StLee

2015 Spring Bowl - 4th Elimination Round and Elite 8 Saturday, February 14 games Winners Bracket Game of the Day#5 Virginia Beach 0 at #4 Miami 1, 10 inningsNotes: This game turned out to be the slug fest people wanted, well, except fans of heavy offense, that is....LF Ben Broussard's solo walkoff home run to lead off the bottom of tenth gave the Tropics the victory and a guarantee to be in the final six on the 2015 Spring Bowl....MR Kenley Jansen was the losing pitcher for the Neptunes. He pitched a perfect ninth inning before the unfortunate 10th inning happened, giving him an official line of 1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER....Despite not factoring into the final and pitching on the losing team, Virginia Beach's Pedro Valdez was named the game's most valuable player. In seven innings, he allowed four hits, walked three, and struck out two. Taylor Jordan pitched the eighth....Miami's Matt Harrison was the starter but had to leave after four innings due to back soreness. He should be day-to-day for the next week, meaning he may have seen his last action in the Spring Bowl.In four innings, he allowed two hits and struck out five batters....Andy Sisco, who pitched the final two innings, was the winning pitcher. He allowed two walks and struck out two batters. Duane Below and Randor Bierd pitched the middle four innings. Below allowed three hits, walked two, and struck out a batter in his two innings. Bierd only allowed one base runner on a walk in his two innings....The Neptunes did not get a hit in the last four innings....Five players on the Neptunes had a hit apiece, all singles....The same number of players had a hit apiece for Miami. However, in addition to Broussard's game-winning blast, C Joe Mauer doubled in the fourth. Losers Bracket Game of the Day#30 Honolulu 2 at #25 Denver 3, 14 innings - Honolulu eliminatedNotes: With one out in the bottom of the 14th, the Peaks started their push. C Paco Velazquez, RF Benny Watson, and 2B Donald Woolhouse all singled to load the bases. The Tropics then inserted Curtis Partch to try to end the jam. PH Derrick Robinson then lined out to left field, causing Velazquez to break for home. Elijah Duke's throw went wild, allowing Velazquez to score the game-winning run....Honolulu RF Victor Diaz had a historically bad day, striking out five times in six at bats. After a guy's fourth strikeout, you have to pull him. Right?...Here is another game where the PotG was not a home run, but I'll just keep it because I'm not sure who else to pick. So, the player of the game was...SP Francisco Liriano, Denver. 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K. Also, he was 1 for 2 at the plate with a run scored....Three Denver players had two hits apiece. C Jorge Amaya and 3B Aramis Ramirez each doubled for the Peaks' only extra-base hits....Tropics 1B Adam LaRoche and C Adrian Maldonado were the only players to have two hits. Both player also doubled once, along with CF Josh Hamilton. Hamilton's double in the seventh drove in both Tropics' runs....Roy Oswalt was the starter for Honolulu. In eight innings, he allowed two earned runs on seven hits with three striekouts....Chad Bettis was the losing pitcher for the Tropics, allowing the bases to be be loaded in the 14th. In 1.1 innings, he allowed five hits, one earned run, and a walk, and he struck out a batter....Kris Benson earned the win for the Peaks by pitching the top of the 14th. Upset of the Day#31 Seattle 5 at #10 Los Angeles 3, 15 inningsNotes: With one out in the top of the 15th, Julio Moreno singled on reliever Randall Delgado of the Actors. Moreno then attempted a steal and was able to advance to third on C Victor Martinez's erroneous throw. C Jonathan Lucroy then doubled in Moreno and later scored on Mike Morse's two-out single....Despite what OOTP is telling me, I am naming Lucroy the player of the game. He finished 3 of 7 with two doubles, a run, and an RBI. His hit in the 15th was the difference in the game, thus his nod over a no-decision pitcher who gave up three runs. Frankly, I need to quit looking at who is selected as Player of the Game by OOTP....LF Khris Davis also had three hits in seven at bats for the Ports. He doubled and scored a run....3B Mike Gunther led LA in hits, going 3 for 6 with a double....RF Mitch Moreland was the best hitter for the Actors, going 2 for 6 with a double, a home run, a run scored, and two runs batted in....Jake Diekman earned the win for Seattle. He allowed just one hit, while walking one and striking out one in 1.2 innings. Josh Beckett was the starting pitcher. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits with a walk and eight strikeouts in eight innings....Jerome Williams was the starter for Los Angeles. In eight innings, he allowed three earned runs on nine hits with four strikeouts. Other Scores #45 Las Vegas 4 at #7 Nashville 5 - Las Vegas eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 1B Dayan Viciedo, Las Vegas, 3/4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI #32 Tampa 1 at #24 Toronto 2 - Tampa eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Pjotr Mansvelt, Toronto, 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BB, 2 KOverruled the PotG being the losing pitcher who gave up one more run than the winning pitcher but had better BB/K numbers. #39 Atlanta 1 at #13 Montreal 2, 10 innings - Atlanta eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Kunihiko Samurakami, Montreal, 6.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 8 K; Injured, thus his early exit. #16 Oakland 2 at #9 Kansas City 4Player of the Game: SP Drew Pomeranz, Kansas City, 7.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 7 BB, 8 K; 1/1, R, 2 BBNotes: Gorillas' pinch hitter Brad Hawpe hit a two-run home run for the only Oakland runs. #14 Minneapolis 4 at #6 Dallas 5Player of the Game: 1B Mark Teixeira, Minneapolis, 4/5, 2 2B, HR, R, RBINotes: Definitely a case of a guy having a hot game but no other player around him doing a thing to turn that game into multiple runs....RF Jason Heyward hit a three-run home run for the Tycoons in their four-run fourth inning. Top Players My better list:1. 1B Mark Teixeira, Minneapolis 2. 1B Dayan Viciedo, Las Vegas 3. SP Drew Pomeranz, Kansas City

2015 Spring Bowl - Third Elimination Round Friday, February 13 games Game of the Day#27 Utah 4 at #25 Denver 6 - Utah eliminatedNotes: SS Yuniesky Betancourt got the player of the game nod thanks to his part in the Peaks' come-from-behind win. He finished the game 2 of 4 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in. He hit an RBI double and later scored the tying run in the decisive sixth inning....Denver SP Tim Stauffer was chased early in the no decision. In two innings, he allowed four earned runs on six hits. Five Denver relievers then combined to only allow one hit, give up four walks and strike out six batters in the final seven innings. MR David Huff was credited with the win, pitching 2.2 hitless innings, while striking out one. Craig Kimbrel earned the save by pitching a perfect ninth with two strikeouts....The Mustangs' Jose Quintana suffered the loss, allowing six runs, five earned, on 11 hits with two walks and two striekouts in 5.2 innings. Dan Otero pitched the final 2.1 innings, allowing only one hit....LF Matt Holliday and SS Chance O'Rourke each had two hits for Utah, including a double each. Holliday drove in a run, while O'Rourke scored a run....Quintana led the Mustangs in RBI thanks to his two-RBI single in the second inning....CF Ezequiel Carrera, 1B Ruben Amaro, and RF Victor Ledesma all had two hits for the Peaks....LF Benny Watson led off the sixth inning with a triple for the Peaks, scoring soon after on Betancourt's double. Upset of the Day#30 Honolulu 6 at #1 San Diego 1 - San Diego eliminatedNotes: The Tropics took a first-inning lead and led throughout the game in knocking off now the top two seeds in the 2015 Spring Bowl, including this gutty win at San Diego....Honolulu C Adrian Maldonado was the Game MVP thanks to his 3 of 4 effort with a double, run, and four RBI. His double was a bases-loaded, 3 RBI effort in the eighth that put the game away....Five different Slammers combined for their five hits. Their only extra-base hit came from 1B Jose Galvan who doubled. He also walked three times and drove in San Diego's lone run....There were a combined 28 strikeouts in the game!!! Nine players struck out at least two times, including the Tropics' LF Elijah Dukes who struck out three times....Honolulu SP Albert Martinez got the win by allowing just one earned run on two hits with four walks and eight strikeouts in six innings....Slammers' SP Hyun-jin Ryu allowed two earned runs on eight hits with 11 strikeouts in seven innings in a losing effort. Neftali Feliz was responsible for the four runs allowed in the eighth inning. Other Scores #45 Las Vegas 7 at #47 Boston 4 - Boston eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 2B D.J. LeMahieu, Las Vegas, 2/5, 3 RBI #28 Philadelphia 2 at #7 Nashville 7 - Philadelphia eliminatedPlayer of the Game: RF Bryce Harper, Nashville, 2/3, HR, R, 4 RBI, BB #32 Tampa 7 at #3 Phoenix 3 - Phoenix eliminatedPlayer of the Game: RF Tyrone Bradley, Tampa, 2/4, HR, 2 R, RBI #24 Toronto 12 at #22 Houston 4 - Houston eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 3B Stephen Lombardozzi, Toronto, 3/3, 2 HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, 2 BB #34 Portland 1 at #13 Montreal 2 - Portland eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Ricky Romero, Montreal, 8 IP, 6 H, ER, 4 BB, 4 K; 0/2, R, BB #39 Atlanta 10 at #12 New Orleans 4 - New Orleans eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 2B Danny Espinosa, Atlanta, 5/5, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI Top Players Updated Losers Bracket

