With less than 20 games left in the season, it seems like a perfect time for at Top 10/Bottom 5 update!
1. Anaheim Natural Disasters (94-53) – AL West
Still the team to beat in the AL, despite holding the #2 seed at the moment. Anaheim boasts the best pitching in the AL, a top 10 offense, and a top 5 D. SS Tony Wanatabe (.322/48HR/135RBI) is somehow not on the MVP list; SP Felipe Redondo (18-5, 2.95 ERA) and SP Harry Pena (15-7, 3.42 ERA) are Cy Young finalists, and young RP Jude Lindsey is in the running for the ROY award. The most well rounded team in the AL is poised for a deep playoff run.
2. San Antonio Missions (Viva the Puffy Taco) (94-53) – NL South
The Missions might not be as flashy as Honolulu or Sacramento, but they are currently the best team in the NL. They lead the majors in ERA and team defense, and have a solid if unspectacular offense; led by MVP candidate 1B Milt Brock (.322/36HR/110RBI). The pitching staff is anchored by Mark McNamara (17-5, 3.10 ERA) and Marvin Turner (17-5, 3.65 ERA), with top notch closer Arthur Donnels there to close the door when handed a lead. The team is on a 9-1 run, giving them great moment rolling into the postseason.
3. Fargo Roughriders (98-49) – AL North
More of the same ol’ same ol’ from Fargo, with a slight twist this season. The offense is again leading the majors in runs, and the defense is serviceable, but it’s the top 5 pitching staff that has lead the team to the best record in the league. SP Felipe Matos (20-4, 3.00 ERA) is enjoying arguably his finest season, while rookie Juan Goya (19-6, 3.56 ERA) and innings eater Luis Melendez (17-11, 3.90 ERA) give Fargo 3 of the 5 AL Cy Young candidates. The reason this squad is behind Anaheim and SA is simple, their 3/4 hitters (Mac Grey and Rudy Simms) are both on the DL, as is staring SS Bart Fiore. Fargo still has a solid team, but replacing 97 HR and 286 RBI is no easy task.
4. Sacramento Terrible Two’s (89-58) – NL West
The Two’s are perennial playoff contenders, and this year is no exception. Led by a top notch pitching staff and a rock solid defense that more than makes up for a slightly above average offense, this team is built for the postseason. Veteran SP’s Albert Boone (19-7, 3.24 ERA) and Fausto Bennett (16-4, 2.33 ERA) lead a deep and talented pitching staff, while CF Otis Pavlov (.295/40HR/107RBI) and ROY candidate Kris Ramirez help key the offense. Mr. X once again has this team poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, if the offense can contribute.
5. Chicago Beast (90-57) – NL North
The Beast have run away with the NL North, largely on the strength of the NL’s best offense. The team pitching is just OK, and the D is below average, but with bats like this, who needs anything else? Stud OF B.C. Parent (.329/63HR/157RBI) is mauling NL pitching, and 3B Steve Wilson (.297/38HR/116RBI) is playing a very impressive Robin to Parent’s Batman. This team will score runs on anyone in the postseason, it remains to be seen whether they can get enough pitching to be a factor in the playoffs.
6. Honolulu Anteaters (85-62) – NL West
The Anteaters are the antithesis of the Beast, their offense and defense are average at best, but their pitching is top notch, and they have used it to give Sacramento all they can handle in the NL West. This team is more dependent on a single player than any other team in the league; good thing that player is NABCL royalty. Lenny Singleton (20-9, 2.37 ERA) is producing his usual Cy Young worth season, and he makes this a team no one wants to see in the playoffs. If LF Derrick Stanley (.318/45HR/114RBI) can manage to bring the offense along for the ride, Honolulu has a very good chance to make a return trip to the World Series this season.
7. Richmond Poor Men (88-59) – AL South
Richmond is basically Chicago Lite, a top notch offense carrying below average pitching and defense. Closer Dan Powell (26/28 SV, 3.43 ERA) is doing a solid job finishing games for the team, but it’s MVP candidates 1B John Barkley (.301/46HR/136RBI) and 2B Bing Simms (.354/28HR/159RBI) that have put this team in a position to claim the AL South crown. It remains to be seen if they will be enough to push Richmond to the division title.
8. Iowa City Shuckers (85-62) – AL South
It stands to reason that the team chasing Richmond in the standings is right behind them in the top 10, too. Iowa City is a virtual mirror image of Richmond, with a slightly worse offense offsetting a slight better pitching staff. CF Rickey Valdes (.317/27HR/80RBI) and C Damaso Montana (.306/21HR/72RBI) give the Shuckers top notch bats at two premium positions, and closer Rip Christenson (36 SV, 2.47 ERA) are keeping this team in the division hunt, and currently leading the AL Wild Card race.
