The Week in Wrigleyville S-14 #1

TRADES
The TAMPA BAY STARS traded Charles Fetters to the ARIZONA COBRAS for Harry Padilla
Arizona picks up a nice young Shortstop that was stuck in AAA. Tampa gets a younger slugger that will give them some 40 man space.


The CHARLESTON TOBACCO FARMERS traded Logan Brock and Irv Crandall to the ARIZONA COBRAS for Sandy Hiatt
The World Champs get some starting pitcher depth. Arizona picks up a M L 3rd baseman and a pitching prospect


The HARTFORD CRUSHERS traded Frank Hukata to the MILWAUKEE STURGEONS for Willis Stern and Ernest Davenport
Milwaukee gets a Good defensive catcher that cant hit a lick. Hartford gets a couple of pitching prospects .One of which will spend alot of time on the DL.

The HARTFORD CRUSHERS traded Sammy Oropesa to the ARIZONA COBRAS for Louie Rodriguez
Hartford picks up a future ML Closer/Setup guy. Arizona gets a future ML DH


The FARGO PRAIRIE DOGS traded Desi Bonilla , Ryan Clark and Pascual Vargas to the MINNESOTA MISFITS for Patrick Miller and Ernie Figueroa
Fargo gets some ML pitching help. Minnesota gets a nice infielder due to make some big money soon,a pitcher already on the DL and a DH without power


The MADISON MUSKELLUNGES traded Gorkys Lopez to the ARIZONA COBRAS for Ronn Carpenter
Madison gets a ML Basher for a youngster

M L INJURIES
Chuck Sosa
Sosa spent several weeks on the DL. He is back to work

Tony Rosado
Tony needs a couple of more weeks

Felix Ramirez
This truckstop pitcher is out for the season.


INTERNATIONALS

Mac Fujiwara Syracuse Moose Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Osaka, JP Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A spring training invite landed this Minor leaguer

Edgar Marquez Burlington Coat Factory Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Pueblo Viejo, DO Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

7 million for this future M L Slugger. He will probably play LF with his low Range and Glove.

Cesar Melendez San Diego Salmonbellies Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: La Esperanza, CU Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

18 million and a Major league contract for this future ace pitcher.

Edinson Navarre Vancouver Totems Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Mao, DO Position(s): 3B/1B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Needed to fill out my rookie roster

Yamid Cordero Vancouver Totems Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Loma de Cabrera, DO Position(s): 2B/CIF/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Defensive Minor leaguer

Benito Rosado Vancouver Totems Age: 18 B/T: L/R Born: San Cristobal, DO Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Defense...Defense .....egads ...already injured

Ruben Guillen Minnesota Misfits Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Nassau, BS Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

He may get a shot at the Bigs!!

Geraldo Figureoa Minnesota Misfits Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Caripito, VE Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Some Rookie help

Cristobal Picasso Minnesota Misfits Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Fantino, DO Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Some Defensive rookie Help

Wrigleyville Wilde Over Olivia

Since ARomano got us on the topic of this lovely lady, a moment of internet gratitude should be paid to Ms. Wilde.

While she isn't the greatest of actors as of now, she certainly adds a lot to the scene by just being on screen.

A few of the Wrigleyville gents have taken a rather particular liking to her in the movie, "Tron." I wonder why that is? I suppose it could be the short hair. Maybe it is because she has that weird cyber-chick thing going for her? Or maybe, it is gracious use of the full body leather suit...

This movie poster here suggests they were trying to get across that last point. A bit of a "Come hither and I'll kick your ass while still looking amazing" kind of photo.

One last look!

