After 20 games, it's time to quickly examine who's hot and who's not.
National League
Who's Hot: Houston Riverdogs
Record: 15-5
How: They've scored the most runs in the NL and given up the fewest. This usually leads to winning baseball. More specifically, Monte Duvall is having a monster season so far, with 27 RBIs in 20 games. Brian Saitou and Alex McClain have also reached the 20 RBI plateau. The pitching is even better- the starter with the highest ERA is Stephen Tucker with a 3.47 ERA. Matt Skinner has been lights out in the closer's role and Cristian Price has been possibly better in the setup role.
Upcoming: Their schedule gets a little tougher. They've got three with NL West leading Vancouver and then 7 in a row against the always dangerous Fargo Dirtbags.
Who else is hot:
Vancouver and Salem are tied for second in the NL with matching 13-7 records.
Norfolk also starts the season at 13-7 to lead the NL East.
Washington, who lost 109 games last season, is off to an 11-9 start.
Who's Not: Atlanta Bandits
Record: 6-14
How: Their strength was supposed to be their young pitching, but they yield 6 runs a game; their offense can't keep up. Fred Carter is 0-4 with an ERA of 7.83 and Alex Sanchez has an ERA over 10 in a combined 8 starts.
Upcoming: They don't face any team in the next 20 games with a record better than 11-9, but Toronto and Fargo are quality teams. Austin and Philadelphia could give them chances to win some games.
Who else is not hot:
Philadelphia is tied for an NL worst 6-14.
Cheyenne isn't used to looking up at everyone in the NL West, but at 8-12, that's just what they are doing.
San Juan, a chic pick to make the playoffs, is also 8-12.
Trenton makes this list not for their record (a respectable 11-9), but for waiving 40% of their starting staff already (both starters passed).
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Who's Hot: Milwaukee Manic Maulers
Record: 14-6
How: Offense, mostly. Their 130 runs (6.5 a game) is second best in the AL. Andre Eckenstahler has 20 RBIs, but the catalyst has been Burt Stevenson; he's hitting .398 with 9 HRs and 19 RBIs while scoring 20 times. Harold Lewis (.341) and Luis Martinez (.362) are also red hot to start the season.
Who else is hot:
Monterrey takes their accustomary position atop the AL South at 12-8
Nashville has scored a ML-best 140 runs (7 a game) during their 11-9 start.
Seattle has rebounded from an awful season 3 to start 11-9 and lead the AL West.
Perhaps the only team more surprising than Seattle is Jackson: the cardiac kids have already played seven 1-run games (4-3) and are tied for second at 11-9.
Who's Not: Louisville
Record: 8-12
How: Are they the worst team in the AL? No, as Colorado Springs is 6-14. But it's odd to see a 3-time division winner in last place, even though it's early. The stats seem to indicate they should be a little better than they are. No hitter has been outstanding and they strike out a lot, but their pitching has been solid.
Upcoming: They do have Milwaukee coming up, but there are no other dominant AL teams outside of Wisconsin, so they could get back in it.
Also not hot:
Colorado is a league worst 6-14.
Buffalo occupies last place in the north at 8-12.
AL West rivals Anaheim and Las Vegas are 9-11 to start.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
More major trades
Breaking down some of the bigger deals that have occurred after the free-agent period:
Cheyenne Nation and San Juan Dead Bunnies
Cheyenne gets: LF Steve Sweeney, RP Kenneth Schalk
San Juan gets: LF Osvaldo Johnson, RP Jim Clyburn (AA)
Analysis: Obviously the huge name here is multiple-MVP winner Johnson. He's put up Hall of Fame-type numbers for the first 3 seasons of this league and he's only 29. San Juan gets a middle of the order hitter. Jim Clyburn is a very talented reliever- he's a future closer. Sweeney has the talent to put up numbers close to Johnson's but he's yet to prove himself on the ML level. Schalk is a solid setup guy who is on the ML roster but could use another season in the minors. A bit of a head-scratching move on the Cheyenne end- not necessarily for the trading of Johnson- but for the inclusion of Clyburn if the Nation is trying to get younger.
