Fargo Roughriders Season 11 Preview

The Roughriders entered Season 10 trying to end a 5 year playoff drought by bringing in 3 key free agents to give the squad some veteran leadership and stabilize the pitching and defense. Ninety-two wins, a division title, and a first round bye later, the initial returns were very positive. A playoff ousting at the hands of eventual WS champ Jacksonville shows there is still plenty of work to be done in Season 11, and the expectations are now even higher on the prairie. On to the Season 11 preview!

Offense
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, Fargo can hit. Once again, Fargo led the league in offense, scoring 1091 runs, almost 200 more than 2nd place Jacksonville. Career seasons by SS Kurt Lewis and C Max Amaro, along with more of the same from Rudy Simms, Larry Flores, and Mac Gray made for a solid lineup top to bottom. Newly acquired 3B Vinny Grainger and CF Danys Ortiz were mild disappointments in their initial season in Fargo, both are expected to rebound this year toward their career norms. This, along with the addition of future HOF catcher Paul Yoshii, should allow Fargo to continue to pound out runs in bunches.

1- 2B Danys Ortiz (34 years old)- Ortiz hit .284 in his first season in Fargo, scored 119 runs, and stole 22 bases. A few more walks (he had 55 for the season) and a .300 average are expected this season, as he transitions from CF to 2B.
2- 3B Vinny Grainger (32)- The prediction here last year was that Grainger could score and drive in 100 runs, which he did (102 runs, 101 RBI). That said, his .269/.347/.426 line left plenty of room for improvement; although his stellar D at 3B did not.
3- CF Kurt Lewis (28)- Lewis moved from CF to SS last season with outstanding results, he set career highs in runs (125), hits (187), doubles (49), HR (27), RBI (106) and OPS (.931), and probably should have been an MVP candidate. Lewis was rewarded with a 5 year deal in the offseason, and will be asked to move back to CF this year to solidify the OF D.
4- 1B Larry Flores (26)- Flores transitioned nicely to 1B for Fargo last season, hitting .343 while scoring and driving in 100 runs. A repeat of last season’s numbers seems to be a reasonable minimum expectation for Year 11.
5- DH Rudy Simms (29)- Rebounded from a somewhat disappointing season 9 with 35 HR, 120 RBI, and a 1.008 OPS. He joined Lewis in getting a 5 year extension this offseason, entering the prime of his career, he’s expected to produce several more 40 HR, 120 RBI seasons for Fargo.
6- LF Mac Gray (25)- Gray began Season 10 slowly, but hit his stride in June, pounding out 36 HR and 88 RBI in the season’s first 90 games. A season ending injury highlights the one thing standing between Gray and superstardom, his propensity for injury. If he can remain healthy enough to get in 500 AB’s, he could easily hit 50 HR and drive in 150 runs.
7- C Paul Yoshii (36)- Holdover C Max Amaro had a fine year, but when future HOF’er Yoshii became available, Fargo jumped at the chance. His defense may have slipped a bit, but his bat will play an important role in keeping the bottom part of the batting order rolling.
8- RF Rex Atkins (28)- Last season, the hope was that he could play solid RF defense and hit a few HR’s from the #8 spot. He delivered on all counts, hitting 31 HR, and very nearly winning the GG in RF as a rookie.
9- SS Bart Fiore (26)- A season after playing the super-utility role for Fargo, his potential Gold Glove will move into the starting SS spot. Anything he can give the team on offense will be a bonus.

The bench will be filled by well rounded CF Daniel Wheeler, slugging 1B/C Wilson May, C Max Amaro, and slugging OF Benito Johnson. With the acquisition of Yoshii, rumors that Amaro is on the trade block have surfaced, time will tell if they are true or not.

With the offense returning basically intact and the defense finishing in the top 5 of the league for the first time ever; the questions (as usual) in Fargo turn to the pitching staff.

