Earl Weaver Baseball League

Re: Boston (Mike)

January 30th, 2009 by Banditos GM

To the honorable Robert M,

 

We the Boston Irish decline your offer of Ryan Hinkle for Marty Cook. We believe Marty is improving and has excellent defense and we have him rated as our 7th best prospect in our farm system. On the flipside our 2B Esteban Alvarado is improving and is in our lineup for his defense. Granted Hinkle is a little bit better offensively we believe that Alvarado's defense is too valuable to give up for a young improving defensive catcher.

Thank you for the offer and hope we can do business in the future.

 

                                                                              Love,

                                                                                Takuma Endo

                                                                               GM Boston Irish

Did you know...

January 30th, 2009 by Banditos GM

...that ranked by stars, Gustavo Chavez is the 5th best possible SP FA this offseason.  He follows:

1. Tom Campbell- legit, top of the line FA except for the fact that he's 37
2. Nate Harris- Near a 5 ERA this year and in his mid+ 30's
3. Quentin Regush - Late bloomer, 4 stars, 31 yrs.  Has a 2 in control, big concern. Rated 442
4. John Burke - This KC player is only 3.5/3.5.  And 333 Potential.  At 28 his age is normal but expect to see him sign for much less.

Boston (Mike)

January 30th, 2009 by Banditos GM

---

Miami is willing to trade 2B Ryan Hinkle, who will be an upgrade to your team.  He'll most likely go right into the lineup.  You guys are contending, probably not going to chase down NY but still are best shots at Wildcard.  In return we ask for Single A C Marty Cook, who has 1/3 stars, so a mid-level, low-level (in terms of where he is now) prospect. 

Remember, Hinkle was a legit Angel Rosa contender.  Hitting .333/.893OPS this season in EWB.

Pitt Loves Mark Jackson

January 30th, 2009 by Banditos GM

and might be open to trading famed Bob Sweet.  Pitt could use a RF, Jackson fits the spot.  They need to make a move to try to stay in contention.  Basically, any of the teams in the Ohio Valley are open to talks but have different needs.  The bottom want future, the top need NOW production.

Admirals!

January 30th, 2009 by Banditos GM

Hee-seop Pak is available!!! So is AAA Adam Pittman and EWB Cesar Lopez.

Cincy is interested in 3B Colin Brown. Current 3B, Colin Harmon, is not the fixture of the future.  This is a chance for Washinton to upgrade at SP and give up a mediocre prospect (3 star potential).  Washington has the NUMBER 1 offense in baseball, that's right Washington not Omaha.  However, they are struggling mightily at SP.  Washington with one day to go still has a chance to pull a trade off and replace the horrible Doug Kelly in the rotation.  Indy, Cincy and Detroit are all willing to negotiate, however, the Admiral farm organization leaves a lot to be desired.

If you're willing to shop EWB players, than Cole and Jackson might be enticing.  Of course others are too, but I am assuming players like Jose Garcia, Kent, Reinert, etc are off the table.

Enough is enough....

January 30th, 2009 by Banditos GM

....this is getting insane.  We need a state of the Admirals address.  As Captain of the Admiral Fan Club, I am very concerned about what's been going on recently and the secrecy that the front office has shown.  We need answers!  We demand answers! 

E. Gibbons
Captain of the Washington Admiral Fan Club

Re: Omaha Moves (Dialogue)

January 28th, 2009 by Wolverines GM and Banditos GM

Wolverines: Shop Emilio Romano or you guys throw me an offer for him.

 

Justin we are willing to give Dallas AAA MR Greg Woolridge and AAA SP Warren Younger for SP Anthony Moran.

 

We all know how bad Moran is and his problems and we know about Woolridge so we are willing to throw in Younger who is 22 and a 9 point pitcher. I think that is more than fair for a struggling pitcher.

Banditos: Since we took over the trading duties, the shop function is essentially finished. 

What are you looking to acquire for Romano? 

I wouldn't expect like the best prospect but a couple of young prospects, the whole point is to get Moran and deal Romano to save money.

Detroit offers AAA SS Dave Haberman, an excellent hitting and defensive prospect and R 1B Salvador Guzman, a 3rd rd. pick with great power potential, 33432.

How about Haberman and Bailey Manley for Romano and you pick a young starting pitcher(s) in my farm system.

No, for two reasons:
1- Manley is injured for 1-2 weeks and can't be traded.  So he's off the table.
2- Even if he were eligible probably wouldn't trade him.  Detroit has 3 young SP prospects that will build their core staff in the next two years, not going to break them up for a way too expensive Romano.

Haberman can start at SS for you next year if not earlier, and is a highly rated prospect

First off we want Haberman as a pinch hitter/back up SS

 

Secondly how is he any better than my current starting SS Pablo Guillen

 

Third I am not complaining about a trade, matter of fact we will begrudgingly do Haberman and a draft pick, but if I were Detroit and I wanted Romano and I offered what you were offering you would say NO WAY and you would want a young good starting pitcher like Manley. I understand that Romano makes alot but he is 10-2 and a Bob Gibson finalist the last couple of years, so my point is is that when you say you don't want to give up young pitching that's too bad. Every team in real life MLB doesn't want to give up young pitching but to get the caliber of a Romano you have too.

Look what I potentially might give up to get Moran, a possibly washed up, burnt out SP and I have to possibly give up a really good young MR and a young 9 point starting pitcher for MORAN. Compare Moran with Romano and what I am giving up with what I am getting back. Granted Romano makes alot of money and that might be the reason I don't get back what I deserve, but still I think it is a double standard.

I understand that the computer is at a disadvantage, and we can't rip the computer off and I am all for that, but I think it's a little out of whack sometimes. Maybe that's a way for the computer to compete is for us to get ripped off in deals.

Again I am not complaining as it might seem, but I just want to state my case.

 

For example remember about 3 or 4 years ago when the Mets were in playoff contention and they needed MR/CL help so they had to trade Scott Kazmir and someone else to Tampa to get Victor Zambrano. Do you think the Mets wanted to trade Kazmir away as he was there best young pitching prospect for a rent a player like Zambrano, NO but they had to to get something they needed. This is for aprevious E mail I wrote about how teams that need something now have to give up more than what they want. Oh yeah it was about San Antonio and how they needed an EWB ready OF and I was offering Lyle Washington for that young CF they have. Bottom line is that when I want to make a trade for a player I have to give up a shitload and on the reverse the answer is they wouldn't or I won't give up a good young SP,OF,IF whatever because they need them for the future. Too fucking bad to get something of value you have to give up value.

Once again, Manley is off the table.  He is injured.  As far as you accusing me of not wanting to give up young pitching, it's because of Detroit's situation.  If Pitt, CLE, or STL had the money to acquire Romano then they would definitely give up a Bailey Manley type for Romano.  However, Detroit sucks and is totally rebuilding.  They do have 2-3 good young SP that may  be ready in a couple of years.  Why pay Romano $9M a year for the next 2-3 years when they'll most likely suck UNLESS they foresee some of these prospects developing and coming up to complement Romano.  If they sell of the future prospects for Romano, they're screwing themselves because they'll suck and have a high payroll.  Even if these prospects suck and don't develop they sure as hell aren't paying any money for them.

You're assumption that to make a trade you have to get ripped off is false.  You're right, it was easy to rip off the computer, the primary reason is because the computer didn't have the capability of analyzing all the factors, especially when it came to contracts.  Now you're just dealing with humans, so go ahead and try to rip off the humans that's the point, but don't get pissed when they don't agree or see things your way.  If me or Justin say NO to a trade in fantasy baseball, you don't feel forced to rip yourself off do you?  What's the difference?  In any trade both sides have to see the value and agree, you can't call me or Justin crazy for not seeing things your way.  Maybe, for once, you should question your assumptions.

I guess my main thing is I don't understand comments like this:

 "Third I am not complaining about a trade, matter of fact we will begrudgingly do Haberman and a draft pick, but if I were Detroit and I wanted Romano and I offered what you were offering you would say NO WAY and you would want a young good starting pitcher like Manley" 

First, how is it relevant what I would do, whether your assumption is right or wrong?  Either it works for you or it doesn't.  By your grudging acceptance I assume it works.  Secondly, the biggest thing is that you imply that me and Justin hold you to a higher standard for trades, like were making it more unfair for YOU.  BULLSHIT.

Finally, back to the trade.  What Round Draft Pick were you looking for?

Re: 7/18/1994 Uploaded

January 26th, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. No new moves.

 

2. Did you see Teko de Bode is leading the NL in BA?  That's pretty weird.  The guy hit .227 in 1993 in extended playing time, .248 the year before, and .252 the year before that.  His career high in BA is .280, set in 1989 in Kansas City.  And yet, so far he's hitting .348 with Boston.  ALSO: The only reason he's playing at all with the Irish is that Ash Hays (a contender for Angel Rosa in 1993) is injured for the entire year, which led Boston to give Bode a 1 year free agent contract on 4/21 -- that is, Bode was playing with nobody, he was a free agent, for the first couple weeks of the season.  With their July surge, Boston is looking like a real contender.

