The
Chicago Scandal
Hello my fellow
Pine-Tar owners. My name is Al but also known as skuff730 of the Chicago Black
Sox, formerly the New York Damage Controllers. I am going to be contributing to
our awesome blog and hopefully continuing to provide enjoyable reading segments
that complement our league. I hope to cover a range of topics from notable
games, to trades, and even a look into the minor leagues. With that being said,
let’s get down to business.
We start
Season 34 off with a brief recap of last year where Scranton defeated Boise 4-3
to capture their second World Series title. Season 33s playoff were not without
some memorable moments as we saw the three best teams in the league; Salem
(119-43), Nashville (113-49), and Houston (100-62) all get bounced out of the
playoffs in their respective Divisional Series matchups. The big question going
into Season 34 is, how they will respond.
I caught up
with Salem owner jkenned: 2 time WS Champion, 3 time AL
Champion, and 6-time Divisional Champion
What did you think of
Season 33s playoff lost?
It is always tough being the #1 seed and not bringing home
the title and I have never been a fan of the 5 game series but the truth is
that Syracuse was better than I was. It was frustrating but hopefully that
allows the squad here in Salem to focus and bring home another championship
this season.
What are your goals
for the Season 34?
My entire offense is in their peak and the pitching is
strong enough to carry us back to the #1 seed in the AL.
Best addition, i.e.
player and/or coach.
We really didn't change things up too much in the offseason
as there were not very many feasible ways to improve on a 119 win roster. Our
window is starting to close but this squad still has the talent to bring home a
couple of trophies before it does.
There you have it, from Salem Volcanoes Owner jkenned.
I have to say I agree that this team is going to be a tough out in Season 34. Note this day 2/2 PM2 when they host Syracuse for their first matchup of Season 34.
Modification: 1/24/2016
The Chicago Scandal staff was able to get an interview with bagwellbuff. 1 time WS Champion, 2 time NL Champion, 5 time Divisional Champion.
What did you think of Season 33s playoff lost?
We lost to eventual the eventual World Champion, so you could say we have some consolation: we lost to a team of destiny. However, that does not ease the disappointment of our coaches, our team, and our fans. We can't settle for being a steppingstone in another team's triumphant narrative.
Best addition, i.e. player and/or coach.
We mostly stood pat, mainly because I think Neifi Gil (RF) will top his first All-Star appearance by coming into his own as a real superstar and upping his batting average to complement his power. I'm proud of our pitching--our bullpen is mostly home grown as well as starter Albert Olivo and Stewart Hall. We hope to improve our team BA while maintaining our outstanding pitching and fielding. Our power numbers were satisfactory but we should improve those. Of course, we are a team at a crossroads. I'd feel better if we could have signed Wilt Sizemore long term, but he's looking at FA after this season. So if we fall short again with this veteran team, we may have to seriously consider in which direction we will go from here
We hope to improve our team BA while maintaining our outstanding pitching and fielding. Our power numbers were satisfactory but we should improve those. Of course, we are a team at a crossroads. I'd feel better if we could have signed Wilt Sizemore long term, but he's looking at FA after this season. So if we fall short again with this veteran team, we may have to seriously consider in which direction we will go from here.
Thank you Bagwelllbuff.
Houston is at a crossroad this year and with the arrival of Jackson as a major player in the division, we could be seeing a changing of the guard. They currently sit at 3rd place in the NL South, but it is still early in the year. So we will keep our I on Houston and lets see if they can recapture the magic of season 33. Upcoming notable game: 1/30 PM vs Scranton Red Barons (9-2)
Season 34: The story so far....
The first
week of games are behind us and there are some interesting develops thus far.
On the AL side, the Salem Volcanoes (8-0) got off to a hot start as they notched eight straight victories
to remain the only remaining undefeated team left in the Majors. They started
the season off with a four game sweep of the Omaha Oracles, followed by a sweep of the Colorado Springs Iron Horseman. Notable
game: 1/22 PM2 Salem Volcanoes vs Colorado Springs
Iron Horsemen
On the NL side of the house, the Jackson Juggernauts (7-1) sit atop NL South with
the National League’s best record. The Juggernauts are showing their offensive
prowess with a NL 2nd best 48 runs scored. The defensive isn’t lacking
either, only giving up 29 runs. It’s early in the year, but I’d say Jackson is
setting themselves up nicely to snap their 10 season playoff hiatus.
Hot
or
Not
This is the inaugural hot or not list.
Team Hotness: Salem Volcanoes Undefeated and 7-0 on the road.
Seattle Strikers Despite dropping two games
to Colorado,
they have a favorable upcoming schedule against the Philadelphia Moneymakers and the Albuquerque Komodo Dragons. They should come out of that stretch at a
minimum 6-1.
Team Notness: Philadelphia Moneymakers It’s an uphill
battle, trust me I know from experience.
St. Louis Miracles I think they have the most potential of Team
Notness to get back on track. They can get the hits, they are just not bringing
the guys across home plate.
Colorado Springs Iron Horseman Their in a
division with Salem Volcanoes and Boise Coursers, enough said.
The Players Club
Pedro Martinez (CIN) 2 doubles, 1 HR and 8 RBIs. Not to
mention an 8 game hit streak.
Keith Williamson (TEX) Leads the ML in HRs (5) and RBIs (20)
Gerald Foster (IA) 1-1 1.69 ERA
Wilt Sizemore (HOU) 1-1 1.20 ERA
Kevin Jenkins (SEA) 15 Hits, .517 AVG, .793 SLG
This is just the first of the Chicago Scandal column. I hope
you all enjoy.
Future columns will include the Minor League Minute, Trade
winners and losers, and the Rumor Mill.
I am available for comments/suggestions at alamin.smith@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
Hot or Not and the Players Club are entirely opinion based. Even though stats
are considered, future players and teams will be selected based on what the
blogger/writer decides. As always inputs are always appreciated.
No comments:
Post a Comment