Season 16 Draft Recap - Tampa Bay through St. Louis

Bryce Fife Tampa Bay Beagles Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Islip, NY Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tampa Bay Beagles
--With the #26 pick in the draft Tampa Bay selected SP Bryce Fife.  Fife projects to be slightly above average in splits, velocity, control, and stamina, and has some pretty nice pitches.  But he doesn't really impress enough to really be more than a long reliever or spot starter in the majors.  2nd round pick RP Luke Feldman has some nice control and pitches for a reliever, but he will have to maximize his development in order to become anything other than a setup B type pitcher or AAAA player in the future.  The rest of the Beagles draft was pretty anemic and didn't produce any players with major league potential.
Grade: D

Chris Withers Tacoma Jerry Gang Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Hudson, IA Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tacoma Jerry Gang 
--The Jerry Gang picked late in the 1st round at #29 overall, which didn't bode well for a good pick considering the talent, but they managed to score a very nice closer prospect in RP Chris Withers.  Withers shows elite control, great splits, velocity, and pitch selection for the position, and is pretty durable to boot, making him a nice find at #29.  Supplemental pick SP Matthew Padgett doesn't have quite the upside that Withers does, but is intriguing and could make it in the majors thanks to his precise control and four quality pitches.  His fifth pitch is a bit worrisome however and hopefully will be dropped down the line, and his splits are only average at best.  2nd round selection LF John Torrealba was a great value pick, a fine leadoff hitter with great contact and splits vs. righties.  He isn't very good vs. left handed pitching, and doesn't have the power you would normally associate with a COF spot, but could be a sparkplug in the lineup if given the chance.    2nd round choice SS John Shipley also has ML potential thanks to his top notch glove, but he will be limited to the role of a defensive replacement thanks to his lackluster bat.  The Gang didn't sign any of their other top round picks, but that is ok as the ones they did all can play in the bigs someday, making this a pretty nice draft all things considered.
Grade: B+

Gabby Hudson Syracuse Sympathizers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Kenyon, MN Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Syracuse Sympathizers
--The Sympathizers were sitting pretty this year for the draft, going in with the #6 and #9 overall picks, and looking to nab a couple of studs for the future of the franchise.  How did it work out?  At #6 they selected SP Gabby Hudson, a fine starter who is pretty good in all key categories, but really isn't the dominant type of player you would expect to get with the sixth pick in the draft, and really only has #3 or #4 potential in the majors.  They did much better with the 9th pick, selecting SS Luke Colangelo.  Colangelo has an average glove, and would be a very fine 3B if he doesn't maximize his defensive growth potential.  His stick is pretty good, and .280/25/100 out of him should be the norm in the majors, with the potential for greater numbers if he has protection in the lineup.  He's pretty quick too, and a decent base runner as well.  2nd round selection CF Al Ibarra is a decent hitter, not great but not horrible, and has a good glove for the position.  He could be a valuable backup at CF and 2B in the majors.  3rd round selection RP Alex Blanco was quite a find at that spot, and has great potential to be successful in the majors with is top splits and pitch selection, if he can overcome the occasional control issue.  The rest of the Sympathizers draft was minor league lifers.  All told this was a successful draft, but one that could have been much better had they been able to score a player of the type you normally get at #6.
Grade: B+

Tris Flair Sioux Falls Corn Cleats Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Lehi, UT Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
--The Corn Cleats went into the draft with the most 1st and 2nd round picks thanks to the loss of several type A free agents in the offseason, and were hoping to bolster their minors and not suffer the fate the Wichita Wankers did in season 15, where they had the misfortune of a lack of talent with tons of picks.  The results were pretty good all things considered.  Their first pick was at #25 overall, where the Cleats selected slugging C Tris Flair.  Only an average defensive catcher, Flair's main upside is in his tremendously powerful bat, which is very good vs. lefties.  With his low durability he'll probably be limited to platoon duty in the majors.  Supplemental pick 2B Virgil Snelling may be the steal of the draft, selected at #43 overall.  Projected to top out at an overall of 87 according to Times Herald Scouts, Snelling has an elite glove, decent power, and great splits and batting eye.  He also has top speed and baserunning skills, and should be a starter in the majors someday, being capable of playing every position save for SS.  Supplemental pick 1B Seth Feldman was also a nice choice, a great contact hitting 1B who should be able to hit for average and OBP in the bigs at an elite level.  He doesn't have top power, but 15-20 homers a year isn't out of the question for him.  Supplemental pick RP also has the potential to be a ML regular, thanks to his top splits, velocity, GB/FB, and pitch selection.    Supplemental pick CF Fred Benoit has ML backup potential thanks to his great glove and speed, but his bat is average at best.  2nd round pick CF Spud Harvey has the same batting skills as Benoit, but his glove isn't nearly as nice.  2nd round pick SP Laynce Chase could potentially make it as a long reliever, but his ceiling is pretty limited.  The remainder of the Cleats draft saw three more players with ML potential, LF Everth Hernandez, a 3rd rounder with a decent bat who could possibly see time as a backup, and two defensive shortstops in 4th and 5th round picks Davey Baerga and Alex Jacquez.  So the grand tally for SXF in this years draft was 4 players with definite ML starting potential, and six with the potential to be role players off the bench.  This was a haul by anybodies standards in a draft lacking depth in talent.
Grade: A

