Here is a recap of the first round picks from 2001 (First season). Just thought this would be a slight jog down memory lane. Especially for those of us, who have been here since the beginning. Without further ado, here are your first 10 draft picks…..ever.
1. Jake Caufield- P- St. Louis Unsigned
2. Michael Dillon- P- Scranton $ 3,910,000
Michael made a quick jump to the big leagues after spending only 3 years in the minors. He is #5 all time in winning percentage for the organization. Made one appearance in the all-star game in 2007.
3. Larry Brown- 2B- Ottawa $ 5,000,000
Larry was signed out of high school for the second highest signing bonus at the time. So, there were high expectations for this kid from the very beginning. Spent three years in the minors, where he was known for his power and speed. Currently is the career leader in stolen bases and 3rd in franchise history in home-runs. 4-time all-star and 2-time silver slugger at 2B.
4. Miguel Rijo- CF- Toledo $ 3,720,000
This lightning fast CF started his career in HiA and quickly ran his way into a starting spot on the big club in just two years. Has played a steady CF for Lowly over the years and was instrumental in the Roosters three WS appearances in four years.
5. Dante Edmonds- P- Santa Fe $ 3,630,000
Dante has been the type of pitcher most managers would love to have on their team. In fact most managers have had him on their teams. Dante has played for six different managers over his career.
6. Walt Coppolecchia- P- Cin Unsigned
7. David Galvez- P- Memphis $ 5,000,00
David was rushed to the majors after only one season. While the expectations were high, David as managed to stay on the big club most of his career. While the beginning of is career was difficult, he seems to have found his stride in Charleston. Made his all-star debut in 2008.
8. Russell Cunningham- SS- Mont $ 3,350,000
Russell was a former Deadbeat, who spent 4 years in the minors. Since being traded to his current team, Russell has put together a good career, despite being in a platoon role.
9. Thumper Peavy- RF- Fargo $ 3,250,000
Thumper is in only his 2nd year on the big club, having amassed over 3100 at bats in the minors. In his first year at the ML level, Thumper earned a gold glove in RF.
10. Ryan Nelson- P- Boise $ 3,250,000
Ryan rounds out the top ten picks. He has been a steady dose of “W’s “ for Dover, having collected 88 wins in just over six and a half seasons. He is a 2-time all-star and former gold glove winner in 2006.
Fair Play Committee Members
Bulls7210, Jweatherman, Rds_lsu, Ttnorm and Quebec.
Commissioner: Harkov
Sister Sites
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
New Season Set to Begin
The smell of fresh cut grass mixed in with the mouth watering aroma of roasted peanuts, can only mean one thing.......It is opening day at the ballpark.
It is the one day where every team has a chance to win it all. Every team has a clean slate to work with. Managers and owners are busy trying to figure out the last minute adjustments to lineups and pitching rotations. Making important decisions about the future allstar, should he be called up or does he need one more season in the minors?
This really is the best day of the year. All the excitement, all the hype in the local papers for each team, all the off season moves will finally be put to the test.
Hope everyone has a great season and has fun. Lets continue to make this one of the best worlds out there. Good luck everyone.
LETS PLAY BALL!!!!
It is the one day where every team has a chance to win it all. Every team has a clean slate to work with. Managers and owners are busy trying to figure out the last minute adjustments to lineups and pitching rotations. Making important decisions about the future allstar, should he be called up or does he need one more season in the minors?
This really is the best day of the year. All the excitement, all the hype in the local papers for each team, all the off season moves will finally be put to the test.
Hope everyone has a great season and has fun. Lets continue to make this one of the best worlds out there. Good luck everyone.
LETS PLAY BALL!!!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Durham Wins!!
Durham completes the perfect comeback season with a four games to one win over the sixth seeded 42's. This is Durham's fifth title in six years and third under the tutiledge of Natic_Empire.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
World Series Showdown!!!
This World Series matchup is a classic David and Goliath meeting. In one corner you have the six time defending AL champion making their eighth straight playoff appearance. In the other corner you have a team making their second playoff run since season one. This should be a great final series.
#1 (Seed) Durham Daddies (122-40)(Playoff record, 7-2) AL South Division Champions.
Defeated Richmond (3-1), Detroit (4-1) to get to the Championship Series. They did it with pitching (3.56 ERA) and opportunistic hitting (.277). The Daddies will need to continue their good pitching and timely hitting if they want to redeem themselves for the uncharacteristic collapse last year.
#6 (Seed) Washington 42’s (96-66) (10-2) 3rd place in the NL East
Defeated Portland (3-0), Louisville (3-1), Toledo (4-1) to get to the Championship Series. Washington comes into the biggest series in the history of the franchise with a great turn around season. They tied a franchise record for wins with 96, they improved their win total over last season by 32 games. The 42’s are here on pure guts. They are batting an inspired 53 points higher in the playoffs, then in the regular season. Good thing too, because the pitching staff is giving up nearly a run more then in the regular season.
