EHCC News

Baseball Tri-Weekly: October 2011 Cover

2011-10-18T15:33:00.004-04:00

How The Mighty Have Fallen

2011-07-10T15:03:00.009-04:00

The 3-time champions made a surprising playoff push in 2010, but 2011 hasn't been so lucky. The Las Vegas Doggs currently sit in 9th place in the standings, wondering how things got to where they are and contemplating how the rest of the season will play out.

How The Mighty Have Fallen

By Conor Intabedd; Reno Weekly Rag

The Las Vegas Doggs were once a feared opponent week in and week out, sporting a fearsome offense and a pitching staff that pulled things together just enough to win. Las Vegas held parades for the Doggs down the strip three times in 5 seasons between 2004 and 2008, but ever since the city has had to hold their hat on their basketball franchise, as the Doggs seems to have lost that luster.

Blame it whatever you want - unflattering production by star players like Hanley Ramirez, who is currently sitting on a .241 batting average, and Alex Rios who's barely hitting over the Mendoza Line, injury bugs to Buster Posey and David Wright, or mismanagement on the part of Roger Lodge, who's consistently fallen asleep on the bench when it was time to put new pitchers on the mound - the Doggs have turned into a team that opponents look forward to playing. They've split their match ups this year (6-6-1), but the losses have come at a much steeper price, including the team's first 0-10 loss in franchise history.

"We've just hit a slump we just can't seem to break out of," Doggs' All-Star first baseman Joey Votto told reporters, "it's been very frustrating to see production go untapped. I hope something changes soon."

It's been cries like that that have put manager Roger Lodge on edge.

"There's been plenty of guys I've benched who would have hurt us if I had let them take the mound," Lodge said as he defended his recent hiccups.

Many within the organization have wondered exactly where Lodge's head has been at. Many assume he's been drinking more often as cases upon cases of free have been found in his office on a weekly basis.

"It's one of the perks of the job, but it has never influenced how I manage the team," Lodge said.

Former player Jose Reyes noted that he can remember seeing cases of beer in Lodge's office ever since the 2008 championship.

"I just assumed it was for us to use in the locker room after the [2008] championship. I didn't think much of it until I was traded," Reyes told reporters during the recent Doggs, Piglets match up.

Lodge was given a raise after the 2010 playoff push, and with it a stipulation in his contract was hit - one that gave Lodge even more free beer from the team's official beer sponsor.

With what seemed like such a promising team after the 2010 playoffs, Rodger Lodge has dug quite a hole in 2011. Fans will have to wait and see how GM Howe Dogg reacts as the trade deadline approaches.

Grade The Trade: Peoria/Arlington

2011-07-09T18:28:00.003-04:00

In a recent blockbuster trade, the Peoria Cardinals sent their entire starting middle infield, plus an arm and multiple picks to Arlington for long sought after SP Jon Lester and a couple of bats. Both teams are currently very much alive in this years push for the playoffs. How do you think each team fared with this transaction?

2011-03-16T17:04:00.004-04:00

New for the 2011 season, the Peoria Free Press is launching a new section called, "Grade The Trade", which will highlight all of the major (and not so major depending on how busy the market is) trades throughout the year in the EHCC. First up is the recent trade between the Las Vegas Doggs and Peoria Cardinals.

Needing to fill a hole left behind by Rafael Soriano's sudden refusal to close games, the Cardinals have locked up one of the most dominant closers in the game in Carlos Marmol, while also swapping two OF's hoping that a change of scenery can rejuvenate their young, but established careers.

So. How do YOU grade this trade?

2011-01-18T14:31:00.000-05:00

Making A Case

2010-09-14T18:46:00.013-04:00

The votes are in, well, most of them. The EHCC Awards are set to be officially announced at the end of the season including Rookie of the Year, Offense and Pitching Staffs of the Year, GM of the Year, and the All-EHCC Roster. With Offense and Pitching Staffs being pretty obvious choices, at least according to the voting (and the stats), GM of the Year has been a tight race thus far. Let's break apart all those who received votes.

Make A Case
By Max Powers; EhSPN

Jack Reed, Rakeville Rockets

His History
Mr. Reed has not been shy to voice his GM strategy over the years: build from the ground up, showing loyalty to players and hoping they produce on the field. For a few years the Rockets have struggled to really put forth a true championship caliber team, usually making the playoffs, only missing out in 2004 and 2009, but never making the finals. They'd stayed true to their strategy, growing talent from within and bringing up the best of each crop of talent. 2010 has been no different, as Reed only made one trade since the start of the 2009/2010 Off Season through the August 1, 2010 trade deadline, trading for 3B Scott Rolen. He's also made the 3rd least amount of overall roster moves of all non-contracted team, with only Arlington and Tokyo having less.

His Moves
With the lack of transactions during the season the Rockets have been able to form one of the tightest clubhouses in the EHCC. Former captain Pedro Martinez still makes frequent visits to Rakeville, quoting strong bonds he formed with both players and management over the years, even when he was struggling. "We never really have a fear of losing our jobs," current starting catcher Joe Mauer told reports, "I'm not sure if he [Jack Reed] is just lazy or really likes us all. Either way, it's comforting to know the name on our lockers aren't going anywhere."

His Take
The Rockets finished 2008 in 4th place, then 10th place the following season. After allowing their young talent to make their way up they've climbed back up to championship contention and clinched the 1st round bye and the Eastern Division crown. Some criticize the Rockets, saying they don't deserve the award because it's not a "most improved" award, and that it should be based on the moves the GM made to better their squad (ie: trades, add/drops, etc). Reed has a different look on it stating, "I rebuilt this team," commenting on his General Managing ability. He continued with, "I better win GM of the year, considering all the moves I made - last year's trades plus my rookies coming up."

Apparently last year's trades should be considered in this year's award.

Patrick Renaud, Quebec City Piglets

His History
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride: story of Patrick Renaud's life. Since 2005, the first year the GM of the Year Award was given out, Renaud has not finished higher than 2nd in the GMotY voting, despite never missing the playoffs and grabbing the Western Division crown all but once [2006] in that time frame. He finished 2nd to Arlington's Matt Skinner in 2007, the same year the Warriors beat the Piglets in the EHCC Championship (perhaps that had something to do with the voting), and he finished second to Peoria's Dave Grubb in 2009.

His Moves
During the 2009/2010 offseason Renaud was desperate to upgrade his offense since he had solidified the league's best pitching staff for the past two seasons. He brought in perennial MVP contender Albert Pujols as an upgrade over Justin Morneau and Andrew McCutchen to give life to his aging outfield. Closer to the deadline Renaud pulled off a blockbuster with Weymouth, brining in powerhouse pitchers Johan Santana and Roy Halladay, further solidifying his strong pitching staff. All these moves, along with the day-to-day activity (3rd most in the league) brought Quebec City their 3rd straight, and 4th overall regular season crown.

His Take
His ability to keep his team in annual contention is Renaud's logic behind why he should win the award stating, "No one does more to build their team year in and year out than me and I"ve never won it," Renaud told reporters, "I get no respect there because I never have an off year. It's always most improved."

Every GM to win the GMotY award without winning the EHCC Champoionsip in the same season had increased their team's winning percentage by at least .100 from previous season.

Yukon Cornelius, Weymouth Shaddupu

His History
Cornelius, who has never won the award, perhaps because the award wasn't given out until 2005, the last time team Shaddupu won the EHCC crown, wasn't shy to the trading table this season, as they barely squeaked into the 2009 playoffs and knew there was room for improvement.

His Moves
In an attempt to give his pitching staff the boost it needed, Cornelius promptly jumped on the Roy Halladay sweepstakes when las Vegas put the ace on the block, sending away young gun Mat Latos and stud prospect outfielder Andrew McCutchen in the process. It was needed after sending away Dan Haren for the bat of Pablo Sandoval and the hard throwing Max Scherzer. Youkon knew when to call it quits though, realizing his attempt at a 5th EHCC Championship was going to fail this season, he found a way to rebuild for the future, shipping away Halladay, Johan Santana, and Josh Hamilton for a slew of prospective all-stars, including Jesus Montero, Jenry Mejia, Mike Minor, and Starlin Castro, not to mention a bundle of draft picks from both Tokyo and Quebec City. Considering all three players were never going to sell for more in the future and the standings in the playoff picture, Weymouth probably made the right move at the time.

His Take
When asked why he thought he should win the award Cournelius was quoted to saying, "I think that's a fair vote considering what i did in the offseason as well as at the trading deadline."

Perhaps recognizing the moves you made to start the season weren't working and cutting your losses at the right time is worth consideration.

Place Your Bets

2010-09-07T17:55:00.012-04:00

As the 2010 Playoffs start off one has to ask oneself if this is what was to be expected going into the 2010 season: Rakeville on top of the East, Las Vegas in the playoffs at all, only two Western Division teams represented, and the defending champs in the 6th seed. Let's see what we can expect from the playoffs themselves...

Place Your Bets
By Max Powers; EhSPN

Ok, so it was probably a safe bet that Quebec City would run away with the regular season championship and we all probably saw Tokyo making the leap to the top of the overall standings from a mile away. Most of us probably expected perennial playoff contender Weymouth to finally miss out on post-season glory and we weren't surprised to see Arlington and Tijuana to fight it out for the best draft picks in the 2011 drafts. But there's a few things most of us didn't see coming and wish we had put money on at the start of the season.

Lady Luck Hits Rakeville

I think its safe to say that no one expected to see the Rockets sit above not only the defending champion Weasels but above the entire Eastern Division, capping off the season with not only the Eastern Division crown, which they have publicly announced is the only award they care about, more so than the EHCC Championship, but also to grab the 1st round bye a free pass to the second round of the playoffs. Were they the best team in the division? I'm sure even they would agree that's debatable, but they pulled it off in the end with a little help from lady luck and the self destruction of eastern division rival Peoria. Whatever the case, the Rockets sit safely on top of the East ready to face off against either the defending champs or the surging Omyoujis in the second round. Hopefully for their sake their luck doesn't run out there.

How the West Was Won

Considered by many to be the premier division going into the 2010 season, the western division only has two representatives in this year's playoffs, granted they have the two best records in the EHCC regular season. Having three teams' rosters locked and then contracted around the trade deadline didn't help perhaps. The Piglets were able to run away with the division, going undefeated against Western Division opponents (their only 4 losses came against eastern Division opponents), and easily clinching the top seed in the division. They'll face off against the winner of Peoria v Las Vegas. What will be the most surprising storyline here is if Quebec City can actually find a way to not screw themselves out of the playoffs once again. This is the 4th time the Piglets have earned a first round bye in the playoffs, and the 9th straight playoff appearance, and they've only made the finals once (losing to Arlington in 2007).

If I Was A Gambling Man

The Las Vegas Doggs made no secret of their intention to rebuild during the 2010 season, shipping off most notably Albert Pujols, Roy Halladay, Ricky Nolasco, Adam Dunn, Aramis Ramirez, and Jose Reyes for the likes of Hanley Ramirez, Pedro Alvarez, Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, Joey Votto, Jordan Zimmerman, Rick Porcello, and Mat Latos before the start of the season. Ownership was ready to finish just outside the playoff bubble, ready to compete heavily during the 2011 campaign. Things change sure, but not many expected the Doggs' roster, as constructed at the start of the season, to conceivably compete for a solid playoff spot, never mind the top of the Eastern Division or even possibly the EHCC title. Vegas ownership saw an opportunity in the division - as Peoria was starting to slump and the Weasels were playing below expected - and decided they were in a position to compete, and not just in 2011. Along came Carlos Gonzalez, Billy Wagner, and Jair Jurrjens (at the cost at many of their 2011 and beyond pieces). Buster Posey taking over the starting catcher duties didn't hurt either. They set two weekly offensive records this season and are the favorites to take home the 2010 Offense of the Year award. They may be the lower seed facing off against the 2009 eastern Division champion Cardinals, but anyone that's been paying attention probably doesn't see it that way.

How to Weasel Yourself Into The Playoffs

Ask any fan in Bridgewater if they saw themselves as the lowest seed in the 2010 playoffs after finally walking away with the championship in 2009 and they'll all tell you the same thing, "What? The 2010 season has started?" Not one Weasels' fan has come down from the 2009 championship high to realize they barely made their way over Weymouth for the final seed in the 2010 playoffs. Weymouth on the other hand is finally getting the experience of witnesses the EHCC playoffs from the outside looking in, missing the playoffs for the first time in team history, breaking a 9 year streak of competing for the EHCC crown.

2010 Playoff Predictions (1st Round)

4 Peoria Cardinals
vs
5 Las Vegas Doggs

Dogg's offense has carried them all season, finishing the regular season first or second in R, HR, RBI, and SB. Peoria has beaten the Doggs 7-12 in the 2010 regular season, but I'd expect the Doggs to pull it out this week
Prediction: Doggs 7, Cardinals 3

3 Tokyo Omyoujis
vs
6 Bridgewater Weasels

Just in time for Weasels' fans to notice they made it into the playoffs, the defending champs have to face off against the second best team (record-wise) in the league. Tokyo and Bridgewater split their season series 1-1, but the Omyoujis outscored the Weasels 12-7. I don't see an upset here, but I do expect the champs to keep it close.
Prediction: Omyoujis 6, Weasels 3

Coming up...Clovers?

2010-08-16T14:16:00.007-04:00

By Jameson McStout

While controversy continues to swirl in the EHCC, the folks in Dublin see a silver lining through it all- the chance to finally add a baseball team to the city. With the departure of the ownership group in South Carolina, ironically the first city to defeat Dublin in an attempt to acquire a team, the Dublin staff has been given temporary control of the team. While this move is just for the remainder of the season, and Dubliners will have to deal with another application process, the management team gets a chance to prove itself in action.

It will be an interesting scene since Dublin will be employing the leagues only co-managers/GMs, Connor and Murphy MacManus. While the EHCC brain trust told the boys that they were only there to run the team, no moving the team, changing the name or colors, in a week and a half they have definitely left their mark.

Livan Hernandez, first to make a start under the MacManus's, noticed something very different about the Gatorade bottles. “Normally its the green stuff, so when I saw it was yellow I just figured those two liked the lemon flavor better, especially since they were constantly drinking the stuff. Turns out it wasn't Gatorade at all, straight Irish whiskey.”

That change has actually allowed the 9th place Wrens to play looser, and in some cases better, but occasionally at a cost. Last night Kevin Slowey took a swig before he took the mound. With each hit free inning he threw, he felt the need to repeat the process. After coming off the mound after the 7th, he tripped over the white line on his way to the dug out, took his shot, and made his way down the tunnel to use the bathroom. When it came time for him to take the mound in the 8th, he was nowhere to be found. A frantic search was made, but to no avail, and the bullpen was put in charge of keeping the no-hitter, which they promptly lost. He was found 2 hours after the game passed out in a laundry bin of dirty jock straps.

While they are in a near impossible spot in 9th place, 15 games out of 6th with only 3 weeks to play, you can notice a looser and more fun locker room. And even though they know the team will most likely be dissolved, the MacManus's are treating it like their own.

The City of False Hope

2010-05-18T14:39:00.007-04:00

The Las Vegas Doggs have dropped from supremacy in the EHCC after not making the 2009 playoffs, but was hope restored after a huge victory at the hands of the Arlington Warriors? David Wright isn't quite sold yet, but it doesn't mean he won't enjoy the after-win party.

The City Of False Hope
By: Conor Intabedd/Reno Weekly Rag

Congratulations go out to the Las Vegas Doggs for shutting out the Arlington Warriors 10-0 in their Week 6 match up. This instance was the 8th time the Doggs have scored 10 points on their opponent in team history, an EHCC record. As the team traveled from Virginia to Mexico to face the Hispanics, team manager Roger Lodge tried to keep his players from getting too excited.

"I just told them they need enjoy the win but reminded that their performance against any other team would have brought a completely different outcome. You don't beat many teams when you put up a .237 team average," Lodge told reporters when the team landed in Tijuana on Monday morning.

Many managers and owners realize that the Warriors have a way of giving their opponent a sense of false hope. Take a look at the defending champion Bridgewater Weasels for example, who beat the Warriors in Week 1 by a score of 6-3. Since then the Weasels have only won 1 game, being outscored 20-28 since the Warriors left.

"We were in a good place," Weasels' slugger Ryan Howard told the EhP, "We had just received our rings. We won our home and season opener, we were riding high. I guess we just forgot who we were dealing with."

In 2009 the Doggs faced off against and easily beat the Warriors in Week 16. They were riding high on top of the Eastern Division standings after a solid 7-2-1 road win, but they may have let the win against the Warriors get them too comfortable. The Doggs lost their next 5 games and ended their season on the wrong side of the playoff bubble.

"We won't ever let that happen to us again, "team captain David Wright commented at the after-win party, "We now realize that a win against Arlington is just a win, regardless of the score. It doesn't mean anything more than any other win. Not to take anything away from us, we put up OK numbers last week, but against most other teams...let's just say I feel lucky. Now if you excuse me, I'm next for Karaoke."

The Doggs have been rumored to already be playing for the 2011 or 2012 EHCC title. They've reportedly shopped the likes of Carlos Lee, who isn't helping his trade value with his early season slump, Alfonso Soriano, Barry Zito, who have been a pleasant surprise, and Ben Sheets, all veterans who would like to rack up another title for themselves. One must wonder if after a big win they might feel as though they can compete for the 2010 crown instead, as they currently sit in 2nd place in the Eastern Division standings.

"I mean, it would obviously be nice, but we have to be realistic. There are some very good teams out there. Peoria has put themselves above all others in the East, and just about everyone in the Western Division is a championship contender. I expect we'll compete all year long, and we very well might make the playoffs, but we will need a lot more luck if/when we make it," commented GM Howe Dogg.

The Las Vegas Doggs currently sit in 5th place overall in the EHCC standings, .5 game under .500 with an overall record of 29-30-1. They are 1-1 within their division.

----------

Las Vegas Doggs' Team Notes

-Roger Lodge is well aware that not making the playoffs two years in a row for a team that has made the playoffs 8 straight years would not only be a tragedy for their fans, but possibly also for his job. "I'm well aware of the situation. I plan to do just enough to not get fired," Lodge told reporters. Probably not the most endorsing phrase he could have used.

-The Doggs signed minor league pitcher Andrew Cashner to a EHCC contract yesterday. They are hoping to give Cashner the call sometime soon. To make room on the their EHCC roster the Doggs' waived part time closer Jose Contreras, as the team feels as though his birth certificate, which states he is 38, is false. Team officials believe him to be 62, and they don't expect him to produce past the end of May.

-Gordon Beckham continues to be benched for Rickie Weeks has he battles a case of "being a huge disappointment".

Baseball Tri-Weekly: April Cover 2010

2010-04-06T08:21:00.000-04:00

2009/10 Off Season Review (Part 2)

2010-03-31T15:17:00.007-04:00

As most owners realize, the baseball season doesn't end in September. It was an active off season for most teams in the EHCC, either building for the future or trying to add the missing piece to make their roster a contender for the 2010 crown. The Gryphons came so close to their first title in 2009, and they're hoping bringing on some more firepower on offense (Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis won't hurt) will give them the boost they need.

2009/10 Off Season Review (Part 2)
By: Conor Intabedd / Reno Weekly Rag

TOKYO OMYOUJIS

Gave Up...

Alex Rios (OF - CWS)
Derek Jeter (SS - NYY)
Brandon Webb (SP - ARI)
Chris Tillman (SP - BAL)
3rd Round MaDP (2010 - TKO) - R3P9 [Brett Myers (SP - HOU)]

Took On...

Jacoby Ellsbury (OF - BOS)
Jeff Niemann (SP - TB)
2nd Round MaDP (2010 - TIJ) - R2P3 [Brandon McCarthy (SP - TEX)]
2nd Round MiDP (2010 - PEO) - R2P6 [Player TBD]
2nd Round MiDP (2010 - LV) - R2P9 [Player TBD]
2nd Round MaDP (2011 - GLD) - R2P? [Player TBD]

After making the EHCC Playoffs for the first time in team history, Tokyo sees themselves as being on the brink of contending for a title. They did little to push themselves over the edge, however they surely didn't hurt themselves during this off season. The Omyoujis realized their biggest hole was speed, something they were hoping Alex Rios would remedy. He hasn't been the answer but there's no reason newcomer Jacoby Ellsbury won't fill that roll. Sending away injury riddled Brandon Webb doesn't hurt their chances this season. They grabbed draft picks to help them down the line for players they were considering cutting anyway (Rios, Jeter). They didn't make a big splash, one they might have needed to make it over the hump, but the moves they did make were calculated and smart.
Grade: B+

PEORIA CARDINALS

Gave Up...

Pablo Sandoval (1B, 3B - SF)
Max Scherzer (SP - DET)
2nd Round MaDP (2010 - QC) - R2P10 [Bronson Arroyo (SP CIN)]
2nd Round MiDP (2010 - PEO) - R2P6 [Player TBD]
2nd Round MaDP (2011 - PEO) - R2P? [Player TBD]

Took On...

Derek Jeter (SS - NYY)
Dan Haren (SP - ARI)
2nd Round MaDP (2010 - LV) - R2P6 [Derek Lowe (SP - ATL)]

The defending Eastern Division Champions did well for themselves this off season. The potential in the players they sent away are immense but the Cardinals are way past potential now and bringing on solid veterans in Dan Haren, who's still got plenty in the tank, and Derek Jeter, filling a huge gap Peoria has had for a while at SS, should go far in their quest for an EHCC title.
Grade: A

GOLDEN GRYPHONS

Gave Up...

Carlos Pena (1B - TB)
Dustin Pedroia (2B - BOS)
Scott Kazmir (SP - LAA)
Tommy Hanson (SP - ATL)
Frank Francisco (RP - TEX)
1st Round MiDP (2011 - GLD) - R1P? [Player TBD]
2nd Round MaDP (2010 - GLD) - R2P11 [Wade LeBlanc (SP - SD)]
2nd Round MaDP (2011 - GLD) - R2P? [Player TBD]

Took On...

Adrian Gonzalez (1B - SD)
Kevin Youkilis (1B, 3B - BOS)
Cole Hamels (SP - PHI)
3rd Round MaDP (2010 - RAK) - R3p5 [Mike Gonzalez (RP - BAL)]
3rd Round MaDP (2010 - TKO) - R3P9 [Brett Myers (SP - HOU)]
5th Round MaDP (2010 - ARL) - R5P11 [Joel Pineiro (SP - LAA)]

The Gryphons are no strangers to the off season trade market, being involved in 19 off season trades since the 2006/07 off season. Since trading for Chase utley at the deadline last season the Gryphons couldn't wait to test the waters for Pedrioa and wasted no time shipping him out once trading season started back up. Golden did well for themselves in upgrading positions, and along with Peoria they are long past the "potential stage" of developing players. Hanson is the prize being shipped away, but Cole Hamels fills that hole nicely, with Kevin Youkilis plugging the hole the Gryphons have had at 3B for a while. They lost just a little bit of depth in their rotation however, as even with the injuries Scott Kazmir along with Tommy Hanson will probably put up more productivity together than Hamels will alone.
Grade: B

2009/10 Off Season Review (Part 1)

2010-03-30T21:35:00.009-04:00

As most owners realize, the baseball season doesn't end in September. It was an active off season for most teams in the EHCC, either building for the future or trying to add the missing piece to make their roster a contender for the 2010 crown, as seems to be the case with the EHCC's newest team, the Woodland Park Wops, as they traded away Pedro Alvarez for established talent. How did your team utilize their off season?

2009/10 Off Season Review (Part 1 of 4)
By: Conor Intabedd / Reno Weekly Rag

Below is part one of a four part series which reviews exactly how the off season was used by each team in the league. Enjoy.

WOODLAND PARK WOPS

Gave Up...

Kevin Youkilis (1B,3B - BOS)
Cole Hamels (SP - PHI)
Rick Porcello (SP - DET)
Gio Gonzalez (SP - OAK)
Pedro Alvarez (3B - PIT)*
2nd Round MaDP (2010 - WP) - R2P4 [Ryan Rowland-Smith (SP - SEA)]
1st Round MiDP (2010 - WP) - R1P7 [Player TBD]
2nd Round MiDP (2010 - WP) - R2P10 [Player TBD]

Took On...

Dustin Pedroia (2B - BOS)
Scott Kazmir (SP - LAA)
Frank Francisco (RP - TEX)
Stephen Drew (SS - ARI)
Ted Lilly (SP - CHC)
Aramis Ramirez (3B - CHC)
Adam Dunn (1B, OF - WAS)
3rd Round MaDP (2011 - LV) - R3P? [Player TBD]

The league's only rookie owner tried to make up for the team's former owner's lack of movement all before his first regular season match up. Right out of the gun the Wops went after their targets: Pedrioa, Kazmir, Drew. They knew what they wanted and were willing to pay for them. Filling out the roster came later, with additions of Dunn and Aramis Ramirez. Their offense is considerably better, no question. It may have come at the expense of their pitching and future however, as they shipped off young, talented starters in Porcello and Hamels, only adding on Scott Kazmir and Ted Lilly and their injury baggage. Can't fault them for being aggressive however.
Grade: B

SOUTH CAROLINA FIGHTING WRENS

Gave Up...

Joey Votto (1B - CIN)
1st Round MiDP (2010 - SC) - R1P10 [Player TBD]
4th Round MaDP (2011 - SC) - R4P? [Player TBD]

Took On...

Ricky Nolasco (SP - FLA)
Carlos Beltran (OF - NYM)
4th Round MaDP (2010 - ARL) - R4P5 [Matt Guerrier (RP-MIN)]

The Wrens made no secret of the availability of their two young first baseman. The only issue they had is that no one needed them as much as they wanted to get rid of them, that is until the dust settled on the Las Vegas off season trading frenzy. Bringing on a solid arm in Nolasco was a good move for the Wrens, even if Votto may have been worth more. It was simply a situation of supply and demand. South Carolina had the supply, but there was just a lack of demand as the majority of the teams out there were satisfied with their first base situation. The Wrens probably did the best they were going to do considering the market. Grabbing Carlos Beltran as a veteran presence in their outfield doesn't hurt either.
Grade: B+

RAKEVILLE ROCKETS

Gave Up...

3rd Round MaDP (2010 - PEO) - R3P8 [Gil Meche (SP - KC)]
4th Round MaDP (2010 - RAK) - R4P11 [Joe Nathan (RP - MIN)]

Took On...