Kirk Barnes St. Louis Tweakers Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Boswell, OK Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

St. Louis Tweakers
--Picking at #11 this year, the Tweakers selected SP Kirk Barnes, a crafty lefty with great splits.  Barnes shows decent promise with his pitch selection, although none of them can be considered elite pitches.  Barnes true strength lies with his deceptive movement, although he sometimes experiences control issues.  He's a workhorse too, and if his game is on is a complete game monster on the mound.  2nd round pick LF Chris Rigby is a platoon managers dream, showing incredible power and skills vs. right handed pitching.  He'll strike out a lot, and can't hit lefties worth a lick, but his bat shows tremendous value depending on the matchup.  3rd round choice DH Sid Priest adds some depth off the bench should a bat be needed, as his is decent but not elite.  4th round pick CF Wiki Molina is a nice defensive CF, but his bat might prevent him from ever seeing the big leagues.  Not a bad draft for the Tweakers, netting some players with enough upside to overcome their flaws. 
Grade: B

Season 16 Draft Recap - Wichita through Toronto

Seth Shipley Wichita Wankers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Citrus Heights, CA Position(s): P (LRA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Wichita Wankers
--Picking late as usual, the Wankers selected SP Seth Shipley at #31 overall in the first round.  Shipley is a very hard throwing righty with great splits, huge velocity and movement, and 3 good pitches and fourth pitch that is average.  Also average to below average is Shipley's control, but if he can maximize his progress with that facet of his game he should have a career in the majors in the starting rotation.  Supplemental pick SP Eddie Brooks, taken at #44 overall, is slightly above average in all key skills but really doesn't excel in any one particular area.  He should be able to crack the majors as a long reliever/spot starter, but a regular rotation spot seems unlikely.  Supplemental pick SP Anthony Ledee, taken at #56 has some nice potential to make the majors as a quality long reliever or #5 starter.  His control is pretty good, his splits are reasonable, and he has a very nice first pitch.  2nd round selection SP Spike Sutton was a good value pick, and has the same long reliever/spot starter potential as the supplemental round choices for the Wankers.  3rd round pick 1B Ellie Donatello was a nice value pick, esp. given the dearth of overall talent this season in the draft, with good power and decent skills vs. lefties.  After Donatello there really isn't anyone else in the Wankers draft with real major league potential, but all told this was a decent draft under the circumstances for the Wankers.
Grade: B

Joseph Sasaki Vancouver Grizzlies Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Baton Rouge, LA Position(s): SS/3B/2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Vancouver Grizzlies
--The Grizzlies forfeited their 1st round pick in favor of signing FA Bosco Simon, but did have two supplemental round choices in this years draft.  The first, SS Joseph Sasaki, is an above average fielding SS with some pop in his bat and a decent batting eye.  His contact and splits aren't the best, but  he should be a serviceable utility man in the majors.  The Grizzlies other supplemental choice, SS Darryl Montgomery doesn't really have the skills to cut it at the major league level, with a glove best suited for 3B but only a very average bat.  3rd round pick SS Joe Percival was a tremendous value pick, with a gold glove caliber defensive skill set and an elite batting eye.  The rest of his hitting skills are pretty anemic, but he has definite ML starting potential depending on the team, but will at the very least be a very good backup SS in the big leagues someday.  No other picks in the Vancouver draft really impress, leaving the Grizzlies with an average haul this year, with the Percival selection keeping this draft respectable.
Grade: C

Billy Campbell Trenton Lions Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Providence, RI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Trenton Lions
--The Lions were hoping to use this draft to bolster their minor league pitching, but unfortunately there wasn't a lot of depth at that position this season.  That lack of depth showed as the Lions managed a selection of a decent but not truly notable pitcher at #15 overall this year in SP Billy Campbell.   Campbell has above average control and splits, low velocity, and average to below average pitches.  He projects to be a #5 starter or thereabouts in the majors.  Supplemental pick C Mitch Schafer was a nice pick at #40, a very solid hitting catcher with average defensive skills.  He has a great contact bat and is very durable behind the plate.  2nd round pick SP Ruben Parra could make it in the majors as a long reliever, and fellow 2nd round selection RP Mule has fringe potential to make the ML bullpen.  The remainder of the Lions draft netted some pretty nice minor league players but no further prospects with ML potential.  Overall the Lions have to be disappointed with being unable to land a better pitcher at #15 overall this season, as usually there are some pretty good players around at that spot in the draft.
Grade: C

Willis Theriot Toronto Blue Jays Age: 22 B/T: S/R Born: Glen Cove, NY Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Toronto Blue Jays
--With the #18 overall pick in the draft, the Blue Jays selected elite closer prospect Willis Theriot.  Theriot has the distinction of not only having elite control, splits, velocity, and GB/FB ratio, but of being a true five pitch closer.  All five pitches are effective, and his sinker, curve, and slider are all elite.  Supplemental pick RP Pete Wallace also has ML potential, but is more suited to a setup B or long relief role in the majors.  Thanks to his stellar control, 2nd round selection Matty Slocumb should have a future in the ML bullpen, as should fellow 2nd rounder SP Neil Peterman.  Peterman will probably be more of a long reliever/spot starter, but is a nice value pick.  After Peterman the rest of the Blue Jays draft is pretty much minor league filler, but getting a shutdown closer like Theriot in draft as poor in talent as this seasons is makes this draft a success for Toronto.
Grade: B

Season 16 Preview - American League

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

Once again last season Cleveland followed it's usual M.O. and made the playoffs as a wildcard entrant, and then proceeded to unseat the top seeded teams en route to an incredible 6th straight World Series appearance, where they lost to the powerful Columbus side from the NL.  How will this season fare in the AL, will it be more of the same as the rest of the league just plays for regular season glory while Cleveland tears through the postseason yet again?  Or will there finally be someone else representing the junior circuit in the championship?  Read on to see how Lars thinks the regular season will play out.

