Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Domi caught at Taco Bell with a mystery guest

334.jpgToday Domi was spotted at his "home away from home" today. When asked what he was doing there, he replied "i won again, that makes 7 wins, we only need 93, oh I mean 83 more to win the bet". Domi said with every win he is treating his team to Taco Bell. This might explain the misspelled sign. The second picture caught Domi's future "lady" in a intimate moment. Rumor has it, this really excites domi when she wears these.... more to follow in an upcoming story.

Studs McGrew------ Cobbfather Gazzette


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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Season 3 Preview - World Series

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

Welcome to the final piece of the Season 3 Cobbfather Preview - we have our world series matchup, let's break it down.

WORLD SERIES

Fargo Rat Bastids (AL) vs. Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens (NL)

Well, well, quite the interesting World Series matchup we have here, two division rivals from Cobb facing off the Cobbfather World Series title. In Cobb, mrploppie has beaten FW_Kekionga for the division title 8 seasons in a row, and it’s looking like a 9th, despite FW having a great team this season. Will FW be able to take out 9 seasons of rage on ploppie, or will ploppie prevail once again? But enough about the personal rivalry, let’s look at the teams. We call the offenses pretty much dead even, and like Sacramento’s rotation over Fargo’s and Fargo’s bullpen over Sacramento’s. So, it looks like a tight series. Will it be three straight titles for the NL? Who comes out on top of the friendly rivalry this time? Shenaynay’s crystal ball has the answer. I know the suspense is killing you! Without further adieu….

Prediction: Sacramento in 7

That’s it for your Season 3 preview, thanks for reading, we hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to everyone’s favorite psychic, Shenaynay for assisting us in the predictions. Until the next article, this is Leon Jackson, wishing you all a great and prosperous season. Peace.

Season 3 Preview - AL Playoffs

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

After figuring out that it was FW_Kekionga and his now self-professed savvy managerial wit taking his Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens to the World Series in the NL. Let's see how the AL pans out!

AL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

AL Play-In Series

3 Fargo Rat Bastids vs. 6 Philadelphia Ploppin’ Penguins

Wow, a ploppie vs. phillyfan matchup right off the bat! We predict the most hotly discussed topic in this series will be ploppie’s sister. As far as the series goes, Philly has tremendous pitching, but Fargo has great pitching, and superior offense. We like Fargo in a close series.

Prediction: Fargo in 5

4 Oakland Bruisers vs. 5 Burlington Huskies

Two potent offensive clubs go head to head here in round one. Burlington has the edge here in pitching, so we like them to take one of the first two games, and then close the series out at home.

Prediction: Burlington in 4

ALDS

1 Florida Shark Waves vs. 5 Burlington Huskies

Two of the best pitching teams in the league going head to head in this ALDS matchup. Both teams have nice offensive talent as well. But in the end, Florida will be just too much for Burlington to handle.

Prediction: Florida in 4

2 Chicago Chokers vs. 3 Fargo Rat Bastids

Hmmm…how appropriate that ploppie be playing a team named the Chokers in the playoffs. The Chicago franchise has gotten to the World Series the past two seasons under two different owners. Now a third looks to advance the team to the World Series. But unfortunately, the third time’s not a charm, as we think Fargo’s pitching prevails in this series.

Prediction: Fargo in 4






ALCS

1 Florida Shark Waves vs. 3 Fargo Rat Bastids

And here we are in the ALCS, and the two teams couldn’t be more evenly matched. Florida is known for it’s pitching, and small ball offense vs. Fargo’s powerful lineup, and equally talented pitching staff. Ploppie is known for playoff flops, while rawdk suffered a heartbreaking ALCS loss last season. Who will prevail and who will face another postseason disappointment in this clash of AL powerhouses?

Prediction: Fargo in 7

UP NEXT: World Series Prediction

Season 3 Preview - NL Playoffs

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

The season previews are completed, so now it's time to get to predictions for the playoffs. It's time to either put up or shut up! So let's get into how we think the NL is going to go down.

NL Play-In Series

3 Augusta Spiders vs. 6 New York Primetimers

Another tremendous battle in the first round of two very good teams. If for no other reason than furniss just always wins in Cobb league playoffs, we’ll take Augusta in a very closely contested series.

Prediction: Augusta in 5

4 Cincinnati Flying Pigs vs. 5 Houston Rockets

Houston has a lot better pitching staff than Cincy and we think that will be the key to this series. Cincinnati is just going to be overmatched here, so we’re taking the Rockets.

