Monday, February 23, 2009

Season 4 Power Rankings - Regular Season #1

Chuckles McGee - Cobbfather Post Gazette

Well, it's time for the first regular season Power Rankings. And we have a new #1, congrats to the Jackson Rockets on a tremendous start to the season. A number of teams made great strides in the rankings this week, while some could not live up to their preseason expectations right out of the gate. Let's see exactly which teams fall into those two categories.

Teams on the rise: Jackson, Austin, Memphis, Syracuse, St. Louis, Boston, Vancouver, Colorado Springs, Durham

Teams on the decline: Chicago, Texas, Fargo, Rochester, Huntington, Detroit, Honolulu, Charleston, Atlanta

And now the Unveiling of the first Regular Season Power Rankings!!



Rank

Team

Record

Prev

1

Jackson

12-3

5

2

Florida

10-4

1

3

Sacramento
10-4

2

4

New York (AL)

9-54

5

Burlington

9-5

6

6

New York (NL)

9-5

9

7

Austin

10-4

11

8

Memphis

10-415

9

Chicago

5-9

3

10

Syracuse

10-4

22

11

Dover

8-7

14

12

St. Louis

8-7

18

13

Boston

9-6

20

14

Vancouver

8-7

21

15

Oakland

7-7

13

16

Texas

7-8

7

17

Fargo

6-8

8

18

Rochester

7-8

12

19

Colorado Springs

8-7

28

20

Buffalo

7-8

23

21

Durham

7-8

29

22

Huntington

5-10

10

23

Detroit

6-9

17

24

Hartford

6-8

19

25

Honolulu

5-10

16

26

Los Angeles

6-8

25

27

Sioux Falls

6-9

27

28

Ottawa

6-8

30

29

Cheyenne

5-10

32

30

Charleston

4-10

24

31

Kansas City

4-10

31

32

Atlanta

3-12

26



Are the teams on the rise legit? Are the teams on the decline doomed? Can Jackson keep a hold on the #1 spot? Check back for the next installment of the rankings to see how it all plays out!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Season 4 Power Rankings - Preseason

Chuckles McGee - Cobbfather Post Gazette

Howdy, I'm your new Gazette reporter Chuckles, here to bring you a new feature, the Power Rankings. The initial Power Rankings are based on Leon and Shenaynay's preseason predictions. The plan is to update them every 15 games. The rankings going forward will be based on the top secret Chuckles team rating system that has more components than even the most complex Bill James formula, so I won't bother explaining it. So without further adieu, here are the Season 4 Preseason Power Rankings!

Rank

Team

Predicted Record

Prev

1

Florida

115-47

NR

2

Sacramento

109-53

NR

3

Chicago

104-58

NR

4

New York (AL)

101-61

NR

5

Jackson

95-67

NR

6

Burlington

95-67

NR

7

Texas

95-67

NR

8

Fargo

94-68

NR

9

New York (NL)

93-69

NR

10

Huntington

92-70

NR

11

Austin

91-71

NR

12

Rochester

90-72

NR

13

Oakland

89-73

NR

14

Dover

89-73

NR

15

Memphis

88-74

NR

16

Honolulu

86-76

NR

17

Detroit

85-77

NR

18

St. Louis

83-79

NR

19

Hartford

82-80

NR

20

Boston

82-80

NR

21

Vancouver

80-82

NR

22

Syracuse

80-82

NR

23

Buffalo

77-85

NR

24

Charleston

77-85

NR

25

Los Angeles

76-86

NR

26

Atlanta

75-87

NR

27

Sioux Falls

74-88

NR

28

Colorado Springs

68-94

NR

29

Durham

65-97

NR

30

Ottawa

63-99

NR

31

Kansas City

58-104

NR

32

Cheyenne

50-112

NR

Monday, February 16, 2009

Season 4 Preview - Playoff Predictions

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

Well, now that the crystal ball has shown us what the regular season holds, let's see if this thing has enough juice left to show us what's going to happen in the playoffs. Alas, low and behold, the cloud of mystery is clearing, revealing the secrets of the Season 4 playoffs we all want to know! Here's what the future holds for Season 4's playoff teams.

