NL East Preview
By ESPN Correspondent John Kruk
Florida Hurricanes
General Manager: ajf00529
Season 3 Record: 82 Wins – 80 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Second
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 82 Wins - 80 Losses (First)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Nick Black (Third Baseman)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Winston Taft (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Steve Falk (AA Starting Pitcher)
With last season’s regular season collapse General Manager ajf00529 was under some intense pressure within the organization and the fan base. There was rampant speculation that he might walk away or be forced out. Despite the media circus surrounding him, he was brought back for Season 4. Once his position was solidified a flurry of moves took place.
Gone is veteran Center Fielder Junior Grimes, Right Fielder Raymond Damon, and last season’s rookie disappointment Danys Olivares (Starting Pitcher), along with minor leaguers Herb Brooks and Ismael Azocar.
In, are Ernie Sanders, Dick O’Connor, Willie Timmons, and Ariel Chavez (all brought in via a blockbuster deal with Tacoma). Jamie Guerrero (ex Tacoma Closer) was signed off the free agent market along with ex Vancouver pitcher Jackie Ransom. Right Fielder Morgan James was brought in via a trade with Chicago.
What do all the changes mean? For starters, it means the pressure is on Florida to win in the next two to three seasons. With perhaps the worst farm system in the Dream League now (after several seasons of trading prospects for Major League players), Florida will need to roll with the team they have. Fortunately for them they have a solid core that is just entering their prime.
No discussion about Florida would be complete without mentioning three time reigning MVP Nick Black. Black is simply the best player in the Dream League today, and has been since the league inception. Hardware in his mansion includes:
Three League MVPs
Three Silver Sluggers (Two at Shortstop One at Third Base)
One Gold Glove (Third Base)
Two All Star Game Nods
Black can’t go anywhere with cameras and flashbulbs popping. When he visited the Miami strip this spring, with supermodel Ursula Mayes in tow, he was practically mobbed.
“When you hit the baseball this good, and look even better, you’re going to get the attention,” quipped Black.
Black spent most of the winter Stephen Sommer’s upcoming blockbuster “The Mummy 8”, but is now fully focused on the upcoming season.
Black’s main partner in crime, Corey Purcell, took a bit of a step backwards last season. Though he increased his home run total from 49 to 54, his average dropped from .312 to .266. Expect Purcell to revert back to his old form in Season 4.
The third player in the offensive mix is Right Fielder Al Leyritz. While he’s most famous for the New York Brawl in Season 2, he has also been a masher for Florida. Last season he always took a step back, going from a .291 average and 50 home runs to a .251 average and 38 home runs. He will need to improve on these totals for Florida to reclaim top spot from New York.
With Ernie Sanders and Dick O’Connor Florida feels they have shored up the weak spot in the team last season—the starting rotation.
Ernie Sanders posted a 12-6 record with a 1.21 WHIP and 3.58 ERA for the lowly Thunderbirds last season. Had his team been in contention he would have been looked at as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. As it stands Sanders still garnered a Gold Glove, and at 27 is just entering his prime.
Dick O’Connor was floundering in Texas midway through Season 3, before Tacoma brought him in as a starter. He flourished going 9-6 in Tacoma (with 17 starts) posting a 1.24 WHIP and 3.14 ERA. At 26, he too is just entering his prime.
Both of these men will join super-prospect turned staff ace, Winston Taft. League experts predict this will be the season Taft really shines. Though he struggled in spring training you can expect 16 wins and a WHIP of 1.30 and an ERA of 3.70 out of Taft this year.
While Florida has retooled and improved, New York is a young team that got better simply by standing pat (mostly). It’s really a toss up between these two clubs, but ESPN predicts the senior leadership, and the Black/Purcell combo, will just inch Florida over New York for a division title that will go down to the last week of the season. ESPN’s other big prediction for the NL East: This will be the first season Nick Black doesn’t win the MVP award—the dimensions of the new Florida park will hurt his numbers.
New York Gridlock
General Manager: lefty32
Season 3 Record: 84 Wins – 78 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: First
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 82 Wins - 80 Losses (Second)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Samuel Service (Third Baseman)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Hank Scott (Second Baseman)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Nolan Lieber (AAA Catcher)
The New York versus Florida rivalry was kicked up a notch last year, as the streaking Gridlock posted a 7-3 record over their last 10 games to catch, and pass, Florida (2-8 over their last 10) for the NL East title. Of course everyone also remembers the famous brawls in Season 2 involving New York’s Gookie Cosby and Florida’s Al Leyritz which produced one of the best punch lines in all of Dream League that season,
“----ing Leytriz better check his batting helmut before he steps in this year,” warned Cosby.
Though the words were tough most of the rivalry was kept on the field. That’s just fine with New York management who has very quietly built a young, budding team. There is not one player in the entire organization over the age of 30.
Third Baseman Samuel Service blossomed in Season 3, making his first All Star Game appearance. He would finish out the season with a .297 average, 17 home runs, 103 RBI and 29 stolen bases—a well rounded stat line. His leadership, which is harder to measure but no less important, came in key down the stretch.
“Everybody knows Sammy is the guy that makes this club run,” says longtime New York Bench Coach Wilfredo Guerrero. “All the guys respect him in the locker room.”
Another man they all respect is staff ace Francisco Cruz. In Season 2 he had five complete games enroute to a 14-12 record, and last year 16-10 with some absolutely key wins down the stretch.
With such a young team it’s difficult to predict who else will step up. Second Baseman Hank Scott makes the big leap from AA ball, where he hit 103 home runs over the last two seasons, to the Big League. Scouts are mixed on whether he’s ready to contribute. Expect a low batting average but plenty of power as Scott makes the transition.
Joshua Dunham will be patrolling the outfield again in Season 4. Last year he posted a 20/30 season (21 home runs 31 stolen bases) and scored 110 runs. On paper he’s the prototypical lead off man, who has a very keen batting eye (86 walks last year) and solid speed and baserunning ability, but he also needs to improve his ability to make contact.
Johnny Neill will begin his second season as New York’s everyday catcher. In Season 3 he came through offensively with 25 home runs and a .282 average. He was also, unfortunately, nearly as bad as advertised behind the plate, allowing a ridiculous 199 stolen bases in 246 attempts (80% success rate). This was actually an improvement, however, over his career numbers (Neill had previously allowed an 89% success rate).
One man who won’t be around to help New York is “Hoover” (James Steele), the Shortstop who won two consecutive Gold Gloves during his tenure with New York. Upset at being forced to play both Second Base and Shortstop in Season 3, he bolted for the Texas Oilers in the offseason signing a multi year deal worth about $5 million per season. This came as a surprise and disappointment to the New York press and fans.
“Why on Earth you slide a Gold Glove shortstop over to second base is beyond me,” Mitch Gerrity of the New York Post wrote, “lefty32 ought to be strung up for letting Steele get away in the offseason by treating him like dirt.”
The NL East is a division full of intrigue at the top of the table. Expect the Division race to go down to the last week again. ESPN predicts the division will go down to the last week of the season and could even require tie-breakers to settle the matter.
Baltimore Barksdales
General Manager: metserock44
Season 3 Record: 80 Wins – 82 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Third
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 78 Wins - 84 Losses (Third)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Toby McPherson (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Vladimir Molina (Closer)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Ralph Griffin (HiA Starting Pitcher)
Simply put there is nobody better in the league than Toby McPherson. How he has been overlooked over the past three seasons in the Cy Young voting is beyond us. Sure, the Barksdales have not been in contention, but c’mon, McPherson is simply the most dominate starter in the league today. McPherson’s line last season:
14-5 Record
183 Innings Pitched
196 Strikeouts
1.03 WHIP
2.21 ERA
Beyond McPherson there has typically been a huge drop off for the rest of the team. Not this year. This is the year Closer Vladimir Molina (21 years of age) takes it to the next level. With a curveball that is nearly unhittable for lefties, and a four seam fastball that has great movement, Molina should be lights out if Baltimore can get him the save opportunities.
Underrated Enrique Johnson was the only Baltimore pitcher to reach 200 innings (212) and he did it with a respectable WHIP of 1.25 and ERA of 3.94. While nobody will ever mistake him for McPherson, Johnson gives Baltimore a chance to win every time he goes out to the mound.
“It’s just as much a mental battle as it is physical. I just try to keep my team in games,” says Johnson.