American League

Lars the Greeks Divisional Breakdowns

AL North: For as long as Lars can remember Pawtucket has owned the AL North.  But the winds of change are blowing and not even the mighty Dean Hernandez may be enough to stop the oncoming Toronto Blue Jays storm.  The Chicago Sabercats and Seattle Pilots are rebuilding for the future, so this is a two team race featuring a long time powerhouse vs. a franchise that is sorely overdue for some success.  Lars thinks that with the moves Toronto made in the offseason to shore up their lineup plus their maturing and very impressive pitching staff they will finally have enough to unseat the mighty G- Maniacs.

AL East: Dover owned the regular season last year while Cleveland once again did enough to get into the playoffs, where they have ruled supreme in recent memory.  Lars sees more of the same this year as both squads remain very talented and are clearly superior at the moment to their divisional rivals in Syracuse and New York.  While those two teams rebuild to challenge in a few seasons, it looks like another dogfight for the top spot.  Lars sees a similar outcome to last season as Dover is the deeper of the two franchises, and that benefit will be reaped in the regular season. 

AL South:  The AL South has the real potential to be what the NL East is currently in a season or two, as all four teams look to be very good in the upcoming seasons.  This year though Kansas City is a season or two away and will probably finish at the bottom of the division, albeit with a competitive record.  Florida and Nashville are locks to be good teams and have winning records, while the Dogs move to Santa Fe is the wildcard in this division.  Santa Fe improved their ML team by leaps and bounds in the offseason, and if their pitchers arms stay attached could match the performances of the divisional favorites.  This should get interesting, and picking a division winner for the AL South is extremely difficult indeed.

AL West:  This division should be a similar story to the last few seasons as Tacoma and Vancouver are the favorites, and St. Louis and Anaheim are dark horse candidates for a wild card spot.  Vancouver hasn't been able to quite put it together the last few seasons, but they added some huge free agent signings in the offseason that make their lineup very dangerous.  Lars thinks that this year might be the time they finally beat out their Pacific Northwest rival to the North for the division.

Projected Cy Young: Dean Hernandez - Pawtucket G-Maniacs
--Other Contenders: Kazuhiro Ong (NAS), Benito Beltre (TOR), Tommy Wakeland (VAN), Darren Howry (TAC), Eric Collins (FLA), Trevor Seelbach (CLE)
Projected MVP: Pedro Franco (NAS)
--Other Contenders: Lyle Crudale (CLE), Ralph Woods (SFE), Richard Nakajima (VAN)
Projected Fireman of the Year: Trevor Seelbach - Cleveland Steamers
--Other Contenders: Raymond Hawkins (FLA), Jared Jacobsen (LAA), Edgardo Romero (DOV)
Projected Rookie of the Year: Russell Walker - Toronto Blue Jays
--Other Contenders: Mike O'Shea (DOV), Damaso Pizarro (SYR)

Top Five Rotations in the American League

1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Florida Almendares
3. Pawtucket G-Maniacs
4. Tacoma Jerry Gang
5. Vancouver Grizzlies

Top Five Lineups in the American League
1. Nashville Rebel Riders
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Santa Fe Greyhounds
5. Cleveland Steamers

Top Three Offseason Free Agent Signings
1. Bosco Simon - Vancouver Grizzlies
2. Victor Gandarillas - Santa Fe Greyhounds
3. Ignacio Lopez  - Vancouver Grizzlies

Four Teams on the Rise:
1. Toronto Blue Jays
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
3. Santa Fe Greyhounds
4. Kansas City Express

Two Teams on the Decline
1. Anaheim Sharks
2. Chicago Sabercats


Four prospects who could make a difference if called up this season
1. Morris Coomer - Anaheim Sharks
2. Malcolm Tucker - Cleveland Steamers
3. Harry Barnes - Vancouver Grizzlies
4. Enos French - Vancouver Grizzlies

Projected finishes, by division:

AL North
Toronto Blue Jays - 94-68
Pawtucket G-Maniacs - 88-74
Seattle Pilots - 72-90
Chicago Sabercats - 64-98

AL East
Dover Dingos - 96-66
Cleveland Steamers-94-68
Syracuse Sympathizers - 76-86
New York Expos - 63-99

AL South
Florida Almendares - 92-70
Nashville Rebel Riders - 90-72
Santa Fe Greyhounds - 85-77
Kansas City Express - 63-99

AL West
Vancouver Grizzlies - 97-65
Tacoma Jerry Gang - 95-67
Anaheim Sharks 89-73
St. Louis Tweakers - 71-91

Season 16 Preview - National League

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

The dynasties of the past are officially dead in the National League, and the NL East proved their mettle with three playoff teams and the eventual World Series champions in the Columbus HoundDogs.  The HoundDogs were especially dominant last season, with the best record in both leagues, the W.S. title, and a sweep of all major awards.  It will be very difficult for them to match that feat again this season, but they do have the horses to make a run at the repeat.  Who will stand in their way?  Read on and find out.

