N L NORTH PREVIEW SEASON 19

Trenton Toyotas (NL) Sandberg10 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:93-69

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Man the Toyotas laid an egg last season. Yep, that smell isn't from the catalytic converter. Its from last seasons 69 win season.The Toyotas Hitting (.251 BA ) and defense(126 errors) scrapped them.It was the 9th consecutive losing season and the Trenton fans are ready to riot. They want a winning season and have been wearing paper sacks over their heads at all the Toyota's Homegames.Not sure if these guys will ever play up to there ability. But they will have to show me one winning season before I jump on the band wagon. Again. PREDICTION:74-88

OUT: Philip Schultz , Nigel Hasegawa , Jimmie Ortiz , Freddie Long

IN: Damion Sasaki , Pat Clark , Rodrigo Merced

PREVIEW: Sandberg took exception to my prediction last year. And with good reason. The Toyotas shattered my prediction with a brashness only equaled by their colorful owner.Last years 93 win season was the Toyotas first winning season, since season 8. It was also their 7th division crown, the last one came in season 9. The Trenton Toyotas were powered by their pitching(3.89 team ERA) overcoming a pedestrian hitting team(.257 team BA) and a road kill defense(119 team errors,383 double plays,.981 fielding percentage).In the post season they escaped the first round by winning a game 5 against the #6 seeded Cincinnati RLD's.Then they were swept off the road by the Champs in the DCS. In the offseason Sandberg let Schultz and Hasegawa go to free agency and traded Ortiz to Madison. He then put Long on the waiver wire and he was claimed by *********. To fill in the gaps, Sandberg re-signed Sasaki from his AAA squad and the Madison trade brought in Clark and Merced. The Toyotas have improved the good pitching staff and lost a little offense.Sandbergs guys will have to back up last years winning season before the fans of Trenton can put the Paper Sack wearing days behind them. And if they can ,Sandberg will thump his chest and proclaim the Toyotas have arrived. I want to believe, but will be cautious in my prediction.PREDICTION:86-76

Madison Muskellunges (NL) daddiothree View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:88-74

LAST YEARS PREVIEW:  My sleeper pick came thru with flying colors. Although they didn't reach my prediction of 90 wins . They did win the division and reach the second round of the playoffs, where they lost to the Kickapoos.The Muskies are for real and the fans in Madison have been tailgating and partying before every home game.It looks like the Muskies are standing pat and have only 55 million in salaries.Daddio will pick up some nice IFA's and still battle for the division. Madison could make the playoffs.PREDICTION:88-74



OUT: Craig Serrano , Vicente Azocar , Ken Walton , Jorge Posada , Rodrigo Merced

IN: Jimmie Ortiz , Eswalin Canseco

DADDIO'S PREVIEW: The Muskies are holding tight on their young core lead by 1B Billy Ensberg. Young arm Jesus James and Ramiro Pena will be the cornerstone of the rotation,while Carlos Sierra and Ariel Cerda lurk in AAA awaiting their Big League Debut. The suits in Madison were forced to make a few off season defensive changes; Juan Ruiz and his 45 errors per season will be shifting to third,freeing up Sanchez to move to right field. The Muskies picked up catcher Eswalin Canseco hoping to add some depth behind the plate after the loss of Vicente Azocar to FA. They continue to shop some young position players,hoping to transform them into a decent SS candidate. Losses Vicente Azocar (FA) Craig Serrano (FA) Ken Walton (FA) Rodrigo Merced (Trade) Gains Eswalin Canseco (FA) Jimme Ortiz (Trade) Glen Meadow (Trade)

PREVIEW: My sleeper pick from season 17 improved in season 18, but the NL was improved also. The wildcard race was tight and it came down to the last week. Even with a late push, Madison found themselves without a chair when the music stopped. Last year the Muskies had the 3rd best offense(.280 team BA) and a woeful defense(124 team errors).But suprisingly they did turn 456 double plays(3rd best).The Muskies did add a couple almost M L ready IFA's last year(Ariel Cerda , Willie Aquino) and they will be called up soon. In the offseason Daddio let Serrano,Azocar and Walton go to free agency. Then he released Posada outright and traded away Merced to Trenton. Now that the Muskies have 3 roster spots to fill, Daddio signed free agent Canseco and traded for Ortiz. This leaves one spot still open. It looks like Canseco was an upgrade in the catching core.And he traded an old guy for a youngun but this is pretty much the same team.If they can overcome the errors with runs scored they may make the playoffs.I think Daddio will promote some of his talent in AAA and this team will win the division.PREDICTION:91-71

