Wednesday, September 29, 2010

NASBL 2011 Preliminary Draft Order

The preliminary 2011 NASBL Draft Order, based on usage-adjusted win% is as follows:

1) Dallas Ft Worth
2) Lehigh Valley
3) Vermont
4) Georgia
5) Outlaw
6) Troy
7) New York
8) Illinois
9) Miami
10) Springfield

New York and Miami both dropped a slot due to usage penalties (+.001 to win% for each point of overusage.) Illinois narrowly edged out Miami for the 8th pick slot, with an adjusted win% of .5617 to Miami's .5622.

As always, the order of the last 6 picks will be determined by the playoff finishes of the postseason contestants.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

"There is no joy in Troy - the mighty Brett Myers was overused"

Troy, N.Y.: Only 150 miles away from the fabled location where Casey struck out to rip out the hearts of fans in Mudville, Haymakers GM Ken Anderson has destroyed the hopes of all fans in Troy by overusing Brett Myers in the second block.
"How could this happen?!?" griped a fan holding a sign outside the stadium in an impromtu protest, "Myers was the worst pitcher in the league!!" It's possible. Brett posted an 8.16 ERA this season, second worst out of any pitcher in the league. Lance Cormier holds the dubious honor with a 13.50 ERA; but he only pitched 2.2 innings. Myers somehow threw 71.2 innings in 2010 while giving up 100 hits, 29 walks and 23 homeruns.

"He was our mop-up guy/spot starter for the first half of the year, and his usage must have gotten away from us," the GM said, "We would just throw him out there when it didn't matter; and next thing you know he was over his total by the middle of the year."

Myers was not the only player overused on the Haymakers roster, but the one player that made the difference. "Hey, I'm not happy with my performance this season," said Myers in an interview yesterday, "But I'm not the one who kept throwing me out there. Management knew I was hurting all season and didn't shut me down till June. Either way, I guarantee that I will rebound nicely next season."

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

BRING ON THE GRIZ!

It's down to the wire for the Outlaw Josey Wales, New Jersey Trash Heap, and Grundy County Grizzlies.

Outlaw split two each against the Surf and the Chows, leaving the Wales (77-82) alive but with their backs against the wall. The Wales are 1.5 games behind New Jersey with 3 Outlaw games and 4 Trash Heap games remaining. Lineup questions are delaying the final regular season series at Wreckin' So Field.

Outlaw has to sweep the powerful Grizzlies, watch the scoreboard, and hope. The ray of hope for Outlaw fans is that usage is finally under control and we'll be at full strength at home against the Griz.
The bad news is the Grizzlies will give no quarter as they battle for their first division title.

Outlaw breakout hurler Scott Baker won his 19th game of the season against the Chows and tries for the magic 20 against Grundy. "That's what it's all about," says Baker, "pitching for the title. This season has been a dream come true for me and none of us in Outlaw are ready to go home yet. I want to end this right. Bring on the Griz!"

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Knights Set to Stand Alone - In Futility

(New York Daily Mirror -September 21, 2010)

NEW YORK - Well, here we are. Another beautiful autumn in New York has arrived. The blazing summer heat and humidity have given way to crisp and cool fall days and azure blue skies. Football has started, the kids are back in school and the Knights are out of the NASBL playoffs.

In other words, everything is normal in New York these days.

Long-suffering Knights fans are giving their final glances at the 2010 version of the team, which at press time had a 68-80 record, seven behind Troy for the second wild card slot in the LF and 12 1/2 behind the Grizzlies and way out of the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season.

But there is another aspect to this season that will tweak even the hardiest Knights fans: the knowledge that if Grundy County wins the LF Central division title (and at press time they need just two more wins in their last nine games to do it), the Knights will become the only LF Central division team not to have won the division at least once in the past 10 years. If you add the North Celtic years, the futulity streak runs to 14 years.

Don't think that the Knights front office is not aware of this. Knights insiders have told the Mirror that new GM Matt Eddy is determined to "turn the ship around" and has already assembled his brain trust in preparation for the formulation of the team's offseason plans. While nothing definite is afoot right now, Knights fans should be ready for some big changes, including the possible trade of longtime team captain Michael Young.

"I wouldn't say anyone is an untouchable," one Knights front office employee familiar with the reclusive Eddy's thinking told the Mirror, "but it would make sense to believe that Matt will hold onto the three top starting pitchers and maybe Kemp and Vladimir Guerrero and one or two others, but get rid of everyone else. This core of players has been together for awhile now and its not working."

