Season 16 Draft Recap - Pawtucket through Montgomery

Pedro Rosado Pawtucket G-Maniacs Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Chester, SC Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pawtucket G-Maniacs
--With the #22 pick in the draft the G's selected slugging SS Pedro Rosado. Rosado boasts an elite glove and tremendous power at the plate. His defensive skills are more than worthy enough for the major leagues, while his power bat is an unexpected bonus for the position. He won't hit for average though, and is very sluggish on the basepath. 2nd round pick 3B Anthony Remlinger is a good but not great 3B prospect, with a good glove for the position and good power, but the rest of his bat is average to suspect. 3rd round pick Kevin Jordan was projected initially as a SS, but realistically is only a 3b defensively. He has a bat in the same vein as Rosado and Remlinger, great power but suspect skills elsewhere. No other top round picks signed for Pawtucket, leaving them with three players of essentially the same type, with Rosado having the best chance at being a ML regular.
Grade: C+

James Quinn Omaha Sluggers Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Satellite Beach, FL Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Omaha Sluggers
--The Sluggers selected SS James Quinn with the #17 overall pick in the draft this season.  Quinn actually seems much better suited to play  3B at the ML level, but will be a very good defensive 3B with a great ML bat showing good power and pretty good skills elsewhere at the plate.  The Omaha draft drops considerably in talent from there however, with the subsequent picks being little more than minor league filler, leaving this to be a one man draft. Quinn was a good pick though, and keeps this draft from being a waste for Omaha.
Grade: C

New York Pick Pockets
--In the long history of draft reviews that I have done for the Cobb Times Herald, I don't think I have ever had to review a draft this awful.  New York has had some winners, notably the Vasco Bennett pick, which at the time was called quite possibly the worst top round draft pick in history, but this years draft as a whole is a new level of futility.  To start there were no first or second round picks due to type A free agent signings in the offseason, which is forgivable.  What isn't forgivable is using the 3rd round draft pick on a projected 56 overall setup man who is demanding 8.5 million dollars.  Obviously he didn't sign, and the Pick Pockets were left with two minor league scrubs in the 4th and 5th rounds.  Until further notice this draft sets the bar for worst in Cobb History.
Grade: F--

Charley Knapp New York Expos Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Hackettstown, NJ Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

New York Expos
--Going into this years draft the Expos had a bunch of picks to work with, including the #4 overall selection, SP Charley Knapp.  Knapp is a workhorse SP, with huge stamina and above average velocity, splits, and control.  His pitch selection is weak, but in this years draft he was one of the better starters out there to choose from.  Supplemental pick CF Brad Giambi is weak defensively for the position and might be better suited to 2B, but has a nice bat and hit righties pretty well and is a threat on the base path.  Supplemental pick SP Lyle Wolf looks like a lock to be a ML long reliever some day, as he has great pitches, but only slightly above average splits and middling control.  2nd round pick SP Lou Barker is another one that has a future in long relief thanks to his high control and good pitches but weak splits.  The same can also be said of fellow 2nd round SP Denny Tomlin.  From the 3rd round onward for the Expos the draft yielded some AAAA pitchers and career minor leaguers.  Not the best draft for the number of picks allotted to them, but the Expos did sign at least 2-3 future major leaguers, including a nice starting pitcher.
Grade: B-

Eric Dreifort Nashville Rebel Riders Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Gilcrest, CO Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Nashville Rebel Riders
--Picking very late in the 1st round at #32 overall, the Rebel Riders were just hoping that someone with a modicum of ML potential would be available.  They found a player in SS Eric Dreifort, who projects to be a nice backup SS at the ML level, and a player who can start in a pinch.  Dreifort has an average to slightly below average glove for SS, and a slightly above average bat, making him either a weak hitting 3B or a good hitting SS with defensive liabilities. But he is a legit ML prospect nonetheless.  3rd round pick SS Milt Lloyd has a nice glove, and some pop at the plate but seems best suited to a backup role, and is the only other ML calibur prospect netted in this years draft for the Rebel Riders, making the net haul pretty thin.
Grade: D+

