tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33141730648075039532024-02-20T04:39:45.457-05:00The Bigs Daily NewsKyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.comBlogger707125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-59348467427466311732014-02-09T17:49:00.001-05:002014-02-09T17:49:55.992-05:00MWR Rule Amendment Please choose one of the following options for The Bigs minimum win rule:<br />
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Option A: Each GM must win at least 50 games at the major league level per season or they will be expelled from the world and will not be allowed back into The Bigs at any point.<br />
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Option B: Each GM must win at least 50 games at the major league level per season or they will be removed from the world and will be allowed back after sitting out one full season.<br />
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Option C: Each GM must win at least 50 games at the major league level per season or they will be removed from the world. If the owner fails to meet the MWR and wishes to remain in the world the following season, he/she may do so by selecting a different franchise.<br />
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Option D: Each GM must win at least 50 games at the major league level per season or they will be removed from the world. If the owner fails to meet the MWR and wishes to remain in the world the following season, the owners will vote on whether or not he/she will be allowed to return the following season. If it is decided that the owner may return, he/she must select a different franchise. <br />
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<br />Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-9034392976245358852013-05-20T14:50:00.000-04:002013-05-20T14:55:56.134-04:00It's time for Dixon and Stieb to get the callOur Hall of Fame doesn't have a lot of diversity at the moment. It's true that the first thing everybody looks at for a position player is their raw statistical numbers. Batting average, home runs, runs batted in, etc. are the main determining factors for many Hall of Fame voters. However, if we don't start digging deeper into these player's careers, we're going to end up with a Hall full of left fielders and without any shortstops.<br />
<br />
Right now, our Hall of Fame consists of three first baseman, three left fielders, two second baseman and one right fielder (we'll leave pitchers out of this for now). Not a lot of variety there, granted the Hall is still in its infancy. And all were certainly deserving of being voted in. But there are several players on the ballot this year who have been ignored for several seasons that deserve some serious Hall of Fame consideration. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Anaheim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Anaheim.jpg" /></a><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1548896" target="_blank">James Dixon</a> and <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551574" target="_blank">Denny Moss</a> were the two best third baseman this world has ever seen. While Moss seems to have considerable backing this season, Dixon is hardly being mentioned at all.<br />
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The two players had very similar careers and an argument could be made that Dixon was actually better than Moss because of his elite defense. In 1514 games played at third base, Dixon made 114 + plays and only 5 - plays. Moss, in 944 games at the hot corner, made 41 + plays and 4 - plays. In over 13,000 innings, Dixon made just 117 errors while Moss nearly equaled that with 101 errors in less than 8,000 innings. Dixon's career range factor was also much higher than Moss's (0.29 higher to be exact).<br />
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The offensive numbers between the two are similar but only one of these third baseman is a member of the 400/400 club. In fact, not only is Dixon a member of the 400/400 club, he is a five-time member of the 30/30 club. Moss achieved 30/30 membership four times in his career. <br />
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Dixon has more career hits, runs scored, doubles, RBI, walks and steals than Moss, and yet almost no one is mentioning his name as a Hall of Famer. Instead, much love is being given to (surprise!) another left fielder, <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2143189" target="_blank">Jacque Puffer</a>, which is fine because Puffer is also a 400/400 guy and deserving in his own right. At some point, though, we need to start taking defense and what position a guy plays into account when considering their Hall candidacy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Charleston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Charleston.jpg" /></a>Which brings me to <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1549582" target="_blank">Tony Stieb</a>. How he hasn't been voted in yet, I have no idea. If you're waiting to vote for a Hall of Fame catcher who puts up Sean Simpson type numbers, you're going to be waiting for a while. Stieb was hands-down the best catcher of his era. All-Star appearances can be overrated in this game for sure but, when you get elected to nine All-Star games, that's not an accident. One or two could be flukey but not nine.<br />
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Go look up Major League Baseball Hall of Fame catchers and read their career offensive numbers. Stieb's compare with any one of them and are, in fact, better than most of them in terms of OPS.<br />
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If I remember correctly, when we had a brief debate about Stieb in the world chat last season, one or two people mentioned that he wasn't very good defensively. Really? If that's true, then how is Stieb second all-time in runners caught stealing? If your argument against that number is that Stieb has more stolen base attempts against him than any other catcher in history, you'd be correct. But, then I would point out his insane durability for an elite catcher and the fact that he once caught 161 games in a season. His incredible durability is part of what made him so valuable. Look at the backup catchers on your rosters and tell me you wouldn't love to never have to use them. Of course Stieb will have more runners trying to steal on him when he's catching more games than anyone else. <br />
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Finally, I know some people also pointed out the pitcher's ERA while Stieb was behind the plate as a reason to not vote for him. By HBD standards, Stieb's 59 rated PC (at its peak) was well above average. So let's dig a little deeper here and take a look at his "worst" season in that department, season 8 with Charlotte.<br />
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The fact that Charlotte won just 56 games that season should tip you off that something wasn't right. Take a look at that season's team and you'll find that <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1637404" target="_blank">Felix Comer</a> was by far their best starter. Comer won 10 games and had a 3.83 ERA. In fact, while he had a lower ERA in one other season, you could argue that season 8, with Stieb, was the best season of Comer's career. But the Charlotte pitching staff gets pretty ugly from there. <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1549894" target="_blank">Lawrence Carver</a>, <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1548116" target="_blank">Alfredo Veras</a>, <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1550531" target="_blank">Josh Gant</a>, <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1550296" target="_blank">Heath Duffy</a>, <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2143118" target="_blank">Kenneth Stafford</a> and <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551427" target="_blank">Bret Black</a> all started at least 11 games each for Charlotte that season. Bret fucking Black started 11 games for that team!!! You cannot put that bad ERA on Stieb, sorry. If you dig deeper throughout his career, Stieb played for some truly bad teams and in no way should that be held against him.<br />
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If I haven't convinced you that Dixon and Stieb are Hall of Famers, then I don't know what else to tell you. Just keep voting for those first baseman and left fielders with the pretty home run and RBI totals. Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-56057849098368567842012-02-25T11:17:00.000-05:002012-02-25T11:17:19.643-05:00The case for Siddall in the Hall<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #cccccc; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A close look at the most dominant reliever of his time</span>
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<br />There's been a lot of speculation on whether or not <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1552562">Christoper
Siddall</a> will get enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame this
season. And I'll admit, I'm probably a bit biased because Siddall was a
Dirtbag for the first seven seasons of this world's existence. But his
numbers simply cannot be denied -- he was the most dominant reliever of
his era, hands down. It's really not even close.
<br />
<br />The biggest knock on Siddall is probably that he doesn't have enough
saves to get in. And if you're a reliever without any saves, you don't
have much of a chance to get in the Hall of Fame. Generally, I would
agree with that stance. A reliever would really have to have been
dominant -- historically dominant -- to get consideration without any
saves.
<br />
<br />Well, Siddall was historically dominant. For a reliever or a
starter, Siddall owns The Bigs' pitching record books. He is The Bigs
all-time career leader in strikeout/walk ratio (a ridiculous 3.84), WHIP
(1.03) and on base percentage allowed (.266). He is number two all-time
in ERA (2.61) and slugging percentage allowed (.311) and third all-time
in batting average allowed (.212).