2015 Spring Bowl - Updated Brackets Winners Bracket Losers Bracket

2015 Spring Bowl - Host Bracket Finals Thursday, February 12 games Winners Bracket – Bracket FinalsPlayed at host stadium Game of the Day#12 New Orleans 1 at #5 Virginia Beach 2, 11 inningsNotes: CF Carlos Gonzalez hit a one-out solo walkoff home run in the 11th to win the game for the Neptunes….Virginia Beach SP Joham Cari pitched eight scoreless innings before being pulled in the ninth and being responsible for the tying run in the top of the ninth. He finished as the game’s top player, allowing one earned run on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts in 8.1 innings….Taylor Jordan earned the win for the Neptunes by pitching a perfect 11th inning before the game-winning run….The Gators scored the tying run when C Salvador Perez hit a two-on, one-out RBI double to score PH Robinson Cano from second. RF Carlos Quentin was forced to stop at third, where he remained after 1B Ike Davis hit into a bases-loaded 5-2-3 double play to end the inning….Jose Arredondo was the losing pitcher for New Orleans, allowing the game-winning homer….David Purcey got the start for New Orleans. In 6.2 innings, he allowed an earned run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts….Virginia Beach’s first run was scored on 1B Mike J. Jacobs’ solo home run in the 4th inning. Upset of the Day#16 Oakland 3 at #1 San Diego 2Notes: This was one of only three games in the Winners Bracket where a lower seed won, so this was the obvious pick with no huge upsets….Gorillas’ LF Ryan Ludwick was the game’s MVP, going 3 for 4, including driving in what turned out to be the game-winning RBI on a single in the sixth inning….San Diego’s leadoff hitter CF Jose Marquex had half of the team’s hits on the day, going 4 for 4 with a double and an RBI….One of the great names in the CBA, Boof Bonser, was the winning pitcher for Oakland. He allowed two earned runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts in seven innings. Mark Rogers earned the save….Cole Hamels suffered the loss for the Slammers, allowing three earned runs on 10 hits with three walks and four strikeouts in six innings….San Diego C Josh Donaldson hit a solo home run. Other Scores #25 Denver 4 vs #9 Kansas City 6 at DetroitPlayer of the Game: LF Robbie Grossman, Kansas City, 5/5, 2 R #13 Montreal 3 at #4 Miami 10Player of the Game: CF Andrew McCutchen, Miami, 3/4, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB #47 Boston 4 vs #31 Seattle 5 at CincinnatiPlayer of the Game: C Jonathan Lucroy, Seattle, 2/4, HR, R, 3 RBI, BB #10 Los Angeles 9 at #7 Nashville 1Player of the Game: 1B David Cooper, Los Angeles, 3/4, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB #14 Minneapolis 12 at #3 Phoenix 7Player of the Game: LF Angel Pagan, Minneapolis, 3/4, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB #22 Houston 1 at #6 Dallas 10Player of the Game: LF Yonder Alonso, Dallas, 4/5, 2 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI Top Players

2015 Spring Bowl - Second Elimination Round Thursday, February 12 Losers Bracket – Second Elimination Round Game of the Day#34 Portland 5 at #19 Charlotte 4Notes: Charlotte becomes the third AL team, after #2 Cincinnati and #15 Brooklyn, to exit from the Spring Bowl….Portland suffered a huge blow in the game when star LF Brandon Belt was injured. It looks to be a severe shoulder injury, which may last into the regular season….The Pioneers’ RF Teofilo Alonza tripled in the ninth inning and then scored on CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis’ RBI single for the game-winning run. Nieuwenheis was traded to Portland from New Mexico in the off season. Thanks to his game-winning RBI, along with a 2 for 5 performance with a double, Nieuwenhuis was named the game’s MVP….The Flyers’ Adam Wainwright was responsible for allowing the winning run to score, giving him the loss for the game….Charlotte SP Ramon Leyva allowed four earned runs on five hits with six walks and three strikeouts in six innings….Jose Villa was the starter for Portland. In 7.1 innings pitched, he allowed four earned runs on seven hits with three walks and four strikeouts….Wesley Wright pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing just a hit, to earn the win. Aaron Loup shut down Charlotte in the ninth to earn the save….1B Matt Adams was the Flyers’ top performer, going 2 for 3 with a double, a run, and an RBI. Upset of the Day#39 Atlanta 7 at #11 Austin 4Notes: Austin was eliminated with the loss. They are the second highest seeded team after #2 Cincinnati to be eliminated from the Spring Bowl….This was a tough game to pick a top player, but the vote goes to SS Mike Aviles of Atlanta. He went 2 for 4 with two runs, an RBI, and a walk….C Ryan Lavarnway had the Blazers’ only extra-base hit of the game, a double. The other seven hits were singles….Savage 1B Miguel Ontiveros was the most successful player at the plate. He was 2 for 5 with a home run, run, and two RBI….Atlanta SP Jo-Jo Reyes allowed four earned runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four innings. Aneury Rodriguez was the winning pitcher, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two in one inning of work. Sergio Romo had a rocky ninth inning, giving up three singles to load the bases before retiring the last batter for the save….Habrao Caraa was the losing pitcher for Austin, allowing seven earned runs on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Other Scores #45 Las Vegas 6 at #29 Chicago 5, 12 innings – Chicago eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 1B Javier Ortiz, Chicago, 3/6, HR, R, 2 RBI #28 Philadelphia 4 at #21 Milwaukee 2 – Milwaukee eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Brandon Duckworth, Philadelphia, 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K #48 Indianapolis 3 at #32 Tampa 4, 10 innings – Indianapolis eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SS Andrelton Simmons, Tampa, 2/5, 2B, R, 2 RBI #37 San Antonio 2 at #24 Toronto 5 – San Antonio eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Xavier Rivera, Toronto, 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K #46 Louisville 2 at #30 Honolulu 3 – Louisville eliminatedPlayer of the Game: CF Josh Hamilton, Honolulu, 2/4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI #43 Oklahoma City 2 at #27 Utah 15 – Oklahoma City eliminatedPlayer of the Game: C Tom Holz, Utah, 3/6, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI

2015 Spring Bowl - February 13 Previews A quick peek at the games ahead: I don't feel like doing a full preview post, so I just wanted to point out a couple of interesting match ups in the next round of games. Losers Bracket Second Elimination Round *I'll try to keep my eye on the 1-2 Korean punch in Philadelphia, along with the rookie Lalanne. I love the double French names. Jean-Jacques in this case. The Liberty travel to 21st seed Milwaukee * I'm curious to see how Honolulu does just one day after knocking off Cincinnati. Here is an example of an impractical game in reality. The Tropics were at Cincinnati. Their opponent, Louisville, was at Brooklyn. Both teams then have to make a very long flight to meet in Honolulu for a game. In real life, they would probably go to Louisville with the Tropics acting as the home team. Whatever. In my world, fast travel is a reality. Too bad that isn't true in real life. My trips to visit family in the States are painfully long, especially with young kids. * Oklahoma City is one of my favorite teams in the league because of their uniforms. I'm curious to see how they fare against a good offensive team in Utah. * Austin is one of the teams I'm going to watch more of in 2015, especially after they signed 3B Antonio Rivera, one of the stars of the CBA. I don't know that the Savage have a whole lot around Rivera, but they should handle Atlanta. Winners Bracket - Bracket Championships There were eight host cities to the Winners Bracket. While six of the eight games will feature the home team, two will not. Including.... * #47 Boston vs #31 Seattle at CincinnatiToo bad this game could not have been hosted by Phoenix! Then it would be eerily similar to this year's Super Bowl! :friday: This game has the last two of the Omega League teams in the Winners Bracket. One team will move on to the Elite 8, while the other will have to battle its way out of the Losers Bracket for a chance at greatness. * The Battle for Texas was supposed to be between Dallas and Austin. Instead we get Dallas and Houston. The Bulls were once a successful team in the CBA, but have since fallen on hard times. Winning in Dallas could help to rebuild their confidence. * #12 New Orleans at #5 Virginia BeachNew Orleans is my hometown team, so I am always pulling for them. I really loved that they went out and tried to grab some quality players to move themselves back up into the Alpha League after having a poor season last year. Troy Tulowitzki is one of the best players in the CBA, so he is worth keeping an eye on. * #13 Montreal at #4 MiamiThese two teams faced off in the Quarterfinals of the 2014 Tournament if Champions, with the Saints pulling off the upset. In this one-off game, it will be interesting to see if the Towers can revenge their disappointment from a year ago, having lost in the Diamond Trophy final series and losing their first round series in the Tournament of Champions.

