The AL has always given me problems in predicting the outcomes and I am not sure why. Maybe with the DH, the AL prides itself on hitting more than pitching. So without much more fanfare, how did the AL stand out against the predictions so far.
AL North
Seattle Mariners: 20 game lead. That is actually a big surprise in a way but not by much.
Toronto Blue Jays: Might be 20 behind first place but only a couple away from the heavily contested Wild Cards.
Detroit Tigers: This team mystified us when the owner came up missing and that put the team in a bit of a hole. Still in the thick of things however.
Minnesota Twins: I think they mystified everyone including the owner who declared a rebuild is in order.
AL East
If you thought the North was mystifying, just look at the East. I was up in the air before and it has proved that way so far.
Dover Dung Beetles: In first today.
Atlanta Braves: Tied for first tomorrow maybe.
Boston Red Sox and Washington D.C. Senators: Tied for first next week maybe.
AL South
Kansas City Royals: In first place because Bart Ross has single-handedly willed them there again. Huh, he could get on base in Cleveland but really wasn't that great a hitter, what is up with that?
Little Rock Heads: Took the advice well and has put together a good team in Little Rock. Even so, I think they are playing a little over their Heads.
Texas Rangers: Failed in the FA market and decided to retool but still put together somewhat of a winning attitude.
Tampa Bay Rays: Don't ask, Don't tell.
AL West
Anaheim Angels and Helena Hot Pockets: It could be this way til the end of the season.
San Diego Padres: We can't count them out either.
Colorado Rockies: Gopher balls hurt, win or lose but not out of the race.
The only thing I can say right at the moment is .... egads what a mess with maybe two or three teams out of the mix. My predictions other than Seattle may not hold water at all.
AL Surprise: Little Rock Heads, I didn't think they could contend yet.
AL Disappointment: Tampa Bay Rays, got to figure out how to win on the road.
Leading Manager of the Year Candidate: dakar, but only if he gets the team to the WS
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The NL Foretold
How has the preseason predictions held up so far? With 56 games to go anything can still happen.
NL North
Pittsburgh Pirates: With an 18 game lead they are plundering their way to a top 3 seed as predicted.
Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds: Both are duking it out for second place. Currently 12 games back of the nearest Wildcard doesn't help their chances very much.
Chicago Cubs: I thought they were in rebuild at the beginning of the season. Their owner had a different perception but alas they are as bad as I perceived them to be.
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies: It took them a while to get in gear but haven't looked back once they took over the division lead as predicted.
St. Louis Browns: They had a hot start then went cold, maybe all the rain put their fire out. When I had them, they stayed in contention until the end before they fizzled.
New York Mets: 70 wins was a lofty goal but is still doable and next season may not be much better, it is gonna take some time.
Baltimore Orioles: Somehow I figured they would be much better.
NL South
Florida Marlins and Houston Astros: It might come down to the final series before a definite candidate rises from the ashes. I still think the Florida veteranship outlasts the young guns.
New Orleans Zephyrs and Mexico City Diablos Rojos are having a tussle staying out of the cellar.
NL West
Salem Super Sequoias: I figured they would have a 10 game lead by this point. Instead they are barely holding their heads above water in first place.
Los Angeles Dodgers: I didn't expect them to be only 1 game out at this point. Remember, I couldn't choose between them and the next.
San Francisco Giants: I really thought they could be right there with the Dodgers, I am sadly mistaken so far.
Arizona Diamondbacks: They are getting better and it is only a matter of time. Chances of a non 100 loss season looks very good and that is a start in the right direction.
So far the season has gone pretty much as predicted with little fanfare. 5 out of 6 in the prediction market, may not finish in my exact order as predicted.
NL Season Surprise: Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Season Disappointment: Milwaukee Brewers
Leading NL Manager of the Year Candidate: dylandash
NL North
Pittsburgh Pirates: With an 18 game lead they are plundering their way to a top 3 seed as predicted.
Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds: Both are duking it out for second place. Currently 12 games back of the nearest Wildcard doesn't help their chances very much.
Chicago Cubs: I thought they were in rebuild at the beginning of the season. Their owner had a different perception but alas they are as bad as I perceived them to be.
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies: It took them a while to get in gear but haven't looked back once they took over the division lead as predicted.
St. Louis Browns: They had a hot start then went cold, maybe all the rain put their fire out. When I had them, they stayed in contention until the end before they fizzled.