Pitching Matchups for the first four games:
Game #1 -42’s- S. Henriquez (13-4, 2.33)- vs.- Daddies- J. Weston (19-2, 2.19)
Game #2-42’s- B. Hall (2-2, 3.37) -vs.- Daddies- T. Damon (18-6, 3.06)
Game#3-Daddies T. Daly (18-5, 2.78)-vs.- 42’s T. Solano (10-8, 4.67)
Game #4-Daddies J. Weston (19-2, 2.19)-vs.- S. Henriquez (13-4, 2.33)
#1 (Seed) Durham Daddies (122-40)(Playoff record, 7-2) AL South Division Champions.
Defeated Richmond (3-1), Detroit (4-1) to get to the Championship Series. They did it with pitching (3.56 ERA) and opportunistic hitting (.277). The Daddies will need to continue their good pitching and timely hitting if they want to redeem themselves for the uncharacteristic collapse last year.
#6 (Seed) Washington 42’s (96-66) (10-2) 3rd place in the NL East
Defeated Portland (3-0), Louisville (3-1), Toledo (4-1) to get to the Championship Series. Washington comes into the biggest series in the history of the franchise with a great turn around season. They tied a franchise record for wins with 96, they improved their win total over last season by 32 games. The 42’s are here on pure guts. They are batting an inspired 53 points higher in the playoffs, then in the regular season. Good thing too, because the pitching staff is giving up nearly a run more then in the regular season.
Pitching Matchups for the first four games:
Game #1 -42’s- S. Henriquez (13-4, 2.33)- vs.- Daddies- J. Weston (19-2, 2.19)
Game #2-42’s- B. Hall (2-2, 3.37) -vs.- Daddies- T. Damon (18-6, 3.06)
Game#3-Daddies T. Daly (18-5, 2.78)-vs.- 42’s T. Solano (10-8, 4.67)
Game #4-Daddies J. Weston (19-2, 2.19)-vs.- S. Henriquez (13-4, 2.33)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Conference Champions- Race for the Pennents
In advance of the ALCS and NLCS, here’s a position-by-position matchups for the four remaining playoff teams.
ALCS _ No. 1 Durham Daddies (122-40 vs No. 3 Detroit Domination (82-80)
CATCHER
Durham _ Erubiel Baez was masterful behind the plate, throwing out 50 percent of runners trying to steal (27 of 54). He also chipped in a .253 average.
Detroit _ Walt Nunnally threw out 28 percent of basestealers (27 of 95) and hit .270 with 16 homers and 80 RBIs.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
FIRST BASE
Durham _ Diego Moya nearly had as many RBIs (135) as games played (148). He also leads the Daddies in strikeouts (102).
Detroit _ Jon Price is Detroit’s biggest offensive threat, leading the Domination in average (.343), homers (40) and OPS (1.080).
ADVANTAGE: Detroit
SECOND BASE
Durham _ Luis Gonzalez hit .277 with 21 homers in 499 at bats.
Detroit _ Miguel Cervantes hit .276 with 8 homers and 62 RBIs, also scoring 72 runs.
ADVANTAGE: Even.
THIRD BASE
Durham _ Josh Rain hit .334 and played a smooth third base, committing only 6 errors.
Detroit _ Ricky Gibson’s power numbers slipped to a career low (15), but he still drove in 95 and hit .294 with an OPS of .805.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
SHORTSTOP
Durham _ Benny Alfonseca smashed 61 homers and drove in 126. He’s also second on the Daddies with 13 steals.
Detroit _ With speedster Roger Conine still ailing with a sore shoulder, Detroit will likely turn to rookie Brian Borbon (.273/14/56).
ADVANTAGE: Durham
LEFT FIELD
Durham _ Lariel Neruda (.325/55/145) has hit at least 55 homers for five consecutive seasons.
Detroit _ Russ Scott was second for the Domination with 37 homers to go with a .272 average. He also led Detroit in runs (129) and strikeouts (131).
ADVANTAGE: Durham
CENTER FIELD
Durham _ Benny Baerga is the speedster of the Daddy lineup, swiping 29 bases and recording a .396 OBP. Just for good measure, he also hit 39 homers.
Detroit _ Highly touted Orber Jimenez hit .323 in the minor leagues, but has struggled in 37 games after his late-season callup, hitting .219 with more strikeouts (24) than walks (14)
ADVANTAGE: Durham
RIGHT FIELD
Durham _ Courtney Rogers hit .300 with 54 homers and 143 RBIs.
Detroit _ Thumper Peavy was second on the team with 16 steals and hit .266 with 57 RBIs.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
DESIGNATED HITTER
Durham _ Gus Cora leads the Daddies in OPS (1.215), batting average (.352), homers (72) and RBIs (159).
Detroit _ Giomar Roque scored 96 times to go with his .277 average and 19 homers.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
STARTING PITCHING
Durham _ Lonnie Glynn, Todd Damon, Jeremy Weston and Tuck Daly combined for 72 wins, and each had a WHIP below 1.30.
