Iowa City Hawkeyes
After having a magical season finally making the playoffs this tough Iowa City team is looking to take the next step. After signing some key players last season to give support to McCallum and Crosby this season's focus is on pitching. With the better play behind them my pitching staff had good numbers last season although their stats are a little inflated because of the fielding help, so I have replaced some starters and long relief in hopes to find new spirit with the pitching. Bringing on veteran Pitcher Al Valdes my hopes that with a couple more trades and this pitching staff will be complete and we will be ready to compete not only to get to the playoffs but to make a long run in the playoffs.
Little Rock Razorbacks
Key Additions: Roger Herndon, Jose Gandarilla, Fausto Gimenez
Key Departures: Geraldo Arias, Brandon Gragg, Miguel Barcelo
Key Rookies: Franklin Cornelius
Outlook:
Little Rock has a plan that we have been carrying out and will continue to do so. We are trying to build up a dynasty and are taking steps each season to continue to move toward that goal. We hope to improve on our win total again this year. We are probably a season or two at least away from the playoffs.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Season Previews - Batch 3
Kansas City Wildcats
My team is the Kansas City Wildcats. I signed a lot of veterans after my team made it to the World Series in year 13. It has not worked out very well. I am now trying to strengthen my team through the draft. Nathan McClain P,Torey Cishek CF,Bob Glass SS, are my top prospects they all still need a couple of years in the minors. I am going to bring up Murray Morris 2B and Tomas Ramirez 3B this year.
Louisville Cardinals
The Cardinals had a relatively quiet offseason, as the new management team was still trying to get a grasp on where the organization stood. They did part ways with a couple older veterans, LF Julio Cubilan (30HR, 149K last season) and RF Ralph Lewis. Unfortunately, ace SP Kevin Ryu decided to test the free agent waters rather than re-sign with the team that brought him over from Japan. It's a big loss for the rotation, but it just wasn't in our budget to sign a sub-.500 pitcher w/a career 4.32 ERA to a 5year/$65million contract.
After swinging and missing on a couple big name free agents, the Cardinals decided to plug some holes with a few role players. We signed RF Jack Torre to a 3 year deal, SP Gaylord Bonds to shore up the rotation, and RP Juan Fernandez/Merv Witt to bring some veteran leadership to the bullpen. We also picked up youngster Aurelio Mendoza in the Rule V draft and hope he can turn into a double-play inducing machine (95gb) in the bullpen.
In the end, we'll continue to rely on all-stars Danny Smoltz and Homer Bush to fuel the offense, and Takashi Yamakazi to lead the pitching staff. As they go, so goes the Cardinals!
Columbus Buckeyes Columbus, OH- After last seasons 88-74 finish and 1st ever franchise playoff appearance, there is much optimism in Columbus for the upcoming Buckeye baseball season. Last year was only the third time in franchise history finishing at .500 or better, two of seasons coming in the last 3 seasons under new manager tdfactory.
This season sees a few losses through FA, most notably CF Santos Siquerios, who came to Columbus through trade last year along with rising LF prospect Renyel Tejeda and veteran LF Carlos Molina. Molina provided 16 HR's and 40 RBI's with a solid BA in just over 200 AB's with CLB last season and Tejeda is expected to come up to the big club at some point this season, so even though Siquerious was lost, the trade still seems to be a good one. Also, lost through FA was Dallas Parrott, SP, who wanted to test the FA market. Although CLB had Parrott in their long term plans, the bidding went too high and Parrott flew the nest. In addition, during FA, CLB was bidding on Karim Garces to provide solid back end bullpen help, but again, the bidding went too high for tdfactory's liking.
Turning to the FA acquisitions, CLB added veteran arm Octavio Rivera to eat some innings and bullpen help with reliever Joey Dellucci. Bob Jacobs was added to provide help in the middle infield. CLB also expects to see some production up from the farm this season at some point from LF Renyel Tejeda, 1B Ryan Meusel, and 2B Les Rivera.
CLB did make one trade in the offseason, acquiring young catcher Vin Lopez, who should also make his way to the big club during the course of the season. Vin was acquired in a trade with Chicago, as CLB gave up infield prospect Sale Long.
Overall expectations are that there will be another solid playoff run, back to back .500+ seasons for the first time and if they can make the playoffs, hopefully be in a position to make it past the first round. Hopes are high in Columbus, Go Buckeyes!
