Sacramento Terrible Two's
Team Strengths: The lineup, outside of whoever plays SS, is very good; the Two's have scored the 3rd most runs in the NL. Fausto Bennett and Albert Boone have been excellent atop the rotation, and the rest of the rotation is also very good. The relievers have been generally superb; the relievers that haven't been effective either don't have very many innings or throw exclusively in low-leverage situations.
What they need: The Two's are basically set for the season. The closest thing to a pressing need they have is at SS; both Felix Drew and R.J. Lee can flash very good leather, but they also hit like Tony Pena Jr. with a Wiffle Ball bat. Getting a SS with even a mediocre bat would be a huge boost to the offense. They could also deal for a few bench bats, although it's certainly not a pressing issue.
Outlook: The Two's were seen as the division favorites heading into the season. Over 100 games in, nothing's changed.
Odds of winning the division: 1-2
Odds of making the playoffs: 98%
Portland Jacks
Team Strengths: Relievers Lew Oliver and Matthew Pierce do a great job preventing runs late in the game. They have a patient lineup (2nd in the NABCL in walks) that does enough to support a staff that consistently pounds the strike zone; they've walked fewer players than any team in the NABCL outside of Anaheim. Despite not having a true ace, the Jacks have a multitude of average or better pitchers that are capable of starting a game.
What they need: A legitimate power bat to support Tony Soriano and Benito Pichardo; the Jacks are 28th in the NABCL in HRs.
Outlook: As good as they've looked at times this season, there's no reason to believe that they'll end their 5 season streak of finishing in 2nd. There's really no shame in that, especially since it'll likely lead to a 3rd straight postseason appearance.
Odds of winning the division: 5-1
Odds of making the playoffs: 85%
Honolulu Anteaters
Strengths: The team's 3.63 ERA paces the NL this year, and it hasn't been all Singleton either, as starters David Beltran and Diego Guerrero have both been effective. Warren Collins has been an absolute monster at the plate, slugging .605, with 37 HR's and (as an added bonus) 19 stolen bases. He could easily go 50-30.
What they need: A quality hitter or two. The lineup is 29th in the NABCL in runs scored, and park effects only explain so much of it. The bullpen is also paper-thin; closer Sun Pong is far from a sure thing, and the Anteaters don't have much behind him. A 4th starter couldn't hurt, either.
Outlook: Even without Singleton, the Anteaters would still have a respectable pitching staff. With him, they have a leg up against any team in the league during his starts. However, the the offense might prove to be their downfall. Still, they're primed to earn the 2nd and final WC slot in the NL, and they have the rotation to compete with the big boys.
Odds of winning the division: 10-1
Odds of making the playoffs: 65%
Colorado Springs Coyotes
Strengths: The rotation is genuinely solid; like all of the other NL West teams, the foundation of this squad is pitching; they're 5th in the NL in ERA, which actually ranks them dead last in the division (#1 Honolulu, #2 Sacramento, #4 Portland). Adding veteran starter Felipe Matos can only help.
What they need: Adding Matos gave them the extra starter they needed; the onus now falls on a rather weak bullpen. Trading for a reliever or two might make sense. They also need a true middle-of-the-order bat. Jason Liverman and Antone Burks are good, but not great; adding a true slugger to that mix would make the lineup far more potent.
Outlook: They've been very good this season, but they have the misfortune of playing in the toughest division in the NABCL. They have a reasonable shot at the playoffs, but they'll have to leapfrog one of the teams above to do so. That won't be easy.
Odds of winning the division: 30-1
Odds of making the playoffs: 40%
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Jacks Deal "Cy Oldest" Philips, Sending 100-game winner to Philly to end an era
PORTLAND -- Lost in the hype of a much-anticipated series with NL West rival Sacramento was some melancholy news from the Portland Jacks offices Wednesday: Allan Philips, the NL's first Cy Young Award winner and Portland's lone 100-game winner, has been dealt to Philadelphia for AA outfielder Ivan James.
"Everyone from up in Chehalis and down to Medford is going to miss Allan," said Portland GM Dee Trayne. "The situation had become clear though: He was the 13th-man on what we want to make a 12-man pitching staff. We could have waived him and got nothing in return or sent him across the river (to the AAA Clark County Volcanoes) but he deserves a chance to stay in the bigs and we wanted to get a promising youngster like Ivan in return."
