Series of the Week (Week 1)
Posted: May 18, 2013 Filed under: Series of the Week Leave a comment »First off, congratulations goes out to Ned Broussard and Raul Rodriguez on being inducted into the National Duff Beer Hall of Fame.
Kansas City Monarchs
@
Colorado U$eful Idiot$
5/19 PM2, 5/20 AM, 5/20 PM1, 5/20 PM2
After a quick turnover, and an active off-season, Duff Beer returns to the regular season. There is no better way to start it off, then by facing the two teams that fought in the American League Championship Series last season. The rivalry of these two AL West foes reached new limits as they dueled for a spot in the World Series. Each team features 5 all stars from last season, so it is safe to say each have very high expectations once again. They will both likely be in the running for the AL West title, and also a top seed in the post season. This series will certainly give us an idea of what kind of race it will be.
For Colorado, reigning MVP Tarrik Franklin is back and better than ever, which is a very scary thought. Gold Glove ss Jorge Pinzon will also return to the field, looking to keep is pitchers feeling confident. The U$eful Idiot$ will certainly be looking to improve on last seasons run, and also have plans to top the AL.
As for Kansas City, success has become expected. Five consecutive ALCS appearances, as well as reaching 2 out of the last 3 World Series shows how dominate they are. However, having no rings to show for it is difficult to swallow. Russell Duke is coming off a Cy Young award and will lead one of the top rotations in baseball. Silver Sluggers Albert DeSoto and Wilin Delgado will also be back and will be major parts of the Monarch offense.
Pre-Season Power Rankings (Season 20)
Posted: May 15, 2013 Filed under: Power Rankings Leave a comment »As with last season, these are just pre-season rankings. I have no intention to under value your teams. As some teams showed us last season, a low early ranking does not mean they cannot pull off big surprises. Good luck to all as the season gets under way and I look forward to a low rank jumping up top!
1.
New Orleans aligators
Last Season- 110-52
As if they weren’t dangerous enough. Sal Sanders has now joined the defending champs rotation. Some other small signings include Lawrence Marshall, Wilfredo Encarnacion and Julio Diaz. All three players couldn’t sign their contract fast enough, knowing the opportunity to end their careers with a ring just became very likely.
2.
Minnesota Baggies
Last Season- 103-59
A year without the Baggies in the World Series is certainly a strange year. It’s very rare that it happens 2 years in a row. Vicente Lopez will leave Minnesota for the first time in his career, and will take 5 rings with him. Look for the Baggies Dynasty to once again be dominate, and extend their impressive NL North run.
3.
Kansas City Monarchs
Last Season- 98-64
The Monarchs just can’t seem to get over that hump, and it is not going to get any easier. Losing players like Ricardo Seguignol, Milt Morgan and Ubaldo Beltre are tough gaps to fill. They will be facing a much improved division, but have the depth to once again be atop it, and fight for their first ring.
4.
Vancouver Killivers
Last Season- 106-56
A disappointing exit from the playoffs last season, along with losing Ellie Gwynn and Harry Bocachica will sting a little bit, but Vancouver is still going to be an AL favorite. Barney Fryman is certainly no replacement, but the rest of the staff can pick up the slack. Time may be running out if Vancouver wants to win the eluded World Series, so the Killivers really need to make something happen this season.
5.
Charlotte Rae Dawn Chong
Last Season 93-69
Some bullpen fixes include Vasco Lira and Sherman Ashby. Other than that not a whole lot going down in Charlotte. They are still a young team with a lot of potential. They believe they are the top team in the South and will battle with New Orleans all season to prove it.
6.
Philadelphia Phillies
Last Season- 91-71
Philadelphia made it very clear this off-season that they like winning, and they plan to do a lot more of it. After the additions of Bronson Welch and Roscoe Kashmir to the rotation, along with Kiki Castro to provide some much needed offense, the Phillies may find themselves as a top player in the American League this season.
7.
Hartford Crusaders
Last Season- 96-66
The additions of George Hughes and Melvin Grey will help compound losing Roscoe Kashmir. Hartford is going to once again have to battle for a playoff spot with many competitive teams in the NL, but expect them to be in the mix. The big question will be, can they finally end the run of Minnesota?
8.
Salem Witch Hunters
Last Season- 93-69
A late season melt down and a first round exit made Salem rethink a few things. Mainly the pitching staff. Ellie Gwynn and J.P. Ramirez are excellent additions to the rotation along with Dennis Miclat in the bullpen. Meanwhile, Douglas Hunt is also a nice addition to the outfield. Salem should take home the division again, but they want more.
9.
