THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE SEASON 24 #7

TRADES

No Trades This Week.



M L INJURIES

Luis Cortes
The Human Boy Toy, Luis "Es" Cortes is back on the DL. This time it's a strained hammy. He is already back in CF for Cheyenne where he is a liability. Play Nice with Es Cortes and put him in LF where his negative plays will stop. 


Harry Johnson
This guy needs no nickname.LOL. Harry Johnson is well.....The great unshaved tool of Wrigleyville. And he will miss a month with shoulder problems. Dodger will issue Harry Johnson a Hair Net Jock Strap when he returns to duty. Meanwhile he will be staring in the reality show "Dick Dynasty" 


Dom Woods
Dom "Back" Woods needs to be turned around. He suffered a dislocated shoulder and should heal in 2 weeks. Hacker put him on the 60 day DL so he could have some extra time to get his mojo Back. Time to move forward, Back Woods!


Joaquin Pena
Joaquin "Sub" Pena has been served with elbow tendinitis. Sub Pena will miss the rest of the season. This is not what Jeff had in mind when he picked this guy up in free agency. Jeff should sue to get some money back!


Adam Hamilton
Adam "Ant" Hamilton is on the DL for a second time this year. This time he dislocated his bum shoulder and will be out 2 weeks. Jmas might want to watch where he steps with this guy. He seems to be brittle.


Esmerling Sanchez
Esmerling "Peanutbutter and Jelly" Sanchez will miss 2 weeks with back spasms. Maybe Jmas can trade him for a juicebox??


Wayne Barclay
Hoopcoach picked this guy up in the R-5 draft. Now Wayne "Crow" Barclay will miss the playoffs with a hernia. He was nothing to crow about with a 1.55 WHIP and a ERA of 5.30.


INTERNATIONALS

Kosuke Wang San Francisco Kickapoos Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Kwangsan-Ku Songjungdong, KR Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Mark picked up a power bat with 13 million. Will he stay off the DL?

Aurelio Volquez Burlington Coat Factory Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Nagua, DO Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3.5 million for this defensive prospect with speed. Probably will be a defensive sub in the majors.

Jose Delgado Burlington Coat Factory Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Aragua, VE Position(s): P (none) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Minor league innings eater.

Eduardo Camacho Tampa Bay Stars Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Villa Vazquez, DO Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

5.6 million and a S/T invite for this solid pitching prospect.

Vic Perez Salem Salmonbellies Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Anaco, VE Position(s): 3B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.6 million for this defensive prospect with power. He will get to go to S/T next year. Party!!

THE VOTE FULL DISCLOSURE

FINAL RESULTS

HOOPCOACH-9 votes
JMUHTOFF-8 votes
ARDTHOMP-1 vote
PAT007OHMSS-2 votes
SORDIE-1 vote
ABSTENSIONS-4 votes




HOOPCOACH

(1)
From:swishnev23
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 7:01:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Hoopcoach, I guess

(2)
From:dmann2158
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 7:22:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:hoopcoach

(3)
From:ardthomp
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 8:22:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:I'll give my vote to Hoopcoach in this case

(4)
From:hacker7
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 9:49:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:hoopcoach

(5)
From:dodgersgale
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 1:59:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:I guess change my vote to hoopcoach since ard isn't interested.

(6)
From:ressda
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 6:32:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:hoopcoach

(7)
From:hoopcoach07
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 9:33:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Hoopcoach!

(8)
From:jeff2106
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 10:10:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Hoop coach for me

(9)
From:madmuldoon
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/13/2013 4:52:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:hoopcoach




JMUHTOFF

(1)
From:jaredpaventi
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 8:10:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Jmuhtoff

(2)
From:aaronwayne
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 8:26:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Hey,
Since everyone is dropping like flies, I suppose I'll go with Jmuhtoff. He seems to be pretty active and the such. I'm sure Hoopcoach would do a fine job as well or maybe everyone will relax and allow Mark to keep the job.
Aaron

(3)
From:olemiss33
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 8:53:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:jmuht

(4)
From:tchagnon
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 9:55:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Jmuhtoff

(5)
From:jmuhtoff
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 10:45:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:
I vote for jmuhtoff as commish

