For your viewing convenience, here are all of the Owner Q&A's thus far.
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tysons Boost Sales at MCL Cafeteria
Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald
The MCL Cafeteria corporate offices have seen a spike in their latest quarterly earning statement, that they attribute to the patronage of the Louisville Tysons. MCL, which is known for its buffet style dining that caters to senior citizens with no taste buds and false teeth, has seen a spike in business whenever the Louisville Tysons hit an opponants city.
Elder Tyson Timothy Serra is the one responsible for the restaurant selection for Louisville, and he has made it known that the 38 veteran pitcher likes his mashed potatoes and peas without any flavor. "I've been in the league for years, and when I visit another town all I want is some salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and some peas. At the MCL I can get all of those and not have to worry about being recognized by my legions of fans, since the place is almost always empty, or filled with seniors who have dementia."
Fellow Tysons Dallas Kline, Vitas Newman, Julio Bennett, Bob Sears, Pat Barber, and Roosevelt Lowell are also big fans of the MCL. Said Sears, "If it's good enough for Serra and his grandparents, it's good enough for me. I've eaten enough steaks at Shulas to last a lifetime, I just want to go somewhere I don't have to worry about any young whippersnappers messing with my meal, or my dentures (when he eventually has to wear them)."
The few young players on the Tysons aren't too happy about the selection of the MCL as the official Louisville Tyson restaurant of choice, but are willing to go along with their captains decisions. Alfonso Vega, the youngest Tyson, said that "When I am captain, we will be eating at the Hard Rock Cafe, not the MCL. I want to eat somewhere cool, and the MCL is definately not it. It is emabarrassing being the only person in there without coke bottle glasses. But I am still new to the league, and what Kline, Serra, and the gang say is law here in Louisville." But until Vega becomes captain of the Tysons, the MCL Cafeteria has a bright future for its earnings statements as the bulk of the Louisville lineup is ready for buffet line.
The MCL Cafeteria corporate offices have seen a spike in their latest quarterly earning statement, that they attribute to the patronage of the Louisville Tysons. MCL, which is known for its buffet style dining that caters to senior citizens with no taste buds and false teeth, has seen a spike in business whenever the Louisville Tysons hit an opponants city.
Elder Tyson Timothy Serra is the one responsible for the restaurant selection for Louisville, and he has made it known that the 38 veteran pitcher likes his mashed potatoes and peas without any flavor. "I've been in the league for years, and when I visit another town all I want is some salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and some peas. At the MCL I can get all of those and not have to worry about being recognized by my legions of fans, since the place is almost always empty, or filled with seniors who have dementia."
Fellow Tysons Dallas Kline, Vitas Newman, Julio Bennett, Bob Sears, Pat Barber, and Roosevelt Lowell are also big fans of the MCL. Said Sears, "If it's good enough for Serra and his grandparents, it's good enough for me. I've eaten enough steaks at Shulas to last a lifetime, I just want to go somewhere I don't have to worry about any young whippersnappers messing with my meal, or my dentures (when he eventually has to wear them)."
The few young players on the Tysons aren't too happy about the selection of the MCL as the official Louisville Tyson restaurant of choice, but are willing to go along with their captains decisions. Alfonso Vega, the youngest Tyson, said that "When I am captain, we will be eating at the Hard Rock Cafe, not the MCL. I want to eat somewhere cool, and the MCL is definately not it. It is emabarrassing being the only person in there without coke bottle glasses. But I am still new to the league, and what Kline, Serra, and the gang say is law here in Louisville." But until Vega becomes captain of the Tysons, the MCL Cafeteria has a bright future for its earnings statements as the bulk of the Louisville lineup is ready for buffet line.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Season 9 Preview - AL & NL West
NL West
Omaha Sluggers (113-49) 1st place
Question: Will Sean Hill rebound to Season 6 & 7 form or will he post another 1.61 WHIP as the Sluggers Closer?
Answer: If healthy Kaz Ong and Jose Barrios will be finalists for the Cy and MVP respectively.
Outlook: 114-48 - 1st place. Omaha is loaded with talent top to bottom, and should easily take the NL West this season. Look for them to challenge for the #1 seed, and make another run for the championship.
Iowa City Corn Dogs (71-91) 2nd place
Question: Can the Corn Dogs find some offense to support their pitching staff?
Answer: The Corn Dogs starting rotation is as good as any in the league.
Outlook: 75-87 - 2nd place. Iowa City has pitching galore, but the offense is a bit stagnant and as a result look for another second place finish for this franchise. Still, with Omaha being so good it isn't a bad time to be rebuilding the lineup.
Seattle Seacows (56-106) 4th place
Question: Can the Seacows pitching be competitive enough to break 65 wins?
Answer: Promising young talent like Rico Cruz and Willie Bennett mean the Seacows offense will be making waves.
Outlook: 66-96 - 3rd place. The Seacows should see an improvement over last season as young draft picks and internationals make their way into the big league lineup. But Seattle is still a few seasons away.