On offense First Baseman P.J. Rowan has been on the trading block since the stock market crash of ’29 (or so it seems), yet despite the constant sportstalk and blogs pronouncing him dead in Baltimore, he continues to produce (44 home runs and 113 RBI last year).
Eric Gabriel returns as Catcher after posting a .293 average and 32 home runs in Season 3. While he’s not the league’s best pitch caller, his offense makes up for it. Ideally Baltimore would like to move Rowan and slide Gabriel into First Base.
On the speed front, Tarrik Lawrence was judicious in his baserunning nabbing 31 stolen bases in 37 attempts. If he can improve on his .258 average and low walk total (37 all last season), he’s a threat to steal 40+. In order for the Barksdale’s to improve he’ll also need to improve his defense (29 errors at Shortstop in only 76 games).
Baltimore is a young team still developing (especially after last year’s large scale changes). As long as Baltimore has McPherson they will always win their share of games, however Baltimore needs to build a stronger staff around him to compete for a division title. They also need to improve defensively across the board (third worst defense in the Dream League last year).
Rochester Red Wings
General Manager: fighters
Season 3 Record: 73 Wins – 89 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: (78 Wins - 84 Losses) Fourth
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Reid Epstein (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Kevin Grace (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Babe Casanova (AA Third Baseman)
“Three seasons, three last place finishes,” says Rochester sports columnist Harry Greene. “It’s getting tough to swallow.”
Get used to swallowing, Harry, because with few offseason acquisitions via trade or free agency, Rochester essentially fields the same squad as last season. There are, however, reasons for hope. With not one player older than 30 on their Major League Roster, Rochester is being patient and developing a stronger team via their farm system.
One product of that system is staff ace Reid Epstein. At 24, he already has an impressive resume, posting 39 wins in three seasons and 526 strikeouts in 665 innings. Look for him to improve on last year’s line of 12-10 with a 1.14 WHIP and 3.33 ERA.
Another product of Rochester’s patience is starter Kevin Grace. Grace didn’t exactly tear up AAA ball last season (10-13 record with an ERA of 1.39 and WHIP of 4.18) but he has all the tools to be successful at the Major League level. His stuff is first rate, and if he can get his control in order, he’ll be a top flight pitcher to go along with Epstein.
These two young guns will be joined on the staff by veteran Javy Silva. Silva has notched at least 200 innings the last two seasons, however he’s also lost 36 games over those same two seasons. With a dynamite fastball Silva ought to be better than his numbers suggest, however at least one Rochester insider says it has nothing to do with his physical tools.
“Javy is a bit of a headcase,” the source says. “He also likes his rum and women, and isn’t afraid to have quite a bit of both even the night before one of his starts.”
Offensively is where Rochester should be focusing their attention as they build this young squad. They have a ringer to build around in Third Baseman Carson Sherman. Sherman slugged 37 home runs last year and drove in 98.
“I just try to get better each and every season,” says Sherman. At only 25 years of age he has a lot of upside.
Rochester also has another building block in rookie Right Fielder Charles Guerrero. Though overlooked in Rookie of the Year balloting, Guerrero was amazing for Rochester last year. He batted .329 and hit 32 home runs as a rookie (drove in 100 runs as well).
“It’s a crime that he didn’t win the award, frankly,” said Hitting Coach Nate Smith. “The kid is 5’8” and bashes 32 home runs as a rookie—who does that?”
Who else General Manager fighters can bring in on offense will determine how quickly this ballclub climbs. Look for a large improvement from Rochester this year (5-10 game improvement). Look for them in the future to be a threat to New York and Florida as their pitching staff matures.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Season Four National League Preseason Power Rankings!
1. Kansas City Bush Leaguers
Last season's World Series Champion Kansas City didn't care to make any moves this past offseason; and frankly, they didn't need to. Returning the NL's top offense and the 4th best pitching staff statistically, expect the Bush Leaguer's to remain on top and possibly make a return trip to the show.
2. Vancouver Mountain Lions
The Mountain Lions were big spenders in free agency this offseason. Vancouver fans hope an extra $30 million dollars spent will help bolster a squad that already won 100 games and a number one seed last year. They have arguably the best staff in the National League and with youngsters like Gene Gaetti and Rey James just getting warmed up, this is a very scary team.
3. Fargo Tides
Fargo, formerly of Madison, was leading the NL North coming into the final week of last season. They ended up making it as a wild card but were ousted in the second round by Vancouver. Now in a new city and under new ownership, they look to build upon last season's success and 98 wins. Don't be too surprised if the Tides were to sneak past Kansas City for the division title and a first-round bye.
4. Charlotte Knights
Although they entered the playoffs as a #3 seed, the Knights were underachievers in the eyes of many last season. But this is a new year and Charlotte is buzzing again with talk of a 4th division crown in as many seasons. Everyone knows about the Charlotte pitching staff and the level of greatness they have already achieved, but ownership's clear contentness with a mediocre lineup leaves many of us scratching our heads. Only time will tell what this squad is truly capable of.
5. Salem Slugs
At times, last year, Salem seemed unbeatable. At other times, it seemed as though they didn't know how to win a game. With seven new faces on a retooled major league squad, the Slugs hope to achieve a greater level of consistency this time around. Salem has made the playoffs every year since the inauguration of the league. Don't expect much to to change in that regard.
6. Buffalo Spectacular Views
The Views are hoping to avoid another late season collapse such as the one that knocked them out of the playoff race last year. Many Seattle fans felt unfulfilled as their team sat home while division rival Kansas City tore through the rest of the National League field. Now the team has relocated to Buffalo, New York where many hope that the ship can right itself and the Views will make another playoff run.
7. Salt Lake City Primetimers
The Primetimers were very selective with where their money was spent this past free agent period. Adding a few key bats to what was already one of the better lineups in the National League can only be sign of good things to come. After netting an 86 wins last year, Salt Lake City will certainly be involved in some sort of playoff race as the season draws on.
8. New York Gridlock
The Gridlock spent less money than any other team last year but were red hot in the second half and they slapped the division rival Mets, now the Hurricanes, out of the division lead in the final series. This team is very young and they have a lot to build on. No one will let New York sneak up on them again, but don't expect a repeat of last season's magical ending.
9. Florida Hurricanes
The Hurricanes will be seeking to avenge the fallout they experienced at the end of the year and Nick Black will be sending many Miami natives home with souvenirs as he looks to win his fourth straight MVP. Although the Hurricanes are currently ranked ninth, the National League East looks to be a toss up and Florida's offense could put them over the top.
10. Huntington Hackers
A team that should never be overlooked, Huntington hopes to return to their winning ways and compete for the city's first playoff appearance since their inception. Even with virtually the same squad but one year older, Huntington can beat any given team at any given time and with a little luck, they could be in line for a surprise season that could leave many Charlotte residents bewildered.
11. Baltimore Barksdales
12. Montgomery Hornets
13. New Orleans Sinners
14. San Diego Mad Friars
15. Rochester Red Wings
16. Tacoma Thunderbirds
Sunday, November 30, 2008
NL West Preview (Season 4)
NL West Preview
By ESPN Correspondent Rob Neyer
Vancouver Mountain Lions
General Manager: sergei1991
Season 3 Record: 100 Wins – 62 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: First
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 100 Wins - 62 Losses (First)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Fernando Rodriguez (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Humberto Campos (Catcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Jose Acosta (RL Starting Pitcher)
In sergei1991’s first season as General Manager of the Mountain Lions he improved the Mountain Lion’s previous year record by 19 games, an astounding number when you consider the team was already decent to begin with (81-81 in Season 2). Vancouver went from being a die-hard Canuck hockey town to experiencing some serious baseball excitement.
Behind the improved record was Right Fielder Rey James, who made strides on his Season 2 campaign increasing his home run totals from 45 to 54, as well as raising his average 32 points (.294 in Season 3).
“It’s about being patient at the plate,” James says, “I’m learning to take more pitches.”
James, long time super prospect Gene Gaetti (19 home runs 77 stolen bases), and midseason acquisition Fernando Rodriguez (43 home runs 105 RBI over 135 games) combined to drive a very strong and well rounded offense. Nine players hit double digit home run totals for the Mountain Lions. Though the offense was in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories, it figures to improve this season, with all the major pieces intact, young, and improving. Look for last year’s midseason acquisition, Bob Jones, to bring some additional punch to Vancouver’s offense over the course of 162 games.
