StLee

Members
  • Content Count

    472
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    3

Posts posted by StLee


  1. 2014 Season - AL and BL April

     

    AL Standings
     
    2014StandingsAALApril_zps8b32b267.jpg
     
    Players of the Month
     
    Peavy Tabbed as April's Starter of the Month: Whether Jake Peavy stays in Detroit beyond this season remains to be seen, but while he's here he's making the most of it. In April the 32-year-old certainly pulled out all the stops by winning the Alpha League Pitcher of the Month award.
     
    He put up some fancy numbers with a 5-1 record and and an ERA of 2.52. In 39.1 innings he struck out 44, surrendered 35 hits, 13 walks and proved to be a solid performer in 6 starts last month.
     
    Adam Dunn Named Best AL Batter in April: Adam Dunn has been fortunate enough to kick around the majors for years. Today he was honored for his solid hitting last month. In April, the 34-year-old put up a .313 batting average to win the Alpha League Batter of the Month.
     
    The veteran first baseman tallied 11 home runs, 26 RBIs and 15 runs scored for the month.
     
    BL Standings
     
    2014StandingsABLApril_zps55bcb788.jpg
     
    Players of the Month
     
    Brooklyn's Gonzalez BL Top Pitcher: Miguel Gonzalez had an outstanding April -- so good that the Beta League presented him with the Pitcher of the Month Award earlier today.
     
    "There's no way to know where the Avengers would be without Gonzalez," one fan is quoted as saying.
     
    In April Gonzalez dominated the competition, running up a 5-1 record, a 1.48 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.
     
    Great April Gets Johnson BL Best Hitter Award: April was a good month for Ben J Johnson. The Buffalo center fielder had his way with opposing pitchers all month while posting a .352 batting average and was selected as the Beta League Batter of the Month.
     
    Last month Johnson put up some solid numbers: 7 home runs, 21 RBIs, 15 runs scored and a .383 on-base percentage.

  2. 2014 Season - GL and OL April

     

    GL Standings
     
    2014StandingsAGLApril_zps9bc2a856.jpg
     
    Players of the Month
     
    Verlander Chosen April's Best GL Hurler: Justin Verlander of the Washington Presidents strung a bunch of high quality starts together in April to earn the Gamma League Pitcher of the Month trophy.
     
    For the month he finished with a superlative 4 wins and 1 loss and a 1.89 ERA. The Washington star started 5 games, pitched 38 innings and struck out 40.
     
    Gamma League Picks April's Best Batter: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 36-year-old Kidlat Escobal put together a solid offensive month for Denver and was crowned April's top batter in the Gamma League.
     
    He batted .400 with 8 home runs, 30 RBIs and 26 runs scored.
     
    OL Standings
     
    2014StandingsAOLApril_zps2687d8d1.jpg
     
    Players of the Month
     
    Reliever Romo Top OL Pitcher in April: Sergio Romo is at the zenith of his career and today he was selected as the Omega League Pitcher of the Month for April.
     
    He made 15 relief appearances for Atlanta last month, throwing 16 innings and collecting 9 saves, a 3-2 record, 22 strikeouts and a 1.13 ERA.
     
    OL's Best Batter Selected: Shelley Duncan put together a good April to earn the Omega League Batter of the Month prize. A virtual unknown, he made the most of his chance to prove to Edmonton officials that he belongs on the big league roster.
     
    The Freeze left fielder posted a .364 batting average with 8 home runs, 18 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

  3. 2014 Preseason and Preseason Predictions

     

    Our Preseason Games
     
    We had two five-game series to get us ready for the regular season. Basically, what I was looking for in the team was how well the dynamics of batting and pitching would work. This only helped to confirm what I thought I knew: we would be a pretty good offense with an occasional hiccup, our starting pitching would be OK, and our relievers would be well below average or even the worst in the BL. 
     