3rd Round MaDP (2011 - WP) - R3P? [Player TBD]
4th Round MaDP (2011 - ARL) - R4P? [Player TBD]

Another boring off season in Rakeville. Draft day trades aside, the Rockets haven't made an off season trade since December 10, 2007 when they traded for BJ Upton. The off season prior they made only two trades, both of which sent away players for draft picks. Management might still be hurting for their terrible 2005/06 off season, as the team has become a big player at the trade deadline and appears to go into hibernation come the off season. They didn't hurt themselves, but didn't help themselves either, and with the majority of the teams in the EHCC getting better now or in preparation for the future, it doesn't help the Rockets to stand still. The lack of moves for a roster in need determines their grade.
Grade: C

2009 Season Review: Bridgewater Weasels

2010-03-09T21:30:00.010-05:00

They've been there before and tasted the bitter taste of defeat. Finally, after 9 seasons, 221 weeks of play, 18 playoff series, 5 championship series, it is now time for Bridgewater to celebrate.

2009 Season Review: Bridgewater Weasels
By: Mike Claffey; Bridgewater Weasels' Owner

There were no duckboats available at the time, so they used the B.A.T. buses from the local college for their parade, which upset a lot of the fat slobs who complained that they had to walk around the “ginormous” Bridgewater State campus that day. The parade went all over Bridgewater: Emma’s Pizza, Bogarts, O’Brien’s Pub, um…well that’s about it in Bridgewater but it was a good time had by all. The parade didn’t stop there though - they took it to some other towns. They stop in at Bellingham to pay respect to the fans and the town where the team first started years ago. The team was also honored at a Bridgewater Phenoms game where they raised the plaque to a roaring crowd of fans who left soon after the game got started because, well, the Phenoms are terrible. They also dropped by Rakeville to rub it in their faces. “I don’t expect anything less from a bunch of classless pieces of scum that the Weasels are,” said Rakeville GM Jack Reed.

“We may be scum, but I make millions and have a ring now, so suck it Reed” said Ryan Howard. Suck it indeed as the Bridgewater Weasels celebrate their first EHCC Championship in team history. “It's been a long road but all that hard work and dedication to not sucking has finally paid off” said Alex “Douchebag” Rodriguez, who has the longest tenure on the team. Not being one of their best seasons (a .555 winning percentage, 2nd worst in team history) the Weasels seemed as though they would not make the playoffs for the first time ever. But after making an implausible run at the end of the season, the team found themselves in a very familiar situation.

Being no strangers to the championship series (5th series), the Weasels found themselves matched up against a very tough Golden Gryphons team. After jumping out to a big lead with dominating performances by Aaron Hill, Wandy Rodriguez, Ryan Howard, rookie call-up Wade Davis, the team began to slow down, and the Gryphons began to catch up. As the week went on, the lead began to shrink and the Weasels got nervous. “I’ve seen this quite a few times in the past, so you bet your ass I was scared,” said manager Kenny Beltram. With the confidence beginning to slip away, Bridgewater tried a new strategy they have never done before - not to suck and blow the championship again. The strategy worked and they finally took home the plaque.

With a roller coaster ride of a season that ended in a championship, the Weasels have plenty of Highlights and Lowlights. We know players like Ryan Howard, Andre Either, Alex Rodriguez, and Wandy Rodriguez had incredible seasons, but here are some other spotlights on the team that went all the way in 2009.

Great Signings
Here is a list of get pickups made by the Weasels this year that were key in their first Championship season:

Aaron Hill – Talk about finding a diamond in the rough. The signing of Hill in 2009 could arguable go down as one of the best pickups in EHCC history. With a stat line of R-103, HR-36, RBI-108, AVG-.286, WS should really be kicking themselves for letting this guy go. After a couple of disappointing season, it seemed that Hill just needed a change in scenery and got back to his ‘07 form. Luckily for Bridgewater they were getting subpar play from Placido Polanco and made the move to pick up the 2^nd baseman. Hopefully Hill can keep this type of play going for years to come.

Rajai Davis – After the halfway point, the Weasels were struggling to find a reliable 3^rd OF, until they stumbled upon Davis. Acquired mostly for his speed, Davis signed with the team after the break and it was love at first sight. Turned out Davis just needed some PT to show he can be an everyday player, giving the Weasel not only plenty of SBs but also scored a lot of runs and hit for average. Not only that but he gave the team the boast they needed to get to and during the playoffs, carrying the team most of the way.

JA Happ – W-12, K-119, ERA-2.93, WHIP-1.23, not bad for a rookie. Happ signed with the team early in the season and never looked back. Speaking of rookie pickups, Randy Wells didn’t do so bad himself pulling in 12 wins as well, with 104 Ks and an ERA of 3.05. Fernando Rodney may not be a rookie, but the wily veteran reliever came up big in the saves department (37 saves), where the team was lacking after BJ Ryan turned into a 5 year old girl. Rodney was signed immediately after FA signings began, which turned out to be a good move in the end.

Disappointments:

Chien-Ming Wang – The usual reliable middle of the rotation guy, Wang was just awful this year. Coming off an injury, Wang was expected to come back to form and he was far from it, with an ERA of 9.64 in just 42 innings before getting injured for the season. Some say the injury was no accident and that Catcher Jorge Posada is the one who caused it. One inside source said he overheard Posada saying that he had to do it because he could not catch his crappy pitching anymore. I think that we all believe it was a good decision.

B(low)J(ob) Ryan- Kept on the 20 man roster even after Tommy John Surgery, Ryan was suppose to be part of a pretty good relief core. Instead he threw as hard as my little brother and he has no arms. I know what you are asking, how can BJ not throw harder than someone with no arms? Well that’s the same question the Weasels were trying to answer and they couldn’t. Luckily for them there were able to pickup Rodney.

Jermaine Dye – Being the Weasels first round draft pick at 11, Dye was expected to be a very productive 3^rd outfielder. “We expected him to make an impact quickly here, unfortunately it just never unfolded” said Owner Nastra Diggus. Dye was not putting up the numbers we were accustomed to seeing the last few years out of him. But when god closes a door, he opens up a window when he’s shitting and the Weasels received Rajai Davis.

Berkman, McLouth, Saunders – These 3 stars didn’t have bad seasons, just disappointing ones. Berkman, after putting up a monster season last season, saw his numbers diminish this year possible due to injury. McLouth scored the usual amount of runs and home runs but saw a decline in RBIs and more importantly Steals and AVG. (19;.256). Those numbers are extremely low for the type of player he is. Saunders, after a breakout season last year, gave the team wins, but with an ERA much higher than the norm. You just weren’t sure what type a pitcher you would get from start to start.

Most Surprised:

Derrek Lee – With Berkman not being able to play the OF due to be so fat, the team was stuck with 3 good 1^st basemen. Lee seemed to be the odd man out and the team tried to ship him away and was unsuccessful. Boy did other teams miss out on a possible steal. When Berkman got injured, Lee stepped up bigtime, putting up numbers (R-91; HR-35; RBI-111; AVG-.306) that haven’t been seen since his MVP type season in 05. “With the team struggling I knew I had to do more than just hit for average, so I decided to stopped being a pussy and started to hit the ball over the wall and it worked out” said Lee. If it wasn’t for Howard, Lee would have had a good fight for the team’s Jeff Bagwell Award with Aaron Hill.

Another big surprise was 92 year old Trevor Hoffman. I’m kidding, he’s only 54, but pitching like a 24 year old. Hoffman produced 37 saves this year, which isn’t too shocking since he has been doing that for years now. The reason why he is in the surprising section is because of other categories, ERA and WHIP. The Hoff always got the team saves but that was accompanied with a high ERA and WHIP, this year there was a big change (ERA-1.83; WHIP-0.91). Bridgewater at the beginning of the season questioned if he still had anything left in the tank, but with these number they are now hoping he sticks around for a little bit longer.

Chris Carpenter – After Tommy John Surgery and not pitching in almost 2 years, there were many questions swirling around carpenter. Will he return to Cy Young form? Will he stay healthy? Can he build me a house and overcharge me for it? Well the answer is yes, yes, and maybe? Carpenter came back for the last few weeks of last season giving some hope to the Weasels of having an ace. That hope was fulfilled as carpenter put up dominating numbers (IP-192.2; W-17; K-144; ERA-2.24; WHIP-1.01). “We knew he would come back and pitch pretty well, but we had no idea he would be this good, and thank god because everyone else sucked at the beginning of the season” said manager Kenny Beltram.

With the 2009 season at an end, the 2010 season is around the corner. When trying to reach GM Nastra Diggus for comments on any strategy or ideas for the upcoming season, we were informed that he and most of the team were past out drunk from celebrating the championship….still…two months later. Nothing sweeter than the first one.

2009 Season Review: South Carolina Fighting Wrens

2010-03-03T12:16:00.003-05:00

The Wrens took over a disheveled franchise and they didn't help themselves by trading away soon to be star Tulo Tulowitzki and former MVP Dustin Pedroia without ever allowing them to make the trip to South Carolina, but management is confident they can turn this franchise around.

2009 Season Review: South Carolina Fighting Wrens
By: Matt Austin; South Carolina Fighting Wrens Owner

The South Carolina Fighting Wrens limped to an 11th place finish in their inaugural season. The Wrens made a big splash in the pre-season, trading away Troy Tulowitzki and Dustin Pedroia for Clayton Kershaw and Cameron Maybin. Maybin flopped in his first season in South Carolina, but Kershaw really shined. Along with free agent acquisition Kendry Morales, the duo led a young, energetic team. Old re-tread Kevin Millwood sported a solid season, as well as 2009 2nd round pick Jose Lopez. When their third basemen wasn’t on the DL with a bruised left testicle (Adrian Beltre), the team really struggled to hit for power, average, drive in runs, steal bases, and score. They also struggled mightily in K’s, WHIP and ERA.

The biggest news of the year came at the Minor League draft, were GM Matt Austin selected Justin Smoak and Brian Matusz with the first 2 picks of Round 1. The team also added OF Aaron Hicks and SS/P Casey Kelly. Once Austin saw how awful his staff was, he designated Kelly as a pitcher full-time. With several high draft picks, the team will look to continue to build on a young core.

2009 Season Review: Tokyo Omyoujis

2010-03-02T15:56:00.004-05:00

In the standings the year was rather uneventful for the Tokyo Omyoujis, who sat steadily between third and fifth place in the EHCC all season long. On the field, however, it was a different story. Ultimately, the 2009 season for the Tokyo Omyoujis can be summed up in a single word, "PLAYOFFS".

2009 Season Review: Tokyo Omyoujis
By: Matt Ryder; Tokyo Omyoujis Owner

"We didn't advance in the playoffs, but just making it to them was a great success," said star pitcher C.C. Sabathia after experiencing his first playoff season.

The Omyoujis' success this season can be attributed to a number of individual breakout seasons from position players and the usual, steady, above-average effort from the pitching staff. Mark Reynolds, taking over for the departed Garrett Atkins, turned in a 50 home run campaign in his first full season at third base, combining with Prince Fielder to power the Omyoujis offense. Adam Jones helped to keep the Omyoujis offense running early in the season, finally bringing an end to Jeff Francoeur's disappointing Tokyo career. Later in the season the offense was buoyed by the acquisition of Derek Jeter, brought on to help stabilize an offense that seemed to be slowing down. Jeter went on to fill the stat sheet for the rest of the season bringing power to a position previously inhabited by the young, currently powerless, Elvis Andrus. Offensive cornerstones Brian McCann and Brandon Phillips contributed average years for themselves.

Jeff Francoeur, Alexis Rios, and Billy Butler were again disappointments for Tokyo. Francoeur was cut from the team after the discovery of Adam Jones. Alexis Rios ended the year on the bench, after hopes of a 20/20 season were dashed by inconsistent play. Billy Butler's inability to turn his constantly growing doubles totals into home runs seems to be a trend with no end in sight. Tokyo has been unable to get consistently excellent play from their outfield for the past three seasons, after the career seasons of Francoeur and Rios, the trade of Curtis Granderson to Arlington, and Shane Victorino's exit via free agency.

Early injuries to the Omyoujis' pitching staff threatened to derail Tokyo's season. Brandon Webb was lost after only two starts, out for the season. Joakim Soria experienced shoulder soreness intermittently for the first two months of the season. In addition to the injury problems C.C. Sabathia started the season slowly, rendering the top three pitchers from the 2008 team ineffective. Brandon McCarthy missed the first half of the season recuperating from an arm injury and Jeremy Guthrie experienced a season long slump.

The staff recovered from the early season problems with John Danks and Edwin Jackson pitching superbly from the start to the end of the season. Brandon McCarthy returned at mid-season and C.C. Sabathia shook off some early season inefficiency to turn in above average seasons for Tokyo. Mid-season acquisition Ross Ohlendorf pitched excellently down the stretch, turning in win after win with his crafty pitching approach.

The bullpen was one of the best, if not the best, in the league. Mainstays Jonathan Broxton and Joakim Soria pitched like All-Stars when healthy. 2009 acquisitions Heath Bell and David Aardsma turned in outstanding performances of their own. With four excellent relief pitchers all the Tokyo starters had to do was get to the sixth or seventh inning and the game was sealed. "The Ohlendorf and Aardsma acquisitions were made at the suggestion of our pitching coach, Hideo Nomo," said GM Enkidu Ishtar. "Nomo thought he saw a hitch in each of those free agent pitchers' pitching motions that he could fix, he was right."

Some in Tokyo were disappointed to see that GM Enkidu Ishtar traded out of the 2009 minor league draft in favor of picking up all of Peoria's picks in the 2010 draft. "In this poor economic environment we wanted to reduce expenses," said Ishtar. "We thought we'd make cuts in the costs of our Vermont affiliate before moving onto the major league team's expenses. Luckily, with the insurance money from Webb's injury we didn't have to make any additional cuts." Tokyo also ended up trading a minor leaguer, Mike Moustakas, and put pitcher Fautino De Los Santos on injured reserve for the year, allowing them to collect insurance money on his contract. All of the minor league cuts left Chris Tillman as the only player on Vermont's roster that counted toward Tokyo's minor league expenses for the full season. "No one is buying robot dogs, Pokemon, or sake this year," said manager Sadaharu Oh, summing up the problem by naming Japan's three biggest exports. "We might have to start cutting back on the number of geishas in the dressing room, and maybe even on the post-game buffets."

"They better not cut back on that buffet," said Prince Fielder, "or I'm going to start eating Pokemon and robot dogs."

After being told about the possible buffet cuts, C.C. Sabathia apparently agreed with Fielder as he huddled in the corner muttering to himself, "Gotta catch 'em all, gotta catch 'em all."

2009 Season Review: Las Vegas Doggs

2010-03-02T00:14:00.008-05:00

The defending champs didn't even get the chance to defend their title in 2009, failing to make the playoffs for the first time in team history. The season was more than just a disappointment to their fans, it was also a wake up call to team management. As fans grieve over the lost season, management now need to figure out where the team is going next.

Wasn't Meant To Be (The Story of the 2009 Las Vegas Doggs)
By: Max Power

On that opening day, no one could quiet any piece of the crowd. The Vegas fans cheered louder with every anticipating moment. They've been here before but it never gets old. The crowd never sat down as each ring was awarded to the 2008 championship squad. Some say it was the highlight of the 2009 season. Others agree. The fact remains, the team has never won back to back championships, and 2009 would be no different. This scene was ultimately the beginning of the end of the Las Vegas Doggs' 2009 season.

The 2009 season for the Doggs can easily be broken up into the 5 stages of grief. The first 5 weeks the team was in denial that fate had knocked them out of contention for the 2009 championship. They went on to to dominate their opponents, receiving stellar outings from the likes of Chris Young, David Wright, and Aramis Ramirez. They felt they still had a shot, that they could break fate's will.

The next few weeks showed a side of the Doggs no fan wanted to see. They were angry with themselves after losing to Weymouth in Week 6 and ended up losing the next two weeks. They should have been undefeated going into their match up against the Piglets in Week 9. It should have been the match up of the season.

Over the course of the next 8 weeks the team, and its fans bounced around, winning a majority of their games and feeling as though they could elongate the season, just a little bit. If they could just win the next match up, things would be better and they'd be OK, They went on to win 7 out of their next 8 match ups.

Then the inevitable happened. The Doggs went on to the lose their next 5 match ups, slowly but surely dropping closer and closer to the rest of the Eastern Conference. It was depressing. Players didn't even seem to care anymore. Even powerhouse Albert Pujols seemed lifeless at the plate at times. It was a sad time as a Vegas fan.

By the time the final week came the Doggs had already been knocked out of the playoff contention as they faced off against the Rockets of Rakeville. They held their heads up high as they had finally accepted their fate. It would be their first time looking upon the EHCC playoffs from the outside. A bitter pill to swallow, but one they had been anticipating all season, whether they knew it or not.

2009 Season Review: Peoria Cardinals

2010-02-28T23:30:00.004-05:00

SURPRISE! 2009 was the official coming out party for the 2009 Eastern Division Champion Peoria Cardinals launch into relevancy.

2009 Season Review: Peoria Cardinals
By: Dave Grubb; Peoria Cardinals Owner

From Day 1 back in the winter of 2005/06, the Peoria Ownership made the vow that if they were to invest in a professional baseball franchise that they would not be content for that team to be mediocre. Through several long, losing seasons that saw publicly questioned draft picks and trades completed by this team’s Front Office it all paid dividends in 2009. From the very day that the 2008 Peoria Cardinals cleaned out their lockers for the last time, finishing just 4th in the league in wins, GM Dave Grubb caught many by surprise when he claimed his team a 2009 Playoff Contender, and believed that the team was just a tweak away from competing with the big boys.

“If we aren’t one of those final six teams playing meaningful ball through September, I will personally go door-to-door and apologize to every resident in the great city of Peoria, Illinois”, said Peoria Cardinals GM Dave Grubb at a recent charity sledding event hosted by 2008 Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. –An excerpt taken from the Christmas, 2008 Edition of Peoria Free Press – “A Look Ahead To 2009”

This focus only gained momentum as the team scored big twice in the 2009 EHCC Major League Draft. While most ‘experts’ still seeing Peoria as a team still in ‘rebuild’ mode mocked the selection of a 36 year-old corner OF, Raul Ibanez, with its first pick (and 33 year-old SP Randy Wolf with its R3, P7). The nay-sayers did nothing to bother GM Dave Grubb who had the last laugh, watching Ibanez absolutely destroy EHCC pitching in the first half of the season; launching 22 HR, driving in 69 and hitting right around .310! Ibanez was slowed in the second half with injuries, but still went on to post career highs in power numbers. Randy Wolf went on to post well over 200 IP, with his numbers actually gaining momentum all the way through the season (posting a sub-3, 1.02 WHIP throughout the second half of 09). These veteran presences implanted into the young Peoria lineup was invaluable in getting the Cardinals player’s minds ready to believe that they were indeed ready to be winners.

Throughout the season, much like with every other quality EHCC team; Peoria faced tough decisions, trade opportunities, and a rash of injuries that could have easily derailed their season. SP Edinson Volquez came into the season as one of Peoria’s blue-chippers, but never could get consistent before blowing his arm off and being lost for much of 2009 and most likely all of 2010. C Geovany Soto, coming off of an All-Star Rookie season, had a little problem giving up the weed, and then mixed in some injuries to have an absolutely forgettable season. SP Chad Billingsley, arguably the hottest pitcher in the EHCC in the first half, ran completely out of gas at the turn of the season, conditioning questions that will surely need to be addressed with this 25 year-old, 250 pounder.

As quickly as chips started falling apart in Peoria however, the front office stayed on top of its business; working the phone lines, burning the midnight oil on AIM and constantly scouting talent around the league. The Cardinals were able to make several Free Agent pickups throughout the season that proved to be intrical to their run at the Eastern Division title. One of these huge additions was two-thirds of the entire bullpen. JP Howell and Rafael Soriano were brought in via Free Agency and instantly brought in much needed closer mentalities, and most importantly closer stats. Both men would finish the season with well over a K per Inning, ERA’s under 3 and solid save numbers. SP Bronson Arroyo, an original draft pick in 09 of the Cardinals but later released, was brought back halfway through the year and performed wonders. Posting a league-best ERA in the second half (2.24, 1.04 WHIP). Arguably one of the team’s MVPs in 2009 was also a Free Agent pick-up, Super-Utility Man and best nickname in the EHCC, Ben “Zorilla” Zobrist. Zobrist burst onto the scene immediately and never slowed. Zobrist saved the day once Ibanez went down, picking up exactly where Ibanez left off; finishing the season with a line of .297/.405/.543, 27, 91, 91, 17 and at still 28 the Cardinals hope they have caught lightning in a bottle. Time will tell, but for one season he was a total beast!

The trade market had mixed results for the Cardinals in 2009. The brightest trade GM Dave Grubb was able to swing, and arguably the most controversial in EHCC History, was a match made with the fire-sale minded, rebuild driven, now defunct, Winston-Salem Green Monsters. The deal centered around former top-prospects Jay Bruce, Chris Davis and Andrew Miller departing Peoria in return of OF Grady Sizemore and SP Rich Harden. At the time of the trade, the Cardinals were sitting just outside the playoff picture and knew that in order to make a legit run this trade was the only way to send the message that they were serious about winning! This trade long-term is sure to benefit both teams. One trade that I’m sure the Cardinals would love to do over if they could would be the deal that sent Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.47 ERA, 198K) for SS Rafael Furcal. Of course, with the emergence of Zorilla through the year, it is easy to second-guess the teams decision to acquire the SS, and the team was starting to lose hope that Jimenez would gain the control he showed once he arrived in Quebec City. Overall, Furcal looked pretty flat during his time with Peoria in 09, but the fans hope that with a year removed from back injuries Furcal can provide the flash at the top of the lineup they were looking for.

Everything else for the 2009 Peoria Cardinals went as close to ‘according to planned’ as plans go in Fantasy Baseball. The team expected great strides from C/3B Pablo Sandoval, 3B Ryan Zimmerman, 2B Robinson Cano, OF Matt Kemp, SP Adam Wainwright; as well as continuing to get all-star performances from 1B Mark Teixeira and SP Cliff Lee.

2009 Eastern Division Champions. Enjoy it Cardinals fans, with perennial powerhouses like Las Vegas, Weymouth and Bridgewater it is sure to be another dog fight in 2010.

2009 Season Review: Weymouth Shaddupu

2010-02-22T18:41:00.008-05:00

The self appointed "team of the decade" has not fared well the past few seasons. For a franchise that is used to winning championships, anything else is failure.

2009 Season Review: Weymouth Shaddupu
By: Nick Bruce; Owner Weymouth Shaddupu

With a post-season berth every year, to include four championships thank you very much, hard times have fallen on the team from the Island and 2008 was no different. GM Yukon Cornelius tried to spark the franchise back to the winning ways by trading away a cornerstone OF in Bobby Abreu (for Homer Baily) and an elite relief pitcher (Joe Nathan for OF Nelson Cruz and draft picks) and punting saves.

Analyzing the team on paper leading up to Opening Day, the natives were excited. They looked like a favorite to get back to the promised land. The offense was loaded with slugging Ryan Braun, Josh Hamilton and up and coming prospect Nelson Cruz, making up a formidable outfield. They were hoping for a bounce back year from the best catcher in the EHCC, Victor Martinez, as well as SS Stephen Drew to draw from his 2008 coming out party. Filling out the roster with speedster and run machine 2B Chone Figgins, one can see why Weymouth was excited about this offense.

From a pitching standpoint, they were top heavy with starters. That’s the way they were built going into the season while throwing saves out the window. With aces Johan Santana and Dan Haren front and center, anybody would be scared to face this 1-2 punch. Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana were prepared to take off and land in the upper echelon of pitchers after coming off of promising 2008 campaigns. Jeremy Bonderman, coming back from off-season surgery, and new-comer Homer Bailey figured to round out a pretty decent rotation heading into Spring Training.

So, what happened you ask? Well injuries and poor performances happened. It seems like the injury bug is in the water in Weymouth, as I wrote a similar article this time last year. Bonderman never came back to form, Hamilton was in and out (mostly out) of the lineup and never got going, Johan was never himself and shut it down in early August, Drew crapped the bed and E. Santana took a step, but it was not forward.

I’m not here to talk about the past…I’m here to be positive about this subject. Heading into the winter, GM Yukon Cornelius has vowed to get this franchise back to continuing its legacy of winning, and winning championships! They have several chips they are looking to move, including ace Johan Santana and elite closer Huston Street. His top priority is to improve the first base position as that has never been a cornerstone of this proud franchise. With a full and extremely talented roster of uber-prospects in Nantucket, this team could be major players in the trading carousel.

2009 Season Review: Arlington Warriors

2010-02-22T18:30:00.007-05:00

Finishing dead last in the EHCC, the Arlington Warriors season might well be characterized as an embarrassment. Speaking with General Manager Matt Skinner, however, finds a strong overtone of pride and a great deal of optimism about the club’s future.

2009 Season Review: Arlington Warriors
By: Matt Skinner; Owner Arlington Warriors

"This franchise embarked on its current course early in 2008. I’ve already established for the record exactly where this team is heading and I readily acknowledged that the journey might be a rough one. A couple months into 2008, we realized that despite coming off a league championship in 2007 that our team as it was constructed not only held little hope to repeat but was ill equipped to consistently contend. With that realization, we established a three year plan for rebuilding the franchise from the minor league system up. If you look at the league history those teams that consistently contend started with a strong young base of talent and sustained that tradition through strong drafts and a strong minor league system. We set out to copy that model, and as a result we fielded a very young inexperienced team this past season." - GM Matt Skinner.

Arlington’s front office backed their word in 2009 with the youth movement driving their every roster consideration and strongly encroaching upon every facet of their game. Their fans certainly saw this as trade after trade brought in fresh baby faces.

· On December 9, 2008, closer Jose Valverde was shipped to the Golden Gryphons (GLD) for Michael Bowden, Quebec City’s (QC) 3^rd Round Major Draft Pick (MaDP), and Golden’s 2^nd Round Minor Draft Pick (MiDP). The 2^nd Round MiDP received from Golden would eventually be used to draft the promising power bat of C Derek Norris.

· Arlington later packed that QC 3^rd Round MaDP, along with it’s own 2^nd Round MiDP in a Februrary 12, 2009 trade with the Tijuana Hispanics (TIJ) that would bring a new closer to town, Mike Gonzalez along with young starter Sean Marshall.

