2 -VS- 2 in THE SERIES

O.K Sports Fans , Its World Series time and both #2 seeds have advanced .

 The Helena Barking Moonbats are making their second WS appearance .Sordie looks to add another World Series Trophy to the one from Season 7 . This season the Moonbats got here by sweeping Nashville. They then tangled with the Jackson Justice. They were down 2 games to one when they stormed back to win it in 6. The Helena bats are dialed in . As a team they are hitting .319 . With Luke Malloy , Rich Rando and Justin Gabriel leading the way. With all that Run support Freddy Rodgers is 3-0 in the playoffs . The fans in Helena are looking for another case of Moonbat Fever. They are stocking up on the antibiotics as we speak.


The Tampa Bay Stars are making their first appearance in the Wrigleyville World Series. It's about time , Jmas has owned his division with 7 N L South Division Crowns. The Stars made it here with a 4-1 win over Ralph and his San Juan club. Then in the NLCS Tampa Bay Exorcised the Ectos in 5 games.  Tampas Stellar Pitching Staff  has a Quark size team ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 0.91. They are led by Wayne Zerbe , Apollo West and Edgar Ordonez. J.T. Nichols and Raul Flores will be knocking in the runs. This is Unexplored Space for the Stars. Win or lose they can finally say they were in the Show!!



RECAP: Its the classic American League Offense against the classic National League Pitching and Defense. Which will give is "The Question" . Lots of Owners will be pulling for jmas to win his first Wrigleyville Ring. But then theres the Owners that love the Moonbats. I mean Moonbats against the Stars......A Game for the Heavens.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Jackson Justice -VS-Helena Barking Moonbats

The Justice are looking for thier second World Series ring .They got here by defeating a scrappy St Louis Squad in a tough 5th game. They then swept aside the # 1 seeded Chicago Aztecs with stout Pitching and Defense. Allowing only 8 runs in the three games. So far the Offense has been led by a Three headed monster in Kyle Phillips , Cal Hardy and Josias Pescado who have hit .344,.344 and .378 respectavly. The Justice have boasted a team ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.53. But my favorite stat is the Justice have 32 Double plays in 8 games!!! Can you say DEFENSE

The Moonbats are also looking for that second Ring. But unlike the Justice the Moonbats had a first round bye. Then they swept the upstart Nashville team with Ease. The Helena Offense unloaded on the Posse with an average of 8 runs a game!! They were led by Rich Rando who hit .563 ,1 homer and 6 Ribbies. The Moonbats had 7 players hitting above .300. The pitching staff was led by Freddy Rodgers who pitched well in the first game

Tucson Ectoplasm -VS- Tampa Bay Stars

The Ecto's are in the NLCS!!  yep they finally made it . They started with a tough series in Tacoma winning that one in $ games . Then it was on to play thier nemisis in the San Francisco Kickapoos. They beat one of the best franchises in a see-saw five game series. The 5th game came down to the 9th inning when th Ectos got 2 run single from Carlos Santos. Then held on in the bottom of the ninth with Super Closer Kordell Gregg.


The Stars Spent the Money in Free Agency and Walah!!! Here they are. Like the Moonbats in the A L , The Stars had a first round Bye. Then they took on another Upstart team in the Santurce Crabbers. It took 4 games to dispatch the San Juan club after losing the opener. The game four classic came down to the top of the ninth when Tripp Kent blasted a two run Homer to send it into extra innings. Then with 2 outs in the tenth J.T. Nichols Smacked a solo homer to take the lead. The Tampa Bay bullpen held on with three outs by the great setup pitcher Joseph Hyun.

Underdog Finds the IFA's

Hello wrigleyittes , I. B. Lyon here again . We have finally heard back from our Super Sleuth Underdog as he Continues his search for our missing International Free Agents. Here is Ubderdogs report!!