Detroit _ David Polanco (16-8) Dominates for the Domination, but others have struggled. Solid performances from Edwards Beech (6-9, 1.29 WHIP) will be a key to the series.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
BULLPEN
Durham _ Arthur Scanlan and Ned Kingland were a nice 1-2 punch late in games, combining for 47 saves in 52 chances.
Detroit _ Sean White (55 games, 83.2 innings, 1.24 WHIP) is dependable. Jin-Che Dong has 2 postseason saves.
ADVANTAGE: Durham.
PREDICTION: Durham in 5
--------------------------------------------------
NLCS _ No. 1 Toledo Dirt Roosters (98-64) vs No. 6 Washington D.C. 42s (96-66)
CATCHER
Toledo _ Durable Lance Kaufman (.316/36/118) had another great year behind the plate and also threw out 34 percent of possible baserunners (38 of 112).
Washington _ Rookie Mateo Medrano blasted 35 homers to go with his .275 average and threw out 25 percent of possible basestealers (23 of 93).
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
FIRST BASE
Toledo_ Sal Simmons led the Dirt Roosters in hits (199), homers (43), RBIs (127) and batting average (.338).
Washington _ Yamid Encarnacion led the 42s balanced attack with 32 homers, .a 327 average and 101 runs.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
SECOND BASE
Toledo _ Rodrigo Romano provided power from the middle infield, hitting 29 homers and driving in 102.
Washington _ Brady Simpson hit .271 with 89 runs, 17 homers and 74 RBIs.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
THIRD BASE
Toledo _ Damaso Mesa hit .272 with 26 homers and 81 RBIs.
Washington _ Bernard Hammond led the 42s with 103 runs and hit .302 with 22 homers.
ADVANTAGE: Even.
SHORTSTOP
Toledo _ Al Tavarez hit .284 with 14 homers, and contributed a .977 fielding percentage.
Washington _ Abraham Frascatore was smooth in the field and hit .246 with 7 homers in 363 at bats. Defensive whiz Bobby Nelson surprised with a .345 average in 177 at bats.
ADVANTAGE: Washington
LEFT FIELD
Toledo _ A.J. Powell bashed 35 homers, drove in 114 and scored 109 runs.
Washington _ Max Guerrero knocked 24 homers with his .290 average, but also led the team with 115 strikeouts.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo
CENTER FIELD
Toledo _ Speedy Miguel Rijo stole 33 bases while hitting .285 and scoring 103 runs.
Washington _ Jose Montanez hit .315 with a .378 OBP, adding 19 homers.
ADVANTAGE: Washington
RIGHT FIELD
Toledo _ Nigel Harding and Vladimir Bennett combined to hit 26 homers and drive in more than 100 runs.
Washington _ Rafael Castro hit 14 homers and .279.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
STARTING PITCHING
Toledo _ Russ Wall led the team with 16 wins, while Al Turner (15-11) and Winston Surhoff (14-9) provided quality depth to the rotation
Washington _ Sammy Henriquez (13-4, 1.02 WHIP) dominated the regular season but has struggled in the playoffs. Matt Richardson (9-8) and Torey Solano (10-8) are also expected to get starts.
ADVANTAGE: Even
BULLPEN
Toledo_ Setup man Bruce Brown (89 games, 127 innings, 1.44 WHIP will try to bridge the gap to closer Billy Ratliff (45 saves in 50 opportunities).
Washington _ Mendy Griffin played a key role, going 15-4 in 174 innings and 75 appearances. Miguel Prieto had a 1.11 WHIP in 95 innings. Hades Gibson saved 28 games in 32 chances.
ADVANTAGE: Washington
PREDICTION: Toledo in 6
ALCS _ No. 1 Durham Daddies (122-40 vs No. 3 Detroit Domination (82-80)
CATCHER
Durham _ Erubiel Baez was masterful behind the plate, throwing out 50 percent of runners trying to steal (27 of 54). He also chipped in a .253 average.
Detroit _ Walt Nunnally threw out 28 percent of basestealers (27 of 95) and hit .270 with 16 homers and 80 RBIs.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
FIRST BASE
Durham _ Diego Moya nearly had as many RBIs (135) as games played (148). He also leads the Daddies in strikeouts (102).
Detroit _ Jon Price is Detroit’s biggest offensive threat, leading the Domination in average (.343), homers (40) and OPS (1.080).
ADVANTAGE: Detroit
SECOND BASE
Durham _ Luis Gonzalez hit .277 with 21 homers in 499 at bats.
Detroit _ Miguel Cervantes hit .276 with 8 homers and 62 RBIs, also scoring 72 runs.
ADVANTAGE: Even.
THIRD BASE
Durham _ Josh Rain hit .334 and played a smooth third base, committing only 6 errors.
Detroit _ Ricky Gibson’s power numbers slipped to a career low (15), but he still drove in 95 and hit .294 with an OPS of .805.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
SHORTSTOP
Durham _ Benny Alfonseca smashed 61 homers and drove in 126. He’s also second on the Daddies with 13 steals.
