The Salem Super Sequoias are enjoying a first place setting at the moment. The offensive youngsters are maturing. Defense is rather good. The pitching however has a ways to go. I seem to recall Shaggy Stratton playing for the St Louis Browns at one time. Hmm, that may have been well before everyones time here.
The Colorado Rockies are in second. I was kind of joking when I said the Rockies may not win more games at home than their Spring Training total wins. However, so far this season they haven't done it yet. The reason is pitching. Although the hitting at home has been good, the long ball hasn't materialized as expected, the pitching has been dismal. Defense has major holes at key positions.
The Vancouver Canadians has had a let down of late and find themselves in third. Defense is relatively strong but an injury has caused a bit of a problem. Hitting overall has been a bit of a let down. Pitching is actually better on paper than their performance so far, giving up way too many home runs. I still feel they have a team that can challenge for the division title.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are smoldering in the cellar. Defense is very porous. Pitching is actually better than their stats indicate thanks to the defense. Hitting has a few bright spots for the future.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Team Analysis, AL West
The Helena Hot Pockets suddenly find themselves in first place. Led by Vicente Estrada on offense who leads in Home Runs and RBI's. He does play DH because of his lack of health, which may help some, never know when he might stub his toe rounding the base paths though. He is a very likely candidate for AL MVP honors. Offense however is not just one dimensional as the entire lineup chips in admirably. Defense has a couple GG candidates but weak spot is at SS. The offense and defense must perform as the pitching staff rarely shows up.
The Las Vegas 51s have vaulted into second after a dismal 7 game losing streak. Defense is not exactly a strong point. They lead the league in the long ball however and that is actually a tough feat for a team in Las Vegas. Like their division foes, the pitching rarely shows off but has a couple bright spots.
The Anaheim Angels find themselves in third closely chasing the other two. Defense is solid but has it holes on the far left side. Hitting is a mixed bag but suitable for Anaheim but just haven't been all that great in the home park. Pitching has not been great especially at home.
The Omaha Lancers bring up the rear. Defense is relatively good. Hitting however has been a big let down so far this season. Pitching has looked bad and maybe getting the short end of the stick.
The Las Vegas 51s have vaulted into second after a dismal 7 game losing streak. Defense is not exactly a strong point. They lead the league in the long ball however and that is actually a tough feat for a team in Las Vegas. Like their division foes, the pitching rarely shows off but has a couple bright spots.
The Anaheim Angels find themselves in third closely chasing the other two. Defense is solid but has it holes on the far left side. Hitting is a mixed bag but suitable for Anaheim but just haven't been all that great in the home park. Pitching has not been great especially at home.
The Omaha Lancers bring up the rear. Defense is relatively good. Hitting however has been a big let down so far this season. Pitching has looked bad and maybe getting the short end of the stick.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Team Analysis, AL South
The Durham Bulls find themselves in first place once again. Why? The out hit everybody at home and away. The pitching for the most part is better at home than on the road, figure that one out. One of the best defenses meshes well for the front runner. Will it mean another chance at the World Series? Only time will tell.
The Kansas City Royals are in second chasing Durham just like old times down in ole Monterrey. I was thinking a change of scenery and new owner might be good for this team at the beginning. Getting used to the new park has had its ups and downs. Defense is the biggest let down as with this park it must be good to stop the slap hits. Pitching has not been all that great and some of that is the fault of the defense. The hitting has been good.
The Austin Fightin' Armadillos are in third and have been playing catch up as they had a terrible start to the season. The defense borders on terrible. Offense is not covering the defenses tracks. The pitching should be better than it is.
The Tampa Bay Rays have a foothold in the cellar. A season where everything is going wrong. They have a few youngsters to build around and some quality players in the minors coming along nicely and had a fairly nice draft. Still, the Rays are a couple players short and a season or two away.
The Kansas City Royals are in second chasing Durham just like old times down in ole Monterrey. I was thinking a change of scenery and new owner might be good for this team at the beginning. Getting used to the new park has had its ups and downs. Defense is the biggest let down as with this park it must be good to stop the slap hits. Pitching has not been all that great and some of that is the fault of the defense. The hitting has been good.
