Good afternoon,
Since we can't send out emails letting everyone know what we need yet and since Eamonn is already bugging me to trade him a bunch of guys, I thought I'd just blog about the current and soon to be former defending Champions needs for 2014.
We need:
Picks
A Third Baseman
A Centerfielder (could actually use Bruce as a 1 in RF instead of a 2 in CF)
A Fourth and Fifth Starting Pitcher
What we have to give up:
We have a pick in each round except the first
Billy Butler or Anthony Rizzo (prefer to keep Rizzo or upgrade)
Marco Scutaro
Wily Peralta
Jeremy Hellickson
Tyson Ross
Alex Presley
Francisco Rodriguez
Jose Veras
Ryan Lavarway
Tyler Flowers
Dee Gordon
Pedro Florimon
Ryan Raburn potentially
Jeremy Guthrie
if you need innings:
Kevin Correia
What we look like so far:
C - Carlos Santana
1B - Anthony Rizzo, Billy Butler
2B - Omar Infante
3B - EMPTY
SS - Jean Segura
LF - EMPTY
CF - Jay Bruce
RF - Hunter Pence
Bench - Marco Scutaro
Bench - Ryan Raburn
Bench - Ryan Lavarnway
SP - Mat Latos
SP - Jhoulys Chacin
SP - Wade Miley
SP - Wily Peralta
SP - Tyson Ross
CP - Greg Holland
RP - Jake McGee
RP - Jose Veras
RP - Francisco Rodriguez
RP - Brad Ziegler
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
TBA 2013 Predictions: Mota Division
Last Friday we looked at the Vander Wal Division. Now moving on to the Mota to complete the Lenny Harris League.
1) Brighton
Washington has won this division all four seasons by this may be the year they fall short of the title. After winning the TBA Championship in 2011, the Bearcats came back with 92 wins in 2012 but were bounced out of the playoffs in 4 games by their division rival. They have revamped this year in their quest to return to the Championship Series and are my preseason favorite to win as best team in the TBA.
Projected Lineup:
C: Buster Posey
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Ben Zobrist
3B: Miguel Cabrera
SS: Elvis Andrus
LF: Alex Gordon
CF: Dexter Fowler
RF: Norichika Aoki
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Cole Hamels
SP: Hiroki Kuroda
SP: Yu Darvish
SP: Bronson Arroyo
SP: Kris Medlen
CL: Rafael Soriano
2) Washington
As shown here they should be challenged for first place but will have no problem getting back to the postseason. The Booze Hounds are year in and year out a top team and this year will be no different. Expect a 4th consecutive 100-win season from them. However injuries will play a part this year as shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will miss most of the season and TBA Iron Man Mark Teixeira will be forced to miss his first game in TBA history. However Derek Jeter was brought in to play short when Tulo can't and Chris Carter comes to the rescue for Tex. The rotation is still one of the best two in the LHL and the bullpen gives them arguably the best overall pitching in the TBA .
Projected Lineup:
C: Joe Mauer
1B: Chris Carter/Mark Teixeira
2B: Robinson Cano/Jamey Carroll
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
SS: Troy Tulowitzki/Derek Jeter
LF: Carlos Gonzalez
CF: Angel Pagan/Franklin Gutierrez
RF: Josh Willingham
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Doug Fister
SP: Andy Pettitte
SP: Matt Garza
SP: Yovani Gallardo
SP: Adam Wainwright
CL: Grant Balfour
3) Oregon
The Beavers are always hanging around .500 ball but have never been able to make the jump to snag a wild card spot. This year will be similar as they will compete for the second wild card spot but should finish right around the .500 mark again. Although projections having them coming up short, a couple of extra wins could push them into the playoffs for the first time. An average offense led by Carlos Beltran, Jimmy Rollins and Paul Goldschmidt will need help from a veteran rotation to have that happen. Sergio Romo is the clear leader in the bullpen and will be called on to save games for manager Bob Boyd.
Projected Lineup:
C: George Kottaras/Erik Kratz
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Emilio Bonifacio/Daniel Descalso
3B: Placido Polanco/Jordan Pacheco
SS: Jimmy Rollins
LF: Juan Pierre/Chris Denorfia
CF: Roger Bernadina/Andres Torres
RF: Carlos Beltran
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Mark Buehrle
SP: Jason Hammel
SP: Colby Lewis
SP: Carlos Zambrano
SP: Kevin Millwood
CL: Sergio Romo
4) Nassau
The G-Men of Long Island have done a great job rebuilding this team so far although they are still a year or two from competing. However that does not mean they cannot surprise with a wild card appearance this year. A hot start and an addition or two could easily place Nassau in ballgames come October. The addition of Matt Harvey in the draft to go along with Jon Niese, Homer Bailey, Dan Hudson, and Zach Britton gives this team a young rotation with plenty of upside. If they can stay healthy and continue their growth, this could be a top rotation soon. A better bullpen will help add to last years 70 wins. The offense added Curtis Granderson in November and he immediately becomes a big home run threat for the team in the middle-of-the-order.
Projected Lineup:
C: Jason Castro/AJ Ellis
1B: Kendry Morales/Mark Reynolds
2B: Josh Rutledge/Daniel Murphy
3B: Brett Lawrie
SS: Brandon Crawford/Ruben Tejada
LF: Lucas Duda/JD Martinez
CF: Curtis Granderson
RF: Matt Joyce/Justin Ruggiano
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Jon Niese
SP: Homer Bailey
SP: Chris Capuano
SP: Jeff Karstense
SP: Chris Young
CL: Wilton Lopez
5) Mackinaw
The Islanders are in the middle of a complete rebuild of their team. After winning only 40 games a year ago they have significantly improved (how can they not be) but are still in the rebuilding process. Projected for around 60 wins by the TBABlog they still will have a long season but they future is on the horizon. Young players Eric Hosmer, Jason Kipnis, Jemile Weeks, Mike Moustakas, Pedro Alvarez, and 1st overall pick Bryce Harper provide a solid foundation for this team. Wade Miley adds to Brandon McCarthy, Paul Maholm, and Bud Norris for a pitching staff that could surprise this year.
