Fair Play Committee Members

Bulls7210, Jweatherman, Rds_lsu, Ttnorm and Quebec.

Commissioner: Harkov

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Division Rankings- 40 Game Edition- 2016

Here are the division power rankings for the first quarter of the season. Divisions are ranked in order of wins above 500. They are as follows:

NL East +13
NL South +7
NL North +3
AL South +3
AL East +2
AL West -1
AL North -4
NL West -23

Monday, August 9, 2010

ML Franchise Rankings- Season 15

Here are the current franchise rankings for the seasons completed. This takes into consideration the franchise's results for the past 15 seasons and applies a numerical value for each season. I then add all seasons together to come up with the final score. Bonus points are awarded for playoffs made, division titles, WS made and WS wins.

Teams Score

Texas 227.0
Syracuse 133.5
Richmond 119.0
Burlington 114.0
Honolulu 108.0
Ottawa 106.5
Charleston 104.0
New York 94.5
St. Louis 93.5
Detroit 92.0
Toronto 86.0
Las Vegas 80.0
Dover 78.5
New Orleans 77.0
Fresno 74.0
San Francisco 64.0
Portland 63.5
Louisville 63.0
Kansas City 61.5
Nashville 60.5
Pawtucket 59.0
Scranton 57.0
Boston 56.0
Oklahoma City 54.5
Little Rock 48.0
Charlotte 44.0
Cincinnati 43.5
Salt Lake City 42.0
Rochester 38.5
Cleveland 37.5
Chicago 37.0
Vancouver 32.0

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

AL West Preview- 2016

AL West

Honolulu Dashboard Hula Dolls

jweatherman (10th season w/ club, 15th overall)

Last Season 96-66 (1st)

Key Additions: OF Phil Murphy (Trade – Fresno), P Ron Perry (FA)

Key Subtractions: OF Bruce Boucher (FA), P Edwards Beech (FA), P Edgardo Vincente (Trade – Fresno), P Leonardo Hume (FA)

Projected Starters

C – Damian Yoshii (.273, 11, 36)

1B – Jeff Jennings (.317, 38, 135)

2B – Walt Brown* (.331, 40, 113, 38 SB)

3B – Guillermo Nunez (.280, 33, 99, 20 SB)

SS – Alvin Standridge (.249, 45, 120)

LF – Scott Springer (.317, 23, 68, 50 SB)

CF – Eddie Henderson (.254, 5, 48)

RF – Phil Murphy (.315, 50, 138)

DH – Hub McNamara (.278, 32, 89)

Key Pitchers

SP – Eddie Baker (13-15, 4.39, 1.42)

SP – Ron Perry (14-10, 3.91, 1.37)

SP – Orlando Castilla (10-10, 4.67, 1.50)

RP – Dave Griffith (6-4, 3.99, 1.22)

CL – Norman Gordon (2-3, 35 SV, 3.02, 1.34)

S16 Outlook:

The Dashboard Hula Dolls limp into S16 after a disappointing first round exit in last season’s playoffs. A pitching staff that was more than shaky last season will be under a magnifying glass – particularly after the loss of S15’s only reliable starter, Edwards Beech, to FA. Veteran FA acquisition Ron Perry will try to live up to the hype that actually got a franchise named after him and one of Summer of ‘49’s all-time workhorses, Eddie Baker, should surpass the 200-win plateau.

Offensively, the addition of NL MVP candidate Phil Murphy bolsters what is already a team strength – beating the crap out of the ball. The DHDs will miss perennial MVP candidate Walt Brown for the first month of the season.

If the pitching staff performs, they win 100. If they pitch like its S15 again, they win 90.

Prediction: 93-69 (1st)


Vancouver Wanachi

TXLnghrn (3rd season)

Last Season 77-85 (3rd)

Key Additions:IF Phillip Ransom (Trade – KC), IF Matty Campos (Waivers), P Mule Black (Trade – Fresno)

Key Subtractions: OF Javier Rosado (FA), SS Ricardo Candelaria (FA), JD Boyer (Trade – KC)

Projected Starters

C – Tsuyoshi Hasegawa (.272, 32, 92)

1B – Willie Chavez (.275, 34, 110)

2B – Phillip Ransom (.302, 24, 75, 25 SB)

3B – Tom Torres (.268, 33, 109)

SS – Hal Carasone (.302, 14, 70)