Pitching
Last season, the team spent over $35M to bring in KFBL star Felipe Matos to anchor its’ rotation. Matos did nothing to disappoint, helping to anchor a pitching staff that finished 9th in the league in ERA, following 9 seasons in the bottom half of this category. Several secondary members of the pitching staff moved on in the offseason, opening up spots for a few bright young rookies to fill. This means Fargo’s Opening Day pitching staff will be as follows:

SP1- Felipe Matos (39)- Last year, the hope was Matos would solidify the staff, and at best, potentially contend for the Cy Young. Matos was able to handle the pressure, finishing 17-6 with a 4.18 ERA, an All-Star berth, and a top 5 Cy Young finish. Fargo would be thrilled with a repeat of the same this season.
SP2- Luis Melendez (25)- Was a little over his head his rookie season as the de facto #1 SP; last season, he settled in nicely in the #2 spot, becoming the first Roughrider to ever win 20 games in a season, while striking out 175 batters.
SP3- Randall O'Keefe (28)- O’Keefe continues to be an enigma, he’s solid and durable, logging 38 starts last season, with a fine 1.36 WHIP, but his 4.81 ERA and 11-15 record leave something to be desired. A 15-5 type season is within reach if he can live up to his potential.
SP4- Juan Goya (23)- Last year’s #1 prospect moves into the spot vacated by departing FA Mac Goldstein. Where Goldstein was a filler, Goya is a potential dominating force. While not expected to be the teams ace this season, he will be counted on to learn from the veteran Matos, in hopes that he can step into the #1 spot when Matos retires in a season or two.
SP5- Larry Howard (25)- The 2nd of 4 rookies on this seasons staff, Howard will be asked to fill the spot starter/long reliever role that Chris Chang filled last year.

Closer- Willie Lee (30)- Former Boston closer Lee came over mid-season last year and filled in admirably as Fargo’s closer down the stretch. His acquisition has solidified the bullpen structure for season 11.
Setup- Norm Johnson (25), Lance Clark (27) and Travis Biddle (28)- the move to get Lee allowed Johnson to move to a high leverage SU role, where he excelled in the 2nd half of last season. Clark is a talented rookie, Biddle an able vet in his prime; they should do fine in the 7th/8th inning setting up Lee and Johnson.
Long Relief- Phillip Sanford (28), Pedro Crespo (28), Harry Witt (27)- Witt is a rookie with outstanding stuff, he will be complimented by Sanford and Crespo; who have both shown the ability to eat innings and keep the team in the game until the offense can score enough runs to win games.

Minors
With 1 top prospect graduating to the majors this season (Goya) and another (Sterns) dealt last season, the Fargo top ten minor league list has seen a few changes. Overall, the system still boasts a few top notch prospects as well as some decent depth:

1- LF Junior Kwon- The top hitting prospect in the system, he is on the fast track to the RF spot in Season 12.
2- SP Frank House- he will move up to AAA this season, leaving Goya’s side for the first time. He will likely rejoin his pal in the ML rotation a season from now, as a future #2 SP.
3- 1B Victor Carrasco- Carrasco put up very nice #’s for the AAA team, he is only waiting for a spot to play to begin a very solid ML career.
4- CF Edgardo Sivilla- His bat is almost ready, with another year of development, his glove could push Lewis to 2B or 3B as soon as Season 12.
5- LF Morrie Hall- Keeps improving as he progresses up the ladder, he could move Gray to 2B and join a Kwon/Sivilla/Hall OF in Season 12.
6- 2B- Sadie Washington- Last season, he looked like a decent future 2B. In retrospect, he should be a very good hitter at the ML level, and might create a logjam at 2B soon.
7- Victor Martin- With Lee blocking him at the ML level, he’ll have to settle for pairing with Johnson to form a rock solid setup tandem next season.
8- Harry Machado- solid young RF prospect, will hit for power and a decent average as a ML regular.
9- SS Luis Martinez- The future at SS for Fargo, great glove, adequate bat.
10- RP Carlos Romero- Lefty specialist could see ML time by Year 12.

Prognosis
As mentioned above, last year’s return to the top of the ultra-competitive AL North was a nice start, but further improvement is expected by everyone in the organization. While a World Series title might be overly aggressive, a return to the ALCS for the first time since season 3 will be the goal the team will be working toward.

El Paso Ultraviolence - Season 11

Outlook

Season 10 ended with a disappointing 83-79 record one year after capturing the AL South title. The bright spots were Al Mendez setting the single season steals record with 151 and Bump Boucher recording 154 RBI after knocking in 169 RBI in his rookie season.

