Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Last season Lars was proven wrong at every corner, and with the World Series Triumph of the New York Titans, his prognostical prowess was shattered. But Lars is back anyways for one more shot at predicting glory, and this time he has learned his lesson: Never pick against the Titans or the Pollocks.
NL North
Fargo Fug Nuts (121-41) 1st place
Question: Will Louie Mairena, O.T. Jarvis, & Dennis Ashby hit enough to offset the loss of Vernon Jones, Jim Green, & Hades Booker who were traded in the offseason?
Answer: The Fug Nuts are deep, and no amount of trades can change that.
Outlook: 105-57 - 1st place. The Fug Nuts have too much talent to finish anywhere other than 1st in the NL North. The real test will be if they can get homefield for the playoffs, and then make it past their opening round series.
New York Pick Pockets (73-89) 3rd Place
Question: Will Elvis Christman get any support in the Pick Pockets rotation, or will he be the only starter that can be counted on?
Answer: The Pick Pockets lineup will hit lots of home runs, with seven players boasting 87+ power ratings, and that doesn't include MVP candidate Stewart DiSarcina.
Outlook: 84-78 - 2nd place. The Pick Pockets lineup should be good enough to hit past their pitching issues and move into second place past the Corn Cleats in what should be an exciting race to finish behind the Fug Nuts.
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (77-85) 2nd place
Question: Will the Corn Cleats anemic lineup recover from career lows by nearly everyone to once again be competetive?
Answer: Vance Weaver is always the answer in Cleatland, and with a little more run support should have won 20 games last season.
Outlook: 80-82 - 3rd place. The Corn Cleats are in a holding pattern until their pitching prospects arrive in season 10. This could be the year that they slide from their traditional second place finish.
Toledo Tsunamis (55-107) 4th place
Question: Will the Tsunamis break 60 wins?
Answer: Fans in Toledo should be looking at the minor league teams in Ashtabula, Perrysburg, and Upper Sandusky for the real players on the Tsunamis, as that's where the future of the team will be playing.
Outlook: 60-102 - 4th place. Toledo has some work to do, but it is building its farm system and looks to have a crop of prospects hit the bigs in a few seasons with hopes to challenge the rest of the NL North. This year however it looks like another trip to the cellar for Toledo.
AL North
Pawtucket G-Maniacs (108-54) 1st place
Question: How good will the G-Maniacs be after the mass exodus of Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers in the off season?
Answer: Dean Hernandez will be in contention to win his second Cy Young.
Outlook: 98-64 - 1st place. The G's may have lost quite a bit of talent, but their roster was loaded to begin with. Add to the fact that none of that talent was from Pawtuckets brilliant pitching staff and you still have a team that is a force to be reckoned with.
Philadelphia Floppin' Phils (79-83) 2nd place
Question: Will the Phils offseason spending splurge result in a playoff spot?
Answer: The pitching staff still lacks a true #1 starter.
Outlook: 91-71 - 2nd place. The Phil's lineup will rake in the runs, but the average pitching staff will cost them some games. Still, Philly will compete for the wildcard for the first time in many seasons.
Chicago Sabercats (67-95) 3rd place
Question: Will Kip Zeile ever get any love from the Cobb Times Herald?
Answer: Ugueth Posada will be the teams best pitcher this season.
Outlook: 72-90 - 3rd place. The Sabercats have some good parts, but their talent level isn't equal to the Powerful P's of Philly and Pawtucket. This doesn't bode well for Zeile's MVP campaign as media attention may once again be lacking.
Toronto Blue Jays (59-103) 4th Place
Question: Will the large number of rookies in the lineup and rotation be able to better last years win total?
Answer: Bosco Simon has big time potential and should lead the young Blue Jays lineup.
Outlook: 60-102 - 4th place. Fans of the Jays will have a good time watching the rookies play, but need to be patient while they adjust to the big league game. Still, the future is brighter in Toronto than it was a few seasons ago.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Pawtucket Experiences Bat Brain Drain
Buster Gunns - Cobb Times Herald
Pawtucket has hit a draft pick bonanza in season 9, but not every fan of the G-Maniacs is happy about it. Pawtucket, which boasts 6 first round picks after half of it's starting lineup opted for free agency in the offseason, is facing a fan uproar for their refusal to sign the local favorites. The list of departing players from Pawtucket reads like a wish list of players many teams would love to have in thier dugout. O.T. Jarvis is a career .300 hitter with two all star appearances, Richard Davis is a 6 time all star and 4 time Gold Glove CF, Bo Stein hits for major power, and Tom Pettitte is a three time all star and two time silver slugger.
G-Maniac fan Alger Petitbone wasn't thrilled with the departures, "The G-Maniacs are a team that needs to reload, not rebuild. But alas that ship has sailed down the Seekonk River to the sea, and Pawtucket is doomed to rock upon rocky shores this season." Fellow fan Millard Tarkington was also pessimistic about the G-Maniacs chances this year, "It is as if we have shot the albatross by letting these all stars go, now I feel in my heart that Pawtucket will be a cursed franchise, and the rest of the league will be feasting upon our bones." Outside of the two G-Maniacs fans found at a local used bookstore, the rest of the city was also upset. Dockworker Frank Fellicetti was ired at the departure of his favorite player, Richard Davis, "This is ********! Davis was the best, he could school Jose Barrios or Dallas Kline any day of the week. Now this team aint worth a bag o' nuts!"
