Only 20 game left! What races do we have?
AL
AAA
Looks pretty much like a 7 team race. It is a pretty tight race being led by the Expos at the moment and have a 6 game lead. The rest of the pack has only 6 games separating them at the moment. The Angels are 1 back in their division and 2 games away from the the last WC spot, can't get much closer than that. It could be a whacky finish.
AA
The Heads have a comfy lead over a long pack, 11 to be exact. Gadzooks!!! It is not just the WC spots they are fighting over either. Catch the Fever!
HiA
A first, maybe a little jostling here and there being possible but they are ready for the playoffs already.
LowA
The Expos and Tigs must have a thing for each other. Other than 3 teams looking for that last WC spot, not much happening.
Rookie
With 15 or so go left it is real tight in some places and still a mad dash to the WC spots.
NL
AAA
The Brewers threaten to make it a laughing stock early but have reverted to the norm. So much so that the Astros and Mets are within striking distance. With 8 teams in the race, things might start getting a little chippy.
AA
The Astros are humping the dog and more than likely will win 100+ games. The only real race here unless something goes terribly wrong is in the West between the Pads and Giants. The ugly news, the Cubs may not win 20 games.
HiA
What? The Padres leading the pack, wow! But it is only by 2 games at the moment. Not much to report as only 3 teams are vying for the WC spots. Gotta watch those Diablos though with that 11 game win streak.
LowA
The Padres should easily eclipse the 100 win mark, 98 already...sheesh! Pretty lack luster showing by many teams including the North that may not have a division winner with a winning record but should since 12 reaming games are in their division.
Rookie
Egads, pick on the Cubs days in the minors, only 9 wins? Then again the rest of the North is not what would you call dominating..they do show up for the game at least. The big fight is in the West were three teams are locking horns.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Forty Again
Yup, it is here, 40 games to go and we have a barn burner of a season going on.
AL North
As predicted the Tigs have the lead but some of us was for sure it was gonna be a runaway. That hasn't happened because the Tigs have a problem on the road. The Twins and Expos are holding on for dear life and are still in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot even.
AL East
Talk about wild, this division seems to have a new leader every week. The Red Sox are in first today and the rest of the field is 2 games back, I am not sure I have seen that...That's wooly!
AL South
The Rangers have a 10 game lead and look a bit comfortable. Wrecks called an end to the season in Tampa Bay but the players may not have gotten the message as they reamin viable in the race. He said the injury to Ismael Azocar was a sign, I don't believe it myself. KC even has the audacity to believe they are for real, hmm I thought so at the beginning of the season.
AL West
The Sky Sox look commanding but may have to hold on for dear life with the hard charging Angels bearing down on the rear door. Even the Mariners are hanging in there for a spot in the afterlife.
WoW!!!, can you believe 8 teams are vying for one playoff spot in the AL?
NL North
The Cubs have the best record so far this season up to this point anyway. The Reds are still giving chase which still has the Cubs out of hibernation mode. Both the Pirates and Brewers are attempting to grab a Wild Card spot.
NL East
The Braves have a pretty big lead but have hit the skids lately. The Mets have made up some ground but haven't been all that enthusiastic about it as they chase the Wild Card bunch also.
NL South
The Marlins lead the way with Ivan at the helm but only with a 4 game lead as the Diablos are breathing down their necks.
NL West
The Dodgers are leading the way in the West, like the Cubs its only by 7. Arizona keeps getting close then sidewinds.
Whoa! 5 teams within 3 games of each other hunting down that final Wild Card spot and the Giants still have a realistic shot also. Talk about an exciting season! It is not for the faint of heart.
Note: Pat Suzuki is really pissed about the Mets trade. He just might try and take it out on NY in the next 3 games.
AL North
As predicted the Tigs have the lead but some of us was for sure it was gonna be a runaway. That hasn't happened because the Tigs have a problem on the road. The Twins and Expos are holding on for dear life and are still in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot even.
