Earl Weaver Baseball League

Miscellaneous Notes

September 7th, 2008 by Banditos GM

-  At some point in 1992 Ricky Powell of NO was replaced as the closer by Steffen Larsen.  Larsen, 26, was acquired in a trade with the Diplomats over the offseason.  The Dukes now have 2 "name" relievers in their middle relief with Powell and Ludo Orlandi.  The difference is that Orlandi, like most former closers, is angry about his role, whereas, Powell's morale is great.  Could this be correlated to his 10 Leadership Ability? 7 Loyaltly? 6 Desire for a Winning Team?  My guess would be Leadership ability perhaps keeps up the morale.  Also, Mitchell Reece's decision to replace Powell as closer is highly questionable.  Consider Powell's past history, and his age, then compare that to Larsen.  Larsen, if better, is not by much.

-  Sticking with New Orleans, 2B Francisco Neri might be the Ozzie Smith of the EWB.  He may lay claim to the best defensive infielder ever.  First lets start with his ratings, in the following he rates a 10/10:  IF Range, IF Error, Turn Double Play, Rating at 1B, Rating at 2B, Rating at 3B.  The only defensive ranking he does not have a 10 in is IF Arm where he rates a respectable 7.  Now, in addition he has 5 Gold Gloves.  The catch is that 4 are at 3B and 1 at 2B.  Gold Gloves at multiple positions is an acclaimed feat. 

- Frank Robinson, World Series manager of the 1990 Dallas Brahmas, has returned to his roots.  He is currently managing the AAA Syracuse Chimpanzees of the International League.  Robinson started his career as manager of the Chimpanzees from 1970-72.

- Miami SS Michael Quint is from Wasilla, Alaska.  In the news quite a bit lately as the town that Sarah Palin was the mayor of or from.

- This looks to be a boring September for the NL.  Unless something drastic happens, all 3 division leaders look to have things wrapped up.  Even Boston has a solid 3 game lead in the Wildcard race over Indianapolis.  Contrast this to the AL, where all divisions are in play and virtually no team is eliminated.

-  Justin Johnston is black, Tiehen is white.  Is there any relation to Sherwood Johnston? Looking at the pictures there is a huge resemblance.  Justin would have been born when Sherwood was 23.  Miami's Anthony Pryor is from York, NE and is having a career year for the Banditos this season.

-  In answer to Miguel Torres question.  Are we happy?  Of course not, but we would have never made the deal if Dong min Kim played OF.  The idea was to clear salary room and open IF spots for young players we thought were ready.  In addition we needed to  acquire a solid, productive everyday OF.  Torres is giving us some much needed power but overall is performing negatively.  We've stuck with him and will continue to hope he turns a corner.  By the way, he has been sub .200 almost all season, it's only been in the last sim or two that he has cracked .200.  Baby steps.

- With regards to Rafael Valentin.  We have no comment.  We are currently in discussions with several players regarding their contract extensions.  We would hate to see any speculation disrupt these negotiations.

- Miami injuries.  Everybody is aware of the Admiral injury situation, the media and ESPN continually harp on it.  However, the Banditos may have had a much more devastating set of injuries.  The Banditos lost their opening day starters at C, 1B, 2B, and SS.  Sure you can minimized the Delzoppo and Young injuries since Hinkle and Pryor/Yamada/Quint have filled in quite well.  But there is no way to take out players like Bryant and Hamilton, the 1990 team MVP and 1991 Team MVP and not be severely affected.  It's weird to think that I will get Bryant back soon, because he's never been part of this team this year.  Miami is desperate for his return.

-  The Montreal Knights are flush with former human players.  First take a look at the pitching.  In the rotation is Dave Harris, former Bandito, currently at 5-2, 1.94 ERA.  Harris was traded for Jose Rodriguez who is currently a FA.  In the bullpen Ernesto "Meltdown" Perez (Wash), Carlos Crus (Omaha), CL Leon Rosario (Omaha).  In AAA bullpen Arturo Duran (Omaha).  In the lineup Frank Patterson (Omaha), Javier Martinon (Omaha), William Cook (Miami, a Rule 5 pick playing Utility IF for Montreal), and in AAA Chris Kilvington (Omaha).  It should be noted that the humans like to interact with Montreal a lot.  It should also be noted that several of these players are high calibre.  Obviously Patterson is a 5 star, so is Martinon, and Kilvington is in that elite neighborhood.  Actually, Kilvington may have to beat out either Patterson at 1B or Martinon at 3B or else linger in AAA.

-  Whatever happened to Miguel Gonzalez of Omaha?  At one point he was the reason for being able to trade away Martinon.  He was also part of a trade talk with Washington.  He was the next high flying Wolverine prospect.  Currently he is playing Utility IF, not hitting well and seems to have lost a lot of lustre, not just around the league but also with Omaha management.  Mike?  What up with him?

-  AL Coaches on the hot seat.  Tom Kelly has to be worried.  Chicago is a big market team that should be contending year in and out.  Last year's playoff loss and this year's horrible 1st half spell trouble for the Tom Kelly.  Pete Rose also shouldn't be resting too easy.  Rose has made improvements to a very weak franchise, but a lot is expected of him and not a lot of patience is afforded to him.  Joe Torre.  Yes, Torre in his 1st half of the season is on the hot seat.  Torre took over a team considered a sure shot, they were considered the dynamite offense of EWB.  Omaha has failed to reach expectations, furthermore they are managed by the whimsical GM Gilmore.  It's known throughout the league that as manager of the Wolverines position is a perpetual hot seat.

- Mike Robinson hits .77 better at home than on the road.  .319 to .242.  Although he hits equally for power 6 HR at each home and on the road.  Does he just pick up the ball better at Da Vista Ga or is it something else?  Trouble sleeping on the road?  Too much partying on the road?  As Robinson goes, so do the Admirals when post season rolls around.  So they better lock up homefield advantage.

Miguel Torres

September 7th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Of Miami is awfully Rob Deer-like.  He's .201/17/51, after being acquired for Dong-min Kim.  Is Miami satisfied with this trade, even assuming there's no further development by Torres?

Justin is Awesome

September 7th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Justin Johnston, AAA prospect for Boston, is kicking ass.  He has stats of .318/25/79 at the break.  Similar: his first name is Justin.  Dissimilar: his last name is Johnston, not T.  Similar: His birthday is in November.  Dissimilar: his birthdate is the 13th, noth the 12th (still super close!!!).  Similar: He's from Nebraska.  Dissimilar: he's from Columbus, not Ralston.  Depsite the minor dissimilarities, this guy is remarkably like me, JTT.  He's a Justin from Nebraska who's birthday is on 11/13, rather than 11/12.  That's super-close.  Right now, his ratings are 4-5, contact power.  That's not potential, that's *actual*.  Upshot: there's no way Boston re-signs Rafael Valentin.  Justin Johnston is guaranteed to be a star.  Let me add to the rumors: Valentin will be a Miami Bandito before long, given that Boston already has Johnston.

Human Rookies

September 6th, 2008 by Banditos GM

Here is a list of human rookies that have or may make a splash in 1992.  Some are possible award candidates.  They are listed in order of my estimation of highest impact to negligible.

MIAMI
Ryan Hinkle- Legitimate Angel Rosa Candidate.
Ray Stapylton
Coy Rollins
Michael Quint
Steve Halter
Dave Johnson
Lou "Franchise" Bennett

OMAHA
Clayton Jones
Antonio Ayala
Ben Lindsay

WASHINGTON
Artie Bicknell
Dale Reinert
Jeff Blanchard
Russie Ramsey
Francisco Perez
Kendrick
Tinker

Newest 3 Star Admiral: Brad Robertson

September 6th, 2008 by Admirals GM

On Saturday, the 4th of July, prior to our home game vs. the Las Vegas Renegades, the Washington Admirals will be inducting the newest 3 Star Admiral: former starting pitcher Brad Robertson.  There will be a hot dog-eating contest for fans and players' families before the game, ceremonial coins celebrating Robertson's career (and especially his 1978 and 1980 seasons), and a fireworks ceremony after the game, in which Brad presses the button that gets things started.  Below are some of the highlights of Robertson's biography.

 

1. Robertson is one of the few Admiral greats to be originally drafted by the team.  The draft involved some controversy though.  In 1972, the Admirals selected Robertson with their 10th round pick.  Half an hour later, at the beginning of the 11th round, the San Antonio Aztecas announced Robertson as their 11th round selection, not realizing he was already off the board.  (This story is not made up.  Check out Robertson's personal page.)  This (a) helped establish San Antonio's reputation for managerial incompetence, (b) added to the Admirals' myth of edging out other teams, given Robertson's later success, and (c) helped sour relations between Washington and San Antonio.  Azteca fans are convinced that the Admirals consistently screw them over.

 

2. Robertson made his big league debut late in 1975, and pitched well as the Admirals coasted to the division title.  Despite the 21-year-old's inexperience, the Admirals counted on him in a big way in the playoffs, and Robertson responded with a 2-1 record in 4 starts.  It was enough to help the Admirals win the 1975 World title, the Admirals' second straight.  Robertson also was a big playoff contributor during the 1977 and 1978 World Championship runs, going 3-0 in 3 starts each year.  Like just about every Admiral, Robertson seemed to have a knack for playing well during crunch time.  He won 3 World Championships over his career.

 

3. Robertson was at his peak in 1978, when he went 23-6 and 3.39, and also in 1980, when he went 20-7 and 2.59.  Both years, he was edged out by teammate Gizmo Delgado in Bob Gibson Award voting.  (The 1980 vote was especially controversial.  Some Admiral officials acknowledge that Delgado won that award on reputation, and that Robertson was more deserving.  This complaint doesn't get aired a lot though, for obvious political reasons.)

 

4. At his peak, Robertson was an 11 point pitcher with 6 different pitches and solid strikeout ability.  He led the league in K's once and in K's/9 on another occasion.  According to my system, an 11 point pitcher is a solid ace or an exceptional #2 pitcher.  What was remarkable about the 1970s Admirals was that Robertson was their *third* starter, after ace Gizmo Delgado and #2 Forest Thomas.  As good as Sherwood Johnston was on offense, the strength of the team, hands-down, was their starting pitching.  That's a tradition the team has tried to keep to this day: the team strength of the 1992 Admirals is also their starting pitching, and their AL leading starters' ERA.

 

5. Like Forest Thomas, Robertson made exactly 2 All Star games in his life: 1978 and 1980.  Unlike Thomas, the lack of adulation never really bothered him much.  Robertson was well known for his no-nonsense, workman like approach to his job.  He thinks that the spectacle Forest Thomas makes of himself is something of an embarrassment.

 

6. Gizmo Delgado and Forest Thomas are both especially known for their longevity.  Robertson is not.  After that excellent season which he posted as a 26-year-old in 1980, Robertson started to lose a step just about each year.  Throughout the 1980s, he would win about 15 games a year for the Admirals, and post an ERA in the high 3.00s or low 4.00s.  Not horrible, too be sure, but a far cry from competing for the Gibson award, as he had done earlier in his career.  Robertson is one of those players whose career trajectory starts great in their early to mid 20s, is okay but not great in their late 20s and early 30s, and then is bad in their mid 30s.