Projected Lineup:
C: Derek Norris/Welington Castillo
1B: Eric Hosmer
2B: Jason Kipnis/Jemile Weeks
3B: Pedro Alvarez/Mike Moustakas
SS: Steve Lombardozzi/Clint Barmes
LF: David DeJesus/Jayson Werth
CF: Coco Crisp
RF: Bryce Harper
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Brandon McCarthy
SP: Wade Miley
SP: Paul Maholm
SP: Bud Norris
SP: Scott Feldman
CL: Jon Rauch
1) Brighton
Washington has won this division all four seasons by this may be the year they fall short of the title. After winning the TBA Championship in 2011, the Bearcats came back with 92 wins in 2012 but were bounced out of the playoffs in 4 games by their division rival. They have revamped this year in their quest to return to the Championship Series and are my preseason favorite to win as best team in the TBA.
Projected Lineup:
C: Buster Posey
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Ben Zobrist
3B: Miguel Cabrera
SS: Elvis Andrus
LF: Alex Gordon
CF: Dexter Fowler
RF: Norichika Aoki
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Cole Hamels
SP: Hiroki Kuroda
SP: Yu Darvish
SP: Bronson Arroyo
SP: Kris Medlen
CL: Rafael Soriano
2) Washington
As shown here they should be challenged for first place but will have no problem getting back to the postseason. The Booze Hounds are year in and year out a top team and this year will be no different. Expect a 4th consecutive 100-win season from them. However injuries will play a part this year as shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will miss most of the season and TBA Iron Man Mark Teixeira will be forced to miss his first game in TBA history. However Derek Jeter was brought in to play short when Tulo can't and Chris Carter comes to the rescue for Tex. The rotation is still one of the best two in the LHL and the bullpen gives them arguably the best overall pitching in the TBA .
Projected Lineup:
C: Joe Mauer
1B: Chris Carter/Mark Teixeira
2B: Robinson Cano/Jamey Carroll
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
SS: Troy Tulowitzki/Derek Jeter
LF: Carlos Gonzalez
CF: Angel Pagan/Franklin Gutierrez
RF: Josh Willingham
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Doug Fister
SP: Andy Pettitte
SP: Matt Garza
SP: Yovani Gallardo
SP: Adam Wainwright
CL: Grant Balfour
3) Oregon
The Beavers are always hanging around .500 ball but have never been able to make the jump to snag a wild card spot. This year will be similar as they will compete for the second wild card spot but should finish right around the .500 mark again. Although projections having them coming up short, a couple of extra wins could push them into the playoffs for the first time. An average offense led by Carlos Beltran, Jimmy Rollins and Paul Goldschmidt will need help from a veteran rotation to have that happen. Sergio Romo is the clear leader in the bullpen and will be called on to save games for manager Bob Boyd.
C: George Kottaras/Erik Kratz
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Emilio Bonifacio/Daniel Descalso
3B: Placido Polanco/Jordan Pacheco
SS: Jimmy Rollins
LF: Juan Pierre/Chris Denorfia
CF: Roger Bernadina/Andres Torres
RF: Carlos Beltran
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Mark Buehrle
SP: Jason Hammel
SP: Colby Lewis
SP: Carlos Zambrano
SP: Kevin Millwood
CL: Sergio Romo
4) Nassau
The G-Men of Long Island have done a great job rebuilding this team so far although they are still a year or two from competing. However that does not mean they cannot surprise with a wild card appearance this year. A hot start and an addition or two could easily place Nassau in ballgames come October. The addition of Matt Harvey in the draft to go along with Jon Niese, Homer Bailey, Dan Hudson, and Zach Britton gives this team a young rotation with plenty of upside. If they can stay healthy and continue their growth, this could be a top rotation soon. A better bullpen will help add to last years 70 wins. The offense added Curtis Granderson in November and he immediately becomes a big home run threat for the team in the middle-of-the-order.
C: Jason Castro/AJ Ellis
1B: Kendry Morales/Mark Reynolds
2B: Josh Rutledge/Daniel Murphy
3B: Brett Lawrie
SS: Brandon Crawford/Ruben Tejada
LF: Lucas Duda/JD Martinez
CF: Curtis Granderson
RF: Matt Joyce/Justin Ruggiano
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Jon Niese
SP: Homer Bailey
SP: Chris Capuano
SP: Jeff Karstense
SP: Chris Young
CL: Wilton Lopez
5) Mackinaw
The Islanders are in the middle of a complete rebuild of their team. After winning only 40 games a year ago they have significantly improved (how can they not be) but are still in the rebuilding process. Projected for around 60 wins by the TBABlog they still will have a long season but they future is on the horizon. Young players Eric Hosmer, Jason Kipnis, Jemile Weeks, Mike Moustakas, Pedro Alvarez, and 1st overall pick Bryce Harper provide a solid foundation for this team. Wade Miley adds to Brandon McCarthy, Paul Maholm, and Bud Norris for a pitching staff that could surprise this year.