AL East
Talk about wild, this division seems to have a new leader every week. The Red Sox are in first today and the rest of the field is 2 games back, I am not sure I have seen that...That's wooly!
AL South
The Rangers have a 10 game lead and look a bit comfortable. Wrecks called an end to the season in Tampa Bay but the players may not have gotten the message as they reamin viable in the race. He said the injury to Ismael Azocar was a sign, I don't believe it myself. KC even has the audacity to believe they are for real, hmm I thought so at the beginning of the season.
AL West
The Sky Sox look commanding but may have to hold on for dear life with the hard charging Angels bearing down on the rear door. Even the Mariners are hanging in there for a spot in the afterlife.
WoW!!!, can you believe 8 teams are vying for one playoff spot in the AL?
NL North
The Cubs have the best record so far this season up to this point anyway. The Reds are still giving chase which still has the Cubs out of hibernation mode. Both the Pirates and Brewers are attempting to grab a Wild Card spot.
NL East
The Braves have a pretty big lead but have hit the skids lately. The Mets have made up some ground but haven't been all that enthusiastic about it as they chase the Wild Card bunch also.
NL South
The Marlins lead the way with Ivan at the helm but only with a 4 game lead as the Diablos are breathing down their necks.
NL West
The Dodgers are leading the way in the West, like the Cubs its only by 7. Arizona keeps getting close then sidewinds.
Whoa! 5 teams within 3 games of each other hunting down that final Wild Card spot and the Giants still have a realistic shot also. Talk about an exciting season! It is not for the faint of heart.
Note: Pat Suzuki is really pissed about the Mets trade. He just might try and take it out on NY in the next 3 games.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Hot Trading
Tampa Bay announced a fire sale right before the trading deadline that actually didn't draw as much attention as intended. So what has happened so far.
Jim Waters went to LA for Rickey Smart. Reason for trade is simple from one standpoint, Waters will be in arbitration next season while Smart is a prospect. LA on the other hand needs a player that can help replace some old-timers. Not sure there was really an advantage here.
Al Steele went to Chicago for Jaime Parnell. The Cubs were desperate for a catcher, Steele is a good catcher but has durability issues. Clear win for Tampa Bay on this one. Maybe the Cubs should have dealt for Harvey Hatcher but may not have had enough to lure.
In a big move the Mets sent their most unwanted pitcher in R.J. Bellhorn and two prospects, Bennie Wagner and Francisco Gutierrez for Felipe Peralta. Mets were very hesitant on the deal even though they initiated it, several times in fact, just ask Tampa Bay. Mets needed help at 3B or CF plus a left handed bat and definitely got that at maybe a steep price. The Mets really wanted Harvey Hatcher and Nicky Paige but couldn't come up with a monetary solution to the problem.
Jim Waters went to LA for Rickey Smart. Reason for trade is simple from one standpoint, Waters will be in arbitration next season while Smart is a prospect. LA on the other hand needs a player that can help replace some old-timers. Not sure there was really an advantage here.
Al Steele went to Chicago for Jaime Parnell. The Cubs were desperate for a catcher, Steele is a good catcher but has durability issues. Clear win for Tampa Bay on this one. Maybe the Cubs should have dealt for Harvey Hatcher but may not have had enough to lure.
In a big move the Mets sent their most unwanted pitcher in R.J. Bellhorn and two prospects, Bennie Wagner and Francisco Gutierrez for Felipe Peralta. Mets were very hesitant on the deal even though they initiated it, several times in fact, just ask Tampa Bay. Mets needed help at 3B or CF plus a left handed bat and definitely got that at maybe a steep price. The Mets really wanted Harvey Hatcher and Nicky Paige but couldn't come up with a monetary solution to the problem.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Post Season Awards Watch
Why not put the cart before the horse!
AL
Cy Young
Alex Mesa and Edwin Webster are really going at it for the Cy Young award. Mesa is 15-2 and plays for a better team but overall Websters numbers are a little better with a 12-2 record.
