Friday, November 5, 2010

Season 12 Ballot

This is one man's ballot and reasoning for Season 12.

AL MVP Candidates:
Wilt James
Richie Grieve
Victor Trinidad
Ismael Leon
Mike Garcia
This choice was relatively easy. James is the choice here. He has the highest HR, RBI, AVG, and OPS among the candidates. He also plays RF (3 of 5 candidates play 1B, 2 of 5 play RF) so there is more defensive value as well (Fielding % of 1.00). He also plays for a 1st place team.

NL MVP Candidates:
Russ Bryant
Bobby Page
Placido Benitez
Moises Berroa
Albert Ponson
The NL may have been tougher, if only slightly. First we'll eliminate Berroa from consideration because he plays on the same team as Benitez. Berroa had a monster season, and should he ever want to come to Chicago he'd be welcomed with open arms. Next we eliminate Bobby Page for the same reason, Russ Bryant is the true MVP candidate from Honolulu. That leaves three 1B, making the defensive argument irrelevant in this voters mind. Realistically you have to get rid of Ponson, making it come down to only Bryant and Benitez.
Benitez put up record breaking RBI numbers and in winning the Triple Crown. Bryant put up some damn fine numbers and played for a 1st place team with the best record in the league.
Thats not quite enough to sway the vote, i'm going with Benitez, since he had the team within a game of the Wildcard.

AL Cy Young Candidates:
Joaquin Samuel
Bailey Jordan
Sammy Molina
David Hughes
Abraham Munro
First the eliminations, sorry Samuel but you don't even get considered. Despite the 54 Saves and 1.97 ERA (which we'd LOVE to have in Chicago), there are too many other SP that won 20 and pitched over 200 to make up the difference.
The remaining 4 are all very similar. Jordan has the best ERA, Molina the best K/9 rate, Hughes the most wins and IP and tied for best WHIP and OAV, Munro tied for the best WHIP and OAV.
In the end I'm going with Hughes and here's why: all of the above mentioned items coupled with pitching for a Division winner in the MOST BRUTAL division out there, as well as having a target on his back for being the most dominant SP this world has ever seen. He gets my vote.
Side Note: The Gangsters were close to acquiring him this past offseason, but in the end the Pisces smartly held on to him.

NL Cy Young Candidates:
Glen Hill
Manny Kerr
Ozzie Sauveur
Yeico Martin
Bill Strong
First the eliminations, B.Strong and Y. Martin. B.Strong just doesn't have the numbers to compete with the rest of the field. Martin pitched quite well, but is essentially a 6 inning pitcher, and only pitched past the 7th once all year and he only has 15 wins.
I'm also going to eliminate Sauveur. His ERA, WHIP, and OAV are all higher then Kerr (who pitched for the best team in the NL).
This is the toughest vote yet. Hill pitched 85 innnings, which for a closer is unheard of, and he did it flawlessly. In the end I tend to value SP more so I'm going with Kerr. Maybe this is why my bullpens always are atrocious?

AL ROY Candidates:
James Nakajima
Sergio Upshaw
Steve Perez
Christian Ross
Pat Bong
Eliminations - Upshaw , Perez, &Ross. Upshaw because he was not in fact a rookie. Check his stats from Season 11, he had 33 saves last year and better numbers overall, otherwise he would've got my vote. Ross played more games at 1B then 2B, and those aren't 1B numbers. Perez was a long reliever who got a lot of Vulture wins and an ERA of 4.47.
That leaves Nakajima and Bong. The defensive angle is moot since both are DH's (Nakajima is listed at 1B but did not play an inning all year).
It comes down to whether you value Power or OBP. Bong has the edge in HRs (38-22) but Nakajima has the edge in RBI's, OBP, and OPS. My vote is Nakajima.

NL ROY Candidates:
Taylor McGee
Enos Ramirez
Ignacio Alomar
Preston Pittinger
Gabe Valdes
The only quick eliminations are Alomar because his #'s pale to everyone elses and Valdes because he only pitched 28 innings.
I'll list Pro's and Cons for the remaining 3
McGee - Pros has the highest OPS, AVG, and SB among the candidates and plays a premium position well at 2B. CONS - Did not play a full season, came up in the middle of the year.
Ramirez - Pros Played all year in CF for a division winning club. A position he played for the first time after being approached by new management. Cons - Counting #'s are not the best of all the candidates
Pittinger - Pros has the most HR's and RBI's among the candidates and was a Rule 5 draftee. Cons - played in relative obscurity in Salem with no pressure.
In the end a case could be built for any of the 3. I'm going with Ramirez because he played a full year for a division winner in CF, and because he's one of my players.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Ranking the NL at 121 Games

We decided to rank them in reverse order this week.