Key Losses
DH Heath Taylor .294 57 RBI, EP legend leaves with 350 career HRs

S11 Prediction 88-74

Line Up
2B Al Mendez .267, 102 runs and 151 SB to go along with better than expected defense
LF Bob Fleming .291, 81 RBI and 84 SB, solid speedster knocked in Mendez often
1B Bump Boucher .263 45 HR and 154 RBI, numbers off from rookie campaign but HOF pace
RF Armando Garrido .263 in late season action for the five tool rookie
3B Charlie Stone .283 73 RBI and 44 SB, underachiever struggled with the glove in S10
CF Carlos Rios .319 65 RBI and 14 SB, great production and third straight gold glove
DH Enrique Gomez 53 HR at AA, rookie expected to provide needed pow to the lineup
C Deivi Castilla .236, vet signed for one more season while prospects simmer
SS Tony Belliard .236 50 RBI and a second straight gold glove

Staff
SP Diego Lee 12-17 5.03, steep fall from the 20 wins in S9 for EP's ace
SP Larry Browne 14-5 4.24, solid second season for the Cattaraugus, NY native
SP Don Nady 15-10 3.83, a pro and 100-77 in his career with the Ultraviolence
SP Wilton Bang 13-10 3.57, old pro produced 229 IP
SP Domingo "Wildebeast" Jose 7-10 4.91, owner of EP's only no-hitter on last stand?
SP Ricardo Santos 16-5 3.10 in AAA will challenge for Domingo's spot in the rotation
LHP Mike Barfield 3.75 1.12 WHIP, 3rd straight sub 4.00 season
RHP Luis Moya 9-10 3.81 and 6 BSV, international phenom has bucked at the closer role
RHP Juan Benitez 3.61 and 20 Saves in opening salvo
LHP Daniel Metcalfe 3.94 in 82 IP for the long reliever
RHP Sammy Manto 7-5 4.18 in AAA

Philadelphia Dead Milkmen Season 11

Overview: Several veteran departures means a very different Dead Milkmen team for season 11. Last year's 85-77 campaign ended as a near miss of the playoffs one season after winning the division. Pitching was, as usual, the big weakness for Philadelphia. This year's team will again hope to improvise enough of a rotation to let the big bats drive the Milkmen to an AL North title.

Lineup:
1. 2B Billy Cannon, R (.293/.344/.404, 75 RBI, 91 RS--BOS)
Formerly of Boston, Cannon looks to take over second base and the leadoff spot from last year's disappointing free agent signing Steve Rivers.
2. RF Walker Wilkins, R (.334/.409/.541, 96 RBI, 112 RS)
Perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Wilkins had what was for him a relatively disappointing season, but still represents one of the most dynamic hitters in the league.
3. DH Bennie Castillo, L (.311/.383/.514, 88 RBI, 83 RS)
Castillo, an inexpensive free agent signing last year, ended up as a major contributor to the Milkmen lineup, earning an All-Star nod at DH.
4. C Sean Thomson, R (.282/.355/.523, 91 RBI, 61 RS)
The consistent Thomson put up his usual numbers behind the plate, earning a three-year extension this offseason.
5. 1B Hughie Phillips, S (.330/.420/.576, 120 RBI, 107 RS--AAA)
Season 7's first round draft pick will make his major league debut taking over for legendary Milkman Shooter Farrell after recording four consecutive All-Star seasons in the minors.
6. 3B Jacob Dunn, L (.274/.357/.512, 66 RBI, 62 RS)
Dunn regressed slightly from his career-best performance in season 9, but is still a solid hitter and a good defender.
7. LF Victor Costilla, S (.276/.331/.447, 38 RBI, 40 RS)
After three consecutive seasons as one of the better fourth outfielders out there, the former Rule 5 pick will finally get another chance to start for the Milkmen.
8. SS Juan Montero, R (.233/.295/.348, 47 RBI, 47 RS--LOU)
A former Louisville shortstop, Montero will get a chance to revive his bat in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park.
9. CF Steve Rivers, S (.263/.318/.334, 48 RBI, 72 RS)
Rivers, a bust as Philadelphia's leadoff man last year, will move to center field and the bottom of the lineup in hopes that he can boost his OBP to a more acceptable level.

