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
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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
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
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
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
5. Greg Young, 32, 1B/DH
No Designation
Key Stat: 310 Career HR
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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!
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.
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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!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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
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
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
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Season 15 Draft Recap - Syracuse through Wichita
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Syracuse Beagles
--Picking at #30 there wasn't going to be much left in the draft for Syracuse to choose from, and sure enough that was the case as the Beagles were left picking RF Phillip Dickson, a player with all the skills of a CF save range and glove, which defensively puts him in a corner OF spot, where his speed and average bat won't help much. Supplemental pick LF Maximo Clemens is an average player at best, and is in all likelihood going to enjoy a nice minor league career while never seeing major league time. 2nd round pick Kenta Yosida was projected to be a SS, but has the glove of a 3B and a weak bat. 5th round pick William Jones has a decent glove for a SS, but is otherwise unimpressive. All told this draft hooked some minor league players, but really nobody who could score a spot on a ML roster.
Grade: D
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Tacoma Jerry Gang
--Thanks to their awesome regular season record, the Jerry Gang had the pleasure of picking at the bottom of the order this year in the draft, and for having the #32 pick, they actually did alright in selecting John Lo. Lo is a capable RP with two good pitches, very high control, good splits vs. righties, and good stamina in durability. He lacks velocity, but otherwise is pretty solid, especially for where he was selected in the draft. Supplemental pick SS Gil Spahn projects to have an elite glove, but his bat is anemic. The rest of the Jerry Gang's draft saw them pick up two weak hitting but elite defensive catchers, a capable RP in Hack Kaufman who will be great in the minors but probably struggle at the major league level, and an average minor league SS with a great name in Bum Thornton. All told not a great draft, but one that was probably as good as could be had under the circumstances this season.
Grade: C
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Toronto Blue Jays
--Toronto was picking high at #6 this season, and sacrificed their 2nd round pick for a Type A free agent signing, so their draft was going to pretty much come down entirely to the player they could get in the 1st round. Fortunately they managed to snag one of the few good hitters in this draft class in LF Frank Zaun. Zaun is a solid slugger with nice power, and is great vs. righties and has a very nice batting eye. His contact and skill vs. lefties are only average, but better than most other players in this years draft. He is durable and fit, and should be a very solid addition to a franchise looking to add positional depth to their system. 3rd round pick SP Jacob Slocum was a great value pick for the round, and could be a ML RP or spot starter someday, as could 4th round pick SP Rollie Bowman. This was a pretty good draft all things considered, especially given the talent level this year.
Grade: B+
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Trenton Lions
--The Lions were looking to add some pitching in this years draft, and succeeded with the selection of Bip Lake at #14 overall. Lake is a solid pitcher across the board, with above average skills just about everywhere you look, but won't blow you away with any elite skills either. He projects to be a #3-#5 starter in the majors, but a capable one who will keep his team in most of the games he pitches. While he may not be great, he was probably the 4th or 5th best starter taken in this years draft. Of the remainder of Trenton's top round picks, none of them that signed will ever impress in the majors, but will be solid minor league players for sure. A slightly above average draft by this years standards, but not overly impressive historically speaking.
Grade: C+
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Vancouver Grizzlies
--Selected at #22 overall, SS Edwin Kaye is a bit of an oddball player, an elite fielding SS with great power and a bat that seems more suited to a platooning corner outfielder. He doesn't have much speed, is brutal vs. right handed pitching, but is otherwise a very nice bat for a SS. His range and bat might make him more suited to the hot corner, but he will be a capable player at any IF position, or CF. Really, a nice player to have in the system, he's very versatile and can fill a lot of holes. Just don't expect him to hit above .250, and don't bat him vs. righties if it can be avoided. Supplemental pick SS Clint Coles is a more traditional SS, great with the glove, speedy, and unable to hit his weight. He'll still be a nice ML backup and pinch runner though, as will 3rd round selection SS Raul Toca. The Grizzlies other top round selections are pretty much minor leaguers. But all told Vancouver has to be happy with what the got out of a lacking draft.
Grade: B
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Wichita Wankers
--Wichita management must be weeping at this moment, as this was the year they had seven 1st round picks, fifteen in the top five rounds, and the draft class was as bad as it has ever been. Did they manage to salvage anything out of the draft? Let's take a look pick by pick. #25 over all SP Hooks Surtain has good control and great pitches, but average splits, and probably projects to be either a #5 starter or a long man in the majors. #27 overall SP Omar Arredondo has elite control, better splits than Surtain, but only three pitches of which two are good. He has the same ceiling as Surtain. #39 overall SP Rich Chisenhall is a AAAA pitcher who will get a taste of the majors but probably never stick to a roster. #44 overall SP Sam Barkley would be nice if his control weren't so horrible, as it is now he's probably a minor leaguer for life. #45 C Brad Guiel is a definite big league prospect, his excellent bat and capable glove will make him a ML regular at some point in his career, and getting him at #45 overall was a great value pick. #46 2B Richie Hermanson will be average in the field and at the plate, and will probably top out at AAA. #58 C Doc Vernon is another excellent pickup a the catcher position for Wichita, he can really hit and has a better glove than Guiel, probably the steal of the draft. Unfortunately for Wichita, none of their subsequent picks really has any major league potential. So all told the Wankers netted two legit major league catchers, two #5 starters/long relievers, and a bunch of minor leaguers out of fifteen picks. That really isn't that good.