Re: Notes from 1985

January 28th, 2009 by Admirals GM

I'm at work now, but here's another thing you might find interesting.

 

In the 1985 Game, I just got to 5/16 last night, the day the draft pool is announced.  (I'm playing like real life, with a June draft rather than a March draft ala EWB).  I didn't really know how the draft would work in a historical game.

 

Well, here's how it works.  The top prospects in the draft are guys like Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and various others.  And they have potential ratings corresponding to their actual major league production.  So, e.g., Bonds is 5-4 potential (if I remember correctly), McGwire is 4-5, Maddux is as 12 pt. pitcher with 5 control and 5 movement, etc.  I didn't see any cases of a real-life god major leaguer with low potential for the draft, even though in real life this happens (e.g., Mike Piazza was like a 45th round draft pick in real life, so presumably his potential "should" be low when he was drafted).  I also don't remember seeing players with high potential for the draft who didn't go on to have good careers.  So, e.g., there's no Todd Van Poppel equivalent: a guy who might have had 12 pt. potential when he was picked, but only turned out to be an 8 pt. pitcher.

 

The upshot is that I'm sure the draft is going to involve, say, Bonds going #1, Maddux #2, McGwire #3, etc.

 

I pass this on without judgment one way or the other.  I just thought it was interesting because I didn't know how it would work.

Re: Notes from 1985

January 27th, 2009 by Admirals GM

Notable Prospects: 1985

 

1. Rick Aguilera: 3-3-3

2. Jose Canseco: 4-4 (already in the majors, even though in real life his rookie year was 1986)

14. Lenny Dykstra: 4-2

16. Cecil Fielder: 5-4 (5 contact)

24. Paul O'Neill 4-4

28. Shawon Dunston: 3-2

Notes from 1985

January 26th, 2009 by Admirals GM

So, I grew a little bored with my other EWB league, and decided to set it aside for at least a little awhile.  I've now started a reality based historical league, starting in 1985 and taking over the New York Yankees.

 

I've barely started yet, but already it's pretty interesting.  Here are the top 10 ranked offensive players...

 

1. Rickey Henderson: 3-3-4 (eye), 10 speed.

2. George Brett: 5-5-4

3. Don Mattingly: 4-4-2.

4. Wade Boggs: 5-1-3

5. Tim Raines: 4-2-3 (10 speed)

6. Darryl Straberry: 3-3-4.  (3 power?  I suspect maybe that my scout is just off on him.)

7. Eddie Murray: 4-5-4.

8. Dale Murphy: 3-5-4

9. Pedro Guerrero: 5-5-4 (aside from George Brett, the only other 5-5 player in the game right now).

10. Mitch Webster: 4-4-3.  (Mitch Webster?)

 

There's a lot more interesting stuff going on, but I thought it was cool to see these players on the 1-5 scale we've gotten accustomed to, and to see how they were ranked.

 

By the way, pitchers?  Top 3:

1. Gooden: 4-5-5 (Gooden is 20 in 1985)

2. Joe Hesketh: 2-3-4 (????)

3. Orel Hershiser: 3-4-5

 

Mike: Ryne Sandberg is 4-4-3, and ranked as the #2 2B behind.... a young Danny Tartabull of the Seattle Mariners.

 

Ozzie Smith is 3-2-4, and ranked as a 8 shorstop.  ???  The Wizzard of Oz is the 12th best SS in the game.

 

Pre-season trades include the following... The Chicago Cubs sent Rick Sutcliffe (3-4-3, immediately following his Cy Young year) to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for CF Lloyd Moesby (3-4-5, with 9 steal and good defense).

 

Veteran Reggie Jackson was traded by the California Angels to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

 

And Charlie Leibrandt was acquired by the Cubs away from Kansas City, presumably to replace the departed Sutcliffe.

 

It's pretty interesting.

Re: JTT, San Antonio

January 24th, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. Their most pressing need is a SP who can contribute immediately, and RF.  Munoz is a good enough prospect that he could maybe bring both in a trade.  What about Orlando Gonzalez + Clayton Meadows?

I haven't fully thought it over, so don't regard this as an official offer.  More like a discussion starter.

Re: Omaha Offer (Dialogue)

January 24th, 2009 by Admirals GM and Wolverines GM

Admirals: How about: Oyama, Ramos, and Woolridge.

Wolverines: You are fucking crazy

Admirals: Okay, well then you counter. When it comes to managing these other teams, I don't want to have to be spending time thinking up deals in response to a request.  I mean, I might initiate an offer if something occurs to me.  But, otherwise it should be your burden (and Rob's burden, in the San Antonio deal) to start things out with an offer.

Omaha Offer

January 23rd, 2009 by Wolverines GM

To the special envoy of the Dallas Brahmas,

 

We would like to know what it would take to get Anthony Moran and William Sinclair in a deal.

 

                                        Steve Stone

                                         Ast. GM

                                         Omaha Wolverines

 

ROB I need to know what Sinclair wants for an extension

Re: ATTN: Admiral GM

January 23rd, 2009 by Admirals GM

Right now, we're actually more concerned with our starters than our relievers.  And Sammy Ball has no allure for us.

ATTN: Wolverines GM

January 23rd, 2009 by Banditos GM

GM Mike G.,

Mr. G, what's going on?  I got a great deal for you, listen to this:  Ayala ain't doing shit for you in AAA. You've tried unloading him and you can't what you think he's worth, still he ain't helping you at all.  He's 26 and at this point it's either EWB or nothing if he continues to play in AAA he'll probably degrade and become a lifetime minor leaguer.

We, Portland, are willing to offer you some youth and take Ayala off your hands.  Our bullpen is weak, especially in the middle relief area.  In addition, with the Admirals sliding so bad, we believe we might have a shot at a run if we get hot.

We're willing to give you CL Alton Harris, currently with A Stockton Atomics.  Harris is young, projected to be a 9 point pitcher, put up a 2.62 ERA, 38 SV year in 1993 (last year).  Harris could easily develop to be even better under your well respected and admired minor league coaching system.  This is a win-win for you and Ayala.

Shoot me an email back.  Also, next time you're in Portland, get Lou Frye and let's all go fly fishing.

Jack Clark
Assistant GM
Portland Fog Devils

ATTN: Admiral GM

January 23rd, 2009 by Banditos GM

GM JTT,

Let me introduce myself, I am Bud Black, Assistant GM to Raul Robles of the Los Angeles Gargoyles.  We are a proud franchise, respect us.  I am corresponding with you over the matter of a possible trade.  We know your bullpen is tired and weary, we know first hand.  We know that many of your bullpen members have no cajones, we know first hand.  We know your bullpen is hurting, literally, they are on the DL.

We submit to you the following propoposal.  We will send famous Lefty MR Sammy Ball to Washington.  Mr. Ball is extremely intelligent (9) and a very hard worker (10).  He's also has a 3.38 ERA this season and is holding batter to an OAVG of .248.  Mr. Ball is also a 2 time PCL All Star in 1980 and 1981.  We will also send you elite MR prospect Tom Vincent, our 4th Round draft pick in 1992.  A 9 point pitcher on the ratings system named after your esteemed self.

In return we merely ask for 3B Colin Brown.  A man with no future as long as the precious Karl Fox is around.  3B Colin Brown is at best a Utility IF in EWB.  We offer much and ask for little. 

What is your response?

Your New Colleague,

Bud Black
Assistant GM
Los Angeles Gargoyles

Miami Trading Block

January 21st, 2009 by Banditos GM

Somewhat in response to JTT's Texas and Plains Division, here's what is available for humans and computers alike.  Please note that the exclusion of someone doesn't mean we won't listen to offers.  We'll hear out any proposal.

SP Jeff DeWalt - DeWalt is a very, very streaky pitcher.  After playing horribly after we initially traded for him, DeWalt really came on during the late season run.  He's rated 333/433, 1.5/1.5 star and at age 35 he probably only has a couple of years left.  DeWalt IS a contributing starter for probably 95% of the teams in the league.  He's running bad right now but I wouldn't be surprised if he turned it around at some point again.

MR Joe Townsend - Rated 343/333, 4/4 star and 27 years old.  Townsend has been part of the bullpen since I took over in 1990 when he was a big 23 yr. old prospect.  Townsend has matured nicely but is struggling this year.  From '91-'93 when he was full time reliever in EWB, the highest ERA he sported was a 3.72.  He's good for 100+ Innings and most managers will use him for that.  His strength is going innings 6-8 and really locking the game down as a true long reliever.

In addition we're willing to take offers on Kenny Williams and Juan Sardina and Steve Halter and Lou "Franchise" Bennett.

AAA MR Stanton Barnes -  Barnes is EWB ready with no where to go.  At 25 yrs. old he's rated 343/343, 1.5/3.5 stars and has EWB experience.  Barnes is ripping up AAA and is itching to advance.  Is a 2 time minor league All Star.  Has lots of potential to gain.

