This rule has been officially adopted and will be added to the rules immediately and enforced for Season 9.
"Using tandem pitchers for the specific reason of telling the AI who you want to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen is perfectly fine. However, it is NOT ok to deceive the other owner to gain a platoon advantage. Starting Pitchers should have their target pitch count set to at least 50. If you choose to not to use a target pitch count, then the max pitch count should be set to at least 50. (exceptions may apply in extreme circumstances"
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Season 9 - World Rules Recap
NCAA World Rules
Here are the rules that all of NCAA World members have agreed to by playing in this world. If they are not followed, then the owner will be replaced.
Competition Committee
There is a five person competition committee consisting of myself, bighead34, evil doers, tk21775, and mikejuggalo. This committee exists to provide checks and balances on the commissioner (myself) so that I can not make changes unilaterally. The committee will review any rules violations and then vote and majority rules.
Anti Tanking Rules
1. More than 200 losses over a two year period and the owner will be asked to state their case as to why they should be allowed to stay. If allowed to stay the owner must reach 70 wins or be replaced.
2. Extended losing streaks or trends at the end of the season will be reviewed above and beyond the 200-win requirement. Teams are expected to maintain a level of competitiveness throughout the entire season. It is not acceptable to lose towards the end of the season to secure a higher draft slot.
Gameplay Rules
3. Owners must keep their minor league teams intact. This includes having enough pitchers to avoid fatigued pitchers and also covering all of the positions. (Not enough money in the budget is not an excuse as budgeting is an important part of the game...you'll need to make some moves to free up payroll).
4. Using tandem pitchers for the specific reason of telling the AI who you want to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen is perfectly fine. However, it is NOT ok to deceive the other owner to gain a platoon advantage. Starting Pitchers should have their target pitch count set to at least 60. If you choose to not to use a target pitch count, then the max pitch count should be set to at least 60. (exceptions may apply in extreme circumstances)
5. If cash is included in a trade then the cash can NOT exceed the player salary going with it. (Example is player A makes 2 million...you can NOT trade 5 million and the player)
6. You must protect your players for the 40 man roster! Plenty of time to do so once budgets are set to protect your players for the Rule V Draft. There will be no "I had something come up, please take pity on me and trade me my player back."
7. If a team signs a "Type A" or "Type B" player than that player can NOT be traded until after the amateur draft.
8. When a trade is completed, any major league player involved is immediately to be moved to "Rest" and any minor league player involved is to be put on the inactive roster. This is to prevent fatigue and/or injury. If a starting pitcher (ML) is traded and is scheduled as next starter (therefore can not be rested), his pitch count should be set at minimum and then he should be placed on "rest" immediately thereafter.
Other Rules
9. Trade chats and proposals must be responded to in 48 hours...even if it is to say "hey, i saw your chat/proposal, but I'm busy, give me some time to get back to you." Please send me a private trade chat if this rule is not being observed.
10. Cities/Stadiums are not to be moved once you are in the world. All team names must look and sound professional.
11. The world chat is to be used for discussion and debate, however you must keep it civil. Personal attacks will not be acceptable.
12. I reserve the right to add to these rules. Usually I'll put a matter up for a vote and we'll see what everyone thinks.
Here are the rules that all of NCAA World members have agreed to by playing in this world. If they are not followed, then the owner will be replaced.
Competition Committee
There is a five person competition committee consisting of myself, bighead34, evil doers, tk21775, and mikejuggalo. This committee exists to provide checks and balances on the commissioner (myself) so that I can not make changes unilaterally. The committee will review any rules violations and then vote and majority rules.
Anti Tanking Rules
1. More than 200 losses over a two year period and the owner will be asked to state their case as to why they should be allowed to stay. If allowed to stay the owner must reach 70 wins or be replaced.
2. Extended losing streaks or trends at the end of the season will be reviewed above and beyond the 200-win requirement. Teams are expected to maintain a level of competitiveness throughout the entire season. It is not acceptable to lose towards the end of the season to secure a higher draft slot.
Gameplay Rules
3. Owners must keep their minor league teams intact. This includes having enough pitchers to avoid fatigued pitchers and also covering all of the positions. (Not enough money in the budget is not an excuse as budgeting is an important part of the game...you'll need to make some moves to free up payroll).
4. Using tandem pitchers for the specific reason of telling the AI who you want to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen is perfectly fine. However, it is NOT ok to deceive the other owner to gain a platoon advantage. Starting Pitchers should have their target pitch count set to at least 60. If you choose to not to use a target pitch count, then the max pitch count should be set to at least 60. (exceptions may apply in extreme circumstances)
5. If cash is included in a trade then the cash can NOT exceed the player salary going with it. (Example is player A makes 2 million...you can NOT trade 5 million and the player)
6. You must protect your players for the 40 man roster! Plenty of time to do so once budgets are set to protect your players for the Rule V Draft. There will be no "I had something come up, please take pity on me and trade me my player back."
7. If a team signs a "Type A" or "Type B" player than that player can NOT be traded until after the amateur draft.
8. When a trade is completed, any major league player involved is immediately to be moved to "Rest" and any minor league player involved is to be put on the inactive roster. This is to prevent fatigue and/or injury. If a starting pitcher (ML) is traded and is scheduled as next starter (therefore can not be rested), his pitch count should be set at minimum and then he should be placed on "rest" immediately thereafter.
Other Rules
9. Trade chats and proposals must be responded to in 48 hours...even if it is to say "hey, i saw your chat/proposal, but I'm busy, give me some time to get back to you." Please send me a private trade chat if this rule is not being observed.
10. Cities/Stadiums are not to be moved once you are in the world. All team names must look and sound professional.
11. The world chat is to be used for discussion and debate, however you must keep it civil. Personal attacks will not be acceptable.
12. I reserve the right to add to these rules. Usually I'll put a matter up for a vote and we'll see what everyone thinks.
Monday, April 26, 2010
World Series Game 4 and 5 Recaps
by hurricane 384
Game 4 Recap
Anaheim @ Arizona
Down 3-0, Arizona needed someone to step up. That someone was Guy McMasters. Guy pitched 2.1 innings after watching Ivan Duran (0.2IP, 3H, 3ER) blow his second save of the post-season and watch his ERA shoot up to 12.91. Guy did not give up a run, while scattering 1 hit and 2 walks over his 2.1 innings. Arizona got a strong showing from starting pitcher Nick Wilson (6.0IP, 6H, 3ER, 1BB, 4K)as well as solid offensive outings from Bernie Ortiz (2-5, 2RBI), Shawn Tremie (2-4, HR, 2R, RBI), and Buddy Buckley (2-4, 2B, 2R, 2RBI). Ivan Wall hit his 2nd home run of the post-season. Anaheim was done in by some shoddy defense and Clinton Carr having an uncharacteristically bad day on the mound, going only 5.2 innings while giving up 8 hits, 5 runs (3 earned) walking 2 and striking out 4. Pablo Tavarez, the Game 1 hero who will now be known as the game 4 goat committed 2 costly errors, including an error in the 10th that helped Arizona score the game-winner. In addition to those errors, Tavarez recorded the infamous “golden sombrero”. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good performances from the Anaheim offense; Justin Boyd went 2 for 4 with a double, a homer, and 2 ribbies. Rafael Nieves was 2 for 5 with a homer and a couple RBI. Julian Cortes was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, and a run scored.
Arizona wins, 7-6 (10 innings). Anaheim leads 3-1.
Game 5 Recap
Anaheim @ Arizona
With the Trojans looking for redemption and the Sun Devils for survival, we had every reason to believe that these two teams would go nose-to-nose in game 5. Unfortunately, what we got was an overmatched Arizona team struggle after the first inning. This game looked like it would be a tight game as Anaheim scored on the first of 2 Shawn Tremie (0-3, 2K) errors in the top half of the first and the Sun Devils answered with a run scoring single by David Sierra (1-3, RBI) in the bottom half. Unfortunately for Arizona fans, the 3 hits in the first would only be doubled by the time the 9th rolled around. Anaheim starter, Dick Bailey pitched brilliantly, scattering 6 hits, and one run over 8 innings while striking out 5. A three-run home run by Justin Boyd (3-5, 2R, 4RBI, HR) provided all that Bailey would need. Meanwhile, Don Martin just couldn’t get out of his own way. Martin walked 3, gave up 12 hits, in 7.2 innings, striking out 7 and allowing all 8 (4 unearned) of the Trojans’ runs. Tremie’s second error came in the second inning as he couldn’t handle a Larry Sedlacek (1-4, R) groundball and this ended up leading to Justin Boyd’s 3-run shot. Arizona’s six hits came from six different players (Koh, Buckley, Peterson, Sierra, Ortiz, and Murphy). The champagne and beer flowed freely in the Trojan clubhouse after Miguel Sanchez came on to preserve the victory with an inning of perfect ball, recording two strikeouts.
Anaheim wins, 8-1. ANAHEIM WINS WORLD SERIES, 4-1. CONGRATULATIONS!
Game 4 Recap
Anaheim @ Arizona
Down 3-0, Arizona needed someone to step up. That someone was Guy McMasters. Guy pitched 2.1 innings after watching Ivan Duran (0.2IP, 3H, 3ER) blow his second save of the post-season and watch his ERA shoot up to 12.91. Guy did not give up a run, while scattering 1 hit and 2 walks over his 2.1 innings. Arizona got a strong showing from starting pitcher Nick Wilson (6.0IP, 6H, 3ER, 1BB, 4K)as well as solid offensive outings from Bernie Ortiz (2-5, 2RBI), Shawn Tremie (2-4, HR, 2R, RBI), and Buddy Buckley (2-4, 2B, 2R, 2RBI). Ivan Wall hit his 2nd home run of the post-season. Anaheim was done in by some shoddy defense and Clinton Carr having an uncharacteristically bad day on the mound, going only 5.2 innings while giving up 8 hits, 5 runs (3 earned) walking 2 and striking out 4. Pablo Tavarez, the Game 1 hero who will now be known as the game 4 goat committed 2 costly errors, including an error in the 10th that helped Arizona score the game-winner. In addition to those errors, Tavarez recorded the infamous “golden sombrero”. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good performances from the Anaheim offense; Justin Boyd went 2 for 4 with a double, a homer, and 2 ribbies. Rafael Nieves was 2 for 5 with a homer and a couple RBI. Julian Cortes was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, and a run scored.
Arizona wins, 7-6 (10 innings). Anaheim leads 3-1.
Game 5 Recap
Anaheim @ Arizona
With the Trojans looking for redemption and the Sun Devils for survival, we had every reason to believe that these two teams would go nose-to-nose in game 5. Unfortunately, what we got was an overmatched Arizona team struggle after the first inning. This game looked like it would be a tight game as Anaheim scored on the first of 2 Shawn Tremie (0-3, 2K) errors in the top half of the first and the Sun Devils answered with a run scoring single by David Sierra (1-3, RBI) in the bottom half. Unfortunately for Arizona fans, the 3 hits in the first would only be doubled by the time the 9th rolled around. Anaheim starter, Dick Bailey pitched brilliantly, scattering 6 hits, and one run over 8 innings while striking out 5. A three-run home run by Justin Boyd (3-5, 2R, 4RBI, HR) provided all that Bailey would need. Meanwhile, Don Martin just couldn’t get out of his own way. Martin walked 3, gave up 12 hits, in 7.2 innings, striking out 7 and allowing all 8 (4 unearned) of the Trojans’ runs. Tremie’s second error came in the second inning as he couldn’t handle a Larry Sedlacek (1-4, R) groundball and this ended up leading to Justin Boyd’s 3-run shot. Arizona’s six hits came from six different players (Koh, Buckley, Peterson, Sierra, Ortiz, and Murphy). The champagne and beer flowed freely in the Trojan clubhouse after Miguel Sanchez came on to preserve the victory with an inning of perfect ball, recording two strikeouts.
Anaheim wins, 8-1. ANAHEIM WINS WORLD SERIES, 4-1. CONGRATULATIONS!
Friday, April 23, 2010
International FA Recap by tk21775
Season 8 in NCAA could be referred to as the year of the International’s. The market was abundant with talent for those teams looking to land a big player, which many teams took advantage of. Only time will tell how good the signings were but one thing was sure, a lot of money was paid out to get players into the United States to play ball.