Fireman
Harry Ramos has a firm grasp with 28 saves in 31 chances.
Hitting
Bart Ross is leading the way with his normal exceptional avg and OBP with a .345 and .435. Other than that his production is typically normal.
Felipe Peralta leads the dinger contest with 39 but Del Alvarez and Collin Kirkland are keeping close with 37 and 36.
Who could win the MVP is anybodies guess at the moment.
NL
Cy Young
Ivan The Terrible Johnson is up to his old tricks with a 19-4 record with 5 for 5 in the save department. After Ivan I like Marty Gibbons, with a 12-3 record and not playing for a super team. Albert Cubillan is also 12-3 and has some pretty good numbers including 2 CGs and a SHO.
Fireman
Wesley Hewson is leading the way with 31 Saves with some decent numbers but a loss and 7 blown saves doesn't look that impressive on the resume.
Batting
Pat Suzuki is well on his way to becoming the MVP once again. He leads in runs scored with 101, RBIs with 102 and Home Runs at 42.
Ebenezer Munoz does lead in hits (131) and average (.330).
AL
Cy Young
Alex Mesa and Edwin Webster are really going at it for the Cy Young award. Mesa is 15-2 and plays for a better team but overall Websters numbers are a little better with a 12-2 record.
Fireman
Harry Ramos has a firm grasp with 28 saves in 31 chances.
Hitting
Bart Ross is leading the way with his normal exceptional avg and OBP with a .345 and .435. Other than that his production is typically normal.
Felipe Peralta leads the dinger contest with 39 but Del Alvarez and Collin Kirkland are keeping close with 37 and 36.
Who could win the MVP is anybodies guess at the moment.
NL
Cy Young
Ivan The Terrible Johnson is up to his old tricks with a 19-4 record with 5 for 5 in the save department. After Ivan I like Marty Gibbons, with a 12-3 record and not playing for a super team. Albert Cubillan is also 12-3 and has some pretty good numbers including 2 CGs and a SHO.
Fireman
Wesley Hewson is leading the way with 31 Saves with some decent numbers but a loss and 7 blown saves doesn't look that impressive on the resume.
Batting
Pat Suzuki is well on his way to becoming the MVP once again. He leads in runs scored with 101, RBIs with 102 and Home Runs at 42.
Ebenezer Munoz does lead in hits (131) and average (.330).
Monday, February 18, 2013
Trades and Things
I don't think there has been that much trading going on this year. More of an unsettling trend than anything else. I am not sure setting trade needs is necessary myself. I only look at the trade block if I need or want a veteran ML player in the first place. I rarely trade for a ML player anyway as it can be tough fitting budget constraints.
I have been turned down several times this season in making trades. Not that they were bad trades either. Early on I was looking for a veteran right-handed Starting Pitcher. Only three on the Block I was interested in, one I couldn't make a way for the budgets to work. With that I started the tedious task of looking for what I wanted at AAA but no one was interested in giving up their "reserve pitcher". Can't blame them for that, I have done the same thing. I started looking at the youngsters but most were not ready for the majors. I finally found what I was looking for in a pitcher but now I am kinda mixed on how I want to use him, go figure.
I traded catchers with Little Rock because Chip Knepper just didn't fit in with my team for some reason. I think all of us are happy in that regards.
I was trying to unload R.J. Bellhorn as he needs a change of scenery if you ask me. I think everyone is a little leary of him. I would be too as he has a terrible history.
My latest look into things was for a young 3B, I thought surely someone would have a 3B or SS that has the hitting prowess of Marc Redman ready for the majors. Well, if they do, I sure as hell didn't find one. I did find a RF I was interested in but I couldn't figure out if he would actually help my team or not in the end.
Some of the reasons trades are becoming a bit unwarranted lately has been because of the Draft and Internationals. Starting pitching has always been a big commodity but lately those "AAAA" pitchers are starting to look a little dreamy. They also have been playing like they are super studs also. Adding to the confusion, good power hitters are very few and far between lately.