Projected Lineup:
C: Derek Norris/Welington Castillo
1B: Eric Hosmer
2B: Jason Kipnis/Jemile Weeks
3B: Pedro Alvarez/Mike Moustakas
SS: Steve Lombardozzi/Clint Barmes
LF: David DeJesus/Jayson Werth
CF: Coco Crisp
RF: Bryce Harper
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Brandon McCarthy
SP: Wade Miley
SP: Paul Maholm
SP: Bud Norris
SP: Scott Feldman
CL: Jon Rauch
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Reno 2013 Preview
2012 was a banner year for the Aces as they captured the Hello Kitty Cup and overcame a weak 2011 playoff run with a fantastic 2012 postseason.
2013 is going to be an interesting year for the Aces as they fall back to earth after 110 win seasons in each of the last two years. The pitching has gone South in a big way. Looking at the roster I am not even sure the pitching will start to look good in 2014. So all in all, Reno is in wait and see mode for the 2013 season. If the numbers start to pile up in the Majors early in the season and Reno is starting to look reasonable for 2014 we will hang in there and endure a long 2013 TBA season. If the pitching doesn't start coming around real quick then you will see Reno turn into buyers or sellers depending on whether we get off to a fast start in the TBA. Again, wait and see.
Here is what we look like now:
C - Santana. He of the 90 walks a year will be just fine.
1B - Rizzo. Can't hit lefties, yet. I am guessing we can throw someone in to hit those guys. Dunn is around too, but I am hoping someone will see the value in a guy that walks 100 times and hits 40 homeruns at some point this season. As long as Rizzo keeps progressing I believe we finally have a long term solution at this position and Dunn is very expendable.
2B - Infante. This is just a placeholder until we can draft a decent second baseman. I considered Rutledge during the draft, but guys that don't take pitches don't fit into the scheme in Reno. Expect a high draft pick at this position at some point unless someone like Dee Gordon moves over to second base or someone on my roster steps up big time this year.
3B - Youkilis. Hoping for one more good year for new Yankee and the Golden God of Walks. Then third base becomes a draft need.
SS - Pennington. Will cover most at-bats against righties as his card is decent. Segura looks to be the long term prospect here. Have Gordon and some other options too in case he fails.
LF - Hamilton. We'll see what the move to Los Angeles does for him. I think his power plays well anywhere, but Josh Hamilton in LA doesn't seem like a good personal fit. He could be dealt at some point this year.
CF - Bruce. We don't really have a true centerfielder, so Jay Bruce will have to do. He hits a ton and takes a walk. He fields really well. Now if we could only get that average up.
RF - Pence. We don't like him. But we are hoping for a big season for him so we look good drafting his dumb ass. We'll see. Outlook not good.
SP - Shields, Latos, Lincecum, Guthrie, Correia. I remember the good old days when we had a halfway decent starting staff. It seems so long ago now. We are just hoping these guys can eat innings and put us in position to get a good 1st round draft pick or trade for some value next year. Maybe they'll bounce back. We can hope.
RP - Crap, crap, and more crap. We pieced together 6 or 7 guys to throw the ball to the catcher.
We took a lot of potential at-bats late in the draft, so we have some upside possibilities with a team that had no picks at the start of the draft in 2013 and we are at plus three picks for the 2014 draft with the potential of more to come.
All in all outlook not so good. The good news is that once the Championship hangover is over I have proven that I can build a winner and it will be time to get back to work.
2013 is going to be an interesting year for the Aces as they fall back to earth after 110 win seasons in each of the last two years. The pitching has gone South in a big way. Looking at the roster I am not even sure the pitching will start to look good in 2014. So all in all, Reno is in wait and see mode for the 2013 season. If the numbers start to pile up in the Majors early in the season and Reno is starting to look reasonable for 2014 we will hang in there and endure a long 2013 TBA season. If the pitching doesn't start coming around real quick then you will see Reno turn into buyers or sellers depending on whether we get off to a fast start in the TBA. Again, wait and see.
Here is what we look like now:
C - Santana. He of the 90 walks a year will be just fine.
1B - Rizzo. Can't hit lefties, yet. I am guessing we can throw someone in to hit those guys. Dunn is around too, but I am hoping someone will see the value in a guy that walks 100 times and hits 40 homeruns at some point this season. As long as Rizzo keeps progressing I believe we finally have a long term solution at this position and Dunn is very expendable.
2B - Infante. This is just a placeholder until we can draft a decent second baseman. I considered Rutledge during the draft, but guys that don't take pitches don't fit into the scheme in Reno. Expect a high draft pick at this position at some point unless someone like Dee Gordon moves over to second base or someone on my roster steps up big time this year.
3B - Youkilis. Hoping for one more good year for new Yankee and the Golden God of Walks. Then third base becomes a draft need.
SS - Pennington. Will cover most at-bats against righties as his card is decent. Segura looks to be the long term prospect here. Have Gordon and some other options too in case he fails.
LF - Hamilton. We'll see what the move to Los Angeles does for him. I think his power plays well anywhere, but Josh Hamilton in LA doesn't seem like a good personal fit. He could be dealt at some point this year.
CF - Bruce. We don't really have a true centerfielder, so Jay Bruce will have to do. He hits a ton and takes a walk. He fields really well. Now if we could only get that average up.
RF - Pence. We don't like him. But we are hoping for a big season for him so we look good drafting his dumb ass. We'll see. Outlook not good.
SP - Shields, Latos, Lincecum, Guthrie, Correia. I remember the good old days when we had a halfway decent starting staff. It seems so long ago now. We are just hoping these guys can eat innings and put us in position to get a good 1st round draft pick or trade for some value next year. Maybe they'll bounce back. We can hope.