New York Mets: 70 wins was a lofty goal but is still doable and next season may not be much better, it is gonna take some time.
Baltimore Orioles: Somehow I figured they would be much better.
NL South
Florida Marlins and Houston Astros: It might come down to the final series before a definite candidate rises from the ashes. I still think the Florida veteranship outlasts the young guns.
New Orleans Zephyrs and Mexico City Diablos Rojos are having a tussle staying out of the cellar.
NL West
Salem Super Sequoias: I figured they would have a 10 game lead by this point. Instead they are barely holding their heads above water in first place.
Los Angeles Dodgers: I didn't expect them to be only 1 game out at this point. Remember, I couldn't choose between them and the next.
San Francisco Giants: I really thought they could be right there with the Dodgers, I am sadly mistaken so far.
Arizona Diamondbacks: They are getting better and it is only a matter of time. Chances of a non 100 loss season looks very good and that is a start in the right direction.
So far the season has gone pretty much as predicted with little fanfare. 5 out of 6 in the prediction market, may not finish in my exact order as predicted.
NL Season Surprise: Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Season Disappointment: Milwaukee Brewers
Leading NL Manager of the Year Candidate: dylandash
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Mets Opera
It is All-Star break and it is time to analyze the organization. The last 20 games has been an embarrassment to say the least. I was expecting to win a couple of those games but they just slipped right on by. I was hoping to have 41 or 42 wins at the break. Now I am just not sure how the rest of the season will unfold. The way we are playing, 70 wins is a pipe dream and 63 might be tough. This team is better than it looks. Maybe we can muster some wins against the after All-star break division slug fest.
C - Gary Stanley has been handling the pitchers to the best of his abilities IMHO. His backup sucks, but that is beside the point. Nothing in the minors to help either.
1B - Tomas Guerrero hasn't been stellar at all. Less than adequate at 1B and horrible against right-handed pitchers.
2B - John McInerney stats look bad all the way around. Our feeling is that he was brought to the majors too soon. We think after this season with a decent rollover he could be elite at his position. He should be batting lead-off but his durability says otherwise at this time.
3B - Daiki Xaio has won this positions contest. He isn't a great hitter but plays the position the best.
SS - Tomas Trevino isn't a superstar by any means but is having a great season and was awarded with an All-Star appearance.
RF - Kirby Priddy was Mr Met at one time but those were the days and they are numbered. Gets a good bye tour for the rest of the season.
CF - Abdul Riggs has played CF well and has been pretty good at the plate also.
LF - Rodrigo Cerda has won the job when he isn't on the DL.
Bench
Pascual Zapata hasn't performed well at all and will join the unemployment line next season.
Jay Richard hasn't performed well enough to justify his big contract and will find himself in that unemployment line next year also.
Pedro Johnson actually needs more playing time and will probably get it soon enough. Was going to make him the everyday 3B but need someone to back up SS and 2B and he can't do all three.
Dan Radke has really surpassed our expectations. He could be a ROY candidate but may not make the list because we can't find a position he plays well. So now he plays 1B in place of the ineffective Tomas Guerrero.
Pitching
Most of the problems with pitching is due to the limited amount of offense generated. For the most part they are talented enough but get few breaks.
Minors Watch
AAA
Anibal Bennett might be wild but could have potential in the pen.
Jarrett Tobin was found lurking around on the inactive list for 2 years, not sure why. Might make a RF out of him yet.
AA
Ted Maxwell is destined to be a star we think. It will take some more time but is getting there.
Harry Rodriguez is on our watch list at least. We are not sure whether his control and pitches can mask his horrible splits.
Hi A
Carlos Mesa will be great at 3B in our opinion if he stays healthy.
Leo Rodney was our #1 pick, of course he is on the list along with everyone else. We started him out in Rookie ball were he did great to our thinking. He just didn't fit in with the team and opponents wouldn't pitch to him.
Low A
R.J. Bellhorn is upset he didn't make the All-Star team and I agree. He is a lefty however and I detest them but RJ has a chance to make me rethink that position.
Anderson Henley did make the All-Star team just because. We are watching but not sure he actually has what it takes.
C - Gary Stanley has been handling the pitchers to the best of his abilities IMHO. His backup sucks, but that is beside the point. Nothing in the minors to help either.
1B - Tomas Guerrero hasn't been stellar at all. Less than adequate at 1B and horrible against right-handed pitchers.
