Saturday, December 29, 2012

Take a Guess

I thought it might be fun to take a real life Hall of Fame player and put his abilities into a fantasy card. So would this player make the grade here? Can you guess who it might be? Many of you probably seen him play. I did have a little problem with the splits.

Range: 90
Glove 90
Arm: 88
Accuracy: 88

Durability: 85
Health: 85
Speed: 75
Patience: 80
Temper: 40
Makeup: 90

Contact: 85
Power: 5
Left Split: 50
Right Split: 50
Eye: 85
Base Running: 85
Bunting: 50
Push/Pull: 50

No one wants to guess? Well, maybe to hard at this point. Hmm, it is hard to give clues because some of the major accomplishments would give it away too easily. A 15 time All-Star might help some. Was drafted the first time by the Tigs in the 7th round but couldn't reach a deal, the second time by the Padres in the 4th.  Had the worst qualified batting average in the league his second pro year. Was traded for "Jumpsteady". Did that help?




Friday, December 28, 2012

Crying In My Beer

Here I am sitting at the local Pub drowning my sorrows at the up coming season. It could be a very woeful season as the off-season wasn't all that kind to the Mets. It was already going to be bad with our needs in the pitching realm worsening by the day. Topping off and compounding the situation was Dom Tabaka opting out of his contract. This one mystifies me as he is only asking for another season for $6M which we would have gladly given an extension for that amount. What can you say about the overall best consistent closer the last 5 seasons other than good luck.

At least coaching isn't all that much a problem this season. The Bench Coach will probably be the weakest link in the end but then again I don't consider them much of a concern to begin with.  I was expecting the Hitting Coach wanting to fly the roost, but no, he is gladly returning. The biggest question in the coaching realm is whether to promote a coach that I don't consider worthy of the organization. Guess it isn't much an embellishment.

I have decided about who is on the trade block and who is going to be catching for us this season. So with that decided, the only thing needed to make this work is a closer which wasn't on the calendar.

Merry Christmas and Happy new year everyone!



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Looking Ahead to Next Season

The Mets have already been looking at actions for next season already. For one, we are heavily considering moving back to Shea which is probably a given for a couple reasons. So Mr Commish we will need the password to make that happen after rollover.

Salary is going to be a big concern next season. Leo Rodney will want a big contract and we are going to be more than willing to give out a 5 year $8M deal. We will have two players in arbitration for the first time and they are keepers for sure and won't cost much next season.

Now comes the hard part as we will need to trade a player.

 Clarence Valentin is on our sell list. The chances of moving him are slim as he has the right of refusal. He has lost too much range to be useful in CF though he is still valuable but not as a full time starter as we have better assets and that is the problem.

Benito Ozuna is also on the sell list. Not a must as we like what he brings to the table but is hampered due to the fact we have three LF's on the roster and RF is totally out.

Omar Ordonez is also on the list though we would rather keep him and play him in RF even though his play there is uninspiring.

 Dan Radke might be on the list. The problem here is that I really like him but for some reason he has just never came around at the plate like I think he should.

Major players leaving via Free Agency.

 Emil Flores is a great fielder but just never came to much at the plate and was always in the dog house.

 Don Zhou is probably one of the best short relievers in the game. In 6 seasons he has compiled a 26-8 record for us but we have a couple youngsters on the way which makes him expendable.

Al Limon is a pretty good medium to long reliever and has served us well for many seasons. He has always been a Met and hate to see him go but contract demands deem it necessary.

Hector Fernandez played well for us in the long run, seldom got that lucky break. He is just one of those players you just want to say "WTF  happened!!?".

Danys Candelaria is one of those players that can be really good and really bad. The unfortunate part was his bad outshined his good.


I have been looking over the coaching staff as well and there probably going to be a little shake up happening for next season. The same staff for two seasons with identical records, that could be a first but not an exciting one unless you make the playoffs. For one the Hitting coach just doesn't seem to be getting the job done. Me thinks we need to look elsewhere in this category. Me thinks that the First Base coach just might want the job, he is young and brash and probably not ready for the assignment but we are willing to give him a chance. Third Base could also find a new face in the crowd but it depends if Phil is going to retire or not.  The Pitching coach slot might see a change but that one will be up in the air until rollover is completed.  The Bull Pen slot will probably see a change as Pablo really wants to move up. I don't like paying a fortune for a Bench coach but he is good and the grooming needs to continue in the minors. I am hoping the Fielding Instructor wants to return.

Now as for the budget, I am in a bit of a quandary.  There really isn't much need to spend a lot more money on scouting though I am going to raise the High School and International off the floor a bit and maybe put in a little more effort into College. Putting a whole lot into prospect would be a waste, drafting in the 20's means you aren't going to get a superstar and the budgets for prospects was through the roof for several clubs to try and vie for a quality International.











World Series Time

The long awaited match up is here, Tampa Bay vs Chicago. While most of us are busy finalizing their Christmas shopping and going to lewd drunken social events (ooh wait that sounds like fun), one of us at least having been analyzing the data.  On the surface it looks like a David vs Goliath series, looking at from different aspects, it still is.

We must congratulate the Rays as they failed to make the big show at just about every other seed in recent seasons. This is the Cubs first time since they won back to back titles in seasons 7 and 8.

The Cubs look like a monolithic Goliath and they are. Suzuki, Cook and Chatwood would make the Yankee greats tremble in real life. The Cubs defense was tops in the NL so don't expect fumble fingers to ignite subversive rallies. Pitching by the numbers look great but how much  is because of the great offense?  Nigel Li is the player to look out for in my books. And a big fact that Willie isn't broken. Cue the goat however.

The Rays on the other hand don't look as impressive in the numbers game. They spread out the long ball which could be taxing against the Cubs pitching staff.  The defense is highly adequate. Believe it or not, the Rays pitching staff might be better overall. Though Shaggy should stay in the Mystery Machine keeping up with the munchies for the games. Randall Frederick is the player to watch as he might be the MVP of the series.

Don't expect a sweep this season like last as the Cubs don't like playing in Florida. That could be their downfall especially if the Rays can garner a split in the first two games. My best take on this series is the Cubs in 5 or 6, the Rays in 7.

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Minors

Congrats to the Minor League World Series winners.

AAA - Montreal
AA - Dover
High A - Montreal
Low A - New York
Rookie - Philadelphia

Monday, December 3, 2012

Post Season Awards and One View

Okay, it is time to vote for the best players in a couple categories. So here is one persons view on how they voted and why.

MVP

Arthur Donatello - Why? More like why  not! Which is better, a gold glove offensive powerhouse CF or a run of the mill power 1B?

Barry Cook  - I struggled with this for a long while before choosing. It was a toss up with him and Suzuki. I liked Cook's overall offensive numbers better even though he plays a lousy 1B.

Cy Young

Mark James -  I normally won't vote for a closer or reliever unless he is named Ivan with 30+ wins or has a perfect save record. A tough choice with Adcock but it was the total innings that won me over.

Victor Morlan  or Alex Matos - Can I vote for both? It was a tough choice, Matos actually has better numbers across the board but is at home in a pitchers stadium. Morlan has a powerhouse behind him but in a hitters park. At 37 I chose Matos!

Rookie of the Year

Jack Root - I really wasn't enthused with the rest of the field that much.

