With all the hype being on the draft I almost over looked something exciting. No! It wasn't the fact the Diablos finally ended their 11 game losing streak which I don't understand as I think we are much better than our record indicates.
Arodys Gonzalez signed a $15.5M deal with the Norfolk Tides. If things go well, even if I don't like them being over the age of 18, he could be ready for ML action in a season and a half easily enough. He has the potential to be a very good long reliever or maybe a solid 5 inning starter. A decent buy for the money if things work out well.
Grade: A-
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Draft Review
With the first pick of the season 24 draft, Fresno selects Javier Posada, catcher, Fairmont High School in MN (didn't like Maple River?). Good defensively but doesn't possess the Pitch Calling skill and his arm could be problematic at times. He has a big bat which lured Fresno into taking him with the number 1 pick. Truthfully I consider him more of a DH than a catcher which makes him a possible future trade bait later with an AL team.
Grade: A-
2. Andy York, CF,
Burlington Lake Monsters: I am not that inclined to believe he can play CF but 2B has its rewards. I like his hitting style more than Posada though not as powerful. His speed enhances is ability to be a great ML player.
Grade: A+
3. Joe Stockton, SS, Durham Bulls: His health did not scare Durham away but maybe should have. Quality SS is a maybe but 2B/3B is always a distinct possibility. Might have better power number and thefts than York if he has a long career.
Grade: A-
4. Kip Phelps, 1B, Norfolk Tides: He isn't gonna be great defensively at 1B, just adequate comes to mind. Actually has the ability to be a lead-off hitter or in the the number 2 slot even though he doesn't have the speed most look for. Just saying he doesn't have the quality pop most look for in the 3 thru 6 slot and too good to be the bottom end of the order.
Grade: A-
5. Horace Duran, SP, Charleston RiverDogs: Did anyone expect the best starting pitcher in the draft to fall this far? I was hoping one more to be truthful. He could turn out to be a project in the making but does have the possible skills to be very good. Ground ball flame thrower with good to exceptional control, decent splits and pitches. Gets degraded heavily though with the thought of a longer than usual minor league career and health.
Grade: B+
6. Bernie O'Malley, P, El Paso Diablos: With the best hitters and starting pitcher off the boards we turned our attention to the best reliever. We think he could be a bit of a project also as we are hoping he turns out to be the shutdown closer we want.
Grade: A
7. Delmon Walker, 2B, Albuquerque Isotopes: Doubtful he will ever rise above a strong LF in reality. Could be a good power hitter if his contact rises above mediocrity.
Grade: B
8. Julio Pena, P, Augusta Green Jackets: There could be some contention as to whom got the best shutdown closer. Bernie grades out better in the eyes of the scouts but that doesn't mean Julio is no knockoff.
Grade: A
9. Pat Skipworth, LF, Fargo Moorhead Redhawks: LF looks very doubtful in my books and 1B looks more likely. Has some power to go with the very good eye and contact but might need to get lucky.
Grade: B
10. Douglas Milton, 2B, Little Rock Travelers: Could be a project to play 2B and to hit well for that matter. Has lots of speed but doesn't have much ability to use it.
Grade: B
11. Alberto Colome, CF, Syracuse Chiefs: Quality CF is a given, not great mind you. Has plenty of speed for the theft department. A tough out as he hits most anything and has some pop to go with it and is very lucky against righties. Home run balls has a tendency to elude him however. Will the health and durability issues keep him on the bench is the question.
Grade: B
12. Howard Bibby, SS, Iowa City Cubs: I had a hard time placing him in my top 10. He has the future ability to be a GG SS but it is doubtful he will rise to the occasion. Hitting isn't exactly his forte but does have the speed and know how.
Grade: B
13. Randy Frazier, SP, Pawtucket Red Sox: How bad was starting pitching is this draft? Here is the second one take with the 13th pick no less and two closers already taken. He is a tough sell to be a quality ML starter in my books. Can his splits rise enough to be useful, are his first two pitches adequate enough. Too many unknowns. Truth be told my second round pick looks just as good.