Helena Grizzlies Key losses: Marino Gomez, Mitchell Spencer, Roger Herndon, Bart Pellow and Corey Sheffield
Key Additions: Geraldo Arias, Alberto Andrus, Miguel Barcelo and Harry Moya
Key Rookies: None
The Helena’s Grizzles are getting a peek at the challenges of being a champion. Let’s take a moment to add up the damage. Marino Gomez takes his 2 gold gloves and 20/20 ability to Nashville. Mitchell Spencer and his 26 Home Runs, 98 RBI moved east to Detroit. 3 time All Start and Gold Glover, Roger Herndon was dealt to Little Rock. Corey Sheffield who pitched 6 innings of shutout relief in game 7 of the World Series and compiled a 7-1 record in the regular season signed with Huntington. And finally, Bart Pellow, who pitched 20 post season innings with a 0.89 ERA has yet to sign a deal. The good news is that Miguel Barcelo should give Helena a much deeper starting rotation and Geraldo Arias is a ideal #2 hitter to hit behind Helena’s prize leadoff hitter Yorman Costilla. If the Grizzles can stay healthy, they should be able to get back into the playoffs, but will be hard pressed to re-create the magic that delivered the World Series championship in season 18.
Oakland Golden Bears FA Lost: 1B Al Navarro and SS Marty Wayne (although they are still on the market)
FA Signings: SP Daisuke Suzuki and SS Myron Sparks
Trades: None yet but are working on a deal to be announced soon I hope.
After shocking many last season by taking a early lead in the AL West last season, the Golden Bears ran out of gas down the stretch and finished with a second consecutive 74-88 campaign. With GM z's younger talent still making their way to the bigs, Oakland is looking to finish at or above .500 for the first time since season 10.
Although we did lose two starters from the infield last season, we sign Sparks to replace Wayne at SS, and called up Nigel Michalak to play 1B. Michalak should bring some added power to an already strong batting lineup in Richards and Rigby to name a few.
Suzuki should hopefully stablize our rotation that will have plenty of spot starters making appearances this season. Still looking to improve a good bullpen but we will have to see what happens. Either way, the Golden Bears didn't finish in the basement of the division last season and we look for build on that success this season and maybe make a run at the WIld Card if we get lucky.
Louisville Cardinals
The Cardinals had a relatively quiet offseason, as the new management team was still trying to get a grasp on where the organization stood. They did part ways with a couple older veterans, LF Julio Cubilan (30HR, 149K last season) and RF Ralph Lewis. Unfortunately, ace SP Kevin Ryu decided to test the free agent waters rather than re-sign with the team that brought him over from Japan. It's a big loss for the rotation, but it just wasn't in our budget to sign a sub-.500 pitcher w/a career 4.32 ERA to a 5year/$65million contract.
After swinging and missing on a couple big name free agents, the Cardinals decided to plug some holes with a few role players. We signed RF Jack Torre to a 3 year deal, SP Gaylord Bonds to shore up the rotation, and RP Juan Fernandez/Merv Witt to bring some veteran leadership to the bullpen. We also picked up youngster Aurelio Mendoza in the Rule V draft and hope he can turn into a double-play inducing machine (95gb) in the bullpen.
In the end, we'll continue to rely on all-stars Danny Smoltz and Homer Bush to fuel the offense, and Takashi Yamakazi to lead the pitching staff. As they go, so goes the Cardinals!
Columbus Buckeyes Columbus, OH- After last seasons 88-74 finish and 1st ever franchise playoff appearance, there is much optimism in Columbus for the upcoming Buckeye baseball season. Last year was only the third time in franchise history finishing at .500 or better, two of seasons coming in the last 3 seasons under new manager tdfactory.
This season sees a few losses through FA, most notably CF Santos Siquerios, who came to Columbus through trade last year along with rising LF prospect Renyel Tejeda and veteran LF Carlos Molina. Molina provided 16 HR's and 40 RBI's with a solid BA in just over 200 AB's with CLB last season and Tejeda is expected to come up to the big club at some point this season, so even though Siquerious was lost, the trade still seems to be a good one. Also, lost through FA was Dallas Parrott, SP, who wanted to test the FA market. Although CLB had Parrott in their long term plans, the bidding went too high and Parrott flew the nest. In addition, during FA, CLB was bidding on Karim Garces to provide solid back end bullpen help, but again, the bidding went too high for tdfactory's liking.
Turning to the FA acquisitions, CLB added veteran arm Octavio Rivera to eat some innings and bullpen help with reliever Joey Dellucci. Bob Jacobs was added to provide help in the middle infield. CLB also expects to see some production up from the farm this season at some point from LF Renyel Tejeda, 1B Ryan Meusel, and 2B Les Rivera.
CLB did make one trade in the offseason, acquiring young catcher Vin Lopez, who should also make his way to the big club during the course of the season. Vin was acquired in a trade with Chicago, as CLB gave up infield prospect Sale Long.
Overall expectations are that there will be another solid playoff run, back to back .500+ seasons for the first time and if they can make the playoffs, hopefully be in a position to make it past the first round. Hopes are high in Columbus, Go Buckeyes!
