You think 'The Dark Knight' broke records last weekend. Well it has nothing on the NASBL. If you like movies then Batman wins. If you are a huge Start Geek then the NASBL wins big. This season has been a record breaking year in the number of trades that have been made. With teams gearing up for the play offs and the rest going into retool/rebuild mode for next year. Here is our scorecard for each team- We will grade for this season first, then the future-Win/Lose/Draw
---Taste Great---
HHA- Win/Win...............GRK- Win/Lose
SPR- Win/Draw...............OJW- Draw/Draw
LCC- Win/Win.................LVI- Win/Win
ILL- Lose/Win..................NJT- Draw/Win
---Less Filling---
PCM-Win/Draw...............MSU- Win/Draw
GCG- Lose/Draw..............DFW- Lose/Draw
VFS- Lose/Win.................SPL- Win/Win
NYK-Lose/Draw...............TRY- Lose/Win
Next time we will break down the first half of The Taste Great Division. Just remember if you disagree with any grade above, It's only 2 cents!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Knights Deal Saito, But Deny Being in Rebuilding Mode
(New York Daily Mirror - July 22, 2008)
NEW YORK - With the Knights playing the worst ball since moving to New York, its no surprise that contending teams have come knocking on Mitch Pak's door at Empire Field.
But, at least up until now, Knights fans thought that Pak's plan was to avoid trades and build through the draft. The legitimacy of that plan has now taken a huge hit, given the Knights brutal collapse after an 87-win season last year. Even so, Knights fans would expect the team to seek trades for expendable players, not their bullpen anchor and reigning LF Rookie of the Year.
But there it is.
On Tuesday the Knights dealt closer Takashi Saito to Lake Champlain for middle reliever Rafael Perez and cash considerations. While not on par with his stunning performance in 2007, Saito was having a terrific year for an awful Knights club, posting 16 saves and a 3.09 ERA in 25 appearances. Perez, 26, is a good arm, but is seemingly a mismatch in this deal. He will be of limited utility to the club this year due to overusage considerations. The club did not receive a draft pick in this deal either.
Why deal the best pitcher on the club? "Look, we love Kash," said GM Mitch Pak in a conference call this morning, "but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to have a top-flight closer on a team that almost never takes leads into the 9th. Perez has a solid arm and will be helping us for some time to come. We also think that the cash considerations we received in the deal will help us snag the number 1 pick in next year's draft."
Sources in the Knights organization say that Pak feared that Saito, at age 38, was a declining asset and an arm/back injury waiting to happen. Other GM's know this as well, making Saito's trade value more questionable as time passes. Perez is a decade younger than Saito and could be groomed for set-up duty next year.
Knights fans are understandably upset that one of the team's best players was traded in an underwhelming deal, but know in the backs of their minds that Saito was not going to turn this team around and his departure won't make things much worse. After all, it can't get much worse than 28-74 at the All-Star break, can it?
Saito becomes the third closer dealt by the Knights. The first two trades had decidedly different outcomes. In 2003, the Knights traded Jason Isringhausen to Canyon Country for Michael Young, who has since become team captain. In 2005, the team dealt Joe Nathan for Barry Zito. Nathan has been an All-Star every season since leaving New York while Zito has been a horrendous bust.
ALL-STAR GAME UPDATE: The Mirror will present its annual All-Star preview in a few days, with the contest to be played next week.
NEW YORK - With the Knights playing the worst ball since moving to New York, its no surprise that contending teams have come knocking on Mitch Pak's door at Empire Field.
But, at least up until now, Knights fans thought that Pak's plan was to avoid trades and build through the draft. The legitimacy of that plan has now taken a huge hit, given the Knights brutal collapse after an 87-win season last year. Even so, Knights fans would expect the team to seek trades for expendable players, not their bullpen anchor and reigning LF Rookie of the Year.
But there it is.