Chicago Bleacher Bums (NL) hshack View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:83-79

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: They pert near got a win for every million spent. Merry Christmas Hshack! But he really wanted the division as a present and just missed it. Then in the post season he was taken out in the first round by division foe Madison. But Hshack is a glass half full kinda guy so he was happy just to be in the playoffs again. The Bleacher Bums have been getting better every season and they go in the offseason with optimism.And at the time of writing there are still 2 spots open. With 17 million in cap space, hshack could sign some good free agents or make a trade for a few good players.Right now they are good team with the possibility to be very good.PREDICTION:85-77



OUT: Billy Connor , Endy Glynn , Timo Mahoney , Jimmie Gonzalez , Douglas Thomas , Len Carver , William Piper

IN: Yorman Javier , Vicente Iglesias , Virgil Ramirez , Marshall Winn

PREVIEW: Hshack's Chicago Bleacher Bums are stuck at 83 wins.Thats a good thing, at least they aren't sliding backwards. Extra base hits were the reason Chicago won as many games(258 doubles,31 triples)and they will need to improve on the pitching (4.70 team ERA,23rd overall) and defense ( 103 team errors, 20th overall) if they want to take the next step.The addition of 1st round draft picks Juan Fernandez and Dummy Knoblauch may help fix the defense in a couple years. In the offseason Hshack re-signed Jake Alston , Chien-Ming Chang and let Connor,Glynn,Mahoney,Gonzalez,Thomas and Carver go to free agency. Then he released Piper to finish the house cleaning. With 2 holes to fill, Hshack signed free agent Javier and Iglesias. Late last season Chicago promoted Ramirez and Winn and they should help out the rotation. The Bleacher Bums still have 18 million in cap space and could pick up some talent this season. If they do they will make this a 3 team race for the division title. On a side note, I hope Hshack stocks his minor leagues. The cupboard is bare!!PREDICTION:84-78

Milwaukee Sturgeon (NL) pat007ohmss View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:59-103

LAST YEARS PREVIEW:

OUT:

IN:

PREVIEW:

N L SOUTH PREVIEW SEASON 19

Durham BullShippers (NL) wishlist3677 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:85-77

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Its better to be a big fish in a small pond. Right! Sergei didn't cotton to that notion so he bailed on Sante Fe .Though they won the division with a sub 500 record.The Sergeis almost upset the Coat Factoties in the opening round of the playoffs. This team gets a new owner in Wishlist3677. He bought the team for 20,000 drachma's and 2 Carnival cruise boarding passes.Last year this team was the best defensive team but that didn't help them overcome the lack of Runs scored. Maybe Hyzdu will help with that and he brought in some good bullpen help to replace the departing West. But with a AAA coaching staff this team is in trouble. Not sure who will win this weakest of divisions. This team looks like it may slug it out with Austin to be another sub-500 playoff team. PREDICTION:79-83

OUT: B.C. Palacios , Carlos Estrada , Travis Hocking , Ivan Rosado , Don Hyzdu , Ross Griffin

IN: Virgil Guerrero , Aaron Wells , Jamie Yang , Albert Torres , Del Lopez , Kris Karros , Ruben Reyes , Clarence Christiansen , James Lee

PREVIEW: The Bullshippers won the Division with a winning record so thats an improvment from last season. Last years preview I was concerned about Durhams lack of scoring when they were in hitter friendly Sante Fe.The move to Durham is still a hitter friendly park but not as extreme as Sante Fe. So the fact that Wishlist was able to score 69 more runs probably was a main factor in a winning season.Wishlist took his formidable defensive team into the post season and were swept by the a great Burlington team. In the offseason, Wishlist let Palacios,Estrada and Hocking go to free agency and released Rosado outright. Hyzdu and Griffin were traded to Louisville for Guerrero,Wells and Yang. Wish then grabbed a Bag full of cash and spent 35 million on free agents Torres,Lopez,Karros,Reyes and Christiansen. Then he promoted Lee to finish the M L roster.Looks like Wish is making a move by bringing in a ton of talent. Not only will Durham win this division they will be a force in the post season. The N L South just became respectable. PREDICTION:91-71