Arizona landed SP Rafael Guerrero with a signing bonus of $10.7M. He projects to have outstanding control, 4 solid pitches and will be tough against lefties. Guerrero started 13 games in rookie ball with an era 4.08, 60 hits, 56 K’s and 18 walks. They also grabbed SS #p3165578Jose Samuel#p for $6.4M, who projects to be more of a 3B player then SS with great speed with below avg. splits. Samuel got in 4 games at the Low A level, managing 3 hits and 2 stolen bases with a .200 batting avg.
Buffalo’s scouts were fortunate enough to grab Orlando Galvez while they soaked up sun and drinks in Aruba for a price of $6.8M. Galvez projects to be a great closer, having the durability/stamina to be ready when called upon, great control and vR to go along with 3 very solid pitches. He spent his time in Rookie ball where he saw 3.1 innings allowing 4 hits, 3 strike outs and a 0.00 era.
Charleston Cougar’s found their player, Odalis Velazquez , overseas in the Dominican Republic for a price of $8.4M. A projected SS who will probably see more time at 3B, Velazquez looks to help out the Cougars with his dangerous bat. He spent 27 games in High A, knocking out 35 H, 16 2B, 5 HR, 23 RBIs with a batting avg. of .330.
Charlotte hopped on the plane with Charleston to the Dominican, grabbing Erubiel Ordaz on their trip for a price of $15.6M. The Tar Heels plan on Ordaz helping out in their future starting rotation where his pinpoint control will dominate the lefties and he projects to be solid against righties as well. Ordaz started 12 games for the Heels in Rookie ball, recording 57.2 innings where he gave up 51 hits, 69 K’s, 11 BB for a 3.43 era.
Cincinnati kept the Dominican pipe way open, landing Omar Andujar for a price tag of $15.6M. Omar looks to be an outstanding C that has the arm and accuracy to keep runners honest along with a pitch call rating that his pitchers will benefit from. His bat will also help the Bearcats out as he projects to be an elite hitter across the board, however his durability looks to only allow him to play in half of the games. Andujar spent S8 in Low A ball where he spent 76 games with a5.33 era pitching staff and his bat produced 93 hits, 28 doubles, 17 dingers, 65 rbi’s, and a solid .309 batting avg.
Detroit had no problem handing out money in the international market as they to found their two signings in the Dominican. Eliezer Arrojo signed the largest international contract this season at a price of $17.5M where the speedy LF will give the Wolverines exactly the large bat they were looking for in the offseason. Arrojo signed early, getting 96 games in at AA where he recorded 126 hits, 40 doubles, 23 homers, 86 rbis, with a solid .293 batting avg. Detroit however wasn’t done in the Dominican with just Arrojo, they managed to find Edgardo Renteria there as well for $9.0M. The sun may have gotten to the Wolverines scouts with this signing as Renteria projects to be a solid long relief pitcher although his durability is very weak. Edgardo got himself into 12 Low A games this season for 16.1 innings of ball with a 2.76 era. He should produce to a nice pitcher, however there were plenty of players that project to be better players after Renteria was signed.
Fargo sent their scouts away from the masses and ended up finding Mark Glover in Australia for a price of $11.5M. Glover will be dominate against lefties as a starting pitcher and with his control and 3 outstanding pitches, along with a 4th solid pitch, will be a force against righties as well. He only managed to get into 2 rookie league games for 8 innings of ball, scattering 5 hits, 11 K’s to 2 walks, and a 1.13 era.
Helena didn’t want to miss out on all the Dominican fun, landing Victor Valdes to help out their bullpen for $13.5M. Valdes follows the trend of beign dominant against lefties while solid against right-handed batters with great control, 2 outstanding and 2 solid pitches. He managed to start 11 games in rookie league, giving up 27 hits, 25/15 SO/BB, with an era of 3.91 in 25.1 innings.
Kansas City sent their scouts to Cuba, finding Tomas Olmedo and luring him into the states for $15.9M. Olmedo looks like he’ll lock down LF for the Wildcats and give them an outstanding bat and speed on the bases. Olmedo saw 53 games of action in rookie league this season, managing 87 hits, 23 doubles, 15 home runs, 74 rbi’s with a “double take” batting avg. of .390.
Little Rock found their international signing in Venezuela, C Jumbo Tejera for $7.5M. He’ll be able to throw potential stealers out on the bases although his pitch calling projects rather low. His bat should get him on the bases himself, solid numbers across except for power. Tejera spent 66 games behind the plate in rookie ball to manage a 4.53 era pitching staff. He battled Kansas City’s Olmedo for a batting avg. of .386!, swinging out 107 hits, 11 doubles, 5 home runs and 56 rbis.
Memphis wasn’t scared of all the scouts in the Dominican and followed the masses to find Harry Piedra for $7.3M. Piedra looks to be a solid starting pitcher for the Tigers with stamina, control and his splits all projecting nicely. He grabbed 2 start in AA ball for 9 innings of work and a 4.00 era before the Tigers called him up to the big leagues. He started 4 games in the majors where he gave the Tigers 21 innings, 12 hits, 17 K’s, 6 walks and an era of 5.57.
Minnesota shared a flight with Little Rock down to Venezuela and brought back home Davey Albaladejo and $11.0M lighter in their pockets. Davey looks to secure the 2B spot for the Gophers and will bring to the position a solid bat and speed. He put in 67 games at Low A this season where he destroyed pitchers for 104 hits, 31 doubles, 17 home runs, 67 rbis and a best .391 batting avg. A stop in Cuba quick on the way home allowed Jorge Cordero to jump on board for $12.0M. Cordero will take his place behind the plate with avg. pitch calling but a dangerous bat when he gets up to the plate. He spent 67 games in High A where he managed a pitching staff to a 4.45 era. Offensively he recorded 76 hits, 15 doubles, 11 home runs, 46 rbis, and a nice .289 batting avg.
New Orleans grabbed #p3165478Miguel Montanez#p out of Cuba for $15.8M. Montanez looks to be the future closer for the Bengals, projecting to outstanding control and solid vR with 2 ace pitches. He spent 16 games in High A where he went 11 for 11 in saves with a 1.72 era before being called up to AA where he continued his success going 18 for 20 in saves with a 3.68 era.
Philadelphia, worried that the Dominican talent was being bought up, spent their time in Cuba and found Fausto Gimenez for $11.6M. Gimenez might be the best pitcher found in the international market this season where he will be dominate against righties and unhittable against lefties. With his control he’ll be able to place the ball wherever he chooses and 3 solid pitches will leave batters wondering what happened. He started in 5 games at the Low A level for a total of 26.2 innings of work, giving up 16 hits, 27 strike outs to 7 walks and an era of 2.36.
Salem went to the western hemisphere to find #p3165443Ramon Higashioka#p in the Republic of Korea for a price of $12.4M. Ramon could be used as a SP or help in the bullpen, having pinpoint control of his pitches and nice splits. He found himself starting 24 games in High A for the Beavers, giving up 124 hits, striking out 135 while walking 45 batters, and an era of 3.53.
Scranton stayed away from the populated areas and went to Honduras where they found Pedro Aviles for $15.0M. Aviles looks to help out the Lion’s bullpen as a long relief pitcher when he gets to the bigs. He started 28 games in Low A for them this season, allowing 112 hits, striking out 103 while only giving up 39 walks with a 4.97 era.
Arizona landed SP Rafael Guerrero with a signing bonus of $10.7M. He projects to have outstanding control, 4 solid pitches and will be tough against lefties. Guerrero started 13 games in rookie ball with an era 4.08, 60 hits, 56 K’s and 18 walks. They also grabbed SS #p3165578Jose Samuel#p for $6.4M, who projects to be more of a 3B player then SS with great speed with below avg. splits. Samuel got in 4 games at the Low A level, managing 3 hits and 2 stolen bases with a .200 batting avg.
Buffalo’s scouts were fortunate enough to grab Orlando Galvez while they soaked up sun and drinks in Aruba for a price of $6.8M. Galvez projects to be a great closer, having the durability/stamina to be ready when called upon, great control and vR to go along with 3 very solid pitches. He spent his time in Rookie ball where he saw 3.1 innings allowing 4 hits, 3 strike outs and a 0.00 era.
Charleston Cougar’s found their player, Odalis Velazquez , overseas in the Dominican Republic for a price of $8.4M. A projected SS who will probably see more time at 3B, Velazquez looks to help out the Cougars with his dangerous bat. He spent 27 games in High A, knocking out 35 H, 16 2B, 5 HR, 23 RBIs with a batting avg. of .330.
Charlotte hopped on the plane with Charleston to the Dominican, grabbing Erubiel Ordaz on their trip for a price of $15.6M. The Tar Heels plan on Ordaz helping out in their future starting rotation where his pinpoint control will dominate the lefties and he projects to be solid against righties as well. Ordaz started 12 games for the Heels in Rookie ball, recording 57.2 innings where he gave up 51 hits, 69 K’s, 11 BB for a 3.43 era.
Cincinnati kept the Dominican pipe way open, landing Omar Andujar for a price tag of $15.6M. Omar looks to be an outstanding C that has the arm and accuracy to keep runners honest along with a pitch call rating that his pitchers will benefit from. His bat will also help the Bearcats out as he projects to be an elite hitter across the board, however his durability looks to only allow him to play in half of the games. Andujar spent S8 in Low A ball where he spent 76 games with a5.33 era pitching staff and his bat produced 93 hits, 28 doubles, 17 dingers, 65 rbi’s, and a solid .309 batting avg.
Detroit had no problem handing out money in the international market as they to found their two signings in the Dominican. Eliezer Arrojo signed the largest international contract this season at a price of $17.5M where the speedy LF will give the Wolverines exactly the large bat they were looking for in the offseason. Arrojo signed early, getting 96 games in at AA where he recorded 126 hits, 40 doubles, 23 homers, 86 rbis, with a solid .293 batting avg. Detroit however wasn’t done in the Dominican with just Arrojo, they managed to find Edgardo Renteria there as well for $9.0M. The sun may have gotten to the Wolverines scouts with this signing as Renteria projects to be a solid long relief pitcher although his durability is very weak. Edgardo got himself into 12 Low A games this season for 16.1 innings of ball with a 2.76 era. He should produce to a nice pitcher, however there were plenty of players that project to be better players after Renteria was signed.
Fargo sent their scouts away from the masses and ended up finding Mark Glover in Australia for a price of $11.5M. Glover will be dominate against lefties as a starting pitcher and with his control and 3 outstanding pitches, along with a 4th solid pitch, will be a force against righties as well. He only managed to get into 2 rookie league games for 8 innings of ball, scattering 5 hits, 11 K’s to 2 walks, and a 1.13 era.
Helena didn’t want to miss out on all the Dominican fun, landing Victor Valdes to help out their bullpen for $13.5M. Valdes follows the trend of beign dominant against lefties while solid against right-handed batters with great control, 2 outstanding and 2 solid pitches. He managed to start 11 games in rookie league, giving up 27 hits, 25/15 SO/BB, with an era of 3.91 in 25.1 innings.
Kansas City sent their scouts to Cuba, finding Tomas Olmedo and luring him into the states for $15.9M. Olmedo looks like he’ll lock down LF for the Wildcats and give them an outstanding bat and speed on the bases. Olmedo saw 53 games of action in rookie league this season, managing 87 hits, 23 doubles, 15 home runs, 74 rbi’s with a “double take” batting avg. of .390.
Little Rock found their international signing in Venezuela, C Jumbo Tejera for $7.5M. He’ll be able to throw potential stealers out on the bases although his pitch calling projects rather low. His bat should get him on the bases himself, solid numbers across except for power. Tejera spent 66 games behind the plate in rookie ball to manage a 4.53 era pitching staff. He battled Kansas City’s Olmedo for a batting avg. of .386!, swinging out 107 hits, 11 doubles, 5 home runs and 56 rbis.
