Draft analysis of the first two rounds by Peter Van Stoeke, Hardball Scout Specialists, special to Cobb Times Herald.
Jackson Pollocks
RP Derrick Hunter, round 1, #23: B
--Hunter has excellent splits and control. But he is hurt by his velocity and GB/FB ratio. Potential to be solid setup/part time closer.
1B Brutus Cooper, round 1, #29: B
--Cooper has great contact skills with some pop in the bat, but a brutal batting eye. Jackson is overstocked at 1B already so where he will fit is uncertain.
C Hal Wise, round 1, #36: B-
--Solid defensive catcher with some pop, will probably make the majors as a backup.
CF Wayne Lowe, round 2, #67: B+
--Excellent defensive CF with speed. Good contact at the plate. Should be a starter in the bigs some day.
Overall draft grade: C+
--Jackson picked late, but had an extra compensatory pick. Given that, the haul was not that strong. No real stand outs with any of the picks, and later picks weren't even signed for depth. A weak farm system wasn't helped much.
Kansas City KILL
SP Steve Kerr, round 1, #16: A
--Kerr has all the tools to be an ace starter for any team. The only potential weak point on this player is his health, which could lead to nagging injuries.
SP Walt Mays, round 1, #33: A-
--Mays should be a very good pitcher, with excellent splits, pitches, etc... Only weak area is his velocity, and control which is only a little above average. Still, should be solid.
RF Mateo Lopez, round 2, #56: B
--Lopez is an above average hitter with some pop and a decent eye. His glove will suffice at the position. Could be an everyday player in the bigs.
LF Mario Baxter, round 2, #60: N/A
--Talented hitting LF with great power and eye. Probably won't sign though as his demands top 7 million dollars.
Overall draft grade: A
--K.C. scored big time in the draft with their two SP's Kerr and Mays. Lopez will be solid as well. If Baxter somehow signs this is an A+ draft.
Los Angeles Drillers
SP Tommy Wakeland, round 1, #15: A
--Wakeland has what it takes to be a #1 starter on any team. The crafty rightie has an excellent pitch selection, great splits and phenomenal control. Very bright future.
1B Kent Stanley, round 2, #59: A-
--Talented hitting 1B with great power and superior batting eye. 50+ HR potential with .300 average are what he is capable of.
Overall draft grade: A-
--Very good draft for the drillers, with two definite ML starters selected. If 3rd round pick Ron Priddy signs, this draft is an A.
Louisville Tysons
1B Nate Callaway, round 2, #73: B
--Injury prone 1B with good eye and power. He can hit the ball when he's healthy.
1B Lonnie Holzemer, round 3, #105: C+
--Power hitting 1B, but is strikeout prone. Average splits and glove, but should play when Callaway is on the DL.
Overall draft grade: C
--Not having a first round pick hurts the draft grade for the Tysons. But they did succeed in getting power at the first base position, as their 2nd and 3rd round picks are capable of making the bigs.
Mexico City Diablos Rojos
SP Eric Collins, round 1, #21: B+
--This years Eric Collins is not as good as last years Eric Collins, but is still solid. Excellent splits and control are offset by poor health and deficient secondary pitches. Still should be a quality starter in the bigs.
C Charlie Baker, round 1, #34: C
--Baker can hit the ball fairly well and call a good game, but only when he is rested and healthy enough to play. He probably could have been had much later in the draft.
2B Ira Riggs, round 1, #39: B
--Riggs has only an average glove for a 2B, but can hit the ball out of the park with regularity. Should be an everyday player in the bigs at some point.
2b Stan Oliver, round 2, #58: B
--Better defensive 2b than Riggs, Oliver hits almost as well too. Less power and slightly worse splits, but still has the potential to be an everyday player as well.
RF Ryne Gipson, round 2, #65: C+
--One dimensional player, Gipson has tons of power and a good batting eye. Good range for RF but average glove. Still, his power will find him a spot in a lineup somewhere.
Overall draft grade: B+
--Good draft adds lots of depth to Mexico Cities farm system. Collins has the potential to be good, and Riggs, Oliver, and Gipson should all make the bigs in some capacity. The mystery is drafting Baker so high.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Season 7 Draft Recap - Chicago through Huntington
Draft analysis of the first two rounds by Peter Van Stoeke, Hardball Scout Specialists, special to Cobb Times Herald.