Austin City Limits (NL) wylie715 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:82-80

LAST YEARS PREVIEW:  One thing you can say about Wylie. He bucks the Odds. He Buck near had a winning season with 74 wins and he Buck near won the division. But his City Limits Bucked him in the end. OUCH thats gonna leave a mark! Cheer up Buckaroo , Its a new season and this could be Austins year. The City Limits had the same problem I had last year. No Scoring!! And I dont know if Wylies guys are gonna overcome a rookie Fielding coach. Thats right ...This guy has never Coached at any level....Never. Thats what I call Bucking the Odds! Could win the division with a 500 or below record. PREDICTION:75-87

OUT:  Stuart Hausmann , Aramis Estrada , Alex O'Donnell

IN: Victor Volquez , Arthur Blackburn , Brian Chamberlain

PREVIEW: Wylies Austin City Limits did have a winning season but just not quite enough to win the division of illrepute. I was wrong about the hiring of a rookie Fielding coach. Austin had one of the best defensive units in all of Wrigleyville(85 Errors,405 Double Plays,.986 Fielding Percentage).Makes me think coaching is not very significant?? Austin also had the 4th best offensive team(.280 team BA) and a average pitching team(4.14 team ERA). So I'm at a loss to why the City Limits only had a .500 record.Maybe it has to do with the fact they were 18-23 in one run games. If that was switched around to 23-18 they would be 87-75 and division champs. In the offseason Wylie re-signed Vinny Nomo and let Hausmann go to free agency. He then released Estrada and waived O'Donnell. With only a couple roster spots open Wylie signed free agent Volquez and picked up Blackburn and Chamberlain in the R-5.This team is good and talented and they should finish with more than 82 wins. Perhaps luck didn't go their way in 1 run games. This year may be the breakout year were waiting for.PREDICTION:90-72

Tampa Bay Stars (NL) neilg View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:69-93

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: They were close to 500 again but this isn't the real news about Tampa Bay. Nelig added 4 more first round prospects to go with the 6 last year. And now this season he has 3 more first round picks.This team is being built thru the draft while still fielding a competative team. Well done Nelig.This team is still a couple of seasons away from the youngsters reaching their projections. Look for Nelig to add some draft prospects with a few IFA's. But there is no hurry to win right now when the future looks bright.has a chance of winning this division. PREDICTION:75-87

OUT: Jose Gonzalez , J.T. Nichols , Jamie Flaherty , Joakim Acosta , Dee DeHart , Ugueth Gonzalez

IN: Glen Swann , Robin King , Anibal Franco , Steve Teahen, Vince Williams

PREVIEW: No suprise here. Nelig is now in his 4th season as the skipper of the Tampa Bay Stars and he continues to add youngsters to the farm system. Like 4 first round draft prospects( Wayne Howard , Denny Satou, Hector Mercado , Brian Jackson) and a IFA (Welington Fernandez).So with only 69 wins last year, Nelig will get the #6 draft choice in this years draft . In the offseason Nelig let Gonzalez and Nichols go to free agency and released Flaherty,Acosta,DeHart and Gonzalez. With many holes to plug Nelig claimed Swann,King and Franco off the wire and signed free agent Teahen. Then he finally picked up Williams in the R-5 draft.Tampa Bay is still a work in progress and will be coasting this season. Perhaps the waiver wire pickups will land them some future comp picks and this team will look to add another nice prospect in the draft. Right now they may win 80 games.PREDICTION 77-85

Jackson Black Bears (NL) olemiss33 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:51-111

LAST YEARS PREVIEW:  Olemiss won the Draft sweepstakes and will pick #1 overall. Olemiss picked up some nice draft propspects and also some Nice IFA's. Theres lots of money to bid on IFA's with a 25 million dollar payroll. With no minimum win rule, this is a good way to build a winner.No mystery here. The Black Bears will ride out the season at the bottom and pick up another high draft pick. PREDICTION:62-100

OUT: Tony Duncan , Ed Norman , Oscar Li , Mack Manning , Dutch Moore , Ricardo Hernandez , Sting Hansen , Thom Sellers , Clarence Cookson

IN: Al Pelaez , Ivan Rosado , Nigel Hasegawa , Pete Penny , Stan Knight , Floyd McAnaney , Joe Wesson , Victor Guerrero

