted, signed, and deactivated a lot of players within a 2 day span.
So far this season, Little Rock looks as they could definitely turn things around!

Possible Records?

2010-05-23T15:16:00.009-04:00

Although it it still early in Long Haul, there are a few players that are standing out in certain stat categories.

LF Darin DePaula of the Durham CroBulls is burning up the base path this season. So far this season, DePaula is 25 for 25 in SBs. In his first full season he stole 83 bases and got caught stealing only 6 times! The single season record is 106 stolen bases, set by Phillip Hunter in season 4. Darin DePaula is on pace to steal 104 bases this season! Don't be surprised if he beats this

record as he is only hitting .266 so far this season. If he can raise his batting average close to .280, he can easily steal more than 110 bases!

Another player this season that is on pace to break a record is 22 year old closer Marty Dyer of the Cleveland Elite Senators II. The young closer is 15 for 15 with saves in only 14.2 innings! The single season record is 58 set by Clarence Kolb in season 10. Marty is on pace to get around only 42 saves if he pitches as many innings as he did his last two seasons in the bigs. Marty would have to pitch around 60 innings in order to come close to breaking Kolb's record.

The last player that is close to breaking a record this season is Fonzie Lewis of the Cincinnati Flying Pigs. The number two SP of the Flying Pigs is 8 and 0 this season. In his last two full seasons in the bigs he has won a combined 29 wins and has lost 21. In 61.1 innings, Lewis has struck out 49, while walking only 23. He also has an amazing OAV of .196! So far this season, Lewis is on pace to win 32 games! The record for most wins in a single season is 24, set by George Ramsey and Darryl Morgan. So far, Lewis is 1/3 on his way to breaking the record with only 24% of the season done!

Long Haul R Us Power Rankings by tomjames (USMLB) 5/20

2010-05-20T07:25:00.001-04:00

The 5/20 kR (knucklebones Radio) will include power rankings done by tomjames of USMLB. These Long Haul R Us Power Rankings should take up most of the show, so if you listen stay tuned for that. 8pm Pacific 11pm eastern 7 days a week. Watch the live show and join the chat with other HBD'ers. Just click "chat now" on the show page.

Cincinnati Signs Stud 2B

2010-05-18T08:38:00.006-04:00

The Cincinnati Post reports that the Cincinnati Flying Pigs and Wladimir Telemaco have come to agreement on a deal. Wladimir signed a one year minor league contract, with a 14.6 million dollar signing bonus.

Unlike most International Free Agents, Telemaco is ready for the big leagues right now, and has a great chance to win Rookie of the Year. Although his fielding and durability is not very good yet, his hitting make him an easy Rookie of the Year candidate. In 24 at bats in AAA, Telemaco hit four home runs and batter .417. Since he has been called up to the bigs, he is two for ten.

When Cincinnati GM, mwhelan, was asked for his reason for signing the 21 year old 2B, he said, "I was in desperate need of another bat." Most GMs in the league tend to look for a replacement guy off the waiver wire or trade. Mwhelan, however, looked for a new face of the Flying Pigs organization. "Well we see how it works out."

Spring Training Not For Everyone!

2010-05-07T15:50:00.012-04:00

Spring Training is a great way to develop prospects and to find out who deserves those few spots left on certain team's rosters. But sometimes during this great time in baseball, things can get messed for the whole season for certain teams.

With only a couple of games left in season 12's Spring Training, teams start to gear up and get ready for Opening Day! However, for the Philadelphia Pirates and the Cleveland Elite Senators II, things went terribly wrong.

During the PM game on May 6, Philadelphia Pirates backup SS Allan Carson and 3B Casey Green both were injured. The good news? Backup SS Allan Carson was only injured four games. The bad news? Newly signed stud 3B Casey Green was injured a little bit longer- 108 days to be exact. When Pirates GM, rcktchamp, was asked how he would find a replacement he said, "Fortunately I did not need him in the beginning of the season, and was only going to use him as a trading chip." Rcktchamp also told the Philadelphia Cheese Steak Newspaper that he is "going to most likely sign a few possible players to play CF and promote speed demon Trey Gibbons to the majors soon."

