tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635474016193553382024-03-05T14:06:54.188-08:00Griffey World-GazetteA blog about Hardball Dynasty's Griffey WorldTravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-50968276502503461942013-02-26T20:43:00.000-08:002013-02-27T14:57:55.584-08:00S26 Draft in Review<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A total of 34 players were selected in the first round of
the draft this season. More college players than high school players were taken
(19 to 15), but talent appeared to be evenly distributed through both scouts. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While there was a lot of starting pitching talent
available, there was a considerable lack of top-end talent you would normally
expect to find at the skill positions. Consider no shortstops were selected
until the 32<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> pick. Two stud catchers went in the top ten, but
otherwise few standout position players were taken. This draft lacked a Kris
Henley-type of outfielder or a Jack Hague-type of infielder from last season’s
draft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s how the draft unfolded, with owner’s comments
included. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eric Quinn, SP – New Orleans Wolverines</span></strong></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quinn was among the safest selections in the
draft, and it’s not hard to see why. The starter has already proven he can go
to the mound regularly on just a few days of rest and can pitch deep into ball
games. He’s on the cusp of having major league talent, as scouts rated his
current stuff among the most developed in the draft. His ceiling is high, but
the 22-year-old will need the right coaching and level to get there. If he
does, his command and movement on his pitches will make him an effective
starter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>scootermcray</strong>: Had the
number one pick and took Eric Quinn as we desperately needed at least one good starting
pitching prospect to start building a future staff around. Debated long and
hard about taking the younger Ross Palmer, but had zero in HS scouting so
couldn't totally trust the projected ratings I was seeing. Obviously with him
going number two, I couldn't have gone wrong either way. </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also gave serious
consideration to the already ML-ready slugger Koyie White (#5 overall), but
really needed the pitching so Quinn was the safest pick.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White could be a
beast so it will be fun to look back in a few seasons at who really was the
better pick. Then again, if my ML team doesn't start producing, I may not even
be allowed here to see these guys reach the Bigs.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ross Palmer, SP – Syracuse Nephilim </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>: The 18-year-old has a lot
of raw talent for his age, but will require a lot of coaching to reach that
lofty ceiling. Scouts believe the big lefty will have two plus-plus pitches in
his arsenal and will throw them hard, keeping them down in the zone. He should
be equally tough on lefties or righties, but the question remains how much so.
The Nephilim will be sure to manage him carefully under the right tutors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>TXLnghrn</strong>: With the second pick
in the S26 Griffey draft, the Syracuse Nephilim selected high school lefty
starter Ross Palmer. Palmer, a big, strong, hard-throwing control pitcher
promises to develop two well-above-average pitches (sinker/forkball) and one
average pitch (slider). With the proper development, Syracuse expects him to
step into a formidable rotation in or around S30, likely as the #2 starter.
While happy with the pick, the Nephilim also seriously considered taking
college righty Eric Quinn (#1 overall) or superstar slugger DH/C Koyie White
(#6 overall). </span></div>
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<strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louie Hujimoto, LF – Chicago Fire</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>: My scouts missed Hujimoto,
a speedy Texan with some decent power for an 18-year-old and a bit of an eye at
the plate. His questionable make-up will require some disciplined coaching if
he’s to develop to Chicago’s expectations, but time is also on their side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>timgod99</strong>: Louie Hujimoto was the
second-rated player on our board, though he was close to being the top one. In
turning our team over in this rebuild we've been trying our best to acquire as
many decent prospects as possible, but throughout the process we haven't been
able to land a middle of the order bat. Louie fits that perfectly. We hope
he'll rise to the majors fast and be a fixture on the North Side for seasons to
come. </span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Juan Bennett, 2B – Arizona Red Hot Chili Peppers</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>: My scouts also missed
Bennett, and as he currently remains unsigned, I have nothing but a mug shot
with which to draw conclusions. The diminutive West Virginian is not exactly
handsome, but if he can score that $8.5 million from Arizona’s top brass, I’m
certain the ladies will look past the beady eyes and mustache. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>wylie715</strong>: Well, I had 4 first
round picks. My first pick is a stud second baseman, but I can't even afford to
offer him what he's asking, and even if I could he's dreaming of a pro hockey
career, not a baseball career. My other 3 first round picks will probably all
make the majors, but none of them will be stars.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Koyie White, DH/C – Cleveland Savages</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>: The switch-hitting White
can pick up a pitch better than most of the current Major League talent. When
he puts the lumber in motion, he will hit it a mile. He’ll make souvenirs of
many mistakes that come across the plate, provided he can get the bat on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>impressionah</strong>: 1st round
selection purely picked for his bat. He could hit in the majors today at age
19. White has great power with very good splits and a keen batting eye. His
makeup is worrisome which could hinder him reaching full projections regardless
of that you can pencil him in for many future 30-home run seasons. </span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry Aubrey, 2B – Charlotte Tar Heels</span></strong></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>: Aubrey is a natural
athlete. He does nothing particularly exceptional, but there are few holes in
his game. The rangey second baseman should also hit for decent power, motor
around the bases with decent speed, and have a decent eye for the strike
zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You normally want a little more
zing out of a sixth overall pick, but Aubrey has all the tools to succeed. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>tk21775</strong>: Defensively will be
able to handle 2B and provide some speed around the bases, average bat for the
position with a little more power than I get out of 2B.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Travis Bittle, SP –
San Diego Dragons<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Concerns about his health may have scared some teams away from the starting
pitcher, but San Diego could have landed the most talented pitcher in the
draft. With proper coaching, Bittle’s sinker should turn into a plus-plus
pitch, backed up by a decent slider. Batters will find that Bittle conceals the
ball well, and has enough movement on those pitches to frustrate batters from
putting any good wood on the ball. The 22-year-old will need the best coaching
to hit those lofty expectations, and so should likely start his career well
into the farm system. After all, he’ll be pitching for the big league club in
two seasons or so. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>bobby1978</strong>:
Travis Bittle is the ace that falls in your lap. Looking at his overall ability
he has everything that it takes to turn around a franchise. Landing at #7 the
surprise was well worth it. Although most in front of the Dragons drafting may
have put more on his very low health rating, if he can stay healthy and can
progress like his makeup shows he can, the reward was worth the risk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harold Wathan, RF –
Honolulu Beach Bums<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>: The
20-year-old switch hitter has an advanced eye for the strike zone that should
only improve, but it’s his ability to drive the ball that left scouts drooling.
It’s too bad then that Wathan’s awkward stance at the plate leaves a hitch in
his motion – and him struggling to make contact at times. Pitchers will be
thankful for this weakness rather than see a constant barrage of frozen ropes
off his bat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>gccoach</strong>:
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks like a solid ML corner outfielder
or first baseman that should hit 30+ HR a year. He may be the replacement to
Ike Cunningham in a couple seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David Romano, C –
Pittsburgh Ponies<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Catchers normally come in two varieties: offensive guys who win the game with
their bat despite their limitations defensively, or master pitch callers who
struggle to make a contribution at the plate. Romano is a bit of a hybrid, and
therefore goes in the top ten. The fence power is clear but he’ll be a
competent defender as well. A fine pick here. </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>travisg</strong>:
If he signs, </span></span><a href="javascript:OpenProspectProfile(5559260)"><span style="color: #242022; font-family: Calibri;">David Romano</span></a><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> should provide elite power and competent defense from
the catcher position. His durability and makeup are both above average, but
scouts question how much development he has left as a college senior.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brady Turner, SP –
Boston Black Sox<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Brady has demonstrated he has good command and is an effective pitcher against
either bat. He’s also blessed with quite a repertoire of pitches. While none of
them will be overpowering, he will throw all five very well and keep hitters
off-balance. There are questions as to how deep into a ball game he can go as a
starter, but I’m certain the Black Sox wouldn’t mind using him in long relief
either. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>cougdawg</strong>:</span></span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jimmy Lester, CF –
Kansas City Twisters<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Unfortunately my scouts missed Lester and as he remains unsigned, we’ll just
have to trust disaacs’ opinion, below. All I’m able to note is that he has
Vulcan ears. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #242022;"><strong>disaacs</strong>:
</span>Unfortunately, we only saw three elite players in this draft, and Lester
was not one of them, as he was number four on my list behind Palmer (second
overall), White (fifth overall), and Bittle (seventh overall). He'll be
alright, but will likely only end up as a backup player at the ML level with
some pinch-running ability, if he even makes it there. The likelihood, however,
is that he'll end up as solely a AAA-level player, unacceptable for a
first-round pick.</span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jon Johnson, SP –
Toledo Tigerhorns<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
There’s a lot to like about this 22-year-old lefty: he can start regularly, pitch
fairly deep into a game, throws hard and has a nice “out” pitch. To truly
become an effective starter, he’ll need to maximize the short amount of time he
has on the mound with some good coaching behind him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>ozzzball19</strong>:
First round pick Jon Johnson was a senior pitcher out of a small school Eureka
College. I was looking for pitching with the first pick and he was the highest
I had rated that was still available at number twelve. I would project him as a
“middle-of-the-rotation” type starter as he progresses through the minors. He
will make his debut with the Low A farm club.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake Frazier, 2B –
Hartford Honey Jammers<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Should he develop to expectations, Frazier should bring some offense to the
infield for the Honey Jammers. He’s blessed with good power and should have a
crisp eye for the strike zone. If his glove work fails to develop, his power
will find him welcome in the outfield. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Free_Barry</strong>:
Nice bat who should hit for massive power in my home park. I had him projected
as a sure-fire second baseman prior to the draft, but now it appears that he
will be a future left fielder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tito Hall, SP –
Cincinnati Centipedes<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Another starting pitcher comes off the board with the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
selection, as the Centipedes grab the command-challenged Hall. The good news
his four-seamer should blossom into a plus-plus pitch, with enough movement on
his pitches to be effective against major-league hitting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>mcgupp</strong>:
The Cincinnati centipedes were pleased to land two starting pitchers in the
first round. Tito Hall is a righty with good splits against both sides of the
plate and a great ability to get groundballs. We think he will sign.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Virgil Lima, SP –
Oakland Ohlone<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
This pitcher reminds me a lot of Jon Johnson, who was selected with pick number
twelve. Lima’s decent command, velocity and ability to induce a ground ball
will offset his borderline effectiveness. He also has a nice selection of
pitches, none of which will bamboozle batters but will get the job done. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Reps</strong>:
I had him ranked second on my board. I’m happy to get him at number fifteen. He
is certainly no stud but he projects to be a decent starter and the fact that
he is a lefty with decent durability doesn't hurt. Health and control were plusses
and I am always in need of pitching.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mikey Faulk, 3B –
Toronto Valiants<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
