The CAPB Times

Season 12 Ballot

2010-11-05T07:21:00.002-04:00

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.

Ranking the NL at 121 Games

2010-10-21T13:04:00.003-04:00

We decided to rank them in reverse order this week.

#16 -

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 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

St. Louis River Dogs (NL)
randallball
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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

Jackson Pollocks (NL)
Doctorbenway
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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

Charlotte Knights (NL)
zanatural
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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 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 Terrible Two's (NL)
Save_Mr_X
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- 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

Trenton Thunder (NL)
knucklebones
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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

Atlanta Hooch (NL)
keith1995
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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 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 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

Chicago Gangsters (NL)
donaldkey
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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: 20	B/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 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.

Buffalo Soldiers (NL)
examinerebb
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- 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 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 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.

10/9 HBD - Wide News

2010-10-09T23:39:00.001-04:00

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.

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

2010-09-27T22:32:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-27T09:26:00.005-04:00

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.

Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October

2010-09-22T22:17:00.000-04:00

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..."

Ranking the NL at the 25 Game Mark

2010-09-17T09:18:00.004-04:00

Buffalo Soldiers (NL)
examinerebb
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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

2.

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 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 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.

Jackson Pollocks (NL)
Doctorbenway
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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

6.

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 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.

St. Louis River Dogs (NL)
randallball
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

-
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.

Chicago Gangsters (NL)
donaldkey
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

-
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.

Charlotte Knights (NL)
zanatural
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

-
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 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.

Trenton Thunder (NL)
knucklebones
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

-
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 Fighting Beer Drinkers (NL)
mdonegan
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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In a brutal division, they may prove to be better then the early season record shows.

14.

Atlanta Hooch (NL)
keith1995
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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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 Hot Fives (NL)
options5
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

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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 Squirrel Monkeys (NL)
emdump
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

-
Hopefully someone can get in there and get this abandoned train back on track.

Chicago Gangsters Season 12 Preview

2010-08-30T15:16:00.004-04:00

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.

CAPB FINAL SEASON 11 POWER RANKINGS

2010-07-27T16:07:00.003-04:00

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

CAPB Power Rankings 7-19-10

2010-07-19T14:44:00.000-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS
1)New York Highlanders (97-44) (LW – 1) No movement from last week. Team went 15-5 during the week. [Up 1 spot from the first power rankings.] (Is there anything this team can’t do?)
3rd Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 4th Fielding

2)Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (88-53) (LW - 2) No Movement from last week. Team went 14-6 during the week. [Up 2 spots from the first power rankings.] (Hope the team is happy with the 2nd seed in the playoffs because it would be a miracle for them to get the number 1 spot.)
6th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 1st Fielding

3)Buffalo Soldiers (88-53) (LW – 4) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 14-6 during the week. [No movement from the first power rankings.] (Has the best record in the National League and will most likely have the number 1 seed heading into the playoffs.)
17th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 2nd Fielding

4)Montgomery Burns (72-49) (LW - 3) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [Up 10 spots from the first power rankings.] (The Burns dropped to the second best offense in the league this week. Is this a sign the offense could be cooling down?)
2nd Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding

5)Fargo Fart Knockers (81-60) (LW - 10) No movement from last week. Team went 12-8 during the week. [Up 11 spots from the first power rankings.] (It’s scary that Fargo is still only second in the American League North.)
1st Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 3rd Fielding

THE GREAT TEAMS
6)Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (77-64) (LW - 7) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [Up 5 spots from the first power rankings.] (Toledo will make the playoffs, it’s just a question if they can win there division as well.)
7th Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 29th Fielding

7)Pittsburgh Pisces (76-65) (LW - 8) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 10-10 during the week. [Up 10 spots from the first power rankings.] (Playing in the toughest division is a big reason Pittsburgh is a great team.)
10th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 17th Fielding

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
8)Honolulu Witch Doctors (78-63) (LW - 6) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [Up 7 spots from the first power rankings.] (The weak division hurt the Witch Doctors this week.)
12th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 21st Fielding

9)Milwaukee Porn Silos (78-63) (LW – 10) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [No movement from the first power rankings.] (Someone from the American League North has to miss the playoffs.)
11th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 25th Fielding

10)Atlanta Hooch (66-55) (LW - 11) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [Up 2 spots from the first power rankings.] (Will be in a dog fight for the National League East division crown, but I believe the Hooch will make the playoffs no matter what.)
21st Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 16th Fielding

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
11)Nashville Raccoons (72-69) (LW - 9) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 9-11 during the week. [Down 5 spots from the first power rankings.] (Something needs to happen soon for the Raccoons or they could miss the playoffs.)
5th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 30th Fielding

12)New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (71-70) (LW – 18) Up 6 spots from last week. Team went 12-8 during the week. [Down 2 spots from the first power rankings.] (17 games out of there division but they still have a very good chance at the wildcard berth.)
18th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 11th Fielding

13)Jackson Pollocks (60-61) (LW - 19) Up 6 spots from last week. Team went 12-8 during the week. [Up 11 spots from the first power rankings.] (Know the team is probably named after the famous artist Jackson Pollock, but you get a fish logo, enjoy.)
26th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 18th Fielding

14)Vancouver Whitecaps (72-69) (LW – 12) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 8-12 during the week. [Down 9 spots from the first power rankings.] (Well the bad Vancouver team showed up last week, maybe the good Vancouver team will come back this week?)
8th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 12th Fielding

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
15)Charlotte Knights (70-71) (LW - 16) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 8-12 during the week. [Up 16 spots from the first power rankings.] (Had a bad week but you still got a new logo, enjoy.)
13th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 8th Fielding

16)Tampa Bay Maelstrom (70-71) (LW - 14) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 8-12 during the week. [Down 3 spots from the first power rankings.] (Going 8-12 during the week probably killed any chance at the playoffs for Tampa.)
9th Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 24th Fielding

17)Chicago Gangsters (66-75) (LW - 13) Down 4 spots from last week. Team went 6-14 during the week. [Up 4 spots from the first power rankings.] (It doesn’t matter what division you play in, going 6-14 during the week is bad.)
4th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 26th Fielding

18)Las Vegas Aces (70-71) (LW - 15) Down 3 spots from last week. Team went 9-11 during the week. [Up 2 spots from the first power rankings.] (Still has a shot at the American League West Division crown.)
19th Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 20th Fielding

19) Anaheim Angels (69-72) (LW - 23) Up 4 spots from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [Up 9 spots from the first power rankings.] (The Angels have moved into the playoff picture. Could be a scary team to face down the stretch?)
30th Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 27th Fielding

20)Sacramento Terrible Two's (68-73) (LW – 22) Up 2 spots from last week. Team went 9-11 during the week. [Down 12 spots from the first power rankings.] (.714 winning percentage against there division, .442 against everyone else.)
16th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 6th Fielding

21) St. Louis River Dogs (70-71) (LW - 20) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 9-11 during the week. [Up 6 spots from the first power rankings.] (They still have an outside chance at the playoffs.)
29th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 9th Fielding

22)Salt Lake City Ampersands (68-73) (LW – 17) Down 5 spots from last week. Team went 8-12 during the week. [Down 15 spots from the first power rankings.] (What happened to Salt Lake during the second half?)
14th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 14th Fielding

23) Norfolk NAVY SEALs (67-74) (LW - 21) Down 2 spots from last week. Team went 10-10 during the week. [Up 7 spots from the first power rankings.] (If the Navy Seals would have played less then 49 one-run games this season already, who knows what the season would have been.)
27th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 5th Fielding

THE WISH I WAS HIGHER TEAMS
24) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (61-80) (LW - 24) No movement from last week. Team went 10-10 during the week. [Down 6 spots from the first power rankings.] (26-44 away from home is what killed the Squirrel Monkeys season)
22nd Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 23rd Fielding

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS
25) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (64-77) (LW - 26) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 12-8 during the week. [Down 3 spots from the first power rankings.] (Would have been nice to see the team play like this all season long.)
20th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 7th Fielding

26) Scottsdale Sidewinders (64-77) (LW - 25) Down 1 spot from last week. Team went 9-11 during the week. [Down 7 spots from the first power rankings.] (Giving up 5.5 runs per game, has really hurt them all season long.)
15th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 28th Fielding

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
27) Trenton Thunder (62-79) (LW - 27) No Movement from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [Up 2 spots from the first power rankings.] (No matter how they finish the season, they have improved from last year.)
25th Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding

28) Colorado Springs Sky Sox (60-81) (LW - 29) Up 1 spot from last week. Team went 10-10 during the week. [Down 5 spots from the first power rankings.] (The team is scoring 3.81 runs per game so far this season. Do I need to say anymore about that?)
32nd Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 15th Fielding

29) Richmond Spiders (51-90) (LW - 28) Down 1 spot from last week. [Down 3 spots from the first power rankings.] (Hope Richmond will enjoy that first overall pick next season.)
24th Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 10th Fielding

30) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (56-85) (LW - 30) No Movement from last week. Team went 6-14 during the week. [Down 5 spots from the first power rankings.] (You’re not going to win many games, if you can’t pitch or field.)
23rd Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 31st Fielding

31Little Rock ~~Team Discovery Channel~~Cupcakes (57-84) (LW – 31) No movement from last week. Team went 9-11 during the week. [Down 30 spots from the first power rankings.] (No longer hopeless but there still bad and there still a cupcake team.)
31st Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 13th Fielding

THE HOPELESS TEAMS
32) Charleston Battery (53-88) (LW - 32) No Movement from last week. Team went 11-9 during the week. [No movement from the first power rankings.]. (Best week of the season last week for the team. Could they finally move out of the last spot in the next power rankings?)
28th Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 19th Fielding

CAPB Power Rankings 7-12-10

2010-07-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS
1)New York Highlanders (82-39) (LW – 1) No movement from last week. (One of the most complete teams I have ever seen)
3rd Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 3rd Fielding

2)Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (74-47) (LW - 2) No Movement from last week. (The best team in the best division)
6th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 1st Fielding

3)Montgomery Burns (72-49) (LW - 3) No Movement from last week. (After a slow start they are now running away with the division)
1st Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding

4)Buffalo Soldiers (74-47) (LW – 5) Up 1 spot from last week. (If they can find a powerful bat this team could be scary)
17th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 2nd Fielding

5)Fargo Fart Knockers (69-52) (LW - 10) Up 5 spots from last week. (Don’t let the name fool you, this team is scary)
2nd Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 4th Fielding

THE GREAT TEAMS
6)Honolulu Witch Doctors (69-52) (LW - 6) No movement from last week. (If they played in a tougher division, they would be an elite team)
13th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 18th Fielding

7)Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (66-55) (LW - 8) Up 1 spot from last week. (This is one team I wouldn’t want to face in the playoffs)
7th Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 29th Fielding

8)Pittsburgh Pisces (66-55) (LW - 7) Down 1 spot from last week. (Believe it or not they are last in there division)
8th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 17th Fielding

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
9)Nashville Raccoons (63-58) (LW - 11) Up 2 spots from last week. (Hopefully the worst is behind them now)
4th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 31st Fielding

10)Milwaukee Porn Silos (67-54) (LW – 9) Down 1 spot from last week. (Every team from the American League North is in the top ten this week)
9th Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding

11)Atlanta Hooch (66-55) (LW - 4) Up 7 spots from last week. (Proof that pitching can only carry you so far)
22nd Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 16th Fielding

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
12)Vancouver Whitecaps (64-57) (LW – 15) Up 3 spots from last week. (Jump 8 spots in the pitching stats this week, big reason for there move up the rankings)
11th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 20th Fielding

13)Chicago Gangsters (60-61) (LW - 14) Up 1 spot from last week. (Playing in the second toughest division is why the Gangsters are here)
5th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 27th Fielding

14)Tampa Bay Maelstrom (62-59) (LW - 22) Up 8 spots from last week. (Welcome to the top 15, enjoy your new logo)
12th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 23rd Fielding

15)Las Vegas Aces (61-60) (LW - 16) Up 1 spot from last week. (This team is the definition of a middle of the road team)
18th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 19th Fielding

16) Charlotte Knights (62-59) (LW - 20) Up 4 spots from last week. (Would have had a logo this week but Tampa had the better week)
14th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 8th Fielding

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
17)Salt Lake City Ampersands (60-61) (LW – 12) Down 5 spots from last week. (Going 5 games over five hundred to 1 game under is a bad week)
10th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 14th Fielding

18)New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (59-62) (LW – 13) Down 5 spots from last week. (To much drinking and not enough fighting this week from New Britain)
19th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 11th Fielding

19) Jackson Pollocks (60-61) (LW - 21) Up 2 spots from last week. (If the teams keeps this up they could see a new logo in the near future)
27th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 17th Fielding

20) St. Louis River Dogs (61-60) (LW - 18) Down 2 spots from last week. (Hard luck week for the River Dogs, they didn’t play bad but some teams just had a better week)
28th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 9th Fielding

21) Norfolk NAVY SEALs (57-64) (LW - 19) Down 2 spots from last week. (I don’t know if it’s just me or not but I have a feeling the Navy Seals are going to have a great week)
27th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 7th Fielding

22)Sacramento Terrible Two's (59-62) (LW – 25) Up 3 spots from last week. (Now that you have your logo back, don’t be falling back below 25th place again)
16th Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 6th Fielding

THE WISH I WAS HIGHER TEAMS
23) Anaheim Angels (58-63) (LW - 23) No Movement from last week. (It will take some real Angels in the Outfield to get this team back into the playoff picture)
29th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 28th Fielding