Colorado U$eful Idiot$
Last Season- 94-68
Some minor moves in Colorado include signing Don Murphy and Charlie Service. After pulling the upset of the playoffs they were sent home packing. Though some say they overachieved, the U$eful Idiot$ wanted more. Look for them fight for the division, and attempt another run at greatness.
10.
San Francisco Rocks
Last Season- 82-80
San Francisco made one thing apparent this off season, last season will not happen again. They reached into their pockets and made some very solid signings in Harry Bocachica, Chief Gipson, Ted Orosco and Milt Morgan. Expect big things out of them as they look to rejoin Kansas City and Colorado at the top of the division, and potentially be one of the top teams in the American League.
11.
Atlanta BeerCats
Last Season- 87-75
Some very good signings by the BeerCats will keep them as the NL East favorites. Barry Sweeney, Ignacio Castillo and Michael Diaz will make Atlanta a threat to everyone. No longer will the East be scoffed at now that a true contender has emerged.
12.
Fargo Red River
Last Season- 90-72
After a surprising season last year, Fargo is back and ready to compete again this year. Signings Ricardo Seguignol, Erubiel Machado and R.J. Schrenk will certainly assist in that. Trading for D.J. McPherson will also help. The young rotation has high expectations as they try to lead the Red River to the playoffs.
13.
Little Rock Bill Clintons
Last Season- 91-71
Not a whole lot going on in Little Rock. A strong push towards the end of last season left them just a little short. They will once again have to face off against two mighty division foes, along with the rest of the National League. There’s no counting them out, but it will be a tough road.
14.
Louisville Hill Jacks
Last Season- 84-78
Not too much happening in Louisville aside from trading for Hideo Zhang. They will likely be stuck chasing Philadelphia for most of the season, however, more was expected of them last year so look for it to be a little tighter race heading down the stretch.
15.
Anaheim Halos
Last Season- 84-78
The miracle team from last year returns with high hopes. The addition of Jose Mendoza will certainly do the Halos a lot of good. Can they pull off the same magic they did to end last season? Possibly. It will certainly be fun to watch.
16.
Richmond Spiders
Last Season 88-74
They are by no means getting any younger. However, placed in a weak division it is likely that they will once again finish on top. It is simply turning into a matter of when will their age get the best of them, and make way for the rest of the AL South.
17.
New Britain Bulldogs
Last Season- 82-80
The arrival of Richard Floyd, Rogers Gipson and Vicente Lopez will be much anticipated. They will fill the void of Kiki Castro moving to Philadelphia. The Bulldogs should be competitive this year and it will be interesting to see how far this team can go in a much improved American League.
18.
Boise Blue
Last Season- 78-84
Some smaller signings by Boise along with Dave Juden will likely keep them around a .500 club. They have plenty of youth still up and coming so it is only a matter of time before the rise of the Blue.
19.
Helena Big Sky Bombers
Last Season- 77-85
Another team with a couple of additions. Domingo Gomez, Paul Shea and Gerald Hendricksen will certainly create a buzz around the ball park. Helena showed last year that they can make things exciting, but it will certainly be tough for them to compete in a very deep NL North.
20.
Trenton Shockmasters
Last Season- 83-79
Trenton made it very clearly that they are going to lay low for awhile and move towards a rebuilding stage. While the fans may disagree, it will likely be for the best. Look for their youth movement to to make big impacts in the future.
21.
Rochester Sidewinders
Last Season- 83-79
Not much to mention in Rochester. A team nobody expected to be in contention last season watched as rivals Atlanta improved significantly. Another .500 season is expected as they will likely be middle of the road.
22.
Augusta Moose Heads
Last Season- 74-88
With Ubaldo Beltre arriving up North, fans will continue to come out and show support. However, it does not appear that Augusta is ready to make a playoff push. Look for the offense to put on some shows, but the pitching to struggle.
23.
Arizona Royals
Last Season- 71-91
Watching Jose Mendoza leave is upsetting, but this team isn’t worried about how this season turns out. Look for the Royals to have some struggles, but ultimately end up around the middle of the NL.
24.
El Paso Manatee Dogs
Last Season- 70-92
A new location will also display many new faces. Gustavo Gomez will light up the offense as Turner Pittinger, Eli Arrojo, Davey Andujar and Edgar Johnson will highlight a new rotation. The bullpen also had an overhaul so it is hard to know what to truly expect from El Paso.
25.
San Juan Clementes
Last Season- 65-97
Collin Kroon and Todd O’Donnell make nice additions to the offense. If history holds true, it is the Clementes turn in the cycle to take home the East, but it would certainly take a miracle to keep this streak alive.
26.
