SEASON 14 NL WEST PREVIEWSDue to time constraints and the season on going, I'm going to forgo the preview summary.
Seattle Strikers
Season 13 record- (93-69, 1st division)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-14th (.254); OBP-12th (.328); Home Runs-15th (154); Runs-11th (761); Steals-1st (292) Pitching(AL) ERA-1st (3.42); Opp Avg-1st (.233); Strike Outs-8th (1107); Saves-6th (49) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-1st (.990); Plus Plays-1st (103); Minus Plays-1st (13)
Key Acquisitions- 1B Miguel Pichardo(tr-Chi), RP Hal Davenport(tr-Syr), SP Warren Hargrave(tr-Syr), SP Don Corey(resigned), SP Al Rivers(FA), LF Paxton Sutton(FA), RP Cam Hogan(FA), RP Jayson Crawford(resigned)
Key Losses- P Carl Piatt(tr-Chi), 3B Kory Garland(tr-Syr), SS Buster Starr(tr-Syr), 1B Jorge Cueto(FA), 1B Tony Cummings(FA), RP Matthew Helton(FA), RP Carlton Harding(FA)
Well this is my team. I would hate to give my analysis of the team because it would make everyone think I'm an idiot no matter which way I go with it. I stick with the facts. After 3 straight winning seasons, Seattle went all out this off season and made many changes that they hope to be for the better. The player payroll is the highest it has ever been. They upgraded the rotation with the trade for Hargrave, which allows the team to move the other pitchers to a spot in the rotation that they truly belong. The relief pitching took a major hit losing Helton, Harding and Piatt. The team has tried to upgrade the offense which has been terrible season after season. The team traded away 2 key defensive players in Starr and Garland, that helped the team to a #1 defense. The team brought in offensive players over defense and it remains to be seen if that will help the team from disappointing again this season. While Seattle has won the division in 4 out of the last 5 seasons, only once have they made it out of their opening playoff series. It should be an interesting season to see how all the new faces mesh together.
Colorado Springs Night Watchmen
Season 13 record- (91-71, Wild Card)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-13th (.261); OBP-8th (.333); Home Runs-5th (234); Runs-7th (814); Steals-16th (50) Pitching(AL) ERA-10th (4.53); Opp Avg-11th (.270); Strike Outs-14th (1047); Saves-3rd (53) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-7th (.983); Plus Plays-9th (47); Minus Plays-8th (47)
Key Acquisitions- SP Ezdra Johnson(FA), C Chuck Daniels(FA), RP Dorian Myers(FA), SP Bill Kydd(promoted)
Key Losses- SP Chet Spencer(FA), 3B Banana Wakeland(FA), SP Ryan Gonzalez(FA), C Matty Padilla(FA), RP Roy Hiatt(FA)
This team may not have won the division title last season, but I believe they were the most successful. They ended a 4 season drought from the post season, they broke the 90 win mark for the first time in 6 seasons, and beat Seattle in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. They didn't have the best pitching, hitting or fielding, but this team found ways to win. They bolstered the pitching staff in the off season and I expect them to be a better pitching team this season. They didn't do anything to upgrade the fielding and hitting though. I don't think they have a very good hitting team, but I think their fielding is pretty good. They lack range in the field but the gloves are solid. I think this team has a good shot at 90 wins again this season, but I'm not sure if they win the division. They should be in it till the end though.
Scottsdale Scorpions
Season 13 record- (87-75)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-3rd (.277); OBP-1st (.349); Home Runs-2nd (266); Runs-2nd (878); Steals-13th (59) Pitching(AL) ERA-9th (4.46); Opp Avg-14th (.276); Strike Outs-3rd (1169); Saves-12th (40) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-10th (.981); Plus Plays-12th (35); Minus Plays-16th (96)
Key Acquisitions- SP Eli Mercado(FA), 3B Bret Schneider(FA)
Key Losses- SP Steve Brock(FA)
Scottsdale has raised their win total in each of the last 5 seasons, but after a season in which they made the playoffs they missed them last season. That would usually mean that it was a disappointing season, but this team is coming off many losing seasons and improving the win total is a big positive. They finished toward the top of the league offensively last season and kept around most of their players. They should be an offensive force once again. The pitching and fielding ranked in the middle of the league though. Losing Brock was a blow to the rotation, but they signed Mercado to replace him. In those moves the teams pitching will take a little bit of a hit. The defense is still a weakness for this team and really the pitching on the team isn't that bad. I think the defense hurts the pitching. I think it's playoffs or bust for this team. They have a really good team, but the defense worries me. They have the talent and really this organization is in the best shape in quite some time. They could be my pick to take the division, but if not then I think wild card for sure.
Oklahoma City Prairie Dogs
Season 13 record- (67-95)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-15th (.250); OBP-15th (.311); Home Runs-12th (192); Runs-15th (654); Steals-15th (56) Pitching(AL) ERA-6th (4.16); Opp Avg-8th (.266); Strike Outs-10th (1076); Saves-13th (39) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-16th (.972); Plus Plays-11th (43); Minus Plays-13th (67)
Key Acquisitions- OF/1B Benji Moreno(tr-KC), 2B Junior Spiers(FA), 1B Vic Rijo(promoted), P Perry Keefe(promoted), SS Billy Kashmir(promoted)
Key Losses- RP Lonny Sojo(FA)
This franchise has seen 3 straight losing seasons since winning this division, with last season being the lowest point. This teams position players just weren't very good. They couldn't hit and they couldn't field. The teams pitching wasn't bad though. With better fielding they could have been a top 3 pitching team. The only key loss this team suffered in the off season was a big loss. Sojo is a very good relief pitcher and should be tough to replace. They traded for Moreno, who isn't going to help this team much. The signing of Spiers will upgrade the hitting and fielding a bit. I also like the players this team promoted.
This is a really young team that has nowhere to go but up. They do have some real good hitters, they have a few good pitchers as well. The teams biggest problems will be defensively and the starting rotation. My summary is that this team is better, but not enough to get over the 500 mark.