New York New York and Milwaukee Manic Maulers
New York gets: SP Vic Chavez
Milwaukee gets: 2B Benji Bartolo, SP Fred Keats (AAA)
Analysis: The key to this deal is a guy who was not included in it- Lawrence Carver. Milwaukee GM gydk wanted to give AAA star Carver a shot inthe ML rotation, making Chavez expendable. If Carver succeeds, this is a great deal for Milwaukee; if not, it's a complete head-scratcher. Bartolo and Keats are both quality players- neither have superstar ability but both should be quality contributors for seasons to come. New York gets a quality #2 or #3 starter with a good track record. The key to this dea
Houston Riverdogs and Little Rock Raiders
Houston gets: RP Matt Skinner
Little Rock gets: 3B Leo Miller
Analysis: Little Rock gets a 3-time All Star in Miller, who immediately fills in nicely in the middle of the Little Rock order, but does Miller launch them into the playoff discussion? If not, then this deal makes little sense for the Raiders. Skinner has the potential to be a big-time closer- I predict that at some point in his career he will win a Fireman of the Year award.
Trenton Traffic and Boston Bambinos
Trenton gets: SP Damion Mays
Boston gets: IF Daniel Koch (AAA)
Analysis: An interesting deal of two young players, both of whom have very good upside. Mays is a hard-throwing, 23 year old lefty with three good pitches. He's struggled his first two seasons but may be on the verge of figuring it out. Koch is an all-around highly talented player with big-time power; his biggest issue is his health. If he can stay on the field, he'll love aiming balls at Fenway's Green Monster.
Cheyenne Nation and San Juan Dead Bunnies
Cheyenne gets: LF Steve Sweeney, RP Kenneth Schalk
San Juan gets: LF Osvaldo Johnson, RP Jim Clyburn (AA)
Analysis: Obviously the huge name here is multiple-MVP winner Johnson. He's put up Hall of Fame-type numbers for the first 3 seasons of this league and he's only 29. San Juan gets a middle of the order hitter. Jim Clyburn is a very talented reliever- he's a future closer. Sweeney has the talent to put up numbers close to Johnson's but he's yet to prove himself on the ML level. Schalk is a solid setup guy who is on the ML roster but could use another season in the minors. A bit of a head-scratching move on the Cheyenne end- not necessarily for the trading of Johnson- but for the inclusion of Clyburn if the Nation is trying to get younger.
New York New York and Milwaukee Manic Maulers
New York gets: SP Vic Chavez
Milwaukee gets: 2B Benji Bartolo, SP Fred Keats (AAA)
Analysis: The key to this deal is a guy who was not included in it- Lawrence Carver. Milwaukee GM gydk wanted to give AAA star Carver a shot inthe ML rotation, making Chavez expendable. If Carver succeeds, this is a great deal for Milwaukee; if not, it's a complete head-scratcher. Bartolo and Keats are both quality players- neither have superstar ability but both should be quality contributors for seasons to come. New York gets a quality #2 or #3 starter with a good track record. The key to this dea
Houston Riverdogs and Little Rock Raiders
Houston gets: RP Matt Skinner
Little Rock gets: 3B Leo Miller
Analysis: Little Rock gets a 3-time All Star in Miller, who immediately fills in nicely in the middle of the Little Rock order, but does Miller launch them into the playoff discussion? If not, then this deal makes little sense for the Raiders. Skinner has the potential to be a big-time closer- I predict that at some point in his career he will win a Fireman of the Year award.
Trenton Traffic and Boston Bambinos
Trenton gets: SP Damion Mays
Boston gets: IF Daniel Koch (AAA)
Analysis: An interesting deal of two young players, both of whom have very good upside. Mays is a hard-throwing, 23 year old lefty with three good pitches. He's struggled his first two seasons but may be on the verge of figuring it out. Koch is an all-around highly talented player with big-time power; his biggest issue is his health. If he can stay on the field, he'll love aiming balls at Fenway's Green Monster.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Opening Day for the Champs (and half the league)
16 teams have already opened their seasons. Tonight the rest of the league got underway.