National League

Lars the Greeks Divisional Breakdowns

NL North: The NL North looks to be a three team race between New York, Trenton, and Sioux Falls.  Burlington is in a full on rebuild and won't be a factor at the ML level this season.  Of the three contenders all have flaws - Sioux Falls has great pitching and Kirk White but their offense is anemic, New York has a great lineup and rotation but the bullpen is iffy, and Trenton has some great hitters but only two starters who can really get the job done. Lars thinks that New York has the slight edge here.

NL East: Tampa Bay (formerly Syracuse) really shook up the division with tons of trades this season and signed a lot of talented veteran free agents, but even with all those moves Lars doesn't think that this year will be any different from last season when they won 95 games and finished 4th.  This division belongs to Columbus until someone knocks them from their perch.  Wichita and Atlanta are certainly capable of doing so, as they have the talent, but Columbus is probably just too good this year.  But Lars thinks that there will be three playoff teams from this division once again, as Tampa, Wichita, and Atlanta are all pretty evenly matched. 

NL South:  Jackson took a major step back last season, going from a World Series team to the cellar, and sold most of their major league team as a result this offseason, so Lars doesn't see them making an impact in the divisional race.  That leaves Richmond, who has been enjoying a pretty good run the last few seasons, Charlotte, which has some great hitters but lost a lot to free agency this year, and Montgomery, who if they call up their incredible slew of uber talented minor leaguers could have the best team in the National League.  Lars thinks that this is the year that the Montgomery franchise goes back to the top of the NL South

NL West:  San Francisco won the division handily last year, but thanks to some untimely injuries faltered in the playoffs.  Iowa City has the same level of talent but just didn't get it done last year, so they are looking to make amends and give the Earthquakes a run for their money.  Omaha is well managed and in transition so look for them to have a winning record but not really factor into the division, and Los Angeles is getting much better but just isn't quite there yet.  Lars thinks that if Iowa Cities pitchers perform like they should, they have a slight edge this season. 

Projected Cy Young: Davey Silva - Wichita Wankers
--Other Contenders: Clyde Ford (SF), Talmadge Young (COL), Ivan Canseco (SF), Junior Lee (ATL), Furio Kydd (IA)
Projected MVP: Chipper Harper - Columbus
--Other Contenders: Nick Weaver (ATL), Omar Rosado (NY2), Tim Collins (MNT)
Projected Fireman of the Year: Kirk White - Sioux Falls
--Other Contenders: Sarma Inge (CLB)
Projected Rookie of the Year: Wascar Galvez - Trenton Lions
--Other Contenders: Bo Bianucci (SXF), Juan Javier (TB), Kazuhiro Martin (SF), Jesus Tabaka (LA)

Top Five Rotations in the National League
1. Tampa Bay Beagles
2. Columbus HoundDogs
3. Atlanta Pitbulls
4. San Francisco Earthquakes
5. Iowa City Corn Dogs

Top Five Bullpens in the National League
1. Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
2. Columbus HoundDogs
3. San Francisco Earthquakes
4. Wichita Wankers
5. Tampa Bay Beagles

Top Five Lineups in the National League
1. Columbus HoundDogs
2. Trenton Lions
3. Atlanta Pitbulls
4. Iowa City Corn Dogs
5. Wichita Wankers

Top Three Offseason Free Agent Signings
1. Bernie Almonte - New York Pick Pockets
2. Alex Presley - Charlotte Thunder
3. Jerry Ross - Richmond Cohibas

Top Three Trade Acquisitions
1. Kirk White - Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
2. Louie Tarraga - Montgomery Burns
3. Frank Hartgraves - Jackson Pollocks

Four Teams on the Rise:
1. Montgomery Burns
2. Trenton Lions
3. San Francisco Earthquakes
4. Los Angeles Leopards

Three Teams on the Decline
1. Jackson Pollocks
2. Burlington Champs
3. Charlotte Thunder

Seven prospects who could make a difference if called up this season
1. Michael Leonard - Iowa City Corn Dogs
2. Doyle Grey - Montgomery Burns
3. Morgan Kirby - Montgomery Burns
4. Jamie Hayashi - Montgomery Burns
5. Ignacio Feliz - Montgomery Burns
6. Brutus Meyers - Omaha Sluggers
7. Andres Tatis - San Francisco Earthquakes

Projected finishes, by division:

NL North
New York Pick Pockets -91-71
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats - 88-74
Trenton Lions - 84-78
Burlington Champs - 68-94

NL East
Columbus HoundDogs - 104-58
Atlanta Pitbulls - 94-68
Tampa Bay Beagles - 92-70
Wichita Wankers - 90-72

NL South
Montomgery Burns - 96-66
Richmond Cohibas - 87-75
Charlotte Thunder - 72-90
Jackson Pollocks - 64-98

NL West
Iowa City Corn Dogs - 93-69
San Francisco Earthquakes - 89-74
Omaha Sluggers - 84-78
Los Angeles Leopards - 73-89

Season 16 Offseason Free Agency Preview

Leon Jackson - Special Correspondent

The hot stove is warming up, and we're here to bring you all the coverage! Today, we bring you our rating service's top 10 free agents of this offseason. Overall, it's a fairly weak class of free agents, but there are still a few solid players out there that can turn around franchises. Let's get to the top 10!