PREDICTIONS
I'm actually pretty excited about this division. Even though the division has put 2 teams in the playoffs the past couple seasons, it wasn't a very strong division. That is changing. The top 3 teams are going to battle it out this season and even the bottom team is getting better. Since I jinxed Scottsdale last season, I'm going to go ahead and jinx myself this season. Seattle should win the division but not by much, and Scottsdale is my pick for the wild card. Colorado Springs could even win this division but I have to make predictions.
1.)Seattle
2.)Scottsdale
3.)Colorado Springs
4.)Oklahoma City
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
NL South Season 14 Previews
SEASON 14 NL SOUTH PREVIEWS
Monterrey Jacks
Season 13 record- (99-63, 1st division)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-6th (.268); OBP-7th (.335); Home Runs-1st (282); Runs-1st (881); Steals-6th (113) Pitching(AL) ERA-5th (3.98); Opp Avg-7th (.260); Strike Outs-1st (1226); Saves-4th (51) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-14th (.979); Plus Plays-12th (35); Minus Plays-12th (65)
Key Acquisitions- 2B Sam Wigginton(tr-Far), CF Jay Knotts(FA), RP Brant Service(FA), RP Clarence Cain(FA), LF Al Keeler(resigned), 1B Craig Adkinson(promoted)
Key Losses- RP Cam Hogan(FA), RP Robin Schalk(FA), LF Kevin Kyung(FA), LF/1B Paul Wang(FA), 2B Douglas Wilson(released)
Monterrey had a pretty successful regular season in season 13. They won the division for the second straight season and fifth time in team history. They produced the third straight 90 win season and matched the franchise high in wins. They had an above average offense, above average pitching, but were not a very good fielding team. The team had the #1 overall seed in the post season, but unfortunately, lost to Charleston in the divisional round 3 games to 1. So last season overall has to be considered a disappointment. The team made plenty of off season moves to try and make up for that. I really like the acquisition of Wigginton. The signing of Knotts will also help this team out. I don't think they did much to help out the fielding problems they had though. This team is clearly built on hitting over fielding from their position players. I could see that team average ranked even higher next season and this team could very well lead the NL in runs again. This team also has a very good pitching staff. Most likely one of the best in the league. My prediction for Monterrey is that they will top the 100 win mark and will be tough to beat for this division title.
Charleston Riverdogs
Season 13 record- (93-69)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-8th (.266); OBP-3rd (.341); Home Runs-3rd (243); Runs-4th (833); Steals-12th (67) Pitching(AL) ERA-2nd (3.78); Opp Avg-2nd (.246); Strike Outs-7th (1116); Saves-7th (48) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-3rd (.986); Plus Plays-4th (64); Minus Plays-5th (34)
Key Acquisitions- RF Alton Olson(tr-Far), LF Magglio Coronado(tr-Far), 2B Douglas Wilson(FA), SP Steve Brock(FA), SP Joel Norris(FA), LF/1B Frank Martin(resigned)
Key Losses-2B Pepper Sanders(tr-Far), P Rafael Gutierrez(FA), 3B Juan Otanez(FA), SP Travis Bush(FA)
After 6 seasons in a row of winning this division Charleston has slipped a bit the past couple seasons. After a second straight second place finish, they made up for it with a second straight appearance in the World Series though. Slipping isn't how this franchise should look at it. The only thing that could stop them was a punishing Syracuse team that swept them in the World Series. A second straight championship just wasn't meant to be. Overall, this team had really good pitching and fielding last season. While the team had a decent batting average they were above average where it counted on offense and that was scoring runs. They didn't appear to need to do much in the off season at all, but they did. I question the decision to pick up the option on the, way past his prime, Jonathan Grebeck. The moves they made were mostly for older players and I don't really like that, but this team does have some young talent to go with the veterans. Overall, I think they have a really good fielding team, and their pitching staff is really good as well. They don't really have an innings eater starting for them though and that could wear on this staff as the season goes on. Offensively the team has plenty of power and a few players that can get on base as well. I think this team will still be a very good team that will be tough to beat, but I don't think this will be the year they can get back on top of this division. A return to the World Series isn't likely, but with this ownership anything can happen. I think they are a wild card contender.
Jackson Juggernauts
Season 13 record- (69-93)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-10th (.265); OBP-10th (.331); Home Runs-7th (229); Runs-9th (794); Steals-7th (105) Pitching(AL) ERA-7th (4.23); Opp Avg-3rd (.248); Strike Outs-5th (1149); Saves-16th (34) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-12th (.980); Plus Plays-3rd (65); Minus Plays-2nd (26)
Key Acquisitions- LF Cal Durham(Rule V), 2B James Glass(promoted)
Key Losses- 3B Benny Carrasco(released), 1B Ricardo Peron(released)
This team stayed fairly quiet in the off season. After 8 straight losing seasons and 7 owners in that time frame, this team may finally be getting some direction as bobbyj7 is in a second season as owner. They've only had one winning season in the teams history and the team deserves a little direction by now. They have a really young team and some of the young players have good talent. They also have a few players in the minors that will be able to help this team out fairly soon. Last season this team ranked toward the bottom of the league in fielding and I don't think that will change much this season. They were barely in the upper half of the league in pitching and I think that will probably remain about the same if not a little better. They were in the bottom half of the league in hitting and I'm pretty sure they will be again. In this division they don't stand a chance, but a better record than last season is attainable. It will probably be another long season for Jackson, but I do believe there is some light at the end of this tunnel.