Grade: D
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Season 15 Draft Recap - Omaha through Sioux Falls
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Omaha Sluggers
--Heading into the draft, Omaha had to be hoping for something good with the #12 overall pick. What they came out with was a 1B with great skills vs. righties and a top batting eye, but otherwise lackluster abilities at the plate, especially for a power position. Snell has one of the oddest fielding skill sets that have ever been seen in a 1B prospect, with range, accuracy, and arm strength that could put him in the SS category, if only his glove didn't project to the upper 30's. Snell is truly a freak player without a true position. Supplemental pick Chili McGowan is a 2b with a hitting skill set more appropriate for a 2B, and the Sluggers other Supplemental round pick didn't sign, and the Sluggers didn't have any other top picks to make due to free agency signings. All told this has to be considered a disappointing draft when you consider the placement of the picks and the talent returned, even in a poor draft class such as this.
Grade: D
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Pawtucket G-Maniacs
--The G-Maniacs were picking surprisingly early this season at #19 overall, but their draft pick was the type of player who usually gets taken around 32-50 in the draft. 2B Connie Strange projects to a high overall rating, but his bat is only above average, although capable at the major league level. Strange's glove should allow him to sub for CF if his range develops fully, and he has some very nice speed, although he is not so good in the head when it comes to base running. Supplemental pick 1B George Ingram was a very nice pickup at #37 overall and has much higher potential than many of the players selected before him. He is a nice hitting 1B with enough power to muster around 20 HR's a season. Supplemental pick SP Jason Wright is a marginal ML prospect, and after him there wasn't anybody worth writing about in the Pawtucket draft. All told this was a very average draft for the G's.
Grade: C+
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Richmond Cohibas
--#17 pick 2b Stone Cronin is about everything you would expect in a starting 2b. He has a capable but not great glove, good speed with average base running skills, good contact, average power, decent splits, and a batting eye that leaves something to be desired. He should be a regular in the majors at some point, but the odds of him ever being an all star are slim. Richmond had a host of supplemental picks, the first one being RP Sam Fingers, who has definite ML potential and is great vs. lefties with three quality pitches and good control. At #61 overall, supplemental pick SP Kane Rando might be the best value in the draft, as he could be a back end of the rotation starter for most teams in the majors. #62 overall 2b Sean Breen is probably destined for a bench role in the bigs, but at least he is a quality prospect. No one else in the top 5 rounds for the Cohibas projects to be a major leaguer, but props to Richmond for signing hands down the best name of the draft, CF Sticky McFeely, who is worth a whole letter grade by himself. This was a pretty decent draft in a poor class.
Grade: B
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Seattle Pilots
--Picking #4 overall the Pilots had the chance to nab one of the few elite prospects in this years draft. They succeeded in selecting 2b Bert Howell, a gifted fielding 2B who could probably do just as well in CF. Howell's bat is pretty good for this draft as well, with an exceptional batting eye. Howell also has elite speed and decent base running capabilities, and the durability to play 162 games. He is very similar in projected skills to current major leaguer Peter Mullin of the Toronto Blue Jays. 2nd round pick C Stump Janish has a great name and even better catching skills, with elite fielding and pitch calling abilities. His bat is ok, although he can't hit righties to save his life, but his glove makes up for that deficiency. The rest of the Seattle draft brought on board some good minor leaguers, but no other players with big league potential. This draft went about as good as could be expected for Seattle, but wasn't very deep.
Grade: B+
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San Francisco Earthquakes
--How bad was San Francisco's draft? So bad that they didn't even bother signing their first round pick, #20 overall, even though SS Terry Cannon was offering to sign for slot money. 2nd round pick SS Gil Wigginton might make it as a backup SS in the bigs someday, and 3rd round pick CF Jose Duran has a nice glove and good skills vs. righties, although his low contact and batting eye will lead to some .200 batting averages. Despite the fact that their few signed top round picks were actually decent value for where they were taken, not getting anything, even a compensation pick from the #20 overall, is just an unforgivable draft sin.
Grade: F
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San Jose Tigers
--Even in a draft filled with flawed players, CF/2B Al Ramos is exactly what a #10 draft pick should be, an elite hitter for the position with a great glove and range. Ramos has more power than most CF's, and is very good vs. lefties. He is also a very durable everyday player, and should hold down a lineup spot in the outfield for many seasons. It's a good thing the Tigers drafted Ramos, because the rest of their draft is filled with minor league filler and potential diamonds in the rough. But having at least one elite ML player makes up for a lot in a draft like this one.
Grade: B-
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Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
--Picking at #7 overall, the Corn Cleats selected a top of the rotation starter in SP Davey Koch. Koch has the most impressive control of any pitcher in this years draft, good splits, elite velocity, and a good pitch selection. He projects to be a 1a level starter in the bigs. Supplemental pick CF Ralph Starr should be a quality major leaguer as well. He has elite defensive capabilities, is a very good base runner, and picks up right handed pitching very well. The rest of his bat is suspect, but he is a quality player regardless. The rest of the Corn Cleats draft brought on some minor league guys but no other big league projected players. Not a bad draft though considering the level of talent available.
Grade: B+
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