Note: All names are "clickable to player profile"
Catchers (17)
This position is slightly stronger than last season, without the superstar being available.
1. Willie Baez (R) – MEM
.286/.389/.392 (9 HR, 48 RBI)
2. Mike Moran (L) – CH1
.299/.392/.447 (11 HR, 29 RBI)
3. Craig Martin (R) – BOI
.238/.300/.337 (8 HR, 65 RBI)
First Basemen (9)
There is more overall talent and more top-end talent with 3 potential stars being available on the market this season.
1. Juan Melendez (R) - DOV
.307/.386/.563 (38 HR, 86 RBI)
2. Michael Maddux (R) – LR
.281/.362/.524 (33 HR, 109 RBI)
3. Charlie Mashore (R) – OAK
.297/.410/.491 (14 HR, 41 RBI)
Second Basemen (7)
A smaller, slightly more talented group than season 10, Nen and Diaz make their return to the market.
1. Tracy Nen (R) – SEA
.267/.330/.524 (39 HR, 88 RBI)
2. Oswaldo Diaz (S) – HEL
.308/.370/.518 (27 HR, 82 RBI)
3. Alvin Herrera (R) – MIN
.317/.406/.407 (7 HR, 59 RBI)
Third Basemen (6)
A smaller, much less talented crop than last season, this is not the time to be relying on the free agent market to fix your hot corner woes.
1. Frank Landrum (R) – POR
.239/.301/.408 (18 HR, 61 RBI)
2. Endy Kwon (R) – PHI
.240/.301/.385 (18 HR, 70 RBI)
3. Victor Melo (R) – AUS
.254/.319/.406 (8 HR, 24 RBI)
Shortstops (5)
This group is smaller than last season, but it is stronger. You aren’t going to fix your SS position’s defense this off-season though.
1. Mark Matthews (R) – IA
.265/.319/.459 (20 HR, 75 RBI)
2. Crash Becker (R) – HEL
.265/.324/.384 (6 HR, 34 RBI)
3. Rico Benitez (R) – HEL
.275/.362/.442 (12 HR, 49 RBI)
Left Fielder (10)
Not as deep as last season but Nolan is definitely one of the top 3 hitters heading towards free agency this off-season.
1. Marquis Nolan (S) – KC
.294/.371/.563 (47 HR, 152 RBI)
2. Roger Valentin (L) – DOV
.310/.404/.496 (20 HR, 57 RBI)
3. Napoleon Saunders (L) – NY2
.272/.357/.405 (7 HR, 51 RBI)
Center Fielder (8)
Not exactly a strong group, there is some talent to be had though, you aren’t going to find a middle of the order bat here.
1. Jung-Lee Koh (L) – ARI
.264/.346/.332 (5 HR, 40 RBI)
2. Lawrence Turner (R) – LR
.263/.317/.409 (17 HR, 63 RBI)
3. Giomar Uribe (L) – IA
.256/.328/.342 (5 HR, 43 RBI)
Right Fielder (8)
The talent is slightly less than last season, but the top-end talent is there and could really help a team out.
1. Cal Riggan (L) – SAL
.312/.391/.583 (36 HR, 130 RBI)
2. Hamish Reynolds (R) – LOU
.268/.354/.468 (16 HR, 64 RBI)
3. R.J. Vargas (R) – SYR
.281/.354/.397 (6 HR, 23 RBI)
Designated Hitter (2)
Not much to say here, Sabathia could definitely help a team out at more than DH and Meng could play catcher as well.
1. Hong-Chih Meng (R) – CH1
.300/.370/.533 (5 HR, 10 RBI)
2. Stuffy Sabathia (L) – PHI
.273/.348/.384 (15 HR, 80 RBI)
Starting Pitcher (46)
IP/ERA/WHIP (W-L, GS, CG)
The top 10 is slightly more talented than last season, but the bottom group is worse than last season. Help can be had here though.
1. Jimmie Jodie (R) – SYR
184.0/4.45/1.22 (13-7, 31, 0)
2. Frank Tamura
3. Jose Barrios
Relief Pitcher (48)
IP/ERA/WHIP (W-L, SV/SVO, G)
There’s more top-end talent to choose from as this season is slightly better than last season’s group of free agents.
1. Johan Ramsay (R) – NY2
47.1/0.95/0.82 (3-0, 1/1, 50)
2. Esteban Cedeno (R) – CH1
26.1/6.30/1.50 (0-2, 12/17, 38)
3. Edgar Eusebio (L) – FAR
47.1/4.56/1.42 (4-0, 1/3, 52)
Overview
If you are looking to solidify and improve throughout the diamond, you have to bid big or risk getting left out in the cold. There’s mid-level starting pitching available, but no big-time ace. Looking to fix your bullpen? You’re in luck; all kinds of different pitchers are available to work out of the bullpen for your team next season.
Top 5 Free Agent Hitters
1. 1B Juan Melendez (R) – DOV
2. LF Marquis Nolan (S) – KC
3. 1B Michael Maddux (R) – LR
4. 1B Charlie Mashore (R) – OAK
5. RF Cal Riggan (L) – SAL
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Where are they Now? A look back at #1 Draft Picks...
Since we officially have 10 seasons in the books in NCAA, I thought it made sense to look back on the 10 #1 draft picks we've had. Analysis is weighted more towards stats for the first 6 picks and ratings for the last 4. For run, I also did a "mock draft" with these ten players.
Season 1
Seay is a beast. He is also a cheap beast as evil was able to lock him up to another long term deal. He is on pace to destroy most of the slugging records in the world. I remember when a new owner took over in season 2 and I made a comment along the lines of, "how nice is that first pick from season 1 that you inherited." And his reply was "meh, I wouldn't waste a #1 pick on a 1B." Seay is not your typical power hitting 1B. He is an absolute monster.
Season 2
Escobar has not been as successful as others that were drafted after him in Season 2's first round. 3 significant shoulder injuries have hurt him throughout his career. He is coming off his best season in season 10 maybe things are on the uptick, however a career 76-58 record with a good, but not great career ERA and WHIP isn't what you hope for with a top pick.
Season 3
How nice for evil doers to have two #1 picks from the first 3 seasons on his squad. This pick would be even better if Spencer's defensive ratings were a smidge higher to allow him to play an average shortstop. However, still a very solid pick as Spencer has won a gold glove while being a really nice hitter with a good OPS and even stealing a few bases.
Season 4
Barcelo is a really nice talent. If he was on a more successful team, his win loss record would be much better. Since lefty has decided to rebuild, there is a good chance Barcelo can go to team looking to win now. He has been absolute workhorse for Seattle while keeping them in a ton of games. Although I'm sure pitching in Safeco has helped, he is still a top young pitcher in the world.
Season 5
Oh Mr. Nicholas, you have been the source of several conversations on the world chat. His OVR rating is off the charts, but that his helped a ton by his ridiculous "yellow" ratings. Statistically, he has only been above average, although he is coming off his best season, so maybe he is ready to blast off. He split time between 2B and CF last season, but looks to be more of a 2B and could be a top defender there. Not sure his statistics will ever back up the crazy contracts he is going to start requesting in a couple seasons due to his OVR.
Season 6
Cyr has been a really nice slugger. Once he was moved to 3B from his disastrous time spent at SS, things have gotten better. Really nice player to have anchoring 3B. Not sure Salem will be able to afford both Nicholas and Cyr as their OVR ratings are so high. Should be a slugger to fear for a long time.
Season 7
Mora made his ML debut at the end of last season and it looks like the rich just get richer. Current defending world champs will add this nice young gun to their rotation for season 11. Love the control and righty split. Two plus pitches are nice. Should be a good #1 or great #2 for awhile.
Season 8
Daley was a very advanced collegiate coming out of the draft and actually made his ML debut in Season 9. Absolute CY Young Candidate for many seasons once Boise gets on the winning track and Daley can get some more W's. Control and both splits are excellent and Daley boasts 4 above average pitches. Should be able to pitch a ton of innings as well with the STA/DUR ratio. Great pick.
Season 9
Poor Vic has spent both seasons at AA and wants a change of scenery! He should be a nice starter once he develops which will be sooner than later. Probably will be a staple in Portlands rotation by next season at the latest. Keefe doesn't look like a shutdown #1 and there were a couple other pitchers in this draft that are rated higher by scouts. Still, he is nothing to sneeze at and should be a good, solid pitcher for a long time.
Season 10
Smoltz should definitely be moved to 3B. But once he gets there and develops, he can be a top fielding, power hitting third basemen like Cyr and Spencer. He absolutely demolished Rookie League pitching and looks to do the same at Low A. And hey, if he ever needs to pitch, his fastball porjects to an 84!
Mock Draft
All ten of these guys are premium players to one degree or another. This is NOT to be seen as a slight against any of these guys. I took into account, stats, ratings, projections, and possible or current contract demands vs production. If I had to pick from these guys, here is how my mock draft would go...
1. Michael Seay
2. Jack Daley
3. Mitchell Spencer
4. Miguel Barcelo
5. Wes Cyr
6. Danny Smoltz
7. Ralph Mora
8. Vic Keefe
9. Jack Nicholas
10. Vic Escobar
Season 1
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Seay is a beast. He is also a cheap beast as evil was able to lock him up to another long term deal. He is on pace to destroy most of the slugging records in the world. I remember when a new owner took over in season 2 and I made a comment along the lines of, "how nice is that first pick from season 1 that you inherited." And his reply was "meh, I wouldn't waste a #1 pick on a 1B." Seay is not your typical power hitting 1B. He is an absolute monster.
Season 2
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Escobar has not been as successful as others that were drafted after him in Season 2's first round. 3 significant shoulder injuries have hurt him throughout his career. He is coming off his best season in season 10 maybe things are on the uptick, however a career 76-58 record with a good, but not great career ERA and WHIP isn't what you hope for with a top pick.