Texas Beavers
Season 13 record- (67-95)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-7th (.267); OBP-9th (.332); Home Runs-13th (191); Runs-10th (764); Steals-11th (88) Pitching(AL) ERA-16th (5.51); Opp Avg-15th (.287); Strike Outs-11th (1071); Saves-14th (37) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-4th (.985); Plus Plays-6th (60); Minus Plays-3rd (28)
Key Acquisitions- CF Julio Tavarez(tr-Chi), RP Scott Easterly(tr-Min), SS Jorge Lopez(tr-Tol), C Tom Gonzales(tr-Van), LF/1B Orval Yeats(tr-Syr), RP Bernard Hoffman(tr-Tol), 2B Luke Ryan(FA), SP Patsy Cummings(FA), CF Chul Zhang(promoted), SP Rico Bravo(promoted)
Key Losses- SP Miguel Morlan(tr-Tol), 1B Matty Coco(tr-Van), C Pascual Ortiz(released)
After 5 straight losing seasons this team decided it was time to make some changes. I'm not sure if there was another team in the league that made more changes this off season than Texas. They went all out to make this team competitive this season. Most of the moves made were through trades and they only signed a couple free agents. Luke Ryan, who was one of the free agents signed, will be a huge upgrade for this team. This is a pretty young team and they now have quite a bit of talent on the roster. The only move I don't like for this team was trading Coco. That was a real good bat to lose and I don't feel comfortable with his replacement as a full time player. Last season this team was a decent hitting bunch, and were pretty good in the field as well. They were terrible when it came to pitching. The moves they made are going to add some speed to this teams lineup and that was something they needed. They have players that can get on base but I don't think they are a great hitting team. The fielding should still be pretty good. I really don't see how this team could be even as close to as bad as last season when it comes to pitching. They are improved in that category, but are still not great when it comes to the pitching staff. My prediction is that this team finishes above 500, but I'm not sure by how much. I don't think they make the wild card, but this season should be a huge step forward for this club.
PREDICTIONS
Monterrey has to be a favorite for winning it all this season. Charleston still has a pretty good team, but I don't think they are close to Monterrey. Texas should make some noise, but I think they fall short of the post season. Jackson is a team that is moving up, but this division is going to be much tougher than last season. I really like the overall talent in this division and other than Monterrey I think anything could happen.
1.)Monterrey
2.)Charleston
3.)Texas
4.)Jackson
Monterrey Jacks
Season 13 record- (99-63, 1st division)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-6th (.268); OBP-7th (.335); Home Runs-1st (282); Runs-1st (881); Steals-6th (113) Pitching(AL) ERA-5th (3.98); Opp Avg-7th (.260); Strike Outs-1st (1226); Saves-4th (51) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-14th (.979); Plus Plays-12th (35); Minus Plays-12th (65)
Key Acquisitions- 2B Sam Wigginton(tr-Far), CF Jay Knotts(FA), RP Brant Service(FA), RP Clarence Cain(FA), LF Al Keeler(resigned), 1B Craig Adkinson(promoted)
Key Losses- RP Cam Hogan(FA), RP Robin Schalk(FA), LF Kevin Kyung(FA), LF/1B Paul Wang(FA), 2B Douglas Wilson(released)
Monterrey had a pretty successful regular season in season 13. They won the division for the second straight season and fifth time in team history. They produced the third straight 90 win season and matched the franchise high in wins. They had an above average offense, above average pitching, but were not a very good fielding team. The team had the #1 overall seed in the post season, but unfortunately, lost to Charleston in the divisional round 3 games to 1. So last season overall has to be considered a disappointment. The team made plenty of off season moves to try and make up for that. I really like the acquisition of Wigginton. The signing of Knotts will also help this team out. I don't think they did much to help out the fielding problems they had though. This team is clearly built on hitting over fielding from their position players. I could see that team average ranked even higher next season and this team could very well lead the NL in runs again. This team also has a very good pitching staff. Most likely one of the best in the league. My prediction for Monterrey is that they will top the 100 win mark and will be tough to beat for this division title.
Charleston Riverdogs
Season 13 record- (93-69)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-8th (.266); OBP-3rd (.341); Home Runs-3rd (243); Runs-4th (833); Steals-12th (67) Pitching(AL) ERA-2nd (3.78); Opp Avg-2nd (.246); Strike Outs-7th (1116); Saves-7th (48) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-3rd (.986); Plus Plays-4th (64); Minus Plays-5th (34)
Key Acquisitions- RF Alton Olson(tr-Far), LF Magglio Coronado(tr-Far), 2B Douglas Wilson(FA), SP Steve Brock(FA), SP Joel Norris(FA), LF/1B Frank Martin(resigned)
Key Losses-2B Pepper Sanders(tr-Far), P Rafael Gutierrez(FA), 3B Juan Otanez(FA), SP Travis Bush(FA)
After 6 seasons in a row of winning this division Charleston has slipped a bit the past couple seasons. After a second straight second place finish, they made up for it with a second straight appearance in the World Series though. Slipping isn't how this franchise should look at it. The only thing that could stop them was a punishing Syracuse team that swept them in the World Series. A second straight championship just wasn't meant to be. Overall, this team had really good pitching and fielding last season. While the team had a decent batting average they were above average where it counted on offense and that was scoring runs. They didn't appear to need to do much in the off season at all, but they did. I question the decision to pick up the option on the, way past his prime, Jonathan Grebeck. The moves they made were mostly for older players and I don't really like that, but this team does have some young talent to go with the veterans. Overall, I think they have a really good fielding team, and their pitching staff is really good as well. They don't really have an innings eater starting for them though and that could wear on this staff as the season goes on. Offensively the team has plenty of power and a few players that can get on base as well. I think this team will still be a very good team that will be tough to beat, but I don't think this will be the year they can get back on top of this division. A return to the World Series isn't likely, but with this ownership anything can happen. I think they are a wild card contender.