National League Playoffs
Let’s start off with the play-in round, we have #6 Dover vs. #3 New York…we say the Primetimers take this series, and we also like #4 Rochester over #5 Huntington. In the DCS round, #3 New York takes on #2 Jackson. New York takes a close series to advance to the LCS. Then we have #4 Rochester vs. #1 Sacramento. The Fighting Cornish Hens take this one, leaving us #3 New York vs. #1 Sacramento in the LCS. Prime time ends with the LCS, as Sacramento repeats as NL Champs!

American League Playoffs
The play-in round kicks off with #6 Burlington vs. #3 New York and amazingly we pick domi to actually win a playoff series, and New York advances. We’ll take #5 Texas to defeat the AL West Champ #4 Oakland in a tight series. On to the Divisional Round, which starts off with #3 New York vs. the 3-time AL Champs #2 Chicago. Bad news Chicagoans, the World Series drought is starting up again, as #3 New York pulls off the upset. #5 Texas’s stacked lineup doesn’t come through vs. the tough pitching of #1 Florida, and Florida advance to the LCS. Which leaves us with New York vs. Florida in the LCS. After 10 pages of trash talk on the World Chat board, the series begins, and like the World Series draught in Chicago, domi’s playoff losing resumes as well. Florida takes it finally advancing to the World Series!

World Series
The two most dominant regular season teams in each of their leagues since Cobbfather began finally get to square off in the World Series. Sacramento has been here before and lost, will they rebound? Florida’s regular season record and pitching stats have been unmatched, but they’ve been tripped up in the playoffs. Will their first World Series be a success? Obviously this will be a tight matchup of two powerhouse teams. And the Gazette predicts the winner to be…Sacramento! The Fighting Hens take the title in their 2nd go around, when Florida’s relievers blow a ninth inning lead in Game 7. rawdk contemplates tossing his computer in the Atlantic, but decides against it and returns with a vengeance in Season 5.

Hope you enjoyed the Season 4 Preview, best of luck to all teams in Season 4. I'm sure some owners are out to prove their prediction wrong, unfortunately for them, their future has already been decided. ha, ha, haaaaaaaa.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Season 4 Preview - AL West

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

The AL West was one of the weakest divisions in Season 3. Let's take a look at what the teams have done to improve the division this season.

AL WEST

4. Kansas City Tweakers
Last Season: 58-104

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: more tweaking is needed.

Gazette says: Kansas City is still in the midst of rebuilding, so this season will be spent acquiring prospects and building its minors up. They will struggle again this season at the Major League level.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 58-104, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 150-1

3. Colorado Springs Hammer'd Leprechauns
Last Season: 75-87

Shenaynay’s crystal ball: dancing leprechauns downing shots of Jameson.

Gazette says: Colorado Springs wins the best team name of the new teams, hands down. The Colorado Springs squad features improved pitching from last season, when the staff got pretty roughed up. They definitely took a step forward in that capacity. Offensively, they have a few good pieces in place, but aren't quite there yet in putting together a lineup that can contend. A low payroll will help them reel in some prospects to help in that area.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 68-94, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all:100-1

2. Vancouver Blaze
Last Season: 62-100

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the franchise has moved to a colder place, so the team must bring the heat.

Gazette says: veener seems to be bringing stability to the franchise, which is a good thing. They also moved away from the offensive graveyard, San Diego, which is also a good thing. The franchise has never won more than 62 games, and we certainly see them eclipsing that mark, as the team continues to build. They're not that far way from being a player in this division, and should make some big strides forward this season.

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

1. Oakland Brusiers
Last Season: 82-80

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the Brusiers continuing to rough up the divison.

