If the answer to those questions is 'yes' then you need to come down and see your best pal, Nate! He's got the best deals on the market, my friends. And he's willing to work with you to make things work.
Just take a look at these babies!
Catcher: Broderick Hooker CON 66 GAP 64 EYE 100 Only 3.7MM and still in arbitration!
First Base: Albert Ramer CON 47 GAP 56 POW 76 EYE 65 $2.5MM and a FA after this year!
Third Base: Constantino Martinez CON 50 POW 65 EYE 100 Four stars of pure hitter!
Right Field: Manuel Abalo CON 72 GAP 58 EYE 64 Also plays Left!
Center Field: Brady Morris CON 55 GAP 65 EYE 85. Runs 8 Steals 6. Turns those singles into doubles all on his own!
You say it's pitching you want? Just take these for a spin
Starting Pitchers
Pedro Diaz STF 66 CON 63 END 10. Who needs a bullpen with Pedro on the mound?
Brandon Millette STF 64 CON 68. A solid four pitch starter with a lifetime 3.45 ERA!
Relief Pitchers
Crispin Botella STF 58 CON 53 MOV 61 Only $1.5MM through 2005!
Down at the lot we're looking for prospects under 22 and high round draft picks! So if your team needs that last final boost to climb over the competition it's time you came down and shook the hand of the man who'll put your team in the playoffs!
Call today!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sim #10 Complete! Socratic League overacheives!
Yes, readers, Sim #10 is in the books and things remain tight.
However, in the craziness of the era, ALL teams in the Socratic League are now at or over .500. Marietta and New York are tied for fifth/last at 22-22! This bodes ill for the competitiveness of the Platonic League come playoff time, I'd say!
In the races surprise frontrunner Pittsburgh remains on top of the league with Seattle trailing one game behind and Stockholm half a game behind them. It's a solid, three team race with a Cinderella in the mix! Some exciting times, there!
In the Socratic System Brooklyn, in the wake of their trade with Maryland, is on top. But Winnipeg is only one-half game back and Helena is still in the mix. Even the trailing teams are only 5.5 games off the pace so it's anyone's game as you can see!
The next sim in Monday by Mack! Be there!
However, in the craziness of the era, ALL teams in the Socratic League are now at or over .500. Marietta and New York are tied for fifth/last at 22-22! This bodes ill for the competitiveness of the Platonic League come playoff time, I'd say!
In the races surprise frontrunner Pittsburgh remains on top of the league with Seattle trailing one game behind and Stockholm half a game behind them. It's a solid, three team race with a Cinderella in the mix! Some exciting times, there!
In the Socratic System Brooklyn, in the wake of their trade with Maryland, is on top. But Winnipeg is only one-half game back and Helena is still in the mix. Even the trailing teams are only 5.5 games off the pace so it's anyone's game as you can see!
The next sim in Monday by Mack! Be there!
Brooklyn Gets Older
In a move that seemed unprobable the two teams from last year's World Series have swapped players and draft picks and cash and Brooklyn has managed to get older. The key piece of this trade had Brooklyn obtaining LF John Sasso from Maryland. At age 36, he adds the experience to the team in the OF and will create a platoon in LF with the struggling Bombers leftfielder William Manroe and strengthen up the bench. Traveling up I-95 from Maryland is the lefty out of the pen, Henry Flynn (hey that rhymes) who should help out in the late stages of games to help set up the game for closer Ramon Medina. The Bombers are also getting an undisclosed amount of cash to help with Sasso's $2.4M contract for this season.
In return, Maryland is building for the future. Obtaining a couple of prospects, a couple of players that could help out the ML roster right now and Brooklyn's 4th Round pick in the 2005 Draft. The prospects are Richard Fenstermacher (say that last name three times fast) who has posted a 2.16 ERA this season and Thomas Wilson who was 15-1 in 2003. Also heading to Maryland is AAA C Spencer Berta and ML MR Jose Lucero who should help the Poedamnedmonium in the near term.
In return, Maryland is building for the future. Obtaining a couple of prospects, a couple of players that could help out the ML roster right now and Brooklyn's 4th Round pick in the 2005 Draft. The prospects are Richard Fenstermacher (say that last name three times fast) who has posted a 2.16 ERA this season and Thomas Wilson who was 15-1 in 2003. Also heading to Maryland is AAA C Spencer Berta and ML MR Jose Lucero who should help the Poedamnedmonium in the near term.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sim #9 Completed
Finally, we're back on track and the season has advanced to May 18.
In the Platonic League, the top three are still Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Stockholm. Sylva and Cairo continue to tread water in fourth and fifth, respectively while Maryland's chances of defending its crown further dimmed as the Poedamnedmonium are only 1-9 in the last ten and hold the game's worst record.
The Socratic League remains strong as the two teams tied for last (Jersey City and New York) are only one game under .500. Brooklyn has opened a 2.5 game lead at the top of the division. Winnipeg and Helena are second and third and Marietta has rode a six-game winning streak into fourth place.
Seattle's William "Tool" Broussard and Helena's Juan Favela took home Player of the Week honors. Apparently, Tool likes his new nickname.
The most significant injury was to the increasingly cursed Maryland franchise, who lost starter Wayne Dick for five weeks to a broken leg.
The league file is posted and the web pages are en route. Next sim is Friday by Nate.
In the Platonic League, the top three are still Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Stockholm. Sylva and Cairo continue to tread water in fourth and fifth, respectively while Maryland's chances of defending its crown further dimmed as the Poedamnedmonium are only 1-9 in the last ten and hold the game's worst record.
The Socratic League remains strong as the two teams tied for last (Jersey City and New York) are only one game under .500. Brooklyn has opened a 2.5 game lead at the top of the division. Winnipeg and Helena are second and third and Marietta has rode a six-game winning streak into fourth place.
Seattle's William "Tool" Broussard and Helena's Juan Favela took home Player of the Week honors. Apparently, Tool likes his new nickname.
The most significant injury was to the increasingly cursed Maryland franchise, who lost starter Wayne Dick for five weeks to a broken leg.
The league file is posted and the web pages are en route. Next sim is Friday by Nate.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sim #8: Marietta falls out
Sorry for the delay, gentlemen. Got my new laptop today and I got distracted. Forgive me.
