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Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Franchise Prestige Rankings
The Dream League has been around for four seasons now, with a fifth to begin shortly. During those four years, four different teams have won the World Series--The Dream League appears to be full of parity. Of course the question comes up: What franchise is the best? Using the following methodology we ranked all 32 franchises for their prestige:
Winning Season = 1 Point
Losing Season = -1 Point
90 Win Season = 1 Point
90 Loss Season = -1 Point
100 Win Season = 2 Points
100 Loss Season = -2 Points
Division Crown = 5 Points
Division Basement = -5 Points
Wild Card Berth = 3 Points
Division Championship Series Win = 5 Points
League Championship Series Win = 10 Points
World Series Championship Win = 15 Points
Cy Young Winner = 1 Point
MVP Winner = 1 Point
The Undisputed Champ:
1. 62 Points
Were you expecting Vancouver or Kansas City perhaps? You'd be wrong, and it's not even close. Philly and it's owner repsher has been quietly building the most solid franchise in the Dream League. They have had a winning season and made it to the playoffs every year. They have a World Series title (Season 1). Adrian Simpson's two Cy Youngs don't hurt the ranking either. Though repsher is one of the more quiet owners, he's also one of the most respected. It's easy to see why.
The Elite:
2. 49 Points
Another surprise perhaps? The Honolulu franchise is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Dream League. Honolulu won the World Series back in Season 2, and makes number two on our list with two Division Championship Series wins and a 100 win season to boot. Can General Manager mjdato continue the Hurricane tradition, and blow through the AL opposition?
3. 48 Points
Coming in just behind Honolulu are the mighty Vancouver Mountain Lions. The Lions would have challenged Philly for the top slot if not for their upset loss in the Season 4 World Series. Don't let that one stumble fool you--Vancouver is on the climb. Sporting two Division Titles and three Division Championship Series wins Vancouver has been one of the most consistent teams around. Josh Clancy's Cy Young and Francisco Rodriguez's MVP award gave Vancouver some breathing room over their arch-rival who's just below them in this list......
4. 45 Points
With three winning season, two Division Crowns, and one World Series championship banner, Kansas City is one of the most storied franchises in the Dream League. They also play in the most difficult division--the NL North. With a young group, look for Kansas City to move up the charts. General Manager chadrader has been an absolute blessing to the Kansas City squad, wheeling and dealing his way to the top.
Contenders:
5. 39 Points
Lsansoucy's PawSocks have been one of the most underappreciate teams in the Dream League. Here's another quiet, well respected owner, who is judicious in his trades, careful in free agency, and good at building a winner. Like Philadelphia (and unlike Honolulu, Kansas City, and Vancouver), Pawtucket has had a winning season every year, and has made it to the playoffs every year (2 Division Crowns and 2 Wild Card berths).
6. 38 Points
Did you know that prior to Season 4, the Archies had never had a winning season, let alone a playoff berth? That all changed when St. Louis had the ultimate dream season, launching from a bottom of the pack franchise, to a true contender. The Archies won over 100 games, and won their Division enroute to a World Series Championship in Season 4--and a #6 ranking.
Better Than Average:
7. 29 Points
The gruff, but intelligent General Manager, Primetime17, took over where his predecessors left off, maintaining one the Dream League's better franchises. Despite playing in the NL North, the Primetimers have had a winning season every year, and have made the playoffs on three occassions. The only thing keeping them from being higher--a fluke Division Basement (despite a winning record that year!) and only one Division Crown.
8. 25 Points
If rankings were given on the regular season rather than a combination of the regular season and post-season, the Mud Duckies would rank much higher. Unfortunately despite an amazing four division titles (the only franchise with four), the Mud Duckies rank #8 because they have never gotten past round two in the playoffs.
9. 21 Points
Another regular season titan, the Knights simply don't stack up when it comes to postseason success. With three division titles you would expect the Knights to have gotten through round two--unfortunately they have not. The Knights are also on the decline, posting a worse record each year since the Dream League's inception. Can new General Manager cougdawg3 stop the slide?
The Pack:
10. 20 Points
If they were in the NL South or the NL East, the Salem Slugs would be much higher on this list. Unfortunately they play in the same division as Vancouver which has put the brakes on their accent up the list. Still, the Slugs have had four winning seasons and two Division Crowns. They've also made the playoffs as a Wild Card entry. Can 2_black_dogs continue build a playoff calibur squad in the shadow of Vancouver?
11. 19 Points
Though we've come to expect much from the Scranton Miners, they have not delivered on their promise--yet. Boasting a very young lineup, it won't be long before Scranton starts winning more division titles (they have one so far).
12. 17 Points
General Managers and Owners around the league were sad to see lefty32 retire after Season 4 to sunny Florida. He left a legacy of winning seasons (3) and Division Titles (3), carefully building a very well rounded, young team that should compete for seasons to come. Will muffinman123 be the one to get Rochester past Round 2 of the playoffs?
13 (tie). 15 Points
Everyone has an opinion on General Manager stiller609. Insane Manager who traded away his pitching staff to a division rival (who is now the new power in the NL North), or genious Manager who took a team from 75-87 to NL Champs in one season? The truth is probably a bit in between--and that's how it's been for the Buffalo Franchise--feast or famine. Buffalo sports two winning season (including a 100 win season) and two losing season (including a 100 loss season). Will it be the good Spectacular Views or bad Spectacular Views in Season 5--it's anybody's guess.
13 (tie). 15 Points
Colorado has had consistent ownership and a steady hand at the General Manager spot in pizza_steve. The Knockers have three winning seasons and two Division Titles to show for it. Unfortunately, postseason success has not followed. Colorado will continue to contend for Division titles, but is their window for an ALCS appearance closing?
15. 14 Points
The most villianized franchise in the entire Dream League pulls in at number 15. The Florida/Miami Drug Smugglers are hated nearly everywhere they go, much of it courtesy of now fired General Manager ajf00529, and hotshot third baseman/shortstop Nick Black. Love Black, or hate him, his three MVP Awards keep the Florida franchise dead center in the pack. We'll see if new General Manager istep changes the locker room and team chemistry--early indications are, the Smugglers are still the bad boys of the Dream League.
16. 9 Points
The Steelheads are a long time family owned Franchise that has been quietly competing in the AL East. With three winning seasons in four years, and one Division Title, the longtime General Manager mowbs69 always ensures the Steelheads field a respectable and game squad.
17. 6 Points
Perhaps only Vancouver and Kansas City get more press than Durham, but surprisingly the Bulls are not nearly as storied a franchise as the press would have you believe. With two winnings seasons, and two losing seasons, Durham fans can't say the past four years have been super, with the Division Championship win in Season 4 being the only real high point. History shows us, however, that Durham is quickly on the rise, posting better win totals each year. Expect General Manager njohnson78 to rocket Durham up the list.