Grade: B
14. Don Stetter, RF, Oklahoma City Indians: He won't be great in RF but it could be the best position for him other than 1B. Doesn't have great speed but will steal a base form time to time catching everybody by surprise. Could be a decent hitter in the end with some power.
Grade: B+
15. Christopher Sisler, SS, Omaha Storm Chasers: Chances of playing SS is mighty thin to nonexistent as 3B is probable. Can steal a base from time to time. Hitting is a mixed bag as he has some pop and luck but really looks hesitant about swinging. Maybe it is hand and eye coordination.
Grade: B+
16. Todd Pence, SP, Rochester Red Wings: If he was a lefty I would say he could be great buts as a righty, that is a different story. His splits aren't something to brag about and his control is actually so-so good, will his velo, GB and pitches bail him out is the question.
Grade: B
17. Vince Murphy, 2B, Boise Hawks: I thought about taking Vince with the 6th pick just because I didn't think he would sign. If he does sign, you get a guy that can play RF and is a very good hitter with some power.
Grade: A-
18. Chip Simmons, LF, Toledo Mud Hens: Chances are he will sign. LF looks kinda promising but maybe 1B might be a better influence. Hitting might not be robust but has some pop.
Grade: B
19. Luis Cantu, 3B, Salt Lake City Bees: This is a player I had all over the board before I decided he wasn't worthy of a high pick. Should be a pretty good 3B is an easy assumption. Me and his anemic contact is a head scratcher but the rest has all-star hitting written all over it. How long will it take before pitchers realize he swings ans misses a lot.
Grade: B+
20. Walt Lara, SP, New Britain Rock Cats: Has some good splits but the middling control and pitches just doesn't look very promising at this point.
Grade: B
21. Del Brinkley, SS, Jacksonville Suns: I couldn't decide if he was to be ranked 3rd or 4th on my board. I think he could play SS, well not great but could be a GG 3B or 2B easily enough. Has some speed and power which is highly sought after in any of those positions. Good contact helps him out tremendously but those anemic splits caused his stock to drop, maybe further than need be.
Grade: A
22. Hector Delgado, P, Dover Senators: Good control and some possibly decent splits doesn't outweigh the fact that he has the velo of a little leaguer and very little pitch integrity to go with it. Health is even more of a strikage.
Grade: B-
23. Tony Vallarta, SP, New Orleans Zephyrs: I thought about taking him as lefty starters are not well liked but his health shot that down. I think he might be the most viable starter at the ML level out of this draft and that really isn't saying much.
Grade: B+
24. Cy Spencer, SS, New Britain Rock Cats: Reality will set in sooner or later that he isn't cut out to be a SS as 2B/3B is a better fit with some CF thrown in for good measure. Has some speed but hitting isn't all that great.
Grade: B
25. Shep Bittle, RF, Las Vegas Wranglers: RF might be too much to handle for him which leaves 1B. Health is an issue Good eye, power and contact but could be a total waste because a right handed pitcher is an alien power to him.
Grade: B
26. Will Kinney, P, Rochester Red Wings: Signing looks doubtful at $8M.
27. Ron Pritchett, 2B, Jackson Generals: Not to give anything away but, he can't play anywhere close to 2B and LF is about as good as it is gonna get. Has speed but hitting isn't all that great either.
Grade: C+
28. Andrew Pearson, P, Norfolk Tides: Health isn't great but short relievers tend to survive that. Here is the catch 22 portion, can he be a closer with very little stamina and high durability. My thoughts would be to use him as a setup B to get out of an inning which is very useful. I actually like the thought put into this pick.
Grade: B+
29. Lou Pettyjohn, SS, New Orleans Zephyrs: Could be a reach at signing which might be good news, at least I wouldn't put much effort into it. Little or no health but is a solid 3B prospect. Does well at the plate and can steal a base.
Grade: B+ if he doesn't sign, B- if he does
30. Pedro Santos, SP, Vancouver Canadians: A good pick this late in the draft normally. We are not convinced a starting pitcher can survive long on one pitch and four junk ones.
Grade: B
31. Lloyd Carter, SP, New Orleans Zephyrs: I have had my fill of below 50 control pitchers, they just don't work for long regardless of good the rest is. That makes this guy dead in the water with me.