Jackson Juggernauts
Season 13 record- (69-93)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-10th (.265); OBP-10th (.331); Home Runs-7th (229); Runs-9th (794); Steals-7th (105) Pitching(AL) ERA-7th (4.23); Opp Avg-3rd (.248); Strike Outs-5th (1149); Saves-16th (34) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-12th (.980); Plus Plays-3rd (65); Minus Plays-2nd (26)
Key Acquisitions- LF Cal Durham(Rule V), 2B James Glass(promoted)
Key Losses- 3B Benny Carrasco(released), 1B Ricardo Peron(released)
This team stayed fairly quiet in the off season. After 8 straight losing seasons and 7 owners in that time frame, this team may finally be getting some direction as bobbyj7 is in a second season as owner. They've only had one winning season in the teams history and the team deserves a little direction by now. They have a really young team and some of the young players have good talent. They also have a few players in the minors that will be able to help this team out fairly soon. Last season this team ranked toward the bottom of the league in fielding and I don't think that will change much this season. They were barely in the upper half of the league in pitching and I think that will probably remain about the same if not a little better. They were in the bottom half of the league in hitting and I'm pretty sure they will be again. In this division they don't stand a chance, but a better record than last season is attainable. It will probably be another long season for Jackson, but I do believe there is some light at the end of this tunnel.
Texas Beavers
Season 13 record- (67-95)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-7th (.267); OBP-9th (.332); Home Runs-13th (191); Runs-10th (764); Steals-11th (88) Pitching(AL) ERA-16th (5.51); Opp Avg-15th (.287); Strike Outs-11th (1071); Saves-14th (37) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-4th (.985); Plus Plays-6th (60); Minus Plays-3rd (28)
Key Acquisitions- CF Julio Tavarez(tr-Chi), RP Scott Easterly(tr-Min), SS Jorge Lopez(tr-Tol), C Tom Gonzales(tr-Van), LF/1B Orval Yeats(tr-Syr), RP Bernard Hoffman(tr-Tol), 2B Luke Ryan(FA), SP Patsy Cummings(FA), CF Chul Zhang(promoted), SP Rico Bravo(promoted)
Key Losses- SP Miguel Morlan(tr-Tol), 1B Matty Coco(tr-Van), C Pascual Ortiz(released)
After 5 straight losing seasons this team decided it was time to make some changes. I'm not sure if there was another team in the league that made more changes this off season than Texas. They went all out to make this team competitive this season. Most of the moves made were through trades and they only signed a couple free agents. Luke Ryan, who was one of the free agents signed, will be a huge upgrade for this team. This is a pretty young team and they now have quite a bit of talent on the roster. The only move I don't like for this team was trading Coco. That was a real good bat to lose and I don't feel comfortable with his replacement as a full time player. Last season this team was a decent hitting bunch, and were pretty good in the field as well. They were terrible when it came to pitching. The moves they made are going to add some speed to this teams lineup and that was something they needed. They have players that can get on base but I don't think they are a great hitting team. The fielding should still be pretty good. I really don't see how this team could be even as close to as bad as last season when it comes to pitching. They are improved in that category, but are still not great when it comes to the pitching staff. My prediction is that this team finishes above 500, but I'm not sure by how much. I don't think they make the wild card, but this season should be a huge step forward for this club.
PREDICTIONS
Monterrey has to be a favorite for winning it all this season. Charleston still has a pretty good team, but I don't think they are close to Monterrey. Texas should make some noise, but I think they fall short of the post season. Jackson is a team that is moving up, but this division is going to be much tougher than last season. I really like the overall talent in this division and other than Monterrey I think anything could happen.
1.)Monterrey
2.)Charleston
3.)Texas
4.)Jackson
Monday, December 27, 2010
NL East Season 14 Previews
SEASON 14 NL EAST PREVIEWS
In the East, they have had the same ownership for all four teams since season 2. Kansas City is the only team with multiple owners and even they have had the same owner in every season except season 1. Now that is consistency. Kansas City has struggled for most of their time in the league having only been to the post season twice, but they have become more consistent over the last 8 season with at least 79 wins in those seasons. Cincinnati made major steps forward last season. After 5 straight losing seasons, they accomplished 90 wins last season and gave Jacksonville a scare at the top of the division. New York, has had some success through the seasons. Last season ended a run of 8 straight seasons with a winning record as they dropped below 500 for just the second time in team history. Then there's Jacksonville. The way to the top of this division goes through Jacksonville. They have 8 division titles and have participated in the World Series 3 times with 1 championship. Add to that, the fact that they have had only one losing season.
Jacksonville Juice
Season 13 record- (93-69, 1st division)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-3rd (.273); OBP-2nd (.344); Home Runs-4th (236); Runs-3rd (839); Steals-10th (90) Pitching(AL) ERA-4th (3.99); Opp Avg-6th (.255); Strike Outs-9th (1106); Saves-4th (51) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-9th (.982); Plus Plays-9th (47); Minus Plays-6th (36)
Key Acquisitions- SP Bret O'Leary(tr-Atl), P Bert Thome(FA), IF Ricardo Ibanez(FA)
Key Losses- RP Estiban Sierra(tr-Atl), RF Alvin Reed(tr-Atl), 2B Jeremy Stanley(FA), SS Kiki Duran(FA), 3B Keith Sexson(FA)
Jacksonville has put a good run together the last 4 seasons by winning the division title in each season. This has been one of the more successful franchises in Pine Tar actually. They've been to the World Series 3 times and have come away with one championship. Last season, however, this team declined in wins from the previous season by 17. They barely won the division title and were given a scare by Cincinnati. They were still one of the better hitting and pitching teams in the league, but defensively they weren't so good. Offensively this team will miss Reed, Stanley, Sexson and Duran. They signed Ibanez to offset some of the loss, but I think this team will take steps back offensively this season. O'Leary and Thome will help the pitching staff, and I can see the pitching being better than last season. I'm not sure they did much to help this club defensively. I think they can finish close to their record from last season, but it will take some luck to reach that total. Overall, I'm not sure this team is still going to be a top team and may not even make the playoffs.