Season 3
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How nice for evil doers to have two #1 picks from the first 3 seasons on his squad. This pick would be even better if Spencer's defensive ratings were a smidge higher to allow him to play an average shortstop. However, still a very solid pick as Spencer has won a gold glove while being a really nice hitter with a good OPS and even stealing a few bases.
Season 4
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Barcelo is a really nice talent. If he was on a more successful team, his win loss record would be much better. Since lefty has decided to rebuild, there is a good chance Barcelo can go to team looking to win now. He has been absolute workhorse for Seattle while keeping them in a ton of games. Although I'm sure pitching in Safeco has helped, he is still a top young pitcher in the world.
Season 5
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Oh Mr. Nicholas, you have been the source of several conversations on the world chat. His OVR rating is off the charts, but that his helped a ton by his ridiculous "yellow" ratings. Statistically, he has only been above average, although he is coming off his best season, so maybe he is ready to blast off. He split time between 2B and CF last season, but looks to be more of a 2B and could be a top defender there. Not sure his statistics will ever back up the crazy contracts he is going to start requesting in a couple seasons due to his OVR.
Season 6
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Cyr has been a really nice slugger. Once he was moved to 3B from his disastrous time spent at SS, things have gotten better. Really nice player to have anchoring 3B. Not sure Salem will be able to afford both Nicholas and Cyr as their OVR ratings are so high. Should be a slugger to fear for a long time.
Season 7
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Mora made his ML debut at the end of last season and it looks like the rich just get richer. Current defending world champs will add this nice young gun to their rotation for season 11. Love the control and righty split. Two plus pitches are nice. Should be a good #1 or great #2 for awhile.
Season 8
 |
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Daley was a very advanced collegiate coming out of the draft and actually made his ML debut in Season 9. Absolute CY Young Candidate for many seasons once Boise gets on the winning track and Daley can get some more W's. Control and both splits are excellent and Daley boasts 4 above average pitches. Should be able to pitch a ton of innings as well with the STA/DUR ratio. Great pick.
Season 9
 |
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Poor Vic has spent both seasons at AA and wants a change of scenery! He should be a nice starter once he develops which will be sooner than later. Probably will be a staple in Portlands rotation by next season at the latest. Keefe doesn't look like a shutdown #1 and there were a couple other pitchers in this draft that are rated higher by scouts. Still, he is nothing to sneeze at and should be a good, solid pitcher for a long time.
Season 10
 |
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Smoltz should definitely be moved to 3B. But once he gets there and develops, he can be a top fielding, power hitting third basemen like Cyr and Spencer. He absolutely demolished Rookie League pitching and looks to do the same at Low A. And hey, if he ever needs to pitch, his fastball porjects to an 84!
Mock Draft
All ten of these guys are premium players to one degree or another. This is NOT to be seen as a slight against any of these guys. I took into account, stats, ratings, projections, and possible or current contract demands vs production. If I had to pick from these guys, here is how my mock draft would go...
1. Michael Seay
2. Jack Daley
3. Mitchell Spencer
4. Miguel Barcelo
5. Wes Cyr
6. Danny Smoltz
7. Ralph Mora
8. Vic Keefe
9. Jack Nicholas
10. Vic Escobar
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Updated Records - Through Season 10
On the right of the blog you'll see the updated Single Season and Career Leaders. A good amount of change and some cool stats to discuss, lets dive in! (All Players Names are "clickable" to their player cards)
Single Season - Pitching
Joaquin Nunez continues to dominate NCAA and stake his case as the best pitcher ever in NCAA. He crushed his old ERA record and the new one stands at 1.54! He also defeated his Strikeouts record and the new record is 245 k's in one season. He is also the new record holder for single season WHIP with a blistering .86.
Single Season - Hitting
Ned French and Haywood Bryant came SO close to overcoming the league record batting average of .366 currently held by D'Angelo Prieto from season 1. French clocked in at .361 and Haywood at .355 while the record stands at .362.
Michael Seay only finished 10 RBI's off the record, but fell just short.
The single season hits record also came very close to being toppled. The current record is held by D'Angelo Prieto at 225, again from season 1. Ned French finished with 223 and Adam Seneca finished with 218.
Career - Pitching
Otis Damon is only 25 k's away from hitting the career 2,000 strikeout mark.
Career - Hitting
Ned French is now tied with Enrique Sojo with a career .336 average.
Rob Allen is the new stolen bases career leader with 620.
Single Season - Pitching
Joaquin Nunez continues to dominate NCAA and stake his case as the best pitcher ever in NCAA. He crushed his old ERA record and the new one stands at 1.54! He also defeated his Strikeouts record and the new record is 245 k's in one season. He is also the new record holder for single season WHIP with a blistering .86.
Single Season - Hitting
Ned French and Haywood Bryant came SO close to overcoming the league record batting average of .366 currently held by D'Angelo Prieto from season 1. French clocked in at .361 and Haywood at .355 while the record stands at .362.
Michael Seay only finished 10 RBI's off the record, but fell just short.
The single season hits record also came very close to being toppled. The current record is held by D'Angelo Prieto at 225, again from season 1. Ned French finished with 223 and Adam Seneca finished with 218.
Career - Pitching
Otis Damon is only 25 k's away from hitting the career 2,000 strikeout mark.
Career - Hitting
Ned French is now tied with Enrique Sojo with a career .336 average.
Rob Allen is the new stolen bases career leader with 620.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Season 11 - World Rules Refresher
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.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Season 10 World Series Games 4 and 5 Recap by hurricane384
Game 4
Syracuse 2
Fargo 13
WP: Edgardo Bonilla (2-1)
LP: Charles Carlyle (1-1)
SV: Tony Meyers (1)
Game Summary:
Falling behind 2-1 was supposed to be a mere blip on the radar of Syracuse’s trip to the promised land…yet once again their pitching failed to keep them in the game and their offense failed to provide any spark as they fell to Fargo 13-2. Charles Carlyle (3.2 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) was awful. He sandwiched a flyout between two walks in the bottom of the 2nd and 1B Al Navarro (5-6, 2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI) doubled home RF Marc Everhart (1-3, HR, R, RBI, 3 BB) to begin the scoring in that inning. 3B Marino Gomez (4-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI) followed that with a 3-run wall scraper to make the score 4-0. DH Cy Santurria (1-4, HR, R, 3 RBI) hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 4th to chase Carlyle from the game. The change in pitching didn’t slow down the Bison though, as Al Johnson (3.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K) did not pitch that well despite gaudy strikeout totals. Syracuse finally got on the board against Edgardo Bonilla (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) in the 5th. C Lawrence Lamb (1-3, 2B, R) doubled, DH Chris Saarloos (1-3, BB) and CF Joaquin Ortiz (1-2, 2 BB) walked to load the bases. RF Rob Allen (0-5, RBI) knocked in the run by grounding into a 3-6 fielder’s choice. That didn’t faze the Bison as Everhart hit a solo home run to center, Deivi Franco walked, followed by Navarro homering down the left field line. Despite being the MVP, 1B Michael Seay (1-4, HR, R, RBI) has been virtually non-existent this series, but he did score the 2nd run of the game for the Orange by hitting a solo shot in the 6th to make the score 10-2. Fargo isn’t done though as two singles and a walk in the 8th load the bases for Franco whose sacrifice fly knocked in 2B Rafael Liriano (2-5, R). C Orval Becker (1-4, R, 2 RBI, BB) lined a single to left-center field to score LF Britt Glynn (1-1, R) and Everhart to put an emphatic end to the scoring. Tony Meyers (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K) gave up a single in the ninth, but recorded the save by pitching the final 3 innings. Fargo wins, 13-2. Fargo leads the series 3-1.
POG: Al Navarro (5-6, 2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI)
Game 5
Syracuse 6
Fargo 7
WP: Tony Meyers (1-0)
LP: Luis Villafuerte (0-1)
SV: Brian Yang (3)
Game Summary
Needing a win to take this series back home, Syracuse gave it all they had. 3B Mitchell Spencer (3-5, 2B, HR, 3 R, RBI) homered in the 1st to give the Orange a 1-0 lead. Scoring resumed in the 3rd with a 3-run home run by 1B Michael Seay (3-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI) who finally performed as one would expect the MVP to perform. The Bison get on the board with 2B Rafael Liriano (1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI) hitting a 2-run home run that just barely cleared the LCF wall. Seay chased Bison starter Philip Larson (4.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 K) with a 2-run homer in the 5th to make it a 6-2 game in favor of Syracuse. From there though, Tony Meyers (3.2 IP, H, 4 K) holds off the offensive attack of Syracuse. The Orange look to be in command, thanks in part to the strong pitching of Pasqual Navarre (7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) and they bring in Luis Villafuerte (0.1, 3 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB) who, unfortunately for Syracuse fans everywhere, continued a recurring theme of these playoffs for him. An error on the SS to open the 8th doesn’t help matters, but then he gives up a walk to RF Britt Glynn (0-0, R, BB) and a single to 3B Marino Gomez (1-4, R) to load the bases. What happens next is the dashing of the dream. A single by DH Cy Santurria (1-4, R, RBI) scores Liriano, CF Flip Carter (1-3, 2B, RBI) flies out to score Glynn, and RF Marc Everhart (1-3, 2B, 2 RBI) doubles to RF to score Gomez and Santurria. A groundout by 1B Esteban Galvez (1-4) moves Everhart to 3rd. What happens next is a shame as defensive whiz, C Lawrence Lamb (1-4), is charged with a passed ball which scores the winning run. Brian Yang (1.0 IP, 2 H, K) enters the game and makes it interesting, loading the bases with one out before getting a strike out and a fly out to end the game…and the celebration is on! Fargo wins, 7-6. FARGO WINS THE WORLD SERIES! CONGRATULATIONS!
