The Louisville Steamboats, always a team at the trading table, and Charleston River Dogs agree to the first deal of S2 in Billy Beane. Charleston receives 20 year old pitcher Tomas Ozuna in exchange for 23 year old C Norman Jodie. Jodie will begin his Steamboats career in Double-A to work on his arm strength and accuracy. Last year he knocked out 31 HR and 129 RBI while hitting for an avg. of .338 in Low A. Ozuna will begin his work at the High A level for the River Dogs and has nice projections for splits and pitches. He started in 35 games for the Steamboats in Low A last season, finishing with a 2 – 4 record in 106.2 innings with a 2.78 era.
Owner hurricane384 spent a few minutes away from the trading tables to talk to us about the deal: “Norman Jodie gives me a big bat who can put up good numbers behind the plate without being too big of a liability to his pitchers and will catch in 150+ games with his durability. Ozuna is going to be a good pitcher, but would likely top out as a long reliever and a catcher who can give me 150+ games a season is more valuable.”
The Steamboats keep their reputation as a team that likes to trade as owner hurricane384 was overheard this off season as saying, “Of course, I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didn't trade.” This time they shook hands with owner bonk36 and the Rochester Redbirds that sent 30 year old C Carter Burks to Rochester in exchange for 22 year old P David Sanchez. Burks is in the final season of his $3.8M contract and will be paired up with 24 year old C Stan Stephens. Burks caught 960.2 innings in 115 games last year for Louisville where he was solid behind the plate and in the batter’s box. He hit 22 HR with 86 RBI with an avg. of .304. Sanchez will start out in Double-A where he’ll look to develop a little more against vR otherwise he’s real close to his projected numbers. He found himself starting 30 games for the Redbirds High A team last season, logging in 151.0 innings with a record of 13-6 and an era of 4.71.
Owner hurricane384’s thoughts on the trade: “Carter Burks is a good catcher, but when I got offered Sanchez out of the blue, it was a no doubter. Sanchez has the qualities to be a #2 for years to come in this organization.”
Owner bonk36 on the trade: “While giving up a very good prospect, our team wants to contend this year and by bringing in a veteran C with good offensive upside we felt the need to make this move.”
Louisville kept their seat at the trading tables and across from them the Ottawa Outlaws took a seat. 30 year old 3B Jimmy Chapman was dealt to Louisville for 22 year old LF Sammy Stuart. Stuart looks to defensively project into a CF/2B type player for the Outlaws with tremendous speed as he finds himself in Double-A ball. In 130 games at High A he hit for an avg. of .259 and swiped 63 bases. Chapman is in the final year of his $4.0M contract and will be able to play different positions for Louisville this season.
Owner hurricane384 on why he made the move: “Sammy Stuart was blocked in the organization by a really good CF'er and he really didn't fit in with the overall power philosophy of the organization. Chapman gives me a stopgap until my rookies roll in next season. He can play 2nd, 3rd or either corner outfield slot and gives me the flexibility needed to compete this season without disrupting the plan.”
Owner mlhutch: “The Louisville trade was a pure salary dump. Chapman was a real black hole at 3B last year. I was especially disappointed in his terrible defensive numbers. The .946 fielding % and 12 negative plays could not be tolerated another season. Also, I needed the extra money to make sure I could sign all of my arb guys. The prospect I got may be a 25th man bench player to pinch run and play solid 2B defense.”
While hard to believe, trades don’t just go through Louisville and the Columbus Aeros and Pittsburgh Crawfords proved that as they inked a deal together. Columbus lands 30 year old LF Jerry Fisher by giving up 30 year old P Hooks Danks, 32 year old P Howard Lyon, and 35 year old P Roberto Soto. Both Danks and Lyon have 2 seasons left on their $5.2M contracts and will be in the rotation for the Crawfords while Soto takes his 2 yr. $3.4M contract to AAA. Last season Soto pitched 62.2 innings in AAA with a 4.16 era. Danks started in 29 games at the majors, pitching 170.1 innings and going 11-8 with a 4.86 era while Lyon started in 27 games, pitching 165.1 innings and going 10-9 with a 3.54 era. Fischer is in the last year of an $8.0M contract which he earned last season by hitting out 34 HR and 129 RBI in 156 games.