Chicago Sabercats
RP David Bryant, round 1, #10, B
--The flamethrowing lefty Bryant has two good pitches, is good vs. lefties, and has a great GB/FB ratio. He gets into trouble sometimes with his average control and slighly above average work against right handed hitting.
RP Matt Warner, round 2, #54: B-
--Warner is another hard throwing reliever who doesn't often give up the home run. He has better control than Bryant, but the movement of his pitches isn't as good.
Overall draft grade: B-
--The Sabercats drafted two solid but not spectacular relievers. Both should be able to pitch in the majors, but whether or not they can succeed as closers remains to be seen.
Cincinnati HoundDogs
2B Bob Erving, round 1, #26: B+
--Erving has a good bat, and should be able to succeed vs. big league pitching. His glove leaves a lot to be desired for a 2B, so he probably has a future in the outfield.
RF Charles Hall, round 2, #70: C
--Slap hitter Hall has good contact hitting skills and a solid eye at the plate. Very susceptable to left handed pitching, and his glove is only average.
Overall draft grade: C+
--Erving is a good pick and can play multiple outfield positions, and perhaps the hot corner, but the rest of the draft is nothing exceptional.
Durham Pitbulls
CF Brook Colin, round 1, #6: A
--Colin is a five tool player with the potential to be a perennial all-star. His bat is superior, he has excellent power, and a very good glove. A fine first round pick.
SP Haywood Sodowsky, round 2, #50: C
--Sodowsky has good control, a fine first pitch, and excellent stamina. But his below average movement, velocity, and pitch selection leave a lot to be desired.
Overall draft grade: B
--Colin is an excellent pick that will be a star barring injury. But the rest of the draft yielded borderline pitchers who might not help the Pitbulls big league team.
Fargo Fug Nuts
SP Omar Fuentes, round 1, #31: C+
--Fuentes is a workhorse with good control and velocity. But his splits are only average, and he only has one good pitch. Still, he has a shot to produce at the ML level in some capacity.
SP Miguel Colon, round 2, #75: C
--Colon is another workhorse SP with excellent control and velocity. His splits are average, as is his pitch selection. He is hurt by his poor health and tendency to give up lots of fly balls.
Overall draft grade: D+
--the pitchers drafted by Fargo are servicable, but only just. But considering that they probably won't be Fug Nuts by the end of next season, grading this teams picks is probably a moot point.
Helena Hellraisers
SP Brook Lennon, round 1, #19: A-
--Lennon has what it takes to be a top of the rotation innings eater. He has incredible stamina, excellent splits, a good GB/FB ratio, and two very good pitches. Is hurt only by is avearge control and last two pitches, which are slightly below average.
RF Justin Villano, round 2, #63: B
--Villano will be a slugging RF who will hit a lot of homers, but only bat in the .250 range. Average glove for the position. Will probably platoon with 3rd round pick Justin Stein, who is cut from the same cloth.
Overall draft grade: A-
--Lennon will be a solid major leaguer, and the power from the combination of Stein and Villano will make them an everyday force in the outfield.
Huntington Hillbillies
1B Spud Upshaw, round 1, #17: A-
--Very good slugging 1B with solid hitting skills across the board. Great in the clubhouse as well, and should reach his full potential.
1B P.T. Wiggins, round 2, #61: B-
-- Wiggins can hit, but with less power and contact than Upshaw. Joins an already loaded with 1B farm system, so his future with the Hillbillies is uncertain. 3rd round pick Joel Lee offers a contact hitting approach that Wiggins lacks, and is a change of pace.
Overall draft grade: B
--Upshaw will be a very good hitting 1B. Wiggins and Lee should be able to hit as well. The only problem is that Huntington is already loaded with 1B prospects, so where these players fit is in question.
Chicago Sabercats
RP David Bryant, round 1, #10, B
--The flamethrowing lefty Bryant has two good pitches, is good vs. lefties, and has a great GB/FB ratio. He gets into trouble sometimes with his average control and slighly above average work against right handed hitting.
RP Matt Warner, round 2, #54: B-
--Warner is another hard throwing reliever who doesn't often give up the home run. He has better control than Bryant, but the movement of his pitches isn't as good.
Overall draft grade: B-
--The Sabercats drafted two solid but not spectacular relievers. Both should be able to pitch in the majors, but whether or not they can succeed as closers remains to be seen.
Cincinnati HoundDogs
2B Bob Erving, round 1, #26: B+
--Erving has a good bat, and should be able to succeed vs. big league pitching. His glove leaves a lot to be desired for a 2B, so he probably has a future in the outfield.