18. 5 Points
Another franchise who's bark has been bigger than its bite: The Fargo Tides. Though the quiet and well respected norsk44 now runs the show, it was the loud and boysterous rockies08 that most Dream League fans remember. In his first (and what would turn out to be his only) season running Fargo he boldly predicted a Division Title and World Series ring during his initial press conference. While his prediction didn't hold, Season 3 did turn out to be the high water mark of the franchise. They posted a 99 win season and a Wild Card berth. That was as far as they'd get however.
19. 4 Points
Jamesny127 has been at the helm of the Huntington franchise since the beginning. The regular season results have been good (three winning seasons, including two 90+ win seasons). The bad news is, the Hackers have yet to make a playoff appearance. Will "The Kid" (Allen Wood) change all of that?
20. 3 Points
Shhh.....If you're very quiet, you can hear the sound of San Diego building a young contending team. With two winning seasons (including a Wild Card berth) San Diego has always been a respectable team. With their new talent however, the Mad Friars have their sites set on bigger goals.
21. 0 Points
If a tree falls in the woods, and nobody's around to hear it, does it make a sound? Who knows? Who cares? The bigger question: If the Richmond franchise were to play a game, and nobody was around to watch it, is it a win/loss? The Richmond franchise has been stuck in low mediocrity for years--to the point where your average fan may not know they have a team. They've had two winning seasons, and even two Wild Card berths, but never a Division Title. They also have a 100 loss season to their "credit" (Season 4). New General Manager, bump_bailey, looks to make the Rebels relevant.
22. -4 Points
Baltimore has never placed higher than second (Season 2) in its division, but it has always competed. Only one time have they lost more than 90 games, and they have never been in the Division cellar. The question remains: Can General Manager, metserock44, find somebody to partner with "The Natural" (Toby McPherson)?
Below Average:
23. -10 Points
San Antonio has gone through General Managers quicker than soap stars go through beds. With four General Managers in four years (soon to be five in five years), the Toreros have suffered from shifting philosophies, and it shows. The Toreros have never posted a winning season ending up in the Division Basement once (Season 3). Little known fact: They did, however, have MVP winner, and speedster, Jesus Polanco back in Season 1.
24 (tie). -12 Points
Prior to last season the Hornets were the punchline for nearly every baseball joke. Season 1 through Season 3, they posted three losing seasons, including two 100 loss campaigns that could only be classified as debacles. General Manager pocketaces was fired, and in came young General Manager rootgargle. Not much was expected out of the Hornets, but rootgargle boldly predicted a Division Title--and he delivered. Rootgargle is now recognized as one of the most brilliant General Managers in the game (he had this journalists' vote for GM of the Year), and his name had been linked with the Rochester and Florida franchise before he signed an extension with Montgomery.
24 (tie). -12 Points
It's good Cheyenne fans have a strong minor league system to get excited about, because the Major League squad has be poor to date. Sporting only one winning season in four years and only one playoff appearance (Wild Card in Season 2), the Outlaws need to improve to get butts in the seats. Attendance has been down, with the average being somewhere around 15,000 fans a night.
26. -15 Points
The Oilers have struggled through four different owners in four seasons. antsampson is the first returning General Manager the Oilers have had after Franchise Owner, and ex Exxon CEO Lee Raymond, canned the other three. The results of the instability--predictable. Four losing seasons, with two of those seasons spent in the Division cellar. Antsampson has a big task ahead. Remember the Alamo? Good, because chances are they actually had better odds.
Poorly Run:
27. -16 Points
San Francisco has never been a good franchise, posting a losing season every year since the Dream League's inception. Still, xandor was acquiring good young prospects as General Manager when he was suddenly struck by a heart attack. Stepping away from the game, he handed the reigns over to his son, xandor2, and thankfully he's continued the march towards a youth movement. Time will tell whether this pans out.
28. -16 Points
The Politicians have been in gridlock since day one. With two 100 loss campaigns and no winning seasons, fans have turned to wearing paper bags over their heads at home games. New General Manager, quanin, has his work cut out for him. Poor trades, and mismanagement of the farm system have left New Orleans in a bad position. Still, there are no powerhouses in the division........
Something Stinks In Here:
29. -22 Points
Why are Chicago fans always cursed? Chicago has been awful, finishing last in its division three years out of four. General Manager neilheyman was applauded for adding 24 wins to Chicago's total in Season 4, but he smartly skipped town, bolting to Kansas City as their new Scouting Director. Nobody seems to want to clean up this mess. In comes tjdove123, who says he's ready to rebuild. He's got #1 pick Richard Franco who looks a little like "Wild Thing" from Major League, to work with.
30. -23 Points
Cincinnati has finished in the basement three out of four years--all four years being losing seasons. General Manager bball10 returns, hoping to build a respectable franchise that has topped out at 76 wins (Season 3). He's well liked, but does he have the seasoning and experience to pull off the turn around?
31. -26 Points
When well respected, and successful General Manager hartjh14 took the New York job, baseball experts were stunned.
"What fool takes a team that has finished in cellar all four years, when Florida and Rochester are available and asking for your services?" said EPSN personality Rich Eisen. "He's nuts."
Maybe, but with little payroll committed in future seasons, hartjh14 has a chance to rebuild without any anchors weighing him down. Expectations will be low for a club that has never won more than 73 games in a season.
Is Bill Bavasi As The Wheel?:
32. -30 Points
Futility. Joke. Painful. These are all words to describe the Seattle Thunderbirds.
They've never posted a winning season. They've finished in the cellar every year. They've lost 100 games in a season THREE times.
"Can't we just do it like the English Premier League and relegate them?" asked Seattle sports colunist Art Thiel.
The only reason General Manager aaron_clarke is around for a third season (and has a contract for a forth) is due to the fact he inherited a team with 44 wins. 44 wins! Leaving that cesspool, along with not signing first round picks, and letting other former first rounders get away, makes dtzoog, the former General Manager of the Seattle Thunderbirds, the worst General Manager in Dream League history. When viewed from that perspective, aaron_clarke doesn't look so bad. The same can't be said for the product on the field.
Winning Season = 1 Point
Losing Season = -1 Point
90 Win Season = 1 Point
90 Loss Season = -1 Point
100 Win Season = 2 Points
100 Loss Season = -2 Points
Division Crown = 5 Points
Division Basement = -5 Points
Wild Card Berth = 3 Points
Division Championship Series Win = 5 Points
League Championship Series Win = 10 Points
World Series Championship Win = 15 Points
Cy Young Winner = 1 Point
MVP Winner = 1 Point
The Undisputed Champ:
1. 62 Points
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Were you expecting Vancouver or Kansas City perhaps? You'd be wrong, and it's not even close. Philly and it's owner repsher has been quietly building the most solid franchise in the Dream League. They have had a winning season and made it to the playoffs every year. They have a World Series title (Season 1). Adrian Simpson's two Cy Youngs don't hurt the ranking either. Though repsher is one of the more quiet owners, he's also one of the most respected. It's easy to see why.
The Elite:
2. 49 Points
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Another surprise perhaps? The Honolulu franchise is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Dream League. Honolulu won the World Series back in Season 2, and makes number two on our list with two Division Championship Series wins and a 100 win season to boot. Can General Manager mjdato continue the Hurricane tradition, and blow through the AL opposition?