LF – Dustin Charlton (.273, 17, 97, 33 SB…AAA)

CF – Hector Valentine (.263, 1, 41, 39 SB)

RF – Sean Pulsipher (.306, 17, 78)

DH – Ricardo Lopez (.321, 32, 86)

Key Pitchers

SP – Mule Black (12-13, 4.47, 1.40)

SP – Carter Schofield (7-7, 5.23, 1.57)

SP – Murray O’Neil (19-9, 4.64, 1.43)

SP – Micah Morton (1-2, 13 SV, 3.09, 1.13)

RP – Rabbit Byrd (0-1, 20 SV, 4.61, 1.65)

S16 Outlook:

Vancouver adds a solid mix of veteran and youthful pitching to a staff that’s arguably the best in the division. Acquiring SP Mule Black could end up the best move in the AL if he can deliver a playoff season. Murray O’Neil looks to replicate last season’s success. The rest of the staff brings a truckload of potential.

Offensively, sluggers Willie Chavez, Tom Torres and Ricardo Lopez welcome a solid top-of-the-lineup guy in Phillip Ransom to join Sean Pulsipher. Big follow-up seasons from Tsuyhoshi Hasegawa and Hal Carasone are huge in determining this season’s success.

Some solid off-season moves equal improvement, but not quite enough for the playoffs.

Prediction: 86-76 (2nd)


Kansas City Masterpieces

Fantasy Frea (10th season)

Last Season 79-83 (2nd)

Key Additions: P JD Boyer (Trade – Van)

Key Subtractions: OF Raul Andujar (Trade – SLC), IF Phillip Ransom (Trade – Van), OF DaRond Neal (FA), P Pascual Frias (FA)

Projected Starters

C – Pedro Vega (.343, 21, 102)

1B – Ralph Dixon (.292, 20, 83)

2B – Toby DiFelice (.340, 29, 113…AAA)

3B – Adrian Burroughs (.349, 14, 57)

SS – Dustin Wolcott (.326, 13, 98)

LF – Benny Alfonseca (.284, 16, 77)

CF – Dave Offerman (.271, 16, 77, 28 SB)

RF – Bill Piper (.318, 43, 141, 36 SB)

DH – Gordon Hines (.265, 29, 87)

Key Pitchers

SP – Fred Daal (11-15, 6.14, 1.63)

SP – JD Boyer (13-14, 4.49, 1.34)

SP – Omar Molina (14-10, 5.69, 1.64)

RP – Kirt Woolf (2-8, 14 SV, 4.81, 1.58)

RP – Mac Pearson (13-7, 3 SV, 4.28, 1.37)

S16 Outlook:

The Masterpieces were anything but last season after their impressive run in S14. A solid offense returns several key cogs. CF Dave Offerman is a budding star. He’s joined in the lineup by monster Bill Piper, doubles machine Ralph Dixon, and one of Summer of 49’s best offensive catchers in Pedro Vega.

JD Boyer was added from Vancouver to bolster the starting staff. Youngster Fred Daal must bounce back from a rough S15 and the Pieces must get consistent work from Omar Molina and a slew of young arms to make a run at a playoff berth. Reliever Kirt Woolf and Mac Pearson are solid multi-purpose guys who need to find a little help in the pen.

In the end, I think they’ll be a couple arms short of a run at the playoffs.

Prediction: 75-87 (3rd)


Las Vegas Sand Dollars (formerly Boise Mashers)

bradheld (6th season)

Last Season 66-96 (4th)

Key Additions: 1B Clinton Lindsay (FA), P Louie Neruda (FA)

Key Subtractions: UTIL Ken Pritchett (FA), P Hugh Catalanotto (FA)

Projected Starters

C – RJ Jacquez (.229, 20, 58)

1B – Clinton Lindsay (.304, 28, 114)

2B – Bobby Griffin (.264, 8, 60, 47 SB)

3B – Carl Brennaman (.245, 4, 20)

SS – Chun-Lim Wang (.277, 29, 115)

LF – Dean Crawford (.269, 22, 83, 38 SB)

CF – Jose Montanez (.252, 11, 44)

RF – Craig Quinn (.306, 12, 56, 32 SB)

DH – Ryan Ruffin (.279, 23, 80)

Key Pitchers

SP – Louie Neruda (14-7, 5.27, 1.45)

SP – Douglas Satterwhite (8-15, 6.16, 1.52)

SP – Alex Roque (11-11, 1 SV, 4.00, 1.31)

RP – Luis Wilfredo (0-0, 4.63, 1.34)

CL – Miguel Nunez ( 2-10, 30 SV, 5.21, 1.78)

S16 Outlook:

A move to Sin City might just be what the doctor ordered for the former Spuds. It’ll definitely increase interest in road trips to play the Sand Dollars!