Helena Grizzlies Key losses: Marino Gomez, Mitchell Spencer, Roger Herndon, Bart Pellow and Corey Sheffield
Key Additions: Geraldo Arias, Alberto Andrus, Miguel Barcelo and Harry Moya
Key Rookies: None
The Helena’s Grizzles are getting a peek at the challenges of being a champion. Let’s take a moment to add up the damage. Marino Gomez takes his 2 gold gloves and 20/20 ability to Nashville. Mitchell Spencer and his 26 Home Runs, 98 RBI moved east to Detroit. 3 time All Start and Gold Glover, Roger Herndon was dealt to Little Rock. Corey Sheffield who pitched 6 innings of shutout relief in game 7 of the World Series and compiled a 7-1 record in the regular season signed with Huntington. And finally, Bart Pellow, who pitched 20 post season innings with a 0.89 ERA has yet to sign a deal. The good news is that Miguel Barcelo should give Helena a much deeper starting rotation and Geraldo Arias is a ideal #2 hitter to hit behind Helena’s prize leadoff hitter Yorman Costilla. If the Grizzles can stay healthy, they should be able to get back into the playoffs, but will be hard pressed to re-create the magic that delivered the World Series championship in season 18.
Oakland Golden Bears FA Lost: 1B Al Navarro and SS Marty Wayne (although they are still on the market)
FA Signings: SP Daisuke Suzuki and SS Myron Sparks
Trades: None yet but are working on a deal to be announced soon I hope.
After shocking many last season by taking a early lead in the AL West last season, the Golden Bears ran out of gas down the stretch and finished with a second consecutive 74-88 campaign. With GM z's younger talent still making their way to the bigs, Oakland is looking to finish at or above .500 for the first time since season 10.
Although we did lose two starters from the infield last season, we sign Sparks to replace Wayne at SS, and called up Nigel Michalak to play 1B. Michalak should bring some added power to an already strong batting lineup in Richards and Rigby to name a few.
Suzuki should hopefully stablize our rotation that will have plenty of spot starters making appearances this season. Still looking to improve a good bullpen but we will have to see what happens. Either way, the Golden Bears didn't finish in the basement of the division last season and we look for build on that success this season and maybe make a run at the WIld Card if we get lucky.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Season Previews - Second Batch
Jackson Rebels
FA Lost: P Marc Westmoreland, P Eddie Strange and OF Heinie Heredia (although he is still on the market)
FA Signings: Re-signed setup Angel Ortiz
Trades: None
The Rebels will be looking to wreak some havoc in the AL South this year. The squad has been hanging around the .500 mark the past few seasons and is looking to distance itself from that point.
The offense should be firing on all cylinders with 2-time AL MVP Lyle Daly leading the way. With the middle infield tandem of Dee Thompson and Fernando Segui setting the table at the top of the lineup, Daly should have plenty of RBI opportunities. Rookie David Siqueiros is the only notable call-up and will get the starting nod in left field.
This pitching staff needs to step up this season with the losses of Westmoreland and Strange. Hopes are high that young starter Stuart Schrenk rebounds from a subpar rookie season. The same goes for closer Nash Messmer, who, in my opinion had an off year despite 39 saves. Yonder Santos will be counted on to lead the staff as he slides into the #1 spot in the rotation.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Key Additions: 3B Vic Cruz, 1B/COF Dan Russ
Key Losses: COF Jack Torre, COF Scott Boswell
Key Rookies: RP Sammy Danks
The core of our team remains intact with the pitching built around Shumpert and the offense around Seneca. Our major offseason moment was Seneca deciding not to opt out of his contract. As the franchise is still dealing with the two worst contracts I've ever handed out (I must have been drunk that day) in Garrett Parris and Chico Tavarez, there was very little in the way of financial resources available to fill the holes we needed. As a result, the low cost veteran players that were signed to replace Torre and Boswell will certainly be downgrades. There was also turnover in some of the role players in the bullpen. We have high expectations for Danks to help Jacobsen and Duran anchor the high leverage innings while some fringe players were called up as innings eaters to replace the other lost innings. Despite the overall slight downgrade in the talent on the roster, expectations are still high and I'll be constantly looking for ways to upgrade the bottom of the rotation as well as 2B, 3B and RF. The team is still built with solid pitching at the top with Shumpert and Telemaco and excellent defense, though the offense (outside of Seneca) is pretty pedestrian. I expect the team to win the division again, and hope that Shumpert will get hot in the playoffs and we can ride his arm to a WS.