Even though the Pirates lucked out with their backup players being injured, the Senators weren't as lucky. Two of the Senators best prospects went down within the last few days. Stud SS Ivan Rivera was injured on a routine ground ball. He is expected to return around the 1st of June (out 74 days). Now as if that wasn't bad enough, possible future Cy Young winner Moose Hackman was injured while pitching against the Wichita WINNERS. Last year Moose went 15 and 7 with a 3.32 ERA. He will be out for 108 days and is expected to return the 12th of June.

Look for both of these two teams to possibly make some moves within the first few games of the season to get themselves back on track!

Possible Rookie of the Year?

2010-05-05T19:35:00.013-04:00

Durham CroBulls and cro3147 have a possible ROY in season 12. Twenty one year old right handed starting pitcher, Vladimir Rincon, looks like a possible candidate for Rookie of the Year- and possibly Cy Young.
So far in season 12, Rincon has pitched great in Spring Training. He has pitched 14 innings, allowing only 8 hits and one earned run! His ERA stands at 0.64 and an OAV of .163.
In season 9, ex owner, Sandleaguer, signed 18 year old Rincon to a three year big league contract, along with a cheap signing bonus of 9 million.

POSITIVES:
(1.) Young and still possibly one of the best starters in the league.
(2.) Great splits: 76 VS. lefties and 84 VS. Righties.
(3.) Good pitches and ground ball to fly ball ratio.
(4.) Still has plenty of room for growth and improvement at age 21 and a makeup of 87.

NEGATIVES:
(1.) Although he should be fine to pitch every five days, he will not be able to go deep into games this season with a stamina of 70.
(2.) Low control, but nothing to worry about yet.
(3.) Very low velocity at 31. Shouldn't see that many strike outs from him.

So far in Rincon's Minor League career, he has been pretty dominate, going 29 and 11. His OAV is .197 and his WHIP is 1.03. Over 380 innings, he has struck out 386 batters, walked only 109, and has had an ERA of 2.20. His major concerns are his control, stamina, and velocity.
CONTROL: He walks a batter every 3.5 innings in the minors.
STAMINA: He has started every game in the minors so far, averaging only 5.4 innings a game.
VELOCITY: He strikes out a batter almost every inning (.98 per inning).

Although this is just a simulated game, and feelings do not come in to play in Hardball Dynasty, something that may help us to see how he might handle the stress of the big leagues is his post season career.
In season 9, Rincon pitched great, giving up no runs and only 2 hits over six innings, and also being rewarded the win. In season 10, Rincon pitched in three games, while going 16 innings (5.3 innings per game). This time he gave up 18 hits and 3 runs, winning one and losing one in the Low A playoffs. In season 11, Rincon pitched two games in AA, only averaging 5 innings per game. Unlike his other seasons, he got rocked. He gave up 14 hits and 8 earned runs, while losing one with an ERA of 7.20 in season 11 post season!

SEASON 12 PREDICTIONS:
W-L: 10-8 ERA: 3.79 Innings: 150 SO: 142 BB: 33
With the second worse defense last year behind him and a below average team hitting, don't expect a CY Young this season, but ROY is definitely a possibility as long as the pressure of the Bigs isn't to much for him to handle. Watch out for this guy to win a bucket load of awards in the near future.

Durham CroBulls

2010-05-02T11:15:00.007-04:00

NEEDS:
(1.) #1 and #2 ML SP

DUMPS:
(1.) Everyone could be had for the right price
(2.) ML 3B Bill Santangelo

The CroBulls Radio Station reports that in order to compete this season, Durham has to acquire a couple of starting pitchers in order to win. "The Durham CroBulls are like everybody else- they need a #1 & #2 starting pitcher to compete very well," says Durham CroBulls rookie GM, cro3147.
21 year old stud staring pitcher, Vladimir Rincon, looks to lead the CroBulls this season to the playoffs for the first time since season 3! However, after Rincon, the pitching looks pretty dull and will most likely become fatigued unless they pick up a innings eater. Durham's highest stamina pitcher is Sherry Scoroposki with 78.