National League
In New Orleans, the defending champion Houston Riverdogs dropped a 7-6 decision to the Voodoo to start the season. Aces Stephen Tucker (Houston) and Carlos Matos (New Orleans) started; neither was very effective. The battle of the bullpens went to the 10th, when pinch-hitter Morgan Cain hit a solo shot off Houston reliever Matt Skinner to send the New Orleans crowd home happy.
In Philadelphia, two of the NL's best starters locked up in a pitcher's duel as the Phantom's Bernard Robinson went toe-to-toe with Fargo's superstar pitcher Javier Henriquez. The offense gave Henriquez a 3-1 lead, but the vaunted Fargo bullpen couldn't hold it, and the Dirtbags dropped a 4-3 decision. This one was also decided in the 10th, when Philadelphia RF Anthony Spencer doubled home 3B Juan Rodriguez.
Norfolk had an easier time than the aforementioned defending division champs, pounding out a 12-2 decision over Washington. Babe Broadhurts went 7 strong innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits and a walk. Justin Gordon was the hitting star, going 3 for 5 with 2 HRs and 4 RBIs.
In Cheyenne, Salem Sacrifices ace Dave Dunwoody was excellent, while Nation ace Kane Grahe was not. The Salem offense touched Grahe up for 7 runs in 6 innings and cruised to a 9-3 decision. Dunwoody pitched 7 scoreless innings, yielding only 2 hits and 2 walks to the Nation.
American League
The defending American League champs, like the National League champs, find themselves at 0-1 after opening night. They dropped a 3-2 game to the Blue Cheese up in Buffalo. James Morton got the ball on Opening Night and went 8 innings, but was outdueled by Buffalo's Steven Michaels, who ended up with a no-decision to show for his 7 strong innings. The game was tied in the 8th when Buffalo's RF Jordan Ball hit a wall-scraping home run to provide the winning margin.
Louisville went to Charlotte and pounded out 17 hits in a 7-4 win. Carlton Fleming gave up 1 run in 5 2/3 innings and 1B Ismael Polanco hit a 3-run home run in the 1st to give the Legends a lead they would never relinquish.
Little Rock outhit Nashville but the Sounds still managed to win 4-1. In what could be something the Nashville fans may need to get used to, all 4 runs for the Sounds came on home runs (a 2-run shot and a solo blast by Midre Santiago and a solo homer from King Winn). Joey Hubbard went the distance for the Raiders but just couldn't keep the ball in the park.
Anaheim only managed 6 hits against Matty Eusebio and 6 Colorado Springs Chickens relievers, but managed to win 2-0. Andy Ramsey was the star for the Chiles, going 7 shoutout innings and turning the lead over to B.J. Wallace and closer Vince Perez, who got the save.
National League
In New Orleans, the defending champion Houston Riverdogs dropped a 7-6 decision to the Voodoo to start the season. Aces Stephen Tucker (Houston) and Carlos Matos (New Orleans) started; neither was very effective. The battle of the bullpens went to the 10th, when pinch-hitter Morgan Cain hit a solo shot off Houston reliever Matt Skinner to send the New Orleans crowd home happy.
In Philadelphia, two of the NL's best starters locked up in a pitcher's duel as the Phantom's Bernard Robinson went toe-to-toe with Fargo's superstar pitcher Javier Henriquez. The offense gave Henriquez a 3-1 lead, but the vaunted Fargo bullpen couldn't hold it, and the Dirtbags dropped a 4-3 decision. This one was also decided in the 10th, when Philadelphia RF Anthony Spencer doubled home 3B Juan Rodriguez.
Norfolk had an easier time than the aforementioned defending division champs, pounding out a 12-2 decision over Washington. Babe Broadhurts went 7 strong innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits and a walk. Justin Gordon was the hitting star, going 3 for 5 with 2 HRs and 4 RBIs.