3. 48 Points
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Coming in just behind Honolulu are the mighty Vancouver Mountain Lions. The Lions would have challenged Philly for the top slot if not for their upset loss in the Season 4 World Series. Don't let that one stumble fool you--Vancouver is on the climb. Sporting two Division Titles and three Division Championship Series wins Vancouver has been one of the most consistent teams around. Josh Clancy's Cy Young and Francisco Rodriguez's MVP award gave Vancouver some breathing room over their arch-rival who's just below them in this list......
4. 45 Points
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With three winning season, two Division Crowns, and one World Series championship banner, Kansas City is one of the most storied franchises in the Dream League. They also play in the most difficult division--the NL North. With a young group, look for Kansas City to move up the charts. General Manager chadrader has been an absolute blessing to the Kansas City squad, wheeling and dealing his way to the top.
Contenders:
5. 39 Points
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Lsansoucy's PawSocks have been one of the most underappreciate teams in the Dream League. Here's another quiet, well respected owner, who is judicious in his trades, careful in free agency, and good at building a winner. Like Philadelphia (and unlike Honolulu, Kansas City, and Vancouver), Pawtucket has had a winning season every year, and has made it to the playoffs every year (2 Division Crowns and 2 Wild Card berths).
6. 38 Points
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Did you know that prior to Season 4, the Archies had never had a winning season, let alone a playoff berth? That all changed when St. Louis had the ultimate dream season, launching from a bottom of the pack franchise, to a true contender. The Archies won over 100 games, and won their Division enroute to a World Series Championship in Season 4--and a #6 ranking.
Better Than Average:
7. 29 Points
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The gruff, but intelligent General Manager, Primetime17, took over where his predecessors left off, maintaining one the Dream League's better franchises. Despite playing in the NL North, the Primetimers have had a winning season every year, and have made the playoffs on three occassions. The only thing keeping them from being higher--a fluke Division Basement (despite a winning record that year!) and only one Division Crown.
8. 25 Points
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If rankings were given on the regular season rather than a combination of the regular season and post-season, the Mud Duckies would rank much higher. Unfortunately despite an amazing four division titles (the only franchise with four), the Mud Duckies rank #8 because they have never gotten past round two in the playoffs.
9. 21 Points
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Another regular season titan, the Knights simply don't stack up when it comes to postseason success. With three division titles you would expect the Knights to have gotten through round two--unfortunately they have not. The Knights are also on the decline, posting a worse record each year since the Dream League's inception. Can new General Manager cougdawg3 stop the slide?
The Pack:
10. 20 Points
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If they were in the NL South or the NL East, the Salem Slugs would be much higher on this list. Unfortunately they play in the same division as Vancouver which has put the brakes on their accent up the list. Still, the Slugs have had four winning seasons and two Division Crowns. They've also made the playoffs as a Wild Card entry. Can 2_black_dogs continue build a playoff calibur squad in the shadow of Vancouver?
11. 19 Points
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Though we've come to expect much from the Scranton Miners, they have not delivered on their promise--yet. Boasting a very young lineup, it won't be long before Scranton starts winning more division titles (they have one so far).
12. 17 Points
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General Managers and Owners around the league were sad to see lefty32 retire after Season 4 to sunny Florida. He left a legacy of winning seasons (3) and Division Titles (3), carefully building a very well rounded, young team that should compete for seasons to come. Will muffinman123 be the one to get Rochester past Round 2 of the playoffs?
13 (tie). 15 Points
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Everyone has an opinion on General Manager stiller609. Insane Manager who traded away his pitching staff to a division rival (who is now the new power in the NL North), or genious Manager who took a team from 75-87 to NL Champs in one season? The truth is probably a bit in between--and that's how it's been for the Buffalo Franchise--feast or famine. Buffalo sports two winning season (including a 100 win season) and two losing season (including a 100 loss season). Will it be the good Spectacular Views or bad Spectacular Views in Season 5--it's anybody's guess.
13 (tie). 15 Points
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Colorado has had consistent ownership and a steady hand at the General Manager spot in pizza_steve. The Knockers have three winning seasons and two Division Titles to show for it. Unfortunately, postseason success has not followed. Colorado will continue to contend for Division titles, but is their window for an ALCS appearance closing?
15. 14 Points
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The most villianized franchise in the entire Dream League pulls in at number 15. The Florida/Miami Drug Smugglers are hated nearly everywhere they go, much of it courtesy of now fired General Manager ajf00529, and hotshot third baseman/shortstop Nick Black. Love Black, or hate him, his three MVP Awards keep the Florida franchise dead center in the pack. We'll see if new General Manager istep changes the locker room and team chemistry--early indications are, the Smugglers are still the bad boys of the Dream League.
16. 9 Points
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The Steelheads are a long time family owned Franchise that has been quietly competing in the AL East. With three winning seasons in four years, and one Division Title, the longtime General Manager mowbs69 always ensures the Steelheads field a respectable and game squad.
17. 6 Points
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Perhaps only Vancouver and Kansas City get more press than Durham, but surprisingly the Bulls are not nearly as storied a franchise as the press would have you believe. With two winnings seasons, and two losing seasons, Durham fans can't say the past four years have been super, with the Division Championship win in Season 4 being the only real high point. History shows us, however, that Durham is quickly on the rise, posting better win totals each year. Expect General Manager njohnson78 to rocket Durham up the list.
18. 5 Points
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Another franchise who's bark has been bigger than its bite: The Fargo Tides. Though the quiet and well respected norsk44 now runs the show, it was the loud and boysterous rockies08 that most Dream League fans remember. In his first (and what would turn out to be his only) season running Fargo he boldly predicted a Division Title and World Series ring during his initial press conference. While his prediction didn't hold, Season 3 did turn out to be the high water mark of the franchise. They posted a 99 win season and a Wild Card berth. That was as far as they'd get however.
19. 4 Points
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Jamesny127 has been at the helm of the Huntington franchise since the beginning. The regular season results have been good (three winning seasons, including two 90+ win seasons). The bad news is, the Hackers have yet to make a playoff appearance. Will "The Kid" (Allen Wood) change all of that?
20. 3 Points
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Shhh.....If you're very quiet, you can hear the sound of San Diego building a young contending team. With two winning seasons (including a Wild Card berth) San Diego has always been a respectable team. With their new talent however, the Mad Friars have their sites set on bigger goals.
21. 0 Points
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If a tree falls in the woods, and nobody's around to hear it, does it make a sound? Who knows? Who cares? The bigger question: If the Richmond franchise were to play a game, and nobody was around to watch it, is it a win/loss? The Richmond franchise has been stuck in low mediocrity for years--to the point where your average fan may not know they have a team. They've had two winning seasons, and even two Wild Card berths, but never a Division Title. They also have a 100 loss season to their "credit" (Season 4). New General Manager, bump_bailey, looks to make the Rebels relevant.