Detroit Wolverines
S18: 61-101 (Dead last in the entire ML)
Last season was a major disappointment, the only bright spot is that we'll get the #1 pick to grab a franchise building player as long as we don't hit the 200 loss mark. The offseason instead of putting money into the Int'l market we decided to be spenders in FA so that we don't get our beloved GM fired. Mitchell Spencer and Kevin Xaio were brought in to both help the offense and the defense; also signed was Santos Siquerios who can play any position and defensive catcher Tito Banks. Defensive C Chip Parker and slugging 1B Aaron Scelfo will get called up from AAA to help out this season, more than likely after the arb date passes. Our pitching staff will see a lot of new faces, signing Terry Clayton, Jose Javier, and Hod Ferrell this offseason while trading for Augie Suzuki. We also have plans for Ivan Cabellero to be called up from AAA and possibly Bonk Price from AA. We have almost as many new faces this season in Detroit as familiar ones from last season which is probably a good thing. Winning the division is probably out of reach so the goal this season is to stay under 98 losses, find that franchise #1 draft pick, and keep shopping Eliezar Arrojo.
Dover Fightin' Blue Hens
Dover went to the world series in season 17 and then was a .500 team in season 18. Management has to figure out whether that was a trend or an anomaly. Dover is building from within, and a number of prospects are ready. Vinny Masato will be promoted to join a rotation led by Dante Li and youngster Ednison Ramirez. Terry Clayton left for free agency. Anchoring the bullpen, Nick Robinson will try to break his own single season save record, and set the career saves mark as well.
On the offense, there are at least 3 spots up for grabs. SS Melky Baez and CF Jamie Lowry look to grab two of them. Rookie of the Year RF Al Bittle will seek to avoid a sophomore slump, and is an able replacement for departed Hamlet Darwin. This is a team built more for speed and defense than power.
Projection: The team will be improved and competing for a division title; how much else is anyone's guess.
Cincinnati Bearcats
FA Lost: P Marc Westmoreland, P Eddie Strange and OF Heinie Heredia (although he is still on the market)
FA Signings: Re-signed setup Angel Ortiz
Trades: None
The Rebels will be looking to wreak some havoc in the AL South this year. The squad has been hanging around the .500 mark the past few seasons and is looking to distance itself from that point.
The offense should be firing on all cylinders with 2-time AL MVP Lyle Daly leading the way. With the middle infield tandem of Dee Thompson and Fernando Segui setting the table at the top of the lineup, Daly should have plenty of RBI opportunities. Rookie David Siqueiros is the only notable call-up and will get the starting nod in left field.
This pitching staff needs to step up this season with the losses of Westmoreland and Strange. Hopes are high that young starter Stuart Schrenk rebounds from a subpar rookie season. The same goes for closer Nash Messmer, who, in my opinion had an off year despite 39 saves. Yonder Santos will be counted on to lead the staff as he slides into the #1 spot in the rotation.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Key Additions: 3B Vic Cruz, 1B/COF Dan Russ
Key Losses: COF Jack Torre, COF Scott Boswell
Key Rookies: RP Sammy Danks
The core of our team remains intact with the pitching built around Shumpert and the offense around Seneca. Our major offseason moment was Seneca deciding not to opt out of his contract. As the franchise is still dealing with the two worst contracts I've ever handed out (I must have been drunk that day) in Garrett Parris and Chico Tavarez, there was very little in the way of financial resources available to fill the holes we needed. As a result, the low cost veteran players that were signed to replace Torre and Boswell will certainly be downgrades. There was also turnover in some of the role players in the bullpen. We have high expectations for Danks to help Jacobsen and Duran anchor the high leverage innings while some fringe players were called up as innings eaters to replace the other lost innings. Despite the overall slight downgrade in the talent on the roster, expectations are still high and I'll be constantly looking for ways to upgrade the bottom of the rotation as well as 2B, 3B and RF. The team is still built with solid pitching at the top with Shumpert and Telemaco and excellent defense, though the offense (outside of Seneca) is pretty pedestrian. I expect the team to win the division again, and hope that Shumpert will get hot in the playoffs and we can ride his arm to a WS.
Detroit Wolverines
S18: 61-101 (Dead last in the entire ML)
Last season was a major disappointment, the only bright spot is that we'll get the #1 pick to grab a franchise building player as long as we don't hit the 200 loss mark. The offseason instead of putting money into the Int'l market we decided to be spenders in FA so that we don't get our beloved GM fired. Mitchell Spencer and Kevin Xaio were brought in to both help the offense and the defense; also signed was Santos Siquerios who can play any position and defensive catcher Tito Banks. Defensive C Chip Parker and slugging 1B Aaron Scelfo will get called up from AAA to help out this season, more than likely after the arb date passes. Our pitching staff will see a lot of new faces, signing Terry Clayton, Jose Javier, and Hod Ferrell this offseason while trading for Augie Suzuki. We also have plans for Ivan Cabellero to be called up from AAA and possibly Bonk Price from AA. We have almost as many new faces this season in Detroit as familiar ones from last season which is probably a good thing. Winning the division is probably out of reach so the goal this season is to stay under 98 losses, find that franchise #1 draft pick, and keep shopping Eliezar Arrojo.