Underdog here . I finally made it to Vancouver on a Southwest flight . I was forced to sit next to a Very fat guy named Silent Bob. He was a nice chap but didn't speak much until he got kicked off the plane. When I came to his defense ,I too was booted from the Flight. I guess Southwest likes bags more than paying customers. Silent Bob and I caught a ride to Spokane in the back of a Chicken truck .And hitched the rest of the Way to Vancouver. My contact in Vancouver is "Rocky " .he also is out of a job after the Bullwinkle Show was cancelled. He met me in a Bar near the Waterfront were he was doing Flying tricks three times a night. Silent Bob and I sat at a table and watch the final trick in Rocky's show. He Joined us in a few minutes and we ordered a round of shots(Bull Blasters). Rocky said his shrill Voice. " I found your Players Under dog. but first i need something from you."  I swallowed a drink and said. " Rocky ,Rocky we have had this talk before . You know there is no way they can sew your Nuts back on. "  Rocky slammed his empty shot glass on the table and shot back. " I'm not talking about my Nuts you Pill Popping Pooch!!! I want something more valuable."  I looked at Silent Bob then back at Rocky and before I could ask what?  Rocky said. " I want you to get me a job with the Christian Beavers . If I fix my pelt right i could pass for a Beaver. If you can talk bkevin into finding a position for me then you can have the pictures in this envelope. "  Well  I knew even though Bkevin was a Christian . He knew alot of Positions ,if you get my meaning. So i promised rocky it was a done deal. 

So boss here are the pictures of our IFA's . The pictures show that our IFA's are participating in the Winter Olympics. Look here is the Virgin Islands Bobsled team . and this picture is of the Panamanium Curling team. Picture  after picture of our beloved Internationals playing raindeer games!!!  When I asked a Cuban snowboarder ,why they were participating in sports that requires snow. And thier countries have none?? The Cuban laughed and said "Snow ,what Pinche Snow!!  This is Canada and they don't have Snow!!! " Good point. This is Underdog out

 Thanks Underdog for all your hard work. Job well done. So there you have it Wrigleyville . All of our IFA's are at the so called Winter Olympics . Just think if there were snow in Canada we would have a good crop of IFA's. Thanks also to Rocky and Silent BOB!!! This is I. B. Lyon reporting for WHIF NEWS

IT'S PLAYOFF TIME!!

Putting together this years playoff preview was fun for two reasons. 1, I was not in the playoffs Ha Ha . And 2 , I added my preview predictions to this article. While I'll take credit for some good calls . I still made a couple of bad ones, but hey I got a bottle of Bourbon out of it. Yipee!!. Good luck all you Playoff Contenders. And the winner gets a Trophy and a write up in the WHIF!!! 

National League Champs

NORTH

Tacoma Toyotas (NL) Sandberg10 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: Holy Crap!!! Talk about a Fire Sale .Gone are Nichols,West ,Rando and many others .This team will not win their division and a wild card is out of the question.



When I wrote my prediction I never thought that the entire Division would finish below .500. That being said  the Toyota's are in the playoffs and congrats to them. With a record of 77-85 the Tacoma team will meet the tough Tuscon team with a record of 106-56. It's the Clash of the T T 's . The Toyotas are led by Juan Parra  batting .308 and knocking 43 homers with 127 RBI's. And if the Toyotas are leading late they bring in their Killer Closer Luis Rodriguez . He finished with 45 saves out of 50 Opportunitys.

EAST

San Juan Santurce Crabbers (NL) rbedwell View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: This young team will improve that is certain.But will they grow by leaps and bounds? That my fellow Wrigleyittes is the 64,000 Dollar question.My guess is no. But i believe this team is one year away from breaking out and into the playoffs.They may read this and use it as motivation then Ralph will owe me a bottle of Bourbon.


O.K. Ralph wheres my Bottle???  My guess was wrong and the Crabbers are ahead of schedule winning the N L East with a Record of 92 - 70   wrapping up the #3 seed. They will face the Jacksonville Manatees with a record of 83-79. San Juan was led by Erubiel Espinosa  batting .313 with 33 homers and 88 RBI's. .On the mound they are led by Rookie Bernie MacDougal who has been solid with a record of 17-8 with a ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 1.24.

