6. Salt Lake City
The S25 Champs are off to a great start at 10-2. Shmish has a long successful history in Hunter having made 8 straight playoffs from S12-S19 (including a title). After that run the Mormons went into a rebuild mode and rejoined the playoff picture in S23 and has made the playoffs 3 consecutive years including a 2nd WS title. SLC will make it 4 straight playoffs this season.
7. Louisville
Prior to the playoffs last season I commented in the final power ranks that the Sluggers were a team better suited for the playoffs (short bench & short rotation), it turned out to be prophetic as the Sluggers took home their 4th title. For the first time in Sluggers history I don't believe my team as currently constructed is capable of a championship, this is a transition years all of my vets are one year older with diminished skill and the young players aren't quite ready to come up.......Best case scenario the 6th seed in the AL with the chance for a round 1 upset
8. Tacoma
I made a comment last season that it was a shame Minnesota wasn't able to push Tacoma for the divison title which was somehow construed into Tacoma= awful. Well this season Minnesota will push Tacoma for the divison which must mean Tacoma = great :). All kidding aside New Orleans and Tacoma pulled off on of the biggest trades thus far this season a true strength for strength deal. Tacoma shipped All-Star Caliber Hitter to Cruz to NO for new #1SP Bryan Parrish. If asked I am sure Csher would have stated his #1 weakness was SP.........now that has been address.
9. Baltimore
After a few down seasons it looks like the Baydogs are ready to re-insert themselves into the playoff picture. The team is very similar to last year roster except the young talent is one year older, the one notable exception was the signing of V. Guzman. Guzman boasts and All-Star caliber (40+ HR bat) to anchor the middle of the order.
10. Norfolk
Norfolk returns the majority of the roster that won 89 games last season and won their first divison title since S13. The notatable changes in the off-season were the defection of aforementioned V. Guzman to Baltimore and the signing of D. Isringhausen to improve the middle of their rotation
Honorable Mention:
Durham, San Jose, Minnesota & Charlotte
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
S26- Power Ranks (1-5)
1. San Fransisco
Another season and another Power Rankings with San Fransisco on top. During FA of S24 I marvelled at SF stealing Bo Gragg for a rock bottom price. Wondering aloud how a great franchise could get so lucky. Well I have to do the same thing again in S26. SF locked up the best FA SP Glenn Kerr for a below market contact. I estimate that Gragg & Kerr are worth about 30M in the open market & San Fran has them for 18M. An Elite team with an Elite farm system and Elite FA deals = #1 Power Ranks
2. St. Louis
I've been carefully watching the Browns given the division they reside in. For the last few years I've viewed the franchise as a sleeping giant waiting to awake. Well the alarm went off in S25 to the tune of a 108W (24W jump). The Browns are a young team and one year older and better. Don't expect the top 2 seeds in the AL to change this season
3. New Britain
Speaking of sleeping giants........Djbradford jumped to NL taking over a terrible franchise in S22. I had been waiting for the season when the Yorkies would rise again. I think Dj would be the first to admit that his World Series run was likely a season or 2 early, which is scary because his team is only going to get better. I expect that NB & the next team in the Power Ranks will be locking horns for the NL penant for the next 3-4 seasons.
4. New Orleans
Bigtex1 build to a contender was slow and methodical and the patience has paid off the last 2 season (99 & 97W). At this point the regular season success hasn't translated to the playoffs however I attribute that more to the randomness of a short series than the caliber of the team. New Orleans is a strong team with a balanced offense and pitching staff. If there was a flaw to the Jazz it would be the lack of a true cornerstone MVP caliber hitter.