    Series 1: at Detroit
    We went 2-3: 9-8, 0-3, 3-0, 4-10, 10-11
    The goal was to limit all pitchers' pitch counts each game and to use the entire lineup for the games. No starter threw more than three innings, so arms could be fresh going into the season. Everyone had playing time, which I think was beneficial. 
     
    Series 2: vs St. Louis
    Again 2-3: 3-0, 3-2, 0-5, 4-7, 0-1
    I was more disappointed in how the batters responded in this series, but we were trying out a lot of combos to see who fit where. Gattis played catcher and outfield. I told the manager he was signed to play catcher more because that's where the need is, and we'll think about either calling up the rookie later or looking to free up money to sign another catcher for next year. Anyway, this was preseason, and overall I was happy with how well the starting pitching looked in limited action. Even the game where we gave up 7 was not due to the starter (Myers). 
     
    Preseason Predictions by League
     
    2014PreseasonAlpha_zpsea62a550.jpg
    2014PreseasonBeta_zps707b82a6.jpg2014PreseasonGamma_zpsfe2b010c.jpg2014PreseasonOmega_zpse6bcd3d6.jpg
     
    I don't know why the preseason predictions are "off." Maybe I simulated some games before generating the predictions report?!? Anyway, I am just using this as a basis to give me an idea of where teams are expected to finish. 
     
    For us, 3rd in the Beta League means some good things. Of course, 1st would be better, and anything lower than 3rd would be a disappointment.

  4. 2014 Spring Bowl - The Perfect Game

     

    If you didn't notice it on the tournament brackets, the second round of the loser's bracket featured an amazing feat by the Denver Peak's Jeremy Hefner: a perfect game! I have pasted the box score below. As you can see, 27 batters faced, 27 batters retired. Congratulations to Jeremy Hefner and being the first to throw a perfect game in the Champions Association. 
     
    2014SpringBowlPerfectGameDenveratUtahA_z2014SpringBowlPerfectGameDenveratUtahB_z


  5. 2014 Spring Bowl

     


    We were not allowed to participate in the Spring Bowl because of a low finish in the 2013 BL season, so I just watched for basic scouting purposes. Until my team participates in a tournament, I consider myself to be a spectator. I certainly found the results to be interesting. 

     

    Results

     

    2014SpringBowlAWinners_zps55417128.jpg

    2014SpringBowlBLosers_zps80ee374a.jpg

     

    Minneapolis_Blizzard_Banner_SpringBowl_2

     

    Though the Blizzard won the Gamma League a year ago, I didn't consider them to be a major player worth taking the Spring Game. We will be in the same league this season in the Beta League, so they are a team worth watching. Other than Alex Cobb, who won the Spring Bowl MVP as Minneapolis' ace, there are a few other notable players on their team: 

     

    CL Matt Belisle - He had limited time last season with Minneapolis but still managed a 0.39 ERA in 23.1 innings with 15 saves. On the season with both Portland and Minneapolis, he was 5-0 with 16 saves and a 1.85 ERA. With the Blizzard, he is the straight up closer, and he is good! 

     

    1B Mark Teixeira - .293/.373/.511, 26 HRs, 76 RBI last season, and that was a DOWN season for him. 

     

    3B Kevin Youkilis - Came over to the Blizzard in a midseason trade with Toronto. Finished the 2013 season with a line of .330/.413/.595 with 24 HR and 77 RBI. 

     

    RF Domonic Brown - The youngster has emerged as a star. Had career highs of .311/.390/.556 with 28 HR and 96 RBI.