RF Charles Hall, round 2, #70: C
--Slap hitter Hall has good contact hitting skills and a solid eye at the plate. Very susceptable to left handed pitching, and his glove is only average.
Overall draft grade: C+
--Erving is a good pick and can play multiple outfield positions, and perhaps the hot corner, but the rest of the draft is nothing exceptional.
Durham Pitbulls
CF Brook Colin, round 1, #6: A
--Colin is a five tool player with the potential to be a perennial all-star. His bat is superior, he has excellent power, and a very good glove. A fine first round pick.
SP Haywood Sodowsky, round 2, #50: C
--Sodowsky has good control, a fine first pitch, and excellent stamina. But his below average movement, velocity, and pitch selection leave a lot to be desired.
Overall draft grade: B
--Colin is an excellent pick that will be a star barring injury. But the rest of the draft yielded borderline pitchers who might not help the Pitbulls big league team.
Fargo Fug Nuts
SP Omar Fuentes, round 1, #31: C+
--Fuentes is a workhorse with good control and velocity. But his splits are only average, and he only has one good pitch. Still, he has a shot to produce at the ML level in some capacity.
SP Miguel Colon, round 2, #75: C
--Colon is another workhorse SP with excellent control and velocity. His splits are average, as is his pitch selection. He is hurt by his poor health and tendency to give up lots of fly balls.
Overall draft grade: D+
--the pitchers drafted by Fargo are servicable, but only just. But considering that they probably won't be Fug Nuts by the end of next season, grading this teams picks is probably a moot point.
Helena Hellraisers
SP Brook Lennon, round 1, #19: A-
--Lennon has what it takes to be a top of the rotation innings eater. He has incredible stamina, excellent splits, a good GB/FB ratio, and two very good pitches. Is hurt only by is avearge control and last two pitches, which are slightly below average.
RF Justin Villano, round 2, #63: B
--Villano will be a slugging RF who will hit a lot of homers, but only bat in the .250 range. Average glove for the position. Will probably platoon with 3rd round pick Justin Stein, who is cut from the same cloth.
Overall draft grade: A-
--Lennon will be a solid major leaguer, and the power from the combination of Stein and Villano will make them an everyday force in the outfield.
Huntington Hillbillies
1B Spud Upshaw, round 1, #17: A-
--Very good slugging 1B with solid hitting skills across the board. Great in the clubhouse as well, and should reach his full potential.
1B P.T. Wiggins, round 2, #61: B-
-- Wiggins can hit, but with less power and contact than Upshaw. Joins an already loaded with 1B farm system, so his future with the Hillbillies is uncertain. 3rd round pick Joel Lee offers a contact hitting approach that Wiggins lacks, and is a change of pace.
Overall draft grade: B
--Upshaw will be a very good hitting 1B. Wiggins and Lee should be able to hit as well. The only problem is that Huntington is already loaded with 1B prospects, so where these players fit is in question.
Season 7 Draft Recap - Anaheim through Charlotte
Draft analysis of the first two rounds by Peter Van Stoeke, Hardball Scout Specialists, special to Cobb Times Herald.
Anaheim Sharks
SS Lew Allen, round 1, #32: B+
--Allen projects to be a very talented hitter with superior power and splits. But his range is below average for the SS position, and he has a tendency to get hurt.
CF Preston Brand, round 1, #43: B+
--Brand has an exceptional glove, which offsets his average range. Good contact hitter with a good eye vs. lefties. Has trouble with right handed pitching however.
3B Morgan Stargell, round 2, #76, C
--Stargell has good range and a good glove for a 3B, but his bat is only average. Should be a solid backup in the bigs.
Overall draft grade: B+
--The Sharks drafted two starters and a solid backup with their first three picks. If Allen can stay healthy he should be a very good player.
Arizona Devildogs
3B Brandon Miller, round 1, #5: A
--Stud prospect with a good glove at the 3B position. Can hit equally well vs. lefties and righties. Has good pop with the bat as well, and can play every day without a rest if need be.
SS Curtis Hogg, round 2, #49: N/A
--If he signs the Devildogs will get some good depth at the SS position, but until then the jury is out.
C Ossie Bryne, round 3, #81: B
--Bryne is a good catcher who can throw runners out. His bat is solid, he has an exceptional eye vs. all pitching. Hurt by his below average pitch calling, contact, and power.
Overall draft grade: B+
--The Devildogs drafted two future starters who can both hit the ball very well. If Hogg signs then the draft will be even better.