Calvin Jung - Played a good 2B, well Chatwood played a great CF. I also liked those 26 SBs. My Bobby Forbes had a better season in my books than Jay Bravo and he isn't even listed.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

End of Season Post

Congrats to all the play off teams!

Odds

NL

Cubs: 5-1
Braves: 4-1
Marlins: 3-1
D'Backs: 1-3
Pirates: 1-2
Reds: 2-2

By all means it should be the Braves vs Cubs for the NL crown with the Cubs winning. Doesn't mean it will happen at all and probably won't if the past is any indication. Who ever gets hot at the right time wins normally.  End of season wasn't a good barometer for sure.

AL
Red Sox: 3-1
Mariners: 2-1
Rangers: 2-1
Blue Jays: 1-3
Sky Sox: 2-1
Rays: 2-1

The AL is a horse of a different color and actually hard to handicap even.  By all means it should be the Red Sox vs ummmm (I give up). But here again that isn't even a given as me thinks anyone can win it all.



The Mets had another 85 win season and could have won more but the Braves and I decided to play our AAAA players in the last three games. Actually the Mets gave up when John McInerney went down with an injury in the first game against the Phils. Hard to lose your best hitter and expect to win with the way we played all season.

Normally there is something odd in the stats that indicate why a team doesn't win when you know you have a good team. Last season it was the 1-run games and extra inning games where we couldn't do anything right. This season was a complete turnaround in that regard but wins against the division (8-22) did us in. Well, that was the glaring biggie in the end.

We played horrible at the beginning of the season which didn't help one bit. Several changes was made post-haste, actually about 30 games in really. Doesn't help that what should be your best hitter in Leo Rodney  was batting .186 but zoomed up to .230 after inter-league play. His average actually stayed there for quite some time until the season was almost over. He still led the team in home runs and walks. Marc Redman even had a bad year at the plate, most of the year he hit in the .240's until the end. In my mind the entire team hit below average, most well below except for Mac.

Pitching was horrible and spotty at the beginning but settled down after a while. R.J. Bellhorn and Harry Rodriguez both won only 7 games and lost 12. Both had 15 Quality Starts a piece, is that a sign of bad luck or what? Not sure how many games they pitched in where they gave up 2 runs or less and didn't have a chance of winning and most of the time they were losing.

Fielding wasn't one of our biggest concerns this season, must be because of the poor hitting. It showed also as we were one of the worst in the error department. Really it wasn't a big deal as a lot of players were put in different positions a lot.  But I remember a couple of those poor plays that didn't make sense to me. Like how does a 72 range, 72 glove playing 3B guarding the lines in the 9th inning be out of position? I remember Valentin misplaying three lazy fly balls in center field. Those irked me the most and I remember them because it cost us 3 games that we really needed late in the season.

Next season the Mets are gonna be struggling for sure as we are shedding $27M in salaries and only picking up $8M. Most of that is in the pitching department. We are even going to stay out of the FA market. It is gonna be a case that the offense is gonna produce or else.

Did learn something this year. The difference between a veteran 2B with a 79 range and an 80 range is 3 minus plays.






Saturday, December 1, 2012

The Final Four?

We are down to the final four games, what is there left to play for?

NL

#1 seed is still a bit up in the air a bit. Cubs are up by 2 games for this prestigious spot with the Braves still sniffing around. The Cubs have been playing bombastic with the Brewers then must face the Reds for the finale.

The Braves in the meantime have been enjoying some chicken in Louisville instead of taking care of business. Their finale is with the Mets.

Here's the scoop troops, the Braves only need to tie the Cubs to take the #1 seed due to tie-breakers. The Head to Head was tied at 5-5 but the Braves own the division series in which the Cubs can't catch.

Florida is locked for the #3 seed.

Arizona is locked into the #4 seed finally.

The #5 seed is still a bit sketchy. The Pirates and Reds are playing each other at the moment in their final meeting. A win by the Pirates will lock up the seed. The catch is how problematic the loss of "Franco the Ivan Impersonator" is. The Pirates then travel to Milwaukee and might actually have to win a game.

The #6 seed is somewhat foggy yet. A Reds loss at Pittsburgh and a Mets win in Philly would institute a tie for this seed. Rougher yet, it would mean that both would have a three game series left with the top two seeds, away. Mets must have better record than the Reds to take the seed.

Unlikely scenario, Reds, Mets and Pirates end up tied. Odd man out would be the Pirates.

AL

Boston has captured the #1 seed again

Seattle has captured the #2 seed.

The #3 seed is still a little shady as the Rangers and Rays are still competing for the South crown. A Rangers win should seal the deal. A tie between the two would take it all the way to the third tie-breaker. The best part is both are in regardless. Being real it belongs to Texas.

The #4 seed can be captured by the Blue Jays with a win in any of their remaining games. The Tigers only hope is to win out and the Blue Jays collapse.

The #5 seed belongs to Colorado Springs with a win or Tampa Bay loss.

The #6 seed belongs to the Rangers - Rays loser.  Being real it belongs to Tampa Bay.





Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Final Ten

NL

The Cubs have wrapped up the North and have a three game lead over the Braves for the #1 seed.

The Braves have the crown in hand and are making a passive attempt at the #1 seed.

The Marlins own the South once again though I am still pissed about their latest series, but not with the Marlins per se.

Arizona controls the West and needs a minimum of three games to sew things up. Although a tough schedule ahead, seven games is hard to make up.

The Pirates need a combination of 5 to make a Wild Card spot. With a relatively easy schedule should not be a problem.

The Reds need to win with only a two game lead over the Mets. It could be tough being on the road facing the Padres, Pirates and Cubs.

The Mets are hanging tough but the schedule is not in their favor at all.

Mexico City has an outside shot but it is a very long one.

AL

The Blue Jays have taken control of the North but will it hold up? Five games is torturous to make up but the Tigs - Blue Jays series still looms large.

The Red Sox have taken the East crown once again and a 2 game lead over the Mariners for the #1 seed.

The South is under fruitful watch as things have tightened up considerably. Chances are good that both the Rangers and Rays are playoff bound but who will win the crown remains to be seen.

The Mariners have control of the West and another 2 wins will seal the deal. Colorado made a surprising run to make it look close.

Colorado has a Wild card spot with their name on it as 2 more wins will sew up a spot.

The Rays or Rangers will more than likely take the other spot. It would be tough for the Tigs to overcome the gap for a Wild Card spot. The O's are still in it but like Mexico City the chance is very remote.





Monday, November 26, 2012

Record Set In NL

It isn't that big of a record but the Low A NL East set a record for having three teams with 90+ wins in the same division. The big three also set a record for wins by 2 besting the AL East from season 2. The AL East from season 2 still holds the record for most wins by all four teams by a wide margin.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

TheTwisted Twenty

With 20 games to go strange things can happen.

AL

Jays and Tigs are still playing the leap frog game.

Boston has the East nearly sewed up, 2 wins or two O loses will do it officially.

Rangers have a 4 game lead over the Rays, so it ain't settled.

Seattle is still comfortable with an 11 game lead over Colorado.

Seedings at the moment

1/2: Boston and Seattle are tied and they play each other next will..oooh la la

3. Texas/Tampa Bay may not be truely decided for awhile.

4. Toronto/Detroit makes the AL anything but easy to negotiate.

5. Colorado has the edge but not guaranteed.

6. Detroit/Tampa Bay either one or both could end up at a higher seed or out even.

Hopefuls:

Baltimore is still in the race and are only 4 games back of the 6 spot.