POSSIBLE MOVES:
(1.) Has to acquire gold glove type player(s). Although his 2 possible ML 2B look good at speed and hitting, they both should be 3B. Also his ML SS, Adrian Nelson, should not be playing SS. Cro3147 should look to acquire a better 2B off the waiver wire or free agency.
(2.) Promote stud SS Brian Chang after the 20 day time period so he skips a year of arbitration. Though he has more time to grow, his fielding and hitting ratings should be good enough to make him an everyday ML SS.
(3.) Needs to have a great draft this season. Has to pick great pitchers in order to compete soon, and may have to take gambles on pitchers that may not sign.
(4.) Take his time with Roland Gosling. Will be a stud pitcher, but has to develop him correctly.

Santa Cruz Is Coming to Town

2010-04-29T19:20:00.006-04:00

NEEDS:

(1.) ML starting C

(2.) ML relief pitchers

(3.) 4th outfielder

(4.) Bench player

DUMPS:

(1.) Prospects

The Santa Cruz News Station reports that btkantz is looking to trade some of the Minor League depth for some big league talent. "We do have depth in the Minor Leagues and in the Majors that we could use to address needs," says the Santa Cruz GM. When the Santa Cruz News Station asked btkantz about his chances for winning this season, he said, "The Coming to Town had a breakout season 2 years ago and are coming off a disappointing effort in season 11." Santa Cruz finished in first in season 10 with a record of 102-60. However, they finished in third in season 11 with 85 wins and 77 loses. We all expect Santa Cruz to fight for first place this season, and what we might be "looking at (is) the start of a Dynasty!"

POSSIBLE MOVES:

(1.) Try to trade for Colorado Catcher, Charles Shinjo, who has a total of 285 home runs. Santa Cruz could also sign Sam Liverman for a cheap price if they cannot aquire a big time catcher.

(2.) Sign as many possible RP this off season as they can, or trade minor leaguers for some ML talent.

(3.) A good spot to pick up a fourth outfielder is through the Rule V. Btkantz could possibly pick up a speedy, gold glove type prospect through the Rule V at a cheap price- a few hundred grand and a spot on the 40 man roster.

(4.) Sign Brain Walker for a few million dollars as great pinch hitter.

Toronto and the Lone Ranger

2010-04-28T21:05:00.006-04:00

NEEDS:
(1.) ML Starters
(2.) ML Relievers

DUMPS:
(1.) ML 2B Al Spencer
(2.) ML 3B Albert Mercado

The Lonely Ranger Paper tells us that Toronto could use some solid pitchers and is willing to deal some of their starting infield in order to get some.
"I could possibly trade my starting 2B and 3B since I have prospects in the minors that might be ready," says Toronto GM wylie715.

POSSIBLE MOVES:
(1.) Led by Ralph Mora, Toronto's staff is looking pretty good for the first few pitchers. If Toronto is able to sign one SP in the off season and trade Mercado and Spencer for a #2 or #3 SP and a reliever, the Lone Ranger are looking pretty good in season 12.
(2.) Toronto has to get at least one great reliever. Their leading saves man, Ramon Chong, had 18 saves but also had a 6.89 ERA, will not be able to get the job done to get Toronto into the playoffs. I recommend getting a SP in the Rule V and trading Spencer and Mercado for a great closer that the Lone Ranger can depend on.

Louisville Sluggers

2010-04-28T20:43:00.007-04:00

NEEDS:
(1.) Long Relief Pitcher
(2.) Hitters

DUMPS:
(1.) Closer Cory Davidson

Sluggers' Magazine told us what rod33 was looking for specifically. Rod33 explains in a few simple words, "Contract cost cannot exceed Davidson's (closer Corey Davidson) contract." Davidson's contract for this year is at 2.4 million dollars.