But the players and GM of the G-Maniacs had a different side of the story to tell. Jarvis, who signed with the Fargo Fug Nuts, said it was all about winning. "Even with our awesome team there was no way we were ever going to beat Anaheim, so I decided to move to a team that could," said Jarvis. Pettitte, a known literary critic and fan of high culture, was disappointed with what the city had to offer. "It is with great pleasure I leave this city, which couldn't even crack the top 400 cities rated by Money Magazine, for a renowned center of American culture such as Philadelphia. I look forward to being able to catch a good opera, and some fine cinema," announced Pettitte. Richard Davis said it was all about the cash. "I gotta feed my family, and Pawtucket wasn't about to do that," exclaimed Davis. As for Bo Stein, it was all about the culinary offerings of Louisville. "I love fried chicken, and you know that fried chicken is goin on in Louisville! KFC, the Colonel, it's all about the chicken. Heck, even the team is named the Tysons, after Tyson chicken no doubt!" voiced a very excited Stein.
Pawtucket PR representative Carlton Smithersby tried to explain his teams moves. "Looking at our budget situation moving foward we had to decide whether to keep the pitching staff or our offense, and the pitching won out. They say pitching and defense wins games, and so we decided that we don't need to score runs to make that happen. Besides, now we get to spend 20 million dollars on prospect signing bonuses!" stated Smithersby. "The only downside to getting rid of all of that offense is that Davis and Pettitte signed with the Floppin' Phils. My boss will throw a hissyfit if they finish ahead of us in the standings," he said.
Regardless of how the free agent departures work out in the long run for the G-Maniacs, it is certain that Pawtucket is no longer the team it once was, and the chances of them competing and losing in yet another AL championship are much reduced.
Pawtucket has hit a draft pick bonanza in season 9, but not every fan of the G-Maniacs is happy about it. Pawtucket, which boasts 6 first round picks after half of it's starting lineup opted for free agency in the offseason, is facing a fan uproar for their refusal to sign the local favorites. The list of departing players from Pawtucket reads like a wish list of players many teams would love to have in thier dugout. O.T. Jarvis is a career .300 hitter with two all star appearances, Richard Davis is a 6 time all star and 4 time Gold Glove CF, Bo Stein hits for major power, and Tom Pettitte is a three time all star and two time silver slugger.
G-Maniac fan Alger Petitbone wasn't thrilled with the departures, "The G-Maniacs are a team that needs to reload, not rebuild. But alas that ship has sailed down the Seekonk River to the sea, and Pawtucket is doomed to rock upon rocky shores this season." Fellow fan Millard Tarkington was also pessimistic about the G-Maniacs chances this year, "It is as if we have shot the albatross by letting these all stars go, now I feel in my heart that Pawtucket will be a cursed franchise, and the rest of the league will be feasting upon our bones." Outside of the two G-Maniacs fans found at a local used bookstore, the rest of the city was also upset. Dockworker Frank Fellicetti was ired at the departure of his favorite player, Richard Davis, "This is ********! Davis was the best, he could school Jose Barrios or Dallas Kline any day of the week. Now this team aint worth a bag o' nuts!"
But the players and GM of the G-Maniacs had a different side of the story to tell. Jarvis, who signed with the Fargo Fug Nuts, said it was all about winning. "Even with our awesome team there was no way we were ever going to beat Anaheim, so I decided to move to a team that could," said Jarvis. Pettitte, a known literary critic and fan of high culture, was disappointed with what the city had to offer. "It is with great pleasure I leave this city, which couldn't even crack the top 400 cities rated by Money Magazine, for a renowned center of American culture such as Philadelphia. I look forward to being able to catch a good opera, and some fine cinema," announced Pettitte. Richard Davis said it was all about the cash. "I gotta feed my family, and Pawtucket wasn't about to do that," exclaimed Davis. As for Bo Stein, it was all about the culinary offerings of Louisville. "I love fried chicken, and you know that fried chicken is goin on in Louisville! KFC, the Colonel, it's all about the chicken. Heck, even the team is named the Tysons, after Tyson chicken no doubt!" voiced a very excited Stein.
Pawtucket PR representative Carlton Smithersby tried to explain his teams moves. "Looking at our budget situation moving foward we had to decide whether to keep the pitching staff or our offense, and the pitching won out. They say pitching and defense wins games, and so we decided that we don't need to score runs to make that happen. Besides, now we get to spend 20 million dollars on prospect signing bonuses!" stated Smithersby. "The only downside to getting rid of all of that offense is that Davis and Pettitte signed with the Floppin' Phils. My boss will throw a hissyfit if they finish ahead of us in the standings," he said.
Regardless of how the free agent departures work out in the long run for the G-Maniacs, it is certain that Pawtucket is no longer the team it once was, and the chances of them competing and losing in yet another AL championship are much reduced.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Fábrica de béisbol de diablos Shut Down!
