>Loyalists Quietly Making Playoff Push

>NORFOLK (AP) – Fans in Norfolk thought they were going to have to wait one more season to enjoy a contender. After the first 10 games of the season, the Loyalists were outscored by more than 20 runs! This led to a Bottom 5 ranking and left management wondering if this offense was ever going to come around. Led by team captain Wilson May and unsung heros Wayne Hunter and Ruben Soriano, the offense has come alive – now leading the entire NABCL in runs scored with 541. This success however does not come without some irony. Soriano was actively being shopped during the offseason. Hunter is Norfolk’s version of the “30 Year Old Rookie.” Manager squirrel1014 credits the rookie Hunter and another rookie Alfonso Franco for their recent success: “Hunter has played better than we could have expected while we wait for some prospects to develop, but the big difference maker I think is Franco. When our ace starting pitcher Diego Guerrero went down for the season, we were sure Boston would pull away. Franco has done well keeping us in games, evidenced by his 5-1 record since his call up from AAA. Instead of Boston pulling away, it has been us slowly chipping away at Boston’s lead and now we’re in 1st place behind some great play by these rookies.”

Will Norfolk’s “Young Guns” (May, Soriano, Franco and Hunter) keep it up for the 2nd half? That remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – fans in Norfolk now have the foundation of a team that could be contenders for seasons to come.

>Philadelphia Dead Milkmen: Two Back at the Break

>In an up-and-down season, Philadelphia enters the All-Star break on a seven-game win streak, standing two games behind the AL North-leading New Britain Block Heads. Early in the season, the Milkmen looked lost after a 3-13 stretch left them in fourth place at 10-16. But immediately after that skid, Philadelphia reversed course and tore off a 13-3 stretch; since their nadir, the team has played .630 ball and posted a 41-24 record.

Offense remains Philadelphia’s strength. The Milkmen lead the AL in slugging, OPS, and runs, and rank near the top in many other categories. Pitching has been more problematic: Philadelphia’s 5.01 ERA is sixth-worst in the AL. The rotation has improved drastically with the addition of several key rookies, but the bullpen is still a major weakness.

Midseason grades:
CATCHER Sean Thomson (.287/.339/.498, 12 HR, 54 RBI): C+
CATCHER Rolando Belliard (.303/.353/.453, 4 HR, 27 RBI): B-
Belliard has torched lefties (.897 OPS) while Thomson has done well against RHP (.853).
FIRST BASE Shooter Farrell (.255/.345/.593, 35 HR, 71 RBI, 67 RS): B-
Farrell has struggled at times this season, but continues to mash.
SECOND BASE Everett Griffiths (.274/.343/.373, 32 SB, 65 RS): B
Leadoff hitter Griffiths is on pace to set a franchise record for stolen bases with 57.
THIRD BASE Jacob Dunn (.268/.326/.481, 24 2B, 21 SB, 50 RBI, 52 RS): B+
Rookie Dunn has mostly delivered on his promising minor league career.
THIRD BASE/SHORTSTOP Bernie Uribe (.298/.318/.552, 16 HR, 46 RBI): B
Despite an alarming lack of patience, Uribe has filled in for the injured Sosa fairly well.
SHORTSTOP Benito Sosa (.260/.325/.435 in 35 G): INCOMPLETE
Sosa’s injury ended a fairly good season; only time will tell if he can return to form.
LEFT FIELD Jim Jenkins (.296/.373/.443, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 41 RS): C+
The veteran Jenkins started out very strong, but has faded in recent weeks.
CENTER FIELD Bobby Ellis (.237/.309/.303, 15 SB, 43 RS): D-
Ellis’ play both at the plate and in the field has been a major disappointment this season.
RIGHT FIELD Walker Wilkins (.342/.424/.591, 20 HR, 66 RBI, 69 RS) : A.
Wilkins, Philadelphia’s lone All-Star, is among the top players in the AL.
DESIGNATED HITTER Homer Buddie (.279/.362/.540, 24 HR, 64 RBI, 63 RS): B+
Free agent Buddie has provided the middle-of-the-lineup presence Philadelphia needed.
BENCH: Victor Costilla (.327/.397/.519 in 52 AB) has provided a spark in recent weeks, while Carlos Bennett‘s sure glove has been invaluable with the injury to Sosa.