POSSIBLE MOVES:
(1.) Needs to upgrade hitting pretty much everywhere, except for a few exceptions. Most likely rod33 will have to trade quality for quantity.
(2.) As rod33 told us, he needs a reliever that can come in early in the game if his starter gets into trouble to pitch a few innings. One possibility may be Todd Plant, Darrel Waters, Frank Ledee, or Harvey Cardona. Anyone of these guys could be either a great fit or a terrible fit for Louisville. However, it's all up to rod33 to make the move and to hit that submit button.

Colorado Deadbeats

2010-04-26T20:47:00.003-04:00

NEEDS:

(1.) Needs pitchers. Most likely ground ball pitchers would be the best fit in Coors Field.

(2.) Possibly 3B, if Nap Manning can't handle the ML spotlight.

DUMPS:

(1.) Several C/DH/1B type players, such as Charles Shinjo.

(2.) Very talented pitchers, such as Jay Ross, Adam Cota, and Willie Vega, who can't handle the hitter friendly park.

(3.) Few hitters in their late 20s and low thirties such as LF Hank Lange, 2B Paul Osborne, and CF Royce Levis.

The Deadbeats Team Newspaper explains how Colorado is desperate for solid and dependable pitchers who can handle the unrealistic hitting at Coors Field.

Unclejmd57 explains, "As far as the off season needs, I need pitchers who can handle pitching in my park." Last season, Colorado had the second worse team ERA at 6.53!

POSSIBLE MOVES:

(1.) Colorado has to go after a couple of pitchers this off season. The best fit would probably have to be Mack HitchCock, who played in Colorado in season 7. He went 10 and 6 with a 4.40 ERA. Another pitcher who may work would be FA Jesus Diaz, who has an amazing 99 ground ball tendency. However, his great splits of 82 and 84 are not as useful because of his 45 control. Although Diaz is a gamble, expect him to really help this team out with his solid pitches and ground balls.

(2.) The Deadbeats may also try to make some moves for pitching. One possibility could be San Antonio Sentinal Junior Tavarez.

(3.) Colorado may use some of its hitters as trading chips along with their good pitchers to acquire the perfect pitchers to fit their park.

(4.) Hank Lange may also be Dealt to teams such as the Dover DBagers, Philadelphia Pirates, and possibly the Cincinnati Flying Pigs if Andres Garrido can't come through in the bigs.

Charlotte Blue Devils

2010-04-26T20:27:00.004-04:00

NEEDS:

(1.) One SP that has #2-#4 potential

(2.) Upgrade at 1B that can hit both righties and lefties

DUMPS:

(1.) ML 1B Davey Hollins may be dealt during the regular season.

Charlotte Sports Radio Show tells its listeners what the Blue Devils must do to come out on top of this tough NL East division.

They explain how all they may really need is a middle of the staff SP and possibly an upgrade at 1B. "Would be open to dealing Davey Hollins for a better vsL 1B or SP," says Charlotte GM, nymetman.

POSSIBLE MOVES:

(1.) Look for Charlotte to swap 1Bs with their divisonal rivals, the Pirates, for Davey Hollins and possibly a pitcher or take on salary for switch hitting 1B Domingo Mairena.

(2.) The Blue Devils may consider going after one of the SPs in the Free Agency to help compete in the NL East. Some possibilities might be Ruben Trevino or Henry Whiten who are asking for 5.4 million and 5.6 million. I have a feeling both of them could go as high as 8.5 million.

Cleveland Elite Senators II

2010-04-26T19:08:00.014-04:00

NEEDS:

(1.) SP(s) at ML level

(2.) RP(s) at ML level

DUMPS:

(1.) Depending on the right player or combination of players, anyone is available for trade.

According to Cleveland Baseball News, "Cleveland is looking to improve to advance father in the playoff rounds, and will address their post-season anemic offense and timely clutch pitching."

With Cleveland's season looking bright with a solid staff lead by season 7's first overall pick, Moose Hackman, a few more pitchers would put them over the top. When Cleveland Baseball News asked Cleveland's general manger, foxspor54, about what to expect this season, he said, "An exciting year with the MOOSE dominating and hopefully leading the guys into the post season." Look for Cleveland's general manger, foxspor54, to make some serious moves this off season.