On Tuesday the Knights dealt closer Takashi Saito to Lake Champlain for middle reliever Rafael Perez and cash considerations. While not on par with his stunning performance in 2007, Saito was having a terrific year for an awful Knights club, posting 16 saves and a 3.09 ERA in 25 appearances. Perez, 26, is a good arm, but is seemingly a mismatch in this deal. He will be of limited utility to the club this year due to overusage considerations. The club did not receive a draft pick in this deal either.
Why deal the best pitcher on the club? "Look, we love Kash," said GM Mitch Pak in a conference call this morning, "but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to have a top-flight closer on a team that almost never takes leads into the 9th. Perez has a solid arm and will be helping us for some time to come. We also think that the cash considerations we received in the deal will help us snag the number 1 pick in next year's draft."
Sources in the Knights organization say that Pak feared that Saito, at age 38, was a declining asset and an arm/back injury waiting to happen. Other GM's know this as well, making Saito's trade value more questionable as time passes. Perez is a decade younger than Saito and could be groomed for set-up duty next year.
Knights fans are understandably upset that one of the team's best players was traded in an underwhelming deal, but know in the backs of their minds that Saito was not going to turn this team around and his departure won't make things much worse. After all, it can't get much worse than 28-74 at the All-Star break, can it?
Saito becomes the third closer dealt by the Knights. The first two trades had decidedly different outcomes. In 2003, the Knights traded Jason Isringhausen to Canyon Country for Michael Young, who has since become team captain. In 2005, the team dealt Joe Nathan for Barry Zito. Nathan has been an All-Star every season since leaving New York while Zito has been a horrendous bust.
ALL-STAR GAME UPDATE: The Mirror will present its annual All-Star preview in a few days, with the contest to be played next week.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Griz - Buyers? or Sellers?
Griz management befuddles fans once again. First the Griz make history with their first ever division 1st place position at the conclusion of any Block. Then the Griz start selling their best players in a building effort.
Initially, Griz fans were surprised, pleased, having fun following Block 1. Team fans were not chanting the old Cub's motto - "wait until next year," "wait until next decade," or "wait until next century." Fans were actually happy, reading boxscores, talking positively about the team. It was like a scene from the movie Major League. Griz fans had something to cheer about and were spending a few extra bucks to pay for gas to go see a game.
Then Griz management pulled a boner. Sometimes boners are good, but usually not in a locker room.
Anyway - following Block 1 the Griz traded 2007 World Series Hero - Mike Lowell and Ace Starter Mark Buehrle along with 3 stud relievers (all early 2008 draft picks) to Seattle for mega prospect - Rookie (I haven't hit Jack Howard's weight yet) Alex Gordon and four players who were instantly destined as post season cuts. The Griz became instant SELLERS, and were looking to give up 1st place. BOOOOOOOOO !!!!!
Griz managemnet followed that trade with another SELLERS move, trading one of its Stud Relievers - Pete Moylan to the Georgia Roadkill for a # 5 draft pick and a decent reliever in David Riske.
Fans started chanting "wait until next year/decade/next team owner."
Suprisingly, the Griz held on to 1st place until the final reports came in for Block 2. Dropping to 2nd - 8 games back. OH WELL. Then the Griz started getting email from Kevin Burns - 21 in fact. Kevin wanted All Star catcher Russell Martin more than a horny 17 year old boy wants a cheerleader. The discussions went on about ten days to no avail. Kevin offered players like Carl Crawford, Ryan Howard, Carlos Quentin, Gerald Laird, just to name a few, and several times the deal were as good as done, but then Kevin would try to tweak it. Jack Howard, the Griz manager did not want to give up his All Star Catcher, though he was interested in the power lefty hitting bats being offered. The NASBL managers would also be happy if the Griz broke up the Iron Pigs future lineup of Crawford, Hamilton, Quentin, Howard, Utley, Uggla, and Reynolds, just to name the power side of the Pigs batting order.
The initial trade deadline came and went with no trade, so Howard did a small deal giving up Norris Hopper, Bobby Howry, and a #10 to the Spurs for used up reserve OFer Rajai Davis, TOR's injured back-up closer Casey Janssen and the Spurs # 5. Another SELLERS move. Still backtracking.