STARTER #1 Rafael Vidal (125 IP, 11-4, 1.22 WHIP, 3.53 ERA): A-
At age 40, Vidal continues to pitch well, and could have merited an All-Star nod.
STARTER #2 Haywood Jodie (108 IP, 4-3, 1.27, 3.98): B+
The only blemishes on Jodie’s season are a lack of run support and a minor injury.
STARTER #3 Miguel Almanza (39 IP, 3-2, 1.59, 6.46): C-
Acquired by trade, Almanza has been disappointing.
STARTER #4 Geraldo Nunez (69 IP, 3-8, 1.21, 4.00): B+
A poor win-loss record belies how essential the rookie Nunez has been to the rotation.
STARTER #5 Louis Durham (49 IP, 7-1, 1.41, 4.22): B+
Won his first five starts and is second on the team in wins despite making only 8 appearances.
LONG RELIEF Billy Robinson (50, 1.80, 7.28): D-; Ronald Cota (50, 1.79, 6.97): D-; Jamie Hunter (57, 1.54, 5.21): D+
Robinson has completely lost his touch, while Cota and Hunter have lost their starting jobs and struggled in relief.
SETUP Bret Jackson (56, 1.31, 5.24): C-; Julio Rosado (78, 1.30, 4.46): B-
Jackson has been victimized by the long ball; Rosado has made an acceptable rookie debut.
CLOSER Derrek Jensen (19/19 SV, 1.50, 4.95): C+
While Jensen has not pitched particularly well, he has yet to blow a save opportunity.

>RELIEVER OF THE WEEK

>

Hardball Dynasty’s

Phil Nitkowski

Phil Nitkowski of the Atlanta Brave Vawts is the Reliever of the Week for the week of 4/8/08-4/15/08. Nitkowski had a 7 saves in 7 chances. He gave up 0 runs in 7 IP for an ERA of 0.00. He also gave up only 3 hits and had 6 strikeouts against 2 walks.

>PITCHER OF THE WEEK

>

Hardball Dynasty’s

Shane Lomasney

Shane Lomasney of the Texas Talley Whackesrs is the Pitcher of the Week for the week of 4/8/08-4/15/08. Lomasney had a record of 3-0 during the week with 2 complete games and a shoutout. He gave up 11 runs in 32 IP for an ERA of 3.09. He had 21 strikeouts against 13 walks.

>PLAYER OF THE WEEK

>

Hardball Dynasty’s

Nicky Duran

Nicky Duran of the Fargo Woodchippers is the Player of the Week for the week of 4/8/08-4/15/08. He had 28 hits in 69 AB for a .406 AVE. He also had 9 homeruns, 30 RBI’s and an OPS of 1.442. He also added in 23 runs scored and a 33.229 runs created during the week.

>Season 8 Draft Grades

>The newest addition to the blog is the Draft Grades. I have graded every team’s draft picks in the first 10 rounds by looking at the players’ projections and listing them as All-Star caliber, Major League worthy, borderline ML/AAA player, or career minor leaguer. I assigned point values to these designations and came up with a total score per team which was used to determine a letter grade. Without further ado, here are my draft grades!

A+
San Antonio Missions (Viva The Puffy Taco) frazzman80- The Missions led my grading in points with 2 All-Stars, 4 MLers, and 6 ML/AAA players in their 12 picks. Led by pitchers Sean Gross and Alex Edwards, The Puffy Taco also drafted top reliever Chip Rakers in the 2nd round. The Missions had12 picks in the first 10 rounds.

A+
Jacksonville Jackals examinerebb– The Jackals led all teams with 3 All-Star caliber draftees, also adding 2 MLers and 1 ML/AAA player. 1st round 3B Bret Darwin and 2nd round DH/C Travis Matthews lead the Jackals with SS Dale Mann and reliever Timo Adams helping out the grade. The Jackals had 14 picks in the first 10 rounds.