22. -4 Points
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Baltimore has never placed higher than second (Season 2) in its division, but it has always competed. Only one time have they lost more than 90 games, and they have never been in the Division cellar. The question remains: Can General Manager, metserock44, find somebody to partner with "The Natural" (Toby McPherson)?
Below Average:
23. -10 Points
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San Antonio has gone through General Managers quicker than soap stars go through beds. With four General Managers in four years (soon to be five in five years), the Toreros have suffered from shifting philosophies, and it shows. The Toreros have never posted a winning season ending up in the Division Basement once (Season 3). Little known fact: They did, however, have MVP winner, and speedster, Jesus Polanco back in Season 1.
24 (tie). -12 Points
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Prior to last season the Hornets were the punchline for nearly every baseball joke. Season 1 through Season 3, they posted three losing seasons, including two 100 loss campaigns that could only be classified as debacles. General Manager pocketaces was fired, and in came young General Manager rootgargle. Not much was expected out of the Hornets, but rootgargle boldly predicted a Division Title--and he delivered. Rootgargle is now recognized as one of the most brilliant General Managers in the game (he had this journalists' vote for GM of the Year), and his name had been linked with the Rochester and Florida franchise before he signed an extension with Montgomery.
24 (tie). -12 Points
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It's good Cheyenne fans have a strong minor league system to get excited about, because the Major League squad has be poor to date. Sporting only one winning season in four years and only one playoff appearance (Wild Card in Season 2), the Outlaws need to improve to get butts in the seats. Attendance has been down, with the average being somewhere around 15,000 fans a night.
26. -15 Points
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The Oilers have struggled through four different owners in four seasons. antsampson is the first returning General Manager the Oilers have had after Franchise Owner, and ex Exxon CEO Lee Raymond, canned the other three. The results of the instability--predictable. Four losing seasons, with two of those seasons spent in the Division cellar. Antsampson has a big task ahead. Remember the Alamo? Good, because chances are they actually had better odds.
Poorly Run:
27. -16 Points
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San Francisco has never been a good franchise, posting a losing season every year since the Dream League's inception. Still, xandor was acquiring good young prospects as General Manager when he was suddenly struck by a heart attack. Stepping away from the game, he handed the reigns over to his son, xandor2, and thankfully he's continued the march towards a youth movement. Time will tell whether this pans out.
28. -16 Points
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The Politicians have been in gridlock since day one. With two 100 loss campaigns and no winning seasons, fans have turned to wearing paper bags over their heads at home games. New General Manager, quanin, has his work cut out for him. Poor trades, and mismanagement of the farm system have left New Orleans in a bad position. Still, there are no powerhouses in the division........
Something Stinks In Here:
29. -22 Points
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Why are Chicago fans always cursed? Chicago has been awful, finishing last in its division three years out of four. General Manager neilheyman was applauded for adding 24 wins to Chicago's total in Season 4, but he smartly skipped town, bolting to Kansas City as their new Scouting Director. Nobody seems to want to clean up this mess. In comes tjdove123, who says he's ready to rebuild. He's got #1 pick Richard Franco who looks a little like "Wild Thing" from Major League, to work with.
30. -23 Points
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Cincinnati has finished in the basement three out of four years--all four years being losing seasons. General Manager bball10 returns, hoping to build a respectable franchise that has topped out at 76 wins (Season 3). He's well liked, but does he have the seasoning and experience to pull off the turn around?
31. -26 Points
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When well respected, and successful General Manager hartjh14 took the New York job, baseball experts were stunned.
"What fool takes a team that has finished in cellar all four years, when Florida and Rochester are available and asking for your services?" said EPSN personality Rich Eisen. "He's nuts."
Maybe, but with little payroll committed in future seasons, hartjh14 has a chance to rebuild without any anchors weighing him down. Expectations will be low for a club that has never won more than 73 games in a season.
Is Bill Bavasi As The Wheel?:
32. -30 Points
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Futility. Joke. Painful. These are all words to describe the Seattle Thunderbirds.
They've never posted a winning season. They've finished in the cellar every year. They've lost 100 games in a season THREE times.
"Can't we just do it like the English Premier League and relegate them?" asked Seattle sports colunist Art Thiel.
The only reason General Manager aaron_clarke is around for a third season (and has a contract for a forth) is due to the fact he inherited a team with 44 wins. 44 wins! Leaving that cesspool, along with not signing first round picks, and letting other former first rounders get away, makes dtzoog, the former General Manager of the Seattle Thunderbirds, the worst General Manager in Dream League history. When viewed from that perspective, aaron_clarke doesn't look so bad. The same can't be said for the product on the field.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Budgeting 101
Player Payroll:
The amount in this area is used to pay the players salaries. Research is required to help figure out how much is needed. You will need to know how much is needed to resign your ML Free Agents you want to keep, Player Arbitration costs, current payroll and several other costs that are paid from this area. As a rule I use this formula: Current Payroll + Free Agent keepers + Long Term Arbitration keepers/1 year Arbitration keepers + $5M at a minimum. If I plan to dally in the open Free Agent market I add another $10M to $15M depending on how many ML players I may want to go after. The open Free Agent market can be a hit or miss proposition for ML players. You will need to resign minor league Free Agents and open market minor league Free Agents also. One thing to note is some of your minor league Free Agents may want a ML contract, for the most part they aren't worth it.
Prospect Payroll:
This area is used to pay signing bonuses for International Free Agents and Amateur Draft picks. Their salary comes from Player Payroll. Internationals can cost a fortune for a blue chip player and some draft picks also.
Coaches Payroll:
Coaches allow your players to get better at all levels. ML coaches are expensive to replace. You will need to find out which coaches want to return and their cost and how much it might cost to replace others. The Hitting Coach and Pitching Coach are the costliest to replace. Next is a Fielding Instructor. 1B, 3B and Bull Pen Coach are not as costly. Although most Bench Coaches are expensive, there function is minimal at the ML level and as a rule I don't pay a fortune for one unless I have a relatively young team or the previous one wants to stay. Most minor league coaches can be found for about the minimum cost.
Domestic College Scouting Dept:
How much money spent here determines how well and how many college players are scouted in the Amateur Draft.
Domestic High School Scouting Dept:
How much money spent here determines how well and how many High School players are scouted in the Amateur Draft.
International Scouting Dept.:
How much money spent here determines how well and how many International players are scouted.
Advance Scouting Dept.:
How much money spent here determines how well you see any player that is or has been on a roster. All players current ratings are seen by everyone the same. Their projected ratings however are not, the more spent here the truer the projections become. As a note, the difference between $18M and $20M is more fuzzy than one would think.
Training:
Money spent here helps prevent injuries as the guide says. But it is more than that also, think of it as bulking up in the weight room. Being physically prepared helps play on the field. With good training and coaches a players ratings improve. As a rule I increase this area to $20M.
Medical:
If a player gets injured, the more spent in this area lessens the injury and allows him to rehab better and faster. As a rule I spend $14M to $16M here and depends on health ratings and age at the ML level. If you have players who get hurt a lot, you want a lot of money in this area, so they can get back on the field quickly. If your players all have health ratings of 90+, then you can skimp in this area a little bit.