Memphis wasn’t scared of all the scouts in the Dominican and followed the masses to find Harry Piedra for $7.3M. Piedra looks to be a solid starting pitcher for the Tigers with stamina, control and his splits all projecting nicely. He grabbed 2 start in AA ball for 9 innings of work and a 4.00 era before the Tigers called him up to the big leagues. He started 4 games in the majors where he gave the Tigers 21 innings, 12 hits, 17 K’s, 6 walks and an era of 5.57.
Minnesota shared a flight with Little Rock down to Venezuela and brought back home Davey Albaladejo and $11.0M lighter in their pockets. Davey looks to secure the 2B spot for the Gophers and will bring to the position a solid bat and speed. He put in 67 games at Low A this season where he destroyed pitchers for 104 hits, 31 doubles, 17 home runs, 67 rbis and a best .391 batting avg. A stop in Cuba quick on the way home allowed Jorge Cordero to jump on board for $12.0M. Cordero will take his place behind the plate with avg. pitch calling but a dangerous bat when he gets up to the plate. He spent 67 games in High A where he managed a pitching staff to a 4.45 era. Offensively he recorded 76 hits, 15 doubles, 11 home runs, 46 rbis, and a nice .289 batting avg.
New Orleans grabbed #p3165478Miguel Montanez#p out of Cuba for $15.8M. Montanez looks to be the future closer for the Bengals, projecting to outstanding control and solid vR with 2 ace pitches. He spent 16 games in High A where he went 11 for 11 in saves with a 1.72 era before being called up to AA where he continued his success going 18 for 20 in saves with a 3.68 era.
Philadelphia, worried that the Dominican talent was being bought up, spent their time in Cuba and found Fausto Gimenez for $11.6M. Gimenez might be the best pitcher found in the international market this season where he will be dominate against righties and unhittable against lefties. With his control he’ll be able to place the ball wherever he chooses and 3 solid pitches will leave batters wondering what happened. He started in 5 games at the Low A level for a total of 26.2 innings of work, giving up 16 hits, 27 strike outs to 7 walks and an era of 2.36.
Salem went to the western hemisphere to find #p3165443Ramon Higashioka#p in the Republic of Korea for a price of $12.4M. Ramon could be used as a SP or help in the bullpen, having pinpoint control of his pitches and nice splits. He found himself starting 24 games in High A for the Beavers, giving up 124 hits, striking out 135 while walking 45 batters, and an era of 3.53.
Scranton stayed away from the populated areas and went to Honduras where they found Pedro Aviles for $15.0M. Aviles looks to help out the Lion’s bullpen as a long relief pitcher when he gets to the bigs. He started 28 games in Low A for them this season, allowing 112 hits, striking out 103 while only giving up 39 walks with a 4.97 era.
World Series Game 3 Recap
GAME 3 – Anaheim @ Arizona by hurricane 384
This game saw the sixth blown save of the series, and fourth by Arizona’s bullpen as they coughed up a 1-0 lead in the 8th. Arizona started the scoring in the bottom of the 5th when Don Murphy (2-2, R) worked a walk to lead off the inning and Joaquin Nunez (6.0IP, 5H, 0R, 2BB, 6K) laid down his second sacrifice bunt of the game to move Murphy to second. Jung-Lee Koh (1-2, RBI) then hit the offering of Jake Randolph (6.0IP, 2H, 1ER, 4BB, 5K) into right field for an RBI double…which also wrapped up the Sun Devils’ offensive output for the game. Nunez pitched great and Buddy Stoops redeemed himself with an inning of shutout ball after a disastrous game 2 outing. Ivan Duran and Guy McMasters (again) failed to protect the lead as they struggled through the 8th. Duran got back-to-back groundouts to begin, but then gave up a triple to Ben Brown (1-4, R, 3B) and a single to Rex Allen (3-3, R, RBI). McMasters entered, being counted on to get one out, and couldn’t do that without losing the game. A single into center by Larry Sedlacek (2-4, R) put men at the corners for Julian Cortes (1-4, R, RBI), who came through to put the Trojans in the lead for good with a single to right center field. Pablo Tavarez (2-4, R, 3RBI, 2B, HR) cleared the bases with a 3 run shot to left-field to wrap up the scoring. Miguel Sanchez came on in the bottom of the 9th for Anaheim, only to struggle by allowing a single and hitting Koh with a pitch. Bernard Townsend got the final 2 outs for his 6th save of the postse
This game saw the sixth blown save of the series, and fourth by Arizona’s bullpen as they coughed up a 1-0 lead in the 8th. Arizona started the scoring in the bottom of the 5th when Don Murphy (2-2, R) worked a walk to lead off the inning and Joaquin Nunez (6.0IP, 5H, 0R, 2BB, 6K) laid down his second sacrifice bunt of the game to move Murphy to second. Jung-Lee Koh (1-2, RBI) then hit the offering of Jake Randolph (6.0IP, 2H, 1ER, 4BB, 5K) into right field for an RBI double…which also wrapped up the Sun Devils’ offensive output for the game. Nunez pitched great and Buddy Stoops redeemed himself with an inning of shutout ball after a disastrous game 2 outing. Ivan Duran and Guy McMasters (again) failed to protect the lead as they struggled through the 8th. Duran got back-to-back groundouts to begin, but then gave up a triple to Ben Brown (1-4, R, 3B) and a single to Rex Allen (3-3, R, RBI). McMasters entered, being counted on to get one out, and couldn’t do that without losing the game. A single into center by Larry Sedlacek (2-4, R) put men at the corners for Julian Cortes (1-4, R, RBI), who came through to put the Trojans in the lead for good with a single to right center field. Pablo Tavarez (2-4, R, 3RBI, 2B, HR) cleared the bases with a 3 run shot to left-field to wrap up the scoring. Miguel Sanchez came on in the bottom of the 9th for Anaheim, only to struggle by allowing a single and hitting Koh with a pitch. Bernard Townsend got the final 2 outs for his 6th save of the postse
World Series Game 1 and 2 Recaps
WORLD SERIES RECAPS by hurricane384
GAME 1 – Arizona @ Anaheim
Game 1 saw a bit of what each of these teams is good at. Offense, defense, pitching, it had it all. Arizona took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 5th on an Ivan Wall (2-4, 2B, RBI, R) RBI single, which followed back-to-back singles and a double play. Despite giving up 3 hits in the fifth, Clinton Carr (6.1IP, 8H, 3ER, 2BB, 2K) managed to escape by giving up a single run. Anaheim went on top in the bottom of the inning with a home run by Larry Selacek (2-4, HR, 2R, RBI), his fifth of the postseason. Pablo Tavarez (3-4, 2B, 2R, 2RBI) reached on a bloop single followed by a Justin Boyd (2-5, 2B, RBI) double for Anaheim to take the lead, 2-1. Anaheim took the lead in the top of the seventh inning with an offensive explosion, putting up 6 runs, capped by a Bernie Ortiz (1-5, HR, R, 4RBI) grand slam to take a 7-2 lead. Don Martin (7.2IP, 8H, 5R, 3ER, 3K) began to cough up the lead in the bottom of the 8th by giving up a flyball home run to left field by Tavarez. Boyd singled, which was followed by Rafael Nieves (1-4) grounding into a double play. Dicky Hatcher (0-4, R) reached on a 2 base error when Buddy Buckley (2-5, 2R) dropped a flyball. Lewis Hoyt (1-1, R, RBI) hit an RBI single to score Hatcher and you could close the book on Martin. Buddy Stoops entered and failed to record a single out while giving up two 2-run home runs. The scoring was capped when Ivan Duran (.1, 2H, ER) gave up a single by Julian Cortes (1-4, R) followed by a Tavarez double as Anaheim goes up 9-7. Bernard Townsend made things interesting in the ninth, giving up a walk and a single, but managed to record the save.
ANAHEIM, 9-7. ANAHEIM LEADS THE SERIES 1-0.
GAME 2 – Arizona @ Anaheim
Game 2 was a power filled game that saw 11 home runs hit between these two behemoths. Bernie Ortiz (3-5, 2HR, 2R, 4RBI) cracked the first of his two home runs in the first inning to give Arizona a quick 2-0 lead off of Anaheim’s Dick Bailey (6.0IP, 7H, 3ER, 2BB, 5K), but that lead wouldn’t last long. Dicky Hatcher (3-4, 2HR, 3R, 5RBI) hit a solo shot in the bottom of the first and then a 3-run bomb in the 3rd off of Ebenezer Woodson (5.0IP, 7H, 7ER, 3BB, 5K) to take a 4-2 lead over the Sun Devils. The scoring remained quiet until the 5th when Hatcher walked, and Larry Sedlacek (2-4, 2B, HR, R, 2RBI) cracked a 2-run home run to left field, and Lewis Hoyt (1-5, HR, R, RBI) followed that up with a wall-scraper to right-center to push the Trojans’ lead to 7-2. Jake Peterson (2-5, 2HR, 2R, 2RBI) led off the 6th with the first of his 2 solo homers to make the score 7-3. With a lead that would not survive the inning, Turner Evans (0.1IP, 3H, 3ER) entered and exited after 4 batters with the score 7-6 after giving up back to back home runs to Ortiz and David Sierra (1-4, HR, R, RBI). Enter Felix Seung who managed to enter and exit having given up the lead, but did not record an out after giving up 4 hits and 2 runs, including Jake Peterson’s second solo shot of the night as Arizona takes an 8-7 lead. The story in this game was that no member of either bullpen really cared to hold a lead as Guy McMasters (0.2IP, 2H, ER, 2BB) blew the save in the bottom of the 8th on back to back run scoring singles, but did manage to escape a bases loaded situation to end in the inning. Anaheim reclaimed the lead 9-8. Anaheim brought in closer Bernard Townsend (1.0IP, H, 2ER, BB) looking to shut the door on game 2…that was not to happen as Townsend did something he only did 6 times during the regular season and blew the save. He walked Buddy Buckley (2-4, 2B, 2R) to lead the inning off before recording a pop-out and a fly-out. Just as it looked like he was going to escape with a save, pinch-hitter Julian Green had other things in mind, and showed it to everyone with a 2-run home run to left-field to give Arizona the 10-9 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. Enter Fireman of the Year Justin Ward to shut the door. He enticed a pop-out, gave up an infield single, and then struck out Game 1 hero Tavarez for the second out. Up comes Rafael Nieves (2-3, HR, 3R, 2RBI, 2BB) and he took Ward deep to right field to end Game 2 with a walk-off home run in yet another epic confrontation between these two titans.
ANAHEIM WINS, 11-10. ANAHEIM LEADS THE SERIES 2-0.
GAME 1 – Arizona @ Anaheim
Game 1 saw a bit of what each of these teams is good at. Offense, defense, pitching, it had it all. Arizona took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 5th on an Ivan Wall (2-4, 2B, RBI, R) RBI single, which followed back-to-back singles and a double play. Despite giving up 3 hits in the fifth, Clinton Carr (6.1IP, 8H, 3ER, 2BB, 2K) managed to escape by giving up a single run. Anaheim went on top in the bottom of the inning with a home run by Larry Selacek (2-4, HR, 2R, RBI), his fifth of the postseason. Pablo Tavarez (3-4, 2B, 2R, 2RBI) reached on a bloop single followed by a Justin Boyd (2-5, 2B, RBI) double for Anaheim to take the lead, 2-1. Anaheim took the lead in the top of the seventh inning with an offensive explosion, putting up 6 runs, capped by a Bernie Ortiz (1-5, HR, R, 4RBI) grand slam to take a 7-2 lead. Don Martin (7.2IP, 8H, 5R, 3ER, 3K) began to cough up the lead in the bottom of the 8th by giving up a flyball home run to left field by Tavarez. Boyd singled, which was followed by Rafael Nieves (1-4) grounding into a double play. Dicky Hatcher (0-4, R) reached on a 2 base error when Buddy Buckley (2-5, 2R) dropped a flyball. Lewis Hoyt (1-1, R, RBI) hit an RBI single to score Hatcher and you could close the book on Martin. Buddy Stoops entered and failed to record a single out while giving up two 2-run home runs. The scoring was capped when Ivan Duran (.1, 2H, ER) gave up a single by Julian Cortes (1-4, R) followed by a Tavarez double as Anaheim goes up 9-7. Bernard Townsend made things interesting in the ninth, giving up a walk and a single, but managed to record the save.