Philips is the Jacks all time leader with exactly 100 wins -- the last coming when he went he pitched six innings of five-hit ball in a 4-2 victory over Seattle on July 12 -- and in complete games with 19. He struck out 1,063 batters in a Jacks uniform, second all-time for the club, in 1,553 2/3 innings. He won the Season 1 Cy Young as a rookie after going 18-3 with a 2.49 era for the Jacks' 102-game winning division champs.
"Pitching for the Jacks is the only job I've had in my adult life," said Philips, who originally hails from Wisconsin. "We've been living out in fishing country, Clatskanie, for the last five or six years, so Philly is going to be a big change. The last time I was there and went site-seeing, my wife and kids and I ended up walking through some sort of Chinatown until we came upon a pretty scary sight -- the city police headquarters surrounded by razor wire. If the cops aren't safe.... I'm not sure what a 'Dead Milkman' is either. If we were the 'Dead Cabdrivers' I'd figure it had something to do with the guy Mumia Abu Jamal says he didn't kill, but Milkmen, I'm not sure."
Philips is expected to add more veteran presence to a staff that includes fellow 32-year old Al Badilla (8-6) and younger standouts such as 11-game winner this season Haywood Jodie , Louis Durham (9-6) and Rafael Moreno (8-5).
Meanwhile, the 21-year old James is a speedy defensive outfielder who is hitting .307 with 46 successful steals in 51 attempts for Philadelphia's AA team.
"Ivan's the type of player we like to have in our system," said Trayne. "He may not play in the majors the first five months of a given season, but his speed and defense make him a great guy to contribute in September when it matters most."
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Updated Championship Odds (Season 9-100 games)
NABCL Season 9 Championship Odds (UPDATED AS OF 100 GAMES)
***updated odds are in bold***
Okay fellas, the money has been pouring in and now that we are past the halfway mark in the season, here is where the championship odds stand.
Sacramento Terrible Two's (5-2) (3-1): It hasnt been easy as they have had to overcome an early 9-game deficit in the powerhouse NL West, but they now occupy the best record in the NL.
Chicago Beast (3-1) (6-1): Still an elite team, but having trouble pulling away in a weak NL North.
Los Angeles Robins (4-1) (2-1): The 2nd place finish last year looks like a bump in the road, this is the team to beat (and they have the best record in baseball).
Trenton Thrashers (4-1) (4-1): Showing that they have taken over the NL East from the 'roos.
Jacksonville Jackals (6-1) (8-1): A tough AL South has them 2-games out.
Anaheim Natural Disasters (6-1) (10-1): They wont catch Los Angeles asleep at the switch again, but a playoff birth should be assured.
Portland Jacks (6-1) (7-2): The new darlings of the betting public have reignited the rivalry and are giving the Two's a huge test in the NL West.
San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco) (7-1) (5-1): Running away with the NL South, they are getting hot at the right time again, and that meant the World Series last year. Watch out!!!
El Paso Ultraviolence (10-1) (8-1): The top 3 in the AL South are too close to call, any of the 3 could win the division. (it has played out perfectly)
Memphis Maniax (10-1) (25-1): After finishing in 1st place 5 times in 6 seasons, they are 11-games out and have yet to find their groove.
Salty Dogs (12-1) (15-1): Injuries have played a small part in their season as they just havent been able to get over the hump and stay ahead of Chicago. They have to make a move soon or another year on the outside looking in could spell disaster.
Fargo Roughriders (13-1) (15-1): Just on the outside looking in on the playoff race, but they way they can put up runs they will be in it until the end.
Richmond Poor Men (15-1) (8-1): At press time they hold a 1-game lead in the AL South, but the division is completely up for grabs.
New Orleans Crawdads (15-1) (30-1): Time to rebuild and trade Flores and Tarasco before the get into their '30's.
Charlotte Queen's Men (15-1) (30-1): Hanging around .500 but Trenton will be difficult to catch.
Philadelphia Dead Milkmen (18-1) (12-1): The class of the AL North.
Helena Misfits (18-1) (45-1): Defending AL North champs find themselves in the cellar with a long way to go to the top.