Columbus Isotopes
Last Season- 65-97
While Izzy Ventrella is a nice bullpen addition, and trading for Banjo Kensing will also help, it is going to take a lot more to catch Vancouver. The Wild Card is not completely out of the question, but it will take something pretty spectacular.
27.
Santa Fe Bible Thumpers
Last Season- 63-99
A new look rotation in Santa Fe includes Ricardo Rivera, Karl Belisle, Joaquin Villafuerte and Jamie Baker. Tito Tice has also jumped on board to help a very dynamic offense attempt to compete this year. The need of pitching has been filled, so the Bible Thumpers have a chance to battle in the AL.
28.
Cleveland Crappers
Last Season- 62-100
A tough season last season leaves little hope for this year. Ruben Montero should help the new Cleveland fans support their team, but it’s certainly going to be an uphill battle.
29.
Tampa Bay Sharks
Last Season- 61-101
William Ruffin and Stewart Politte head the free agent signings by Tampa Bay. Hopefully they will help them avoid another 100 loss season. However, that will likely be Tampa Bay’s only goal for the season as a playoff run seems to be out of the question.
30.
Chicago Wieners
Last Season- 61-101
Hold the phones! Frank Redman will be arriving in Chicago. His salary makes up 1/5 of Chicago’s entire payroll, so it is safe to say that he will be the one and only thing Wiener fans will be cheering for this season. Look for it to be another tough one in the windy city.
31.
Houston Juicers
Last Season- 55-107
A couple small signings will not change too much for the Juicers. Avoiding another 100 loss season will be difficult but doable. The only thing going for Houston right now, is they are not on the bottom.
32.
Las Vegas Gamblers
Last Season- 52-110
Finishing up their 6th consecutive season in last in the NL West, Las Vegas still has a lot of work to do. Hopefully they manage to find a way to get enough wins to stick around.
Season 19 End Of Season Awards
Posted: April 30, 2013 Filed under: Awards Leave a comment »World Series Champions
New Orelans aligators
MVP Awards
American League
National League
Cy Young Awards
American League
National League
Rookie of the Year Awards
American League
National League
World Series Preview
Posted: April 26, 2013 Filed under: Playoffs Leave a comment »#2
Kansas City Monarchs
98-64
vs.
#1
New Orleans aligators
110-52
Recap:
Kansas City- First Round Bye, Defeated Anaheim (3-1), Defeated Colorado (4-0)
New Orleans- First Round Bye, Defeated Hartford (3-2), Defeated Minnesota (4-3)
History:
Kansas City- Made ALCS last 5 seasons, 2nd World Series appearance in 3 years
New Orleans- 2 NLCS appearances in last 3 years, first ever World Series appearance
Team Leaders in Post Season:
Kansas City
Wilin Delgado is batting .351/.415/.622 with 3 home runs and 11 RBI’s in 37 at bats
Jorge Rodriguez is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 16 innings
New Orleans
Harry James is batting .609/.640/1.435 with 5 home runs and 11 RBI’s in 23 at bats
Lariel Lopez is 1-1 with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 23.2 innings
Preview:
The Season 19 World Series will feature two teams that were not the first choice to be here by most. It was supposed to be another Vancouver Minnesota clash, but instead, the Monarchs and the aligators will battle it out, each searching for their first title.
The Monarchs have made it seem easy thus far. They have dominated each of their first round opponents by scoring an average of over 7 runs a game. If they plan to take down a mighty New Orleans team, they are going to need to keep this up and hope their pitching staff can try hold the aligators in check.
New Orleans can consider themselves lucky to even be here. Going down 2-0 in their first series, and then winning game 7 against Minnesota in an offensive show. However, they are here and they will likely be favored. Their pitching staff is going to need to get it together if they want any chance at slowing the Kansas City offense, and taking home a ring.
League Championship Series
Posted: April 23, 2013 Filed under: Playoffs Leave a comment »American League
#2
Kansas City Monarchs
vs.
#5
Colorado U$eful Idiot$
Season Series- Colorado 5 Kansas City 5
Recap:
Colorado- Defeated Richmond Spiders 3-0, Defeated Vancouver Killivers 3-1
Kansas City- First Round Bye, Defeated Anaheim Halos 3-1
Preview:
A match up of two AL West opponents. These two were even all season long and had a division battle down to the end. Now, they meet with a trip to the World Series on the line. Neither franchise has ever been able to call them selves champions, so you can imagine how much getting a chance will mean to them.
Kansas City displayed their offensive dominance by blowing past Anaheim, and they will look to carry that over against Colorado. They may have breathed a slight sigh of relief when Vancouver fell, but Colorado has proven they are capable of beating anybody, so the Monarchs can’t overlook them.
