Baseball Tri-Weekly: September 2017 Cover (Championship Edition)

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EHCC Trehde Rumors: Eastern Division

With all the focus on the "slumping" Western division, the East side of the EHCC is the one that only sports three teams at or above .500 going into Week 10 (West has 5). The picture in the East has become a bit more clear for some as to what the next few weeks hold, and the rumors swirling enforce what everyone is already thinking. Click below for a team-by-team breakdown of all the rumors collected from around the Eastern Division, and other insights as to the direction of each franchise.

EHCC Trehde Rumors: Eastern Division
By: Jim Fierkes, EHCCTrehdeRumors.com


Weymouth Shaddupu

Let's start with the juggernaut shaddy poo. The islanders have had one of the strongest starts in EHCC history, but all it takes is that one loss to get the fans clamoring for reinforcements. Don't expect any big moves from Yukon this trade deadline. While the team waits for Ryan Braun and Mike Trout to come back the Poo would be wise to simply bring up Cody Bellinger to get a taste of winning at the highest level. Fans would really love to see Aaron Judge out there instead, but alas, he's stuck down the street in Bridgewater doing his best Daniel Murphy impression. If they're going to make any move, Bellinger is the guy to dangle and the best way to do it is put him in the field and show him off to his upcoming opponent list (SD, RIO, QC), who could all potentially become sellers by the deadline. But seeing Aaron Judge perform at the level has this year may be enough to give GM Yukon Cornelius second thoughts about trading their next best outfield prospect. When asked if Weymouth had anything in the works, Cornelius stated simply "I've got nothing". (First reported by Kai Yack of the Islander Issues)

San Fernando Valley Jets

From the best to the worst - San Fernando is not in an enviable position by any standards. They have the least desirably assets of any potential seller, the one asset that is expected to be of any value (2018 1st round MaDP) is simply off the table, and there's simply no end in sight. The Jets were one of the teams interested in trading for Kyle Schwarber, but with Las Vegas now expecting to be sellers at the deadline (more on them later), this is not looking like a likely match. The three assets that should end up being on the move by time the deadline roles around should be Mike Moustakas (3B), Marcell Ozuna (OF), and Corey Knebel (RP). With no clear, long term answer for losing Adrian Beltre, Dublin would be the logical landing spot for Moustakas, though word has it plenty of teams could use an upgrade at the hot corner. Ozuna has been reportedly unhappy in San Fernando ever since moving there. "No one cares, not even the fans. I'm a winner, simple as that. I need to be somewhere that wants winners," Ozuna told a group of Tijuana reporters after a recent road trip where the Jets lost 2-8. Ozuna is playing at the start of his "prime" and would net the biggest return, but Corey Knebel may be the first Jet to take off for a new destination. Talks have already been had with Rakeville, Las Vegas, and Tijuana regarding the young power bullpen arm. Tijuana makes the most sense here, and they should end up being the strongest "buyer" at the deadline of the three, willing to give up what San Fernando needs. (First reported by Holly Woodsign of the San Fernando Valley High School Pearl Post)

Rakeville Rockets

The newest info out of Rakeville is that they still want to win. After winning 3 of their last 4 match ups they have put away the fire sale signs and they're considering buying - of all things though they're in the market for bullpen help. The Rockets are one of two teams that have yet to win the Saves category all season (Quebec City is the other), and they have racked up a total of 2 whole saves all season - both thanks to their Tony Watson trade(s) earlier this season. GM Jack Reed has a reputation of being stingy and unwilling to answer requests for information unless tempted with Bagel Bites, but the rumors are swirling pretty strong around the Rockets listening to offers on Eric Thames (OF) and Jose Abreau (1B). However, even with all the assumptions of a veteran purge in Rakeville, teams aren't getting their hopes up as they might have in the past regarding star 1B Miguel Cabrera. "Miggy is gunna die wearing maroon and gold, but the dong master Thames is as good as gone in Rakeville," one rival GM assumed. (First reported by Aviator McShadesless of the Rakeville Times)