Bench:
C Clay Webster, R (.323/.396/.469, 22 RBI, 21 RS--AAA)
Webster is a career minor league catcher who is pretty decent with the bat and glove.
2B Trenidad Estrada, R (.323/.417/.571, 48 RBI, 52 RS--AAA)
Estrada made his debut last year; he was signed out of Nicaragua in season 7.
SS Edgardo Colon, L (.269/.324/.358, 80 RBI, 67 RS--AAA, TRE)
Colon, a slick fielder with a marginal bat, was taken in this year's Rule 5 draft.
DH Charles Ransom, L (.272/.382/.663, 184 RBI, 131 RS--AAA)
Ransom has been a dominant minor league slugger blocked by NABCL home run king Shooter Farrell.

Rotation:
1. LHP Haywood Jodie (234, 15-13, 1.22, 4.30)
Philadelphia's workhorse, Jodie had the best statistical season of his career and set career highs in innings and starts.
2. RHP Ralph Decker (192, 18-10, 1.27, 3.92)
Signed as an inexpensive swingman, Decker turned in a career-best season and was named an All-Star and Cy Young finalist.
3. LHP Candy Titan (86, 5-4, 1.40, 4.69)
Despite a disappointing AAA campaign, Titan was called up to the major league team and pitched effectively down the stretch last year.
4. RHP Louis Durham (164, 6-15, 1.61, 7.06)
Durham had by far the worst season of his career and struggled all season to pitch effectively, but will return to Philadelphia's rotation this year.
5. RHP Rafael Moreno (167, 8-9, 1.48, 5.32)
Philadelphia's carousel of fifth starters stopped with Moreno last season, as he managed to pitch at least tolerably.

Bullpen:
Closer RHP Earl Lincoln (51, 39/44, 1.31, 3.35)
Lincoln, a four-time minor league Fireman of the Year, was handed the closer job in the majors last year and was recognized as an All-Star and a Rookie of the Year finalist.
Setup RHP Rob Boone (103, 8-5, 1.37, 4.54--AAA), LHP Craig Kramer (66, 1.36, 4.75)
Boone has been a Fireman of the Year at HiA and AA, while Kramer is the lone free agent addition to the Milkmen pitching staff this year.
Long relief RHP Julio Rosado (104, 1.46, 5.54), RHP Del Valentin (122, 10-5, 1.23, 2.94--AAA), RHP Ronald Cota (132, 7-10, 1.65, 5.73), LHP Geraldo Nunez (83, 1.39, 5.06--AAA)
Rosado and Valentin are young pitchers with some upside, while Cota and Nunez are part of Philadelphia's roulette wheel of long relievers and fifth starters.

One Man's Ballot for Season 10

Seattle - In an effort to help pass the time after a brutally disapointing season (they always are in Seattle), we are sharing our ballot for awards and the rationale.
AL MVP Candidates:
Ricardo Johnson
Brian Martin
Frank Nicholson
John Barkley
Pat Tallet
While there are 5 guys on the ballot, Tallet comes out of consideration right from the getgo since Johnson is clearly the MVP of the Robins.
After that I excluded Nicholson and Barkley as well. While both would be welcomed with open arms in Seattle, both played for teams that didn't make the playoffs and their #'s pale in comparison to the remaining 2.
That left just Johnson and Martin. At first glance I was sure I was in the Johnson camp. But after studying the #'s it was a lot closer then I realized. Johnson played every game and had 120+ more AB's, whereas Martin had #'s that were close. In the end I flipped a coin.
PICK - Martin

NL MVP Candidates:
James Suzuki
Garrett Perez
Benito Pichardo
Dave Glaus
Derrick Stanley
First the exclusions...Stanley had a GREAT year, however I'm not sure he's even the MVP of his team (Lenny Singleton anyone?) so he's out.
I'll also eliminate Pichardo, who had a phenomenal season for the Portland Jacks, helping lead them to the playoffs once again. But his #'s pale in comparison to the others.
That leaves just 3 remaining (Suzuki, Perez, & Glaus). I could easily have picked any and made an argument to back it up. For example, Glaus was the best offensive player on a dominant team. Perez has the best #'s and plays a premium position (CF). However, I'm going with Suzuki because despite the injury to B.C. Parent Suzuki kept this team going and got Chicago back to the playoffs once again. Some might say that it could be attributed to a weak NL North division. To that I say look at his OPS, his perfect fielding PCT (albeit at 1B), and the fact that he carried his team offensively at times.
PICK - Suzuki