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS
24) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (51-70) (LW - 24) No movement from last week. (Think it’s time to start thinking about next season for Salem)
23rd Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 25th Fielding

25) Scottsdale Sidewinders (55-66) (LW - 17) Down 8 spots from last week. (Going 11 and 21 during the week destroyed any chance at the playoffs for the Sidewinders)
15th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 26th Fielding

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
26) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (52-69) (LW - 26) No movement from last week. (All bark and no bit from the Junk Yard Dogs this season)
24th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 10th Fielding

27) Trenton Thunder (51-70) (LW - 29) Up 2 spots from last week (Better luck next season for Trenton, but still doing better then I thought they would)
25th Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 21st Fielding

28) Richmond Spiders (34-55) (LW - 27) Down 1 spot from last week. (A better team then there ranking but going 13-21 in one run games hurts)
20th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 5th Fielding

29) Colorado Springs Sky Sox (50-71) (LW - 28) Down 1 spot from last week. (Desperate for any kind of offense at this point)
32nd Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 12th Fielding

30) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (50-71) (LW - 30) No Movement from last week. (At least your not a Hopeless team)
21st Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 30th Fielding

THE HOPELESS TEAMS
31Little Rock ~~Team Discovery Channel~~Cupcakes (48-73) (LW – 31) No movement from last week. (The new owner is trying but this team has truly become hopeless)
30th Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 13th Fielding

32) Charleston Battery (42-79) (LW - 32) No Movement from last week. (This as to be one the worst teams I’ve ever seen)
31st Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 24th Fielding

CAPB Power Rankings 6-30-10

2010-06-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS
1)New York Highlanders (61-28) (LW – 1) No movement from last week.
9th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 6th Fielding

2)Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (58-31) (LW - 2) No Movement from last week. .28 points behind the New York Highlanders.
2nd Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 2nd Fielding

3)Montgomery Burns (54-35) (LW - 3) No Movement from last week. 39.68 points behind the New York Highlanders.
1st Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 32nd Fielding

4)Atlanta Hooch (52-37) (LW - 5) Up 1 spot from last week. 55.06 points behind the New York Highlanders.
22nd Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 16th Fielding

5)Buffalo Soldiers (54-35) (LW – 6) Up 1 spot from last week. 58.53 points behind the New York Highlanders.
17th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 1st Fielding

THE GREAT TEAMS
6)Honolulu Witch Doctors (50-39) (LW - 8) Up 2 spots from last week.
10th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding

7)Pittsburgh Pisces (49-40) (LW - 19) Up 12 spots from last week. 5.95 points behind the Honolulu Witch Doctors.
11th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 18th Fielding

8)Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (47-42) (LW - 11) Up 3 spots from last week. 6.04 points behind the Honolulu Witch Doctors.
7th Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 29th Fielding

9)Milwaukee Porn Silos (50-39) (LW – 7) Down 2 spots from last week. 7.09 points behind the Honolulu Witch Doctors.
5th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 26th Fielding

10)Fargo Fart Knockers (40-29) (LW - 4) Down 6 spots from last week. 9.15 points behind the Honolulu Witch Doctors.
4th Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 8th Fielding

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
11)Nashville Raccoons (45-44) (LW - 10) Down 1 spot from last week.
3rd Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 28th Fielding

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
12)Salt Lake City Ampersands (47-42) (LW – 9) Down 3 spots from last week.
12th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 11th Fielding

13)New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (45-44) (LW – 13) No movement from last week. 3.19 points behind the Salt Lake City Ampersands.
18th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 13th Fielding

14)Chicago Gangsters (46-43) (LW - 14) No movement from last week. 7.96 points behind the Salt Lake City Ampersands.
6th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 25th Fielding

15)Vancouver Whitecaps (46-43) (LW – 12) Down 3 spots from last week. 11.38 points behind the Salt Lake City Ampersands.
13th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 20th Fielding

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
16)Las Vegas Aces (44-45) (LW - 15) Down 1 spot from last week.
14th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 19th Fielding

17) Scottsdale Sidewinders (44-45) (LW - 16) Down 1 spot from last week. 7.38 points behind the Las Vegas Aces.
8th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 14th Fielding

THE WISH I WAS HIGHER TEAMS
18) St. Louis River Dogs (44-45) (LW - 28) Up 10 spots from last week.
29th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 15th Fielding

19) Norfolk NAVY SEALs (41-48) (LW - 22) Up 3 spots from last week. .16 points behind the St. Louis River Dogs.
28th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 7th Fielding

20) Charlotte Knights (44-45) (LW - 21) Up 1 spot from last week. .91 points behind the St. Louis River Dogs.
16th Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 9th Fielding

21) Jackson Pollocks (42-47) (LW - 20) Down 1 spot from last week. 1.47 points behind the St. Louis River Dogs.
27th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 17th Fielding

22) Tampa Bay Maelstrom (42-47) (LW - 18) Down 4 spots from last week. 2.77 points behind the St. Louis River Dogs.
15th Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 21st Fielding

23) Anaheim Angels (44-45) (LW - 24) Up 1 spot from last week. 6.56 points behind the St. Louis River Dogs.
26th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 31st Fielding

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS
24) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (38-51) (LW - 27) Up 3 spots from last week.
23rd Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 30th Fielding

25)Sacramento ~~Terrible Two's~~Cupcakes (38-51) (LW – 26) Up 1 spot from last week. 5.96 points behind the Salem Squirrel Monkeys.
21st Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 10th Fielding [Team missed getting there old logo by one rank. Team will have to enjoy the cupcake logo once again.]

26) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (40-49) (LW - 23) Down 3 spots from last week.
20th Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 5th Fielding

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
27) Richmond Spiders (34-55) (LW - 30) Up 3 spots from last week.
19th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 3rd Fielding

28) Colorado Springs Sky Sox (38-51) (LW - 31) Up 3 spots from last week. .85 points behind the Richmond Spiders.
31st Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 12th Fielding

29) Trenton Thunder (36-53) (LW - 25) Down 4 spots from last week. 4.72 points behind the Richmond Spiders.
24th Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 24th Fielding

30) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (37-52) (LW - 29) Down 1 spot from last week. 17.39 points behind the Richmond Spiders.
25th Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 27th Fielding

THE HOPELESS TEAMS
31Little Rock ~~Team Discovery Channel~~Cupcakes II (37-52) (LW – 17) Down 14 spots from last week.
30th Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 4th Fielding [I know there’s a new owner for the team but I’m a computer, so I have no sympathy. Enjoy your cupcake logo.]

32) Charleston Battery (29-60) (LW - 32) No Movement from last week. 44.10 points behind the Little Rock Team Discovery Channel
32nd Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 23rd Fielding

CAPB Power Rankings 6-23-10

2010-06-23T14:25:00.000-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS
1)New York Highlanders (46-23) (LW – 2) Up 1 Spot from last week.
11th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 3rd Fielding

2)Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (45-24) (LW - 1) Down 1 spot from last week.
5th Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 1st Fielding

3)Montgomery Burns (40-29) (LW - 9) Up 6 spots from last week.
1st Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 29th Fielding

4)Fargo Fart Knockers (40-29) (LW - 4) No movement from last week.
2nd Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 11th Fielding

5)Atlanta Hooch (40-29) (LW - 10) Up 5 spots from last week.
19th Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 17th Fielding

6)Buffalo Soldiers (41-28) (LW – 8) Up 2 spots from last week.
17th Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 2nd Fielding

THE GREAT TEAMS
7)Milwaukee Porn Silos (40-29) (LW – 5) Down 2 spots from last week.
3rd Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 25th Fielding

8)Honolulu Witch Doctors (38-31) (LW - 6) Down 2 spots from last week.
7th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 21st Fielding

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
9)Salt Lake City Ampersands (38-31) (LW – 11) Up 2 spots from last week.
10th Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 13th Fielding

10)Nashville Raccoons (35-34) (LW - 3) Down 7 spots from last week.
4th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 27th Fielding

11)Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (35-34) (LW - 14) Up 3 spots from last week.
13th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 28th Fielding

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
12)Vancouver Whitecaps (36-33) (LW – 7) Down 5 spots from last week.
9th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 14th Fielding

13)New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (34-35) (LW – 13) No movement from last week.
21st Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 20th Fielding

14)Chicago Gangsters (35-34) (LW - 26) Up 12 spots from last week.
6th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 24th Fielding

15)Las Vegas Aces (35-34) (LW - 17) Up 2 spots from last week.
15th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 18th Fielding

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
16) Scottsdale Sidewinders (36-33) (LW - 16) No Movement from last week.
8th Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 16th Fielding

17)Little Rock Team Discovery Channel (35-34) (LW – 12) Down 5 spots from last week.
23rd Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 6th Fielding

18) Tampa Bay Maelstrom (34-35) (LW - 15) Down 3 spots from last week.
14th Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 23rd Fielding

19) Pittsburgh Pisces (32-37) (LW - 22) Up 3 spots from last week.
18th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 19th Fielding

THE WISH I WAS HIGHER TEAMS
20) Jackson Pollocks (34-35) (LW - 20) No Movement from last week.
31st Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 15th Fielding

21) Charlotte Knights (34-35) (LW - 24) Up 3 spots from last week.
12th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 9th Fielding

22) Norfolk NAVY SEALs (30-39) (LW - 29) Up 7 spots from last week.
27th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 7th Fielding

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS
23) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (33-36) (LW - 18) Down 5 spots from last week.
16th Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 5th Fielding

24) Anaheim Angels (33-36) (LW - 23) Down 1 spot from last week.
28th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 31st Fielding

25) Trenton Thunder (30-39) (LW - 28) Up 3 spots from last week.
26th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 26th Fielding

26)Sacramento Terrible Two's (30-39) (LW – 19) Down 7 spots from last week.
25th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 12th Fielding [First team to have a logo to drop below the 25th ranking]

27) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (29-40) (LW - 21) Down 6 spots from last week.
20th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding

28) St. Louis River Dogs (31-38) (LW - 30) Up 2 spots from last week.
29th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
29) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (30-39) (LW - 25) Down 4 spots from last week.
22nd Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 30th Fielding

30) Richmond Spiders (24-45) (LW - 31) Up 1 spot from last week.
24th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 4th Fielding

THE HOPELESS TEAMS
31) Colorado Springs Sky Sox (29-40) (LW - 27) Down 4 spots from last week.
30th Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 8th Fielding

32) Charleston Battery (22-47) (LW - 32) No Movement from last week.
32nd Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 10th Fielding

Ten Year Team Rankings

2010-06-22T22:52:00.000-04:00

32. Anaheim Angels Franchise Point Ranking: -146.4
Record: 712-908
30th Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 26th Fielding
(1) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (2) Winning Seasons – (8) Losing Seasons/ (4) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

31. Nashville Raccoons Franchise Point Ranking: -107.9
Record: 736-884
23rd Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 31st Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (5) 4th place finishes/ (1) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

30. Scottsdale Sidewinders Franchise Point Ranking: -102.0
Record: 760-860
26th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 30th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

29. Chicago Gangsters Franchise Point Ranking: -96.5
Record: 755-865
20th Hitting/ 27th Pitching/ 29th Fielding
(0) Division Crowns/ (3) Wildcard Berth/ (5) Winning Seasons – (5) Losing Seasons/ (4) 4th place finishes/ (1) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

28. Las Vegas Aces Franchise Point Ranking: -80.2
Record: 735-885
18th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 17th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (1) Winning Season – (9) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

27. Sacramento Terrible Two's Franchise Point Ranking: -54.6
Record: 771-849
31st Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 25th Fielding
(0) Division Crowns/ (4) Wildcard Berths/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (4) 4th place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

26. Tampa Bay Maelstrom Franchise Point Ranking: -53.6
Record: 783-837
8th Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 21st Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

25. Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks Franchise Point Ranking: -52.0
Record: 753-867
16th Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 23rd Fielding
(3) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (5) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

24. Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs Franchise Point Ranking: -51.3
Record: 766-854
29th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 15th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (3) Wildcard Berths/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

23. Little Rock Team Discovery Channel Franchise Point Ranking: -48.2
Record: 774-846
19th Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 12th Fielding
(0) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (4) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

22. Charlotte Knights Franchise Point Ranking: -44.0
Record: 751-869
22nd Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 13th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (3) Winning Seasons – (7) Losing Seasons/ (2) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

21. Norfolk NAVY SEALs Franchise Point Ranking: -33.2
Record: 758-862
6th Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 19th Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (2) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (1) World Series Berth/ (2) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

20. New York Highlanders Franchise Point Ranking: -29.6
Record: 783-837
15th Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 11th Fielding
(4) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (6) Winning Seasons – (4) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th Place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (1) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

19. St. Louis River Dogs Franchise Point Ranking: -23.2
Record: 798-822
32nd Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding
(0) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (0) 4th place finishes/ (0) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

18. Salem Squirrel Monkeys Franchise Point Ranking: -12.8
Record: 814-806
27th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 24th Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (5) Winning Seasons – (5) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (1) World Series Berth/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

17. Pittsburgh Pisces Franchise Point Ranking: -7.6
Record: 764-856
17th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 14th Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (3) Winning Seasons – (7) Losing Seasons/ (5) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (2) World Series Berth/ (1) World Series Victory/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

16. Vancouver Whitecaps Franchise Point Ranking: 13.8
Record: 818-802
13th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 28th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (3) Wildcard Berths/ (6) Winning Seasons – (4) Losing Seasons/ (2) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (1) World Series Berth/ (0) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