On the mound the Mountain Lions got quality innings from Sticky Sadler and Adrian Hewson who both logged 200+ innings while sporting a sub 3.70 ERA. 32 year old Josh Clancy was his usual dominating self posting a 14-10 record with 174 strike outs and an ERA of 3.14. This year, at 33, he shows no signs of slowing down, coming into Spring Training in great shape.
“He’s in phenomenal shape,” says Pitching Coach Alberto Armas, “I think he’s primed for another great season.”
How far Vancouver goes this season may be dependent on a revamped bullpen. Although Closer William Rose was spectacular in the regular season winning the NL Fireman of the Year Award (52 saves in 56 chances), the bullpen let Vancouver down in the NL Championship. Wolf Young and Einar Valentin were brought in as free agent acquisitions in the attempt to bring some experience to the pen. Though the Wolf Young signing was criticized by some fellow General Managers, sergei1911 believes the big Texan’s experience will pay dividends in the offseason.
“Few people remember he was an All Star in Season 1 with the Pilots,” says Pitching Coach Alberto Armas. “I think he’s got a lot to teach these young kids of ours.”
The Vancouver Mountain Lions are the class of the NL West with solid hitting and pitching, and should take a deep run in the playoffs. Last year’s bullpen collapse was a bit of a fluke, making the Mountain Lions the logical pick as NL Champs.
San Diego Mad Friars
General Manager: dhomard
Season 3 Record: 78 Wins – 94 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Third
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 84 Wins - 78 Losses (Second)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: John Trammell (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Albert Cyr (Right Fielder)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Alex Relaford (AAA Center Fielder)
Carl Clayton has arrived and the San Diego fans couldn’t be happier according to the sports blogs.
“The man is here. It’s time to challenge for a division title,” one fan posted.
“Clayton will turn this franchise around,” another posted.
While it’s too early to anoint Carl Clayton the savior, there can be no doubt the excitement surrounding his arrival has the fans buzzing. With two All Star games to his credit, 65 career home runs and 221 career stolen bases, Clayton brings a wealth of talent, and perhaps more importantly experience, to San Diego. He will join a very young lineup that featured Chip Evans (30 home runs and 101 RBI last year) as its only returning star.
Filling out the rest of the lineup are some fantastic AAA prospects who will make their ML debut, including Third Baseman John Suzuki, who lit up opposing pitchers to the tune of a .347 batting average, and Albert “Iceman” Cyr who slammed 32 home runs and drove in 132 runs.
How quickly Suzuki and Cyr develop will play a giant role in who takes second place in this division, and perhaps pushes for a wild card berth. Look Baseball Prospectus Top 100 Prospect, Alex Relaford to get a call up sometime during the midseason if San Diego is in the playoff hunt. He has the tools to contribute immediately at the ML level.
Rookie John Trammell was the workhorse of the Mad Friar’s pitching staff last year logging an amazing 221 innings, and posting a 16-10 record. While Trammell was overlooked in the ROY voting, expect Trammell to continue to improve and be playing in All Star Games by Season 6 if not earlier.
Joining him this year will be Felipe Valdes the Cuban defector who is regarding as a top talent. Valdes posted a WHIP of 1.18 and an ERA of 2.80 in AAA ball last year enroute to a deserved AAA All Star Game selection.
To balance out this youth Mel Gwynn and Christopher Houston will be looked upon to provide leadership for this young staff. Gwynn is a middle of the rotation starter who gets by on guile and his curveball, while Houston is a back of the rotation, ex-professional rodeo rider out of Montana, who regularly hits 90+ MPH on the radar gun. Both are seen as positive clubhouse guys.
San Diego’s patience with its minor league prospects, and selective trades, have put them in a fantastic position for both the present and the future. Expect San Diego to surprise many pundits and fans alike in the NL West, passing Salem by as the second best team in the division.
Salem Slugs
General Manager: 2_black_dogs
Season 3 Record: 92 Wins – 70 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Second
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 82 Wins - 82 Losses (Third)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Phil Saitou (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Erik Andrews (Right Fielder)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Kyle Roa (AAA Closer)
Offseason headlines in Salem were dominated by talk of Slug Shortstop Jacob Torres’ second DUI offense in the last 18 months. General Manager 2_black_dogs, tired of the media circus surrounding the one time All Star, promptly put him on the Trading Block. Most insiders expect Torres will be gone by the Season 4 Trading Deadline at the latest and perhaps as early as the start of the regular season.
“Screw Salem, screw 2_black_dogs,” said Torres. “I’ve worked my butt off for this team and do they have your back? No. I’ll be happy to be gone.”
Despite the Torres saga the future looks bright for Salem. A 21 year old (now 22) Phil Saitou showed why he’s been such a prized prospect for such a long time posting a line of .294 36 HRs 98 RBI and 85 Rs. He also judiciously stole 14 bases while only being caught 5 times.
Ricky Kennedy, a late bloomer just entering his prime, slugged 36 home runs while posting a solid .305 average.
On the pitching front, 26 year old Manuel Cortes logged 200 innings for the first time in his career and posted a solid 12-8 record with 144 strike outs.
Despite these positive signs there are some holes to fill. The loss of two time All Star Carl Clayton, to their division rival, San Diego no less, will be difficult to overcome. The fact that it happened via an unforced trade (Clayton claims he didn’t discuss a trade with management) has Salem fans even more perplexed.
“What the heck is management thinking?” Salem radio broadcast personality Tim Eyeman says. “Who goes out and trades an All Star to a division rival? I know Seattle did it last year with Kansas City and look what that got them—Seattle a seat at home during the playoffs and Kansas City some championship rings.”
The main piece of the Clayton deal for Salem was Outfielder Erik Andrews. Andrews was a disappointment with both Kansas City and San Diego last year, hitting only 15 home runs and driving in 41 runs. He’ll need to do better this year as he’s a key part of the Slug strategy. That said the kid has a world of upside, and at 26 is just beginning to enter his prime. Only time will tell if Volcanoes Stadium is the right environment for Andrews to flourish.
In order for Salem to challenge Vancouver, ace Terry Hiatt will also need to return to form. In Season 1 Hiatt was an All Star, but he’s been steadily on the decline ever since. With $24 million dollars remaining on his contract, Salem will be expecting a lot more than the 15-9 record to go with a WHIP of 1.48 and ERA of 4.45. For his part Hiatt seems ready to contribute,
“I’ve just got to concentrate on getting that third out each inning. It’s about focus.”
Beyond the aforementioned Cortes and Hiatt, Salem will look to Diego Martinez to continue his development and be a solid starter in the middle of the rotation. Scouts and experts are mixed as to whether he can be anything beyond a number four or five type guy. His control of his fastball and curveball are solid enough for a number three pitcher, however his fastball tops out around 85 MPH allowing patient hitters to sit back and take hacks. Salem Pitching Coach Desi Armas will have the important task of developing Martinez.
With Clayton out and the Torres saga continuing, Salem needs to figure out the middle of their infield. That said, the pieces are there for another winning season if the middle infield situation comes to a resolution and the pitching staff holds up. ESPN predicts a bit of a backslide for the Salem franchise.
Tacoma Thunderbirds
General Manager: aaron_clarke
Season 3 Record: 62 Wins – 100 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: (72 Wins - 90 Losses) Fourth
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: John McMasters (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: John McMasters (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Stu Dolan (AA Right Fielder)
“I don’t know what the hell kind of squad I’ve got,” new General Manager aaron_clarke famously remarked when he took over the Thunderbirds last year. “I’m not positive anyone can actually play ball on this squad.”
Coming off a 44-118 disastrous showing in Season 2 which famously ended in a locker room brawl, after star First Baseman Fernando Tejada urinated on then Manager Todd Cox’s office door during a team meeting, the only place to go was up. Cox was fired, along with General Manager dtzoog. General Manager aaron_clarke was brought onboard and immediately moved Tejada to Philadelphia signaling the beginning of change. The change led to an 18 game improvement over last year, and the Thunderbird AAA squad coming within a game of the Championship.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction now,” aaron_clarke says. “We just needed to evaluate our talent and make some sensible and strategic moves.”
Coming over as part of the Fernando Tejada trade was Starting Pitcher Ernie Sanders. Sanders posted a 12-6 record as a rookie supported by a solid 1.22 WHIP and 3.35 ERA. To top it off Sanders also picked up a Gold Glove.
