Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network.
Leon and Shenaynay back here with your NL West Season 3 preview. Let's get down and dirty, and right to it.
NL WEST
4. Cheyenne Chiefs
Last Season: 75-87
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: sees a house being torn down by fierce storms. The storm subsides and rebuilding has begun.
Gazette says: New owner friarcynric seems to be going into rebuilding mode engaging in several trades this offseason to strengthen the base of the team’s prospects, while sacrificing some ML level talent. We expect this to be a rebuilding year for the Chiefs, while they load up on prospects and IFA’s
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 52-110, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 160-1
3. Boise Super Spuds
Last Season 70-92
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a battered warrior climbing out of a bottomless pit. The warrior starts to see light and rejoices!
Gazette says: The Spuds should be more rested for their games this year giving up the swanky night life of Vegas for the serene mountain life in Boise. That’s good enough to get them out of the division cellar. We would recommend turning AI off, however.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 73-89, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 75-1
2. Honolulu Haoles
Last Season: 84-78
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a festive luau where all are relaxed and enjoying themselves in glee
Gazette says: lefty32 continues to build upon a solid franchise that has been successful the past two seasons. Lead by a solid offense, the pitching needs to improve before they can contend for the division title.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 87-75, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 30-1
1. Sacramento Fighting Cornish Hens
Last Season: 99-63
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a king on his throne, being loudly praised by his loyal subjects
Gazette says: look for Sacramento to keep a firm hold on the NL West. Their offense is phenomenal and their pitching is rock solid. Chalk up another dominant season, and another division title for the Fighting Hens.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 105-57, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 9-2
UP NEXT: AL SOUTH
Friday, November 14, 2008
Season 3 Preview - AL West
Leon Jackson - Cobbfather Post Gazette w/ special correspondent Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends network.
It's time for your in-depth season preview for Cobbfather Season 3. Not only will you get analysis from the Gazette, but you'll get sound predicitions from world reknown psychic Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends Network. We've got a lot of ground to cover, so let's get right into running down the AL West.
AL WEST
4. Kansas City Tweakers
Last Season: 58-104
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: is dark and cloudy, with a light shining in the distance.
Gazette says: The former Colorado Beer Bashers, now under new ownership, will be a rebuilding project for a few seasons. Getting out of Colorado was a good first step in the rebuilding process. Look for new ownership to continue tweaking the team, to turn the franchise around.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 60-102, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 150-1
3. San Diego Burgundy
Last Season: 62-100
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows the winds of change blowing rapidly through the forest swaying branches from left to right.
Gazette says: San Diego has its 3rd owner in 3 seasons, and its biggest need is stability and direction. It will be another year of transition for San Diego, as they continue to seek out their identity.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 65-97, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 125-1
2. Arizona Archaeologists
Last Season: 73-89
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a nomad in the dry, hot desert, slowly approaching the oasis.
Gazette says: The franchise’s ML record has improved each season, and we see this franchise continuing to make strides this season under new ownership. Arizona isn’t spectacular, but they don’t have any glaring weaknesses either.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 80-82, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 40-1
1. Oakland Brusiers
Last Season: 87-75
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a warrior standing on top of a mountain, warding off his foes
Gazette says: Oakland won the division the last two seasons under the previous ownership, and we don’t see it changing this season. Oakland has the best offense in the division, and good enough pitching to hold the rest of the divison off.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 90-72, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1
UP NEXT: AL SOUTH
It's time for your in-depth season preview for Cobbfather Season 3. Not only will you get analysis from the Gazette, but you'll get sound predicitions from world reknown psychic Shenaynay from the Psychic Friends Network. We've got a lot of ground to cover, so let's get right into running down the AL West.
AL WEST
4. Kansas City Tweakers
Last Season: 58-104
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: is dark and cloudy, with a light shining in the distance.
Gazette says: The former Colorado Beer Bashers, now under new ownership, will be a rebuilding project for a few seasons. Getting out of Colorado was a good first step in the rebuilding process. Look for new ownership to continue tweaking the team, to turn the franchise around.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 60-102, 4th place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 150-1
3. San Diego Burgundy
Last Season: 62-100
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows the winds of change blowing rapidly through the forest swaying branches from left to right.
Gazette says: San Diego has its 3rd owner in 3 seasons, and its biggest need is stability and direction. It will be another year of transition for San Diego, as they continue to seek out their identity.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 65-97, 3rd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 125-1
2. Arizona Archaeologists
Last Season: 73-89
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a nomad in the dry, hot desert, slowly approaching the oasis.
Gazette says: The franchise’s ML record has improved each season, and we see this franchise continuing to make strides this season under new ownership. Arizona isn’t spectacular, but they don’t have any glaring weaknesses either.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 80-82, 2nd place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 40-1
1. Oakland Brusiers
Last Season: 87-75
Shenaynay’s crystal ball: shows a warrior standing on top of a mountain, warding off his foes
Gazette says: Oakland won the division the last two seasons under the previous ownership, and we don’t see it changing this season. Oakland has the best offense in the division, and good enough pitching to hold the rest of the divison off.
