The season is up to July 23. Just two more sims left before the trading deadline. Make your deals now!!!
No earth-shattering changes in the standings. Pittsburgh's lead over Seattle was trimmed by a half-game even though Pittsburgh now claims the best record in the OEL. However, Seattle has a 7.5 game lead on third-place Stockholm and 12 games on fourth-place Maryland, making a Seattle-Pittsburgh playoff showdown, the third in four years, appear highly likely.
In the Socratic League, New York took a half-game off its deficit and now stands just one full game behind Brooklyn. Winnipeg is still on the fringes of the playoff race, 5.5 games behind Brooklyn and 4.5 behind New York.
New York's Richard Berkeley and Helena's Bricio Loera each suffered minor injuries and are out about a week.
Jersey City's third baseman Basil Gomez piled up 7 RBI against Maryland on July 21.
Pittsburgh took two of first three games from Brooklyn in a four-game set between division leaders. The game July 21 featured a tenth-inning, three-run, walk-off home run by the Pisces' Bryan Caraway.
Marietta topped Cairo 5-3 in 10 innings on July 19.
New York won two of three from Seattle (going back to the last sim) in a match-up of the current wild card holders.
League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim Wednesday by Nate.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sim #20 - Pittsburgh Lengthens, Winnipeg Drops Back
Sorry for the delay. Two Senators delayed me.
In this sim we see Pittsburgh move itself into a six game lead going into the trading deadline with Seattle still in the wild card slot. Brooklyn remains in the lead in the Socratic lead with New York 2.5 back. There's still two months to go so things could change but these races are beginning to define themselves.
While there were no standout performances this week there were a number of injuries including two major ones. Seattle relief pitcher Robert Turner is lost for 3 to 4 weeks to a ruptured tendon and Winnipeg lost catcher Fabian Mendonca for the season with a broken wrist!
The next sim is Monday by Mack. Be there!
In this sim we see Pittsburgh move itself into a six game lead going into the trading deadline with Seattle still in the wild card slot. Brooklyn remains in the lead in the Socratic lead with New York 2.5 back. There's still two months to go so things could change but these races are beginning to define themselves.
While there were no standout performances this week there were a number of injuries including two major ones. Seattle relief pitcher Robert Turner is lost for 3 to 4 weeks to a ruptured tendon and Winnipeg lost catcher Fabian Mendonca for the season with a broken wrist!
The next sim is Monday by Mack. Be there!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Pittsburgh Bolsters Playoff Push
The Pittsburgh Pisces today announced the acquisition of two key players to bolster their unexpected playoff run today. The Pisces acquired infielder Juan Favela and outfielder Joseph Watson from the Helena Handbaskets. Favela is expected to become an immediate full-time starter while the left-handed Watson is likely to platoon and play primarily against right-handed pitchers.
In exchange, Pittsburgh sent west starting pitching prospect Chris Saez as well as two major league reserves without minor league options--shortstop Jason Largo and outfielder James Rhodes.
"We're thrilled to add two impact players to our team," said Manager Moses Guthrie. "Both are wily veterans who will help show our youngsters the right way to play the game." Guthrie then enthusiastically dunked a rolled up piece of paper into the trash can, over the outstretched arms of bench coach Lucian Tucker.
Surprisingly, two young players who are expected to see their playing time diminish were also in favor of the move. Both current shortstop Alan Williams and centerfielder Tracy Snider said, independently, "We believe that what's best for the team will be what's best for us. We're excited for our new teammates to join us in our attempt to claim the division title." The flat monotone in which both players delivered the identically-phrased sentiments made one wonder whether Official Team Astrologer Mona Mondieu may have added hypnotism to her cupboard of tricks.
Saez, however, expressed some regret about the trade. "First I go from New York to Pittsburgh. That's ok, Pittsburgh is at least still a city. But then to go to Helena? You're kidding, right. I'm not even sure I want to make it to the majors now."
In exchange, Pittsburgh sent west starting pitching prospect Chris Saez as well as two major league reserves without minor league options--shortstop Jason Largo and outfielder James Rhodes.
"We're thrilled to add two impact players to our team," said Manager Moses Guthrie. "Both are wily veterans who will help show our youngsters the right way to play the game." Guthrie then enthusiastically dunked a rolled up piece of paper into the trash can, over the outstretched arms of bench coach Lucian Tucker.
Surprisingly, two young players who are expected to see their playing time diminish were also in favor of the move. Both current shortstop Alan Williams and centerfielder Tracy Snider said, independently, "We believe that what's best for the team will be what's best for us. We're excited for our new teammates to join us in our attempt to claim the division title." The flat monotone in which both players delivered the identically-phrased sentiments made one wonder whether Official Team Astrologer Mona Mondieu may have added hypnotism to her cupboard of tricks.
Saez, however, expressed some regret about the trade. "First I go from New York to Pittsburgh. That's ok, Pittsburgh is at least still a city. But then to go to Helena? You're kidding, right. I'm not even sure I want to make it to the majors now."