 

7. The Admirals signed Robertson to a big 4 year, $14M contract after the 1986 season.  Immediately, this loooked like a mistake, as Robertson struggled through the worst year of his career so far in 1987, going 10-18 and 4.92.  In an effort to dump his salary, the Admirals traded him after the year to Omaha, in exchange for outfielder Roberto Elias (presently with Carolina) and pitching prospect Wayne Gary (making his major league debut with Memphis this year).

 

8. Robertson did not enjoy his time in Omaha.  Not one bit.  He struggled through a 7-13, and 5.32 year in 1988, then got demoted to the bullpen in 1989 where he posted a 4.32 ERA.  His worst year, though, was 1990, when he went 3-8 with a 6.33 ERA while splitting time between the rotation and the bullpen.  Even worse, Robertson quarreled with the new Wolverines' management.  He thought they were a Mickey Mouse organization, and didn't hesitate to say as much.  He thought the team was too enamored with youth and with trying to start things from scratch, which led them to undervalue their veterans.  Even during a rebuilding period, Robertson would say, veterans have an important role to play.  Rather than dealing with a disgruntled Robertson for another year, Omaha released him prior to 1991, eating the last year of that big salary the Admirals had signed him to.

 

9. After being released, Roberton harbored some hopes of catching on with another team -- maybe even the Admirals -- but it was not to be.  Just getting used to retirement at this point, Robertson rarely travels or makes any baseball appearances.  Instead, he spends much of his time in his brother's upholstery store back in his hometown of West Little River, Florida, and at his modest home.  Most customers at that store have no idea they're dealing with a Washington Admirals' legend.  Robertson prefers it that way.

EWB Financial report

September 6th, 2008 by Admirals GM

1. Washington is #1 in the league in attendance.  Minneapolis is #2, so Matt Egghead isn't keeping fans away.  New York is #3, which you would expect given their success.  K.C. is #4: great fans, and they're winning this year.  Omaha is #8, and Miami is #16.

 

2. In terms of media revenue (cable deals and so on), Dallas is #1, Atlanta is #2, and mega-market El Paso is #3.  Omaha comes in at #12, Washington is #15, and Miami is #16.

 

3. The top merchandising team is Washington.  This is unsurprising given their history of success: they are the Yankees of EWB.  #2 is Chicago.  I can see that.  Chicago has been successful recently, they're in a big city, and Samurai seem like a cool mascot.  Boston Irish are #3.  Again, I can see it.  After that, Miami is #14 while Omaha is #25.  Are team execs satisfied, given the recent changes uniform changes?

 

4. 22 EWB teams are in the red this year, including Omaha (-$850K) and Washington (-$70K).  The worst offenders are St. Louis (-$9M), Cincinnati (-$8M), and New York (-$6M).  Each of these teams are getting bang for their bucks: New York and St. Louis have big division leads, while Cincinnati is competitive for the Wild Card.  St. Louis's worst money spent is on backup C Burton King.  King is hitting .193 in 1992 after batting .176 in 1991.  For this backup catcher, St. Louis is shelling out $8M this year.  (He used to be better, but never anywhere near deserving of $8M a year.)   Looking ahead, you wonder if St. Louis will be able to afford free agent to be Joe Murphy.  Cincinnati's worst salary is 37-year-old Jake Matthews's $7.3M.  Matthews is batting .250/1/4 this year, in limited playing time (no injury).  This past offseason, Cincinnati drafted Matthews away from Montreal via the Rule 5 Draft.  You have to figure Montreal was awfully thankful to get that salary taken off their hands.  Matthews used to be one of the best catchers in the game, but he's nowhere near living up to his paycheck anymore.  Cincinnati is already locked in for $41M in payroll next year, so you have to wonder whether they'll be attempting a salary dump this offseason.  New York's worst salary is 30-year-old Chris Bradford, who's making $8.2M.  This year, Bradford is batting .179/0/0 in backup duty (no injury).  Bradford's salary is far worse than the last 2, in that New York is on the hook for him through 1994 (both King's and Matthew's contracts end after this year).  Bradford used to be a good power hitter (like, 25-30 HR), but could never hit for average (.238 lifetime).  New York made a major mistake in giving him a 5 year, $40M contract prior to 1990.  New York is a big market, and so they have more room to afford mistakes than other teams do.  Still, you have to worry going ahead if you're a 5 Points fan.  All Stars Marcus Brent (3B) and German Ortiz (RF) are projected to be free agents after the year, and there's a real threat that Bradford contract will make it tough for New York to resign them.

 

5. No team is more in the black (green) than Miami (+$7M).  Going forward, Miami is going to need that money though.  As mentioned before, the following guys are all free agents to be: Ken Hamilton, George Banks, Luis Carranza, Gavin James, and All Star Whit Gaul.  Despite scouts' grumblings of diminishing ability, Banks continues to be the best pitcher in the game, hands down.  If he were to go on the market, Banks would command well above the $7.3M Miami is paying him this year.  (If I had salary room, I'd try to offer him $11M a year, or so, for 2-3 years.)  My prediction: Miami spends big bucks to keep him.  Luis Carranza could not have picked a better year to post MVP numbers -- he's your stereotypical case of the guy who blows up right before becoming a free agent.  His .340 lifetime average is tied for the highest in EWB history (with Don Kelly).  If Carranza went on the market, I assume he would get a contract in the vicinity of what Keith Whitfield got from El Paso last year: $43M over 6 years.  Carranza is less durable than Whitfield, but a better clubhouse presence.  My prediction: Miami keeps him.  Ken Hamilton is a tougher case.  His recent injury has assured that his 1992 season is a disater.  In 1991 he was pretty good, but in 1990 he was subpar.  Hamilton is making $7.5M this year.  My prediction: Hamilton will want way more money than Miami is willing to offer, and the result will be that he departs fia free agency.  Gavin James is okay, but his production and ratings are really quite similar to Roy Wilson's of Washington.  If anything, Wilson is having the better year.  But, whereas Wilson is making the league minimum, James is making $2.5M.  My prediction: Miami lets him go after the year.  If Miami makes these moves, they project to have a fair amount of money to spend on upcoming free agents.  That has to make Rafael Valentin's agent happy.  It's official: the Valentin to Miami rumors start now.

Re: Assessing Chuck Tanner

September 5th, 2008 by Banditos GM

I have to say, I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the job Cal Ripken Sr. has done with our minor league system.  It's funny I was just about to comment on this before you posted this.  I was firmly convinced, especially with the 9 pitchers thing, that it wouldn't be long before I meddled with Ripken's job.

However, he scores on several points:

1) Most importantly, he has several of our AAA ready to fill in when they have been needed.  Hinkle, Quint, Stapylton, and Collins were all supposed to spend the majority of the year in Little Rock.  Due to our injuries they were needed and were prepared.

2) All our strongest prospects our starting and playing at a organizational level I, for the most part, agree with.  Our prospects are succeeding and rapidly developing compared with the way I handled them.

3) Our minor league records have improved quite a bit.  We are winning in the minors, except at our lowest levels.
Little Rock 45-28 .616  +5.5
Connecticut  52-27 .658 +5
South Omaha 41-38  .519 -10
Greeneville  44-35 .557 -3
Vermont   31-51 .378 -12
Coral Springs  32-50 .390  -28

Three of our six affiliates are playoff contenders.  Two look like pennant winners.  Ripken gets a $100,000 bonus for any affiliate Championship.

At this point Ripken's doing well enough for us.  It is nice not to be burdened with the responsibility.  However, this doesn't rule out the possibility that I may return in more limited role.

Assessing Chuck Tanner

September 5th, 2008 by Admirals GM

I have to say, I'm not too thrilled with how our minor league system has gone this year.

 

For one thing, the records are pretty horrible.

 

Tacoma's winning percentage is a dreadful .315; that projects to 51-111 over 162 games.  Horrible.

Trenton's is .443; that's 72-90.  Better, but still really, really bad.

High Desert is okay at .519

Ralston is our Jewel, at .608

But then Everett is .459

And Quebradillas is .390, whic projects to 63-99.

 

Overall, our minor league winning percentage is .455, which projects to 74-88.

 

In addition, by sticking with his rigid 9-pitcher-per-team rule, he's really hurt us when some pitcher goes down.

 

Finally, and most crucially, I can't name you a single prospect who's had a breakthrough year.  Just the opposite.  In fact, most of our prospects have had bad years, and in some cases disconcertingly bad ones.

 

There's a reasonable chance that I'll be taking over minor league oversight next year, using Tanner just occasionally to do some of the more tedious work of minor league management.

1st Half Awards

September 5th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Here is how I would vote for the major awards at this point...

 

AL MVP: Luis Carranza, Miami.  Barring injury (an ever-present risk with Carranza), he's on pace to finally win that batting title he's overdue on.  In light of their injury problems, Carranza is really just about the only offensive force Miami has.  Evidence: Carranza is batting .371; the next highest Bandito is Coy Rollins at .253.

 

Runners up: Jose Reyes, Kansas City (his stock is rising); Dave Page, New Orleans (steady but unspectacular).

 

AL Gibson: George Banks.  In many ways, this is his best season ever, so far.  If Banks wins, it will tie him with Luis Delgado for most Gibbies of all time: 4.  I would rate Banks as a heavy favorite to capture the award, barring injury.

 

Runners up: Victor Pereira, New Orleans (2nd season, looks to be the real thing); Billy Perkins, Atlanta (is pitching way over his head right now); Orlando Diaz, Omaha (good, but needs to capture more wins); Joe MacGregor, Washington (among the leaders in wins, but his 3.18 ERA isn't anything too special).

 

AL Rosa: Jorge Hernandez, Mephis.  Hade the All Star team as a catcher.  He's leading the AL in home runs.

 

Runner up: Artie Bicknell, Washington (3rd in league in RBIs, but has shown very little power so far).

 

NL MVP: Jose "The Bandit" Ortiz, New York.  The best offensive player on the best team.  But, does the fact that his team is so good make him actually *less* valuable?  A slight leader at this point, it wouldn't be shocking if he gets overtaken by someone else when it's all said and done.

 

Runners Up: Rafael Valentin, Boston (leading the league in HR, 2nd in RBI; he's picked the right year to become a free agent); Doug Birch, St. Louis (New York's catcher last year, they traded him away once they signed the Bandit); German Ortiz, New York (a sensational April, but he's been pretty average since then).  Not a serious candidate, yet: Don Kelly (started off bad, but has gotten better each month; El Paso needs to compete for him to have a chance).

 

NL Gibson: Luis Altagracia, St. Louis.  Leading the league in wins and ERA.  He's a solid favorite to win the award.