Sadly, in this sim we begin to see some seperation in the Socratic League and that's me doing the sucking. I should be happy I stole that first trophy, I suspect.
Anyway...
After this sim we see the Platonic League seperating into two distinct groupings. Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Stockholm up top (Seattle in the lead) and the others chasing behind. In the Socratic League such is happening as well with Brooklyn, Winnipeg, and Helena all withing 1.5 games of each other and the lead with the others strung out behind.
Oddly enough, last year's champs, Maryland, is the only team with a real bad start at 11-23. Strange for a trophy holder.
On the injury front there was one major injury this sim. Maryland Starter Wayne Dick was hit by a come-backer and broke his hand. He's out for at least six full weeks. Ouch!
We have one outstanding pitching performance and one outstanding hitting performance this sim. On the pitching side Stockholm's Chad Gomez threw 8 innings of 3 hit ball for the ninth best performance of the year. Pittsburgh's Perry Hodgin brought his A game to the plate in a five for five, two home run, five run game against Helena for the best to-date hitting game of the year!
Keep playing those games, guys. The next sim in Friday, by me! Be there!
Sadly, in this sim we begin to see some seperation in the Socratic League and that's me doing the sucking. I should be happy I stole that first trophy, I suspect.
Anyway...
After this sim we see the Platonic League seperating into two distinct groupings. Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Stockholm up top (Seattle in the lead) and the others chasing behind. In the Socratic League such is happening as well with Brooklyn, Winnipeg, and Helena all withing 1.5 games of each other and the lead with the others strung out behind.
Oddly enough, last year's champs, Maryland, is the only team with a real bad start at 11-23. Strange for a trophy holder.
On the injury front there was one major injury this sim. Maryland Starter Wayne Dick was hit by a come-backer and broke his hand. He's out for at least six full weeks. Ouch!
We have one outstanding pitching performance and one outstanding hitting performance this sim. On the pitching side Stockholm's Chad Gomez threw 8 innings of 3 hit ball for the ninth best performance of the year. Pittsburgh's Perry Hodgin brought his A game to the plate in a five for five, two home run, five run game against Helena for the best to-date hitting game of the year!
Keep playing those games, guys. The next sim in Friday, by me! Be there!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Seattle - Stockholm Trade
In a rare display of charity, Seattle GM Matt Macario responded to Stockholm's desperate plea for relief from the injury bug. The Ministry agreed to trade starting SS John Covas to the Sluggers in exchange for SP Carlos Riva and Stockholm's third round pick in next year's amateur draft. Seattle is also sending some financial assistance to cash-strapped Stockholm in the deal to cover a portion of Covas' remaining 2004 salary.
"John's been tearing the cover off the ball so far this year, and we're going to miss him for sure," Macario said. "But his contract expires this year, and we're hoping that our young guy can help us finally win the Series. That's our goal, despite past evidence to the contrary." Macario is referring, of course, to star prospect William "The Tool" Broussard, someone Seattle is counting on to help break the team's infamous postseason losing streak. "They say this kid can do anything -- even pitch, for crying out loud -- so he'll get a chance to prove himself. Honestly, I just hope his nickname isn't a true reflection of his skills."
"John's been tearing the cover off the ball so far this year, and we're going to miss him for sure," Macario said. "But his contract expires this year, and we're hoping that our young guy can help us finally win the Series. That's our goal, despite past evidence to the contrary." Macario is referring, of course, to star prospect William "The Tool" Broussard, someone Seattle is counting on to help break the team's infamous postseason losing streak. "They say this kid can do anything -- even pitch, for crying out loud -- so he'll get a chance to prove himself. Honestly, I just hope his nickname isn't a true reflection of his skills."
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sim #7 Completed - Platonic Revenge
We're up to May 8, and I'll confess I don't understand what is happening or why. One thing I do know is that the Platonic League took Nate's Sim 6 report personally and five of the six teams are on winning streaks of two to four games. The Socratic League, in contrast, has five 2+ game losing streaks.
In the Platonic League, Seattle rolled off a 4-1 sim and still lost .5 game of its lead on the Pisces when Pittsburgh won all four of its contests. I'm going to have start taking this team more seriously in another few sims. Right now, I still think it's a mirage. Stockholm kept pace and is just 1.5 games back. Sylva, defending champ Maryland, and Cairo take the final three spots in that order.
In the Socratic League, there was some separation. Winnipeg is in first by a half-game over Brooklyn. Resurgent Helena finally lost a game after its nine-game winning streak was broken (by Cairo, no less) and stands third and only one game out of first. New York and Jersey City are tied for fourth, three games back and Marietta is now in last at 3.5 games back.
Notes from the past sim...
Sylva's Samuel Corrado and New York's Alfonso Reyes took home Player of the Week honors.
Stockholm's young stud Ben Towell had five hits on May 5 against Marietta, including two home runs. Unfortunately, he then suffered bone chips in his shoulder on May 7 and will be out 4-5 weeks.
Cairo lost both starting pitcher Baltasar Acevedo and reliever Adrian Castillo to injury on May 5. While Acevedo will be back in mid-May, Castillo is done for the season. A tough year for the Leveemen so far.
No other major injuries, although Seattle's Zachariah Chavez is day to day for a month.
On May 3, Helena's winning streak was over when Cairo scored 10 runs in the second inning on the way to a 15-3 rout.
On May 4, New York pounded out 17 hits en route to an 11-3 victory over Sylva.
On May 5, Towell's fifth hit drove in the winning run in Stockholm's 7-6 victory over Marietta. Stockholm had tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a solor home run by Michinaga Yasutoki. Stockholm pulled the rabbit out again the next night with a run in the bottom of the ninth and one in the bottom of the tenth in a 4-3 win over Marietta.
On May 6, Pittsburgh outslugged Jersey City 13-7 in a game featuring 32 hits, including an improbable nine extra base hits by the Pisces.
On May 7, Cairo topped Brooklyn 3-2 in 12 innings when centerfielder Osvaldo Acevedo tripled with two outs and scored on shortstop Kenneth Dixon's clutch single.
League file is posted. Web pages en route. The sims on Wednesday and Friday will both by by Nate. I'll be back on the job next Monday. Good luck all.