RP - Crap, crap, and more crap. We pieced together 6 or 7 guys to throw the ball to the catcher.
We took a lot of potential at-bats late in the draft, so we have some upside possibilities with a team that had no picks at the start of the draft in 2013 and we are at plus three picks for the 2014 draft with the potential of more to come.
All in all outlook not so good. The good news is that once the Championship hangover is over I have proven that I can build a winner and it will be time to get back to work.
Friday, March 22, 2013
TBA 2013 Predictions: Vander Wal Division
Spring is here! Although the weather may not feel like it just yet (at least for me) blue skies and warmer weather are coming which means that baseball season is right around the corner.
With that the TBA Blog is back for their annual season predictions. Before we start let me say that these are 100% based on a formula I use to evaluate the cards and these rankings are based on the highest ranked player at each position. The rankings are also tailored to Fenway, so it hurts certain types of players which may be much better for another teams ballparks than for mine. Just something to keep in mind...
Anyway, let's go backwards this year and start with the Vander Wal Division.
1) London
The Badgers made a surprise run at the post-season last year falling just short of the last wild card spot when the dust settled. Now they are ready to may be ready to make the leap to LHL elite. Super-rookie Mike Trout will start the year in the majors and can already be penciled in Rookie of the Year. They brought in Aramis Ramirez to man third base this season and he has reportedly looked excellent in Spring Training, including better defensively. Longtime London catcher Yadier Molina took a big leap offensively last season (.295/15/63) and is expected to put up similar numbers, if not improve, again this season. The rotation is as good as ever and adds rookie Jarrod Parker to the mix. They should easily win the division and could win 100 games this season.
Projected Lineup:
C: Yadier Molina
1B: Freddie Freeman/Jesus Guzman
2B: Maicer Izturis/Cody Ransom
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Zack Cozart/John McDonald
LF: Mike Trout
CF: Carlos Gomez
RF: Jason Kubel
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: David Price
SP: Josh Johnson
SP: Madison Bumgarner
SP: Jordan Zimmermann
SP: Jarrod Parker
CL: Jose Valverde
2) Seattle
Joe Mundy has moved this team over to Washington (Seattle, WA to be exact) and with that comes new expectations for this team. They won 10 of their last 13 games to end last season and hope that will carry over into Seattle's 2013. The renamed Thunderbirds have quality role players all around the diamond but the offense is led by 'Captain America' David Wright. Rookies AJ Griffin and Drew Smyly figure to be major parts of the rotation this year while Tom Wilhelmen comes over from Helena (now state rival Spokane) and begin the season in the closer role for the team. Although they are my favorite for the #4 playoff seed,
the biggest question with this team is how long they will remain together. If they stumble out of the blocks Seattle could start trading away some role pieces such as Jeff Keppinger for future prospects.
Projected Lineup:
C: Chris Iannetta/Yasmani Grandal
1B: Jeff Keppinger/Allen Craig
2B: Chris Getz/Jeff Keppinger
3B: David Wright
SS: Everth Cabrera/Brendan Ryan
LF: Allen Craig/Scott Hairston
CF: Michael Saunders
RF: Nate Schierholtz/Casper Wells
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: AJ Griffin
SP: Trevor Cahill
SP: Drew Smyly
SP: Ricky Nolasco
SP: James McDonald
CL: Tom Wilhelmsen
3) Oahu
The Glorious Wonders have made some organizational changes this year bringing in a new manager and general manager however they at least continue to have the best team name in the TBA. As for baseball news, they made a ton of moves which cost then multiple 2014 draft picks. They need to make it count and capitalize off those moves this season. It should be a tight wild card race between Seattle, Oahu, and Oregon and every win will count. It's also possible another team can sneak in to take that playoff spot so it is important to get off to a good start this season for these teams. Oahu may be relying on their strong bullpen quite a bit this season and may need to add another starting pitcher or two to the fold to push themselves ahead of the race.
Projected Lineup:
C: AJ Pierzynski
1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Neil Walker
3B: Pablo Sandoval/Hanley Ramirez
SS: Alexei Ramirez
LF: Garrett Jones/Jonny Gomes
CF: Denard Span
RF: Shin-Soo Choo/Carlos Quentin
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Wandy Rodriguez
SP: Hishashi Iwakuma
SP: Anibal Sanchez
SP: Clayton Richard
SP: Barry Zito
CL: Fernando Rodney
4) Claysburg
Claysburg has unloaded veterans Jose Reyes, Adrian Gonzalez, and Hunter Pence as they are in the middle of rebuilding their team to return this franchise to the TBA Championship (as Bartonville in 2009). A strong draft this year including Will Middlebrooks and Starling Marte infuse more young talent to the prospects this team already had. Although they could make a surprise push this year (a la London last year) they still are a couple years away from seriously contending.
Projected Lineup:
C: Wilin Rosario
1B: Chris Johnson/Mark Trumbo
2B: Darwin Barney
3B: Will Middlebrooks
SS: Danny Espinosa
LF: Seth Smith/Dayan Viciedo
CF: Tyler Colvin/Starling Marte
RF: Mark Trumbo/Travis Snider
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Gio Gonzalez
SP: Mike Minor
SP: Travis Wood
SP: Jose Quintana
SP: Drew Pomeranz
CL: Brett Myers
5) Reno
Make sure to keep that trophy in mind this year Aces fans as it could be a long season. Since an awesome 111 win season a year ago that culminated in a TBA title, things have gone south for Reno. Specifically the pitching. Tim Lincecum won 23 games last season but may not even pitch this year, Ubaldo Jimenez is gone, regression from the other starters are inevitable and the bullpen will almost certainly not be what it was a year ago. The offense can still hit the ball some but the pitching will be their downfall this year as they will try to rebuild to where they were in 2012. However I've been wrong about this team before and don't have a championship trophy at home so what do I know.