Dover Fightin' Blue Hens
Dover went to the world series in season 17 and then was a .500 team in season 18. Management has to figure out whether that was a trend or an anomaly. Dover is building from within, and a number of prospects are ready. Vinny Masato will be promoted to join a rotation led by Dante Li and youngster Ednison Ramirez. Terry Clayton left for free agency. Anchoring the bullpen, Nick Robinson will try to break his own single season save record, and set the career saves mark as well.
On the offense, there are at least 3 spots up for grabs. SS Melky Baez and CF Jamie Lowry look to grab two of them. Rookie of the Year RF Al Bittle will seek to avoid a sophomore slump, and is an able replacement for departed Hamlet Darwin. This is a team built more for speed and defense than power.
Projection: The team will be improved and competing for a division title; how much else is anyone's guess.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats are hoping to
continue their slow, steady climb toward respectability in the always tough AL
North. The win total has improved each of the last four seasons, now the
Bearcats are poised to improve a little more, though not yet ready to compete for the top spot in the
division. Kimera Quinn and Lyle Hughes were lost to Free Agency. Ramon
HIgashioka and Hamlet Darwin were Free Agent signees. Promising left hander,
Mateo Miro, was dealt to division rival Portland in
exchange for Andres Rodriguez and Eswalin Calderone. Miro promises to pay
dividends for Portland this season while Rodriguez and Calderone figure into
the Bearcats long range plans. Rookies
Jose Sosa (dh/1b), Neftali Lucano (ss), Juan Posada (sp), Matthew Cox (rp), and
Junior Gutierrez (lrp) will start the season on the Major League team. Each of the rookies has complementary strengths that should
improve the team, though none are super star, or even all-star quality.
Overall, the addition of Darwin and Sosa gives the Bearcats more punch. Lucano is an improvement at ss. Higashioks should be a
reliable rotation contributor and Cox and Gutierrez will shore up the pen. On
paper, the Bearcats should challenge for a playoff spot and a second place
finish in the AL North.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Season Previews - First Batch
Charlotte Tar Heels
The Tar Heels look to follow up the best season in team history with another NL East Division Crown and bye in the playoffs. Arguments were put forth in the front office not to make too many changes by the "if its not broke, don't fix it" mentality. However, AD hopkinsheel is always looking to improve as he knows the other 31 teams are doing the same...when you're at the top, you can't stay fat and happy, there is always something to be done.
Key FA Added: None so far
Key FA Lost: None so far
Trades: We went into the offseason wanting to bring in some good bullpen prospects and feel like we accomplished that task.The Heels made a whopper of a deal with Little Rock. Several trades went back and forth and the players changed dramatically before the Heels and Razorbacks swapped aces while also giving up top of the line defensive CF Jose Gandarilla and getting back a couple of nice bullpen prospects. We never thought we'd give up Fausto Giminez, but feel like swapping him for Brandon Gragg was a fair move to facilitate the other piece to the puzzle. We have several good CF prospects we want to bring up who are much cheaper and we had zero bullpen prospects in the minors. We've also had a crush on Brandon Gragg since he was drafted and hope to keep him around until he retires. We also shipped out Randy Browne who has been a stalwart defensive catcher for a long time to bring back another good bullpen prospect. Not easy to give up Browne, but again, we have a couple really good, younger defensive catcher we feel are as good or better than what Browne brings to the table.
Rookies: We strongly believe in constantly bringing in an influx of rookies to supplement our veteran roster. We have several prospects who look to make their debut this season.
2B Arthur Haynes will make his debut this season as a utility guy while evenntually taking over LF from the aging Ronnie Hamill who we brought back for another campaign.
C Marshall Damon will step in as a backup catcher and nice bat off the bench
C Lyle Baptist will be brought up primarily as a great bat off the bench, but also as an emergency catcher.
SP Al Ortiz should make his debut as a long reliever/spot starter.
RP Al Trammel looks to be the third piece to the puzzle in the bullpen.
Outlook: We feel really strongly about this season. NL East Crown and Playoff Bye are our priorities. The playoffs are always a crapshoot as we've been bounced the last couple seasons by teams with lesser records, but we'd like to play well during the regular season to give us the best shot at the "Crapshoot." Should be a fun season!
Syracuse Orange
Players Lost: Kiki Vazquez, Matty Bohanon, Howard Cora, Clyde Jodie, Kenneth Wall, Torey Feliz, Pasqual Navarre,
Players Added: Vasco Mendoza, Marc Everhart, Joaquin Bautista, Andres Rosario (acquired late in season 18)
Rookies on the Way: Russell Relaford, Buddy Ferguson (Buddy’s probably still a year away)
Outlook: For almost two years now the Orange has been in a rebuilding mode. We hit rock bottom about half way thru last season and the growth has begun. We’re not there yet. None of the prospects that we received in trading away long-time all stars have made the major league squad as of yet.