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sim # 19 Completed - No All-Star Game :(
Since we had the All-Star break, I went ahead and simmed six days to get through the end of the three day off period. So, we're up to July 13 instead of July 12. Sorry for disrupting the five-day rhythm. :)
Unfortunately, while we had an All-Star break, and All-Star teams announced, we still had no All-Star game. Sorry. Nate and I need to do a better job of fixing that next year if we're still with OOTP 6.5. Heck, even if we're on version 9, we need to make sure there's an All-Star game.
So, there were only three games played this sim. Miscellaneous notes:
Pittsburgh took two of three from Brooklyn to win a series between the current division leaders. The Pisces still have a 5.5 game lead on Seattle while Brooklyn tops the Socratic League by only 1.5 games over New York.
Cairo's Oscar Leon shut out Helena on two hits in a 4-0 victory on July 9.
Leon and New York's newly acquired Chad Gomez took home Player of the Week honors.
Seattle's Darren Schmelzer has 8 RBI against Marietta on July 7.
No significant injuries.
Finally, here are the All-Star rosters:
These players were selected for the PL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Thomas Holte from Seattle
P Robert Gaertner from Pittsburgh
P Bobby Stoops from Sylva
P Lewis McGurk from Maryland
P Richard Ro from Pittsburgh
P Gaby Duran from Sylva
P Fabio Puñal from Maryland
P Vincent Furness from Pittsburgh
P Ariel Santos from Pittsburgh
P Wesley Savage from Seattle
C Charles Hicklin from Stockholm
C James Dominy from Pittsburgh
1B Ronald Hernandez from Maryland
2B Brian Staudt from Pittsburgh
3B Darren Schmeltzer from Seattle
SS Donald Parson from Pittsburgh
LF Silvio Ruiz from Maryland
CF Carlos Araoz from Seattle
RF George Pullum from Seattle
1B Amador Zaragoza from Seattle
CF Benito Parra from Maryland
LF Perry Hodgin from Pittsburgh
LF Paul Caldwell from Cairo
2B Samuel Corrado from Sylva
3B Steffen Nell from Stockholm
These players were selected for the SL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Tyler Conn from Brooklyn
P Abe Nix from New York
P Hernando Desalvo from Winnipeg
P Charles Hults from New York
P Lenard Ramirez from Winnipeg
P John Karpinski from Jersey City
P Mark Fossum from Brooklyn
P Lyman Grimm from Brooklyn
P Ramon Medina from Brooklyn
P Alfred Wickline from Jersey City
C Pio Pastrana from Brooklyn
C Fabian Mendonca from Winnipeg
1B Albert Ramer from Marietta
2B Miyatarou Takenao from Brooklyn
3B Salomon Tavarez from New York
SS Randy McGinn from Brooklyn
LF Tory Chavez from Helena
CF Reinaldo Salerno from Winnipeg
RF Benito Figueredo from Brooklyn
1B Antonio Alicea from Brooklyn
CF Courtney Mule from New York
CF Oscar Woodworth from Brooklyn
LF Brendon Townsend from Jersey City
SS Alfonso Reyes from New York
3B Basil Gomez from Jersey City
Next sim will be Friday by Nate. League file posted. Web pages on the way.
Unfortunately, while we had an All-Star break, and All-Star teams announced, we still had no All-Star game. Sorry. Nate and I need to do a better job of fixing that next year if we're still with OOTP 6.5. Heck, even if we're on version 9, we need to make sure there's an All-Star game.
So, there were only three games played this sim. Miscellaneous notes:
Pittsburgh took two of three from Brooklyn to win a series between the current division leaders. The Pisces still have a 5.5 game lead on Seattle while Brooklyn tops the Socratic League by only 1.5 games over New York.
Cairo's Oscar Leon shut out Helena on two hits in a 4-0 victory on July 9.
Leon and New York's newly acquired Chad Gomez took home Player of the Week honors.
Seattle's Darren Schmelzer has 8 RBI against Marietta on July 7.
No significant injuries.
Finally, here are the All-Star rosters:
These players were selected for the PL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Thomas Holte from Seattle
P Robert Gaertner from Pittsburgh
P Bobby Stoops from Sylva
P Lewis McGurk from Maryland
P Richard Ro from Pittsburgh
P Gaby Duran from Sylva
P Fabio Puñal from Maryland
P Vincent Furness from Pittsburgh
P Ariel Santos from Pittsburgh
P Wesley Savage from Seattle
C Charles Hicklin from Stockholm
C James Dominy from Pittsburgh
1B Ronald Hernandez from Maryland
2B Brian Staudt from Pittsburgh
3B Darren Schmeltzer from Seattle
SS Donald Parson from Pittsburgh
LF Silvio Ruiz from Maryland
CF Carlos Araoz from Seattle
RF George Pullum from Seattle
1B Amador Zaragoza from Seattle
CF Benito Parra from Maryland
LF Perry Hodgin from Pittsburgh
LF Paul Caldwell from Cairo
2B Samuel Corrado from Sylva
3B Steffen Nell from Stockholm
These players were selected for the SL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Tyler Conn from Brooklyn
P Abe Nix from New York
P Hernando Desalvo from Winnipeg
P Charles Hults from New York
P Lenard Ramirez from Winnipeg
P John Karpinski from Jersey City
P Mark Fossum from Brooklyn
P Lyman Grimm from Brooklyn
P Ramon Medina from Brooklyn
P Alfred Wickline from Jersey City
C Pio Pastrana from Brooklyn
C Fabian Mendonca from Winnipeg
1B Albert Ramer from Marietta
2B Miyatarou Takenao from Brooklyn
3B Salomon Tavarez from New York
SS Randy McGinn from Brooklyn
LF Tory Chavez from Helena
CF Reinaldo Salerno from Winnipeg
RF Benito Figueredo from Brooklyn
1B Antonio Alicea from Brooklyn
CF Courtney Mule from New York
CF Oscar Woodworth from Brooklyn
LF Brendon Townsend from Jersey City
SS Alfonso Reyes from New York
3B Basil Gomez from Jersey City
Next sim will be Friday by Nate. League file posted. Web pages on the way.