Eddy already banished utilityman Ty Wigginton and fan favorite, but fading, catcher Jason Varitek in a deal with Vermont that brought infielder Akinori Iwamura and hurler Aaron Cook to New York. As trades go, this on was small-time; Wigginton batted just .172 in 29 at bats as a Knights in 2010 and Varitek was virtually invisible (8 at bats, no hits, 5 K's). Neither Iwamura (1 HR, 13 RBI, .230 BA, .622 OPS in 45 games) nor Cook (1-2, 6.61 ERA, 2.00 WHP) have helped the Knights but the message is clear - a housecleaning is coming.

So while Knights fans settle in front of their TV's next month to watch the NASBL playoffs in which they have no rooting interest, at least they can know that change - good or bad - is on its way.

Monday, September 20, 2010

JOY/FOLLOW-UP

Wow 2 articles on the cover of the NASBL webpage about the Griz. In the nine previous years of the Griz existence the Griz did not have two webpage cover stories. Fans are going Nuts. Vendors are cashing in, raising their prices on all Griz memorabilia exported out of Grundy County. Additionally, Grundy County men and women are holding up signs that read "Bear It All" and they are.

In composing the latest article "JOY IN MUDVILLE" this author did not even comprehend that winning was a real possibility. That was pointed out in Commissioner communiques stating first the Griz had a magic number of 7 games and now most recently stating the Griz magic number is 3. WOW - no one in Grundy County had ever contemplated a magic number, let alone put the terms magic number and Griz in the same sentence.

Looking at tonight's NASBL standings Pocono leads the Griz in wins 84 to 83, but Pocono is done - every Pocono game is reported - and they stand at 84 - 78. The Chin Music must sit and wait - watch and hope.

The Griz have 9 road games to play - two of which their CY Young hopeful, Zack Greinke will start. The fans believe the Griz will win at least 2 of its remaining road games, and statistically they should win five or more; based solely on the Griz road winning percentage of .569.

But the Griz know - that statistics prove nothing. Game results will tell the tale. GM Jack Howard said, "that is why we play the games - this isn't golf, there are no give-mes in baseball." So as the Griz line up their final 9 shots of picking up their first title, they know they need to hole one to tie Pocono, two or more to win the Division, and possibly the Less Filling League.

Dare to Believe.

Friday, September 17, 2010

JOY IN MUDVILLE

While Grundy County may not be considered Mudville in many peoples' minds - there are those who feel the Grizzlies have failed miserably during its previous nine years in the NASBL, much like the mighty Casey. Thus, Grizzlies have not been bearable (pun intended). The Griz have been cellar dwellers most of the past nine years and have never had a .500 season, let alone a winning season. Draft blunders, choosing players who have not worked out has led to the Griz's demise. However, the Griz have been competitive in their 10th league year.

The Griz completed their final homestand with a 2 - 5 record, and their final home record for the season is 42 - 39. Despite being swept by those dastardly Springfield Isotopes in their final home series - the Griz overall record read 81 - 66.

81 WINS

That is a first - the Griz were guaranteed a .500 record. Bears fans were jubilant. And some Bear fans dared to dream that the Griz would pull out at least one win in their remaining 15 road games, thus giving them a winning record. Zack Greinke was scheduled to start 6 of those 15 away contests and he has been stellar - Griz fans felt like winners for the first time in their ten year existence.

**** Dateline September 17, Friday evening, 10:30 pm: the GM of the Grundy County Grizzlies received an email that the Bears had taken both of two game contests in Dallas-Ft. Worth. News was spreading though Bearland of the possibility of a winning season. Fans stood by as an Internet search of the NASBL website was being queried. Was it possible? Had the Commissioner received word of the Bears sweep of the Spurs? Were the results recorded?
*
*
*
*
*
*
It is official - the NASBL website states the Griz's record is 83 - 68.

Bear fans are jubilant.

The town Marshall told deputy Fife to put a bullet in his 6-Gun and the two are patrolling the streets in Grundy County to ward off any over zealous celebrations. Marshall Dillon said he did not want any covered wagons or cows tipped over. He does not want any windows broken or any barns set on fire. The good citizens of Grundy County hope the Marshall will be able to maintain the peace, but they understand that Griz fans have a right to celebrate. After all, the Grizzlies have put together their first winning season as they close out their first decade of existence in the NASBL.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Nathan WP's Home Winning Run in ILL/LCC Opener