Grade: C
32. Al Mujica, P, Louisville Bats: Unknown
33. Amp Young, P, Salem Keiser Volcanoes: Unknown
Grade: A-
2. Andy York, CF,
Burlington Lake Monsters: I am not that inclined to believe he can play CF but 2B has its rewards. I like his hitting style more than Posada though not as powerful. His speed enhances is ability to be a great ML player.
Grade: A+
3. Joe Stockton, SS, Durham Bulls: His health did not scare Durham away but maybe should have. Quality SS is a maybe but 2B/3B is always a distinct possibility. Might have better power number and thefts than York if he has a long career.
Grade: A-
4. Kip Phelps, 1B, Norfolk Tides: He isn't gonna be great defensively at 1B, just adequate comes to mind. Actually has the ability to be a lead-off hitter or in the the number 2 slot even though he doesn't have the speed most look for. Just saying he doesn't have the quality pop most look for in the 3 thru 6 slot and too good to be the bottom end of the order.
Grade: A-
5. Horace Duran, SP, Charleston RiverDogs: Did anyone expect the best starting pitcher in the draft to fall this far? I was hoping one more to be truthful. He could turn out to be a project in the making but does have the possible skills to be very good. Ground ball flame thrower with good to exceptional control, decent splits and pitches. Gets degraded heavily though with the thought of a longer than usual minor league career and health.
Grade: B+
6. Bernie O'Malley, P, El Paso Diablos: With the best hitters and starting pitcher off the boards we turned our attention to the best reliever. We think he could be a bit of a project also as we are hoping he turns out to be the shutdown closer we want.
Grade: A
7. Delmon Walker, 2B, Albuquerque Isotopes: Doubtful he will ever rise above a strong LF in reality. Could be a good power hitter if his contact rises above mediocrity.
Grade: B
8. Julio Pena, P, Augusta Green Jackets: There could be some contention as to whom got the best shutdown closer. Bernie grades out better in the eyes of the scouts but that doesn't mean Julio is no knockoff.
Grade: A
9. Pat Skipworth, LF, Fargo Moorhead Redhawks: LF looks very doubtful in my books and 1B looks more likely. Has some power to go with the very good eye and contact but might need to get lucky.
Grade: B
10. Douglas Milton, 2B, Little Rock Travelers: Could be a project to play 2B and to hit well for that matter. Has lots of speed but doesn't have much ability to use it.
Grade: B
11. Alberto Colome, CF, Syracuse Chiefs: Quality CF is a given, not great mind you. Has plenty of speed for the theft department. A tough out as he hits most anything and has some pop to go with it and is very lucky against righties. Home run balls has a tendency to elude him however. Will the health and durability issues keep him on the bench is the question.
Grade: B
12. Howard Bibby, SS, Iowa City Cubs: I had a hard time placing him in my top 10. He has the future ability to be a GG SS but it is doubtful he will rise to the occasion. Hitting isn't exactly his forte but does have the speed and know how.
Grade: B
13. Randy Frazier, SP, Pawtucket Red Sox: How bad was starting pitching is this draft? Here is the second one take with the 13th pick no less and two closers already taken. He is a tough sell to be a quality ML starter in my books. Can his splits rise enough to be useful, are his first two pitches adequate enough. Too many unknowns. Truth be told my second round pick looks just as good.
Grade: B
14. Don Stetter, RF, Oklahoma City Indians: He won't be great in RF but it could be the best position for him other than 1B. Doesn't have great speed but will steal a base form time to time catching everybody by surprise. Could be a decent hitter in the end with some power.
Grade: B+
15. Christopher Sisler, SS, Omaha Storm Chasers: Chances of playing SS is mighty thin to nonexistent as 3B is probable. Can steal a base from time to time. Hitting is a mixed bag as he has some pop and luck but really looks hesitant about swinging. Maybe it is hand and eye coordination.
Grade: B+
16. Todd Pence, SP, Rochester Red Wings: If he was a lefty I would say he could be great buts as a righty, that is a different story. His splits aren't something to brag about and his control is actually so-so good, will his velo, GB and pitches bail him out is the question.