  6. A Brief History of Promotion and Relegation, 2014 OL

     

    Omega League
     
    Atlanta Blazers
    2010, GL, 3rd place, Lost Gamma Cup
    2011, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted
    2012, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Baltimore Bullets
    2010, OL, 11th place
    2011, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2012, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2013, OL, 5th place, Lost Omega Cup
     
    Boston Night Hawks / Hawks
    2010, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup
    2012, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
    2013, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Edmonton Freeze
    2010, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2011, OL, 11th place
    2012, OL, 12th place
    2013, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
     
    Indianapolis Express
    2010, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup
    2011, OL, 2nd place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
    2012, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, OL, 12th place
     
    Las Vegas Dealers
    2010, OL, 2nd place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
    2011, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
    2013, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Louisville Thoroughbreds
    2010, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2011, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
    2012, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup
     
    Oklahoma City Bandits
    2010, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
    2011, GL, 2nd place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
    2012, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Orlando Rockets
    2010, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2012, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
    2013, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Pittsburgh Energy
    2010, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup
    2012, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2013, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series
     
    San Antonio Buzzards
    2010, BL, 9th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
    2011, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup
     
    Vancouver Mounties
    2010, OL, 10th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
    2011, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, OL, 11th place
    2013, OL, 11th place

  7. A Brief History of Promotion and Relegation, 2014 GL

     

    Gamma League

     
    Bronx Bombers
    2010, OL, 1st place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
    2011, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
    2012, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
    2013, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Chicago Brats
    2010, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
    2012, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
     
    Cleveland Sluggers
    2010, GL, 10th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, OL, 1st place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
    2012, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted
    2013, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Denver Peaks
    2010, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2013, OL, 4th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
     
    Honolulu Tropics
    2010, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2011, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2012, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2013, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
     
    Philadelphia Liberty
    2010, OL, 12th place
    2011, OL, 12th place
    2012, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series
    2013, OL, 6th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
     
    Portland Pioneers
    2010, AL, 5th place, Won Alpha Cup
    2011, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2012, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup
     
    Seattle Ports
    2010, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2011, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2012, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup
     
    St. Louis Lions
    2010, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
    2011, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup
    2013, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
     
    Tampa Sharks
    2010, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2012, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2013, OL, 8th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
     
    Utah Mustangs
    2010, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup
    2012, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2013, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
     
    Washington Presidents
    2010, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup
    2011, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
    2012, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2013, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated

  8. A Brief History of Promotion and Relegation, 2014 BL

     

    Beta League

     
    Brooklyn Avengers
    2010, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2011, AL, 8th place, Won Honors Cup
    2012, AL, 9th place, Won Honors Cup
    2013, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
     
    Buffalo Bears
    2010, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2011, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
    2012, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup
    2013, GL, 2nd place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
     
    Charlotte Flyers
    2010, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
    2011, BL, 4th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
    2012, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2013, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup
     
    Houston Bulls
    2010, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2011, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2012, AL, 4th place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2013, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
     
    Memphis Hound Dogs
    2010, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2011, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup
    2012, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
    2013, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
     
    Milwaukee Beers
    2010, OL, 5th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
    2011, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
    2013, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted
     
    Minneapolis Blizzard
    2010, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2011, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
    2013, GL, 1st place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
     
    Montreal Saints
    2010, AL, 7th place, Won Honors Cup
    2011, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy
    2012, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup
    2013, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
     
    New Mexico Suns
    2010, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy
    2011, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup final
    2012, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2013, BL, 10th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
     
    Oakland Gorillas
    2010, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2011, AL, 5th place, Won Alpha Cup
    2012, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2013, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
     
    San Francisco Gold
    2010, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2011, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2012, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2013, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup
     
    Toronto Thunderbirds
    2010, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup final
    2011, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2012, BL, 8th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
    2013, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup

  9. A Brief History of Promotion and Relegation, 2014 AL

     

    Without making charts, I'm not sure how to do this, so I think I'll list what teams have done to get into their current place in the associated league. Thus, I'll begin with the current AL. 
     