The Austin Fightin' Armadillos are in third and have been playing catch up as they had a terrible start to the season. The defense borders on terrible. Offense is not covering the defenses tracks. The pitching should be better than it is.
The Tampa Bay Rays have a foothold in the cellar. A season where everything is going wrong. They have a few youngsters to build around and some quality players in the minors coming along nicely and had a fairly nice draft. Still, the Rays are a couple players short and a season or two away.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Team Analysis, NL South
The Florida Marlins find themselves in first. With undeniable leader on offense, Murray Ramsey, the Marlins offense runs in high gear. Shut him down and the attack can come to a screeching halt. Defense is relatively sound, a few holes exist though. It is already rumored that Ivan Johnson, the two pitch Golden Boy, is a leading contender for the CY Young and he isn't even a starting pitcher. The rest of the staff is pretty damn good also.
The Texas Rangers find themselves in second place. The Rangers have a great team with a frustrated GM. Playoff bound is an interesting question however. Hitting is very good. Pitching can be somewhat of a disappointment at home. Defense has its weak links. Texas has a few sayings that can help, Oklahoma sucks that is why trees lean to the north, brown cloud to the west means New Mexico is coming for a visit, rain means Houston blows. What does that have to do with anything? Absolutely nothing. What can Texas do to fix their woes? The only thing I am saying is look at the stats and figure out how to fix what is wrong. Most of the answers are in conjunction with the stadium factors.
St. Louis Cardinals are in third at the moment. Actually being a contender is suddenly doubtful in all reality. They are not as bad as they look and surprisingly do better than what one would think. Remember what they accomplished in New Orleans last year. A better home turf this year is actually a benefit. The update actually hurt them a lot in every aspect of the game. Defensively, they are suddenly porous. Hitting is suddenly very inconsistent. Pitching is giving up way too many fan souvenirs.
Houston Astros are smoldering in last. The update last year left the GM fuming and knowing he had to rebuild for the future. Then this seemingly unabtrusive update made him madder than a wet hen probably. At the moment the defense is well, pathetic. Actually it always was, it just never reared its ugly head before. Out hitting the defensive woes doesn't work well anymore. There are some pieces to work with and in the near future however. I would even expect a future sell off in the off season, so AL teams take notice as there are still a few prize possessions available if you can afford them. The bright spot is the pitching staff who are doing well despite some the other woes. Mostly young and more young help in the minors. Getting the offense and defense right for the future is the primary concern.
The Texas Rangers find themselves in second place. The Rangers have a great team with a frustrated GM. Playoff bound is an interesting question however. Hitting is very good. Pitching can be somewhat of a disappointment at home. Defense has its weak links. Texas has a few sayings that can help, Oklahoma sucks that is why trees lean to the north, brown cloud to the west means New Mexico is coming for a visit, rain means Houston blows. What does that have to do with anything? Absolutely nothing. What can Texas do to fix their woes? The only thing I am saying is look at the stats and figure out how to fix what is wrong. Most of the answers are in conjunction with the stadium factors.
St. Louis Cardinals are in third at the moment. Actually being a contender is suddenly doubtful in all reality. They are not as bad as they look and surprisingly do better than what one would think. Remember what they accomplished in New Orleans last year. A better home turf this year is actually a benefit. The update actually hurt them a lot in every aspect of the game. Defensively, they are suddenly porous. Hitting is suddenly very inconsistent. Pitching is giving up way too many fan souvenirs.
Houston Astros are smoldering in last. The update last year left the GM fuming and knowing he had to rebuild for the future. Then this seemingly unabtrusive update made him madder than a wet hen probably. At the moment the defense is well, pathetic. Actually it always was, it just never reared its ugly head before. Out hitting the defensive woes doesn't work well anymore. There are some pieces to work with and in the near future however. I would even expect a future sell off in the off season, so AL teams take notice as there are still a few prize possessions available if you can afford them. The bright spot is the pitching staff who are doing well despite some the other woes. Mostly young and more young help in the minors. Getting the offense and defense right for the future is the primary concern.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Season 15 Draft, 27-33
27. Scott Smith: Chicago, C - He is short on the defensive side of the ball to be truly great. His hitting abilities make him totally viable at the position however. He would not be favored by the pen in the late innings but is good enough to be a starter. Downside is health, which could stop him from fulfilling his dreams.