· Arlington was not a silent participant in the 2009 Major Draft, connecting with Tijuana once again to exchange a bevy of draft picks. Trading their own 1^st Round MaDP, along with a 1^st Round MiDP obtained from QC, Arlington brought home QC’s 1^st Round MaDP, TIJ’s 1^st Rd Supplemental MaDP, and TIJ’s 2010 1^st Rd. MiDP. The slew of new picks brought in SP Derek Holland, OF Jordan Schafer, and secured additional lottery chips for this upcoming year’s minor league draft.

· April 9, 2009 saw Arlington ship recently drafted OF Ryan Spilborghs to QC in exchange for a 2010 6^th round MaDP.

· It was with great regret, on July 2, 2009, that Arlington parted ways with SS Derek Jeter. The star had been a rock up the middle for Arlington since it’s championship season of 2007, but fell far outside the organization’s youth movement. Shipped to the Tokyo Omyoujis (TKO), Jeter netted the Warriors OF Jeff Francoeur, minor league SS/3B Mike Moustakas, and TKO’s 2009 2^nd Round MiDP. Exciting young SP Jake Arrieta was selected with that pick, and hopes to break camp with the big league club this spring.

· Parting paths with familiar faces became a trend when old timers SP John Smoltz and utility man Mark DeRosa were moved to the Las Vegas Doggs (LV) at the trade deadline, July 30, 2009 for OF Michael Saunders, SP Vin Mazzaro and LV’s 2010 2^nd Round MaDP.

While Arlington made moves with their various trades, Skinner turns most profuse about the team’s drafts and especially regarding its minor leaguers. Arlington’s Major Draft brought to the franchise multiple players Skinner sees as key to the team’s youth movement and future success. Arguably, the most immediate success found by a 2009 Arlington draftee was by SP Derek Holland, chosen 10^th overall. Success may be a relative term, as his surface numbers profile as 7 Wins, 12 Losses, 6.12 ERA and 107K’s in 138IP. A closer examination however, reveals peripheral numbers that bespeak a brighter future with BB/9 of 3.12 and K/9 of 7.16.

Splitting time at 1B and LF, Kyle Blanks saw limited action with the Warriors but in stretches flashed the powerful bat and keen batting eye that prompted his selection. In only 148AB, Blanks mashed ten homeruns, compiling a .514SLG. His 10.4% walk rate drew rave reviews from Skinner, who also admitted “his strikeout rate was disappointingly high, but the expectation is that those numbers will fall back much closer to his past performance of 18%-25%.”

Starting pitcher Ross Detwiler may have been the biggest disappoint of them all, but even in the greyest of clouds Skinner manages to find a silver lining. “Certainly Ross floundered, we would have liked to have seen stronger peripherals in the K/9 and BB/9 (5.11 and 3.93 respectively), but his FIP was substantially lower than his actual ERA, indicating that with some better defensive player and maybe a little better luck, we could see some improved performances from him in the future.”

Also drafted were outfielders Jordan Schafer and Ryan Spilborghs. When questioned about the failure of the draft with these two selections, Skinner remained evasive. “Failure is a strong word. Schafer, after his injury, became expendable; the necessity of rostering players who could actually play and develop was a top priority for the team. As for Spilborghs, we faced roster decisions and had the opportunity to move him for a pick in this upcoming Major draft. We always have an eye on the future, and the extra draft pick gives our team the flexibility we want to improve our team.”

In July’s Minor Draft, Arlington flashed that flexibility, making not only its own draft picks but two additional picks it had accumulated through trade. Arlington’s picks drew a degree of criticism, as several draftees were seen as high risk prospects. Skinner would say,

"We honestly picked players we thought were the best available, defining that as players with high upside and who have performed to some degree. Carlos (Santana), Jake (Arrieta), and Jhoulys (Chacin) all have the pedigree demanded by their draft slots. If I had to be completely honest however, Derek (Norris) was a bit of a gamble. I really liked the brilliance he’d flash, and realizing his inconsistent performance I still thought the high upside he’d shown warranted a late draft pick, so shoot me."

The team’s assessment of catcher Carlos Santana appears to be spot on. Highly touted, and ranked by many to be one of the top five prospects in the game, Santana’s bat loudly sang his praises. A glimpse at his numbers shows a stat line of 428AB, 23HR, 91RBI, and a triple slash of .290/.413/.530. Santana may quickly rise through the Arlington farm system, but questions of where he’ll fit on the big club are raised considering young blue chip prospect Matt Weiters currently mans the dish.

Jake Arrieta flashed a season of mixed results, dominating early in the season, but struggling later on as more advanced hitters seem to figure out his stuff. Over his first 59IP, Arrieta flashed a 2.59ERA (3.08FIP) while striking out seventy and walking only twenty-three. The final 91.2IP saw those numbers slip, slightly, with a 3.93ERA (4.15FIP) and only 78K’s and 33BB. Regardless, Arlington sees him as a strong middle of the rotation starter with his mid-90’s fastball, slider, curve and changeup.

Jhoulys Chacin continued to make strides exhibiting the strong propensity to lure groundballs that has been characteristic of his success in the minor leagues. At 59.6% Chacin really sets himself apart from other prospects.

Praise shouldn’t be reserved for the Warriors moves or drafts alone. Several young stars made headway for the big league club. Especially encouraging for fans was the promotion and successes of 2008 draftees SP Brett Anderson, SP Brett Cecil and C Matt Weiters. Brett Anderson proved, by far, to be the most consistent of the trio and provided the Warriors with a strong 175 innings pitches. Winning eleven games, Anderson’s ERA and WHIP were 4.06 and 1.28 respectively and he managed to whiff 150 opponents. Anderson’s success was widely recognized, culminating in being awarded the EHCC Rookie of the Year award. Cecil’s success came in spurts, spurts that must increase in duration and frequency if he is to endure as a member of the big club. Catcher Matt Weiters came into the 2009 season touted as the best prospect in the game. It’s a valid question whether or not those expectations were realistic and just how Weiters could have been expected to live up to them. Weiters inaugural season realistically shouldn’t be described as a failure however, as the young receiver managed to cobble together a .288 batting average with 9 homers and 43RBI in only 354 at-bats.

When asked to sum the organizations thoughts on the past season, GM Skinner thoughtfully opined,

"I’m very proud of this team, we saw a number o f players take big steps forward, and flashes of brilliance from others; we’re excited about the future. Regarding that future, in the short term we’ll continue to build a strong youthful base this off-season with an eye to contend no later than 2011. Optimistically, we think this team can make a strong showing this coming season and depending on how things develop, possibly make a run of it."

Peoria Acquires SP Dan Haren

2010-02-11T16:24:00.010-05:00

Haren Introduced To Peoria

Peoria, Ill. – Today the Peoria Cardinals introduced its newest acquisition, SP Dan Haren, to the media. After winning its first ever Division Championship and making their first postseason appearance last season, many experts believe that the Cardinals are once again poised to make a run at the Division crown. On Wednesday evening, after weeks of back and forth negotiating with Weymouth GM Yukon Cornelius, the Cardinals pulled the trigger on a deal sending away youngsters Pablo Sandoval, Max Scherzer, and a 2nd Round Draft Pick for pitching ace, Dan Haren.

“It’s not good enough just to win a Division title. After several losing seasons of course it’s nice to finally make the playoffs last year, but this year we plan on being one of the last two teams standing come Fall. We felt like last year our offense was a powerhouse, but our pitching was lacking something. It sucks that we had to deal the Kung-Fu Panda, but gaining a pitcher the caliber of Dan Haren we feel really puts us over the top. Between Wainwright, Lee and Haren we really feel like we have a three headed monster at the front of our rotation that will be tough to match. This is the most confident I have been in our team since it’s inception”, said GM Dave Grubb regarding the latest trade.

While some critics say this trade could easily turn into a regrettable one if Sandoval and Scherzer go on to become elite players in a few years, the Cardinals have made it clear that they are looking to win, and win now. Peoria fans should be excited headed into the season. There is little doubt that the Cardinals will be making more noise in 2010!

Peoria Free Press: A Matt Kemp Interview

2010-01-27T14:15:00.007-05:00

Catching Up With Matt Kemp, A Handful On & Off The Field

The countdown is on. The Peoria Cardinals run to back-to-back Eastern Division titles begins in only nine weeks. With the countdown officially underway, we thought it would be a good time to sit down with one of 2009’s through breakout stars, OF Matt Kemp.
The last time we saw Matt Kemp he was helping lead the Cardinals to a division crown while stuffing the scorebook in every major offensive category. Kemp, who doesn’t turn 26 until the end of the season should continue to see his already impressive stats grow. With a ferocious combination of speed, power and athleticism, Kemp should be a serious contender for the MVP award in 2010.
So how does a young superstar spend his time staying in shape in the offseason? We caught up with Matt Kemp on vacation in Tijuana over the weekend.

Rey Bingo: Thanks for sitting down with me today, Matt.

Matt Kemp: No problem, always a good thing to give exposure to our team.

RB: Let’s start off with last season, how surprised were you to capture the Eastern
Division crown?

MK: Honestly, the team had high hopes coming into the season, but we quickly floundered. At first I was concerned that it was going to be another long season in the Peoria clubhouse.

RB: Is there a signature win that you can point to when you and the rest of the team realized that this team might actually be onto something?

MK: Well actually, it was a loss that got things turned around. Right after the All-Star Break we had pulled to .500 ball and were riding high, winning 4 of our last 5. We went into a series with Quebec City with some swagger, but left completely embarrassed. QC absolutely destroyed us which prompted Broyo (Bronson Arroyo) to call a team meeting. In what has got to me the most unconventional team meeting in the history of baseball, Arroyo simply picked up his guitar and did his very own rendition of Europe’s “The Final Countdown”, reminding everyone in the room that if we were to make a run, our ‘playoffs’ so to speak needed to start immediately, the following week in Golden. We went on to win 8 of our next 9 series and the rest you can say is history.

RB: Certainly a rags to riches story in 2009, but with success comes expectations. What do you foresee for the 2010 Peoria Cardinals?

MK: Well there’s absolutely no doubt that our days of sneaking up on other teams is over. I really feel like with the makeup of our roster there is absolutely no way this team doesn’t compete for the EHCC Title this season. I think our lack of experience showed in our Semi-Finals matchup with Golden last year. I think gaining that playoff experience, as well as having a lot of players that are just now coming into their prime, should only serve to improve our standing this season.

RB: What have you been doing personally to ensure that you continue to progress heading into 2010?

MK: Well, I have a new lady friend that keeps me pretty busy. Thank God Chris Brown is such a psycho because Rihanna has ensured that I will definitely be heading into 2010 in the best cardio shape of my career. Surprisingly, I have never been a huge free weights guy. I’m into yoga and finding my inner strength, with some workouts thrown in. That’s why I like to come down here and float around on my boat. Just get away from the world, find tranquility and be completely as peace going into Spring Training. Plus, I think it’s funny that Tijuana GM Peter Kantor has continued to send me chocolates, flowers, even transvestite hookers… yea, I’m not sure what he is getting at with that gift, but I continue the process of return to sender. Tijuana is a nice place to play from November – February, but I wouldn’t like an extended stay during the Spring and Summer months.

RB: Interesting. Well that is all the time we have, anything you’d like to say to the fans?

MK: Be ready for more fireworks this year. We have our whole cast coming back, as well as getting Grady (Sizemore) on the field for a full season. Definitely get your tickets now because unlike season’s past I am sure the stadium will be filled with more than just family and give-aways.

Eat Pizza, Avoid Cancer.

2009-11-14T18:33:00.012-05:00

As Mike Piazza sat there staring out his pizza place’s window, he thought to himself “man, I am one good looking man.” But just moments before that, he wondered when he would get his chance to get back into the game of baseball. It has been years since Piazza picked up a bat to simply swing for the fences and with his pizza place, Piazza’s Pizza, not taking off as he would have hoped…he has decided to try his luck coaching. “If Mark McGwire and his .263 career batting average can be a hitting coach…then I can certainly become a manager.”

It wasn’t necessarily Piazza’s cooking that was doing him in, as sales were through the roof. Piazza would get late night pizza deliveries almost every night, since drunk college kids loved to call up and say, “PIZZAS PIAZZAS PIAZZAS PIZZAS” over and over again until Piazza could take it no more. Piazza’s claim to fame is the more pizza you eat, the less chance you have to get cancer as an Italian. However, this claim is based on many erroneous studies reported over the years. Since only the drunken college kids were buying this premise, Piazza decided to move on to coaching.

When EhSPN heard this news, they sent Fredo Jomez to unnecessarily wait outside Piazza’s Pizza for 6 days before asking Piazza a single question. Finally after 6 days Jomez asked about the lack of success in the pizza business and Piazza responded, “You know, I think I was too confident in my abilities as a chef, host, delivery man, and janitor all in one. I was so confident I made the motto ‘Piazza’s Pizza; Deliveries in a half hour or less…or you get to throw a bat at us!’ Needless to say, most of our profit goes to fixing the broken windshields we get on a nightly basis. I should really come up with a less destructive motto.”

Seeing as Piazza’s Pizza is located in the beautiful borough of Woodland Park, NJ…Piazza saw the recent EHCC relocation of the Winston-Salem franchise as a perfect opportunity to instill more Italian into a league dominated by every other nationality. “Besides myself, Frank Catalanotto, Mike Napoli, and Lenny DiNardo…there just aren’t enough guineas in this league. With Woodland Park being dominated by Italians (34%), we should have no problems adding at least a few to the already established Winston-Salem roster.”

Piazza had no problem finding a man to buy the franchise. Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli himself, aka “the Fonz," jumped at the opportunity to finally see the expansion of Italians in the EHCC. His conditions of course were to only play music out of a jukebox whenever he decides to pound on it, and that he will continue to use the men’s washroom at Arnold’s as his office. When asked why he wouldn’t want a brand new office at the stadium, the Fonz simply said “aaay!” and gave two thumbs up. We’re still not sure if he heard the question correctly or that is just his answer to everything.

Finally, Piazza had to find a GM he could manage under. Piazza insists Rocco Baldelli would be his top choice since he believes he will be retiring due to his terrible rare condition. However, if Rocco decides to keep playing Piazza has another guinea in mind, “Well there’s a young and up-and-coming kid by the name of Dave Celli out there. He’s been on our radar for years, seeing as he looks like a perfect delivery man. However now that the GM spot is open, I think that goombah is as good a fit as any into our all-Italian front office.” As Piazza, Fonzie, Rocco Baldelli and assistant GM Dave Celli met in the Arnold’s restroom, they brainstormed for hours thinking what name most Italians can relate to. Goombah, guinea, dago, and guido were among names every Italian has been called throughout their life, but this one took the cake. “WOP!” said the Fonz, “you don‘t know how many people I had to beat for calling me that in my life. I will never forget it and I want to be remembered as a wop!” And there it was, the Winston-Salem franchise could now be known as the Woodland Park Wops. Until we know for sure, we’ll be cruising around on our Harley’s looking for the best leather jackets in town.

2009-11-11T14:53:00.007-05:00

Am I really this drunk? I feel like I've been asked to write a piece just like this before. I feel like it was a year ago that Dublin was making a bid for its third sports team. While the initial response was very negative about the addition of a baseball team, the city eventually opened its heart to the idea, only to have it ripped out by the folks in Southern Carolina.

Last year, Dublin sports mogul Brad Bodell spent most of his time trying to sell the idea of baseball in Dublin and change the perception of a sport that was widely considered to be played by sissies. The initial reluctance might have been what caused Dublin to lose its bid, despite a late rally by the city getting behind the proposed team. This year, with the city already behind him, Mr Bodell has been able to work on more pressing needs, like finding a stadium, GM and a coach.

Since he already owns the Dublin Bar Brawlers, the struggling, but very young and promising basketball team, and heads the school board of DUBA, home of the Oktoberfests, Mr Bodell has vowed to build a brand new complex to house all three teams if he wins the bid for a baseball team. Sponsors were lining up in hopes to add their name to the new complex, which is expected to become the most cutting edge complex in the world. While the initial leaders where the expected Guinness, Jameson, and Bushmills brands, a dark horse, the Scottish beer company Harviestoun, won the rights. The name they are proposing is Ola Dubh, after their beer which is aged in whiskey casks and a favorite of the locals. While the initial frame work for the stadium is done, they aren't proceeding before they know if baseball is coming.

As for a GM, Mr Bodell wanted someone with Irish ties, but also an understanding of American culture, where a majority of the other teams play. The decision was made rather quickly, bringing in Spicy McHaggis to lead the team. He was made famous by the band he was part of, the Drop Kick Murphy's, who had a very popular song called “The Spicy McHaggis Jig.” Mr Bodell was able to pry him away from the band to chase his lifelong dream of running a sports team. When asked why he was chosen, especially with no experience, he responded “Have you ever lived in Boston? You automatically know more than every professional sports person just by drinking the water.”

As for the coach, again the decision was made to go with someone with no baseball experience, but plenty of sports experience, and a fiery disposition. The man tabbed to lead the proposed team is none other than the famous John McEnroe. This reporter, smart enough to know not to approach him and question his pedigree for the job, sent an intern. As I watched him propose the question, out of know where Jonny Mac whips out a tennis racket and beats the poor intern down with it. At least we know players wont be getting out of line.

As for a team name? Well Mr Bodell seems set on it, but judging by his response, its not set in stone. “As of now, the teams name will be the Dublin Four Leaf Clovers, however I completely reserve the right to irrationally change the name to anything at anytime.”

Well there you have it, a second chance at a baseball team. This report hopes this works out, because these kind of articles take up too much of my drinking time.

-Jameson McStout
-The Chaser

2009 EHCC Champions

2009-10-08T23:56:00.006-04:00

The Bridgewater Weasels are the 2009 EHCC Champions! Championship series MVP Ryan Howard and GM Nastra Diggus celebrate the Weasels first championship in the teams history.

Fired!

2009-09-23T12:27:00.002-04:00

After 4 years on the job, Quebec City has let go of an icon.

Quebec City, CAN – The Quebec City Piglets announced today that Manager Brian Fantana has been fired after four seasons on the job.

“It is with a heavy heart that I deliver this news,” QC General Manager Pat Renaud said in a statement released this morning. “Brian Fantana is a good man, with an amazing mustache and a fashion sense to die for. Unfortunately, we as an organization simply need more than rugged good looks and assorted plaid blazers. We need championships. Mr. Fantana has failed to deliver that, and so we’ll try and find someone who will.”

Renaud was quick to point out that Fantana is a great manager, and certainly has a way with the ladies, but that regular season results can only take you so far.
“We love winning the Western Division every year, obviously” Renaud went on to say. “But I’d trade every last one of them to get our name on that plaque. You have to prioritize.”

Fantana had a bit of a checkered tenure as manager of the Piglets. Under his leadership the Piglets won the Western Division in 2007, 2008, and 2009. However, in his first year in 2006, the Piglets did not win the Western Division, the only time in their history since divisions were implemented that the Piglets have failed to do so. He led the Piglets to their first championship game appearance in 2007, where they were beaten by the 6th seeded Arlington Warriors, a team they’d beaten 10-0 only 4 weeks prior.

Inconsistency was a hallmark of the Fantana Piglets, and in the end his undoing. While the team dominated for a good part of the 2008 regular season, the team collapsed following the All-Star break, losing 4 of their last 9 games, including an 8-2 shellacking at the hands of division rival and lottery team Tokyo in week 18. The collapse proved untimely, as the Piglets would miss out on a bye by 0.5 games, leading to another first-round exit to Weymouth.

Despite a record-setting pitching staff in 2008, the Piglets pitchers all imploded in the first round of that season, costing the team what many thought to be their best shot at a title to that point. Much of the blame fell to pitching coach James Westfall, but Fantana refused to acknowledge his right hand man’s complicity in the collapse, and came into 2009 with his staff largely intact.

After dominating the entire 2009 season, the Piglets again collapsed in the playoffs. This time, it was the offense’s turn to sputter, as the team managed just 8 hits and 3 runs over the first two days, with no RBIs, or Homeruns, essentially punting 40% of the team’s potential points only two days into the contest. As the week went on and the pitching continued the losing trend, it became clear that something needed to give in Canada.

Brian Fantana could not be reached for comment.

“The guy was an icon,” team MVP Tim Lincecum said. “But they’re not too forgiving up here. You need results, or you can expect to get your walking papers.”

Lincecum’s words hang ominously over the Piglets going into the offseason. Renaud has never been afraid to shake things up, and it would seem as if the firing of Fantana is just the first step in what could be wholesale changes to the Piglets roster and managerial staff.

While Renaud has yet to name a replacement, there are many worthy candidates both inside and outside the organization. It is not yet clear if Fantana’s staff will be going with him, but inside sources say pitching coach James Westfall and team physician Dr. Kenneth Noisewater are as good as gone. Meanwhile, the same sources indicate that Bench coach Champ Kind and hitting coach Roy Hobbs appear to have the inside track to be the new manager.

Other sources, however, indicate that Renaud may just clean house entirely and start fresh. Either way, it’s sure to be a cold winter in Canada. Again.

Tale of Two Seasons

2009-09-22T11:41:00.013-04:00

Bridge H2O Today
By: Stevie Miller

Fifth time a charm? Bridgewater finds themselves in there fifth, yes fifth, championship series in the EHCC. It was a long and strange road to get to this point, much different than the prior year.

In the 2008 season, the Weasels dominated out of the gate, not losing a series until week 19 against Peoria. They ended up 16-3-3 that season and clinched a number one seed, first round bye in the playoffs. In the playoffs, the Weasels took down their Rakeville rivals and found themselves in the championship where they would go on and get demolished by the unstoppable Doggs. Another year, another loss in the championships.

Bridgewater’s supremacy in 2008 was long forgotten when the 09 season started. The Weasels looked like an old weak team from the get go. In the first half of the season, they went 4-6-1 getting blown out in the losses and barley sliding by in the wins. Injuries were a big part of it, but it just didn’t seem like the team had their pizzazz anymore. It seemed that the Weasels were going to miss out on the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. “It was embarrassing how we were playing, I was about to fake an injury just so I wouldn’t have to deal with this crap anymore” said Jimmy Rollins.

Owner Nastra Diggus didn’t think so highly of the team as well. Coming upon the approaching trade deadline, Diggus had some ideas and was thinking of blowing up the team. “I was thinking for the future, I didn’t think we were going to go anywhere this year and we were getting old, so I was thinking young” Diggus said. Bridgewater, which most of the core players have been together for awhile now, thought about cleaning house much like Rakeville did.

When the second half of the season started Bridgewater started looking at some younger players to trade for. That wasn’t the only thing they were doing though, they were also winning. In the first 3 games of the second half, Bridgewater won 7-3, 7-3, 9-0. There was hope again and the trade talks turned to whispers. The next week though QC came through and knocked the Weasels back down (lost 3-7) and brought the blowing up the team conversation back in. In week 16, the Weasels were on the outside looking in at the playoffs and had the trade deadline looming. “I really thought I was going to dismantle this team and start fresh, something we’re not accustomed to here” said Diggus.

By the end of the week the decision had to be made, and the team made if for Diggus. By the deadline the Weasels were crushing Weymouth and had a great shot at making the playoffs. Diggus decided he would make a run at the playoffs instead. And they did, not losing a single series from there on out and ended up going 8-1-2 in the second half of the season, scoring 7 points or more in those 8 wins. Not only did they get into the playoffs, they got the 5^th seed and almost snagged a bye for the eastern conference. “This team is filled with professionals who never give up, especially if you back is against the wall. I was just glad the rest of my team finally stepped up like I’ve been doing all year” said Weasels pitcher Chris Carpenter.

Last year the Weasels cruised into the playoffs without lifting a finger, in 2009 they had to claw and scratch their way in, with both stories ending the same way….championship series. The Weasels hope this years story turns out a little bit better than last years.

2009 PEORIA CARDINALS POSTSEASON MEDIA GUIDE

2009-09-14T17:19:00.004-04:00

Peoria Cardinals Media Relations Department has released its first ever Postseason Media Guide. The Cardinals are set to take on the Golden Gryphons in 2009 EHCC Semifinals.

2009-08-31T15:51:00.004-04:00

PEORIA CARDINALS CLINCH FIRST EVER PLAYOFF BERTH!!

Rickey On Rickey

2009-08-04T18:06:00.006-04:00

The EHCC will be making a few important decisions this off-season, including a vote on the league commissioner at the 2010 Winter Meeting. With Ellis Burks' term coming to an end he is expected to run for re-election, while a new face is entering his hat into the ring for consideration - Rickey Henderson.

Rickey on Rickey
By: Rickey Henderson

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rickey [Henderson] the other day to pick his brain on the EHCC and his plans to run for commissioner.

Rickey: Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. I know your life has been hectic as of late, with the Hall Of Fame inductions, having your number retired in Oakland, and signing autographs at root beer float socials.

Rickey: It's a pleasure to sit down with you. It really takes the stress level down a notch from my every day activities.

Rickey: You've been so busy in the MLB - playing for 9 different major league teams, coached 1st base for the New York Mets (along with being Jose Reyes' special base stealing coach), hold several MLB records, a two time MLB World Series winner, 10 time MLB All-Star, and are now a MLB Hall of Famer. Why continue your career in a rival league such as the EHCC?

Rickey: As I've said in the past, I've always wanted to be around the game. That's something that's in my blood. I said that in 2007, and it fits well now. I have the opportunity here in the EHCC to really make my mark, even more so than I did as a player.

Rickey: What kind of mark are you looking to make?

Rickey: I'm a big proponent of the divisions in the EHCC. I was a fan of the decision to start really using them in the 2009 season, even if it wasn't to the degree I'd like them used in the future. There needs to be a better way of creating rivalries and getting the fans more involved, and an unbalanced schedule based on the divisions would be a good way to start that. That will be one of the big things I'll push for.

Rickey: Are there any aspects of the EHCC you'd like to see expanded?

Rickey: There's one main area that comes to mind - I'd love to expand the league itself to 14 teams. Branching off to new markets would really help promote the league and the other teams already involved. It will bring out more competition and really start to separate those dedicated to winning from those, well, not so dedicated.

Rickey: What else would you push as commissioner?

