tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1429236537874834292024-03-20T05:11:02.480-05:00Windy City MusingsThe official blog of the Second City World in What If Sports Hardball Dynasty.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-89643498949812385362013-07-03T17:22:00.002-05:002013-07-03T17:22:41.565-05:00Early Season NewsOk - trying to get some occasional content back up. So what's newsworthy in the Second City early season?<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/Boxscore.aspx?gid=55747210" target="_blank">Bacon Explosion Edge Bulldogs in 23 innings</a></b><br />
Kansas City won a marathon affair on June 29. After Sammy Pineda tied the game at 2 in the bottom of the 8th with a solo HR, the teams managed to play 14 scoreless innings before Albert Encarnacion who entered the game in the 11th as a pinch hitter, managed his only hit of the night in SIX ABs, a HR that would win the game. This dude didn't play the first 10 innings, and still managed to get 6 at bats.<br />
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Fun facts - KC won despite getting only 4 hits in the 14 extra innings.<br />
Rolando Espinosa managed to go 0-10 for KC, though he did draw a walk<br />
KC used 8 pitchers for 328 total pitches, Burlington used 9 for 336 pitches.<br />
Every Burlington starting position player had a hit, 5 of the 8 had 3 or 4 hits. Burlington's 9 spot, occupied by all 8 pitchers + 7 different pinch hitters, went 0-8 with 6 strike outs. The most productive at bat was by staring pitcher David DeLeon, who laid down a sac bunt in the 2nd.<br />
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<b>BAD NEWS </b><br />
Javier Nicasio hit the 60 DL with an elbow strain.<br />
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 12px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: center;">Javier Nicasio</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 5px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: center;">Rochester</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: center;">Rävar</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <b>25</b></td><td style="padding: 9px 5px 0px 15px; width: 50%;">B/T: <b>R/R</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <b>Duncan, SC</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <b>P (P)</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 4px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=5060461" style="color: black;" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a> </td></tr>
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Standings Check<br />
Only 4 NL teams are under .500 through 14 games, none in the North or West<br />
The <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1638" style="color: black;">Austin LongHorns are off to a 12-2 start to pace the AL</a><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4034283" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Robin King 12 HR's lead the league through 14 games</a><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4796164" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Victor James</a> is hitting .370 with 4 homers and is the early Rookie of the Year favorite.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-36104831993247289952013-06-21T16:48:00.003-05:002013-06-21T17:27:58.377-05:00Hall of Fame - Season 28Well, it's been a long time, but it's Friday, so I'm putting together something for the Hall of Fame.<br>
<br>
Each year we argue and vote and then 1 or 2 guys gets in. So, let's break it down a bit.<br>
<br>
First - all data is available in a good doc --> <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwnfU8BJXpeuOTNRMFpXVEpQQ3M/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwnfU8BJXpeuOTNRMFpXVEpQQ3M/edit?usp=sharing</a> Feel free to check it out.<br>
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<b>THE RULES</b><br>
Each owner gets only 5 votes each season. Players need 17 votes from the 32 owners to earn induction. No submissions are made for owners that don't vote. We've never inducted more than 3 in a season, and have had no inductees on several occasions.<b> </b><br>
<br>
I've also included a crude Award metric that places a relative value on awards won (AS, MVP, SS, GG, FIR, etc.). I think this is a great way to get a starting point.<br>
<br>
<b>THE CATEGORIES</b><br>
I'm breaking the nominees into 4 categories. Starters, Relievers, Position Players, and Hitters.<br>
<br>
There's been a ton of debate on the closers, so I'll lay those guys our separately with the relievers. I think that makes it easier for everyone to break the ties in their own mind.<br>
<br>
For the position players, I'm separating guys that played a real position from the DH/1B/LF types. This may be unfair, but I feel like the defensive value gets short changed so maybe this will help.<br>
<br>
<b>Starters</b><br>
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<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"><th>Name</th><th>ERA</th><th>W</th><th>L</th><th>PCT</th><th>G</th><th>IP</th><th>SO</th><th>BB</th><th>SV</th><th>DOM</th><th>Awrd</th><th>AS</th><th>CY</th><th>FIR</th><th>GG</th><th>No hit</th></tr>
<tr><td>Al Moreno</td><td>3.61</td><td>273</td><td>136</td><td>0.667</td><td>603</td><td>3688.1</td><td>3270</td><td>1103</td><td>0</td><td>2.96</td><td>31</td><td>7</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brian Jung</td><td>3.54</td><td>249</td><td>151</td><td>0.623</td><td>723</td><td>3509</td><td>3126</td><td>1364</td><td>38</td><td>2.29</td><td>29</td><td>7</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Winston Silvestri</td><td>3.71</td><td>176</td><td>143</td><td>0.552</td><td>477</td><td>2857.1</td><td>2587</td><td>915</td><td>7</td><td>2.83</td><td>22</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Phil Martin</td><td>4.04</td><td>254</td><td>168</td><td>0.602</td><td>575</td><td>3571.1</td><td>2745</td><td>1176</td><td>1</td><td>2.33</td><td>20</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pablo Saez</td><td>3.83</td><td>210</td><td>158</td><td>0.571</td><td>495</td><td>3308.1</td><td>2227</td><td>973</td><td>2</td><td>2.29</td><td>12</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ozzie Myers</td><td>3.92</td><td>241</td><td>169</td><td>0.588</td><td>623</td><td>3633.2</td><td>3024</td><td>1170</td><td>0</td><td>2.58</td><td>8</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pedro DeRojas</td><td>3.89</td><td>249</td><td>216</td><td>0.535</td><td>653</td><td>4159.1</td><td>2929</td><td>1275</td><td>1</td><td>2.30</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
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<br>
Moreno's 273 wins is an impressive #. His DOM (K/BB) is also the most impressive of the bunch. While none of these guys stand out, I think his 7 all star games and the huge win # makes him the best of the bunch.<br>
<br>
Jung also makes a solid case across the board (7 AS) and Silvestri would be right there if he'd had a logner career, but he's 700 IP shy of any other nominee.<br>
<br>
The sleeper candidate is Pedro DeRojas, who won 249 games despite being second all time with 385 quality starts.<br>
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<b>RELIEVERS </b><br>
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<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"><th>Name</th><th>ERA</th><th>W</th><th>L</th><th>PCT</th><th>G</th><th>IP</th><th>SO</th><th>BB</th><th>SV</th><th>DOM</th><th>Awrd</th><th>AS</th><th>CY</th><th>FIR</th><th>GG</th><th>No hit</th></tr>
<tr><td>Rod Perez</td><td>3.12</td><td>32</td><td>52</td><td>0.381</td><td>784</td><td>816.2</td><td>694</td><td>205</td><td>540</td><td>3.39</td><td>44</td><td>9</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>B.C. Juarez</td><td>3.47</td><td>58</td><td>74</td><td>0.439</td><td>902</td><td>1046.2</td><td>708</td><td>315</td><td>536</td><td>2.25</td><td>28</td><td>6</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jose Silva</td><td>2.89</td><td>28</td><td>45</td><td>0.384</td><td>834</td><td>860.1</td><td>635</td><td>243</td><td>522</td><td>2.61</td><td>34</td><td>7</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Magglio Merced</td><td>3.52</td><td>59</td><td>66</td><td>0.472</td><td>1062</td><td>1200.2</td><td>792</td><td>357</td><td>432</td><td>2.22</td><td>48</td><td>10</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fergie Reagan</td><td>2.74</td><td>117</td><td>72</td><td>0.619</td><td>1269</td><td>2142</td><td>1519</td><td>564</td><td>147</td><td>2.69</td><td>20</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rob Shields</td><td>3.92</td><td>46</td><td>52</td><td>0.469</td><td>871</td><td>1032.1</td><td>843</td><td>350</td><td>287</td><td>2.41</td><td>26</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr>
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This is a "Who's Who" of closers in Second City. For reference - the All-Time Career Saves Leaderboard:<br>
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<tr><td><b>Rod Perez </b></td><td>540</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>B.C. Juarez </b></td><td>536</td></tr>
<tr><td>Clarence Schoendienst </td><td>535</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Jose Silva </b></td><td>522</td></tr>
<tr><td>Carl Brooks </td><td>447</td></tr>
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<br>
And the All-Time Save % leaders<br>
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<tr><td>Alfredo Cruz </td><td>0.913</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Rod Perez </b></td><td>0.888</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Jose Silva</b> </td><td>0.879</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dan Bell </td><td>0.874</td></tr>
<tr><td>J.R. Barber </td><td>0.871</td></tr>
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Perez, Silva, and Juarez are really tightly packed. For my money, I'll take Perez. He has the highest DOM and holds the saves record, plus is 2nd all-time in save %. Silva and Juarez are certainly considerations as well.<br>
<br>
<b>POSITION PLAYERS</b><br>
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<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"><th>Player</th><th>AVG</th><th>G</th><th>AB</th><th>R</th><th>H</th><th>HR</th><th>RBI</th><th>SB</th><th>SLG</th><th>HR%</th><th>AWARD</th><th>AS</th><th>GG</th><th>SS</th><th>MVP</th><th>Comments</th></tr>
<tr><td>Bret Davis</td><td>0.291</td><td>2575</td><td>10010</td><td>1896</td><td>2915</td><td>654</td><td>2095</td><td>271</td><td>0.549</td><td>6.5%</td><td>54</td><td>10</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>0</td><td>3B, 5th All time HR's, 3rd in RBI</td></tr>
<tr><td>Perry Hernandez</td><td>0.321</td><td>2079</td><td>8490</td><td>1612</td><td>2728</td><td>302</td><td>1444</td><td>331</td><td>0.509</td><td>3.6%</td><td>48</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>3B/2B</td></tr>
<tr><td>Angel Mercedes</td><td>0.273</td><td>2593</td><td>9550</td><td>1308</td><td>2604</td><td>301</td><td>1279</td><td>85</td><td>0.421</td><td>3.2%</td><td>46</td><td>8</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>SS 5 gold gloves</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jalal Rivera</td><td>0.282</td><td>2047</td><td>7838</td><td>1303</td><td>2211</td><td>562</td><td>1567</td><td>22</td><td>0.550</td><td>7.2%</td><td>34</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>2B - below av</td></tr>
<tr><td>Max Lima</td><td>0.362</td><td>990</td><td>3947</td><td>876</td><td>1429</td><td>112</td><td>598</td><td>145</td><td>0.551</td><td>2.8%</td><td>32</td><td>4</td><td></td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>2B Played seasons 1-9</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cody Hall</td><td>0.283</td><td>2277</td><td>8800</td><td>1628</td><td>2494</td><td>496</td><td>1525</td><td>449</td><td>0.521</td><td>5.6%</td><td>30</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3B</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kevin Canseco</td><td>0.307</td><td>2334</td><td>8867</td><td>1481</td><td>2722</td><td>426</td><td>1543</td><td>24</td><td>0.515</td><td>4.8%</td><td>30</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>CF/2B</td></tr>
<tr><td>Matthew Harris</td><td>0.271</td><td>1819</td><td>6667</td><td>1102</td><td>1808</td><td>329</td><td>1065</td><td>337</td><td>0.484</td><td>4.9%</td><td>26</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>SS/3B/RF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Alan Pall</td><td>0.290</td><td>1697</td><td>6829</td><td>1289</td><td>1979</td><td>316</td><td>1137</td><td>323</td><td>0.504</td><td>4.6%</td><td>20</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>CF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sparky Dessens</td><td>0.280</td><td>1784</td><td>5823</td><td>1112</td><td>1629</td><td>464</td><td>1163</td><td>75</td><td>0.573</td><td>8.0%</td><td>18</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>2B/3B/OF</td></tr>
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Bret Davis is 5th all-time in HR's, 3rd in RBI and he was an above average 3B throughout his career. He made 10 All-star teams. He's a no-doubter.<br>
<br>
Jalal Rivera has the 3rd best HR rate of all candidates this year. He was a below-average 2B, but at least he played a real position. He was a terror during the middle of his career, but his streak of dominance was a bit shorter than most.<br>
<br>
Angel Mercedes won 5 gold gloves at short stop. That's a remarkable WIS accomplishment when you consider how quickly defensive skills erode. The fact that he also hit 300 career homers makes him a unique candidate this year.<br>
<br>
Perry Hernandez 7 All-Star appearances and .321 BA are also note worthy.<br>
<br>
Sleeper - Sparky Dessens hit a homer more frequently than any current nominee.<br>
<br>
<b>HITTERS</b><br>
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<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"><th>Player</th><th>AVG</th><th>G</th><th>AB</th><th>R</th><th>H</th><th>HR</th><th>RBI</th><th>SB</th><th>SLG</th><th>HR%</th><th>AWARD</th><th>AS</th><th>GG</th><th>SS</th><th>MVP</th><th>Comments</th></tr>
<tr><td>Jose Cordero</td><td>0.285</td><td>2336</td><td>9154</td><td>1618</td><td>2609</td><td>540</td><td>1604</td><td>354</td><td>0.539</td><td>5.9%</td><td>40</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>LF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Glen Stovall</td><td>0.317</td><td>1963</td><td>7506</td><td>1232</td><td>2380</td><td>440</td><td>1389</td><td>0</td><td>0.550</td><td>5.9%</td><td>28</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1b</td></tr>
<tr><td>Steven Hutch</td><td>0.332</td><td>1546</td><td>6398</td><td>1388</td><td>2125</td><td>325</td><td>1444</td><td>350</td><td>0.576</td><td>5.1%</td><td>28</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>LF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pepper Henderson</td><td>0.285</td><td>1734</td><td>6776</td><td>1104</td><td>1931</td><td>323</td><td>1156</td><td>9</td><td>0.496</td><td>4.8%</td><td>28</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>OF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Izzy Coomer</td><td>0.332</td><td>1917</td><td>7267</td><td>1387</td><td>2411</td><td>482</td><td>1585</td><td>8</td><td>0.589</td><td>6.6%</td><td>10</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>DH</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mark Frederick</td><td>0.311</td><td>1290</td><td>4985</td><td>992</td><td>1551</td><td>262</td><td>1040</td><td>75</td><td>0.552</td><td>5.3%</td><td>6</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1B/OF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Derek Rhodes</td><td>0.324</td><td>1936</td><td>8068</td><td>1489</td><td>2618</td><td>0</td><td>771</td><td>564</td><td>0.358</td><td>0.0%</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>OF</td></tr>
<tr><td>Yorvit Arias</td><td>0.291</td><td>1278</td><td>4713</td><td>847</td><td>1373</td><td>371</td><td>1061</td><td>3</td><td>0.585</td><td>7.9%</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>DH</td></tr>