5. Kansas City
I've made the analogy before but it does always seem adapt, the Charlie Brown of the AL faces an uphill battle having traded away B. Thames in the off-season and lost G. Kerr to divison rival SF. I have considered SF and KC over the past 3 seasons to be 1a & 1b in terms of talent for the first time in a few seasons there is a noticeable gap. Despite the gap KC is one of the 5-6 team that I see with a legitimate title shot. With a talented roster KC will have a date to the playoff dance
Another season and another Power Rankings with San Fransisco on top. During FA of S24 I marvelled at SF stealing Bo Gragg for a rock bottom price. Wondering aloud how a great franchise could get so lucky. Well I have to do the same thing again in S26. SF locked up the best FA SP Glenn Kerr for a below market contact. I estimate that Gragg & Kerr are worth about 30M in the open market & San Fran has them for 18M. An Elite team with an Elite farm system and Elite FA deals = #1 Power Ranks
2. St. Louis
I've been carefully watching the Browns given the division they reside in. For the last few years I've viewed the franchise as a sleeping giant waiting to awake. Well the alarm went off in S25 to the tune of a 108W (24W jump). The Browns are a young team and one year older and better. Don't expect the top 2 seeds in the AL to change this season
3. New Britain
Speaking of sleeping giants........Djbradford jumped to NL taking over a terrible franchise in S22. I had been waiting for the season when the Yorkies would rise again. I think Dj would be the first to admit that his World Series run was likely a season or 2 early, which is scary because his team is only going to get better. I expect that NB & the next team in the Power Ranks will be locking horns for the NL penant for the next 3-4 seasons.
4. New Orleans
Bigtex1 build to a contender was slow and methodical and the patience has paid off the last 2 season (99 & 97W). At this point the regular season success hasn't translated to the playoffs however I attribute that more to the randomness of a short series than the caliber of the team. New Orleans is a strong team with a balanced offense and pitching staff. If there was a flaw to the Jazz it would be the lack of a true cornerstone MVP caliber hitter.
5. Kansas City
I've made the analogy before but it does always seem adapt, the Charlie Brown of the AL faces an uphill battle having traded away B. Thames in the off-season and lost G. Kerr to divison rival SF. I have considered SF and KC over the past 3 seasons to be 1a & 1b in terms of talent for the first time in a few seasons there is a noticeable gap. Despite the gap KC is one of the 5-6 team that I see with a legitimate title shot. With a talented roster KC will have a date to the playoff dance
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Power Ranks- End of Season (S25)
Just for fun in addition to the Power Ranks, I'm going to throw a % for each team's championship chances (more or less probability of winning the title).
1. San Fran (Previous Rank: 2, 2)
As much as I tried to fight it SF takes over the top spot having clinched the #1 seed in the AL.
WS Win % Projection: 21%
2. St. Louis (PR: 5,8)
The Browns rocketed up the Power Ranks and jump into the top 2, on the backs of the #2 seed in the AL and pushing SF to game 161 before the seeding was decided. The addition of K. Lawrence and G. Sanchez to a young talented roster pushes them to #2.
WS Win % Projection: 17.4%
3. Kansas City (PR: 1, 3)
KC must feel a little like Charlie Brown. Every year the Comets think this will be the year I get to win the divison (Kick the football) only to have SF (Lucy) snatch it away in the end. KC boasts the 3rd best record in Hunter but is relagated to the #5 seed and a long road to the championship. For the record KC WS % will be significantly lower than later teams based on the fact to win the WS they have to win 4 rounds likely playing St. Louis, SF & the top NL team along the way
WS Win % Projection: 12.2%
4. New Orleans (PR 4, 4)
Perhaps I should rename themselves the NO Consistency, as they haven't moved a spot all year in the Power Ranks but for the first time they do take over the top NL rank edging out defending champs SLC
WS Win % Projection: 13.6%
5. New Britain (PR: Honorable Mention (HM), Not Ranked (NR))
Perhaps the largest jump into the power ranks that I remember. At mid-season Dj's team just missed the cut which may have been an oversight on my behalf. As Djbradford has a long history of success in Hunter (3 WS titles), it has taken a few years to turn around his new NL team but it was only a matter of time.
WS Win % Projection: 9.8%
6. Tacoma (PR: 8, HM)
The Narrows were ranked 8th in the mid-season rankings which somehow got turned into bulletin board fodder. Tacoma grabs the AL 3-seed, takes the AL North title (2nd time in 3 season) and set a franchise record for wins.The most important thing to note is they play Louisville in the first round (Admittly my priorities might be skewed).