I know there was talk earlier about keeping players in the minors for 4 full seasons. After doing all the searching around I came to this conclusion. Advancement the 4th year is negligible to none at all in the minors. I can see keeping him there the first 20+ games to hold his clock a bit but the full season loses an option that could be used later. Another trend I have noticed with younger players is that they need to acclimate to the majors. Some do it immediately but rarely and some never do for some reason.
I also looked at the big crop of Type A players signed this season and how they have been performing. I thought Harpo Cust would be a big boon for the D'Backs but has been playing as an also-ran. Returns so far has been a dramatic pan for most of them. The Type B's for the most part are enjoying much more success though I wouldn't call it profound.
I have been turned down several times this season in making trades. Not that they were bad trades either. Early on I was looking for a veteran right-handed Starting Pitcher. Only three on the Block I was interested in, one I couldn't make a way for the budgets to work. With that I started the tedious task of looking for what I wanted at AAA but no one was interested in giving up their "reserve pitcher". Can't blame them for that, I have done the same thing. I started looking at the youngsters but most were not ready for the majors. I finally found what I was looking for in a pitcher but now I am kinda mixed on how I want to use him, go figure.
I traded catchers with Little Rock because Chip Knepper just didn't fit in with my team for some reason. I think all of us are happy in that regards.
I was trying to unload R.J. Bellhorn as he needs a change of scenery if you ask me. I think everyone is a little leary of him. I would be too as he has a terrible history.
My latest look into things was for a young 3B, I thought surely someone would have a 3B or SS that has the hitting prowess of Marc Redman ready for the majors. Well, if they do, I sure as hell didn't find one. I did find a RF I was interested in but I couldn't figure out if he would actually help my team or not in the end.
Some of the reasons trades are becoming a bit unwarranted lately has been because of the Draft and Internationals. Starting pitching has always been a big commodity but lately those "AAAA" pitchers are starting to look a little dreamy. They also have been playing like they are super studs also. Adding to the confusion, good power hitters are very few and far between lately.
I know there was talk earlier about keeping players in the minors for 4 full seasons. After doing all the searching around I came to this conclusion. Advancement the 4th year is negligible to none at all in the minors. I can see keeping him there the first 20+ games to hold his clock a bit but the full season loses an option that could be used later. Another trend I have noticed with younger players is that they need to acclimate to the majors. Some do it immediately but rarely and some never do for some reason.
I also looked at the big crop of Type A players signed this season and how they have been performing. I thought Harpo Cust would be a big boon for the D'Backs but has been playing as an also-ran. Returns so far has been a dramatic pan for most of them. The Type B's for the most part are enjoying much more success though I wouldn't call it profound.
Whack-A-Mole Races
Who has the potential to garner this years GG hardware with 61 games to go.
NL
1B - Is actually tight
David Gomez
Bruce Carpenter
Leo Rodney
Tyreace French
Notes: Tyreace could win it but needs more starts, more plus plays and stay error free.
2B
Clarence Valentin
Pablo Solano
Francisco Andino
Notes: It is Valentin's to lose at the moment
3B - Talk about tight
Gerald Offerman
Kid Gload
Jordy Griffiths
Emil Flores
Jair Bennett
Notes: 3 Plus Plays separate them all
SS
Will Potvin
Notes: No one else is even close
LF
Renyel Manuel
Boots Joyner
Notes: Renyel is gonna be hard to beat
CF
Alex Reddick
Claude Chatwood
Jim Griffin
Notes: Griffin is actually the leader but lacks the plus plays
RF
Artie Betemit
Ezequiel Uribe
Zack Forbes
Joshua Callaway
Notes: This one could be tough because Artie has a minus play and no errors
C
Mariano Pimentel
Tony Baez
Notes: Several don't have enough starts to qualify, 3 DPs loom large for Baez
AL
1B
Bernie Mendez
Victor Aardsma
Jeff O'Toole
Notes: An ingrown toe nail separates these dudes
2B
Clark Parrish
Russell Lewis
Notes: Pulling teeth is easier than getting a Plus Play
3B
Michel Delgado
Notes: Uses vacuum cleaner
SS
Harry Martinez
Cristobal Ramirez
Notes: Eenie Meainie where's Miney and Moe
LF
Benny Megias
Notes: All by his little lonesome at the moment and I don't think he's that good
CF
Harry Sasser
Shayne Marte
Arthur Donatello
Clayton Tice
Pat Belle
Notes: This is an impressive bunch
RF
Tomas Ramirez
Notes: Can I play 2B now?