    AL 2014 
     
    Austin Savage
    2010, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
    2011, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2012, BL, 4th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
    2013, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
     
    Cincinnati Cyclones
    2010, AL, 6th place, Lost Alpha Cup
    2011, AL, 6th place, Lost Alpha Cup
    2012, AL, 3rd place, Won Diamond Trophy
    2013, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup final
     
    Dallas Tycoons
    2010, GL, 8th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
    2011, GL, 1st place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
    2012, BL, 1st place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2013, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy
     
    Detroit Wolverines
    2010, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2011, BL, 11th place, Lost Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
    2013, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
     
    Kansas City Sting
    2010, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2011, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2012, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2013, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
     
    Los Angeles Actors
    2010, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2011, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2012, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup
    2013, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup
     
    Miami Towers
    2010, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2011, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2012, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2013, AL, 8th place, Won Honors Cup
     
    Nashville Country
    2010, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
    2011, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated, 
    2012, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2013, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup
     
    New Orleans Gators
    2010, BL, 6th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted 
    2011, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2012, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2013, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
     
    Phoenix Firebirds
    2010, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup, Promoted
    2011, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
    2012, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
    2013, BL, 5th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
     
    San Diego Slammers
    2010, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
    2011, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2012, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup Final
    2013, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
     
    Virginia Beach Neptunes
    2010, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup
    2011, BL, 9th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
    2012, BL, 3rd place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
    2013, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy

  10. 2014 Season Notes - The Chopping Block and Team Nickname Change

     

    In the Champions Association, there is a mandatory relocation rule for teams in the Omega League that cannot improve themselves over a five-year period. The reason for the initial rules of so much movement among leagues (5 of 12 teams in the Omega League are promoted each year, for instance) was to ensure that some of the top markets would not get an unlucky draw at first, and then be in danger of losing a franchise. Despite all of the plans put in place, there are still two franchises that are "on the chopping block": the Baltimore Bullets and the Edmonton Freeze.

     
    Baltimore has been the worse of the two franchises, having only had one season where it came close to being promoted. In 2010, the Bullets finished 11th in the OL, meaning that they had no postseason. However, in 2011, despite finishing 10th, Baltimore had a chance to be promoted. They beat 3rd ranked Pittsburgh in the first round of the Omega Cup tournament, meaning they were in a battle where three of four teams would be promoted. However, Baltimore then went on to get swept by Louisville and Buffalo to remain in the OL for a third year. In 2012, Baltimore again finished 10th after defeating Vancouver in the play-in game, but the Bullets were swept by Minneapolis to end their season. In 2013, the Bullets had their highest finish: fifth. Despite that high finish, Baltimore was again swept in the first round of the Omega Cup tournament. 
     
    Edmonton has had two higher finishes than Baltimore, but the Freeze also had two terrible season. In 2010, the Freeze finished 7th in the Omega League. However, they exited the first round of the Omega Cup tournament with a two games to one loss to Oklahoma City. In 2011, the Freeze missed the postseason by finishing 11th in the league. They stepped down another slot in 2012 to finish dead last. Despite the back-to-back disappointing seasons, Edmonton seemed to bounce back in 2013 by finishing 7th again. However, a first round exit to Philadelphia means they remain in the Omega League for a fifth season. 
     
    Should either team fail to gain promotion this season, they will relocate to the cities waiting. The complication of the situation is that the Champions Association did not make prior rules about what would happen if multiple teams would be forced to relocate. The thought is that the top franchise waiting will get first choice of if they want to take over the Baltimore or Edmonton franchise. Because that’s where the money is, the next location spot is a second Los Angeles-area team in Anaheim. The second choice is a third New York team in Queens. Both franchises have logos and jerseys ready, so all they need is a place in the league. 
     
    Also, even if neither Baltimore nor Edmonton relocates, there are talks of expanding the Omega League by two teams. The proposed expansion would mean a total of 14 teams in the league, with possible further expansion trickling up with more teams promoted to eventually expand the Gamma then Beta then Alpha Leagues. 
     
    One final note: The Boston Night Hawks have decided to drop the "Night" to become just the Hawks with new logo, color scheme, and uniforms. Logo and newly acquired free agent C.C. Sabathia's baseball card below. 
     
    boston_hawks_F08009_980200_FFFFFF_F08009
    Sabathia_zpsb184d0b6.jpg

  11. 2013 Offseason

     

    With my team in place in its current form and arbitration behind us, I started pressing down on my targets. Without going into a lot of details about the failures, here are the people I had high on my list based on their demands and my needs. My main focus was to build depth in the bullpen, try to find a decent starter, and fill in some needs at 1B, C, and OF. 