WS Win % Projection: 4.6%
7. SLC (PR: 3, 1)
The title hangover has lasted longer than expected in SLC, especially considering the lack of available adult beverage from which a hangover would be derived. Some would #7 is a lot respect for the #6 seed in the NL but last time I checked Shmish gets to see the WS trophy on his dashboard everytime he signs in
WS Win % Projection: 3.9%
8. Louisville (PR: 6, 5)
It has been a changing of the guard season in Louisville and I've come to the sad realization for the first time since S14 Flip McCall will not be in the playoff rotation. The Sluggers are a cagey veteran team that is better suited for the playoffs (short bench, short rotation), however they will have their hands full with new rival Tacoma in the first round.
WS Win % Projection: 4.5%
9. LA (PR: 10, NR)
In my last post I noted that LA got the final spot based on team talent & previous coaching success. Those two factors combined to get LA the #3 seed in the NL.
WS Win % Projection: 5.1%
10. Philadelphia ( PR: 7, 9)
This was by far the hardest time I've ever had selecting the #10 seed. Any of Cleveland, Norfolk or Boise has a legit claim to the spot. In the end I went with Philly for consistency of performance but I did want to use this space to tip my cap to the other three team. Cleveland picked up their 2nd divison title in franchise history, Norfolk wins their first divison title since S13 and the first with bobbyj at the helm & Boise's 87W is the franchise high since season 6).
Hineiii sorry I hijacked your paragraph, not sure if this helps or hurts the Power Rankings Curse
WS Win % Projection: 4%
Honorable Mention:
Cleveland (WS Win %: 3), Norfolk (WS Win %: 2.5), Boise
1. San Fran (Previous Rank: 2, 2)
As much as I tried to fight it SF takes over the top spot having clinched the #1 seed in the AL.
WS Win % Projection: 21%
2. St. Louis (PR: 5,8)
The Browns rocketed up the Power Ranks and jump into the top 2, on the backs of the #2 seed in the AL and pushing SF to game 161 before the seeding was decided. The addition of K. Lawrence and G. Sanchez to a young talented roster pushes them to #2.
WS Win % Projection: 17.4%
3. Kansas City (PR: 1, 3)
KC must feel a little like Charlie Brown. Every year the Comets think this will be the year I get to win the divison (Kick the football) only to have SF (Lucy) snatch it away in the end. KC boasts the 3rd best record in Hunter but is relagated to the #5 seed and a long road to the championship. For the record KC WS % will be significantly lower than later teams based on the fact to win the WS they have to win 4 rounds likely playing St. Louis, SF & the top NL team along the way
WS Win % Projection: 12.2%
4. New Orleans (PR 4, 4)
Perhaps I should rename themselves the NO Consistency, as they haven't moved a spot all year in the Power Ranks but for the first time they do take over the top NL rank edging out defending champs SLC
WS Win % Projection: 13.6%
5. New Britain (PR: Honorable Mention (HM), Not Ranked (NR))
Perhaps the largest jump into the power ranks that I remember. At mid-season Dj's team just missed the cut which may have been an oversight on my behalf. As Djbradford has a long history of success in Hunter (3 WS titles), it has taken a few years to turn around his new NL team but it was only a matter of time.
WS Win % Projection: 9.8%
6. Tacoma (PR: 8, HM)
The Narrows were ranked 8th in the mid-season rankings which somehow got turned into bulletin board fodder. Tacoma grabs the AL 3-seed, takes the AL North title (2nd time in 3 season) and set a franchise record for wins.The most important thing to note is they play Louisville in the first round (Admittly my priorities might be skewed).
WS Win % Projection: 4.6%
7. SLC (PR: 3, 1)
The title hangover has lasted longer than expected in SLC, especially considering the lack of available adult beverage from which a hangover would be derived. Some would #7 is a lot respect for the #6 seed in the NL but last time I checked Shmish gets to see the WS trophy on his dashboard everytime he signs in
WS Win % Projection: 3.9%
8. Louisville (PR: 6, 5)
It has been a changing of the guard season in Louisville and I've come to the sad realization for the first time since S14 Flip McCall will not be in the playoff rotation. The Sluggers are a cagey veteran team that is better suited for the playoffs (short bench, short rotation), however they will have their hands full with new rival Tacoma in the first round.