Seattle/Helena Trade
Seattle and Helena have agreed to terms on a trade that will send perennially pleasant ace SP Joseph "Happy" Diederich across the Cascade Mountains to Seattle. In return, Seattle will send two Maximos to Helena: utility INF Maximo Corona and SP prospect Maximo Navarro. Helena will also send a small amount of cash to Seattle in the deal.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stockholm keeps selling
In yet another trade, Stockholm GM and wheeler-dealer Michael Weintraub shuttled the league's largest salary, that of ace SP Chad Gomez, in the process acquiring pitching prospect George Martinez and the aptly-named infield prospect Steven Smotherman from New York, along with New York's fourth-round draft pick next year. New York also sent SP Stanley Sirmans and C Lauren Ice to the Sluggers to help off-set some of Gomez's bloated salary.
Once-proud and perhaps still-convalescing from last season's torn rotator cuff, Gomez arrives in the Knights clubhouse hoping to be the difference maker in the team's push to knock off perenniel Socratic League power and local rival Brooklyn. GM Eric Lent said, "We hope this sets us up with a dynamite rotation, even if we can't hit as well as the Bombers. We need lots of fannies in the seats the rest of the year to pay for this guy, but just couldn't pass up adding another potential #1 to join Hultz and Nix. We are asking fans do their part, however, by eating 14 hot dogs per person each game to raise the necessary revenue. So guys, if you bring a date to the game, come hungry if she's not going to eat all of her 14."
According to Weintraub, "the money saved on Gomez's contract will be used to buy new bikinis for the Swedish Bikini Team Smasher Girls." (Reports from the league office indicate officials are working tirelessly to find photographs confirming this expenditure.) "We're finally facing our Waterloo [this season]," Weintraub added, "we were defeated, you [Pittsburgh/Seattle] won the war. We couldn't escape if we wanted to."
Once-proud and perhaps still-convalescing from last season's torn rotator cuff, Gomez arrives in the Knights clubhouse hoping to be the difference maker in the team's push to knock off perenniel Socratic League power and local rival Brooklyn. GM Eric Lent said, "We hope this sets us up with a dynamite rotation, even if we can't hit as well as the Bombers. We need lots of fannies in the seats the rest of the year to pay for this guy, but just couldn't pass up adding another potential #1 to join Hultz and Nix. We are asking fans do their part, however, by eating 14 hot dogs per person each game to raise the necessary revenue. So guys, if you bring a date to the game, come hungry if she's not going to eat all of her 14."
According to Weintraub, "the money saved on Gomez's contract will be used to buy new bikinis for the Swedish Bikini Team Smasher Girls." (Reports from the league office indicate officials are working tirelessly to find photographs confirming this expenditure.) "We're finally facing our Waterloo [this season]," Weintraub added, "we were defeated, you [Pittsburgh/Seattle] won the war. We couldn't escape if we wanted to."
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sim #18 Complete! Pittsburgh, Brooklyn take command.
Sim is done, my friends, and with it another five days of glorious baseball. Why, just the other day I saw a unicorn taking batting practice with the tooth fairy pitching. Glorious summer!
This sim we saw the improbable Pittsburgh franchise extend its lead to 5.5 games over faltering Seattle. Could this be the year Seattle doesn't get the job done?
In the Socratic League Brooklyn takes a 3 game winning streak to a 3.5 game lead over New York which remains 2 games up in the wild card over Hal 9000's Winnipeg franchise.
In top performances this sim Stockholm's Chad Gomez threw eight innings of two hit ball on July 3rd to post the 8th best pitching performance of the year so far! Well done, Chad!
The was one major injury this sim, sad to say. Cairo lost starting pitcher Baltasar Acevedo for seven weeks to a pulled tricep! Ouch!
The next sim is on Wednesday by Mack! Be there!
This sim we saw the improbable Pittsburgh franchise extend its lead to 5.5 games over faltering Seattle. Could this be the year Seattle doesn't get the job done?
In the Socratic League Brooklyn takes a 3 game winning streak to a 3.5 game lead over New York which remains 2 games up in the wild card over Hal 9000's Winnipeg franchise.
In top performances this sim Stockholm's Chad Gomez threw eight innings of two hit ball on July 3rd to post the 8th best pitching performance of the year so far! Well done, Chad!
The was one major injury this sim, sad to say. Cairo lost starting pitcher Baltasar Acevedo for seven weeks to a pulled tricep! Ouch!
The next sim is on Wednesday by Mack! Be there!
