Thursday, March 7, 2013
Highest Int'l Contract Awarded
The Arizona State Sun Devils have just made NCAA II history by finalizing a contract with Louie Crespo, an 18 year old SP prospect from Haina, DO. After all the dust settled, the Sun Devils were awarded the rights to the right-handed pitcher after a record $37.0M signing bonus was inked. My scouts have this kid projecting to be a future Cy Young winner, he'll be an absolute lock down #1 starting pitcher whenever owner train decideds that he's ready. With the horrible lack of pitching depth in NCAA II, the Sun Devils have just found their star for the future. The signing should come as no surpise though as the Sun Devils have been very active in the Int'l market since season 2, signing a big player each year with signing bonuses of $26.9M, $30.0M, $33.8M, and now $37.0M. We caught up with owner train, who was gracious enough to put down the champagne bottles and cigars for a few minutes to give us his thoughts on the record signing: "This was an odd IFA negotiation; I had the high bid very early on and he still took the whole week to sign despite no changes in the bidding. Now that he's finally agreed, though, he was very much worth the wait. My system has some good young bats but really needed an impact arm. He should move quickly."
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Season 1 Draft Review
Season 1 Draft Review: Part 1 Picks 1-5
#1 Oscar Rolls Chicago 19 YO RHP
First ever NCAA II pick and deservingly so.
On draft day so many years ago Rolls had the potential to be dominant. Since being drafted he has accumulated 10 wins in each of his 3 full seasons spent in the minors, having won his levels Cy Young Award twice.
Today: Promoted to the Big League Roster this season. Most likely will be high on the ROY ballot this year.
Update: With the worst luck Rolls suffered a labrum tear and will be out 200+ days.
#2 Texas Agriculture and Machinery selects SP Jeromy Stern 21 YO LHP
Stern brings top flight numbers across the board with pinpoint control, top end velocity and control. With a make up of 50 we may have seen the end of development and should see him as a top 2-3 SP in NCAAII.
Season: Prior to the season 4, Stern was dealt from Texas to Charlotte along with OF Pedro Bennett for season 4 MVP Kenny Powell. The trade helped build contenders for both sides, but early on Powell's MVP is winning the trade to date.
Today: Stern will begin the season as the Tar Heels 3rd SP and hopes to improve on his 9-10 record in his rookie year.
#3 Oakland Golden Bears select RHP Cecil Traynor
Traynor who may be the pick of the draft early on has the ability to one day be enshrined in the HOF. Traynor who hold slightly more impressive numbers than Stern has a bit better make to produce impressive numbers. Traynor was the quickest to the majors reaching Oakland in season 2 and pitched to a 6-4 record with a 3.24 ERA.
Season 3: Always dealing Mr_Stickball dealt to Little Rock Razorbacks Traynor along with SP Corban Wiltsie and RF Farmer Snow for big hitting 1B Terrance Glauber, RP Jack Ryan and SP Hector Cruz.
As one of many trades made that season Mr_Stickball set his roster up and won the division so worked well for him, hope it’s the last time he wins the division.
Today: Cecil Traynor currently is the Ace of the Razorback team that drichar138 has righted the ship and made the team a favorite to win the division again. Expect big things for Traynor going forward.
#4 The Scranton Nittany Lions select 3B Izzy Grieve as the first position player taken in NCAAII. Grieve possesses the rare speed and high end glove found at the hot corner. With lots of pop in his bat should produce 20-30 Hr's annually in Scranton.
Today: After 3 1/2 years in the minors Grieves power bat earned him a spot in the heart of the Nittany Lion order. With proper development should find himself with a few all star appearances and gold gloves for his mantle.
#5 Jackson Rebels select SS Gorkys Calderone. Loaded with immense potential Calderone has become a focal point the Reb system for coachsimon. Gorkys has all the tools for a top flight INF except for the arm strength category.
Today: In season four coachsimon inserted Calderone as his everyday 3B, but now has entrenched himself at 2B where he has the ability to be an All-star/ Gold glover and should help the Rebs try to knock off powerful Little Rock.
#1 Oscar Rolls Chicago 19 YO RHP
First ever NCAA II pick and deservingly so.
On draft day so many years ago Rolls had the potential to be dominant. Since being drafted he has accumulated 10 wins in each of his 3 full seasons spent in the minors, having won his levels Cy Young Award twice.
Today: Promoted to the Big League Roster this season. Most likely will be high on the ROY ballot this year.
Update: With the worst luck Rolls suffered a labrum tear and will be out 200+ days.
#2 Texas Agriculture and Machinery selects SP Jeromy Stern 21 YO LHP
Stern brings top flight numbers across the board with pinpoint control, top end velocity and control. With a make up of 50 we may have seen the end of development and should see him as a top 2-3 SP in NCAAII.
Season: Prior to the season 4, Stern was dealt from Texas to Charlotte along with OF Pedro Bennett for season 4 MVP Kenny Powell. The trade helped build contenders for both sides, but early on Powell's MVP is winning the trade to date.
Today: Stern will begin the season as the Tar Heels 3rd SP and hopes to improve on his 9-10 record in his rookie year.
#3 Oakland Golden Bears select RHP Cecil Traynor
Traynor who may be the pick of the draft early on has the ability to one day be enshrined in the HOF. Traynor who hold slightly more impressive numbers than Stern has a bit better make to produce impressive numbers. Traynor was the quickest to the majors reaching Oakland in season 2 and pitched to a 6-4 record with a 3.24 ERA.
Season 3: Always dealing Mr_Stickball dealt to Little Rock Razorbacks Traynor along with SP Corban Wiltsie and RF Farmer Snow for big hitting 1B Terrance Glauber, RP Jack Ryan and SP Hector Cruz.