Fellow rookie, and Rule 5 pickup, Roger Brown was strong at the beginning of the season before fading in the end. He logged 203 innings while posting a 7-16 record supported by a 1.35 WHIP and 4.66 ERA.
Both will be joined this year by AAA NL Cy Young Winner John McMasters. McMasters is a crafty left hander who challenges hitters on the corners. As a Baseball ProspectusTop 100 prospect, he’s expected to be the staff’s future ace.
All three will need to post WHIPs under 1.30 and ERAs under 4.00 this year for Tacoma to compete.
On the offensive side of the diamond Tacoma will introduce some new players including speedster Andy Haney who swiped 73 bases in 77 attempts. Cy Lowry, who was acquired from Vancouver also brings a jet pack with him from AAA logging 60 stolen bases in 74 attempts. If either can get on base on a regular basis they should be able to cause some problems for opposing batteries.
Bip Moreno returns to the Thunderbirds after inking a $22 million dollar contract over the next four years. Moreno might be one of the best kept secrets in the NL West slugging 42 home runs last year despite playing in the league’s most pitcher friendly park.
”Many people forget he slugged 55 home runs and drove in 155 for a good Boston squad in Season 1,” says Tacoma Hitting Instructor Herman Potvin.
Rookie Outfielder Tony Javier also flew under the radar posting a 20/20 season (21 home runs and 36 stolen bases).
“Doesn’t bother me to be unknown man, doesn’t bother me one bit,” says Javier.
The major question for Tacoma is how to replace the departed Midre Lopez. Lopez was a staple at Catcher for Tacoma and was unwilling to re-sign after enduring three consecutive losing seasons. How well Zoltan Shermann does in handling his pitchers and using his bat, will go a long way in determining whether this team continues to improve or regresses.
“I can’t be Midre,” says Shermann, “I can only be me.”
The Thunderbird’s know their time to compete for a division title is not now, but the young prospects the club acquired need to show signs of maturing. If the young pitchers take steps backward or if the young outfielders falter it could be another long three years in Tacoma. More than likely Tacoma continues its march forward improving 5 to 10 games on last year’s record.
By ESPN Correspondent Rob Neyer
Vancouver Mountain Lions
General Manager: sergei1991
Season 3 Record: 100 Wins – 62 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: First
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 100 Wins - 62 Losses (First)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Fernando Rodriguez (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Humberto Campos (Catcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Jose Acosta (RL Starting Pitcher)
In sergei1991’s first season as General Manager of the Mountain Lions he improved the Mountain Lion’s previous year record by 19 games, an astounding number when you consider the team was already decent to begin with (81-81 in Season 2). Vancouver went from being a die-hard Canuck hockey town to experiencing some serious baseball excitement.
Behind the improved record was Right Fielder Rey James, who made strides on his Season 2 campaign increasing his home run totals from 45 to 54, as well as raising his average 32 points (.294 in Season 3).
“It’s about being patient at the plate,” James says, “I’m learning to take more pitches.”
James, long time super prospect Gene Gaetti (19 home runs 77 stolen bases), and midseason acquisition Fernando Rodriguez (43 home runs 105 RBI over 135 games) combined to drive a very strong and well rounded offense. Nine players hit double digit home run totals for the Mountain Lions. Though the offense was in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories, it figures to improve this season, with all the major pieces intact, young, and improving. Look for last year’s midseason acquisition, Bob Jones, to bring some additional punch to Vancouver’s offense over the course of 162 games.
On the mound the Mountain Lions got quality innings from Sticky Sadler and Adrian Hewson who both logged 200+ innings while sporting a sub 3.70 ERA. 32 year old Josh Clancy was his usual dominating self posting a 14-10 record with 174 strike outs and an ERA of 3.14. This year, at 33, he shows no signs of slowing down, coming into Spring Training in great shape.
“He’s in phenomenal shape,” says Pitching Coach Alberto Armas, “I think he’s primed for another great season.”
How far Vancouver goes this season may be dependent on a revamped bullpen. Although Closer William Rose was spectacular in the regular season winning the NL Fireman of the Year Award (52 saves in 56 chances), the bullpen let Vancouver down in the NL Championship. Wolf Young and Einar Valentin were brought in as free agent acquisitions in the attempt to bring some experience to the pen. Though the Wolf Young signing was criticized by some fellow General Managers, sergei1911 believes the big Texan’s experience will pay dividends in the offseason.
“Few people remember he was an All Star in Season 1 with the Pilots,” says Pitching Coach Alberto Armas. “I think he’s got a lot to teach these young kids of ours.”
The Vancouver Mountain Lions are the class of the NL West with solid hitting and pitching, and should take a deep run in the playoffs. Last year’s bullpen collapse was a bit of a fluke, making the Mountain Lions the logical pick as NL Champs.
San Diego Mad Friars
General Manager: dhomard
Season 3 Record: 78 Wins – 94 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Third
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 84 Wins - 78 Losses (Second)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: John Trammell (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Albert Cyr (Right Fielder)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Alex Relaford (AAA Center Fielder)
Carl Clayton has arrived and the San Diego fans couldn’t be happier according to the sports blogs.
“The man is here. It’s time to challenge for a division title,” one fan posted.
“Clayton will turn this franchise around,” another posted.
While it’s too early to anoint Carl Clayton the savior, there can be no doubt the excitement surrounding his arrival has the fans buzzing. With two All Star games to his credit, 65 career home runs and 221 career stolen bases, Clayton brings a wealth of talent, and perhaps more importantly experience, to San Diego. He will join a very young lineup that featured Chip Evans (30 home runs and 101 RBI last year) as its only returning star.
Filling out the rest of the lineup are some fantastic AAA prospects who will make their ML debut, including Third Baseman John Suzuki, who lit up opposing pitchers to the tune of a .347 batting average, and Albert “Iceman” Cyr who slammed 32 home runs and drove in 132 runs.
How quickly Suzuki and Cyr develop will play a giant role in who takes second place in this division, and perhaps pushes for a wild card berth. Look Baseball Prospectus Top 100 Prospect, Alex Relaford to get a call up sometime during the midseason if San Diego is in the playoff hunt. He has the tools to contribute immediately at the ML level.
Rookie John Trammell was the workhorse of the Mad Friar’s pitching staff last year logging an amazing 221 innings, and posting a 16-10 record. While Trammell was overlooked in the ROY voting, expect Trammell to continue to improve and be playing in All Star Games by Season 6 if not earlier.
Joining him this year will be Felipe Valdes the Cuban defector who is regarding as a top talent. Valdes posted a WHIP of 1.18 and an ERA of 2.80 in AAA ball last year enroute to a deserved AAA All Star Game selection.
To balance out this youth Mel Gwynn and Christopher Houston will be looked upon to provide leadership for this young staff. Gwynn is a middle of the rotation starter who gets by on guile and his curveball, while Houston is a back of the rotation, ex-professional rodeo rider out of Montana, who regularly hits 90+ MPH on the radar gun. Both are seen as positive clubhouse guys.
San Diego’s patience with its minor league prospects, and selective trades, have put them in a fantastic position for both the present and the future. Expect San Diego to surprise many pundits and fans alike in the NL West, passing Salem by as the second best team in the division.
Salem Slugs
General Manager: 2_black_dogs
Season 3 Record: 92 Wins – 70 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Second
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 82 Wins - 82 Losses (Third)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Phil Saitou (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Erik Andrews (Right Fielder)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Kyle Roa (AAA Closer)
Offseason headlines in Salem were dominated by talk of Slug Shortstop Jacob Torres’ second DUI offense in the last 18 months. General Manager 2_black_dogs, tired of the media circus surrounding the one time All Star, promptly put him on the Trading Block. Most insiders expect Torres will be gone by the Season 4 Trading Deadline at the latest and perhaps as early as the start of the regular season.
“Screw Salem, screw 2_black_dogs,” said Torres. “I’ve worked my butt off for this team and do they have your back? No. I’ll be happy to be gone.”
Despite the Torres saga the future looks bright for Salem. A 21 year old (now 22) Phil Saitou showed why he’s been such a prized prospect for such a long time posting a line of .294 36 HRs 98 RBI and 85 Rs. He also judiciously stole 14 bases while only being caught 5 times.
