a caliber player like Mesoraco. In another move to help fill the hole at second base DFW traded their 5th to GRK for veteran Brandon Phillips and 10th. The team hopes Phillips can find his old form after battling injuries last season.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Santa brings DFW exactly what they wanted!
The Spurs got the Christmas gift that was #1 on their 'Wish List' when they landed catcher Devin Mesoraco. They filled a giant need at catcher when the Spurs didn't resign veteran catcher AJ Ellis. "We are ecstatic to have Devin! The sky's the limit when it comes to Devin's ability. He's a good reciever and can hit for power", stated the skipper of the Spurs, Red Robbins. The Spurs have lacked power at catcher since they traded Victor Martinez. AJ Ellis hit a combined .223 with 11hr, 55rbi in two seasons as the starting backstop. In getting Mesorco that will definitely add more production at the catcher's spot. DFW acquired Mesoraco & LVI 9th from LVI for DFW's 2nd & 6th round Draft picks. DFW didn't want to part with the 20th overall pick, however couldn't pass up the chance to get
a caliber player like Mesoraco.
In another move to help fill the hole at second base DFW traded their 5th to GRK for veteran Brandon Phillips and 10th. The team hopes Phillips can find his old form after battling injuries last season.
a caliber player like Mesoraco. In another move to help fill the hole at second base DFW traded their 5th to GRK for veteran Brandon Phillips and 10th. The team hopes Phillips can find his old form after battling injuries last season.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Back to the Drawing Board for Spurs
With the winter meetings about to start DFW will attempt to correct the ship wreck the 2014
season turned out to be. after a successful 2013 where the Spurs won 96 games and eventfully lost to
TRY in the LCS, they finished 70-92 in 2014. on paper DFW was projected to win over 90 games
again. they traded their 1st round pick to LVI for pitcher Jordan Zimmerman hoping he could step in
and be the ace of the rotation. DFW added starting pitchers Chris Archer in with their 2nd round and
Scott Feldman with their 4th round pick to go with veteran hurlers Doug Fister and Derek Holland.
they also added veteran closer Huston Street. the good news was rookie Chris Archer and Scott
Feldman live up to par. archer was 11-7, with a 2.47era which was second in the NASBL in ERA
with a 2.47 just behind A.Griffin. feldman was 14-9, with a 3.74era. Zimmerman had a rocky year
going 10-19, with a robust 5.26era. between Zimmerman, Fister and Holland they combined for a
29-48, with a 5.15era. Huston Street had 30 saves, however he was 4-7, with a 4.42era and 9 blown
saves! Street also gave up a whopping 17 hr in 57ip. For the Spurs to get back in a winning mode
Zimmerman and the rest of the staff have to revert back to their 2013 form.
season turned out to be. after a successful 2013 where the Spurs won 96 games and eventfully lost to
TRY in the LCS, they finished 70-92 in 2014. on paper DFW was projected to win over 90 games
again. they traded their 1st round pick to LVI for pitcher Jordan Zimmerman hoping he could step in
and be the ace of the rotation. DFW added starting pitchers Chris Archer in with their 2nd round and
Scott Feldman with their 4th round pick to go with veteran hurlers Doug Fister and Derek Holland.
they also added veteran closer Huston Street. the good news was rookie Chris Archer and Scott
Feldman live up to par. archer was 11-7, with a 2.47era which was second in the NASBL in ERA
with a 2.47 just behind A.Griffin. feldman was 14-9, with a 3.74era. Zimmerman had a rocky year
going 10-19, with a robust 5.26era. between Zimmerman, Fister and Holland they combined for a
29-48, with a 5.15era. Huston Street had 30 saves, however he was 4-7, with a 4.42era and 9 blown
saves! Street also gave up a whopping 17 hr in 57ip. For the Spurs to get back in a winning mode
Zimmerman and the rest of the staff have to revert back to their 2013 form.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Chows Add an Arm and a Bat
Illinois Times - Are the Chows going to make a run at their second postseason appearance in franchise history? It is starting to seem that way. The Chows have traded their 1st and 5th round picks in separate deals. While holes and question marks remain - the club is better now than it was last week. However the Chows say they are not "all-in" for this season - rather they are looking at it as the opportunity to start a postseason run of several years.
The deals - Illinois traded its First Round pick for Zack Grienke
Illinois traded its 5th round pick for Josh Reddick
"We centered on guys that would help us this year and the next few years down the road. Despite his injury Fernandez is absolutely not on the trading block. Getting Grienke gives us a formidable Big Three in the rotation this year with Zack, Lester and Samrdzija. We expect Fernandez to be back healthy enough next season to make it a Big Four - he will not have a full season but should be able to qualify for postseason play. Grienke being only 30 years old has a few more good years in the tank. We were leaning toward SP with that first pick - there was not going to be anyone there at 5 that we were as certain on for the next 5 years or so as Grienke.
Josh will be our RF vs. R. The outfield mix for the Chows is crowded with everyone having a role. We are going into the draft with Upton, Crawford, Davis and Reddick. The outfield is not totally set but we saw 5th round as good value for Josh. He is only 27, plays good D and hits righties very well. the type of player a contending team should value. CF continues to be concern at the point. It is possible the Chows add two more OF before opening day.
Our roster is now set at 16 with two players on the bubble to be our 17th keeper. We feel we have the flexibility to add one more guy if the right deal comes along. One more SP, a 2B or a CF would be the guys we would add if available. Realistically we would be looking to do another pick for player type deal. Our biggest trading block to a non-contender is probably Gyorko and to be honest he has regressed so much that his value is no longer strong. We are not interested in trading Fernandez - all trade talks seem to be teams wanting him."
The deals - Illinois traded its First Round pick for Zack Grienke
Illinois traded its 5th round pick for Josh Reddick
"We centered on guys that would help us this year and the next few years down the road. Despite his injury Fernandez is absolutely not on the trading block. Getting Grienke gives us a formidable Big Three in the rotation this year with Zack, Lester and Samrdzija. We expect Fernandez to be back healthy enough next season to make it a Big Four - he will not have a full season but should be able to qualify for postseason play. Grienke being only 30 years old has a few more good years in the tank. We were leaning toward SP with that first pick - there was not going to be anyone there at 5 that we were as certain on for the next 5 years or so as Grienke.
Josh will be our RF vs. R. The outfield mix for the Chows is crowded with everyone having a role. We are going into the draft with Upton, Crawford, Davis and Reddick. The outfield is not totally set but we saw 5th round as good value for Josh. He is only 27, plays good D and hits righties very well. the type of player a contending team should value. CF continues to be concern at the point. It is possible the Chows add two more OF before opening day.
Our roster is now set at 16 with two players on the bubble to be our 17th keeper. We feel we have the flexibility to add one more guy if the right deal comes along. One more SP, a 2B or a CF would be the guys we would add if available. Realistically we would be looking to do another pick for player type deal. Our biggest trading block to a non-contender is probably Gyorko and to be honest he has regressed so much that his value is no longer strong. We are not interested in trading Fernandez - all trade talks seem to be teams wanting him."
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Haymakers Add Another Former First Round Pick
Troy, NY: The Haymakers continued to turn over their roster the other day, this time picking up former number one overall pick Eric Hosmer from the Bulldogs for closer Drew Storen and a round 5 pick. Hosmer will take over at first base in what has seen a number of players man the position over the past few years, and makes two time Haymaker James Loney expendable.
With Hosmer, the team will now have three gold glove players in the infield which will help the weak pitching staff a good amount.
The team still has a number of players rumored to be on the move, and is currently beginning their planning for what will be a busy draft for Troy. The team is currently sporting the 2nd, 18th and 19th overall picks in the draft and will most likely be looking to re-build on young talent.
EdCouch wins 4 games to one to advance to the world series!
Here is a very quick recap:
Game 1: Ross vs Buchholz
Game 2: Griffin vs Iwakuma
Game 3: Cobb vs Strousburg
Game 4: Garza vs Greene
Game 5: Ross vs Buchholz
Ed takes the series 4 games to 1 and the series was closer than the outcome as all games were one to three run games.
GAME 1- Ed wins 10-7. Ellsbury leads off with a triple and LVI scores 2 in the top of the 1st. Braun and Carpenter double and score is 2-1, then in the bottom of the 2nd Rayburn rolls the 1-8 straight shot and Ed scores 4 to take a 5-2 lead. After LVI cuts the lead to 5-3, Ed scores 2 in the 6th and 7th to take a 9-3 lead. With the score 10-5 going into the 9th LVI scores 2 and makes a threat but Ed holds on to a 10-7 win.
GAME 2- Ed wins 3-0.Tyler Ross pitches 5 shutout innings(longest start of the series) and Ed cruises to a 3-1 victory, though LVI does have the tying run at the plate a many times.
GAME 3- LVI wins 5-3. With a 3-2 lead in the 4th, LVI pulls Strasburg , and hold Ed down and Nathan gets the 5 out save and LVI wins 5-3.