My scouts missed Faulk, but the 22-year-old looks like he has the profile to
become a slugging third baseman should he develop to potential. He already has
the prerequisite power needed, and needs just a bit of polish on his ability to
tag right-handed pitching. If there’s any weakness in Faulk’s offense, it’s in
his inconsistency to make contact at the plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>gophilsgo</strong>:
The Toronto Valiants changed tactics this year, acting aggressively to try and
deliver a needed jolt to their farm system. The team struck early in the
international market, signing starting pitching prospect Javier Tavarez to a
lucrative deal. The move was deemed necessary as starting pitching is
notoriously hard to draft and develop, but did take a toll on available funds. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
team carried three draft picks into the first round, but had to wait until the
16th pick to nab their first. GM gophilsgo decided to go for one impact player
rather than trying to spread out the available bonus cash for a deep rookie
league team. The player was SS </span></span><a href="javascript:OpenPlayerProfile(5559097)"><span style="color: #242022; font-family: Calibri;">Mikey Faulk</span></a><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> out of St. Joseph's University. While other scouts
project him as eventually moving to 3B or CF, the Valiants are hoping the 6'3
Faulk can stick at shortstop. Faulk is the sort of balanced, polished collegian
who does a number of things well, even if he doesn't have that one eye-popping
skill. Concerns about his speed persist, but Valiants scouts rave about the way
digs in against RHPs and his overall makeup. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Toronto front office has talked about "fast-tracking" some players
this off-season, meaning Faulk's climb to the Rogers Centre may not be as slow
and deliberate as that of current Valiants like Tony Kydd and Rabbit Lambert.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Benito Galvez, 2B –
Portland Porcupines<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Galvez is a blazing speedster – the fastest player in the draft. But as my
scouting missed this player, I can only guess at his ceiling. He will require a
fair bit of development if he’s going to be able to drive the ball against
right-handed major league pitching. His mechanics are all there however, as he
should have a decent eye for the strike zone and will make contact fairly
consistently with above average power. It’s a shame his base-running savvy
isn’t higher. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>bradkoesters</strong>:
The Porcupines were excited to draft as high as they did, and feel as if they got an impact player if Galvez can develop his defense enought to play second base. With an above average eye, good splits and top notch speed, he looks as if he is a top of the line-up type of guy. He will take a lot of development to reach those levels, but he immediately becomes my top one or two prospect. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">18.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd Springer, RP –
Charlotte Tar Heels<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
A nice-looking chap with a fine smile and demanding a reasonable amount of
money to sign. That’s all I know of him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>tk21775</strong>:
Good control, decent splits, won't be anything too special although he looked
better on my draft board.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tony Ortiz, SP –
Charleston Chewbaccas<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
My scouts missed this guy too. Relying on my limited advanced scouting, Ortiz
looks like a nice starting pitcher prospect with slow change-up and a bloop
curve. He keeps the ball down in the zone however, and throws with decent
velocity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>mlhutch</strong>:
I see Ortiz as a #3-5 type SP. He will be on the low end of stamina and
durability but I still think I can get 160 innings out of him as a starter. He
has very nice control, splits, velocity, and g/f ratio. He pitches, however,
are going to be a challenge. Overall, it is a solid pick for my spot in the
draft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dennis Komatsu, SP –
Cincinnati Centipedes<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The 19-year-old lefty will naturally be tougher on lefties than righties, but
he’ll need to maximize his progress against right-handed hitting to be an
effective starter. Fortunately he has a nice curveball and a plus-plus
four-seamer going for him. The pitcher throws hard and can induce a lot of
ground balls, which should help translate into a successful career. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>mcgupp</strong>:
Komatsu is a lefty with a great hard curve and fastball. Better against lefties,
he will still be a great addition to the staff in a few seasons. They will be
two strong pieces for the Centipedes to rebuild around.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dexter Wallace, CF –
Scranton Steamers<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The 20-year-old will never win that coveted gold glove in centerfield, but he
will cover quite a bit of ground out there tracking down fly balls. At the
plate, Wallace has a decent amount of power and a knack for seeing mistakes
coming his way. He’s a nice find this late in the round. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>mexd781</strong>:
</span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tom Milledge, 1B –
Charlotte Tar Heels<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Obviously the Charlotte Tar Heels and the Megalomaniacs scouted vastly
different parts of the country. Given Charlotte had three selections in the
first 22 picks, I was hoping to learn more about the future of the franchise
but two of the three remain unsigned and therefore away from my prying eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>tk21775</strong>:
Great contact and decent splits, although not quite the power I like out of
this position but he'll be a very nice hitter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">23.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brian Tapani, RP –
Buffalo Megalomaniacs<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The second relief pitcher taken, Tapani is adept at throwing three choice
pitches and throws effectively against right-handed hitting to boot. The only
knock against him will be how often he can make appearances out of the bullpen,
as he tires quickly and easily. His makeup is a little questionable as well,
making me wonder if he’ll develop to potential. Overall, I think he’ll make an
impact in the bullpen. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daniel Hogan, LF –
Las Vegas Lunar Landers<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
What’s not to like here? Hogan is a durable athlete who should develop into a
guy with a fine eye for the strike zone, good power and be able to handle
pitching from either side of the plate. He doesn’t have the power you normally
like to find from a corner outfielder, but he’s a nice pick this late. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>hallgren</strong>:
I was happy to get somebody serviceable at 24, I don't love Hogan because he
doesn't do any one thing well, but he is a decent piece on a 25 man roster.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">25.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Octavio Villarreal,
RP – Mexico City REDS<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The high school kid from Oklahoma has some work to do on his command, but for
an 18-year-old he’s well on his way to mastering that sinker and slider and
should be able to throw them effectively, especially against right-handed
batters. The REDS have to be pleased with his ability to keep the ball down as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>mrx39</strong>:
Potential major league closer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">26.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shooter Miller, SP –
Hartford Honey Jammers<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The Honey Jammers grab a pitcher late in the first round with the addition of
Shooter Miller. The five-pitch starter will need to be well coached to develop
to potential, and management is probably concerned with how high his ceiling
really is. That said, if he can develop some control to go with how hard he
throws and his ability to keep the ball in the yard, he’ll find success at the
Major League level. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Free_Barry:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">27.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Willie Izturis, SP –
Chicago Toll Roads<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The Toll Roads grab a pitcher much like Miller in terms of his development, but
much younger. The 18-year-old requires a fair bit of polish and scouts believe
his career will hinge on his ability to conceal his delivery and add some
movement to his pitches, especially against right-handed hitting. The south paw
throws hard and his four pitch arsenal, while containing nothing special, looks
to be of major league quality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>timo1964</strong>:
</span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">28.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Francis Corbin, 2B –
Indianapolis Indians<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Corbin’s fast and has a decent eye at the plate for a high school draft pick. He’ll
need to work on that glove extensively if he plans on playing in the infield at
the Big League level, but should he be coached up to expectations, Corbin
should have a shot at making it to The Show. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>rbedwell</strong>:
Drafting at 28 and with only high school scouting to draw on, Francis Corbin
was the best available player for the Indians in this year's draft. Corbin is a
good all-around ballplayer, but probably lacks that one or two outstanding
skills he would need to be a productive starting player in the A.L. "He
should eventually be a valuable bench player, a good depth guy," said
Indianapolis G.M. Ralph Bedwell. "Good speed and a good batting eye."</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">29.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Emmett Leach, SP –
Tacoma Mongols<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
Leach is a bit of a gem to find so late in the first round. His control and
effectiveness against right-handed hitters is fairly well developed, and the
20-year-old is still young enough for the coaching staff to wring a few more
years out of him before sending him to the parent club. His change-up, curve
and cut fastball will require a bit of work, but he should still be able to get
by on his out-pitch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>kthomson</strong>:
The Tacoma Mongols selected Emmett Leach with the 29th pick. Hailing from New
Jersey and playing college ball in New York, he is a tri-state product like the
Mongol GM. He is a ground-ball finesse pitcher with great control. His arm
isn't overpowering and the Mongol coaching staff is going to try and convince
him to simplify things and drop 1 or 2 of his pitches. Considering where we
drafted we are very happy to get him and look forward to the day when he takes
the mound in Tacoma.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">30.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">J.A. Smith, RP –
Salt Lake City Awesome<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The youngster from San Francisco is a raw talent, and like a lot of other
pitchers in this draft has the ability to throw the ball hard and keep it down,
inducing a lot of ground balls. Smith will need a lot of coaching to be
effective against right-handed hitting, but he has the work ethic to get there.
The only real question will be how often he can make appearances out of the
bullpen. It won’t be every night. Still, he’s a nice pick late.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">31.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don Browne, SP –
Cheyenne Duck Snorts<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
The young lefty will keep the coaching staff busy with his command issues, and
more than often leaving the ball belt-high over the plate. Scouts were excited
about his blazing fastball however, and his five-pitch repertoire gives him a
decent pitch selection from which to choose. Browne has more than a shot making
the Big League club, which is all you can ask of such a late pick. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>bajoraa</strong>:
The selection of compact left-hander Don Browne sparked mixed reactions in the
Duck Snort draft room. Proponents saw Browne as a potential workhorse who could
be slotted SP2/3 and provide 250 reliable innings per year -- the kind of
player not typically available at Cheyenne's late first round draft slot.
Detractors cited Browne's raw control as a risk that might result in Browne
fizzling out before ever getting the call to the big leagues. The rookie league
pitching coach asked for someone to pass the scotch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">32.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kirt Acoste, SS – Arizona
Red Hot Chili Peppers<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
As hard as Acoste works, it’s unlikely the coaching staff in Arizona will be
able to infuse enough magic into his glove to turn the high school prospect
into a major league defensive shortstop, and he lacks the power you would like
to see from the hot corner. It’s too bad, as he could have found a niche
playing against left-handed pitching and spelling a starter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>wylie715</strong>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">33.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quilvio Ortiz, SP –
Buffalo Megalomaniacs<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
If the 19-year-old pitcher can turn his sinker into a plus-plus pitch, the rest
of his assets – his command, velocity and ability to keep the ball in the yard,
could find him a home at the Major League level as a long reliever. </span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">34.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Max Duran, SS –
Portland Porcupines<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DWB</strong>:
For a high school player, Max is a special defensive player. He has the raw
talent and years ahead of him to work himself into a starting gig, or even come
off the bench against south paws. The Porcupines have to be pleased to find