Prediction: Cincinnati in 4

NLDS

1 Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens vs. 5 Houston Rockets

Sacramento can match Houston’s great pitching, and the Sacramento offense will be just too much for Houston’s great arms, while Houston can’t counter with quite as an impressive offense as Sacramento’s. Offense prevails in this series!

Prediction: Sacramento in 4

2 Huntington Liberators vs. 3 Augusta Spiders

These two teams are very evenly matched. I’d say slight edge to Huntington’s offense, and a slight edge to Augusta’s pitching. In the end, again, we’re going to have to go with furniss, who did I mention doesn’t lose in the playoffs?

Prediction: Augusta in 5

NLCS

1 Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens vs. 3 Augusta Spiders

And we’re down to the final two teams in the NL, and they couldn’t be more evenly matched. And both are excellent, skillful owners who know the game well. This is truly a battle of behemoths in the Cobb worlds. Will it be furniss’s mastery of the playoffs that prevails or will it be FW’s savvy managerial wit?

Prediction: Sacramento in 7

UP NEXT: AL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

Monday, November 17, 2008

Season 3 Preview - NL North

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

On to the final division preview - the NL North!!


NL NORTH

4. Rochester Rolling Rocks
Last Season: 49-113

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the rocks have all rolled down hill and now the townsmen are gathering them up to take them back to the top

Gazette says: It looks like another rebuilding year for the Rolling Rocks, as they gather prospects and IFA’s for the future. We see some improvement in store for them this year, but they are still a season few seasons away from being competitive.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 57-105, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 180-1

3. Ottawa Renegades
Last Season: 80-82

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: A revolution against hockey up north, baseball has taken over in Ottawa!

Gazette says: The Renegades should be decent, but not great this year. The division isn’t all that strong, so they should see a fair amount of victories. If they can solidify the pitching staff, they’ll be competing for a division title soon.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 76-86, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 75-1

2. Syracuse Sycophants
Last Season: 69-93

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Syracuse Sycophants succeeding superiorly! Gazette says: Ownership has done a good job of building the team’s talent base, spending some cash in the free agent market and we see a big step forward this season for Syracuse. It’ll be a close race for the division title, and with a move or two during the season, the momentum could definitely shift.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 86-76, 2nd place Vegas Odds to win it all: 20-1
1. Cincinnati Flying Pigs
Last Season: 83-79
Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Pigs are flying high, so that must mean another division title for elderboy!
Gazette says: Cincinnati looks poised for a third straight division title, but it won’t be easy, with a much improved Syracuse squad on their tail. Cincinnati’s offense should be able to put them over the top and maintain a hold on the division crown.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 88-74, 1st place Vegas Odds to win it all: 18-1
UP NEXT: PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS!

Kevin Suzuki becomes highest paid prospect of the young season

Kevin Suzuki
Oklahoma City
Fighting Lint
Age: 18B/T: S/R
Born: Okinawa, JP
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Studs McGrew Cobbfather Gazzette

Kevin Suzuki became the highest paid international prospect of the young season. Suzuki inked a 11.5 signing bouns with the Oklahoma City Fighting Lint. Oklahoma waited and pursued Kevin Suzuki for awhile. A switch hitter. with above average power, Keving should really be a good ball player for years to com. Oklahoma saw his potential right off the bat. He has above average splits LH/RH , and a good batting eye. But perhaps the cherry on top, was his near perfect make-up. His patience, splits, batting eye, and power should make up for his low durability. Of course he could always be like Manny, and just play when he wants to. Kevin was spotted in downtown Oklahoma City last night signing" I am proud to be an Okie from Muskogee" With that signing bonus, I am sure he bought a few rounds, as well as some friends last night. The next hurdle for Kevin is adjusting to the limelight in Oklahoma. Let's just hope he sticks to baseball and leave singing alone. A guy from Japan does not fill out a cowboy hat and spurs . especially when you are 5'6 and 180....he would have to go to the kiddie section for clothes. This is Studs McGrew for the Cobbfather Gazzette saying " If you find a wooden nickle on the road, don't pick your teeth with the splinters."

Season 3 Preview - AL North

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

On to the AL North, perhaps the most competitive, and vocal, division in Cobbfather. This season looks to hold in store another fierce competition for the division title. Let's get into the predictions. Shenaynay, fire up that crystal ball, girlfriend!!

AL NORTH

4. New York Pride of the Yankees
Last Season: 99-63

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a large woman, minimum 300 lbs, macking with some dude in a Taco Bell parking lot

Gazette says: Interesting view from the crystal ball. Don’t get us wrong, we still think New York has a very good team, but we think the rest of the division has finally caught up. New York should be in the race until the end, but we think they just get edged out.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 90-72, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 11-1

3. Sioux Falls Great Danes
Last Season: 93-69

Shenayany’s crystal ball shows: the masses chanting “all hail, der Kommissar!”

Gazette says: Sioux Falls returns a great team, with a nice balance of pitching and hitting. We see them having another nice year, despite the tough competition in the division.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 91-71, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1

2. Philadelphia Ploppin’ Penguins
Last Season: 87-75

Shenayany’s crystal ball shows: a moving van, and a map of HBD cities ready with philly throwing a dart to see where the team will move to next.

Gazette says: This season, phillyfan has taken his Cobbfather team road show to, Philadelphia, their third city in three years under the same management! The well traveled team is highlighted by outstanding pitching, which should keep them in contention all year.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 92-70, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 9-1

1. Fargo Rat Bastids
Last Season: 87-75

Shenayany’s crystal ball shows: a pantsless old man jumping up and down for joy. It appears that his depends may be leaking.

Gazette says: After taking a year to rebuild last season, it appears dem Bastids are back in full force and are our favorite to win the division. It’s hard to find a weakness with this team, except for maybe the owner’s incontinence.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 95-67, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 7-1

UP NEXT: NL NORTH

Season 3 Preview - NL East

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

The NL East looks to be much improved from top to bottom this season, and promises to be a very competitive race. Let's get right into the preview!

NL EAST

4. Buffalo Bisons
Last Season: 77-85

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a bunch of drunk cowboys singing “Oh Give me a home, where the Buffalo roam”

Gazette says: Buffalo has a solid enough team this season, but in a very competitive division, they’ll probably come up on the short end of the stick this season. With improved pitching, Buffalo can be right back in the thick of things in a season or two, as they are very good on offense.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 75-87, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 52-1

3. Pawtucket G-Maniacs
Last Season: 93-69

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the Swami receiving a massive beatdown for his horrid prediction last year. Shenaynay hopes she doesn’t succumb to the same fate!

Gazette says: Yes, that’s right, we’re picking the defending World Series champs to finish 3rd in their division this year. It’s more of a testament to how good the division is, as opposed to a knock on the team. We’re not predicting a 50-win season like the swami, however. They will contend, and with the reputation of new ownership for winning, it wouldn’t surprise us if they ended up taking the division.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 88-74, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 15-1

2. New York Primetimers
Last Season: 80-82

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the Primetimers team logo and name in gigantic letters and bright lights on the marquee.

Gazette says: The Primetimers have arrived! We think this will be the season the Primetimers take the step forward a post a solid record. Both pitching and offense seem to be ready to take the team to the next level, but not quit to the division title.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 89-73, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 14-1

1. Augusta Spiders
Last Season: 83-79

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: The crafty spider spews his venom through their deadly bite.

Gazette says: The season 1 champ is back with a different team, and we predict great success with their first year with the franchise. Augusta sports quite the potent offensive, to go along with a good pitching staff. After two mediocre seasons, we see this franchise ready to take it to the next level. After all, furniss is the King of Cobb!

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 92-70, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 11-1

UP NEXT: AL NORTH

Season 3 Preview - AL East

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network

Back to the previews - the AL East has produced the World Series representative from the AL the past two seasons. Let's see how it shakes out this season!

AL EAST

4. Durham Radicals
Last Season: 59-103

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a hiker slowly climbing up the mountain, striving to reach the top.

Gazette says: the Radicals are improving, but it looks like they are still a season or two away from making an impact. It looks like another rebuilding year in Durham, and they’ve started early signing the first big IFA of the year (see previous article in the Gazette for more details!). No question about it, this team is getting better.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 71-91, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 60-1

3. Boston Massacre
Last Season: 75-87

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a pool of bloodshed, and a slue of bodies in the wayside. One warrior stands proud over his kill. MASSACRE!!

Gazette says: Boston took a step backwards last season, trading some established veterans for prospects cost them their goal of dominance of mediocrity. With a couple of callups, and a free agent signing, we fully expect them to claim the title of most mediocre team in the league, once again.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 81-81, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 55-1

2. Burlington Huskies
Last Season: 90-72

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a pack of well-trained huskies, working together, well-trained by their master, pulling their sled to victory!

Gazette says: The Huskies took major strides last season in improving their team, and it looks like their success will continue in season 3. No real weaknesses on this team, so we expect them to contend for the division title for sure.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 94-68, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1

1. Chicago Chokers
Last Season: 112-50

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a man choking, being saved by the Heimlich maneuver. After his near death experience, he goes on to achieve great things.

Gazette says: The franchise that has made the World Series the last two seasons, still looks very solid, and should be in for another great year. The rest of the division has improved, however, which will make it tough for them to maintain their dominance. Still, we like them to take the division this year in a close race.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 97-65, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 7-1

UP NEXT: NL EAST

Friday, November 14, 2008

Durham nabs first 10 million dollar man of the early season.


























Welington Henriquez
Durham
Radicals
Age: 18 B/T: R/R
Born: Ciudad Bolivar, VE
Position(s): RF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
The Durham Radicals nabbed the first 10 million dollar man of the early season. Welington Henriquez , a right fielder by nature was given the big fat paycheck. A player who has the potential to be a Bobby Abreu type hitter, but A Pat Burrell type fielder. Durham figure everyone would be concentrating on "other things" so they offered him a big bonus, and Welington" don't call me beef" Henriquez jumped on the offer, and is ready to report to spring training. Durham also has the number 4 pick in the amateur draft, so one might be wondering why they threw out that money so quick. in an indept interview with the GM of Durham krs96 " don't call me agent 99" said, and I quote " international players here in Durham, are like coach K in basketball. They may not be good to look at, but in the end they will be on a winning team.

Season 3 Preview - NL South

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network.

On to the NL South Preview - caution, beware of Flying Lint!

NL SOUTH

4. Oklahoma City Fighting Lint
Last Season: 71-91

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: an army of marching lint attacking a black cashmere sweater

Gazette says: The OKC Lint are a very consistent straight down the middle, average joe kind of team. Not spectacular, not terrible, but a bunch guys who are pretty good going out there and seeing what they can do. The team is improving, but we also like their consistency, finishing 71-91 in both seasons 1 and 2.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 71-91, 4th place (again)
Vegas Odds to win it all: 65-1

3. Memphis Mayhem
Last Season: 81-81

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: The King singing the national anthem on opening day. He’s still alive!

Gazette says: The Mayhem were extremely active in the free agent market this offseason and took strides towards contending in the NL South. Unfortunately, the Mayhem still have 2 monstrous teams in front of them, and we don’t think they’ve quite caught up. Still, look for the Mayhem to have a nice season, as long as they too turn off AI!!

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 86-76, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 28-1

2. Houston Rockets
Last Season: 103-59

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Houston, we have lift off!

Gazette says: The Houston franchise has had 2 great seasons in Cobbfather, and we fully expect a third. Houston’s great pitching staff, and talented offense spell another successful year for the franchise under new ownership.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 94-68, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 11-1

1. Huntington Liberators
Last Season: 95-67

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: A group of rowdy captives, chanting give me liberty or give me death!!

Gazette says: We see the franchise which owns the season one world series championship bouncing back to the top of the division, although their division rivals won’t make it easy. But eventually, the tremendous offense, backed with good pitching will lead them to the division crown.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 96-66, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 9-1

UP NEXT: AL EAST

Season 3 Preview - AL South

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network.

In the continuing series of divisional previews for Cobbfather 3, it's on to the AL South!

AL SOUTH

4. Mexico City Gringos
Last Season: 34-128

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a giant question mark

Gazette says: will the organization call up their “studs” this season, or will it be another season in the tank, errr cellar. It looks like the Gringos will start the season with the most pathetic roster in the league, and we can’t be sure that ownership will actually follow through on the promise to make the team competitive this year.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 49-113, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 200-1

3. Louisville Posse
Last Season: 68-94

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a phoenix rising gloriously rising from the ashes!

Gazette says: Louisville looks to be on the rise this season, as their opening day roster looks much improved. The division is very competitive, so they still might a season or two away from contending for the division title.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 84-78, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 40-1

2. Monterrey Ducks
Last Season: 94-68

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a matador skillfully guiding the bull through his flag amongst a herd of cheering fans. Olé!!

Gazette says: Monterrey looks to be still fielding a solid team this season, with a nice combination of pitching, defense and offense. Look for them to continue their winning ways this season this season.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 90-72, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 20-1

1. Florida Shark Waves
Last Season: 122-40

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a shark viciously devouring its prey.

Gazette says: Florida looks to be in for another fantastic season, lead once again by their dominant pitching. Their offense is nothing to scoff at either, and is underrated. May as well order that division title banner, although it must be said the division is getting tougher.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 110-52, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 7-2

UP NEXT: NL SOUTH

Season 3 Preview - NL West

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network.

Leon and Shenaynay back here with your NL West Season 3 preview. Let's get down and dirty, and right to it.

NL WEST

4. Cheyenne Chiefs
Last Season: 75-87

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: sees a house being torn down by fierce storms. The storm subsides and rebuilding has begun.

Gazette says: New owner friarcynric seems to be going into rebuilding mode engaging in several trades this offseason to strengthen the base of the team’s prospects, while sacrificing some ML level talent. We expect this to be a rebuilding year for the Chiefs, while they load up on prospects and IFA’s

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 52-110, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 160-1

3. Boise Super Spuds
Last Season 70-92

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a battered warrior climbing out of a bottomless pit. The warrior starts to see light and rejoices!

Gazette says: The Spuds should be more rested for their games this year giving up the swanky night life of Vegas for the serene mountain life in Boise. That’s good enough to get them out of the division cellar. We would recommend turning AI off, however.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 73-89, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 75-1

2. Honolulu Haoles
Last Season: 84-78

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a festive luau where all are relaxed and enjoying themselves in glee

Gazette says: lefty32 continues to build upon a solid franchise that has been successful the past two seasons. Lead by a solid offense, the pitching needs to improve before they can contend for the division title.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 87-75, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 30-1

1. Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens
Last Season: 99-63

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a king on his throne, being loudly praised by his loyal subjects

Gazette says: look for Sacramento to keep a firm hold on the NL West. Their offense is phenomenal and their pitching is rock solid. Chalk up another dominant season, and another division title for the Fighting Hens.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 105-57, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 9-2

UP NEXT: AL SOUTH

Season 3 Preview - AL West

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network.

It's time for your in-depth season preview for Cobbfather Season 3. Not only will you get analysis from the Gazette, but you'll get sound predicitions from world reknown psychic Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends Network. We've got a lot of ground to cover, so let's get right into running down the AL West.

AL WEST

4. Kansas City Tweakers
Last Season: 58-104

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: is dark and cloudy, with a light shining in the distance.

Gazette says: The former Colorado Beer Bashers, now under new ownership, will be a rebuilding project for a few seasons. Getting out of Colorado was a good first step in the rebuilding process. Look for new ownership to continue tweaking the team, to turn the franchise around.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 60-102, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 150-1

3. San Diego Burgundy
Last Season: 62-100

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows the winds of change blowing rapidly through the forest swaying branches from left to right.

Gazette says: San Diego has its 3rd owner in 3 seasons, and its biggest need is stability and direction. It will be another year of transition for San Diego, as they continue to seek out their identity.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 65-97, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 125-1

2. Arizona Archaeologists
Last Season: 73-89

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a nomad in the dry, hot desert, slowly approaching the oasis.

Gazette says: The franchise’s ML record has improved each season, and we see this franchise continuing to make strides this season under new ownership. Arizona isn’t spectacular, but they don’t have any glaring weaknesses either.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 80-82, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 40-1

1. Oakland Brusiers
Last Season: 87-75

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a warrior standing on top of a mountain, warding off his foes

Gazette says: Oakland won the division the last two seasons under the previous ownership, and we don’t see it changing this season. Oakland has the best offense in the division, and good enough pitching to hold the rest of the divison off.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 90-72, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1

UP NEXT: AL SOUTH

Monday, November 10, 2008

Cobbfather Season 3 Offseason Free Agency Review

World B. Free - Cobbfather Post Gazette

The Offseason Free Agent Frenzy is complete for Cobbfather season 3, and of course the Gazette has something to say about it. Let's get into to reviewing the type A Free Agent signings

Hugh Paulson
Fargo
Rat Bastids
Age: 31B/T: R/R
Born: Germantown, MD
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Contract: 4 years, 26 million

The Rat Bastids signed the 31 year old sharp fielding shortstop this offseason. He should be able to maintain his trusty fielding skills through the 4-year deal. Paulson hasn't had a great deal of success with the bat in Cobbfather to date, but his ratings show there may be upside for some slight improvement at the plate. For any other team, it may be questionable whether the signing was worth giving up a first rounder; however, with ploppie's tendencies for poor drafts, may as well go for it.

Gazette conclusion: thumbs up - I'd say the price was right for Paulson, and it's not like the Bastids were going to put the pick lost to good use any way!

Javier Concepcion
Syracuse
Sycophants
Age: 32B/T: R/R
Born: Santa Teresa, VE
Position(s): CF/CIF/2B/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Contract: 4 years, 30 million

Syracuse landed the hard-hitting former all star, with a solid glove. With deteriorating range, it's uncertain how many more seasons Concepcion can man CF or 2nd base, but his strong bat will still be a plus to the lineup, no matter what position he plays. Tremendous batting eye and contact, plus solid power and splits, makes Concepcion a force to be reckoned with, having upside to even top the numbers from seasons 1 and 2.

Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, great signing, his bat will boost Syracuse's lineup

Valerio Aguilar
Memphis
Mayhem
Age: 33B/T: L/L
Born: Noord, AW
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Contract: 3 years, 40 million

Aguilar is a nice arm, and is a major innings eater with superior control, and a great curveball. His splits are mediocre, but he has shown he can have success in the league, despite the average splits, although he did have a slight fall off last season from his all-star season one. Nonetheless, the 33 year old should be a staple in the Memphis rotation for the next three years.

Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle - Aguilar is a great signing, but the price was very costly, and may limit Memphis from making other signings over the next few seasons.

Curtis Strickland
Memphis
Mayhem
Age: 33B/T: S/L
Born: Thiells, NY
Position(s): P (SP5)
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Contract: 4 years, 29 million

Memphis added a second big contract pitcher in Curtis Strickland, a 33 year old innings eater, with nice splits and 5 good pitches. Being such a workhorse, it's like Strickland can be a starter for the entire length of the contract. His one downside is shaky control. His .269 opponents average the past two seasons isn't bad, but add in all of the walks, and it's a bit troublesome. Still, when on he should be able to go extremely deep into games, and eat up a lot of innings.

Gazette conclusion: Thumbs slightly down. Memphis only had to give up a 2nd rounder to get him, so it's not a terrible signing. Still, I don't think Strickland is worthy of a type A free agent and if I got two picks for him, I'd be ecstatic. He has some good qualities, but it remains to be seen whether they can overcome his shaky control.

Keith Bacsik
Boise
Super Spuds
Age: 33B/T: S/R
Born: Maam, IE
Position(s): 2B/IF/OF/DH
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Contract: 1 year, 6.06 million

Boise inked the 33-year old to a one year deal, and he should prove to be an asset in the field. He has decent range, a great glove, and a nice arm with stellar accuracy. He'd be solid at 2B or CF, and possibly could be a backup a shortstop, if needed. He's also a tremendous baserunner succeeding on 110 of 118 stolen base attempts the last two seasons. He hasn't gotten it done at the plate batting wise, but decent ratings across the board show there is upside for improvement.

Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, the price is right, and with a one year contract, if he doesn't work out, they can cut him loose, and maybe someone else will pick him up and Boise gets their picks back.

Cam Savage
Monterrey
Ducks
Age: 34B/T: S/R
Born: Dixon, CA
Position(s): P (P)
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Contract: 3 years, 15.6 million

Savage is 34-year old crafty reliever, with a great sinker and change, and excellent control. Also has a great RH split, and LH split is good enough. After an all-star season 1, he had a rough season 2 and ended up losing his closer's role. Whether or not Savage closes for Monterrey, he should be solid, and boost the bullpen. With his great durability and solid stamina for a reliver, he should be a great asset to the bullpen throughout his 3 year contract.

Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle, leaning slightly up. Monterrey had to give up their first round pick to get Savage, which was a steep price, but if he can return to season 1 form, he'll be well worth it.

BEST OF THE TYPE B FREE AGENTS

Here's some Type B free agents we liked:
Dom Lazzeri - Syracuse - solid all around, can start or be a great long reliever.
Denny Chiba - Memphis - nice power bat, and can hold his own at 3rd base
Ralph Michaels - Monterrey - solid reliver, great pickup for the price
Jonathan Nicholson - Chicago - another nice reliever, good value
Charles Neal - Philadelphia - good guy to have for a 4th or 5th starter
Manuel Bravo - Syracuse - another good value starting pitcher, who would be a good enough 4th or 5th starter


That's it for the Free Agency review, hope you enjoyed it - we'll be back soon with a season 3 preview and predictions!