A
Fargo Roughriders carpediem33– Top pick Sean Sterns gets the fanfair, but a couple key relievers were drafted including Garland Stevens. Solid all-around C Artie Newhouser was snagged in the 10th round. Fargo selected 2 All-Stars, 3 MLers, and 2 ML/AAA guys.

A
Vancouver Loonies cosmicblob– Top pick Dustan Stechschulte looks to be a stud, followed by 5 solid not spectacular ML quality guys including Ugueth Martinez, Juan Peron, and Jim Ashley. The Loonies ended up with 1 All-Star, 5 ML guys and 2 borderline prospects.

A-
Louisville Legionnaires mlhutch– The Legionnaries solid group with one All-Star, 4 ML, and 2 ML/AAA players consists of SP Eugene Roberts and Olmedo Lopez who has closer type stuff.

A-
Richmond Poor Men mdonegan– Also drafting 1 All-Star, 4 MLers, and 2 ML/AAA guys, the Poor Men are happy to have future Fireman of the Year in Alex Alonso, as well as soilid starter Dan Matthews. Would have a better draft if 3rd round pick Woody Finley would sign, who looks to be a bottom of the rotation starter.

B+
El Paso Ultraviolence reaperpgh– Top pick Andrew Lankford is a very good hitter who should challenge for the league batting title year after year. El Paso also drafted 4 other ML quality players with 1 ML/AAA guy.

B+
Wichita ‘weed oldave– The ‘weed are the highest ranked team without an All-Star selected, but did add 5 ML quality players and 4 borderline prospects including solid SS/3B Stevie Cepeda and defensive whiz Vin Giovanola who should end his career with 10 Gold Gloves, if his owner can handle his poor hitting.

B
Colorado Springs Coyotes drutes– The Coyotes are very happy with their draft haul, picking All-Star quality closer Mark Wilson and catcherTony Woods. While Colorado Springs had a good top of the draft, it’s ratings were hurt by a lack of depth with only 2 other MLers and 0 borderline prospects. Still, a good draft class.

B
Anaheim Natural Disasters zackaryl– The Natural Disasters did well by selecting rubber-armed Jude Lindsey, along with [URL=http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1725152]Terry Langerhans[/URL] and Ronnie Ligtenberg. Their class had 1 All-Star, 3 MLers, and 2 borderline guys.

B
Los Angeles Robin’s bronco2rings– The Robins scored the same with 1 All-Star, 3 MLers, and 2 borderline prospects lead by 2B/CF Edgardo Sivilla and solid defensive SS Albert Pena.

B
Seattle Salty Dogs donaldkey– Also with 1 All-Star, 3 MLers, and 2 borderline prospects, the Salty Dogs look for big things from professional hitter, Paul Martin. A pair of catchers including Garret O’Keefe make this a pretty good class.

B
Charlotte Queen’s Men Erran– Quality pitching was brought in by the Queen’s Men, led by starter Ed Gregg and reliever Nick Stewart, plus a solid SS Yamil Cabrera.

B
Kansas City Kangaroos csherwood– The Kangaroos brought in a couple of quality guys, and it’s surprising to find them this low. One of the best pure hitters in this crop, Keith Davidson fell to pick #22 due to concerns about his health, while quality hitting catcher Mandy Michaels looks to be a good pickup in round 2. Ozzie Smith Jr., I mean Frank Glauber, who may be better than Vin Giovanola defensively, and can hit a little. Great SS prospects this year.

B
Norfolk Loyalists squirrel1014– The Loyalists had a very top-heavy draft with pitchers Bill Wulf, Cristobal Velazquez, and Dan Damon being about the only true prospects in this draft class.

B-
Las Vegas Muckers nordawg– The Mucker draft board was filled with pitchers, ending up with Rolando Velazquez, Del Clements, and Macbeth Matthews.

