The NL West has been painted blue for the last seven seasons by a juggernaut in the City of Angels. Down south, the Land Sharks thought there was blood in the water, but despite putting up nice numbers, still finished on the outside looking in. Tacoma looked Mist-ified (ugh!) at times, and their rebuilding continued, while the division was rounded out by a team that seems to have taken an island vacation in Season 8.
The newly relocated Helena Hitters are retooling; this season may only bring smoke signals of a future eruption, however. Tacoma was agressive in free agency, turning over a significant portion of their roster to prepare for a legitmate run this season. Atop the division, the SoCal clubs tinkered around the margins but left the cores of their respective teams largely intact. Expect the balance of power in the West to remain two-tiered for at least one more season. We weigh that balance, checking in with each team in the place it finished last season.
Los Angeles Blue Knights
Key Departures: Edgar DeLeon (Trade), Rondell Holmes (Trade), Banjo Griffey (FA).
Key Acquisitions: P.T. Prieto (Trade), Lariel Macias (Trade), Vic Lowe (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: The offense scored the most runs in the NL, powering the team to an impressive 112-win season, an NL pennant, and the franchise's third World Series appearance. This one ended in the same fashion as the other two, however: disappointingly. 20-game winner James McGrady buckled hitters' knees with his 12-to-6 curveball, which they say will only get better, but closer Woody Durham will no longer be nailing down games (28 saves in 30 opportunities last season) with his filthy breaking stuff. That duty will instead fall upon the talented but inexperienced shoulders of 23-year-old rookie Wally Valentine.
Outlook: The Blue Knights will undoubtedly continue to score runs at a devastating pace, but questions will surround an aging rotation and neophyte closer. Griffey, who was not a superstar but was a reliable innings-eater, will be missed. CF Randall Matthews swiped 84 bags and was caught just 8 times; can he possibly be expected to replicate those numbers? Keep in mind, however, that we are talking about a team that has won fewer than 100 games just once in its 8-year history, and the three-time NL Champions. You do not bet against a track record like that one.
San Diego Land Sharks
Key Departures: Turner Monroe (Trade), Harold Stone (FA), Harry Olivares (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Al Montana (Trade), Ray Gonzales (Trade),
Breakdown: The Sharks boasted the second-best pitching staff last season in terms of runs and earned runs allowed, as well as ERA. They led the league, meanwhile, in opponents' batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage allowed. All this meant was the chance to watch the playoffs on TV, however, as they underperformed their Pythagorean record by a whopping 12 games, due in part to a 22-33 record in one-run games. The team's 24 blown saves certainly contributed to that unsightly number. Closer Olivares, despite saving a solid 26 of 31 possible games, is not back, meaning that Harold Forrest will have to step up into the role the club has been grooming him for. His 1.08 WHIP after being called up last season suggests that he is capable.
Outlook: Knowing that they were victims of some tough luck last season, San Diego wisely did not panic over the offseason. They are well aware that LF Norm Holmes is quite capable of driving in another 121 runs, and that versatile and multi-talented RF Vinny Itou has impressive career totals of 170 SB and 115 HR. Former Cy Young Award winner Nash Hyers staked a legitimate claim to his second piece of hardware with a miniscule 0.97 WHIP, and he was joined on the All-Star roster by rotation-mate Rod Christman, whose 0.98 WHIP was equally dazzling. With the pitching numbers they put up and a projected 99-win total last season, other teams would do well to stay in the water, for fear of the Land Sharks.
Tacoma Mist
Key Departures: Dan Daal (FA), Thomas James (FA), Paul Hill (Released).
Key Acquisitions: Macbeth Robertson (FA), Marino Candelaria (FA), Bill McKnight (FA), Keith Malone (FA).
Breakdown: The Tacoma Mist completed last season 67-95, with a .414 winning percentage, and 45 games out in the division. Maybe scoring an anemic 679 runs, second-worst in the bigs, had something to do with that. The pitching was certainly adequate, as their 1.38 team WHIP and 4.29 team ERA both placed them in the top third among all teams. Team K-leader Daal has moved to the Windy City, and James and his 3.19 ERA have also left town. Tacoma fans can breathe easy, however, knowing that powerhouse SS Che Meng and his 30 HR are back.
Outlook: A revamped lineup is the only hope for the Mist, and they indeed have new starters all over the diamond. Journeyman 1B Malone will have to significantly add to his 82 career HR total and young 2B Don Wanatabe will need to bounce all the way back from his .698 OPS nightmare of Season 8. Sparkplug CF Ozzie Chang has stolen 269 bases at better than and 80% clip, but it sure would not hurt if he upped that underwhelming .342 career OBP. In the bullpen, closer Kevin Gong converted 12 of 12 save chances after his callup last season, and nothing less than perfection will do this year if the Mist want to compete in the wild West. The real question, however, is have they added enough bullets?
Helena Hitters
Key Departures: Terry Williams (Trade), Rodrigo Lopez (Trade).
Key Acquisitions: Peter West (Trade), James Carter (Trade), John Witt (FA), Ralph Scalici (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: New owner gccoach took over the reins in the offseason, and now finds himself manning a franchise that won just 40 games at the major league level last season as the Honolulu Islanders. He has immdiately made his presence felt, putting Rule 5 pick Scalici at the head of his rotation. Scalici last season struck out 8 batters while walking 235 at Triple-A, proving that he either just was not ready, or he was criminally mismanaged. The Hitters had better hope it was the latter if they want to improve upon their horrendous league-worst 6.82 ERA. They also surrendered the most runs in all of MLB last season, a full 40 more than the next-closest team.
Outlook: Carter's career 6.06 range factor as a 2B at the major league level will not make up for his .733 big league OPS; they traded for this guy so he would hit. Veteran 3B Tony Granados did exactly that last season while the team floundered around him; another season slugging .520 and 39 HR would go a long way toward leading this team in the right direction. However, with four rookies on the pitching staff and only two hurlers with more than two seasons of big league experience, rookie C Robb White will be saddled with some serious expectations, not only as a hitter, but managing the staff as well. There is still work to be done, but let it be known: this team will not lose 122 games this season.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
AL West Preview
The reigning AL West Champion Portland Red Ducks have a roster filled with stars, and they won the division with an impressive all-around pitching performance. They were tailed closely by the Wild Card Arizona Painted Rocks, who will be looking to knock off the Portland club after giving them a good run last season.
Wichita and Seattle, on the other hand, spent last season in development and rebuilding mode. With youth and talent up and down their rosters, both teams present a formidable challenge to Portland's efforts to repeat. All three challengers will have to learn to win in the Pacific Northwest; the Red Ducks were an impressive 48-33 at home in PGE Park in Season 8, and 21-9 overall against their divisional foes. We break down the champs and the clubs gunning for them, taking the four teams in the order they finished last season in the Division.
Portland Red Ducks
Key Departures: Elvis Hunt (FA), Elmer Connelly (FA).
Key Acquisitions: None.