SEASON 16 Top 10 Free Agents

P.T. Wiggins none none Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Las Vegas, NV Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

10. P.T. Wiggins, 30, 1B/DH
No Designation
Key Stat: Solid Ratings Across the Board

Possible Destinations: Santa Fe, New York (AL), Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver
Salary Over/Under: 3 years, $8 million

Signed with Atlanta - 2 years, $3.8 million

Wiggins has never really gotten a shot in the bigs, coming off the bench for Sioux Falls for a few seasons before being traded to Hartford last season and demoted to AAA. This guy deserves a spot as someone’s 1B or DH. He’s got great splits and batting eye, and very good power. His contact isn’t great, and he can’t field very well. But with that kind of bat, he should be in someone’s lineup – we think he could hit .275 with 30-35 HR if given a full time opportunity.

Pete Brantley none none Age: 32 B/T: L/R Born: Palm Harbor, FL Position(s): C/1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

9. Pete Brantley, 32, C
Type B Free Agent
Key Stat: .814 Career OPS

Possible Destinations: Santa Fe, Richmond, Charlotte, Trenton, Chicago
Salary Over/Under: 3 years, $10 million

Signed with Seattle - 1 year, $1.855 million

Brantley is a very average defensive catcher, but has such an excellent bat, that some team will likely give him a shot to be their everyday backstop. He has great splits and contact, and a pretty good batting eye, to go with decent power. Age is a concern, more so defensively, as he may only have a few seasons left as a serviceable catcher. As a 1B/DH, he loses a lot of his value.

Gregory Rivers none none Age: 36 B/T: L/L Born: Hempstead, NY Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

8. Gregory Rivers, 36, RP
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: 3.32 Career ERA

Possible Destinations: Charlotte, Santa Fe, Atlanta, Wichita, Tacoma
Salary Over/Under: 2 years, $11 million

Signed with Richmond - 3 years, $24 million

Rivers has outstanding peripherals across the board, ranking as having the best control, splits, ratios, velocity, and pitch combo in the class by a wide margin. But durability, stamina and age bring his value down quite a bit. He should be an excellent reliever for a few more seasons. It’s hard to justify signing a 36 year old type A free agent, but Rivers is so good, we think someone will bite, despite durability concerns.

Del Haney none none Age: 29 B/T: L/L Born: Burlington, NC Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

7. Del Haney, 29, RP
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: 4.31 Career ERA, Age

Possible Destinations: Cleveland, Anaheim, Atlanta, Jackson, Nashville
Salary Over/Under: 4 years, $20 million

Signed with Santa Fe - 1 year, $4.45 million

In a free agent class that doesn’t feature many quality relievers, Haney’s value soars. He has great durability and stamina for a reliever. Control and splits are good, but not great, he can really keep the ball down, and has some very nice pitches. He could close or be a great setup guy. The next Kirk White he’s not, but in this class, he’s one of the best relievers.

Bosco Simon none none Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Cordell, OK Position(s): LF/2B/RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

6. Bosco Simon, 30, LF
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: .833 Career OPS

Possible Destinations: New York (AL), Trenton, Vancouver, Santa Fe, Richmond
Salary Over/Under: 4 years, $36 million

Signed with Vancouver - 1 year, $7 million

Simon is an outstanding contact hitter with nice power, good splits, and a nice batting eye. He’s coming off a solid season with Toronto, and would fit nicely as a team’s #2 hitter, possibly even a #3. He’s never really had the breakout season that his ratings indicate he may be capable of. In the right lineup, it could happen.

Gregg Young none none Age: 32 B/T: L/L Born: Texarkana, AR Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

5. Greg Young, 32, 1B/DH
No Designation
Key Stat: 310 Career HR

Possible Destinations: Chicago, Santa Fe, Richmod, Vancouver, New York (AL)
Salary Over/Under: 3 years, $11 million

Signed with Anaheim - 4 years, $25 million

Greg Young is a tremendous power hitter, with excellent contact, splits, and batting eye. He’s put up some spectacular numbers in past seasons, although last season was a disappointing one for him, putting up the worse numbers of his career. We think he’ll bounce back. He hasn’t declined much, and should be able to add a lot of value to a lineup. If he goes to a hitter’s park, look out. And he won’t even cost you a draft pick, which is a definite plus.

Victor Gandarillas none none Age: 32 B/T: R/R Born: San Lorenzo, VE Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Victor Gandarillas, 32, SP
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: 3.99 Career ERA

Possible Destinations: Cleveland, Charlotte, Tacoma, Santa Fe, Seattle
Salary Over/Under: 4 years, $34 million

Signed with Santa Fe - 3 years, $26 million

Gandarillas is a solid righty, coming off a tremendous season with Sioux Falls, where he posted a sub 3.00 ERA and posted 15 wins. He has outstanding control, velocity, and keeps the ball down. His pitches are solid, but not spectacular. He is a bit vulnerable to lefties, but we don’t see that as much of a concern. He hasn’t declined much, even though he’s 32, so he should have several more solid seasons ahead of him.