Las Vegas Doggs

The most active team in the league this season (43 moves made leads the league as of midway through Week 10) has already made three trades before the end of May., and shows no signs of stopping. They've made no secret of their desire to trade away veteran starter Jon Lester and disable listed starter Drew Smyly. They've also got a lot of old junk on the bench that could be considered desirable at the deadline to a team looking for an impact bat - but no one is biting. Look for guys like Kinsler (2B), McCutchen (OF), and Carpenter (1B) to end up being waiver trade dumps after the deadline - something the Doggs are typically the ones to jump on as they did with Justin Turner last season. The defending champs biggest hole is easily their minor league system, and trading away their two best protected arms to Quebec City didn't help any. With Villar and Matt Carpenter already publicly announcing they both refuse to play the hot corner next year, the Doggs main target looks to be 3B prospect Rafeal Devers, San Juan's prized piece. Las Vegas has been aggressive so far, but reports are saying San Juan will be standing pat on Devers until the end of July, though trading him is not out of the question if they think it'll help them catch the poo. (First reported by Max Powers of Baseball Tri-Weekly)

San Juan Guertites

Speaking of San Juan, the Guertites have been going through some clubhouse pains as of late, stemming from their recent struggles (losing 3 of their last 4). The loss of Chapman (RP), Syndergaard (SP), and Bumgarner (SP) have really taken its toll on the rest of the San Juan pitching staff and it's showing on the field. Between weeks 4 and 9, the San Juan pitching staff has only won 8 out of a possible 20 pitching categories, failing to take Wins or Strikeouts in any of those match ups. In that same time the Guertites have gone 1-3-1, but all the while their bats keep clicking: they took over half of the possible offensive categories in that same time. "It's time these pitchers got their act together and started pitching like they give a damn," Joey Batista told reporters after their 8-1 blow out loss to Tokyo. GM Dave Femino isn't the type of take this type of drama laying down has he's proven back in 2014 when he traded away Robinson Cano after he reportedly insulted the team bat boy who happened to be Femino's cousin's neighbor. "A spark may need to be lit," an anonymous source from inside the organization told beat reporter Stephen Eh Smith. (yes, Stephen Eh is a beat reporter now too. You got a problem with that?!). Rumors are now swirling that San Juan might make a quick move to make a point and it may involve a big name like Chapman, or a young piece like Vince Velasquez (SP). Joey Bats may also get the boot finally, as he's become the biggest voice of frustration from the line up, which isn't helping overall morale. Long term, look for San Juan to be buyers as they dangle prospect Rafeal Devers and MiDP's to the few sellers in the league (SD, LV, SFV, QC) for some pitching help that will push their rotation where it needs to be. (First reported by yours truly Stephen Eh Smith of Wherever He Damn Well Feels Like!)

Bridgewater Weasels

Up and coming team out of nowhere one week, back in their parents' basement the next. The Weasels are a few more Daniel Murphy-for-Aaron Judge trades away from making the long term jump. Their most obvious trade piece worth a damn is elder statesman Fernando Rodney (RP), whom Bridgewater would be smart to shop now while he's on a nice little streak. It would make a nice reunion with the Rockets if they are serious about getting some bullpen help in Rakeville. Plus Bridgewater already has his heir-apparent in Archie Bradley waiting in the wings. Beyond that the Weasels are pretty bare in most other areas and are expected to hold onto all their MiPicks this. There's always the possibility they decide to sell high on someone like Justin Smoak (1B). Staying with the theme, fans are expecting Weymouth to go all in and make the same trade with Bridgewater this year as they did last year. So, expect a Justin Smoak/Fernando Rodney combo headed to Weymouth, in return for Cody Bellinger and 3 1st round picks. (First reported by Aaron Judge. He does everything for this team.)


Jim Fierkes is the founder and sole writer of www.EHCCTrehdeRumors.com. In his spare time he likes working on a VW van that sits in his neighbor's back yard under the light of the moon, unbeknownst to them.

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EHCC Trehde Rumors: Western Edition

With Dominican Today reporter Freddie May saying the Western Division is having a down season, rumors can't help but start swirling. Someone will have to end up on top, and it'll be the team willing to make the right moves that takes full advantage. With literally every team in the division feeling as if there's still light at the end of the tunnel, we may see all 6 teams as buyers this deadline season, but you can't buy what's not being sold. Here's a 6-team breakdown of the rumors swirling around the Western Division, as first reported by others, and compiled by EHCCTrehdeRumors.com.

