Hunter World

AL vs. NL

2012-01-10T10:42:00.003-05:00

After a comment to Timf on the World Chat I decided to dig a little deeper into the AL vs. NL numbers.

Below is a recap

AL won interleague play 100-92 for a win % of .520 (closer than I had expected)

AL Playoff teams went a combined 43-29 vs. the NL for a win % of .597 (Lou: 9-3, SF: 8-4, Wash: 7-5, NB: 7-5, Paw: 7-5 & KC 5-7)

KC was the only AL with a losing record in interleague......barely at 5-7

NL Playoff teams went a combined 39-33 vs. the AL for a win % of .540 (Balt: 9-3, Sea: 7-5, LR: 6-6, LA: 6-6, LV: 6-6, Phi: 5-7)

NL has two teams in the playoffs with Winning records vs. the AL: Baltimore & Seattle

NL playoff teams faced AL playoff teams in 24 games. The total series ended 12-12 (Thanks to Baltimore running over SF 3-0...... SF was the only team to be swept).

AL won 5/8 series but the 3-0 win by Baltimore was enough to tie up the overal record.

If the above was being scored the AL would win 3-0-1 (Better Win % in interleague, Better Win % from playoff teams & more series wins. NL eeks out a tie in Playoff teams vs. Playoff teams)

Meet Iain

2012-01-04T08:35:00.002-05:00

Iain takes over for Redraider who has decided to leave WIS. I know Iain through Moneyball where he was a former commish.

Name/Family Status: Iain (no really), married, new dad. COMMISH EDIT: The new dad is key, as it will explain in the future why he is responding trade chats at 3:30am

Age: 31
Job: Mechnical Engineer
Favorite HBD Moment: First HBD title, which was also with my first team (Fargo Rock City in Happy Jack)... though sadly not in my first season with them. Or even close.

Favorite Sports teams: Toronto Blue Jays, whoever is playing the Toronto Maple Leafs COMMISH EDIT: Hunter is starting to get over run by Canadians, by my counter we are up to 7-8. I loved his 2nd answer about the Leafs until it was later revealed he's a Habs fan.

Power Ranks Update 3 (Ranks 1-5)

2012-01-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

5. Louisville
Previous Rank: 5
Record: 81-55

For the first time all season the Sluggers are firing on all cylinders and ironically enough it’s the pitching staff that is finally pulling it’s weight. The return of 2-time Cy Young award winner Wendal Kinkade has lifted follow pitchers Flip McCall and Timothy Ducey back to their normal levels. A post-allstar break run including a sweep in Altanta has stretched the divison lead to 7 games.

A recent injury to former MVP Ted Bolick who is lost for most of the regular season keeps me from pushing my team higher. Behind SF the Sluggers boast the 2nd highest exp. win % and the 3rd highest actual win %

4. Little Rock
Previous Rank: 3
Record: 86-50

As I am sure you noticed this list is “light” on NL teams. It may be an AL owner bias but this year even more so than other seasons the balance of power seems to have shifted to the AL. That said the last 5 titles have come out of the AL, so there is some historical basis.

Little Rock slips to three due to no fault of their own, just two teams have been more impressive over the middle third of the season. Little Rock sits 1 GB back of LA for the 1 seed in the NL

3. Los Angeles
Previous Rank: 4
Record: 87-49

LA started the season strong and has continued the run with enough authority to take the number one spot in the NL (both in power ranks and actual record), yes LA is the 3rd and final NL team in the power ranks. LA has made three trades this season but all three have directly impacted their ML roster, by my count since the beginning of the season through the trade route LA has upgraded 3 of their 5 SP spots, added 2 strong bullpen arms (including a recent deal for Ivan Pena) & significantly upgraded their CF spot. These moves have positioned the Baja Racers to knock the Renegades off for the first time in 5 seasons.

2. Washington
Previous Rank: 6
Record: 84-52

To be completely honest I was flip-flopping on whether it would be Washington or Louisville in the 2-spot. It wasn’t the threat of being called a homer that stopped me short. It was the previously mentioned Ted Bolick injury which caused me to give Washington the nod.

After the last power ranks lets_try mentioned that being ranked 6th was an insult and motivation for his team………well he proved to be prophetic. Since the last power ranks Washington has been one of the hottest teams and holds a commanding 23 game lead in the AL East over Columbus. If Let_try sees a 2-rank an insult his team may decide not to lose another game for the season.

1. San Francisco
Previous Rank: 2
Record: 86-50

SF was the team I originally wanted to put at number 1 to start the season but in the words of Rick Flair “To be the champ you have to beat the champ…….Wooooooo”. With that in mind I gave the nod to the Back to Back champ NB. For the first time this season the Night Demons ascend to number 1 in the ranks. With roster expansion today, I know that SF will be calling up some reinforcements for the post-season which given the fact my team resides in the AL is frankly……..scary.

The Night Demons have the highest exp win % in the AL and fall a couple percentage points of LA for the world lead.

Power Ranks Update 3 (6-10)

2012-01-02T07:24:00.001-05:00

I have 5 to 1 complete and they will be posted tomorrow

10. Pawtucket
Previous Rank: NR
Record: 80-56

I have made my feelings known on the Patriots in the world chat. I don’t believe a team that has been outscored (657 run scored- 661 runs against) is actually worthy of being 24 games above .500. It was also statistically unlikely that they could continue to win 80% of their 1 run games. Since the world chat that 1-run win % has fallen to 72% but is well above the expected 50%. All of that said they lead the AL North and the 2-time champ by 4 games. I still think NB wins the divison with Minnesota potentially catching Pawtucket for the 6 seed.

9. Minnesota
Previous Rank: NR
Record: 73-63

Minnesota is the only team in the power ranks that is unlikely to make the playoffs. Minnesota & Atlanta (just missed the top 10) are unfortunately in the wrong league. The depth of the AL means that two teams above .500 will be on the outside looking in at the start of the playoffs. Both team of course have better exp. win % than the current 4-seed Pawtucket.

A tip of the cap to perennial MVP candidate Tyler Langston for another great season (37HR 98RB I .989OPS) & 2nd year Marlon Gordon 11-6 3.38 ERA.

8. Seattle
Previous Rank: NR
Record: 77-59

The first NL team to make an appearance on the list. Seattle record was built on the back of an amazing 14 game winning stretch that sandwiched the All-Star break and they have not looked back since. They lead the NL North by 9 games over newcomer Philly & last year divison champ Pittsburgh.

7. Kansas City
Previous Rank: 7
Record: 80-56

Ptwoner was the most active owner in FA and it continues to pay dividends, as KC is taking the best run at SF in the AL West since the Night Demons missed the playoffs 9 seasons ago (S12). Of those off-season acquistions Glenn Kerr-Former Slugger……yes it hurts, has proven to be worth every cent of his MAX deal. His numbers for the season 20-3 with a 1.69ERA and practically a mortal lock for the Cy Young award. In a short series having to face Kerr twice will be no one’s first choice in the playoffs.

6. New Britain
Previous Rank: 1
Record: 76-60

For the first time in this season’s power ranks the 2-Time champ slides out of the top 5. The Yorkies are in jeopardy of losing the divison for the first time since S16 to upstart Pawtucket (already discussed). Perhaps a bigger concern is NB only holds a 1 game lead in the wild card race over Altanta (who just missed making the power ranks & 3 games clear of KC. NB is still my pick to win the North but even a slight stumble down the stretch might mean the Yorkies don’t get a chance to defend their titles.

Meet Lets_Try

2011-12-08T16:21:00.002-05:00

Lets_try is a charter member of Hunter..........who then abandoned us for S8-14 before returning as a prodical son in S15. Since his return he picked up his first WS title in Hunter

Name: John, better known as Johnny boy
Age: 43, married with 2 kids
Job: Professional escort, yes, yes, and I have the luxury to choose only beautiful woman ! COMMISH EDIT: We have a leader in the clubhouse for the best job

Location : Montreal, Canada

Favorite HBD Moment: I guest it would be my only WS here in Hunter. After 2 years with the best record in Hunter, with at the time the Minnesota Explorers, and 2 disappointments, the WS was all the contrary. We made the playoffs on the last day (tied with Atlanta (sorry pfontaine) for the last wild card spot) and it was like destiny at work. Somehow, we just knew it was our year. COMMISH EDIT: I am not a fan of this title, as John knocked out what I considered to be the best Louisville team ever

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: Nope.

Favorite Sports teams: Montreal Canadiens, Boston Red Sox. COMMISH EDIT: Glad to see you like a Boston team just picked the wrong sport, I hear their hockey team is pretty good

Favorite HBD player (which world) : It would be Braden Cox, he was my 1st love with Minnesota. But the current big 3 : Webster, Gonzales and Tomko, with pitcher Paronto, are close behind. Also, I just let go Virgil Kraemer, but he was a big part of my sole WS. I have others in my other worlds, guest I'm addicted. COMMISH EDIT: Figures that Lets is from Montreal as he and Beerman324 are having a menage-et-trois with Mr. Cox, as Cox was listed as Beerman's favorite as well

Oh,oh, I think I had a Homer Simpson moment, I wish I was a professional escort, but I'm a professional accountant. Almost has satisfying !

Meet Shmish0

2011-12-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

Shmish0 has been a Hunter owner since S6 and has 1 WS title in the world.

Name: Amish

Age: 28

Job: Accountant

Favorite HBD Moment: Season 15 Hunter Championship. Coming off choking a 3-0 lead in the WS in Season 14, it was pretty satisfyijng to come back and win it the following year. A close 2nd would be the day I signed David Reyes.

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: Jahu, to whom I was introduced by our mutual friend (and former Hunter owner) Wolfhound. Its taken a while but I think I've finally managed to get him to recognize reality - Wendel Kinkade doesn't hold a candle to the great David Reyes. COMMISH EDIT: I will not accept lies, currently I would rather have Reyes but that's only until Kinkade returns from the DL. I met Amish when myself, wolf and a mutual friend Wayett of wolf and Amish took in a Leafs-Bruins game. Amish is a good dude, the 4th (Wayett)............... not so much.

Favorite Sports teams: Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Indianapolis Colts.

Favorite HBD player (which world) 9 time all-star, Cy Young winner (and robbed of at least 2 more) and still in the prime of his career, the man, the myth the legend ... David Reyes COMMISH EDIT: At last count Kinkade 2 Cy Youngs........Reyes 1 Cy Young (nuff said)

Meet Bjb2378

2011-12-06T07:49:00.003-05:00

Bjb is a Charter owner in Hunter & has 3 WS titles in the World. Bjb also has the 2nd most playoff appearances making the playoffs 19 of 20 seasons. (COMMISH EDIT: He may have one more title than me but I do have one more playoff appearance, hurray for hollow victories)

Name: Ben

Age: 34

Job: Attorney

Favorite HBD Moment: First WS title (happened to be in Hunter)

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: djbradford is my Dad. (COMMISH EDIT: This one blew my mind, I haven't been this surpised about about a father-son combination since Darth told Luke he was his father :). The two owners I'm consistently battling with for the top of the AL are related? I can only imagine Christmas dinners where they play rock paper scissors to see who gets to dispose of me each season. Given Djbradford recent run (back to back titles) Bjb is going to have to swith up his pattern)

Favorite Sports teams: All teams Chicago but the Cubs.

Favorite HBD player (which world): Felipe Bournigal (Hunter) - The original face of the Night Demons. (COMMISH EDIT: For those of you who weren't in the league prior to S10, I officially petitioned WIS to have the Hunter Cy Young renamed the Bourigal. Felipe was an 8-Time All-Star and won 6 Cy Youngs. He accomplished all this despite being 29 when the world was created.

Meet Bigalric

2011-12-05T08:31:00.003-05:00

Bigalric is a Hunter Rookie (guys please keep the hazing to a minimum), I had played with him for several years in Monument Park & then Stargell & Monument Park.

Name: Richard

Age: 46

Job: lawyer (COMMISH EDIT: Good to have on our side)

Favorite HBD Moment: yet to come

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: no

Favorite Sports teams: Boston Red Sox, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bulls, Montreal Canadiens (COMMISH EDIT: Would love to hear the story behind this electic mix)

Favorite HBD player (which world): A.J. Rollins, best SS in Ryan world, All-Star and Silver Slugger winner

Meet ptwoner

2011-12-01T08:31:00.003-05:00

Ptwoner is a first year member of Hunter & had one of the most active FA sprees in recent Hunter memory. Thus far it appears the money has been well spent considering his 34-15 record.

Name: Mike

Age: 40

Job: Manager

Favorite HBD Moment: First Title

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: years. NO

Favorite Sports teams: Bears, Cubs

Favorite HBD player (which world): Harvey Sexson in the Show II (COMMISH EDIT: Given our discussion on good names, this is a solid name for what I presume to be a very good player)

Meet Frazc1

2011-11-29T08:39:00.004-05:00

Frazc1 is in his 5th season as a member of Hunter. I originally ran into Frazc1 in Stargell @ Monumnet, where he took over commissionership (3 seasons ago??). It is a good world and he is a strong commissioner if anyone is looking for another world to hang their hat in.

Name:Chris (41)

Job: Self-Employed

HBD Moment: Last year in Stargell: I had the No.2 seed and the best record I have ever had but choked in the playoffs (as usual) to fellow owner and current division rival timf.

Favorite Team: University of Kentucky (Greatest College Basketball Program Ever) 7 National Titles hoping for No. 8 this year. COMMISH EDIT: As I Tarheels fan I would like to refute that claim, I will agree that Ashley Judd is a solid celebrity fan though
Football Team sucks but at least we are in the SEC (Best College Football Conference)

Favorite Player: Rafael Espinosa-Stargell. I got him as an international free agent at age 18 only because ever one else had run out of money. Been part of my ML pitching staff for last 7 years with 100 career wins.

Meet Afatrain

2011-11-28T08:40:00.003-05:00

Afatrain is a first year owner in Hunter.

Name: Allen Haley residing in Orlando Florida

Age: 26

Job: Program support Coordinator/ Special Olympics Director for Carlton Palms Educational Center. COMMISH EDIT: Going to be tough to root against Afatrain when he takes a run at divison title.

Favorite HBD Moment: My 1 Division crown, was ages ago I don't even remember which world. Recently decided to come back to HBD. COMMISH EDIT: Going to need to upgrade that favorite moment in Hunter, since the last one left a lasting impression on you :)

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: Nope

Favorite Sports teams: Miami Dolphins, University of Michigan COMMISH EDIT: Must be a sorry behind this combo

Favorite HBD player (which world): Art Ackley, 2nd baseman for the mariachis.

Meet Randyrossrac

2011-11-25T08:35:00.003-05:00

Randyrossrac has been a member of Hunter since S8 and the Baja Racers were his first team.

Name: Randy

Age: 52

Home: Torrance California

Job: Industrial tooling sales engineer & professional race car driver. Commish Edit: This is what you call "burying the lead". If anyone asked me what I did and those were my two vocations? Race Car Driver would be the first job I mentioned

Favorite sports teams LA Dodgers LA Lakers

Know anyone in Hunter: I do not know anyone in wis personally

Favorite hbd player: Wascar Lopez in Hunter COMMISH EDIT: I unsuccessfully for years tried to pry Mr. Lopez away from LA

Favorite moment: 1st playoff appearance with L A

Meet Leppykahn

2011-11-24T09:05:00.004-05:00

Leppykahn is another charter member of Hunter & the world creater which in some senses would make him the "God of Hunter". Leppy's love for 0 Contact 100 power players eventually drove his "good friend" Radek crazy. Needless to say having Bearclan1 is a much stronger additional.

Name: RJ

Age: 33

Job: Computer Programmer/Database Administrator

Favorite HBD Moment: Probably the time every starting position player made the all-star game.
2nd favorite was a toss up between the NLCS game 7 against Radek where the simulator didn't start the right guy and I had to do it myself (won by 1 run, if I remember correctly)... and the perennial race for 500 HR early in this world. (COMMISH EDIT: The race to 500 HR between Magglio Javier & Lonny Iglesieas was epic, Lonny ended up beating Magglio to the mark by 1 game. Rich Peters became the 3rd man to join the club later the same season)

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: No, I've recruited some people I knew, but they left. Although Diz is in my Dynasty Fantasy Football league.

Favorite Sports teams: Oakland Raiders, As. Also like the Lions, Saints, Diamondbacks, Suns.
Favorite HBD player (which world) Duh, Frank Zhang (Hunter) COMMISH EDIT: He was a pretty good player but a little too injury prone to be a Superstar...........Leppy that was a joke, I can feel your blood raising through the internet.)

Meet Dizzlebob

2011-11-23T09:25:00.002-05:00

Dizzlebob is a charter member of Hunter having been on board for all 21 seasons. I would like to take this as an opportunity to thank Dizz for all his work over the years in recuirting posts. It was between myself & Dizz for who would take over as Commish and I have no doubt that Dizz would have done as good as job (probably better).

Age: 43, Married with daughter (Lila, 7)

Job: Graphic Artist, Pittsburgh, PA

Favorite HBD Moment:
Well, I’m usually disappointed with my team so this isn’t an easy question to answer. The Studdabubbas made it to game 7 of the World Series back in S2 and Lost to the Washington Generals—but I don’t feel like I built that team and just kind of went with what I had...and got lucky. But that’s the closest I’ve come to winning anything on this stupid website so it’s tops right now.

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life:
I have been friends with ex-Hunter owner carmandjr for about 20 years but I have never met anyone else.

Favorite Sports teams:
Steelers. I don’t like hockey (COMMISH EDIT: I thought I had made it clear previously as a Canadian I will not stand for digs at hockey) and I never went to a real college so I don’t have any other allegiances. I watch the Pirates sometimes but they don’t really count as a real team. I guess I root for Pitt basketball but I rarely get to watch them. I dream to one day to adopt a local, low division college football team like Robert Morris or Duquesne and try to go to games—but I need to find time and someone to do it with, first.

Favorite HBD player (which world):
Willie Drew (Hunter). He’s a guy I drafted in season 4 and kept for 11 seasons. He easily holds the Studdabubbas homerun (413), RBIs (1,273), and OPS (.959) records. His career batting average was .312. He was named Rookie of the Year in season 6, went to 4 All-Star Games, and even won a HR Derby in Season 11.

Meet Timf

2011-11-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

Timf has been an owner in Hunter since S13 taking over for an abandoned franchise. He has been the representative of the weaker league (Yes I am taking a unprovoked shot at the NL) in the World Series the last 3 seasons. He has yet to take home the WS title.

Name: Adam (Commish Edit: See Beerman MTO for explanation of timf username)

Age: 31 recently married but no kids.

Job: Real Estate Agent (Commish Edit: Bought me 2 houses & sold one)

Favorite HBD Moment: Definitely taking over the division title from baldric for the first time. A close second would be going to game 7 of the WS against jahu in Stargell where he ultimately crushed my hopes of a first title by scoring something like 22 runs on my rookie SP. (Commish Edit: Being on the other side of this title it was probably my 3rd or 4th favorite moment, I think the score was 22-4)

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: jahu & beerman. Jahu and I were actually in each others wedding party and we've been friends for nearly 20 years.

Favorite Sports teams: San Fransisco 49ers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Yankees. (Commish Edit: Notice a theme? Good teams in the late 90's not saying bandwagon jumper but.........)

Favorite HBD player (which world) Not sure I can narrow it down to one. Maybe Kent Sisler from Hunter who was my first MVP and should be a HoF'er when he retires.

Meet Beerman324

2011-11-21T13:19:00.003-05:00

Beerman324 has been in Hunter since Season 8. Little known fact the 324 in his name refers to his residence room number.

Name: Allan

Age: 29

Job: Logistics Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force

Location: I am from Ottawa (capital of Canada), but I am now stationed in Cold Lake, Alberta (fighter base).

Favourite HBD moment: When I win my first championship.

Do you know any Hunter owners in real life?:

Yes. I know the Commish, Jahu43, and timf. The commish and I went to University together and have known each other since. He is the one that got me into HBD. Timf is a friend of Jahu and I met him through him. Fun fact....tim is not his name. That was the name of the origional owner of that team who the three of us also know. Commissioner Edit: The original Timf was a good friend & is a school teacher he took an abandonded team at the end of Summer vacation, he became frustrasted with reviving a dead pitching staff using "Basic Mode" for roster management and once school started he handed the team over to another friend & current owner. The current Timf stuck with the name (even though his name is Adam) so that he could gain access to the "advanced mode" for roster management a season earlier

Favorite Sports Teams:

Toronto Blue Jays, Calgary Flames, Toronto Raptors, Green Bay Packers (COMMISH EDIT: He is actually a 49ers fan but renounced them just prior to the playoffs last season and jumped on the GB bandwagon)

Favourite HBD player: in Hunter my favourite player was a former player of mine Braden Cox. He was part of my(and existing owner's) franchise until season 16. He was AL ROY in season 3. He is a 6 time All-star, 4 time silver slugger, and was AL MVP is seson 6. He is up for the HOF this year and I'm sure he will make it.
(COMMISH EDIT: This was sent prior to HOF annoucements, at which point it became clear Beerman did not read the blog or world chat)

Meet Hineii

2011-11-20T19:53:00.002-05:00

This is Hineii's first season with his current franchise but had previously made a one season cameo in S14. His former team is now Washington DC Quakers. Lets_try "stole" Hineii's old team so Hineii responding by "stealing" his city. Prior to this season the Quakers resided in Philly.

Name: Donald

Age: 33 Married with one son (10) and guardian of nephew (15)

Job: Data Analyst at investment company

Favorite HBD Moment: Obviously its winning a championship I have won 3 (Kaline season 8 Stargell @ Monument Park Season 3 and Hall Of Fame season 13), but I have been to 12 world series. I can get there but for whatever reason I seem to come up short most of the time. Law of Avg says I should be 6/12 but I am 3/12 = .250

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: No

Favorite Sports teams: Philadelphia teams all the way. Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and even the Sixers (don’t tell anyone about the last one ok)

Favorite HBD player (which world) Alex Silva Catcher from my Kaline Team (my first team) he was drafted 18th overall in season 1 (back in 2006) of that world (now in season 22) and was an absolute beast of a player. He just retired at age 42 and had 12 AS, 10 SS, 9 MVP, 3 HR Derby a long with multiple All Time Records in that world….and he helped bring home my first Championship. I like to think that because I was so bad at Sim League Baseball that the WIS gods were smiling on me back in HBD first days and gave me Alex Silva as a gift.

Power Ranks (1-5)

2011-11-18T09:25:00.001-05:00

5. Louisville- AL (Previous Rank: 3)

Originally I still had my team sitting in the 3rd spot however an injury to a certain 2-Time Cy Young award winner has a way of bumping a franchise down. Peaches Meredith a very capable replacement & a dude with a great name, has been called up to replace Kinkade but it still represents a considerable down grade. The Sluggers are off to a good start at 8-5

4. Los Angeles- NL (Previous Rank: 4)

The Baja Racers didn’t make any big moves in free agency but have been active in the trade market. Especially with his most recent trade, the deal was a classic help me now for help me later. The Baja Racers picked up Zip Carrol which represents a large upgrade over Corey Gibson today while giving up parts for the future. Z. Carrol joins Rabbit Denny (another great name), V. Martin, & I. Cruz to form a very formidable top 4. The Baja Racers have started strong at 8-5

3. Little Rock- NL (Previous Rank: 5)

As mentioned previously it wasn’t going to take much to move Little Rock up the rankings, while the Renegades lost a lot of quality players to FA they were active in replacing them. Signing two elite arms to the bullpen in P. Onitveros & W. Perez, these signings should ease the lost of R. Santiago. In addition to pitching help Little Rock also picked up E. Johnson to play 3b & T. Montgomery as a versatile fielder. These FA additions and a track record of success give Little Rock the top spot back in the NL. Little Rock is off to a hot start at 9-4

2. San Francisco (Previous Rank: 1)

A couple things combined to drop San Fran from the top spot, limited activity in the FA market & a trade that sent Esteban Fernandez to Pawtucket. While the Night Demons added a strong RP for Fernandez, the reliever won’t contribute in the ML for a season or two. The loss of Fernandez takes some immediate punch out of the line-up. SF did add V. Evans, I am assuming to fill the Fernandez role, it is still a downgrade. All of the above said it is splitting hairs the difference between number 1 and 2. SF is off to an 8-5 start

1. New Britain (Previous Rank: 2)

As stated in the first Power Ranks, I was very hesitant to drop the 2-time defending champs from the first spot. NB only had one major FA signing but the Yorkies did pick-up one of the better RP in Hunter history in Sammy Cruz. That coupled with the SF moves was just enough to nip them back into first place. Their strong record of 10-3 out of the gate certainly doesn’t hurt either

Meet Jbburner

2011-11-17T08:15:00.001-05:00

Jbburner is a first year owner in Hunter

Name: JB

Age: 49

Job: Retired Forest Firefighter

Favorite HBD Moment: When I win my first World Series

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: No

Favorite Sports teams: Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears and Bulls

Favorite HBD player (which world) Andre Sele Cincinatti Firestorm in Pine Tar. Great CF!

Power Ranks- 6-10

2011-11-16T11:31:00.002-05:00

Spots five through one to follow later this week

10. Philedephia-NL (Previous Rank: Not Ranked (NR))
Hineii landed the biggest fish in the off-season pool with the
signing of R. Santiago that plus bullpen depth signing M. Speaker was enough to boost the Phillies into the top ten. The previous season as Chicago this franchise almost reached the .500 mark. Adding the best pitcher in Hunter, pushes this team to the playoffs, I had them ranked 10th prior to the season the 7-2 start means I might be pushing them up even further in the future ranks

9. Baltimore-NL (Previous Rank: 10)

The 9th and 10th spots were especially hard to determine it was essentially a game of musical chairs, I had four teams for two spots. Philly grabbed the wooden chair & Baltimore grabbed the chair with the slightly better cushion, leaving Minnesota & Cleveland just out of the top 10. What pushed Baltimore up a spot was the signing of top of the order bat in Trace Manning. After a very slow start Baltimore has won 4 straight and sits at 5-4.

8. Pittsburgh- NL (Previous Rank: 4)

The biggest fall in the updated power rankings are the Stubbabubbas, they fall 4 spots in the rankings and behind 2 other NL teams. While Pittsburgh returned the majority of their hitters from last season they failed to adequately address their hole at SP missing out on the major FA pitchers. They brought C. Johnson back hoping he can re-create some magic & lost another FA SP to a major injury during spring training. This is still a strong squad but the lack of an elite SP limits their upside. Dizz needs to right the ship after a 3-5 start to avoid falling further in the All-Star break update

7. Kansas City-AL (Previous Rank:NR)

No team was busier in the off-season than the Comets, if R. Santiago was the biggest fish in the off-season pond then G. Kerr was the 2nd best catch. Kerr along with Santiago became the first two players in Hunter to receive max deals. In addition to signing an Ace, KC had 4 additional major signings. They added stout defensive C B. Rameriz from their division rival SF, strong RP T. Garland, quality SS M. LaRocca & perhaps one of the more underated signing was adding M. Cheng. While Cheng is getting closer to the end of this career, he would still be a quality SP1 for a number of teams in the league & giving the signing of Kerr he slots in fantastically as an SP2. When you upgrade the top 40% of your rotation it jumps you in to the top 10. In my first rankings I noted only 1 new owner was in the top 10 however after FA that was likely to change. Well it did, ptwoner joins Hineii to double the number of new owners in the top 10 (stazrunner & Minny just slide out). The Comets are off to a 5-3 start & lead the AL West, for long-time Hunter owners it feels odd seeing SF in 2nd, no matter how early it is.

6. Washington- AL (Previous Rank: 9)

Let_trys had a very subtle off-season working with a core of strong players instead of the big FA signing he worked on the edges of FA and improved with roster with minor changes. He picked up quality 2b Birdie Leonard for a song (see what I did there, Birdie……song……great stuff). M. Everett improves his offense from the CF position for a very reasonable price & D. Roth offers a cheap and decently skilled stop-gap at first base. Had the Quakers choose to retain the services of V. Kraemer they would very likely see themselves in the top 5. The Quakers currently find themselves in 2nd place in NL East at 5-4

Meet Tonicawf

2011-11-16T08:18:00.002-05:00

This is year 2 of Tonicawf's 2nd go around with Hunter. He left the world for one season & previously managed Omaha for seasons 16-18

Name-Aaron

Age-35 im married and have a three yr old daughter named penelope with special needs

Job- Contractor

Favorite hbd moment- Beating bjb last season in the playoffs. I havent won a div crown yet, though I' ve come in second a bunch of times. thats my goal this season in hunter
.
Know any hunter owners- nope

Fav sports teams- phillies(though my favorite player of all time is Dale Murphy-a brave. go figure), im a huge dolphins fan. i root sixers, but not a huge basketball fan anymore. who cares about hockey. (Commish Note: As a Canadian comments like will not be tolerated :) ) i love the philadelphia union.

My favorite hunter player-Sam Wheeler.

Season 21- HOF Votes

2011-11-14T13:24:00.001-05:00

Below is posted in the blog, so that it is not lost after roll-over

Player Frn Votes
Rich Peters BAL 26
Kevin Coleman TRE 20
Erubiel Molina PHI 14
Garrett Biggio ELP 14
Dan Miller CLB 13
Yamid Molina NO 9
Lonny Iglesias COL 8
Braden Cox PAW 7
Andrew Wright COL 6
James Hayashi LV 5
J.P. Mercedes COL 4
Matty Garces NY2 3
Shawn Owen PHI 3
Hipolito Guillen SF 3
Eduardo Gonzalez KC 2
Clark Connelly IA 2
Sammy Moraga NO 1
Pedro Torrealba ELP 1
Glenn McCarty STL 1
Rodrigo Brito RIC 1
J.R. Alston OMA 1
Sherm Norton NB 1
Ben Beamon NO 1
Joe Ogea SF 1

Meet Wizbang 1943

2011-11-14T08:19:00.003-05:00

Wizbang is a 3 year owner in Hunter joining the world in Season 19

Name: Luther wisby

Age: 68, married 49yrs, 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 greatgrandchildren

Job: Retired
Location: Manteca, Calif

Favorite HBD Moment: Defeating three 100+ win teams to reach world series(didn't win)

Hunter Owners: Don't know any in real life, that I'm aware of

Favorite Sports Teams: SF 49ers, USC Trojans, Oakland A's, New York Yankees

Favorite HBD Player: Hugh Scott, Memphis Mad Hatters, Satchel Paige

Meet Csherwood

2011-11-10T09:02:00.003-05:00

Csherwood is a former Commissioner of Moneyball and is a first year owner in Hunter. I know Csher from Moneyball. I can atest that Csher has alligator blood, staring down the min. win requirement. Csher needed 3 wins in his final 3 games. He ended up sweeping his antagonist Crabman in the final series, to meet the win rule by 1 game. (I was suprised this wasn't his favorite moment) Csherwood is the 2nd owner in his franchise's history. If you can say one thing about Gocubz he was.......committed. As Csher pointed out his franchise has a perfect record when it comes to making the playoffs.