Breakdown: The Red Ducks sent three starters and a reliever to the All-Star Game during their 93-win season, as well as SS Mo Osborne, who made his fourth appearance in the Midsummer Classic. Those outstanding pitching performers helped Portland to an AL-best 3.87 ERA and .244 BAA. The offense, on the other hand, lingered near the bottom of the AL, sending only 848 runs across the plate. Despite their struggles, they let Hunt and his 103 RBI, second on the team, depart in free agency.
Outlook: Portland kept its solid rotation largely intact and promoted Ps Timothy Robinson, Angel Diaz, and Quentin Murray to bolster the major league bullpen. At the end of that bullpen, closer David Miranda converted 31 of 37 saves last season, and most pundits expect him to have another solid season sewing up victories. Four-time All-Star starter David Valdes was outstanding last year, striking out 206 batters against only 50 walks and twirling an impressive four complete games en route to a 17-win season. Another performance like that will mean another Portland march to the Division title. Quack!
Arizona Painted Rocks
Key Departures: Mel White (FA), Angel Dickens (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Harry Pascual (Trade).
Breakdown: The Painted Rocks were unable to outduel Portland for the division crown, but their 89-73 record was good enough to capture the Wild Card, so they advanced to the playoffs, where they faced... Portland. A three-game sweep left a bitter taste in their mouths after a season that saw them score more runs than any other team in baseball. The potent attack was led by RF Yamid Molina, who jacked 46 HR and tallied a massive 1.004 OPS while driving in 113 runs.
Outlook: Veteran Trot Brock will head up the rotation; he has fanned 262 batters since being acquired in a midseason trade during Season 7. He will be bookended by closer Pedro Ruiz, who has 69 saves over the last two seasons. The Painted Rocks will field a strong six-man rotation, keeping their starters fresh for another stretch run. Arizona let two veteran catchers walk in free agency, putting the staff in the capable hands of Craig Nathan. If he can repeat his All-Star rookie campaign and .932 OPS, Arizona will once again score enough runs to keep hitting in October.
Wichita Widgets
Key Departures: Bobby Little (FA), Harpo Munoz (FA), Luis Oliva (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Timo Bevil (Trade), Thomas James (FA).
Breakdown: The Wichita pitching staff surrendered 253 long balls last season, good for seventh-most in the league, and struck out only 1014 batters, sixth-fewest among all teams. From that staff, free agency subtracted ace Munoz, who was a solid 14-11 last season. Offensively, 1B Jeremy Meluskey garnered Rookie of the Year honors for his 30 HR, 97 RBI, and .844 OPS. He and CF Olmedo Pena (37 HR, .967 OPS) played well beyond their years. The team as a whole, however, hit only 184 HR, which placed them squarely in the bottom third of the league.
Outlook: Wascar Mendoza has assumed the mantle of staff ace, despite having made only eight career starts at the major league level. Little's team-leading 17 saves and 9.00 K/9IP are gone, leaving the dreaded closer by committee scenario as the most likely result. Offensively, there is cause for optimism, as the young team demonstrated outstanding plate discipline, drawing 587 walks, the fourth-highest total among all MLB teams. If DH Stephen Nixon can replicate his .423 OBP at the top of the order at age 34, he can supply the young guns with plenty more RBI opportunities. This is a talented team on the rise.
Seattle Spartans
Key Departures: Juan Nieves (Trade), Angel De La Vega (FA), Archie Howard (Released).
Key Acquisitions: Vic Riley (Trade), Tim Darling (Waivers), Bum Hart (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: The Spartans posted a 6.04 ERA, third worst in the majors. Then in free agency, they let the most consistent pitcher on the roster, De La Vega, walk, taking his 31 saves in 37 chances with him. Korean 1B and Season 7 MVP Chin-Hui Martin just keeps getting better; he has 204 career HR going into this season - at age 22! Nieves took his 46 HR with him to New Orleans, however, and the next closest HR hitter on the club last season had 18.
Outlook: Seattle will look to remedy that imbalance and fill the roster with 6 (!) Rule 5 Draft picks. They are also expecting dramatic improvement from ace Ron Keats, who was a very unsatisfactory 9-15 with a 5.01 ERA. The team also hopes that Rule 5 acquisition Hart can make the jump from Single A and hold down the closer spot in the absence of De La Vega. With only one starter over the age of 29 and a player payroll of only $40 million, the Spartans are laying the foundation for a bright future. We may only see the first inklings of that future this season.
Wichita and Seattle, on the other hand, spent last season in development and rebuilding mode. With youth and talent up and down their rosters, both teams present a formidable challenge to Portland's efforts to repeat. All three challengers will have to learn to win in the Pacific Northwest; the Red Ducks were an impressive 48-33 at home in PGE Park in Season 8, and 21-9 overall against their divisional foes. We break down the champs and the clubs gunning for them, taking the four teams in the order they finished last season in the Division.
Portland Red Ducks
Key Departures: Elvis Hunt (FA), Elmer Connelly (FA).
Key Acquisitions: None.
Breakdown: The Red Ducks sent three starters and a reliever to the All-Star Game during their 93-win season, as well as SS Mo Osborne, who made his fourth appearance in the Midsummer Classic. Those outstanding pitching performers helped Portland to an AL-best 3.87 ERA and .244 BAA. The offense, on the other hand, lingered near the bottom of the AL, sending only 848 runs across the plate. Despite their struggles, they let Hunt and his 103 RBI, second on the team, depart in free agency.
Outlook: Portland kept its solid rotation largely intact and promoted Ps Timothy Robinson, Angel Diaz, and Quentin Murray to bolster the major league bullpen. At the end of that bullpen, closer David Miranda converted 31 of 37 saves last season, and most pundits expect him to have another solid season sewing up victories. Four-time All-Star starter David Valdes was outstanding last year, striking out 206 batters against only 50 walks and twirling an impressive four complete games en route to a 17-win season. Another performance like that will mean another Portland march to the Division title. Quack!
Arizona Painted Rocks
Key Departures: Mel White (FA), Angel Dickens (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Harry Pascual (Trade).
Breakdown: The Painted Rocks were unable to outduel Portland for the division crown, but their 89-73 record was good enough to capture the Wild Card, so they advanced to the playoffs, where they faced... Portland. A three-game sweep left a bitter taste in their mouths after a season that saw them score more runs than any other team in baseball. The potent attack was led by RF Yamid Molina, who jacked 46 HR and tallied a massive 1.004 OPS while driving in 113 runs.
Outlook: Veteran Trot Brock will head up the rotation; he has fanned 262 batters since being acquired in a midseason trade during Season 7. He will be bookended by closer Pedro Ruiz, who has 69 saves over the last two seasons. The Painted Rocks will field a strong six-man rotation, keeping their starters fresh for another stretch run. Arizona let two veteran catchers walk in free agency, putting the staff in the capable hands of Craig Nathan. If he can repeat his All-Star rookie campaign and .932 OPS, Arizona will once again score enough runs to keep hitting in October.