In the Platonic League, Seattle rolled off a 4-1 sim and still lost .5 game of its lead on the Pisces when Pittsburgh won all four of its contests. I'm going to have start taking this team more seriously in another few sims. Right now, I still think it's a mirage. Stockholm kept pace and is just 1.5 games back. Sylva, defending champ Maryland, and Cairo take the final three spots in that order.
In the Socratic League, there was some separation. Winnipeg is in first by a half-game over Brooklyn. Resurgent Helena finally lost a game after its nine-game winning streak was broken (by Cairo, no less) and stands third and only one game out of first. New York and Jersey City are tied for fourth, three games back and Marietta is now in last at 3.5 games back.
Notes from the past sim...
Sylva's Samuel Corrado and New York's Alfonso Reyes took home Player of the Week honors.
Stockholm's young stud Ben Towell had five hits on May 5 against Marietta, including two home runs. Unfortunately, he then suffered bone chips in his shoulder on May 7 and will be out 4-5 weeks.
Cairo lost both starting pitcher Baltasar Acevedo and reliever Adrian Castillo to injury on May 5. While Acevedo will be back in mid-May, Castillo is done for the season. A tough year for the Leveemen so far.
No other major injuries, although Seattle's Zachariah Chavez is day to day for a month.
On May 3, Helena's winning streak was over when Cairo scored 10 runs in the second inning on the way to a 15-3 rout.
On May 4, New York pounded out 17 hits en route to an 11-3 victory over Sylva.
On May 5, Towell's fifth hit drove in the winning run in Stockholm's 7-6 victory over Marietta. Stockholm had tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a solor home run by Michinaga Yasutoki. Stockholm pulled the rabbit out again the next night with a run in the bottom of the ninth and one in the bottom of the tenth in a 4-3 win over Marietta.
On May 6, Pittsburgh outslugged Jersey City 13-7 in a game featuring 32 hits, including an improbable nine extra base hits by the Pisces.
On May 7, Cairo topped Brooklyn 3-2 in 12 innings when centerfielder Osvaldo Acevedo tripled with two outs and scored on shortstop Kenneth Dixon's clutch single.
League file is posted. Web pages en route. The sims on Wednesday and Friday will both by by Nate. I'll be back on the job next Monday. Good luck all.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Sim #6 Complete: The tightness, it continues
Another sim has come and gone, sports fans! And no resolution is in sight in either league. With more than a month now behind us (one sixth of the season) we seen nothing but parity across both leagues.
In the Platonic League Seattle maintains its lead but is followed by both Pittsburgh and Stockholm one game back. Further, one game earlier Pittsburgh had tied it up before slipping in the last game of the sim.
In the Socratic League things are insanely tight with Hall9000's Winnipeg tied with Brooklyn and Helena for the lead and Marietta one-half game back. Behind the Ohio River heroes is Jersey City one game off the leaders and New York in the cellar only two games back at 13-14.
That's right, by the way, all the teams in the Socratic League are above .500 except the last place team which is only one game under. Guess who's beating whom in interleague play so far this year? Hint: it ain't the Hegelians...
In awards this sim Seattle's George Pullum won the Batter of the month for the Platonic League. In he Socratic League the award went to Brooklyn's Miyatarou Takenao. Pitcher of the Month winners were Maryland's McGurk and Brooklyn's Tyler Conn. Well done, gentlemen!
The next sim is Monday by Mack! Don't miss it!
In the Platonic League Seattle maintains its lead but is followed by both Pittsburgh and Stockholm one game back. Further, one game earlier Pittsburgh had tied it up before slipping in the last game of the sim.
In the Socratic League things are insanely tight with Hall9000's Winnipeg tied with Brooklyn and Helena for the lead and Marietta one-half game back. Behind the Ohio River heroes is Jersey City one game off the leaders and New York in the cellar only two games back at 13-14.
That's right, by the way, all the teams in the Socratic League are above .500 except the last place team which is only one game under. Guess who's beating whom in interleague play so far this year? Hint: it ain't the Hegelians...
In awards this sim Seattle's George Pullum won the Batter of the month for the Platonic League. In he Socratic League the award went to Brooklyn's Miyatarou Takenao. Pitcher of the Month winners were Maryland's McGurk and Brooklyn's Tyler Conn. Well done, gentlemen!
The next sim is Monday by Mack! Don't miss it!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sim #5 Completed
We're up to April 28, almost a month into the season.
In the Platonic League, Seattle still rules the roost. Stockholm has moved into second place, passing Pittsburgh as the Pisces have realized that they suck after all.
In the Socratic League, they're apparently looking for the first six-way tie in the middle of the season. The top teams struggled, as Winnipeg, Jersey City, and Marietta are all tied for first place with records just two games over .500. Meanwhile, Brooklyn and New York lurk exactly one-half game back. Formerly struggling Helena has ripped off five straight wins and now is almost back to .500 and, while still in last place, is only 1.5 games out of first.
Stockholm's David Solar and Brooklyn's Antonio Alicea took home Player of the Week honors. Congrats to them and their families.
Injuries finally struck this sim and struck with a vengeance. Helena lost starting catcher John Nieman for the season. Sylva lost starting rightfielder John Douglass for eight weeks. Brooklyn lost starting pitcher Thomas Fleenor and third baseman Stephen Hyer for three weeks and 10 days, respectively. Jersey City reliever Freddie Mendes is day-to-day for 3-4 weeks. Bad sim for injuries.
Winnipeg's Jerry Brasher set a Socratic League record on April 23, drawing four walks in a game. Apparently, the computer grasps the importance of on base percentage, something that has eluded Seattle Mariners management for years now. (Er. Sorry. Wrong league.)
On April 23, Helena and New York put on a thriller. Tied at two going into the ninth, Helena scored two in the top of the inning only to see New York tie the game. So, Helena came back and scored three in the tenth, only to see New York tie it yet again. Helena then scored two more in the 11th inning and finally managed to close out the game with a 9-7 victory. New York's hitters shouldn't feel bad, as there were two outs both times they tied the game. The Knights relievers though ...
On April 24, Helena, Seattle, and Marietta all won in their final at bat with Helena scoring four in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Sylva 6-5.