#16 -
Salem
Salem Squirrel Monkeys (NL)
kidsid
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 30-91 - We all know why they are in last (abandoned owner), but make no mistake this team is greatly improved since kidsid took over. There is still lots of talent there and they could impact some races this year before competing next year. Will they improve their ranking before the end of the year? I envision it happening.

#15
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (NL)
rockindock
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 55-66 - While they have improved since last year, not enough to get them out of the cellar. Will a 4th straight 4th place finish give them hope of the playoffs next year? Sure as long as you subscribe to the "Due" theory.

#14
- Record 55-66 - This franchise continuously lacks offensive firepower, and a move out of St Louis is rumored. Playing in a new home won't help that woeful road record however.

#13
- Record 56-65 - After making the playoffs (via wildcard) last year they opened up and spent on some free agents. Initial reviews looked good, but they came back to earth. They have been focusing on the future in recent deals, and rumors persist that a new owner will be taking over next season.

#12
- Record 59-62 - Playing in the NL's weakest division (NL South) the good news is that they are 1 of 5 teams currently over 600 runs scored. The bad news is that they've given up more runs (615) then anyone not located in Salem.

#11
New Britain
New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (NL)
mdonegan
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 57-64 - The offense is lead by young C Jaime Allen. Unfortunately you can't blame the pitching staff's woes on him. The propensity to give up the long ball (172 HRs allowed and counting) is definitely a problem.

#10
Sacramento
Sacramento Terrible Two's (NL)
Save_Mr_X
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 62-59 - Yes they play in a division with Honolulu and Fresno, but they have given up 596 runs, 3rd worst in the NL. Thats not a typical Sacramento team. They have been trying to rectify that problem as they are actively shopping for pitching.

#9
- Record 58-63 - The team has played better lately, as they have moved out of the cellar in the NL North. They won't make the playoffs this year but they are improving.

#8
- Record 58-63 - We knew the Hooch wouldn't be down long. They didn't rebuild as much as they reloaded. While an eye is definitely on next season for management, the boys still have an outside shot at the Wild Card.

#7
New Orleans
New Orleans Hot Fives (NL)
options5
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 63-58 - Led by MVP candidate Gerald Pan this team Hot Five is taking full advantage of a weak division and should easily win the division.

#6
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Ampersands (NL)
newarkwilder
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 64-57 - This high octane offense is lead by MVP favorite Placido Benitez , who is threatening to challenge the RBI record (187) with 154 RBI's currently. They are 8 games back of Buffalo, but currently only 1 game out of the Wild Card.

#5
- Record 70-51 - They gambled when they traded away their leadoff hitter Harold Murphy to St Louis in exchange for Jose Costilla. The thinking in this trade was that it would allow them to have 4 starters that can go deep into games, thus reducing the need for middle relief, which is their BIGGEST problem this year. The closer Junior Chen acquired earlier this year has blown 7 saves and looked awful for a stretch but is pitching better of late. If the offense slumps, and there are signs of it happening, then they could free fall right on out of the playoffs. Former #1 overall pick
Aaron Jenkins
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 20B/T: L/L
Born: Herman, PA
Position(s): CF/1B/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
has been called up to give the team another lefty bat and to give some breathers to the OF.

#4
Toledo
Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (NL)
jose can u c
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 65-56 - The early season injuries have certainly jeopardized their playoff aspirations. They currently only hold a 1 game lead in the Wild Card and are 4 games back of Chicago in the NL North. A dangerous pitching staff and balance lineup that no one wants to face down the stretch will ineveitably push them thru to the playoffs.

#3.
- Record 72-49 - After jumping out to an amazing start, they've been passed for the best record in the NL by 2 different teams. They've lost Quilvio Nunez for 30 days but will have him back in time for the start of the playoffs. They hold a comfortable 8 game lead, but can't afford to rest on that too much. They once had a stranglehold on a playoff berth, their grip is loosened but still firmly in grip.

#2
Fresno
Fresno Mutant Grizzlies (NL)
kelly_mccann
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 80-41 - They are already 5 games better then last seasons team and show no signs of slowing down. The NL's best pitching staff has given up only 411 runs so far this season. The next best (Honolulu) has given up 489. The staff has to be good because the offense has only scored 523 runs, which is 3rd worst behind Salem's 500 and St Louis' 489.