Atlanta Warthogs
RP Hack Wyatt, round 1, #20: A-
--Wyatt projects to be their Warthogs big league closer in a few years after Sutton starts to tail off in production. He should have good control, velocity, GB/FB ratio, killer movement vs. righties, above avg vs. lefties, and two outstanding pitches.
SS Pablo Pinzon, round 2, #64: N/A
--Pinzon showed great defensive promise and good skills with the bat, but his contract demands are proving too high for the Warthogs.
3B Vernon Davis, round 3, #96, B-
--Davis has good skills with the glove for a 3B, and the Warthogs expect him to hit for decent average and power in the bigs in 4-5 seasons.
Overall draft grade: B
--The Warthogs filled a need with their first pick, but the inability to sign Pinzon knocks down their overall grade. Wyatt is a good third pick, but doesn't have the glove of Pinzon.
Boston Heat
SS Rob Taylor, round 1, #25: B+
--Taylor projects to be a solid hitting SS. His glove will only be average for the position, but his superior splits and batting eye should keep him in the lineup every day. Perhaps a position change to CF might be in his future.
SP Omar Lopez, round 1, #41: B
--Lopez could be a back end of the rotation starter, with above average splits, and excellent control. He is hurt by his average pitch selection, lack of velocity, and sub-par stamina.
2B Francis Kent, round 1, #44: B+
--Kent should be an everyday player in the bigs. His glove is only average, but his hitting skills are above average for the 2B position.
SS Russell Nady, round 2, #64: C
--Nady has the durability to play everyday, but unfortunately his glove is only average, which is not enough to offset his below average hitting abilities. Could be a solid bench player though.
Overall draft grade: B+
--The Heat bagged 3 solid big leaguers, and one fringe player with their four picks. While there may not be an all-star in the bunch, the quality of depth was well done.
Charlotte Dogs
SP Ariel Cervantes, round 1, #14: N/A
--Cervantes has what it takes to be a front line starter, if the Dogs meet his obscene contract demands. Good control, splits, and pitch selection would help Charlotte if he signs.
SS Stephan Cogan, round 1, #38: B+
--Cogan projects to be a below average defensive SS, but can hit the ball quite well vs. righties. Would be well served by a switch to 3B, where his glove would be better used.
Overall draft grade: C
--If Cervantes signs, the grade moves to a B+, but without a second round pick the depth of the draft is lacking.
Anaheim Sharks
SS Lew Allen, round 1, #32: B+
--Allen projects to be a very talented hitter with superior power and splits. But his range is below average for the SS position, and he has a tendency to get hurt.
CF Preston Brand, round 1, #43: B+
--Brand has an exceptional glove, which offsets his average range. Good contact hitter with a good eye vs. lefties. Has trouble with right handed pitching however.
3B Morgan Stargell, round 2, #76, C
--Stargell has good range and a good glove for a 3B, but his bat is only average. Should be a solid backup in the bigs.
Overall draft grade: B+
--The Sharks drafted two starters and a solid backup with their first three picks. If Allen can stay healthy he should be a very good player.
Arizona Devildogs
3B Brandon Miller, round 1, #5: A
--Stud prospect with a good glove at the 3B position. Can hit equally well vs. lefties and righties. Has good pop with the bat as well, and can play every day without a rest if need be.
SS Curtis Hogg, round 2, #49: N/A
--If he signs the Devildogs will get some good depth at the SS position, but until then the jury is out.
C Ossie Bryne, round 3, #81: B
--Bryne is a good catcher who can throw runners out. His bat is solid, he has an exceptional eye vs. all pitching. Hurt by his below average pitch calling, contact, and power.
Overall draft grade: B+
--The Devildogs drafted two future starters who can both hit the ball very well. If Hogg signs then the draft will be even better.
Atlanta Warthogs
RP Hack Wyatt, round 1, #20: A-
--Wyatt projects to be their Warthogs big league closer in a few years after Sutton starts to tail off in production. He should have good control, velocity, GB/FB ratio, killer movement vs. righties, above avg vs. lefties, and two outstanding pitches.
SS Pablo Pinzon, round 2, #64: N/A
--Pinzon showed great defensive promise and good skills with the bat, but his contract demands are proving too high for the Warthogs.
3B Vernon Davis, round 3, #96, B-
--Davis has good skills with the glove for a 3B, and the Warthogs expect him to hit for decent average and power in the bigs in 4-5 seasons.