Bradheld should show off a much improved lineup – thanks in part to the signing of FA 1B Clinton Lindsay providing stability in the middle of the order. More pop is needed for the Dollars to make noise in the division, but the pieces are starting to come together.

Louie Neruda was signed to be the ace of the staff that includes talented youngsters Douglas Satterwhite and Tyson Schneider. Alex Roque, Summer of 49’s answer to Jamie Moyer, just keeps on putting up solid numbers.

Luis Wilfredo and Miguel Santana provide a little help in the pen. Miguel Nunez better watch his back before he loses his closer job.

Overall, there are too many improvements to make this off-season to talk of moving out of the division basement, but they’re edging closer.

Prediction: 65-97 (4th)

AL South Preview- 2016

AL South

Charleton Of Bricks

jsreilly (16th season)

Last Season 98-64 (1st)

Key Additions: C Bud Johnston (Trade – Roc), C Gus Cora (FA)

Key Subtractions: None

Projected Starters

C – Bud Johnston (.307, 34, 97)

1B – Alberto Nieves (.303, 21, 74)

2B – Patrick Hutchinson (.274, 31, 94)

3B – Brendan Springer (.266, 26, 68)

SS – Torii Clinton (.247, 16, 78, 28 SB)

LF – Jimmie Alonso (.293, 40, 107)

CF – Buck Stephens (.254, 8, 54, 38 SB)

RF – Shayne Sinclair (.278, 25, 66)

DH – Calvin Bruske (.254, 23, 59)

Key Pitchers

SP – Rick Benson (16-9, 3.45, 1.13)

SP – Marvin Jefferies (13-9, 3.52, 1.30)

SP – Thomas Strange (18-6, 2.69, .95)

SP – Red Roosevelt (12-9, 4.71, 1.35)

RP – Walter Krause (4-7, 34 SV, 3.08, 1.16)

S16 Outlook:

The epic battle rages on for supremacy in the South – consistently the toughest division in Summer of 49’s American League. The defending champion Of Bricks bring back all the pieces that won them 98 games last season and add a big-time bat in Bud Johnston.

A top notch pitching staff boasts four top-of-rotation starters (Benson, Jefferies, Strange and Roosevelt) and an eclectic bullpen that gets the job done.

In another hard-fought battle with Richmond, the Of Bricks will sneak away with the division and a first round bye.

Prediction: 101-61 (1st)


Richmond Rebels

steelerstime (11th season)

Last Season 94-68 (2nd)

Key Additions: P AJ Brunson (FA), C Tomas Borbon (FA)

Key Subtractions: 2B Dann Cone (FA), P Louie Neruda (FA), P Walker Jennings (Trade – STL)

Projected Starters

C – Gerald Williams (.252, 25, 73)

1B – Peter Dong (.314, 47, 104)

2B – RJ Lira (.274, 21, 87)

3B – Glenn Holdridge (.254, 36, 101)

SS – Corky Bowman (.254, 38, 86)

LF – Geraldo Lee (.298, 42, 109)

CF – Jay Parris (.273, 4, 25)

RF – Che Lim (.261, 35, 101, 25 SB)

DH – Frank McInerney (.323, 26, 91)

Key Pitchers

SP – Cliff Gunderson (10-7, 4.58, 1.53)

SP – Bruce Schofield (15-6, 3.72, 1.48)

SP – Miguel Reynoso (7-5, 4.02, 1.33)

RP – Terrell Kershner (2-5, 4.19, 1.21)

RP – Jeremy Weston (0-3, 36 SV, 3.47, 1.11)

S16 Outlook:

If you like offense, stop by The Diamond in Richmond and tell steelerstime “what up?”. The Rebels return nearly everyone from a stacked order including four 100-RBI guys. That doesn’t include DH Frank McInerney who drove in 91 in just over 100 games or slugging SS Corky Bowman. Position-by-position, this lineup competes with any team in this world of fake baseball.