A L WEST PREVIEW SEASON 14

Helena Barking Moonbats (AL) sordie View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 110-52

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Sordie and his 2 time champion Barking Moonbats won this division for the 6th year in a row. They were also my pick to play in the Series, but they were ousted in the ALCS by the Champion Crushers.The Barking Moonbats will be in the playoffs again as div champs.With a little luck they will win their 3rd Wrigleyville title. Prediction: 105-57


OUT: Raul Flores , Jake Womack , Keith Simas , Barney Livingstone , Willie Sanchez , Livan Bonilla

IN: David Martin , Al Gomez , Bump Tyson , Cesar Bonilla , Midre Cairo , Al Pineda

SORDIES PREVIEW: The magnificent moonbat crew of Helena is counting on the ancient adage that the more things change,the more they stay the same. They have largely opted to stand pat with their core roster which has reached the AL championship series 6 out of the last 7 seasons. Barking their way out the door are Wrigleyville dinosaurs Raul Flores and Jake Womack.Filling their aged shoes will be Helena’s exceptionally expensive Season 11 late first rounder, Bump Tyson, and last year’s young trade acquisition, Peter Hodges, a left-handed long reliever with a pretty promising upside.Starting pitching remains Helena’s Achilles heel, with the staff pretty mediocre beyond Cy Young winner Jeff Burnett. The offense remains a potent force anchored by the bats of MVP slugger Matt Abbey, outfielder Napoleon LaDee, and long time Moonbat 2B Billy Brown. This squad will score a lot of runs, but with their sporadically performing hurlers, the opposition likely will as well.
LATE NOTE: Just landed that extra stud arm I've been looking for too (Pineda). Good starting pitching has always been hard to come by in this world.
PREVIEW: The Moonbats grabbed the #1 seed in the playoffs and were upset by the Tabaky farmers in the ALCS. Again. The Moonbats lost several key players in Womack and Flores. They also traded away a few others. He brought in a Free agent and promoted several more eager Bats. Finally he made a trade for a nice Starting pitcher( Pineda). The Moonbats are always a tough team to beat . And my magic 8-Ball says they will win the Division again. PREDICTION: 103-59

San Diego Salmonbellies (AL) mdymond View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 93-69

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: mdymond and his Salmonbellies were in a rebuild mode last year. So it was suprising that they finished close to .500.  After last years Fire Sale Mdymond brought in a Bulldozer and cleared the charred remnants of this team away.Man I hate doing complete rebuilds. They take alot of time . This team is built on the cheap and will compete for the worst record and the #1 pick. Mdymond does have alot of cash to spend in the IFA market. so look for some big signings! Prediction: 60-102


OUT: Aramis Crespo , Alexander Stein , Daisuke Sano , Ramon Suzuki , Jerome Stevenson , Geronimo Candelaria , Julio Fernandez , Mo Huff , Francisco Valdes , Cam Jones

IN: J.P. James , Rob Prinz , Denny Keough , Miguel Duran , Bruce Crosby , Rex Maxwell , Victor Ramirez , Roy Mills , Fausto Martinez

PREVIEW: The Salmonbellies suprised me with their play last season. The new look Salmonbellies took Wrigleyville by storm. They also took the vaunted Moonbats to a 5th game in the DCS. Now that mdymond has this team on the right track. He will look to build on his success. Mdymond started by letting several good players go to free agency. He restocked with a few Free Agents and several Good Minor Leaguers. He also picked up 2 R-5 players. I suppose the Salmonbellies are for real. But can they win 90+ games 2 years in a row?.I dont think so Prediction:81-81

Arizona Cobras (AL) swishnev23 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 83-79

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Shynet,( a.k.a Bashful)  has returned after his theatrical career ended abruptly. Shy is not a big talker but he did have this to say about his role in Snow White and the Seven Naughty Dwarfs. "They wanted someone smaller". Well I'm not sure if he was talking about Height or Length?Synet gutted this team and spent a fortune in free agency. The Wrong Turns are looking for the right mix of players. We will soon see! Prediction:85-77


OUT: David Boyd , Bill McCracken , Richard Jung , Jung Li , Charles Fox , Theo Barber , Nigel Hasegawa , Al Gomez , John Daniels