Last season we had nothing but a bunch of #4 and #5 starters. This year we have a couple pretty good ones in Andres Rosario and rookie Bobby LaPorta.
We do feel that we are going to be a step / step and a half better this season. I’m guessing we could be a .500 team and if things go right could add a few more wins which would put us in a wild card race. We look forward to adding Russell Relaford to the team early in the season. He’s our catcher of the future and can rake.
Richmond Spiders
FA Lost: None of note
FA Signed: None of note
Trades: None
Rookies to debut: Former 1st-rd pick Miguel Ramirez will be promoted as a bench bat and occasional backup at C. Jaime Reed and Daryl Redmond (acquired as prospects in past trades) will be promoted to platoon in CF. Former 1st-rd pick Turner Sanford will be added to the rotation.
Season Outlook: This has been a boring offseason for Richmond as we continue to progress along the rebuilding path. We won 80 games last season and most of that young team will return. We are going to have some minor net upgrades from the promotions listed above, but the ceiling for this team is still going to be fighting at the edge of the wild card, and the likely outcome will probably be similar to last season. If we overachieve, there may be some early promotions of a couple impact players as reinforcements towards the end of the season, but more likely those players will continue their necessary development in AAA and be ready for next season. Player payroll has been minimized through youth and value FA signings which should allow us to command the international market. This should be the last “rebuilding” season in Richmond and we expect to start trending upwards next season.
Huntington Thundering Herd
Notable Additions: C Randy Browne, C Ted Brock, 2B Robert Frederick, 3B Tomas Navarro, LF Gabe Price, LF Max Peterson, CF Matt Aspromonte, SP Kevin Ryu, SP Dallas Parrott, RP Lyle Hughes, RP Ruben Javier, RP Corey Sheffield, RP P.T. Gryboski
Notable Losses: 3B Marc Everhart, 2B Kevin Xaio, C Bill Saipe, 1B Mark Starr, C Ron Montgomery, Most of the bullpen
What’s new? A lot. 3 new SP, 4 new RP…new LF, 2B, 3B, C, and CF…not to mention a remade bench. After falling from 101 wins in S17 to 76 in S18, and with a ton of free salary going into FA, we made the conscious decision to really go after improving our team. We signed 16 free agents (re-signed 6 of those) and really spent on pitching. The offensive improvements weren’t really available, but most teams should not struggle in Huntington offensively. We picked up a couple ace pitchers, and managed to not overspend on a couple other free agents. Even though we got worse offensively, defensively and pitching wise we are better. This should be enough to not endure another losing season and I fully expect to be back in the playoffs this season. Even better, we only have ~$35M committed next season for another set of FA runs. We feel that we are primed for an extended run of success over the next few seasons.
Boise Broncos
The Boise Broncos will be turning things around this year and be on the winning track thanks to 3 major off season signings, one key trade and a few maturing young stars. The pitching staff received some much needed support through free agency when we picked up starter Marc Westmoreland, and two solid bullpen guys in Victor Diaz and Karim Garces. All three should be significant contributors this year. Add that to starter Chris Dawkins and one year older and better Paredes Mendoza and our staff should be solid. We solidified our RF position by trading for Bartolo Espinosa who has a good glove and steady bat. The team is solid defensively up the middle and we have two stars at the corners with Lee and Chavez. Also, just a breath away in AAA is Parish at SS, Dreifort in LF, Ortiz in Center and Carlos Jose on the mound. Things will only get better.
Memphis Tigers
Players Added: Scooter Dillon 2b
Key Players Lost: None
Key Transactions: Signed Welington Velez to a 3yr/$18.5M contract
Rookies to watch for: Lee Golub CF
During the offseason, Tigers Management attempted to pounce by adding a couple of top tier free agents to bolster their lineup and rotation, only to come up short in negotiations. While only making a slight upgrade in the middle infield, management was left scrambling to make any significant additions and changes by the end of the signing period. The Tigers roar into the season with a familiar look, while top prospect Lee Golub looks to be the everyday centerfielder . But, with the long season ahead a couple of other Tiger Cubs could find their way to the big league club.
After being in the thick of last season’s wild card race, a late season collapse left the Tigers tumbling to a losing record and out of contention. Expectations in Tiger Town this offseason were high, hoping to add a couple of pieces to propel the team over the hump. But while those plans unraveled, we are still optimistic of having a modest season and improving upon last season. Look for top pitching prospect Chili Carver to get the nod before season’s end, especially if the rotation goes cold and struggles.
Philadelphia Owls
Key Players Lost : 3B Vasco Mendoza.
Key Transactions : Only one trade(Mendoza) to make space on my payroll.