POG: Rafael Liriano (1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI)
SERIES MVP: Marino Gomez (.450/.521/.850, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 R, 6 RBI)
Syracuse 2
Fargo 13
WP: Edgardo Bonilla (2-1)
LP: Charles Carlyle (1-1)
SV: Tony Meyers (1)
Game Summary:
Falling behind 2-1 was supposed to be a mere blip on the radar of Syracuse’s trip to the promised land…yet once again their pitching failed to keep them in the game and their offense failed to provide any spark as they fell to Fargo 13-2. Charles Carlyle (3.2 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) was awful. He sandwiched a flyout between two walks in the bottom of the 2nd and 1B Al Navarro (5-6, 2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI) doubled home RF Marc Everhart (1-3, HR, R, RBI, 3 BB) to begin the scoring in that inning. 3B Marino Gomez (4-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI) followed that with a 3-run wall scraper to make the score 4-0. DH Cy Santurria (1-4, HR, R, 3 RBI) hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 4th to chase Carlyle from the game. The change in pitching didn’t slow down the Bison though, as Al Johnson (3.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K) did not pitch that well despite gaudy strikeout totals. Syracuse finally got on the board against Edgardo Bonilla (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) in the 5th. C Lawrence Lamb (1-3, 2B, R) doubled, DH Chris Saarloos (1-3, BB) and CF Joaquin Ortiz (1-2, 2 BB) walked to load the bases. RF Rob Allen (0-5, RBI) knocked in the run by grounding into a 3-6 fielder’s choice. That didn’t faze the Bison as Everhart hit a solo home run to center, Deivi Franco walked, followed by Navarro homering down the left field line. Despite being the MVP, 1B Michael Seay (1-4, HR, R, RBI) has been virtually non-existent this series, but he did score the 2nd run of the game for the Orange by hitting a solo shot in the 6th to make the score 10-2. Fargo isn’t done though as two singles and a walk in the 8th load the bases for Franco whose sacrifice fly knocked in 2B Rafael Liriano (2-5, R). C Orval Becker (1-4, R, 2 RBI, BB) lined a single to left-center field to score LF Britt Glynn (1-1, R) and Everhart to put an emphatic end to the scoring. Tony Meyers (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K) gave up a single in the ninth, but recorded the save by pitching the final 3 innings. Fargo wins, 13-2. Fargo leads the series 3-1.
POG: Al Navarro (5-6, 2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI)
Game 5
Syracuse 6
Fargo 7
WP: Tony Meyers (1-0)
LP: Luis Villafuerte (0-1)
SV: Brian Yang (3)
Game Summary
Needing a win to take this series back home, Syracuse gave it all they had. 3B Mitchell Spencer (3-5, 2B, HR, 3 R, RBI) homered in the 1st to give the Orange a 1-0 lead. Scoring resumed in the 3rd with a 3-run home run by 1B Michael Seay (3-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI) who finally performed as one would expect the MVP to perform. The Bison get on the board with 2B Rafael Liriano (1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI) hitting a 2-run home run that just barely cleared the LCF wall. Seay chased Bison starter Philip Larson (4.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 K) with a 2-run homer in the 5th to make it a 6-2 game in favor of Syracuse. From there though, Tony Meyers (3.2 IP, H, 4 K) holds off the offensive attack of Syracuse. The Orange look to be in command, thanks in part to the strong pitching of Pasqual Navarre (7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) and they bring in Luis Villafuerte (0.1, 3 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB) who, unfortunately for Syracuse fans everywhere, continued a recurring theme of these playoffs for him. An error on the SS to open the 8th doesn’t help matters, but then he gives up a walk to RF Britt Glynn (0-0, R, BB) and a single to 3B Marino Gomez (1-4, R) to load the bases. What happens next is the dashing of the dream. A single by DH Cy Santurria (1-4, R, RBI) scores Liriano, CF Flip Carter (1-3, 2B, RBI) flies out to score Glynn, and RF Marc Everhart (1-3, 2B, 2 RBI) doubles to RF to score Gomez and Santurria. A groundout by 1B Esteban Galvez (1-4) moves Everhart to 3rd. What happens next is a shame as defensive whiz, C Lawrence Lamb (1-4), is charged with a passed ball which scores the winning run. Brian Yang (1.0 IP, 2 H, K) enters the game and makes it interesting, loading the bases with one out before getting a strike out and a fly out to end the game…and the celebration is on! Fargo wins, 7-6. FARGO WINS THE WORLD SERIES! CONGRATULATIONS!
POG: Rafael Liriano (1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI)
SERIES MVP: Marino Gomez (.450/.521/.850, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 R, 6 RBI)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Season 10 World Series Game 3 Recap by hurricane384
Game 3
Syracuse 1
Fargo 7
WP: Ajax Brown (1-1)
LP: Mule Wells (0-3)
Game Summary:
Syracuse jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st with 3B Mitchell Spencer (0-4, R) reaching on an error, stealing second base, and scoring when 1B Michael Seay (1-3, 3B, RBI, BB) tripled. The Bison didn’t let that lead stay for long, as they scored 3 in the bottom half of the inning. SS Deivi Franco (1-5, R) singled, 3B Marino Gomez (2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB) knocked him in with bloop double, and DH Cy Saturria (1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB) wrapped up the scoring with a homer to LCF. It’s safe to say that the Orange’s Mule Wells (6.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 2 K) did not come off the bus ready to pitch. Fargo struck again in the bottom of the 3rd when CF Flip Carter (2-4, 2B, R) doubled to lead off, followed by one of RF Marc Everhart’s 3 walks on the night. 1B Esteban Galvez forces Everhart at 2nd, but beats the throw to put runners at the corner. LF Hector Guerrero singles to CF, scoring Carter, but Galvez is thrown out at the plate by CF Joaquin Ortiz, one of only a couple bright spots for the Orange this game. Meanwhile, Bison Ajax Brown (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K) is just cruising along against this potent offense of Syracuse. Bennie Diaz replaces Wells in the bottom of the 7th and proceeds to give up 2 hits and 2 walks to load the bases and walk a run in. Luis Villafuerte comes in with men on the corners and no out, gives up a single by Galvez which scored Saturria, but Carter is thrown out at home by RF Raymond Nixon (1-4) and Villafuerte escapes the inning. Villafuerte remains in the game for the bottom of the 8th and gives up a lead-off homer to 2B Rafael Liriano (2-3, HR, R, RBI, BB) to left field. Ajax Goldstein wrapped it up for the Bison in the 9th giving up a hit and striking out 1. Fargo wins, 7-1. Fargo takes a 2-1 lead in the series.
POG: Ajax Brown (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K)
Syracuse 1
Fargo 7
WP: Ajax Brown (1-1)
LP: Mule Wells (0-3)
Game Summary:
Syracuse jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st with 3B Mitchell Spencer (0-4, R) reaching on an error, stealing second base, and scoring when 1B Michael Seay (1-3, 3B, RBI, BB) tripled. The Bison didn’t let that lead stay for long, as they scored 3 in the bottom half of the inning. SS Deivi Franco (1-5, R) singled, 3B Marino Gomez (2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB) knocked him in with bloop double, and DH Cy Saturria (1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB) wrapped up the scoring with a homer to LCF. It’s safe to say that the Orange’s Mule Wells (6.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 2 K) did not come off the bus ready to pitch. Fargo struck again in the bottom of the 3rd when CF Flip Carter (2-4, 2B, R) doubled to lead off, followed by one of RF Marc Everhart’s 3 walks on the night. 1B Esteban Galvez forces Everhart at 2nd, but beats the throw to put runners at the corner. LF Hector Guerrero singles to CF, scoring Carter, but Galvez is thrown out at the plate by CF Joaquin Ortiz, one of only a couple bright spots for the Orange this game. Meanwhile, Bison Ajax Brown (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K) is just cruising along against this potent offense of Syracuse. Bennie Diaz replaces Wells in the bottom of the 7th and proceeds to give up 2 hits and 2 walks to load the bases and walk a run in. Luis Villafuerte comes in with men on the corners and no out, gives up a single by Galvez which scored Saturria, but Carter is thrown out at home by RF Raymond Nixon (1-4) and Villafuerte escapes the inning. Villafuerte remains in the game for the bottom of the 8th and gives up a lead-off homer to 2B Rafael Liriano (2-3, HR, R, RBI, BB) to left field. Ajax Goldstein wrapped it up for the Bison in the 9th giving up a hit and striking out 1. Fargo wins, 7-1. Fargo takes a 2-1 lead in the series.
POG: Ajax Brown (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K)
Season 10 World Series Game 2 Recap by hurricane384
Game 2
Fargo 5
Syracuse 2
WP: Andres Rosario (3-0)
LP: Jimmie Jodie (2-1)
SV: Brian Yang (2)
Game Summary:
After an awful pitching performance from their ace in game 1, Fargo needed Rosario to step, and step up he did, pitching 6.0 innings, scattering 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5…even better, giving up just 1 run. Syracuse’s Jodie (7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) went toe to toe with Rosario until 2B Marino Gomez (1-2, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB) opened the 4th with a walk. After a fielder’s choice, CF Flip Carter (2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI) took him deep to give the Bison a 2-0 lead. It would stay that way until the top of the 6th when Gomez took the 13-game winner deep to LCF. The Orange struck back as 3 straight 2-out singles by C Chris Saarloos (2-3, R, RBI), 2B Garrett Parris (2-3, BB), and LF Frank Jenkins (1-4, RBI) in the bottom of the 6th led to the first run of the game for the Orange. In the bottom of the 8th, 3B Mitchell Spencer (1-4, R) doubled to lead the inning off and came around to score on back-to-back sac flies by 1B Michael Seay (1-4) and Saarloos. Luis Villafuerte (1.0, 3 H, 2 ER) entered to prevent the Bison from playing add-on in the top of the 9th and could not get the job done as 3B Marc Everhart (1-4, R, RBI, HR) homered, RF Rafael Liriano (1-1, R) and LF Hector Guerrero (1-4) singled, and C Wendell Justice (0-0, RBI) hit a sac fly to knock Liriano across. Brian Yang enters in the bottom of the inning and gets 3 straight outs against the bottom of the order to preserve the victory and tie the series for the Bison. Fargo wins, 5-2. Series tied 1-1.