<tr><td>David Rivera</td><td>0.329</td><td>1917</td><td>7377</td><td>1175</td><td>2425</td><td>274</td><td>1227</td><td>30</td><td>0.500</td><td>3.7%</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1B</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
None of these guys added much in the way of defense, but they did put up some impressive #'s.<br>
<br>
Jose Cordero hit 540 HRs and stole 354 bases. He's also the only 2-time MVP nominated. Four others have won multiple MVPs. They're all in the HOF already (3 won 5 times).<br>
<br>
Hutch hit .332, stole 350 bags and hit 325 HRs. All impressive, though it was done mostly in Colorado.<br>
<br>
Derek Rhodes is remarkable in that he managed to have over 8000 ABs and never hit a HR. He did steal 564 bases. <br>
<br>
<b>MY VOTES</b><br>
Given all that, I'm voting for the following:<br>
<b>Bret Davis - </b>Nobody else in this class comes close.<br>
<b>Al Moreno</b> - He's the best pitcher out there and the HOF is short pitchers.<br>
<b>Angel Mercedes</b> - The gold gloves are probably enough, but to also have 300 HRs.<br>
<b>Jalal Rivera</b> - I'm biased, this guy killed me when he was a Badejo, but his prime was as good as anyone's, if a bit shorter.<br>
<b>Rob Perez </b>- Closers aren't my favorite, but he appear to be the best of them and I can't justify voting for more than 1.<br>
<br>
<b>CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR </b><br>
Here are the guys I'd consider and wouldn't argue against:<div>Jose Cordero I cant argue <br>
<b>Cody Hall </b>449 SB, that's impressive.<b> </b><br>
<b><b>Pedro DeRojas</b></b> - Don't sleep on that QS # - he's the best starter that isn't in the conversation.<b> </b><br>
<b>Fergie Regan - </b>If you think saves are overvalued - go with Fergie. He 950 more innings than any other nominated reliever and won 58 more games. He also has the best career ERA of current nominees. He was a high-leverage guy.<br>
<b>B.C Juarez </b>- He's sortof closer 1A for me right now.<br>
<br>
<b>Max Lima - </b>His career was shortened because he was a major league player in season 1. Yes, those early seasons inflated #'s, but he hit .362 for his career and played 2B.<br>
<b><br></b></div>The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-22874699480648621002012-05-30T10:53:00.003-05:002012-05-31T06:47:58.678-05:00Let's Discuss the Hall of Fame AgainSo I tried to make the Hall of Fame as objective as possible and created a formula to come up with each players HOF Score. As is the HOF Score can only be used to compare batters to batters and pitchers to pitchers. I am more than willing to tweak the formula if anyone wants to help but I just wanted to create something that might get everyone on the same page or at least closer to the same page when it comes to voting.<br />
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The formula uses a sliding scale of 1 to 10 points for different statistical categories and assigns points as well for awards. I looked at the Top 5 in career statistics to help target the upper bounds of the scale.<br />
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Hitting Scale</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wgHrutqO2NUn3DHQiWQkm_Wh0CvXtR1HiJVAXgTKMBcSGfKTdnailNL3aaxuETSeUvqpo2zbPMKXQL0JTh4bj_HvwJhrogv1ND1KXgvFHrYEuyPcMx1KBdGSdKcj_9U5qJuluiP9iw/s1600/Hitting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wgHrutqO2NUn3DHQiWQkm_Wh0CvXtR1HiJVAXgTKMBcSGfKTdnailNL3aaxuETSeUvqpo2zbPMKXQL0JTh4bj_HvwJhrogv1ND1KXgvFHrYEuyPcMx1KBdGSdKcj_9U5qJuluiP9iw/s400/Hitting.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pitching Scale</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m9djqLVdKuRBgueIJgtmsZS6zw3EoPD0MTQjcAVg5eiFvGrzKWXjTPc5T84mS_B-0Glo_EjOl9664D77bhzZRzsmqc9SXf1aCc_axBvqs38X0UkgS2tFbiTdij1Io7D55Kkw-yo-Gg/s1600/Pitching.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m9djqLVdKuRBgueIJgtmsZS6zw3EoPD0MTQjcAVg5eiFvGrzKWXjTPc5T84mS_B-0Glo_EjOl9664D77bhzZRzsmqc9SXf1aCc_axBvqs38X0UkgS2tFbiTdij1Io7D55Kkw-yo-Gg/s320/Pitching.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Awards</div>
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MVP/Cy Young/Fireman - 4 Pts </div>
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Silver Slugger - 2 Pts</div>
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Gold Glove - 2 Pts</div>
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All-Star - 2 Pts</div>
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World Series Ring - 1 Pt</div>
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Rookie of the Year - 2 Pts</div>
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Based on the above scales here is how the Current Hall of Fame stacks up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmlzxjlvsbp7I_g9PYmigpESRkTB5K4I05Fj0IuJfGNmK2lOljnBT_bPZhFccVpztxVi0JHeOf3Y5ipRe-u6Iub4bSiVyilf-FcVCX7PNRZguW06US2Rkpovd9fbqOeJjmnpWUQdg9w/s1600/HOF+Batters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmlzxjlvsbp7I_g9PYmigpESRkTB5K4I05Fj0IuJfGNmK2lOljnBT_bPZhFccVpztxVi0JHeOf3Y5ipRe-u6Iub4bSiVyilf-FcVCX7PNRZguW06US2Rkpovd9fbqOeJjmnpWUQdg9w/s320/HOF+Batters.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here are the nominees:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_xS0s-HrKQ8c5LascJ7TFeB3jN8Q-HMoiGg93ZFVM6a9_TXDFOXI992mTzmo8vl5huACcjw0Pqn6bXi-z01vZGWTp0ZmR_NXMzDjTlhWVyUZKsSQub7qo3tX4WprOAxyFALEJbj29A/s1600/Nominations+Batters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_xS0s-HrKQ8c5LascJ7TFeB3jN8Q-HMoiGg93ZFVM6a9_TXDFOXI992mTzmo8vl5huACcjw0Pqn6bXi-z01vZGWTp0ZmR_NXMzDjTlhWVyUZKsSQub7qo3tX4WprOAxyFALEJbj29A/s640/Nominations+Batters.JPG" width="284" /></a></div>
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Here are the HOF Pitchers:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5GEhnx3qZgVLJ6sPVnSdKFEE6CSOZe2ws1CI15UApnvLlzIQyzFVzGNhsdG4ha7rjolrcxQVS4lyA-dvymwYIMKPr1GVY1e8uwyER7rl53Qg03dkayQBaNhvyqmvI5SJOiwLGPPFog/s1600/HOF+Pitchers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5GEhnx3qZgVLJ6sPVnSdKFEE6CSOZe2ws1CI15UApnvLlzIQyzFVzGNhsdG4ha7rjolrcxQVS4lyA-dvymwYIMKPr1GVY1e8uwyER7rl53Qg03dkayQBaNhvyqmvI5SJOiwLGPPFog/s1600/HOF+Pitchers.JPG" /></a></div>
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And the nominees</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2HSxqMS3YLqzABEQbxhYX2_jiBDfeLO154mL3XTxYY2zZZab9F9TWZ3DBn_Z2ADdGoPkSDFr6dUYAWkjkdCqkq987UzpRyJa8qhHy4r8sh2aFFU4MYTkjAg8dl976gvMLl1tDMm-Tg/s1600/Nominations+Pitchers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2HSxqMS3YLqzABEQbxhYX2_jiBDfeLO154mL3XTxYY2zZZab9F9TWZ3DBn_Z2ADdGoPkSDFr6dUYAWkjkdCqkq987UzpRyJa8qhHy4r8sh2aFFU4MYTkjAg8dl976gvMLl1tDMm-Tg/s1600/Nominations+Pitchers.JPG" /></a></div>
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So based on my formula, I would make the case that Rico Lecuona, Rod Perez, Tony Baez, and Tom Davidson are the most worthy. </div>
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For the final spot, it is easy to make an argument for any of the following: Lenny Ohman, Bartolo Gonzalez, Phil Martin, Jose Cordero, Vin Guapo, David Padilla, Mac Ventura, Santos Julio, Steven Hutch, or Max Lima.</div>
<br /></div>Vegashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014789342076468452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-57371612201299836492012-02-24T09:24:00.001-06:002012-02-24T10:19:44.288-06:00Hall of Fame<div><p><b>It's Hall of Fame voting time again and that means input from the blog.  Standards are high for the Hall and we have never elected more than a couple in a year.</b></p>
<p><b>Please vote, and do so responsibly.  You can only vote for five and players become introduce if not elected st some point.  Voting for your guy if he's not qualified is a wasted vote.  </b></p>
<p><b>My ballot contains two pitchers and the hitters.  I'll also cover nine guys I didn't vote for and why.</b></p>
<p>position players (in)<br>
Kelvim Roa (RF) - 665 HR, 401 Sb, .295 ave, 7 AS, 1 MVP.  Simply the best power hitter on the ballot</p>
<p>David Padilla (c) - hit.300 with 611 hr playing catcher.  Seven time all star, MVP, rookie of the year and six time silver slugger.</p>
<p>Tony Baez (2b) - this spot was the tightest call for me and you'll see why in a minute.  Baez gets the nod based on nine all star trips and right silver sluggers (3 positions).  Hit hit.320 with 419 hr and 858 sb.  He gets my view on all around skill</p>
<p>Position players (close, maybe next year)<br>
Mac Ventura (Cf) - His hiring numbers are just shy of three big pourer hitters above, .282, 602 hr, 329 sb, but he did it playing a premium defensive position in center field.  This was three hardest cut for me.</p>
<p>Santos Julio (c) - his numbers are very close tho Roa minus the speed.  He should get in.  .296 661 hr, 6 all star.</p>
<p>Position players (not in  or close)<br>
the guys below are great but stand no chance this year in my opinion.</p>
<p>Bernard Lieber (ss) - hit.305 and style a remarkable 1157 bases, but didn't bring the pop to compete with under others.</p>
<p>Tom Davidson (2b/lf) hit.346 with 404 hr.  Great balanced hitter who should be in,.but lacks the totals of the others.</p>
<p>Tom Bollock (c) - maybe the best pure hitter in a second City history,.but he only played 75 games a year .367, give time world series champ</p>
<p>Pitchers (in)<br>
Paul Rhodes - 262-116, 2.81, 2747 Ks. Played in eighteen post seasons,.<br>
Going 18-15.  Nine time all star also saved 114 games.  Most wind, fewest losses, and best era of the candidates.</p>
<p>Phil Martin - the other pitching spot is a tough decision.  </p>
<p>Martin gets my vote on the strength of his 254 wins, 2745 K.  4.04 era was done mostly in the AL.</p>
<p>Pitchers (close)<br>
Ozzie Myers - you can make a strong case for him over Martin.  He went 241-169 with a 3.92 & 3092 k.  Also had 3 championships.</p>
<p>Bartolo Gonzalez - 193-132  2489 K, work horse was a six time all star, but didn't win enough to chose him over these.</p>
<p>Pitchers (third tier)<br>
Don't be offended,.these two were great,.but the others are clearly better.</p>
<p>Lenny Ohman - 181-67, 3.44.  He belongs above Gonzalez.  Judy not quite the totals for him yet.  Six all stars.</p>
<p>Marty Brantley - 227-150, 4.02, 4 ask star and a cy young.  Great, but not HOF.</p>
</div>The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-23061828366565711392011-05-13T21:54:00.000-05:002011-05-13T21:54:03.364-05:00HOF Pitchers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Hall of Fame Pitchers</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">With no player garnering the required votes last season, I thought we should take a closer look at some of the nominees, first up, the pitchers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No pitcher has been elected to the HOF yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, please, take the time to vote this year, and whatever you do, vote for at least one pitcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m recommending two make your ballot.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m going to totally ignore relievers for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are very few in the MLB HOF and while I think there are 1-2 that deserve to be in, I think there are at least 5 starters that merit consideration first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you feel the need to vote for a closer, PICK ONE, and save a vote or three for some starters.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m focusing on 3 main areas when considering the pitchers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, awards; I think the Cy Young, All Star Teams, and Fireman awards are critical in determining who were the elite pitchers in any given season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I’m looking at the 3-4 best season a pitcher had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my opinion, dominance is the single most important factor qualifying someone for the HOF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll point out the top seasons for each of the featured candidates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And finally, career totals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While they have a lot to do with longevity and the team on which a pitcher played, I’m still looking for career wins (200 is a huge threshold), career Win %, ERA and WHIP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, on to the candidates:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http:/www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248693%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3eDelino%20Fischer%3c/a">Delino Fischer</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 110.25pt;">Delino Fischer’s case rests first and foremost on his proven ability to win games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 225 career wins are tops among eligible players, with only a couple active pitchers ahead of him on the all-time list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the 6 hurlers profiled here, Fischer threw the most innings and had the highest strikeout rate, both impressive numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick look at his top seasons show a 21-3, 215 IP, 2.55 ERA, 1.13 WHIP season 8 (Cy Young) and an 18-6, 213 IP, 2.07 ERA, 1.00 season 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One negative, Fischer was just 5-6 in 16 career post-season starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be noted that his career numbers include a couple season in Texas, a very hitter-friendly park in the AL.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http:/www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249185%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3eCharles%20Kubinski%3c/a">Charles Kubinski</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Among the 6 profile, only Moose Gates had a higher ERA, but Charles Kubinski won 3 Cy Young awards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That cannot be overlooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 5 20-win seasons are unprecedented in Second City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bear in mind that his career ended in season 13 and he only had 11 meaningful yeas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He likely would have been a star in pre-season 1 if such a thing existed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not easy to pick a best, 20 win season (20-10, 21-10, 22-3, 22-4, 20-3), but Season 9, with the 2.55 ERA and 1.00 WHIP stands out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17-11 in 46 career post season appearances (37 starts) is another feather in Kubinski’s cap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that the 3 Cy Young’s make him THE pitcher to vote for if you only choose 1.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248644%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3ELenny%20Ohman%3C/a%3E">Lenny Ohman</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lenny’s 73% winning percentage is the best of these<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 and in fact, the best of all-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 23-1, 209 IP, 2.89 ERA, 1.03 WHIP in live-ball season 3 might be one of the top 2 or 3 seasons ever turned in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also threw up an 18-4, 2.34, 1.04 season 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 6 All-Star appearances, 1 Cy Young and a Rookie of the Year are also were noting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won 3 World Series Rings while going 11-8 career in the post-season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he is very deserving, but he rates 3<sup>rd</sup>, behind Kubinski and Fischer in my list.