Little Rock is nosing around but are a very very very long shot.

NL

1. Chicago are pretty much here me thinks.

2. Atlanta could possibly move up one.

3. Florida has this spot in the bag.

4. Arizona has an 8 game lead.

5. Pittsburgh has managed a 5 game lead.

6. New York/Cincinnati have found things a tad rough lately.

Hopefuls:


Mexico City is a long shot and a tough remaining schedule to make up 6 games.


Salem is an even longer shot at the moment but are still in the mix. This is a team that could reel off 20 straight wins.


Friday, November 23, 2012

Yesterdays News Today

Hipolito Bennett procured a contract from Little Rock for $10.7M. Could be an outstanding buy as he is a potential Gold Glover at SS or just about any place. Not so hot at making contact at the plate but won't be abysmal and has a little pop. 

The Louisville Colonels saw fit to offer Michel Bennett a $4.8M deal. He could have great stamina and he will need it if his durability doesn't improve. Overall looks to be a decent off speed pitcher though that 3rd pitch looks awful. A definite cheap acquisition.

The Houston Astros offered Jorge Gomez a $4.2M contract. SS doesn't look promising but could be an outstanding 3B. Tends to be a strike out victim quite a bit but shouldn't be overly terrible and has a little power. Not bad for the price.

The Seattle Mariners agreed to terms with Livan Limon with a $5.8M deal. Left handed starters still aren't a prized commodity and he doesn't have the greatest of pitches which probably kept him form the real big money jar. All in all still a pretty good buy.

It is getting close to the expanded roster and rookie call up time. I had a plan this time around but haven't been able to coax the Braves into taking the 6th Wild Card spot away from me at AAA. That could very well put the plans on hold to being scrapped at this point. 

I am a little bug eyed about my Low A squad as they have put together a 21 game win streak and 103 wins.  You would think that a streak like that would be a run away for the #1 seed. The catch behind that, the other teams need to lose and that didn't exactly happen.  

Someone made a comment about seeing the worst pitcher ever at the ML level. To tell the truth I have seen worse and it might get a little worse for everybody. Attrition rates for the great pitchers is up and new ones is a quite a bit on the low side the last few years. The same can be said of the big power hitters also.  

Here is an example and before you look at his ratings look at his stats and awards. Oh and put with that another possible Cy Young at the AAA level. In real life how do you tell him he ought to get a job flippin burgers without giving him a chance or tell he'll amount to nothing more than a career minor league pitcher?  There is a 99% chance he will be a starter for the Mets next season. He just might be the next Anderson Henley, remember him from season 21? Though he did turn out to be a one year wonder boy.  Err, umm, he is flippen burgers now btw, actually he owns the joint.

Bernie Diaz is in my pen, mostly as an emergency pitcher but gets the job done rather well. His stats would look a lot better if a a certain CF on my team would quit droppin lazy fly balls....grrr.



Thursday, November 22, 2012

The Dirty Thirty

Yes indeed it is time for the final thirty report.

AL North

The Tigs and Jays are playing leap frog here, Jays have got to worry about a lucky strike at any time...lol. Schedule may favor the Jays somewhat but anything can happen here.

What needs to happen: Tigs just need to equal the Jays win for win. Jays need to win 1 more than the Tigs at a minimum. It could boil down to the best of three the last week of the season. Jays or Tigs, either could lose the division and still make it as a Wild Card by staying ahead of the Rays.

AL East

Boston has the division pretty well wrapped up like an early Christmas present. Baltimore has molted their way into the Wild Card race.

What needs to happen:: Boston just needs to win a few to get a top seeding. Baltimore will probably need to win 20 of the 30 to have a chance, a long shot.

AL South

Texas has command but still a might  tenuous yet as Tampa Bay has not given up. Little Rock has not given up hope for a Wild Card spot but it would be a rough journey.

What needs to happen: If the Rangers play .500 ball, the Rays would need to win 21 to tie. 6 games doesn't seem all that difficult to make up with 30 to go but that scenario does make it look impossible. Tampa Bay also needs to worry about Toronto, Detroit  and a sneaky Orioles team also.

AL West

Seattle has snapped out of the doldrums of the "Dog Days" and created some distance in their shrinking lead. Colorado Springs were inching their way close but doesn't seem all that likely now.

What needs to happen: If Seattle only wins 10 more games, Colorado would need to win 24, that is a little far fetched. At .500, Colorado should easily be the fifth seed.

NL North

Cubs can hibernate early as they only need to stay ahead of the Braves for the #1 seed if they so desire. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are fighting for second place and a Wild Card for each. Both have a watchful eye on each other as well as Salem and New York.

What needs to happen: Pretty obvious situation here win or stay at home as it is tight.

NL East

Braves have the division wrapped up, is the #2 slot good enough? Mets have caught fire (a pun...lol) and got themselves in the thick of the Wild Card.

What needs to happen: Win more games than the other Wild Card hopefuls for the Mets. Mets would like to push it and make the Wild Cards win 90 games or more, that would mean 18 wins out of 30 which is very doable.

NL South

The Marlins have just been getting by which seems good enough as Mexico City hasn't taken advantage. Mexico City is not out of the Wild Card race but in a tough spot.

What needs to happen: Mexico City has to play and play very well to make a run.

NL West

Arizona was given a chance to widen the lead but failed. Salem just hasn't played well. Not sure what to think myself.

What needs to happen: Both need to start winning is what things boil down to. Arizona has a very tough schedule remaining so they will need to start playing well.  Salem has a relatively easy one but haven't scared anybody as of late themselves.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

News of the Hour

Eugenio Cruz signed a deal with the Houston Astros for $2.5M. Short on control but has enough in splits and pitches to be an adequate every day 30 pitch guy. Worth a shot if you ask me.

Yoo-Nah Yamamoto signed a staggering $14M contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Philly wants him to play 3B at the moment but me thinks he will matriculate to SS before things are said and done with a side job at 2B and CF. Originally I thought he was over paid but if he can play a good SS, well worth the money even though he is a somewhat erratic slap hitter. Does he have stock in his favorite drink, Yoohoo?

Post season award watch is on, so who might be there to generate a buzz around the league in the end?

MVP:

NL:  Pat Suzuki and Barry Cook are the front runners in my book. When the Mets played the Cubbies last time though I was more worried about Claude Chatwood, what a trio.

AL: Sorry AL, I am just not sold on the early list for this prestigious award. Where is Victor Aardsma and Juan Redondo?

Cy Young:

AL: Umm, like the list is led by two closers, neither one is Ivan material, so me thinks this will change also. Mitch Knotts might have the inside track at the moment.

NL: Victor Morlan staved off the Mets attack in their last meeting even though it turned into a no decision. Alex Matos lost the geriatric war with Joseph Wang and the Mets in their home park no less, so you can guess where my vote lies at the moment.

Rookie of the Year:

AL: This one could get heated with 3 young Tigs on the list and two of the three deserving at the moment. I would side with Jack Root if he puts up a couple more wins before the end of the season.

NL: We find Claude Chatwood here of course.  Renyel Manuel may have been brought up too soon but he can definitely play ball.  Me thinks a couple other players could make their way onto the list also.

Fireman of the Year:

This is going to be hotly contested til the end of the season in both leagues. Will this be Pascual Solano's last season? Rumor has it that he has testicular cancer but has the balls to play through it til the end of the season.