<br />
<br />So he doesn't have 300 saves. Big deal. He threw almost 1200
innings, which is more than borderline Hall of Fame starting pitchers
like Vin Solano, and threw over 100 innings in each of his first nine
seasons in The Bigs. So it's not like he didn't play long enough.
<br />
<br />People can get caught up in the saves category but it's really a lot
like the RBI stat -- based largely on outside factors. Siddall couldn't
control how many saves he got much like hitters can't control whether
or not there are runners on base when they come to bat. I chose to use
Siddall as a setup A so that I could get the most innings pitched out of
him. All he could control was how well he pitched when he was in the
game and he ended up being better than any pitcher, starter or reliever,
EVER. The only pitcher who could even be considered better than him is
his ex-teammate Javier Henriquez.
<br />
<br />Still think he's not Hall of Fame worthy?Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-16525433793861214582012-02-25T01:40:00.002-05:002012-02-25T01:41:26.024-05:00Season 17 arms race recap<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<i><b>Contenders spend big on pitching to push them over the top</b></i></div>
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The season 17 off season provided a flurry of pitchers finding new homes in The Bigs. Here's a quick recap of which big names went where and for how much:<br />
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<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2875165" target="_blank">Roy Walker</a> -- signed 5-year, $95 million deal with Fargo:</b> The largest and most eye-popping of the pitching contracts given out this season, Roy Walker cashed in big time to give the Dirtbags the rotation depth they lacked last season. The deal is surprising considering Walker posted a career-worst 4.74 ERA last season, his only year with Boston. Fargo hopes that Walker's return to the National League will get him back on track and that he will regain the form he showed in his days with Atlanta. The deal includes a mutual option for the final season and a no-trade clause.<br />
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<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NewOrleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NewOrleans.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2517689" target="_blank">Barry Rader</a> -- signed 5-year, $53.4 million deal with New Orleans:</b> The Voodoo bolstered their rotation by signing former All-Star Rader to a five-year deal. Rader has spent his entire major league career in the American League with Milwaukee where he has been mostly successful, but struggled last season going just 9-15 with a 5.27 ERA.The deal includes a no-trade clause. <br />
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<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Minnesota.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Minnesota.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2089875" target="_blank">D'Angelo
Martin </a>-- signed 5-year, $46 million deal with Minnesota:</b> A
former Cy Young winner, Martin leaves Buffalo, the only place he's ever
called home, for division rival Minnesota and a big pay day. Owning a
reputation as an inning-eating workhorse, Martin went 17-9 last season
while posting a 3.64 ERA in 34 starts. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NewOrleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NewOrleans.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2143141" target="_blank">Pedro
Limon</a> -- signed 4-year, $37.7 million deal with New Orleans:</b>
New Orleans added to their rotation and their signing of Rader by
reaching an agreement with Limon on a four-year deal. Limon went 11-9
with a 4.10 ERA in 33 starts with the Scranton Janitors last season and
the Voodoo hope to get the same, if not, a better performance from Limon
as they look to make a run deep into the NL playoffs. Limon's deal
includes a no-trade clause and a player option for the final season. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Scranton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Scranton.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1880921" target="_blank">Paul
Schwartz</a> -- signed 3-year, $15.7 million deal with Scranton: </b>Arguably
the most desirable reliever available this off season, Schwartz leaves
the cozy pitcher's park in Seattle for a more neutral stadium in
Scranton. The 35-year-old three-time All-Star posted a 3.25 ERA and 19
saves in a career-high 144 innings pitched over 74 appearances last
season for the Killer Whales. His contract includes a mutual option for
the final season worth $6.1 million. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Chicago_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Chicago_1.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1880903" target="_blank">Garry
Wright</a> -- signed 3-year, $12.6 million deal with Chicago:</b>
Coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, Wright leaves Fargo
for a three-year deal with the Chicago Cows to be their top setup man.
The normally lights-out Wright posted an ugly 4.97 ERA in 105 innings of
relief for Fargo last season and was even more abysmal in four
postseason appearances, leaving him out of the Dirtbags future plans.
The Cows hope he can turn it around and help turn them into contenders.
The deal includes a mutual option for the final season. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/SaltLakeCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/SaltLakeCity.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1547637" target="_blank">Coco Hines</a> -- signed 2-year, $7.2 million deal with Salt Lake City:</b> The single-season record holder for saves, Hines flourished in a setup role last season for Philadelphia (formerly Madison), posting a 2.80 ERA in 103 innings pitched. The Shakers will hope the 36-year-old can duplicate that performance this season in a setup role for Salt Lake City closer Lonny Soto. Hines' deal includes a mutual option for next season. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Scranton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Scranton.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1548412" target="_blank">Felipe Calles</a> -- signed 1-year, $5.4 million deal with Scranton:</b> A bit of an under the radar signing, the 36-year-old former Fireman of the Year turned starter went 7-8 last season with a 4.76 ERA in 187.1 innings pitched over 42 starts. Calles moves to the AL for the first time after spending his entire career in the NL with Salt Lake City. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Monterrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Monterrey.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1548533" target="_blank">Lloyd Freel</a> -- signed 1-year, $3.4 million deal with Monterrey: </b>One of the top relievers available on the market, Freel will wear a new uniform for the first time in his career after signing a one-yeard deal with Monterrey. In his final season with the Minnesota franchise last year, Freel posted a career-worst 5.03 ERA in 98.1 innings pitched. The Sultans will hope the 37-year-old two-time All-Star can rebound and that last season was just a fluke for Freel.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-9367809847498691092012-02-19T21:46:00.002-05:002012-02-19T23:12:47.447-05:00Lincoln wins third straight Cy Young<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Charleston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Charleston.jpg" /></a><i><b style="color: #eeeeee;">Gonzales caps record-setting season with MVP</b></i><br />
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Charleston's<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2875176" target="_blank"> Ronn Lincoln</a> won his third consecutive American League Cy Young Award for his season 16 in which he posted a 16-5 record with a 2.55 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 33 starts. Lincoln joins Fargo's Javier Henriquez as the only pitchers in the history of The Bigs to win three straight Cy Young Awards. It's the fourth career Cy Young for Lincoln as he also won it in season 12.<br />
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In the National League it was Atlanta's <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2875193" target="_blank">Mike Lowery</a> taking home the NL Cy Young Award after a season in which he posted a 19-3 record and 3.01 ERA for the World Champion Bandits. <br />
<br />
There wasn't much doubt that after smashing the single-season records for home runs and RBI and leading the league in hits, slugging percentage, OPS and runs created that Fargo's <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3984274" target="_blank">Cesar Gonzales</a> would be named NL MVP. King Cesar hit .332 with 71 home runs, 209 RBI and a 1.094 OPS.<br />
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Charleston swept the major awards as Chew left fielder <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3217752" target="_blank">Floyd Floyd</a> took home the AL MVP Award. Floyd hit .299 with 45 home runs, 129 RBI and a 1.016 OPS while stealing 60 bases. The MVP is the second of Floyd's career.<br />
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<br />Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-78900298924785278562012-02-18T22:54:00.000-05:002012-02-18T22:54:26.840-05:00Atlanta wins World Series in 7<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Atlanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Atlanta.jpg" /></a><b>Underdog Bandits steal franchise's 3rd WS title</b></div>
<br />