#1
Honolulu
Honolulu Witch Doctors (NL)
nanu
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Record 81-40 - They have given up the 2nd fewest runs (489) and scored the most runs (738 - next closest is 628) for a +249 in runs. The scary thing is that their expected win percentage says they aren't playing as well as capable.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

10/9 HBD - Wide News

10/9 - Randall on Baseball - Silver Linings, Warning Track World - Season 10 draft, Shoeless Joe - All Star snubs, NCAA - Playoff Picture 157, Joey Belle - NL Hot Starts Hitters, Clarkson - New & Notes, Billy Beane -Season Batting Records 131 games, Talk with SoxYanks12 on random topics.

Monday, September 27, 2010

9/27 This week in CAPB, Shoeless Joe tomorrow.

A one hour episode for the CAPB league. Standings, Top 3 League Leaders - Players and Teams all major categories. The episode went ok but Im a little rusty on doing leagues off the cuff rather than off RSS feeds. It'll get better and more entertaining as I get used to it again.

I've decided to have a 16 listen cut-off on each league. Im going to run TWIHBD as scheduled with CAPB, Shoeless Joe, Rickey, Cobb, & Doubleday M-F. If the league does not reach the 16 podcast listens by the following week I will cut your league from this format.

I will go through every league in HBD one by one in this manner, starting alphabetically. - mostly likely with Aaron unless there is one alphabetically ahead of it until I go through every league. Make the 16 podcast listen minimum and your league is permanent in the format. If I have to do 2 hour episodes - 2 leagues a day to make room, I will. If it gets to the point where I have to squeeze in more Ill do every other week.

There is a contest in October. Please listen for details or look in the blog archives. In short you will have to listen for a secret letter a day during the 5-6pm episode. Collect the letters and unscramble them to spell a player name. Be the first to call in with the correct name and win a free season courtesy of me. The episode to call in for the prize will be first Sunday in November 5-7pm. PLENTY OF WARNING. I may give hints. Secret letters will only be said M-F. You can load up my podcasts 24/7/365. If its worth it to you then you will. If not I keep my money. No sweat.

Ranking the NL at 74 Games

1. Buffalo Soldiers - Current record 50-24 -Last week #1 (No Change) - The defending champs are certainly the class of the NL. Scored the most runs and given up the fewest in the NL. One cause for concern is that they've thrown the most innings in the NL so far, the pitching staff could get overworked if that pace continutes. The only thing that could derail their cruise to the playoffs is a rash of ....we'd rather not specify here in fear of a jinx.

2. Honolulu Witch Doctors -
Current Record 47-27 - Last week #3 (+1) - Well balanced lineup has this team once again on top in the division. Of their 8 regulars, all have an OPS between .721 and .869. Russ Bryant currently has a .792 OPS so expect that to go up and help an already strong offense.

3. Fresno Mutant Grizzlies -
Current Record 48-26 - Last week #2 (-1) - They fell 1 spot in the rankings. They have given up more runs then they have scored but just a small margin, so are they playing over their heads? They may need to consider adding a bat to their anemic offense, as only 2 teams in the NL have scored less. Their bullpen however is STRONG led by Glen Hill and his perfect 20 saves.


4. Toledo Holy Fargin Schnicks -
Current record 44-30 - Last week #4 (+0) - After returning from the 15 day DL, Cody Percival, missed some more time with a sore elbow. So despite getting only 8 starts so far from the Cy Young winner Toledo has been going back and forth with Chicago for 1st place in the East. Percival has shown flashes of returning to normal, and will be counted on in the 2nd half.

5. Chicago Gangsters - Current Record 45-29 - Last week #9 (+4) - The trade for Junior Chen has not quite worked out as well as hoped, but it is still early. Dick Stewart recently won Player of the Week honors and is pacing the offense along with Julio Marin and Felipe Mota. Mota hasn't quite played up to his standards but is still providing power. James Pong has pitched better of late and more like the #1 that they require of him and is leading the league in wins with a 10-2 record. The Gangsters may have a tough time making the playoffs in a tough division, if their offense slumps they'll be in trouble. The bullpen holds the key.

6. Jackson Pollocks -
Current Record 39-35 - Last Week #5 (-1) - They've given up 325 runs so far, good for 6th in the NL, but their bullpen is a concern as their record is 9-10 in 1-run games (5-5 in extra innings). With all 4 teams within 5 games of each other in the NL South the playoffs will not come easy.