As one of many trades made that season Mr_Stickball set his roster up and won the division so worked well for him, hope it’s the last time he wins the division.
Today: Cecil Traynor currently is the Ace of the Razorback team that drichar138 has righted the ship and made the team a favorite to win the division again. Expect big things for Traynor going forward.
#4 The Scranton Nittany Lions select 3B Izzy Grieve as the first position player taken in NCAAII. Grieve possesses the rare speed and high end glove found at the hot corner. With lots of pop in his bat should produce 20-30 Hr's annually in Scranton.
Today: After 3 1/2 years in the minors Grieves power bat earned him a spot in the heart of the Nittany Lion order. With proper development should find himself with a few all star appearances and gold gloves for his mantle.
#5 Jackson Rebels select SS Gorkys Calderone. Loaded with immense potential Calderone has become a focal point the Reb system for coachsimon. Gorkys has all the tools for a top flight INF except for the arm strength category.
Today: In season four coachsimon inserted Calderone as his everyday 3B, but now has entrenched himself at 2B where he has the ability to be an All-star/ Gold glover and should help the Rebs try to knock off powerful Little Rock.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Part 2: Pre Spring Training Trades
7. Portland Deals SP Rich Small 1B Ramon Kyung SS Wilton Lo
Boston continues boosting its starting rotation by acquiring ace Rich Small. Small at times has the ability to dominate with assassin like control which features a nasty curve and slider.
Boston also acquired International SS Wilton Lo who in a few seasons will bring several gold gloves to Bean Town. Boston will fill its hole at 1B with Ramon Kyung who has spent most of his career in Portland’s AAA team. Kyung has demonstrated a good bat across the board and has show ability in his short 14 game stint in Portland.
Boston Deals 1B Sandy DePaula & SP Slick O’Connor
The Ducks second priority was trying to find another power bat for its relatively pedestrian lineup. 2 time MVP Sandy Depaula looks to boost the middle of the order. The biggest question is will those stats hold up in the pitcher friendly confines of PGE Ballpark.
Finishing the deal ducks get starter Slick O’Connor into their rotation with this trade. Slick hopes to turn his career around in Portland after being hit early and often in Boston. PGE Ballpark should help with this also with a contract on the horizon should be enough motivation for him to perform.
8. Arizona Trades CF Buddy Ducey
Syracuse who seems to be trying to go younger this off season picks up Ducey who may make a move to LF in hopes of moving Lee Brunson to 1B as Miguel Gonzalez in on the trade block for a team looking for a nice bat. The orange are getting a nice upgrade in defense for its outfield.
Syracuse trades: C Chad Herrera & 3B Chase Quirarte
Arizona aquires C Chad Herrera who brings 3 high quality catchers to the ASU Depth Chart. Herrera could be the best of the bunch who hits and fields very well. Should be starting day one in the desert. 3B Chase Quirarte may be a 1 year fill in while Charlie Lyons developes another year down on the farm. Woul dnot expect very much from him but cold come off the bench with a power bat in a pinch hitting situation.
I like the trade for both sides as both are getting young quality players in the trade. May tip the trade to Syracuse as Arizona had good depth at the position prior to the trade.
9. Texas A&M trades: RF Heath Hairston
Portland continues its need for hitting this off season. With Douglas Houston leaving for free agency left a hole in RF. Hairston will provide an upgrade with the bat leaves questions about the fielding ability in the spacious ball park in Portland.
Portland Trades: RF Keith Crawford, SP JJ Foster & SP Derrick Hynes
The Aggies pick up some pieces that could help them out in the short term. Hynes has been a workhorse in the Portland minor league system has very good control and velocity that can help in a long relief role. JJ Foster a rule 5 selection last year spent time as the Ducks Long reliever and is ready to fill in the back end of the Aggie rotation. Keith Crawford the 23rd overall pick last season brings a good all around game to A&M. With a little more seasoning should be able to play every day for the Aggies.
10. Arizona State Trades: Utility Dixie Hudson
Florida aquires Dixie Hudson who will be able to play all over the field. Primarily played SS for the Sun Devils, may find himslef in CF for the Gators.
Florida Trades: P Alving Lopez & P Stephan Carson
Arizona acquires two young starting pitchers that could one day sit on the back end of the Sun Devil rotation. Both pitchers have great control but Carson has two top end pitches.
Florida takes the trade in my opinion. Finding a CF seemed to be a big need and is filled with a nice young player with a power bat.
11.Charlotte Trades RP Al Amarista
LA picks up an nice addition to its bullpen with this acquisition. Amarista who gets righties out often with good control hopes to bring his low era to LA.
LA Trades CF Wilton McDonald
McDonald comes over and should start right away in CF for the Heels. Known more for his defense and speed will help Charlotte move forward this year.
Trade scales tip to Charlotte as they acquire an everyday CF.
Hopkinsheel made the following statement following this trade.
"Another smaller deal. Amarasta has been a stellar lynchpin to our bullpen through the first three seasons, but he was starting to get expensive and we really needed a CF to replace Powell and preferred younger. We are hopefull McDonald will play good to great D for us in CF."
GM Mamidu for the Bruins delighted with the trade stated "Al Amarista - should be a solid RP who will help solidify the bullpen. Gave up a CF who I just didn't have room for at the ML level. A fair trade."
11. Portland Trades 1B Donnie Lawson
NY picks up a solid starting 1B who had lost his spot in Portland and has a very modest Salary.
NY Trades SP Glenn McMillian
Mcmillian can be a back of the rotation guy but most likely a Long RP.
NY improves its team right away and wins the trade.
Boston continues boosting its starting rotation by acquiring ace Rich Small. Small at times has the ability to dominate with assassin like control which features a nasty curve and slider.
