Sunday, January 30, 2011

Season 11 Power Rankings - 119 Games

Gift Card Update: Kid leads by one game

Best record since last update: Rochester (31-7)
Worst record since last update (not named Nashville): Austin (13-25)
Most spots risen in rankings: Fargo (+6)
Most spots fallen in rankings: Buffalo (-6)


Team Record Last Since Last





1 Houston Space Cowboys 84-35 1 28-10
2 Rochester Rolling Rocks 81-38 7 31-7
3 Atlanta Expos 76-43 4 26-22
4 Honolulu Haoles 78-41 2 20-18
5 Kansas City Tweakers 71-48 9 28-10
6 Cheyenne Chiefs 72-47 3 18-20
7 Durham Radicals 70-49 6 19-19
8 Los Angeles Penguins 67-52 8 21-17
9 Richmond Rat Bastids 66-53 5 14-24
10 Dover Diamond Dogs 65-54 10 21-17
11 Jackson Rockets 63-56 16 23-15
12 Arizona Hammer'd Leprechauns 64-55 13 21-17
13 Charleston Chew 62-57 11 18-20
14 Little Rock Lewinskys 62-57 14 19-19
15 Hartford Huskies 58-61 19 20-18
16 Minnesota Modern Gentlemen 62-57 15 19-19
17 Ottawa Renegades 58-61 12 15-23
18 Cincinnati Red Stockings 54-65 21 18-20
19 Boston Massacre 59-60 17 19-19
20 Fargo Fighters 56-63 26 24-14
21 Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens 55-64 20 16-22
22 New York Pride of the Yankees 54-65 23 20-18
23 Madison Marauders 55-64 22 17-21
24 Buffalo Bisons 56-63 18 16-22
25 Austin Rock Stars 51-68 24 13-25
26 Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves 50-69 29 20-18
27 New York Primetimers 52-67 25 16-22
28 Syracuse Sycophants 52-67 27 18-20
29 St. Louis Beermen 47-72 28 15-23
30 Vancouver Canadians 42-77 30 14-24
31 Helena Handbasket 42-77 31 16-22
32 Nashville Mayhem 25-94 32 10-28

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Season 11 -- All-Star Break Reviews NL Edition

NL North
Rochester Rolling Rocks
    1st Half Performance Grade: A

    With a strong offense and a strong pitching staff backed by one of the best defenses in Cobbfather, it's easy to see the how and why this team is again leading the NL North. This team was ranked one of the strongest in our ‘Decade of Dominace’ series, and they again should be one of the favorites to represent the NL in the World Series.

Ottawa Renegades
    1st Half Performance Grade: B+

    An outstanding first half performance by this club’s pitching staff propelled Ottawa to second place in the division. J.R. Offerman missed a huge chunk of the first half with a severe ankle injury, and that was the main cause as to why the offense couldn't keep pace with the pitching staff’s results. If their pitchers can keep it up, there's a chance Ottawa could be playing in the post season.

Fargo Fighters
    1st Half Performance Grade: C-

    It was a tough first have for the Fighters from Fargo. Below average offense and pitching were responsible for the team’s 40-51 mark entering the All-Star break. Al James has been a real bright spot for them though. There's still a lot of games left, but they are going to have to get things moving if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Syracuse Sycophants
    1st Half Performance Grade: C-

    There is some good talent on this club, but the offense and pitching staff didn't really seem to get things rolling. A 39-52 record heading into the All-Star break was the result, but you just look at the roster and think that they're a better club than that.

NL East
Dover Diamond Dogs
    1st Half Performance Grade: A

    Rochester and Dover have dominated the story line for the NL seemingly since Cobbfather began. While there are some strong teams that can now offer those two more competition, it's probably still all about Rochester and Dover. Dover rolled along to first in the NL East at the All-Star break with a strong offense and strong pitching staff. Perennial MVP candidate Rondell Burks had a very strong first half, though he is starting to show his age. For now and the immediate future, Dover is the team the rest of the NL East must beat to win the division.

