Miles Carrington - Cobb Times Herald
Decade of Dominance - Supporting Wealth Redistribution
The Pittsburgh SSP have had the fortune of having some very good teams and players in it's history. It has had the misfortune of playing in the same division as the 2 time World Series Champion New York Titans, former World Series Champion Cleveland, and the also extremely tough Scranton Dragons. As a result even though the SSP has posted some very high win totals, they have never finished higher than 2nd in the division.
#17 - Pittsburgh SSP
Franchise Power Ranking: 35
Best Year: 97-65, s7 - Worst Year: 71-91, s5
Postseason Achievements: 4 Wild Card playoff berths
Best Player: R. J. Cubillan- Cubillan has been an all star fixture since he was called up in season 5, and also plays a very good shortstop.
Best Pitcher: D. T. Stone - Stone is the career leader in wins for the SSP with 93, and was on the ML squad for 9 straight seasons.
Best International Prospect: R. J. Cubillan
Best Draft Pick: Gregg Young
Franchise Theme Song: It's No Good by Depeche Mode - Nothing epitomizes the SSP's plight like the lyrics which say, "I'm gonna take my time/I have all the time in the world," because at times it looks like that is what it will take to win the tough AL East.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise won a team high 97 games in season 7. Franchise has had winning years in 7 of 9 full seasons. Signed future all star international R. J. Cubillan in season 1. Also signed quality international Geronimo Seguinol in season 4. Franchise achieved wildcard berths in seasons 3, 6, 7, & 8.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise has never finished higher than 2nd in the AL East, and only achieved that placing once. Franchise has had a pretty underwhelming draft history, with only 8 of it's picks since season 1 making the ML level. Franchise has never made out of the opening rounds of the playoffs in 4 tries.
Franchise Outlook: If there is a team in the league that would like to see some of the wealth of it's neighbors sent it's way, it would have to be Pittsburgh. The SSP are treading water, being competetive enough to win 80-90 games in a season and finish with a winning record, but never getting enough wins to overtake the Titans or Dragons, and now the resurgent Cleveland franchise. The SSP currently have the lineup to compete with the big boys in the division, but their pitching staff lacks the quality that the top teams have. Until that changes it will probably be another few seasons of 3rd - 4th place finishes, despite fielding a quality team.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Decade of Dominance - Nashville Rebel Riders
Gorka Verdugo - Cobb Times Herald
Decade of Dominance - Buying Their Way to the Top
The Nashville Rebel Riders started life as the Austin Sooner Killers in season 1, and spent seasons in San Juan and Atlanta before arriving in Tennessee. Currently one of the better squads in the American League, the team has built a solid lineup centered around young players Pedro Franco and Enrique Guardado, and a veteran pitching staff. Steadily improving over the last few seasons, the Rebel Riders look like they have finally arrived and are poised to break through with a playoff run very soon.
#18 - Nashville Rebel Riders
Franchise Power Ranking: 33
Best Year: 95-67, s9 - Worst Year: 56-106, s2
Postseason Achievements: 3 Division Titles
Best Player: Mark Thomas - Thomas played for the Rebel Riders for 8 seasons, racking up 1,206 hits and 733 runs.
Best Pitcher: Gregory Hanson - Hanson was the Rookie of the Year in season 5, and has continued to impress, leading the franchise in career wins with 59.
Best International Prospect: Jose Macias
Best Draft Pick: Kirk White
Franchise Theme Song: Money Talks by AC/DC - The franchise started off on iffy ground, but once owner snides45 started pumping in the cash, the wins started to happen. Now they have the 2nd highest payroll in the league.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise won their division in seasons 4, 5, and 9. Drafted future Fireman of the year Kirk White in season 5. Also drafted SP Jim Malone, now with the Huntington Hillbillies. Set a franchise high with 95 wins in season 9.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise recorded a 56 and 58 win years in seasons 1 & 2. Franchise has failed to sign 8 first round draft picks. Traded perhaps the best relief pitcher in league history, Kirk White, for Hayes Brinson, Mark Crespo, and Steven Floyd. Only Crespo is still with the team, and is a bench player.
Franchise Outlook: The team is performing quite well at the moment and is in the middle of what should be a good run atop the AL South. But their big spending ways are starting to show in their minor league system, so fans had better enjoy the good life now, because there isn't much on the way once this crop of players has had their day. But that's still some time off yet, so there is no reason to panic at the moment.
Decade of Dominance - Buying Their Way to the Top
The Nashville Rebel Riders started life as the Austin Sooner Killers in season 1, and spent seasons in San Juan and Atlanta before arriving in Tennessee. Currently one of the better squads in the American League, the team has built a solid lineup centered around young players Pedro Franco and Enrique Guardado, and a veteran pitching staff. Steadily improving over the last few seasons, the Rebel Riders look like they have finally arrived and are poised to break through with a playoff run very soon.
#18 - Nashville Rebel Riders
Franchise Power Ranking: 33
Best Year: 95-67, s9 - Worst Year: 56-106, s2
Postseason Achievements: 3 Division Titles
Best Player: Mark Thomas - Thomas played for the Rebel Riders for 8 seasons, racking up 1,206 hits and 733 runs.