Grade A - Cubs GM likes hitters and he fills the bill nicely.
28. Scott Smith: Boston, P: If he was on my board I would have taken him with the 21st pick, I only had one RP on my board and he got picked 7th. He could very well be a shut down closer or a long setup. Splits could actually be better than I am seeing and two very nice pitches to go with the control. Getting the ball in the air will be very tough.
Grade A+ - Fantastic pick that squeezed through this late in the draft.
29. Haywood Bell: Kansas City, 2B - His hitting abilities are great and tuned for KC. A 2B is a very long reach however. Figuring out what position to put him will be a secondary concern, maybe LF and could wind up at 1B. Keeping him off the DL may take luck and will be the primary concern.
Grade C - Only because he is a very risky pick
30. Brian Grim: Pittsburgh, P - Could be a very good middle reliever if projections get close. His downfall is durability which could slow his progress somewhat. One must be careful with this guy as his gold abilities combined could make him one of those surprising and maddening DL candidates.
Grade A - Exactly what I was looking for in a middle reliever. Durability drops his overall grade from an A+
31. Blade Gates: Anaheim, 1B - I agree with the GM as his glove and range are too weak to play COF. Could be a spot on hitter in their park. The hard part will be getting his abilities close to projections, it will take a couple very good rollovers before he starts to develop properly.
Grade B - I think he could be a very good player, but not exactly a 1B hitting type for most lineups. Could be slow to develop and maybe not worth the wait. Still think it was a very good pick though.
32. Richie Harding: Pittsburgh, P - Choosing a second middle reliever has Pittifulburgh addressing future needs. He has some control issues that could cause problems but if the other projections manifest could be very good doing his job as planned. A wait and see project.
Grade B - Ability is there but projections may be unattainable.
33. Bennie York: Durham, P - A lefty middle reliever is hard to come by. Bennie just may come up short in that department. His health not withstanding the pressure may further add to the woes. His control will be good, the splits of this lefty is not exactly desirable and with only one really good pitch may leave him out in the cold.
Grade C - Only because I don't see him making it.
Grade A - Cubs GM likes hitters and he fills the bill nicely.
28. Scott Smith: Boston, P: If he was on my board I would have taken him with the 21st pick, I only had one RP on my board and he got picked 7th. He could very well be a shut down closer or a long setup. Splits could actually be better than I am seeing and two very nice pitches to go with the control. Getting the ball in the air will be very tough.
Grade A+ - Fantastic pick that squeezed through this late in the draft.
29. Haywood Bell: Kansas City, 2B - His hitting abilities are great and tuned for KC. A 2B is a very long reach however. Figuring out what position to put him will be a secondary concern, maybe LF and could wind up at 1B. Keeping him off the DL may take luck and will be the primary concern.
Grade C - Only because he is a very risky pick
30. Brian Grim: Pittsburgh, P - Could be a very good middle reliever if projections get close. His downfall is durability which could slow his progress somewhat. One must be careful with this guy as his gold abilities combined could make him one of those surprising and maddening DL candidates.
Grade A - Exactly what I was looking for in a middle reliever. Durability drops his overall grade from an A+
31. Blade Gates: Anaheim, 1B - I agree with the GM as his glove and range are too weak to play COF. Could be a spot on hitter in their park. The hard part will be getting his abilities close to projections, it will take a couple very good rollovers before he starts to develop properly.
Grade B - I think he could be a very good player, but not exactly a 1B hitting type for most lineups. Could be slow to develop and maybe not worth the wait. Still think it was a very good pick though.
32. Richie Harding: Pittsburgh, P - Choosing a second middle reliever has Pittifulburgh addressing future needs. He has some control issues that could cause problems but if the other projections manifest could be very good doing his job as planned. A wait and see project.
Grade B - Ability is there but projections may be unattainable.