AAA MR Daron Brooks - Brooks is like Barnes in the sense that what's holding them back is the strength of the Miami Bullpen.  Brooks is rated 442/442, 1/1.5 star and is 27.  In 1993 Brooks put up this statline for Miami:  20 G, 32.1 IP, 4-0, 1 SV, 2.78 ERA, 21 K 10 BB.  So he definitely has shown capable of pitching strongly in the big leagues.

AAA MR Nate "7-Up" Brady - We are still assessing the 20 year old Brady, but he has 252/253 ratings and 1.5/1.5 stars.  Probably more of longshot than the others listed but a gain in point here or there could make "7-Up" a sure shot.  Wouldn't be looking for much for him, may not want to part with him though considering his age.  The fact that he's made 1.5 stars and is in AAA by age 20 can't be a bad thing.  Perhaps he has a hard work ethic and heart.  We'll keep our eye on him.

In addition we're willing to take offers on any of our starters in AAA, even Britt Murphy and Clayton Meadows if the price is right.  SP Curt Parrish is a contribute NOW type of player for an EWB team, a 5th starter.

2B Ryan Hinkle - Obviously Hinkle is injured but this applies in 4 weeks as well.  Hinkle would most likely be a solid backup or a starter on a team with weak 2b or injury problems.  Hinkle is hitting .333/.893OPS this season and still plays excellent D.  He's no slouch.  In our eyes his weakness is his lack of versatility defensively (he only plays 2b).  With Tom Delzoppo and Castaneda, there's simply no room for Hinkle except at SS where he can't play.

SS Joe Young -  Filling in for Oullette during the injury.  Young was at one time a high prospect for the Banditos, in fact Young played 126 games in 1991.  However Young developed slowly and started to fade but still maintained decent ratings.  With Michael Quint slumping bad we brought Joe Young up to play SS.  He's 34243/34243, 1/1 star and 30 years old.  Plays 1st, SS, and 2b, all well.  When Oullette returns Young will be sent to AAA again.  A true contributor stuck, could definitely help a team looking for UIF or starter.

We'll examine offers for Orlando Gonzalez too!  Gonzalez would be a big coup for any GM!

AAA RF Marcus Farmer -  Farmer we'll probably attract a lot of offers because he should be playing in EWB.  He's a 27 yr. old lefty, rated 34232/34232,   3/3 STARS!,  Defense is good (9LF, 1CF, 10RF), and fast as shit (10,10,10).  Farmer has 49 SB right now in AAA!!!! He's hitting .298 and well on his way to a AAA All Star appearance and possible Championship as Little Rock is dominating.  Farmer has experience in Miami since 1989, he knows the ropes and is a perfect Utility OF but also capable of playing everyday. 

AAA LF Neil Roberts - Roberts is your typical AAA OF.  Had good potential ratings and stars but not blue chip material, went up to AAA and got stuck.  Stuck not because of lack of talent but because no opportunities existed in Miami, so he's become a great AAA guy.  Roberts has lost some of his stars (1/1), but his potential is still solid 33242/33342.  He's also fast 9,10,9.  Roberts, like Farmer, could be a valuable addition.

AAA SS Anthony Pryor - Pryor is 32 and I guarantee would be on an EWB roster if he was with the computer.  Pryor has played well everytime he's been up and actually played extensively in 1992.  Would be pretty cheap to acquire, his future with us is doubtful.

Essentially like I mentioned before, we'll take offers on any of our players or prospects.  I highlighted the above because I though they would be ideal candidates for some teams and easy to trade for.

So bring on the offers.

Re: Jeff Kent

January 21st, 2009 by Admirals GM

Maybe my attitude toward Kent just reflects my idiosyncratic baseball-following behavior over the span of his career.

 

In the mid to late 1990s, I was still following baseball very closely, almost as closely as I did as a kid.  And during that time Kent was in his mid-to-late 20s (so not a prospect), and put up stats of .270/21/80 (in 1993); .292/14/68 (in 1994); .278/20/65 (in 1995); .284/12/55 (in 1996); and .250/29/121 (in 1997).  That's pretty good production from a 2B, but hardly Hall-worthy.  It's only marginally All Star-worthy.  (Kent only made 5 All Star teams.  No doubt, this is partly due to his personality qualities which should be irrelevant to Hall voting, but it's also indicative of the fact that he took a long time to become an elite player: his 1st All Star appearance was at age 31.)

 

Then, around 1998, I stopped paying as close attention to baseball, aside from the Yankees.  And right at that point, Kent seemed to turn it up a notch, rather unexpectedly.  (Again, he was already 30.  And as an indicator of how unexpected it was: when Kent was traded to the Giants in 1997 in exchange for Matt Williams, almost everyone thought it was a bad deal for San Francisco.)

 

So, I find myself today with the unreflective attitude that Kent is not-at-all a Hall of Famer, but maybe that's unfair.

Re: Jeff Kent

January 21st, 2009 by Banditos GM

Yes, he'll get in.  I disagree with your assessment that it's like having another 1b playing 2nd.  I don't ever remember anyone saying he was bad defensively and obviously there has to be a reason why he continued to play 2nd even late into his career. 

Was he one of the top in his era, at 2nd and all around.  I think the answer is yes.

Jeff Kent

January 21st, 2009 by Admirals GM

Is he a Hall of Famer?

 

The Fantasy Baseball magazine I was using for last year's draft referred to him as an obvious Hall of Famer, which hadn't really occurred to me.  He didn't really put up a single-season worth of Hall consideration 1998, at which point he was already 30 years old.  (Prior to that, it's a bunch of years where he went like .270/20/70, which is hardly Hall-worthy.)  Then from 1998-2002, he put up fairly elite numbers, which allowed him to win the 2000 MVP (although even then, a strong case could be made that Bonds truly deserved the award).  Since then, he's generally been solid but nothing spectacular -- statlines like .290/25/90 or so.  This has allowed his career totals to be respectable: a .290 lifetime BA, 2298 Hits, 377 HRs, and 1518 RBIs.

 

I don't think he would have a realistic chance if he were a 1B or OF, but because he plays 2B -- and in fact, has set various offensive records at 2B -- he probably will get in.  This would make sense if Kent were a good defensive 2B.  If he were a Gold Glove caliber player, and he put up those numbers, then by all means he should go in.  (Something like this applies in the case of Ryne Sandberg.)  But I always was of the impression that Kent was supposed to be pretty mediocre defensively.  He was like having just another 1B on the field, but shifted over 50 feet.  If that's right, then I don't think it makes sense to hold him to lower offensive standards.

Plains Division trading

January 21st, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. Chicago.  God, the Samurai are OLD.  SP1 Michael Bowden is 36.  SP2 Carlos Pena is 33.  SP3 Shawn Price is 40.  SP Diego Vargas is 35.  So 4/5 of their rotation is 33+.  Now their offense.  1B Juan Delgado is 31.  3B Reggie Phillips is 33.  SS Felipe Serrano is 38.  RF Martin Dias (the 1987 MVP with Memphis) is 36.  And this pretty much covers their middle-of-the-lineup hitters.  They have a few offensive starters in their 20s, but it's mostly stopgap guys.  (They are the negative VORP players Rob mentioned previously.)  Given that their window to compete is really right now, I would be willing to deal C-level prospects for immediate contributors.  YOU GET: Any AAA prospect other than LF Victor Rios.  There are a couple of 9 pt. pitchers in the group, and a couple of other players as well.  Nothing spectacular.  YOU SUPPLY: A SS who could put up +VORP; a CF/RF who could put up +VORP.

 

2. Minneapolis.  I still think the Mutiny can get back in the race; on the other hand, I don't want to sell the farm to make a run this year, because I think the team has a pretty solid foundation.  **IF** Minneapolis is out of the race by the end of July, SP Nate Harris (free agent to be) is definitely available.  The Mutiny almost certaintly don't have the money to re-sign him.  On the other hand, I don't want to trade him if he can help the Mutiny compete right now.  I don't see a lot of obvious trades to pursue.  If you want to make a trade, you'll need to initiate it.

 

3. Denver.  Because C Vincent Carter is scheduled to be a free agent, I would consider deals for him.  It would need to be a blockbuster though -- I want to give Denver as much opportunity to re-sign him as possible.  Aside from that, there's not a lot of obvious trades to make.  Denver has a variety of weaknesses, but not much that's completely glaring.  And more to the point, they don't have a whole bunch of obviously tradeable parts.  (Not a ton of prospects, too many players with bad contracts, etc.)

 

4. Kansas City.  The Wheat Kings have an excellent starting staff.  Claudio Acuna is a 10 pt. SP who's available because he's due to be a free agent; John Burke is 9 pts. and is also available for the same reason.  The bullpen is absolutely dreadful, so they could definitely use that in exchange.  Or prospects, at any position.  The offense is absolutely horrible and could use an upgrade at every position besides 1B and RF.  The Wheat Kings have a surprisingly solid minor league system, but it's unbelievably backloaded at 1B: 6 of their top 7 prospects play 1B!  If you can give them good young players at other positions in exchange (either young major leaguers or prospects), I almost certainly would be willing to make a deal.  The path forward to success for KC almost inevitably involves trading 1Bs to get other positions.  I'm willing to make deals here, because otherwise I worry the Wheat Kings will make Pedro Velasquez-esque ripoff trades.