Boston also acquired International SS Wilton Lo who in a few seasons will bring several gold gloves to Bean Town. Boston will fill its hole at 1B with Ramon Kyung who has spent most of his career in Portland’s AAA team. Kyung has demonstrated a good bat across the board and has show ability in his short 14 game stint in Portland.
Boston Deals 1B Sandy DePaula & SP Slick O’Connor
The Ducks second priority was trying to find another power bat for its relatively pedestrian lineup. 2 time MVP Sandy Depaula looks to boost the middle of the order. The biggest question is will those stats hold up in the pitcher friendly confines of PGE Ballpark.
Finishing the deal ducks get starter Slick O’Connor into their rotation with this trade. Slick hopes to turn his career around in Portland after being hit early and often in Boston. PGE Ballpark should help with this also with a contract on the horizon should be enough motivation for him to perform.
8. Arizona Trades CF Buddy Ducey
Syracuse who seems to be trying to go younger this off season picks up Ducey who may make a move to LF in hopes of moving Lee Brunson to 1B as Miguel Gonzalez in on the trade block for a team looking for a nice bat. The orange are getting a nice upgrade in defense for its outfield.
Syracuse trades: C Chad Herrera & 3B Chase Quirarte
Arizona aquires C Chad Herrera who brings 3 high quality catchers to the ASU Depth Chart. Herrera could be the best of the bunch who hits and fields very well. Should be starting day one in the desert. 3B Chase Quirarte may be a 1 year fill in while Charlie Lyons developes another year down on the farm. Woul dnot expect very much from him but cold come off the bench with a power bat in a pinch hitting situation.
I like the trade for both sides as both are getting young quality players in the trade. May tip the trade to Syracuse as Arizona had good depth at the position prior to the trade.
9. Texas A&M trades: RF Heath Hairston
Portland continues its need for hitting this off season. With Douglas Houston leaving for free agency left a hole in RF. Hairston will provide an upgrade with the bat leaves questions about the fielding ability in the spacious ball park in Portland.
Portland Trades: RF Keith Crawford, SP JJ Foster & SP Derrick Hynes
The Aggies pick up some pieces that could help them out in the short term. Hynes has been a workhorse in the Portland minor league system has very good control and velocity that can help in a long relief role. JJ Foster a rule 5 selection last year spent time as the Ducks Long reliever and is ready to fill in the back end of the Aggie rotation. Keith Crawford the 23rd overall pick last season brings a good all around game to A&M. With a little more seasoning should be able to play every day for the Aggies.
10. Arizona State Trades: Utility Dixie Hudson
Florida aquires Dixie Hudson who will be able to play all over the field. Primarily played SS for the Sun Devils, may find himslef in CF for the Gators.
Florida Trades: P Alving Lopez & P Stephan Carson
Arizona acquires two young starting pitchers that could one day sit on the back end of the Sun Devil rotation. Both pitchers have great control but Carson has two top end pitches.
Florida takes the trade in my opinion. Finding a CF seemed to be a big need and is filled with a nice young player with a power bat.
11.Charlotte Trades RP Al Amarista
LA picks up an nice addition to its bullpen with this acquisition. Amarista who gets righties out often with good control hopes to bring his low era to LA.
LA Trades CF Wilton McDonald
McDonald comes over and should start right away in CF for the Heels. Known more for his defense and speed will help Charlotte move forward this year.
Trade scales tip to Charlotte as they acquire an everyday CF.
Hopkinsheel made the following statement following this trade.
"Another smaller deal. Amarasta has been a stellar lynchpin to our bullpen through the first three seasons, but he was starting to get expensive and we really needed a CF to replace Powell and preferred younger. We are hopefull McDonald will play good to great D for us in CF."
GM Mamidu for the Bruins delighted with the trade stated "Al Amarista - should be a solid RP who will help solidify the bullpen. Gave up a CF who I just didn't have room for at the ML level. A fair trade."
11. Portland Trades 1B Donnie Lawson
NY picks up a solid starting 1B who had lost his spot in Portland and has a very modest Salary.
NY Trades SP Glenn McMillian
Mcmillian can be a back of the rotation guy but most likely a Long RP.
NY improves its team right away and wins the trade.
Part 1: Pre Spring Training Trades
1. Boston Deals: to Cincy RF Al Steele
Power bat COF projects to be 30 hr .275 hitter
Cincinnati Deals to Boston SP Joshua Stark
Boston acquires Stark and is the first move by Boston’s New GM Eastonest. Boston looks to revamp its starting rotation which has been the weakness the last couple of seasons.
The first deals of the year ill give the advantage to Boston as I’ve always been a firm believer of pitching over position players. Stark will give a boost to the rotation as Steele may be more valuable in a coming of the bench power bat.
Eastonest's Take on the trade:
The Boston College and Cincinnati deal saw 3b Al Steele exchanged for SP Joshua Stark.
The Bearcats dealt from their deep rotation and parted with a player who may have had a tough time seeing playing time with their club in Season 4. Steele hit a career best .861 OPS last season and by acquiring the lefty third baseman the Bearcats managed to obtain a serviceable player until Season 1 first round pick Willie Brito arrives to man the corner. Brito starts the season at AAA.
Starks’ likely role for the Eagles will be as a #4 starter. He has logged over 180 innings each of the last three seasons and sported a respectable 14-11 record last year.
2.Charlotte Deals CF Ken Powell
The first big name dealt this off season. Powell not living quite up to his hype that started his career fell off the proverbial cliff hitting half as well as his Silver Slugging season in season 2. Powell still fields the ball very well and should boost the Aggie lineup immediately. With a few holes still to fill A&M could be a team to watch this season.