Age: 38, Married, no kids

Job: Attorney in the State of South Jersey (not to be confused with those other two states known as North Jersey and Jersey Shore) -- about to start my own solo practice focusing on bankruptcy and personal injury

My favorite HBD moment: just happened -- winning the World Series in Mays on a 2 run walk-off home run by Louie Blanco. Also, winning both Season 1 and 2 championships in Cooperstown was pretty sweet, especially when I steamrolled through the Season 2 playoffs as the #5 seed with only one postseason loss. (Commish Edit: I still think it should be the epic Money ball run)

Know anyone from Hunter in real-life: No

Favorite teams: Rutgers (my alma mater), all Philadelphia teams, and whoever is playing the Dallas Cowboys. I am also a college basketball junkie.

Favorite HBD player: I have had a lot including the infamous Harry Arrojo from FYC, but right now it is Louie Blanco (for the aforementioned home run) and Jocko Gilmore (2 time defending MVP and winner of last season's Triple Crown), both on my team in May

HOF- Season 21

2011-11-09T10:31:00.002-05:00

By my count there are 16-20 guys on the ballot that could be considered for the HOF. If we all vote independently no one will get in, as a result I ask that everyone constrain their voting to the 7 players listed below. Please decided if you feel they are HOF or not. I have outlined my ballot below (I will be voting for 4 of the 7, you may choose to vote for 5 or none)

There are MORE deserving players than the 7 below however these guys will disappear from the ballot, so we need to clear the backlog. To put the effect of a “splintered vote into perspective”, Garret Biggio a CF with 3063 hits, 636HR & 2084 RBI did NOT get in last season. Let’s clean up this first 7 and we’ll move to the next batch next year.

To make it easier I have added a note next to 7 guys in the voting screen to show who we are limiting it to

I have put the guys that have been waiting to get into the Hall of Fame in the order they would get my votes.

1.K. Coleman (Dominant pitcher spent most of his career in EXTREME hitters parks Coor Field (before it was turned down) & Tucson
2.D. Miller -Unless we want a HOF of corner OF & 1b, Miller deserves to get in as the top offensive SS for the majority of his career, you can slag his defense if you want but contributed to three WS champions
3.R. Peters- 3rd player to 500 HR, behind Magglio Javier in the HOF & Lonny Igelias (we’ll get to him) despite missing a full season in his prime
4.E. Molina (Great all-around hitter, lacked the power to put up the gawdy stats, think Paul Molitor except could actually field a position)

The top 4 are getting my votes this season (other guys that should be considered are below. These guys will not be getting my vote but represent the

5.A. Wright- Along the vein of D. Miller unless we want only slugging 1b/LF, we need to factor in position. Wright was the 3rd best CF in Hunter over the first 20 completed seasons behind G. Biggio & P. Chavez, since he’s 3rd (the two guys will get my votes next season after we clear the backlog)
6.L. Igelias- First man to 500HR, probably the biggest beneficiary if the “Coors Effect” when it was on steroids & the reason he doesn’t get my vote. At age 33 he was out of the ML despite being willing to play for almost no salary, that does not sound like a HOF.
7.G. McCarty- Best DH in the history of Hunter, depends on your feelings about DH’s. I can’t put him in.

Please for this one season refrain from voting for G. Biggio, E. Gonzalez, R. Brito, Y.Molina, B. Cox, J. Stevens, M. Garces, P. Chavez & S. Moraga (these players are all potentially HOFers but they are new to the ballot and we have multiple seasons to discuss their merit, after we make a decision on the first list we will get to these guys next year).

Meet Dufferman

2011-11-08T10:31:00.002-05:00

Duff is an original Hunter Owner, the Baydogs just completed their best season (making a run to the NLCS)

Name: Ed

Age: 54 (married, 1 son)

Job: work for Dept of Army in Chem/Bio Defense

Favorite HBD Moment: When Baltimore BayDogs qualified for the playoffs after 17 seasons of futility

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: no

Favorite Sports teams: Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens

Favorite HBD player (which world) Rich Peters (Hunter) retired with +500 Home Runs (but not in the HoF)

Meet Rockydawg07

2011-11-07T13:30:00.003-05:00

Rockydawg has been a Hunter owner since Season 4

Name: Geoff

Age: 51 and reside in Raleigh NC with my wife ,3 dogs and 5 cats. My team here is named after one of my dogs, Marley. a big ole 97 pound hound mix that we saved. Her nickname is The Moose, thus the Cleveland Moosedawgs.

Job: Retail Manager

Favorite HBD Moment:
Season 10 in this world. My team was 84-78 and just made the wild card. We had a wicked hot streak near the end of the season.Then went 1-9 over the last 10 to barely hang onto the wild card. First round playoff we swept the powerful Blasters from Colorado. Then crushed the 114 win team from NY and owned by the worlds most lovable owner Radek. Then my team of youngsters and old castoffs made it to the world series and got our butts handed to us by some team owned by a canuck. I did not even know they had the internet up there! But this team had a miricle season

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life:
Since I have started this game I only have imaginary friends.

Favorite Sports teams:
Was born outside of Cleveland so I have been a long time suffering Tribe fan. But many great memories of the old stadium. I remember listening to the 10 cent beer night on the radio, They played the Rangers that night.

Favorite HBD player (which world
Favorite player is Tony Blair in addicted users world. A incredible pitcher who is still going strong at 39.I almost lost him to free agency, but signed him to a max contract and never let him go. I think he could pitch into his early 40's. We have also become pretty good friends outside of HBD and may go into business together when he retires from the team, My wife does not like him...I think she is jealous.

Meet jceffali

2011-11-03T12:20:00.002-04:00

Jceffali is a first year owner in Hunter & is one of my leaguemates in Moneyball

Name: Johnny

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Married with 3 boys.

Job: Bond Analyst by day. Manager of a very good 10 & under travel baseball team on evenings and weekends.

I don't know any Hunter owners.

Favorite Sports Teams: Chicago White Sox, Notre Dame (I live in NY but grew up in the Midwest.)

Favorite HBD Moment: Winning two straight World Series (my only two so far) with the Las Vegas Dealers in the Jersey League

Favorite Player: Max White, starting pitcher, Jersey League. My first high draft pick when I finally started to understand the game! Drafted out of high school at age 18, he's now a 32 year old veteran, still on my team, with 150 wins and a sub-3 ERA and 1 Cy Young. He never had the durability to go more than 175 IP a year otherwise he'd have 200 wins by now, but he's still my boy!

Meet Greeny9

2011-11-02T09:05:00.001-04:00

Name: Mike

Age: 39

Job: Farm manager

Favorite HBD Moment: winning the world series last season in Yaz would have to be it

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: nobody in hunter

Favorite Sports teams: It used to be the Leafs, but now I dont care for them anymore after so many years of not making the playoffs, and not really trying to make them either...
Favorite HBD player (which world) SP Alex Ortiz over in Yastrzemski, this guy is just plain ole raking, he nearly won the world series all by him self! his record is 114-27, .211 oav, 1.10 whip and 2.57 ERA. and all this in a perfectly neutral park. No pitchers park for him... I can only imagine what his numbers would be like in Burlington or something!

Meet Pfontaine

2011-11-01T09:13:00.004-04:00

Prefontaine is an original member of Hunter & a persistent thorn in the side of the Louisville Sluggers.

Name: Paul

Age: 40 (married-2 kids)

Job: VP of Accounting for private equity company in Atlanta.

Favorite HBD Moment: I guess it has to be my one and only title in Erffdog. Two seasons before i had fallen behind in the ALCS 0-3 and came back to win. Then in the WS, I fell behind 0-3 and came back to tie. I lost Game 7 in extra innings on a play at the plate where my guy was tagged out as the tying run. So that title 2 seasons later washed the sting away. But that was one hell of a ride.

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: Unfortunately, no. Would love to have a beer with my longtime rival Jahu sometime. He usually beats me, so I guess I'm buying . I have lots of respect for all the longtime Hunter owners. They're good people to play with.

Favorite Sports teams: Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, UConn

Favorite HBD player (which world) Mendy Clemens in Hunter. He was a beast of a player. I traded him in Season 6 to radek for Gene Fitzgerald, who was a very good SP, but sucked for me in 2 one year stints. I got Clemens back for his final 3 seasons. He's my one and only HOF'er.

Power Ranks (Pre-season)

2011-10-31T20:39:00.002-04:00

Power Rankings

These power rankings are completed assuming ALL outstanding FA will be lost from their respective teams. I will do an update after the end of Free Agency near the beginning of the regular season.

Teams that received strong consideration but did not crack the top 10 (Pawtucket, Atlanta, Columbus & Seattle)

10. Baltimore Baydogs (Last Season Record 82-80)
The Baydogs made the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive season sneaking into the last NL playoff spot. The team then proceeded to go on a fairy tale run before bowing out in the NLCS to the Juggernaut from Little Rock. Dufferman completed a late season trade with Louisville (myself), that shored up his weakness at SS and CF. In the off-season The Baydogs appear to be losing 4 players from last years roster: two relief pitchers J. Ruiz & S. Bonilla who combined for 130IP 9-11 record and 4.55 ERA, H. Aspormonte former All-Star CF who is well past his prime but did post 12HR 53 RBI .710 OPS in 393 AB. Thus far all of the lost players are easily replaceable. The big off-season loss & the reason Baltimore didn't sneak up the list is the potential loss of A. Montanez a middle of the order bat that gave the Baydogs 30 HR 84RBI & .968 OPS worth of production

9. Washington D.C Quakers (Last Season 90-72)
During the off-season the Quakers relocated from Philly to Washing DC & during the trip the AL East Champions left a significant number of players behind. Three of the positional losses were: I. Andrews who can man any position on the field & posted a line of 9HR 42RBI .732 in 413AB, 2b J-Alacorn (429 AB 13HR 35 RBI & .664 OPS) & 1b-K.Jorgesen (427AB 13 HR 52RBI .695 OPS). I grouped those three players together because none of them are key contributors, however you do have to factor in almost 1300AB now need to be replaced including their starting 2b (Alacorn) & super utility I. Andrews. Moving on to the larger losses DH H. Towers will potentially be taking his 15HR 81 RBI .852 OPS in 501 AB to another team. Towers was likely lucky to post that line last year however his production will need to be replaced. The pitching staff only had two key losses one in the bullpen & one in the rotation. S.Beckwith leaves a 43 IP hole (3-1 4.15 ERA) in the bullpen but the largest loss of the off-season was V. Kraemer who despite declining skills is a front of the rotation pitcher. Lettry decided against paying him 20M for his 10M skill set and will have to attempt to fill the hole in FA. Kraemer went 14-6 with a 2.74 ERA in 197 IP last season

8. Cleveland Moosedawg (Last Season 89-73)
The off-season was very good the NL #4 seed. Cleveland only has two potential losses to their almost 90W roster. Sub-Super C. Acevedo takes 29HR 67RBI 1.061OPS in only 323AB to the FA market. Acevedo likely played over his head last season but he's capable of playing any position except for SS & CF and has good power. Speaking of SS the Moosedawg's 2nd lose was gold glove caliber J. May. While his bat left something to be desired 541AB 8HR 43RBI .604OPS his sparkling defense will be missed (12 plus plays). The biggest lost to the pitching staff was 13IP from former perennial Fire Man of the Year candidate W. Perez, however he is now a shell of his former self. One or two big FA pick-ups could see Cleveland rocket up the list

7. Minnesota Twinkies (93-69)
The first & only appearance of the new owners in the Power Ranks, although I have a feeling that may change based on off-season moves we'll see a few jump on to the list. The Twinkies return every major contributor from last season's team. Positionally they only loses are R. Morman (OF) & A. Duran (Back-up SS) who combined for 415AB 3HR 36 RBI & .590 OPS. It's almost impossible to get less production out of those 400+ At-bats this season. The entire rotation returns and the bullpen only lost S. Mills (85IP 7-3 4.43 ERA) & M. Bennet (43 IP 4-3 4.17ERA). Now to long-term Hunter owners M. Bennet is a big name as he holds the record for career saves 512, however at age 38 he'll be lucky to grab a SetB spot for a ML team this season

6. LA Baja Racers (90-72)
NL West champs are hungry after being bounced but the upstarts from Baltimore last season. LA much like Cleveland & Minnesota returns all of their core contributors from last season. The only hitter loss is B. Soblewski who started 69 games in CF last season and put together a very nice line of 19HR 47 RBI .905OPS in 332AB, however his skill set is no where near those numbers. In a full 500 AB season he's unlikely to top those counting numbers, he's a below average defensive CF & his career OPS of .751 is more indicative of his skill set. The Baja Racers are letting 100 IP worth of RP test FA, R. James (11-6 5.55ERA) & C. Knotts (2-5 8.23 ERA). R. James is tantalizing however he never seems able to put it together he's bounced around the league and based on his splits & control will likely end up in a new rotation again this season, while Knotts is better than an 8.23ERA, he's not any better than his career ERA of 4.5. I might have hung on to R. James & try to entice another owner into taking a chance on him however, if you can't post a sub 5 ERA in LA where can you?

5. Little Rock Renegades (112-50)
Most likely suspected to see the team that has taken the NL Pennant 3 consecutive years higher on the list & it won't take much in the FA or trade market to bump them up. However among the top 5 teams Little Rock is facing the most significant losses. They lose starting Catcher L. Wise and his 20HR 94RBI .854 OPS production, at age 35 he was unlikely to repeat but it is a hole that has to be filled. The bigger losses come in the bullpen timf losses 71IP of near elite production from R. Nelson & R. Zorilla & perhaps a bigger blow Closer T.Marin who has converted 59 of 66 save chances over the last 2 seasons walks out the door. However, the biggest loss & the nail in the coffin for at least a temporary drop is the potential loss of 10-Time AllStar & 6-Time Cy Young award winner R. Santiago. Last year he posted a ridiculous line of 267 IP 21-10 with a 2.80 ERA. As mentioned above after FA it would not surprise me to see Little Rock climb as high as 1.

4. Pittsburgh Stubbabubbas (98-64)
The NL North champions nip out the Renegades for the top NL team in the power ranks (yes that means the top 3 are in the AL, which makes sense since the AL has won the last 5 World Series). Dizzlebob's team takes the top spot based upon continuity, as outlined in his S20 wrap-up the Pittsburgh francise made some key FA acquisitions last season. Moving into this season the team does not lose a single impact hitter & suffers very limited losses in the rotation. Last season acquisition C.James from Richmond (now Monteray) leaves after giving the team 21IP, SetupB J. James takes his 3-6 5.5 ERA in 36IP to the market as well. The biggest lost was a S20 FA signing C. Johnson who turned back the clock (likely one last time) & gave Dizz 200 IP (Team High) 10-11 with 3.59 ERA. C.Johnson is very unlikely to repeat that performance however it will be the Stubbabubbas top priority to fill his rotation spot

3. Louisville Sluggers (103-59)
I know I know I can already hear the shouts of favoritism as the guy writing the rankings ranks his own team 3rd. Well when you right the Power Rankings you can do the same :). All joking aside the Sluggers face very limited losses from last season lead-off hitter and 2b M.Pulphiser walks out the door (.359 OBP &.726 OPS) however T. Hackmen who's skill set is marginally better offensively & defensively replaces him. C.Kienschink was a stabilizing force for 90IP out of the pen last year (3.73ERA) but the only major loss was half-season rental G. Kerr (3-Time All-Star) takes his Type A tag to FA. The Sluggers gave the defending champs a better run than the NL champs Little Rock could but eventually fell in 6 games. For the new owners the Sluggers are Hunter equivalent of the Atlanta Braves (if Atlanta had 2 titles), 20 straight playoff appearances, however has not progressed further than the ALCS since their S12 title

2. New Britian Yorkies (109-53)
I really wrestled with this ranking, it's very difficult to knock the 2-time defending champs out of the top spot but with several significant losses I had to bump them down a peg. There is an old staying that "Flags fly forever" and NB went all-out last season acquiring two former MVPs down the stretch in Britt Perkins & E. Johnson who combined for 36HR 114RBI in approx. a half season of work, both will receive their rings & then join the FA market. NB pitching staff could also seriously face a drop off as they lose a combined 470IP of elite production from M. Cheng (team leader in IP) 15-9 3.66ERA, P. Onteriveros (13-4) & W. Perez (11-1 2.45ERA). Given the losses, I likely should have drop the Yorkies a couple spots but back-to-back 'ships earns you the benefit of the doubt

1. San Fransico Night Demons (103-59)
It is very scary to see how little SF lost from last season. The Night Demons return their entire pitching staff from last season & from their hitters they only lose a combined 750AB from three bench players. B.Rameriz-C (6HR 36RBI, .730OPS), J.Rivera (3HR 12RBI .672 OPS & K. Humpries (15 HR 55 RBI .890 OPS) are the only notable losses. All three players are easily replaceable from within the organization or via FA (which as a fellow AL team is scary). The Night Demons have been a model of consistency winning their division 18 of 20 years & only missing the playoffs once. A majority of the team tasted championship champagne in S17 so they are battle tested. I am selfishly hoping the new crop of AL West owners can push Bjb back to pack.

Meet Redraider68

2011-10-31T08:36:00.003-04:00

Name: Dan

Age: 42 Married, 2 kids Fred (10) and Sammi (2 months)

Job: Associate Database Administrator for an online university

My favorite HBD moment: Will be the first time I make the ML postseason. I just missed the wildcard in Lasorda last season by 2 games.

Know anyone from Hunter in real-life: Bigtex1 and I are brothers.

Favorite Teams: Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Raiders (hence the screen name), Ohio State Buckeyes.

Favorite Player: I took over a trashed team in Lasoda midway through the season so I received the #1 the following year. Dewey Crespo is a perennial MVP nominee (no wins yet) but his resume does include 5 All-Star appearances, 5 Silver Sluggers, 1 Gold Glove and Rookie of the Year.

Meet Stazrunner

2011-10-30T18:19:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned I'll be trying to through these up one per day (missed yesterday was busy getting the house ready for a Halloween party).

Also as mentioned they are going up in the order I recieved them so the quickest trigger/mouse in Hunter is Stazrunner. I must admit he has exquiste tastes in hockey teams.

Name: Craig

Age: 28(single)

Job: Patient Admin Clerk for the military

Favorite HBD Moment: Have not had any moments worth remembering. I guess the rebuilding project that should come to success shortly in Maris world

Do you know any Hunter owners in real-life: No

Favorite Sports teams: Boston fan (Sox,Celts, B's, and Pats)

Favorite HBD player (which world)- Hoping it will be a twinkie (Hunter)

Meet the Commish

2011-10-28T19:00:00.002-04:00

Name: Josh

Age: 29 (Married, first child due in Jan)

Job: Work in telecommunication sales (Engineer by trade)

Location: Waterloo, Canada (Yes, your commish is a canuck)

Favorite HBD Moment:

Winning my 1st Title in Hunter (S10), I had already picked up a WS in Monument Park but my Hunter team was my first team. It was especially sweet because I had blown a 3-2 series lead to Radek (a problematic owner) the previous year. Unfortunately my win came at Rockdawg's expense :)

Do you know any Hunter owners in real life?:

Yes, timf, beerman324,shmish & wolfhoundkl (original owner left after season 19. I've know timf since I was probably 8, him & I were in each other's wedding parties. I know what you are all thinking he was probably Bridesmaid (after 3 straight WS losses) all joking aside he was a groomsmen. Beerman324 I met at McMaster University, we were in the same Rez & then shared a house with 4 other guys for the next 3 years. Just like in University where I beat his a$$ consistently in Madden, I own him in HBD (85-51) as well :). I mention Wolf because he was another roomate in University & lived with Beerman & I. He also the reason I've met Shmish. Shmish & Wolf are friends in real-life and the 3 of us took in a Bruins/Leaf games last season. Shmish & I spent most of the game arguing over who was better David Reyes or Wendall Kinkade (the answer is clearly Kinkade).

Favorite Sports Teams:

Boston, Bruins (Champs), Miami Dolphins (Suck for Luck), Toronto Blue Jays & Toronto Raptors

Favorite HBD Player (which world):

Long-time Hunter owners know my answer to this question, as I've written sonnets about my love affair with Magglio Javier (Hunter LF- Seasons 1-10), 5-Time MVP (Hunter record) & 10-Allstar (Hunter record). The season 10 title was especially sweet because it was the last year Magglio wsa on the team prior to leaving for FA. So he left Louisville a champion. In true professional sports fashion when he was languishing in the minors in season 15 for Los Angelos. Randyrossac was nice enough to trade him back for a bag of balls so that he could retire in Louisville Red. He's since been inducted into the HOF.

Pittsburgh Studdabubbas S20 Wrap-Up

2011-10-27T19:19:00.016-04:00

After 5 losing seasons, the Studdabubbas surprised even themselves by winning 98 games and the NL North for the first time since Season 14. The Bubbas won the first round bye but were quickly booted from the playoffs by Baltimore 3-1. While this success was rather shocking to everyone in the league, the reason was obvious—The Studdabubbas got lucky in free agency. Their Season 20 pickups in chronological order:

3B Charlie Carson - 29 y.o. - 5 years at $7.4M

Carson was playing second fiddle in Los Angeles ever since Eduardo Alarcon signed that monster 5-year deal and the Baja Racers declined his option for Season 20. This signing was a bit of a surprise since the Bubbas already had Buzz Abernathy at 3rd but it made sense. Carson was a huge upgrade and hit 31 homers batting 4th and gave Matt Buchanan some protection. After the Carson signing, Buzz Abernathy was shipped off to Los Angeles to get his $6M salary off of the books (this freed-up more money for the Bubbas to sign a couple pitchers).

SS Deivi Posada - 28 y.o. - 4 years at $5.2M

Getting a solid SS allowed veteran Frank Turner and youngster Pablo Andino to platoon at 2nd (hitting primarily against lefties, Turner hit .306). Posada's defense and .354 on base percentage made this another nice upgrade for the Bubbas.

CF Darron Stoddard - 31 y.o. - 3 years at $7M

Last season's CF, Charlie Bird, was not working out as an everyday player so the Studdabubbas went after 4-time all-star Darron Stoddard. Stoddard led-off most of the season. He had an OBP of .352, stole 24 bases, hit 24 home runs and batted-in 76 runs. He made his 5th All-Star Game in season 20 and is still fairly young.

SP Pedro Manto - 33 y.o. - 2 years at $4M

Everyone knows how cruddy Studdabubbas' pitching is so getting a washed-up starter like Manto was quite an achievement in Pittsburgh. Manto pitched well with a 15-9 record and a 1.33 WHIP. Well enough to be chosen for his first All-Star Game since season 11, when he was with San Francisco. This was the first time a Studdabubba pitcher was chosen for the all-star team since Kevin Pickering in Season 13.

SP Carlos Johnson - 34 y.o. - 1 year at $3.7M

Speaking of washed-up starting pitchers, Pittsburgh picked-up this bum off of the scrap heap. But dang it if this bum didn't have some game. Johnson's record was only 10-11 but he pitched 200 innings and had a WHIP of 1.31.

Another big acquisition in Season 20 was the Studdabubba's first round pick (6th overall), set-up man John Fisher who had a good season in Hi-A last year. The Studdabubbas also dished out $14.5M to sign international starting pitcher, Charles Bong. At AA, Bong went 5-1 in 10 starts with an ERA of 2.45. So it appears pitching help is on the way. Let's just hope it gets here before the hitting starts to die off.

The Studdabubbas spent pretty much every penny they had available last season in free agency. But beyond just spending it, they got some good, younger players to sign reasonable contracts. And, despite the signings, Pittsburgh only has about $40M wrapped up in salary going into Season 21. They still have some guys they need to sign but they are still in good shape.

Part of the reason Pittsburgh had such a good season was that some of the NL powerhouses started to fade but Season 20 was easily the best free agency period in Studdabubba history.

All-Hunter Catchers

2011-07-12T09:27:00.001-04:00

Through the almost 20 seasons of Hunter there have been six catchers who have rose above the field for contention as the best C in the history of Hunter. I am going to break them down into Tiers, the Catcher for the All-Hunter team will be decided by votes. I am going to ask each owner send me the top 3 on their ballot, consider the below as merely a guide.

Tier 3:
T. Molina:
6675AB 408 HR 1284 RBI .307 AVG .917 OPS
1080 GP @ C
C ERA: 4.75 Past Balls: 122
Pitching Calling Max: 46
661SB Against CS %: 24.7%
Awards: 5-Time Allstars, 3 C Silver Sluggers & 3 World Series Rings

Looking at his hitting numbers alone can be a bit misleading; if you didn’t drill deeper you’d be crazy not to put him in Tier 1. The reason Molina ends up in Tier 3 is the fact he only played 1080 of his 1779 games at the position of C . The remainder due to his sub-par catching abilities were played at 1b, LF & DH (close to half his stats were racked up at a position other than C). His max pitch calling of 46 is also the lowest of anyone to make the list. While those are negatives, he is the only player on the list with 3 World Series Rings. He spent the majority of his career in New York with stints in Arizona (now Helena) prior & Philly post. It was Philly where he picked up his 3rd ring. He’s now playing out the string at AAA for Little Rock hoping for one last shot at the show and potentially a 4th ring.

B. Nixon:
5317AB 177 HR 786 RBI .294 AVG .819 OPS
1401 GP @ C
C ERA: 5.46 Past Balls: 106
960SB Against CS %: 26.9%
Pitching Calling Max: 63
Awards: 5-Time Allstars & 3 C Silver Sluggers

Compared to the others ahead of him on the list his defense is lacking with the worst C Era & his hitting numbers pale in comparison to the remaining options. The inclusion on the list is a tip of a cap to one of the top catchers in the first decade of Hunter. Had Nixon been younger when the world was born he might have been able to stack up better historically, he played almost his entire career with Rochester (now Scranton). An old Mase favorite he’d be happy to see him included on the list. Nixon played his last ML game in S11 & was retired by S13.

Tier 2:
Tanner Sager:
6004AB 217 HR 846 RBI .306 AVG .844 OPS
1449GP @ C
C ERA: 4.48 Past Balls: 127
907SB Against CS %: 19.2%
Pitching Calling Max: 64
Awards: 10-Time Allstars, 6 C Silver Sluggers & 1 World Series Ring

It may seem odd to find a player with Tanner Sager’s hardware in tier two, however compared to the three remaining choices I believe he’s in the right spot. I think everyone can agree that the All-Star selection process does need some work. Sager spent 11 seasons in Washington where he won his only ring before moving to Florida for S19 & is still in the majors with SLC in S20. His pitch calling is decent but his CS% is the lowest of anyone on this list. He had a plus bat for a catcher but the remaining guys had ++ bats and in two cases + defense as well.

Tier 1:
Alex Campos:
5836AB 304 HR 1000 RBI .312 AVG .897 OPS
1799GP @ C
C ERA: 4.53 Past Balls: 69
858SB Against CS %: 26.8%
Pitching Calling Max: 84
Awards: 1 Gold-Glove & 1 Silver Slugger

The first think you’ll notice about Campos is a startling lack of hardware. However he is the only C on the list to have won a gold glove. The biggest knock on Campos is his durability which limits him to about 400AB a year and keeps him out of the running on year to year awards. Having said that of the six finalists he owns the best pitch calling, tied for the best CS% & given up the fewest past balls by a considerable margin. He’s clearly the best defender on the list and on top of the defensive accolades he’s also hit 300+ HR and has 1000RBI, so he’s not just on the list for his glove. Full disclosure he’s the only player on the list that’s played for the Sluggers. His career in the ML started with Louisville before heading to Texas (now Monterray) and then returning to Louisville.

A. Butler:
5055AB 289 HR 994 RBI .330 AVG .971 OPS
1287GP @ C
C ERA: 4.24 Past Balls: 125
807SB Against CS %: 23.4%
Pitching Calling Max: 63
Awards: 7-Time AllStar, 7-Time Silver Slugger & 1 World Series

Bulter was a glaring omission caught by his former owner Smhish when I posted the initial list. He is the youngest member of the list at 35 with several years left in his career to pad his stats. Of the players on the list he has the most Silver Sluggers, best avg., best C Era & .971 OPS. He spent his entire career with SLC winning a World Series before moving to Columbus for this season. I have him 2nd on my ballot based on his slightly lower PC and the fact, I think his %’s are inflated since he hasn’t had to play through the tail end of his career like the other two tier 1 guys, Campos is 39 & the next player is retired.

S.Moraga:
5729AB 403 HR 1090 RBI .300 AVG .913 OPS
1719GP @ C
C ERA: 4.58 Past Balls: 127
769SB Against CS %: 25.1%
Pitching Calling Max: 79
Awards: 6-Time AllStar & 3-Time Silver Slugger

It was a tough call between the three tier-1 guys but I personally am giving Moraga my first place ballot based on the following rationale. He is arguably the best hitter on the list (T. Molina’s non-C stats excluded). Bulter will catch him in RBI, but not in HR and I think their %s will be a lot closer once Bulter plays through the tail end of his career. Even if you give Bulter the slight edge in hitting Moraga was a much better defender, behind Campos he was probably the best on the list. Morgana was the best of both worlds behind the plate that’s why I have him nipped Bulter & Campos at the finish line.

ALL-DECADE TEAMS

2011-07-04T16:15:00.001-04:00

A reposting of the All-Decade Teams in Hunter (Updated to include current team names). Names listed will be current then the old name in brackets.

AL All-Decade Team
Starting Pitching: (Naming three starting pitchers)

Felipe Bournigal- Night Demons (8-time All-Star & 6 Cy Youngs)

This was a pretty obvious decision to name the starter as Bournigal has clearly been the most dominant pitcher over the first 10 seasons of Hunter and will be a sure fire Hall of Famer. If this list gets re-done after 20 seasons I would find it hard to believe that another pitcher would take the starting spot. At age 37 his career is drawing to a close however, I still expect another 3 solids seasons from this Superstar.

