Changes have been made to the Futures teams, what with callups and the like (for instance three of my AAA futures kids are now on the ML roster and have been replaced):
U.S. Futures:
World Futures
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Timo Takes HR Derby Title
Timo Phillips hit 30 home runs, exhausting his arms and taking the Home Run Derby title. Results follow.
Home Run Derby Summary
Home Run Derby Summary
| Player | Fran | Career | Season | Longest | R1 | R2 | R3 | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timo Phillips | SJU | 45 | 45 | 526 ft | 6 | 14 | 10 | 30 |
| Ramon Martin | PHI | 35 | 35 | 526 ft | 13 | 8 | 1 | 22 |
| Nerio Turner | CLE | 46 | 46 | 531 ft | 12 | 7 | 0 | 19 |
| Johnny Costello | WAS | 26 | 26 | 490 ft | 7 | 8 | 0 | 15 |
| Len Heiserman | MIL | 44 | 44 | 451 ft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Donovan Milligan | CLE | 34 | 34 | 430 ft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Antonio Gao | BUF | 35 | 35 | 516 ft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Al Mendoza | KC | 28 | 28 | 511 ft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Trading Deadline Looms (NL)
With the trading deadline looming, let's look at the teams who could make a deal to angle for position in the playoff race. We'll do this in two separate posts as it may get long.
PHILADELPHIA (59-30 leads the East): The Flash have some intimidating HR hitters with the Martin (34), McMasters (32), Takada (30), Wyatt (27) combo. They also have wind machine Al Ward (100 Ks). They could go for a bench bat. The Flash pay their bills on the hill. The starting five is nasty and the closer is hot. The setup crew leaves me squeamish, with Jimmie Brand (7.59) and Nick Terrell (6.75) proving to be liabilities in the pennant run. NEEDS: Another bullpen arm. Maybe a bat. Maybe.
ATLANTA (55-34 leads the South): Atlanta's success this season is thanks, in part, to a core group of good but not great hitters. Of their starters, only Clint Maxwell (.249) is batting under .250. No one hits .300+. The pitching does its part, with a team ERA of 3.95. The front two starters are great. After that, it's a crap shoot. Roscoe Street is 6-2 with a 4.36 ERA, but has gone seven innings just twice this season. Ray Waters has 11 starts but only 57.1 innings pitched. The other starting options just don't impress. NEEDS: At least one, if not two starters.
COLORADO SPRINGS (54-35 leads the West): To to bottom, the Cricket Club has the most consistent pitching staff. James Logan (7-7, 5.78) is the only starter to give pause and Esteban Pena's 6.63 ERA is the only true blemish on the bullpen. Two nicks in the armor for me -- Albert Zurburan and William Comer. Yes, Comer has 17 home runs, but the .317 OBP and 55Ks makes him a liability in an NL lineup. Zurburan is a sub-.700 OPSer with more strikeouts (59) than hits (55). NEEDS: A more reliable bench bat than Zurburan.
CINCINNATI (42-48 leads the North): At six games under .500, you expect problems. To be a division leader at six games under .500 means that the competition is tight. Eight games separate worst to first in the North. The pitching staff has some high points -- No Hit Lon Costello and his 2.06 ERA, Brad Bird and his 101 Ks, team with Doug Linton and Felipe Balboa for a formidable front four. The fifth starter seems undecided with a pair of forgettable 6.00 ERAers. The starting lineup has too many players with a sub .325 OBP and sub .500 slugging percentage. There is a HUGE gap between Pablo Johnon (.305-26), Armando Martin (.360)-18, Steve Austin (.321-21) and Vlad Cust (.285-18) and the rest of the pack. NEEDS: A couple of stronger bats. A bullpen arm.
BUFFALO (57-32 second in the East 2.0 GB, first in the wild card): Why do I think Buffalo is going to the World Series? Is it the chicken wings I had for dinner? Is it the impending trip to Buffalo next week? Or is it the pitching staff without an ERA higher than 5.20? The only thing Buffalo might need to get it done is another lights out bat. There isn't a .300 hitter on the team and only one player has more than 15 home runs. NEEDS: A big fucking bat.
SANTA FE (54-36 second in the South 2.0 GB, second in the wild card): The pitchers are not exciting once you get past Vern Dunwoody. I mean, with a name like Vern, how can it get any more exciting? I digress. The staff is nice and well managed, but nothing about them says lights out. You know what does? Their core of Felix Matsuzaka (.259-30-77), Aurelio Valentin (.353-27-78), Mark Yamamoto (.325-17-66), and so on... This team is good. Thank God I play in the AL. NEEDS: A reliever. A more reliable No. 5 starter.