Buster Gunns - Cobb Times Herald
The infamous "Fábrica de béisbol de diablos," the legendary baseball factory in the jungles of Puerto Rico, has been closed down by Puerto Rican authorities after human rights violations became evident. The factory, known for it's militaristic approach to baseball training, was responsible for some of the best prospects in recent Cobb World history, including studs such as Paul Jung, Quilvio Suarez, Jimmie Julio, Geronimo Liriano, Sammy Bennett, Omar Rosado, Pedro Franco, Joseph Funaki, and scores of others. In fact, last season's crop of international signings was perhaps the greatest talent haul in the history of baseball.
There was a noticeable drop in talent quality this season though, which led to suspicion that the fabrica was running into some troubles. The best prospects signed this year were all flawed in some way or another, with the top three money getters illustrating the point. Ugueth Perez is a closer with average splits and a weak third pitch, Rico Fernandez is a
starting pitcher with major control issues, and Jesus Campos is a slugger who can't even think about hitting right handed pitching. With the issues in basic baseball fundamentals rearing their heads in the skills of it's prospects, it was evident that the discipline for which the fabrica was famous was failing.
GM's across the league were unhappy with the quality of the prospects, and voiced their opinions on the subject. FW_Kekionga of the Sioux Falls Corn Cleats said, "It may have been the humane thing to do in shutting down the fabrica, but what is the suffering of one kid in a baseball factory compared to the suffering of thousands of fans in Sioux Falls for inferior talent on the field?"
The Puerto Rican authorities were forced to make a move on the fabrica after an expose in the Cobb Times Herald in which the reporter risked his life to chronicle the forbidden workings of the baseball compound. The caning of recruits and the constant presence of machine guns was too much for many citizens to bear, thus the law was forced to act. 27 people were arrested on arms and kidnapping charges, 302 guns were seized, as were 3267 baseballs, 400 Louisville Slugger bats, 340
gloves, 30 catchers mitts, 2 boxes of cleats, 3 cases of HGH, 2 boxes of Cuban cigars, 3 Pit Bulls, 4 Tom Emansky fielding videos, and 14 boxes of Big League Chew.
The operation was a success by some accounts, but the mysterious head of the fabrica remains at large, with rumors flying that he was tipped off to the seizure operation. His whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities are requesting that you call their tip line if you have any information, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
The infamous "Fábrica de béisbol de diablos," the legendary baseball factory in the jungles of Puerto Rico, has been closed down by Puerto Rican authorities after human rights violations became evident. The factory, known for it's militaristic approach to baseball training, was responsible for some of the best prospects in recent Cobb World history, including studs such as Paul Jung, Quilvio Suarez, Jimmie Julio, Geronimo Liriano, Sammy Bennett, Omar Rosado, Pedro Franco, Joseph Funaki, and scores of others. In fact, last season's crop of international signings was perhaps the greatest talent haul in the history of baseball.
There was a noticeable drop in talent quality this season though, which led to suspicion that the fabrica was running into some troubles. The best prospects signed this year were all flawed in some way or another, with the top three money getters illustrating the point. Ugueth Perez is a closer with average splits and a weak third pitch, Rico Fernandez is a
starting pitcher with major control issues, and Jesus Campos is a slugger who can't even think about hitting right handed pitching. With the issues in basic baseball fundamentals rearing their heads in the skills of it's prospects, it was evident that the discipline for which the fabrica was famous was failing.GM's across the league were unhappy with the quality of the prospects, and voiced their opinions on the subject. FW_Kekionga of the Sioux Falls Corn Cleats said, "It may have been the humane thing to do in shutting down the fabrica, but what is the suffering of one kid in a baseball factory compared to the suffering of thousands of fans in Sioux Falls for inferior talent on the field?"
The Puerto Rican authorities were forced to make a move on the fabrica after an expose in the Cobb Times Herald in which the reporter risked his life to chronicle the forbidden workings of the baseball compound. The caning of recruits and the constant presence of machine guns was too much for many citizens to bear, thus the law was forced to act. 27 people were arrested on arms and kidnapping charges, 302 guns were seized, as were 3267 baseballs, 400 Louisville Slugger bats, 340
gloves, 30 catchers mitts, 2 boxes of cleats, 3 cases of HGH, 2 boxes of Cuban cigars, 3 Pit Bulls, 4 Tom Emansky fielding videos, and 14 boxes of Big League Chew.The operation was a success by some accounts, but the mysterious head of the fabrica remains at large, with rumors flying that he was tipped off to the seizure operation. His whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities are requesting that you call their tip line if you have any information, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
International Update
Igor Gallindo - Cobb Times Herald
With the completion of Season 8 of Cobb World, Cobb Times Herald statistical guru Igor Gallindo spent some time revisiting the research into the trends in the international prospect market conducted in season 7. Focusing specifically on the big money prospects of 3 million or more. Here are his results by season, updated through Season 8. As you can see there is a significant drop in big money prospects from last season to this year.