 

Runners up: Blair Mitchell, Cincinnati (has really taken off since being acquired from Denver; he's making that trade look very lopsided); Dan Morgan, St. Louis (one of the best young pitchers in baseball, he gives St. Louis an incredible 1-2 punch).

 

NL Rosa: Not really sure.  Maybe Clayon Jones of New York?  Can't easily tell who's a rookie and who's not.

Re: trade

September 5th, 2008 by Admirals GM

I'm of two minds about it.  Talent-wise, I think Shannon Townsend is better.  I know Townsend is having a down year, while Jones is off to a hot start for his career, but still.  Jones is a 10 point pitcher, which projects to an adequate second starter or a solid third, using my scale.  He has a good ERA so far this year -- the only ML season on his track record -- so maybe he's better than his points.  But, it's too early to say for sure.

 

Comparison: for me, Jeff Blanchard and Gustavo Chavez are both 10 point pitchers, the equals of Jones.  Mike: name whichever one you want, and I'll give you your choice in exchange for Townsend.  I will throw Will Lund in too, if you want to be covered at 1B.

 

Another Comparison: Jones is the #60 EWB prospect.  For me, Jose Rivera is #52, while for Rob Pedro Castaneda is #56.  If you took these rankings as sacrosanct, then, Rivera and Castaneda are more valuable then Jones.  I would trade Rivera for Townsend in a heartbeat; I take it the same is true of Rob and Castaneda.

 

Maybe the comparisons are unfair, given that Jones has started off so well, and did post impressive numbers in the minor.  But, make me the GM of some arbitrary team and give me a choice between Townsend and Jones, and I pick Townsend.

 

Also, I don't know what it is about the New York ballpark or their pitching coach or whatever, but whoever New York throws out there on the mound has a good ERA.  Not just this year, but in all their recent history: they have had one of the top ERAs in the NL for years.  Maybe it's that they have a bunch of good pitchers, but maybe it's that something about New York cuts a half run to a run off your ERA.

 

So talent-wise, if Mike is willing to do the trade, I wouldn't stand in the way.

 

The one catch is that New York is just so on fire this year.  It's not just that they're in first place, or that they've got a decent lead.  It's that they're playing at a record-shattering pace.  They project to win 119 games this season, which would demolish the hallowed 113 win record set by the Admirals.  They are clicking on all cylinders right now.  Why would they want to shake things up?

 

Maybe Mike could say more.  (By the way, one possible justification is that the talent value New York would be gaining with this trade is just too good to pass up.  I'm not saying that's necessarily the case, I'm saying only that it's an argument Mike could make.)

Re: trade

September 5th, 2008 by Banditos GM

NY is willing to do the trade.  But I think it somewhat skeptical, not so much because the talent levels.  Instead NY is dominating, they have the best pitching staff in the league and are tops in most offensive categories.  What motivation do they have to make any trade?  They are on pace to have one of the best seasons ever, why rock the boat and trade away their number 2 starter and most productive pitcher this season.  Especially considering the fact that he is a rookie and 23. 

They do have an opening at 1B, but still.  I don't think I would do it if I were NY.

JTT, thoughts?  MikeG, thoughts?

Cincinnati Rebels: A Look Back

September 5th, 2008 by Banditos GM

Cincinnati Rebels History:

Seasons
-  The Rebels have mostly been mired in mediocrity for their history, however, have made the playoffs five times and 0 World Series.  1971, 1978,1979,1986 and 1989 were they playoff years.  In all 5 years the team was decent but only in 1978 could they lay a legitimate claim to best team in the NL.  In 1978 they won 100 games and dominated the rest of the league.  They were led by Mooney, Rivera and Kim on offense.  And Willie Thomas, Barry Brown and Roberto Valdez in Pitching.  Of note:  In the team leaderboard for wins the pitchers rank 2,3,4 in wins in a season all in 1978.

- Justin discussed the 79,86 and 89 Seasons.  Of interest, the main core of the 1989 playoff team is mostly intact.  With the exception of Emilio Romano.  Church and Dawson were both 1st or 2nd year players in 1989.  Dan Johnson and Steve Johnson form one of the most well recognized double play combos in EWB.  LF Ben Springer started with the Rebels in 1980 and has been a mainstay to this day.  SP Hee Seop-Pak was also part of the rotation in 1989 and today.  This year Cincinnati is playing well and may contend for a wildcard.  These guys want another shot as a more experienced and grizzled core.

MANAGERS
Cincinnati has had 6 managers over the course of their history. 

- Vicente Flores took the helm from 1970-75.  Flores led the pitching heavy, talented 1971 team to the playoffs.  Many thought the team underperformed though.  After 1971 Flores for the most part maintained a level of mediocrity but steadily declining.  Going from 89 wins in 1972 to 72 in his final year in 1976.  After Schott let Flores go he was offered the Philadelphia Quaker job in 1976 and was let go after a dismal 68-94 year.  Flores went on to become a coach with the Houston Black Gold before he retired.

- Joel Daniel managed the Rebels from 1976-1979.  After releasing Flores, Schott wanted to give the team a kick in the ass.  Joel Daniel was a well known name in EWB in the last 3 years he was the manager for the KC Wheat Kings.  Daniel took them to a 92 win season in his first year ever as a manager, 1973, and made the playoffs.  After KC and Daniel parted ways in 1976 Schott hired him to take over the sinking Rebels.  Daniel was a player's manager and did well with the young team.  In 1976 he rallied them to an 84-78 record, a 12 game improvement.  1977 was a disappointment and 1978 was a great year.  After another heartbreaking disappointment in 1979, Daniel resigned to take some time away.  He returned to baseball with the Chicago Samurai in 1983 and coached them to 1989, making the playoffs twice.  Daniel took over the Cleveland Rockers in 1990 and is presently the coach there.  Daniel has struggled greatly in Cleveland, much to the delight of Cincy fans.  Overall Daniel has made the playoffs 4 times, made it to the World Series once in 1986 with Chicago, and has zero championships.

- Tom Kelly managed Cincinnati from 1980 to mid 1985.  After Joel Daniel's resignation the ownership looked to young Tom Kelly to take over.  Tom Kelly was a story in himself.  At age 29 he became one of the youngest professional managers ever, taking over the Rookie League Viera Railcats late into the season.  When that happened Kelly became a news sensation and was hailed as a young baseball manager prodigy.  A reputation that still precedes him to this day, whether it is deserving or not.  Schott immediately took him from Viera straight to the big leagues to Cincy.  Kelly disappointed, not making the playoffs once.  His best year was 1983 when the Rebels won 91 games but finished 3rd.  Kelly was fired midway through the 1985 season after starting out 31-58.  Kelly went from coaching job to coaching job in the majors and minors before he was offered another manager position.  This time with the Chicago Samurai.  Taking over in 1990, Kelly has led the team to two straight playoffs and is once again the prodigy.

- Gary Knight took over in mid 1985-1987.  Schott needed an interim replacement for Kelly.  Knight was a lifetime minor league manager and had managed Cincy's AAA affiliate and A affiliate in the 1970's.  He was at the time managing the Lowell Hussars in the NYP League when shot offered him the interim position.  Knight actually had a winning record the rest of the way in 1985 and was awarded an extension.  In 1986 Knight guided the team to only their 4th playoff appearance and 92 wins.  Knight stayed on board until after the 1987 season when he retired, citing health problems.

- Richard Mathews managed in 1988.  The Knight retirement came as a disappointment to the fans, players and management.  Schott decided to go young this time again, not learning the lessons of Tom Kelly.  Mathews only experience was managing in the minors, but he had quite the record.  Mathews was a legend in the Gulf Coast League, guiding the Kissimmee Glory from 1975 to 1981.  In those years the Glory won first 6 times in a row, won over 100 5 times, and made the playoffs 6 years.  However, no Championships.  After being dumped by an ingrate owner in 1981, Mathews went to rival Fort Myers Steelers and won 119 games in 1982, making the playoffs.  He worked his way up the chain throughout the years as a coach and was offered the Rebel position.  In his sole year he guided the team to a 5th place finish and was let go.  He is currently the Bench Coach for Portland Fog Devils.

- Salvador Villalobos managed the team from 1989 to present.  Villalobos had an uspectacular minor league resume and some experience as a coach in EWB.  He was given the opportunity to manage a young but talented Rebels team in 1989.  Villalobos made the best of it, directing the team to the playoffs.  Since 1989 the Rebels have been around .500 and a non factor.  Now that Romano has left the team has fallen even farther of the national radar.

TROPHY ROOM

- The Rebels have 3 Ohio Valley Division Pennants: 1978, 1986 and 1989. 

-  The 1973 Angel Rosa Award was awarded to Dong-kyoon Kim.  The 23 yr.old 1B had a spectacular year, batting .293/23/110.  Kim followed it up with an even better 1974.  After that he tailed off quite a bit.  Kim continued to have productive years but no where near his first two.  After becoming a Free Agent in 1979, Kim was unable to latch onto to another roster and retired.  Little known fact:  Kim, due to his reknowned crowding of the plate, is one of the top Hit by Pitch batters of all time and by far the top in the Cincinnati Records.

- The 1978 Angel Rosa Award was awarded to Ciro Ciampi.  After a cup of coffee in 1977, Ciampi was brought up to play regularly at the age of 24 in 1978.  Ciampi did not disappoint.  The LF hit .328/16/85.  That was to be Ciampi's only glory.  In the second week of 1978 Ciampi fractured his cheekbone when hit by a pitch.  He was out 7 months.  Ciampi had severe damgage to his sight and never came back the same.  The Rebels gave him opportunities in EWB and AAA but finally they had to be rid of him.  Ciampi was traded to Miami where he made no impact in the EWB but became a solid player for 4 years in Little Rock before he retired at age 29.

- The 1978 Bob Gibson Award was awarded to Willie Thomas.  After Thomas' 1978 season it was never really in doubt, although the playoff game against Philly gave some hesitation.  Thomas had a career year in a Hall of Fame Career, going 23-9 2.92 ERA.  Thomas pitched for 3 Teams but spent the most time and is remembered as a Cincinnati Rebel.

HALL OF FAME
The following Hall of Famers spent time in Cincinnati:

- Willie Thomas: see above.

- Francisco Mendoza.  Mendoza wrapped his career in Cincinnati in 1985 and 1986.  Mendoza was a strong veteran presence for the 1986 Rebel playoff team.  Although his production in Cincinnati was never much, his leadership was never questioned.

- Ramiro Sandoval.  Sandoval began his career in Cincinnati, playing from 1970-73 before moving on to Houston where he spent the rest of his days.  Known as a Black Gold player, Sandoval developed as a Rebel.  In fact his 1972 season may have been his best ever, pitching 244 innings with a 1.95 ERA and a .97 WHIP.