Projected Lineup:
C: Carlos Santana/Tyler Flowers
1B: Anthony Rizzo/Carlos Santana
2B: Omar Infante
3B: Kevin Youkilis
SS: Cliff Pennington
LF: Ryan Ludwick
CF: Josh Hamilton
RF: Jay Bruce
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: James Shields
SP: Mat Latos
SP: Kevin Correia
SP: Jeremy Guthrie
SP: Vance Worley
CL: Francisco Rodriguez
With that the TBA Blog is back for their annual season predictions. Before we start let me say that these are 100% based on a formula I use to evaluate the cards and these rankings are based on the highest ranked player at each position. The rankings are also tailored to Fenway, so it hurts certain types of players which may be much better for another teams ballparks than for mine. Just something to keep in mind...
Anyway, let's go backwards this year and start with the Vander Wal Division.
1) London
The Badgers made a surprise run at the post-season last year falling just short of the last wild card spot when the dust settled. Now they are ready to may be ready to make the leap to LHL elite. Super-rookie Mike Trout will start the year in the majors and can already be penciled in Rookie of the Year. They brought in Aramis Ramirez to man third base this season and he has reportedly looked excellent in Spring Training, including better defensively. Longtime London catcher Yadier Molina took a big leap offensively last season (.295/15/63) and is expected to put up similar numbers, if not improve, again this season. The rotation is as good as ever and adds rookie Jarrod Parker to the mix. They should easily win the division and could win 100 games this season.
Projected Lineup:
C: Yadier Molina
1B: Freddie Freeman/Jesus Guzman
2B: Maicer Izturis/Cody Ransom
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Zack Cozart/John McDonald
LF: Mike Trout
CF: Carlos Gomez
RF: Jason Kubel
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: David Price
SP: Josh Johnson
SP: Madison Bumgarner
SP: Jordan Zimmermann
SP: Jarrod Parker
CL: Jose Valverde
2) Seattle
Joe Mundy has moved this team over to Washington (Seattle, WA to be exact) and with that comes new expectations for this team. They won 10 of their last 13 games to end last season and hope that will carry over into Seattle's 2013. The renamed Thunderbirds have quality role players all around the diamond but the offense is led by 'Captain America' David Wright. Rookies AJ Griffin and Drew Smyly figure to be major parts of the rotation this year while Tom Wilhelmen comes over from Helena (now state rival Spokane) and begin the season in the closer role for the team. Although they are my favorite for the #4 playoff seed,
the biggest question with this team is how long they will remain together. If they stumble out of the blocks Seattle could start trading away some role pieces such as Jeff Keppinger for future prospects.
Projected Lineup:
C: Chris Iannetta/Yasmani Grandal
1B: Jeff Keppinger/Allen Craig
2B: Chris Getz/Jeff Keppinger
3B: David Wright
SS: Everth Cabrera/Brendan Ryan
LF: Allen Craig/Scott Hairston
CF: Michael Saunders
RF: Nate Schierholtz/Casper Wells
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: AJ Griffin
SP: Trevor Cahill
SP: Drew Smyly
SP: Ricky Nolasco
SP: James McDonald
CL: Tom Wilhelmsen
3) Oahu
The Glorious Wonders have made some organizational changes this year bringing in a new manager and general manager however they at least continue to have the best team name in the TBA. As for baseball news, they made a ton of moves which cost then multiple 2014 draft picks. They need to make it count and capitalize off those moves this season. It should be a tight wild card race between Seattle, Oahu, and Oregon and every win will count. It's also possible another team can sneak in to take that playoff spot so it is important to get off to a good start this season for these teams. Oahu may be relying on their strong bullpen quite a bit this season and may need to add another starting pitcher or two to the fold to push themselves ahead of the race.
Projected Lineup:
C: AJ Pierzynski
1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Neil Walker
3B: Pablo Sandoval/Hanley Ramirez
SS: Alexei Ramirez
LF: Garrett Jones/Jonny Gomes
CF: Denard Span
RF: Shin-Soo Choo/Carlos Quentin
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Wandy Rodriguez
SP: Hishashi Iwakuma
SP: Anibal Sanchez
SP: Clayton Richard
SP: Barry Zito
CL: Fernando Rodney
4) Claysburg
Claysburg has unloaded veterans Jose Reyes, Adrian Gonzalez, and Hunter Pence as they are in the middle of rebuilding their team to return this franchise to the TBA Championship (as Bartonville in 2009). A strong draft this year including Will Middlebrooks and Starling Marte infuse more young talent to the prospects this team already had. Although they could make a surprise push this year (a la London last year) they still are a couple years away from seriously contending.
Projected Lineup:
C: Wilin Rosario
1B: Chris Johnson/Mark Trumbo
2B: Darwin Barney
3B: Will Middlebrooks
SS: Danny Espinosa
LF: Seth Smith/Dayan Viciedo
CF: Tyler Colvin/Starling Marte
RF: Mark Trumbo/Travis Snider
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: Gio Gonzalez
SP: Mike Minor
SP: Travis Wood
SP: Jose Quintana
SP: Drew Pomeranz
CL: Brett Myers
5) Reno
Make sure to keep that trophy in mind this year Aces fans as it could be a long season. Since an awesome 111 win season a year ago that culminated in a TBA title, things have gone south for Reno. Specifically the pitching. Tim Lincecum won 23 games last season but may not even pitch this year, Ubaldo Jimenez is gone, regression from the other starters are inevitable and the bullpen will almost certainly not be what it was a year ago. The offense can still hit the ball some but the pitching will be their downfall this year as they will try to rebuild to where they were in 2012. However I've been wrong about this team before and don't have a championship trophy at home so what do I know.