Pisces Boost Bench
The Pittsburgh Pisces today announced the acquisition of infielder John Avelar today from Stockholm. Avelar is expected to be the primary infield backup at third and second. In return, Pittsburgh sent a fifth round pick in next year's draft and minor league "prospect" Duncan Gillis overseas.
"We felt we needed some depth in case of an injury, and John gives us that," said Owner/GM Mack Shultz. "Plus, he'll be an upgraded bat for us as a pinch hitter. All in all, we're pleased to welcome him to the team."
"We felt we needed some depth in case of an injury, and John gives us that," said Owner/GM Mack Shultz. "Plus, he'll be an upgraded bat for us as a pinch hitter. All in all, we're pleased to welcome him to the team."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Blue/yellow flag changed to white
Stockholm general manager Michael Weintraub announced today that the proud blågult Swedish flag flying outside of the team's offices at the old Olympic Stadium in Stockholm has been replaced with a white flag, commonly associated with surrender.
"We had high expectations this year, but once Ben Towell got hurt, it all unraveled."
Classified ads in the back pages of Svenska Dagbladet and the Sportbladet section of the popular tabloid Aftonbladet mentioned the following players available for trade:
"We had high expectations this year, but once Ben Towell got hurt, it all unraveled."
Classified ads in the back pages of Svenska Dagbladet and the Sportbladet section of the popular tabloid Aftonbladet mentioned the following players available for trade:
- SP Chad Gomez - once an ace, and possibly the best pitcher in the league at the time, he has struggled this year after recovering from a season-ending injury last year. In his last start, he showed signs of returning to ace status with seven and two-thirds shutout innings in a win over Jersey City.
- SP Chad Kinlaw - during the chaos of the 2003 Stockholm season, he was the anchor that stabilized the team as they finished just shy of the playoffs. A free agent after this year, he's an affordable pickup for any team needing another starter for the playoff push.
- SP Theron Mire - a waiver-wire pickup in the 2003 season, he helped Kinlaw stabilize the rotation. Struggling a bit this season, perhaps he needs another change of location to get better again?
- MR Cedric Iverson - a 1.88 ERA out of the bullpen. What more needs to be said?
- MR James Artman - okay, a 2.86 ERA out of the bullpen isn't as amazing as 1.88, but his salary is only $660k for the season!
- IF John Avelar - former Rookie of the Year, John has performed capably as a pinch hitter and utility infielder this year. He's able to play 2B or 3B, and has high gap hitting ratings.
- SS John Covas - acquired to take over for Towell at short stop when he was hurt earlier this season, Covas has suffered along with the team. A proven playoff bat (OPS over 1000 the past two seasons!), he knows how to win.
- CF Mark Peters - after a torrid start of the season, Peters has settled into a dependable spark plug for the line-up. Capable of playing in center or left, his .396 OBP is made for the top of the lineup, especially with his high ratings in stealing bases and baserunning instinct.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sim #18 Completed, Glitch Resolved
***** UPDATE *****
Problem solved. League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim will be Monday by Nate.
*********************
I completed the sim to July 2 tonight, but then lost my ability to access Nate's server. The computer comes up as being disconnected from the network. So, I can't upload the web pages nor the league file right now.
I'll work with Nate to get it fixed.
Anyway, here's the standings, as something to tide you over:
Platonic League
Pittsburgh 48 31 .608 - 44-35 4 20-18 28-13 4-5 19-9 71 L2 7-3
Seattle 44 36 .550 4.5 45-35 -1 23-16 21-20 4-5 11-13 - L2 4-6
Stockholm 35 43 .449 12.5 32-46 3 17-17 18-26 6-3 14-8 - L2 4-6
Maryland 34 46 .425 14.5 36-44 -2 16-25 18-21 1-3 6-15 - W2 8-2
Sylva 31 49 .388 17.5 34-46 -3 17-25 14-24 2-6 9-16 - L2 1-9
Cairo 29 51 .362 19.5 28-52 1 15-27 14-24 6-4 14-18 - L2 4-6
Socratic League Standings
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Brooklyn 50 30 .625 - 50-30 0 28-11 22-19 6-3 14-11 73 L2 5-5
New York 49 32 .605 1.5 55-26 -6 25-17 24-15 1-5 7-7 - W2 6-4
Winnipeg 47 32 .595 2.5 41-38 6 23-14 24-18 5-3 17-9 - W2 8-2
Jersey City 41 39 .512 9.0 40-40 1 21-20 20-19 3-1 12-12 - W2 6-4
Marietta 36 45 .444 14.5 38-43 -2 23-20 13-25 7-6 10-13 - W2 4-6
Helena 35 45 .438 15.0 33-47 2 21-20 14-25 4-5 12-14 - W2 3-7
More when we get it sorted out.
Problem solved. League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim will be Monday by Nate.
*********************
I completed the sim to July 2 tonight, but then lost my ability to access Nate's server. The computer comes up as being disconnected from the network. So, I can't upload the web pages nor the league file right now.
I'll work with Nate to get it fixed.