Texas A&M Deals SP Jeromey Stern & CF Pedro Bennett
If you were wondering how does one acquire a very good CF. A young SP is a good way to start. Stern has worked his way though the Texas Minor Leagues and is ready to establish himself in the middle of the Tar Heel rotation. His arsenal features a top of the line sinker with above average control and splits. However, with his current makeup we may not see much improvement on his current ratings we may see him on a ROY ballot.
CF Pedro Bennett can provide a short term fill in at CF and won’t completely hurt the Heels on the offensive side.
These deals helps both teams out immensely and believe there are some more trades form both teams to improve their lineups.
When asked about this trade Charlotte GM Hopkinsheel said the following.
"When NCAA II was created and Tar Heels management saw what they had in Ken Powell, we quickly believed he'd retire as a Tar Heel. Unfortunately the rebuilding process has been extremely slow going with multiple missteps which has pushed our window back. Instead of investing big money into a perennial MVP candidate on a losing squad, we decided to continue to re-tool and moved him for a top SP prospect who is ready this season in Jeremy Stern and a decent leadoff prospect in Pedro Bennet. Tough pill to swallow to move him, but felt it was the right move."
3.Florida: Deals to Portland: SS Rocky Daly & LF Osvaldo Rosado
Duck GM started his off-season with a list of needs and wasted no time filling one of them. Daly a top end glove fits into the Ducks plan perfectly as SS Marcus Chiasson left for free agency. What really shocks most people is that Daly won the silver slugger in year 2 which raises the question, are NL SS that poor of hitters?
Osvaldo Rosado a nice young player who will be moved to LF in the Portland Minors has to tools to rise up and be a good back up outfielder. At the very least the dude can bunt and run the bases.
Portland: Deals P Horacio De La Rosa
Horacio one of the 3 big names Portland found internationally last season has the making of a top notch pitcher with proper coaching and grooming. The Gators now have quite a few young arms that should be ready in a few seasons.
I cant say who the winner of the trade is since I am involved but the trade was worked out by both owners quickly so I can only assume both owners got what they wanted. Florida is building its minor leagues impressively which Portland is hoping to win now.
4. Cincinnati Trades SP Jared Fiorentino
Fiorentino who won 16 games last year should plant himself in the back end of the Panther rotation and will allow a couple young arms another year of development in the minors. This move should once again bring dreams of rings though out Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh trades: DH Wallace Crabtree
Crabtree possesses a great power bat and eye that should make lots of young children hoping to catch home run balls in Cincy.
Have to tip the scales to Pittsburgh on this one as ill side with positional strength sides with an SP.
5. Pittsburgh Trades LF Hal DeJean & RP Kris McClellan
Dejean the 29th pick in last years draft could use another year of seasoning down in the minors but could start right away in LF for the Tide who looks to continue its improvement since GM Abesmem took over the sinking franchise. With speed and power Dejean will be in the top half of the order shortly.
McClellan possesses a high end fastball that dominates Rh batters and can work his way into the bullpen. However, I don’t seem him much more than a Setup B kind of guy.
Montgomery Trades: DH Yamil Rodriguez
The tide tried having Rodriguez behind the plate but such a liability and lack of DH spot made this move easy to make. Will fill right in the DH spot in Pittsburgh.
Trade advantage has to go in the way of Pit who acquired an instant top end bat without giving up any of the pieces that made the squad dominant the past few years.
6. Portland Trades RP Garret Klein
Klein had found himself and the wrong end of a log Jam in Portland and looks to be able to be plugged in right away in Charlotte. Throws 2 high end pitches and should help the Heels out right away.
Charlotte Trades LF Francisco Romano
Looks to upgrade the corner of slot for the Ducks and may fight for a starting spot come opening day.
Trade fills needs for both teams. Cant find an advantage as neither player seemed to have a place in its given organization.
Hopkinsheel had the following to say about this move.
"A bit of a smaller deal. Romano did not fit into our long term plans and has been a bit of a disappointment in the eys of Tar Heels management and fans. We shipped him out for a relief prospect who maybe projects to be a setup B type.
Power bat COF projects to be 30 hr .275 hitter
Cincinnati Deals to Boston SP Joshua Stark
Boston acquires Stark and is the first move by Boston’s New GM Eastonest. Boston looks to revamp its starting rotation which has been the weakness the last couple of seasons.
The first deals of the year ill give the advantage to Boston as I’ve always been a firm believer of pitching over position players. Stark will give a boost to the rotation as Steele may be more valuable in a coming of the bench power bat.
Eastonest's Take on the trade:
The Boston College and Cincinnati deal saw 3b Al Steele exchanged for SP Joshua Stark.
The Bearcats dealt from their deep rotation and parted with a player who may have had a tough time seeing playing time with their club in Season 4. Steele hit a career best .861 OPS last season and by acquiring the lefty third baseman the Bearcats managed to obtain a serviceable player until Season 1 first round pick Willie Brito arrives to man the corner. Brito starts the season at AAA.
Starks’ likely role for the Eagles will be as a #4 starter. He has logged over 180 innings each of the last three seasons and sported a respectable 14-11 record last year.
2.Charlotte Deals CF Ken Powell
The first big name dealt this off season. Powell not living quite up to his hype that started his career fell off the proverbial cliff hitting half as well as his Silver Slugging season in season 2. Powell still fields the ball very well and should boost the Aggie lineup immediately. With a few holes still to fill A&M could be a team to watch this season.
Texas A&M Deals SP Jeromey Stern & CF Pedro Bennett
If you were wondering how does one acquire a very good CF. A young SP is a good way to start. Stern has worked his way though the Texas Minor Leagues and is ready to establish himself in the middle of the Tar Heel rotation. His arsenal features a top of the line sinker with above average control and splits. However, with his current makeup we may not see much improvement on his current ratings we may see him on a ROY ballot.