9. Wichita ‘weed (81-66) -- NL East
Top 10 pitching and defense have the ‘weed on the cusp of the franchise’s first division title, despite their current 5 game losing streak. The somewhat unconventional pitching staff is lead by Zephyr Johnson (14-7, 2.61 ERA, 17 SV), Derrick McPherson (15-3, 4.08 ERA, 4 SV) and Joe Rhodes (15-4, 2.60 ERA); while young SS Tony Trinidad (.292/22HR/78RBI/27SB) leads the offense. The ‘weed will need to hold off Charlotte to claim the division title, but if they can, they could surprise come playoff time.
10. tie- New Britain Blockheads (82-65) – AL North and Jacksonville Jackals (82-65) AL South
It is only fitting that these two teams share the final spot in the top 10, as both seem to be doing their best to NOT grab the final WC spot in the AL. New Britain was nipping at Fargo’s heels only 2 weeks ago, but after a crippling 13 game losing streak, they now find themselves in a tie for the aforementioned WC spot. As for the defending WS champs, they are 3-7 in their past 10, and are “riding” a 4 game losing skid. Either team can spring an upset if it can get to the postseason, and there is still a chance that the both can get in (knocking Iowa out of the playoffs), but they will need to right the ship quickly to claim their postseason berth.
On the Cusp: Charlotte Queen’s Men, Trenton Thrashers, Philadelphia Dead Milkmen, Seattle Salty Dogs, Los Angeles Robins
Bottom 5 (Cliff Note’s Version)
28. Washington D.C. Federals (62-85) – AL East
29. San Diego Storm (54-93) – AL West
30. Las Vegas Dust Devils (54-93) – NL West
31. Salem Gangbangers (54-93) – AL West
32. Boston Colonials (56-91) – AL East
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Review of NABCL #1 Draft Picks
Season 1 - Scott Harang
Harang is a three-timer All-Star 3B for Frazz’s San Antonio Missions. Scott has been a Mission throughout his fine career, starting out as a SS in a bit of a forced fit but now much more comfortabel at the hot corner. He’s been hobbled this season by a bum hamstring and he hasn’t reached his full potential as a hitter. His best season was #9 when he hit 30 homers, scored 101 runs, knocked in 111 runs more and broke .900 OPS for the first time in his career. Not a superstar, but a good pick who has been a San Antonio mainstay.
Season 2 - Tomas Villano
A longtime Thrasher, Villano has been the Trenton starting 2B for the last five seasons. A three-time All-Star and former MVP (for season 7), Tomas has amassed a very nice .938 career OPS and he brings a fine balance of hitting and power along with better than average eye, glove and wheels. His MVP season was his best, amassing 47 homers, 124 runs, 129 RBIs and an impressive 1 .098 OPS. Since cracking the ML lineups, Villano has led tmf12’s team to the playoffs in three of four seasons. One of the better 2B in the NABCL and a good first pick in the season 2 draft.
Season 3 - Mikey Knotts
After a horrendous first season with the New Britain franchise, Verd selected slugging 1B Knotts with the first pick of the season 3 draft. A former All-Star, Mikey is a better athlete than your garden variety first bagger, with excellent baserunning skills and a little speed to boot. He is a fine fielder as well, but he makes his living as a hammer an he averages just under 50 dingers a season. While not one of the elite power hitters in the NABCL, Knotts has been remarkably steady and durable, once going four straight seasons without missing a game. Forced to pick his best season and we’ll lean toward #9, wher e he even swiped 13 bases to go along with 61 HRs, 128 runs scored, 143 Ribeyes and a .927 OBS. Mikey’s consistency marks him as a very good number 1 pick.
Season 4 - Rob McConnell
Poised to become a premier NABCL slugger, Queen’s Man McConnell is now in his third big league season and he continues to show the steady year over year progress that is the hallmark of the best players in the game. Erran’s brought the Rfer along slowly with season long stops at every minor league tier before making the jump to the Show in season 9. Last season;s was Rob’s best so far, with 48 longballs, 105 RBIs and three more runs scored. He is a better than average runner but his glove work is a bit of a concern as is his overall health; no DL trips so far but his time will come. He is tracking this season to a 1.058 OPS and he should do even better in the next few legs. If he stays healthy, he looks lile a top notch draft pick.
Season 5 - Devon Russell
A former All Star in season 9, this shortstop has been a bit of a disappointment for a number 1 overall pick. Russell has been the rodent’s starting SS for three seasons now, but a long DL stay last year for a (wince with me) torn groin slowed down Devon’s progress. An average fielder at best, Russell makes more bad plays than good ones. He seems to have leveled off as a hitter, consistently around a .860 OPS, a decent enough number for most players, but a tad underwhelming for a player of his assumed promise. At 24, there is still time to mature, but we aren’t liking all the signs we are seeing.