The Atlanta Bandits clawed their way from the sixth seed in the National League playoffs all the way to Game 7 of the season 16 World Series and they weren't about to fall short there. The Bandits became the first franchise in the history of The Bigs to win three World Series titles as they defeated the Monterrey Sultans in a seven game classic.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-6829501110217750162012-02-11T16:51:00.006-05:002012-02-12T10:05:52.355-05:00Season 16 AwardsWith season 16 complete, it's time to hand out a few awards.<div><br /></div><div><b>PLAYER OF THE YEAR</b></div><div><i>Cesar Gonzales, Fargo</i></div><div><br /></div><div>What more needs to be said about this season's NL MVP? He not only broke league records for home runs and RBIs, he completely smashed them - and also led all of baseball in hits, slugging percentage, OPS, and runs created, while leading the Dirtbags to 110 regular season wins (the most in The Bigs since Salt Lake City's 113-win campaign in season 12). Gonzales' offensive numbers were simply otherworldly this season - at since he's not even yet in his prime, this could be the first of many Player of the Year awards for Fargo's slugging young first baseman.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner-Up: Floyd Floyd, Charleston</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>PITCHER OF THE YEAR</b></div><div><i>Miguel Cayones, Chicago</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Cayones may have been robbed of a Cy Young award because he won "only" 14 games, but this is one accolade he won't miss out on. The Cows' young ace (like Gonzales, he's just 22 years old) led all of baseball in WHIP (1.01), ERA (2.39), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (a whopping 4.39) while pitching in a home park that's one of the majors' most favorable to hitters. If he had a slightly better bullpen to work with, or had developed the stamina to go a bit deeper into starts, he could easily have won 20 games and perhaps even nudged the Cows into the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner-Up: Ronn Lincoln, Charleston</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>MANAGER OF THE YEAR</b></div><div><i>The_Rock, Seattle</i></div><div><br /></div><div>It's an impressive feat to steer a team to the playoffs after it's posted six straight losing seasons; more impressive still, to finish with your league's second-best record in the process; and quite unbelievable to achieve all this by knocking off a perennial contender whose roster is teeming with current and former All-Stars. But The_Rock's Killer Whales did all that this season, powering their way past the Helena Shadow Wolves on their way to 91 wins and an ALCS appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner-Up: cantarski, Atlanta</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>SEASON 16 COMEDY AWARDS</b></div><div>As we look back on the last few months, it's important not only to remember the good, but also to be able to laugh at ourselves for some of the bad. In that spirit, here are the winners of the "prestigious" Iron Glove and Tin Slugger awards for season 16.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>IRON GLOVE AWARDS</i></div><div><i>Presented to the worst fielder at each position</i></div><div><br /></div><div>P Adrian Hendrickson, Oakland</div><div>C Odalis Lopez, Montreal</div><div>1B David Pierzynski, Buffalo</div><div>2B Tony Johnson, Boston</div><div>3B O.T. Wagner, Oakland</div><div>SS Alex Ortiz, Montreal</div><div>LF Fernando Beltran, Salt Lake City</div><div>CF Will Weston, Montreal</div><div>RF Alfredo Daniels, Cheyenne</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>TIN SLUGGER AWARDS</i></div><div><i>Presented to the worst hitter at each position</i></div><div><br /></div><div>C Dante Nakamura, Milwaukee</div><div>1B Buddy Lowe, Milwaukee</div><div>2B James Hill, Mexico City</div><div>3B Mark Black, Memphis</div><div>SS Dizzy Brown, Mexico City</div><div>LF Carmine Mays, Cincinnati</div><div>CF Billy Quantrill, Cincinnati</div><div>RF Trot Turner, Mexico City</div><div>DH Hootie Dobson, Cheyenne</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-38942437603241980682012-02-02T00:54:00.004-05:002012-02-02T00:54:59.960-05:00King Cesar re-writes record book<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><i><b>Gonzalez finishes up historic season</b></i></div>
<br />
There was little doubt when Fargo signed <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3984274" target="_blank">Cesar Gonzalez</a> as an international free agent in season 13 that the slugging first baseman was going to be very good. But, <i>this</i> good? The Dirtbags' All-Star and likely NL MVP put his name all over The Bigs record book with a historic season 16 which saw him belt a record-breaking 71 homeruns and 209 RBI while registering 222 hits (third highest single-season total ever). <br />
<br />
He wasn't just a slugger this season either. Gonzalez tied for the major league lead in runs scored with 137, finished third in the majors with a .332 batting average, and eighth in the NL in on base percentage while playing in all 162 of Fargo's games this season -- something he's accomplished two consecutive seasons now. <br />
<br />
Gonzalez bypassed the old single-season homerun mark of 69 set by <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1552266" target="_blank">Bob Koplove</a> in season 6 and completely obliterated the old RBI mark of 182 set by <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551489" target="_blank">King Winn</a> in season 4. Time will tell if anyone will challenge Cesar's homerun standard anytime soon but it's probably safe to say that the RBI record will remain his for a very long time. Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-70069287080869022612012-01-15T16:03:00.004-05:002012-01-16T23:12:10.888-05:00Season 16 Draft Review<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Now that nearly all the players who are going to sign have put their name on the dotted line, it's time to take a look at this season's draft, with selected commentary on good, bad, and otherwise particularly noteworthy selections.</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">1. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">New York Knickerbockers</span></b></st1:place></st1:city></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Jerry Williams, LHP - Age 18 - $4.00M (MLB Contract) - Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">- Grade: A+</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: In one of the most top-heavy drafts of recent years, Williams is far and away the most obvious choice for #1 overall. The Virginia high-school phenom has virtually no weaknesses as a prospect, and has a legitimate shot at someday challenging Javier Henriquez's status as the best pitcher in the history of The Bigs.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">2. </span></b><st1:state><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">New Orleans Voodoo</span></b></st1:place></st1:state></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Rich Williams, RHP - Age 22 </span>- $3.19M - Rating:<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><i>Comment: Though the "other Williams" certainly has the makings of a good starter about him - and, as a college senior, won't take long to reach the majors - he's simply not at the same level as many of the other top-10 picks in this season's draft.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">3. Salem Sacrifices</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Kurt Bunch, 1B – Age 18 - $5.50M – Rating:</span><span> </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">- Grade: A-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b>4. Cincinnati Reds</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Alex Lira, RF - Age 20 - $3.72M - Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Cheyenne Crackers</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dennis Redding, RF - Age 18 - Unsigned - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: C</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Redding isn't a bad pick for 5th overall - he's nearly a five-star prospect - but the Crackers have decided to spend their prospect-signing budget playing the international market. While they got a very good player out of it (Cuban shortstop Ricardo Gongora), it's still rather unsavory to see an easily signable top-5 pick go unsigned.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>6. Milwaukee Manic Maulers</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Moises Lima, C - Age 18 - $6.89M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: In a draft full of outstanding hitters, Lima may be the very best. He could even turn out to be the best-hitting catcher in the history of the league. But he has two very big hurdles to clear in order to even get a chance: his mediocre game-calling skill, and a troubling health history.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>7. Seattle Killer Whales</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bosco Price, RHP - Age 19 - $3.44M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>8. Mexico City Chupacabras</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ray Presley, SS - Age 18 - $3.35M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>9. Vancouver Grizzlies</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Theo Summers, 3B - Age 18 - $3.25M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>10. Boise Drifters</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eddie Harris, C - Age 18 - $3.16M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Harris, like Moises Lima, is a backstop with awe-inspiring hitting potential - but unlike Lima, he doesn't have a good throwing arm to match. While he's sure to find his way to the middle of a big-league lineup someday, it may be as a DH and not a catcher.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>11. Montreal Alouettes</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Shawn Heathcott, RHP - Age 20 - $3.07M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>12. Anaheim Chiles</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Matty Palmeiro, LHP - Age 18 - $2.97M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: C+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Palmeiro has a good control and a fastball that can blow hitters away - but there's little else about him that's truly impressive. He's vulnerable to right-handed hitters and doesn't have much in the way of secondary pitches to go with that fastball. He's still a legitimate first-rounder, but for the 12th overall pick, this is a real reach.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>13. Oakland East Bay Rays</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Trevor Torres, 2B - Age 21 - $2.88M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: It's difficult to really take the measure of a player like Torres. He destroys LHPs, but is average against righties. He projects to be a sure-handed gloveman at 2B, but doesn't have much range for the position. Overall, his individual tools are good enough to warrant a four-star rating - but one wonders if the whole may be less than the sum of its parts.