7. New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers -
Current Record 38-36 - Last Week #5 (-1) -


8. Sacramento Terrible Two's -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week #6 (-2) -


9. Salt Lake City Ampersands -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week # 11 (+2) - MVP candidate Placido Benitez is still wearing out pitching staffs, and trying to carry the team to the playoffs.

10. New Orleans Hot Fives -
Current Record 38-36 - Last Week #15 (+5) -


11. Atlanta Hooch -
Current Record 37-37 - Last Week #14 (+3)
Much improved lately, they are still shipping out talent. No matter what they do they always are a tough team.

12. St Louis River Dogs -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week #8 (-4)
Weak offense, coupled with pitching staff faltering = tumble in the rankings.

13. Charlotte Knights -
Current Record 35-39 - Last Week # 10 (-3)

14. Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs -
Current Record 32-42 - Last Week #7 (-7)
Our biggest change, falling 7 spots. The starting rotation has been BRUTAL.

15. Trenton Thunder -
Current Record 35-39 - Last Week #12 (-3)
No matter what they do, they just can't seem to wake up the bats.

16. Salem Squirrel Monkeys -
Current Record 13-61 - Last Week #16 (no change)
While they are improved greatly, especially since replacing ownership, they are too far gone to compete for the season. New owner kidsid(some others might know him as bullet6464 from other worlds) will have this team in the hunt next season.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October

Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October: "Ok, Im holding a contest in October. During 20 episodes or thereabouts on M-F - I'll reveal a secret Letter. You can listen on podcast or li..."

Friday, September 17, 2010

Ranking the NL at the 25 Game Mark

1. -
The defending champs have started strong, is there a repeat in their future?

2.
Fresno
Fresno Mutant Grizzlies (NL)
kelly_mccann
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
This new owner added a few free agents (Emil Alomar) to go with an already dominant closer (Glen Hill) to currently place them 2nd (behind St Louis) in runs allowed in the NL. Will the pitching hold up? Will the bats produce enough in a tough top 3 division (Salem is abandoned).

3.
Honolulu
Honolulu Witch Doctors (NL)
nanu
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
Their string of 9 straight playoff appearances should be extended to 10 when its all said and done.

4.
Toledo
Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (NL)
jose can u c
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
The Schnicks are in first despite some injury problems to 2-time Cy Young winner Cody Percival. Percival returns from the DL soon so expect the Schnicks to open up a bigger lead with Atlanta selling off parts.

5. -
Free Agent addition Bonk Matthews has been a nice addition to the rotation. Can he make it last over the entire season?

6.
Sacramento
Sacramento Terrible Two's (NL)
Save_Mr_X
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
The Two's are looking up at 2 good teams within their own division, which normally makes the playoffs tough, but they still have Salem in the division to whip up on. With their solid staff, good defense, and balanced offense they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs even if no one else in the division falters.

7.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (NL)
rockindock
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
Their expected win % says they are a better team then they show, so expect an improvement over the rest of the season, made easier by the return of some bodies on the DL.

8. -
As terrific as their pitching staff has been (currently given up the fewest runs in the NL), the offense has been just as bad. Only one player is having year above their norm (Carlos Azocar), so their is plenty of room for improvement from the rest of the lineup. They are only a game and a half back so if they can stick close and go out and get a big bat they could be formidable.

9. -
The return of an old owner has the team right back where they were before he left, middle of the road. Still the defense is improved and the offense is hitting homeruns. The real key is the pitching.
Another interesting note is that they are relying heavily on 5 rookies ( Ramirez, Grant, Lee, Mlicki, Rosa) and another just got called up to serve as a utility player (Coleridge). They also just made a trade to help stabilize their pen by bringing in former Cy Young winner Junior Chen who had an injury last season.

10. -
The offense is led by Albert Ponson. Paul Huang is the #1 starter but is not living up to that billing. #'s 2-4 are solid, if not spectacular, and former #5 (J.T. Bell) has been sent to long reliever duty. Thats actually a good thing due to his first few starts.

11.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Ampersands (NL)
newarkwilder
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
They have a powerful offense, led by Placido Benitez, but their pitching has given up the 2nd most runs in the NL. I expect the staff to improve as the season moves on.

12. -
Middle of the road team could be dangerous if they can have the whole team put it together at the same time. Their offense needs to step up more so then the pitching.

13.
New Britain
New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (NL)
mdonegan
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
In a brutal division, they may prove to be better then the early season record shows.

14. -
They would've been higher due to their history, but with the selling off of parts they've fallen down here. Don't be fooled into thinking they'll be down long, the trades they've made will have them challenging soon enough.