Then Kevin offered Ryan Howard and Dan Uggla along with Gerald Laird for Martin, Rocco (Kevin Hopes He Comes Back) Baldelli, and improving (but needs lots more improvement) Joel Pineiro. With Morneau and Phillips, the Griz really didn't need to add Howard, and Uggla, but Uggla's numbers were to good to resist and the managing Howard figures he can always find a spot in the batting order for the slugging Howard. Kevin backed off a little from his offer, but after a total of 43 emails and an hour+ long phone conversation, a deal was struck when the Griz included a #9 pick. The Griz are now BUYERS in a BIG WAY. Fans are chanting "Lets GO Bears."
Coach Howard looked at his line-up and with the outfield depleted, looked to add some ABs and a glove to the OF. The Troy Haymakers had put Vernon Wells on its available list and the Griz traded its # 5 and prospect/suspect STL RHP Anthony Reyes for Wells and Troy's #11. The final Griz move this season - a wash trade to fill a hole - kind of a BUY.
The Griz have never been this active in the trade market - it will be interesting to see what comes of it.
Look for our next Article - Trades Put Griz Behind the 50% Usage 8 Ball.
Other articles may follow.
Initially, Griz fans were surprised, pleased, having fun following Block 1. Team fans were not chanting the old Cub's motto - "wait until next year," "wait until next decade," or "wait until next century." Fans were actually happy, reading boxscores, talking positively about the team. It was like a scene from the movie Major League. Griz fans had something to cheer about and were spending a few extra bucks to pay for gas to go see a game.
Then Griz management pulled a boner. Sometimes boners are good, but usually not in a locker room.
Anyway - following Block 1 the Griz traded 2007 World Series Hero - Mike Lowell and Ace Starter Mark Buehrle along with 3 stud relievers (all early 2008 draft picks) to Seattle for mega prospect - Rookie (I haven't hit Jack Howard's weight yet) Alex Gordon and four players who were instantly destined as post season cuts. The Griz became instant SELLERS, and were looking to give up 1st place. BOOOOOOOOO !!!!!
Griz managemnet followed that trade with another SELLERS move, trading one of its Stud Relievers - Pete Moylan to the Georgia Roadkill for a # 5 draft pick and a decent reliever in David Riske.
Fans started chanting "wait until next year/decade/next team owner."
Suprisingly, the Griz held on to 1st place until the final reports came in for Block 2. Dropping to 2nd - 8 games back. OH WELL. Then the Griz started getting email from Kevin Burns - 21 in fact. Kevin wanted All Star catcher Russell Martin more than a horny 17 year old boy wants a cheerleader. The discussions went on about ten days to no avail. Kevin offered players like Carl Crawford, Ryan Howard, Carlos Quentin, Gerald Laird, just to name a few, and several times the deal were as good as done, but then Kevin would try to tweak it. Jack Howard, the Griz manager did not want to give up his All Star Catcher, though he was interested in the power lefty hitting bats being offered. The NASBL managers would also be happy if the Griz broke up the Iron Pigs future lineup of Crawford, Hamilton, Quentin, Howard, Utley, Uggla, and Reynolds, just to name the power side of the Pigs batting order.
The initial trade deadline came and went with no trade, so Howard did a small deal giving up Norris Hopper, Bobby Howry, and a #10 to the Spurs for used up reserve OFer Rajai Davis, TOR's injured back-up closer Casey Janssen and the Spurs # 5. Another SELLERS move. Still backtracking.
Then Kevin offered Ryan Howard and Dan Uggla along with Gerald Laird for Martin, Rocco (Kevin Hopes He Comes Back) Baldelli, and improving (but needs lots more improvement) Joel Pineiro. With Morneau and Phillips, the Griz really didn't need to add Howard, and Uggla, but Uggla's numbers were to good to resist and the managing Howard figures he can always find a spot in the batting order for the slugging Howard. Kevin backed off a little from his offer, but after a total of 43 emails and an hour+ long phone conversation, a deal was struck when the Griz included a #9 pick. The Griz are now BUYERS in a BIG WAY. Fans are chanting "Lets GO Bears."