3-5.9 Million Dollars
- 11
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 13
6-7.9 Million Dollars
- 2
- 7
- 1
- 5
- 2
- 6
- 2
- 2
8-10.9 Million Dollars
- 0
- 2
- 4
- 5
- 5
- 3
- 9
- 2
11-13.9 Million Dollars
- 0
- 0
- 0
- 4
- 0
- 5
- 2
- 3
14+ Million Dollars
- 0
- 0
- 0
- 0
- 4
- 0
- 4
- 1
In looking at the data it is quite evident that the top end international salaries are increasing. Here is a look at the top internationals from season one onward.
Season 1
- Rico Estrada - $7.1M
- R. J. Cubillan - $7.0M
- Jolbert Macias - $5.7M
Season 2
- Victor Gandarillas - $8.4M
- James Gao - $8.2M
- Diego Villa - 7.7M
Season 3
- Javier Alvarez - $9.7M
- Phil Chang - $9.1M
- Luis Velazquez - $8.5M
- Josias Lopez - $8.5M
Season 4
- Tony Cho - $12.5M
- Rafael Borges - $10.1M
- Max Xiao - $10.0M
- Yorvit Hernandez - $10.0M
Season 5
- Victor Johnson - $15.0M
- Alfonso Vega - $14.5M
- Jung Lee - $14.5M
Season 6
- Jose Ordaz - $13.8M
- Virgil Dominguez - $11.5M
- Rico Cruz - $10.6M
Season 7
- Paul Jung - $17.8M
- Quilvio Suarez - $17.0M
- Jimmie Julio - $14.6
- Ugueth Perez - $14.3M
- Rico Fernandez - $13.1M
- Jesus Campos - $13.0M
Thursday, June 19, 2008
World Series Preview - New York vs. Omaha
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
The playoff field has been narrowed to the final two teams, the defending champion Omaha Sluggers representing the National League, and the surprising wild card entry New York Titans from the American League. To see who has the advantage, Lars the Greek weighs in with a position by position analysis of the two teams.
Catcher: Tony Fernandez is the backstop for the NY Titans, and he is a slap hitter who is good vs. lefties at the plate, and is average with the glove and calls an ok but not exceptional game. Veteran Fausto Pena is an exceptional pitch caller for the Sluggers, but his aging body isn't the best defensively and he is easy to steal on. At the plate he hits for average but won't alter a game.
Advantage: Even
1B: Titan Stone Duran is a talented hitter with above average power and a good eye vs. right handed pitching, but hasn't been effective this post season, batting a measly .204. Josh Price of the Sluggers is a hitting machine when healthy, which he currently is. He has had a monster playoffs, batting .324 with an OPS of .999.
Advantage: Omaha
2B: Phil Coleman mans 2B for the Titans, and is a solid player who is above average at the plate and with the glove. He has hit safely in all 13 playoff games thus far, and is red hot heading into the series. Bill Norton has been a stalwart in the Sluggers lineup and although he has more raw talent than Coleman, he has been average this post season and has yet to really turn it on.
Advantage: New York
SS: Rico Estrada is the man in New York, and even if he isn't playing to his capabilities yet, he is still the lynch pin in the Titans offense, and he is outstanding with the glove. Ken Daniels is a very good player in his own right, and can more than handle his end for Omaha at the plate and in the field. But Estrada is one of the games greats, and has to get the edge.
Advantage: New York
3B: Russ Smith mans the hot corner for the Titans, and is a very good defensive 3B. But his skills at the plate aren't elite, as is evidenced by his .176 average in the playoffs. On the other hand Sammy Maduro has been killing the ball for the Sluggers, hitting nearly .400 in the playoffs. His glove work is pretty good too.
Advantage: Omaha
LF: Adrian Parker of the Titans has been having a phenomenal post season, hitting .352 and running the Titans offense. This is above and beyond what was expected of him, and it is a pleasant surprise for New York. Legendary Jose Barrios is the LF for Omaha, and it goes without saying that he is dangerous every time he is at the plate. Even with Parkers amazing playoffs, the edge has to go to Barrios.
Advantage: Omaha
CF: P.T. Turner has been outstanding in the playoffs, which is expected of a player of his quality. His .362 average is only just behind Coleman's this post season. Tomas Diaz celebrated his escape from the New York Brokers with an MVP quality regular season, but has followed that with a playoff dud, batting only .217 thus far.
Advantage: New York
RF: Tito Sisco is a promising young RF for New York, and has been solid this post season, batting .292 and playing well otherwise. For Omaha Albert Burnett is promising but is hitting as if his bat were made of lead, with an average of .200 with 13 strikeouts. Both players are equal in talent, but Sisco seems to be having the better playoffs.
Advantage: New York
Bench: Playing in a NL stadium allows NY to move Carlos Gomez to the bench from his DH position. But other than that no Titan backup has played at all in the playoffs. Omaha has given their backups plenty of at bats, to varying degrees of success. Still since Omaha actually used their bench, they get the edge.
