Top RF

TOP RF courtesy of hurricane384

1. Franklin Cornelius (LR)
Far and away the best hitter in RF, maybe in the world, Cornelius doesn't strike out, hits for elite power, and can work the count. He drives the ball well. Has a good arm.

Franklin Cornelius Little Rock Razorbacks Age: 28 B/T: S/L Born: Hammond, WI Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Justin Crosby (IA)
Has elite power. Makes good contact. Drives the ball well. Has a good eye. Very good defensive RF.

Justin Crosby Iowa City Hawkeyes Age: 28 B/T: L/L Born: Oakland, NJ Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Doug Sullivan (HUN)
Struggles against RHP but dominates LHP. Strikes out at a little bit higher clip than most, but has power to make up for it. He knows how to work the count. Not a good defender.

Doug Sullivan Huntington Thundering Herd Age: 31 B/T: R/R Born: Phoenix, AZ Position(s): RF/1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Brian Komatsu (RIC)
5. Marino Terrero (NY2)
6. Terrence Shields (CH2)
7. Dante Itou (CHA)
8. Gorkys James (BOI)
9. Paul Igarashi (HEL)
10. Mateo Lugo (PHI)

TOP CF

Top CF courtesy of hurricane384

1. Albert Garza (FAR)
Although not an elite defender, Garza makes up for that with a great eye and good ratings across the board. He is weaker against RHP than he is against LHP. Good power and good contact. Good speed and good baserunner.

Albert Garza Fargo Bison Age: 31 B/T: R/R Born: Barahona, DO Position(s): CF/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Markus Crosby (HUN)
Has quality range and a solid glove. Doesn't strike out too much. Has some power. Drives the ball well. Has a good eye. Runs the bases poorly, but at least he's fast.

Markus Crosby Huntington Thundering Herd Age: 28 B/T: S/R Born: Muldrow, OK Position(s): CF/1B/MIF/OF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Bernie Diaz (MIN)
Dominates RHP while doing well against LHP. Average power. Makes solid contact usually. Has the range for CF but lacks the glove. Average speed. Solid eye.

Bernie Diaz Minnesota Golden Gophers Age: 28 B/T: S/R Born: Santo Domingo, DO Position(s): CF/2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Craig Parrish (CHR)
5. Benji Ramirez (BUF)
6. Henry Knight (RIC)
7. Jaime Lowery (DOV)
8. Len Whitesell (CIN)
9. Geoff Snyder (OAK)
10. Dwight Wood (LOU)

TOP LF

Top LF courtesy of hurricane384

1. Doug Treadway (ARI)
Treadway rarely strikes out while maintaining elite power. He drives the ball consistently. He's got an above average eye. Good baserunner...good range in the field, even if his glove leaves something to be desired.

Doug Treadway Arizona Lumberjacks Age: 23 B/T: L/L Born: Grinnell, IA Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Tomas Olmedo (CHA)
Olmedo doesn't strike out too much. Has solid power to go along with a very good eye. Drives the ball well. Has good speed and is a good baserunner. Mediocre defender.

Tomas Olmedo Charlotte Tar Heels Age: 33 B/T: S/R Born: Remidios, CU Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Miguel Cerda (CHR)
Doesn't strike out much and has solid power. Struggles against LHP.  Tremendous eye with great speed and baserunning combo.

Miguel Cerda Charleston Cougars Age: 28 B/T: L/L Born: Ciudad Juarez, MX Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Angel Sanchez (SAL)
5. Hugh Bell (MEM)
6. Andrea Nelson (HUN)
7. Eliezer Arrojo (OAK)
8. Jimmie Delgado (FAR)
9. Wandy Cedeno (LAA)
10. Endy Latham (LOU)

Top SS

Top SS courtesy of hurricane384


1. Melky Baez (DOV)
Lacks ideal defensive ability to be a SS, but more than makes up for it with great offensive ability. Power, average, XBH, he does it all...except for maybe work the count.