On April 25, Baltasar Acevedo threw eight shutout innings for Cairo in a 6-0 victory over Marietta.
April 26 saw three one-run victories by Maryland, Stockholm, and Helena over Jersey City, Winnipeg, and Cairo, respectively.
On April 27, Marietta scored two in the ninth and two in the tenth in defeating Seattle 10-9. Seattle had victory in its grasp, but shortstop John Covas's error with two outs in the tenth opened the door to Marietta's comeback.
In other miscellaneous notes, the injured John Douglass is the last OEL hitter over .400 with enough at bats to qualify for the batting title, but will drop out of the rankings before his injury heals.
Seattle's George Pullum is back on an MVP pace, leading the Platonic League in runs scored, RBI, and runs created while tied for the lead in home runs.
Maryland's Lewis McGurk has an ERA of 0.96.
Brooklyn's Pio Pastrama leads the OEL with 7 home runs
Opposing batters are hitting just .143 against Winnipeg's Lenard Ramirez.
Anyway, the league file is posted and web pages are on the way. Nate has the next sim on Friday. Good luck all.
P.S. Seattle's owner has chosen to give his top prospect the nickname William "The Tool" Broussard. Why? Only Matt knows. He's an odd duck. In any case, congrats to Matt "The Tool" Macario on his selection.
In the Platonic League, Seattle still rules the roost. Stockholm has moved into second place, passing Pittsburgh as the Pisces have realized that they suck after all.
In the Socratic League, they're apparently looking for the first six-way tie in the middle of the season. The top teams struggled, as Winnipeg, Jersey City, and Marietta are all tied for first place with records just two games over .500. Meanwhile, Brooklyn and New York lurk exactly one-half game back. Formerly struggling Helena has ripped off five straight wins and now is almost back to .500 and, while still in last place, is only 1.5 games out of first.
Stockholm's David Solar and Brooklyn's Antonio Alicea took home Player of the Week honors. Congrats to them and their families.
Injuries finally struck this sim and struck with a vengeance. Helena lost starting catcher John Nieman for the season. Sylva lost starting rightfielder John Douglass for eight weeks. Brooklyn lost starting pitcher Thomas Fleenor and third baseman Stephen Hyer for three weeks and 10 days, respectively. Jersey City reliever Freddie Mendes is day-to-day for 3-4 weeks. Bad sim for injuries.
Winnipeg's Jerry Brasher set a Socratic League record on April 23, drawing four walks in a game. Apparently, the computer grasps the importance of on base percentage, something that has eluded Seattle Mariners management for years now. (Er. Sorry. Wrong league.)
On April 23, Helena and New York put on a thriller. Tied at two going into the ninth, Helena scored two in the top of the inning only to see New York tie the game. So, Helena came back and scored three in the tenth, only to see New York tie it yet again. Helena then scored two more in the 11th inning and finally managed to close out the game with a 9-7 victory. New York's hitters shouldn't feel bad, as there were two outs both times they tied the game. The Knights relievers though ...
On April 24, Helena, Seattle, and Marietta all won in their final at bat with Helena scoring four in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Sylva 6-5.
On April 25, Baltasar Acevedo threw eight shutout innings for Cairo in a 6-0 victory over Marietta.
April 26 saw three one-run victories by Maryland, Stockholm, and Helena over Jersey City, Winnipeg, and Cairo, respectively.
On April 27, Marietta scored two in the ninth and two in the tenth in defeating Seattle 10-9. Seattle had victory in its grasp, but shortstop John Covas's error with two outs in the tenth opened the door to Marietta's comeback.
In other miscellaneous notes, the injured John Douglass is the last OEL hitter over .400 with enough at bats to qualify for the batting title, but will drop out of the rankings before his injury heals.
Seattle's George Pullum is back on an MVP pace, leading the Platonic League in runs scored, RBI, and runs created while tied for the lead in home runs.
Maryland's Lewis McGurk has an ERA of 0.96.
Brooklyn's Pio Pastrama leads the OEL with 7 home runs
Opposing batters are hitting just .143 against Winnipeg's Lenard Ramirez.
Anyway, the league file is posted and web pages are on the way. Nate has the next sim on Friday. Good luck all.
P.S. Seattle's owner has chosen to give his top prospect the nickname William "The Tool" Broussard. Why? Only Matt knows. He's an odd duck. In any case, congrats to Matt "The Tool" Macario on his selection.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sim #4 - Seattle maintains!
Sim #4 is complete, gentlemen, though I use the term loosely, indeed.
In the Platonic League Seattle maintains it's hold on first ending up 1.5 games up on the trailing Pittsburgh franchise. Stockholm remains 2.5 back.
In the Socratic League Jersey City sits with a winning percentage of .625. But the chasers are tighter with Winnipeg only one-half game behind and Marietta one 1.5 games out at 10-9! New York is one-half game behind Marietta and Brooklyn is one game behind them. In all, five of the six teams are within 3 games of the lead.
Minor injuries claimed three players this week. Marietta's Abalo, Stockholm's Artman, and Brooklyn's Woodworth are all down with dings for less than a week! Thank goodness for small favors, readers!
In outstanding efforts this sim Brooklyn's Tyler Conn turned in the best pitching performance of the year to date throwing a one hit, no walk game against Winnipeg on April 20! Conn lost his no-hitter in the 8th after being perfect through seven! Better luck next time, Tyler!
The next sim is Wednesday by Mack! Be there!
In the Platonic League Seattle maintains it's hold on first ending up 1.5 games up on the trailing Pittsburgh franchise. Stockholm remains 2.5 back.
In the Socratic League Jersey City sits with a winning percentage of .625. But the chasers are tighter with Winnipeg only one-half game behind and Marietta one 1.5 games out at 10-9! New York is one-half game behind Marietta and Brooklyn is one game behind them. In all, five of the six teams are within 3 games of the lead.
Minor injuries claimed three players this week. Marietta's Abalo, Stockholm's Artman, and Brooklyn's Woodworth are all down with dings for less than a week! Thank goodness for small favors, readers!
In outstanding efforts this sim Brooklyn's Tyler Conn turned in the best pitching performance of the year to date throwing a one hit, no walk game against Winnipeg on April 20! Conn lost his no-hitter in the 8th after being perfect through seven! Better luck next time, Tyler!