SOUTH

Tampa Bay Stars (NL) jmas410 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: Can you say GO FOR IT!!! Jmas emptied his farm system and picked up some of the Biggest names in Wrigleyville. Holy Crap talk about trades, he was invoved in the biggest ones.There are way to many to list in this small space and i could go on for hours .This team will be a juggernaught if they play like thier ratings.No longer will this division be the weakest.A huge power shift Indeed!!

Got 1  right finally. This team went from a 77win team (10th Best)  to a 106 win team (T-2nd best) .The South will contend in the playoffs this season and they earned a well deserved first round bye. The Stars were led by J.J. Clark hitting .336 with 31 homers and 95 RBI's. on the hill they have Edgar Ordonez with a Cy-Young contending  record of 25-9 with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.14.


WEST

San Francisco Kickapoos (NL) mark3313 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: The Kickapoos get stronger every year thanks to Marks trading savy.So again they will win the Division of Death. But can they win it all Hmmm....... The playoffs are unpredictable but they are the favorites.

This is my Gimme pick . As predicted the Kickapoos won the Division. San Francisco won it with a record of 117-45. That is thier 6th straight div title and 6th straight above the 100 win mark. The team is led by overall player Ignacio Sosa he batted .300 with 17 homers ,71 RBI's and a mindboggling 82 Stolen bases. He was caught only 5 times, thats not fair!!. the pitching staff is led by the Twins Seth Rando and Don Dixon they are a combined 45-6 with an ERA of 2.38 . But Mark even has my favorite nicknamed player in Stretch (my Johnson) Daly!!! Stretch Daly

Wildcards

Tucson Ectoplasm (NL) snowedin View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: I look for Tuscon to be a wild card team again.And with their potent bats they will have impressive offensive numbers at their new Stadium.But in the playoffs its my humble opinion that Pitching Wins.So how they get past the Kickapoos formidable rotation is the big question.But hey if the Moose can do it why not The Ghost's?

This one was a pretty much a gimmie also. If the Ecto's were playing in any other division they would be the Champs or tied with another team(Stars). Tuscon finished with a record of 106-56 and as I said above, they get the Toyotas in the first round. With three games at the tough Cheney Stadium the Ecto's will be tested. They were led by Vic Velazquez who hit .328 ,40 homers and 128 RBI's. On the Mound Tuscon is led by Santos Mercado who is 17-5 ,3.27 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. They also have 2 time FOY Kordell Gregg who shuts the door with a SLAM!!

Jacksonville Manatees (NL) Sandleaguer View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: Boy Sand sure improved his Pitching staff and Added some pop to the offense. But Sand can still use a big time SS that can hit and a CF with better range may help the pitching staff out. With that said the manatees are a young and dangerous team.If they can sneak into the playoffs they could go on a Moose like run.My guess is they will be above .500 just shy of a W/C.

This was a pick that I was on the fence about. And I'm really glad I got it wrong. Sandleaguer has been one of the best owners in this league with an upbeat and cheerful attitude. You see good guys can do well. The Manatees finished with a record of 83-79  and get a date with San Juan . Jacksonville was led by Stan Fassero who hit .316 ,22 homers and 118 RBI's. The pitching staff is headed by Ramon Lo who pitched well with a record of 13-11 with a ERA of 2.56 and a WHIP of 1.14. With a little run support he would be a 20 game winner.Oh by the way that Free agent pitcher I scoped out in my Article "A look back Season -2 draft 17-32" That pitcher was snagged by Sand and he has blossomed . Victor Lima .Take a look at his numbers!!!


AMERICAN LEAGUE Champs

NORTH

Chicago Aztecs (AL) kumbiakings View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: Kumbia didn't make a lot of changes but he did resign Cuyler and upgraded his Catching Corps.Then he solidified his CF situation and this will help out his rotation immensely.The Aztecs are the favorite to win the division again and now maybe with a little luck can go deep in the playoffs.

After St Louis gave the Aztecs a run for thier money . Chicago won thier 2nd straight Division Title with a record of  105-57 .This was the best record in the A L and they wait for the winner of the St louis-vs- Jackson series. The Aztecs are led by Ricardo Torres who hit .319, 27 homers and 116 RBI's. and John Daniels (love the name)who hit .303 , 29 homers and 96 RBI's. The pitching staff was led by Cy -Young contender Enrique Cervantes who pitched a 21-4 season with a ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.28.