this kind of talent late. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>bradkoesters</strong>: I was pretty happy to get a player like Duran with the last pick in the first round. He is a long way from his projections but I don't see an issue with him developing into an above average shortstop. He is already close to the range needed as well as arm strength. If we can get to above average defensively, although he will struggle with righties his high batting eye will make him a valuable eight-hole hitter. Combine that with good speed and a potential durability rating of 95, he should become a stalwart for years to come. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some commentary for debate
and fun:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best top ten pick in
the draft? It’s hard to argue with any of those selections: Quinn and Palmer
going at #1 and #2 respectively really can’t be debated. White going at #5 had
to be a nice surprise for Cleveland. From my perspective, it comes down to a
split decision – Bittle going at #7 to the Dragons and Romano going at #9 to
the Pirates. Bittle’s health concerns may have scared a few teams away, but if
he develops to expectations without an injury, San Diego’s risk reaps a huge
reward. You also have to love Romano’s combination of offense and defense – I really
think fans in Pittsburgh awoke that morning with a smile when they realized
they landed this kind of talent. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disappointing pick in
the top ten? Has to be Arizona’s failure to sign Bennett at #4. Given the lack
of cash in the bank, they took a risk by selecting a player with such lofty
demands and the gamble in this case did not pay off and they won’t get a type D
either. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best mid-round
selection, pick 11 through 24? Many honorable mentions here, as this was a
tough draft and the talent thinned rapidly through this round. I liked the
selections of Hogan at #24, Johnson at #12 and Hall at #14, but my vote ends up
falling to Lima at #15. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #242022; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #242022;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best late-round
selection, pick 25-34? The one that most stands out to me is the selection of
Shooter Miller at #26 by the Honey Jammers, who had to be happy he fell through
the cracks.<o:p></o:p></span></span>dwbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03781737646991382440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-77496173474057134992013-02-12T22:42:00.000-08:002013-02-12T22:43:27.086-08:00Clocking In
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last few weeks have seen a few talented young rookies
make their debuts in the Big League. These late spring call-ups are always
significant because they are normally impact players left to marinate in the
minors at the start of the season in order to delay their service clock and
squeeze one more precious year of service from them. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following are the top ten rookies destined to have an
impact on their ball clubs. At least one team is staking a major claim to the
future of their already highly-contested division. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>10. Wilfredo Mota, SP, Salt Lake City Awesome</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 23-year-old southpaw from the Dominican Republic has
decent command and will be able to start on a few days of rest. His fastball is
not especially problematic but he’s blessed with a decent slider setting that
pitch up. As is typical of most lefties, he’s harder on left-handed bats but
righties will be able to drive the ball with some success against him, and his
fastball lacks some zip to blow away major league hitting. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>9. Mendy Whang, RP, Tacoma Mongols</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lefty’s greatest attribute is that he can make
repeated appearances out of the bullpen when needed and will reduce the burden
on the rest of the staff. Whang has decent control but is limited to two
pitches, both of which are serviceable but won’t exactly strike fear into his
opponents. There is just enough movement on his pitches to prevent batters from
teeing off on one, but he will surrender his fair share of hits.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>8. Skeeter Cooke, RP, Tacoma Mongols</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cooke likewise will be a workhorse for Tacoma, able to put
in a lot of innings on a short amount of rest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed only with two pitches, Cooke’s
change-up is bat-freezing and he’ll lock up a lot of hitters with this
plus-plus pitch. His curveball is just decent enough to keep batters honest and
fishing. The combination keeps batters off-balance, especially right-handers. It’s
too bad he doesn’t throw just a little harder or lower in the strike zone or he
could be special.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>7. Phillip Burke, SS, Indianapolis Indians</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Burke won’t be getting to every ball hit his way if he
ends up playing shortstop everyday, but he has a decent enough bat to make up
for his lack of range in the field. There’s nothing special about the way Burke
gets his work done: he makes average contact and will struggle at times to put
good wood on a right-hander. He’s quick, but gets an average jump on the
pitcher so he won’t steal a ton. He’s a better fit at second base, and time
will tell where he finds his home. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>6. Edgar Reyes, CF, Charleston Chewbaccas</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reyes is that rare blend of defensive-minded
centerfielders with pop in his bat. Blessed with elite range and a potential
gold glove to go with it, Reyes will also turn pitchers’ heads with his
hitting. He has above average power, likely since he tends to pull the ball,
and makes fairly consistent contact at the plate. Too bad he struggles with the
strike zone, rarely finding a pitching he won’t chase with his bat. The latest
Wookie is a nice piece to re-build around. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>5. Yunesky Polanco, 2B, Cheyenne Duck Snorts</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The third player on this list from the Dominican
Republic, Polanco is blessed with elite power and a good eye which should send
a lot of mistake pitches into the seats of Conte Yard. His lumbering upper-cut
of a swing leaves him vulnerable to the strike-out, and at times he’ll often
send a ball for a skyward pop-up or awkward grounder when he fails to put good
wood on the pitch. Defensively he’s rangey and those big biceps will come in
handy for turning two. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>4. Luis Montero, SP, Indianapolis Indians</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first of a trio of pitchers breaking in the mound for
the Indians, Montero is the least refined of the group but has the furthest
still to go in his development. The right-hander is all of 21. He’ll need to
continue to develop his command, and his set-up pitch won’t be fooling many
batters, but his fastball is major-league ready as is the rest of his off-speed
stuff. He’ll be an effective starter in the rotation, and become even more so
with exposure to major league coaching. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3. Gregg Denny, SP, Indianapolis Indians</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Oklahoma-native from Broken Arrow won’t be tossing
many complete games, but he will put the Indians in position to win with a
quality start on a regular basis. Denny is a hard-throwing righty. His fastball
and change-up will be enough to challenge opposing batters, and he’ll locate
the pitches well enough to keep the ball in the park. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2. Nick Munoz, 3B, Pittsburgh Ponies</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cut in the classic, old-school mold, Munoz profiles to
bring a slugger’s mentality to the hot corner. His above average power, coupled
with the ability to drive the ball cleanly against right-handed pitching,
should elevate his slugging percentage in PNC Park. He’ll turn the occasional
single into a double with his baserunning sense and blazing speed. His defense
is not too shabby, either, as Pittsburgh will get all this offense with no
drop-off in fielding. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1. Carlos Lugo, SP, Indianapolis Indians</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the addition of Carlos Lugo, consider for a second
that 26-year-old Pedro Rivera becomes the veteran of the five-man rotation. The
Indians add their third and perhaps best piece to the rotation with the recent
call-up of Carlos Lugo. The 22-year-old keeps the ball down in the zone,
inducing a lot of grounders. His Slider and curveball are not overpowering
pitches, but major league worthy, and he’ll throw them hard. As a result,
batters will struggle to put decent wood on the ball against him, keeping the
ball in the park and often in front of the defense. </span></div>
dwbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03781737646991382440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-36947919718784539342011-10-07T10:22:00.000-07:002011-10-07T10:32:32.653-07:00Possible Rule ChangeOur rules have been updated (but not changed) under the Private World Rules tab, but I am inclined to add a new one. We haven't voted anyone out yet for posting 200 losses, despite having a referendum every season since the rule went into effect. That actually doesn't bother me too much, because I think that reflects our relaxed, friendly attitude here.<br /><br />But I am strongly inclined to automatically boot owners if they reach 200 losses over two consecutive two-season periods. (Does that make sense? What I mean is, you post 200 losses over, say, seasons 1 and 2, and then 200 losses over seasons 2 and 3. I guess it could more easily be expressed as losing 300 games over three seasons.)<br /><br />I've heard from some of you during our referendums (referenda?) who say that it takes time to turn around a bad franchise, and I can understand that. But having rebuilt several teams across several leagues, I don't believe that it's necessary to lose 100 games or more over consecutive seasons to rebuild a franchise. I don't want to be a hardass here, but I feel like we need the no-questions rule for the third season so our relaxed, friendly attitude isn't abused. I'll wait to change anything until budget day is over (at least) to gauge reactions, but that seems like a reasonable rule to encourage competition. More than reasonable, actually.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-18404367293867290222010-07-01T12:54:00.000-07:002010-07-01T16:12:28.661-07:00Know All Men By These PresentsWe the Owners, in order to form a more perfect Griffey World, have hearby adopted through a democratic vote these Rules and Regulations by which to Govern ourselves.<br /><br />We shall each be subject to a referendum should our franchise lose 200 or more games in any consecutive, two-season period. Thus, should you lose 100 games in a season and 100 the next, the other owners will be asked to decide whether you shall retain your team for a third season. The same rule applies if you should lose 110 in one season and 90 the next, or 115 and 85, etc. The referendum shall be conducted during the playoffs of the season in which the 200th loss is attained.<br /><br />We shall each be subject to a referendum if our minors are consistently or purposefully neglected. The commissioner shall be the ultimate arbiter of this standard, but the determination shall be based upon persistent complaints from other owners if minor league pitchers are exhausted or if players are played grievously out of position (e.g., C playing SS) or if minor league games cannot be simulated because rosters aren't complete.<br /><br />I'm not quite comfortable with formalizing a rule based on 1/3 support for a prohibition against cash in trades exceeding the salaries of included players. Basically, we have one more vote than it would take to earn a veto. I think some further discussion is needed on that one, so this portion will be updated. Scratch that, amended.<br /><br />We should also determine whether to allow someone who's been voted out to return after a one-season hiatus, but I suspect that won't really be an issue here. But a rule would be good. If you have any other questions or concerns, or want a rule clarified further, please let me know.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-17964655325718942702010-06-23T07:52:00.000-07:002010-06-24T08:30:01.943-07:00Binding Vote: Minimum StandardsPlease vote for the minimum standards you'd like to see enforced or suggest amendments in the comments below. We got a pretty clear picture of what the owners last season wanted to see, but those results were not binding and we've got a couple of new owners now. In the event of a tie, I will cast the tiebreaking vote.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Addendum:</span> These are simple majority votes.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-43575639052484739402010-04-19T11:57:00.000-07:002010-04-19T12:04:51.819-07:00Vote: Minimum StandardsI've set up a poll to gauge interest in establishing some minimum standards of competition, and to see which ideas discussed so far are most popular. The results of this particular poll will not be binding, and you may vote for each choice that matches your current position. If none of the choices appeal to you please let me know either in a blog comment or a trade chat.<br /><br />I really want everyone to feel like they've had a say in this, since some of us have been competing in Griffey world for nearly four actual years, and many others for nearly as long. That's really something, and I don't want to wreck a good thing. Any rule changes are intended to proactively deal with problems we may encounter down the road and to improve competition going forward. In other words, I hope to strengthen an already great world.<br /><br />Please vote by Sunday, April 25, and keep your suggestions coming!TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-47488113464211966422010-04-11T04:58:00.000-07:002010-04-11T05:00:55.925-07:00Discussion: League RulesWe've always operated without stated rules, which has worked for us thus far, but after WiS revised its policy regarding private worlds and removing problem owners, it might not be a bad idea to determine our expectations for fair play. I don't really want to change anything, unless there's a real groundswell from you guys to do so, but I'd like to have something to put into writing in the event that a problem owner joins and refuses to leave. Hopefully we'll never need these rules!<br /><br />Add your ideas to the comments below.