Ricky Kennedy, a late bloomer just entering his prime, slugged 36 home runs while posting a solid .305 average.
On the pitching front, 26 year old Manuel Cortes logged 200 innings for the first time in his career and posted a solid 12-8 record with 144 strike outs.
Despite these positive signs there are some holes to fill. The loss of two time All Star Carl Clayton, to their division rival, San Diego no less, will be difficult to overcome. The fact that it happened via an unforced trade (Clayton claims he didn’t discuss a trade with management) has Salem fans even more perplexed.
“What the heck is management thinking?” Salem radio broadcast personality Tim Eyeman says. “Who goes out and trades an All Star to a division rival? I know Seattle did it last year with Kansas City and look what that got them—Seattle a seat at home during the playoffs and Kansas City some championship rings.”
The main piece of the Clayton deal for Salem was Outfielder Erik Andrews. Andrews was a disappointment with both Kansas City and San Diego last year, hitting only 15 home runs and driving in 41 runs. He’ll need to do better this year as he’s a key part of the Slug strategy. That said the kid has a world of upside, and at 26 is just beginning to enter his prime. Only time will tell if Volcanoes Stadium is the right environment for Andrews to flourish.
In order for Salem to challenge Vancouver, ace Terry Hiatt will also need to return to form. In Season 1 Hiatt was an All Star, but he’s been steadily on the decline ever since. With $24 million dollars remaining on his contract, Salem will be expecting a lot more than the 15-9 record to go with a WHIP of 1.48 and ERA of 4.45. For his part Hiatt seems ready to contribute,
“I’ve just got to concentrate on getting that third out each inning. It’s about focus.”
Beyond the aforementioned Cortes and Hiatt, Salem will look to Diego Martinez to continue his development and be a solid starter in the middle of the rotation. Scouts and experts are mixed as to whether he can be anything beyond a number four or five type guy. His control of his fastball and curveball are solid enough for a number three pitcher, however his fastball tops out around 85 MPH allowing patient hitters to sit back and take hacks. Salem Pitching Coach Desi Armas will have the important task of developing Martinez.
With Clayton out and the Torres saga continuing, Salem needs to figure out the middle of their infield. That said, the pieces are there for another winning season if the middle infield situation comes to a resolution and the pitching staff holds up. ESPN predicts a bit of a backslide for the Salem franchise.
Tacoma Thunderbirds
General Manager: aaron_clarke
Season 3 Record: 62 Wins – 100 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: (72 Wins - 90 Losses) Fourth
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: John McMasters (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: John McMasters (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Stu Dolan (AA Right Fielder)
“I don’t know what the hell kind of squad I’ve got,” new General Manager aaron_clarke famously remarked when he took over the Thunderbirds last year. “I’m not positive anyone can actually play ball on this squad.”
Coming off a 44-118 disastrous showing in Season 2 which famously ended in a locker room brawl, after star First Baseman Fernando Tejada urinated on then Manager Todd Cox’s office door during a team meeting, the only place to go was up. Cox was fired, along with General Manager dtzoog. General Manager aaron_clarke was brought onboard and immediately moved Tejada to Philadelphia signaling the beginning of change. The change led to an 18 game improvement over last year, and the Thunderbird AAA squad coming within a game of the Championship.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction now,” aaron_clarke says. “We just needed to evaluate our talent and make some sensible and strategic moves.”
Coming over as part of the Fernando Tejada trade was Starting Pitcher Ernie Sanders. Sanders posted a 12-6 record as a rookie supported by a solid 1.22 WHIP and 3.35 ERA. To top it off Sanders also picked up a Gold Glove.
Fellow rookie, and Rule 5 pickup, Roger Brown was strong at the beginning of the season before fading in the end. He logged 203 innings while posting a 7-16 record supported by a 1.35 WHIP and 4.66 ERA.
Both will be joined this year by AAA NL Cy Young Winner John McMasters. McMasters is a crafty left hander who challenges hitters on the corners. As a Baseball ProspectusTop 100 prospect, he’s expected to be the staff’s future ace.
All three will need to post WHIPs under 1.30 and ERAs under 4.00 this year for Tacoma to compete.
On the offensive side of the diamond Tacoma will introduce some new players including speedster Andy Haney who swiped 73 bases in 77 attempts. Cy Lowry, who was acquired from Vancouver also brings a jet pack with him from AAA logging 60 stolen bases in 74 attempts. If either can get on base on a regular basis they should be able to cause some problems for opposing batteries.
Bip Moreno returns to the Thunderbirds after inking a $22 million dollar contract over the next four years. Moreno might be one of the best kept secrets in the NL West slugging 42 home runs last year despite playing in the league’s most pitcher friendly park.
”Many people forget he slugged 55 home runs and drove in 155 for a good Boston squad in Season 1,” says Tacoma Hitting Instructor Herman Potvin.
Rookie Outfielder Tony Javier also flew under the radar posting a 20/20 season (21 home runs and 36 stolen bases).
“Doesn’t bother me to be unknown man, doesn’t bother me one bit,” says Javier.
The major question for Tacoma is how to replace the departed Midre Lopez. Lopez was a staple at Catcher for Tacoma and was unwilling to re-sign after enduring three consecutive losing seasons. How well Zoltan Shermann does in handling his pitchers and using his bat, will go a long way in determining whether this team continues to improve or regresses.
“I can’t be Midre,” says Shermann, “I can only be me.”
The Thunderbird’s know their time to compete for a division title is not now, but the young prospects the club acquired need to show signs of maturing. If the young pitchers take steps backward or if the young outfielders falter it could be another long three years in Tacoma. More than likely Tacoma continues its march forward improving 5 to 10 games on last year’s record.
NL South Preview (Season 4)
NL South Preview
By ESPN Correspondent Peter Gammons
Charlotte Knights
General Manager: dspahlinger
Season 3 Record: 86 Wins – 76 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: First
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 89 Wins - 73 Losses (First)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Pepe Benitez (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Wilfredo Ortiz (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Raul Melo (LowA Shortstop)
With three division titles in three years Charlotte has history on their side. There’s no reason to predict a change in the way the NL South will go this year. General Manager dspahlinger enters his third season with most of his team intact from last year.
The Knights had the fifth best pitching staff in the league last year, posting a team ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.28. They were also second in the entire league in terms of strikeouts.
“We’ve got a complete staff,” says Knights Bullpen Coach Kyle Kramer.
Leading the staff is wonderkid, and 15 game winner, Pepe Benitez. Only 23 years of age, he already has logged 681 career innings, 50 career wins, and 633 strikeouts. The fact he hasn’t even come close to reaching his ceiling amazes his teammates and scares his opposition.
“He’s got more upside than anyone I’ve ever seen,” says Josh Clancy, Vancouver’s own ace.
Supporting Benitez in the pitching rotation will be Tony Mesa, Wilfredo Ortiz, Cam Stein and Boots Monroe.
Mesa is good enough to be an ace on most squads. With a Cy Young trophy to his credit and a career WHIP of 1.07 and ERA of 2.77, one could argue he, not Benitez, is the best member of the staff.
“They’re both damn good,” notes Kyle Kramer. “It’s the best one-two punch in the league.”
Wilfredo Ortiz figures to have a breakout season this year, as he improved his pitching command while dominating in winter league play.
Of course the question in Charlotte has never been the pitching staff, the question is how many runs can they squeeze out of a lineup devoid of power. Last year, Charlotte finished with the second least home runs in the league and the third worst OPS. Right Fielder Dustin Crosby was the only Knight to finish with over 20 home runs (23), and Shortstop Benji Martin was the only player to reach 100 RBI (101). With three straight postseason series losses, the Knights offense will have to improve in order to advance beyond winning the division.
Despite this glaring weakness, no offseason moves of note were made to shore up the offense. Team salary stayed essentially unchanged, and no pitching was packaged for a high caliber bat. The season of inactivity was enough to drive Charlotte fans nuts.
“It’s an embarrassment,” said Charlotte radio personality Craig Carter. “With free agency the way it is in this game today, you only have a short window to win with this pitching staff. Why we don’t acquire a bat is beyond me.”
Time will tell if Charlotte makes a move before the trading deadline to acquire a bat, but if history is any indication you shouldn’t count on it. For that reason alone, Charlotte is a safe pick to win the division and get bounced again during the first round of the playoffs.