Strat-O-Matic Report






BOXSCORE: 2010 Illinois Chow Chows At 2010 Lake Champlain Cannibals 9/17/2010

Chow Chows AB R H RBI AVG Cannibals AB R H RBI AVG
C.Figgins 3B 4 0 0 0 .284 L.Castillo 2B 2 0 0 0 .291
C.Beltran RF 4 1 2 0 .269 C-P.Konerko 1B 0 0 0 0 .288
T.Helton 1B 5 0 0 0 .286 E-G.Jones PH,1B 1 0 0 0 .339
H.Ramirez SS 4 1 0 0 .271 N.Johnson 1B 4 1 1 1 .290
C.Pena DH 5 2 2 4 .216 D-K.Johnson 2B 1 0 0 0 .270
A.Pagan LF 4 0 0 0 .231 A.Lind DH 4 1 1 0 .324
C.Counsell 2B 5 0 1 0 .228 F-H.Blanco PH 0 0 0 0 .242
K.Suzuki C 5 0 1 0 .218 G-H.Matsui PH 1 0 0 0 .259
M.Bourn CF 5 0 0 0 .261 T.Tulowitzki SS 5 1 2 2 .284
J.Drew RF 2 0 0 1 .236
A-R.Weeks PH 1 0 0 0 .231
B-C.Young RF 2 0 0 0 .233
B.McCann C 3 1 1 0 .280
R.Zimmerman 3B 5 0 1 0 .274
C.Granderson CF 5 0 1 0 .284
J.Pierre LF 4 1 2 0 .293
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 41 4 6 4 Totals 40 5 9 4

A-Pinch Hit For Drew In 6th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Weeks In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Castillo In 9th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Johnson In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Konerko In 10th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Lind In 11th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Blanco In 11th Inning

Chow Chows...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 - 4 6 0
Cannibals....... 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 5 9 0

Chow Chows (78-62) IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA SCORESHEET
C.Carpenter 9 1/3 8 4 4 2 10 0 2.85 A1 D9
E.O'Flaherty 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.67 E1 E2
F.Cordero LOSS(0-2) 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 3.08 E3 E7
J.Nathan 0 1/3 0 0 0 1 1 0 2.98 E8
Totals 11 1/3 9 5 5 4 13 0

Cannibals (89-67) IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA SCORESHEET
E.Jackson 8 1/3 6 4 4 1 4 2 5.02 A1 D5
C.Wilson 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 3.10 D6 E7
J.Frasor 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.93 E8 E8
J.Mijares WIN(3-4) 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.61 E9
Totals 12 6 4 4 4 5 2

ATTENDANCE- 45,803 DATE- Thursday, September 17th 2010 TIME- Night
T- 3:36
LEFT ON BASE- Chow Chows: 5 Cannibals: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- Chow Chows: 1 Cannibals: 1
DOUBLES- T.Tulowitzki(22nd), B.McCann(31st), J.Pierre(12th)
HOME RUNS- C.Pena-2(30th)
STOLEN BASES- C.Figgins(43rd), J.Pierre(32nd)
SACRIFICE HITS- L.Castillo
WALKS- C.Figgins, C.Beltran, H.Ramirez, A.Pagan, L.Castillo, B.McCann-2,
J.Pierre
STRIKE OUTS- C.Beltran, T.Helton, H.Ramirez, C.Counsell, M.Bourn, L.Castillo,
G.Jones, N.Johnson-2, K.Johnson, T.Tulowitzki-2, C.Young, B.McCann,
R.Zimmerman-2, C.Granderson-2
GIDP- T.Helton, A.Lind
WILD PITCHES- J.Nathan
WEB GEMS- Top 5th: J.D. Drew robbed Carlos Pena of an extra base hit.

Troy Tulowitzki had 2 base hits and 2 RBI as the Lake Champlain Cannibals
defeated the Illinois Chow Chows in 12 innings 5 to 4 at
Creutzfeldt-Jakob's.

The score was knotted at 4 after nine innings. Lake Champlain ended up
winning it in the 12th inning. Brian McCann drew a walk. Ryan Zimmerman
came next and he banged out a single. Curtis Granderson struck out, unable
to help the rally. Juan Pierre stepped in and he drew a walk to load the
bases. Joe Nathan then had one get away for a wild pitch giving Lake
Champlain the victory as 45,803 happy fans celebrated wildly. Illinois was
out-hit by Lake Champlain, 9 hits to 6.

The victory went to Jose Mijares(3-4) who went 1/3 of an inning, allowing no
runs. Francisco Cordero(0-2) was the losing pitcher in relief. He
surrendered 1 run and 1 hit in 1 inning.


