Sorry Folks, don't have much time for the news but I just had to put this one in writing because it seemed so funny and real.
GM tylermathias of the Arizona Diamondbacks - "I may be jumping the gun here, but I'm hopeful that my D-Backs have made the leap from embarrassingly bad to just plain everyday bad. Next stop...Mediocrity!"
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
First Big Money IFA Has Landed
The first big IFA contract for Season 16, if you call $7.7M big, was awarded to Benito Ozuna who was signed by the Oakland Athletics. Benito has the power at the plate but scouts tell me he suffers from a lazy arm. He is listed as a 2B but my blind scouts tell me a different story and could possibly wind up in RF at best. Landing himself in Low A to start his career but has yet to have any fun in the dirt.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A Sad Day
A moment of silence will be observed before todays games to honor the passing of erffdogg, one of the greatest GM's and Commissioners in HBD. We will miss you!! RIP !!
In MLB, his 8 division titles and four straight World Series trophies with his beloved Cincinnati Reds will always be remembered. His fun loving attitude and dedication to his fake fantasy teams showed his tenacity towards any sport like no other. Even in real life, Mr Rudy showed the same dedication and will be sorely missed.
If we change the name of the league I would like to see it called, MLB - Erffdogg Memorial as he would not want to change the name fully. I would also like to see the name of the Cincinnati Reds changed to the Cincinnati Reds-erffdoggs as I am not sure I could bear not seeing his name on the team somewhere.
In MLB, his 8 division titles and four straight World Series trophies with his beloved Cincinnati Reds will always be remembered. His fun loving attitude and dedication to his fake fantasy teams showed his tenacity towards any sport like no other. Even in real life, Mr Rudy showed the same dedication and will be sorely missed.
If we change the name of the league I would like to see it called, MLB - Erffdogg Memorial as he would not want to change the name fully. I would also like to see the name of the Cincinnati Reds changed to the Cincinnati Reds-erffdoggs as I am not sure I could bear not seeing his name on the team somewhere.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Season 16 Opening Day
Everywhere in MLB Land has high expectations as teams start their Season 16 play. Half of the teams played today and the rest tonight as the first pitches are being thrown out.
In Vancouver the Canadians opened the season against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers where a hit batter, a stolen base and a double in the bottom of the ninth that secured a 3-2 victory for Vancouver.
The Cleveland Indians opened their season at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies opened the scoring in the 2nd with 4 runs but the Indians powered their way back to tie it in 5th. The Phillies took the lead again in the 6th plating 2 but diminished quickly as home runs spelled trouble for the Phillies pitching staff in the 6th and 7th as Cleveland wins 7-6.
In Arlington, Texas that is, the Rangers pitching staff got out of a bases loaded jam in the 10th and scored the winning run on the speed of Everett Hill in the bottom of the inning to steal the game away from the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5.
At Wrigley Field, the Cubs clobbered the Cincinnati Reds 30-6. Oh where Oh where is the missing Rudy?
In Oakland it was Old-Timers Day as a treat to the fans for their opener. To commemorate the occasion the Athletics started crafty veteran Cam Anderson on the mound after he put his walker away. He went 6 innings giving up 2 runs as his prep H balls were confusing the Anaheim Angels hitters. Oakland wins 8-4 using the long ball to their advantage.
In the biggest rivalry of the the very young season, the Boston Red Sox held off the Syracuse Sycamores 8-5. It could have been nerves for the opening day, but both pens seemed very shaky.
In Detroit, the Seattle Mariners scored a 5-2 opening day victory as Tomas Camacho threw 1 real bad pitch in his complete game victory while striking out 8 along the way.
In North Carolina, Durham to be exact, the Bulls opened their campaign against their dreaded rival, the Kansas City Royals. The Royals slugged their way to a 6 -1 win as Albert Tapies, the one time Bull, went yard in his favorite park.