AL Cy Young Candidates:
Harry Pena
Tomas Maduro
Felipe Matos
Ralph Decker
Duane Boyd
The first exclusions are Matos and Maduro. Matos because a)Frazzman might have a coronary and b)you can't win a Cy Young w/ an ERA over 4 and other worthy candidates remaining. Maduro because he pitched 58 innings and while was very good, it needs to be damn near historic to win the Cy with that few IP's.
At first glance it looks like Duane 'Don't call me Dennis' Boyd has the #'s to win it. However, then I remembered to factor in ballparks. That led me to pick Ralph Decker, who pitching in the bandbox in Philadelphia put up similar #'s to the remaining 2.
PICK - Decker

AL Cy Young Candidates:
Lenny Singleton
Albert Boone
Fausto Bennett
Zephyr Johnson
Gregory Randall
This is easy since Lenny leads in nearly every major statistical category. I will say that Boone, Bennett or Randall would've won if any were in the AL.
PICK - Singleton

AL ROY Candidates:
Earl Lincoln
Steven Wolf
Tex Leach
Brian Sullivan
Frank Maddox
I'm going with Maddox on this one. he was dominant as a setup man, pitching over 100 innings. But because the 3 hitters (Wolf, Leach, & Sullivan) have similar #'s (and none dominant) I am going with Maddox.
PICK - Maddox

NL ROY Candidates:
Milt Brock
Harry Pelaez
Cyrus Curtis
Julio Bonilla
Ralph Davenport
This was a tough call. Brock gets excluded because he doesn't have overwhelming #'s at 1B. All 3 hitters have similar #'s but I'm going with Julio Bonilla for 1 reason - He plays the Hot Corner. Still, I wouldn't argue with anyone making a case for Pelaez, Curtis or Davenport.
PICK - Bonilla

What Song Title Best Fits Your Team?

In light of the current discussion on the World Chat, I decided to assign a song title from my I-Tunes to each ML team.

*Disclaimer: Some of these song titles are pretty negative. I don't want to hear any bitching about how "I'm insulting your team" or something. This is supposed to be entertainment, not to be taken seriously. That's all. Making fun of my musical tastes is fair game, though. If anyone is confused as to why I assigned a specific song title to their team, feel free to ask me on the World Chat.


And here goes...



Chicago Beast: I'll Be Alright Without You - Journey
Seattle Salty Dogs: The Pretender - Foo Fighters
Vancouver Loonies: Dream On - Aerosmith
Toronto Flare: Shot Down In Flames - AC/DC

Charlotte's Queen Men: 10 Years Later - Collective Soul
Wichita 'weed: I'm Going Slightly Mad - Queen
Trenton Thrashers: After The Thrill Is Gone - The Eagles
Kansas City Baby Blue Soundcrew: It's All Over Now, Baby Blue - Bob Dylan

San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco): Don't Panic - Coldplay
Memphis Maniax: Alive - Pearl Jam
New Orleans Crawdads: Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer
Louisville Legionnaires: Don't Know Why - Norah Jones

Sacramento Terrible Two's: Aces High - Iron Maiden
Honolulu Anteaters: Our Finest Year - Better Than Ezra
Portland Jacks: Good - Better Than Ezra
Colorado Springs Coyotes: Like A Stone - Audioslave

New Britain Block Heads: Breaking Their Hold - Avenged Sevenfold
Fargo Roughriders: It's A Hit - Rilo Kiley
Philadelphia Dead Milkmen: Over My Head - The Fray
Helena Misfits: Come Back Down - Lifehouse

Washington D.C. Federalists: No One Really Wins - Copeland
Norfolk Loyalists: Panic Attack - Dream Theater
Boston Colonials: What Happened To Us? - Hoobastank
Pawtucket Patriots: Nowhere Fast - Incubus

Jacksonville Jackals: Karma Police - Radiohead
El Paso Ultraviolence: Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd
Richmond Poor Men: Never Enough - Dream Theater
Iowa City Shuckers: Getting Better - The Beatles

Anaheim Natural Disasters: Complete Control - The Clash
Los Angeles Robin's: Damage Control - John Petrucci
San Diego Storm: Can't Buy Me Love - The Beatles
Las Vegas Muckers: Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.

BC Parent activated; Beast ready for the Stretch Drive

(Chicago - Associated Press) Beast faithful recieved an early Christmas present over the weekend as franchise icon B.C. Parent was activated from the disabled list after tearing a knee ligament in the team's thirty third game; the Beast have responded by going 4-1 in Parent's first five games back. At the time of the injury, pundits across the league surmised that Chicago's run of three straight NL North divison titles was over.