POSSIBLE MOVES:

(1.) While waiting on Cleveland's speedy first round pick of season 10, Darryl Thomas, foxspor54 should look to sign a solid OF, such as ex-Philadelphia Pirate Earl Donovan for two years until Thomas can come up and take over for the aging hit machine.

(2.) If Donovan goes too high in Free Agency, Cleveland should look to pick someone up either in the Rule V or the the waiver wire that can platoon in Left or Right Field.

Wichita WINNERS

2010-04-26T16:02:00.024-04:00

NEEDS:
(1.) Any type of Big Time Bat
(2.) low level SP
(3.) few RP(s)
(4.) few prospects of any position or type.

DUMPS:
(1.) Low level players

Wichita Local News reports Commishcawlz main need in season 12's off season:

"im def going for a Big time BAT, not sure which position yet..." Unfortunately, we are unable to inform our listeners and readers on who this "Big time BAT" is yet, but I think we will all find out soon enough...

POSSIBLE MOVES:
(1.) Sign Howard McCorley to play 3B where Wichita is most weak because of all of their injuries. Howard's great defense at third, solid hitting, and a nice health at 91 could help Commishcawlz get deep into the playoffs.
(2.) Draft a good RP in the first round of this year's draft, then draft the best hitter on the board in the second round with good health. This guy would most likely play 1B, COF, or if a good enough hitter, DH. This hitter would have to have a reliable health, where he could play every day in the near future.

Welcome New Owners to Season 12

2010-04-25T09:27:00.004-04:00

Long Haul R Us would like to introduce the new kids to join us in season 12! Welcome cro3147, bobkordecki, pedroia, r7gordon, and welcoming back from season 10...jstnklly! Good luck this season guys and lets all hope we can get commish to stop using all CAPS!

Top Free Agents '10

2009-10-06T11:04:00.018-04:00

A pretty average free agent class could drive up prices on some of the high end talents this season. With a few teams changing from buyers to sellers it will also be interesting to see what teams are willing to give up a first round pick for some of these type A guys.

Pitching

Lonnie Hammonds - with a career ERA sub 3 it will be tough to find a more established pitcher on the market. However, at age 39 even a 2 year contract, which he is said to be looking for, will be somewhat of a gamble.

Status: Type A
Previous Contract: Cincinnati Flying Pigs $5.8 Million
New Contract: Texas Justice 3 years $37.3 million

Victor Aven - This very durable 29 year old will be a commodity in this free agent pitching crop. He has above average skills and with 100+ innings out of the bullpen the last 4 season he should get top dollar in this market.

Status : Type A
Previous Contract: Little Rock Anti-Clinton's $7 Million
New Contract: Boston Brave Warriors 5 Years $51 Million

Sam Romano - One of the top starters to enter free agency, which is not saying much. Still Sam has a good track record of giving consistent innings and giving his team a chance to win. At 34 he will be looking for one of if not his last turn at free agency.

Status : Type A
Previous Contract: Vancouver Columbiananas
New Contract: Kansas City Knights 5 Years $43.4 Million

Stuart Ramirez - Another aging starter will get strong looks from clubs as the pitching market is scarce. Stuart proved Last season he can provide solid innings to a teams rotation. With 2 Cy Young's in his trophy case this might be his last go around.

Status: None
Previous Contract: Little Rock Anti-Clinton's $7.8 Million
New Contract: Little Rock Anti-Clinton's 2 years $11 Million

Sam Jackson - Sam Jackson is an intriguing starter who reached the 100 win Plateau last season. Sam has well bellow average velocity that has been questioned since his minor league days. Scouts also give Sam trouble for his inability to go deeper into games. However, He has got it done in the past and we should see him help set market value for this years pitching crop.

Status : Type A
Previous Contract: New York Cosa Nostra $5.8 Million
New Contract: Baltimore Beatdown 5 Years $60 Million

Positon Players

Placido Armas - Placido's SS days may be in the past but last years silver slugger at the position will fetch top dollar this winter. Placido very consistently has 30 HR's and a .300 AVG that should go along way towards getting him a lucrative offer.