Rickey: I'd like to see a waiver-like trading period, like in the MLB. A time after the trade deadline where teams could send players on informal trade waivers in order to get a trade done after the deadline.

Rickey: Are there are changes that Burks made while commissioner that you agree with?

Rickey: I'm a fan of the roster moves limitations placed on teams on a weekly basis, as well as the rule that doesn't allow recently drafted/signed minor league players to be drafted in the MiDraft until following season. It gives teams a good chance to study the players and know what they're getting with their picks, rather than gambling on a young player with a well known name.

Rickey: Once again, thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. Is there anything else my readers should know about your campaign before I let you go?

Rickey: I should make sure it is clear that I think Ellis Burks has done a wonderful job while in office. Moving forward I just believe Ellis has put a lot more on his plate than he should have to deal with. I've moved away from my previous, though I still keep in touch and occasionally help out with past endeavors, I've got a lot more free time to dedicate to the EHCC it seems. Ellis deserves a break.

Peoria Free Press: A First For the Cardinals

2009-07-16T13:18:00.013-04:00

3.5 Seasons Later, Peoria Makes It's First Ever Minor League Draft Pick

For years, the front office staff in Peoria has used the All-Star break as an opportunity to plan family trips, interview for new careers, or simply bum around in their pajamas for three days. Heading into this season's all-star break it looked to be another opportunity for the Cardinals to save on the office's electric bill and take a few days off. Then, out of nowhere, GM Dave Grubb started blowing up the phone lines, taking an odd interest in jumping into the 2009 Minor League Draft process. But why??

I was able to catch up to the GM of the Cardinals this afternoon and asked him that very question. "Well, we have never really been fully content with our EHCC roster, so in the past it made sense to try and trade out of the Minor League Draft and acquire young talent that was a gaurantee. We took over an absolutely abismal team when we bought out the Plymouth Bells and are just now getting to a point where we feel we can compete on the field AND now start to think about how we can grow talent down on the farm for success in the future. When I took over for this franchise, I made it clear that winning at the big league level was top priority. I believe we have our finest team in the history of this franchise blossoming in Peoria, and it is about time we start to turn the Cyclones into a franchise to be proud of as well", stated the GM.

While it was widely known that the Cardinals were in discussions with several teams in hopes to move up high enough to draft C Buster Posey, the team seems more than happy with the addition of SP Jeremy Hellickson. Scouts around the league were slow to warm to Hellickson because of his smaller stature (6'1, 185 lbs), but the Cardinals believe this 22 year-old righty has a big future on their staff. In 2008, Hellickson ranked 2nd in all of the minor leagues with an 8.1 K/BB ration, while racking up 162 K's while walking only 20, in 152 innings. Thus far, Hellickson has backed up his 2008 numbers with just as impressive 2009 numbers (through 44 innings he has racked up 53 K's, with an ERA of 2.45).

After making his first ever minor league selection, GM Dave Grubb felt so excited over it he turned around and made another trade to acquire Greg Halman. Halman, a virtual unknown is seen more of a project than a prospect. With great power and speed, the question on Halman is if he will ever develop enough play discipline and contact to ever make his mark on the Peoria club. After posting a 29 HR, 33 SB campaign in 08, Halman has followed up with a Double-Eh leading 20 HR in the first half of 2009. If the team can get this guy to increase his contact and decrease his K's, he could end up patrolling the OF in Peoria with fellow youngsters Jay Bruce and Matt Kemp for years to come.

Nobody can question the approach the Cardinals have taken. Over the past 3.5 years, fans have seen the team go from the laughing stock of the league, to a legitamite playoff contender as we head down the stretch in 2009. It looks as though the team is finally beginning phase 2 in turning Peoria into a quality franchise from top to bottom that can eventually compete with the likes of Quebec City and Las Vegas. Stay tuned folks.

Peoria Free Press, May 2009

2009-05-24T16:23:00.008-04:00

After a disappointing start to the 2009 season, the Cardinals are starting to show signs of life, led by their top draft pick Raul Ibanez.

Raul Ibanez - "Who's Laughing Now?"
By: Rey Bringo

It was EHCC Draft Day 2009, and to nobody's surprise youngsters were flying off the board in the first round. The Peoria Cardinals, lacking a first round pick in the draft, had set their sites on improving the ball club immediately. With a very young nucleus to the EHCC squad, GM Dave Grubb felt as though 2009 was the year that the Cards would finally break into postseason baseball.

The Cardinals, the only team not represented at this years Draft Headquarters, were forced to draft from the war room within their park, the Keystone Bird Cage. All along, the team had Raul Ibanez at the top of their wishlist going into the draft. When the 17th pick finally came around, and it was time for Peoria to make their first selection, the Cardinals wasted no time relaying their pick and wildly celebrating throughout the room that their guy had lasted through the first 16 picks. While Peoria was elated with their pick, it was later leaked that their confidence in Ibanez was not echoed throughout the league.

According to media sources at the draft, "all the other owners had a good laugh when Peoria chose Ibanez as their top choice in the 09 draft." Word of this disrespect wasted no time getting back to the Peoria front office and Raul Ibanez. "That's fine", said the slugger. "To be quite honest with you, I feel like Peoria is the perfect fit for me. There was absolutely no way I would have moved to Mexico, wanted to start fresh with the team in Carolina, or played for a team whose owner is more or less non-existent like the team in Arlington. The Cardinals have improved tremendously over the last few years and I am the missing link to get us over the hump", said Ibanez.

So far, so good for the left handed cleanup hitter. To date, Ibanez leads in 2 out of 3 triple crown categories. He is first in HR (17), average (.352), and only trails by one in RBI (43). Not too bad for somebody skipped by 16 other picks and then mocked for his selection. Not only is Ibanez a sure All-Star starter thus far, but he also has to be the top choice for MVP so far this season.

While the 2009 campaign has been a disappointment for the Cardinals as a whole, Ibanez has added a spark in the lineup and a veteran presence in the clubhouse to keep the young Cardinal players hungry and ready to play everyday. After a disastrous start to the season, it seems as though this years Peoria squad is starting to turn it on and look poised to making a run for the playoffs throughout the summer.

Week 7 Fact or Fiction

2009-05-15T15:49:00.003-04:00

Will Week 9 feature a battle of undefeated teams? Will Winston-Salem get the monkey off their backs? Does Tokyo still suck? Pedro Gammo and Jayson Snark give you the answers in between shots of patron...okay, Jager. But they're drunk, and that's what matters.

1.) QC and LV will meet in week 9; both undefeated

Gammo – FACT

At this rate, the Doggs won’t make it past week 6 undefeated, but something tells me they’ll come back. Both the Doggs and Piglets have a pretty easy road ahead of them leading up to their anticipated match up in week 9. Vegas faces off against Tokyo and Peoria, both teams currently at .500 or lower, while Quebec has Arlington and Tijuana, who sit in last place in their respective divisions. These two teams seemed destined to face off in the finals this year, but knowing the history of both (LV not being able to win back-to-back championships and QC choking in the playoffs), no one will be surprised if it doesn’t happen.

Snark – FICTION

The Doggs must be chewing on a bone, because they’re choking this week. While our friendly neighborhood flu-carriers to the North should roll into the Week 9 showdown with an 8 game unbeaten streak, the Doggs will get stopped in their tracks by division rival Weymouth. The scrappy Shaddypoo are putting together another strong team, once again led by battle-tested veteran Johan Santana and his band of merry poos. While some of these pitchers are pitching way over their heads (I’m looking at you, Zach Duke) and will eventually come crashing back to Earth, it won’t be this week. And even if Las Vegas does pull off a miracle comeback win, things don’t get much easier after that with Tokyo in Week 7 (who ever thought we’d be typing those words?), another squad with a vastly improved pitching staff. Look for the Pups to have dropped one or two matches before the much-anticipated matchup in the desert.

2.) The WEST is actually better than the EAST this year

Gammo – FACT

With Rakeville, Arlington, and Peoria all falling further than their respective goals, the East has really taken a hit. It’s really early to say, but as of now the West has shown to be more durable with just 13 players on the DL within the division to the East’s 18, which will go a long way through a long season. As a division, they’ve racked up 17 more wins than the East, playing mostly against Eastern Division opponents. Even with Las Vegas’ current winning streak, Quebec City sits in the top 2 of every offensive category, with Golden in the top 4 in 4 out of 5. My prediction: of the 6 playoff teams, 3 will be from the West this year, along with teams 7 and 8. Remember, they did win the 2008 EHCC All Star game after all, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Snark – FACT

These things happen when you’re not paying close attention. While the fat cats in the East were resting on their championship laurels, the West was getting hungrier and hungrier for a title, and making moves designed to make it happen. Rakeville and Bridgewater are getting old and complacent, Arlington won a title and then decided to blow the franchise up and is now arguably the worst team in the league, and Peoria has never been a playoff contender and doesn’t appear poised to start now. Only Las Vegas and Weymouth continued to make moves designed to keep their franchises in contention, and as such, the East is suddenly looking like that guy at the gym who only works out his upper body—top heavy and a little bloated.

3.) It's already time for Rakeville to start panicking and thinking about 2010 and beyond

Gammo – FICTION

It’s fun to say it is, but really when it comes down to it Rakeville still has a very competitive team. Will they win a championship this year? Probably not. Then again, they couldn’t win a championship when they were good either. Rumors out of Rockets’ camp is that the team may be planning a small “fire sale” in the coming weeks ahead if the team continues to dip due to injuries and poor play. I just can’t see this continuing the rest of the season. BJ Upton should turn things around, and Josh Beckett will follow suit. The issue the Rockets have is with their DH David Ortiz on offense and their three minor league pitchers taking up roster spots in their bullpen. They refuse to cut anyone to bring up All Star catcher Joe Mauer, including out of work starter and captain Pedro Martinez, who they’ve kept around as “inspiration” to their young pitchers. Some rumblings around the league feel as though keeping a talent like Mauer on their DL when he’s obviously healthy and ready to produce is a type of tanking, but it may be too early in the season to make that an issue. With the right management, this team can still make the playoffs. They will be getting Manny back in July after all.

Snark – FACT

Right now, Rakeville is a disgrace. Their best player is a steroid user who hasn’t played in over a week, they have arguably the best catcher in the league, putting up an insane line of .455 avg., 10 Runs, 4 Homeruns, and 14 RBIs in just over a week of action, although no one in Rakeville would know it, because GM Jack Reed is too lazy or foolish to put him into the starting lineup, preferring to leave the position vacant. However, that’s not a big deal since so few of Rakeville’s pitches make it past the batter anyway. Their pitching staff is dead last in the EHCC with an ERA of 5.12 and a WHIP of 1.54, both far and away the worst in the league; 7 pitchers on the roster have ERAs of worse than 5.00, and that includes #1 starter Josh Beckett. Meanwhile, upset over last season’s firing of manager Tom Seaver, team captain Pedro Martinez has organized a revolt against interim manager Justin Fuller, refusing to take the mound for the Rockets this season, and getting other young players to follow his lead. Since being drafted by Rakeville in March, prospect Neftali Feliz has also refused to take the mound. The impressionable youngster was unhappy with his contract and all-too eager to take up Martinez’s cause. Since then, young pitchers Dana Eveland, James McDonald, and David Purcey, as well as star OF Manny Ramirez have all joined in the protest, practically daring Reed to trade or cut one or all of them. Reed has found himself in a deadly game of chicken that has led to his team’s rapid descent from one of the EHCC’s elite to a borderline playoff contender that isn’t even as good as their crappy record indicates. Someone should point out to Reed that when nobody flinches in a game of chicken, the cars crash head-on and everyone dies. And sometimes there are explosions. Big ones. It’s awesome. Well, to everyone but the people trapped in the cars screaming for help, but it’s not coming, because of the aforementioned fire and twisted metal. So they die.

That was a metaphor, but Rakeville really does suck.

4.) Zack Grienke will lead the Green Monsters to their first playoff series victory

Gammo – FICTION

Cliff Lee couldn’t do it for the Cardinals in ‘08, and Grienke won’t be able to do it for the Monsters in ‘09. Winston-Salen currently sits 6 games above .500, 3rd in the West, 4th overall. They’ve actually lost every other matchup they‘ve had this season, but blew away their competition in their 2 wins (9-1 and 7-3 respectively), which is keeping them afloat this long. Grienke may not be their only shining star in the rotation, with Justin Verlander and Erik Bedard showing signs of past glory, an area they once struggled in seems to have become their strong point. The issue is that they currently sit in the bottom half of every statistical category except stolen bases, which with the help of Carl Crawford’s 22 stolen bases this season thus far, currently lead all of the EHCC by a considerable margin. Hell, Crawford would be beating 5 EHCC teams by himself thus far. But it just won’t be enough. Their pitching, as much as it’s improved, won’t be able to hold together all season, and unless they can find some extra firepower on offense, the Monsters will fall short once again, perhaps even missing the playoffs, opening up the door for either Tokyo, Rakeville, or Bridgewater to sneak in from behind.

Snark – FACT

And the reason is because it’s not just Zack Greinke leading the way. The Green Monster pitching staff is vastly improved this year, with the continuing maturation of Greinke and the addition of two bona-fide studs to join him at the top in Cole Hamels and Justin Verlander. After a slow start, both pitchers have turned it on in recent weeks, with Verlander being especially dominant. In addition to leading all EHCC pitchers in Ks, Verlander’s 69 strikeouts also lead the league in juvenile clubhouse laughter (you see, if you look closely, the number 69 sort of looks like a man and a woman doing naughty…well, you can pick up a pamphlet for further explanation. Suffice to say, it’s hilarious). With Erik Bedard once again flashing the form that made him one of the best pitchers in the EHCC two years ago, and potential studs in Rich Harden and Francisco Liriano, Winston-Salem’s pitching staff is nothing to sneeze at. Unless you have something in your nose, in which case, feel free to sneeze, but just understand that you’re not doing it at Winston-Salem’s pitching staff. It’s just a coincidence.

5.) Tokyo, currently at .500 and in 6th place, will FINALLY make the EHCC playoffs

Gammo – FACT

Tokyo, a long awaited addition to the EHCC playoffs, should finally make the needed push to break into the season end’s top 6. They’ve had arguably one of the toughest schedules this season thus far, and should be able to gain some ground in the middle of the season when they face off against South Carolina, Tijuana, & Peoria in Weeks 10-12. Their pitching staff is arguably the best in the EHCC, as they stand in the top 3 in every category except wins (5th) and their offense is coming together with Nick Markakis leading the way. They may need to add a bat or two at some point this season to make any type of push in the playoffs once they’re there, but this team has come a long way since entering the league in 2005, and should finally jump their first major hurdle in 2009.

Snark – FICTION

They still suck.

Micromanaging in Mexico

2009-05-12T19:12:00.009-04:00

The Tijuana Hispanics currently roster 18 offensive players on their 25 man roster. That's 2 full line-ups. How is field manager Zachary Waddicor and team captain Brian Roberts dealing with the situation? And how is the strategy working out for these Mexican misfits?

Micromanaging In Mexico
By Max Powers; EhSPN

The Tijuana Hispanics dedicated their entire 2008 second half to testing out their new bullpen heavy strategy. They crushed some weekly records and started some debate in the process. After the 2009 EHCC MaDraft, the Hispanics again showed they were staying with their closer-heavy strategy by not selecting a starting pitcher until the middle of the 6th round (Doug Davis). In all, the Hispanics drafted 3 pitchers (all starters); none of which currently stand on their roster. The other 12 picks made by GM Peter Kantor were offensive additions, ranging from rookie Dexter Fowler to veteran JD Drew.

Entering Week 6, the Hispanics have 18 offensive players (at least 2 at each position except catcher) and 7 active pitchers, only one of which is a starter (Glen Perkins). Tijuana also has three starting pitchers currently on the DL (Kelvim Escobar, Shaun Marcum, and Noah Lowry) - all of which are expected to be dealt when healthy.

This type of roster has its advantages - the team can easily scrimmage for practice (though this has not been showing up on game days). The negative, besides the obvious strain this puts on their starting pitching staff, is that it has become very stressful for field manager Zachary Waddicor.

"It's a lose-lose situation really. No matter who I put in each game there's going to be someone on the bench that would have done it better. It takes a lot of micro-managing and there's a lot of criticism coming from all angles, no matter what I do," Waddicor told reporters.

A lot of critics say that GM Kantor decided to put Waddicor in the situation in order allow himself to start looking for a new field manager. Since the Hispanics haven't made the playoffs since moving from Texas to Mexico, Waddicor has yet to make himself "untouchable", and many think that putting Waddicor in this situation is the easiest way to for Kantor to bring in a new manager without a lot of Mexican media backlash.

"It's really too bad. We all really like coach in the clubhouse. He always brings in bottled water and filtered beer, two necessities when you play down here [Mexico]," said team captain Brian Roberts, one of the few offensive Hispanics that plays every day.

"He gets really stressed before every game," says veteran Mike Lowell, "he's got guys coming in his office before every game begging him for some playing time. There's only so much he can do."

"In some aspects it's a nice luxury," Waddicor told EhSPN, "I'll always know we'll have a full line up on days our opponents won't and I get to rest guys whenever they get tired, knowing I have a bench guy to take their spot. It's not going to completely do away with the possible injury bug, but it helps."

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

How exactly has Waddicor fared since the start of the 2009 season? Let's go over the numbers - through week 5 of the 2009 season Tijuana starting line ups have logged just 277 more at bats than their bench players and have only scored 25 more times and batted in only 23 more runs, while actually stealing 13 LESS bases and hitting almost ten points lower.

Need more numbers? Probably not, but since I wasted my afternoon doing the research I'm going to tell you anyway - Tijuana starters score a run every 7.3 at bats to the bench players every 6.5; bat in a run every 7.7 at bats to the bench's 6.9; steal a base every 45.4 at bats to the bench's 21.9, and get a hit every 3.9 at bats to the bench's 3.8. The only area in which the starters have the bench beat is home runs, where they hit one every 32 at bats to the bench's 35.3.

If we theoretically gave the Tijuana bench players an extra 277 at bats they would have produced the following fantasy line for the Hispanics: 167/31/158/50/.263 - compared to the line the starters have put up in the same 1089 at bats: 149/34/142/24/.254

In Week 4 the Tijuana bench actually would have BEATEN the starters in total production and would have tied them in Week 1, regardless of the fact that they tallied an average of 55 less at bats each week.

Micromanaging might not be Waddicor's strong suit, but with a roster of 18 bats there's not too many that would be free of the critics and cynics.

DL Train Slams into Bridgewater

2009-05-01T12:38:00.007-04:00

Bridge H2O Today
By: Stevie Miller
The Weasels have been off to a rocky start in the 2009 season, but why? Some say that are just too old now, some think they are just not playing well, and others just think they suck and have always sucked. Whatever the case may be, you can't help but notice a majority of their good players are riding the pine on the DL.

The disable list is no stranger to Bridgewater. But this year it seems to hit extra hard for the Weasels. The Weasels now have 6 players on that list (8 players all together from the season opening roster) which has obviously affected the team. Coming into spring training the Weasels knew they would be without Starter Tim Hudson (Tommy John Surgery) for most of the year. Little did they know that they would be hit with a barrage of injuries. During spring training, Alex Rodriguez had a labrum tear in his hip and would have to get surgery. Bitch Tits was the anchor of the Weasels lineup and with Lance Berkman not playing the outfield anymore due to contract restrictions and Jimmy Rollins using a stick for a bat apparently, the lineup looks lost without their little juice monkey. A couple other big losses came before the season started. Ace John Lackey went down with a strained forearm and the Weasels all time saves leader Trevor Hoffman hit the DL, probably because of Alzheimer’s.

And once the season started, it did not get any better for the Weasels. Injuries plagued thru the pitching rotation. Scott Lewis and Jesse Litsch were the first to go down, and were later cut. The return of Chris Carpenter was spectacular while it lasted. Carpenter realized he was finally helping out the team so he had to change that right away. Bridgewater was actually happy to see BJ Ryan and Chien-Ming Wang to hit the DL as they were just awful when they pitched. So instead of having a pretty good rotation consisting of Lackey, Hudson, Carpenter, Wang, and Wandy Rodriguez, the Weasels were left with a pretty weak scrap heap of players off the wavier wire. When Dallas Braden and Scott Richmond are your top pitchers, you know you’re in trouble. Above that, both all-star Nate McLouth and Derrek Lee have been in and out of the lineup with injuries as well.

But the tide may be turning in Weaseland. Hoffman is now back and already producing, Arod could be back as early as next week, Lackey could be back in two weeks, and Carpenter is quitting his chewing tobacco habit. With a clean bill of health and a clean mouth, the Weasels could get back as a top power team in this league.

Fantasy Name Game - Crawford or Kemp?

2009-03-11T14:04:00.005-04:00

Due to lack of content, I took some time to provide a fantasy baseball article that I wrote earlier this year for another site.. Hope you enjoy! More EHCC related stories to come in-season....

So I’m at work on a Monday morning, and I’m posed with this question… from my boss… Matt Kemp or Carl Crawford? My Boss is in a keeper-league as well, but with only 4 keepers. His last guy to keep is Crawford. It took me a while to dissect my answer, and try to see through my man-crush on Kemp, but let’s take a minute to breakdown the comparison:

Crawford – entering his 27 year.
Career highs (.315 average, 18 HRs, 81 RBIs, 104 runs, 59 SBs).
Biggest Fantasy Strength – Stolen bases.
Biggest Fantasy Weakness – Declining games totals. Never has had that “breakout” year. Doesn’t walk enough to score a ton of runs.
ADP (2009) – 30.

Kemp – turning 25 in September 2009.
Career highs (.342 average – 300 ABs, 18 HRs, 76 RBIs, 93 runs, 35 SBs).
Biggest Fantasy Strength – Potential 5-category player.
Biggest Fantasy Weakness – Only one full season under belt. Isn’t great at anything.
ADP (2009) – 39.

So the debate continues when you look into the potential lineups for Tampa and L.A… With Tampa, they have the power to back up Crawford (see: Pena, Longoria, Burrell, Upton). But, Crawford had a similar lineup last year, got injured, and didn’t post numbers that impressive before the injury. Is he a slap hitter? Is he capable of breaking out? Or has he peaked already?

In L.A., you struggle to find where Kemp should fit. Is he the leadoff guy? Is he a middle of the lineup guy? Joe Torre juggled around the lineup a lot last year to see what fit. Until Manny came along… Kemp and Russell Martin where no longer required to swing for fences. If the Dodgers can re-sign Ramirez, that opens everything up for Kemp to have a fantastic fantasy season. (edit: Manny has since signed with LA).

Personally, I’d go with Kemp. I feel like Crawford “is who we thought he was”. With Kemp, the sky is the limit with his swing and speed. I also have a man-crush on Mr. Kemp… Feel free to discuss or post your view.

Austin seals deal with Myrtle Beach

2008-11-20T09:03:00.008-05:00

Myrtle Beach, SC - Alliteration aside, Marketing Mastermind Matt Austin has closed a deal that buys a large piece of land in Myrtle Beach to construct a minor league facility for his potential professional fantasy baseball club, The South Carolina Fighting Wrens.

The deal comes on the heels of the debut of the SCFW logo/merchandise earlier this week (already producing major cash flows). Myrtle Beach government officials called the deal "a great partnership for Mr. Austin and the community of Myrtle Beach".

The new minor league team, called the Myrtle Beach Tourists, would start operation in December if Austin's proposal to the EHCC Commissioner is approved. With both of Austin's other fantasy teams (South Carolina Rebels, Twin City Tech Red Raiders) in first place, Myrtle Beach hopes his EHCC minor league squad can draw mass appeal and add value to an already booming tourist attraction.

With rising stars such as David Price, Billy Rowell, Josh Vitters, and Austin Jackson already in the fold, Austin believes that "these are the building blocks than can make us a successful team for years. I'm not sure you guys realize this, but a move here - a move there - and we can compete in this thing". Austin's optimism obviously resonates with county officials, as they were all smiles at the Thursday mid-morning press conference.

Rome Liberty Daily....Difficult Entry

2008-11-17T16:55:00.005-05:00

In a recent interview with Sarah Graiman of EhSPN Michael Knight let us the readers into the difficult process of being accepted into the EHCC.

He claims the application process began simply by having a winning and profitable franchise in another well known league. He says "The Rome Spartans have always been a contender, anywhere we have gone we have succeeded and that tradition was a huge benefit for us in attempting to enter this league" Mr Knight continued by going into detail about the comissioner of the league and his resume running great leagues. "The EHCC is posed to be the top Professionsal baseball league and looks to continue growing exponentially over the next few years."

The next part of the process was even more strenuous then the first. Knight commented on each of the talented organizations attempting to join and how each has more then the qualifications to bring a championship to their respective organizations.

All throughout this interview Mr. Knight was focused and extremely intent both on me and his job at hand. Most of all he wanted me to know that this town and especially me will be seeing and hearing from him alot more in the coming months.

Fighting Wrens unveil Logo

2008-11-17T16:12:00.003-05:00

Charleston, SC - Local Marketing leader Matt Austin held a press conference today to unveil the logo for his pro fantasy baseball team, the South Carolina Fighting Wrens. The logo, based on the SC state flag, was designed by Mr. Austin himself using a high tech device called MS Paint.

Droves of excited fans crowded the Austin Convention Center, where the team headquarters is located. Team merchandise is already on sale, with T-Shirts priced at $15, and hats at $18. SCFW flip flops are also on sale for $8.

Austin hopes his pitch to bring an EHCC team to the Palmetto State is successful, as he has completed the 2nd survey stage of the evaluation. Stay tuned for future updates.

2008-11-08T15:33:00.003-05:00

Jameson McStout here, the boss pulled me away from my pint to write about a developing story in our sports world. Whispers of a potential baseball franchise are getting around faster than a floozie after a fifth of whiskey. For a city without any sports teams just two years ago, it’s becoming a very real possibility that a third franchise is on the way. The DUBA Oktoberfests, Dublin’s first team, in only its second season sits alone atop the standing in football (the silly American football, tell me again why they wear pads?). While the basketball team, the Bar Brawlers, are struggling to start the year after making the playoffs in the sport’s inaugural season.

Why, then, a baseball franchise? To find these answers, I wanted to hear what the people had to say. So where is the best place to find out what the locals think about the possibility of baseball coming to their city? The Pub of course. Here are a few of the juicer responses:

“I watch the Americans in the stands, they get to drink, curse and yell at people. What Irishman doesn’t love to do these things?”