PREVIEW: Olemiss and his Jackson Black Bears were worse than my prediction of 100 losses. So he is taking full advantage of a no minimum win rule and the Black Bears will have yet another #1 overall pick. Last year Olemiss added #1 overall pick Jerry Myette to the farm system while adding IFA prospects Carlos Wilfredo and Oswaldo Veras. In the offseason Olemiss let Duncan,Norman,Li,Manning,Moore,Hernandez and Hansen go to free agency. He then released Sellers and Cookson. Pelaez, Rosado and Hasegawa were free agent signings and he promoted Penny,Knight and McAnaney. Then Olemiss picked up Wesson and Guerrero in the R-5 to complete the roster. With the promotion of 3 young studs the Black Bears are a better team, but not good enough to reach .500. I don't think they will lose 111 games but 90 losses could be their future. Olemiss will pick up some more tasty prospects and the farm teams will be hard to beat.PREDICTION: 65-97

A L NORTH PREVIEW SEASON 19

Fargo Prairie Dogs (AL) aaronwayne View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:96-66

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Yep Aarons P-Dogs were barking up a storm last year. And their bite was pretty nasty also. The P-Dogs hit .274 and crushed 233 homers and continued to play great defense (84 errors and a .986 FPct). They also had a very good season on the mound with a team ERA of 4.20.All this made the P-dogs the Big Dogs in The AL with the #1 seed in the playoffs.But they were biten by the Moonbats in the second round and were swept in 3. Next year Aaron will have to make sure the P-Dogs get their shots to cure them from Moonbat fever.In the offseason he took Kerr,Stewart and Satou for a ride and dropped them off at the entrance ramp to free agency.The roster was trimmed down to 25 due to the abandonment of the afor mentioned Dogs. They were expendable after last years promotions of Latos and Gonzales.Aarons P-Dogs are a lean mean fightin machine and will probably win the A L North again.If they slip up the Misfits will move in.Hopefully they can get past the post season failures.PREDICTION:96-66

OUT: Joel Crane , Ernie Figueroa , David Martin

IN: Vic Chavez , Gabe Kent , Manuel Latos

PREVIEW: Aarons P-Dogs finished as predicted with 96 wins due to a stellar defensive squad (78 team errors, .987 fielding percentage) that was ranked 4th in Wrigleyville. They won this division for the 6th consecutive season and went into the playoffs as the #2 seed.They got revenge against the Shocksquad by sweeping them in the DCS.They found themselves in the LCS for the second year in a row. And Aarons P-Dogs lost a heartbreaking game seven to the Cobras (*sob*). In the offseason Aaronwayne let Crane go to free agency and released Figueroa outright. Then he waived Martin,who was claimed by the Black Sox. With only a few holes in the roster, Aaron signed free agents Chavez, Kent and promoted Latos. The P-Dogs defense will always keep them in games. The rest of this division got stronger the last few years and the division championship will not be as easy this year. Aarons P-Dogs still should make the post season and maybe this will be the year of the Praire Dogs.PREDICTION:94-68

New Britain Bruins (AL) dodgersgale View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:87-75

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: I will not trash Kumbia . It is not my way. And I had several interactions with him over the years and we got along nicely. But in fairness he did not do this team justice and I can't blame many owners when they criticized him.The Mish stepped in and brought in Dodgersgale to take over the team. Dodger loaded up all the equipment and moved the Montreal franchise to New Britian.I'm not sure where New Britain is, but I like the fact that New is in the name. Its kind of fitting for this club, they need a New start.Wow...Dodger gutted this team and brought in bargin bin free agents then promoted several young future superstars and sprinkled it with some others thru various transactions.Your guess is as good as mine how this turns out?? But with the combination of veterans and prospects this team looks good. And they have lots of cap flexability. Things are new and shiny in New Britain.PREDICTION:81-81

OUT: Gary Dimaggio , Herm Harris , Rico Mateo , Tripp Kent , Lloyd Perry , Ross Bush , Tony Jang , Brent Tollberg , Shane Ryal

IN: Stuart Hausmann , Jorge Posada , Willie Burgess , Phil Satou , Philip Schultz , Walter Parker , Sam Strickland , Chad Wood