Advantage: Omaha
Starting Pitching: It's hard to argue with Omaha's rotation, especially when Kazuhiro Ong can start nearly every other game if need be. Flip Heathcott, B.C. Steenstra, and Ivan Canseco have also seen action starting games, and all are very good, but Steenstra's lone outing was a bit of a disaster. Ong is rapidly securing his place as Philip Browns successor as the dominant playoff pitcher in the league. For New York veteran Rabbit Leyritz has been their rock this post season, as Cy Young candidate Matthew Pryce has less effective than expected. Jason Sheldon has been better than expected, but that is balanced unfortunately by the struggles of Benji Eckenstahler and Bud Howard.
Advantage: Omaha
Bullpen: Omaha was able to help their bullpen considerably by moving Clyde Ford from the rotation to long relief for the playoffs. Sean Hill still manages to close games out, defying the predictions of Lars at every step. And Bob Maduro has been unhittable in the playoffs. For New York Mark White has completely locked down the opposition at the end of games. The rest of the pen, including Al Ingram, Bobby Davidson, Alex Nunez, and Hayes Brinson, have been the reason New York has been able to make it to the world series, as they have also been nearly untouchable.
Advantage: Even
Mojo: New York has been red hot, and pulled off some big time upsets in the series wins over the #1 and #2 seeds in the AL in Anaheim and Pawtucket. Omaha beat some pretty tough teams as well in Fargo and St. Louis, and they are the defending champions. But new York has repeatedly counteracted the predictions of Lars the Greek.
Advantage: New York
Series Prediction: Although New York may have the mojo, and although their bullpen is red hot, Lars is going to pick the Omaha Sluggers to repeat and become the first two time champion in Cobb World. The bottom line is that the lineups are comparable, but Omaha's starting pitching, especially King Ong, will prove to be simply too much for New York. Until you have been on the receiving end of a CG 3 hit 10K shutout by Ong, you simply cannot be prepared for how dominating the Sluggers pitching is.
Outlook: Omaha in Six
The playoff field has been narrowed to the final two teams, the defending champion Omaha Sluggers representing the National League, and the surprising wild card entry New York Titans from the American League. To see who has the advantage, Lars the Greek weighs in with a position by position analysis of the two teams.
Catcher: Tony Fernandez is the backstop for the NY Titans, and he is a slap hitter who is good vs. lefties at the plate, and is average with the glove and calls an ok but not exceptional game. Veteran Fausto Pena is an exceptional pitch caller for the Sluggers, but his aging body isn't the best defensively and he is easy to steal on. At the plate he hits for average but won't alter a game.
Advantage: Even
1B: Titan Stone Duran is a talented hitter with above average power and a good eye vs. right handed pitching, but hasn't been effective this post season, batting a measly .204. Josh Price of the Sluggers is a hitting machine when healthy, which he currently is. He has had a monster playoffs, batting .324 with an OPS of .999.
Advantage: Omaha
2B: Phil Coleman mans 2B for the Titans, and is a solid player who is above average at the plate and with the glove. He has hit safely in all 13 playoff games thus far, and is red hot heading into the series. Bill Norton has been a stalwart in the Sluggers lineup and although he has more raw talent than Coleman, he has been average this post season and has yet to really turn it on.
Advantage: New York
SS: Rico Estrada is the man in New York, and even if he isn't playing to his capabilities yet, he is still the lynch pin in the Titans offense, and he is outstanding with the glove. Ken Daniels is a very good player in his own right, and can more than handle his end for Omaha at the plate and in the field. But Estrada is one of the games greats, and has to get the edge.
Advantage: New York
3B: Russ Smith mans the hot corner for the Titans, and is a very good defensive 3B. But his skills at the plate aren't elite, as is evidenced by his .176 average in the playoffs. On the other hand Sammy Maduro has been killing the ball for the Sluggers, hitting nearly .400 in the playoffs. His glove work is pretty good too.
Advantage: Omaha
LF: Adrian Parker of the Titans has been having a phenomenal post season, hitting .352 and running the Titans offense. This is above and beyond what was expected of him, and it is a pleasant surprise for New York. Legendary Jose Barrios is the LF for Omaha, and it goes without saying that he is dangerous every time he is at the plate. Even with Parkers amazing playoffs, the edge has to go to Barrios.
Advantage: Omaha
CF: P.T. Turner has been outstanding in the playoffs, which is expected of a player of his quality. His .362 average is only just behind Coleman's this post season. Tomas Diaz celebrated his escape from the New York Brokers with an MVP quality regular season, but has followed that with a playoff dud, batting only .217 thus far.
Advantage: New York
RF: Tito Sisco is a promising young RF for New York, and has been solid this post season, batting .292 and playing well otherwise. For Omaha Albert Burnett is promising but is hitting as if his bat were made of lead, with an average of .200 with 13 strikeouts. Both players are equal in talent, but Sisco seems to be having the better playoffs.
Advantage: New York
Bench: Playing in a NL stadium allows NY to move Carlos Gomez to the bench from his DH position. But other than that no Titan backup has played at all in the playoffs. Omaha has given their backups plenty of at bats, to varying degrees of success. Still since Omaha actually used their bench, they get the edge.