NOTABLE REBELS

- Rick "Cincinnati Kid" Mooney.  Playing from 1970 to 1986, nobody has played more in a Rebel uniform than Mooney.  Mooney is all over the offensive franchise leaderboard.  One interesting stat:  Only 5 times has a Rebel player scored over 100 runs.  The top 4 seasons belong to Mooney, with Chad Church garnering 5th with 101 runs in 1990.  Mooney has 1000 more hits in a Rebel uniform than the following player, Ben Springer.  Mooney is the career HR leader with 231 but will most likely be surpassed by Steve Johnson who has 215.  Mooney won 3 Gold Gloves and attended 4 All Star Games in his career.

- Steve Johnson.  Steve Johnson has been a Rebel since his rookie 1983 season.  Only Robert Guevara may be a more productive 2nd Baseman.  Johnson has flown under the radar of many though, silently deadly.  Johnson has great power for a 2B, and hits for mediocre average, career .254.

- Dan Johnson.  Dan Johnson began his career in Houston in 1982 and played there until coming to Cincy in 1988.  It was then that the tandem of Johnson & Johnson was formed.  One of the top middle infields in the game.  Dan Johnson's 1989 season ties the single season batting average .345 with Rick Mooney and is tops ever in Rebel history for single season VORP at 68.4.  Johnson will make his marks on Cincy record books for several more years, though he is determined to win another pennant.

- Ben Springer.  Cincy has a lot of lifetime Rebels.  Springer is another one.  A LF mainstay since 1980, the 34 year old has had a steady career.  Springer is definitely a contact hitter with little power.  As he ages his production is slowing, it will be interesting to see how much loyalty is afforded to him.

- Enrique Ferreira.  Ferrereira, SP, had some great years as a Rebel from 1970 to 1975.  He shows up quite a bit on the single season records:  posting the lowest ERA in Rebel history, 1.67, top 2 CG records, top in Shutouts, IP and top two in VORP.  When he left Cincy he became a mercenary and his production went down.  However, he was able to win a World Series with the 1976 Colonials, something never accomplished in Cincinnati.

- Cincy pitchers.  The Rebels in general have a strong history of pitchers.  Ferreira, Romano, Willie Thomas, Ramiro Sandoval, Barry Brown, Jonathan Randall, Pepe Salazar, Rafael Navarro.  Their leaderboards are littered with these names.  The Cincy pitching leaderboard would most likely compare well to most any franchise.

MINORS

- AAA Louisville Icecaps.  Like the Rebels have never won a championship and have only 4 playoff appearances.

- AA Chattanooga Hill Cats.  Have a number of 5th place finishes.  Once again only 4 playoffs ever, however One Championship in 1985.  That team had the young 19 year old Emilio Romano on it.

- A Gretna Dragons.  Just like Schott was able to bully her way into the EWB, she was also able to secure a coveted Nebraska League spot.  Gretna has usually been bad.  3 playoff appearances, 0 championships.

- A Sarasota Bisons.  Only 2 times have the Bisons finished above 3rd place. 1971 and 1991 and both years they made the playoffs.  0 Championships.

- R Sarasota Honeybees.  The Honeybees are by far the most successful of the Affiliates.  6 times over 100 wins, 7 playoffs and 4 Florida State League Championships.

- R Billings Dynamite.  Billing has been above average, never horrible.  3 playoffs and 1 Championship.

1978 Rebels

September 5th, 2008 by Admirals GM

The memoir was pretty engaging, one of the best EWB posts of all time, so well worth the time.  Here are a few follow-up notes, just so I do a little of the work as well...

 

Following up on that 1978 team, the 1979 Rebels were pretty good as well, going 87-75 over the 162 game season, 2nd place behind Indianapolis and tied with Boston for the Wildcard.  The difference between the 1978 team and the 1979 version appears to be that just about every Rebel had a slightly worse year in 1979 -- except Mooney, who was better -- leading to a worse overall result.

 

The Rebels didn't make the playoffs again until 1986.  That year, Cincinnati was pretty talented.  They had 3 20+ HR hitters, led by second baseman Steve Johnson, who belted an astonishing 29 dingers in just 86 games!  That projects to 55+ over a full season.  Johnson, who's still one of the best 2B today, tore an abdominal muscle on July 15th, knocking him out for the remainder of the regular season.  His replacement at second, Nick Dickerson, was pretty good as well, hitting 26 home runs in 115 games as a utility man/2B replacement.  Oh, and 40-year-old Rick Mooney was still around, going .275/3/22 primarily in pinch hitting duty.  (Mooney retired after the season.)  On the mound, Cincinnati was led by veterans Rich Jones and Carlos Rubio, and 20-year-old phenom Emilio Romano.  Limited by injuries to just 18 starts, Romano went 10-5 with a 2.26 ERA and an excellent 0.89 WHIP.  Closing out games was Rafael Navarro, presently of the Chicago Samurai, who had 45 saves.  Despite the injuries to Romano, Johnson, and others, Cincinnati ran away with their division: their 92-70 record gave them a 9 game lead over runner up and bitter rivalry Indianapolis.  Come playoff time, though, Cincinnati was outclassed by El Paso and their 23 year old RF, Don Kelly.  In the first round, El Paso topped Cincinnati 4-1, en route to winning their one and only World Championship.

 

After posting sub-.500 years in 1987 and 1988, Cincinnati was back in the playoffs in 1989, winning a play-in game versus bitter rival Indianapolis to capture the Ohio Valley penant.  Let's be clear: the Indianapolis/Cincinnati rivalry is one of the best in baseball.  Admittedly, it's not up there with Washington/Los Angeles, nor does it have the same recent significance as New York/Boston, but it has a certain Midwestern intensity.  For that 1989 team, the offense wasn't anything special, but they were led again by Steve Johnson -- who had an okay year, but subpar for his own standards -- and rookie sensation Chad Church in centerfield.  Church, an All Star at 23, went .307/17/103/37, but was edged for rookie of the year honors by Marv Cartwright -- first baseman of the hated Indianapolis Black Jacks.  Pitching-wise, Rafael Navarro had another solid season as a closer, while Emilio Romano had the best full season of his career, going 19-10 and 3.13, while leading the league in wins.  Romano was among the top starting contenders for the Bob Gibson award, but voters decided to go in a different direction, rewarding closer Frank Mounds Hearn with the honor.  Come playoff time, Cincinnati again didn't last long, losing 4-1 to Boston in the first round.

Rebels 1978: A Memoir

September 4th, 2008 by Banditos GM

Cincinnati Enquirer

June 21, 1992

by Jay O'Donnelly

The All Star Game hype and galantry has been bombarding Cincinnati for days now.  The Ballpark of Cincinnati is being primped and preened for the annual exhibition of Earl Weaver Baseball League's finest.  This is my fifth year as a beat writer and columnist, 8th year working at the Enquirer and 22nd year as a bonafide, die hard Rebel fan.

Some times the grind and pressure of covering and writing about the team everyday can take away from the awe and wonder that one feels as a fan.  With the All Star Game coming to Cincinnati I want to take an opportunity to reminisce about the magical year of 1978, when I was only a 14 year old fan.

The Rebels and EWB were still in their infancy in 1978, only eight years old.  It helps to know the factors that lead up to the 1978 Rebel Season.  Especially that the Rebels were almost the team that never was.  In 1969, when EWB was still in planning, there was only one Ohio team, the despised Cleveland Rockers.  In fact Cincinnati was shut out of a coveted EWB slot.  The sixth team in the Ohio Valley was to be in Nashville, Kentucky led by a conglomerate which included 40% stake by Elvis.  This rankled many Cincinnatians, since many consider it a historical home of baseball and the fact that Cleveland had a franchise fueled the fire. 

When many in Cincinnati were writing letters to the editor and sulking about what could have been, one entrepreneurial spirit started rallying to find a way.  Marge Schott was a well known and somewhat disliked member of Cincinnati's business elite.  Known for being outspoken and misspoken, known for her racist leanings, and but also known as someone not be messed with.  Schott liquidated most of her assets and businesses in order to become a White Knight and rescue the Cincinnati populace from a nihilistic existence without their favourite past time.  Schott raised enough to propose an offer to the Kentucky congomerate which would double their initial investment.  The Kentucky group, including Elvis, was pleased to sell, considering the success of EWB was still highly in doubt.  In December of 1969 Ballpark of Cincinnati was finished and in April the first pitch was tossed.  In honor of Schott's moxy against the EWB brass the team was nicknamed the Rebels.

In 1971 the Rebels won 93 games and made the playoffs.  This would be their only postseason appearance until 1978.  In the 1970's Cincinnati was very mediocre, of course this didn't stop the fans from piling in.  Cincinnati populace love their baseball and chili.  Growing up a Rebel fan from the infancy of the organization I collected all their baseball cards, listened to their radio broadcasts, and savoured the few Saturday afternoons when they were broadcast on NBC's Game of the Week.  It was usually a game against rival Cleveland.  I remember getting the Rick "Cincinnati Kid" Mooney uniform on Christmas morning on my tenth birthday.  The following summer I wore my #16 uniform every day, literally!  Family trips to Ballpark of Cincinnati were a delight, it was a tradition to get some Cincinnati Rebel Chili every time we went, even in the searing dog days of August.

1978 was a watershed year in many respects for me.  I was now 14 about to enter high school, things were changing.  It was the year of Ted Bundy, The Hillside Strangler, Israel invading Lebanon, and the peak of Jimmy Carter's presidency.  The Soviets were evil and bomb drills were still held regularly.  Throughout all the changes in my pubescent life and in world affairs there was still one constant, EWB Baseball and the Cincy Rebs.

1977 was a bad year for Cincy.  In 1976 new manager Joel Daniel had turned around the 5th place club of 1975 into a winner, going 84-78 and claiming 3rd in the Ohio Valley.  1977 was a let down going 71-91.  Daniel was on the ropes as Schott was known for meddling quite often in the affairs of the team.  There were also several question marks.  Cincy acquired young catcher Pedro Rivera who was high on promise but short on production.  Dong-kyoon Kim, a lifetime Rebel, was to return at 1B after a horrible year in '77.  Old standy by Rick "Cincinnati Kid' Mooney was the only constant.  Mooney to this day owns most of the franchise records and was the face of the organization.

Star pitcher Willie Thomas was trying to recover from an injury plagued '77 where he went 13-11, 3.34.  SP Barry Brown was brought in from San Antonio to fill a much needed #2 role.  Finally, CL Pepe Salazar also was questionable.  After several excellent years as the Rebel closer Salazar was trying to recover from a 4.26 ERA in 1977.

Many outside of Cincinnati considered the Rebels an afterthought and who was to blame them.  The Washington Admirals were America's team, winning 3 of the last 4 World Series.  Within the Ohio Valley Division, the Blackjacks, Crusaders and Savages were dominating year in and out.  Only the firm, or fanatical, Rebel fans saw a chance.  "Mooney was done for," they'd whisper, "his legs are shot."  "You think ol' Willie Thomas can pitch?  Maybe, but him and who else?  Brown's a bum."  These were the conversations floating through my classrooms in March, and I assume in the Cincinnati taverns too.