Detroit _ With speedster Roger Conine still ailing with a sore shoulder, Detroit will likely turn to rookie Brian Borbon (.273/14/56).
ADVANTAGE: Durham
LEFT FIELD
Durham _ Lariel Neruda (.325/55/145) has hit at least 55 homers for five consecutive seasons.
Detroit _ Russ Scott was second for the Domination with 37 homers to go with a .272 average. He also led Detroit in runs (129) and strikeouts (131).
ADVANTAGE: Durham
CENTER FIELD
Durham _ Benny Baerga is the speedster of the Daddy lineup, swiping 29 bases and recording a .396 OBP. Just for good measure, he also hit 39 homers.
Detroit _ Highly touted Orber Jimenez hit .323 in the minor leagues, but has struggled in 37 games after his late-season callup, hitting .219 with more strikeouts (24) than walks (14)
ADVANTAGE: Durham
RIGHT FIELD
Durham _ Courtney Rogers hit .300 with 54 homers and 143 RBIs.
Detroit _ Thumper Peavy was second on the team with 16 steals and hit .266 with 57 RBIs.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
DESIGNATED HITTER
Durham _ Gus Cora leads the Daddies in OPS (1.215), batting average (.352), homers (72) and RBIs (159).
Detroit _ Giomar Roque scored 96 times to go with his .277 average and 19 homers.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
STARTING PITCHING
Durham _ Lonnie Glynn, Todd Damon, Jeremy Weston and Tuck Daly combined for 72 wins, and each had a WHIP below 1.30.
Detroit _ David Polanco (16-8) Dominates for the Domination, but others have struggled. Solid performances from Edwards Beech (6-9, 1.29 WHIP) will be a key to the series.
ADVANTAGE: Durham
BULLPEN
Durham _ Arthur Scanlan and Ned Kingland were a nice 1-2 punch late in games, combining for 47 saves in 52 chances.
Detroit _ Sean White (55 games, 83.2 innings, 1.24 WHIP) is dependable. Jin-Che Dong has 2 postseason saves.
ADVANTAGE: Durham.
PREDICTION: Durham in 5
--------------------------------------------------
NLCS _ No. 1 Toledo Dirt Roosters (98-64) vs No. 6 Washington D.C. 42s (96-66)
CATCHER
Toledo _ Durable Lance Kaufman (.316/36/118) had another great year behind the plate and also threw out 34 percent of possible baserunners (38 of 112).
Washington _ Rookie Mateo Medrano blasted 35 homers to go with his .275 average and threw out 25 percent of possible basestealers (23 of 93).
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
FIRST BASE
Toledo_ Sal Simmons led the Dirt Roosters in hits (199), homers (43), RBIs (127) and batting average (.338).
Washington _ Yamid Encarnacion led the 42s balanced attack with 32 homers, .a 327 average and 101 runs.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
SECOND BASE
Toledo _ Rodrigo Romano provided power from the middle infield, hitting 29 homers and driving in 102.
Washington _ Brady Simpson hit .271 with 89 runs, 17 homers and 74 RBIs.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
THIRD BASE
Toledo _ Damaso Mesa hit .272 with 26 homers and 81 RBIs.
Washington _ Bernard Hammond led the 42s with 103 runs and hit .302 with 22 homers.
ADVANTAGE: Even.
SHORTSTOP
Toledo _ Al Tavarez hit .284 with 14 homers, and contributed a .977 fielding percentage.
Washington _ Abraham Frascatore was smooth in the field and hit .246 with 7 homers in 363 at bats. Defensive whiz Bobby Nelson surprised with a .345 average in 177 at bats.
ADVANTAGE: Washington
LEFT FIELD
Toledo _ A.J. Powell bashed 35 homers, drove in 114 and scored 109 runs.
Washington _ Max Guerrero knocked 24 homers with his .290 average, but also led the team with 115 strikeouts.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo
CENTER FIELD
Toledo _ Speedy Miguel Rijo stole 33 bases while hitting .285 and scoring 103 runs.
Washington _ Jose Montanez hit .315 with a .378 OBP, adding 19 homers.
ADVANTAGE: Washington
RIGHT FIELD
Toledo _ Nigel Harding and Vladimir Bennett combined to hit 26 homers and drive in more than 100 runs.
Washington _ Rafael Castro hit 14 homers and .279.
ADVANTAGE: Toledo.
STARTING PITCHING
Toledo _ Russ Wall led the team with 16 wins, while Al Turner (15-11) and Winston Surhoff (14-9) provided quality depth to the rotation
Washington _ Sammy Henriquez (13-4, 1.02 WHIP) dominated the regular season but has struggled in the playoffs. Matt Richardson (9-8) and Torey Solano (10-8) are also expected to get starts.
ADVANTAGE: Even
BULLPEN
Toledo_ Setup man Bruce Brown (89 games, 127 innings, 1.44 WHIP will try to bridge the gap to closer Billy Ratliff (45 saves in 50 opportunities).
Washington _ Mendy Griffin played a key role, going 15-4 in 174 innings and 75 appearances. Miguel Prieto had a 1.11 WHIP in 95 innings. Hades Gibson saved 28 games in 32 chances.