GAME 4- Ed wins 3-1. With Ed leading 2-0 in the bottom of the 3rd, Longoria hits the 4-9 straight shot of Cy Young candidate AJ Griffin and Ed pulls him(wasn't pretty in the club house). With a 3-1 lead, Ed brings in Kenly Jansen for his first appearance to get the 6 out save for a 3-1 victory,
GAME 5
- Ed wins 7-5. Ed dinks and dunks a 6 run top of the 1st, and in the bottom of the 1st LVI scores two and has two runners on with NO OUTS and Garza is pulled without getting ONE out(once again, clubhouse was not a pretty sight) as LVI starter Buchholtz records only 2 outs. With the score 7-2 after 3 innings, LVI brings in Nathan and he pithes 7 innings(was tired after 4th inning) and his line was: 7 innings 2 hits, 1 walk and 10 k's to shut down the mighty Ed offence as LVI scores 2 off Jansen to make it a 7-5 game and with the go ahead run at the plate, Jansen gets the final out to record the 7-5 victory.
Game 1: Ross vs Buchholz
Game 2: Griffin vs Iwakuma
Game 3: Cobb vs Strousburg
Game 4: Garza vs Greene
Game 5: Ross vs Buchholz
Ed takes the series 4 games to 1 and the series was closer than the outcome as all games were one to three run games.
GAME 1- Ed wins 10-7. Ellsbury leads off with a triple and LVI scores 2 in the top of the 1st. Braun and Carpenter double and score is 2-1, then in the bottom of the 2nd Rayburn rolls the 1-8 straight shot and Ed scores 4 to take a 5-2 lead. After LVI cuts the lead to 5-3, Ed scores 2 in the 6th and 7th to take a 9-3 lead. With the score 10-5 going into the 9th LVI scores 2 and makes a threat but Ed holds on to a 10-7 win.
GAME 2- Ed wins 3-0.Tyler Ross pitches 5 shutout innings(longest start of the series) and Ed cruises to a 3-1 victory, though LVI does have the tying run at the plate a many times.
GAME 3- LVI wins 5-3. With a 3-2 lead in the 4th, LVI pulls Strasburg , and hold Ed down and Nathan gets the 5 out save and LVI wins 5-3.
GAME 4- Ed wins 3-1. With Ed leading 2-0 in the bottom of the 3rd, Longoria hits the 4-9 straight shot of Cy Young candidate AJ Griffin and Ed pulls him(wasn't pretty in the club house). With a 3-1 lead, Ed brings in Kenly Jansen for his first appearance to get the 6 out save for a 3-1 victory,
GAME 5
- Ed wins 7-5. Ed dinks and dunks a 6 run top of the 1st, and in the bottom of the 1st LVI scores two and has two runners on with NO OUTS and Garza is pulled without getting ONE out(once again, clubhouse was not a pretty sight) as LVI starter Buchholtz records only 2 outs. With the score 7-2 after 3 innings, LVI brings in Nathan and he pithes 7 innings(was tired after 4th inning) and his line was: 7 innings 2 hits, 1 walk and 10 k's to shut down the mighty Ed offence as LVI scores 2 off Jansen to make it a 7-5 game and with the go ahead run at the plate, Jansen gets the final out to record the 7-5 victory.
Range Ratings Preview. .
For all those GM's that haven't joined the modern world of news reporting and communication, date line Twitter and here is the annual Strat range ratings preview. You will note that I added my estimated error rating after some of the range ratings.
Some real surprises in the middle infield with Cano at a 2, Kipnis at a 4, Altuve a 3, Andrus a 2, Hanley back to a 4, Reyes stays a 3, N.Walker drops to a 3 and Y. Escobar drops to a 4, Zobrist drops to a 2 are disappointing.
On the upside Kinsler, Dozier, Crawford, A . Escobar, Lemahieu get 1's and J. Peralta gets a 3.
Donaldson, Lucroy, Markakis , Dyson and Lagares are new 1's.
As for the draft, the stock.is rising for J . Harrison, Springer, Panik, D.Santana, Hamilton, Ozuna and Kairmier.
Without further a do, the range ratings preview-
BALTIMORE: Rookie Jonathan Schoop receives a 2 at 2B(9:21am)
BOSTON: Rookie Catcher Christian Vazquez receives a 2 behind the dish with a -4 arm.
CHICAGO (AL): AL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award winner Jose Abreu gets a 4e9 at 1B
CLEVELAND: Three ratings for Carlos Santana: C-4 (0 arm), 1B-3e9 and 3B-5e38
DETROIT: In his first year with the team, Ian Kinsler receives a 1e9 at 2B for the first time in his career
HOUSTON: All-Star 2B and Batting Champ Jose Altuve repeats his 3e11 Also AA stealing *4-6 (19-14)
KANSAS CITY: Jarrod Dyson gets a LF-2, CF-1b2 along with AA stealing *3-7 (19-15)
LOS ANGELES (AL): David Freese 3B 5b4
MINNESOTA: Joe Mauer earns a 3 at 1B in his first full season not catching(11:53)
NEW YORK (AL): The Captain Jeter gets a SS-4 in his final season
OAKLAND: Ex-Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson is a 1e25 b2 this year
SEATTLE: Dustin Ackley gets a LF-2 with a +2 arm in his first season as a full-time outfielder
TAMPA BAY: Yunel Escobar falls from a 1 last year to a 4 at SS
TEXAS: Elvis Andrus falls to a 2e20 at SS this year
TORONTO: Jose Reyes will be a SS-3e22 this year with AA stealing *4,5 (19-13)(1:08)
ARIZONA: Ender Inciarte debuts with a 2 and a -1 arm in all three OF spots
ATLANTA: FreddieFreeman falls to a 2 at 1B after two years at a 1
CHICAGO (NL):JorgeSoler The rookie debuts with a RF 3 and a -3 arm
CINCINNATI: Jay Bruce drops to a RF-2 with a -4 arm after four consecutive 1's.... Also a 1B-5
COLORADO: Charlie Blackmon earns a 3 in all outfield spots to go along with a 0 arm
LOS ANGELES (NL): Andre Ethier earns a 3 (2 basic) in LF and RF and a 4 in CF. His arm holds at a -1
MIAMI: Marcell Ozuna gets a 2e6 with a -3 arm in all three outfield spots
MILWAUKEE: Jonathan Lucroy gets a 1 and a 0 arm for his defense behind the plate this year. At 1B, Lucroy gets a 4
NEW YORK (NL): Lagares earns his first Gold Glove and his first 1e8 in CF. His cannon arm gets him a -4
PHILADELPHIA: Centerfielder Ben Revere falls to a 3 with another +3 arm
PITTSBURGH: Starling Marte gets a 1e8 (2 basic) in LF and a 2 (3 basic) in CF along with a -3 arm
ST. LOUIS: Matt Adams improves again this year and gets a 2e12 at 1B
SAN DIEGO: Will Venable gets a 2e0 in LF and a 2e0 (1 basic) in both CF and RF
SAN FRANCISCO: Brandon Crawford goes back to a 1e24 (2 basic) at SS for the World Champs
WASHINGTON: Asdrubal Cabrera gets a 2B-2e3 and a SS-4 for his play in both D.C. and Cleveland(4:10pm)
BALTIMORE: The newly departed Nick Markakis won the AL Gold Glove and reclaims his first 1e0 in RF since 2011(9:30am)
BOSTON: The rookie Mookie Betts debuts with a 3e36 (4 basic) at 2B and a 4e1 (3 basic) in both CF and RF. OF Arm is an even 0
CHICAGO (AL): In his first season on the South Side Adam Eaton gets a CF-2e6 along with a -1 arm
CLEVELAND: Jason Kipnis' struggles knock him down to a 4 (3 basic) at 2B from a 2 last year
DETROIT: JD Martinez In his breakout season in Motown, JD Martinez gets a 4e6 and +1 arm in both LF and RF
HOUSTON: Rookie outfielder George Springer gets a 2e15 (3 basic) in RF, 3 in CF, and a -2 arm
KANSAS CITY: After Dyson, the rest of KC's 1's - Perez, Hosmer e13, Escobar e16, Gordon e2, Cain e3 (CF and RF)
LOS ANGELES (AL):Kole Calhoun is a 2e2 (with a -2 arm) in RF this year and his play earned him an AL GG finalist nomination
MINNESOTA: Versatile rookie Danny Santana earns a 3e11 at both SS and CF. Also a -1 OF arm
NEW YORK (AL): Current Free Agent Chase Headley gets a 3B-2e11 and 1B-3 for his play in NY and SD in 2014
OAKLAND: Josh Reddick earns himself another 1e8 in RF. Also a CF-3 and -4 arm
SEATTLE: Last year's big FA signee Robinson Cano is a 2B-2e10 this year; first time not a 1 since 2009
TAMPA BAY:Kevin Kiermaier gets a RF-1e11 as a rookie. Also a CF-2 and -3 arm
TEXAS: Adrian Beltre retains his 3B-1e15 for the 10th consecutive season
TORONTO: At only 23 years old Anthony Gose gets a 1e3 with a -3 arm in all three OF spots this year(12:36)
ARIZONA: Aaron Hill will get a 4 at both 2B and 3B. First time in his career he will have worse than a 3 at either
ATLANTA: Now in St. Louis,Jason Heyward will get his third consecutive 1e2 in RF. And with a -4 arm
CHICAGO (NL):Javier Baez will get a 3e34(4 basic) at 2B and a 3e29 at SS in his rookie season
CINCINNATI: Third Baseman Todd Frazier gets a 3B-2e13 and 1B-3e22 in his first All-Star season
COLORADO:DJ Lemahieu gets both his first 2B-1e8 and Gold Glove Award(He will have SS,1B and 3B high ratings)
LOS ANGELES (NL): Dee Gordon gets a 2B-3e14 in his first full season there. Also AA stealing *3-7 (18-15)
MIAMI: Slugging outfielder Giancarlo Stanton gets his first RF-2e7 since his rookie season and gets a -3 OF Arm
MILWAUKEE: Khris Davis will get a LF-3 but a +3 arm this season
NEW YORK (NL): Lucas Duda claims first base all by himself this year and earns a 1B-3e9. If you're adventurous a LF-5, +3 arm
PHILADELPHIA: Marlon Byrd gets his best rating since 2005, he's a RF-2e7 with a -1 arm
PITTSBURGH: Second Baseman Neil Walker gets a 3e6 (2 basic) this season
ST. LOUIS: Jon Jay gets the unique rating of a 2e3 in CF and 3 in both LF and RF... OF Arm is a +2
SAN DIEGO: Jedd Gyrorko gets his second consecutive 4 at 2B
SAN FRANCISCO: Rookie Joe Panik earns a 2e20 (3 basic) at second base in his first season in the majors
WASHINGTON: We round out Day 2 with a 1, Denard Span gets the 1e5 in CF and has a -1 arm
BONUS RATINGS:
EXTRA BONUS: Kershaw is the first pitcher with an 8 endurance rating since Cliff Lee in 2010.