IN: Juan Romero , Chuck Sosa , Ronn Carpenter , David Ono , Jaime Koch , Jaime Gwynn , Bob Brooks , Tomas Alvarez , Bob Brooks , Sandy Hiatt , Bill Neagle

Swishnev23's PREVIEW: The Arizona Cobras are under new leadership this season with almost a completely new coaching staff and a new organizational outlook.After languishing for the past 13 years, the Cobras are putting a major emphasis on pitching and defense this season and for years to come.With an offense built around Johnny Stone and Rico Trevino and a pitching staff quietly being built around newcomer Sandy Hiatt and veteran Ruben Soriano the Cobras feel that they have enough to be competitive this season.With a major weakness in their bullpen the team knows that there will be times this season when the going gets rough, especially in the AL West, but they feel that it will be a good chance to build some character.With some big contracts coming off the books over the next few seasons the Cobras Organization is encouraging their scouts to get out there to find and sign the best young talent available in order to build the franchise into a consistent contender.

PREVIEW: Shynet made his curtaincall last season with the Wrong Turns. In steps swishnev23. He made a fortune in Buying and selling Tigers blood. Swishnev23 proclaimed: "I bought this team cause I'm a Winner". And with that he moved the team down the road to Arizona. He let several players go to free agency and released a couple more. Then he traded away a few studs including Daniels. Swish then signed some bargain bin free agents and promoted a few players. Some which should never play in the majors. He did bring in 4 players in trades, which should help. With all the changeover the last 2 years this team is hard to figure. But with a weak bullpen they may be looking at a good draft pick next year.PREDICTION: 79-83

Scottsdale Shock Squad (AL) coach34 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 57-105

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Itsamiracle is My friend from old CRD . And last season was tough for him. Theres alot to learn in this game of ours. So this year the training wheels are off and hes going to make a go of it. If I believed in beginners luck this team could make the playoffs.With some regular luck, they could get to .500 ? Hang in there Oldfart!!Prediction:72-90

OUT: Ben Towers , Ron Cummings , Mario Hunter , Derek Francona , Bruce Hartman , Preston Flynn , Donn Payton , Yuniesky Lee , Albert Mateo , Claude Coleman

IN: Kevin Leverton , Lariel Encarnacion , Chris Taylor , Jerome Floyd , Ewell Morris , Aramis Crespo , Sam Winston , Nelson Hodges , Travis Gutierrez , David Vazquez , Billy Connor , Dixie Stankiewicz

PREVIEW: Itsamiracle bailed in the middle of last season. The oldfart was overwhelmed with the game. Coach34 was good enough to step in and take over the franchise. he let a myriad of players go . Then he brought in a bunch to his liking. PREDICTION: 60-102

A L SOUTH PREVIEW SEASON 14

Memphis Blues (AL) tchagnon View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 96-66

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Tchagnon won the World Series in season 11 and looked to repeat last year. Even though they won this division. They lost in the DCS to this years Champion, Hartford. So the Blues were....uh....Sad ! But they picked themselves up with a Xanex or 2 and went into the offseason with optomism.Now that TC has his band together. They will be singing all the way to the division title. And may be in another world series. Prediction:90-72


OUT: Tony Cabrera , Paul Wan , Nomar Bristow , Tracy Gardner

IN: Glen Trujillo , Harry Mercado , Tony Duncan , J.J. Clark ,Daniel Coleman

PREVIEW: Memphis won the battle but lost the war. They won the Pennant, but lost to division rival Charleston in the playoffs. Tchagnon lost a couple of players to free agency and released another. TC increased his Cap and went a spendin .He bought 4 players for 18 million and change. Then he promoted a young 3rd baseman. I believe TC is serious about winning another series and money is no object. Just ask the Yanks. PREDICTION:95-67

Charleston Tobacco Farmers (AL) nwsheehy007 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 91-71