2015 Spring Bowl Updated Losers Bracket These will be the match ups heading into the Second Elimination Round

2015 Spring Bowl - First Elimination Round Wednesday, February 11 games Home team is team that lost in Second Qualifying RoundRoad team is team that lost in First Qualifying Round Game of the Day#28 Philadelphia 9 at #8 Detroit 6, 10 inningsNotes: With the loss, Detroit is eliminated from the 2015 Spring Bowl, marking a quick exit for the #8 seed....2B Cho-rin "Chucky" Lee was named the game's MVP for the Liberty. He went 3 for 4 with a double, a home run, three runs scored, two RBI, and a walk....Teammate Yeow-whye Chung, also a Korean, went 3 for 5 with a home run, three runs, and two RBI....Philadelphia PH Jean-Jacques Lalanne, a 2015 rookie, hit a two-RBI double in the 10th inning to help secure the three-run win....CF/RF Jesus Lopes of the Wolverines led the team in hits with three....RF Luis Franco's two-run home run served as Detroit's only extra-base hit and helped Franco lead the team in RBI with two....Reliever Micky Storey was the winning pitcher for the Liberty, allowing one unearned run on one hit with a walk and a strikeout in two innings....Ian Kennedy started the game for Philadelphia. He pitched 5.2 innings, giving up four earned runs on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout....Detroit starter Carlos Zambrano had a miserable day. In 2.2 innings, he gave up five earned runs on six hits with one strikeout....Pedro Beato was the losing pitcher for the Wolverines after allowing two earned runs on one hit with two walks and a strikeout in one full inning. He gave up the first two runs of the tenth inning with no outs before being pulled for Brandon Workman, who was the pitcher who gave up Lalanne's double. Upset of the Day#30 Honolulu 4 at #2 Cincinnati 0Notes: The second overall seed and last season's Diamond Trophy winners made a quick exit, going 0-2 in the Spring Bowl. The Cyclones are now eliminated....Honolulu's Patrick Corbin was the game's MVP, going eight full innings, while allowing four hits, walking two batters, and striking out three....Cincinnati's Frederico Olsen was the losing pitcher. In seven innings, he allowed one earned run on five hits with two walks and 12 strikeouts....Cyclones' reliever Joakim Soria gave up the final three runs to the Tropics....LF Nick Markakis both led the Cyclones in hits (two) and had their only extra-base hit (double). Only two other players had a hit in the game....RF Victor Diaz led the Tropics in hits with two....1B Adam LaRoche and SS Higino Branco each had solo home runs....PH Bernardo Perez hit a two-RBI double in the 9th. Other Scores - Road Warriors! #29 Chicago 10 at #33 St. Louis 3 - St. Louis eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SS Brian Dozier, Chicago, 2/2 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB #45 Las Vegas 4 at #17 San Francisco 2 - San Francisco eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Adrian Alba, Las Vegas, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K #21 Milwaukee 4 at #41 Baltimore 3 - Baltimore eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 1B Eric Hosmer, Milwaukee, 2/4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB #32 Tampa 8 at #36 Cleveland 6, 10 innings - Cleveland eliminatedPlayer of the Game: RF Tyrone Bradley, Tampa, 3/5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI #48 Indianapolis 9 at #20 New Mexico 4 - New Mexico eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 1B Josh Boase, Indianapolis, 2/3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB #24 Toronto 5 at #44 Vancouver 3 - Vancouver eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 3B Stephen Lombardozzi, Toronto, 5/5, 2B, R, RBI #40 Mexico City 4 at #37 San Antonio 5 - Mexico City eliminatedPlayer of the Game: CF Austin Jackson, Mexico City, 3/5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI #46 Louisville 3 at #15 Brooklyn 0 - Brooklyn eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Firhoun Murmaba, Louisville, 7.2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 6 K #43 Oklahoma City 2 at #23 Buffalo 0 - Buffalo eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Francisco Mats, Oklahoma City, 8 IP, 6 H, BB, 2 K #27 Utah 7 at #26 Washington 4 - Washington eliminatedPlayer of the Game: PH Shou-xin Lung, Utah, 1/1, GS, R, 4 RBI #34 Portland 8 at #35 Bronx 1 - Bronx eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Mat Latos, Portland, 8 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 8 K #18 Memphis 2 at #19 Charlotte 5 - Memphis eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Aaron Poreda, Charlotte, 5.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, 3 BB, 4 K; 1/1, R, RBI #42 Pittsburgh 4 at #11 Austin 11 - Pittsburgh eliminatedPlayer of the Game: 3B Antonio Rivera, Austin, 5/5, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 R, 3 RBI #39 Atlanta 7 at #38 Orlando 2 - Orlando eliminatedPlayer of the Game: SP Paul Maholm, Atlanta, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, K Top Performers

OK. I'm double posting them, so it's no problem to go and grab them.