Cincinnati Firestorm
Season 13 record- (90-72)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-5th (.269); OBP-5th (.339); Home Runs-9th (211); Runs-8th (803); Steals-2nd (141) Pitching(AL) ERA-8th (4.33); Opp Avg-5th (.254); Strike Outs-12th (1069); Saves-1st (60) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-5th (.984); Plus Plays-2nd (90); Minus Plays-3rd (28)
Key Acquisitions- SP Terrell Tunkel(tr-Chi), RF Rickey Stone(resigned), SS Manuel Ozuna(FA)
Key Losses- RP Bernard Prince(tr-Chi), RP Phillip Allen(FA)
This Cincinnati team gave Jacksonville all it could handle last season. They came up just short of taking the division title, but still had a successful season. They improved by 17 wins and had their first winning record in 6 seasons. The finished in the upper half of the league in most key categories last season. Overall, this team didn't do much in the off season. The moves they did make should slightly improve the team though. I think they may have over achieved last season and my prediction is that they finish real close to where they were last season in wins. I still think that it's possible for this team to make a run at the division title, but if they don't win that, then I don't think they would get in the post season.
Kansas City Kardinals
Season 13 record- (80-82)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-1st (.277); OBP-4th (.340); Home Runs-7th (229); Runs-6th (825); Steals-13th (59) Pitching(AL) ERA-14th (4.88); Opp Avg-12th (.274); Strike Outs-4th (1151); Saves-11th (43) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-12th (.980); Plus Plays-14th (31); Minus Plays-10th (58)
Key Acquisitions-
Key Losses- RF Benji Moreno(tr-OKC), RP Brant Service(FA)
Kansas City was the top hitting team in the league last season. The problem with this team was that they had terrible pitching and fielding. They still finished close to 500 and look like they have something to build off of. In the off season they had just a couple losses, but the biggest problem I see is that they made no key additions. For a team that was so close, I can't figure out why they didn't go for it this off season and try to get over the top. They still have most of their hitters in place, but the team still has below average fielding. The pitching staff is not as bad as the numbers showed from last season, but they are still below average and the fielding will not help that. My guess is that this team in current form, will probably be pretty close to average again. They could go a little over 81 wins or a little under.
New York Moneymaker
Season 13 record- (75-87)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-11th (.262); OBP-14th (.323); Home Runs-11th (200); Runs-13th (729); Steals-8th (101) Pitching(AL) ERA-12th (4.87); Opp Avg-13th (.275); Strike Outs-6th (1141); Saves-8th (46) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-7th (.983); Plus Plays-15th (30); Minus Plays-9th (49)
Key Acquisitions- SP John Fogg(resigned), RP Brad Shave(resigned), SP Farmer Davis(FA), C Karim Franco(FA), LF Paul Wang(FA), LF/1B Vicente Lopez(FA)
Key Losses- SP Rob Murray(FA), SP Alfredo Casey(FA)
New York finished last in a tough division last season. At 75-87, they didn't have a terrible season. They finished in the lower half of the league in hitting and pitching, but were and average fielding team. To get to the top of this division they would have to make some big off season moves. They chose not to go that route though. They signed some good players, but no "put this team over the top" moves. The moves they did make should get this team closer to 500 or above. Most of the losses this team had were players that held the team back last season. They resigned a Fogg and Shave, a couple players I think this team needed to keep around. The team does have some talent and I think youngster Mandy Whitfield, can help this team out. The teams hitting appears to be fairly good. The pitching is decent, but the better pitchers on this team are in the bullpen. The starters aren't anything to be excited about. The fielding is less than good. In New York last season, the team had only their second losing season in franchise history, and the team is not wanting to see a third. My prediction is that this team will be close to average. They are in about the same shape as KC, and could finish just above 81 wins or just below.
PREDICTIONS
Jacksonville and Cincinnati should battle it out for most of the season at the top of this division. KC and NY are two teams that I just don't think can stick around at the top of this division. While I don't think any of the teams in the division got a whole lot better in the off season, I still think the top 2 teams are fairly strong. This division may be only good enough to get the division winner into the post season though. The bad thing about that is that this division may combine for the most wins of any division in the NL, as all 4 teams could finish above or close to 500.
1.)Cincinnati
2.)Jacksonville
3.)Kansas City
4.)New York
In the East, they have had the same ownership for all four teams since season 2. Kansas City is the only team with multiple owners and even they have had the same owner in every season except season 1. Now that is consistency. Kansas City has struggled for most of their time in the league having only been to the post season twice, but they have become more consistent over the last 8 season with at least 79 wins in those seasons. Cincinnati made major steps forward last season. After 5 straight losing seasons, they accomplished 90 wins last season and gave Jacksonville a scare at the top of the division. New York, has had some success through the seasons. Last season ended a run of 8 straight seasons with a winning record as they dropped below 500 for just the second time in team history. Then there's Jacksonville. The way to the top of this division goes through Jacksonville. They have 8 division titles and have participated in the World Series 3 times with 1 championship. Add to that, the fact that they have had only one losing season.
Jacksonville Juice
Season 13 record- (93-69, 1st division)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-3rd (.273); OBP-2nd (.344); Home Runs-4th (236); Runs-3rd (839); Steals-10th (90) Pitching(AL) ERA-4th (3.99); Opp Avg-6th (.255); Strike Outs-9th (1106); Saves-4th (51) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-9th (.982); Plus Plays-9th (47); Minus Plays-6th (36)
Key Acquisitions- SP Bret O'Leary(tr-Atl), P Bert Thome(FA), IF Ricardo Ibanez(FA)
Key Losses- RP Estiban Sierra(tr-Atl), RF Alvin Reed(tr-Atl), 2B Jeremy Stanley(FA), SS Kiki Duran(FA), 3B Keith Sexson(FA)
Jacksonville has put a good run together the last 4 seasons by winning the division title in each season. This has been one of the more successful franchises in Pine Tar actually. They've been to the World Series 3 times and have come away with one championship. Last season, however, this team declined in wins from the previous season by 17. They barely won the division title and were given a scare by Cincinnati. They were still one of the better hitting and pitching teams in the league, but defensively they weren't so good. Offensively this team will miss Reed, Stanley, Sexson and Duran. They signed Ibanez to offset some of the loss, but I think this team will take steps back offensively this season. O'Leary and Thome will help the pitching staff, and I can see the pitching being better than last season. I'm not sure they did much to help this club defensively. I think they can finish close to their record from last season, but it will take some luck to reach that total. Overall, I'm not sure this team is still going to be a top team and may not even make the playoffs.