Grade: B
17. Vince Murphy, 2B, Boise Hawks: I thought about taking Vince with the 6th pick just because I didn't think he would sign. If he does sign, you get a guy that can play RF and is a very good hitter with some power.
Grade: A-
18. Chip Simmons, LF, Toledo Mud Hens: Chances are he will sign. LF looks kinda promising but maybe 1B might be a better influence. Hitting might not be robust but has some pop.
Grade: B
19. Luis Cantu, 3B, Salt Lake City Bees: This is a player I had all over the board before I decided he wasn't worthy of a high pick. Should be a pretty good 3B is an easy assumption. Me and his anemic contact is a head scratcher but the rest has all-star hitting written all over it. How long will it take before pitchers realize he swings ans misses a lot.
Grade: B+
20. Walt Lara, SP, New Britain Rock Cats: Has some good splits but the middling control and pitches just doesn't look very promising at this point.
Grade: B
21. Del Brinkley, SS, Jacksonville Suns: I couldn't decide if he was to be ranked 3rd or 4th on my board. I think he could play SS, well not great but could be a GG 3B or 2B easily enough. Has some speed and power which is highly sought after in any of those positions. Good contact helps him out tremendously but those anemic splits caused his stock to drop, maybe further than need be.
Grade: A
22. Hector Delgado, P, Dover Senators: Good control and some possibly decent splits doesn't outweigh the fact that he has the velo of a little leaguer and very little pitch integrity to go with it. Health is even more of a strikage.
Grade: B-
23. Tony Vallarta, SP, New Orleans Zephyrs: I thought about taking him as lefty starters are not well liked but his health shot that down. I think he might be the most viable starter at the ML level out of this draft and that really isn't saying much.
Grade: B+
24. Cy Spencer, SS, New Britain Rock Cats: Reality will set in sooner or later that he isn't cut out to be a SS as 2B/3B is a better fit with some CF thrown in for good measure. Has some speed but hitting isn't all that great.
Grade: B
25. Shep Bittle, RF, Las Vegas Wranglers: RF might be too much to handle for him which leaves 1B. Health is an issue Good eye, power and contact but could be a total waste because a right handed pitcher is an alien power to him.
Grade: B
26. Will Kinney, P, Rochester Red Wings: Signing looks doubtful at $8M.
27. Ron Pritchett, 2B, Jackson Generals: Not to give anything away but, he can't play anywhere close to 2B and LF is about as good as it is gonna get. Has speed but hitting isn't all that great either.
Grade: C+
28. Andrew Pearson, P, Norfolk Tides: Health isn't great but short relievers tend to survive that. Here is the catch 22 portion, can he be a closer with very little stamina and high durability. My thoughts would be to use him as a setup B to get out of an inning which is very useful. I actually like the thought put into this pick.
Grade: B+
29. Lou Pettyjohn, SS, New Orleans Zephyrs: Could be a reach at signing which might be good news, at least I wouldn't put much effort into it. Little or no health but is a solid 3B prospect. Does well at the plate and can steal a base.
Grade: B+ if he doesn't sign, B- if he does
30. Pedro Santos, SP, Vancouver Canadians: A good pick this late in the draft normally. We are not convinced a starting pitcher can survive long on one pitch and four junk ones.
Grade: B
31. Lloyd Carter, SP, New Orleans Zephyrs: I have had my fill of below 50 control pitchers, they just don't work for long regardless of good the rest is. That makes this guy dead in the water with me.
Grade: C
32. Al Mujica, P, Louisville Bats: Unknown
33. Amp Young, P, Salem Keiser Volcanoes: Unknown
Monday, August 26, 2013
Draft
Okay, will have to do this in code a bit so as not to give that many hints but will discuss the top ten players on my board and how I am handling them. My scouting is 14 all the way around so there is some lead way for error on my part. What slots they will fall in will actually change daily as I rethink things
1. Overall 87-SS: Bad arm, good hitting, anemic health. Make a good 2B/3B. The health is too scary so I sent him to the curb.