2015 Spring Bowl - Second Qualifying Round Tuesday, February 10 games Featured Game#19 Charlotte 5 vs #14 Minneapolis 9 at Phoenix, ArizonaNotes: Minneapolis scored the final four runs after the Flyers tied the game, 5-5, in the top of the seventh….CF Ron Mansvelt of the Blizzard was the game’s MVP, going 3 of 4 with a double, two runs, three RBI, and a walk….1B Mark Teixeira added another three RBI for Minneapolis on a solo home run in the seventh and a bases loaded double that scored two in the eighth. He was 2 for 5 on the day….The Flyers’ top offensive performer was C Buster Posey. He was 4 for 5, including hitting a two-run home run in the first inning to give Charlotte a 2-0 lead at the time. Posey finished with just one run scored and two RBI, meaning he was stranded on each of his three singles….The Blizzard’s RF Dominic Brown and Charlotte’s RF Orlando Infante each hit solo home runs in the game….Minneapolis reliever Ramon R. Ramirez was the winning pitcher by cleaning up starter Alex Cobb’s seventh inning mess. Cobb was unable to retire a batter in the seventh when the Flyers tied the game. Cobb finished with five earned runs on nine hits with two walks and eight strikeouts in six innings pitched….Charlotte SP Tommy Hanson did not fare well either, despite the no decision. In four innings, he allowed four earned runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Robbie Ross gave up the go-ahead home run in the seventh to earn the loss. Adam Wainwright was responsible for the three runs scored in the eighth inning for an 81.00 ERA. Game of the DayNew Mexico 4 vs Montreal 5 at Miami, FloridaNotes: Player of the Game, Montreal RF Jesus Gomez, hit the game-tying HR in the 8th. He finished 2 of 4 with a HR, R, and 2 RBI….The Suns’ Travis Wood had a good game up until the 8th inning. He gave up 4 ER on 7 H with 4 K in 8 IP. Cody Allen suffered the loss after giving up the GW HR to the first batter he faced, SS Jorge Rodriguez….1B Prince Fielder led the way for New Mexico, going 3 for 5 with 2 2B, R, RBI. CF A.J. Pollock also went 3 for 5 with a run….RF Wil Myers hit a 3-run HR in the 2nd to cap off the Suns’ 4-run 1st inning. Close Call Game#33 St. Louis 1 at #1 San Diego 3, 12 inningsNotes: Catcher Josh Donaldson hit a walkoff two-run home run in the bottom of the 12th inning to help the #1 seed Slammers escape a huge upset….San Diego SP Jose Fernandez pitched six shutout innings in the no decision. Homer Bailey, who pitched two shutout innings in extra innings, got the win….The Lions’ sole run came in the 8th inning. C Alberto Vasquez doubled. Two batters later, RF Eric Thames sacrificed him in off reliever Taylor Tankersley….Vasquez was 3 for 5 with two doubles and a run scored. 3B Will Middlebrooks also went 3 for 5 for St. Louis….Lions’ SP Ian Sato gave up one earned run on seven hits with three walks and a strikeout in seven innings. Dustin McGowan suffered the loss for the Lions….Slammers’ CF Jose Marquez led off the game with a solo home run. Upset of the Day#31 Seattle 3 at #2 Cincinnati 2Notes: Ports’ 2B Scooter Gennett hit a solo home run off Cincinnati relief pitcher Andrew Russell for the game-winning home run in the ninth….All three of Seattle’s runs were on solo home runs. LF Knile Davis and 1B Brett Wallace hit back-to-back home runs in the second inning….SP Scott Diamond did not allow a run in seven innings. Jake Petricka, who retired the last batter of the 8th inning after allowing the game-tying run to score, earned the win. Andrew Bailey pitched the ninth for the save….Cyclones’ SP Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up two earned runs—both home runs—on three hits with eight strikeouts in 7.1 innings….Cincinnati leadoff hitter CF Leonys Martin was the leading hitter, going 2 for 4 with a double, a run, and an RBI. He doubled in SS Jesus Vigil for the Cyclones’ first run in the 8th and scored on C Pablo Sandoval’s RBI single. Upset of the Day 2#47 Boston 3 vs #15 Brooklyn 1 at CincinnatiNotes: The top two seeds in the Cincinnati bracket are now off to the losers bracket…Hawks’ RF Alexis Rios earned player of the game honors by going 2 for 3 with a three-run home run in the eighth inning….Boston SP Octavio Fernandez allowed one earned run on just two hits with five walks and three strikeouts in six innings. Angel Villanueva earned the win. T.J. McFarland got the save….Shaun Marcum was the losing pitcher for the Avengers, allowing three earned runs on two hits and a walk. He only faced three batter before he allowed the game-winning home run and was pulled….SP Stephen Strasburg did not allow a run on six hits with five walks and six strikeouts in 6.1 IP….The game featured 13 hits and 13 walks. Brooklyn walked twice as many times as it hit, 6 to 3. Other scores: #36 Cleveland 4 at #4 Miami 6Player of the Game: 2B Jedd Gyorko, Miami, 3/4, GS, R, 5 RBI #37 San Antonio 2 at #5 Virginia Beach 8Player of the Game: LF Carl Crawford, Virginia Beach, 3/4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI #38 Orlando 0 at #6 Dallas 6Player of the Game: SP Jordan Zimmerman, Dallas, 8.1 IP, 6 H, BB, 6 K; 2/4, 2B, R #23 Buffalo 3 vs #10 Los Angeles 11 at Nashville, TennesseePlayer of the Game: RF Mitch Moreland, Los Angeles, 3/4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB #41 Baltimore 5 vs #9 Kansas City 7 at Detroit, MichiganPlayer of the Game: C Taylor Teagarden, Kansas City, 2/4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI #30 Bronx 1 at #3 Phoenix 3Player of the Game: SP Vance Worley, Phoenix, 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 9 K #25 Denver 8 at #8 Detroit 3Player of the Game: SP Danny Duffy, Denver, 7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K; 1/3 2 RBI #22 Houston 6 vs #11 Austin 1 at DallasPlayer of the Game: SP Oliver Perez, Houston, 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 BB, 6 K #44 Vancouver 1 vs #12 New Orleans 8 at Virginia BeachPlayer of the Game: SP Jon Lester, New Orleans, 7 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, 4 K; 1/2, HR, R, 2 RBI #26 Washington 3 at #7 Nashville 4Player of the Game: RF Bryce Harper, Nashville, 2/4, HR, R, 2 RBI #16 Oakland 4 vs #17 San Francisco 2Player of the Game: SP Tim Lincecum, Oakland, 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K; 0/2, R, BBNote: I screwed up the scheduling of this game. Oakland should have been the home team. However, what’s done is done. So, let’s say that Oakland “chose” to be the away team in this game to try out some strategies they have for the 2015 season. Top Players of the Day Updated Winners Bracket Updated Losers Bracket

Second Qualifying Round Previews I'm itching to go further into this tournament, so previews for Day Two! I'm also trying to work on a power ranking system that spans all leagues. I want to see how well it can work based on a few ideas I have. Previews Game of the Day #19 Charlotte vs #14 Minneapolis at Phoenix, Arizona Both teams move up to the Alpha League this season, making this game the first match up of AL teams. That also means that at least one AL team will be in the Losers Bracket for the first elimination round. Charlotte (1-0) defeated Louisville in the first round with a come-from-behind eighth-inning rally. They will need to find more offense against a very tough Blizzard team. Minneapolis will place ace Alex Cobb on the mound. The 2014 Beta Man of the Year and 2013 GL Pitcher Award winner boasted a 16-6 record with a 3.60 ERA in the 2014 regular season. He was also dominant in playoff and tournament games, going 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA in eight games started. Helping Cobb will be the 2014 BL Master Batter Award winner, Mark Teixeira. In 2014, Teixeira batted .311 with 44 home runs and 119 RBI. He’s joined by formidable stars, RF Dominic Brown and 3B Kevin Youkilis. The Flyers are expecting to start Tommy Hanson on the mound. In 2014, he posted a 7-9 record with an impressive 2.33 ERA (4th best in the BL). He’s not considered a star pitcher, though run support was the key problem going against him in 2014. Still, he’ll need to be good versus the Blizzard. The biggest offensive weapon for the Flyers is catcher Buster Posey, the star of the first round. Charlotte is not expected to do much in the AL this season, and may very well find themselves in the basement and relegated in 2015. They get their first chance today, though we’re going to predict a Minneapolis win going away. Other Games on Day Two I notice that the game doesn't know that NOON = PM, not AM. I just went in an edited the schedule to start the game at a different time because 12:05 becomes 1:05 AM each and every time. Guh....

2015 Spring Bowl - First Round Monday, February 9 games - First Round #46 Louisville 2 vs #19 Charlotte 4 at Phoenix, ArizonaNotes: Kien Chan hit a pinch-hit RBI double and C Buster Posey hit a two-out, three-run home run to lead the Flyers’ eighth-inning comeback over the Thoroughbreds….Brad Hand pitched seven shutout innings, giving up only two hits, walking one, and striking out five for Louisville….Brett Oberholtzer gave up all four runs to Charlotte, earning a blown save and a loss….Charlotte SP Peter Martin allowed two earned runs on two hits with three walks and five strikeouts in eight innings….Shaun Davis pitched the final inning for the save….’Breds’ 3B Albert Pujols went 1 for 3 with a walk in his return. #45 Las Vegas 2 vs #20 New Mexico 4 at Miami, FloridaNotes: 3B Miguel Cabrera hit a walkoff two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to pace the Suns’ win…. C Evan Gattis also hit a two-run home run in the second inning….1B Dayan Viciedo hit a solo home run and 3B Chris Nelson hit an RBI double in the seventh to tie the game, 2-2….SP Matt Harvey pitched eight innings for the Suns, allowing two earned runs on five hits with a walk and eight strikeouts to earn the win….Cody Allen pitched the ninth for the save….SP Jered Weaver allowed just two earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts for the Dealers….Steve Johnson suffered the loss, giving up two earned runs on two hits without retiring a batter….1B Prince Fielder went 0 for 3 in his New Mexico debut. #40 Mexico City 0 vs #25 Denver 10 at Detroit, MichiganNotes: Denver leadoff hitter SS Dee Gordon went 3 for 5 with a double, run, four RBI, and a stolen base to pace the win over the newly-formed Mexico City Scorpions….Four Denver pitchers combined for the shutout. SP Francisco Liriano went just 4.2 innings, allowing five hits, while walking three and striking out seven. Tom Milone came in relief to earn the victory….The Scorpions’ Obke Bracegirdle suffered the loss by giving up two earned runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts in five innings. Upset of the Day#47 Boston 7 vs #18 Memphis 0 at Cincinnati, OhioNotes: Boston finished 11th in the Omega League last season, meaning they were not a part of the post season. Their victory over Memphis is thus a huge upset, especially by the large margin….Boston LF Ryan Sweeney was player of the game after going 4 for 5 with two doubles, a run, and three RBI….Hawks’ CF Juan Ramos also contributed on offense, going 3 for 5 with three runs and an RBI….Carlos Bautista was the winning pitcher. He gave up four runs and two walks and struck out four in six innings….Memphis’ Greg T. Smith was the losing pitcher, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts in seven innings….The Hound Dogs’ 2B Vasquo Cordido had half of the teams’ hits. No one had an extra-base hit in the four-hit shutout loss. Other scores: #34 Portland 1 vs #31 Seattle 4 at CincinnatiPlayer of the Game: SP Josh Beckett, Seattle, 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 12 K #42 Pittsburgh 1 vs #23 Buffalo 7 at Nashville, TennesseePlayer of the Game: C Ben J. Johnson, Buffalo, 3/4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI #39 Atlanta 0 vs #26 Washington 4 at NashvillePlayer of the Game: SP Ietsuna Murakami, Washington, 8 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K #35 Bronx 8 vs #30 Honolulu 0 at PhoenixPlayer of the Game: SP Julian Jimenez, Bronx, 9 IP, CG, 3 H, BB, 6 K #43 Oklahoma City 0 vs #22 Houston 2 at Dallas, TexasPlayer of the Game: SP Matt Moore, Houston, 8 IP, 5 H, 14 K #38 Orlando 4 vs #27 Utah 3 at DallasPlayer of the Game: RF Chris Parmalee, Orlando, 1/2, HR, R, 3 RBI #33 St. Louis 3 vs #32 Tampa 2 at San Diego, CaliforniaPlayer of the Game: SP James Shields, St. Louis, 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K #48 Indianapolis 0 vs #17 San Francisco 1 at San DiegoPlayer of the Game: SP Les Harris, San Francisco, 8 IP, 3 H, BB, 12 K #41 Baltimore 3 vs #24 Toronto 2 at DetroitPlayer of the Game: 1B Chris Davis, Baltimore, 2/2, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB #36 Cleveland 2 vs #29 Chicago 1, 10 innings, at MiamiPlayer of the Game: SP Juan Ortiz, Cleveland, 6 IP, 5 H, BB, 5 K #44 Vancouver 2 vs #21 Milwaukee 0 at Virginia Beach, VirginiaPlayer of the Game: SP Michael Pineda, Vancouver, 7 IP, H, 2 BB, 6 K #37 San Antonio 4 vs #28 Philadelphia 2 at Virginia BeachPlayer of the Game: SP Clayton Kershaw, San Antonio, 8 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 K Players of the Day Updated Brackets – Winners Bracket