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>14. Chicago Cows</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jarrod Laird, 3B - Age 20 - $2.79M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>15. Norfolk Destroyers</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Danny Zagone, LHP - Age 19 - $2.69M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>16. Austin Slackers</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Footsie Cooper, CF - Age 20 - $2.60M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>17. Boston Bambinos</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ismael Pineda, LHP - Age 21 - $2.50M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>18. Buffalo Blue Cheese</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Henderson Martin, 2B - Age 18 - $2.41M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: C+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>19. Huntington Riverdogs</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cleatus Velandia, 1B - Age 18 - $2.32M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Velandia may not play the toughest position, but he's one of the best pure hitters in a draft full of them, and projects to be a decent fielder at first base, too. He's a terrific find for the 19th overall pick, and this selection may turn out to be one of the few bright spots in what has been an awful season for the Riverdogs.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>20. Vancouver Grizzlies</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Felipe Romano, LHP - Age 19 - $2.22M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: If you're feeling a sense of deja vu about this pick, it might be because this isn't the first time the Grizzlies have used a late-first-round draft pick on a left-handed pitcher with fair-to-middling potential named "F. Romano". (Francis Romano, their season 13 first-rounder, was traded to Mexico City earlier this season.)</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>21. Madison Snappers</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ray Neal, RHP - Age 21 - $3.62M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: D</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Neal is a classic "innings-eater" - he doesn't have very good stuff, but he'll easily throw 110+ pitches every time out, and can often do so on short rest if it's necessary. While players like Neal will always have a place in the majors, he's really not first-round material, nor is he worth his over-slot signing bonus.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>22. Memphis Ptah</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Gerrit Donnelly, 2B/CF - Age 21 - $2.04M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>23. Salt Lake City Shakers</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bump Werth, LF - Age 19 - $1.94M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>24. Fargo Dirtbags</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Adam Bailey, P - Age 18 - Unsigned - Rating: N/A - Grade: N/A</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Bailey is demanding a staggering $5.5 million to sign with Fargo, and that's money that the Dirtbags simply don't have right now as they've spent an even more staggering $113.3 million on player salaries. While it looks like Bailey (whom our scouts never got a chance to see) will go unsigned, that's just another cost of doing business for a team in hot pursuit of a pennant.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>25. Monterrey Sultans of Swat</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Esteban Cubillan, 2B - Age 19 - $1.75M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: While Cubillan's potential as a fielder may be questionable (his range is far better suited to a corner outfield position), his potential as a batter is unimpeachable. He hits well for both contact and power, and is well-disciplined at the plate - overall, he could be the one of the biggest steals of the first round.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>26. Boise Drifters</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Marc Sabathia, RF - Age 18 - $1.66M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>27. Atlanta Bandits</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bill Munro, RHP - Age 21 - $1.57M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: A+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: If Cubillan isn't the steal of the first round, then Munro definitely is. He has throws three high-quality pitches including a fastball that clocks in at well over 90 MPH, all of which he can control well, and simply tears up right-handed hitters. Though he lacks the stamina of a truly great starter, he could be a brilliant 5- or 6-inning pitcher.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>28. Helena Shadow Wolves</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eli Cruz, RHP - Age 19 - $1.47M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: C-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>29. Buffalo Blue Cheese</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lyle Hundley, RHP - Age 18 - $1.38M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>30. Buffalo Blue Cheese</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rollie Bolden, RHP - Age 18 - $1.29M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: C</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: With two straight picks (both compensatory selections), Buffalo drafts two remarkably similar pitchers - both are hard throwers, both have some terrific pitches, and both struggle with their control. Bolden is probably the "safer" pick, but Hundley may have bigger upside. It'll be interesting seeing them develop side-by-side in the same organization.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>31. Pawtucket Patriot</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Les Clark, 2B - Age 21 - $1.19M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B+</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>32. Charleston Chew</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">John Chen, SS - Age 19 - $1.10M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B-</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>33. Washington Blue Coats</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bobby Isringhausen, LHP - Age 18 - $1.00M - Rating: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> - Grade: B</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Comment: Washington brings round one to a close with one of the draft's most interesting pitchers. Isringhausen is a control artist who keeps the ball on the ground and boasts a wide variety of offspeed pitches - and can also blow a fastball by hitters when he needs to. If not for mediocre L/R split ratings, he'd be one of the top pitchers in the draft- but he'll have to settle for just barely squeaking into the first round.</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-45336686855867721612012-01-13T18:06:00.005-05:002012-01-13T18:06:58.793-05:00AL prevails over NL in mid-summer classic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/AL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/AL.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<i><b>Sobkowiak takes MVP honors in 16th All-Star Game</b></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NL.jpg" /></a>He may have fallen a bit short in the weekend's Home Run Derby but Anaheim's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2692525" target="_blank">Mitch Sobkowiak</a> was not to be denied in this season's All-Star Game. Sobkowiak earned MVP honors in the 16th annual All-Star game, going 1-2 with a 3-run homerun off of Fargo's Javier Henriquez that helped put the American League out to a 4-0 lead over the National League. The AL would go on to win the game by a final of 5-3. Sobkowiak's Anaheim teammate <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3218223" target="_blank">Andres James</a> was credited with the victory and Buffalo's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3415391" target="_blank">Jeromy West</a> earned a save while Fargo's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2321292" target="_blank">Fausto Almanza</a> suffered the loss.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-81262319266240527882012-01-09T23:20:00.003-05:002012-01-09T23:20:45.323-05:00Ugueto wins Home Run Derby<div style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/MexicoCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/MexicoCity.jpg" /></a><i><b>Chupacabras slugger edges Chiles' Sobkowiak</b></i></div>
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The man who entered this year's Home Run Derby with the fewest amount of homeruns out of all competitors ended up being the one with the biggest bat in the end. Mexico City DH <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3364361" target="_blank">Horacio Ugueto</a> defeated Anaheim's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2692525" target="_blank">Mitch Sobkowiak</a> in the final round of the season 16 Home Run Derby, 15-7, to win this season's event. Ugueto, who was elected to his first career All-Star team this season and entered the competition with a mere 27 long balls , finished the event with 42 homeruns overall.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-82886225125155959092011-12-03T00:11:00.001-05:002011-12-03T00:28:41.320-05:00Dunwoody calls it a career<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<i><b>10-time All-Star starter retires</b></i></div>
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Salem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Salem.jpg" /></a><br />
Former Cy Young Award winner and 10-time All-Star starting pitcher <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1552057" target="_blank">Dave Dunwoody</a> has announced his retirement from The Bigs. Dunwoody spent six and a half seasons with the Salem Sacrifices before being traded to Trenton. Dunwoody helped lead the Sacrifices to victory in the season 1 World Series while also splitting the NL Cy Young Award that season with teammate Dwight Salmon.<br />
<br />
Dunwoody ranks second all-time in career wins with 226 and second in career strikeouts with 3106. He and Henriquez are the only two pitchers to ever reach the 3000 strikeout plateau. Dunwoody also holds the single season record of 274 strikeouts, set in season 3. In addition to Salem and Trenton, Dunwoody also played for Atlanta, Los Angeles and Monterrey.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-65709890277076197012011-12-03T00:01:00.001-05:002011-12-03T00:07:34.171-05:00Henriquez becomes first to reach 250 wins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<i><b>Future HOF'er reaches milestone on Opening Day</b></i></div>