2. Overall 86-2B: Not that great at 2B and his arm really isn't good enough for RF either. Good hitter with power unfortunately he hit the curb also because of his Bio. Though I have thought about changing my approach and taking him with the 6th overall pick and get the pick next year as his chances of signing are very slim but worth the chance.
3. Overall 83-LF: I moved him down the board to the 8th slot because the best he could be is a 1B. Could be a very good OBP hitter with a little pop and I might reconsider.
4. Overall 82-SS: Could be that big GG SS but hitting isn't that great. Not real keen on his lackluster Makeup but is in the 3rd slot at the moment.
5. Overall 82-P: The best starting pitcher on my board and meeting the projecteds is gonna be tough. I don't see him as a Cy Young candidate but needs says he has to be in my #1 slot.
6. Overall 81-3B: 3B is very doubtful at the ML level and might struggle to find a position in all reality. One of those that is too good for 1B but not good enough for COF. Hitting could be good with some power. Under the circumstances he winds up in the 7 spot.
7. Overall 81-2B: 2B is not really his forte though it is close. Hitting looks good but deceiving I think. To me he projects too high to be viable but only pushed down to the 6th spot.
8. Overall 81-SS: SS is very doubtful except in a backup role but would make a very good 3B and maybe 2B. Hitting isn't great but does have some power. Currently resides in the 4th spot.
9. Overall 80-2B: Could be a GG 2B/CF, well he projects there anyway. Health is an issue. Hitting might be on the powerful side but may be inconsistent. I actually kicked him to the curb.
10. Overall 80-LF: Best he could be is a 1B. Could be a surprisingly good hitter. I have no need for 1B so he got pushed down a long way.
11. Overall 80-SS: Could be an outstanding 3B as he is no where near SS status. Hits well but the contact just isn't there to be too successful. May have to rethink him but still won't make my top ten.
1. Overall 87-SS: Bad arm, good hitting, anemic health. Make a good 2B/3B. The health is too scary so I sent him to the curb.
2. Overall 86-2B: Not that great at 2B and his arm really isn't good enough for RF either. Good hitter with power unfortunately he hit the curb also because of his Bio. Though I have thought about changing my approach and taking him with the 6th overall pick and get the pick next year as his chances of signing are very slim but worth the chance.
3. Overall 83-LF: I moved him down the board to the 8th slot because the best he could be is a 1B. Could be a very good OBP hitter with a little pop and I might reconsider.
4. Overall 82-SS: Could be that big GG SS but hitting isn't that great. Not real keen on his lackluster Makeup but is in the 3rd slot at the moment.
5. Overall 82-P: The best starting pitcher on my board and meeting the projecteds is gonna be tough. I don't see him as a Cy Young candidate but needs says he has to be in my #1 slot.
6. Overall 81-3B: 3B is very doubtful at the ML level and might struggle to find a position in all reality. One of those that is too good for 1B but not good enough for COF. Hitting could be good with some power. Under the circumstances he winds up in the 7 spot.
7. Overall 81-2B: 2B is not really his forte though it is close. Hitting looks good but deceiving I think. To me he projects too high to be viable but only pushed down to the 6th spot.
8. Overall 81-SS: SS is very doubtful except in a backup role but would make a very good 3B and maybe 2B. Hitting isn't great but does have some power. Currently resides in the 4th spot.
9. Overall 80-2B: Could be a GG 2B/CF, well he projects there anyway. Health is an issue. Hitting might be on the powerful side but may be inconsistent. I actually kicked him to the curb.
10. Overall 80-LF: Best he could be is a 1B. Could be a surprisingly good hitter. I have no need for 1B so he got pushed down a long way.
11. Overall 80-SS: Could be an outstanding 3B as he is no where near SS status. Hits well but the contact just isn't there to be too successful. May have to rethink him but still won't make my top ten.
Internationals
Enrique Cruz was offered $6.2M by the Oklahoma City Indians. He could be a nice addition to the pen as a long reliever as I don't think he has enough Stamina/Durability to be a starter. Being a bit of a Health risk also didn't help his going price very much. However his pitching abilities are definitely not in question as they could be top-notch. For the price a very good buy.