In Cheyenne, Salem Sacrifices ace Dave Dunwoody was excellent, while Nation ace Kane Grahe was not. The Salem offense touched Grahe up for 7 runs in 6 innings and cruised to a 9-3 decision. Dunwoody pitched 7 scoreless innings, yielding only 2 hits and 2 walks to the Nation.
American League
The defending American League champs, like the National League champs, find themselves at 0-1 after opening night. They dropped a 3-2 game to the Blue Cheese up in Buffalo. James Morton got the ball on Opening Night and went 8 innings, but was outdueled by Buffalo's Steven Michaels, who ended up with a no-decision to show for his 7 strong innings. The game was tied in the 8th when Buffalo's RF Jordan Ball hit a wall-scraping home run to provide the winning margin.
Louisville went to Charlotte and pounded out 17 hits in a 7-4 win. Carlton Fleming gave up 1 run in 5 2/3 innings and 1B Ismael Polanco hit a 3-run home run in the 1st to give the Legends a lead they would never relinquish.
Little Rock outhit Nashville but the Sounds still managed to win 4-1. In what could be something the Nashville fans may need to get used to, all 4 runs for the Sounds came on home runs (a 2-run shot and a solo blast by Midre Santiago and a solo homer from King Winn). Joey Hubbard went the distance for the Raiders but just couldn't keep the ball in the park.
Anaheim only managed 6 hits against Matty Eusebio and 6 Colorado Springs Chickens relievers, but managed to win 2-0. Andy Ramsey was the star for the Chiles, going 7 shoutout innings and turning the lead over to B.J. Wallace and closer Vince Perez, who got the save.
Around the league on Opening Day
Some highlights from Opening Day in the Bigs:
National League
All four division champions from last season begin tonight, but the two wild card teams took the field on Opening Day.
Chicago was a legitimate title contender last season, but on this day it was Toronto's Davey Pena who was the story. Pena, who was nearly demoted to AAA in spring training, hit 2 HRs and drove in 5 as the Toros won in Chicago 12-3.
Trenton, the other wild card team from last season, fared better. Carlton MacDougal set the tone with a first-inning grand slam off Fred Carter to spark a 11-6 win over the Atlanta Bandits.
San Juan was excited about the recent addition of superstar LF Osvaldo Johnson, and the fans were not disappointed. He led off the 8th inning with a solo home run to provide the final margin of a 4-1 Dead Bunnies victory over the Austin City Limits.
Out west, the Golden Otters made their first game north of the border a successful one. Kerry Barber pitched 6 strong innings, yielding 1 run on 4 hits in a 3-1 victory over the Salt Lake City Shakers.
American League
3 out of the 6 playoff teams from a season ago have already opened their seasons. Neither defending division titlist won.
Perennial contender Monterrey couldn't beat up-and-coming Jackson on Opening Day. Marty James, Jackson's 2nd year shortstop, had a monster game. He went 5 for 5 with 2 HRs and 7 RBIs as the Vipers slugged their way past the Sultans 14-7. Del Lopez, Ryan Snyder, and Felipe Ortiz all homered in a losing cause.
In Las Vegas, Seattle Killer Whales pitcher Miguel Benitez threw a 7-hit shutout and Zeke Sellers hit a 3-run home run to propel thte Whales to a 5-0 win over the Gamblers.
St. Louis follows up their wild-card berth from last season with an opening day win over the Syracuse Simpletons. Benito Martin and 2 relievers held Syracuse to 8 hits and no runs in a 4-0 victory. Louie Bolivar was the hard-luck loser, going 6 innings and giving up 10 hits but only 1 run.
In the east, our own version of the New York-Boston rivalry begins, with game 1 going to the boys from Gotham by a 2-1 margin. It was a pitcher's duel, with Boston's Daryl Cashman almost matching New York's Max Jacquez pitch for pitch, but Jacquez was just a little better. Marvin Bailey and Bob Koplove traded solo shots, but it was Cashman's first inning wild pitch that gave New York the extra run.