BONUS #10: Cincinnati's Billy Hamilton gets a CF-1e3 in his first full season
BONUS #9: Brian Dozier earns his first 1e16 (2 basic) at second base this season. Also an A stealer *2-5 (17-12)
BONUS #8: Xander Bogaerts gets a 4e17 (3 basic) at SS and 4e37 (5 basic) at 3B
BONUS #7: Jose Bautista earns a 3e5 (2 basic) in RF and 4 (3 basic) in CF. Also a cannon -4 arm(He will have high 1B rating)
BONUS #6: In his first year in St. Louis, Jhonny Peralta finally gets back to his first SS-3e13 since 2007
BONUS #5: Hanley Ramirez will be a SS-4 this season... No OF rating quite yet #StratRatings
BONUS #4: Utility man Ben Zobrist gets a 2 at 2B, LF, and RF, a 3 at SS, and a 4 (3 basic) in CF
BONUS #3: Anthony Rendon's MVP caliber season gets him a 2 at 3B and 3 at 2B
BONUS #2: Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison gets a 2 at 3B, 3 at 2B, LF, and RF, and a 4 at SS. Also a -1 OF arm.
BONUS #1: @YasielPuig The LA outfielder is our top requested rating.. He's a 2 in RF and 3 (2 basic) in CF. All with a -5 arm
Some real surprises in the middle infield with Cano at a 2, Kipnis at a 4, Altuve a 3, Andrus a 2, Hanley back to a 4, Reyes stays a 3, N.Walker drops to a 3 and Y. Escobar drops to a 4, Zobrist drops to a 2 are disappointing.
On the upside Kinsler, Dozier, Crawford, A . Escobar, Lemahieu get 1's and J. Peralta gets a 3.
Donaldson, Lucroy, Markakis , Dyson and Lagares are new 1's.
As for the draft, the stock.is rising for J . Harrison, Springer, Panik, D.Santana, Hamilton, Ozuna and Kairmier.
Without further a do, the range ratings preview-
BALTIMORE: Rookie Jonathan Schoop receives a 2 at 2B(9:21am)
BOSTON: Rookie Catcher Christian Vazquez receives a 2 behind the dish with a -4 arm.
CHICAGO (AL): AL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award winner Jose Abreu gets a 4e9 at 1B
CLEVELAND: Three ratings for Carlos Santana: C-4 (0 arm), 1B-3e9 and 3B-5e38
DETROIT: In his first year with the team, Ian Kinsler receives a 1e9 at 2B for the first time in his career
HOUSTON: All-Star 2B and Batting Champ Jose Altuve repeats his 3e11 Also AA stealing *4-6 (19-14)
KANSAS CITY: Jarrod Dyson gets a LF-2, CF-1b2 along with AA stealing *3-7 (19-15)
LOS ANGELES (AL): David Freese 3B 5b4
MINNESOTA: Joe Mauer earns a 3 at 1B in his first full season not catching(11:53)
NEW YORK (AL): The Captain Jeter gets a SS-4 in his final season
OAKLAND: Ex-Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson is a 1e25 b2 this year
SEATTLE: Dustin Ackley gets a LF-2 with a +2 arm in his first season as a full-time outfielder
TAMPA BAY: Yunel Escobar falls from a 1 last year to a 4 at SS
TEXAS: Elvis Andrus falls to a 2e20 at SS this year
TORONTO: Jose Reyes will be a SS-3e22 this year with AA stealing *4,5 (19-13)(1:08)
ARIZONA: Ender Inciarte debuts with a 2 and a -1 arm in all three OF spots
ATLANTA: FreddieFreeman falls to a 2 at 1B after two years at a 1
CHICAGO (NL):JorgeSoler The rookie debuts with a RF 3 and a -3 arm
CINCINNATI: Jay Bruce drops to a RF-2 with a -4 arm after four consecutive 1's.... Also a 1B-5
COLORADO: Charlie Blackmon earns a 3 in all outfield spots to go along with a 0 arm
LOS ANGELES (NL): Andre Ethier earns a 3 (2 basic) in LF and RF and a 4 in CF. His arm holds at a -1
MIAMI: Marcell Ozuna gets a 2e6 with a -3 arm in all three outfield spots
MILWAUKEE: Jonathan Lucroy gets a 1 and a 0 arm for his defense behind the plate this year. At 1B, Lucroy gets a 4
NEW YORK (NL): Lagares earns his first Gold Glove and his first 1e8 in CF. His cannon arm gets him a -4
PHILADELPHIA: Centerfielder Ben Revere falls to a 3 with another +3 arm
PITTSBURGH: Starling Marte gets a 1e8 (2 basic) in LF and a 2 (3 basic) in CF along with a -3 arm
ST. LOUIS: Matt Adams improves again this year and gets a 2e12 at 1B
SAN DIEGO: Will Venable gets a 2e0 in LF and a 2e0 (1 basic) in both CF and RF
SAN FRANCISCO: Brandon Crawford goes back to a 1e24 (2 basic) at SS for the World Champs
WASHINGTON: Asdrubal Cabrera gets a 2B-2e3 and a SS-4 for his play in both D.C. and Cleveland(4:10pm)
BALTIMORE: The newly departed Nick Markakis won the AL Gold Glove and reclaims his first 1e0 in RF since 2011(9:30am)
BOSTON: The rookie Mookie Betts debuts with a 3e36 (4 basic) at 2B and a 4e1 (3 basic) in both CF and RF. OF Arm is an even 0
CHICAGO (AL): In his first season on the South Side Adam Eaton gets a CF-2e6 along with a -1 arm
CLEVELAND: Jason Kipnis' struggles knock him down to a 4 (3 basic) at 2B from a 2 last year
DETROIT: JD Martinez In his breakout season in Motown, JD Martinez gets a 4e6 and +1 arm in both LF and RF
HOUSTON: Rookie outfielder George Springer gets a 2e15 (3 basic) in RF, 3 in CF, and a -2 arm
KANSAS CITY: After Dyson, the rest of KC's 1's - Perez, Hosmer e13, Escobar e16, Gordon e2, Cain e3 (CF and RF)
LOS ANGELES (AL):Kole Calhoun is a 2e2 (with a -2 arm) in RF this year and his play earned him an AL GG finalist nomination
MINNESOTA: Versatile rookie Danny Santana earns a 3e11 at both SS and CF. Also a -1 OF arm
NEW YORK (AL): Current Free Agent Chase Headley gets a 3B-2e11 and 1B-3 for his play in NY and SD in 2014
OAKLAND: Josh Reddick earns himself another 1e8 in RF. Also a CF-3 and -4 arm
SEATTLE: Last year's big FA signee Robinson Cano is a 2B-2e10 this year; first time not a 1 since 2009
TAMPA BAY:Kevin Kiermaier gets a RF-1e11 as a rookie. Also a CF-2 and -3 arm
TEXAS: Adrian Beltre retains his 3B-1e15 for the 10th consecutive season
TORONTO: At only 23 years old Anthony Gose gets a 1e3 with a -3 arm in all three OF spots this year(12:36)
ARIZONA: Aaron Hill will get a 4 at both 2B and 3B. First time in his career he will have worse than a 3 at either
ATLANTA: Now in St. Louis,Jason Heyward will get his third consecutive 1e2 in RF. And with a -4 arm
CHICAGO (NL):Javier Baez will get a 3e34(4 basic) at 2B and a 3e29 at SS in his rookie season
CINCINNATI: Third Baseman Todd Frazier gets a 3B-2e13 and 1B-3e22 in his first All-Star season
COLORADO:DJ Lemahieu gets both his first 2B-1e8 and Gold Glove Award(He will have SS,1B and 3B high ratings)
LOS ANGELES (NL): Dee Gordon gets a 2B-3e14 in his first full season there. Also AA stealing *3-7 (18-15)
MIAMI: Slugging outfielder Giancarlo Stanton gets his first RF-2e7 since his rookie season and gets a -3 OF Arm
MILWAUKEE: Khris Davis will get a LF-3 but a +3 arm this season
NEW YORK (NL): Lucas Duda claims first base all by himself this year and earns a 1B-3e9. If you're adventurous a LF-5, +3 arm
PHILADELPHIA: Marlon Byrd gets his best rating since 2005, he's a RF-2e7 with a -1 arm
PITTSBURGH: Second Baseman Neil Walker gets a 3e6 (2 basic) this season
ST. LOUIS: Jon Jay gets the unique rating of a 2e3 in CF and 3 in both LF and RF... OF Arm is a +2
SAN DIEGO: Jedd Gyrorko gets his second consecutive 4 at 2B
SAN FRANCISCO: Rookie Joe Panik earns a 2e20 (3 basic) at second base in his first season in the majors
WASHINGTON: We round out Day 2 with a 1, Denard Span gets the 1e5 in CF and has a -1 arm
BONUS RATINGS:
EXTRA BONUS: Kershaw is the first pitcher with an 8 endurance rating since Cliff Lee in 2010.