Honolulu Islanders (63-99) 3rd place
Question: Will the young and untested Islanders lineup be able to produce in the bigs?
Answer: Victor Romano is lights out in the pen, and should post very good stats if he can inherit a lead.
Outlook: 65-97 - 4th place - Honolulu has thrown its lot with the youth, and as many of their players are still developing the Islanders remain a work in progress, albeit one with a lot of promise.
AL West
Question: Anaheim Sharks (117-45) 1st place
Question: Can Anaheim's aging trio or Olmedo Contreras, Henry Perez, and Shayne Campbell (ages 35, 32, 37 respectively) continue to pitch the Sharks into the postseason?
Answer: Reigning AL MVP Kory Arnold will continue to improve in his third season as the anchor of the Sharks' powerful lineup.
Outlook: 112-50 - 1st place. Even with an aging pitching staff the Sharks are just too good to finish anywhere other than 1st place in the AL West. What is of a bigger concern is if they will face another first round flameout like last season in the playoffs.
Vancouver Grizzlies (87-75) 2nd place
Question: Can the Grizzlies improve on last years surprise 2nd place finish and obtain a Wild Card spot?
Answer: Patrick Stanton is the complete package at Catcher for the Grizzlies, and will ensure that the pitching staff and the offense has an anchor.
Outlook: 90-72 - 2nd place. The Grizzlies are still young and should improve upon last seasons performance. A playoff spot is a very real possibility for this team.
Helena Hellraisers (82-80) 3rd place
Question: Can the Hellraisers avoid the bad luck of injuries and player slumps that killed last season?
Answer: Orber Olivo is still very good, but Patrick Lamb and new addition Hades Booker will drive the Hellraisers offense this season.
Outlook - 90-72 - 3rd place. The Hellraisers should improve from last year and revert to Season 7 form, but in the meantime Vancouver has improved and should give Helena a run for second place in the AL West.
Tacoma Jerry Gang (62-100) 4th place
Question: Will the Jerry Gang's prospects and young players continue to improve, or will they take a step back?
Answer: Victor Gandarillas is good, and pitching in the Tacoma ballpark should keep the Jerry Gang in any game he starts.
Outlook: 67-95 - 4th place. The Jerry Gang will improve, but it will be hard to tell because the other 3 teams in the AL West are very good. Still, improvement is happening and help is on the way in the minors.
Omaha Sluggers (113-49) 1st place
Question: Will Sean Hill rebound to Season 6 & 7 form or will he post another 1.61 WHIP as the Sluggers Closer?
Answer: If healthy Kaz Ong and Jose Barrios will be finalists for the Cy and MVP respectively.
Outlook: 114-48 - 1st place. Omaha is loaded with talent top to bottom, and should easily take the NL West this season. Look for them to challenge for the #1 seed, and make another run for the championship.
Iowa City Corn Dogs (71-91) 2nd place
Question: Can the Corn Dogs find some offense to support their pitching staff?
Answer: The Corn Dogs starting rotation is as good as any in the league.
Outlook: 75-87 - 2nd place. Iowa City has pitching galore, but the offense is a bit stagnant and as a result look for another second place finish for this franchise. Still, with Omaha being so good it isn't a bad time to be rebuilding the lineup.
Seattle Seacows (56-106) 4th place
Question: Can the Seacows pitching be competitive enough to break 65 wins?
Answer: Promising young talent like Rico Cruz and Willie Bennett mean the Seacows offense will be making waves.
Outlook: 66-96 - 3rd place. The Seacows should see an improvement over last season as young draft picks and internationals make their way into the big league lineup. But Seattle is still a few seasons away.
Honolulu Islanders (63-99) 3rd place
Question: Will the young and untested Islanders lineup be able to produce in the bigs?
Answer: Victor Romano is lights out in the pen, and should post very good stats if he can inherit a lead.
Outlook: 65-97 - 4th place - Honolulu has thrown its lot with the youth, and as many of their players are still developing the Islanders remain a work in progress, albeit one with a lot of promise.
AL West
Question: Anaheim Sharks (117-45) 1st place
Question: Can Anaheim's aging trio or Olmedo Contreras, Henry Perez, and Shayne Campbell (ages 35, 32, 37 respectively) continue to pitch the Sharks into the postseason?
Answer: Reigning AL MVP Kory Arnold will continue to improve in his third season as the anchor of the Sharks' powerful lineup.
Outlook: 112-50 - 1st place. Even with an aging pitching staff the Sharks are just too good to finish anywhere other than 1st place in the AL West. What is of a bigger concern is if they will face another first round flameout like last season in the playoffs.
Vancouver Grizzlies (87-75) 2nd place
Question: Can the Grizzlies improve on last years surprise 2nd place finish and obtain a Wild Card spot?
Answer: Patrick Stanton is the complete package at Catcher for the Grizzlies, and will ensure that the pitching staff and the offense has an anchor.
Outlook: 90-72 - 2nd place. The Grizzlies are still young and should improve upon last seasons performance. A playoff spot is a very real possibility for this team.