15.
New Orleans
New Orleans Hot Fives (NL)
options5
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
Under new ownership, so time must be given to let them assemble the team their way. Keep in mind however, this franchise won the division the previous 2 years.

16.
Salem
Salem Squirrel Monkeys (NL)
emdump
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
-
Hopefully someone can get in there and get this abandoned train back on track.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Chicago Gangsters Season 12 Preview

Things are under Old Management again in Wrigley. Owner Donald Key has returned to run the franchise once more, having reached the playoffs only 3 times in franchise and 2 while Key as owner, of 50% of the seasons he has owned the team.

The Lineup could mash its way to the playoffs, but the pitching holds the key.

Lineup

1. LF Harold Murphy (.278 avg/.343 OBP/.492 SLG/.835 OPS/33 HRs/105 RBIs) - Not your typical leadoff hitter, Murphy hit 33 bombs last year. But with the loss of Rock Smart they need someone to bat first. With his patient batting eye, and lack of other options he gets the call. Expect the HR's to come down, and Ks to go up.

2. 3B Mario Wright (.278/.340/.441/.781/26/86)- Wright is moving from SS to the hot corner where his glove will play a lot better. His range has diminished but his bat can still play at third, and should be a huge upgrade defensively over last years third basemen.

3. RF Felipe Mota (.306/.385/.614/.999/47/139)- Mota is headed back to RF after playing out of position the last few years at 3B, committing 28 errors at the Hot Corner in each of the last 2 years. A former Gold Glover and Silver Slugger in RF, he is being counted on heavily to continue his Hall of Fame progression.

4. 2B Julio Marin (.317/.372/.643/1.015/51/131)- Marin put up 51 HR's last year in the OF, but is being asked to head back to 2B, where he admittedly will be out of position, but his bat makes up for it. Another huge season in the middle of the lineup will be expected. He can play a COF or 1B whenever someone needs rest, and defensive replacements will be utilized regularly.

5. 1B Dick Stewart - (.269/.338/.530/.868/43/ 131) -Going into his 4th full year in the bigs, he is being counted on to bounce back, although his "off" year still resulted in 43 HRs. He is currently the only LH bat in the lineup with power.

6. C Nick Miclat - (.282/.365/.427/.792/17/63) - Miclat will have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs with the bats at the top of this lineup. But management would like to see him play a bigger role in helping to improve the pitching staff.

7. CF Enos Ramirez - This rookie is being asked to man CF after mainly playing 3B in the minors he last few years. All the tools are there as far as his bat is concerned, and he'll probably move back to the Hot Corner eventually. Unfortunately he's the best option to play CF for the Gangsters right now.

8. SS Brad Glanville - An offseason acquisition, he was acquired in the Rock Smart trade (along with David Lee & Brutus Stewart) for his glove. Not expected to do much with his bat, he'll make his mark by providing solid defense.

Bench Players:
Midre Matos - Backup C, Rule 5 draftee
Hayes Little - Previous administrations HUGE CONTRACT MISTAKE
Oscar McNeil - Speedy 2B could be a pinch runner or late inning defensive replacement
Calvin Woo - LH bat off the bench
Ronnie Coleridge - Utility guy and another LH bat

Pitching Staff
Rotation
James Pong - Best pitcher on the staff has struggled the last 2 seasons. Need more dominance from him this year and return to the form of the first couple years in the league. He is still only 27.
Sammy Cedeno - solid starter is being asked to step into the #2 role. Has been eating innings, and must continue to do so.
Jose Puente - Former Int'l signee has had a Jekyll and Hyde like career, one good, one bad. We're hoping this is the Good Year and a repeat of season 10(vice season 11) is going to be needed.
David Lee - Offseason acquisition is being asked to step into the rotation, but may be better suited for the bullpen. Depends on how the prospects fare as to how many starts he makes. Long range he definitely belongs in the pen.
Possible 5th starters:
Julio Lopez - Spent the last 2 years in AAA and has no reason not to be in the majors. Currently fighting for a starting spot.
Chuck Grant - Former 1st Round pick is fighting for a rotation spot and barring a collapse, should make the team out of Spring Training.
Garry Pratt - Long Shot to break camp with the big club, has yet to pitch above AA. Only made 18 starts (in 31 appearances) last year, but did convert 11 of 13 saves, so it is possible he could help the team at some point as a piece in the pen. For now he'll be stretched out with the intention of starting.