(6)
From:Sandberg10
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 2:09:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Since the owner I voted for has dropped out, I'd like to change my vote to jmutoff

(7)
From:mark3313
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 2:13:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:I vote 2)Jmuhtoff

(8)
From:ihateunc
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 9:41:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Jmuhtoff




ARDTHOMP

(1)
From:wishlist3677
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/13/2013 7:04:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Ardthomp




PAT007OHMSS

(1)
From:pbsilver11
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 9:41:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Pat007ohmss

(2)
From:wylie715
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 5:44:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:pat007ohmss



SORDIE

(1)
From:rugby1
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 11:17:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Sordie


ABSTAIN

(1)
From:rbedwell
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/12/2013 2:21:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:None of the above (below)

(2)
From:sordie
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/13/2013 9:08:00 AM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:No snide or surly votes?
Fine.
I'll change mine to:
6) None of the above, but I will vote for Condi Rice if available

(3)
From:ehull11
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/13/2013 4:08:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Mad,
I am going to abstain on the vote for commissioner. I think both candidates will do a fine job but I'm not planning on moving forward in the world. This whole meltdown left a bad taste in my mouth.

(4)
From:pat007ohmss
To:madmuldoon
Received:11/13/2013 5:35:00 PM
Subject:RE: Commiishioners Ballot
Message:Write in: mark3313

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE SEASON 24 #6

TRADES

The AUSTIN CITY LIMITS traded B.C. Alomar to the ARIZONA COBRAS for Craig Dodd and 2,500,000
Austin picks up a GG short stop with a expiring contract. He should help the City Limits while Ruffin the Passer (see below in the DL list) is on the DL. And he is playing on the Cobras dime which is always nice. Arizona keeps adding pieces for the future. They pick up a good young bullpen pitcher starting to hit his prime.


The TAMPA BAY STARS traded Paul Shibata to the COLORADO SPRINGS BANDITS for Tori Miller
We have 2 teams looking to next season and the needs for their respective  futures. The Bandits pick up a good bat that will be in Arbitration next year. He will give them about 20-30 homers every year. This could be trouble for SLC and myself next year. The Stars get a very good starting pitcher prospect. This kid has a couple more years to reach his lofty projections. If he does he could be a great ace for jmas's team.


M L INJURIES


Santos Mieses
Santos "It's all about" Mieses will miss the rest of the year, and then some, after he hurt his neck. He doesn't care about the Stars and I'm sure Jmas doesn't give a shit about him either. The question is: will any body give a flying fudge about him in free agency next year.It's not about the Mieses, It's all about the money!!


Jerome Cochrane
Jerome "Swinging" Cochrane  is already back on the mound and showing off to the ladies. He missed 2 weeks with a bruised Knee.. This sometimes can happen when you swing your Cochrane to hard.  I Know!


Ollie Greenwood
I lost Ollie "It's not easy being" Greenwood for 2 weeks with a pulled hammy. It's wasn't going to be easy to hold off  Salt lake City with Ollie out. But my guys held their own and now we have our prize CF'er back.


Nick McConnell
Nick "at Night" McConnell will be out 8 months with a torn hammy. With a health rating in the 20's, it's time to say goodnight to the up all night Misfit.


Howard Ruffin
Howard Ruffin "the Passer" is out for 7 months with shoulder surgery. Talk about a personal foul. The hits just keep coming for Wylie!


Gary Stern
Gary "Cis" Stern has sprung yet another leak. He will miss a month this time with a MCL strain. Wish may just say "piss on it!"




INTERNATIONALS

Hipolito Hernandez Pittsburgh Pirates Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Ingenio Quisqueya, DO Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

9.5 million for this defensive stud. he has great power at the plate. He may turn out to be a good one.

Cristobal Castro Jacksonville Juggernauts Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Cumana, VE Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This greta catching prospect is more Jugger than Not. It took only 9.6 million for one of the best catching prospects in years.Can he stay off the DL will be important.

Benito Henriquez San Francisco Kickapoos Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Mao Valverde, DO Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A great minor league catcher.