Kansas City Kangaroos (20-1) (45-1): The rebuilding has begun, but the run wont be this season.
Scranton Screwballs (22-1) (20-1): They have a run differntial of -14 but somehow they are only 1-game out. Smoke and mirrors!!!
Boston Colonials (25-1) (100-1): The travesty that is the AL East.
New Britain Block Heads (25-1) (45-1): Craig Hooper hasnt helped.
Honolulu AntEaters (25-1) (12-1): A huge surprise as they have gotten help from players not named Singleton or Stanley.
San Diego Storm (25-1) (50-1): It's been a struggle.
Vancouver Loonies (30-1) (45-1): 8-games under .500 and a run differential of -69, but only 6-games out of first. You never know, but the bettors dont think so.
Norfolk Loyalists (35-1) (100-1): Someone has to win the AL East.
D.C. Federals (50-1) (75-1): See Norfolk.
Louisville Legionnaires (50-1) (250-1): It is a rebuilding job, but it has begun. (and so it continues)
Colorado Springs Coyotes (60-1) (18-1): Here is where most of the money has gone as the Coyotes have made the biggest jump by placing themselves right in the middle of the NL West race.
Las Vegas Muckers (100-1) (100-1): Hanging around .500 but in the wrong divsion.
Pawtucket Patriots (500-1) (1000-1): What else can be said about the AL East?
Iowa City Shuckers (1000-1) (1000-1): They have a ways to go but building around Harry Simpson is a start. A few trades for some prospects and they are on their way.
Wichita 'weed (2500-1) (1000-1): They system is deep with talent, and they are developing nicely. It wont happen now, but watch out in a year or two.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Top 10/ Bottom 5 (July 13, 2008) 81 games in...
TOP 10:
note: i asked donaldkey to rank my team so that it was fair...also...the top 3 teams were very close and the rankings boiled down to this...philly has the worst pitching of the 3 teams and pitching plays a large role in my rankings...then sacramento and los angeles played in interleague play last week and sacramento swept the series placing sac 1 and la 2 followed by philly 3...i put a lot of thought and effort into these rankings so i hope you all enjoy the read...sorry to anyone i offended...as always...it is meant to be fun and i mean no harm...except to the AL East...; )...
1. Sacramento Terrible Two's (NL/49-31/Last Ranking #6)
It has been a tale of two seasons in Sacramento. A miserable start led to a 9-game deficit in the ultra-competitive NL West. Their surge (16-5 in their last 21 games) has been led by staff ace Albert Boone. After starting the year 0-4, he has run off 11 straight wins. The offense has also picked it up which has led to a +90 run differential.
2. Los Angeles Robin's (AL/49-32/Last Ranking #1)
This is one of the top 5 teams in baseball. They are only 2nd instead of 3rd due to being swept in a big series by Sacramento recently. Their pitching continues to be the envy of the league as shown by the fact they have only given up 306 runs on the season (+83 run differential). They are in the middle of a mid-season slump currently (7-15 last 22 games) but don't let that fool you; this is a team to contend with (as always).
3. Philadelphia Dead Milkmen (AL/50-31/Last Ranking #7)
Philly has shot up the rankings going 15-6 in their last 21 games and lead the majors with 50 wins. Their +96 run differential is 2nd in the majors and they have the largest lead (6 games) of any 1st place team in the AL. They are 2nd in the AL in team average and OPS but rank in the middle in most pitching categories. Fargo is in the middle of a 4-6 stretch but this will be a division race that comes down to the wire.
4. Portland Jacks (NL/48-33/Last Ranking #4)
Arguably the most consistent team in history of the NABCL. They dont score a ton of runs but they dont give up many either. Currently only 1 1/2 games out of 1st in the NL West and they dont look like they are going away anytime soon. In a division that looks to get 3 teams into the postseason, look for the Jacks to make a run late in the year.
5. El Paso Ultraviolence (AL/49-32/Last Ranking#3)
They have been just barely keeping their collective heads above water lately (12-10 in last 22 games) as they try to fend off Richmond and Iowa City in the AL South. They dont awe you in any one category so they can be overlooked at times, but a +.600 winning percentage and +50 run differential say otherwise.