The amount in this area is used to pay the players salaries. Research is required to help figure out how much is needed. You will need to know how much is needed to resign your ML Free Agents you want to keep, Player Arbitration costs, current payroll and several other costs that are paid from this area. As a rule I use this formula: Current Payroll + Free Agent keepers + Long Term Arbitration keepers/1 year Arbitration keepers + $5M at a minimum. If I plan to dally in the open Free Agent market I add another $10M to $15M depending on how many ML players I may want to go after. The open Free Agent market can be a hit or miss proposition for ML players. You will need to resign minor league Free Agents and open market minor league Free Agents also. One thing to note is some of your minor league Free Agents may want a ML contract, for the most part they aren't worth it.
Prospect Payroll:
This area is used to pay signing bonuses for International Free Agents and Amateur Draft picks. Their salary comes from Player Payroll. Internationals can cost a fortune for a blue chip player and some draft picks also.
Coaches Payroll:
Coaches allow your players to get better at all levels. ML coaches are expensive to replace. You will need to find out which coaches want to return and their cost and how much it might cost to replace others. The Hitting Coach and Pitching Coach are the costliest to replace. Next is a Fielding Instructor. 1B, 3B and Bull Pen Coach are not as costly. Although most Bench Coaches are expensive, there function is minimal at the ML level and as a rule I don't pay a fortune for one unless I have a relatively young team or the previous one wants to stay. Most minor league coaches can be found for about the minimum cost.
Domestic College Scouting Dept:
How much money spent here determines how well and how many college players are scouted in the Amateur Draft.
Domestic High School Scouting Dept:
How much money spent here determines how well and how many High School players are scouted in the Amateur Draft.
International Scouting Dept.:
How much money spent here determines how well and how many International players are scouted.
Advance Scouting Dept.:
How much money spent here determines how well you see any player that is or has been on a roster. All players current ratings are seen by everyone the same. Their projected ratings however are not, the more spent here the truer the projections become. As a note, the difference between $18M and $20M is more fuzzy than one would think.
Training:
Money spent here helps prevent injuries as the guide says. But it is more than that also, think of it as bulking up in the weight room. Being physically prepared helps play on the field. With good training and coaches a players ratings improve. As a rule I increase this area to $20M.
Medical:
If a player gets injured, the more spent in this area lessens the injury and allows him to rehab better and faster. As a rule I spend $14M to $16M here and depends on health ratings and age at the ML level. If you have players who get hurt a lot, you want a lot of money in this area, so they can get back on the field quickly. If your players all have health ratings of 90+, then you can skimp in this area a little bit.
Players 101
Probably the most hair pulling thing is player abilities. Why they don't perform sometimes is the most frustrating thing an owner goes through. All owners must ponder what is best for their team. Many factors are involved in their success, even the ballparks themselves. So I will try and break it down a little and maybe understand how they work together sometimes.
A players abilities are broken into 4 categories for all players. Some work hand in hand with others and some don't. That is probably the most confusing part.
1. Defensive Abilities - Determines the positions a player should be good at. Each position has a HBDML standard. Players can play well at a position if they meet or exceed those standards. But if a player does not fully meet those standards, his error rate increases. I am not saying that a player who meets the standards will not have errors, all players will, I am saying they will have less. The more even one ability goes down, the more likely he will have more errors and minus plays. The opposite can be said when all abilities are over the standard and will have plus plays. Finding players who exceed all defensive requirements is not easy.
The defensive requirements of a position and changing a players position or adding positions is done through the Edit Rosters menu and clicking on the players defensive position.
One big thing to note about defensive positions of a player is one that throws left-handed CANNOT and should not play an infield position other than 1B. Catchers I am not sure about.
Catchers deserve special note in this category. A catchers pitch calling ability helps pitchers. Seldom do you find a catcher that can hit and have great defensive skills and the trade off is hitting. But the minimum pitch calling standard of a catcher is 50. When this ability goes up, the pitches of a pitcher get added bonuses. They have said that the difference between 50 and 100 is about .010 in a pitchers OAV. I haven't seen a catcher with a 100 PC, but I would say that it is possible that .010 is a little understated and that is for about a 80 PC catcher. Those in the 90's could see .020 or near it depending on the pitcher. It doesn't sound like much but those numbers are for every pitcher. That equates to more outs and fewer hits by the other team overall. Over a course of the season that could be a lot. 162 games, that would be at least 162 less hits per season.
2. Physical Abilities - Durability is how long a player can play before he goes into fatigue status or the ability to recover for a pitcher. Every player needs a rest during the season. Few players play all 162 games. I have a complex formula based on plate appearances a player should be able to have depending on his durability. Notice I said Plate Appearances, not AB's. A 100 durability is about 730 PA's, so if you turn the durability into a percentage and multiply you get the number of PA's during the season a player can effectively manage at 100%.
Health is basically the ability to resist injury. The higher the better and below 65 is not that desirable. That doesn't mean a player with high health is not going to be injured even with a high training budget. It also doesn't mean a player with low health will get injured either but is highly more likely.
Speed is used in conjunction with base running. Though a player under 70 is not going to very effective stealing bases.
Patience is used in many facets of the game and the higher the better.
Temper is not used very much far as we know at this time though those with a low temper tends to get hit by a pitch more often.
Makeup is used in many cases. One is if a player is injured, it determines how well he recovers his abilities after the injury. Also a players makeup determines how fast he will approach his projections and how close he gets to them. The higher the better.
3. Hitting Abilities - I wish there was a cut a dried method to explain these. They have a tendency to work hand in hand with one another along with patience even and maybe makeup also (makeup is a guess). What I can say are players with a high contact will put the ball in play for good or bad. High Power will hit home runs. High splits will garner more walks. High Eye finds more mistake pitches. Some do not pay much attention to the push/pull tendency and should a little. The higher all these stats the better he should hit, but that isn't always guaranteed either.
4. Pitching Abilities - Like hitting abilities, not exactly cut and dried. What I can say is the higher the better..roflmao.
Stamina is how many pitches he can safely throw in an outing. Well, that only depends also. If it is a starting pitcher in a 5-man rotation then use the stamina to set the Total Pitch Count or TPC and Maximum Pitch Count or MPC like so: Stamina +10 or 15 = TPC, TPC + 10 or 15 = MPC. So a 70 stamina SP would have either a 80 or 85 TPC and a 95 or 100 MPC. Whether to use 10 or 15 depends on his other pitching abilities. In a 4-man rotation you do not want him to throw as many pitches in an outing. Rarely do you see a 4-man rotation as you would need all four pitchers with a stamina in the mid 80's and 90's with durability in the 30's. Durability is used in a pitchers fatigue recovery after an outing.
Control is how well a pitcher has command of his pitches. The higher the better.
L and R or vsR and vsL or commonly called splits. The higher the better and in the recent dev chat an effective pitcher will have a vsR of 70 or better whether he be left-handed or right-handed. That doesn't mean a pitcher with lesser splits won't be just as good.