The pitching staff is led by starter Bruce Schofield and relievers Terrell Kershner and Jeremy Weston. Assuming they get reasonable pitching from starters 3-5 it’ll be another playoff season for the Rebs…where they’ll probably knock me out of the playoffs again.

Prediction: 98-64 (2nd)


Little Rock Inbreds

gman31617 (2nd season)

Last Season: 92-70 (3rd)

Key Additions: None

Key Subtractions: P Ron Perry (FA)

Projected Starters

C – James Basile (.285, 12, 72)

1B – Brett Munoz (.358, 60, 150)

2B – Gene Fox (.303, 29, 86)

3B – Angel Carrara (.246, 23, 68)

SS – Elston Service (.257, 14, 41)

LF – Mark Moseley (.253, 47, 112)

CF – Wilbur Jarvis (.238, 3, 34, 30 SB)

RF – Erick Mullin (.302, 42, 122, 23 SB)

DH – RJ Navarro (.308, 19, 84)

Key Pitchers

SP – Horacio Martinez (12-5, 3.19, 1.32)

SP – JJ Gibbs (12-5, 4.61, 1.47)

SP – Al Martin (13-7, 3.86, 1.45)

RP – Howie Beckham (9-3, 7 SV, 4.01, 1.40)

CL – Darwin Green (1-9, 29 SV, 6.57, 1.27)

S16 Outlook:

Coming off a 92-win, wildcard season prospects are high for Little Rock. They return a talented offense led by S15 MVP Brett Munoz. Erick Mullin was a prize FA pickup last season for gman and he’ll team up with RJ Navarro, Mark Moseley, Gene Fox and James Basile to insure there’s never an easy trip through the lineup for opposing pitching.

The Inbreds boast 3 very solid starters in Horacio Martinez, JJ Gibbs and Al Martin, but let franchise wins leader Ron Perry flee through free agency. The bullpen has ratings, but didn’t provide the results last season. That’s not a good quality in the AL’s Division of Death.

In the end, they’ll put together another good season but miss the playoffs by tie-breaker.

Prediction: 88-74 (3rd)


Texas Dodgers (formerly Texas Tulsa Hawks)

mikesons1973 (1st season)

Last Season 85-77 (4th)

Key Additions: OF Jack Harris (Waivers), P Freddie Swindell (FA), P Tony Vaughn (FA), 2B Don Li (FA), C Gil Youkilis (FA)

Key Subtractions: P Brady Tallet (Trade – Tor), 2B Francisco Espinosa (Released), 3B Matt Kolb (Released), P Russell Matheny (Released), P Pat Yamamoto (FA), IF Luis Gonzalez (FA), C Gus Cora (FA)

Projected Starters

C – Gil Youkilis (.283, 17, 55)

1B – Diego Moya (.290, 34, 108)

2B – Don Li (.302, 1, 43, 29 SB…AA)

3B – Al Mercado (.267, 23, 86)

SS – Patrick Gordon (,249, 13, 62)

LF – Jack Harris (.312, 14, 76…AAA)

CF – Benny Baerga (.294, 46, 128, 37 SB)

RF – Shawn Swindell (.278, 20, 73)

DH – Aaron Gross (.237, 0, 5)

Key Pitchers

SP – Joshua Harrison (14-8, 5.52, 1.62)

SP – Darwin Rhodes (11-11, 4.73, 1.44)

SP – Bingo Valdes (13-9, 5.27, 1.55)

SP – Freddie Swindell (9-7, 4.13, 1.36)

RP – Tony Vaughn (5-5, 25 SV, 5.48, 1.45)

S16 Outlook:

Rebuilding is often hard to watch.

Rebuilding is even harder to watch in this division.

Mikesons1973 is giving the Dodgers a full roster makeover and let fly many of the former regime’s key veterans. Keep an eye on CF Benny Baerga and 1B Diego Moya come midseason. They’re two of the prime trade chips out there and could land the Dodgers a couple big prospects near the Deadline.

I expect this roster to continually change as the rebuild process commences. That probably means 100 losses.