DODGERSGALE'S PREVIEW:  New Britain Bruins Can they repeat the magic of last year? Pitching: The pitching staff is led by Cy Young and ROY winner, Miguel Blanco (22-9, 1.02 whip). He is a year older,and even more dangerous. The rest of the staff pitches in his shadow, but are good as well. Chet Brohawn came on late to provide 10 wins and a 3.10 ERA. David Cabrera will try to slide into the #2 role for the Bruins after making 23 starts last year.New to the staff are free agent Jorge Posada (who will pitch out of the bullpen), and rookies Sam Strickland (starting) and Walter Parker (relieving). The Bruins only allowed 633 runs which was lowest in the AL, and fourth in Wrigleyville.The bullpen features Gorkys Soriano who should lead the league in appearances this year. Defense: The Bruins finished 4th in fielding percentage. Gold Glove Centerfielder, Gerardo Martinez, will continue to patrol the outfield.Herm Harris won a gold glove at 3B, but has been replaced by the strong armed Willie Burgess. They will be hard pressed to repeat a stellar defensive year. Batting: The team was one of the WORST in the AL last year.They had an amazing run despite being almost completely inept. This year they did upgrade by bringing in Willie Burgess (who looks to rebound from a career low year), Bob Daley (added late last year and pounded out .279/.344/.586 in the final half of the season in only 248 AB’s to get to 22 hr and 69 rbi!), and the trade for DH Chad Wood (who should contribute a decent slash line of .310/.330/.510. Final Synopsis: Last year’s miracle season is in the rearview mirror. And looking at this team I can’t see them repeating their playoff run. The offense is a bit stronger, and the pitching just a bit better.But last year was luck more than anything. The rebuild continues for a team that will probably stand pat at their $32 million dollar payroll. They will remain competitive until the reinforcements arrive in about 2-3 years.

PREVIEW: Yep, it's a bright sun shiny day in New Britain. Dodgers team finished above my prediction and made the post season as the #5 seed. They were swept in the first round by Hartford, but it is still a move in the right direction.The Bruins had the 4th best pitching staff last year(.370 team ERA) and the 4th best defense(78 team errors,.987 FPct).Dodger did pick up #2 overall pick Mark McCartney and he grabbed Aroldis Guerra in the IFA Market. The future's so bright, Dodgersgale's gotta wear shades. In the offseason he let Dimaggio,Harris,Mateo,Kent,Perry,Bush and Jang go to free agency. Then he released Tollberg and Ryal outright. With many holes in the lineup Dodgersgale signed free agents Hausmann,Posada,Burgess,Satou and Schultz. He promoted Parker and Strickland then traded for Wood. Well.... the promotion of Parker may be premature according to some game philosophies. I hope he stays healthy and at age 21, its not like hes a kid. But all that aside, this team will be battling for the division and could win it. If not they will be in the wild card hunt and their good pitching and defense may take them deep in the post season.PREDICTON:92-70

Minnesota Misfits (AL) pbsilver11 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:76-86

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: I'm glad the Misfits had a better year. My Magic 8-ball pick has not fared well in previous predictions. And Pbsilver looks to put the nightmare of season 16 far in his rearview mirror. Last year the Misfits were a very good hitting team (.280 BA) but the pitching( 4.92 ERA) and fielding(122 errors) were suspect at best.Perhaps Pbsilver may want to invest in some defensive players in the future?The misfits brought in some big bats in free agency and traded for some defense and pitching. Overall they will still try to outscore you and hope the pitching and defense keeps them close. I'm not sure they can do that.PREDICTION:81-81

OUT: Glen Trujillo , Willie Burgess , Travis Gutierrez , Zach Goodwin , Claude Coleman , Garry Olsen , Thom Gates

IN: Frank Vanguri , Geoffery Sierra , Pedro Rondon

PBSILVERS PREVIEW: we picked up Frank Vanguri, brought up some minor leaguers like Chad Jones, Geoffrey Sierra and Pep Handworth. Last season was a disappointment. Our starting pitching is still suspect, but we should score some runs to make it fun.