Ruben Ciriaco Trenton Toyotas Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Bauta, CU Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This cat will make a good closer in AAA and maybe in the majors.A good 3.8 million dollar gamble.

Albert Leon Trenton Toyotas Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Hermosillo, MX Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

9.9 million for this solid all-around player. He will not be a superstar but he will not embarass either.

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE SEASON 24 #5

TRADES

The ARIZONA COBRAS traded Mule Crawford and 1,000,000 to the RICHMOND REVOLUTIONARIES for Bob English and Dustan Hansen
It looks like the "Sinking Ship Sale" has taken a turn. Swish has decided to tow the ship out to the reef and scuttle it. He is in a full re-build mode and will be looking for prospects. Mule was brought in in the off-season from the Black Bears to round out the rotation. Now he will try and help Richmond make the playoffs. Swish recieved 2 prospects ,English will hit well and has speed to go with the power. Hansen will make a good set-up/closer if he stays healthy.   

The HELENA BARKING MOONBATS traded Jack Shave and 1,000,000 to the SCOTTSDALE SCHIZOIDS for Odalis Colome and Hector Gonzales
Sordie sent me a offer I could not refuse.I had  Louie Yoon playing RF and he has been good. But he's young and I don't want to overplay him(Stamina of 69). Shave allows me to bring him along slowly and he is a up-grade defensivly. It cost me a couple pitchers that were stashed in AAA for emergency. I realize I have just few seasons before Mark is through with his re-build. I'm in a win now mode!!  


M L INJURIES

Russ Porter
Russ "Trans" Porter is still Transitioning to the Majors after last seasons call-up. Just a little back pain for this future CF GG. I would like to Transfer him to my team. ;)


Jeremy George
Doesn't Jeremy "Bye" George realize the Bruins are trying to win. He is gonna miss 2 weeks with a strained hammy. I say old chap, bye, bye to George at the end of the year. Cheerio! Hip Hip!


Bob Neugebauer
Oh, what can you say about Bob "Nuegie" Neugebauer landing on the DL ....again. The stiff oblique will keep him out for 3 weeks. Now he can't perform his Nuegie Boogie routine at the redtail games.


Jeffrey Moreno
Jeffrey "The Giraffe" Moreno is not a tall man but he loves shopping at Toys for Us. He will have plenty of time to play with his toys now. His stiff groin will sideline him for 2 weeks. Play on Jeffrey, Play on.


Louis White
Dodger needs to hide the hookers from Louis 'Eggshell" White. He is becoming a DL darling with his penchant for injuries. Ever since that Juarez prostitute tore his groin in S-21. Well the docs couldn't put him back together right. 


Carlos Bolivar
Carlos "Soup" Bolivar is gonna be on the DL for 2 months even though he'll be ready in one. He tore the miniscus in his knee. Ralph stares down at his empty soup bowl and says. "Please sir, I want some more" (Oliver Twist-Charles Dickens)



Wade Harris
Wade "A Minute" Harris will miss 2 weeks with a cramp. Wait a minute??? you mean this nancy has a cramp and can't play?? Wuss!!



INTERNATIONALS

Raul Romano Helena Barking Moonbats Age: 19 B/T: L/L Born: Palenque, DO Position(s): LF/1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.1 million for this power hitter. His homerun hitting may get him to the bigs?

Don Ishikawa San Francisco Kickapoos Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Kobe, JP Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

a minor league innings eater.

Victor Sandoval Helena Barking Moonbats Age: 20 B/T: L/R Born: Pueblo Viejo, DO Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

a million bucks for this good catching prospect.

Ricardo Campos Syracuse Moose Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: San Felix, VE Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

13.7 million and a S/t invite landed this big fish. he will be a force to rekon with.

Alfonso Ramirez Jacksonville Juggernauts Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Valverde, DO Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Another innings eater for the farm.

Tony DeLeon Fargo Prairie Dogs Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Banes, CU Position(s): P (none) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A good minor league bullpen pitcher

Wrigleyville Compromise Proposal

In light of the current climate of this very prestigious world, there are talks of "tanking".  The idea of minimum win requirements (MWR) and/or a salary floor have been discussed.  Some of that discussion has been curbed in order to sling personal attacks and the discussion part of fixing things has really come to a halt.