Wichita Widgets
Key Departures: Bobby Little (FA), Harpo Munoz (FA), Luis Oliva (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Timo Bevil (Trade), Thomas James (FA).
Breakdown: The Wichita pitching staff surrendered 253 long balls last season, good for seventh-most in the league, and struck out only 1014 batters, sixth-fewest among all teams. From that staff, free agency subtracted ace Munoz, who was a solid 14-11 last season. Offensively, 1B Jeremy Meluskey garnered Rookie of the Year honors for his 30 HR, 97 RBI, and .844 OPS. He and CF Olmedo Pena (37 HR, .967 OPS) played well beyond their years. The team as a whole, however, hit only 184 HR, which placed them squarely in the bottom third of the league.
Outlook: Wascar Mendoza has assumed the mantle of staff ace, despite having made only eight career starts at the major league level. Little's team-leading 17 saves and 9.00 K/9IP are gone, leaving the dreaded closer by committee scenario as the most likely result. Offensively, there is cause for optimism, as the young team demonstrated outstanding plate discipline, drawing 587 walks, the fourth-highest total among all MLB teams. If DH Stephen Nixon can replicate his .423 OBP at the top of the order at age 34, he can supply the young guns with plenty more RBI opportunities. This is a talented team on the rise.
Seattle Spartans
Key Departures: Juan Nieves (Trade), Angel De La Vega (FA), Archie Howard (Released).
Key Acquisitions: Vic Riley (Trade), Tim Darling (Waivers), Bum Hart (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: The Spartans posted a 6.04 ERA, third worst in the majors. Then in free agency, they let the most consistent pitcher on the roster, De La Vega, walk, taking his 31 saves in 37 chances with him. Korean 1B and Season 7 MVP Chin-Hui Martin just keeps getting better; he has 204 career HR going into this season - at age 22! Nieves took his 46 HR with him to New Orleans, however, and the next closest HR hitter on the club last season had 18.
Outlook: Seattle will look to remedy that imbalance and fill the roster with 6 (!) Rule 5 Draft picks. They are also expecting dramatic improvement from ace Ron Keats, who was a very unsatisfactory 9-15 with a 5.01 ERA. The team also hopes that Rule 5 acquisition Hart can make the jump from Single A and hold down the closer spot in the absence of De La Vega. With only one starter over the age of 29 and a player payroll of only $40 million, the Spartans are laying the foundation for a bright future. We may only see the first inklings of that future this season.
AL EAST WEEKLY REPORT
July 22- July 29
1. Augusta Vacationers (14-5)
The six-time defending AL East Champs are at it again winning games at a .737 clip. As usual, pitching has been the key to the Vacs success. Augusta is first in all of baseball with a team ERA of 2.33 and second in WHIP at 1.16 while allowing a league low 13 bombs. A huge blow though was losing Danys Vazquez to elbow tendinitis. Vazquez was 4-0 in 4 starts with a stellar 1.67 ERA. His loss will hurt but the Vacs pitching depth is without question. Rich May is also 4-0 after 4 starts with a 1.50 ERA and a ridiculous .162 opponents batting average. Even 37 y/o veteran Cookie Whang is getting in on the act with a sparkling 0.54 ERA after 3 starts. Also, five relievers have combined to save 11 games in 11 opportunities.
DH Flip Hill, who just had a 15-game hitting streak snapped has been the most consistent offensive threat hitting .324-8-18. He also leads the team with 15 runs scored and a 1.085 OPS. C Felipe Castro has struggled at .190-4-8 yet his handling of the staff is without question. 1b Russ Flanagan who was a huge acquisition in the offseason has yawned his way so far to .250-1-9.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Reggie Killebrew (AA) 2-0, 1.89
Hitter- Raymond Brewer (AA) .397-7-26, 1.279 OPS
Interesting Fact- the 4 minor league teams are a combined 36-36
2. Baltimore O’s (12-6)
The O’s stormed out of the gate winning 7 of their first 8 and then were shutout twice in their measuring stick series against Augusta…but then turned the tables in game 3 of that series with a shutout of their own. They are 5-5 in their last 10 but their early season success paired with keen observations should have this team considered as a legit contender, not pretender. Pitching has been solid for the O’s with 3 of the 5 starters posting sub-3 ERA’s. Ace Willie Rios leads the staff with 3 wins and a 2.56 ERA. Former first rounder Ryan Crosby has been extremely valuable out of the bullpen so far pitching in 10 of the 18 games. His 1.53 ERA and 0.74 ERA has bridged the way to closer Felipe Cora who is 7 for 7 in save ops while not allowing a run yet and only 2 base runners in 7 innings.
Douglas Cardona leads a steady offense that has been good in manufacturing runs. Cardona is hitting .279-5-14. OF Albert Sosa has been a spark plug hitting .404 and is 9 for 10 on the base paths. In fact, Baltimore has been outstanding in the steals department swiping 22 bags in 23 attempts.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Jerry Goldberg (AA) 3-1, 0.96
Hitter- Lynn Watson (HA) .357-8-26, 1.165 OPS
Interesting Fact- the Low-A O’s have gone 3-3 since losing their first 12 games.
3. San Juan Slugging Diablos (5-13)
The key area of focus in the offseason for the Diablos was upgrading the bullpen. They thought they did that in free agency but the pen has lost 3 games and blown 4 saves already. Tanyon Dunn & Seth Brower are fooling no one with opposing batting averages of .360 and .375 respectively. Ace Rick Douglas has fallen flat on his face with an 0-4 start and a bloated 6.55 ERA. Four out of the five starters have WHIP’s above 1.50 which just isn’t going to get it done.
Offensively, RF Fred Eyre has been scorching hot hitting .394-7-17 and has 5 dingers in just 26 AB’s vs lefties. Versatile rookie Lorenzo Perez has not disappointed at .333-2-10. Davey Vazquez has been a terror on the base paths swiping 9 bags in 9 attempts. A glaring hole though has been 1st-scaker Vic Coronado. Coronado has averaged 37 dingers and 110 RBI’s the past 4 seasons in San Juan but has stumbled out of the gate to .175-0-5 and only 1 run scored in 57 at bats.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Kelvin James (AAA) 2-1, 2.25. 0.44 WHIP
Hitter- Bob Stokes (HA) .414-10-33, 1.482 OPS
Interesting Fact- combined, the farm system of the Diablos has a 54-18 record.
4. Florida Beach Bums (4-15)
The pitching staff has lived up to the team name as they carry a team ERA of 7.34 after 19 games. Starters Vin Sanchez, Don Lambert & Tom Hauser are a combined 0-9. Sanchez also carries a fat 2.56 WHIP allowing 23 hits and walking 18 in just 16 innings. In fact, control has been an issue for the entire staff as they wildly have issued 90 walks in 163 innings which ranks last in all of baseball too.