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http:/www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249062%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3eRoger%20Hemphill%3c/a">Roger Hemphill</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hemphill had one of the shorter careers of this list, essentially fading away after season 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hung on as a reliever for parts of 3 more seasons but was no longer a key piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, he won just under 70% of his career decisions, and has the best career ERA and 2<sup>nd</sup> best WHIP of the seven pitchers on this list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 2 Cy Youngs and 4 All Star Appearances are impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hemp turned in 10 straight double-digit win seasons topping out with a 20-5 2.70 ERA in season 5 which came on the heels of 2.25 and 2.34 ERAs in season 3-4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, he only topped 200 IP 3 times in 9 seasons as a full time starter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great pitcher that’s a couple seasons short of putting up the numbers of the others – he probably belongs, but not yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http:/www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248594%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3eBartolo%20Gonzalez%3c/a">Bartolo Gonzalez</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bart made 32 or 33 starts in each of the world’s first 9 seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A true horse, he worked 220 or more innings 7 times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In season 8, he won 18 games for Sioux Falls and LA (mid-season trade) while posting a 2.17 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 6-time all-star never won the Cy Young but did land 1 World Series Ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a legitimate contender, but not at the level of Ohman or Fischer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http:/www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247349%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3eMoose%20Gates%3c/a">Moose Gates</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Moose’s 199 wins are the 2nd most in the group, but his 147 losses are the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s thrown tons of innings and win a lot of games but his overall numbers just aren’t in line with the rest of this group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did make 3 all-star teams and won 1 Cy Young.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20style=%22color:black;%22%20href=%22http:/www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249178%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3eBryan%20Washington%3c/a">Bryan Washington</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Washington’s 123 wins are far and away the fewest of this group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his defense he was already mid-career by season 1, but he probably lacks the career-long track record of the others listed here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> </div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 785px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2962; mso-width-source: userset; width: 61pt;" width="81"></col> <col span="11" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
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</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">W</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">L</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">W%</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">IP</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">K</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">K/9</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">ERA</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">WHIP</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">All Star</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Cy Young</td> <td style="width: 48pt;" width="64">WS Ring</td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Fischer</td> <td align="right">225</td> <td align="right">138</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">62.0%</td> <td align="right">3342.67</td> <td align="right">2776</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.47 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.89 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.27 </td> <td class="xl65"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 </td> <td class="xl65"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 </td> <td class="xl65"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Kubinski</td> <td align="right">194</td> <td align="right">90</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">68.3%</td> <td align="right">2470</td> <td align="right">1890</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.89 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.87 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.25 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 </td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Ohman</td> <td align="right">181</td> <td align="right">67</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">73.0%</td> <td align="right">2268</td> <td align="right">1873</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.43 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.44 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.21 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 </td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Hemphill</td> <td align="right">172</td> <td align="right">76</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">69.4%</td> <td align="right">1953.67</td> <td align="right">1521</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.01 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.28 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.20 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 </td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Gonzalez</td> <td align="right">193</td> <td align="right">132</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">59.4%</td> <td align="right">3096.67</td> <td align="right">2489</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.23 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.31 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.20 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 </td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Gates</td> <td align="right">199</td> <td align="right">147</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">57.5%</td> <td align="right">3134</td> <td align="right">2483</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.13 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.09 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.34 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Washngiton</td> <td align="right">123</td> <td align="right">66</td> <td align="right" class="xl64">65.1%</td> <td align="right">1722</td> <td align="right">1170</td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.11 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.42 </td> <td class="xl63"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.34 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 </td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td> <td class="xl66"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div>The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-75049742887220557462010-04-25T19:56:00.000-05:002010-04-25T19:56:35.090-05:00NKOTB Part 1: The Salt Cith ShamWows<div style="background-color: #ecebd4; border: 1px solid grey; height: 75px; width: 413px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img alt="Salt Lake City" height="73" src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/SaltLakeCity.jpg" width="148" /></td><td><div style="background-image: url("http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseProfile/general_box_blog.gif"); height: 73px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; width: 261px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; font-family: Tacoma; font-size: 12px; width: 261px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 11px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">Salt Lake City ShamWows! (AL)</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/UserProfile.aspx?uid=562783" style="color: black;" target="_blank">yoker70</a></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1647" style="color: black;" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<b>History:</b> Yoker70 is the 8th owner in 16 seasons of this woebegone franchise which has yet to make a playoff appearance. But Yoker seems to be righting the ship, adding 21 victories to the previous regime's total in year 1 and another 6 in year 2. The string of 7 straight last-place in the division finishes remains, but yoker has a plan. <br />
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First, 2 #1 overall picks, <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2843038" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Abraham Young</a> and <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3022243" style="color: black;" target="_blank">James Kelly</a> are being handled carefully, stepping their way through the minors rather than being rushed to the show. Former #2 overall pick <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2300552" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Pete Miller</a> illustrates the value of this strategy with is .353 and 40 HR last season.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJh9RWMg1MpS4LjlE0atJNmTFlcn8mN8klyHXLEDG_G_L8esEWjJv6yuBSi6rTjbqMXYvXFCCoU7jMX5NJF96Vx1rtdRYWgEIQW1szL7TDfR0y3OOXWDSxfaZPxOprM4kxqSaGreEiIdR/s1600/sham-wow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJh9RWMg1MpS4LjlE0atJNmTFlcn8mN8klyHXLEDG_G_L8esEWjJv6yuBSi6rTjbqMXYvXFCCoU7jMX5NJF96Vx1rtdRYWgEIQW1szL7TDfR0y3OOXWDSxfaZPxOprM4kxqSaGreEiIdR/s320/sham-wow.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>The Story:</b> Last year in Santa Cruz, yoker and the boys had the lowest payroll in the league and one of lowest in HBD history ($32 million). The team had to skimp on payroll because they just couldn't pay the bills. But this season, the team moved to Salt Lake City, UT where a city ordinance will require fans to join a club before purchasing beer at the game. This is projected to add $14 million in revenue. On top of that, <a href="https://www.shamwow.com/default.aspx?did=&refcode=1002">ShamWow</a>, the #1 infomercial of all time according to CNBC, purchased the TEAM's naming rights. The club's jersey's will actually be made of this revolutionary material which holds 12 times its weight in liquid. Come players worry about what that will mean to their speed near the end of those always muggy games in Mexico City, Las Vegas, and San Juan, but the $50 million yoker is pocketing in the deal means - WHO REALLY CARES? Plus, if you join the ShamWow drinking club, you get these "game shorts" seen above. CALL NOW!The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-73708289727204349512010-02-11T10:06:00.001-06:002010-02-11T10:06:26.582-06:00The Dandy Dozen: Dick Caruso - 1st ever 2nd City Hall of Famer<div style="background-color: #ecebd4; border: 1px solid grey; height: 156px; width: 352px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div style="background-image: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); height: 154px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; width: 148px;"><div style="background-image: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200934.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; height: 129px; left: 14px; position: relative; top: 13px; width: 120px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/none.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); height: 154px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; width: 200px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; font-family: Tacoma; font-size: 12px; width: 190px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 12px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">Dick Caruso</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 5px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">none</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">none</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <b>39</b></td><td style="padding: 9px 5px 0px 15px; width: 50%;">B/T: <b>L/L</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <b>Du Bois, PA</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <b>1B/DH</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 4px 5px 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249598" style="color: black;" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div><br />
<b>The Resume:</b> Boy, where do you start? Dick Caruso is the Babe Ruth of Second City. He won 2 AL MVPs and 3 AL MVPs. He was a 9-time all-star. He won 9 silver sluggers, 8 in LF and 1 at 1B. <br />
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During the world's first 10 seasons, the FEWEST RBI he collected in any season was 133, never hit below .300 or scored fewer than 125 runs. He posted more walks than strikeouts in 7 of his 12 seasons. He played in EVERY GAME of the first 6 seasons of the world.<br />
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He was the first player to 500 HRs and finished his career with 600, tied for 4th all time. His 1,747 RBI ranks 3rd all time. His 1,579 runs are 5th all-time. His slugging percentage of .654 is 3rd best of all-time. Finally, he was intentionally walked a league-record, 211 times.<br />
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Caruso hit 60 or more HR's in 4 of his first 6 seasons. In short, he is the most accomplished hitter in Second City History.<br />
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<b>The Rest of the Story: </b> Despite all the accolades, Caruso left the game a bitter, jaded mercenary. Despite being the most feared hitter in the game, he played in 6 different cities. He was twice signed as a free agent and traded once. All Caruso ever wanted was to be the star for one franchise, but he ended his career playing 80 games in AAA because he couldn't walk away.<br />
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When he was first a free agent, Caruso signed the most lucrative contract in Second City History, landing a 5 year, $110 million deal with the Charlotte Moon Knights. Still, after all of that, Caruso has been rightfully added to the Hall of Fame ahead of ALL others. And you can bet he'll cash in on the autograph circuit.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-23337578614056698912010-01-24T10:10:00.000-06:002010-01-24T10:10:19.366-06:00Friars Celebrate 1st Title!The San Francisco Fightin Friars celebrated their first ever World Series title with a parade down the streets of the city yesterday. Parades in San Francisco always bring out an interesting crew and this one was no exception. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMbmp_Js5rljxY1KPL6gYqdD3pLnku77W_q7IQ1oCI5sV4jRbpAJXM_yRLsSl_LrfX6iepMcpZnOK2bRvXZKuHyVKZWge3ODRzp4yoVsKffkI-OmFOYNWX4MTRevyo8UVz58bIewe3F_u/s1600-h/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMbmp_Js5rljxY1KPL6gYqdD3pLnku77W_q7IQ1oCI5sV4jRbpAJXM_yRLsSl_LrfX6iepMcpZnOK2bRvXZKuHyVKZWge3ODRzp4yoVsKffkI-OmFOYNWX4MTRevyo8UVz58bIewe3F_u/s320/bunny.jpg" /></a><br />
While the fans were over-joyed at the title, many were equally concerned about the future. The Fightin Friars have a number of difficult off-season decisions to make. Two starting position players, <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1348695" style="color: black;" target="_blank">3B Michael Lee</a>, <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=931340" style="color: black;" target="_blank">RF Jose Escobar</a>, and two key pitchers, staff ace <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=976987" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Dude Wheeler</a>, and 5th starter <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=415845" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Terry Pressley</a> are all eligible for free agency. Eleven additional players are eligible for arbitration. No matter what decisions the Friars, make, everyone expects the payroll to rise significantly from last seasons $83 million.<br />