PREVIEW: Up year ,Down year,Up year and now another down year. It's enough to make Pbsilver a little queezy. His Misfits took a step back again with a 76 win season. Minnesota has one of the better offensive teams(.273 team BA) but their pitching(4.72 team ERA) and defense(113 team errors) are below average.When I look back at last seasons Weekly Updates. Pbsilver started moving M L players for prospects around the All-Star break. He picked up several nice young players like Aroldis Guerra, Chad Jones and Chris Everett amongst others. So it wasn't a total loss last year, afterall. In the offseason Pbsilver re-signed Mark Phillips and Pedro DeLeon after their options were declined. He let Trujillo , Burgess go to free agency and he released Gutierrez,Goodwin and Coleman. Then Olsen and Gates were shipped to Cincinatti for Vanguri. To fill the last 2 roster spots, Pbsilver promoted Sierra and grabbed Rondon in the R-5. While bringing in Vanguri and Sierra improved the offense the loss of Olsen in the bullpen may hurt PB. Rondon is nowhere near as solid as Olsen. PB will let these guys play until the All-Star break and if they fall behind, he may trade for some youngsters again.The Pitching is still a concern so right now I'd have to say the misfits are a .500 team with an upside.PREDICTION:81-81

Chicago Black Sox (AL) Dullaghan View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:70-92

LAST YEARS PREVIEW:  The young Black Sox had growing pains.My prediction of 85 wins was pretty pathetic. The below average hitting(.264 BA) couldn't overcome the 5th worst pitching( 5.29 ERA) and the 3rd worst defensive team(130 errors). So Its not a suprise why this team finished so bad. Perhaps an upgrade in the defense will help the pitching?? The Black Sox let a bunch of talent go to free agency and picked up a couple comp picks. But this team still may be a year or two away from being a solid big league team. PREDICTION:79-83

OUT: Freddie Mohr , Mickey Harville , Austin Hamilton

IN: B.C. Palacios , Hiram Sweeney , Chris Dawley , D'Angelo Gutierrez , David Martin

PREVIEW: Dullaghans Black Sox are consistent with another 70 win season. They are still a work in progress so this was not a shock. With 3 first round draft picks last year, Dullaghan signed Robinson Glover ,Darron Flier and Stone Harding to bolster the farm system. In the offseason Dullaghan let Mohr and Harville go to free agency and he released Hamilton outright. Dullaghan had a few open spots in his roster and first he signed free agents Palacios,Sweeney and Dawley. Finally he claimed Gutierrez and Martin off the waiver wire.I look at this teams overall projections and it makes my blood run cold. They are a very young team with several future super stars. Will this be the year they step up and take us by suprise?? I will say...... no. Mainly because Dullaghan has one of the lowest coaching budgets (9 million) and I think the youngsters need coaching....well thats how it works in the real world anyways. And the 8 million in training is a double whammy on a teams performance. If Dullaghen ups these 2 areas next year, this team may take off. Right now they are a good team with bad Coaching and training.PREDICTION:82-80 

THE KICKAPOOS WIN THEIR 4th WORLD SERIES

The KICKAPOOS new team Headquarters

Hello again this is I.B. Lyon back after a harrowing escape from enemy occupied McCabe World. I made my way to the City by the Bay to meet up with Mark3313 the owner of the World Champion San Francisco Kickapoos.We met at Marks favorite resturant "Blowfish Sushi to Die For" in the mission district. I was led to a table where Mark was already devouring several Spider rolls.With one arm he motioned me to sit while wiping his mouth with the other. "Welcome I.B." said he, while sucking up the last bit of Honey Tartar Sauce. I sat in silence while Mark ordered us 2 Stoli Wasabi Martinis and a plate of Blowfish Maki.The Asian Beauty that took our order blushed when Mark swatted her on the rump as she turned to walk away. He winked at me and chuckled "I'd love to take a roll in that sushi. Heh".I replied that I would and we both grinned from ear to ear.
  I took this opportunity to ask Mark " This team has always been the one to beat year after year by winning more than 100 games. But this year the Kickapoos only won 97 and were not as dominate in the regular season. How did this team put it all together in the Playoffs to win the Series?" Mark slurpped down his Martini and said " You know I tried to figure out that myself and I finally came to the realization that it comes down to putting the best team together under the rules and cross your fingers.Perhaps my team was due for some good luck after all the times we should have won the Series and didn't." I nodded in agreement and tackled my plate of Blowfish Sushi.
  After dinner we ordered 2 desserts of Moko-Moko and washed it down with Shirakabegura Kimoto Sake. Our Asian Flower returned with the check. Mark wrote in a generous gratuity after aquiring her phone number and a peck on the cheek. He looked at me and bellowed " I'm gonna swipe some of that like Ignacio Sosa steals bases." We both chuckled and made our way to the street. I congratulated Mark in his World Series win and after a brisk handshake a stretch limo pulled up.Mark clamored in with a whoop and wave goodbye and I was left standing on the curb while the car disappeared around the corner. I couldn't help but think. It's good to be in a World with a class commisioner like Mark3313. Thanks for all you do my friend.
 