I never doubted the Rebels and Mooney.  What 14 year old fan does?  This was the year, I would proclaim loudly to anyone who would listen.  What began as unabashed faith started to become reality.  The Rebels shot out of the gate in April and never looked back.  Sure, Indianapolis was playing well and trying to parry with the powerful Rebels.  In fact the Blackjacks were the only true threat to the Rebels that year in the whole NL.  Cincinnati kept chugging though, with the powerful 1-2-3 combo of Thomas, Brown and Valdez in the rotation.  All 3 won 20 games or more.  Both Thomas and Brown made the All Star team.

Thomas finished 23-9, 2.92 and 207 K's.  Brown finished 21-8 3.02 and Valdez 20-8 3.42.  Ace Closer Salazar had a career year with 41 saves and a 1.43 ERA.  On the offensive side Mooney was Mooney and had a good year .277/10/73.  Kim recovered from his poor 1977 going .279/12/105.  Pedro Rivera the 25 year old catcher coming from the Iron Horses finally broke out going .292/6/57.

The Rebels finish 100-62 the best record in the AL and only surpassed by the 113 win Admirals.  This was the year!  Who was going to stop a front 3 like Thomas, Brown and Valdez?  Indianapolis?  The Blackjacks finished 2nd going 92-70 to claim the Wildcard.  Philadelphia won the Colonial going 87-75 and El Paso won the weak Texas Division beatin Houston in a play in game and finishing 82-81.

Cincinnati was to host El Paso in the first round.  In those days the EWB playoffs were almost always day games.  My first month of high school was racked with anxiety, baseball anxiety that is.  The Rebels played tough and defeated the Iron Horses 4-2.  Better yet, Philly somehow managed to knock off the strongest threat to a Rebel AL pennant by beating Indianapolis in 7 games.  It was ours for the taking.

With the off days the Rebel rotation was set to go 1-2-3 with the Three Aces.  They did not let us down.  Cincinnati won the first 3 games handily, Philadelphia was on the ropes.  The Quakers were finished for!  They had no stars, no offense and no pitching.  Ron Day was the only player on the team that qualified as notable.  Their top starter had won only 17 games.  They had burnt through their best pitchers and now down 0-3 were floundering.

The next game in Philly we lost 4-2.  Perhaps it was a weak moment, the team looked off.  Mental errors occured, they looked lackadaisical.  They looked like it was already in the bag and the game was a formality.  Even Rick Mooney appeared more ready to pop champagne bottles than to catch a pop up.

Game 5 was abominable.  Philly, playing with a nothing to lose, hard nosed style destroyed the Rebels 18-4.  Panic crept into the hearts of all Cincinnati fans.  Manager Joel Daniel kept the players from the media and reassured everyone that they will wrap up the series.  Thomas was to start Game 6.  He would have the team ready mentally.  This team is too good to fold now he kept comforting us.  His words were what we wanted to hear.  This team was too good to lose.

Thomas started.  Thomas crumbled.  After giving up four runs in the 3rd, Thomas left the game complaining of a sore wrist.  Was this an excuse to get off the mound?  Could he not handle the pressure?  Our hero, the main candidate for the 1978 Bob Gibson Award leaving the mound when we needed him the most?  Mooney, to his credit, played on and hard.  Rallying the Rebs back to within one with his 3 run HR blast to CF.  I still had one hero to count on.  In the 9th the Quakers brought on Eric "E" Gibson, one of the most dominating AL closers of 1978.  Gibson was sporting a 1.76 ERA with 39 saves that year and had a slider that was nearly unhittable.  My heart bounced with every inflection in Rebel play by play man Al Michael's voice.  Finally Michael's shrugged, "...and he struck him out..."  Gibson had struck out the side, ending Game 6.

This was too much to take.  I could not attend school the next day, there was no way.  Somehow I knew that if I could cheer on my beloved Reds on TV I could coax them to victory.  This Philadelphia team was nothing, they were not worthy.

Game 7 arrived in Cincinnati.  The heart and soul of the city was at Ballpark of Cincinnati that day.  The city literally shut down.  I was not the only kid in high school to miss that day, apparently over 2/3 of the high school had a touch of the flu.  I invited my friends over to watch the game with my family.  The Rebels and Quakers kept it close all game, finally in the 8th Kim hit a 2 out double to drive in a run and take the lead by one.  Quakers got out of the inning and we went to the bottom of the ninth.  CL Pepe Salazar was brought into the game to close it out.  I felt it, 3 outs from the AL Pennant and a trip to the World Series, nothing could stop us.  Salazar quickly retired the first two batters before walking Raul Acosta.  Oh No, big mistake!  Acosta was a baserunning fiend, stealing 52 for the Quakers.  Of course Joel Daniel had to know that and be prepared.  The problem is the Rebs were too prepared.  The nervous young C Rivera was so ready for Acosta to steal that once Acosta jumped Rivera bobbled the pitch and made no throw.  Shit!  I yelled as my dad glared at the TV, apparently so pissed himself that he felt that he forgot to reprimand my epithet.

Now Salazar had Acosta at 2nd and the most dangerous Philly hitter up, Ron Day.  Joel Daniel decided to walk Day and put him on 1st and face Jimmy Clear instead.  This is a decision that still is avidly discussed this day.  In my favourite local pub, Leroy's, you can find Artie and Lenny argue every night after they get 3 shots of Jim Beam in them.  Jimmy Clear was no slouch, he hit .311 in '78 but had significantly less power than Day, only hitting 5 HR's.  Salazar and Clear battled to a 2-2 count when SMACK I heard the ball hit the bat as vividly as if I were there.  Clear had sent a shot back into center where Rick Mooney was chasing it down on a mission.  Mooney's excellent defense and Gold Gloves assured me he would get to it and in a snap second Mooney dove laying his body out like a hawk diving for prey.  The ball careened on the outside of his closing, coned glove....in and out.....FUCK.  With Mooney laid out in deep CF the ball kept going, the LF and RF racing towards it... Acosta scored, Day rounding third heading home.....the throw.......SAFE!

That game ended the most wonderful, magical baseball season ever for me.  Philly went on to lose the World Series to the Washington Admirals.  The Cincinnati Rebels went on to mediocrity, not reaching the playoffs again until 1986.  Joel Daniel eventually left the Rebels in 1979 and is now managing the hated Rockers.  Willie Thomas is in the Hall of Fame, a Rebel Legend.

Rick "Cincinnati Kid" Mooney, my hero, finished out a great career.  Mooney after missing that catch got up, walked to the clubhouse, addressed the press and stated  "I gave it my all, I came up short, I will return."  Mooney was my hero before the game in a juvenile admiration fashion, after that game, after his worst career moment, he became a hero in a different way.  I respected his dedication to his profession and his love for the game.  Mooney became an inspiration to how I want to work and live.  That season, 1978, is what inspired me to become a sports writer.  I made it my goal to watch the Rebels for a living and relate what I see and feel to my audience.

With the All Star Game coming, the Cincinnati Rebel fans should reflect on the history and impact this franchise has made.  My memories of the 1978 season is one part of this collective celebration of The Cincinnati Rebels.  GO REBS!!!

Newest 4 Star Admiral: Forest Thomas

September 4th, 2008 by Admirals GM

After a minor media circus and a very public negotiating process, we are glad to announce that Forest Thomas is being named as the newest 4 Star Admiral.  Forest is the first active player to be given his stars.  As detailed in prior e-mails, the ceremony will include a plaque, champagne for everybody, and ceremonial coins.  Most significantly, the ceremony will occur before a game where Forest is vying for win #300!  Here are some of Forest's biographical highlights.

 

1. Forest was drafted in the 16th round of the inaugural EWB draft by the Boston Irish.  As a 21 year old rookie back in 1970, Forest made 14 relief appearances (and no starts) for Boston before being traded to the Washington Admirals on May 31st for minor league prospect Bob Holland.  Holland never made it to the majors, and so this trade ranks as one of the most one-sided in all of EWB history.

 

2. Part of why Forest was originally underrated is that most scouts and executives pegged him as a natural middle reliever, due to his (relatively) low level of endurance.  Even after Washington acquired him, they never started him a single game during 1970.  That offseason, though, Admiral management had a revelation: what if Forest were converted into a starter?  At first, the move looked questionable, as Forest struggled through a horrible 8-15, 4.54 season in 1971 (remember, this was a pitcher's era; a 4.54 ERA was pretty bad).  But in 1972, things clicked: Forest went 13-12, and posted a 2.69 ERA.  In 1973, Forest was even better: 21-6, 2.61.  And the rest was history.

 

3. Forest never got by on pure stuff, not even as a youngster.  By most scouts estimation, his stuff was always below average (2).  But, Thomas always had good movement on the pitches he did throw (4), and above all else, exceptional control (5).  In fact, Thomas has a strong case to being the greatest control pitcher in the history of EWB, leading the league in BB/9 in 4 separate seasons.  In his prime, Forest was a solid 12 points pitcher.

 

4. Forest is especially well known for having a great changeup.  In fact, he's got 2 of them.  Thomas is one of the few players to incorporate both a circle-change and a straight-change in his repertoire.

 

5. If you looked at Forest's year-by-year stats, you would swear he must have made 10 All Star games or so.  But no: Forest made only 2 (1975 and 1976).  Consistently underrated, it's hard to see how Forest's 1978 season of 21-6, 2.48 (leading the league in ERA and quality starts), failed to be All Star worthy.  Maybe he had a much better 2nd half?  That's not what Admirals fans will say: they will tell you that he was always underrated.  It didn't help that Forest was consistently outshined on his own team by EWB legend, Luis "Gizmo" Delgado.  Delgado is the consensus pick for the greatest EWB pitcher of all time.  Amazingly, his teammate Forest has a strong case for being the second greatest: Forest will be the second pitcher in EWB history to capture 300 wins, the first being Gizmo Delgado.  In a way, this will be fitting: when you think of Forest, you think of the greatest #2 SP, ever.

 

6. Forest does at least have this over Gizmo: Forest will be inducted into the Admiral 4 Star Club first.  For reasons that have remained obscure, the Admirals have not yet held a ceremony for Delgado, who is known as something of an eccentric.  Let it be known, though, that competitive rivalry never got between the friendship of Forest and Gizmo.  On Forest's special day, Gizmo will be there, making first first appearance in Da Vista Ga since he pitched his last game back in 1988.

 

7. Forest presently has a playoff record of 16-18, 3.73.  Don't let this mislead you though -- back in the 1970s, when Washington was in the midst of their dynasty, Forest was lights out.  In the World Series years of 1974, 1975, 1977, and 1978, Thomas was 8-2 with an ERA in the low 2.00s during the playoffs.  It's his subpar record during the playoffs in the 1980s that bring his career totals down.