Re: Texas Trading

January 21st, 2009 by Admirals GM

I would be interested to see what Dallas's real GM has to say about the deal.  In other words, officially "submit" the deal, and then see his reaction.  I'm not promising to go along with what he says; it's just that I would like his insight.

Re: Texas Trading

January 21st, 2009 by Admirals GM

Blankenship was the 4th overall pick in the 1st round in 1993, and projects to 4-5 contact-eye with speed ratings of 8-9-9.  So right now, he projects to an ideal leadoff hitter -- the kind of guy who could hit .310, witha +.400 OBP and maybe 40 SBs.  And then he is 10-10 CF-arm, so he's elite defensively.  If he lives up to his potential, he would probably be the top ranked CF in all of EWB.  That's not unbelievable; it lives up to his draft position.

 

So, either add more to the deal, or ask for a lower down prospect.

 

By the way, San Antonio went 2-1 this Sim, so maybe their need isn't so urgent.

Re: Texas Trading

January 19th, 2009 by Wolverines GM

We would be interested in Anthony Moran and we would give up MR Greg Woolridge.

 

Dallas has a terrible reliever strength throughout their organization and we believe Greg is an 11 pt. phenom MR/CL in waiting. We don't believe that Anthony is worth of much more because of 1) his declining ratings 2) his arm injuries as of late, bone chips in elbow 5-6-93 and dead arm syndrome 3-23-94. 3) his terrible record this year, he is 2-5, 5.10 ERA and he is Dallas's 4th starter. We are willing to take a chance on him as our 5th starter. For any more I would really doubt it but I guess you can ask.

 

Also we might be interested in Sinclair as our 2B for next year and a key IF for this year, but is it possible Rob to see what he wants for an extension first because it may be possible to package Sinclair and Moran for Woolridge and maybe C Jorge Ramos (Dallas C positional strength is terrible and Ramos is 45th rated overall prospect by Baseball America) and something else maybe.

Re: Texas Trading

January 19th, 2009 by Wolverines GM

We would be willing to trade Lyle Washington to San Antonio for A Blair CF Bob Blankenship.

 

San Antonio needs OF NOW and Lyle is fairly good offensively and pretty good defensively and is EWB ready. In return they give up a pretty good CF, he is the 3rd rated OF in San Antonio system by Baseball America and the 2nd CF !  I think I have the upper hand, but in these situations I think San Antonio has there hands tied and they need to do something NOW and not wait. On the other hand maybe they could do better than Washington and they don't have make a trade soon, but all in all if they want more on top of Washington we will listen.

Texas Trading

January 19th, 2009 by Admirals GM

Feeling humans out...

 

1. The Houston Black Gold would be willing to trade star 1B Juan Bravo for SP help.  Backup Lloyd O'Neal is actually looking like he might become a better EWB player, which makes Bravo expendable, even during a pennant run.  To get Bravo, though, you'll need to give up an equivalent star, not a prospect.  (Like, say, Lawrence Jordan.)  Also, Miami, listen to this: Houston is completely loaded at the catcher-spot.  Starter Geoffrey Barnes is hitting .311, backup Dan Hicks is the #7 prospect in EWB and has 4-4 potential and 4-3 actual, and overall 8 of Houston's top 20 BA prospects are catchers.  Hicks would be hard to get, but Barnes is very tradeable, and a number of the C-prospects could be had.  Again, the Black Gold don't have a ton of weaknesses, but they could use upgrades in the bullpen and rotation.  Any trade would need to involve players who could contribute to this season's pennant push.

 

2. San Antonio needs OFs, and given their recent surge of injuries there's a premium on doing a deal quickly if it's to be done at all -- right now is a dangerous time for them, where they could be burried because they're missing like 4 offensive starters.  Obviously, you'll get value commensurate with what you give up, but even a 3-3 OF would be useful.  They could also use SPs.  Obviously, a star would be great, but even a Doug Kelly-type would help.  In exchange you would need to take prospects -- the Aztecas aren't deep enough to give up players who are contributing right now to their pennant run.  The Aztecas have a reasonably deep farm system, and they have a special strength in CF, which I mention because it's so hard to get.  Because the Aztecas so rarely compete, I'd be willing to be fairly agressive this year in trading prospects to acquire immediate contributors at the ML level.

 

3. El Paso.  3B Javier Martinon is certainly available with the addition of Hector Garcia.  Also, did you know that Odoardo Lebro ("Mr. Cool") is down to just 2-4 potential, waiting in AAA?  So he's lost his luster.  If you wanted to take a flyer on him, we would let you.  El Paso doesn't have many pressing needs, so you'll have to be the ones to pursue a trade here.  Probably less trade opportunity with the Iron Horses than with other Texas teams.

 

4. Austin.  The Marhsalls' pitchers are badly underperforming.  Their ratings are pretty good, but the team ERA is absolutely horrible.  The thing is, because their pitching staff is still pretty talented, it's not easy for them to "upgrade" -- it would need to be a really good pitcher to qualify as a clear improvement.  At a smaller level, the Marshalls could probably use a better utility man/occasional starter at SS: the Orlando Torres/Pietro Mollica combo isn't playing well there at all.  Miami, maybe that makes a deal with you possible.  1B Arturo Borges is very tradeable, and could make a very nice pennant race addition -- he has 4/4 actual, but just 3/3 potential.  C Rafeal Cortes is tradeable as well.  It probably will be difficult to make a huge deal with the Marshalls.  They are out of the pennant race this year, so that's no impetus to a trade.  On the other hand, I still like their nucleus, and could see them getting back into contention next year.  A smaller trade is possible.

 

5. Dallas.  Because the wheels fell off for the Brahmas this year, I would be willing to be pretty agressive with them trading-wise.  The most likely deals involve the Brahmas giving up veteran contributors in exchange for younger players/prospects.  At the Catcher-spot, you could have your pick of M(a)cDonalds, although neither one is especially enticing.  Pony Tyler could be yours for just about anything.  IF William Sinclair might be the most intriguing option.  He can play any IF spot well, has 10-10-10 speed, and is a near-All Star level player.  He's up for negotiation, though, because he's scheduled to be a free agent this offseason.  Sinclair is an isntant top/middle of the lineup hitter, who could really help you down the stretch.  Dallas would want solid prospect(s) back.  RP Mauro Medina could be yours for pennies on the dollar.  Former phenom Anthony Moran could be had if the right deal came around.  Still just 26, and capable of a 97 MPH fastball, Moran has struggled a little in recent years, but still is a 9 pt. pitcher.  Maybe he could be the next Stephen Ferguson -- he leaves Dallas, and reverts back to his old self?  The price of finding out is just a prospect or two.

Philadelphia Quakers: A Look Back Fact Sheet

January 19th, 2009 by Banditos GM

Like the two previous All Star Sites, here is the Philadelphia Fact Sheet.

SEASONS/BROAD HISTORY

- True to their Quaker name and mascot, Philadelphia has been one of the more quiet and under the radar franchises around.  The franchise came together in the late '60's and was owned by the Quaker Society of Pennsylvania as the league's only non-profit organization.  The years that the Quaker Society owned the Quakers were considered the glory years, from the span of 1970-1978.  It was this period of time that the Quakers made the playoffs 5 of their 6 total appearances and won the 1971 World Series.

-  In addition to being a competitive team under the Quaker Society, the Philadelphia Quakers also had the renowned Quaker Field.  The most beautiful baseball stadium in the entire EWB, or for that matter anywhere.  The members of the Quakers (real Quakers not the players), cultivated the infield and outfield to perfection.  There was no finer field anywhere and it was light years ahead of the times and technology of modern field maintenance.  The difference between Philly's field and San Antonio's all dirt IF (until 1976) was staggering.  In addition to the beautiful field, beyond the center field and right field walls were extravagant gardens, flowers, and fountains all maintained on a daily basis.  Beyond left field was a garden of herbs, vegetables, fruits, corn etc.  This was grown in part to feed the players who were kept on a nutritious diet of oats and vegetables.  Once again years ahead of modern nutrition science.

- Unfortunately for Philadelphia, all good things eventually come to an end.  The Quaker Society saw their numbers drop drastically from a confluence of modern day secularism, commerce, technology, and basically the world outgrowing them.  They were no longer able to maintain the club and the stadium and it was sold to the Quaker Oats Company, who felt it was a great opportunity to market their massive food conglomerate.  In 1979 their was a sense of sadness throughout EWB as corporatism once again triumphed over what seemed good and right.

- The Quaker Oats company took a much different approach to running the team.  Payroll was cut, the park amenities slashed and profit became the number one motive.  Philadelphia went into a funk for years, until finally reaching the playoffs last year in 1993.

-  Their 1971 World Series team defeated the Denver Amigos.  Philadelphia won the Colonial Division but had the worst record of the playoff teams, and really was a feel good story.  None of their players was really great, they had a good SP Juan Gallo and Eliot Arrington was their main force on offense.  They were in the upper half of team pitching and team hitting (ranked by R/G) but still not elite.