Velocity is how hard a pitcher throws. High velocity is known as a strikeout pitcher and a low velocity is a movement pitcher. Either one is good.
GB/FB is the pitchers to keep the ball on the ground or in the air. The higher means hitters are more apt to hit the ball on the ground.
Pitches is how well the pitcher throws the pitches in question. The usual answer of the higher the better fits here also. But a good pitcher will have one in the 90's, one in the 80's and one in the 70's or 60's. Pitch one is a pitchers out pitch which was garnered from a dev chat. Also a pitcher with a really low 5th pitch will rarely if ever be thrown according to the recent dev chat.
Relief Pitchers are treated about the same as starters with a few exceptions. You will want the TPC and MPC not to go over their stamina and you will want them under in most situations as you will only want them pitching an inning. Durability is the real key for short relievers. Long relievers is best handled by not quite starters.
Hope This helps.
A players abilities are broken into 4 categories for all players. Some work hand in hand with others and some don't. That is probably the most confusing part.
1. Defensive Abilities - Determines the positions a player should be good at. Each position has a HBDML standard. Players can play well at a position if they meet or exceed those standards. But if a player does not fully meet those standards, his error rate increases. I am not saying that a player who meets the standards will not have errors, all players will, I am saying they will have less. The more even one ability goes down, the more likely he will have more errors and minus plays. The opposite can be said when all abilities are over the standard and will have plus plays. Finding players who exceed all defensive requirements is not easy.
The defensive requirements of a position and changing a players position or adding positions is done through the Edit Rosters menu and clicking on the players defensive position.
One big thing to note about defensive positions of a player is one that throws left-handed CANNOT and should not play an infield position other than 1B. Catchers I am not sure about.
Catchers deserve special note in this category. A catchers pitch calling ability helps pitchers. Seldom do you find a catcher that can hit and have great defensive skills and the trade off is hitting. But the minimum pitch calling standard of a catcher is 50. When this ability goes up, the pitches of a pitcher get added bonuses. They have said that the difference between 50 and 100 is about .010 in a pitchers OAV. I haven't seen a catcher with a 100 PC, but I would say that it is possible that .010 is a little understated and that is for about a 80 PC catcher. Those in the 90's could see .020 or near it depending on the pitcher. It doesn't sound like much but those numbers are for every pitcher. That equates to more outs and fewer hits by the other team overall. Over a course of the season that could be a lot. 162 games, that would be at least 162 less hits per season.
2. Physical Abilities - Durability is how long a player can play before he goes into fatigue status or the ability to recover for a pitcher. Every player needs a rest during the season. Few players play all 162 games. I have a complex formula based on plate appearances a player should be able to have depending on his durability. Notice I said Plate Appearances, not AB's. A 100 durability is about 730 PA's, so if you turn the durability into a percentage and multiply you get the number of PA's during the season a player can effectively manage at 100%.
Health is basically the ability to resist injury. The higher the better and below 65 is not that desirable. That doesn't mean a player with high health is not going to be injured even with a high training budget. It also doesn't mean a player with low health will get injured either but is highly more likely.
Speed is used in conjunction with base running. Though a player under 70 is not going to very effective stealing bases.
Patience is used in many facets of the game and the higher the better.
Temper is not used very much far as we know at this time though those with a low temper tends to get hit by a pitch more often.
Makeup is used in many cases. One is if a player is injured, it determines how well he recovers his abilities after the injury. Also a players makeup determines how fast he will approach his projections and how close he gets to them. The higher the better.
3. Hitting Abilities - I wish there was a cut a dried method to explain these. They have a tendency to work hand in hand with one another along with patience even and maybe makeup also (makeup is a guess). What I can say are players with a high contact will put the ball in play for good or bad. High Power will hit home runs. High splits will garner more walks. High Eye finds more mistake pitches. Some do not pay much attention to the push/pull tendency and should a little. The higher all these stats the better he should hit, but that isn't always guaranteed either.
4. Pitching Abilities - Like hitting abilities, not exactly cut and dried. What I can say is the higher the better..roflmao.
Stamina is how many pitches he can safely throw in an outing. Well, that only depends also. If it is a starting pitcher in a 5-man rotation then use the stamina to set the Total Pitch Count or TPC and Maximum Pitch Count or MPC like so: Stamina +10 or 15 = TPC, TPC + 10 or 15 = MPC. So a 70 stamina SP would have either a 80 or 85 TPC and a 95 or 100 MPC. Whether to use 10 or 15 depends on his other pitching abilities. In a 4-man rotation you do not want him to throw as many pitches in an outing. Rarely do you see a 4-man rotation as you would need all four pitchers with a stamina in the mid 80's and 90's with durability in the 30's. Durability is used in a pitchers fatigue recovery after an outing.
Control is how well a pitcher has command of his pitches. The higher the better.
L and R or vsR and vsL or commonly called splits. The higher the better and in the recent dev chat an effective pitcher will have a vsR of 70 or better whether he be left-handed or right-handed. That doesn't mean a pitcher with lesser splits won't be just as good.
Velocity is how hard a pitcher throws. High velocity is known as a strikeout pitcher and a low velocity is a movement pitcher. Either one is good.
GB/FB is the pitchers to keep the ball on the ground or in the air. The higher means hitters are more apt to hit the ball on the ground.
Pitches is how well the pitcher throws the pitches in question. The usual answer of the higher the better fits here also. But a good pitcher will have one in the 90's, one in the 80's and one in the 70's or 60's. Pitch one is a pitchers out pitch which was garnered from a dev chat. Also a pitcher with a really low 5th pitch will rarely if ever be thrown according to the recent dev chat.
Relief Pitchers are treated about the same as starters with a few exceptions. You will want the TPC and MPC not to go over their stamina and you will want them under in most situations as you will only want them pitching an inning. Durability is the real key for short relievers. Long relievers is best handled by not quite starters.
Hope This helps.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Dream League Around The Horn (News & Notes)
A "Sticky" Situation?
Rumors are running rampant in Vancouver that Mountain Lions starting pitcher Sticky Sadler may make a return to the mound in Game 7 (if the series goes to a deciding game). The Vancouver clubhouse is denying these reports, and it would seem to make sense given how long Sadler has been out for. Prudent thoughts seem to dictate that putting a guy into what would amount to the most critical game in Dream League history, with no starts or game action under his belt in the past few months would be ridiculous--especially after bone chips were removed from his throwing elbow.
Regardless of reality, fans on the Vancouver blogs and radio talk shows are in an absolute buzz.
"It's like Schilling and the bloody sock in 2004," says Vancouver DJ "Spin" McGuffey, "if he does start, or even pitch, and Vancouver wins you're talking about the all time greatest sports story."
Sadler for his part is playing it coy and is not responding to phone calls or interview requests. At this point it's anybody's guess whether or not Sadler will take the mound. Stay tuned.