C+
Pawtucket Patriots fletchkd– Basically a one man draft class, but what a man it is! Star ace Victor Fernandez catapaulted the Patriots into this spot, with just one other MLer drafted and signed. The class would be much better if 2nd rounder Dee Dee Benard would sign, but getting Fernandez is good enough.

C
Helena Misfits rugrat– John Sanders and Morgan Crosby are the top to prospects from the Misfits draft that resulted in only 1 All-Star, 2 MLers, and 1 borderline prospect.

C
Sacramento Terrible Two’s Save_Mr_X– Top pick Marvin Vernon is good, but not quite All-Star quality. Chris Vina is great defensively, but not much of a threat with the bat. Okay, but a C grade.

C
Memphis Maniax gerald007– Top pick Henry Jones is a great slugger, while Rondell Barrett is a good defensive SS. Add 3 borderline prospects, and you have the Maniax’ draft.

C
Boston Colonials randallball– Pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching. Unfortunately, just not good enough pitching. The best of the lot is 1st rounder Alex Lo and Sammy Carreon.

C
Chicago Beast bullet6464– Chicago also went pitching heavy, with the best 2 being relievers Dick Magee and J.J. Willis.

C
New Britain Block Heads Verd– The Block Heads got some pretty good relievers in Phil Moreno and Apollo O’Halloran to go with top pick Steven Crosby.

C
Trenton Thrashers tmf12– The Thrashers drafted a good hitter in Bud Evans and a solid defensive SS in Chris Allen.

C
Washington D.C. Federals Shalmelo– Luther Gordon looks to be a soild starter, while my next jersey purchase may be that of Patrick Zoltan. What a great name!

C-
Iowa City Shuckers sportznut11– The Shuckers got a good starter in David Sierra with the 3rd pick overal, while getting a decent hitting and fielding Mario Halter in the 3rd round. Grade would be better if 2nd rounder Lew Poole would sign.

C-
Scranton Screwballs keith1995– The Screwballs got good hitting 3B Oswaldo Cortez in the 4th round to go with top pick Dweezil Elliott. The lack of a 2nd round pick hurt their rating.

D
New Orleans Crawdads wonka1– The Crawdads drafted starter Sergio Hinske and RFWillie Ruffin, but not much else. 3rd rounder LF Dan Faulk has yet to sign.

D
San Diego Storm davesanchez– The Storm were hurt by not having a 2nd or 3rd rounder, but basically only drafted sweet hitting DH Aramis Melendez.

D
Philadelphia Dead Milkmen newarkwilder– The Dead Milkmen drafted 2 ML hitters in Shane Spivey and Damian Goodwin, but 3rd rounder Denny Magadan has yet tot sign.

D-
Portland Jacks dtrain34– Missing a 1st round pick definitely hurt the Jacks, but ony drafted a defensive SS (although he can hit righties) in Jeremy Wilkinson and a borderline LF/1B Al Santos.

F
Salem Timberhawks buffalowade– Based on ratings, the Timberhawks should be in the middle of the pack with a C, drafting All-Star caliber SS Benito DaSilva, 3B Trevor Kendall, and Dale Lary. Unfortunately not one pick in the first 10 rounds has been signed, so as of right now, the grade has to be an F.

I hope everyone enjoyed the first annual draft grades and I look forward to your comments!

>Thrashers Struggle as Starting Pitching Wanes

>The Trenton Thrashers are currently in a sixteen game funk. With the All Star break looming, the mighty Kansas City Kangaroos have turned a double digit deficit into a 3 game deficit.

The last 16 games have been a struggle for the young Thrashers. Over this time they are 4 – 12, including losing streaks of six and five games. The starting pitching has been miserable over this period. They have combined for an ERA of 9.14 with a record of 1 win and 12 losses and only 3 quality starts. But it gets worse, recent acquisition Kevin Martin has been the best of the bunch, going 0 and 2 with an ERA of 2.59 and producing 2 quality starts. Taking his numbers out, Derrick McPherson (3 GS, 5.3 IP, 16 ER, 27.17 ERA), Bono Wilson (4 GS, 16.5 IP, 17 ER, 9.27 ERA), Junior Sanchez (3 GS, 15.5 IP, 19ER, 11.03 ERA), and Pep Feng (3 GS, 16.2 IP, 15 ER, 8.33 ERA) have a combined ERA of 11.27. Feng and Wilson were All Star candidates at one point. McPherson has been chased from two games without seeing the 3rd inning and Sanchez, a potential All Star, has had a below par season from the beginning.