Elvis Ogea- Blue Claws/Generals (6-time All-Star & 2 Cy Youngs)

Had Bournigal never existed Ogea’s Cy young title would most likely be 5 or higher. However, Bournigal did exist which relegates Ogea to 2nd banana status. However, being the 2nd best pitcher over a decade is nothing to sneeze at. The one place that Ogea leads Bournigal is the fact he was the “ace” of three championship teams and Bournigal only took home two titles

Pete Daly- Night Demons (5-time All-Star & 1 Gold Glove)

If you think Ogea had it bad being ranked 2nd behind Bournigal, just think about Daly having never been the top starting pitcher on his own team. When you look at their stats and longevity Ogea, Daly and Bournigal are in a class of their own. Filling out the remainder of the SP spots proved to be the most difficult part in this exercise.

RP (Naming two: Closer and Set-up)

Closer- Terrence Floyd- Neophytes/Black Sox (8-time All-Star & 3 Fireman of the Year)

Hunter’s career leader in saves was an obvious choice for the closer role. His 8 all-star appearances ties Bournigal as the most for an AL pitcher. His three fireman awards are also an AL-Record. For the decade Floyd was the best of the four AL dominant closers.

Setup- Jared Page - Night Demons (6-time All-star & 3 Fireman of the year)

Surprise, surprise another SF pitcher. For Hunter’s first decade it’s clear to see how SF lead the AL in wins. Pitching, pitching and more pitching. Page falls just behind Floyd and is a worth set-up man. His three fireman awards tie Floyd’s record. The one place Page does best Floyd is he’s the Hunter world leader in SV%.

Catcher - Bruce Nixon- Stranglers/scorpions/The Whale (6-time All-star & 3 Silver Slugger)

As a catcher the 6 time all-star and three Silver sluggers are AL bests at age 37 Nixon is still in the league but the end of his career isn’t far off. The last couple years have caused his career batting average to drop just below .300 however his OPS still sits above .800 which is an impressive feat. The one sad note for Nixon is he has never made the playoffs.

1b- Lou Stevenson-Fire/Bald Beaver (2-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger & 4 MVP)

Despite only 6 seasons in the AL Stevenson was an obvious choice for the 1b spot. In his first 5 seasons he racked up 4 AL MVP’s before adding a 5th MVP via the NL to his resume. His 5 total MVP’s is a Hunter record shared with Magglio Javier. Javier and Stevenson have combined for 9 of the 10 AL MVP’s. Despite three seasons of under-use in the NL before returning to the AL this season Stevenson still boosts career numbers of 1007 R, 450 HR & 1234 RBI

2b- Mendy Clemens- Cheese Grits (3-time All-Star & 5 Silver Sluggers)

Mendy moved to the NL during Atlanta’s season six fire sale. However despite this fact Clemens was a slam-dunk for the AL’s staring lineup. He won the 2b silver slugger for every full season he played in the AL. His five silver sluggers are a record shared with Magglio Javier and Dan Miller. Clemens continued his fine play in the NL and was a member of last year’s world series winners (New York).

SS- Dan Miller - Blue Claws/Generals (3-time All-Star & 5 Silver Sluggers)

As mentioned above Miller is one of three, 5-time AL Silver slugger winners and did so in only 6 full AL seasons. During that time he also managed to pick up three championship rings. Miller’s range in his prime was slightly below average however, his bat more than made up for it and it certainly didn’t hurt the Generals in the playoffs.

3b - Rodrigo Brito- Neophytes/Black Sox (4-time All-Star, 4 Silver Sluggers & 2 Gold Gloves)

Brito is the first player on the list to not only have silver slugger but gold gloves. This in itself is an impressive achievement. In addition to this Brito had authored 10 consecutive 30 HR seasons and has failed to reach 100 RBI only one-time. Thus making him a model of consistency. His four AL silver sluggers fall one short of the record and having moved to the NL (Pittsburgh) it looks like his final total will be one short.

Lf- Magglio Javier – Sluggers (9-time All-Star, 5 Silver Sluggers, 5 MVPs & Rookie of the Year)

If there were an MVP for the first decade of Hunter Magglio Javier would probably be the winner. His 9 all-star appearances, 5 silver sluggers and 5 MVPs are all AL records. In addition to that his career numbers and consistency is staggering. Magglio has never scored less than 114 runs, hit less than 44 HR or drove in less than 135 RBI. All of these numbers were posted this season (10) and he still walked away with the MVP. He missed being the first member of the 500 HR club by one game and sits 5 RBI’s short of being the first 1500 RBI player. Additionally, he’s lead Louisville to 10 playoff appearances, 9 division titles, 5 ALCS appearance and 2 World Series appearances. The only flaw in his resume is a lack of a ring; however as I write this Sluggers lead the World Series 1-0.

Cf- Pablo Chavez - Blue Claws/Generals (3-time All-Star)

The toughest position to pick a start as no player really separated themselves from the rest. This pick makes Chavez the youngest member of the team at 27 and still has a few more CF seasons left in him before moving to a corner OF spot to improve his resume. This pick ultimately came down to three options. However, Chavez’s combination of power and defense is what landed him on this list.

Rf- Mark Gabriel - Patriots/Explorers 4-time All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger and 1 Gold Glove)

Gaberial won the three horse race for this spot and joins Brito as the only other Gold Glove winner on the list. Gabrial strong career numbers are a result of a long and extremely consistent career.

DH- Glenn McCarty - Chupacabras/Beefeaters (7-time All-Star, 4 Silver Sluggers)

McCarty was an easy pick for this spot as his seven AL all-star appearances only trails Javier and his 4 silver sluggers sit one back of the AL record. In addition to this McCarty is the career leader in OBP with a ridiculous .420 plus he is top five in terms of career batting average.

Reserves:

SP: Derek O'Keefe- Night Demons/Bad Boys/Yorkies (2-time All-Star & 1 Cy Young)
SP: Steve Sheldon- Patriots/Explorers (3-time All-Star)
SP: J.T. Cook- Blue Claws/Generals (2-time All-Star)
SP: Bob Creek - Sluggers (2-time All-Star & 1 Gold Glove)
SP: Dave Caufield- Sluggers (3-time All-Star)
RP: Clark Connelly- Stranglers/scorpions (4-time All-Star, 2 Fireman of the year)
RP: B.C. Tracy- Hashies/thunderstrikers (3-time All-Star, 1 Fireman of the year)

C: Tanner Sager- Blue Claws/Generals (2-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
1b: Sherm Norton- Yorkies/Choking Dogs (4-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
2b: Desi Nixon-Quakers/Mud Hens (2-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
3b: Walter Hansen-Cheese Grits (1-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
SS: Eduardo Gonzalez- Offspring/Velvet Vultures (4-time All-Star & 4 Silver Slugger)
LF: Braden Cox- Patriots/Explorer (5-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger & 1 MVP)
CF: Mendy Montana- Night Demons (3 Silver Slugger)
RF: Bruce Kaufman-Chupacabras/Beefeaters (2-time All-Star & 1 Silver Slugger) DH: Julian Pisciotta- Rattlers/Yorkies (1 Silver Slugger)

Snubs:
SP- Mark Meng- Islanders/Aces (2-time All-Star) hurt by limited time in AL
SP- Mike Eckstein- Sluggers (2-time All-Star)
RP: Willie Gutierrez-Blue Claws/Generals (4-time All-Star)
RP: Louis Fisher- ChupacabrasBeefeaters (3-time All-Star)
C: Trenidad Molina- Hashies/thunderstrikers (3-time All-Star & 1 Silver Slugger)
1b: Darryl Biddle- Blue Claws/Generals (3-time All-Star & 1 Gold Glove)
1b: Mark Kim- Night Demons (2-time All-Star & 1 MVP)
1b: Juan Zorrilla- Night Demons (2-time All-Star)
2b: Bruce Grey- Sluggers (3-time All-Star & 1 Silver Slugger)
2b: J.R. Alston- Islanders/Aces (4-time All-Star & 1 Silver Slugger)
SS: Emmanuel Javier- Sluggers (3-time All-Star)
SS: Bud Thomas- Fire(2-time All-Star & 2 Gold Glove)
3b: Russell Henson- Sluggers (2-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
LF: James Hayashi- Carpetbaggers/Bad Boys (1-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
CF: Evan Levrault- Patriots/Explorers (1-time All-Star & 3 Gold Gloves)
CF: Pinky Duffy-Fire (2-time All-Star & 1 Glove)
RF: Marquis Fischbach-Islanders/Aces (4-time All-Star & 1 Glove)
RF: Tom Leonard-Stranglers/scorpions- (1-time All-Star & 1 Silver Slugger)
RF: Trevor Rooney- Sluggers (1 All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger & 1 Gold Glove)

NL All-Decade Team

Starting Lineup

SP- Kevin Coleman-Blasters/Mets (3-time All-Star, 3 Cy Young & 1 Silver Slugger)
SP- Shawn Owen- Fugitives/Studdabubbas (5-time All-Star, 2 Cy Young & 2 Silver Slugger)
SP- Mark Meng- Fugitives/Clydesdales (3-time All-Star)
CL- Miguel Bennett-FatNasty (4-time All-Star & 3 Fireman of the Year)
SetA- Eddie Perez- Hartworms (4-time All-Star & 1 Fireman of the Year)

C- Sammy Moraga-FatNasty (5-time All-Star & 3 Silver Slugger)
1b – Rich Peters- Baydogs (All-Star, Silver Slugger & Gold Glove + All-Star and
Silver Slugger @ RF+ Will be 3rd player to 500 HR)
2b- Lonny Iglesias- Blasters/Mule Deer (3 All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger + Silver Slugger & Gold Glove @ LF + First player to 500 HR)
SS- Erubiel Johnson- Blasters (4-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
3b- Angel Bolivar- TCB (4-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger, 2 Gold Glove & 1 MVP + 2-time All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger @ SS)
LF- Albert Henley- Loose Sluts/Blasters/Mormons/FatNasty (5-time Allstar, 4 Silver Slugger & 2 MVP + Silver Slugger & 1 Gold Glove @ 2b)
CF- Garrett Biggio-TCB (6-time All-Star, 8 Silver Slugger, 1 Gold Glove & 1 MVP)
RF- Frank Zhang-Blasters (4-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger, 2 MVP & ROY)

Bench

SP- Ivan Miller- Clydesdales (3-time All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger & Cy Young)
SP- Charles Lawton -Clydesdales/Shockers ( 3-time All-Star)
SP-Andruw Allen-FatNasty/Blasters/ Studdabubbas (4-time All-Star)
SP- Lew Drabek- Shockers/Mormons (3-time All-Star)
Long - Jumbo Urbina- Blasters (4-time All-Star & Cy Young)
RP- Hipolito Guillen- MooseDawg (3-time All-Star & Fire Man of the Year)
RP- Ross Kingston- Nickels (4-time All-Star)

C- Roy Christenson-Loose Sluts/Tomato Can/Gamblers (3-time All-Star & 3 Silver Slugger)
1b- Brace Starr-Blasters (3-time All-Star & 1 Silver Slugger)
2b- Frank Perez-Torpedoes/Scrotums/Mets (1-time All-Star & 2 Silver Sluggers)
SS- Steve Parker- Brain Sandwiches/Clydesdales (2-time All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger & Gold Glove)
3b- J.P. Mercedes-Blasters (3-time All-Star, Silver Slugger & Gold Glove)
LF- James Hayashi- Shockers/Blasters (2-time All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger & MVP + Silver Slugger & All-Star @ 1b)
CF- Andrew Wright- Blasters/Clydesdales (3-time All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger, Gold Glove & MVP)
RF- Erubiel Molina- Clydesdales/Caesars (6-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger & Gold Glove)

Snubs

SP- Benito Bonilla-Metropolitans (3-time All-Star & 1 Cy Young)
RP- Ahmad Beltre- Waves/Shockers (3-time All-Star)
SP- Vic Guardado- FatNasty/Shockers/Blasters (2-time All-Star & 1 Cy Young)
RP- Vance Davidson –Blasters (2-time All-Star)

C- Taylor Griffiths- Clydesdales (2-time All-Star & Silver Slugger)
C- Buddy Valentine- Blasters (All-Star & 2 Gold Gloves)
1b- Ned Aldridge- Mormons (2-time All-Star, Silver Slugger & Gold Glove)
2b- Kelvin Croushore- Blasters (All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger)
SS- Eduardo Gonzalez- Blasters (2 All-Star & 2 Silver Slugger + All-Star @ 2nd)
3b- Josh Kroon- Hashies (2 All-Star & 3 Silver Slugger)
Lf- Buddy Krivda- Wranglers/Flyers 2 All-Star, Silver Slugger & Gold Glove)
Cf- Jason Hutton- Blasters/Mets (3-time All-Star)RF- Trevor Thomas- Flyers (2-time All-Star, 2 Silver Slugger & Gold Glove)

Atlanta Cheese Grits 20th Anniversary Team

2011-06-05T17:24:00.017-04:00

Hunter world was my first world and the Cheese Grits were my first team. It's my favorite franchise, even though my only pennants and WS title reside in another world. In celebration of the 20th season of Hunter, I thought I would name my all time 20th anniversary Grits team. It would be cool if other original owners did the same.

Catcher:

Hardball Dynasty's

Mario Giles

I think if I do a 25th anniversary team, this answer will change to Rick Briggs, but it's Giles for now. Giles was my very first FA signing, and he did not disappoint, going .299/.363/.555 with 37 HR and 126 RBI and 110 runs scored. He was a terrific defensive C and game caller. For 5 seasons, he called the shots and carried a good to great stick. His PC ability kept him in the majors until his 40's.

First Base:

Hardball Dynasty's

Ned Aldridge

Willie Reagan still holds some franchise records, but Aldridge was the superior player. In 6+ seasons in Atlanta, he led the franchise to their best seasons. He put up a .292/.399/.514 line with 196 HR and 632 RBI while playing in Atlanta. He grabbed 3 top 5 MVP finishes in his Atlanta years. His career .404 OBP and 410 career HR should merit some HOF consideration.

Second Base:

Hardball Dynasty's

Mendy Clemens

The ultimate no-brainer, Mendy Clemens is one of the few players to be enshrined in Hunter's Hall of Fame. He played the first 5+ seasons in Atlanta before being traded to New York for Gene Fitzgerald (not one of my better decisions). He was brought back as a LF for his last 3 seasons. In his years in Atlanta, he put up a .310/.392/.539 line with 200 HR, 850 RBI, 1044 runs, 196 SB and 1560 hits. He racked up 7 Silver Sluggers and 5 All Star Games in his entire career.

Shortstop:

Hardball Dynasty's

Jamie Yoshii

While Yoshii was capable, at best, at the plate, he was a wizard with the glove. Signed as an IFA out of Japan, Yoshii won 4 Gold Gloves and made 2 All Star teams in his 9 seasons in Atlanta. In his career, he has 147 + plays and only 5 minus plays. He'd have more + plays, but the mods didn't fix fielding stats until after he had played 3 seasons. His batting stats in Atlanta were a respectable .261/.321/.361. I'll take that all day long from a Gold Glove SS.

Third Base:

Hardball Dynasty's

Walter Hansen

While the Clemens trade wasn't one of my best, I did manage to spin Fitzgerald after one lousy season into a number of good players in a trade with Colorado. I received George Baker, Al Canizaro, Jerome Moore and Hansen. These players helped build the foundation for my 2 100+ win seasons. Hansen was a good defensive 3b with speed and some power. In 9 seasons in Atlanta, he batted .284/.339/.481 with 187 HR, 332 2b, 848 runs, and 226 SB. He won 4 Silver Sluggers and made 3 All Star teams.

Left Field:

Hardball Dynasty's

Bernie Valdes

Left field has been a problem spot for Atlanta, which is odd, because it should be one of the easier positions to fill. This is very true in other worlds, but it has not been the case, for me, in Hunter. I've managed to find a lot of veteran stop gaps to give me nice seasons, but no good permanent solutions. Valdes was my first LF and my best. His first 2 seasons were monster seasons, and his glove work was always great. He won 3 Gold Gloves and made 2 All Star teams. In 5 seasons in Atlanta, he hit .295/.356/.459 with 88 HR, 185 2B, and 531 RBI. His skills faded fast as I had no idea what training was good for in those early days and he retired at a very young age after I let him walk.

Center field:

Hardball Dynasty's

Hub Aspromonte

You know what's freaking hard? Finding a CF who can play CF well and hit worth a damn. Not easy. My last 2 seasons, I've had J.R. Cox, who is Willie Mays with the glove, but not so much with the bat (You may run like Hayes, but you hit like sh*t.") Still, you could make a case for Cox, given the assorted junk I had in CF for my first "decade". However, I think Aspromonte has to get the nod here. Hub was a good defender in CF, with his 89 range and 81-83 level glove. He had some pop and was a switch hitter to boot. In 6+ seasons in Atlanta, he posted .252/.317/.435 with 120 HR and 463 RBI. His best season (S12), he put up a .286/.348/.497 line with 21 HR and 92 RBI. Not bad.

Right Field:

Hardball Dynasty's

Michael Hernandez

Here is another answer that will change with the 25th anniversary team. Joshua Mays will certainly take over this spot at some point, but for 2+ seasons, Hernandez was pure brilliance. He is my sole AL MVP award winner, and boy did he earn it. He hit .309/.386/.619 in S12 with 43 HR, 145 RBI, 121 runs, 26 2b, 11 3b and 30 SB. Oh yeah, he was an above average RF as well. I let him walk after S12 to LA, where his skills declined rapidly (hello training budget!) The compensatory 1st rounder I got turned into Silver Slugging Catcher Rick Briggs. The gift that kept on giving.

Designated Hitter:

Hardball Dynasty's

Garrett Borchard

DH has been a bit of a revolving door. I've had a lot of players put up 2 good to great seasons in this spot. Aldridge spent some time here, as well. Marc Diaz, Dweezil Van Pelt, and Ralph Hunt were all good hitters. I chose Borchard as he had the best 2 season impact and played on my best teams. He hit .333/.399/.585 and .308/.382/.552 in his 2 full seasons in Atlanta. He hit 36 HR with 115 RBI in the first season and 35 Hr with 115 RBI in his second. That's consistency.

Right Handed Starting Pitcher:

Hardball Dynasty's

Brian Burnett

This is a tougher call. Ignacio Cruz won one of my franchises 2 Cy Young awards, George Baker the other. Bob Creek has had 2 very good seasons, but that's not enough. I have to go with Burnett due to his talent and results. He's a short inning starter, which limits his value somewhat, but when he's on the mound, he's great. In 7 seasons in Atlanta, he's posted a 3.07 ERA in 1112 IP with a 1.13 WHIP. He's held opponents to a .279 OBP. He gets a lot of no decisions, but is still 81-45. Does Cruz' value and innings over 4 seasons best Burnett's superior pitching over 7 seasons? I don't think so, but I could be persuaded, I suppose.

Left handed Starting pitcher:

Hardball Dynasty's

Willie Wakeland

Wakeland is Mr. Cheese Grit. He was 17 years old in S1 when I started my team. He broke into the majors for good in s5 after a massive elbow injury delayed his arrival. He made an immediate impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award by posting a 15-1 season with a 2.90 ERA in 24 starts. There was a fair bit of mediocrity mixed in, as he was backed by some very bad defenses for a while. He turned it around in S10 as the Grits got good again. He peaked in S11, posting a 21-8 record with a 2.84 ERA in 225.1 innings. Another elbow injury in S13 ended his ability to be a good starter, and he's muddled through since. He is still active and pitching, even now, and won his first WS ring with Philly in S18. He pitched 15 seasons in Atlanta and posted a 148-119 record with a 4.26 ERA.

Relief Pitcher:

Hardball Dynasty's

Al Canizaro

I drafted Canizaro in the 2nd (!) round in S3. I dealt him to Colorado for Carlos James, but then I reacquired him in the massive Fitzgerald deal mentioned above. During his 7 season tenure in Atlanta, he made 4 All Star Teams and won a Fireman of the Year award. He saved 208 of 231 chances in 351 games, posting a 3.18 ERA.

It's been a fun ride so far and I'm looking forward to writing another one for my 30th anniversary.

Pittsburgh Studdabubbas S19 Wrap-Up

2011-06-04T19:09:00.006-04:00

The Studdabubbas made huge strides in Season 20. They won 67 games (12 more than last year) and they are no longer the worst team in the league—they are 6th worst. Yippee!

Those 12 wins can probably all be traced back to the swell rookie season that 1B Matt Buchanan put together. He hit 44 homers and for a .316 average. His .992 OPS was second-best in Studdabubba histroy (Willie Drew had 1.067 in season 11). Buchanan was voted the NL rookie of the year by the owners. Surprisingly, this isn't new territory for the Studdabubbas.

Pittsburgh Studdabubbas Rookie of the Year winners:

1B - Matt Buchanan (S19)
1B - Nate Girardi(S11)
LF - Willie Drew (S6)
SS - Juan Aguilar (S5)

What probably isn't surprising to you is that none of these ROYs are pitchers. Pittsburgh is still the black hole of pitching. You hear these pitcher's names on draft day and never again. Take a moment to bask in your Studdabubba's history of pitchers chosen in the first round of the draft.

Who the crap are these people?

S1 - Danny Owen - 0 ML years
S2 - Sean Ratliff- 0 ML seasons in Pitt - pitched poorly for LA and Chicago
S2 - Hector Gonzalez - 0 ML seasons in Pitt - stunk in other cities
S3 - Kenneth Carson - 4 ML seasons in Pitt - 4.92 career ERA
S3 - David Cradle - 1 ML Season in Pitt which was at the end of his lousy career (5.30 ERA)
S6 - Quentin Lary - 0 ML seasons in Pitt - The Bubs make a good pick (28th) but wisely trade him away before they can screw him up - 3.05 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in SF and Col.
S11- Stephen Moore - 2 ML seasons in Pitt - sadly, still with team - nobody will claim him - 4.26 ERA
S14 - Greg Baptist - 3 ML seasons in Pitt - 5.07 ERA, 15-45 career record
S15 - Ronny Boyd - 23 y.o.- average AAA starter.
S17 - Butch Griffith - 25 y.o.- good AAA starter
S19 - William Casey - 19 y.o. - First overall pick last year...Dude had better be good!

For the first time in recent memory, the Studdabubbas actually tried to address the pitching issue last season. They acquired 25 y.o. Daryl Isringhausen from LA who went 12-8 for the Studdabubba's big team, which is an accomplishment in this town. They also acquired 21 y.o. Alejandro Gomez from Atlanta and, in true Pittsburgh fashion, he suffered and elbow injury which put him on the DL for a year and set him back pretty far on all of his best assets. Some things never change.

It's probable that we will get to see Butch Griffith and, set-up guy, Seop Pan get called up in Season 20. But after that, the cupboard is pretty bare. And that goes for the young position players, too. Besides Buchanan, the young ML hitters aren't world beaters. Don't be fooled! Even though it's been going on for 5 seasons already, the Bubbas are still in rebuild mode.

Studdabubbas Take a Trip to the Fountain of Youth

2011-03-16T22:55:00.006-04:00

After last season’s debacle, at least we can say that your favorite Pittsburgh baseball team (yes, still ahead of the Pirates) aren’t standing pat. The Studdabubbas will welcome 6 rookies to their Big League roster—3 of whom will start right out of the gate. Plus, the Studdabubbas have been making some deals to get some much needed arms into their system. You may not recognize your team in Season 19, but making wholesale changes to the worst team in the league sure seems to make sense.

Rookie Matt Buchanan is the guy who chased Nate Girardi to Atlanta in free agency. Pittsburgh fans are calling him the next Willie Drew. Management is expecting more.

Second baseman Duffy Strong was traded to Atlanta for a promising starting pitcher named Alejandro Gomez who was assigned to Pittsburgh’s AA team. This opened the door for rookie Tim Dresden who will start on opening day.

At short, 31 year-old Frank Turner, who played for Kansas City for the last 6 years, was claimed off the Waiver Wire after Wilton Martin was let go and Wascar Blanco messed-up his back.

In right field, rookie Hong-Gu Suh will get the call because last year’s starter, Fernando Hernandez, was asking for too much money. Currently, Fernando is on Detroit’s AAA team.

The Studdabubba’s had been toying with the idea of trading Aaron Bennett for years and finally pulled the trigger. Bennett and a couple pitching prospects returned SP Daryl Isringhausen from Los Angeles. Last season’s back-up catcher, Arthur Anderson, will likely be the starter but the Bubbas have some depth here. It looks like they might try rookie Jimmie Henriquez as a backup but not because he is a good catcher.

Those are the changes in the field as Buzz Abernathy (3B), Charlie Bird (CF) and Tony Grove (LF) remain the starters from last year. Another rookie, Pablo Andino, has also been called up to the Bigs as a utility guy.

The pitching seems to have improved a little this season but that’s not saying a whole let. Brand new starter Darly Isringhousen will also be joined in the rotation by J.J. Scott who, along with releiver Jesus Diaz was acquired from salary-conscious Scranton for two prospects.

Francisco Delgado was the lone free agency signing for the Studdabubbas this season (way to spend that money, ownership) but he, and rookie Cole Rossy, should help solidify the horrific bullpens of Pittsburgh past.

It may seem even longer, but it's been a long 5 seasons since the Pittsburgh Studdabubbas made the playoffs. In seasons 9-14 they won the NL North 5 out of 6 times. Hopefully, the young nucleus of this club are a step in the right direction to being a relevant, competitive team in Hunter again.

Pittsburgh Studdabubbas S18 Wrap-Up

2011-02-06T14:26:00.015-05:00

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. The Studdabubbas thought S18 was the year that they, at least, would get the ship facing in the right direction. Last season, they came on strong at the end of the season. So, this year, they spent some money in free-agency for the first time in years and thought they had some young players who were ready to break-out. In response, Pittsburgh had their worst record in their 18-season history, 55-107.

The pitching was a disaster again. The free agent signing of Del Hernandez was expected to strengthen and nurture the young pitching staff but Del quickly fell into the same funk that has plagued all Pittsburgh pitchers throughout time. The best starter on the team was not Hernandez (7-10, 4.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) but arguably the 23-year-old Rule 5 pick Vin Franco. He had a 3.90 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP and lost 6 out of 6 games (That’s right, the Studdabubba’s best starter won 0 games). He probably could have lost even more games if he wasn’t injured for the first three quarters of the season.

The other free agents (Buzz Abernathy, Alberto Cordero, Fernando Hernandez) were stop-gap players and they hardly accomplished that. Buzz Abernathy hit .280 and hit 21 HRs and, sadly, was the Studdabubba’s best slugger (.454).

After a horrible start where he was benched for a few games, Nate Girardi somehow got his average up to .291 but only got 77 RBIs batting 3rd and 4th—easily his worst production of his career. Nate is in the last year of his contract and will likely look for a new team.

If we needed to choose a S18 MVP, it would have to be 35-year-old set-up man, Darryl Ogea. He had a WHIP of 1.12 and went 7-3 on a team that only won 55 games. Ogea probably isn’t quite ready to retire and Pittsburgh would be stupid to let any competent pitcher go but will Ogea want to stay?

There may be some hope in Pittsburgh, though. The ‘Bubba’s AAA team is in the World Series and has 3 or 4 position players who will likely get called-up at the beginning of next season:

Matt Buchanan
Pittsburgh
Studdabubbas
Age: 21	B/T: S/R
Born: Wildomar, CA
Position(s): 1B/DH
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1B - Matt Buchanan - He was a first round pick in S16 and will be 22-years-old next season. Matt has been demolishing Minor League pitching hitting 33, 46, and 47 home runs in the last 3 seasons. He is the main reason Nate Girardi may not be a Studdabubba next season.

Tim Dresden
Pittsburgh
Studdabubbas
Age: 22	B/T: L/R
Born: West Chicago, IL
Position(s): 2B/IF/COF/DH
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2B - Tim Dresden - Dresden will battle Duffy Strong for the 2b starting spot but, since he can play many positions, he will likely be called-up even if he doesn’t beat-out Strong. Dresdon was a S15 compensatory pick.

Pablo Andino
Pittsburgh
Studdabubbas
Age: 24	B/T: R/R
Born: Collegedale, TN
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
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SS - Pablo Andino - Coming to the Studdabubbas in S16 as a compensatory pick, Pablo isn’t exactly ripping up the minors but, with the Studdabubbas weakness at SS, Andino will probably be asked to replace Wilton Martin as backup SS or even start if the ‘Bubbas don’t resign Wascar Blanco.

Hong-Gu Suh
Pittsburgh
Studdabubbas
Age: 21	B/T: R/R
Born: Naha, JP
Position(s): RF/LF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RF - Hong-Gu Suh - An International signing in S15, Suh probably still needs another year in the minors but may get the call if there is an injury or more benchings.

Needless to say, there aren’t any blue-chip pitchers who are likely to make a mark in the Majors any time soon. Ronny Boyd is probably closest but he’s probably a S20 hopeful. Cole Rossy may also get a shot but that’s mostly due to the lousy shape the the ML bullpen is currently in.

Hall of Fame Candidates

2010-05-26T13:41:00.007-04:00

Below is the list of HOF eligible candidates. I decided to rank the top 20 candidates not yet in the hall.

1. Mendy Clemens
Seasons 1-13
Stats: 1584 R (4th All-time), 334 HR, 1405 RBI, 297 SB, .304 AVG, .915 OPS
Awards: 6-Time 2b Silver Slugger, 5-Time All-Star, 1-Time LF Silver Slugger & 1 World Series Ring.

Pros: Unless we want a HOF consisting of only DH/1b/LF and SP we need to start factoring the positions of the nominee. Clemens is probably the best 2b in the history of Hunter, I think it’s safe to say the best at any position should be in the HOF. Unlike some other nominees that played up the middle out of position Clemens was a bone fide 2b until season 9 and then a passable defender until season 11. As a top of the order batter he got the job done with a .385 OBS and huge run totals which put him in the top 5 all-time. Also Clemens was 24 when the world was created and looking at his initial ratings he could have been a ML contributor as early at 22. A final pro for Clemens is when I roughed out this list I had him 4th or 5th but the more I looked at him the further he climbed.

EDIT: M. Clemens was the starting 2b for the All-Hunter AL Decade team

Cons: To nitpick he was only had average range for a 2b but did have a plus glove

EDIT: When review his SB success that could be the 2nd knock on Clemens while he stole 297 based he was thrown out over 150 times.