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: The Tabaky Farmers are Close to breaking the .500 mark. Nwsheehy wants a winner ,needs a winner. Last year it was the lack of Runs scored that doomed him.Maybe its the free sample I'm smokin. But I think this team may fight for the division title. If they do win it, you will hear the cry of "It's got to be the Tabaky" across the league. Prediction:90-72


OUT: Gary Farrell , Dallas Carlyle

IN: Al Hackman , Terry Morandini , Benjamin Taylor

PREVIEW: Wow. That was some Great Tabaky. Charleston smoked the competition on the way to thier first World Series Win. It's a great time on the old farm and nwsheehy007 is a looking to repeat. In the off-season he lost an all-star in Carlyle and his old catcher retired. With the loss of Carlyle nwsheehy picked up a R-5 2nd baseman and traded for another. Finally he signed a slugger in the market. This is pretty much the same team that won it all last year. But can they show it wasn't a fluke? Regardless this team will contend for the division. PREDICTION: 96-66

Nashville Posse (AL) illicit View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 85-77

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: With one of the Highest payrolls in the league. You would think that Illicits Posse would be hanging em high. But the cotten pickin varmits are leaning up against a post sucking on a sarsaparilla. Illicit needs to strap on his spurs and kick this bunch of mossyhorns in the caboose.Not sure if this Posse will hunt. But if the Tabaky farmers and Blues see dust bihind them. It will be the Posse riding hard. Prediction:85-77

OUT: Frank May , Bobby Ray Snyder , Randy Finley , Raymond Clapp , Stephen Foster

IN: Archie Romero , Mo Huff , Nolan Glauber

PREVIEW: The Posse had a good season but not good enough to make the dang ole playoffs. The Posse got rid of Clapp and several other players. Not sure if a shot was needed but it was rumored that Clapp had infected the Posse with his shenanigans. Illicit and his Clappless Posse signed a free agent Catcher and Mo "Muff" Huff. He plugged the final hole with a R-5 Pick up. Now that the Posse is fresh as a morning breeze .They will look to compete for the Division pennant. If  Mempnis and Charleston take it easy on the Posse. They will be there at the end. PREDICTION: 84-78

Charlotte Sometimes (AL) hatton98 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 59-103

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Atprasad and his Justice finished under .500 for the first time. With The Jackson Fans calling for Coach Browns head. Atprasad will look to the offseason to quell the unruly fanatics.The Justice live or die by the Free agent market. But they also are active bringing in IFA's.Look for Atprasad to add a IFA or two but this team may be average right now. Prediction:81-81


OUT: Kyle Phillips , Karl Speier , Gene Eaton , Horacio Mesa , Jason Brantley , Harpo Westbrook , Shep Hunt

IN: Cliff Walls , Rico Morales , Ronnie Bradley , Cam Jones , Bryan MacDougal, Wandy Matos , Anthony Malone

PREVIEW: The Justice and atprasad were run out of Jackson. Halfway through the season the Justice rolled out the Tank .This move inflammed the Jakson fans and sealed their fate. And when the Rev Jesse Jackson stated."that there was no longer any Justice in Jackson". The mob cheered and put down their pitchforks. Brave Owner Hatton98 bought the abandon team in a auction (Price was not released). He promptly moved the team to Charlotte and started to put this once Division champ back together. He let a few of major league and minor league players leave. And released many more. He then brought in a couple bargain free agents and promoted a couple youngsters. He also picked up a Catcher in the R-5 draft. Hatton lowered his cap and increased his HS and Col scouting. It looks like the Sometimes will be looking towards the draft and maybe a stud IFA. They will finish last in this Division. PREDICTION:81-81

A L EAST PREVIEW SEASON 14

Indianapolis Indians (AL) ardthomp View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 87-75

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: The Injuns have come along way since Ardthomp took this team over. The Injuns are dancing around the fire after making the playoffs again last season . The Injuns did what injuns do!! They drank firewater ,danced ,smoked and traded into the night. And they could make trouble if they stay healthy(Sober). May be in the wild card hunt again. Prediction:90-72