Overall draft grade: B
--The Warthogs filled a need with their first pick, but the inability to sign Pinzon knocks down their overall grade. Wyatt is a good third pick, but doesn't have the glove of Pinzon.
Boston Heat
SS Rob Taylor, round 1, #25: B+
--Taylor projects to be a solid hitting SS. His glove will only be average for the position, but his superior splits and batting eye should keep him in the lineup every day. Perhaps a position change to CF might be in his future.
SP Omar Lopez, round 1, #41: B
--Lopez could be a back end of the rotation starter, with above average splits, and excellent control. He is hurt by his average pitch selection, lack of velocity, and sub-par stamina.
2B Francis Kent, round 1, #44: B+
--Kent should be an everyday player in the bigs. His glove is only average, but his hitting skills are above average for the 2B position.
SS Russell Nady, round 2, #64: C
--Nady has the durability to play everyday, but unfortunately his glove is only average, which is not enough to offset his below average hitting abilities. Could be a solid bench player though.
Overall draft grade: B+
--The Heat bagged 3 solid big leaguers, and one fringe player with their four picks. While there may not be an all-star in the bunch, the quality of depth was well done.
Charlotte Dogs
SP Ariel Cervantes, round 1, #14: N/A
--Cervantes has what it takes to be a front line starter, if the Dogs meet his obscene contract demands. Good control, splits, and pitch selection would help Charlotte if he signs.
SS Stephan Cogan, round 1, #38: B+
--Cogan projects to be a below average defensive SS, but can hit the ball quite well vs. righties. Would be well served by a switch to 3B, where his glove would be better used.
Overall draft grade: C
--If Cervantes signs, the grade moves to a B+, but without a second round pick the depth of the draft is lacking.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Kip Zeile - Still No Comment
Tito McQueen - Cobb Times HeraldChicago Sabercats slugger Kip Zeile is still refusing to talk to the media. His boycott, stemming from several misconstrued comments in the Cobb Times Herald, has been going on since opening day. Thus we are unable to report on rumors involving wagers on UFC matches and the purchasing of a European sports car for each day of the week. Sources have indicated that Zeile has purchased a Lotus, a Lamborghini, two Jaguars, a Ferrari, an Aston Martin, and two Porsche 911's. Zeile refused to comment about the purchases, and referred the Herald to his agent, Guido Giacoletti, who said, "Kip's cars are none of your business." But the fans seem to think that his foreign car habit is ok. "As long as he keeps hitting the dingers, I don't care if he prefers foreign or domestics," said Sabercat fan Chuck Harris.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Owner Q&A - squidvicious
Cortez Mack - Cobb Times Herald
Today we were able to get some quotes and comments on the league from the often controversial, always outspoken squidvicious, owner of the Jackson Pollocks, and the only consecutive loser of the World Series in Cobb World history.
Well let me first say thank you for giving me this forum to refute some of the vicious rumours that have surfaced recently about me and Ms. Cleo - I absolutely did not pour oil on my head and rub it all over her...I'm not even bald!
You are the only owner to lose two world series in Cobb World, do you consider that an honor or a curse?
--C-O-N-S-E-C-U-T-I-V-E world series! That's gotta count for something...I mean, our model is to consistently challenge for the 5th or 6th playoff spot, and so far we've been able to accomplish that most seasons. That we snuck in to the WS once was, like, OMG! To get there again the very next year, well...we weren't really paying attention, but had we been, I'm sure we would've pee'd our pants.
Where do you think it all went wrong in your world series appearances?
--Season 4 was our best chance. It was a somewhat down year for the rest of the division, 90+ wins finally got us 1st place! And we had some really good offensive production out of our homegrown guys, as well as newcomers Michael Ellis and Roosevelt Lowell. After a tough series with Fargo, we swept Omaha and were actually up 2-0 over Anaheim before losing 4 straight. What went wrong? Eh...lost a couple key starters to injuries just as the WS began, but still, I was up 2-0!!! I think my players weren't exactly motivated by my offer to give them each a Yugo if they swept.
Your team has always been quite solid with it's pitching. Who is the best hurler you have had on your team through the years?
--Great question! Sorry my answer is lame...I think I've always tried to build depth rather than target top of the line studs. Not that my current #1 & #2 aren't legit, they are. But even my best pitchers are a half-step or so behind the really good pitchers in the league. Another key is more luck I suppose. I've been able to find decent 'cast offs' who perform really well in Jackson. This season's example is Miguel Fernandez. Not sure why he left Helena, I think he was caught sniffing glue with the owner's son....but we don't mind...we don't mind.