2015 Spring Bowl The Spring Bowl is back! This year all 48 teams partake in the festivities, culminating in the final team earning the Spring Bowl and a banner. The brackets: Preview: It is overwhelming to look at the entirety of the tournament and give lots of details. What I will do is take a look at a few interesting real and potential match ups and give a few teams to watch out for. First of all, it is expected that the champion will be one of the top 15 seeds in the tournament, comprised of all teams from the Alpha League a year ago and the top three teams of the Beta League. A couple of teams that were relegated have been working hard to improve, so look out for them: Austin Savage The Savage picked off two teams' stars in 3B Antonio Rivera and CL Dana Eveland. Rivera has experience as a stellar performer in these tournaments. In fact, he was the MVP of the 2012 Tournament of Champions Bowl. Eveland was a member of the Montreal Saints' staff that almost pulled off winning the Tournament of Champions Bowl in 2014. Austin does not have a strong starting pitching staff and will probably need to find someone there for the regular season, but they have perhaps one of the best bullpens now. They also have some firepower in their lineup that should help them stay in games enough for their bullpen to earn some victories. New Orleans Gators Not only did the Gators pluck star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki from the Diamond Trophy-winning Cyclones, but they also signed star 2B Robinson Cano off the Brooklyn Avengers' staff to solidify their infield. Coupled with slugging 1B Ike Davis and 3B Christian Williams, New Orleans has perhaps the best offensive infield in all of the Champions Baseball Association. While the Gators are so strong on offense, they are equally weak on their pitching staff. Jon Lester seems to be the only pitcher of value on their current roster. If they can find some prospects to deal, New Orleans will need to pick up some solid veteran pitching. Still, the Gators are dangerous this season. Interesting section of the bracket The "Texas Bracket," featuring 6th-seed Dallas, 11th-seed Austin, 22nd-seed Houston, and 43rd-seed Oklahoma City could be interesting. Throw in another state team not too far away in 27th-seed Utah, and this could be an Old West shoot out. Biggest first-round favorite: #19 Charlotte over #46 Louisville. Charlotte fought its way into the Alpha League by winning the Beta Cup in 2014. Louisville needed tie breakers to avoid sitting out the post season all together in 2014. Still, they were a first-round exit in the Omega Cup. What could make this match up interesting is the star power of signing Albert Pujols. After sitting out the past two season, Pujols has returned. We'll have to see if it takes time to shed the rust or if the Pilots really need to worry. Bracket predictions: It would be easy to take the top teams of each bracket and predict them to move on. We won't do that. A single game of baseball is always up in the air, that's why we think there will be a few upsets, including predictions that the #1 seed won't make it to the Final 8! #1 San Diego's bracket: Pick #17 San Francisco. The Gold have yet to win anything, but this may just be the year they break out of their funk, giving them a shot to win the "California Bracket." #8 Detroit's bracket: Pick #25 Denver. The Peaks showed that they were mired in the Gamma League when they were much, much better than that. Sure, they lost one of their stars in C Kidlat Escobal, but this team is deep and did not reach the semifinals of the Tournament of Champions Bowl on a fluke. #4 Miami's bracket: Pick #4 Miami. Miami has been very successful in the CBA tournaments, and there's no reason to think they can't emerge from their bracket as one of the final eight teams. Montreal may have something to say about that, but we think the Saints peaked in 2014. #5 Virginia Beach's bracket: Pick #5 Virginia Beach. We stated above to watch out for New Orleans. In the 2015 Beta League, they may have what it takes to win the league. But in this tournament, they will need great pitching, something their current squad doesn't have. The Neptunes just missed out on getting a shot at the Diamond Trophy last season. #2 Cincinnati's bracket: Pick #2 Cincinnati. The Cyclones may not be as good as they were in 2014, but no team in this bracket is anywhere close. Brooklyn is probably weaker than they were last year and stand a legitimate shot at finishing dead last in the Alpha League this season. #7 Nashville's bracket: Pick #26 Washington. The Country have been trying to be successful by being cheap, and they may find themselves in the Gamma League before they know it. The Presidents, however, are trying to punch a ticket to the Alpha League. Los Angeles is a good team, and their pitching should make them the favorites to win this bracket, and even the whole tournament. We'll get back to them later. Right now, we're looking at the winner's bracket, and we pick Washington to win three to start. #3 Phoenix's bracket: Pick #3 Phoenix. Perhaps the toughest bracket, with three 2015 Alpha League teams in the Firebirds, Minneapolis, and Charlotte. However, as Phoenix showed in 2014, they have the pitching and offense to win any given game. They have the best shot of any team to win the tournament undefeated. #6 Dallas' bracket: Pick #11 Austin. Pitching woes aside, Dallas has not worked to improve its team much, while Austin wants to try to avoid a one-year vacation in the Alpha League. Look for the Savage to strike hard. Loser's bracket team to watch: Los Angeles. They will probably lose early, but come out fighting in the loser's bracket. That's why we're picking them to emerge from the loser's bracket where they will meet the undefeated Firebirds in the final. Overall winner: Phoenix. The Tournament of Champions Bowl winners get another banner. They will be a tough team to beat each and every day in the 2015 season, and we just do not see them having a weakness entering the tournament. Other finalists: Los Angeles, Virginia Beach, Washington, and Denver

Key Off Season Signings and Trades FREE AGENT SIGNINGS Austin Savage Signed 3B Antonio Rivera from the Miami Towers. Signed CL Dana Eveland from the Montreal Saints. Charlotte Flyers Signed SP Peter Martin from the Oakland Gorillas. Cincinnati Cyclones Signed RF Matt Kemp from the Washington Presidents. Re-signed LF Nick Markakis. Dallas Tycoons Signed SP Jake Peavy from the San Diego Slammers. Detroit Wolverines Signed C Kidlat Escobal from the Denver Peaks. Los Angeles Actors Signed SP Chad Billingsley from the Utah Mustangs. Signed C Victor Martinez from the Oakland Gorillas. Signed SP Carlos Cuevas from the Brooklyn Avengers. Louisville Thoroughbreds Signed 3B Albert Pujols from reserve/retired list. Miami Towers Signed C Joe Mauer from the Utah Mustangs. Signed SP John Danks from the Detroit Wolverines. New Mexico Suns Signed 1B Prince Fielder from the Tampa Sharks. New Orleans Gators Signed SS Troy Tulowitzki from the Cincinnati Cyclones. Oakland Gorillas Signed C Geovany Soto from the Minneapolis Blizzard. Oklahoma City Bandits Signed 3B Morgan Ensberg from the Phoenix Firebirds. San Diego Slammers Signed SP Cole Hamels from the Cincinnati Cyclones.Signed 1B Jose Galvan from the Charlotte Flyers. Utah Mustangs Signed 2B David Gonzalez from the Oklahoma City Bandits. Virginia Beach Neptunes Signed LF Carl Crawford from the Kansas City Sting. TRADES Los Angeles traded CL Neftali Perez to San Diego for reserve players, C Brady Perkins and RF Kiyonori Murakami. Phoenix traded 1B Brett Wallace and C Gabriel Penn to the Seattle Ports for SP Josh Outman and $918,000 in cash.