Anyway, here's the standings, as something to tide you over:
Platonic League
Pittsburgh 48 31 .608 - 44-35 4 20-18 28-13 4-5 19-9 71 L2 7-3
Seattle 44 36 .550 4.5 45-35 -1 23-16 21-20 4-5 11-13 - L2 4-6
Stockholm 35 43 .449 12.5 32-46 3 17-17 18-26 6-3 14-8 - L2 4-6
Maryland 34 46 .425 14.5 36-44 -2 16-25 18-21 1-3 6-15 - W2 8-2
Sylva 31 49 .388 17.5 34-46 -3 17-25 14-24 2-6 9-16 - L2 1-9
Cairo 29 51 .362 19.5 28-52 1 15-27 14-24 6-4 14-18 - L2 4-6
Socratic League Standings
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Brooklyn 50 30 .625 - 50-30 0 28-11 22-19 6-3 14-11 73 L2 5-5
New York 49 32 .605 1.5 55-26 -6 25-17 24-15 1-5 7-7 - W2 6-4
Winnipeg 47 32 .595 2.5 41-38 6 23-14 24-18 5-3 17-9 - W2 8-2
Jersey City 41 39 .512 9.0 40-40 1 21-20 20-19 3-1 12-12 - W2 6-4
Marietta 36 45 .444 14.5 38-43 -2 23-20 13-25 7-6 10-13 - W2 4-6
Helena 35 45 .438 15.0 33-47 2 21-20 14-25 4-5 12-14 - W2 3-7
More when we get it sorted out.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sim #17 Complete! Pittsburgh makes its move!
Welcome to the first sim on my new, Vista powered laptop!
As it's said in the title Pittsburgh has used an eight and two run to move 3.5 games into first ahead of Seattle! Alas, those are the only Platonic League teams above .500.
In the Socratic League Brooklyn is still in first but it's tightening. New York is 2.5 games back and Winnipeg is only 2 behind them. This one is still wide open!
Player of the week honors go to Maryland's Ronald Hernandez and Winnipeg's Reinaldo Salerno. Well done, gentlemen!
On the injury front June 26 was holocaust day!
Helena's Wayne Prokop: Broken Nose Day-to-Day for a week.
Jersey City's Gonzalo Fernandez: Bruised Heel Day-to-Day for a week.
Cairo's Leonard Rea: Blister Day-to-Day Five Days.
Sylva's Raymond Bullington: Bruised Hell Day-to-Day for a week.
Next sim is Friday by Mack! Be there!
As it's said in the title Pittsburgh has used an eight and two run to move 3.5 games into first ahead of Seattle! Alas, those are the only Platonic League teams above .500.
In the Socratic League Brooklyn is still in first but it's tightening. New York is 2.5 games back and Winnipeg is only 2 behind them. This one is still wide open!
Player of the week honors go to Maryland's Ronald Hernandez and Winnipeg's Reinaldo Salerno. Well done, gentlemen!
On the injury front June 26 was holocaust day!
Helena's Wayne Prokop: Broken Nose Day-to-Day for a week.
Jersey City's Gonzalo Fernandez: Bruised Heel Day-to-Day for a week.
Cairo's Leonard Rea: Blister Day-to-Day Five Days.
Sylva's Raymond Bullington: Bruised Hell Day-to-Day for a week.
Next sim is Friday by Mack! Be there!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sim #16 Completed
Well, five more days simmed. Nothing significant seems to have changed in the standings. So, since it's late and I have more work to do tonight, a few quick hits.
Seattle lost Ronald Veit to a broken finger for 4-5 weeks. Brooklyn's Pio Pastrana is out a week with an inflamed abdominal muscle.
New York's Alfonso Vargas held Helena to one hit and no walks while stiking out six in eight strong innings for the third best pitching performance of the year.
Jersey City's trade with Pittsburgh has now left it with the top ranked minor league system.
Maryland's Benito Parra and Brooklyn's Stephen Hawn took Player of the Week honors.
League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim by Nate on Wednesday.
Seattle lost Ronald Veit to a broken finger for 4-5 weeks. Brooklyn's Pio Pastrana is out a week with an inflamed abdominal muscle.
New York's Alfonso Vargas held Helena to one hit and no walks while stiking out six in eight strong innings for the third best pitching performance of the year.
Jersey City's trade with Pittsburgh has now left it with the top ranked minor league system.
Maryland's Benito Parra and Brooklyn's Stephen Hawn took Player of the Week honors.
League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim by Nate on Wednesday.
New York-Stockholm trade
In an effort to bolster its crummy bullpen, the upstart Knights sent two top prospects, SP Tim Nosal and SS Marvin Weist, along with their third-round pick in the 2005 draft, to Stockholm for closer Nate ("Don't call me Wooley") Skull.
Skull is reportedly unhappy to be leaving clean, polite, and reserved Scandinavia for New York City, where he has already been inundated by TV cameraman after arriving for his physical and questioned mercilessly by beat reporters about his notorious connections to multiple members of the Swedish bikini team. Indeed, one irate and bare-chested fan, decked out in full scull-and-cross-bones body-paint and now in police custody, threw rotten fish and modular furniture pieces at Skull as he walked through Kennedy Airport. The fan, who held a sign reading "Lent is out of his Skull," was apparently angry at the Knights for trading its future in a futile attempt to compete with what he sees as a vastly-superior Brooklyn team.