Melky Baez Dover Fightin Blue Hens Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Cabimas, VE Position(s): SS/3B/2B/OF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Pedro Gonzales (POR)
Tremendous power. Dominates LHP but struggles against RHP. Doesn't strike out but can't work the count too well. Struggles defensively, but his offensive ability makes up for it.

Pedro Gonzales Portland Ducks Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Don Gregorio, DO Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Eddie Padden (BUF)
Strikes out a lot, but has solid power, Drives the ball well. Works the count. Solid but not spectacular defender.

Eddie Padden Buffalo Bulls Age: 32 B/T: L/R Born: Milwaukee, WI Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Felix Dunston (NY2)
5. Christopher Jenkins (MEM)
6. Buck Justice (CIN)
7. Juan Dali (PHI)
8. Collin Hartley (RIC)
9. Fernando Segui (JAC)
10. Emmanuel Villa (PHI)

Top 3B

Top 3B courtesy of hurricane 384

1. Frieri Santiago (PHI)
Doesn't strike out. Hits for good power. Drives the ball well. Can work the count. Is a good defender.

Frieri Santiago Philadelphia Owls Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Marietta, OH Position(s): 3B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Douglas Lawrie (DET)
Drives the ball well against LHP while being solid against RHP. Has a good eye. Very good defender. Good power. Good contact.

Douglas Lawrie Detroit Wolverines Age: 24 B/T: L/R Born: Boston, MA Position(s): 3B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Luis Cortes (CHA)
Big-time power. Makes solid contact. Drives the ball well. Solid eye. Good defender.

Luis Cortes Charlotte Tar Heels Age: 27 B/T: S/R Born: Ciudad Obregon, MX Position(s): 3B/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Philip Rigby (OAK)
5. Danny Smoltz (LR)
6. Odalis Velazquez (NY2)
7. Ebenezer Zimmerman (BUF)
8. Tony Kim (LAA)
9. Juan Gonzalez (MIN)
10. Milton Hermanson (SAL)

Top 2B

Top 2B courtesy of hurricane384

1. Saul Martin (CHR)
Martin has the speed to lead off, the power to anchor a lineup and the eye to get on base. Drives the ball well. Doesn't strike out too much. Plays solid defense.

Saul Martin Charleston Cougars Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Boca Chica, DO Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2. Ezdra Pena (MIN)
Pena lacks power, but makes up for it with the ability to drive the ball well and get on base. When on base he has the speed and baserunning chops to do some damage. Solid defender. 

Ezdra Pena Minnesota Golden Gophers Age: 27 B/T: R/R Born: El Seibo, DO Position(s): LF/2B/RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3. Jesus Elcano (MIN) 
Makes a lot of contact, but not much power. Drives the ball well against LHP but not so great against RHP. Has a tremendous eye. Great speed and baserunning ability. Solid defender.

Jesus Elcano Minnesota Golden Gophers Age: 24 B/T: S/R Born: El Seibo, DO Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4. Terrell Kelly (PHI)
5. Brad Holt (RIC)
6. Arthur Haynes (CHA)
7. Les Rivera (CLB)
8. Dee Thompson (JAC)
9. Ricardo Ortiz (RIC)
10. Daryl Litsch (LR)

Season 23 Previews - Part 2

Richmond Spiders

Last season was obviously our big step out of the rebuild and into the competition at the top of the world. The ensuing playoff run resulted in Richmond’s first title. Coming into this season, there was pretty much one overriding theme: “If it isn’t broke…”

We didn’t have any free agents from last year’s team, and we didn’t bring anyone in either. Improvement will still come, but internally only. First, the team is still young enough that several of the position players are still on the upswing, so many of the guys from last year look even better this season. Then second, former first-round pick Ralph Small will be called up to man the hot corner full time. We almost pulled the trigger on Ralph at the end of last season, but ultimately decided to give him another offseason and spring training to develop. He will push some guys to more full-time bench roles, which should in turn improve the bench and overall depth.

We hope to make the playoffs again and then take a shot at defending the championship.

Kansas City Wildcats

The Kansas City Wildcats are still rebuilding. There are several players in the minors Louie Cook, Benny Ingram, Joc Patterson, and Harold K'aaihue that will be ready for the big club in the near future.The outlook for this year is trying to win 81 games.