BL, GL, OL Awards I am going to try to turn most of the focus towards the Alpha League from here on out with basic updates of the other three teams. I will still post outstanding situations and standings, but most of the story lines will now go towards the AL. For now, I will just post the awards voting results for each of the other leagues and leave off the leader boards. Beta Awards Gamma Awards Omega Awards

AL 2014: Awards and Leaders Awards Heavy Cannon Pitcher Award 2014 Heavy Cannon Pitcher Award Winner Announced: The Heavy Cannon Pitcher Award for 2014 has been presented and the Alpha League winner is Cole Hamels of Cincinnati. "It's always nice to receive an award like this," said Hamels. "I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again," the Cyclones star told reporters. Hamels excelled with an impressive 19-3 record in 27 starts. In 195.2 innings he yielded 152 hits and 22 walks, while striking out 193 and compiling a fine 2.62 ERA.Jose Fernandez of the San Diego Slammers finished second in voting, while Jordan M Zimmermann of the Dallas Tycoons finished third. Launch Pad Hitter Award AL's Premier Hitter, Puig of San Diego: There's something special about a guy who can stride up to the plate and put the ball anywhere -- in the stands, off the wall, into the gap, down the third base line. You name the place and Yasiel Puig probably put it there on his way to winning the Alpha League Launch Pad Hitter Award for 2014. The San Diego right fielder belted out 151 hits in compiling a .345 batting average and racked up 24 doubles, 4 triples, 31 home runs, 81 RBIs and 78 runs scored.Bryce Harper of the Nashville Country finished second in voting, while Andrew McCutchen of the Miami Towers finished third. Outstanding Rookie Award Arenado Is AL's Best Rookie: Nolan Arenado put together some impressive numbers for Cincinnati to garner enough votes for the Alpha League Outstanding Rookie Award. The Cyclones third baseman took the honor by hitting .297 in 108 games this season and finishing with 110 hits, 8 home runs, 38 RBIs and 51 runs scored.Manuel Machado of the Austin Savage finished second in voting, while Alex Wood of the Nashville Country finished third. Kitchen Mitt Awards Top Fielders Honored by Alpha League: It's been said that the best offense is a good defense. That's why contending teams are always looking to improve on the defensive side of the game. Keeping runs from scoring is just as good as driving them in. The top fielders have been chosen in the Alpha League for 2014. Here are the Kitchen Mitt Award winners: Pitcher: Tetsu Ikarashi (Virginia Beach Neptunes)Catcher: Brian McCann (Los Angeles Actors)First Baseman: Ike Davis (New Orleans Gators)Second Baseman: Kyle Seager (Virginia Beach Neptunes)Third Baseman: Cristián Silva (Detroit Wolverines)Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (Cincinnati Cyclones)Left Fielder: Mike Trout (Miami Towers)Center Fielder: Carlos Gonzalez (Virginia Beach Neptunes)Right Fielder: Bryce Harper (Nashville Country) Alpha Man of the Year The Alpha Man of the Year Award honors a player who both had an outstanding regular season and excelled in the Champions Baseball Association playoffs and tournaments. Only a limited number of players are eligible each season, so this award can be considered the overall MVP award for the Alpha League. Cincinnati's Morneau First Alpha Man: Cincinnati first baseman Justin Morneau helped the Cyclones to a second place finish in the Alpha League. And then he took over, winning series most valuable player awards in the first and final rounds in leading Cincinnati to the Diamond Trophy. In the regular season, Morneau finished with a .308 average, with 27 doubles, a triple, and 22 home runs. He scored 65 runs, drove in 81 runs, walked 58 times, and struck out 73 times. In 18 postseason games, Morneau batted .297 (22 of 74) with four doubles, five home runs, 13 runs scored, and 21 runs batted in. He also walked four times and struck out 12 times. Leaders

Fubared stuff As much as I love the OOTP franchise, I hate that a change here and there can cause unexpected results. Perhaps it was all my fault. When I was selecting award winners, I absentmindedly forgot to check the rookie suggestions. Thus some people who were not rookies were selected as Rookie of the Year in the Gamma and Omega leagues. So, I loaded a backup and redid the player awards, including my brand new awards: "X League Man of the Year." Unfortunately, a few things are now off. For one, I noticed that a lot of the logos and uniforms did not carry over properly. So, I spent time redoing all of those. Then, I simmed ahead to the draft time. Well, no draft pool ever came. All I had were 33 players who refused to sign the previous draft. So, I just let it be. I'll just pretend there was some hold up with the draft due to some rule changes, maybe a union blockage because current players are not getting fair compensation. Whatever. If it doesn't come back, I'll find a work around. Now, in the 2015 season, I notice that my graphic screen with 2014 standings, statistical leaders, and award winners is minus the award winners. That has to be OK, too. I can just grab all of the awards winners' stories in my email inbox. None of these things are dynasty killers, but they are annoying to the nth degree.

New Teams One team has decided to change its team name and now the newest team has shown its uniforms. The Baltimore Bullets have been under societal pressure to change their name. Much like the Washington Bullets basketball team did, the Baltimore team was heaped in history. However, times are always changing, and the Baltimore team felt they could get better support and find more team success and revenue by changing their team name. Thus, introducing... Also, a fan vote of the two finalists for the Mexico City name resulted in the Scorpions being chosen as the team mascot. Their uniforms below:

A few uniform changes Not all of these uniform changes are new, but I have never updated the original pictures. So here are nine teams that have changed their uniforms within the last few years: Louisville Thoroughbreds Tampa Sharks Bronx Bombers Portland Pioneers San Francisco Gold Oakland Gorillas New Orleans Gators Washington Presidents Chicago Brats

Changes for 2015 The Champions Baseball Association has been alive for five years, and now there are a number of changes coming for the 2015 season. Some changes are huge, while others are tweaks to the system. DRAFT First off, the 2014 draft will feature a true bottom-top order. Therefore, the last place team in 2014 in the Omega League will be picking first, with the next eleven spots going to Omega League teams. Next, the last place team through first place teams will be picking 13th through 24th. The Beta League last place team will pick 25th through the first place team picking 36th. Finally, the last place team of the Alpha League will pick 37th through the first place team will pick 48th. In the second round, teams will revert to records and compensations. So, for 2014, the top five picks will be: 1) Indianapolis2) Boston3) Louisville4) Las Vegas5) Vancouver San Diego will pick 48th. SPRING BOWL The popularity of the Spring Bowl has demanded an expansion. Instead of last year's number of 24, up from the original number of 12, all 48 teams in the CBA will participate in the double elimination tournament. That means that even the Indianapolis team has an opportunity to win a banner! PROMOTION AND RELEGATION The CBA has reduced the number of teams allowed to be promoted and relegated each year. There will be more changes coming in time, but for now these are the changes: AL: WAS 4 teams relegated; NOW 3 teams relegatedBL: WAS 4 teams promoted and relegated; NOW 3 teams promoted and 2 teams relegatedGL: WAS 4 teams promoted and 5 teams relegated; NOW 2 teams promoted and 3 teams relegatedOL: WAS 5 teams promoted; NOW 3 teams promoted More changes may be coming in future seasons, especially if the CBA goes through with league expansion. PLAYOFFS Each league has changed the structure of its post season, with the Omega League making minimal changes. OL: The Bronze Trophy will still be between the top two teams. Both teams automatically get promoted to the Gamma League the following season. Now the Omega Cup will be a winner-take-all affair where only the winner is promoted to the Gamma League. Before, the top three finishers in the Omega Cup tournament were promoted. GL: The Silver Trophy will now be a battle between the top three teams. The second and third seeds play in the first round in a five-game series, with the winner playing the first seed in the final round in a seven-game series. Both finalists are automatically promoted. The loser of the first round must then await the Gamma Cup winner for the right to be promoted. The Gamma Cup will now be a double elimination tournament, except for the first round series, which is an elimination series. The 11th and 12th seeds will play in a three-game series with the winner moving on to the Gamma Cup tournament. The loser is automatically relegated the following season. Then the eight seeds play single games, with the two teams losing their first two games being relegated to the Omega League the following season. The final winner (the only team without two losses) wins the Gamma Cup. That team will then move on to play the first round loser in the Silver Trophy for the right to be promoted. There is no longer a Gamma Survivors Cup. BL: The Beta League has expanded the Gold Trophy tournament to four teams. In that tournament, the winners of the five-game series first round move on to the right to win the Gold Trophy in a seven-game series and automatically get promoted. The losers of the first round must meet in a five-game series for third place. The winner of the consolation series is promoted to the Alpha League. The Beta Cup, which features 5th through 12th place teams, will attempt a unique tournament beginning in 2015. They will play a triple elimination tournament where the final team standing will be crowned the Beta Cup winners. The first two teams to lose three games will be relegated the following season. The Beta Cup winner is no longer promoted to the Alpha League. Also, like in the Gamma League, the Beta Survivors Cup is no more. AL: The Diamond Trophy tournament will remain the same with the top four teams playing for the championship of the Alpha League, except that the first round will now be a seven-game series instead of a five-game series. However, the Alpha Cup and Honors Cup have changed. The Alpha Cup now features four teams. The first round will be a three-game series, while the final round will be a five-game series. For the Honors Cup, it will be a four-team playoff, with only the winner of the cup escaping relegation. TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS The Tournament of Champions is also expanding. Before, ten teams made the tournament: each of the leagues' champions, as well as the 2nd-4th seeds in the AL, 2nd-3rd seeds in the BL, and the 2nd seed in the GL. Now, each league will add a team to the tournament, making the tournament a 14-team tournament. The top five seeds of the AL, the top four seeds of the BL, the top three seeds of the GL, and the top two seeds of the OL all get a shot at winning the Tournament of Champions Bowl. Like before, the first round will be a five-game series. Now the top two seeds get a bye in the first round while all other teams play. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are all seven-game series. TEAMS A few teams have plans to change team names. More announcements will be made as they make those announcements.