Silver Slugger and Gold Glovers:

Not much to say here as it always changes before the final tallies. But I will trade Houston my clumsy backup LF for the catcher.




Friday, November 16, 2012

What's Up Doc?

We are at the point in the season where it is make or break time already. Normally this falls around game 120 but this year it is different as I feel it hit at game 110 after close examination.

AL North

Two contenders and maybe only one spot available. It has been nip and tuck for most of the season between the Jays and Tigs and may not be decided til the end of the season. Tigs look like they have the easier schedule but not by much.

AL East

Boston clearly has the division wrapped up already, it would take a monumental disaster to stop them. We can't rule out either Dover or Baltimore as they are still fighting for a Wild Card being only 6 games behind. Will one of them make a move?

AL South

The Rangers were galloping along but the posse got ambushed in the High Sierras. In the meantime the Rays have been stinging everyone in their path which included a four game sweep of Boston. Little Rock is also trying to climb the ladder to a Wild Card but have been humbled of late. KC is also in the mix as they have stormed back but a royally crucial series against Boston awaits.

AL West

At one time Seattle was so far ahead no one could even see their dust, well in their case, "wake" I guess. Being swept in Toronto left a bad taste and they be hungry to get back on track but they must travel to Detroit. Not to worry though, 13 more wins already will assuredly put them in the playoffs. The Sky Sox have upped their game a bit and must continue to do so to be in the playoffs.


NL North

The Cubs thought it would be a walk away season but they have been gasping for breath as the Reds and Pirates kept them within range. Now, with a little breathing room and needing only 12 wins for that magical 90 win plateau things have calmed down a bit. The Reds found a meat grinder in their schedule with the likes of Atlanta, Salem and Florida. We can say OUCH! for effect.  The Pirates were elated at that schedule as they themselves escaped with two wins against Florida and an easy schedule to gain ground, unfortunately they ran aground with foul weather in New York.

NL East

The Braves are loitering about as they have no real threat. The only thing they are playing for already is the top two seeds.  The Mets have evidently decided to start playing ball, remember them early in the season? At one point they were 14 games below .500, now at 5 games above .500 are trying to upset the apple cart for the Wild Card race. If they make the playoffs, they will deserve to be there as they have 7 games against Florida and Ariziona, 4 against Salem, 3 against the Cubs, Reds and Atlanta. For those that don't want to count that is 27 games out of the remaining 47. Doesn't leave any wiggle room and could be over in the next 10 games.

NL South

Florida fans are saying "Ivan who?". They have taken the South by storm and are lollygagging their way to the end of the season. Of course they are playing for a top seed also but patience is a virtue. Mexico City is not out of contention either but their schedule doesn't seem bent on making up ground and being 10 back of the Wild Card teams is not very conducive.

NL West

Arizona and Salem have been playing leap frog for much of the season. It is a game that Arizona doesn't like very much btw. Both will need to tip toe through the mind fields of their respective schedules as this one will go down to the wire.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Intl Market Update

Lots of movement in the International Market as Houston has been buying up career minor league players left and right. However, a couple has caught our eye.

Santo Pulido was swallowed up by the Montreal Expos for $6.1M. Listed as a 1B of which his chances of playing that position in the majors looks pretty damn slim. With his power bat and hitting style may make him a formidable DH. Over the top power DH's have been hard to come by lately so I would say a good signing.

The Houston Astros paid $4.4M for the services of Benito Espinosa. A catcher lacking in range while glove and arm are not the greatest. Defense may not his calling but he does have a way with the pitchers and some good durability. Hitting while not blistering has some pop and should do well in the juice Box. Overall a good signing.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Intl Market

Rafael Manzanillo became the newest bonus baby with a $16.3M signing by the Helena Hot Pockets. The lefty flame thrower looks like he could be a monster on the mound. A good signing fur sure.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Miracle In New York

R.J. Bellhorn became the first Met to pitch a complete game since season 19 with a three hit shutout performance against the Phillies. Other than the fact he has been good at times this season, offensive support does a disappearing act when he does pitch well which is sporadic, he does a tendency pitch well after All-Star break.

PED People ...errr...Diamonds

Herman Snyder, C, Louisville Colonels: Hmnm not sure how PEDs work their way into this one as his power is still very lackluster. Could turn into a nice defensive catcher but lacks durability to start many games and doesn't have many seasons to hone his skills.

Peaches Gleason, C , Texas Rangers: Could turn into a decent catcher and good hitter in a few seasons.

Dee Carpenter, C, New York Mets: Mets management likes P catchers with good arms and he falls into that category now but will the ML see his talents in the end.

Aurelio Mercedes, 3B, Baltimore Orioles: All that power and little contact, well give and take I suppose. Could turn into a defensive stalwart at 3B and maybe even 2B.

Allen Giles, P, Chicago Cubs: New found excitement in the Cubs organization but it might be too soon to celebrate.

Gregory Bridges, P, Houston Astros: They are extremely happy with this prospect suddenly.

Wally Stoops, P, Boston Red Sox: Brief celebratory happiness in Boston but does he fit into their plans.

Jonny Powell, P, Helena Hot Pockets: They rolled their eyes as it is probably too late in his career.

Dann Kelly, Anaheim Angels: I can play any position now just because I can't hit at the little league level means nothing.

Morris Faulk, P, Atlanta Braves: What do I care, I am training to be a pitching coach.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

It is the All-Star break and here is how things are shaping up for the rest of the season.

NL North

Cubs are in first but may have to hold on for a playoff spot. The Reds have gone on a tear of late, their offense is good but not so sure about the pitching staff but should hold on for a wild card spot. The Pirates are a tough bunch but are showing signs of weakness.

NLEast

The only thing that can slow down the Braves are themselves and have no threats to worry about. The Mets can't seem to get the offense in gear especially when the best hitter is touting a .236 average.

NL South

Florida has things pretty well wrapped up here also though there was contention early from Mexico City. 

NL West

Salem and Arizona are slapping each other around and the only real fight for a playoff spot at this time.

AL North

The Tigs and Jays, one will out last the other in the end. 

AL East

The Red Sox are in snoozeville already with an 18 game lead.

AL South

What can you say about this division, the only one touting four 40 win teams. Rangers are up by 10 over the Rays and 11 over the Heads. Will their be a serious fight or will the status quo reamain.

AL West

Really, the only surprise of the season as the Sky Sox are not in front and are not even sniffing first place. Seattle has rocked everyones world so far. 

If the playoffs started tomorrow:

1. Seattle
2. Boston
3. Texas
4. Detroit
5. Colorado Springs
6. Tampa Bay

1. Atlanta
2. Chicago
3. Florida
4. Salem
5. Cincinnati
6. Pittsburgh

Odds would be Atlanta/Chicago vs Seattle/Boston

Intl Market News

Luis Sanchez was ecstatic about signing his contract with the Montreal Expos for $16.6M. He wasn't exactly signed for his defense as it exactly award winning in any aspect but somewhat adequate at the position. His plate awareness is what brings in the big bucks but not with extreme power but will hit some dingers and be a very tough out. A good buy if you ask me.

Roberto Franco was hoping for a bigger contract but settled for a $3.1M contract with Tampa Bay. Being a 3B with the range of a snail may have had something to do with it. We really don't see him playing at 3B and may be relegated to 1B/LF. What is fascinating is his extreme power at the plate with an above average eye and maybe contact with the ability to take lefties downtown.  For that price I would say excellent buy.