Helena Hellraisers (82-80) 3rd place
Question: Can the Hellraisers avoid the bad luck of injuries and player slumps that killed last season?
Answer: Orber Olivo is still very good, but Patrick Lamb and new addition Hades Booker will drive the Hellraisers offense this season.
Outlook - 90-72 - 3rd place. The Hellraisers should improve from last year and revert to Season 7 form, but in the meantime Vancouver has improved and should give Helena a run for second place in the AL West.
Tacoma Jerry Gang (62-100) 4th place
Question: Will the Jerry Gang's prospects and young players continue to improve, or will they take a step back?
Answer: Victor Gandarillas is good, and pitching in the Tacoma ballpark should keep the Jerry Gang in any game he starts.
Outlook: 67-95 - 4th place. The Jerry Gang will improve, but it will be hard to tell because the other 3 teams in the AL West are very good. Still, improvement is happening and help is on the way in the minors.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Season 9 Preview - AL & NL South
NL South
Louisville Tysons (98-64) 1st place
Question: Does the collection of AARP members in the lineup have enough gas left in the tank for one more run?
Answer: The young and very talented pitching staff will keep the Tysons on a winning track.
Outlook: 95-67 - 1st place. Yes, the lineup is aging and in decline. But the pitching is still rock solid, and the lineup has enough skill left to win the majority of it's games. But Lars thinks this will be the last hurrah for Kline and company, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Huntington Hillbillies (92-70) 2nd place
Question: Will there be enough pitching in Huntington to support the powerful young lineup?
Answer: The acquisition of Wendell Sexson will help the pitching staff immensely.
Outlook: 95-67 - 2nd place. The Hillbillies are a team on the rise, but Louisville and Jackson still have enough players to keep the Hillbillies out of first place for one more year. But the future is bright and chicks who dig the long ball will have a great time at Eble park this season.
Jackson Pollocks (92-70) 3rd place
Question: Will Jackson continue to prove Lars wrong and outperform his expectations yet again?
Answer: Jackson may lack the starpower of other teams, but they are deep in quality top to bottom, which will keep them in playoff contention.
Outlook: 90-72 - 3rd place. Jackson is a very good and deep team, but the Hillbillies are coming into their own and should improve upon last seasons win total, and Louisville is still excellent, which means that even though Jackson is good, they will get the short stick in the division.
Richmond Cohibas (43-119) 4th place
Question: When will all of the talent in the minors start making a difference in the big leagues?
Answer: Jerry Ross is very good. The one true #1 on the team will have a hard time getting wins with his projected support however.
Outlook: 51-111 - 4th place. The Cohibas have some scary talent in the minors, but not much of it is big league ready yet. Look for another year in last place biding time until the prospects are ready.
AL South
Nashville Rebel Riders (84-78) 2nd place
Question: Will Gregory Hanson look like the promising rookie he was 3 seasons ago, or the adventure on the mound he has been since?
Answer: Pedro Franco will be a welcome addition to the Nashville lineup, and changes the the way teams need to pitch to the Rebel Riders.
Outlook: 90-72 - 1st place. The Rebel Riders have increased the power of their lineup enough to give more support to their quality pitching staff, which should result in a 1st place finish in the AL South.
Charlotte Dogs (67-95) 3rd place
Question: Will the free agent signings and trades made by the Dogs equate into victories?
Answer: If the lineup remains healthy it will score a ton of runs with the additions of Vernon Jones and Jim Green.
Outlook: 88-74 - 2nd place. The new additions plus the improved bullpen should equal more victories, but Nashville has slightly more pitching depth which should equal more regular season wins. Still, Charlotte now has a very frightening lineup.
Mexico City Diablos Rojos (94-68) 1st place
Question: Will Mexico City be able to compete with the vastly improved Rebel Riders and Dogs?
Answer: The experience and quality managing of wihargo will keep Mexico City in contention even with a lineup that doesn't quite match up on paper.
Outlook: 85-77 - 3rd place. Mexico City has seen some of it's better players start to get old, and the trading of Phillip Brown last season signalled a new direction. This is a transition year, and while M.C. will be competitive, they don't have the horses to last with Charlotte and Nashville.
Santa Fe Heat Wave (59-103) 4th place
Question: Will the Heat Wave have enough pitching to avoid the fatiguing effects of their homer friendly ballpark?
Answer: Having a full season under his belt, look for ardthomp to put together a team that will be able to withstand and even take advantage of what Santa Fe's ballpark has to offer.
Outlook: 67-95 - 4th place. The rebuilding is going on in Santa Fe, and while the results may not show for a season or two, the progress is evident and there should be an increase in wins as a result.
Louisville Tysons (98-64) 1st place
Question: Does the collection of AARP members in the lineup have enough gas left in the tank for one more run?
Answer: The young and very talented pitching staff will keep the Tysons on a winning track.
Outlook: 95-67 - 1st place. Yes, the lineup is aging and in decline. But the pitching is still rock solid, and the lineup has enough skill left to win the majority of it's games. But Lars thinks this will be the last hurrah for Kline and company, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Huntington Hillbillies (92-70) 2nd place
Question: Will there be enough pitching in Huntington to support the powerful young lineup?