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The Bigs' all-time leader in wins has extended his career record wins number. <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551356" target="_blank">Javier Henriquez</a> went 5 innings for career win number 250 in a 8-2 Fargo victory over Vancouver on Openings Day. Henriquez gave up two runs and struck out four in his first outing of the season. 36-years-old now, Henriquez has an outside chance to reach 300 wins by the end of his career but an already low durability rating could cost him the chance as he ages and his ratings begin to decline. The 8-time Cy Young Award winner's career record now stands at 250-99.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-34746124857338558712011-11-25T11:21:00.001-05:002011-11-25T12:47:10.024-05:00Season 16 free agency tracker<i style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Big name free agents sign for big money in busy market</b></i><br />
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The free agency period has drawn to a close and plenty of big name free agents found new homes and new loads of cash to fill those homes. Let's take a look at some of the big names to land large contracts this season:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Austin.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2517671" target="_blank">Dan Benard</a>, P, Austin Slackers: 5 years, $94 million</b><br />
The largest of the big contracts given out this off season, Austin mortgaged the house to keep their ace. Benard, a four-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year managed just an 8-10 record last season while sporting a 4.26 ERA. Not exactly worth $94 million but the Slackers are banking on Benard regaining his old form and stabilizing their rotation. The final year of Benard's contract is a mutual option. <br />
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Chicago_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Chicago_1.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2321295" target="_blank">Sammy Garrido</a>, P, Chicago Cows: 5 years, $91 million</b><br />
Garrido left Salem for the bright lights of Chicago (and the money) but he may have also left for a better team and a shot at the playoffs. Garrido posted a 10-12 record with a 3.20 ERA for a Salem team that lost 100 games last season. Now he joins a rotation with Miguel Cayones and newly acquired Yorrick Cannon to form one of the better rotations in the NL. Garrido's deal includes a no-trade clause and a mutual option for season 20.<br />
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Salem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Salem.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2473301" target="_blank">Alex
Silva</a>, SS, Salem Sacrifices: 5 years, $65 million</b>With
the departure of Garrido, Salem was left with some cash to spend and
they wound up netting one of the best shortstops in the league in Silva.
Silva batted .265 with a .374 OBP with the Pawtucket franchise last
season. He'll provide stability at the top of the Salem order as they
look to improve from their poor season 15. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2321323" target="_blank">Watty Miller</a>, RF, Fargo Dirtbags: 5 years, $60.5 million</b><br />
No team spent more money this off season than the Fargo Dirtbags and Watty Miller was the recipient of a large portion of that. Miller takes over the right field position in Fargo from the departed Philip McCartin who signed with Ottawa this off season. With Buffalo last season, Miller batted .318 with a .390 OBP and .548 SLG and is expected to hit number two for the Dirtbags. The final year of his deal includes a mutual option. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Oakland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Oakland.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2517017" target="_blank">AJ
Leonard</a>, LF, Oakland East Bay Rays: 5 years, $36 million</b><br />
Easily
the best bargain found in this free agent market, the two-time AL MVP
Leonard leaves the comforts of Buffalo and heads to the NL West to join
Oakland. Leonard batted just .266 with 35 homeruns and a .835 OPS in
what was a down year for him but the East Bay Rays are hoping he bounces
back in the middle of their lineup. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1548517" target="_blank">Nick Hernandez</a>, LF, Fargo Dirtbags: 3 years, $33.3 million</b><br />
After 12 seasons with the Pawtucket franchise, Hernandez leaves for Fargo and one final big contract as his Hall of Fame career winds down. Hernandez batted .282 with a .419 OBP and 49 steals last season and will replace Luis Martinez (who moves to a bench/utility role) as Fargo's everyday left fielder. He joins Miller, the newly acquired Brian Sweeney and Fargo residents
Raul Vallarta, Rodrigo Melendez and Cesar Gonzalez to form the top
offense in the NL.The final year of Hernandez's deal also includes a mutual option.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2321263" target="_blank">Mickey Stanifer</a>, CP, Fargo Dirtbags: 5 years, $31.2 million</b><br />
The top reliever on the market, Stanifer joined his Pawtucket teammate Hernandez in leaving the Patriots for the Dirtbags. Stanifer has served as the setup man for future Hall of Famer Carlos Carrasco for the past seven seasons but will now get an opportunity to close for Fargo, replacing the departed Christian Price in that role. Stanifer posted a 2.10 ERA in 72 appearances out of the bullpen last season and the final year of his deal also includes a mutual option. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Scranton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Scranton.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551334" target="_blank">Fred Carter</a>, SP, Scranton Janitors: 3 years, $30 million</b><br />
As Carter's storied career winds down he has found one more pay day by heading to the American League and signing with the Janitors. Carter went 15-10 last season with a 3.20 ERA for Huntington and will now be expected to anchor the Scranton rotation. While $30 million may seem like a lot for a 37-year-old starter, the final year of the deal includes a mutual option.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-80562967143531608832011-11-22T22:11:00.001-05:002011-11-22T22:27:47.531-05:00Blue Coats make it back to back<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/WashingtonD.C..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/WashingtonD.C..jpg" /></a><i><b>DC captures second consecutive World Series in five games</b></i></div>
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The Washington DC Blue Coats became just the second franchise in the history of The Bigs to win back to back World Series championships by defeating the St. Louis River City RAGE four games to one. The Blue Coats' offense was paced throughout the postseason by clutch performances from center fielder <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2516968" target="_blank">Kyle Ramirez</a> who batted .370 with a .442 OBP and .478 SLG after a regular season which saw him post a career best .303/.364/.392 batting line. Ace <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2321269" target="_blank">Carter Leonard</a> carried the load on the mound, going 4-0 in five postseason starts with a 2.13 ERA. <br />
<br />
The only other franchise to win consecutive titles is the Atlanta Bandits who accomplished the feat in seasons 6 and 7.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-34963963625843946142011-11-15T23:16:00.001-05:002011-11-15T23:29:14.873-05:00Henriquez gets 8th, Lincoln 3rd Cy Young<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/AL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/AL.jpg" /></a><i><b>Simpson wins fourth MVP as familiar names take awards</b></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NL.jpg" /></a>Some familiar faces picked up some more hardware for this past season in The Bigs as Charleston's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2875176" target="_blank">Ronn Lincoln</a> won his second straight and third American League Cy Young Award of his career while Fargo's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551356">Javier Henriquez</a> locked up NL Cy Young Award number eight. Lincoln finished season 15 with an 18-5 record while posting a 2.73 ERA and 1.06 WHIP while striking out 224 batters in 33 starts. Henriquez meanwhile registered a 19-4 record with a 2.32 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 212 strikeouts in 217 innings pitched.<br />
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Pitchers weren't the only repeat winners of major awards as Monterrey's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1547612" target="_blank">Sean Simpson</a> was awarded with his fourth career MVP award. Simpson batted .339 with 45 homeruns, 113 RBI and a 1.062 OPS while stealing 30 bases. In the National League it was Boise's <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3639756" target="_blank">Kevin Lawson</a> taking home his first NL MVP Award. Lawson hit .292 with 55 homeruns, 135 RBI and posted a 1.062 OPS.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-12576030450554782532011-11-12T17:46:00.004-05:002011-11-12T20:50:00.235-05:00Season 15 AwardsWith season 15 now complete, it's time to hand out a few awards.<div><br /></div><div><div><b>PLAYER OF THE YEAR</b></div><div><i>Raul Vallarta, Fargo</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Vallarta, a two-time POTY runner-up, has finally brought home the hardware with the best season of his impressive career. He led all of baseball with an awesome .435 OBP, and didn't skimp on the power either - his .559 SLG was in the NL's top 10. That, along with his 38 steals and a big league-leading 133 runs scored, was the heart of the Dirtbags' potent offense; meanwhile, his great defense at second helped make the Dirtbags one of baseball's best-fielding teams.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner-Up: Sean Simpson, Monterrey</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>PITCHER OF THE YEAR</b></div><div><i>Javier Henriquez, Fargo</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Last season, Henriquez's age finally seemed to catch up with him, as he finished with an ERA of over 3.00 for the first time in his career. Apparently, that was just a minor hiccup, as he was back in vintage form this year: his 2.32 ERA and 1.00 WHIP both led baseball, and he threw his first career no-hitter (against Salem) on his way to his eighth career Cy Young award.