Saturday, October 9, 2010
10/9 HBD - Wide News
10/9 - Randall on Baseball - Silver Linings, Warning Track World - Season 10 draft, Shoeless Joe - All Star snubs, NCAA - Playoff Picture 157, Joey Belle - NL Hot Starts Hitters, Clarkson - New & Notes, Billy Beane -Season Batting Records 131 games, Talk with SoxYanks12 on random topics.
Monday, September 27, 2010
9/27 This week in CAPB, Shoeless Joe tomorrow.
A one hour episode for the CAPB league. Standings, Top 3 League Leaders - Players and Teams all major categories. The episode went ok but Im a little rusty on doing leagues off the cuff rather than off RSS feeds. It'll get better and more entertaining as I get used to it again.
I've decided to have a 16 listen cut-off on each league. Im going to run TWIHBD as scheduled with CAPB, Shoeless Joe, Rickey, Cobb, & Doubleday M-F. If the league does not reach the 16 podcast listens by the following week I will cut your league from this format.
I will go through every league in HBD one by one in this manner, starting alphabetically. - mostly likely with Aaron unless there is one alphabetically ahead of it until I go through every league. Make the 16 podcast listen minimum and your league is permanent in the format. If I have to do 2 hour episodes - 2 leagues a day to make room, I will. If it gets to the point where I have to squeeze in more Ill do every other week.
There is a contest in October. Please listen for details or look in the blog archives. In short you will have to listen for a secret letter a day during the 5-6pm episode. Collect the letters and unscramble them to spell a player name. Be the first to call in with the correct name and win a free season courtesy of me. The episode to call in for the prize will be first Sunday in November 5-7pm. PLENTY OF WARNING. I may give hints. Secret letters will only be said M-F. You can load up my podcasts 24/7/365. If its worth it to you then you will. If not I keep my money. No sweat.
Ranking the NL at 74 Games
1. Buffalo Soldiers - Current record 50-24 -Last week #1 (No Change) - The defending champs are certainly the class of the NL. Scored the most runs and given up the fewest in the NL. One cause for concern is that they've thrown the most innings in the NL so far, the pitching staff could get overworked if that pace continutes. The only thing that could derail their cruise to the playoffs is a rash of ....we'd rather not specify here in fear of a jinx.
2. Honolulu Witch Doctors -
Current Record 47-27 - Last week #3 (+1) - Well balanced lineup has this team once again on top in the division. Of their 8 regulars, all have an OPS between .721 and .869. Russ Bryant currently has a .792 OPS so expect that to go up and help an already strong offense.
3. Fresno Mutant Grizzlies -
Current Record 48-26 - Last week #2 (-1) - They fell 1 spot in the rankings. They have given up more runs then they have scored but just a small margin, so are they playing over their heads? They may need to consider adding a bat to their anemic offense, as only 2 teams in the NL have scored less. Their bullpen however is STRONG led by Glen Hill and his perfect 20 saves.
4. Toledo Holy Fargin Schnicks -
Current record 44-30 - Last week #4 (+0) - After returning from the 15 day DL, Cody Percival, missed some more time with a sore elbow. So despite getting only 8 starts so far from the Cy Young winner Toledo has been going back and forth with Chicago for 1st place in the East. Percival has shown flashes of returning to normal, and will be counted on in the 2nd half.
5. Chicago Gangsters - Current Record 45-29 - Last week #9 (+4) - The trade for Junior Chen has not quite worked out as well as hoped, but it is still early. Dick Stewart recently won Player of the Week honors and is pacing the offense along with Julio Marin and Felipe Mota. Mota hasn't quite played up to his standards but is still providing power. James Pong has pitched better of late and more like the #1 that they require of him and is leading the league in wins with a 10-2 record. The Gangsters may have a tough time making the playoffs in a tough division, if their offense slumps they'll be in trouble. The bullpen holds the key.
6. Jackson Pollocks -
Current Record 39-35 - Last Week #5 (-1) - They've given up 325 runs so far, good for 6th in the NL, but their bullpen is a concern as their record is 9-10 in 1-run games (5-5 in extra innings). With all 4 teams within 5 games of each other in the NL South the playoffs will not come easy.
7. New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers -
Current Record 38-36 - Last Week #5 (-1) -
8. Sacramento Terrible Two's -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week #6 (-2) -
9. Salt Lake City Ampersands -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week # 11 (+2) - MVP candidate Placido Benitez is still wearing out pitching staffs, and trying to carry the team to the playoffs.
10. New Orleans Hot Fives -
Current Record 38-36 - Last Week #15 (+5) -
11. Atlanta Hooch -
Current Record 37-37 - Last Week #14 (+3)
Much improved lately, they are still shipping out talent. No matter what they do they always are a tough team.