Buffalo Bisons
    1st Half Performance Grade: C

    Buffalo finds itself in the unenviable position of being a solid, competitive team that is just one or two blue-chip players away from being really good. Unfortunately, getting those players is difficult to do. Buffalo's pitching staff actually preformed pretty well over the first half, but their offense was near the bottom of Cobbfather in OPS. With some good prospects to deal if they so desire, it will be interesting to see if Buffalo chooses to try and make a push for the 6th spot in the playoffs in what may turn out to be a highly competitive race.

Cincinnati Red Stockings
    1st Half Performance Grade: C

    A poor performance from the offense didn't help what was a very nice performance by a really solid pitching staff. 43-48 is not where this team wanted to be heading into the All-Star break, but an improvement with the offense and the same kind of performance by the pitching staff could mean a race for that last playoff spot in the NL.

New York Primetimers
    1st Half Performance Grade: C-

    Offense is a really big issue in the NL East, and the Primetimers are no exception. An offense near the bottom in OPS just puts too much pressure on a pitching staff, and too often the staff for New York just couldn't quite hold on. A 39-52 record at the break was the result.

NL South
Charleston Chew
    1st Half Performance Grade: A-

    What a turnaround for this franchise in season 11. After never having a single winning season – not one I tell you – Charleston found itself atop the division at the All-Star break. Norman LaPorta leads what is a solid pitching staff, and while the offense was slightly below average, players such as Tommie Winn had a very solid first half. Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come for this franchise.

Jackson Rockets
    1st Half Performance Grade: C

    It was a rough start for the Rockets, but as the All-Star break approached they started playing better. Harry Mieses is the star of the pitching staff (and rightfully so) and had a great first half. However, for the most part the rest of the staff wasn't as good, and the offense really, really struggled. This is a good team though, and they have the talent to play better. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see this team in the playoffs when all is said and done for this season.

Little Rock Lewinskys
    1st Half Performance Grade: B-

    When you go through 4 straight losing seasons, you just want to see signs that your team is improving. The first half of season 11 gave the Little Rock ownership that sign. At 45-46 going into the All-Star break, the record wasn't spectacular. It didn't need to be for there to be validation that ownership has the team going in the right direction, which it does. They're better, and a shot at the last playoff spot isn't unrealistic.

Nashville Mayhem
    1st Half Performance Grade: F

    When you have to have a mid-season ownership replacement, things aren't good. Such is the case for Nashville. Hopefully current ownership will decide to stay aboard and help provide a steady hand for this organization. Time to turn the page for Nashville.

NL West
Honolulu Haoles
    1st Half Performance Grade: B+

    When you have a strong pitching staff that can get a little support from its offense, you typically have a very solid team. With a 64-27 record heading into the All-Star break, Honolulu is exactly that. They may not be quite as good as their record indicates, but make no mistake… this is a solid team. You have to make the playoffs to make it to the World Series, and while this team may not stack up against Rochester or Dover on paper, it has made it to a World Series before and is led by an owner that knows how to win. Do not count this team out at all.

Cheyenne Chiefs
    1st Half Peformance Grade: B+

    After struggling to get over the hump, Cheyenne made it to the playoffs in season 10. They've spent the first half of season 11 showing that was no fluke. Even losing Wascar Rosado to free agency hasn't slowed this team down any. There is quite a bit of talent on this club, and a 58-33 first half record is a good reflection of that talent.

Los Angeles Penguins
    1st Half Performance Grade: B-

    Good pitching and above average offense meant a 49-42 first half record for this club. It is going to be one competitive race for the wild card spots in the NL, but LA looks like it has what it takes to be a part of that race.

Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens
    1st Half Performance Grade: C

    At 42-49, it's been a tough first half for Sacramento. They play solid defense, but their pitching staff has struggled and their offense just hasn't been able to get it going so far. With so many teams fighting for playoff spots, Sacramento is going to have to find a spark soon or they may end up on the outside looking in come post-season time.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Season 11 -- All-Star Break Reviews AL Edition

AL North
Minnesota Modern Gentlemen
    1st Half Performance Grade: B+

    At the All-Star break, these Gentlemen from Minnesota enjoyed the largest divisional gap between 1st and 2nd place in the AL. With 2 very young and very good pitchers sitting at the top of their rotation, they will be tough to catch for season 11 and the future looks bright for this club.