Onelki Santos chased down a $5.9M bonus with the Toledo Mud Hens. We will give him the benefit of the doubt that he could be a GG SS. Hitting with power is good but not often and can only do it against lefties maybe. Price might be high as he would probably fall into the second round pick comparatively.
Felipe Diaz sunk in with the Charleston RiverDogs for $4.3M. Health was a risk many turned down. Pitching abilities are there but could be relegated to to the pen with a lackluster Stamina. Still me thinks it is a relatively good buy.
Yoo-Nah Wang chimed in with a $3.5M buy in with the Boise Hawks. Not sure he has the ability for 3B and may wind up in COF at the ML level if he gets that far. His hitting has lots of power just not much consistency to go with it. Really, everything is in the name and the Yoohoo Girlz just love his bottle.
Lonny Zumaya only gets a mention here because I bid on him initially and was his #1 choice for 4 days. Never got a message that someone else was interested except when he signed, "Money bird gets the worm." grrrr.. For $750K more than one was bidding me thinks. I like defensive PC catchers but I wouldn't have went that high for him so I am not thoroughly disgusted.
Onelki Santos chased down a $5.9M bonus with the Toledo Mud Hens. We will give him the benefit of the doubt that he could be a GG SS. Hitting with power is good but not often and can only do it against lefties maybe. Price might be high as he would probably fall into the second round pick comparatively.
Felipe Diaz sunk in with the Charleston RiverDogs for $4.3M. Health was a risk many turned down. Pitching abilities are there but could be relegated to to the pen with a lackluster Stamina. Still me thinks it is a relatively good buy.
Yoo-Nah Wang chimed in with a $3.5M buy in with the Boise Hawks. Not sure he has the ability for 3B and may wind up in COF at the ML level if he gets that far. His hitting has lots of power just not much consistency to go with it. Really, everything is in the name and the Yoohoo Girlz just love his bottle.
Lonny Zumaya only gets a mention here because I bid on him initially and was his #1 choice for 4 days. Never got a message that someone else was interested except when he signed, "Money bird gets the worm." grrrr.. For $750K more than one was bidding me thinks. I like defensive PC catchers but I wouldn't have went that high for him so I am not thoroughly disgusted.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
For the Lack of Anything Better
It has been the most boring season I have ever seen. I have seen 30 plus Internationals and haven't seen one yet that is really worth bidding on though I do have one of those hard to find cream pies on the radar. He is holding out to see if someone else bites I guess.
It is hard when you are this far in the season and the highest paid player is Felipe Diaz who was yanked from the rolls with a seemingly generous offer of $4.3M by Charleston. He really looks like he could be a great ML middle reliever at some point if he doesn't trip over a rosin bag and break his arm.
Yoo-Nah Wang tied up loose ends and joined Boise for $3.5M. Not real sure he can play 3B all that well if at all and might wind up at COF or 1B if at all. Has all kinds of power but has to hit the ball first which doesn't look like a priority.
I would tell ya about the teams in first place, the pretenders etc..but everyone can look at the standings and see that. And they do look very odd to me.
I could tell ya about Albuquerque, they are the best 6-27 team I have ever seen in my life time here. The only thing I can't tell ya about is their managerial settings. I have looked at the box scores and players for the last 6 or 7 games and can't find anything out of the way.
Then again look at my team. Yeah, we don't have the great pitching but we are not getting clobbered. We can field but hitting is something totally foreign to these guys for some reason. I am so confused I have given up any hope.
Maybe something will happen that is exciting enough to really write about soon.
It is hard when you are this far in the season and the highest paid player is Felipe Diaz who was yanked from the rolls with a seemingly generous offer of $4.3M by Charleston. He really looks like he could be a great ML middle reliever at some point if he doesn't trip over a rosin bag and break his arm.
Yoo-Nah Wang tied up loose ends and joined Boise for $3.5M. Not real sure he can play 3B all that well if at all and might wind up at COF or 1B if at all. Has all kinds of power but has to hit the ball first which doesn't look like a priority.
I would tell ya about the teams in first place, the pretenders etc..but everyone can look at the standings and see that. And they do look very odd to me.
