Chicago's Season 7 Preview - Lineup

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

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!

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

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

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.