Madison Marauders
    1st Half Performance Grade: C

    The fact that this team entered the All-Star break at 41-50 but in 2nd in the division speaks volumes about the AL North, and it isn’t all that kind. In all honesty, I expected the record for this team to be worse, so in reality the team is exceeding expectations for this season.

    Must be that GC wager with NY Pride that has the team motived. With some very nice young prospects on the near horizon, the Marauders have a bright future in front of them, and with the GC wager there is definitely something to play for regardless of whether or not they can get into playoff contention

New York Pride of the Yankees
    1st Half Performance Grade: D+

    What do you get when you combine an outspoken and abrasive owner, a failed free agent signing in Kordell Menechino, and an overrated offense (overrated by said outspoken owner anyway)? A 39-52 record, that’s what.
    Not even a GC wager with Madison is enough to pull this team out of its funk, and they usually love playing with a GC on the line. The pitching has been dreadful, and with a rapidly aging rotation and no real impact arms in the farm system, the Pride’s ownership has its work cut out.

    Maybe Pride ownership should spend less time worrying about what Ken Evans is doing and more time focusing on improving his pitching staff? Just a thought.

Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves
    1st Half Performance Grade: C+

    A struggling offense and a struggling pitching staff resulted in a 33-58 record at the All-Star break. However, a great team name gives their grade a significant bump. The farm system does have some talent, so ownership can decide to wait or flip them for immediate help if they so choose. And, as we all know, Milwaukee is Algonquin for “the good land.” So they have that going for them…



AL East
Durham Radicals
    1st Half Performance Grade: A

    A lot of credit goes to ownership for getting this team to continue to play despite what could have been a franchise-crippling injury to Rafael Benitez. Durham found itself in 1st place in the division at the All-Star break, and it should be a real treat watching to see if they can keep up their play and snag the division title away from perennial champs Atlanta.

Atlanta Expos
    1st Half Performance Grade: B-

    Results achieved compared to roster talent just hasn’t been there so far for the Expos. With the best rotation in the AL (if not all of Cobbfather) and an offense that ranks in the top third in OPS, chances are it’s just a matter of time. If this team does make it to the playoffs (and there’s really no reason at this point to think they won’t) they still have to be considered one of, if not the, favorites. All that said, being anywhere other than tops in the division is below expectations for this club.

Hartford Huskies
    1st Half Performance Grade: C+

    After somewhat of a hot start, Hartford had cooled off considerably as of the All-Star break. This team is competitive though, and shouldn't be taken lightly by any team looking to make the playoffs.

Boston Massacre
    1st Half Performance Grade: C-

    I’m not sure how a 45-46 record at the All-Star break can be seen as anything but a disappointment for Boston this season. With a possible trip to free agency for Johnny Sherman, ownership has some extremely difficult decisions to make. Will they be able to make a push for the playoffs, or will they sell their best trade chip for what surely would be a very nice return?

AL South
Houston Space Cowboys
    1st Half Performance Grade: A

    There isn’t really much to say. Houston has been good, is good, and will be good. They continue to be one of the favorites to represent the AL in the World Series. I mean, really, there are only so many ways to say a team is really good...

Richmond Rat Bastids
    1st Half Performance Grade: B+

    There isn’t much to say here either. Always a really good team, this season is no exception. Not quite as good overall as Houston, but still a really good team that unfortunately has to share the division with Houston.

Austin Rock Stars
    1st Half Performance Grade: B-

    A sub .500 record probably shouldn’t warrant a grade this good but Austin has stretches where they play really well. A little more consistency is needed though. One more thing, if you haven’t already seen the talent this farm system has, check it out. The Time of the Rock Stars is nigh upon us.

St. Louis Beermen
    1st Half Performance Grade: C+

    A good start gave way to a 35-56 record going into the All-Star break. Some good pieces in the farm system give ownership options, but for now this team is still a ways away. Headed in the right direction for sure though.

AL West
KC Tweakers
    1st Half Performance Grade: C+

    An offseason trade for Chip James did nothing to improve the offense’s OPS in the first half of the season. Very, very, very poor starts by every member of the rotation not named Kennedy and extremely shaky results from a bullpen expected to be a team strength left a big hole to dig out of. As the All-Star break approached, however, the team improved its play and found its way to sharing the division lead.