Prediction: 62-100 (4th)

AL East Preview-2016

AL East

Pawtucket Privateers

harkov (16th season)

Last Season 100-62 (1st)

Key Additions: P Jesse Holliday (FA),

Key Subtractions: P Harry Valenzuela (FA), OF Sun Abe (Waivers)

Projected Starters

C – PT Brow (.278, 10, 39)

1B – Ivan Trevino (.313, 12, 70)

2B – Dave Phillips (.284, 40, 120, 29 SB)

3B – Raul Guerrero (.331, 32, 105, 23 SB)

SS – Bronson Kim (.255, 22, 80)

LF – Matt Little (.275, 24, 82)

CF – Pablo Mercado (.276, 19, 89)

RF – Butch Davis (.309, 17, 58)

DH – Don Wilkins (.293, 27, 81)

Key Pitchers

SP – Chris Costello (17-8, 3.71, 1.31)

SP – Larry Franklin (16-8, 4.81, 1.37)

SP – Kordell Forbes (19-6, 3.24, 1.12)

RP – Hee Chang (2-1, 2.36, 1.19)

RP – Dennys Chang (0-2, 40 SV, 2.37, .91)

S16 Outlook:

I actually vomited a little when I reviewed this roster.

Its almost unfair when a projected lineup doesn’t even leave space for slugger Jolbert Telemaco, but that’s the case in Pawtucket. The Fighting Harkovs showcase talent all over the diamond. 2B Dave Phillips is a perennial MVP candidate and 3B Raul Guerrero has put together a silent and spectacular career. Watch out for rookie outfield Butch Davis – who is my pick as “Next Big Thing.”

A pitching staff that features 3 top tier starters – all under 30 years old – returns everyone. The Privateer bullpen, aka Chinatown, is highlighted by the Changs – Dennys and Hee.

Pawtucket will have enough juice and the right schedule to hold the pole position come playoff time. Will they capitalize and make their first WS appearance?

Prediction: 103-59 (1st)


Charlotte Chokers

willemijn (14th season)

Last Season 78-84 (2nd)

Key Additions: P Barry Hall (FA), C Yamil Sosa (FA), P Felipe Solano (FA), P Willie Tatis (FA), P Carlos DeSoto (FA)

Key Subtractions: C Bing Adams (FA), OF Julian West (FA), 3B/OF Willard Richards (FA)

Projected Starters

C – Ross Griffey (.259, 6, 27)

1B – Albert Moreno (.248, 6, 64)

2B – Andrea Kerr (.272, 22, 90)

3B – Adam Boyd (.265, 17, 78)

SS – Babe Ryan (.266, 9, 59)

LF – Keith Patrick (.296, 22, 94, 66 SB)

CF – Mateo Maduro (.279, 7, 29)

RF – Charles Miyakazi (.282, 25, 89)

DH – Rafael Martin (.276, 19, 83)

Key Pitchers

SP – Charles Wright (10-7, 4.61, 1.31)

SP – Danny Borbon (13-7, 5.26, 1.38)

SP – David Galvez (11.-4, 4.05, 1.12)

P – Barry Hall (9-6, 2.72, 1.19)

RP – Yannick Eaton (0-5, 23 SV, 4.38, 1.49

S16 Outlook:

Charlotte (which used to be Boston…which now plays Boston in its division…which is confusing the hell out of me) owner willemijn did a great job addressing the Chokers pitching woes in the off-season. The additions of Barry Hall, Felipe Solano, Willie Tatis and Carlos DeSoto could reap big dividends.

Unfortunately, while improving the pitching staff the Chokers said “goodbye” to two mashers in C Bing Adams and 3B/OF Willard Richards who’s big bats will be missed. Keith Patrick is my new favorite offensive player in the league. He’s a speed burner who hits .300 and can drive in 100.

The Chokers are improving but aren’t being done any favors sharing a division with Pawtucket. Another 2nd place finish is in their future.

Prediction: 74-88 (2nd)


Boston BearSharks (formerly Columbus Hammers)

lccooler (1st season)

Last Season 65-97 (3rd)

Key Additions: P Wilfredo Lugo (FA), P Kennie Moss (FA), P Joey Romero (FA), P Hugh Catalanotto (FA), P Rodrigo Seanez (FA), OF Bert Hughes (Trade – NY)

Key Subtractions: SS Albert McGowan (FA), P Harry Uribe (FA), P Raymond Kelly (FA)

Projected Starters

C – John Chang (.266, 20, 98)

1B – Nick Regan (.274, 51, 131)

2B – Trevor Moreno (.277, 28, 103, 29 SB)