ANAHEIM, 9-7. ANAHEIM LEADS THE SERIES 1-0.
GAME 2 – Arizona @ Anaheim
Game 2 was a power filled game that saw 11 home runs hit between these two behemoths. Bernie Ortiz (3-5, 2HR, 2R, 4RBI) cracked the first of his two home runs in the first inning to give Arizona a quick 2-0 lead off of Anaheim’s Dick Bailey (6.0IP, 7H, 3ER, 2BB, 5K), but that lead wouldn’t last long. Dicky Hatcher (3-4, 2HR, 3R, 5RBI) hit a solo shot in the bottom of the first and then a 3-run bomb in the 3rd off of Ebenezer Woodson (5.0IP, 7H, 7ER, 3BB, 5K) to take a 4-2 lead over the Sun Devils. The scoring remained quiet until the 5th when Hatcher walked, and Larry Sedlacek (2-4, 2B, HR, R, 2RBI) cracked a 2-run home run to left field, and Lewis Hoyt (1-5, HR, R, RBI) followed that up with a wall-scraper to right-center to push the Trojans’ lead to 7-2. Jake Peterson (2-5, 2HR, 2R, 2RBI) led off the 6th with the first of his 2 solo homers to make the score 7-3. With a lead that would not survive the inning, Turner Evans (0.1IP, 3H, 3ER) entered and exited after 4 batters with the score 7-6 after giving up back to back home runs to Ortiz and David Sierra (1-4, HR, R, RBI). Enter Felix Seung who managed to enter and exit having given up the lead, but did not record an out after giving up 4 hits and 2 runs, including Jake Peterson’s second solo shot of the night as Arizona takes an 8-7 lead. The story in this game was that no member of either bullpen really cared to hold a lead as Guy McMasters (0.2IP, 2H, ER, 2BB) blew the save in the bottom of the 8th on back to back run scoring singles, but did manage to escape a bases loaded situation to end in the inning. Anaheim reclaimed the lead 9-8. Anaheim brought in closer Bernard Townsend (1.0IP, H, 2ER, BB) looking to shut the door on game 2…that was not to happen as Townsend did something he only did 6 times during the regular season and blew the save. He walked Buddy Buckley (2-4, 2B, 2R) to lead the inning off before recording a pop-out and a fly-out. Just as it looked like he was going to escape with a save, pinch-hitter Julian Green had other things in mind, and showed it to everyone with a 2-run home run to left-field to give Arizona the 10-9 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. Enter Fireman of the Year Justin Ward to shut the door. He enticed a pop-out, gave up an infield single, and then struck out Game 1 hero Tavarez for the second out. Up comes Rafael Nieves (2-3, HR, 3R, 2RBI, 2BB) and he took Ward deep to right field to end Game 2 with a walk-off home run in yet another epic confrontation between these two titans.
ANAHEIM WINS, 11-10. ANAHEIM LEADS THE SERIES 2-0.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
World Series Preview
WORLD SERIES PREVIEW – SEASON 8 by hurricane384
ANAHEIM TROJANS (AL)
VS.
ARIZONA SUN DEVILS (NL)
RATINGS ADVANTAGES
STARTING LINEUP BENCH
POWER-Anaheim POWER-Anaheim
CONTACT-Arizona CONTACT-Arizona
VS L-Anaheim VS L-Anaheim
VS R-Anaheim VS R-Anaheim
EYE-Anaheim EYE-Arizona
ADV-Anaheim ADV-Anaheim
ROTATION BULLPEN
CONTROL-Anaheim CONTROL-Anaheim
VS L-Arizona VS L-Anaheim
VS R-Arizona VS R-Arizona
VELOCITY-Anaheim VELOCITY-Arizona
STUFF-Anaheim STUFF-Anaheim
ADV-Anaheim ADV-Anaheim
ANAHEIM
Offense: The Trojans are a balanced offense, boasting 7 players who hit 20+ homers during the season and an incredible 9 players who knocked in 90+ throughout the season. They boasted a .269 team batting average which was good for the 6th best batting average in the majors. Their 258 homers lead the majors as well. No MVP candidates on this squad, just a bunch of guys playing together as a team.
Pitching: Boasting 5 pitchers with more than 10 wins a piece including 11-1 rookie Turner Evans, this is a strong team pitching wise as well. Their 3.67 team ERA was good for second in the majors. They also threw the 4th most complete games in the majors. Carr and Bailey were the leaders of this staff, as well as Cy Young candidates.
Defense: Finishing second only to the ridiculously solid fielding Syracuse Orange with a fielding percentage of .988, the Trojans only committed 74 errors, and turned 356 double plays while making 68 plus plays against 15 minus plays. Caught only .238 of base stealers Only one player, Allen, managed to win a Gold Glove for Anaheim this season.
ARIZONA
Offense: While not as balanced as Anaheim, the Sun Devils are no slouch on offense either. They had 4 players with over 30 home runs and 98 or more runs knocked in. In addition to this, they do one thing that plays against Anaheim’s weakness…they steal bases. They had 3 players steal 30+ bases during the season while as a team they were 156/207 on the year. They were only tied for 9th on the year. Led by MVP candidate, Ortiz, this is not an offense to be toyed with.
Pitching: Another team with 5 pitchers recording double digits in the win column, they are led by Cy Young candidates, Nunez and Martin as well as Fireman of the year Ward (45/49 SV). A team ERA of 3.82 was good enough for fifth in the majors, while their strikeout total of 1146 was second to Dover.
Fielding: Finishing smack-dab in the middle of the pack, Arizona was a solid, but unspectacular fielding team this season. Their .983 fielding percentage was right there with the league-average. They recorded 40 plus plays while recording 34 minus, so they are not going to take away a lot of outs from Anaheim.
Prediction: Anaheim in 5.
While Arizona is a good team, Anaheim doesn’t have a major weakness. If Arizona can get on base, they may be able to make something happen on the base paths, but getting on base is going to be tough. Anaheim on the other hand, can take outs away in the field as well as manufacture runs as they led the league in sacrifice flies. Unfortunately, I just don’t see how Arizona can overcome Anaheim’s advantages, both in ratings and results.
ANAHEIM TROJANS (AL)
VS.
ARIZONA SUN DEVILS (NL)
RATINGS ADVANTAGES
STARTING LINEUP BENCH
POWER-Anaheim POWER-Anaheim
CONTACT-Arizona CONTACT-Arizona
VS L-Anaheim VS L-Anaheim
VS R-Anaheim VS R-Anaheim
EYE-Anaheim EYE-Arizona
ADV-Anaheim ADV-Anaheim
ROTATION BULLPEN
CONTROL-Anaheim CONTROL-Anaheim
VS L-Arizona VS L-Anaheim
VS R-Arizona VS R-Arizona
VELOCITY-Anaheim VELOCITY-Arizona
STUFF-Anaheim STUFF-Anaheim
ADV-Anaheim ADV-Anaheim
ANAHEIM
Offense: The Trojans are a balanced offense, boasting 7 players who hit 20+ homers during the season and an incredible 9 players who knocked in 90+ throughout the season. They boasted a .269 team batting average which was good for the 6th best batting average in the majors. Their 258 homers lead the majors as well. No MVP candidates on this squad, just a bunch of guys playing together as a team.
Pitching: Boasting 5 pitchers with more than 10 wins a piece including 11-1 rookie Turner Evans, this is a strong team pitching wise as well. Their 3.67 team ERA was good for second in the majors. They also threw the 4th most complete games in the majors. Carr and Bailey were the leaders of this staff, as well as Cy Young candidates.
Defense: Finishing second only to the ridiculously solid fielding Syracuse Orange with a fielding percentage of .988, the Trojans only committed 74 errors, and turned 356 double plays while making 68 plus plays against 15 minus plays. Caught only .238 of base stealers Only one player, Allen, managed to win a Gold Glove for Anaheim this season.
ARIZONA
Offense: While not as balanced as Anaheim, the Sun Devils are no slouch on offense either. They had 4 players with over 30 home runs and 98 or more runs knocked in. In addition to this, they do one thing that plays against Anaheim’s weakness…they steal bases. They had 3 players steal 30+ bases during the season while as a team they were 156/207 on the year. They were only tied for 9th on the year. Led by MVP candidate, Ortiz, this is not an offense to be toyed with.
Pitching: Another team with 5 pitchers recording double digits in the win column, they are led by Cy Young candidates, Nunez and Martin as well as Fireman of the year Ward (45/49 SV). A team ERA of 3.82 was good enough for fifth in the majors, while their strikeout total of 1146 was second to Dover.
Fielding: Finishing smack-dab in the middle of the pack, Arizona was a solid, but unspectacular fielding team this season. Their .983 fielding percentage was right there with the league-average. They recorded 40 plus plays while recording 34 minus, so they are not going to take away a lot of outs from Anaheim.
Prediction: Anaheim in 5.
While Arizona is a good team, Anaheim doesn’t have a major weakness. If Arizona can get on base, they may be able to make something happen on the base paths, but getting on base is going to be tough. Anaheim on the other hand, can take outs away in the field as well as manufacture runs as they led the league in sacrifice flies. Unfortunately, I just don’t see how Arizona can overcome Anaheim’s advantages, both in ratings and results.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
LCS Team Profiles
LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES TEAM PROFILES
AL Preview (W-L, AL runs scored rank, AL ERA rank, AL fielding % rank)
#1 Anaheim Trojans (99-63, 3rd, 1st, 1st)
Owner: ajwalton (0 WS, 843-777)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: D. Hatcher 35
RBI: R. Allen 101
RUNS: J. Boyd 97
AVG.: J. Boyd .307
OBP: R. Nieves .366
SLG.: R. Allen .559
OPS: D. Hatcher .918
Hit Streak: G. Duncan 16
Pitching
WINS: D. Bailey 20
LOSSES: J. Randolph & 10
G. Field
INNINGS: C. Carr 248.1
ERA: T. Evans 2.13
SO: C. Carr 197
SAVES: B. Townsend 39/45
All-Stars (4) – D. Bailey (P), C. Carr (P), B. Townsend (P), L. Sedlacek (C)
Award Candidates
MVP: None
Cy Young: C. Carr, D. Bailey
ROY: None
FOY: B. Townsend
#3 Florida Gators (92-70, 1st, 7th, 14th)
Owner: robusk (4 WS, 2584-1790)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: D. Thompson 43
RBI: D. Thompson 115
RUNS: D. Thompson 118
AVG: R. Perry .323
SLG: R. Perry .597
OPS: D. Thompson 1.013
Hit Streak: L. Glynn 16
Pitching
WINS: R. Tyson 15
LOSSES: R. Tyson 12
INNINGS: R. Tyson 214.2
ERA: R. Tyson 3.77
SO: R. Tyson 159
SAVES: A. Kendall 26/34
All-Stars (3) – D. Thompson (1B), R. Perry (SS), H. Minor (RF)
Award Candidates
MVP: D. Thompson
Cy Young: None
ROY: None
FOY: None
NL Preview (W-L, NL runs scored rank, NL ERA rank, NL fielding % rank)
#1 Syracuse Orange (114-48*, 1st, 2nd, 1st)
Owner: Evil Doers (1 WS, 2001-1563)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: M. Seay 54
RBI: M. Seay 149
RUNS: G. Parris 136
AVG: M. Seay .335
SLG: M. Seay .694
OPS: M. Seay 1.104
Hit Streak: M. Seay 21
Pitching
WINS: C. Carlyle & 19
A. Johnson
LOSSES: J. Jodie 10
INNINGS: A. Johnson 223.2
ERA: L. Villafuerte 2.66
SO: R. Loux 171
SAVES: L. Villafuerte 33/36
All-Stars (3) – C. Carlyle (P), M. Seay (1B), G. Parris (2B)
Award Candidates
MVP: M. Seay, G. Parris
Cy Young: C. Carlyle
ROY: None
FOY: L. Villafuerte
* World record.