SWISH IS THIS YEARS OWNER OF THE YEAR

EVAN HOUSE OF DETENTION, A 5 STAR RESORT

We all know how hard it is to take an average team and turn them into one of the best. Swish has done it with the ARIZONA COBRAS and that is why he won this years DUROCHER AWARD. Swish Is also active in the league wheather it is some good advice on the Chat or a article on the Blog. While we don't hand out a Trophy for this award.This year we will be sending Swish and a Companion on a all expense paid trip to the Lovely Zagros Mountains on the Iraq-Iran Border. With opulent accomidations at the Evin Prison inside Beautiful Iran. This will be a trip of a lifetime........in prison that is.We stand and applaud with respect and admiration to Swish. This years Durocher Award Winner.

SEASON 18 DUROCHER AWARD NOMINEES

My friends this makes 4 seasons we have voted for the Owner of the year. And the participation has been solid with 2/3 of the league voting for the Durocher Award winner.Below are 4 worthy nominees and I hope we have 100% participation.Vote for your favorite to the left of this column and you have 7 days to vote. Thanks for another grand season in Wrigleyville.--MAD


SWISHNEV- This nomination is a no brainer..so to speak. Swish's Arizona Club is leading the A L and he also contributes to the blog occasionally.Swish took a struggling team over 5 seasons ago and has turned them into winners.Here is what a fellow owner had to say about Swish : "He has done a great job building the team back up in that tough AL West".


RBEDWELL- What can I say about our fellow owner Rbedwell. Let me start by saying that he has been a resource to most of us when we have a question about HBD. Thats why I've dubbed him the Professor...well theres that, and he's a teacher too. The Professors San Juan Santurce Crabbers are also the class of the N L and have represented the N L in the last 2 World Series, winning 1 . Here is what a nominating owner had to say: "best record in the league. Finished first again".


MADMULDOON- Well, I usually dont put my name in for the Durocher due to the fact that usually my team really sucks. They still suck but not really suck, so............I will bow to some owners that think I deserve consideration.Heres what a owner had to say: "I nominate Madmuldoon for not only fielding a quality team, but more importantly make the league a better league through all of his contributions. What Madmuldoon brings to this league is clearly more than any other owner does. I vote Madmuldoon"


AARONWAYNE- Lets see...... Aaronwayne took a struggling team 10 seasons ago and now they are going to claim their 6th consecutive division title. Even though he hasn't won the Series yet, his consitancy should be worth something. These Dogs can hunt and its just a matter of time before they win it all. One owner had this to say about Aaronwayne: "I'll go with Fargo/aaronwayne for The Durocher Award because he always kicks my ass."


Others recieving nominations: Sandberg10, Mark3313, Mdymond

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE S-18 #7

TRADES

The LOUISVILLE HOWLERS traded Victor Lima to the MEMPHIS BLUES for Harry Bennett

Memphis picks up a M L innings eater. The Howlers get a prospect that may get a shot at the bigs.


The LOUISVILLE HOWLERS traded Christy Crawford to the FARGO PRAIRIE DOGS for Virgil Guerrero
The  P-Dogs get a DITR that has some defensive skills. The Howlers get a good defensive player in his prime.

M L INJURIES
Trent Kingston
This former AAA rookie of the year had a sore Hammy. He is back on the team and doing just fine for Colorado Springs.But theres a dark cloud forming over the Springs.

Davey Solano
It's been a whirlwind season for Davey "So-So" Solano. So he was on the AAA DL. So then after he recovered the P-Dogs called him up .So now he's back on the DL. So that 33 health rating makes him Iffy at best!

Virgil Siqueiros
Virgil "That was" Siqueiros will spend 2 months on the DL with elbow tendinitis.This Tabaky Farmer has been a solid bullpen guy and will be missed.