33. Bennie York: Durham, P - A lefty middle reliever is hard to come by. Bennie just may come up short in that department. His health not withstanding the pressure may further add to the woes. His control will be good, the splits of this lefty is not exactly desirable and with only one really good pitch may leave him out in the cold.
Grade C - Only because I don't see him making it.
Team Analysis, NL East
The Cleveland Indians find themselves in first. The age old nemesis is striking at the heart of this team, inability to score. Too many 1-run losses and strings of extra inning games hurts. Defense, as promised, is the best in the league. Getting quality starts but pen is sometimes a mystery. Hitting is very inconsistent.
The Atlanta Braves are currently in second. Defense is not their forte, hitting is. Pitching was holding the team together before the update, now out hitting the other team is paramount.
The Philadelphia Phillies are currently in third. After a disastrous start with the injury bug, they have settled down and is the team Cleveland fears the most. Getting used to the new stadium may be proving difficult however. Fielding has its problems. Hitting is also inconsistent. Pitching has been terrible for the most part.
The New York Mets find themselves in the cellar once again. After a confab, the defense is much better and has helped. Hitting comes in streaks. Pitching is not stellar but comes in streaks also. The starting pitching is young and will continue to get better. Beware, this team is on the rise. With one or two players on offense and and the young pitching staff improving will make this a very formidable opponent in the future.
The Atlanta Braves are currently in second. Defense is not their forte, hitting is. Pitching was holding the team together before the update, now out hitting the other team is paramount.
The Philadelphia Phillies are currently in third. After a disastrous start with the injury bug, they have settled down and is the team Cleveland fears the most. Getting used to the new stadium may be proving difficult however. Fielding has its problems. Hitting is also inconsistent. Pitching has been terrible for the most part.
The New York Mets find themselves in the cellar once again. After a confab, the defense is much better and has helped. Hitting comes in streaks. Pitching is not stellar but comes in streaks also. The starting pitching is young and will continue to get better. Beware, this team is on the rise. With one or two players on offense and and the young pitching staff improving will make this a very formidable opponent in the future.
Season 15 Draft, 21 -26
21. John Gwynn: Cleveland, P: The College Scouting actually saw him better than my Advance Scouting. Which is right I am not sure. So it will depend on how he develops. What I was looking for was a good middle reliever and he doesn't have the current projected qualifications I was looking for IMO.
Grade B - He does have the capability to play at the ML level.
22. Julio Lopez: Helena, P - He projects to be short on control and splits may be hard to attain to be successful. Pitches are very nice though so he has a chance, slim maybe.
Grade C - One of those detested lefties that looks like a "Red Herring" to me
23. Alex Clark: Colorado, 3B - Unknown
24. Turner Dempster: Syracuse, P - Projects to be a real nice long reliever or end of rotation starter. However, development will be crucial and a long time to get there. His pitch selection could be his downfall at how good he will be.
Grade B - Big gaps between current and projected
25. Carlos Matos: Dover, 1B - A 1B in someones wet dreams but could be a sultan of swat in the DH position.
Grade A - Projects to be a great DH
26. Moe Riggs: Atlanta, SS - SS is probably out of the question, but as a 3B made in the shade. Hitting abilities aren't great but adequate to make a ML roster especially with his speed.
Grade B - Not great but sufficient.
Grade B - He does have the capability to play at the ML level.
22. Julio Lopez: Helena, P - He projects to be short on control and splits may be hard to attain to be successful. Pitches are very nice though so he has a chance, slim maybe.
Grade C - One of those detested lefties that looks like a "Red Herring" to me
23. Alex Clark: Colorado, 3B - Unknown
24. Turner Dempster: Syracuse, P - Projects to be a real nice long reliever or end of rotation starter. However, development will be crucial and a long time to get there. His pitch selection could be his downfall at how good he will be.
Grade B - Big gaps between current and projected
25. Carlos Matos: Dover, 1B - A 1B in someones wet dreams but could be a sultan of swat in the DH position.
Grade A - Projects to be a great DH
26. Moe Riggs: Atlanta, SS - SS is probably out of the question, but as a 3B made in the shade. Hitting abilities aren't great but adequate to make a ML roster especially with his speed.
Grade B - Not great but sufficient.
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