On the flip side, the Bums do not work the opposing pitchers either as they are last in the league in taking walks. Their .311 OBP ranks 30th while their 70 runs scored is also 30th. C Pablo Solano has been a bright spot with a .371 average while Rob Towers leads the team with 13 RBI’s. There probably hasn’t been a better player off the bench so far then Denny O’Connor who in 19 at bats is hitting .526.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Ted Valentin (HA) 1-0, 0.64. 0.71 WHIP
Hitter- Tanyon Hendrickson (LA) .339-6-17, 1.086 OPS
Interesting Fact- Obviously stolen bases is being emphasized as AAA, AA & HA have combined to steal 62 bags so far.
1. Augusta Vacationers (14-5)
The six-time defending AL East Champs are at it again winning games at a .737 clip. As usual, pitching has been the key to the Vacs success. Augusta is first in all of baseball with a team ERA of 2.33 and second in WHIP at 1.16 while allowing a league low 13 bombs. A huge blow though was losing Danys Vazquez to elbow tendinitis. Vazquez was 4-0 in 4 starts with a stellar 1.67 ERA. His loss will hurt but the Vacs pitching depth is without question. Rich May is also 4-0 after 4 starts with a 1.50 ERA and a ridiculous .162 opponents batting average. Even 37 y/o veteran Cookie Whang is getting in on the act with a sparkling 0.54 ERA after 3 starts. Also, five relievers have combined to save 11 games in 11 opportunities.
DH Flip Hill, who just had a 15-game hitting streak snapped has been the most consistent offensive threat hitting .324-8-18. He also leads the team with 15 runs scored and a 1.085 OPS. C Felipe Castro has struggled at .190-4-8 yet his handling of the staff is without question. 1b Russ Flanagan who was a huge acquisition in the offseason has yawned his way so far to .250-1-9.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Reggie Killebrew (AA) 2-0, 1.89
Hitter- Raymond Brewer (AA) .397-7-26, 1.279 OPS
Interesting Fact- the 4 minor league teams are a combined 36-36
2. Baltimore O’s (12-6)
The O’s stormed out of the gate winning 7 of their first 8 and then were shutout twice in their measuring stick series against Augusta…but then turned the tables in game 3 of that series with a shutout of their own. They are 5-5 in their last 10 but their early season success paired with keen observations should have this team considered as a legit contender, not pretender. Pitching has been solid for the O’s with 3 of the 5 starters posting sub-3 ERA’s. Ace Willie Rios leads the staff with 3 wins and a 2.56 ERA. Former first rounder Ryan Crosby has been extremely valuable out of the bullpen so far pitching in 10 of the 18 games. His 1.53 ERA and 0.74 ERA has bridged the way to closer Felipe Cora who is 7 for 7 in save ops while not allowing a run yet and only 2 base runners in 7 innings.
Douglas Cardona leads a steady offense that has been good in manufacturing runs. Cardona is hitting .279-5-14. OF Albert Sosa has been a spark plug hitting .404 and is 9 for 10 on the base paths. In fact, Baltimore has been outstanding in the steals department swiping 22 bags in 23 attempts.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Jerry Goldberg (AA) 3-1, 0.96
Hitter- Lynn Watson (HA) .357-8-26, 1.165 OPS
Interesting Fact- the Low-A O’s have gone 3-3 since losing their first 12 games.
3. San Juan Slugging Diablos (5-13)
The key area of focus in the offseason for the Diablos was upgrading the bullpen. They thought they did that in free agency but the pen has lost 3 games and blown 4 saves already. Tanyon Dunn & Seth Brower are fooling no one with opposing batting averages of .360 and .375 respectively. Ace Rick Douglas has fallen flat on his face with an 0-4 start and a bloated 6.55 ERA. Four out of the five starters have WHIP’s above 1.50 which just isn’t going to get it done.
Offensively, RF Fred Eyre has been scorching hot hitting .394-7-17 and has 5 dingers in just 26 AB’s vs lefties. Versatile rookie Lorenzo Perez has not disappointed at .333-2-10. Davey Vazquez has been a terror on the base paths swiping 9 bags in 9 attempts. A glaring hole though has been 1st-scaker Vic Coronado. Coronado has averaged 37 dingers and 110 RBI’s the past 4 seasons in San Juan but has stumbled out of the gate to .175-0-5 and only 1 run scored in 57 at bats.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Kelvin James (AAA) 2-1, 2.25. 0.44 WHIP
Hitter- Bob Stokes (HA) .414-10-33, 1.482 OPS
Interesting Fact- combined, the farm system of the Diablos has a 54-18 record.
4. Florida Beach Bums (4-15)
The pitching staff has lived up to the team name as they carry a team ERA of 7.34 after 19 games. Starters Vin Sanchez, Don Lambert & Tom Hauser are a combined 0-9. Sanchez also carries a fat 2.56 WHIP allowing 23 hits and walking 18 in just 16 innings. In fact, control has been an issue for the entire staff as they wildly have issued 90 walks in 163 innings which ranks last in all of baseball too.
On the flip side, the Bums do not work the opposing pitchers either as they are last in the league in taking walks. Their .311 OBP ranks 30th while their 70 runs scored is also 30th. C Pablo Solano has been a bright spot with a .371 average while Rob Towers leads the team with 13 RBI’s. There probably hasn’t been a better player off the bench so far then Denny O’Connor who in 19 at bats is hitting .526.
Minor League Watch
Pitcher- Ted Valentin (HA) 1-0, 0.64. 0.71 WHIP
Hitter- Tanyon Hendrickson (LA) .339-6-17, 1.086 OPS
Interesting Fact- Obviously stolen bases is being emphasized as AAA, AA & HA have combined to steal 62 bags so far.
Monday, July 28, 2008
NL East Preview
Four teams finished within ten games of one another. Two teams finished above .500, one posted an even 81-81, and the fourth ended up just four games below. Three teams put up 16-14 records within the division. All four teams played below .500 ball at home while going on the road and racking up winning records. A balanced division if ever there was one, the NL East remains wide open entering Season 9.
The Tampa Bay Yankees look to be an offensive powerhouse, and with a blend of youngsters and veterans on the pitching staff, they look tough once again this season. However, new ownership in Philadelphia joins the Mets and the Lawmakers in the quest to dethrone the division champs. Will they be able to quiet those Florida bats? We examine the offseason moves that will impact the division, checking out the teams in the order they placed last season.
Tampa Bay YANKEES
New York Mets
Tampa Bay YANKEES
Key Departures: Lariel Macias (Trade).
Breakdown: The Yankees went 87-75 and advanced to the Division Championship Series last season. The pitching staff was solid, allowing a 4.38 ERA and only 170 HR, second fewest in MLB. Four starters posted double-digit win totals, and the closer by committee tactic helped the club convert 43 of 57 save chances. International free agent 1B Victor Cordero garnered Rookie of the Year honors while mashing 66 HR and OPSing 1.096.