The next sim is Wednesday by Mack! Be there!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sim #3 Completed
And those SOBs in the Ministry in Seattle have finally decided to take the season seriously. Bummer.
Anyway, we're up to April 18. Seattle has run off a five-game winning streak to take over the best record in the OEL at 9-3. The Pisces improbably remain in second place at 7-4. Stockholm is just over .500 at 6-5 and Sylva is dead even at 6-6. Defending champion Maryland is struggling with having the bullseye and is in fifth place at 4-8, just ahead of Cairo.
In the Socratic League, Jersey City claims first place at 7-4, one-half game ahead of Winnipeg and Marietta. New York is .500 at 7-7. Perennial power Brooklyn has dropped three in a row and stands in fifth place at 6-7. The Handbaskets have gone to Helena all right and are just 4-10.
In other news, Sylva's outfielder James McKinsey and New York's third baseman Salomon Tavarez took home Player of the Week honors on April 17.
Only a few day-to-day injuries as the league continues its run of health.
On April 13, Seattle and Sylva shut out Stockholm and Maryland, respectively, while New York held Helena to a single run.
On April 14, there were a number of compelling games. First, Cairo and Seattle went toe-to-toe for 13 innings. The game was tied at one after nine frames. Cairo struck for two runs in the top of the 11th inning, only to see Seattle re-tie the game in the bottom of the 11th. John Covas eventually won the game for Seattle with an RBI single in the bottom of the 13th.
Second, Stockholm's Chad Kinlaw and Sylva's Gaby Duran matched up in a classic pitcher's duel taken by Stockholm 1-0.
Third, Pittsburgh's James Dominy hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning to beat Maryland.
Fourth, Helena led New York 9-2 after six innings, only to see the Knights score ten unanswered runs, including six in the ninth, to take a 12-9 lead. The Handbaskets rallied with two outs to close the score to 12-11, but the tying run was stranded at second base.
Late comebacks ruled the day on April 16, as Seattle scored two in the bottom of the ninth to beat Cairo, Sylva scored eight in the last two innings to beat Stockholm, and Helena scored two in the eighth and one in the ninth to stop New York.
The league file is uploaded and the web pages are en route. The next sim will be Monday by Nate. Good luck all.
P.S. Quake in fear. "Buck" Ro and "Tiny" Croce have joined the Pisces' major league roster.
Anyway, we're up to April 18. Seattle has run off a five-game winning streak to take over the best record in the OEL at 9-3. The Pisces improbably remain in second place at 7-4. Stockholm is just over .500 at 6-5 and Sylva is dead even at 6-6. Defending champion Maryland is struggling with having the bullseye and is in fifth place at 4-8, just ahead of Cairo.
In the Socratic League, Jersey City claims first place at 7-4, one-half game ahead of Winnipeg and Marietta. New York is .500 at 7-7. Perennial power Brooklyn has dropped three in a row and stands in fifth place at 6-7. The Handbaskets have gone to Helena all right and are just 4-10.
In other news, Sylva's outfielder James McKinsey and New York's third baseman Salomon Tavarez took home Player of the Week honors on April 17.
Only a few day-to-day injuries as the league continues its run of health.
On April 13, Seattle and Sylva shut out Stockholm and Maryland, respectively, while New York held Helena to a single run.
On April 14, there were a number of compelling games. First, Cairo and Seattle went toe-to-toe for 13 innings. The game was tied at one after nine frames. Cairo struck for two runs in the top of the 11th inning, only to see Seattle re-tie the game in the bottom of the 11th. John Covas eventually won the game for Seattle with an RBI single in the bottom of the 13th.
Second, Stockholm's Chad Kinlaw and Sylva's Gaby Duran matched up in a classic pitcher's duel taken by Stockholm 1-0.
Third, Pittsburgh's James Dominy hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning to beat Maryland.
Fourth, Helena led New York 9-2 after six innings, only to see the Knights score ten unanswered runs, including six in the ninth, to take a 12-9 lead. The Handbaskets rallied with two outs to close the score to 12-11, but the tying run was stranded at second base.
Late comebacks ruled the day on April 16, as Seattle scored two in the bottom of the ninth to beat Cairo, Sylva scored eight in the last two innings to beat Stockholm, and Helena scored two in the eighth and one in the ninth to stop New York.
The league file is uploaded and the web pages are en route. The next sim will be Monday by Nate. Good luck all.
P.S. Quake in fear. "Buck" Ro and "Tiny" Croce have joined the Pisces' major league roster.
Sneaky SOB or Wily GM? You Decide.
In the majors, there are rare trades involving Rule 5 draft picks. As stated here, "Occasionally, the drafting club will work out a trade with the player's original team, allowing the drafting club to retain the player but send him to the minors. Pittsburgh Owner/GM Mack Shultz has now brought that concept to the OEL.
Pittsburgh and Sylva agreed today to a deal that will allow Pittsburgh to send Rule 5 pick pitcher Joseph Basho to the minors. The transaction will be made through a trade back and forth. Pittsburgh will send Basho and $500,000 to Sylva in exchange for 3B Johnnie Tobias. Then, Sylva will send Basho back to Pittsburgh in exchange for Tobias. In essence, all that changes hands is the $500,000, which Sylva gets to keep. However, after the trade, Pittsburgh will be able to send Mr. Basho to the minors, as the trade somehow removes the game's block on demoting Rule 5 picks.
"It's a good deal for everyone involved," said Shultz. "Basho gets to continue his needed development in the minors. The Pisces get some roster flexibility in support of our unexpected start. And, Sylva finally gets in the black financially and can stop bouncing checks. Win-win-win."
Shultz would not comment on whether he intended to propose similar deals for the Pisces' other two Rule 5 draft picks, saying only, "We'll see what the Pisces' future needs are and act accordingly. We're happy with the make-up of our club right now."