Best Pitcher: Gregory Hanson - Hanson was the Rookie of the Year in season 5, and has continued to impress, leading the franchise in career wins with 59.
Best International Prospect: Jose Macias
Best Draft Pick: Kirk White
Franchise Theme Song: Money Talks by AC/DC - The franchise started off on iffy ground, but once owner snides45 started pumping in the cash, the wins started to happen. Now they have the 2nd highest payroll in the league.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise won their division in seasons 4, 5, and 9. Drafted future Fireman of the year Kirk White in season 5. Also drafted SP Jim Malone, now with the Huntington Hillbillies. Set a franchise high with 95 wins in season 9.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise recorded a 56 and 58 win years in seasons 1 & 2. Franchise has failed to sign 8 first round draft picks. Traded perhaps the best relief pitcher in league history, Kirk White, for Hayes Brinson, Mark Crespo, and Steven Floyd. Only Crespo is still with the team, and is a bench player.
Franchise Outlook: The team is performing quite well at the moment and is in the middle of what should be a good run atop the AL South. But their big spending ways are starting to show in their minor league system, so fans had better enjoy the good life now, because there isn't much on the way once this crop of players has had their day. But that's still some time off yet, so there is no reason to panic at the moment.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Decade of Dominance - Wichita Wankers
Tito McQueen - Cobb Times Herald
Decade of Dominance - Delivering the Goods
The Wichita Wankers were originally the Indianapolis Iron Brigade, but no one remebers that team since the franchise moved to Wichita in season 2 and has stayed put ever since. During that 8 year span the Wankers have slowly but surely built one of the most formidible rosters currently seen in the league. Players like 40/40 man Grant Keats and Cy Young winner Davey Silva make this team a force to be reckoned with.
#19 - Wichita Wankers
Franchise Power Ranking: 32
Best Year: 105-57, s9 - Worst Year: 50-112, s3
Postseason Achievements: 1 Division Title
Best Player: Vasco Chantres - From seasons 4-9, Chantres was the rock in the Wankers lineup, hitting 222 home runs
Best Pitcher: Davey Silva - Silva's Cy Young & ROY winning season 9 was as close to perfect as you can get, and he is one of the contenders to knock King Ong off his throne as best pitcher in the league.
Best International Prospect: Tony Cho
Best Draft Pick: Grant Keats
Franchise Theme Song: Delivering the Goods by Judas Priest - The franchise patiently waited through seasons of intelligent draft picks and international signings, and the kids paid off in a big way with a 105 win season 9.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise recorded a team high 105 wins in season 9, winning the NL East and earning the teams first playoff appearance. Grant Keats became the second 40/40 player in league history in season 8. Franchise made several very nice trades to bring in talent like Davey Silva and Vasco Chantres. Franchise has been one of the best developers of talent in Cobb history, with players including Keats, Tanner Durham, Louis King, Dorian Woolf, Cho, Ignacio Lopez, and Victor Johnson.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise recorded a team low 50 win season 3. Team failed to sign it's first round draft pick in season 1. Until season 9, franchise finished no higher than 3rd in the division.
Franchise Outlook: After last years 105 win season and nice playoff run, it is hard to say that the future is anything but bright at this point, especially when you consider that there is still another wave of minor leaguers that has yet to be brought up for the Wankers. The NL East is a very tough division, but the Wankers have the players now to give as good as they get and then some. They may have a bit of an arbitration nightmare in a few seasons, but that's the price you pay for success.
Decade of Dominance - Delivering the Goods
The Wichita Wankers were originally the Indianapolis Iron Brigade, but no one remebers that team since the franchise moved to Wichita in season 2 and has stayed put ever since. During that 8 year span the Wankers have slowly but surely built one of the most formidible rosters currently seen in the league. Players like 40/40 man Grant Keats and Cy Young winner Davey Silva make this team a force to be reckoned with.
#19 - Wichita Wankers
Franchise Power Ranking: 32
Best Year: 105-57, s9 - Worst Year: 50-112, s3
Postseason Achievements: 1 Division Title
Best Player: Vasco Chantres - From seasons 4-9, Chantres was the rock in the Wankers lineup, hitting 222 home runs
Best Pitcher: Davey Silva - Silva's Cy Young & ROY winning season 9 was as close to perfect as you can get, and he is one of the contenders to knock King Ong off his throne as best pitcher in the league.
Best International Prospect: Tony Cho
Best Draft Pick: Grant Keats
Franchise Theme Song: Delivering the Goods by Judas Priest - The franchise patiently waited through seasons of intelligent draft picks and international signings, and the kids paid off in a big way with a 105 win season 9.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise recorded a team high 105 wins in season 9, winning the NL East and earning the teams first playoff appearance. Grant Keats became the second 40/40 player in league history in season 8. Franchise made several very nice trades to bring in talent like Davey Silva and Vasco Chantres. Franchise has been one of the best developers of talent in Cobb history, with players including Keats, Tanner Durham, Louis King, Dorian Woolf, Cho, Ignacio Lopez, and Victor Johnson.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise recorded a team low 50 win season 3. Team failed to sign it's first round draft pick in season 1. Until season 9, franchise finished no higher than 3rd in the division.