POG: P Andres Rosario (6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K)
Fargo 5
Syracuse 2
WP: Andres Rosario (3-0)
LP: Jimmie Jodie (2-1)
SV: Brian Yang (2)
Game Summary:
After an awful pitching performance from their ace in game 1, Fargo needed Rosario to step, and step up he did, pitching 6.0 innings, scattering 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5…even better, giving up just 1 run. Syracuse’s Jodie (7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) went toe to toe with Rosario until 2B Marino Gomez (1-2, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB) opened the 4th with a walk. After a fielder’s choice, CF Flip Carter (2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI) took him deep to give the Bison a 2-0 lead. It would stay that way until the top of the 6th when Gomez took the 13-game winner deep to LCF. The Orange struck back as 3 straight 2-out singles by C Chris Saarloos (2-3, R, RBI), 2B Garrett Parris (2-3, BB), and LF Frank Jenkins (1-4, RBI) in the bottom of the 6th led to the first run of the game for the Orange. In the bottom of the 8th, 3B Mitchell Spencer (1-4, R) doubled to lead the inning off and came around to score on back-to-back sac flies by 1B Michael Seay (1-4) and Saarloos. Luis Villafuerte (1.0, 3 H, 2 ER) entered to prevent the Bison from playing add-on in the top of the 9th and could not get the job done as 3B Marc Everhart (1-4, R, RBI, HR) homered, RF Rafael Liriano (1-1, R) and LF Hector Guerrero (1-4) singled, and C Wendell Justice (0-0, RBI) hit a sac fly to knock Liriano across. Brian Yang enters in the bottom of the inning and gets 3 straight outs against the bottom of the order to preserve the victory and tie the series for the Bison. Fargo wins, 5-2. Series tied 1-1.
POG: P Andres Rosario (6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Season 10 - World Series Game 1 Recap by hurricane384
WORLD SERIES 10
GAME 1
Fargo 5
Syracuse 7
WP: Pasqual Navarre (3-0)
LP: Philip Larson (2-2)
SV: Roosevelt Loux (2)
Game Summary:
Nearly unanimous MVP selection 1B Michael Seay (1-5, HR, 2 RBI, R) wasted no time in putting his mark on this game for the favored Syracuse Orange crushing a 2-run home run to right field in the bottom of the 1st. A great play by Orange 2B Garrett Parris (0-3, BB) turned out to have saved a run in the top of the 2nd. Syracuse scored 2 in the 2nd on 3B Mitchell Spencer’s (2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R) RBI double and C Chris Saarloos (1-4, HR, R, RBI) hit a solo shot in the 3rd to give the Orange a 5-0 lead. Despite finishing 3rd in the AL Cy Young race, Philip Larson was anything but good for a Bison team that needs its pitching to be on. Syracuse scored on back-to-back hits by LF Frank Jenkins (1-4, 2B, R) and SS Sammy Canseco (4-4, 2 R, RBI) in the bottom of the 5th chasing Larson after 4-1/3 innings, giving up 7 ER on 8 H and 4 BB while striking out 2. The Orange scored once more in the 5th on a single by CF Joaquin Ortiz (1-2, RBI, 2 BB) The bullpen combination of Edgardo Bonilla (2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K) and Ajax Goldstein (1.0 IP, 2 K) combined to hold the Orange scoreless throughout the rest of the game. Syracuse’s answer to Larson, Pasqual Navarre, was brilliant, scattering 3 hits and 2 walks over 6.0 innings while giving up just 1 run, which was a 4th inning home run by RF Esteban Galvez (2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI). Entering the 8th inning, Syracuse had the game in hand, 7-1, When PH Phil Nomura (0-1, R, BB, K) walks to open the inning, reaches 3rd on SS Deivi Franco’s (1-3, 2BB) single then scores on 2B Marino Gomez’s (1-5, 2B, R, RBI) fielder’s choice. CF Flip Carter (2-5, R, RBI) singles to score Gomez. Exit Charles Carlyle (1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB), enter Bennie Diaz (0.0 IP, 3 H, ER, BB). No real change as the Bison string together 3 straight singles and a walk to score 2 and leave the bases loaded for Nomura. Luis Villafuerte (0.1 IP, K) enters, and gets Nomura to look at a called 3rd strike. Syracuse maintains a 7-5 lead and brings on the closer, Roosevelt Loux (1.0 IP, 2 H, K), to close things out, which he does, but not before he puts men on the corners with 2 outs to give the Bison hope. Syracuse wins, 7-5. Take a 1-0 series lead.
POG: SS Sammy Canseco (4-4, 2 R, RBI)
GAME 1
Fargo 5
Syracuse 7
WP: Pasqual Navarre (3-0)
LP: Philip Larson (2-2)
SV: Roosevelt Loux (2)
Game Summary:
Nearly unanimous MVP selection 1B Michael Seay (1-5, HR, 2 RBI, R) wasted no time in putting his mark on this game for the favored Syracuse Orange crushing a 2-run home run to right field in the bottom of the 1st. A great play by Orange 2B Garrett Parris (0-3, BB) turned out to have saved a run in the top of the 2nd. Syracuse scored 2 in the 2nd on 3B Mitchell Spencer’s (2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R) RBI double and C Chris Saarloos (1-4, HR, R, RBI) hit a solo shot in the 3rd to give the Orange a 5-0 lead. Despite finishing 3rd in the AL Cy Young race, Philip Larson was anything but good for a Bison team that needs its pitching to be on. Syracuse scored on back-to-back hits by LF Frank Jenkins (1-4, 2B, R) and SS Sammy Canseco (4-4, 2 R, RBI) in the bottom of the 5th chasing Larson after 4-1/3 innings, giving up 7 ER on 8 H and 4 BB while striking out 2. The Orange scored once more in the 5th on a single by CF Joaquin Ortiz (1-2, RBI, 2 BB) The bullpen combination of Edgardo Bonilla (2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K) and Ajax Goldstein (1.0 IP, 2 K) combined to hold the Orange scoreless throughout the rest of the game. Syracuse’s answer to Larson, Pasqual Navarre, was brilliant, scattering 3 hits and 2 walks over 6.0 innings while giving up just 1 run, which was a 4th inning home run by RF Esteban Galvez (2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI). Entering the 8th inning, Syracuse had the game in hand, 7-1, When PH Phil Nomura (0-1, R, BB, K) walks to open the inning, reaches 3rd on SS Deivi Franco’s (1-3, 2BB) single then scores on 2B Marino Gomez’s (1-5, 2B, R, RBI) fielder’s choice. CF Flip Carter (2-5, R, RBI) singles to score Gomez. Exit Charles Carlyle (1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB), enter Bennie Diaz (0.0 IP, 3 H, ER, BB). No real change as the Bison string together 3 straight singles and a walk to score 2 and leave the bases loaded for Nomura. Luis Villafuerte (0.1 IP, K) enters, and gets Nomura to look at a called 3rd strike. Syracuse maintains a 7-5 lead and brings on the closer, Roosevelt Loux (1.0 IP, 2 H, K), to close things out, which he does, but not before he puts men on the corners with 2 outs to give the Bison hope. Syracuse wins, 7-5. Take a 1-0 series lead.
POG: SS Sammy Canseco (4-4, 2 R, RBI)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Season 10 World Series Preview by hurricane 384
FARGO BISON (95-67)
VS.
SYRACUSE ORANGE (99-63)
FARGO BISON
The 4th seeded Bison made a run during the playoffs, beating the #5 Trojans in four games before sweeping the top-seeded Beavers before beating the 2-seed Owls in an epic 7-game battle.
OFFENSE (.283 – 6th; 912 RS – 3rd; 282 HR – 1st; 172 SB – 5th)
Led by DH and MVP candidate Cy Saturria (44 HR, 109 RBI), RF Esteban Galvez (44 HR, 120 RBI) and CF Flip Carter (40 HR, 124 RBI) this offense will compete with anyone. 10 players finished with double-digit homers and 5 finished with 20 or more stolen bases. Even if you can keep them in the park, you have to deal with their ability to run the bases. They have the ability to compete with juggernaut teams offensively, even if they only had 2 guys hit .300 or better in 350+ ABs.
PITCHING (4.51 – 11th; .266 – 11th)
It is a good thing that their offense is great, because their pitch sure falls flat for a contender. Ace and Cy Young Finalist Philip Larson (200.0 IP, 19-5, 3.20 ERA) and the back-end of their bullpen is what saved this team…closer Brian Yang (53.0 IP, 6-2, 3.40 ERA, 26/32), setup men Alberto Montanez (44.2 IP, 4-2, 3.02 ERA, 7/7) and Tony Cabrera (106.2 IP, 3-3, 4.13 ERA, 7/7) are what really held this staff together. With 6 guys pitching 40+ innings and recording a 4.50 ERA or higher, they are really going to have to win some shootouts.
DEFENSE (.982 – 13th; 64 “+” – 8th; 369 DP – 6th; .224 CS% - 14th)
Not a great defensive team by any stretch of the imagination, they were able to help their pitching out with the ability to turn double plays. Their defense is led by LF Hector Guerrero (14 +, .996), 1B Rolando Bocachica (11 +, .997) and 2B Rafael Liriano (10 +, .982). They were weak at the SS position with 46 errors and 7 minus plays between their 2 shortstops.