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-3258599465243727172009-07-11T05:13:00.000-07:002009-07-11T05:15:34.927-07:00S12 Power Rankings -- All Star Break Edition<strong>1. Cheyenne Duck Snorts (65-26, Run Differential: +273)<br /></strong>The author regrets perceived assholery associated with putting his team first, but Cheyenne has scored the most runs, allowed the least, and has the best record at the ASB by 7 wins. Cheyenne’s run differential is greater than any two other teams on this list combined. If that’s not enough, the Duck Snorts are currently on a 19-1 run. Can you guess the opposing pitcher that snapped what could have been a ridiculous 20-game win streak?<br /><br /><strong>2. Pittsburgh Ponies (55-36, RD: +135)</strong><br />Correct – that pitcher was Griffey’s poster boy, the Mustachioed Minnesotan Matt Ross, who dominated Cheyenne in a 3-2 Pony victory. Ross, while “in decline,” has already garnered his requisite Pitcher of the Week, etc. But what needs to be appreciated is that the historically pitching-heavy Ponies feature Griffey’s second-best offense, based on runs scored (531) and team SLG (.841). <br /><br /><strong>3. Chicago Cubs (58-33, RD: +119)</strong><br />As in other recent seasons, the NL’s top-ranked team has the NL’s second-ranked team, Fargo, nipping at their heels, as documented by cjl9652’s recent “Hiya, erff!” Waveland Avenue ball hawks have again been treated to a barrage of souvenirs generated by the home team, as the Cubs lead the NL in HR by a wide margin (180 vs. Fargo’s 147). Gabby Young came into the All-Star break with 47 dingers, leading all players.<br /><br /><strong>4. Charleston Chew-baccas (58-33, RD: +123)</strong><br />Griffey World’s favorite Wookiees/Candy, known historically an offense-heavy team, have featured a balanced approach in S12 ranking 2nd in AL team ERA and 3rd in AL team runs scored. Of particular note, Rookie DH David Lima has treated opposing pitchers how Charleston’s name sake treats Stormtroopers/fillings. Lima has posted a 1.152 OPS and 26 HR in only 64 games this season. AL South opposition will have difficulty wresting control of the AL South from Charleston without sticking Lima on a Kessel-bound spice freighter/in the freezer.<br /><br /><strong>5. Fargo Fuzznuts (57-34, RD: +78)<br /></strong>The defending Griffey Champs have overcome a 5-9 start to climb within striking distance of Chicago, and will get their chance to take the lead as their second half opens with a four-game set against their chief rivals. As in years past, the Fuzznuts feature a strong offense (ranked 2nd in NL OPS, .834). Three Fargo players rank in the Top 10 in NL batting average – Alan Green, Fred Serra, and Benito Feliz.<br /><br /><strong>6. Atlanta Ripettoes (53-38, RD: +77)</strong><br />The Ripettoes are running away with an otherwise weak division, boasting a 13 game lead over their nearest rival, the New York Knights. However, Atlanta fans are still tuning in as one of Griffey World’s all-time greats, Michael Snow, approaches 600 HR. With 19 HR accounted for already on the season and 13 still needed to reach the milestone, Snow is on pace to pass 600 HR sometime around Game 153. Should be fun to watch. <br /><br /><strong>7. Washington Foo Fighters (51-40, RD: +83)<br /></strong>Despite inconsistent play, Washington currently leads Boston in the AL East – the only AL division where the top dog has less than a double-digit lead. The Foo Fighters have been burdened by an uncharacteristically low team OPS of .767 and an unremarkable team WHIP of 1.40. In the second half, and home that Clint Ramirez (24 HR, 76 RBI) and SP Scott Terry (8-3, 1.27 WHIP) can provide the stimulus package needed to stabilize their volatile season. <br /><br /><strong>8. Richmond Rednecks (50-41, RD: +74)<br /></strong>Newcomer nesman has served well at the helm of the Richmond’s Ford F350 dually. With a two-game lead over Little Rock, the Yosemite Sam “Back-Off!” mudflaps are clearly on display. Maintaining the lead would go a long way in restablishing the moribund former-Florida franchise as something other than “the team that traded Matt Ross.” <br /><br /><strong>9. Seattle Mariners (55-36, RD: +69)<br /></strong>The Mariners find themselves in firm control of one of the AL’s two Wild Card slots and seem likely to snap the franchise’s eight-season playoff drought. A strong bullpen, featuring three pitchers with sub-1.25 WHIPs. has kept Seattle in close games. GM the_oat may do well to find a middle-of-the-order bat to strengthen a middling offense.<br /><br /><strong>10. Jackson Shoes (48-43, RD: +70)</strong><br />Like the Richmond and Seattle, train finds himself leading an impressive retreading of a formerly malodorous franchise. The Shoes have not been in the playoffs since S2, but anchored by a strong pitching staff (ranked T-3 in AL WHIP with 1.34), find themselves in strong position to tread on that trend. Like Seattle, a trade for a big bat might help their chances (ranked 10th in AL OPS).bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-4640256641499199562009-03-28T20:52:00.000-07:002009-03-28T20:53:55.984-07:00S11 Power Rankings ~ 60 games<strong>1. Chicago Cubs (42-18, Run Differential: +122)</strong><br />Chicks dig the long ball, and the Lincoln Park Trixies love their Cubbies who lead Griffey World with an astonishing 156 HRs (2.6 per game) despite playing in the NL. The offense has been led by Gabby Young(32 HR, 65 RBI) and 2B Sammy Marquez (26 HR, 76 RBI). Should make for an interesting series this weekend when the Cubbies face….<br /><br /><strong>2. Cheyenne Duck Snorts (42-18, RD: +116)</strong><br />…the Cheyenne Duck Snorts, who lead the AL in team HR (129) and OPS (.897) playing in pitcher friendly Conte Yard. Wyoming residents have been treated to 1.000+ OPS performances to-date from 1B Pete Casian (1.022), newly acquired free-agent OF/1B Al Javier (1.010), and RF Lou Young (1.003). Lackluster bullpen performances from Vic Venafro (34 IP, 1.82 WHIP) and Tarrik Moore (40.1 IP. 1.66 WHIP) have let AL opposition back into games late.<br /><br /><strong>3. Fargo Fuzznuts (38-22, RD: +90)<br /></strong>The defending NL Champs feature the NL’s second best offense, which is exactly good enough for the second-best record in the NL…and in their own division. Griffey legend David Murata (not to be confused with the other David Murata) has swatted 41 extra-base hits on the season for a 1.205 OPS. However, Murata’s potency has been offset by SS Sherman Atchley’s slow start (.224 AVG).<br /><br /><strong>4. Pittsburgh Ponies (36-23, RD: +79)</strong><br />The Ponies may miss Dean Bukvich more than expected. While the perennial AL powerhouse would still be the least desirable draw in the AL bracket come playoff time, they are no longer shoo-ins for a first-round bye as Charleston and Washington feature comparable records. The loss of Bukvich on the mound has been compensated thus far by the unexpected performance of catcher Alejandro Johnson (.307 AVG, 47 RBI).<br /><br /><strong>5. Washington Foo Fighters (34-26, RD: +51)<br /></strong>Clint Ramirez may be the AL’s offensive equivalent of Matt Ross. The slugger, who leads the AL in HR (26) and RBIs (77), also ranks 4th in batting average, making him a legitimate triple crown threat…and he’s also stolen 10 bases. <br /><br /><strong>6. Cincinnati centipedes (35-25, RD: +62)</strong><br />Cincinnati has the distinct displeasure of sharing a division with the two other NL teams discussed in the Power Rankings so far. The team’s middle of the road offense has been offset by a superior pitching performance to-date (1.30 WHIP, ranked 2nd NL) – seven centipedes have posted WHIPs of 1.20 or less on the season. As a result, no team has allowed fewer runs than Cincinnati.<br /><br /><br /><strong>7. Charleston Chewbaccas (36-23, RD: +36)<br /></strong>The defending Griffey champs have been getting it done in S11 with an enviable blend of pitching and hitting. SP Kyle Fisher has been 7-2 on the season with a 1.09 WHIP, while four Chewbaccas boast 40 or more RBI on the season ( Frank Lee, Jeremy Stern, Justin Franco, and Vic Polanco).<br /><br /><strong>8. Atlanta Ripettoes (31-18, RD: +49)<br /></strong>Like Charleston, the Ripettoes -- current leaders in the NL South -- have also featured a balanced attack. Atlanta’s pitching staff boasts the lowest team WHIP on the season, and Dennis Duran (30 HR, 75 RBI) may be the only NL player who can give Gabby Young a run for the NL MVP.<br /><br /><strong>9. Honolulu Beach Bums (34-25, RD: +20)<br /></strong>In contrast to the last two entries, the Beach Bums live and die with their moundsmen. Honolulu features three SP (Rico Andujar, Sandy Conway, and Joe Faulkner) with sub-1.20 WHIPs. A trade may be in order to obtain a slugger to drive in table-setters Sam Stewart (.393 OBP) and Nolan Cashman (.417 OBP). <br /><br /><strong>10. Monterrey Rancheros (30-30, RD: +38)<br /></strong>A pedestrian record belies the fact that the Rancheros round out the top quarter of Griffey World teams in team run differential. A strong rotation bolstered by rookie Gus Marte (WHIP: 1.12; 3.8 to 1 K:BB ratio) should keep the Rancheros in the hunt.bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-81749499285904201302009-02-20T09:12:00.000-08:002009-02-20T09:24:00.324-08:00Griffey All-Decade TeamTo mark 10 great seasons of Griffey world, we're going to compile an all-decade team using our sadly neglected blog. We will pick one player and possibly an alternate for each position, but maybe we'll put together a full rotation and bullpen of some sort if the response is strong enough.<br /><br />So what can you do to help, you might ask? Send me a site mail detailing the candidacy of as many players as you care to nominate. Please include some qualifications -- including statistics, awards or postseason prowess -- to help save me and bajoraa some research and make the strongest case for each player. Anyone may submit a player, no matter how long you've been part of the league, and you can nominate any player you think is worthy. Maybe we'll even put together a list of players with the most dubious achievements (most frequently traded or waived, worst-ever contract, etc.) if you can think of any.<br /><br />Once we get some nominees, I'll put up a poll for each position, including a list of each nominee's qualifications. You can use the comments for each post to lobby for your favorites, since I'm pretty sure votes can be changed on a Blogger poll. If you have any ideas for improving this endeavor, list them in the comments below.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-9365695004188485052008-10-14T20:06:00.000-07:002008-10-15T04:00:41.432-07:00S9 AL Wild Card Standings @ 150 GamesWith 12 games remaining in the season, three AL division winners have essentially been decided, including Pittsburgh and Cheyenne who have clinched their divisions, and the New York Cyclones who find themselves with a cushy six game lead over Clint Ramirez and the Washington Foo Fighters. However, including a tie atop the AL South (Charleston and Tampa Bay), six other AL teams find themselves legitimately in the AL playoff hunt. A brief discussion of the playoff hopefuls are presented below.<br /><br /><strong>Charleston / Tampa Bay (Record: 82-68, tied for AL South lead, tied for Wild Card lead)</strong><br />Perennial AL South heavyweight finds its run of six consecutive division championships in jeopardy as the upstart Lazer Beams look to hoist their first ever divisional flag. However, Tampa Bay will have to overcome a tougher remaining schedule to keep pace with the Chew-Baccas. Specifically, of the 12 remaining games, Tampa Bay plays nine games against contenders, whereas Charleston plays only five games against such teams. Ultimately, this could come down to the last three games of the season where the two teams will face off in Charleston.<br /><br /><strong>Montreal (79-71, 3 GB Wild Card #1, Games Rem vs. Contenders: 9)</strong><br />Given that the Valiants consider themselves in full rebuild mode, manager gophilsgo likely considers this season a success to find a Wild Card berth a real possibility. However, like Tampa Bay, Montreal finds itself with 9 of 12 against Wild Card contenders or divisional leaders, including two against Charleston, four against TB, and three against Pittsburgh. As discussed above, Charleston and Tampa Bay have a lot on the line, but Montreal may catch a break facing Pittsburgh, who could be resting up for the playoffs.<br /><br /><strong>Washington (78-72, GB WC#1: 4, Rem vs. Cont.: 6)<br /></strong>The Foo Fighters look to bring playoff excitement to the Beltway for the first time in franchise history. Relative to the Valiants, Washington has an easier path to Wild Card glory as they face contenders three fewer times. Of these, three games are against the Cyclones, who have been battling fatigue and may be looking to rest up for a first-round matchup.<br /><br /><strong>Salt Lake City (78-72, GB WC#1: 4, Rem vs. Cont.: 5)</strong><br />If the Salt Lake City can pull out the last wild card slot, second year manager Caracarn may buckle to media scrutiny and finally answer two of Griffey’s more lingering questions: “What the hell is an Aiel Warrior?” and “Do they taste as good as waffles?” Whatever they are, the Aiel Warriors have five remaining games against contenders: two vs. Cheyenne and three vs. Pittsburgh. While facing off with the Junior Circuit’s heavyweights would seem a daunting task, both teams are likely to be playing at reduced strength as both have a first-round playoff “bye” practically in-hand.<br /><br /><strong>Philadelphia – (77-73, GB WC#1: 5, Rem vs. Cont.: 5)<br /></strong>The Revolution have been relatively hot over the past ten games, posting a 7-3 record over that span. With three teams to hurdle for the last playoff spot, they’ll have to continue their solid play. While Philadelphia has only five remaining games against contenders, those include two against TB and three vs. Washington, who should be fighting to the last out of the season in Griffey.<br /><br /><strong>Predictions:</strong><br />To have this many solid contenders left in the season speaks strongly of the improved management seen in Griffey over the past few seasons. Given the tightness of the race, strength of the remaining schedule could be the most prevalent factor in weeding out the “coulda-beens.” As such, the favorites are as follows:<br /><br /><strong>AL South Champ:</strong> Charleston Chew-Baccas<br /><strong>AL Wild Card (5th seed):</strong> Tampa Bay Lazer Beams<br /><strong>AL Wild Card (6th Seed):</strong> Salt Lake City Aiel Warriors.bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-45984934517962339712008-10-08T20:28:00.000-07:002008-10-09T09:09:25.457-07:00S9 Power Rankings - 133 Games<strong>1. San Antonio fighters (88-45, Run Differential: +278, Prev Rnk: 1)</strong><br />San Antonio has scored the most runs of any non-Coors based team in Griffey. Not surprisingly, four fighters lead their positional races for the Silver Slugger award – C Alex Langston, 3B Dwight Meyers, SS David Murata, and LF Darren Charlton. Having held the top slot in the Power Rankings all season, the fighters look to be the World Series favorite in S9.