Gazette says: This franchise has won the divison 3 straight seasons, and we like their chances for a 4th straight division title. desanders has made some nice moves in the offseason to improve the club. The offense looks to have taken strides, and the lineup will feature a lot of powerful bats. The pitching is there too, as the staff features several control specialists, that should help the team improve on last year's team ERA. Oakland look like a better team this season, and we like them to hold on to the division title.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 89-73, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 18-1

UP NEXT: Playoff Predictions

Season 4 Preview - NL West

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

The NL West has been dominated by one team, Sacramento, over the first three seasons of Cobbfather. Let's summon the crystal ball to see if the domination will continue.

NL WEST

4. Cheyenne Chiefs
Last Season: 35-127

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: The Chief is retreating with his tribe, broken down, but not beaten.

Gazette says: Cheyenne is in rebuilding mode, and their goal this season is to build its system with prospects, not be competitive in the NL West.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 50-112, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 250-1

3. Los Angeles Marlowes
Last Season 72-90

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: that California still knows how to party.

Gazette says: This franchise switched ownership this past offseason, and took it from the calm, serene Boise to the rowdy streets of LA. Furthering their new approach, the owner named the team after himself! We like the direction L.A. is going based on their offseason moves, but we don't think their quite ready to contend yet. Both their offense and pitching isn't quite at the level of the top 2 teams in the division, but they are making strides toward getting there.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 76-86, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 95-1

2. Honolulu Haoles
Last Season: 93-69

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: hanging ten in Honolulu

Gazette says: The Haoles impressed last year putting 93 wins on the board. Their strength last season was dominant pitching. They appeared to sacrifice some of that pitching, as their top 2 starters are gone. The offense looks improved, however, which is a positive sign. Honolulu still looks like the 2nd best team in the NL West, a return to the playoffs will hinge on how they are able to replace their top 2 starters from a year ago.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 86-76, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 25-1

1. Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens
Last Season: 112-50

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the Cornish Hens are devouring their prey and fighting like mad!

Gazette says: Sacramento's season 4 roster looks as impressive as their season 3 team that won the NL Championship. Sacramento is talented in every area, you can't really find a weakness with their team. They have great pitching and a great lineup. You can ring up a 4th straight division title for the Hens, and a nice run at returning to the World Series.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 109-53, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 7-2

UP NEXT: AL West

Season 4 Preview - AL East

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

The AL East features the 3 time defending AL champs, who also happened to win the Season 3 World Series, and some up and coming teams looking to take out the champ. Will the champ hold their ground in Season 4? Only the crystal ball knows.

AL EAST

4. Durham Radicals
Last Season: 61-101

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a surfer catching a wave in the Atlantic. radical!!

Gazette says: The rebuilding project continues in Durham. krs96 has done a good job of improving the team through IFA's and the draft. Durham looks like they will pull it together and get back into the thick of things in the AL East a few seasons down the line. But we think the rebuilding continues in Season 4, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 65-97, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 100-1

3. Boston Massacre
Last Season: 79-83

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the massacre continues! the question of who emerges victorious remains a mystery.

Gazette says: The Boston offense looks to be much improved this season, thanks to callups and trades. There won't be an easy out in the lineup. The pitching staff may have taken a step backwards since the staff ace was traded, but they hope to offset that with a few quality rookies coming into the rotation. Although the team is young, we expect this season to be a glorious milestone for its owner, who has never owned a team that finished above .500. Look for Boston to propel ahead of that most elusive mark this season!

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 82-80, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 50-1

2. Burlington Huskies
Last Season: 92-70

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the Huskies are on the prowl!

Gazette says: The Huskies are coming off a very solid season 3 which saw them make the playoffs. The Season 4 version of the Huskies looks to be a great squad as well. The offense looks solid across the board, and seems more powerful than last year, where they played a lot of small ball. The pitching is exceptional, with several quality arms on the staff. Burlington looks to be improved from last year, and is slowly closing the gap between them and Chicago.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 95-67, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1

1. Chicago Chokers
Last Season: 111-51

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: no choking whatsoever!