But a funny thing happened on the way to middle of the pack. Team GM Bullet6464 didnt panic and force a move to somehow try and replace Parent's production. Instead, the Beast have banded together and remained in the hunt for NL North title, keeping their head above water with 37-34 mark with Parent on the shelf. Most suprising has been the offensive production despite missing one of the game's most powerful weapons. The Beast's 608 runs scored are second in the NL (Portland 610). Unknown superstar James Suzuki and Rookie of the Year candidate Julian Pena have been terrific and should benefit the most from the addition of Parent back to the order.

Meanwhile, the "Bullet" has recently been up to his old tricks. The ML aquistions of Randy Dellucci and Brian Ogawa shore up the starting pitching and defense. Moreover, the dish of the enigmatic Adrian Shave to Washington for two premium prospects is addition by subtraction.

Will the Beast have enough "bite" to make it to the post-season? Your guess is as good as mine but one thing is for certain....BC is back and that's never good for the oppostition.

Ortiz Called Up to Seattle

Guillermo Ortiz Seattle Salty Dogs Age: 22 B/T: L/L Born: Providence, RI Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Seattle - Amid very little notice, Seattle GM Donald Key called up 22 Year Old First Baseman Guillermo Ortiz last night right before the game. Ortiz was immediately plugged in and went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI batting out of the 6th spot. Key said that Ortiz had been notified earlier that he was getting the call, but that they waited for the late announcement so that the press wouldn't get a hold of it and heap great amounts of scrutiny on him.
Ortiz was the 10th overall pick last year in the draft, and has skyrocketed thru the Seattle organization, as he is making the jump straight from AA. He started off a little slow this year in AA, but quickly turned it on. In 88 games at AA he was batting .320, with a .405 OBP, .775 SLG, and 1.180 OPS to go along with 45 HR's, 115 RBI's and 47 Walks. One troubling statistic is that he also struck out 50 times in 338 AB's.
He has struggled against Lefties this year and will probably sit against most lefties in the Majors. According to Key he will "hit lower down in the order" so that the pressure is not to great, however, they expect great things from this young lefty slugger.
Key is hoping that this amounts to acquiring an impact bat for the stretch drive, as Chicago has really gotten hot lately and still have B.C. Parent due back from injury.

Trade Winds are Blowing in Boston

Boston, MA - The Boston Colonials sit in a tie for 2nd place in the AL East, just 5 games behind the Washington D.C. Federals, but make no mistake - Boston is in full sale mode. Word around the league is that several Colonials players are being actively shopped as the franchise reaches to try and regain the talent that made the team a perennial contender in the American League.

Starting players Billy Cannon, Francis Andrews, Sherman Carter, Marty Beckett and Chad Broadhurst have all had their names pop up in talks recently as have pitchers Bo Goldstein and, perhaps the most surprising name on this list, 3-time All-Star Closer Willie Lee.

Willie Lee Boston Colonials Age: 29 B/T: R/R Born: Sumiton, AL Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Goldstein (already rumored to be on his way to Wichita) is the oldest of this group at just 31, as Boston - already the 4th youngest club in the AL - is looking at replacing some of their players who are still in their primes with prime-time minor league talent.

When asked for comment on the trade front while stopped by reporters at the airport before Boston's trip to Jacksonville, team officials confirmed that talks where happening, "We have had dialog with several teams concerning a number of our veteran players", said Scouting Director Wilson Duran. Boston GM Rick Randall added, "Of course we are active in the trade market right now; we are always looking for ways to better our club." Asked about his team's place in the standings and their potential for a post-season berth, he added, "The team is definitely playing better than we expected at this point - but that doesn't mean that we will put our long-term plans on hold." When Randall was asked to expand on that, and if it meant that previously untouchable Willie Lee was on the block, he simply said "I don't think we have any untouchables" and ended the conversation.

One thing that is certain for Boston fans - don't grow too attached to the players you see on the field today, because the trade winds may blow them to a new town come tomorrow.