<br /><br /><strong>2. Pittsburgh Ponies (84-49, RD: +181, PR: 4)<br /></strong>The Ponies have been running neck-and-neck all season with the Duck Snorts, jockeying for the AL’s best record. Coming into the stretch, Pittsburgh trails Cheyenne by one game, but the Ponies dealt the defending AL Champs a three-game beatdown since the time of the last Power Rankings. Matt Ross bla bla bla, and not to be remiss, Dean Bukvich, bla bla bla – you’ve heard it before: these guys are more than a handful for any team facing them in a shortened playoff rotation.<br /><br /><strong>3. Cheyenne Duck Snorts (85-48, RD: +234, PR: 3)</strong><br />A trio of rookie standouts has helped Cheyenne maintain the AL’s best record. Lefty Norm Rapp ranks in the top ten for AL hurlers in the major rate categories (opponent AVG, OBP, and SLG as well as WHIP and ERA). With a .351 batting average, first baseman Pete Casian boasts Griffey’s longest hitting streak on the season. Victor Javier has belted 33 HR while swiping 22 bases.<br /><br /><strong>4. Monterrey Rancheros (87-46, RD: +161, PR: 2)</strong><br />The Rancheros, who previously held the second slot in the last Power Rankings, were dealt a severe blow in losing Chris McCarthy from their rotation. The young portsider had posted a miniscule 1.17 WHIP across 172 IP prior to the injury.<br /><br /><strong>5. Fargo Fuzznuts (85-48, RD: +93, PR: 6)<br /></strong>A 27-13 record in one-run games coupled with a third-tier run differential suggests a strong team with a touch of “smoke and mirrors.” A tie for the third best record in Griffey, an eight-game lead in Griffey’s toughest division, and back-to-back NL Pennants says, “I got your smoke and mirrors right here, b%$#@.” Go figure.<br /><br /><strong>6. New York Cyclones (77-56, RD: +141, PR: 7)<br /></strong>The Cyclones, boasting a dominating rotation featuring Terry Torres, Philip Black, and Miguel Perez, have limited AL opposition to the third lowest runs allowed. This fearsome rotation is balanced by the offensive feats of MVP candidate Richie Miller. Miller has thrashed AL pitching for a career best 1.033 OPS, while swiping 82 bases – an individual total which surpasses that amassed by 10 full teams in Griffey. As has been typical of past seasons, the Cyclones appear to be battling fatigue coming down the stretch.<br /><br /><strong>7. Atlanta Ripettoes (79-63, RD: +117, PR: 5)</strong><br />Perennial NL East frontrunner Atlanta has featured a top-shelf rotation, but has to be considered a second-tier contender in the NL due to a near league-average offense. Still, the division is theirs (the Ripettoes boast a 25 game lead in the division), and the Ripettoes will have more than a puncher’s chance of claiming NL glory.<br /><br /><strong>8. Cincinnati Centipedes (77-56, RD: +123, PR: 8)</strong><br />The centipedes have gone through a few rough patches since the last Power Rankings, including a seven game losing streak followed by a separate 4-9 stretch. While locking down a divisional title seems a stretch at this point, an offense featuring the likes of Pat Funaki (OPS: 1.057) and Pep Zentmeyer (OPS: .981) should be formidable from a Wild Card slot.<br /><br /><br /><strong>9. Chicago Cubs (73-60, RD: +147, PR: 9)<br /></strong>The Cubs boast the NL’s top two individual OPSs to date: Gabby Young (1.084) and Davey Hernandez (1.060). The Cubs have the misfortune of playing in the same division as Cincinnati and Fargo. Despite their strength, the Cubbies may be on the outside looking in as one Wild Card Slot will likely go to Monterrey.<br /><br /><strong>10. Tampa Bay Lazer Beams (74-59, RD: +29, PR: 10)<br /></strong>The Lazer Beams still maintain a three game lead in the NL South over Charleston, but the Chew-baccas are a strong team and could pounce of Tampa slips. Tampa has been paced by AL Cy Young candidate Emmanuel Nieves, who has posted a 1.24 WHIP over almost 200 innings.<br /><br /><strong>31. Colorado Springs Jack Rabbits (51-84, RD: -182, PR: ???)</strong><br />The Jack Rabbits, Griffey's loveable nomads, may wander from city to city in the off season, but always manage to fight their way back to the AL West cellar. Contrary to form, however, Colorado Springs had been flirting with .500 for much of the season before Fate, neglecting her duty previously, set the Jack Rabbits on a 12-38 skid. In troubled times when $700 billion can be thrown around with nary a thought, such consistency anchors our reality and expectations. On that note, the "Seattle Anchors" seems to be a viable S10 choice...bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-2673252721001617602008-10-03T10:45:00.000-07:002008-10-03T10:59:13.363-07:00Fully Operational<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LTvpwXy53sHaJVBh3DWtAN7vKJgfrBhPt3fZ_ypSgHg77xD24J2pqRqidK54IVbz3UShLRMjnjkhcXX85EUkWxxdzaYknj-U-RyUPN1d7Q0_dLGRwi_sQ9TWcxEE1guhOzrMBSWn9hI/s1600-h/340x.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252988730326675138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LTvpwXy53sHaJVBh3DWtAN7vKJgfrBhPt3fZ_ypSgHg77xD24J2pqRqidK54IVbz3UShLRMjnjkhcXX85EUkWxxdzaYknj-U-RyUPN1d7Q0_dLGRwi_sQ9TWcxEE1guhOzrMBSWn9hI/s320/340x.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Our fearless league namesake takes on the Death Star....or stretches at the Trop.<br /></div>bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-15600609689763528442008-10-01T10:41:00.000-07:002008-10-01T10:42:40.048-07:00Still Getting It Done<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810013577847&c_id=cws">Nice throw</a>, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081001&content_id=3577973&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws&partnerId=rss_cws">Junior</a>.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-85506960811937234022008-09-28T20:14:00.000-07:002008-09-28T20:20:29.653-07:00Power Rankings @ 105 games<strong>1. San Antonio fighters (73-32, Run Differential: +196, Prev Rnk: 1)</strong><br />The fighters were the top dog in the last power rankings, and San Antonio has spent the last 50 games cementing their status. Darren Charlton (41 HR) and Alex Langston (32 HR) have powered the fighters to a team total of 225 HR, good for second –highest team total in Griffey. Opponents have also had difficulty scoring against the fighters – San Antonio has relinquished only 412 runs, the lowest total in the NL.<br /><br /><strong>2. Monterrey Rancheros (69-36, RD: +118, PR: NR)</strong><br />The Rancheros acquired SP Ed Miller from Montreal, and Miller has responded with a 2.70 ERA in 56 innings in Ranchero green. As a result, the previously unranked Rancheros have vaulted to the #2 spot in the power rankings and Griffey’s second best record thanks to NL’s top ranked pitching staff (WHIP: 1.25).<br /><br /><br /><strong>3. Cheyenne Duck Snorts (67-37, RD: +159, PR: 5)<br /></strong>Cheyenne’s heavy hitting and improved pitching have propelled the Duck Snorts to the top ranking in the AL. Led by Lou Young (1.011 OPS, 29 HR) the Duck Snorts boast the AL’s highest home run total (218) and rookie Norm Rapp (10-5 record, 1.13 WHIP) has bolstered a flagging rotation. Cheyenne recently lost starter Orlando Romero from the rotation for the season due to a strained groin, so it remains to be seen whether they can maintain pace.<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Pittsburgh Ponies (64-40, RD: +131, PR: 2)</strong><br />Like the Duck Snorts, the Ponies have also battled injuries to their vaunted rotation, losing Marlon Cummings for the season. Still the Ponies have maintained what is undoubtedly Griffey’s best rotation – Pony stalwarts Matt Ross and Dean Bukvich have already claimed Pitcher of the Week hardware in S9. Thus far, Pittsburgh’s success has been tempered by a middling offense, which has posted a .799 OPS to date.<br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Atlanta Ripettoes (64-41, RD: +100, PR: 6)<br /></strong>The Ripettoes' second-year SP Max Guillen has impressed thus far in S9, posting a 13-4 record, 2.83 and garnering Pitcher of the Week honors. The Ripettoes certainly consider themselves capable of cutting down the fighters, but a trade to strengthen the offense, which ranks in the middle of the pack of most categories, may be necessary. Look for Atlanta to be players in a big trade before the transaction deadline.<br /><br /><br /><strong>6. Fargo Fuzznuts (68-37, Run Differential: +59, PR: 7)</strong><br /><strong><br /><br />7. New York Cyclones (62-43, RD: +109, PR: NR)<br /><br /><br />8. Cincinnati centipedes (59-45, RD: +89, PR: 3)<br /><br /><br />9. Chicago Cubs (55-50, RD: +91, PR: 8)<br /><br /><br />10. Tampa Bay Lazer Beams (59-46, RD: +32, NR)<br /></strong>bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-21638227834131717502008-09-07T20:12:00.000-07:002008-09-07T20:15:04.481-07:00S9 Power Rankings - 50 Games<strong>1. San Antonio fighters (31-18, Run Differential: +75)<br /></strong>The NL champs from S6 are off to a bold start in challenging the reigning NL Champs Fargo. The fighters boast a Griffey-best run differential of 75 runs and a 4.5 game lead in the NL South over the upstart Monterrey Rancheros. San Antonio is again paced on offense by Darren Charlton and Dwight Meyers (21 HR and 17 HR, respectively), but Harry Pena (3.89 ERA) has made his much-anticipated ML debut, providing the fighters with a dominant mound presence as well.<br /><br /><strong>2. Pittsburgh Ponies (33-16, RD: +67)<br /></strong>The Ponies, featuring Griffey’s best team WHIP (1.20) also boast Griffey’s best record. True-to-form from past seasons, Griffey’s first two Pitchers of the Week have both been Ponies (Matt Ross and Dean Bukvich). However, due to a middling offense, the Ponies have had mixed results in asserting themselves head-to-head against other AL frontrunners. The Ponies swept a three Chew-baccas early in the season, but have since dropped series against Tampa Bay and Cheyenne.<br /><br /><strong>3. Cincinnati centipedes (28-21, RD: +70)<br /></strong>Despite being only second-place in their own division, the centipedes superior run differential and relative health have earned them an early-season seeding higher than division-leading Fargo. Further, the centipedes already shocked Griffey’s reigning champs with an early season sweep. Cincinnati also features the NL-best team batting average (.289).<br /><br /><strong>4. Charleston Chew-baccas (29-20, RD: +69)<br /></strong>Under new management, Charleston has made a departure from the slow starts of seasons past and currently cling to a one-game lead in the tightly contested AL South. Despite playing in a hitter’s park, the Chew-baccas are second in the AL in team ERA and WHIP. While Frank Lee has battered opposing pitching for 20 HR and a 1.078 OPS, the offseason loss of All-World catcher Javier Marquez has slowed the offense somewhat, relegating the team to the middle-of-the pack in most offensive categories.<br /><br /><strong>5. Cheyenne Duck Snorts (30-18, RD: +63)<br /></strong>The reigning AL-champs have scored the most runs of any team on this list, thanks in part to rookie Victor Javier and 2nd-year player Lou Young. Javier, an S7 IFA, has slugged .645 and stolen 8 bases in 24 games; Young has swatted 17 HR, driving in 45. In past seasons, Cheyenne has been paced by a strong pitching staff; however, in S9, Duck Snort pitching has posted a pedestrian 1.50 team WHIP.<br /><br /><strong>6. Atlanta Ripettoes (30-18, RD: +43)<br /></strong>The stark contrast to the Duck Snorts, the Ripettoes have mowed down opposing hitters as evidenced by a skimpy 1.30 team WHIP; however, excluding Raul Trajano who has only 11 at-bats, only four Ripettoes have an OPS above .800. But, when that small company includes Michael Snow and Jerrod Grudzielanek, you can still do pretty well. <br /><br /><strong>7. Fargo Fuzznuts (31-18, RD: +20)</strong><br /> The reigning champs still lead their division and have a sparkling record; however, a pre-season injury to SP Butch Logan and a recent injury to SP Zachrey Spradlin have left the Fuzznuts scrounging for answers for their rotation. Don’t sell the champs short, though – Fargo has a few chips to deal to patch holes, and Spradlin should be back for the stretch run.<br /><br /><strong>8. Chicago Cubs (26-22, RD: +55)</strong><br />Lead by CF Davey Hernandez (.330/.420/.741) and early ROY frontrunner Gabby Young (.284/.396/.628), the Cubs top the NL in team OBP and SLG. However, the Cubs have suffered bad luck in one-run games (2-8 record thus far), dragging their record down. If the Cubs are looking to unseat the Fuzznuts and pass the centipedes to claim NL North glory, manager erffdogg will need to find a way to overcome this shortcoming. <br /><br /><strong>9. Anaheim Jack A$$es (29-20, RD: +33)<br /></strong>The Jack A$$es have parlayed a solid team WHIP (1.38), into an equally solid record despite mid-tier offense. Mateo Escobar has anchored the rotation with his 3.56 ERA, despite a disappointing 2-5 record.<br /><br /><strong>10. Tampa Bay Lazer Beams (28-21, RD: +25)</strong><br />The Lazer Beams, under new management, have been a surprise team in the AL South. Tampa Bay has featured a strong bullpen, including Darin Simas (1.05 WHIP), Chris Weaver (1.18 WHIP), and Neifi Small (1.21 WHIP). Veteran Lariel Santana has been revitalized since coming over from Kansas City, posting a 1.197 OPS over 27 games.bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-28366000454142074672008-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:002008-09-05T07:45:57.257-07:00S9 Pitching Leaders, Quarter Pole<span style="font-weight: bold;">Wins</span><br />Vin Rosario, SA, 7-0<br />Matt Ross, Pitt, 7-2<br />Howard Bell, Atl/Kirt Thompson, LAA, 6-1<br />Terry Torres, NYC, 6-2<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ERA</span><br />Matt Ross, Pitt, 1.23<br />Kirt Thompson, LAA, 1.93<br />Robert Wainhouse, Oak, 2.29<br />Ed Miller, Mon, 2.47<br />Armando Benitez, CSp, 2.54<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strikeouts</span><br />Matt Ross, Pit, 65<br />Dean Bukvich, Pit, 61<br />Chris McCarthy, Mnt, 60<br />Bryan Leonard, KC, 53<br />Kyle Fisher, Chr/Ned Truby, Mon, 52<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHIP</span><br />Matt Ross, Pitt, 0.78<br />Chris McCarthy, Mnt, 1.01<br />Robert Wainhouse, Oak/Eugene Brooks, Chr, 1.02<br />Zachrey Spradlin, Far, 1.08<br />Tom Jennings, Chi, 1.04<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saves</span><br />Angel Cedeno, Atl, 15/16<br />Mike Miles, Pit/Brendan Singleton, Syr, 12/12<br />Douglas Gagne, Mem, 12/13<br />Ivan Jones, Hon, 12/14TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-46293217319534337902008-09-05T07:21:00.000-07:002008-09-05T07:34:43.026-07:00S9 Hitting Leaders, Quarter Pole<span style="font-weight: bold;">Batting Average</span><br />Royce Minor, Col, .416<br />Art Sauerbeck, SA, .379<br />Wilfredo Brito, Hou, .375<br />Javier Marquez, Ari, .373<br />Alex Santana, Mon/Nash McGee, Bos/Joey Lane, Col, .362<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Home Runs</span><br />Kevin Swift, Syr, 20<br />Javier Marquez, Ari/Frank Lee, Chr, 19<br />Del Polanco, Ari/Gabby Young, Chi/Don Niekro, NYC/Darren Charlton, SA, 18<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RBI</span><br />Don Niekro, NYC, 50<br />Royce Bagley, Col, 48<br />Kevin Swift, Syr, 47<br />Javier Marquez, Ari, 46<br />Keith Ledesma, Chi/Frank Lee, Chr/Curtis Bland, NYC, 46<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stolen Bases</span><br />Brook Wilson, Oak, 48/48<br />Rigo Castillo, CSp, 25/26<br />Tomas Estrada, LA, 25/28<br />Richie Miller, NYC, 24/27<br />Darren Charlton, SA, 16/16<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hitting Streak</span><br />Juan Fernandez, Bos/Don Niekro, NYC (still active), 21<br />Royce Bagley, Col, 19<br />Nash McGee, Bos/Cy Nelson, Col/Royce Minor, Col, 18TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-75942269450407448082008-06-16T07:33:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:30:45.287-08:00Commish Hobnobs With League Namesake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiIHT0wkLw7dyBMqpccjfRbPNvLzsqKne_XcGQYsdIETZrCLIaWVQB3yBD2uQui9AcAW4GPIteAl5G5soOqN9y9-yn2vujj6EX0Bti4mprWIF6LLu29xpHC7TkbQMekeKYSLatohxSCxe/s1600-h/IMG_4030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiIHT0wkLw7dyBMqpccjfRbPNvLzsqKne_XcGQYsdIETZrCLIaWVQB3yBD2uQui9AcAW4GPIteAl5G5soOqN9y9-yn2vujj6EX0Bti4mprWIF6LLu29xpHC7TkbQMekeKYSLatohxSCxe/s400/IMG_4030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212487697246820018" border="0" /></a>Among my many responsibilities as commissioner, I must on occasion represent Griffey League at various community functions. For example, I helped promote league namesake Ken Griffey Jr.'s charity vintage yesterday at a wine tasting after the Reds loss to the Red Sox.