2019 EHCC Preview

 

In 2019, Jose Ramirez hopes to help The Factory be the first repeat EHCC champion since 2010.

2019 EHCC Preview
By Skip Clifton, San Diego Chronicle


2018 in the world of EHCC was one of the most exciting in league history. Weymouth tried to give away the Eastern Division title in the final week of the regular season, but lucky for them the Guerites chose to rest their players for the postseason. The 6th seed was also up for grabs at the very end... Bridgewater did their part, but the Hispanics laid a big egg against Las Vegas to give the Doggs the spot. Once all those shenanigans were completed, the playoffs were mostly uneventful as well. Las Vegas and Santo Domingo dominated their games en route to the championship, but the EHCC title was anything but boring. The Doggs' Cinderella story ended just short, as Santo Domingo took a 4-4 tie for their 2nd championship in 6 years.

But this isn't about the past. The 2019 season starts in 3 months, and even though we only have 11 official owners, the 26-man rosters are telling us plenty about what to expect in April...


EASTERN DIVISION

6. San Fernando Valley Jets - Going in the right direction, and making some decent moves, just needs one more year of rebuilding to get there.
5. Las Vegas Doggs - I know it sounds weird to say about a team that just made the finals, but I don't think their offense is good enough to carry them. The most active owner in the league should be ok and make the roster solid, but as constituted it's just not good enough.
4. Bridgewater Weasels - This offense is sneaky good. If their starters can step their game up, they could battle for a playoff spot again.
3. Rakeville Rockets - Jack Reed has 2018 in his rear view mirror. Operation Tank was a success (no way they would finish worse than San Fernando Valley) and they should be back to their former selves this year.
2. Weymouth Shaddupu - This is the best starting lineup in the league. The offensive depth is nothing to write home about, so when the injuries come (and they always do) they'll have to scramble for subs.
1. San Juan Guerites - Does San Juan not have a GM? If it's owner David Femino doing all the moves, he's been the best front office over the past few years. This team is so close to a title (and should have in 2018) they can taste it!


WESTERN DIVISION

6. Rio de Janeiro Cristos - I think the TB12 ownership group is ready to dissolve their roster into the expansion draft.
5. Dublin Snake Chasers - Whichever owner takes over this roster will be pleased, but will still have some work to do to keep up with the EHCC grind.
4. Tokyo Omyoujis - There are rumors that Endiku Ishtar is on his way back to the states. Regardless, this pitching staff is solid and the offense is "good enough." An active owner could turn this roster around, a dormant one can be a middle-of-the-pack team.
3. Tijuana Hispanics - This offense has gotten a lot better over the past few years. While a streaming pitching staff isn't the best way to win a title, it's good enough to be a playoff contender.
2. Santo Domingo All-Star Factory - In 2018, The Factory had everything: An offense that performed at their peak, a pitching staff that overachieved, and workhorse closers that did what they were supposed to. They'll take a step back this year, but still compete for a title.
1. Quebec City Piglets - The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Great White North has dominated the West (albeit with some competition) for so many years, and they should continue to do so for awhile.


In the preseason of 2018, we predicted that Dublin would take home the title over Weymouth. While that didn't happen, as long as the EHCC continues to be a 26-man offseason roster league then the best teams will continue to dominate. Of course, if we're in the market for predicting teams to win the championship but then be contracted from the league, SOMEONE might want to be worried.

2019 EHCC Championship: Weymouth defeats Santo Domingo, 8-2.


Skip Clifton is a columnist for the San Diego Chronicle. He doesn't always use Minor League draft picks, but when he does, he waits until the last possible minute to get them.

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2016 Preview: Augusta Misses The Cut

Mike Moustakas was cut by Augusta's new ownership, only to be taken by them #1 overall in the draft just 1 week later.

2016 Preview: Augusta Misses The Cut
By Skip Clifton, San Diego Chronicle

The date is Saturday, January 9th 2016. The place is an Uno's Pizzeria & Grill just 1 block from Fenway Park in Boston. The time is 4:15PM. Most of the EHCC owners have gathered by the bar and are about to sit down for the annual Winter Meeting. The absentees include Rakeville, Las Vegas, Dublin, and Tokyo who all were unable to travel at that time. However, one owner was missing without notice or legitimate reason.

The date is Monday, July 13th 2015. As the MLB Home Run Derby is about to begin, most of the EHCC has gathered online for the Minor League Draft. There was some banter in the chat boxes, and some interesting selections near the top of the draft. As the 8th pick arrives, the owner of that pick is nowhere to be found.