Psychic Friends Network prediction: 90-72, 1st place
Vegas Odds to win it all: 10-1
UP NEXT: AL SOUTH
Monday, November 10, 2008
Cobbfather Season 3 Offseason Free Agency Review
World B. Free - Cobbfather Post Gazette
The Offseason Free Agent Frenzy is complete for Cobbfather season 3, and of course the Gazette has something to say about it. Let's get into to reviewing the type A Free Agent signings
Contract: 4 years, 26 million
The Rat Bastids signed the 31 year old sharp fielding shortstop this offseason. He should be able to maintain his trusty fielding skills through the 4-year deal. Paulson hasn't had a great deal of success with the bat in Cobbfather to date, but his ratings show there may be upside for some slight improvement at the plate. For any other team, it may be questionable whether the signing was worth giving up a first rounder; however, with ploppie's tendencies for poor drafts, may as well go for it.
Gazette conclusion: thumbs up - I'd say the price was right for Paulson, and it's not like the Bastids were going to put the pick lost to good use any way!
Contract: 4 years, 30 million
Syracuse landed the hard-hitting former all star, with a solid glove. With deteriorating range, it's uncertain how many more seasons Concepcion can man CF or 2nd base, but his strong bat will still be a plus to the lineup, no matter what position he plays. Tremendous batting eye and contact, plus solid power and splits, makes Concepcion a force to be reckoned with, having upside to even top the numbers from seasons 1 and 2.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, great signing, his bat will boost Syracuse's lineup
Contract: 3 years, 40 million
Aguilar is a nice arm, and is a major innings eater with superior control, and a great curveball. His splits are mediocre, but he has shown he can have success in the league, despite the average splits, although he did have a slight fall off last season from his all-star season one. Nonetheless, the 33 year old should be a staple in the Memphis rotation for the next three years.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle - Aguilar is a great signing, but the price was very costly, and may limit Memphis from making other signings over the next few seasons.
Contract: 4 years, 29 million
Memphis added a second big contract pitcher in Curtis Strickland, a 33 year old innings eater, with nice splits and 5 good pitches. Being such a workhorse, it's like Strickland can be a starter for the entire length of the contract. His one downside is shaky control. His .269 opponents average the past two seasons isn't bad, but add in all of the walks, and it's a bit troublesome. Still, when on he should be able to go extremely deep into games, and eat up a lot of innings.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs slightly down. Memphis only had to give up a 2nd rounder to get him, so it's not a terrible signing. Still, I don't think Strickland is worthy of a type A free agent and if I got two picks for him, I'd be ecstatic. He has some good qualities, but it remains to be seen whether they can overcome his shaky control.
Contract: 1 year, 6.06 million
Boise inked the 33-year old to a one year deal, and he should prove to be an asset in the field. He has decent range, a great glove, and a nice arm with stellar accuracy. He'd be solid at 2B or CF, and possibly could be a backup a shortstop, if needed. He's also a tremendous baserunner succeeding on 110 of 118 stolen base attempts the last two seasons. He hasn't gotten it done at the plate batting wise, but decent ratings across the board show there is upside for improvement.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, the price is right, and with a one year contract, if he doesn't work out, they can cut him loose, and maybe someone else will pick him up and Boise gets their picks back.
Contract: 3 years, 15.6 million
Savage is 34-year old crafty reliever, with a great sinker and change, and excellent control. Also has a great RH split, and LH split is good enough. After an all-star season 1, he had a rough season 2 and ended up losing his closer's role. Whether or not Savage closes for Monterrey, he should be solid, and boost the bullpen. With his great durability and solid stamina for a reliver, he should be a great asset to the bullpen throughout his 3 year contract.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle, leaning slightly up. Monterrey had to give up their first round pick to get Savage, which was a steep price, but if he can return to season 1 form, he'll be well worth it.
BEST OF THE TYPE B FREE AGENTS
Here's some Type B free agents we liked:
Dom Lazzeri - Syracuse - solid all around, can start or be a great long reliever.
Denny Chiba - Memphis - nice power bat, and can hold his own at 3rd base
Ralph Michaels - Monterrey - solid reliver, great pickup for the price
Jonathan Nicholson - Chicago - another nice reliever, good value
Charles Neal - Philadelphia - good guy to have for a 4th or 5th starter
Manuel Bravo - Syracuse - another good value starting pitcher, who would be a good enough 4th or 5th starter
That's it for the Free Agency review, hope you enjoyed it - we'll be back soon with a season 3 preview and predictions!