Status: Type A
Previous Contract: Tacoma Rain $7.9 million
New Contract: Santa Cruz Is Coming to Town 5 years $41.4 Million

Vernon Hubbell -This Righty is sure to get paid this off season after a career year at the dish where he drove in 115 on 41 HR's. Probably a smaller market for a LF/1B/DH type.

Status: Type A
Previous Contract: Little Rock Anti-Clinton's $8.3 Million
New Contract: Portland Plague 3 Years $23.4 Million

Fred Little - A very interesting free agent Fred Little will get a lot of attention this off season as a multi tool guy who could find a home at CF or 2B. A good portion of his attractiveness comes from the fact he has found his way to the free agent market at just 24 years old and only 1 ML year.

Status: None
Previous Contract: Toronto and the Lone Ranger $ League Min.
New Contract: Houston Hot Stars 5 years $46 Million

Ramon Suzuki - 26 year old right handed hitter saw his batting average drop to a pedestrian .221. But their is no question this guy can hit. he has 30 HR's in each of the past 4 seasons and approached 700 AB in each of those years. Maybe less would be more for Ramon but the AVG is going to hurt his value this winter.

Status: None
Previous Contract: Oklahoma City 89ers $1.8 Million
New Contract: Charlotte Blue Devils 3 years $17.9 Million

Erik Maroth - At the age of 28 Maroth already has 2 gold glove awards for his center field work. His abilities in the field are unmatched and while he will not awe you with big numbers at the plate a .735 OPS last year was respectable. plan for 100 strikeouts from this guy though.

Status: None
Previous Contract: Wichita WINNERS $6.7 Million
New Contract: Chicago Fish Tacos 2 years $13 Million

Season 9 MVP's

2009-09-20T13:10:00.004-04:00

---NL---
One of four Pirates to receive MVP Votes, Morales provided a lot of power for the world series champions. His 56 HR's this season leaves him 2 shy of 300 for his career and at just 26 years old there are many more long balls in this kids future.
' .295 AVG 56 HR 146 RBI

Alex Morales
Philadelphia
Pirates
Age: 26	B/T: R/R
Born: St. Croix, VI
Position(s): C/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

---AL---
Luis mashed this season with a career high in home runs. He walked away in MVP voting as he led the 100+ Win Sentinals. At a young 25 years old San Antonio will love this kids for some time.
' .299 AVG 59 HR 119 RBI

Luis Elcano
San Antonio
Sentinals
Age: 25	B/T: R/R
Born: Monte Cristi, DO
Position(s): C/1B/LF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Year 9 Cy Young Award

2009-09-19T12:15:00.004-04:00

---NL---
At just 23 years old Hayes Sanders collects his first Cy Young award. His 17 wins can be attributed to a very low .340 SLG against. Just his second year in the majors Charleston will expect more from him in years to come. '17 W - 135 K's - 2.52 ERA

Hayes Sanders
Charleston
Rivers Dogs
Age: 23 B/T: R/R
Born: Camp Verde, AZ
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

---AL---
The 21 year old from the Dominican Republic had batters guessing all season with a devastating fastball change up combination. His 22 wins led the majors and he was the workhorse of another AL North crown in Cincinnati.
' 22 W - 204 K's - 3.22 ERA

Fernando Silva
Cincinnati
Flying Pigs
Age: 21	B/T: S/R
Born: Las Matas Cotui, DO
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Rookie of the year - Season 9

2009-09-18T13:33:00.006-04:00

---NL---

No surprise here. Skeeter put up filthy numbers in his first season and will no doubt continue to get better out in Salem for years to come.
' 41 HR - 124 RBI - .890 OPS

Skeeter Carreon
Salem
Saints
Age: 25	B/T: L/L
Born: Sonoma, CA
Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

---AL---

22 year old Japanese phenom Joseph Suzuki walked away with the AL Rookie of the year award. His first year behind the plate in San Antonio was a great success.
' 33 HR - 92RBI - .989 OPS.