On Tap for tonight:
Milwaukee Brewers @ Pittsburgh Pirates (-6)
Luis Cruz's Grand Slam in the 5th seals Pirate opening day victory 7-1.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Mets (E)
Max Lima's Grand Slam in the 4th breaks open a 3-3 tie and secures a Falcons victory.
Houston Astros @ Florida Marlins (-4)
In the sweltering Florida weather, Houston struck early for three runs and the pitching staff made it stand up for a 3-1 Astros victory over the Marlins.
Salem Super Sequoias @ Arizona Diamondbacks (+3)
Ex-Clevelandite, Karim Quevedo, continues to prove that he can actually hit and powers the D'Backs over Salem 7-3.
Toronto Blue Jays @ Minnesota Twins (-2)
The Jays opened the 1st with a 4 run onslaught but the Twinkies respond with a 4 run 4th to tie. After a couple single runs in the later innings, the Twinkies scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th to end a surprising opening day.
Tampa Bay Rays @ Austin Fightin' Armadillos (-2)
In the dry Austin air, the Rays light up the 'dillos pen for 5 runs overcoming a 3-1 deficit winning 5-3.
Washington D.C. Senators @ Dover Dung Beetles (-1)
In rain filled Dover, the Senators three long balls outshined Miguel Rodrigo's blast as Washington sneaks in a 4-2 opening day win on the road.
Las Vegas 51s @ Helena Hot Pockets (E)
In Helena, the 51s hit at will as the Hot Pockets were on the wrong defrost setting getting swamped 11-1.
Other highlights see the Reds being clobbered for a second straight game 25-8 at the hands of the mighty Cubs(sic) as everyone is still worried about the missing e-dog.
The Los Angeles Dodgers handed the Vancouver Canadians their worst defeat in three years with a 17-3 thrashing.
In Vancouver the Canadians opened the season against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers where a hit batter, a stolen base and a double in the bottom of the ninth that secured a 3-2 victory for Vancouver.
The Cleveland Indians opened their season at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies opened the scoring in the 2nd with 4 runs but the Indians powered their way back to tie it in 5th. The Phillies took the lead again in the 6th plating 2 but diminished quickly as home runs spelled trouble for the Phillies pitching staff in the 6th and 7th as Cleveland wins 7-6.
In Arlington, Texas that is, the Rangers pitching staff got out of a bases loaded jam in the 10th and scored the winning run on the speed of Everett Hill in the bottom of the inning to steal the game away from the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5.
At Wrigley Field, the Cubs clobbered the Cincinnati Reds 30-6. Oh where Oh where is the missing Rudy?
In Oakland it was Old-Timers Day as a treat to the fans for their opener. To commemorate the occasion the Athletics started crafty veteran Cam Anderson on the mound after he put his walker away. He went 6 innings giving up 2 runs as his prep H balls were confusing the Anaheim Angels hitters. Oakland wins 8-4 using the long ball to their advantage.
In the biggest rivalry of the the very young season, the Boston Red Sox held off the Syracuse Sycamores 8-5. It could have been nerves for the opening day, but both pens seemed very shaky.
In Detroit, the Seattle Mariners scored a 5-2 opening day victory as Tomas Camacho threw 1 real bad pitch in his complete game victory while striking out 8 along the way.
In North Carolina, Durham to be exact, the Bulls opened their campaign against their dreaded rival, the Kansas City Royals. The Royals slugged their way to a 6 -1 win as Albert Tapies, the one time Bull, went yard in his favorite park.
On Tap for tonight:
Milwaukee Brewers @ Pittsburgh Pirates (-6)
Luis Cruz's Grand Slam in the 5th seals Pirate opening day victory 7-1.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Mets (E)
Max Lima's Grand Slam in the 4th breaks open a 3-3 tie and secures a Falcons victory.
Houston Astros @ Florida Marlins (-4)
In the sweltering Florida weather, Houston struck early for three runs and the pitching staff made it stand up for a 3-1 Astros victory over the Marlins.
Salem Super Sequoias @ Arizona Diamondbacks (+3)
Ex-Clevelandite, Karim Quevedo, continues to prove that he can actually hit and powers the D'Backs over Salem 7-3.