Joe Valdes
There's a bug going around in the Springs. Joe Valdes went on the 15-day DL with a bum Hammy. Maybe its the swine flu tearing up the Hammys.

Eric Durham
This Crusher suffered a dislocated shoulder. He will return in 2 weeks and should be put right back in.He's a very good bullpen guy.

Del Bonilla
Yep...theres pestilence in Colorado Springs. Del "bad to the" Bonilla has a stiff groin and will miss 2 weeks. Stiff hammys and groins are a-plenty in the Springs.

Terry Oliver
Terry "Cloth" Oliver is back on the DL for the first time in the Majors. He was a AAA DL Darling before signing a 3 year 14.4 million dollar free agent contract this year. He will be back with the Posse in 3 weeks after his bulging disc heals.

Alex O'Donnell
Alex O'Donnell doesn't like his demotion to AAA. It's the second time he has been on the DL since he was sent down. Sending a message to Wylie, me thinks!!

Diego Arredondo

Diego "DA" Arrendondo is going under the knife and will miss 3 months.The Moonbats will miss their chief Prosecutor in the pen.Sordie will need this guy back if he intends on going deep in the postseason.


Buster O'Connor
Buster "Cherry" O'Conner fits in with the Red Light Districts. They are a bunch of degenerates and have a infamous reputation. Buster Cherry will miss 2 weeks with a sprained elbow.

Placido Cruz
O K , someone quarantine the Colorado Springs Bandits. This time its a ankle sprain and the commish has forbid any trading with Colrado Springs Club. We don't want a World Wide Pandemic.

Jim Roundtree
The Bleacher Bums will lose Jim "Merry Go" Roundtree for 2 weeks with a forearm cramp.he is in the second year of a 4 year 25.2 million dollar free agent contract.This guy loves to run around the bases.

Steve Henderson
The Howlers R-5 pick-up has a straind MCL. He will miss a month and luckily didn't take a big hit on his projections.

Andres Ferrer
Oh lord!! The big one just hit Chicago.The tremors will be felt for awhile in the windy city. The Bleacher Bums lost Andres "Fault" Ferrer for the rest of the year with a stress fractured elbow.


INTERNATIONALS

Tsuyoshi Huang Louisville Howlers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Yokosuka, JP Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.5 million and a S/T invite for this prospect. may make it to AAA.

Cookie Jung Louisville Howlers Age: 19 B/T: S/L Born: Saigon, VN Position(s): 2B/C/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Stocking the minors.

Francisco Alvarado Louisville Howlers Age: 22 B/T: L/L Born: Bolivar, VE Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.2 million and a S/T invite for this pitching prospect.This guy will be wild but the other projections are nice.

Fernando Maduro Trenton Toyotas Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Havana, CU Position(s): P (SuB) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Rookie Fodder

Juan Reyes Louisville Howlers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Boca Chica, DO Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Howlers stocking the Farm for next year.

Alcides Casilla Colorado Springs Bandits Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Santa Rosalia, MX Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2.1 million for this prospect . Egads he's on the DL, Beware of The Colorado Springs Flu!!

Willie Canseco Burlington Coat Factory Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Coahuila, MX Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

You can never have enough catchers in the minors.

Ugueth Duran Syracuse Moose Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Los Teques, VE Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4.3 million for this speedy LF'er with power and Contact. The Price was Nice!!

Gustavo Rodriguez Durham BullShippers Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Tecamachalco, MX Position(s): P (LRA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1 million dollars for this AAA pitcher. A visit from the DITR Ferry will make him a big leaguer.

Vic Santana Cincinnati Red Light District Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Anaco, VE Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3.3 million for this future DH. He may do well on a AL team.

Hipolito Silva Cincinnati Red Light District Age: 20 B/T: L/L Born: Granada, NI Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

5.8 million for this very nice #5 or long relief pitching prospect.This kid a steal at 5.8 mil and should be stud pitcher.

Albie Estrada Colorado Springs Bandits Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Hatillo Palma, DO Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.9 million for this IFA that will be a strong arm RF'er.

Hector Miranda Cincinnati Red Light District Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Escatepec, MX Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

spendin the left over propsect budget

Eliezer Canseco Cincinnati Red Light District Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Ancon, PA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Ditto

Gus Jung Louisville Howlers Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Uwajima, JP Position(s): P (none) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Howlers still stocking the Farm.