Season 6 - Tony Trinidad
After a lengthy minor league career, 27 year old Trinidad has finally made it to the Big Time and he is just now getting comfortable in his second ML season. Tony has played 2B and 3B in addition to his natural position of SS in the Bigs, suggesting that he hasn’t really settled into a home quite yet. Wisaprentice selected the local boy for his NY Empire franchise, so oldave inherited him and moved him and the rest of the crew to Witchita in season 7. That first season in NY was brutal, with a rapid progression through the minors to AAA level, where he was stuck for three and a half-seasons. In 111 games last season, he enjoyed a decent but not great .863 OPS while stealing 27 homers and mashing 22 dingers. Still, he’ll need to step up big-time if he wants to reach his potential.
Season 7 - Kenny Herges
Season 7 saw a shortstop taken number 1 for the third season in a row and like Russell and Trinitad before him, Iowa City’s Herges is still a work in progress (albeit one that is a bit further along than his predecessors). More of a hitter than a fielder, Kenny was rushed to the Shuckers ML roster after only 47 games in Hi A ball and the rush to produce took an initial toll on the young Shucker. But his progress has been steady and he is currently playing the best ball of his young career, tracking a .960 OPS and hitting at a very productive .346 clip. Herges can run a little bit too but he remains a bit of a defensive liability with 51 errors. Still, his steady progress suggests an up and comer who may yet see a few All Star games and other accolades.
Season 8 - Victor Fernandez
The first pitcher ever taken with the first pick in a NABCL draft, the pride of Onalaska, Wisconsin has been a bit of a bust so far in two ML seasons. Fernandez is primarily a two pitch pitcher – fastball and slider – and he averages a homer a game as well as two free passes each time out. His stamina is fine but the durability is too low for a workhorse-type and we’re a bit concerned with his health ratings too. Still, his WHIP is dropping nicely even if the dingers keep his ERA going in the wrong direction (5+ and counting). Fletchkd and his Patriots of Pawtucket havehit some rough times over the last five seasons and so far Victor hasn’t been the secret to a winning season. But season 11 has started a lot better for them and we’re hoping Fernandez turns out well.
Season 9 - Damon Wolf
A tough season 8 gave the Wichita franchise another shot at a #1 pick and oldave went for pitching this time around. The Wolf looks like someone who may have staying power. Dave is bringing him along slowly – he’s only in Hi A ball right now – but his game is getting better all the time and his stats get better at every higher level, not worse. Right now, he’s tossing a .83 WHIP and a measley 1.15 ERA. His K/BB ratios have been insanely good and he doesn’t give up many long balls. For now, Dave is getting him plenty of work (and lots of wins) as a long reliever but he projects as a #1 ML starter in a few seasons.
Season 10 -Stan Redman
Pawtucket was back picking #1 in the season 10 draft and settled on catcher Redman, a fearsome hitter who is already looking studly in the ML level in his second season of pro ball. Truth be told, we don’t see Stan the Man as a great game caller but his bat should help make up for any minimal impact he may have to the Patriots’ team ERA. In this, his first season in the Bigs, he already has 26 dingers in 58 games and he average a little more than a ribeye per game. Posessing a great batting eye to go along with all that power, this rookie is already clubbing at a 1.058 OPS clip and he is a major reason fletch and the gang are competing in the AL East. We like Redman to be a force for many years to come (though maybe as a first bagger or DH rather than a backstop). A great #1 pick for fletch.
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Harang is a three-timer All-Star 3B for Frazz’s San Antonio Missions. Scott has been a Mission throughout his fine career, starting out as a SS in a bit of a forced fit but now much more comfortabel at the hot corner. He’s been hobbled this season by a bum hamstring and he hasn’t reached his full potential as a hitter. His best season was #9 when he hit 30 homers, scored 101 runs, knocked in 111 runs more and broke .900 OPS for the first time in his career. Not a superstar, but a good pick who has been a San Antonio mainstay.
Season 2 - Tomas Villano
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A longtime Thrasher, Villano has been the Trenton starting 2B for the last five seasons. A three-time All-Star and former MVP (for season 7), Tomas has amassed a very nice .938 career OPS and he brings a fine balance of hitting and power along with better than average eye, glove and wheels. His MVP season was his best, amassing 47 homers, 124 runs, 129 RBIs and an impressive 1 .098 OPS. Since cracking the ML lineups, Villano has led tmf12’s team to the playoffs in three of four seasons. One of the better 2B in the NABCL and a good first pick in the season 2 draft.