Derek Price owned the Athol Drunken Cats from 2002-2003 before selling the franchise to a group from Winston-Salem, but gave it another run in 2012 when his expansion team the Augusta Albatross was accepted into the EHCC. However, a string of failed seasons (the team never made the playoffs in 4 years) and lack of dedication to the league (Not making Minor League draft picks in 2015, not showing up to the 2016 Winter Meeting) forced the league's hand and was contracted.

What does this have to do with 2016? Well, new owner Johnny Irwin has wasted no time in his attempt to turn a failed franchise around. In less than 2 months, he moved the team to San Fernando Valley, CA, cleaned out the front office, made the minor league choices that Price failed to do last July, and kept just 15 players before the Major League Draft. All a testament to the owner's commitment to turning the team around. But is instant success a possibility?

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EASTERN DIVISION
6. Bridgewater Weasels - After the Weasels dissolved their roster during the 2012 offseason, they finished last in the Eastern Conference 3 years in a row. Then in 2015, while the Western Conference was a clusterfuck of mediocrity, the East was dominated by Las Vegas and Weymouth. 4th-6th was relatively even, and Bridgewater finally made some progress and finished 4th. What they lack in starting pitching, they make up for in Outfielder depth (Pence, Gardner, Pederson, Pillar, Cain). The difference between 6th and 4th will be just as close as last season, and unfortunately Bridgewater will find themselves on the wrong end of this year's clusterfuck.

5. San Fernando Valley Jets - The Albatross last season was going nowhere. They had a stagnant, mediocre roster that the General Manager refused to improve. Even when the team was eliminated from the postseason, they continued their finished their season by being nowhere to be found. However, the new ownership has made a promise that things will be different. With 9 picks in the first 5 rounds of the Major League Draft, the Jets cleaned up the offense by grabbing guys like Moustakas and Tomas, and stole some late-round starters in Anderson and Latos. If the youth can give them some production (Wisler, DeShields, Tomas) they will stay out of the basement of the Eastern Conference.

4. San Juan Guerites - San Juan traded away picks to bolster their offense last year, but with the new EHCC lineup rules they still used their first few picks to supplement their batting order. Marte, Realmuto, and Davis will instantly become starters. The pitching is there, the offense has 1 or 2 studs, and overall the team is better than what it was in November. However, Rakeville also got better this offseason, and Las Vegas and Weymouth aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Sorry, Guerites.

3. Rakeville Rockets - Even though they made a first round exit, the 2014 magical run to the playoffs was a confidence boost for the Rockets. But then they followed it up with 12th place finish last season. Injuries were the main reason for the horrendous season, but a lack of pitching depth didn't help either. A top-3 offense will help Rakeville win most games, but can the arms come alive when playing Las Vegas, Weymouth, or Quebec City? Having 3 guys in the bullpen NOT closing games (Castro, Vizcaino, Storen) and one that barely will be (Hoover) doesn't help. In a top-heavy Eastern Conference, they'll be good enough to finish 3rd or 4th.

2. Las Vegas Doggs - Weymouth had just 1 division loss last year, a 7-3 beatdown by Vegas in Week 20. When the two teams met again in the EHCC Championship, I expected a repeat performance... they have power (Votto, Upton), speed (Gordon, Hamilton), top closers (Melancon, Jansen), and a small-yet-powerful starting rotation (Arrieta, Lester, Wainwright). The Doggs have embraced the new lineup rules by putting 5 hitters on their bench (vs. 3 pitchers). It's a bold strategy that nobody else has really adopted yet.

1. Weymouth Shaddupu - Ho hum, look at Clifton picking the defending champs again... so predictable. But come'on, the only ones not picking Shaddupu to finish 1st in the East are people just trying to be different and Vegas GM Howe Dogg's parents. Their 4th OF could be #1 on other teams. They have 3 of the best closers in the league. They have a dominant Max Scherzer, a (healthy?) Jose Fernandez, and a read-to-break-out Taijuan Walker. If this were a rotisserie league, we'd be printing their name on the plaque already.