Anaheim Trojans

Key Additions: Darrell Haywood (should fill the 4th or fifth starters roll), Albie Tejeda (a veteran who will play everyday until we promote some rookies)

Key Losses:None

Rookies to be called up: Vincente Carreras, Frank Pence 

We expect continued improvement this year. A possible wild card run if all goes well. The offense led by Wandy Cedeno, Tony Kim, and the rookie Carreras should be good enough to keep us in most games. The bullpen will once again be a strength, led by Buzz Beirne. The unknown for this team is starting pitching. There is some talent, but they are young and unproven. There is no starting pitching in the minors so we will have to live and die with the guys currently on the roster.

Cincinnati Bearcats

The Bearcats, sufferers from sub-500 seasons in a division that leaves no room for errors, appear to be on the road to recovery. Recovery, in this case, means a pulse and not a healthy heartbeat. Minnesota will be, well, Minnesota. Portland and Fargo are in building programs that have infused more talent into the Majors than the Bearcats have, so, the Bearcats promise to be better; but, nobody around here expects them to make the playoffs. There are just too many intra-division hurdles to clear.


Last year saw the 'Cats add some positive young talent. Albie Gomez (ss) and Jerry Hume (2b) give the 'Cats the best defensive keystone duo in the league. Jalal Bowman (dh and backup catcher) showed real power potential and promises to be a good fit for the home ballpark. Ricardo Arias (p) made a contribution to the starting staff and should be a reliable #4 starter.


This year, rookie Len Whitesell (cf) will be around for the full season. He had a cup of coffee in the Bigs last season and demonstrated the kind of top of the order offensive punch the 'Cats so sorely need.
Young arms in the bullpen had banner years. Beltre, Calderone, Song, and Lee had 1.92, 2.59,2.31, and 2.62 ERA's, respectively. Song added 36 saves.


The 'Cats have good reason for not being ready for prime time. Needs include a reliable left hand presence out of the pen, a #1 starter, and more punch out of the corner positions. The old problem of firing blanks in the draft has been cured. The last couple of drafts yielded excellent prospects. Incremental improvement is expected.

Memphis Tigers

Key Acquisitions: None
Key Players Lost: Ralph Myette SP (FA), Roger Herndon LF (Declined option)
The Tigers will return virtually the same lineup that finished 4th in the division last year, with Roger Herndon being the lone missing bat from last season. Management opted to let Herndon walk to free up salary in hopes of adding more power to the lineup, but fell short in those plans. The pitching staff will have a similar look as well. Chili Carver will continue to develop and gain experience while proving to be the ace of the staff. Cameron Cardona enters the rotation taking over for Myette, whom the Tigers had originally hoped to retain. Expectations entering the season will be mediocre at best, but Memphis will remain optimistic on improving upon last season.

Columbus Buckeyes

 Last season included a 12 win improvement over the prior season, another .500+ finish, and another 2nd place division finish, the 5th 2nd place finsih in 7 seasons with tdfactory at the helm. Fans are a bit restless and looking to make the playoffs again, but do acknowledge Coach tdfactory has put the program in better position than the first 15 years of the program prior to his arrival. 

Not many changes in Columbus this year from a player movement standpoint. P ALbert Rincon tested the FA market but ultimately returned to CLB. THe Bucks added backup C Che Jung and slected Utilitly infiielder Kevin McConnell from Louisvill int he Rule V draft. No players were lost to FA.

Former first round pick in Season 17, Hector Narveson, had an impressive Rookie campaign, appearing in 62 games, with a 9-2 record and 1 save, pithcing in 112 innings with a 2.88 ERA. Former Buck P-Dallas Parrott returned through trade to CLB last season from Huntington and is expected to add to a rotation that is veteran laden. Joey Delucci returns for one more season to be the closer, and former first rounder in Season 18, Stephen Harvey is expected to improve his contribution in the bullpen. 