Season 3 - Mikey Knotts
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After a horrendous first season with the New Britain franchise, Verd selected slugging 1B Knotts with the first pick of the season 3 draft. A former All-Star, Mikey is a better athlete than your garden variety first bagger, with excellent baserunning skills and a little speed to boot. He is a fine fielder as well, but he makes his living as a hammer an he averages just under 50 dingers a season. While not one of the elite power hitters in the NABCL, Knotts has been remarkably steady and durable, once going four straight seasons without missing a game. Forced to pick his best season and we’ll lean toward #9, wher e he even swiped 13 bases to go along with 61 HRs, 128 runs scored, 143 Ribeyes and a .927 OBS. Mikey’s consistency marks him as a very good number 1 pick.
Season 4 - Rob McConnell
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Poised to become a premier NABCL slugger, Queen’s Man McConnell is now in his third big league season and he continues to show the steady year over year progress that is the hallmark of the best players in the game. Erran’s brought the Rfer along slowly with season long stops at every minor league tier before making the jump to the Show in season 9. Last season;s was Rob’s best so far, with 48 longballs, 105 RBIs and three more runs scored. He is a better than average runner but his glove work is a bit of a concern as is his overall health; no DL trips so far but his time will come. He is tracking this season to a 1.058 OPS and he should do even better in the next few legs. If he stays healthy, he looks lile a top notch draft pick.
Season 5 - Devon Russell
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A former All Star in season 9, this shortstop has been a bit of a disappointment for a number 1 overall pick. Russell has been the rodent’s starting SS for three seasons now, but a long DL stay last year for a (wince with me) torn groin slowed down Devon’s progress. An average fielder at best, Russell makes more bad plays than good ones. He seems to have leveled off as a hitter, consistently around a .860 OPS, a decent enough number for most players, but a tad underwhelming for a player of his assumed promise. At 24, there is still time to mature, but we aren’t liking all the signs we are seeing.
Season 6 - Tony Trinidad
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After a lengthy minor league career, 27 year old Trinidad has finally made it to the Big Time and he is just now getting comfortable in his second ML season. Tony has played 2B and 3B in addition to his natural position of SS in the Bigs, suggesting that he hasn’t really settled into a home quite yet. Wisaprentice selected the local boy for his NY Empire franchise, so oldave inherited him and moved him and the rest of the crew to Witchita in season 7. That first season in NY was brutal, with a rapid progression through the minors to AAA level, where he was stuck for three and a half-seasons. In 111 games last season, he enjoyed a decent but not great .863 OPS while stealing 27 homers and mashing 22 dingers. Still, he’ll need to step up big-time if he wants to reach his potential.
Season 7 - Kenny Herges
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Season 7 saw a shortstop taken number 1 for the third season in a row and like Russell and Trinitad before him, Iowa City’s Herges is still a work in progress (albeit one that is a bit further along than his predecessors). More of a hitter than a fielder, Kenny was rushed to the Shuckers ML roster after only 47 games in Hi A ball and the rush to produce took an initial toll on the young Shucker. But his progress has been steady and he is currently playing the best ball of his young career, tracking a .960 OPS and hitting at a very productive .346 clip. Herges can run a little bit too but he remains a bit of a defensive liability with 51 errors. Still, his steady progress suggests an up and comer who may yet see a few All Star games and other accolades.
Season 8 - Victor Fernandez
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The first pitcher ever taken with the first pick in a NABCL draft, the pride of Onalaska, Wisconsin has been a bit of a bust so far in two ML seasons. Fernandez is primarily a two pitch pitcher – fastball and slider – and he averages a homer a game as well as two free passes each time out. His stamina is fine but the durability is too low for a workhorse-type and we’re a bit concerned with his health ratings too. Still, his WHIP is dropping nicely even if the dingers keep his ERA going in the wrong direction (5+ and counting). Fletchkd and his Patriots of Pawtucket havehit some rough times over the last five seasons and so far Victor hasn’t been the secret to a winning season. But season 11 has started a lot better for them and we’re hoping Fernandez turns out well.
Season 9 - Damon Wolf
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A tough season 8 gave the Wichita franchise another shot at a #1 pick and oldave went for pitching this time around. The Wolf looks like someone who may have staying power. Dave is bringing him along slowly – he’s only in Hi A ball right now – but his game is getting better all the time and his stats get better at every higher level, not worse. Right now, he’s tossing a .83 WHIP and a measley 1.15 ERA. His K/BB ratios have been insanely good and he doesn’t give up many long balls. For now, Dave is getting him plenty of work (and lots of wins) as a long reliever but he projects as a #1 ML starter in a few seasons.