 

8. In 1981, a 32-year-old veteran Forest went 17-4, 2.16.  Washington worried, though, that they were getting old, and had too many veterans.  Forest still had a lot of trade value, and so that offseason the Admirals shopped him.  They ended up dealing him to the Kansas City Wheat Kings for a young up-and-coming catcher who was yet to play a full season in the majors: 24-year-old George McFarland.  McFarland went on to become an Admirals' legend in his own right -- no doubt, he will soon get his own stars ceremony.  Meanwhile, Forest seemed off his game in K.C., consistently posting losing records (13-14, or so) and ERAs much higher than he was used to (high 4.00s).  Eventually, Forest and Kansas City realized things just weren't working out, and prior to the 1987 season, Forest came back to Washington via free agency.  Back with the Admirals, Forest quickly regained his old form, going 12-9 in 1988, 18-6 and 3.51 in 1989, and then 7-6 and 3.28 in the World Championship year of 1989.

 

9. With that 1989 World Championship, Forest Thomas became the only member of all 5 Admiral World Championship teams.  That gives Thomas the most World Series titles of all time -- more than Sherwood Johnston, more than Gizmo Delgado, more than anyone.  When it comes to being a winner, Forest isn't number two.  He's number one.

 

10.  After the 1989 season, outgoing Admirals management declined to offer Forest a new contract, and he went unsigned throughout the entire 1989-1990 offseason.  The new Admirals teenage GM made this his first order of business, signing Thomas to a free agent contract on April 2nd of 1990.  But things did not go smootly: Forest was 1-2, 6.90 in 11 games (6 starts) for Washington in the first part of the year, and the Admirals decided to release Forest.  The move was not handled well, and there was a great deal of outcry among fans.  Who was this new GM, to dump Forest so unceremonially?

 

11. Forest did not catch on with any other team throughout 1990, or during the 1990-1991 offseason.  A less persistent man might have retired at this point, but not Forest.  Eventually, the Miami Banditos came calling, and on 5/31 of 1991.  With Miami, Forest has been back at it, and now he's closing in on 300 wins.

 

12. Forest is well known for his mercurial personality, his resentment of being slighted (he keeps a well known "enemy's list," comprised mostly of media types and baseball execs), and his social conscience.  The perception is that Forest keeps hanging on in his career just as a kind of "screw you" to all his detractors -- it's resentment, more than anything, that fuels him.  His personality makes for a complicated mix.  Initially, this led to Forest having a poor relationship with Washington fans, but through time Forest won them over, and to this day he is one of the most popular Admirals of all time: they think of him as one tough S.O.B. who comes in and does his job even if he doesn't get the accolades others do.  He's become a kind of blue collar hero.

Re: Different Things

September 3rd, 2008 by Banditos GM

I like the All Star Game idea.  I will ditto the Cincinnati nomination.  I've already started doing some background on them and will have a All Star Game:  Cincinnati post before the All Star Game.

I've reconvened with Forest Thomas and Jack McKeon.  McKeon and I have decided that we cannot afford to delay in Thomas starts for this ceremony.  Therefore, he will start today against Carolina.  If he doesn't win his next start could conceivably come in Washington, although it is scheduled to be the last game of the sim vs. Denver.

Discussing this with Forest, he has backed down from his demand to start against Washington for win #300.  He admires the tone of GM Tiehen's response and willingness to compromise.  Thomas still desires the ceremony whether the win comes in Washington or not.  We have not discussed a scenario where he hasn't won #300 by the time we arrive in Washington.

He has agreed to your compromises and is somewhat excited at a return.

Different Things

September 3rd, 2008 by Admirals GM

2. Going back awhile regarding Rob e-mails, I think we should decide upon a new All Star site each year, as in real life.  That is, instead of going with the worst record, or latest World Series winner, or whatever.  Here's why I think this: we could use the site selection, at least in part, to familiarize ourselves with some franchise and their backstory.  So, for instance, I don't really know anything about Cincinnati.  If we choose Cincinnati as the site of the 1992 All Star game, though, we could use that as an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with their history, create some sort of story about their ownership, etc.  If, in 1993, we take the game to Atlanta, we could do the same for the Confederates then.  Let me be clear: I don't think that we have to go to some unknown organization every year.  If, in 1994 (or whenever), Mike wants to host the All Star game, or Los Angeles does, or whoever, then fine.  But I like the idea of often using this to get to know a franchise better.

 

3. In connection with #2, I nominate Cincinnati as the site for 1992.  Cincinnati is making a playoff push this year, and I know almost nothing of their franchise.  One argument against them, though, is that I'm going to be super busy between now and Friday, so I can't promise I can contribute much between now and then.  Also, I really mean this as *just* a nomination.  If someone has a better idea, or just another idea, I'm happy to go with that.

 

4. It's funny, but I was already thinking of holding a Forest Thomas ceremony once Miami visited, after his 300th win.  In general, 4 Star Admiralship is supposed to be saved until after a player retires, but we might revise that rule for Forest.  Let him know that this is a big deal: no other active player has ever been named a 4 Star Admiral, and no other active player is going to be named one anytime soon.   As far as his demands, we're willing to negotiate...

 

[1] (Gizmo, and Nunes present) is a done deal.

[2] We're fine to have Sherwood Johnston not there, but we will not cover his plaque.  This is pretty much non-negotiable.  To persuade Forest, though, let me say that covering the plaque would only take attention away from Forest's achievements on his special day and put it on Johnston, as the media will inevitably have much to say about the move.  For that reason, we think that Forest himself shouldn't want the plaque covered.

[3] Champagne: done deal.

[4] Ceremonial coins: this is now a staple of Admiral celebrations, so yes.  "Lost Champion" is a little over the top, though.  Miguel Villareal didn't get that on his coins, and he's a lost champion just as Forest is.

[5] This depends.  I'm certainly willing to acknowledge that I regret how Forest's situation was handled, but I'm not sure I'm willing to say that I regret releasing him, per se.  Also, as far as the speech Forest has prepared, I would have to check it out before committing myself to it.

 

5. As far as the Washington/Admiral rivalry, here are two more points.  First, back in 1990, Washington beat the shit out of Omaha.  Not only was our record against them, like, 13-2 or so, but many of the games were slaughters.  I remember at the time Mike sending me an e-mail that I went "little league" against him in one game: I won like 18-3, and literally every position player on my roster got to play and got an at bat, just like in a little league game.  Doug Slavin's justification at the time was that this allowed him to rest his starters, but I got the sense that Omaha felt we were showing them up.  Last year, in 1991, Mike got the better of me.  I don't remember what the season series was, but my hunch is like 10-5 or 9-6 or so.  But it's not just that.  It's also the case that during our worst stretch of the season, in May, Mike killed us by sweeping a series in Washington in especially embarrassing fashion.  This particular series was the final straw for Slavin, and I fired him immediately thereafter.  Omaha was glad to get some revenge, I take it.

All Star Game

September 2nd, 2008 by Banditos GM

The All Star Game is coming up at the end of the month, so probably in 2-3 days real time.  I think we should start a tradition of deciding where it should be hosted.  Just to get ideas started:

1)  Last year's worst record- Only a good idea if you want to travel to San Antonio or Montreal every year.

2)  Last year's World Series winner -  The managers already get to manage the game.

3)  Human nominations - Nominate a city and give a compelling storyline/reason why.  Then vote.

4) Randomly - self explanatory

5)  Last year's highest Attendance or Merchandising - A reward for packing the stands or selling a shitload of bobbleheads.

Any good ideas?

Forest Thomas and #300

September 2nd, 2008 by Banditos GM

As everyone knows Forest Thomas is at 299 career wins and will most likely hit #300 soon.  Forest has expressed a desire to skip his next start and be held off until the series at Washington.  I have discussed this with Jack McKeon and Forest.  I explained to Forest that this would not be in the best interest of the team and furthermore, that all three of us would get raked over the coals by the media.

Forest is Forest though and feels adamantly that he was mistreated by Washington management and wants to stick it to them.  He has also suggested that Washington can start making amends by throwing one of their elaborate ceremonies at Da Vista Ga on the day he makes his start for #300.  Commisioner Bart Giamatti has already stated that he will attend the Thomas starts until he hits #300.

Thomas has some demands for an elaborate ceremony.

1)  He wants the following ex-Admirals to be in attendance:  His good friend Luis "Gizmo" Delgado and Mario Nunes.

2) He wants Sherwood Johnston not to be in attendance and not mentioned at all during the ceremony. He also wants the Johnston 4 Star Admiral Plaque veiled during the ceremony. Thomas has never liked Johnston, he considers him an asshole with an oversized ego.

3)  He wants a bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne provided for every Miami player in the Miami clubhouse for the celebration afterwards.  Champagne in the Washington lockerroom for the Admiral players is optional.  However, he has invited any Washington players that are interested to come on over to the Miami clubhouse.  Specifically,  Bob Washington, Mitchell Henderson, Adrian Morin and Roy Wilson.

4) He wants ceremonial coins to be minted and distributed to the fans prior to the game.  He also dictated that the coins must represent him in the Miami Banditos uniform, inscribed with the phrase "Forest Thomas: Washington's Lost Champion"

5) He wants GM JTT to make a speech after the win regretting letting go of Thomas.  Forest has actually written the speech for JTT to give.

Forest believes these simple requests are due to him.  If these desires are not met, Forest has stated he will cut all ties to the Washington Admirals organization.  Meaning most importantly he WILL not go into the Hall of Fame as an Admiral, nor will he acknowledge his time in Washington.  He will also stop all his charity work that he started while in Washington, including the venerable institution "Forest Feeds Fans", a charity to feed homeless Washington Admiral fans.

I have done my best to persuade Forest that perhaps this is not the best route to take, however, he is stubborn and has a gigantic ego.  As far as Miami's decision to grant his request to delay his start, we have not made an official decision.  We want to keep him happy but not at the expense of our season.

Miami Banditos Moves

September 2nd, 2008 by Banditos GM

-  Ryan Hinkle was placed on the 15 day DL and Ken Hamilton will be placed on the 60 day DL.  Hamilton will be a blow but it is lessened by the fact he was seriously underperforming.  He was hitting .251/3/31 5.5 Vorp.  Not quite the statline of a premier catcher which we expect of Hamilton.  Hinkle, on the other hand, has been an unexpected surprise.  Hinkle was brought up early to replace injured Tom Delzoppo.  Hinkle has been hitting great out of the number 2 hole, .312/.361/.435 with a 14.8 Vorp. 10 2b, 3 HR, 34 RBI, all this in his rookie year.  We were really, really pleased with Hinkle, thankfully he comes back in 2-3 weeks.

-  We offered and signed C Jose Marquez a contract 1yr@240k.  Marquez was great during the mid to late '80s but many think age has caught up to him and his knees are shot.  Our scouts suggest he still has some pop in his bat but agree his defense is poor.  We have his hitting rated at 33443.  Stan Kirby, our backup C, has been tried and true for many years.  Kirby will be the official starter but look for a daily platoon until we fully assess the capabilities of Marquez.