In the field, 3B Thomas Fogg continues to be the main power source, with 1B Danny Sheffield looking to add to the Bucks offense in his 2nd season in CLB. Last seasons big FA acquisition, CF Everett Wood went down in spring training and missed over half of the season. When he was ready to go, he found that he had lost his job to a younger CF Al Bristow, who led off, had a .361 OBP and stole 64 bases, while adding 28 RBI and batting a respectable .278. Wood returned but only appeared in 85 games and never found his groove, hitting only .199 with 6 HR's. 
TDfactory hasnt decided at press time who will man the middle of the outfield, but both players are looking over their shoulder at pressure coming up from the farm. Two top prospects for the Bucks roam the great middle. Freddie Urich was a first round selection in Season 20 and had an outstanding season in AAA last year, belting 34 HR's, 108 RBI, stealing 28 bags, and hitting .271. This writer feels the veteran Wood will get the start, but if he falters, Bristow has proven he can handle the job, but most likely a flatering Wood would be dealt and Urich would get a chance to take over. How long Urich has the job or Bristow is with the club depends on this seasons development of top pick Bill Daily, who will start the season in AA. He has potential, some solid power, a good eye and will give right handed pitchers plenty of headaches. THe Bucks don't want to rush him, but expectations for his career are high. 

The Bucks took a minimal change approach this offseason, expecting the veteran rotation to be able to hang on for another season and for the young fielders to continue to develop. It will either pay off with a playoff run, or if the Bucks are too far back at the trade deadline, some big names and contracts could be dealt. Should be an interesting season in Columbus.

Iowa City Hawkeyes

Not a whole lot to update with the Iowa franchise. Still looking for that elusive SP Crosby is getting older lost a veteran and only have 1 rookie worth bringing up.

Decided not to spend a lot of money on free agents and keep some for possible trades through the season. As well I will be looking for the SP on international market I hope.

Jackson Rebels

The Jackson Rebels had a very quiet off season outside of picking up Fernando Segui's option, there were no major moves.

Of course, the glue to this team is slugging RF Lyle Daly, Daly is looking to bounce back from the knee injury that caused him to miss out on the last 50+ games last season. Before the injury, he was well on his way to a career year (40 HRs, 94 RBI, 36 SB). Also looking to bounce back from injury is the young lefty Jordan Stephens...his injury occurred in his sixth start and he was out for the year. However, Yonder Santos is the ace of the staff and this has to be the year he starts earning that hefty paycheck. With closer Nash Messmer once again anchoring the bullpen, things look bright.

Hopes are high for this season, but then I again I say that every season and there is always a stretch that dooms the season.

Top 1B/DH

Top 1B/DH courtesy of hurricane384

1. Haywood Bryant (CHA)

Haywood Bryant Charlotte Tar Heels Age: 35 B/T: S/R Born: Nucla, CO Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Bryant strikes out a decent amount, but makes up for that with great power. He also drives the ball incredibly well against RHP and does well against LHP. He has a great eye too. 

2. Olmedo Acosta (SAL)

Olmedo Acosta Salem Beavers Age: 32 B/T: L/L Born: Monte Cristi, DO Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Great eye. Drives the ball well. Makes solid contact and has good power. Good speed for a 1B.


3. Nigel Michalak (OAK)

Nigel Michalak Oakland Golden Bears Age: 26 B/T: L/L Born: Red Hook, NY Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Drives the ball consistently well. Hits for some power. Makes good contact. Can work the count.

4. John Won (RIC)
5. Juan Rojas (OAK) DH
6. Danny Sheffield (CLB)
7. Terry Lee (PHI) DH
8. Elmer Hodges (NY2)
9. Aaron Scelfo (DET)
10. Stu Bryant (NY2) DH

Season 23 Team Previews - Part One

Charlotte Tar Heels

It feels like overnight my team got really old. Thats a bit meldramatic, but it seems like there are a lot more people hitting 30 or north of 30 and its screaming me in the face. Logically I should try to move some older guys for prospects, but I can't bring myself to do it. I'm going to ride these guys over the next few seasons and hopefully can grab another World Series Title before its all said and done.

