Rule 5 Overview

Many bowed out with nothing really available. I changed my mind several times before deciding myself.

Svick got the first choice as the A's didn't see anything that would help and choseVic Mahomes. A starting pitcher that would be nothing more than a filler for a season. An upgrade somewhere? We don't see it personally and probably a quick waiver wire casualty to AAA.

Jeffrey Thebeau was chosen by the Mets after many deliberations. If the FI does his job and improves his glove which I am sure will happen. He could turn into a Carl Browning look alike.  May not look like much in the hitting department but Browning won a Gold Glove and the hitting wasn't all that bad. Besides, I wasn't sure Bob Hayes wouldn't go on the DL with a splinter in his ass.

Alfonso Baerga was chosen by Boston and made me laugh. Why? They let Thebeau go in the first place. Alfonso may be better defensively at the moment but Thebeau would have been the better hitter.

The Canadians got their fingers on Shawon Schmidt. I consider him better than Mahomes as he has some potential upside. Will it help? Spring Training might answer that if there is a little improvement.

I think the Twinkies lucked out with the addition of Patsy Garko. A good spring and there is possibility. Then to convince the engine to put him in to get out of an inning.

Detroit needed a lot of help and Miguel Espinoza was a good selection.

Eric Barry by Washington could be a long shot based on Makeup. They were looking for a backup SS apparently.

 Miles Jones taken by Florida. There is potential but that is the oddest fifth pitch I have ever seen, maybe it can be dropped again.

Hod Long in a Braves uniform doesn't seem to fit but Atalanta needs players. I think.

Houston was hoping and it fell through I think as Shane Sappington looks like a burger flipper to me in the end.

Baltimore was guessing as they chose Vicente Merced and probably off to the showers rather quickly.

Little Rock hasn't learned anything about names yet. Spud Holt will be back on the farm raising taters for McDonalds soon enough.

Brent Robinson is a deep dig but could be on the roster at the start of the season for Memphis.

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Fearless..errr. Fearful Prediction Time

It may be too early to actually judge but real life situations may preclude me to get it done on time.


AL North

Montreal Expos: They will be clicking on all cylinders and a tough cookie to beat once again. Should have one of the best pitching staffs in the league. With the addition of Marc Redman gives them a good lead off hitter. SS might be their hitting weakness but not in the power department or defense. Worst player on the team is the backup CF hitting wise but could be a GG on defense.

Minnesota Twins: The Twinkies need to make some moves as it appears they may have been shut out in the FA market. A solid nucleus but has some holes to fill for sure and I am wondering where it will come from.

Detroit Tigers: They are more worse off than the Twinkies and pitching will be their downfall. At least it should be cheap filling all the holes they have.

Toronto Blue Jays: How they tanked to a fourth place overall finish last year is beyond me. They are close to being as good as the Expos but not quite. I consider them a wild card playoff team.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles: They have won the title for three straight years and have actually been in a divisional dog fight for all three.They are good enough to win a fourth but I am not penciling them in just yet.

Dover Dung Beetles: Could give the O's fits, more than they can handle maybe. Our commish should try and sweet talk dhyatt1080 into Yankee stadium. It is a rather young team that will probably be led by a new MVP candidate in Geovany Gregorius, it is a lot of pressure for the youngster.

Boston Red Sox: They made a lot of moves trying to bring back the glory years. I don't see it happening, it is Boston however and whacky things do happen.

Washington D.C. Senators: I thought they might be on the way to a dynasty myself. Good players, just not enough to go around and overcome the other three in this division.

AL South

Kansas City Royals: Still the team to beat I think though cracks are forming big time. Solid pitching goes a long way.

Memphis RedBirds: A very solid team and will give KC fits as they have in the past. Age is their enemy however and this season could wear them down even further. Is their enough in the tank to contend is the question.

Little Rock Heads: Last year I said they were too young and got a lot of grief from that statement. They made the playoffs but ousted in the first round. This year I predict they will win the division and play Montreal for the AL Title. I am not buttering up Robert either, that is my prediction. They are just as equal on paper this season as the Expos. Now let's see it happen!