Bernie Almonte none none Age: 29 B/T: S/R Born: Barahona, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Bernie Almonte, 29, SP
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: 3.84 Career ERA

Possible Destinations: Seattle, Richmond, Santa Fe, Wichita, New York (AL)
Salary Over/Under: 4 years, $44 million

Signed with New York (NL) - 5 years, $29.2 million

Almonte, another Sioux Falls pitcher, features superb control, has great splits and throws with a lot of velocity. His pitch quality is decent, but doesn’t impress, and he generates a lot of fly balls. He worked mostly as a reliever last season, after starting the previous three seasons. He has borderline stamina for an SP, which is probably why he has gone back and forth between the rotation and the pen. Given his young age, we feel he can still be a starter for several more seasons, and would be a plus for most rotations.

Jerry Ross none none Age: 32 B/T: L/L Born: Overland Park, KS Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Jerry Ross, 32, SP
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: 3.71 Career ERA

Possible Destinations: Tacoma, Florida, Wichita, Cleveland, Charlotte
Salary Over/Under: 4 years, $48 million

Signed with Richmond - 5 years, $82 million

Ross stands out because of his outstanding splits, to go along with excellent control. His Velocity and ability to keep the ball down are solid, and he has a very good pitch selection. Again, his stamina isn’t great for a starting pitcher, which is a slight concern, he was used in relief some in the past, but has mostly been a starter. The good news, is there is no signs of decline yet for him, so we think he has some good years left as a starter, where he should post excellent numbers.

Alex Presley none none Age: 28 B/T: R/R Born: West Blocton, AL Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1. Alex Presley, 28, 2B
Type A Free Agent
Key Stat: Last 3 Seasons averaged 35 HR 107 RBI

Possible Destinations: Santa Fe, Charlotte, Richmond, New York (AL), Vancouver
Salary Over/Under: 5 years, $80 million

Signed with Charlotte - 4 years, $39 million

Presley gets the nod as the top prize in this year’s free agent class. He is an outstanding hitter across the board, putting up great numbers the past two seasons in a heavy pitcher’s park of Tacoma. He has upside for even better numbers. He is also a great fielder, who can be an asset at 2B, or he could play CF in a pinch. He is also still only 28, so he should be outstanding for the entire length of a 5 year deal. Get your checkbooks out now!


Here’s a few players that were considered, but didn’t make the top 10. These guys can helps some teams too:

Honorable Mention, Hitters: Luke Henley, Sam Lockwood, Santiago Matos, Brandon Miller, John Helms, Dude Barry, Ignacio Lopez, Roger Sanders

Honorable Mention, Pitchers: Ryan Kinney, Luis Gonzales, Luis Sosa, Phil Chang, Patrick Bullinger, Andres Quixote

Good luck in free agency!

Season 15 Playoff Preview - National League

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

National League

#1 Columbus HoundDogs - 109-53, 1st place NL East
Strengths: Everywhere you look there are strengths in Columbus.  The lineup features a three time reigning MVP,  a Cy Young candidate in Talmadge Young, the Fireman of the Year in Sarma Inge, and a very strong supporting cast everywhere else.  This team is deep.
Weaknesses: Lars looked really hard, and he's not finding any.  The Beagles/Fug Nuts Curse perhaps? 
Keys to Success: If the lineup hits like it is capable of, it will be a long series for opposing pitchers.  The rotation is a bit trickier as Young, Elvis Christman, and Tony Cho are all elite pitchers, but can lose a game here or there, and aren't quite in the same class as the Davey Silvas of the world. 
Team MVP's: 1B Chipper Harper & SP Talmadge Young & RP Sarma Inge
Outlook:  Now that Kazuhiro Ong is pitching in the AL, things are looking pretty good for Columbus.  Their team is so deep it's hard to pick against them, especially considering how their lineup will match up against all the other NL playoff teams rotations.
Odds: 2-1

#2 San Francisco Earthquakes - 99-63, 1st place NL West
Strengths: The Earthquakes have some great young pitching, but with the season ending injury to ace Clyde Ford, the rotation will be leaning heavily on proven playoff performer Ivan Canseco.  The bullpen is very good and has great depth.
Weaknesses: While the lineup is capable, this season they have only shown average production and have shown pretty much no power to speak of at the plate.  The rotation took a huge hit with the loss of Ford, and now isn't nearly as imposing.  Youth is also a factor, as this is the first playoff series for many players on the team save the veterans acquired in trades and those around last season when San Fran made a run.
Keys to Success: Canseco will have to be a rock and carry the rotation and Randall Slaughter will have to step up on the mound as well.  The lineup will have to find a way to move the runners around the horn in a more productive fashion than they showed in the regular season, as Charlie Erving can't do it all by himself.
Team MVP's: 2B Charlie Erving & SSP Ivan Canseco
Outlook:  This is a team that is very dependent on it's pitching, and if Ford were healthy would have had a very imposing 1-2 punch that would have been tough for other teams to compete with.  But only having Canseco weakens this teams playoff prospects considerably.
Odds: 12-1