OUT: Ugueth Jimenez , Ramon Lo , Denny Keough , Sherry Wells , David Vazquez , Sandy Hiatt

IN:  Oswaldo DeSoto , Ricardo Torres , Harry Suarez , Arthur Howard , Taylor Workman , Al Gomez

ARDTHOMPS PREVIEW: After the Indians first Division title since Season 5, I wanted to go into the offseason as aggressive as possible. By adding Taylor Workman , Ricardo Torres ,and Arthur Howard to the lineup, I am hoping to get some a lot more firepower from the offense this season. I moved around some players on defense in order to stiffen up the infield for the benefit of the pitching staff.The Indians planned on letting Lo, Mercedes, and Cookson hit the Type A free agency market in order to add some extra picks, but after those three sat on the market for a while, we decided to bring Mercedes back in the mix to bolster the rotation.
PREVIEW: ardthomp lost some free agent players but also resigned several. He Promoted a player in Desoto. And in true Injun form, Ardthomp traded for 5 players and some cool shiny beads. The Indians suprised me with a Division Pennant. And Ardthomp has traded some youngsters for some good players. Will the Injuns go far in the Dance this year ? They have as good of chance as any contender. PREDICTION: 88-74 possible W/C

Cincinnati Howlers (AL) jmuhtoff View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 86-76

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Jmuhtoff and his Howlers returned to the playoffs last year.The Barking and Howling will be heard all over Wrigleyville this year . The improved Howlers will be singing all the way to the playoffs. Probably as a wild card. Prediction:92-70


OUT: B.C. McMillan , Rene Jensen , Oswaldo Castilla , Keith Dolan , Pedro Guerrero

IN: Eli Fernandez , Peter Stockton , Edgar Santos , Rico Posada , Chad Frazier , Chuck Cummings , Tracy Gardner  , Tripp Kent

PREVIEW: The Howlers missed the playoffs and the Pennant by 1 game last year. Jmuhtoff went conservative in the off season letting a half dozen players go to free agency. He then went a shopping and signed 5 pitchers and a couple of bats. Finally he claimed a nice young 2nd baseman off the wire. Looks like it will be a dogfight with the with the other teams in this tough division. The Howlers will be in the thick of the Division hunt. They should make the playoffs. PREDICTION: 90-72

Boston Knights (AL) avantrael View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 84-78

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Avantreal and his Knights shocked The East by winning the Division in season 11. And even though this team had a good season last year . The rest of the East got better and Avantreal barely missed the playoffs.This is one of the toughest Divisions in Wrigleyville. And the teams will slug it out for the wildcard spots. Don't count this team out yet . They may suprise us. Prediction:88-70


OUT: Sam Winston , Rico Park , Diego Molina , Chris Kline

IN: Rafael Valdez , Woody Piersoll , Pasqual Perez

PREVIEW: Avantraels Knights had a good season. Just not good enough for this division. He let a couple players go to free agency and released a couple more. Avantrael then signed 2 free agent catchers and promoted a youngster. The Knights have the same Pitching staff as last year. And with the addition of a All-Star catcher, they hope to make it back to the playoffs. It will be a tough crusade in this division. PREDICTION:88-74 possible W/C

Hartford Crushers (AL) ARomano View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON: 84-78

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: After missing the playoffs in season 11. ARomanos Crushers came back last season on a Mission.With only a couple of moves made in the offseason. ARomano's Crushers are going to make another run at the title. And they have the soul to win it all again! Prediction:100-62


OUT: Pascual Vargas , Paxton Ulrich

IN: Petey Lieber

PREVIEW: What would be a good year for me. Was a bad year for the Crushers. Look for ARomano to come back with a vengence.  It looks like ARomano will give this underpreforming  bunch  another season to Gel. He let a couple players leave and promoted a youngster . I still think this team will win this division . but it may depend on the health of some key players. PREDICTION: 92-70