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But today was about celebrations. One fan did appear at the parade dressed as a deranged bunny wielding a chain saw to demonstrate his belief that ownership intends to dismantle the championship team. But this team was carefully built by duece112 and dspahlinger on the strength of the high draft picks that came with early tradition of losing. Since duece arrive, that tradition has done a 180, with the squad winning 3 straight division titles. <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1391644" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Kevin Canseco</a> (#1 overall, season 6), <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=976987" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Dude Wheeler</a>, (#3, S4), and <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2488121" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Vinny Jameson</a> (#16, S11) are all draft picks that contributed to the title. Many others were used in deals to acquire key pieces. This is not a franchise that was built for one season, but for the long haul, so expect to see them back competing for the AL pennant this season.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-23022551301471205822010-01-14T13:30:00.012-06:002010-01-14T14:36:04.175-06:00Say it ain't so JalalAfter years of deftly avoiding the issue, Commissioner Jwendt finally took on the steroid issue in Second City prior to the season. For the first time ever, random steroid testing was mandated for all imaginary players. While the commissioner handed down no suspensions, his zero tolerance policy clearly had an effect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCORyroITYL-cEbX9-Th0T18WrrrjLt62xMwAvOwZ6kIBVQqZWjcP5jDeTRkhbvtJmhYx5KdcRtmhQmXj14hJ2YmjeUs6X0askCNP6xquBPN6ZlGVpuW0mA4f7T00r3hlQixjNbLAYVSjd/s1600-h/syringe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688852850558514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCORyroITYL-cEbX9-Th0T18WrrrjLt62xMwAvOwZ6kIBVQqZWjcP5jDeTRkhbvtJmhYx5KdcRtmhQmXj14hJ2YmjeUs6X0askCNP6xquBPN6ZlGVpuW0mA4f7T00r3hlQixjNbLAYVSjd/s320/syringe.jpg" style="float: right; height: 212px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>In Second City's 14 seasons, there have been 448 individual teams (32*14 seasons). This year's leading home run hitting team, the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1639" style="color: black;">Texas Riders</a>, hit just 265 home runs. While that sounds like a lot to the rest of us, it ranks as just the 78th best team performance in Second City History.<br />
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In fact, the leagues total of 5504 home runs is the fewest in world history by a long shot, as the chart below reveals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNvz-BoDLQOuBRyBUR5qcyP-Ik3azv2VyBfP0ERiDqEjXBIZQO4VqXXRGp7PJCDSl4KUpEqzzTs_esECXmWBGcK2Vr_GRSPW9XREAkwoqRKAM5Y-1wJlsiHT1UPMq4uGEb381uJZaLHKW/s1600-h/Season+HR.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692532082363234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNvz-BoDLQOuBRyBUR5qcyP-Ik3azv2VyBfP0ERiDqEjXBIZQO4VqXXRGp7PJCDSl4KUpEqzzTs_esECXmWBGcK2Vr_GRSPW9XREAkwoqRKAM5Y-1wJlsiHT1UPMq4uGEb381uJZaLHKW/s400/Season+HR.gif" style="float: left; height: 307px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 210px;" /></a><br />
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That's right, this season saw 21% fewer home runs than the average Second City season.<br />
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But, not every player was juicing. Which players seem to have experienced the most dramatic drop offs?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBO776aYINob5hJKJl0MLSFaUM51aJ_FQS4OJRBzPIlwDS0LE_kc5Ha8z3t2BFOwNHVgBn3i4RhyphenhyphenP_YsteNWEb6yXIjovY61PrtoLtaQAQBaU-BOGTC4ttzx05RVa7cfh6ZD2Ex54yxDe/s1600-h/Ind+HR.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692646359803442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBO776aYINob5hJKJl0MLSFaUM51aJ_FQS4OJRBzPIlwDS0LE_kc5Ha8z3t2BFOwNHVgBn3i4RhyphenhyphenP_YsteNWEb6yXIjovY61PrtoLtaQAQBaU-BOGTC4ttzx05RVa7cfh6ZD2Ex54yxDe/s400/Ind+HR.gif" style="float: left; height: 225px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 281px;" /></a>Let's start with the guys everyone expects. The chart to the right shows the 10 players that led the league in HR's this year. Two spent all or part of last season at AAA (Clarke and Pascual). Their minor league (or combined) numbers are shown here.<br />
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It appears that nobody misses the juice more than <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1655" style="color: black;">Mexico City's</a> <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655516" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Jalal Rivera</a>.<br />
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In fact, WCM investigative reporter Geraldo Rivera uncovered even more damning evidence than that stats. When Rivera was drafted out of Spotsylvania, VA, he weighed just 168 pounds. Since moving full-time to Mexico City, a place known for shady pharmaceutical practices, Rivera has added almost 20 pounds. Moreover, his hat size has increased an alleged 1/2 inch.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJVvd_mVMfT8LSNaVRpEPINpdkbBUYzs09SyO1fQJexuRZycD5JtrCnfba34hIHUOeS96BccxPRn7Kh1YWX-9kifnFjsGBMsVAHaR9_zNpyjdCac9zZV12T6mmdugCKK9JaHGp5-44vcv/s1600-h/38132563.nogales03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426689438079688706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJVvd_mVMfT8LSNaVRpEPINpdkbBUYzs09SyO1fQJexuRZycD5JtrCnfba34hIHUOeS96BccxPRn7Kh1YWX-9kifnFjsGBMsVAHaR9_zNpyjdCac9zZV12T6mmdugCKK9JaHGp5-44vcv/s400/38132563.nogales03.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
But perhaps nothing is more damaging than a first-hand account. You see, while Jalal and Geraldo have never met, they share several 2nd cousins. One such cousin, Yuri, has long been known to work out with cousin Jalal in the off-season. They often meet in Nogales, Mexico, a nearly lawless border town south of Tucson. While Jalal has often referred to both the great food and frequent visits from University of Arizona undergrads as benefits to training in Nogales, Yuni admitted that is was also a great place to buy cheap steroids.<br />
<div style="background-color: #ecebd4; border: 1px solid grey; height: 156px; width: 352px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div style="background-image: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif); height: 154px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; width: 148px;"><div style="background-image: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200100.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; height: 129px; left: 14px; position: relative; top: 13px; width: 120px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/MexicoCity.gif" /><br />
</div></div></td><td><div style="background-image: url(http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif); height: 154px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; width: 200px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; font-family: Tacoma; font-size: 12px; width: 190px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 12px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">Jalal Rivera<br />
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 5px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">Mexico City<br />
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px 0px; text-align: center;">Bandejos<br />
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<tr><td style="padding: 9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <b>30</b><br />
</td><td style="padding: 9px 5px 0px 15px; width: 50%;">B/T: <b>L/R</b><br />
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <b>Spotsylvania, VA</b><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <b>2B/LF</b><br />
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<tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 4px 5px 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655516" style="color: black;" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a><br />
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</tbody></table></div></td></tr>
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Since learning of the accusations, Jalal, Yuni, and Mexico City owner dyuen have all refused comment. This news couldn't come at a worse time for the Bandejos who trail San Francisco in the World Series, 2 games to 1. Rivera is 4-12 with 1 HR in the series, but has he peed in a cup yet?The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-70927382102089976782010-01-07T11:26:00.006-06:002010-01-07T17:44:13.763-06:00The Dandy Dozen: Jerrod LawrenceThe second to last player WCM's initial Hall of Fame class is a blast from the past.<br /><br /><div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age30/1300289.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/none.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Jerrod Lawrence</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">none</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">none</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>38</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>S/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>Fairdale, KY</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>RF</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248872" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Resume:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> Jerrod Lawrence played in the first seven seasons of 2nd City, making him the oldest member of the original Hall of Fame class. Lawrence would win the AL MVP in each of the world's first 3 seasons, making him the first, and one of only 3 players ever to win the MVP 3 times. In fact, only Lawrence and Banjo White won three consecutive MVPs.<br /><br />Season 1, Lawrence's best, included a .372 batting average, 53 HR's, 198 RBIs, 172 runs scored and 43 stolen bases. Lawrence posted 30+ HR's in each of the league's first 4 seasons and be named an All-Star each year. He also won the first three AL RF Silver Slugger awards. <br /><br />His career marks of a .322 BA, .405 OBP, .621 SLG, 869 RBI, and 778 Runs are still franchise (Chicago Bartmans) records. His 39 game hitting streak in season 1, remains the world record. No other player has ever exceeded 33 games. His .380 batting average in season 2 is the 5th best mark of all time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rest of the Story:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br />To this day, Second City old-timers marvel at Lawrence's athleticism. While pre-season 1 records don't exist, there is little doubt that the whole of Lawrence's career would have challenged some of the biggest all-time marks. Perhaps the most amazing of his physical gifts was his speed. While he was never a great base stealer (129 SB, 55 CS), Lawrence had PURE SPEED.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai1R78ByIpMfz4XIdDiJbqnt4IhkTiHZKRQH-SBSzDqxspAwGGT7G5SAMrs1TZE7E-5j6UA6VFzZR7v-ePYM8wVdDIbZSfNxNZksTq7_jBONIKbAO9QcbvrhwHv9MUJNWy7hkXPfXuNhe/s1600-h/ben-johnson-finish-line-51716525-ga.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai1R78ByIpMfz4XIdDiJbqnt4IhkTiHZKRQH-SBSzDqxspAwGGT7G5SAMrs1TZE7E-5j6UA6VFzZR7v-ePYM8wVdDIbZSfNxNZksTq7_jBONIKbAO9QcbvrhwHv9MUJNWy7hkXPfXuNhe/s320/ben-johnson-finish-line-51716525-ga.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424058220195440242" /></a><br />In fact, while growing up in Fairdale, KY, which is now a part of Louisville, local coaches pressed him to take up track. Rick Pitino, then the coach at Kentucky, actually recruited the 6'5 Lawrence to play for the Wildcats. But it was legendary University of Tennessee track coach <a href="http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-track/spec-rel/080409aaa.html">Chuck Rohe</a> that recruited Lawrence the hardest. "He had as much pure speed as ANYONE I ever saw. The day he was supposed to come to Knoxville, I had Ben Johnson willing to race him for 60 meters. I think Jerrod stood a chance, despite a lack of coaching, but he never showed."<br /><br />Lawrence skipped the visit to sign his first professional contract with the Detroit Diesels and he never would get that coaching.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-11474966404293087672010-01-03T07:39:00.007-06:002010-01-03T16:05:20.242-06:00Season 14 Playoff Preview<span style="font-style:italic;">American League</span><br /><br />1 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1644">Richmond Confederates</a> (105-57)<br />Richmond makes their 9th straight playoff appearance after winning their 6th division title<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - Their 3.70 ERA led the AL by almost a third of a run. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247197" target="_blank">Doc Belle</a> (22-4)and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655480" target="_blank">Marty Brantley</a> (18-7) lead the staff.<br />Power hitting team was 3rd in the AL in HRs. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - .276 team batting average was just 12th in the AL, getting them to just 8th in runs scored. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1839310" target="_blank">Cody Hall</a> was the only hitter with 100 RBI.<br /><br />4 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1634">Chicago Bartmans</a> (88-74)<br />New owner continues the tradition, winning the franchise's 3rd straight and 6th overall division title (7th playoff appearance).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - 7th ranked pitching staff in AL (4.7 ERA) finished 2nd in league in K's. 5th in runs scored, only Texas hit more HRs. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2112724" target="_blank">Wesley Fullmer</a> has been solid replacing Carl Brooks as closer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - 158 Errors led to 2nd worst fielding % in AL. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2443699" target="_blank">SS Edgar Pascual</a> (65 errors) appears to belive he's entering the World Cup instead of the baseball playoffs.<br /><br />vs.<br /><br />5 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1639">Texas Riders</a> (94-68) - 5th consecutive .500+ finish yields just the 3rd playoff appearance in franchise history. Tiny ballparks makes home games explosive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - .305 batting average and 1069 runs scored were both 2nd in the league. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1391633" target="_blank">Antonio Chapman</a> is probably the best hitter in the league. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=245544" target="_blank">Gookie Worrell</a> anchors the staff. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=931402" target="_blank">B.C. Juarez</a> has been dominant closing all season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - The overall pitching numbers are just average, but in this park, that's pretty good.<br /><br />2 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1649">San Francisco Fightin Friars</a> (104-58)<br />Duece has the team on the right track, winning the division for the 3rd straight year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - No team has walked fewer (434) and their ERA is good for 3rd in the AL. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=976987" target="_blank">Dude Wheeler</a> has been great. They're also the best fielding team in the AL. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - 9th in AL in HRs.<br /><br />3 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1638">Monterrey Conquistadors</a> (97-65)<br />The 'Quistas make their 13th appearance in 14 seasons after winning their 10th division title.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - 3rd in runs scored and team BA (.300), <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2053582" target="_blank">William Miyakazi</a> stole 73 of 76 bases. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1839248" target="_blank">Whitey Sweeney</a> (17-2) is the ultimate vulture.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - 13 of 14 pitchers to appear in the big leagues this season started at least 1 game. Which ones are supposed to step up now?<br /><br />vs.<br /><br />6 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1642">Baltimore Dead Homies</a> (89-73)<br />7th wild-card appearance in 8 seasons for squad that hasn't won the division since Season 5.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - 244 team SB's led league. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=977087" target="_blank">Pete Richard</a> stole 56, 3 others exceeded 30. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=931406" target="_blank">Rico Lecuona</a> is the ace. 1147 K's led AL.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Uncertain bullpen situation only converted about 2/3 of save opps (42 of 62).<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">National League</span><br /><br />1 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1659">Burlington Bulldogs</a> (112-50)<br />8th straight division title for the top seeded Bulldogs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - Only <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2260152" target="_blank">Orlando Guillen</a> knocked in 100 runs, but 8 hit 16 or more HRs. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2053678" target="_blank">Edgardo Merced</a> would have been Cy Young in any other year leading staff to 2nd best ERA in the league.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Uh, they won 112 games. Ok, the closer, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2488706" target="_blank">Clarence Schoendienst</a>, is only 22 years old and has never appeared in the post-season at any level.<br /><br />4 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1664">Cheyenne Seminoles</a> (80-82) <br />Rare sub-.500 team wins the putrid NL West for the 6th consecutive year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - Pitching staff was 5th in the NL (3.33 ERA) and sports depth if a lack of true superstars.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1597792" target="_blank">Benny Andrews</a> was the only hitter with more than 20 HRs, but his .229 average hurts. Team BA is just .243, worst in the league.<br /><br />vs.<br /><br />5 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1650">Sioux Falls Dakota</a> (105-57)<br />Dakota are the only franchise never to miss the playoffs, but fail to win the division for the 2nd straight season. They come in hot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - 4th in team ERA (.3.28), 76 team saves tell you they play a lot of close games. 8 hitters smacked double-digits HRs. Ace <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247735" target="_blank">Paul Rhodes</a> has 16 career playoff wins.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - .261 team BA is just 10th best in the NL, but .336 OBP is ranks 3rd. <br /><br />2 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1652">Helena Hound Dogs</a> (107-55)<br />Making only their 4th ever appearance, they've won the division twice in a row and get the 2 seed on a tie-breaker with Mexico City.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1348636" target="_blank">Rafael Aguilera</a> is silly (27-2, 1.15 ERA). <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1597725" target="_blank">Matt Martin</a> (17-4) gives them a dangerous 1-2 punch.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - They don't run much, with just 93 SB on the season. Only <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1348597" target="_blank">Richard Hiro</a> drove in 100 runs.<br /><br />3 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1655">Mexico City Bandejos</a> (107-55)<br />The all-time winningest team make their 11th straight playoff appearance and 8th straight division title. They do lack their customary bye.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - 821 runs scored led the NL; <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655516" target="_blank">Jalal Rivera</a> anchors the offense. 2.84 ERA also led the league. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1157411" target="_blank">Marino Rodriguez</a> anchors the staff.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Well, their closer is only 23 years old. Also, they are usually fishing this time of year while awaiting their first playoff series.<br /><br />vs.<br /><br />6 - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1657">Memphis Drillers</a> (89-73)<br />Once pathetic franchise makes their first ever playoff appearance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strengths</span> - #6 pitching staff in NL features 21-game winner <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1597699" target="_blank">Rudy Robinson</a>. Finished 3rd in Runs scored with 799. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weaknesses</span> - 108 errors are the most of any NL playoff team. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2112816" target="_blank">Wily Mo Norman</a>'s 30 at 3B lead the team.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-35157495488863266702009-12-15T16:02:00.004-06:002009-12-15T16:08:14.752-06:00Santa Cruz Snag Slugger Kelly with #1 overall choice<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200464.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/SantaCruz.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">James Kelly</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">Santa Cruz</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">Larrupin Lous</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>19</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>Clarion, IA</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>1B</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3022243" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br />The <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1647">Santa Cruz Larrupin Lous</a> nabbed slugging first baseman James Kelly in this season's amatuer player draft. Kelly, from Marshalltown, IA Community College, played just one season of college ball, but it was plenty to leave scouts in awe. The slugger is still growing, with doctors projecting him to add another 2 inches and 23 lbs over the next few years. He is complete hitter, able to hit for average and power and with a very advanced strike zone judgment for such a young hitter.<br /><br />Kelly's has two downsides, both related to his build. First, he's not quick or agile and this limits him to 1B in the field. Many scouts seem him at DH over the long term. He's also slow and a bad base runner, so don't expect to see him taking many extra bases.<br /><br />The Larrupin Lous have pledged to take Kelly's development slowly. He'll start the season at rookie ball.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-88325948057583697202009-12-08T12:41:00.003-06:002009-12-08T13:09:01.130-06:00All-Star StatusA quick look around the league at the All-Star break:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">American League:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">AL North </span>- the <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1634">Chicago</a> and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1636">Vancouver</a> are battling it out, tied atop the division. The Bartmans are slugging their way to the top, 542 runs, good for 5th in the AL, but will their shaky pitching staff hold up? And, wow, 5 games under leads the division?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">AL East </span>- The traditional power division in the AL stays true to form. All four teams have scored 500 runs. The 4th place <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1643">New York</a> would lead the North by 6, but they trail here by 8. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1644">Richmond Confederates</a> leads and is gunning for a 9th straight playoff birth. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1645">Scranton</a> and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1642">Baltimore</a> will battle the South runner-up for the wild card spots.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">AL South </span>- <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1639">Texas</a> leads the division by 1 game and hopes to avoid being a bridesmaid by finishing 2nd for the 6th time in 7 years. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1638">Monterrey</a> has started 11 different pitchers as off-the-wall pitching coach Ronald Lane continues to baffle the pundits.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />AL West</span> - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1649">San Francisco</a> takes a 14 game lead into the break. They're 9-1 in the division and have the best pitching and defense in the AL.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">National League:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NL North</span> - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1650">Sioux Falls</a> used red-hot streak down the stretch (including a 4-game sweep of Mexico City) to take the division lead by 3 games. Defending division champ <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1652">Helena</a> has led most of the way and continues to ride the pitching of phenom <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1348636" target="_blank">Rafael Aguilera</a> (16-1, 1.07 ERA).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NL East</span> - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1659">Burlington</a> is leaving the field in the dust with a 13 game lead on the strength of a 16-8 record in 1-run games.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NL South</span> - <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1655">Mexico City</a> holds the best record in the league and seems likely to take the #1 seed again despite losing 8 of 10 going into the break. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1656">San Juan</a>, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1657">Memphis</a>, and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1654">Nashville</a> all appear likely to be in the wild card hunt all season in a brutally tough division.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />NL West</span> - The NL version of the AL North sees <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1662">Las Vegas</a> leading with a sub-.500 record. Their not-exactly-blistering pace, has kept mediocre <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1664">Cheyenne</a> and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1663">Arizona</a> dreaming of a 2nd half run.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Other Story Lines:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The Dead Ball era?</span> Only <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1391633" target="_blank">Antonio Chapman</a> exceeds 30 hr's as the ball does not seem to fly like it once did. Still, the incomprable Chapman's 38 might be more impressive than his previous 80 HR outputs.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cat Burgler?</span> Has the league's taste for good hitting catchers started to hurt them? <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=804378" target="_blank">Bernard Lieber</a> has stolen 74 of 76 bases. He may better his own record of 133 set in season 11.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Free AC?</span> <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1597792" target="_blank">Benny Andrews</a> has fanned 117 times. He's got a shot to break Carmine Barkley's record of 199 in season 11.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Stone hands</span> <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1157303" target="_blank">Wayne Dickens</a> is criminally playing SS. The commish may have to step in after 68 first half errors.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Cy Forever?</span> The aforementioned <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1348636" target="_blank">Rafael Aguilera</a> is out of his gord. He's probably already locked up the Cy Young award, but how many records might he break?The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-11697345609711807002009-12-08T11:11:00.004-06:002009-12-08T12:37:22.444-06:00The Dandy Dozen: Carl Brooks<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race2/Age20/2200520.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Chicago_1.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Carl Brooks</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">Chicago</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">Bartmans</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>40</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>East Orange, NJ</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>P (ClA)</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248879" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Resume: </span>The 40-year old Brooks appears timeless. He's been in the big leagues since season 1. In those 13+ seasons, he's won the Fireman of the Year award 4 times. He's made 10 All-star teams, and even won the Cy Young in Season 7 for the Chicago Gangsters, going 3-6 with 43 saves in 52 opportunities. He would throw in a career-high 79 games and 91.1 innings. Despite the workload, he finished with a 2.17 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5MsC1JAQtcHzJlaja-tiU4HD5Zrdg9wEmHIssZBFYbziufk2L9VB9cue2fEmeQ1rO9M__wvcAnYFY11koRB6kTpDdHmpR7t2HmoCsBB4JHf2vjODa39q8zfWyFXTL7l5R9WYam2fqWJs/s1600-h/dionne+warwick+09.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5MsC1JAQtcHzJlaja-tiU4HD5Zrdg9wEmHIssZBFYbziufk2L9VB9cue2fEmeQ1rO9M__wvcAnYFY11koRB6kTpDdHmpR7t2HmoCsBB4JHf2vjODa39q8zfWyFXTL7l5R9WYam2fqWJs/s320/dionne+warwick+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412936051519681090" /></a><br />Brooks' 442 saves are the most in the history of Second City. His 734 appearances are also in the top 10. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaIrI0vzDjRXCFFt3B_hOoO8SqFwFdoxvg2m-gnyacieo4UljDX78V-jNDT9bsTjrZSr-qVwPmx7AppnlVysTpNORpuo1D2vMS7FzXI0Ee_JnxaqRzYR7cpAE14TBRgVlXzYQA8qWMwwh/s1600-h/warwickpsychic1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaIrI0vzDjRXCFFt3B_hOoO8SqFwFdoxvg2m-gnyacieo4UljDX78V-jNDT9bsTjrZSr-qVwPmx7AppnlVysTpNORpuo1D2vMS7FzXI0Ee_JnxaqRzYR7cpAE14TBRgVlXzYQA8qWMwwh/s320/warwickpsychic1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412936181051176162" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rest of the Story:</span> Brooks hails from East Orange, NJ. Twenty-two years ago, as an 18-year old, Brooks had the world on his plate. He was a 3-sport star, and pretty much had his pick of sports and fabulous careers. That's when his next-door neighbor, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_Warwick">Dionne Warwick</a>, predicted he'd be a professional sports star. And, she was right. At the time Warwick was a successful singer, and Brooks looked like a great athlete. But Warwick would go on to found the Psychic network, in part based on her brilliant prediction. Two decades and millions later, nobody remembered that she predicted Brooks would be a star quarterback, not the most the successful closer in Second City History.