Montgomery Hornets
General Manager: rootgargle
Season 3 Record: 65 Wins – 97 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 80 Wins - 82 Losses (Second)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Ivan Delgado (Catcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Donald Miyakazi (Right Fielder)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Ham McCallum (AA Starting Pitcher)
One of the best kept secrets in the NL is the improvement of the Montgomery Hornets over the offseason. After finishing with 65 wins and 97 losses last season, which culminated with former General Manager pocketaces’ ouster from office, Montgomery is headed in the right direction.
“We’ve got some good young kids,” new General Manager rootgargle points out. “We’ll improve this year.”
Among those new kids is Right Field prospect Donald “Kamikaze” Miyakazi. Miyakazi has been on everyone’s radar since Season 2, when he won a Silver Slugger Award in LoA ball after hitting .349 with 26 home runs and 157 RBI. It was a season where he also tacked on 30 stolen bases. It was also during that same season that he got his nickname, after running over Tacoma catcher Kory Sutton at home plate (breaking his own nose and fracturing Sutton’s cheekbone). Last season Montgomery rushed Miyakazi’s development from LoA to AAA, and he struggled mightily during the first half of the season.
“Everything was so much faster,” Miyakazi told the Montgomery Herald, “I just wasn’t ready for it.
By the end of the season Miyakazi had adjusted to the rise in competition, and Montgomery brass now thinks he’s ready for the big show. Expect a 20/20 season from the “Kamikaze”, with a 25/25 season a distinct possibility.
Entering his fourth season with Montgomery, utility superman Woodie Drew is expected to continue his rapid development. After raising his batting average by over 30 points (.284), his slugging by over 75 points (.458), and increasing his stolen base total by 11 (12), Drew is poised for big things in Season 4. The question remains, however, where will Montgomery place him in the field? Drew logged 46 games at third base, 22 games at shortstop, and 67 games in left field last year.
Pitching is a bit of a question mark for the Hornets. No starter logged more than 180 innings. Leo Rogers was the only starter who had an ERA under 4.00, and he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Machines after being designated for assignment.
Perhaps the best hope for the pitching staff comes in the form of Mississippian Babe Brooks. He’s pretty much a straight fastball pitcher, but he throws if for strikes and limits free passes to first (3:1 strikeout to walk ratio). That said, scouts universally agree Brooks is not a number type starter. Improvements will have to be made to the staff in order to catch perennial division leader Charlotte.
With a plethora of young stars ready to hit their stride, expect Montgomery to pull a surprise leapfrog over both Huntington and New Orleans this year to place second in the NL South.
Huntington Hackers
General Manager: jamesny27
Season 3 Record: 76 Wins – 86 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Second
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 72 Wins - 90 Losses (Third)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Louie Franco (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Albert Hamilton (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Allen Wood (AAA Center Fielder)
Huntington took a huge step backwards last year losing 15 more games in Season 3 than they did in Season 2. Major culprit for the slide—an aging ballclub. Major contributors like relievers Alex Lorenzo and Clay Barry are over 35, and all three starting outfielders, Carlton Bush, Miguel Cortez, and Louie Franco (assuming Louie Franco slides to Left Field this year), are age 33.
“Age, it’s going around—everybody’s catching it,” Bush quipped this year during Spring Training.
Help may be on the way in the form of AAA Center Fielder Allen Wood. Huntington has been very patient with Wood, bringing him up one level a year. This approach culminated in a radical successful season at AAA last year where Wood stroked 60 home runs and batted .357. He also stole 27 bases is 35 attempts. There are some that suspect Allen Wood will actually be patrolling center field to start the season.
“He’s got as good an opportunity as anyone to make the squad,” says Hacker Bench Coach Terry Morris.
A veteran who hasn’t experienced a backslide with age is First Baseman Danny Vernon. Rumors are swirling as to whether Vernon will start the season with the Hackers. After leading the team with 61 home runs last year there’s a widely held belief Vernon will be dealt.
“I can’t worry about what’s out of my control,” says Vernon.
On the mound, Charles Fullmer will be counted on to make the transition from staff contributor to staff ace. With a tremendous fastball and a solid curveball, there’s no reason to think he can’t be successful. Expect at least a reprise of Season 3 where he went 16-6 with a WHIP of 1.36 and an ERA of 3.52.
Another man that needs to make a return to form is Closer Clay Barry. In Season 2 Barry was electric, saving 36 games in 39 chances while sporting a miniscule WHIP of 0.92 and ERA of 2.81. Despite somehow garnering an All Star game selection last year (one of the great unsolved mysteries of Season 3), his numbers ballooned to a WHIP of 1.33 and an ERA of 4.39. While Season 2 expectations are unreasonable, Barry will need to split the difference of the two seasons, otherwise the 9th inning could become an adventure in Huntington.
During the first three seasons Huntington posted solid second place finishes in the division. Unfortunately the core of the squad is aging and clubs like Montgomery and New Orleans are starting to catch up in terms of talent. Expect this to be a year of flux for Huntington, where they’ll look to either rebuild or make one last push for a division title.
New Orleans Sinners
General Manager: jmil397
Season 3 Record: 65 Wins – 97 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: (67 Wins - 95 Losses) Fourth
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Steve Bennett (First Baseman)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Erv Richardson (Long Reliever)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Alex Lee (AAA Center Fielder)
From the moment New Orleans Governor Ray Nagin cut the red ribbon surrounding Zephyr Field there have been high hopes for a franchise that has struggled in recent seasons.
With the new stadium and renewed hope came a newly tinkered with pitching staff. General Manager jmil397 made a couple of offseason moves, one of which was acquiring Dan Fowler from last year’s Dream League Champions, Kansas City. Fowler posted good totals for Kansas City last year including a WHIP of 1.21 and an ERA of 2.87. For an annual salary of $3.2 million dollars he was considered a smart pick up. Jmil397 also promoted Jo-jo Bell from AAA. Bell is expected to win a spot in the starting rotation during Spring Training. While he has some control problems he’s got a couple of good pitches, most notably his left breaking four seam fastball.
Returning as New Orleans’ ace is Wilson Blowers, the tall and lanky right hander. Though he looks like a stick figure on the mound (he’s 6”6’ and only 188 pounds), and can’t be confused for having a cannon for an arm (his fastball tops out at 84), he is effective. Last season he posted an extremely respectable 16-9 record for a team that only won 65 games. In addition he posted 191 strikeouts using primarily finesse and guile.
“He’s a student of the game,” says Sinner Pitching Coach Miguel Santos. “Nobody studies hitters more then he does.”
The offense will be centered around cleanup hitter Steve Bennett. Bennett posted a .292 average while swatting 37 home runs and driving in 115 runs from his First Base slot. His partner in crime, Right Fielder, Thurman Durham, left for Philadelphia after the Sinners declined his option for Season 4. His 26 home runs and 88 RBI will be hard to replace. Ironically General Manager Jmil397 looked to the franchise that signed Durham for a replacement. In an offseason move New Orleans picked up veteran Right Fielder Rickey Simon in a trade. Simon has hit 83 home runs and batted .324 over the last three seasons, but at 35 he’s not getting any younger.
Finally, no talk of the New Orleans Sinners would be complete without mentioning part time Center Fielder, part time Third Baseman, and part time GQ cover model, Luis Mantalban. Mantalban has been a top 25 type prospect for as long as anyone can remember. He’s a five tool player that can change a game with his glove, legs, or bat. The problem seems to be his concentration and dedication to the game. One has to wonder whether the “Big Easy” is the right place for Mantalban to mature beyond his playboy image. In the right environment and frame of mind, a 25/25 season and a Gold Glove is a given.
New Orleans is an interesting club with some cornerstone players in place. Unfortunately for Ray Nagin, and the rest of the Sinner supporters, the supporting cast is weak. It will be up to rookie General Manager jmil397 to build the pieces around the Mantalbans, Bennetts and Blowers. If this season is an indication, the building has begun.
By ESPN Correspondent Peter Gammons
Charlotte Knights
General Manager: dspahlinger
Season 3 Record: 86 Wins – 76 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: First
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 89 Wins - 73 Losses (First)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Pepe Benitez (Starting Pitcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Wilfredo Ortiz (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Raul Melo (LowA Shortstop)
With three division titles in three years Charlotte has history on their side. There’s no reason to predict a change in the way the NL South will go this year. General Manager dspahlinger enters his third season with most of his team intact from last year.