“It will never replace cricket. What’s better than the bowler throwing a googly?”

“Men in tights? A bunch of sissies if you ask me”

“Baseball is a great way to generate revenue for the city, build tourism, and put Dublin on the sports world map. It will create thousands of new jobs, new marketing and advertising capabilities, and stimulate the local businesses and economy.”

That last quote, while that kind of intelligent talk is not welcome in the Pub and the gentleman who made it was promptly removed, does fairly well to sum up why this move would be good for the city of Dublin. Even with the relatively new sports scene, the city is screaming for more, and you might not find a better time to start a baseball franchise in Dublin.

The city is so serious about its bid that not only does it have a proposed name for the team, the Nutty Irishmen, but work is being done it Scotland for a location of a possible minor league affiliate. Rumors are swirling that a name has been proposed for that team too, the Scottish Highlanders. That’s all I could find for now, I’ll report anything new, after I finish my pint.

-Jameson McStout
-The Chaser

Roman Liberty Times : Is the League ready for Kutter and the Spartans?

2008-11-07T17:31:00.005-05:00

With the recent news of the contraction of the Santo Domingo White Devils. The EHCC is posed for the addition of a new professional organization. The Rome Spartan’s are starting the process to become the newest member of the EHCC. With new owner/president Maximus Kutter and General Manager Michael Knight looking to break into the league in a big way.
In the past few seasons Maximus has shown interested in purchasing a team as well as joining this well known league. He finally found the funding because of the great success of his Coliseum style female mud wrestling tournaments. Who knew that crowds would gather in such masses to watch women get covered in mud and wrestle. Surely Maximus has able to create a great product with that and that’s what he assures his fans that he will put on the field each and every day.
They are already in the planning stages of building their home stadium, which will be aptly named Kutter Coliseum. Maximus said of his new stadium and project

“The Spartans will be a Championship Organization and they deserve to compete in a stadium of such caliber. My coliseum will be crafted of the finest materials and all fans, from the most wealthy to the common man, will have a seat that makes the feel like an emperor for a day”

Kutter sounds like a man with a plan and from what I have seen and heard from him, he intends to take this challenge and new league by storm. No one should under estimate what he will do. And once part of the EHCC no team will sleep on the Spartans.

Charleston Journal: If you build it.....

2008-11-06T08:19:00.009-05:00

Charleston, SC- Local Marketing Guru, Matt Austin, has announced that he plans to bring yet another professional fantasy team to the great state of South Carolina. With his South Carolina Rebels EHBA expansion basketball team out to a hot start, local and county authorities have fully supported Austin's plans to bring a second pro team to the area.

When asked about the potential sale of the Santo Domingo White Devils franchise to Mr. Austin, South Carolina native Pokey Reese took time away from being MIA at the Hawaii Winter league to say, "Dat wood be off da hoooook!". Austin plans to build an illustrious stadium in downtown Charleston, aptly named "Joe Jackson Park", after the great Shoeless Joe Jackson, a son of South Carolina. When we caught up with Ray Liotta, who played Shoeless Joe in Field of Dreams, all he could say was "If you build it, they will come".... Dynamite drop-in Ray!

Austin's plan for the team also includes naming the club the South Carolina Fighting Wrens. As many of you know, the Wren is South Carolina's state bird. In true Austin fashion, he adds local touch to gain support and awareness of his new franchise (i.e.: South Carolina Rebels, TCT Raiders). Mr. Austin is currently in talks with EHCC commissioner Ellis Burks regarding the purchase of the franchise. With three other cities interested, including two European teams (who wants to make the Tijuana to Europe road trip???), Austin knows that a lot of work needs to be done before the November 24th deadline.

The Charleston Metro area fully-supports this team, with a rally being held before the Rebels/Bar Brawlers game on Friday night at Fort Sumter. The SC fans are confident this team can bring the success that Austin's other pro fantasy teams have had in Project-EH.

Baseball Tri-Weekly: October Cover 2008

2008-09-30T07:41:00.005-04:00

EHSPN: One Sided Affair

2008-09-21T22:46:00.012-04:00

As the first week of this year's EHCC Championship Series unfolded, fans - on both sides - are wringing their wrists. The score (7-3), which puts Las Vegas at a clear advantage heading into the second and final week of play, has Weasels fans nervous while keeping Doggs fans in anticipation.

One Sided Affair
By Max Powers; EHSPN

The home field advantage that the Bridgewater Weasels earned by just a half game over the Doggs has yet to aid the regular season champ in the 2008 EHCC Championship Series. The Weasels have yet to lead at any point during the series, trailing by as much as 8-2 at one point to the two time champion Doggs. The Doggs, who have not lost in Bridgewater since Week 8 of 2005, and have an overall record of 5-2 at The Concrete Jungle, have been impressive all week, putting up powerful numbers in all aspects of the game.

"We're just putting everything together as a team. When one of us struggles one day, someone else picks up the pace," says starting shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes may have been referring to his hot start this week when he started 8 for 24 with 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, and 2 SB while teammate David Wright struggled going just 5 for his first 27. On Sunday Reyes went 0 for 5, while Wright went 2 for 3 with a 2 run homerun, while scoring 3 runs on the day.

"We all know we're going to have to pick each other up at some point so no one gets down on themselves when they struggle," commented Wright after Sunday's performance.

On the other side, Weasels fans have to be worried about the play from EHCC All-Star Lance Berkman, who has recorded only two hits during the first week of play.

"Luckily I have guys like Ryan [Howard] and a Derek [Lee] around me to pick up my slack, but I know I'm going to have to perform the way everyone expects me to next week if we want a chance to win this thing," Berkman told reporters after going 1 for 4 on Sunday, "Believe me, no one wants this more than I do. This is my fourth trip here [the finals], I really don't want to leave empty handed again."

Unofrtunatly for Berkman, and the Weasels, Derek Lee's hot bat may be out of the line up spratically in the coming week. Lee, along with Doggs' hitters Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez, has reportedly come down with a very rare sickness. It is said to come and go randomly, without warning. Each of the three players have been listed as day-to-day, and could miss playing time at any point this week, depending on team doctors' recommendation one hour before game time. All three players sat out play this past Sunday and it is unknown when, or if, they will play again this season.

"It's really fustrating. Yesterday I felt fine. Today I could barely move. Right now I feel great. Who knows what I'll be like tomorrow," Ramirez told reporters regarding his current condition.

For most of Week 1, pitching has been a pretty lopsided afair, with Doggs starters dominating the mound. Going into Sunday play only three Weasels starters had an ERA of 3.00 or lower. Three starters actually had ERA's over 14.00 and WHIP's over 2.00. This was far from what GM Nastra Diggus was hoping for.

"We're better than this, and I think our pitching on Sunday will show that," Diggus told EHSPN prior to Sunday play.

Bridgewater pitchers John Lackey and Jamie Moyers went on to prove Diggus right, combining for 12 innings of work, 20 strikeouts, 2 wins, and just 1 earned run between them. Both pitchers were making up for a less than stellar performance earlier in the week.

"We were embarrased, simply put. We had to make up for the hole we helped dig for this team," said Moyer."

"Hopefully their performance on Sunday is a good sign of things to come this week and the rest of the staff will feel motivated by their success," GM Diggus said of his pitchers' Sunday performance, "It's the perfect set up. Everyone likes a big comeback."

Well, not everyone.

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Championship Series 2008

2008-09-17T19:49:00.003-04:00

Two days into the 2008 EHCC Championship Series. It’s a familiar time and place for the Las Vegas Doggs, in line to win yet another championship. The opposing Bridgewater Weasels are also familiar with success, consistently at the top of the regular season standings in the EHCC, but have yet to take that final step to immortality with a Championship Plaque. It is a shortcoming that continues to haunt them, having made it to the Championship three times and fallen short three times.

Regardless of past performance, this will be a great match, but one has to think the two time champions have the advantage. Not only does the team know how to finish a season, but the Doggs have been on a torrid pace for since really the twelfth week of the season, taking only one match loss since that time. Statistically, the Doggs also have an advantage, outpacing the Weasels in every SV, K, ERA, WHIP, HR, RBI, and SB for the season.

Speaking from experience however, the season line is not necessarily the best prognosticator of a team’s success, this became readily apparent as I guided the Arlington Warriors to their first championship last year, carried by a slew of players who stepped up when it counted. Success finds those with the hottest hand.

For Bridgewater players such as Ryan Howard, Alex Rodriguez, Andre Ethier, and Jimmy Rollins on offense as well as John Lackey, Chris Carpenter, Jon Garland, and Jonathan Sanchez on the staff will need to assume such roles. These names played a big part of getting the Weasels this far. Other stars will have to out-produce their recent performances however. In last week’s match up with Rakeville, 1B Derrek Lee contributed a line of 2R, 0HR, 4RBI, 0SB and a .167AVG. He’s shown signs early in this series of fulfilling expectations and the Weasels hope he’s ready to go on a tear. For On the hill? Yet to pitch in this series, but a long-standing ace, Mike Mussina has had a rough week, tossing five innings but failing to provide a win and leaving with a 9.00 ERA, and 2.00 WHIP: not the stuff champions are made of.

In Las Vegas, we see such stars as David Wright, Albert Pujols, and Mark Buehrle rising to the occasion over the last week, but also more non-contributors. Where are Adam Dunn, Brad Hawpe, Oliver Perez, and Roy Halladay? They need to find the stuff that marked them as league stars before a third parade hits the streets of Las Vegas.

The Championship Round is the most nerve wracking experience for a team manager, drawing each to spend more than their already exhaustive time on their team. Every performance is analyzed, match ups are considered, and each change in lead excruciatingly painful or overwhelmingly joyous. The best advice I could offer on a successful week would be to watch the match ups, and consider those categories your team is most likely to win. Pick and choose those battles, weigh whether gains in cumulative stats are worth potential sacrifices in those important averages: batting average, but especially earned run average and walk/hits per inning pitch.

Best of luck to both Las Vegas and Bridgewater, this will be a great series to follow!

P.S. Can’t leave without a prediction: it’ll be Las Vegas by a 6-4 margin.

By Matt Skinner, GM Arlington Warriors

Five EHCC Quick Facts

2008-09-17T12:45:00.006-04:00

1.) This is both Las Vegas' and Bridgewater's 4th EHCC Finals appearance. Bridgewater lost to Weymouth three times (2001, 2003, and 2005). Las Vegas lost to Weymouth once (2002), and then went on to beat Weymouth (2004) and Golden (2006) once each.

2.) Las Vegas and Bridgewater are tied 1-1 in their all-time playoff match ups. Las Vegas beat Bridgewater in 2002 in the semi-final round, while the Weasels (then named the Bellingham Hawks) beat the Doggs in the 2001 semi-final round. Both team went on to lose to Weymouth in their respective EHCC finals.

3.) Only the Weymouth Shaddupu and the Arlington Warriors failed to produce a EHCC Player of the Week during the 2008 season.

4.) Since the introduction of the two divisions in the EHCC, Quebec City has won 4 of the 5 Western Division division championships, but has only made the EHCC finals once (losing in 2007 to Arlington). In the Eastern Division, only Rakeville and Las Vegas have taken home division championship honors: Las Vegas three times (2004, 2006, 2007) and Rakeville twice (2005, 2008).

5.) A Western Division team has never won the EHCC title. The division has only had a representatives in 2 finals (GLD-2006, and QC-2007).

Facts compiled by EHCC Historian Barry Larkin

Rakeville Times: Not hot enough

2008-09-16T03:04:00.005-04:00

Rakeville's Joe Mauer dives to tag a sliding Weasel at home plate but comes up short. The run turned out to be the winner as Bridgewater edges past the Rockets and into the championship series.

Not hot enough
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

Bridgewater’s juggernaut offense just couldn’t be controlled as the underdog Rockets fell once again in the semi-finals of the playoffs, losing to the top-seeded Weasels 6-4.

Rakeville entered the final day down 7-3, and a series of solid pitching performances helped close the gap, but wasn’t enough to hold off an unyielding Bridgewater attack. They combined for an amazing 11 runs, three homeruns and 12 RBIs on the final day to lift them to the championship game against Las Vegas.

“We felt so good heading into the playoffs this year,” said Pitcher Roy Oswalt, who provided three career performances in the first two rounds this season. “Sure, no one expected us to win against Bridgewater, but we knew we could if we just played hard. We’d done it all season. I’m so disappointed.”

Critics said they didn’t do enough to solidify their pitching staff at the trade deadline, but after winning the bulk of pitching categories in both matchups, that criticism was clearly off.

“We knew our pitching staff was struggling earlier in the season, but I saw the talent there,” said Rakeville General Manager Jack Reed. “We needed to be patient with the guys we had and we were. Roy (Oswalt) and Josh (Beckett) were brilliant for us the last two weeks. I’m very proud of them, and I’m very proud of our team. It is hard to go through a change of managers and turn it around to win the division. There is a lot we have to look at heading into next season, but we still have a group of players that can win a championship.”

Offense will surely be a focus of the team this offseason. Despite a deadline deal to bring in Manny Ramirez, the Rockets still couldn’t hit well enough to take a single category in the semifinals. Between injuries and ineptitude, the team needs to figure out who is going to deliver Rakeville to the EHCC finals.

“We walked the line this year trying to find the best balance of future potential and present-day product,” said Reed. “Our window remains small, so we are going to do all we can to win a championship for this city.”

Of course, that quest will begin anew next season as the players rode back to the stadium this afternoon.

“They’re still my heroes,” said Tommy Shepard, a young fan who was waiting outside of Reed Field for the team bus. “Yeah, they always lose. My mom said it is O.K. to lose. She said it builds character.”

“You’re mom’s a fucking idiot,” said a drunken fan standing next to him.

Clearly, the pain of another playoff loss will carry us all through the offseason.

Reno Weekly Rag: Weekend War

2008-09-12T13:07:00.018-04:00

The Doggs/Shaddupu match up is too close to call heading into the final 3 days. The Doggs will be missing Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez from their line up for 2 days, with Coco Crisp, Jim Thome, and Mike Lowell taking their place. So with the game on the line, why have the Doggs decided to go without a live back stop during that time?

Weekend War
By Conor Intabedd; Reno Weekly Rag

The Doggs may be winning, but no one on the team feels like they've won. The 2nd round match up against the 6th seeded Weymouth Shaddupu has proved to be a bit more troublesome than most players, and fans, would have expected. The Doggs currently lead by a score of 5-4 thanks to a late night save by closer Kerry Wood, who has recorded the Doggs' only two saves of the week, and a early afternoon home run by outfielder Brad Hawpe.

"It's been a dismal campaign this week," so says Thursday pitcher Matt Cain, who lasted just 3.1 innings in yesterday's appearance. Cain relieved starter Ben Sheets, who went 6 innings, but allowed 5 earned runs on 9 hits and 3 walks, digging the Doggs in a ERA and WHIP hole they aren't expected to climb out of by the end of the week.

The Doggs' offense really isn't putting much together either, at least not by regular season standards. "The only positive thing we have to take away from this week so far, and the main thing keeping us alive is that Weymouth isn't doing too much at the plate either. As poorly as our rotation has been this week, they've done enough to keep their power at bay," commented Doggs' first baseman Albert Pujols.

The Doggs will be missing a few players for first few days of the weekend, as outfielder Alfonso Soriano, designated hitter Aramis Ramirez, and closer Kerry Wood have been trapped in their homes by Hurricane Ike. The Doggs also lost out on free agent starter Jason Marquis, who Las Vegas had been forced to drop due to his inability to start on Friday. The Doggs signed outfielder Coco Crisp and designated hitters Jim Thome and Mike Lowell to day-by-day contracts to fill in the voids left by the two missing sluggers. Matt Harrison and Bartolo Colon have been signed to hourly wages to spot start for Vegas this weekend.

"We are hoping that by signing them to hourly wages that they will last longer than some of our other starters have this week. We need them to come away with a win, and that just can't happen if they aren't pitching at least 5 innings," said GM Howe Doggs regarding the hourly wage contracts of Colon and Harrison.

The Doggs have designated catcher Nick Hundley and reliever Dan Wheeler for assignment. Both players are expected to decline the assignment, and look for work elsewhere once they clear waivers. In the mean time, the Doggs are expected to finish off the weekend without a back stop and down two closers, with Wheeler being waived and Wood missing from action. A strategy many are skeptical about going into the final days of such a tight match up.

"There are so many close categories, and though I understand Wins is one of them, saves is just as important. I'm nervous that this might come back to bite us come Sunday," long time fans and season ticket holder Chris Paul commented.

"We're really going to have to work hard this weekend. With no catcher we're just going to have to strike everyone out so that no one gets on base. If we let anyone get on base we'll lose steals for sure," said Saturday starter Joe Blanton.

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Other EHCC notes:

--Over on the East coast, Rakeville currently trails number 1 seeded Bridgewater 3-6. Most categories are close heading into the final three days. Bridgewater has 5 scheduled starters to Rakeville's 4.

--The Doggs were supposedly making phone calls to Byrd's home at 12:01 am (Pacific time), just after his waiver period had supposedly ended, only to get his voicemail stating that he was still on waivers. Doggs' brass decided to settle on signing starter Bartolo Colon instead and then headed to bed, only to awaken to the news that Byrd had signed with rival Weymouth. Byrd is schedule to pitch against Las Vegas on Saturday, while Colon is scheduled to make an appearance for the Doggs on the same day.

--The Doggs' line up isn't the only one affected by Hurricane Ike. The Weasels will be without sluggers Derek Lee and Lance Berkman for two days. Good news and bad news for Bridgewater fans, as Lee is a dismal 2 for 14 against Rakeville this week, while Berkman is 5 for 12, with 5 RBI and 4 runs scored this week thus far.

Rakeville Times: Judgement Day

2008-09-08T19:49:00.003-04:00

Miguel Cabrera watches as his late game home run clears the right field fence to give Rakeville a 6-5 lead in homeruns over Winston-Salem. It was a crucial seventh day for the Rockets and they rose to the challenge.

Judgement Day
By Aviator McShadeless

What should have been a climactic moment in the career of Pedro Martinez turned into a sobering reminder of how good this Rockets offense can be at times. Miguel Cabrera and David Ortiz provided two booming home runs to lift Rakeville over Winston-Salem this week and force another face off against their archrival Bridgewater.

“It was back to Rockets baseball,” said Javier Vazquez. “Our pitching was strong and our bats mighty. It is how we won a ton of games the last few years. For some reason we went away from that this year, but it has been good to see us getting back into the rhythm at the right time.”

The Rockets took a 5-4 lead heading into the final day, but many felt the game was in hand early in the week.

“We knew we should win that game,” said Chase Utley. “Given our playoff history folks were nervous. Still, there is no reason we should have lost. This team is a great one, even if this season hasn’t been an example of our talent. In essence, we are the same team that dominated the league the last three years. Now, we have to finish the deal.”

The sentiment was carried by most as they boarded the bus to Bridgewater, a team that the Rockets have a compelling history against in the playoffs. In 2005, after a surprising romp through the regular season, Rakeville was upset by a vivacious Weasels team in the semi-finals. Bridgewater went on to meet Weymouth in the Championships, losing by the closest margin in EHCC history. The following year Rakeville got some revenge, trouncing their rival in the quarterfinals before losing to the eventual champs Las Vegas. Now, on the heels of a blow out win in Week 21 and a shocking, come-from-behind Division crown, Rakeville has all the momentum in the historic series.

“They are the favorites,” said Manager Justin Fuller. “You can’t rattle off a season like they had and not expect to be the favorite. We’ve had some success against them, but that is all in the past. They are a great team. We are hitting our stride and I’m proud of what we’ve done, but they are still the favorites.”

Rakeville will kick off the epic series with veteran Javier Vazquez on the mound. Bridgewater counters with former Rockets farmhand Yusmeiro Petit. How fitting that that the best pitcher they have is a Rakeville castoff…

EHSPN: 2008 Playoffs Round 1 Recap

2008-09-08T13:44:00.012-04:00

Weymouth closer J.J. Putz put up two saves and a scoreless set of innings to help push Shaddupu past the Quebec City Piglets. Meanwhile, Rakeville closed out the Green Monsters to make it an all Eastern Division semi-finals.

East Coast Bias
By Max Powers, EHSPN

Week 1 of the 2008 playoffs brought fans everything they expected. Excitement, torture, and upset. With the wild card round now behind us fans can get pumped up for the real test. A test that will give just two teams a shot at the crown. One team will be fighting for their first, where another will be looking to tack on to championship total. One thing is for sure, the champion will represent the Eastern Division as all Western Division teams have been eliminated after the first week. Let's take a look at how the semi-final round match ups shaped up the way they did.

(4) RAK def (5) WS; 6-3

The Monsters kept their streak alive in 2008, losing their 3rd straight playoff appearance. The Monsters, who have never made it past the 1st round, had a lot of promise in 2008. They made quite the run at the end of the regular season, catapulting themselves into the 5th seed, the highest regular season seed the organization has ever had going into the playoffs. They were met by a retooling Rakeville squad which has always been known for its pitching, has been reworking their offense all season in an effort to compete for a chance at a championship.

Rakeville's newest offensive threat, Manny Ramirez, and long time Rocket third baseman Miguel Cabrera helped propel their team into the 2nd round with 5 home runs and 18 RBI's between them against a struggling Winston-Salem rotation. Roy Oswalt also stifled Monster hitters. His two wins gave the Rockets the category and also helped solidify Rakeville's hold on strikeouts, ERA and WHIP.

The Rockets proved to the rest of the league that their team has become one of the most well rounded rosters in the league and should be able to take any category in any given week. They travel on to Bridgewater to take on their Eastern Division rival Weasels in the semi-final round. The two teams have met twice before in the playoffs, once in 2005 when the Weasels beat the Rockets int he semi-final round, and once again the following year when Rakeville defeated Bridgewater in the first round. Rakeville battled Bridgewater during the 2008 season for the Eastern Division crown, a battle that the Rockets ended victorious.

(6) WEY def (3) QC; 5-5 by ERA tie-breaker

How many times can it be said - "It all comes down to pitching." For the second year in a row, the number 6 seed defeated the number 3 seed by a score of 5-5 by way of the EHCC ERA tiebreaker. The Piglets were the clear favorite going into the match up, regardless of how they finished the regular season. They defeated team Shaddupu twice in the regular season, including the most recent match up in the final week.

Quebec City was plaqued by not only injuries to their infield, but also by a string of bad outing by their record breaking pitching staff. Piglets' starters Randy Johnson, Ted Lilly, and Justin Verlander all had arguably their worst starts of the season. Such woeful starts that even masterful performances by starters Derek Lowe, Paul Byrd, and Chris Young could not dig Quebec City out from. Funnily enough, the Quebec City offense was the strongpoint for the team this week, taking 3 of the 5 categories from a struggling Weymouth line up, and even fought through the very last pitch for a 4th thanks to a pair of Carlos Delgado home runs. Unfortunatly for the Piglets' fans, the team fell one home run shy of winning the week.

Shaddupu now travels from Canada to the desert of Las Vegas where they will face off against their Eastern Division rival, the Doggs. The two teams have faced each other 4 times, with Weymouth being the victor in 3 of those match ups, including 2 semi-final round victories and 1 championship round victory. The Doggs have never beaten team Shaddupu in the semi-final round of the playoffs, their lone playoff victory coming in 2004, when the Doggs beat Shaddupu for the EHCC Championship. The two teams haven't met in the playoffs since 2005.

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This is the 2nd time in EHCC history that all four teams in the semi-final round have been representing the saem division. The last time it happened was 2005, when the same four teams, and same two match ups, made the semi-final round.

This is 3rd time in EHCC history that all four teams in the semi-final round were once of the original EHCC 6 teams. The only other seasons in which this was true was 2005 and 2001.

Baseball Tri-Weekly: September Cover 2008

2008-08-31T23:22:00.015-04:00

Read the Cover Story

Read the 2008 Playoff Preview

Stolen Season
Conor Intabedd; Reno Weekly Rag writing for Baseball Tri-Weekly

"Can you imagine a crazier situation in the final week of the regular season where all six teams have already clinched playoff spots? I doubt you can," those were the words from Quebec City GM Pat Renaud prior to the Week 22, and just about every other playoff GM must have agreed. Going into the final week of the regular season the only thing that was clinched besides playoff invitations was the Western Division trophy. No seed was safe. No bye had been clinched.

There were plenty of long shots, most Involving the Las Vegas Doggs. They could have had a chance at the Eastern Division crown if Rakeville had faltered against Arlington, but that didn't happen, as the Rockets beat Arlington for the seond time this season by the score of 6-1. More importantly, they could have catapulted themselves to the number 1 seed over both Bridgewater and Quebec City. They needed to beat Bridgewater, and beat them badly. A 9-0 score or better would have jumped them over their division rival and possibly dropping the Weasels down to 3rd place, a seed Weasels' fans couldn't have fathomed being in since Week 5.

"We knew we had a shot at it going in and we knew it would be tough, but we had the squad to do it and with our recent momentum we knew there was a strong possibility we could take it," Doggs' third baseman David Wright was quoted as saying prior to the Doggs-Weasels match up in Week 22.

The Doggs ended up putting up a 9-1 win over Bridgewater, a half a point below their target, leaving them a half game behind the Weasels in the regular season standings. Jimmy Rollins' 7 stolen bases against Doggs' pitchers was the key, and Doggs' newest starter Ricky Nolasco knows it. "He stole 3 on me this week. It was embarrasing. He just knows how to take advantage of situations and make you pay for not paying attention," Nolasco said in a recent press conference.

Not was all lost for Las Vegas as they also had the chance to jump over Quebec City in the standings, thus clinching themselves a 1st round bye in next week's playoffs. This was also a long shot sicne the Piglets had already beaten team Shaddupu in Week 11 by the score of 9-1, not giving the Doggs' too much confidence in a Weymouth squad that had traded one of their biggest bats since that match up.

Going into the final 3 hours of play in Week 22, the Doggs sat a whole point over the Piglets and all the Doggs were ready to start their week vacation. Quebec City starting catcher Russ Martin was ready to ruin the Doggs' party. In his first at bat he singled, stole 2nd, and then scored on a Justin Morneau double. That single at bat brought the Piglets above the Doggs by a half a game. Luckily for the Doggs, Stephen Drew got a timely 2 out single later that game, taking away a point from the Piglets and bringing the Doggs a half point above the Western Division champions, and that's how it ended.