The U$eful Idiot$ shocked all of Duff Beer by taking out the AL favorites. They are now poised to continue their incredible run against Kansas City. Colorado’s manager is not surprised by the success, as he knew they’d be a dangerous #5 seed. Can they pull of 1 more upset to do the unthinkable?
National League
#1
New Orleans aligators
vs.
#2
Minnesota Baggies
Season Series- New Orleans 8 Minnesota 2
Recap:
New Orleans- First Round Bye, Defeated Hartford 3-2
Minnesota- First Round Bye, Defeated Charlotte 3-1
Preview:
About what everybody expected to see here. The two best teams in the NL will meet in the League Championship. Minnesota is looking to go back to the World Series and attempt to win their 3rd straight. New Orleans on the other hand is looking to make it for the first time.
New Orleans was the best team in baseball all season. They dominated Minnesota in the regular season, but that means nothing now. It will take some guts by the aligators to step up and take out the Champs.
Everybody knows the story of the Baggies. The top team in the league for many years, and they are back looking to prove it again. They have one of the toughest opponents they’ve seen, and will certainly be pushed right up to the end.
Division Play In Series Preview
Posted: April 17, 2013 Filed under: Playoffs Leave a comment »American League
#3
Philadelphia Phillies
vs.
#6
Anaheim Halos
Season Series- Anaheim 3 Philadelphia 7
Prediction:
Ignacio Castillo and the Anaheim Halos have clawed their way back finishing 62-35 to earn the final playoff spot. Not many, if any, expected to see them here. Meanwhile, Ralph Lyon and the Philadelphia Phillies are making their first appearance in 12 years after taking their first division title. Two underdog teams that have shocked the American League, one will move on, one will go home. The Phillies had the edge all season and it will come down to whether or not the Halos can get at the pitching staff of the Phillies. I believe that the Halo’s just aren’t quite up to it, and Philadelphia will take it in 4. However, I have been very wrong about Anaheim before.
#4
Richmond Spiders
vs.
#5
Colorado U$eful Idiot$
Season Series- Richmond 8 Colorado 2
Prediction:
Lonnie Ellis and the #4 seed Richmond Spiders are going to have their hands full as they take on Tarrik Franklin and the favored #5 seed U$eful Idiot$. A dominate 8-2 season series shows that Richmond knows how to beat Colorado, and are going to look to use that same magic in the playoffs. Colorado is just coming off a tight division race and are playing some great ball and have been tough to beat all season. However, sometimes a team just has your number and no matter what you do, they’ll always top you. I find this to be the case as I’m taking Richmond to win it in a close 5 game series.
National League
#3
Salem Witch Hunters
vs.
#6
Charlotte Rae Dawn Chong
Season Series- Salem 5 Charlotte 5
Prediction:
In this match up, Pablo Bravo and the #6 seed Rae Dawn Chong will duel Mark Wang and the #3 Witch Hunters. An even split in the season series and almost an identical record makes this one very hard to predict. Charlotte has the slight edge in every category, possibly giving them a very slight advantage. Both teams have had their ups and downs down the stretch run and only one will be able to get hot at the right time. It will likely come down to which rotation can get the job done. I find it very difficult not to go with Charlotte here, who will take it in a tight 5.
#4
Atlanta BeerCats
vs.
#5
Hartford Crusaders
Season Series- Atlanta 4 Hartford 6
Prediction:
Joel Rossy and the #4 seed BeerCats will have their hands full when they take on Yunel Flores and the dominate #5 Hartford Crusaders. Hartford almost made a run at Minnesota towards the end, but they wouldn’t make up for their slow start and will have to fight their way through. Atlanta was fortunate of being in a weak division and was able to edge out Rochester when it counted. The NL East has not seen a team in the NL Championship in 16 seasons, and it is likely the drought will continue. Hartford is no ordinary #5 seed and could easily make a deep run. Look for them to get past Atlanta in 4.
Playoff Race (14 Games Left)
Posted: April 12, 2013 Filed under: Playoffs Leave a comment »National League
Locks
New Orleans has locked up not only the NL South, but also likely the #1 seed in the playoffs. They have the best record in the majors by a margin and are poised to make a playoff run.
A large margin between them and Hartford means Minnesota will once again take the NL North. A very strong second half will also give Minnesota the #2 seed and that all important first round bye. The 2 time defending champs will be favored by many to get back to the World Series.
A very poor showing in the second half from Salem moved them from #1 to #3 and a likely meeting with Charlotte or Hartford in round 1. Unless they regain their form of the first half, they will not last in the post season.