Texas Rangers: Silent Ed left a good team behind he was rebuilding once again. John has returned and inherited a pretty good team. Remember, this is not Detroit and hitters love the hot dry air. It will be a close call but could manage their way into the playoffs especially if a couple other teams falter which could easily happen.

AL West

Anaheim Angels: Mal shit a brick last year when the Angels tanked on their own but came out smelling like a rose by the slimmest of margins. The team is good but there are a lot of unknowns out there. 


Colorado Springs Sky Sox: Truthfully, the Sky Sox look a lot like the Mets. Good and solid but lack a true leader on offense. I don't think they are good enough to make the playoffs. They have a way of hounding Mal to no end and makes it fun.

Oakland A's: I was disappointed with their play last year and a bit of a surprise. No surprises this year but you should see the minors and what is going to happen.

Vancouver Canadians: We have been waiting for the rebuild to push over the top. It is getting closer and closer. Soon, the A's and this team from up North will be fighting over the top spot I think.

So the final six should look like this:

1 - Montreal
2 - Little Rock
3 - Dover
4 - Anaheim
5 - Kansas City
6 - Baltimore/Toronto/Texas

The "A" Deals So Far

First things first. The  Mets made their final transition early this morning. We got to thank Vick for keeping his grubby little paws off the waiver wire for once and putting a decent little lefty pitcher in the mix.

The Dodgers gave up on Neil Montague and I snagged him for one of those ailing youngsters in the pen.

Babe Hayes was also picked up as a better jack of all trades defensively. He can hit and field better though he seems to be weaker overall. Actually, he would be just as good with 10 points in his health or power. My AAA team will be better though, that is not saying much.

There must be one hell of a fight over Pablo Solano. I am wondering if he is actually worth it myself. It is a boon to other teams who don't seem to be taking much advantage of the cheap leftovers.

Wilt Pagan became the first type A to sign and did so quickly. Frisco saved $2M easily but did they get a decent return remains to be seen.

Wesley Hewson hit the money market next with a whopping $10M contract for two years. A good buy for Texas? Debatable.

Frisco seems to be playing money ball with picking up Vladimir Bennett. At least the contract is livable.

Larry Overbeck hit the ground running off to hide in Vancouver. Signing him for a third year may have been a cheaper and better idea. What is it with the need for good lefty closers?

Texas picked up Ralph Jackson as well for a lot less money mind you. Must have a real need for short relievers.

While the wait continues, Montreal must have given up on the big bidding war and sank a small fortune for Marc Redman.  Almost half price of his starting position. The Mets thank you by the way.

Johnnie Good made out like a fat rat picking up option money then going home to Milwaukee. He can hit but defensively he isn't much. Maybe he will play 1B or RF while drinking the suds down.

Zeke English makes his way to Boston as they pick up another cheap fallout signing. He could be a big help in Fenway.

Boston, being skinflintish also signed Arthur Donatello for another tour in a Red Sox uniform.

Yunel Mendez also got caught with his pants down with a meager contract in Toronto. Boots Rivera joined Yunel in the same cheap money feud as the Blue Jays must have gotten out of the race.

The Type "B's" made out like fat rats though I question the deal for Reagan Mathews. Marty must be sitting back stroking and hoping she is a beauty.

It took a few cycles but Arizona finally won out over me in the Kris Sisler war. I made them pay from the looks of things. I took my chances with a young  Alex Mesa on the sly, just wish his splits were better.

Funny, I don't remember Elrod Cedeno showing up on my list. Is that possible? I would have paid him that kind of money for two years.

Okay, I get the fact Bruce signed Hank Kennedy as he is a better 1B defensively. I think for a few grand less, Luis Perez would have been a better option.

Hey, if I could move Leo Rodney for a decent PC catcher and free up some money, I would make another grab off the FA market. There I go dreaming again, like I would actually trade my hero. Sentimental fool!

So, who is in the running for Solano? Too many teams not heard from in the FA wars.

Another New Season Underway

Yup, season 32 kicks into high gear. I have to laugh as there hasn't really been much to write about as of yet. I still like to hear you all gripe about coach hiring. I did too for a long time and so many changes but still a mess. I have a plan to fix it for the most part but is long and detailed. Basically it involves freezing coaches to the type they are and allow development within the organization but need to add the other type of coaches to the minors as well and not zoom the money concern at the same time.