The Thrashers don’t rely on starting pitching to win games, but they do rely on them to not lose games. The guys have been getting into big holes early and not giving their hitters a chance to win the game. Soon changes will need to be made and perhaps the answers lie in the bullpen.

As a result of the short appearance by the starting pitchers, the long relievers have picked up significant innings. Over this time, Joey Kent has pitched 10.4 innings without giving up an earned run. Bo Forbes has 14.7 IP with a 1.22 ERA and Ozzie Stanley has 13.9 IP with a 4.53 ERA. It is possible we could see some starting pitching demotions soon.

>SALARY CAP-GATE!!!!

>For just the 3rd time in 11 seasons in a “randallball” run world, we had a violation of the player salary cap this season. The offending owner, veteran davesanchez of the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to the “punishment” and forwarded a GC equal to one HBD season ($25.00) to the league to be “held in escrow” should he decide to not remain in the league until the contract expires. The most puzzling thing about the contract is that the big bucks were forked over for a relief pitcher – a damn fine relief pitcher, but a relief pitcher nonetheless. It makes sense when you realize that davesanchez is in a lot of pain (and likely on a lot of medication) as he preps for his impending back surgery.

This is your brain on drugs.

The player involved is two time All-Star Bubbles Rapp:

Hardball Dynasty’s

Bubbles Rapp

. The poppable one will be 36 at the end of the contract. Let’s hope for Pittsburgh’s sake that he doesn’t fall victim to the “cap violator curse” that has bitten before.

Because of this event, it has become apparent that the brief salary cap description (available in the league forum, here) does not contain a complete enough discription of just what exactly the cap entails. As such, I have taken the time to draw it in more clear detail just what constitutes a violation in CAPB.

In seasons 1 and 2 of CAPB (and NABCL, for that matter) the player salary cap was $12m per season. In season 3 of both worlds, that limit jumped to $13.5m. What this means is that any contract given during season 3 cannot have any season of that contract exceed the current cap. Since the current cap is $13.5m, the max legal contract that should have been offered to Rapp (or any other FA) is 5 years/$67.5m – and that $67.5m needs to be maxed at $13.5m on each of the 5 seasons, not averaged out to $13.5. Any bonus that exceeds that amount would also be a violation.

In season 4, the cap remains in place at $13.5m per season. In season 5, the amount jumps once again to $15.0m. So a contract offered to a season 4 FA cannot exceed $13.5m in value (including bonus) in any season of the contract (even those seasons in which the cap is greater than $13.5m). A contract offered to a season 5 FA cannot exceed $15.0m in value (including bonus) in any season of the contract, so the max contract would be $75.0m (5 seasons of $15.0m each, no signing bonus).

If the market dictates that we raise the cap in future seasons (i.e., if FA demands exceed the cap) we will examine the player cap at that point. It should be pointed out, though, that we are currently in season 8 of NABCL and this has not happened.

Any further questions about the player salary cap should be directed to yours truly, via sitemail or trade chat.

Good luck on the upcoming season to everyone….GO RIVER DOGS!

>Welcome to the CAPB World Blog!

>Welcome to the WIS Post, the new blog for the CAPB World. Feel free to post and comment on others’ posts.