Gazette says: The strength of the 3 time defending AL champions and defending World Series champion has always been offense, and Chicago's season 4 squad looks to be no different. The Chicago lineup is scary as ever, and will intimidate opposing pitchers. Playing in Wrigley helps the offense as well. The pitching is not elite, but good enough to support their fierce lineup, and we think good enough to carry them to another division title.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 104-58, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 4-1

UP NEXT: NL West

Season 4 Preview - NL East

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

The NL East was perhaps the tightest division race in Cobbfather last season, and looks to be quite the race this season. Let's see what the crystal ball has to say about the NL East in Season 4.

NL EAST

4. Buffalo Bisons
Last Season: 87-75

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: a rancher gathering the Buffalo preparing for a stampede!

Gazette says: Last season, we gigged Buffalo on their pitching, and they turned out a very good staff. We'll not make the same mistake twice, at least about their pitching. We like their staff this season. We will possibly make the same mistake twice predicting them to finish 4th place. This is a tough division, all the teams are good, and someone has to finish last. And looking at their offense, we think it's just a little less potent than the rest of the division, and while their pitching is good, the rest of the division also has good pitching.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 77-85, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 55-1

3. Hartford Snakes2
Last Season: 85-77

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: The spider morphs into a snake, even more deadly than before!

Gazette says: Your writer's eyes are starting to cross, because these NL East teams look very similar. Hartford has a pitching staff on the level of its division rivals, it is a very good staff. Offensively, the lineup features a lot of power, all though there a few guys in the lineup who are hit or miss, it will be either a home run or an out. When the bats are on, Hartford will be a tough team to beat, but could see some tough times when their hitters are swinging for the fences and not connecting. Make no mistake though, Hartford will be a solid squad this season.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 82-80, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 22-1

2. Dover Diamond Dogs
Last Season: 81-81

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: A cheesy rap video - it's Who Let the Dogs Out? Woof Woof.

Gazette says: The franchise who won the season 2 World Series title had an adjustment period in Season 3, as the new owner made the team his own. We see the team continuing to make progress under new ownership. The pitching staff features outstanding control across the board. The Dover hurlers will be tough to hit this season. The offense is good, but not outstanding, which is what keeps them from the top spot in the division rankings, but the pitching staff will be good enough to take them to a very nice record this season.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 89-73, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 20-1

1. New York Primetimers
Last Season: 87-75

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Prime Time is here for New York.

Gazette says: New York took steps forward last season, with a nice improvement of record, and thanks to the team being active in offseason moves, we see the progress continuing. Pitching wise, like the other NL East teams, New York's staff is very good, definitely playoff caliber. What sets New York apart from the other teams in the division is its offense. New York has the best offense in the division, and we look for another year of great production from their lineup, on the way to a division title.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 93-69, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1

UP NEXT: AL East

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Season 4 Preview - AL South

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

In the AL South it's a battle of the old guard (Florida and Austin) vs. the new (Atlanta and Texas). Florida and Austin (formerly Monterrey) have had a tight hold on the top of the division, but they have 2 up and coming teams chasing them. Let's see how the crystal ball thinks this division will shake out!

AL SOUTH

4. Atlanta Moustaches
Last Season: 63-99

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: one of those sweet Rollie Fingers style curled up moustaches.

Gazette says: The Atlanta franchise, under new ownership, isn't in as bad of shape as their record from last season indicates. Their pitching staff under performed last season, and is actually in fairly good shape. The Gazette investigation team is looking into allegations that the staff was mismanaged and abused by the previous owner. Look for a big improvement pitching wise this season. Their offense has some solid contributors as well. Still, they're not quite at the level of their division rivals, hence the 4th place prediction. But if slimjim2004 sticks around, he's got a good foundation to build on.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 75-87, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 65-1

3. Austin Rock Stars
Last Season: 96-66

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: some major rocking out going on down on 6th street.