15. Salt Lake City Ampersands Franchise Point Ranking: 25.5
Record: 817-803
10th Hitting/ 15th Pitching/ 18th Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (5) Winning Seasons – (5) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (3) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

14. Pawtucket Paw Soxs Franchise Point Ranking: 25.6
Record: 818-802
4th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 32nd Fielding
(4) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (5) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (2) World Series Berth/ (2) World Series Victory/ (0) MVP/ (4) Cy Young

13. Trenton Thunder Franchise Point Ranking: 31.1
Record: 811-809
25th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 7th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (4) Winning Seasons – (6) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (2) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

12. Richmond Spiders Franchise Point Ranking: 31.7
Record: 792-828
28th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 2nd Fielding
(0) Division Crowns/ (2) Wildcard Berths/ (5) Winning Seasons – (5) Losing Seasons/ (0) 4th Place finishes/ (1) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

11. Charleston Battery Franchise Point Ranking: 52.9
Record: 816-804
12th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 9th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (4) Wildcard Berths/ (6) Winning Seasons – (4) Losing Seasons/ (3) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (1) World Series Berth/ (1) World Series Victory/ (0) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

10. New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers Franchise Point Ranking: 65.7
Record: 853-767
21st Hitting/ 5th Pitching/ 16th Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (9) Winning Seasons – (1) Losing Season/ (0) 4th place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (1) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

9. Fargo Fart Knockers Franchise Point Ranking: 74.0
Record: 815-805
9th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 1st Fielding
(2) Division Crowns/ (3) Wildcard Berths/ (5) Winning Seasons – (5) Losing Seasons/ (1) 4th place finish/ (1) League Championship Series/ (1) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

8. Milwaukee Porn Silos Franchise Point Ranking: 83.3
Record: 846-774
7th Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 8th Fielding
(1) Division Crown/ (3) Wildcard Berths/ (7) Winning Seasons – (3) Losing Seasons/ (2) 4th place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (0) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

7. Minnesota Monkey Wranglers Franchise Point Ranking: 92.7
Record: 862-758
5th Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 6th Fielding
(5) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard berth/ (8) Winning Seasons – (2) Losing Seasons/ (2) 4th place finishes/ (2) League Championship Series/ (1) World Series Berth/ (0) MVP/ (2) Cy Young

6. Jackson Pollocks Franchise Point Ranking: 110.4
Record: 872-748
14th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 27th Fielding
(6) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (8) Winning Seasons – (2) Losing Seasons/ (0) 4th place finishes/ (1) League Championship Series/ (1) World Series Berth/ (1) World Series Victory/ (1) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

5. Colorado Springs Sky Sox Franchise Point Ranking: 111.8
Record: 881-739
2nd Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 20th Fielding
(7) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (8) Winning Seasons – (2) Losing Seasons/ (1) 4th place finish/ (2) League Championship Series/ (1) MVP/ (1) Cy Young
Best Season – Last Season

4. Buffalo Soldiers Franchise Point Rankings: 150.0
Record: 898-722
24th Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 3rd Fielding
(5) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (6) Winning Seasons – (4) Losing Seasons/ (4) 4th place finishes/ (4) League Championship Series/ (2) World Series Berth/ (1) World Series Victory/ (1) MVP/ (5) Cy Young

3. Atlanta Hooch Franchise Point Ranking: 166.2
Record: 888-732
11th Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 5th Fielding
(7) Division Crowns/ (0) Wildcard Berths/ (7) Winning Seasons – (3) Losing Seasons/ (0) 4th place finishes/ (6) League Championship Series/ (4) World Series Berth/ (0) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

2. Honolulu Witch Doctors Franchise Point Ranking: 245.4
Record: 926-694
3rd Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 4th Fielding
(7) Division Crowns/ (2) Wildcard Berths/ (10) Winning Seasons – (0) Losing Seasons/ (0) 4th place finishes/ (3) League Championship Series/ (2) World Series Berth/ (2) World Series Victory/ (1) MVP/ (1) Cy Young

1. Montgomery Burns Franchise Point Ranking: 264.9
Record: 994-626
1st Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 10th Fielding
(8) Division Crowns/ (1) Wildcard Berth/ (10) Winning Seasons – (0) Losing Seasons/ (0) 4th place finishes/ (3) League Championship Series/ (2) World Series Berth/ (1) World Series Victory/ (4) MVP/ (0) Cy Young

CAPB POWER RANKINGS 6-16-10

2010-06-16T15:13:00.000-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS

1) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (31-19) (LW - 4) 6th Hitting/ 3rd Pitching/ 2nd Fielding

2) New York Highlanders (32-18) (LW – 2) 13th Hitting/ 2nd Pitching/ 1st Fielding

3) Nashville Raccoons (29-21) (LW - 6) 1st Hitting/ 20th Pitching/ 23rd Fielding

4) Fargo Fart Knockers (28-22) (LW - 16) 3rd Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 14th Fielding

THE GREAT TEAMS
5) Milwaukee Porn Silos (30-20) (LW – 9) 5th Hitting/ 19th Pitching/ 25th Fielding

6) Honolulu Witch Doctors (29-21) (LW - 15) 10th Hitting/ 4th Pitching/ 19th Fielding

7) Vancouver Whitecaps (30-20) (LW – 5) 4th Hitting/ 25th Pitching/ 16th Fielding

8) Buffalo Soldiers (29-21) (LW – 3) 19th Hitting/ 8th Pitching/ 6th Fielding

9) Montgomery Burns (28-22) (LW - 14) 2nd Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 29th Fielding

10) Atlanta Hooch (27-23) (LW - 12) 23rd Hitting/ 1st Pitching/ 17th Fielding

11) Salt Lake City Ampersands (29-21) (LW – 7) 11th Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 4th Fielding

12) Little Rock Team Discovery Channel (29-21) (LW – 1) 24th Hitting/ 7th Pitching/ 5th Fielding

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
13) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (25-25) (LW – 10) 16th Hitting/ 14th Pitching/ 13th Fielding

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
14) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (24-26) (LW - 11) 17th Hitting/ 13th Pitching/ 28th Fielding

15) Tampa Bay Maelstrom (26-24) (LW - 13) 14th Hitting/ 23rd Pitching/ 18th Fielding

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS
16) Scottsdale Sidewinders (26-24) (LW - 19) 8th Hitting/ 30th Pitching/ 15th Fielding

17) Las Vegas Aces (25-25) (LW - 20) 11th Hitting/ 26th Pitching/ 22nd Fielding

18) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (25-25) (LW - 22) 18th Hitting/ 21st Pitching/ 5th Fielding

19) Sacramento Terrible Two's (24-26) (LW – 8) 23rd Hitting/ 17th Pitching/ 9th Fielding

THE WISH I WAS HIGHER TEAMS
20) Jackson Pollocks (25-25) (LW - 24) 29th Hitting/ 9th Pitching/ 11th Fielding

21) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (22-28) (LW - 18) 15th Hitting/ 16th Pitching/ 32nd Fielding

22) Pittsburgh Pisces (22-28) (LW - 17) 21st Hitting/ 10th Pitching/ 21st Fielding

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS
23) Anaheim Angels (24-26) (LW - 28) 26th Hitting/ 11th Pitching/ 30th Fielding

24) Charlotte Knights (24-26) (LW - 31) 12th Hitting/ 29th Pitching/ 10th Fielding

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
25) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (24-26) (LW - 25) 22nd Hitting/ 28th Pitching/ 31st Fielding

26) Chicago Gangsters (20-30) (LW - 21) 7th Hitting/ 31st Pitching/ 26th Fielding

27) Colorado Springs Sky Sox (23-27) (LW - 23) 27th Hitting/ 24th Pitching/ 8th Fielding

28) Trenton Thunder (21-29) (LW - 29) 25th Hitting/ 22nd Pitching/ 24th Fielding

29) Norfolk NAVY SEALs (17-33) (LW - 30) 30th Hitting/ 6th Pitching/ 12th Fielding

30) St. Louis River Dogs (21-29) (LW - 27) 31st Hitting/ 12th Pitching/ 27th Fielding

THE HOPELESS TEAMS
31) Richmond Spiders (17-33) (LW - 26) 28th Hitting/ 18th Pitching/ 3rd Fielding

32) Charleston Battery (14-36) (LW - 32) 32nd Hitting/ 32nd Pitching/ 4th Fielding

CAPB Power Rankings 6-9-10

2010-06-09T13:20:00.010-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS

1) Little Rock Team Discovery Channel (23-7) (LW – NR)

2) New York Highlanders (22-8) (LW – NR)

3) Buffalo Soldiers (20-11) (LW – NR)

4) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (17-13) (LW - NR)

5) Vancouver Whitecaps (19-12) (LW – NR)

6) Nashville Raccoons (19-11) (LW - NR)

7) Salt Lake City Ampersands (18-12) (LW – NR)

THE GREAT TEAMS
8) Sacramento Terrible Two's (18-13) (LW – NR)

9) Milwaukee Porn Silos (18-13) (LW – NR)

10) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (16-14) (LW – NR)

11) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (16-14) (LW - NR)

12) Atlanta Hooch (16-15) (LW - NR)

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS
13) Tampa Bay Maelstrom (18-12) (LW - NR)

14) Montgomery Burns (16-14) (LW - NR)

15) Honolulu Witch Doctors (15-15) (LW - NR)

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS
16) Fargo Fart Knockers (14-16) (LW - NR)

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS

17) Pittsburgh Pisces (14-16) (LW - NR)

18) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (14-16) (LW - NR)

19) Scottsdale Sidewinders (16-14) (LW - NR)

20) Las Vegas Aces (15-15) (LW - NR)

THE WISH I WAS HIGHER TEAMS
21) Chicago Gangsters (14-16) (LW - NR)

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS
22) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (15-15) (LW - NR)

23) Colorado Springs Sky Sox(15-15) (LW - NR)

THE ALMOST HOPELESS TEAMS
24) Jackson Pollocks (14-16) (LW - NR)

25) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (14-17) (LW - NR)

26) Richmond Spiders (10-21) (LW - NR)

27) St. Louis River Dogs (12-19) (LW - NR)

THE HOPELESS TEAMS
28) Anaheim Angels (11-19) (LW - NR)

29) Trenton Thunder (10-20) (LW - NR)

30) Norfolk NAVY SEALs (8-22) (LW - NR)

31) Charlotte Knights (9-21) (LW - NR)

32) Charleston Battery (8-22) (LW - NR)

HBD leagues united through chat.

2010-05-21T21:33:00.000-04:00

I know only a few will want to bother with the chat, but its cool for those of us that use it. The chat is "global" so it can be used from each of the different leagues blogs. So far its only on my knucklebonesradio.blogspot.com blog and USMLBs blog.

Im hoping to get it on here and any of the other leagues I cover or play in. This is my public request to the Admin. Did it once in chat don't want to be ridiculous about it.

Barring that you can join the chat through my blog or USMLBs if you want to use it. There is no sign up. You're given a name you can keep or change. Most use their HBD/WiS IDs.

2010-05-15T01:47:00.002-04:00

2010-05-14T21:54:00.002-04:00

Listen to Knucklebones Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Daytime Broadcast Launched

2010-05-08T20:00:00.002-04:00

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/knucklebones The daytime program has been scheduled for M-F 5pm Pst/8pm Est. Come listen!!! This will be Hardball Dynasty news Only.

Are you listening?

2010-05-04T17:19:00.000-04:00

If you listen to my radio show and are in other leagues, Im willing to report on those leagues provided they provide me with the stories/stats that each league would want reported. My continuing to cover hardball dynastly depends on me having the content and listeners that want it. Its up to my listeners to pass the word as I think its bad form to post about it on whatifsports forums. So if you like my show and want to help a knucklehead out, pass the word and have them comment on the knucklebonesradio blog with their requests. Thanks for listening.

knucklebones Radio

2010-04-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

Hi CAPB'ers, I've started a new hobby and do a talk radio show online. I've just started and Im terrible at it but have shown enough to feel confident going forward. Researching the content of the show will be the hard part. Actually doing the show is something I enjoy.

Due to having to do all the research myself and having a life otherwise, I will probably not do a show everynight like I started out, but probably once or twice a week.

You can access the show on this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/knucklebones

On my radio page you can access archived episodes (the 2 intial hack jobs are there) and future show times. Thanks for listening if you choose to do so.