- After reaching the 1978 playoffs they went into a funk finishing 5th or 4th every year until 1986.  However, their horrible 59-103 1983 allowed them to be in position to draft star, Henry Winman, in 1984.

- The last couple of years it has looked like the Quakers may have a great young team to compete again.  However, injuries and poor player development has shocked the system.

MANAGERS

Billy Martin, 1970-73 - The inaugural Quaker manager couldn't have been a better one than Billy Martin.  Martin recently voted into the Hall of Fame is considered one of the top managers ever, and is well respected by everyone.  Having played and managed in the New York State League, Martin was considered a top managing prospect.  He was drawn to Philly as he wanted an organization that he felt he would have less conflict and tension with ownership and upper management.  What better than to work for Quakers then?  Martin immediately took the team to the playoffs in 1970, rallied them to a World Series in 1971 and then took them to a 2nd consecutive Colonial Pennant and another playoff in 1972.  After a hugely disappointing 1973 season, Martin went on a raging bender and destroyed 33 cornstalks and 10 squash plants in left field.  The Quaker management finally felt that Martin was not a logical choice as he does not quite reflect their values.  Martin was ready to move on as well, he went to Denver after taking a year off.  He rattled off 3 consecutive playoff appearances in Denver.  Martin's history is well known so I won't repeat it.

Ramon Deleon, 1974-1975 - Ramon Deleon was a perfect antidote to the high intensity Martin.  The players felt much more relaxed under their easy going Dominincan manager and he took them to the playoffs in 1974.  Deleon came to Philly after managing the LA Gargoyles and taking them to the playoffs.  Unfortunately in 1975 the Quakers dropped off again and Deleon took the fall.

Vicente Flores, 1976 - Flores was profiled on the Cincinnati Look Back as he was their first coach, taking them to one playoff.  He had a dismal year in Philly in 1976 and was canned immediately after the season.  He went to coach as an assistant and never became a manager again.

Ray James, 1977-1979 - Ray James was brought out of the Northwest League (R) after 2 years experience to head the helm of the Philly team. Many believe that because he was from Zelienople (Pennsylvania) and was rumoured to have a Quaker family background was the reason he was given the job.  James had some success, never guiding the team below a .500 record and making the playoffs in 1978.  Unfortunately when his contract expired the new owners, Quaker Oats Company wanted to go in a new direction.  James got a job in Salt Lake City and the Bluefield.  He is currently deceased.

Chris Guy, 1980-1985 - The corporate Quaker Oats Company wanting to slash payroll, brought in Chris Guy, who prior to taking over the Quakers was a Single A hitting coach with no manager experience at any level.  It showed, the Quakers went on a 5 year slide where they only reached 70+ (74) wins once.  In addition, they suffered their worst season ever, 59-103 in 1983.  Guy was fired in 1985 after attendance dropped so much the the owners had to do something.  Chris Guy got a 2nd chance in NY, for God only knows what reason, but only lasted 2 years.  Since then he's dropped off the face of the earth.

Calvin Allen, 1986-1989 - The somewhat experience minor league manager Calvin Allen took over, and continued to lead Philly to very mediocre records.  Allen had no success before Philly, nor since.  He can be credited a little degree for the organization cultivating the young stars that were soon to come.

Luis Romero, 1990-1992 - Romero was a wily veteran who had been scouting for Philadelphia when he took over the reigns.  Wiley's last managing job was a stint in 1970-71 in the Southern League when he took the 1970 Huntsville team to the Championship.  Romero was unable to do better than 3rd in a tough Colonial Division with Boston and NY.

Armando Ortiz, 1993- Present - Philly, once again, decided to go with veteran experience.  Ortiz won his 1st Championship in 1970 as the manager of the PCL Sacramento Sea Devils.  He won another minor league championship in 1983.  Taking over the 1993 Quakers he showed great promise, taking the Quakers to their first playoffs since 1978!  However, 1994 has been racked with injuries and Philly is struggling.  We'll see, but most have a lot of confidence in Ortiz.

TROPHY ROOM

- The Quakers have 5 Colonial Division Pennants :  1971, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1993

- 2 NL Pennants : 1971 and 1978

- One World Series Trophy : 1971

- The only piece of hardware belongs to Jose Morales who won the 1991 Angel Rosa Award.

HALL OF FAME

-  ******** NO Hall of Famers ever played in Philadelphia.

Wolverine Insider

January 18th, 2009 by Wolverines GM

Q and A

by Barry Pitts

 

Today we are doing a little Q and A with Wolverines center fielder extraordinaire Jerome MacKnight. We did this interview a couple of weeks ago before Jerome got injured. I would like to know how you dislocate your shoulder running bases?

 

Jerome MacKnight

Knoxville, TN

6'2 187 LBS

13 years in EWB

 

WI- First off thanks for doing this.

 

JM- No problem

 

WI- First off how would you say things are going with your contract?

 

JM- Well we are trying to hammer out an extension, but the logistics are getting in the way, but I think we will get something done.

 

WI- Has this been a fun year?

 

JM- Yes it has, we are having another good year as an organization and me personally I am having a great year.

 

WI- Do you like Dave Morgan and do you think he will return next year?

 

JM- Yeah I think all the guys like Dave, we like playing for him and the other coaches and I think one of the moves that Mike Gilmore and Dave made that has really helped us hitters is the promotion of Simon Glenn. If you look at all of us as hitters you'll see that we are all improved hitters and he has us prepared for every game and he is a prankster. As far as Dave coming back that is between him and his family. I would prefer he come back but that is a decision for he and his family.

 

WI- You said Simon is a prankster, what kind of stuff?

 

JM- He likes getting the younger players. I think one time this year when Lawrence Jordan was taking a shower he snapped a towel at his ass and pissed on his shower shoes that was hilarious to see the look on LJ's face. One time he said he was banging my wife and of course I didn't believe him but he got my wife involved in the joke and it turned out to be very irritating to me at the time but it was all in fun. You may want to cut this stuff out of the interview because this is going to be read by kids.

 

WI- WOW !  We probably will.

 

WI- Do you think you guys can get to the World Series and maybe win it this time?

 

JM- Geez I hope so, We were a very young team last year with little or no experience in the playoffs and we made it to the World Series and just came up short against the god damn Admirals. We made some moves this year that I think will hopefully put us over the hump.

 

WI- What is your favorite color?

 

JM- Orange, GO VOLS!

 

WI- What do you like to watch on TV?

 

JM- Well I like anything with hunting or fishing so probably Babe Winkleman or Bill Dance you gotta love Bill Dance with that old Tennessee hat man.

 

WI- What is your favorite song?

 

JM- I'm a Thug by Trick Daddy

 

WI- Who is the person on the team you hang out the most with?

 

JM- Probably Julio Contreras, he's my buddy. He finds all the great Mexican restaurants in town and we hunt a lot together too.

 

WI- What team in EWB do you despise?

 

JM- Washington Admirals, they always give us problems and they are cocky,arrogant and full of them selves. We just swept them about a month or two ago and they act like a bunch of babies. That Daniel Smith is weird looking MF'r and he talks alot of trash too. So I don't like them nor does the rest of the team.

 

WI- What team do you like?

 

JM- Well I wouldn't say I like any other team, but I do respect a few. I think Miami plays hard and does it with humility and I respect Atlanta they always play us tough.

 

WI- What do you think of Omaha?

 

JM- Me and my family love it here, it's a city where you can raise a family. I love the fans the fans make it hard for our opponents to win here. I think over the last couple of years we have had the best home record in EWB, so I love all the Wolverine fans who come out to see us play in other cities. This is also a well run organization all the way from the top with Mr. Theisen down to I think the best baseball mind in the game, Mike Gilmore.

 

WI- Any last thoughts ?

 

JM- No, your the one doing the interview.

 

WI- Okay, I guess that will rap things up thank you Jerome and best of luck the rest of the season.

 

JM- Thanks partner.

 

 

That was a little Q and A with a Wolverine. This is Barry Pitts signing off.

1994 Midseason Awards

January 16th, 2009 by Admirals GM

AL MVP: Artie Bicknell.  Right now, he's got a big lead.  Other candidates: Frank Patterson, Rafael Valentin, Dave Page.  (Patterson is a solid contender, but Valentin and Page need their teams to get in the race.)

 

AL Gibson: Ed Jackson.  This race is still very much wide open; the best pitchers in ERA don't have enough wins (e.g., Lawrence Jordan only has 6 wins), while the best pitchers in wins don't really have a good enough ERA.  Jackson is probably the best mix so far.  Other candidates: Joe MacGregor, Lawrence Jordan, Carlos Pena (in a rebound year).

 

AL Rosa: Craig Belcher, LF Omaha.  A very good close race.  My hunch is that the computer vote right now would go to Lucio Ortiz of Memphis, but the human vote would go to Belcher (not just because Belcher plays for a human).  Other candidates: Lucio Ortiz, Memphis (Ortiz looks poised to become a Bicknell-type player); Wilfred Christian, 1B Kansas City (right now is .379/7/24, but in limited at bats); Lonnie Douglas, LF Las Vegas; Mike Schmidt, SS Atlanta; Tom Travis, 1B L.A. (not quite the 2nd coming of Caleb Lang just yet).