#2 Arizona Sun Devils (94-68, 4th, 4th, 7th)
Owner: lpa2a (3 WS, 1200-906)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: J. Peterson 46
RBI: D. Sierra 129
RUNS: J. Koh 119
AVG: J. Koh .320
SLG: D. Sierra .608
OPS: D. Sierra .991
Hit Streak: J. Koh & 14
B. Ortiz
Pitching
WINS: D. Martin 17
LOSSES: V. Taveras 8
INNINGS: D. Martin 218.2
ERA: J. Ward 2.02
SO: J. Nunez 223
SAVES: J. Ward 45/49
All-Stars (3) – J. Ward (P), J. Nunez (P), J. Koh (CF)
Award Candidates
MVP: B. Ortiz
Cy Young: J. Nunez, D. Martin
ROY: D. Sierra
FOY: J. Ward
AL Preview (W-L, AL runs scored rank, AL ERA rank, AL fielding % rank)
#1 Anaheim Trojans (99-63, 3rd, 1st, 1st)
Owner: ajwalton (0 WS, 843-777)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: D. Hatcher 35
RBI: R. Allen 101
RUNS: J. Boyd 97
AVG.: J. Boyd .307
OBP: R. Nieves .366
SLG.: R. Allen .559
OPS: D. Hatcher .918
Hit Streak: G. Duncan 16
Pitching
WINS: D. Bailey 20
LOSSES: J. Randolph & 10
G. Field
INNINGS: C. Carr 248.1
ERA: T. Evans 2.13
SO: C. Carr 197
SAVES: B. Townsend 39/45
All-Stars (4) – D. Bailey (P), C. Carr (P), B. Townsend (P), L. Sedlacek (C)
Award Candidates
MVP: None
Cy Young: C. Carr, D. Bailey
ROY: None
FOY: B. Townsend
#3 Florida Gators (92-70, 1st, 7th, 14th)
Owner: robusk (4 WS, 2584-1790)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: D. Thompson 43
RBI: D. Thompson 115
RUNS: D. Thompson 118
AVG: R. Perry .323
SLG: R. Perry .597
OPS: D. Thompson 1.013
Hit Streak: L. Glynn 16
Pitching
WINS: R. Tyson 15
LOSSES: R. Tyson 12
INNINGS: R. Tyson 214.2
ERA: R. Tyson 3.77
SO: R. Tyson 159
SAVES: A. Kendall 26/34
All-Stars (3) – D. Thompson (1B), R. Perry (SS), H. Minor (RF)
Award Candidates
MVP: D. Thompson
Cy Young: None
ROY: None
FOY: None
NL Preview (W-L, NL runs scored rank, NL ERA rank, NL fielding % rank)
#1 Syracuse Orange (114-48*, 1st, 2nd, 1st)
Owner: Evil Doers (1 WS, 2001-1563)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: M. Seay 54
RBI: M. Seay 149
RUNS: G. Parris 136
AVG: M. Seay .335
SLG: M. Seay .694
OPS: M. Seay 1.104
Hit Streak: M. Seay 21
Pitching
WINS: C. Carlyle & 19
A. Johnson
LOSSES: J. Jodie 10
INNINGS: A. Johnson 223.2
ERA: L. Villafuerte 2.66
SO: R. Loux 171
SAVES: L. Villafuerte 33/36
All-Stars (3) – C. Carlyle (P), M. Seay (1B), G. Parris (2B)
Award Candidates
MVP: M. Seay, G. Parris
Cy Young: C. Carlyle
ROY: None
FOY: L. Villafuerte
* World record.
#2 Arizona Sun Devils (94-68, 4th, 4th, 7th)
Owner: lpa2a (3 WS, 1200-906)
Team Leaders
Batting
HR: J. Peterson 46
RBI: D. Sierra 129
RUNS: J. Koh 119
AVG: J. Koh .320
SLG: D. Sierra .608
OPS: D. Sierra .991
Hit Streak: J. Koh & 14
B. Ortiz
Pitching
WINS: D. Martin 17
LOSSES: V. Taveras 8
INNINGS: D. Martin 218.2
ERA: J. Ward 2.02
SO: J. Nunez 223
SAVES: J. Ward 45/49
All-Stars (3) – J. Ward (P), J. Nunez (P), J. Koh (CF)
Award Candidates
MVP: B. Ortiz
Cy Young: J. Nunez, D. Martin
ROY: D. Sierra
FOY: J. Ward
Friday, April 16, 2010
DCS Game 1 Recaps
AL Divisional Championship Series
Game 1 Recaps
#5 Salem @ #1 Anaheim
Anaheim was no match for Salem in this game 1 snoozefest. Every Salem starter recorded at least a hit and their offense was led by Ivan Martis (3-5, 2B, HR, RBI, 2R) and Joe Campbell (1-3, HR, 2RBI). Diasuke Suzuki recorded the win with 8 innings of 1-hit, 2-walk, 9-strikeout pitching mastery. Yamil Santiago blew the shutout in the ninth when he game up a ninth inning double and a batter later gave up the run scoring single to Anaheim’s Boyd.
• Salem defeats Anaheim, 8-1. Salem leads series, 1-0.
#3 Florida @ #2 Philadelphia
This was a back and forth, tightly contested ball game. Florida’s Chad Selby collected 3 hits, and Juan Feliz went 2 for 3, with a home run and 2 RBI, but Rich Perry was the real hero, hitting a solo homer in the top of the ninth to provide the winning margin for the Gators. Joe Newfield pitched a solid 6 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, and striking out 5, but picked up the no-decision. Blade Wright and Adrian Kendall combined to pitch 3 perfect innings to pick up the win and save, respectively. Philly’s Stuffy Sabathia and Miller Kotsay each picked up 2 hits, and scored once a piece to provide the scoring for the Owls. The bullpen let Domingo Servet down as he threw 6 innings of masterful ball giving up just 4 hits while striking out 4. Bo Parker blew the save by giving up a walk and back-to-back singles to start the 8th and Vic Redmond picked up the loss by giving up the solo “moon” shot to Perry.
• Florida wins, 3-2. Florida leads the series, 1-0.
NL Division Championship Series
Game 1 Recaps
#4 Austin @ #1 Syracuse
This was a close game for 6 innings, but Austin just couldn’t keep the top-scoring National League Orange down for the entire game. Syracuse’s Jimmie Jodie struck out 7, walked 2, and gave up 3 hits in 7 innings for the win. Charles Carlyle walked 3 in 2 innings of work, but ultimately kept Austin off the board. Garrett Paris was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, a homer and 3 RBI, while Michael Seay and Frank Jenkins knocked in 2 each. Mel Reed pitched five solid innings (5H, 1ER, 1BB, 6K) but picked up the loss as his offense let him down.
• Syracuse beats Austin, 8-0. Syracuse leads the series, 1-0
#3 Dover @ #2 Arizona
No surprise here as Dover continues to play in low scoring games this playoff season. Arizona’s Bernie Ortiz and David Sierra each had 3 hits and Jake Peterson knocked in 2 while hitting a home run (Ortiz had a homer as well). Joaquin Nunez pitched 7 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, while striking out 7 and walking 5. Buddy Stoops, Ivan Duran, and Guy McMasters wrapped up this extra innings bout with 4 shutout innings as McMasters picked up the win. Dover did not walk a batter all game and Matthew Lennon justified his huge salary again with 6 good innings, scattering 7 hits, and 2 runs while striking out 2. Randy Gabriel got tagged with the loss as he gave up a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 11th to Jake Peterson.
• Arizona beats Dover, 4-2 (11 inn.). Arizona leads series, 1-0.
Game 1 Recaps
#5 Salem @ #1 Anaheim
Anaheim was no match for Salem in this game 1 snoozefest. Every Salem starter recorded at least a hit and their offense was led by Ivan Martis (3-5, 2B, HR, RBI, 2R) and Joe Campbell (1-3, HR, 2RBI). Diasuke Suzuki recorded the win with 8 innings of 1-hit, 2-walk, 9-strikeout pitching mastery. Yamil Santiago blew the shutout in the ninth when he game up a ninth inning double and a batter later gave up the run scoring single to Anaheim’s Boyd.
• Salem defeats Anaheim, 8-1. Salem leads series, 1-0.
#3 Florida @ #2 Philadelphia
This was a back and forth, tightly contested ball game. Florida’s Chad Selby collected 3 hits, and Juan Feliz went 2 for 3, with a home run and 2 RBI, but Rich Perry was the real hero, hitting a solo homer in the top of the ninth to provide the winning margin for the Gators. Joe Newfield pitched a solid 6 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, and striking out 5, but picked up the no-decision. Blade Wright and Adrian Kendall combined to pitch 3 perfect innings to pick up the win and save, respectively. Philly’s Stuffy Sabathia and Miller Kotsay each picked up 2 hits, and scored once a piece to provide the scoring for the Owls. The bullpen let Domingo Servet down as he threw 6 innings of masterful ball giving up just 4 hits while striking out 4. Bo Parker blew the save by giving up a walk and back-to-back singles to start the 8th and Vic Redmond picked up the loss by giving up the solo “moon” shot to Perry.
• Florida wins, 3-2. Florida leads the series, 1-0.
NL Division Championship Series
Game 1 Recaps
#4 Austin @ #1 Syracuse
This was a close game for 6 innings, but Austin just couldn’t keep the top-scoring National League Orange down for the entire game. Syracuse’s Jimmie Jodie struck out 7, walked 2, and gave up 3 hits in 7 innings for the win. Charles Carlyle walked 3 in 2 innings of work, but ultimately kept Austin off the board. Garrett Paris was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, a homer and 3 RBI, while Michael Seay and Frank Jenkins knocked in 2 each. Mel Reed pitched five solid innings (5H, 1ER, 1BB, 6K) but picked up the loss as his offense let him down.
• Syracuse beats Austin, 8-0. Syracuse leads the series, 1-0
#3 Dover @ #2 Arizona
No surprise here as Dover continues to play in low scoring games this playoff season. Arizona’s Bernie Ortiz and David Sierra each had 3 hits and Jake Peterson knocked in 2 while hitting a home run (Ortiz had a homer as well). Joaquin Nunez pitched 7 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, while striking out 7 and walking 5. Buddy Stoops, Ivan Duran, and Guy McMasters wrapped up this extra innings bout with 4 shutout innings as McMasters picked up the win. Dover did not walk a batter all game and Matthew Lennon justified his huge salary again with 6 good innings, scattering 7 hits, and 2 runs while striking out 2. Randy Gabriel got tagged with the loss as he gave up a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 11th to Jake Peterson.
• Arizona beats Dover, 4-2 (11 inn.). Arizona leads series, 1-0.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wild Card Round - Game 5 Recaps
by hurricane384
#5 Scranton @ #4 Austin
Three Austin pitchers combined for a 6-hit shutout of Scranton in Game 5. Jose Javier picked up the “W” going 6.0 giving up 4 hits and striking out 7, followed by Miguel Veras for 2.0, and Mateo Blanco picked up the save, going 1 inning and walking one. Graham Wilson had an RBI triple and Corky Buckley knocked in the game-winning run in the 2nd. Scranton’s Dusty Johnson was good, but not quite good enough, going 7.0 innings, giving up 7 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, and striking out 6.
* Austin beats Scranton, 2-0. Austin wins the series 3-2.
#6 Detroit @ #3 Dover
Detroit put up a heck of a fight in trying to pull off the upset, but it was not to be. Scoring twice in the first on a Buster Wiggins (3-4, 2 RBI, 2R, 2HR) home run and an Eddie Sanford single, Detroit took control early. Julio Johnson (6.2IP, 9H, 4ER, 1BB, 1K) was unable to hold Dover at bay and picked up the loss. Dover scored twice in the second, and once each in the fifth and seventh to pick up the victory. Otis Damon pitched 8 innings for the victory, scattering 8 hits, 3 runs, and 6 strikeouts while Nicky Drew struck out the side to pick up his second save of the playoffs. With the exception of 2B Charlie Spencer, every Dover starter had at least a hit, led by Taylor Broussard (3-4, 2R, 1RBI, 2B) and Ed Martin (2-3, 1RBI, 1BB). A seventh inning home run was not enough for Detroit to overcome the deficit.
* Dover beats Detroit, 4-3. Dover wins the series, 3-2.