EHCC Trehde Rumors: Western Edition<
By: Jim Fierkes


Quebec City

One week they're threatening to trade away every veteran with a pulse, the next week they're playing San Fernando Valley and feeling like champions again. The ownership goes back and forth each week trying to figure out what to make of the 2017 season, but our gut is they'll be sellers come the deadline - even if they have a shot at the playoffs - which they do since they're in the Western Division. The biggest moves will revolve around slugger Edwin Encarnacion. Edwin has the best ability to make an impact on a contending team this season, even with his slow start to 2017. He'll bring back the biggest haul to Canada, as the Piglets look to build for 2018 around Yoan Moncada at 2B and [George] Springer and [Michael] Conforto in the outfield. Sure, other rumors swirl around longtime piglet Evan Longoria, as Pat Renaud has been trying to unload him for over a season now, but unless the Piglets are able to convince a team to take his contract (like they did with McCutchen to Vegas), don't expect Longoria to be the centerpiece of any deal. Possible waiver trade after the deadline. [First reported by Kole DasHale of the Canadian Freeze Press]

Rio De Janeiro

As first reported last month, Rio is stead fast on their approach to the upcoming trading season. They've improved considerably already with the "additions" of Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki, and Robinson Cano. They continue to utilize their 12th waiver priority to their advantage, picking up young, unprotected talent that other teams are unwilling to use their waiver priority out of fear of missing out on "the next best thing". Look for Rio to become buyers come July, as they will realize that those waiver pick ups won't win them a championship. As the only 'Claffey brother' without a ring, Rio ownership has felt a lot of pressure from fans and family alike to stop being a terrible disappointment. All signs point to Rio going out and buying up depth in their rotation - value they won't be able to find on the waiver wire. [First reported by Emma Zonnrevar of the Rio Times]

Tokyo

It's been really difficult to get any information out of Japan. The Omyoujis have one of the best firewalls installed and leaks are very difficult to come by. Fans are clamoring for more winning, as they've finally gotten a taste of the good stuff - something they've been without for over four seasons. Fans are hoping their new robot overlords have been programed to be buyers after the MiDraft. Their biggest need? You guessed it, starting pitching. The biggest asset to spare: Draft Picks. The team rarely makes it to the drafts anyway, so these things should be flying off the shelf in Tokyo come July. Making a move before the 2017 MiDraft should also be on the table, but unless management has been reprogramed they will probably only look to move those picks for future picks so that they can move them closer to the deadline. [First reported by Kim Moanoe of the Japanese Gazette]

Tijuana

The Hispanics have found a way to take advantage of a weakened Western Division thus far, but they'll need to do more to sure up their roster to keep it going for the entire season. With Rio already making moves, Tokyo showing life, and Dublin bound to push along, Tijuana just doesn't have the roster to sustain their early track record all season. Other issue, Tijuana ownership has simply forgotten how to be "buyers". When you've been sellers for the past 3 seasons, you get into a sort of groove. The last time they made a "buyers" trade was 2012 when they traded for Jake Peavy and Rex Brothers (yes, Rex Brothers) at the deadline. Rumors do say Tijuana will look to solidify their relief pitching core, as they look to win saves every week for the entire season - even if it's at the cost of making the playoffs all together. [First reported by Bill Dawahl of the Cartel Chronicle]

Dublin

With the strongest chance of winning the division heading into the season, the Snake Chasers have tried everything they can to stay under the radar. It's their way of life really. No one expects them to make any moves at all. But maybe that's how they get you? No, it's not, it's just who they are. Ownership continues to to be happy with their excellent core of starting pitching and simply feels there's nowhere to improve their line up. They are just that good. Look for ownership to 'try' to unload one of their many middle infielders for an additional ace, or top tier closer, but in the process fail to return calls and refuse to negotiate, because Dublin.[First reported by a drunk fan in a nameless sports bar - because, Dublin]