Sherman Rogers Montgomery Burns Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Portland, CT Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Montgomery Burns
--The Burns were looking good with the #2 overall pick this year, and with it they signed arguably the second best available SP in Sherman Rogers.  In addition to his Eric Collins like mustache, Rogers has good control, splits, and pitches, and really keeps the ball down.   He's a pretty solid pitcher who projects to be a #1 or #2 depending on the rotation he's put in.  But in the Times Herald opinion they actually netted a better player with the #21 pick in the first round, C Terry Bannister.  Bannister is quite simply a beast at the plate, with off the charts power and batting eye, and great contact and splits.  He also calls a pretty good game for a slugging catcher, and was a real find and better than many players selected before him, making him a top value pick.  2nd round selection RF Al Wagner was a nice value pick as well, with good hitting skills vs. righties and a decent glove for the OF.  All told this was a very nice draft for the Burns, mostly due to the unexpected gift at #21 in Bannister.
Grade: A 

Season 16 Draft Recap - Santa Fe through Richmond

Milt Romero Santa Fe Greyhounds Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Red Oak, OK Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Santa Fe Greyhounds
--The Greyhounds had the #7 pick in the draft this season and bet the farm on signing risk SS Phil Beltran.  Predictably Beltran gave the Greyhoundsthe proverbial middle finger and decided to go to college, leaving Santa Fe with nothing to show for a top ten pick other than a type D pick next season.  Supplemental round pick CF Milt Romero is a decent backup at CF, with a glove that is average for the position and a bat that is ok but not really outstanding.  Supplemental pick SS Edwin Potvin would be a nice SS if his glove weren't going to top out at levels more suited to the outfield.  3rd round pick Lawrence Blair could make the majors as a long reliever/mopup man.  All told this wasn't the best draft Santa Fe has ever had.
Grade: D-

D'Angelo James Seattle Pilots Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Westborough, MA Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Seattle Pilots
--There weren't many impact bats in this years draft, and Seattle managed to sign one of them in RF D'Angelo James.  James is a true beast at the plate and barring injury will be a dominant hitter, even in the vacuous Seattle stadium.  There is nothing wrong with his hitting skills at all, and he is a decent defender for RF, making him a true stud.   Supplemental pick LF Bill Tracy is an above average bat, and was a pretty good value pick at #50 overall, especially in a talent thin draft.  Tracy isn't quite the bat you would like to see at LF, but his baserunning skills are top notch and he will be a solid top of the order hitter.  2nd round pick 2B Randy Rodgers was also a very nice find, a great contact hitter with top speed, another leadoff threat that should make the majors someday.  4th round pick C Eric Sheffield is a top defensive catcher, his bat isn't too great but he might be the best field general behind the plate in this years draft.  The rest of the Seattle draft features players who will be career minor leaguers.  This was as good a draft as you could get this year and was well done.
Grade: A

Jim Pelfrey San Francisco Earthquakes Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Tacoma, WA Position(s): P (SP5) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

San Francisco Earthquakes
--Sometimes despite the best efforts of management, a draft just doesn't go the way you want it too.  That is the case with San Francisco this season, as their top pick, SS Pedro Guerrero refused to sign.  The Earthquakes didn't have a 1st round pick this season, which left them with  future AAA starter Jim Pelfry as their top pick who signed.  Pelfry can't pitch to right handed batters, which means that he might even struggle at AAA.  The rest of the players in the Earthquakes draft are average minor league fodder.  There's always next year.
Grade: F

Don Maurer Richmond Cohibas Age: 21 B/T: S/R Born: Glendale, AZ Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Richmond Cohibas
--Another team without a 1st round pick, the Cohibas top selection was 2nd round 2B Don Maurer.  Maurer could actually play 3B, but his bat is pretty weak and will probably keep him stuck in the minors for his career.  3rd round pick SS Julian Buscher is one of the best value picks in the draft, having some of the best potential defensive ratings of any SS in the game today, which should land him a spot on a ML team in the future.  No other players in the Richmond draft really impress or look to emerge from the minor leagues.  Bushcer saves this draft from being a complete disaster.
Grade: D+

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!