Our goal this season is like the others. Win the division and earn a bye and then close my eyes and try not to choke it away. Last season we lost the division to our old nemisis the Orange, but feel pretty good about earning it back this season.

Every single player that makes up the Tar Heel core is back. We did part ways with starting SS Jason Snider and Utlity guy Sean Russell. We have solid, cheaper replacements available. SS Donte Kennedy, SS/CF/Util Albert Park, and C/RF Dave Champion will all be making their debuts in the Carolina Blue this season.

Syracuse Orange

Players Lost: LF Phil Yoshi (Type B. Player Declined Option), SP/RP Brian Masset (Player Declined Option), RP Ernest Silvesti, (Let as FA), RP B.C. Rosado, (Left as FA), Saul Manzanillo (Trade) 

Players Gained: Brian Masset (Re-signed), LF Thurman Stark (Promoted from AA), Utilityman Buddy Ferguson (Promoted from AAA)

This season is a tough call. Everything went right last year. Players that seem to always have one good/one bad season all had good seasons. So this year might see them drop off. 

This team is pretty much the same as last year. The best thing that we have going for us is that we've had two of the last four Rookies of the Year and they're now adding another season of their development. Top prospect Mario Hiljus, who probably was promoted a year or two early, should have a much better season as well. Thurman Stark was not expected to be on the ML squad until season 24 but we're throwing in the lineup after Phil Yoshi declined his option and left as a free agent. 

Hopefully we'll score runs while we continue to lean on the “Big Three” starting pitchers of Harry Guillen, Johnny Ryan and Chad Demel.

Boise Broncos

Boise Bronco Preview: The Broncos will look for improvement from a decidedly mediocre season primarily through the continued development of their young stars beginning with the emergence of Red Dreifort as a true offensive powerhouse in NL. Other key players that are expected to take a major step forward are Jose Ortiz in CF, Anthony Pavano in left and Julio Duran behind the plate. Other key veterans remain in place suck as the dependable Casey Keller at 3B, Herm O’Shea at 2b and in the leadoff spot and the slugging Gorkys James in RF. The pitching staff remains deep with anticipated positive development from Carlos Jose and Max Chavez. Last year’s surprise, Frankie Carreon, who proved he could pitch at the big league level, will round out the starting rotation with veterans Westmorland and Mendoza. The bullpen remains strong and the addition of FA Nick Regan as a long man will help the staff through the middle innings. Finally, some needed power was added to the bench with the FA signing of Raul Cabrera who has made the ML roster as a rookie. Boise is poised to make a run at the division.

Philadelphia Owls

Players Lost : Pitchers Einar Santos, Gregory Cloud, CF Al Petit and RF Ivan Bonilla. 

New players: 1B Greg Lush and C Clarence Christensen.

Rookies expected to contribute: LF Benji Guzman and SP Vernon Black.

We tried hard this off season to boost our line-up with power but other teams had more cash to spend on.

So, offensively, the team will again, count on third baseman Frieri Santiago, RF Mateo Lugo, CF Carlton Brooks, Greg Lush at 1B, DH Terry Lee. But, Juan Dali at short and Terrell Kelly at 2B will help the offense too, they now have one year experience in the ML. Rookie LF Benji Guzman should also contribute with his bat.
The rotation, lead by Carlos Martinez, is this year again, a question mark, hopefully the arrival of rookie Vernon Black will help. In the bullpen, everybody's back, it should be more than OK.

The future though, looks bright with lefty SP Marino Megias, SP Buddy Bravo, CF Julio Cueto and DH Dusty Malone. 

Don't be desperate Owls fans, we will send a better team on the field this season.

Huntington Thundering Herd

After a disappointing season, the Herd retooled both their lineup and their pitching staff. 