Cesar Sanchez was paid $2.3M by the Dover Dung Beetles. Listed as a CF but I have serious doubts about that but could have an outside shot at 2B. His health is not so hot and his hitting just doesn't look like ML material to me.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Unknowns In The Intl Market

Wilkin Ethier was signed by the Louisville Colonels with little fanfare. $2.5M just doesn't scream "look at me!" For a reliever, has good enough abilities to reach the majors by a lefty. How good he might be remains to be seen.

Miguel Perez sneaked in signing with the Mexico City Diablos Rojos for a paltry $380K. Defense is actually very spotty at the very least but has good pitch calling abilities. Plate appearances could be interesting for this slap happy hitter.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Intl Market

Okay, y'all knew this one was coming as the Boston Red Sox got some bang for their buck with the signing of Michael Bang for $12M. He rates up their with Mike Hunt, don't ya think? He decided to play in the States when his hometown Hawks wouldn't match the offer.

The flame thrower has or will have some decent control, good splits for a lefty though the pitches look somewhat weak. Looks like a good signing by Boston and the money is about right for a probable 3rd to 5th starter.

In other news, the Montreal Expos are ecstatic about signing of Rafael Baerga for $1.7M.

Listed as a LF, it is doubtful he will make it past playing 1B. Does have a nice eye, good contact and splits. Does lack for speed but a very nice player for the money.

On a personal note, the fix on the signing date ordering has sure helped. I do think they had to retweaked the draft history as it wasn't in rank order the first day. I just wish they  would give the ability to split the first and supplemental rounds.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Intl Market

The Helena Hot Pockets slipped in a $4.2M bid to claim Aneury Vega.  Listed as a LF, which is a stretch as he looks more like a strong 1B which isn't all that bad. That however in itself may have turned off several suitors. His speed isn't earth shattering but could steal a few bases along the way especially in hit and run situations. Good eye and contact will go a long way and his splits can seriously beat up left handed pitching. Light in the quantum power physics and lazy right split could be another deterrent for his cheap price along with the recently completed draft.

Compared to his contemporaries was well under priced. A .270 - .290 average is possible with 15 dingers and 15 stolen bases. Well done Hot Pockets!

Inter-League Play

NL North vs AL East

How do you spell pain? C-u-b-s! Boston bit the big one in the Queen City but rallied back. As for the rest it was more or less the doldrums except for the Brewers who found new ways to lose.

NL East vs AL North

The AL North can't wait for the madness to end. Talk about being bitch slapped!

NL South vs AL West

The AL West now have Florida plates tattooed to their foreheads. Their taunting of Houston didn't pay off well either. The Mariners and Sky Sox managed to survive the melee however.

NL West vs AL South

Very simple, Rangers and Rays! If it wasn't for KC needing life support the NL West would look like the cyclone hit them.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Draft Review

1. Fausto Mota, CF, St. Louis Cardinals: The kid has everything but power at the plate. I was a little intrigued that he went number 1 overall. CF is a tough position to fill and he will do it with style.

Grade: A

2. Aaron Gload, P, Houston Astros: From what I can tell the best pitcher in the draft. Won't reach projections but still almost 80's across the board is pretty damn good.

Grade: A+

3. Tim Carillo, SS, Louisville Colonels: Range for SS is suspect but might be better than I am seeing.  Has speed and some pretty good hitting skills with power.

Grade: A

4. Yamid Ordaz, CF, Anaheim Angels: Might be a bit short of range but me thinks adequate enough maybe, excellent glove and arm. Decent speed and knows how to use it. Batting is powerfully tremendous, future MVP.

Grade: A+

5.  Carlos Alomar, P, Washington D.C. Senators: Might be a little weak in the pitch department but other than that a very nice power starter.

Grade: A

6.  Cedrick Swann, P, Helena Hot Pockets: Health is a big drawback and might have slipped a few places because of it. If he stays healthy (a big if but worth the risk), will be one tough hombre on the mound.

Grade: A-

7.  Dick Berry, SS, Washington D.C. Senators: To me he was the best player on my board and I had three of the first six picks. Why did he drop is a good question. Has good power hitting skills for a SS, lacks the speed but can still be wily enough to steal a few bases. Range might be a little questionable but I think adequate enough to play the position.

Grade: A

8. Julian Saltalamacchia, P, Montreal Expos: Extremely good #1 starter but will take some development time for sure.

Grade: A+

9.  Arthur Holt, SS, Dover Dung Beetles: A project player for sure, has lots of works ahead. Could turn into a good defensive SS but hitting skills are a little undesirable in the contact department and lacks speed.

Grade: B

10. Corky Jeffcoat, SS, Texas Rangers: I be a little miffed, could be my scouting. I see his range as quite weak to play anywhere other than LF, that can't be right. I would say SS is out of the question however at any rate. Could turn into a decent hitter but not sure I see that happening either. I'm so confused as his overall says otherwise. Red herring?

Grade: B

11. Grover Eyre, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: A sound power hitter and defensive 1B. May have some developmental strain but think it will be small.

Grade: A

12. Merv Christenson, P, Milwaukee Brewers: Solid middle reliever and maybe a sometimes starter. Biggest knock is after the first two pitches the repertoire is weak.

Grade: A-

13. Shawn Gordon, SS, San Diego Padres: Range could be problematic for SS and health could be an issue.  Good hitter with a some power behind him.

Grade: B+

14.  J.J. Lowe, P, Detroit Tigers: First Setup type pitcher taken. Off-speed fly-ball pitcher with some weak splits, me thinks being a Closer is out. If it wasn't for his control and pitches, I would consider him out.

Grade: B

15. David Johnson, CF, Minnesota Twins:

Grade:

16.  Julio Baerga, P, Seattle Mariners: His health and durability aside, ummm, and umnm, an unobtainable right split that might not be ML worthy. Im' not sure what to think as he has some skill in the pitching department.

Grade: B -

17. Kelly Young, 2B, Kansas City Royals: Playing 2B is not a strong suit, playing it for an entire season is even less of a strong suit. Then again he can hit the ball with some power which makes a part time starter valuable except when he wants a lot money.

Grade: B

18. Welington Amarista, P, Arizona Diamondbacks: Surely his splits gain more developmental skill than what I am seeing? Maybe not if he slipped this far down the draft. Looks more like a lefty but still looks like a good quality pitcher to me.

Grade: B

19. Orber Plata, P, San Francisco Giants: If his right split gets into the 60's and control to the upper 80's, he could be a good Closer.

Grade; B+

20. Harry Moscoso, P, Baltimore Orioles: Anemic health and serious control issues, sometimes they do well but most of the time..NOT.

Grade: C+

21. Danny Pierzynski, SS, Toronto Blue Jays:  Plus play but error minded at SS or CF, GG at 2B or 3B maybe. Such a contrast in hitting, good eye and contact but no power or luck and lack of speed doesn't help.

Grade: C+

22. Bennie Wagner, 2B, New York Mets: 2B is iffy but not out of the question. Has a good eye, decent splits and high contact with base stealing speed. I'll pat myself on the back as I got the best player left on my board.

Grade: B+

23. Terry Hill, 2B, Cincinnati Reds: Has the range but little else defensively to be a strong candidate for the infield. Has a good eye, some power and a little speed but questionable splits and contact.