Season 10 -Stan Redman
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Pawtucket was back picking #1 in the season 10 draft and settled on catcher Redman, a fearsome hitter who is already looking studly in the ML level in his second season of pro ball. Truth be told, we don’t see Stan the Man as a great game caller but his bat should help make up for any minimal impact he may have to the Patriots’ team ERA. In this, his first season in the Bigs, he already has 26 dingers in 58 games and he average a little more than a ribeye per game. Posessing a great batting eye to go along with all that power, this rookie is already clubbing at a 1.058 OPS clip and he is a major reason fletch and the gang are competing in the AL East. We like Redman to be a force for many years to come (though maybe as a first bagger or DH rather than a backstop). A great #1 pick for fletch.
Friday, January 2, 2009
At the 40 Game Mark: Your NABCL Top 10/Bottom 5
Top 10
1. Sacramento Terrible Twos (33-7) – NL West
The best pitching in the league by far and top notch hitting and fielding firmly place the Twos at the top. Yes, they are playing over their heads a bit – we don’t expect them to hold off Anaheim from the #1 spot all season – but this is a strong balanced roster and SMX is a smart and savvy owner. Watch out for a dip if Singleton returns to form further West though.
2. Anaheim Natural Disasters (29-11) – AL West
Our gut pick for #1 didn’t quite rule the numbers but we expect them to reach the pinnacle sooner than later. Harry Pena anchors one of the best staffs in the league and Tony Watanabe is having a big year. They are only second to Fargo in hitting and they are closing the pitching gap rapidly. Only the glovework is second tier. Anaheim is more than due to take the NABCL.
3. Fargo Roughriders (25-15) – AL North
The best hitting team in the land is surprisingly effective on the mound as well. (Let’s not talk about fielding, though.) Rudy Simms is running away with the AL MVP race (as a DH!) and the four-man rotation is working nicely. Still, the back end of the bullpen is a worry and we suspect that Fargo will give some back over the season.
4. San Antonio Missions (24-16) – NL South
Frazz and the Missions rely on strong pitching (4/5s of the rotation is excellent) and team speed. The bats are a bit above average too, but we think that the San Antonio success story has as much to do with playing in the weak NL South as the Missions’ hitters. Still, Frazz is a regular contender who, like zackaryl, is more than due.
5. Chicago Beast (23-17) – NL North
The Beast is just that: a beast, at least with the bats, where their adjusted stats put them neck and neck with Fargo for machismo bragging rights. The pitching has one or two bright spots but is only slightly above average. Fielding is not a strength at all. With Seattle coming up from behind, we expect the NL North to tighten and for the Beast to drop another peg or two. Still, bullet will contend all season.
6. Wichita ‘weed (23-17) – NL East
The ‘weed is like the Beast’s weaker brother. The bats aren’t quite as good but the pitching and fielding are a bit better than their neighbors to the North. But with a bullpen by committee and some expected inconsistency from the starters, we see a second half swoon for oldave and the gang, not dissimilar to last season. Trenton should catch ‘em soon.
7. Jacksonville Jackals (21-19) – AL South
The defending champs haven’t played very hungrily and it shows. The bats have been quieter than expected and they have definitely played down to their competition. Still, the pitching has been surprisingly strong given some free agent losses and they have good team speed and one of the best defenses in the league. They’ll be there in the end.
8. Portland Jacks (20-20) – NL West
Another underachiever, where one of the best pitching staffs in the game, buoyed by the best defense around, tries to keep dtrain in the game until the bats can warm up. The lineup is average but generally balanced and, with time, they should turn things around. Like the Jackals, the Jacks are too good to be this blah all season.
9. Seattle Salty Dogs (20-20) -- NL North
No team was a bigger Top 10 surprise when we ran the numbers than the Dogs, so much so that we changed the algorithm and tried again, and they still made the cut. (Mediocrity, thy name is NABCL.) Seattle is all about pitching and Safeco Field. The batting is generally sub-par and the fielding is okay, not great. Don’t get too settled here, Donald.
10. New Britain Blockheads (21-19) – AL North
Verd and his ‘Heads desperately cling to the Top 10 status, thanks to a balanced attack of competent components that are more than adequate but not really great. Still, like Seattle, they shouldn’t get settled as they generally perform poorly in their division and that will catch up to them. It was nice that the gang took the wild card last season, but this could be a hangover year.
On the Cusp: Memphis Maniax, Trenton Thrashers, Los Angeles Robins, Richmond Poor Men, Iowa City Shuckers
Bottom 5
28. New Orleans Crawdads (17-23) – NL South
Can’t hit, can’t field and the pitching – which is just average – can’t keep them in games to turn the ball over to Miguel Liriano, their best weapon. Tarasco is having aother nice year at first baseand Gary Quinn is having a career year, but it doesn’t look good for the ‘dads.