EAST

Hartford Crushers (AL) ARomano View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: the Crushers will win thier division again.And maybe with a little luck they will win a world series in Wrigleyville.I think It's just a matter of time!!

The Crushers won thier third straight Division title with a record of 94-68. Hartford and will host the Visiting Nashville Posse (84-78) in the first round of the playoffs. The Crushers are led by slugger Stuart Mench(look what I can do) who hit .299 ,46 Homers and 109 RBI's. He also stole 24 bases, now thats just showing off Stuart. The pitching staff is led by Peter Wang with a record of 13-4 and an ERA of 3.84 with a WHIP of 1.43.


SOUTH

Jackson Justice (AL) atprasad View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: This team has indeed remained competative and with a youth movement in the works.Atprasad will be a force for years to come.

This franchise won thier 9th straight Division title( 3 Owners). Jackson finished with a record of 87-75 and  they face a tough St Louis squad in the playoffs. Jackson limps into the playoffs with a 4-11 record down the stretch. That included being swept by St louis in a 4 game series, maybe they were resting the starters!! The Justice are led by Richard Jung who hit .352 ,44 doubles ,87 Homers and 22 Stolen bases. and Jose Sanchez who hit .310 ,36 homers and 101 Rbi's. The pitching staff is led by Harry Paz who pitched a record of 13-8 , 3.66 ERA and a WHIP of 1.44. The Justice also signed my old closer Walt Hill who makes me regret my decision to let him go.


WEST

Helena Barking Moonbats (AL) sordie View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: After losing in the ALCS sordie made a few changes but not a lot.So I think they will win thier Division and be trouble in the playoffs.Moonbat Fever..... Catch IT!!!


This division race was never close .The Moonbats won thier third straight Division Title with a record of  96-66 , The Helena Squad looks to get back to the World Series and they are on their way with a  first round bye. The Moonbats are led by Billy Brown who hit .316, 37 doubles , 14 homers and 31 stolen bases. On the Mound they are led by Odalis Oropesa who pitched a record of  19-9 , 3.52 ERA and a WHIP of 1.42.


Wildcards

St. Louis SilverHawks (AL) shynent View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction:  This team is tailored to shynets philosophy,and I like that. Even tho he gave up some draft picks signing his Free Agents, he also picked up some.we will know by the All-Star break wether this team will vie for the Division Championship.Right now its a toss up.

This team is still improving and picking up prospects along the way. That means this team could be an Elite team in a few seasons. They grabbed the first wild card spot with a record of 88-74 and will face the Justice in the first round. This could be the upset team in the playoffs!!. The Silverhawks were led by Archie Romero who hit .305 , 20homers and 62 RBI's. The heart and soul of this team is the pitching staff. And they are led by Richard Nichols who pitched to a 15-8 record with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.05. They also have a shut your mouth closer in Javier Lopez. Nice to have you aboard  shynet.

Nashville Posse (AL) illicit View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Muldoons December Preview Prediction: I think Illicit has indeed improved his team. But will the high priced F/A's play like they got Paid? Sometimes you can't tell till you play'em so by the All-Star break we will know. my guess is this season they will be a wild card contender.Jackson is just to strong.


They did indeed play like contenders and almost over took Jackson for the Division. It came down to the last day of the Wild-card chase. The Posse squeaked in with a record of 84-78. Next they will face a super tough Hartford team. But as we,ve seen in this division ,anything can happen. The Posse are led by Slugger Toby Rogers who smashed  .305, 45 homers , 168 RBI's and stole 29 bases. He must be the Marshall!!! The pitching staff is led by Eric Kydd he threw for a 13-6 record with a ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.45. Nashville also had a Great Closer but he's on the DL OUCH!! Randy Finley

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE

This is the final week of Season 9 . Most of us are looking to next season and some are on to the playoffs. Teams are spending their left over prospect budget on IFA's . Then some teams are making late moves in getting ready for the playoffs. Great regular season everyone ,make sure you re-up for next season.