Power Rankings Week 7 (Season 7)

2009-07-01T17:00:00.001-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS

1) Atlanta Hooch (85-56) (PW – 3) (Points = 132.82)

2) Honolulu Witch Doctors (84-57) (PW – 6) (Points = 124.26)

3) Austin Popsicles (85-56) (PW – 1) (Points = 114.90)

4) Montgomery Burns (86-55) (PW – 2) (Points = 112.67)

THE GREAT TEAMS

5) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (79-62) (PW – 5) (Points = 92.05)

6) New York Highlanders (75-66) (PW – 11) (Points = 85.32)

7) Fargo Fart Knockers (78-63) (PW – 9) (Points = 83.32)

8) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (81-60) (PW – 4) (Points = 80.83)

9) Anaheim Wings (79-62) (PW – 7) (Points = 80.29)

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS

10) Philadelphia Phantoms (78-63) (PW – 10) (Points = 79.09)

11) Milwaukee Porn Silos (75-66) (PW – 13) (Points = 72.12)

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS

12) Chicago Gangsters (77-64) (PW – 8) (Points = 56.21)

13) Santa Cruz Beachcombers (78-63) (PW – 12) (Points = 55.53)

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS

14) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (66-75) (PW – 20) (Points = 36.47)

15) Dover EliteDucks (70-71) (PW – 17) (Points = 32.29)

16) Nashville Raccoons (71-70) (PW – 14) (Points = 29.57)

17) Las Vegas Aces (74-67) (PW – 22) (Points = 26.74)

18) Charleston Battery (69-72) (PW – 16) (Points = 24.23)

19) Helena Dental Floss Tycoons (70-71) (PW – 15) (Points = 24.20)

20) Salt Lake City Ampersands (67-74) (PW – 18) (Points = 23.17)

THE FIGHTING FOR RESPECT TEAMS

21) St. Louis River Dogs (66-75) (PW – 19) (Points = 15.86)

22) Buffalo Pioneers (63-78) (PW – 27) (Points = 9.44)

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS

23) Monterrey Quakes (62-79) (PW –21) (Points = -2.63)

24) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (66-75) (PW – 25) (Points = -7.80)

25) Charlotte Knights (66-75) (PW – 23) (Points = -8.46)

26) Fresno Devil Dogs (63-78) (PW – 29) (Points = -10.28)

27) Richmond Spiders (53-68) (PW – 26) (Points = -10.77)

THE CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT SEASON

28) Florida Fighting Citrus (62-79) (PW – 28) (Points = -20.70)

29) Cleveland Jobu Rum Runners (65-76) (PW – 24) (Points = -21.04)

THE HOPELESS TEAMS

30) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (52-89) (PW – 31) (Points = -71.88)

31) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (50-91) (PW – 30) (Points = -87.35)

32) Sacramento River Cats (52-89) (PW – 32) (Points = -97.26)

Power Rankings Week 6 (Season 7)

2009-06-24T13:24:00.001-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS

1) Austin Popsicles (75-46) (PW – 2) (Points = 120.71)
The Popsicles moved up one spot to take control of the top spot this week. The team is scoring 5.57 runs per game while giving up 4.41 runs per game. The team plays in the second toughest division in the league. The Popsicles went 14-6 during the week including winning 2 out of 3 games against Atlanta and 3 out of 4 against the red hot Fighting Beer Drinkers.

2) Montgomery Burns (76-45) (PW – 1) (Points = 112.04)
The Burns fell one spot this week proving that all good things must come to an end sometime. The team is scoring 5.97 runs per game while giving up 5.06 runs per game. The team plays in the fourth toughest division in the league. The Burns went 13-7 during the week, winning five straight games to end the week.

3) Atlanta Hooch (71-50) (PW – 4) (Points = 107.05)
The Hooch one spot this week and tying for the divisional led in the National League East. The team is scoring 5.51 runs per game while giving up 4.38 runs per game. The team plays in the fifth toughest division in the league. The Hooch went 14-6 during the week, including taking 2 out of 3 against the Witch Doctors.

THE GREAT TEAMS

4) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (72-49) (PW – 14) (Points = 90.11)
The Fighting Beer Drinkers moved up ten spots and right back into the fourth spot of the rankings like they where two weeks ago. The team is scoring 4.58 runs per game while giving up 4.05 runs per game. The team plays in the third toughest division in the league. The Fighting Beer Drinkers went 15-5 during the week, the best record in baseball during that time.

5) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (69-52) (PW – 5) (Points = 87.17)
The Monkey Wranglers remained in the fifth spot and as a small led in the American League North. The team is scoring 5.18 runs per game while giving up 4.28 runs per game. The team plays in the hardest division in the league. The Monkey Wranglers went 12-8 during the week, where the team went 2-5 against the Florida Fighting Citrus and went 10-3 against the rest of the teams played.

6) Honolulu Witch Doctors (69-52) (PW – 6) (Points = 86.23)
The Witch Doctors remained in the sixth spot and still has a good sized led in the National League West. The team is scoring 5.25 runs per game while giving up 4.39 runs per game. The team plays in seventh hardest division in the league. The Witch Doctors went 11-9 during the week including a eight game winning streak at the beginning of the week.

ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS

7) Anaheim Wings (68-53) (PW – 8) (Points = 76.28)
The Wings moved up one spot and is a tough battle for the American League West crown. The team is scoring 5.22 runs per game while giving up 4.49 runs per game. The team plays in the sixth toughest division in the league. The Wings went 12-8 during the week, with the highlight taking 2 out of 3 games against the Burns.

8) Chicago Gangsters (71-50) (PW – 3) (Points = 73.28)
The Gangsters fell five spots with a very average week from the team. The team is scoring 5.02 runs per game while giving up 4.45 runs per game. The team plays in the fifth toughest division in the league. The Gangsters went 10-10 during the week and with the team facing the Fighting Beer Drinkers and the Popsicles this isn’t the time to be struggling a little bit.

9) Fargo Fart Knockers (67-54) (PW – 7) (Points = 72.57)
The Fart Knockers fell two spots and the division led as well. The team is scoring 5.20 runs per game while giving up 4.67 runs per game. The team plays in hardest division in the league. The Fart Knockers went 11-9 during the week including playing the Burn to a 2-2 series tie.

10) Philadelphia Phantoms (68-53) (PW – 10) (Points = 71.05)
The Phantoms remained in the tenth spot and barely holding onto there top ten spot. The team is scoring 5.53 runs per game while giving up 4.85 runs per game. The team plays in the third hardest division in the league. The Phantoms went 11-9 during the week including sweeping the Chicago Gangsters.

11) New York Highlanders (63-58) (PW – 12) (Points = 68.61)

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS

12) Santa Cruz Beachcombers (68-53) (PW – 9) (Points = 53.61)

13) Milwaukee Porn Silos (63-58) (PW – 11) (Points = 45.10)

14) Nashville Raccoons (62.59) (PW – 21) (Points = 39.88)

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS

15) Helena Dental Floss Tycoons (61-60) (PW – 19) (Points = 25.02)

16) Charleston Battery (60-61) (PW – 15) (Points = 22.60)

17) Dover EliteDucks (60-61) (PW – 18) (Points = 20.20)

THE FIGHTING FOR RESPECT TEAMS

18) Salt Lake City Ampersands (57-64) (PW – 17) (Points = 15.88)

19) St. Louis River Dogs (58-63) (PW – 16) (Points = 12.68)

20) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (55-66) (PW – 20) (Points = 10.60)

21) Monterrey Quakes (54-67) (PW –29) (Points = 7.94)

22) Las Vegas Aces (62-59) (PW – 13) (Points = 5.57)

23) Charlotte Knights (57-64) (PW – 23) (Points = 1.96)

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS

24) Cleveland Jobu Rum Runners (57-64) (PW – 24) (Points = -3.81)

25) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (55-66) (PW – 28) (Points = -13.04)

26) Richmond Spiders (53-68) (PW – 22) (Points = -14.26)

27) Buffalo Pioneers (51-70) (PW – 27) (Points = -14.48)

THE CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT SEASON

28) Florida Fighting Citrus (53-68) (PW – 25) (Points = -25.68)

29) Fresno Devil Dogs (52-69) (PW – 26) (Points = -34.10)

THE HOPELESS TEAMS

30) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (42-79) (PW – 32) (Points = -72.80)

31) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (44-77) (PW – 30) (Points = -79.10)

32) Sacramento River Cats (43-78) (PW – 31) (Points = -103.15)

Power Rankings Week 5 (Season 7)

2009-06-17T12:24:00.005-04:00

THE ELITE TEAMS

1) Montgomery Burns (63-38) (PW – 1) (Points = 115.58)
The Burns remained in the top spot after going 13-8 during the last week. The team is scoring 6.28 runs per game while giving up 5.21 runs per game. The team plays in the sixth toughest division in the league. The Burns had 0 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 1 loss against a team in bottom 10 in the rankings during the week.

2) Austin Popsicles (61-40) (PW – 2) (Points = 112.85)
The Popsicles remained in the second spot after going 12-8 during the week. The team is scoring 5.65 runs per game while giving up 4.57 runs per game. The team plays in the second toughest division in the league. The Popsicles had 2 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 1 loss against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

3) Chicago Gangsters (61-40) (PW – 10) (Points = 105.09)
The Gangsters moved up seven spots after going 15-6 during the week, the best record in the league during that time. The team is scoring 5.12 runs per game while giving up 4.44 runs per game. The team plays third toughest division in the league. The Gangsters had 5 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 2 losses against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

THE GREAT TEAMS

4) Atlanta Hooch (57-44) (PW – 12) (Points = 90.50)
The Hooch moved up eight spots after going 13-8 during the week. The team is scoring 5.53 runs per game while giving up 4.50 runs per game. The team plays in the third toughest division in the league. The Hooch had 3 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 6 losses against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

5) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (57-44) (PW – 15) (Points = 89.89)
The Monkey Wranglers moved up ten spots after going 13-7 during the week. The team is scoring 5.18 runs per game while giving up 4.49 runs per game. The team plays in the hardest division in the league. The Monkey Wranglers had 2 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 3 losses against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

6) Honolulu Witch Doctors (58-43) (PW – 3) (Points = 89.10)
The Witch Doctors fell three spots after going 11-9 during the week. The team is scoring 5.37 runs per game while giving up 4.49 runs per game. The team plays in seventh hardest division in the league. The Witch Doctors had 2 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 4 losses against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

7) Fargo Fart Knockers (56-45) (PW – 7) (Points = 84.08)
The Fart Knockers remained in the seventh spot after going 12-9 during the week. The team is scoring 5.37 runs per game while giving up 4.72 runs per game. The team plays in hardest division in the league. The Fart Knockers had 2 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 0 losses against the teams in the bottom ten during the week.

8) Anaheim Wings (56-45) (PW – 8) (Points = 81.96)
The Wings remained in the eight spot after going 13-7 during the week. The team is scoring 5.07 runs per game while giving up 4.50 runs per game. The team plays in the fourth hardest division in the league. The Wings had 2 wins against teams in the top ten of the rankings but also 2 losses against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

9) Santa Cruz Beachcombers (58-43) (PW – 9) (Points = 81.66)
The Beachcombers remained in the ninth spot after going 13-8 during the week. The team is scoring 4.76 runs per game while giving up 4.29 runs per game. The team plays in the fourth hardest division in the league. The Beachcombers had 1 win against a team in the top 10 of the rankings but also had 3 losses against the teams in the bottom ten during the week.

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS

10) Philadelphia Phantoms (57-44) (PW – 6) (Points = 79.96)
The Phantoms fell four spots after going 11-9 during the week. The team is scoring 5.56 runs per game while giving up 4.91 runs per game. The team plays in the fifth hardest division in the league. The Phantoms had 2 wins against teams in the top 10 of the rankings but also 4 losses against the teams in the bottom 10 during the week.

11) Milwaukee Porn Silos (54-47) (PW – 18) (Points = 72.26)

12) New York Highlanders (51-50) (PW – 22) (Points = 70.99)

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS

13) Las Vegas Aces (55-46) (PW – 21) (Points = 58.84)

14) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (57-44) (PW – 4) (Points = 57.93)

15) Charleston Battery (51-50) (PW – 17) (Points = 56.88)

16) St. Louis River Dogs (51-50) (PW – 14) (Points = 54.90)

THE FIGHTNING FOR RESPECT TEAMS

17) Salt Lake City Ampersands (48-53) (PW – 23) (Points = 49.34)

18) Dover EliteDucks (52-49) (PW – 11) (Points = 49.26)

19) Helena Dental Floss Tycoons (53-48) (PW – 5) (Points = 47.31)

20) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (47-54) (PW – 13) (Points = 41.99)

21) Nashville Raccoons (50-51) (PW – 20) (Points = 40.03)

22) Richmond Spiders (44-57) (PW – 28) (Points = 30.32)

23) Charlotte Knights (47-54) (PW – 24) (Points = 26.33)

THE SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG TEAMS

24) Cleveland Jobu Rum Runners (46-55) (PW – 16) (Points = 10.72)

25) Florida Fighting Citrus (44-57) (PW – 26) (Points = 10.67)

THE CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT SEASON TEAMS

26) Fresno Devil Dogs (45-56) (PW – 27) (Points = 8.64)

27) Buffalo Pioneers (42-59) (PW – 25) (Points = 8.47)

28) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (45-56) (PW – 29) (Points = 6.44)

THE HOPELESS TEAMS

29) Monterrey Quakes (44-57) (PW – 19) (Points = -1.67)

30) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (40-61) (PW – 30) (Points = -12.27)

31) Sacramento River Cats (35-66) (PW – 32) (Points = -50.82)

32) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (31-70) (PW – 31) (Points = -59.38)

Marin Goes to DL; Stewart Called Up

2009-06-15T13:45:00.002-04:00

Chicago - Julio Marin has gone down with a back injury, landing on the 60 Day DL. This hurts the Gangsters not only because they lose his bat, but his position flexibility (LF/RF/2B). Although by no means a whiz with the glove at 2B, he allowed the team to have an extra power bat at that position to help an offense that has struggled at times to score runs. With the 3-4-5 of Mota, Clemens, and Linden providing most all of the offense, the Gangsters had been struggling early in the season to score runs when Marin was dreadful. He had gotten hot in the last month and has 19 HR's this year. Called up to take his place is phenom Dick Stewart, he of the record $9M+ signing bonuse out of High School. Stewart homered in his 2nd Major League game and will help provide some pop and balance to a mostly right handed lineup.
Chicago expects some struggles (especially against righties) but needs Stewart to help out this offense.