>NL WEST PREVIEW

>

Colorado Sky Sox (knucklebones)
If most team win there division for the second straight year it would be considered a great success but not for the Sky Sox, as the team had to be disappointed in how last season turned out. Knucklebones then moved the team from Los Angles to Colorado in hope that the move would wake up his team. The team last year where the Arizona Diamondbacks of the USMLB giving up 11 runs then they scored but the weak NL West allowed them to still have a winning record. “In previous years this team was built on defense and pitching but with our offensive growing, I thought Colorado would be a perfect fit for them.” GM knucklebones had to say about his team, he also said, “it will be an interesting year but I still see use three-peating for the divisional title.” The team only lost Bill Abbott (1B) (.184, 3, 9), Philip Dunn (C) (.256, 22, 75) and Lonny Welch (P) (4GS) to free agency. The team only signed Max Ransom (C) (Minors) from the San Antonio Stars for 1yr/327k. The team also acquired Ricardo Ramirez (C) (.273, 21, 77) from the Tacoma Pioneers for two minor leaguers and acquired Odalis Montanez (2B) (.251, 23, 66) from the Las Vegas Zone for three minor leaguers.
Earl Williams (RF) (.240, 33, 117) is the big power bat in the lineup, for he won’t hit for much average, but that should improve in the thin air of Denver, as well as his homeruns. Khoury Glass (CF) (.279, 11, 49) is the prefect lead-off hitter for this lineup, as he will probably once again get over 50 stolen bases. Returning players Vicente Domingo (3B) (.289, 23, 110), Gus Wilkins (SS) (.298, 24, 64), AllStar Tony Armas (LF) (.326, 18, 76), Frank Cooper (C) (.270, 6, 64) and AllStar/Gold Glove 2B Benito Pineda (1B) (.273, 13, 70) needs to provide some offensive for this team. The offensive should be more powerful this year with some newly added additions but the biggest help is the thin air in Denver that will help this offensive the most.
The staff did struggle somewhat in Los Angeles last season and I belief with the move to Colorado that the pitching staff won’t get any better but with the offensive more of the center stage on this team now, the pitching won’t have to as perfect this season. AllStar Gil Henson (13-11, 4.04ERA) is without question the staff ace and mentor to the young arms in the rotation and bullpen as well. David Gao (14-13, 4.79ERA) will be looked upon to provide some big innings and starts for this team. Jolbert Johnson (11-6, 4.69ERA), Josh Kerr (5-12, 5.76ERA) and Rabbit Kennedy (4-2, 3.54ERA) will fill out the rest of the rotation. AllStar Robert Price (39SVS) coming off a great year last year is still the closer this season. With moving from the pitcher friendly ballpark in Los Angeles to Colorado have any kind of effect on the staff at all?
Projected Lineup
Khoury Glass
Gus Wilkins
Tony Armas
Earl Williams
Ricardo Ramirez
Odalis Montanez
Benito Pineda
Vicente Domingo
Rotation
Gil Henson
David Gao
Jolbert Johnson
Josh Kerr
Rabbit Kennedy
Closer
Robert Price
Projected Record – 90-72

Las Vegas Zone (lvrecsports)
The Zone have found themselves with there third different owner and third different that they have played in. They improved one game last season for the year before this team should improve a slight bit like that this season as well. With this team being one of the oldest in the National League, it’s time for there expectations to finally show themselves. The team lost Emil Nunez (P) (3GP) and Duane Werth (1B) (.268, 5, 20) to free agency. The team signed Odell Hudson (2B) (.278, 27, 58) from the Durham Bulls for 2yrs/10.4mil, Ricky Jefferies (P) (1.24WHIP) from the Louisville Colonels for 2yrs/6.6mil and Carmine Taft (P) (10-11, 3.13) from the Toledo Holy Men for 4yrs/37.5mil. The team also traded Ernie Torres (P) (43GP) to the Texas Talley Whackers for a minor leaguer and Odalis Montanez (2B) (.251, 23, 66) to the Colorado Sky Sox for three minor leaguers.
Jim Wilkinson (RF) (.255, 17, 45) saw his playing time diminished after hitting 30 homeruns the previous so he’s looking for one last chance to prove that he can be a great player for this team. AllStar Woody Garcia (3B) (.296, 54, 130) without question is the best player on the team and another 50 homerun’s is not out of the question from this guy. Returning players AllStar Haywood Matthews (CF) (.290, 17, 70) and Nolan Jordan (SS) (.293, 22, 71) will need to mix well with the new players to have the offensive succeed. With the offensive young no one really knows how this team will go.
The pitching staff gave up 5.20 runs per game last season, which in the National League isn’t that great. The rotation and bullpen are pretty much the same as last year, but the young arms have some experience behind them and should be able to improve from last years numbers. Keith Donovan (6-8, 4.26ERA) had a lot of problems with injuries last season and he’s hoping that season will me a fresh start for him. Julian Ingram (9-11, 5.52ERA) needs to show the ability that he truly has this season. Carmine Taft (10-11, 3.13ERA), Travis Messmer (8-4, 3.82ERA) and Marvin Sparks (6-7, 4.59ERA) are filling the remaining spots in the rotation. Alex Bagley (70GP) didn’t have a single save last season but the team in confident in his abilities that he can be a great closer this season and many season to come. Just like the offensive there a lot of talent with the pitching staff, it’s just that for what ever reason the players haven’t been able bring it to the field.
Projected Lineup
Haywood Matthews
Nolan Jordan
Todd Griffin
Antonio Frye
Odell Hudson
Jim Wilkinson
Woody Garcia
Donald Kwon
Rotation
Keith Donovan
Julian Ingram
Carmine Taft
Travis Messmer
Marvin Sparks
Closer
Alex Bagley
Projected Record – 73-89