     
    I had $9.869M available to me for signing these free agents: 
     
    SP Li-Ben Chen, 1 year, $2.5M
     
    My most expensive free agent because the veteran would not accept a cent less. I knew he was 40 years old, but he was someone I felt could step in as my third or fourth pitcher and at least hold the fort. Youth would have been money better spent, but there were no young pitchers within my budgetary limits, so I made Chen a Sun. 
     
    1B Jose Alaniz, 2 years, $1.6M/year
     
    For posterity sake, hit .303 with 19 home runs and 78 RBI (.387 OBP, .460 slug) for KC in 2012. Offered a definite upgrade over Rivera as my usual starter. 
     
    MR Aaron Laffey, 1 year, $598,400
    He was looking to improve the competition he faced from his time in the Omega League with Pittsburgh, so I felt I got a bargain at just over half a mill. 
     
    MR Pat Neshek, 3 years, $850,000 per year
    The longest deal I offered. Neshek was coming off a really good year in Miami, though it is probably pretty easy to have a decent year there. The Towers are freakin' good. Anyway, I felt that Neshek could be my top reliever, so I offered him a three-year deal, and he jumped on it. 
     
    LF/C Evan Gattis, 2 years, $975,000 per year
    Gattis is one of those dynamic players GMs love to have. My intention in signing him was to make him the starter at catcher and move Kottaras to backup. If my minor league prospect Chen would blast his way into playing time, then I could move Gattis into the outfield without a problem. Regardless, Gattis was a must-get for me for depth purposes. 
     
    SP C. Kluber – minor league contract
    Former fifth overall pick by the Denver Peaks was there for the taking. I'm not sure if he'll ever "get" it but he has a load of potential talent. Depending where we are in the race, I may try to give him a few late-season shots to see if he can be anything for me in the future. 
     
     
    Draft: 
    Round  1, Pick 8 – SP Tex Etheridge, Missouri State University, 19 y.o.
    Tops out at 96 on the gun. Strong FB and cutter, but needs to work a lot on his changeup before he gets a big league shot. Right now he has good movement, but needs to develop more on his placement to avoid giving up a lot of big hits. 
     
    Round 2, Pick 8 – CF Brandon Kirkpatrick, Sioux City HS, 19 y.o.
    Drafted him for SPEED. Don't know if he can ever be a great producer on offense, but if he can get on base, he can steal a base or two. Also, great range in the OF gives him a chance to be an everyday player in the future. 
     
    Round 3, Pick 8 – SS Cal Ackland, Augusta Chrsitian (GA) HS, 18 y.o.
    Defensive gem. Will have to bat eighth in the lineup if he ever makes it to the bigs, but great arm and glove in the infield means he will be a great defensive shortstop for years to come. Pretty good plate discipline could put him in position for good K/BB ratio. 
     
    Round 4, Pick 8 – SP Richard Skidmore, Dixie State University, 20 y.o.
    Definite project. Not a strong arm, in fact, doesn't make the hard throw. Instead, depends on an array of off speed and moving pitches. Needs to make some huge leaps in improvement to sniff the majors. 
     
    Round 5, Pick 8 – 3B Ethan Riley, NY Tech University, 19 y.o.
    Another project. May get some early playing time, though, just to see if he has it. Needs to improve his offense, but I can see that happening if he just starts to love the game. Solid defensive player at the hot corner, so he can be an asset there. Wait and see for me, but worth the pick in the fifth round.

  12. 2013 Offseason

     

    And so my journey as the GM of the New Mexico Suns began. I have not figured out how exactly I will present my time as a GM. I believe I will tell mostly about the moves I am making to help the team improve, while giving some of the goings on around the league as they happen. However, I won't be too involved. In the end, I like God Mode much better than Micro Mode. 