Franchise Outlook: After last years 105 win season and nice playoff run, it is hard to say that the future is anything but bright at this point, especially when you consider that there is still another wave of minor leaguers that has yet to be brought up for the Wankers. The NL East is a very tough division, but the Wankers have the players now to give as good as they get and then some. They may have a bit of an arbitration nightmare in a few seasons, but that's the price you pay for success.
Decade of Dominance - Richmond Cohibas
Cortez Mack - Cobb Times Herald
Decade of Dominance - When Good Teams Go Bad
Once upon a time the Richmond Cohibas were known as the Mexico City Aguilas, and were one of the teams that made the NL South the dominant division of it's time, when you consider that a 100 win team could only finish in 3rd place. But those days are long gone, and the now Cohibas have put together a string of awful finishes that are the equal of any sad story ever told. The lone bright spot to the recent years of futility is that the Cohibas have been able amass one of the most talented farm systems in the league, so at least the future is bright.
#20 - Richmond Cohibas
Franchise Power Ranking: 29
Best Year: 100-62, s2 - Worst Year: 33-129, s6
Postseason Achievements: 2 Wild Card Berths, 1 DCS victory.
Best Player: Ernie Jenkins - Jenkins won an MVP, a Gold Glove, and had 2 All Star appearances during his first stint with the franchise.
Best Pitcher: Willie Costilla - Costilla was the #1 starter for the franchise during it's playoff years, and a very solid high control pitcher.
Best International Prospect: Geronimo Liriano
Best Draft Pick: Benji Ordonez
Franchise Theme Song: Good Lovin' Gone Bad by Bad Company - The Cohibas went from a 100 win team to 33 wins in three seasons, perhaps the worst decline in Cobb history.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise had two Wild Card appearances and a DCS victory in season 2. Recorded a franchise record 100 wins in season 2. Ernie Jenkins won the NL MVP in season 3. Franchise drafted Benji Ordonez with the #1 overall pick in season 7. Franchise has had a very good history of drafting and international prospects, signing such players as Al Morales, Liriano, Ordonez, Darrin Barkley, Dick Wolf, Pete Brantley, and many other talented players.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise has never finished higher than 3rd in the NL South. Franchise hasn't won more than 60 games in a season since season 4. Franchise recorded a team low 33 win season 6. Franchise failed to sign super stud pitcher Eric Houck with the #1 pick in season 9. Including Houck, the franchise has failed to sign 4 first round picks.
Franchise Outlook: Just add pitching - Richmond's years of reaping draft picks and international prospects are starting to come to fruition as the prospects reach the majors. But the failure to sign Houck really hurt this team in its area of greatest need, starting pitching. As great as the teams signings have been, the Cohibas still lack a #1 pitcher. With the move of Jerry Ross to the bullpen, there is a big hole at the front of the Cohibas rotation that will keep them from making the playoffs until it is filled. But with Huntington also lacking top notch pitching, and Jackson and Louisville starting major rebuilding projects, the playoffs could soon be within reach.
Decade of Dominance - When Good Teams Go Bad
Once upon a time the Richmond Cohibas were known as the Mexico City Aguilas, and were one of the teams that made the NL South the dominant division of it's time, when you consider that a 100 win team could only finish in 3rd place. But those days are long gone, and the now Cohibas have put together a string of awful finishes that are the equal of any sad story ever told. The lone bright spot to the recent years of futility is that the Cohibas have been able amass one of the most talented farm systems in the league, so at least the future is bright.
#20 - Richmond Cohibas
Franchise Power Ranking: 29
Best Year: 100-62, s2 - Worst Year: 33-129, s6
Postseason Achievements: 2 Wild Card Berths, 1 DCS victory.
Best Player: Ernie Jenkins - Jenkins won an MVP, a Gold Glove, and had 2 All Star appearances during his first stint with the franchise.
Best Pitcher: Willie Costilla - Costilla was the #1 starter for the franchise during it's playoff years, and a very solid high control pitcher.
Best International Prospect: Geronimo Liriano
Best Draft Pick: Benji Ordonez
Franchise Theme Song: Good Lovin' Gone Bad by Bad Company - The Cohibas went from a 100 win team to 33 wins in three seasons, perhaps the worst decline in Cobb history.
Franchise Highlights: Franchise had two Wild Card appearances and a DCS victory in season 2. Recorded a franchise record 100 wins in season 2. Ernie Jenkins won the NL MVP in season 3. Franchise drafted Benji Ordonez with the #1 overall pick in season 7. Franchise has had a very good history of drafting and international prospects, signing such players as Al Morales, Liriano, Ordonez, Darrin Barkley, Dick Wolf, Pete Brantley, and many other talented players.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise has never finished higher than 3rd in the NL South. Franchise hasn't won more than 60 games in a season since season 4. Franchise recorded a team low 33 win season 6. Franchise failed to sign super stud pitcher Eric Houck with the #1 pick in season 9. Including Houck, the franchise has failed to sign 4 first round picks.