Santo Domingo

Even with their poor start to the season, Santo Domingo will look to be buyers at the deadline. Their biggest hole is middle infielders (ring ring Dublin ring ring), or outfield. Depending on how they want to play it, or what becomes available in July, the All-Star Factory could part ways with Carlos Gonzalez to another team looking to buy low, and then spin the goods they can get for him for an upgrade in their line up. With the deepest bullpen in the league, Santo Domingo also has assets to burn to a team looking to sure up the category and isn't willing to fight for waiver wire closers in August (ring ring Tijuana ring ring). Cole Hamels will be a nice addition when they get him back, but not enough to hold firm. All-Star Factory should be targeting rotation depth, possibly even before the MiDraft as they hold 2 of the top three picks in the upcoming draft - which could net a good haul if there's a team already looking to sell and think about 2018/2019/2020 (ring ring Quebec City ring ring). [First reported by Don Minokan of the Caribbean Broadcast System]


Jim Fierkes scours the internet looking for anything that resembles an EHCC rumor. He does no reporting of his own and lives in his aunt's attic, unbeknownst to her. 

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Cristos' New General Manager - Tom Brady

Tom Brady signs on as Cristos' new General Manager. Sources say Gisele played a big factor in getting the two parties together.

— The Rio Times (@TheRioTimes_) April 5, 2016

The Rio Times 
Tom Brady has officially signed on as the Rio de Janeiro Cristos' new General Manager.  A video announcement was released on Saturday that shook the EHCC and surprised many owners.  Brady is still under contract with the New England Patriots, but he didn't want to wait until his football career was over before setting out for the EHCC Championship.  "I want a new challenge, the NFL is too easy for me."  Brady said in an exclusive interview.  "All sports fans know the greatest championships in the world are the Superbowl, the EHCC Championship, and the World Cup. I don't think i will be able to check the World Cup off my list," Brady laughed, "so it is my time to conquer the EHCC Championship."

It is believed that Gisele played a large role in getting the team to look at Brady as the new General Manager.  Gisele, who was born and raised in Brazil and is a die-hard Cristos fan, knew that the GM spot opened up after Jose Robiano da Costa was removed from the position after the 2015 season.  It is rumored that she spoke with the team on countless occasions lobbying for the signing of Brady.  Good thing Gisele knows how to speak Portuguese or this signing may have never happened.

The team has already responded positively to the new leadership, taking an early 7-1 lead against their bitter rival, the Bridgewater Weasels.

        Tom Brady throws out first pitch in Rio

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2013 EHCC Trade Deadline Winners and Losers

Who were the Winners and Losers at the EHCC Trade Deadline? Click to find out!


2013 Trade Winners and Losers
By: Max Powers and Skip Shadeless

The EHCC trade deadline, one of the most active days of the season for the league, has come and gone for the 2013 season. This season's deadline was the most active since 2010 when the highlight ended up being Arlington being involved in 3 transactions at the deadline, and the eventual champion Weasels not being involved in any.

2013 has seen the league become very top heavy, making it easy to determine the buyers and sellers weeks prior. At the top of the Eastern division no one was surprised to see Las Vegas make a move, as they've been part of at least one trade on deadline day for 8 of the past 10 seasons. Sellers were the most active, with both Tokyo and Weymouth selling off star players for multiple prospects and future considerations with multiple teams looking to make a run. Let's take a look at exactly what each team did for themselves, either for 2013 or beyond... 

Weymouth 
Powers Statement: Less than one month after trading for the star lefty Cliff Lee, Weymouth had a bad case of buyer’s remorse as it became clear Lee wasn't going to be enough to push them into playoff contention. Luckily for Weymouth the deadline brings the value of older pitchers to their peak and they were able to recoup everything they initially gave up to bring in the lefty, and it could be argued they came out ahead after it was all said and done. Giving up Rick Porcello, Jarred Cosart, Leonys Martin on July 8, and taking on Allen Webster, Mike Zunino, Nick Castellanos in their replacement. Long term this has the potential of working out much better than their original threesome would have for the Poo of Shaddy. They bolstered their youth talent by bringing on pitcher Danny Hultzen from Tijuana and dumping veteran Jake Peavy. With these types of rebuilding trades only time will tell for sure how they will turn out, but considering whe Weymouth was going this year and the makeup of their current roster this may have been their best time to start thinking of 2015. Grade: B+