CF Pedro Bennett can provide a short term fill in at CF and won’t completely hurt the Heels on the offensive side.
These deals helps both teams out immensely and believe there are some more trades form both teams to improve their lineups.
When asked about this trade Charlotte GM Hopkinsheel said the following.
"When NCAA II was created and Tar Heels management saw what they had in Ken Powell, we quickly believed he'd retire as a Tar Heel. Unfortunately the rebuilding process has been extremely slow going with multiple missteps which has pushed our window back. Instead of investing big money into a perennial MVP candidate on a losing squad, we decided to continue to re-tool and moved him for a top SP prospect who is ready this season in Jeremy Stern and a decent leadoff prospect in Pedro Bennet. Tough pill to swallow to move him, but felt it was the right move."
3.Florida: Deals to Portland: SS Rocky Daly & LF Osvaldo Rosado
Duck GM started his off-season with a list of needs and wasted no time filling one of them. Daly a top end glove fits into the Ducks plan perfectly as SS Marcus Chiasson left for free agency. What really shocks most people is that Daly won the silver slugger in year 2 which raises the question, are NL SS that poor of hitters?
Osvaldo Rosado a nice young player who will be moved to LF in the Portland Minors has to tools to rise up and be a good back up outfielder. At the very least the dude can bunt and run the bases.
Portland: Deals P Horacio De La Rosa
Horacio one of the 3 big names Portland found internationally last season has the making of a top notch pitcher with proper coaching and grooming. The Gators now have quite a few young arms that should be ready in a few seasons.
I cant say who the winner of the trade is since I am involved but the trade was worked out by both owners quickly so I can only assume both owners got what they wanted. Florida is building its minor leagues impressively which Portland is hoping to win now.
4. Cincinnati Trades SP Jared Fiorentino
Fiorentino who won 16 games last year should plant himself in the back end of the Panther rotation and will allow a couple young arms another year of development in the minors. This move should once again bring dreams of rings though out Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh trades: DH Wallace Crabtree
Crabtree possesses a great power bat and eye that should make lots of young children hoping to catch home run balls in Cincy.
Have to tip the scales to Pittsburgh on this one as ill side with positional strength sides with an SP.
5. Pittsburgh Trades LF Hal DeJean & RP Kris McClellan
Dejean the 29th pick in last years draft could use another year of seasoning down in the minors but could start right away in LF for the Tide who looks to continue its improvement since GM Abesmem took over the sinking franchise. With speed and power Dejean will be in the top half of the order shortly.
McClellan possesses a high end fastball that dominates Rh batters and can work his way into the bullpen. However, I don’t seem him much more than a Setup B kind of guy.
Montgomery Trades: DH Yamil Rodriguez
The tide tried having Rodriguez behind the plate but such a liability and lack of DH spot made this move easy to make. Will fill right in the DH spot in Pittsburgh.
Trade advantage has to go in the way of Pit who acquired an instant top end bat without giving up any of the pieces that made the squad dominant the past few years.
6. Portland Trades RP Garret Klein
Klein had found himself and the wrong end of a log Jam in Portland and looks to be able to be plugged in right away in Charlotte. Throws 2 high end pitches and should help the Heels out right away.
Charlotte Trades LF Francisco Romano
Looks to upgrade the corner of slot for the Ducks and may fight for a starting spot come opening day.
Trade fills needs for both teams. Cant find an advantage as neither player seemed to have a place in its given organization.
Hopkinsheel had the following to say about this move.
"A bit of a smaller deal. Romano did not fit into our long term plans and has been a bit of a disappointment in the eys of Tar Heels management and fans. We shipped him out for a relief prospect who maybe projects to be a setup B type.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
New Rule
New Rule
After a lot of thought I've decided to add a new rule to the worlds I run. It does not affect gameplay at all so I am not putting it up for discussion or a vote. I spend a lot of time and effort to run these HBD worlds. I feel like I do a really good job and anyone can see, most HBD worlds are not run well AND take a lot time to fill during rollover. I've had some bad experiences lately with a couple owners who took over midseason from another owner who chose to leave and then refused to do the same when they did not want to stick around.
All HBD worlds have to deal with the churn of owner. I recently dropped the one world I was in where I did not commish because of time constraints. After 40+ seasons of running worlds, I've found that it EASILY is the most beneficial to the world for a replacement owner to be found immediately once someone decides they are moving on. Inevitably the team is not taken as well care of and/or long term decisions are made by the outgoing owner which the incoming owner has to deal with.
The veteran owners whom I like to attract to these worlds almost uniformly prefer to take over the current budget instead of starting from the standard neutral budget.
Moving forward, if you choose to not come back next season, then you are open to transferring your team early. Preferably I would like that to happen immediately once the roll call is taken, however I understand each of us pays for a full season and if you demand to stick it out through the 162 game regular season then perfectly understandable. Furthermore, NO LONG TERM decisions are to be made by the outgoing owner without prior approval from the commissioner. This primarily is targeted at re-signing outgoing free agents, but trades will not be allowed either.
Very very rarely does an owner from a playoff squad leave one of my worlds. However, in those cases the incoming owner will send a gift certificate to make up for the credits you will be missing out on by transferring your team.
To sum up...the positives are huge for when a new owner comes in before rollover. They get to take their time and analyze their team, they get to promote/demote minor leagues, they get to make free agent decisions, and they get to inherit the current budget. This also helps the other owners in the world as it is MUCH easier to recruit a new owner when they have this option and we don't have to wait for someone to enter the world after rollover.
Sorry for the essay, but I wanted everyone to see I have thought long and hard about this. This rule will make the worlds better and make my job easier.