Arizona Hammer’d Leprechauns
    1st Half Peformance Grade: B+

    I think it is safe to say this team has now arrived. With fantastic first half performances from its great young players Victor Almanzar and Mendy Kondou, this team found itself tied for the division lead at the All-Star break, and the race for this division title may come down to the very end. They would get a bump in grade for such a clever team name, but they really don’t need it.

Vancouver Canadians
    1st Half Performance Grade: C-

    It was a very shaky start to season 11 for the Canadians. It was so bad that the owner released a statement to the other owners apologizing for the play of his team. Since then, Vancouver became much more competitive. With some live young arms in its farm system, there are chips Vancouver can use to improve the big league club, or with patience they may have one of the better young rotations in the next few seasons.

Helena Handbasket
    1st Half Performance Grade: C-

    Again, a great name saves a team from an otherwise dreadful grade. New ownership took over this team for season 11, and he has his work cut out for him. Some bad contracts are really limiting what ownership can do, and the team just doesn't have much talent and isn't playing all that well. This team really needs a steady hand to help them out of the mess it's in, and hopefully this ownership will stick around and guide the club back to the prominence it once enjoyed.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Season 11 Power Rankings - 81 games


Team Record Last Since Last





1 Houston Space Cowboys 56-25 3 21-9
2 Honolulu Haoles 58-23 4 22-8
3 Cheyenne Chiefs 54-27 2 18-12
4 Atlanta Expos 50-31 1 15-15
5 Richmond Rat Bastids 52-29 6 20-10
6 Durham Radicals 51-30 5 15-15
7 Rochester Rolling Rocks 50-31 7 16-14
8 Los Angeles Penguins 46-35 9 19-11
9 Kansas City Tweakers 43-38 24 23-7
10 Dover Diamond Dogs 44-37 13 20-10
11 Charleston Chew 44-37 11 16-14
12 Ottawa Renegades 43-38 8 14-16
13 Arizona Hammer'd Leprechauns 43-38 16 18-12
14 Little Rock Lewinskys 43-38 15 18-12
15 Minnesota Modern Gentlemen 43-38 12 15-15
16 Jackson Rockets 40-41 26 19-11
17 Boston Massacre 40-41 17 15-15
18 Buffalo Bisons 40-41 29 18-12
19 Hartford Huskies 38-43 19 13-17
20 Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens 39-42 10 12-18
21 Cincinnati Red Stockings 36-45 23 15-15
22 Madison Marauders 38-43 14 11-19
23 New York Pride of the Yankees 34-47 18 10-20
24 Austin Rock Stars 38-43 21 14-16
25 New York Primetimers 36-45 22 13-17
26 Fargo Fighters 32-49 20 10-20
27 Syracuse Sycophants 34-47 28 12-18
28 St. Louis Beermen 32-49 27 11-19
29 Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves 30-51 25 8-22
30 Vancouver Canadians 28-53 30 16-14
31 Helena Handbasket 26-55 29 9-21
32 Nashville Mayhem 15-66 32 4-26

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Decade of Dominance

Cobbfather has officially put ten seasons under it's belt, and has seen its fair share of glory, heartache, drama, and ineptitude.  From the wild days of the first two seasons to the relatively tame days of season ten, the Post Gazette looks back on the history of Cobbfather.

Who is the Most Dominant?

First up is a look at each franchise in a nutshell, ranking the most dominant teams from top to bottom.  There are two clear dynasties, with the rest of the league struggling to catch up.