Power Rankings Week 4 (Season 7)

2009-06-09T14:40:00.001-04:00

1) Montgomery Burns (50-30) (PW – 2) (Points = 91.20)
The Burns moved up to the top spot after going 23-15 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 6.10 runs per game while giving up 4.90 runs per game.

2) Austin Popsicles (49-32) (PW – 1) (Points = 80.13)
The Popsicles fell out of the top spot and falling the second spot after going 21-18 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 5.57 runs per game while giving up 4.40 runs per game.

3) Honolulu Witch Doctors (47-34) (PW – 11) (Points = 75.42)
The Witch Doctors moved up eight spots after going 24-15 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 5.31 runs per game while giving up 4.56 runs per game.

4) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (48-33) (PW – 15) (Points = 71.86)
The Fighting Beer Drinkers moved up 11 spots after going 23-16 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 4.57 runs per game while giving up 4.01 runs per game.

5) Helena Dental Floss Tycoons (45-36) (PW – 18) (Points = 65.28)
The Dental Floss Tycoons moved up 13 spots after going 23-16 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 4.70 runs per game while giving up 4.07 runs per game.

6) Philadelphia Phantoms (46-35) (PW – 12) (Points = 64.39)
The Phantoms moved up six spots after going 23-16 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 5.58 runs per game while giving up 5.02 runs per game.

7) Fargo Fart Knockers (44-36) (PW – 3) (Points = 63.30)
The Fart Knockers fell four spots after going 22-6 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 5.61 runs per game while giving up 4.79 runs per game.

8) Anaheim Wings (43-38) (PW – 26) (Points = 60.66)
The Wings moved up 18 spots after going 25-14 during the last two weeks, the best record during that span in the league. The team is scoring 4.94 runs per game while giving up 4.64 runs per game.

9) Santa Cruz Beachcombers (45-35) (PW – 9) (Points = 60.02)
The Beachcombers remained in the ninth spot after going 22-16 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 4.94 runs per game while giving up 4.43 runs per game.

10) Chicago Gangsters (46-34) (PW – 7) (Points = 59.84)
The Gangsters fell three spots after going 21-17 during the last two weeks. The team is scoring 4.98 runs per game while giving up 4.34 runs per game.

11) Dover EliteDucks (44-36) (PW – 10) (Points = 59.63)

12) Atlanta Hooch (44-36) (PW – 5) (Points = 58.14)

13) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (40-40) (PW – 16) (Points = 56.82)

14) St. Louis River Dogs (40-41) (PW – 21) (Points = 46.89)

15) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (44-37) (PW – 4) (Points = 34.20)

16) Cleveland Jobu Rum Runners (41-40) (PW – 22) (Points = 27.31)

17) Charleston Battery (39-42) (PW – 23) (Points = 19.20)

18) Milwaukee Porn Silos (42-39) (PW – 8) (Points = 17.29)

19) Monterrey Quakes (40-41) (PW – 17) (Points = 15.26)

20) Nashville Raccoons (41-40) (PW – 19) (Points = 11.80)

21) Las Vegas Aces (43-37) (PW – 6) (Points = 10.83)

22) New York Highlanders (38-42) (PW – 14) (Points = 6.04)

23) Salt Lake City Ampersands (37-43) (PW – 20) (Points = -1.25)

24) Charlotte Knights (37-43) (PW – 28) (Points = -3.64)

25) Buffalo Pioneers (35-46) (PW – 27) (Points = -4.81)

26) Florida Fighting Citrus (35-45) (PW – 30) (Points = -7.30)

27) Fresno Devil Dogs (36-45) (PW – 24) (Points = -16.38)

28) Richmond Spiders (32-48) (PW – 29) (Points = -22.69)

29) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (35-45) (PW – 13) (Points = -27.00)

30) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (30-50) (PW – 25) (Points = -51.87)

31) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (27-54) (PW – 31) (Points = -67.73)

32) Sacramento River Cats (25-55) (PW – 32) (Points = -93.63)

Return of an OG

2009-05-29T07:38:00.003-04:00

Chicago - The Gangsters have made a small move to help fortify a struggling offense with the recent agreement to trade for Mikey Sobkowiak . In return for Sobkowiak, the Gangsters are sending Denny Nomo to Dover. Sobkowiak was an Original Gangster who was traded away to make room for current 1B Randy Clemens. With the Chicago offense struggling to score runs for a very good starting rotation (bullpen is a different story), GM Donald Key thought he'd role the dice and hope that Mikey likes being back in Chicago. With Clemens being able to shift some to LF Sobkowiak, if he hits, will get plenty of AB's and being a lefthanded hitter will help balance the lineup. Ironically, this means the end for Pablo Alonso who came over in the Sobkowiak trade.
With the acquisition of Sobkowiak, the temptation to call up top hitting prospect Dick Stewart will be tempered. GM Key said before the season that they'd like to avoid calling him up until rosters expand so that he gets a full season of AAA under his belt, and this trade should provide some breathing room.

Week 2 Power Rankings (Season 7)

2009-05-26T14:30:00.002-04:00

1) Austin Popsicles (28-14) (PW – 1) (Points = 64.97)
The Popsicles remain in the top spot this week after going 14-9 during the week. The team is scoring 5.95 runs per game while giving up 4.21 runs per game.

2) Montgomery Burns (27-15) (PW – 6) (Points = 60.50)
The Burns moved up four spots this week after going 15-7 during the week. The team is scoring 5.62 runs per game while giving up 4.50 runs per game.

3) Fargo Fart Knockers (22-20) (PW – 31) (Points = 49.78)
The Fart Knockers moved up 28 spots this week after 17-6 during the week, the best record the week as well. The team is scoring 5.52 runs per game while giving up 4.79 runs per game.

4) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (25-17) (PW – 8) (Points = 45.29)
The Monkey Wranglers moved up four spots this week after going 13-9 during the week. The team is scoring 5.00 runs per game while giving up 3.98 runs per game.

5) Atlanta Hooch (23-19) (PW – 23) (Points = 43.95)
The Hooch moved up 18 spots this week after going 15-8 during the week. The team is scoring 5.40 runs per game while giving up 4.88 runs per game.

6) Las Vegas Aces (25-17) (PW – 17) (Points = 43.35)
The Aces moved up 11 spots this week after going 15-7 during the week. The team is scoring 4.95 runs per game while giving up 4.81 runs per game.

7) Chicago Gangsters (25-17) (PW – 3) (Points = 40.54)
The Gangsters fell four spots this week after going 12-11 during the week. The team is scoring 5.05 runs per game while giving up 3.98 runs per game.

8) Milwaukee Porn Silos (24-18) (PW – 9) (Points = 40.38)
The Porn Silos moved up one spot this week after going 13-10 during the week. The team is scoring 5.00 runs per game while giving up 4.19 runs per game.

9) Santa Cruz Beachcombers (23-19) (PW – 20) (Points = 35.11)
The Beachcombers moved up 11 spots this week after going 14-9 during the week. The team is scoring 4.50 runs per game while giving up 4.19 runs per game.

10) Dover EliteDucks (22-20) (PW – 26) (Points = 33.44)
The EliteDucks moved up 16 spots this week after going 14-8 during the week. The team is scoring 5.00 runs per game while giving up 4.71 runs per game.

11) Honolulu Witch Doctors (23-19) (PW – 24) (Points = 32.59)

12) Philadelphia Phantoms (23-19) (PW – 14) (Points = 31.89)

13) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (23-19) (PW – 15) (Points = 31.82)

14) New York Highlanders (23-19) (PW – 10) (Points = 30.43)

15) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (25-17) (PW – 2) (Points = 27.69)

16) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (18-24) (PW – 32) (Points = 26.28)

17) Monterrey Quakes (21-21) (PW – 19) (Points = 17.77)

18) Helena Dental Floss Tycoons (22-20) (PW – 5) (Points = 7.69)

19) Nashville Raccoons (22-20) (PW – 11) (Points = 6.86)

20) Salt Lake City Ampersands (20-22) (PW – 18) (Points = 3.43)

21) St. Louis River Dogs (17-25) (PW – 27) (Points = -5.36)

22) Cleveland Jobu Rum Runners (20-22) (PW – 7) (Points = -6.14)

23) Charleston Battery (19-23) (PW – 4) (Points = -7.45)

24) Fresno Devil Dogs (19-23) (PW – 22) (Points = -10.82)

25) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (19-23) (PW – 25) (Points = -11.73)

26) Anaheim Wings (18-24) (PW – 30) (Points = -12.09)

27) Buffalo Pioneers (17-25) (PW – 29) (Points = -14.96)

28) Charlotte Knights (19-23) (PW – 12) (Points = -16.37)

29) Richmond Spiders (17-25) (PW – 13) (Points = -21.48)

30) Florida Fighting Citrus (16-26) (PW – 21) (Points = -30.33)

31) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (15-27) (PW – 16) (Points = -39.57)

32) Sacramento River Cats (12-30) (PW – 28) (Points = -77.31)

Week 1 Power Rankings (Season 7)

2009-05-18T13:56:00.001-04:00

1) Austin Popsicles (14-5) (PW – N/A) (Points = 52.88)
The Popsicles open the season in the number one spot after going 14-5 during the week. The team must really love playing on the road as there 6-0 so far this season.

2) New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers (14-6) (PW – N/A) (Points = 41.71)
The Fighting Beer Drinkers open the season in the second spot after going 14-6 during the week. The Beer Drinkers must love playing the close games because there 6-0 in one-run games so far this season.

3) Chicago Gangsters (13-6) (PW – N/A) (Points = 41.10)
The Gangsters open the season in the third spot after going 13-6 during the week. The Gangsters have put the rest of the league on notice with them going 7-2 outside there division.

4) Charleston Battery (12-7) (PW – N/A) (Points = 34.94)
The Battery open the season in the fourth spot after going 12-7 during the week. The Battery have scored the most runs in the league with 133 runs at a 7 runs per game average.

5) Helena Dental Floss Tycoons (12-7) (PW – N/A) (Points = 33.51)
The Dental Floss Tycoons open the season in the fifth spot after going 12-7 during the week. The Floss Tycoons have allowed the fewest runs in the league with 61 runs at a 3.21 runs per game average allowed.

6) Montgomery Burns (12-8) (PW – N/A) (Points = 32.18)
The Burns open the season in the sixth spot after going 12-8 during the week. The Burns have really been road warriors so far this season with playing 14 games on the road already (8-6 record).

7) Cleveland Jobu Rum Runners (12-8) (PW – N/A) (Points = 26.21)
The Jobu Rum Runners open the season in the seventh spot after going 12-8 during the week. The Rum Runners tied for the lead in the very tough American League North this early in the season.

8) Minnesota Monkey Wranglers (12-8) (PW – N/A) (Points = 25.43)
The Monkey Wranglers open the season in the eighth spot after going 12-8 during the week. The Monkey Wranglers really love playing at home as there 7-3 on there own turf.

9) Milwaukee Porn Silos (11-8) (PW – N/A) (Points = 24.29)
The Porn Silos open the season in the ninth spot after going 11-8 during the week. The Porn Silos love playing against there own division as there 7-3 so far this season.

10) New York Highlanders (11-8) (PW – N/A) (Points = 23.74)
The Highlanders open the season in the tenth spot after going 11-8 during the week. The Highlanders have allowed the third fewest runs the in the American League with 83 runs allowed.

11) Nashville Raccoons (11-8) (PW – N/A) (Points = 22.13)

12) Charlotte Knights (11-9) (PW – N/A) (Points = 12.76)

13) Richmond Spiders (10-9) (PW – N/A) (Points = 11.93)

14) Philadelphia Phantoms (10-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = 8.04)

15) Salem Squirrel Monkeys (10-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = 5.06)

16) Pawtucket Paw Soxs (10-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = 3.10)

17) Las Vegas Aces (10-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = 2.64)

18) Salt Lake City Ampersands (9-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = -2.03)

19) Monterrey Quakes (9-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = -3.50)

20) Santa Cruz Beachcombers (9-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = -3.83)

21) Florida Fighting Citrus (9-11) (PW – N/A) (Points = -7.48)

22) Fresno Devil Dogs (9-11) (PW – N/A) (Points = -10.19)

23) Atlanta Hooch (8-11) (PW – N/A) (Points = -11.96)

24) Honolulu Witch Doctors (9-11) (PW – N/A) (Points = -12.38)

25) Toledo Holy Fargin' Schnicks (9-11) (PW – N/A) (Points = -12.95)

26) Dover EliteDucks (8-12) (PW – N/A) (Points = -14.18)

27) St. Louis River Dogs (7-13) (PW – N/A) (Points = -15.75)

28) Sacramento River Cats (8-11) (PW – N/A) (Points = -20.42)

29) Buffalo Pioneers (6-13) (PW – N/A) (Points = -21.50)

30) Anaheim Wings (7-12) (PW – N/A) (Points = -22.07)

31) Fargo Fart Knockers (5-14) (PW – N/A) (Points = -31.84)

32) Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs (5-15) (PW – N/A) (Points = -33.45)

In St. Louis, the time to perform is now

2009-05-11T11:17:00.000-04:00

St. Louis, MO - In the first 6 seasons of existence in the CAPB, the St. Louis River Dogs have played a combined 12 games over .500 (487-485), finished 2nd in the NL East three times, and 3rd the other three times while making only one playoff appearance (season 4). As the league enters its seventh season, the fans, players and management in St. Louis are looking for more...and many think they finally have a team that can live up to expectations.