Projected Lineup:
C: Carlos Santana/Tyler Flowers
1B: Anthony Rizzo/Carlos Santana
2B: Omar Infante
3B: Kevin Youkilis
SS: Cliff Pennington
LF: Ryan Ludwick
CF: Josh Hamilton
RF: Jay Bruce
Projected Rotation/Closer:
SP: James Shields
SP: Mat Latos
SP: Kevin Correia
SP: Jeremy Guthrie
SP: Vance Worley
CL: Francisco Rodriguez
Thursday, March 21, 2013
San Antonio: 2013 Preview
Is this the year the Alamos finally win a playoff series?
Last year San Antonio's 94 victories gave them the #4 seed in the playoffs; sending them to Colorado Springs to get quickly bounced out of the playoffs in four games. A second disappointing playoff loss in three years forced some changes to be made.
Out goes Jason Bay- franchise leader in almost everything. Lance Berkman-Alamos lineup staple since 2010. Chris Iannetta-inaugural Alamo. Carlos Marmol-embatted Alamos career saves leader. Josh Beckett/Mike Leake- combined 28 wins last season
David Ortiz headlines the new additions to San An's squad this year while an overhauled bullpen and rotation will try to fill the positions the recently axed Alamos have opened up.
With the changes made to the team, the front office believes the Alamos are poised for a division title but will it lead to an October run?
C: Miguel Montero/Jesus Montero
For the first time in the five-year history of the Alamos Miguel Montero will not be teamed up with Chris Iannetta behind the plate. Instead his fellow countryman and namesake Jesus Montero (no relation) graduates to the majors after a successful September stint with the team last year. Miguel still will get the bulk of the time behind the plate with Jesus playing against lefties.
1B: Paul Konerko
Konerko led San Antonio in hits and runs batted in during his first year with the team last season and will be counted upon to continue that this season. Sliding down in the lineup a bit with the addition of Ortz, a repeat of his .283/24/89 season from a year ago would be all fans should be looking for from him.
2B: Chase Utley/Mark Ellis
Since coming over late in the 2010 season, Utley has given the Alamos a reliable, if not always durable, presence at second base. His solid defense and excellent baserunning combine with his bat to become on of the top second baseman in the league when healthy. That is a big if so spelling Utley against lefties will be Ellis. Ellis again brings solid defense to this position and a decent platoon bat when Utley sits.
3B: Matt Carpenter/Logan Forsythe
Ryan Roberts and Alberto Callaspo are both gone opening the spot for the two rookies. Carpenter (the Alamos 2nd round draft choice this year) brings a good lefthanded bat to the team. Although he doesn't have much power he has displayed excellent on-base skills versus right-handed pitchers before being drafted. Forsythe came over from Brighton in a deal last summer and although he got a cup of coffee last year (12 at-bats) this is his first as a regular in the TBA. A possible top-of-the order bat against LHP, Forsythe fits in as a good platoon partner with Carpenter.
SS: Alcides Escobar
Escobar excited everyone when he came up in 2010 with a .302 batting average for the Alamos in limited time. In the two years since then he has hit .202. However he brings excellent defense at the most important position on the diamond. Alamos fans are waiting for him to wait and if he does break out this season he can become of the top players at the position.
LF: Jon Jay/Craig Gentry
Jay played excellent ball in 2012 and now will be given the starting role with fan-favorite Jason Bay moving on. He lacks power but hits for a high average (.296 in 2012) along with good speed and defense. Gentry is a burner on the basepaths with a fantastic glove in left. He will play most of his time in left although can spell any of the outfielders if necessary.
CF: Andrew McCutchen
'Cutch' has always been on the brink of being a star in this league but hasn't yet been able to pull it all together for the Alamos. McCutchen is expected to anchor the lineup this year with Berkman gone and are relying on a breakout season from him in order to have any October playoff hopes.
RF: Josh Reddick
Reddick is graduating to a full-time player this season. He had a decent season in limited time last year and if he can stretch that out to a full year will be a very productive player for the team.
DH: David Ortiz
Ortiz is the power bat the team has been missing these last few years. Health will be a concern for the team and he is expected to get plenty of rest during the season with Jay, Jesus Montero, and Travis Hafner filling in when Ortiz can't go. However he immediately solidifies the middle of the lineup. With McCutchen and Konerko expected to surround him in the lineup the Alamos have a formidable middle of the lineup.
SP: Clayton Kershaw/Ryan Vogelsong/Shaun Marcum/Chris Tillman/David Phelps/Tommy Milone/Cole DeVries
Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in baseball and will again anchor this rotation. Vogelsong moves up to the number two spot this year. Tommy Milone is the only other full-time starter on the roster but will be at the back of the rotation. Tillman and Marcum both have injury concerns so will share the third spot while Phelps and DeVries round up the remaining starts.
RP: JJ Putz/Jim Johnson/Scott Atchison/Junichi Tazawa/Aaron Crow/Wesley Wright
Putz returns as the closer after putting up 41 saves in 2012. Jim Johnson is the other returning arm in the pen while the rest were picked up the draft (Crow-2011 draft). Atchison and Tazawa will fill-in Cristhian Martinez and Ramon Ramirez' roles from a year ago while Crow steps in as Marmol's replacement. Wright becomes the lefty specialist. Other relievers who will see time this year include Luis Perez, Pedro Strop, and Jamey Wright.