Shadeless Rebuttal: Weymouth are a bunch of idiots. They traded for Cliff Lee to try and make a run, then pussied out on making a run and traded him for a bunch of (Shaddy) poo. Martin and Cosart have set the EHCC on fire since the trade, while Porcello has continued a solid breakout season. Zunino? He’s J.P. Arencibia 2.0, but with more injuries. He could’ve got that off the wire for free. Webster? A bum. The new Derek Lowe, but with less talent and height. Castellanos? More like CastellaNO, am I right? And Hultzen is an injured bum, while Peavy has been spectacular for Tijuana, and might lead them to a playoff bye. Shaddypoo? After all that, those bozos will probably make the playoffs, minus a trio of aces in Peavy, Lee, and Weaver (generously donated to Las Vegas’s playoff run for a bunch of bullshit). Enjoy your 1st round exit, Islanders of Weymouth. Hope it was worth it. Grade: F+ 

Tijuana
Powers Statement: The Hispanics have never found themselves in quite this situation before: obvious buyers at the deadline. After making the playoffs last season the Hispanics have only gotten stronger and made strides this season in bolstering their lineup with the addition of Adam Jones and their pitching staff with Ryan Dempster and Kris Medlen earlier in the season. At the deadline they tried rounding out their bullpen with the addition of Jake Peavy from Weymouth and Rex Brothers from Quebec City. All in all, they only piece of real value they gave up was prospect Danny Hultzen, and for what they did for their roster in return, in the name of a championship run, may prove to be the best value overall of all the trades made at this year's deadline. If Peavy can tread water the rest of the way he adds stability, strikeouts, and wins to Tijuana's currently fluctuating rotation. Brothers fills the void left by Jose Veras in the closer role, and for a 4th round pick it's an easy pick up. Even if they don't take the gold this year, the Hispanics didn't lose enough for these trades to be considered a bust, but one has to wonder if there's more they could have done as most teams don't get into the position Tijuana is currently in, with one eye on the EHCC plaque and one eye on the rest of the league. Grade: B

Shadeless Rebuttal: Tijuana are a bunch of idiots. They wasted a 2nd round pick using a waiver claim on the corpse of Jayson Werth, then went out and gave away a better Util option in Ryan Zimmerman for a 1st rounder from a playoff team. What the hell, muchachos? Then they gave away a Johnny Cueto and Ryan Dempster and a some picks for Kyle “No MLB team wanted me in the offseason because they all know I’m not actually that good” Lohse and Huston “I’m not really that great, and also I play for a shitty team, so I don’t get a ton of save opportunities anyway” Street. Hey, you know what would’ve been great? If you hadn’t traded a 1st Rd. Minor league pick and an established closer in Jim Johnson for Ryan Dempster in the first place. Maybe then you wouldn’t have had to give him away for a new closer 3 months later. And don’t get me started on that Peavy trade. You traded a potential stud prospect in Hultzen plus what’s left of your picks for an injured bum like Peavy? Over/under until his arm falls off: 4 Tijuana starts. Take the under. Grade: F+

Quebec City
Powers Statement: Congratulations to the Piglets on their newly acquired 4th Round MaDP. There was a possibility they could have dumped Brothers on a team during the waivers trade period for a 2nd round pick, but really, who cares. Grade: C+

Shadeless Rebuttal: Quebec City are a bunch of idiots. They gave away Rex Brothers for nothing—literally, nothing. That guy is a lights out closer. QC brass will try and tell you that Rafael Betancourt was due back to take over as closer soon, so Brothers value was low, but everyone knew Betancourt’s arm was held together with silly putty and shoelaces, and now his career is just about over with news of Tommy John surgery, while Brothers racks up the saves for Tijuana. Nice job, you Canuck clowns. They also gave up a guy who hit 30+ homers last year for Anthony Rendon. Who? Exactly. Let me keep it simple for you—he sucks. Way to turn a championship team into a laughingstock. Grade: F+