SYRACUSE
The top-seeded Orange held serve throughout the playoffs, although it did take them 5 games to get past Detroit. They defeated the surprise team of the postseason in the 6th seeded Mustangs to earn their World Series trip.
OFFENSE (.276 – 3rd; 888 RS – 1st; 235 HR – 4th; 214 SB – 1st)
Leadoff hitter Rob Allen had a career season with a .309 average and 94 stolen bases against getting caught 6 times. This team though was led by MVP front-runner Michael Seay (.340, 64 HR, 177 RBI). 5 players hit 26 or more home runs while 4 knocked in 98 or more runs. In addition to Allen’s 94 stolen bases, 2B Garrett Parris was 31/37, 3B Mitchell Spencer was 29/38, and CF Joaquin Ortiz was 25/32.
PITCHING (4.18 – 5th; .257 – 4th)
When they’re not bludgeoning you to death, they’re stifling your ability to put the bat on the ball. 5th in the NL in strikeouts, this is a staff that goes with their offense perfectly. Led by Pasqual Navarre (209.2 IP, 16-6, 3.35 ERA) and Charles Carlyle (198.0 IP, 11-8, 4.00 ERA) this staff boasted an impressive 4 10-game winners, and 5 more who won at least 6 games. Fireman of the Year runner-up and Cy Young finalist Roosevelt Loux was solid at closer with 43 saves in 50 opportunities despite posting a 4.30 ERA and a 6-6 record in 69 innings. This staff doesn’t knock your socks off, but they sure did produce throughout the season.
DEFENSE (.986 – 4th; 93 “+” – 1st; 429 DP – 1st; .365 CS% - 1st)
Is there anything this team doesn’t do well? The answer is no, even throwing runners out at a ridiculous clip. Led by gold glove winners SS Sammy Canseco (.981, 22 +) and CF Joaquin Ortiz (.993, 17 +) as well as 3B Mitchell Spencer (.973, 17 +) and those are just the guys with 17 or more plus plays. In 122 games this season, C Lawrence Lamb is throwing runners out at a .448 rate.
OVERVIEW
Although Fargo has had a great season thus far, I think the Syracuse pitching will be able to hold the Bison bats at bay and I just don’t see that ability out of the Bison staff. Fargo’s inability to keep Syracuse in the ballpark as well as prevent them from running wild will be their undoing.
Syracuse wins in 6.
VS.
SYRACUSE ORANGE (99-63)
FARGO BISON
The 4th seeded Bison made a run during the playoffs, beating the #5 Trojans in four games before sweeping the top-seeded Beavers before beating the 2-seed Owls in an epic 7-game battle.
OFFENSE (.283 – 6th; 912 RS – 3rd; 282 HR – 1st; 172 SB – 5th)
Led by DH and MVP candidate Cy Saturria (44 HR, 109 RBI), RF Esteban Galvez (44 HR, 120 RBI) and CF Flip Carter (40 HR, 124 RBI) this offense will compete with anyone. 10 players finished with double-digit homers and 5 finished with 20 or more stolen bases. Even if you can keep them in the park, you have to deal with their ability to run the bases. They have the ability to compete with juggernaut teams offensively, even if they only had 2 guys hit .300 or better in 350+ ABs.
PITCHING (4.51 – 11th; .266 – 11th)
It is a good thing that their offense is great, because their pitch sure falls flat for a contender. Ace and Cy Young Finalist Philip Larson (200.0 IP, 19-5, 3.20 ERA) and the back-end of their bullpen is what saved this team…closer Brian Yang (53.0 IP, 6-2, 3.40 ERA, 26/32), setup men Alberto Montanez (44.2 IP, 4-2, 3.02 ERA, 7/7) and Tony Cabrera (106.2 IP, 3-3, 4.13 ERA, 7/7) are what really held this staff together. With 6 guys pitching 40+ innings and recording a 4.50 ERA or higher, they are really going to have to win some shootouts.
DEFENSE (.982 – 13th; 64 “+” – 8th; 369 DP – 6th; .224 CS% - 14th)
Not a great defensive team by any stretch of the imagination, they were able to help their pitching out with the ability to turn double plays. Their defense is led by LF Hector Guerrero (14 +, .996), 1B Rolando Bocachica (11 +, .997) and 2B Rafael Liriano (10 +, .982). They were weak at the SS position with 46 errors and 7 minus plays between their 2 shortstops.
SYRACUSE
The top-seeded Orange held serve throughout the playoffs, although it did take them 5 games to get past Detroit. They defeated the surprise team of the postseason in the 6th seeded Mustangs to earn their World Series trip.
OFFENSE (.276 – 3rd; 888 RS – 1st; 235 HR – 4th; 214 SB – 1st)
Leadoff hitter Rob Allen had a career season with a .309 average and 94 stolen bases against getting caught 6 times. This team though was led by MVP front-runner Michael Seay (.340, 64 HR, 177 RBI). 5 players hit 26 or more home runs while 4 knocked in 98 or more runs. In addition to Allen’s 94 stolen bases, 2B Garrett Parris was 31/37, 3B Mitchell Spencer was 29/38, and CF Joaquin Ortiz was 25/32.
PITCHING (4.18 – 5th; .257 – 4th)
When they’re not bludgeoning you to death, they’re stifling your ability to put the bat on the ball. 5th in the NL in strikeouts, this is a staff that goes with their offense perfectly. Led by Pasqual Navarre (209.2 IP, 16-6, 3.35 ERA) and Charles Carlyle (198.0 IP, 11-8, 4.00 ERA) this staff boasted an impressive 4 10-game winners, and 5 more who won at least 6 games. Fireman of the Year runner-up and Cy Young finalist Roosevelt Loux was solid at closer with 43 saves in 50 opportunities despite posting a 4.30 ERA and a 6-6 record in 69 innings. This staff doesn’t knock your socks off, but they sure did produce throughout the season.
DEFENSE (.986 – 4th; 93 “+” – 1st; 429 DP – 1st; .365 CS% - 1st)
Is there anything this team doesn’t do well? The answer is no, even throwing runners out at a ridiculous clip. Led by gold glove winners SS Sammy Canseco (.981, 22 +) and CF Joaquin Ortiz (.993, 17 +) as well as 3B Mitchell Spencer (.973, 17 +) and those are just the guys with 17 or more plus plays. In 122 games this season, C Lawrence Lamb is throwing runners out at a .448 rate.
OVERVIEW
Although Fargo has had a great season thus far, I think the Syracuse pitching will be able to hold the Bison bats at bay and I just don’t see that ability out of the Bison staff. Fargo’s inability to keep Syracuse in the ballpark as well as prevent them from running wild will be their undoing.
Syracuse wins in 6.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
200 loss rule
Cnsmuck and the Iowa City Hawkeyes unfortunately crossed the 200 losses over two seasons by 3 losses. However, the competition committee has decided to grant cn probation and he will be required to get to 70 wins next season or will automatically lose his team.
Below is my statement and a couple others from committee members.
This is my quote: I believe that cn deserves the chance to “right the ship.” He is a charter member of NCAA and that means a lot to me. He has been actively engaged with me in trade chat over the last couple seasons on how frustrated he was with his team and what steps he was taking to avoid the 200 loss mark. I just don’t believe he was “soft tanking” or anything like that. I’m glad he’ll be back.
Committee Member: I suggest probation. Factors include the length of time as being a 'University President' and also that the school improved this season to under 100 losses
Committee Member: "Based on FA and trade history, along with his budget, I'm willing to give him another season to get to the 70 win total which I believe he can do."
Below is my statement and a couple others from committee members.
This is my quote: I believe that cn deserves the chance to “right the ship.” He is a charter member of NCAA and that means a lot to me. He has been actively engaged with me in trade chat over the last couple seasons on how frustrated he was with his team and what steps he was taking to avoid the 200 loss mark. I just don’t believe he was “soft tanking” or anything like that. I’m glad he’ll be back.
Committee Member: I suggest probation. Factors include the length of time as being a 'University President' and also that the school improved this season to under 100 losses
Committee Member: "Based on FA and trade history, along with his budget, I'm willing to give him another season to get to the 70 win total which I believe he can do."
Friday, October 8, 2010
NCAA Playoff Picture - Game 157 by miggyt4
NCAA Playoff Picture (as of 10/08 AM Cycle)
AL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Fargo Bison (AL NORTH Division Winner)
Philadelphia Owls (AL EAST Division Winner)
Little Rock Razorbacks (AL SOUTH Division Winner)
Salem Beavers (AL WEST Division Winner)
Anaheim Trojans (1st Wild Card)
AL NORTH
Division Winner: Fargo Bison (3rd Division Title Overall)
AL EAST
Division Winner: Philadelphia Owls (3rd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL SOUTH
Divison Winner: Little Rock Razorbacks (1st Division Title Overall)
AL WEST
Division Winner: Salem Beavers (2nd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL WILD CARD
Wild Card 1 Winner: Anaheim Trojans
Wild Card 2 Leader: Portland Ducks
Magic Number: 3
In the hunt: Oakland Golden Bears (3 GB)
Analysis:
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE AL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Salem and Oakland. Salem has clinched the AL WEST Division Title and has guaranteed themselves a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs. Oakland is 3 GB behind Portland for the 2nd Wild Card spot and needs to make up ground fast with only 5 games left in the season. Oakland won the first game of this series 4-3.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Anaheim and Oakland. Anaheim has clinched the 1st Wild Card spot and will play as the #5 seed in the playoffs. Oakland may or may not be in the playoff picture at this point. They currently trail Portland by 3 games for the 2nd Wild Card spot with 5 to play.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Fargo and Portland. Fargo has clinched the AL NORTH Division Title and is still in the hunt for the #2 seed in the playoffs so they still having something to play. Portland is trying to hold off a charging Oakland squad that hopes to still be in the playoff hunt for the last series of the season.