#5 Scranton @ #4 Austin
Three Austin pitchers combined for a 6-hit shutout of Scranton in Game 5. Jose Javier picked up the “W” going 6.0 giving up 4 hits and striking out 7, followed by Miguel Veras for 2.0, and Mateo Blanco picked up the save, going 1 inning and walking one. Graham Wilson had an RBI triple and Corky Buckley knocked in the game-winning run in the 2nd. Scranton’s Dusty Johnson was good, but not quite good enough, going 7.0 innings, giving up 7 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, and striking out 6.
* Austin beats Scranton, 2-0. Austin wins the series 3-2.
#6 Detroit @ #3 Dover
Detroit put up a heck of a fight in trying to pull off the upset, but it was not to be. Scoring twice in the first on a Buster Wiggins (3-4, 2 RBI, 2R, 2HR) home run and an Eddie Sanford single, Detroit took control early. Julio Johnson (6.2IP, 9H, 4ER, 1BB, 1K) was unable to hold Dover at bay and picked up the loss. Dover scored twice in the second, and once each in the fifth and seventh to pick up the victory. Otis Damon pitched 8 innings for the victory, scattering 8 hits, 3 runs, and 6 strikeouts while Nicky Drew struck out the side to pick up his second save of the playoffs. With the exception of 2B Charlie Spencer, every Dover starter had at least a hit, led by Taylor Broussard (3-4, 2R, 1RBI, 2B) and Ed Martin (2-3, 1RBI, 1BB). A seventh inning home run was not enough for Detroit to overcome the deficit.
* Dover beats Detroit, 4-3. Dover wins the series, 3-2.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wild Card Round - Game 3 and 4 Recaps
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 3 Recaps
#4 Fargo @ #5 Salem
Salem’s Vic Escobar pitched 7.1 innings of 5-hit 4-run ball to complete the sweep of Fargo. Diego Nieto and Kiki Vazquez gave up a walk combined in the final 1.2 innings to complete the victory. Salem rode the offense of Joe Campbell (2-4, 2R), Ivan Martis (2-4, HR, 2RBI, 1R), and Travis O’Keefe (2-3, HR, RBI, R) as they scored 8 runs in game 3. Marlon Hegan (5.2, 10H, 7ER, 2BB, 6K) got knocked around and took the loss for Fargo. Esteban Galvez hit a 2-run homer in the 4th, and Marc Everhart knocked a 2-run double in the 8th for Fargo’s offense.
* Salem beats Fargo, 8-4. Salem sweeps the series, 3-0.
#3 Florida @ #6 New York
Trent Clark pitched 6 innings of 6-hit, 2-run baseball as Florida came back from a disastrous game 2 loss to take the series lead. With 10 hits and 5 walks Florida’s offense came from many sources. Chad Selby, Dante Thompson, Dernell Cameron, and Harry Minor each had two hits while Lou Glynn had a hit and knocked in 3 runs and Stu Ford had a hit and 2 ribbies. Despite New York’s Scott Graham and Max Pineda having 3 hits a piece, the only runs were scored when Napoleon Saunders went deep to centerfield in the bottom of the fourth. Pinky Matheson got knocked around for six runs in five innings as he picked up the loss.
* Florida beats New York, 8-2. Florida leads the series 2-1.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 3 Recaps
#4 Austin @ #5 Scranton
In a game that was 1-1 before everyone had even gotten their hot dogs and beer, the pitchers really buckled down and made these teams work for runs. Austin’s pitching was good, but not quite good enough as Clay Lavarnway hit his second home run of the night, a 2-run blast, off of Haywood Thompson in the 8th to win the game for Scranton. Austin’s David Shibata went 5 innings giving up 6 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and striking out 4 and Miguel Veras followed it up with 2 perfect innings. Lavarnway was all over the place today hitting 2 home runs while going 2 for 4 and also had an error in the first inning that allowed the only run to score and blemished Dwight Weathers’ great performance (7.0IP, 3H, 1R(unearned), 1BB, 7K). Quinton Hamilton picked up the victory with 2 perfect innings.
* Scranton beats Austin, 3-1. Austin leads the series, 2-1.
#3 Dover @ #6 Detroit
Dover led this game going into the 9th, 3-1, and was looking to complete the wild-card sweep of Detroit when the unthinkable happened…usually reliable closer Nicky Drew (44/48 in the regular season) blows the save and the game goes into extra innings. Drew struck out the first batter he faced, then walked 1, and gave up back-to-back-to-back singles to allow Detroit to tie the game. Dover’s Junior Benjamin hit Christopher Jones in the leg with a pitch to open the bottom of the 11th, then gave up a single to Mitch Carter and is pulled. Willie Sabathia came on and promptly recorded a ground out and a line out before giving up the game-winning single to winning pitcher Herm Thompson.
* Detroit beats Dover, 4-3 (11 inn.). Dover leads the series 2-1
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 4 Recaps
#3 Florida @ #6 New York
This hard fought game saw New York fighting for its playoff life while Florida was hoping to advance with a victory. Florida’s Lou Glynn was 3-4 with 2 HR and 2 RBI while scoring every time he reached base. This was a back-and-forth contest that saw New York Score 4 in the 3rd and again in the 5th, but Florida put up runs in the 2nd through 6th to lead 7-5 after 6. In the bottom of the 9th, normally solid closer Adrian Kendall is brought in to preserve the victory in the 8th and records a 1-2-3 inning. It is the 9th inning that really gives him problems as he allows a single and a walk to begin, he then strikes out Napoleon Saunders as Florida brings in Liang to pitch. Stu Ford boots the double play ball to load the bases. A lineout by Max Pineda brings Florida within one out of the Division series…back-to-back singles by Hall and Hiljus tie the game and it looks like Florida’s plans are going to be pushed back at least one game. Ernie Helton pops out to 3rd base to end the threat. Fast forward to the top of the 11th and Dante Thompson rockets a 2-run home run to left field and Florida’s Luis Diaz comes in to record the save.
* Florida beats New York, 9-7 (11 inn.). Florida wins the series, 3-1.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 4 Recaps
#4 Austin @ #5 Scranton
Scranton was looking to send the series back to Austin all tied up. Let’s pick this game up in the 7th, when all of the action took place. In the top of the 7th, Castilla beat out an infield single, stole second and then Wilson crushed a 2-run home run over the left-centerfield fence to put Austin up 2-0. Terrific relieve Jose Rodriguez comes in for Austin looking to bridge the gap and keep the lead, ultimately leading to the series victory as well, but it was not to be. One out later and Rodriguez is on the bench having surrendered a home run, walk, and double to tie the game…Thompson gives up a single allowing Rodriguez to pick up the loss and blown save to go along with it. Victor Infante gave up a hit in the 9th, but managed to hold off the attempt at a rally as he strikes out Young looking to end the game.
* Scranton beats Austin, 3-2. Series tied, 2-2.
#3 Dover @ #6 Detroit
Dover is looking to put the wraps on this series in Comerica Park and started out looking like that’s exactly what was going to happen. Following a groundout by leadoff hitter Moreno, Manuel Guillen misplayed a flyball and allowed Roger Valentin to reach base. Harris strikes out looking, then Dover gets three straight singles (Martin, Spencer, and Thompson) to take the 2-0 lead. That was the extent of their scoring. Shane Cyr was solid, going 6.1 innings and giving up 4 runs, but solid was not good enough when facing a spectacular Ching-Lung Komatsu (8.0IP, 4H, 2R, 1BB, 9K). Detroit got a 2-run home run from Mitch Carter in the 4th to take the lead and never looked back. Manuel Guillen tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the 7th and Ronald Berger pitched a perfect 9th for the save.
* Detroit beats Dover, 4-2. Series tied, 2-2.
Game 3 Recaps
#4 Fargo @ #5 Salem
Salem’s Vic Escobar pitched 7.1 innings of 5-hit 4-run ball to complete the sweep of Fargo. Diego Nieto and Kiki Vazquez gave up a walk combined in the final 1.2 innings to complete the victory. Salem rode the offense of Joe Campbell (2-4, 2R), Ivan Martis (2-4, HR, 2RBI, 1R), and Travis O’Keefe (2-3, HR, RBI, R) as they scored 8 runs in game 3. Marlon Hegan (5.2, 10H, 7ER, 2BB, 6K) got knocked around and took the loss for Fargo. Esteban Galvez hit a 2-run homer in the 4th, and Marc Everhart knocked a 2-run double in the 8th for Fargo’s offense.
* Salem beats Fargo, 8-4. Salem sweeps the series, 3-0.
#3 Florida @ #6 New York
Trent Clark pitched 6 innings of 6-hit, 2-run baseball as Florida came back from a disastrous game 2 loss to take the series lead. With 10 hits and 5 walks Florida’s offense came from many sources. Chad Selby, Dante Thompson, Dernell Cameron, and Harry Minor each had two hits while Lou Glynn had a hit and knocked in 3 runs and Stu Ford had a hit and 2 ribbies. Despite New York’s Scott Graham and Max Pineda having 3 hits a piece, the only runs were scored when Napoleon Saunders went deep to centerfield in the bottom of the fourth. Pinky Matheson got knocked around for six runs in five innings as he picked up the loss.
* Florida beats New York, 8-2. Florida leads the series 2-1.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 3 Recaps
#4 Austin @ #5 Scranton
In a game that was 1-1 before everyone had even gotten their hot dogs and beer, the pitchers really buckled down and made these teams work for runs. Austin’s pitching was good, but not quite good enough as Clay Lavarnway hit his second home run of the night, a 2-run blast, off of Haywood Thompson in the 8th to win the game for Scranton. Austin’s David Shibata went 5 innings giving up 6 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and striking out 4 and Miguel Veras followed it up with 2 perfect innings. Lavarnway was all over the place today hitting 2 home runs while going 2 for 4 and also had an error in the first inning that allowed the only run to score and blemished Dwight Weathers’ great performance (7.0IP, 3H, 1R(unearned), 1BB, 7K). Quinton Hamilton picked up the victory with 2 perfect innings.
* Scranton beats Austin, 3-1. Austin leads the series, 2-1.
#3 Dover @ #6 Detroit
Dover led this game going into the 9th, 3-1, and was looking to complete the wild-card sweep of Detroit when the unthinkable happened…usually reliable closer Nicky Drew (44/48 in the regular season) blows the save and the game goes into extra innings. Drew struck out the first batter he faced, then walked 1, and gave up back-to-back-to-back singles to allow Detroit to tie the game. Dover’s Junior Benjamin hit Christopher Jones in the leg with a pitch to open the bottom of the 11th, then gave up a single to Mitch Carter and is pulled. Willie Sabathia came on and promptly recorded a ground out and a line out before giving up the game-winning single to winning pitcher Herm Thompson.
* Detroit beats Dover, 4-3 (11 inn.). Dover leads the series 2-1
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 4 Recaps
#3 Florida @ #6 New York
This hard fought game saw New York fighting for its playoff life while Florida was hoping to advance with a victory. Florida’s Lou Glynn was 3-4 with 2 HR and 2 RBI while scoring every time he reached base. This was a back-and-forth contest that saw New York Score 4 in the 3rd and again in the 5th, but Florida put up runs in the 2nd through 6th to lead 7-5 after 6. In the bottom of the 9th, normally solid closer Adrian Kendall is brought in to preserve the victory in the 8th and records a 1-2-3 inning. It is the 9th inning that really gives him problems as he allows a single and a walk to begin, he then strikes out Napoleon Saunders as Florida brings in Liang to pitch. Stu Ford boots the double play ball to load the bases. A lineout by Max Pineda brings Florida within one out of the Division series…back-to-back singles by Hall and Hiljus tie the game and it looks like Florida’s plans are going to be pushed back at least one game. Ernie Helton pops out to 3rd base to end the threat. Fast forward to the top of the 11th and Dante Thompson rockets a 2-run home run to left field and Florida’s Luis Diaz comes in to record the save.