6. Honolulu Anteaters (NL/45-36/ Last Ranking #5)
Another team playing .500 ball (11-11) the last 3 weeks and in the NL West that wont cut it. On the other side, with all-everything staff ace Lenny Singleton taking the pill every 5 days the 'eaters are bound to stay in the race. They dont score a ton of runs, but thanks to Lenny they dont give up many. It's the rest of the staff that could be trouble. In the end, with Mr. Cy Young and some young bats, they have a great chance to sneak into the playoffs.
7. Richmond Poor Men (AL/45-35/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
The Poor Men are 8-2 in their last 10 and have moved to within 3 1/2 games of 1st place in the AL South. Richmond looks like the class of the division and is a darkhorse to win the AL Pennant. Their +76 run differential is 4th best in the league and this is a team that can score (top 4 in team average and OBP). They also possess the 3rd lowest team ERA in the AL. They should continue to climb and make the division race come down to the final weekend of the season.
8. Trenton Thrashers (NL/46-34/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
Lucky for the Thrashers they are in the NL East, with the Kansas City empire being rebuilt, and the future of the Wichita 'weed in the minor leagues. Their +68 run differential is due to a formidable offense, and in spite of an average pitching staff. With former MVP's littered throughout their lineup, they look to cruise into the playoffs.
9. Colorado Springs Coyotes (NL/44-36/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
The 4th team from the NL West in the Top 10, they have almost half their losses of the 1-run variety (10-15), and are still only 5 games out. If they can start to win the close games this entire division could come down to the end. The Coyotes +33 run differential is led by their pitching staff, which ranks in the top 1/3 in the league. It's the offense (or lack thereof) that is troublesome. Ultimately, the pitching rich teams they face the rest of the way are going to keep them from contending, and they will most likely give this spot in the Top 10 back to San Antonio; but right now, competing they way they have in the NL West gives them the nod.
10. Fargo Roughriders (AL/44-37/Last Ranking #2)
What happened to Fargo in the last 3 weeks? They are 4-6 in their last 10 and 9-12 in their last 21 games. Well, in their last 34 games, they have lost 11 by 3 runs or less, and are 6-12 in 1-run games. They lead the majors with 509 runs scored and a +98 run differential. They lead the AL in average, obp, slg, and OPS. On the flip side, they do give up runs in bunches and are a below average pitching team. They have to play at home to win (21-14) as the road hasnt been as friendly (23-23).
Dropped out of the Top 10:
Chicago Beast, Anaheim Natural Disasters, San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco)
Just Missed (but should be in the Top 10 soon):
San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco), Iowa City Shuckers, Anaheim Natural Disasters
BOTTOM 5:
28.Wichita 'weed (NL/33-48/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
It's only a matter of time before Oldave has this team in the Top 10. He is absolutely LOADED with prospects and I wouldnt be surprised if he wins at least one pennant in the next 5 seasons. His -35 run differential isnt all that bad considering the youth he has on his team.
29. New Orleans Crawdads (NL/35-46/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
The Crawdads need to rebuild the team in a hurry. Why they havent traded Livan Flores and Felipe Tarasco for 6 major league prospects I have no idea? Those two studs could net you the pieces to rebuild the franchise in a minute.
30. Louisville Legionnaires (NL/29-51/Last Ranking #30)
They are 9-12 in their last 21 which is at least near the .500 mark, but their -102 run differential is the worst in the NL. If not for their 13-12 record in 1-run games the record could be much worse.
31-32. The AL East
Boston was going to be #31 and Pawtucket #32 but then how do you leave out Norfolk and Washington D.C. (who is leading the division with a 35-45 record)? The combined run differential for the division is -399 and Boston, with 32 wins (2nd worst in the league) is only 3 1/2 games out of 1st place. Someone has to win the division, so maybe one of these guys will get hot and make a run.
Moved out of the Bottom 5:
Jacksonville Jackals
note: i asked donaldkey to rank my team so that it was fair...also...the top 3 teams were very close and the rankings boiled down to this...philly has the worst pitching of the 3 teams and pitching plays a large role in my rankings...then sacramento and los angeles played in interleague play last week and sacramento swept the series placing sac 1 and la 2 followed by philly 3...i put a lot of thought and effort into these rankings so i hope you all enjoy the read...sorry to anyone i offended...as always...it is meant to be fun and i mean no harm...except to the AL East...; )...