Rookie expected to contribute: Julio Andrus RP
Owls are rebuilding. They are not expecting great things from the team but some individual could put great numbers on the board. Offensively, this team can compete with young third baseman Frieri Santiago, veteran second baseman Miller Kotsay, right fielder B.C. Polanco and DH Everth Manzanillo. The rotation, lead by young Carlos Martinez, will need some help but there is not much help coming soon in the minors except for Shigetoshi Tabaka who is one year away. The future looks brighter with 2B Terrell Kelly, SP Tabaka, SS Emmanuel Villa, catcher Phil Strickland and RP Francisco Soto. We hope to send a better team on the field very soon.
Nashville Commodores
Expectations are running high in Nashville this season as the Commodores look to improve on last seasons DCS loss. The Commodores rebuilt 3/4ths of their infield with the FA additions of 2B James Hernandez,
3B Marino Gomez and SS Emmanuel Castillo . C Jose Johnson and Utl Willie Berroa were also acqured in FA to provide help off the bench. The addition of Pedro Duran via FA will add depth to the pitching staff. Rookies DH Victor Urbina and Tanyon Allen will be called up early in the season and should contribute right away.
The Tar Heels look to follow up the best season in team history with another NL East Division Crown and bye in the playoffs. Arguments were put forth in the front office not to make too many changes by the "if its not broke, don't fix it" mentality. However, AD hopkinsheel is always looking to improve as he knows the other 31 teams are doing the same...when you're at the top, you can't stay fat and happy, there is always something to be done.
Key FA Added: None so far
Key FA Lost: None so far
Trades: We went into the offseason wanting to bring in some good bullpen prospects and feel like we accomplished that task.The Heels made a whopper of a deal with Little Rock. Several trades went back and forth and the players changed dramatically before the Heels and Razorbacks swapped aces while also giving up top of the line defensive CF Jose Gandarilla and getting back a couple of nice bullpen prospects. We never thought we'd give up Fausto Giminez, but feel like swapping him for Brandon Gragg was a fair move to facilitate the other piece to the puzzle. We have several good CF prospects we want to bring up who are much cheaper and we had zero bullpen prospects in the minors. We've also had a crush on Brandon Gragg since he was drafted and hope to keep him around until he retires. We also shipped out Randy Browne who has been a stalwart defensive catcher for a long time to bring back another good bullpen prospect. Not easy to give up Browne, but again, we have a couple really good, younger defensive catcher we feel are as good or better than what Browne brings to the table.
Rookies: We strongly believe in constantly bringing in an influx of rookies to supplement our veteran roster. We have several prospects who look to make their debut this season.
2B Arthur Haynes will make his debut this season as a utility guy while evenntually taking over LF from the aging Ronnie Hamill who we brought back for another campaign.
C Marshall Damon will step in as a backup catcher and nice bat off the bench
C Lyle Baptist will be brought up primarily as a great bat off the bench, but also as an emergency catcher.
SP Al Ortiz should make his debut as a long reliever/spot starter.
RP Al Trammel looks to be the third piece to the puzzle in the bullpen.
Outlook: We feel really strongly about this season. NL East Crown and Playoff Bye are our priorities. The playoffs are always a crapshoot as we've been bounced the last couple seasons by teams with lesser records, but we'd like to play well during the regular season to give us the best shot at the "Crapshoot." Should be a fun season!
Syracuse Orange
Players Lost: Kiki Vazquez, Matty Bohanon, Howard Cora, Clyde Jodie, Kenneth Wall, Torey Feliz, Pasqual Navarre,
Players Added: Vasco Mendoza, Marc Everhart, Joaquin Bautista, Andres Rosario (acquired late in season 18)
Rookies on the Way: Russell Relaford, Buddy Ferguson (Buddy’s probably still a year away)
Outlook: For almost two years now the Orange has been in a rebuilding mode. We hit rock bottom about half way thru last season and the growth has begun. We’re not there yet. None of the prospects that we received in trading away long-time all stars have made the major league squad as of yet.
Last season we had nothing but a bunch of #4 and #5 starters. This year we have a couple pretty good ones in Andres Rosario and rookie Bobby LaPorta.
We do feel that we are going to be a step / step and a half better this season. I’m guessing we could be a .500 team and if things go right could add a few more wins which would put us in a wild card race. We look forward to adding Russell Relaford to the team early in the season. He’s our catcher of the future and can rake.
Richmond Spiders
FA Lost: None of note
FA Signed: None of note
Trades: None
Rookies to debut: Former 1st-rd pick Miguel Ramirez will be promoted as a bench bat and occasional backup at C. Jaime Reed and Daryl Redmond (acquired as prospects in past trades) will be promoted to platoon in CF. Former 1st-rd pick Turner Sanford will be added to the rotation.