Paul Martin called up to Seattle

Paul Martin Seattle Salty Dogs Age: 23 B/T: L/R Born: Cleveland, OH Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Seattle - Despite being shopped around the league for pitching(no bites obviously) Seattle has decided to promote Paul Martin to the Majors. Martin was called up due to the durability concerns of Alex Randolph, who despite having a good bounce back season from last years herniated disk, is still a durability risk. Randolph has played mostly RF this season so it is possible that Martin may see time in the OF at one of the corners from time to time to keep getting him regular AB's. Also of concern is the high # of plate appearances that Brett Siddall has been accumulating out of the leadoff spot, despite having durability concerns of his own. Siddall is having a phenomenal season so far but management is concerned that it could catch up to him later in the season. Having Martin on the roster now will give manager Donald Key another option, as well as let Martin get his feet wet without heaping too much pressure on him. Despite Seattle's poor start they have finally climbed back to .500 and are only 2 games back of 1st place Toronto, who after a 14 game winning streak earlier in the season is currently on a 5 game win streak.

Top 10/ Bottom 5 (50 Game Mark Season 10)

TOP 10/ BOTTOM 5 (Season 10-NABCL-after 50 Games)

1. Sacramento Terrible Two's (Last Ranking #1) 37-13
The Two's made 3 major trades which began the process of rebuilding their minor league system and also gave them a new look at the big league level. Still, the new look Two's are playing like the same 'ol Two's as the big 4 rotation (Boone, Bennett, Schmidt, and Curtis) remained intact. The offense has been middle of the pack and 2-time NL MVP Otis Pavlov has yet to find his stroke, but when he does look out. Until then the pitching, which leads the NL in every major team category, will continue to carry the load.

2. Honolulu Anteaters (Last Ranking # Unranked) 33-17
The 'eaters have been on fire lately having won 19 of their last 21 games. The competition hasn't been great but they did mix in a sweep of Toronto and just took game 1 of a 3-game series against the newly revitalized 'weed. They acquired Miguel Polanco from Sacramento which gave them another arm behind Lenny Singleton and they trail only Trenton in the NL in runs scored. They have arrived and are the real deal, but will they be chasing Sacramento all season, or will they break their streak of 6-consecutive NL West titles?

3. Anaheim Natural Disasters (Last Ranking #2) 33-17
With Los Angeles struggling (25-25), Anaheim finally looks like the team to beat in the AL West. They have been knocking at the door for awhile but they managed to kick it in this season. They are following the old cliche perfectly, win your home games (16-5) and split your road games (17-12). Tony Wanatabe is off to a MVP type season and if the pitching remains this dominant, the AL could very well have a new representative in the World Series.

4. Fargo Roughriders (Last Ranking #5) 34-16
Carpediem spent the offseason spending money like George Steinbrenner and it has paid off handsomely. The much maligned Felipe Matos is off to a blazing 9-2 start, and Danys Ortiz and Vinny Granger are both hitting close to .300 with a combined 13 homeruns and 52 rbi in non-run producing roles. Mac Gray is on pace for a 60+ homerun season and Kurt Lewis is pretending to be Ted Williams. They have already scored 381 runs but their pitching has yielded only 223 (run differential of +158). The only thing that can stop Fargo is the old mantra, "Pitching wins Championships", and the AL is stock full of teams who can throw together solid 3-man rotations for the playoffs.

5. San Diego Storm (Last Ranking #10) 30-20
The Storm have made a huge jump up the rankings and are doing it with solid pitching (not all Petco Park) and a surprise offense led by Donaldo Leon. Duane Boyd and free agent signee A.J. McIntyre have been outstanding combining for a 13-2 record and Tomas Maduro has been lights out (14 saves in 15 opps) at the end of the game. Most notable is their 16-6 road mark compared to only 14-14 at home. If they start to win at Petco they could very easily run away with the division.

6. Wichita 'weed (Last Ranking #3) 28-22
The 'weed have cooled considerably since their blazing start going 10-14 over their last 24 games, but after camping out in the Bottom 5 for most of the last few seasons, their prospects have arrived and turned the franchise into a winner. Oldave deserves huge praise for not only sticking it out with this team and fighting through some long losing seasons, but for also turning this team into arguably the best young team in the NABCL. The only problem I see is that it takes young pitching a little bit longer to mature than young hitting. Cookie Milton and Joe Rhodes will be great, but their ERA's show that they are receiving a lot of help from their powerful offense. Regardless, we can nitpick all we like, this team is for real, and nobody wants to see the 'weed on the schedule come the postseason.