2. Kevin Coleman
Seasons 1-14
Stats: 166-91 2383 IP 1843K 3.66 ERA 1.24 WHIP
Awards: 3-Time All-Star, 3 Time Cy Young winner , 1 World Series Ring, 1 Silver Slugger

Pros: Authored a career 3.66 ERA despite pitching in Colorado/Tucson for four combined seasons, has the most Cy Young awards of any retired pitcher not named Bournigal. Posted a career winning % of .645 despite spending 7 of his 14 seasons on non-playoff teams.. For the first 10 seasons of Hunter the league average ERA ranged from 4.92.-5.45 Coleman’s ERA was about a run and a half lower than (3.66) than the league average. His ERA becomes even more impressive when put into the following context. he pitched 22% of his career innings in Coors field, He pitched 400 innings in Tucson’s Electric park which is the third best hitting park (behind Coors and Sante Fe) and for those 400 IP he averaged an ERA of 3.18. So during his extended prime Coleman was clearly an elite pitcher he just had some factors working against his overall stats. In the one season he spent on a quality team in a pitcher’s park he went 18-5 with a 1.98 ERA. Perhaps a glimpse into what he could have done had he been put into better situations.
EDIT: Also forgot to mention that Coleman made the All-Hunter NL Decade team as one of three Starting Pitchers

Cons: Only averaged 11.8 wins for his career, only 3-All star appearances however this is likely explained by the low win totals playing for bad teams. As allstar voting tends heavily favour win totals

3. Mark Meng
Seaosns 1-14
Stats: 212-99 (2nd All-Time) 2765 IP (4th All-Time) 1988K (5th All-Time) 3.39 ERA 1.24 WHIP
Awards: 7-Time All-Star & 1 World Series Ring

Pros: As stated above for Coleman the ML average for ERA over the first 10 seasons ranged from 4.92-5.45. So Meng’s career ERA was a full two runs lower than the league average in some instances. Most agree a sub 4 ERA for a season is a very good year and a sub 3 ERA is a fantastic year. Meng had ten sub 4 ERA seasons and had four sub 3 ERA seasons. When Meng signed in with Scottsdale after Season 7 he inked the largest contract ever handed out to a pitcher (5 years/ 80M). This signing paid immediate dividends for Scottsdale leading a franchise that had previously never been to the playoffs to a championship. While pitching 40 playoff innings with an ERA of 2.95. Meng was the definition of a winner, teams he played for made the playoffs 12/14 season. Along with Coleman, Meng was named one of the 3 starters to the All-Hunter NL Decade team and just missed being named to the AL team as well

Cons: Despite being top 5 in several major pitching categories Mark Meng never won a Cy Young. After coming to the AL he played in the shadow of Feliepe Bournigal however he never took home the big trophy in the AL. Also nitpicking he only had one 20W season.

4. E. Molina
Seasons 1-14
Stats: 1591 R (3rd All-Time) 255 HR 1146 RBI 459 SB (2nd All-Time) .312 AVG .910 OPS
Awards: ROY, 3-Time RF Silver Slugger, 6-Time All-Star & 2-Time Gold Glove winner

Pros: Molina was a model of consistency over the first ten seasons of Hunter. In his first ten seasons he only batted below .300 once and hit between 20-29 HR eight times. It wasn’t till his 12th season that he failed to reach the 100 run plateau. Molina was a perfect top of the order hitter with a little bit of pop, great speed and the ability to get on base. That ability to get on base let him touch home plate more than all but two men (Angel Bolivar & Garret Biggio) in Hunter history. In addition to his bat he also played good enough defense to win two gold gloves in RF. Mr. Molina was also the extremely loyal sort playing every inning of his ML career for the same franchise. I believe that would be a first among all Hunter HOFs (provided he beats Rich Peters in…..more on him to follow). Like the three listed above him E. Molina also made the All-Hunter Decade team. He was a reserve for the NL, having been beaten out by Frank Zhang for the starting spot in RF.

Cons: Molina lacked the typical power found in an OF corner spot he is also the first player on this list to have never won a title.

5. D. Miller
Seasons: 1-11
Stats: 1131 R 283HR 1083 RBI 164 SB .306 AVG .953 OPS
Awards: 5-Time Silver Slugger SS, 5-Time All-Star & 3 World Series Rings

Pros: Miller is a 5-time AL Silver slugger winner and did so in only 6 full AL seasons. Some will point to Miller’s defense as being better suited for 2b or 3b myself included. However, it’s tough to argue with the Generals success with Miller manning SS, the Washington Franchise won it’s three titles with Miller at SS. If his defense didn’t hinder a championship team it’s difficult to hold it against his HOF candidacy. Miller was nearing the end of his prime when the world was generated (his fielding skills began to detiroate after season3), despite this fact Miller was still able to reach 1000R and 1000 RBIs for this career. While Miller’s stats won’t be as godly as some players on this list he fact he played an up the middle position on 3 championship teams makes him Hall Worthy in my books

Cons: Fielding skills were always below average for a a SS. For his career he had 35 negative plays vs. 4 positive plays at short. He was basically done as a ML hitter by Season 9, which brings up the question of how to evaluate hitters that were older when the world was generated. I think it’s safe to say most understand that CF/SS will have shorter careers as fielding ratings fall off a cliff early in a players 30’s

6. Derek O’Keefe
Seasons 1-13
Stats: 163-78 2301 IP 1824 K 3.15 ERA 1.18 WHIP
Awards: 1 Cy Young & 5 All-Star Appearances

Pros: Previously with Mark Meng, I mentioned sub-4 and sub-3 ERA seasons, I will do so once again with O’Keefe. O’Keefe had eleven seasons with a sub 4 ERA and three seasons with a sub 3 ERA. Those numbers seem pretty ridiculous in themselves but when you dig deeper you’ll see that for 10 of his 13 seasons his ERA was sub 3.4 Unlike other pitching greats O’Keefe didn’t tail off dramatically at the end of his career. In fact at age 41 he gave the TB (now Houston) franchise 128 innings of 3.09 ERA ball. O’Keefe managed all of the above despite being 29 when Hunter was created.

Cons: He never managed to win a championship however that didn’t mean he wasn’t in demand, he played for 10 different organizations in his career. His one Cy Young was likely a by-product of several seasons being split between two leagues.

HOF Class Season 15

2010-02-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

Will have to wait but deserve to join the Hall.

The first group of guys were the first ballot Hall of Famers the next four in my opinion also deserve to join the hall but will likely have to wait a couple years before being enshired.

Dan Miller: Miller’s hardware case is full: 5 silver sluggers and 5 all-star appearances to go along with 3 WS rings. A lot has been made of Miller’s fielding being sub-par for a SS. I have been among the detractors. However, I must say that mdukes made a very valid point when he likened Miller to Jeter (solid SS that’s a little light in range). The more salient point made by mdukes was despite his fielding warts it did not stop Washington from winning three championships. Combine the hardware, the stats and the position he played and Miller’s bust deserves to hang in the HOF

Andrew Wright: I believe CF and SS need to be evaluated differently than all other positions, as defense is such a premimum. Based on pattern for defensive ratings decline, SS and CF only have a limited time on top. Rarely does a CF or SS have the bat to justify playing them at another position so once their range rating drops below 75 their career is essentially over. This could be seen clearly with Wright, who IMO is the 3rd best CF to lace up cleats in Hunter, behind Garret Biggio and Pablo Chavez. With 4-All-Star teams, 2 Silver Sluggers, 1 MVP and a World series ring Mr. Wright has a quality trophy case. When you throw in the fact he provided above average defense for 7 seasons in the 2nd most demanding position it become clear he should join the hall. He will get my vote in the future

E. Javier: He lived in the shadow if his younger brother Magglio for his seven seasons in Louisville. However behind Magglio he was probably the 2nd most important member of the team. Javier brought above average SS defense with a strong bat to the table. Were it not for two 60 day DL stints for SLC, Javier likely would have cracked 1000 runs and 1000 rbis. Javier posted (4) silver slugger caliber seasons in season 1, 3, 4 and 6 however he was nipped by Dan Miller in all four cases. For the first 10 seasons of Hunter you could make an argument that Javier was the world’s best SS. The discussion would come down to Miller and Javier. The one you picked would be based on how you valued defense vs. offense from the SS position. Playing the most demanding position at arguably the highest level for the first 10 seasons should get E. Javier into the hall, unless we only want 1b/DH/LF types in the hallowed halles.

Shawn Owen: One of the most consistent pitchers in the early years of Hunter. With 2 Cy Youngs and 6-All-Star appearancse he probably should be mentioned in the same breath as Coleman, Ogea and O’Keefe. However for whatever reason he isn’t held in the same esteem. Owen will get his due when he eventually joins them in the Hall. Owen like O’Keefe pitched well late into this career at age 39 he posted 18-7 with a 3.35 ERA

HOF Class S15

2010-02-19T11:41:00.003-05:00

I figured I’d take the time to go through the HOF candidates and give my thoughts and then break the players down into the following classes: First Ballot HOF, HOF but will have to wait, Borderline HOFer and Won’t Make the Cut. Also for the fun of it I will take a shot at how many votes each player receives (I will assume all 32 owners get a vote). Due to the backlog I think Hayashi and either Coleman/O’Keefe while just miss the threshold to enter the Hall. They are still first ballot HOF in my eyes and would be if Hunter’s HOF started when players first became eligible.

I’ll start with the first ballot HOFers

Felipe Bournigal: His number speak from themselves he is the greatest pitcher that Hunter has ever known. A career era of 2.70, two World Series rings and 6 Cy Young say it all. The only way Bournigal doesn’t go 32/32 in the voting is if someone forgets to vote.
Votes: 32/32

Lou Stevenson: Stevenson’s reign on top was relatively short (7 seasons) however during that team his production was so heroic the duration of his prime has little effect. Had he not been traded to the NL his prime probably would have extended another season or two which would have allowed him to join the 500 HR club. All that said Stevenson goes into the hall on the back of qty (5) MVP’s which is a Hunter record he shares with Magglio Javier.
Votes: 23/32

Elvis Ogea: Ogea is a two-time Cy Young award winner playing in the same league as Bournigal and had Ogea pitched in the NL his Cy total likely would have been 4 or higher. Ogea was also the best pitcher on the 3-time WS champions Washington Generals. The last two seasons of his career were not kind to his stats as he posted a 6+ ERA over his last 130 ML innings. Had he retired two years earlier his 3.25 career ERA likely would have been in the high 2’s.
Votes: 24/32

Kevin Coleman: Coleman has more Cy Young’s (3) than anyone not named Felipe. For the first 10 seasons of Hunter the league average ERA ranged from 4.92.-5.45 Coleman’s ERA was about a run and a half lower than (3.66) than the league average. His ERA becomes even more impressive when put into the following context. He averaged a 6+ ERA over the last 180 IP of his career (when will WIS factor in retiring with dignity), he pitched 22% of his career innings in Coors field, He pitched 400 innings in Tucson’s Electric park which is the third best hitting park (behind Coors and Sante Fe) and for those 400 IP he averaged an ERA of 3.18. So during his extended prime Coleman was clearly an elite pitcher he just had some factors working against his overall stats.
Votes: 18/32

Derek O’Keefe: Mr. O’Keefe was a wanted man, he bounced around Hunter via trades and FA like no other. He played for 13 seasons and he also played in 13 different cities. He only ended up with one Cy Young but he did have three seasons where he posted an ERA sub 3.2 but was split between two league thus negating any chance for more Cy Young nominations. One of the things I find most impressive about O’Keefe was his ability to remain effective until retirement. Unlike other greats: Bournigal, Ogea & Coleman, you did not see the precipitous drop-off in production at the end of this career. In his final ML season he posted a 4.2 ERA.
Votes: 16/32

James Hayashi: For the first 8 seasons of Hunter he was as good as any hitter. Unfortunately he was 28 when the world spawned so obviously there were 4-5 prime years missed. Hayashi ended his career with 470 HR, given another 4-5 seasons that number would have been in the 600-700HR range. I think the number 43 pretty much sums up Hayashi excellence in his prime. 43 is the number of games he played in the AL during Season 4 and he still managed to win the NATIONAL LEAGUE MVP.
Votes: 14/32

Albert Henley: 2 MVP’s, 6-All-stars and .337 career batting average are the numbers that show Henley is clearly hall bound. A lot has been made of Henley’s inflated stats due to his 3.5 season stay in Colorado. While I agree those seasons did inflate Henley’s numbers. At age 37 & 38 with reduced skills he still managed to produce qty (2) 20+ HR seasons with batting averages of .321 & .322. I think his production at an advanced age shows he had a skill set of a HOFer.
Votes: 25/32

Career Records update S15

2010-02-14T21:48:00.006-05:00

Hunter Career Records (S15)

ERA
Felipe Bournigal 2.70 - Roberto Santiago 2.93 - David Reyes 2.95

Wins
Pete Daly 240 - Felipe Bournigal 215 - Mark Meng 212

WHIP
Felipe Bournigal 1.02 - Joe Ogea 1.07 - Roberto Santiago 1.13

Saves
Terrence Floyd 379 - Miguel Bennett 355 - Clark Connelly 315

Strike Out
Pete Daly 2628 - Felipe Bournigal 2372 - Mark Meng 1988 - Bob Creek 1987

------------------------------------

Batting Average
Frank Zhang .357 - Footsie Morris .352 - Glenn McCarty .342 - Angel Bolivar .341

Home Runs
Lonny Iglesias 647 - Garrett Biggio 599 - Yamid Molina 564 - Magglio Javier 564

RBI
Garrett Biggio 1925 - Maglio Javier 1671 - John Stevens 1607

Hits
Garrett Biggio 2776 - Angel Bolivar 2735 - Abraham Cuddyer 2570

Runs Scored
Garrett Biggio 1811 - Angel Bolivar 1595 - Erubiel Molina 1591

Notes
As we can see on the blog the last update was done at the end of S13 and since than some big changes took place. Felipe Bournigal and Pete Daly are still on top of most pitching stats but a young pitcher stormed the career records lists with the best career start Hunter has ever seen, I'm talking about Roberto Santiago.

Back in season 8, 9 or 10 Bournigals' and Dalys' pitching records seemed unbreakable or at least very difficult to get to but with the way the new class of pitcher are performing I will have to change my mind on that idea. Roberto signed with San Juan as a IFA back in season 10 and has dominated Hunter ever since. So far after only 5 seasons Mr. Santiago started 178 games and pitched 1078 innings, that's an average of 36 starts and 216 IP per season. In those 178 starts he has 102 wins, 20 loses, 3 Cy Young awards, 4 All Star Teams and a WS Ring!.......I know Bournigal was the best SP Hunter has ever seen but I think Roberto may have something to say about that.......did I mention he's only 26 years old.

Roberto Santiago
San Juan
Ring to Rule Them All
Age: 26	B/T: L/L
Born: Almirante, PA
Position(s): P (T2B)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2010-02-01T16:29:00.015-05:00

New Britain Yorkies S14 World Series Champions!!!

ALDCS - New Britain 3 - Washington D.C. 0
ALCS - New Britain 4 - San Francisco 3
WS - New Britain 4 - Salt Lake City 3

Behind the #'s: SB List

2010-01-15T15:55:00.001-05:00

As always the S14 team name is in brackets

A look at the top 5 all-time Hunter SB leaders and how their careers unfolded

1. Zeus Stewart (Currently FA): 499 SB 39 CS
1278 GP 739 R 125 HR 597 RBI.257 AVG .306 OPS .719 OPS

Zeus is known as the Greek god of steals in Hunter. His SB proficiency was an insane 92.7%. Tim Raines generally considered to be the most efficient modern base-stealer of the modern era ONLY stole bases at an 84% clip.

Unfortunately for Zeus the rest of his numbers were pedestrian in comparison, it is clear from his average and OBP he only stuck in the majors as long as he did based on his ridiculous speed.

Stewart spent seasons 1-2 with Sacramento (Honolulu) then the relocated to Vancouver as a result Stewart was sent to the minors where he spent seasons 3-4. It was in season 5 he returned to the majors for Vancouver (Hon) and posted his best SB numbers from season 5-8, topping out with a 90 SB season. During this time Stewart also collected the only two awards of his career: Gold Glove 2b (S7 & S8)

After season 8 Vancouver relocated to Boise (Hon), which meant a pink slip for Mr. Stewart. He was signed as a FA by Huntington (Austin) and played there for season 9 but under new management in season 10 he was dealt to Salem (Las Vegas) for Vin Maduro. Maduro is currently pitching for Austin in the ML and has posted career stats of 8-11 with a 5.57 ERA. Based on his talent he’ll top out as an SP4 or SP5 in the ML.

Upon reaching Salem (LV) he played there for two seasons (10-11) before leaving as a FA before the start of season 12. In his last ML go around Buffalo signed him for a single season (12) before letting him walk as a FA.

Despite being unemployed for two season Zeus has still not announced his retirement undoubtedly hoping a team will pick him up as a marketing ploy to allow him to reach 500 SB. He currently sits 1 short. At age 33 he still has 83 speed and could provide a solid pinch running option down the stretch for a team. My bet is by the end of the Jan. 13th he’ll be rostered and on his way to 500.

2. Erubil Molina (Aug) 459 SB 85 CS
1869 GP 1569 R (3rd all-time) 252 HR 1127 RBI .313 AVG .398 OPS .913 OPS

Unlike Stewart number two on the list Erubil Molinda was a bone fide SuperStar and likely first ballot Hall of Famer. He has spent his entire 14 year career with the same organization St. Louis/Augusta. During that time he accumulated the following awards: ROY (S1), 6-Time All-star, 3-time Silver Slugger & 2 time Gold Glover.

His top SB season was season 8 where he stole 92 bases and was only caught 12 times.

At age 38 Molina is reaching the end of his career he still starts in LF for Augusta but with 12 negative plays for the season he’s far from the 2-time gold glove defender he was in his prime. It also looks like his SB days are over; as his speed has decreased to 58 and he has attempted a steal all season.

Still as mentioned above Molina will likely be one of the first players ushered into the HOF when it opens. In addition to being 2nd in SB he sits 3rd on the all-time runs list.

3. Ivan Castro (Chi) 398 SB 85 CS
1497 GP 899 R 24 HR 419 RBI .284 AVG .351 OBP .684 OPS

Ivan Castro had his first cup of coffee in the ML during season 2 with the Charlotte FatNasty (New Oreleans) only getting into 8 games for a total of 33 AB. He was traded to NY before playing a single game in season 3.

NY traded away Daniel Nelson to get Castro and two other players. Nelson went on to play a total of 1213 GP and finished with career numbers of 254 HR 779 RBI .271 AVG and .827 OPS. In addition to Castro NY received Chris King who played 484 ML games and posted 59 HR 192 RBI .286 AVG .867 OPS. King last played in the ML during season 9 with the SLC franchise. NY also received Craig Nielsen who had a brief ML career (only 400 AB) and last played in the majors for Cincy in season 11. At the end of the day the trade really broke down to Castro for Nelson, which seemed to give each team a productive player.

Castro stayed in NY from season 3 till season 6 when he was dealt to Colorado as part of a blockbuster deal. This time around NY traded 3 players to get one player back. The player NY acquired was Kevin Coleman (166W-90L 3.64ERA) a three-time Cy Young award winner. Unfortunately for NY he left via FA after season 7 due to salary cap constraints on the NY franchise, which briefly caused Radek to think about selling the team.

In addition to Castro, Colorado received David Anderson (119W-70L 4.14ERA) a former Cy Young award winner who retired following season 11 & Carlton York who’s Colorado career was short lived. He was traded back to NY in season 7 and has since racked up 202 SV and 3.01 ERA for NY.

Castro himself played for Colorado until last season (S13) when he was dealt to Chicago. The deal from the Chicago side alleviated 8M in contract obligations and also netted him two prospects in addition to Castro. The first prospect was A. Gomez as SP who is only 28 and has the stuff to be a quality SP2/SP3 type. For the season he has pitched 137 innings and is 8-8 with a 4.14 ERA. Chicago also received Mitch Westson a 2b with a below average glove but a plus bat. He is a former 1st round draft pick (40th overall) who will provide 20-25HR power up the middle. At this point in his career Castro has been relegated to pinch running and defensive replacement duties for Chicago.

Colorado’s return in the Castro trade was TJ Croushure and Pablo Chavez both names will be well known to long-time Hunter owners. Croushure has always been an enigma due to his EXTREMELY low durability. As a SP for Colorado he has only been able to make 11 starts for 80 IP and has posted an ERA of 3.04. Pablo Chavez on the other hand is the best CF Hunter’s every produced not named G. Biggio. Chavez career numbers for a CF are outstanding and he has not shown signs of slowing down. His current stats for Colorado are 33 HR 83 RBI .323 AVG with a 1.003 OPS. In addition to his stats Chavez is a 2-time WS champ (Washington S4 & Louisville S12).

Castro seems to be lock to break the 400 SB mark and has an outside shot at catching Molina depending on how many more seasons the 34 year old plays.

4. Vin Quinn SS/CF (Retired) 380 SB 78 CS
1154 GP 679 R 63 HR 555 RBI .270 AVG .395 SLG .728 OPS

Of the names on this list Quinn had the most stable career. He sent all 8 ML seasons (S1-S8) with the Wichita franchise, which has since relocated to Austin. Quinn’s top SB season was season 5 during which he stole 70 bases.

For his career Vin Quinn was a below average defender and bat at SS. It’s apparent former owner ewhcippe was enamored with his speed but it may also explain why Wichita lagged behind their AL South division-mates in the early years

5. Rick Jones LF (Retired) 355 SB 101 CS

977 R 176 HR 758 RBI 355 SB .282 AVG .485 SLG .840 OPS

Jones like Molina was a complete player who just happened to steal a lot of bases. While his pedigree wasn’t quite as high as Molina he did have a quality career. He broke into the ML in season 2 with Rochester (Nor) and won ROY. He stayed with the Rochester (Nor) franchise through season 5 when he was traded to Toledo (Phi).

In addition to Jones Toledo acquired Victor Nagy a career journeyman RP (222 ML IP 6.75 ERA). Nagy is still kicking around the majors with Pawtucket and is having his best year of his career at age 35 (3.25 ERA for the season). Going back the other way in the deal was JJ Banks who now plays for the Austin franchise. At the age of 30 Banks has posted a career line of 705 R 194 HR 697 RBI .273 AVG .475 SLG. 811 OPS. His totals are likely to surpass Jones but he won’t pass Jones %’s. The deal looks to be a very good one for both sides.

After Jones landed in Toldeo he stayed with the franchise until S11. Along the way he picked of a LF Gold Glove in S7, after S11 Jones tested FA and was signed by Burlington (KC) late in the season. When I say late in the season I mean REALLY late. Jones’ Burlington career lasted all of 2 AB bats. After S12 he never played in the majors again and has since retired.

2009-12-18T16:18:00.001-05:00

Season 2 FA Signings

Season 2 was a weak FA crop with only 3 FA garnering Type A status and at least 7M per year in salary. As always, current team name is always in brackets i.e. Sante Fe (Little Rock). Sante Fe is now Little Rock.

Kevin Brown 3b
Contract: 2/20M (Team Option)
Signed by: Chicago
Former Team: Pittsburgh

Chicago signed 3b Brown away from Pittsburgh for a 2 year/10M per contract with a team option. Brown only spent 1 season in Chicago posting a batting line of 28HR 123 RBI .305 AVG .926 OPS. Brown was also selected as an All-Star for season 2. Chicago declined the season 3 option and Brown played one season for Sante Fe (Little Rock) before retiring.

As a result of the signing Pittsburgh got the #19 and #44 picks in the draft

Pittsburgh selected Hector Gonzalez with the #19 pick. Gonzalez never made the majors as a Stubba as he left Pittsburgh as a rule 5selection in season 5. Gonzalez ended up pitching 594 ML innings to the tune of a 5.33 ERA and 22-36 record. His last ML season pitched was season 11 with Pawtucket

With the #44 Charlie Ferrea was selected. He never made the majors and was released in season 5. He kicked around the minors before retiring with Chicago in season 11.

Signing Grade (Chicago): B (One all-star appearance and no regrets with the compensation pick)

Compensation Grade (Pittsburgh): D+ (Neither players were superstars but Gonzalez did kick around the MLs for a few seasons.

Dustin Walker SP
Contract: 5/49.6 M + 3M bonus (Team Option)
Signed by: Arizona (Las Vegas)
Former Team: Wichita (Austin)

Walker pitched for Arizona (Las Vegas) for season 2-6. He posted a record of 58-44 with a 5.26 ERA over that span. He left Arizona as a FA after season 7 signing with Atlanta he played in the majors till retiring with Scottsdale (Salem) after season 9

Unfortunately, for Wichita (Austin) the Arizona (LV) franchise signed 2 type A’s in season 3 and Austin (Little Rock) got the better comp pick.

The comp picks received for Walker were #46 and #94.

With the 46th pick SP Joe Young was selected. He never pitched in the big leagues. He left Wichita (Austin) as a FA after season 8 and kicked around the minors until retiring from Burlington after season 13. His minor league stats were 76-79 with a 7.24 ERA

With the 94th pick Wichita (Austin) selected SP Alfonso Romero who retired from after season 6 and never picked in the bigs.

Signing Grade: C+ (above .500 record with a suspect ERA )
Comp Pick Grade: F (Neither player appeared in the ML)

Clay Reed 3b
Contract: 5/37.2 M (Team Option)
Signed by: Arizona (Las Vegas)
Former Team: Austin (Little Rock)

Reed played for Arizona (Las Vegas) for season 2-5 then retired following season 5. Over the four seasons Clay posted stat totals of 63 HR 305 RBI .296 AVG .821 OPS.

The comp picks received by Austin (Little Rock) were #49 and #62

With the #49 pick Austin (LR) selected SP Denny Cardona who had a cup of coffee in the majors after being selected away from Austin (then Sante Fe) in the Rule 5 draft by Cleveland. Playing for Cleveland until season 12 his ML stats were 0-11 with a 7.73 ERA.

The #62 pick was SP Matt Lakasiewiez who was also selected away in the rule 5 draft by Cincy before being offered back. For his ML career Lakasiwiez was 0-1 with a 13.97 ERA

Signing Grade: C+ (Reed wasn’t a different maker but provided decent production)Comp Pick Grade: D- (Both players made the majors but both ended their ML careers with 7+ Era)

2009-12-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

Big FA Signings Season 1

I decided to go back and look at “Big” FA signings starting in Season 1 and see how the signings turned out for the teams. My definition of big was a yearly salary of 7M or more and the player had to be a Type A FA (meaning a lose of draft pick).

In Season 1 there were 4 players who fit the description above

Ivan Miller SP
Contract: 5 year 59 Million dollars (Mutual Option)
Signed by: St. Louis (Now Augusta) Former Team: Baltimore

Miller played in St. Louis for the duration of his contract. At the time the contract was the largest contract ever given to a player or pitcher. Over his 5 years in St. Louis he went 59-25 with approx. 3.3 ERA. He appeared in 3 All-star games, won a Cy young in Season 2 and was a two-time pitcher silver slugger.

The biggest knock on Miller was his poor health for his career he had 7 DL stints (5 of the 60 day variety). During his time in St. Louis his missed almost all of season 3. He left St. Louis following the end of season 5 and finished his career with NY after season 8.

Baltimore as a result of losing Ivan Miller received two comp picks #18 & 61. Baltimore took Pete Whiteside a 3b at 18 and Stevie Flaherty a SS at 61, unfortunately Baltimore was unable to come to terms with either player.

Needless to say the Miller FA signing can be counted as a success for St. Louis as they made the playoffs every season during Miller’s run

Al Castilla 3B
Contract: 5 year 43 Million dollar with a 10 M bonus
Signed by: Honolulu (Now St. Louis) Former Team: Seattle (now Scottsdale EDIT: Honolulu)

The 53M-dollar deal including bonus was the 2nd largest deal ever and was the largest ever given to a position player.

Castilla played 4.5 seasons in Hon/Tuc/Santa Cruz (all the same franchise) before being traded to SF part way through season 5. For the five seasons this deal covered Castilla averaged 29.4 HR 104 RBI and .277 batting average. Clearly respectable numbers however probably less than was originally hoped for.

Castilla was traded to SF for Shawn Pulpisher who played 243 games for Tucson (now St. Louis) before retiring. Over that stretch Pulpisher posted a stat line of 33 HR 154 RBI .345 AVG and .900 OPS. He retired after season 6.

Seattle (now Scottsdale) as compensation received picks 32 and 60 in the draft. With the 32nd pick Seattle (Scottsdale) selected Bernie Marreo who went on to play 1218 games at the ML level with 367 HR 935 RBI .254 AVG .808 OPS. During that time he made 3-Allstar teams and won gold gloves at SS, LF and 3b. He was a member of Scottsdales until season 12 when he signed with SF.

With the 60th pick Seattle (Scotts) selected Max Saenez LF who had a cup of coffee in the majors playing 162 games hitting 13 HR 68 RBI .272 AVG and .705 OPS. He retired following season 8 with LA.

Based on the monster contract and the fact Marrero outperformed Castillo directly this is probably one that the St. Louis franchise would like back.

Mario Giles C
Contract: 5 year 42.5 M with 5M bonus
Signed by: Atlanta Former Team: Mexico (Now Richmond)

Mario played all fives seasons of his deal in Atlanta over that time he averaged 86.2 R 25.4 HR 103 RBI and batted .288. During that stretch he also made one All-star team. He left Atl following season 5 and last appeared in the ML as part of Colorda in season 11 (played 60 games). The last two seasons he’s bounced around the minors of Lou and SF.

As compensation for losing Giles Mexico (Richmond) got the 20th pick and the 45th pick in the draft.

With first pick Mexico (Richmond) selected Jack Wilson who pitched in 180 ML games with a career record of 24-48 5.78 ERA. Wilson last pitched in the majors for Portland in season 10. With the 2nd pick Derrick Hines (2b) was selected he played 1216 games in majors and authored a line of 116HR 624RBI .296 avg and .803 OPS, he also made 1 all-star team. His last ML season was season 12

I think both the Atlanta franchise and Richmond had to be pleased with the outcome of this signed. Atlanta got above-average hitting and fielding C for 5 seasons and Mex (Rich) got a serviceable ML 2b.

Red Powell P
Contract: 3 years 22.5M with 1M bonus
Signed by: Tex Former: Pawtuckt Green Sox (Now KC)

Of the major season 1 FA signings Red Powell received the smallest contract but may have been the biggest disappointment. Red pitched in Tex for 2 seasons posting a record of 27-23 with a 5.6 ERA before being traded to SF at the beginning of season 3.