ADVANTAGE: Washington
PREDICTION: Toledo in 6
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Division Series
In any other league, a Richmond-Durham matchup would be worthy of a World Series, or at least a league championship series. But this season, HBD for HDers II’s two most winning teams are squaring off in the league divisional series. The winner of the marquee matchup will be odds-on favorite to advance through the league championship. The National League bracket is a complete tossup, with all four teams winning 96-98 games in the regular season.
Here are the division playoff series capsules:
No. 5 Richmond Rebels (100-62) vs No. 1 Durham Daddies (122-40)
HISTORY: Richmond returns to the playoffs for the first time since Season 3. Owner steelerstime continues a remarkable turnaround for the franchise that won the Season 1 World Series. Durham, owner of the league’s best record, captured its seventh consecutive division title and is looking for its fourth World Series title.
SEASON SERIES: Durham won, 6-4.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Durham cruised to the No. 1 seed by winning the AL South over second-place Richmond by 22 games. The Rebels needed a six-run ninth inning rallt to win the decisive Game 5 against a gutty Kansas City team in the wild card round.
WHO’S HOT: Richmond SS Alan Vickers hit .389 in the wild card round and led the Rebels with three homers. 3B Alex Jung (.385) and 2B Dann Cone (.333) are also swinging hot bats. Durham was led in the regular season by Gus Cora (.352/72/159) as well as LF Lariel Neruda, RF Courtney Rogers and SS Benny Alfonseca.
WHO’S NOT: Richmond SP J.D. Boyer was lit up in his only playoff appearance, giving up 5 runs in 3.2 innings. RF Ugueth Romero is hitting .200 in the postseason. Durham is solid all the way around, but are hoping to get more consistent play from SP Octovio Chavez (29 starts, 1.50 WHIP, 5.10 ERA.)
No. 3 Detroit Domination (82-80) vs No. 2 Columbus Crush (83-79)
HISTORY: Detroit is in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season and has captured its third straight division title. Columbus has won its second consecutive division title. Both teams are looking advance to their first conference championship.
SEASON SERIES: Columbus won, 6-4.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Both teams narrowly won their divisions. Detroit edged Dover and Chicago by a game in the AL North, then took four games to dispatch No. 6 seed Charleston in the wild card round. Columbus topped Boston by 2 games in the AL East to secure a first-round playoff bye.
WHO’S HOT: Detroit SS Roger Conine hit a blistering .571 and RF swung at a .500 clip in the wild card round. SP Rod Gagne gave up three hits and 1 run in his only playoff start. Columbus is led by DH Sven Lundquist (.325/27/87), RF Rafael Tejera (.359/20/97) and slugging SS Livan Servet (33 homers). Pitcher Marvin Jefferies won 21 games in relief.
WHO’S NOT: Detroit bats were ice cold in the wild card round. Owner petec needs 3B Ricky Gibson (.071), OF Orber Jimenez (.071), OF Miguel Cervantes (.077), C Giomar Roque and OF B.C. Tatis (.167) to rebound. Columbus is counting on a consistent offense, but needs No. 2 starter Pedro Mendoza (33 starts, 124 IP, .4.99 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) to be a big-game pitcher in the playoffs.
No. 5 Syracuse (98-64) vs. No. 1 Toledo (98-64)
HISTORY: A battle of two founding league members. Syracuse has been in the playoffs every year under nashumb’s leadership, but is looking for its first conference championship. Lowly’s Toledo team needed a tiebreaker to beat Syracuse for the NL East title and hopes to makes the Dirt Roosters’ fourth World Series appearance.
SEASON SERIES: Tied 5-5.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Three Saltine Warrior pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout to close out wild card series against Vancouver in five games. The Dirt Roosters are the National League’s No. 1 seed.
WHO’S HOT: Saltine Warrior 2B Eric Edwards is stroking .429 in the playoffs. RF Mariano Alvarez added two homers to his .400 playoff average. SP Hensley Nixon was lights out against Vancouver, allowing five hits and three runs in 11.2 innings. Toledo’s rotation is anchored by Russ Wall (16-8, 166 Ks, 1.26 WHIP. 1B Sal Simmons keys the Dirt Rooster attack, hitting .338 with 43 HR and a team-best 127 RBIs. Five players have scored more than 100 runs, led by C Lance Kaufman’s 110.
WHO’S NOT: Syracuse CF Christian Gibbons struggled in the first round with a .136 average and eight strikeouts. 1B Omar Soriano hit .317 with 46 homers in the season, but is off to a .211 start with 1 HR in the playoffs. Toledo 2B Rodrigo Romano drove in 102 runs but only hit .250 in the season. The opposition is batting .284 against Dir Rooster starter Jed Simmons, the highest average against in Toledo’s rotation.
No. 6 Washington D.C. 42’s (96-66) vs No. 2 Louisville Derbies (98-64)
HISTORY: schuyler101 improved Washington by 32 games this season, bringing the 42’s to the playoffs for the first time since Season 1. Louisville won its division for the second consecutive year under gerald007, one of the league’s founding owners.