Answer: The acquisition of Wendell Sexson will help the pitching staff immensely.
Outlook: 95-67 - 2nd place. The Hillbillies are a team on the rise, but Louisville and Jackson still have enough players to keep the Hillbillies out of first place for one more year. But the future is bright and chicks who dig the long ball will have a great time at Eble park this season.
Jackson Pollocks (92-70) 3rd place
Question: Will Jackson continue to prove Lars wrong and outperform his expectations yet again?
Answer: Jackson may lack the starpower of other teams, but they are deep in quality top to bottom, which will keep them in playoff contention.
Outlook: 90-72 - 3rd place. Jackson is a very good and deep team, but the Hillbillies are coming into their own and should improve upon last seasons win total, and Louisville is still excellent, which means that even though Jackson is good, they will get the short stick in the division.
Richmond Cohibas (43-119) 4th place
Question: When will all of the talent in the minors start making a difference in the big leagues?
Answer: Jerry Ross is very good. The one true #1 on the team will have a hard time getting wins with his projected support however.
Outlook: 51-111 - 4th place. The Cohibas have some scary talent in the minors, but not much of it is big league ready yet. Look for another year in last place biding time until the prospects are ready.
AL South
Nashville Rebel Riders (84-78) 2nd place
Question: Will Gregory Hanson look like the promising rookie he was 3 seasons ago, or the adventure on the mound he has been since?
Answer: Pedro Franco will be a welcome addition to the Nashville lineup, and changes the the way teams need to pitch to the Rebel Riders.
Outlook: 90-72 - 1st place. The Rebel Riders have increased the power of their lineup enough to give more support to their quality pitching staff, which should result in a 1st place finish in the AL South.
Charlotte Dogs (67-95) 3rd place
Question: Will the free agent signings and trades made by the Dogs equate into victories?
Answer: If the lineup remains healthy it will score a ton of runs with the additions of Vernon Jones and Jim Green.
Outlook: 88-74 - 2nd place. The new additions plus the improved bullpen should equal more victories, but Nashville has slightly more pitching depth which should equal more regular season wins. Still, Charlotte now has a very frightening lineup.
Mexico City Diablos Rojos (94-68) 1st place
Question: Will Mexico City be able to compete with the vastly improved Rebel Riders and Dogs?
Answer: The experience and quality managing of wihargo will keep Mexico City in contention even with a lineup that doesn't quite match up on paper.
Outlook: 85-77 - 3rd place. Mexico City has seen some of it's better players start to get old, and the trading of Phillip Brown last season signalled a new direction. This is a transition year, and while M.C. will be competitive, they don't have the horses to last with Charlotte and Nashville.
Santa Fe Heat Wave (59-103) 4th place
Question: Will the Heat Wave have enough pitching to avoid the fatiguing effects of their homer friendly ballpark?
Answer: Having a full season under his belt, look for ardthomp to put together a team that will be able to withstand and even take advantage of what Santa Fe's ballpark has to offer.
Outlook: 67-95 - 4th place. The rebuilding is going on in Santa Fe, and while the results may not show for a season or two, the progress is evident and there should be an increase in wins as a result.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Season 9 Preview - AL & NL East
NL East
St. Louis HoundDogs (99-63) 1st place
Question: Can the bullpen continue to dominate without Banana McBride?
Answer: The lineup will be the best ever seen in St. Louis with the call up of speedy switch hitting Chipper Harper, who can absolutely rake and fill the void in the #3 spot in the order.
Outlook: 99-63 - 1st place. The NL east projects to be a very tough division, and this could easily go to Syracuse or Wichita, but Lars thinks the champs have what it takes to repeat in the division, esp. with the addition of B.C. Steenstra to the staff.
Syracuse Beagles (96-66) 2nd place
Question: Can the Beagles lineup increase their production enough to get past the HoundDogs?
Answer: The Beagles pitching staff will be better than last season with a full year of Phil Hinch.
Outlook: 97-65 - 2nd place. The Beagles have what it takes to win the division if their hitting can produce a little more. If Santiago Matos and Jose Cervantes can raise their averages, then St. Louis needs to look out because it won't be just Kenny Blair posting an OPS above .900.
Wichita Wankers (83-79) 3rd place
Question: Can the 7 talented rookies making their debut for the Wankers live up to expectations and carry Wichita to it's first playoff berth?
Answer: If the rookies don't perfom, Wichita can always count on Vasco Chantres, who has been rock solid in every season with the Wankers.
Outlook: 91-73 - 3rd place. The Wankers could easily win the division if their lineup performs like it should on paper, but with so many rookies making their big league debuts, Lars is taking the prudent path and picking the players who have been there before. But still, if it comes together in Wichita things could get scary for the rest of the NL East.
Durham Pitbulls (66-96) 4th place
Question: The same question it is every season in Durham, will Wiki Vazquez play more than 100 games, or will he be playing X-Box at his reserved room in the Duke University Hospital?