TRADES
The SYRACUSE MOOSE traded Howie Ryan to the TAMPA BAY STARS for Julio Martinez
Tampa bay picks up  a Catcher for the playoffs and Syracuse gets a Closer Prospect.

The TAMPA BAY STARS traded Kent Moreno to the FARGO PRAIRIE DOGS for Albert Delgado
Fargo gets some M L pitching help and Tampa gets a Pitching Prospect.

The TAMPA BAY STARS traded Roosevelt Murray to the FARGO PRAIRIE DOGS for Javier Seneca
Two teams exchanging Minor Leaguers!!


M L INJURIES
 Rico Rojas
is already back to work Howling!!!

Art Stewart
This #3 overall pick gets called up then goes on the DL. Man that Sucks for the Dogs.

Rick Cashman
This Blue Sox Setup pitcher is already back . He's having a great season.
Magglio Arias
The same as the Dogs. this Aztec player gets called up to see if he can cut it. This sucker will be collecting Big League pay while on the 60 day DL. Thats stealing!!


INTERNATIONAL SIGNINGS

Tino Mori Memphis Blues Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Yokosuka, JP Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tino needs a little Mori Talent to make the Bigs!!

Livan Pelaez Memphis Blues Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Guanabacoa, CU Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

You've heard of Toaster Leavens.(The crumbs in the bottom of the toaster) Well Livan (Toaster Leavens)Pelaez is the IFA's equivalent.

Felipe Duran Memphis Blues Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Campina Del Seibo, DO Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Another Blues Farm Hand!!

Wandy Bennett Memphis Blues Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Villa Altagracia, DO Position(s): P (none) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Wandy ( is Broken) Bennett has no magic!!!

P.T. Escobar Memphis Blues Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Puerto Armuelles, PA Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

P.ull T.he (Pin) Escobar is a DUD!!!

Mariano Canseco Memphis Blues Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: San Isidro, DO Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Mariano (Wheres The Roids At ) Canseco Is a big dude but just a minor leaguer.

Jumbo Rivera Memphis Blues Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Nagua, DO Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Where did this guy get the name Jumbo??? i guess its the opposite af a Fat guy named Tiny!!

David Belliard Memphis Blues Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Bonao, DO Position(s): P (none) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Someone take tchagnons credit cards away from him!!  This cat came with a free Thigh master!!

Yorvit Estrella Memphis Blues Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Central Hatillo, CU Position(s): P (none) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Yorvit (Falling) Estrella is just a lump of rock from Space. I think Tchagnon is spending all that leftover Prospect budget!!

Joseph Chong Syracuse Moose Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Kyoto, JP Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Some Minor league Catching Depth!!

Onan Gao Cincinnati Howlers Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Naha, JP Position(s): LF/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hey if you add the Cincinatti  "C" to the front of his name you get C onan. Hey it was either that or "Onan from Naha." (The japanese translation is a Hoot!!)

David Ordonez Jacksonville Manatees Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Fantino, DO Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Jacksonville signed this IFA on the beach for 2.2 mil. He may get a shot at the bigs.

Olmedo Calderon Chicago Aztecs Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Villa Union, MX Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Aztecs bring in some hired help from Mexico.

Hiram Matsumoto Jackson Justice Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Kobe, JP Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hiram ( Rock you like a Hurricane) Matsumoto is not what the Scorpions had in mind.!!!

Midre Cairo Helena Barking Moonbats Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Mao, DO Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Moonbats signed this future DH to a 4.3 million bonus. Finally a IFA that matters!!

Felipe Alonso Cincinnati Howlers Age: 19 B/T: L/L Born: Alto Songo, CU Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Felipe (Double Live) Alonso is a Ted Nugent  fan. Should fit in with the Howlers.

Jimmie Torcato San Juan Santurce Crabbers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Jicome Esperanza, DO Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Jimmies ( crying) Torcato will be wailing in the Crabbers minor leagues.

Edinson Lopez San Diego Salmonbellies Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Bajos De Haina, DO Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Edison ( lights out) Lopez needs a couple of bulbs replaced!!

Donaldo Bonilla San Diego Salmonbellies Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Alquizar, CU Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Donaldo (Funny) Bonilla is gonna have a belly full of fun in the minors!!