Rank Franchise Score Owners Div. Titles WS Titles
1 Houston Space Cowboys 219.5 1 8 3
2 Atlanta Expos 188.5 4 9 2
3 Dover Diamond Dogs 124.5 2 5 1
4 Rochester Rolling Rocks 115 1 6 1
5 New York Pride of the Yankees 108 1 7 1
6 Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens 86.5 1 8
7 Little Rock Lewinskys 79 3 2 1
8 Jackson Rockets 77 2 6
9 Cincinnati Red Stockings 69 5 1 1
10 Honolulu Haoles 64 2

11 Richmond Rat Bastids 50.5 3 1
12 Nashville Mayhem 44 2 2
13 Kansas City Tweakers 43.5 2 4
14 New York Primetimers 39.5 2 3
15 Helena Handbasket 37.5 6 3
16 Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves 37 2 3
17 Vancouver Canadians 36.5 4 1
18 Hartford Huskies 35.5 2 1
19 Austin Rock Stars 34.5 1

20 Boston Massacre 34 1

21 Arizona Hammer'd Leprechauns 31.5 3

22 Fargo Fighters 31 6 3
23 Buffalo Bisons 31 3 1
24 Los Angeles Penguins 29 4 2
25 Syracuse Sycophants 24 2 1
26 Madison Marauders 23.5 1

27 Cheyenne Chiefs 22 2

28 Ottawa Renegades 21.5 2

29 Minnesota Modern Gentlemen 19.5 4

30 Charleston Chew 17 2

31 St. Louis Beermen 15.5 7

32 Durham Radicals 15.5 2


Original Owners

There are seven original owners still in the league, eight if you count mrploppie who left and then returned after a several season hiatus.  Here is a look at those original owners and their history within the league.

alogman1 - Boston Massacre:  The Massacre have been a hard luck franchise in Cobbfather, playing in the same division as AL superpower Atlanta.  As a result they have never had a division title despite alogman1's shrewd wheeling and dealing, including the acquisition of MVP Johnny Sherman and talented setup man Esteban Tererro from Cleveland and the hated pieo for C Jamie Summers.  A wildcard entrant to the playoffs the last three seasons, alogs time may be on the horizon.  alogman1 is also responsible for the succcessful start up of the Cobbfather Post Gazette, and this blog wouldn't be here today without the impressive contributions and dedication of the Boston owner.

domiisgod - New York Pride of the Yankees:  Few owners in the history of HBD can lay claim to having been responsible for pissing off as many owners as domiisgod.  But unlike tankers and wankers, domi walks the talk and never resorts to shady tactics, and has never backed down from his core beliefs.  Always willing to let you know how great his team is, he has the hardware to prove it, having owned the AL North since day one of Cobbfather, as well as winning the World Series in season Five.  The Pride are still going strong, although domi now has to deal with much tougher competition within the division.

FW_Kekionga - Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens:  The commissioner of the league, FW has been responsible for guiding the league through a volatile start to a stable present.  In addition to taking the blame for allowing chump owners like korruptkings into the league, he also claims credit for all good new hires.  His baseball team isn't too shabby either, having won 8 division titles and making two world series appearances.  But he will still never live down getting swept by domi to give him his first and only championship.

rawdk - Houston Space Cowboys:  rawdk and his teams have been the definition of excellence in Cobbfather from the first day of the league.  His Florida Sharkwaves were dominant, but became even more impressive after the move to Houston.  With three world titles, numerous all stars, and plenty of boasts, rawdk and his team have become the top rival for several franchises in Cobbfather, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

rbf_4 - Austin Rock Stars:  After an early run in the first several seasons that saw his Rock Stars fall short in the ridiculously loaded AL South, rbf_4 went back to the drawing board.  Doing his best to unload aging contracts, rbf_4 has carefully reloaded the Rock Stars with new drums and guitars, including the most coveted player in all of Cobbfather, the incomparably talented James Haselman.  When Haselman makes his debut next season, rbf_4 will be back where he deserves to be, knocking heads for top honors and his first division title.

The__Kid - Madison Marauders:  His team has only once made the playoffs, but The__Kid has always been confident that he has what it takes to win, so much so that he is personally responsible for domiisgod having at least two or three seasons of free baseball due to bets gone horribly wrong.  Bets gone horribly wrong can also describe much of his talent evaluation for the early part of league history, although he finally seems to have figured out that trading your studs isn't how you build a winner.  And as such his team is now on the rise, and if it can get some pitching should be able to start winning those free seasons back.

yanks21 - Rochester Rolling Rocks:  With a very quiet first three seasons it might have seemed a good idea to think that yanks had lost his winning touch.  But that would have been quite the foolish thought as his team quickly turned into a perennial powerhouse immediately after that and the yanks21 that everyone who has ever been in another league with came to life with a vengeance and has owned the NL ever since, including a season 9 world championship.