Advantage: Omaha
Starting Pitching: It's hard to argue with Omaha's rotation, especially when Kazuhiro Ong can start nearly every other game if need be. Flip Heathcott, B.C. Steenstra, and Ivan Canseco have also seen action starting games, and all are very good, but Steenstra's lone outing was a bit of a disaster. Ong is rapidly securing his place as Philip Browns successor as the dominant playoff pitcher in the league. For New York veteran Rabbit Leyritz has been their rock this post season, as Cy Young candidate Matthew Pryce has less effective than expected. Jason Sheldon has been better than expected, but that is balanced unfortunately by the struggles of Benji Eckenstahler and Bud Howard.
Advantage: Omaha
Bullpen: Omaha was able to help their bullpen considerably by moving Clyde Ford from the rotation to long relief for the playoffs. Sean Hill still manages to close games out, defying the predictions of Lars at every step. And Bob Maduro has been unhittable in the playoffs. For New York Mark White has completely locked down the opposition at the end of games. The rest of the pen, including Al Ingram, Bobby Davidson, Alex Nunez, and Hayes Brinson, have been the reason New York has been able to make it to the world series, as they have also been nearly untouchable.
Advantage: Even
Mojo: New York has been red hot, and pulled off some big time upsets in the series wins over the #1 and #2 seeds in the AL in Anaheim and Pawtucket. Omaha beat some pretty tough teams as well in Fargo and St. Louis, and they are the defending champions. But new York has repeatedly counteracted the predictions of Lars the Greek.
Advantage: New York
Series Prediction: Although New York may have the mojo, and although their bullpen is red hot, Lars is going to pick the Omaha Sluggers to repeat and become the first two time champion in Cobb World. The bottom line is that the lineups are comparable, but Omaha's starting pitching, especially King Ong, will prove to be simply too much for New York. Until you have been on the receiving end of a CG 3 hit 10K shutout by Ong, you simply cannot be prepared for how dominating the Sluggers pitching is.
Outlook: Omaha in Six
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Playoff Predictions - Semifinals
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
The playoff field has been whittled down to eight deserving teams, all of whom would be excellent champions. But as in the Highlander, there can only be one, so it is time to guess who will be going on, and whose season will end in bitter defeat.
National League
1. Fargo Fug Nuts (121-41) vs. 4. Louisville Tysons (98-64)
Overview: The Fug Nuts rode the leagues best record to the #1 seed and a first round bye. But injuries have crippled the Fug Nug juggernaut, with Jim Green and Grant Spencer among the players that will miss the entire playoffs. Still, the Fug Nuts are loaded, and look for playoff stud Corey Green to lead the lineup, while regular season stud Hades Booker tries to shed his playoff dud history. Much of the Fug Nut pitching staff remains unproven in the playoffs however. As for the Tysons, they are fielding a collection of Cobb World greats who will soon be hitting the links and collecting retirement pensions. This could very well be the last hurrah for Dallas Kline, Timothy Serra, Rob Quinn, Bob Sears, Roosevelt Lowell, Javier Gonzalez, and Vitas Newman, all of whom have had storied careers. If the Tysons are to upset the Fug Nuts though, the outcome will probably depend on the talented young arms of David Rosado and Talmadge Young and their ability to shut down the lethal Fargo lineup.
Prediction: Fargo in 5 - The Tysons are hungry for the first championship in Louisville history, but ultimately the Fug Nuts are too deep top to bottom.
2. Omaha Sluggers (113-49) vs. 3. St. Louis HoundDogs (99-63)
Overview: The defending world champion Sluggers bring back a team that is nearly identical to the one that dominated the world series last year. The pitching staff is positively frightening, led by perennial Cy Young candidate Kaz Ong, along with cagey vets Flip Heathcott and B.C. Steenstra, and talented youngsters Ivan Canseco and Clyde Ford. The lineup is scary too, with MVP favorite Jose Barrios leading the charge. If there is a weakness in the Omaha armor, it might be closer Sean Hill. Hill converted 40 of 48 saves, but did it in scary fashion with a 1.61 WHIP and a 5.32 ERA. The HoundDogs are hungry for respect, and are taking every chance to prove themselves this season after being picked to miss the playoffs. They made a big statement when they dealt for Cobb World legend Philip Brown, and so far he hasn't disappointed, as he was nearly unhittable in his two first round starts. If he can continue owning the playoffs, and if the HoundDogs lineup can score enough runs, St. Louis has a chance for the upset. It won't be easy, but having vets who have climbed the mountain before like Brown, Rabbit Lara, and Donte Wright will help.
Prediction: Omaha in 5 - I think the HoundDogs will win the two starts that Brown pitches, but Omaha will win the other three, therefore earning them passage to the finals.
American League
1. Anaheim Sharks (117-45) vs. 5. New York Titans (95-67)
Overview: The Sharks, last years world series runner up, continued their regular season mastery this year thanks to a deep pitching staff and deep lineup. With two Cy Young candidates in Harold Charles and J. T. Kydd and the MVP favorite Kory Arnold, it is hard to pick against Anaheim. There really isn't a weakness on the team, and with four all star starters it will be impossible for New York to have a pitching match-up that will be in their favor. The Titans face a Herculean challenge in upsetting the American League champs, but they do have some aces up their sleeve in Cy Young candidate Matthew Pryce, and a lineup that includes many playoff veterans who have been there before and shouldn't succumb to the pressure. Rico Estrada needs to adjust the tint on his shades however, as he followed a sub par regular season with a positively brutal first round, batting only .111. The Titans need their best player to pick it up in a big way if they are to have a chance.