The biggest gripe I have ever had was the Bench Coach at the ML level. A position every coach wants to be truthfully in real life but nothing more than a gopher for the most part here. Why spend more than the minimum on a guy that might coach five to ten games during a season at the ML level? The help section says he is about worthless at the ML level but important in the minors, so why pay a fortune on one. If I don't have an adequate guy in the minors or find one in the minors, I wait to near the end and find something rather cheap to throw in the slot.

Speaking of being near the end of the coach hiring cycle, I looked over what is available at the ML level. Some good cheap coaches available already. Makes me wish I didn't rehire my Bull Pen Coach as I could have made an upgrade for an extra 500K, oh well. I only allocated 10M for coaching and I got one of the best staffs I have had in years. I wondered where I was gonna find a 3B Coach, it took some effort as I found him wanting a BC job. Yeah, I had to overpay to get him at 3B but I think it was worth it.

I thought hiring coaches was going to be difficult but somehow I think allocated money dictates who looks for a new job sometimes. My returning BC wanted big bucks he didn't get and no one else wanted him either. So long, so sad...lol! My Hitting Coach decided to look around, I met his offer and he took it right off the bat. Hey, he brings a lot of good attributes to the plate, puns intended. I do wonder if Loyalty plays a roll.

Marco Allen was jacking off in AA and I decided he would make the perfect BC. Not as disciplined as I like but can't have everything in a gopher, at least he has a good understanding of pitching.

If you ask me, the most important coach at the ML level is the FI and good ones are usually in short supply.

The bad part about coach hiring, if one is snagged for a BC job, he is going to take it no matter what. Has anybody tried to offer less money than their asking price for another position and they take it?

The Mets are still in a bit of flux as of yet. I am rather optimistic about our chances at the moment.  I am working on the defense aspect as I was dissatisfied with last years performance. Then again, some of it was my fault caused by an injury and wanting a bat in the lineup that didn't work out.  It may have caused a few losses but nothing to help get to the playoffs. We had 25 minus plays last year, most of those caused by the pitching staff, not much I can do about that. 98 errors could have been avoided and been in the low 80's easy enough. We led the league in passed balls, big deal as the offense generated overcame those.

I normally go with defensive catchers to help the pitchers be their best. Last year I had a tandem that are rather so-so defensively but together equal a good power hitter. Give and take I suppose.

I haven't actually decided on an actual lineup as of yet but pretty much have the starters down pat.

C - Terry Constanza and Chip Knepper. May not be the best defensive pair but together are a pretty nice hitting force.

1B - Leo Rodney. Age hasn't exactly been kind this year but it is the last year of his contract.

2B - Jim Conner. I am hoping he has a better season at the plate. I was rather surprised at his defense however.

3B - Brutus Mora or Jamie Beltre. I haven't made up my mind. Probably Beltre and Mora will play RF.

SS - Carlos DeSoto. Defensive minded and does a good job, just wish he could hit something with a bat other than the mascot. This where I got in trouble last year when Valentin went down with an injury.

LF - Paul Chiba. I acquired him in FA for this position as Ronny Gant  has lost the ability somewhat. This does present a problem however.

CF - Eric Wheat. He proved he could play the position after he was acquired in a trade late last season.

RF - Ronny Gant. He is penciled in at the position but there is little chance he will play there as he doesn't have the ability to play OF anymore in all reality. There is a good chance he will play 1B and Rodney offered for trade. I haven't made up my mind as of yet.

Darryl Palmer. He is left to play jack of all trades and on the hot seat if someone better shows up.

Pitching on the other hand is a myriad of  fielding incompetence. Their pitching isn't really all that much better most of the time and I just sit around shaking my head.

Harry Rodriguez. Can be good or lousy, not bad for a lefty though.

Matthew Ford. If he just had some better pitches his red hair wouldn't look so comical.

Nicholas Weaver. Better control would help but a better PC catcher could be the answer.

Rich Faulk. Should be the ace of the staff but bad luck always rears its ugly head.