Tokyo
Powers Statement: An obvious seller at the deadline as well, Tokyo added to their stash of 2014 MiDP's by dumping off former all star Josh Hamilton and Dexter Fowler for a pair of 2nd rounders. Hamilton could very well go on to pushing Rakeville into playoff contention, but he wasn't going to help Tokyo this year, and possibly ever again. Though it was an obvious sell low situation for both Fowler and Hamilton, Tokyo didn't want to have either of them go the way of Grady Sizemore or Carl Crawford, both highly sought after players who lost their way, and their value, earlier than expected. Grade: B-

Shadeless Rebuttal: Tokyo are a bunch of idiots. They gave away Josh Hamilton for basically nothing. What the hell? Did Enkidu Ishtar break into Hamilton’s stash when he made that trade? Ridiculous. And their return for Cliff Lee was pathetic. Martin and Cosart haven’t exactly set the EHCC on fire, and Rick Porcello has a long history of being sucky. The only trade worse would have been if they flipped him for, I don’t know, something like Mike Zunino, Allen Webster, and Nick Castellanos. Plus, they traded stud Adam Jones for stupid Gerrit Cole. Hey, next time try trading for a guy who knows how to spell ‘Garrett’, okay? The circus must have come to town, because Tokyo is full of bozos. Grade: F+

Augusta
Powers Statement: The Albatross lived up to their name this trade season by talking a big game in the early season, and then failing to live up to their self-imposed expectations. Under the pressure to perform caused by their owner’s early-season smack talk, they made a rash trade that sacrificed future flexibility in unloading their 2014 Minor League draft picks for the underperforming Nick Markakis and injured Brandon Morrow. At the time, it was expected that Morrow would be back shortly, but he ended up missing the rest of the season and Augusta went into a free-fall shortly thereafter. They tried to make up for that deal by shipping out beloved SP Adam Wainwright for a minor league pick, Yovani Gallardo, and prospects, but time will tell if that was enough. Grade: C-

Shadeless Rebuttal: Augusta are a bunch of idiots. They traded all kinds of good stuff for bums. That’s what happens when you put a junkie in charge of a baseball team. What’s that? He’s not a junkie? Oh, well, whatever. He’s bad at general managing even if he is drug-free.

Rio de Janeiro
Powers Statement: Rio was quiet at the deadline, only making a small move, giving up a 2nd Rd. Minor league pick in 2014 for Dexter Fowler. It was good depth at a reasonable price for Rio, who didn’t want to break the bank while they continued to evaluate whether or not they were a true contender this year. Grade: B

Shadeless Rebuttal: Rio are a bunch of idiots. Dexter Fowler sucks. A 27th round Minor league pick would’ve been too much for that piece of crap. Now they’re going to miss the playoffs and have nothing to show for it. I hope Fowler puts up huge numbers in the consolation bracket (spoiler alert: he won’t. Because he sucks). Grade: F+

Rakeville
Powers Statement: A year after winning a long-awaited championship, Rakeville found themselves in much different territory this year. Although they weren’t looking to be playoff-bound, they couldn’t pass up the once great Josh Hamilton at a bargain price of a minor league 2nd round pick. It all appears to be for naught, though, as Rakeville has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention at press time. That 2nd round pick could have been a key rebuilding piece. Grade: D

Shadeless Rebuttal: Rakeville are a bunch of idiots. Their complete mismanagement of a championship team has made Quebec City look like the class of the league. Who’s managing this squad, the douchebag who used to run Arlington? Give me a break. Anytime you can run a championship team into the ground and throw away a minor league draft pick for nothing at the same time, hey, you gotta make that move, right Jack Reed? Grade: F+

Santo Domingo
Powers Statement: The All-Star Factory decided to get serious about making a run after last year’s heartbreaking run at the playoffs ended with a spot in the consolation bracket. They gave up a number of promising prospects for stud SP Cliff Lee, and also gave up a 1st round pick for an aging Ryan Zimmerman. It’s a risky move, but the results are paying off in spades so far, as Santo Domingo closes in on the franchise’s first playoff berth. Grade: B+