Prediction: Sharks in 4 - The Titans will get a game, but the Sharks are just too powerful to be stopped.
2. Pawtucket G-Maniacs (108-54) vs. 6. Pittsburgh SSP (89-73)
Overview: Whereas the top bracket is a battle between two ringers, this match-up pits two of the teams that have been on the receiving end of beatings by the Sharks and Titans. The G-Maniacs are the better off of the two, and have earned another bye as a result. Led by Cy Young candidate Dean Hernandez, and sensational rookie Graham Crabtree, Pawtucket is on solid ground for the series against the SSP. But all star pitcher Albert Franco needs to overcome his playoff demons however for the G-Maniacs to go far. Pittsburgh rode one of the leagues most powerful lineups to squeak into the playoffs. Pittsburgh's lineup will work the G-Maniacs pitchers, with R.J. Cubillan, Gregg Young, Roosevelt Ingram, Tito Hyers, and Howie Payton all being hitters who work deep in the count. Greg Raines saved the day for the SSP in the first round, winning two games, but he'll be hard pressed to keep up the magic against a disciplined Pawtucket lineup.
Prediction: Pawtucket in 4 - The SSP can hit, but the G-Maniacs can hit and pitch, thus giving the advantage to Pawtucket, who will move on for another shot at their nemesis, the Los Angeles Sharks of Anaheim.
The playoff field has been whittled down to eight deserving teams, all of whom would be excellent champions. But as in the Highlander, there can only be one, so it is time to guess who will be going on, and whose season will end in bitter defeat.
National League
1. Fargo Fug Nuts (121-41) vs. 4. Louisville Tysons (98-64)
Overview: The Fug Nuts rode the leagues best record to the #1 seed and a first round bye. But injuries have crippled the Fug Nug juggernaut, with Jim Green and Grant Spencer among the players that will miss the entire playoffs. Still, the Fug Nuts are loaded, and look for playoff stud Corey Green to lead the lineup, while regular season stud Hades Booker tries to shed his playoff dud history. Much of the Fug Nut pitching staff remains unproven in the playoffs however. As for the Tysons, they are fielding a collection of Cobb World greats who will soon be hitting the links and collecting retirement pensions. This could very well be the last hurrah for Dallas Kline, Timothy Serra, Rob Quinn, Bob Sears, Roosevelt Lowell, Javier Gonzalez, and Vitas Newman, all of whom have had storied careers. If the Tysons are to upset the Fug Nuts though, the outcome will probably depend on the talented young arms of David Rosado and Talmadge Young and their ability to shut down the lethal Fargo lineup.
Prediction: Fargo in 5 - The Tysons are hungry for the first championship in Louisville history, but ultimately the Fug Nuts are too deep top to bottom.
2. Omaha Sluggers (113-49) vs. 3. St. Louis HoundDogs (99-63)
Overview: The defending world champion Sluggers bring back a team that is nearly identical to the one that dominated the world series last year. The pitching staff is positively frightening, led by perennial Cy Young candidate Kaz Ong, along with cagey vets Flip Heathcott and B.C. Steenstra, and talented youngsters Ivan Canseco and Clyde Ford. The lineup is scary too, with MVP favorite Jose Barrios leading the charge. If there is a weakness in the Omaha armor, it might be closer Sean Hill. Hill converted 40 of 48 saves, but did it in scary fashion with a 1.61 WHIP and a 5.32 ERA. The HoundDogs are hungry for respect, and are taking every chance to prove themselves this season after being picked to miss the playoffs. They made a big statement when they dealt for Cobb World legend Philip Brown, and so far he hasn't disappointed, as he was nearly unhittable in his two first round starts. If he can continue owning the playoffs, and if the HoundDogs lineup can score enough runs, St. Louis has a chance for the upset. It won't be easy, but having vets who have climbed the mountain before like Brown, Rabbit Lara, and Donte Wright will help.
Prediction: Omaha in 5 - I think the HoundDogs will win the two starts that Brown pitches, but Omaha will win the other three, therefore earning them passage to the finals.
American League
1. Anaheim Sharks (117-45) vs. 5. New York Titans (95-67)
Overview: The Sharks, last years world series runner up, continued their regular season mastery this year thanks to a deep pitching staff and deep lineup. With two Cy Young candidates in Harold Charles and J. T. Kydd and the MVP favorite Kory Arnold, it is hard to pick against Anaheim. There really isn't a weakness on the team, and with four all star starters it will be impossible for New York to have a pitching match-up that will be in their favor. The Titans face a Herculean challenge in upsetting the American League champs, but they do have some aces up their sleeve in Cy Young candidate Matthew Pryce, and a lineup that includes many playoff veterans who have been there before and shouldn't succumb to the pressure. Rico Estrada needs to adjust the tint on his shades however, as he followed a sub par regular season with a positively brutal first round, batting only .111. The Titans need their best player to pick it up in a big way if they are to have a chance.