Monday, September 24, 2012
S3 NL West Preview (Done by Meece)
NL WestS:2
Colorado Buffalo's (99-63)
Anaheim Trojans (99-63)
LA Bruins (92-70)
Arizona State Sun Devils (67-95)
The most tightly contested division in league history looks to continue into year 3.
Colorado Buffaloes (99-63)
Payroll: 81.4 M
+101 Run Diff
cctigerfan won the division on the last day of the season by way of tie break over the Anaheim Trojans ending the season on a six game win streak going 7-3 in the last ten. One thing for sure is that tigerfan has mastered the thin air in the rockies as his pitchers throw ground balls and his bats have plenty of pop. Lead by all stars 3B Adam Clayton and CF Cecil Dubler this Buffalo's team should be just as strong as years past.
With a very talented lineup very little movement was made this off-season by tigerfan signing one player and promoting two others. RP Esteban Barcelo comes over from the Buckeyes and hopes to improve the back end as the pen may be the only weakness in Colorado. Utility man Yamid Villano looks to help off the bench and brings a good glove no matter where he plays and wont hurt at the plate either. Power bat CC Rigby will see limited action in the corners when rest is needed.
The Buffalo's will be at the top of the division and will be exciting to see how this division sets up. As tough as the division is I see Colorado hitting the 100 win mark with a 101-61 record.
Anaheim Trojans (99-63)
Payroll: 78.1 M
+264 Run Diff
The Trojans who are one of the best home teams in the league demand respect and with a little bit of luck could over take Colorado which should be a much contested division. After giving up the second fewest runs, this young rotation lead by 23 yr old Jack Glass will be found near the top of the Cy Young votes come seasons end. All Star RF Shawn White and Silver Slugger 3B Arthur Guerrero continue the power bat tradition out west.
Mcbain mirrored tigerfan in making few moves this off-season. LF Preston Holmes comes over from Iowa and adds another power bat to an already potent lineup. In an interesting trade Mcbain acquired closer Kyle Brea from Oakland for leadoff hitter CF Tom O'Neil, this move will solidify the back end of the bullpen and shows the Trojans are ready to win right now. I will have to side with Mcbain on this one as his 17 rings proves he knows what he’s doing.
USC will make the playoffs again and should go deep; the only question is will he over come Colorado and win the division? I don’t see the team regressing any so a 100 win season could also be in the books, we will have to see how it plays out.
LA Bruins (92-70)
Payroll: 91.2M
+80 Run Diff
Mamidu's Bruins were the third team in the division to make the playoffs last season and shows how tough the division is. This team is like being the less attractive sister when you’re Megan Fox and your sisters are Jessica Alba and Cameron Diaz. LA returns 3 all-stars in CL Billy McCullough, Sp Destin Gierra and C Otis Dickey who of course has a power bat.
The Bruins made one selection in the Rule 5 draft picking up Corban Wiltse who should find himself entrenched in the middle of the rotation. The big splash of the off-season in the division is the acquisition of All Star Silver Slugging SS Luis Hernandez. It’s not everyday a SS of his caliber is on the open market and will solidify an already good fielding team.
The Bruins are another 100 win potential team in any other division but here in the west looks like another 3rd place wild card berth is on the horizon ill say 95-67. Where LA has the leg up is their very deep organization. Loaded with pitchers who are almost ML ready one or two could get the call up this year. CF Willie Carrera looks to be the first call up and will bring yet another top end glove to this already good organization.
Arizona State Sun Devils (67-95)
Payroll 18.8 M
-168 Run Diff
Train enters the season with a low budget team of soon to bes and looks to be a team perfectly set up to win the division a few years down the road as the other three teams age. This team by season 6 will be like when Harry Potter woke up one day and realized his best friends sister got hot really really hot. Train has a history of winning multiple rings in multiple leagues and see another coming in the future.
By far the most active off-season in the division one thing is for sure when Matt says he has a need he goes and gets it. Even as I write this blog ASU acquires his need of a young catcher in Enerio Espinoza from Columbus for pitcher Malcolm Daniels. Train found the perfect trading partner with Richmond making a 7 player trade with them to kick off season 3. One thing for sure is this off-season the Devils picked up some top quality young hitters in Rube Caruso, Javier Borbon, and Lon Pribanic. Four selections were made in the Rule 5 Draft 3 being pitchers that can contribute while the Sun Devils youth develop.
Colorado Buffalo's (99-63)
Anaheim Trojans (99-63)
LA Bruins (92-70)
Arizona State Sun Devils (67-95)
The most tightly contested division in league history looks to continue into year 3.
Colorado Buffaloes (99-63)
Payroll: 81.4 M
+101 Run Diff
cctigerfan won the division on the last day of the season by way of tie break over the Anaheim Trojans ending the season on a six game win streak going 7-3 in the last ten. One thing for sure is that tigerfan has mastered the thin air in the rockies as his pitchers throw ground balls and his bats have plenty of pop. Lead by all stars 3B Adam Clayton and CF Cecil Dubler this Buffalo's team should be just as strong as years past.
With a very talented lineup very little movement was made this off-season by tigerfan signing one player and promoting two others. RP Esteban Barcelo comes over from the Buckeyes and hopes to improve the back end as the pen may be the only weakness in Colorado. Utility man Yamid Villano looks to help off the bench and brings a good glove no matter where he plays and wont hurt at the plate either. Power bat CC Rigby will see limited action in the corners when rest is needed.
The Buffalo's will be at the top of the division and will be exciting to see how this division sets up. As tough as the division is I see Colorado hitting the 100 win mark with a 101-61 record.