Answer: Louie Tarraga has been the best player on the team since he was called up, and there is no reason to change that at this point.
Outlook: 67-95 4th place. Durham is developing it's young players well, but most of them are still in the minors, and the rest of the division is just brutal this year. So look for the Pitbulls to actually play better, but not see much results due to a tough divisional schedule.
AL East
Scranton Dragons (101-61) 1st place
Question: Can the Dragons turn regular season success into postseason bliss?
Answer: Ken Puffer is the man in Scranton, and is due for an MVP.
Outlook: 100-62 - 1st place. The Dragons have the deepest lineup in the AL East, and it should equate to another division championship. With no real weakness, they could potentially compete for the top seed in the American League.
New York Titans (95-67) 2nd place
Question: Can the Titans get any respect from the Cobb Times Herald and Lars the Greek? And when will their World Series Championship article be written?
Answer: Mojo. The Titans have lots of it, consistently proving Lars the Greek wrong and making the playoffs, and winning World Series championships.
Outlook: 95-67 - 2nd place. Until the Titans actually fall out of the playoffs Lars will pick them to win. But Lars still thinks that Scranton is deeper, which will equate to more wins in the regular season.
Pittsburgh SSP (89-73) 3rd place
Question: Will Pittsburgh get enough pitching to complement their powerful lineup?
Answer: The SSP powered in more runs than almost every other team in the league last season, and look to do so again.
Outlook: 91-71 - 3rd place. Pittsburgh will once again challenge for a Wildcard spot, but until they get some elite starting pitching, they will be one step behind Scranton and New York.
Kansas City KILL (44-118) 4th place
Question: Will the KILL win enough games to make people think they aren't already dead?
Answer: The minors overflow with talent that in all likelihood KILL once it makes the bigs, but that's a season or two away yet.
Outlook: 50-112 - 4th place. Kansas City will remain in last place until they bring up their minor leaguers. If they can put together a competetive lineup they might win some more games, otherwise the only thing they will be competing for is the #1 draft pick and the right to spend a 4 million dollar signing bonus.
St. Louis HoundDogs (99-63) 1st place
Question: Can the bullpen continue to dominate without Banana McBride?
Answer: The lineup will be the best ever seen in St. Louis with the call up of speedy switch hitting Chipper Harper, who can absolutely rake and fill the void in the #3 spot in the order.
Outlook: 99-63 - 1st place. The NL east projects to be a very tough division, and this could easily go to Syracuse or Wichita, but Lars thinks the champs have what it takes to repeat in the division, esp. with the addition of B.C. Steenstra to the staff.
Syracuse Beagles (96-66) 2nd place
Question: Can the Beagles lineup increase their production enough to get past the HoundDogs?
Answer: The Beagles pitching staff will be better than last season with a full year of Phil Hinch.
Outlook: 97-65 - 2nd place. The Beagles have what it takes to win the division if their hitting can produce a little more. If Santiago Matos and Jose Cervantes can raise their averages, then St. Louis needs to look out because it won't be just Kenny Blair posting an OPS above .900.
Wichita Wankers (83-79) 3rd place
Question: Can the 7 talented rookies making their debut for the Wankers live up to expectations and carry Wichita to it's first playoff berth?
Answer: If the rookies don't perfom, Wichita can always count on Vasco Chantres, who has been rock solid in every season with the Wankers.
Outlook: 91-73 - 3rd place. The Wankers could easily win the division if their lineup performs like it should on paper, but with so many rookies making their big league debuts, Lars is taking the prudent path and picking the players who have been there before. But still, if it comes together in Wichita things could get scary for the rest of the NL East.
Durham Pitbulls (66-96) 4th place
Question: The same question it is every season in Durham, will Wiki Vazquez play more than 100 games, or will he be playing X-Box at his reserved room in the Duke University Hospital?
Answer: Louie Tarraga has been the best player on the team since he was called up, and there is no reason to change that at this point.
Outlook: 67-95 4th place. Durham is developing it's young players well, but most of them are still in the minors, and the rest of the division is just brutal this year. So look for the Pitbulls to actually play better, but not see much results due to a tough divisional schedule.
AL East
Scranton Dragons (101-61) 1st place
Question: Can the Dragons turn regular season success into postseason bliss?
Answer: Ken Puffer is the man in Scranton, and is due for an MVP.
Outlook: 100-62 - 1st place. The Dragons have the deepest lineup in the AL East, and it should equate to another division championship. With no real weakness, they could potentially compete for the top seed in the American League.
New York Titans (95-67) 2nd place
Question: Can the Titans get any respect from the Cobb Times Herald and Lars the Greek? And when will their World Series Championship article be written?
Answer: Mojo. The Titans have lots of it, consistently proving Lars the Greek wrong and making the playoffs, and winning World Series championships.
Outlook: 95-67 - 2nd place. Until the Titans actually fall out of the playoffs Lars will pick them to win. But Lars still thinks that Scranton is deeper, which will equate to more wins in the regular season.