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NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Syracuse Orange (Lead NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
Charlotte Tar Heels (2nd NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
NL NORTH
Division Leader: Detroit Wolverines
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Dover Fightin Blue Hens (2 GB)
Analysis: It's coming down to the wire in the NL NORTH with Dover trailing Detroit by only 2 games.
NL EAST
Division Leader: Syracuse Orange
Magic Number: 1
In the hunt: Charlotte Tar Heels (5 GB)
Analysis: Charlotte has lost 3 in a row that has helped open Syracuse's lead in the NL EAST to 5 games. The magic number now sits at 1 and a Syracuse win or a Charlotte loss gives the Division Title to Syracuse.
NL SOUTH
Division Leader: Huntington Thundering Herd
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Texas Mustangs (2 GB)
Analysis: Huntington and Texas both just completed very important 4-game series where both teams managed to go 3-1. That kept the Huntington lead at 3 until this morning's game where Huntington lost to Austin and Texas defeated Memphis. Huntington's lead now sits at 2 games with 5 to play. Memphis has officially been eliminated from the NL SOUTH race after dropping 4 in a row.
NL WEST
Division Leader: Kansas City Wildcats
Magic Number: 5
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (1 GB)
Analysis: Arizona momentarily caught Kansas City for the NL WEST lead however Arizona has dropped 2 in a row while Kansas City defeated Boise in this morning's game. That gave Kansas City a 1 game lead in the division.
NL WILD CARD
Wild Card 1 Leader/Winner: Charlotte Tar Heels
Magic Number: Charlotte has clinched a playoff berth. Charlotte is still in the running for the NL East Divsion title.
Wild Card 2 Leader: Texas Mustangs
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (2 GB), Louisville Cardinals (2 GB), Buffalo Bills (3 GB), Memphis Tigers (4 GB)
Analysis: The race for the 2nd Wild Card spot didn't get any clearer. Memphis has almost been eliminated after dropping 4 in a row. Louisville continues to make a charge while going 8-2 in their last 10 and is currently riding a 4 game winning streak. Arizona momentarily caught Kansas City in the WEST but has fallen back 1 game since then. 5 teams still have a mathematical chance of winning the 2nd Wild Card.
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE NL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Texas and Memphis. What seemed like a huge matchup now has less importance, however, if Memphis can win the remaining 2 games of the series, they cut their deficit in half with 3 to play.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Charlotte. Charlotte has lost 3 in a row while Louisville is on a 4 game winning streak. Louisville still has a chance of catching Texas for the 2nd Wild Card spot. Charlotte has pretty much been eliminated from the NL EAST race and will most likely be headed to the playoffs as the #5 seed.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Syracuse and Buffalo. Syracuse has all but clinched the NL EAST crown and the #1 seed in the playoffs. Buffalo still has an outside chance at the 2nd Wild Card spot but is going to need a good showing against Syracuse and a little help as well. Syracuse won this morning's game 5-0.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Buffalo. Both of these teams still have a chance at winning the 2nd Wild Card spot. Both are also going to need a little help to get there. Or both of these teams may have already been eliminated from the race by time this series rolls around.
AL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Fargo Bison (AL NORTH Division Winner)
Philadelphia Owls (AL EAST Division Winner)
Little Rock Razorbacks (AL SOUTH Division Winner)
Salem Beavers (AL WEST Division Winner)
Anaheim Trojans (1st Wild Card)
AL NORTH
Division Winner: Fargo Bison (3rd Division Title Overall)
AL EAST
Division Winner: Philadelphia Owls (3rd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL SOUTH
Divison Winner: Little Rock Razorbacks (1st Division Title Overall)
AL WEST
Division Winner: Salem Beavers (2nd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL WILD CARD
Wild Card 1 Winner: Anaheim Trojans
Wild Card 2 Leader: Portland Ducks
Magic Number: 3
In the hunt: Oakland Golden Bears (3 GB)
Analysis:
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE AL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Salem and Oakland. Salem has clinched the AL WEST Division Title and has guaranteed themselves a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs. Oakland is 3 GB behind Portland for the 2nd Wild Card spot and needs to make up ground fast with only 5 games left in the season. Oakland won the first game of this series 4-3.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Anaheim and Oakland. Anaheim has clinched the 1st Wild Card spot and will play as the #5 seed in the playoffs. Oakland may or may not be in the playoff picture at this point. They currently trail Portland by 3 games for the 2nd Wild Card spot with 5 to play.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Fargo and Portland. Fargo has clinched the AL NORTH Division Title and is still in the hunt for the #2 seed in the playoffs so they still having something to play. Portland is trying to hold off a charging Oakland squad that hopes to still be in the playoff hunt for the last series of the season.
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NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Syracuse Orange (Lead NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
Charlotte Tar Heels (2nd NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
NL NORTH
Division Leader: Detroit Wolverines
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Dover Fightin Blue Hens (2 GB)
Analysis: It's coming down to the wire in the NL NORTH with Dover trailing Detroit by only 2 games.
NL EAST
Division Leader: Syracuse Orange
Magic Number: 1
In the hunt: Charlotte Tar Heels (5 GB)
Analysis: Charlotte has lost 3 in a row that has helped open Syracuse's lead in the NL EAST to 5 games. The magic number now sits at 1 and a Syracuse win or a Charlotte loss gives the Division Title to Syracuse.
NL SOUTH
Division Leader: Huntington Thundering Herd
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Texas Mustangs (2 GB)
Analysis: Huntington and Texas both just completed very important 4-game series where both teams managed to go 3-1. That kept the Huntington lead at 3 until this morning's game where Huntington lost to Austin and Texas defeated Memphis. Huntington's lead now sits at 2 games with 5 to play. Memphis has officially been eliminated from the NL SOUTH race after dropping 4 in a row.
NL WEST
Division Leader: Kansas City Wildcats
Magic Number: 5
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (1 GB)
Analysis: Arizona momentarily caught Kansas City for the NL WEST lead however Arizona has dropped 2 in a row while Kansas City defeated Boise in this morning's game. That gave Kansas City a 1 game lead in the division.
NL WILD CARD
Wild Card 1 Leader/Winner: Charlotte Tar Heels
Magic Number: Charlotte has clinched a playoff berth. Charlotte is still in the running for the NL East Divsion title.
Wild Card 2 Leader: Texas Mustangs
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (2 GB), Louisville Cardinals (2 GB), Buffalo Bills (3 GB), Memphis Tigers (4 GB)
Analysis: The race for the 2nd Wild Card spot didn't get any clearer. Memphis has almost been eliminated after dropping 4 in a row. Louisville continues to make a charge while going 8-2 in their last 10 and is currently riding a 4 game winning streak. Arizona momentarily caught Kansas City in the WEST but has fallen back 1 game since then. 5 teams still have a mathematical chance of winning the 2nd Wild Card.
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE NL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Texas and Memphis. What seemed like a huge matchup now has less importance, however, if Memphis can win the remaining 2 games of the series, they cut their deficit in half with 3 to play.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Charlotte. Charlotte has lost 3 in a row while Louisville is on a 4 game winning streak. Louisville still has a chance of catching Texas for the 2nd Wild Card spot. Charlotte has pretty much been eliminated from the NL EAST race and will most likely be headed to the playoffs as the #5 seed.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Syracuse and Buffalo. Syracuse has all but clinched the NL EAST crown and the #1 seed in the playoffs. Buffalo still has an outside chance at the 2nd Wild Card spot but is going to need a good showing against Syracuse and a little help as well. Syracuse won this morning's game 5-0.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Buffalo. Both of these teams still have a chance at winning the 2nd Wild Card spot. Both are also going to need a little help to get there. Or both of these teams may have already been eliminated from the race by time this series rolls around.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
NCAA Playoff Picture - Game 153 by miggyt4
as of Game 153 or 10/6 PM1 cycle
AL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Philadelphia Owls (AL EAST Division Winner)
Little Rock Razorbacks (AL SOUTH Division Winner)
Salem Beavers (Lead AL WEST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
Anaheim Trojans (2nd AL WEST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
AL NORTH
Division Leader: Fargo Bison
Magic Number: 3
In the hunt: Portland Ducks (8 GB)
Analysis: Fargo cut their magic number in half by keeping pace with Portland over the last 3 games with both teams going 2-1.
AL EAST
Division Winner: Philadelphia Owls (3rd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL SOUTH
Divison Winner: Little Rock Razorbacks (1st Division Title Overall)
AL WEST
Division Leder: Salem Beavers
Magic Number: 5
In the hunt: Anaheim Trojans (6 GB)
Analysis: Salem's magic number now sits at 5 as both Salem and Anaheim go 1-2 in their last 3 games.
AL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Anaheim Trojans
Magic Number: Anaheim has clinched a playoff berth. Anaheim is still in the running for the AL West Division title.
Wild Card Leader 2: Portland Ducks
Magic Number: 8
In the hunt: Oakland Golden Bears (3 GB), New York Red Storm (7 GB), Jackson Rebels (10 GB)
Analysis: Oakland is gaining ground on Portland winning 5 in a row. However Portland has gone 4-1 over that same time period. If Oakland stays hot, Portland is going to need to continue winning to hold onto the 2nd Wild Card spot. Portland starts a 4 games series with AL South Winner Little Rock in the PM2 cycle. Little Rock is still playing for the #2 seed in the playoffs so don't expect them to rest their starters to get ready for the playoffs.