"It was a wild ride from our persepective. Everyone was in the locker room glued to the television. All we cared about was Russ and Drew. No one else mattered. When Drew hit that single and Martin struck out the whole locker room exploded. Most of us had already booked flights home to see our families, thinking we had a week off, so if we lost out on that bye we would have been pretty upset. Needless to say, we were pretty relieved," Doggs' outfielder Adam Dunn told KDOG in a post-game interview.

The top three teams ended up finishing a half a game behind each other, with the Weasels netting the top seed, Las Vegas finishing second, and Quebec City dropping down to 3rd, forcing them to face off against Weymouth in a rematch of their regualr season finale. The Piglets won both of the regular seaosn match ups against Shaddupu by a combined score of 14-4.

Bridgewater end up facing off against the winner of the Rockets-Green Monsters first round match up, while the Doggs will face the winner of the Piglets-Shaddupu rematch.

2008 Playoff Preview

2008-08-31T04:30:00.003-04:00

Not many expected to see Quebec City in the first round of the 2008 playoffs, as the dominated along with Bridgewater for most of the season, but Las Vegas forced the Piglets into a first round rematch with their Week 22 opponent Weymouth, a team they've faced plenty of times in previous playoff appearances.

2008 EHCC Playoff Preview By Max Powers of EHSPN writing for Baseball Tri-Weekly

Going into the final week of the season everyone knew who would be playing for a chance at the 2008 EHCC championship but no one knew who exactly they'd be facing off against. Now that it's finally all settled, let's take a look at the match ups that present themselves and who will come out on top.

Round 1

(3) Quebec City vs (6) Weymouth

Quebec City is has been tattered and tortured over the last week or so. Injuries have plagued their infield, taking hard hitting third baseman Evan Longoria and EHCC All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler of of the Piglets' line up. Even with the injuries, the Piglets managed a 5-3 win over Shaddupu in Week 22. That along with their decisive 9-1 victory in Week 11, and the first round home field advantage, makes them the clear favorite in this first round match up.

Weymouth, who contemplated dismantling their entire squad at the trading deadling, lost some big production when they traded away long time outfielder Manny Ramirez to Rakeville. With all the pressure on Ryan Braun and Josh Hamilton to keep the Weymouth offense on top, it should be a long week for team Shaddupu.

The Piglets have not lost to Weymouth in the playoffs since 2004, and have never lost in the first round of play against team Shaddupu. This will be the third straight year that the two teams have met in the first round of the playoffs.

Overall Playoff Records
Quebec City: 3-6 (2-1 vs WEY)
Weymouth: 12-3 (1-2 vs QC)

Prediction: QC 7, WEY 3

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(4) Rakeville vs (5) Winston-Salem

Rakeville earned themselves the Price Trophy last week, and deservingly so. They had been a formidable match up for any Eastern Divisional rival in 2008 and now they hope to bring that domination into the playoffs. The Rockets have everything going for them: momentum (they've won their last 4 match ups of the regular season by a combined score of 28-7, including a 9-1 win against top seeded Bridgewater and a 6-1 victory in the final week against the defending EHCC Champion Arlington Warriors), experience (the Rockets have only missed the playoffs once since the EHCC was created in 2001), and production (sat in the top 5 of four of the five offensive categories in the 2008 regular season). Chase Utley and company will need to compensate however for the ailing Rockets' pitching staff. With ace Josh Beckett and closer Billy Wagner on the shelf, look for starter Roy Oswalt to return to form and help set the example in the first day of play for the rest of the staff.

Winston-Salem's offense has been streaky all season. One week they seem like they'll be unstoppable against any opponent and others they seems as though they're all taking the week off. They'll have to turn it on this week if they wish to stay competitive against a strong Rockets' line up. Grady Sizemore and Carlos Quentin are the strong point in their line up and should provide the Monsters with the fire power they'll need to stay with Miguel Cabrera and the rest of the Rakeville bats. The Monsters will have to take advantage of the ailing Rockets' pitching staff this week. With Zack Grienke being their only scheduled two-start pitcher, they will have to rely of finesse to push past the first round.

This is the Monsters' third trip to the EHCC playoffs since being introduced to the league in 2004 and first since 2005. They have never made it past the first round. Rakeville has made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs in each of the past 3 years. Rakeville and Winston-Salem have never faced off in the playoffs.

Overall Playoff Records
Rakeville: 2-5
Winston-Salem: 0-2

Prediction: RAK 6, WS 3

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Round 2

(1) Bridgewater vs (4) Rakeville

Bridgewater has dominated all season. They've beaten every team in the league at least once (most of them twice) with the notable exception of Rakeville. They've faltered down the stretch, coming close to losing their number 1 seed to Las Vegas, but pushed through and should face off against the Rockets in the second round of play. The Weasels didn't sit on top of any single category this season, but overall were very well-rounded. Their bats came alive at opportunistic times during the season and, with the exception of starter Chien-Ming Wang, their arms in their rotation have been durable enough to endure the long season. They showed chinks in their armor in the final few weeks of play, faltering against two playoff teams (Las Vegas and Rakeville), and they'll be hoping that their poor play doesn't carry over into the playoffs.

Rakeville has done well against Eastern Division opponents all season and Bridgewater is no exception. They have not lost to them in their two match ups during the regular season, a statistic they won't be looking to change in the playoffs. Their pitching staff hasn't been as dominate as past seasons but should be able to hold off the majority of the Bridgewater hitters especially with three scheduled two-start pitchers, while Rakeville bats should be swinging away at a rusty Bridgewater staff that will have a week off before facing off against the Rockets' potent lineup.

The same match up came about in the 2005 season, with the seeds being reversed. Bridgewater, then the 4th seed, upset the Rockets, who were dominate all throughout the regular season. Look for a similar outcome this year.

Overall Playoff Record (including 2008 previous round predictions)
Bridgewater: 6-7 (1-1 vs RAK)
Rakeville: 3-5 (1-1 vs BRW)

Prediction: RAK 5, BRW 4

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(2) Las Vegas vs (3) Quebec City

The Doggs are the story of the second half of the season. They ended up making up enough ground to push them from 8th place to 2nd by the end of the regular season, giving them the 1st round BYE all Doggs' fans thought they needed. The Doggs have made the playoffs every season since the EHCC was created but both of their championships came when they had a 1st round bye. Going into the playoffs, the Doggs have been arguably the best team in the league, defeating 10 of their last 11 opponents by a combined score of 73-23. Their only loss in that time coming at the hands of a 8-2 beating by Winston-Salem in Week 18. They stand in the top 5 of every offensive category, including top honors in Home Runs and RBI, and second in Runs and Stolen Bases. Their resurgent pitching staff has helped catapult them into the conversation of most improved staff since the beginning of the season. They ended the season with a top three finish in each pitching category except total Wins, where they finished in the middle of the road (6th). Many feel that the week off will hurt the Doggs' momentum but the players have all stated that they'll use the time off wisely.

Quebec City, hurt the most by the Doggs' second half domination, lost out on the first round bye but should find themselves an opportunity to avenge themselves in the second round against Las Vegas. The Piglets' pitching staff, the best in the league, should have little trouble against Doggs' hitters. The problem will arise if/when the Doggs' decide to bring in multiple free agents specialists to battle against the Piglets' dominate staff. The Piglets' hitters will have to step up against the Doggs' pitchers, an area that many feel as though the Piglets are simply just overmatched. If the Piglets are to win this match up they'll do it on the mound.

The Piglets have only made it to the final tound once since being brought into the EHCC in 2002, while the Doggs have been to the finals 3 times, winning the EHCC crown twice, both times with the first round bye. Quebec City and Las Vegas have never met each other in the playoffs.

Overall Playoff Record (including 2008 previous round prediction)
Las Vegas: 7-5
Quebec City: 4-6
Prediction: LV 7, QC 2

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2008 EHCC CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

(2) Las Vegas Doggs vs (4) Rakeville Rockets

These two teams, the top two teams in the East, are probably two of the most evenly matched teams in the EHCC. Both teams finished the regular season by winning their final four match ups. Both organizations have plenty of playoff experience. Both have above average hitters and rotations. This should make for an entertaining two weeks to say the least.

Las Vegas may have the edge in a tie breaking situation, finishing a whole 0.30 points above the Rockets in team ERA in the regular season.

The Doggs and Rockets have met twice before in the post-season. In 2003 the 3rd seeded Doggs defeated the 6th seeded Rockets in the 1st round of play. In the second round, Las Vegas was then beaten by a far superior Weymouth club who went on to win their 3rd straight championship. In 2006, 1st seeded Las Vegas defeated 4th seeded Rakeville in the second round on route to their second EHCC title.

According to my previous predictions, the 2008 playoffs look a lot like the 2005 version, with the number 2 seed facing off against the number 4 for the championship. I can't see it finishing off much differently.

Overall Playoff Record (including 2008 previous round predictions)
Las Vegas 8-5 (2-0 vs RAK)
Rakeville: 4-5 (0-2 vs LV)

Prediction LV 6, RAK 4 MVP - David Wright (3B-LV)

Disagree with Max Powers' predictions? Post your own on the comments page.

Rakeville Times: Eastern Excellence

2008-08-31T04:29:00.000-04:00

Chase Utley makes the final out to seal the Eastern Division title for the Rockets. Rakeville now heads into a tough playoff matchup with the Price Cup in their dugout.

Eastern Excellence
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

The Rockets are the best team in the Eastern Division, but you’d have a hard time convincing Rakeville fans of it. After a turbulent season that saw the best pitching staff in league history collapse, a prestigious head coach fired and a year long battle to keep the entire squad healthy, the Golden Arms in the bleachers would have been happy just to make the playoffs. Instead, they are proud holders of the team’s second Price Cup.

The crown is not undeserved. It was hard to argue that Rakeville was one of the best teams all season long. They ran into trouble, but no team handled injuries and underachievement better. While they didn’t have the initial success of Bridgewater and Quebec City, nor the hot streak that propelled Las Vegas, they grinded out win after win against tough Eastern Division opponents. No one could have predicted Bridgewater’s late-season collapse after their meteoric start, but Jack Reed did all he could to put his club into hunt.

“I had thought the Price Cup was lost to us,” said Reed. “Every season we build our team to be the best in the East, but after losing to Weymouth a month ago, My staff and I began focusing solely on the EHCC playoffs.”

Rakeville then went on to sweep their last three division opponents, including the Weasels with a decisive 9-1 win in week 21. After tying Bridgewater earlier in the season, the Rockets had the tie breaker if fate was on their side.

“It just snuck up on us,” said Gavin Floyd, who supplied two wins in the final game of the season. “After we beat Bridgewater, Coach Fuller said we had a chance to do something special. We had a team meeting before our flight to Arlington and decided to win.”

A 6-2 win against Arlington and a Bridgewater loss to Las Vegas sealed the deal.

“The East is full of tough teams,” said Reed. “It seems like our team has always gotten up for division games. This year is a perfect example.”

Critics suggest Rakeville’s success in the East has a lot to do with the strategy implemented by former manager Tom Seaver at the start of the season. Rockets players seemingly took off games against western conference teams. In arguably a weaker division, Rakeville stumbled.

“I’m not going to speculate on what Tom’s plan was heading into the season,” said Manager Justin Fuller. “He never indicated that he placed more importance on Eastern Division games. I did question his use of the bullpen at times, and I could see why some might think he mailed in Western Division games to keep players fresh, but I don’t think it affected our standing in the EHCC.”

Whatever the methods, the Rockets are now the proud owners of their second division crown in four years. They now prepare for a difficult first round matchup against Winston-Salem, a team that bested them twice in the regular season.
“There is no easy road to the EHCC championships this season,” said Fuller. “Teams that we though would be a sure-fire champ have faltered, and low ranked teams now have a history of success. The playoff pool is too deep to predict.”

Peoria Free Press: Lights Out - Cliff Lee

2008-08-25T20:51:00.004-04:00

From Castaway To Consistency, Peoria Ace Cliff Lee Has Catapulted Himself Into The Conversation

Lights Out - Cliff Lee
By Rey Bingo, Peoria Free Press

The transformation that is Cliff Lee’s career has been astonishing, even for the Peoria brass. “When we picked him up a few weeks into the season we expected his veteran presence to help our young talent,” said Cardinals GM Dave Grubb. “The comeback season that has ensued is straight out of a Disney movie.”

It was just one year ago that Lee found himself unable to keep up with EHCC lineups, ultimately landing him in the unemployment office. As Peoria entered Spring Training prior to the 2008 season, it was clear that the team was determined to start improving a pitching staff that finished near last in every category in 2007. With the emergence of Edinson Volquez, Chad Billingsley, and Shaun Marcum, the Cardinals pitching staff stormed out of the gate but remained young and inexperienced. The Cardinals front office made the decision to take a chance on Cliff Lee, and have gotten so much more than they could have ever dreamed.

“Initially we thought Lee would be a great asset to our future aces, but we never dreamed the impact road would be a two-way street,” explained Peoria pitching coach Danny Graves. The fact that Lee has been able to ingest the youthful and carefree spirit of Peoria’s young arms has been the key to this Control King’s turnaround. “Prior to this year I felt as though if I wasn’t perfect one night that I would need to go out and prove my abilities the next time out, but being around these youngsters has allowed me to breathe easy and reminds me there’s always tomorrow. I no longer take my last start with me into my next start,” explained Lee on his change in mindset this season.

Throughout the month of July, Lee’s name was swirling in multiple trade rumors. While this distraction may have knocked the Lee Express off course in previous years, the now more at ease Cliff Lee continued rolling; collecting 6 wins with an ERA just over 3 for the month. While GM Dave Grubb insists that Lee was dangled only with intent of dealing him for an overpriced return, he admits that the greatest move this team may have ended up making was actually standing firm and holding onto Peoria’s ace.

With Peoria eliminated from playoff contention yet again, Lee’s magical season has single-handedly kept Peoria fans interested, and the turnstiles moving. Cliff Lee has made it next to impossible for critics, voters, and EHCC fans to ignore his production. With a league best 18 wins, and 2.43 ERA to go along with a freakishly K:BB rate of almost 5.5, Lee has put himself front and center in the discussion for the best SP in the EHCC this season; truly amazing individual stats pitching for a team well under .500.

Lee himself readily admits that the individual accolades are nice. At the age of 29 he has proven to be a late bloomer, but his lengthy path to success continues to be a lesson in humility for young studs such as Edinson Volquez, Chad Billingsley, and company. With a full off season to work with Peoria’s young assets, this organization feels as though the Cardinals will be ready for a playoff push as soon as next season. Cliff Lee has truly helped change the landscape of this teams once atrocious pitching void.

EHSPN: Monsters Big Pick Up

2008-08-02T11:45:00.002-04:00

Rejoice! Monster fans, your favorite team didn't make any moves at the deadline, which I'm sure everyone is so surprised, what the team did do is hang on to Francisco 'Lights Out' Liriano. Who is poised to be the biggest pick up of this trading season.

After an abysmal start to the year, posting an 11.32 ERA in 3 starts, Liriano was sent down to regain the confidence he once had prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery. After correcting his problems in the minors, posting a 3.43 ERA and striking out 121 in 123 innings, Liriano has been called up to the big club, and is poised to help a staff who has been mired in mediocrity.

I thought I was ready, and during spring training I started to doubt I'd ever get back to where I was in 06. That doubt in my head was all it took for me to be unsuccessful.

With all doubts cleared, and Liriano's first start this Sunday, the Monsters are hoping he is to be the biggest pick up of the 2008 season, and can ride his coattails all the way to the playoffs, and do some damage in a top heavy season this year.

Throughout the year, the Monsters have exemplified inconsistency, only taking winning streaks to a 2 week maximum. Hoping this call up can right the ship for the last few weeks of the season, the Monsters are pinning all their hopes on the last 5 weeks for their team to pick up the pace and close out the season with a bang.

GM Wally Bachman's stingy approach to raising home grown players, has raised numerous questions to his baseball IQ, as well as his sanity. He hopes that it all comes together, and people can start to understand what his intentions were.

I know all our fans were calling for us to make a trade, to improve our pitching staff, but we just felt like teams were asking far too much for rental players, and unproven rookies with little upside.

So the Monsters will begin their trek towards the ultimate prize, with a focus, and a rejuvenation that will help them finally get over the hump.

Baseball Tri-Weekly: August Cover 2008

2008-08-01T04:20:00.000-04:00

EhSPN Radio: Minor League Draft Review

2008-07-22T03:58:00.001-04:00

Baseball Tri-Weekly: July Cover 2008

2008-07-01T05:57:00.002-04:00

BridgeH2O: All-Star Pitch-Off

2008-06-12T14:21:00.008-04:00

Usually Mike Mussina and Joe Saunders are combating against other EHCC opponents, but in their upcoming starts, they will be battling each other. Why you may ask? They will fight each other for a spot on the all-star roster.

All-Star Pitch-Off
By Stevie Miller, BridgeH20 Today

Weasels manager Kenny Beltram has a tough decision to make. Which pitcher should Bridgewater send to the all-star game? “It was a pretty easy decision to send Tim (Hudson) to the game because he has been our number one pitcher all year long.” Beltram said. “But with only one spot left to work with and a lot of quality guys that I could send, I narrowed it down to two. With both Mike (Mussina) and Joe (Saunders) pitching great for us, the only fair thing I could think of is a good old fashion pitch-off.”

And that is what they are going to do. In their next scheduled starts, (Mussina on Saturday and Saunders on Sunday) the two will pitch for the last pitching spot for Bridgewater. GM Nastra Diggus loves this idea. “This is great, young vs old, lefty vs righty, teammate vs teammate, winner takes all, doesn’t get better than this” said Diggus.

Mike “I use to be the Moose, then I lost it for awhile, but am now the Moose again” Mussina has been pitching great as of late for the Weasels, who is 8-1 with a 3.11 ERA in his last 10 outings. The seasoned vet got off to a rocky start this year going 1-3 with an ERA of 5.75 in his first four starts. So what was it that turned it around for Mussina? “Well I decided that it was time for something new, so I decided to stop sucking since I’ve doing that for awhile now” said Mussina. “It was tough to become good again given that I really got comfortable with sucking but I found a way to turn it around.”

Joe “I’ve been a pleasant surprise” Saunders has been the opposite of Mussina. He started off hot and has scuffled a bit as of late. Saunders has lost two of his last three starts, going 1-2 with a 7.56 ERA in that span. The left-hander has given up six home runs in those three outings - one more than he allowed over his previous 10 starts this season combined. But Saunders has put together an all-star type of season for the most part at 9-3 with 43 K’s and an ERA of 3.32. “I’ve been struggling recently, but I feel that this little friendly competition is just what I needed to get myself kick started again.”

The first place Weasels will announce the offensive all-star choices on Saturday which will be another tough decision for Beltram with so many all-star performances occurring this year. Sources have said that Lance Berkman will be one of those choices, as if that was a hard choice for anyone to make.

Steve Miller is a beat writer for the bi-monthly Bridge H20 Today. He has a lot of time off after this article and plans on visiting Quebec City next week to scalp his EHCC All-Star tickets to make some extra cash.

Baseball Tri-Weekly: June Cover 2008

2008-06-01T05:05:00.000-04:00

EHSPN: Fact or Fiction Week 10

2008-05-28T01:14:00.013-04:00

Bridgewater is unbeaten, and nobody's had more to do with it than Lance Berkman. The 32-year old is 1st in the East in Runs, 2nd in Home Runs, and 3rd in RBI and Average. With the Fact or Fiction guys on vacation, Rey Bingo and John Krak decide if the Weasels can enter the All-Star Break without a loss.

Fact or Fiction
Rey Bingo & John Krak, EHSPN

1) Arlington will still be competitive with 9 inactive players on their roster.

Bingo: FACT
Last years surprise darling, the Arlington Warriors, are perched back near the top of the standings again this season. A lot of experts believe Arlington’s unfortunate injury and demotion woes will affect their ability to compete for a second consecutive championship. I am not one of them. Arlington has positioned itself nicely as we approach the halfway point. With many teams in the EHCC having down years, the door is wide open for Arlington to remain in the home field advantage race throughout the season. Key losses to slugger Matt Holliday and ace Fausto Carmona will undoubtedly hinder the Warriors in the short term, but both are expected back and productive well before the all-star break. If the playoffs were to start today Arlington would be toast. Luckily for GM Matt Skinner, he has plenty of time to brew up whatever Kool-Aid he was feeding them at the end of the 2007 campaign.

Krak: FICTION
Losing Matt Holliday and Fausto Carmona will destroy anyone's championship dreams. Fortunately for Arlington, injuries will (unless you're Mark Prior) eventually come to an end. While their out, however, don't expect much from the defending plaque holders. Holliday was having an MVP-ish season; Carmona was 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA; John Smoltz had 36 Ks in 27 innings with a 2.00 ERA. Don't get me wrong, Adrian Gonzalez is amazing, and Jose Contreras has been playing way over his head, but can the Warriors really stay on top with the way Rakeville and Bridgewater are playing? Probably not.

2) Peoria's pitching staff has been the biggest surprise of the year.

Krak: FICTION
I'll be honest, NOBODY expected Peoria to have the best pitching staff in the league... and they don't. Rakeville, Quebec City, and Weymouth still have the best hurlers in the EHCC, with Peoria an arguable 4th. Other then Cliff Lee, the Cardinals young arms have done exactly what was expected of them. Edinson Volquez and chad Billingsley were destined for great things, and Carlos Marmol is a proven strikeout guy.

The biggest surprise of the season has been Tokyo's offense, who seem to have forgotten how to hit home runs. The Omyoujis are 8th in the league in HR, 9th in RBI, Average, and Stolen Bases, and 12th in Runs. An outfield of Jeff Francoeur, Alex Rios, and Nick Markakis are hitting a combined .260 with 18 HR (for those keeping score, that's 2 less than Rakeville 2B Chase Utley has). JJ Hardy has been a complete disappointment after crushing 26 HR and 80 RBI in 2007. Billy Butler was banished to AAA Vermont after an atrocious May, and the team has no plan to call him back up anytime soon. A poll taken in March had 3/9 voters predicted Tokyo to win the Western Division this year. If their offense keeps going like this, it doesn't look good for the Far East.

Bingo: FACT
Scott Olsen, Luke Hochevar, Edinson Volquez, Shaun Marcum... before the season most onlookers would have said, "I sure hope whoever has this rotation has an extremely potent lineup." However Peoria GM Dave Grubb has a differing opinion. After dealing aces Chris Young and Cole Hamels in the off-season, it was assumed that Peoria would have little in the way of pitching success this year. Some how, the exact opposite has happened. 2007 acquisition, Edinson Volquez, has come out of the gate in 2008 like a bat out of hell. He is currently leading two of three triple-crown categories in the EHCC (ERA and K’s). Experts have argued that such rotation members Cliff Lee and Scott Olsen are aberrations and will not be able to hold steady in their performances. But, what experts don’t seem to realize is that for these pitchers pitching "over their heads", they have just as many pitchers that have yet to reach their expectations. Andrew Miller, Chad Billingsley, and Ubaldo Jimenez, all potential aces, struggled mightily over the first month or so of the season. Even if a few arms fall back down to Earth, it can be assumed that just as many will start stepping up to their potential. Even with six members of Peoria's rotation sporting ERA’s over 4.5 (Miller, Jimenez, Gallagher, Hochevar, Parra, Reyes) the team still sports the leagues top team ERA 3.30 by a substantial margin, a true testament to the depth of this teams rotation. The Cards are also second in WHIP, third in K's, and fifth in Wins. A few seasons ago Peoria fans had little to be excited about, but now with arguably the best pitching stats in the league, and a rotation with the average age under 25, Cardinals fans can not only be surprised with its teams pitching success this year, but they can be assured that this is only the beginning. One final good sign, all this was said without ever even mentioning All-Star candidate Adam Wainwright.

3) The 2008 Draft has been the biggest disappointment of the year.

Bingo: FACT
Without question, owners and fans alike will look back to the 2008 Major League Draft as one of the biggest flops in EHCC history. With no young prospect options like in years past, the 2008 draft already had a very different feel to it. Santo Domingo’s top pick was used on SP Franklin Morales who lasted exactly 25 innings before finding himself back on the AAA bus. Going second in the draft was CF Vernon Wells to Peoria, who as of May 10th is filling a DL spot until at least early July. In fact, arguably the top-performing draftee from this class, Aaron Rowand, lasted until just April 5th until WS, his drafting team, released him. In recent years, high quality players were available. Names like Lincecum, Matsuzaka, Chipper Jones, Verlander, and Zimmerman paced the draft boards. This year provided nothing close to competing with this level of value.

Krak: FACT
The reason that the draft was such a disappointment this year was the lack of fresh meat. 10 of 12 first round picks were players left off a team's 25-man roster (#1 Franklin Morales lost his minor league eligibility, while #12 Brandon Lyon was dropped prior to the offseason). In 2007, only 4 first rounders were 25-man rejects. The abundance of recycled players led to quite the boring first round, and it's no surprise that most of those players have been disappointing (after all, there's a reason teams did not want to keep them). Morales has found himself in the minors; Rafael Soriano, Andruw Jones, Jason Isringhausen, and Vernon Wells have all found themselves on the DL; Bronson Arroyo and Jeremy Guthrie are just now starting to pitch like they belong on an EHCC roster. And yes, guys like Brandon Lyon and Pat Burrell have had career years, but it's only a matter of time until they come down to Earth. Long story short (even though I already took the long road) we can only pray that March 21st, 2009 will be worth attending.

4) Tijuana will be winless by the All-Star Break.

Krak: FACT
The second-biggest insult to Hispanics baseball will be a Week 10 loss to Arlington, who may not even have enough players to field a full team. The biggest insult to Hispanics baseball will be a Week 11 loss to Winston-Salem, when their current losing streak will hit 12 games. Some people say that a win is a win no matter how much you win by, but Tijuana has hardly been the worst team in the league this season. They've scored at least 3 points in 8 of their 9 losses, and they are only in last place in 3 of 10 stats. Regardless, this team has quite the uphill battle this year and in the near future. And chances are that Tokyo's 26-game winless streak record is safe, but nothing is definite until the Hispanics break the funk and get that illusive victory.