mrploppie - Richmond Rat Bastids:  mrploppie has been known to be a true Rat Bastid since the day he left the AL North and reappeared two seasons later in the AL South, sniping pieo's old team and it's typical hoard of young ill gotten gains.  He has been riding the wave of success ever since, and the league has been glad to have him as he has been a conduit for trades of elite talent virtually every season.  But there appears to be a curse upon the franchise, for despite having such amazing talent he has yet to have any playoff success, making it past the DCS only once in six tries.


The Greatest Players in Cobbfather History

Position Name All Stars MVP's Cy Youngs
C Al Samuel 5

1B Ed Morris 6 1
2B Rafael Benitez 5 2
SS Moises Terrero 3 2
3B Hick Millwood 6

LF Buddy Poole 6 1
CF Sting Bailey 4

RF Bill Everhart 8 1
DH Jordan Abernathy 4 2
SP Carl Sosa 7
4
SP Barry Carew 4
2
SP Chris Pendleton 5
1
SP Ken Evans 3
1
SP Tony Saunders 4
1
RP Sammy Felix 5
1
RP Anthony Gordon 6



Decade of Incompetence

Everyone knows who has been the best in Cobbfather history, but not everyone is able to lay claim to being awesome.  So in recognition of this, following is the Decade of Incompetence, the worst of the worst in Cobbfather history.  

Most Overrated Player in Cobbfather History
--Pinky Matheson: Few remember but on day one of Cobbfather Pinky Matheson was projected to be a 100 overall SP, with high heat, great control and splits, and awesome pitches.  Unfortunately he could never put together a season that his skills would suggest he could have, and to this day he has only amassed two all star appearances and respectable but not great career numbers. 


Biggest Goat in Cobbfather History
--Esteban Terrero: Terrero is the RP who made the term "Pulling a Sharkwave" a reality for numerous teams.  His most famous playoff choke was in game seven of the season three world series when he blew a 3 run lead in the 8th inning for the Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens, costing them the championship.  But he was also responsible for playoff misery for the New York Pride of the Yankees and Florida Shark Waves as well.  He's great in the regular season, just don't give him the ball when it counts.


Most Hated Owner in Cobbfather History
--pieo:  This one isn't even close.  pieo was the only owner in league history to be ejected, due to his inability to play nice with others and tanking tendencies.  At the center of virtually every controversy in the league that plagued the first two seasons, he drew the ire of pretty much any owner around at the time.
Honorable Mention: krs96 (15 win season 7, etp2021 (Releasing 6+ stud prospects in a fit then abandoning his team), korruptkings (numerous max contracts to old fogies, then leaving after one season)

Biggest Playoff Choker in Cobbfather History
--Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens: One look at their franchise history tells you all you need to know.
Honorable Mention: Richmond Rat Bastids, Kansas City Tweakers, Atlanta Expos

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Season 11 Power Rankings - 51 games


TeamRecordLastSince Last





1Atlanta Expos35-16117-9
2Cheyenne Chiefs36-15821-5
3Houston Space Cowboys35-161019-7
4Honolulu Haoles36-15419-7
5Durham Radicals36-151422-4
6Richmond Rat Bastids32-19316-10
7Rochester Rolling Rocks34-17518-8
8Ottawa Renegades29-221817-9
9Los Angeles Penguins27-24613-13
10Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens27-241916-10
11Charleston Chew28-23211-15
12Minnesota Modern Gentlemen28-23712-14
13Dover Diamond Dogs24-271212-14
14Madison Marauders27-242417-9
15Little Rock Lewinskys25-26910-16
16Arizona Hammer'd Leprechauns25-261110-16
17Boston Massacre25-262314-12
18New York Pride of the Yankees24-271311-15
19Hartford Huskies25-261511-15
20Fargo Fighters22-292512-14
21Austin Rock Stars24-273116-10
22New York Primetimers23-282112-14
23Cincinnati Red Stockings21-30168-18
24Kansas City Tweakers20-312010-16
25Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves22-292211-15
26Jackson Rockets21-302611-15
27St. Louis Beermen21-30178-18
28Syracuse Sycophants22-292713-13
29Buffalo Bisons22-292813-13
30Helena Handbasket17-342910-16
31Vancouver Canadians12-39304-22
32Nashville Mayhem11-40322-24

