| Season 20 | ||||
| Team | W | L | Comments | |
| 1 | Dover | 109 | 53 | Great roster, is this the season they get their WS title? |
| 2 | Colorado Springs | 99 | 63 | The defending champs are gearing up for a repeat |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | 106 | 56 | 3 straight 100 win seasons and still looking solid |
| 4 | Tampa Bay | 102 | 60 | Haselman and a very nice offense, hard to doubt them |
| 5 | Little Rock | 94 | 68 | Great stats for a while, can they capitalize this year? |
| 6 | Los Angeles | 95 | 67 | Top FA Wallace a nice add, will the offense be enough? |
| 7 | St. Louis | 91 | 71 | Nice add in Mantalban, nice roster all around |
| 8 | Buffalo | 95 | 67 | Have been a strong contender for several seasons now |
| 9 | Atlanta | 87 | 75 | Great youthful roster, and has more talent coming up |
| 10 | Vancouver | 91 | 71 | Couldn't three-peat, but should be back in the thick of it |
| 11 | Texas | 94 | 68 | Surprise team last year looking to show they're legit |
| 12 | Minnesota | 89 | 73 | Strong roster, fell off towards the end of last season |
| 13 | Boston | 96 | 66 | Solid offense, if pitching can come through, look out |
| 14 | Detroit | 82 | 80 | Solid all around, were better than their record last season |
| 15 | Charlotte | 79 | 83 | On the verge of contending, looking to take next step |
| 16 | Burlington | 72 | 90 | Pretty solid stats last season, need to convert it to wins |
| 17 | Durham | 71 | 91 | Fell off a bit after contending, looking to rebound |
| 18 | Kansas City | 83 | 79 | Great offense, but pitching needs to step it up. |
| 19 | Houston | 72 | 90 | Not bad numbers wise, should improve this season. |
| 20 | Boise | 82 | 80 | If the pitching is there, they could be in the thick of it |
| 21 | Rochester | 80 | 82 | If pitching improves, they should be over .500 |
| 22 | Austin | 71 | 91 | Offense was lacking last season, but had nice pitching |
| 23 | Salt Lake City | 76 | 86 | Pitching was rough last season, we'll see if it improves |
| 24 | New York | 73 | 89 | Above average pitching, will the bats come alive? |
| 25 | Florida | 55 | 107 | Nice young talent coming up should lead to improvement |
| 26 | Salem | 66 | 96 | Good offense, and returning owner has had success here |
| 27 | Philadelphia | 71 | 91 | Getting better as owner puts their own mark on the team |
| 28 | Honolulu | 67 | 95 | Pitching was bad, but recent trades could pay off |
| 29 | Syracuse | 72 | 90 | Lost a few free agents, seem to be in rebuilding mode |
| 30 | Colorado | 61 | 101 | Making progress, but pitching was awful last season |
| 31 | Seattle | 59 | 103 | Still rebuilding, need some more offense this season |
| 32 | Jacksonville | 52 | 110 | Major rebuild here, but nice to see the team in good hands |
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Season 21 Preseason Power Rankings
Season 21 is about to get under way very shortly, so that means it's time for the preseason power rankings. As humbly predicted by their owner, Dover has claimed the top spot once again after an impressive run last season, while the defending champion Colorado Springs comes in at #2. Winning 100 games three seasons in a row, Pittsburgh rounds out the top 3. Good luck to those ranked highly in fulfilling lofting expectations and to those ranked low in proving the rankings wrong! Here are the complete preseason power rankings.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Season 21 Offseason Free Agency Recap
The Offseason free agency period is over, it was a pretty weak class overall, with one star and the rest were pretty much supporting cast members. Let's see who added talent as we recap our top 10 free agent signings of the offseason!
1. Lyle Wallace, 32, SP
Signed with Los Angeles - 5 years, $110 million
Previous Team: Houston
Analysis: Wallace was far and away the best free agent in this class. He's a #1 SP with great ratings across the board, and outstanding durability and stamina. A little bit surprised he signed with Los Angeles, who had the best pitching staff by far last season, and now undoubtedly will be the favorite to do so again this season. Seems like they had money to spend, and just went best available instead of need, as there really wasn't an offensive player worth a max contract. Still, Wallace could be a Cy Young contender with his new team, so it should work out for them.
2. Paul Hewson, 30, 3B
Signed with Boston - 5 years, $65.9 million
Previous Team: Syracuse
Analysis: Hewson is a nice power bat who is also an excellent fielder, which is probably his biggest asset. His splits and batting eye are average and his contact rate is mediocre to subpar. Still, he should launch some homers in Boston and play decent in the field. He's a couple of years younger than Mantalban, which gives him the slight edge in the rankings, but Mantalban may be better for this year. Coincidentally, Hewson will replace Mantalban in the Boston lineup, whom left to St. Louis in Free Agency.
3. Max Mantalban, 32, 3B
Signed with St. Louis - 4 years, $42 million
Previous Team: Boston
Analysis: Mantalban is an excellent 3B in the field, and has a nice bat with good power. Definitely above average hitter for 3B. An excellent acquisition by St. Louis in a relatively weak free agent class, and he should help improve what was already a pretty solid offense.
4. Terry James, 32, SS
Signed with Honolulu - 2 years, $12.5 million
Previous Team: Philadelphia
Analysis: James is a legitimate shortstop, maybe not a gold glove winning SS, but he can still hold his own. He actually has a decent bat too, probably in the upper tier of shortstops hitting wise. A 2 year deal is perfect for James, as he may not be able to play SS past 2 more seasons, and that is his primary appeal. At any other position, his bat is only decent compared to other players, maybe even slightly subpar.
5. Chris Kile, 31, 1B/LF
Signed with Kansas City - 5 years, $27.6 million
Previous Team: Rochester
Analysis: Kile tore his hamstring towards the end of last season, which reduced some of his range and speed, but he will be able to play by the end of spring training. He still is a very good baserunner, and can play 1B and LF reasonably will, and might even be able to play RF in a pinch. His main asset is he is an excellent power bat with a good batting eye, who excels vs. right handed pitching. He improves a Kansas City offense that was already very good last season.
6. Felix Wheat, 34, RP
Signed with Colorado - 4 years, $48 million
Previous Team: Pittsburgh
Analysis: Wheat is an elite reliever, capable of putting forth 110+ quality innings per season, if not more. Of course there's a slight concern with the ballpark, and slight rise in ERA may occur, but he actually had a brief stint in Colorado in Season 18, and he did just fine. A nice add that should help the league's worst pitching staff last season.
7. Tomas Batista, 34, RP
Signed with Durham - 3 years, $16.8 million
Previous Team: Colorado
Analysis: Batista goes from one hitters pick to another, as he was picked up by Durham this offseason. He keeps the ball down and pitched well for Colorado the past few season, so he should be fine in Durham. It will be interesting to see how Durham uses him, it appears he's capable of pitching a few more innings than he has in recent seasons, given his stamina. A nice signing for Durham indeed.
8. Dave Munson, 31, P
Signed with Austin - 3 years, $21.1 million
Previous Team: Syracuse
Analysis: Munson has excellent control and velocity and keeps the ball down. He also has two very good pitches to boot. His splits are mediocre, but not an overwhelming weakness. He's been used as a relief pitcher the past several seasons in Syracuse, but we think he could be a serviceable #4 starter somewhere still. What his role with his new team is, he should be a fairly solid acquisition.
9. Johnny Saunders, 32, LF
Signed with Philadelphia - 3 years, $10.5 million
Previous Team: Buffalo
Analysis: Saunders main asset is his power, that goes along with decent enough contact and a pretty good batting eye. His splits are a bit mediocre, but not a huge issue. He has an excellent glove for a 1B or LF, but doesn't really have other tools that would allow him to play another position. His ratings have been declining a tad over the past few seasons, but he should still be a solid player, and considering there really isn't all that much offense talent in this class, is a nice add.
10. Julian Navarro, 32, RF
Signed with Dover - 2 years, $11 million
Previous Team: Colorado Springs
Analysis: Navarro is a nice power bat, with decent contact and splits, and mediocre batting eye. He can play 1B and LF for sure, and would be somewhat serviceable in RF. How exactly he'll fit into what was one of the most potent offenses in Cobbfather already isn't quite known, but it's still a nice add nonetheless, and he should contribute, no matter what his role turns out to be.
1. Lyle Wallace, 32, SP
Signed with Los Angeles - 5 years, $110 million
Previous Team: Houston
Analysis: Wallace was far and away the best free agent in this class. He's a #1 SP with great ratings across the board, and outstanding durability and stamina. A little bit surprised he signed with Los Angeles, who had the best pitching staff by far last season, and now undoubtedly will be the favorite to do so again this season. Seems like they had money to spend, and just went best available instead of need, as there really wasn't an offensive player worth a max contract. Still, Wallace could be a Cy Young contender with his new team, so it should work out for them.
2. Paul Hewson, 30, 3B
Signed with Boston - 5 years, $65.9 million
Previous Team: Syracuse
Analysis: Hewson is a nice power bat who is also an excellent fielder, which is probably his biggest asset. His splits and batting eye are average and his contact rate is mediocre to subpar. Still, he should launch some homers in Boston and play decent in the field. He's a couple of years younger than Mantalban, which gives him the slight edge in the rankings, but Mantalban may be better for this year. Coincidentally, Hewson will replace Mantalban in the Boston lineup, whom left to St. Louis in Free Agency.
3. Max Mantalban, 32, 3B
Signed with St. Louis - 4 years, $42 million
Previous Team: Boston
Analysis: Mantalban is an excellent 3B in the field, and has a nice bat with good power. Definitely above average hitter for 3B. An excellent acquisition by St. Louis in a relatively weak free agent class, and he should help improve what was already a pretty solid offense.
4. Terry James, 32, SS
Signed with Honolulu - 2 years, $12.5 million
Previous Team: Philadelphia
Analysis: James is a legitimate shortstop, maybe not a gold glove winning SS, but he can still hold his own. He actually has a decent bat too, probably in the upper tier of shortstops hitting wise. A 2 year deal is perfect for James, as he may not be able to play SS past 2 more seasons, and that is his primary appeal. At any other position, his bat is only decent compared to other players, maybe even slightly subpar.
5. Chris Kile, 31, 1B/LF
Signed with Kansas City - 5 years, $27.6 million
Previous Team: Rochester
Analysis: Kile tore his hamstring towards the end of last season, which reduced some of his range and speed, but he will be able to play by the end of spring training. He still is a very good baserunner, and can play 1B and LF reasonably will, and might even be able to play RF in a pinch. His main asset is he is an excellent power bat with a good batting eye, who excels vs. right handed pitching. He improves a Kansas City offense that was already very good last season.
6. Felix Wheat, 34, RP
Signed with Colorado - 4 years, $48 million
Previous Team: Pittsburgh
Analysis: Wheat is an elite reliever, capable of putting forth 110+ quality innings per season, if not more. Of course there's a slight concern with the ballpark, and slight rise in ERA may occur, but he actually had a brief stint in Colorado in Season 18, and he did just fine. A nice add that should help the league's worst pitching staff last season.
7. Tomas Batista, 34, RP
Signed with Durham - 3 years, $16.8 million
Previous Team: Colorado
Analysis: Batista goes from one hitters pick to another, as he was picked up by Durham this offseason. He keeps the ball down and pitched well for Colorado the past few season, so he should be fine in Durham. It will be interesting to see how Durham uses him, it appears he's capable of pitching a few more innings than he has in recent seasons, given his stamina. A nice signing for Durham indeed.
8. Dave Munson, 31, P
Signed with Austin - 3 years, $21.1 million
Previous Team: Syracuse
Analysis: Munson has excellent control and velocity and keeps the ball down. He also has two very good pitches to boot. His splits are mediocre, but not an overwhelming weakness. He's been used as a relief pitcher the past several seasons in Syracuse, but we think he could be a serviceable #4 starter somewhere still. What his role with his new team is, he should be a fairly solid acquisition.
9. Johnny Saunders, 32, LF
Signed with Philadelphia - 3 years, $10.5 million
Previous Team: Buffalo
Analysis: Saunders main asset is his power, that goes along with decent enough contact and a pretty good batting eye. His splits are a bit mediocre, but not a huge issue. He has an excellent glove for a 1B or LF, but doesn't really have other tools that would allow him to play another position. His ratings have been declining a tad over the past few seasons, but he should still be a solid player, and considering there really isn't all that much offense talent in this class, is a nice add.
10. Julian Navarro, 32, RF
Signed with Dover - 2 years, $11 million
Previous Team: Colorado Springs
Analysis: Navarro is a nice power bat, with decent contact and splits, and mediocre batting eye. He can play 1B and LF for sure, and would be somewhat serviceable in RF. How exactly he'll fit into what was one of the most potent offenses in Cobbfather already isn't quite known, but it's still a nice add nonetheless, and he should contribute, no matter what his role turns out to be.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Season 20 Wrap Up
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The top two teams in the final regular season rankings battled it out in the Season 20 World Series, and it was # 2 Colorado Springs who bested # 1 Dover in a tough six game series. Welington Aquino was a major factor in the playoffs for Colorado Springs, belting six home runs and driving in 11. Arthur Camilli has to be considered the playoff MVP for Colorado Springs. While the Starting Pitching got roughed up at times, whenever they had the lead, Camilli slammed the door shut, going 6 for 6 in save opportunities, with a 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings.
Dover played well, but the big trophy eluded them once again, as they have been runner-up in the World Series 4 times (S4, S7, S19, S20) without winning. The playoffs can be brutal. But Dover definitely has the talent to get back to the Series again next season for sure, and in the meantime, jiml60 can be consoled by reminiscing on his 11 other championships in other worlds.
Thanks to all for making it a great season. Hopefully we'll have another quick rollover, and get going on Season 21 soon. Spread the word, and let me know if you have any good candidates for what should be our very few openings this offseason. See you next season!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Season 20 Awards Recap
While Dover and Colorado Springs are battling it out for the World Series crown, the Season 20 Award Winners were announced, let's take a look to see who took home the honors!
Most Valuable Player
American League - Dustan Jackson, Kansas City -.309 AVG 45 HR 130 RBI 43 SB
Jackson had an incredible season leading a potent Kansas City offense by leading the AL in Runs and RBI and also posting a 40/40 year. Pretty hard to argue against him with those numbers. He won his second Silver Slugger award as well this season, but surprisingly, did not make the All Star team. This is his first MVP award, and it is well deserved indeed.
National League - Greg Riley, Texas - .316 AVG 54 HR 159 RBI
After showing promise in his rookie year, Riley had a break out sophomore season, leading the NL in in Home Runs, RBI, Hits, SLG and OPS. It's a pretty safe bet when you do that, you're going to win MVP. He made the All Star team and won a Silver Slugger award as well. At only 24, this could be the first of many MVP's for him, if he can avoid the injury bug.
Cy Young Award
American League - James Haselman, Tampa Bay - 22-2 2.19 ERA 225K
Every superlative has been exhausted in describing Haselman, and I think everyone knows how great he is by now. Haselman becomes the first ever 5 time Cy Young Award winner in Cobbfather history, and this is his 3rd consecutive win as well. It doesn't look like he's showing any signs of slowing down either, so it's likely he'll continue to raise the bar for pitching excellence for seasons to come.
National League - Don Monahan, Dover - 21-2 2.90 ERA 194 K
Monahan had an extremely strong year as part of the league's best regular season team to capture his first Cy Young Award, edging out teammate Willie Arredondo for the trophy. Monahan was acquired last season, and has been lights out for Dover ever since. He definitely could be back in the winners circle again in future seasons, but will have strong competition, a few on his own team, amongst others.
Rookie of the Year
American League - Paulie Flynn, Atlanta - 18-7 3.07 ERA 176 K
Flynn was the winner of the AL Rookie of the Year honors by a wide margin. He proved to be quite the workhorse, with 10 Complete Games, and setting a new Cobbfather record by tossing 5 shutouts. This could be just the start for Flynn, as he has the makeup to win several more awards throughout his career, although competing with Hasleman for Cy Youngs won't be an easy task.
National League - Willie Cerda, Little Rock - .277 AVG 44 HR 107 RBI
The long awaited debut in the majors of Willie Cerda has a big success, as he captured the NL Rookie of the Year honors this season. An international signee from two seasons ago, Cerda is an amazing hitter, with incredible power, that should allow him to win multiple awards throughout his career. His numbers this year might be the low end of what he see from him throughout his career
Fireman of the Year
American League - Arthur Camilli, Colorado Springs - 2.58 ERA 38 SV - 4th win
National League - Marvin Walsh, Pittsburgh -1.26 ERA, 43 SV - 2nd win
Silver Slugger Awards
American League
National League
Gold Glove Awards
American League
National League
Most Valuable Player
American League - Dustan Jackson, Kansas City -.309 AVG 45 HR 130 RBI 43 SB
Jackson had an incredible season leading a potent Kansas City offense by leading the AL in Runs and RBI and also posting a 40/40 year. Pretty hard to argue against him with those numbers. He won his second Silver Slugger award as well this season, but surprisingly, did not make the All Star team. This is his first MVP award, and it is well deserved indeed.
National League - Greg Riley, Texas - .316 AVG 54 HR 159 RBI
After showing promise in his rookie year, Riley had a break out sophomore season, leading the NL in in Home Runs, RBI, Hits, SLG and OPS. It's a pretty safe bet when you do that, you're going to win MVP. He made the All Star team and won a Silver Slugger award as well. At only 24, this could be the first of many MVP's for him, if he can avoid the injury bug.
Cy Young Award
American League - James Haselman, Tampa Bay - 22-2 2.19 ERA 225K
Every superlative has been exhausted in describing Haselman, and I think everyone knows how great he is by now. Haselman becomes the first ever 5 time Cy Young Award winner in Cobbfather history, and this is his 3rd consecutive win as well. It doesn't look like he's showing any signs of slowing down either, so it's likely he'll continue to raise the bar for pitching excellence for seasons to come.
National League - Don Monahan, Dover - 21-2 2.90 ERA 194 K
Monahan had an extremely strong year as part of the league's best regular season team to capture his first Cy Young Award, edging out teammate Willie Arredondo for the trophy. Monahan was acquired last season, and has been lights out for Dover ever since. He definitely could be back in the winners circle again in future seasons, but will have strong competition, a few on his own team, amongst others.
Rookie of the Year
American League - Paulie Flynn, Atlanta - 18-7 3.07 ERA 176 K
Flynn was the winner of the AL Rookie of the Year honors by a wide margin. He proved to be quite the workhorse, with 10 Complete Games, and setting a new Cobbfather record by tossing 5 shutouts. This could be just the start for Flynn, as he has the makeup to win several more awards throughout his career, although competing with Hasleman for Cy Youngs won't be an easy task.
National League - Willie Cerda, Little Rock - .277 AVG 44 HR 107 RBI
The long awaited debut in the majors of Willie Cerda has a big success, as he captured the NL Rookie of the Year honors this season. An international signee from two seasons ago, Cerda is an amazing hitter, with incredible power, that should allow him to win multiple awards throughout his career. His numbers this year might be the low end of what he see from him throughout his career
Fireman of the Year
American League - Arthur Camilli, Colorado Springs - 2.58 ERA 38 SV - 4th win
National League - Marvin Walsh, Pittsburgh -1.26 ERA, 43 SV - 2nd win
Silver Slugger Awards
American League
| DH | Joey Ryan | Kansas City | 2nd |
| C | Vic Martinez | Burlington | 1st |
| 1B | Kendry Lunar | Boston | 1st |
| 2B | Dustan Jackson | Kansas City | 2nd |
| 3B | Carlos James | Kansas City | 3rd |
| SS | Edgar Castro | Colorado | 1st |
| LF | Crash Meacham | Atlanta | 1st |
| CF | Vic Crowe | Colorado Springs | 1st |
| RF | Stubby Shaw | Boston | 1st |
National League
| P | Juan Seanez | Little Rock | 1st |
| C | Mark Martin | Little Rock | 5th |
| 1B | Greg Riley | Texas | 1st |
| 2B | Calvin Decker | Little Rock | 3rd |
| 3B | Pepe Guillen | Minnesota | 2nd |
| SS | Albert Pineda | Dover | 2nd |
| LF | Sammy Torres | El Paso | 2nd |
| CF | Hub Petrov | Buffalo | 1st |
| RF | Al James | Pittsburgh | 6th |
Gold Glove Awards
American League
| P | Ron Gross | Detroit | 2nd |
| C | Albie Lind | Charlotte | 1st |
| 1B | Vern Connelly | Kansas City | 1st |
| 2B | Benjamin Delcarmen | Cleveland | 3rd |
| 3B | Roberto Bennett | Vancouver | 9th |
| SS | Walter Palmer | Charlotte | 1st |
| LF | Clarence Loney | Cleveland | 3rd |
| CF | Aaron Kennedy | Boston | 4th |
| RF | Mike Worthington | Tampa Bay | 3rd |
National League
| P | Carl Levis | Philadelphia | 1st |
| C | Ron Murphy | Texas | 1st |
| 1B | Garrett Patrick | Dover | 1st |
| 2B | Ken Stammen | Philadelphia | 2nd |
| 3B | Joe Foster | Buffalo | 1st |
| SS | Esteban James | Pittsburgh | 7th |
| LF | Vic Gonzales | Dover | 1st |
| CF | Jose Ortiz | Omaha | 1st |
| RF | Donaldo Cordero | Los Angeles | 3rd |
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