Franchise Outlook: Just add pitching - Richmond's years of reaping draft picks and international prospects are starting to come to fruition as the prospects reach the majors. But the failure to sign Houck really hurt this team in its area of greatest need, starting pitching. As great as the teams signings have been, the Cohibas still lack a #1 pitcher. With the move of Jerry Ross to the bullpen, there is a big hole at the front of the Cohibas rotation that will keep them from making the playoffs until it is filled. But with Huntington also lacking top notch pitching, and Jackson and Louisville starting major rebuilding projects, the playoffs could soon be within reach.
Decade of Dominance - Iowa City Corn Dogs
Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald
Decade of Dominance - On Life Support
The Iowa City Corn Dogs started their life in Cobb World as the Vancouver Wolfpack 22. Under the leadership of original owner ht44601 the team won the NL West in season 2, and improved for season 3 before losing out to the beginnings of the Omaha dynasty by two games. From there the franchise started a slow but steady decline through poor drafts and questionble signings. A series of one and done owners after ht44601 left the league sealed the deal for the franchise, putting it in a baseball coma. Current owner hokiesno1 has started the process of bringing this team back to life, but it will understandably take some time.
#21 - Iowa City Corn Dogs
Franchise Power Ranking: 26.5
Best Year: 90-72, s3 - Worst Year: 61-101, s9
Postseason Achievements: 1 Division Championship
Best Player: Albert Conception - Conception was a 4 time all star, won 2 gold gloves, and was a silver slugger at the CF position during the franchises glory days.
Best Pitcher: Luis Matos - Matos was the most consistent pitcher in the rotation for the franchise for 9 seasons, even if he was never elite.
Best International Prospect: Victor Romano
Best Draft Pick: Carl Alexander
Franchise Theme Song: Pull the Plug by Death - A succession of one and done owners put the franchise on life support, and after the misery of a franchise low season 9, some fans probably wanted to just get it over with.
Franchise Highlights: Won the NL West with an 82-80 season 2. Recorded a franchise high 90 win season 3. Drafted future star Carl Alexander in season 9.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise hasn't had a winning record since season 4. Recorded a franchise low 61 win season 9. Many of the teams first round draft picks have been busts, including Fernando Coronado, Bruce Coleridge, Harry Rios, Paxton Riggs, and Sherm Dixon. A series of one and done owners and poor drafts left the team in bad shape for current owner hokies
Franchise Outlook: Down for a while, but not out. The future of the franchise is in the minors, and it's name is Carl Alexander. Easily the best prospect in the franchise, he could anchor a solid core of players in the bigs in 3-4 seasons. But the odds are it will take that amount of time to get this team back on top of the NL West. Current owner hokiesno1 has been a solid drafter and talent developer, but it will take time to resurrect the team from the mediocrity it had sunk into when he took it over.
Decade of Dominance - On Life Support
The Iowa City Corn Dogs started their life in Cobb World as the Vancouver Wolfpack 22. Under the leadership of original owner ht44601 the team won the NL West in season 2, and improved for season 3 before losing out to the beginnings of the Omaha dynasty by two games. From there the franchise started a slow but steady decline through poor drafts and questionble signings. A series of one and done owners after ht44601 left the league sealed the deal for the franchise, putting it in a baseball coma. Current owner hokiesno1 has started the process of bringing this team back to life, but it will understandably take some time.
#21 - Iowa City Corn Dogs
Franchise Power Ranking: 26.5
Best Year: 90-72, s3 - Worst Year: 61-101, s9
Postseason Achievements: 1 Division Championship
Best Player: Albert Conception - Conception was a 4 time all star, won 2 gold gloves, and was a silver slugger at the CF position during the franchises glory days.
Best Pitcher: Luis Matos - Matos was the most consistent pitcher in the rotation for the franchise for 9 seasons, even if he was never elite.
Best International Prospect: Victor Romano
Best Draft Pick: Carl Alexander
Franchise Theme Song: Pull the Plug by Death - A succession of one and done owners put the franchise on life support, and after the misery of a franchise low season 9, some fans probably wanted to just get it over with.
Franchise Highlights: Won the NL West with an 82-80 season 2. Recorded a franchise high 90 win season 3. Drafted future star Carl Alexander in season 9.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise hasn't had a winning record since season 4. Recorded a franchise low 61 win season 9. Many of the teams first round draft picks have been busts, including Fernando Coronado, Bruce Coleridge, Harry Rios, Paxton Riggs, and Sherm Dixon. A series of one and done owners and poor drafts left the team in bad shape for current owner hokies
Franchise Outlook: Down for a while, but not out. The future of the franchise is in the minors, and it's name is Carl Alexander. Easily the best prospect in the franchise, he could anchor a solid core of players in the bigs in 3-4 seasons. But the odds are it will take that amount of time to get this team back on top of the NL West. Current owner hokiesno1 has been a solid drafter and talent developer, but it will take time to resurrect the team from the mediocrity it had sunk into when he took it over.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Season 10 Preview - AL and NL West
NL West
Omaha Sluggers (112-50) 1st place
Question: Will the Sluggers make it 4 consecutive World Series appearances this season?