SCORESHEET: 2010 Illinois Chow Chows at 2010 Lake Champlain Cannibals
C.Figgin-A1 A1:F/7 *4*:G/13 *6*:G/13 D1:G/13 E1:W>b1


C.Beltra-A1 A2:K B2:Si C2:F/7 *9*:Si E2:SB>12
IW>b1

T.Helton-A1 A3:G/53 B3:G/31>1 C3:K D3:G/43>1 E3:G-DP/6
2 2 43>1o

H.Ramire-A1 *2*:G/63 B4:F/7 *7*:K D4:W>b1 *11*:G/53


C.Pena-A1 A5:F/8 *5*:F/9 C5:HR>b# D5:HR>2# E5:L/4
1# b#

A.Pagan-A1 A6:G/53 B6:F/8 C6:F/9 D6:W>b1 E6:G/63


C.Counse-A1 *3*:F/9 B7:Si C7:G/3 D7:K *12*:G/63


K.Suzuki-A1 A8:F/8 B8:Si>12 *8*:G/31 D8:G/43 E8:G/53


M.Bourn-A1 A9:F/8 B9:G/63 C9:K *10*:F/9 E9:F/8



L.Castil-A1 A1:W>b1 B1:K C1:Sac/14 *8*:G/13 E1:SB>12 F1:WP>3#
P.Konerk-D4 >23 K 23 12
G.Jones-E1
N.Johnso-A1 A2:Force/ *3*:K C2:Si>3# D2:K E2:K
K.Johnso-D4 54>1o b1

A.Lind-A1 A3:Si>12 B3:G/43 C3:G-DP/6 D3:G/63 *11*:G/63
H.Blanco-E3 43>1o
H.Matsui-E3
T.Tulowi-A1 A4:Do>2# B4:Si *6*:K *9*:K E4:G/53
1#

J.Drew-A1 A5:G/63>3 B5:G/43 C5:F/8 D5:K E5:G/43
R.Weeks-C5 #
C.Young-C7
B.McCann-A1 A6:Do *4*:G/43 C6:K D6:W>b1 *12*:W>b1