12. St Louis River Dogs -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week #8 (-4)
Weak offense, coupled with pitching staff faltering = tumble in the rankings.
13. Charlotte Knights -
Current Record 35-39 - Last Week # 10 (-3)
14. Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs -
Current Record 32-42 - Last Week #7 (-7)
Our biggest change, falling 7 spots. The starting rotation has been BRUTAL.
15. Trenton Thunder -
Current Record 35-39 - Last Week #12 (-3)
No matter what they do, they just can't seem to wake up the bats.
16. Salem Squirrel Monkeys -
Current Record 13-61 - Last Week #16 (no change)
While they are improved greatly, especially since replacing ownership, they are too far gone to compete for the season. New owner kidsid(some others might know him as bullet6464 from other worlds) will have this team in the hunt next season.
2. Honolulu Witch Doctors -
Current Record 47-27 - Last week #3 (+1) - Well balanced lineup has this team once again on top in the division. Of their 8 regulars, all have an OPS between .721 and .869. Russ Bryant currently has a .792 OPS so expect that to go up and help an already strong offense.
3. Fresno Mutant Grizzlies -
Current Record 48-26 - Last week #2 (-1) - They fell 1 spot in the rankings. They have given up more runs then they have scored but just a small margin, so are they playing over their heads? They may need to consider adding a bat to their anemic offense, as only 2 teams in the NL have scored less. Their bullpen however is STRONG led by Glen Hill and his perfect 20 saves.
4. Toledo Holy Fargin Schnicks -
Current record 44-30 - Last week #4 (+0) - After returning from the 15 day DL, Cody Percival, missed some more time with a sore elbow. So despite getting only 8 starts so far from the Cy Young winner Toledo has been going back and forth with Chicago for 1st place in the East. Percival has shown flashes of returning to normal, and will be counted on in the 2nd half.
5. Chicago Gangsters - Current Record 45-29 - Last week #9 (+4) - The trade for Junior Chen has not quite worked out as well as hoped, but it is still early. Dick Stewart recently won Player of the Week honors and is pacing the offense along with Julio Marin and Felipe Mota. Mota hasn't quite played up to his standards but is still providing power. James Pong has pitched better of late and more like the #1 that they require of him and is leading the league in wins with a 10-2 record. The Gangsters may have a tough time making the playoffs in a tough division, if their offense slumps they'll be in trouble. The bullpen holds the key.
6. Jackson Pollocks -
Current Record 39-35 - Last Week #5 (-1) - They've given up 325 runs so far, good for 6th in the NL, but their bullpen is a concern as their record is 9-10 in 1-run games (5-5 in extra innings). With all 4 teams within 5 games of each other in the NL South the playoffs will not come easy.
7. New Britain Fighting Beer Drinkers -
Current Record 38-36 - Last Week #5 (-1) -
8. Sacramento Terrible Two's -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week #6 (-2) -
9. Salt Lake City Ampersands -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week # 11 (+2) - MVP candidate Placido Benitez is still wearing out pitching staffs, and trying to carry the team to the playoffs.
10. New Orleans Hot Fives -
Current Record 38-36 - Last Week #15 (+5) -
11. Atlanta Hooch -
Current Record 37-37 - Last Week #14 (+3)
Much improved lately, they are still shipping out talent. No matter what they do they always are a tough team.
12. St Louis River Dogs -
Current Record 36-38 - Last Week #8 (-4)
Weak offense, coupled with pitching staff faltering = tumble in the rankings.
13. Charlotte Knights -
Current Record 35-39 - Last Week # 10 (-3)
14. Jacksonville Junk Yard Dogs -
Current Record 32-42 - Last Week #7 (-7)
Our biggest change, falling 7 spots. The starting rotation has been BRUTAL.
15. Trenton Thunder -
Current Record 35-39 - Last Week #12 (-3)
No matter what they do, they just can't seem to wake up the bats.
16. Salem Squirrel Monkeys -
Current Record 13-61 - Last Week #16 (no change)
While they are improved greatly, especially since replacing ownership, they are too far gone to compete for the season. New owner kidsid(some others might know him as bullet6464 from other worlds) will have this team in the hunt next season.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October
Hardball Dynasty News: Hardball Dynasty News Contest in October: "Ok, Im holding a contest in October. During 20 episodes or thereabouts on M-F - I'll reveal a secret Letter. You can listen on podcast or li..."
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ranking the NL at the 25 Game Mark
1.
-
The defending champs have started strong, is there a repeat in their future?
2.
-
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.
-
Their string of 9 straight playoff appearances should be extended to 10 when its all said and done.