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-53457414673476860002009-11-23T22:16:00.004-06:002009-11-23T22:40:29.467-06:00The Dandy Dozen: Banjo White<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1201209.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Helena.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Banjo White</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">Helena</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">Hound Dogs</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>35</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>East Granby, CT</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>1B/LF/DH</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=245968" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />The Resume:</span> Banjo White has hit more home runs than any player in Second City history. That's really all the resume you need, but I'll fill out anyways. <br /><br />Banjo actually spent the world's first 2 seasons in the minors, hitting 119 HRs and driving in 411 runs at AA and AAA. He burst onto the scene for the Houston Heavy Hitters in season 3, winning the Rookie of the Year Award while hitting .287 with 42 HRs, 140 RBI, drawing more walks (73) than K's (70). He stole 19 bases for good measure.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaqbTIhVvAH11V4frRfcD8_hZzQziUilrT2CSIlnXf-x9a2lLt8VZ5Me-WOJ04ASnk83weqi-aQE_xFGu1KLK63v8hXYH_gBBN153DsR3ql6tCGxDrPXnowhoEtRDnW5Eawsnimqz-e2c/s1600/The-Banjo-Player.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaqbTIhVvAH11V4frRfcD8_hZzQziUilrT2CSIlnXf-x9a2lLt8VZ5Me-WOJ04ASnk83weqi-aQE_xFGu1KLK63v8hXYH_gBBN153DsR3ql6tCGxDrPXnowhoEtRDnW5Eawsnimqz-e2c/s320/The-Banjo-Player.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407525150003963426" /></a><br />White would spend almost his entire career with the Houston franchise, where he holds career records for games played (1608), Hits (1857), HRs (613), intentional walks (158, 3X the next highest total), runs (1504), RBI (1670), slugging % (.670), and walks (756). In addition to leading the world in career HRs (618), he ranks 4th in RBI with 1670, and 3rd in OPS (1.046).<br /><br />White won the AL MVP in seasons 5, 6, and 7. During the MVP run, he AVERAGED 72 HRs, 184 RBI, 163 R, while hitting .312. He was an All-Star in seasons 4, 6, 8, and 10. White also won 2 minor league MVPs, Season 2 @ AA and Season 3 @ AAA.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rest of the Story:</span> Banjo is actually named for his great-grandfather, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Whitlock">Billy Whitlock</a>, a famous blackface performer in the middle 1800's. Whitlock (who's grandson shortented the surname to White), was known as the King of Banjo players and starred in a series of acts that has since been derided as offensive due to it's racially insensitive content. Banjo, however, has remained true to his name, and never goes on a road trip without his trusty 5-string banjo. In fact, Helena manager Luis Pinero briefly clashed with White during spring training and jested to the media that White spent more time "strumming that banjo than taking batting practice." White, playing his first season outside of Houston, shrugged off the comment saying, "When Luis hits HIS 600th HR, he can talk to me about batting practice, until then, let the music play."The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-73750010088510909122009-11-23T17:48:00.007-06:002009-11-23T22:13:40.401-06:00NKOTB Part 3: St. Louis Budweisers<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:413px; height:75px;"><table style="border: none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/St.Louis.jpg" width="148" height="73" alt="St. Louis" /></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:73px; margin:0; padding:0; width:261px;"><table style="width:261px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:11px 5px 0px 5px;">St. Louis Budweisers (AL)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:3px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/UserProfile.aspx?uid=594766" target="_blank">nesman</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:3px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1635" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> Each of the last two owners have run the franchise for a team record 3 seasons. Needless to say, it's a well-traveled team. Sadly, all the travels have led to only 1 playoff appearance, in season 9. Cities that this team has called home: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cincinnati again (2 more owners), and Tacoma.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNZbwvhrHtRsDCKjRUbxHkyUMCE_kkjd02W8XHSRSP0d4FchcA0hoG6EbHJj9pK4sotuBgI17tsT40u8uBFRv1NZdL-5RJnXBPA0WN-HlPZ3ZjZ1g6x9J2QKAn_1I-WGmFSSMSHZICODJ/s1600/faith-hill-picture-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNZbwvhrHtRsDCKjRUbxHkyUMCE_kkjd02W8XHSRSP0d4FchcA0hoG6EbHJj9pK4sotuBgI17tsT40u8uBFRv1NZdL-5RJnXBPA0WN-HlPZ3ZjZ1g6x9J2QKAn_1I-WGmFSSMSHZICODJ/s320/faith-hill-picture-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407517863157840178" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Happened?</span> The AL just doesn't know what to make of itself. At one point, most of the division was in the Pacific Northwest (Tacoma, Vancouver, Ottawa - ok Ottawa's not really in the Pacific northwest, but nobody actually knows that). When the Kansas City franchise bolted for Chicago, the Tacoma team just couldn't resist having the whole state of Missouri to itself. Moreover, team owner nesman needed a marketing twist for his little known beer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2tHJSgdraro0BY3MBRYZ4K17fV4TfqdDLgdIkBuvX25LeQMRdXODmNlmBEEqE_yRGBRMtzFUsFTv4VL-WAf-9M8lTP6FAyiPM1qDTor33LOFkZp-028r0bCp0P5QT31sonQmwtQu8McT/s1600/bud+frog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2tHJSgdraro0BY3MBRYZ4K17fV4TfqdDLgdIkBuvX25LeQMRdXODmNlmBEEqE_yRGBRMtzFUsFTv4VL-WAf-9M8lTP6FAyiPM1qDTor33LOFkZp-028r0bCp0P5QT31sonQmwtQu8McT/s320/bud+frog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407517987246888274" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Name:</span> Well, seems pretty straight-forward. St. Louis is the home to Anheuser Busch, makers of Budweiser. Surprisingly, the name is a marketing campaign for a band. New York-based <a href="http://lessnessman.com/home.html">Less Nessman</a> cashed in big-time when their single Fill the Faith, was accidently listed as a Faith Hill song. The resulting windfall profits had to be invested immediately before the country singer filed a lawsuit. <br /><br />So, NESSMAN bought the franchise, moved it to St. Louis and named it the Budweisers, the only thing he knew about St. Louis. Rumors persist that the naming rights deal with Anheuser Busch is a done deal, being kept under wraps due to possible litigation. The team declined to comment, though a hung-over team Spokeman - pictured to the right - did say "ERRRRRRRRRRRR"The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-79141234567942615042009-11-05T09:47:00.003-06:002009-11-05T10:09:16.763-06:00The Dandy Dozen: Winston Powell<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1201060.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/none.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Winston Powell</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">none</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">none</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>39</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>Ashland, MA</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>1B/LF/DH</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249272" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Resume:</span><br />Winston Powell played his entire 12-season career for the Sioux Falls Dakota. He posted a career .325 average with 253 HRs, 1317 Runs, and 1094 RBI. His career OBP of .449 is 2nd all-time and his 1225 career base on balls are the most in league history. Only in his final two seasons did his OBP fall below .400 and his batting average below .300. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM0qvRDeaYDagpSQoOrksDVjbiGUnD2nWypW1ovoiOImfljds0nPzYBWhu870A0aHcJO06bHtWT36zde2DMNK3hX643lxQSpnkyhNFBdh-N3IKmzu-tSPaIGRTRuHq6kznS-4FzYHkqhs/s1600-h/boy-scout.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM0qvRDeaYDagpSQoOrksDVjbiGUnD2nWypW1ovoiOImfljds0nPzYBWhu870A0aHcJO06bHtWT36zde2DMNK3hX643lxQSpnkyhNFBdh-N3IKmzu-tSPaIGRTRuHq6kznS-4FzYHkqhs/s320/boy-scout.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400652273959809106" /></a><br />Powell made the All-Star team 6 times, was named RF Silver Slugger in 8 of his first 9 seasons, and won the NL MVP in season 6. During season 6 he would hit .372, with 44 HRs and 140 RBI while score 153 runs and walking 119 times and striking out just 27 times. His .488 OBP during the season is still the Second City single-season record. Perhaps his most amazing skill was his ability to put the ball in play. Powell holds 4 of the top 5 spots on a list of fewest strike outs for a hitter with 502 or more plate appearances in league history.<br /><br />He made the playoffs in every season of his career (and won 2 titles), hitting .329 with 14 HR and 58 RBI in 395 ABs. He walked an unbelievable 79 times in the playoffs leading to a .454 OBP.<br /><br />He recently retired as has joined the Dakota's minor league coaching staff.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rest of the Story:</span><br />Powell's grandfather was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Baden-Powell">1st Baron Robert Baden-Powell</a>, a lieutenant-general in the British Army around the turn of the century. He is best known as the founder of the International Scouting movement, publishing a book, <span style="font-style:italic;">Scouting for Boys</span>, in 1908.<br /><br />All of his direct decedents have become accomplished scouts. He was prouder of none than young Winston, his youngest grandchild, whom was named after another famous Brit, Winston Churchill. Young Winston however had his name-sake's tempermant more than a love for his bloods passion. He would eschew the scouts, and instead spend every waking moment playing baseball as a boy in Massachusetts. By the time Winston was drafted, he was barely speaking to his famous grandfather, who though baseball a waste of time, and "far less civilized than cricket."The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-66814934375307682592009-11-05T09:26:00.003-06:002009-11-05T09:40:01.879-06:00NKOTB Part 2: The Chicago Bartmans<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:413px; height:75px;"><table style="border: none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/Chicago_1.jpg" width="148" height="73" alt="Chicago" /></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:73px; margin:0; padding:0; width:261px;"><table style="width:261px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:11px 5px 0px 5px;">Chicago Bartmans (AL)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:3px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/UserProfile.aspx?uid=666054" target="_blank">jwynkoop2424</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:3px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1634" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> The franchise opened on high note, winning the first 3 AL North titles as the Detroit Diesels. Then, a string of 5 owners, 5 cities (Buffalo, Chicago, Montreal, back to Detroit, and finally Kansas City), contributed to the team missing the playoffs for 8 consecutive years. dsmb and Kansas City brought some stability to the franchise, yielding division titles in each of the last 2 seasons. Now jywynkoop returns the team to Chicago.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzybGYtnl4RQiQOleFjNw6kP9Zdy03fB-VvWCg7pOrsCXovDl7DHNqcU9ZDX8_MoyZ150LkfDL_kk5Ylnjya0F8o3ojCfMcWuvMuzNn36Dr3mkejtZ5C3RQPuPjs8xq9MrjUH0eJSqqPi/s1600-h/bart.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzybGYtnl4RQiQOleFjNw6kP9Zdy03fB-VvWCg7pOrsCXovDl7DHNqcU9ZDX8_MoyZ150LkfDL_kk5Ylnjya0F8o3ojCfMcWuvMuzNn36Dr3mkejtZ5C3RQPuPjs8xq9MrjUH0eJSqqPi/s320/bart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400644397871501682" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What Happened?</span> Former owner dsmb made his money in the music business, specifically in blues (hence the former franchise name). However, rough times, and a nasty BBQ habit put dsmb in some financial trouble. Despite its winning ways, the team was soon in receivership. In swooped Miami financier jwynkoop, who made his fortune with an internet trading scheme, to take on the team. After a complicated transaction that saw the new owner use vagaries of the tax law to purchase the team as a partnership in a new corporation, thus avoiding millions in imaginary income taxes, the team was made, and the franchise moved north, to the South Side of Chicago.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Name:</span> Despite his Miami digs, the new owner is a loyal White Sox fan. What better way to stick it to the Cubs than to name a franchise over the fan who much of the Cub Nation blames for the teams' unimaginable collapse in the 2003 playoffs. If Cub fans knew anything about baseball, they'd be blaming Moises Alou for peeing on his hands or Alex Gonzalez for booting a double play ball. Instead, they blame, and now the Chicago franchise promotes, this poor, 1982 headphone-wearing superfan.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-63071515110678684852009-10-26T15:34:00.003-05:002009-10-26T15:57:52.389-05:00NKOTB Part 1: Los Angeles Dream Killers<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:413px; height:75px;"><table style="border: none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseLogos/Rectangle/LosAngeles.jpg" width="148" height="73" alt="Los Angeles" /></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/FranchiseProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:73px; margin:0; padding:0; width:261px;"><table style="width:261px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:11px 5px 0px 5px;">Los Angeles Dream Killers (NL)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:3px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/UserProfile.aspx?uid=641002" target="_blank">powball</a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:3px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1665" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> The Los Angeles franchise has remarkably only had two owners in its history. After starting out as the LA Banditos, the team stayed in LA but took on the Outlaws moniker. PirateFan would later move the team to Fresno in a deal that would make Al Davis proud.<br /><br />Despite the consistent ownership, the franchise has never prospered. Nine 4th place finishes in thirteen seasons and just 1 playoff appearance have led to a jaded fanbase. Last year's free swinging lineup featured 7 players with 100+ strikeouts and another that managed 98 in just 487 ABs. While only 6 pitchers started games, none would sport a record over .500.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-mniPZwvqKQlfnv5OUJYIuxx8BUI_8a-M1MjlRWlWXnoSj51keWPkYR_fxT-QKfSpUqYIpvCrA_5dRzHxxUh3ThPjjIfM6P-C7OK5gRKg2Tfm5nyAYOzqA4bFreru6zRPn32ODN8IDZd/s1600-h/1standten0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-mniPZwvqKQlfnv5OUJYIuxx8BUI_8a-M1MjlRWlWXnoSj51keWPkYR_fxT-QKfSpUqYIpvCrA_5dRzHxxUh3ThPjjIfM6P-C7OK5gRKg2Tfm5nyAYOzqA4bFreru6zRPn32ODN8IDZd/s320/1standten0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397015789496970290" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Happened:</span> With the city of Fresno renegging on its sweetheart tax incentives, PirateFan put the team up for sale in a distressed market. Who better to snap up the franchise than recent winner of the Power Ball, Powball. After winning a $400 million jackpot, the formerly quiet, shy actuary became a flashy, media darling. He moved to LA and set up his own studio - Dream Killers, which plans to make its mark by giving unknown actors and actresses their shot in big-budget films and TV series.