Coming of Age
Mark Wallace has been absolutely dynamite this postseason for the St. Louis Archies. Sporting a posteason record of 4-0 with a 0.93 WHIP and a 0.30 ERA, he's been the MVP of both the World Series and the St. Louis Archies' playoff run. At only 23 Wallace is just starting to realize his potential, which is a scary thought for opposing AL teams.
"I'm just trying to concentrate on getting every out," Wallace said after his Game 5 win. "I give a lot of credit to my defense, and my catcher Gerald Woodward."
Florida Restructures The Front Office
After a tinkering with the ML lineup that went horribly wrong, General Manager ajf00529 was let go. Speculation is also abound, that offseason antics, such as the Nick Black porn scandal, the locker room fight between Al Leyritz and Corey Purcell (which led to Purcell being traded to Atlanta), and his ongoing feud in the press with Buffalo General Manager stiller609, also played a factor in his dismissal.
"It was just time to put an embarassing chapter behind our franchise," said Florida owner Michael Eisner.
Gone along with ajf00529 is his chief trade strategist (a stuffed Elmo doll), and his pitching staff expert (a box of lincoln logs). Expect the lincoln logs to pick up a job somewhere else in the league--we're not so sure about ajf00529.
I'll Be Back
Proving yet again that you can't trust everything posted on Deadspin.com, General Manager stiller609 will be back next season. This is according to the General Manager himself.
"I'll be back," he said. "We need to rebuild this club, and I'm the guy to do it."
Buffalo had a disasterous showing in Season 4, dropping from 86-76 to 61-101. This included a 20 game losing streak down the home stretch of the year after dismantling the starting lineup at the trade deadline. Buffalo fans showed their disastisfaction by wearing paper bags over their head in mass during the final regular season home game at the Dunn Tire Park.
"I think he's destroyed a good team," says longtime fan Chase Davenport, "I was hoping the reports were true that he was gone."
Other fans preach patience,
"If he gets us younger and builds around Kondeu and some of the other stars I'll be happy," says season ticket holder James Garvin.
I Want Out
Those were the exact words spoken by Tacoma pitcher Chuck Rizzuto at a charity event held in his hometown of Baden, Delaware.
"Tacoma is not a baseball city. Tacoma doesn't have a competent ownership group. I want out," Rizzuto said to a group collegues.
Tacoma signed Rizzuto to a long term contract worth $50.5 million over five years, and Rizzuto "rewarded" his new club with 7-19 record and a 5.86 ERA. There's little doubt that Tacoma would like to ship Rizzuto out as well, but moving his contract will prove to be difficult.
Rumors are running rampant in Vancouver that Mountain Lions starting pitcher Sticky Sadler may make a return to the mound in Game 7 (if the series goes to a deciding game). The Vancouver clubhouse is denying these reports, and it would seem to make sense given how long Sadler has been out for. Prudent thoughts seem to dictate that putting a guy into what would amount to the most critical game in Dream League history, with no starts or game action under his belt in the past few months would be ridiculous--especially after bone chips were removed from his throwing elbow.
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Regardless of reality, fans on the Vancouver blogs and radio talk shows are in an absolute buzz.
"It's like Schilling and the bloody sock in 2004," says Vancouver DJ "Spin" McGuffey, "if he does start, or even pitch, and Vancouver wins you're talking about the all time greatest sports story."
Sadler for his part is playing it coy and is not responding to phone calls or interview requests. At this point it's anybody's guess whether or not Sadler will take the mound. Stay tuned.
Coming of Age
 |
| ||||||||||||||
Mark Wallace has been absolutely dynamite this postseason for the St. Louis Archies. Sporting a posteason record of 4-0 with a 0.93 WHIP and a 0.30 ERA, he's been the MVP of both the World Series and the St. Louis Archies' playoff run. At only 23 Wallace is just starting to realize his potential, which is a scary thought for opposing AL teams.
"I'm just trying to concentrate on getting every out," Wallace said after his Game 5 win. "I give a lot of credit to my defense, and my catcher Gerald Woodward."
Florida Restructures The Front Office
|
| ||||||
After a tinkering with the ML lineup that went horribly wrong, General Manager ajf00529 was let go. Speculation is also abound, that offseason antics, such as the Nick Black porn scandal, the locker room fight between Al Leyritz and Corey Purcell (which led to Purcell being traded to Atlanta), and his ongoing feud in the press with Buffalo General Manager stiller609, also played a factor in his dismissal.
"It was just time to put an embarassing chapter behind our franchise," said Florida owner Michael Eisner.
Gone along with ajf00529 is his chief trade strategist (a stuffed Elmo doll), and his pitching staff expert (a box of lincoln logs). Expect the lincoln logs to pick up a job somewhere else in the league--we're not so sure about ajf00529.
I'll Be Back
|
| ||||||
Proving yet again that you can't trust everything posted on Deadspin.com, General Manager stiller609 will be back next season. This is according to the General Manager himself.
"I'll be back," he said. "We need to rebuild this club, and I'm the guy to do it."
Buffalo had a disasterous showing in Season 4, dropping from 86-76 to 61-101. This included a 20 game losing streak down the home stretch of the year after dismantling the starting lineup at the trade deadline. Buffalo fans showed their disastisfaction by wearing paper bags over their head in mass during the final regular season home game at the Dunn Tire Park.
"I think he's destroyed a good team," says longtime fan Chase Davenport, "I was hoping the reports were true that he was gone."
Other fans preach patience,
"If he gets us younger and builds around Kondeu and some of the other stars I'll be happy," says season ticket holder James Garvin.
I Want Out
Those were the exact words spoken by Tacoma pitcher Chuck Rizzuto at a charity event held in his hometown of Baden, Delaware.
 |
| ||||||||||||||
"Tacoma is not a baseball city. Tacoma doesn't have a competent ownership group. I want out," Rizzuto said to a group collegues.
Tacoma signed Rizzuto to a long term contract worth $50.5 million over five years, and Rizzuto "rewarded" his new club with 7-19 record and a 5.86 ERA. There's little doubt that Tacoma would like to ship Rizzuto out as well, but moving his contract will prove to be difficult.