* We discussed the amazingly tight division races in both the AL and NL West and Kevin Knott's case for MVP, among other league business.<br /><br />*Actually, my wife got me tickets to the game for Father's Day and I scored an invite to the wine-tasting through work. I did not, in fact, discuss anything baseball-related – real, fake or otherwise – with Junior. We just chatted briefly about our kids, which was pretty cool.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-64382558783261602242008-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:30:45.590-08:00600<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFCS4vcfbVMDS4_DtiZQ5QQV2UbMWytkiz3AGRooRUrKD9PKn02agAfnGYqyhn9QVAq6ShCMrXeK8QXMv4wNoAPdG2006QMFTsSqXBFm-TMsicvcwcAC3mtPw5fb4uuTf9Gnqo9EHk6zr/s1600-h/ap_ken1_080609_mn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFCS4vcfbVMDS4_DtiZQ5QQV2UbMWytkiz3AGRooRUrKD9PKn02agAfnGYqyhn9QVAq6ShCMrXeK8QXMv4wNoAPdG2006QMFTsSqXBFm-TMsicvcwcAC3mtPw5fb4uuTf9Gnqo9EHk6zr/s400/ap_ken1_080609_mn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210237327735088706" border="0" /></a><br />Congratulations to <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/2010ap_bbn_reds_griffey_600_4th_ldwritethru.html">Ken Griffey Jr.</a>, a natural-born ballplayer and one of the greatest of all time.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-18922640660892801502008-06-03T21:09:00.000-07:002008-06-03T21:11:03.479-07:00Power Rankings @ ~49 games<strong>1. Cheyenne Duck Snorts [36-13, Run Differential (RD): +107]</strong><br />Its classically bad form for the author to rank his team #1, but the defending champs sport Griffey’s best record, boast the fewest runs allowed, 2nd best run differential, and recently topped Matt Ross and the Ponies in a three game set. It’s a long season, and given the choice, most AL playoff opponents would probably pick facing Cheyenne over Pittsburgh, but based strictly on S8 performance, there is no strong argument for another #1. However, it should be noted that Cheyenne has enjoyed a 12-4 record in one-run games. Even the best teams hover typically around .500 in this category, and Cheyenne may not be able to expect such a performance for the remainder of the season.<br /><br /><strong>2. Cincinnati centipedes (35-13, RD: +82)<br /></strong>For fans of Griffey World, the centipedes success does not come as much of a surprise. The NL upstarts were a non-factor for the first 2/3 of S7, but kicked their performance up a few notches for the stretch run, narrowly missing a playoff berth. Thanks to a 1.000+ OPS from rookie Pep Zentmeyer, the ‘pedes haven’t looked back in S8 and lead Griffey’s toughest division as a result. While clearly a top team in the NL, their 3rd ranked run differential and a large gap between actual (.729) and expected (.659) winning percentage suggest they may not be as good as their record indicates. Don’t get the wrong idea – Cincinnati should have major input in shaping the NL this season, but given the above plus the strength of their division, they have a way to go before locking up that first round bye. <br /><br /><strong>3. San Antonio fighters (31-17, RD: +110)<br /></strong>The S6 NL Champs are looking strong again in S8, led by LF Art Sauerbeck who, with a 1.071 OPS, is on pace for a career best total…and of course, there is always Dwight Meyers, who is currently on a 21-game hitting streak. A strong bullpen performances from Vin Rosario, Alex Lee, and Danny Mullins have shortened games considerably for fighters’ opponents.<br /><br /><strong>4. Fargo Fuzznuts (34-14, RD: +87)</strong><br />Where most teams would love to have a cleanup man with a 1.000+ OPS, the defending NL Champs feature four such sluggers in their lineup, including recently acquired Alan Green. That the Fuzznuts are ranked here in the Power Rankings, but are currently 11th in the NL in runs allowed, speaks to the dominance of their top-ranked offense.<br /><br /><strong>5. Pittsburgh Ponies (31-17, RD: +80)</strong><br />Few would expect to see the four-time champs ranked down this far, but that’s more a tribute to the success of the NL teams above than any sort of decline in Pony Prowess. While Matt Ross has already claimed Pitcher of the Week honors and leads all major individual pitching categories, travisg’s boys are more than one-trick Ponies – Juan Tejada is tied for 8th in the AL in RBIs (45) to pace the offense.<br /><br /><strong>6. Atlanta Ripettoes (30-19, RD: +71)<br /></strong>The Ripettoes represent the last of the 30-win teams in Griffey to date, but are currently the class of the NL East, which is a perennial dogfight. With the Yank-mes already conceding the division, Atlanta’s true S8 rivals are the other divisional leaders. As in seasons past, jabronidan has turned to all-World talent Michael Snow –Griffey’s RBI leader with 69 – to pace the offense. However, the Ripettoes boast a balanced attack, as Denny Yamamoto has already garnered Week 2 Pitcher of the Week honors.<br /><br /><strong>7. Montreal Valiants (27-22, RD: +45)</strong><br />The Valiants are the last of the Griffey’s “sure things” for the playoffs. Montreal again finds itself in the top tier of AL pitching, ranking 3rd in WHIP behind AL frontrunners Cheyenne and Pittsburgh. The offense has lagged somewhat as S7 rookie phenom Russell Brow languished on the DL. Brow is back, so look for the Valiants to put some distance between themselves and other AL contenders here in the next few games. <br /><br /><strong>8. New York Yank-mes (27-21, RD: +64)</strong><br />The Yank-mes are ranked here largely on the strength of their performance to-date, but it is difficult to tell what that means going forward. New York is openly in firesale mode, but gerald007 has wisely done so maybe a season too early than a season too late. As a result, the Yank-mes have already acquired a bounty of quality ML-ready talent in their trades. They may yet compete for the last NL Wild Card spot, but given the strength of hungry NL contenders, the future is unclear.<br /><br /><strong>9. Philadelphia Revolution (29-19, RD: +39)<br /></strong>The Revolution are out to a solid lead in the AL East; however, recall Philly came back to the pack in S7, which resulted in a dramatic end-of-the-year battle with the Cyclones. Matt Waters and Kiki Astacio, both in the AL’s top 10 for RBIs, pace the offense.<br /><br /><strong>10. Chicago Cubs (29-20, RD: +37)</strong><br />The Cubs boast a much better record than would be expected based on their run differential, but their success appears consistent with the talent on paper. Unfortunately for Wrigleyville’s heroes, they share a division with 2 other top NL teams. Nonetheless, longtime Griffey observers saw the Cubs’ success coming, as the franchise is finally reaping the fruits of many seasons of high draft picks.<br /><br /><strong>Bubble Teams:</strong> Washington DC Foo Fighters, Anaheim Jack A$$esbajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-1811016212700583592008-06-02T11:28:00.000-07:002008-06-03T09:53:40.095-07:00Lets Get Ready to Rank Players<span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">The Draft Matters!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Its that time of the season again. We look at the top of the draft board to see who we think we can get with our pick. We analyze our organization and decide do we pick for a need or do we take the best available prospect available at our slot. Things get dicey after this. I know I frequently try to decide how many prospects am I going to look at and rank. My system seems to change every season and I'm sure this is true for many of us. Some seasons there is time to look at 150 prospects, some seasons more others less. After about 50 the eyes are bleary and I begin to wonder if I'm ranking players in an accurate way. It was my love for this part of the Hard Ball Dynasty game that led me to look at all of the franchises Draft history and see if the draft matters and I believe know that it certainly does. First, lets look at the top 6 organizations in terms of draft picks playing in the ML.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Big Six</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Fargo Fuzznuts-15 drafted palyers in the ML.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Its easy to see why Fargo has been one of the dominant organizations in this world. They have won 5 staight division titles. They have had 96 or more wins every season that cjl9652 has been the owner and have made it to 1 World Series. This organization has used the draft to maintain the high level of succes. With 16 1st round picks thus far, 7 are currently in the ML. Fargo also is tied with </span></span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">the</span> Arizona </span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Buckeyes</span> (who just missed making this list and the next list, Sorry!) with 5 current MLers from the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Suprising however to see that of the 15 ML players drafted by Fargo only 3 are still on Fargo. cjl9652 has used his picks as chips to piece together an amazing organization. More on Fargo in the next section. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Pittsburgh Ponies-15 drafted players in the ML.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Pittsburgh has been the dominant franchise of Griffey World. 7 straight playoff appearances, including 6 division titles. 4 World Series championships and at least 92 wins in every season point to this being an amazing franchise. While travisg didn't draft Matt Ross, he has drafted all the support staff Ross has needed to maintain play at the highest level. Pittsburgh has used 21 1st round picks to produce 12 current major league players. 7 of these 12 1st rounders in the ML are still on the Ponies. Travisg has used the draft to get good players. 8 of these palyers are on other franchises but travis has done a good job of trading to keep the pieces in place to remain on top.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Kansas City Twisters-11 drafted players in the ML.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The Twisters have made the playoffs every season in this world. They have won the division 5 times and got the wild card twice. They have never won fewer than 85 games and have a World Series appearance to their credit. disaacs has used 14 1st round picks to produce 7 current ML players.The Twisters still have 8 of the 11 ML players on their roster. disaacs has built through the draft, getting and holding on to high quality players that have helped his franchise be a playoff fixture.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Philadelphia Revolution-11 players drafted in the ML.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">With 5 seasons under his belt with the Revolution, its clear that timgod99 has used the draft to maintain the Revolution annual spot in the playoffs. In his 5 seasons the Revolution have won 3 division titiles and a wild card berth. They have won at least 85 games in each of those 5 seasons. The Revolution has used 14 1st round picks to produce 8 current big league players. Of the 11 current major league players that the franchise has drafted only 3 are still on the Revolution. Much like Fargo, it appears that timgod99 takes the approach of taking the best player available and using those chips to build his franchise to his liking through trades.</span><br /><p> </p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Cheyenne Duck Snorts-10 players drafted in the ML.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The Duck Snorts are fresh off the season 7 World Series title and an excellent exmple of a team that has built itself up through the draft. 10 players drafted between seasons 1 and 4 are now on Major League rosters. Bajoraa is seeing the fruits of quality drafts as is evidenced by 2 straight division titles and one of the best records in the league this season. 4 of Cheyenne's 11 1st round picks are currently in the Bigs. Cheyenne has also been one of the most successful organizations at finding good players in lower rounds with 2 8th rounders and a 15 th rounder currently playing in the Majors. Of the 10 players in the majors, 4 are on the Duck Snorts. The Duck Snorts have used the draft to get high quality players and have shaped their organization from there.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">New York Cyclones-10 players drafted in the ML.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The Cyclones enterd this season coming off the franchises first playoff appearance, a 91 win wild card season. Of the 10 players drafted playing in the majors, 6 are still on the Cyclones. It appears that Veneer is building his franchise through the draft. The Cyclones big league team features one of the youngest ML'ers in Griffey, 20 year old pitcher Miguel Perez the season 6 1st round pick. It will be interesting to watch Perez's development in coming seasons as the franchise trys to surround him with a good, young base of players.