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Name:</span> The Dream Killers are, of course, named for Powball's LA-based studio. In fact, the first season of the Dream Killers will be the topic of the studio's first reality series, Hard Balls, the story of the LA Dream Killers. The show will follow the team and it's players from spring training and through the season. HBO has agreed to pilot the show and promoters are promising at least brief nudity in each episode. "It's really a tribute to our favorite fictional sports TV show, First and Ten. We'll find a way to get some boobs in pretty much every show, whether it makes sense or not." Hold on NL West, this division just got a little more glamorous. Producers can't wait for the Dream Killers first trip to Las Vegas just after the All-Star Break.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-59209403011231781542009-10-23T12:47:00.004-05:002009-10-23T13:26:17.033-05:00The Dandy Dozen: Del Gil<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race4/Age20/4200661.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/none.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Del Gil</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">none</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">none</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>37</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>L/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>Boca Chica, DO</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>RF/CIF/LF</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247987" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Resume: </span> Del Gil won the NL Rookie of the Year award in Season 2, hitting .300 with a then record 70 HRs and 165 RBI for the Norfolk Admirals. Del would move with the team to Charlotte and Harrisburg before being dealt to the Mexico City Bandejos prior to season 7. In return, the franchise got <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249401" target="_blank">SS Pablo Guerrero</a> who would play just one season of excellent defense in Washington before departing via free agency, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=804308" target="_blank">RP Bobby Joe Tollberg</a> who struggled in 2 seasons as the closer before being traded again, and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247589" target="_blank">P Pete O'Brien</a> who would put in just one season for DC.<br /><br />Gil, however, would go on to hit 273 HR's for Mexico City before wrapping up his career in Arizona and Sioux Falls. His career major league totals include 598 HRs (3rd all-time)and 1468 RBI (top 10 all-time). Gil won MVPs in Season 7 (.323, 73 HR, 204 RBI) and Season 10 (.304, 50 HR, 138 RBI), both with Mexico City. He was named silver slugger 3 times at 3B and twice in RF, but made the all-star team just 4 times. He also won the HR Derby in Season 10. <br /><br />Gil holds the Tampa Bay franchise record for HR (273) and is 3rd in team history with 661 RBI. He's also 3rd in Mexico City history with 271 HR and 677 RBI. He owns single season records for HR (Mexico City 73 and Tampa Bay 70) and RBI (Mexico City 204 and Tampa Bay 2nd with 165).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfByhVZV453QEa1p-RmnLwv6GPMtpYklyg3sWoSxpDQH9RgVSPUDTbg1kkj1KLMsA96yTi892DHCvVUlPQ4dyliM8OsBfdQFo9BIn1l2gtC-2ojkuddWApnmYZ_NHD26sAWBk0xXB2YZYo/s1600-h/grumpy-old-men.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfByhVZV453QEa1p-RmnLwv6GPMtpYklyg3sWoSxpDQH9RgVSPUDTbg1kkj1KLMsA96yTi892DHCvVUlPQ4dyliM8OsBfdQFo9BIn1l2gtC-2ojkuddWApnmYZ_NHD26sAWBk0xXB2YZYo/s320/grumpy-old-men.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395863380512521170" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rest of the Story:</span><br />Gil desperately wants another chance this season to get his 600th HR which would tie him with long-time rival, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249598" target="_blank">Dick Caruso</a>, who retired. Only <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=245968" target="_blank">Banjo White</a> has more HR in 2nd City history (613). <br /><br />However, Gil hasn't always left on good terms (<a href="http://hbd2ndcity.blogspot.com/2009/04/legends-on-move.html">http://hbd2ndcity.blogspot.com/2009/04/legends-on-move.htm</a>) and he may not get the opportunity to hit # 600. He and Caruso, a former teammate in Charlotte, often spar in the press. In fact, agents for both men refuse to sign autograph deals with any collectors show without getting assurances that the other will not also be appearing. Caruso remains upset that Gil's name is the only one besides his on the <br />Tampa Bay single season HR listing. And, neither man will concede that other's 70 HR season was better, or even as good as, his own.<br /><br />So, the two remain Grumpy old men, and Gil begs for a chance to play somewhere, anywhere in the major leagues to get #600, or even better, #601. (picture to the right reflects artist rendition of Caruso and Gil in 20 years)The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-33600873622415335792009-10-07T08:20:00.004-05:002009-10-07T08:49:09.194-05:00The Dandy Dozen: Bart Carlyle<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1201184.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/Cheyenne.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Bart Carlyle</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">Cheyenne</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">Seminoles</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>38</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>R/R</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>East Grand Rapids, MI</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>C/DH</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=249625" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />The Resume:</span> Bart Carlyle has spent his entire career with the Cheyenne Seminoles. The 38-year old continues to be the everyday catcher, playing in 139 games this season. He has been an All-star 8 times, trailing only 3 players. He's won the silver slugger at catcher 3 times; and he's won the gold glove 3 times. He actually won both silver and gold in seasons 6 and 7. <br /><br />Carlyle holds Seminoles team records for games played (1556), hits (1782), batting average (.327), home runs (348), RBI (1189), triples (69), and walks (661). He's gunned down a league record 417 attempted base stealers (33.5%). <br /><br />In 9 post season appearances, Carlyle has hit .310 in 216 ABs, with 9 HR and 32 RBI. He's done his finest post season work over the past 4 years, where he's hitting a combined .458. The face of the Seminole franchise is reportedly contemplating retirement as he finishes his 15th major league season at age 38.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTTtlQcebzgi6VkGvuIPfwQoRT98w3wBfaKXVDiilUW9DZHRzOtW8PQXzow3VWxV8fchiXUccqGVQAf4_ZZt84ep2Aad_OVSLp5KtYGB_ubwhQkdtwrVsa5-6ONTBhvo7yBLnbrwvfoDP/s1600-h/catcher.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTTtlQcebzgi6VkGvuIPfwQoRT98w3wBfaKXVDiilUW9DZHRzOtW8PQXzow3VWxV8fchiXUccqGVQAf4_ZZt84ep2Aad_OVSLp5KtYGB_ubwhQkdtwrVsa5-6ONTBhvo7yBLnbrwvfoDP/s320/catcher.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389854316956492866" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rest of the Story:</span> Bart Carlyle hails from East Grand Rapids, MI, home to former President, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Ford">Gerald Ford</a>. Carlyle shares something with Ford, a penchant for clumsiness. He's best known in baseball circles for falling into the stands trying to catch an Alex Shibata foul ball in the Season 9 NLCS (pictured to the left). Carlyle became so entangled in the decorative bunting, that the game had to be delayed 15 minutes while he was unfurled.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0LlkDn5-Bpjc-hej-28vIkcBOxamJiTtBKY_RmpHYN9ULUCBicsk9cqY9wX-G-9zUcEi52EjmhXcCYM4DUrYHHHwihOkqmm7VdkDRYs5ibhfhPEH-0ifkVm_0bCa8hQFwUd-TZsUoxMD/s1600-h/cart.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0LlkDn5-Bpjc-hej-28vIkcBOxamJiTtBKY_RmpHYN9ULUCBicsk9cqY9wX-G-9zUcEi52EjmhXcCYM4DUrYHHHwihOkqmm7VdkDRYs5ibhfhPEH-0ifkVm_0bCa8hQFwUd-TZsUoxMD/s320/cart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389854672748746866" /></a><br /><br />But, to his teammates, his best stories of clumsiness have occurred on the golf course. Carlyle, a 4-handicapper, plays regularly with fellow East Grand Rapidser, Tom Lehman. Lehman describes Carlyle as an excellent driver of the golf ball, but not of the golf cart. While playing with Carlyle in the annual Cheyenne team scramble, Bart actually fell out of the cart WHILE DRIVING IT. Lehman, the passenger, was laughing so hard that he jumped out of the cart and was rolling on the ground himself. That is, until he realized that the cart was traveling uphill. While Carlyle wallowed on the ground in a re-make of the bunting incident, the cart stopped, and then started to roll back right at him. Only Lehman's quick action to stop the cart kept Carlyle from being run down by his own cart. Team officials have since forbidden Carlyle from driving the cart during team outings.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-90311473862246239772009-10-01T10:27:00.004-05:002009-10-01T10:50:41.200-05:00One for the AgesThree of the four opening games went to extra innings, but one certainly stood out.<br /><br />The <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1638">Monterrey Conquistadors</a> and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1634">Kansas City Blues</a> staged one for the ages in game 1 of their AL Division Series. Among the stunning totals from the game are: 14 innings, 32 runs, 46 hits, 15 walks, 7 home runs, and 517 pitches.<br /><br />The instant classic started with a twist as the Conquistadors starter, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247368" target="_blank">Rich Harris</a> faced only two hitters before leaving in a planned move. An <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1391681" target="_blank">Andruw Leach</a> HR gave the host Blues a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd. The 'Quistas answered with a run of their own in the 4th to make it 2-1. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2053582" target="_blank">William Miyakazi</a> sparked a 'Quista rally in the 5th knocking in 2 with an RBI triple and later scoring; Monterrey leads 4-2 in the middle of the 5th.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWslKhmhRObVzxml4B_sKtLOe6L2GxMgBmAI1jlmqIq_nxdtg6wV1lX_kcObxL28dfiZtaHqWuFzo7gKSy0e32AzrFwRSgHDrx0GxkFpH2S7O7skTXvB_Yg0EKQusDxzl9L6qAa3W4WTgN/s1600-h/hunter_catch-198x300.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWslKhmhRObVzxml4B_sKtLOe6L2GxMgBmAI1jlmqIq_nxdtg6wV1lX_kcObxL28dfiZtaHqWuFzo7gKSy0e32AzrFwRSgHDrx0GxkFpH2S7O7skTXvB_Yg0EKQusDxzl9L6qAa3W4WTgN/s320/hunter_catch-198x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387658947567339522" /></a><br />The bats for both sides got going with a 2-run HR for KC (Blake) in the 5th. Monterrey answered with 2 more runs in the top of the 6th to make it 6-4. All was quiet until the bottom of the 7th when KC tied the game up on a bases loaded walk to Rivera. Monterrey stormed back with 6 runs in the top of the 8th, effectively icing the game and sending thousands of Kansas City schoolchildren to bed angry. But the Blues didn't fold, getting back 2 in the 8th on <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=354345" target="_blank">Tony Baez</a> double, one of his 5 hits on the day. Baez wouldn't stay a hero for long though. Kansas City's furious 9th inning rally, saw them tie the game on an RBI double, leaving the winning run on 3rd with nobody. But <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1391681" target="_blank">Andruw Leach</a> fanned and Baez weak grounder could score the run. Another strike out and we were on to extra innings, tied at 12.<br /><br />After 3 scoreless frames, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2053582" target="_blank">William Miyakazi</a> hitting a 3-run HR. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=587160" target="_blank">Livan Pascual</a> couldn't make it stand though as HR's by <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248218" target="_blank">Ewell Corey</a> and <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1157312" target="_blank">Al Matthews</a> knotted the game at 15. After Monterrey failed to capitalize on a Baez error in the top of the 14th, KC came to bat again. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1597808" target="_blank">Justin Blake</a> reached on a single but was gunned down by D. Cheng, the 'Quistas backup catcher. <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248760" target="_blank">Max Molina</a> relieved Pascual after the 2nd out, but he walked Rivera, bringing the dangerous Corey back to the plate. For the 2nd time in as many innings, the game hung in the balance with Corey at the plate. The 33-year old who had never hit a playoff HR prior to the 13th inning, lit into a 2-1 fastball and sent it soaring into CF. CF Miyakazi thought he had a bead on the ball but his leap came up just short and Corey had a walk-off HR to go with his game-saving 3-run shot an inning earlier.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-5247701602083499902009-09-30T08:18:00.004-05:002009-09-30T08:38:38.330-05:00JUDGEMENT DAYWell, it's here. For the first time in Second City History (I think - too lazy to look), all 4 wild-card series are headed to game 5. A brief re-cap of how we got there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1fw4iPMu_kkfr8pJcBebKMp0zsipvpjJLbUzcbNyadOL1qnPQkDKUhVBjlhERmZsOOhWN8mmlwF3e14pqWjXVu6NOK8UxKh9dIngBRRGq3kIzydU7w1c2Hyk4ZdNBpSj2lj0W9d50MDu/s1600-h/judgement_day_is_here.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1fw4iPMu_kkfr8pJcBebKMp0zsipvpjJLbUzcbNyadOL1qnPQkDKUhVBjlhERmZsOOhWN8mmlwF3e14pqWjXVu6NOK8UxKh9dIngBRRGq3kIzydU7w1c2Hyk4ZdNBpSj2lj0W9d50MDu/s400/judgement_day_is_here.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387254381998266802" /></a><br />Baltimore jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the road, bombing 2 Fightin Friar starters including <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1532075" target="_blank">Chico Molina</a> (gm 1 8-3, gm 2 18-1). By the Friars came back on the road behind 8 innings of one-hit ball from <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=976987" target="_blank">Dude Wheeler</a> in Game 3 and a 4-HR attack in Game 4. The road team in 4-0 in this series, which returns to SF for it's thrilling conclusion.<br /><br />Scranton got 3 in the 9th on a <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2112758" target="_blank">Joe Clarke</a> HR and stranded the potential tie run at 3B in Game 1 against Monterrey. 3 of the first 4 hitters homered in the 2nd as Monterrey cruised to a game 2 win over <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=804195" target="_blank">Neil Henderson</a>. Game 3 dragged on for a grueling 13 innings with only 3 extra inning base runners until <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=415895" target="_blank">Jorge Torres</a> got his first hit of the night, a 2-run, walk-off HR allowed by the creatively named <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=976878" target="_blank">Brad Bradley</a>. Game 4 saw Monterrey escape elimination in a thrilling come-from-behind win with PR <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=415896" target="_blank">Andrew Boyd</a> just beating a throw home to score the go-ahead run on PH <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=752028" target="_blank">Tito Kwon</a>'s double. Kudos to manager Brandon Taylor for those two substitutions. <br /><br />In the NL, San Juan peppered Cheyenne with 19 hits to win gm 1 8-4. Then backup C <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1839261" target="_blank">Willard Hitchcock</a> homered 3 times to secure 7-5 victory in game 2. But, Cheyenne battled back at home winning game 3 8-7 with the despite the potential tie run reaching first with nobody out in the 9th. Game 4 was a Seminole game all the way with Gergie Regan and Adam Henry combing to allow just 1 run on 8 hits.