Gazette says: rbf_4 greatly criticized the Gazette last year for predicting his team would miss the playoffs, after all, how could anyone doubt the greatness of an rbf_4 team? (See Cobb Times Herald for further details). Well, we're ready for the insults this time, as we're predicting the Rock Stars to finish 3rd in their division. This is not to say we think the Rock Stars have a bad team, quite the opposite, they have a lot of talent, and have good pitching and hitting. It's just that compared to the two teams above them, we think they're a smidge behind them. Good luck proving us wrong rbf_4 and don't be too hard on us!

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 91-71, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 23-1

2. Texas Longhorns
Last Season: 76-86

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: hook 'em Horns!

Gazette says: New owner billybob44 has taken over the most controversial franchise in Cobbfather and looks to bring stability to the team. He's already improved the team with solid trades, improving a franchise that has a deep minor league system. It looks like Texas can compete this season, with an extremely powerful lineup, and excellent starting pitching. If they can piece together a good bullpen, the team will have the complete package.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 95-67, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 18-1

1. Florida Shark Waves
Last Season: 112-50

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: the shark's teeth are sharper than ever.

Gazette says: Florida looks to be fielding a team as good as ever in Season 4. Their elite pitching staff remains in tact, and should be the best in the league once again. The offense looks very impressive as well. No real negatives to speak about here. Did I mention how good their pitching staff is?

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 115-47, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 5-2

UP NEXT: NL East

Season 4 Preview - NL South

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

From the loudest division in Cobbfather to the quietest, the NL South. This division features a number of quiet assassins who are building contenders. Although klown61455 may be trying to change the division's reputation, as he was seen mixing it up on the chat board earlier this offseason. On to the preview!

NL SOUTH

4. Charleston Chew
Last Season: 60-102

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: mmmmmm...Candy!

Gazette says: This franchise is under new ownership, and we've seen them make some positive moves in the offseason with both trades and free agent signings. We expect a major improvement this year for the Chew, unfortunately they play in a division with 3 other very good teams, so we still pick them to finish 4th. But this will be a lot tougher team to beat than they were last year.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 77-85, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 70-1

3. Memphis Mayhem
Last Season: 84-78

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: A little less Mayhem in Memphis this season

Gazette says: The Mayhem management continues to build a strong team that revolves around some pretty hefty bats. The Memphis lineup is emerging into one of the better offenses in the league. The pitching staff is coming along as well, although isn't at the same level of some of their divisional rivals. Overall, we see Memphis making strides with their team, and are closer than ever to competing with the big guns in the division.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 88-74, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 25-1

2. Huntington Liberators
Last Season: 99-63

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: A coat of arms

Gazette says: Huntington is the polar opposite of Memphis, with the franchise being built primarily around pitching, and pitching that is very good indeed. Their staff should be good enough to lead them to another very good season. Not to completely discount their offense, who does have some good bats, and is underrated, as they tend to play small ball and don't have the mind blowing power numbers. All in all, we see another solid campaign ahead for Huntington.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 92-70, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 15-1

1. Jackson Rockets
Last Season: 99-63

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Houston, we still have lift off! Except from Jackson this time!

Gazette says: Jackson is probably the most complete team in the division, with a strong balance of pitching and hitting. We think their offense isn't as good as Memphis, and their pitching isn't as good Huntington, but that they have the winning combination with a nice balance of both. The Gazette investigative team is trying to get the scoop on the move from Houston to Jackson - more in tonight's special evening edition, if we find anything out.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 95-67, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 12-1

UP NEXT: AL South

Season 4 Preview - AL North

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

The AL North is the most talkative division in Cobbfather by far...even with one of its owners out of the country! The trash talk is endless and the rivalries are many. Currently, the biggest rivalry is a toss up between phillyfan vs. domiisgod and ploppie vs. his pants. But I'm sure that will change once commish Kid returns from parts unknown. Let's get to the preview!