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WESTERN DIVISION
6. Tokyo Omyoujis - The Omyoujis finished 2nd in the West every year from 2008-2012... then, they finished in 5th or 6th the next 3 years. Is it coincidence that Tokyo decided not to keep SP Edinson Volquez after the 2012 season? Is it also coincidence that they drafted him in the first round of this year's draft? Is it also coincidence that I knew all of that off the top of my head? Yes. Yes. And no, I looked it up. Corey Kluber's not walking through that door, but finishing 6th in a tough Western Division is nothing to be ashamed of.

5. Tijuana Hispanics - After Carlos Gomez was trade from Tijuana to San Juan at the 2015 trade deadline, the team went 0-6 (12-46). The Hispanics' plan of rebuilding the pitching staff made sense, except that the EHCC had already announced a settings change of adding a 4th OF and an IF spot. They did fill their needs in the draft (Brett Lawrie, Shin-soo Choo, Justin Bour), but in a stacked Western Division it just won't be enough this year.

4. Santo Domingo All-Star Factory - 2 years into their 5-year Championship grace period, they're going in the right direction. The pitching staff is poised for a dominant showing in 1-2 years, with guys like Bundy, Eickhoff and Maeda ready to help out Harvey and Darvish. Find a couple hitters to join Anthony Rizzo and they'll be back at the top of the division in no time. Until then, they have to deal with the Piglets, Cristos, and Snake Chasers.

3. Quebec City Piglets - 8 division titles in 12 years can't be wrong, but only 1 since 2011. The West used to be a 1-team race, but last year showed that any team can win it in the Wild Wild. The Piglets have everything they need to get back to the championship game: A young and dominant offense (McCutchen, Springer, Bogaerts), power pitching (Zimmerman, Kluber, Wacha), and an owner willing to stick with his guys even during slumps (only 2 trades in 2015). The downside? There are 3 other teams right around them that are just as good.

2. Dublin Snake Chasers - Remember in 2012 when Dublin finished in 11th in the league, and dead last in the West? They were the joke of the EHCC with an underachieving pitching staff, 0 relievers, and an offense made up of Little Leaguers. Since then: 2 division titles and 2 Semi-Finals appearances in 3 years, an underrated yet speedy offense, and *GASP* 2 closers! Dublin still goes as far as their starters can take them, but if they're healthy the team will be in championship contention for a while.

1. Rio de Janiero Cristos - After the 2015 draft, Rio made just ONE trade during the year... Joe Kelly for Brian Shaw. Rather than giving up assets to get players from other teams, they chose to use the Waiver Wire for all their needs (75 moves in 2015... 13 more than the next club). Despite roster upheaval, they were a tough 5-4 defeat to Las Vegas away from making just their 2nd EHCC title game (losing in 2012 to Rakeville). What the offense lacks in speed it makes up for in power. David Price and Zack Grinke headline a starting rotation of 4 guys projected to have at least 175 Ks this year. It'll be another close division race this year, but if everything goes as planned Rio will be just the 4th team in 5 years to win the West.

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Whether it's something in the water, or just a Sports Illustrated-like curse, I am 0-6 with division winners and 0-3 on EHCC Champs...

In 2013, I picked Tijuana in the West (fresh off their 2012 division title) and Weymouth in the East (lost a 4-4 tie to Rio in the Semi-Finals), and Weymouth to win it all. Instead it was Dublin, Las Vegas, and Rakeville, respectively.

2014 I came SO close by picking Rakeville to win the East (they and Las Vegas both went 9-4-2, but Vegas won the tiebreaker), while Rio de Janiero finished a distant 2nd to Quebec City. And of course, my choice of Dublin to win it all was laughable as they finished 8th in the league.

Last year was more of the same. After Dublin's lack of playoff appearance, I went with Rio once again only to see the Snake Chasers claim their 2nd Western Title in 3 years. Weymouth dominated the division from start to finish (12-1-2), but where was my choice in the East? San Juan finished a distant 3rd. My EHCC champions pick of Rio looked really good until a tight 5-4 loss to Las Vegas in the Semis.

So where do we go from here... Will the curse continue, or will Weymouth and/or Rio de Janiero end my slump? Can the expansion team surprise everyone and ride Victor Martinez to a title? Did anybody read this far to find out who WON'T be winning the 2016 EHCC Championship? I'll see you all in October.

Quebec City over Weymouth, 6-3.


Skip Clifton is a columnist for the San Diego Chronicle. His hatred of Shin-soo Choo is beyond comprehension.

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San Diego Chronicle: No Day Like Today

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.