The Sluggers, meanwhile, were able to re-stock their farm system with the acquisitions of Nosal and Weist, and plan to use the third-round pick they acquired to draft five-time "world Strongest Man" Magnus ver Magnussen. "We believe this extra pick will allow us the flexibility to take a flyer on Magnus, assuming he's still on the board then," Sluggers owner/general manager Michael Weintruab said.
Did I miss any Swedish and/or play-on-name jokes here?
Skull is reportedly unhappy to be leaving clean, polite, and reserved Scandinavia for New York City, where he has already been inundated by TV cameraman after arriving for his physical and questioned mercilessly by beat reporters about his notorious connections to multiple members of the Swedish bikini team. Indeed, one irate and bare-chested fan, decked out in full scull-and-cross-bones body-paint and now in police custody, threw rotten fish and modular furniture pieces at Skull as he walked through Kennedy Airport. The fan, who held a sign reading "Lent is out of his Skull," was apparently angry at the Knights for trading its future in a futile attempt to compete with what he sees as a vastly-superior Brooklyn team.
The Sluggers, meanwhile, were able to re-stock their farm system with the acquisitions of Nosal and Weist, and plan to use the third-round pick they acquired to draft five-time "world Strongest Man" Magnus ver Magnussen. "We believe this extra pick will allow us the flexibility to take a flyer on Magnus, assuming he's still on the board then," Sluggers owner/general manager Michael Weintruab said.
Did I miss any Swedish and/or play-on-name jokes here?
Pittsburgh Adds Starting Pitcher
Apparently, the Pittsburgh front office is starting to feel Pisces Fever as the Pisces made a move to acquire what they termed a frontline starting pitcher in Joseph "One Dog" Silas from Jersey City. A two-time All-Star, Silas got off to a rough start in 2004 with ERA's over 5.00 in the first two months. So far in June though, Silas has a 1.54 ERA. As an impending free agent, Pittsburgh hopes that Silas continues to pitch well in a salary drive.
Pittsburgh parted with two quality prospects, outfielder George Marcano and starting pitcher Brian Guzman, along with reliever Dion Vazquez. Jersey City in exchange sent Silas and a $1 million check.
"What the heck," said Owner/GM Mack Shultz. "Maybe we will be ok. All I know is that with Hornyak and Roxas out, somebody needed to start a game or two for us. Why not Silas?"
Fans receiving news of the trade were heard to chant "Mighty, mighty Pisces, oh yeah. Now you're making history, oh yeah."
Pittsburgh parted with two quality prospects, outfielder George Marcano and starting pitcher Brian Guzman, along with reliever Dion Vazquez. Jersey City in exchange sent Silas and a $1 million check.
"What the heck," said Owner/GM Mack Shultz. "Maybe we will be ok. All I know is that with Hornyak and Roxas out, somebody needed to start a game or two for us. Why not Silas?"
Fans receiving news of the trade were heard to chant "Mighty, mighty Pisces, oh yeah. Now you're making history, oh yeah."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sim #15 Completed: Contenders Separate
The calendar has turned to the second half of June, and the contenders have begun to separate from the pretenders.
In the Platonic League, the two top teams faced off in a three-game set. The surprising Pisces took two of three from Seattle, in Seattle no less, and now have a half-game lead over the Ministry for the division crown. Stockholm and Sylva have exchanged the third position in the division over the last few days. Stockholm holds the number three slot for the time being, 8.5 games out of first, while Sylva lingers another game back. The defending champs in Maryland, who clearly made some sort of devil's bargain to snatch the title last year, are struggling with Cairo to see who can claim next year's first pick. Right now, Cairo has the edge with a one-game deficit in the standings.
In the Socratic League, Brooklyn has a 2.5 game lead for first place. New York has the best Pythagorean record in the OEL and is in the wild card spot. Winnipeg, who appears handicapped by the inability to solve the team's glaring woes through trades, has now dropped 5.5 games out of first. Jersey City and Helena are struggling to reach .500 while the Marietta squad looks forward to next year.
Injuries finally struck, at least in the Platonic League. Pittsburgh lost starting pitcher Ramiro Roxas for 7-8 weeks to a ruptured elbow ligament, the second injury to their rotation in the last week. Seattle lost starting catcher Herman "Blowhole" Colon for 5-6 weeks to a "broken finger". Stockholm, Cairo, and Sylva also suffered some day-to-day losses.
Other miscellaneous notes...
A number of players on the Jersey City, Seattle, and Pittsburgh squads scored lucrative contract extensions.
Seattle's Darren Schmelzer (fresh off a three-homer performance on June 11) and Brooklyn's Tyler Conn took home Player of the Week honors.
New York's Alfonso Reyes tied a record with four walks in a game on June 16.
Sylva's Harry Linton had the fifth best pitching performance of the year, shutting out Cairo on three hits over eight innings while striking out nine and walking none.
Helena, thanks to some timely development in outfielder James Bray, now has the top-rated farm system in the OEL.
Rookie starter Abe Nix of the New York Knights is the first pitcher to win 10 games this season.
Winnipeg's pitcher Tobias Rosado has moved to and from the starting rotation and is on pace for 5 wins, 14 losses, and 43 saves. That would be a very busy season.