In addition to Powell, SF received J. Gonzalez who went on to post a career record of 152-120 with a 4.6 ERA and retired with Cleveland following season 13. Powel himself retired after season 3 with San Fran. For Powel and Gonzalez Texas received K. Gomez a low control reliever who gave Texas four seasons and an ERA of 4.6, D. Ortiz a back of the rotation SP who went 9-13 with a 4.4 ERA and B. Vallarta a career minor leaguer.

Needless to say J. Gonzalez successful career always stuck in Wolfhound’s craw.

Finally we look at the compensation Pawtucket (KC) received for Powell. The draft picks were #30 and #46. With the 30th pick in the draft Paw (KC) selected Garret Bouchard, yes that was an audible groan from Wolf that you just heard. Bouchard was a 1-time all-star, 2-time silver slugger and has authored a career line of 314 HR 972 RBI .291 AVG and .895 OPS. Bouchard is still playing in the ML with Atlanta. The 2nd pick was 46th overall and was used to select Pat Martin who had a modest ML career (57 HR 222 RBI .263 AVG and .782 OPS).
In the end Powell was tied to Texas’ loss of a long-term quality SP and 1b all for 2 seasons of average work. Given a time machine this is a signing that Texas would like to undo

Season 7 Draft Review

2009-11-24T15:35:00.041-05:00

It's time for the latest draft review. This should have come out last season. My apologies for the delay. As always, we look at first round selections only.

1.Willie Perez (RP) Drafted by gocubz for the Chicago Fire. Traded in S12 for Alejandro Feliz, Erik Barclay and Manny Cameron. It's pretty unusual for a reliever to go #1 overall. Perez is certainly a special reliever with sky high splits, velocity and pitches. He broke into the majors with CHI in S8 and has been a closer since that day, making 2 All Star appearances. He's racked up 131 saves and a 3.03 ERA in his career. He was used as a setup man with NB after the trade, where he posted a dominating season in 127.2 relief innings.

The Fire got some good players in return for Perez. Cameron is a high quality closer prospect who is currently in AAA. Barclay is a young SP with promising ratings, but poor control. His rookie season in S13 was rough as he posted a 6-17 record with a 6.51 ERA and a WHIP over 1.8. Feliz is a talented young SP who was allowed to walk after only 1.5 seasons as a Free Agent.

Grade: A- for draft pick (I can't give an A to taking a closer #1 overall) and a B- for the trade (it would have been better had he kept Feliz).

2.Trace Manning (2B) Drafted by KSBeachbums for Iowa City (now the Cincinnati Jerry Springers). Manning is a solid player for the Springers. He's a middling defensive 2b (4+, 10-) with a good stick. He has posted a career OBP of .364 and has 164 SB in 4 full seasons. He has a touch of power and had his best season is S13, posting a .308/.386/.468 line making the NL All Star team for the first time.

Grade: B+ He's a fine player, but not quite a superstar.

3. Ted Bolick (1B) Drafted by bearclan1 for the Sante Fe Flyers. Traded in S9 to the St. Louis Mashers for Benji McGee. Now with the Louisville Sluggers. Bolick is your classic mashing 1b/DH type. Bolick broke into the majors with Lousiville in S10 and has posted a .298/.365/.525 line in 3+ seasons. S13 was his best as he hit .308 with 42 HR and 117 RBI and made the All Star Team.

The trade for McGee was inexplicable. He had been horrid for the seasons leading up to the trade. He pitched 11 IP for St. Louis before retiring.

Grade: B+ for draft, F for trade.

4. James Owens (2B) Drafted by jag884. unsigned.

Grade: F

5.Anthony Butler (C) Drafted by shmish0. Butler is a catcher who can rake, and calls a pretty decent game behind the plate as well. His throwing arm is weak, but for Piazza like production, it's worth it. In 5+ seasons, Butler has posted .320/.402/.569 and made 3 All Star teams. He's also won 2 Silver Sluggers. Butler was a key cog in the Mormons first pennant in S13.

Grade: A

6.Joe House (SP) Drafted by dufferman for the Baltimore BayDogs. House was a promising pitching prospect who hasn't quite hit the ceiling, ratings wise, he was thought to have, partly due to injuries. That said, he has produced pretty well for the BayDogs. His first full season was S11, when he went 13-11 with a 3.44 ERA in 211.2 innings. After another solid season in S12, he was felled by elbow surgery in S13. He is back in S14 and it remains to be seen how he will bounce back from surgery.

Grade: B-

7.Larry Dixon (2B/LF) Drafted by rockydawg07 for the Cleveland MooseDawg. Traded to Louisville in S8 with Alberto Cordero for Miguel Lugo and Hector Tavarez. Dixon brings a power bat to the table. In his first full seasons (S13), Dixon hit 40 HR on his way to a .287/.346/.587 line for the Sluggers. His glove is light for 2B, so jahu has Dixon play LF a fair bit of the time. He received a Gold Glove for his LF play. Jahu also received Cordero, who was flipped in another trade. Rocky received Lugo, a solid RH SP who has posted consistent seasons of 190-200 IP and ERA's between 3.50 and 4.00. His best season was 17-8 3.59 ERA in S10. Tavarez is a subpar RP who was lost in a Rule V draft.

Grade: A- for selection, a solid A- for the trade. Both parties won in this trade.

8.Al Pulido (SP) Drafted by redsox666666 for the Honolulu Hurricanes. Traded to the Buffalo Nickels in S10 along with Vladimir Martin and Santos Cedeno for Al Wise and Woody Barnes. Currently pitching for New Orleans. Pulido is a hard throwing RHP with awful control. He has stunk up the joint everywhere he's been. In 324.2 innings, he's posted a 6.04 ERA. Of the players traded, only Barnes has made any impact as a modestly talented SP.

Grade: F for selection, the trade was inconsequential.

9.Willie Moses (SP) Drafted by wolfhoundkl for the Texas Beefeaters. Moses is big, strapping 6-7 righthander who throws hard and has a good assortment of pitches. He also gives up a lot of fly balls ,which results in a very large opponents' SLG. After breaking in the majors in S11, Moses has posted a 29-24 mark, mostly as a SP, with a 4.84 career ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Moses has enough stuff to compete in the majors and make most teams as a #4 or #5 starter. He is probably not what was hoped for with the #9 overall selection.

Grade: C-

10.Miguel Jacquez (RP) Drafted by Oli35 for the Scottsdale Aces. Currently with the same franchise (now the Salem Witch Hunters). Jacquez is an immensely talented, fireballing LHP with pinpoint control and 2 plus, plus pitches. He has probably underachieved a little bit since his debut in S10, but he posted an All Star S12 when he went 12-5 in 75 games with a 3.16 ERA in 79.2 IP. He has a career ERA of 3.57 in 253 relief outings. In S14, he has started the season 15/15 in saves in 15 games. Perfection.

Grade: A-

11.Vin Maduro (SP) Drafted by thunderstrik for the Arizona Thunderstrikers. Traded to the Memphis Redemption (now Austin) in S10 for Zeus Stewart. Maduro is a hard throwing LHP with poor control, but good stuff. He has pitched only one season in the majors, S10, going 7-9 in 26 starts with a 5.60 ERA in 146.1 innings. He has languished in AAA since, providing yet another cautionary tale about starters with poor control. Stewart is a "SS" with poor fielding ability. He played 2 seasons as the starting SS for the then Salem Bald Beavers. he posted anemic OBP's in his 2 seasons in Salem, but showed some pop, averaging about 15 HR and 40 2b a season. He is a speed demon with 499 career SB against just 39 CS. He is currenly an unsigned FA.

Grade: F for the pick, B for the trade. Getting anything useful for Maduro was a good move.

12.Darron Stoddard (CF) Drafted by eclipse33 for the Vancouver Velvet Vultures. Traded to the Washington Generals with Lon Wilkinson and Orlando Vega in S11 in a 6 player deal that netted Carlos James, Willie Gutierrez and Irv Peterson. Wow, where to begin. Stoddard is a slick fielding 2b with big power and speed. His debut was in S12, but his coming out party was an All Star S13 when he hit .274/.324/.587 with 44 HR and 111 RBI. Throw in 11 + plays in CF and you have a high impact player. Washington also got Wilkinson, a patient 2b with a good stick. He debuted in S14 with good results thus far. Vega was a banjo hitting speedster who has retired. In return, the (then) Twilight got James, an immensly talented LH starter who's main weakness is an inability to go much deeper than 5-6 IP per start. He posted a horrible 4.90 ERA in one season before being dealt to the LA Baja Racers. Gutierrez is a talented workhorse LH reliever who was excellent after the trade. Peterson has, thus far, been a journeyman RH reliever. It would seem that Washington definitely got the better end of this mega-deal.

Grade: Draft: A Trade: C-

13.J.R. Cox (CF) Drafted by mase4342 for the Rochester Scorpions. Traded to the Scottsdale Aces for Marquis Fischbach. Cox is a Willie Mays/Andruw Jones type defensive talent in CF. No one can hold his jock when it comes to patrolling the OF. In 2 full big league season, he has 2 Gold Gloves with an astounding 57 + plays in those 2 seasons. That was before the fix!!! He has blazing speed and is a top notch baserunner. His offense isn't as good, but it is certainly respectable. In S13, he posted a .293/.342/.481 line with 23 HR, 107 runs and 68 SB. I think anyone would take this combo of studly defense, speed and solid hitting in a heartbeat. But what did Rochester get in return? Fischbach is a RH hitting RF with a good eye. He has been around since S4, posting a career .294/.379/.449 line with 186 HR. He has posted solid .800-.850 OPS type seasons since coming to Rochester (now Norfolk). He's certainly a nice player, but he's no Cox.

Grade: A+ for draft, C- for trade.

14.John Robinson (UT) Drafted by cliff357 for the El Paso Kamikazees. He was traded in S13 to the Richmond War Pigs for Ricardo Martinez. Robinson is a mediocre RHH with no special talents. His metrics are best suited for RF, his hitting has produced a pedestrian .720 OPS in 450+ AB. He is an unremarkable player who can probably fill bench roles. Martinez is another journeyman RH reliever who has posted a 5.18 ERA in over 700 career innings. He did go 20/20 in saves for Richmond after the trade in S13.

Grade: D- for the pick, C+ for the trade

15.Frank Cunningham (SP) Drafted by pfontaine for the Atlanta Cheese Grits. Traded in S10 to the Memphis Redemption with Craig Byrne and Tim Morton for Ignacio Cruz. Cunningham is a big innings eater with nice control and a decent assortment of pitches, but is not overpowering. In his debut season in S13, he got roughed up to the tune of 8-14 with a 5.64 ERA in 143.2 innings boucing between starting and relieving. He was dealt with Byrne, a talented, but injury prone RHP who had a solid 13-9 season with Louisville in S13 and Morton a 1B who hits LHP well. In return, Atlanta got Cruz, a talented RH starter who helped propel the Grits to 4 straight postseason appearance during his tenure in Atlanta. His best season was S11, when he went 24-4 with a 2.59 ERA and captured the AL Cy Young award. He won 17 games in S13 and is currently off to a good start with Las Vegas.

Grade: C- for the pick, A for the trade

16.Frankie Haas (SS) Drafted by ewchippe for the Wichita Bad Boys (now Austin Coeur D'Alenes). Haas is a switch hitting SS with good range and throwing arm, but a weak glove. He is patient and a good baserunner, but a weak hitter. He's done OK in very limited time in the big leagues, posting a .291/.375/.378 line in 127 big league AB. He is unlikely to maintain that level of performance over the long haul. He will probably stick as a utility man long term.

Grade: C-

17. Chief Van Poppel (3B) Drafted by dizzlebob for the Pittsburgh Studdabubbas. Unsigned.

Grade: F

18.Deivi Pelaez (C) Drafted by djbradford for the New Britain Yorkies. Pelaez is a strong throwing catcher with a thunder in his bat. He has patience, power and makes excellent contact. In 3 full seasons plus, he has put up a .318/.421/.582 line. He hit a career high 25 HR in S12. His one flaw is his durability, which limits him to 90-100 games per season.

Grade: A-

19.Billy Crabtree (RP) Drafted by 13black for the Tucson Shockers. Traded to Hartford The Whale in S10 with Wilfredo Pena for Sammy Nichting. Crabtree is a hard throwing LHP with excellent stuff. He was ultimately acquired by the Buffalo Nickels in S11. He has racked up 85 SV in 4+ seasons with a 4.20 ERA in 287.1 IP. He is certainly capable of better and should be a strong asset for many seasons. Pena is a LHH LF with some power and good contact. After a lackluster rookie year, he powered 30 HR and 98 RBI in S13 for Syracuse. They were dealt for Nichting, a RH starter who's pitched 10 big league seasons. He's never been a frontline starter, posting a 100-125 record with a 5.37 ERA. He was flipped to LA the following season.

Grade: B+ for the pick, D for the trade.

20.McKay Mitchell (1B) Drafted by baldric for the San Juan Ring to Rule Them All. Mitchell is your prototypical power hitting RH 1B. In his first full season in S13, he smacked 45 HR and drove in 139 runs to go with a .264 AVG. He won't walk a whole lot or hit for high average, but he brings plenty of power production. Should be an excellent power hitter for years.

Grade: B+

21. Rigo Gonzalez (P) Drafted by tbook for the Helena Hashies. Unsigned.

Grade: F

22.Chad Blake (RP) Drafted by lets_try for the Minnesota Explorers. Traded to Tucson in S9 for Macbeth Ward. Rule V'd by Washington. Blake is a hard throwing LH reliever with decent stuff.
He's had just a cup of coffee in the bigs, taking a beating with Washington in S11, posting a 6.81 ERA in 38.1 IP. Currently in AAA. He'll never be a great pitcher, but he probably will merit another look in the bigs at some point. Could stick as a SuB somewhere. Ward, now retired, was a RH starter who went 13-12 in 33 starts the season after the trade with a 4.43 ERA in 178 1/3 IP. He walked as a FA after that season.

Grade: D for the pick, C for the trade

23. Gary Lemon (LF) Drafted by the_e_man for the Toledo Mud Hens. Unsigned.

Grade: F

24.Walt Darr (RP) Drafted by bjb2378 for the San Francisco Night Demons. Darr is a crafty LH long reliever with an assortment of quality pitches. He has pitched 3+ big league seasons, posting a 3.97 career ERA in 315 big league innings with a 1.29 WHIP. Darr is a quality arm out of the pen and fills an important role. He has consisitently put up 90+ IP in each full season. Darr was a compensatory pick after the Buffalo Nickels signed Type "A" free agent Chris Rose.

Grade: B

25.Stuart Cloud (SP) Drafted by bkdries for the Burlington Black Sox (now Scranton Scrapples). Currently a Free Agent after being removed from the 40 man roster at the start of S14. Cloud has Nuke LaLoosh type control to go with mediocre stuff. He will never sniff the big leagues.

Grade: F

26.Cesar Acevedo (2B/CF/3B/SS) Drafted by radek for the New York Metropolitans. Traded to the Kansas City Knights in S8 with J.J. Richardson and Torey Barkley for T.J. Croushore and Dean Lukasiewicz. Acevedo has big time power and the flexibility to play 3 different positions fairly well. He was dealt 2 more times, ultimately landing with Washington. He burst onto the scene in S12, posting a .279/.347/.586 line with 42 HR and 110 RBI and winning AL Rookie of the Year. He posted another solid season in S13. He's best suited to man 3B, but can also capably play 2B and RF. With his power and versatility, he is certainly a nice asset to have. He was dealt with offensive C Richardson to KC. Richardson did little in KC before moving on to Pittsburgh. KC also got Barkley, a career minor league LF who is now retired. In return, NY got the famous Croushore, who is known for his prodigious talent that can only be used on a limited basis. Croushore pitched well in NY, when he pitched, and helped NY win the championship in S9. Lukasiewicz is a utility man who has a cup of coffee in the bigs and probably will never hold down a job in the majors.

Grade: A solid A for the pick. The trade was really to KC's benefit, but Croushore helping NY win it all is a strong mitigating factor. A solid B+ for the trade.

27.Sean Wills (SP) Drafted by jahu43 for the Louisville Sluggers. Traded to the New Orleans Zydeco in S11, along with Alberto Delgado and Grover Chase for Yamid Molina. Wills ultimately ended up on the Richmond War Pigs. Wills is your typical journeyman RH starter. In 2+ full big league seasons, Wills has posted a 17-25 record with a 4.71 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 346 IP. Wills should be able to stick as a #4 or #5 type starter for a number of seasons. Delgado is a power hitting RHH LF. His best season was his first in NO, posting a .302/.362/.538 line with 40 HR and 102 RBI. He's probably closer to his career totals as a player, .272/.337/.476. Nice player, but not special. Chase is a LH starter who was subsequently flipped to Washington by NO. Chase is a journeyman, posting a 33-30 4.59 ERA in 106 career starts. Molina is an 3 time all-star power hitting RF. In 9+ seasons he has hit 533 career HR with a .298/.356/.628 line.

Grade: C for the pick, A+ for the trade, which created some controversy on the chat boards at the time, but ultimately went through unchallenged.

28.Iago Andrews (SS) Drafted by mdukes13 for the Washington Generals. Traded to Louisville in S11 along with Pablo Chavez for Cesar Acevedo (him again?) and Omar Tavarez. Andrews has a solid/average glove at SS with an average bat. He has had very little playing time in the majors thus far, posting a .716 OPS in 201 AB. He is more than capable of manning the SS position on a regular basis, but does no one thing really well. Could bounce between starting and utility work in his career. Chavez is a big time power hitting CF now with Colorado. His range is a little light for CF, but his hitting is first class. He mashed 41 HR in 3 stops in S13. In return, the Generals for Acevedo (profiled above) and Tavarez, a talented 1-2 batter reliever.

Grade: Solid C+ for the pick, B for the trade. Both teams got some quality with Acevedo and Chavez.

29.Del Silva Drafted by mdukes13 for the Washington Generals. Silva was a compensatory pick for the Type "A" FA signing of Dan Miller by Charlotte. Silva was traded to Louisville in S12 along with Harry Astacio for Derrick LaRocca. Silva is a RH power hitting 3B with a mediocre glove. He's now with the LA Baja Racers. He's been a part time player in 2 seasons with only 1 season as a full time player, S11. He hit 31 HR, but posted just a .244/.297/.467 line. He doesn't get on base enough to justify playing full time, nor is he a good enough fielder. Can be a useful bench player. Astacio is a nice RH reliever enjoying some success in his first big league season, also in LA. LaRocca is a solid RH starter who pitched very well in Washington before going back to Lousiville in Free Agency. He had some mixed results in Louisville.

Grade: D+ for the pick, B+ for the trade.

30.Steven Sanders (RP) Drafted by leppykahn for the Colorado Blasters. Sanders is a talented RH reliever with good control and a hard fastball. He's capable of closing or can be a prime SuA. He's posted a 4.53 ERA in 232 2/3 relief innings. In Coors Field, that's pretty good. He should be an excellent reliever for years.

Grade: A for this spot in the draft

31.Lyle Kinney (SP) Drafted by jdbkaput for the St. Louis Clydesdales (now Augusta Caesars). Kinney is a mediocre RH starter with 3 middling to weak pitches but solid control. He's a #5 starter at best, posting a 32-53 career record in 126 starts (138 games overall) with a 5.38 ERA.

Grade: D+

32.Frank Morris (DH/1B) Drafted by bjb2378 for the San Francisco Night Demons. Traded to the Colorado Blasters in S11 with Felipe Bournigal for Quentin Lary and Carlos Castillo. Morris was later traded to the NO Zydeco. Morris is a wicked RH power hitter. He's a DH masquerading as a 1B since he's playing in the NL. In 2 full big league seasons plus, he's hit .301/.357/.573. He hit 43 HR with 115 RBI in S11. He's best suited to the AL. Bournigal is, of course, Hunter's greatest pitcher. He was on his last legs when leppy took a gamble that he could put the Blasters over the top in S11. Alas, it was not to be as he ended up on the 60 Day DL and the Blasters fell short. The price was steep as the Demons got Lary, a superbly talented LH starter who went 17-6 in S13 with a 3.46 ERA. He should anchor the Demons staff for many seasons to come. Castillo is a minor league utility man.

Grade: B+ for the pick, A+ for the trade.

2009-10-31T22:00:00.009-04:00

NEW YORK METROPOLITANS
S13 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!!

NLDPS - New York 3 - Pittsburgh 0

NLDCS - New York 3 - San Juan 0

NLCS - New York 4 - Salt Lake City 3

WS - New York 4- New Britain 2

Moving Pitchers: Season 13 Relocation Report

2009-08-06T05:38:00.002-04:00

After losing only three owners between seasons 11 and 12, Hunter endured an unusually high turnover prior to S13 with five vacancies. Luckily for the league and its stable of long-time owners, the incoming class of rookie owners is perhaps the strongest in Hunter history.

Huntington Hellions (deaconsoule), formerly Iowa City Hawkeyes (kevbo65)

After a long history of futility that has included ten sub-.500 seasons and six owners in twelve seasons, the Huntington franchise has added a capable and experienced owner in deaconsoule, a veteran of 31 HBD seasons. Though the franchise stands in mild disarray as of the beginning of the season, the Hellions have chosen to retool for the future by slashing payroll and investing heavily in amateur and international scouting. And while the prospects to be gleaned this season will remain several seasons off, the Hellions have added several capable veterans including Bruce Grey, Malcolm Hiljus, and eight-time All-Star SS Eduardo Gonzalez. While it remains to be seen whether Huntington can compete this season with Washington or Rochester in the AL East, the future looks bright for a franchise that finally has a plan of action.

Scranton Scrapples (jying98), formerly Dover Blue Crabs (testudo34)

Taking the reins of the former Burlington and Philadelphia franchise is jying98, another veteran owner who has experienced considerable success with 13 playoff appearances in 42 seasons. While S12 could charitably be described as a lost season, Scranton has a leg up on the competition due to the acquisition of Rule 5 pick Walt Lowery. Beyond Lowery, the most talented R5 draftee in recent years, the Scrapples possess a sound veteran core that could rebound nicely and, given a few breaks, compete in the relatively soft AL East division.

Austin Coeur d’Alenes (madmuldoon), formerly Tampa Bay Tornados (tk21775)

Joining the usual suspects in Hunter is noted blogger and humorist madmuldoon, yet another experienced HBD owner with 63 seasons under his belt. MM is likely to need his sense of humor this year, as his new franchise has not reached the postseason since S2 and boasts only a single winning season out of the past nine. The Coeur d’Alenes have already helped themselves with the acquisitions of Alex Nomo, the AL Silver Slugger at catcher last year, and have dedicated a significant portion of their financial resources toward amateur and international scouting.

New Orleans Creole Crawfish (andersaa), formerly New Orleans Zydeco (krushers)

Longtime Hoops and Gridiron Dynasty owner andersaa makes his Hunter debut with the Crawfish, a franchise that has enjoyed substantially more success in the recent past than most of his relocating brethren. Unfortunately, while the memory of the FatNasty’s 115-win campaign in S7 lingers in fans’ memories, the mediocre results of the Zydeco over the past three seasons leaves a great deal of room for improvement. Andersaa wasted no time in surrounding stars Ben Beamon and Sammy Moraga with supporting players, including promising rookie SS Buzz Abernathy and veteran 1B Horace Carr. While the San Juan juggernaut likely puts the NL South title out of reach, the Crawfish are considered dark horse candidates in the race for one of the two NL Wild Card tickets.

Jacksonville VelociRaptors (timf), formerly Santa Fe Flyers (bearclan1)

Timf once again serves Hunter as a fill-in owner by taking over the VelociRaptors for short-lived owner Spacemonkey7. After capturing a Wild Card spot in Seasons 10 and 11, the former Flyer franchise fell on hard times the past couple of years, finishing each below .500 and well out of postseason contention. Thankfully, timf has several useful players on his ML roster, including slugging SS Miguel Lopez, star 1B David Trenidad, and de facto ace Juan Jacquez. Like most of the other recently relocated teams, the VelociRaptors have budgeted $20 million toward prospects, leading many to believe that a worthwhile rebuilding program is already underway in Jacksonville.

Behind the #'s: Career Wins List

2009-07-07T16:03:00.002-04:00

Please note I began work on this post on June 3rd.

1. Pete Daly (Lou) 210W*-98L 3.47 ERA 2332 K’s* (* Denotes Hunter Record)
Awards: 5-time All-Star (S6-S10) & Pitcher Gold Glove (S6)

Daly in the number one spot is a bit of a surprise as he spent 10 seasons in the shadow of the best pitcher Hunter has ever seen. That said at 38 Daly is two years younger than his former teammate Feliepe Bournigal and has avoided the injury bug that bite Bournigal to the tune of a stint on the 60 day DL.

The Night Demons acquired Daly in a Season 2 trade with the Colorado Blasters. A deal no doubt that Leppy would like back. In return for a 240 inning a year horse Leppy got a 80 inning per year pony in TJ. Croushore. To be fair these were the early years of HBD so I think it is safe to assume that Leppy at the time didn’t fully understand the effect of the durability rating as Croushore’s other stats matched Daly and he was considerably younger.

Colorado hung on to Croushore for S2-6 during which he never pitched more than 90 innings, before shipping Croushore off to Arizona (now Scottsdale) for Jerry Romano who is still with the Blasters and boosts a career mark fo 27-22 with a 5.89 ERA.

In a late season blockbuster Pete Daly, Ron Rivers and a reliever prospect were sent to Louisville in exchange for Vernon Martin a prospect starter with a ceiling of being a multi-year time All-Star and Ted Tipton a future ML closer. It was a classic win-now for win-later trade. Given what Louisville gave up to rent Daly for 60 games plus playoffs anything short of a World Series appearance would have to be considered a disappointment. (EDIT: Wrote this before the playoffs.)

2. Felipe Bournigal (Col) 201W-70L 2.55* ERA 2254 K’s
Awards: 8-time All-Star & 6-time AL Cy Young

It’s a tad surprising that the most decorated SP in Hunter history is only number 2. As Bournigal holds the record for the most Cy Young (6), best ERA and most All-Star appearances by a SP (trails only Magglio Javier 10 appearances among all players).

Bournigal spent his entire career with the Night Demons until a trade to Colorado before last season. In addition to Bournigal the Blasters got B. Morris a power hitting C with slightly below average defensive stats, however based on the hitting ratings he will be a beast in Coors. Sent back the other way was Quinn Lary who already boosts a 28-21 record with a 3.71 ERA along with a A. Castillo a no power, average D SS that has been subsequently moved to Sante Fe.

At the time of the deal I joked that Leppy was trying to corner the market on Hunter Hall-of-Fame pitchers as he also acquired Kevin Coleman. Unfortunately, for the Blasters Bourignal’s first season was limited to 88 IP and a 4.19 ERA due to injury. Bournigal returned this season and has pitched 81 IP to the tune of a 4.74 ERA and a combined record of 10-6 with the Blasters. Some how I’m guessing those weren’t quite the numbers Leppy was looking for when he dealt a talent like Quinn Lary. In a few seasons the scales of this trade will definitely swing towards SF. I will admit I did like Leppy’s guts to pull the trigger and swing for a championship as most owners in this league are concerned with continuing their very good teams and very few take the chance that will hurt the team long term to win a championship. Leppy really only has till next season to see his risk pay-off as Bournigal is 40 year’s old and is signed through next year with a mutual option.

3. Mark Meng (Sco) 183W-79L 3.37 ERA 1726 K’s
Awards: 6-time All-Star

Meng began his career in St. Louis (now Augusta) and pitched there until the end of season 7 at which time he chose to test FA.

The resulting contract 79.5M over 5 years was the largest pitcher contract in Hunter history until it was surpassed in season 10 by Andrew Allen’s massive deal. Despite the massive contract Scottsdale has to be elated by the returns. Meng lead the Aces to the season 9 title and has lead the Aces to their first AL West title this season. In season 11 Oli flirted with the idea of trading Meng and had multiple suitors. In the end he stayed the course and decided to build around his ace. Meng has been a perennial Cy Young contender who have never been able to take the hardware home. Think of him as the Susan Lucci of Hunter Cy Youngs.

Due to very limited movement there aren’t very many active players intertwined with Mark Meng. The only two that are, would be the comp picks that St. Louis (Augusta) received as a result of Meng leaving as a Type A FA.

The 23rd pick in the draft was James Wang who will be a solid starter and is currently with Richmond as a Rule V pick. Thus far in the season he’s pitched 111 innings with a 3.63 ERA and 7-7 record

The 44th pick in the draft was Vic Neil a SS that still needs to develop but will become a great fielding SS with an above average bat. Unfortunately, for Augusta like Wang, Neil was also selected in the Rule V draft and is currently playing for TB. For the season he’s put together a line of .241 13HR and 37 RBI

Meng like Daly could be a FA at the end of the season, for what is shaping up to be the greatest FA crop of SP in the history of Hunter.

4. Charles Lawton (Lou) 178W-96L 3.86 ERA 1556 K’s
Awards: 3-time All-Star

If their were a nick-name to capture Lawton’s career it might be the “Tortorsie”. As in slow and steady wins the race. Of the five pitchers on this least he is surely the least decorated however year after year of 15-17 W has Lawton in the top 5 All-time.

He spent his first nine seasons with the St. Lou/Aug organization before leaving as a FA after season 9. As a result he signed with the Tucson Shockers. Augusta picked up two comp picks for the loss of Lawton. The 44th pick in the draft J. Gonzalez a completely average LF who looks to be a career minor leaguer and the 73rd pick F.P. Paronto who looks to be a solid 2b prospect likely to have a long ML career.

Tucson moved to Tacoma in season 10 at which point the franchise dealt Lawton to the Sante Fe Flyers for A. Benavente a very talented pitcher who has yet to put it all together consistently (40-48 4.68 ERA).

Lawton stayed with Sante Fe until part way through season 12 when he was dealt to the Louisville Sluggers. Louisville acquired Lawton to fill the SP5 role and gave up young pitchers C. Posada and A. Sosa to get the cagey vet. Unfortunately, for Louisville the returns were mixed, with a .500 record and an ERA north of 5 after the deal.

Sante Fe had better success on their end as Posada went 5-13 but sported a 4.04 ERA, so the losses could be attributed to lack of run support. A. Sosa is currently at AAA and has a minor league record of 25-21 with a 4.17 ERA

5. Elvis Ogea (Boi) 177W-81L 3.19 ERA 1638 K’s
Awards: 6-time All-Star & 2-time AL Cy Young

The final member of the list is Elvis Ogea another Hunter All-Time great. As a side note all five pitchers were members of the Hunter All-Decade team.