Pittsburgh and Sylva agreed today to a deal that will allow Pittsburgh to send Rule 5 pick pitcher Joseph Basho to the minors. The transaction will be made through a trade back and forth. Pittsburgh will send Basho and $500,000 to Sylva in exchange for 3B Johnnie Tobias. Then, Sylva will send Basho back to Pittsburgh in exchange for Tobias. In essence, all that changes hands is the $500,000, which Sylva gets to keep. However, after the trade, Pittsburgh will be able to send Mr. Basho to the minors, as the trade somehow removes the game's block on demoting Rule 5 picks.
"It's a good deal for everyone involved," said Shultz. "Basho gets to continue his needed development in the minors. The Pisces get some roster flexibility in support of our unexpected start. And, Sylva finally gets in the black financially and can stop bouncing checks. Win-win-win."
Shultz would not comment on whether he intended to propose similar deals for the Pisces' other two Rule 5 draft picks, saying only, "We'll see what the Pisces' future needs are and act accordingly. We're happy with the make-up of our club right now."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Stockholm/Pittsburgh trade
Newly-signed Sluggers OF Bryan Caraway caused a major disruption upon arrival at Stockholm Arlanda airport this morning, and was immediately deported from Sweden back to the United States, this reporter has learned.
When team spokeswoman Gudrun Schyman was reached, she could only confirm the signing, and subsequent trade to Pittsburgh for Caraway, and nothing in between. "Yes, we signed Bryan to a one-year deal worth $925,000, but we decided to go in a different direction and subsequently traded him to Pittsburgh. That's all."
Passengers on the Stockholm-bound flight tell a different story. Caraway was apparently very drunk, and made inappropriate comments to the flight attendants, and the unfortunate woman sitting beside him on the nine-hour flight to Sweden.
"He had just signed a contract and wanted to celebrate," said Anna-Frida Johansson, a 19-year old student finishing a three year stint of being an au pair in the United States. "At first, I was intrigued by the handsome baseball player. I learned to follow baseball while in the United States, and I'm so glad we have a team now in Stockholm!"
But, joy quickly turned tragic on the flight. Caraway kept buying little bottles of whiskey and rum. "It was obvious he was trying to get me drunk," Johansson explained. "He knows we use the metric system in Sweden, and wanted to know what we called 'The Mile High Club.'"
The abuse didn't stop, as Caraway was overheard asking the young, pretty Johansson if she was a member of the Swedish Bikini Team, and asking if she was a natural blonde.
"As we continued into the night, he kept getting more and more brash. Is that the word?"
Ultimately, Ms Johansson asked to be reseated, and the flight crew gave her special treatment. Caraway spent the last three hours of the flight whining about "I never wanted to play for Sweden, anyway, they're just a bunch of Ikea-pansies."
Word of the drama at 10,000 meters quickly reached Sluggers headquarters in Stockholm. "Once we heard about Caraway's regrets of signing the contract, we called his former team in Pittsburgh, and had a deal within moments."
Caraway returned to the United States on the return flight, hours after landing, without even clearing customs in Stockholm. Hungover, belligerent, and mutually unwelcome in Stockholm, he sulked in the departure lounge, waiting for a direct flight to Pittsburgh.
"There are no direct flights to Pittsburgh from Stockholm," Sluggers spokeswoman Schyman explained. "We decided to get him home in, as you call it, 'the scenic route.'"
The Pittsburgh Pisces will send 1B David Solar to Stockholm, as well as $50,000 for Caraway's travel expenses.
When team spokeswoman Gudrun Schyman was reached, she could only confirm the signing, and subsequent trade to Pittsburgh for Caraway, and nothing in between. "Yes, we signed Bryan to a one-year deal worth $925,000, but we decided to go in a different direction and subsequently traded him to Pittsburgh. That's all."
Passengers on the Stockholm-bound flight tell a different story. Caraway was apparently very drunk, and made inappropriate comments to the flight attendants, and the unfortunate woman sitting beside him on the nine-hour flight to Sweden.
"He had just signed a contract and wanted to celebrate," said Anna-Frida Johansson, a 19-year old student finishing a three year stint of being an au pair in the United States. "At first, I was intrigued by the handsome baseball player. I learned to follow baseball while in the United States, and I'm so glad we have a team now in Stockholm!"
But, joy quickly turned tragic on the flight. Caraway kept buying little bottles of whiskey and rum. "It was obvious he was trying to get me drunk," Johansson explained. "He knows we use the metric system in Sweden, and wanted to know what we called 'The Mile High Club.'"
The abuse didn't stop, as Caraway was overheard asking the young, pretty Johansson if she was a member of the Swedish Bikini Team, and asking if she was a natural blonde.
"As we continued into the night, he kept getting more and more brash. Is that the word?"
Ultimately, Ms Johansson asked to be reseated, and the flight crew gave her special treatment. Caraway spent the last three hours of the flight whining about "I never wanted to play for Sweden, anyway, they're just a bunch of Ikea-pansies."
Word of the drama at 10,000 meters quickly reached Sluggers headquarters in Stockholm. "Once we heard about Caraway's regrets of signing the contract, we called his former team in Pittsburgh, and had a deal within moments."
Caraway returned to the United States on the return flight, hours after landing, without even clearing customs in Stockholm. Hungover, belligerent, and mutually unwelcome in Stockholm, he sulked in the departure lounge, waiting for a direct flight to Pittsburgh.
"There are no direct flights to Pittsburgh from Stockholm," Sluggers spokeswoman Schyman explained. "We decided to get him home in, as you call it, 'the scenic route.'"
The Pittsburgh Pisces will send 1B David Solar to Stockholm, as well as $50,000 for Caraway's travel expenses.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sim #2 Complete! Pittsburgh remains on top!
Yes, sports fans, despite their protestations of giving up on the year after Sim #2 Pittsburgh remains on top of the Platonic League! With a 5-3 record they remain one half game up on Seattle, Stockholm, and Sylva! Tight race, there!
In the Socratic League Marietta establishes it's rightful place in the hierarchy by being in first with a 6-4 record and, as with Pittsburgh, is one half game ahead of three teams: Jersey City, Winnipeg, and Brooklyn.
Only one minor injury this sim. Winnipeg's George Hellig is down with a tight shoulder. He'll be day-to-day for about a week.
The tension will build across the league as we wait for the next sim on Friday by Mack. Don't miss it!