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE AL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Little Rock and Portland. Portland is trying to nail down the 2nd wild card spot while Little Rock, while already clinching a playoff berth, is trying to overtake Philadelphia and Fargo for the #2 seed which gives you a bye in the playoffs.
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Anaheim and Fargo. Anaheim is trying to catch Salem in the West while Fargo is on the verge of clinching the East while also playing for the #2 seed.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Salem and Oakland. While Salem has already clinched a berth and appears to be headed towards the #1 seed in the AL, Oakland is still in the hunt for the 2nd wild card position.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Anaheim and Oakland. By this point in the season Salem will have probably clinched the AL WEST title and the #1 seed. Anaheim will have guaranteed the #5 seed in the playoffs while Oakland will trying to capture the 2nd wild card spot.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Fargo and Portland. It looks like Fargo will have clinched the East by time this series rolls around but Portland may still be playing for the 2nd wild card spot. Also, Fargo will still be trying to capture the #2 seed in the playoffs.
EASIEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Salem Beavers (vs opponents with 216-240 record while leading the West by 6 games)
TOUGHEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Oakland Golden Bears (vs opponents with 265-191 record while trailing Portland for the 2nd wild card spot by 3 games)
NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Syracuse Orange (Lead NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
Charlotte Tar Heels (2nd NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
NL NORTH
Division Leader: Detroit Wolverines
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Dover Fightin Blue Hens (1 GB)
Analysis: Detroit's magic number shrank, but Dover is nipping on the heels now only 1 game back after going 2-1 the last 3 to Detroit's 1-2 record.
NL EAST
Division Leader: Syracuse Orange
Magic Number: 9
In the hunt: Charlotte Tar Heels (2 GB)
Analysis: Charlotte has won 5 in a row and has closed the gap to just 2 games behind division leading Syracuse. Syracuse has gone 1-2 over the last 3 games.
NL SOUTH
Division Leader: Huntington Thundering Herd
Magic Number: 8
In the hunt: Texas Mustangs (3 GB), Memphis Tigers (4 GB)
Analysis: Huntington has gained some ground on both teams. Huntington has held onto the 3 game lead over Texas and gained a little ground on Memphis over the last 3 games. Huntington and Texas have both gone 2-1 while Memphis went 1-2.
NL WEST
Division Leader: Kansas City Wildcats
Magic Number: 9
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (2 GB)
Analysis: Kansas City is currently in a 5 game slide that allowed Arizona to make up 2 games over the last 3 games played by going 2-1.
NL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Charlotte Tar Heels
Magic Number: Charlotte has clinched a playoff berth. Charlotte is still in the running for the NL East Divsion title.
Wild Card Leader 2: Texas Mustangs
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Memphis Tigers (1 GB), Buffalo Bills (1 GB), Arizona Sun Devils (1 GB), Louisville Cardinals (2 GB)
Analysis: The race for the 2nd Wild Card spot could not be any closer with 5 teams all within 2 games of each other battling for 1 position. Arizona and Louisville are making charges with Arizona going 8-2 and Louisville going 9-1 over the last 10 games. Many of the teams in the wild card race are also in divisional races including Texas, Memphis and Arizona. This should be the best race of all races still up for grabs.
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE NL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Charlotte and Huntington. Charlotte has clinched a playoff berth but only sits 2 games behind Syracuse in the East while Huntington is trying to clinch the South with only a 3 game lead over Texas.
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Dover and Texas. Dover is currently trailing Detroit by 1 game in the East and with a crowded wild card race, Dover's best chance of getting into the playoffs is by winning the East. Texas is currently 3 games behind Huntington in the South but more importantly currently leading the 2nd wild card spot with 4 teams all within 2 games of them. They cannot afford to lose any ground on Huntington or allow the wild card chasers catch them.
10/6 PM2 4-Games series between Detroit and Buffalo. Detroit currently has a 1 game lead over Dover in the East and as mentioned above, Detroit's best chance of reaching the playoffs is by winning the East. Buffalo is currently 1 game behind Texas for the 2nd wild card spot.
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Kansas City and Syracuse. Syracuse is trying to fend off Charlotte who is currently 2 games back in the East while Kansas City is trying to snap a 5 game skid and fend off a charging Arizona team.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Texas and Memphis. This is a huge series that could determine the 2nd wild card spot. Both teams are still chasing Huntington in the South and both have a shot of catching the Thundering Herd. This is a HUGE series in the wild card race.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Charlotte. Louisville currently sits 2 games behind Texas for the 2nd wild card spot while Charlotte is trying to catch Syracuse in the East who is currently 2 games ahead of the Tar Heels.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Syracuse and Buffalo. Syracuse is trying to hold onto the East lead while Buffalo is trying to clinch the 2nd wild card spot.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Charlotte and Syracuse. This series could decide the winner of the East along with who will get the #1 seed and the ever important bye and who will be playing in the 1st round as the #5 seed.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Buffalo. These two teams are both battling for the 2nd wild card spot and this series could possibly determine who clinches the spot. Both teams have a very tough road ahead though (see below).
EASIEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Arizona Sund Devils (vs opponents with 195-261 record while trailing Kansas City by 2 games in the West)
TOUGHEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Buffalo Bulls (vs opponents with 242-214 record while trailing Texas by 1 game for the 2nd wild card spot), Louisville Cardinals (vs opponents with 243-213 record while trailing Texas by 2 games for the 2nd wild card spot)
AL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Philadelphia Owls (AL EAST Division Winner)
Little Rock Razorbacks (AL SOUTH Division Winner)
Salem Beavers (Lead AL WEST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
Anaheim Trojans (2nd AL WEST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
AL NORTH
Division Leader: Fargo Bison
Magic Number: 3
In the hunt: Portland Ducks (8 GB)
Analysis: Fargo cut their magic number in half by keeping pace with Portland over the last 3 games with both teams going 2-1.
AL EAST
Division Winner: Philadelphia Owls (3rd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL SOUTH
Divison Winner: Little Rock Razorbacks (1st Division Title Overall)
AL WEST
Division Leder: Salem Beavers
Magic Number: 5
In the hunt: Anaheim Trojans (6 GB)
Analysis: Salem's magic number now sits at 5 as both Salem and Anaheim go 1-2 in their last 3 games.
AL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Anaheim Trojans
Magic Number: Anaheim has clinched a playoff berth. Anaheim is still in the running for the AL West Division title.
Wild Card Leader 2: Portland Ducks
Magic Number: 8
In the hunt: Oakland Golden Bears (3 GB), New York Red Storm (7 GB), Jackson Rebels (10 GB)
Analysis: Oakland is gaining ground on Portland winning 5 in a row. However Portland has gone 4-1 over that same time period. If Oakland stays hot, Portland is going to need to continue winning to hold onto the 2nd Wild Card spot. Portland starts a 4 games series with AL South Winner Little Rock in the PM2 cycle. Little Rock is still playing for the #2 seed in the playoffs so don't expect them to rest their starters to get ready for the playoffs.
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE AL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Little Rock and Portland. Portland is trying to nail down the 2nd wild card spot while Little Rock, while already clinching a playoff berth, is trying to overtake Philadelphia and Fargo for the #2 seed which gives you a bye in the playoffs.
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Anaheim and Fargo. Anaheim is trying to catch Salem in the West while Fargo is on the verge of clinching the East while also playing for the #2 seed.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Salem and Oakland. While Salem has already clinched a berth and appears to be headed towards the #1 seed in the AL, Oakland is still in the hunt for the 2nd wild card position.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Anaheim and Oakland. By this point in the season Salem will have probably clinched the AL WEST title and the #1 seed. Anaheim will have guaranteed the #5 seed in the playoffs while Oakland will trying to capture the 2nd wild card spot.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Fargo and Portland. It looks like Fargo will have clinched the East by time this series rolls around but Portland may still be playing for the 2nd wild card spot. Also, Fargo will still be trying to capture the #2 seed in the playoffs.
EASIEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Salem Beavers (vs opponents with 216-240 record while leading the West by 6 games)
TOUGHEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Oakland Golden Bears (vs opponents with 265-191 record while trailing Portland for the 2nd wild card spot by 3 games)
NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED PLAYOFF BERTHS:
Syracuse Orange (Lead NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
Charlotte Tar Heels (2nd NL EAST, mathematically clinched playoff berth)
NL NORTH
Division Leader: Detroit Wolverines
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Dover Fightin Blue Hens (1 GB)
Analysis: Detroit's magic number shrank, but Dover is nipping on the heels now only 1 game back after going 2-1 the last 3 to Detroit's 1-2 record.
NL EAST
Division Leader: Syracuse Orange
Magic Number: 9
In the hunt: Charlotte Tar Heels (2 GB)
Analysis: Charlotte has won 5 in a row and has closed the gap to just 2 games behind division leading Syracuse. Syracuse has gone 1-2 over the last 3 games.
NL SOUTH
Division Leader: Huntington Thundering Herd
Magic Number: 8
In the hunt: Texas Mustangs (3 GB), Memphis Tigers (4 GB)
Analysis: Huntington has gained some ground on both teams. Huntington has held onto the 3 game lead over Texas and gained a little ground on Memphis over the last 3 games. Huntington and Texas have both gone 2-1 while Memphis went 1-2.
NL WEST
Division Leader: Kansas City Wildcats
Magic Number: 9
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (2 GB)
Analysis: Kansas City is currently in a 5 game slide that allowed Arizona to make up 2 games over the last 3 games played by going 2-1.
NL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Charlotte Tar Heels
Magic Number: Charlotte has clinched a playoff berth. Charlotte is still in the running for the NL East Divsion title.