BONUS #10: Cincinnati's Billy Hamilton gets a CF-1e3 in his first full season
BONUS #9: Brian Dozier earns his first 1e16 (2 basic) at second base this season. Also an A stealer *2-5 (17-12)
BONUS #8: Xander Bogaerts gets a 4e17 (3 basic) at SS and 4e37 (5 basic) at 3B
BONUS #7: Jose Bautista earns a 3e5 (2 basic) in RF and 4 (3 basic) in CF. Also a cannon -4 arm(He will have high 1B rating)
BONUS #6: In his first year in St. Louis, Jhonny Peralta finally gets back to his first SS-3e13 since 2007
BONUS #5: Hanley Ramirez will be a SS-4 this season... No OF rating quite yet #StratRatings
BONUS #4: Utility man Ben Zobrist gets a 2 at 2B, LF, and RF, a 3 at SS, and a 4 (3 basic) in CF
BONUS #3: Anthony Rendon's MVP caliber season gets him a 2 at 3B and 3 at 2B
BONUS #2: Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison gets a 2 at 3B, 3 at 2B, LF, and RF, and a 4 at SS. Also a -1 OF arm.
BONUS #1: @YasielPuig The LA outfielder is our top requested rating.. He's a 2 in RF and 3 (2 basic) in CF. All with a -5 arm
Trade winds are starting back up..
It is that glorious time of year where the EdCouch GM starts the process of reviewing his teams needs and looking to reshape the team, and though this annual process can be painful, he sees it as a necessary process in finding the pieces to put the puzzle back together.
The team has 7 starting pitchers and is looking for help at SS and CF/LF. In a most aggressive move, EdCouch attempted to trade Cy Young(real life) winner Kluber to Georgia Roadkill and at the time of this article no deal has been made. This is indication that any player is available for trade and if GM's have any trade suggestions feel free to make suggestions, as this is the glorious time of year when anything can be possible!
Note: My next post will be the range ratings preview
The team has 7 starting pitchers and is looking for help at SS and CF/LF. In a most aggressive move, EdCouch attempted to trade Cy Young(real life) winner Kluber to Georgia Roadkill and at the time of this article no deal has been made. This is indication that any player is available for trade and if GM's have any trade suggestions feel free to make suggestions, as this is the glorious time of year when anything can be possible!
Note: My next post will be the range ratings preview
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Roadkill brass making deals during "dead" period
Headley is the wild card. He will likely be the opening day starter at 3B. Anthony Rendon will replace fan favorite Brandon Phillips at 2B. It's rumored that Yovani Gallardo or Jesse Chavez & draft picks could be packaged for an upgrade at Closer.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Turbulence and Trade winds in Troy turn into Roster Turnover
Troy, NY: The Haymakers failed to make the postseason for the first time in three years in 2014 and rumor was that GM Ken Anderson was not happy about the status of the team and the chemistry in the clubhouse. Two days after announcing that a number of players were available for trade, Troy has made two blockbusters that have effectively reshaped the team and possibly the future of the team. A total of 12 players and two picks exchanged hands and effectively puts Troy on the rebuilding block for the future.
Gone are the likes of players who would have been interesting to watch for the Haymaker fans: Edwin Encarnacion, Dexter Fowler, Chase Headley, Scott Kazmir, Russell Martin and Greg Holland. The players coming to Troy are former first round picks Pablo Sandoval,Yeonis Cespedes, and Matt Cain along with Wilson Ramos, D.J. LeMahieu, Brad Miller.
"We were looking to shake things up and build toward 2015 and beyond." said GM Anderson, "We may not be contending next season, but watch out for the Haymakers in the near future."
Troy also received two second round picks, the GRK round 2 and the LVI round 2. They now own five of the top 32 picks, including three in the top 20. With a number of quality players available, the team should fill out nicely come March.
The new look team is currently if flashing a good amount of young talent and planning to look like the following (although a lot can change in the course of the offseason):
C: Wilson Ramos
1B: James Loney
2B: D.J. LeMahieu
3B: Pablo Sandoval
SS: Alcides Escobar
LF: Yeonis Cespedes
CF: A.J. Pollock/B.J. Upton
RF: Alex Rios/Josh Hamilton
DH: Josh Rutledge/Brad Miller
Rotation: Madison Bungarner, Jon Niese, Josh Collmenter, Matt Cain, Dillon Gee
After eight seasons in the NASBL; the future in Troy is looking positive.
"We were looking to shake things up and build toward 2015 and beyond." said GM Anderson, "We may not be contending next season, but watch out for the Haymakers in the near future."
Troy also received two second round picks, the GRK round 2 and the LVI round 2. They now own five of the top 32 picks, including three in the top 20. With a number of quality players available, the team should fill out nicely come March.
The new look team is currently if flashing a good amount of young talent and planning to look like the following (although a lot can change in the course of the offseason):
C: Wilson Ramos
1B: James Loney
2B: D.J. LeMahieu
3B: Pablo Sandoval
SS: Alcides Escobar
LF: Yeonis Cespedes
CF: A.J. Pollock/B.J. Upton
RF: Alex Rios/Josh Hamilton
DH: Josh Rutledge/Brad Miller
Rotation: Madison Bungarner, Jon Niese, Josh Collmenter, Matt Cain, Dillon Gee
After eight seasons in the NASBL; the future in Troy is looking positive.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
NASBL 2015 Base Draft Order for Non-Playoff Teams
The base draft order for non-playoff teams will be:
1) Slatington Bulldogs
2) Troy Haymakers
3) Georgia Roadkill
4) Dallas Fort Worth Spurs
5) Illinois Chow Chows
6) Outlaw Josey Wales
7) Pocono Chin Music
8) Springfield Isotopes
9) Shawnee Crows
10) Canyon Country Cannons
Picks 11-16 will be in order of playoff exit.
Usage played a role in the draft order, as TRY narrowly edged out GRK due to 2 overusage points by GRK's Alex Wood. In addition, SHA fell from 7th to 9th due to 70 points of overusage by various players.
1) Slatington Bulldogs
2) Troy Haymakers
3) Georgia Roadkill
4) Dallas Fort Worth Spurs
5) Illinois Chow Chows
6) Outlaw Josey Wales
7) Pocono Chin Music
8) Springfield Isotopes
9) Shawnee Crows
10) Canyon Country Cannons
Picks 11-16 will be in order of playoff exit.
Usage played a role in the draft order, as TRY narrowly edged out GRK due to 2 overusage points by GRK's Alex Wood. In addition, SHA fell from 7th to 9th due to 70 points of overusage by various players.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Tradeageddon!
The Outlaw Nation had grown quite complacent watching the team build through the draft season by season, making a mere four trades over the past five years. Suddenly the legion of fans woke up with their heads spinning faster than Linda Blair's after a series of five trades involving thirteen players and seven draft picks, including star players David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, and Adrian Beltre, one 2014 first round draft pick (Christian Yelich), and two 2015 first round draft picks.
Before the carnage was over, Outlaw had essentially traded
- elder star David Ortiz
- slightly less elder star Adrian Beltre
- power hitting first-baseman Mike Napoli
- two great non-keeper cards
- post-hype breakout Lonnie Chisenhall
- elder star Albert Pujols
- young stud lefty closer Jake McGee
- Lehigh's first round draft pick and Vermont's first and fifth round picks
While Ortiz and Beltre have a good year or two left, they are nearing their sell-by dates and Outlaw was going nowhere fast this year. Outlaw decided to sell high and get young, which we certainly did with two first-round draft picks, Jake McGee and Christian Yelich. No regrets there even though Ortiz and Beltre will have valuable cards at least through 2015.