Pittsburgh SSP (89-73) 3rd place
Question: Will Pittsburgh get enough pitching to complement their powerful lineup?
Answer: The SSP powered in more runs than almost every other team in the league last season, and look to do so again.
Outlook: 91-71 - 3rd place. Pittsburgh will once again challenge for a Wildcard spot, but until they get some elite starting pitching, they will be one step behind Scranton and New York.
Kansas City KILL (44-118) 4th place
Question: Will the KILL win enough games to make people think they aren't already dead?
Answer: The minors overflow with talent that in all likelihood KILL once it makes the bigs, but that's a season or two away yet.
Outlook: 50-112 - 4th place. Kansas City will remain in last place until they bring up their minor leaguers. If they can put together a competetive lineup they might win some more games, otherwise the only thing they will be competing for is the #1 draft pick and the right to spend a 4 million dollar signing bonus.
Season 9 Preview AL & NL North
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Last season Lars was proven wrong at every corner, and with the World Series Triumph of the New York Titans, his prognostical prowess was shattered. But Lars is back anyways for one more shot at predicting glory, and this time he has learned his lesson: Never pick against the Titans or the Pollocks.
NL North
Fargo Fug Nuts (121-41) 1st place
Question: Will Louie Mairena, O.T. Jarvis, & Dennis Ashby hit enough to offset the loss of Vernon Jones, Jim Green, & Hades Booker who were traded in the offseason?
Answer: The Fug Nuts are deep, and no amount of trades can change that.
Outlook: 105-57 - 1st place. The Fug Nuts have too much talent to finish anywhere other than 1st in the NL North. The real test will be if they can get homefield for the playoffs, and then make it past their opening round series.
New York Pick Pockets (73-89) 3rd Place
Question: Will Elvis Christman get any support in the Pick Pockets rotation, or will he be the only starter that can be counted on?
Answer: The Pick Pockets lineup will hit lots of home runs, with seven players boasting 87+ power ratings, and that doesn't include MVP candidate Stewart DiSarcina.
Outlook: 84-78 - 2nd place. The Pick Pockets lineup should be good enough to hit past their pitching issues and move into second place past the Corn Cleats in what should be an exciting race to finish behind the Fug Nuts.
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (77-85) 2nd place
Question: Will the Corn Cleats anemic lineup recover from career lows by nearly everyone to once again be competetive?
Answer: Vance Weaver is always the answer in Cleatland, and with a little more run support should have won 20 games last season.
Outlook: 80-82 - 3rd place. The Corn Cleats are in a holding pattern until their pitching prospects arrive in season 10. This could be the year that they slide from their traditional second place finish.
Toledo Tsunamis (55-107) 4th place
Question: Will the Tsunamis break 60 wins?
Answer: Fans in Toledo should be looking at the minor league teams in Ashtabula, Perrysburg, and Upper Sandusky for the real players on the Tsunamis, as that's where the future of the team will be playing.
Outlook: 60-102 - 4th place. Toledo has some work to do, but it is building its farm system and looks to have a crop of prospects hit the bigs in a few seasons with hopes to challenge the rest of the NL North. This year however it looks like another trip to the cellar for Toledo.
AL North
Pawtucket G-Maniacs (108-54) 1st place
Question: How good will the G-Maniacs be after the mass exodus of Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers in the off season?
Answer: Dean Hernandez will be in contention to win his second Cy Young.
Outlook: 98-64 - 1st place. The G's may have lost quite a bit of talent, but their roster was loaded to begin with. Add to the fact that none of that talent was from Pawtuckets brilliant pitching staff and you still have a team that is a force to be reckoned with.
Philadelphia Floppin' Phils (79-83) 2nd place
Question: Will the Phils offseason spending splurge result in a playoff spot?
Answer: The pitching staff still lacks a true #1 starter.
Outlook: 91-71 - 2nd place. The Phil's lineup will rake in the runs, but the average pitching staff will cost them some games. Still, Philly will compete for the wildcard for the first time in many seasons.
Chicago Sabercats (67-95) 3rd place
Question: Will Kip Zeile ever get any love from the Cobb Times Herald?
Answer: Ugueth Posada will be the teams best pitcher this season.
Outlook: 72-90 - 3rd place. The Sabercats have some good parts, but their talent level isn't equal to the Powerful P's of Philly and Pawtucket. This doesn't bode well for Zeile's MVP campaign as media attention may once again be lacking.
Toronto Blue Jays (59-103) 4th Place
Question: Will the large number of rookies in the lineup and rotation be able to better last years win total?
Answer: Bosco Simon has big time potential and should lead the young Blue Jays lineup.
Outlook: 60-102 - 4th place. Fans of the Jays will have a good time watching the rookies play, but need to be patient while they adjust to the big league game. Still, the future is brighter in Toronto than it was a few seasons ago.
Last season Lars was proven wrong at every corner, and with the World Series Triumph of the New York Titans, his prognostical prowess was shattered. But Lars is back anyways for one more shot at predicting glory, and this time he has learned his lesson: Never pick against the Titans or the Pollocks.