Bingo: FICTION
Tijuana fans are once again suffering the angst of another long season of Hispanics baseball. At fear of a dirty Mexican hombre taking me literally, it might be time to just blow up the entire thing and start over. Tijuana has an uncomfortable mix of veterans and youngsters. The direction of this team is in flux and no true direction is apparent. The race to #1 will fuel our friends to the south all summer long. Santo Domingo and Tijuana could get really dirty as both vie for the top pick in the 2009 draft. All that said, Tijuana runs into an upset win in Week 11 when they visit Winston-Salem.

5) Bridgewater will be unbeaten by the All-Star Break.

Bingo: FACT
This is an easy one. Yes. Bridgewater will reach the halfway point unbeaten. In Week 3, Quebec City made a nice run at Bridgewater, but behind Derek Lee, the Weasels were able to sneak by. QC will look for revenge, and to serve BRW its first loss, when they host the Weasels in Week 14. A potential World Series preview.

Krak: FICTION
Not only has Bridgewater gone 8-0-1 this season, but they've done so in convincing fashion. A 4-3 win over Quebec City and a 5-5 tie against Arlington are the only "blemishes" on what has been an amazing resume. The offense is top 3 in 4 categories (6th in SB), led by Lance "Triple Crown" Berkman and Nate "Who Is This Guy" McClouth. The pitching staff, nearing an average age of 71, is also overpowering opponents. 2nd in wins, 3rd in ERA and Saves... there's nothing this roster can't do.

Even with all their dominating numbers, having to face Rakeville and Las Vegas over the next 2 games will put a damper on their unbeaten hopes. The Rockets are also in the top 3 in 4 offensive categories, and their staff has been just a bit better (most notably, 590 Ks to Bridgewater's 476). Las Vegas doesn't have the season numbers but they have been hot as of late, winning their last 4 by a combined 27-11. The Weasels have the best lineup in baseball, but can they beat two of the hottest?

Baseball Tri-Weekly: May Cover 2008

2008-05-01T03:23:00.001-04:00

Peoria Free Press: April 2008

2008-04-15T22:03:00.008-04:00

BridgeH20: Road Warriors

2008-04-14T03:09:00.004-04:00

Despite repeatedly insisting that he was Chinese and not Japanese, the Bridgewater Weasels still sent Chien-Ming Wang out onto the mound in Tokyo believing that he could excel in his home country. They were right... about the excelling. Wang pitched nine strong innings in front of his Japanese brethren.

Road Warriors
Stevie Miller, BridgeH2O Today

Starting off the season on a two week road trip around the world, Bridgewater comes home with the best record in the EHCC.

First, it was a trip across the country to Golden where the Weasels battled all week but pulled out the big win behind the bats of Derek Lee and Nate McLouth, along with the pitching of Chien-Ming Wang and Tim Hudson. Then, the team took the long flight to the other side of the world to face the Omyoujis in Tokyo. There, Ryan Howard and Lance Berkman’s bats came alive and a couple of pitching gems by Wandy Rodriguez and Joe Saunders sealed the deal.

Manager Kenny Beltram said “I like what I’m seeing out of this team thus far, we’re getting production out of all our guys, both young and old.”

Some of the old agree.

“We’re clicking together real well right now,” said Berkman, “well beside Placido who is just awful right now, but it’s okay because he’s Dominican.”

The Weasels are going to need Polanco’s bat for next week’s match against the Piglets. Alex Rodriguez did not get off to the hot start like he had a year ago, but he’s still putting up decent numbers.

A-rod had a few off the field issues before the season, like being fined by Weasels General Manager Nastra Diggus for his cover of the EHCC 2008 the video game where A-rod was donning a baby blue and white Santo Domingo uniform, which is far from the Weasels crimson red and black colors.

When asked why he was wearing the wrong uniform, A-rod responded, "Well I was running late to the photo shoot because I came straight from the strip club and didn't have time to stop at home and grab my uniform. You know how it is, eight lap dances are never enough and I had to make it rain at least one time before I left. So when I got to the photo shoot the only uniform they had there was a Santo Domingo outfit."

When asked if this would be a distraction on the season, he replied “no I should be fine. The fine is just going to cost the guys down at the strip club a days pay from me.”

With the Weasels now coming back to Bridgewater for their home opener, they have a tough week ahead of them. Facing a very good Quebec City they will have their work cut out for them.

“They are a great team and this will be a great test for us,” said Beltram. “Hopefully we can show people we deserve to be in first.”

Although the Weasels did get another boost going into this week with the signing of Brandon Lyon and the return of B.J. Ryan from injury, they have the possibility of four closers in their bullpen for the first time in team history.

EHSPN: Fact or Fiction, Week 2

2008-04-11T16:11:00.008-04:00

Pedro Gammo and Jayson Snark take a break from drinking beer all day to sit down to discuss some of the pressing issues facing the EHCC this week, and also drink beer. Lots and lots of beer.

Fact or Fiction, Week 2
Pedro Gammo, EHSPN
Jason Snark, EHSPN

1) Bridgewater is the Best Team in the League

Gammo: FICTION: Well, that's just not true. Why would you even ask me that? They beat a very young and rebuilding Golden staff who got one start, and not a good one, from Matsuzaka before he went north and they played them before the addition of Jonny Cueto. Bridgewater isn't even the best week 1 team in the league. Sure they won 9-1 this year, but their overall record in the past 4 years in week one 24-13-3. Vegas and Weymouth both trump that. Too much is being read into week one results. If you look into all the stats themselves, Las Vegas is the best team in the land, but they still finished with a score of 5-4-1 after week 1. Get back to me in 10 weeks and we'll see where we stand.

Snark: FICTION: Bridgewater sucks. Their pitching is all smoke and mirrors and their hitters are all old and overrated. The only thing they have going for them is that the team they played last week was even worse than them, making them look awesome, when they’re not. The fact is, Golden sucks; that doesn’t make every team that kicks their ass the best team in the league, it just makes Golden the worst. Period!

2) Golden is the Worst Team in the League

Snark: FICTION: Golden has a great young team. They’re rebuilding and looking good doing it. Thanks to the prospect shuttle from Canada to the Rockies, they’ve got some fantastic pieces that have already started delivering big-time results. Chris Young The Outfielder is destroying pitches and Johnny Cueto is the greatest Golden pitcher since Tim Lincecum. Once Clay Bucholz, Jon Lester, and Jason Bay start putting it together, watch out. Just because Bridgewater beat them badly in Week one, you can’t read too much into that. Bridgewater is the best team in the league; that doesn’t make Golden the worst. Golden is awesome. Period!

Gammo: FICTION: Again, week 1 hype is boggling my mind. We shouldn't be asking this question based on the first match up of the year, we should be asking this based on the numbers the teams put up thus far. If we really want to crown a "Worst Team of 2008" after week one let's forget who played who, who got lucky and who didn't, and let's look at the numbers. Golden has hit the second most amount of home runs in the league thus far. They are also in the middle of the past in RBI, SB, and team AVG. Their pitching staff, though didn't explode onto the scene this season, is young and building maturity, and the team has already matched their Save total from 2008 after just one week (1). They still aren't the worst team in the league. That honor goes to Tijunana, who ranked last or second to last in every pitching category except saves after week 1. They also finished last in 3 of the 5 offensive categories as well.

3) Winston-Salem will fall just short of the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row

Gammo: FACT: If week one stats are any indication, and they aren't (just look at the fact that Vegas, statistically, has the second best pitching staff in the league after week 1), the playoffs will consist of Vegas, Bridgewater, Rakeville, Weymouth, Quebec City, and Tokyo. Finishing 7th and 8th would be Peoria and Winston-Salem. This seems to be the trend for the Monsters. Unless they get a great choice to use their now #1 waiver priority on or make a big move before the all star break, I can't see them making that huge push needed to get back over the hump.

Snark: FICTION: This is the year Winston-Salem makes the leap from “also-rans” to “also-rans who lose in the first round of the playoffs”. Look at that team! They have ‘just a shade above mediocre’ written all over them! Sure, they have terrible players at every other position; but look at the OTHER positions! Great players! So what is Kevin Youkilis is a bad fantasy third baseman? Hanley Ramirez is at Short! So what if David Murphy is consistently in their starting lineup? So is Grady Sizemore! And on and on it goes! Zach Duke? Meh. Erik Bedard? Hooray! Pat Maholm? Boooooo! Rich Harden? Well, uh…can we say Erik Bedard again? Hooray!

The point is, Winston-Salem traditionally does just enough to almost make it. Thanks to their fantastic pickup of scorching hot phenom Edwin Jackson, look for them to finally get over the hump. Management is ready to play some meaningful ballgames in the postseason (for one week, then they’re ready to play some consolation matches. They’re just more comfortable with it).

4) The Peoria Cardinals are a legitimate playoff contender

Gammo: FACT: They need to fill a few holes to be a championship contender, but they could conceivably sneak into the playoffs with a well timed run and some breaks along the way. They play Winston-Salem in a shortened week 15 match-up and that could be the biggest game of the season as far as determining the bottom half of the playoff is concerned. If they can add one more quality arm to that rotation without giving up too much they should be able to pick up a few more wins down the stretch. I don't think they'll make it however. The teams above them are just a bit too strong to pass this season. They will contend but fall just short, but will definitely not be fighting for that top pick in the 2009 draft.

Snark: FICTION: They’re not quite a playoff contender just yet, but they don’t suck anymore. The off-season acquisition of Mark Teixeira gives them a big-time power bat in the middle of the order, which should nicely compliment a balanced outfield of 2008 draftees Kosuke Fukodome and Vernon Wells. With the continued maturation of future OF All-Stars Matt Kemp and Adam Jones, the Peoria offense is suddenly pretty intimidating.

Of course, to load up that offense, they took a big hit to their pitching. Losing Cole Hamels and Chris Young The Pitcher hurt their staff quite a bit, and while the addition of Shaun Marcum and Chad Billingsley were savvy moves, it’s clear pitching will likely be the team’s Achilles heel all year long; and we all remember what happened to Achilles—that’s right. He missed the playoffs too.

5) Quebec City has the best pitching staff in the league

Gammo: FACT: The numbers don’t lie in this case. After week 1 the Piglets were tops in strikeouts and ERA, while finishing second in Wins and WHIP. There's no reason to suspect that, barring 3 or 4 injuries, this rotation can't hold those numbers all season. Now, if only the pitching staff could help out their offense, who finished week one as the 3rd worst offense in the league, they'd be the top team to beat.

Snark: FICTION: It’s still Rakeville until somebody proves otherwise. While the Piglet staff is by far the most improved in the league, and while it’s true that off-season defections hurt Rakeville’s staff, it’s likely that the continued maturation of youngsters like Felix Hernandez and Phillip Hughes should offset those losses. Too bad Jack Reed couldn’t fetch his ‘King’s Ransom’ for Kelvim Escobar in the offseason before his arm was hit with toxic waste. You hate to see that.

Pedro Gammo and Jayson Snark write a column every week discussing issues related to the EHCC, and also their deepest, darkest fears. Gammo is afraid of orange highlighters.

San Diego Chronicle: No Day Like Today

2008-04-01T21:58:00.005-04:00

It was a day like no other: Quebec City sent their hometown hero for a couple of scrubs and draft picks. In Mexico, they're worrying about their future (at least, during the month of March). Could this mean the end of credibility to the EHCC draft as we know it?

No Day Like Today
by Skip Clifton, San Diego Chronicle

Scott Kazmir has been the poster boy of Quebec City baseball since being drafted in the league’s inaugural minor league draft in 2004. From day one, everybody knew that the young pitcher would be the ace of the Piglets’ staff for many years. He anchored a Piglets’ rotation that carried them to 2 division championships since becoming a starter, averaging 192 strikeouts over the past 3 seasons.

All good things, however, must ultimately come to an end.

Today was a sad day for Canadian baseball, as Kazmir was shipped to Mexico for a plethora of draft picks. GM Pat Renaud was dumbfounded and completely taken by surprise at the move.

“I had no idea this deal was even in the works,” said Renaud over the phone this afternoon. “It really is a shame when ownership goes over your head and sends away 3 of your best players.”

Going along with Kazmir is C Russ Martin and OF Justin Upton. In return, the Hispanics will send C Kenji Johjima, SP Joe Blanton, and their 1st round draft pick for the next 5 years.

“What can I say, their team is bad. Maybe they think it’ll be a top-3 pick every year,” said Upton.

Regardless of where the draft picks fall, Tijuana fans are more than excited at the deal. As soon as Kazmir is healthy, he will immediately become their #1 starter. Upton will fall in line with an already young and talented outfield, but still will be one of their better options. As for Russ Martin, Hispanics GM Peter Kantor referred to him as “one scrappy son of a bitch.”

The deal was made on April 1st, however, which means all players involved will probably just remain with their original teams.

“April fools,” said Renaud.

Basebll Tri-Weekly: April Cover 2008

2008-03-31T14:56:00.005-04:00

Cover Story

Far East Firepower
By Athrun Zala, Baseball Tri-Weekly

They stand by the batting cage in Tokyo talking about their clubhouse dominance of Mario Kart. Tokyo infielders Prince Fielder and Brandon Phillips seem to have outpaced their teammates in more ways than one over the past year. Both players came into their own last season on the young Omyoujis team, leading the team's high powered offense. Hopes are high in Tokyo that the rest of the team can catch up to them in 2008 and bring Tokyo its first playoff series since entering the EHCC.

Fielder and Phillips, who hope to continue their super star performances on the right side of the Tokyo infield for the next decade, found their way to Tokyo through very different paths. One has spent his whole career with the club, destined to play their position at the major league level in Tokyo from the start to the end of their career. The other was brought in as a free agent, not even the cream of the crop that off season, and is now looking to make just as big of a name for himself with the hometown fans.

Fielder was the second minor league draft pick taken by Tokyo when they entered the league. He has been with the team since the start and the Omyoujis held the first base spot open for him, first by trading David Ortiz before he ever got to play a game in Tokyo, and then by taking fliers on fill-ins at first base until Fielder was ready to play. Once Fielder was up, he was up for good. In his first season in the EHCC Fielder hit 28 home runs and had 81 runs batted in. The team was growing, but Fielder seemed to be already out pacing his young teammates. Fielder really came into his own with a superstar campaign in 2007. By increasing his home run and runs batted in totals to 50 and 119 respectively Fielder became the face of the franchise. He seems to be destined to play out his whole career with the team that drafted him.

Phillips, on the other hand, took a slightly less common path to stardom. After being released in a salary dispute with the Peoria Cardinals after the 2006 season over what was believed to be a fluke season, Phillips was looking to move to a Western Division team. The Omyoujis decided to take a chance on him that off season as a backup to 2006 All Star Jose Lopez. Lopez, an original member of the Omyoujis, then struggled for the 2007 season, opening the door for Phillips to take control of the positional battle. After being benched for the first week of the 2006 campaign Phillips was given starts in the second week to rest the confused and unconfident Jose Lopez. Phillips' speed and power were undeniable. He took hold of the position and never looked back. On his way to the first 30 home run, 30 steal season in Tokyo Omyoujis history Phillips excelled at creating runs using whatever means necessary.

A friendly wager in the fourth week of the 2007 season started a friendship between Phillips and Fielder. A bet over who could generate the most runs in the 2007 season was made and was the constant talk of the clubhouse for the rest of the campaign. In the end, Fielder edged out Phillips 228 to 201 but by that point the friendly wager wasn't the only game the two fierce competitors were playing. Clubhouse games of Mario Kart, Madden NFL 2007, air hockey, pool, and any other competition the two could find were common occurrences.

The Tokyo Omyoujis, with arguably the best right side of the infield in all of the EHCC, look to secure their first playoff birth of their existence this season. With the help of these two stars, and the growth of the rest of this young team, the Omyoujis should be competing for the EHCC plaque for years to come. Can any of the duo's young teammates make the jump this year to join Fielder and Phillips in stardom? Can anyone but these two win a game of clubhouse Mario Kart?

Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATL Second Base

2008-03-17T19:48:00.007-04:00

Robinson Cano is part of Peoria's resurgent infield, and he may be the driving force that will push the Cardinals into the playoffs. He just needs to find a way to pitch from second base.

Around the League: Second Base
By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

Eastern Division
6. Howie Kendrick, ARL
Injuries slowed this young star’s accession, and mental handicaps will slow him again in 2008. I think we can expect big things from Kendrick down the road, but there ill be a lot of learning to be done this season. The lofty number posted in partial play should average out to a mediocre option with a nice ceiling.

5. Placido Polanco, BRW
Just as everyone on the Weasels, Polanco was playing above his head last season. Or was he? The Weasels weak arm reached 200 hits in his first full season, with 35 doubles in Bridgewater’s spacious park. I have no reason to believe he will drop his average below .300, and fully expect him to top 100 runs and 10 homeruns. Speed is not his game, but he is a two and a half category player who is reaching his prime. Yes, he is old, but finally given the opportunity, he has proven he is pretty good.

4. Chone Figgins, WEY
Being the only option in Weymouth, it is a shame that the Shaddupu can’t use Figgins’ versatility a bit more, but he has more than enough talent to carry the water on the Island. He is a two-category stud, and more at bats this season should lead to more runs. He is guaranteed numbers, and though he only ranks in the middle of the pack in the East, any team would love to have him.

3. Rickie Weeks / Jeff Kent, LV
The Doggs have been patient with Rickie Weeks, and this season it may finally pay off. Despite hitting .235, Weeks scored nearly 90 runs and stole 25 bases last season. If he can hit for an EHCC average, expect those numbers to climb through the roof. On top of that, Las Vegas has a proven veteran platoon with Jeff Kent, who makes up for all that Weeks lacks. The combo is potentially very good, but it all hinges on Rickie having a breakout year.

2. Robinson Cano, PEO
Cano won the Cardinals race for second base last season, beating out Ian Kinsler. He has quietly built quite a track record for himself, combining power and average numbers that on Utley can compete with. With Teixeira hitting behind him this season, Robinson is poised for a breakout season. If healthy, he could challenge 30 homeruns and should pass 100 RBIs.

1. Chase Utley / B.J. Upton, RAK
Rakeville decided to compliment the best second baseman in baseball with another top 5 talent, and though Upton is expected to start in the outfield for the Rockets, he is an elite backup for the EHCC’s elite weak arm. Chase battled some injury problems last season, but is expected to be back in form. No doubt this is the top combo in the East.

Western Division
6. Dustin Pedroia / Freddy Sanchez, SD
Here is the dirty little secret. Dustin Pedroia is not that good. The White Devils second basemen did hit .317 last season, but a full season of at bats only yielded 86 runs and 8 homeruns. Couple that with poor speed, and Pedroia offers EHCC teams very little. He is Freddy Sanchez, only a little younger and not as good. The duo offers little talent and little upside, but Santo Domingo is hoping at least one of the breaks out.

5. Kelly Johnson, GLD
Johnson’s 2007 was a nice window into what the lefty will offer in 2008. He has pop in his bat, enough speed to eek out double digit steals, and depending on where he hits in the Gryphons line up, could provide 100 runs. I don’t think he’ll make a huge jump this season, but if the young Golden second baseman continues to improve, he could be talked about as a top 5 option in a few years.

4. Dan Uggla, WS
He is a first baseman in a second baseman’s body. Uggla is a powerful little man, and it likely got to his head last year. He posted big time home runs and doubles, but the average took a terrible turn. He needs to bring it up this season. His job isn’t in jeopardy, but his team playoff hopes are if he can’t hit for hits rather than homers.

3. Brian Roberts, TIJ
With steroids no longer an option, Roberts opted for calf implants last offseason and used his new bionic legs to steal 50 bases. The question is, what freak category will Roberts dominate this season? Rumor has it that he is looking for arm extenders to allow him more defensive range. Good news for Tijuana pitchers, bad news for folks who were hoping for an offensive repeat from the franchise.

2. Ian Kinsler, QC
Kinsler put up scary numbers for his limited play. It is tough to figure out what direction Ian will go in this year, but I’m going to guess he’ll kick the average up a few points, maintain his 20/20 status and be a hot ticket in the West for the next few years. Or, at least until Quebec City trades him for pitching.

1. Brandon Phillips, TKO
After the young star broke out last season posting 30 homeruns and 32 steals, lets temper our assessment of Phillips a little. Like Fielder, Philips excelled in the shadowed of a failed season for the Omyoujis, facing the EHCC’s lesser arms and excelling against lesser competition. The league will be in for a rude awakening this season when they take a look at the Tokyo lineup, and Phillips will be at the top of the order for this stellar young crew. The speed is there, but the power may be a bit of a fluke. Plus, it is not like the Omyoujis need more homeruns. They need a lead off hitter, so expect his average to rise and his dingers to drop. Still a great player in the making.

Basebll Tri-Weekly: ATL First Basemen

2008-03-17T18:18:00.007-04:00

Ryan Howard takes a swing during Weasels spring training. The Bridgewater slugger is the best first
baseman in the East, and possibly in the EHCC. Listen Deplayohs breaks down the position to kick off this season's Around the League.

Around the League: First Base By Listen DePlayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

The EHCC is a wonderfully diverse league, but the gentlemen who man baseball’s power position are far from different. Raw, unfettered power can be found with most at the catching corner For the fourth straight year, Baseball Tri-Weekly brings you Around the League, starting with our favorite fatties at first.

Eastern Divison
6. Travis Hafner / Carlos Delgado, WEY
The shine as finally come off the Shaddupu’s glorious reign, as they field two extremely limited options at first. Delgado’s regression meant more time for Hafner last season, and he responded with an inexplicably poor season. Was he battling injury? No one outside of Weymouth knows for sure, but given last season’s performance and the addition to a powerhouse in Peoria, the Shaddupu duo is sitting at the bottom of the East.

5. Albert Pujols, LV
Talk about a curious prediction. Last season I projected a Pujols regression, and surprising, I overestimated his performance. Many of the problems that hindered the Doggs slugger last season are back, and some are worse. Doctors feel he needs surgery, but the Las Vegas star is going to push forward despite their concerns in the hopes of bringing another title to Sin City. For 2008, Pujols should continue to be a top option, but his long-term value is dropping every day. The Doggs have no one in reserve if Albert can’t go on, so the Eastern Division champs are taking a bit of a risk.

4. Adrian Gonzalez, ARL
Gonzalez lived up to expectations last season, posting elite first baseman numbers in every category except batting average (.282). He is capable of putting up good numbers across the board, and given the lagging talent in the East, he could perform on a much higher level. That said, Adrian did have almost 650 at bats last season playing everyday for a Warriors team stretched thin. A drop in at bats could expose him if his ratios don’t improve. He is young and in good health, so big numbers should be expected again.

3. Mark Teixeira / Joey Votto, PEO
It was a blockbuster trade that rocked the makeup of the Cardinals this offseason, but Peoria may finally have an offense to make a run in the East. In a division where you need an elite option at first, Peoria has entered the conversation. Teixeira is not as exciting as some of the other gents, but he will provide consistent numbers for the cellar-dwellers to build around. He will have to at the price of Cole Hamels. Joey Votto is a nice player, but will never be a factor in the East. If he can’t stick in the outfield for the Cardnials, then they should send him away when his value reaches its peak.

2. David Ortiz / Chris Duncan, RAK
Big Papi is back and this year the Rockets offense is in more need of his power than ever before. The loss of Vernon Wells and Andruw Jones has taken 50 homeruns from the Rakeville lineup, and Ortiz (only 35 dingers last season) is going to be asked to make up the gap. He is coming off knee surgery, so he’ll either return to MVP-caliber 2006 form or regress even further as his weight continues to plague his large frame. Still, given the problems with other first basemen in the East, he is still one of the top options. The Rockets have a backup plan in Chris Duncan, who will be able to provide them with homeruns if Ortiz falters, but little else.

1. Ryan Howard / Derrek Lee, BRW
Baseballs top duo is back for another season. Howard and Lee lead the way for all first basemen, each making up for each other’s deficiencies with awesome resolve. Howard, on his own, is the best first basemen in the East, and Lee continues to be an elite backup. Stolen bases have always been the factor that set Lee apart, but the last two years have been underwhelming. He may no longer be a clear starter like he once was in 2005, and his days in Bridgewater may be numbered, but he’ll still be expected to be a worthy DH for the Weasels in their run for a championship.

Western Division
6. Todd Helton, SD
Helton needs to hit 20 homeruns. His high average is great, but for a first baseman in the EHCC, hitting below 20 is almost unworthy of a roster spot. He is a 35-year-old player who is very mediocre, on a team in transition. The most he could offer the White Devils is a huge April and May, then a trade. Anything less would be worthless.
5. Nick Swisher / James Loney, GLD
It will be curious to see who the Gryphons select to be their starting first baseman in 2008. Right now, Nick Swisher seems to have the edge, but he is so versatile that keeping at first while the team’s young outfield struggles seems foolish. As a first baseman, Swisher doesn’t provide much. An average hitter, below average for the bag, he is only valuable defensively for Golden. Loney is a promising backup who is capable of 25 homeruns and a .300 average. Good for a young player, but not up the EHCC standards yet. This is just another position for Golden that is a work in progress.

4. Adam LaRoche, TIJ
Of all the great first basemen to pass through Mexico, how is Adam LaRoche the one that remains? Granted, he is a young, potential-filled player that the Hispanics feel fits in nicely with their plans. Right now, LaRoche is the only option for Tijuana, so he’ll have a chance to develop with little pressure. That may not be a good thing. With Brian Roberts and Jacoby Elsbury hitting in front of him, LaRoche has every opportunity to become the Prince Fielder of 2008.

3. Paul Konerko, WS
Not much can be said about the Green Monsters first baseman. He is a consistent hitter who provides the cigarette kings with a power bat for their speedy lineup. He is a staple in Winston-Salem, and while he isn’t a glamourous option, they have built this offense around him. He is trusted, healthy and hungry for another shot at the playoffs.

2. Justin Morneau / Carlos Pena QC
They won’t admit it in Canada, but they are very nervous about their first basemen this season. Not sacred, just nervous. The Piglets took a stand this offseason, refusing to trade away their talented trio unless they got substantial value in return. They did, but it cost them their best hitting, most popular player. Now they are left with two guys who some consider flukes. Carlos Pena had a breakout season last year, and Justin Morneau regressed greatly from the player they traded for in 2007. Both are going to be asked to shoulder a large portion of the Quebec City offense, and they should be up to the challenge. Still, if neither matches or out perform Mark Teixeira, there will be a lot of folks churning their hands in pig country.