This past offseason, the River Dogs added to a team that finished last season on a 7 game winning streak to finish over .500 (82-80) with a number three starter (Rodney Lee), two setup relievers (Brad Bryant and Goose Washington) and a third basemen (Davey Brokowski). Three September callups also earned themselves spots in season three 1st round draft pick, #5 SP Vinny Cheng (3-1, 1.51 ERA in 6 starts last season), LH reliever Cy Richards (0.78 WHIP and 0.00 ERA in 9 IP) and 2B Ernest Newson, who blistered the ball in his callup last season by going .613/.636/.871 in 33 PA. Richards has been splitting time between St. Louis and the AAA club over the past 6 seasons and already owns a career 4.36 ML ERA in 154 2/3 IP.

Returning SPs Jose Costilla (15-9, 3.24 ERA), Turner Brock (11-5, 4.08) and Andrea Redman (5-14, 5.12) round out the rotation with Lee and Cheng, while former #3 SP Rudy O'Malley (11-6, 3.14 ERA) shifts to the long relief role for St. Louis. Costilla and Brock are legit top end starters, and a return to his pre-season 6 form (18-20, 3.96 ERA, 1.32 WHIP in 56 ML starts) would make Redman a formidable #4. The bullpen boasts the arms of Bryant, Washington, O'Malley and Richards, together with holdovers Tommy Brooks (4.75 ERA), Juan Ordonez (4.19 ERA) and Alan Barfield (3.10 ERA), who owns only 7 career ML saves, starts this season as the new closer.

The offense has a distinct new look this season as well. Together with Borkowski and Newson, season 6 acquisitions Jack Malone (SS) and rookie Darren Haynes (1B) each begin their first full seasons in St. Louis. Haynes supplants last season's rookie 1B Albert Johnson, who becomes the 4th OF and backup 1B this season after posting a .271/.340/.438 mark in his initial ML campaign. Sophomore CF Jose Villalona is back and shifts to the leadoff spot this season after hitting 2nd most of last season.

A great balance of young players and experience, St. Louis is hoping that it's belnd of pitching, hitting and defense can carry this team to 88+ wins and a playoff berth.

Here is the lineup and bench (with season 6 stats):
LINEUP:
CF - LH Villalona (.283/.346/.488, 25 HR, 85 RBI, 97 runs, 37 SB)
3B - RH Borkowski (.304/.378/.491, 12 HR, 64 RBI, 14 SB)
RF - RH Diego Duran (.278/.339/.495, 38 HR, 123 RBI, 92 runs)
C - LH Walt Lockwood (.255/.320/.519, 35 HR, 66 RBI)
LF - RH Jose Cairo (.303/.364/.520, 33 HR, 96 RBI)
1B - LH Haynes (.353/.453/.570, 20 HR, 73 RBI in 402 AB)*
SS - RH Malone (.231/.285/.380, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 10 SB)
2B - RH Newson (.301/.383/.423, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 22 SB, 114 runs)*
BENCH:
COF/1B - LH Albert Johnson (.271/.340/.438, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 15 SB)
C - SH Ramon Seung (.272/.316/.401, 6 HR, 19 RBI)
CF - Brian Brown (.220/.274/.254, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 12 SB)
COF - Brandon McMillan (.305/.364/.503, 10 HR, 69 RBI, 16 SB)*
UTIL - Fernando Soriano (.171/.213/.271, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Here is the pitching staff (with season 6 stats):
ROTATION:
#1 - RH Jose Costilla (15-9, 3.24 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 222 IP, 200 Ks)
#2 - RH Turner Brock (11-8, 4.08 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 180 2/3 IP, 128 Ks)
#3 - RH Rodney Lee (11-9, 4.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 167 2/3 IP, 129 Ks)
#4 - LH Andrea Redman (5-14, 5.12 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 153 IP, 117 Ks)
#5 - RH Vinny Cheng (11-9, 2.97 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 145 1/3 IP, 122 Ks)
BULLPEN:
LR - RH Rudy O'Malley (11-6, 3.14 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 154 2/3 IP, 128 Ks)*
SU - LH Brad Bryant (6-3, 8 Sv, 3.34 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 107 2/3 IP, 92 Ks)
SU - RH Goose Washington (2-6, 2 Sv, 4.08 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 53 IP, 41 Ks)
SU - RH Juan Ordonez (4-2, 2 Sv, 4.19 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 68 2/3 IP, 43 Ks)
SU - LH Tommy Brooks (3-3, 2 Sv, 4.75 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 41 2/3 IP, 35 Ks)
CL - RH Alan Barfield (2-3, 3 Sv, 3.10 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 69 2/3 IP, 61 Ks)
LHS - LH Cy Richards (1-5, 26 Sv, 3.74 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 43 1/3 IP, 52 Ks)*

* = Minor league stats

Chicago's Season 7 Preview - Lineup

2009-05-07T12:50:00.000-04:00

1. CF - Reagan Linden - .291 Avg, .353 OBP, .545 SLG, .898 OPS, 40 HR, 115 RBI's last year - Not your traditional leadoff man (or CF), he gets on base, and will score a lot of runs as he takes control of the leadoff hole due to a lack of other options. This former SS and 3B should be able to handle CF as Chicago continues to look for a 3B/CF option.

2. 2B - Ralph Gray - .313, .375, .519, .894, 32, 96 - He has a career year last year and Chicago needs him to keep up the production. There is talk of him moving to 3rd in order to make room for a prospect (See below). He is willing to move to the hot corner, however this would greatly weaken the defense at both 2B and 3B.

3. RF - Felipe Mota - .317, .378, .629, 1.007, 49, 128 -Felipe had a career worst season yet still managed an OPS of 1.007, which means even in his off years he is still among the best. He made the All Star team for the 2nd consecutive season and also picked up a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove.

4. 1B - Randy Clemens - .284, .332, .609, .941, 49, 106 - Still only 24, Clemens was able to finally give some protection to Mota. He is one of only 2 lefthanded hitters in the Starting lineup. 40+ HR's are expected once again. Defensively he's solid at 1B but has played some LF and you're asking for trouble to run him out there too often.

5. LF - Julio Marin - .272, .331, .551, .882, 30, 75 - He put up those numbers in less then 400 AB's. This will be his 3rd different season in the majors, but he still has 0 years of ML service time. The HR & RBI's should go up with a full season. He has played some 2B but is not an attractive option there defensively. Still, they are working him out some there in Spring Training in order to gauge whether or not to bring up another Lefthanded power bat from the minors (see below). If they do they will be greatly sacrificing defense for offense which might not be the best of options in Wrigley.

6. SS - Deivi Chavez - A potential difference maker defensively who has the potential to hit some. Would be better suited in the #2 spot, but his durability is a concern so they've dropped him a little lower in the order to save a few AB's.

7. C - Delino Torres - With their young staff management is unconcerned with his offense, and keeps him around due to his stellar handling of the Pitching staff.

8. 3B - Dave Austin - Ideally suited for a utility role, he can play anywhere but C. He sometimes hits enough to justify playing CF, but will be vastly underperforming at 3B. Still he's only in for his defense and could swap with Linden to play CF instead.

On the Farm
LF - Dick Stewart - Their 1st round pick from Season 4 who signed for a record $9.195 M, has shot his way thru the system and is only 21. He will probably start the season in AAA as he only had 80 AB's (plus another 30 in the playoffs) at that level, as well as to put off arbitration for another year. He would fit nicely into the lineup as another LH bat. He's the reason Marin has been playing 2B and Gray 3B. He should see some time before the end of the year, or if an injury pops up.

Chicago's Season 7 Preview - Pitching

2009-05-07T11:56:00.000-04:00

Chicago -

In Season 5 the Gangsters made the leap to the playoffs with 88 wins (+17 from the year before), however last year was a disappointment in falling back to only 84 wins and and falling 5 games short of the playoffs. They're hoping to get back to the playoffs with some improvements from some of the youngsters, as not many offseason changes were made.

Pitching Staff

Rotation
#1 - James Pong - After a much hyped int'l signing and a few minor league seasons he finally had some production to match. In his first full season he went 18-9 (2 CG's), making 32 starts (1 relief appearance) and logging 222 IP's and took control of the rotation and became Chicago's ACE. Whats really scary is that at 22 he still has plenty of room for improvement.

#2 - Louie Valenzuela - Louie set a career high in wins last year going 13-9, and breaking 200 IP's for the 3rd time in 6 years (229.1 IP). He has made a few trips to the DL in his career, but has always managed to take the hill between 28 and 33 times so he can be depended on, although he is now on the wrong side of 30. With a little bit better and fielding he could reach 15 wins this year.

#3 - Bruce Ligtenberg - Big Bruce is the elder statesman of the rotation, and except for a freak season 2 (when current managment was not in control) he has made at least 30 starts each year. Last year he went 9-10 w/ 4.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, and while those aren't spectacular #s on their own one must factor in that he played his home games at Wrigley. He is in his last year of his contract and the Gangsters have made no attempt to sign him beyond this year, and have in fact shopped him on numerous occasions without any luck. They're hoping to get him healthy all year and that playing for potentially his last contract will motivate him and get them 10-15 wins. It should also be noted that he slots into the #3 slot so that they don't have 2 lefties in a row.

#4 - T.J. Byrne - T.J. had an up and down season last year. He went 9-12 w/ 4.20 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 233 IP and took to the hill 34 times. He is not afraid to take the ball, but he definitely tired down the stretch. He was their best starter in the 1st half. He gets pushed back to the 4 slot to break up the 2 lefties, but could easily be the #1 or #2 by the end of the year as he is only 23 and still improving.

#5 - Bonk Matthews - Bonk had dislocated his shoulder last year and was never right, yet still managed to go 10-8 albeit with 4.48 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in only 138 IP. He is only expected to be the #5, and could be pushed out of that role soon from some minor leaugers(see below). However, they'll gladly take the #'s he posted 2 years ago (13-9, 177 IP, 4.41 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) out of the #5 spot.

Bullpen
Joseph Sakamoto - "Sak" has been surprisingly effective the last 2 seasons as the longman, and will remain there unless bumped to Mop up role.

Jose Cervantes - Cervantes was acquired during the playoff run of Season 5 to steady the ship and close out games. He saved 31 games last year, but blew 11 too. They have a lot riding on him returning to form as an elite closer, although they did go out and get a veteran arm to help in case he falters.

Matty Palmeiro - The aformentioned veteran arm, Palmeiro was acquired for a mid level prospect because they were willing to absorb all his salary. He has been amazingly consistent although some are worried this is the year that age (38) catches up to him. Chicago hopes he can hold it off for 1 more year.

Deivi Rosa - Starts the year in the show after pitching solidly in his major league debut last season.

Cesar Baez - Baez pitched well in his first 2 seasons in the majors and fell apart last year, even being farmed out for a while. He's now out of options and Chicago hopes he falls more in line with his career line.

Terrence James - James made his debut last season and pitched well, but it was in only 5.2 Innings. He probably has the shortest leash among all the pitchers and they won't hesitate to expose him to waivers should he not pitch well.

Ivan Rosado - This lefty has been solid yet unspectacular in his Major League career and will once again be moved around the pen and placed into whatever the situation requires of him.

Down on the Farm
Sammy Cedeno - Could be called up if any injuries or ineffectiveness plague the Gangster rotation. Will be 1st called due to being on the 40 Man roster.

Jose Puente - Was breezing thru AA last year until he had surgery. Could see action if he gets back to where he was, but will be given a long time to recover.

Gene Green - The first option should Chicago need a reliever. Has had mixed results in 2 previous stints with the club.

Welcome to Season Seven!

2009-04-25T16:04:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow CAPB owners, and welcome to season 7. Thanks to your continued commitment to this league, the Continental Association of Professional Baseball - or CAPB - has enjoyed great success over its first 6 seasons. As we prepare to enter season 7, we welcome 5 new owners into the fray: Erran, huskypride2, tomjames, chrishoiles and keeid12x. The addition of these 5 solid owners once again shows the strength of our world, and the respect which we have built throughout the HBD community with our combined efforts.

The new season also brings a new rule regarding minor league roster management that I wanted to once again bring to everyone's attention. League Rule 4.01 reads as follows:

∙ At the beginning of the minor league regular season, each level (Low A, High A, AA, AAA) is to have no fewer than 23 players on the roster.
∙ Of those 23, at least TWELVE must be pitchers.
∙ Of the 11 position players, their must be AT LEAST ONE of each at: C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF and RF.
∙ At the conclusion of the draft (i.e., before the games start), the Rookie League team must have no fewer than 25 players on the roster
∙ Of those 25, at least FOURTEEN must be pitchers.
∙ Of the 11 position players, their must be AT LEAST ONE of each at: C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF and RF.

Please read through this (and all) rules to make certain that you have a firm grasp on the guidelines of our world. These are not meant to be restricting upon any single owner in any way, but are in place to again help assure league equality and owner accountability.

That's all for now - good luck in the upcoming season (and go St. Louis!).