7. New Britain Block Heads (Last Ranking Unranked) 29-21
The Block Heads have been on the verge of cracking the Top 10 all season but their recent 5-2 stretch over fellow Top 10'ers Anaheim and San Diego got them into the mix. They are 4th in the AL in runs scored as well as 4th in the AL in runs against so they are getting it done on both sides. Their rotation is not very good but their bullpen is flat out nasty, if their 1-2-3 punch of Brett Zambrano, Frank Starr, and Mikey Knotts (and this is not even including the struggling Craig Hooper who has not lived up to the hype since coming over in a trade in season 8) can give the starters enough room to work, the bullpen will handle the rest.

8. Portland Jacks (Last Ranking Unranked) 27-23
The Jacks have been a very difficult team to figure out. The NL West is already tough enough, they are in 3rd place a full 10 games out of 1st, but their 27-23 record would have them tied for 1st in 2 other divisions and only 1-game out in another. Overall, they are inconsistent taking 2 out of 3 from Sacramento early in the year, 2 out of 3 from Wichita last week, and 2 out of 3 from a good Charlotte team. But the same team has also lost 2 out of 3 to Kansas City, 2 out of 3 to Vancouver, and 2 out of 3 to last place Seattle. Will the real Portland Jacks please stand up? The real Jacks will be fighting for a wild card spot all year, the other...well.

9. San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco) (Last Ranking #6) 27-23
They got off to a somewhat slow start but the 2-time defending NL Champs have regained their perch atop the NL South. Their pitching is as good as ever (198 runs given up second only to Sacramento's 166), but their offense has to find a way to score more (their 212 runs scored is ahead of only Louisville-188 and Kansas City-201). The pitching is too deep in the NL for them to make another run without more runs to help out. I would look for San Antonio to make a move before the trade deadline to give a boost to the bats.

10. Chicago Beast (Last Ranking Unranked) 27-23
The Beast survived a horrid 3-11 stretch at one point, and thanks to worse runs by the rest of the NL North, they still lead the division by 2 games. The offense is still their (their 271 runs scored is 3rd best in the NL) calling card and their pitching ranks 6th best in the NL in runs against. And once again it looks like enough as Toronto has faded after getting off to a great start, Vancouver is still trying to pull it all together, and Seattle once again looks like they are right at the hump but just cant quite get over it.

Close but no cigar...
Philadelphia: 28-22 record is worthy of Top 10, -27 run differential is not...
Charlotte: giving Wichita a run for its money in the NL East, 11-8 road record is solid but 15-16 home mark is not...
Los Angeles: 25-25 record is un-Robin's like, so is 11-18 road record, they are almost Top 10 worth based on reputation alone...
Colorado Springs: 26-24 record would have them 1-game out in NL North, 2-games out in NL East, 1-game out in NL South, but 11 games out in NL West...


Bottom 5

28. Norfolk Loyalists (Last Ranking #30) 20-30
They are only 6-games out and we all know the AL East has its issues, but their run differential is -13 and they are only 14-19 at home. A 6-4 record in their last 10 games has hope remaining alive in Virginia.

29. Las Vegas Muckers (Last Ranking #29) 19-31
Only Pawtucket has scored fewer runs in the AL and no one has allowed more runs to score. Simply a bad combination.

30. Pawtucket Patriots (Last Ranking Unranked) 17-33
Bad at home (9-16), bad on the road (8-17), and they have scored the fewest runs in the AL; but only 9 games out in the AL East. Ya never know!!!

31. Louisville Legionnaires (Last Ranking #28) 13-37
It has been a long rebuild and credit mlhutch for sticking it out. It will turn around, if Wichita can do it, so can the 'ville.

32. Kansas City Baby Blue Soundcrew (Last Ranking #32) 14-36
This is a franchise that has 2 World Series Championships under the belt, but those seem like another lifetime ago. After ownership changed hands 2 times (very un-NABCL like) it looks like Iain is here to stay. He is the right man for the job, and will get it done. He has already begun to reshape the future of the team through trades so it wont be long before he will see the fruits of his labor.

Well there you go fellas. And remember, I wasn't trying to offend anyone, just trying to have fun and bring something different to the table. Hope everyone enjoyed the read. Let me know what you think. Charles (Save_Mr_X)...