In the Socratic League Marietta establishes it's rightful place in the hierarchy by being in first with a 6-4 record and, as with Pittsburgh, is one half game ahead of three teams: Jersey City, Winnipeg, and Brooklyn.
Only one minor injury this sim. Winnipeg's George Hellig is down with a tight shoulder. He'll be day-to-day for about a week.
The tension will build across the league as we wait for the next sim on Friday by Mack. Don't miss it!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I find myself in the position of having an extra outfielder that I may be willing to move. Joseph Watson, CF/LF, 2.5 stars. He's a popular guy and could add some fan interest. I would be looking for prospects. Email me if you've got any interest.
Mike
Helena
I know, Mack is going to yell at me for not doing the whole fake Manager persona thing, but I'm too tired. Sorry
Mike
Helena
I know, Mack is going to yell at me for not doing the whole fake Manager persona thing, but I'm too tired. Sorry
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sim #1 Completed!
And Pittsburgh's in first place, having taken two of three from defending Socratic champion Winnipeg. Bwaa haa haa. (Sorry, just giddy from overcoming the awesome forces of HAL.)
Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Sylva are tied at 2-1 in the Platonic League, while Cairo, Maryland, and Stockholm are hopelessly far behind in last place at 1-2.
In the Socratic League, Brooklyn jumped out to a good start with a 3-1 record. Marietta and New York are tied at 3-2. Jersey City and Winnipeg are 1-2 while Helena is bringing up the rear at 1-3.
No significant injuries during the sim.
Best performance was by Ronald Veit of Seattle, who went 4-5 with two home runs, three runs scored, and five RBI on April 7 against Cairo.
Hurray for starting the season. League file is up. Web pages en route. Next sim is Wednesday by Nate.
Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Sylva are tied at 2-1 in the Platonic League, while Cairo, Maryland, and Stockholm are hopelessly far behind in last place at 1-2.
In the Socratic League, Brooklyn jumped out to a good start with a 3-1 record. Marietta and New York are tied at 3-2. Jersey City and Winnipeg are 1-2 while Helena is bringing up the rear at 1-3.
No significant injuries during the sim.
Best performance was by Ronald Veit of Seattle, who went 4-5 with two home runs, three runs scored, and five RBI on April 7 against Cairo.
Hurray for starting the season. League file is up. Web pages en route. Next sim is Wednesday by Nate.
Bombers looking for another World Series Appearance
AP (Brooklyn) - After two trips to the October Classic and one Championship (and one game away from winning the second one), the Bombers have placed themselves in the drivers seat to win the Socratic League this season. With a strong pitching rotation and lineup from 1-8 this team should score runs while keeping the opponents from crossing home plate.
The rotation will be anchored by top league prospect Tyler "The Wrath of" Conn who will be playing his first complete season in the Major Leagues. Last season he was 11-4 in only 21 games with a 3.26 ERA to go along with his 3-1 record in 4 playoff games last year with a 1.76 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and a complete game shutout. He will be joined by last season's starting All-Star pitcher Mark Fossum and free agent acquisition Stephen Hawn who are both getting up in age but should have solid seasons. Rounding out the rotation are the solid arms of Thomas Fleenor and Trevor Canela who may just be the best 4th and 5th starters in the league.
As for the lineup, small ball is the name of the game yet again this season. As a team the Bombers have always been built to run and run often. At the top of the line-up CF Oscar Woodworth looks to improve on his 51 SB from last season which broke the all-time Bomber record. Randy McGinn and Miyatarou Takenao will be batting 2nd and 3rd and will be getting on base all season as they are 2nd and 1st in all-time hits respectively. Catcher Pio Pastrana maybe the biggest concern of the team with his Prone injury rating (knock on wood). He has not been hurt in three year ML Career, but the Bomber organization is thin in the Catcher position and if he does get hurt, his power will be missed. The rest of the line up is strong including new RF Benito Figueredo, last season's batting champ 1B Antonio Alicea, 3B Stephen Hyer and LF William Monroe. A solid lineup from top to bottom should be scoring a good deal of runs.
The bullpen is strong again from Cuban Refugee Saul Gelinas to the closer Ramon Medina they are all ready to perform.
This team is not getting any younger, and this might be the last season that they have the chance to perform at a high level. With a number of Free Agents-to-be and a high team salary, the team must all be on the same page with only one goal to bring the cup back to Brooklyn.
The rotation will be anchored by top league prospect Tyler "The Wrath of" Conn who will be playing his first complete season in the Major Leagues. Last season he was 11-4 in only 21 games with a 3.26 ERA to go along with his 3-1 record in 4 playoff games last year with a 1.76 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and a complete game shutout. He will be joined by last season's starting All-Star pitcher Mark Fossum and free agent acquisition Stephen Hawn who are both getting up in age but should have solid seasons. Rounding out the rotation are the solid arms of Thomas Fleenor and Trevor Canela who may just be the best 4th and 5th starters in the league.
As for the lineup, small ball is the name of the game yet again this season. As a team the Bombers have always been built to run and run often. At the top of the line-up CF Oscar Woodworth looks to improve on his 51 SB from last season which broke the all-time Bomber record. Randy McGinn and Miyatarou Takenao will be batting 2nd and 3rd and will be getting on base all season as they are 2nd and 1st in all-time hits respectively. Catcher Pio Pastrana maybe the biggest concern of the team with his Prone injury rating (knock on wood). He has not been hurt in three year ML Career, but the Bomber organization is thin in the Catcher position and if he does get hurt, his power will be missed. The rest of the line up is strong including new RF Benito Figueredo, last season's batting champ 1B Antonio Alicea, 3B Stephen Hyer and LF William Monroe. A solid lineup from top to bottom should be scoring a good deal of runs.
The bullpen is strong again from Cuban Refugee Saul Gelinas to the closer Ramon Medina they are all ready to perform.
This team is not getting any younger, and this might be the last season that they have the chance to perform at a high level. With a number of Free Agents-to-be and a high team salary, the team must all be on the same page with only one goal to bring the cup back to Brooklyn.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Pittsburgh Pisces Season Preview
Unfortunately, this year for the Pisces is all about the future. The team is not expected to seriously contend for a playoff berth, and is likely headed back to the top part of the amateur draft.