Ogea began his career way back in season 1 with the NB Choking Dogs. In season 2 he was traded to Washington, the team’s cap that he is most likely to wear into the Hall of Fame. For a 2-time Cy Young award winner erne6 got T. Grove whose ML career consisted of 157 IP 4-23 record and 11.52 ERA. Needless to say this would have to go down as one of the worst trades in Hunter history and might explain why erne6 only spent one season in Hunter and four in HBD total racking up a .400 win % along the way.

Ogea was a general from Season 2-Season 10 leaving as a FA before Season 11. At which point the emerging LA Baja Racers signed him. His stay in LA was short lived as he was dealt to Boise this season in part of a package for Carlos James. C. James represents an above-average starter who’s posted a career record of 120-74, 4.14 ERA. In addition to Ogea the Posse received S. Nichting a talented but perennial underachiever (88-108 5.45 ERA career) and Blanco a minor league CF who lacks range but does have the potential to be a top of the order bat with an exceptional batting eye.

Ogea is still a member of the Posse although he was waived during the season with no takers.

Typically I only do a top 5, however an interesting thing happened from the time I started to research the column to the time I finished, Lawton climbed into the top 5 knock Ogea down one spot and the next player off the list. Since I went through the trouble of researching his career I figured I might as well include his story. Without further ado.

6. Shawn Owen (AAA SF) 175W-89L 3.60 ERA 1746 K’s
Awards: 6-time All-Star, 2-time NL Cy Young & 2-time NL Silver Slugger P

Interesting to think that three members of this list represented the top of the rotation for the Augusta/St. Louis organization for the first 7 seasons of Hunter (Meng, Owen & Lawton).

Owen pitched for the St. Lou/Aug organization until being traded to Pittsburgh in season 9 for David Cradle. Cradle is a talented pitcher who’s stats should trend in a positive direction from 12-20 5.09 ERA where they currently stand .

Owen left Pittsburgh as a FA after season 10 and was signed by his old manager Jdkaput in Burlington for season 11. It was only fitting that his last season in the majors was for the manager who had him the majority of this career.

After the one-year stint with Burlington, SF signed him to a minor league contract, which is where he continues to play.

Awards Preview: AL

2009-06-28T16:47:00.001-04:00

Out of town for the week, so this year’s awards preview is going to be a little shorter than normal. Below is my rationale for voting on all the major awards.

AL MVP

For MVP I typically put stock in the team’s record. In this case all five candidates came from the teams with a top 3 AL record. From a first glance at the stats it’s clear that J. Perez (NB) and Alridge (Atl) while having good seasons were not the best in the league. Which whittles it down to Herdandez and Borchard from Atl and Kaufman from Texas. Of the two Cheesegrits Hernadez clearly had the better season, which brings it down to a head to head with Kaufman from the Beefeaters. Their lines look as follows Hernadez (45HR 145RBI .309 AVG 1.005 OPS 30 SB in 148 GP) and Kaufman (55HR 133 RBI .318AVG 1.077 in 135 GP). Very comparable stats however, in the end I have to give the edge to Kaufman. In the major offensive stats Hernadez only bested him in RBI which considering he had two MVP candidate teammates makes sense. Also Kaufman was able to post his numbers in 13 less games.

Winner: Kaufman (Tex) (Herdandez very close 2nd)

AL Cy Young

Once again the Cy Young is 5 players from the top 3 records in the AL (Sluggers/Beefeaters tied at 97W). The first pitcher that can be eliminated is J. Diaz (Tex) while he lead the AL in K’s, four plus ERA’s don’t win CY Youngs. Along the same lines F. Espinosa ERA was only a hair under four (3.95) and didn’t have a K title as a calling card. This leaves two Sluggers and a Cheesegrit, as the owner of the Sluggers it was clear to me that Bob Creek had a better season than Gene Fitzgerald. Which leaves B. Creek and G. Baker head to head. While Baker had a fantastic year, Creek posted better numbers in IP, ER, WHIP, K, OAV, BB/P. In fact the only category where Baker has an edge is wins (22 to 19) which I don’t think is enough to overcome the only 6 categories.

Winner: Creek (Lou)

AL ROY

ROY is always a difficult to handicap as you have to place pitchers vs. hitters. The first player that can be eliminated is Sammy Moore from (Chi) he posted solid stats but his brethren were clearly better. This is where things get difficult. Had J.R. Alston not been lost for the season his glove alone would have been reason for high consideration on the list but missing the last 30 games and an OPS below .800 doesn’t let me move him further than 4th. As far as hitters go Blake (Sco) and Acevedo (Was) had very similar seasons however the fact that Acevedo played CF, 2b and 3b this season vs. Blake DH gives him the edge. In the end it comes down to G. Ramirez (NB) and Acevedo (Wash). Had Rameriez pitched more than 155 innings he might have stolen the award but a middle INF that can post a 42HR and 110 RBI in less than 500 at bats is too strong to ignore. [As a side note there are at least 3 franchises that wished they still had Acevedo: NY, Lou and KC now Bur]

Winner: Acevedo (Was)

Season 12 Draft Review

2009-06-03T04:01:00.001-04:00

1 Richmond War Pigs
Bryan Parrish, RHP – The number one overall pick, Parrish has stuff rivaled by few other pitchers in Hunter today. Projected as a starter with two excellent pitches, the only blights on his resume are his control, which projects to average, and questions regarding his ability to throw 200 innings year in and year out.
Upside: 200 IP, 3.25 ERA

2 Pawtucket Patriots
Ugueth Pineda, RHP – Former Burlington scout Billy “Buzz” Denkinger was quoted as saying “Pineda? Never heard of ‘im!” just prior to a series of cutbacks in the Federalist front office. Although little is known of Pineda, who remained unsigned at the time of this writing, the Patriots are hopeful of his ability to contribute to the next generation of fine young Pawtucketians.
Upside: unknown

3 Augusta Caesars
Grant Fetters, RHP – The Caesars dedicated the third pick of the draft to future workhorse Fetters, who projects to a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher capable of throwing upwards of 230 innings a year. Though no particular aspect of Fetters’ game stands out, the total package should be satisfying for the Augusta faithful.
Upside: 240 IP, 4.25 ERA

4 Chicago Fire
Joel Francona, LF – Originally slated to man the keystone position, Francona moved to the outfield shortly after signing with the Fire. Beyond good power and a strong batting eye, Francona rates out as average or better in all facets of the game.
Upside: .275 AVG/.350 OBP/.500 SLG with very good defense in left

5 Las Vegas Hi-Rollers
Vic Nunez, 3B – Ccustead continues the reloading process with Nunez, a prototypical line drive hitter with solid power and defensive skills. Though some scouts have raised concerns about his batting eye and propensity to strike out, the Hi-Rollers look to Nunez as a key player in the future success of the franchise.
Upside: .275/.350/.450 with reasonable defense

6 Tampa Bay Tornados
Charlie Roberts, 3B – Drafted as a shortstop following a strong freshman season at Brookdale Community College in New Jersey, Roberts has made a smooth transition to the hot corner in his debut with the Tornados. While no single part of his game stands out, Roberts projects to a solid all-around player with good wheels and Gold Glove defense.
Upside: .275/.325/.425 with excellent D

7 Burlington Federalists
Vin Cueto, SS – Another sound all-around player, Cueto projects to a .300 hitter with 30-HR power and good baserunning skills. Although unnamed sources within the organization have raised doubts about Cueto’s range, the Federalists are pleased with his soft hands and arm strength and appear intent on leaving him at short for the foreseeable future. Vin made an immediate impression on the GM by hitting for the cycle and making a sparkling defensive play in his first game in rookie ball.
Upside: .310/.375/.500 with average defense

8 New Orleans Zydeco
Merv Kinney, RHP – With the eighth overall pick, the Zydeco snagged Kinney, a collegiate star out of Mesa State in Colorado. A noted power pitcher, Kinney features a plus fastball and a nasty slider that right-handed batters flail at. There has been some question regarding his endurance and control, but Zydeco GM Krushers has high hopes that Kinney will one day anchor his staff.
Upside: 180 IP, 4.00 ERA

9 Syracuse Coureurs Des Bois
Juan Belliard, SS – Beesore continues his rehabilitation of the Syracuse brand by stealing Belliard with the ninth pick. Hailing improbably from Orfordville, Wisconsin, the 18-year-old Belliard was widely regarded as one of the best all-around talents in this year’s draft, with sound defensive skills that will enable him to stick at short along with plus offensive skills. Though some scouts have doubted his ability to hit for power at the major league level, there is little doubt about his ability to make solid contact or draw walks.
Upside: .325/.375/.450 with good defense

10 Baltimore BayDogs
Alan Hubbard, LHP – Hubbard is another product of the outstanding baseball program of Boston College. An outstanding college reliever, the rubber-armed Hubbard projects to be the closer-in-waiting for Baltimore within the next few seasons.
Upside: 80 IP, 3.00 ERA

11 Baltimore BayDogs
Wilson Dillon, RHP – Dillon comes to Baltimore as a direct result of S11 first-round pick Quentin Crane’s refusal to come to terms with the franchise. Though Dillon possesses incredible movement on all of his pitches, several anonymous GMs have raised doubts about his ability to throw strikes at the big league level. Barring injury, however, Dillon projects to receive at least a cup of coffee in the majors.
Upside: 180 IP, 4.50 ERA

12 Rochester Scorpions
Steve Murphy, C – One of the finest high-school hitters in the nation, Murphy projects to become a perennial all-star for the Scorpions. Alas, but shortly before the draft, Murphy was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disorder that will prevent him from becoming a full-time player. Rumor has it that the Scorpions will play him primarily against left-handed pitching with an occasional spot start against tough righties.
Upside: .340/.425/.650 in 350 Abs

13 Iowa City Hawkeyes
Norberto Gonzales, C – Regarded by most scouts as the finest pure hitter in the S13 draft, Gonzales fell to number 13 due to maturity issues and a temper impressive even by Floridian standards. Beyond his peerless offensive skills, Gonzales has drawn rave reviews for his arm behind the plate as well as his excellent repartee with pitchers. Gonzales is as close to a sure thing as there is in baseball today.
Upside: .310/.400/.650 with Gold Glove defense

14 Salt Lake City Mormons
Giovanni Graham, RHP – The rare polished high-school righty, Graham shows great poise and command on the mound as well as a vicious sidearm delivery that leaves right-handed hitters bailing and flailing. Though some doubt exists regarding his ability to take the mound every fifth day, there is little doubt that Graham will find success in the majors, whether as a reliever or a starter.
Upside: 150 IP, 3.50 ERA

15 Buffalo Nickels
Cedrick Stahl, CF/2B – Perhaps the fastest amateur available in this year’s draft, Stahl possesses outstanding range and a fine batting eye. Nickels fans should be very happy in the years to come, as Stahl projects to become one of the league’s best leadoff hitters as well as an excellent defender up the middle.
Upside: .290/.360/.425, 80 SBs with Gold Glove defense

16 Cincinnati Jerry Springers
Vladimir Camacho, SS – The Ford Focus of future ML shortstops, Camacho will provide predictably solid offense and defense without excelling in any single facet of the game. Despite Camacho’s relative lack of upside, the Springers have to be happy with snagging a cornerstone for the future success of the franchise.
Upside: .280/.325/.400 with solid defense

17 Santa Fe Flyers
Einar Lee, RHP – Following in the footsteps of noted U of Mississippi alumni Jeff Fassero and Chris Snopek, Lee possesses above-average control and movement on his repertoire of pitches. Though his relatively limited endurance will prevent him from going deep into games, Lee should provide a capable arm at the end of the Flyers’ rotation or in a long relief role.
Upside: 150 IP, 4.25 ERA

18 St. Louis Brew Masters
Raymond Burns, RHP – One of the true hidden gems of this year’s draft, Burns fell to the 18th pick due to some scouts’ concerns about his relatively small stature for a pitcher (6’1”, 175 lbs) and concerns over a potentially fragile arm. If he remains healthy, however, Burns stands out as a potential ace, with outstanding potential for control and a changeup that effectively neutralizes the platoon advantage.
Upside: 220 IP, 3.00 ERA

19 Dover Blue Crabs
Don Washington, LHP – Another college power pitcher, Washington projects to possess three above-average pitches at the major league level that scouts anticipate will drive left-handed bats crazy. Like many of his peers in this draft class, however, his control remains a significant question mark, as does his ability to retire righties with regularity.
Upside: 180 IP, 4.75 ERA

20 Boise Barstool Prophets
Carmine Ward, SS – Ward features one of the more unusual skill sets for high S12 draft picks, as he combines borderline defense at short with an outstanding batting eye and a line-drive bat against lefties and right-handed pitchers alike. Though some scouts object to a high strikeout rate in a relatively low-power hitter, if Ward can stick at shortstop, the BS Prophets will likely have an outstanding table setter on their hands.
Upside: .260/.380/.400 with adequate defense

21 Washington D.C. Generals
Christopher Graves, LF – Another unusual prospect, Graves combines a solid major-league bat that projects for above-average power, contact, and batting eye with Erstadt-like range. Though concerns about his glove have led the Generals to keep him in left to this point in his young minor-league career, some scouts have discussed the possibility of moving Graves to right or even to second base further down the road.
Upside: .280/.350/.475 with excellent range and an above-average arm

22 Cleveland MooseDawgs
Gary Garcia, RHP – Sporting facial hair only an teenager could find appealing, this product of Cedarville, MI combines outstanding control with a sharp sinker to retire hitters. At 6’3”, Garcia projects to fill out in the coming years and could become the ace the MooseDawgs have long sought after.
Upside: 220 IP, 3.50 ERA

23 Texas Beefeaters
Jeff Sweeney, SS – Sweeney possesses one of the finest gloves to come to the draft board in several years and will be a perennial Gold Glove contender upon reaching the major leagues. Though the Beefeaters will view any offensive contributions as a bonus, Sweeney could also develop into a 15-20 HR player. Scouts anticipate, however, that he will always be a hacker and is unlikely to draw more than 40 walks a season.
Upside: .260/.320/.400 with numerous Gold Gloves

24 Boise Barstool Prophets
Kelvin Jorgensen, RF – As compensation for losing Eduardo Gonzalez to LA, the Prophets took the lefty-hitting Jorgensen with their second first-round pick. Jorgensen possesses a strong batting eye and above-average power, but it is his arm that has caught the attention of so many scouts. If the Prophets choose to leave him in right, expect Jorgensen to have plenty of kills year-in and year-out.
Upside: .270/.360/.480 with numerous assists

25 Colorado Blasters
Tiny Fox, RHP – The Blasters use their pick to snag future closer Fox, who at 6’2” and 203 at only 18 years of age belies his name. While Fox possesses outstanding stuff and plus control, some question whether his poor groundball rate makes him a good future fit for the Blasters’ home park. Only time will tell whether he remains in a Colorado uniform or winds up in a more hospitable location closer to sea level.
Upside: 70 IP, 2.80 ERA

26 Scottsdale Aces
Robert Hodges, LF – The Aces pull off a coup with their selection of Hodges, a prototypical line drive hitter who has the ability to hit any pitch on any count with solid power. Though nothing special defensively, Hodges will be wrecking pitchers for years to come.
Upside: .330/.390/.550 with adequate defense

27 Louisville Sluggers
Eswalin Lee, LHP – Sluggers owner Jahu43 must count himself fortunate that a pitcher as talented as Lee would drop to number 27 overall. Featuring the rare combination of excellent control, good velocity, and a strong groundball ratio, Lee expects to slot in as a good #2 with the potential to graduate to ace status.
Upside: 190 IP, 3.50 ERA

28 Pittsburgh Studdabubbas
Charlie Bird, CF – While the Studdabubbas selected Bird primarily for his outstanding range in center, the 20-year-old product of Broward Community College has already developed a reputation as a tough out due to his low K rate. Though he will never hit for much power or draw more than 60 walks a year, Bird could eventually develop into a solid .320 hitter with good speed on the bases and in the field.
Upside: .320/.380/.420 with GG defense

29 San Francisco Night Demons
Ozzie Seay, RHP – A similar pitcher to the Blasters’ Tiny Fox, Seay substitutes a crafty selection of pitches to retire batters. As is the case with Fox, scouts have expressed concern about Seay’s high flyball ratio, though San Francisco’s home park should help somewhat.
Upside: 50 IP, 2.90 ERA

30 New York Metropolitans
Glenn Leach, 3B – Though drafted as a high-school shortstop, the Mets quickly moved Leach to the hot corner, where his range and arm strength should be a boon. A prototypical high-strikeout, line-drive hitter with good pop, Leach should be a solid player for years to come.
Upside: .260/.350/.500 with good D

31 Burlington Federalists
Alex Romano, 2B – As compensation for losing 1B Garrett Borchard to Atlanta, the Federalists come away with Romano, a strong all-around switch hitter who projects to possess excellent contact and power at the major-league level. Though some scouts doubt his ability to stick at second due to limited range and what some observers have called an iron glove, Romano will be given every opportunity to anchor the Federalists’ middle infield along with number seven overall pick Cueto.
Upside: .300/.370/.550 with below-average D

32 New Britain Yorkies
Kenny Edwards, RHP – Not to be confused with legendary retired relief pitcher Kenny Powers, Edwards is the latest in a series of Yorkie relievers chosen in the first round. The righty has yet to develop an out pitch against left-handed batters, but NB owner djbradford remains confidence in Edwards’ ability to succeed as a future ML setup man or closer.
Upside: 60 IP, 3.20 ERA

33 San Juan Ring to Rule Them All
Jarrod Castillo, RHP – While lacking outstanding control, Castillo more than makes up for his occasional wild streaks with a biting repertoire of pitches. Though he lacks the high stamina of most major-league starters, Castillo should provide a quality arm for SJ whether he’s bullpen-bound or remains in the rotation.
Upside: 160 IP, 4.00 ERA

34 Burlington Federalists
Al Perez, 1B – Taken as a supplemental pick for the Garrett Borchard signing, Perez has drawn comparisons to Borchard for his bat and fielding. Known for his low K rates and towering homers in high school, Perez may be stretched in left field for a few years to increase his utility for the club.
Upside: .310/.370/.520 with solid defense

35 Boise Barstool Prophets
Juan Martinez, 3B – Continuing the Cassandric rebuilding project in downtown Boise, Prophets owner rounders31 expects Martinez to become a solid everyday player capable of playing either second or third. While no single facet of his game shines, Martinez should provide a sound bat with good power and possesses a strong throwing arm that will make him a useful player at any number of positions.
Upside: .270/.330/.450 with sound D

36 New York Metropolitans
Carl Livingstone, CF – Another outstanding defensive CF, Livingstone (who, contrary to rumor, is not pursuing a doctorate) projects to become an excellent slap hitter in the Placido Polanco mode, albeit with 50 SB potential. New York must be pleased with their return on departed reliever/swing starter TJ Croushore.
Upside: .320/.360/.380 with GG defense

37 San Juan Ring to Rule Them All
Pepper Kingman, 2B – As compensation for departed slugger John Stevens, the RtRTA select the defensive-minded Pepper. With an above-average bat that doesn’t have any particular holes or spectacular features, Pepper will provide a solid player with good D at either CF or 2B while perhaps providing a few 15 HR, 40 double seasons.
Upside: .260/.340/.430 with good defense

38 Burlington Federalists
Rocky Milliard, RHP – Milliard continues the Federalists’ rebuilding plan, arriving in the Burlington farm system as compensation for the loss of OF Bubbles McDonald to Iowa City. Though Bubbles’ “quirky” sense of humor and shower shenanigans will be sorely missed in the suddenly professional Burlington clubhouse, Milliard projects to provide excellent control and a strong assortment of pitches that will neutralize RH bats. Though some contend that he lacks the stamina to stick in the rotation, Burlington projects Milliard as a strong end-of-the-rotation starter.
Upside: 170 IP, 3.80 ERA

39 Washington D.C. Generals
Neil Lee, LHP – The Generals received Lee in return for the loss of C/DH Brad Musial to the Yorkies over the offseason. Though few scouts doubt Lee’s pure stuff or ability to retire major league hitters, his wildness to this point in his young career has raised many eyebrows across the league. The Generals hold out hope that Lee will develop greater command as he matures, but at the moment Lee is questionable for the Generals’ future rotation.
Upside: 200 IP, 5.00 ERA

40 Texas Beefeaters
Ozzie Benjamin, RF—Another high-K, high-power slugger, Benjamin has been called “Kingman-esque” by some old-school scouts, a puzzling assertion given that no slugger in Hunter history has ever been named Kingman. In any case, Benjamin should be good for several 40-HR, 50 walk seasons with a .310 on base percentage.
Upside: .250/.320/.500 with solid D

41 San Francisco Night Demons
Benny Clark, LHP – As the final supplemental pick, Clark stands out for both his astonishing durability as well as his poise on the mound. Though Clark is unlikely to dominate hitters at the major-league level, his ability to limit walks and work deep into the game every fifth day will make him a valuable pitcher one day in the near future.
Upside: 230 IP, 4.00 ERA

ROY-Season 5

2009-06-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

Season 5- ROY

Season 5- AL ROY- Willie Wakeland
ROY Team: Atlanta
Current Team: Altanta
Career Stats: 99-81 4.15 ERA
Awards: All-Star (S11)

Season 5 will be the year of the short review as both players still play for the teams they broke in with. Which does make these synopsis easier to write.

Wakeland took home the rookie of the year with a ridiculous 15-1 record and 2.9 ERA. Those stats represent the best stats for any ROY pitcher through season 5. Willie broke into the bigs at age 23 and is only 30 now. Wakeland was locked up by pfontaine through the end of season 17 at a very reasonable rate of 5.8M per year. So it looks like the next 5 seasons of his career will be very similar to his first 7 seasons: Stable.

His career ERA of 4.15 tells the story with regards to Wakeland’d talent. He is an above average starter but not an ace. On a championship team he’s probably best suited to be the SP3/SP4 which is where Atlanta has him slotted after I. Cruz and G. Baker.

Season 5- NL ROY – Juan Aguliar
ROY Team: Pittsburgh
Current Team: Pittsburgh
Career Stats: 174 HR 653 RBI .299 AVG .856 OPS
Awards: All-Star (S10), currently being voted onto the season 12 team

Like Wakeland in the AL Aguliar has spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh franchise. Dizz signed Aguliar for a bargain basement price of 7.4M for an international FA in season 3. Needless to say seven seasons later if Aguliar were available the bidding would be north of 15M.

He broke into the bigs with a line of 33HR 112RBI .330 AVG .995 OPS. His first season was so good he has never exceeded any of the stats above thus far in his career

Aguliar is currently in the last year of a 29.2M over 4 year deal. It will be interesting to see if Aguliar will re-sign with Pittsburgh or test the FA market. From a skill set standpoint Aguliar is slightly below average with the glove but more than makes up for it with an extremely good SS bat.

Season 4- ROY

2009-05-29T10:56:00.000-04:00

Season 4- AL ROY- JT Cook
ROY Team: Washington
Current Team: Iowa City
Career Stats: 95-67 4.10 ERA
Awards: 2-Time All-Star

JT Cook holds the distinction of being the first pitcher to win ROY and to follow-up the award with an All-Star appearance (2). To win the ROY Cook went 11-4 with a 3.11 ERA.

He spent seasons 4-10 as one of the anchors of Washington’s Staff. Which meant he JT Cook made the post-season every year for that same stretch. During that stretch Cook pitched 82 post-season innings with a 3-5 record and 4.12 ERA

He left Washington as a FA after season 10 to sign with the Iowa City franchise. For his previous success Cook was awarded with a 5 year 42M deal. Thus far into his Iowa City career (1.5 seasons) results have been mixed as his era has been 4.64 over that stretch with a 12-19 record.

At an age of 32, Cook is likely to hit the FA market one more time.

Season 4- NL ROY –Frank Zhang & Scott Polcovich (Tie)

Scott Polovich
ROY Team: Scranton Scrotums (now Buffalo)
Current Team:
Career Stats: 82HR 410 RBI .286 AVG OPS .754
Awards: All-star & 2-time Gold Glove C

Compared to his ROY colleagues: Cook & Zhang, Polovich definitely had the most “eventful’ career. To tie for NL ROY Polovich’s stat line read 17HR 78 RBI .313 average.

Polovich ended up in Scranton at the beginning of Season 4 as a result of a trade with the St.Louis (now Augusta) franchise. Polovich and Woody Barnes were traded to Scranton. Barnes is the epitome of an average ML pitcher as he has gone 80-80 for his career with a 4.67 ERA. In return St. Louis got Billy O’Neil and Gene Ratcliff. O’Neil was an average C who for his career had 120 HR 354 RBI .303 average, his weakness was low durability. Ratcliff was an average 2b posting 71 HR and 374 RBI with a .308 average thus far in his career. The trade could be summarized as a wash, as all for players involved were solid ML vets but none of them superstars.

Polovich only played his rookie season for Scranton and was traded when the franchise moved to Ottawa. Ottawa (now Buffalo) traded Polovich, Sergio Johnson and Bruce Ryan to Minnesota (now Pawtucket) for Ivan Cannon, Sal Price and Lenny Bailey.

Taking at looking at what Ottawa gave up. Sergio Johnson is a reliever with an up and down career he has made all-star teams but also boosts a career ERA of 4.98. For his careeer he has typically been deployed as a closer and has racked up 181 saves. Bruce Ryan was a power hitting OF who was just leaving his prime, in his career he hit 167 HR 511 RBI .289 AVG with a .908 OPS. He retired after season 8, when he had a cup of coffee with the Louisville Sluggers (19 AB).

In return Minnesota sent back, Ivan Cannon a starting pitching that is currently on the DL for TB and has a career record of 46-58 with a 5.39 career ERA. Sal Price a slightly below average C who now plays for LAA and Lenny Bailey a reasonably good reliever who has pitched 280 ML innings with an ERA of 4.21 and still plays for the Buffalo organization.

Overall Minnesota looks to have won the deal on the difference in talent between Polovich and Price.

Polovich then spent the rest of his career with Minnesota/Pawtucket until he was allowed to leave as a FA after season 11, as of yet he has not caught on with another team. If he decides to retire after the season he will be remembered as an above average C but also as the man that almost stole the ROY from Frank Zhang.

Frank Zhang
ROY Team: Colorado
Current Team: Colorado
Career Stats: 450 HR 1140 RBI 142 SB .363*AVG 1.245* OPS (*denotes Hunter record)
Awards: Three NL MVPs, 5-Time All-Star & 4 RF Silver Sluggers

Now I know most of you are asking how one of the most prolific hitters in the history of Hunter couldn’t manage to win a ROY outright? Well here’s the story. Zhang’s ROY stats were as follows 20 HR 74 RBI 13 SB .365 AVG w/ 1.193 OPS. When you compared those numbers to Polovich besides the batting average their numbers were eerily similar. Until you dig a little deeper and realize that Polovich took over 500 AB to put his numbers up while Zhang did it in ONLY 208AB and had a stint on the 60 day DL.

I am not sure if voters were impressed or dismissive. I know, I voted for Zhang however I’m sure there were more than a few voters who felt 208 AB wasn’t enough to win ROY.

Zhang has had a stable career playing only in the confines of Coors Field. Which is kind of like a millionaire winning the lottery, did he really need the extra help?

The only thing that seems to be able to slow Zhang down is injury. Thus far in his 7 season ML career he has made four trips to the DL with to of them to the 60 day. At 29 Zhang already holds the NL record for MVP’s at 3. He sits two behind Magglio Javier and Lou Stevenson for the Hunter MVP record (5). At this point given his health concerns I’d put him at 50-50 to break the record but at 90% to tie the record.

Thus far Zhang has been fairly lucky, as none of his ratings have taken a big dip due to his injuries, as he gets older he may not fair so well. All that said Zhang once he retires is likely to hold every major hitting record that Hunter has to offer.

Season 3 - AL & NL ROY

2009-05-28T10:05:00.000-04:00

Season 3 – AL ROY – Braden Cox
ROY Team: Minnesota Explorers (now Pawtucket Patriots)
Current Team: Pawtucket Patriots
Career Stats: 448 HR 1249 RBI 289 SB .302 AVG .990 OPS
Career Awards: 6-Time All-Star, MVP (S6) & 4 Silver Sluggers LF

Cox has spent his entire career with the same franchise and followed up his rookie year with an excellent career even garnering an MVP. However, when Cox’s career is over he may not be revered in the esteem he should be. The beginning of Cox’s prime coincided with Magglio Javier’s prime, Cox finished 2nd in MVP voting twice and in the top 5 another two times. He did manage to break through and become the only other player other than Javier to be named MVP during seasons 5-10. However, had Magglio not existed is would be safe to assume that 2-3 MVP’s might already be on Cox’s mantle.

With all of the above said Cox should go down as an all-time Hunter great, despite not making the bigs till season 3, Cox was a member of the All-Decade Team for the AL (as Javier’s backup). Cox has an outside shot at the 500-500 club, the HRs are lock the SBs will be tougher at the very least 500-400 seems reasonable.

To pick-up the ROY Cox authored the following stat-line: 48 HR 157 RBI 37 SB .311 Avg. Which was the 2nd best rookie line that I saw over the first five seasons, any guesses who was number 1?

With his nemesis gone to the NL, Cox still has a couple seasons of MVP caliber skills left. I for one am rooting for him to at least make a pair.

Season 3- NL ROY- Patrick Hernandez
ROY Team: St. Louis (now Augusta)
Current Team: Retired S6 as a member of Minnesota (now Pawtucket)
Career Stats: 34-22 4.64 ERA
Awards: None other than ROY

Of all the ROY of the years from the first 5 seasons Hernandez had the shortest ML career, spanning only 4 seasons.

He burst on to the scene in Season 3 with a 15-2 record and 3.45 ERA for the Clydesdales. Then poof 4 seasons later he was retired. His career arch reminds me of a lyric from a popular song “It is better to burn out than it is to fade away”

Hernandez pitched for St. Louis until season 5 and then was traded to Charlotte (now NO) for Kurt Linclon (now with Roch) a very good reliever (2.84 ERA 183 IP), Tommy Thomas (now with Burl) an okay reliever (5.45 ERA 160 IP) and a terrible reliever Timothey Shouse (AAA Cle) who only pitched 69 ML innings. Given that Linclon and Thomas are still in the majors 9 years later and Hernandez only pitched 4 seasons, you’d have to give the W to St. Louis on the trade. An interesting follow-up note the St. Louis owner at the time of the trade was jdkaput who now owns the Burlington franchise, which is the current home of Tommy Thomas. As a sidebar is there any doubt his nickname growing up was Tom-Tom?
Continuing on with Hernandez career he only played one season with Charlotte before leaving as a FA and signing with Minnesota (Pawtucket). He played there one season before deciding to retire.