SEASON SERIES: Louisville won, 6-4.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Washington finished in third place in the NL East, 2 games behind Toledo and Syracuse, and then swept. No. 3 seed Portland in the wild-card round. Louisville dominated the NL South, winning the division by 28 games and clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs.
WHO’S HOT: Washington LF Max Guerrero hit .500 in the first round; CF Jose Monanez is hitting .357 with 2 stolen bases in the playoffs. Louisville’s attack is led by LF Robert Tomberlin (.349/47/149), RF Raul Andujar (.316/48/110), and 2B Cole Woodson (41 homers)
WHO’S NOT: Washington C Mateo Medrano struck out 5 times in 12 at bats in the wild card round. Louisville SS Patrick Gordon is a defensive whiz, but is hitting .229 with 104 Ks.
Here are the division playoff series capsules:
No. 5 Richmond Rebels (100-62) vs No. 1 Durham Daddies (122-40)
HISTORY: Richmond returns to the playoffs for the first time since Season 3. Owner steelerstime continues a remarkable turnaround for the franchise that won the Season 1 World Series. Durham, owner of the league’s best record, captured its seventh consecutive division title and is looking for its fourth World Series title.
SEASON SERIES: Durham won, 6-4.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Durham cruised to the No. 1 seed by winning the AL South over second-place Richmond by 22 games. The Rebels needed a six-run ninth inning rallt to win the decisive Game 5 against a gutty Kansas City team in the wild card round.
WHO’S HOT: Richmond SS Alan Vickers hit .389 in the wild card round and led the Rebels with three homers. 3B Alex Jung (.385) and 2B Dann Cone (.333) are also swinging hot bats. Durham was led in the regular season by Gus Cora (.352/72/159) as well as LF Lariel Neruda, RF Courtney Rogers and SS Benny Alfonseca.
WHO’S NOT: Richmond SP J.D. Boyer was lit up in his only playoff appearance, giving up 5 runs in 3.2 innings. RF Ugueth Romero is hitting .200 in the postseason. Durham is solid all the way around, but are hoping to get more consistent play from SP Octovio Chavez (29 starts, 1.50 WHIP, 5.10 ERA.)
No. 3 Detroit Domination (82-80) vs No. 2 Columbus Crush (83-79)
HISTORY: Detroit is in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season and has captured its third straight division title. Columbus has won its second consecutive division title. Both teams are looking advance to their first conference championship.
SEASON SERIES: Columbus won, 6-4.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Both teams narrowly won their divisions. Detroit edged Dover and Chicago by a game in the AL North, then took four games to dispatch No. 6 seed Charleston in the wild card round. Columbus topped Boston by 2 games in the AL East to secure a first-round playoff bye.
WHO’S HOT: Detroit SS Roger Conine hit a blistering .571 and RF swung at a .500 clip in the wild card round. SP Rod Gagne gave up three hits and 1 run in his only playoff start. Columbus is led by DH Sven Lundquist (.325/27/87), RF Rafael Tejera (.359/20/97) and slugging SS Livan Servet (33 homers). Pitcher Marvin Jefferies won 21 games in relief.
WHO’S NOT: Detroit bats were ice cold in the wild card round. Owner petec needs 3B Ricky Gibson (.071), OF Orber Jimenez (.071), OF Miguel Cervantes (.077), C Giomar Roque and OF B.C. Tatis (.167) to rebound. Columbus is counting on a consistent offense, but needs No. 2 starter Pedro Mendoza (33 starts, 124 IP, .4.99 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) to be a big-game pitcher in the playoffs.
No. 5 Syracuse (98-64) vs. No. 1 Toledo (98-64)
HISTORY: A battle of two founding league members. Syracuse has been in the playoffs every year under nashumb’s leadership, but is looking for its first conference championship. Lowly’s Toledo team needed a tiebreaker to beat Syracuse for the NL East title and hopes to makes the Dirt Roosters’ fourth World Series appearance.
SEASON SERIES: Tied 5-5.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Three Saltine Warrior pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout to close out wild card series against Vancouver in five games. The Dirt Roosters are the National League’s No. 1 seed.
WHO’S HOT: Saltine Warrior 2B Eric Edwards is stroking .429 in the playoffs. RF Mariano Alvarez added two homers to his .400 playoff average. SP Hensley Nixon was lights out against Vancouver, allowing five hits and three runs in 11.2 innings. Toledo’s rotation is anchored by Russ Wall (16-8, 166 Ks, 1.26 WHIP. 1B Sal Simmons keys the Dirt Rooster attack, hitting .338 with 43 HR and a team-best 127 RBIs. Five players have scored more than 100 runs, led by C Lance Kaufman’s 110.