Then the opportunity to trade Yelich for the hot post-hype Lonnie Chisenhall presented itself. We know that Chisenhall wasn't really the .330 hitter he was batting at the time of the trade, but couldn't resist the hot-hitting Indian. We may regret trading the young center-fielder we need, but we hope to have a .290-.300 BA, 15-20 HR guy at the hot corner for years to come. Time will tell.
Then the opportunity to trade the 32 year-old Napoli and a 3rd round pick for for the 34 year-old, recently injury-prone Pujols presented itself. How does this fit into the youth movement? It doesn't, but we figure that the chance at just one, or maybe two great Pujolsian cards could be the difference between an also-ran team and a playoff contender, or a playoff-contender and a World Series team. We'll take that chance even though we will miss Napoli.
Outlaw Career Wins Leaders
Twenty-three years of Outlaw All-Time wins leaders from 1991 to 2013 including the predecessor NASBL Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres:
- 176, Tim "Chicks Dig the Longball" Hudson, 2000-2013
- 113, Andy Ashby, 1994 - 2003
- 113, Jake Peavy, 2004 - 2013
- 87, Charles Nagy, 1992 -1999
- 83, Mark Lanston, 1991 -1995
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Fernandez Pitches No Hitter - Solidifies ROY Bid
Illinois Times - Today Jose Fernandez made Illinois franchise history throwing the franchises first no-hitter and narrowly missing a perfect game against Shawnee. Pedro Alvarez drew a walk and was the lone base-runner.
Fernandez who is not only contending for the ROY but also the Cy Young was sharp from the beginning. He struck out 11 Crows improving his record to 12-6 and his ERA to 2.56 as the Chows bested Shawnee 3-0. Amazingly, Fernandez has gone the distance 12 times in 20 starts and this was his 5th shutout on the season. The Chows lack of power is all that is standing in the way from Fernandez having an even better record.
The Chows crack PR department issued this formal statement: This has been a rough Block III that has taken the Chows out of contention. Having this gem pitched in late August gave our great home crowd something to remember. We look forward to Fernandez anchoring our staff for years to come. Congratulations to Jose on this great accomplishment.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
EdCouch makes a flury of trades at the deadline...
At last count the New Potatoes traded 8 players(28% of the 30 man roster) and a few draft picks during the last block and by doing so made a run for the world series for the 2nd year in a row.
The fans are shocked to see future hall of famer Pujols get traded after one half of a season, but the Potatoes GM says that the deadline moves have put the team in a good position to succeed, but only time will tell.
With about an hour remaining before the trade deadline the question remains, are the New Potatoes done?
The fans are shocked to see future hall of famer Pujols get traded after one half of a season, but the Potatoes GM says that the deadline moves have put the team in a good position to succeed, but only time will tell.
With about an hour remaining before the trade deadline the question remains, are the New Potatoes done?
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
A.J Griffin, pitching most of his starts at home, has made a home in EdCouch!
By confining A.J's. starts to the cavernous Spud Dome, GM of the Couch Potatoes said his plan was to limit his exposure from those small parks to maximize his success in his inaugural rookie season and by the looks of his first half results it seems to be working!
A.J. has a sparking 12-2 record with an ERA of 2.28 and though he has limited his opponents to 10 home runs(mostly straight shots off his card) he has only walked 28 in 130 innings, The New Potatoes realize that these results will regress to the mean in the second half of the season, but are counting on his success for the rest of the year.
A.J. success has fueled the New Potatoes first half season home game success(the ballpark singles to twenty has kept the New potatoes team OBA, BA and SLG elevated). The New Potatoes realize that these results will regress to the mean in the second half of the season also, but hope to ride the park as far as it will take them!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
GOODBYE PAPI!
One hundred and eight homeruns and two hundred seventy-seven RBI after being picked off the scrap heap in the 7th round of the 2010 NASBL rookie draft (Stratdraft comment: "What the heck, don't cost much!"), Outlaw fans say goodbye to beloved fan favorite Big Papi Ortiz. With Outlaw going nowhere fast this year, management decided to pull the trigger on a youth movement, netting 22 year-old centerfielder Christian Yelich and a 2015 first round draft pick for the ageless wonder. Good luck in Lehigh Valley Big Papi.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
AJC "Smart Money on Iron Pigs to Repeat"
On the heels of their correct '13 pre-season prediction the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs would take home the NASBL title, the Atlanta Journal Constitution "AJC" said to expect more of the same as they predict back-to-back titles for the first time in the "Modern Era" of the NASBL. There should be very competitive battles in most divisions except the TG South where the Iron Pigs should clinch early & gear up for another title run. Here goes the AJC picks for the '14 season:
Taste Great East
1. LCC
2. SPR
3. ECN
4. ILL
Taste Great South
1. LVI
2. OJW
3. GRK
4. CCC
Less Filling West
1. DFW
2. SHA
3. TRY
4. SPL
Less Filling Central
1. GCG
2. VFS
3. PCM
4. SLB
TG Playoffs:
LCC over SPR (WC)
LVI over LCC
LF Playoffs:
VFS (WC) over DFW
VFS over GCG
World Series:
LVI over VFS in 6 games
Post-Season Awards
TG MVP Freddie Freeman LCC
TG CY Adam Wainwright GRK
TG FOY Craig Kimbrel OJW
TG ROY Jose Fernandez ILL
LF MVP Miggy Cabrera GCG
LF CY Cliff Lee GCG
LF FOY Greg Holland TRY
LF ROY Matt Harvey VFS
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Many trades shape the EdCouch roster...
He has been called "Bob Barker" and after completing his 12th trade since the off season began, GM Killmer says the New Potatoes are ready to compete this season and with the addition of Braun,Bautista,Alex Cobb, Eithier and Albert Pujols(at the cost of trading away some fan favorites, very good players and high draft picks) the GM says the team is in a position to compete for the next few years.
Some local critics have mentioned that the ages of the players acquired are 30 or older(exception Cobb) and the GM has taken on some risk of age related regression, but Killmer says that the risk has a very good chance of paying off the next several years.
With LCC having such a great team in the same division, Killmer acknowledges that it will be a close fight for the division and may have to look to the trade wire like he did last year to reinforce the teams bullpen.
It looks like the New Potatoes will have to improve on their 104 wins from last year to have a chance to win the division and to fight for a better record than cross division rival and two time champs LVI, who once again have a stacked team.
The GM is also excited about two of the teams late draft picks, one being the power the crafty veteran Raul Ibanez can add to the current team and the bright future of Willy Pertalta(if he can seem to find the strike zone he should really develop).
As usual only time will tell where the New Potatoes will land, but there is one thing for sure, the fan's are excited about both the current team and the teams chances of competing the next few years!
Some local critics have mentioned that the ages of the players acquired are 30 or older(exception Cobb) and the GM has taken on some risk of age related regression, but Killmer says that the risk has a very good chance of paying off the next several years.
With LCC having such a great team in the same division, Killmer acknowledges that it will be a close fight for the division and may have to look to the trade wire like he did last year to reinforce the teams bullpen.
It looks like the New Potatoes will have to improve on their 104 wins from last year to have a chance to win the division and to fight for a better record than cross division rival and two time champs LVI, who once again have a stacked team.
The GM is also excited about two of the teams late draft picks, one being the power the crafty veteran Raul Ibanez can add to the current team and the bright future of Willy Pertalta(if he can seem to find the strike zone he should really develop).
As usual only time will tell where the New Potatoes will land, but there is one thing for sure, the fan's are excited about both the current team and the teams chances of competing the next few years!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Sioux Acquire Medlen - Announce Intentions
- Burlington, VT
The Vermont Fighting Sioux have acquired front of the rotation starter Kris Medlen from the Troy Haymakers in exchange for Dillon Gee and picks in the 2nd and 4th rounds of the 2015 NASBL Rookie/FA draft. The Sioux also received back TRY's 8th and 10th round selections.
The moment Ken Anderson hung a For Sale sign on Medlen, Justin Rabidoux quickly assigned the Sioux scouting and medical (TOMMY JOHN, hello) departments to evaluate Medlen's immediate and long-term value. The immediate value is clear, another front end starter added to a now (crosses fingers) very top heavy Sioux rotation. Long-term, who knows, and frankly in the NASBL the future, nonetheless the present, is not guaranteed. So the Sioux pushed their chips to the center of the table and declared themselves all in for the 2014 NASBL title. "Heck, if LVI can do it twice, why not us once?" quipped an anonymous VFS front office source.
It's funny how a season and its expectations can change in the briefest of moments. Sitting with the 7th pick in the opening round of the NASBL 2013 R/FA draft, Vermont would've been content with its forecasted selection of Starling Marte. Heck, one can never have enough LHP whooping bats in a division led by Jack Howard's Southside Hurling Grizzlies. But then a funny thing happened, fellow NASBL execs, no doubt scared away by his pending TOMMY JOHN surgery (this will be a theme for the Sioux this year, looking at you too Jarrod), one after another passed on talented hurler Matt Harvey. Rabidoux was more than willing to grab him for this year and beyond, hoping Harvey would have a Cy Young caliber 2014 and then a Strasburg-like bounce back from surgery leading to a successful NASBL career.
Entering the draft the Sioux had 159 of the required 162 starts from a rotation comprised top to bottom of:
Mat Latos
AJ Burnett
Jarrod Parker
Eric Stults
Dillon Gee
That group was an ideal Sioux quintet, given Vermont's recent history suggests 81 win campaigns are ideal.