1. Sacramento Terrible Two's (NL/49-31/Last Ranking #6)
It has been a tale of two seasons in Sacramento. A miserable start led to a 9-game deficit in the ultra-competitive NL West. Their surge (16-5 in their last 21 games) has been led by staff ace Albert Boone. After starting the year 0-4, he has run off 11 straight wins. The offense has also picked it up which has led to a +90 run differential.
2. Los Angeles Robin's (AL/49-32/Last Ranking #1)
This is one of the top 5 teams in baseball. They are only 2nd instead of 3rd due to being swept in a big series by Sacramento recently. Their pitching continues to be the envy of the league as shown by the fact they have only given up 306 runs on the season (+83 run differential). They are in the middle of a mid-season slump currently (7-15 last 22 games) but don't let that fool you; this is a team to contend with (as always).
3. Philadelphia Dead Milkmen (AL/50-31/Last Ranking #7)
Philly has shot up the rankings going 15-6 in their last 21 games and lead the majors with 50 wins. Their +96 run differential is 2nd in the majors and they have the largest lead (6 games) of any 1st place team in the AL. They are 2nd in the AL in team average and OPS but rank in the middle in most pitching categories. Fargo is in the middle of a 4-6 stretch but this will be a division race that comes down to the wire.
4. Portland Jacks (NL/48-33/Last Ranking #4)
Arguably the most consistent team in history of the NABCL. They dont score a ton of runs but they dont give up many either. Currently only 1 1/2 games out of 1st in the NL West and they dont look like they are going away anytime soon. In a division that looks to get 3 teams into the postseason, look for the Jacks to make a run late in the year.
5. El Paso Ultraviolence (AL/49-32/Last Ranking#3)
They have been just barely keeping their collective heads above water lately (12-10 in last 22 games) as they try to fend off Richmond and Iowa City in the AL South. They dont awe you in any one category so they can be overlooked at times, but a +.600 winning percentage and +50 run differential say otherwise.
6. Honolulu Anteaters (NL/45-36/ Last Ranking #5)
Another team playing .500 ball (11-11) the last 3 weeks and in the NL West that wont cut it. On the other side, with all-everything staff ace Lenny Singleton taking the pill every 5 days the 'eaters are bound to stay in the race. They dont score a ton of runs, but thanks to Lenny they dont give up many. It's the rest of the staff that could be trouble. In the end, with Mr. Cy Young and some young bats, they have a great chance to sneak into the playoffs.
7. Richmond Poor Men (AL/45-35/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
The Poor Men are 8-2 in their last 10 and have moved to within 3 1/2 games of 1st place in the AL South. Richmond looks like the class of the division and is a darkhorse to win the AL Pennant. Their +76 run differential is 4th best in the league and this is a team that can score (top 4 in team average and OBP). They also possess the 3rd lowest team ERA in the AL. They should continue to climb and make the division race come down to the final weekend of the season.
8. Trenton Thrashers (NL/46-34/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
Lucky for the Thrashers they are in the NL East, with the Kansas City empire being rebuilt, and the future of the Wichita 'weed in the minor leagues. Their +68 run differential is due to a formidable offense, and in spite of an average pitching staff. With former MVP's littered throughout their lineup, they look to cruise into the playoffs.
9. Colorado Springs Coyotes (NL/44-36/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
The 4th team from the NL West in the Top 10, they have almost half their losses of the 1-run variety (10-15), and are still only 5 games out. If they can start to win the close games this entire division could come down to the end. The Coyotes +33 run differential is led by their pitching staff, which ranks in the top 1/3 in the league. It's the offense (or lack thereof) that is troublesome. Ultimately, the pitching rich teams they face the rest of the way are going to keep them from contending, and they will most likely give this spot in the Top 10 back to San Antonio; but right now, competing they way they have in the NL West gives them the nod.
10. Fargo Roughriders (AL/44-37/Last Ranking #2)
What happened to Fargo in the last 3 weeks? They are 4-6 in their last 10 and 9-12 in their last 21 games. Well, in their last 34 games, they have lost 11 by 3 runs or less, and are 6-12 in 1-run games. They lead the majors with 509 runs scored and a +98 run differential. They lead the AL in average, obp, slg, and OPS. On the flip side, they do give up runs in bunches and are a below average pitching team. They have to play at home to win (21-14) as the road hasnt been as friendly (23-23).
