S55 - The demise and rise of Gregor Lopez

 Catherine Trammell - contributing reporter

Future first ballot Hall of Famer Gregor Lopez has signed on to pitch for his 22nd major league season. There are many who do not even get that many Pro years, let alone Major league seasons. Signing for an astounding $480k, his ratings immediately take a two point drop when he realizes his agent didn't tell him it was with another team, only his second team ever. 21 Seasons in Buffalo and he finds himself pitching, mop-up for a rebuilding franchise. Emotionally he feels like a rookie but his body tells him otherwise. With many claiming he's washed up he's met a younger aspiring country singer in Nashville, his new home for the season. Forget the George Lopez show, this new rom-com, The Perfect Catch the series, is coming to the Hallmark channel. Set your DVRs!

The Gazette photographers caught a photo of Lopez warming up during one of the Spring Training games. Let's hope some of those all-time career marks, like #3 ERA, #1 WHIP, #2 Winning %, & #2 OBP allowed stand the test of a rough inning. This could be the sad end to an otherwise fantastic career. 

In other news/rumors around the league:

• 4-time and current back to back NL Fireman of the Year , Ronnie Andrews of the New Orleans Smell is rumored to be demanding new owner SeniorPloppie trade him after being demoted away from the closer role. A 5th Fireman of the Year would tie him with Al Balentien & Jace Sale for most all time and he was looking forward to chasing that record until the previous ownership sold the team.
• After a disappointing second half of the season, post trade to Anaheim; our insider who saw Alan Harris enter a building with big neon signs and no exterior windows, say he is faking the groin injury because he does not want to finish out his contract in Anaheim. His wife is rumored to not be so pleased, pun intended, with the choice of injury either. 
• S54 NL Rookie of the Year Nash Washington landed himself on the 60-day DL due to a shoulder sprain. The hopeful in Tacoma are counting on him regaining form and coming back fresher than ever for the rest of his age 26 season!
• What would a rumor season be without hearing of an Atlanta Expo player being close to be ing traded? If we are correct, this deal will surely shake up the AL if not more than that. 
• The Gazette has heard no more rumors about a possible Omar Gonzales deal. With his new old team currently 0-4 and bottom of the NL West he might be in for another long season. But it's 4 games in, no need to hit the panic button yet. 
• In no surprise the AL North is completely tied up, with every team being 2-2.
• The Chicago Gunslingers are proving they are sticking with the Power plan, and are tied for the lead in HRs with 10; compared to the league average 5. 
• With 42 strike outs in 4 games, Montreal is on pace for 1,701 for the season. If they can keep that up, they'll top the previous best, set by Philly in S48 & 49 by a 250 strikeouts. Odds in Vegas are setting the over/under, make sure you hit up your local bookie. 
• Rumors say the Commissioner is thinking about calling the season short, giving himself an undefeated record and the NL West title. Without some trades, it's about the only way he wins that title and makes the playoffs. 

S55 Predictions

 Jack Torrance - contributing reporter

Skynet ran 1 billion simulations on the league and here are the majority winners. The website FiveThirtyEight confirmed these as the favored to win, and upsets never happen right? Right?

• American League
• AL North: Minnesota North Stars finally overtake Philly for the top of the division after losing last year by a single game. Both teams have a lot of ground to make up before becoming a favorite in the AL but the division battle should be fun to watch. 
• AL East: Atlanta Expos, the division is there's to lose and likely the favorite for the next couple of seasons. 
• AL South: Houston Space Cowboys, Huntington is making a push but they just aren't ready to take over as top of the American League just yet. The medical system in Houston once again proves useful to the team down the stretch run. 
• AL West: Salt Lake City Punk! take the division from Helena after quite a few trades and improvements this off-season. We at the Gazette are drinking the punch, though this is the division we are least confident about. 
• Wildcard: Huntington Tropics & Philadelphia Harpers claim the two wildcard slots, topping New York, Boston, and Colorado Springs as the other three who are in it until the end. Expect another close race to the finish. 
• National League
• NL North: Hartford Rising Stars edges out Chicago for the battle of the best team in the NL. Unfortunately the loser, who might very well have the second best record in the, doesn't end up with a first round bye.
• NL East: Pittsburgh Yinzers' pitching staff holds off both old age, Buffalo Bisons and the rebuilt Columbus Corgis for their second straight division title. 
• NL South: New Orleans Smell repeats for its 5th straight division title but fails to secure the top seed; struggling to manage their pitching staff.
• NL West: Oklahoma City Barons edges out Vancouver and Tokyo. If Vancouver can pick up a front of the rotation, another solid bullpen piece, and a better 3B then they might be favored to win the division. But until then, they will have to settle for watching from home...again. 
• Wildcard: Chicago Gungslingers & Buffalo Bisons. The Bisons continue to find a way to get the job done, edging out the Vancouver Canucks for the final spot. 
• Playoffs
• American League
• Houston and Atlanta once again secure first round byes. Tropics top the Punk! while the Harpers may have lost the division but win the playoffs against the North Stars, advancing to the next round where having a fully rested team, Houston and Atlanta win and once again meet each other for the American League title. 
• National League
• Hartford and New Orleans get the bye with Chicago besting Pittsburgh and OKC topping Buffao. Chicago then New Orleans, and Hartford over OKC; pitting the two division rivals in a fight for the National League title. 
• World Series
• AL (Atlanta) tops the NL (Chicago) in 5 games. 

S55 FA signings & extensions

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The off-season is coming to a close, let's take a look at some of the Type A/B contracts that were signed. But don't get this writer wrong, there is definitely lots of value outside of those Type A/B contracts to be had.

Off-season extensions
Listed by contract length/value

• SP Bruce Choice - San Juan Fudds - 29 - 3/$17.4M 
• Choice, a former diamond in the rough had his worst season every last year, so let's see if he can turn things around. I'd expect something slightly lower than his career numbers of 1.40 WHIP and 4.40 ERA. He might currently be scheduled to be SP1 but he'll be more of a middle of the rotation arm value wise. 
• Grade: B+
• RP Gail Gilmore - OKC Barons - 28 - 3/$17.4M
• He's been a bit all over the boards, anywhere from a 1.99 ERA to a 4.75 ERA in the last three seasons, but such is life of an RP with small sample size. And he has some sweet glasses!
• Grade: B
• SP Santo Estrella - OKC Barons - 28 - 3/$17.4M
• He's improved every year since arriving in OKC, but surely that trend can't continue, right? Has the park playing in his favor, so that's huge for any pitcher. The contract is a good deal, even if he's not a front of the rotation arm. 
• Grade: B+
• RP Don Kruase - Chicago Gunslingers - 34 - 3/$18.9M w/ mutual
• Accepting his option puts him at $8M this season, his age 34 season which means the last $7.3M of his extension will be his age 37 season. Likely could have found a cheaper/younger option had they wanted until FA. 
• Grade: B-
• RP Juan Latos - Milwaukee Metronomes - 26 - 4/$21.6M
• He'll be the team's SuA, and at age 26 he already has 5 years of ML experience. For 16% of the team's payroll, I'd expect better numbers across the board, but maybe he's turned things around. Outside of his rookie season, last year was a career year for him. 
• Grade: B-
• DH Luis Espinosa - Augusta Alcoholics - 26 - 4/$22.4M
• Surprised to see the low budget Augusta spend money on a DH, but outside of a down year last season; he was a .290-.300 hitter with 20ish HRs without giving up too many strikeouts. If he can get back to those numbers, we'll take the $5.6M a season. 
• Grade: B+ 
• RF Pedro Alberro - OKC Barons - 28 - 4/$19.2M
• After arriving in OKC after a trade, he was immediately offered a contract extension. He brings a ton of speed to a team who set the Team single season stolen base record last year. A .275ish average means he's on base more often than not. He also offers a plus defender in RF. 
• Grade: A+
• RP Miguel Castillo - Buffalo Bisons - 30 - 4/$23.2M
• Solid piece to the Bisons bullpen, career 1.21 WHIP and 3.34 ERA. I'd expect another season of that in roughly 70-85 games. 
• Grade: B+
• CF Josias Albaladejo - Houston Space Cowboys - 26 - 5/$30M
• Given what he produced for the Space Cowboys, there's a lot to like about this extension, and at $6M per season, the dollars don't take away too much from building out the rest of the roster and saving money for their other young prospects who still start to get expensive before too long. 
• Grade: A
• RP Steve Etherton - Atlanta Expos - 31 - 5/$30M w/ mutual 
• Key component to the Expos bullpen and he will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. He had a down year last season, S54, but I fully expect him to turn things around and end up back in the low 3s for an ERA and below 1.25 WHIP. 
• Grade: A-
• SP Jim Fien - Philadelphia Harpers - 28 - 5/$36.3M
• A career 1.23 WHIP and 3.61 ERA; he's a middle of the rotation arm, but $7M a year doesn't seem too far fetched, though his contract is a bit confused. Perhaps a closer look at the team's future payroll will make it, make sense. He'll be paid $4.5M in Year 1 & 3, but makes $9.1M in Year 2, 4, & 5. At 28, his age should be fine by Year 5. 
• Grade: B (A+ for creativity in his contract)

Resigned before testing FA.
Listed by contract length/value

• SP Trey Scharein - Hartford Rising Stars - 35 - 1/$5.2M
• Can't argue with bringing back Scharein on a one year deal and at $5.2M. He provides the pitching rotation with a nice back end arm and should compliment Nigel White, Avisail Mujica, and Victor Ortega nicely. The deal takes one of the better starting pitchers off the market.  
• Grade: A-
• RP Brooks Bonilla - Hartford Rising Stars - 32 - 3/$15.6M w/ mutual
• Two seasons ago, Hartford's biggest hole was their bullpen. Thanks to a S54 fire sale trade with Columbus, they added Bonilla and Owens. Thanks to a late injury to Owens, Bonilla was the key to the bullpen in the playoffs. Smart resigning for the team competing for the NL North title. 
• Grade: A
• RP Sherman Hawkins - Chicago Gunslingers - 29 - 5/$19M
• You have to wonder if he got paid after his career year (0.87 WHIP, 1.74 ERA), his previous best was (1.01 WHIP his rookie season and a 3.13 ERA his sophomore season). But still, $3.8M per seems right in line. He received a typical Chicago contract, that is backloaded.
• Grade: B+
• SP Hooks Mateo - Columbus Corgis - 27 - 5/$27M, RP Chris Sinclair - Columbus Corgis - 27 - 5/$29M, CF Gonzalez Liriano - Columbus Corgis - 25 - 5/$29.5M
• You have to chalk this one up to an error, we've all made them. We are grouping them all together because the analysis is about the same. These were the three players the Corgis got in return for Keith Halter last year from the eventual World Series Champions. All three were left off the 40-man and thus elected Free-Agency. Luckily for Columbus they didn't lose their return, but had to sign each player to a 5 year deal. $1.03M for all three combined on minimal rookie contracts sounds better than $17M they will be playing on. But the man has a game plan, so trust the process!
• Grade: F 
• SP Felipe Hernandez - Salem Bourbon Makers - 28 - 5/$45.2M w/ mutual
• The middle three years are $11.3M, with the mutual being a $5M. Might have saved some money if the $5M was shifted to Year 4 and let Year 5 be the higher; but I'm writer and not a money man, so I'm clearly missing something - perhaps it's the payout for the mutual option if its declined. We'll see if Felipe cashed in on his career year or not. 
• Grade: B

Type A's
Listed by contract length/value. Interesting note, only 1 Type A ended up being worth a first round pick, with likely best player in Free Agency being worth the supplementary pick + a 4th rounder due to tie breakers. 

• Dylan Leroux (RP) - Tokyo Nomo - 36 - 1/$2.6M
• This signing is a bit amusing for a few reasons. 1. Tokyo played so bad last year they have a protected pick (#9), they signed three other Type A Free Agents this off-season, this one by far being the worst of the group yet with this signing, Mexico City nabs Tokyo's 2nd round pick. Even more interesting when you considering it pushed the draft comp for players like JO Avila and the biggest signing of the FA season, Omar Gonzales to later rounds. But enough about how the signing effect things, Leroux will be lucky to be a SuB on most teams with a 5.00+ ERA. The Gazette is now looking into if the owners of Tokyo and Mexico City are somehow related. At that draft comp, they could have waited until a day before the season to sign him for much cheaper. 
• Grade: C-
• Trent Law (RP) - Tokyo Nomo - 34 - 1/$4.8M
• Another interesting by Tokyo and fun to a second Type A sign for a 1 year deal, but when some teams are all in and not focused on drafts; it makes sense because they likely don't have the scouting anyway. With this deal, draft pick comp for Avila and Gonzales shift yet another round. During Spring Training, Law has been starting; but we'll see if he stays there or back to the bullpen where he's made 142 appearances the last two seasons. Likely could have waited and saved $1.5-2M.
• Grade: C+
• Felipe Vargas (RF) - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates - 30 - 2/$4.4M
• Another late signing and to another protected first round team. It's a cheaper contract, but so is the production outside of last year in Tokyo. Maybe he just likes playing in Japan, or maybe he just doesn't like playing for an American team. I guess we'll see this year. As of this writing, Montreal gives up the #78 pick for him. Could a rebuilding franchise have used that for a bench/role player in the draft? Maybe, just depends on what talent is out there this year. Though it's appreciated that they are making the attempt. Not every owner will do that. 
• Grade: B
• Joshua Reames (SP) - New York Empire - 36 - 2/$7.2M
• Another big budget team not so worried about money. He's hit 200 innings each of the last 2 seasons for Montreal though on year with a 1.33 WHIP and the other a 1.62. In a division with Boston and even more so the power lineup of Atlanta, Reames better have a career year. At $3.6M he's worth the back end money. 
• Grade: B+
• Max Abreu (SP) - Colorado Springs From My Loins - 38 - 2/$13.6M
• It's just a 2 year deal and for another team with a lot of cash laying around, but his age is starting to show. We saw Colorado Springs trade away pitching last year for some hitting, this has to be their chance to recoup some on the pitching side and get their owner back into the playoffs after 3 seasons of watching from the sidelines. If he can put up below 4.00 ERA numbers then this deal is worth it. 
• Grade: B
• Del Alvarez (SP) - New York Empire - 30 - 4/$26
• One of the younger Free Agent starters resigns with their former team, not costing New York a draft pick. Should easily net 32 starts and just hit or just shy of 200 innings. He's a mid to front rotation arm, not quite an ace to lead your staff. Hopefully his S55 doesn't prove to be outlier and becomes more than norm than the previous three seasons before that. 
• Grade: B
• Rico Bonilla (SP) - Chicago Gunslingers - 38 - 4/$44.5M w/ mutual & no trade
• This one will completely depends on how well Bonilla ages. He's been a top starter the last few years pitching in New Orleans and if we see two good years and potential title for Chicago then I'll call this a win. The $12.5M 4th year is a mutual option that Bonilla will surely want to exercise, leaving the owner to pay the buyout for his age 41 season. The no trade shouldn't really matter because Chicago is all in to win it, and by year 3 it's likely nobody will want that contact anyways. We won't have to wait until as this season will likely determine the value of this contract.  
• Grade: B (but somebody was going to pay it)
• J.O. Avila (SS) - Tokyo Nomo - 29 - 5/$39M w/ mutual
• Plus range, arm strength, and even better accuracy just below average glove at Shrotsop, so Tokyo signs him and immediately moves him to CF. Considering the two weak Type A RPs Tokyo signed earlier, you gotta feel for Buffalo who now gets a 4th rounder for losing their Type A shortstop. 
• Grade: A+
• Omar Gonzales (1B) - Tokyo Nomo - 30 - 5/$110M w/ player & no trade
• Omar is back in Tokyo and was almost immediately put on the trade block. Not bad if any of the teams trying to sign him had the prospects but most teams willing to take on that contract are likely short on prospects. It's a lot of money but he's recently taken over as the best 1B in the NL over the aging Alex Tarraga. So Tokyo trades Gonzales for a Omar-lite type player and gets him back the following season. And even worse for Hartford, they receive a 5th rounder for losing their stud 1B. 
• Grade: A+
• Shea Crowe (2B) - Chicago Gunslingers - 30 - 5/$110M w/ player & no trade
• To no surprise the reigning NL MVP signs a max deal and with the home town team. For a team shooting for a title, this is a no-brainer. Had to go all out with many other teams competing. As much as I want to write about the owner eating crow on this contract, just can't do it...maybe his next contract. 
• Grade: A+

Type B's
Listed by contract length/value

• Erasmo Rodriguez (3B) - Tokyo Nomo - 29 - 1/$2.6M
• A Third baseman who hits low teens HR and a .260 average and doesn't walk much, still not bad for the cost. Not much to say about him, he's league average but on a nice salary. 
• Grade: B
• Taylor McKay (P) - Philadelphia Harpers - 39 - 1/$3M
• He dropped a bit this offseason but on a $3M flier we'll see if he can produce his S54 over his S53. Roughly the same innings but in S53 his ERA was over 4 points higher! Philly will be looking for their 6th straight division title, which they only won by 1 game last year. Loser wasn't able to secure a wild card slot either. We think his production will be more in the 4.00-5.00 range but the contract doesn't hurt. 
• Grade: B-
• Niko Reddick (RF) - New York Empire - 31 - 1/$3M
• The lefty platoon signs a low level contract for the big budget Empire. The last few years he's added 25-30 SBs with anywhere from 10-20 HRs and a .280ish average. Considering New York likes to run, I'm sure we'll see a few stolen base highlights from Reddick in the near future. And for $3M, we'll take it and still have room for seconds. 
• Grade: A+
• Billy Hursh (SP) - Helena Hot Dogs - 32 - 1/$3.3M
• After a quick rebuild, Helena took the division last season and in their attempt to repeat they've signed some low risk players to pair with their up and coming stars. This one adds tot he rotation and even a middle of the road, 4.50 ERA will help eat innings in a tough American League. His key will be keeping the ball in the park, something he hasn't done well as a starter. 
• Grade: B+
• Harry Padilla (2B) - Helena Hot Dogs - 36 - 1/$4.5M
• He took a hard drop in power and speed over the off-season, even at the age of 36. Helena loves to run so we'll see how many stolen bases he can get for the Hot Dogs. After many years in the .290-.305 range, he hit a career low, .240 last season. It may have been a down year, but considering the drop in power and speed, I'd expect much the same this coming year. He was still able to nab 30 SBs. We'll keep an eye on him but if his power and speed continue to drop, that $4.5M is going to be 4x Padilla's actual worth. 
• Grade: C+
• Eric Pride (RP) - Dover Hazmats - 36 - 1/$4.8M w/ no trade
• He spent most of his time in AAA last year, but he's getting nearly $5M and a no trade this year so surely he'll spent time with the big club as Dover looks to rebound from a last place in the division finish. Given the production in recent years, the no trade, and how much other relievers have been paid we are the Gazette are not fans of this signing. 
• Grade: F
• Moose Beaulac (SP) - OKC Barons - 39 - 1/$5.2M
• Feels like Moose the Loose could have been signed for much lower if OKC had waited, but that's their game I suppose. He's an aging vet who has spent the last 6 seasons with San Juan being moved all over the pitching staff. Perhaps if he settles back into the starter role, we'll start to see something from him again. But it's not likely the ERA will be below 4, even in the pitcher haven of OKC.
• Grade: C+
• Kris Jenkins (SP) - Augusta Alcoholics - 36 - 2/$3M w/ mutual
• It's hard to believe at one point Jenkins made $5M considering his career ERA is a 5.00 with a 1.42 WHIP. At $1.5M it's not a huge commitment, and while he'll eat innings, he's also never had a winning season. Stay tuned for what pick Augusta has in next season's draft. 
• Grade: C-
• Scooter Nixon (RP) - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates- 28 - 2/$5M
• Scooter the Hooter suits up for the Poutine Plates this season, on an $2.5M per, 2 year deal. He should be considered no more than a SuB; but considering the language barrier speaking French; we suspect it will be a tough season for Nixon. A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits; and this Nixon just keeps on pitching!
• Grade: C
• Bob Stewart (2B) - Philadelphia Harpers - 34 - 2/$5.7M w/ team
• Philly is showing the creativeness with contracts, 70% of this deal is a signing bonus. Meaning if he were traded before the start of the season, the new team would only be responsible for the 2/$1.7M. With extra cash this season, this frees up a lot of money in his Year 2 salary if they choose to exercise it. If he can remain a plus defender in CF it might be worth the low average. With a few more cheesesteaks his weight might balloon past his batting average. 
• Grade: B
• Gorkys Gil (C) - Milwaukee Metronomes - 31 - 2/$7.6M
• Gil is slightly underrated,  he catches roughly 50% of all base runners and calls a decent game, though his pitch framing could use some improvements. He'll bring a .240 bat with limit strikeouts and single digit homeruns. Limiting strikeouts while being a good defensive / sub seems decent value at $3.8M per. 
• Grade: B-
• Harold Eiland (C) - San Juan Fudds - 28 - 2/$8.8M
• He's similar to Gil with a slightly better bat but slightly worse defensively; and less likely to be injured during the season. 
• Grade: B-
• Pierce Denofria (SP) - Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates - 33 - 2/$8.8M
• The last two odd seasons Denorfia has pitched to an under 4.00 ERA, during even seasons he's been above 5.30; it's S55, will the trend continue? If he can eat 180-200 innings on a rebuilding team with less than a 4.50 ERA; I'll consider it a big win. He's on a short term contract valued less than $5M, it seems to be a win. 
• Grade: B-
• Kolton Pujols (SP) - Pittsburgh Yinzers - 34 - 2/$8.8M
• The largest payroll in Cobbfather S55 signs the starter to the same contract Denofria received, but Pujols hasn't nearly put up the same numbers. For a team who won their division, I don't see how Pujols fits unless he's mopping up games and $4.4M is a lot to pay for a mop guy. His WHIP will be above 1.50 and ERA likely above 5.
• Grade: C-
• Felipe Montero (RP) - Tokyo Nomo - 36 - 2/$9.2M w/ mutual & no trade
• At this point I'm surprised Tokyo didn't sign ALL the free agents but Montero is a nice addition to the bullpen and potential closer; saving 70 games out of 81 the last two seasons in Minnesota. The no trade shouldn't matter much on a 2 year deal, especially with the second season being a mutual option; Tokyo will be gunning for the division with all the moves they've made this off-season. 
• Grade: B+
• Andres Caminero (RP) - Anaheim Diablos - 30 - 2/$10M
• $5M per is a lot to pay for a bullpen piece of a rebuilding team who nearly lost 100 games last season, but props to them for spending the money to try and better their major league team instead of saving for International spending like many others. Perhaps Caminero will learn something from Lough. 
• Grade: C
• Juan Sanchez (SP) - Hartford Rising Stars - 36 - 2/$11.2M w/ mutual
• As Hartford continues their playoff push, they look to fill some rotation slots that are now open. The added pitching depth is a must for any time pushing for a title, and that's just what Hartford did here. At $5.6M per, and the being able to cut ties after the first year should be plus.  
• Grade: A-
• Jayson Roof (RP) - Milwaukee Metronomes - 31 - 4/$20 w/ mutual
• The former S52 Fireman of the Year earns himself a $5M per contract with the 4th being a mutual. The Metronomes are backing on a bounce back from last year's miserable season. He blew 10 of his 37 chances but got hit hard, even though he didn't' give up many home runs. If he gets back to form, it may be the piece Milwaukee needs. 
• Grade: B (the risk is worth the reward)
• Valerio Manuel (2B) - Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII - 28 - 4/$21.6M
• Manuel doesn't offer much power, but I've seen bunts go over the outfield fence in Santa Fe. At best he'll be a platoon against righties and defensive specialist around the diamond. He offers quite a bit of speed but that only works if he can get on base. In this free agent market, the contract seems questionable. 
• Grade: C+
• Del Viciedo (SP) - Milwaukee Metronomes - 30 - 4/$22.4 w/ mutual
• Starting pitching was greatly limited this offseason, so snagging a starter for $5.6M already has value, especially one who outside of a bad S52, never pitched above a 3.86 ERA three of the last four seasons. It was just S53 that saw him win 20 games for the Buffalo Bisons. Let's see if he can repeat himself for the Metronomes. 
• Grade: A
• Jimmy Henry (SP) - San Juan Fudds - 33 - 5/$36M w/ mutual
• Pitching is scarce but this is a big commitment to a guy who belongs in the back of a rotation as the 5th or even 6th starter. He'll eat innings and that's what San Juan needs, but the bats better come to the plate for him or it will be yet another losing season for him. 
• Grade: C+

Other Notable Free Agents
Listed by contract length/value

• Deven Aceves (SS) - Helena Hot Dogs - 29 - 1/$1.8M
• Fresh off winning a World Series ring, the Hot Dogs bring on a fantastic defensive glove to come off the bench late in the game, and a steal at under $2M, even better that it's on a one year deal.
• Grade: A+
• Vic Chavez (C/DH/1B) - Helena Hot Dogs - 29 - 1/$3.2M
• The Hot Dogs are apparently picking up former World Series champion NOOFs to their roster this season. Yet another one on a one year deal. Chavez hasn't seen full time at bats since S50, but I assume he's coming off the bench again where he did quite well hitting .280 two of the last three seasons. He'll offer Nunez some rest from the starting catching job as well.
• Grade: B+
• Al Munson (1B) - Minnesota North Stars - 34 - 1/$4.5M
• He's played and found success with Minnesota since S49 where he's stolen no less than 70 bases each of those six seasons. He's your irregular 1B and on a one year deal, he'll look to match or better last year's production of .274 avg with 89 runs and 70 stolen bases. The North Stars likely could have waited a bit on him to keep the cost down a bit.
• Grade: B
• Al Rosario (3B) - Vancouver Canucks - 35 - 2/$7.2M
• Vancouver needed help at the hot corner and they found their man at under $4M. I'd expect much the same the last couple of years, a .250-.270 average with low teens homeruns and similar stolen bases. He's a middle of the road defender so shouldn't cost his starters much in terms of errors and runs. 
• Grade: B
• Thumper Treinen (SS) - Tokyo Nomo - 27 - 2/$8.4M w/ mutual
• Better than average defender who will hit a little better than Aceves. Expect to see him at the bottom of the Nomo's lineup this next season and depending on free agents next year potentially there too. Still young enough that we won't see any drop in talent. 
• Grade: B+
• Sydney Houston (LF) - Tokyo Nomo - 31 - 2/$8.6M w/ mutual
• Where does Tokyo get this money from? Does it grow on trees in Japan? Houston has potential to hit above .300 with low teens home run power but doesn't offer any speed. Mostly a singles hitter but anybody that can move runners has a spot in a lineup. 
• Grade: B+
• Chuck Brinson (1B) - Chicago Gunslingers- 35 - 3/$7.8 w/ team
• Chicago's favorite type of player, a power hitter who lacks fielding skills. With Crowe resigning, it will be interesting to see what Brinson does in the power department; given the drop in power over the off-season we'll curious to see what Brinson looks like come playoff time when it really matters.  The contact the splits are still there, but that 7 point drop in power ratings is going to hurt. Does he go from a 30-40 HR hitter to low 20s? 
• Grade: C+
• Troy Houston (RP) - San Juan Fudds - 35 - 3/$14.2M w/ mutual & no-trade
• Houston's ratings have dropped the last couple of season, but over the off-season seemed to stay close to how he finished the season. He knows the NL South very well, having spent the last three seasons with New Orleans being a key part of their bullpen. It's not big money, but the aging is going to hurt the value of this contract in year 2 and especially 3. Luckily the last is a mutual option; but his no-trade means he's not likely going anywhere anytime soon. 
• Grade: B-
• Al Martinez (1B) - Pittsburgh Yinzers - 34 - 3/$17.6M
• Pittsburgh missed out on Omar Gonzales and Shea Crowe, yet still needed to add a 1B. So they'll have to settle for a three year deal for a 34 year old. The power is starting to drop, but what's next? Outside of an amazing S51, he hasn't done a ton while playing parttime in Chicago. But when you have a window to win the division, you gotta take it!
• Grade: C
• Boone Dowd (RP) - Tacoma Aroma - 32 - 5/$21.3M w/ team
• It's not often you see a team whose lost over 300 games the last three seasons combined extend an offer out to a bullpen arm, especially one whose averaged under 45 games a season the last 4 seasons. At least the team will decide on their own about the final year of the contract; which our guess is will be rejected. Dowd makes good on a fantastic, 35 inning, 0.83 WHIP, 0.26 ERA season in Chicago as one of their SuBs. 
• Grade: C
• Arismendy Butera (1B) - Chicago Gunslingers - 32 - 5/$23M w/ team
• Chicago with another add as they look to defend off against Hartford for the division title. If he can hit in the .290 range; the bats around him in Chicago will be happy! The contract starts off light but the older he gets the higher the cost and likely lower the value he gives in return. We'll see if the current owner is the one to deal with it or not. 
• Grade: B
• Nefi Brogna (SS) - Columbus Corgis - 29 - 5/$33.4M
• It's not an awful deal, but not a great one either. He's still a plus defender but at 29, you have to wonder when the fielding abilities will take a hit. A platoon versus lefties at nearly $6.8M per season seems a bit hefty. Combined with Estrada's contract, the Corgis are paying $13.4M for 162 games at Shortstop. 
• Grade: C+

S55 Time for the Hall

Eli Cash - contributing reporter

Appears to be a smaller list than normal this season, hopefully that means we are weeding through who should and should not be allowed in the Cobbfather Hall of Fame. Let's dive right in....VOTE HERE. 

For the new voters out there, be sure to skim past articles; particularly the primer for a detailed explanation of the three scoring system we use. As a quick reminder, a sure thing for a hitter is 60/130/500, for a starter its 60/130/420 and for a reliever (who doesn't use the Test Score) is 130/250. A little different format this year since this is a unique year, no real new names to add to the list that you can't find from last year's write ups. See Part I (position players) and Part II (pitchers) for reference. The blog is supporting the following players for the Hall in this order. Any five of the six names belong in the Hall, feel free to vote accordingly. 

1. Omar Berroa - 2 votes away from the Hall last year, Berroa is the highest scoring Monitor score that is NOT in the Hall of Fame. 12 seasons of 40+ HR and 13 with 100+ RBI. 6 seasons he hit above .300. 
2. Jace Sale - Our All-time saves leader and by a LARGE margin, by nearly 200 saves. 18 seasons with 30+ saves. 5 Fireman of the Year awards, and only missed All-Star game in 3 of his 18 seasons. Yet another player who feel 2 votes short. 
3. Lee Schlitter - Not every Hall of Famer has to hit bombs but Schlitter was a still a hitter. Only one player has more 200+ seasons, with three others tied for 2nd most. He received 15 votes last season and likely gets in this year.
4. Juan Galvis - His voting is improving but not quite to double digits yet. He won 15+ games in 9 seasons and just shy of 3500 Ks; that's top 10 All-Time, top 5 of those players currently retired. Perhaps the higher than standard WHIP and ERA are holding him back. 
5. Jason Gates - Surpassed 250 Ws, 2700 K, and a .670 winning percentage. First year on the ballot he scored 7 votes, he should see more this year. 
6. Sherman Berkan - 200+ K in 11 of the 16 seasons he played. A career sub 3.00 ERA, 2 time Cy winner and 8 All Star appearances. 

S55 Free Agent Watch

 Jack Torrance - contributing reporter    

Here we are at the halfway mark of free agency with quite a few names having been signed but the big ones are still collecting offers. Below is what's left of payroll, as you can see Tokyo still has enough to offer both Shea Crowe and Omar Gonzales max deals, but even if he will can he sign them both? Chicago is still in the running for Crowe but Hartford will be out on Omar. That tie breaker will likely just come down to the coaches, assuming he reaches the max deal everyone thinks he will. 

• Tokyo
• Has the money to sign both Omar and Crowe to max deals with plenty of wiggle room, but can they do it? What does his hitting and fielding coaches look like, have they been signed? They have the most money, but all it takes is enough room for a max deal to land in the tie breaker for the player. Luckily he won't have to decide which player to chase after first, just throw both contracts out there and hope at least one sticks. 
• Has $52.2M in offers on the table. 
• Columbus
• No longer has the money to max out both players, but definitely has the need for both. It might all come down to the tie breaker of coaches or home squad with Crowe. I'd expect them to make a play for Omar first and if they lose out, shift over to the 2B. 
• Has $22.3M in offers on the table.
• Chicago
• Only has money for one and since they get the hometown discord for Crowe, it's safe to say if they pursue one of them it will be him. Don't be surprised when he resigns for another 5 years in Chicago. I've been wrong before but I'll count them out on Omar. 
• Has $30.4M in offers on the table.
• Pittsburgh
• Given their need for high power hitting, they could use either player and as long as they have max money available, and they do; they'd be in the running for the tie breaker so nobody cares that they have less available than the three above them. I'd suspect Omar over Crowe, but wouldn't be surprised to hear he swings the other way.
• Has $25.2M in offers on the table.
• New York
• Always spending big, could New York get the W and bring home one of the two stud players on the market? If our numbers are right, they have just enough to clear a max deal but he'll have to pick one to chase after first. 
• Has $22.6M in offers on the table. Though rumors say they haven't gone a full 5 years on any deals yet. 
• Augusta, Mexico City, Montreal, Helena
• These teams have the money to sign either, and Helena is the dark house to surprise us; but I'd expect all these teams to be saving for IFA spending later in the season.   

• Another player to watch is Rico Bonilla (38 yr old SP). Best remaining pitcher out there but age isn't on his side. He'll be useful for at least S55 for a team shooting for the playoffs but how many years after that is the question. Keep your eyes peeled for where he lands. 

S55 Tanker's Dream Roster

Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

The Gazette is starting a new series where we build a team based on the current Free Agents.

I present to you the Gazette Tanks. The team will consider it a win if they wind up with the top pick in next year's draft. We tried to pick up players that have a likely hood of being signed, and not just your typical minor league free agent whose demanding a major league contract after all those years twiddling around the lower levels. Also don't want to spend too much, to save that money for IFA spending. 

• Catcher: Larry Darwin 
• Defensive catcher with a 90 PC. His bat says I'm not trying to tank but I call a great game and my pitchers love me. 
• First Base: Jose Pena
• Power bat who mashes lefties but has limited range and not as great versus righties. 
• Second Base: Boomer Cornely
• We don't want anyone complaining about us tanking, so we'll take the high contact bat with speed, who will hit around .250-.270
• Shortstop: Deven Aceves
• Nobody can argue with going all defense for my SS, though if he gets pricey as they seem to be lately, we'll have to go look elsewhere. Perhaps Thumber Treinen, he fits the bill and has a cool name. 
• Third Base: Jandel Mullaney
• 70s splits, 50 contact and power, but lacks eye; so he'll give opposing pitchers a few free outs. 
• Left Field: Dane Castilla
  
• Just 34 and should start the season well, but considering the drops he's had in recent seasons (91 to 79 in power) he adds some power to my roster but hoping he slows down as the season goes. He'll show that I'm willing to spend money as well; as painful as it is for my IFA pocketbook. 
• Center Field: Dayan Nieves
• Aging, who had a really down year, let's hope for a rebound...but not too much as it defeats the purpose. Middle of the road defender. 
• Right Field: Geovany Rios
• Another power bat if I can get him cheap enough. But everything with him relies on the power. He won't set any strikeout records but he might come close. 
• Starting Pitcher: Joshua Reames
• Ate 400 innings the past two seasons combined with ERAs of 5.55 and 4.37; just the type of guy I need. Isn't completely awful but should see lots of innings. 
• Middle Reliever: Trent Law
• Not as great as he reads on paper, will give up his share of HRs closing out games but shows some strikeout power too. 

Next is the Gazette Winners, they will change the Pittsburgh Yinzers for overall payroll, money is no object with this team. Let's hope they don't end up like the New York Mets. 

• Catcher: Larry Darwin
• In a twist, they are going with the same catcher as the Tanks but for different but the same reasons. Somewhat decent bat and adds defense and pitch calling for what will likely be a weak pitching staff. 
• First Base: Omar Gonzales
• The real S54 NL MVP, will by the #3 hitter without a doubt.
• Second Base: Shea Crowe
• One of the best bats on market and S54 NL MVP*. Quality bat at a much needed defensive position. 
• Shortstop: Nefi Brogna (vL) / D'Angelo Estrada (vR)
•  Going for the splits here, and will use the other as a defensive replacement late in games.
• Third Base: Al Rosario
• Not a ton of good options, but he'll get the job done. Not much speed, not much power; but hopefully gets on base enough. 
• Left Field: Sidney  Houston
  
• After moving all over the place last season, let's find this guy a home. 
• Center Field: Joey Kubitza
• Listed as a SS, but we'll shift him over to CF where I think he'll play better positionally. 
• Right Field: Denny Hill
• All RF FAs considered, he has a good eye and provides more power. With limited speed on this team, we might move the walls in and let this be a hitter's park the next season. 
• Starting Pitcher: Rico Bonilla (L) / Max Abreu (R)
• Two headed monster, we'll hope their ages don't catch up to them this year and they lead us into the post-season. 
• Middle Reliever: Ted Torres (L) / Jayson Roof (R)
• Almost went Troy Houston but that's enough old guys with our starts. Going younger and hoping Jayson Roof recaptures his Fireman of the Year form. Torres isn't a great option, but not many lefty bullpen pieces on the market. Thought about Ron Streenstra but he's kinda old too. Old guys, yuck...am I right Houston?

Let's see where all these guys land, or even if they all get contracts. Good luck with Free Agency!

S55 - Bills update

 Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

It's only been a few days, but let's check in on those payrolls and budgets. We've hit the last day of Arbitration and moving towards Free Agency. Our top 5 big spenders are:

• New Orleans Smell - $122.3M
• Pittsburgh Yinzers - $110.6M
• San Juan Fudds - $106M
• Santa Fe Surf Riders VIII - $101.3M
• Oklahoma City Barons - $99M

Yup, that's 3 of the 4 NL South teams within the top 4 of that list. Austin, the 4th member of the division, ranks in at 7th highest. Our bottom 5 spenders include:

• Tokyo Nomo - $17.6M (Saving money to rewrite the Mr. Roboto song to: Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto, nomo, nomo)
• Tacoma Aroma - $20.5M (I can smell the IFA spending now)
• Mexico City Staring Frogs - $21.5M (DNA testing to recreate dinosaurs. YES!)
• Augusta Alcoholics - $22.3M (no comment on what they are saving for)
• Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates - $27.6M (must be saving money to improve their recipe)

Here's a look at the payrolls post-arbitration, listed by current payroll. Includes budget space remaining and how much they have remaining for payroll. Could be spent on free agents / IFAs / slush funds / ponzi schemes / Tim Horton's donuts; we know which one Vancouver will be spending on. 

Meet the Owner - ChillyWilly1

New owner interview hosted by Commissioner Daubs.

Q: Tell us about ChillyWilly1. What is he like? What does he do in his spare time when not obsessing over your rosters?

A: ChillyWilly has just become an unexpected father/guardian of a 9 month old girl. My sister just recently passed away from Cancer at age 21. I took over guardianship of her daughter as my family did not want anything to do with mixed race children. I worked in a Penguin Emporium up until this happened. Hence how I got nicknamed ChillyWilly . My name is William and I hate cold weather.

Q: So you're newer to HBD, but seem to have jumped feet first with a few teams. What do you enjoy the most about the game? Besides the commissioner reaching out to recruit you, what intrigued you about joining Cobbfather?
(COMMISH NOTE - Commissioner only answered a site mail and barely even recruited ChillyWilly)

A: I watched the chat board for a few weeks before inquiring about a team. I want to find a world that is stable and there is even parity to get the chance to learn and watch how all owners build and run their teams. What I enjoy most about the game (certainly not coach hiring) is learning that there is much more to players than just their ratings. I am learning more daily on how things work and how to utilize certain players now.

Q: What is your favorite part about building a franchise? Do you try to make a lot of trades? Would you rather build through the draft or IFA? Or just buy a team like Steinbrenner used to do?

A: My theory is to try and get my ML team set from the first season. I will trade and snatch players off the free agent market all the time. I feel if I can get the ML team set than the next few seasons I can build the minor league system up. I have not dabbled in the IFA market yet as I have a hard time losing 50% of the money when it is transferred over. I feel I can use that money to sign cheap free agents and build my team more. I know the IFA'S can be great players but I also know how competitive the market can be.

Q: Of your current roster, who do you like most? Promise they will never read these articles? What about prospects? Who are you looking forward to the ML team in the next couple of seasons?

A: I really have not got attached or fell in love with anyone on the ML roster as of yet. Maybe when trades settle and the free agent period is over it will be more clear. 2 prospects that really catch my eye are Edgmer Romero(AAA) who looks like he could be a lights out closer. Doc Hooker(High A) this guy has 2 professional jobs. He is a Doc and a Hooker :) He looks pretty decent as well but how could you not like his name.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season? Are you looking to push for the playoffs? Or do you expect to rebuild for a couple of seasons?

A: My goal is the same for every season. I try and put the best team on the field to compete. I do not try to lose games for better draft picks. I never have totally rebuilt a franchise yet. I have take a team from 64 wins in another world to 102 in my first season. Went to the series (and lost) my first season of HBD. That actually made it worse as now I got the pennant fever in my blood.

(COMMISH NOTE - No one likes a bragger about making a World Series in their first season...)

Q: Since you've only been in the league for a few days, this may be tough to answer but what has been your favorite aspect(s) of Cobbfather so far?

A: My favorite part of Cobbfather so far is the way owners seem to care about the world and the integrity of it. I also dig the blog. The first world I have been in that one was active.

Q: What advice would you give a new owner in HBD? Besides making sure to ignore most conversations with the Commissioner of Cobbfather?

A: My advice for new owners is to be patient and do not feel like you have to trade like crazy when you take over a team. Players will perform better in certain ballparks and in certain situations. There is more to look at than just an overall rating. If you can get through coach hiring than you did good :)

Q: Any final thoughts going into the Season?

A: I am glad to have the chance to be apart of this world. I hope in the future to be better owner and player than I am today. I want to learn and watch the veterans play the game in this world to get some ideas from them for the future.

S55 Root of All Evil

  Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

If your money is green, then you have $185M to spend. If your money is every color of the rainbow, looking at you Canada, then do your own conversions. After paying off officials to get rid of the former New Orleans Old Fashioneds owner, some of you might have a little less. Budget carefully or you might be left with millions upon millions upon millions unspent. Kind of like Atlanta, Mexico City, Washington DC, and Minnesota last season. Will anyone top last year's $129M spent by New York on their payroll or the $40M spent on prospects by Augusta? Here's a look at the payrolls pre-arbitration (listed by budget remaining - pre trades, FA signings, extensions). Lots of available money out there, but I'd expect quite a few teams to contribute some towards international signings once they start appearing. Surprised to see our Commish didn't spend $185M on Tim Horton's donuts and coffee, maybe he's finally learning. 

In an interesting note, prospect spending appears to be a will and will not. Only 9 of our 32 teams have anything other than Min/Max prospect budgets. With 11 each going $20M and 11 going $6M. We'll track spending as the season progresses. 

S55 Franchise Wins

 Jack Torrance - contributing reporter

Over the course of 54 seasons our franchises have played 8,748 games, making a .500 record 4,374 wins. How does your franchise stack up, does it have a history of winning or constantly rebuilding? Sometimes it just takes the right dedicated owner to get things turned around. Of the top three teams, Atlanta has been in the league the least - yet this is still his 51st season. 

1. Houston - 4968
2. Buffalo - 4831
3. Atlanta - 4780
4. Santa Fe - 4612
5. New Orleans - 4571
6. Oklahoma City - 4504
7. Boston - 4503
8. Salt Lake City - 4493
9. New York - 4489
10. Chicago - 4480
11. Nashville - 4471
12. Colorado Springs - 4443
13. Pittsburgh - 4401
14. Minnesota - 4361
15. Columbus - 4356
16. Hartford - 4339
17. Salem - 4305
18. Vancouver - 4295
19. Washington DC - 4291
20. Milwaukee - 4282
21. Philadelphia - 4277
22. Tokyo - 4270
23. Austin - 4264
24. Mexico City - 4243
25. Anaheim - 4238
26. Dover - 4221
27. Helena - 4185
28. Montreal - 4181
29. San Juan - 4162
30. Augusta - 4086
31. Huntington - 4055
32. Tacoma - 4011 

S55 Cobbfather Baseball Classic

 Jack Torrance - contributing reporter

Decided to run our own baseball classic, but perhaps we'll do it every 5 years, so S60 will be the next time; assuming we remember. Let's see how well you know the players in our league, who do you think wins a tournament with these teams? Team USA is definitely scoring runs and lead by back to back Cy Young winner, Nigel White; not many teams are going to score much against them either. We tried our best to find three starters and two bullpen pieces to round out the rosters. Unfortunately there's not enough talent to go around (something the Commish is used to hearing), so positions that have been left blank are because there are no ML or top prospects to be listed there; just imagine yourself playing for the team. 

Team USA

• Catcher: Kyle Crain (Atl)
• First Base: Keith Halter (NO)
• Second Base: Matty Moss (Atl)
• Shortstop: Bruce Sager (Har)
• Third Base: Rip Bromberg (Pitt)
• Left Field: Juancito Martin (NO)
  
• Center Field: Bey Combs (SJ)
• Right Field: Johnnie Daniels (Atl)
• Starting Rotation: Nigel White (Har), Alton Drew (Chi), Roger Simon (Hun)
• Bullpen: Ronnie Andrews (NO), Joshua Lough (Ana)

Team Japan

• Catcher: Naoto Sakamoto (Van)
• First Base: Wei-Yin Wan (Hun)
• Second Base: Damion Ni (Hun)
• Shortstop: Christian Seung (SJ)
• Third Base: Mark Yang (Salem)
• Left Field: James Kondou (NO)
  
• Center Field: Dicky Chang (Salem)
• Right Field: Hideki Gao (Aus)
• Starting Rotation: Tony Lim (CSP), Frank Kim (Min), Akinori Cho (Hel)
• Bullpen: Don Kawakami (Phi), Dante Zhang (Tac)

Team Mexico

• Catcher: 
• First Base: Omar Gonzales (FA)
• Second Base: 
• Shortstop: Felipe Carrera (NO)
• Third Base: Jhonny Rijo (Chi)
• Left Field:
  
• Center Field: Stolmy Samuel (Aug) Rookie
• Right Field: Vic Nova (CSP)
• Starting Rotation: Victor Ortega (Har)
• Bullpen: Juan Latos (Mil), Edgmer Romero (Nas)

Team Dominican Republic

• Catcher: Yuniesky Tavarez (Ana)
• First Base: Alex Tarraga (Buf)
• Second Base: Al Cervantes (Phi)
• Shortstop: Yohan Nova (Hou)
• Third Base: Rafael Rodriguez (OKC)
• Left Field: Yoervis Colome (NY)
  
• Center Field: Julio Pascual (Pit)
• Right Field: Carlos Soto (Hou)
• Starting Rotation: Arismendy Costilla (CSP), Fausto Cruz (Hun), Pedro Puello (OKC)
• Bullpen: Alcides Johnson (Atl) -  AA, Del Alvarez (FA)

Team Cuba

• Catcher: Felipe Teheran (CLB)
• First Base: Esmil Polanco (Atl)
• Second Base: Damaso Ordonez (Ana)
• Shortstop: J.O. Avila (FA)
• Third Base: Leonel Martinez (Har)
• Left Field: Noe Lecuona (Har)
  
• Center Field: Anibal Castillo (Hou)
• Right Field: Al Perez (Dov)
• Starting Rotation: Rico Estrada (Van), 
• Bullpen: Rolando Lee (Min), 

Team Venezuela 

• Catcher: Braulio Guardado (Buf)
• First Base: Al Martinez (Chi)
• Second Base: Jimmie Navarro (Atl)
• Shortstop: Max Hernandez (NO)
• Third Base: Nefi Sierra (OKC)
• Left Field: Vic Altuve (Buf)
  
• Center Field: Yan Ozuna (NO)
• Right Field: Josias Albaladejo (Hou)
• Starting Rotation: Damaso Ethier (Atl), Midre Benavente (OKC), Tomas Benitez (Hel)
• Bullpen: Radhames Machado (NY), Marcos Owen (Har)

Team World (Not enough players in our league)

• Catcher: Norichika Zhou (Pit) Korea
• First Base: Louie Weiss (Hun) United Kingdom - AAA
• Second Base: Javier Quevedo (NO) Panama
• Shortstop: Vin Pirela (Phi) Panama
• Third Base: Bernie Mendez (Buf) Panama
• Left Field: Leury Barcelo (DC) Virgin Islands
  
• Center Field: Livan Pascual (Bos) Aruba
• Right Field: Vance DeSclafani (Min) Australia
• Starting Rotation: Quilvio Infante (Atl) Aruba, Pedro Bazardo (Tac) Panama, Luigi Ortiz (Hou) Curacao
• Bullpen: Brandon Daniels (Hou) France, Dilson Melendez (Chi) Aruba, William Martin (NO) Korea

Meet the Owner - SeniorPloppie

 Catherine Trammell - Contributing Reporter

Catherine Trammell: Good morning Cobbfather faithful! It's interview time again, but this sit down is with a former Cobbfather owner, SeniorPloppie who has somehow found his way into ownership of the defending world series champions. If the stories are true, previous owner and our editor-in-chief minihouston ran up HUGE debts on Bourbon Street to a local "bar" owner. After some digging, we've discovered that bar owner is good friends with SeniorPloppie. The sale was quick and the debt seems to have been erased. For now the team will remain in New Orleans but renamed after their new owner to...drumroll please....the Smell. Having sat in on meetings with him before, I can confirm SeniorPloppie does indeed smell like a mixture of cats and moth balls. Mr Ploppie welcome, you owned the now Hartford Rising Stars from season 44-47 before making a quick sell and purchasing the 6 time AL South division champ (now Mexico City Staring Frogs) from sermonauthor for seasons 48-52. After just a few seasons you sold the team to current owner dakar. Let's start with telling us why are you back in Cobbfather? Do you have anything to prove? 

SeniorPloppie: I have already proven that I am bad at this game. One title over 100 seasons, is really bad. Why did I come back? I always do! Glutton for punishment. 

CT: Might have to nickname you boomerang. Each of those teams you owned had middling budgets. We know by the way the blog's budget is ran, minihouston had a firm grasp on current and future budgets. But just because it was his plan, doesn't mean it's going to be yours. What can we expect from you as an owner this season? 

SP: I expect the former owner to be greatly disappointed by his former team's demise.

CT: No doubt that will be the case, but his own fault for getting himself into debt that size! Lucky for me, his paychecks aren't bouncing. This team is completely different than the previous division champs you took over in the AL South, does taking over the World Series champions make you nervous? What would you consider a failed season for the New Orleans Old Fashioneds....Smell? The fans are clamoring for another World Series run and either a rematch with the Atlanta Expos or a Swamp Series with the Houston Space Cowboys. 

SP: It's a fake baseball game, utilizing created players. If this makes me nervous I'm in trouble. I'm old. There is enough in my life to worry about. Like...is that ONLY a fart?

CT: Never trust a fart! Your best season record is 109-53, your new team has never won less than 102 games the last 4 seasons, twice winning 114; do you think you'll at least top your previous best with the new team? With a 7-12 post record, New Orleans fans have to be a bit nervous. 

SP: Over the last 15 years of playing this game, I have a winning percentage in the .500 range. That's what I expect to get as a minimum. The rest is gravy. Hmmm gravy. 

CT: Gravy....Farts, you're making me a bit nervous. Surely this team would win at least 90; anything less I'll have to look into the team tanking. Did you ever imagine your Trenton Reznors (Hartford Rising Stars) would go from a $73M payroll and third in the division to the $79M payroll and NL powerhouse they are today? 

SP: Trenton, they just needed an owner who knew what he is doing. As far as competition, I'm in competition with myself. Can I finally, not screw up a talented team. Those who know me from Cobb, know what I'm talking about. 

CT: Well best of luck to you continuing with a strong team. It doesn't look like there's much action really need to keep pushing the team forward. Are you surprised to see your old El Paso team (Mexico City Staring Frogs) still rebuilding? 

SP: I'm not surprised that they are still in a rebuild, because there was nothing in the minors. The owner, prior to me, signed very few of his draft picks. There were very few prospects in the minors when I left. Finishing .500 gets you bad draft positions. 

CT: That makes sense, it seems the team is finally moving in the right direction. Do you consider any of your inherited players untouchable, if so who? 

SP: Anybody who has played this game with me know that no one is untouchable. Cobb and Cobbfather Hall of Famers are full of players I've traded. 

CT: Perhaps Dizzy Leonard will come out of retirement to play for and be traded by you, if it helps him get into the Hall. Is there a player you will look to move and are excited about the return he may get you? 

SP: There is only one trade I would make to improve this team. The owner. 

CT: Rumor has it, he doesn't carry much trade value. How will you leave your mark on the team? 

SP: I leave marks everywhere I go. See previous answer. 

CT: Considering you seem like a type who trusts farts, you definitely leave marks everywhere. Thoughts on your division?

SP: My team's prior owner totally trashed talked the teams in my division. I believe that anyone can win our division. (good cop, bad cop)

CT: I believe he said all it took was a .500 win team to win the division. There you are folks, another "new" owner in the books. Good luck SeniorPloppie, don't mess this one up! 

Editor Note: I can neither confirm nor deny the debt allegations at this time, but I would like to make amends with the Houston Space Cowboys owner and will make sure Skynet treats them properly moving forward. Go NOOFs!