I have come up with a point/strike system that I think would be beneficial to this league.  While it combines components of MWR and a salary floor, neither are the end all, be all of how a team can be ran.  Bear with me as I lay out the plan.  The first thing I wanted to do was to get an idea of exactly how successful and unsuccessful the teams in Wrigleyville have been.  To do this, I compiled the lowest win total and the highest win total for each of the 23 completed seasons for Wrigleyville.  Here are the numbers.

As everyone can see, the average wins between the low end and the high end is 82 per year.  The high was 91.5 and the low was 72.5.  Taking the average of 82 and doing a simple subtraction of 32 (1 per each team in the league), that leaves us with an MWR of 50 wins per year.  This should be a fair total for everyone to agree upon.

If a team fails to hit the MWR of 50 in a season, then this is 1 point/strike (whichever you want to call it) for that owner.

If a team fails to hit the MWR of 50 wins in a season, then that team will not be able to spend more than 15 million in prospect budgeting.  Why 15 million?  This is the average prospect budget by all teams during the 23 seasons of Wrigleyville.  No money can be transferred into the prospect budget UNLESS it is to sign that teams draft picks.  Prospect budget cannot be used on International Free Agents if a team failed to hit the MWR the previous season.  If an owner with an MWR failure uses prospect budget on an IFA, then they are subject to dismissal from the league.  This helps avoid the notion of tanking and also requires the owner to improve their team through trades and free agency.

While a "salary floor" has been discussed, it is harder to implement since teams can build their roster in completely different ways.  One team might want to spend $100 million or more, while some want to spend $20 million.  However, if a team does not make the MWR and has a salary of less than $50 million, then that is 1 point/strike.  Where did I get $50 million?  I used the average player budget for all teams for all seasons, which came out to $82 million.  I used the same subtraction method that was used to get the base MWR.

If an owner accrues 3 strikes within 2 seasons, then they will be replaced immediately.

This isn't meant as a punishment, but it does show, to the league, that everyone is playing on somewhat of a level playing field.

Of course, tweaks can be made to this system, but this at least gets the ball rolling in a productive manner.

AT THE BREAK AL NORTH SEASON 24

New Britain Bruins

RECORD:55-36

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Dodger let Richard, Hines, Cabeza and Guerrero go to free agency. He released Corbin, Martin and Wood and traded away Chapman, Maduro and Hamilton. With a few roster spots open Dodger signed free agents Morales, Long, Rodriguez, Xaio and Alvarez. He traded for Stuart and still has one spot left to fill. Dodger has 14 million in cap space so he has flexability in rounding out this years roster. He traded away a couple of really good players to land Stuart and he may be worth it. New Britain also strengthened the back end of the Bullpen and that should fix last years 17-21 record in one run games. I had my eye on free agent pitcher Tomas Alvarez as did Dodger. I think he will help out this years rotation. Dodger is the favorite to win the division but Fargo and the improved Misfits will be nipping at their Heels. PREDICTION:92-70


AT THE BREAK:  The Bruins are in a Dog fight with the Misfits....sorry, P-dogs are not included. They are projected to win 98 games and are leading the AL North at the break. The New Britain pitching staff are #1 in ERA (4.19), SLG (.414) and OAV (.253). The offense is clicking with the 4th best batting average (.282) and OPS (.819). The defense has commited 64 errors , but like Proffesor Ralph correctly pointed out in reference to a earlier post. The Bruins 44 plus plays to only 6 negative plays will overcome the errors. And don't try to swipe a bag , they lead the league in CS% with an astounding .493 percentage.  Looks like Dodger is on his way to the playoffs . the only question is: will it be as a division winner or a wild-card? Too  close to call.