 

NL MVP: Norman Hopkins, SS Pittsburgh.  The race is very much up in the air, but in my view Hopkins edges teammate Pedro Velasquez right now.  Other candidates: Don Kelly, Pedro Velasquez, Albert Perez, Tommy Brown.

 

NL Gibson: Tom Campbell, Pittsburgh.  Unlike last year, Campbell isn't completely running away with the award; he does have a lead at this point though.  Other Candidates: Duane Cheeks, Houston (leading the league in Wins, but his ERA is too high), Earl Armstrong, Cleveland (had a hot start, but cooled off recently), Mohammed Koigi (might be leaving if not for his injury).

 

NL Rosa:  Tommy Brown, LF Montreal.  .315/20/70 at the break.  In retrospect, the Brown for Patterson trade involved a couple of superstars.  Other candidates: Jacob O'Rourke, 2B Austin (the Marhsalls have themselves a great player here, too bad the team has fallen apart around him); Dan Parker 3B Philadelphia (a great average hitter, looks poised to compete for batting titles for years to come).

San Antonio and Chicago

January 16th, 2009 by Banditos GM

- Why are the Azteca's succeeding despite having a stacked DL?  Munoz, Shelton, Williams is the answer.  Those 3 comprise the core of the bullpen and are kicking ass, plus they're all 4.5/4.5 star MR's.

- Chicago only has 4 offensive starters and 7 offensive roster players with a positive VORP.  2 of those 7 only have a fractional positive VORP, not even a 1.0.  Chicago's strength is coming from their rotation, where the signing of Michael Bowden has had a REAL impact on this team.

Re: 6/23/1994 Uploaded

January 16th, 2009 by Banditos GM

By the time everything was uploaded, I was a little tired so here's a more extended notes:

-  Alfredo Juarez did have an AWESOME game against Omaha.  One of the few bright spots for Miami in that series.  After a rocky debut he came back strong.  We are a little apprehensive about him being only 20, he went 100+ pitches in that game.  We are about to direct McKeon to put him on a pitch count.  I sincerely believe you can overuse young arms in this game.  We're thinking an 85 pitch count.

- Another note from that series:  In one of the games Clayton Jones had 4 WP and Jose Rodriguez had 1 PB.  I believe in one sequence they were consecutive.  I believe a runner went from 1st to home all on consecutive WP or PB.

- I have to agree with Leo Kennedy's beef, ESPECIALLY since "All Star" Howard Hammond is now platooning!  Matt Martin made the team for us but it would be really, really hard for us to say he's our best reliever. 

- Every LF from Humans made the team and actually two LF from Washington.  Bicknell, Robinson, Torres, Belcher.  Belcher was surprising considering he's still trying to overcome poor public perception due to HIV rumours early in the season.  The rumours just won't go away nor do the taunts at opposing parks of "fag", "homo", "monkey fucker" and other things too inappropriate for this newsletter.  We have a long way to go from 1994 in the tolerance department.

- The Admirals got swept for the first time in a long time, at least I can't remember the last time.  That's significant but not as significant as who they got swept by, Chicago.  Chicago looks like they might be for real, and possibly a postseason threat.

Moves & Commentary

January 16th, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. At 2B, move back to a platoon between Kent and Daniel Smith, with each playing every other day.

 

2. Name Doug Kelly as official "mop up man," in addition to his roles as MR and spot starter.

 

3. Assuming he doesn't get tired out from the All Star game, move Joe MacGregor to SP1 and let him pitch the first regular season game after the break.  Here's the rest of our rotation...

 

SP1: MacGregor

SP2: Banks

SP3: Wilson

SP4: Chavez

SP5: Garcia

 

If MacGregor is too tired to start the first game, let him start the earliest game where he's back to full fatigue.

 

4. Speaking of All Star oversights, i think Leo Kennedy got screwed.  He's on pace for 30+ HRs and just about 140 RBIs -- as a catcher (meaning lots of off days) -- while still batting .285.  The one thing that could legitimately could against him is that he's been absolutely horrible defensively.  In the latest series vs. Chicago, the Samurai ran all over him, and he had 3 errors in a 3 game series, as a catcher, and also 2 passed balls.  Thing is, he's got good defensive ratings: 9 overall, 7 arm.

 

 5. As far as scouting reports, here goes...

 

Mathew Spence; just signed him as a free agent.  Like his cumulating ratings, and he's a 9 pt. pitcher, but only 2 control, which has us worried.  In 100 IP in AAA, he has 102 K's but 60 BBs.  We project him as shuffling between the majors and AAA, filling in for us when we have injuries.  Not much more.

Mashashi Endo: Exact same ratings as Spence, but he might have a "better" 2 control, given that he's walked far fewer batters in AAA. Acquired from Montreal for Dan Fulton, who the Knights subsequently let go.  We project him as pretty similar to Spence: bouncing between AAA and majors.

Leonard Crockett: 9 pt. ratings are lower than I like in a major league reliever, but I have kind of a good feeling about Crockett. 37 K's and just 9 BB's in 29 IP in AAA this year.  Cory Davidson is just a 9 pt. reliever, and I can see Crockett becoming a big league contributor.

Alfredo Gallardo: Has dropped some potential points (from 13 to 11), and has struggled badly in the minors this year after doing pretty well in 1993.  We still have hopes for him.  He has 5 fatigue, and we'd like to see him become a ML starter.  We've been watching Bernanrd Glass closely to see how viable that is.  Right now, he projects to say a 3rd starter: Ace stuff, but 5 starter fatigue.

Jake Wilkinson: Dropped from 11 to 9 pt. potential, but we're still pretty high on him.  We especially like the fact that he's pitched well this year.  We still hope he could become a 3rd or 4th ML starter.

Bennie "Kitten" Tyler: Our top pick in the most recent draft, he have high hopes for him at this early point.  We'd like to see him reach the majors by 1998 (when he'd be 21), become our closer by the year 2000 (when he'd be 23), and then be our closer for 10 years after that.  Obviously, it's hard to say whether this will really happen.

Glenn Kramer: Kind of under our own radar.  Another 9 pt. pitcher with just 2 potential.  Baseball America rates him as our top ranked starting pitcher prospect, so maybe I should warm to him more than I have so far.

 

6. Alfredo Juarez pitched a complete game shutout against Omaha in his second career start?  Pretty impressive.

EWB Records that are in Jeopardy in 1994

January 15th, 2009 by Admirals GM

BA: The record is .381 by Juan Freitas in 1984; right now Frank Patterson is batting .384.  (Obviously, there's a long way to go before this record is really in trouble.  If I remember correctly, Paul Sims was hitting about .400 at this point in 1993.)

 

Runs: The record is 136 by Vincent Carter in 1990 (that strikes me as a surprisingly low record); right now, Artie Bicknell is on pace for 167.  That would obliterate the record, if he keeps it up.

 

Hits: The Record is Dave O'Conner with 237 in 1987; right now, Frank Patterson is on pace for 250.

 

RBIs: The record is 155, set by Jimmy Garrett just last year in 1993.  Right now, Artie Bicknell is on pace for 189.  That's pretty Hack Wilson-like.  Again, Bicknell is on pace to obliterate the record.  By the way, in the NL rookie Tommy Brown is on pace for 160 RBIs, which would also surpass Garrett's record.

 

Strikeouts (by a batter): The record is 169 set by Mike Farrell in 1989.  Right now, John Pittman of New Orleans is on pace for 187 K's.

 

Home Runs Allowed (by a pitcher): The record is 47, by Steve "Red Beard" Page in the gopher ball year of 1987.  Right now, John Burke of Kansas City is on pace to give up 47.

 

Saves: The record is 52 by Mal Collier.  Right now, Mohammed Koigi is on pace to record 54 Saves.

 

League-wide ERA: The record high is 4.87, set by the AL in the gopher ball year of 1987.  Right now, the AL ERA is 4.92.

 

League-wide BA: The record is .276, set by the AL again in 1987.  Right now, the AL BA is .277.

The Houston/Omaha connection

January 14th, 2009 by Admirals GM

Is fairly extensive.

 

SP1 Scott Riley was born in Ralston, NE.  I'm counting that as a connection.

SP2 Frank Gordon spent 1991-1992 with the Wolverines.

SP3 Duane Cheeks was seriously considered by Omaha as a free agent option after the 1990 season (he was the best pitcher on the market that year).  I remember having a conversation with Mike this past summer (real time) about whether he would pursue him.  Again, I'm counting that as a connection.

SP5 Adam Hamilton pitched for Omaha from 1990-1992.

Set up man Herman Thomas pitched for Omaha from 1991-1992.

Closer Mohammed Koigi was seriously considered by Omaha (and by all human teams) as a draft pick back in 1991.  (That's probably the most tenuous connection.)

2B Aaron Ellis played for Omaha from 1991-1992.

1B Juan Bravo was drafted by Omaha in 1990.

RF Alfredo Lopez was originally drafted by Omaha back in 1986.  (Released in 1987.)