Valenzuela injured; Byrne to Make 1st start

2008-11-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

Chicago - Due to tendinitis in his shoulder, Louie Valenzuela has been placed on the 15 Day DL. Taking his spot will be T.J. Byrne .

T.J. Byrne
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 21	B/T: R/R
Born: Stevensville, MI
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Byrne had just recently been promoted to AAA where he made 1 start before getting the call due to Valenzuela's injury. GM Donald Key answered some questions as to why Byrne: "It really came down either Byrne or James Pong , who really has pitched very well this year. In the end 2 factors played into the decision. 1, Byrne will be plugged into the rotation without anyone else getting out of line where as Pong pitched last night. And 2, and most importantly in my eyes, Byrne has about 200 more IP's in the minors so we didn't want to rush Pong. We consider them to be about equal but Byrne will have to be added to the 40 man next year anyways so why not let him have it now, where as Pong has all of this year and next before needing to be added. We won't hesitate to bring Pong up however should the need arise. I will say that had this season gone like the last few we might have held both of them back, however, we think we have a real shot at the playoffs and they might just give us our best chance."

Chicago (NL) Gangsters Minor Review

2008-09-10T14:39:00.001-04:00

Chicago - Despite the fact that the Major League Gangsters are not simply rolling over, in fact they are playing some of their best ball recently. However, despite that we all know that this season is a lost season. But fret not Gangster followers, not all is bad down on the farm. Today we will go thru the list of the 10 best prospects in the Chicago system. Honestly it was tough ranking the top few, and you could make a case for some of them to be higher or lower on the list.

10.
Bernie Hernandez
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 22 B/T: R/R
Born: Jarabacoa, DO
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- Hernandez is dominating in High A, and despite being 22, he should easily find himself in the Chicago 'pen in the next few years. Only projects as a middle man/setup guy.

9.
Gene Green
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 22 B/T: R/R
Born: Parkersburg, WV
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- "Mean" Gene Green was acquired earlier in the year from division rival Atlanta. He pitched well before the trade and has struggled since the move. However, he still projects to help the Chicago pen in a few years. Ceiling is as a setup man.

8.
Sammy Cedeno
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 19 B/T: R/R
Born: Castlewood, SD
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- The Gangsters #1 pick in Season 3, he has pitched well at times but has a tendency to give up the long ball(19 HR's in 150 IP). In some systems he might be higher, but here he lands at #8, but could easily be a #2 on a Major League squad someday.

7.
Mule Nye
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 22 B/T: R/R
Born: New Augusta, MS
Position(s): RF/1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- Mule was a 1st round pick (#20 Overall), their inaugral pick, and has hit well enough to deserve a promotion to AAA. However, with the lack of hitting coach there he remains in AA. Could see a late season promotion before the end of the year straight to the Majors however.

6.
Deivi Chavez
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 21 B/T: R/R
Born: Santiago, DO
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- Chavez was acquired from Atlanta earlier in the year. He has the potential to be a perrenial gold glover and can even handle the stick some. But lets not fool anyone, the real reason he's on the list is because of the glove. Hit well enough to earn a recent promotion to AA. Could be in the majors by the end of season 5.

5.
Randy Clemens
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 21 B/T: L/L
Born: Jennings, MO
Position(s): 1B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- Clemens has big time power (40 HR's in 419 AB's) and a good eye. Should easily reach the majors by the end of season 5. Will get an end of season promotion to AAA(if not the majors for a September callup) but with the AA team in the playoff hunt and a lack of hitting coach at AAA he will stay in AA till the games are over.

4.
Jose Puente
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 19 B/T: R/R
Born: Villa Altagracia, DO
Position(s): P (SP3)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- Puente was an international signing earlier this year and has not disappointed. Was recently promoted to High A, and should see the Majors sometime around Season 7.

3.
Dick Stewart
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 18 B/T: L/L
Born: Springfield, VT
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- Stewart was the organizations 1st round pick this year (7th overall) and fell to Chicago due to signability issues. It took a while and they finally got him in camp, and boy are they glad they did. Despite only 103 AB's at Rookie level and 70 AB's at Low A, he has been promoted to High A. Combined in those 2 leagues he batted, .376, with a .476 OBP, .873 SLG, and 1.349 OPS, 19 HR's and 78 RBI's in 173 AB's total. Now we don't expect those #'s to continue, and he struggles more with right handers, but he could be in the majors by year 7 as well.

1B & 1A
T.J. Byrne
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 20 B/T: R/R
Born: Stevensville, MI
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

James Pong
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 19 B/T: S/R
Born: Tokyo, JP
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile
- I had a hard time picking which of these 2 righthanders I'd rather have. They have similar #'s in the same league. Each has been dominant. Pong was an International signing last year in Season 3 and Byrne was a 1st round pick(#8 overall) in Season 2. Picking one over the other is pointless, as they should arrive in Chicago around the same time and help anchor the rotation for years to come.

Jackson Juggernauts Season 3 Preview

2008-04-22T12:28:00.000-04:00

The Juggernauts again have high expectations after winning the Wild Card last season with a 98-64 record. But, for the second year in a row, Jackson is eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, being swept by Anaheim. The core of the team remains with only two additions.

No longer with the big league club are LF/1B Kenny Cohen, who hit .283 with 12 HRs and 55 RBIs, and Rey Ludwick, a defensive specialist who was outrighted to AAA. Cohen was welcome to resign with the team in the offseason, but he was asking for too much to be a worthwhile signing.

New additions to the team are 1B/LF Cyrus May, who has hit 30 and 37 HRs in seasons 1 and 2 and is being counted on to provide some pop in the middle of the order. Signed for $3.2 M, (less than what Cohen was asking for), Cyrus should set the club record for HRs, which stands at 28. Also added is Rule 5 draftee and SS Eugene Walker. Eugene will take the place of Ludwick as the defensive specialist, but should be able to hit much better than Rey, while providing some speed off the bench. Late season callup Vic Baerga will pitch in the bullpen in long relief until injured starter Patsy Phelps returned from the 60-day DL.

Not currently on the roster, but awaiting their return from the DL is the aforementioned Patsy Phelps, season 1 signee who will miss the first 3 months of the season, but is expected back with around 70 games left. Hopefully he will perform as a top All-Star break addition to push the Juggernauts into the playoffs. Also injured with about 15 days expected on the DL is Skeeter McConnell who struggled all last season after performing as a top leadoff man in season 1.

Lineup (what it will look like when Skeeter returns from the DL)

1- CF Skeeter McConnell - .273 Avg, .324 OBA, 56 steals last season after a .307/.372/54 season 1. If he has an OBA of .350 or higher, he will score lots of runs with 80+ stolen bases.

2- 2B Mario Wright - .266/.322/.500 with 20 HRs, 69 RBIs and 16 SB in 384 ABs after being recalled from AAA after 2 months. He is expected to hit in the .280 range with a .340+ OBA, and hit 30 HRs, while stealing 60+ bases. Should be our first 30/30 man this season. He may move to 3rd in the lineup.

3- DH Edgardo Sosa - .317/.386/.437 with 14 HRs and 89 RBIs to lead the team. I would like to move him down in the order, but it would leave to many RH hitters at the end of the lineup, and he had the best OBA on the team.

4- 1B Cyrus May - .233/.301/.503 with 37 HRs and 126 RBIs for Jacksonville last season. We hope he returns to Season 1 stats of .285/.355/.560 with 40 HRs and 133 RBIs. Can run with 23 SBs last season.

5 - LF William Rothschild - .287/.360/.472 with 24 HRs and 87 RBIs. Should continue to improve, and can hit for more average as a .330 Avg in Season 1 in 440 ML ABs shows.

6 - C Randall Carpenter - .289/.370/.526 with 28 HRs and 83 RBIs. Hit .340 in Season 1.

7- RF Jerry Sutton - .270/.352/.477 with 26 HRs and 80 RBIs. Still a solid hitter at the age of 34.

8- 3B Jumbo Romero - .281/.335/.399 with 9 HRs and 24 SBs. Was disappointing last season after hitting .295 with 11 HRs and 10 steals in season 1 in only 244 ABs.

9- SS Charlie Seay - .241/.303/.367 with 16 HRs and 20 SBs. Plays Gold-Glove caliber defense, but may get replaced in the lineup for more offense on occation.

Bench

C Sam Giambi - .294/.344/.361 last season in 115 games. Plays good defense and will play a lot behind the plate with Carpenter getting days off and days at DH.

CF/OF Mateo Johnson- Hit a combined .267/.337/.464 for Vancouver and Jackson last season with 28 HRs and 12 steals. Should play a lot, especially of Skeeter McConnell struggles again this season.

LF/RF Jerry Wengert - .291/.373/.537 last season with 18 HRs andf 72 RBIs. Switch hitter with power who led the team in slugging last season can only play about 80 games now at the age of 35, so will get some spot starts and as a good bat off the bench.

SS/IF/OF Eugene Walker. Isn't being counted on to hit much, but be a solid defensive replacement around the field and give rests to whoever needs it.

Rotation (not including Phelps)

1- LHP Juan Garces - All-Star and Cy Young candidate was 16-6 with a 3.10 ERA in 220 innings last season. Should continue his form this season as a legitimate ace.

2- RHP Olmedo Uribe - More of a 3rd or 4th starter, but is being used to split up the lefthanders in place of Phelps. Was 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in 222 innings last season.

3- LHP Mateo Mota - Fellow left-handed ace Mota was 15-6 last season with a 2.95 ERA in 220 innings. The future ace should improve this season as well.

4- RHP Juan Terrero - Quality swing man who gets the start in the rotation with Phelps injured. He was 12-6 last season with a 3.87 ERA in 148 innings and 20 starts (35 games) last season.

5- RHP Jamie "I like to smoke da" Bong - Was 6-7 in 41 games (12 starts) and 115 innings with a 4.28 ERA in his first full season in the majors. Has room to grow and should be a 10 game winner if he stays in the rotation the whole season.

Bullpen

LR (L) Gil Frazier - As the LRB or mopup pitcher, Gil only pitched 27 innings with a 3.62 ERA last season. Will be counted on for more this season with no other experienced long relievers.

LR (L) Vic Baerga - Was brought up at the end of last season and pitched in only 1 game. Pitched fairly well in AAA last season ( 4.75 ERA), but made the jump instead of higher rated prospects so the prospects could pitch on a regular basis in the rotation.

SU (R) Jerome Archer Solid reliever threw 43 innings last season with a 3.35 ERA, and was 5/5 in save opportunities.

SU (L) Eugene MacRae - Good lefty had a 3.69 ERA in 68 innings last season after a 2.84 ERA in 98 innings in season 1.

SU (R) Bryan Nelson - Season 2 Rule 5 draftee pitched 27 innings last season with a 4.56 ERA. Should improve this season and will be called on more often.

SU (L) Quinton Tankersley - Very good reliever who will take the ball anytime threw 101 innings with a 3.56 ERA last season. Anchors one of the top bullpens in the majors.

CL (R) Kris Carson - Had 38 Saves last season and is 74 / 84 in his career with a 2.72 career ERA (down to 2.40 last season). One of the top closers in the league, and the 2 time All-Star is still only 28.

Predictions

If CF Skeeter comes back to hit like he did in Season 1, and 1B Cyrus May provides the pop in the middle of the order, the Juggernauts should challenge for 100 wins if Terrero and Bong pitch as expected. Phelps should provide a boost when he returns and gets the team ready for a playoff run.

Austin Popsicles Season Preview

2008-04-21T02:39:00.000-04:00

If Vancouver is allowed to go on and on, then so can I...

After a second season remarkably like the first--horrendous first half followed by inspiring second half leading to 82- and 81-win seasons respectively--the Popsicles appear ready to make the leap into serious playoff contention. I'm always willing to put players into the majors about a year before they're ready. This season is no exception. But some of our fruit has begun to ripen.

Our major problem last year, other than the usual inconsistent bullpen, was the lack of a true leadoff hitter, which left few runners on base for our big power hitters and forced us to play MVP candidate Darren Rossy in the top spot for most of the season. That has changed with the arrival of our new left-fielder Andy Newman, fresh off a AAA campaign where he posted a .443 OBP and stole 57 bases.

We're well-represented in the number two hole as well, which was a revolving door of platoon players last season. A dangerous experiment has converted last season's starting catcher, nightly-news legend David Brinkley, into a first baseman. We assume that his impressive contact rating and excellent splits will offset his teeball-level range. This is David's second full ML season, and he's coming off a solid rookie season where he hit .290 with 12 homers and 61 RBI.

Then the big guns fire, first with Darren Rossy, a serious MVP candidate last year for a third-place team while hitting 47 HRs with 113 RBI, batting .313 and OPSing 1.004--mostly from the leadoff spot. Batting fourth is the amazing Bucky Hernandez, one of CAPB's elite players, who hit 52 HRs for the second season in a row, drove in more than 130 runs for the second season in a row, stole more than 20 bases for the second season in a row, and made one error in 900-plus innings in CF.