Dropped out of the Top 10:
Chicago Beast, Anaheim Natural Disasters, San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco)
Just Missed (but should be in the Top 10 soon):
San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco), Iowa City Shuckers, Anaheim Natural Disasters
BOTTOM 5:
28.Wichita 'weed (NL/33-48/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
It's only a matter of time before Oldave has this team in the Top 10. He is absolutely LOADED with prospects and I wouldnt be surprised if he wins at least one pennant in the next 5 seasons. His -35 run differential isnt all that bad considering the youth he has on his team.
29. New Orleans Crawdads (NL/35-46/Last Ranking: Not Ranked)
The Crawdads need to rebuild the team in a hurry. Why they havent traded Livan Flores and Felipe Tarasco for 6 major league prospects I have no idea? Those two studs could net you the pieces to rebuild the franchise in a minute.
30. Louisville Legionnaires (NL/29-51/Last Ranking #30)
They are 9-12 in their last 21 which is at least near the .500 mark, but their -102 run differential is the worst in the NL. If not for their 13-12 record in 1-run games the record could be much worse.
31-32. The AL East
Boston was going to be #31 and Pawtucket #32 but then how do you leave out Norfolk and Washington D.C. (who is leading the division with a 35-45 record)? The combined run differential for the division is -399 and Boston, with 32 wins (2nd worst in the league) is only 3 1/2 games out of 1st place. Someone has to win the division, so maybe one of these guys will get hot and make a run.
Moved out of the Bottom 5:
Jacksonville Jackals
Friday, July 11, 2008
Questions Surround Rivera
Will Vic find a new address before the deadline or will he remain in Trenton and help them contend for a WS title? Will he contend for a Triple Crown? Can he keep up this MVP pace? Will he become the 3rd straight NL MVP from Trenton? These are just a few of the questions surrounding Trenton Thrasher's LF, Vic Rivera.
All Star vote leader, Vic Rivera, is putting together his finest season in his contract year. He will be a free agent after this season and rumors abound that Trenton management may be looking to move the 6-year veteran in an effort to shore up the starting rotation.
Vic currently leads the NL in BA (.359), HR (28) and his 73 RBI is 7 out of 1st place. Along with Pedro Ordaz, Rivera has been the leader of Trenton's #1 offence this season taking on a more crucial role while Garrett Perez and Tomas Villano put up sub par numbers.
Vic has been a solid performer for the Thrashers since being acquired from Jacksonville in the Sammy Bennet deal 6 seasons ago. Management's youth movement has forced him into a leadership role and he has responded well, helping to lead the club to two straight division titles.
Vic's demands are not outrageous and in fact he may be the best value player in the ML, but with superstars Villano and Perez reaching their arbitration years and management's unwillingness to increase the player salary budget, something has to give. It's ironic that the young players Vic has helped groomed over the last few seasons may be responsible for his departure.
Only time will answer these questions, all Vic can do is keep on hitting.
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All Star vote leader, Vic Rivera, is putting together his finest season in his contract year. He will be a free agent after this season and rumors abound that Trenton management may be looking to move the 6-year veteran in an effort to shore up the starting rotation.
Vic currently leads the NL in BA (.359), HR (28) and his 73 RBI is 7 out of 1st place. Along with Pedro Ordaz, Rivera has been the leader of Trenton's #1 offence this season taking on a more crucial role while Garrett Perez and Tomas Villano put up sub par numbers.
Vic has been a solid performer for the Thrashers since being acquired from Jacksonville in the Sammy Bennet deal 6 seasons ago. Management's youth movement has forced him into a leadership role and he has responded well, helping to lead the club to two straight division titles.
Vic's demands are not outrageous and in fact he may be the best value player in the ML, but with superstars Villano and Perez reaching their arbitration years and management's unwillingness to increase the player salary budget, something has to give. It's ironic that the young players Vic has helped groomed over the last few seasons may be responsible for his departure.
Only time will answer these questions, all Vic can do is keep on hitting.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Top 10 and Bottom 5
Without further adieu here we go...