Other bullpen pieces
Brendan Merritt - Currently slated as closer
Deivi Rosa - Lefty has proven himself at AAA, but will it translate to the majors?
Willie Terrero - Off season signing to a low money deal, will provide middle relief help.
Louie Pena - Another Lefty out of the pen had a good year last year, will he repeat it?
Ivan Rosado - Yet another lefty, his large payday may be keeping him around longer then most.
Shaggy Park - Rule 5 draftee will have a hard time sticking.
Dwight Jackson - middle reliever in danger of losing his position, but at least he's not a lefty.
Bernie Hernandez - Currently at AAA, he's trying to fight his way on to the staff. Has some Major League experience, but hasn't been consistent.
Cody Mlicki - Another Rule 5 longshot.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

CAPB FINAL SEASON 11 POWER RANKINGS

THE ELITE TEAMS
1)New York Highlanders (110-52) (LW – 1) No movement from last week. Team went 13-8 during the week. [If you didn’t think the Highlanders were the best team in the league, you must have been living under a rock the whole time. I have seen some dominating teams but I have never seen a team dominate in every aspect of the game like the Highlanders did this season. The team went 49-24 during the second half of the season. The Highlanders are the favorite to win the World Series and also my pick to win it all.]
3rd Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 5th Fielding – Played in the 5th toughest division

2)Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (101-61) (LW - 2) No Movement from last week. Team went 13-8 during the week. [You can’t ask for a more balance team then the Monkey Wranglers. The team scored 175 more runs then they allowed, which is outstanding and a big reason for a 100 win season. The team went 40-33 during the second half of the season. The American League Crown may not have to go through Minnesota this season but it doesn’t mean the Monkey Wranglers can’t win it.]
6th Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 1st Fielding – Played in the toughest division

3)Buffalo Soldiers (98-64) (LW – 3) No movement from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [With the division crown lockup, the Soldiers took it easy during the last week and still got the number 1 seed for the National League. Team went 44-29 during the second half of the season. The Soldiers have to be the favorite to win the National League Crown but the team doesn’t need to take any team lightly at same time.]
17th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 3rd Fielding – Played in the 2nd toughest division

4)Montgomery Burns (94-68) (LW - 4) No movement from last week. Team went 13-8 during the week. [The offense powered the Burns all season but the pitching staff step up when they had to as well. The team went 40-33 during the second half of the season. The bats cooled off a little toward the end of the season for the Burns. So the big question coming out of Montgomery is can the bats get on fire during the playoffs?]
4th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding – Played in the weakest division

THE GREAT TEAMS
5)Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (92-70) (LW - 6) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 15-6 during the week. [The Holy Fargin’ Schnicks just got better and better as the season went along. The team went 45-28 during the second half of the season. The National League in wide open so why not the Holy Fargin’ Schnicks?]
12th Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 29th Fielding – Played in the 3rd toughest division

6)Milwaukee Porn Silos (92-70) (LW – 9) Up 3 spots from last week. Team went 14-7 during the week. [Had a great week to sling shot into the 5th seed and a little easier schedule in the playoffs. Balance has been the key to the Porn Silos all season and I wouldn’t expect anything to change from the team in the playoffs. Team went 42-31 during the second half of the season. Could the Porn Silos be World Series Champions? You never know.]
14th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding – Played in the toughest division

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
7)Fargo Fart Knockers (91-71) (LW - 5) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [The Fart Knockers can’t be happy being the 6th seed in the playoffs but there probably the scariest 6th seed anyone has ever seen. The team went 41-32 during the second half of the season. Can never bet against the best offense in league from getting far in the playoffs.]
1st Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 2nd Fielding – Played in the toughest division

8)Honolulu Witch Doctors (88-74) (LW - 8) No movement from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [The Witch Doctors used there voodoo powers to win there division by 10 games. I don’t think anyone will be taking the Witch Doctors lightly during the playoffs this year. The team went 38-35 during the second half of the season. It will be hard to bet against the Witch Doctors not to win the National League Crown once again.]
9th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 14th Fielding – Played in the 6th toughest division

9)Nashville Raccoons (87-75) (LW - 11) Up 2 spots from last week. Team went 15-6 during the week. [The Raccoons stepped up there game during the last week of the season and easily won there division once again. The bats came alive during that last week, now let’s hope they can stay hot in the playoffs. Team went 42-31 during the second half of the season. This will be a very scary team to face in the playoffs.]
2nd Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 30th Fielding – Played in the 4th toughest division