San Francisco Gold Article In the five year history of the Champions Baseball Association, the San Francisco Gold stand out as a team unique in its sameness. For five years, the Gold have played in the Beta League, the CBA’s second-best league. And in five years, the Gold have finished in the top half of the league, just outside of the playoffs, which would automatically promote them to the Alpha League. Instead, San Francisco has qualified for the Beta Cup each season. In each of the those five seasons, they have failed to win the Beta Cup, resulting in having to remain in the Beta League. They are one of four teams to remain in one league for the entirety of the CBA: the Cincinnati Cyclones (AL), Baltimore Bullets (OL), and Edmonton Freeze (AL). Baltimore has been promoted and will play in the Gamma League next season. Edmonton has been forced to relocate because of a five-year basement rule, so they will play in Mexico City beginning in 2015. That leaves just the Cyclones and San Francisco as teams that have yet to move either up or down. One of the most perplexing moves in the past was the decision to trade away up-and-coming star Miguel Cabrera to the New Mexico Suns in 2010. While the Gold were still battling for a chance at being promoted to the Alpha League, they decided to move Cabrera for players center fielder Chris Ayloffe and pitcher Kevin Hart. While Ayloffe is still a productive member of the Gold, Hart was not re-signed following the 2010 season. The move was considered to be a cost-saving move to free up money for more free agents. However, Cabrera’s star factor could have made a difference in the Gold’s middling offense. Year-by-Year Beta Cup Results 2010: Lost in first round to Kansas City Sting, 2 games to 02011: Beat Austin Savage in first round, 2 to 1; Lost final to Charlotte Flyers, 2 to 02012: Beat New Orleans Gators in first round, 2 to 1; Lost final to Austin Savage, 2 to 12013: Lost in first round to Phoenix Firebirds, 2 to 12014: Beat Memphis Hound Dogs in first round, 2 to 0; Lost final to Charlotte Flyers, 2 to 0 Now the Gold needs to find some cash to improve themselves. They have three high-priced free agents, which may mean they have money to pursue some free agents for the 2015 season. The highest-paid player is long-time second baseman Dustin Pedroia ($5M), followed by shortstop Javier Sanchez ($3M) and pitcher Carl Pavano ($2.6M). Those three players accounted for 38% of the 2014 player payroll. Pedroia was the highest-paid player in San Francisco, but he struggled in his contract year. He hit for a career-low .243, and he will probably have to find a new home next season. PEDROIA STATS Like Pedroia, Sanchez was an overpaid chump for the Gold in 2014. Besides having a hard time staying on the field—he played in only 96 of a possible 132 games—Sanchez’s bat was ice cold all season (.192). It is highly unlikely he will be back in 2015. SANCHEZ STATS Pavano is a different story. Though his numbers were not great, they were not terrible, either. Still, he will be 39 next season and looks to have been just a one-year plug in. There’s little doubt the Gold will try to get younger next season. PAVANO STATS With moves to secure another quality starter and to shore up the middle of the infield, the Gold may have a chance to improve in 2015. There are certainly some quality players on the team. But the question still remains for the Gold: Can they turn average seasons into gold? GOLD TEAM LEADERS 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Mexico City logo Mexico City has narrowed its logo down to two. [special note: in my world league, from where this dynasty has its base, I have two Mexico City teams, one of each below. So, the question is which one of the two I choose. I am leaning towards one over the other, but I am comfortable with either. I do need to tweak the jerseys of one, though!] Mexico City Lobos Mexico City Scorpions

2015 Alignment A look at what 2015 will have for league structures: Alpha League Brooklyn Avengers2010, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2011, AL, 8th place, Won Honors Cup2012, AL, 9th place, Won Honors Cup2013, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2014, BL, 3rd place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted Charlotte Flyers2010, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted2011, BL, 4th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted2012, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2013, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup2014, BL, 7th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted Chicago Brats2010, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted2012, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted2014, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted Cincinnati Cyclones2010, AL, 6th place, Lost Alpha Cup2011, AL, 6th place, Lost Alpha Cup2012, AL, 3rd place, Won Diamond Trophy2013, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup final2014, AL, 2nd place, Won Diamond Trophy Dallas Tycoons2010, GL, 8th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup2011, GL, 1st place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted2012, BL, 1st place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2013, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy2014, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup Kansas City Sting2010, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup2011, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2012, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2013, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted2014, AL, 9th place, Won Honors Cup Los Angeles Actors2010, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted2011, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy2012, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup2013, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup2014, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup final Miami Towers2010, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2011, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2012, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy2013, AL, 8th place, Won Honors Cup2014, AL, 4th place, Lost Diamond Trophy final Minneapolis Blizzard2010, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted2013, GL, 1st place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted2014, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted Montreal Saints2010, AL, 7th place, Won Honors Cup2011, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy2012, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup2013, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2014, BL, 1st place, Lost Gold Trophy final, Promoted Phoenix Firebirds2010, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup, Promoted2011, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted2013, BL, 5th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted2014, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy, Won Tournament of Champions Bowl San Diego Slammers2010, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2011, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2012, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup Final2013, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2014, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy Virginia Beach Neptunes2010, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup2011, BL, 9th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup2012, BL, 3rd place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted2013, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy2014, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup Beta League Austin Savage2010, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted2011, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup2012, BL, 4th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted2013, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2014, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated Denver Peaks2010, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup2013, OL, 4th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted2014, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted Detroit Wolverines2010, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2011, BL, 11th place, Lost Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted2013, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2014, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated Memphis Hound Dogs2010, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup2011, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup2012, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted2013, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted2014, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup Nashville Country2010, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2011, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated, 2012, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2013, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup2014, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated New Mexico Suns2010, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy2011, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup final2012, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2013, BL, 10th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup2014, BL, 8th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup New Orleans Gators2010, BL, 6th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted 2011, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2012, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup2013, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2014, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated Oakland Gorillas2010, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted2011, AL, 5th place, Won Alpha Cup2012, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2013, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2014, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup San Francisco Gold2010, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup2011, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup2012, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup2013, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup2014, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup Utah Mustangs2010, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup2012, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted2014, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted Washington Presidents2010, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup2011, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted2012, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup2013, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted Gamma League Atlanta Blazers2010, GL, 3rd place, Lost Gamma Cup2011, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted2012, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, OL, 3rd place, Won Omega Cup Consolation, Promoted Baltimore Bullets2010, OL, 11th place2011, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup2012, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup2013, OL, 5th place, Lost Omega Cup2014, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted Buffalo Bears2010, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup2011, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted2012, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup2013, GL, 2nd place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted2014, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated Honolulu Tropics2010, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2011, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted2012, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2013, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup Houston Bulls2010, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy2011, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy2012, AL, 4th place, Lost Diamond Trophy2013, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2014, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated Las Vegas Dealers2010, OL, 2nd place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted2011, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted2013, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted Milwaukee Beers2010, OL, 5th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted2011, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted2013, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted2014, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated Orlando Rockets2010, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup2012, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted2013, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted Philadelphia Liberty2010, OL, 12th place2011, OL, 12th place2012, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series2013, OL, 6th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted2014, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup Portland Pioneers2010, AL, 5th place, Won Alpha Cup2011, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2012, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup2014, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup San Antonio Buzzards2010, BL, 9th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup2011, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup2014, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted Toronto Thunderbirds2010, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup final2011, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2012, BL, 8th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup2013, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup2014, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated Omega League Boston Hawks / formerly: Boston Night Hawks2010, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup2012, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup2013, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, OL, 11th place Bronx Bombers2010, OL, 1st place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted2011, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup2012, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted2013, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated Cleveland Sluggers2010, GL, 10th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, OL, 1st place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted2012, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted2013, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated Indianapolis Express2010, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup2011, OL, 2nd place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted2012, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, OL, 12th place2014, OL, 12th place Louisville Thoroughbreds2010, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup2011, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted2012, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup2014, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup Mexico City N/A / formerly: Edmonton Freeze2010, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup2011, OL, 11th place2012, OL, 12th place2013, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup2014, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup, Relocated Oklahoma City Bandits2010, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted2011, GL, 2nd place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted2012, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2014, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup Pittsburgh Energy - Now on the chopping block. Must be promoted to survive relocation. 2010, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup2012, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup2013, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series2014, OL, 6th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series Seattle Ports2010, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated2011, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup2012, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2013, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup2014, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated St. Louis Lions2010, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted2011, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup2013, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup2014, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated Tampa Sharks2010, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2011, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup2012, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup2013, OL, 8th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted2014, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated Vancouver Mounties2010, OL, 10th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted2011, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated2012, OL, 11th place2013, OL, 11th place2014, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup

2014 Champions Bowl - Finals Sunday, October 12 - Game Seven . . . . . . Phoenix, Arizona - The Vance Worley Syndrome came to a pleasant end for the Phoenix Firebirds as they edged the Montreal Saints, 4-3, to win the 2014 Tournament of Champions Bowl. Worley was the game-winning pitcher, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts in six innings. He also went 1 for 2 at the plate with a run and RBI. It was his first win in three tries in the series, and it was the win that counted most. Ricky Romero was the losing pitcher for the Saints. In eight innings, he allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits with four walks and six strikeouts. Three pitchers pitched the final three innings for Phoenix, allowing only two hits and striking out four in three shutout innings. Rex Brothers earned the save, striking out two batters in the ninth. Phoenix never trailed in the game. Their first runs came in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, Nolan Reimold hit a single. Morgan Ensberg followed with another single. Then Starlin Castro hit a two-RBI triple to put the Firebirds up 2-0 heading to the fifth. The Saints were able to answer in the fifth. After the first two batters were retired, Wilson Ramos and Drew Stubbs hit back-to-back singles. Cliff Pennington then followed with an RBI single to cut the Phoenix lead to 2-1. In the bottom of the inning, the Firebirds found more of their offense. With one out, Brett Wallace tripled. Worley then hit an RBI single to make it 3-1. With two outs, Julio Ortiz walked. Reimold then reached on an error when Montreal center fielder Stubbs dropped a routine fly, scoring Worley from second. That gave Phoenix a 4-1 lead after five innings. The Saints were able to answer again in the sixth. Unfortunately for them, they scored their final two runs of the game in the innings. Jose Altuve led off the inning with a single. Two batters later, Garrett Atkins hit an RBI double to cut the Firebirds' lead to 4-2. After Carlos Ortiz singled, Ian Kinsler followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 4-3. Worley was then able to strike out Wilson Ramos and get Stubbs to fly out to center to get out of a jam and preserve the lead. The Saints' Carlos Ortiz led the game in hits, going 3 for 4 with a double. He was one of two Saints' players to have an extra-base hit along with Atkins' sixth inning double. Altuve was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Ensberg and Wallace had two hits apiece for the Firebirds. Castro led the team in RBI with two. Final Brackets: Tournament of Champions Bowl Banner: Series Most Valuable Player: It was a tough decision for series MVP, with a few people in the running: Phoenix's LF Nolan Reimold, 3B Morgan Ensberg, and SP Vance Worley, and Montreal's LF Garrett Atkins. In the end, the two finalists came down to Reimold and Atkins, with Reimold getting a slight nod with his team winning it all. Reimold was named game MVP only once, Game Five, when he went 3 for 6 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored, and three runs batted in. However, he was a contributor every game on offense. He was the only player to have at least one hit in all seven games, getting 1, 2, 3, 1, 3, 2, and 1 in order. He also tied for the series lead in doubles (3) and home runs (2). His two home runs equaled two other finalists, Ensberg and Atkins. In 117 games in the regular season, he batted .256, going 76 of 297 as a part-time starter (67 GS). He collected 18 doubles, a triple, 17 home runs, 58 runs, 68 RBI, 36 walks, 67 strikeouts, and four stolen bases. In the pre and post season tournaments, Reimold played in a total of 26 games. He batted a collective 26 of 95 (.274), with half of those hits coming in the Tournament of Champions final series. Of those 26 hits, he had five doubles, two triples, and five home runs. He scored 17 times, drive in 14 runs, walked eight times, and stole two bases. The kicker for Reimold is that he wins the Series MVP award on his 31st birthday. Congratulations, Nolan!

2014 Champions Bowl - Finals Saturday, October 11 - Game Six . . . . . . The Phoenix Firebirds hit four home runs and pulled away from the Montreal Saints, 12-4, in Game Six of the 2014 Tournament of Champions final series. Both teams now move on to play a final game to try to claim the Bowl. Starling Castro earned player of the game honors after his 4 for 5 day with a home run, three runs scored, three runs batted in, and two stolen bases. His teammate, Morgan Ensberg, homered twice, going 2 for 4 with two runs and four RBI to finish a close second in player of the game voting. The Firebirds started the game hot, scoring 11 runs in the first four innings. In the first inning, they got things started, never allowing Montreal in the game. After Saints' starter Will Smith retired the first two batters, Phoenix took off. Nolan Reimold singled, followed by Ensberg's first home run to make it 2-0. Castro then singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Alex Avila then singled him in for a 3-0 score after one. Phoenix extended its lead to 7-0 in the second. Foppe Spitsbaard, the Firebirds' starting pitcher, led off with a single. Axel Darke then reached on an error by Saints' shortstop Jose Altuve. With one out, Reimold singled to load the bases. Ensberg then hit a sacrifice fly to score Spitsbaard. Castro finished the inning by hitting a three-run home run for the four-run second. With Kunihiko Samurakami in on relief for the Saints in the third inning, Phoenix continued its offensive onslaught. Urbano Peixeiro led off the inning with a single and then stole second. After Brett Wallace's ground out advanced Peixeiro to third, Samurakami walked Spitsbaard. Darke then hit a sacrifice fly to score Peixeiro for an 8-0 lead. Julio Ortiz followed with his first hit, a two-run home run, to push the lead to 10-0 after three innings. Morgan Ensberg led off the fourth inning with his second home run. In all, the Firebirds hit four home runs and had 15 total hits in their 12-run performance. Eleven of the 15 hits came in the first four innings. Montreal's only big inning came in the sixth when they scored four runs. Garrett Atkins led off with a single, followed by Spitsbaard walking Carlos Ortiz. A passed ball allowed both runners to advance, and then Ian Kinsler knocked in Atkins on an RBI ground out. With two outs, Spitsbaard issued back-to-back walks to Drew Stubbs and Cliff Pennington to load the bases. Pinch hitter Victor Rivera then hit a two-RBI single to cut the Phoenix lead to 11-3. Altuve followed with an RBI single to chase Spitsbaard from the game and cut the lead to 11-4. Spitsbaard was the winning pitcher in the game. In 5 2/3 innings, he allowed four earned runs on six hits with five walks and five strikeouts. He also was 1 for 2 at the plate with two runs scored and a walk. William Sanders and Scott Feldman finished the game for the Firebirds, allowing only one hit combined with a walk and three strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. Smith suffered the loss for the Saints. He gave up seven runs, three earned, on eight hits with three strikeouts in just two innings. Four relief pitchers finished the game for Montreal. In addition to Castro and Ensberg's big day batting, Peixeiro and Reimold also added multiple hits. Peixeiro was 3 for 4 with a run, RBI, and walk. Reimold was 2 for 5 with two runs scored. Kinsler and Stubbs were the two most successful Saints at the plate. Kinsler finished 2 for 5 with a double and RBI. His double was the only extra-base hit for Montreal in the game. Stubbs was 2 for 3 with a run and walk.