National League
All four division champions from last season begin tonight, but the two wild card teams took the field on Opening Day.
Chicago was a legitimate title contender last season, but on this day it was Toronto's Davey Pena who was the story. Pena, who was nearly demoted to AAA in spring training, hit 2 HRs and drove in 5 as the Toros won in Chicago 12-3.
Trenton, the other wild card team from last season, fared better. Carlton MacDougal set the tone with a first-inning grand slam off Fred Carter to spark a 11-6 win over the Atlanta Bandits.
San Juan was excited about the recent addition of superstar LF Osvaldo Johnson, and the fans were not disappointed. He led off the 8th inning with a solo home run to provide the final margin of a 4-1 Dead Bunnies victory over the Austin City Limits.
Out west, the Golden Otters made their first game north of the border a successful one. Kerry Barber pitched 6 strong innings, yielding 1 run on 4 hits in a 3-1 victory over the Salt Lake City Shakers.
American League
3 out of the 6 playoff teams from a season ago have already opened their seasons. Neither defending division titlist won.
Perennial contender Monterrey couldn't beat up-and-coming Jackson on Opening Day. Marty James, Jackson's 2nd year shortstop, had a monster game. He went 5 for 5 with 2 HRs and 7 RBIs as the Vipers slugged their way past the Sultans 14-7. Del Lopez, Ryan Snyder, and Felipe Ortiz all homered in a losing cause.
In Las Vegas, Seattle Killer Whales pitcher Miguel Benitez threw a 7-hit shutout and Zeke Sellers hit a 3-run home run to propel thte Whales to a 5-0 win over the Gamblers.
St. Louis follows up their wild-card berth from last season with an opening day win over the Syracuse Simpletons. Benito Martin and 2 relievers held Syracuse to 8 hits and no runs in a 4-0 victory. Louie Bolivar was the hard-luck loser, going 6 innings and giving up 10 hits but only 1 run.
In the east, our own version of the New York-Boston rivalry begins, with game 1 going to the boys from Gotham by a 2-1 margin. It was a pitcher's duel, with Boston's Daryl Cashman almost matching New York's Max Jacquez pitch for pitch, but Jacquez was just a little better. Marvin Bailey and Bob Koplove traded solo shots, but it was Cashman's first inning wild pitch that gave New York the extra run.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Season 4 Playoff Predictions
Playoff predictions bound to go wrong:
National League
1. Fargo Dirtbags
2. Houston Riverdogs
3. Norfolk Destroyers
4. Vancouver Golden Otters
5. Toronto Toros
6. San Juan Dead Bunnies
Round 1:
San Juan over Norfolk
Toronto over Vancouver
Round 2:
San Juan over Houston
Fargo over Toronto
NLCS: Fargo over San Juan
American League
1. Milwaukee
2. Monterrey
3. Louisville
4. Anaheim
5. Las Vegas
6. Nashville
Round 1:
Louisville over Nashville
Anaheim over Las Vegas
Round 2:
Milwaukee over Anaheim
Monterrey over Louisville
ALCS: Milwaukee over Monterrey
World Series: Milwaukee over Fargo
National League
1. Fargo Dirtbags
2. Houston Riverdogs
3. Norfolk Destroyers
4. Vancouver Golden Otters
5. Toronto Toros
6. San Juan Dead Bunnies
Round 1:
San Juan over Norfolk
Toronto over Vancouver
Round 2:
San Juan over Houston
Fargo over Toronto
NLCS: Fargo over San Juan
American League
1. Milwaukee
2. Monterrey
3. Louisville
4. Anaheim
5. Las Vegas
6. Nashville
Round 1:
Louisville over Nashville
Anaheim over Las Vegas
Round 2:
Milwaukee over Anaheim
Monterrey over Louisville
ALCS: Milwaukee over Monterrey
World Series: Milwaukee over Fargo
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