1. Los Angeles Robin's-42-17 - This might be the easiest placement in the whole group. They are head and shoulders above all other teams. Funny thing is they are 28-5 on the road, but only 14-12 at Chavez Ravine. Still, their usual pitching is downright dominant.
2. Fargo Roughriders - 35-25 - This team has made a serious comeback. The fact that it coincides with Gerald Stull's return is only a coincidence....or is it? Current management made huge strides by bringing him back, or else maybe years from now we could be talking about the curse of Stully.
3. El Paso Ultraviolence - 37-22 - Looking at the numbers throughout the league El Paso doesn't stand out in any single category. But after stepping back and looking at them collectively they are consistently in the top third of the league in most categories. Can't say its a surprise, they did win 94 games last year afterall.
4. Portland Jacks - 34-25 - They have lead the most competitive division in all of baseball virtually all season(currently tied with Honululu) and have slipped some, but should still see the playoffs barring any major injuries.
5. Honululu Anteaters - 34-25 - Led by Lenny Singleton, this team was taken over by new management and has looked good. Singleton makes sure there is never a prolonged losing streak. He gives the pen a day off and is cruising to another Cy Young.
6. Sacramento Terrible Two's - 33-26 - Perrennial contender started out slow, but has made a few trades lately and have really started turning up the intensity in the ultracompetitive NL West. I expect them to climb higher and capture the division by years end when all is said and done.
7. Philadelphia Dead Milkmen - 35-25 - Have gotten really hot lately (9-1 in last 10) and have caught up to Fargo. They should challenge for the division crown and if they can't get ahold of it, should easily get one of the wildcards.
8. Chicago Beast - 34-26 -Still scoring runs in bunches (as expected) but they don't seem to have the same fire as years past. Have they decided to put it into cruise control for the regular season? The divisions, while nowhere near the NL West caliber, is still improved. If they don't start keeping up the intensity one of the others could conceivably get hot and Slay the Beast. I don't see it happening on straight odds, but give me good odds and I'd easily take that bet.
9. Anaheim Natural Disasters - 33-26 - They are 4th in the majors in HR's yet 25th in runs scored. Living and dying by the longball can be dangerous. They have enough to get the wildcard, but they better hold on, because that's their only shot of reaching the playoffs as the Robin's have the division crown locked up with that pitching staff.
10. San Antonio Missions - 32-27 - Last years NL Champs are not scoring enough runs(28th in the majors) to match last years magical run. Still they have enough to lead the division and make a return trip to the playoffs.
28. Jacksonville Jackals - 28-31 - There may be other teams with worse records that aren't in the bottom 5 (YOU ARE WELCOME WEED FANS!!), however, those teams aren't defending world champions. Enough said.
ps Please note that we fully expect the Jackals to climb out (and quickly at that) and be in on the playoff party.
29. Norfolk Loyalists - 25-35 - At first glance there may be other more deserving teams that belong in the bottom 5. However when you factor in expectations for the Loyalists(leading the division should be within reach) plus the fact that they are 4-6 within their own division, a division I might add that sports 3 teams in the bottom 5, this seems about right.
30. Louisville Legionaires - 20-39 - Easily the worst team in the NL, actually they are the only team from the NL in the bottom 5 this go round. There 229 runs scored is dead last in the NL(but not throughout the league thanx to Pawtucket). Couple that with an NL worst 5.14 team ERA and you can see why they are near the bottom.
31. Boston Colonials - 23-37 -With a ridiculous 7.36 team ERA (YES you read that correctly I double checked it) they lose many a big slugfests. Yes playing in Fenway is part of the problem, but it isn't enough to climb out of the bottom 5. The only reason they don't get the bottom slot with that batting practice rotation is that their offense sometimes lights it up enough to bail out the staff.
32. Pawtucket Patriots - 17-43 - Dead last in the majors in runs scored coupled with next to last in runs allowed gives them the anchor position.
1. Los Angeles Robin's-42-17 - This might be the easiest placement in the whole group. They are head and shoulders above all other teams. Funny thing is they are 28-5 on the road, but only 14-12 at Chavez Ravine. Still, their usual pitching is downright dominant.
2. Fargo Roughriders - 35-25 - This team has made a serious comeback. The fact that it coincides with Gerald Stull's return is only a coincidence....or is it? Current management made huge strides by bringing him back, or else maybe years from now we could be talking about the curse of Stully.