NL North
Fargo Fug Nuts (121-41) 1st place
Question: Will Louie Mairena, O.T. Jarvis, & Dennis Ashby hit enough to offset the loss of Vernon Jones, Jim Green, & Hades Booker who were traded in the offseason?
Answer: The Fug Nuts are deep, and no amount of trades can change that.
Outlook: 105-57 - 1st place. The Fug Nuts have too much talent to finish anywhere other than 1st in the NL North. The real test will be if they can get homefield for the playoffs, and then make it past their opening round series.
New York Pick Pockets (73-89) 3rd Place
Question: Will Elvis Christman get any support in the Pick Pockets rotation, or will he be the only starter that can be counted on?
Answer: The Pick Pockets lineup will hit lots of home runs, with seven players boasting 87+ power ratings, and that doesn't include MVP candidate Stewart DiSarcina.
Outlook: 84-78 - 2nd place. The Pick Pockets lineup should be good enough to hit past their pitching issues and move into second place past the Corn Cleats in what should be an exciting race to finish behind the Fug Nuts.
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats (77-85) 2nd place
Question: Will the Corn Cleats anemic lineup recover from career lows by nearly everyone to once again be competetive?
Answer: Vance Weaver is always the answer in Cleatland, and with a little more run support should have won 20 games last season.
Outlook: 80-82 - 3rd place. The Corn Cleats are in a holding pattern until their pitching prospects arrive in season 10. This could be the year that they slide from their traditional second place finish.
Toledo Tsunamis (55-107) 4th place
Question: Will the Tsunamis break 60 wins?
Answer: Fans in Toledo should be looking at the minor league teams in Ashtabula, Perrysburg, and Upper Sandusky for the real players on the Tsunamis, as that's where the future of the team will be playing.
Outlook: 60-102 - 4th place. Toledo has some work to do, but it is building its farm system and looks to have a crop of prospects hit the bigs in a few seasons with hopes to challenge the rest of the NL North. This year however it looks like another trip to the cellar for Toledo.
AL North
Pawtucket G-Maniacs (108-54) 1st place
Question: How good will the G-Maniacs be after the mass exodus of Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers in the off season?
Answer: Dean Hernandez will be in contention to win his second Cy Young.
Outlook: 98-64 - 1st place. The G's may have lost quite a bit of talent, but their roster was loaded to begin with. Add to the fact that none of that talent was from Pawtuckets brilliant pitching staff and you still have a team that is a force to be reckoned with.
Philadelphia Floppin' Phils (79-83) 2nd place
Question: Will the Phils offseason spending splurge result in a playoff spot?
Answer: The pitching staff still lacks a true #1 starter.
Outlook: 91-71 - 2nd place. The Phil's lineup will rake in the runs, but the average pitching staff will cost them some games. Still, Philly will compete for the wildcard for the first time in many seasons.
Chicago Sabercats (67-95) 3rd place
Question: Will Kip Zeile ever get any love from the Cobb Times Herald?
Answer: Ugueth Posada will be the teams best pitcher this season.
Outlook: 72-90 - 3rd place. The Sabercats have some good parts, but their talent level isn't equal to the Powerful P's of Philly and Pawtucket. This doesn't bode well for Zeile's MVP campaign as media attention may once again be lacking.
Toronto Blue Jays (59-103) 4th Place
Question: Will the large number of rookies in the lineup and rotation be able to better last years win total?
Answer: Bosco Simon has big time potential and should lead the young Blue Jays lineup.
Outlook: 60-102 - 4th place. Fans of the Jays will have a good time watching the rookies play, but need to be patient while they adjust to the big league game. Still, the future is brighter in Toronto than it was a few seasons ago.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Pawtucket Experiences Bat Brain Drain
Buster Gunns - Cobb Times Herald
Pawtucket has hit a draft pick bonanza in season 9, but not every fan of the G-Maniacs is happy about it. Pawtucket, which boasts 6 first round picks after half of it's starting lineup opted for free agency in the offseason, is facing a fan uproar for their refusal to sign the local favorites. The list of departing players from Pawtucket reads like a wish list of players many teams would love to have in thier dugout. O.T. Jarvis is a career .300 hitter with two all star appearances, Richard Davis is a 6 time all star and 4 time Gold Glove CF, Bo Stein hits for major power, and Tom Pettitte is a three time all star and two time silver slugger.
G-Maniac fan Alger Petitbone wasn't thrilled with the departures, "The G-Maniacs are a team that needs to reload, not rebuild. But alas that ship has sailed down the Seekonk River to the sea, and Pawtucket is doomed to rock upon rocky shores this season." Fellow fan Millard Tarkington was also pessimistic about the G-Maniacs chances this year, "It is as if we have shot the albatross by letting these all stars go, now I feel in my heart that Pawtucket will be a cursed franchise, and the rest of the league will be feasting upon our bones." Outside of the two G-Maniacs fans found at a local used bookstore, the rest of the city was also upset. Dockworker Frank Fellicetti was ired at the departure of his favorite player, Richard Davis, "This is ********! Davis was the best, he could school Jose Barrios or Dallas Kline any day of the week. Now this team aint worth a bag o' nuts!"