Outlook: Four regulars smacked 40+ HR and drove in 100+ RBI, giving the club a solid returning core on offense. If 22-year-old LF Glen Brock can continue his meteoric rise, he will be a valuable addition to that lineup, as his .390 OBP was last season. The team slugged .482 last season; expect them to continue to hammer opposing pitching. Tampa Bay got a surprising 18 wins from veteran starter Rich DeShields, but many question whether he can maintain that pace at age 34. The team is counting on former first round pick Al Scott, who has raced through the minor leagues and into the Yankee rotation, to become a pitching stalwart for the foreseeable future and add balance to the potent offense. This team looks ready to put up a stiff defense of its division title and possibly make a run in the playoffs.
Key Acquisitions: Benito Javier (FA), Charles Yamada (FA).
Philadelphia Phanatics
Breakdown: 3B Alex Hodges produced in his first season in the Big Apple, hitting 42 HR at age 32, and three-time All-Star RF Bartolo Macias added 39 of his own. Despite those fine efforts, the team as a whole scored only 804 runs. The pitching staff was solid but rung up only 966 hitters, third-fewest in the majors. The team cut ties with disappointing veteran McKnight, who was 7-13 last season.
Outlook: To improve upon their lowly runs-scored total, the Mets will have to get on base more frequently; 1B Wesley Sterns led the team with an unremarkable .365 OBP. The club as a whole posted a .328 OBP, and that simply will not cut it. The team will look to veteran starter Kevin Gant to replicate the fine season he put up last year, when he posted a strong 1.29 WHIP. In the bullpen, expect Javier to add depth and nail down the closer role, making it tough to beat the Mets in the late innings. However, without a step forward at the plate, this club will still fall just short of a playoff berth.
Philadelphia Phanatics
Key Departures: Denny Masato (FA), Kenneth Cannon (FA), Juan Gomez (FA).
Key Acquisitions: None.
Breakdown: The Hartford Blue Whales finished an even 81-81 last season, and new ownership brought the team to the City of Brotherly Love and kept the competitive nucleus intact. The greatest offensive player of all time, Masato is 34 years old and did not mesh with the plans of the new owners going forward. His 46 HR and the 41 HR of Gomez will have to be replaced someplace if this team is to remain competitive. On the mound, Daniel Corsi fanned 172 batters, although the league did OBP .339 against him.
Outlook: The team hopes that journeyman reliever D.T. Stewart can bring some stability to a bullpen that blew 21 saves last season, while 23-year-old Trevor Cox will sink or swim in the big league rotation despite struggling at Triple-A last season. The team .870 OPS was good for second in all of baseball, led by young catcher Emil Johnson, who notched a 1.073 OPS in his first full season in the bigs and earned an All-Star nod. If they continue to get that kind of output from their young backstop and 1B Brady Sexson puts up another 108 RBI campaign, Citizens Bank Park could be hosting playoff games in its first season hosting a major league team.
Breakdown: Two-time All-Star 1B J.P. Trevino continued his hard hitting ways, smashing 43 HR and driving in 139 runs. He was largely alone in his efforts, however, as the team hit only 164 HR and slugged just .407. On the pitching side, Phillip Jenner put a stranglehold on the closer role, saving a perfect 17 of 17 and mowing down batters to the tune of a 0.97 WHIP, while Cliff Stanley put a stranglehold on opposing batters, going a career best 14-8 with an impressive three complete games.
Outlook: Ace Bubbles Wilkerson has a career 3.63 ERA and 467 Ks - at age 25! The lawmakers will put him atop the rotation and watch him continue to blossom into a superstar. The club has no doubt that Lira can replicate his .938 OPS in right at age 32, and declined the option of the aging Webb, who was showing signs of decline, to make room for him. The club also expects shortstop of the future Carl Washington to finally start to produce as they expect him to do for a long time to come. If they get that kind of progression, the Lawmakers could finally finish above .500 and out of the division cellar.
NL South Preview
The NL South was the only division in baseball to feature two 100+-win teams last season (only two other teams in all of baseball hit triple digit victories). Both the Monterrey Cheese and the Richmond Spiders posted identical 107-55 records; however, neither was able to translate that regular season success into postseason glory. Each team is back with a vengeance this season, looking to carry the momentum from the summer into October this time.
Their competition within the division will be two teams going about things the right way: Kansas City and Little Rock (formerly Jacksonville) have trimmed the player payroll budgets in favor of rebuilding from within. Will that approach allow them to put a competitive team on the field to challenge the class of the division this season? That remains to be seen. Will baseball fans see another classic pennant race go down to the wire between two divisional rivals, and if so, which two divisional rivals will it be? We run down their chances in the order in which they finished last season.
Monterrey Cheese
Key Departures: Richie Duckworth (FA), Chance Ramsay (FA), Del Maduro (FA), Torey Davis (Trade).
Key Acquisitions: Phil Kondou (FA), Jose Neruda (Rule 5 Draft), Nash Konerko (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: Monterrey went 21-9 within their division last season en route to a remarkable 107 wins. Their infield is made up of All-Star Willie Mendez posting a .927 OPS at second, uber-prospect Jeff Page and his career .625 minor league SLG at short, and 50-HR basher Armando Almanza at third. Meanwhile, Cy Young Award winner Zach Bones heads up a nasty rotation, and closer Elston White notched 43 saves and an All-Star appearance last season.
Outlook: Very few teams could deal a 15-game winner like Davis and not miss a beat. However, this team is ready to unveil SP Red Carter and his vaunted four-seam fastball. Joined in the rotation by three starters age 24 or younger, Bones will be expected to continue to lead this team and mow down batters as he has in the past, while 22-year-old hitting phenom Julio Blanco hopes to glide into the majors as smoothly as he covers the ground out in center field. With arguably the most well-stocked minor league system anywhere ready to replenish the talent level, it is no wonder that most pundits are saying that this season, the Cheese stands alone.
Richmond Spiders
Key Departures: Ryan Ritchie (DFA), Ernest Pritchett (Retired), Miguel Trevino (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Felix Wathan (Rule 5 Draft), Elvis Hunt (FA), Fausto Castillo (FA).
Breakdown: The club could never find room for Ritchie's bat in a crowded outfield that saw 29 HR from Darren Wells and a .925 OPS from Kyle Taft. The Spiders were not at a loss for run production, finishing third in the NL with a .352 team OBP. Pitching was equally reliable for the Richmond nine, as they posted a 4.07 team ERA, good for sixth in all of baseball. Ace Tony Vidal fanned 196 batters while walking only 48, and the bullpen converted a solid 42 of 56 save opportunities.
Outlook: The club has made a big splash in Season 9 already, sending 3B Ignacio Rodriguez and his 28 HR power to Kansas City for highly-touted pitching prospect Coco DiSarcina. They will need another All-Star caliber performance from CF Kevin Kirwan at age 33 to help offset the loss of Rodriguez's 28 HR pop. The Spiders did not age enough in one season to close the gap between themselves and the rest of the division, and they look to have set themselves up nicely for future playoff runs as well.