Joseph Suzuki
San Antonio
Sentinals
Age: 22	B/T: S/R
Born: Yokosuka, JP
Position(s): C
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Top Free Agents '09

2009-06-28T11:03:00.026-04:00

Type - A free agents are plentifully this season with many players trying to test the waters of free agency. It will be interesting to see which teams will go after the highly priced and older free agents at a chance to win now and which teams will opt for cheaper filler options. One thing is for sure plenty of money is going to be spent on a few coveted players.

Position Players

Midre Manuel { Former Team: Florida Manatees -- Salary: $8.3 Million}
-- With 3 MVP's Manuel is one of the biggest name on the market this year. However, After a hamstring tear kept him out of '08 it is uncertain how much this 30 year old will fetch on the open market with durability concerns.-- {New Team: Cleveland Elite Senators II Contract Terms: 4 Years $29. 3 Million}

Nomar Welch { Former Team: Florida Manatees -- Salary: $7.8 Million}

-- The record holder for runs scored enters free agency for the first time in his career and is looking for top dollar. At Age 30 patrolling center might be in the past for Nomar but he can produce at the plate and on the base paths. -- {New Team: New York Cosa Nostra Contract Terms: 5 Years $74 Million}

Walter Gabriel{Former Team: Cincinnati Flying Pigs -- Salary: $15.7 Million}

-- At 36 years old Gabriel is nearing the end of his career and is certainly out of his prime when he was a 3 time MVP. None the less it will be very interesting to see what kind of contract Gabriel receives. -- {New Team: New York Cosa Nostra Contract Terms:4 Years $4.4 Million Per}

Howard Pryce {Former Team: Las Vegas Venom -- Salary: $7.8 Million}

--Pryce is coming off back to back 40 HR seasons. He also led Las Vegas to AL pennant in '08 with 10 HR's in 20 games played. At 28 he will be a sought after 2B this winter. -- {New Team: New York Cosa Nostra Contract Terms: 5 Years $75.1 Million}

Jack O'Brien{Former Team: Houston Hot Stars-- Salary: $6.5 Million}

-- With 40+ HR power and plus defense at 2B/CF Jack 'Brien will certainly fetch top dollar. However concerns about his durability will hold teams back from giving him the mega bucks he could be looking for. -- {New Team: Cleveland Elite Senators II Contract Terms: 4 Years $8 Mill Per}

Pitchers

Jacque Cunningham{ Former Team: San Antonio Sentinals -- Salary: $6 Million}

-- A very consistent performer over his career Cunningham will be a commodity this free agent season. Not a lot of flash here but the potential to win 15 + games. Their is some question to the number of innings this 35 year old will be able to produce. -- {New Team: Houston Hot Stars Contract Terms: 4 Years $6.5 per}

Todd Christenson{ Former Team: Florida Manatees -- Salary: $7.5 Million}

-- Christenson is a mean closer with a unique ability to pitch almost everyday. He will need 32 saves this year to reach 300 for his career and I have to believe someone will give him the chance to close out games for their team. -- {New Team: Colorado Deadbeats Contract Terms: 3 years $17.4 Million}

Geraldo Ortiz { Former Team: New York Shea It Ain't So -- Salary: $6 Million}

--A career year last season with 15 wins 179 K's and a 3.03 ERA will help Ortiz fetch top dollar this off season. -- {New Team: Tacoma Rain Contract Terms: 5 Years $56 Million}

Jay Ross { Former Team: Charleston Rivers Dogs -- Salary: $5.9 Million}

-- One of the few SP in this free agent group who you could count on to give you 200 innings. He has had problems commanding his pitches over the years and Health concerns loom. However, as a type-B free agent he should draw a lot of interest. -- {New Team: Colorado Deadbeats Contract Terms: 4 years $6 Million per}

Stan Lewis{ Former Team: St. Louis Birdos -- Salary: $7.3 Million}

--In his prime Lewis could pitch every day a unique ability that allowed him to amass 200 innings in one season as a reliever. At 38 years old 200 innings would be a lot to ask but this righty still has it throwing 81 innings last season with a 2.76 ERA. -- {New Team: Cincinnati Flying Pigs Contract Terms: 2 Years $9.2 Million}