- Shunsho Yamada will move into the full time 2B until Hinkle returns.  Yamada was platooning with SS Anthony Pryor but pretty much got moved to backup, not because of Yamada's performance but because of Pryor's unbelievable play this year.  Yamada has been solid all season and hopefully will continue.  Pedro Castaneda, slated to start a 3b in spring training, will be brought up from Little Rock to cover the Utility IF duties.

- Ernesto Hernandez was brought up and Marcus Farmer demoted to AAA.  Hernandez will replace Farmer as our Utility OF.

- Finally, Forest Thomas was offered his requested extension of 1 yr @ 410k.  We like Forest Thomas in the rotation.  His stats don't tell the full story, as I've mentioned before.  He has some truly great games and then goes out and gets bombed.  We look at him as kinda like a Wakefield.  Unhittable at times but horrible others.  In addition, I've developed a good relationship with Thomas during his time here.  Often he spends most of his off days watching the game in the owner's box with myself and my entourage.  We allow him these privileges because, well, he's Forest Thomas.  A la Roger Clemens with the Yankees.

Anti-Mexican sentiment?

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

St. Louis is dominating again.  What happened to them in 1991, why did they fall apart?  They were right with Dallas for the best NL team in 1990, and now they're looking great again.  Did they suffer injuries last year, or what?

 

Luis Altagracia is one of the premier pitchers in the league.  He owns a Gibson award, has made multiple All Star team, and has led the league or been among the league leader in lots and lots of categories.  He's still at the peak of his game.  His local popularity in St. Louis is "extremely popular," the highest possible.  Yet, his national popularity is only "fair."

 

Just to give you a comparison, Lou "Franchise" Bennett for Rob has fair national popularity, even though he hasn't played 1 full season.  Doug Kelly for me is "very popular," even though he's a starter who cannot crack are starting rotation.  (He's a solid middle reliever, but still.)  So he's ahead of Altagracia.  Jose Rodriguez, Mike's new catcher, has "fair" popularity.

Omaha

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

If you were Mike, or if you are Mike, which division rival would you most fear the remainder of the season?

 

Chicago is the reigning champ, and the top of the division for years now.  But presently they're in last, and their pitching has been horrible.  2nd worst ERA in the league.  For the second straight year, Carlos Pena is looking pretty mediocre.  I doubt he'll ever regain his Gibson Award winning form.

 

Minneapolis has some talent (ratings), but they're young, meaning they have no track record of production matching those ratings.  Plus, 2 words: Matt Egghead.

 

Denver has Vincent Carter, but surprisingly their offense is really down this year.  They rank near the bottom in every offensive category, including even home runs -- so much for the Mile High effect, at least in 1992.  Their pitching has been pretty good, but maybe overachieving?

 

Kansas City has some nice talent, especially on offense.  Their near the top of the league in many categories.  Their pitching is pretty mediocre though, especially their starters' ERA.  Plus, Kansas City has no recent track record of success.  I know Omaha doesn't either, but they are at least playing well this year.  Meanwhile, Kansas City is playing below .500.  What reason is their to think Kansas City is any better than that?

 

If I were Mike, this would be my order of fears: Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis.

 

Really, though, I like Omaha's chances to win their division, a lot.  Even though Washington has the bigger lead right now, I think Omaha has the best odds among humans of finishing the season with their division lead. 

SP Jamie Rees

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

of Carolina was injured on 4/26.  At the time, Carolina was near the top of the division.  (Maybe even at the top; I can't remember.)  Since the injury, Carolina is 8-20 for a .286 winning percentage.  They have dropped to last in their weak Sunbelt division, 7 games back.

 

That's a pretty devestating injury.

 

By the way, Ty Moore has been pitching pretty well -- 3.19 ERA -- but hasn't been getting much run support.  Consequently, he's just 3-5.

Lawrence Jordan

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

of Cleveland is the top pitching prospect in EWB.  As a 19-year-old, he got promoted to the majors this year, where he went 3-2, 2.93, with 30 K's in 30.2 IP.  But in his last started, he injured his back and now is out for 12 months.  He's gone.  He's gone.  Something to keepy an eye on: right now, he's a 10 point guy with 12 point potential; after he comes back from the injury, will he be the same?

Keep 'em guessing, or trouble filling out the lineup card?

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

In 3 games this Sim, Bob Washington used a pinch hitter in the 1st inning despite no injury at all during the game..  The guy just filled out a lineup, and then changed his mind prior to even the first at bat.

 

Washington is a pretty unconventional dude.  I mean, before I took action myself, he was consistently batting Will Lund leadoff.  On the whole, though, I can't argue with the results.

Cigarettes and Bourbon NO MORE

August 29,2008 by Banditos GM

By the way, Omaha was laughed at when they signed trainer Ace Richardson to a $325k contract by many in the league.  Even though Richardson retired after that large contract, a good trainer is not to be laughed at.

Perhaps Omaha was the trendsetter with their new fancy weightrooms and spas. The investment they've made has kept them virtually injury free.  Omaha and Miami cannot say the same.  The era of bourbons on the rocks and cigarettes by the pack has passed in EWB.  Now the trend is hit the weights and put your body in the best physical shape (is steroids now in the near future?) 

Miami and Washington might learn from their good friend in Omaha.

Don Kelly

August 28, 2008 by Admirals GM

Is a skinny, skinny guy.  He's 6'2'', 153 lbs.  That's really close to my dimensions back when I graduated high school, but somehow Kelly has been able to keep his boyish figure into his late 20s.

Re: Justin's point system

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Yeah, right.  I've thought about that before.  On a 200 pt. scale, 1 presumably correlates to 1-40; 2 is 41-80; 3 is 81-120; 4 is 121-160; and 5 is 161-200.

 

So, suppose you have a guy whose ratings are 121-121-121.  By this scale, he's a 4-4-4: a 12 point pitcher.  Using my system, that projects to a top-notch ace or top-notch closer.  Now suppose he drops just one point in each category: 120-120-120.  That corresponds to 3-3-3: a 9 point pitcher.  Using my system, that projects to an adequate SP4/SP5, or a borderline SP3; it also corresponds to an adequate MR or borderline Set up man, but a poor closer.  Obviously, though, that's crazy.  The difference between 121 and 120 can't make the difference between top-notch ace and adequate 4th starter.

Re: Justin's point system

August 29th, 2008 by Banditos GM

The other factor I believe we need to examine is the "fog of war" aspect of our rating system.  Too often we think of ratings as a concrete 3 or 4 or whatever.  When in reality a 3 could be on the brink of a 2 or a 4, since the internal ratings are based on a 1-200 scale.  Meaning Banks may be a 3, almost a 4, 4 almost a 5, 4 almost a 5.  Whereas, a Vic MacWhirter may be a 2, almost a 1, 3 almost a 2, and 4 almost a 3.  See the variance in a 1-5 scale.

It's not like this is a revelation but still I fell I get sucked into the "concrete" ratings of a 3 being a solid 3.  Instead I should look more into production as a guiding force with the assessment of ratings as well.

Re: Justin's point system

August 29th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Yeah, Banks has been kicking ass.  One thing I would note is that his K/9 has fallen in recent years, including this year.  That doesn't necessarily foretell future drop off.  In fact, I like to think of it as a guy who's learning to "pitch" as maybe he loses a bit of the natural stuff he had as a 20-year-old -- pretty realistic.  By the way, was his fastball always "only" 93?  I'm sort of hoping it dropped, for the sake of Carlos Hernandez.  If Banks continues to be effective despite a ratings and MPH drop, I'm hoping the same will be true of Hernandez.

 

I think there are definite, definite counterexamples to the point system.  Gustavo Chavez is a 10 pt. pitcher, and has been for awhile, while Roger Wright is a 9 pt. pitcher, and has been for awhile.  But Wright is much better.  On the other hand, I'm not aware of *this* sort of counterexample: a guy who's a 9 point pitcher, but year-in-year out a Gibson award contender.  Rather, if you look at the year-in-year-out Gibson contenders, they're often 11 or 12 point pitchers at least.  Sometimes 10.  I don't know of a 9.

 

One other thing I would say is that sometimes, it seems to me that ratings "lag" behind production.  Here's an example.  In 1990, right before I took over, the computer drafted Jose Rivera.  The outgoing GM assigned the 17-year-old Rivera to AA.  Rivera's potential contact rating at the time was 3, and I think his actual was 1 or 2.  Had I been in charge, there's no way Rivera starts above SA.  But, by the time I started paying attention, it was already early May and Rivera was batting like .380 in AA.  I thought, well, this probably won't last, but I won't drop him down until he starts to fail.  As the season went on, Rivera continued to hit like crazy, and yet his ratings remained the same.  Finally, in like August of that year, his ratings were revised.  He got bumped up to 5 contact potential.  Because of that, when I have a player who kicks ass with low ratings, I start to suspect they'll get a bump before long.

 

My honest advice is this.  If I were in your situation, I would probably try to sign Banks to a long term deal, but then monitor him closely.  If he started to struggle, I would try to trade him.  Even if I didn't get equal player value in return, I would have at least cleared the salary.

Justin's point system

August 29th, 2008 by Banditos GM

I think there is a fundamental problem with Justin's point system.  Some players are just better than what the ratings say.  George "Slider" Banks may be an exception but his ratings make him an 11 pt. pitcher, his potential a 9 pt pitcher.  In fact before the season he was ranked 15th among SP overall, which is why I was hesitant to sign him and looking to maybe deal him.

Well, he looks to be having his best year ever and now is ranked number 1 with the same ratings.  I believe the rankings may be based on the AI valuation system which takes into consideration this year and last year's stats but still, his ratings aren't the best.  Yet he continues to dominate.  Why?  Thoughts?  Would I be stupid to offer a long term deal?  I want to but am scared he might fall off based on ratings.

Ralston in EWB

August 28th, 2008 by Admirals GM

I think Rob might have mentioned this guy a long time ago, but I had forgotten about him.

 

http://ewb.allsimbaseball1.com/lgreports/news/html/players/player_21084.html

 

Scott Riley, you'll note, was born in Ralston, Nebraska.  And he's really, really good.  In fact, he's rated as the #14 pitcher in all of EWB.  I think this moves him ahead of Mike Huff in terms of sports-legend-from-Ralston status.

 

Re: Trades

August 27th, 2008 by Admirals GM

My view is this.  When a computer gives approval, we should give that a fair degree of credence, but we shouldn't view it as sacrosanct.  Also, the standard shouldn't be whether you or I personally would do the deal, but whether it's not unreasonable.  I agree the Garcia trade fails by this standard.  (In my defense, I had really only looked at the Garcia trade as an afterthought, focusing mostly on Cleveland.  Also, I was of the mis-impression that Moore still had 4 contact potential, which he did as of 1/1/92.  But no: it's dropped to 3.)

 

Focusing on Cleveland, here is what I want to propose.

 

TRADE: Clyde Moore --and-- AAA SS Kenny Glenn in exchange for Brit Murphy -- and -- A C Donald Wells.  I am willing to make this an official offer to Cleveland, and see what they say.  But here's the justification.