Joaquin Romano. What can you say, he is at best a AAAA player with a short life span. Isn't exactly horrible though.

Fausto Castillo. We cringe anytime a lefty comes to the plate.

Brian Grim. Has been a stalwart in the pen.

Ubaldo Rijo. He isn't as bad as he looks. Do need an inning eater at times.

Alex Mesa. Acquired in FA just to prove the last guy isn't that bad.

Max Galarraga. Claimed off waivers, why? Your guess is a good as mine. Maybe we needed some one to roll the ball over the plate to fool the hitters. We hope he survives the season because he is cheap.

Fausto Candelaria. We are hoping he turns out to be the mid relief shut down guy.

Matt Wallace. We have hopes, he has dreams. Now if he doesn't trip over the rosin bag we will see what he has to offer.

Leon Clements. We really wanted to keep him the minors for another season but... We really needed another short guy in the pen.

F.P. Creek. He has lived in Sherm Brock's shadow long enough and Sherm was asking for too much to stay, ask Bruce.

There is a good chance that one or two of these guys will find their way back to the minors or the waiver wire before the season starts.

Just Something To Write About

You know I was thinking the other day about all kinds of things to write. I decided that it wasn't all that funny, well could be. Like Dakar moving from Seattle to Montreal because his old lady got tired of his Puget Sound in bed, so much better in French. I liked Tyler admitting he was born on Flag Day, that makes him a back to school special delivery. I saved a bundle switching insurance companies by the way, no car, no house and my gas budget is a hell of a lot cheaper. Need to build a a gazebo or something, it is hell grilling in the rain.

Oh well, time to get to the nitty-gritty. I was looking my team over and pondering the fate of my players. A little funny in a way as I started looking at their stats and found them quite equal to their ratings. I scratched my head at the preponderance and wondered why the team stunk the Big Apple up.  I looked over the rest of the teams in my division and had no answer to be truthful.

The Mets as a whole are better than Atlanta in my books, the standings don't show it however. Philly might be better here and there but not a real powerhouse. I like the Marlins overall in comparison but their weakness resides in starting pitching. The Braves fail because the bull pen isn't good enough. I am debating my own short sightedness as I think the Mets were three players short of contending. I have been putting one player in the wrong place in the lineup for several seasons. Not finding the right player is my own stupidity and actually not so easy, maybe next year. Could that one player make a thirty game difference?

I am at a loss in Arizona as well, yeah I leaned toward the Giants in the preseason. There are certain factors that I base my predictions on and not a player by player breakdown comparrison unless it is so tight when I make my choice. I am still waiting on new stadiums to be updated, I can't figure out what the hold up is there. Would be nice getting out of Shea, just the name change and dimensions would be satisfying.

It wouldn't be right not picking on Bruce...close enough for once.

Pratt and Brian are having a hoe-down fighting over first place and the #2 seed. Um, maybe they should pay more attention to the Phils, they could sneak into the second round unmolested.  Cubs missing the playoffs? How?

Dakar is sleeping through the rest of the season and Vegas just needs to make sure there isn't a collapse. Several dingle berries holding on for those wild card spots in the AL. Nothing guaranteed in the NL wild card either, though the South in both divisions have the K-Y ready just in case.





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The All-Star Break

No Brian, Bruce didn't hack my account. I love Bruce for so many reasons besides being easy to pick on...he is my hero. Oh to be young and drunk again with what I know now.  Oh wait, I probably wouldn't waste my money getting drunk... there are far much better pleasures to be had theses days. ;)

The season has shaped up to be boring in a few ways. Erf most generally went with zero in the international fund. I asked him about that once. He said he didn't want to fight over them and got tired of the mail. Though I got confused when it was time to rebuild and he started putting cash toward the International sector. He always seemed to snag a good prospect in the draft with a last first round pick. Of course there is no way to actually prove it. I think if you spend 12M in scouting you are guaranteed a good top five to ten pick from your board even if you draft last. Just have to get the board right.

AL North

Expos are cruising to the title. 22 more wins and the Twinks and Blinks would need to win seventy percent of their games just to catch up.