WHO’S NOT: Syracuse CF Christian Gibbons struggled in the first round with a .136 average and eight strikeouts. 1B Omar Soriano hit .317 with 46 homers in the season, but is off to a .211 start with 1 HR in the playoffs. Toledo 2B Rodrigo Romano drove in 102 runs but only hit .250 in the season. The opposition is batting .284 against Dir Rooster starter Jed Simmons, the highest average against in Toledo’s rotation.
No. 6 Washington D.C. 42’s (96-66) vs No. 2 Louisville Derbies (98-64)
HISTORY: schuyler101 improved Washington by 32 games this season, bringing the 42’s to the playoffs for the first time since Season 1. Louisville won its division for the second consecutive year under gerald007, one of the league’s founding owners.
SEASON SERIES: Louisville won, 6-4.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Washington finished in third place in the NL East, 2 games behind Toledo and Syracuse, and then swept. No. 3 seed Portland in the wild-card round. Louisville dominated the NL South, winning the division by 28 games and clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs.
WHO’S HOT: Washington LF Max Guerrero hit .500 in the first round; CF Jose Monanez is hitting .357 with 2 stolen bases in the playoffs. Louisville’s attack is led by LF Robert Tomberlin (.349/47/149), RF Raul Andujar (.316/48/110), and 2B Cole Woodson (41 homers)
WHO’S NOT: Washington C Mateo Medrano struck out 5 times in 12 at bats in the wild card round. Louisville SS Patrick Gordon is a defensive whiz, but is hitting .229 with 104 Ks.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Playoffs are Here
AL Wild Card Series (Best of 5)
CHARLESTON(95-67) vs DETROIT (82-80) (season series 7-3, Detroit)
This series should be a close one. Detroit is coming into this series with a lot of confidence, with beating the Chew seven times in ten games.
Detroit is led by a couple of great players in Jon Price and Russ Scott. Price has led the team in home runs, while Scott leads the team in RBIs and Runs. Scott has a tendency to swing and miss a lot of third strikes, as evidenced by his team high 131 Ks. On the mound, the Domination is lead by all-star David Polanco and his team high 16 wins. It seems that as Polanco goes, so goes the Domination. When the ninth inning comes along, the Domination will rely on Santiago Samuel and his 13-16 record in save chances this year. With only one pitcher getting double digit wins, it seems Detroit might have its hands full.
Charleston is lead by Mr. Everything, Norm Cooper. He leads the team in Home Runs (61), Runs (110), RBIs (136) and Strike Outs (132). A classic “swing for the fences” type of hitter. The Chew are much better on the mound with two pitchers winning 19 games this year. David Galvez and Alex Roque have done more than their share in getting the team to the playoffs. Their closer, Ben Lambert, is money when it comes to closing out the ninth inning. Lambert is 30-33 in save chances this year.
RICHMOND (100-62) vs KANSAS CITY (80-82) (6-4, Kansas City)
With twenty games separating the teams in the standings, one would think that this series will be completely one sided, but Kansas City has the final say in this one. Both of these teams are lead by their own Mr. Everything. Should be a good series that will be decided by whose ME comes to play.
Kansas City is in the playoffs by virtue of winning game #162. This team is lead by Einar Candelaria, who leads in Home runs (32), Runs (113) and RBIs (108). On the mound, Russ Jerchower (15-9, 4.19) leads a Grillers team that had four pitchers win 10+ games. Once the Grillers take a lead into the ninth it will be hard for the other team to score. Jerome Peterson has been shutting down teams all year. His 25-31 save chances speak volumes.
The Rebels come into these playoffs with mixed feelings. They win 100 games, but are the road team in this series. Their ability to look past their seeding will determine their success this post season. To help them they will rely on Jonathan Poppell to lead them again, as he did in the regular season. Poppell lead the team in HRs (49), RBIs (161), Runs (123) and Strike Outs (132). On the mound, Richmond will send Denny Kobayashi and his 15-6, 3.74 record out there to get them past the first round. If they have a lead in the ninth, consider the game over, as Harry Sosa (25-28) will shut the door.
NL Wild Card Series (Best of 5)
WASHINGTON D.C. (96-66) vs PORTLAND (96-66) (7-3, Washington D.C.)
Can’t ask for a better opening series to the 2008 playoffs. These two teams couldn’t be more evenly matched.
The 42’s are making the playoffs for the first time since 2001. They are lead by five players that have 75 RBIs or more and none over 100, this team can win in so many different ways. On the mound, the 42’s get it done differently than most teams. Most teams send out their ace and hope for the best. Washington has a dominating middle reliever in Mendy Griffin who won 15 games out of the pen. Yes, this is the same guy who won 78 games in the minors, including 59 games over two seasons. Their closer, Hades Gibson, has saved 28 out of 32 chances this season.
Portland won their 4th division title and first since 2003. They are lead MVP candidate, Luis Limon. He has been one of the more consistent players this year for the Showers. When they take the mound, the Showers will likely start, their ace Nick Wood, (21-2, 2.86). Portland has a team ERA of 4.29, you better play good defense, because they won’t allow you to score very much.