But the players and GM of the G-Maniacs had a different side of the story to tell. Jarvis, who signed with the Fargo Fug Nuts, said it was all about winning. "Even with our awesome team there was no way we were ever going to beat Anaheim, so I decided to move to a team that could," said Jarvis. Pettitte, a known literary critic and fan of high culture, was disappointed with what the city had to offer. "It is with great pleasure I leave this city, which couldn't even crack the top 400 cities rated by Money Magazine, for a renowned center of American culture such as Philadelphia. I look forward to being able to catch a good opera, and some fine cinema," announced Pettitte. Richard Davis said it was all about the cash. "I gotta feed my family, and Pawtucket wasn't about to do that," exclaimed Davis. As for Bo Stein, it was all about the culinary offerings of Louisville. "I love fried chicken, and you know that fried chicken is goin on in Louisville! KFC, the Colonel, it's all about the chicken. Heck, even the team is named the Tysons, after Tyson chicken no doubt!" voiced a very excited Stein.
Pawtucket PR representative Carlton Smithersby tried to explain his teams moves. "Looking at our budget situation moving foward we had to decide whether to keep the pitching staff or our offense, and the pitching won out. They say pitching and defense wins games, and so we decided that we don't need to score runs to make that happen. Besides, now we get to spend 20 million dollars on prospect signing bonuses!" stated Smithersby. "The only downside to getting rid of all of that offense is that Davis and Pettitte signed with the Floppin' Phils. My boss will throw a hissyfit if they finish ahead of us in the standings," he said.
Regardless of how the free agent departures work out in the long run for the G-Maniacs, it is certain that Pawtucket is no longer the team it once was, and the chances of them competing and losing in yet another AL championship are much reduced.
Pawtucket has hit a draft pick bonanza in season 9, but not every fan of the G-Maniacs is happy about it. Pawtucket, which boasts 6 first round picks after half of it's starting lineup opted for free agency in the offseason, is facing a fan uproar for their refusal to sign the local favorites. The list of departing players from Pawtucket reads like a wish list of players many teams would love to have in thier dugout. O.T. Jarvis is a career .300 hitter with two all star appearances, Richard Davis is a 6 time all star and 4 time Gold Glove CF, Bo Stein hits for major power, and Tom Pettitte is a three time all star and two time silver slugger.
G-Maniac fan Alger Petitbone wasn't thrilled with the departures, "The G-Maniacs are a team that needs to reload, not rebuild. But alas that ship has sailed down the Seekonk River to the sea, and Pawtucket is doomed to rock upon rocky shores this season." Fellow fan Millard Tarkington was also pessimistic about the G-Maniacs chances this year, "It is as if we have shot the albatross by letting these all stars go, now I feel in my heart that Pawtucket will be a cursed franchise, and the rest of the league will be feasting upon our bones." Outside of the two G-Maniacs fans found at a local used bookstore, the rest of the city was also upset. Dockworker Frank Fellicetti was ired at the departure of his favorite player, Richard Davis, "This is ********! Davis was the best, he could school Jose Barrios or Dallas Kline any day of the week. Now this team aint worth a bag o' nuts!"
But the players and GM of the G-Maniacs had a different side of the story to tell. Jarvis, who signed with the Fargo Fug Nuts, said it was all about winning. "Even with our awesome team there was no way we were ever going to beat Anaheim, so I decided to move to a team that could," said Jarvis. Pettitte, a known literary critic and fan of high culture, was disappointed with what the city had to offer. "It is with great pleasure I leave this city, which couldn't even crack the top 400 cities rated by Money Magazine, for a renowned center of American culture such as Philadelphia. I look forward to being able to catch a good opera, and some fine cinema," announced Pettitte. Richard Davis said it was all about the cash. "I gotta feed my family, and Pawtucket wasn't about to do that," exclaimed Davis. As for Bo Stein, it was all about the culinary offerings of Louisville. "I love fried chicken, and you know that fried chicken is goin on in Louisville! KFC, the Colonel, it's all about the chicken. Heck, even the team is named the Tysons, after Tyson chicken no doubt!" voiced a very excited Stein.
Pawtucket PR representative Carlton Smithersby tried to explain his teams moves. "Looking at our budget situation moving foward we had to decide whether to keep the pitching staff or our offense, and the pitching won out. They say pitching and defense wins games, and so we decided that we don't need to score runs to make that happen. Besides, now we get to spend 20 million dollars on prospect signing bonuses!" stated Smithersby. "The only downside to getting rid of all of that offense is that Davis and Pettitte signed with the Floppin' Phils. My boss will throw a hissyfit if they finish ahead of us in the standings," he said.
Regardless of how the free agent departures work out in the long run for the G-Maniacs, it is certain that Pawtucket is no longer the team it once was, and the chances of them competing and losing in yet another AL championship are much reduced.
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