Answer: There are no weak links in Omaha, the Sluggers are loaded in the lineup and the rotation.
Player to watch: Kazuhiro Ong - Everyone knows Ong is good, which is why he is fun to watch as he blazes a path to the Hall of Fame.
Outlook: 110-52 - 1st place. The more things change in the rest of the league, the more they stay the same in Omaha. There was very little turnover in Omaha, which is a good thing because this team still has world championship potential. Barrios and Ong get all the headlines, but the rest of the team is elite as well.
Seattle Seacows (44-118) 4th place
Question: Will the infusion of veterans into the lineup pay off with wins?
Answer: Luis Escuela and Diego Nieto may be past their prime, but they are still very good hitters and make the Seattle lineup better than it has been in the past.
Player to watch: Brook Lennon - If the young pitcher can overcome his control issues he could be the ace of the staff.
Outlook: 74-88 - 2nd place. Seattle paid for some quality veterans in the offseason and made a few trades to shore up their ML team which should give them a slight edge in the race for 2nd place in the NL West. If Rico Cruz can hit enough to support Nieto and Escula, and Pascual Mendoza is solid in the rotation, this should be a pretty competitive team.
Iowa City Corn Dogs (61-101) 2nd place
Question: Will the starting pitching be able to handle right handed hitting?
Answer: Curtis Chase will be counted on to star in the field and in the heart of the order.
Player to watch: Brady Van Pelt - There isn't much power in the Corn Dogs lineup, and Van Pelt will be expected to provide the bulk of it.
Outlook: 62-100 - 3rd place. Iowa City made the decision to put it's future in the hands of the minor leagues, so that is where the bulk of the franchises talents lie. But there are enough players on the ML squad to make them dangerous, but not enough to pose a real threat. Until The Corn Dogs get some bigger hitters, they won't seriously contend.
Honolulu Islanders (59-103) 3rd place
Question: Where will the pitching come from?
Answer: In addition to being featured in Subway ads a few years back, Clay Henry owns lefties, and should be solid in the lineup this season.
Player to watch: Lou Brow - The development of this young pitcher is very important to the future of the team. He may not have the best season this year, but he needs to show progress none the less.
Outlook: 61-101 - 4th place - Honolulu continues to develop it's youth, so they won't challenge this season, which is just as well because Omaha has a lock on the division. But they are positioned nicely to ascend once Omaha starts to age. Look out for the Islanders in another few seasons.
AL West
Anaheim Sharks (110-52) 1st place
Question: Will rookie Sammy Bennett be able to replace 2 time MVP Ernie Jenkins in LF?
Answer: The solid farm system of the Sharks has ensure that they don't miss a beat when their stars age out.
Player to watch: Olmedo Contreras - At 36 years, he may be known as Oldmedo, but he is still talented enough to win 15-20 games.
Outlook: 109-53 - 1st place. Anaheim is the counterpart to Omaha in the NL West, a team that dominates its division and shows no sign of letting up, even as it's players age and are replaced. It is a testament to the quality of management that they remain this competetive year in and year out.
Helena Hellraisers (99-63) 2nd place
Question: Will the Hellraisers be able to keep pace with the Sharks and hold off the youth movement in Vancouver?
Answer: With Orber Olivo feeling the effects of age, Thomas Hill will be the rock in the Hellraiser lineup.
Player to watch: Alex Presley - The talented rookie will be counted on to produce and help offset the loss of Hades Booker and Patrick Lamb.
Outlook - 93-69 - 2nd place. The Hellraisers outperformed Lars' predictions last season, but the loss of Lamb and Booker coupled with the decline of Olivo means the lineup won't be quite as potent. Helena should still challenge for a wildcard spot though.
Vancouver Grizzlies (82-80) 3rd place
Question: Can the Grizzlies new arrivals pack enough punch to get past the Hellraisers?
Answer: Patrick Stanton is still the centerpiece of the Vancouver team, and will be counted on to anchor the lineup and guide the young pitching staff.
Player to watch: The Rookies - There are so many young players making their first appearance at the ML level that they bear watching as a group. How they adapt will determine the season for Vancouver.
Outlook: 82-80 - 3rd place. This season should serve as an opportunity for their young players to learn the game, and see what it takes to beat consistent AL West powers Anaheim and Helena. Further improvement should happen next season, but this year they just aren't quite ready yet to challenge for the division.
Tacoma Jerry Gang (64-98) 4th place
Question: Can the Jerry Gang draft some hitting this season to go along with their pitching prospects?
Answer: The minor leagues keep getting deeper and deeper with every season, soon it will pay off at the ML level.
Player to watch: Victor Gandarillas - his record may not show it due to lack of support, but he has been a very solid pitcher in the majors, and probably cannot wait for the minor leaguers to finally make it to the bigs.
Outlook: 67-95 - 4th place. Tacoma has some pretty good pitching in the minors, but they are still a year or two away at this point. But there is hope, as 3B prospect Brandon Miller is almost ready and could provide the offense with a needed jolt if he is called up this season. In the meantime it looks like another season of talent gathering and waiting for Anaheim and Helena to get older.