Minnesota Misfits

RECORD:52-39

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Pbsilver re-signed Chris Everett and let Wise, Livingstone and Ordaz go to free agency. He released Clayton and traded away Tyson and Stevenson. With many holes to plug Pbsilver signed free agent pitcher James to a big contract and traded for Peterman, Wells, Resop, Franco and Rogers. While writing this preview the Misfits had their first major injury Rafael Uribe. That seems to be the Misfits luck! PB went out and spent alot of cash on James and traded for some very good players. It's apparent that he is going for it, in true Chevy Chase fashion. I like the additions to this years Minnesota team and think they have a good shot at winning the division.PREDICTION:89-73


AT THE BREAK:  The Misfits are right on the heels of the Bruins and project to win 93 games. I predicted this years Misfits had a "good shot at winning the division. And PBsilver backed up my boast. He has these guys playing good baseball with the 2nd best batting average at .288. And they are in the top 5 in OPS (.810), OBP (.350) and SLG (.459). The pitching staff is in the middle of the pack and they won't embarass with a solid 4.76 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. The defense is also in the middle with 61 errors , 38 plus plays to 23 negative plays. PB and his Misfits will give Dodger and his Bruins all they can handle . I think this team will make the playoffs....If...they stay healthy. And we know that is what has held them back before.



Chicago Black Sox

RECORD:46-45

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Hacker let Wilson, Bottalico and Sweeney go to free agency. And Montgomery, Wallace and Davis were released. With just a couple gaps in the line-up Hacker signed free agents Garcia, Martin and Olshan . The biggest story in Chicago was the signing of Olshan. He got a 10 million dollar signing bonus with a 3 year 30 million dollar contract. Lots of money for a below average defensive Catcher. But the guy can hit and would make a wonderful DH. Overall Hacker improved the hitting and pitching, but the defense will lead them into darkness. It will be Dark, Dark days for the Blacksox. PREDICTION:78-84

AT THE BREAK:  The Black Sox are projected to win 82 games. Reading my preview , I admit I was a little over zealous in saying a 78 win season was Dark, Dark Days for the Black Sox. It is more like a shade of gray or Dusk. Anyways , Hacker's team is average right now with a average offense . They have a .274 batting average with 500 runs scored. The pitching staff has overcome the worst defense in the AL. How they manage to over come 74 errors , 34 negative plays to 27 plus plays and 17 passed balls is amazing. This team could take off if they didn't beat themselves.



Fargo Prairie Dogs

RECORD:43-48

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Aaron let Miller, Tewksbury, Medrano, Pineda and Castro go to free agency and released Meyers. Then he traded away Monroe and Butler to Tampa. With a bunch of holes to fill Aaron signed free agents Suarez, Wieters, Ramirez, Henriquez, Castillo, Ontiveros and Teahen. I won't spend much time on the guys that left, most were mid-season fill-ins. But I will point out the trading of a young super-closer and future FOY pitcher Butler, will be missed in the bullpen. Maybe the promotion of Efrain Willits last year made him expendable. Aaron spent about 30 million on free agents and most are solid veterans. Most of the signings were in his biggest need....Pitching. I like the direction the P-Dogs are heading and Fargo has 18 million in cap space for flexability. I think Aarons P-dogs rebound from last years average season and vie for the AL North title. PREDICTION:91-71



AT THE BREAK:  The P-Dogs are chasing their tail and they are projected to win 77 games. And it looks as if Aaron is throwing in the towel on this season. He sent out the chat message :....... I'm willing to listen on offers for just about everyone in the ML roster. TC or make an offer, thanks! Looking for prospects................ : Can't blame him , His P-dogs are rolling over and playing dead right now. They need to get up, lick their balls and start playing like a bigdog.

AT THE BREAK AL EAST SEASON 24

Pittsburgh Pirates

RECORD:51-40

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Ard let Walker, Alston, Rodriguez, Green go to free agency and released Molina. He signed free agents Miller, James, Estrada, Surkamp and promoted Fujiwara. Then he traded for a young CF'er in Nunez. The Pirates improved the defense and swapped hitters with Arizona in free agency. Will Estrada be better than Walker??? Average ..yes...Homers ...No. Ard brought in some pitching including a very good closer. My guess he wasn't happy with the one run game record of 15-17. This division is his for the taking if the Pirates play like...the real Pittsburgh Pirates. I think this team will be in the mix for the division crown.PREDICTION:86-76

AT THE BREAK: The Pirates are projecting to win 91 games, 5 more than the preview predicted. Ardthomp is in a battle with Richmond for the division. And it may come down to the last week of the season before we crown the winner. The Pirates pitching staff is in the top 5 in ERA (4.50), WHIP (1.35), OAV (.264), OBP (.326) and SLG (.424). And the offense relies on the longball with a 3rd best 154 homers. The defense has a great +/- ratio of 53 plus to 18 negative. There achilles is,  you can swipe bases on them (.259 CS%). All told ,the Pirates are a solid team and should make the playoffs.