2B - John McInerney stats look bad all the way around. Our feeling is that he was brought to the majors too soon. We think after this season with a decent rollover he could be elite at his position. He should be batting lead-off but his durability says otherwise at this time.
3B - Daiki Xaio has won this positions contest. He isn't a great hitter but plays the position the best.
SS - Tomas Trevino isn't a superstar by any means but is having a great season and was awarded with an All-Star appearance.
RF - Kirby Priddy was Mr Met at one time but those were the days and they are numbered. Gets a good bye tour for the rest of the season.
CF - Abdul Riggs has played CF well and has been pretty good at the plate also.
LF - Rodrigo Cerda has won the job when he isn't on the DL.
Bench
Pascual Zapata hasn't performed well at all and will join the unemployment line next season.
Jay Richard hasn't performed well enough to justify his big contract and will find himself in that unemployment line next year also.
Pedro Johnson actually needs more playing time and will probably get it soon enough. Was going to make him the everyday 3B but need someone to back up SS and 2B and he can't do all three.
Dan Radke has really surpassed our expectations. He could be a ROY candidate but may not make the list because we can't find a position he plays well. So now he plays 1B in place of the ineffective Tomas Guerrero.
Pitching
Most of the problems with pitching is due to the limited amount of offense generated. For the most part they are talented enough but get few breaks.
Minors Watch
AAA
Anibal Bennett might be wild but could have potential in the pen.
Jarrett Tobin was found lurking around on the inactive list for 2 years, not sure why. Might make a RF out of him yet.
AA
Ted Maxwell is destined to be a star we think. It will take some more time but is getting there.
Harry Rodriguez is on our watch list at least. We are not sure whether his control and pitches can mask his horrible splits.
Hi A
Carlos Mesa will be great at 3B in our opinion if he stays healthy.
Leo Rodney was our #1 pick, of course he is on the list along with everyone else. We started him out in Rookie ball were he did great to our thinking. He just didn't fit in with the team and opponents wouldn't pitch to him.
Low A
R.J. Bellhorn is upset he didn't make the All-Star team and I agree. He is a lefty however and I detest them but RJ has a chance to make me rethink that position.
Anderson Henley did make the All-Star team just because. We are watching but not sure he actually has what it takes.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
EMSN International Report
True Luck Duck reporting with this special news bulletin. The Kansas City Royals have signed the latest big name IFA in Tomas Ordonez for for the cheap sum of $9.7M. Rumor has it that the Mets allowed for the cheap signing after their #1 pick in the draft signed.
Monday, April 18, 2011
EMSN International Report
Linda Loo reporting live from the beaches of the Dominican Republic in place of True Luck Duck who is in the hospital with food poisoning err alcohol err for what ever. Two new Internationals have been signed after lengthy tryouts. By the way, I have found out why you don't interview prospective players on sandy beaches wearing my wicked weasel.
The first is Javier Amaro, a pitcher whose next stop is with the Helena Hot Pockets. A nice kid with octopus arms and nice splits but let me tell you he left with a gooey hot pocket as his control is definitely an issue. Maybe a few months of Helena pasture hospitality will calm him down.
Control: D
Splits: C+
Pitches: C-
Medical: Clean
Notes: For $5M a definite gamble.
Next up was Pedro Lopez who signed for $6.5M, who is the newest oompa loompa for the Boston Red Sox. He didn't have the staying power and only got to 3B but it was a hell of a ride for awhile.
Fielding: C+
Plate Awareness: C+
Power: C
Contact: D+
Medical: Clean
Notes: Nice arm but the accuracy is a little bothersome getting to 1B. has a good eyes for the ladies but tends to strike out a lot.
The first is Javier Amaro, a pitcher whose next stop is with the Helena Hot Pockets. A nice kid with octopus arms and nice splits but let me tell you he left with a gooey hot pocket as his control is definitely an issue. Maybe a few months of Helena pasture hospitality will calm him down.
Control: D
Splits: C+
Pitches: C-
Medical: Clean
Notes: For $5M a definite gamble.
Next up was Pedro Lopez who signed for $6.5M, who is the newest oompa loompa for the Boston Red Sox. He didn't have the staying power and only got to 3B but it was a hell of a ride for awhile.