AL NORTH

4. Sioux Falls Great Danes
Last Season: 70-92

Shenayany’s crystal ball shows: the masses chanting “all hail, der Kommissar!” once again, anticipating his long awaited return

Gazette says: Well, the commish is out of the country, so I guess I can talk smack about his team. Sioux Falls took a step backwards last season, after a great season 2. Sioux Falls has a great bullpen, decent starting pitching, and some good pieces on offense. The only downside is that the commish is coming back at the end of the month. (ha, kidding!) Sioux Falls has a low payroll, so this could be a year for them to build, in what is a tough division this season.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 74-88, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 70-1

3. St. Louis Silver Sluggers
Last Season: 76-86

Shenayany’s crystal ball shows: the moving van is being packed up yet again, not only for the team moving in town, but for players being shipped out of town.

Gazette says: I had to rewrite this preview 4 times, as every time I had finished it, there was another trade by phillyfan that affected it. All in all, the Sluggers have completed 11 trades involving 42 players to date, and probably have a few more pending. And yes, of course, the team switched cities again! Looking at the Sluggers roster now, it appears they have assembled a very formidable pitching staff. However, we don't think their offense is quite as good as the top 2 teams in the division. Still, it's nothing a few trades can't fix, but for now, we rank them 3rd in the division.

Psychic Friends Network prediction:83-79, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 35-1

2. Fargo Rat Bastids
Last Season: 90-72

Shenayany’s crystal ball shows: a pleated, folded up pair of pants, just begging to be worn by its owner. they're sitting on a chair underneath a sign that says "Sister For Sale"

Gazette says: We jumped the gun last season predicting Fargo to be the AL Champions, so we'll temper our expectations a bit this season. The Fargo rebuilding project is coming along nicely, as it appears they will field a well-balanced, complete, talented team this year. We see an improvement over last year for them, but they're not quite ready to reclaim their division crown from Season 1.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 94-68, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 15-1

1. New York Pride of the Yankees
Last Season: 97-65

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: pride is still booming in the Big Apple.

Gazette says: So, we picked New York to finish last in the division is Season 3, and they ended up winning it. Our bad. New York has a great team returning this year. Just ask the owner. And they will probably lose in the playoffs again. Just ask the owner. New York will have their trademark potent offense once again this year, and they made moves to improve their pitching this offseason as well. Looks like it should be a very good season in NY, and we'll probably never hear the end of it.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 101-61, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1

UP NEXT: NL South

Season 4 Preview - NL North

Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Shenaynay - Special Correspondent from the Psychic Friends Network

Welcome to the Season 4 preview. Obviously, a top notch psychic is necessary for these predictions, unfortunately Miss Cleo has better things to do than baseball previews, so she sent her apprentice Shenaynay once again. Let's get the lay of the land for season 4, starting with the NL North, where the 3 time champions, now the Detroit Shockers, are looking to hold their ground against some up and coming teams.

NL NORTH

4. Ottawa Renegades
Last Season: 60-102

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: An Ottawa Senators hockey game...hockey is back on top for now..but they still love their Renegades

Gazette says: The Renegades took a bit of a step backward last season in terms of record, and appear to be in full rebuild mode. We look for them to continue to rebuild this season, adding a few IFA's and draft picks to build up their minors. Their future is still a couple of seasons away.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 63-99, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 125-1


3. Syracuse Sycophants
Last Season: 79-83

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Orange continues to cover the crystal ball at a more rapid pace.

Gazette says: OK, so we don't know for sure that Syracuse's colors are orange. Syracuse took a nice step forward last season, improving their record by 10 games. They've got a good core of offensive players, but their pitching still needs some improvement - but hatton98 is doing a nice job of building the team.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 80-82, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 65-1

2. Detroit Shockers
Last Season: 88-74

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: A shocking revelation - there's a new NL North division champ in the future!