Grade: B-

24. Ike Maybin, 2B, Little Rock Heads: This was one of the few HS players on my board I could see, not bad for 0 scouting. Has some unobtainable projections but still could be a good 2B/CF. Has speed but poor base running ability..grrr. Hitting is more less decent with mixed obtainable abilities. Little Rock may be hoping he doesn't sign and spent the money in the Intl Market.

Grade: B-

25. Tony Clemens, P, Mexico City Diablos Rojos: If his right split develops, he could have a great career instead of a decent one but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Grade: B-

26. Hipolito Gonzales, P, Pittsburgh Pirates: Low durability with high stamina makes high pitch counts rough. Couple that with somewhat anemic projections could doom his career in the majors, but one never knows.

Grade: C

27. Andrew Fischbach, P, San Francisco Giants:

Grade:

28.  Pedro Posada, P, Pittsburgh Pirates: Health could be an issue. Good control and pitches, splits might be a little weak.

Grade: B+

29.  Eric Wheat, CF, Colorado Springs Sky Sox: If he develops well could become a solid player at 2B and at the plate.

Grade:B+

30. Bob Crabtree, P, Salem Super Sequoias:

Grade:

31.  Bernie Feliz, CF, Boston Red Sox: Range could be weak to adequate but the glove is deficient for CF. Has speed and knows how to use it. Has a great eye and hits well against the righties and so-so against lefties. Power and contact impaired hurts his cause further.

Grade: B-

32.  Bob McKain, P, Chicago Cubs: Another pitcher with the odd contrast of stamina to durability and somewhat questionable splits ta boot.  Control and pitches are admirable however.

Grade: B

33. Frank Evers, P, Chicago Cubs: Health and control are big issues. Has very good splits and pitches which looks unjust to weak control. I'm not sure Chicago fans will embrace him however.

Grade: C+

34. Humberto Franco, SS, Florida Marlins: My scouts had him rated high on my board initially but I put an end to that. Yes I do believe he can play a good SS but it ends there. Speed is lacking and hitting could be somewhat unindigenous. Not a bad pick this late in the first round however.

Grade: B-

35.  Adam Casey, RF, Atlanta Braves: Solid at 1B defensively and possible RF though weak in the glove.  Has a decent eye, great right split and power. Unfortunately it stops there.

Grade: C+

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Intl Market

The Cincinnati Reds gave an unwavering $20.3M to sign Vic Gabriel.  Pundits tell me he is a CF but the Reds didn't see fit to give him a try at that position. Must have unrelinquishing needs for RF or the scouts lied once again. I say he should have the range for CF, the glove may not very encompassing for CF and maybe not adequate enough at all could be the Reds reasoning.

Durability is weak now but should grow to be an every day player. Health could be a little iffy. Does have olympic speed were the multitude ( and I mean multitudes ) of stolen bases will follow and the patience to learn.

Those big eyes will come into play greatly when hitting on chicks, maybe he is a werewolf. He does the splits well even with pom poms. Has some home run power the chicks really dig and some good contact to go with it.

IMO, the purchase price may have been over the top. If his power was more upward mobile or a true CF then I would agree to the price. But then again, a .270 - .290 capable hitter with 30+ home runs and 60+ stolen bases don't grow on trees around here.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Mets Board

 How my top 10 picks fared in the draft. As you can tell, my board wasn't the greatest.

1. Dick Berry, SS - Washington D.C. Senators: Drafted 7th, was best player on my board, SS might be a stretch but looks to be a very nice hitter.

2. Tim Carillo, SS -  Louisville Colonels: Drafted 3rd, SS is doubtful but 3B is a plus also a very nice hitter.

3. Fausto Mota, CF - St. Louis Cardinals: Was surprised he was drafted first, should make a nice CF.

4.  Bennie Wagner, 2B,  New York Mets: Surprised he dropped this far down at 22nd, loved his contact and speed.

5. Merv Christenson, P, Milwaukee Brewers: Drafted 12th, was hoping he might drop, so much for wishing but wasn't expecting Wagner to be there.

6. Cedrick Swann, P, Helena Hot Pockets: Drafted 6th, didn't figure I had a chance.

7. F.P. Creek, P, New York Mets, P: I thought it was a good pick at 83, I figured he would go late 1st round or supp.

8. Kelly Young, 2B, Kansas City Royals: Nice pick at 17, good hitter.

9. Calvin Ainsworth, P, Baltimore Orioles: Drafted 37th, I wasn't all that thrilled with his pitches.

10. Babe Hayes, SS, Washington D.C. Senators: Drafted 68th, I wasn't that enthused about him at all.

Others of note on my board:

Julio Baerga, P, Seattle Mariners: Drafted 16th, was in the 13th slot, just didn't need another lefty.

Tony Clemens, P, Mexico City Diablos Rojos: Drafted 25,th, was in my 14th slot.

Stan Mora, C, Milwaukee Brewers: Had him setup for a 3rd round pick at 116, would have worked too if the Brew Crew hadn't intervened (seems they always do) with the 106th pick.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Intl Update

The world was abuzz yesterday with the signing of Diego Juarez by the Little Rock Heads for $14.9M. Either my scouting is way off or the scouting of other teams are using beer goggles. Reported to be a 2B, lets see if his birth certificate is real first.

Ok,  his range looks pretty good and could actually be enough for CF as it should hit 80. Glove on the other hand will be hard pressed to be of significant quality as I expect it to peak in the mid to upper 60's. Arm is doesn't looks alarmingly mediocre to weak and probably won't improve much.

Durability has a long way to go and I expect it to peak around 75 to 78 which isn't all that bad. Health will be ok after a couple seasons and will improve but not drastically. Doesn't look like speed is going to improve all that much either but might have the audacity to steal a base every now and then.

Contact should improve to where strikeouts will not be all that common, I expect it to peak around 64 maybe.  I don't show any improvement in the power department but looks can be deceiving and could improve a little but nothing to impress this judge. His left split doesn't show much improvement but could reach the low 50's. His right split however shows massive improvement but for it to reach the 70's could be very rough. Already has a good eye and could improve into the 70's which is definitely a boon. Can bunt well and consistently pounds the ball to the right while baserunning skills are plausible at best.

IMO I think the purchase price was way over the top. Defense isn't and won't be solid and his arm further degrades possible playing positions. Offense may wind up being good against right handers and a little below adequate against lefties. You might see a .275 - .240 split in average during a good season with 15 dingers, 60 walks and 25 doubles thrown in.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Mets Predraft Ramblings

Yup, here we go once again for me to figure out if my draft board is set up correctly to get my first pick, or better yet who my first pick might be. Didn't get to do this last season and really didn't mess with my board at all but ended up with a somewhat good player. Drafting in the 22nd spot doesn't exactly give me a premier player but one that must be helpful at the ML level one day. Hampering me a little bit is that I didn't spend much in scouting and only college players are available so some assumptions have to made with my 20-10 rule. For those not familiar, too hard to explain but basically deals with the difference between current and projected from the scouts. Normally I would draft a Setup type pitcher but there just isn't one on my board that could be helpful.

1. SS - Not sure he will be a great SS but can hit and can be the #1 pick unless there is a great pitcher.

2. SS - Another iffy SS but will easily find a place on the roster and a top 5 pick.

3. CF - Glove could be weak but another worthy of a top 5 pick.

4. 2B - His stock could drop him to a top 15 pick.