Toronto Blue Jays @ Minnesota Twins (-2)
The Jays opened the 1st with a 4 run onslaught but the Twinkies respond with a 4 run 4th to tie. After a couple single runs in the later innings, the Twinkies scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th to end a surprising opening day.
Tampa Bay Rays @ Austin Fightin' Armadillos (-2)
In the dry Austin air, the Rays light up the 'dillos pen for 5 runs overcoming a 3-1 deficit winning 5-3.
Washington D.C. Senators @ Dover Dung Beetles (-1)
In rain filled Dover, the Senators three long balls outshined Miguel Rodrigo's blast as Washington sneaks in a 4-2 opening day win on the road.
Las Vegas 51s @ Helena Hot Pockets (E)
In Helena, the 51s hit at will as the Hot Pockets were on the wrong defrost setting getting swamped 11-1.
Other highlights see the Reds being clobbered for a second straight game 25-8 at the hands of the mighty Cubs(sic) as everyone is still worried about the missing e-dog.
The Los Angeles Dodgers handed the Vancouver Canadians their worst defeat in three years with a 17-3 thrashing.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Hall Of Fame Voting
A very big class to vote on, 25 all told. Will any of them make it and join Armas and Stevenson? I looked over the class very carefully and several are good enough in my mind but had to settle for three. I am not here gathering votes for any one of these players, just saying why I voted for who I did.
Ramon Dong - 6 All-Star games, a Gold Glove (though these days would only make it as a 1B), SS twice in LF (wasn't even considered a Home Run threat) and a WS ring. What really makes him stand out is his life time batting average of .326. His ratings did not lie about that.
Charles Kinney - 3 All-Star games, 1 Cy Young, 3 WS rings. Was on some great teams and always had double digit wins as a starter and was successful even in his twilight. Never had more than 8 losses in a season and had 17 plus wins 4 years in a row. His Cy Young actually came on the down swing of his career but was followed with an even better year but was on the same team as Yamil. With his ratings he would be just as good today as yesteryear.
Bryan McDowell - 7 time All-Star, 6 time Fireman of the year. Had 40+ saves 6 times (2 of them 50 plus) and was 22 of 26 in the post season with 2 wins and no losses but never got the ring. Had 352 saves lifetime out of 396 chances, pretty good average there for sure. Yes his ratings matched the production.
Ramon Dong - 6 All-Star games, a Gold Glove (though these days would only make it as a 1B), SS twice in LF (wasn't even considered a Home Run threat) and a WS ring. What really makes him stand out is his life time batting average of .326. His ratings did not lie about that.
Charles Kinney - 3 All-Star games, 1 Cy Young, 3 WS rings. Was on some great teams and always had double digit wins as a starter and was successful even in his twilight. Never had more than 8 losses in a season and had 17 plus wins 4 years in a row. His Cy Young actually came on the down swing of his career but was followed with an even better year but was on the same team as Yamil. With his ratings he would be just as good today as yesteryear.
Bryan McDowell - 7 time All-Star, 6 time Fireman of the year. Had 40+ saves 6 times (2 of them 50 plus) and was 22 of 26 in the post season with 2 wins and no losses but never got the ring. Had 352 saves lifetime out of 396 chances, pretty good average there for sure. Yes his ratings matched the production.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The AL
The AL North
I really had to look very closely at the teams here in the North. Last year it was a race between Minnesota and Toronto as predicted. This year could be an all out war between all four teams.
Minnesota - I am giving them a very tentative nod to win the division.
Detroit and Seattle both have vastly and I mean vastly improved and either could surprise.
Toronto - I am not saying they are out of the loop but there is something about the makeup of the team that just doesn't gel in my eyes this year.
I am going out on a limb and picking Minnesota with Detroit, Seattle and Toronto on their heels all tied for second. How is that for a race.