I could tell ya about Albuquerque, they are the best 6-27 team I have ever seen in my life time here. The only thing I can't tell ya about is their managerial settings. I have looked at the box scores and players for the last 6 or 7 games and can't find anything out of the way.
Then again look at my team. Yeah, we don't have the great pitching but we are not getting clobbered. We can field but hitting is something totally foreign to these guys for some reason. I am so confused I have given up any hope.
Maybe something will happen that is exciting enough to really write about soon.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
NL Prognostication
Since everyone is waiting with baited breath.
NL North
Scranton held off Buffalo last year for the division crown after a phenomenal start by Toledo. They certainly don't make it easy. After looking thing over quite carefully I tend to think Scranton has the better overall team if used correctly. In my estimation Toledo may have the better pitching staff but the offense is lacking and may succumb to the "Dog Days". Buffalo looks to be right there and once again will go down to the wire and I definitely don't count them out. Burlington has taken it in the shorts the last couple of seasons and this one will be no exception as it rebuilds but will flabbergast teams at home.
NL East
Louisville ran away with the division last year and they assume it will again this year, could that be a misconception? Now to the meat and bones of the situation believe it or not. Louisville actually has the best lineup at the moment though not by much and the worst pitching staff of the four. So it should turn out to be tight race between all four. Augusta is playing short handed for a while and I can see why and could clearly turn things up a notch shortly. I would put more faith in the River Dogs if they had a better semblance of a catcher. I like the Tides pitching staff but the offense lacks the oommphh.
NL South
New Orleans and Jackson fought to the end last season with the Zeps coming out on top. Don't let the start of the season foll anybody. New Orleans and Jackson will be poking at each other in the end. Iowa City is a sleeper and will be very tough to beat at home. Little Rock is improving but too many ferocious opponents will make them travel too far.
NL West
Vancouver has owned this division for a while even though Las Vegas made a great showing last season. Don't expect a repeat performance as the Canadians should be triumphant and could easily reach the promised land this time around. Las Vegas is an interesting place to play and its players are deceiving but we don't think they have what it takes. Fresno and Albuquerque just don't have enough tigers in the tank to sustain a long season.
Yeah, the upset of the season since I am going with my heart in choosing Augusta and Buffalo over Louisville.
1. New Orleans
2. Vancouver
3. Scranton
4. Augusta
5. Buffalo
6. Jackson
NL North
Scranton held off Buffalo last year for the division crown after a phenomenal start by Toledo. They certainly don't make it easy. After looking thing over quite carefully I tend to think Scranton has the better overall team if used correctly. In my estimation Toledo may have the better pitching staff but the offense is lacking and may succumb to the "Dog Days". Buffalo looks to be right there and once again will go down to the wire and I definitely don't count them out. Burlington has taken it in the shorts the last couple of seasons and this one will be no exception as it rebuilds but will flabbergast teams at home.
NL East
Louisville ran away with the division last year and they assume it will again this year, could that be a misconception? Now to the meat and bones of the situation believe it or not. Louisville actually has the best lineup at the moment though not by much and the worst pitching staff of the four. So it should turn out to be tight race between all four. Augusta is playing short handed for a while and I can see why and could clearly turn things up a notch shortly. I would put more faith in the River Dogs if they had a better semblance of a catcher. I like the Tides pitching staff but the offense lacks the oommphh.
NL South
New Orleans and Jackson fought to the end last season with the Zeps coming out on top. Don't let the start of the season foll anybody. New Orleans and Jackson will be poking at each other in the end. Iowa City is a sleeper and will be very tough to beat at home. Little Rock is improving but too many ferocious opponents will make them travel too far.
NL West
Vancouver has owned this division for a while even though Las Vegas made a great showing last season. Don't expect a repeat performance as the Canadians should be triumphant and could easily reach the promised land this time around. Las Vegas is an interesting place to play and its players are deceiving but we don't think they have what it takes. Fresno and Albuquerque just don't have enough tigers in the tank to sustain a long season.
Yeah, the upset of the season since I am going with my heart in choosing Augusta and Buffalo over Louisville.