Prediction: Sharks in 4 - The Titans will get a game, but the Sharks are just too powerful to be stopped.
2. Pawtucket G-Maniacs (108-54) vs. 6. Pittsburgh SSP (89-73)
Overview: Whereas the top bracket is a battle between two ringers, this match-up pits two of the teams that have been on the receiving end of beatings by the Sharks and Titans. The G-Maniacs are the better off of the two, and have earned another bye as a result. Led by Cy Young candidate Dean Hernandez, and sensational rookie Graham Crabtree, Pawtucket is on solid ground for the series against the SSP. But all star pitcher Albert Franco needs to overcome his playoff demons however for the G-Maniacs to go far. Pittsburgh rode one of the leagues most powerful lineups to squeak into the playoffs. Pittsburgh's lineup will work the G-Maniacs pitchers, with R.J. Cubillan, Gregg Young, Roosevelt Ingram, Tito Hyers, and Howie Payton all being hitters who work deep in the count. Greg Raines saved the day for the SSP in the first round, winning two games, but he'll be hard pressed to keep up the magic against a disciplined Pawtucket lineup.
Prediction: Pawtucket in 4 - The SSP can hit, but the G-Maniacs can hit and pitch, thus giving the advantage to Pawtucket, who will move on for another shot at their nemesis, the Los Angeles Sharks of Anaheim.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Around the League
Tysons Pioneer Two Loss Game
--The Louisville Tysons made baseball history by losing the first two
loss game the Cobb World record books. When asked how this was possible, Tysons GM mhoffa explained, "I made a bet with the league commissioner that the Tysons would take two losses for their next loss if David Archuleta didn't win American Idol. Obviously I missed that boat, just like when I voted for Justin Guarini in season 1." Now the Tysons have seen their division lead shrink to 6 games over the slumping Jackson Pollocks, and 7 over the Huntington Hillbillies as a result.
No Hitters Lead to Backyard Brawl
--Carson Russell of the Charlotte Dogs and B.C. Steenstra of the Omaha Sluggers were involved in an altercation at a Charlotte playground after Steenstra was called out by Russell for several comments he made after his no-no. The bad
blood started when after his dominating performance three days after Russells game, Steenstra said to the press, "My no hitter could beat up Russel's no hitter." Russell didn't take that comment kindly and told reporters, "Oh yeah, well my no hitter could kick his no hitters ass!" Then Russell had a glove slap fed exed to Omaha to challenge Steenstra to a backyard brawl at the local 37th street playground. Fortunately management for both teams found out about the impending fight and corralled their pitchers before they could cause each other season ending injuries.
Playoff Roster Time in Santa Fe
--Reports out of Santa Fe confirmed that the Heat Wave will be sending the vast majority of their talent to their Rookie League team, which is the only team in the franchise that has a winning record and a chance at playoff glory. "The players will still be getting paid, so they don't care where they play," said Bench Coach Hipolito Rios. When asked how he felt about being shifted down to the Rookie league, veteran pitcher Chad Gorecki was actually excited. "I'm sure I'll dominate the hell out of those high school chumps, and it will be nice to pad my record. Plus the pranks are better down in the rooks anyways," exclaimed Gorecki. Fans of the Heat Wave's rookie squad are buying tickets by the dozens in anticipation of the talent surge.
--The Louisville Tysons made baseball history by losing the first two
loss game the Cobb World record books. When asked how this was possible, Tysons GM mhoffa explained, "I made a bet with the league commissioner that the Tysons would take two losses for their next loss if David Archuleta didn't win American Idol. Obviously I missed that boat, just like when I voted for Justin Guarini in season 1." Now the Tysons have seen their division lead shrink to 6 games over the slumping Jackson Pollocks, and 7 over the Huntington Hillbillies as a result.No Hitters Lead to Backyard Brawl
--Carson Russell of the Charlotte Dogs and B.C. Steenstra of the Omaha Sluggers were involved in an altercation at a Charlotte playground after Steenstra was called out by Russell for several comments he made after his no-no. The bad
blood started when after his dominating performance three days after Russells game, Steenstra said to the press, "My no hitter could beat up Russel's no hitter." Russell didn't take that comment kindly and told reporters, "Oh yeah, well my no hitter could kick his no hitters ass!" Then Russell had a glove slap fed exed to Omaha to challenge Steenstra to a backyard brawl at the local 37th street playground. Fortunately management for both teams found out about the impending fight and corralled their pitchers before they could cause each other season ending injuries.Playoff Roster Time in Santa Fe
--Reports out of Santa Fe confirmed that the Heat Wave will be sending the vast majority of their talent to their Rookie League team, which is the only team in the franchise that has a winning record and a chance at playoff glory. "The players will still be getting paid, so they don't care where they play," said Bench Coach Hipolito Rios. When asked how he felt about being shifted down to the Rookie league, veteran pitcher Chad Gorecki was actually excited. "I'm sure I'll dominate the hell out of those high school chumps, and it will be nice to pad my record. Plus the pranks are better down in the rooks anyways," exclaimed Gorecki. Fans of the Heat Wave's rookie squad are buying tickets by the dozens in anticipation of the talent surge.
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