Sunday, January 2, 2011

AL North - Top 10 Prospects

Top ten AL North prospects:

1. Ned Meyers, Madison Marauders, A+

Age: 23
Level: A-
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/BAA/Velocity/Groundball pitcher/Three above-average pitches
Weaknesses: None

2. Jaime Lansing, Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves, A

Age: 24
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: 1B
Strengths: AVG/OBP
Weaknesses: None

3. Vladimir Rosario, Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves, B+

Age: 19
Level: A+
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: None

4. Dallas Hill, New York Pride of the Yankees, B+

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: RF
Strengths: AVG/OBP
Weaknesses: Power

5. Roger Wohlers, Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves, B

Age: 20
Level: AA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Velocity/Groundball pitcher/Three above-average pitches
Weaknesses: Power

6. Javier Vega, Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves, B-

Age: 19
Level: AA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: OBP
Weaknesses: Contact

7. Victor Vazquez, Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves, B-

Age: 22
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: None

8. Arthur Stern, Madison Marauders, C+

Age: 19
Level: A-
Expected ML position: C
Strengths: AVG/OBP/SLG
Weaknesses: Durability/Pitch calling

9. Juan Sanchez, Milwaukee Bashing Dwarves, C+

Age: 19
Level: A+
Expected ML position: C
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: Defense

10. Tom Sandberg, New York Pride of the Yankees, C

Age: 22
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Velocity
Weaknesses: Stamina/AVG vs. LHs/Lack of dominant pitches

AL East - Top 10 Prospects

Top ten AL East prospects:

1. Roger Mahay, Durham Radicals, B+

Age: 23
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: Power
Weaknesses: Arm

2. Roscoe Johnson, Hartford Huskies, B-

Age: 23
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: AVG vs. LHP

3. John McCarthy, Hartford Huskies, B-

Age: 24
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: CF
Strengths: Eye
Weaknesses: Contact

4. Felix Wheat, Boston Massacre, B-

Age: 24
Level: AA
Expected ML position: Closer
Strengths: Durability/Control/BAA/
Weaknesses: Lack of dominant pitch/Velocity/Flyball pitcher

5. Hawk Zornes, Boston Massacre, C+

Age: 21
Level: AA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Groundball pitcher
Weaknesses: Velocity

6. Daniel Grove, Hartford Huskies, C+

Age: 10
Level: A+
Expected ML position: SU
Strengths: Velocity/Two dominant pitches/Durability
Weaknesses: BAA vs. RHs

7. Tommy Graves, Hartford Huskies, C

Age: 22
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: Eye

8. Edwin Radlosky, Boston Massacre, C-

Age: 24
Level: AA
Expected ML position: SU
Strengths: Control/Two good pitches
Weaknesses: Durability

9. Endy Prince, Hartford Huskies, D+

Age: 23
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SU
Strengths: Durability/Control
Weaknesses: Velocity/BAA

10. Rafael Miro, Hartford Huskies, D

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: RF
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: AVG/OBP

Saturday, January 1, 2011

AL South - Top 10 Prospects

Top ten AL South prospects:

1. James Haselman, Austin Rock Stars, A+

Age: 23
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Everything except...
Weaknesses: Only three pitches, one of which is not good

2. David Silva, Austin Rock Stars, A

Age: 23
Level: AA
Expected ML position: CF
Strengths: Contact/Range
Weaknesses: None

3. Neifi Gandarillas, St. Louis Beermen, A-

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: Contact/Power
Weaknesses: None

4. Carlos James, St. Louis Beermen, A-

Age: 21
Level: A+
Expected ML position: SS
Strengths: AVG/OBP
Weaknesses: Power

5. Felipe James, Austin Rock Stars, B+

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: Eye/Speed
Weaknesses: Accuracy

6. Dustan Jackson, St. Louis Beermen, B+

Age: 19
Level: A+
Expected ML position: 3B
Strengths: Power/Speed
Weaknesses: Accuracy