Cincinnati Firestorm
Season 13 record- (90-72)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-5th (.269); OBP-5th (.339); Home Runs-9th (211); Runs-8th (803); Steals-2nd (141) Pitching(AL) ERA-8th (4.33); Opp Avg-5th (.254); Strike Outs-12th (1069); Saves-1st (60) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-5th (.984); Plus Plays-2nd (90); Minus Plays-3rd (28)
Key Acquisitions- SP Terrell Tunkel(tr-Chi), RF Rickey Stone(resigned), SS Manuel Ozuna(FA)
Key Losses- RP Bernard Prince(tr-Chi), RP Phillip Allen(FA)
This Cincinnati team gave Jacksonville all it could handle last season. They came up just short of taking the division title, but still had a successful season. They improved by 17 wins and had their first winning record in 6 seasons. The finished in the upper half of the league in most key categories last season. Overall, this team didn't do much in the off season. The moves they did make should slightly improve the team though. I think they may have over achieved last season and my prediction is that they finish real close to where they were last season in wins. I still think that it's possible for this team to make a run at the division title, but if they don't win that, then I don't think they would get in the post season.
Kansas City Kardinals
Season 13 record- (80-82)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-1st (.277); OBP-4th (.340); Home Runs-7th (229); Runs-6th (825); Steals-13th (59) Pitching(AL) ERA-14th (4.88); Opp Avg-12th (.274); Strike Outs-4th (1151); Saves-11th (43) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-12th (.980); Plus Plays-14th (31); Minus Plays-10th (58)
Key Acquisitions-
Key Losses- RF Benji Moreno(tr-OKC), RP Brant Service(FA)
Kansas City was the top hitting team in the league last season. The problem with this team was that they had terrible pitching and fielding. They still finished close to 500 and look like they have something to build off of. In the off season they had just a couple losses, but the biggest problem I see is that they made no key additions. For a team that was so close, I can't figure out why they didn't go for it this off season and try to get over the top. They still have most of their hitters in place, but the team still has below average fielding. The pitching staff is not as bad as the numbers showed from last season, but they are still below average and the fielding will not help that. My guess is that this team in current form, will probably be pretty close to average again. They could go a little over 81 wins or a little under.
New York Moneymaker
Season 13 record- (75-87)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-11th (.262); OBP-14th (.323); Home Runs-11th (200); Runs-13th (729); Steals-8th (101) Pitching(AL) ERA-12th (4.87); Opp Avg-13th (.275); Strike Outs-6th (1141); Saves-8th (46) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-7th (.983); Plus Plays-15th (30); Minus Plays-9th (49)
Key Acquisitions- SP John Fogg(resigned), RP Brad Shave(resigned), SP Farmer Davis(FA), C Karim Franco(FA), LF Paul Wang(FA), LF/1B Vicente Lopez(FA)
Key Losses- SP Rob Murray(FA), SP Alfredo Casey(FA)
New York finished last in a tough division last season. At 75-87, they didn't have a terrible season. They finished in the lower half of the league in hitting and pitching, but were and average fielding team. To get to the top of this division they would have to make some big off season moves. They chose not to go that route though. They signed some good players, but no "put this team over the top" moves. The moves they did make should get this team closer to 500 or above. Most of the losses this team had were players that held the team back last season. They resigned a Fogg and Shave, a couple players I think this team needed to keep around. The team does have some talent and I think youngster Mandy Whitfield, can help this team out. The teams hitting appears to be fairly good. The pitching is decent, but the better pitchers on this team are in the bullpen. The starters aren't anything to be excited about. The fielding is less than good. In New York last season, the team had only their second losing season in franchise history, and the team is not wanting to see a third. My prediction is that this team will be close to average. They are in about the same shape as KC, and could finish just above 81 wins or just below.
PREDICTIONS
Jacksonville and Cincinnati should battle it out for most of the season at the top of this division. KC and NY are two teams that I just don't think can stick around at the top of this division. While I don't think any of the teams in the division got a whole lot better in the off season, I still think the top 2 teams are fairly strong. This division may be only good enough to get the division winner into the post season though. The bad thing about that is that this division may combine for the most wins of any division in the NL, as all 4 teams could finish above or close to 500.
1.)Cincinnati
2.)Jacksonville
3.)Kansas City
4.)New York
Thursday, December 23, 2010
NL North Season 14 Previews
Well, now that the AL is finished, I need to get started on the NL. At the rate I've been going, I should have these finished by the All Star break. Not really, but it does seem like this is taking me quite a bit of time to do. Maybe it's due to the wife making me choose Christmas shopping for my army of children, and it could also be due to being abnormally busy at work for this time of the year. I'm sure it's both. These people need to realize that I have a life outside of reality also. That's it, I'm going into my boss right now and telling him to screw off, I have team previews to write.
SEASON 14 NL NORTH PREVIEWS
Due to a collapse by Helena over the last couple seasons, this division has pretty much been a no contest for Fargo. Fargo, still has not had a losing season nor has there been a season when they didn't win this division. Really, it's getting pretty boring in the NL North guys. Can Fargo get some competition please? Fargo has been a force in the NL since day 1. I thought last season was going to be there season, but a loss to Charleston in the NLCS cut that short. Cleveland moved forward in wins and finished second for the first time in team history, but finished with a ninth straight losing season. Trenton continued their losing ways with their sixth straight losing season and finished third. Helena finished with the worst record in franchise history and for only the second time in team history did not finish in second place.