<br /><br />Perhaps the wildest series has been between Helena and Sioux Falls. The exhausted Dakota sent 36-year old <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=248594" target="_blank">Bartolo Gonzalez</a> to the mind in Game 1 and he rewarded them with shut out innings in a 5-0 win over 3-time Cy Young <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1348636" target="_blank">Rafael Aguilera</a>. The Dakota took a 4-3 lead to the bottom of the 9th in Helena in game 2 before <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2260161" target="_blank">D'Angelo Castillo</a>'s 2-run, walkoff HR. Sioux Falls trailed 5-1 in game 3 before a furious comeback, topped off by a 4-run 8th to win 5-4. CF <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655567" target="_blank">Alex Bennett</a> made consecutive errors in the 9th to bring the tie run to the plate before <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1391464" target="_blank">Victor Chavez</a> redeemed himself by escaping the jam (he had blown game 2). Game 4 once again saw Aguilera on the hill, but he left with the Dakota leading 4-3. However, back-to-back HR's in the 8th and a 3-run 9th salted away the win for the Hound Dogs. Sioux Falls ace, <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=247735" target="_blank">Paul Rhodes</a> takes the hill for the first time in a win-or-go-home game 5 in Helena.The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-18292451130449106902009-09-28T14:49:00.011-05:002009-09-28T15:56:04.907-05:00Playoff Preview Season 13Well, an exciting finish to the regular season saw Mexico City sweep San Juan amidst calls for better insurance to secure a bye and the #2 seed in the NL. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, Helena, Sioux Falls, and Cheyenne all won must-win 162nd games. This completed 6 game streaks to finish the season for both Cheyenne and Sioux Falls. The upshot was that Las Vegas was eliminated on a tie-breaker yielding these first round matchups.<br /><br />Odds are to win league pennant, all rankings are within league unless otherwise noted.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">American League<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br />#6 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1645">Scranton Nittany Lions</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">10-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 95-67 (AL 2nd wild card)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 8th: 962 R, .265 Ave (2nd fewest SB)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 8th: 868 R, 4.89 ERA (244 HR allowed worst of AL playoff teams)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 5th consecutive and 6th overall appearance, best finish: WS loser in Season 11<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">vs.</span><br />#3 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1638">Monterrey Conquistadors</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">12-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 97-65 (winner AL South)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 7th: 963 R, .295 Ave (.364 OBP trails only KC)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 6th: 841 R, 4.77 ERA (tandem rotation rocks conventional wisdom)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 12th appearance, 9th division title, best finish, WS loser in Season 6<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Outlook:</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">Monterrey's tandem rotation meets surprising entrant, with 8th ranked O & D.</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">WCM PICK: Monterrey</span><br />-----------<br />bye<br />#2 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1634">Kansas City Blues</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">5-2</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 102-60 (winner AL North)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 2nd: 1056 R, .305 Ave (207 HR fewest of playoff teams)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 3rd: 800 R, 4.56 ERA (.422 Slg allowed & 1123 K's best in AL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 2nd consecutive division title (5 overall), 6 total appearances, best finish: lost ALCS season 11<br />----------<br />#5 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1642">Baltimore Dead Homies</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">8-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 99-63 (AL 1st wild card)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 6th: 986 R, .282 BA (219 SB 2nd in AL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 4th: 820 R, 4.59 ERA (20 Blown Saves worst among AL playoff teams)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 5th consecutive wild card, 10th overall appearance, best finish: WS loser, seasons 2 and 12<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">vs.</span><br />#4 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1649">San Francisco Fightin Friars</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">3-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 94-68 (winner AL West)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 5th: 991 R, .293 Ave (hardest AL team to K - 904)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 1st: 771 R, 4.40 ERA (fewest HR all)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 2nd consecutive division title, 2nd appearance, best finish, lost in ALCS Season 12<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Outlook:</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">San Fran's excellent pitching and defense meet the speed of Baltimore </span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">WCM Pick - Baltimore</span><br />----------<br />bye<br />#1 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1644">Richmond Confederates</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">3-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 107-55 (winner AL East)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 3rd, 1050 R, 2.83 Ave (337 HR lead league)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 2nd, 774 R, 4.44 ERA (53-64 SV, tops in AL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 5th division title, 8th consecutive appearance (8 overall), best finish: WS Champs season 9<br />----------<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">National League</span><br />#6 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1650">Sioux Falls Dakota</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">(15-1)</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 89-73 NL 2nd wild card by virtue of tie-breaker over Las Vegas<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 3rd: 831 R, .263 Ave (129 SB 2nd among NL playoff teams)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 11th: 751 R, 4.30 ERA (219 HR allowed 3rd worst in NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 1st wild card after 12 consecutive division titles, best finish: WS Champs in Season 7 and 10<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">vs.</span><br />#3 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1652">Helena Hound Dogs</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">9-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 90-72 Winner NL North<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 11th: 735 R, .265 Ave (193 HRs last among playoff teams, and better only than Pittsburgh)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 5th: 673 R, 3.73 ERA (172 HR allowed, best in NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 1st division title, 4th playoff appearance, best finish: never won a division series<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Outlook: </span> <span style="font-style:italic;">Exhausted Dakota rotation takes on best pitcher in the game in Aguilera.</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">WCM PICK - Helena</span><br />----------<br />Bye<br />#2 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1655">Mexico City Bandejos</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">2-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 95-67 Winner NL South<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 1st: 869 R, .275 Ave (255 HRs 18 better than any other in NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 2nd: 654 R, 3.68 ERA (.240 OAV tops in NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 7th straight division title, 10th straight appearance, 10 overall appearances, best finish: WS Champs seasons 4, 5, 6, and 11<br />----------<br />#5 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1656">San Juan Crownrificos</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">5-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 94-68 1st NL Wild Card<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 12th: 714 R, .257 Ave (25 SB half the next worst team in NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 3rd: 657 R, 3.69 ERA (1184 K's led NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 11th appearance (6 division titles, 5 wild cards), best finish: WS Champs SEason 1, 2, and 8<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">vs.</span><br />#4 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1664">Cheyenne Seminoles</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">5-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 90-72 Winner NL West<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 10th: 750 R, .259 Ave (202 SB, 2nd in NL and tops in playoffs)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 1st: 638 R, 3.63 ERA (172 HR, 452 BB, .383 SLG all led NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 5th consecutive division title, 6th straight appearance (9 overall), best finish: Lost NLCS seasons 1 and 9<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">outlook:</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">battle of bad hitting/great pitching teams comes down to the little things, injuries undermine experienced Crownrificos</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">WCM PICK - Cheyenne</span><br />----------<br />Bye<br />#1 <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=1659">Burlington Bulldogs</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">3-1</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Record:</span> 98-64 Winner NL East (first non-NL South team with #1 seed in NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Offense:</span> 8th: 776 R, .250 Ave (only Pawtucket had worse BA)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Defense:</span> 4th: 666 R, 3.73 ERA (56 SV led NL)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">History:</span> 7th straight division title, 7 overall appearances, best finish: WS Champs Season 12The Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142923653787483429.post-59926272502063492312009-09-23T10:45:00.005-05:002009-09-23T11:06:06.267-05:00Hoffman's Injury Leads to Better Insurance for 'Rificos<div style="background-color: #ECEBD4; border:solid 1px grey; width:352px; height:156px;"><table style="border:none;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/franchise_player.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:148px;"><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Race1/Age20/1200056.jpg'); background-repeat:no-repeat; position:relative; width:120px; height:129px; top:13px; left:14px;"><img src="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/Headshots/Jerseys/SanJuan.gif" /></div></div></td><td><div style="background-image:url('http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Images/PlayerProfile/general_box_blog.gif'); height:154px; margin:0; padding:0; width:200px;"><table style="width:190px; color:black; font-family:Tacoma; font-size:12px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 5px 0px 5px;">Billy Hoffman</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:5px 5px 0px 5px;">San Juan</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding:1px 5px 0px 5px;">Crownrificos</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">Age: <strong>29</strong></td><td style="width:50%; padding:9px 5px 0px 15px;">B/T: <strong>L/L</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Born: <strong>Fort Worth, TX</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding:3px 5px 0px 15px;">Position(s): <strong>P (P)</strong></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:4px 5px 0px 5px;"><a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655457" target="_blank">View Hardball Dynasty Profile</a></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QSSdAmDsJFLcGw6E_Wq3nYzZaiFaR7zcdbsHBCLtraU8-xAs5Zkt_t_56NLfl_eMhVm2Az98bJnnn4y7Jx-W_3g5n_FAJxd0oENj1vuRTz5tgSiP2DbsM10vGb_4huM4LX9XuAsHb72g/s1600-h/shoulder_anatomy_bones01.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QSSdAmDsJFLcGw6E_Wq3nYzZaiFaR7zcdbsHBCLtraU8-xAs5Zkt_t_56NLfl_eMhVm2Az98bJnnn4y7Jx-W_3g5n_FAJxd0oENj1vuRTz5tgSiP2DbsM10vGb_4huM4LX9XuAsHb72g/s320/shoulder_anatomy_bones01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384694365823273202" /></a><br />San Juan owner wang35 remains distraught over the career and life-threatening condition of ace hurler <a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=655457" target="_blank">Billy Hoffman</a>. Hoffman, who was rushed to the <a href="http://www.auxiliomutuo.com//">Auxilio Mutuo</a> Hospital in San Juan after experiencing numbness in his arm during a game in Pawtuckett. Hoffman probably should have been hospitalized in Pawtuckett, but he was denied service when bullpen coach Enrique Matos spoke in animated Spanish when a nurse asked for Hoffman's insurance information. Crownrifico insiders continue to whisper that the bargain-basement plan paid for by the team owner may have put Hoffman at risk since the Pawtuckett medical system is "out-of-network."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFHHBD9xQspdaN4VCbmWNR3sfZEQZE9z3gZfDEfAznH2B77cd1qERuX7Mr8K7SIDPQh5HwrkGsd0Rn9bowKUyjE6Bgyah2DsSUGBAf4EWUhlr3SJMJYC1yhYyjSvl6SpVuORJUK1hp0Qk/s1600-h/yankees-david-cone.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFHHBD9xQspdaN4VCbmWNR3sfZEQZE9z3gZfDEfAznH2B77cd1qERuX7Mr8K7SIDPQh5HwrkGsd0Rn9bowKUyjE6Bgyah2DsSUGBAf4EWUhlr3SJMJYC1yhYyjSvl6SpVuORJUK1hp0Qk/s320/yankees-david-cone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384694527366359730" /></a><br />Team owner wang35 has been terribly distraught ever since the incident. Wang first learned of the injury when reached on a beach vacation. Upon learning that Hoffman, the 1st round pick of the Chicago Hog Butchers in season 2, faced a life-threatening condition, Wang lost all love for his vacation, completely falling apart. He immediately tanked the "bags" game he was in and wasn't the same for the rest of the weekend. Even a less-than-successful run at the Pai Gow table was not enough to right the dizzied Wang.<br /><br />He has since set up a charitable organization to treat circulatory disorders in Puerto Rico. He's also allowed Hoffman to use his private jet to see the best experts in the field. Surgery was performed by the same doctors that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/09/sports/baseball-throwing-by-cone-linked-to-aneurysm.html">treated David Cone in New York</a> when he suffered a similar injury. Cone returned from the injury in 1997 and would make the all-star team in 2 of the next 3 years, finishing 4th in the Cy Young voting in 1998.<br /><br />Hoffman debuted in the bigs in Season 5 and has a career record of 86-62 with 4.00 ERA. He's never made the all-star team in the big leaguesThe Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575172774431932590noreply@blogger.com0