     
    For the offseason, I had a few roster decisions to make. A few players on the active roster were eligible for arbitration, so I assessed their skills and whether or not I wanted to keep them or let them move on. To me, it was important to free up some salary to try to improve what I felt was the team's biggest weakness: pitching. 
     
    Our free agents and arbitration-eligible players: 
     
    3B Miguel Cabrera – free agent
     
    Was not going to let him get to smell the market. The first thing I did after signing my contract with the Suns was to get Cabrera’s agent on the phone. His desire was to sign a 1-year extension and either go to arbitration or negotiate a long-term deal. To me, the long-term deal sounded the best. I mean, Cabrera is without a doubt one of the best in the game, so I was happy to hear he was willing to play long-term in Albuquerque. 
     
    C George Kottaras – free agent
     
    Had career lows in several offensive categories, but I’m convinced he had an off year. Therefore, I’m giving him a year. Signed a 1-year extension with arbitration eligibility the following season. 
     
    1B Andres Rivera – free agent
     
    Was not very good and indicated that he was not interested in looking elsewhere. I informed him I had other plans for the first base position, and he announced his retirement after other teams showed little interest. 
     
    SP Sergio Ramos - arbitration eligible
     
    Ramos was acquired via trade for the 2013 season for OFs Alex Presley and Francisco Puguero , but he stunk it up for us when he wasn’t on the DL. In eight starts, he had a 7.02 ERA and just seemed like he was an injury waiting to happen. Thus, I let him walk.
     
    MRs Chad Cordero and Hideki Okajima – arbitration eligible
     
    Terrible. No arbitration offered. Let them walk.
     
    MR Michael Kirkman – arbitration eligible
     
    The Suns had no true closer for the 2013 season, so Kirkman filled in and did an OK job, earning 20 saves despite a pretty high 4.77 ERA in 58 appearances. Still, I thought he was someone who could help our team more than some of the other players, so I offered him arbitration. 
     
    MR Mike MacDougal – arbitration eligible
     
    I was interested in maintaining MacDougal’s services, but I did not like the arbitration-projected numbers, so I withdrew the offer and let him walk. However, I let him know that I would still consider him in free agency if he was interested at all in returning to New Mexico. He said he would be. 
     
    RF – Daniel Ortmeier – arbitration eligible
     
    A decent outfielder who did not have a lot of pop, but could be a valuable asset for depth without having to comb the free agency market looking for a player similar. Offered arbitration and was a little disappointed he won his arbitration case. I may have let him walk if I had known he might win it. 
     
    These players were in conjunction with some other solid players I had coming back. 
    For pitchers, John Danks and Travis Wood were the shining lights in the filth most of the pitching staff had been. Late-season acquisition Brett Myers also gave me some promise for the starting rotation. On the bench, Drake Britton was the only pitcher that gave me any hope. I was also hoping that John Axford could claim the closer role, but I didn’t have a lot of hope. 
     
    The true strength of the team was on offense. In addition to Cabrera, outstanding young players Wil Myers and reigning top rookie Christian Yelich gave me a lot of hope that the future was brighter than the New Mexican sun. I could also mention 2B Neil Walker, SS Tyler Magee, CF Kirk Nieuwenheis, and reserve first baseman Justin Smoak as some other solid players to help get my offense going. In all, I was not very worried about the offense.

  13. 2013 Alpha League

     

    Standings
     
    2013standingsalpha_zpsefd40486.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Virginia_Beach_Neptunes_Banner_pennant_2
     
    Tie Breakers
     
    Austin beat Dallas in a one-game playoff for the #3 seed. 
    Los Angeles beat Cincinnati in the overall season series lead for the #6 seed. 
     