The Knights had the fifth best pitching staff in the league last year, posting a team ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.28. They were also second in the entire league in terms of strikeouts.
“We’ve got a complete staff,” says Knights Bullpen Coach Kyle Kramer.
Leading the staff is wonderkid, and 15 game winner, Pepe Benitez. Only 23 years of age, he already has logged 681 career innings, 50 career wins, and 633 strikeouts. The fact he hasn’t even come close to reaching his ceiling amazes his teammates and scares his opposition.
“He’s got more upside than anyone I’ve ever seen,” says Josh Clancy, Vancouver’s own ace.
Supporting Benitez in the pitching rotation will be Tony Mesa, Wilfredo Ortiz, Cam Stein and Boots Monroe.
Mesa is good enough to be an ace on most squads. With a Cy Young trophy to his credit and a career WHIP of 1.07 and ERA of 2.77, one could argue he, not Benitez, is the best member of the staff.
“They’re both damn good,” notes Kyle Kramer. “It’s the best one-two punch in the league.”
Wilfredo Ortiz figures to have a breakout season this year, as he improved his pitching command while dominating in winter league play.
Of course the question in Charlotte has never been the pitching staff, the question is how many runs can they squeeze out of a lineup devoid of power. Last year, Charlotte finished with the second least home runs in the league and the third worst OPS. Right Fielder Dustin Crosby was the only Knight to finish with over 20 home runs (23), and Shortstop Benji Martin was the only player to reach 100 RBI (101). With three straight postseason series losses, the Knights offense will have to improve in order to advance beyond winning the division.
Despite this glaring weakness, no offseason moves of note were made to shore up the offense. Team salary stayed essentially unchanged, and no pitching was packaged for a high caliber bat. The season of inactivity was enough to drive Charlotte fans nuts.
“It’s an embarrassment,” said Charlotte radio personality Craig Carter. “With free agency the way it is in this game today, you only have a short window to win with this pitching staff. Why we don’t acquire a bat is beyond me.”
Time will tell if Charlotte makes a move before the trading deadline to acquire a bat, but if history is any indication you shouldn’t count on it. For that reason alone, Charlotte is a safe pick to win the division and get bounced again during the first round of the playoffs.
Montgomery Hornets
General Manager: rootgargle
Season 3 Record: 65 Wins – 97 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 80 Wins - 82 Losses (Second)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Ivan Delgado (Catcher)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Donald Miyakazi (Right Fielder)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Ham McCallum (AA Starting Pitcher)
One of the best kept secrets in the NL is the improvement of the Montgomery Hornets over the offseason. After finishing with 65 wins and 97 losses last season, which culminated with former General Manager pocketaces’ ouster from office, Montgomery is headed in the right direction.
“We’ve got some good young kids,” new General Manager rootgargle points out. “We’ll improve this year.”
Among those new kids is Right Field prospect Donald “Kamikaze” Miyakazi. Miyakazi has been on everyone’s radar since Season 2, when he won a Silver Slugger Award in LoA ball after hitting .349 with 26 home runs and 157 RBI. It was a season where he also tacked on 30 stolen bases. It was also during that same season that he got his nickname, after running over Tacoma catcher Kory Sutton at home plate (breaking his own nose and fracturing Sutton’s cheekbone). Last season Montgomery rushed Miyakazi’s development from LoA to AAA, and he struggled mightily during the first half of the season.
“Everything was so much faster,” Miyakazi told the Montgomery Herald, “I just wasn’t ready for it.
By the end of the season Miyakazi had adjusted to the rise in competition, and Montgomery brass now thinks he’s ready for the big show. Expect a 20/20 season from the “Kamikaze”, with a 25/25 season a distinct possibility.
Entering his fourth season with Montgomery, utility superman Woodie Drew is expected to continue his rapid development. After raising his batting average by over 30 points (.284), his slugging by over 75 points (.458), and increasing his stolen base total by 11 (12), Drew is poised for big things in Season 4. The question remains, however, where will Montgomery place him in the field? Drew logged 46 games at third base, 22 games at shortstop, and 67 games in left field last year.
Pitching is a bit of a question mark for the Hornets. No starter logged more than 180 innings. Leo Rogers was the only starter who had an ERA under 4.00, and he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Machines after being designated for assignment.
Perhaps the best hope for the pitching staff comes in the form of Mississippian Babe Brooks. He’s pretty much a straight fastball pitcher, but he throws if for strikes and limits free passes to first (3:1 strikeout to walk ratio). That said, scouts universally agree Brooks is not a number type starter. Improvements will have to be made to the staff in order to catch perennial division leader Charlotte.
With a plethora of young stars ready to hit their stride, expect Montgomery to pull a surprise leapfrog over both Huntington and New Orleans this year to place second in the NL South.
Huntington Hackers
General Manager: jamesny27
Season 3 Record: 76 Wins – 86 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Second
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: 72 Wins - 90 Losses (Third)
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Louie Franco (Left Fielder)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Albert Hamilton (Starting Pitcher)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Allen Wood (AAA Center Fielder)
Huntington took a huge step backwards last year losing 15 more games in Season 3 than they did in Season 2. Major culprit for the slide—an aging ballclub. Major contributors like relievers Alex Lorenzo and Clay Barry are over 35, and all three starting outfielders, Carlton Bush, Miguel Cortez, and Louie Franco (assuming Louie Franco slides to Left Field this year), are age 33.
“Age, it’s going around—everybody’s catching it,” Bush quipped this year during Spring Training.
Help may be on the way in the form of AAA Center Fielder Allen Wood. Huntington has been very patient with Wood, bringing him up one level a year. This approach culminated in a radical successful season at AAA last year where Wood stroked 60 home runs and batted .357. He also stole 27 bases is 35 attempts. There are some that suspect Allen Wood will actually be patrolling center field to start the season.
“He’s got as good an opportunity as anyone to make the squad,” says Hacker Bench Coach Terry Morris.
A veteran who hasn’t experienced a backslide with age is First Baseman Danny Vernon. Rumors are swirling as to whether Vernon will start the season with the Hackers. After leading the team with 61 home runs last year there’s a widely held belief Vernon will be dealt.
“I can’t worry about what’s out of my control,” says Vernon.
On the mound, Charles Fullmer will be counted on to make the transition from staff contributor to staff ace. With a tremendous fastball and a solid curveball, there’s no reason to think he can’t be successful. Expect at least a reprise of Season 3 where he went 16-6 with a WHIP of 1.36 and an ERA of 3.52.
Another man that needs to make a return to form is Closer Clay Barry. In Season 2 Barry was electric, saving 36 games in 39 chances while sporting a miniscule WHIP of 0.92 and ERA of 2.81. Despite somehow garnering an All Star game selection last year (one of the great unsolved mysteries of Season 3), his numbers ballooned to a WHIP of 1.33 and an ERA of 4.39. While Season 2 expectations are unreasonable, Barry will need to split the difference of the two seasons, otherwise the 9th inning could become an adventure in Huntington.
During the first three seasons Huntington posted solid second place finishes in the division. Unfortunately the core of the squad is aging and clubs like Montgomery and New Orleans are starting to catch up in terms of talent. Expect this to be a year of flux for Huntington, where they’ll look to either rebuild or make one last push for a division title.
New Orleans Sinners
General Manager: jmil397
Season 3 Record: 65 Wins – 97 Losses
Season 3 Division Finish: Fourth
ESPN’s Season 4 Predicted Finish: (67 Wins - 95 Losses) Fourth
ESPN’s Predicted Team MVP: Steve Bennett (First Baseman)
ESPN’s Breakout Contributor: Erv Richardson (Long Reliever)
Sporting News Top Minor Leaguer: Alex Lee (AAA Center Fielder)
From the moment New Orleans Governor Ray Nagin cut the red ribbon surrounding Zephyr Field there have been high hopes for a franchise that has struggled in recent seasons.
With the new stadium and renewed hope came a newly tinkered with pitching staff. General Manager jmil397 made a couple of offseason moves, one of which was acquiring Dan Fowler from last year’s Dream League Champions, Kansas City. Fowler posted good totals for Kansas City last year including a WHIP of 1.21 and an ERA of 2.87. For an annual salary of $3.2 million dollars he was considered a smart pick up. Jmil397 also promoted Jo-jo Bell from AAA. Bell is expected to win a spot in the starting rotation during Spring Training. While he has some control problems he’s got a couple of good pitches, most notably his left breaking four seam fastball.