After the draft and Medlen acquisition, the group is now:
Matt Harvey
Kris Medlen
Mat Latos
AJ Burnett
Jarrod Parker/Eric Stults
Having an extra leftie allows Rabidoux to send the southpaws out against LHB-heavy squads.
So after all this questions still abound. Is this enough to topple GCG, DFW and the rest of the Less Filling? Was it worth it to acquire Medlen for two high picks? Drafting Harvey, whose rehab timetable is unknown, smart move? And on and on.
One thing we do know, the rotation entering the draft had a cumulative 13 wins above replacement (data from Fangraphs). The rotation after the draft (not counting Stults) has 19 WAR. Will those extra six fictional MLB wins translate into NASBL? To what extent? If we assume it actually means six more NASBL wins, that is likely the difference between missing the playoffs and being in contention for a division title and wildcard spot. If that's what 2014 holds for the Sioux, they'll happily take that gamble.
This season is setting up as a parlor game of sorts for VFS. A series of dominoes led to the current pitching staff. Without six other GMs passing, understandably so, on Harvey, VFS would not have pulled the trigger on the Medlen trade. With all the dominoes in place, the 162 roll crap game begins - here's to hoping the Sioux keep rolling their point!!
The Vermont Fighting Sioux have acquired front of the rotation starter Kris Medlen from the Troy Haymakers in exchange for Dillon Gee and picks in the 2nd and 4th rounds of the 2015 NASBL Rookie/FA draft. The Sioux also received back TRY's 8th and 10th round selections.
The moment Ken Anderson hung a For Sale sign on Medlen, Justin Rabidoux quickly assigned the Sioux scouting and medical (TOMMY JOHN, hello) departments to evaluate Medlen's immediate and long-term value. The immediate value is clear, another front end starter added to a now (crosses fingers) very top heavy Sioux rotation. Long-term, who knows, and frankly in the NASBL the future, nonetheless the present, is not guaranteed. So the Sioux pushed their chips to the center of the table and declared themselves all in for the 2014 NASBL title. "Heck, if LVI can do it twice, why not us once?" quipped an anonymous VFS front office source.
It's funny how a season and its expectations can change in the briefest of moments. Sitting with the 7th pick in the opening round of the NASBL 2013 R/FA draft, Vermont would've been content with its forecasted selection of Starling Marte. Heck, one can never have enough LHP whooping bats in a division led by Jack Howard's Southside Hurling Grizzlies. But then a funny thing happened, fellow NASBL execs, no doubt scared away by his pending TOMMY JOHN surgery (this will be a theme for the Sioux this year, looking at you too Jarrod), one after another passed on talented hurler Matt Harvey. Rabidoux was more than willing to grab him for this year and beyond, hoping Harvey would have a Cy Young caliber 2014 and then a Strasburg-like bounce back from surgery leading to a successful NASBL career.
Entering the draft the Sioux had 159 of the required 162 starts from a rotation comprised top to bottom of:
Mat Latos
AJ Burnett
 |
Medlen, ready to deal for Vermont in 2014 |
Eric Stults
Dillon Gee
That group was an ideal Sioux quintet, given Vermont's recent history suggests 81 win campaigns are ideal.
After the draft and Medlen acquisition, the group is now:
Matt Harvey
Kris Medlen
Mat Latos
AJ Burnett
Jarrod Parker/Eric Stults
Having an extra leftie allows Rabidoux to send the southpaws out against LHB-heavy squads.
So after all this questions still abound. Is this enough to topple GCG, DFW and the rest of the Less Filling? Was it worth it to acquire Medlen for two high picks? Drafting Harvey, whose rehab timetable is unknown, smart move? And on and on.
One thing we do know, the rotation entering the draft had a cumulative 13 wins above replacement (data from Fangraphs). The rotation after the draft (not counting Stults) has 19 WAR. Will those extra six fictional MLB wins translate into NASBL? To what extent? If we assume it actually means six more NASBL wins, that is likely the difference between missing the playoffs and being in contention for a division title and wildcard spot. If that's what 2014 holds for the Sioux, they'll happily take that gamble.
This season is setting up as a parlor game of sorts for VFS. A series of dominoes led to the current pitching staff. Without six other GMs passing, understandably so, on Harvey, VFS would not have pulled the trigger on the Medlen trade. With all the dominoes in place, the 162 roll crap game begins - here's to hoping the Sioux keep rolling their point!!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
The PRICE is Right
Grundy County Grizzlies reacquired their 2010 1st
Round Draft Pick, LHSP David Price. Bob
Barker, I mean Ed Kilmer, GM of the EdCouch New Potatoes traded David Price to
Jack Howard and the Grundy County Grizzlies for RHSP Alex Cobb and Door Number
4 (the Griz’s 2014 4th Round Draft Pick). Howard and Kilmer exchanged emails for a
week or so. Howard made several
counteroffers. But, Kilmer’s price for
Price was his price. Howard ending up
paying Kilmer’s price for Price.
One might question why Kilmer would seek to trade the ACE of his Potato Head Staff. After all David Price was the EDCouch’s STAR Player last year. David’s 2013 NASBL record reflected his 2012 major league CY Young award winning season. David won 18 of his 27 New Potatoes’ decisions. Price’s ERA was a very respectable 3.57 and David had 214 strikeouts over 210 innings. Needless to say, David Price carried the Potato Heads on his back to a division win and playoff spot. Without Price, it is unlikely the Potato Heads would have won 104 games in 2013; second most in the NASBL.
A big part of the reason Kilmer may have traded Price to the Griz was to acquire Cobb. To be quite frank, Cobb’s Strat card for the coming season is better than Price’s card. It appears that Price will mow down left-handed batters as expected. However, David is vulnerable to right handed hitters. Cobb on the other hand has a very balanced solid card. Additionally, Cobb is a RHSP, which usually produces better results than LHP in Strat, especially in small leagues such as the NASBL. Cobb showed a lot when he overcame a baseball to the forehead. Cobb returned to the mound after seeing stars and became a Star. Alex pitched better upon his return to the mound than he had pitched before his injury.
Or, maybe Kilmer has a devious plan. Kilmer may have schemed to add another LHP to make the already unbalanced Griz staff more southern oriented. The GRIZ will rely on LHSP at their ( 1), (2), and (3) rotations spots in 2014. The Griz will trot Cliff Lee, Price, and Cole Hamels out to bump, or maybe it will be Price/Hamels/Lee, or possibly Hamels /Lee/Price; depending on the Mrs.’s time of the month.
Whatever, NASBL managers are licking their lips with sweet anticipation thinking how they are going to kick Griz butt. Justin Rabidoux of the Vermont Fighting Sioux got a hard-on (woody, penile erection, or whatever you may wish to call it [I like to call it Mr. Happy}) when he picked Paul Konerko in the 2014 Supplemental Draft. Konerko kills LHP and that pick alone make the Sioux favorites to win the division this season. It will be interesting to see who drafts Jordy Mercer, for Mercer’s stick against LHP is stronger than Howard’s Mr. Happy.
So why would Howard trade for a 3rd LHSP. Jack stated he regrets 2 trades more than all others. He wished he had never traded away Brandon Phillips who anchored his infield defense and he regretted trading David Price. Howard got good return for those players, but he had not realized how much the two meant to him and the Griz team. Howard drafted Price in the #9 slot of the 2010 draft (just ahead of Andrew McCutchen) with the intent of handing David the ball every 4 days for the next 20 years. Howard had sought to reacquire both players at different times over the last few years with no luck. Then Mr. Kilmer came emailing.
Mr. Happy rose to the occasion when Kilmer offered Price and Howard could not refuse. At the news conference announcing the reacquisition of Price, Howard said, I will restate what I said 4 years ago when we drafted the young lad from Vanderbilt: “We hope last year’s performance was just a dip for this former top prospect and we hope he will lead our rotation in the future.” With the acquisition of a 3rd LHSP, Howard is pondering moving his whole pitching staff south to see if the warmer side of the mound can cause havoc throughout the NASBL.
One might question why Kilmer would seek to trade the ACE of his Potato Head Staff. After all David Price was the EDCouch’s STAR Player last year. David’s 2013 NASBL record reflected his 2012 major league CY Young award winning season. David won 18 of his 27 New Potatoes’ decisions. Price’s ERA was a very respectable 3.57 and David had 214 strikeouts over 210 innings. Needless to say, David Price carried the Potato Heads on his back to a division win and playoff spot. Without Price, it is unlikely the Potato Heads would have won 104 games in 2013; second most in the NASBL.
A big part of the reason Kilmer may have traded Price to the Griz was to acquire Cobb. To be quite frank, Cobb’s Strat card for the coming season is better than Price’s card. It appears that Price will mow down left-handed batters as expected. However, David is vulnerable to right handed hitters. Cobb on the other hand has a very balanced solid card. Additionally, Cobb is a RHSP, which usually produces better results than LHP in Strat, especially in small leagues such as the NASBL. Cobb showed a lot when he overcame a baseball to the forehead. Cobb returned to the mound after seeing stars and became a Star. Alex pitched better upon his return to the mound than he had pitched before his injury.