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Franchises that just missed the Big 6:</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Arizona and Salem have both drafted 9 current Major Leaguers and Cincinnati, New Orleans, Oakland and Rochester have drafted 8.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Big Six part 2</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">In this section we will look at the franchises with the most drafted players on their roster. The first list featured some of the biggest playoff fixtures in Griffey. Those teams have managed to use the draft to maintain a high level of success, but not always by hanging on to their draft picks. The teams on this list appear to be more of the up and comers of the world, with a couple of exceptions.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Oakland Dragons-14 drafted palyers on their ML roster.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The Dragons have won three division titles in their history, one under current owner bobby1978. The ML team features 15 players 27 or younger. They have held onto 4 of their 8 drafted players in the ML and have aquired the other 10 along the way. The organization appears in good shape. They have 5 straight AAA playoff berth with a World Series championship at that level, 3 AA playoff appearances in the last 5 seasons, and the Hi A, Lo A and Rookie teams have all been in the playoffs 4 straight seasons. Based on the fact that these young players have come up through a successful organization I would bet we'll see success soon in Oakland.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Washington DC Foo Fighters-12 drafted players on their ML roster.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">At the Big League level this franchise has struggled. They have finished 3rd or 4th in their division every season and have never had more than 73 wins. As of this article the team in 2 games over .500 and looking at their roster, success may not be too far off. They have hung on to 5 of the 7 current Major Leaguers they have drafted and have aquired the other 7. The franchise will have some choices to make soon as they have more palyers older than 27 than younger, but another strong draft may help make those decisions easier. Recent success in the minors also points to this franchise being close to turning the corner. They were in the AAA world series last season and the Hi A and Lo A teams have had success recently. It appears with a couple of good moves this is a team that could compete sooner rather than later.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Salt Lake City Aiel Warriors-11 drafted palyers on their ML roster.</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">This has been a consistent team over 7 seasons. Winning </span> between 75 and 88 games every season but one. This consistency has brought this team only 3rd and 4th place finishes. To compete in their competitive division the Warriors need sttong players. The AAA team has been to the playoffs three straight seasons, so some of the younger players have seen success at this level. Now they need to find a way to take this collection of talented players and make them successful in a tough division. Salt Lake City faces some of the same issues as Washington, they have more players over 27 than under. Management will need to find a way to get better and younger at the same time.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Chicago Cubs-11 drafted players on their ML roster.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Season 7 brought the first winning season for this franchise since season 2. This team has come out of the gate very strong and when you look at the roster you see that this team should be a force in the World for a long time. Only three players on the ML roster are over 27 years of age. This young group has enjoyed great success at the minor league level. 6 staight playoff berths at AAA. 6 straight playoff berths at AA with 2 World Series titles. 6 straight playoffs at Hi A with 4 World Series titles and 7 straight playoff berths at Lo A with 1 World Series title. It is scary to think about how good this team should be going forward. They have hung on to 6 of the 7 ML'ers they have drafted anf aquired 5 others. This team has built it self into a future power through successful drafting.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Fargo Fuzznuts-10 drafted players on their ML roster.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">We have already talked about Fargo's success at the big league level above. They have been great. Equally great has been their minor leagues. AAA, AA, and Hi A have seen 4 playoff appearances each with a AA World Series titile. The LoA team has 5 playoff appearances. We talked in the earlier post about Fargo's use of its draft picks to obtain the pieces to succeed at the ML level. Though they have only kept 3 of their 15 drafted ML'ers, they have used the players they have drafted to aquire very talented players from other franchises that fit their needs. It appears that Fargo will continue to be successful based on their history with the draft and their ability to get the best players into their organization.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Kansas City Twisters-10 drafted players on their ML roster.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Just like Frago, this team has been a playoff standard. Well guess what, the minor leagues have produced success as well. 3 straight AAA berths, 3 of the last 4 seasons at the AA level and 2 of the last 3 at the Hi A level. Kansas City has kept 8 of 11 ML players from their own drafts and have aquired a couple of other ML players other teams have drafted. They have proven that they know how to draft and I would expect that they will continue to draft well and continue to be successful at the Major League level.</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc0000;">Franchises that just missed the second big 6:</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The New York Cyclones, Montreal, Charlotte and Cheyenne all have 9 drafted palyers on their big league roster. Pitsburgh, New Orleans, Arizona and Atlanta have 8. </span></p><p>Here's hoping we all find that stud at the top of the draft and a couple of hidden gems later. Good Luck!</p><p><br /><br /></p>mcgupphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424627108277017108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-33984889843338723812008-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:002008-05-23T12:32:28.206-07:00More Rookies - S8<strong>Atlanta - Al Melendez - RF</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race4/Age20/4200063.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Atlanta.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Al Melendez</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Ripettoes</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>21</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Villa Mella, DO</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>RF</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1380581" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Melendez is a corner outfielder who does a bit of everything well, but nothing spectacularly. The 21-year old Dominican should be capable of driving plenty of balls to the gap particularly against righties. Currently penciled in as the Ripettoes leadoff hitter vs. righties, Melendez should be able to take advantage of his blend of power and baserunning ability to get himself into scoring position for Michael Snow and friends.<br /><br /><strong>Chicago - Davey Hernandez - CF</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race4/Age20/4200662.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Chicago_1.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Davey Hernandez</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Chicago</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Cubs</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>21</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>S/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Preston, CU</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>CF</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1142899" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Chicago, who acquired this Cuban import as an IFA in Season 5, will turn to Hernandez to patrol CF in S8. Hernandez has above-average range, but has been known to occasionally turn a routine flyball into high adventure. Hernandez will more than cover these missteps with his bat, which should produce more like that of a quality first baseman’s than a centerfielder’s.<br /><br /><strong>Oakland - York Cornelius - RF<br /><br /></strong><strong></strong><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1201151.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Oakland.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">York Cornelius</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Oakland</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Dragons</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>25</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Camarillo, CA</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>RF/1B/LF/DH</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=832293" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Cornelius garnered Season 7’s AAA MVP honors and has nothing left to prove in the minors and should make an appearance with the Dragons in Season 8. The RFer thrives against left-handed pitching, but could be neutralized somewhat by ML-level right-handers. Regardless of the handedness of the pitcher, Cornelius has a discerning eye and should hammer mistakes into the stands.<br /><br /><strong>Fargo – Sherman Atchley - SS<br /><br /></strong><strong></strong><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200465.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Fargo.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Sherman Atchley</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Fargo</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Fuzznuts</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>21</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Tarpon Springs, FL</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>SS</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1220941" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Dealt to the NL Champs in S7 from surplus SS talent in Tacoma’s farm system (now Chicago), Atchley is another player who sacrifices a modicum of defense for a wealth of offense. The youngster from Tarpon Springs FL is capable of prodigious power displays and makes contact with most of what he swings at. Power like that would be valuable at a corner spot, but will provide a substantial advantage coming from the SS position.<br /><br /><strong>San Antonio - Harry Pena – SP<br /></strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race4/Age20/4200681.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/SanAntonio.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Harry Pena</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">fighters</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>22</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>S/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Los Llanos, DO</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>P (SP1)</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1142860" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />San Antonio GM niss has been silent regarding whether this pitching prodigy will make an appearance with the big club in S8, but there is little doubt that Harry Pena is ready now. Pena features a four-pitch repertoire, including an excellent sinker/slider combo offset by and average change-up and a show-me curve. Hitters have difficulty punishing Pena’s rare mistakes, as the 6-1 lefty keeps the ball down in the zone. If promoted, Pena could be a legitimate Cy Young candidate.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Honolulu - Rico Andujar – SP</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race4/Age20/4200740.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Honolulu.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Rico Andujar</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Honolulu</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Beach Bums</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>20</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Rio San Juan, DO</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>P (SP1)</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1380538" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Arguably the prize of the S6 IFA class, Andujar dominated the minors in S7, posting a 1.02 WHIP across two levels. Andujar is in AAA now; some might contend that a full year in AAA would be prudent for his development, but it would be almost impossible for management to keep the talented righty in the minors if the Beach Bums find themselves in the pennant chase.bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-37826402499002183812008-05-20T13:28:00.000-07:002008-05-20T20:38:59.754-07:00Rookie Watch - Season 8Below are 10 rookies in the majors now or soon-to-be called up that should make immediate impacts in Season 8 (presented in no particular order).<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Salem Warlocks – Wayne Morris – LF</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200804.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Salem.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Wayne Morris</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Salem</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Warlocks</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>21</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>S/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>East Weymouth, MA</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>LF</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1640552" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Morris, the Warlocks’ first-round draft pick from S7, sniffed the big leagues at the end of the season last year and has locked down a starting job in S8. The left fielder, who features an impressive throwback-era mustache reminiscent of a Pringles can, hits lefties and righties equally well and could be a 50+ SB man this season. A little better range and glove would allow Salem to play him at 2B, but Morris features enough pop in his bat to pass expectations for a left-fielder.<br /><br /><strong>Washington Foo Fighters - 1B Clint Ramirez<br /></strong><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200044.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/WashingtonD.C..gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Clint Ramirez</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Washington D.C.