Richmond Revolutionaries

RECORD:50-41

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Ihateunc let Zerbe, Rodriguez  go to free agency and released Wieters, Jamison and Pena. He traded away Wainhouse, Resop, Giovanola and Rodriguez. IhateUNC promoted Franco and Segui and traded for Peterson, Harris, Baez, Tyson, Nieves, Romero and Mercedes. The story here is that Richmond went out and traded for most of the new guys on this team. Ihateunc has a idea of players that he prefers over the last owner. Right now the Revolutionaries still will be one of the worst defensive teams in the AL, but they will be very much improved at the dish. The rotation is average and the bullpen is a little better. If Richmonds hitting can overcome the defense the Revolutionaries will finish above .500. They will have to prove it to me before I go out on the limb and buck the satus quo. PREDICTION: 78-84

AT THE BREAK:  It looks right now like Richmond will win about 89 games. I went out on a limb and predicted that Richmond would be a bad defensive team. And while there FPct of .983 and 57 errors are not bad . they do have the worst + plays (only 18) and have 13 passed balls and has given up 101 stolen bases. Not good. This may be the reason the good pitching staff looks average (.480 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) . As predicted the offense is the star with the 3rd best batting average (.284) and OPS (.819). Can they keep up with the Pirates? Odds are against it but they will at least battle for a wild-card berth.



Augusta Northmen

RECORD:37-54

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Avantrael let Alvarez, Prieto and Jennings go to free agency. He released Crabtree and Bennett, then traded away O'Brien, Black, Desmond and Nieves. Avantrael signed free agent pitchers Wise and Palmer then picked up Mayne in the R-5. He traded for Montana, Gentry, Gagne and Guerrero. Augusta will try to fix the pitching problem with a couple free agents and a R-5 player. They improved the offense in the trades. Nothing was done for the 26th ranked defense. It will be a 70'ish season for the first year in Maine. PREDICTION:77-85


AT THE BREAK:  With 37 wins so far the Northmen project to win 66 games. That is below my prediction of 77 wins. I also stated that the defense was lacking and I was dead wrong. They are one of the better defensive clubs in the AL with only 1 passed ball 50 plus plays to 11 negative plays. Throw in 48 errors and a FPct of .986 and you can see why I'm wipeing egg off my face. Or is that hooker glitter? Anyways point being, the Northmen have a very good defense and I must have been sniffing glue to say otherwise. The offense is the worst in the AL and it is the real reason why they are floundering. With only 357 runs scored 338 RBI's they are near the bottom. It may be to late to make the playoffs for Avantrael.



Louisville Redtails

RECORD:32-59

PREVIEW:  In the off-season Jmuhtoff let Reed, Hayes, Brock, Okajima, Lim and Schulltz go to free agency . He then released Bonilla and Alexander. Jmuhtoff signed free agents Bates, Alson, Morales, Larocca, Guzman, Sullivan and Sheldon. Finally he traded for Black. Louisville plays in a weak division and it is a good thing they do. Jmuhtoff brought in some veteran M L players and they will not disappoint him.PREDICTION:88-74

AT THE BREAK:  57 games is all that the Redtails will win and that might be a high estimate. Jmuhtoff threw in the towel on season 24 and is selling off players for prospects. He was one of the first to bail sending this add out:....................I'm willing to listen on offers for just about everyone in the ML roster. TC or make an offer, thanks! Looking for prospects.................: I, along with several owners picked the Redtail carcass clean and Jmuhtoff picked up many prospects while shedding salaries. He is poised to hit free agency next year or go into re-build mode. It's nice to have options and he will battle Mark and Ralph for the #1 pick next year.