AL East

This was a muddled mess for much of the early season. Okay, so nothing has changed and it looks like the last team standing will win.

AL South

I thought this was going to be a four team race. KC and Memphis are gonna duke it out it appears. Like I said, the Heads are young and could struggle. I expected the Ranger to be a lot closer than they are.

AL West

Wondrous surprise seeing the Sky Sox challenging instead of that team from the upper north country.

Overall, it could be one gigantic melee for the final wild card spot.

NL North

Will another injury put a flat in the Reds this season? The Cubs will need it.

NL East

Braves made a statement early but their tomahawk got chopped. Wholck is out stroking his boys everyday to the last drop. Lookout, his arm is getting tired. Go Marlins Go!

NL South

Enough of Mexico City and the water, Brian wants in on the act this season.

NL West

Who is your daddy? Davis has his big gun buried in three girlfriends and they are all past due. The Big Daddys are cheerin for him though.

Two wild cards and five possible teams, looks like a wild finish here as well. 


Johnnie Motte, remember him? Well, the Rangers finally got him signed. Might be a weak SS but there is no denying he is a big dick..ooops I mean stick. He gets the A+ grade from me.

The Blue Jays spent $14M on a lefty closer in Jimmie Baez. A bit much if you ask me but looks well worth the money.

Ernesto Romero yanked $13M however from Milwaukee. Maybe the right amount, he is no superstar that is for sure.

Harry Rincon was signed by the Pirates for $13M. Romero may have been the better choice for the money. Rincon is a sure starter though just not great.


The Pirates also picked up Pasqual Arcia for $8.1M. Don't look now, the Pirates spent a boatload less and got a better player I think.

Season 31 Draft

1, Johnnie Motte, SS, Texas - He was the first pick but I haven't a clue. If the picture means anything I can sue the Rangers for my watch stopping.

Grade:

2. Theodore Watten, P, Los Angeles Dodgers - As far as pitching goes, he is a complete gamer in the old style and could turn a staff into four rotation. How good he will be remains to be seen, has upper tier splits but the rest may lag. Still, he was the best starting pitcher on the board maybe.

Grade: A

3. Junior Rolls, P, Little Rock Heads - What is not to love for the price? So what if he is as good as my long dead grandmother who wasn't a lefty. Faster than a speeding lightening bug and has trouble eating his coffee and drinking his donut. Who knows as he does look good.

Grade: A

4.  Henry Jacob, P, Oakland A's - He looks like a maybe to me. Righty with lefty splits. Let him play football....waah

Grade: A-

5. Addison Altuve, 3B, Vancouver Canadians - 3B looks like a stretch as well as the listed SS, RF looks likely if you ask me. Hitting isn't bad but don't  expect a trove of home runs.

Grade: A

6.  Hiroki Iwazaki, P, New York Mets - I had him as my #1. Um, so my scouts lied about his health making it to the low seventies. If he stays alive and not stub his toe too many times, he could be good.

Grade: A

7. Don Garcia, RF, Pittsburgh Pirates - There is a lot to like about this critter as well as the oh shit factor.  Hitting should be good with power.  Can steal a few bases, he is better at stealing knickers. Put a glove on his hands and it is like playing hacky sack.

Grade: A

8. Jack Graham, CF, San Diego Padres- Once again Bruce goes outside the realm of baseball to draft.The bartender from the Revere? We will get back to everyone on this guy.

Grade: ?

9. Joe Borchard, RF, Tampa Bay Rays: A Garcia look alike in many ways and hacky sack partner. Which is better might be hard to tell in the end.

Grade: A

10. Arnold Wilkins, SS, Detroit Tigers - My scouts love this kid, too bad they were blind in scouting him in the draft. SS is questionable,  3B has all-star written all over him and maybe 2B also.  His not so great eye might hinder him, but gets the bat on the ball.

Grade: A

11. Les Golub, 2B, Minnesota Twins - Maybe not great at 2B but I wouldn't rule him out just yet. A very good hitter and will make a manager think about the lineup. Lead off walk or hit as opposed to hit and run in the second spot, tough decision.