    Honors Cup
     
    First Round
    Brooklyn 2, Montreal 1
    Oakland 2, Houston 0
     
    Semifinals
    Cincinnati 2, Brooklyn 1
    Miami 2, Oakland 1
     
    Honors Cup Final
    Miami 2, Cincinnati 1
     
    Miami_Towers_Banner_Honors_Cup_2013_zpsf
     
    Alpha Cup
     
    Los Angeles 3, Nashville 1
     
    Los_Angeles_Actors_Banner_Alpha_Cup_2013
     
    Diamond Trophy
     
    First Round
    Dallas 3, Virginia Beach 2
    San Diego 3, Austin 1
     
    Championship
    Dallas 4, San Diego 2
     
    Dallas_Tycoons_Banner_Diamond_Trophy_201
     
    Relegation
     
    Honors Cup First Round and Semifinals Losers:
    Montreal Saints
    Oakland Gorillas
    Houston Bulls
    Brooklyn Avengers
     
    Diamond Trophy History
     
    ALDiamondTrophyPastChampions_zps52250f38
     
     
    Alpha Cup History
     
    ALAlphaCupPastChampions_zps4903a8a7.jpg
     
    Honors Cup History
     
    ALHonorsCupPastChampions_zpsa7574368.jpg

  14. 2013 Beta League

     

    Standings
     
    2013standingsbeta_zpsa3e451c8.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Kansas_City_Sting_Banner_pennant_2013_zp
     
    Tie Breakers
     
    Kansas City beat New Orleans in the season series for the #1 seed. 
     
    Beta Survivors Cup
     
    First Round
    Cleveland 2, Bronx 0
     
    Semifinals
    Washington 2, Cleveland 0
    New Mexico 2, Honolulu 1
     
    Beta Survivors Cup Final
    New Mexico 2, Washington 0
     
    New_Mexico_Suns_Banner_Beta_Survivors_20
     
    Beta Cup
     
    First Round
    Toronto 2, Charlotte 0
    Phoenix 2, San Francisco 1
     
    Beta Cup Final
    Phoenix 2, Toronto 1
     
    Phoenix_Firebirds_Banner_Beta_cup_2013_z
     
    Gold Trophy
     
    First Round
    New Orleans 3, Detroit 1
     
    Championship
    Kansas City 4, New Orleans 1
     
    Kansas_City_Sting_Banner_Gold_Trophy_201
     
    Promotion
     
    Kansas City Sting - Pennant and Gold Trophy winner
    New Orleans Gators - Top 3 seed
    Detroit Wolverines - Top 3 seed
    Phoenix Firebirds - Beta Cup winners
     
    Relegation
     
    Beta Survivors Cup Losers: 
    Washington Presidents
    Honolulu Tropics
    Cleveland Sluggers
    Bronx Bombers
     
    Gold Trophy History
     
    BLGoldTrophyPastChampions_zps9c624fee.jp
     
    Beta Cup History
     
    BLBetaCupPastChampions_zps3c8b318b.jpg
     
    Beta Survivors Cup History
     
    BLBetaSurvivorsCupPastChampions_zps4d8df

  15. 2013 Gamma League

     

    Standings
     
    2013standingsgamma_zps230d70bb.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Minneapolis_Blizzard_Banner_pennant_2013
     
    Tie Breakers
     
    Portland won the season series over Milwaukee for the #4 seed. 
    Seattle won the season series over Oklahoma City for the #6 seed. 
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup
     
    First Round
    Las Vegas 2, Boston 0
    St. Louis 2, Atlanta 0
     
    Semifinals
    St. Louis 2, Oklahoma City 0
    Orlando 2, Las Vegas 1
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup Final
    St. Louis 2, Orlando 1
     
    St_Louis_Lions_Banner_Gamma_Survivors_20
     
    Gamma Cup
     
    First Round
    Memphis 2, Seattle 1
    Milwaukee 2, Portland 0
     
    Gamma Cup Final
    Memphis 2, Milwaukee 0
     
    Memphis_Hound_Dogs_Banner_Gamma_Cup_2013
     
    Silver Trophy
     
    Minneapolis 4, Buffalo 2
     
    Minneapolis_Blizzard_Banner_Silver_Troph
     
    Promotion
     
    Minneapolis Blizzard - Pennant and Silver Trophy winner 
    Buffalo Bears - Runner up
    Memphis Hound Dogs - Gamma Cup winners
    Milwaukee Beers - Gamma Cup runners up
     