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner-Up: Orlando Palmeiro, Helena</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>MANAGER OF THE YEAR</b></div><div><i>sweetsalve, Washington</i></div><div><br /></div><div>For the second consecutive season, the Blue Coats are World Series champions. That's not just difficult, it's nearly unprecedented: only one other owner in the league (Atlanta's cantarski) has achieved this impressive feat. And Washington didn't just dominate the postseason - they had baseball's best record in the regular season, too. Although they've been one of the league's most powerful teams for quite some time now, what sweetsalve has achieved in the past two seasons is simply remarkable.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner-Up: sylemark, San Juan</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>SEASON 14 COMEDY AWARDS</b></div><div>As we remember the previous few months, it's important not only to remember the good, but to be able to laugh at ourselves for some of the bad. In that spirit, here are the winners of the "prestigious" Iron Glove and Tin Slugger awards for Season 15.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>IRON GLOVE AWARDS</i></div><div><i>Presented to the worst fielder at each position</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>P<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Mark Rogers, Minnesota</div><div>C<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Livan Guillen, New Orleans</div><div>1B<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Luis Javier, Mexico City</div><div>2B<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Alex Saenz, Boston</div><div>3B<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>O.T. Wagner, Oakland</div><div>SS<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>James Palmer, Minnesota</div><div>LF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Fernando Beltran, Salt Lake City</div><div>CF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Enrique Alarcon, New Orleans</div><div>RF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Steve Sweeney, New York</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>TIN SLUGGER AWARDS</i></div><div><i>Presented to the worst hitter at each position</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div>C<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>C</span>esar Trevino, Milwaukee</div><div>1B<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Buddy Lowe, Milwaukee</span></div><div>2B<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Marc Phillips, Huntington</div><div>3B<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Raymond Newham, Vancouver</span></div><div>SS<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Brad Easterly, New York</div><div>LF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Ivan Gil, New York</div><div>CF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Zachrey Buckley, New York</div><div>RF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Ramon Chang, Syracuse</div><div>DH<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Oswaldo Guerrero, Seattle</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-58525611308541061532011-10-29T16:59:00.007-04:002011-11-06T23:54:07.087-05:00Season 15 Draft Review<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Now that all the players who are going to sign have put their name on the dotted line, it's time to take a look at this season's draft, with selected commentary on good, bad, and otherwise particularly noteworthy selections.</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">1. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">New Orleans</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Voodoo</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Otis Evans, RHP - Age 18 - $6.72M - Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">- Grade: A+</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Evans is the clearest choice for the #1 overall pick in quite some time, and may be the best pitcher to enter the league – through the draft or otherwise – in several seasons. He’s well worth his huge signing bonus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">2. </span></b><st1:state><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">New York</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Knickerbockers</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Endy Regan, CF/2B<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>- Age 18<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>- $6.10M - Rating:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">3. </span></b><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Cheyenne</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Crackers</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Delino Rojas, CF – Age 20 - $3.82M – Rating:</span><span> </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Regan and Rojas both project to be speedy players with strong defense, but neither is an especially skilled hitter. While they’re both valuable, neither is quite worthy of a top-5 pick.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">4. </span></b><st1:place><st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Oakland</span></b></st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span></b><st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">East</span></b></st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span></b><st1:placetype><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Bay</span></b></st1:placetype></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Rays</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Burke Lincoln, RHP – Age 22 - $3.72M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A-</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: In a weak year for pitchers, </span></i><st1:city><st1:place><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Oakland</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> gets the marquee prospect their farm system badly needs with the draft’s second-best starter. Best of all, as a college senior, Lincoln is probably closer to the majors than any other player in this draft class.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">5. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Mexico City</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Chupacabras</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Mateo Mercedes, 2B – Age 19 - $3.63M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A+</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Mercedes is almost certainly the draft’s most talented position player, a top-quality hitter with good speed and the durability to play 162 games a season. It’s shocking that he fell this far. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">6. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Norfolk</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Destroyers</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Kennie Webster, SS – Age 18 - $3.54M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">7. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Boise</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Drifters</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Leo Harris, LHP – Age 19 - $3.44M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">8. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Milwaukee</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Manic Maulers</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Lance Doyle, 2B – Age 21 - $3.35M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B+</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Doyle is a difficult player to grade. Scouts say he has great potential both as a contact hitter and a power hitter, but his L/R splits are mediocre at best. No matter how his hitting turns out, his defense and speed are still impressive, but he’s not quite 5-star material.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">9. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Seattle</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Killer Whales</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Alex Tolbert, RHP – Age 18 - $3.25M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: C-</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: It’s never easy to draft a good starting pitcher, but the Killer Whales could certainly do better than Tolbert, who throws just 3 pitches and has unimpressive L/R splits.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">10. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Salem</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Sacrifices</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Sammy Bowen, RHP – Age 18 - $3.16M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">11. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Cincinnati</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Reds<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Robinson Reynolds, 1B/DH – Age 19 - $3.07M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A+</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: The switch-hitting Reynolds swings the best bat in this draft class by a wide margin, and if he’s able to overcome his injury problems, he will likely develop into </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">a perennial All-Star.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">12. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Boston</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Bambinos<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Harold Alston, LHP – Age 18 - $2.97M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">13. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Chicago</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Cows<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">B.C. Sipp, SS – Age 18 - $5.11M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: For the third straight season, the Cows selected the draft’s best high-school position player. The pride of Cajun country (the “B.C.” stands for Beauregard Charlemagne) is more than just a good hitter – he’s also lightning-quick on the bases and projects to be a competent fielder, too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">14. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Monterrey</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Sultans of Swat<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Derrek Trammell, 2B – Age 18 - $2.79M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: C+</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">15. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Seattle</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Killer Whales<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Spike Alston, RHP – Age 20 - $2.69M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">16. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Vancouver</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Grizzlies<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Jude Aardsma, RF/1B – Age 18 - $2.60M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Aardsma is a terrific hitter with great speed whose talent is more like that of a top-10 pick than the 16<sup>th</sup> overall selection. What might hold him back, however, is his poor durability, which will likely limit him to 130 or so games per season.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">17. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Scranton</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Janitors<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Bill Barker, LHP – Age 18 - $2.50M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">18. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">San Juan</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Dead Bunnies<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Willis Barfield, 1B/DH – Age 19 - $2.41M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">- Grade: A</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Barfield is almost certainly the second-best hitter in this draft class. But one area in which he’s second to none is his temper, which has been described as “explosive” and “terrifying” by various sources. Hopefully for </span></i><st1:city><st1:place><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">San Juan</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">, he’ll calm down enough to become a good big-leaguer.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">19. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Louisville</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Woodies<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Art Dunn, RF – Age 19 - $2.32M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A-</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Dunn has great potential as a hitter, but his platoon splits are as dramatic as they come. Against lefties, he’s the second coming of Babe Ruth; against righties, he’s the second coming of Mario Mendoza.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">20. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Huntington</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Riverdogs<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Philip Giambi, 2B – Age 18 - $2.22M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">21. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Syracuse</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Sandmen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Mariano Herrara, LHP – Age 21 - $2.13M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">22. Buffalo Blue Cheese<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Marino Blanco, LHP – Age 18 – $2.04M– Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: D</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Blanco throws hard, has good control, and keeps the ball on the ground – but he only has one good pitch, and his L/R splits aren’t very exciting either. Buffalo may have been better just letting him go unsigned.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">23. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Salt Lake City</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Shakers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Billy Nelson, RHP – Age 18 - $1.94M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: C+</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">24. </span></b><st1:state><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Minnesota</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> North Stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Vicente Chavez, 3B – Age 22 - $1.85M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">25. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Atlanta</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Bandits<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Dean Hill, RHP – Age 21 - $1.75M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Hill is the third reliever chosen in a four-pick span, but the only one with true potential to be a closer. Though he doesn’t throw particularly hard, he boasts a devastating cutter and slider, and excellent control of both pitches.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">26. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Anaheim</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span></b><st1:country-region><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Chiles</span></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">B.J. McNeil, LHP – Age 22 - $1.66M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">27. </span></b><st1:place><st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">St. Louis River</span></b></st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span></b><st1:placetype><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">City</span></b></st1:placetype></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Rage<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Antone Webster, LF/RF – Age 18 - $1.57M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; ">- Grade: D</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: It’s typical to see teams reach for pitchers at the end of round 1, but rarely do position players of Webster’s caliber get taken this high. He projects to be an average ML hitter at best, and isn’t especially fast either – not exactly the sort of future you want for a corner outfielder.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">28. Helena Shadow Wolves<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Willie Nieto, LHP – Age 18 - $1.47M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B+</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">29. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Fargo</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Dirtbags<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Dick Jefferies, RHP – Age 18 - $2.95M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">30. Buffalo Blue Cheese<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Johnnie Gibson, SS – Age 18 – Unsigned – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: C-</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Gibson is a mediocre hitter at best, but he’s also one of the best defensive shortstops in the draft. He seems to have chosen football over baseball, as he said he might – but that may be because Buffalo management simply declined to meet his contract demands.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">31. Helena Shadow Wolves<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Andrew Clayton, 2B – Age 18 - $1.19M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: Clayton may not have the durability to last a full big-league season, but whatever portion he does play, he’ll be a dynamic force. He’s a good fielder who can run and hit for both power and contact – a great find for the 31<sup>st</sup> pick.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">32. </span></b><st1:state><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Washington</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Blue Coats<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Pete Adams, 1B – Age 22 - $1.10M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: A-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">33. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Salt Lake City</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Shakers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Hector Machado, SS – Age 18 - $1.00M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">34. </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Ottawa</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> O-Jays<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Vernon</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> Bruntlett, RHP – Age 19 - $0.96M – Rating: </span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/60/LinkFA-star.png" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 14px; height: 14px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> - Grade: B+</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Comment: </span></i><st1:city><st1:place><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; ">Ottawa</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; "> closes out the first round with one of its most intriguing selections. Bruntlett has terrific stuff and could be an excellent setup man or even closer someday – but his poor stamina and durability will drastically limit how much he can be used.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-49592652299755290782011-10-26T00:50:00.004-04:002011-10-26T00:50:45.013-04:00Dirtbags won't re-sign Price<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" /></a><i><b>Fargo will let closer test free agency</b></i></div>
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The Fargo Dirtbags informed closer <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1549025">Christian Price</a> that the team will not re-sign him after this season, allowing Price to become a free agent heading into season 16. Price has struggled this season, putting together a 5-10 record with 26 saves and a sub-par 4.42 ERA. The three-time All-Star will be 36-years-old next season and it remains to be seen what type of market there will be for an aging closer who has seen his ERA rise heavily over the past two seasons. <br />
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Fargo is also expected to let outfielder <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2143230">Philip McCartin</a> and third baseman <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2283573">Vic Mercado</a> test the free agent market next season as well. The team has previously said they would like to re-sign Mercado but that his demands may be too high.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-14055135389454434402011-10-21T20:55:00.002-04:002011-10-21T20:55:56.278-04:00International market report<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<i><b>As season 15 in The Bigs draws towards a close, we take a look at the big name international free agents that have been signed this year. </b></i></div>