3B – Matty Javier (.233, 11, 52)

SS – Crash Hermanson (.313, 33, 108…AA/HiA)

LF – Hootie Bennett (.294, 46, 145…AAA)

CF – Fausto Martinez (.252, 14, 46, 22 SB)

RF – Bert Hughes (.243, 4, 19)

DH – Pedro De La Vega (.299, 17, 57)

Key Pitchers

SP – Geoff Lawrence (9-18, 5.19, 1.52)

SP – Kennie Moss (6-8, 5.96, 1.73)

SP – Esteban Borges (6-14, 4.89, 1.48)

RP – Billy Ratliff (6-2, 5 SV, 3.50, 1.08)

CL – Wilfredo Lugo (5-3, 37 SV, 2.17, 1.00)

S16 Outlook:

No team has been more active in the off-season (in the AL, at least) than the new kids – the Boston BearSharks. This year’s pitching staff will be greatly improved as they return uber-talented Geoff Lawrence and solid lefty Esteban Borges and add starters Kennie Moss, Hugh Catalanotto, Joey Romero and Rodrigo Seanez. The holy grail of the free agent market, closer Wilfredo Lugo, also settled on becoming a BearShark…whatever the hell that is.

Lccooler’s first lineup will include a plethora of young position prospects. Will guys like OF Hootie Bennett and SS Crash Hermanson live up to the hype? Will they continue to improve?

The young guys should play well enough and the pitching staff should account for a few more wins on their own. In another season or two, the BearSharks will be a force

Prediction: 73-89 (3rd)


Rochester Rockin Robins

eclipse33 (2nd season)

Last Season 59-103 (4th)

Key Additions: None

Key Subtractions: DH Bud Johnston (Trade – CHR), P Damian Inouoe (Trade – SLC)

Projected Starters

C – Quinn Smith (.285, 10, 33)

1B – Malcolm Adams (.286, 7, 43)

2B – Moises Rosario (.296, 14, 57)

3B – Calvin Uchida (.270, 13, 70, 29 SB)

SS – Mateo Johnson (.254, 6, 49)

LF – Sun Abe (.283, 8, 27)

CF – Groucho Richardson (.262, 10, 68, 20 SB)

RF – Matt Weatherford (.295, 12, 65…AAA)

DH – Louis Wagner (.279, 35, 109…AA)

Key Pitchers

SP – Albert White (6-19, 5.59, 1.58)

SP – Greg Murray (13-14, 5.49, 1.56)

SP – Geraldo Borbon (10-16, 4.65, 1.35)

RP – Desi Vazquez (0-7, 1 SV, 4.64, 1.41)

RP – Adrian Jordan (1-2, 10 SV, 2.48, .93

S16 Outlook:

The Rockin’ Robins are coming off a 59 win season and prospects don’t look good to improve that win total this season.

Eclipse33 moved a couple big leaguers this off-season in exchange for prospects to piece together in a couple seasons with current ML youngsters. OF Groucho Richardson and 3B Calvin Uchida have high ceilings and starters Greg Murray and Geraldo Borbon should be serviceable.

Patience is a virtue in this case, so at season’s end the Robins’ season won’t be judged on wins and losses, but on what talented pieces they’ve added to the organization.

Prediction: 54-108 (4th)

AL North Preview- 2016

AL North

Dover ‘Necks

wilhitec (12th season)

Last Season 94-68 (1st)

Key Additions: SS Ricardo Candelaria (FA)

Key Subtractions: none

Projected Starters:

C – Doug Darnell (.275, 18, 50)

1B – Robinson Washington (.279, 41, 121)

2B – Phillip Simmons (.265, 19, 82)

3B – Vic Gil (.249, 43, 98)

SS – Ricardo Candelaria (.267, 6, 27)

LF – Fred Blowers (.323, 9, 78, 49 SB)

CF – Del Jiang (.288, 10, 51, 35 SB)

RF – Russell Piper (.317, 34, 109)

DH – Shaggy Brown (.321, 35, 110)

Key Pitchers

SP – Russ Jerchower (16-11, 3.60, 1.30)

SP – Ryan Nelson (14-13, 4.66, 1.43)

SP – Vince Morgan (11-9, 4.84, 1.48)

RP – Phil Matsumoto (3-1, 3 SV, 4.93, 1.38)

CL – Cy Voyles (5-3, 41 SV, 1.51, .97)

*162 IP min for ERA and WHIP leaders

S16 Outlook:

All the key cogs return for the surging ‘Necks. Wilhitec brings back a powerful lineup led by slugging 100-RBI producers Robinson Washington, Russell Piper and Shaggy Brown. Fred Blowers comes off a surprising rookie season where he led the club in BA and SB.