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EHSPN Around the League: Catcher

2006 was Brian McCann's first year in Tokyo, but it certainly will not be his last. He led all catchers with 24 HR and 93 RBI, and was second with a .333 average. If the 23 year old can manage to put up those numbers again, he just might have found a permenant home with the Omyoujis.






By Skip Clifton, San Diego Chronicle




Catcher is quite an ironic fantasy baseball position, especially in the EHCC. The statistical difference between the top 15-20 guys is quite similar (save for 2 or 3 exceptions), making it a very expendable position come 20-Man Roster time. However, 6 of the 10 Non-Expansion teams have already found themselves long term solutions, and 2 more (Quebec City and Peoria) will wait until after 2007 to decide if they have as well.

So why are so many teams using a keeper spot on an noneseential position? The answer is simple: adulation. There's something about seeing one of your guys go out there every day, put on all that equipment, and manage your entire pitching staff without complaint. He's a true team player, and these GM's reward that faithfulness with long-term contracts.

Except Las Vegas, who refuses to hold on to any of its players.

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Eastern Division

6. None, LV
The Doggs recently traded away Kenji Johjima in a 5-player, 3-pick deal. Though the trade left them without a catcher, GM Howe Dogg is very pleased with what he got. With plenty of guys available, and almost every-other team already owning a catcher, don't expect them to pick one until at least the 5th round.

5. Michael Barrett, PEO
Barrett was quite the journeyman last year, managing to find time on almost every EHCC roster. His numbers were inconsistent, which motivated teams to only hold onto him for 2-3 weeks at a time. With a roster full of young, developing talent, the Cardinals will most-likely cut the 30 year old before the draft. If not, and they manage to keep him for the entire year, a line of .250 Average/10 HR/75 RBI/65 R could be a bit of help to the already-weak Peoria offense.

4. Jason Varitek, ARL
GM Matt Skinner wasted no time placing a C on the jersey of Varitek after selecting him in this year's expansion draft. Although 'Tek has struggles with his average, he does not lack power, especially with men on base. With the guys hitting in front of him, and if he can stay healthy, he will manage a solid .255/23/88/52 for the Warriors.

3. Jorge Posada, BRW
Posada has been surrounded by one of the best offenses in the league since the EHCC's inception in 2001, and even a good hitter (especially a catcher) can tend to be forgotten. Weasel's GM Nastra Diggus has noticed, of course, making sure there is always a spot on the team's 20-man roster for the 35 year old Puerto Rican. What he lacks in average he makes up for with runners on base, so Posada should reward Bridgewater's dedication with yet another solid season of .250/20/105/75.

2. Victor Martinez, WEY
Aside from that guy in Rakeville, no catcher has created as much hype as Martinez. And, like Mauer, he has lived up to the expectations, being a solid presence in a lineup that set 3 offensive records last season. If the 28 year old can manage a 4th straight 140-game season, a line of .315/25/100/90 will make the island of Weymouth very happy.

1. Joe Mauer, RAK
Jack Reed knew what he was doing when he grabbed Mauer in the first round of the 2004 draft. Last year was finally his coming-out party, posting all-star numbers in his 3rd season in the league. Except for a brief stint on the DL in his rookie year, he's been one of the best contact hitters in the game. Rakeville can count on a .340/18/75/95 from the 23 year old, and if he ever goes down with an injury, Hitting Coach Toby Hall can strap on the pads and fill in.


Western Division

6. Chris Iannetta, SD
The white devils had plenty of offense, but were lacking youth, so they went out and got 3 solid young hitters, including Chris Iannetta. The 23 year old is an exellent long-term solution behind the plate, but they will have to be patient with him. Playing time could be hard to come by in 2007, as Iannetta will have to compete for his job against Yorvit Torealba and Javy Lopez. If he manages to get 100 games, a line of .260/8/45/30 from the youngester.

5. AJ Pierzynski, GLD
Pierzynski hit 140 games and 500 at bats for the first time in his career in 2007, but his production did not increase by all that much. The 30 year old is a safe bet for any team: nothing spectacular, but won't disappoint you either. He will neither help nor hinder Golden's hitting, so expect the team not to waste a 20-man roster spot on a catcher. If they do, they'll get .270/10/60/42 to boost their already-stacked offense.

4. Ivan Rodriguez, WS
Pudge is one of the many Winston-Salem players chosen in the '04 expansion draft. At 35 years old, he's still putting up quality numbers, and has been a top 10 offensive catcher for a long time. Look for Rodriguez to bounce back after a sub-par post season. Expect the usual .288/12/72/67 out of the Puerto Rican native.

