Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald
Decade of Dominance - Close but no Cigar
The Charlotte Dogs have been a battling franchise from the beginning of Cobb World. The only time the team has won less than 60 games was when it was abandoned in season 1. Since then they have managed to put together a series of close but not quite there campaigns that fall just short of a winning season. The team has been very aggressive in trying new strategies to field a winning team, which may be the reason why they have yet to fulfill their promise, as they have been quick to pull the trigger at times. But still, this franchise is solid, and just needs a few tweaks before things start to fall into place.
#28 - Charlotte Dogs
Franchise Power Ranking: 21
Best Year: 81-81, s7 - Worst Year: 54-108, s1
Postseason Achievements: None
Best Player: Woody Olerud - Was a the most consistent performer in the first five years of the Dogs history, and a very productive hitter during that tenure.
Best Pitcher: James Morris - The Dogs are not a franchise rich in pitching history, but Morris was a consistent winner for the first 4 years of the team, and is their career leader in wins with 39.
Best International Prospect: Jose Cervantes
Best Draft Pick: Wayne Wilson
Franchise Theme Song: Die With Your Boots On by Iron Maiden
Franchise Highlights: Drafted Wayne Wilson with the # 2 overall pick in the season 1 draft. Franchise also drafted future ML players Andres Quixote, Raymond Adams, and Ariel Cervantes. Franchise has been active in the FA market in attempts to field winning teams, with varied success. Franchise has not been afraid to make big trades, including deals that involved Jaime Beimel, Vernon Jones, Jim Green, Jose Cervantes, and others. The_Kid was awarded manager of the year in season 6.
Franchise Lowlights: Franchise has never made the playoffs, and never topped .500. The team was abandoned in season 1. Franchise was involved in a scandal in season 9 concerning the waiving of 2b Jim Green. Franchise was unable to capitalize on the era of the "Winnable AL South," when the division champion finished with a losing record.
Franchise Outlook: A fighting chance - Charlotte has always made every attempt to produce a winning lineup through trades, free agent signings, and careful use of the waiver wire. The Dogs have always kept a steady infusion of young talent to offset their veteran FA signings, and one of these seasons it will pay off. While Charlotte has yet to produce a winning team, they are making every effort to do so, and it is a matter of when, not if, it will pay off.
No comments:
Post a Comment