Grade: A+

12. Kurt Sheets, P, Atlanta Braves - SJR did a jig when he saw this pick. Now if his health stays potent for a few years he will be really happy. He would rate better with me if his other two pitches were better.

Grade: A

13. Otis Tannehill, 2B, Dover Dung Beetles - I really, really like his potential.2B or CF is a possibility. Hitting isn't bad with a little pop.

Grade: A+

14. Ken Blank, P, Colorado Springs Sky Sox - It is the fourteenth pick already. What can you say, he is good not great.

Grade: A

15. Davey Lima, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks - Yup, the slide has to begin somewhere. Iffy at 3B as RF is likely, nothing really grand in the hitting department other than he gets lucky. Luck has nothing to do with his grade as I think he could be iffy to make a ML roster.

Grade: B

16. Cookie Romero, SS, Milwaukee Brewers - SS? Scouts say nay but 3B is all-star positive. Could be good enough to be a lead off hitter as well, especially against righties. We will need to wait and see. Dilo playing the name game with Cookie?

Grade: A

17. Jordan Webster, 2B, Boston Red Sox - Boston gambled on this pick. Might be gambling as to whether he signs as well. They won't be heartbroken either way I think. Can't play 2B if you ask me and probably wind up in LF. Does have some intrinsic value hitting the green monster with power.

Grade: A

18.  Ed Vernon, P, Pittsburgh Pirates - If this kid develops could make a nice two inning impact player in the pen. I don't think he has enough for a starter.

Grade: A

19. Davy Hausmann, C, Florida Marlins - I debated taking this player with the sixth pick and probably should have. Scouts didn't like his defensive abilities and I finally relinquished. Not often you can find a 162 game catcher, one that can hit with enough defense to be satisfactory. Bad news, he is in my division...groan.

Grade: A+

20. Pedro Tavarez, P, Oakland A's - Jack Pot! A well placed bet whether for cash or weed. The first closer or setup man taken and he brings the heat.

Grade: A+

21. Eduardo Sosa, RF, St. Louis Cardinals - Another big gamble that may or may not turn out well regardless how it goes. Another hacky sack player involved with Garcia and Borchard. Who said they broke the mold.AA Being a lefty is a plus, he can hit right handed pitchers with some pop and sit against his own ilk. 1B looks more likely but that health is really a let down.

Grade: A-

22. Donovan McAnaney, SS, Washington D.C. Senators - SS is defensively possible but doubtful for a gold glove at SS. Hitting doesn't look all that bad but no dynamo either. I still give a thumbs up on the pick.

Grade: A

23. Archie Litsch, 2B, Memphis Red Birds - I think he would be a gold glove candidate in RF and butter fingers at 2B. Has some power, not great and falters heavily against righties. A somewhat good pick.

Grade: B+

24. Raymond Krivda, P, Baltimore Orioles - The O's want to sign him bad but doesn't look good at the moment. A very good everyday closer that can bring the heat.

Grade: A

25. Arthur Titan, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies - Where to play him is the problem, too good and not so good at the same time. 2B doesn't look good at all so that leaves corner outfield. Good hitter with power.

Grade: A

26. Timo Kelly, P, Houston Astros - A good setup man for an inning as I am not sold on him being the go to closer.

Grade: A

27. Bret Randall, SS, Cincinnati Reds - Another of those iffy picks where the Reds won't be all that heartbroken if he doesn't sign. One of those players that could be decent but not great. Would really need to develop well to have a chance.

Grade: B

28. Einar DeRojas, P, Atlanta Braves - Let my scouts at him...

Grade: ?

29. Trever Browne, P, Mexico City Diablos Rojos - I think he is a reach as a 5th starter. Then again he could be a reach period, a tough one to really place. Might be good in the pen but not always. Not a terrible pick this late.

Grade: B+

30. Joey Giovanola, CF, Kansas City Royals - I haven't a clue

Grade: ?

31. Jorel Jefferson, P, Boston Red Sox - A good looking lefty with more problems than you can shake a stick at. Toss a coin if he might pitch at the ML level as it is that iffy.

Grade: B

32. Burke Service, P, Anaheim Angels - Things have really been picked over and it is starting to show. Setup man with some very shaky attributes.

Grade: B