Kansas City Scouts
Key Departures: Seth Brower (FA)Ronald Abercrombie (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Trey Brower (Rule 5 Draft), Carlos Soriano (FA).
Breakdown: The Scouts were led by C Ellis Perkins with a pedestrian .366 OBP; having no runners on base contributed to Kansas city scoring the third-fewest runs (702) in all of baseball last season. The pitching was not much better, as Wilt Moore was the only starter to post an ERA under 5.00. They will miss reliable innings-eater Boomer Jones and his 3.83 ERA out of the bullpen; he was traded less than a month into Season 9.
Outlook: Brower posted a 1.36 WHIP and 28 saves out of the bullpen, but his pricetag did not fit Kansas City's bill going forward. They will need that same sort of performance from new closer Ray Clark if they want to take a step forward this season. A .501 SLG from 2B D'Angelo De La Vega (what a great name!) would certainly not hurt either. Brower walked 29 in 45 innings at AAA last season; that will not cut it if he wants to remain a part of this big league roster, and it will not help the Scouts in their efforts to crack into the top half of the division. With RF prospect Duke Upshaw tearing through the minors, though, help is on the way.
Little Rock Stunners
Key Departures: Victor Cortez (FA), Danys Vazquez (Trade), Domingo Chavez (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Ignacio Romero (Waivers), Ryan Ritchie (Waivers).
Breakdown: Taking over a franchise that won only 56 games last year as the Jacksonville Sabers, owner bigking0505 has undertaken a legitimate rebuilding project. LF Jordan Rogers has hit 46, 41, and 36 HR in each of his first three seasons mashing in the big leagues, and people are asking: are major league pitchers slowly figuring him out? Cortez took 33 HR of his own with him when he left, and potential lineup protection for Rogers as well. That loss comes out of a lineup that scored only 623 runs last season, easily good for last in MLB.
Outlook: The Stunners will look for youngsters to power the lineup, especially rookies 3B Joe Mitchell and 1B Rabbit Huff. Ownership has also worked deftly around the edges to improve the club via cost effective ways such as the waiver wire without mortgaging the burgeoning farm system. Perhaps the gutsiest move may not show dividends for a few years: in the offseason, Little Rock shipped two-time All-Star Vazquez to Augusta for future ace Jumbo Siqueiros. When Jumbo arrives at the Show, look out below.
Their competition within the division will be two teams going about things the right way: Kansas City and Little Rock (formerly Jacksonville) have trimmed the player payroll budgets in favor of rebuilding from within. Will that approach allow them to put a competitive team on the field to challenge the class of the division this season? That remains to be seen. Will baseball fans see another classic pennant race go down to the wire between two divisional rivals, and if so, which two divisional rivals will it be? We run down their chances in the order in which they finished last season.
Monterrey Cheese
Key Departures: Richie Duckworth (FA), Chance Ramsay (FA), Del Maduro (FA), Torey Davis (Trade).
Key Acquisitions: Phil Kondou (FA), Jose Neruda (Rule 5 Draft), Nash Konerko (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: Monterrey went 21-9 within their division last season en route to a remarkable 107 wins. Their infield is made up of All-Star Willie Mendez posting a .927 OPS at second, uber-prospect Jeff Page and his career .625 minor league SLG at short, and 50-HR basher Armando Almanza at third. Meanwhile, Cy Young Award winner Zach Bones heads up a nasty rotation, and closer Elston White notched 43 saves and an All-Star appearance last season.
Outlook: Very few teams could deal a 15-game winner like Davis and not miss a beat. However, this team is ready to unveil SP Red Carter and his vaunted four-seam fastball. Joined in the rotation by three starters age 24 or younger, Bones will be expected to continue to lead this team and mow down batters as he has in the past, while 22-year-old hitting phenom Julio Blanco hopes to glide into the majors as smoothly as he covers the ground out in center field. With arguably the most well-stocked minor league system anywhere ready to replenish the talent level, it is no wonder that most pundits are saying that this season, the Cheese stands alone.
Richmond Spiders
Key Departures: Ryan Ritchie (DFA), Ernest Pritchett (Retired), Miguel Trevino (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Felix Wathan (Rule 5 Draft), Elvis Hunt (FA), Fausto Castillo (FA).
Breakdown: The club could never find room for Ritchie's bat in a crowded outfield that saw 29 HR from Darren Wells and a .925 OPS from Kyle Taft. The Spiders were not at a loss for run production, finishing third in the NL with a .352 team OBP. Pitching was equally reliable for the Richmond nine, as they posted a 4.07 team ERA, good for sixth in all of baseball. Ace Tony Vidal fanned 196 batters while walking only 48, and the bullpen converted a solid 42 of 56 save opportunities.
Outlook: The club has made a big splash in Season 9 already, sending 3B Ignacio Rodriguez and his 28 HR power to Kansas City for highly-touted pitching prospect Coco DiSarcina. They will need another All-Star caliber performance from CF Kevin Kirwan at age 33 to help offset the loss of Rodriguez's 28 HR pop. The Spiders did not age enough in one season to close the gap between themselves and the rest of the division, and they look to have set themselves up nicely for future playoff runs as well.
Kansas City Scouts
Key Departures: Seth Brower (FA)Ronald Abercrombie (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Trey Brower (Rule 5 Draft), Carlos Soriano (FA).
Breakdown: The Scouts were led by C Ellis Perkins with a pedestrian .366 OBP; having no runners on base contributed to Kansas city scoring the third-fewest runs (702) in all of baseball last season. The pitching was not much better, as Wilt Moore was the only starter to post an ERA under 5.00. They will miss reliable innings-eater Boomer Jones and his 3.83 ERA out of the bullpen; he was traded less than a month into Season 9.
Outlook: Brower posted a 1.36 WHIP and 28 saves out of the bullpen, but his pricetag did not fit Kansas City's bill going forward. They will need that same sort of performance from new closer Ray Clark if they want to take a step forward this season. A .501 SLG from 2B D'Angelo De La Vega (what a great name!) would certainly not hurt either. Brower walked 29 in 45 innings at AAA last season; that will not cut it if he wants to remain a part of this big league roster, and it will not help the Scouts in their efforts to crack into the top half of the division. With RF prospect Duke Upshaw tearing through the minors, though, help is on the way.
Little Rock Stunners
Key Departures: Victor Cortez (FA), Danys Vazquez (Trade), Domingo Chavez (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Ignacio Romero (Waivers), Ryan Ritchie (Waivers).
Breakdown: Taking over a franchise that won only 56 games last year as the Jacksonville Sabers, owner bigking0505 has undertaken a legitimate rebuilding project. LF Jordan Rogers has hit 46, 41, and 36 HR in each of his first three seasons mashing in the big leagues, and people are asking: are major league pitchers slowly figuring him out? Cortez took 33 HR of his own with him when he left, and potential lineup protection for Rogers as well. That loss comes out of a lineup that scored only 623 runs last season, easily good for last in MLB.