4.
-
The Schnicks are in first despite some injury problems to 2-time Cy Young winner Cody Percival. Percival returns from the DL soon so expect the Schnicks to open up a bigger lead with Atlanta selling off parts.
5.
-
Free Agent addition Bonk Matthews has been a nice addition to the rotation. Can he make it last over the entire season?
6.
-
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.
-
Their expected win % says they are a better team then they show, so expect an improvement over the rest of the season, made easier by the return of some bodies on the DL.
8.
-
As terrific as their pitching staff has been (currently given up the fewest runs in the NL), the offense has been just as bad. Only one player is having year above their norm (Carlos Azocar), so their is plenty of room for improvement from the rest of the lineup. They are only a game and a half back so if they can stick close and go out and get a big bat they could be formidable.
9.
-
The return of an old owner has the team right back where they were before he left, middle of the road. Still the defense is improved and the offense is hitting homeruns. The real key is the pitching.
Another interesting note is that they are relying heavily on 5 rookies ( Ramirez, Grant, Lee, Mlicki, Rosa) and another just got called up to serve as a utility player (Coleridge). They also just made a trade to help stabilize their pen by bringing in former Cy Young winner Junior Chen who had an injury last season.
10.
-
The offense is led by Albert Ponson. Paul Huang is the #1 starter but is not living up to that billing. #'s 2-4 are solid, if not spectacular, and former #5 (J.T. Bell) has been sent to long reliever duty. Thats actually a good thing due to his first few starts.
11.
-
They have a powerful offense, led by Placido Benitez, but their pitching has given up the 2nd most runs in the NL. I expect the staff to improve as the season moves on.
12.
-
Middle of the road team could be dangerous if they can have the whole team put it together at the same time. Their offense needs to step up more so then the pitching.
13.
-
In a brutal division, they may prove to be better then the early season record shows.
14.
-
They would've been higher due to their history, but with the selling off of parts they've fallen down here. Don't be fooled into thinking they'll be down long, the trades they've made will have them challenging soon enough.
15.
-
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.
-
Hopefully someone can get in there and get this abandoned train back on track.
 |
| ||||||
The defending champs have started strong, is there a repeat in their future?
2.
 |
| ||||||
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.
 |
| ||||||
Their string of 9 straight playoff appearances should be extended to 10 when its all said and done.
4.
 |
| ||||||
The Schnicks are in first despite some injury problems to 2-time Cy Young winner Cody Percival. Percival returns from the DL soon so expect the Schnicks to open up a bigger lead with Atlanta selling off parts.
5.
 |
| ||||||
Free Agent addition Bonk Matthews has been a nice addition to the rotation. Can he make it last over the entire season?
6.
 |
| ||||||
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.
 |
| ||||||
Their expected win % says they are a better team then they show, so expect an improvement over the rest of the season, made easier by the return of some bodies on the DL.
8.
 |
| ||||||
As terrific as their pitching staff has been (currently given up the fewest runs in the NL), the offense has been just as bad. Only one player is having year above their norm (Carlos Azocar), so their is plenty of room for improvement from the rest of the lineup. They are only a game and a half back so if they can stick close and go out and get a big bat they could be formidable.
9.
 |
| ||||||
The return of an old owner has the team right back where they were before he left, middle of the road. Still the defense is improved and the offense is hitting homeruns. The real key is the pitching.
Another interesting note is that they are relying heavily on 5 rookies ( Ramirez, Grant, Lee, Mlicki, Rosa) and another just got called up to serve as a utility player (Coleridge). They also just made a trade to help stabilize their pen by bringing in former Cy Young winner Junior Chen who had an injury last season.
10.
 |
| ||||||
The offense is led by Albert Ponson. Paul Huang is the #1 starter but is not living up to that billing. #'s 2-4 are solid, if not spectacular, and former #5 (J.T. Bell) has been sent to long reliever duty. Thats actually a good thing due to his first few starts.
11.
 |
| ||||||
They have a powerful offense, led by Placido Benitez, but their pitching has given up the 2nd most runs in the NL. I expect the staff to improve as the season moves on.
12.
 |
| ||||||
Middle of the road team could be dangerous if they can have the whole team put it together at the same time. Their offense needs to step up more so then the pitching.
13.
 |
| ||||||
In a brutal division, they may prove to be better then the early season record shows.
14.
 |
| ||||||
They would've been higher due to their history, but with the selling off of parts they've fallen down here. Don't be fooled into thinking they'll be down long, the trades they've made will have them challenging soon enough.
15.
 |
| ||||||
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.
 |
| ||||||
Hopefully someone can get in there and get this abandoned train back on track.
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