Notes

January 14th, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. As far as the All Star game goes, I could see Philadelphia.  On the other hand, I probably won't have much time to do a write up soon, with classes about to start.  So if either of you have a different preference and would be willing to write something up, I would defer.

 

2. Right now, 4 of the top 5 BA hitters in the AL are playing in Omaha: Frank Patterson is #1 at .384, Jerome MacKnight is #3 at .346, Jason Stephenson is #4 at .344, and Craig Belcher is #5 at .344 (the only non-Wolverine in the top 5 is Mike Robinson, #2 at .351).  Question: is this due to Omaha having an exceptional number of good hitters right now, or there a kind of Omaha-effect regarding BA, akin to the HR-effect of playing in Mile High?

 

3. Artie Bicknell has an astounding 21 RBI lead in the AL RBI race.  Ranked #2 is teammate Leo Kennedy (Bicknell has 84, Kennedy 63).

 

4. I keep predicting the coming demise of San Antonio, and they keep hanging on.  However, I would note that they've had a rough June (6-11, after a 20-9 May), and they've lost team leader -- and primary offensive force -- John Hennesy for the next 5 weeks.  That's a big blow.  Especially unfortunate for the Aztecas: Hennesy suffered the injury (a fractured foot) off the field, while "chasing away a mugger."

 

5. Dave Page is on pace to record 160 BBs this year.  The EWB record is 173.  #2 on the All time list is 158 (which Page projects to surpass).

 

6. Aurelio Davila's comeback story continues: he's 9-3 and 3.30, and figures to make the All Star team for the 2nd straight year.  Hopefully Sergio Garcia can follow his lead: he's started the year 6-1 but with a 7.71 ERA, but still has good ratings.

 

7. One notable thing about the Geoff McKnight injury for L.A.: he was sitting on 296 Wins at the time he got injured for 5 weeks.  You figure when he comes back, he should still manage to get to 300 this year, but it's not a sure, sure thing, especially with how lousy the Gargoyles have been.  Still, McKnight is just 38, so it's only a matter of time until he gets there.

 

8. Washington is all-hitting, little-pitching.  They are averaging 6.9 runs per game, way ahead of #2 Portland at 6.1.  On the other hand, they're giving up 5.2 per game, which ranks 5th in the AL -- still above average, but for years the Admirals were ranked either #1 or #2 in this category.  We've been getting good offensive production from really a lot of players -- Robinson, Jackson, Kennedy, Reinert, Garcia -- but really, this is much the work of Artie Bicknell.  Bicknell was good last year, when he quasi-tied for the MVP.  He's gone up like 2 levels this year.

 

9. Washington scores 6.9 rpg whil giving up 5.2, for a differential of +1.7.  Miami scores 5.9 while giving up 5.0, for a differential of +0.9.  Omaha scores 6.0 and gives up 4.4, for a differential of +1.6 -- close to Washington's, but with less offense and more pitching.  The worst in the AL is Las Vegas, scoring 5.0 and giving up 6.5, for a differential of -1.5.

 

10. Defense.  Omaha has an ERA of 3.91 but gives up 4.4 runs per game, meaning their defense is surrendering about 0.5 unearned rpg.  Miami has an ERA of 4.68 and gives up 5.0, for an unearned total of about 0.3 -- much better than Omaha.  Washington has an ERA of 4.52 (actually lower than Miami's) but gives up 5.2 runs per game, for an unearnted total of about 0.7, which is absolutely horrible.  Going through the game logs over the course of the season, I can certainly believe it.  Our defense has been much worse than in years past.  This doesn't necessarily show up in our fielding percentage though, which is still a respectable .980.

 

11. Free agent signee Norman Hopkins of Pittsburgh is leading the NL in BA at .356 and is 5th in RBIs at 58.  And, as I've mentioned before, the Crusaders signed him for just $730K.

 

12. There isn't an obvious NL MVP frontrunner at this point.  Maybe Don Kelly, maybe Pedro Velazquez of Pittsburgh, maybe Norman Hopkins.  Or maybe second year player Albert Perez of Montreal, who leads the league in HRs and is 2nd in RBIs.  Because there is no obvious frontrunner, this could possibly be a year when a player from a non-competitive team (like Montreal so far) could take home the award.

 

13. Chad Church of Cincinnati could be an intriguing free agent this offseason.  He's one of the top 20 players in the game, is having another pretty good year, and plays a 7 CF, and we all know how difficult it is to get a CF.  I could see him commanding a Randall Helmick-like contract.

 

14. Orlando Torres of Austin has really dropped off the map of this.  After years of being a good steady IF (he went .272/16/63 last year, and this was about par for the course for every year since 1988), he's batting just .188 in 149 ABs in 1994.  Austin has placed him on the trading block, but might not get any takers given that his contract has him making $4.1M between now and 1996.

 

15. It's looking like LF Jonathan Heller of Cincinnati's career has been ruined by injuries.  Heller batted .325 in 1992 with 27 SBs, and .346 in 1993 with 27 SBs in just half a season.  But he's always suffered lots of injuries, including a torn back muscle which kept him out of the 2nd half of 1993 (including the playoffs).  Now he just suffered a ruptured tricep tendon which should keep him out for 11 months.  A 4 contact player in his peak, Heller is down to just 3 now, and has other potential ratings below his actual ratings.  Just 28-years-old, it's doubtful he'll ever be the same player again.

 

16. One more Cincinnati note.  Dan Dawson is also scheduled to be a free agent this offseason.  With the expected departure of Church and Dawson, the injury to Heller, and various other problems in the organization (e.g., the big contract handed out to Hee-seop Pak, who's been horrible in 1994 after being the Gibson Award runner up in 1993), the Rebels look poised to be a very bad team in the next few years.

 

17. 1993 might go down as the year of the pitcher.  Right now, 3 of the 5 top ranked pitchers in the game (Ed Jackson, Bartolo Barrios, and Victorio Aguirre) were rookies last year.

San Antonio

January 14th, 2009 by Banditos GM

San Antonio is still doing pretty well, 2nd in the Texas division and 1 game out of the Wildcard.  Fans really want to know, however, why the hell Dong-min Kim is starting at 3B when they have highly touted Heshell "The Hebrew Hammer" Himmelfarb.  Himmelfarb is currently playing backup at 2b and SS, behind two talented players.  His natural position is 3B.  Compare Himmelfarb's statline this season, .348/.403/.500 4HR 18RBI, to Kim's, .201/.299/.306 2HR 15RBI.  How much better could the Aztecas be if they played Himmelfarb everyday?  Much of the Azteca Talk Radio is asking the same question.

Bronchitis epidemic

January 14th, 2009 by Banditos GM

Prior to this sim, Carl Morgan was DTD for 3 days with Bronchitis.  I just happened to notice now that "Reach" Glass has Bronchitis as well now and is DTD for 1-2 weeks. Glass should realize that he will pitch regardless.

Worst Admiral Ever

January 14th, 2009 by Admirals GM

Or at least during my time running the team, is... either Roland Ward, or Eric Davidson.

 

I'm reminded of Davidson because, to my surprise, he just played against us in our series versus New Orleans.

 

Here is Davidson's page...

http://ewb.allsimbaseball1.com/lgreports/news/html/players/player_22611.html

 

I actually had pretty high hopes for him at one point.  His ratings when I acquired him as a free agent prior to 1991 were 33343, with pretty decent speed and passable to good defensive ratings at each infield position.  I actually envisioned him as our starting 2B for years to come, or at least as a utility IF to replace John Boggs.

 

But when I called him up during our awful 1991 season, he was just dreadful, batting .122 in 49 ABs.  He also had a .140 BA with Detroit in 1990 in 57 ABs.  After spending 1992 in Tacoma batting just .225 in AAA, we released him.  After kicking around the minors for a couple of years, Davidson has hooked up with the Dukes, being used as a utility IF.  For New Orleans, he's batting a whopping .182 -- his highest single season BA by far.

 

Davidson's lifetime stats: a .149 career BA in 161 ABs, 2 HRs, and a -15.4 VORP,

Miami Moves

January 13th, 2009 by Banditos GM

- The loss of Ouellette shakes things up a bit.  Utility IF Michael Quint will take over as the starting SS.  Prior to this he had been backup at every IF position but 2B, where Hinkle resides.  Quint has been getting a decent amount of AB's this season, now he'll be put to the fire.

- Since Hinkle can only play 2B we needed to bring up another Utility IF to backup our starters.  After much hee-hawing, we decided on Jo Tanaka who has never had a shot in EWB.  Tanaka can play every position but SS, rated a 1, fairly well and has excellent speed.  Our first choice would have been to have another IF that can play everything, ahem Hinkle, and bring up a 12th pitcher.  But no such luck.  More on that below.

-  We really wanted a 12 th pitcher, so we decided to demote Orlando Gonzalez, Utility OF, unfortunately.  Gonzalez is a young prospect and has been playing really well,  but we're carrying 5 OF and need only 4.  Ernesto Hernandez is good as well but plays all 3 OF positions extremely well.  So for what we hope is a short time we are demoting Gonzalez.