Fielding: C+
Plate Awareness: C+
Power: C
Contact: D+
Medical: Clean
Notes: Nice arm but the accuracy is a little bothersome getting to 1B. has a good eyes for the ladies but tends to strike out a lot.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Mets Opera
The Mets were on a tear for awhile getting themselves back into contention in the NL East. Winning 10 of 12 from the AL South caused spirits to run high as they positioned themselves to possibly make it to .500, but alas the Brewers and Dodgers ended that dream. With back to back series with Houston, Pittsburgh and Florida, that seems like a pipe dream now and the cellar awaits once again.
On the bright side, our first round draft pick signed. Hip Hip Hoorah! (that gets lost in translation a bit, but sounds real exciting in baritone) He currently became the highest paid draft pick at $5.75M, we think he is well worth it.
Defensively we are one the best, a firesign trait. Though we have noticed unsolvable problems here and there.
Offensively things are a mixed bag. 78 games into the season and still haven't figured out the best lineup. Consistently inconsistent is the best way to describe things. Even in the 10 game win streak, hitting wasn't what you would call robust or consistent.
Pitching has been funny. Just like the hitting, pitching has been consistently inconsistent. Damaso Espinoza is the most hard luck pitcher I have seen. 8 quality starts in 15 tries with two wins, 2 complete games and a 2-9 record. One of the complete games was a 1-0 loss.
So it goes on, the teams play is decent, but the inconsistency is driving me bonkers. Of course the only way to combat the problem is to get better players. With the remaining budget left for prospects, we are quickly driving the price up hoping there will be a good prospect we can get our hands on at the end of the season that fits our needs. Either that or we spend it on our second round pick.
On the bright side, our first round draft pick signed. Hip Hip Hoorah! (that gets lost in translation a bit, but sounds real exciting in baritone) He currently became the highest paid draft pick at $5.75M, we think he is well worth it.
Defensively we are one the best, a firesign trait. Though we have noticed unsolvable problems here and there.
Offensively things are a mixed bag. 78 games into the season and still haven't figured out the best lineup. Consistently inconsistent is the best way to describe things. Even in the 10 game win streak, hitting wasn't what you would call robust or consistent.
Pitching has been funny. Just like the hitting, pitching has been consistently inconsistent. Damaso Espinoza is the most hard luck pitcher I have seen. 8 quality starts in 15 tries with two wins, 2 complete games and a 2-9 record. One of the complete games was a 1-0 loss.
So it goes on, the teams play is decent, but the inconsistency is driving me bonkers. Of course the only way to combat the problem is to get better players. With the remaining budget left for prospects, we are quickly driving the price up hoping there will be a good prospect we can get our hands on at the end of the season that fits our needs. Either that or we spend it on our second round pick.
EMSN International Report
Linda Loo reporting from Cubs headquarters in Chicago where a major signing has just been announced. David Manzanillo was signed to a MLB contract for $16.7M and three years. The Cubs immediately threw the 23 year old to the wolves as he joined the ML club to start his career in the States. Chances are great that the Houston Astros will find out how good he is on todays first pitch as he is expected to lead-off in the Cubs lineup. Some Cubs were not rejoicing as he immediately becomes the best SS in a Cubs uniform.
Range: A
Glove: B+
Arm: B
Speed: A
Plate awareness: B+
Power: C
Medical Info: B-
Notes: His stats will improve but not by a large margin and should turn into a quality SS. His health is of main concern.
True Luck Duck reporting live from the sunny Caribbean beaches (job has its perks) where scouts and owners are going gaga (not Lady Gaga ) over Tomas Ordonez, a hard hitting 1B. Rumors have circulated that his signing bonus has already exceeded $10M.
Range: A
Glove: A
Arm: C
Speed: D
Plate awareness: B-
Power: B
Medical Info: B
Notes: Nothing really special as far as a quality power 1B.
Range: A
Glove: B+
Arm: B
Speed: A
Plate awareness: B+
Power: C
Medical Info: B-
Notes: His stats will improve but not by a large margin and should turn into a quality SS. His health is of main concern.
True Luck Duck reporting live from the sunny Caribbean beaches (job has its perks) where scouts and owners are going gaga (not Lady Gaga ) over Tomas Ordonez, a hard hitting 1B. Rumors have circulated that his signing bonus has already exceeded $10M.
Range: A
Glove: A
Arm: C
Speed: D
Plate awareness: B-
Power: B
Medical Info: B
Notes: Nothing really special as far as a quality power 1B.
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