Shadeless Rebuttal: Santo Domingo are a bunch of idiots. You can’t give up stud prospects like Zunino, Castellanos, and Webster for an old bum like Cliff Lee. Remember Cliff Lee? That dumbass who sucked for Cleveland for all those years? That guy stinks. I don’t buy this turnaround, I don’t care how many Cy Youngs he wins. Once a bum, always a bum. Just like the Santo Domingo GM. Enjoy your first round playoff loss. Hope it was worth it when Zunino and Castellanos are hitting bombs in Weymouth for years to come and Webster is firing no-hitters you dumbasses. Grade: F+

San Juan
Powers Statement: The Guerites made a calculated risk in upgrading their 3B by giving up young stud 2B prospect Anthony Rendon for Chase Headley. Headley has been a disappointment following last year’s breakout season, but the pedigree is there, and San Juan had a gaping hole at 3B. A calculated risk that could pay off big in the playoffs if Headley heats up. Grade: B-

McShadeless Rebuttal: San Juan are a bunch of idiots. Who gives up a stud, minor protected prospect for a piece of garbage like Chase Headley? They might as well change the name on his jersey from ‘Headley’ to ‘Fluke’ because that’s all last season was. He sucks, and so did that trade. Grade: F+

Dublin
Powers Statement: Dublin didn’t make any moves at the deadline, preferring to keep a 1st place roster built on youth intact for the playoffs. Is that the right move? Perhaps they learned how to play the trading game from ‘War Games.’ The only true way to win, is to not play at all. Grade: A

Shadeless Rebuttal: Dublin are a bunch of idiots. How do you not upgrade that pitching staff for the playoffs? That whole squad is built on young SP who are all going to hit their innings limits at the most crucial time for this squad. Enjoy watching all your SP sit on the bench while you lose in the championships, dummies. Grade: F+

Bridgewater
Powers Statement: As always, Bridgewater opted to stand pat at the deadline, refusing to unload veterans who might have brought in good young talent or picks to help stock the next Bridgewater champions. As it is, they’ll be wearing the pink jersey again at the Winter Meetings, with no end to the losing in sight. Grade: F

Shadeless Rebuttal: Bridgewater are a bunch of idiots. Unload your shitty veterans—god knows you have enough of them. Why stand around and watch your team suck for years when you can do something about it? They’re like the Mike Trout of terrible General Managers – they’re awful in all facets of the game. Grade: F+

Las Vegas 
Powers Statement:  The Doggs tightened up their rotation in the weeks leading up to the deadline by bringing in Tim Lincecum, and then they upgraded again at the deadline and waiver deadline by bringing aboard Adam Wainwright and Jered Weaver. The Doggs once again look primed to make a run at the title. Grade: A-

Shadeless Rebuttal: Las Vegas are a bunch of idiots. They made a shit-ton of good trades though. Seriously, I got nothing. Grade: A+

Max Power is a beat reporter for the Reno Weekly Rag. He knows that there are three ways to do things--the right way, the wrong way, and the Max Power way (which is the wrong way, but faster). Skip Shadeless is a freelance reporter who has covered the EHCC at various media outlets for nearly a decade. He likes long walks on the beach, Tim Tebow, and of course, race-baiting.

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EHCC 2012 Performance

There's an old saying in baseball that it takes a third of season to figure out you really have, a third of a season to fix it and a third of a season to see what happens. Well, we're a third of the way through the 2012 fantasy baseball season and the results are in.

The following data has been compiled by placing our weekly head-to-head roto data into a weekly straight roto format. IE, each point category has been ranked 1-12 (12 being the best) on a weekly basis. This is intended to present a clearer picture of your team's actual performance this season as it matches all teams against each other for each week rather than up against just one other team.

The above graph shows each team in the league's individual weekly performance (click on the graph to see it larger). The top weekly scorer so far has been Tijuana who scored 99.5 out of a possible 120 points in week 3. The low weekly scorer was Rio in week 5 scoring 22 points (the lowest possible being 12).

The below chart gives you your average hitting, pitching and total points scored so far in the season. If your 'total rank' is lower than your actual yahoo rank than you've been statistically lucky and vice-versa. Going forward regression towards the mean is likely. Meaning that the larger the sample size gets the more likely your 'total rank' and actual yahoo rank will be the same.

Now that the results are in are you on the verge of being a buyer or a seller?

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Austin seals deal with Myrtle Beach

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.

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Fighting Wrens unveil Logo

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.

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

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.

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