San Diego Friar Power (sidekicker)
The Friar Power are looking at there third different owner in three years and its third name change as well. After making the playoffs there first year and missed last season and didn’t finish above .500. When you offensive is tied for the worst in the National League things like that will happen but the team didn’t address this issue with the off-season market or make any trades for some offensive fire power. The team only lost Ruben Ortiz (P) (43GP) and Pat Herndon (P) (46GP) to free agency. The team signed Preston Wright (P) (15-12, 5.92ERA) from the Santa Fe Sidewinders for 3yrs/15.0mil plus a 3.2mil bonus, Scott Presley (P) (14-9, 4.04ERA) from the New Britain Fisher Cats for 3yrs/14.7mil plus 1.3mil bonus and Tim Archer (P) (Minors) from the St. Louis Cornerstone 4yrs/14.0mil plus 1.2mil bonus.
If there was a serious weakest that any team could show there opponents, offensive would be the reason for the Friar Power, as the offensive will probably be in last place again this season. Andre Hyzdu (3B) (.273, 29, 74) is trying to become one of the top young hitters in the league this season. Gold Glove LF Joel McMasters (CF) (.238, 43, 97) can hit the ball a mile away but his average is a real concern for the team about McMasters. Returning players Sean Bird (SS) (.266, 9, 56) will try to mix in perfectly with the young talent on this team. With this offensive can they once again become a playoffs team?
The pitching staff pitched well last year, keeping them in game that they shouldn’t have been in last season. The strength of the staff had to be the bullpen, holding done leads and allowing the offensive come back all season long. Juan Matos (11-6, 3.94ERA) didn’t produce the numbers of wins that you expect from an ace but he has the abilities to become that ace this season. Herbert Brandt (Minors) have never pitched in the majors but the team thinks that he’s ready to make to jump. Tim Archer (Minors), Arthur Duffy (5-11, 4.26ERA) and Scott Presley (Minors) should fill out the rest of the rotation. AllStar Jesus Rodriguez (44SVS) impressed a lot of people collecting 44 saves last season after saving 43 the year before and I can bet that he will once again be above 40 saves this season. The starting rotation is young, with the bullpen mostly having veterans but bullpens don’t win you games, starting pitching does and does this team have enough starting pitching to get back to the playoffs?
Projected Lineup
Art Roskos
Enrique Rincon
Sean Bird
Andre Hyzdu
Rafael Pineda
Harry Julio
Joel McMasters
Jay Moss
Rotation
Juan Matos
Herbert Brandt
Arthur Duffy
Tim Archer
Scott Presley
Closer
Jesus Rodriguez
Projected Record – 75-87

Tacoma Pioneers (tomjames)
Read the Tacoma Preview earlier in the blog.