29. Charlotte Queen’s Men (15-25) – NL East
What the heck happened to the Men? After a major step forward last leg, they have reverted to form. We suspect that the bats are just cold and will start warming as we get closer to mid-year – Rob McConnell is starting to get loose and catcher Randall Perez is having a breakthrough season. And the pitching should improve a bit too, probably not enough for a true run, but enough to get out of the bottom 5. Still, a disappointing start for a team that thought they could contend this season
30. Louisville Legionnaires (16-24) – NL South
The Legionnaires are finally starting to hit – Bob Jenkins is having a break out year finally! – but the pitching remains a huge problem, with only Brian Lee holding his own as a starter. Still there are a couple of bright lights in the bullpen (alas, not a closer!) and we are hopeful that the meat of the order might carry Louisville out of the cellar.
31. El Paso Ultraviolence (13-27) – AL South
Reaper’s crew is nothing if not consistent: bottom 5 in hitting, in pitching and in fielding. Star Bump Boucher has underachieved all season long and only Larry Browne is pitching consistently well. The ‘violence have been heading downward for a couple of seasons now, but this is a going right off the cliff.
32. Boston Colonials (15-25) – AL East
Oh, how the mighty Randall has fallen! Saddled with the worst pitching in the league – and that is saying A LOT – the Colonials have no hope even with their overachieving bats (overachieving so far – they can’t stay this hot all season). Fenway is not this team’s friend. Joe May has been a bright light, but the tunnel these guys are in is mighty dark.
On the Cusp: Kansas City Baby Blue Soundcrew, Salem Gangbangers, Vancouver Loonies, San Diego Storm, Las Vegas Dust Devils
1. Sacramento Terrible Twos (33-7) – NL West
The best pitching in the league by far and top notch hitting and fielding firmly place the Twos at the top. Yes, they are playing over their heads a bit – we don’t expect them to hold off Anaheim from the #1 spot all season – but this is a strong balanced roster and SMX is a smart and savvy owner. Watch out for a dip if Singleton returns to form further West though.
2. Anaheim Natural Disasters (29-11) – AL West
Our gut pick for #1 didn’t quite rule the numbers but we expect them to reach the pinnacle sooner than later. Harry Pena anchors one of the best staffs in the league and Tony Watanabe is having a big year. They are only second to Fargo in hitting and they are closing the pitching gap rapidly. Only the glovework is second tier. Anaheim is more than due to take the NABCL.
3. Fargo Roughriders (25-15) – AL North
The best hitting team in the land is surprisingly effective on the mound as well. (Let’s not talk about fielding, though.) Rudy Simms is running away with the AL MVP race (as a DH!) and the four-man rotation is working nicely. Still, the back end of the bullpen is a worry and we suspect that Fargo will give some back over the season.
4. San Antonio Missions (24-16) – NL South
Frazz and the Missions rely on strong pitching (4/5s of the rotation is excellent) and team speed. The bats are a bit above average too, but we think that the San Antonio success story has as much to do with playing in the weak NL South as the Missions’ hitters. Still, Frazz is a regular contender who, like zackaryl, is more than due.
5. Chicago Beast (23-17) – NL North
The Beast is just that: a beast, at least with the bats, where their adjusted stats put them neck and neck with Fargo for machismo bragging rights. The pitching has one or two bright spots but is only slightly above average. Fielding is not a strength at all. With Seattle coming up from behind, we expect the NL North to tighten and for the Beast to drop another peg or two. Still, bullet will contend all season.
6. Wichita ‘weed (23-17) – NL East
The ‘weed is like the Beast’s weaker brother. The bats aren’t quite as good but the pitching and fielding are a bit better than their neighbors to the North. But with a bullpen by committee and some expected inconsistency from the starters, we see a second half swoon for oldave and the gang, not dissimilar to last season. Trenton should catch ‘em soon.
7. Jacksonville Jackals (21-19) – AL South
The defending champs haven’t played very hungrily and it shows. The bats have been quieter than expected and they have definitely played down to their competition. Still, the pitching has been surprisingly strong given some free agent losses and they have good team speed and one of the best defenses in the league. They’ll be there in the end.
8. Portland Jacks (20-20) – NL West
Another underachiever, where one of the best pitching staffs in the game, buoyed by the best defense around, tries to keep dtrain in the game until the bats can warm up. The lineup is average but generally balanced and, with time, they should turn things around. Like the Jackals, the Jacks are too good to be this blah all season.
9. Seattle Salty Dogs (20-20) -- NL North
No team was a bigger Top 10 surprise when we ran the numbers than the Dogs, so much so that we changed the algorithm and tried again, and they still made the cut. (Mediocrity, thy name is NABCL.) Seattle is all about pitching and Safeco Field. The batting is generally sub-par and the fielding is okay, not great. Don’t get too settled here, Donald.