Omaha Sluggers (112-50) 1st place
Question: Will the Sluggers make it 4 consecutive World Series appearances this season?
Answer: There are no weak links in Omaha, the Sluggers are loaded in the lineup and the rotation.
Player to watch: Kazuhiro Ong - Everyone knows Ong is good, which is why he is fun to watch as he blazes a path to the Hall of Fame.
Outlook: 110-52 - 1st place. The more things change in the rest of the league, the more they stay the same in Omaha. There was very little turnover in Omaha, which is a good thing because this team still has world championship potential. Barrios and Ong get all the headlines, but the rest of the team is elite as well.
Seattle Seacows (44-118) 4th place
Question: Will the infusion of veterans into the lineup pay off with wins?
Answer: Luis Escuela and Diego Nieto may be past their prime, but they are still very good hitters and make the Seattle lineup better than it has been in the past.
Player to watch: Brook Lennon - If the young pitcher can overcome his control issues he could be the ace of the staff.
Outlook: 74-88 - 2nd place. Seattle paid for some quality veterans in the offseason and made a few trades to shore up their ML team which should give them a slight edge in the race for 2nd place in the NL West. If Rico Cruz can hit enough to support Nieto and Escula, and Pascual Mendoza is solid in the rotation, this should be a pretty competitive team.
Iowa City Corn Dogs (61-101) 2nd place
Question: Will the starting pitching be able to handle right handed hitting?
Answer: Curtis Chase will be counted on to star in the field and in the heart of the order.
Player to watch: Brady Van Pelt - There isn't much power in the Corn Dogs lineup, and Van Pelt will be expected to provide the bulk of it.
Outlook: 62-100 - 3rd place. Iowa City made the decision to put it's future in the hands of the minor leagues, so that is where the bulk of the franchises talents lie. But there are enough players on the ML squad to make them dangerous, but not enough to pose a real threat. Until The Corn Dogs get some bigger hitters, they won't seriously contend.
Honolulu Islanders (59-103) 3rd place
Question: Where will the pitching come from?
Answer: In addition to being featured in Subway ads a few years back, Clay Henry owns lefties, and should be solid in the lineup this season.
Player to watch: Lou Brow - The development of this young pitcher is very important to the future of the team. He may not have the best season this year, but he needs to show progress none the less.
Outlook: 61-101 - 4th place - Honolulu continues to develop it's youth, so they won't challenge this season, which is just as well because Omaha has a lock on the division. But they are positioned nicely to ascend once Omaha starts to age. Look out for the Islanders in another few seasons.
AL West
Anaheim Sharks (110-52) 1st place
Question: Will rookie Sammy Bennett be able to replace 2 time MVP Ernie Jenkins in LF?
Answer: The solid farm system of the Sharks has ensure that they don't miss a beat when their stars age out.
Player to watch: Olmedo Contreras - At 36 years, he may be known as Oldmedo, but he is still talented enough to win 15-20 games.
Outlook: 109-53 - 1st place. Anaheim is the counterpart to Omaha in the NL West, a team that dominates its division and shows no sign of letting up, even as it's players age and are replaced. It is a testament to the quality of management that they remain this competetive year in and year out.
Helena Hellraisers (99-63) 2nd place
Question: Will the Hellraisers be able to keep pace with the Sharks and hold off the youth movement in Vancouver?
Answer: With Orber Olivo feeling the effects of age, Thomas Hill will be the rock in the Hellraiser lineup.
Player to watch: Alex Presley - The talented rookie will be counted on to produce and help offset the loss of Hades Booker and Patrick Lamb.
Outlook - 93-69 - 2nd place. The Hellraisers outperformed Lars' predictions last season, but the loss of Lamb and Booker coupled with the decline of Olivo means the lineup won't be quite as potent. Helena should still challenge for a wildcard spot though.
Vancouver Grizzlies (82-80) 3rd place
Question: Can the Grizzlies new arrivals pack enough punch to get past the Hellraisers?
Answer: Patrick Stanton is still the centerpiece of the Vancouver team, and will be counted on to anchor the lineup and guide the young pitching staff.
Player to watch: The Rookies - There are so many young players making their first appearance at the ML level that they bear watching as a group. How they adapt will determine the season for Vancouver.
Outlook: 82-80 - 3rd place. This season should serve as an opportunity for their young players to learn the game, and see what it takes to beat consistent AL West powers Anaheim and Helena. Further improvement should happen next season, but this year they just aren't quite ready yet to challenge for the division.
Tacoma Jerry Gang (64-98) 4th place
Question: Can the Jerry Gang draft some hitting this season to go along with their pitching prospects?
Answer: The minor leagues keep getting deeper and deeper with every season, soon it will pay off at the ML level.
Player to watch: Victor Gandarillas - his record may not show it due to lack of support, but he has been a very solid pitcher in the majors, and probably cannot wait for the minor leaguers to finally make it to the bigs.
Outlook: 67-95 - 4th place. Tacoma has some pretty good pitching in the minors, but they are still a year or two away at this point. But there is hope, as 3B prospect Brandon Miller is almost ready and could provide the offense with a needed jolt if he is called up this season. In the meantime it looks like another season of talent gathering and waiting for Anaheim and Helena to get older.