Fargo Wood Chippers
Season 13 record- (95-67, 1st division, NLCS runner up)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-2nd (.275); OBP-5th (.339); Home Runs-6th (232); Runs-5th (832); Steals-9th (93) Pitching(AL) ERA-3rd (3.92); Opp Avg-4th (.250); Strike Outs-2nd (1180); Saves-2nd (58) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-2nd (.987); Plus Plays-6th (60); Minus Plays-11th (62)
Key Acquisitions- 2B Pepper Sanders(tr-Chr), LF Kevin Kyung(tr-Chr), 1B Tony Cummings(FA)
Key Losses- OF Alton Olson(tr-Chr), 2B Sam Wiggington(tr-Mty), RP Miguel Gabriel(released), 2B/OF Al Nen(FA)
Out in the cow tipping capitol of the world, where the farm girls love doing things in the hay, we have the Fargo Wood Chippers. Well, I don't know about all that stuff, but those are some of the things that ownership tells me has led to the success of this franchise over the years. The team is still miffed that Al Nen didn't take a discount to play with one of the best franchises in the world, that has those things on the side to offer. While that was a big loss for this franchise, I think they can move on. They were one of the top teams in the league in pitching, offense and defense last season and the losses on this team aren't enough to hurt them to bad. Olson, Wiggington and Nen are gone. Sanders, Kyung and Cummings will pick up right where those guys left off. The fielding on this team is still outstanding. The added some speed with their moves and that was one area they were lacking last season. The pitching staff is still solid as a rock. The thing with this team is that they keep finding ways to get younger and stay at the top. Word on the street was that management wasn't confident about a 14th straight division title, but I'm going to say that they are trying to psyche out the rest of the league and really are planning on making a run at the World Series.
Cleveland indians
Season 13 record- (73-89)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-8th (.266); OBP-11th (.329); Home Runs-14th (156); Runs-12th (747); Steals-5th (126) Pitching(AL) ERA-15th (5.15); Opp Avg-15th (.287); Strike Outs-13th (1055); Saves-9th (44) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-14th (.979); Plus Plays-16th (20); Minus Plays-13th (67)
Key Acquisitions-
Key Losses- LF Dummy Wright(FA), 1B Alexander Delaney(FA), 3B Bruce McMillon(FA), CF Ariel Villano(FA)
This team finished in the middle of the league in hitting but toward the bottom in both fielding and pitching. They were able to still pull off a decent season based on what they had. This franchise has had 9 straight losing seasons, but last season was the second straight year that they improved the win total. Somehow with all the losing this franchise has done, they still don't have very much young talent in the majors. Actually this team is quite old. They have 13 player age 30 and above. None of those players really are stars either. In the off season, they really didn't add anybody to the mix, but they still have some work to do in order to get this franchise heading forward. Aside from a few prospects with good potential in the system, their really isn't much else coming through the farm system. I'm going to predict that a second place finish isn't likely to happen again this season.
Trenton Thunders
Season 13 record- (63-99)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-16th (.242); OBP-16th (.305); Home Runs-16th (151); Runs-16th (626); Steals-4th (130) Pitching(AL) ERA-11th (4.83); Opp Avg-9th (.267); Strike Outs-16th (1023); Saves-9th (44) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-5th (.984); Plus Plays-5th (63); Minus Plays-6th (36)
Key Acquisitions- RP Ivan Carrasco(promoted)
Key Losses- RP Felix Beltran(FA)
It's been seven seasons since this team has had a winning record. This team actually took a step backwards last season. They lost more games than the previous season and were at the bottom of the league in hitting and toward the bottom in pitching. The positive was that this team was a pretty good fielding team and also showed some speed on the base paths. This team is pretty young and some of those young players are pretty good. The pitching staff doesn't look too bad, and the fielding is about the same as last season. They have a couple good hitters, but this is not a good hitting team. They do have some good prospects in the minors but none of them will be ready to help this season. I think they have a team that should improve upon their win total from last season.
Helena Ass Hats
Season 13 record- (58-104)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-11th (.262); OBP-13th (.324); Home Runs-10th (201); Runs-14th (703); Steals-3rd (140) Pitching(AL) ERA-12th (4.87); Opp Avg-10th (.269); Strike Outs-15th (1028); Saves-14th (37) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-10th (.981); Plus Plays-8th (59); Minus Plays-15th (73)
Key Acquisitions- LF Ben Morton(FA), 2B/OF Al Nen(FA), SP Phil Chong(promoted), SS Erubiel Baez(promoted), SP Ronald Lynch(rule V)
Key Losses- RP Albert DeRojas(FA), RP Richie Woolf(FA), 2B Francis Norton(FA), 1B Willis Walter(FA), RP Ezdra Johnson(FA)
This team had a horrible season last season. They finished in the bottom half of the league in most categories. For the talent on this team it made almost no sense. Well, they made huge upgrades in the off season. They added Nen and Morton, two players that are huge upgrades for this team. They also lost some good players, but I think the players they added are going to be improvements. The real task will be over taking Fargo for the top spot. They have speed, fielding, hitting and pitching. The problem I see is that what they have doesn't match up to Fargo. It's going to take a little luck for this team to win the division, but I think they have a real good shot at the post season.
PREDICTIONS
This division seems like it will always be won by the Fargo Wood Chippers. Helena made some off season moves that get them in good position to give Fargo a run. I really like Helena this season, but it will have to be proven before I can move Fargo out of the top spot. Cleveland doesn't look like a team that will be competitive and Trenton looks decent but this is a tough division. I like Fargo to win the division again and Helena to take a wild card spot.
1.)Fargo
2.)Helena
3.)Trenton
4.)Cleveland
SEASON 14 NL NORTH PREVIEWS
Due to a collapse by Helena over the last couple seasons, this division has pretty much been a no contest for Fargo. Fargo, still has not had a losing season nor has there been a season when they didn't win this division. Really, it's getting pretty boring in the NL North guys. Can Fargo get some competition please? Fargo has been a force in the NL since day 1. I thought last season was going to be there season, but a loss to Charleston in the NLCS cut that short. Cleveland moved forward in wins and finished second for the first time in team history, but finished with a ninth straight losing season. Trenton continued their losing ways with their sixth straight losing season and finished third. Helena finished with the worst record in franchise history and for only the second time in team history did not finish in second place.