* Florida beats New York, 9-7 (11 inn.). Florida wins the series, 3-1.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 4 Recaps
#4 Austin @ #5 Scranton
Scranton was looking to send the series back to Austin all tied up. Let’s pick this game up in the 7th, when all of the action took place. In the top of the 7th, Castilla beat out an infield single, stole second and then Wilson crushed a 2-run home run over the left-centerfield fence to put Austin up 2-0. Terrific relieve Jose Rodriguez comes in for Austin looking to bridge the gap and keep the lead, ultimately leading to the series victory as well, but it was not to be. One out later and Rodriguez is on the bench having surrendered a home run, walk, and double to tie the game…Thompson gives up a single allowing Rodriguez to pick up the loss and blown save to go along with it. Victor Infante gave up a hit in the 9th, but managed to hold off the attempt at a rally as he strikes out Young looking to end the game.
* Scranton beats Austin, 3-2. Series tied, 2-2.
#3 Dover @ #6 Detroit
Dover is looking to put the wraps on this series in Comerica Park and started out looking like that’s exactly what was going to happen. Following a groundout by leadoff hitter Moreno, Manuel Guillen misplayed a flyball and allowed Roger Valentin to reach base. Harris strikes out looking, then Dover gets three straight singles (Martin, Spencer, and Thompson) to take the 2-0 lead. That was the extent of their scoring. Shane Cyr was solid, going 6.1 innings and giving up 4 runs, but solid was not good enough when facing a spectacular Ching-Lung Komatsu (8.0IP, 4H, 2R, 1BB, 9K). Detroit got a 2-run home run from Mitch Carter in the 4th to take the lead and never looked back. Manuel Guillen tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the 7th and Ronald Berger pitched a perfect 9th for the save.
* Detroit beats Dover, 4-2. Series tied, 2-2.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Wild Card Round - Game 2 Recaps
courtesy of hurricane!
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 2 Recaps
#5 Salem @ #4 Fargo
Salem scored at least once in the first 5 innings, capping it off with a 4 run top of the 5th which saw Ivan Martis round up the scoring with a 2-run double. Jack Nicholas ran at will stealing 4 bases in as many attempts. Salem’s Al Valdes gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 earned run while striking out 5 en route to a complete game victory. 2B Phil Nomura was the lone bright spot for Fargo as he went 2-3 with Fargo’s only RBI.
* Salem defeats Fargo, 11-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the series going into Salem.
#6 New York @ #3 Florida
This one was quite the barnburner as Florida rode the solid pitching of Spud Jones, Blade Wright, and John Liang to a 6-4 advantage going into the 8th. Liang allowed hits to 2 of the first 3 New York batters in the 8th, including a Napoleon Saunders HR before Luis Diaz came in to lose the game for Florida. Scott Graham capped his evening with a grand slam to left field that put the exclamation point on New York’s victory. Jimmie Butler earned his first victory of the postseason with a 3 inning tightrope act that saw him put two men on in the bottom of the 8th and again in the bottom of the 9th.
* New York holds on to win 11-6 to tie the series at 1-1.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 2 Recaps
#5 Scranton @ #4 Austin
After taking 53 outs to decide the first game, these two teams took about 18 to decide this second game. The middle of the Scranton order (Kohlmeier, Snow, and Cook) did all they could to lead their team to victory, collecting 5 hits and knocking in 2…unfortunately the rest of their team could only manage 3 hits off Austin pitching. Jose Javie, Carl Rossy (W), and Terry Jacquez (S) scattered 8 hits and 7 walks over the 9 innings while holding Scranton to just 2 runs. Austin 3B Francisco Sierra (2-3, HR, 2R, 1RBI) and SS Yorvit Castilla (2-3, HR, 1R, 1RBI) continued their hot hitting while CF Julio Cubillan hit a 3-run wall scraper in the bottom of the 4th that kept Austin in the lead for good.
* Austin defeats Scranton, 9-2, to take a 2-0 series lead.
#6 Detroit @ #3 Dover
After a day where a victory took at least 9 runs to pull off, it was nice to see a relative pitcher’s duel in the nightcap. Matthew Lennon justified that large contract by pitching 8 innings of 3-hit, 2-walk, 1-run ball to pick up the “W”. Nicky Drew picked up the save in an inning of work. Detroit pitcher Julio Johnson got the “L” despite a strong performance that saw him go 6 innings, scattering 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 9. The 5th inning was his undoing as he gave up an RBI sacrifice fly to 2B Charlie Spencer, and a batter later, a 2-run dinger to Russell Harris that proved to be the difference. Mitch Carter homered for Detroit in the 7th.
* Dover triumphs over Detroit, 3-1, to take a 2-0 series lead.
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 2 Recaps
#5 Salem @ #4 Fargo
Salem scored at least once in the first 5 innings, capping it off with a 4 run top of the 5th which saw Ivan Martis round up the scoring with a 2-run double. Jack Nicholas ran at will stealing 4 bases in as many attempts. Salem’s Al Valdes gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 earned run while striking out 5 en route to a complete game victory. 2B Phil Nomura was the lone bright spot for Fargo as he went 2-3 with Fargo’s only RBI.
* Salem defeats Fargo, 11-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the series going into Salem.
#6 New York @ #3 Florida
This one was quite the barnburner as Florida rode the solid pitching of Spud Jones, Blade Wright, and John Liang to a 6-4 advantage going into the 8th. Liang allowed hits to 2 of the first 3 New York batters in the 8th, including a Napoleon Saunders HR before Luis Diaz came in to lose the game for Florida. Scott Graham capped his evening with a grand slam to left field that put the exclamation point on New York’s victory. Jimmie Butler earned his first victory of the postseason with a 3 inning tightrope act that saw him put two men on in the bottom of the 8th and again in the bottom of the 9th.
* New York holds on to win 11-6 to tie the series at 1-1.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 2 Recaps
#5 Scranton @ #4 Austin
After taking 53 outs to decide the first game, these two teams took about 18 to decide this second game. The middle of the Scranton order (Kohlmeier, Snow, and Cook) did all they could to lead their team to victory, collecting 5 hits and knocking in 2…unfortunately the rest of their team could only manage 3 hits off Austin pitching. Jose Javie, Carl Rossy (W), and Terry Jacquez (S) scattered 8 hits and 7 walks over the 9 innings while holding Scranton to just 2 runs. Austin 3B Francisco Sierra (2-3, HR, 2R, 1RBI) and SS Yorvit Castilla (2-3, HR, 1R, 1RBI) continued their hot hitting while CF Julio Cubillan hit a 3-run wall scraper in the bottom of the 4th that kept Austin in the lead for good.
* Austin defeats Scranton, 9-2, to take a 2-0 series lead.
#6 Detroit @ #3 Dover
After a day where a victory took at least 9 runs to pull off, it was nice to see a relative pitcher’s duel in the nightcap. Matthew Lennon justified that large contract by pitching 8 innings of 3-hit, 2-walk, 1-run ball to pick up the “W”. Nicky Drew picked up the save in an inning of work. Detroit pitcher Julio Johnson got the “L” despite a strong performance that saw him go 6 innings, scattering 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 9. The 5th inning was his undoing as he gave up an RBI sacrifice fly to 2B Charlie Spencer, and a batter later, a 2-run dinger to Russell Harris that proved to be the difference. Mitch Carter homered for Detroit in the 7th.
* Dover triumphs over Detroit, 3-1, to take a 2-0 series lead.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wild Card Round Game 1 Recaps
Courtesy of hurricane384!
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 1 Recaps
#6 New York @ #3 Florida
Lou Glynn and Harry Minor knocked in 3 as they proved to be too much for New York starter Juan Mendez (6.0 IP, 4H, 3ER, 4BB, 4K). Florida starter Randy Tyson threw a 7-inning gem, giving up 4 hits, 1 run (unearned) while striking out 6. Blade Wright picked up the save, throwing a perfect .2 innings. Adrian Kendall threw 1.1 innings to bridge the gap as Florida defeated New York 3-1 in the opening game of the season 8 playoffs.
#5 Salem @ #4 Fargo
Salem scored once in the 2nd, again in the 3rd, then aided by some shoddy fielding (H. Smith with an error, Larson with a wild pitch) scored four more in the 4th. Salem pitcher, Daisuke Suzuki pitched brilliantly for 8 innings, scattering 4 hits and 2 walks while allowing one run through 8. It was that 9th inning that nearly led to his downfall. After back-to-back singles to open the 9th, Suzuki induce a pop-out to second base, walked a guy, and then gave up a line-drive, 2-run double with the bases loaded. Freddy Tanaka induced a line-out and a ground-out to preserve the win for Salem as they win 6-3 and take 1-0 lead over Fargo.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 1 Recaps
#6 Detroit @ #3 Dover
Detroit scored in the second on a Mitch Carter (2-3, 1HR, 1RBI) home run to tie the game 1-1 in the top of the 2nd. That was Detroit’s lone run on the day as Otis Damon went the distance for Dover, scattering 6 hits over 9 innings without walking a batter, and striking out 9. Roger Valentin was 2-4, with 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI. Dover wins this one 6-1.
#5 Scranton @ #4 Austin
Talk about spreading the wealth…Austin used 5 pitchers to scatted 8 hits and 3 walks throughout the game and pick up the shutout against Scranton. Both teams saw ample opportunities to put runs on the board. The bottom of the 1st, top of the 2nd, bottom of the 3rd, and top of the 4th were the only innings that didn’t see a runner reach base. The game ended on a bases loaded walk issued by Wes Crane after he started the bottom of the ninth with by getting pop out to second. Back-to-back hits, a ground out, and 2 walks later, and Austins wins 1-0.
AL Wild-Card Round
Game 1 Recaps
#6 New York @ #3 Florida
Lou Glynn and Harry Minor knocked in 3 as they proved to be too much for New York starter Juan Mendez (6.0 IP, 4H, 3ER, 4BB, 4K). Florida starter Randy Tyson threw a 7-inning gem, giving up 4 hits, 1 run (unearned) while striking out 6. Blade Wright picked up the save, throwing a perfect .2 innings. Adrian Kendall threw 1.1 innings to bridge the gap as Florida defeated New York 3-1 in the opening game of the season 8 playoffs.
#5 Salem @ #4 Fargo
Salem scored once in the 2nd, again in the 3rd, then aided by some shoddy fielding (H. Smith with an error, Larson with a wild pitch) scored four more in the 4th. Salem pitcher, Daisuke Suzuki pitched brilliantly for 8 innings, scattering 4 hits and 2 walks while allowing one run through 8. It was that 9th inning that nearly led to his downfall. After back-to-back singles to open the 9th, Suzuki induce a pop-out to second base, walked a guy, and then gave up a line-drive, 2-run double with the bases loaded. Freddy Tanaka induced a line-out and a ground-out to preserve the win for Salem as they win 6-3 and take 1-0 lead over Fargo.
NL Wild-Card Round
Game 1 Recaps
#6 Detroit @ #3 Dover
Detroit scored in the second on a Mitch Carter (2-3, 1HR, 1RBI) home run to tie the game 1-1 in the top of the 2nd. That was Detroit’s lone run on the day as Otis Damon went the distance for Dover, scattering 6 hits over 9 innings without walking a batter, and striking out 9. Roger Valentin was 2-4, with 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI. Dover wins this one 6-1.
#5 Scranton @ #4 Austin
Talk about spreading the wealth…Austin used 5 pitchers to scatted 8 hits and 3 walks throughout the game and pick up the shutout against Scranton. Both teams saw ample opportunities to put runs on the board. The bottom of the 1st, top of the 2nd, bottom of the 3rd, and top of the 4th were the only innings that didn’t see a runner reach base. The game ended on a bases loaded walk issued by Wes Crane after he started the bottom of the ninth with by getting pop out to second. Back-to-back hits, a ground out, and 2 walks later, and Austins wins 1-0.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Season 8 Amateur Draft First Round Recap
The following is based off of my 17 million in Advanced Scouting. I hope everyone understands that this is just one person's thoughts and I hope it sparks some discussion!
1. Boise - Jack Daley - Can't really find anything wrong with this pick. Daley is definitely an "ace" who should be a cornerstone of Boise's rotation for seasons to come. I just took a second look to try and find a "fault" and really couldn't come up with one. He'll be a workhorse, K a lot hitters, and you have to like that makeup rating as he should be able to pitch at a high level for a long time.