Anaheim Trojans (99-63)
Payroll: 78.1 M
+264 Run Diff
The Trojans who are one of the best home teams in the league demand respect and with a little bit of luck could over take Colorado which should be a much contested division. After giving up the second fewest runs, this young rotation lead by 23 yr old Jack Glass will be found near the top of the Cy Young votes come seasons end. All Star RF Shawn White and Silver Slugger 3B Arthur Guerrero continue the power bat tradition out west.
Mcbain mirrored tigerfan in making few moves this off-season. LF Preston Holmes comes over from Iowa and adds another power bat to an already potent lineup. In an interesting trade Mcbain acquired closer Kyle Brea from Oakland for leadoff hitter CF Tom O'Neil, this move will solidify the back end of the bullpen and shows the Trojans are ready to win right now. I will have to side with Mcbain on this one as his 17 rings proves he knows what he’s doing.
USC will make the playoffs again and should go deep; the only question is will he over come Colorado and win the division? I don’t see the team regressing any so a 100 win season could also be in the books, we will have to see how it plays out.
LA Bruins (92-70)
Payroll: 91.2M
+80 Run Diff
Mamidu's Bruins were the third team in the division to make the playoffs last season and shows how tough the division is. This team is like being the less attractive sister when you’re Megan Fox and your sisters are Jessica Alba and Cameron Diaz. LA returns 3 all-stars in CL Billy McCullough, Sp Destin Gierra and C Otis Dickey who of course has a power bat.
The Bruins made one selection in the Rule 5 draft picking up Corban Wiltse who should find himself entrenched in the middle of the rotation. The big splash of the off-season in the division is the acquisition of All Star Silver Slugging SS Luis Hernandez. It’s not everyday a SS of his caliber is on the open market and will solidify an already good fielding team.
The Bruins are another 100 win potential team in any other division but here in the west looks like another 3rd place wild card berth is on the horizon ill say 95-67. Where LA has the leg up is their very deep organization. Loaded with pitchers who are almost ML ready one or two could get the call up this year. CF Willie Carrera looks to be the first call up and will bring yet another top end glove to this already good organization.
Arizona State Sun Devils (67-95)
Payroll 18.8 M
-168 Run Diff
Train enters the season with a low budget team of soon to bes and looks to be a team perfectly set up to win the division a few years down the road as the other three teams age. This team by season 6 will be like when Harry Potter woke up one day and realized his best friends sister got hot really really hot. Train has a history of winning multiple rings in multiple leagues and see another coming in the future.
By far the most active off-season in the division one thing is for sure when Matt says he has a need he goes and gets it. Even as I write this blog ASU acquires his need of a young catcher in Enerio Espinoza from Columbus for pitcher Malcolm Daniels. Train found the perfect trading partner with Richmond making a 7 player trade with them to kick off season 3. One thing for sure is this off-season the Devils picked up some top quality young hitters in Rube Caruso, Javier Borbon, and Lon Pribanic. Four selections were made in the Rule 5 Draft 3 being pitchers that can contribute while the Sun Devils youth develop.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
S3 AL North Preview
S3 AL North Preview
AL North was a tough division last year as they managed to get 3 teams into the playoffs with the Trenton Scarlet Knights taking the #1 seed and the New York Red Storm and Cincinnati Bearcats grabbing the two wildcard spots. It was a tight race for the #1 seed and for the last wildcard spot down the stretch last season, will they all be able to repeat in season 3?
Trenton Scarlet Knights
S2: 97-65 (#1 AL seed, Won AL North by 7 games)
Payroll: $98.0M
Trenton went with the "why mess up a good thing" approach this offseason, making a few moves but keeping the majority of their roster intact. When you finish 4th in team era and tied for 2nd in fielding percentage, you really don't have to make many changes. Brandon Maroth got the call up to help provide a spark in the offensive next to Ron Fitzgerald and Reese Waterson. Fitzgerald will be trying to make it three seasons in a row of hitting 30+ homeruns and 100+ RBI's. Shane Prince was brought into the club through free agency where he'll join the starting rotation that also includes Ken Nix and Yuniesky Tatis, a very strong 1-2 combo.
While Maroth should add some power into the lineup, the offense didn't get much help in the offseason to improve much, especially in the AL. However with the pitching that the Scarlet Knights can put on the mound, along with the solid defense, this is still a powerful club that made it to the ALCS last year getting beat by the current World Series Champs. Look for the Knights to be back in the playoffs again this season.
New York Red Storm
S2: 90-72 (#2 in the AL North, 1st Wildcard Spot)
Payroll: $48M
Building from within seems to be the New York Red Storm's plan for the major league ball club as the team decided not to renew the contracts of Santo Pizzaro, Quinn Klesko, and Gorkys Pineda and let them go to free agency. Instead of negotiating any contracts to replace the players, the team looked from within and called up Tony Lima, Pedro Pujols and Enerio Navarro to help fill in the gaps. Scott Franklin will be looking for his 3rd straight season of 100+ rbis, along with Chun-Lim Yang headline the offense but it's the pitching that the team relies upon, finishing with the 3rd best team era last season. Pitchers Cesar Carrara and Ezdra Valdes are a big reason why, although both are struggling a little this season.
With nearly $28M unspent yet, the Storm have some nice flexibility as they look to let the young guys continue bringing them to the playoffs, while still having the chance to be a player in the international market to continue bringing youth into their club.
Cincinnati Bearcats
S2: 86-76 (3rd in AL North, 2nd Wildcard Spot)
Payroll: $63.6M
The Bearcats liked what they had last season enough that when seven of their players decided to test the free agency market, they managed to get three of them back into Bearcat uniforms for the start of season 3. They also inked Harry Romero and Ryan Gordon to Cincinnati contracts to help improve their pitching staff as they watched the two teams ahead of them last year finish in the top 5 for team era. That should help them strengthen up their bullpen as they have two very good young starting pitchers to put on the mound in Patrick Nicholson and Stubby Grabow. They'll rely heavily on their pitching as their offense lacks power but if that's the plan it seems to be working as they currently have the 5th best team era so far in this short season.