10)Pittsburgh Pisces (87-75) (LW - 7) Down 3 spots from last week. Team went 11-10 during the week. [The Pisces are the best team to miss the playoffs this season. If they didn’t play in the toughest division, the Pisces would be a playoff team. Team went 38-35 during the second half of the season. Don’t worry Pittsburgh, the Pisces will be back next season.]
10th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 19th Fielding – Played in the toughest division

11)Vancouver Whitecaps (84-78) (LW – 14) Up 3 spots from last week. Team went 12-9 during the week. [The Whitecaps are proof that if you beat up on your division, you can still win the division no matter how bad you play against everyone else. Nothing like the feeling of beating up on your division to get into the playoffs during the final week of the season. Team went 38-35 during the second half of the season. Anything can happen in the playoffs but for the Whitecaps to make some noise it would be a small miracle.]
7th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 17th Fielding

12)Atlanta Hooch (86-76) (LW - 10) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [The Hooch seemed to be limping into the playoffs this season. After a great first half, the team really struggled at times during the second half, even losing the division in the process. Team went 34-39 during the second half of the season. All it takes it to catch lightning in a bottle and a World Series victory could be yours.]
20th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 16th Fielding – Played in the 3rd toughest division

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
13)New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (83-79) (LW – 12) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 12-9 during the week. [The playoffs where right there for the Fighting Beer Drinkers but the on unthinkable happened during the final series of the season, getting killed every game, with everything on the line. Team went 38-35 during the second half of the season. That series lose to Trenton could hang with this team all off-season.]
18th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 11th Fielding – Played in the 2nd toughest division

14)Jackson Pollocks (83-79) (LW - 13) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 13-8 during the week. [What a great second half of the season for the Pollocks and grabbing the last playoff spot. It came down to the wire but the team found a way into the playoffs. Team went 41-32 during the second half of the season. Hope that big run during the last couple weeks can hold up in the playoffs.]
26th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 23rd Fielding – Played in the 4th toughest division

15)Charlotte Knights (81-81) (LW - 15) No movement from last week. Team went 11-10 during the week. [The Knights where so close to the playoffs but one bad week down the stretch killed any chance of that goal happening this season. The team really needed some close games to go there way the last couple weeks in the season but they just couldn’t get that luck on there side. Team went 37-36 during the second half of the season. Don’t worry Knights I believe you could be a team to watch out for next season.]
11th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 7th Fielding – Played in the 4th toughest division

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
16)Tampa Bay Maelstrom (81-81) (LW - 16) No movement from last week. Team went 11-10 during the week. [The Maelstrom had a nice second half to get to the .500 mark. The team seemed to run out of gas down the stretch with some average play during the last two weeks of the season. Team went 39-34 during the second half of the season. Another team looking for pitching and defense next season.]
8th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 25th Fielding – Played in the weakest division

17)Las Vegas Aces (81-81) (LW - 18) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 11-10 during the week. [The Aces where right there all season for a chance at a playoff berth but they fell just short. Going 14-16 within the division will be looked at as the reason the team missed there chance. Team went 37-36 during the second half of the season. I wonder which way the Aces will go next season, will they improve or fall?]
19th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 13th Fielding – Played in the 7th toughest division

18)Chicago Gangsters (76-86) (LW - 17) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [The Gangsters couldn’t do anything right down the stretch and losing out on any chance at the playoffs in the process. If you can’t field and pitch, it really doesn’t matter how much offense you have. Team went 30-43 during the second half of the season. Repeat after me, PITCHING and FIELDING.]
5th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 28th Fielding – Played in the 3rd toughest division

19)Sacramento Terrible Two's (78-84) (LW – 20) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [Terrible Two’s lived up to there name, having two completely different seasons. Before the All-star break they struggled in all phases of the game but really turned things around during the second half. Team went 40-33 during the second half. Don’t be surprised if the Terrible Two’s make the playoffs next year.]
15th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 4th Fielding – Played in the 6th toughest division

20)Salt Lake City Ampersands (78-84) (LW – 22) Up 2 spots from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [The Ampersands would like to know what went wrong during the second half. Team went from 12th in the power rankings at the all-star break but fell 8 spots during the second half. Team went 31-42 during the second half of the season. I hope that the second half of this season doesn’t carry over to next season.]
16th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 15th Fielding – Played in the 2nd toughest division