WS Win % Projection: 4.5%
9. LA (PR: 10, NR)
In my last post I noted that LA got the final spot based on team talent & previous coaching success. Those two factors combined to get LA the #3 seed in the NL.
WS Win % Projection: 5.1%
10. Philadelphia ( PR: 7, 9)
This was by far the hardest time I've ever had selecting the #10 seed. Any of Cleveland, Norfolk or Boise has a legit claim to the spot. In the end I went with Philly for consistency of performance but I did want to use this space to tip my cap to the other three team. Cleveland picked up their 2nd divison title in franchise history, Norfolk wins their first divison title since S13 and the first with bobbyj at the helm & Boise's 87W is the franchise high since season 6).
Hineiii sorry I hijacked your paragraph, not sure if this helps or hurts the Power Rankings Curse
WS Win % Projection: 4%
Honorable Mention:
Cleveland (WS Win %: 3), Norfolk (WS Win %: 2.5), Boise
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Power Ranks (6-10)- Mid Season
6. Louisville, PR (5)
The S24 champs have gotten old quick, this season could be viewed as a changing of the guard in the Louisville organization. The GM has tried to stem the tides of change with a few medium to large mid-season moves. To bolster the rotation & bullpen the Sluggers traded for Q. Lary & Z. Carroll. To fill a hole created by a large injury A. Montanez was acquired for one last playoff drive and promptly got hurt 5 games in.
As mentioned this season was a changing of the guard and I'll like to pour some of my drink out for H. Frederick (2nd All-time Saves), languishing at AAA & Skip Haynes who was released but has picked up with NB in the NL. We wish both players the best
7. Philadelphia (9)
I know Hineiii palms get sweaty everytime I move him up in the rankings. I am sure he has a jahu43 pin cushion reserved for days like today.
The best way to describe Philly is they are a professional organization with no major weaknesses across the roster, however one thing time has done is start to rob some of the organization's formally elite talent of their elite skills. P. Earley, B. Dirks & R. Santiago are still very good players but no longer the Superstars they were in their prime.
8. Tacoma (HM)
Tacoma jumps into the Power Ranks for the first time this season. The Narrows hold the largest division lead in all of Hunter at 9 games, which is a shame as Csher himself had admitted. Over the past few seasons Tacoma-Minny had put together a strong rivalry. Now I think Tacoma had better take advantage of his one year reprieve because I believe Wildpike will have Minny back in his rear view next season
9. Cleveland (7)
Despite a strong start Cleveland slips two spots mostly due to the gains made in St. Louis & Tacoma. The glut of off-season additions have paid dividends as the Moosedawgs are currently on pace for a 92W which would be a Cleveland record. I am glad to see that former Louisville Slugger G. Turner is off to a good start in the closer role
10. L.A. (NR)
The last spot in the rankings was the most difficult to select. Randy's history of success and team talent level gives him the nod for the final spot. It wouldn't surprise me to see 2-3 honorable mentions jump up into the top 10 for the final rankings
Honourable Mention:
Norfolk, Washington & New Britain
The S24 champs have gotten old quick, this season could be viewed as a changing of the guard in the Louisville organization. The GM has tried to stem the tides of change with a few medium to large mid-season moves. To bolster the rotation & bullpen the Sluggers traded for Q. Lary & Z. Carroll. To fill a hole created by a large injury A. Montanez was acquired for one last playoff drive and promptly got hurt 5 games in.
As mentioned this season was a changing of the guard and I'll like to pour some of my drink out for H. Frederick (2nd All-time Saves), languishing at AAA & Skip Haynes who was released but has picked up with NB in the NL. We wish both players the best
7. Philadelphia (9)
I know Hineiii palms get sweaty everytime I move him up in the rankings. I am sure he has a jahu43 pin cushion reserved for days like today.
The best way to describe Philly is they are a professional organization with no major weaknesses across the roster, however one thing time has done is start to rob some of the organization's formally elite talent of their elite skills. P. Earley, B. Dirks & R. Santiago are still very good players but no longer the Superstars they were in their prime.