5. P - Pen help anyone? Top 15 at least, as youngsters must rule the way I see it.

6. P - Starter with a little trouble but even if his stock drops is still a top 10 pick.

7. P - The best closer type available to me, I can hope I guess.

8. 2B - Not real sold on him myself.

9. P - A starter that might be there, nothing great.

10. SS - Not real happy here either.

All in all, my board doesn't look so hot. Seven sure players if you ask me and a bunch of wanna be's. Looking at the budgets, I might have a shot at number 5 on my board but it really looks like a fringe player to me.

Intl Market News

Jose Elcano was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals for $8.3M. That is pretty steep price for a closer. The youngster shows a lot of promise and will one day provide great dividends.

Grade: A

Alex Limon was most recently signed by the Baltimore Orioles for $9.5M. Will the great pitches over shadow the lack of control remains to be seen.

Grade: B

 Angel Hernandez was signed by the Colorado Springs Sky Sox for $4.2M. First catcher I have seen with speed, wonder how long that might last? May develop a good arm but other than that defensive abilities are so-so. Hitting abilities are decent against righties but may struggle against lefties. That can actually work in his favor with his durability.

Grade: B

Don Martin was signed by the Dover Dung Beetles for $3.6M. Another catcher with amazing speed but just doesn't understand how to steal a base. Defensive abilities are passable. Has power at the plate but not a solid hitter.

Grade: B-

Julian Megias was also signed by the Dover Dung Beetles for a paltry $1.9M. Listed as a SS but will make a much better 3B. May lack in durability a bit but has some pop in the bat and a pretty good eye. A good cheap signing if you ask me.

Grade: B


Friday, October 19, 2012

Stat News

Everett Hill zoomed by Joey Tracy in the Home Run department last year. 27 more fried potatoes away form the magical 800 plateau.

Juan Carrasquel made it to 700 dingers and was so happy that he injured his knee while circling the bases.

Pascual Solano crossed the 600 Save threshold and still going strong. Rapidly declining this season, he may not have much more left in the tank.

Zeus Singleton has eclipsed Vinny Post to move into second place all-time in Saves. Don't expect him to catch Solano either.

Dom Tabaka needs 1 more Save to make it to 500 for his career. Has his sights set on passing Post this season.

Ivan Johnson is on the DL and no one will give Omar Elcano a job, that is sad.

Surprising fact: Pedro DeSoto leads the way with 62 complete games. Tomas Camacho is second with 57. The surprise you ask? Most of Camacho's were losses.

Everett Hill could pass the great Albert Johnson in RBI's this season.


Stadium Deliverence Effect

Yup, the Mets have been using Yankee stadium for 3 seasons now. The new stadiums in New York should be updated in WIS one of these days in the foreseeable future . In all reality it should be done after the end of the real baseball season, like about now.  They do have four years of stats now which should be enough to make assumptions.

Citi Field has been labeled an extreme pitchers park even though they have tried to fix that problem and failed. It should probably be marked as a -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 park for effects at a minimum. The dimensions of the park are the same as Shea, umm somewhat. The reason for somewhat is the non-symetrical outfield which has been modified along with the bull pens.

The new Yankee Stadium on the other hand is a pitchers nightmare. It has the same dimensions of the old Yankee Stadium right down to the short porch in left which for some reason was calculated at 0 for effect in the old Yankee Stadium.  They had to bring in aeronautical engineers to identify a home run problem to center field. Seems it held an odd jet stream problem that actually can't be fixed but was modified a bit to help. As near as I can figure out, it should be labeled as +1 +1 0 0 +2 for effect.

With my pitching staff, thinks me should move back to Shea when this season is over. Then again it doesn't help when your best player is batting .178 and only 2 pitchers have shown up this season so far. Think the epitome of frustration came in a loss to Salem. Giving up 10 runs in the 8th with a 7 run lead doesn't bear promise.

The odds look good for Detroit to sweep in the World Series, whether it is against the Giants or Red Birdies.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Week One Power Rankings

Power Rankings

I couldn't do this the season I made it to the World Series because I am a terrible believer in jinxes. Then I was too busy last season.  But here we go again.

Never easy to distinguish between teams this early in the season:

1.  Atlanta Braves:  Last year's best record, last year's champs, and are tied for the best record this year.  The presumptive favorite unless someone else makes a convincing showing to the contrary.

2.  Seattle Mariners:  Everyone seems to love the (real) Seattle.  I've never understood that; much of that city seems grimy and post-industrial.  A nice home, then, for the SLOBS.

3.  Detroit Tigers:  Luckstrike won our real world fantasy league and is cashing in at a new law firm.  Seriously, someone please take out his best players with fastballs to the head.

4.  Pittsburgh Pirates:  It seems like ever since I joined the league in Season 17 Pittsburgh has been in the hunt.  This year is starting off no differently.

5.  Salem Super Sequioas:  Another team that is always in the hunt.  And no wonder.  Vladimir Bennett, 5-11 and 175 pounds, averages 40 HR a year.  The juice is handed out in the Salem clubhouse. 

6.  Cincinnati Reds:  For seasons these guys spent $30 million plus on prospects, and I wondered when they would make their move.  I am wondering no more.  Stacked with good young players, they are going to be competing for years.

7.  Colorado Spring Sky Sox.  Three straight seasons atop the AL West, but Seattle is looking to wrest away the crown.  Starting pitching never recovered from Season 24 injuries.

8.  Chicago Cubs.  Chicago seems cursed every year by injuries.  Can 22-year old uberstar Pat Suzuki, arguably the best player to join the game in many seasons, avoid the curse?

9.  Mexico City Diablos Rojos:  Si se puede!

10.  Texas Rangers:  Pronounced correctly, starting pitcher Jun Dong sounds like something a Japanese businessman asks for in a Thai brothel. 

11.  Boston Red Sox:  Can the pitchers maintain a 2.89 ERA in the American League?  Regression to mean suggests batters on the next few teams to play them will have a field day.

12.  Little Rock Heads:  Perpetually rebuilding team is overachieving so far.  Look for them to recede in future editions of the rankings.

13.  Florida Marlins:  Perpetually in the hunt for a championship with ten 100+ win seasons in a row, but knocked on their heals by the injury to Ivan Johnson and the unexplained departure of sdhizzle.  Welcome Lemmiwinks, you have big shoes to fill.

14.  Tampa Bay Rays:  They are spending 0 on high school scouting, suggesting the future is now for the Rays.  Wrecks, were you given just months to live by your doctor or something?

15.  Philadelphia Phillies:  I can't be bothered to look -- is Doc Kinney the lowest rated player on a major league roster?

16.  Baltimore Orioles:  Team owner Jrockers lived in Atlanta for years and has a thick Southern accent, so I continually think he actually owns the Braves.

17.  Dover Dung Beetles:  I blame this team for Joe Biden's obnoxious performance in the debate last night.

18.  Louisville Colonels:    This team has been terrible for years; is this the start of a move toward respectability?

19.  Toronto Blue Jays:  Lance Howard, who has a 91 contact, is batting .038 on the season. 

20.  San Diego Padres:  I did a google search for "Brucehearse," and came across this disturbingly eclectic collection of Youtube videos.