3. Russell Martin, QC
The loss of Brian McCann should have hurt the Piglets at catcher, but in fact it helped them. They recieved two solid prospects in the deal, and found a solid replacement in the 24 year old. Martin had a rough May in his first month of action, but made up for it in June/July with a .318 average, 30RBI, and 23R in 46 games. Don't expect any sophmore slump out of him in 2007; a .305/15/75/65 line will help Quebec win its 3rd division title in four years.

2. Kenji Johjima, TIJ
In 2007, Tijuana's "catcher by committee" went better than expected. Paul Lo Doca, Michael Barrett, Bengie Molina, AJ Pierzynski, Jason Kendall, Damian Miller, and Johnny Estrada all spent time with the Hispanics. Newly-acquired Kenji Johjima could be their catcher for many years to come, and should boast a .310/20/80/65 stat line in his second year in the league, and first in Mexico.

1. Brian McCann, TKO
The Omyoujis recieved the youngster last offseason for the steep price of SP Jeff Niemann and a 1st round minor league pick (which ended up being SS Troy Tulowitzki). However, McCann had a breakout performance in his second year in the league, leading all catchers in HR, and finishing 2nd in average and RBI. This Tokyo offense is finally growing into its own, and should help the team to its first Non-Last Place finish in franchise history. He won't repeat 2007's amazing numbers, but a line of .310/28/75/65 will keep the Omyoujis quite happy.




Players available for 2007 Major League Draft:

Mike Piazza - Still a threat at 38 years old, and finally being able to DH will give a slight boost to his already-solid production.

Johnny Estrada - Doesn't walk, but doesn't strike out either. A .282 average over his first 3 full seasons should entice someone in the later rounds.

Paul Lo Duca - Even at 34 years old, expect Lo Duca to be as solid as ever with the lineup he has around him.

Ramon Hernandez - Set career highs in HR (23) and RBI (91) in 2006, and can be counted on to do the same in '07.

Jason Kendall - Doesn't steal bases, but his Average (.301 spanning a 10 year career) still makes him a quality leadoff hitter.





Skip Clifton writes for the San Diego Chronicle. His collection of EHCC bobblehead dolls is larger than his collection of Health & Fitness magazines.

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Christmas Wish List

San Diego Chronicle: Santa Clause loves baseball, but if EHCC GMs want anything for Christmas, they'll have to fend for themselves. We take a quick look at what each team hopes to find under their tree this year.






by Skip Clifton, San Diego Chronicle



‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the internet
Not a GM was stirring, not even a Piglet
The trade block was hung on the message board with care
In hopes that an offer would soon be there

The owners were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of championships danced in their heads
And Editor in his office, and I in mine
Had been racking our brains over a midnight deadline

When out of my head there arose such a thought
I’d write about Christmas, and what people sought
So here is a list, all written in glee
Of what ‘07 teams will hope to see:


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Santo Domingo, Arlington, Myrtle Beach - An EHCC Franchise
The three remaining candidates have been busy trying to keep up with the Expansion Committee's harsh demands of them. Q&A sessions, questionnaires, blood samples, you name it. If the EC says jump, these three say "OK". Only two of them will be getting an EHCC bid this year, while the third will have to settle for coal.


Bridgewater - Younger Pitching
Nine out of sixteen players on the pitching staff is 30 or older, and two more will be passing that mark in 2007. Mike Mussina (38), Trevor Hoffman (39), and Tim Wakefield (40) still have a little left, but are ready to be put out to pasture. The Weasels’ offense carried them last year, but it was their pitching staff that got them to the finals in 2005. For a repeat performance, GM Nastra Diggus will need some solid young arms to pull his championship sleigh.


Golden - Less Yankees
It's no secret that the Gryphons have been shopping Derek Jeter to the rest of the league. The 32-year old shortstop (who should have won the AL MVP last year) should bring in a quality return. Johnny Damon (33) and Jason Giambi (35) also had outstanding years, helping the team to the championships in only their second year. Golden hopes to come out of this Yankee Swap with something to help him in the future.


Las Vegas - Roger Clemens
The Doggs had an outstanding 2006, leading the league in five out of ten categories (offensive AND defensive) and winning their second title in three years, so management has decided not to be greedy. All they really need to compete this year is one more solid pitcher, and he just happens to already be on his roster. Clemens is not the long-term solution, but having The Rocket in orange and black will all but solidify another championship in 2007.