A young bullpen is led by closer Cy Voyles. The rotation is solid 1-4 led by vets Ryan Nelson and Russ Jerchower (who will forever be pelted by coconuts on road trips to Honolulu after bolting for a max contract prior to S15).

The ‘Necks have built a strong foundation from within and expect to be among the top teams in the AL for the foreseeable future.

Prediction: 94-68 (1st)


Detroit Domination

petec (12th season)

Last Season 86-76 (2nd)

Key Additions:none

Key Subtractions: OF Butch Neill (FA), P Dmitri Hull

Projected Starters

C – Walt Nunnally (.304, 16, 50)

1B – Jon Price (.310, 34, 84)

2B – Don Mercer (.272, 15, 57)

3B – Jumbo Moya (.257, 29, 79)

SS – Rafael Gomez (.230, 8, 46)

LF – Randy Tollberg (.263, 32, 113)

CF – Paul Stankiewicz (.268, 19, 90)

RF – BC Tatis (.269, 24, 70)

DH – Stone Curtis (.336, 10, 37)

Key Pitchers

SP – David Polanco (14-9, 3.05, 1.16)

SP – Harry Heath (8-11, 4.05, 1.36)

SP – Andrew Coggin (12-11, 4.98, 1.47)

RP – Brant Lowry (10-7, 29 SV, 2.34, .95)

RP – Jason Montgomery (6-2, 3.60, 1.32)

S16 Outlook:

Rarely is The Dominator absent from the playoffs, but S16 leaves the Domination wanting to get back to the post-season.

Future HOFer Jon Price leads a lineup with plenty of pop. Versatile Jumbo Moya and OFs Randy Tollberg and BC Tatis provide additional run support. The Domination routinely trot out a top-notch defense and this season should be no different.Can they find a way to get slugger Russell Bierbrodt onto the field?

Pitching is either feast or famine for the Domination. David Polanco continues to lead the a reliable staff that includes Harry Heath and Andrew Coggin – who after a rough Spring Training is getting back in shape for the season opener. Brant Lowry continues to be one of the AL’s most dominant relievers.

Unless they get more consistent offense and back of the rotation pitching, the Domination will increase the win total but fall just short of the division title..

Prediction: 88-74 (2nd)


Chicago Crme (formerly Toledo Mudhens)

dustintwise (1st season)

Last Season 65-97 (4th)

Key Additions: P Ernie Alexander (Trade – Fresno), P Dante Edmonds (Trade – Fresno), 1B Russell Mercedes (Trade – Fresno)

Key Subtractions: IF Valerio Cornejo, SS Dom Wathan, OF Darron Beltre, P Jonathan Campbell, P David Mecir, P Ryan Pose

Projected Starters

C – Cy Keats (.266, 28, 82)

1B – Ernest Dougherty (.324, 26, 82)

2B – Harold Cox (.246, 14, 67)

3B – Vic Acevedo (.295, 12, 66)

SS – Rafael Bravo (.306, 14, 54…HiA)

LF – Rafael Castro (.245, 4, 26)

CF – Neifi Torrealba (.268, 8, 50)

RF – Alex Martin (.274, 20, 90)

DH – Bob Newsome (.271, 12, 36)

Key Pitchers

SP – Ernie Alexander (9-16, 4.27, 1.34)

SP – Brad Adams (8-13, 5.40, 1.59)

SP – Dante Edmonds (8-18, 5.72, 1.58)

RP – Bip Stieb (4-3, 18 SV, 2.90, 1.13)

RP – Willie Mercado (6-3, 1 SV, 3.60, 1.39)

S16 Outlook:

Looking for a darkhorse in the AL this year? No…well, I’ll give you one anyway – the Chicago Crime.

Dustintwise pulled off a big trade with Fresno this off-season to improve pitching. If Ernie Alexander and Dante Edmonds pitch to their ratings they’ll be a perfect compliments to veteran Brad Adams. Bip Stieb as very solid as S15’s closer. More pitching depth will be necessary to make a move on Dover and Detroit.