Darren and Bucky have good protection this season, thanks to our 3B William Suzuki, acquired early last season from Pittsburgh. Between his two squads, William hit .286 with 36 HRs and 119 RBI. Hitting sixth is our outstanding young shortstop Pedro Guzman, who socked more than 20 HRs for a second straight season and hit a solid .279. Pedro's ratings continue to rise. Hitting seventh is another rising young star, right-fielder Quinn Lorraine, who won his way onto the big-league squad with a stellar spring. Last year at AAA, Quinn hit .316 with a .409 OBP, 12 HRs, and 83 RBI. He's certainly ready to contribute to the big club. Finally, hitting eighth, we have yet another rookie, the physically unattractive yet talented Babe Flair. He has the makeup of a two-bit hood, but the pitch-call rating of a God as well as quite a bit of power. His career minor-league OPS of .943 and flat-out excellent defense bode well for us.

Our bench is led by utility infielder and 3B heir apparent Tomas Goya, another budding star barely of drinking age. Tomas hit .282 with 10 HR and 14 SB in limited action last year, but we're grooming him for big things. Pinch-hitter and LF/1B fill-in Les McNeil, who hopes to return to his season one .292 form after last year's forgettable numbers, and Albert Lopez, unforgivably benched after a season where he won the Gold Glove and stole 21 bases, will both play key roles. Rounding out our position players are Napoleon Larson, providing veteran leadership while playing out his lousy contract, and the insanely overpaid Mo Leach, who got a four-year contract by accident one night when I was drunk. Still, if your 25th man has a career OPS of .782 and can play excellent outfield defense, you're probably in for a good season.

Our pitching staff also looks very good. Opening day starter Jesus Rijo is a high-end workhouse with a career OAV of .240 and a career WHIP of 1.16. He's given me 230-plus innings two years running, and has never faltered. Future Cy Young winner Matthew Harris, another Popsicle rushed into big-league service far too early, is the second starter, coming off a season where he allowed a .230 OAV and a .294 OBP, while proving increasingly unhittable as his ratings soared toward the stratosphere. He starts off this season stronger than ever, with frighteningly limitless potential. Yes, his 2 rating on the GB/FB is a little alarming, but if you strike out 200 batters in 198 innings, you can give up a dinger now and then.

Claude Wilson, our third starter, is a veritable graybeard on our team at 24. He comes off a fine season where he allowed a .242 OAV and a 1.26 WHIP. Fourth is Cristobal Beltran, who had a somewhat disappointing second season, with an ERA near five after a good first season, but he eats innings and has excellent control. Hector Graham, who had a rough rookie season but improved remarkably in the offseason, is our fifth starter.

Our bullpen is headed by hotshot closer Billy Gutierrez, who was nearly unhittable last year, saving 36 games out of 37 opportunities, with an OAV of .145, an OBP of .225, a WHIP of .081, and an ERA of 0.89, while giving up one home run. Nothing can compare with that, but setup men Doc Everett, Vern Garcia, Patrick Webster, and the veteran Joe Maas should be able to get him the ball with regularity.

In a departure from the norm, the Popsicles signed two older free-agent relievers to round out the pen. Brutus Barkley, solid for two years with the former Oakland franchise, now gets a two-year deal in the Popsicles green or whatever the hell that color is. Heath Woods, after two years with LAA, is asked to provide some long relief before he retires to his upstate New York McMansion.

In short (or long), I expect big things from the Popsicles this season. Our division doesn't lack quality squads, but it has balance, and we can win. With that one-two punch at the top of the rotation, a really good lineup, and a great closer, postseason success, while never a certainty, is definitely possible. Assuming we don't start 5-13 for a third straight year, we could be one of the NL's best teams.

Vancouver Pornographers: Season Outlook

2008-04-18T15:54:00.000-04:00

The Vancouver Pornographers were able to make decent improvement from S1's 76-win team to S2's 82-win team, thanks largely to solid second-half play. Expectations are higher this season, however, as several young players will make their debuts at Nat Bailey Stadium for a Vancouver team that hopes to make a serious playoff push. Although several key veterans departed via trade and free agency, Vancouver is cautiously optimistic for season 3.

Lineup
Vancouver has made several major lineup changes since opening day last season. Near the end of S2, Vancouver traded veteran first baseman Mike Higgins and All-Star center fielder Mateo Johnson to the Jackson Juggernauts for two pitchers and a third baseman, primarily to open up spots for younger players. More recently, four key players from the S2 team left via free agency: catcher Tommy Sowders, a defensively challenged prolific slugger who owns the franchise single-season home run record; shortstop Donaldo Sanchez, a defensive specialist; and infielder Adam Governale. Vancouver filled center field, first base, and shortstop internally and turned to the free agent market for a new catcher.

Leading off for Vancouver will be second-year third baseman Davey Borkowski (.303/.362/.489, 46 2B, 21 HR, 64 RBI, 106 RS). Borkowski is an excellent defender (S1 AAA Gold Glove), a versatile hitter, and a strong baserunner. Veteran right fielder Bill Reynolds (.316/.386/.561, 28 HR, 27 SB, 71 RBI) gives the Pornographers a potent 1-2 combination. A switch-hitter with a very balanced skill set, he has good power, speed, and patience.

Borkowski and Reynolds look to offer many RBI opportunities for highly-anticipated 22-year-old rookie Placido Benitez (.395/.475/.866, 56 HR, 154 RBI, 127 RS), a two-time AAA Most Valuable Player and All-Star. The first baseman dominated AAA over the last two seasons, posting an .396/.488/.851 line with 107 home runs, 319 RBI, and a 2:1 BB:K ratio in 230 games. Although somewhat limited defensively, coaches are confident that his exceptional bat will make up for any shortfall with the glove. Following Benitez in the cleanup spot is another rookie, 23-year-old center fielder Benito Espada (.365/.455/.609, 27 HR, 103 RBI, 130 RS). Espada also boasts two All-Star nods, and won a Silver Slugger and Rookie of the Year award last season. Scouts say he's very strong defensively and a good contact hitter. The third rookie in the Vancouver lineup will hit fifth: shortstop Benito Velazquez (.355/.396/.702, 31 HR, 57 2B, 111 RBI), a two-time AAA All-Star and last season's Silver Slugger. The 24-year-old Velazquez is an impatient but powerful hitter and a skilled defender.

At second base and the sixth lineup spot, two veterans will share playing time: Omar Fernandez (.286/.350/.427) and Manuel Granados (.305/.339/.451). Fernandez is a better defender but sometimes has trouble against RHP, while Granados is a more balanced hitter but weaker in the field. In left field and hitting seventh for Vancouver is second-year Juan Gomez (.332/.407/.616 AAA; .269/.331/.470 ML). A natural third baseman with a good glove, Gomez should be a dangerous hitter late in the lineup. At the bottom of the lineup is free agent catcher Dario Zhang (.246/.325/.313). A contact hitter with little power, Zhang is mostly on the team for his defense and turning over the lineup.

Vancouver's bench has some flexibility offensively and defensively. Fernandez or Granados will be able to provide infield depth and a fairly good bat off the bench. Rich Post (.241/.328/.287) is a light-hitting speedster who could see some starts at center or second if he manages to push his OBP north of .350. Matthew Ward (.245/.299/.505, 37 HR, 88 RBI) signed a 2-year contract last year to be Vancouver's slugger, but he's been relegated to the bench for his poor performance. Warm bodies filling out the bench include Moe Randall (.307/.387/.456 AAA; .268/.339/.446 ML), with some power, little speed, and a mediocre glove; and backup catcher Luis Crespo (.238/.308/.341), a weak-hitting defensive specialist.

Pitching
The most significant loss from Vancouver's pitching staff was veteran starter Todd Gant, an 11-game winner last year and S1 All-Star. Overall, pitching does not look to be the Pornographers' strength this season, although there are some interesting arms in the rotation and bullpen.

Gabe Lewis (224 IP, 9-14, 1.37 WHIP, 4.58 ERA) and Phil Herrera (217, 12-8, 1.18, 3.35) should be a potent 1-2 combination at the start of the rotation, but Vancouver has been unable to get simultaneous quality seasons from both right-handers. Both pitchers are still under 30, however, and the Pornographers remain hopeful that this is their year.

After Lewis and Herrera, the Pornographers will have to turn to a mixture of aging veterans and unproven youngsters. Of the former, 37-year-old Julio Gonzalez (187, 14-8, 1.26, 4.17) contributed a surprisingly effective season, but expectations are minimal for S3. At 38, Brian Witt (176, 9-13, 1.48, 5.47) is also a possible but unreliable contributor. Free agent Edgardo Mendoza (152, 15-8, 1.58, 5.27) was brought on as an insurance policy for these injury-prone vets.

Younger candidates include last year's Rule 5 pick Art Douglas (80, 1.74, 5.94), midseason acquisition Aurelio Martin (142, 12-6, 1.44, 4.82 AAA), and up-and-coming rookie Bob Burch (98, 1.29, 4.58 AAA)

Relief ace Trevor Watkins, a S1 All-Star and S2 Fireman of the Year, will return as Vancouver's closer. He'll be supported by rubber-armed Ernest Barker (112, 1.60, 4.71), S1 free agent signing Darryl Carson (62, 1.46, 4.48), and S1 Rule 5 pick Archie LaRue (66, 1.65, 5.59).

Pitching Prospects
5 Robin Stoops, 25, AAA (162, 15-6, 1.44, 4.87). Something of a long shot, but could be a major league contributor. ETA now
4 Earl Womack, 20, AAA (55, 1.24, 4.09 AA). A S2 trade acquisition, has a shot at being a decent long reliever or back-rotation starter. ETA 1-2 years
3 Frank Carver, 21, AAA (117, 1.25, 3.44 AAA). Lacks starter stamina, profiles as a solid setup man or long reliever. ETA 1 year
2 Benji Duncan, 25, AAA (30, 29/30 SV, 1.01, 2.64 AAA). While not quite a closer candidate, Duncan should be a quality setup man. ETA 1 year
1 Ozzie Sauveur, 19, LoA (56, 2-2, 1.46, 5.14 Rk). The 12th overall pick last season, Sauveur projects as a true ace. ETA 3+ years

Position Prospects
5 Chris Tannehill, 20, AAA (.342/.430/.511, 16 HR, 87 RBI, 88 RS HiA/AA). Another trade acquisition; probably not good enough to take PT away from other CIFs in system. ETA 2-3 years
4 Carlos Benitez, 22, AAA (.285/.373/.496, 27 HR, 90 RBI, 85 RS AA). Better defender than hitter, but should be enough as a 4th OF. ETA 1-2 years
3 Luis Ortiz, 22, AA (.321/.410/.575, 32 HR, 135 RBI, 119 RS LoA). Quality hitter and good defense in right. ETA 2-3 years
2 Clarence Lloyd, 23, AAA (.308/.362/.561, 20 HR, 123 RBI, 109 RS AAA). Excellent defender and good hitter, but may not have a spot in the lineup. ETA 1 year
1 Bobby Jacquez, 21, AA (.338/.395/.595, 30 HR, 53 2B, 129 RBI, 123 RS HiA). Should be a serious contributor in the majors. ETA 1-2 years

SALARY CAP-GATE!!!!

2008-04-14T14:27:00.000-04:00

For just the 3rd time in 11 seasons in a "randallball" run world, we had a violation of the player salary cap this season. The offending owner, veteran davesanchez of the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to the "punishment" and forwarded a GC equal to one HBD season ($25.00) to the league to be "held in escrow" should he decide to not remain in the league until the contract expires. The most puzzling thing about the contract is that the big bucks were forked over for a relief pitcher - a damn fine relief pitcher, but a relief pitcher nonetheless. It makes sense when you realize that davesanchez is in a lot of pain (and likely on a lot of medication) as he preps for his impending back surgery.

This is your brain on drugs.

The player involved is two time All-Star Bubbles Rapp:

Hardball Dynasty's

Bubbles Rapp

. The poppable one will be 36 at the end of the contract. Let's hope for Pittsburgh's sake that he doesn't fall victim to the "cap violator curse" that has bitten before.

Because of this event, it has become apparent that the brief salary cap description (available in the league forum, here) does not contain a complete enough discription of just what exactly the cap entails. As such, I have taken the time to draw it in more clear detail just what constitutes a violation in CAPB.

In seasons 1 and 2 of CAPB (and NABCL, for that matter) the player salary cap was $12m per season. In season 3 of both worlds, that limit jumped to $13.5m. What this means is that any contract given during season 3 cannot have any season of that contract exceed the current cap. Since the current cap is $13.5m, the max legal contract that should have been offered to Rapp (or any other FA) is 5 years/$67.5m - and that $67.5m needs to be maxed at $13.5m on each of the 5 seasons, not averaged out to $13.5. Any bonus that exceeds that amount would also be a violation.

In season 4, the cap remains in place at $13.5m per season. In season 5, the amount jumps once again to $15.0m. So a contract offered to a season 4 FA cannot exceed $13.5m in value (including bonus) in any season of the contract (even those seasons in which the cap is greater than $13.5m). A contract offered to a season 5 FA cannot exceed $15.0m in value (including bonus) in any season of the contract, so the max contract would be $75.0m (5 seasons of $15.0m each, no signing bonus).

If the market dictates that we raise the cap in future seasons (i.e., if FA demands exceed the cap) we will examine the player cap at that point. It should be pointed out, though, that we are currently in season 8 of NABCL and this has not happened.

Any further questions about the player salary cap should be directed to yours truly, via sitemail or trade chat.

Good luck on the upcoming season to everyone....GO RIVER DOGS!

Welcome to the CAPB World Blog!

2008-04-14T13:44:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the WIS Post, the new blog for the CAPB World. Feel free to post and comment on others' posts.