Outlook: The Stunners will look for youngsters to power the lineup, especially rookies 3B Joe Mitchell and 1B Rabbit Huff. Ownership has also worked deftly around the edges to improve the club via cost effective ways such as the waiver wire without mortgaging the burgeoning farm system. Perhaps the gutsiest move may not show dividends for a few years: in the offseason, Little Rock shipped two-time All-Star Vazquez to Augusta for future ace Jumbo Siqueiros. When Jumbo arrives at the Show, look out below.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
AL North Preview
The AL North is home to the dominant team in MLB: Detroit FC Dinamo. Two-time defending World Series champions, seven All-Stars, the league MVP and Cy Young Award winner make competing in this division tough. However, three of the four clubs finished over .500 last season; Toronto went to the playoffs, and the Bruisers have made the Windy City a difficult trip for any team, posting a 47-34 record at U.S. Cellular last year. With production like these teams put up, it should come as little surprise that the offseason was relatively quiet in the AL North.
Detroit FC Dinamo
Toronto Thoroughbreds
Chicago Bruisers
Pittsburgh Crawfords
The Detroit dynasty shows no signs of slowing down, so it will be up to the other three teams to step up to the plate to force the boys from Motown to sing the blues. Can Toronto make the jump from Wild Card winner to Division champ, will the AL North finally send some new blood into October, or will Detroit be dynamic once again? We look at what each team can expect this season, taking the teams in order of their finish last season.
Detroit FC Dinamo
Key Departures: Rock Owens (FA), Fausto Castillo(FA).
Key Acquisitions: Milton Robinson (FA).
Breakdown: FC Dinamo won 117 games and kept that momentum rolling all the way through the World Series. CF Dante Seo hit 24 HR and OPSed .824 while playing solid defense, and the club locked him up to a long-term deal over the offseason, guaranteeing that he will be back to terrorize AL pitching for years to come. Their own pitching posted a 3.89 ERA, good for fourth in MLB, and that rotation remains largely intact.
Outlook: Owner lfkbibanul decided if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The team will look for similar production from RF Luis Crespo (118 RBI) and 3B Ugueth Pascual (38 HR), and a rotation filled with aces shows no signs of letting up in its quest for a return trip to the Fall Classic. The rest of the teams in the AL North face an uphill climb to be sure.
Toronto Thoroughbreds
Key Departures: Benito Javier (FA).
Key Acquisitions: None.
Breakdown: 1B Seth Brinkley made a big splash in his first full season in the majors, putting up 43 HR and posting a .984 OPS, and DH Seth Brinkley slugged .573 and drove in 70 runs. The offense as a whole scored 943 runs, good for seventh in the majors. The pitching staff was equally solid, allowing a 1.39 WHIP.
Outlook: With 99 wins last season, the team chose not to panic in the offseason and stayed the course with the talent on board. With an average age of only 26.5, Toronto boasts the fourth youngest roster in MLB. Another solid season from veteran starter Norm Baldwin atop the rotation should help lead the youngsters by example. The question is whether their talent and cohesion will lead to another year of steady improvement and allow the Thoroughbreds to challenge for the Division crown.
Chicago Bruisers
Key Departures: Phil Kondou (FA), Benito Neruda (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Mel White (FA).
Breakdown: A consistently solid franchise, Chicago won 86 games for the second season in a row, and 80+ games for the fourth consecutive year. They did so thanks in no small part to midseason acquisition 3B Chad Yeats and his 33 RBI down the stretch. The offense was there, but a pitching staff that finished in the middle of the pack in most statistical categories left them on the outside looking in when the playoffs began, of course due greatly to the stiff competition they faced within the division.
Outlook: If CF David Crespo can match his .905 OPS and 40 HR totals from last season, the runs will continue to come. However, they will need better than a 4.86 ERA from ace Randy Watson and a big-time performance from pitcher Milton Lamb in his first full season as a major league starter if they expect to out-duel the reigning champs. It will be a tall order, but expect them to compete for a Wild Card slot once again.
Pittsburgh Crawfords
Key Departures: Chris Elster (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Mo Webb (FA), Clint Hines (FA), Justin Bennett (Rule 5 Draft).
Breakdown: The team was led once again by cornerstone 1B Ivan Maradona and his 112 RBI. Young RF Erik Black continued to come into his own with 36 HR and a .919 OPS, and the team was able to post a collective .350 OBP. However, their .445 team SLG and 0 SB on the season (!) meant that the offense was unable to overcome the disappointing 5.67 team ERA.
Outlook: The Crawfords are hoping that Hines can parlay his career 4.19 minor league ERA into major league success and shore up the back end of their rotation. Aging starters Dan Tomlinson and Jon Roth will have to continue to get it done (Roth posted a very respectable 4.05 ERA last season) and need to be dependable sources of quality starts. If that happens and Rule 5 selection Bennett can make a successful jump to the major leagues, Pittsburgh could once again flirt with .500 or better this season.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
NL North Preview
The NL North sent two teams to the postseason last year, and with three new owners hungry for success, it promises to be every bit as exciting again this year. Teams in Chicago, Fargo, and Iowa City have taken different approaches to the same goal: knocking off some other well-stocked NL teams for the pennant.
Milwaukee Brewers
Fargo Argonauts
Chicago Prime Movers
Milwaukee and Minnesota (now Fargo) dueled down the stretch last season, only to meet once again in the playoffs. However, neither was able to advance past the Divisional Championship Series, and they will face a stiffer test with new owners evilleteache and neonpeon41 looking to make a rapid turnaround. Will the class of this division last season be able to hold off the young guns? We examine the Division, with the teams in order of how they finished last season.
Milwaukee Brewers
Key Departures: Richard Woods (FA), Donnie Richardson (FA), Peter West (Trade), James Carter (Trade).
Key Acquisitions: Terry Williams (Trade), Richie Duckworth (FA), Miguel Trevino (FA).
Breakdown: The Brewers saw a weakness in the middle infield, where they failed to get the production they expected from youngsters Carter and West. They made the playoffs despite only 835 runs and 176 HR last season, and hope that Duckworth's pop can add to those totals. Vic Cervantes and his 1.190 OPS is expected to contribute to the offensive turnaround as well.
Outlook: A 1.36 WHIP and 4.17 ERA, both in the top ten in the league, are cause for optimism this season, especially with Abdullah Ward just hitting his prime at age 26. If the expected increase in offensive production comes through, the Brewers could issue a harsh welcome to the new owners in the division.
Fargo Argonauts
Key Departures: Frank Coles (FA), Wiki Lira (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Denny Masato (FA), Harold Stone (FA), Mitch McKnight (FA).
Breakdown:The Minnesota Turfmeisters went 91-71 and took their show to the playoffs, where they were eliminated by division rival Milwaukee. Lira took 29 HR and a .938 OPS with him when he left, but DaRond Norton brings his 30 HR back to power the offense.