Offensively, the lineup is remniscent of my KC Royals - several guys who’ll get on base but lacking the big sticks to go deep and drive them in. 3B Vic Acevedo has to be that guy for the Crime-rate to skyrocket. No offense to C Cy Keats and 1B Ernest Dougherty who are very solid vets.

The new owner is just beginning the project of turning the Crime around. I expect a big jump in wins, but not enough to be playing in Pretend October.

Prediction: 78-84 (3rd)


Cleveland Apachies

gatorbum (2nd season)

Last Season 72-90 (3rd)

Key Additions: none

Key Subtractions: 1B Clinton Lindsey (FA), Einar Candelaria (FA), P Darin Ulrich, P Kennie Moss

Projected Starters

C – John Martin (.244, 8, 49)

1B – Dave Daal (.259, 19, 76)

2B – Miguel Diaz (.304, 38, 116)

3B – Bernard Hammond (.252, 10, 52)

SS – Tuck Bowen (.229, 9, 42)

LF – Trenidad Park (.255, 7, 42, 24 SB)

CF – Bono Battle (.329, 17, 95…AAA)

RF – Rob Sierra (.288, 40, 125…AAA)

DH – Alberto Jimenez (.304, 20, 71)

Key Pitchers

SP – Jose Guerrero (4-10, 2 SV, 5.31, 1.62)

SP – Matt Gordon (15-6, 4.27, 1.56)

SP – Mikey Torres (8-17, 6.28, 1.65)

RP – Roy Pall (1-3, 27 SV, 6.81, 1.83)

RP – Stan Martin (5-3, 3.70, 1.34)

S16 Outlook:

Second year owner gatorbum is doing some nice things in Cleveland. Although they Apachies didn’t make any big free agent signings or trades this off-season, they’ll still boast an interesting young lineup led by star 2B Miguel Diaz. Former 1st round pick Dave Daal needs to play up to his draft status, but young CF Bono Battle and DH Alberto Jimenez look ready to step into big roles in this offense.

The pitching staff is led by Matt Gordon (sidebar: who is the genius owner who drafted Gordon. That’s one smart, good-looking dude). Youngster Jose Guerrero who pitched both as a starter and reliever in S15 has the ratings to provide a breakout season. Stan Martin is excellent out of the pen, but needs some help. Overall, the staff doesn’t appear poised to hold up their end of the bargain.

The Apachies have to keep on truckin’ and adding pieces because their division is a little too tough for a breakthrough season this go round.

Prediction: 64-98 (4th)

TOP 10 MLV

So here is the list of the Top 10 MLV for C, 1B/COF/DH, and 2B/3B/SS/CF

For those un-aquantaited with sabermetrics, there is a great article, http://www.stathead.com/bbeng/woolner/mlvdesc.htm, about what it means. I could go into detail but I wouldn't do it justice.

These numbers are the amount of runs these players should expect to add to a league average team during their projected plate appearances. I'll have the top 5 catchers and top 10 1B/COF/DH and 2B/3B/SS/CF in the list.

Catchers

1. Julio Polanco OK 49.7
2. Gerald Williams RIC 32.0
3. Rafael Martin CHA 31.4
4. Bronson Hawkins LV 29.3
5. Calvin Bruske CHR 28.7

1B/COF/DH

1. Vic Tejada NAS 40.8
2. Peter Dong RIC 37.4
3. Luis Limon POR 34.1
4. Brett Munoz LR 33.8
5. Jeff Jennings HON 33.5
6. Deivi Tapies TOR 33.3
7. Nick Regan BOS 32.5
8. Jon Price DET 31.8
9. Shaggy Brown DOV 31.4
10. Yamid Encarnacion BUR 31.0

2B/3B/SS/CF

1. Walt Brown HOU 58.5
2. Miguel Diaz CLE 50.5
3. Dave Phillips PAW 48.0
4. Diego Alfonzo FRE 42.5
5. Pedro Rijo NO 38.8
6. Glenn Holdridge RIC 38.4
7. Phillip Ransom VC 37.54
8. Dean Aleander NAS 37.52
9. Haywood Twitchell BUR 36.4
10. Don Lee NO 36.0



There is a graph that goes along with the above results. If you are interested in that visual representation, contact lccooler and I'm sure he will be more than happy to send you a copy.