The lineup looks different as the Herd saw several position players walk in an effort to retool. This includes a whole new catching corps as switch-hitter Pablo Flores (.304/.379/.466) anchors the crew. Youngsters Greg Spence & Coleman (rookies) round out the crew. It has yet to be determined if youth will be served at that position as Spence can really develop into a nice hitter and already has the skills to be a good defensive backstop. After making a mockery of the outfield, Shane Meadows returns to 1B, while Rey Jung returns to SS and Markus Crosby stays in CF. In an effort to get some sort of return on a horribly overpriced player, Wes Cyr returns to 3B. His defense has declined, so watch out. Miguel Concepcion takes over at 2B, while Andrea Nelson returns to Huntington to play LF. The big “get” of this off-season was the signing of RF Doug Sullivan. One of the best offensive players in the world, Sullivan will look to hold down the 3rd slot in the lineup and provide some punch for this team.

The pitching staff has seen a remake as well. Myette made 10 starts for the Herd last season, while Cole Mitchell appeared in 39 games, starting 25 of those in S22. Jason Cole, Mateo Miro will make up 2 of the other slots in the rotation. The final slot is up for grabs between Gregory Cloud, Chad O’Leary and Joe Alexander. The loser will be relegated to the bullpen for a key spot there. The bullpen returns talented David Mathews and Benjamin Bowker while having Jimmy Kinkade provides the veteran presence needed. Bill Watkins comes over to help this team out in the back-end.

I can’t really get a feeling for this team, other than to say I’m excited for the season to get started.

Arizona Lumberjacks

Key Losses: 1B Angel Sanchez (trade), C Wallace Stephenson (trade)
Key Additions: 1B Fred O'Neill (FA), C Ronnie Magee (FA), RP Mark Cheng (FA), RP Andrew Ramsey (trade)
Prospect Debuting this year: RF Howard Stevenson

General outlook for the Lumberjacks this season is similar to last year. Some retooling was done in the offseason to acquire some additional prospects and we filled those holes with short term free agents. Arizona is hoping for some improvement on their 83 wins from a year ago as we expect some young players to continue to improve. 

The lineup will be led by young bats Doug Treadway and Howard Stevenson as well as powerful vet Fred O'Neill (who was signed after losing out on Doug Sullivan). The pitching staff is strong with a great bullpen and veteran starters Kevin Ryu and Alvin Barnes to go along with youngster Glenallen Phelps.

Detroit Wolvernies

The Detroit Wolverines didn't do much in the offseason even though they're record suggests they should have. We've got some real young players who are starting to play more to their ratings that we're patiently waiting to develop into our stars such as Douglas Lawrie and Keith Petersen. Brutus Olmos will get called up from AAA this season and possibly Marshall Washington as well who has seen limited time in the majors. Our pitching finished in the top 10 in team era last season and we didn't lose anyone of value but did pick up Jose Aybar off the wire who should help eat some innings. We're not quite ready to compete for playoff spot but believe we'll be better this season than last and planning for a long playoff run in two seasons.

Dover Fightin' Blue Hens

Dover is a virtual mirror image of last year, with one exception. Gone is catcher Clarence Christensen, replaced by C Wallace Stephenson. All of the young talent should be a season better. Carl Schneider should be able to crack the rotation barring another injury, and look for phenom Fernado Posada to make a run at rookie of the year.

Dover won 90 games and the division with the same guys and on paper they should be even better with more experience. Only bad management could keep Dover from improving on season 22.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

There isn't too much expectation in Texas this season. The franchise continues to change gears from 'win now' mode to 'rebuild.' With a farm system largely devoid of talent, the front office continues to invest heavily in foreign and domestic scouting. Fans will still be coming out to see 6-time Cy Young Award winner Michael Shumpert and fan favorite Adam Ceneca as they continue to wind down their HoF careers. The ML roster was largely filled out with veteran and journeyman players to keep the team on the field as competitive as possible while the minors are restocked. The only exciting new player on the team is rookie catcher Michael Ozuna. The switch hitting rookie is expected to be a very good hitter, with a cannon arm to help keep the opposition running game in check. He still has a lot to learn about managing a pitching staff, and will hopefully learn from a roster stacked with veteran hurlers. It would take a perfect season for this team to make the playoffs, especially with rival, defending champion Richmond boasting such a loaded team.