ROY Season 2

2009-05-27T13:01:00.001-04:00

Season 2 – AL ROY – Tie (Doc Robinson/Rick Jones)

Rick Jones
ROY Tearm: Rochester
Current Team: Retired before season 12 final season was with Philadephia Black Sox
Career Stats: 176 HR 758 RBI .282 AVG .840 OPS
Career Awards: Gold Glove LF

Unlike the Hall of famers that won ROY in season 1, season 2 was the year of “The solid career”. None of this year’s players reached the heights of their ROY season.

To win the ROY Rick Jones put up a stat line of 21 HR 90 RBI .286 AVG

Rick Jones won the award playing for Rochester and continued on there until a season 5 trade shipped him to the Toledo Mud Hens. The deal saw Rochester get JJ Banks and Toledo get Jones and Victor Nagy. Rochester appears to have narrowly won the deal as JJ Banks has put together a solid career line of 144HR 483 RBI with a .280 average in 5 ML seasons (on pace to eclipse Jones career marks). He is currently playing for TB. While Nagy only pitched a 159 innings in the majors to the tune of a 6.91 ERA, he currently resides at Louisville’s AAA team. Jones played 5 seasons for the Toledo franchise before leaving as a FA in S10 to sign with the Black Sox for who he played with until retirement.

Doc Robinson
ROY Team: Wichita Bad Boys (Now Tampa Bay Torpedoes)
Current Team: Dover
Career Stats: 75-87 4.42 ERA
Career Awards: None other than ROY

Doc broke in with the Bad Boys in season 2 and pitched brilliantly to the tune of 14-6 record and 3.36 ERA. He stayed with the Wichita organization through season 7 when things got a little interesting. Robinson was traded to the NY in season 7 for Norman Turner, C. Mienkiewtz and Dan Broussard. Mienkiewtz was a ML washout only pitching in 2.2 ML innings and has since retired. Broussard an OF power hitter and N. Turner a solid hitting C are still in the majors. However, Wichita never benefited from their services, as both players were immediately traded back to NY in season 8 (insert your own joke about Radek loving his players so much you can only trade him guys he’s already had). This deal was a two for one Wichita received Rondell Brock who currently pitches for Rochester and is 45-41 with a 4.99 ERA for his career. However, Brock is still relatively young (26) with strong ratings, expect a couple of all-star appearances and seasons with a sub-4 ERA before his career ends. So in the end Wichita traded Doc For Brock which was a good deal for Bad Boys.

It turns out NY is not where Doc’s story ends he actually only played one seasons in the Big Apple before being traded to Pittsburgh. In return NY received Louie Cruz who currently plays for TB and is a top of the order bat with average SS defense and Jay Nixon who is currently only 23 and the property of Col (AAA). He is a pitcher with control issues but the rest of his ratings suggest he’ll have the ability to crave out a ML career.

Doc left Pitts before season 10 and signed with the Black Sox (now Dover) where he continues to be part of the ML franchise.

Season 2 – NL ROY – Ben Dipoto
ROY Team: Pelicans
Current Team: LA Baja Racers
Career Stats: 149 HR 634 RBI .293 AVG .842 OPS
Career Awards: None other than ROY

Like Dipoto’s AL counterparts he put together a solid ML career, which currently stands at 11 seasons. For his career he possed an above-average bat for a CF, however was not able to take home any other hardware after his ROY award.

Dipoto’s first three seasons were spent with the Charlotte franchise (now NO), then he was traded in a large deal to Washington. The centerpiece of the deal for Charlotte was Sammy Moraga a beast of a C. Who still plays for the Char/NO franchise and thus far has put up the following stat line: 334HR 845RBI .303 AVG. In return Washington got three solid Mler who are still in the league today: Ben Diopto, Josh Franco & Buddy Valentine.
Franco currently plays for Rochester and has 158HR 604 RBI for his career. His trek to Rochester ran through Louisville (as a lot of players do). Franco was traded to Louisville as the centerpiece for Andera Mesa and then was traded Rochester as the centerpiece of the Bob Creek deal. Valentine currently resides in Colorado and has 162HR 453 RBI .280 average for his carreer. While Moraga is clearly the best player in the deal it is tough to fault Mdukes for getting three players still in the league 8 seasons later.

Dipoto played in Washington season 3-8 before a three year stint as FA with the NB Yorkies before finally moving to LA as a FA this past off-season. As mentioned above all three players grinded out solid to good careers however none of the three managed a single all-star appearance.

ROY Season 1

2009-05-27T11:38:00.002-04:00

Season 1- AL ROY- Magglio Javier
ROY Team: Louisville Sluggers
Current Team: LA Baja Racers
Career Stats: 552 HR 1637 RBI* .318AVG 1.045 OPS
Career Awards: 9-Time All-Star, 5 Silver Slugger LF & 5 AL MVP
*Denotes Hunter Record

Having looked through the first 5 seasons Magglio Javier authored the best ROY of the year performance by posting a line of 56 HR 171 RBI 24 SB .315 AVG 1.153 OPS. This is not surprising since Javier is arguably the best hitter through 12 seasons of Hunter (Barring injury Frank Zhang will eventually take that title). Javier has had a fairly stable career playing ten seasons for the Louisville Sluggers and leading them to the World Series twice and winning the title in Season 10 his last season with the team.

In that off-season he signed a 4 year 38M dollar deal with Las Vegas (former Salem). After a slow start Ccustead shipped Javier off to LA for a 3 player package. S. Hunter, A. Velaquez and Bryant. Of the three Hunter should have a solid ML career, the other two players are destined to bounce between the majors and minors. The move looked at the time to be Las Vegas getting Javier’s contract off the books.

The deal worked out extremely well for LA, the parallels between Manny Rameriez and Magglio Javier are quite extraordinary. Both moved from the AL to the NL. Both moved to a LA team. Both played great down the stretch and lead their teams to division titles. With the Baja Racer’s late run to the post-season it meant that Javier was 11/11 in playoff appearances.

Javier is currently listed on the All-Star team for at 1b in the NL. Which if he made it would extend his record all-star appearances to 10. Needless to say the ROY of the year for M. Javier was a precursor to greatness as his name littered all over the all-time records list, particularly of note 2nd in HR and 1st in RBI.

Season 1- NL ROY- Erubil Molina
ROY Team: St. Louis (Now Augusta)
Current Team: Augusta
Career Stats: 239 HR 1053 RBI 441 SB .318 AVG .942 OPS
Awards: 6-Time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger RF, 2 Gold Glove RF

This really was a banner year for ROY players. Like Javier, Molina is likely to enter the Hall of Fame for Hunter. Molina currently sits 3rd all-time in Runs scored and 2nd in SB. He has spent his entire career with the St. Louis/Augusta franchise.

To win the NL rookie of the year Molina posted a stat line of 21HR 94RBI 27SB .338 AVG.
Like Magglio the ROY for E. Molina was just the introduction to a great career with many chapters. Now not all ROY of the years turn out to be superstars as you'll see in future installments

Season 6 Draft Review

2009-05-25T11:30:00.021-04:00

After the positive feedback on the Season 5 Draft Review, I've decided to make this a seasonal post. It take many seasons to determine if a draft was ultimately successful. I think enough time has passed to make a review of the Season 6 draft worthwhile. As before, I will only be examining the first round (no sandwich picks).

1.Alex Martinez (SS) Drafted by gocubz for the Chicago Fire. Alex is a SS with a lot of talent, as you would expect from the #1 overall selection. He broke into the majors in S9 and has performed solidly, but is not yet a star. He has a career .787 OPS as of this writing with a middling track record as a fielder (6+ plays, 10-). He's off to a great start in S12, hitting .315 with an .869 OPS and is also 9/10 in steals. Perhaps this is the year Alex hits the big time?

Grade: B- but potential for better.

2. Glen Christensen (SP) Drafted by Wolfhoundkl for the Texas Beefeaters. Traded to Louisville in S7 in a multi-player deal whose centerpiece was Jesus Martinez , currently on the Richmond War Pigs via Rule V draft. This has not worked out well for Texas. Christensen has ended up being a flop. In 2+ seasons in the bigs, Christensen has gone 14-36 with a 5.45 ERA. Clearly a talent not worthy of the #2 overall selection. But what of Martinez, whom he was traded for? Well, Martinez pitched two season seasons in Texas, posting a 20-19 record with an ERA around 5, before being released during the arbitration process. The other players acquired for Christensen are in other organizations and have nothing of note.

Grade: D-

3.Justin LaRocca (SS) Drafted by KSBeachbums for the "other" Chicago team, which later became the Cincinnatti Jerry Springers. LaRocca is a very talented player and has hit very well in his 3+ seasons in the big leagues. His best season was S10 when he hit .308/.382/.531 with 31 HR and 106 RBI. He has a career line of .298/.367/.478, which is excellent for a SS. He is not a great fielder, with 2+ plays and 13- plays, but has the skills to man the position without being a huge liability. He did play 1b his rookie year and won the NL Gold Glove award. He won the S10 Silver Slugger as a SS.

Grade: A-

4.Birdie Leonard (2B) Drafted by dwevans24 (love the username) for Sacramento. This franchise ultimately became the LA Baja Racers, who traded him to SF in S8 for Woody Swann, Willie Tatis and Gaylord Anderson. Leonard broke into the majors in S11 with the Night Demons and posted a .273/.336/.437 line with solid defense at 2b. His numbers are off from that somewhat in S12. Anderson barely played for LA before being shipped out to the Fire for Marc Ratliff and Gene Bell, neither of whom have made the majors yet. Anderson has a .697 majors OPS thus far. Woody Swann has 1.5 awful seasons in LA. The winner out of all this is San Francisco.

Grade: F for the results of the #4 pick for the franchise, C for the player himself.

5.Ozzie Purcell (RF) Drafted by Oli35 for Scottsdale. Purcell is still with the Aces and tearing the AL up. He has a .274/.382/.578 line in 3 full seasons plus 2 partials for the Aces. His best season (S10) saw him hit 53 HR with 113 RBI and 107 BB. Throw in 24 SB and you've got one hell of a player. He's made 3 All Star Teams and won a Silver Slugger.

Grade: A+

6.J.J. Bell (2B) Drafted by bearclan1 for Sante Fe. He was traded to Louisville (do they acquire everyone?) in S7 and was traded to Montogmery in S11, where he currently sits with the now Tampa Bay Tornadoes. Bell has hit .255/.306/.445 in 1+ seasons in the majors and his fielding has been adequate, but should ultimately be his strength. Bell was traded in a 2 for 2 swap that acquired Jake Kelly, a pedestrian 3B that has had some hitting success in 1+ seasons, and Pascual Ortega, a SP that was signed by the Fire after being released by Sante Fe. Got all that?

Grade: C for player, D for ultimate results.

7.Julio Morales (SS) Drafted by mytitan for Pawtucket Green Sox (now Burlington Federalists). Julio is another in a middle infielder heavy draft. His ratings suggest SS is not his best position right now, but it could be in time. In his 2 full and 2 partial seasons in the majors, he has posted .256/.330/.382. and has bounced between SS, 2b and CF. He showed some pop in S11 with 23 HR.

Grade: C+

8. Kenneth Ardoin (P) Drafted by smish for Salt Lake City. Unsigned.

Grade: F

9.Pep Butcher (3B) Drafted by 13black for the Tucson Shockers. Traded to Louisville (yes again) in S9 for Terrence McRae and Nash Gallagher. Butcher has been a key cog in the Sluggers' machine, posting a .279/.343/.509 line in 3+ seasons. In S11 he hit .298 with 37 HR, won the Gold Glove award and made the All Star Team. McRae has been his equal at the plate, posting .280/.341/.539. He put up back to back 40 HR seasons for the now St. Louis Brew Masters and has 20 HR already this year. Gallagher is an offensive minded catcher that has put up OPS around .700 the past 3 seasons.

Grade: A for the pick and the trade, which worked out for both parties.

10. Happy Fielder (RF/SS) Drafted by eclipse33 for the Vancouver Velvet Vultures. Traded in S12 by the now Boise Bar Stool Prophets with Armando Arias to Tampa Bay for Frank Cunningham and Kent Hooper. Fielder had a strong start to his career, posting a 1.021 OPS in 31 games after getting called up in S10. In his only full season, though, he posted a more pedestrian .257/.327.378 in 651 AB. He was drafted as a SS and has the skills to play the position, but is currently playing RF for Tampa. He's having a better season so far in S12. The player Fielder was packaged with, Arias, is a nice SS prospect taken in the 2nd round of S10. He is currently in AA with the majors in his future. Cunningham is in AAA and has the potential to be a #4-#5 starter who can eat innings. Hooper is in AA and has a future in the bigs as a long reliever/strong setup man type.

Grade: C for the pick but a B for the trade.

11.Clyde Ryan (RP) Drafted by Dufferman for the Baltimore Bay Dogs. Traded to (lol) Louisville in S9 for Harry Guevara and Rex Lawrence. Ryan is a rubber armed reliever who can pitch 100+ innings as a SuA. He broke in the bigs in S11 and has thus far posted a 4.23 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 78.2 IP. He has 2 80+ pitches, 83 control and 60+ splits. He should be a fine reliever for years. Guevara has had an up and down career with the BayDogs. His best season was S11 when he went 13-15 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts. He is 88-85 4.65 ERA in his career. Lawrence left via free agency having never played for the big league team and signed with Richmond and is currently their closer, although with mixed success.

Grade: B+ for the pick, C- for the trade.

12.Chet Caruso (SP) Drafted by cliff357 for El Paso. He is with the same franchise, which is now the Richmond War Pigs. He finally broke the majors in S12 and posted a 5.33 ERA in 49 IP, mostly out of the bullpen. He has since been demoted to AAA. He has had little minor league success. He is an unremarkable player and should have no impact at the big league level.

Grade: F

13.Larry Cannon (2b/CF) Drafted by rockydawg07 for the Cleveland Moosedawg. Cannon is a talented player with a great glove, durability, speed and power. He broke into the majors in S9 and has been remarkably consistent at the plate. He has posted an OPS between .815 and .827 in each of his first 3 full seasons. In S11, he hit 34 HR and drove in 118 runs with 19 SB. He is a gifted defender at 2b with 14 career + plays and only 3 - plays.

Grade: A

14.Jumbo Ruiz (SP) Drafted by ewchippe for the Wichita Bad Boys (now Tampa Bay Tornadoes). Traded to Louisville (were they trying to acquire everyone in the first round of this draft?) in S8 and then to Kansas City Knights (now Burlington Federalists) in S9. He was traded in S8 for Erik Andrews and Sam Mack. Ruiz cracked the majors in S10 and has been wholly unsuccessful to date. He is 17-38 with a 5.78 ERA in 77 starts in his career. His ratings would seem to indicate he can be better than that, but is not a top line starter. His S12 numbers have been much improved. Andrews is a 2B. In limited PT he has a .639 OPS. He is probably somewhat better than that, but not a whole lot. Mack is a 33 y.o. reliever who has a 7+ ERA in a cup of coffee a long time ago.

Grade: C- for the pick, D for the trade.

15.Kevin Bogar (1b/LF) Drafted by tbook for the Helena Hashies (now Syracuse Coureurs Des Bois). Kevin is currently in AAA, but has played the equivalent of one full big league season in the majors, posting a .248/.306/.462 line with 24 HR and 75 RBI. He is a RH hitter with a lot of power, but struggles vs. lefites and has a poor batting eye. Might be able to stick as a platoon player at some point.

Grade: D+

16.Brendan Garcia (1B/COF) Drafted by mase4342 for the Rochester Scorpions. Garcia is a switch hitter with some talent. He broke into the majors in S9 with a career best .868 OPS. His S11 season was a fine year as he posted .283/.345/.443 with 17 HR and 100 RBI. He is off to a hot start in S12. He makes good contact and has a good batting eye. He is more effective against righties. His glove is a little light for RF, but is a good LF/1B.

Grade: B

17.Malcolm Hiljus (1B/LF) Drafted by the_e_man for the Toledo Mud Hens. He was traded to the Atlanta Cheese Grits in S8 for Hector Leon. Hiljus broke into the majors in S9 for Atlanta and has had an up and down career. His best season was S11 when he posted .277/.357/.511 playing every day with 32 HR and 114 RBI. He slumped his next year and was traded to the Las Vegas High Rollers before S12. Leon is a high innings starter who has 2 very good pitches but little else to distinguish himself.

Grade: B for the pick, D- for the trade.

18.Fritz Lindsey (SP) Drafted by djbradford for the New Britain Yorkies. Lindsey has been very successful in the majors for NB, with a career 27-11 mark with a 3.81 ERA in 354 IP. Shockingly, he is in AAA right now, which speaks to the depth of pitching in New Britain. He has good control, 3 70+ pitches and a 70+ righty split.

Grade: B+

19.Ron Bukvich (2B) Drafted by bearclan1 for the Santa Fe Flyers. Traded to the El Paso Kamikazees (now Richmond War Pigs) in S7 with Sandy Ledesma for Rudy Puffer. Bukvich broke in to the majors in S9. He has posted a .256/.343/.425 line in his career. he hit 21 HR in S10 and stole 33 bases in S11. He has an excellent batting eye to compliment otherwise average to slightly above average skills at the plate. He is merely an OK defender who is limited by range. Ledesma is an awful lefty reliever. Puffer has been a capable player for the Flyers, posting a .282/.341/.483 line with 113 career HR and 138 SB thus far. He is miscast in CF, where he has neither the range nor glove to play there. Could pass as a 2B but his best position is LF.

Grade: C for the pick, B+ for the trade.

20. Tim Cooke (SP) drafted by Nelig for the Buffalo Nickels. Cooke is a talented lefty with 2 ++ pitches and one above average pitch. After breaking in the bigs in S9, his best season was S11 where he went 14-14 with a 3.33 ERA in 216.1 innings. He is struggling thus far in S12. Control could be a problem.

Grade: B

21.Gary Andrews (RP) Drafted by radek for the NY Metropolitans. Andrews is a talented lefty reliever who can eat tons of innings. In his sophomore season in S11, he pitched 105.1 innings out of the pen with a 2.73 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 70 games. Should be a horse for years.

Grade: A

22.Rob Karros (CF/2B) Drafted by baldric for the San Juan RTRTA. He was Rule V'd by Cleveland in S10 then claimed off waivers by Buffalo. Karros's strength is defense, where he has the range, glove and arm to play anywhere. His accuracy makes him best suited for CF, RF or 2B. He had a sterling rookie year in S10, posting a .304/.356/.448 line with 18 HR and 29 SB. He has not hit as well since. As a 2b, he is fantastic, winning a Gold Glove in S10. He has 3+ plays in 75 games in CF.

Grade: B- for the pick. Probably shouldn't have let him go for nothing.

23.Mickey McMahon (2B/3B) Drafted by Thunderstrik for Arizona. Released in S10 by the Salem Blad Beavers (formerly AZ) and claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Zydeco. High splits highlight his resume, but an incredibly poor eye and subpar contact/power sabotages any chance of being productive. Has a .613 OPS in 206 big league AB. Not a big league player.

Grade: F

24.Matt Sexton (LF) Drafted by jahu43 for the Louisville Sluggers. Traded to SF in S8 for Grover Chase. Sexton is now with Salt Lake City. He has above average contact/power but average splits and eye. He is a rookie in S12 with a .235/.291/.426 line. He can probably do better, but is most likely not an impact player. Should stick in the big leagues, though. Chase is a SP who appeared in only 19 big league games for Louisville before being dealt in the Yamid Molina trade.

Grade: D+ for the pick, an ultimate A for who he helped bring to Louisville.

25.Victor Delgado (2B) Drafted by lets_try for the Minnesota Explorers. Traded by the Patriots (former Explorers) to the Mets in S10 (who flipped him to Salt Lake) in a 6 player deal that netted Wilt Raines, Raymond Rivers and Charlie Carson. Delgado is a LF playing 2b. He has good contact and a 70 righty split. In 444 AB, he has posted .273/.321/.457. he is doing well in 12 thus far and can probably hold down a starters job. The web of who's left and who went where is just too complicated for me to take the time to follow as none of the 3 players acquired are with the Patriots.

Grade: C for the pick, who knows for the trade.

26.Patrick Ruffin (LF) Drafted by bkdries for the Burlington Black Sox (now Dover Blue Crabs). Has not cracked the bigs yet. Has good contact/vR/eye, but not great. Awful vs. lefties. No power. Might be a role player someday.

Grade: D

27.Sam Rodgers (2B/CF) Drafted by pfontaine for the Atlanta Cheese Grits. Sam has a good glove and solid range. He can play 2B and CF capably. S11 was his first full season in the majors where he came off the bench for Atlanta and played CF a fair bit against lefties. He posted a .291/.348/.444 line with 10 HR in 302 AB. He has solid but unspectacular batting ratings across the board. Can be a solid 2b or role player, but not a star.

Grade: C

28.Quentin Lary (SP) Drafted by dizzlebob for the Pittsburgh Studdabubbas. Traded to Colorado in S7 for Wayne Hernandez and A.J. Diaz. Ultimately traded to SF. Lary is an immensely talented lefty pitcher and it is amazing he lasted this long in the draft. His only Achilles heel is his stamina, which makes him a 5-6 inning starter at best. Still, with 80+ splits and 94 control, he can give you plenty of HQ innings. In his first season not in the pinball machine that is Colorado, he posted a 3.10 ERA in 177 IP with a 1.11 WHIP. Hernandez is a nice lefty hitting 1b/LF with a career .834 OPS. Diaz is a CF with middling defensive skills and a .787 career OPS.

Grade: A+ for pick, C- for trade. Hernandez and Diaz are nice players and can contribute in the bigs, but they are not equal to the talent of Lary.

29.Andre Meche (RF) Drafted by bjb2378 for the San Francisco Night Demons. S11 was his first full season in the bigs and Meche delivered, with a .307/.368/.466 line with 20 HR and 85 RBI. He has spent 2 60 day DL stints, which has hurt. Has not played at all in S12 thus far.

Grade: B+ Only knock is his health.

30.Hamlet Towers (LF) Drafted by mdukes13 for the Washington Generals. Towers is a solid lefty hitter with good contact/eye and decent splits/power. He has a .292/.371/.491 career line. S11 was his best so far, with 22 Hr and 77 RBI to go with a .310 AVG and 17 SB.

Grade: A (for this position in the draft, this is a great pick).

31.Kent Sisler (1B/DH) Drafted by jdbkaput for the St. Louis Clydesdales. Still with the franchise (now Augusta Caesars). Sisler is a switch hitting 1b with great contact/power/vR and a good eye. He has mashed to a .311/.369/.580 line in 2 full plus 2 partial seasons. Hit 48 HR with 145 RBI in S10. He made the S11 All Star Team.

Grade: A

32.Wilt Raines (1B) Drafted by leppykahn for the Colorado Blasters. Traded to Pawtucket in the Victor Delgado deal (see #25 above). Raines has good splits and eye as a switch hitter. In his rookie year, S10, he hit .309/.364/.487 with 21 Hr and 111 RBI. Should be a very solid hitter for years.

Grade: A- for pick, trade unknown (again see above).

Moving Pitchers: Season 12 Relocation Report

2009-04-27T22:32:00.013-04:00

You have heard me mention several times that I long for the day we return all 32 teams from year to year. You may think it's because I think it makes for a stronger league or so we can get rolling right after the world series. The truth is, I'm really just lazy. If we don't get new teams, I'm off the hook from writing this article.

But alas, here we are again. We had to fill 6 spots last season but only had 3 vacancies this season. That's progress. And, I know it's only been a couple weeks, but I like what I see from these new owners. They don't seem to be afraid to ask questions in the forums or make controversial trades. Good luck guys. You will probably need it.

Dover Blue Crabs (testudo34) Philadelphia Black Sox (bkdries)
We were sad to lose bkdries after 11 seasons of service but we really only have one person to blame. Mdukes! Yes, Mdukes has dominated the AL East since the beginning of time winning the division every year but one. Bkdries took his Sox to the playoffs several times but always as a wildcard. Enter testudo34. A complete newbie to the HBD world but a successful, experienced manager in Hoops dynasty boasting 121 seasons and 2 national championships. Testudo's first move was cutting his team's salary by about $20M and his free agent strategy has pretty much just been resigning his best players. Seems like a smart strategy for a guy who is taking his first lap around the HBD track. Also, this is the first time I have played with a team from Dover. They have nice hats.

Boise Barstool Prophets (rounders31) formerly Tacoma Twilight (hbdgirl)
Apparently, we were too smart for hbdgirl because she decided to go back to school after one season with us. In a short time, she was able to get this team above .500 for the first time since season one. But this franchise is still looking for its first playoff appearance and rounders31 doesn't seem to be wasting any time getting there. The Prophets have hit free agency and the trade block hard and spent some money in this offseason. While their pitching was good last season, it could be even better this season. But they still had one of the worst hitting teams in the league last season which hasn't really been addressed yet. Rounders31 has bounced around in a bunch of worlds racking up 16 seasons of experience but has currently only in 3 worlds and hopefully will stop the one-and-done ownership that has plagued this team for the last 3 seasons. That said, this is still a young team moving in the right direction.

Tampa Bay Tornados (tk21775) formerly Montgomery Mastodons (hooner65)
This franchise has had a one-and-done owner for the last three seasons, too. This team hit well last year but the pitching squad was one of the worst in the league. And that's exactly what tk21775 focused on this offseason. He spent a lot of money to get seven pretty good (if not terribly young) pitchers via free agency. This should be an interesting team to watch this year. Hooner had a pretty good season last year but got frustrated that he wasn't winning in that tough AL South (which, by the way, still has 3 original Hunter owners playing in it). Tk21775 is pretty new to HBD. He is in 9 worlds but has not completed a season yet in any of them. Hopefully, he'll have good luck here and, when his wife realizes how much money he spent on this game, he'll decide that Hunter is the world to stay with.

Behind the numbers: Career HR List

2009-03-09T15:01:00.003-04:00

I’ve decided to start a new contribution to the blog whenever possible. I will start taking a look at the Career leaders for certain categories and then investigate their career to let you know how they got there, trades, FA, waivers etc.

1. Lonny Igelias, Col/Col Springs (559 HR)

Lonny was the first player to reach 500 HR in Hunter beating Magglio Javier by a single game in S10. He was also a member of Hunter’s NL All-Decade team as the starting 2b.

Igelias has only played for two teams in Hunter : Colorado and the now defunct Mule Deer (now know as Salt Lake City).

Colorado acquired Igelias in season 5 from philo and the Mule Deer for three players. The three players were Dennis Abe, Rex Lawerence and Phil Maxwell. Dennis Abe currently plays for the Chicago Fire and has 872 ML games played results in 102 career HR and a .267 Average. Rex Lawerence currently plays for Richmond and has 83 ML IP with 41 SVs and a career ERA of 6.51. Finally, Phil Maxwell is now retired although he did have a brief ML career playing 194 ML games and finishing with 20 career HR and a ML career average of .279.

Thus far Dennis Abe has been the best of the bunch and currently sits 457 HR short of Igelias. Rex Lawerance does show some promise however, has yet to have the ratings translate into stats. Needless to say, I’m guessing Leppy is okay with the results from this trade.

For his career he has received the following awards: 3 All-Star appearances, 2 Second base Silver Sluggers, 1 LF Silver Slugger and 1 LF Gold glove.

2. Magglio Javier, LA/Sal/Lou (534 HR)

As mentioned above Javier was the 2nd palyer in Hunter history to hit 500 HR but was the first to reach 1500 RBI earlier this season for the Salem Bald Beavers. Javeir like Igelias was a member of the Hunter All-Decade team as the starting LF for the AL team. Javier could arguably be considered the greatest player in the first 10 years of Hunter.

Up until Season 11 he had spent his entire career with the Louisville Sluggers organization leading the franchise to their first World Series victory in Season 10, while picking up his 5th MVP award along the way. As a side note, M. Javier’s also finished 2nd in MVP voting three times behind another member of this list (I believe this is called foreshadowing).

After season 10 Javier left Louisville Sluggers and signed a 4 year with the Salem franchise, after only half a season in Salem he was dealt to LA Baja Racers for Spike Hunter, Albert Velaquez and minor league pitcher. Hunter and Velaquez are currently playing on Salem’s ML franchise. Since Javier’s arrival in LA, the Baja Racers have found their way into a tight NL wild card race. The Baja Racers are looking for their first playoff appearance.

For his career Javier won the following awards all as a member of the Louisville Sluggers: 5 AL MVPS, 1 Rookie of the Year, 9 All-star Appearances and 5 LF Silver Sluggers

3. Rich Peters (Balt.) (522 HR)

Peters out of all the players on this list has the stable existence as he has spent his entire career as a member of the Baltimore Baydogs. Peters was the 3rd member of Hunter to reach the 500 HR mark. Had it not been for an injury that limited Peters to 5 GP in season 4, he would have had a good chance to be the first man to 500 HR.

Peters like Javier and Igelias was also a member of the Hunter All-Decade team. He was the starting 1b for the NL team.

For his career Peters won the following awards: 1 Silver Slugger RF, 2 Silver Slugger 1b, 1 All-Star appearance and 1 1b Gold Glove

4. James Hayahsi (Lou/Wich/Col/Tuc/LA) (470 HR)

Hayahsi like Peters, Javier and Igelais was a member of the Hunter All-Decade team however, he was the first one not to garner a starting spot. Hayashi made the team as the NL Lf back-up to Albert Henly.

Hayashi had quite an interesting career as far as movement went. He spent his first 3 .5 seasons in the AL as a member of the Wichita Bad-boys who are now know as the Montgomery Mastodons.

He was traded to Colorado in season 4 in a 3 for 3 deal. Wichita landed Harry Miller, Kris Fontenent and Tony Piedra in the deal that saw Hayahsi, Quixote and a career minor league move to COL. Miller currently plays for Buffalo and has racked up 2230 ML IP with a career record of 120-134 and a 4.96 ERA. Fontenent currently a reliever for the Louisville Sluggers and has accumulated 165 ML IP with a record of 15-2 and a career ML era of 3.28. Piedra has since retired and had a brief cup of coffee in the majors resulting in a 5.17 ERA over 76 IP. Along with Hayashi, Colorado also received Odalias Quixote a catcher who has bounced around the bigs and has 346 GP with a .262 ML batting average and currently plays for the Burlington.