NL East Race
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs Salem
4 @ Charlotte
3 vs Cincinnatti
3 vs Rochester
The BeerCats have held first place for a good portion of the season. Though they have not been able to separate themselves for a second. A current 1 game advantage will mean that their final series of the season with Rochester will likely decide who advances.
Remaining Schedule:
4 @ Charlotte
4 vs Fargo
3 vs San Juan
3 @ Atlanta
The team nobody expected. Rochester has scrapped their way all season long and find themselves 1 game back. They have never made the playoffs before so this would truly make them the Cinderella going in.
NL Wild Card Race
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs New Orleans
4 @ Salem
3 @ Fargo
3 @ Minnesota
Out of no where Hartford climbed up and stole the 5 seed from Charlotte. This may prove crucial as the #6 seed will likely have to face Salem and Minnesota in order to reach the NLCS. A very hard schedule to finish up will make it hard for Hartford to keep the #5 seed. However if they do, they will be a very deadly one.
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs Rochester
4 vs Atlanta
3 vs Tampa Bay
3 @ New Orleans
They are still playing well. Just not quite as well as Hartford has been playing. A 5 game cushion on Fargo and Little Rock should be enough to keep them at at least the #6 seed. However, the #5 seed is much more appealing so look for the starers to stay in all every game as they try to fight for it.
Remaining Schedule:
4 @ Boise
4 @ Rochester
3 vs Hartford
3 @ Helena
A great season for Fargo is likely coming to an end. 5 back is doable, but unlikely. The good news for them is that the young pitching is making impacts and their are plenty of bats in the organization to make them a threat for a long time to come.
Remaining Schedule:
4 @ Minnesota
4 @ Arizona
3 @ New Orelans
3 vs Tampa Bay
They didn’t really turn it on until it was too late. A good ending stretch for Little Rock shows promise for next year, but will ultimately be disappointing. Its a tough division to win in and they will need some improvements to reach the next step for seasons to come.
American League
Locks
Once again Vancouver will be the #1 seed. And once again they will be the favorites. However, none of that means anything if they don’t end the year with a ring. They will be tough to topple and tough to bet against come playoffs.
For the first time, the Phillies will be champs of the AL East. However, there is still work to be done. the #2 seed is in their sight and any time a first round bye is on the line, you go for it. Look for them to push hard down the stretch.
A good season for Richmond as they will yet again win the AL South. A #4 seed is in their future and they will likely be the underdog against Kansas City or Colorado. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t surprise somebody.
AL West Race
Remaining Schedule:
4 @ Trenton
4 vs Columbus
3 vs Kansas City
3 @ Anaheim
Currently dead even with Kansas City as the two teams battle for a division title. The winner will end up with the #2 or #3 seed. The loser, a date with Richmond. Colorado has finished behind Kansas City the past 2 years and are ready for a change.
Remaining Schedule:
4 @ Louisville
4 @ Philadelphia
3 @ Colorado
3 @ San Francisco
Certainly the tougher schedule out of themselves and Colorado. However that shouldn’t worry Kansas City. They have proven to be one of the top teams in the AL all season and will look to continue that down the stretch as they try to keep the AL West crown.
Wild Card Race:
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs Kansas City
4 @ San Antonio
3 @ Trenton
3 vs Philadelphia
They have watched their lead slip away. Still 2 games up on the closest team, but there are many more looking to take them over. Louisville needs to figure out how to win again or else their collapse could leave them out of the playoffs.
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs Chicago
4 vs Vancouver
3 @ Anaheim
3 vs Kansas City
Been playing around the same record all year. Now its time they get on a roll. Its their only chance to not only over take Louisville, but also keep from getting passed by the other teams lurking. A tough schedule will force them to play their best ball of the season.
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs Vancouver
4 vs Houston
3 vs San Francisco
3 vs Colorado
The come back continues. The once bottom ranked team is now just 3 back of a playoff spot. They will be at home for the rest of their schedule but will be playing against some tough opponents. Can the resurgence of the Halos lift them just a little bit further?
Remaining Schedule:
4 vs Colorado
4 @ Santa Fe
3 vs Louisville
3 vs New Britain
They’re hot. And they’ll have to stay hot to catch Louisville. 3 back with 14 to play, they are the only team in the hunt who will actually get to play against Louisville. They’ll need to take them all if they want to climb into the playoffs.
Remaining Schedule:
4 @ Santa Fe
4 vs Chicago
3 vs Philadelphia
3 @ Trenton
Now 4 back, but still very much in it. Another team that looked down and out but has found a way to make themselves a contender. Even if they don’t end up on top, they’ll be remembered as a team that didn’t quit.