Coach Howard looked at his line-up and with the outfield depleted, looked to add some ABs and a glove to the OF. The Troy Haymakers had put Vernon Wells on its available list and the Griz traded its # 5 and prospect/suspect STL RHP Anthony Reyes for Wells and Troy's #11. The final Griz move this season - a wash trade to fill a hole - kind of a BUY.
The Griz have never been this active in the trade market - it will be interesting to see what comes of it.
Look for our next Article - Trades Put Griz Behind the 50% Usage 8 Ball.
Other articles may follow.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Outlaw Denies Allegations
Outlaw Josey Wales categorically denies the ludicrous and unfounded allegations of cheating alleged by that rag Texas Tattler. While we have no doubt that Omar "The Great" Vizquel could simultaneously play two or three positions, we recognize our responsibility to utilize his great talents in a responsible and fair manner. Let me be clear about this - Omar has never, ever, played more than one position at a time. As far as that bogus partial boxscore, any doofus with a text editor could make that up.
OMARGATE ROCKS OUTLAW!
Dateline Outlaw Pond - Just how good is Omar Vizquel? This reporter, Hack Wilson of the Texas Tattler, believes that Vizquel is good enough to pitch and play shortstop at the same time and trigger a coverup that could rock the
foundations of NASBL! Evidence has surfaced implicating the Outlaw Josey Wales of trying to gain an advantage in the tight South by playing their best man at multiple positions at the same time. After hearing hushed rumors of this sleight of hand, I discovered more sources, willing to speak only under deep anonymity, who confirmed the unbelievable. Now for the proof - the below partial boxscore and linescore was recovered from the Recycle Bin of the Outlaw Pond scorekeeper's computer shortly after a recent game against Lehigh. They clearly shows Vizquel brought in to pitch in the 8th inning while remaining in at shortstop. Even more stunning, the "official" league boxscore doesn't show Vizquel pitching at all! How far up does this coverup go! The only league official willing to be quoted, and then only 0ff-the-record, called the allegations "preposterous," and added "obviously we have to control a power as potent as Omar Vizquel and we certainly wouldn't let him play more than one position at a time, or the rest of NASBL wouldn't have a chance." Outlaw officials did not respond to inquiries, but one Wales employee who reluctantly spoke off the record mumbled something about software bug.
The Proof:
BOXSCORE: 2008 Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs At 2008 Outlaw Josey Wales 6/3/2008
foundations of NASBL! Evidence has surfaced implicating the Outlaw Josey Wales of trying to gain an advantage in the tight South by playing their best man at multiple positions at the same time. After hearing hushed rumors of this sleight of hand, I discovered more sources, willing to speak only under deep anonymity, who confirmed the unbelievable. Now for the proof - the below partial boxscore and linescore was recovered from the Recycle Bin of the Outlaw Pond scorekeeper's computer shortly after a recent game against Lehigh. They clearly shows Vizquel brought in to pitch in the 8th inning while remaining in at shortstop. Even more stunning, the "official" league boxscore doesn't show Vizquel pitching at all! How far up does this coverup go! The only league official willing to be quoted, and then only 0ff-the-record, called the allegations "preposterous," and added "obviously we have to control a power as potent as Omar Vizquel and we certainly wouldn't let him play more than one position at a time, or the rest of NASBL wouldn't have a chance." Outlaw officials did not respond to inquiries, but one Wales employee who reluctantly spoke off the record mumbled something about software bug.The Proof:
BOXSCORE: 2008 Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs At 2008 Outlaw Josey Wales 6/3/2008
Iron Pigs AB R H RBI Josey Wales AB R H RBI
R.Willits CF 3 0 1 0 D.Pedroia 2B 2 1 1 1
C.Crawford LF 4 0 1 0 R.Ludwick CF,RF 4 2 2 3
R.Howard DH 3 0 0 0 A.Gonzalez 1B 3 1 0 0
C.Utley 2B 4 0 0 0 O.Vizquel SS 3 2 2 3
M.Alou RF 4 0 1 0 G.Anderson DH 3 0 0 0
S.Green 1B 4 1 2 0 A.Ramirez 3B 3 0 0 0
M.Reynolds 3B 2 1 1 2 M.Ramirez LF 3 0 0 0
G.Laird C 3 0 0 0 C-W.Taveras CF 0 0 0 0
J.Wilson SS 2 0 0 0 M.Napoli C 2 1 0 0
A-J.Hamilton PH 1 0 0 0 A.Soriano RF,LF 3 0 1 0
B-E.Aybar SS 0 0 0 0
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 30 2 6 2 Totals 26 7 6 7
A-Pinch Hit For Wilson In 7th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Hamilton In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (CF) For Ramirez In 8th Inning
Iron Pigs....... 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 - 2 6 0
Josey Wales..... 1 0 0 2 4 0 0 - 6 6 0
Iron Pigs (28-19) IP H R ER BB SO HR
C.Young 7 6 7 6 2 7 2
Totals 7 6 7 6 2 7 2
Josey Wales (26-21) IP H R ER BB SO HR
J.Peavy 7 6 2 2 3 10 1
O.Vizquel 1 0 0 0 0 3 0
Totals 8 6 2 2 3 13 1
ATTENDANCE- 33,005 DATE- Friday, June 3rd 2008 TIME- Day
LEFT ON BASE- Iron Pigs: 7 Josey Wales: 3
DOUBLE PLAYS- Iron Pigs: 0 Josey Wales: 0
DOUBLES- C.Crawford, S.Green-2
TRIPLES- O.Vizquel
HOME RUNS- M.Reynolds, R.Ludwick-2, O.Vizquel
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE- O.Vizquel
STOLEN BASES- A.Soriano
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Pedroia
WALKS- R.Willits, R.Howard, M.Reynolds, D.Pedroia, M.Napoli
STRIKE OUTS- R.Willits-2, C.Crawford-2, R.Howard-3, M.Alou-2, G.Laird-2,
D.Pedroia, R.Ludwick-2, A.Soriano, M.Ramirez, M.Napoli-2,
C.Utley, S.Green
Partial Line Score:
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 7 ***
SUBSTITUTE SS- Erick Aybar
0 M.Napoli 5- 6 0 Strike Out b-0
1 O.Vizquel 3- 6 0 Ground Out b-0
2 D.Pedroia 6- 6 0 Walk b-1
2 1 R.Ludwick 1- 6 0 Strike Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 8 ***
SUBSTITUTE RF- Ryan Ludwick
SUBSTITUTE LF- Alfonso Soriano
SUBSTITUTE CF- Willy Taveras
SUBSTITUTE P - Omar Vizquel
0 C.Utley 5-10 0 Strike Out b-0
0 M.Alou 6- 7 2 0 Strike Out b-0
0 S.Green 3- 5 0 Strike Out b-0
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Roadkill tell Escobar to "Take Another For The Team"
Opening Day starter Kelvim Escobar was told to "leave his pride at the door" by Mgr Bobby Cox as he was informed late today that he would be moved to the #3 spot in the rotation following the Roadkill's acquisition of Fausto Carmona from Troy. The price was steep as Georgia moved Jesse Litch, #2 & #8 draft picks. Kelvim has now from ace to mid-rotation status after the 'Kill acquired John Lackey (via VFS) & the Carmona deal.
It's obvious the Roadkill front office have little confidence in the scouting dept as they continue to deal high picks for a run at the tight TGS division & a hopeful return to the NASBL playoffs. "I was assured it was ok to pass on Tim Lincecum when it was obvious that the 'Heap were going to cut a deal with Grundy. All I heard was the "upside" of YoGo." Gallardo is having a solid rookie season with staff mate Dustin McGowan. The Roadkill faithful only hope the moves have the same impact as the 2006 season & another title.
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