Season Outlook: This has been a boring offseason for Richmond as we continue to progress along the rebuilding path. We won 80 games last season and most of that young team will return. We are going to have some minor net upgrades from the promotions listed above, but the ceiling for this team is still going to be fighting at the edge of the wild card, and the likely outcome will probably be similar to last season. If we overachieve, there may be some early promotions of a couple impact players as reinforcements towards the end of the season, but more likely those players will continue their necessary development in AAA and be ready for next season. Player payroll has been minimized through youth and value FA signings which should allow us to command the international market. This should be the last “rebuilding” season in Richmond and we expect to start trending upwards next season.
Huntington Thundering Herd
Notable Additions: C Randy Browne, C Ted Brock, 2B Robert Frederick, 3B Tomas Navarro, LF Gabe Price, LF Max Peterson, CF Matt Aspromonte, SP Kevin Ryu, SP Dallas Parrott, RP Lyle Hughes, RP Ruben Javier, RP Corey Sheffield, RP P.T. Gryboski
Notable Losses: 3B Marc Everhart, 2B Kevin Xaio, C Bill Saipe, 1B Mark Starr, C Ron Montgomery, Most of the bullpen
What’s new? A lot. 3 new SP, 4 new RP…new LF, 2B, 3B, C, and CF…not to mention a remade bench. After falling from 101 wins in S17 to 76 in S18, and with a ton of free salary going into FA, we made the conscious decision to really go after improving our team. We signed 16 free agents (re-signed 6 of those) and really spent on pitching. The offensive improvements weren’t really available, but most teams should not struggle in Huntington offensively. We picked up a couple ace pitchers, and managed to not overspend on a couple other free agents. Even though we got worse offensively, defensively and pitching wise we are better. This should be enough to not endure another losing season and I fully expect to be back in the playoffs this season. Even better, we only have ~$35M committed next season for another set of FA runs. We feel that we are primed for an extended run of success over the next few seasons.
Boise Broncos
The Boise Broncos will be turning things around this year and be on the winning track thanks to 3 major off season signings, one key trade and a few maturing young stars. The pitching staff received some much needed support through free agency when we picked up starter Marc Westmoreland, and two solid bullpen guys in Victor Diaz and Karim Garces. All three should be significant contributors this year. Add that to starter Chris Dawkins and one year older and better Paredes Mendoza and our staff should be solid. We solidified our RF position by trading for Bartolo Espinosa who has a good glove and steady bat. The team is solid defensively up the middle and we have two stars at the corners with Lee and Chavez. Also, just a breath away in AAA is Parish at SS, Dreifort in LF, Ortiz in Center and Carlos Jose on the mound. Things will only get better.
Memphis Tigers
Players Added: Scooter Dillon 2b
Key Players Lost: None
Key Transactions: Signed Welington Velez to a 3yr/$18.5M contract
Rookies to watch for: Lee Golub CF
During the offseason, Tigers Management attempted to pounce by adding a couple of top tier free agents to bolster their lineup and rotation, only to come up short in negotiations. While only making a slight upgrade in the middle infield, management was left scrambling to make any significant additions and changes by the end of the signing period. The Tigers roar into the season with a familiar look, while top prospect Lee Golub looks to be the everyday centerfielder . But, with the long season ahead a couple of other Tiger Cubs could find their way to the big league club.
After being in the thick of last season’s wild card race, a late season collapse left the Tigers tumbling to a losing record and out of contention. Expectations in Tiger Town this offseason were high, hoping to add a couple of pieces to propel the team over the hump. But while those plans unraveled, we are still optimistic of having a modest season and improving upon last season. Look for top pitching prospect Chili Carver to get the nod before season’s end, especially if the rotation goes cold and struggles.
Philadelphia Owls
Key Players Lost : 3B Vasco Mendoza.
Key Transactions : Only one trade(Mendoza) to make space on my payroll.
Rookie expected to contribute: Julio Andrus RP
Owls are rebuilding. They are not expecting great things from the team but some individual could put great numbers on the board. Offensively, this team can compete with young third baseman Frieri Santiago, veteran second baseman Miller Kotsay, right fielder B.C. Polanco and DH Everth Manzanillo. The rotation, lead by young Carlos Martinez, will need some help but there is not much help coming soon in the minors except for Shigetoshi Tabaka who is one year away. The future looks brighter with 2B Terrell Kelly, SP Tabaka, SS Emmanuel Villa, catcher Phil Strickland and RP Francisco Soto. We hope to send a better team on the field very soon.
Nashville Commodores
Expectations are running high in Nashville this season as the Commodores look to improve on last seasons DCS loss. The Commodores rebuilt 3/4ths of their infield with the FA additions of 2B James Hernandez,
3B Marino Gomez and SS Emmanuel Castillo . C Jose Johnson and Utl Willie Berroa were also acqured in FA to provide help off the bench. The addition of Pedro Duran via FA will add depth to the pitching staff. Rookies DH Victor Urbina and Tanyon Allen will be called up early in the season and should contribute right away.
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