Here is where things get interesting after season 4 Hayashi declined the player option on this contract making him a FA after a Hunter record 87 HR season. Needless to say he was a man in high demand. The result was the largest contract in Hunter history and Hunters’ first 100M dollar man. The total value of the deal was 106.5M dollar and was given out by 13black and the Tucson Shockers (now St. Louis). At the time there were concerns 13black would bail soon after handing out the contract to his credit 13black stayed and saw the monster deal to it’s end. For a 106M dollars Tucson got 180 HR and 617 RBI’s over 5 seasons. Very good production but I’m guessing 13black wanted more when inking the deal.

After his contract ended with Tucson he signed on with LA Baja Racers for season 10 where he added another 11 HR to his career total in 330 at-bats. After leaving LA as a FA, the Louisville Sluggers signed Hayashi to a minor league deal barring a late season call-up Hayashi’s career is probably over and he will fall 30 HR shy of 500.

5. Lou Stevenson (Salem/Augusta/St. Louis/Chicago) 450 HR

Each member of this list can claim their career to be something relative to the four. Igelias can claim to be the 1st (to 500), Javier can claim to be the most prolific, Peters can claim to be the most stable, Hayashi can claim to be the most “interesting” and finally Stevenson can claim to be the biggest “disappointment”. Now it seems odd to say about a man with 5 MVP’s and 450 career HR but you’ll understand after looking at his career.

Stevenson started his career for the Chicago Fire playing 4 full seasons in the AL before being traded to the NL mid-way through 5th season. Stevenson won MVP EVERY full season he played in the AL. In fact him and Javier have combined to win 9 out of the 10 AL MVP’s awarded. In Stevenson’s first full NL season (Season 6) he added an NL MVP to his award case making him the first player to win AL and NL MVP’s and sits tied with Magglio Javier for the most total MVP’s.

Chicago traded Steveson to St. Louis Clydesdales (Now Augusta) for three players: Glen Morris, Olerud and Marc Ratcliff. Olerud still plays for Chicago and was the Season 9 Rookie of the year, Glen Morris is currently the CF for the new St. Louis franchise and has two 20 HR seasons under his belt and finally Ratcliff sits at AAA for LA but has pitched 450 career ML innings with 156 career saves and a career ERA of 4.97.

As an interesting side now the owner that traded for Stevenson (St. Louis Clydesdales) returned to Hunter this season after a few season hiatus as Burlington (Jdkaput).

This is where the plot thickens or so they say. After his season six MVP Stevenson was relegated to limited playing time and saw his at-bats drop from 347 to 216 to 102 at bats over seasons 7-9. This was a result of two factors St. Louis/Augusta was a good team, plus at this point in his career Stevenson was a DH playing in the NL. This is where the disappointment comes in for seasons 7-9 he was still good enough to be a starting DH on an AL team and proved that by hitting 15 HR 81 RBI and .323 average in season 10 upon his return to AL (Salem). Had Stevenson not been stuck in a bad situation for three seasons, you could safety add 60 HR to his career total putting him in contention for the first hitter to 500. Instead it looks like he will fall 50 HR short of the 500 club barring a few HR down the stretch for Salem.

For his career he won the following awards: 4 AL MVP’s, 1 NL MVP, 4 1b Silver Slugger, 1 DH Silver Slugger and 3 all-star appearances.

Power Rankings update

2009-03-06T11:36:00.003-05:00

S11 Power Rankings (after 100 games)

1. San Juan RRTA - move up 3 spots
2. San Francisco Night Demons - move up 3 spots
3. New York Metropolitans - drop 1 spot
4. New Britain Yorkies - move up 5 spots
5. Atlanta Chees Grits - move up 2 spots
6. Louisville Sluggers - drop 5 spots
7. Colorado Blasters - drop 3 spots
8. Pittsburgh Studdabubbas - same
9. Cleveland MooseDwag - drop 3 spots
10. Scottsdale Aces - back in the top 10

Season 11 Power Rankings

2009-02-06T02:19:00.007-05:00

Keep in mind that these power rankings are mostly based on season 10 and not the first 40 games of season 11, after 3/4 (120 games) of season 11 we may have an update if necessary. Majority of the rankings are determined by votes combined with stats and on field performance.

Top 10 Power Rankings

1. (+1) Louisville Sluggers (101-61) - For the past two seasons Louisville represented the AL in the World Series, winning it all last season for the first time in franchise history. Sluggers finished season 10 with the 3rd best offense in Hunter scoring 1011 runs and hitting .292 as a team, I must point out that was with Magglio Javier in the lineup who is no longer with the team. The pitching staff led by Bob Creek and Gene Fitzgerald finished 11th best in Hunter with a 4.50 team ERA and 1.42 team WHIP, the defense finished 14th best with a .982 FPct. Most of last season, playoffs and the World Series the offense carried this team. As we all know Sluggers superstar Magglio Javier signed with the Salem Bald Beavers as a free agent, it will be interesting to see how this lineup performs without him.

2. (-1) New York Metropolitans (114-48) - Season 9 Champs held the best record in Hunter all of last season and finished with most wins in the world and franchise history. Their season came crashing down when they were eliminated in the NLCS by division rival Cleveland Moosdawg. New York finished season 10 with Hunter's 2nd best pitching staff that posted 3.55 team ERA, 1.26 team WHIP and also had the most strike outs (1168) and saves (66). With last season’s NL Cy Young and Fire Man awards winners on this staff we should expect more of the same in season 11. Metropolitans offense finished 6th in Hunter with 917 runs scored and .284 team BA on a very disappointing season for many hitters. The defense finished 5th in Hunter with a .983 FPct and also posted 4443 put outs which was most in the word. This team is solid all around and nothing but the Championship will do.

3. (+2) San Juan RRTA (114-48) - There is couple of reasons why San Juan moved up 2 spots in the rankings. First let me point out that RRTA finished season 10 with the 2nd best offense that scored 1040 runs with a .292 team BA and the best defense in Hunter that posted a .989 FPct with only 67 errors. On top of having the best defense and 2nd bestoffense I must point out that San Juan also signed the best IFA of season 10, SP Roberto Santiago went 13-0 in his rookie year in 21 starts. At 21 years old he is already considered one of the best starters in Hunter. He is also the single reason why San Juan edged the Colorado Blasters for the 3rd spot on the rankings. After studying this team for a while I must say that in my opinion they look the strongest out of all the teams on this list and get my vote as the favorites to win the World Series in season 11.

4. (E) Colorado Blasters (102-60) - The Blasters come into season 11 making the most noise in the off season trading for Ace starters Felipe Bournigal and Kelvin Coleman who will try to power this team to another Championship. Colorado enters season 11 with the highest player payroll in Hunter with 112M. Hunter’s top offense scored 1138 runs last season , that’s 98 runs better than the 2nd best team. They also had the most hits (1803), HR (442), RBI’s (1121), team BA (.302), SLG (.575) and .938 OPS. The pitching staff finished 17th with a 4.92 team ERA and the defense ranked 22nd but the additions of Coleman and Bournigal should help both in more ways than one. Colorado’s killer lineup plus this upgraded pitching staff puts them in the 4th spot on the rankings and definitely makes them one of the strongest teams in Hunter.

5. (-2) San Francisco Night Demons (104-58) – San Francisco dropped 2 spots in the rankings because of two main reasons, Felipe Bournigal is no longer with the club and San Juan had to take over the 3rd seed. In return for Bournigal the Night Demons got a 23 y.o. ace Quentin Lary who’ll dominate the AL for the next 15 seasons. Hunter’s best pitching staff led by veteran Pete Daly finished S10 with a 3.24 team ERA and 1.17 team WHIP, with Bournigal/Lary swap they won’t lose much ground. San Fran may be all about pitching but lets not forget their 13th ranked lineup that scored 870 runs last season and since this line up is mostly made up of young hitters the future looks bright.

6. (*) Atlanta Cheese Grits (93-69) – Atlanta stormed onto the power rankings by finishing season 10 with 93 wins and beating the favorite Night Demons in the ALDS. They lost in the ALCS to the current Champions Sluggers but this is a young team that could become very dangerous in the near future. The Cheese Grits pitching staff finished 4th in Hunter last season, proving they could pitch with the best. The offense scored 897 times last season (11th best) and their 10th ranked defense displayed a average .982 FPct.

7. (*) Cleveland MoosDawg (84-78) - Cleveland stormed into the rankings after their playof run that ended with the NL Championship. On their way to the WS Cleveland ran over Colorado, San Juan and New York, all 100+ wins teams. The MoosDawg line up under performed in the regular season finishing 28th in Hunter with 794 runs scored and .262 team BA. In the post season it was a different story as they hit almost everything that came their way. Led by youngsters like Larry Cannon, Britt Perkins and Alex Diaz this line up will only get better. MoosDawg pitching staff surprised a lot of hitters last season finishing with 4.02 team ERA and 1.42 WHIP, that makes them the 3rd best staff in Hunter. If this 17th ranked defense could play better then their .981 FPct the pitching staff could be even better. Overall this is a young team that's getting better fast.

8.(-2) Pittsburgh Studdabubbas (96-66) - NL North Champs for the past 2 seasons were eliminated from the playoffs by losing 3 straight 1-run games in the NLDS, that's how close they are from braking
through the door. Their pitching staff finished 7th in Hunter with 4.21 team ERA and 1.38 WHIP, with a bit more help from their 18th ranked defense they could be top 5 staff. The strength of this team is their powerful line up that ranked 7th with 916 runs scored but ranked 4th with their .288 team BA. Veterans Willie Drew, Rodrigo Brito, and Archie Blake make this line up very dangerous.

9. (-2) New Britan Yorkies (94-68) - AL North Champs dropped 2 spots because Cleveland and Atlanta moved in front of them. New Britain can jump up these ranking in one season, that's how good they are.
The Yorkies pitching staff tied for 5th in Hunter with a 4.20 team ERA, the offense did not do as well finishing 19th with 827 runs scored and the defense ranked 12th with their .982 FPct. With a few adjustments specially to the line up this team is capable of making huge strides in season 11.

10. (*) Rochester Scorpions (90-68) - The Scorpions won the AL East for the first time in franchise history last season and are looking for repete this season. Their 8th ranked pitching staff finished last season with a 4.22 team ERA, their 21st ranked offense finished with 816 runs scored and their 10th ranked defense posted a .980 FPct. Rochester must make some improvements if they want to be considered one of the top teams in Hunter but winning their division and getting onto the power ranking is great step in that direction.

Scottsdale, Tacoma and Texas are knocking on the door.

Moving Pitchers: Season 11 Relocation Report

2009-01-17T09:37:00.006-05:00

In what is apparently a tough time to fill worlds in Hardball Dynasty, we found our most experienced class of new owners ever. Hopefully, this group has staying power so we can, for the first time, reach our goal of returning all 32 teams.

Speaking of returning teams, I counted which season's new recruits has the most active returns since Hunter started. Needless to say, season 1 has the best retention rate (11 teams) but I was rather surprised to see which season ranked second...We still have 4 owners from season 7's class (beerman324, randyrossrac, carmandjr, firedock). Third place goes to season 2's class from which we have 3 owners. We have nobody left from seasons 6 and 8. I don't know what any of this means but that has never stopped me from posting on the blog before.

What was I talking about? Oh, yes. The new folk. All of these new owners are taking over not so good teams so it's not going to be a cakewalk for any of them. Who will turn their team into a winner first? Let's meet them:

Syracuse Coureurs Des Bois (beesore)  formerly Helena Hashies (tbook)
Sheesh, never before did one of these silly write-ups turn into a history lesson. If, like me, you did not take French in highschool, A coureur des bois (runner of the woods) was an individual who engaged in the fur trade without permission from the French authorities in North America in the 17th century (or so says wikipedia). Phew. Thinking is hard. Anyway, this is the franchise that one of our originators, tbook, dropped last season. As successful as tbook has been in HD, he could never quite get his Hunter team rolling. He never won a division title and never proceeded far in the playoffs. Beesore looks to be rebuilding from inside his organization starting with an 80M budget and making just a few modest FA signings. But not to worry, he brings 28 seasons of experience and a bunch of division titles to Hunter.

St. Louis Brew Masters (vlpratt62)  formerly Tacoma Needles (heelsfan0123)
Vlpratt62 comes to Hunter withh 22 seasons under his belt but with no championships or playoff appearances to show for it. But we won't hold that against him. We all know rebuilding bad teams can take a while. And this team probably isn't going to be a winner all that quickly. This franchise only made the playoffs once back in season 4 when 13black had them in Tucson. Last season, the Needles had the worst pitching and hitting team in the NL, hands down. The Brew Masters have been active in free agency with a focus on defense. But they have a higher salary than you might think for a team who finished last in the league. At least they get the first draft pick this season.

Montgomery Mastodons (hooner65)  formerly Memphis Redemption (tropicana)
Ever since echwippe's Bad Boys skipped town a couple of years ago, this franchise hasn't had a stable owner. But with hooner's 54 seasons and 5 WS tiltles, Montery is hopeful he is what this team needs. This franchise hasn't had a playoff appearance since season 2 and playing in that AL South won't make it any easier to turn this thing around. The Mastodons (prehistoric Elephant) enter season 11 with the worst hitting team in the AL. But hooner appears to have a plan. He has his player salary budget up to 105M but, so far, he hasn't spent much of that. It will be interesting to see what he has up his sleeve.

Tacoma Twilight (hbdgirl)  formerly Portland Pines (gforman)
First off, I'm going to assume that hbdgirl is actually female. I know making assumptions from someone's user name is dangerous. For example, if someone didn't know better, they might think carmandjr was actually a cool gear head (Car-Man) with an awesome muscle car. But in reality, he drives a Hyundai. Anyway, as far as I know, we have had just two female owners and they have both owned the same franchise. Yes, this is the former Velvet Vultures squad which was run by eclipse33. Eclipse is another owner who has had success in other worlds but could not get anything going in Hunter. She never had a winning season here and this franchise has never made a playoff appearance. Hbdgirl is relatively new to HBD (10 seasons) but she already has a WS trophy and 4 division titles. Already this season, the Twilight was able to attract a couple good young free agent hitters to their city (J.R. Kennedy and Gaylord Anderson). Of all the new teams , this is my pick to win the most ML games.

Iowa City Hawkeyes (soxrule65 aka kevbo65)  formerly Hartford The Wale (rabenjamin77)
I'm concerned about this team. How is Iowa City going to attract any big-name free agents with those ugly hats? Soxrule65 comes to Hunter with 17 years of experience and a gaudy .560 winning percentage. Iowa's obvious need is pitching as they finished nearly last in the AL in almost every pitching category. And that's exactly what Sox attacked in free agency. He signed several pitchers and two catchers with very high pitch calls. He also traded for a couple hitters. It looks like Iowa City is trying to win at the ML level now. Maybe I was wrong about the hats.

Burlington Federalists (jdbkaput)  formerly Kansas City Knights (jag884)
Thankfully for me, jdbkaput left the NL North after season 7. His St. Louis Clydesdales won our division every season he was there (7). Jdbkaput quit HBD because he took a new job and was moving across country. Stupid real life. But now that he's settled, he makes his return to HBD in Hunter's AL North. Jbd took over the AL's worst team last season and a franchise that has never made the playoffs. Even though he signed a bunch of older guys in free agency, he didn't spend a whole lot of money on them. He even signed his former ace (and mine), Shawn Owen to what has got to be his final contract. The Federalists also traded a few ML guys for prospects. Don't expect big things from jbd's big league team this year but give him time and his divisions-mates will be hoping he moves to Alaska.

Other Notes:

Bkdries moved his franchise from Burlington to Philadelphia. They are still nicknamed the Black Sox, though, despite their colors being burgundy and mustard.

Baldric changed his nickname from one thing I didn't understand (TCB) to another thing I don't understand (Ring to Rule Them All). The team still plays in San Juan, though. The fans believed the old nickname was cursed.

2009-01-08T20:59:00.008-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEASON 10 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS LOUISVILLE SLUGGERS!!!

Louisville Sluggers finished the regular season with a 101-61 record, AL South crown and secured the 2nd seed in the AL playoffs. The engine that drove this team all season long was their line up led by All Time great Magglio Javier, they finished 3rd in Hunter with 1011 RS and .292 team BA. The pitching staff finished ranked 7th in Hunter with a 4.50 team ERA and the defense finished ranked 9th with .983 FPct.

To started their playoff rampage Louisville swept the 6th seeded Washington D.C. Generals in the ALDS. In the ALCS the uprising Atlanta Cheese Grits did not stand a chance either, the Sluggers took that series 4-1 and were back in the World Series for the 2nd straight year. After losing game 7 of the WS last seasons Magglio and company knew this chance may be the last they would get. In the World Series the Sluggers did not waste any time winning game 1 and never looked back. They defeated the 6th seed Cleveland MooseDwag 4-2 to win their 1st Championship in franchise history.

The entire franchise knew it was Magglio's last season as a Slugger and they were not going to let him leave without a Sluggers Championship ring. This was the Sluggers time to shine and forever they will remain Hunter's season 10 World Series Champions!!!

Season 5 Draft Review

2008-12-31T15:15:00.016-05:00

It takes many seasons to find out how a draft has paid off. We've reached the point in Hunter's history where can start evaluating how some drafts are turning out. I have decided to start with Season 5, since that is around the time we got full control of our draft boards and when many of us figured out what we were doing. Even though some of you weren't here when these drafts took place, they have impacted your franchise today. I'll only be looking at first round choices (non-sandwich). I just don't have the time to go deeper than that.

1. Hector DeLeon (SP) Drafted by Bearclaws06 for Charlotte. Traded to Colorado in S6 for Wilfredo Mendoza. Hector was given a $4 million bonus to be the first pick of the S5 draft. After a largely successful minor league career he broke into the majors in S9. Thus far in 2 seasons he is 24-15 with a 5.05 ERA. S10 showed a marked improvement with a 14-7 record and a 4.28 ERA. Hector's ratings are strong and looks to be a solid investment.

Grade: A for pick, but a B for the trade.

2. Steve Crawford (SP) Drafted by mytitan. Steve did not sign and has gone into the great HBD void.

Grade: F

3.Moose Gates (SP) Drafted by Oli35 for Scottsdale. Moose is a big strapping lefty (think David Wells) with a rubber arm. He broke into the majors in S9. After a successful rookie season where he posted a 14-9 mark with a 4.31 ERA, Moose suffered a sophomore slump in S10. Moose posted an ugly 5-17 mark with a 6.79 ERA. Moose has good skills (but shaky control). His lack of solid control may make him a Jekyll and Hyde type pitcher in seasons to come.

Grade: B-

4. Don Sedlacek (SP) Drafted by Dufferman for Baltimore. Sedlacek is a big time innings eater with high stamina and durability, but mediocre splits. He broke into the big leagues in S8 and had it rough, going 5-15. S9 was kinder, with Don going 10-11 with a 4.10 ERA in 200 IP. S10 showed a regression to a 5.48 ERA in only 151 IP. His low splits and lack of a 4th pitch will limit Sedlacek's effectiveness.

Grade: C-

5.Willie Guerrero (RP) Drafted by eclipse33 for Vancouver. Still with the franchise (was Portland Pines in S10, now open). Guerrero is a very talented RHP with above average splits, control, pitches and good stamina for a reliever. After breaking through halfway through S8, he has posted back to back 29 save seasons as the closer for this franchise. A career 1.11 WHIP and 3.64 ERA shows this draft pick was a bullseye.

Grade: A

6.Rudy Puffer (CF) Drafted by cliff357 for El Paso. Traded to Sante Fe in S7. Puffer is a weak defensive CF with neither the range nor glove to adequately man the position. He does bring a solid bat to the table, though. Puffer was promoted to the bigs after his acquisition in S7. He has posted OPS of .903, .838, .750 and .885 in his 4 seasons and has averaged 22 HR per year. A career .287/.345/.492 line is very good for a CF, though he really belongs at a corner OF position.

Grade: B

7.Hector Knight (SS) Drafted by dwevans24 for Sacramento. Still with franchise (LA Baja Racers). Hector is a SS with a solid bat but slightly below average glove. He broke into the bigs in S8 but has played full time for just 2 big league seasons (9 and 10). He has a nice .299 career batting average and a .363 OBP. He is a solid pick.

Grade: B+

8.Sean Guerrero (LF) Drafted by wolfhoundkl for Texas. Still with franchise. As is typical with LF'ers taken high in the draft, Guerrero is a big time masher. His first taste of the bigs came in S6 (!). He has consistenly put up solid numbers and he peaked (thus far) in S10 with a .306/.380/.562 line with 46 HR and 118 RBI.

Grade: A

9.Britt Perkins (2B) Drafted by rockydawg07 for Cleveland. Still with franchise. Perkins has borderline ss skills at 2b and a big stick to go with his glove. He has played 3 full big league seasons and his best to date was S9 (.320/.374/.708 with 48 HR and 127 RBI in 463 AB!) The only knock on Perkins is durability, with just a 67. Because of that, Perkins is limited to about 120 games per season. That flaw knocks him down a half peg.

Grade: A-

10.Sparky Rhodes (CF) Drafted by the e man for Toledo. Traded to Louisville in S9. Rhodes is a CF with nice range but a poor glove and mediocre skills at the plate. He has hit well in the minors, but has not made the majors yet. As of now, he projects as a 4th OF type.

Grade: D+ (for #10 overall, a franchise should do better)

11.Benito Jose (SP/RP) Drafted by bearclan1 for Sante Fe. Still with franchise. Jose is one of those low stamina starters who are sometimes utilized as swingmen. A lefty with mediocre splits, Jose cracked the bigs in S8 and has posted a 4.88 career ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 295.1 innings. He projects as a career long reliever.

Grade: C-

12.Alan Wallace (SP/RP) Drafted by djbradford for New Britain. Still with franchise. Wallace is a lefty with good stamina and a good (but not great) array of pitches. Wallace saw action in the bigs as early as S6. As both as starter and reliever, Wallace has posted a 43-32 record with a 1.39 WHIP and 4.47 ERA. He even won 16 games in S7. He has been a solid contributor and should continue as such.

Grade: B

13.Ignacio Cruz (SP) Drafted by ewchippe for Wichita. Traded to Atlanta in S10. Cruz is a big, strapping RHP with a lot of talent, including pinpoint control. Cruz cracked the bigs in S8, but really established himself in S10 with Atlanta at the age of 23. Cruz became Atlanta's #1 starter. Disregard the 13-12 record and look at the 3.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 242.1 innings. Cruz started Game 1 in 2 of Atlanta's 3 playoff series. Definitely should be a top of the rotation starter for the next decade.

Grade: A (trade for Craig Byrne and co. cannot be evaluated yet).

14.Tim Anderson (RF) Drafted by dizzlebob for Pittsburgh. Traded numerous times and is currently a free agent after 6 seasons in the minors. Could possibly break through as a backup corner OF.

Grade: D-

15.Chris Redding (SP) Drafted by squeekyethan for Augusta. Traded to San Fran in S7. Redding made his big league debut in S10 for the Night Demons. In 26 starts he went 13-8 with a 3.27 ERA. He should be a nice backend RH starter for seasons to come.

Grade: B+

16.Zack Marshall (IF) Drafted by gocubz for Chicago. Traded to Texas in S7. Marshall is a poor SS with a mediocre stick. He has played in the bigs for parts of 3 seasons posting a .263/.333/.407 line. He spent all of S10 in AAA. He may have a role as a backup IF someday.

Grade: D

17.Cesar Guzman (LF) Drafted by baldric for San Juan. Still with franchise. Guzman is an excellent defensive LF with a decent stick. He broke in the bigs in S9 and had a nice S10, posting
.274/.337/.512 with 21 HR and 77 RBI. He should be a very solid big leaguer.

Grade: B

18. James Millard (LF) Drafted by buddybee for Ottawa. Not signed.

Grade: F

19.Len Sutcliffe (P) Drafted by mase4342 for Rochester. Still with franchsie. Sutcliffe has good control and stamina but poor durability, which limits his innings. He broke into the bigs in S10 but thew just 28 innings, posting a 2.83 ERA. Can add value as a spot starter or reliever.

Grade: C+

20.Charlie Wise (SS/CF) Drafted by bkdries for Burlington. Still with franchise (now Montgomery). Wise was drafted as a SS but played CF for Montgomery in his first full big league season (S10). His range and glove are a little light for both SS and CF, but his cannon arm should be a plus in center. Wise posted a .271/.328/.406 mark in 155 games for the Marauders. He can slap lefties around and should have a place on a big league roster for a while due to his versatility.

Grade: B-

21.Harry Guzman (SP) Drafted by philo for Colorado Springs. Currently with Richmond War Pigs after being acquired in the Rule V draft in S9. His horrid control precludes him from having any sort of big league career. He did post a 5.97 ERA in 32 big league innings in S9.

Grade: F

22.Matty Glass (P) Drafted by thunderstrik for Arizona. Acquired by Cleveland in S9 Rule V draft. Another pitcher with no control. Pitched just 4.2 big league innings. No future.

Grade: F

23.Juan Zorrilla (1B) Drafted by bjb2378 for San Francisco. Still with franchise. This was a nice find at this point in the draft. Zorilla is a skilled switch hitter with high offensive ratings across the board. In 3 big league seasons, Zorilla has posted .324/.406/.519 and averaged 22 HR and 95 RBI per season. That's no small feat at Petco.

Grade: A

24.Tim Morton (1B) Drafted by pfontaine for Atlanta. Traded to Montgomery in the Ignacio Cruz deal. Morton is a solid first baseman with good power. He can mash lefties but is vulnerable to RHP. He's put together a nice minor league career (.999 OPS), but has yet to crack the majors. He walked as a minor league free agent after S10. He should be able to stick with a team in the bigs at some point.

Grade: C-

25.Sherman Roosevelt (RF) Drafted by tbook for Helena. Traded to Atlanta in S7 in the blockbuster deal for Ariel Guerrero and Rick Tessmer. Roosevelt was drafted as an IF but was converted to RF upon his promotion to the majors in S9. Roosevelt has a solid bat and the skills to play RF and 3B with average to slightly above average ability. In S10, he helped Atlanta reach the playoffs by posting .300/.353/.489 with 19 HR and 78 RBI. He should be a solid contributor for years to come.

Grade: B+ (tbook gets an "A" for the trade as the other pieces coming to Atlanta consisted of a decent LR and a 4-A pitcher).

26.Jerry Ramsey (LF) Drafted by leppykahn for Colorado. Still with franchise. Ramsey is a nice LF with a good stick and excellent speed. Ramsey broke into the majors in S10 and posted .324/.378/.568 in 111 games. He's not a big time power hitter nor does he have overwhelming offensive ratings, but he should be a good player for seasons to come.

Grade: B

27. Chad Holmes (SS) Drafted by radek for NY Mets. Not signed.

Grade: F

28.Delanor Quinn (1B) Drafted by jahu43 for Louisville. Still with franchise. A good minor league hitter, Quinn has an above average eye and contact ratings. Otherwise, he's a fairly average hitter. Could see a few cups of coffee in the bigs at some point.

Grade: D

29.Lon Singleton (3B/1B) Drafted by jdbkaput for St. Louis. Traded to the now LA Baja Racers in S6 in a package for J.P. Mercedes. Singleton is a slightly below average 3B with good power. He's a switch hitter who handles RHP better than LHP. He's played 3 full seasons with LA and put up .276/.335/.497 for his career. He consistenly churns out about 24 HR and 95 RBI per season. He should continue to be a nice player, but may be better suited for a corner OF spot or 1b.

Grade: B (A for the trade for Mercedes)

30. Brent Mayer (P) Drafted by lets_try for Minnesota. Not signed.

Grade: F

31.John Carter (SP) Drafted by mdukes for Washington. Traded to Atlanta in S7 in the Carlos James deal. Atlanta traded Carter to Salem for Cal Newfield in S10. Salem traded him to Pittsburgh shortly thereafter. Carter is a nice RHP with decent splits but subpar control. He looked good his rookie season (S9) for Atlanta when he went 16-12 and a 4.46 ERA and made the ROY ballot.
Carter had a 6.21 ERA in 11 starts in S10 before being dealt to Pittsburgh and being assinged to the minors. He will probably get another chance at the majors, but is no more than a #5 starter.

Grade: C+ (A for trade for James)

32.Victor Medrano (1B) Drafted by leppykahn for Colorado. Traded to Salt Lake City (for Tom Lombard) and then Buffalo. Medrano is a solid lefty hitter with good contact, eye and vR ratings. He has not broke into the bigs yet, but could be a solid contributor if given a shot.

Grade: C

Hunter's Most Wanted

2008-12-30T21:22:00.007-05:00

We know there are hundreds of great owners in Hardball Dynasty and sadly, we can't compete with all of them. But we have decided to make a list of some of the top owners we at Hunter have ever played against. Some are great owners. Some are brilliant bloggers. Some are tirelessly committed to their teams. Some are simply good, fun people to compete against. All are people we would like to have in Hunter.

tbook - A Hunter original with 71 seasons of experience and a WS win in Abbott.
lets_try - 7 seasons in Hunter. 6 AL North Titles. 23 seasons of experience.
eclipse33 - Ex-Hunter who has 34 seasons of experience. WS winner in Gibson.
ewchippe - 7 seasons in Hunter. Blog contributor.
danmam - Runs exceptional blog and has 4 WS titles in Alexander.
TXLnghrn - Runs exceptional blog and has 2 WS in Camp.
13black - 6 years in Hunter and never played anywhere else.
bearclaws06 - 6 years in Hunter. 3 playoff appearances.
sanderbear - Commish and lead blogger in Ron Cey.
thunderstrik - 7 seasons in Hunter. 2 playoff appearances. 21 seasons of experience.
mytitan - Ex-Hunter with 45 seasons of experience.
groverp - Ex-Hunter with 18 seasons of experience.
the_e_man - 4 seasons in Hunter. 3 playoff appearances. His old team is currently available.
FW_Kekionga - Runs exceptional blog in Cobb (I think).
vikingdal - 1 strong season in Hunter but 38 years of experience and 2 WS elsewhere.

Former Listees
jdbkaput - Rejoined Hunter in S11.

Note to Hunter Owners:
We will update this list regularly as new owners catch our eyes or as some of these owners tell us to buzz off. And everytime we have a position to fill in our league, we will consult this list and start inviting. By no means, do I imagine this being the final list. These are either guys who used to be in Hunter or guys who run some of the blogs I like. I'm still hoping for more input for you in form of either a nominee or a "please take this jerk off the list". Even if you agree with someone already on the list, let me know. Please leave comments. This is your world, too.