Season 10 Preview - AL and NL South
NL South
Huntington Hillbillies (87-75) 2nd place
Question: Will this be the season the Hillbillies rebuilding process pays off with a division title?
Answer: The line up is almost as good as the season 1 & 2 glory days, and should produce buckets of runs.
Player to watch: Quilvio Suarez has had several seasons to adapt to the bigs, now it's time for him to produce like he is capable of.
Outlook: 95-67 - 1st place. With the restructuring going on in Louisville and Jackson, and with Richmond still not ready, this is the year for the Hillbillies to reclaim the throne in the NL South. They finally have just enough pitching to get them by, and their lineup is as deadly as any in the league.
Louisville Tysons (89-73) 1st place
Question: How will the team adapt to the loss of former MVP and franchise legend Dallas Kline, and former Cy Young David Rosado?
Answer: CF Emmanuel Castillo is the new face of the franchise, and is a run scoring leadoff machine.
Player to watch: Roosevelt Lowell - the aging Lowell is now the best hitter on the team, and the Tysons will be depending on him to anchor their lineup.
Outlook: 86-76 - 2nd place. Big changes are happening in Louisville, and the leftovers from their playoff teams of the last few seasons will be competitive enough to achieve a winning record, but you don't replace the players they lost overnight.
Jackson Pollocks (78-84) 3rd place
Question: How quickly will the Pollocks rebuild after their offseason house cleaning?
Answer: The minors are now where the answer lies for the Pollocks, as the rebuilding process begins in earnest.
Player to watch: Woody Olerud will be counted on to mentor the young players on the big league squad after offseason exodus of their veteran core.
Outlook: 71-91 - 3rd place. Last season was the first losing year in franchise history, and the management decided to wholely embrace rebuilding for the future in light of that. It will be hard to replace the power of Domingo Montana and the wins of Eddie Rivers, so Lars sees a further decline at the ML level.
Richmond Cohibas (53-109) 4th place
Question: Will the Cohibas improving ML lineup top 65 wins?
Answer: Finally the talented signings and draft picks of past seasons are making the big league roster, and the Cohibas will be competitive this season.
Player to watch: Ernie Jenkins - Richmond made a big statement in signing 2 time MVP Ernie Jenkins, who will be expected to anchor the lineup and mentor the youth.
Outlook: 70-92 - 4th place. The Cohibas should finally start to make strides towards the top of the division, although Lars still thinks they are a year away at this point. Still the 30-40 win seasons of the past will be a distant memory by seasons end as the Cohibas finally start to bring it at the ML level.
AL South
Nashville Rebel Riders (95-67) 2nd place
Question: Will the Rebel Riders continue their ascension and top 100 wins?
Answer: Enrique Guardado established himself as a true force with a very good season 9, and looks to continue that pace in season 10.
Player to watch: Dallas Kline - he may no longer be the most talented player on his team, but the future HOF'er may still have one more good season left.
Outlook: 96-66 - 1st place. Nashville is a very solid team and clearly has the best pitching staff in the AL South, when complemented by their improved lineup should equal another division title.
Mexico City Diablos Rojos (79-83) 2nd place
Question: Will Mexico Cities pitching be able to keep up with their improved lineup?
Answer: The signings of Hades Booker and Domingo Montana seriously improved the Diablos lineup, to the point where it is the equal of most other teams in the league.
Player to watch: Eric Collins - This might be the season that the mustache of Eric Collins makes it's ML debut, much to the chagrin of opposing batters.
Outlook: 88-74 - 2nd place. Mexico City really upgraded their team with Booker and Montana, and if the pitching can keep pace, especially if Collins hits the bigs, then a division title isn't out of the question. But for the moment Lars still thinks that Nashville has a better rotation and thus a better shot.
Charlotte Dogs (76-86) 3rd place
Question: How long can Geoffrey Gates keep it going at an elite level?
Answer: Bo Rhodes should own lefties in the AL, and power the Charlotte offense.
Player to watch: Abraham Traynor - A good portion of the Dogs offense will depend on whether Traynor can avoid a sophomore slump and produce to his potential.
Outlook: 72-90 - 3rd place. The Dogs will play with a team pride unequalled by any other in the league, and that should keep them in every game they play. But ultimately more teams have spent more money, and with many of Charlotte's best talent being located in the minors, this season will go to Mexico City and Nashville. But as everyone in the league knows, the Commissioner is a shining beacon of baseball hope, and that alone should inspire his team to greater heights in the future.
Kansas City Express (65-97) 4th place
Question: How will the fans in Kansas City react to losing a horrible team just as it was about to start winning for another team that looks like it has a long way to go?
Answer: Willie Kotsay will thrill the fans with his solid work at the plate, both at bat and in catchers gear.
Player to watch: R. J. Hunt - Will the enigmatic leadoff man post a respectable batting average, or will he hover around .200 again?
Outlook: 65-97 - 4th place. As the rebuilding continues in a new home for the Express, fans need to be patient while the minor leaguers hone their skills. Still, there is enough talent on the ML team to win any given day, which should be enough of an improvement to please the fans in Kansas City this year.