IF I ONLY HAD A OFFENSE

21)Norfolk NAVY SEALs (77-85) (LW - 23) Up 2 spots from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [Navy Seals are just another team with a great pitching staff but a offense that struggled, bringing the team down. The pitchers where forced to pitch as close to perfect all season with the offense only scoring 3.85 runs. Team went 36-37 during the second half of the season. Offense, go after offense during the off-season Norfolk.]
29th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 6th Fielding – Played in the 5th toughest division

22)St. Louis River Dogs (78-84) (LW - 21) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 8-13 during the week. [With an outside chance of making the playoffs the River Dogs really folded the last week of the season. It’s just really hard to win a ton of games when you’re giving up 85 more runs then your team has scored on the season. The team went 34-39 during the second half. Hopefully taking a step back during the second half will be the motivation to improve next season.]
28th Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 8th Fielding – Played in the 3rd toughest division

23)Anaheim Angels (75-87) (LW - 19) Down 4 spots from last week. Team went 6-15 during the week. [The Angels had the pitching to compete this season but the offense couldn’t hold up there part. The team played in 48 1-run games this season going 20-28 and if they had another good bat who knows what would have happened. The team went 31-42 during the second half. Please find a bat next season.]
30th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 27th Fielding - Played in the 7th toughest division

THE LOVEABLE LOSERS
24)Salem Squirrel Monkeys (70-92) (LW - 24) No movement from last week. Team went 9-12 during the week. [The Squirrel Monkeys had to be the most constant team all season. They never had a big week or a bad week, just playing .400 ball all season. The team went 32-41 during the second half. I really don’t know if the Squirrel Monkeys will improve next season or not.]
21st Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 24th Fielding – Played in the 6th toughest division

25)Trenton Thunder (74-88) (LW - 27) Up 2 spots from last week. Team went 12-9 during the week. [A nice last two weeks of the season for the Thunder. The fans in Trenton could be very exciting about next season. Team went 38-35 during the second half. Look for Trenton to be a team that will compete next season after a great second half of the season.]
25th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 20th Fielding – Played in the 2nd toughest division

26)Scottsdale Sidewinders (75-87) (LW - 26) No movement from last week. Team went 11-10 during the week. [The Sidewinders had a nice offense scoring 4.85 a game but giving up 5.51 runs per game is hurt them. Prove that you need some pitching and defense to win and not just offense. Team went 31-42 during the second half. Please get some pitching next season.]
13th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 26th Fielding – Played in the 6th toughest division

ENJOYING THE LINKS
27)Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (69-93) (LW - 25) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 5-16 during the week. [All bark and no bite this season from the Junk Yard Dogs. Going 27-54 at home is probably the biggest reason for the disappointing season. The team went 29-44 during the second half. I don’t know if the team needs to move but they need to find a way to win at home next season.]
22nd Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 10th Fielding – Played in the 4th toughest division

28)Colorado Springs Sky Sox (68-94) (LW - 28) No movement from last week. Team went 8-13 during the week. [The offense is the biggest reason for the Sky Sox failure this season. Scoring only 606 runs will bring down any franchise, no matter how good the pitching staff is. The team went 30-43 during the second half. I really hope the Sky Sox can find some offense next season or they could be in trouble again.]
32nd Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 12th Fielding – Played in the 7th toughest division

29)Richmond Spiders (61-101) (LW - 29) No movement from last week. Team went 10-11 during the week. [Where the Spiders the worst team in the league? If you believe there record you would say yes, but you would say no when you look at the players and stats. The team went 27-46 during the second half. I hope the team enjoys there first overall pick in the draft.]
23rd Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 9th Fielding - Played in the 5th toughest division

30)Pawtucket Paw Soxs (68-94) (LW - 30) No Movement from last week. Team went 13-9 during the week. [The Paw Soxs had a very nice final week of the season but that’s about all that went right this season. The team went 31-42 during the second half. I think we all know what the Paw Soxs will be looking for during the off-season.]
24th Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 31st Fielding – Played in the 5th toughest division

31)Charleston Battery (64-98) (LW - 32) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 11-10 during the week. [The Battery looked as they might pull a last place finish in the rankings from the first week to the last week but the last two weeks of the season proved that the Battery could play. The team went 35-38 during the second half. I expect to see the Battery make some noise next season.]
27th Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 21st Fielding - Played in the weakest division

HOPELESS
32)Little Rock Team Discovery Channel (62-100) (LW – 31) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 5-16 during the week. [The Team Discovery Channel has become the first team to go from number one spot to the last spot in power rankings history. Team just got worst during the second half going 25-48. Get ready for some heads to roll in Little Rock during the off-season.]
31st Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 18th Fielding - Played in the weakest division