SYRACUSE (98-64) vs VANCOUVER (95-67) (6-4, Syracuse)
Syracuse makes the playoffs for the third year in a row as they take on the Tuques of Vancouver, who make the second season for the 4th time in five years.
The Warriors have a nice one-two punch in Mariano Alvarez (57HR, 150RBI) and Omar Soriano (46, 144). If these guys can continue to hit, it will be a long series for the other team. Their pitching has a nice one-two punch as well, with Lance Evans (17-6, 4.67) and Bobby Allen (17-5, 3.60) That is a tough combination to beat.
The Tuques will do their best when they take the field. Ralph Edwards leads a very balanced team ready to go to the next level. On the bump, Vancouver will send out Louie Neruda, a 17 game winner with an ERA of 4.04. To close games out will be a bully-by-committee.
CHARLESTON(95-67) vs DETROIT (82-80) (season series 7-3, Detroit)
This series should be a close one. Detroit is coming into this series with a lot of confidence, with beating the Chew seven times in ten games.
Detroit is led by a couple of great players in Jon Price and Russ Scott. Price has led the team in home runs, while Scott leads the team in RBIs and Runs. Scott has a tendency to swing and miss a lot of third strikes, as evidenced by his team high 131 Ks. On the mound, the Domination is lead by all-star David Polanco and his team high 16 wins. It seems that as Polanco goes, so goes the Domination. When the ninth inning comes along, the Domination will rely on Santiago Samuel and his 13-16 record in save chances this year. With only one pitcher getting double digit wins, it seems Detroit might have its hands full.
Charleston is lead by Mr. Everything, Norm Cooper. He leads the team in Home Runs (61), Runs (110), RBIs (136) and Strike Outs (132). A classic “swing for the fences” type of hitter. The Chew are much better on the mound with two pitchers winning 19 games this year. David Galvez and Alex Roque have done more than their share in getting the team to the playoffs. Their closer, Ben Lambert, is money when it comes to closing out the ninth inning. Lambert is 30-33 in save chances this year.
RICHMOND (100-62) vs KANSAS CITY (80-82) (6-4, Kansas City)
With twenty games separating the teams in the standings, one would think that this series will be completely one sided, but Kansas City has the final say in this one. Both of these teams are lead by their own Mr. Everything. Should be a good series that will be decided by whose ME comes to play.
Kansas City is in the playoffs by virtue of winning game #162. This team is lead by Einar Candelaria, who leads in Home runs (32), Runs (113) and RBIs (108). On the mound, Russ Jerchower (15-9, 4.19) leads a Grillers team that had four pitchers win 10+ games. Once the Grillers take a lead into the ninth it will be hard for the other team to score. Jerome Peterson has been shutting down teams all year. His 25-31 save chances speak volumes.
The Rebels come into these playoffs with mixed feelings. They win 100 games, but are the road team in this series. Their ability to look past their seeding will determine their success this post season. To help them they will rely on Jonathan Poppell to lead them again, as he did in the regular season. Poppell lead the team in HRs (49), RBIs (161), Runs (123) and Strike Outs (132). On the mound, Richmond will send Denny Kobayashi and his 15-6, 3.74 record out there to get them past the first round. If they have a lead in the ninth, consider the game over, as Harry Sosa (25-28) will shut the door.
NL Wild Card Series (Best of 5)
WASHINGTON D.C. (96-66) vs PORTLAND (96-66) (7-3, Washington D.C.)
Can’t ask for a better opening series to the 2008 playoffs. These two teams couldn’t be more evenly matched.
The 42’s are making the playoffs for the first time since 2001. They are lead by five players that have 75 RBIs or more and none over 100, this team can win in so many different ways. On the mound, the 42’s get it done differently than most teams. Most teams send out their ace and hope for the best. Washington has a dominating middle reliever in Mendy Griffin who won 15 games out of the pen. Yes, this is the same guy who won 78 games in the minors, including 59 games over two seasons. Their closer, Hades Gibson, has saved 28 out of 32 chances this season.
Portland won their 4th division title and first since 2003. They are lead MVP candidate, Luis Limon. He has been one of the more consistent players this year for the Showers. When they take the mound, the Showers will likely start, their ace Nick Wood, (21-2, 2.86). Portland has a team ERA of 4.29, you better play good defense, because they won’t allow you to score very much.
SYRACUSE (98-64) vs VANCOUVER (95-67) (6-4, Syracuse)
Syracuse makes the playoffs for the third year in a row as they take on the Tuques of Vancouver, who make the second season for the 4th time in five years.
The Warriors have a nice one-two punch in Mariano Alvarez (57HR, 150RBI) and Omar Soriano (46, 144). If these guys can continue to hit, it will be a long series for the other team. Their pitching has a nice one-two punch as well, with Lance Evans (17-6, 4.67) and Bobby Allen (17-5, 3.60) That is a tough combination to beat.
The Tuques will do their best when they take the field. Ralph Edwards leads a very balanced team ready to go to the next level. On the bump, Vancouver will send out Louie Neruda, a 17 game winner with an ERA of 4.04. To close games out will be a bully-by-committee.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)