- We are moving Bernard "Reach" Glass out of the rotation and moving him to #2 closer role.  We hope Jack McKeon uses his discretion for the closer between Glass and Bennett.  Glass is probably one of the most talented pitchers to ever come through our organization if he reaches his potential.

-  With the open rotation spot we brought up SP Alfredo Juarez who looks like he may be star material.  We were willing to let him stay in AAA this year because of what we perceive as depth in SP, however, not at the risk of him not developing.  The development path has really gotten us confused because of both Clayton Meadows and Britt Murphy.

- Britt Murphy has lost a point in stuff and has dropped to a 234, .5/.5 star pitcher.  This could be due to a lot of things including just plain randomness, however, we feel that perhaps it was our new VP of Player Development, Craig Orr, making a mistake and starting him at AA when he should have been in AAA or EWB.  Who knows, but the Meadows/Murphy development has us shaken and committed to not make mistakes with Juarez.  In addition, seeing the success of Banks with Washington is tough.

Re: Quick Sim Notes

January 12th, 2009 by Banditos GM

hahaha, that is funny.  I can see Patrick Cole as being one of the most disliked Admirals by the fans, kind of like a Mike Grant type guy.  First, he was traded for Tyrone "Skull Crusher" Taylor who's developed into quite a good, exciting player.  Second, Cole was hyped up as a young prospect and has done nothing of relevance in his career and will not live up to the expectations as the future 3B of Washington.  Finally, games like this just have to piss off the die hard fans, I'm sure Cole is the fall guy for everything that goes wrong.  Cole talk lights up the lines of Washington Admiral Talk Radio.

Re: Backup Catchers

January 12th, 2009 by Banditos GM

Currently Ron Newton, at age 29, is the 3rd string 1B on the A Ball Sarasota Bisons.  Carlos Lopez, at age 33, is the third string C on the Rookie League Sarasota Honeybees (needless to say the citizens of Sarasota tend to be Rebels fans since they host their A ball and R ball teams in the city).  I'm sure both players are very uncomfortable being around their 19-21 year old teammates who endlessly mock them about their age.  Plus Carlos Lopez has 5 children (with 3 different women) whom he must not only support on Rookie League Salary but also cart around to all the Gulf Coast League destinations.

Meanwhile, longtime Banditos backup, Stan Kirby saw the writing on the wall when he was released last season and promptly retired.  Unfortunately, he is still unemployed but is looking to enter cosmetology school and earn his barber's license.  He will use what money he has left from his playing days to open his own barbershop in his hometown of Central Point, Oregon.  His plan is to fill the shop with Bandito memorabilia and capitalize on his small town celebrity status.

Backup Catchers

January 12th, 2009 by Admirals GM

For years, my primary backup catcher was Carlos Lopez, while Omaha's backup was Ron Newton.  This past offseason, each was let go.  Now, each has signed minor league deals with Cincinnati, and both are catchers in their minor league systems.

Other Notes

January 12th, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. Las Vegas signed 1B Will Lund to a minor league contract.  We wish him the best of luck.  Lund has managed to stay kicking around the league in a way we didn't expect.

 

2. Dallas released CF Michael Long, even though he was under contract through 1995, and will be owed about $7M next year.  You don't often see teams release contract burdens like Long, even when they play as badly as Long has.  As noted before, it's really remarkable how much his career nosedived exactly when he signed with Dallas.  Right now, this might look like one of the worst free agent signings ever.  Randall Helmick seems determined to give Long a run for his money though.

 

3. Tony Wiley, L.A.'s manager, had some pretty good success in recent years in the Florida League.  That's very low minors, though.

Quick Sim Notes

January 12th, 2009 by Admirals GM

1. Omaha beat New Orleans 21-0 on June 1st.  The Wolverines scored in every inning they batted except for the 8th.

 

2. Patrick Cole has been playing a little better for me recently, but on May 31st he had a horrible game defensively.  In fact, he had a horrible inning: the bottom of the third.  Here's the game log...

 

Bottom of the 3rd - Atlanta Confederates batting - Pitching for Washington Admirals : RHP G. Chávez
Batting: RHB M. Schmidt	0-0: Called Strike 0-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F 0-2: Foul Ball, location: 2F 0-2: Reached on error, E5 (Groundball, 5)
Batting: RHB G. Martínez	0-0: Called Strike 0-1: Ball 1-1: Ball 2-1: Ball 3-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F 3-2: SINGLE (Groundball, 56D) M. Schmidt to second
Batting: RHB D. Welch	0-0: 3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 7D), Distance : 358 ft
Batting: RHB P. Sims	0-0: SINGLE (Line Drive, 4D)
Batting: RHB Q. Jackson	0-0: Called Strike 0-1: Swinging Strike 0-2: Reached on error, E5 (Groundball, 5S) P. Sims to second
Batting: RHB G. McFarland	0-0: Called Strike 0-1: Swinging Strike 0-2: Ball 1-2: Ball 2-2: Strikes out looking
Batting: RHB C. Méndez	0-0: Called Strike 0-1: Ball 1-1: Called Strike 1-2: Foul Ball, location: 2F 1-2: Ball 2-2: Fly out, F8 (Flyball, 8RXD) Runner from 2nd tags up, SAFE at 3rd, no throw
Batting: RHB I. Domínguez	0-0: Called Strike 0-1: Ball 1-1: Reached on error, E5 (Groundball, 6) P. Sims scores Q. Jackson to second
Batting: RHB R. Field	0-0: Ball 1-0: Foul Ball, location: 2F 1-1: Called Strike 1-2: Ball 2-2: Ball 3-2: Strikes out looking

3 innings in the error, leading to 4 unearned Atlanta runs.  You can bet that pitcher Gustavo Chavez was pretty pissed.

6/6/1994 Uploaded

January 12th, 2009 by Banditos GM

- Admiral Backup C Donald Wells was injured for 13 months.

- Tony Wiley was hired as the LA Manager.

- Artie Bicknell wins May Player of the Month in the AL

- The NL Pitcher of the Month was none other than former Wolverine and current Black Gold Pitcher, Frank Gordon, who went 6-0 1.47 ERA in May.
Days after receiving the Award from Commish Larry Koenig, Gordon got into a brawl with Detroit's Jesus Garcia and was suspended 8 games.

- Portland sends 3B Hector Garcia and mL Ray Barnes to El Paso in return for 1B Bill Thomas.  Garcia will replace Martinon at 3b and hit 5th behind Don Kelly and in front of Jose "OG" Garza.  This makes one of the scariest lineups even more so.  El Paso refuses to cede the Texas Division to Houston and the upstart Aztecas.  That's the 2nd trade they've made, sending Rocha to Miami to strengthen their Starting Pitching.

- Cleveland sends 1B Ricardo Hernandez to Atlanta for LF Gabriel Martinez and mL Ricardo Morales.  Hernandez is slated to platoon at the DH spot in Atlanta.  He said he's happy to be back in the AL and looks forward to playing Omaha.

- Joe Warren hit HR #400!  Round of Applause.

- Mike Robinson hit #2000!  Round of Applause.

- Minneapolis sends OF Rich Sawyer (another former Wolverine) to Memphis for 1B Shawn Martin and mL Mathias Marquis.

- Mohammed Koigi has pitched 31.1 scoreless innings this year and is on pace to reach 65 saves.  Very impressive.

Best Friends Forever

January 11th, 2009 by Admirals GM

Oliver Cole and Ismael "Spike" Escobido are super good pals.

 

In 1992, they played together for us in Washington, and both started for our World Series team (Cole because he was our starter, prior to the emergence of Jose Garcia; Escobido because we had so many injury problems).

 

That offseason, we traded them both to Denver, in the deal that brought us Mauro Medina in exchange.  They both started for Denver, with Escobido posting a pretty decent year and Cole being pretty mediocure.

 

This offseason, Escobido signed a free agent deal with St. Louis in February.  Two months later, right after the season started, Cole followed Escobido to the Savages, joining them as a third baseman.  Cole has been St. Louis' starter, while Escobido has been exclusively a pinch hitter.

 

3 years, 3 separate teams, and they keep playing together.

Admirals Closers

January 9th, 2009 by Banditos GM

Since 1990 the saves leaders of the Admirals:

1990 Herman Thomas  33
1991 Ben Fleming  11
1992 Carlos Hernandez 36
1993 Cory Davidson  16

The Admirals Closer spot has been different every year and even more than once a year.  They've never had a bonafide closer and this year Davidson has 14 saves but has blown quite a few games.  When will this change?  What is GM Tiehen waiting for?  Will the Admirals always have a rotating closer spot, or will they eventually find their Punk Perez?

P.S.
Herman Thomas has never returned to being a EWB closer.  He is currently a MR with Houston and has spent time in Atlanta and Omaha.
Ben Fleming recently retired after being cut from Montreal prior to the 1993 season. 
Carlos Hernandez is currently languishing in AA Trenton of the Washington Organization.  However, it's not out of the realm of possibilities he could see EWB again.  He's still 8pt. Pitcher.