1. Prince Fielder / Billy Butler, TKO
Prince busted out in a big way last season, and is primed for a repeat as he leads a young, potent Tokyo offense. He has to clean up his peripherals. Fifty Homeruns should yield more than RBIs, and Fielder was the master of the solo shot last season. He is the gold standard in the West, and perhaps the entire EHCC. The sky is the limit with this kid, and it will all depend on this batting average. Billy Butler certainly won’t usurp Prince, but he will be a good backup. Tokyo has him slotted as the utility guy this season, and that may be a hole for them as Butler doesn’t seem ready for a starting gig. Look for him to struggle, but turn it on for a possible playoff run.

Baseball Tri-Weekly: ATB Draft

2008-03-14T04:01:00.011-04:00

Coming off shoulder surgery, Vernon Wells is hoping to become the EHCC's comback player of the year. That quest begins Saturday as Santo Domingo ponders whether to take the outfielder or a pitcher with the first pick.
Also inside: the Baseball Tri-Weekly's Mock Draft

Around the Bases: Draft
By Listen Deplayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

For the first time in years, an overhyped, over-his-head rookie or a prospect who will play less games than Matt Clement, will not be taken in the first round. Instead? Try a good baseball player.

The 2008 EHCC General Draft will yield the most productive and experienced crop of players since the early days of the league, and some think it could lead to one of the most competitive seasons ever seen.

“Last year was a really good year for the EHCC,” said Baseball Tri-Weekly draft expert Pop Cickels. “A lot of teams were in the hunt for the final few playoff spots until the very end. Still, many of those teams thought they had little shot of winning it all, and statistically they did. Had a few of those teams taken better players in the Major league draft, we could be talking about Winston-Salem, Tijuana or Tokyo being the Champions instead of Arlington.”

The best player in last years draft, Chipper Jones, went to Rakeville at nine. The best pitcher taken early, John Maine, slipped all the way to the Hispanics in the second round. Had Tijuana only drafted actual players with their top two picks, could we have easily seen our first Western Division champion? Cickels thinks so.

“Managers think that finding the next young star is the way to go, while the big boys like Weymouth, Rakeville, Bridgewater and Las Vegas continued to draft battle-tested players. Some say they are just rounding out their already impressive rosters, but you can’t tell me that guys like Rich Hill, Corey Hart or even Jeff Kent aren’t ten times more valuable than when it comes to winning, long and short-term.”

While some of the lower teams are mashing their fists at the limited draft pool, it could be the best thing for the league and those franchises.

“We’ll see an actual distribution of talent this year,” said Cickels. “Veteran teams could look at the board and pretty much select who they needed to augment their team even as late as the fourth round. Now, the players that could assure them of a playoff berth and championship contention are being sought by all, and the league’s front offices are forced to plan deeper and deeper.”

So who will be this year’s top picks? It depends on how far teams are going to reach to compensate for the lack of inexperienced players. Some have suggested it could be outfielder Vernon Wells or Closer Rafael Soriano. Others think fringe guys like Andy Sonnanstine or Asdrubal Cabrera will jump up as general managers hope to grab these sleepers early on. Either way, this season’s draft looks to be one of the most contentious in a while

Baseball Tri-Weekly’s Mock Draft
Guy Roball is the Chief Western Division coorespondent. He likes seahorses and ponies. His draft is trying to get into the mind of EHCC General Managers, guessing who they will pick.

Pop Cickels is surly and old. He does mock drafts and gets angry at the teams when they don’t pick who he selected for him. He is not allowed to do March Madness brackets anymore because he never believe a team he picked lost. His draft is what he thinks teams should do.

1. Santo Domingo White Devils – Vernon Wells, OF

Roball says: It's no secret that Santo Domingo already has quite the crowded outfield, but how can you pass on proven talent? Vernon Wells would instantly be their top outfielder. Worst-case scenario, he is great trade bait.

Cickels says: The White Devils have offense, and plenty of it. Even if the best player in the draft is a hitter, is he so much better than the pitchers available that you devalue you current players to get him? Santo Domingo’s one focus this draft should be pitching. Starting, closing, middle relief. Anything that throws a ball to a catcher.

2. Peoria Cardinals – Bronson Arroyo, SP

Roball says: Peoria obviously needs some pitching help after ditching their top 2 arms in exchange for Mark Teixeira. They have some young talent to work with, but no standout ace. Bronson Arroyo could give their staff instant credibility, or at the very least boost morale with his sweet jams.

Cickels says: They should be thanking the gods if the top pick isn’t an arm, but they need to pray they have the strength to take a closer so early. There are rumors that Rafael Soriano was mistakenly dropped by Tokyo, a remake of the C.C. Sabathia fiasco in 2005. He is one of the few guys that is a step above his peers in draft, even if it is just saves.

3. Tijuana Hispanics (From Golden) – Franklin Morales, SP

Roball says: With the Hispanics relying on guys like Hirsh and Pelfrey to turn their staff around, they could really use another arm at #3. With not much available in the way of quality starters after Arroyo, it may be more productive for Tijuana to send this pick to someone for another pitcher, rather than adding offensive depth.

Cickels says: They have talent across the board, so filling a hole isn’t much of a concern. Mostly, they should be looking for the best upgrade available. With a trio of questionable outfielders, the safest selection would likely be Hideki Matsui. Not a flashy pick, but his consistent play could be a stabilizing force for this young team as their develops into a real playoff contender.

4. Tokyo Omyoujis – Rafael Soriano, RP

Roball says: Tokyo went into the offseason with 5 relievers and will enter the draft with 3. Unfortunately, only 1 of them is an actual closer. By re-adding Rafael Soriano to the roster, the Omyoujis may finally be able to cut ties with their two long time setup men before Opening Day.

Cickels says: This is the season. The season Tokyo becomes relevant… if they don’t screw it up. No offense needed here. The Omaron’s are looking for hurlers and starting ones at that. With a dirth of mediocre arms looking to rise or fall this season, they should go with a reliable pitcher who could help guild this young team to success. Greg Maddux is a first round pick this year, and the perfect compliment for the Asian staff.

5. Tijuana Hispanics – Jeremy Guthrie, SP

Roball says: There is quite a pitching staff forming south of the border, but it is far from completion. They need to start picking some quality arms, not guys whose rotation berth may be in doubt. Jeremy Guthrie’s slot assured, and while some critics fear of regression this season, the Arab ace will deliver the goods.

Cickels says: For the 2nd straight year, Tijuana owns the third and fifth picks, and once again they should go with a pitcher-infielder combo. Carlos Guillen will be nice for 2008, both at short and filling in for Laroche if he falters at first. But the Hispanics are looking to the future, and he will lose his SS eligibility. Orlando Cabrera isn't as young as he used to be, but could still hit .300 and swipe 25 bags for the next few years.

6. Winston-Salem Green Monsters – Jason Isringhausen, RP

Roball says - Brett Myers had a great year filling in as closer in 2007, but the time for fun and games is over. With a solid young offense already in place, Winston-Salem should grab another reliever to keep Bobby Jenks company out in the bullpen.

Cickels says – Somehow Kevin Youkilis has third base eligibility for another season, but he is far from an elite option there. With a solid pitching staff, I think the Green Monsters should take a chance on a second round player and go with Kevin Kouzmanoff. He matched the other Kevin in almost every category at a younger age and fewer at bats last season, and could be posed for a big year this year. Worse-case, he posts the same numbers as a decent utility guy.

7. Weymouth Shaddupu – Hideki Matsui, OF

Roball says - Weymouth's attempt at a youth movement failed, and the team decided to part ways with Rocco Baldelli, Mark Teahan, and Josh Willingham. They'll need some replacement gloves in the outfield, and Hideki Matsui is just the home run hitting slugger who will fit in nicely.

Cickels says – The back of Weymouth’s rotation looks very shaky, and while it will beat most teams most nights, I don’t think it matches up with the top hurlers in the league. More depth can only help, so finding a solid arm with a low WHIP would be the most prudent selection. He isn’t a power pitcher, but Brian Bannister could be the perfect compliment to Weymouth’s high strikeout staff.

8. Golden Gryphons – J.R. Towles, C

Roball says - Golden spent 2007 and early 2008 building the young pitching staff they finally completed with the acquisition of Daisuke Matsuzaka. The only thing left is to find a backstop to catch all those gyroballs, and who better than the best young prospect available in the draft. J.R. Towles should have an immediate impact, and send the Gryphons back to the playoffs.

Cickels says – The team most likely to reach is Golden, and they would have good reason to. Winning doesn’t seem to be an option this year as they wait for their kids to develop. One of the top young players in the draft is Asdrubal Cabrera, and while I don’t expect grand things from him this year, he is the perfect player for Golden, who is currently sporting a 32 year old Edgar Renteria at short and a marginal prospect Kelly Johnson at second.

9. Bridgewater Weasels – Aaron Rowland, OF

Roball says - Their pitching staff may be old, but they get the job done. Lacking a third outfielder, the Weasels will look for yet another offensive boost. someone that fits the Bridgewater mold perfectly is Aaron Rowland: solid production across the board last season, but still over 30 years old.

Cickels says- Never say a player is too old in the age of HGH. Bridgewater has a habit of reaching for relievers in the first round, but I’m asking that they break that pattern and go with a starter, They like proven guys, and a guy like Jake Westbrook fits the bill. A proven pitcher with a high quality start percentage who will fit right into their system.

10. & 11. Rakeville Rockets – Andruw Jones, OF & Kevin Millwood, SP

Roball says - Welcome back, Mr. Jones! It'll be a great day for Rakeville fans when Commissioner Burks announces Andruw Jones as one of the two first round picks for the Rockets. The outfielder had nothing but good things to say about the franchise after being left off their 20-man roster, so there should be no bad blood with this reunion. The bullpen is fine in Rakeville, as well as the rest of the offense, so they should be looking rotation depth at their other pick. Strikeout pitchers fit the Jack Reed mold, but there aren't many left to take. The Rockets will resort to experience, and Kevin Millwood would love a chance to prove himself with a big-market club again.

Cickels says – Looking to get back the players they lost last season, the Rockets will likely pick Verno… Guthr… Isring…. Maybe Bronso…. Nope. Who is left? Ah, Andruw Jones. Roball and I agree that outfield is a must for Rakeville, but Jones may not be the one to fill the vacancy. They need power from their corner outfielder and Pat Burrell is the man to deliver, while posting a marginally bad average as opposed to a dreadful one. For the other pick, the team’s best offensive player is coming off major knee surgery. Plus, he weighs 300 pounds. It might be wise to start looking for a viable backup at first base and Conor Jackson is the high average guy the Rockets love. May be early for him, but it is never too early to sure up a weakness.

12. Arlington Warriors - Hiroki Kuroda, SP

Roball says - From first in the 2007 draft to twelfth in 2008, the Arlington Warriors proved that truly anyone can win in the EHCC on any given week. Like last year, the champs will tap the Japanese talent pool with Hiroki Kuroda. The 33 year old rookie won't have the fanfare that Dice-K had last season, but should have just as much of an impact on the Warriors' pitching staff.

Cickels says – The wave is coming. The Warriors have to go with the one of the remaining closers now or there will be none left come their next pick. The options aren’t great, but the level of confidence drops with each one picked. Joe Borowski is a workhorse at the back of the bullpen. With Arlington’s core of top-notch starting pitchers, Borowski could be the lynchpin to another successful season. Given all the marginal starters available, taking the last guaranteed closer here is the safest bet.

League Notes

-- Scouts who attended the EHCC Draft Combine were impressed by the speed of second baseman Ryan Theriot. One team's scout was so impressed, he offered the speeders a guaranteed selection if he would muff the rest of the workout and lower his value. Theriot declined, though you couldn't tell by his performance.

-- Mark DeRosa may be the most versatile man in this year's draft, but he certainly wasn't carrying the title at home. Mrs. DeRosa recently claimed that her and her lover had sex in eight different position on the family's boat in Florida during a divorce hearing Monday.

-- Tim Stauffer was surprised to learn that his contract was extended by Winston-Salem last week. The pitcher was visibly disappointed though when talking to the media. "I just don't feel like they are dedicated to winning. Heck, even I know I suck."

Rakeville Times: Upton-o good?

2008-02-26T20:07:00.005-05:00

Rakeville opens Spring Training in Pensacola today and B.J. Upton has brought a shot of energy to the Rockets camp, but will Cock Gate, veteran cuts and manager Tom Seaver get in the way of another successful season?

Upton-o Good?
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

The players arriving at the Rockets Spring Training home in Pensacola, Fla., couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming season. Despite a heartbreaking loss in the Semi-finals last season, the loss of their manager, and the scandal surrounding their Hall of Fame leader, Rakeville’s elite are embracing this spring as a rebirth.

“It took all of us a long time to get over last season,” said Javier Vazquez. “It hit everyone hard. This is one of the few times where the distractions have actually helped us.”

New Rakeville manager Tom Seaver held a close-door meeting with the players earlier today, laying out his plans for the spring and his goals for the upcoming season.

“These boys have done a lot in the EHCC,” said Seaver, “but we all know what is expected of us. We need to win a championship. It is politically correct to say we just need to win the next game, or we are just looking to be competitive, but that is all horseshit. We need a ring and we need it this year.”

Seaver’s straightforward approach with the media was why General Manager Jack Reed hired him. On the first day of camp, Seaver held few punches talking about his ace and his off-season escapades.

“This ‘Cock Gate’ thing is foolish,” said Seaver. “Is cock fighting any worse than Irish fighting? I think not. It doesn’t matter what you throw in the ring, as long as you still have your fastball the next day. I told Pedro he had nothing to worry about from us, as long as he doesn’t throw Phil Hughes into a ring anytime soon.”

Seaver also confirmed Pedro will be the honorary referee during his off days this season, presiding over grown men dressed in chicken suits fighting on the Reed Field infield. The Rockets events staff is dubbing the between-inning spectacle as Pedro’s Proving Ground. Winners will go on to fight again, with the winner of the 64-man tournament earning season tickets next year.

In other, more baseball related matters, Seaver has some tough decisions to make this offseason. The acquisition of young superstar B.J. Upton has made for a very crowed outfield, and some long-time Rockets may be on the chopping block come March 9th.

“Having a player like B.J. in camp this season has made a lot of us very excited,” said second baseman Chase Utley. “I don’t think we’ve ever had such a talent group of players in camp. There is a good chance we are going to be cutting 2 or 3 first round picks in this years draft.”

While three top picks may be a stretch, Rakeville will be forced to trim one of the most complete teams in the league.

“I have no idea who I plan to let go,” said Seaver. “Ask me that after they play a few games, idiot.”

In other Spring Training news, Omar Quintanilla reported to camp a day early. He may not get a lot of playing time over the next three weeks, but the team is working on signing him as a spring training coach, allowing him to say with the club past the 20-man roster deadline.

The Rockets are scheduled to play Rakeville University, Stackerville Flames, Weymouth, Arlington and Peoria this spring.

Rakeville Times: Rockets say adios to O'Leary

2007-12-07T17:45:00.001-05:00

Troy O'Leary will no longer be setting the course for the Rockets. How will the man with the nicest kicks rebound?

Rockets say adios to O'Leary
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

He brought the franchise back from the brink of mediocrity in 2005, taking a group of young offensive players and seasoned pitchers and got them to play as a team. In three seasons, Troy O'Leary led the Rockets to two regular season titles, but that wasn't enough to keep his job. Yesterday, all the rumors proved true as the Rakeville front office made the firing of their manager official.

"The Rockets organization is grateful for everything Troy has done for the team," said Jack Reed. "He was the perfect manager for a team with young, up-in-coming players, but now we must look to build on our success. We feel a move in a different direction is needed."

Despite his regular season success, O'Leary has only won a single playoff series. In three seasons, his teams posted a combined 402-216-42 record. They were the only team to score at least 130 categories during that span and won an Eastern Division title. Having arguably the best team in the EHCC during his reign, the Rockets inability to make the championship game, much less win the title, has been his biggest criticism.

"The Rockets are a classy organization," said O'Leary during a conference call. "When I left Bye Week, I thought my career was over. I thank the team for giving me a chance and I hope that my work in Rakeville will warrant a position elsewhere in the EHCC. Preferably someplace indoors or with a turf field so I don't dirty my new shoes."

No word on possible replacements for O'Leary. Longtime Rakeville Pitching Coach Justin Fuller is a top candidate, along with Las Vegas Pitching Coach Chet Steadman and Tijuana's Bench Coach Ernesto Gonzalez.

"We will be talking to a bevy of candidates," said Reed. "I don't want to tip our hand, but I think we have a good idea of what we are looking for and the candidates that best fill those needs."

Reed also announced former Interim General Manager Rich Garces has been brought back into the fold as a special consultant, and is expected to take the role of assistant general manager after his fail bid to return to baseball as a player.

Baseball Tri-Weekly: October Cover

2007-09-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

Rakeville Times: A moment of silence

2007-09-18T00:59:00.001-04:00

Felix Hernandez sits at the end of the Rockets bench after losing to Quebec City in the second round of the playoffs. Hernandez, along with a majority of the team, did not speak with the media after the devastating loss.

A moment of silence
By Aviator McShadeless

We all knew it could happen but nobody wanted to admit it, and now no one in Rakeville can believe their beloved team is out of the playoffs. Rakeville fell to EHCC's hottest team, the Quebec City Piglets 6-4, thanks to an offensive explosion in the final day.

After the game, the Rockets locker room was closed to media for nearly an hour, and when it did open the players were as speechless as the fans.

"I just don't want to think about it right now," said Josh Beckett. "I can't think of anything I could say that would give you any insight. Everyone here feels terrible."

Many attribute the loss to a poor pitching strategy going into the series and the team's inability to hit for power. As the Piglets carry the torch into the championships, Rakeville fans will have a long offseason to analyze the team's faults.

"We all had a chance to win this game for us," said First baseman David Ortiz, who flied out with the bases loaded to end the game. "Sometimes the hitting works, and the rest of the time it doesn't. I don't think it will work this bad next year."

Jack Reed and the rest of the front office would not comment on the loss. It is the third year in a row the Rockets have lost in the second round of the Playoffs.

By The Numbers: 2007

2007-09-06T12:21:00.001-04:00

Every year is full of record breaking performances and 2007 was no different. With 5 single week records being either tied or broken and 4 single season records being broken or crushed, the EHCC had another historic regular season. How many records did Carl Crawford help the Green Monsters break?

By: Barry Larkin

Single Week Records:

Saves (11)
The expansion Arlington Warriors wasted no time getting their team into the EHCC record books by setting the new single week Saves record in Week 7. This was during a time that the Warriors fielded a healthy Chris Ray, now Tokyo closer Joakim Soria, Brian Fuentes, and Jose Valverde. They closed out the Peoria Cardinals that week, and ended up helping the Warriors to a 6-3-1 victory against the Cardinals.

Stolen Bases (t-14)
The Winston-Salem Green Monsters are flat out fast. The fastest team in the EHCC actually. They held the single week stolen base record since Week 8 of 2006. They tied the feet this season in Week 10 against the Arlington Warriors. This was a week when Carl Crawford stole 5 bases and Hanley Ramirez took 4 of his own. With four other Monsters helping out, the easily took the category over the Warriors, but weren't able to take the game, losing 3-5-2 to Arlington.

The second seeded Weasels, not known for their speed, jumped out of nowhere to put their team in the record books again. In Week 22 against team Shaddupu, the Weasels swiped 14 bags of their own. Weymouth pitchers weren't keeping a good eye on new Weasel Nate McLouth, who stole 5 bags of his own, or A-Rod and J-Rol, who combined for 6 stolen bases against Weymouth and Victor Martinez, who just couldn't seem to throw anyone out on the base paths. Derek Lee, Lance Berkman, and Gary Mathews Jr helped out with a stolen base each in Week 22. The Weasels went on toe win the category and the week 5-4-1.

Runs Batted In (57)
The bats were on fire in Weymouth with visiting Vegas in town during the Week 19 match up. The Doggs didn't stand a chance against team Shaddupu, as former Doggs' shortstop batted in 10 runs, and Bobby Abreu and Josh Willingham each had 8 ribbies for Weymouth. Every Weymouth batter that had at least 1 at bat against the Doggs had a part in setting the record, and 7 of the 11 hitters had 4 or more RBI's in Week 19. Weymouth ended up crushing the Doggs 57-25 in the category and won the week 7-3.

Average (.388)
Team single week average was the most surprising record to be broken this season. Many teams have come close on Saturday, but no teams have been able to hold on through Sunday. Until Week 21 of the 2007 season, when Quebec City stole the record while facing off against Tokyo in Canada. Tokyo pitchers just weren't up to par against the Piglets, allowing all but one Piglet batter (Vladimir Guerrero) to hit at least .300 in the week. Ichiro Suzuki and Mike Lowell both hit .500, while Hideki Matsui, Mark Teixiera, and Rafeal Furcal each hit above .400. The Piglets beat Tokyo obviously won the category, and took the contest 7-2-1, propelling them into the 2007 playoffs.

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

Single Season Records:

Stolen Bases (173)
Winston-Salem showed at the end of the season why they're one of the fastest team in EHCC history. Not only did they tie their own single week record in the category, but crushed the former single season record with 173. The 2006 Las Vegas Doggs held the record with 135. The Monsters kept it up all season, winning stolen bases 18 of the 22 chances. Both the 2007 Doggs and 2007 Hispanics broke the previous record as well, but the Monsters were the one to hold on at the end to put their name in the record books.

Wins (124)
The Weasels weren't happy enough holding the single season record in wins in 2006. They had to one up themselves in 2007. They did so by 7 extra wins, upping the record from 117 to 124. They only lost the category four times in 2007, least int he EHCC.

Strikeouts (1580)
If you thought the Monsters crushed their record, you haven't seen anything yet. The Rockets, who held the single season strikeout record with 1398 in 2006, crushed the record in 2007 with 1580, over 110 more K's than the nearest competitor (QC - 1467).

Earned Run Average (3.81)
Though the Rockets barely missed out on setting a new single season WHIP record, they had little trouble breaking Las Vegas' ERA record from 2006 (3.87). With one of the best pitching staffs in EHCC history, Rakeville coasted in the category from week to week, winning 15 times, most in 2007.

Rakeville Times: The Knight of Rakeville

2007-09-04T17:23:00.000-04:00

Pedro Martinez is interviewed by the media at Reed Field in Rakeville a day after his start in ESSEC Stackerville. Martinez look healthy and primed to lead the Rockets to glory.

The Knight of Rakeville
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

In February, months before he threw anything that resembled a pitch, Pedro Martinez found his way to the big league side of the Rockets' sprawling complex in Pensacola, Fla., and delivered a state-of-the-comeback address. "Hold 'em for me and I'll push 'em back," he said.

As the EHCC playoffs begin, Pedro held true to his word. The long-time Rakeville ace was declared eligible to play by team trainer Lance Armstrong Sunday, but rather then join the big league club during their brief, bye-week vacation, Martinez chose to take on one of the best ESSEC teams this season with the Stackerville Flames.

The first inning was a bit rocky, as the Eagle County Kobes put up two runs on Pedro. Like a veteran, Martinez struck back, pitching five innings, giving up only five hits. He struck out four including Kobes star Jay Bruce on a fastball that couldn’t break 90 mph.

"If I'm throwing between 85 and 88 [mph]," Martinez said Friday, "and I have command of my pitches, I'll get anybody out." His performance Monday supported that brash statement, and the Rockets will really need Pedro to perform as rosters expand.

"Most teams will be adding 3-5 pitchers to their rotation when they face us," said Troy O’Leary, team manager. "The advantage we’ve had all season almost dissolves in the playoffs. We have been trying to set ourselves up for this for he last month and I think Pedro is better than anyone we could bring in."

Martinez looks at it differently. He did not fight back from injury to be a supplemental player. He came back to be a leader.

"The guys have worked so hard to get us here, and now I’m here to help take them home."

Baseball Tri-Weekly: September Cover

2007-09-01T02:38:00.000-04:00

Read the cover story

Ready to Launch
By Listen Deplayohs, Baseball Tri-Weekly

Go to any bar in Rakeville, say his name, and you’ll start a chant. Fans have begun to call him Ian in discussions about the team, because just uttering the name Snell turns even the soberest patron into the most raucous Golden Arm. They have good reason to celebrate, and it’s not just Rocket all-stars that have earned the admiration of a city.

The Rakeville rotation proved to be one of the best in the history of the franchise and the league, and they have solidified their legacy as the greatest pitching staff ever seen. While this decade will be remembered for the Weymouth championship dynasty, the dominance of Rakeville hurlers over the years will be a close second. But now the question is, will pitching alone be enough to lift the Rockets to their first title?

Josh Beckett has been the headliner all season, but veteran Rockets Roy Oswalt and Javier Vazquez have quietly been guiding the team to victories. Most impressive has been the back of the rotation. Bronson Arroyo, Felix Hernandez and Rich Hill could be aces on a few teams in the league, but combine for 25 wins and over 400 strikeouts, while Jeremy Guthrie and Kevlim Escobar are having Cy Young caliber seasons.

“I can’t envision a scenario where a team can beat us by out-pitching us,” said Manager Troy O’Leary. “The front office has build this team to win, and win often. I know our playoff history is checkered with failure, but there is a new attitude to this team. We’re not taking anything for granted, but we know if everyone is healthy than we should win.”

Health is key, and Rakeville is getting healthier everyday. Team Trainer Lance Armstrong announced that Josh Hamilton and Chase Utley are ready to play when the rosters expand for the playoffs. Both have been tearing up the ESSEC over the last week in rehab games. Pitchers Pedro Martinez and Phillip Hughes are also poised to contribute but the path for them is more complicated. Still, the Rockets are fit.

“The bye will give guys like Joe Mauer and David Ortiz a chance to rest,” said O’Leary about two players battling nagging injuries. “Everyone in are rotation is fresh, and with our bullpen so deep, their arms are electric. I may vomit on my shoes I am so excited.”

The Rockets biggest obstacle is their 1-5 record in the playoffs.

“It is easy to have a losing playoff record when you look at some of the great teams we’ve seen in the EHCC, but 1-5 is unacceptable,” said General Manager Jack Reed. “We were fortunate enough to have a big lead heading into the trade deadline. It allowed us to focus on moves that will help us win games in the playoffs rather than blowing out teams in the regular season. This team has never been better equipped for postseason success.”