Trading Deadline Looms (AL)
With the trading deadline looming, let's look at the teams who could make a deal to angle for position in the playoff race. We'll do this in two separate posts as it may get long.
CLEVELAND (63-26 leads the North): Not to say that there is a perfect team, but the Wahoos are about as good as it will get this year. The lineup is tight from top to bottom, with all of their regular hitters batting over .290. Bench depth might be a problem, as a light-hitting Dario White (.143-0-1) leads the bench. Six different pitchers have started for the Wahoos, led by Vasco Lee (10-2, 3.57). NEEDS: Who knows? alsimmons could go for another bench bat, but might be more likely to pursue a reliever. Deacon Barkley and Dennis Andrews aren't the most intimidating combination out of the bullpen.
KANSAS CITY (62-27 leads the West): The Monarchs have hit their stride pitchingwise, finding a starting five with three 13-game winners (Miller, Neruda and Hernandez), a solid innings eater (Navarre) and a forkball specialist (Pujols). Closer Kevin Ong has converted 14-of-17 save opps, but carries a 6.82 ERA and 1.76 WHIP. Tomas Ayala has blown three saves, but is otherwise reliable out of the 'pen. NEEDS: Another reliever. Wouldn't be surprised if braddavis went after a cheap, reliable glove to spell Hunter Pierre (10 errors, .947 fld pct.) in the late innings.
NASHVILLE (55-34 leads the South): The Saints eight-game lead is due to a solid core of a hitters. The team is batting .287, six players are hitting .280 or better and three have 20+ homers. The weak links of the lineup are centerfielder Clay Sefcik (.230-7-45 and 66Ks), utilityman Justin Goldberg (.213-2-15 and a .552 OPS) and shortstop Arnold Lefebvre (.237-9-29 and a .294 OBP). On the mound, Weldon Stanley doesn't instill a great deal of faith in the Nashville fans with a 7-6 record and 6+ ERA. NEEDS: A fifth starter, an infield bat, preferably at shortstop, and a bullpen arm.
BOSTON (45-34 leads the East): As a Yankees fan, I'm conditioned to hate all things Boston. Thus, I should say that all is well with the Minuteman. But, the aren't. Hector Pettitte (.324-11-59), Augie Cepicky (33 homers) and Bob Hernandez (.292-25-69) can't do it all. The lineup has a couple of holes -- most glaringly an off year by centerfielder Darryl Coles (.239-2-32, a .574 OPS and .967 fld pct.) But, if I were AllSox, I'd start with my staff. Two regular starters have ERAs over 7, the closer by committee has blown 14 saves and my staff ERA is 5.71. NEEDS: Pitching. A centerfield upgrade.
DETROIT (51-38, 12GB in the North, 1st place wild card): The offense is sufficient. All regulars are batting .250+. The bench seems to have stabilized. I'd look for zar to go shopping for arms. Ruben Otanez is Cy Young quality (15-1, 2.22, 96K), but what separates him and Mel Petersen (8-3, 3.38) from the rest is a wide gap. Troy Shumaker (4-6, 5.50) and Kris Redmond (4-8, 4.73) are nice innings eaters, but are back end starters. The X-factor is Barry Gruber, who looks sharp in four starts (2-1, 2.81, 16K, 3BB). The bullpen is in good shape here. NEEDS: At least one starting pitcher.
COLORADO (50-39, 12GB in the West, 2nd place wild card): Take KC out of this division and Colorado is in the top two or three teams in the AL. They hit the ball hard: .326BA, .919OPS, 138HR, 655RS. Unfortunately for them, so does the opposing team. All five starters have ERAs over 5.00. The closer, Ryan Witt (18 SV, 1.53 ERA) is nice, but the road to him is rocky. billabercrom may not need pitching, though, if the hitters hold up. NEEDS: Pitchers. All kinds.
MEMPHIS (47-42, 8GB in the South, 3GB in the wild card): We suck. Seriously, though, we've gotten beaten by injuries this year, losing LF Max Broadhurst, utilityguy Pinky Neal and starter Yuni Mantalban to season enders. My bench is okay and my top seven hitters are solid. A little worried about the two rookies batting 8-9. Chip Hayes (.146-1-4) and Mark Long (0/9 this season) are taking their sweet time getting into gear. Pitchingwise, we made our move by acquiring Randall Wheat to round out the rotation. My setup guy, Sammy Williams, could change his name to Steve Karsay and no one would notice. And, I'm in love with my closer. NEEDS: A veteran outfielder who can hit, maybe another reliever.