Chicago Blue Demons
S2: 66-96 (4th in AL North)
Payroll: $69.3M
The Chicago Blue Demons were the odd team out last season as they were the only team in the AL North to be sitting on the couch watching the post-season instead of on the field. Ten players decided to test the free agency market and owner madden0001 managed to talk five of them to resigning with the club. Out of the other 5, 1 decided to retire when no other team showed interest and the other 4 are still sitting on their couches by the phone waiting for that call. Quinn Klesko was brought in to help in the starting rotation as the team finished 29th in team era and Archie Turner was plucked off the waiver wire to help with the offense. Courtney D'Amico is the bright spot on offense for the Demons and is locked in for a few more seasons. They do have some help in the minors so we'll watch to see how their season goes. If they keep in close we might have some call-ups that will strengthen the team.
I think this division will be a tight race in season 3 as Trenton still looks strong and I think New York and Cincinnati both improved their teams. Tough division to call so I'll do the cop out and say they finish in the same order as last year. I really like Cincinnati's two starting pitchers but with New York and Trenton both finishing top 5 in team era last season it's hard to compete without adding some big offense. We'll just have to wait and see how many teams they can try and get back into the playoffs this year.
AL North was a tough division last year as they managed to get 3 teams into the playoffs with the Trenton Scarlet Knights taking the #1 seed and the New York Red Storm and Cincinnati Bearcats grabbing the two wildcard spots. It was a tight race for the #1 seed and for the last wildcard spot down the stretch last season, will they all be able to repeat in season 3?
Trenton Scarlet Knights
S2: 97-65 (#1 AL seed, Won AL North by 7 games)
Payroll: $98.0M
Trenton went with the "why mess up a good thing" approach this offseason, making a few moves but keeping the majority of their roster intact. When you finish 4th in team era and tied for 2nd in fielding percentage, you really don't have to make many changes. Brandon Maroth got the call up to help provide a spark in the offensive next to Ron Fitzgerald and Reese Waterson. Fitzgerald will be trying to make it three seasons in a row of hitting 30+ homeruns and 100+ RBI's. Shane Prince was brought into the club through free agency where he'll join the starting rotation that also includes Ken Nix and Yuniesky Tatis, a very strong 1-2 combo.
While Maroth should add some power into the lineup, the offense didn't get much help in the offseason to improve much, especially in the AL. However with the pitching that the Scarlet Knights can put on the mound, along with the solid defense, this is still a powerful club that made it to the ALCS last year getting beat by the current World Series Champs. Look for the Knights to be back in the playoffs again this season.
New York Red Storm
S2: 90-72 (#2 in the AL North, 1st Wildcard Spot)
Payroll: $48M
Building from within seems to be the New York Red Storm's plan for the major league ball club as the team decided not to renew the contracts of Santo Pizzaro, Quinn Klesko, and Gorkys Pineda and let them go to free agency. Instead of negotiating any contracts to replace the players, the team looked from within and called up Tony Lima, Pedro Pujols and Enerio Navarro to help fill in the gaps. Scott Franklin will be looking for his 3rd straight season of 100+ rbis, along with Chun-Lim Yang headline the offense but it's the pitching that the team relies upon, finishing with the 3rd best team era last season. Pitchers Cesar Carrara and Ezdra Valdes are a big reason why, although both are struggling a little this season.
With nearly $28M unspent yet, the Storm have some nice flexibility as they look to let the young guys continue bringing them to the playoffs, while still having the chance to be a player in the international market to continue bringing youth into their club.
Cincinnati Bearcats
S2: 86-76 (3rd in AL North, 2nd Wildcard Spot)
Payroll: $63.6M
The Bearcats liked what they had last season enough that when seven of their players decided to test the free agency market, they managed to get three of them back into Bearcat uniforms for the start of season 3. They also inked Harry Romero and Ryan Gordon to Cincinnati contracts to help improve their pitching staff as they watched the two teams ahead of them last year finish in the top 5 for team era. That should help them strengthen up their bullpen as they have two very good young starting pitchers to put on the mound in Patrick Nicholson and Stubby Grabow. They'll rely heavily on their pitching as their offense lacks power but if that's the plan it seems to be working as they currently have the 5th best team era so far in this short season.
Chicago Blue Demons
S2: 66-96 (4th in AL North)
Payroll: $69.3M
The Chicago Blue Demons were the odd team out last season as they were the only team in the AL North to be sitting on the couch watching the post-season instead of on the field. Ten players decided to test the free agency market and owner madden0001 managed to talk five of them to resigning with the club. Out of the other 5, 1 decided to retire when no other team showed interest and the other 4 are still sitting on their couches by the phone waiting for that call. Quinn Klesko was brought in to help in the starting rotation as the team finished 29th in team era and Archie Turner was plucked off the waiver wire to help with the offense. Courtney D'Amico is the bright spot on offense for the Demons and is locked in for a few more seasons. They do have some help in the minors so we'll watch to see how their season goes. If they keep in close we might have some call-ups that will strengthen the team.
I think this division will be a tight race in season 3 as Trenton still looks strong and I think New York and Cincinnati both improved their teams. Tough division to call so I'll do the cop out and say they finish in the same order as last year. I really like Cincinnati's two starting pitchers but with New York and Trenton both finishing top 5 in team era last season it's hard to compete without adding some big offense. We'll just have to wait and see how many teams they can try and get back into the playoffs this year.
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