Fargo Wood Chippers
Season 13 record- (95-67, 1st division, NLCS runner up)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-2nd (.275); OBP-5th (.339); Home Runs-6th (232); Runs-5th (832); Steals-9th (93) Pitching(AL) ERA-3rd (3.92); Opp Avg-4th (.250); Strike Outs-2nd (1180); Saves-2nd (58) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-2nd (.987); Plus Plays-6th (60); Minus Plays-11th (62)
Key Acquisitions- 2B Pepper Sanders(tr-Chr), LF Kevin Kyung(tr-Chr), 1B Tony Cummings(FA)
Key Losses- OF Alton Olson(tr-Chr), 2B Sam Wiggington(tr-Mty), RP Miguel Gabriel(released), 2B/OF Al Nen(FA)
Out in the cow tipping capitol of the world, where the farm girls love doing things in the hay, we have the Fargo Wood Chippers. Well, I don't know about all that stuff, but those are some of the things that ownership tells me has led to the success of this franchise over the years. The team is still miffed that Al Nen didn't take a discount to play with one of the best franchises in the world, that has those things on the side to offer. While that was a big loss for this franchise, I think they can move on. They were one of the top teams in the league in pitching, offense and defense last season and the losses on this team aren't enough to hurt them to bad. Olson, Wiggington and Nen are gone. Sanders, Kyung and Cummings will pick up right where those guys left off. The fielding on this team is still outstanding. The added some speed with their moves and that was one area they were lacking last season. The pitching staff is still solid as a rock. The thing with this team is that they keep finding ways to get younger and stay at the top. Word on the street was that management wasn't confident about a 14th straight division title, but I'm going to say that they are trying to psyche out the rest of the league and really are planning on making a run at the World Series.
Cleveland indians
Season 13 record- (73-89)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-8th (.266); OBP-11th (.329); Home Runs-14th (156); Runs-12th (747); Steals-5th (126) Pitching(AL) ERA-15th (5.15); Opp Avg-15th (.287); Strike Outs-13th (1055); Saves-9th (44) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-14th (.979); Plus Plays-16th (20); Minus Plays-13th (67)
Key Acquisitions-
Key Losses- LF Dummy Wright(FA), 1B Alexander Delaney(FA), 3B Bruce McMillon(FA), CF Ariel Villano(FA)
This team finished in the middle of the league in hitting but toward the bottom in both fielding and pitching. They were able to still pull off a decent season based on what they had. This franchise has had 9 straight losing seasons, but last season was the second straight year that they improved the win total. Somehow with all the losing this franchise has done, they still don't have very much young talent in the majors. Actually this team is quite old. They have 13 player age 30 and above. None of those players really are stars either. In the off season, they really didn't add anybody to the mix, but they still have some work to do in order to get this franchise heading forward. Aside from a few prospects with good potential in the system, their really isn't much else coming through the farm system. I'm going to predict that a second place finish isn't likely to happen again this season.
Trenton Thunders
Season 13 record- (63-99)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-16th (.242); OBP-16th (.305); Home Runs-16th (151); Runs-16th (626); Steals-4th (130) Pitching(AL) ERA-11th (4.83); Opp Avg-9th (.267); Strike Outs-16th (1023); Saves-9th (44) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-5th (.984); Plus Plays-5th (63); Minus Plays-6th (36)
Key Acquisitions- RP Ivan Carrasco(promoted)
Key Losses- RP Felix Beltran(FA)
It's been seven seasons since this team has had a winning record. This team actually took a step backwards last season. They lost more games than the previous season and were at the bottom of the league in hitting and toward the bottom in pitching. The positive was that this team was a pretty good fielding team and also showed some speed on the base paths. This team is pretty young and some of those young players are pretty good. The pitching staff doesn't look too bad, and the fielding is about the same as last season. They have a couple good hitters, but this is not a good hitting team. They do have some good prospects in the minors but none of them will be ready to help this season. I think they have a team that should improve upon their win total from last season.
Helena Ass Hats
Season 13 record- (58-104)
Season 13 team hitting(NL) Batting Average-11th (.262); OBP-13th (.324); Home Runs-10th (201); Runs-14th (703); Steals-3rd (140) Pitching(AL) ERA-12th (4.87); Opp Avg-10th (.269); Strike Outs-15th (1028); Saves-14th (37) Fielding(AL) Fielding %-10th (.981); Plus Plays-8th (59); Minus Plays-15th (73)
Key Acquisitions- LF Ben Morton(FA), 2B/OF Al Nen(FA), SP Phil Chong(promoted), SS Erubiel Baez(promoted), SP Ronald Lynch(rule V)
Key Losses- RP Albert DeRojas(FA), RP Richie Woolf(FA), 2B Francis Norton(FA), 1B Willis Walter(FA), RP Ezdra Johnson(FA)
This team had a horrible season last season. They finished in the bottom half of the league in most categories. For the talent on this team it made almost no sense. Well, they made huge upgrades in the off season. They added Nen and Morton, two players that are huge upgrades for this team. They also lost some good players, but I think the players they added are going to be improvements. The real task will be over taking Fargo for the top spot. They have speed, fielding, hitting and pitching. The problem I see is that what they have doesn't match up to Fargo. It's going to take a little luck for this team to win the division, but I think they have a real good shot at the post season.
PREDICTIONS
This division seems like it will always be won by the Fargo Wood Chippers. Helena made some off season moves that get them in good position to give Fargo a run. I really like Helena this season, but it will have to be proven before I can move Fargo out of the top spot. Cleveland doesn't look like a team that will be competitive and Trenton looks decent but this is a tough division. I like Fargo to win the division again and Helena to take a wild card spot.
1.)Fargo
2.)Helena
3.)Trenton
4.)Cleveland
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