7. Mike Worthington, Austin Rock Stars, B+

Age: 22
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: CF
Strengths: Power/AVG vs. LHP/Glove
Weaknesses: Contact

8. Von Rain, St. Louis, Beermen, B

Age: 20
Level: A-
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: BAA vs. RHs
Weaknesses: Control/Flyball pitcher

9. Rafael Mercedes, Richmond Rat Bastids, B-

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: 1B
Strengths: AVG/OBP
Weaknesses: Power

10. Allen Cox, St. Louis Beermen, B-

Age: 20
Level: A-
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: BAA vs. RHs/Groundball pitcher
Weaknesses: Stamina

AL West - Top 10 Prospects

Top ten AL West prospects:

1. Vic Gonzales, Vancouver Canadians, A

Age: 20
Level: A+
Expected ML position: CF
Strengths: Eye/Range
Weaknesses: AVG vs. LHP

2. Sammy Otanez, Vancouver Canadians, A

Age: 21
Level: AA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/BAA vs. LHs
Weaknesses: Velocity/Only one above average pitch

3. Bengie Martinez, Arizona Hammer'd Leprechauns, A-

Age: 22
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/BAA vs. LHs/Groundball pitcher
Weaknesses: Velocity

4. Dioner Ontiveros, Vancouver Canadians, A-

Age: 19
Level: A-
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/BAA vs. RHs/Velocity/Groundball pitcher
Weaknesses: None

5. Jayson Klesko, Vancouver Canadians, A-

Age: 20
Level: A+
Expected ML position: Closer
Strengths: Durability/BAA vs. RHs/Velocity/Dominant sinker
Weaknesses: None

6. Homer Butler, A-

Age: 23
Level: A+
Expected ML position: Closer
Strengths: Durability/BAA vs. RHs/Velocity
Weaknesses: None

7. Vasco Mendoza, Helena Handbasket, B

Age: 21
Level: A+
Expected ML position: SS
Strengths: Range/Glove/Arm/Accuracy
Weaknesses: Contact/Eye

8. Kaito Park, Vancouver Canadians, B

Age: 23
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SS
Strengths: Eye/Range/Glove/Arm
Weaknesses: AVG/OBP

9. Elston Lloyd, Vancouver Canadians, B

Age: 20
Level: A+
Expected ML position: 1B
Strengths: Contact/Power/AVG vs. LHPs/Eye
Weaknesses: Range/Glove/AVG vs. RHP

10. Sawyer Castner, Kansas City Tweakers, B

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/Velocity
Weaknesses: None

NL North - Top 10 Prospects

Top ten NL North prospects:

1. Lewis Peterson, Fargo Fighters, A+

Age: 20
Level: A+
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/BAA vs. RHs/Two dominant pitches
Weaknesses: None

2. Howard Greer, Fargo Fighters, A

Age: 20
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: Power/Speed
Weaknesses: None

3. Sven Abbey, Fargo Fighters, B+

Age: 22
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Control/Velocity
Weaknesses: Only one above average pitch

4. Julian Beltre, Syracuse Sycophants, B-

Age: 22
Level: A+
Expected ML position: 3B
Strengths: Power/Glove/Arm
Weaknesses: Contact

5. Paul Hewson, B-

Age: 20
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: 3B
Strengths: Power
Weaknesses: Contact

6.Edgar Henriquez, Fargo Fighters, B-

Age: 21
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: BAA vs. RHs/Velocity/Three above average pitches
Weaknesses: Control

7. Joakim Martinez, Ottawa Renegades, B-

Age: 20
Level: AA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: BAA vs. LHs
Weaknesses: Flyball pitcher/Only one above average pitch

8. Kyle Gibson, Ottawa Renegades, C+

Age: 20
Level: AA
Expected ML position: SP
Strengths: Velocity
Weaknesses: BAA vs. LHs

9. John Bay, Rochester Rolling Rocks, C-

Age: 20
Level: A-
Expected ML position: LF
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: AVG vs. RHP

10. Reed Wright, Fargo Fighters, D+

Age: 20
Level: AAA
Expected ML position: 1B
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: None