#3 Sioux Falls Corn Cleats - 90-72, 1st place NL North
Strengths: SXF had some of the best pitching in the NL this season, and is pretty deep in both the rotation and bullpen.  The Corn Cleats are also a great slugging team, and have power throughout the lineup.
Weaknesses: The power focused lineup is otherwise pathetic, and had real trouble hitting the ball for anything other than a home run, and as a result didn't score a whole lot this season. 
Keys to Success: The lineup needs to get some people on base for the home run hitters to have any major effect on the score.  The pitching staff features four #1A type starters in Vance Weaver, Jose Vazquez, Victor Gandarillas, and Eric Holdrige, of which at least two of whom have to bring their good stuff to the mound for this team to win.  They need to feed off the momentum of a second half run that saw them go from worst to first in the division.
Team MVP's: 1B Brace Davey & SP Victor Gandarillas
Outlook: The Cleats are a team that is capable of beating anybody, as was shown by their incredible second half run, or losing to anybody, as was shown by their being in last place at the all star break.  Which team will show up?  If the good one does they could go a long way, if not it's lights out in the wild card round.
Odds: 10-1

#4 Richmond Cohibas - 86-76, 1st place NL South
Strengths: The Richmond lineup was the best hitting NL lineup this season, and is the reason why they are in the playoffs.  MVP candidates Dick Wolf and Geronimo Liriano are having excellent years, as is Benji Ordonez.
Weaknesses:  The Cohibas team defense is below average, and their pitching is suspect beyond Jerry Ross and Harold Austin. 
Keys to Success: Ross and Austin need to be at their best to carry an otherwise average rotation, and Shane Parrish needs to clean up the mess should he be called upon in the bullpen if a starter should falter.  The lineup just needs to keep up the good work they are already doing.
Team MVP's: 1B/LF Geronimo Liriano & SP Jerry Ross
Outlook:  Richmond has a competetive matchup against Atlanta in the first round, and should Ross and Austin win their starts it's a good chance that this team will go pretty far.  If it gets to the Cohibas bullpen though it probably won't be a long playoffs for Richmond.
Odds: 10-1

#5 Atlanta Pitbulls - 96-66, 2nd place NL East
Strengths: Atlanta is a team that is above average in pretty much everything, but not truly elite in any one particular category.  But as a whole this team is very deep across the board in both pitching and hitting, and the top three starters for Atlanta are among the best in the league, and probably the best top three in the NL playoffs.
Weaknesses: As good as the starters are for Atlanta, the bullpen is a bit of an issue, and isn't very reliable. 
Keys to success: Atlanta needs to have their hitters step it up just a little bit, and their starters keep up the lights out work that they have been putting out thus far.  If the starters go deep into the game, that will probably mean Atlanta is going to win.  If the starters get rocked though there isn't much comfort to be had when they leave the game.
Team MVP's: 2B Jamie Beimel & SP Junior Lee
Outlook:  The Pitbulls are one of the more balanced teams in Cobb, and they match up pretty well with Richmond.  If the starters get on a roll and show that they have playoff mettle, then Atlanta could upset Columbus and make it to the World Series.  Or they could just as easily lose to Richmond and be out of it, especially given the teams history.
Odds: 10-1

#6 Wichita Wankers - 95-67, 3rd place NL East
Strengths: The Wankers had the best pitching in the National League largely based on the performances of Davey Silva and Erubiel Owen, both up for the Cy Young award this season.  The offense was very good as well, clubbing a league leading 255 homers despite playing in the cavernous Wichita park.  The lineup is downright dangerous.
Weaknesses: Outside of Silva and Owen, the pitching staff is vulnerable and average at best and can be exploited.
Keys to Success: The lineup has to keep terrorizing opposing pitchers and helping chicks dig the long ball.  Silva needs to win every start or this could be a short playoffs for Wichita with no other proven playoff performers. 
Team MVP's: CF/2B Dorian Woolf & SP Davey Silva
Outlook: If the Wankers offense can get to the opposing pitching and steal a game or two when Silva isn't pitching, Wichita has the potential to go very far.  Like every other NL team in the playoffs, they have trouble matching up with Columbus, but have the potential to pull of the upset.
Odds: 10-1

Season 15 Playoff Preview - American League

Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald

American League

#1 Dover Dingos - 106-56, 1st place AL East
Strengths: The Dingos team depth is among the best in the entire league, and they have a very balanced lineup with no real weaknesses.  Their team defense is very solid as well, and CF Harpo Hurst is among the best in the game at that position. 
Weaknesses: While the starting pitching is solid, it lacks the true #1 SP that is often necessary in the postseason.  Alfonso Vega and Micah Conigliaro posted career years, but neither one of them stacks up well on paper vs. the likes of Dean Hernandez, Kaz Ong, or Ruben Gonzalez. 
Keys to success: Shawon Lee, Domingo Palaez, and Albert Burnett form a very effective power trio and Mitchell Marshall is great at setting the plate, and they will need to continue their regular season effectiveness into the playoffs for Dover to have a shot.  On the mound Ralph Hill will need to step up and be an effective 3rd option, because the likelihood that Vega or Conigliaro will lose a game against the cream of the AL pitching is pretty good. 
Team MVP's: C/DH Shawon Lee & SP Alfonso Vega
Outlook:  Dover has a good chance of advancing to the World Series, but the road won't be easy, and AL #1 seeds have a habit of falling to Cleveland the
Odds: 6-1