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Cincinnati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Cincinnati.jpg" /></a><b>Alex Molina, SS -- signed by Cincinnati Reds ($17.2 million bonus):</b> Molina is the big catch in this year's international free agent market. He projects to be just an average short stop defensively but what he is capable of with the bat is the reason why he's so coveted. It's my opinion that he would be better suited for CF, 3B, or 2B once he reaches the major league level as he could be a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner at any of those positions.<br />
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Monterrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Monterrey.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Del Rodriguez, 1B -- signed by Monterrey Sultans of Swat ($16.7 million bonus):</b> Rodriguez could be an average major league first baseman right now and with a little development and coaching, he could be a beast. <br />
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Atlanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Atlanta.jpg" /></a><b>Alex Ortiz, SS -- signed by Atlanta Bandits ($15.5 million bonus):</b> Atlanta landed a solid defensive shortstop though there are some questions about Ortiz's glove and whether or not he may eventually wind up a CF or 2B once he reaches the majors. But if Ortiz can develop into a ML-caliber shortstop defensively, he projects to have good on base potential for a player at the position.<br />
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NewOrleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NewOrleans.jpg" /></a><b>Emil Cerveza, P -- signed by New Orleans Voodoo ($13.1 million bonus):</b> Arguably the top pitcher on the international market (and certainly the most expensive), Cerveza is an above average all-around pitcher. He doesn't have elite stuff in any particular category but he's not weak in any category either. His low durability will limit the number of innings he's able to pitch so it appears that New Orleans will develop him as a short reliever. <br />
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Vancouver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Vancouver.jpg" /></a><b>Humberto Segui, SS -- signed by Vancouver Grizzlies ($12.3 million bonus):</b> Segui's speed is what will make him an asset at the major league level once he gets there as he's the fastest man signed off the international market this season. Defensively, he could play 3B for a major league team right now but with some good old fashioned minor league seasoning, he could be an elite defender at a more demanding position such as shortstop. <br />
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<br />Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-12813013681616897512011-10-12T23:49:00.000-04:002011-10-12T23:49:10.908-04:00NL edges AL for All-Star glory<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/NL.jpg" /></a><i style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Manzanillo's HR proves enough</b></i><br />
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<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/AL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/AL.jpg" /></a>Pitching stole the show but two of The Bigs all-time greats weren't their sharpest as the National League earned a 3-2 victory over the American League at this season's mid-summer classic. NL starter <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1551356">Javier Henriquez</a> allowed two runs in 1.2 innings while AL starter <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2997965">Andres DeLeon</a> gave up a run in two innings of work. From there, it was all pitching. however, until one swing of the bat changed the outcome of the game.<br />
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Norfolk 3B <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3043413">Geovany Manzanillo</a> took <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1880900">Jim Clyburn</a> deep for a two-run homerun in the top of the 7th for what would be the eventual game winning run. Manzanillo would earn All-Star Game MVP honors for his only hit of the night.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-76744791636082003582011-10-12T23:23:00.002-04:002011-10-12T23:24:28.832-04:00Floyd wins second HR Derby title<div style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Charleston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Charleston.jpg" /></a><i><b>Slugger runs away with Derby crown</b></i></div>
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Charleston left fielder <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3217752">Floyd Floyd</a> won his second career Home Run Derby title as he dominated in the final round with15 homeruns. Floyd defeated St. Louis 2B <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2692578">Kane Walters</a> 15-6 to capture his second Derby championship in the past three seasons. He finished the contest with a total of 33 home runs over three rounds and also belted the longest home run of the competition, a 535-foot blast in the first round.Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-45279275322053359782011-09-02T01:01:00.004-04:002011-09-02T11:52:16.954-04:00Opening Day in Tweets Part IIRiver Dogs get lost in the Woods in Huntington.
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<br />East Bay Rays accept Sacrifice in Salem.
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<br />Wolves nibble on Crackers in Helena.
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<br />Blue Coats pen in Cows in Washington, D.C.
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<br />O-Jays depressed by Manic Maulers in Milwaukee.
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<br />Bambinos paint the town Red in Cincinnati.
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<br />Hillbillies debunk Chupacabra myth in Nashville.
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<br />Henriquez and his Dirtbags blinded by North Star in Fargo.god_mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05105138633577224324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-13446082414957866692011-09-01T12:11:00.002-04:002011-09-01T12:25:55.564-04:00Opening Day in TweetsBandits get Destroyed in Atlanta.
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<br />Drifters get Shaken apart in the ninth and tenth innings in Salt Lake City.
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<br />Grizzlies sweep up the Sandmen with their Broome late in the game in Vancouver.
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<br />Killer Whales eat Chiles in Seattle.
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<br />Voodoo works on Dead Bunnies in New Orleans.
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<br />Yogi RAGES over Blue Cheese in St. Louis.
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<br />Limon "cleans up" Knickerbockers in New York.
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<br />Sultans Swat a 2-run homer in the top of the fifteenth only to get Chewed up in the bottom in Charleston.god_mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05105138633577224324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314173064807503953.post-57082728853520741512011-08-26T18:15:00.011-04:002011-08-26T18:35:19.084-04:00The case for Siddall in the Hall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 73px;" src="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Fargo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">A close look at the most dominant reliever of his time</span>
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<br />There's been a lot of speculation on whether or not <a href="http://whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1552562">Christoper Siddall</a> will get enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame this season. And I'll admit, I'm probably a bit biased because Siddall was a Dirtbag for the first seven seasons of this world's existence. But his numbers simply cannot be denied -- he was the most dominant reliever of his era, hands down. It's really not even close.
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<br />The biggest knock on Siddall is probably that he doesn't have enough saves to get in. And if you're a reliever without any saves, you don't have much of a chance to get in the Hall of Fame. Generally, I would agree with that stance. A reliever would really have to have been dominant -- historically dominant -- to get consideration without any saves.
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<br />Well, Siddall was historically dominant. For a reliever or a starter, Siddall owns The Bigs' pitching record books. He is The Bigs all-time career leader in strikeout/walk ratio (a ridiculous 3.84), WHIP (1.03) and on base percentage allowed (.266). He is number two all-time in ERA (2.61) and slugging percentage allowed (.311) and third all-time in batting average allowed (.212).
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<br />So he doesn't have 300 saves. Big deal. He threw almost 1200 innings, which is more than borderline Hall of Fame starting pitchers like Vin Solano, and threw over 100 innings in each of his first nine seasons in The Bigs. So it's not like he didn't play long enough.
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<br />People can get caught up in the saves category but it's really a lot like the RBI stat -- based largely on outside factors. Siddall couldn't control how many saves he got much like hitters can't control whether or not there are runners on base when they come to bat. I chose to use Siddall as a setup A so that I could get the most innings pitched out of him. All he could control was how well he pitched when he was in the game and he ended up being better than any pitcher, starter or reliever, EVER. The only pitcher who could even be considered better than him is his ex-teammate Javier Henriquez.
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<br />Still think he's not Hall of Fame worthy?
<br />Kyle Mulliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16769376988852711917noreply@blogger.com0