Bench: Travis Hafner
Hafner is the only player that will open the season with the club not mentioned above. Hafner is on of the few remaining Alamos from the inaugural draft (Kershaw and Miguel Montero the others). He lost his DH spot to Ortiz but becomes the top pinch-hitter for the team and DH when Ortiz is injured.
Although fans are optimistic for another playoff run this season there are plenty of concerns surrounding the team. As is they have a good shot to come away a playoff appearance at the end of the year but will need to improve to make a long run in the playoffs.
Last year San Antonio's 94 victories gave them the #4 seed in the playoffs; sending them to Colorado Springs to get quickly bounced out of the playoffs in four games. A second disappointing playoff loss in three years forced some changes to be made.
Out goes Jason Bay- franchise leader in almost everything. Lance Berkman-Alamos lineup staple since 2010. Chris Iannetta-inaugural Alamo. Carlos Marmol-embatted Alamos career saves leader. Josh Beckett/Mike Leake- combined 28 wins last season
David Ortiz headlines the new additions to San An's squad this year while an overhauled bullpen and rotation will try to fill the positions the recently axed Alamos have opened up.
With the changes made to the team, the front office believes the Alamos are poised for a division title but will it lead to an October run?
C: Miguel Montero/Jesus Montero
For the first time in the five-year history of the Alamos Miguel Montero will not be teamed up with Chris Iannetta behind the plate. Instead his fellow countryman and namesake Jesus Montero (no relation) graduates to the majors after a successful September stint with the team last year. Miguel still will get the bulk of the time behind the plate with Jesus playing against lefties.
1B: Paul Konerko
Konerko led San Antonio in hits and runs batted in during his first year with the team last season and will be counted upon to continue that this season. Sliding down in the lineup a bit with the addition of Ortz, a repeat of his .283/24/89 season from a year ago would be all fans should be looking for from him.
2B: Chase Utley/Mark Ellis
Since coming over late in the 2010 season, Utley has given the Alamos a reliable, if not always durable, presence at second base. His solid defense and excellent baserunning combine with his bat to become on of the top second baseman in the league when healthy. That is a big if so spelling Utley against lefties will be Ellis. Ellis again brings solid defense to this position and a decent platoon bat when Utley sits.
3B: Matt Carpenter/Logan Forsythe
Ryan Roberts and Alberto Callaspo are both gone opening the spot for the two rookies. Carpenter (the Alamos 2nd round draft choice this year) brings a good lefthanded bat to the team. Although he doesn't have much power he has displayed excellent on-base skills versus right-handed pitchers before being drafted. Forsythe came over from Brighton in a deal last summer and although he got a cup of coffee last year (12 at-bats) this is his first as a regular in the TBA. A possible top-of-the order bat against LHP, Forsythe fits in as a good platoon partner with Carpenter.
SS: Alcides Escobar
Escobar excited everyone when he came up in 2010 with a .302 batting average for the Alamos in limited time. In the two years since then he has hit .202. However he brings excellent defense at the most important position on the diamond. Alamos fans are waiting for him to wait and if he does break out this season he can become of the top players at the position.
LF: Jon Jay/Craig Gentry
Jay played excellent ball in 2012 and now will be given the starting role with fan-favorite Jason Bay moving on. He lacks power but hits for a high average (.296 in 2012) along with good speed and defense. Gentry is a burner on the basepaths with a fantastic glove in left. He will play most of his time in left although can spell any of the outfielders if necessary.
CF: Andrew McCutchen
'Cutch' has always been on the brink of being a star in this league but hasn't yet been able to pull it all together for the Alamos. McCutchen is expected to anchor the lineup this year with Berkman gone and are relying on a breakout season from him in order to have any October playoff hopes.
RF: Josh Reddick
Reddick is graduating to a full-time player this season. He had a decent season in limited time last year and if he can stretch that out to a full year will be a very productive player for the team.
DH: David Ortiz
Ortiz is the power bat the team has been missing these last few years. Health will be a concern for the team and he is expected to get plenty of rest during the season with Jay, Jesus Montero, and Travis Hafner filling in when Ortiz can't go. However he immediately solidifies the middle of the lineup. With McCutchen and Konerko expected to surround him in the lineup the Alamos have a formidable middle of the lineup.
SP: Clayton Kershaw/Ryan Vogelsong/Shaun Marcum/Chris Tillman/David Phelps/Tommy Milone/Cole DeVries
Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in baseball and will again anchor this rotation. Vogelsong moves up to the number two spot this year. Tommy Milone is the only other full-time starter on the roster but will be at the back of the rotation. Tillman and Marcum both have injury concerns so will share the third spot while Phelps and DeVries round up the remaining starts.
RP: JJ Putz/Jim Johnson/Scott Atchison/Junichi Tazawa/Aaron Crow/Wesley Wright
Putz returns as the closer after putting up 41 saves in 2012. Jim Johnson is the other returning arm in the pen while the rest were picked up the draft (Crow-2011 draft). Atchison and Tazawa will fill-in Cristhian Martinez and Ramon Ramirez' roles from a year ago while Crow steps in as Marmol's replacement. Wright becomes the lefty specialist. Other relievers who will see time this year include Luis Perez, Pedro Strop, and Jamey Wright.
Bench: Travis Hafner
Hafner is the only player that will open the season with the club not mentioned above. Hafner is on of the few remaining Alamos from the inaugural draft (Kershaw and Miguel Montero the others). He lost his DH spot to Ortiz but becomes the top pinch-hitter for the team and DH when Ortiz is injured.