Or, maybe Kilmer has a devious plan. Kilmer may have schemed to add another LHP to make the already unbalanced Griz staff more southern oriented. The GRIZ will rely on LHSP at their ( 1), (2), and (3) rotations spots in 2014. The Griz will trot Cliff Lee, Price, and Cole Hamels out to bump, or maybe it will be Price/Hamels/Lee, or possibly Hamels /Lee/Price; depending on the Mrs.’s time of the month.
Whatever, NASBL managers are licking their lips with sweet anticipation thinking how they are going to kick Griz butt. Justin Rabidoux of the Vermont Fighting Sioux got a hard-on (woody, penile erection, or whatever you may wish to call it [I like to call it Mr. Happy}) when he picked Paul Konerko in the 2014 Supplemental Draft. Konerko kills LHP and that pick alone make the Sioux favorites to win the division this season. It will be interesting to see who drafts Jordy Mercer, for Mercer’s stick against LHP is stronger than Howard’s Mr. Happy.
So why would Howard trade for a 3rd LHSP. Jack stated he regrets 2 trades more than all others. He wished he had never traded away Brandon Phillips who anchored his infield defense and he regretted trading David Price. Howard got good return for those players, but he had not realized how much the two meant to him and the Griz team. Howard drafted Price in the #9 slot of the 2010 draft (just ahead of Andrew McCutchen) with the intent of handing David the ball every 4 days for the next 20 years. Howard had sought to reacquire both players at different times over the last few years with no luck. Then Mr. Kilmer came emailing.
Mr. Happy rose to the occasion when Kilmer offered Price and Howard could not refuse. At the news conference announcing the reacquisition of Price, Howard said, I will restate what I said 4 years ago when we drafted the young lad from Vanderbilt: “We hope last year’s performance was just a dip for this former top prospect and we hope he will lead our rotation in the future.” With the acquisition of a 3rd LHSP, Howard is pondering moving his whole pitching staff south to see if the warmer side of the mound can cause havoc throughout the NASBL.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Springfield Times' Annual NASBL Rookie Mock Draft
In what now seems to be the norm, a flurry of trades has led to numerous first round picks changing hands. In what may be a record, five teams (Pocono, Shawnee, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Ed Couch and Troy) do not have selections in the first round of this year’s draft. At first glance, this year’s draft class appears to be slightly weaker than last year’s. The big difference being the dynasty changing potential of the top picks in last year’s draft (Trout, Strasburg, Harper, Machado, and Darvish). However, this draft is very deep.
The last two years, the team with three first round picks won the NASBL World Series (Slatington & Lehigh Valley). Based on this fact, the Springfield Times can safely say that no team will win this year’s NASBL World Series since no team has three picks in the first round this year. Either that or the championship is up in the air this year, I’m not sure which.
Without further adieu, the following is the Springfield Times’ Annual First Round Projections.
#1) Illinois Chow Chows (via trade from Slatington) – Jose Fernandez (SP)
The Chows traded a good young catcher in Wilson Ramos for the right to move up one spot in the draft and swap picks with the Bulldogs. It is believed that the elder Sherlag made this deal for the sole purpose of grabbing the 20 year old Fernandez. Taking a pitcher with the top pick in the draft is something that hasn’t been done since 2009, when the New York Knights selected starter Jon Lester with the first pick in the NASBL draft. Fernandez will join his teammate Lester at the top of the Chows’ rotation.
#2) Slatington Bulldogs – Yasiel Puig (OF)
Although there appears to be many good young pitchers available in this draft, impact offensive talent appears hard to come by. Perhaps the best combination of youth/production for an everyday player in this draft resides in the form of Yusiel Puig. Though extremely raw by all accounts, Mr. Puig has been successful at every level he has played, both in the United States and internationally and will fit in nicely with Jacoby Ellsbury and Domonic Brown to round out Slatington’s youthful outfield.
#3) Seattle Pilots – Matt Harvey (SP)
Harvey would have easily been the first pick in this year’s draft had the draft taken place after Major League Baseball (NASBL’s sister league) had its all star game. Harvey was the starting pitcher of the All Star Game as a rookie, and deservedly so. As oftentimes happens to young pitchers, elbow soreness turned into a visit to Dr. Andrews and it is thought that Harvey may have to miss next year’s NASBL season after going “under the knife”. Even after factoring in his injury, Harvey’s talent level warrants being picked at #3.
#4) Georgia Roadkill – Wil Myers (OF)
Due to the sordid injury history of some 1st round pitchers in recent years, the safe pick is to take an offensive player in Round 1. Lucky for the Roadkill, the safe play and the most talented player on the board are one and the same in young outfielder Wil Myers. A highly touted prospect, Myers parlayed his impact in MLB into a Rookie of the Year award. Johnny hopes that Myers will give Georgia the bat it has long been looking for to protect Giancarlo Stanton in the middle of the Roadkill lineup.
#5) Seattle Pilots (via trade from Pocono) – Jurickson Profar (SS/2B)
Players that reach Major League Baseball at age 19 are few and far between. While not necessarily a guarantee of success at the NASBL level, it certainly is a bell-weather that you have a very special prospect. Following the mold of Manny Machado last year, Profar did not tear the cover off the ball in his first taste of major league pitching. However, also like Machado, the talent is undeniable with Profar. Add that to reports that former first round pick Dustin Ackley has been shagging balls in the outfield for the Pilots in training camp and it all adds up that the Pilots are looking to grab Profar with its second pick in the top 5.
#6) Canyon Country Cannons – Josh Donaldson (3B)
With eight pitchers already on the squad after cutdown day, Brendan Conrad will more than likely look for offense here. Even inclusive of Puig and Profar, Josh Donaldson will more than likely provide the most impact of any non-pitcher drafted in Round 1. Donaldson plays near gold glove defense at third base, hits both lefties and righties and has close to 600 at bats. With only David Freese “blocking” him at 3B, Donaldson appears to fit a need as well.
#7) Vermont Fighting Sioux – Starling Marte (OF)
If Marte did a little more with the bat against right handed pitching, he could easily have been the #2 pick in this draft. As it stands now, his defense and speed play enough against right handers to warrant this pick. Add this to the fact that left handed pitchers will run and hide when Marte comes to the plate and you have a very happy Justin Rabidoux that Marte is still here at #7.
#8) Outlaw Josey Wales – Shelby Miller (SP)
It is believed that Outlaw is looking at a pitcher here. The question is – which 22 year old does GM Mark Hildebrandt go with – Shelby Miller or Gerrit Cole? When in doubt, go with the guy who has done it over more innings – which leads to the selection of Shelby Miller here for Outlaw.
#9) Canyon Country Cannons (via trade from Shawnee) – Jose Iglesias (SS)
As I mentioned earlier, the Cannons appear set on the mound. Did I also mention that the Cannons shortstop is named Zach Cozart. Yes, that Zach Cozart. With no apologies necessary, the only question that the Cannons have is which young shortstop to grab with this pick – Jose Iglesias, Jean Segura, Andrelton Simmons, or DiDi Gregorius. Rey Ordonez and Omar Vizquel are the only shortstops in recent memory that the Times can remember rivaling Jose Iglesias’ 1e6 rating at SS. Iglesias can also hit as well or better than any of the other shortstops available. The only issue with Iglesias is that he does not have as many at bats as some of the other young shortstops in this draft. Having another shortstop in the fold in Cozart allows Brendan the luxury of grabbing the proverbial best shortstop available with this pick.
#10) Lake Champlain Cannibals – Gerrit Cole (SP)
Lake Champlain looks like its squad is ready to challenge for the NASBL championship this year. Lucky for GM Steve Beard, there is a player that can help achieve that goal that is also a top 5 talent available here. The Cannibals gobble up Cole with this pick and thank their lucky stars that he fell to them here.
#11) Grundy County Grizzlies – Yan Gomes (C/1B)
The Grizz have a chance to compete for a title this year. That often means sacrificing youth for production in the 1st round. The Grizz can straddle both sides of the fence and grab their catcher of the future here in Gomes. Gomes has a cannon for an arm and can hit both lefties and righties. Young backstops that can swing the bat and play defense are hard to come by. Gomes appears to be one.
#12) Springfield Isotopes – Jean Segura (SS)
The Topes do not have a single carded shortstop on their roster. Luckily, there are a few choices here for GM Doug Sherlag to pick from. The best combination of at bats/performance would probably be Jean Segura. Add in that Segura is just 23 years old and the younger Sherlag has to be pleased with this pick.
#13) Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (via trade from Dallas/Ft.Worth) – Christian Yelich (OF)
Lehigh Valley’s strength is in their pitching. Unfortunately for the Iron Pigs, this draft lacks a true impact bat with a full slate of at bats here at #13. The best hitter available against right handed pitching also happens to be a young outfielder - an apparent need of the Iron Pigs. The only players that get on base at a higher clip against righties than Christian Yelich are guys named Choo and Votto. Last I checked, they were not available in this draft. The Iron Pigs will use all 240 of Yelich’s at bats during the regular season and Christian should be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs/future for the Iron Pigs.