The AL East
Syracuse got the lead last year and refused to surrender it. Can they repeat this year? They spent money to support the pen. Boston more or less stood pat while Dover spent tons on Rodrigo. Washington got better from the farm.
I still pick Syracuse, as they are still strong for a likely repeat.
Boston will contend and make a close second again.
Dover helped the offense but pitching may not be good enough.
Washington will be much better but I don't think the pitching is good enough to contend just yet.
The AL South
Last year it was Durham with Austin coming out of the woodwork to claim second place. I really didn't see that happening. Durham lost a lot this year, so can they keep their stranglehold on the South?
I am picking Austin this year because the pitching is much better IMO.
Kansas City rolls in as a very close second.
I chose Durham third last year and got beat up about it and I don't have any qualms doing it again.
Tampa Bay continues to improve but not enough to contend this year.
The AL West
When the dust settled last year Helena found themselves in first with a frustrated Las Vegas second. Will it change this year? I am here to tell you that Oakland and Anaheim didn't sit around sucking their thumbs. Like the AL North this could very well be another free-for-all.
I am picking Helena because they look like the deeper team on all sides of the ball.
The rest are all tied for second as I can't distinguish them apart.
How will it end in the AL is anyones guess actually but my guess is this.
#1 - Austin
#2 - Syracuse
#3 - Minnesota
#4 - Helena
#5 - Detroit
#6 - Oakland
Just about anyone and everyone could be contention for the wild card spots, so it will be a wild and woolly affair.
I really had to look very closely at the teams here in the North. Last year it was a race between Minnesota and Toronto as predicted. This year could be an all out war between all four teams.
Minnesota - I am giving them a very tentative nod to win the division.
Detroit and Seattle both have vastly and I mean vastly improved and either could surprise.
Toronto - I am not saying they are out of the loop but there is something about the makeup of the team that just doesn't gel in my eyes this year.
I am going out on a limb and picking Minnesota with Detroit, Seattle and Toronto on their heels all tied for second. How is that for a race.
The AL East
Syracuse got the lead last year and refused to surrender it. Can they repeat this year? They spent money to support the pen. Boston more or less stood pat while Dover spent tons on Rodrigo. Washington got better from the farm.
I still pick Syracuse, as they are still strong for a likely repeat.
Boston will contend and make a close second again.
Dover helped the offense but pitching may not be good enough.
Washington will be much better but I don't think the pitching is good enough to contend just yet.
The AL South
Last year it was Durham with Austin coming out of the woodwork to claim second place. I really didn't see that happening. Durham lost a lot this year, so can they keep their stranglehold on the South?
I am picking Austin this year because the pitching is much better IMO.
Kansas City rolls in as a very close second.
I chose Durham third last year and got beat up about it and I don't have any qualms doing it again.
Tampa Bay continues to improve but not enough to contend this year.
The AL West
When the dust settled last year Helena found themselves in first with a frustrated Las Vegas second. Will it change this year? I am here to tell you that Oakland and Anaheim didn't sit around sucking their thumbs. Like the AL North this could very well be another free-for-all.
I am picking Helena because they look like the deeper team on all sides of the ball.
The rest are all tied for second as I can't distinguish them apart.
How will it end in the AL is anyones guess actually but my guess is this.
#1 - Austin
#2 - Syracuse
#3 - Minnesota
#4 - Helena
#5 - Detroit
#6 - Oakland
Just about anyone and everyone could be contention for the wild card spots, so it will be a wild and woolly affair.
The NL
NL North
Pittsburgh - I would say they are set up to win for a couple more seasons at least. If the injury bug sets in however this team could find itself in dire straits.
Cincinnati - The Reds have a lot to prove this year as last year may have been a bit surprising but did they lose too much and maybe gained less. The pitching staff could be a sore spot.
Milwaukee - The defense may be atrocious but the offense could spell trouble. The pitching is not great but can get the job done. I would say two season away from contending again.
Chicago - A team that folded up shop last year and then went on a fire sale. Too many youngsters that may not be ready for the ML level.