</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Foo Fighters</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>23</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Atascadero, CA</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>1B</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1418676" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Clint Ramirez, the first pick of the S6 draft, will be defending the Beltway from Foo this season. The first baseman has 50-HR power with patience to match -- and still has room to improve at the plate.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Cheyenne Duck Snorts – Lou Young - RF</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200308.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Cheyenne.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Lou Young</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Cheyenne</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Duck Snorts</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>22</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Portola Valley, CA</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>RF/2B/LF/DH</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=997016" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />“When GMs come calling, this is the guy I get asked about more than anyone,” stated bajoraa, the Duck Snorts’ GM, in reference to this five-tool slugger. Young, who has deceptive speed for a 220-pounder, should be capable of launching moonshots and maintaining a .300+ batting average from the middle of the champs’ lineup this season. Detractors note that Young has mediocre durability and sometimes lacks the accuracy necessary to harness his bazooka throwing arm.<br /><br /><br /><strong>New York Cyclones – Miguel Perez – SP<br /></strong><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race4/Age20/4200471.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/NewYork_2.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Miguel Perez</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">New York</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Cyclones</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>20</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>S/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Luverne, MN</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>P (SP3)</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1418628" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Griffey World owners drooled over Perez’s potential in the S6 draft, but the stocky right-hander gave indication that baseball may not be his future. Consequently, this talented hurler fell to the Cyclones at #13, where veener provided 6.5 million reasons to come to New York. Perez is only 20 years old, and still has not developed an ML-caliber 3rd pitch, and his 2nd pitch is currently only passable. However, the Cyclones have a fantastic talent on their hands, and assuming continued growth, Perez should contend for the AL Cy Young by S10.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Pittsburgh – Dennis Martin – C</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race8/Age20/8200110.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Pittsburgh.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Dennis Martin</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Pittsburgh</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Ponies</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>23</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Tokyo, JP</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>C</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=956739" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Martin was an S4 IFA developed slowly by perennial favorite Pittsburgh. More than strictly a catch-and-throw receiver, this Japanese import has impressed scouts with his plate discipline and gap power, especially against portsiders. That said, the man can throw, too – a near imperative skill as stolen bases escalate in Griffey. Look for Martin to receive 250-300 plate appearances as part of the Ponies’ catching platoon.<br /><br /><strong>Anaheim Jack A$$es – Vince Andrews – SS</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200365.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Anaheim.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Vince Andrews</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Anaheim</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Jack A$$es</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>22</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>L/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Sacramento, CA</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>SS</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=996986" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Another prospect who came on to the scene in S4 is ready for the majors in S8. Poor player development practices by previous owners may leave whiffs of unrealized promise where Andrews’ defense is concerned; however, the 22 year-old should be an extra-base hit machine. A move to RF or 3B may be in Andrews’ future, but he should have the bat to stick in the big leagues for a while.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Rochester Regal Beagles -- 2B Dusty Farrell</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200257.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Rochester.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Dusty Farrell</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Rochester</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Regal Beagles</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>22</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Stuart, VA</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>2B/IF/OF/DH</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1220970" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Farrell is a future Gold Glove winner at 2B, with a bat that NL pitchers will have to respect. The tall (6-4) keystone sacker punishes left-handed pitching and can more than hold his own against righties. Farrell is no slow-poke, but lacks the basestealing prowess one might like to see in a middle infielder. Look for Farrell to belt 30-HR from a key defensive position.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Florida Tropic - Elvis Bailes – 3b</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200830.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Florida.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Elvis Bailes</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Florida</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Tropic</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>25</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Pekin, IL</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>3B</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=996968" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Elvis Bailes projects to have a shortstop’s glove at 3B, and has plus-gap power to boot now. The durable 3B continues to develop defensively, and should provide a solid anchor at the hot corner, helping a listless Tropic franchise right the ship.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Chicago Cubs – Kirt Jensen RP</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200971.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Chicago_1.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Kirt Jensen</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Chicago</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Cubs</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>26</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>West Branch, MI</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>P (ClA)</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=996927" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />The Cubs took their time promoting this burly southpaw under chejay, but erffdogg has finally promoted Jensen to the Northsiders’ bullpen. Jensen features a five pitch repertoire, including a cut fastball, which is a borderline plus-plus offering. In addition, Jensen has the durability to toss 150 IP, handling both lefties and righties with aplomb.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Cincinnati centipedes - Pep Zentmeyer OF(?)</strong><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 1px solid; WIDTH: 352px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px solid; HEIGHT: 156px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ecebd4"><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 148px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><div style="LEFT: 14px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200932.jpg); WIDTH: 120px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; POSITION: relative; TOP: 13px; HEIGHT: 129px"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Cincinnati.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 200px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 154px"><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; WIDTH: 190px; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tacoma" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Pep Zentmeyer</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">Cincinnati</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 1px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2">centipedes</td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 9px">Age: <strong>23</strong></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; WIDTH: 50%; PADDING-TOP: 9px">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Born: <strong>Wills Point, TX</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 15px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" colspan="2">Position(s): <strong>2B/3B/SS/OF</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colspan="2"><a style="COLOR: black" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=832250" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br />Another player with a great bat, but who is a defensive tweener, Zentmeyer owned AAA pitching the last two seasons. Like Vince Andrews, Zentmeyer’s value would be increased if he can stick defensively in the infield, but the right-hander’s future may be patrolling a corner outfield spot at the GABP. Zentmeyer, who has posted an OPS in the minors no worse than 1.012 in any of the last three seasons, looks to guide the centipedes one last step toward the post-season.bajoraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612869525680070701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163547401619355338.post-41206958862591584762008-04-29T10:28:00.001-07:002008-04-29T12:32:29.190-07:00S7 Recap -- AL West<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheyenne Duck Snorts</span><br />What Went Right: The Ducksnorts won a franchise-record 100 games by shaving 95 runs from the runs-allowed column. They rode a balanced attack past Matt Ross and the Ponies to an AL title, before defeating Fargo in seven for a World Series championship. 3B Julio Sanchez, CF Tim Broome and DH Johnny Harvey paced a dynamic offense with OPS above .900, and 2B Aramis Santiago made up for a dismal season at the plate by picking up his second consecutive Gold Glove.<br /><br />What Went Wrong: Cheyenne managed to wring some solid performances from a merely above-average pitching staff and overcame nine blown saves from closer Tony Nomo.<br /><br />S8 Outlook: Most of the team's best players remain under contract, and a slew of young players appears ready to contribute at the ML level. Cheyenne looks ready to become Griffey world's next repeat champion.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorado Mile High Rapids</span><br />What Went Right: Colorado led Griffey in runs scored for the fourth consecutive year, the seventh straight season the franchise has scored at least 1,000 runs. Closer Don Little joined C Royce Minor, 2B Raymond Owen, SS Cy Nelson, LF Rickey Kelton and RF Brady Cortes in the All-Star Game.<br /><br />What Went Wrong: Unfortunately, the Mile High Rapids allowed more than 1,000 runs for the fifth consecutive season since moving from Boise. Little converted 25 of 29 saves, despite a 1.68 WHIP and 6.16 ERA. The team posted its first non-winning season in franchise history with an 81-81 record.<br /><br />S8 Outlook: This could be the last go-'round for this explosive but aging club. With several key players poised to hit FA after the season, longtime owner Stewart_UK must find a way for this franchise to win its first postseason series. Limiting opponents to fewer runs is the key, but no easy solution has been found.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Albuquerque Ranchers</span><br />What Went Right: The Ranchers allowed 1,066 runs, the club's best mark since S4. SP Enrique Gonzalez posted his best ERA (4.59) since the team's S3 move to Albuquerque, and closer Joe Taylor was selected to his first All-Star game. 3B Willie James was arguably the league's best, posting a .323/.383/.564 line with 35 HR and 141 RBI.<br /><table class="batterstats standard"><tbody><tr><td class="odd pct"><br /></td><td class="odd pct"><br /></td><td class="odd pct"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>What Went Wrong: Entropy has set in for this once-proud franchise, winners of 94-plus games for the league's first four seasons, including division titles in S3 and S4, but four seasons removed from their last above-.500 record. The Ranchers scored a franchise-worst 971 runs, the only time the club scored fewer than 1,000 runs in a season.<br /><br /> S8 Outlook: This team could use a change of scenery, a facelift or both. Aging stars like Gonzalez, Curt Bates and Emil Blanco offer some valuable trade chips to rebuild a thin farm system. Establishing a better ratio between runs scored and runs allowed is a must for this team's new owner.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salem Warlocks</span><br />What Went Right: Armando Benitez set a franchise record for strikeouts and WHIP, with 155 and 1.41, respectively. 1B O.T. Jamison turned in another splendid season, posting a .308/.385/.516 line.<br /><table class="batterstats standard"><tbody><tr><td class="odd pct"><br /></td> <td class="odd pct"><br /></td> <td class="odd pct"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>What Went Wrong: Everything else. While this franchise has seen worse seasons, the sting of a second consecutive heartbreak hurts more because better days had been in sight not so long ago.<br /><br />S8 Outlook: Despite skidmark's yearly calls for a fire sale, no buyers can be found. The ghosts of previous absentee owners still haunt this franchise, which lacks even a single quality arm, and a system-wide power outage has handcuffed the offense. Given the dearth of desirable talent, the Warlocks might be best served by boosting payroll to sign quality FA or take on bad contracts in exchange for prospects.TravisGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983759326735259021noreply@blogger.com0