C
Bart Ross
Notes: He is winning because nobody else qualifies at the moment
NL
1B - Is actually tight
David Gomez
Bruce Carpenter
Leo Rodney
Tyreace French
Notes: Tyreace could win it but needs more starts, more plus plays and stay error free.
2B
Clarence Valentin
Pablo Solano
Francisco Andino
Notes: It is Valentin's to lose at the moment
3B - Talk about tight
Gerald Offerman
Kid Gload
Jordy Griffiths
Emil Flores
Jair Bennett
Notes: 3 Plus Plays separate them all
SS
Will Potvin
Notes: No one else is even close
LF
Renyel Manuel
Boots Joyner
Notes: Renyel is gonna be hard to beat
CF
Alex Reddick
Claude Chatwood
Jim Griffin
Notes: Griffin is actually the leader but lacks the plus plays
RF
Artie Betemit
Ezequiel Uribe
Zack Forbes
Joshua Callaway
Notes: This one could be tough because Artie has a minus play and no errors
C
Mariano Pimentel
Tony Baez
Notes: Several don't have enough starts to qualify, 3 DPs loom large for Baez
AL
1B
Bernie Mendez
Victor Aardsma
Jeff O'Toole
Notes: An ingrown toe nail separates these dudes
2B
Clark Parrish
Russell Lewis
Notes: Pulling teeth is easier than getting a Plus Play
3B
Michel Delgado
Notes: Uses vacuum cleaner
SS
Harry Martinez
Cristobal Ramirez
Notes: Eenie Meainie where's Miney and Moe
LF
Benny Megias
Notes: All by his little lonesome at the moment and I don't think he's that good
CF
Harry Sasser
Shayne Marte
Arthur Donatello
Clayton Tice
Pat Belle
Notes: This is an impressive bunch
RF
Tomas Ramirez
Notes: Can I play 2B now?
C
Bart Ross
Notes: He is winning because nobody else qualifies at the moment
Mets
Ya know there are times you just have to set back and say WTF! This season has been one of them. We haven't been blown out in any games. We are on the plus side of 1-run games and extra inning affairs. Run production is a negative which is a bummer.
Marc Redman is having a good year so far at the plate. Not so hot playing 3B but will have to do.
Clarence Valentin has gotten off his lazy ass and decided to play this season. Hitting where I think he should and having a GG year at 2B.
Dan Radke has been moved into the starting lineup and has decided to hit for a change. He has always looked good in Spring Training and then fizzled in the regular season. Not the greatest defensive LF.
Omar Ordonez could have been an All-Star this year but splitting time in LF/RF probably took that away from him.
Leo Rodney has always been a disappointment at the plate for some unknown reason. Leads the team in OBP even with a .250 avg and only a 50-50 walk to strike out ratio. For him that average is actually pretty good comparatively, he always hits well at the end.
John McInerney is having a decent season at the plate. Playing CF is definitely not his strong suit.
Mariano Pimentel is even having a good season at the plate and behind it. He didn't even have a backup for the first 50 games. I finally brought up Chip Knepper to play DH and give Mariano a break.
I wasn't impressed with Chip and traded him to Little Rock which probably didn't sit well with Texas. I got Pepper Murton in the deal and he loves the change of scenery so far. I'm quite impressed so far anyway.
Ronn Penny has played a solid SS, too bad he is almost blind at the plate.
Mariano Diaz hasn't been that impressive but he isn't exactly a stud either.