21.  Montreal Expos:  Folks were picking on the Houston payroll, but $29.7 million Montreal?  Really?

22.  St. Louis Cardinals.  Hipolito Mesa is just one cool dude.

23.  Arizona Diamondbacks:  This team has been on the cusp of contending for years.  Is this the year?

24.  Minnesota Twins:  Fielding instructor Tony Sasaki is anything but zen.

25.  Washington DC Senators:  Not emulating the real world team yet. 

26.  KC Royals:  Running Harry Callaspo is good evidence that basestealing ability is at least as much about a player's baserunning rating. 

27.  New York Mets:  $100+ million payroll and mired in the standings.  It's like the BHD gods are punishing Firesign for his many blog posts.

28.  Milwaukee Brewers:  Ditto for Commissioner Dilo

29.  Anaheim Angels:  Another tanking team.  Perhaps Angel Diaz is the worst player in the majors, not Doc Kinney.

30.  Houston Astros.  The ulimate tanking team.  I didn't even think a payroll of $18.3 million was possible.  Since his payroll budget is over $70 million, what does this mean Boyd, $45 million spent on prospects this season?

31.  SF Giants:  With excellent Advanced Scouting, perhaps this team should blow itself up in deals for younger players.

32.  Helena Hot Pockets:  The worst team in the game at the moment, if this keeps up they should change their name to the Hot Lunch. 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Early Intl Market

Luis Tatis made a small fortune from Mexico City in the tune of $10M.  He has a bright future ahead of him as a middle reliever if he develops which should happen

Grade: A

Benny Benitez also signed a $10M deal with the San Diego Padres. San Diego is in the NL right? I don't see him developing into a very good ML catcher. However his plate etiquette does see him in the major leagues at some point as a DH.

Grade: C

 Wilin Unamuno signed a $1.8M with the Cincinnati Reds. He could possibly develop into a ML player as he looks to be a fringe player with some good abilities. I term him as a good value signing for the money.

Grade: B-

Victor Terrero was also signed by the  San Diego Padres very cheaply. Our feelings at the moment seems to lean to a well made career minor league pitcher.

Grade: C-

Thursday, October 4, 2012

NY Mets

 The Mets at a glance.

The Mets are out to prove they belong in the playoffs this year. Last season they were sorta left on their own for 5 or 6 days at a stretch several times early in the season. I really wasn't around much but got back into it after All-Star break where they became contenders again. They only ended up four games out of it after being 10 games below .500 at one point. 1-run losses and a couple injuries to the pitching staff hurt tremendously.

We have all the coaches returning from last season. That is a big plus and rather unusual for me. Normally I have one that runs away to another team at least. I usually don't pay an absorbent amount for a Bench Coach either. I really don't think paying $2M when  $600Gs will do just fine, this year we went against the grain in that area.

Offense and Defense

C: Mariano Pimentel becomes the starting catcher this year. We like the fact that he should be a better hitter, good defensively and can start 130 games, an opportunity he relishes. Sun Hasegawa is his backup to ones chagrin maybe.

1B -  Leo Rodney had a very productive season last year. We think it could be much better. Egads he goes to Arbitration wanting extremely big bucks next year.

2B - John McInerney had a great all around season last year. We also think it could be somewhat better. He could be a FA next year if we can't come up with the bucks to pay him. $8M, yikes.

3B - Carlos Mesa had a great season last year also. In Arbitration again next year and will find his way to the FA market in all probability. Don't look at me, unwilling to pay $7M a year for a player with 28 health.

SS - Carl Browning was snagged off the Rule V draft last season to be the utility backup. We aren't exactly sold yet that he is the starter.

LF - Dan Radke returns to his normal haunt after being relegated to the bench most of last season.

RF - Marc Redman brings his GG to bear regardless of what the fielding coach says. Actually I think he is right, he could play a weak 2B but I got enough of those on board at the moment.  Now if we can just get him to hit like we think he should.

CF - Emil Flores is getting the job for the time being. He may not have the range for the job, but we do have lots of range on the corners to help.

Utility - Guy Oquist who may wind up as the starter at SS. Clarence Valentin is also a player that will see a lot of action as he can play everywhere also. Last but not least is Omar Ordonez, he backs up several positions well and is a power bat but not as we had hoped last year. He could be up for adoption after inter-league play or before, we haven't decided.

On the Starting Mound:

R.J. Bellhorn is in the #1 slot again. He has failed miserably as a starter but won his last 7 starts last season after failing in the pen also. He is the best pitcher we got in all reality and should live up to it.

Harry Rodriguez had a so-so season last year and we know he can do better.

Danys Candelaria showed he could actually pitch last season.

Ted Maxwell may be better in the pen, but that luxury just isn't there.

Esmerling Pujols, yes he is the #5 starter for awhile at least.

The Pen

Benny Calero had a terrible season last year if you ask me. I tried him as a starter but he just doesn't recover well from an outing.

Clinton Cedeno was pitching well last season as a starter til an injury crippled him. He didn't win his starting job back in ST but may replace Pujols before it is said and done.

Al Limon is always the stalwart. He just doesn't have enough to be a starter.

Joseph Wang promised us a good two years. He doesn't recover well so hopefully he can anchor the pen.

Hector Fernandez is kinda pissed at us but we gave him a special job this year. We are hoping it works.

Wayne Hampton and Don Zhou comprise the short relief roles and they are good at it.

Dom Tabaka returns to his closer duties for yet another year as he tries to eclipse Vinny Posts record to move into 3rd place all time in saves.

HOF Voting

Ok, we didn't get anybody in again. 125 votes were cast, that leaves 35 that didn't get cast, that is 7 owners. sdhizzles was one of the owners that didn't vote, that leaves 6. Of those 6 we could have gotten 3 in maybe but at least 2. In all reality, I think anyone with ten or more votes should get in not 17. 17 is too hard to make with the talent we have out there.  


Randy Lamb thanks whoever voted for him. I will agree he has the home run numbers but one must look at his overall design. In my estimation he hit 200 or more dingers he shouldn't have at least. His fielding stats could have and probably should have been worse than they are. I feel the same about Tony Duran also, his stat of 863 stolen bases may never be broke. More surprising about him was his walk to strike out ratio, not bad for a guy with no splits.

Putting It All Together

AL

Believe it or not this gets tougher every year.

1. Colorado Springs Sky Sox - Still think they are the best in the AL
2. Texas Rangers - On the verge of greatness
3. Boston Red Sox - Staying power but could fall
4. Detroit Tigers - Coming of age story
5. Tampa Bay Rays - Hotly contested but comes in second this time around
6. Baltimore Orioles - Actually a gamble on the closeness of the next four

Teams in the hunt til the end that could surprise everyone

Seattle Mariners - Better than you think
Toronto Blue Jays - If the Tigs fail
Dover Dung Beetles - Could be a surprise in the East
Kansas City Royals - Too many good teams above them in the South is all

NL

If you think the AL was tough.  Where is sdhizzle, playing Waldo?

1. Mexico City Diablos Rojos - Taking a huge gamble
2. Atlanta Braves - They could be number 1 easy enough
3. Salem Super Sequoias - Win one for the Gipper
4. Chicago Cubs - Too much  infighting lands them here
5. Arizona Diamondbacks - Winning realization sets in
6. New York Mets - Just because they can, no excuses

Teams in the hunt til the end that could surprise everyone


Cincinnati Reds - They can easily be in the picture
Pittsburgh Pirates - Living on the edge for so long
Florida Marlins - Ivan was a huge loss but can be overcome