Huntington Hillbillies (87-75) 2nd place
Question: Will this be the season the Hillbillies rebuilding process pays off with a division title?
Answer: The line up is almost as good as the season 1 & 2 glory days, and should produce buckets of runs.
Player to watch: Quilvio Suarez has had several seasons to adapt to the bigs, now it's time for him to produce like he is capable of.
Outlook: 95-67 - 1st place. With the restructuring going on in Louisville and Jackson, and with Richmond still not ready, this is the year for the Hillbillies to reclaim the throne in the NL South. They finally have just enough pitching to get them by, and their lineup is as deadly as any in the league.
Louisville Tysons (89-73) 1st place
Question: How will the team adapt to the loss of former MVP and franchise legend Dallas Kline, and former Cy Young David Rosado?
Answer: CF Emmanuel Castillo is the new face of the franchise, and is a run scoring leadoff machine.
Player to watch: Roosevelt Lowell - the aging Lowell is now the best hitter on the team, and the Tysons will be depending on him to anchor their lineup.
Outlook: 86-76 - 2nd place. Big changes are happening in Louisville, and the leftovers from their playoff teams of the last few seasons will be competitive enough to achieve a winning record, but you don't replace the players they lost overnight.
Jackson Pollocks (78-84) 3rd place
Question: How quickly will the Pollocks rebuild after their offseason house cleaning?
Answer: The minors are now where the answer lies for the Pollocks, as the rebuilding process begins in earnest.
Player to watch: Woody Olerud will be counted on to mentor the young players on the big league squad after offseason exodus of their veteran core.
Outlook: 71-91 - 3rd place. Last season was the first losing year in franchise history, and the management decided to wholely embrace rebuilding for the future in light of that. It will be hard to replace the power of Domingo Montana and the wins of Eddie Rivers, so Lars sees a further decline at the ML level.
Richmond Cohibas (53-109) 4th place
Question: Will the Cohibas improving ML lineup top 65 wins?
Answer: Finally the talented signings and draft picks of past seasons are making the big league roster, and the Cohibas will be competitive this season.
Player to watch: Ernie Jenkins - Richmond made a big statement in signing 2 time MVP Ernie Jenkins, who will be expected to anchor the lineup and mentor the youth.
Outlook: 70-92 - 4th place. The Cohibas should finally start to make strides towards the top of the division, although Lars still thinks they are a year away at this point. Still the 30-40 win seasons of the past will be a distant memory by seasons end as the Cohibas finally start to bring it at the ML level.
AL South
Nashville Rebel Riders (95-67) 2nd place
Question: Will the Rebel Riders continue their ascension and top 100 wins?
Answer: Enrique Guardado established himself as a true force with a very good season 9, and looks to continue that pace in season 10.
Player to watch: Dallas Kline - he may no longer be the most talented player on his team, but the future HOF'er may still have one more good season left.
Outlook: 96-66 - 1st place. Nashville is a very solid team and clearly has the best pitching staff in the AL South, when complemented by their improved lineup should equal another division title.
Mexico City Diablos Rojos (79-83) 2nd place
Question: Will Mexico Cities pitching be able to keep up with their improved lineup?
Answer: The signings of Hades Booker and Domingo Montana seriously improved the Diablos lineup, to the point where it is the equal of most other teams in the league.
Player to watch: Eric Collins - This might be the season that the mustache of Eric Collins makes it's ML debut, much to the chagrin of opposing batters.
Outlook: 88-74 - 2nd place. Mexico City really upgraded their team with Booker and Montana, and if the pitching can keep pace, especially if Collins hits the bigs, then a division title isn't out of the question. But for the moment Lars still thinks that Nashville has a better rotation and thus a better shot.
Charlotte Dogs (76-86) 3rd place
Question: How long can Geoffrey Gates keep it going at an elite level?
Answer: Bo Rhodes should own lefties in the AL, and power the Charlotte offense.
Player to watch: Abraham Traynor - A good portion of the Dogs offense will depend on whether Traynor can avoid a sophomore slump and produce to his potential.
Outlook: 72-90 - 3rd place. The Dogs will play with a team pride unequalled by any other in the league, and that should keep them in every game they play. But ultimately more teams have spent more money, and with many of Charlotte's best talent being located in the minors, this season will go to Mexico City and Nashville. But as everyone in the league knows, the Commissioner is a shining beacon of baseball hope, and that alone should inspire his team to greater heights in the future.
Kansas City Express (65-97) 4th place
Question: How will the fans in Kansas City react to losing a horrible team just as it was about to start winning for another team that looks like it has a long way to go?
Answer: Willie Kotsay will thrill the fans with his solid work at the plate, both at bat and in catchers gear.
Player to watch: R. J. Hunt - Will the enigmatic leadoff man post a respectable batting average, or will he hover around .200 again?
Outlook: 65-97 - 4th place. As the rebuilding continues in a new home for the Express, fans need to be patient while the minor leaguers hone their skills. Still, there is enough talent on the ML team to win any given day, which should be enough of an improvement to please the fans in Kansas City this year.
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