 

WHAT WE GIVE UP: For us, Glenn is expendable.  In the short term, we have Oliver Cole and Porter Scott (once he comes back) at SS.  In the long term, we want Jose Garcia to become our ML SS by 1994.  Plus, we have several good SSs in our system, including Jeff Wolfe who's also at AAA.  Frankly, we have a SS logjam.

 

Glenn is pretty good though.  He has 3-3 contact-power potential, and he's 3-2 actual.  Those are decent numbers for a shortstop.  He also plays acceptable defense at all IF positions other than 1B, so he's a utility man option.  Plus, Cleveland has a weakness at SS with the departure of Porter Scott.  Their present starter is Scotty Lamb.  Lamb is a 14 point player, with 3-3 contact power.  Glenn is also presently a 14 point player, with 15 point potential.  So, Glenn could press Lamb for playing time right away, and might even surpass him before long.  (Glenn is already better than backup SS Phil Ramirez, so I assume he would at least make the team instantly in a backup role.)

 

WHAT CLEVELAND GIVES UP: Donald Wells is an A level catcher, with 3-2 potential and actual.  I tried to pick someone low down on their prospect list, someone worse than Glenn, but someone who wasn't a complete non-entity.  Wells is their #19 prospect.  Also, I would note that Cleveland is loaded with C prospects, with Wells being only their 5th highest ranked catching prospect.  Just as we have a SS logjam, Cleveland has a C logjam.

 

In short, the idea was this.  I add Kenny Glenn into the deal in order to give Cleveland some more value.  Given that Cleveland said yes to Moore straight up, they have to say yes to Moore + Glenn.  But now, I'm getting ripped off.  So, to try to get some value back, I look for Cleveland's most expendable prospect.  That's Wells.

Miami Spring Cleaning

August 27th, 2008 by Banditos GM

Cal Ripken Sr. has suggested I rid our organization of some deadwood.  We are releasing the following minor leaguers mostly because they are 26 or older, not in AAA and have no specific talent that may keep them EWB worthy someday.

RF David Finnin
RF Barry Woodard
3B Francisco Soriano
LF Dave Todd-  We wish Todd success.  He really contributed to our 1990 World Series Run but just never was able to repeat anything like his 1990 form.  He lost ratings the following two years and wasn't able to compete.  Maybe he can find a home in another organization.  We will keep our eye on him.

Check out this guy

August 27th, 2008 by Admirals GM

I'll comment on the trades in just a second, but first check out the career stats on this guy...

 

http://ewb.allsimbaseball1.com/lgreports/news/html/players/player_15327.html

 

What's unusual about him as that he's played in the majors every season from 1983-1992.  BUT: most of those seasons, he's played hardly at all.  In 1983, 1987, 1988, and 1989, he played exactly 1 game.  In 1986 he played 2 games; in 1985, 5 games; in 1984, 10 games.  Last year he had a breakthrough, playing in all of 27 games.  So far this year, he's played 11, which puts him on pace to set a personal best.

 

So again, what's so weird about him is how do you play so many years in the majors, while still playing so little?

Re: Trades

August 27th, 2008 by Banditos GM

My thoughts:

1)  First of all I would say the 2nd trade with Jesus Garcia is the most questionable of the two.  Garcia clearly has better ratings.  The total is 17 to 15 with Moore= 34242 and Garcia=44342.  But more than that, Garcia is 4 to 3 in Contact and a 3 to 2 in Power.  Those are two categories I think we'd all agree are the most valuable.  Plus Garcia IS batting 4th and having a good season whereas Moore is essentially, up to this point a backup and career minor leaguer. 

2)  Regarding the first trade with Murphy, this one I am not overwhelmingly opposed.  One, because Murphy is still in AA at 22, not a sure thing by any means.  Moore probably will contribute on the EWB level for Cleveland. 

3)  I am reluctant to use my veto too often or much at all.  Not that I don't think it could be used in certain situations.  I lean more to letting things play out and then, say, 2 years down the line evaluate our trades that we deemed questionable. The AI may know more than we think or give it credit for or it may be fucking stupid.  It's hard to tell without experimenting a little.  My next project is to log all the human trades for historical purposes and also for evaluation purposes.

4)  So in summary, I would use a veto on the Garcia trade. I don't like it from the game perspective or the story perspective.  I mean I doubt they would trade their cleanup hitter for Luis De La Santos. I am willing to give a pass on the Murphy trade.  I see it reasonable on game and story perspective.

5)  Note:  The Henderson trade had no bearing on my decision.  It really is not a huge deal for us.

6) That is the ugliest player I've seen.

Re: Trades

August 27th, 2008 by Wolverines GM

I must say I don't think it's fair. Britt Murphy has a better upside and Moore is an average at best 1B. You can find numerous players that are just as good or better in free agency. So tell me why if Cleveland needs a 1B they just don't pick one up rather than give a prospect up for a guy who is very average. Normally I would agree to almost any deal that the computer offers, but this one is odd. Finally if Cleveland agrees I'm ok with it but thats just my two sense.

Trades

August 27th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Here is our top choice, as far as moves.

 

1. Clyde Moore for Brit Murphy of Cleveland (AA), and then Vic MacWhirter for Mitchell Henderson of Miami.

 

OUR RATIONALE: We are happy with the MacWhirter for Henderson trade, but for the fact that it would thin out our upper level SP prospects.  This is especially an issue in light of the recent injuries.  If we could get Murphy to replace MacWhirter as a SP prospect, though, this wouldn't be an issue.

 

BUT: Murphy has 10 pt. potential as a SP (8 pt. actual), and is rated a 4 and 1/2 star prospect according to Rob, so it makes sense for Rob and Mike to look at the trade.  Let me lay out the case for and the case against the trade, from Cleveland's perspective.

 

FOR: Clyde Moore is one of those players the computer likes, more than I do.  They rate him as my top 1B right now -- ahead of both Will Lund and Dale Reinert.  As another measure of how much they like him, they project that once he becomes arbitration eligible, Moore will make more than the league minimum.  By contrast, they project that once Dale Reinert becomes arbitration eligible, he will only make the minimum.  Also: Cleveland has suffered two serious injuries at 1B.  With regard to Murphy, let me note that Murphy isn't one of Cleveland's top 20 prospects.  Also: Cleveland has pretty good organizational depth in terms of SP prospects, ranking 2nd in baseball.  They have Lawrence Jordan at AAA, the top pitching prospect in all of baseball, and they drafted the #2 pitcher this past year.

 

AGAINST: Despite those injuries at 1B, Cleveland is presently starting George Gentry at 1B, the #31 ranked prospect.  So it's not like they're playing some AAA washup.  I have to say, Gentry isn't tons better than Moore, ratings-wise: Gentry is a 16-pt. player while Moore is a 15-pt. guy.  Still, if Gentry is at all better, Moore might be largely wasted since the NL doesn't have a DH.  And again, Murphy has 10 pt. potential.  On my chart, that makes him an adequate #2 starter, or a solid #3. 

 

OVERALL: I have to say, I'm not totally sure what I myself think about the trade.  If I were Cleveland, I wouldn't do it.  But again, I don't like Moore as much as the computer does -- I view him as a Luis de los Santos type, who dominates at AAA but isn't good enough to be a solid ML starter.  I'm curious to see what you think.  Maybe I could add another prospect?

 

Here is our 2nd choice, as far as moves.

 

2. Clyde Moore for Jesus Garcia of Detroit.  This move is also a little questionable, in that Garcia is presently batting cleanup for Detroit and is off to a good start.  But, I don't think it requires the same sort of justification as the previous trade.  Garcia and Moore are pretty similar players, it's just that Moore plays 1B while Garcia is an OF.  Also, if Detroit gets Moore, they might very well start him ahead of this ugly guy...

 

http://ewb.allsimbaseball1.com/lgreports/news/html/players/player_23032.html

 

Where is his chin?  I take it that not having to deal with this monstrosity in your starting lineup is justification enough for the trade.

Shut Up

August 27th, 2008 by Wolverines GM

I should have kept my mouth shut prior to the series against the Washington Admirals, as they were inducting a player into their 4 star Admiral category. We were swept by the Admirals. Appearently they take that shit seriously and for anyone to make light of that ceremony and the coronation of the 4 star Admiral beware. DO NOT if you are going to play the Admirals during one of those ceremonies say anything disparaging towards the team or former player who is being honored. I think we will have some sort of ceremony to honor a former player as they will be inducted into the "Wolverine Den Of Fame" when the Admirals come to town June 12-14. I apologize for the comments and to the baseball gods as they are aligned with the Admirals.

Re: Mounds Hearn

August 27th, 2008 by Admirals GM

Here's one more thing, regarding endurance.  Hearn went only 7.1 IP even though he gave up just 2 hits and walked only 1.  Don't get me wrong, 7.1 IP is a lot, in typical games.  But it's not at all that much when you walk 1 and give up 2 hits -- if that's all your giving up, your pitch count is bound to be low.  In a game like that, a real starter -- even a guy with middling fatigue, like Sergio Garcia -- should be able to go 9.

 

Here's the point.  Even though Hearn is excellent, I doubt Boston can count on just 2 hits + 1 walk from him in an average game.  Instead, his average game will probably be like 6 hits and 2 walks, or so.  If that's right, I doubt Hearn will be able to last 7.1 IP in an average game --  by giving up more hits and walks, his pitch count will be driven upward.  If so, I doubt Hearn will be able to give you 7 IP in an average game.  Even 6 might not be a guarantee.

 

Think of it like this.  Your average starter (like, say, Roger Wright) will probably give you 7 IP on an average day, and then 9 IP on an exceptional day when things are going well for him.  Well, that first start seemed like an exceptional day for Hearn.  Conditions were ideal for him to give you as many IP as possible: he wasn't walking anyone or giving up any hits.  In those ideal conditions, he lasted 7.1 IP.  Put in that way, it makes me suspect his average day will be more like 5-6 IP.

 

Re: Mounds Hearn

August 27th, 2008 by Banditos GM

Well they didn't need me at work tonight, so back to my full time job.  Thoughts on Hearn:

1)  I wonder if his low endurance works like a sliding scale.  For example, for the first 4 or so innings he is a 14 pt pitcher, then in the 5th maybe an 12 or 11, then the later it goes he regresses more.  I vaguely remember reading that endurance is like this in this version.  But with Hearn being so good he can afford to regress.

2)  Perhaps his low endurance will affect his recovery ability.  I am going to monitor this.  When his turn in the rotation comes, maybe he won't be 100%.  Meaning, Hearn may need to be put in a 6 man rotation or some kind of spot starter rotation.  That begs the question is Hearn more valuable going 7 innings as a starter every 6 games or out of the bullpen?

Finally, we are sending Cal Ripken Sr to Boston to watch Hearn make his scheduled start against Pittsburgh.  We want Ripken to evaluate this performance and give his feedback (Actually I'm going to watch the game instead of simming it).

That being said I am unexpectedly free tonight, so are you guys down for another sim tonight?  Let me know.