Although fans are optimistic for another playoff run this season there are plenty of concerns surrounding the team. As is they have a good shot to come away a playoff appearance at the end of the year but will need to improve to make a long run in the playoffs.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
BOW's 2013 Preview
Another disappointing year is in-store for Bowling
Green. An almost total house cleaning has
taken place, as most of the remaining players from our inaugural year have been
shipped-off (Jeter / Ludwick / Sabathia / Arroyo). That leaves G. Floyd / P. Hughes. / J. Thome
as the only players left from Year 1!
A youth movement is underway, as the gray beards mentioned
above have been replaced with much younger players. J. Masterson and M. Scherzer join Floyd,
Hughes, and 2nd round pick M. Fiers in the rotation. Filling-in when needed will be injured tandem
of D. Gee and B. Beachy, last year’s 1st round pick. The swingman / long relief position will be
filled by rookie lefty P. Corbin.
The bullpen isn’t too bad, but one gets the impression there
won’t be too many leads to protect.
Leading the charge will be the flame-throwing tandem of lefty A. Chapman
and righty E. Frieri. Both averaged over
13 Ks per 9 IP. With another year under
his belt, T. Collins is a backwards lefty that every bullpen needs. Rookies B. Brach, C. Allen, and S. Tolleson
all come with impressive minor league numbers, but can that translate to the Majors? Hothead A. Aceves will be a mop-up man, in
hopes that he can rebound next season. Former
1st rounder N. Feliz will have to wait another year to decide if the
experiment to make him a starter will be successful. M. Bowden also returns.
The position players are as follows:
C = J. Saltalamacchia
He got so hot that in July that he was batting clean-up for the BoSox,
but cooled-off by Aug. / Sep. He’s still
maturing.
1B = M. Moreland (+ Car. Lee) With M. Young finally out of the picture,
perhaps Moreland can get more ABs and
reach his potential.
2B = J. Altuve will be the starter, but pick-ups of projected
starting 2Bs D. Solano (MIA) and R. Flaherty (BAL) could make any of them bait
next year. Defensive wonder / PED-taker F.
Galvis is also out there.
3B = M. Machado was the 2nd overall pick this
year, so I hope that he doesn’t disappoint.
With Manny's < 200 ABs, oldster S. Rolen will be there to assist.
SS = After many years, it’s going to seem weird to not see
D. Jeter out there every day, but stop-gap measures R. Furcal and J. Lowrie
will have to do.
OF = Hopes that C. Maybin finally reaches his potential are
still high, but in the meantime, his glove and speed will keep him in the
line-up. C. Ross will stick-around
another year. Speedster J. Dyson finally
has enough ABs to play semi-regularly. He’ll
platoon with former 1st rounder Dom. Brown, who also is full of potential
just awaiting his chance to break-out. Late
1st round pick A. Eaton will have to wait until next year to show
what he is made of. Projected MIN starting
CF D. Mastroianni is also available.
Powerful Ty. Moore will get more ABs in WAS, now that M. Morse has
departed. Minor league slugger Matt
Adams is hoping to break into STL’s line-up.
DH = J. Thome returns for his swan song. He is currently TBA’s reigning “HR per fewest
ABs” player. Car. Lee will also get time
here too.
What’s the prognosis for BOW this season? As Mr. T said in Rocky III, “PAIN!”
2013 Nassau G-Men Preview
The Nassau ballclub had a +16 in the win column for 2012, but would be lucky to improve as much this year. Stuck in a division playing 23 games vs perennial powerhouses like Washington and Brighton, and not being able to count on 18 wins vs improving Mackinaw, the G-Men hope they can approach .500 for the 1st time in franchise history.
Taking 23 yr old hurler Matt Harvey with it's 1st round selection, the G-Men were hoping for some offensive help,but will settle for Harvey who projects as a solid starter in the Mets rotation for years to come. Harvey will join 26 yr old Jon Niese, Homer Bailey and rehabbing Dan Hudson as well as well as 25 yr old Zach Britton to hopefully form a formidable Starting rotation for the foreseeable future.
---Starting Rotation
Jon Niese,
Homer Bailey,
Chris Capuano,
Luke Hochevar,
Jeff Karstens,
and Chris Young
---Relief should be better than 2012 when Mgr Steve Garafalo watched his bullpen blow 20+ save opportunities
Closer Wilton Lopez,
Setup J Benoit,
B Parnell,
M Adams,
L Ayala,
M Thornton,
and Loogy S Downs
---Infield
1st Base will see a time sharing situation between
Kendrys Morales and Mark Reynolds
providing some power
---2nd Base will have
Daniel Murphy starting and getting most of the starts
followed up with rookie Josh Rutledge who can provide some decent hitting
and an upgrade defensively
---Shortstop is pretty much set with 2 solid defenders
Rueben Tejada
and
Brandon Crawford
Tejada getting most of the starts with his solid offensive card
---3rd Base will be last years #1 pick
Brett Lawrie getting most of the starts
with some relief from M Reynolds making up for the limited AB's
---Outfield
Centerfield will be manned by new aquisition Curtis Granderson providing solid defense and some HR power in the cleanup spot in the lineup
---Rightfield
will have a solid platoon of
Matt Joyce vs RHP
and Justin Ruggiano vs LHP
---Leftfield
will be the weak link in the outfield and maybe the entire lineup with a platoon of
Lucas Duda vs RHP
and
JD Martinez vs LHP
---and finally
Catching
which will enjoy a solid time sharing situation between
AJ Ellis
and
Jason Castro
---The G-Men are hoping for a solid season and a sniff of the .500 mark which would make this another step in the quest for respectability
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