2. Columbus - Homer Konerko - What a great name. How can he fail? Lots of things to like about Konerko. Awesome splits and pitches. The one big concern is his stamina/durability combo. Not sure if he is a starter. He is currently being used as a starter in High A, but is only averaging 3.68 IP per outing which obviously won't get it done. He might end up being a "super closer" who pitches 120 - 130 IP per season.
3. Little Rock - Bill Perez - Great closer prospect. I'm not sure how many drafts I've seen where two closer prospects go in the top three (assuming Konerko is a better relief/closer prospect).
4. Fargo - Mitch Huckaby - Great position prospect, although probably not a SS with that glove rating. Could be a gold glover at 3B or or one of the corner outfields. Maybe mike decides to not worry about the errors thinking having such a premier hitter at SS is worth it?
5. Jackson - Yonder Santos - Very good SP prospect. Santos should win a lot of games for the Rebels. Solid splits with a couple plus pitches.
6. Helena - Dorian Griffin - Cf prospects are so hard to find that you sometimes overlook their flaws just to grab one. His health rating makes me a little nervous. Definitely has a the glove for CF, but the range will probably lead to some minus plays.
7. Texas - Martin Dresden - Splits seems to be a little iffy for a top ten pick, but a solid pitching prospect. Should get a lot of K's with that velocity. Would have been nice to have a legitimate third pitch.
8. Chicago - Matty Canseco - Other than that health rating, a very nice pick at #8. Unfortunately it seems like guys that have sub 40 health ratings almost always suffer at least one major injury. Arte will be crossing his fingers that doesn't happen here.
9. New Orleans - Matthew Rolle - His OVR seems a little inflated due to his "yellow ratings." This will probably mean that down the line he'll ask for more money than he is worth. He is a decent 2B prospect, but not sure he was worth investing a top 10 pick in.
10. Dover - Albie Tejeda - Its doubtful he has the defensive ratings to stay at 2B. Probably needs to move to LF and at that point is he a good enough hitter? I'm just not sure. His splits and eye definitely help, but contact and power aren't great. Another iffy top ten pick.
11. Minnesota - Sam Shea - Hasn't signed. Chose not to sign or Minnesota out of money?
12. Portland - Kenneth Wall - If Wall's right split was higher this would be a great pick. With that being said, he's a decent SP prospect who will slot in nicely in the middle of the rotation.
13. Iowa City - Hank Gordon - I've never had a ton of success with 3 pitch SP's, but that doesn't really mean much as its such a small sample size. Gordon is another nice pitcher. In my opinion, it would have been great if he had a 4th pitch, but those splits and velocity could very well make up for it.
14. Huntington - Gavin Mills - Really nice selection for the Thundering Herd. Mills should be an above average defensive 3B and will hit a ton. Great value as we enter the middle of the draft.
15. Memphis - Phil Rapp - Solid splits, 4 good pitches. The big question mark is control. Can the aforementioned ratings overcome average control? My experience has been these guys can go out and throw 8 inning of shutout ball and then come right back and get blown out. It will help playing in Charleston's pitchers park.
16. Charleston - Jason Cole - Probably won't be a starter with his sta/dur rating, but will be a very effective middle reliever and hopefully will be good for 100 IP each season.
17. Cincinnati - Dwayne Hodges - Great value here. A great hitting SS prospect at 17? Can't pass that up. His range is a little low, but his other three def ratings will make up for it. As of now this is probably the best value so far.
18. New York - Milton Hermanson - Carbon copy of Huntington's pick. Another very nice value here. His health rating is a little low, but at pick 18, you can't pass up a talent like Hermanson.
19. Buffalo - Elvis Fox - Decent hitting, great glove SS. Solid selection. These are tough to find as well. Fox's def ratings are gold glove caliber and he'll be a decent hitter at the same time. Nothing wrong with that.
20. Charlotte - Endy Latham - The Heels will be hoping his defensive ratings progress enough to stay at 2B so we can take advantage of a great hitting 2B. If not, then he is probably destined for LF which would diminish his value. Health rating hurts a bit as well.
21. Florida - Kip Jennings - Great closer prospect. He'll be limited to a small number of innings, but will be very effective when he is in there.
22. Cincinnati - Kirk Bradford - Solid hitting prospect. Unfortunately he is only suited to LF, 1B, or DH, but he should be a solid hitter for the Bearcats.
23. Oakland - Jeremy Livingstone - Great closer prospect! Surprised he lasted this long as he gives the other closer prospects a run for their money with those ridiculous splits.
24. Salem - Gregory Cloud - Really nice pick here for Salem. I'm sure jarazix was happily surprised a SP prospect of Cloud's caliber slipped all the way to 24. Unfortunately, Cloud has already had some bad luck and suffered a relatively major injury. Hopefully he can bounce back.
25. Detroit - Dennis Snyder - With those splits and pitches, Snyder is probably destined for a back of the rotation/spot starter/long reliever role for the Wolverines.
26. Scranton - Bobby Lollar - Decent hitting prospect for Scranton. Wish I could write more, but he is what he is.
27. Seattle - Bill Adams - Decent relief prospect. Unfortunately has suffered a really bad injury and he is already 21 so who knows if he'll reach his projections.
28. Anaheim - George Stokes - Maybe a middle of the rotation guy? Thats probably stretching it through. His lefty split is nice, but righty split is very average and only three pitches with one of them being around 40. Probably destined for long relief.
29. Kansas City - Damaso Mota - It will be interesting to see how Mota does. His splits are solid, but 4 pitches are very average. Decent selection this late in the first round though.
30. Syracuse - Gustavo Sivilla - I'm guessing Sivilla will end up being a 4th OF type. He'd be a great platoon against righties, but will be ineffective vs lefties. He does project to 100 durability so he has that going for him!
31. Arizona - Glendon Reichert - Nothing wrong with picking up a great glove SS that can hit lefties pretty well this late in the first round. Nice value.
32. Florida - Kane Fordyce - Another nice selection to round out the first round. Those splits are great this late. Pitches could be better, but if they were, he'd have been picked up earlier.
1. Boise - Jack Daley - Can't really find anything wrong with this pick. Daley is definitely an "ace" who should be a cornerstone of Boise's rotation for seasons to come. I just took a second look to try and find a "fault" and really couldn't come up with one. He'll be a workhorse, K a lot hitters, and you have to like that makeup rating as he should be able to pitch at a high level for a long time.
2. Columbus - Homer Konerko - What a great name. How can he fail? Lots of things to like about Konerko. Awesome splits and pitches. The one big concern is his stamina/durability combo. Not sure if he is a starter. He is currently being used as a starter in High A, but is only averaging 3.68 IP per outing which obviously won't get it done. He might end up being a "super closer" who pitches 120 - 130 IP per season.
3. Little Rock - Bill Perez - Great closer prospect. I'm not sure how many drafts I've seen where two closer prospects go in the top three (assuming Konerko is a better relief/closer prospect).
4. Fargo - Mitch Huckaby - Great position prospect, although probably not a SS with that glove rating. Could be a gold glover at 3B or or one of the corner outfields. Maybe mike decides to not worry about the errors thinking having such a premier hitter at SS is worth it?
5. Jackson - Yonder Santos - Very good SP prospect. Santos should win a lot of games for the Rebels. Solid splits with a couple plus pitches.
6. Helena - Dorian Griffin - Cf prospects are so hard to find that you sometimes overlook their flaws just to grab one. His health rating makes me a little nervous. Definitely has a the glove for CF, but the range will probably lead to some minus plays.
7. Texas - Martin Dresden - Splits seems to be a little iffy for a top ten pick, but a solid pitching prospect. Should get a lot of K's with that velocity. Would have been nice to have a legitimate third pitch.
8. Chicago - Matty Canseco - Other than that health rating, a very nice pick at #8. Unfortunately it seems like guys that have sub 40 health ratings almost always suffer at least one major injury. Arte will be crossing his fingers that doesn't happen here.
9. New Orleans - Matthew Rolle - His OVR seems a little inflated due to his "yellow ratings." This will probably mean that down the line he'll ask for more money than he is worth. He is a decent 2B prospect, but not sure he was worth investing a top 10 pick in.
10. Dover - Albie Tejeda - Its doubtful he has the defensive ratings to stay at 2B. Probably needs to move to LF and at that point is he a good enough hitter? I'm just not sure. His splits and eye definitely help, but contact and power aren't great. Another iffy top ten pick.
11. Minnesota - Sam Shea - Hasn't signed. Chose not to sign or Minnesota out of money?
12. Portland - Kenneth Wall - If Wall's right split was higher this would be a great pick. With that being said, he's a decent SP prospect who will slot in nicely in the middle of the rotation.
13. Iowa City - Hank Gordon - I've never had a ton of success with 3 pitch SP's, but that doesn't really mean much as its such a small sample size. Gordon is another nice pitcher. In my opinion, it would have been great if he had a 4th pitch, but those splits and velocity could very well make up for it.
14. Huntington - Gavin Mills - Really nice selection for the Thundering Herd. Mills should be an above average defensive 3B and will hit a ton. Great value as we enter the middle of the draft.
15. Memphis - Phil Rapp - Solid splits, 4 good pitches. The big question mark is control. Can the aforementioned ratings overcome average control? My experience has been these guys can go out and throw 8 inning of shutout ball and then come right back and get blown out. It will help playing in Charleston's pitchers park.
16. Charleston - Jason Cole - Probably won't be a starter with his sta/dur rating, but will be a very effective middle reliever and hopefully will be good for 100 IP each season.
17. Cincinnati - Dwayne Hodges - Great value here. A great hitting SS prospect at 17? Can't pass that up. His range is a little low, but his other three def ratings will make up for it. As of now this is probably the best value so far.
18. New York - Milton Hermanson - Carbon copy of Huntington's pick. Another very nice value here. His health rating is a little low, but at pick 18, you can't pass up a talent like Hermanson.
19. Buffalo - Elvis Fox - Decent hitting, great glove SS. Solid selection. These are tough to find as well. Fox's def ratings are gold glove caliber and he'll be a decent hitter at the same time. Nothing wrong with that.
20. Charlotte - Endy Latham - The Heels will be hoping his defensive ratings progress enough to stay at 2B so we can take advantage of a great hitting 2B. If not, then he is probably destined for LF which would diminish his value. Health rating hurts a bit as well.
21. Florida - Kip Jennings - Great closer prospect. He'll be limited to a small number of innings, but will be very effective when he is in there.
22. Cincinnati - Kirk Bradford - Solid hitting prospect. Unfortunately he is only suited to LF, 1B, or DH, but he should be a solid hitter for the Bearcats.
23. Oakland - Jeremy Livingstone - Great closer prospect! Surprised he lasted this long as he gives the other closer prospects a run for their money with those ridiculous splits.
24. Salem - Gregory Cloud - Really nice pick here for Salem. I'm sure jarazix was happily surprised a SP prospect of Cloud's caliber slipped all the way to 24. Unfortunately, Cloud has already had some bad luck and suffered a relatively major injury. Hopefully he can bounce back.
25. Detroit - Dennis Snyder - With those splits and pitches, Snyder is probably destined for a back of the rotation/spot starter/long reliever role for the Wolverines.
26. Scranton - Bobby Lollar - Decent hitting prospect for Scranton. Wish I could write more, but he is what he is.
27. Seattle - Bill Adams - Decent relief prospect. Unfortunately has suffered a really bad injury and he is already 21 so who knows if he'll reach his projections.
28. Anaheim - George Stokes - Maybe a middle of the rotation guy? Thats probably stretching it through. His lefty split is nice, but righty split is very average and only three pitches with one of them being around 40. Probably destined for long relief.
29. Kansas City - Damaso Mota - It will be interesting to see how Mota does. His splits are solid, but 4 pitches are very average. Decent selection this late in the first round though.
30. Syracuse - Gustavo Sivilla - I'm guessing Sivilla will end up being a 4th OF type. He'd be a great platoon against righties, but will be ineffective vs lefties. He does project to 100 durability so he has that going for him!
31. Arizona - Glendon Reichert - Nothing wrong with picking up a great glove SS that can hit lefties pretty well this late in the first round. Nice value.
32. Florida - Kane Fordyce - Another nice selection to round out the first round. Those splits are great this late. Pitches could be better, but if they were, he'd have been picked up earlier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)