Guy Oquist has been great this season playing the supreme utility guy. We know he is trying to impress since he is hoping for a big contract in arbitration next year.
Pitching has been ugly at times and great at others, it is hard to read actually.
Bobby Forbes has the numbers to be 8-2 instead of 2-8. Have no way of understanding it.
Harry Rodriguez is having his normal year.
R.J. Bellhorn is having a worse year than usual. To tell the truth he has the ratings of a premier lefty starter but pitches like a bad AAAA player. I don't get it and never will I suppose.
William Galloway is a guy that has the ratings of a AAAA but pitches like a premier pitcher, go figure.
Dean Boone had problems in the early configuration but has come on of late.
Benny Calero should have been on the All-Star roster.
Haywood Clifton another one of my AAAA pitchers that doesn't do a bad job.
Bernie Diaz left handed version of the previous guy.
Trace Kennedy turned out to be an alright pitcher for the money.
Cesar Perez is 6-1, why? we don't know either but his contract is expiring at the end off the season, thank goodness.
Sherm Brock has been great in the short roll. Allowed Herb Jenkins to be trade bait.
Wayne Hampton is having another fine season.
Ted Maxwell pitched well as a starter but had absolutely no luck what so ever. Moved him into the closers role and has been perfect.
Tito Gao is pitching well enough in his farewell season.
Marc Redman is having a good year so far at the plate. Not so hot playing 3B but will have to do.
Clarence Valentin has gotten off his lazy ass and decided to play this season. Hitting where I think he should and having a GG year at 2B.
Dan Radke has been moved into the starting lineup and has decided to hit for a change. He has always looked good in Spring Training and then fizzled in the regular season. Not the greatest defensive LF.
Omar Ordonez could have been an All-Star this year but splitting time in LF/RF probably took that away from him.
Leo Rodney has always been a disappointment at the plate for some unknown reason. Leads the team in OBP even with a .250 avg and only a 50-50 walk to strike out ratio. For him that average is actually pretty good comparatively, he always hits well at the end.
John McInerney is having a decent season at the plate. Playing CF is definitely not his strong suit.
Mariano Pimentel is even having a good season at the plate and behind it. He didn't even have a backup for the first 50 games. I finally brought up Chip Knepper to play DH and give Mariano a break.
I wasn't impressed with Chip and traded him to Little Rock which probably didn't sit well with Texas. I got Pepper Murton in the deal and he loves the change of scenery so far. I'm quite impressed so far anyway.
Ronn Penny has played a solid SS, too bad he is almost blind at the plate.
Mariano Diaz hasn't been that impressive but he isn't exactly a stud either.
Guy Oquist has been great this season playing the supreme utility guy. We know he is trying to impress since he is hoping for a big contract in arbitration next year.
Pitching has been ugly at times and great at others, it is hard to read actually.
Bobby Forbes has the numbers to be 8-2 instead of 2-8. Have no way of understanding it.
Harry Rodriguez is having his normal year.
R.J. Bellhorn is having a worse year than usual. To tell the truth he has the ratings of a premier lefty starter but pitches like a bad AAAA player. I don't get it and never will I suppose.
William Galloway is a guy that has the ratings of a AAAA but pitches like a premier pitcher, go figure.
Dean Boone had problems in the early configuration but has come on of late.
Benny Calero should have been on the All-Star roster.
Haywood Clifton another one of my AAAA pitchers that doesn't do a bad job.
Bernie Diaz left handed version of the previous guy.
Trace Kennedy turned out to be an alright pitcher for the money.
Cesar Perez is 6-1, why? we don't know either but his contract is expiring at the end off the season, thank goodness.
Sherm Brock has been great in the short roll. Allowed Herb Jenkins to be trade bait.
Wayne Hampton is having another fine season.
Ted Maxwell pitched well as a starter but had absolutely no luck what so ever. Moved him into the closers role and has been perfect.
Tito Gao is pitching well enough in his farewell season.
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