R.Zimmer-A1 A7:F/8 B7:K *7*:G/53 D7:K E7:Si>12


C.Grande-A1 *2*:G/43 B8:Si C8:G/53 *10*:K E8:K


J.Pierre-A1 A9:G/31 *5*:Do C9:F/7 D9:Si E9:W>23 1
2 b1




*** TOP OF INNING 1 ***
0 C.Figgins 4- 3 0 Fly Out b-0
1 C.Beltran 4- 7 0 Strike Out b-0
2 T.Helton 6- 4 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 1 ***
0 L.Castillo 3- 8 0 Walk b-1
0 1 N.Johnson 6-10 0 Force Play 1-o b-1
1 1 A.Lind 1- 7 17 0 Single 1-2 b-1
1 12 T.Tulowitzk 2- 7 9 0 Double 2-H 1-H b-3
1 3 J.Drew 6- 5 0 Ground Out 3-H b-0
2 B.McCann 5- 5 6 0 Double b-2
2 2 R.Zimmerman 5- 7 0 Fly Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 2 ***
0 H.Ramirez 5- 9 0 Ground Out b-0
1 C.Pena 5- 6 0 Fly Out b-0
2 A.Pagan 6- 4 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 2 ***
0 C.Granderso 3-11 0 Ground Out b-0
1 J.Pierre 2- 6 0 Ground Out b-0
2 L.Castillo 4- 8 0 Strike Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 3 ***
0 C.Counsell 1- 9 0 Fly Out b-0
1 K.Suzuki 4- 4 0 Fly Out b-0
2 M.Bourn 5- 6 0 Fly Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 3 ***
0 N.Johnson 4- 7 0 Strike Out b-0
1 A.Lind 2-10 0 Ground Out b-0
2 T.Tulowitzk 2- 8 0 Single b-1
2 1 J.Drew 6- 7 0 Ground Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 4 ***
0 C.Figgins 1- 2 0 Ground Out b-0
1 C.Beltran 4- 8 7 0 Single b-1
1 1 T.Helton 6-12 0 Ground Out 1-2 b-0
2 2 H.Ramirez 1-10 15 0 Fly Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 4 ***
0 B.McCann 6- 9 0 Ground Out b-0
1 R.Zimmerman 4- 9 0 Strike Out b-0
2 C.Granderso 2- 3 10 0 Single b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 5 ***
0 C.Pena 5- 3 0 Fly Out b-0
1 A.Pagan 4- 4 0 Fly Out b-0
2 C.Counsell 3-10 20 0 Single b-1
2 1 K.Suzuki 4-10 7 0 Single 1-2 b-1
2 12 M.Bourn 5-10 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 5 ***
0 J.Pierre 1- 5 18 0 Double b-2
0 2 L.Castillo 0 Sac Bunt 2-3 b-0
1 3 N.Johnson 5- 6 6 0 Single 3-H b-1
1 1 A.Lind 2- 7 0 Ground Out Double Play 1-o b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 6 ***
0 C.Figgins 6-10 12 0 Ground Out b-0
1 C.Beltran 4- 3 0 Fly Out b-0
2 T.Helton 6- 5 0 Strike Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 6 ***
0 T.Tulowitzk 4- 9 0 Strike Out b-0
SUBSTITUTE PH- Rickie Weeks
1 R.Weeks 2- 8 0 Fly Out b-0
2 B.McCann 1- 8 0 Strike Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 7 ***
SUBSTITUTE RF- Chris Young
0 H.Ramirez 3-11 0 Strike Out b-0
1 C.Pena 3-10 3 0 Home Run b-H
1 A.Pagan 6- 6 0 Fly Out b-0
2 C.Counsell 1- 3 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 7 ***
0 R.Zimmerman 6- 6 10 0 Ground Out b-0
1 C.Granderso 6-10 0 Ground Out b-0
2 J.Pierre 4- 5 0 Fly Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 8 ***
0 K.Suzuki 6-12 0 Ground Out b-0
1 M.Bourn 4- 6 0 Strike Out b-0
2 C.Figgins 1-10 17 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 8 ***
0 L.Castillo 3- 4 17 0 Ground Out b-0
1 N.Johnson 4- 8 0 Strike Out b-0
2 A.Lind 1- 9 0 Ground Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 9 ***
SUBSTITUTE 1B- Paul Konerko
SUBSTITUTE 2B- Kelly Johnson
0 C.Beltran 1- 8 0 Single b-1
0 1 T.Helton 0 Ground Out 1-2 b-0
1 2 H.Ramirez 3- 9 0 Walk b-1
1 12 C.Pena 1- 5 1 0 Home Run 2-H 1-H b-H
SUBSTITUTE P - C.J. Wilson
1 A.Pagan 2- 5 0 Walk b-1
1 1 C.Counsell 5- 5 0 Strike Out b-0
2 1 K.Suzuki 3- 8 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 9 ***
0 T.Tulowitzk 5- 9 0 Strike Out b-0
1 C.Young 2- 9 0 Strike Out b-0
2 B.McCann 3- 2 0 Walk b-1
2 1 R.Zimmerman 5- 9 0 Strike Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 10 ***
0 M.Bourn 1- 4 0 Fly Out b-0
1 C.Figgins 6- 8 0 Walk b-1
1 1 0 Stolen Base 1-2
1 2 C.Beltran 0 Int Walk b-1
1 12 T.Helton 4- 9 0 Ground Out Double Play 1-o b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 10 ***
0 C.Granderso 3- 8 0 Strike Out b-0
1 J.Pierre 1- 7 0 Single b-1
1 1 0 Stolen Base 1-2
SUBSTITUTE PH- Garrett Jones
SUBSTITUTE P - Eric O'Flaherty
1 2 G.Jones 4- 8 0 Strike Out b-0
2 2 K.Johnson 2- 7 0 Strike Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 11 ***
SUBSTITUTE 1B- Garrett Jones
0 H.Ramirez 5-10 0 Ground Out b-0
1 C.Pena 2- 2 0 Line Out b-0
2 A.Pagan 1- 7 0 Ground Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 11 ***
SUBSTITUTE PH- Henry Blanco
SUBSTITUTE P - Francisco Cordero
SUBSTITUTE PH- Hideki Matsui
0 H.Matsui 1- 8 0 Ground Out b-0
1 T.Tulowitzk 5-11 0 Ground Out b-0
2 C.Young 5- 8 0 Ground Out b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 12 ***
0 C.Counsell 3- 7 0 Ground Out b-0
SUBSTITUTE P - Jason Frasor
1 K.Suzuki 3-10 0 Ground Out b-0
SUBSTITUTE P - Jose Mijares
2 M.Bourn 1- 7 0 Fly Out b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 12 ***
0 B.McCann 4- 9 0 Walk b-1
0 1 R.Zimmerman 4- 7 0 Single 1-2 b-1
SUBSTITUTE P - Joe Nathan
0 12 C.Granderso 1- 7 0 Strike Out b-0
1 12 J.Pierre 4-10 0 Walk 2-3 1-2 b-1
1 123 G.Jones 0 Wild Pitch 3-H 2-3 1-2