#14) Slatington Bulldogs (via trade from Ed Couch) – A.J. Griffin (SP)
How would you like a 25 year old starter that has proven himself over 200 innings of Major League Baseball? Sign the Bulldogs up as they grab A.J. Griffin with the 14th pick. Griffin is a great value here. Although susceptible to the long ball, Griffin’s stuff keeps hitters off base. Slatington should be happy that Griffin gave up his share of homers this year. Otherwise, there is no way that he would still be available with the 14th pick.
#15) Lake Champlain Cannibals (via Trade from Troy) – Hyun-jin Ryu (SP)
The Cannibals appear poised to compete for a title in 2014 based on the strength of its rotation and a solid lineup at all positions. The Cannibals are one starter short of a full rotation and the Times predicts that they will full it here. The best available starter here is up for debate. There are a few other candidates here in Hyun-jin Ryu, Andrew Cashner and Chris Archer. In the end Ryu’s 192 innings win out and he is the Cannibals pick here.
#16) Grundy County Grizzlies (via Trade from Lehigh Valley) – Scooter Gennett (2B)
As mentioned earlier, the Grizz have a chance to compete for a title this year. Jack Howard grabbed Darwin Barney in the supplemental draft. Barney can be kindly described as offensively challenged. The biggest impact bat left on the draft board is Scooter Gennett, who also happens to play second base. It is a win/win for Howard and although Gennett has limited at bats, Barney’s selection gives the Grizz the luxury to draft Gennett here and potentially ride Scooter’s bat to a crown in 2014.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
NASBL Round 3/4 Draft Order
The round 3/4 draft order for the 2014 NASBL Rookie / FA Draft will be:
1. DFW
2. LCC
3. LVI
4. ECN
5. OJW
6. TRY
7. SPL
8. GCG
9. GRK
10. SPR
11. SBU
12. ILL
13. CCC
14. VFS
15. PCM
16. SHA
DFW, LCC, and SHA earned their spots at the opposite end of the FA Money spectrum primarily by virtue of trades involving FA Money.
OJW was the top article writer with 15 posts in 2013, and the resulting $7,500.00 boosted OJW upward by several slots.
LCC earned its traditional $3,000 award for finishing with the best record for a non-playoff team (again,) while SHA earned $2,000 for finishing with the 2nd best record for a non-playoff team.
3 teams (ILL, SHA, and SBU) earned the $500 bonus for having a road record better than their home record.
ECN earned $100 for having the most All-Stars in the Tastes Great, while 3 teams (TRY, SPL, and SHA) each earned $100 for tying for the most All-Stars in the Less Filling conference.
The most unfortunate winners of the $50 categorical leader awards were Joe Mauer of SPL (most GIDP's with 31), Jonathan Papelbon of GRK (most blown saves with 13) and Bud Norris of SBU (most losses with 26.) Norris also earned his team an additional boobie prize of $50 for establishing a new league record for losses.
1. DFW
2. LCC
3. LVI
4. ECN
5. OJW
6. TRY
7. SPL
8. GCG
9. GRK
10. SPR
11. SBU
12. ILL
13. CCC
14. VFS
15. PCM
16. SHA
DFW, LCC, and SHA earned their spots at the opposite end of the FA Money spectrum primarily by virtue of trades involving FA Money.
OJW was the top article writer with 15 posts in 2013, and the resulting $7,500.00 boosted OJW upward by several slots.
LCC earned its traditional $3,000 award for finishing with the best record for a non-playoff team (again,) while SHA earned $2,000 for finishing with the 2nd best record for a non-playoff team.
3 teams (ILL, SHA, and SBU) earned the $500 bonus for having a road record better than their home record.
ECN earned $100 for having the most All-Stars in the Tastes Great, while 3 teams (TRY, SPL, and SHA) each earned $100 for tying for the most All-Stars in the Less Filling conference.
The most unfortunate winners of the $50 categorical leader awards were Joe Mauer of SPL (most GIDP's with 31), Jonathan Papelbon of GRK (most blown saves with 13) and Bud Norris of SBU (most losses with 26.) Norris also earned his team an additional boobie prize of $50 for establishing a new league record for losses.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Outlaw Career RBI Leaders
Twenty-three years of Outlaw All-Time RBI leaders from 1991 to 2013 including the predecessor NASBL Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres:
- 1604, Manny Ramirez, 1995 - 2011
- 1156, Albert Belle, 1992 - 2001
- 634, Omar Vizquel, 1996 - 2011
- 614, Adrian Gozalez, 2007-2013
- 553, Kenny Lofton, 1993 - 2001
Building the Wales
Trivia Question: 174 players and 111 draft picks have changed hands in 96 NASBL trades in the past 19 months since what event last happened?
The answer is at the bottom of this post.
This year, twelve of Outlaw's fifteen keepers were acquired by draft, including six 1st rounders. Only three of our fifteen players were acquired by trade. Here are Outlaw's keepers listed by seniority, with their years of service and how they were acquired:
Tim Hudson, 14, 2000 1st round
Jake Peavy, 10, 2004 2nd round
Adrian Gonzalez, 7, 2007 1st round
Mike Napoli, 6, 2008 supp 1st round
Dustin Pedroia, 6, 2008 1st round
Scott Baker, 5, 2009 trade for a 3rd round
Elvis Andrus, 4, 2010 1st round
Nelson Cruz, 4, 2010 1st round
Adrian Beltre, 4, 2010 trade for a 4th round
David Ortiz, 4, 2010 7th round
Matt Kemp, 3, 2010 postseason trade for 2011 1st round
Justin Masterson, 3, 2011 6th round
Craig Kimbrell, 2, 2012 1st round
Matt Harrison, 1, 2013 supp 1st round
Nate Schierholtz, 1, 2013, supp 3rd round
Trivia question answer: Outlaw last made a trade.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
DFW to sign their # 1 Draft pick early (sorta)
The DFW Spurs announce the signing of their 2014 1st round
Draft pick in a news conference this afternoon. Even though the Draft is still
a month away the media were all feeling a little deja vu. Back in 2012 the
Spurs through a series of trades had the 4th in the draft. "We were all set to
draft Freddie Freeman" stated the skipper of the Spurs Red Robbins, but just
before the draft GRK made a trade to get the 2nd overall pick. "I just knew
Johnny was going to take Freddie" so we decided to go in a completely different
direction. We took a page out of the OJW playbook. The year before OJW hit a
big Home run when they traded their 1st round pick for Matt Kemp. Back in 2010
the Spurs coveted CF Andrew McCutchen, however didn't have a 1st round pick so
HHA took him with the 10th pick. The next year in the 2011 draft with the 9th
pick HHA took CF Austin Jackson. "So thinking Freeman wouldn't be there at pick
4, we contacted HHA in a trade which turned out to be McCutchen and Draft
picks switching teams. After all was said and done GRK in 2012 took Carlos
Santana with the 2nd pick and Freeman fell to pick 10 where LCC gladly picked
him up. Looking back all teams are happy with the way things turned out",
Robbins said. One last factor in the 2012 draft the Spurs were looking at young
pitcher which they were very high on who was taken with pick 16 in round one by
LVI by the name of Jordan Zimmerman.
Well two years later the Spurs landed their man (again) when they traded this year's 2014 1st round pick to LVI for Zimmerman. "We looked at all the young pithers in the Draft that could step in and help us right now and who would still be avaiable at pick 14. That started the wheels turning and then one thing lead to another, so I am proud to announce the newest member of the Spurs Jordan Zimmerman"!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Outlaw Career Saves Leaders
Twenty-three years of Outlaw All-Time
saves leaders from 1991 to 2013 including
the predecessor NASBL Cleveland Indians
and San Diego Padres:
- 128, Keith Foulke, 1999 -2005
- 117, Trevor Hoffman, 1994 - 1999
- 104, Joakim Soria, 2008 - 2011
- 74, Armando Benitez, 1998 - 2005
- 71, Jeff Russell, 1993 - 1996
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Outlaw Career Batting Average Leaders
Twenty-three years of Outlaw All-Time batting average leaders (3000 AB minimum), from 1991 to 2013 including the predecessor NASBL Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres:
- .360, Tony Gwynn, 1994 - 2000
- .301, Kenny Lofton, 1993 -2001
- .299, Manny Ramirez, 1995 -2011
- .296, Albert Belle, 1992 - 2001
- .276, Adrian Gonzalez, 2007 - 2013
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Outlaw's Career Winning Percentage Leaders
Big changes in 2013!
Mark Clark, the short-lived ace of the old NASBL Cleveland Indians, takes over first place despite needing four imputed losses to reach the minimum 100 decisions. Jake Peavy's hard-luck season, 10-17 despite a 3.93 ERA, drops him from first to third. Tim Hudson's outstanding 17-6 campaign gets him a place on the list.
Twenty-three years of Outlaw All-Time winning percentage leaders (100 decisions minimum), from 1991 to 2013 including the predecessor NASBL Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres:
- .580 (58-38*), Mark Clark, 1994 - 1998
- .572 (83-62), Mark Langston, 1991 - 1995
- .568 (113-86), Jake Peavy, 2004 - 2013
- .562 (113-88), Andy Ashby, 1994 - 2003
- .561 (176-138), Tim Hudson, 2000 - 2013
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