The Offseason Free Agent Frenzy is complete for Cobbfather season 3, and of course the Gazette has something to say about it. Let's get into to reviewing the type A Free Agent signings
 |
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Contract: 4 years, 26 million
The Rat Bastids signed the 31 year old sharp fielding shortstop this offseason. He should be able to maintain his trusty fielding skills through the 4-year deal. Paulson hasn't had a great deal of success with the bat in Cobbfather to date, but his ratings show there may be upside for some slight improvement at the plate. For any other team, it may be questionable whether the signing was worth giving up a first rounder; however, with ploppie's tendencies for poor drafts, may as well go for it.
Gazette conclusion: thumbs up - I'd say the price was right for Paulson, and it's not like the Bastids were going to put the pick lost to good use any way!
 |
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Contract: 4 years, 30 million
Syracuse landed the hard-hitting former all star, with a solid glove. With deteriorating range, it's uncertain how many more seasons Concepcion can man CF or 2nd base, but his strong bat will still be a plus to the lineup, no matter what position he plays. Tremendous batting eye and contact, plus solid power and splits, makes Concepcion a force to be reckoned with, having upside to even top the numbers from seasons 1 and 2.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, great signing, his bat will boost Syracuse's lineup
 |
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Contract: 3 years, 40 million
Aguilar is a nice arm, and is a major innings eater with superior control, and a great curveball. His splits are mediocre, but he has shown he can have success in the league, despite the average splits, although he did have a slight fall off last season from his all-star season one. Nonetheless, the 33 year old should be a staple in the Memphis rotation for the next three years.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle - Aguilar is a great signing, but the price was very costly, and may limit Memphis from making other signings over the next few seasons.
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Contract: 4 years, 29 million
Memphis added a second big contract pitcher in Curtis Strickland, a 33 year old innings eater, with nice splits and 5 good pitches. Being such a workhorse, it's like Strickland can be a starter for the entire length of the contract. His one downside is shaky control. His .269 opponents average the past two seasons isn't bad, but add in all of the walks, and it's a bit troublesome. Still, when on he should be able to go extremely deep into games, and eat up a lot of innings.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs slightly down. Memphis only had to give up a 2nd rounder to get him, so it's not a terrible signing. Still, I don't think Strickland is worthy of a type A free agent and if I got two picks for him, I'd be ecstatic. He has some good qualities, but it remains to be seen whether they can overcome his shaky control.
 |
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Contract: 1 year, 6.06 million
Boise inked the 33-year old to a one year deal, and he should prove to be an asset in the field. He has decent range, a great glove, and a nice arm with stellar accuracy. He'd be solid at 2B or CF, and possibly could be a backup a shortstop, if needed. He's also a tremendous baserunner succeeding on 110 of 118 stolen base attempts the last two seasons. He hasn't gotten it done at the plate batting wise, but decent ratings across the board show there is upside for improvement.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, the price is right, and with a one year contract, if he doesn't work out, they can cut him loose, and maybe someone else will pick him up and Boise gets their picks back.
 |
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Contract: 3 years, 15.6 million
Savage is 34-year old crafty reliever, with a great sinker and change, and excellent control. Also has a great RH split, and LH split is good enough. After an all-star season 1, he had a rough season 2 and ended up losing his closer's role. Whether or not Savage closes for Monterrey, he should be solid, and boost the bullpen. With his great durability and solid stamina for a reliver, he should be a great asset to the bullpen throughout his 3 year contract.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle, leaning slightly up. Monterrey had to give up their first round pick to get Savage, which was a steep price, but if he can return to season 1 form, he'll be well worth it.
BEST OF THE TYPE B FREE AGENTS
Here's some Type B free agents we liked:
Dom Lazzeri - Syracuse - solid all around, can start or be a great long reliever.
Denny Chiba - Memphis - nice power bat, and can hold his own at 3rd base
Ralph Michaels - Monterrey - solid reliver, great pickup for the price
Jonathan Nicholson - Chicago - another nice reliever, good value
Charles Neal - Philadelphia - good guy to have for a 4th or 5th starter
Manuel Bravo - Syracuse - another good value starting pitcher, who would be a good enough 4th or 5th starter
That's it for the Free Agency review, hope you enjoyed it - we'll be back soon with a season 3 preview and predictions!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Cobbfather Season 3 Ready to Kickoff!
Thelma Jenkins - Cobbfather Post Gazette
Things looked bleak just 8 days ago with Cobbfather rolling over with 15 openings. What a difference a week (plus one day) makes. After some were predicting a rollover of a month or longer, Cobbfather filled its 15 vacancies in just 8 days. Thanks to recruiting on the forum, managers spreading the good word about the league, and everyone hanging in there while the league was filling, Cobbfather is ready to skyrocket into Season 3! The League Office thanks all of its owners this year, for making this rollover a much smoother and faster one than expected.
Look for more content in the days to come leading up to season 3. In the meantime, owners, get ready to start budgeting, trading, and signing free agents. And yes, oh yes, how could we forget Commissioner Kid's favorite...COACH HIRING!!!
Thanks again to all the owners for making Cobbfather Season 3 possible. Looking forward to a great upcoming season.
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