Dream League Prospects (21-39)
21. Roger James, P, New York
Triple A, 22, L/L
Forever the pitching gem of the NY organization, James has about capped his potential in three seasons at AAA. Next year will determine if he’s going to be the next Andy Pettitte or the next Phillip Hughes. We’ll take Pettitte, minus the steroid “experiment” and the big honker.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #3 starter
---
22. Harold Obermueller, SS, Pawtucket
High A, 24, R/R
It’s a quandary in the bigs. Do we start a SS who can hit but has a decent glove, or a great glove but hits like Tony Pena Jr at the plate? Obermueller brings the best of both worlds – to High A. Slow advancement through the system is all that’s holding Obermueller back. Recent reports have it ownership is looking to replace the farm instructor if Obermueller doesn’t reach the majors soon.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: Gold Glove SS
---
23. Dante Alexander, OF, Tampa Bay
Triple A, 22, R/R
Remember the public advertising Durham posted about grabbing future All-Star Dante Alexander? Njohnson78 may have been right after all, and TB was right in grabbing the talented OF. Alexander looks to be along the lines of Bobby Abreu.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #3 hitter, okay, we’ll call him an All-Star too
---
24. Josh Holden, C, Tacoma
Triple A, 23, R/R
Right ahead of Pep McGowan stands Holden. Okay, not literally. But on the rankings, Holden nudges Holden with a little better pitching calling, a comparable bat and incredible durability. Holden caught all of a 2-1, 22-inning marathon in the heat of July last season, then followed with the nightcap of the doubleheader. Afterwards, Holden cleaned the dugout, washed the bleachers and ran back to his apartment.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: Gold glove fixture for the Thunderbirds for the next decade
---
25. Pep McGowan, C, Colorado
High A, 19, R/R
This brotha’ can call a game, gun out runners, blast it deep and pick up the big butted blondies the game. “Lemme put some pep in your step” is his big catch line as he brushes up against the ladies on the dance floor. On the field, McGowan is close to big league ready already, but a few years of seasoning will make him the Charles Johnson who doesn’t hit .216 but .316 instead.
ETA: Season 7
Projection: All-Star Catcher
---
26. Dennys Shin, P, San Diego
Triple A, 25, S/L
Smuggled in from the Far East on a docket of Nintendos, Shin adapted to American life roughly. Shin still gets tongue-tied in post-game interviews and on first dates. Which is why Shin switched to Matchmaker.com and paid the media relations intern to post his profile.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #2 or #3 Starter
---
27. Jose Acosta, P, San Francisco
Double A, 22, R/R
Acosta quietly was obtained midseason when Vancouver decided to go empty net on prospects in pursuit of the World Series trophy. Everyone oohs and aahs so much at Seguignol and Hughes, that Acosta has flown under the radar. About like being the third singer in Hall & Oates.
ETA: Season 7
Projection: #1 or 2 starter
---
28. Kelvin Sveum, P, Kansas City
Triple A, 23, R/R
Sveum arrived in the Midwest in one of chadrader’s first trades as the club’s GM. Sveum has gradually moved up the ranks and looks to crack the rotation next season. But with a solid rotation ahead, Sveum will have break in as a long reliever or wait for an injury. With Mac Perry on the roster, that may be next week.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #3 starter
---
29. Johnny Lowe, P, Tucson
Double A, 20, R/R
Despite mediocre splits, Lowe blows scouts away with his health, stamina, patience, control, fastball, knuckleball and palmball. Yes, the famous palmball. The palmball separates Lowe from the rest of the Tucson prospects, which is a good thing because Lowe absolutely blows in handball and pinball.
ETA: Season 7
Projection: #2 starter
---
30. Armando Garces, P, Atlanta
Triple A, 21, L/L
After an appeal from Atlanta owner zedonk, Garces indeed qualified for the list with just 6 MLB appearances. Which begs the question, why did zedonk start Garces' MLB clock towards arbitration over 2 games in Season 3 and 4 games in Season 4? Answer: The Mexican mafia. Threatened by Garces' connections from his native city of Juarez, zedonk folded like a house of cards in Garces desire to get an MLB check, and get mas chicas.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #3 Starter
---
31. Clay Walker, P, Scranton
Triple A, 24, L/L
Walker may be confused with the country singer, but he doesn’t mind. In fact, his game revolves around it, telling young 20-year-olds that he’ll leave tickets at the upcoming concert. Little did Walker know that the baseball schedule takes you through towns more than once a year until he found out the hard way when a rifle-armed brunette pegged Walker with a can of peas during an 8th inning no-hit bid in August.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #4 Starter
---
32. Danys Olivares, P, Tacoma
Triple A, 23, R/R
Part of the fallout of the Nick Black scandal (the horrifying “Dirty Sanchez” scene), Olivares was shipped to Tacoma for a bag of balls and a fungo bat to be named later. Olivares may not be extraordinary on the splits, but his control, changeup and curve rank among the best in the game.
ETA: Season 5
Projection: #3 starter
---
33. Torey Lima, 3B, Buffalo
High A, 19, L/L
Yet another in the legendary bloodlines from San Pedro de Macoris, Lima signed as an IFA with Tacoma before being shuffled to Buffalo this past year. Solid all-around with extraordinary power, Buffalo has the farm system to polish off this 19-year-old. Both on and off the field.
ETA: Season 8
Projection: #6 hitter, starting 3B
---
34. Herb Brooks, 2B, Scranton
Low A, 19, L/R
Herb may top father, Hubie, in career totals, since Herb can actually run faster than a dandelion. And Herb can field too. And he can hit. Which doesn’t explain why Brooks was traded last season like a game of hot potato. Perhaps the leak during spring training that he had gonorrhea may have had something to do with it.
ETA: Season 7
Projection: #2 hitter, 2B or CF
---
35. Paul Barber, C, Scranton
High A, 20, R/R
Dubbed “The Barber of Seville” and “The Barber Did It” by Scranton’s own birdbrain Michael Scott, Barber actually can hit. And hit well. If Scranton can swallow average pitch calling, Barber will be the next Mike Piazza. And maybe Michael Scott will get a nickname.
ETA: Midseason, Season 5
Projection: #5 hitter
---
36. Jolbert Johnson, P, New York
Double A, 21, L/L
Like many of the New York’s top prospects, Johnson has taken the slow walk up through the Gridlock system. The lefty could be the best of the four pitchers NY has listed, but still has to shake post traumatic stress disorder of when he was a kid on the street found by a stranger AJF … nevermind.
ETA: Season 6
Projection: #2 or #3 starter
---
37. Quinton Morgan, P, Rochester
Double A, 21, L/L
With more pitches and deliveries than Luis Tiant, Morgan can fool hitters from any angle. The behind-the-back-fake-pitch always throws lefties for a loop, aside from Taylor Dickson blasting it a mammoth 542 feet in a game last season.
ETA: Season 6
Projection: #2 or #3 starter
---
38. Rich Varitek, C, Kansas City
Triple A, 24, S/R
Varitek idolized his step-brother, Jason, and followed suit as a catcher. Except he isn’t even the top catching prospect in his organization. Lodged behind Ronn Webster, Varitek appears to be needing to either settle for a backup role or moving out from the plate much like his predecessor in KC, Neil Clyburn. That won’t stop GM chadrader from throwing a glove on him and sticking him in left field. Rader would stick David Ortiz in left if he could in WIS. After all, its just a sim, right?
ETA: Season 5
Projection: C, 1B or traded
---
39. Howard McGee, P, Montgomery
Double A, 24, S/R
McGee was born overseas in South Korea, as his father was stationed at Camp Casey, an hour north of Seoul. His Korean mother taught him and Byung-Hung Kim the side-armed delivery. Scouts worry that McGee may suffer the same mental instability as Byung-Hung One High, but Hornets GM rootgargle thinks a daily serving of kim chi will keep his head on straight.
ETA: Late Season 5
Projection: #4 starter
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