    Relegation
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup Losers: 
    Oklahoma City Bandits
    Orlando Rockets
    Las Vegas Dealers
    Atlanta Blazers
    Boston Night Hawks
     
    Silver Trophy History
     
    GLSilverTrophyPastChampions_zps79ca5cdd.
     
    Gamma Cup History
     
    GLGammaCupPastChampions_zps30f73ed3.jpg
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup History
     
    GLGammaSurvivorsCupPastChampions_zps3645

  16. 2013 Omega League

     

    Standings

     
    2013standingsomega_zps1ed3b22b.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Utah_Mustangs_Banner_pennant_2013_zpsc22
     
    Omega Cup
     
    First Round
    Pittsburgh 2, San Antonio 1
    Denver 2, Louisville 1
    Tampa 2, Baltimore 1
    Philadelphia 2, Edmonton 1
     
    Semifinals
    Denver 2, Pittsburgh 1
    Philadelphia 2, Tampa 1
     
    Promotion Series
    Tampa 2, Pittsburgh 1
     
    Omega Cup Final
    Denver 2, Philadelphia 1
     
    Denver_Peaks_Banner_Omega_Cup_2013_zpse8
     
    Bronze Trophy
     
    Utah 4, Chicago 2
     
    Utah_Mustangs_Banner_Bronze_Trophy_2013_
     
    Promotion
     
    Utah Mustangs - Pennant and Bronze Trophy winner
    Chicago Brats - Runner up
    Denver Peaks - Omega Cup
    Philadelphia Liberty - Omega Cup runner up
    Tampa Sharks - Promotion Series winner
     
    Bronze Trophy History
     
    OLBronzeTrophyPastChampions_zpsb51ff209.
     
    Omega Cup History
     
    OLOmegaCupPastChampions_zpseb7a2425.jpg

  17. The Final History of the MBL

     

    There were not enough years in the Mojave Baseball League to really have a Hall of Fame. However, there were five players who defined HOF-caliber performance. 

     
    Their names with primary position and primary team:
     
    Matt Davis, 3B, Primm Outlaws
    MattDavis_zps8d120a8a.jpg
    MattDavisstats_zps47c9cd27.jpg
     
    Dave Griffin, SS, Westside Sarsaparillas
    DaveGriffin_zpsf7905525.jpg
    DaveGriffinstats_zps88f78764.jpg
     
    Jimmy LaRue, CF, Goodsprings Lucky 38s/Prospectors
    JimmyLaRue_zps6bd5fbc0.jpg
    JimmyLaRuecareer_zpscc947c7e.jpg
     
    Jim Seaman, 1B, Freeside Kings
    Seaman_zps77f24e77.jpg
    JimSeamanstats_zps96055fb0.jpg
     
    Basket Zapp, CL, North Vegas Radscorpions
    BaskeZapp_zpsdce7fc46.jpg
    BasketZappstats_zps9d16a573.jpg

  18. The Final History of the MBL

     

    The most successful teams of the first six years did not remain dominant throughout the time of the Mojave. Lee's plan of a shared evaluation system leading to parity and league-wide hope from year to year proved to be successful since all but two teams could claim a title in the league's 21-year history. 

     
    Surprisingly, though they had questionable management in their early years, the Gomorrah Devils/Red Rock Khans franchise turned out to be the league's best team over the 21-year span, winning four titles. North Vegas was the most successful team for regular season wins and playoff appearances, and finished second with three titles.
     
    MBLChampions_zpsdc8cb2d7.jpg
     
    MBLteamslistA_zps5662221f.jpgMBLteamslistB_zpsd3a19d13.jpg