Lots of shutouts, late comebacks, and exciting games this sim. Go ahead and post a comment about your favorite, but my interest was drawn (naturally) to the rubber match of the series between Seattle and Pittsburgh on June 14. The Pisces prevailed in a wild game, 10-9, to take the division lead. Neither starter Billy Lowry nor Wilfredo Desilva had much to offer as a starter, but Seattle's bullpen cracked for five runs in the seventh and eighth innings, which proved to be the difference.
Next sim will be by me on Friday, as Nate's battling computer demons. (Perhaps set upon him by the irritated manager of Winnipeg.) League file and web pages will be posted shortly.
In the Platonic League, the two top teams faced off in a three-game set. The surprising Pisces took two of three from Seattle, in Seattle no less, and now have a half-game lead over the Ministry for the division crown. Stockholm and Sylva have exchanged the third position in the division over the last few days. Stockholm holds the number three slot for the time being, 8.5 games out of first, while Sylva lingers another game back. The defending champs in Maryland, who clearly made some sort of devil's bargain to snatch the title last year, are struggling with Cairo to see who can claim next year's first pick. Right now, Cairo has the edge with a one-game deficit in the standings.
In the Socratic League, Brooklyn has a 2.5 game lead for first place. New York has the best Pythagorean record in the OEL and is in the wild card spot. Winnipeg, who appears handicapped by the inability to solve the team's glaring woes through trades, has now dropped 5.5 games out of first. Jersey City and Helena are struggling to reach .500 while the Marietta squad looks forward to next year.
Injuries finally struck, at least in the Platonic League. Pittsburgh lost starting pitcher Ramiro Roxas for 7-8 weeks to a ruptured elbow ligament, the second injury to their rotation in the last week. Seattle lost starting catcher Herman "Blowhole" Colon for 5-6 weeks to a "broken finger". Stockholm, Cairo, and Sylva also suffered some day-to-day losses.
Other miscellaneous notes...
A number of players on the Jersey City, Seattle, and Pittsburgh squads scored lucrative contract extensions.
Seattle's Darren Schmelzer (fresh off a three-homer performance on June 11) and Brooklyn's Tyler Conn took home Player of the Week honors.
New York's Alfonso Reyes tied a record with four walks in a game on June 16.
Sylva's Harry Linton had the fifth best pitching performance of the year, shutting out Cairo on three hits over eight innings while striking out nine and walking none.
Helena, thanks to some timely development in outfielder James Bray, now has the top-rated farm system in the OEL.
Rookie starter Abe Nix of the New York Knights is the first pitcher to win 10 games this season.
Winnipeg's pitcher Tobias Rosado has moved to and from the starting rotation and is on pace for 5 wins, 14 losses, and 43 saves. That would be a very busy season.
Lots of shutouts, late comebacks, and exciting games this sim. Go ahead and post a comment about your favorite, but my interest was drawn (naturally) to the rubber match of the series between Seattle and Pittsburgh on June 14. The Pisces prevailed in a wild game, 10-9, to take the division lead. Neither starter Billy Lowry nor Wilfredo Desilva had much to offer as a starter, but Seattle's bullpen cracked for five runs in the seventh and eighth innings, which proved to be the difference.
Next sim will be by me on Friday, as Nate's battling computer demons. (Perhaps set upon him by the irritated manager of Winnipeg.) League file and web pages will be posted shortly.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sim #14 complete. Busy here.
Sorry for doing this quick but I've got an RFP to respond.
Sim's done. Marietta still sucks. Mack's next.
Sim's done. Marietta still sucks. Mack's next.
Catcher for sale
2.5 star veteran catcher Marcos Navarro is available, at a low price of a 2 star (not MR) prospect 23 or younger. I've got a catcher at AAA who is burning up the league, and Navarro is too good to be a backup. He's a career .325 hitter, this year he's hitting .318 with a .776 OPS. Signed only through the end of the year.
Also, I'd consider moving two of my SPs - Joseph Silas and Steven Pate. Youth and SS help needed.
Also, I'd consider moving two of my SPs - Joseph Silas and Steven Pate. Youth and SS help needed.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Get your OBP here
Seattle GM Matt Macario announced today that he is accepting trade offers for the Dominican God of Walks, 4.5 star 1B Amador Zaragoza, who sports an astounding career .447 on base percentage. Zaragoza has ranked 1st in the OEL every year since its inception in both walks and OBP, and last year also led the league in runs scored, with 126.
"Amador is definitely an impact player, and he would provide a huge boost to any contending team," Macario stated. "His enormous achievements speak for themselves." When asked to explain the reason behind his willingness to let such a valued player go to a competitor, Macario responded simply, "Apparently, he has some photographs. Let's just leave it at that."
Macario invites all interested GMs to contact him via email at guitar_shark@hotmail.com.
"Amador is definitely an impact player, and he would provide a huge boost to any contending team," Macario stated. "His enormous achievements speak for themselves." When asked to explain the reason behind his willingness to let such a valued player go to a competitor, Macario responded simply, "Apparently, he has some photographs. Let's just leave it at that."
Macario invites all interested GMs to contact him via email at guitar_shark@hotmail.com.
Sim #13 Complete! Winnipeg falls!