CLEVELAND (63-26 leads the North): Not to say that there is a perfect team, but the Wahoos are about as good as it will get this year. The lineup is tight from top to bottom, with all of their regular hitters batting over .290. Bench depth might be a problem, as a light-hitting Dario White (.143-0-1) leads the bench. Six different pitchers have started for the Wahoos, led by Vasco Lee (10-2, 3.57). NEEDS: Who knows? alsimmons could go for another bench bat, but might be more likely to pursue a reliever. Deacon Barkley and Dennis Andrews aren't the most intimidating combination out of the bullpen.
KANSAS CITY (62-27 leads the West): The Monarchs have hit their stride pitchingwise, finding a starting five with three 13-game winners (Miller, Neruda and Hernandez), a solid innings eater (Navarre) and a forkball specialist (Pujols). Closer Kevin Ong has converted 14-of-17 save opps, but carries a 6.82 ERA and 1.76 WHIP. Tomas Ayala has blown three saves, but is otherwise reliable out of the 'pen. NEEDS: Another reliever. Wouldn't be surprised if braddavis went after a cheap, reliable glove to spell Hunter Pierre (10 errors, .947 fld pct.) in the late innings.
NASHVILLE (55-34 leads the South): The Saints eight-game lead is due to a solid core of a hitters. The team is batting .287, six players are hitting .280 or better and three have 20+ homers. The weak links of the lineup are centerfielder Clay Sefcik (.230-7-45 and 66Ks), utilityman Justin Goldberg (.213-2-15 and a .552 OPS) and shortstop Arnold Lefebvre (.237-9-29 and a .294 OBP). On the mound, Weldon Stanley doesn't instill a great deal of faith in the Nashville fans with a 7-6 record and 6+ ERA. NEEDS: A fifth starter, an infield bat, preferably at shortstop, and a bullpen arm.
BOSTON (45-34 leads the East): As a Yankees fan, I'm conditioned to hate all things Boston. Thus, I should say that all is well with the Minuteman. But, the aren't. Hector Pettitte (.324-11-59), Augie Cepicky (33 homers) and Bob Hernandez (.292-25-69) can't do it all. The lineup has a couple of holes -- most glaringly an off year by centerfielder Darryl Coles (.239-2-32, a .574 OPS and .967 fld pct.) But, if I were AllSox, I'd start with my staff. Two regular starters have ERAs over 7, the closer by committee has blown 14 saves and my staff ERA is 5.71. NEEDS: Pitching. A centerfield upgrade.
DETROIT (51-38, 12GB in the North, 1st place wild card): The offense is sufficient. All regulars are batting .250+. The bench seems to have stabilized. I'd look for zar to go shopping for arms. Ruben Otanez is Cy Young quality (15-1, 2.22, 96K), but what separates him and Mel Petersen (8-3, 3.38) from the rest is a wide gap. Troy Shumaker (4-6, 5.50) and Kris Redmond (4-8, 4.73) are nice innings eaters, but are back end starters. The X-factor is Barry Gruber, who looks sharp in four starts (2-1, 2.81, 16K, 3BB). The bullpen is in good shape here. NEEDS: At least one starting pitcher.
COLORADO (50-39, 12GB in the West, 2nd place wild card): Take KC out of this division and Colorado is in the top two or three teams in the AL. They hit the ball hard: .326BA, .919OPS, 138HR, 655RS. Unfortunately for them, so does the opposing team. All five starters have ERAs over 5.00. The closer, Ryan Witt (18 SV, 1.53 ERA) is nice, but the road to him is rocky. billabercrom may not need pitching, though, if the hitters hold up. NEEDS: Pitchers. All kinds.
MEMPHIS (47-42, 8GB in the South, 3GB in the wild card): We suck. Seriously, though, we've gotten beaten by injuries this year, losing LF Max Broadhurst, utilityguy Pinky Neal and starter Yuni Mantalban to season enders. My bench is okay and my top seven hitters are solid. A little worried about the two rookies batting 8-9. Chip Hayes (.146-1-4) and Mark Long (0/9 this season) are taking their sweet time getting into gear. Pitchingwise, we made our move by acquiring Randall Wheat to round out the rotation. My setup guy, Sammy Williams, could change his name to Steve Karsay and no one would notice. And, I'm in love with my closer. NEEDS: A veteran outfielder who can hit, maybe another reliever.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Untitled
Torey Eaton may have already earned the world's most prestigious award -- 
the Byun Hyung Kim trophy for worst closer.
Chicago's fire...starter(?) has converted 8-of-16 saves, giving him eight blown saves. A thing of beauty and poetry. In 33 games and 30.2 innings pitched, Eaton has surrendered eight homers and posted a 20/11 K/BB ratio. Opposing hitters are batting .291, reaching base 36 percent of the time and are slugging at a .520 clip. Oh yeah, his ERA is 6.75.
In his last glorious outing, he...oh shit, he got a save. A six-pitch save. And, in all fairness, he hasn't blown a save since the PM2 cycle on 2/21, when Austin converted 25 of his pitches into one hit and the winning run.
the Byun Hyung Kim trophy for worst closer. Chicago's fire...starter(?) has converted 8-of-16 saves, giving him eight blown saves. A thing of beauty and poetry. In 33 games and 30.2 innings pitched, Eaton has surrendered eight homers and posted a 20/11 K/BB ratio. Opposing hitters are batting .291, reaching base 36 percent of the time and are slugging at a .520 clip. Oh yeah, his ERA is 6.75.
In his last glorious outing, he...oh shit, he got a save. A six-pitch save. And, in all fairness, he hasn't blown a save since the PM2 cycle on 2/21, when Austin converted 25 of his pitches into one hit and the winning run.
Blogged with Flock
Fighting It Out for the Craig Biggio Trophy
Editor's Note: Craig Biggio is the modern day hit by pitch leader.
The all-time leader is Hughie Jennings, who played in the late 1800s, during a period of time where it was acceptable to, say, step into a pitch to get on base. Jennings is also an alumni of my alma mater St. Bonaventure University. Thought I'd bore you with some Jared trivia.
We have a tight race for the Craig Biggio Trophy, awarded to the player with the most hit by pitches in the major leagues. Wayne Jones (MIL) and Dicky Mohler (RIC) are tied at 12, while five other players are tied at 10.
Jones is an interesting case. His 12 beaners are exactly half of his current walk total (24). Of course, Jones has also whiffed 56 times, giving him an OBP (.342) only 69 points higher than his batting average (.273).
Only Mohler has more strikeouts, with 62. Richmond's medical team says that Mohler has been hit in the head so many times that he sees more than one ball being pitched and often "swings at the one in the middle."
The all-time leader is Hughie Jennings, who played in the late 1800s, during a period of time where it was acceptable to, say, step into a pitch to get on base. Jennings is also an alumni of my alma mater St. Bonaventure University. Thought I'd bore you with some Jared trivia.We have a tight race for the Craig Biggio Trophy, awarded to the player with the most hit by pitches in the major leagues. Wayne Jones (MIL) and Dicky Mohler (RIC) are tied at 12, while five other players are tied at 10.
Jones is an interesting case. His 12 beaners are exactly half of his current walk total (24). Of course, Jones has also whiffed 56 times, giving him an OBP (.342) only 69 points higher than his batting average (.273).
Only Mohler has more strikeouts, with 62. Richmond's medical team says that Mohler has been hit in the head so many times that he sees more than one ball being pitched and often "swings at the one in the middle."
Blogged with Flock
Nerio Watch
Nerio, oh, Nerio, where for art thou Nerio...
Memphis actually, but he's there more in spirit than anything.
Since the 2/24 AM cycle, Nerio has missed three games. In his past three games on the field, he has taken only three trips to the plate.
Nerio Turner stands at 45 home runs and 110 RBI, still league leads but under assault by San Juan's Timo Phillips (40/104).
Nerio has 329 at bats in 84 games and an average of one homer per 7.31. At this current rate, Nerio is on pace to hit 82 home runs in 600 at bats.
Memphis actually, but he's there more in spirit than anything.
Since the 2/24 AM cycle, Nerio has missed three games. In his past three games on the field, he has taken only three trips to the plate.
Nerio Turner stands at 45 home runs and 110 RBI, still league leads but under assault by San Juan's Timo Phillips (40/104).
Nerio has 329 at bats in 84 games and an average of one homer per 7.31. At this current rate, Nerio is on pace to hit 82 home runs in 600 at bats.
Blogged with Flock
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Picks Are In
Top five picks Trent Milligan and Garland Nathan have signed deals, ending their holdouts.
Milligan, the high school pitcher drafted by Monterrey, signed a record $7m deal and was immediately assigned to AAA.
Santa Fe came to terms with Nathan on a $6.1m bonus and went 1-4 in his professional debut.
First rounders still waiting are Jason Hurst (#8/RF/Milwaukee), Javy Tatis (#16/P/Augusta), Lee Lilly (#19/P/Buffalo), David Lynch (#27/P/Montana). Two other supplementals remain, but if they were any good they would have gone higher. Losers.
Milligan, the high school pitcher drafted by Monterrey, signed a record $7m deal and was immediately assigned to AAA.
Santa Fe came to terms with Nathan on a $6.1m bonus and went 1-4 in his professional debut.
First rounders still waiting are Jason Hurst (#8/RF/Milwaukee), Javy Tatis (#16/P/Augusta), Lee Lilly (#19/P/Buffalo), David Lynch (#27/P/Montana). Two other supplementals remain, but if they were any good they would have gone higher. Losers.
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