If you could pick one pitcher and one hitter from any other franchise to be on your team, who would they be and why?
--We see a lot of Pat Barber and Dallas Kline, and they kill us routinely. Having them in Jackson would be great. But I like balance, and having a LH counter punch to Domingo Montana would be fantastic, so a guy like Jose Barrios would be at the top of the list. As for pitchers, there are lot of solid starters who would go right at the top of the rotation and help us a ton. But consistency in the bull pen is hard to come by. We traded away two closers in Sean Hill and Sarma Inge who’ve had great success, but a guy like those two or Randall Harvey of the Sharks would anchor pen nicely.
Which Sid Vicious do you prefer, wrestler or rocker?
--Rocker. The legacy of the Sex Pistols is awesome! They helped bridge rock from the “classic”, hippie style to the 80’s alternative movement, which later spawned grunge and a punk revival….at least, that’s what I learned watching “School of Rock”.
Is there any truth to the rumor that Big Pig Pork Rind night at Boone Stadium was the highest attended game of the year in Jackson?
--That and Free Dental Implant night.
Who is the Pollocks biggest rival, Huntington, Louisville, Fargo, Sioux Falls, or art critic Craig Brown?
--The Brits hate Americans who can procrastinate and still produce. By the way, for those who still don’t know who Pollock is, create your own masterpiece at http://www.jacksonpollock.org/.
As far as teams go, we’re sort of the third wheel in the division. The Louisville/Huntington rivalry is always strong, we’re sort of the little brother always tagging along. Sioux Falls has always been in a similar position in the North, and we’re always vying for those WC spots with them…maybe next time they’re in town we’ll call the series the “War of Northern Aggression”.
Who on the Pollocks roster would you enter in the World's Strongest Man competition?
--Catcher Carlos Machado is our version of Pudge. Plus, his nickname practically writes itself.
Do you think that Gary Oldman did a good job portraying you in Sid and Nancy?
--Oldman’s a stud, just fantastic. But like Nancy says, ‘never trust a junkie’.
Which prospect of yours are you most looking forward to seeing in the bigs?
--Our cupboard is pretty bare, and the recent draft wasn’t great. And a couple previous top picks have been wiped out by injuries. So we’re probably going to hit a real bad patch soon unless we start spending more on college scouting, signing international prospects, or skip the draft and sign a ton of free agents.
What do you think of mrploppie referring to alogman1 as "log" ?
--It’s obvious his remaining brain cells have a hard time with multi-syllabic words…it’s a shame too, I feel partly responsible since I spiked his Ensure with corn whiskey last time Fargo was in town.
Which pitcher and hitter do you dread facing most?
--Hmmm, well…there are times when our pitching will get anyone out, or nobody. Similarly, our hitters sometimes crush all comers, or go ‘oh for’ against the ball girl. So…we fear no one, and everyone.
Is Domingo Montana's mustache as cool as Eric Collins'?
--Maybe…we tease Dom all the time about that thing. It’s odd, but growing up in the Dominican Republic, he listened to a lot of Jimmy Buffet and thought all Americans really did have pencil thin mustaches.
If you had to pick a player from the Pollocks that would make the Hall of Fame, who would it be?
--Well, Montana obviously has a shot. Great production and he mostly plays SS, which makes him pretty valuable. I’m not sure any of the pitchers will get there.
Better video: "Fat" by Weird Al or "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest?
--I’ve never been a fan of latex suits, unless it involves pulleys, Vaseline, and couple cheerleaders. I guess the same could be said for spiked dog collars and leather chaps. So I’d have to call it a draw.
Today we were able to get some quotes and comments on the league from the often controversial, always outspoken squidvicious, owner of the Jackson Pollocks, and the only consecutive loser of the World Series in Cobb World history.
Well let me first say thank you for giving me this forum to refute some of the vicious rumours that have surfaced recently about me and Ms. Cleo - I absolutely did not pour oil on my head and rub it all over her...I'm not even bald!
You are the only owner to lose two world series in Cobb World, do you consider that an honor or a curse?
--C-O-N-S-E-C-U-T-I-V-E world series! That's gotta count for something...I mean, our model is to consistently challenge for the 5th or 6th playoff spot, and so far we've been able to accomplish that most seasons. That we snuck in to the WS once was, like, OMG! To get there again the very next year, well...we weren't really paying attention, but had we been, I'm sure we would've pee'd our pants.