Pittsburgh should stand alone this year with Cincy maybe grabbing a Wild Card spot.
NL East
Cleveland - Should be the team to beat but seem to find a way of losing. The pen is vastly improved but starting pitching could be a problem but will be aided by a very stingy defense.
Atlanta - Has the hitting going for them and really the only thing that keeps them in contention. Pitching isn't great but keeps them in games.
Philadelphia - Good players on offense but the elder pitching staff could be a let down this year.
New York - This is a team to be very wary of. They are vastly improved but still have a ways to go on offense/defense. The pitching staff could give any team fits.
Will Cleveland finally win? Or will Atlanta hit their way in again?
NL South
Florida - It will be hard not to put them in first place with the #1 seed this year.
Texas - Proved last year they can win but winning the division is probably out of reach. Wild Card once again and maybe another World Series?
St. Louis - Offense will be causing teams trouble as always but pitching may not lend a helping hand.
Houston - Pitching and hitting is the key in Houston and there just doesn't seem to be enough to go around. There is help coming in the pitching department but it is still in development while hitting help could be another year or so away.
NL West
Salem - I am going out on a limb here and have them as the #3 seed and maybe #2 if things come together for them.
Los Angeles - Not sure how they will react to the new stadium this year. They are a very solid team and should actually win more games. I really think they should grab the final wild card spot.
Vancouver - Has the pitching but I think hitting could be another story.
Arizona - Will be vastly improved this season. Pitching is not their ally but help in that department is on the way but is a year or two in development yet.
This is the way I see it happening this year.
#1 - Florida
#2 - Salem
#3 - Pittsburgh
#4 - Cleveland
#5 - Texas
#6 - Las Angeles
Serious contention from Cincinnati and Atlanta.
Pittsburgh - I would say they are set up to win for a couple more seasons at least. If the injury bug sets in however this team could find itself in dire straits.
Cincinnati - The Reds have a lot to prove this year as last year may have been a bit surprising but did they lose too much and maybe gained less. The pitching staff could be a sore spot.
Milwaukee - The defense may be atrocious but the offense could spell trouble. The pitching is not great but can get the job done. I would say two season away from contending again.
Chicago - A team that folded up shop last year and then went on a fire sale. Too many youngsters that may not be ready for the ML level.
Pittsburgh should stand alone this year with Cincy maybe grabbing a Wild Card spot.
NL East
Cleveland - Should be the team to beat but seem to find a way of losing. The pen is vastly improved but starting pitching could be a problem but will be aided by a very stingy defense.
Atlanta - Has the hitting going for them and really the only thing that keeps them in contention. Pitching isn't great but keeps them in games.
Philadelphia - Good players on offense but the elder pitching staff could be a let down this year.
New York - This is a team to be very wary of. They are vastly improved but still have a ways to go on offense/defense. The pitching staff could give any team fits.
Will Cleveland finally win? Or will Atlanta hit their way in again?
NL South
Florida - It will be hard not to put them in first place with the #1 seed this year.
Texas - Proved last year they can win but winning the division is probably out of reach. Wild Card once again and maybe another World Series?
St. Louis - Offense will be causing teams trouble as always but pitching may not lend a helping hand.
Houston - Pitching and hitting is the key in Houston and there just doesn't seem to be enough to go around. There is help coming in the pitching department but it is still in development while hitting help could be another year or so away.
NL West
Salem - I am going out on a limb here and have them as the #3 seed and maybe #2 if things come together for them.
Los Angeles - Not sure how they will react to the new stadium this year. They are a very solid team and should actually win more games. I really think they should grab the final wild card spot.
Vancouver - Has the pitching but I think hitting could be another story.
Arizona - Will be vastly improved this season. Pitching is not their ally but help in that department is on the way but is a year or two in development yet.
This is the way I see it happening this year.
#1 - Florida
#2 - Salem
#3 - Pittsburgh
#4 - Cleveland
#5 - Texas
#6 - Las Angeles
Serious contention from Cincinnati and Atlanta.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)