It's not all bad in the Steel City though. Some top prospects are in the majors now or are on their way and projected to arrive mid-season. A couple of building blocks are already in the infield. Donald "Missing" Parsons and Alan Williams will be the starting double play combination. Brian Staudt, a workhorse, has moved from second to third to make room for the two youngsters. Recent acquisitions by trade are behind the plate (James Dominy) and in left field (Perry Hodgin). Both Hodgin and Dominy are entering their prime and signed reasonable contract extensions. In the end though, while the lineup has upside and some solid pieces, there's nothing to indicate a juggernaut, especially with big holes at first base and right field.
The starting pitching will feature three players in salary drives, a man looking for redemption, and two unproven youngsters. The three free-agents-to-be are Timothy Hornyak, Wilfredo Desilva, and Robert Gaertner. While none are true top of the rotation arms, all three are solid. Ramiro Roxas is looking for redemption. After a 4.08 and 3.44 ERA in the first two years of the league, Roxas slumped to a 5.92 mark last season. Meanwhile Pedro Soto (a 3* prospect last year) and Rule 5 pick Joseph Basho will fight for the #5 spot. The bullpen is an all-or-nothing mix as Vincent Furness and Ariel Santos are as good as any reliever, but the others unfortunately can be just as bad as any other reliever.
Midseason, Pittsburgh expects to welcome two stars of the future when "Buck" Ro joins the rotation and "Tiny" Croce takes over at first base. Both are elite five-star prospects and a great deal will be expected from them right away.
In all, it's likely a season where the Pisces will be swimming upstream while they prepare for the future.
It's not all bad in the Steel City though. Some top prospects are in the majors now or are on their way and projected to arrive mid-season. A couple of building blocks are already in the infield. Donald "Missing" Parsons and Alan Williams will be the starting double play combination. Brian Staudt, a workhorse, has moved from second to third to make room for the two youngsters. Recent acquisitions by trade are behind the plate (James Dominy) and in left field (Perry Hodgin). Both Hodgin and Dominy are entering their prime and signed reasonable contract extensions. In the end though, while the lineup has upside and some solid pieces, there's nothing to indicate a juggernaut, especially with big holes at first base and right field.
The starting pitching will feature three players in salary drives, a man looking for redemption, and two unproven youngsters. The three free-agents-to-be are Timothy Hornyak, Wilfredo Desilva, and Robert Gaertner. While none are true top of the rotation arms, all three are solid. Ramiro Roxas is looking for redemption. After a 4.08 and 3.44 ERA in the first two years of the league, Roxas slumped to a 5.92 mark last season. Meanwhile Pedro Soto (a 3* prospect last year) and Rule 5 pick Joseph Basho will fight for the #5 spot. The bullpen is an all-or-nothing mix as Vincent Furness and Ariel Santos are as good as any reliever, but the others unfortunately can be just as bad as any other reliever.
Midseason, Pittsburgh expects to welcome two stars of the future when "Buck" Ro joins the rotation and "Tiny" Croce takes over at first base. Both are elite five-star prospects and a great deal will be expected from them right away.
In all, it's likely a season where the Pisces will be swimming upstream while they prepare for the future.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
2004 Regular Season Begins
Spring Training and the offseason are complete and it's time to get it on! Can Maryland repeat? Can Seattle make it four consecutive playoff appearances (and playoff chokes)? Will Brooklyn continue its Socratic run or will someone rise up? Can Hal-2000 continue his success in Winnipeg, boasting cutting edge statistical analysis? Just how bad will my beloved Pisces be? Time to answer all these questions and more.
No critical season-ending injuries during Spring Training, which is a relief. Stockholm lost closer Nathan Scull for three to four weeks. Two Maryland outfielders, Donald Mansfield and Silvio Ruiz are out for six weeks and two days, respectively. Sylva lost reliever Archie Swanson for three weeks. Jersey City's shortstop Yajirou Tatsuya is out one week.
Seattle, Brooklyn, and Winnipeg boast the highest payrolls, while Pittsburgh, New York, and Cairo bring up the rear. I guess you really do get what you pay for.
The first sim will be Monday night, by me. Please make sure to update your rosters by then. If there's any players that aren't assigned to teams and would hold up the sim, I'll simply do what I think best.
League file uploaded. Web pages en route. Good luck everyone.
No critical season-ending injuries during Spring Training, which is a relief. Stockholm lost closer Nathan Scull for three to four weeks. Two Maryland outfielders, Donald Mansfield and Silvio Ruiz are out for six weeks and two days, respectively. Sylva lost reliever Archie Swanson for three weeks. Jersey City's shortstop Yajirou Tatsuya is out one week.
Seattle, Brooklyn, and Winnipeg boast the highest payrolls, while Pittsburgh, New York, and Cairo bring up the rear. I guess you really do get what you pay for.
The first sim will be Monday night, by me. Please make sure to update your rosters by then. If there's any players that aren't assigned to teams and would hold up the sim, I'll simply do what I think best.
League file uploaded. Web pages en route. Good luck everyone.
Stockholm needs a starter
If you look at my minor league roster, you'll see that I have a plethora of starting pitching, including a lot with quite a bit of talent waiting to mature. However, my major league roster only has two starters (with Chad Gomez coming off the DL in the first month of the season).
The way the schedule is, I really only need four starters for the first month of the season, but I don't have four starters. I want to win this year (pay attention, Will and Matt!) but I don't think that any of the fifty-five or so minor league starters/prospects are ready to be a #3 pitcher in the bigs.
So, I'd like to trade for one. I'll trade one, or two of my pitching prospects for a good, young, cheap major-league-tested starter. I realize that such a beast is a rare commodity, but I'm willing to double your investment: trade me one of your good young pitchers, and get up to two of mine!
The way the schedule is, I really only need four starters for the first month of the season, but I don't have four starters. I want to win this year (pay attention, Will and Matt!) but I don't think that any of the fifty-five or so minor league starters/prospects are ready to be a #3 pitcher in the bigs.
So, I'd like to trade for one. I'll trade one, or two of my pitching prospects for a good, young, cheap major-league-tested starter. I realize that such a beast is a rare commodity, but I'm willing to double your investment: trade me one of your good young pitchers, and get up to two of mine!
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