Yes, sports fans, this sim sees Winnipeg falling from first to third place! Hall 9000's circuitboard nine goes 4-6 in there last ten and drops 2.5 games off the pace! Meanwhile, a charging New York club, having gone 9-1 in there last ten is now only one-half game behind Brooklyn for the top spot!
In the other league Seattle is still on top and Pittsburgh is only 1.5 games behind. The other teams have dropped out of the race with Stockholm in third at 7 games behind the leader and the others behind the team from the north!
In notable performances this sim Seattle's Thomas Wilkerson ran up a game score of 81 against Sylva with a four hit complete game. Seattle also threw up the top hitting game of the sim when Ronald Veit went five for six with two home runs and four RBI against Cairo on June fifth! Way to hog the limelight, Seattle!
Thankfully, there were no notable injuries this sim. Let's hope it lasts!
The next sim is Monday by me! Then Mack's back at it! Be there!
In the other league Seattle is still on top and Pittsburgh is only 1.5 games behind. The other teams have dropped out of the race with Stockholm in third at 7 games behind the leader and the others behind the team from the north!
In notable performances this sim Seattle's Thomas Wilkerson ran up a game score of 81 against Sylva with a four hit complete game. Seattle also threw up the top hitting game of the sim when Ronald Veit went five for six with two home runs and four RBI against Cairo on June fifth! Way to hog the limelight, Seattle!
Thankfully, there were no notable injuries this sim. Let's hope it lasts!
The next sim is Monday by me! Then Mack's back at it! Be there!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sim #12 Completed
The calendar has turned to June. Abbreviated report tonight though (sorry, other time pressures).
Seattle remains in first in the Platonic but Pittsburgh continues to stay close, just one half game back. Stockholm has dropped four games back, but remains in third. Sylva stayed on the fringe, seven games back.
In the Socratic League, New York has taken its turn as the hottest team in baseball. Last year's worst record has reeled off nine straight victories and is in third, just one game out of first place. Winnipeg is still in first, one-half game ahead of Brooklyn. Helena is hanging in, 3.5 games back while Jersey City sits five back. Marietta is last, 7.5 games back, and is the only Socratic team below .500.
Seattle's Carlos Araoz and New York's Salomon Tavarez won Player of the Month Honors. Sylva's Frank Sherrick and Winnipeg's Hernando Desalvo were Pitchers of the Month.
No major injuries.
Next sim is Friday, by Nate. League file is posted. Web pages en route.
Seattle remains in first in the Platonic but Pittsburgh continues to stay close, just one half game back. Stockholm has dropped four games back, but remains in third. Sylva stayed on the fringe, seven games back.
In the Socratic League, New York has taken its turn as the hottest team in baseball. Last year's worst record has reeled off nine straight victories and is in third, just one game out of first place. Winnipeg is still in first, one-half game ahead of Brooklyn. Helena is hanging in, 3.5 games back while Jersey City sits five back. Marietta is last, 7.5 games back, and is the only Socratic team below .500.
Seattle's Carlos Araoz and New York's Salomon Tavarez won Player of the Month Honors. Sylva's Frank Sherrick and Winnipeg's Hernando Desalvo were Pitchers of the Month.
No major injuries.
Next sim is Friday, by Nate. League file is posted. Web pages en route.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sim #11 Completed
We're almost to the end of May and little is decided so far this year.
In the Platonic League, Seattle has reclaimed first from the overachieving Pisces. Stockholm is 2.5 games back in 3rd and Sylva is still in the race at 5 games back. Cairo is now 9 games back and defending champion Maryland continues its puzzling slide and is 11 games out of first.
In the Socratic League, everyone remains in the race. Hal's Winnipeg squad has passed Brooklyn to take the division lead. Helena and New York are tied for third, just 3 games back. Interestingly, the Knights have come off of last year's struggle and have posted the best Pythagorean records so far. Jersey City is two games over .500 and only four games back, but is still in fifth place. Marietta responded to its owner's White Flag proclamation by dropping into sole possession of last place, 6.5 games back.
No major injuries this sim. Hurray!
Salomon Tavarez, of the New York Knights, had five hits including two home runs on May 24 against Stockholm and is hitting .395 on the season.
The next sim will be Wednesday, by me. League file is posted and web pages are en route.
In the Platonic League, Seattle has reclaimed first from the overachieving Pisces. Stockholm is 2.5 games back in 3rd and Sylva is still in the race at 5 games back. Cairo is now 9 games back and defending champion Maryland continues its puzzling slide and is 11 games out of first.
In the Socratic League, everyone remains in the race. Hal's Winnipeg squad has passed Brooklyn to take the division lead. Helena and New York are tied for third, just 3 games back. Interestingly, the Knights have come off of last year's struggle and have posted the best Pythagorean records so far. Jersey City is two games over .500 and only four games back, but is still in fifth place. Marietta responded to its owner's White Flag proclamation by dropping into sole possession of last place, 6.5 games back.
No major injuries this sim. Hurray!
Salomon Tavarez, of the New York Knights, had five hits including two home runs on May 24 against Stockholm and is hitting .395 on the season.
The next sim will be Wednesday, by me. League file is posted and web pages are en route.
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