Gazette says: Korruptkings takes over the franchise that is the 3 time defending division champ in the NL North. And he didn't enter the league quietly, making a couple of huge signings in the offseason. While those signings will help them be very competitive this season, we don't think it's enough for a 4th straight division title. The team was built for a hitters park, and moved to a pitchers park, which will take some adjustment. Still, Detroit will be a very good team.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 85-77, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 20-1

1. Rochester Rolling Rocks
Last Season: 71-91

Shenaynay’s crystal ball shows: Cobbfather owners running at a frantic pace, trying to dodge the giant rolling rocks about to crush them!

Gazette says: Rochester was one of the most improved teams in Cobbfather in Season 3, and we see them continuing to take steps forward this season. yanks21 has built a stacked minor league system, and as they hit the majors, Cobbfather owners best beware. Rochester is on the verge of being a dominant team for several seasons to come. While they still have another season or two until they are amongst the league's elite, we think they're good enough to take the NL North this season.

Psychic Friends Network prediction: 90-72, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 15 -1

UP NEXT: AL North

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Season 4 Offseason Free Agency Review

World B. Free - Cobbfather Post Gazette

Yo what's up, it's your free agency guru here to kick off the Gazette Season 4 coverage. We'll rate the type A free agents on the World B. Free Supahfly 5 Star Rating scale, and then cover the best of the Type B Free Agents. Let's see how it went down in the free agent market this offseason.

TYPE A FREE AGENTS

Dummy Zoltan
Memphis
Mayhem
Age: 30B/T: R/R
Born: Tucumcari, NM
Position(s): SS/IF/COF
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Contract: 4 years, 48 million
Pick Lost: 1st Round

Memphis signed the 30-year shortstop with a good bat to a phat contract this offseason. After solid seasons at the plate in Season 1 and 2, Zoltan regressed a bit at the plate in Season 3 with a decline in numbers across the board. We think Zoltan is capable of bouncing back, and hitting .300 with 20 HR again, and if he does that, while playing decent shortstop, he'll be an asset for the Mayhem. Exactly how many more years Zoltan can play SS is in question. He saw a decline in ratings from season 2 to 3, but held steady in season 4. We think a move to 3B might have to be considered after season 5. And we're not sure as a 3rd baseman, he'll be worth his 12.5 million and 13.5 million salary in years 3 and 4 of the contract.

Final Rating: 3 stars - Zoltan is solid, and worth giving up a 1st rounder for, but the contract is steep, especially if his ratings decline begins sooner rather than later.


Blake Howell
Detroit
Shooters
Age: 30B/T: R/L
Born: Ingleburn, AU
Position(s): 1B/C/DH
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Contract: 5 years, 60 million
Pick Lost: 1st round

Detroit made quite a catch in signing Blake Howell this offseason. The 30-year old can flat out mash, averaging 44 HR and 113 RBI in 3 seasons, with a solid batting average. In the field, he's below average defensively as a catcher, and would probably be better suited as a DH, which is a disadvantage for Detroit, since they are in the NL. Gazette insiders hear that he could play 1B this year for Detroit, but if push came to shove, he'd probably pass by as a catcher. Ratings wise, Howell saw some decline this past offseason, although not offensively, which is his biggest asset. Still, the fact that a ratings decline occurred is a concern, especially since he was signed to a 5-year deal.

Final Rating: 4 stars - Howell will continue to mash and be a huge bat in Detroit's lineup. Ratings decline concerns and the fact that he should probably be DHing and is in the NL keep this signing from reaching the top of the Supahfly 5 star Free Agency rating scale.