Year 8 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:49:00.004-04:00

---NL---

Tim Steenstra
Anaheim
Los Angeles Conquistadores
Age: 25	B/T: L/L
Born: Timpson, TX
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`18 -8 record 221 IP 3.13 ERA

---AL---

Lonnie Hammonds
Cincinnati
Flying Pigs
Age: 38	B/T: R/R
Born: Terre Haute, IN
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`15 -1 2.13 ERA - 2nd Cy Young Award

Year 7 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:48:00.007-04:00

---NL---

Stuart Ramirez
Little Rock
Anti-Clintons
Age: 36	B/T: R/R
Born: West Hempstead, NY
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`17 - 9 3.35 ERA

---AL---

George Ramsey
Texas
Justice
Age: 37	B/T: S/R
Born: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`16 - 9 record 3.3.8 ERA

* Record 5th Cy Young Award

&

Stan Lewis
none
none
Age: 38 B/T: S/R
Born: Big Bear City, CA
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`35 SV .97 Whip

Year 6 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:47:00.010-04:00

---NL---

Louis Nye
Cincinnati
Flying Pigs
Age: 33	B/T: S/R
Born: Morley, MI
Position(s): P (SP3)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`17 - 4 record 2.69 ERA

---AL---

George Ramsey
Texas
Justice
Age: 37	B/T: S/R
Born: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`19 -10 record 2.10 ERA

Year 5 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:47:00.009-04:00

---NL---

Clarence Kolb
Philadelphia
Pirates
Age: 29	B/T: R/R
Born: Esmond, RI
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

` 88K's in 89IP 2.02 ERA

---AL---

Lonnie Hammonds
Cincinnati
Flying Pigs
Age: 38	B/T: R/R
Born: Terre Haute, IN
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`20 -2 Record 2.10 ERA

Year 4 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:46:00.008-04:00

---NL---

Stuart Ramirez
Little Rock
Anti-Clintons
Age: 36	B/T: R/R
Born: West Hempstead, NY
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`20 Wins 224 IP 2.24 ERA

---AL---

George Ramsey
Texas
Justice
Age: 37	B/T: S/R
Born: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

` 264 IP 2.21 ERA

Year 3 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:46:00.007-04:00

---NL---

Octavio Soriano
none
none
Age: 33	B/T: L/L
Born: Oculare Del Tuy, VE
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`47 SV 1.78 ERA

---AL---

George Ramsey
Texas
Justice
Age: 37	B/T: S/R
Born: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`199 K's 2.87 ERA

Year 2 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:45:00.007-04:00

---NL---

Tony Sasaki
Helena
Emperors
Age: 31	B/T: R/R
Born: Osaka, JP
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`18 Wins 222 IP 2.72 ERA

Francisco Marichal
Texas
Justice
Age: 31	B/T: R/R
Born: Fantino, DO
Position(s): P (SuA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`3.03 ERA 36 SV

---AL---

George Ramsey
Texas
Justice
Age: 37	B/T: S/R
Born: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`24 -1 Record 251 IP 3.16 ERA

* Ties Record for Most wins

Year 1 Cy Young Award

2009-06-25T18:39:00.005-04:00

---NL---

Dean Green
none
none
Age: 40	B/T: L/L
Born: Pattonville, TX
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`19 Wins 231 IP 3.58 ERA

---AL---

Kris Daubach
Richmond
Regulators
Age: 41	B/T: R/R
Born: Quebec City, QC
Position(s): P (SuB)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

`20 Wins 2.45 ERA

Season 8 MVP's

2009-06-24T22:31:00.003-04:00

---NL---

Henry Kirk
Philadelphia
Pirates
Age: 26 B/T: L/L
Born: Milpitas, CA
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

* Record Low SO - 34

---AL---

Luis Elcano
San Antonio
Sentinals
Age: 25	B/T: R/R
Born: Monte Cristi, DO
Position(s): C/1B/LF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile