How They Were Built! - OKC

  Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Time to take a look at how the defending NL and World Champions were made. In the previous writeup we took at look at Colorado Springs, who is cruising and currently tied with the best record in the AL and hold a 4 game lead out West. Back on the NL side, OKC is currently johnneck's Salt Lake City Tabernacles by a single game. The Mid-season power rankings had the Barons ranked #5 and currently has the 6th highest run differential at 65. Well below New York at #1 with 193. But likely most recent years their team ERA is best in the league. With a mixture of that park (-4 to both HRLF & HRRF) and the pitching staff, you'll be lucky to score against them. 

• Finances - since taking over the team, klown has only dipped below a player payroll of 70, twice. With the last seven years never dipping below $100M. Unlike Colorado Springs who built spent a small fortune in IFA, OKC has kept their prospect budget minimal, only three in klown's ownership going above $12M and again unlike Colorado Springs; only once above $22M. He doesn't spend  much on coaching either, and considering the minimal prospect budget there's likely not much in any of their scouting departments either. 
• The Good (starters as of writing) 
• Jordan Taylor (C) - vL - Drafted with the 78th pick overall back in 2nd round of Season 41. Playing his 3rd ML season with the Barons. 
• Angel Johnson (C) - vR - Signed a one year $1M deal this past offseason and hitting to the tune of .317 so far. This just shows it's not how much you have, but how you spend it. 
• Andres Estrada (1B) - Playing on the final year of a two year $13.6M deal prior to Season 47. 
• Gary Standridge (2B) - Acquired in klown's initial season of ownership, S35 from the Santa Fe for Alberto Gonzalez (who played another 8 seasons with the team).
• Al Hernandez (SS) - One of the few IFA's you'll find on this team, only cost the team a cool $3.5M back in S35. 
• Al Little (3B) - Signed a 5/$41M deal this past offseason. 
• Al Munson (LF) - vL - Drafted in S39 with the #46 overall pick. 
• Chul Takada (LF) - vR - The third IFA signing by klown, this one in S36 but unlike the others this one cost him $12.1M. 
• Richie Barkley (RF) - Only in klown's second season, but drafted #2 overall in S36 - signed for slot. 
• Darren Hughes (CF) - S40 #21 overall draft pick - signed for slot. 
• The Bad (bench)
• Leandro Sierra (2B) - Drafted during the Kansas City years for klown with pick #41 of Season 39 as a freshman out of college. 
• Archie Wallace (SS) - Was the S40 #47 overall pick, signed for slot. 
• Chi-Chi Rojas (SS) - Was a $1.9M IFA signing back in S37. 
• Wil Borders (CF) - Signed a 2/$8.4M deal last offseason.
• The Ugly (injuries)
• None
• The Mound
• Jason Gates (SP1) - Acquired via trade with El Paso Ploppies earlier this season along with $5M in exchange for Brent Belinda (SS) & Grant Crick (RP).
• Jair James (SP2) - Draft by the franchise the year before Klown took over with the #5 overall pick back in S34. 
• Albert Robbins (SP3) - Originally the #2 pick in S36's Rule 5 draft. Can't believe the (now) Huntington franchise let this one slip through the cracks. 
• Diego Parraz (SP4) - On the 3rd year of a 5/$39M deal signed prior to S46.
• Del Baez (SP5) - Playing on the first of a 2/$12.6M deal signed this past offseason. 
• Eric Hampton (SuA) - Playing on the second year of a 5/$37.5M deal signed prior to S47.
• Enrique Eusebio (SuB) - Another Rule 5 selection by klown in S44 with pick #32. 
• Jimmie Hartman (SuB) - Acquired via trade with Jackson Flaxon-Waxon in S42 in exchange for Marvin Christian (CF) & Tim Malloy (2B). 
• Napoleon McKnight (SuB) - Drafted in S40 with the #38 overall pick. 
• Vance Douglas (SuB) - Drafted in S41 with the #46 overall pick. 
• Willie Fischbach (SuB) - Drafted in S40 with the #56 overall pick. 

This year's team were acquired mostly from the Rule 4 draft and smart spending in Free Agency. With the occasional dip into IFA, trades, and Rule 5. Overall it appears to be some smart moves and good supplemental round raft picks. 

• 7 players acquired via Free Agency
• 10 players acquired via Rule 4 Draft
• 2 players acquired via Rule 5 Draft
• 3 players acquired via International Free Agency
• 3 players acquired via Trade. 
• 0 players claimed of Waivers

S48 Hall Recap

 Eli Cash - contributing reporter

Hall of Fame Voting Recap

Eli is behind the times but we had yet another season where the Hall of Fame voting comes and goes without a new member being elected. So much talent on the ballet but not quite enough votes. 

Raul Galvez inched closer and now only 3 additional votes away from securing his plaque in the Hall. With three years of eligibility left, I'm liking his chances. Edinson Hernandez has the numbers but appears to have an uphill battle; he needs 8 more votes with only two years remaining. Wiki Unamuno is also slowly winning the hearts of the voters, but still needs 10 more in the next 3 years. Interesting tidbit about Wandy Guillen. He owns the top 5 single season records for fewest strikeouts. In four straight years he struck out no more than 32 times. In Season 36's 560 at bats he had 178 hits, 107 walks, and only 27 strikeouts. No easy outs there! But just because he didn't strike out often, doesn't mean he's hall worthy. The numbers, just like the Pittsburgh's owner's hips; don't lie!

Al Gore must have pressed pause, because the internet searches are not showing how many seasons Wand Guillen, Don Sparks, Ernie McEnerney, Rubby Javier, Dorssys Tatis, or Alving Palmerio have left of eligibility. This could have been their last season, and if it is; be bid them farewell! We also extend the offer to join the Dizzy Leonard Hall of Dizzy. 

The only starters worth talking about are Armando Merced, Braeden Abercrombie, and Midre Tavarez. Merced is the closest but still 5 votes away and not sure how many years he has left on the ballet; very well could be his last year or still has 2 years remaining. Abercrombie made a huge jump, gaining 6. If only had hadn't dropped 5 votes the year before he might be much closer. Tavarez's support seems to be wishy washy about him getting into the Hall. 

No love for the relief pitchers, that's for sure. If you didn't reach 300 wins or 3000K, don't even bother applying for the Hall! Hayashi was a fantastic relief pitcher that if his early manager preferred closers; he'd likely be the All-Time leader in Saves but he starts out his first year with 4 votes. Artie Strone's #1 fan holds out hold that he'll get into the Hall one day. 

Until next voting season, good luck the rest of the way!

Meet the Owner - cwiddoes

  Catherine Trammell - Contributing Reporter

Catherine Trammell: Good morning once again Cobbfather faithful! Time to me another new owner, this one looks to be very competitive; making the playoffs 37 of his 72 storied seasons. 25 of those being division titles, and ended up going all the way in 4 of those seasons. He owns a career (at least this career) .526 lifetime record, though his Huntington Tropics are definitely not helping the case this year. So cwiddoes, why the move to Huntington?

cw: I don't know why, but I was feeling a very Flint Tropics vibe from this team; I'm a big fan of the movie Semi Pro. Since Flint wasn't an option, I found another blue-collar town to make our home. 

CT: I'll check the rulebook to see if there is anything in there about playing drunk. Who do you consider the cornerstone of your franchise and your favorite player? 

cw: For a while there, it was Koyie Ward, but after deciding it made sense to move him and look toward the furture, I'd have to say Grayson Lowry, Who doesn't love a 3B prospect that mashes righties? Maybe not a future MVP, but a solid piece to build with. 

CT: How do you feel about the pulse of the franchise was when you took over? 

cw: Probably the least desirable situation I've ever taken over, but I love that challenge. Bloated contracts, no flexibility, no comp picks, didn't even have many roster spots to work with. Fortunately most of the contracts expire this offseason, but it was clear right away that this would have to be a transition year. 

CT: Appears you transitioned right into the free agent market. Your signing of Ward in the offseason was questioned by some media outlets, but you flipped him for 3 players; which are you most excited about and why? It's a wash this year and next on contracts, but saves some money for future spending the three following years.  

cw: Can I just say I'm still unclear on the skepticism of that signing? I was happy to get him at less than $20M per, and I've seen lesser pitchers get the full max plenty of times. I get that it's a big number and 5 years for a pitcher over 30, but he's awesome and has great makeup so figures to be awesome for most, if not all of that contract. Plus, I had no other use for the money I gave him because I couldn't get into the IFA market and didn't see other great options in this FA class. So yeah, I signed him thinking he either helps me compete or I can trade him for future value. On the return, the two RP prospects are fine, and McKay can help me next year or bring back comp picks if he opts out. 

CT: We'll keep an eye out on McKay and if he sticks around long-term. Let's talk about the four trades you've made. Which are you happiest with and which do you wish you could get a do over?

cw: I was definitely happy to acquire a prospect like Lowry (from Atl) given the dearth of veteran trade assets I inherited. Clearing some salary for next year and landing Charles Loewer (from Dover) felt good, although we'll see how effective he can be with such poor pitch quality. Hard to say I'd want a do over on my deals, aside from maybe the stress of the Atlanta deal fiasco. 

CT: I'm sure Atlanta owner ekoontz appreciated the extra money sent his way in that deal as well. How do you feel about the Rule 4 draft this year, give us your thoughts on #7 pick Jeremi Diaz.

cw: Totally solid pick. Maybe not a star, but a nice piece to start building with. Picking in the top 10, I'd prefer to have 20/20 scouting, but I'll take Diaz and keep moving forward. 

CT: It took a lot to sign him, but congrats! Thinking ahead, what's your game plan to continue building? Will you dip into the IFA market, sign FAs, or continue to build from the draft. As it stands it appears you'll have a top 2 pick next year.

cw: Not quite sure, to be honest. I am looking forward to a clean cap sheet this offseason and will definitely be aggressive looking to improve the roster through trades and FA. Those who know me, know that I love to trade; so Huntington will be open for business. Will also invest in the draft with that top pick. IFA is always tricky, so will have to wait and see how things shake out on that front. Going to do my best to build a winner quickly, rather than bottoming out for a prolonged stretch. 

CT: What does the owner of the Huntington Tropics like to do in his free time?

cw: Any time I don't spend on HBD and my three-month old daughter goes to my day job, which is running content and social media for an NBA team. But let's be honest, it's all about my daughter and HBD. 

CT: Well hopefully in that order too. Knowing your tie into Semi-Pro, what position would you play Will Ferrell on the Tropics? 

cw: Great question. Jackie Moon is....creative...offensively, so I'm sure he'd find some ways to get on base. I'd probably stick him in RF despite his lack of mobility. 

CT: There you are folks, another new owner in the books. Good luck this season!

Draft Round Up S48

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

It seems the Goat Curse might be broken! Did we just jinx ourselves, perhaps so. 

1. Washington DC - Olmedo Nunez (C) - The 4th straight high school selected #1 overall but will phlsfan regreat this decision in the future? Considering his fitness regiment and durability, if he does end up behind the plate, he should log plenty of innings but can't say the pitchers will be happy with his pitch calling as he's been known to signal for an underhand pitch before.  But where he really shines is at the plate. With 75 grade power, he hit his share of home runs as a kid over State Highway 48 into Old Man Kellar's cornfield. 70 Grade power and his mastery of the righty will definitely translate well into the majors. DC shells out nearly $6M for Nunez to sign. 

2. Florida - Juancito 'Mamacito' Martin (2B) - The North Carolina State star 2B was the prize of many in this year's draft, yet he fell to the second pick. His Range, Glove, and Accuracy should let him play anywhere on the diamond; just watch out if he develops some arm strength. 75 grade contact, splits, with 65 grade eye and speed. He'll get on base plenty and with the right bats behind him, has the potential to set a few run records. Similar to Nunez, his health and durability should keep him on the field. 

3. Philadelphia - Fred Carter (SP) - First High School pitcher off the board whose wicked slider is only topped by his 75 grade sinker. Shows great control, even with someone like the #1 pick Nunez behind the plate. Doesn't have the best speed on his pitches but manages to keep most balls on the ground; likely due to that sinker of his. 200 innings isn't out of question during his prime years

4. Washington DC - Albert Tomlin (P) - DC's second pick of the first round for not signing HS SS Kennedy last year. Where have I heard that before?!? Oh, happened to New Orleans the year before. You just can't trust High School Shortstop's mothers! Surprised he hasn't signed, as a Type D pick DC won't be compensated next year if he fails to sign this one. Time will tell. 

5. Atlanta - Player (Position) - Due to last year's overwhelming media response, we have been advised by our lawyers to not comment on this pick. 

6. Wichita - Wil Johnston (3B) - bjschumacher goes with the hot corner in the S48 draft, comes in with 65 grade power, hits lefties and righties equally, could probably use an eye test and potentially glasses. But really it's that 40 grade contact scouts will be keeping an eye on to see if he can further develop it. For a 22 year old out of the University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, we'll see if he can make the change from metal bats or not. 

7. Huntington - Jeremi Diaz (RF) - The Sooner slips down the draft board, rumor has it a few teams had him in their top 3. The Tropics pick up a lefty masher. His glove likely sees him shifting to first base, unless he gets traded to Chicago then he'll man Centerfield. His tools are good, but scouts doubt his makeup and if he'll live up to the potential. he also cost cwiddoes a pretty penny, $5.4M. We'll see if he can help turn that franchise around in then coming years. 

8. Los Angeles - Mike Sappelt (SP) - Yup, curse has to be lifted. Haven't seen this much talent this late in the draft since I started covering Cobbfather. Third pitcher off the board, Mike 'Sappy' shows great control, has a 70 grade movement on his pitches. Armed with a 4-seam and curveball he's ready to attack hitters in AA. Luckily he's pitching for Los Angeles, that should help hind the fact that he's a flyball pitcher with weak 3rd and 4th pitches. 

9. Chicago - Leo Newcomb (SP) - The first of six first round picks (+ supp) for slash, and what a draft for pitchers this year. This Floridian should show good signs of control, keep the ball on the ground, but won't strike out too many hitters. Throws a great sinker but might struggle a bit against lefties at times. This pick cost slash a whopping $7.4M, top bonus this season. 

10. Milwaukee - Avisail Gonzales (RF) - With the first of back to back picks, jbburner goes with Right Fielder, AG out of Calhan High School in Colorado. Should hold steady in RF and packs quite a bat with him. If he managed pitchers a bit better, he would have gone top 3 without a doubt. Healthy, durable, has a good eye and 60 grade speed that will help him move around the base paths. Fantastic pick for being so late in the draft. 

11. Milwaukee - Guillermo Tavarez (RP) - With his second pick, jbburner goes with the college reliever. Keone Webster looked alright last year, this sure was the year to not sign a pick from the previous year.  With a 75 grade curveball, he should trick enough hitters to a swing and a miss. His pitching coach better keep an eye on him that he doesn't become a lefty specialist as he's shown to struggle a bit against righties. 

12. Anaheim - Pascual Mijares (SP) - This guys throws his 4th best pitch, a slurve, better than some pitchers throw their best pitch. Will be fun to watch this guy mix up his pitches. Imagine an at-bat where you see a 4-seam, slurve, 4-seam, change-up, and then slider. Balls moving all over the plate! Next thing you are going to tell me is he throws a gyroball. Could use some improvement on his control which would give him a better chance with the htiters but he'll lean on those 4 pitches to get him through the inning(s). 

13. Dover - Curt Spencer (SP) - drichter grabs the starting pitcher out of New Century High School in Chapel Hill. Curt won't give away many free bases and for those lucky enough to get a hit off him, it will likely stay on the ground. Owns three 60 grade pitches (screwball, change up, and a cut fastball. Might struggle with righties but he'll lean on the defense behind him to get the out. At the plate, he's been known to lay down a bunt or two; not that he'll get the chance in the AL. 

14. Houston - Bennie Serra (SS) - With his position scarcity and power, it's interesting to see him fall this far to  Houston with the 14th pick. Struggles a bit to make contact, but when he does; you better watch out with that 80 grade power. Lefty pitchers might as well walk him or get pulled by their managers. Some scouts question his makeup, but the Bennie likes to smash! He might shift off Short due to his range but with that power he'd likely win a gold glove or two if he's moved to the hot corner. We saw many mock drafts that had Serra going #2 to New Orleans but then Martin fell to them after DC shifted directions last minute. 

15. Austin - Ernest Clements (CF) - Should easily stick at 2B with solid power and great speed. A bit slower than one would hope around the base paths and struggles against lefties even with that great eye of his. But boy can he lay down a sweet sweet bunt. If he plays his cards right, he might even be able to compete in the Korea Bunting Derby!

16. Boston - Jim Randall (C) - Even Grandma Alvarez-Tillman has more range then this guy! I think we all know that 200 lbs of muscle on that 5'-7" frame. Drafted as a catcher but will surely Should make good contact against both lefties and rights and won't cost his team a lot of easy outs. But for a DH he doesn't have a ton of power. You don't find an on base guy like this one at this point in the draft very often. Health could be a concern but that make-up is on point. But seriously, don't put him in the field. 

17. Colorado - Matt Tanner (CF) - At quick glance this is a great pick, he'll make plenty of contact and has a great eye, but can't promise he puts in play more than he doesn't. He also likely shifts to 2B before he reaches the majors. has shown great speed and healthy as can be. 

Let's go prospects, it's nearly your time to shine!!