Paul Yosida
Charleston
Chew
Age: 29B/T: R/R
Born: Kobe, JP
Position(s): P (SuB)
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Contract: 4 years, 20 million
Pick Lost: 2nd round

Charleston added this 29-year old righty reliever and inked him to a 4 year deal. Yosida has a stellar 4-seam fastball, and a very good slider in his arsenal. He sports good control and is effective against righties. He is only average at keeping his pitches down, and can be hit by lefties. He's probably more of a setup guy, not a closer, and for that reason we're not doing backflips about this signing. He probably could have been had after the offseason free agency period for less money, less years and without forfeiting the draft pick. Although he should be able to hold his weight in the Charleston bullpen, for those reasons, we have to give this signing a thumbs down.

Final Rating: 1 star

Aaron Wooten
Dover
Diamond Dogs
Age: 29B/T: R/R
Born: Defiance, OH
Position(s): SS/CF
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Contract: 4 years, 37.1 million
Pick Lost: 2nd Round

Dover added Wooten, a 29 year old power hitting shortstop to their lineup this offseason. Wooten made nice strides last season, finally putting together a great year at the plate, after underperforming his ratings in seasons 1 and 2. We don't think it was a fluke, and think Wooten can hit .275 with 25 HR a year for the duration of the contract, with upside for even better numbers. Those a great numbers for a shortstop. Defensively, Wooten isn't the greatest fielding shortstop, and hasn't had great success fielding there in the past. A move to a different position would be ideal, although he wouldn't be a horrible shortstop, if that's the route Dover chooses to go with him. Overall, we'd say he's worth giving up the 2nd rounder for.

Final rating: 4 stars - this was a nice signing for Dover.


Louie Grey
Detroit
Shooters
Age: 35B/T: L/L
Born: Lexington, IL
Position(s): P (SP2)
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Contract: 5 years, 80 million
Pick Lost: 3rd Round

Detroit was the big spender in free agency adding a 2nd Type A free agent in 35-year old starting pitcher Louie Grey. Grey has great ratings across the board in control, LH/RH splits, velocity and GB/FB. He has 3 very good pitchers, and 4th pitch that is just okay, but does lack that one dominant pitch to get hitters out with. Grey has 3 outstanding seasons under his belt in Cobbfather, and should have another 2-3 good seasons of being an effective starter in the league. The only problem is, he was signed to a 5 year deal at 16 million per season, and won't likely be worth that towards the end of the contract. Hopefully, korruptkings had good intentions in making this signing, but we could see it crippling the franchise financially in years 4 & 5.

Final rating: 2 stars - good signing for the first 2 years of the deal, Grey can still be a very good starter, but at 35 the contract was too long and too much money.

Anthony James
Charleston
Chew
Age: 32B/T: R/R
Born: North Augusta, SC
Position(s): SS
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Contract: 3 years, 14 million
Pick Lost: 3rd Round

Charleston inked a second Type-A free agent in this 32 year old shortstop, formerly with the Boston Massacre. Given that you can't go wrong signing a former Boston player, this signing was phenomenal, and gets 5 stars. Enough said. OK, sorry for the bias, back to the review. James is a great fielding shortstop who sports an elite arm with superior accuracy in the field. His range is declining at his age, but thanks to his glove, arm and accuracy, should still be an asset in the field at shortstop for all 3 years of the deal. At the plate, he has an average bat for a shortstop, and still has the speed to steal 20-25 bases. This was a good value signing for Charleston, the contract is right, and they only had to give up a 3rd rounder.

Final rating: 4 stars

Best of the Type B's

Raul Sanchez, RP, Chicago - Sanchez is a great reliever who should be able to bounce back from a poor season 3
Rick McConnell, LF, Los Angeles - Can't argue with the signing of a guy who hit 45 HR last year as a type B FA
Jonathan Wunsch, SP/RP, Charleston - Good value pickup, should be able to put up numbers closer to his great season 2, than his poor season 3.
Jay Payne, SP/RP, Fargo - Another good value signing, he could start, or be a very effective long reliever.

That's the scoop on Season 4's preseason Free Agency period, Peace out homies!!!