8. Tacoma (HM)
Tacoma jumps into the Power Ranks for the first time this season. The Narrows hold the largest division lead in all of Hunter at 9 games, which is a shame as Csher himself had admitted. Over the past few seasons Tacoma-Minny had put together a strong rivalry. Now I think Tacoma had better take advantage of his one year reprieve because I believe Wildpike will have Minny back in his rear view next season
9. Cleveland (7)
Despite a strong start Cleveland slips two spots mostly due to the gains made in St. Louis & Tacoma. The glut of off-season additions have paid dividends as the Moosedawgs are currently on pace for a 92W which would be a Cleveland record. I am glad to see that former Louisville Slugger G. Turner is off to a good start in the closer role
10. L.A. (NR)
The last spot in the rankings was the most difficult to select. Randy's history of success and team talent level gives him the nod for the final spot. It wouldn't surprise me to see 2-3 honorable mentions jump up into the top 10 for the final rankings
Honourable Mention:
Norfolk, Washington & New Britain
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Power Ranks (1-5) Mid- Season
1. Kansas City, Previous Rank: (3)
I am going to be right eventually, KC team is too good not to eventually get the best of SF. Right now, I'm sure Ptowner must feel like Wile E. Coyote when it comes to the divison title. KC sits one game back of SF for the best record in Hunter and has the highest exp. win % (albeit all AL teams are skewed due to the Minnesota debacle)
2. San Fransisco, PR (2)
Most wins in Hunter, ho-hum just another day in the hilly streets of SF. As I've stated in several power ranks the road to a title almost always goes through Hunter. In the first post of the season I mentioned the key defections from the Night Demons in the off-season, I also then mentioned it wouldn't matter because SF has one of the world's top farm system. Looks like I was correct
3. Salt Lake City, PR (1)
I will admit this rank is a tip of the cap to the defending champ, had SLC not won the title last season the Mormans may have been attempting to convert teams (6-10) in the power ranks. Although currently 2nd in their divison they do boast the 2nd highest exp win % in the NL, which points to a bit of bad luck thus far
4. New Orleans, PR (4)
Great team off to a great start and if it were not for the Defending Champ respect likely would have jumped up to 3rd and been the highest NL team in the power ranks. As New Orleans is the only team in the NL with a higher exp. Win % than SLC. We are a couple seasons removed from a truly dominant NL team (Little Rock), however New Orleans is best positioned talent wise to take that mantle
5. St. Louis, PR (8)
I've been staring at the Browns in my rearview mirror for a few seasons now wondering when they would blow past me........turns out it was S25. With huge pre-season acquisition K. Lawerence and equally large mid-season acquisition G. Sanchez, St. Louis has put the AL old guard on notice (SF, KC & Lou)
I am going to be right eventually, KC team is too good not to eventually get the best of SF. Right now, I'm sure Ptowner must feel like Wile E. Coyote when it comes to the divison title. KC sits one game back of SF for the best record in Hunter and has the highest exp. win % (albeit all AL teams are skewed due to the Minnesota debacle)
2. San Fransisco, PR (2)
Most wins in Hunter, ho-hum just another day in the hilly streets of SF. As I've stated in several power ranks the road to a title almost always goes through Hunter. In the first post of the season I mentioned the key defections from the Night Demons in the off-season, I also then mentioned it wouldn't matter because SF has one of the world's top farm system. Looks like I was correct
3. Salt Lake City, PR (1)
I will admit this rank is a tip of the cap to the defending champ, had SLC not won the title last season the Mormans may have been attempting to convert teams (6-10) in the power ranks. Although currently 2nd in their divison they do boast the 2nd highest exp win % in the NL, which points to a bit of bad luck thus far
4. New Orleans, PR (4)
Great team off to a great start and if it were not for the Defending Champ respect likely would have jumped up to 3rd and been the highest NL team in the power ranks. As New Orleans is the only team in the NL with a higher exp. Win % than SLC. We are a couple seasons removed from a truly dominant NL team (Little Rock), however New Orleans is best positioned talent wise to take that mantle
5. St. Louis, PR (8)
I've been staring at the Browns in my rearview mirror for a few seasons now wondering when they would blow past me........turns out it was S25. With huge pre-season acquisition K. Lawerence and equally large mid-season acquisition G. Sanchez, St. Louis has put the AL old guard on notice (SF, KC & Lou)
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