Wild Card Leader 2: Texas Mustangs
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Memphis Tigers (1 GB), Buffalo Bills (1 GB), Arizona Sun Devils (1 GB), Louisville Cardinals (2 GB)
Analysis: The race for the 2nd Wild Card spot could not be any closer with 5 teams all within 2 games of each other battling for 1 position. Arizona and Louisville are making charges with Arizona going 8-2 and Louisville going 9-1 over the last 10 games. Many of the teams in the wild card race are also in divisional races including Texas, Memphis and Arizona. This should be the best race of all races still up for grabs.
UPCOMING SERIES IN THE NL THAT WILL HELP DETERMINE PLAYOFF PICTURE:
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Charlotte and Huntington. Charlotte has clinched a playoff berth but only sits 2 games behind Syracuse in the East while Huntington is trying to clinch the South with only a 3 game lead over Texas.
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Dover and Texas. Dover is currently trailing Detroit by 1 game in the East and with a crowded wild card race, Dover's best chance of getting into the playoffs is by winning the East. Texas is currently 3 games behind Huntington in the South but more importantly currently leading the 2nd wild card spot with 4 teams all within 2 games of them. They cannot afford to lose any ground on Huntington or allow the wild card chasers catch them.
10/6 PM2 4-Games series between Detroit and Buffalo. Detroit currently has a 1 game lead over Dover in the East and as mentioned above, Detroit's best chance of reaching the playoffs is by winning the East. Buffalo is currently 1 game behind Texas for the 2nd wild card spot.
10/6 PM2 4-Game series between Kansas City and Syracuse. Syracuse is trying to fend off Charlotte who is currently 2 games back in the East while Kansas City is trying to snap a 5 game skid and fend off a charging Arizona team.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Texas and Memphis. This is a huge series that could determine the 2nd wild card spot. Both teams are still chasing Huntington in the South and both have a shot of catching the Thundering Herd. This is a HUGE series in the wild card race.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Charlotte. Louisville currently sits 2 games behind Texas for the 2nd wild card spot while Charlotte is trying to catch Syracuse in the East who is currently 2 games ahead of the Tar Heels.
10/8 AM 3-Game series between Syracuse and Buffalo. Syracuse is trying to hold onto the East lead while Buffalo is trying to clinch the 2nd wild card spot.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Charlotte and Syracuse. This series could decide the winner of the East along with who will get the #1 seed and the ever important bye and who will be playing in the 1st round as the #5 seed.
10/9 AM 3-Game series between Louisville and Buffalo. These two teams are both battling for the 2nd wild card spot and this series could possibly determine who clinches the spot. Both teams have a very tough road ahead though (see below).
EASIEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Arizona Sund Devils (vs opponents with 195-261 record while trailing Kansas City by 2 games in the West)
TOUGHEST ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS:
Buffalo Bulls (vs opponents with 242-214 record while trailing Texas by 1 game for the 2nd wild card spot), Louisville Cardinals (vs opponents with 243-213 record while trailing Texas by 2 games for the 2nd wild card spot)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NCAA Playoff Picture - Game 150 by miggyt4
As of Game 150...
AL Playoff Picture
AL NORTH
Division Leader: Fargo Bison
Magic Number: 6
In the hunt: Portland Ducks (8 Games Behind)
AL EAST
Division Winner: Philadelphia Owls (3rd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL SOUTH
Divison Winner: Little Rock Razorbacks (1st Division Title Overall)
AL WEST
Division Leder: Salem Beavers
Magic Number: 8
In the hunt: Anaheim Trojans (6 Games Behind)
AL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Anaheim Trojans
Magic Number: Anaheim has clinched a playoff berth
Wild Card Leader 2:Portland Ducks
Magic Number: Portland's magic number is currently 10 over the Oakland Golden Bears
In the hunt: Oakland Golden Bears (4 Games Behind), New York Red Storm (6 Games Behind), Jackson Rebels (9 Games Behind)
Analysis: The AL Playoff Picture is much clearer than the NL. Philadelphia and Little Rock have already clinched division titles and are now playing for the #2 seed in the playoffs. Also in the picture for the #2 seed is the Fargo Bison who currently hold an 8 game lead over the Portland Ducks in the AL North. In the West, Salem has clinched a playoff berth however they're still battling Anaheim for the West division title. It appears that the winner of the West will be the #1 seed in the playoffs.
As for the Wild Card, Anaheim is currently leading the wild card and has clinched a spot in the playoffs. They are currently 6 games behind the Salem Beavers in the West. The other wild card spot is currently led by the Portland Ducks who have a 4 game lead over the Oakland Golden Bears. The New York Red Storm are 6 games behind, the Jackson Rebels are 9 games behind and the New Orleans Bayou Bengals are 10 games behind. This is the closet race in the AL as Oakland still has a chance to pass the Ducks and get into the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.
NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
NL NORTH
Division Leader: Detroit Wolverines
In the hunt: Dover Fightin Blue Hens (2 Games Behind)
Detroit's magic number is 12 over Dover
NL EAST
Division Leader: Syracuse Orange
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Charlotte Tar Heels (4 Games Behind)
NL SOUTH
Division Leader: Huntington Thundering Herd
Magic Number: 11
In the hunt: Memphis Tigers (3 Games Behind), Texas Mustangs (3 Games Behind)
NL WEST
Division Leader: Kansas City Wildcats
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (4 Games Behind)
NL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Charlotte Tar Heels
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Memphis Tigers (10 Games Behind), Texas Mustangs (10 Games Behind), Buffalo Bills (11 Games Behind), Arizona Sun Devils (10 Games Behind)
Wild Card Leader 2: TIE Memphis Tigers, Texas Mustangs
Magic Number: 13
In the hunt: Buffalo Bills (1 Game Behind), Arizona Sun Devils (1 Game Behind), Louisville Cardinals (3 Games Behind)
Analysis:
The only race that appears to be decided is the 1st Wild Card as the Charlotte Tar Heels currently hold a commanding 10 game lead. The 4 Divsion races are all very close with the largest lead of any Division leader being only 4 games. The Wild Card race is even closer with 5 teams all within 3 games of each other. The only 2 teams that have pretty much guaranteed post season berths are the Syracuse Orange and the Charlotte Tar Heels as whomever doesn't win their division will most likely win the 1st Wild Card position.
I hope to update everyday after the PM1 cycle which will allow for 3 games to be played and the playoff picture should become more clear, except for in the NL.
AL Playoff Picture
AL NORTH
Division Leader: Fargo Bison
Magic Number: 6
In the hunt: Portland Ducks (8 Games Behind)
AL EAST
Division Winner: Philadelphia Owls (3rd Division Title in a row; 3rd Division Title Overall)
AL SOUTH
Divison Winner: Little Rock Razorbacks (1st Division Title Overall)
AL WEST
Division Leder: Salem Beavers
Magic Number: 8
In the hunt: Anaheim Trojans (6 Games Behind)
AL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Anaheim Trojans
Magic Number: Anaheim has clinched a playoff berth
Wild Card Leader 2:Portland Ducks
Magic Number: Portland's magic number is currently 10 over the Oakland Golden Bears
In the hunt: Oakland Golden Bears (4 Games Behind), New York Red Storm (6 Games Behind), Jackson Rebels (9 Games Behind)
Analysis: The AL Playoff Picture is much clearer than the NL. Philadelphia and Little Rock have already clinched division titles and are now playing for the #2 seed in the playoffs. Also in the picture for the #2 seed is the Fargo Bison who currently hold an 8 game lead over the Portland Ducks in the AL North. In the West, Salem has clinched a playoff berth however they're still battling Anaheim for the West division title. It appears that the winner of the West will be the #1 seed in the playoffs.
As for the Wild Card, Anaheim is currently leading the wild card and has clinched a spot in the playoffs. They are currently 6 games behind the Salem Beavers in the West. The other wild card spot is currently led by the Portland Ducks who have a 4 game lead over the Oakland Golden Bears. The New York Red Storm are 6 games behind, the Jackson Rebels are 9 games behind and the New Orleans Bayou Bengals are 10 games behind. This is the closet race in the AL as Oakland still has a chance to pass the Ducks and get into the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.
NL PLAYOFF PICTURE
NL NORTH
Division Leader: Detroit Wolverines
In the hunt: Dover Fightin Blue Hens (2 Games Behind)
Detroit's magic number is 12 over Dover
NL EAST
Division Leader: Syracuse Orange
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Charlotte Tar Heels (4 Games Behind)
NL SOUTH
Division Leader: Huntington Thundering Herd
Magic Number: 11
In the hunt: Memphis Tigers (3 Games Behind), Texas Mustangs (3 Games Behind)
NL WEST
Division Leader: Kansas City Wildcats
Magic Number: 10
In the hunt: Arizona Sun Devils (4 Games Behind)
NL WILD CARD
Wild Card Leader 1: Charlotte Tar Heels
Magic Number: 4
In the hunt: Memphis Tigers (10 Games Behind), Texas Mustangs (10 Games Behind), Buffalo Bills (11 Games Behind), Arizona Sun Devils (10 Games Behind)
Wild Card Leader 2: TIE Memphis Tigers, Texas Mustangs
Magic Number: 13
In the hunt: Buffalo Bills (1 Game Behind), Arizona Sun Devils (1 Game Behind), Louisville Cardinals (3 Games Behind)
Analysis:
The only race that appears to be decided is the 1st Wild Card as the Charlotte Tar Heels currently hold a commanding 10 game lead. The 4 Divsion races are all very close with the largest lead of any Division leader being only 4 games. The Wild Card race is even closer with 5 teams all within 3 games of each other. The only 2 teams that have pretty much guaranteed post season berths are the Syracuse Orange and the Charlotte Tar Heels as whomever doesn't win their division will most likely win the 1st Wild Card position.
I hope to update everyday after the PM1 cycle which will allow for 3 games to be played and the playoff picture should become more clear, except for in the NL.
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