Where do you think it all went wrong in your world series appearances?
--Season 4 was our best chance. It was a somewhat down year for the rest of the division, 90+ wins finally got us 1st place! And we had some really good offensive production out of our homegrown guys, as well as newcomers Michael Ellis and Roosevelt Lowell. After a tough series with Fargo, we swept Omaha and were actually up 2-0 over Anaheim before losing 4 straight. What went wrong? Eh...lost a couple key starters to injuries just as the WS began, but still, I was up 2-0!!! I think my players weren't exactly motivated by my offer to give them each a Yugo if they swept.
Your team has always been quite solid with it's pitching. Who is the best hurler you have had on your team through the years?
--Great question! Sorry my answer is lame...I think I've always tried to build depth rather than target top of the line studs. Not that my current #1 & #2 aren't legit, they are. But even my best pitchers are a half-step or so behind the really good pitchers in the league. Another key is more luck I suppose. I've been able to find decent 'cast offs' who perform really well in Jackson. This season's example is Miguel Fernandez. Not sure why he left Helena, I think he was caught sniffing glue with the owner's son....but we don't mind...we don't mind.
If you could pick one pitcher and one hitter from any other franchise to be on your team, who would they be and why?
--We see a lot of Pat Barber and Dallas Kline, and they kill us routinely. Having them in Jackson would be great. But I like balance, and having a LH counter punch to Domingo Montana would be fantastic, so a guy like Jose Barrios would be at the top of the list. As for pitchers, there are lot of solid starters who would go right at the top of the rotation and help us a ton. But consistency in the bull pen is hard to come by. We traded away two closers in Sean Hill and Sarma Inge who’ve had great success, but a guy like those two or Randall Harvey of the Sharks would anchor pen nicely.
Which Sid Vicious do you prefer, wrestler or rocker?
--Rocker. The legacy of the Sex Pistols is awesome! They helped bridge rock from the “classic”, hippie style to the 80’s alternative movement, which later spawned grunge and a punk revival….at least, that’s what I learned watching “School of Rock”.
Is there any truth to the rumor that Big Pig Pork Rind night at Boone Stadium was the highest attended game of the year in Jackson?
--That and Free Dental Implant night.
Who is the Pollocks biggest rival, Huntington, Louisville, Fargo, Sioux Falls, or art critic Craig Brown?
--The Brits hate Americans who can procrastinate and still produce. By the way, for those who still don’t know who Pollock is, create your own masterpiece at http://www.jacksonpollock.org/.
As far as teams go, we’re sort of the third wheel in the division. The Louisville/Huntington rivalry is always strong, we’re sort of the little brother always tagging along. Sioux Falls has always been in a similar position in the North, and we’re always vying for those WC spots with them…maybe next time they’re in town we’ll call the series the “War of Northern Aggression”.
Who on the Pollocks roster would you enter in the World's Strongest Man competition?
--Catcher Carlos Machado is our version of Pudge. Plus, his nickname practically writes itself.
Do you think that Gary Oldman did a good job portraying you in Sid and Nancy?
--Oldman’s a stud, just fantastic. But like Nancy says, ‘never trust a junkie’.
Which prospect of yours are you most looking forward to seeing in the bigs?
--Our cupboard is pretty bare, and the recent draft wasn’t great. And a couple previous top picks have been wiped out by injuries. So we’re probably going to hit a real bad patch soon unless we start spending more on college scouting, signing international prospects, or skip the draft and sign a ton of free agents.
What do you think of mrploppie referring to alogman1 as "log" ?
--It’s obvious his remaining brain cells have a hard time with multi-syllabic words…it’s a shame too, I feel partly responsible since I spiked his Ensure with corn whiskey last time Fargo was in town.
Which pitcher and hitter do you dread facing most?
--Hmmm, well…there are times when our pitching will get anyone out, or nobody. Similarly, our hitters sometimes crush all comers, or go ‘oh for’ against the ball girl. So…we fear no one, and everyone.
Is Domingo Montana's mustache as cool as Eric Collins'?
--Maybe…we tease Dom all the time about that thing. It’s odd, but growing up in the Dominican Republic, he listened to a lot of Jimmy Buffet and thought all Americans really did have pencil thin mustaches.
If you had to pick a player from the Pollocks that would make the Hall of Fame, who would it be?
--Well, Montana obviously has a shot. Great production and he mostly plays SS, which makes him pretty valuable. I’m not sure any of the pitchers will get there.