Peoria - A Time Machine
“Wouldn’t it be great if it were 5 years from now?” That’s what GM Dave Grubb is thinking right now. The Cardinals took the Tokyo route, scouting the minor leagues and building young, in hopes to be a legit contender down the road. Thus far their plan has worked, and guys like Robinson Cano, Brandon Phillips, Michael Jacobs, Ryan Zimmerman, Jon Papelbon, and Cole Hamels have already begun to show signs of life. If Matt Kemp and Ian Kinsler can become the stars they’re expected to be, it’ll be a Holly, Jolly Christmas for Peoria in 2010.


Quebec City Piglets - A Time Machine
“Wouldn’t it be great if it were 1 year ago?” In 2006, the Piglets began to rebuild for the future, and the team finished well above expectations with a playoff birth and a 4th place finish. But even with an outstanding pitching staff that will surely dominate for many years to come, we can only imagine how productive they would have been if they had not traded guys like Jim Thome (42HR, 109R, 108RBI), Andruw Jones (41HR, 107R, 129RBI), Brian McCann (.333, 24HR, 93RBI), Josh Willingham (26HR, 74RBI), Jason Schmidt (3.59, 11W, 180K), and Akinori Otsuka (2.11, 32SV). And heck, with all that young talent, QC could use the time machine to go into the future, where his team will surely be winning more championships than they can count.


Rakeville - Pedro Martinez
Rockets fans, as well as management, would love nothing more than to see their franchise player 100% in 2007. Unfortunately, while rehab from shoulder surgery has been going better than anticipated, the 35 year old isn’t expected to be ready until at least June. The Rockets luckily have plenty of insurance options, including Josh Beckett, Roy Oswalt, AJ Burnett, Felix Hernandez, and Bronson Arroyo. Pedro Clause won’t be coming to town this year, but luckily for Rakeville, there are plenty of elves to pick up the slack.


Tijuana - A Minor League Team
In the two year life of the ESSEC, Tijuana has made just 2 minor league draft picks (Brian Dallimore, Dan Haren). There’s no question that this has hurt the team’s chances down the road. In the past year, management finally realized their mistake and began rectifying the situation, trading for guys like Matt Murton (25 years old), Jered Weaver (24), Edwin Encarnacion (23), Jon Lester (22), and claiming Jason Hirsh (24) off of waivers. The Hispanics have been publicly shopping their Minor 1st Round draft pick, but if they hope to have any kind of success in the future, they’d better hold onto it.


Tokyo - Daisuke Matsuzaka
When the Omyoujis were applying to the EHCC prior to the 2005 season, the league asked GM Enkidu Ishtar what his team’s goal was. He announced their plan to take advantage of an untapped Japanese market. However, they have yet to accomplish this goal, having never possessed any player of Asian descent since entering the league. If they can somehow get a hold of Matsuzaka, whether by trade or draft, the promotional (not to mention statistical) rewards for Tokyo would be phenominal.


Weymouth - A New Yacht
The Shaddupu roster is nearly flawless from top to bottom. Middle-aged batters who crush the ball, young pitchers who strike people out, and solid closers who get just enough saves to keep them close. Only bad luck and a few off-weeks kept the Boys of the Water away from their unprecedented 5th championship in 6 years, but expect them to be right back at the top of the league in 2007. Because of that, GM Yukon Cornelius wants nothing more than a nice boat to get him to and from work.


Winston-Salem - Mediocrity
Since entering the league prior to the 2004 season, the Green Monsters have finished 6th or 7th, and that’s perfectly fine with them. Michael Rotch has made exactly 1 trade during his tenure as General Manager, and always gives the same answer to anyone inquiring about his players. “I like my team the way it is,” he’ll say with a smile, and go on his merry way. Even with 2006 EHCC ROTY Francisco Liriano, expect Winston-Salem to get exactly what they want in their stocking this year: A mediocre 2007 finish.


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Cringle won’t be here to help you this year
Seek help from another GM without fear
But don’t worry much, the season’s far away
Lots of time to see who will go or stay

Those are the wishes of the EHCC
And maybe a few things that I could not see
So good luck to you all, as I leave out of sight
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!






Skip Clifton writes for the San Diego Chronicle. He is in no way religious, yet claims his favorite song is "Jesus Was Way Cool" by King Missile.

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