3. El Paso Ultraviolence - 37-22 - Looking at the numbers throughout the league El Paso doesn't stand out in any single category. But after stepping back and looking at them collectively they are consistently in the top third of the league in most categories. Can't say its a surprise, they did win 94 games last year afterall.
4. Portland Jacks - 34-25 - They have lead the most competitive division in all of baseball virtually all season(currently tied with Honululu) and have slipped some, but should still see the playoffs barring any major injuries.
5. Honululu Anteaters - 34-25 - Led by Lenny Singleton, this team was taken over by new management and has looked good. Singleton makes sure there is never a prolonged losing streak. He gives the pen a day off and is cruising to another Cy Young.
6. Sacramento Terrible Two's - 33-26 - Perrennial contender started out slow, but has made a few trades lately and have really started turning up the intensity in the ultracompetitive NL West. I expect them to climb higher and capture the division by years end when all is said and done.
7. Philadelphia Dead Milkmen - 35-25 - Have gotten really hot lately (9-1 in last 10) and have caught up to Fargo. They should challenge for the division crown and if they can't get ahold of it, should easily get one of the wildcards.
8. Chicago Beast - 34-26 -Still scoring runs in bunches (as expected) but they don't seem to have the same fire as years past. Have they decided to put it into cruise control for the regular season? The divisions, while nowhere near the NL West caliber, is still improved. If they don't start keeping up the intensity one of the others could conceivably get hot and Slay the Beast. I don't see it happening on straight odds, but give me good odds and I'd easily take that bet.
9. Anaheim Natural Disasters - 33-26 - They are 4th in the majors in HR's yet 25th in runs scored. Living and dying by the longball can be dangerous. They have enough to get the wildcard, but they better hold on, because that's their only shot of reaching the playoffs as the Robin's have the division crown locked up with that pitching staff.
10. San Antonio Missions - 32-27 - Last years NL Champs are not scoring enough runs(28th in the majors) to match last years magical run. Still they have enough to lead the division and make a return trip to the playoffs.
28. Jacksonville Jackals - 28-31 - There may be other teams with worse records that aren't in the bottom 5 (YOU ARE WELCOME WEED FANS!!), however, those teams aren't defending world champions. Enough said.
ps Please note that we fully expect the Jackals to climb out (and quickly at that) and be in on the playoff party.
29. Norfolk Loyalists - 25-35 - At first glance there may be other more deserving teams that belong in the bottom 5. However when you factor in expectations for the Loyalists(leading the division should be within reach) plus the fact that they are 4-6 within their own division, a division I might add that sports 3 teams in the bottom 5, this seems about right.
30. Louisville Legionaires - 20-39 - Easily the worst team in the NL, actually they are the only team from the NL in the bottom 5 this go round. There 229 runs scored is dead last in the NL(but not throughout the league thanx to Pawtucket). Couple that with an NL worst 5.14 team ERA and you can see why they are near the bottom.
31. Boston Colonials - 23-37 -With a ridiculous 7.36 team ERA (YES you read that correctly I double checked it) they lose many a big slugfests. Yes playing in Fenway is part of the problem, but it isn't enough to climb out of the bottom 5. The only reason they don't get the bottom slot with that batting practice rotation is that their offense sometimes lights it up enough to bail out the staff.
32. Pawtucket Patriots - 17-43 - Dead last in the majors in runs scored coupled with next to last in runs allowed gives them the anchor position.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Bronson Grey gets call to help the big club!
Seattle - Rookie Bronson Grey
has been called up to take the spot of recently injured Nigel Jamison. Grey, who has been rumored in many a deals this year will be called up for the 15 days that Jamison is on the DL and will be seeing time in RF while in the majors. He is expected to play every day (why else bring him up) in an attempt to not only help him get his feet wet, but to see if he can help the Salty Dogs anemic offense. GM Donald Key felt it was a good way to go since Grey knows he'll be going back down, which should help ease some of the pressure. With injuries seeming to mount faster and faster (they just got Kevin Martin off the DL today, and Alex Randolph will be out the rest of the season) hopefully Grey can help provide relief. At the very least he'll help provide better defense in RF.
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