Returning as New Orleans’ ace is Wilson Blowers, the tall and lanky right hander. Though he looks like a stick figure on the mound (he’s 6”6’ and only 188 pounds), and can’t be confused for having a cannon for an arm (his fastball tops out at 84), he is effective. Last season he posted an extremely respectable 16-9 record for a team that only won 65 games. In addition he posted 191 strikeouts using primarily finesse and guile.
“He’s a student of the game,” says Sinner Pitching Coach Miguel Santos. “Nobody studies hitters more then he does.”
The offense will be centered around cleanup hitter Steve Bennett. Bennett posted a .292 average while swatting 37 home runs and driving in 115 runs from his First Base slot. His partner in crime, Right Fielder, Thurman Durham, left for Philadelphia after the Sinners declined his option for Season 4. His 26 home runs and 88 RBI will be hard to replace. Ironically General Manager Jmil397 looked to the franchise that signed Durham for a replacement. In an offseason move New Orleans picked up veteran Right Fielder Rickey Simon in a trade. Simon has hit 83 home runs and batted .324 over the last three seasons, but at 35 he’s not getting any younger.
Finally, no talk of the New Orleans Sinners would be complete without mentioning part time Center Fielder, part time Third Baseman, and part time GQ cover model, Luis Mantalban. Mantalban has been a top 25 type prospect for as long as anyone can remember. He’s a five tool player that can change a game with his glove, legs, or bat. The problem seems to be his concentration and dedication to the game. One has to wonder whether the “Big Easy” is the right place for Mantalban to mature beyond his playboy image. In the right environment and frame of mind, a 25/25 season and a Gold Glove is a given.
New Orleans is an interesting club with some cornerstone players in place. Unfortunately for Ray Nagin, and the rest of the Sinner supporters, the supporting cast is weak. It will be up to rookie General Manager jmil397 to build the pieces around the Mantalbans, Bennetts and Blowers. If this season is an indication, the building has begun.
Free Agency, Rule 5, Other BS
On the first day of free agency this season, there was a collective groan from the owners, when everyone realized that the pitcher pool was severely lacking. But, there was a surplus of bats to be had, and the bidding wars began.
The biggest winner/loser of free agency was the Tucson Toros franchise. They picked up two Type B free agents in Doug Erving and Justin Rivers, which meant only giving up two late 1st rounders at #43 and #55. Erving is a decent bat, while Rivers is a slugger, who has hit 25, 35, and 20 HR's respectively in the first three seasons. Erving was probably a little bit more expensive than mjdato had hoped, but he and Rivers will contribute to the ML squad this season. Meanwhile, the Toros have 8 selections in the first 100 of the draft this season, with 5 of those coming in the first 50. Although, that meant losing players like Wolf Young, Ronald Leiter, and Albert Hayes. All three are past all-stars, but will contribute to other teams this season. Hopefully Tucson drafts well, and makes up for losing those players.
Geoff Trout was an interesting pickup by Pittsburgh. 31-years-old, and spending his last 2 1/2 seasons in the friendly confines of Coors Field, one could argue that his statistics are a bit inflated, and he might or might not be worth the 5-year, $56 million contract that he was signed to. Midre Lopez was also signed by Pittsburgh, which means they have no draft picks until #109 this season. Hopefully they plan on spending some money in the IFA market.
The lowly Chicago Machines made a little bit of noise with the signing of Dave Burnett. They are now down to just that first overall pick, as they had to give up the top pick in the 2nd round. How has Burnett never been on the DL? Look at that health rating! Did I just jinx him?
Another big winner/loser in free agency was Pawtucket. Are they so loaded, that they can allow three Type A free agents to walk away? Or is their day in the sun over for now? Well that's another column for another day. But allowing Keith Gates, Pablo Gonzalez, and Kyle Doyle to walk away does not scream "we're ready for the World Series." But we shall see.
In the Rule 5 Draft this season, a handful of teams were very active, while the vast majority saved their money and watched TV all day. Only around half of the league took part in the draft, with five teams only making one selection, and San Antonio and Cincinnati each took five picks, the most in the draft. Highlights included Chicago taking Dave Allen, a decent catcher, who might be better used at 1B or DH, but he was a bargain. Marshall Wallace went next, a decent pitcher whose overall rating is a bit inflated due to his high health. He posted a 12-5 record at AAA last season, but is he ready for the big leagues? How did Dave Howell drop all the way to San Antonio? I don't think the Psychosis are complaining. Posting a 36-20 record at AA the last three seasons, Davey has progressed nicely each season, and even if he isn't ready to be a starter in the ML right now, he's only 22-years-old, and should be a solid starter in a season or two.
The big losers in the R5D were Durham and Texas (lost 4 players each), Cheyenne, Salem and Tampa Bay (3 players each), and Atlanta, Buffalo, Colorado, Huntington, Montgomery, and St Louis (2 players each). Will any of these teams be hurt by losing those players? Will any of the drafting teams get significant help from these players? I encourage you to let me know, and I'll write about it.
Now that spring training is starting up and all of the offseason happenings are over, let's hope that the daily chatting will die down a little bit, and we can get on to some baseball. There are awards to be won, titles to be claimed, and a big trophy waiting for someone to take it home!!
The biggest winner/loser of free agency was the Tucson Toros franchise. They picked up two Type B free agents in Doug Erving and Justin Rivers, which meant only giving up two late 1st rounders at #43 and #55. Erving is a decent bat, while Rivers is a slugger, who has hit 25, 35, and 20 HR's respectively in the first three seasons. Erving was probably a little bit more expensive than mjdato had hoped, but he and Rivers will contribute to the ML squad this season. Meanwhile, the Toros have 8 selections in the first 100 of the draft this season, with 5 of those coming in the first 50. Although, that meant losing players like Wolf Young, Ronald Leiter, and Albert Hayes. All three are past all-stars, but will contribute to other teams this season. Hopefully Tucson drafts well, and makes up for losing those players.
Geoff Trout was an interesting pickup by Pittsburgh. 31-years-old, and spending his last 2 1/2 seasons in the friendly confines of Coors Field, one could argue that his statistics are a bit inflated, and he might or might not be worth the 5-year, $56 million contract that he was signed to. Midre Lopez was also signed by Pittsburgh, which means they have no draft picks until #109 this season. Hopefully they plan on spending some money in the IFA market.
The lowly Chicago Machines made a little bit of noise with the signing of Dave Burnett. They are now down to just that first overall pick, as they had to give up the top pick in the 2nd round. How has Burnett never been on the DL? Look at that health rating! Did I just jinx him?
Another big winner/loser in free agency was Pawtucket. Are they so loaded, that they can allow three Type A free agents to walk away? Or is their day in the sun over for now? Well that's another column for another day. But allowing Keith Gates, Pablo Gonzalez, and Kyle Doyle to walk away does not scream "we're ready for the World Series." But we shall see.
In the Rule 5 Draft this season, a handful of teams were very active, while the vast majority saved their money and watched TV all day. Only around half of the league took part in the draft, with five teams only making one selection, and San Antonio and Cincinnati each took five picks, the most in the draft. Highlights included Chicago taking Dave Allen, a decent catcher, who might be better used at 1B or DH, but he was a bargain. Marshall Wallace went next, a decent pitcher whose overall rating is a bit inflated due to his high health. He posted a 12-5 record at AAA last season, but is he ready for the big leagues? How did Dave Howell drop all the way to San Antonio? I don't think the Psychosis are complaining. Posting a 36-20 record at AA the last three seasons, Davey has progressed nicely each season, and even if he isn't ready to be a starter in the ML right now, he's only 22-years-old, and should be a solid starter in a season or two.
The big losers in the R5D were Durham and Texas (lost 4 players each), Cheyenne, Salem and Tampa Bay (3 players each), and Atlanta, Buffalo, Colorado, Huntington, Montgomery, and St Louis (2 players each). Will any of these teams be hurt by losing those players? Will any of the drafting teams get significant help from these players? I encourage you to let me know, and I'll write about it.
Now that spring training is starting up and all of the offseason happenings are over, let's hope that the daily chatting will die down a little bit, and we can get on to some baseball. There are awards to be won, titles to be claimed, and a big trophy waiting for someone to take it home!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)