Better video: "Fat" by Weird Al or "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest?
--I’ve never been a fan of latex suits, unless it involves pulleys, Vaseline, and couple cheerleaders. I guess the same could be said for spiked dog collars and leather chaps. So I’d have to call it a draw.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Prospect Report - Wichita Wankers
The top five prospects for the Wichita Wankers, as rated by Baseball Guru LLC, special to the Cobb Times Herald
SP Davey Silva: A
--Devastating pitcher with the potential for perfect control. Absolutely dominant vs. right handers, and very good vs. lefties as well. Doesn't give up the flyball, and has two elite pitches. A complete package.
LF Tanner Durham: A
--Monster LF with the bat, shows no weakness in any area at the plate. Very good vs. lefties, and should be an everyday fixture in the lineup when he makes the bigs.
3B Rodney Toombs: A
--Toombs has the potential to hit 5o HR's a year, with an average over .300 every season. Should be an offensive powerhouse in the majors. Glove is average, perhaps mroe suited to a corner OF position.
SS Carlton Nelson: A+
--If there was a can't miss prospect, it's Nelson. Gifted with the glove and bat, he is a true 5 tool player. Bringing gold glove and silver slugger potential to the SS position makes him an A+.
2B Ignacio Lopez: A
--Great glove and range will make him a great defensive SS. His bat is good as well, especially vs. lefties. Speedy player should cause lots of trouble on the basepath.
SP Davey Silva: A
--Devastating pitcher with the potential for perfect control. Absolutely dominant vs. right handers, and very good vs. lefties as well. Doesn't give up the flyball, and has two elite pitches. A complete package.
LF Tanner Durham: A
--Monster LF with the bat, shows no weakness in any area at the plate. Very good vs. lefties, and should be an everyday fixture in the lineup when he makes the bigs.
3B Rodney Toombs: A
--Toombs has the potential to hit 5o HR's a year, with an average over .300 every season. Should be an offensive powerhouse in the majors. Glove is average, perhaps mroe suited to a corner OF position.
SS Carlton Nelson: A+
--If there was a can't miss prospect, it's Nelson. Gifted with the glove and bat, he is a true 5 tool player. Bringing gold glove and silver slugger potential to the SS position makes him an A+.
2B Ignacio Lopez: A
--Great glove and range will make him a great defensive SS. His bat is good as well, especially vs. lefties. Speedy player should cause lots of trouble on the basepath.
Prospect Report - Durham Pitbulls
The top five prospects for the Durham Pitbulls, as rated by Baseball Guru LLC, special to the Cobb Times Herald
SS Alex Liriano: B+
--Talented with the glove, Liriano also has an excellent batting eye. Range is a little lower than you would like in a SS, and is only average at the plate in terms of contact and power.
LF Hawk Gutierrez: B
--Excellent skills vs. right handed pitching, average to slightly above average at the plate elsewhere. Glove projects to be adequate for LF, and has the durability to play most days.
RP Charles White: B+
--Remarkable control and deceptive movement vs. Righties. Has trouble with the left handed batter. Doesn't give up many flyballs, and has two good pitches one of which is nearly unhittable.
SP Midre Castro: B
--Quality SP with 5 good to above average pitches. Decent control, and slightly above average splits. If his pitches fully develop he could be trouble for opposing hitters.
3B Louie Beltre: C+
--Average hitter with a weakness vs. left handed pitching. Solid vs. righties and has a decent batting eye. Is well conditioned, and can play every game, but will likely be a backup.
SS Alex Liriano: B+
--Talented with the glove, Liriano also has an excellent batting eye. Range is a little lower than you would like in a SS, and is only average at the plate in terms of contact and power.
LF Hawk Gutierrez: B
--Excellent skills vs. right handed pitching, average to slightly above average at the plate elsewhere. Glove projects to be adequate for LF, and has the durability to play most days.
RP Charles White: B+
--Remarkable control and deceptive movement vs. Righties. Has trouble with the left handed batter. Doesn't give up many flyballs, and has two good pitches one of which is nearly unhittable.
SP Midre Castro: B
--Quality SP with 5 good to above average pitches. Decent control, and slightly above average splits. If his pitches fully develop he could be trouble for opposing hitters.
3B Louie Beltre: C+
--Average hitter with a weakness vs. left handed pitching. Solid vs. righties and has a decent batting eye. Is well conditioned, and can play every game, but will likely be a backup.
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