10. New Britain Blockheads (21-19) – AL North
Verd and his ‘Heads desperately cling to the Top 10 status, thanks to a balanced attack of competent components that are more than adequate but not really great. Still, like Seattle, they shouldn’t get settled as they generally perform poorly in their division and that will catch up to them. It was nice that the gang took the wild card last season, but this could be a hangover year.
On the Cusp: Memphis Maniax, Trenton Thrashers, Los Angeles Robins, Richmond Poor Men, Iowa City Shuckers
Bottom 5
28. New Orleans Crawdads (17-23) – NL South
Can’t hit, can’t field and the pitching – which is just average – can’t keep them in games to turn the ball over to Miguel Liriano, their best weapon. Tarasco is having aother nice year at first baseand Gary Quinn is having a career year, but it doesn’t look good for the ‘dads.
29. Charlotte Queen’s Men (15-25) – NL East
What the heck happened to the Men? After a major step forward last leg, they have reverted to form. We suspect that the bats are just cold and will start warming as we get closer to mid-year – Rob McConnell is starting to get loose and catcher Randall Perez is having a breakthrough season. And the pitching should improve a bit too, probably not enough for a true run, but enough to get out of the bottom 5. Still, a disappointing start for a team that thought they could contend this season
30. Louisville Legionnaires (16-24) – NL South
The Legionnaires are finally starting to hit – Bob Jenkins is having a break out year finally! – but the pitching remains a huge problem, with only Brian Lee holding his own as a starter. Still there are a couple of bright lights in the bullpen (alas, not a closer!) and we are hopeful that the meat of the order might carry Louisville out of the cellar.
31. El Paso Ultraviolence (13-27) – AL South
Reaper’s crew is nothing if not consistent: bottom 5 in hitting, in pitching and in fielding. Star Bump Boucher has underachieved all season long and only Larry Browne is pitching consistently well. The ‘violence have been heading downward for a couple of seasons now, but this is a going right off the cliff.
32. Boston Colonials (15-25) – AL East
Oh, how the mighty Randall has fallen! Saddled with the worst pitching in the league – and that is saying A LOT – the Colonials have no hope even with their overachieving bats (overachieving so far – they can’t stay this hot all season). Fenway is not this team’s friend. Joe May has been a bright light, but the tunnel these guys are in is mighty dark.
On the Cusp: Kansas City Baby Blue Soundcrew, Salem Gangbangers, Vancouver Loonies, San Diego Storm, Las Vegas Dust Devils
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
El Paso Trade Block
El Paso is looking to reload for future seasons due to the disastrous start of season eleven. The players listed below are on the block with their relative trade value in parenthesis.
I'm looking for starting pitching and/or RF prospects but will consider others. The listed minor league players are available in package deals as well.
Current Major League Players
SP Wilton Bang (med)
RP Mike Barfield (med)
SP Domingo Jose (low)
RP Daniel Metcalfe (low)
3B Charlie Stone (high)
OF Bob Fleming (high)
OF Enrique Gomez (high)
SS JD Hutton (med)
2B/CF Trenidad Belliard (med)
Minor League Players
1B Andrew Lankford (high)
OF Harry Merrick (med)
OF Jose Zurbaran (med)
CF Glenallen Franco (high)
IF/OF Vitas Martin (med)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Beast Hunger for more than NL North Banner
(Associated Press - Chicago) As his team hoisted its fourth straight NL North Division banner (and sixth in seven years), Beast General Manager, Bullet6464, could not help but acknowledge that the accomplishment was bittersweet, "The goal in Chicago is to be World Champs, and though we appreciate the significance of an NL North title, it does not signal mission complete."
To be fair, the season X edition of the Beast proved to be a resilent bunch. When franchise icon and slugging superstar BC Parent went down to injury at the 33 game mark (total missed games 74) all seemed lost. Yet the adversity proved to be a testing ground for the team's other leaders. Softspoken first basemen, James Suzuki, put the team on his back and along with dynamic newcomer Julian Pena, led the team out of a seven game hole to snatch the division crown from the talented yet maligned Seattle franchise.
With Parent back and primed for a monster post-season, hopes for another trip to the World Series danced in the minds of Beast Faithful. Yet for the second consecutive season, Portand interupted the post-seasons plans this time in a convincing 3 games to 1 rout. The bittersweet finish was palpable for all.
Yet, a new season brings new hope and with the Bullet in tow, Beast fans knew that the roster would be fined tuned from a year ago; including a couple of blockbuster trades. The Chicago GM made his first move by acquiring Phillip Fischer, a live and proven young arm from Washington. The controversial GM then spit in the wind and made a much talked about deal with division rival Toronto. In the swap, Chicago dished promising young hurler Ryne Boyer for three blue chip prospects: Melvin Ishida at the Major League Level and Gene Tomko & Kiko Steenstra at the AAA level.