Outlook: Posiedon Barker has a career WHIP of 1.38 and ERA of 3.98. As he enters his prime, he has the opportunity to anchor a staff that allowed only 732 runs last season, good for 8th in all of MLB. If Masato can maintain his historically great production, it will replace the loss of Lira and propel the Argonauts back to October.
Key Departures: Bobby Ray Harris (FA), Tanyon Dunn (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Richard Woods (FA), Pasqual Martinez (Waivers).
Breakdown: The Madison Mosquitos were a respectable 72-90, and moved south to Iowa to try and improve on that number. There is still work to be done, however. Big time pitching prospect Luis Vargas proved himself not ready for the Show with a 1.79 WHIP, and the team 5.99 ERA was fourth from the bottom of the majors.
Outlook: Despite an .812 OPS behind the plate, Harris is not part of the plan this season as the club looks to rebuild from within. How far they go will depend largely on Nick Tucker putting up numbers more in line with what is expected from a major league corner outfielder. Look for this team to be a work in progress this season.
Chicago Prime Movers
Key Departures: Howie Hughes (Trade), Macbeth Robertson (FA).
Key Acquisitions: Bill Smith (Trade), Harry DeWitt (Rule 5 Draft), Octavio Bennett (Trade).
Breakdown: The Montreal Royals finished 32 games out last season, providing the new ownership with a serious rebuilding project. The club parted ways with Hughes, who was a disappointing 11-16 last season, as well as Robinson and his abysmal .596 OPS. They hope this will improve upon their 1.65 team WHIP (third from last in MLB) and .402 team SLG (fourth worst).
Outlook: Wilfredo Lima needs to be a cornerstone and improve upon his lowly 10 HR last season. Dan Balboa's ERA and WHIP have improved each of the last three seasons. If that keeps up and Smith can become the ace they expected when they dealt for him, look for the Prime Movers to make a move in the right direction this season.
Friday, July 25, 2008
AL South Preview
The AL South joins the NL North as the two divisions comprised mainly of new owners. This may mean that it holds some of the greatest intrigue: will the new owners continue on the path set out by previous ownership, or will they turn a one-eighty, tear it down and rebuild, or sell the farm to compete now?
At least in the case of the AL South, all this transition may mean nothing more than the status quo. The Division was a hard-fought battle between roughly .500 teams last season, with only eventual champion Santa Fe emerging from the fray to advance to the postseason. As the only team with ownership returning and seeming continuity, will they remain the class of the most balanced (mediocre?) division in the American League? Let's take a look at how the Division stacks up for Season 9. The teams are placed in the order they finished last season.
Santa Fe ConquistadorsKey Departures: Ray Gonzales (Trade), Russ Flanagan (Trade).
Key Acquisitions: Vicente Mercedes (Trade), Turner Monroe (Trade), Bryan Blue (Trade).
Breakdown: Santa Fe's continuity is no surprise; they have been by far the most consistent and successful franchise in the Division. An .852 team OPS was good for 5th in the majors last season. Powered by 277 HR (3rd in MLB) the Conquistadors scored 988 runs, again good for 5th among all teams. This offensive surge allowed them to pummel the AL South competition, but the 5.58 team ERA and 950 runs allowed meant that they needed every bit of that power to compete. Management attempted to remedy that issue in the offseason, trading for two new starters to try and stem the tide. The question remains, however, will they be able to replace Flanagan's 48 HR output?
Outlook: Santa Fe is banking on a major uptick in the rotation; this could finally be the year for Pedro Lee to break out. The aquisitions allowed them to expect some more consistency around Lee and William Stanley, the only real workhorse last year. Expect them to surrender fewer runs this season, and if trade acquisition Mercedes can improve on his .751 OPS last season, the runs they put up will be more than sufficient to back the dramatically improved rotation and keep them in the hunt for the Division crown once again.
Charleston TrawlersKey Departures: Willie Flores (FA), P.T. Prieto (Trade), Al Montana (Trade)
Key Acquisitions: Rock Owens (FA), Kyle Hamilton (FA), George Shields (FA), Willie Balboa (Trade).
Breakdown: As the Mexico City Mattahdaddies (whatever that means), the club competed gamely for the Division crown last season, despite lingering near the middle of the pack in nearly every offensive and pitching category. This season, they cut ties with perennial producer Prieto and his .914 OPS, as well as two potential up-and-comers on the infield in Montana and Vicente Mercedes. The loss of Flores also left a fairly large hole in the bullpen.
Outlook: The club looked to fill many of its holes through free agency, signing two starters and several relievers, in addition to catcher Angel Dickens. The key to the club's success remains the performance of ace Odalis Batista (1.24 WHIP last season), but much will also ride on whether Balboa can replicate his prior 50-HR form or continues his decline. Three new starters, complete bullpen makeover, and lineup changes all over the place. The projected grade for this team is "?".
New Orleans River CrushersKey Departures: Willie Lima (Trade), Vic Riley (Trade).
Key Acquisitions: Torey Davis(Trade), Juan Nieves (Trade), Alex Vincente (FA).
Breakdown: Fresh off a 76-86 campaign, the Houston Rangers have relocated to New Orleans for Season 9. The club cut ties with Riley, an All-Star Pitcher, and swapped some major prospects to bolster what had been an aging team; they turned loose some dead weight, but losing Riley will certainly be a blow to a club that was in the bottom third in the majors in ERA, WHIP, and HR allowed. The Rangers finished just beneath Sante Fe in most offensive categories and have added masher Nieves to that potent attack.
Outlook: Davis looks like a star on the rise, and an anchor to that rotation for years to come. The River Crushers also added young Vincente, who looks to be able to manage a staff and mature with the new younger nucleus. With a youth movement led by Cy LaRocca at short, and counting on another solid 30 HR .930 OPS season from reliable Don Milliard in CF, the offense and young pitching add up to a big step forward in their new home. Could we be talking about playoffs down on the bayou?
El Paso SandstormsKey Departures: Teddy Petersen (Retired), Tommy Henry (FA)
Key Acquisitions: Howie Hughes (Trade), Del Maduro (FA), Pat Kaufman (FA).
Breakdown: The Louisville Reds finished fourth in the Division last season, but at only 71-91, the club is far from a lost cause. Relocating to El Paso, the Sandstorms will also look to get younger at several positions. That youth will have to replace the 33 HR of Henry and the .845 OPS supplied by Peterson in part-time duty. They will also need to find a way to improve on their 5.54 ERA and .291 BAA.
Outlook: If Kaufman can return to his standout rookie performance of Season 5 (48 HR, .906 OPS), the offense should not be a problem, especially with the continued improvement of B.C. Santos. However, the most aggressive move of the offseason, and the one that the Sandstorms need to succeed, is the acquisition of Hughes. He must improve on that career 1.88 WHIP if he is to stabilize the rotation as they desperately need him to. Looks like a step forward for the Sandstorms with some nice offseason moves, but pitching will ultimately tell the tale for the new ownership.
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