#2 Florida Almendares - 102-60, 1st place AL South
Strengths: Florida is the best defensive team in Cobb World, posting an astounding .990 team fielding percentage this season.  The Almendares starting pitching is top notch, and Eric Collins is the type of pitcher who can match up against anyone else in the league.  The lineup hits for contact and average quite well.
Weaknesses: The one glaring weakness in Florida's resume is the overall lack of pop in the lineup.  They don't hit a whole lot of home runs and depend on moving the base runners around to score, which is difficult to do in the playoffs against the top pitchers in the league. 
Keys to Success: The pitching staff has to keep producing as they have been, and the defense needs to keep preventing unearned easy runs for the other team.  If they can do that they will be in every game.
Team MVP's: RF Harry Rios & SP's Eric Collins & Danny Beamon
Outlook: Lars thinks that Florida has what it takes to go to the World Series out of the AL.  Of course it all comes down to whether or not they can derail the Cleveland juggernaut.
Odds: 4-1

#3 Tacoma Jerry Gang - 97-65, 1st place AL West
Strengths: Pitching, pitching, and more pitching!  Tacoma had the best staff in Cobb World this year, and not just because they pitched half their games in the forgiving confines of Cheney Stadium.  Tacoma's imposing 4 man rotation was very good this year, and all four pitchers are playoff capable.  The lineup wasn't too bad either, finishing in the top half despite playing half their games at home. Tacoma was also a top 4 fielding team in Cobb as well.
Weaknesses: It's hard to find a true weakness on this team, but if one had to be chosen it would be how they match up vs. Cleveland, their 1st round opponent, and their historical lack of playoff success the last few years despite having a very good team on the field. 
Keys to success: The pitching is going to have to keep doing what they have been doing all season long, and the lineup will need to step up and produce against the proven and playoff tough Cleveland pitching staff, and steal a game against Gonzalez or Bill Palmer.
Team MVP's: 2B Alex Presley & SP Darren Howry
Outlook: If Tacoma had drawn any other team but Cleveland, he would be picking them to win.  But Lars has learned the hard way that when it comes to playoff baseball, Cleveland is one team you don't bet against.  But if Tacoma can get past them, the skies the limit.
Odds: 10-1

#4 Pawtucket G-Maniacs - 88-74, 1st place AL North
Strengths: Dean Hernandez.  Beyond him, the G's were actually a top team in pitching, hitting, and fielding this season.  But really it all comes down to Dean Hernandez, he is irreplaceable for this team.
Weaknesses:  Despite being good in all statistical categories, the G's only managed 88 wins and are the worst team in the AL playoffs.  So somewhere something went wrong.  Looking more closely at the numbers, the young pitching of Hulk Boone and King Gonzalez was inconsistent, as was the aging David Rosado in the closer spot.  Joseph Funaki, a key power hitter for Pawtucket had a down year as well. 
Keys to Success:  Dean Hernandez needs to win his starts, or the kids need to step up and pitch better than they did in the regular season.  Rosado needs to discover some of that old magic, or the starters efforts will be for naught.
Team MVP's: DH Ajax Worley & SP Dean Hernandez
Outlook:  Dean is great, but despite that Pawtucket will have trouble stacking up to the rest of the teams in the AL playoffs this year.  Their first round draw vs. an excellent Nashville squad is brutal. 
Odds: 25-1

#5 Nashville Rebel Riders - 100-62, 2nd place AL South
Strengths: The Nashville lineup is the best in the AL playoffs, at least according to the numbers, and boasts two MVP candidates in Pedro Franco and Eddie Guardado.  Kazuhiro Ong is pitching for Nashville, which is bad news for the rest of the AL.
Weaknesses: Outside of Ong, the rest of the rotation is capable but not imposing.  The bullpen is also only average and will give up the occasional game.
Keys to Success: Ong needs to win his starts, and then the rest of the rotation will only need to get one game, which they should be able to do.  The lineup needs to eat up the inexperienced pitchers they come across, and try to steal a game from the aces they will face. 
Team MVP's: DH Pedro Franco & SP Kazuhiro Ong
Outlook:  If Cy Young candidate Kaz Ong pitches like he always does in the playoffs, the odds of Nashville advancing are pretty good.  With the lineup they have, Nashville will be in every game, even against the elite pitchers in the league.
Odds: 4-1

#6 Cleveland Steamers - 98-64, 2nd place AL East
Strengths: Experience, and loads of it.  Ruben Gonzalez and Bill Palmer are some of the greatest playoff pitchers in the history of the game.  Their starting lineup is very good, and has more power than any other AL playoff team.  Trevor Seelbach is an ace in the bullpen.
Weaknesses: They aren't very deep, and if Gonzalez or Palmer misses a step they suddenly become very vulnerable. 
Keys to Success: Gonzalez, Palmer, and Seelbach keep up the good work, and the lineup takes care of the rest.  Really, the same formula that has taken them to the World Series the previous five seasons. 
Team MVP's: RF Vinny Jang & SP Ruben Gonzalez & RP Trevor Seelbach
Outlook: Until they get beat by an American League team in the playoffs, it's hard to pick against Cleveland in the post season.  Lars thinks that this year is probably more of the same.
Odds: 2-1