1. New Orleans
2. Vancouver
3. Scranton
4. Augusta
5. Buffalo
6. Jackson
Monday, August 12, 2013
AL Prognostication
There is a two day window before the season stats for this and normally I take advantage of it. This time around though real life got in the way of my fake life which happens from time to time. Better late than never I think, ohh gave that up years ago.
AL North
Last year Salt Lake won the division crown. Will they prevail again? They have the personnel to do it. They will be pestered all season long from their division mates but have the fortitude to do it again.
Syracuse has made great strides to become competitive and they are very close. They will give Salt Lake a run for their money but lack depth in the pitching department that is still in the throws of strengthening in the minors.
Rochester has enough in the tank to be misleading but if anything goes wrong there isn't much in the recovery wagon to be hopeful for.
Fargo is relatively young with some key vets thrown in. They are looking better than past teams but are not quite ready for the limelight as of yet.
AL East
This division could be wild and wooly as all four teams will be highly competitive. Rochester won it all last year but now they are under new management and reside in Dover. They have some aging vets holding on for one more season so it may not be easy for them.
New Britain does look the strongest. Any team that decides Wascar Martin can't play at the ML level must be loaded.
The Durham Bulls may be an up and comer. They have been rebuilding and it could be time for the dividends to pay off but somewhere the youthfulness eludes me.
Pawtucket are no slouches either and could darn their way into the playoff picture also.
AL South
Last year half of the playoff teams came from this division, don't expect a repeat performance..err well maybe. Don't look now but this could actually be a four horse race.
After looking things over, Montgomery appears to have the strongest team but can they recapture the crown?
Jacksonville looks good enough to move up in the world.
Richmond doesn't look like last years team for some reason.
El Paso might just be a dark horse surprise that can't be taken lightly.
AL West
Salem won the World Series last season and looks to repeat that feat and has the team ready and willing to do it.
Both Boise and Omaha may have something to say about that however. They aren't going to roll over and play dead as both a very playoff worthy.
Oklahoma City is biding their time rebuilding and what a rebuild it is shaping up to be.
This is gonna be tough as I am throwing the crystal ball out the window for false information this year so far.
1. Salem
2. Salt Lake
3. Montgomery
4. New Britain
5. Syracuse
6. Omaha in a very cramped tight one.
AL North
Last year Salt Lake won the division crown. Will they prevail again? They have the personnel to do it. They will be pestered all season long from their division mates but have the fortitude to do it again.
Syracuse has made great strides to become competitive and they are very close. They will give Salt Lake a run for their money but lack depth in the pitching department that is still in the throws of strengthening in the minors.
Rochester has enough in the tank to be misleading but if anything goes wrong there isn't much in the recovery wagon to be hopeful for.
Fargo is relatively young with some key vets thrown in. They are looking better than past teams but are not quite ready for the limelight as of yet.
AL East
This division could be wild and wooly as all four teams will be highly competitive. Rochester won it all last year but now they are under new management and reside in Dover. They have some aging vets holding on for one more season so it may not be easy for them.
New Britain does look the strongest. Any team that decides Wascar Martin can't play at the ML level must be loaded.
The Durham Bulls may be an up and comer. They have been rebuilding and it could be time for the dividends to pay off but somewhere the youthfulness eludes me.
Pawtucket are no slouches either and could darn their way into the playoff picture also.
AL South
Last year half of the playoff teams came from this division, don't expect a repeat performance..err well maybe. Don't look now but this could actually be a four horse race.
After looking things over, Montgomery appears to have the strongest team but can they recapture the crown?
Jacksonville looks good enough to move up in the world.
Richmond doesn't look like last years team for some reason.
El Paso might just be a dark horse surprise that can't be taken lightly.
AL West
Salem won the World Series last season and looks to repeat that feat and has the team ready and willing to do it.
Both Boise and Omaha may have something to say about that however. They aren't going to roll over and play dead as both a very playoff worthy.
Oklahoma City is biding their time rebuilding and what a rebuild it is shaping up to be.
This is gonna be tough as I am throwing the crystal ball out the window for false information this year so far.
1. Salem
2. Salt Lake
3. Montgomery
4. New Britain
5. Syracuse
6. Omaha in a very cramped tight one.
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