All said and done the Season 11 Edition of the Beast might be the strongest unit ever to wear the red, white, and blue in the Second City. The offense is second to none in the National League, the starting rotation is much improved with Fischer and late season X addition Dellucci, and the roster offers exceptional flexibilty to the field manager as the bench features five shortstop type-players, allowing for improved fielding across the diamond, defensive flexibility, and fantastic situational match-ups.
Clearly the window for success with this team is now; Parent/Suzuki/Wilson/Dellucci/Fisher are all in their "prime." The question that persists is there enough talent to keep ahead of the young bats in Toronto and then to compete against the iron in Charlotte, Wichita, Trenton, Portand, and San Antonio.
Early Season Projection: 98 - 64 NL North Crown; Parent as MVP
Batting Order -
1) Brian OgawaSS (righties)/Bruce Dawkins CF (lefties)
2) Virgil Wilkerson SS (lefties)/ Ishida CF (righties)
3) James Suzuki 1b
4) B.C. Parent LF
5) Julian Pena RF
6) Melvin Ishida 2b (lefties)/Wilkerson 2b (righties)
7) Steven Wilson 3b
8) Kirt Bryant/Lou "Velvet Underground" Reed C platoon
Bench - Root, Houston, Buck
Starting Rotation:
1) Livan Flores
2) Randy Dellucci
3) Phillip Fischer
4) Torey Alvarado
5) Randy Corey
Bullpen
Long: Alex Ishida, Dann Tollberg
Set-up A: Chin-Feng Cheng, Rickey Vance, Ugueth Neruda
Set-up B: Walter Beiser
Closer: Dan Redding
To be fair, the season X edition of the Beast proved to be a resilent bunch. When franchise icon and slugging superstar BC Parent went down to injury at the 33 game mark (total missed games 74) all seemed lost. Yet the adversity proved to be a testing ground for the team's other leaders. Softspoken first basemen, James Suzuki, put the team on his back and along with dynamic newcomer Julian Pena, led the team out of a seven game hole to snatch the division crown from the talented yet maligned Seattle franchise.
With Parent back and primed for a monster post-season, hopes for another trip to the World Series danced in the minds of Beast Faithful. Yet for the second consecutive season, Portand interupted the post-seasons plans this time in a convincing 3 games to 1 rout. The bittersweet finish was palpable for all.
Yet, a new season brings new hope and with the Bullet in tow, Beast fans knew that the roster would be fined tuned from a year ago; including a couple of blockbuster trades. The Chicago GM made his first move by acquiring Phillip Fischer, a live and proven young arm from Washington. The controversial GM then spit in the wind and made a much talked about deal with division rival Toronto. In the swap, Chicago dished promising young hurler Ryne Boyer for three blue chip prospects: Melvin Ishida at the Major League Level and Gene Tomko & Kiko Steenstra at the AAA level.
All said and done the Season 11 Edition of the Beast might be the strongest unit ever to wear the red, white, and blue in the Second City. The offense is second to none in the National League, the starting rotation is much improved with Fischer and late season X addition Dellucci, and the roster offers exceptional flexibilty to the field manager as the bench features five shortstop type-players, allowing for improved fielding across the diamond, defensive flexibility, and fantastic situational match-ups.
Clearly the window for success with this team is now; Parent/Suzuki/Wilson/Dellucci/Fisher are all in their "prime." The question that persists is there enough talent to keep ahead of the young bats in Toronto and then to compete against the iron in Charlotte, Wichita, Trenton, Portand, and San Antonio.
Early Season Projection: 98 - 64 NL North Crown; Parent as MVP
Batting Order -
1) Brian OgawaSS (righties)/Bruce Dawkins CF (lefties)
2) Virgil Wilkerson SS (lefties)/ Ishida CF (righties)
3) James Suzuki 1b
4) B.C. Parent LF
5) Julian Pena RF
6) Melvin Ishida 2b (lefties)/Wilkerson 2b (righties)
7) Steven Wilson 3b
8) Kirt Bryant/Lou "Velvet Underground" Reed C platoon
Bench - Root, Houston, Buck
Starting Rotation:
1) Livan Flores
2) Randy Dellucci
3) Phillip Fischer
4) Torey Alvarado
5) Randy Corey
Bullpen
Long: Alex Ishida, Dann Tollberg
Set-up A: Chin-Feng Cheng, Rickey Vance, Ugueth Neruda
Set-up B: Walter Beiser
Closer: Dan Redding
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, November 17, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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.
*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.
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