Owner jeanpaul22 on the trade: “Since I joined the Pittsburgh Crawfords last season, my main goal is to reinforce the rotation. Danks and Lyon become our SP2 and SP3 on our rotation, they're both solid, maybe not aces but solid SPs. For Fisher, I new he wouldn't sign with us after this season.”
Owner anml34 on why he made the trade: “After struggling on offense last year we wanted to add a big bat to protect Tommy. With Fisher we found that bat we were looking for while freeing up some payroll to add some depth to our bench in free agency. Unless something unexpected occurs this will be the team we are going to run with this year.”
Last year’s world series champs, the Ottawa Outlaws, met up with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox and worked out a deal that will send 23 year old 1B George Borbon to Colorado in exchange for 30 year old 3B Eric Castillo. Borbon starts out his Sky Sox career at AAA. Last season he found himself in 144 games at AA, hitting 26 HR and 156 RBI with a .338 avg. Castillo still has 2 seasons left on his major league contract where he’s reported to make $5.8M/yr. He was traded last season only 11 games in and ended hitting for a .263 avg. with 16 HR and 69 RBI.
Owner joekendall on his side of the trade: “We had other catchers as options so we swung a deal.”
Owner mlhutch on why he made the deal: “The Colorado Springs trade was a reaction to moving Chapman. I really wanted a defensively solid 3B with a decent bat and Castillo fits both of those requirements. I liked Borbon but with reigning MVP Morgan Johnson firmly ensconced at 1B for the foreseeable future, he was expendable. Hopefully, a win-win for us both.”
After a short break, Louisville jumped back into the trading game, partnering up with the same team they made their first deal with. The Charleston River Dogs will get 27 year old SS Roger LeCroy in exchange for 22 year old P Mitch Adkinsson and 23 year old 2B Burt Wendell. Wendell gets shipped to Double-A after spending last season at AAA, hitting for a .234 avg. in 126 games. Adkinsson will join him in Double-A getting called out of the bullpen where last year in AA he found himself in 49 games, logging 73.0 innings of work to earn a 2-5 record and a 3.21 era. LeCroy was an arb eligible player this season and bumped his contract to $3.1M this season before being traded. He’s no stranger to changing teams as he was picked off waivers last season, getting in 2 games with New Orleans before playing the other 109 in Louisville. He managed a .236 batting avg. although he’s more of a defensive type player.
Owner hurricane384 on the deal: “I hated helping out a divisional foe for the immediate season, but LeCroy wasn't going to play much this season and I got a pitcher who gives me flexibility in the future and a 2B/PR who, with a little help, can possibly contribute in the future.”
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Free Agent Rankings by hurricane384
FREE AGENT RANKINGS
The free agent class this season is weak in comparison to the overall talent of the world. Only one star is available, while the very good players only total 8. The rest of free agency is pretty barren. Pitching is deeper than hitting this season, while the top 5 and 6 out of the 7 players are hitters. Once you get below the top 6 hitters, the talent level drops significantly. There is only one thing to say to teams looking for impact players in this free agency…good luck.
ML TALENT: B
FA TALENT: C
MLP TALENT: B-
FAP TALENT: C-
MLH TALENT: B
FAH TALENT: D
** (OVERALL GRADE OF TOP 70 FA; TOP 10 GRADE)**
HITTERS (D, B-)
1. Andres Tabaka - Tabaka may not realize that he’s supposed to call a game behind the plate, that’s what the coaches are for. They are glad to help as he is far from lost when he’s in the batter’s box. The premier free agent in this season’s class, he is also the only “Star” available this year. Makes great contact, hits with power, and can work a walk, he will dominate lefties. Good durability, he played in 145 games this season, catching in 141 of those. For those looking to jumpstart their offense, he could be a fit at C, 1B, or DH.
2. Javier Lucano - The #2 hitting free agent this season, Lucano split time between Anaheim and New York, he struggled with the east coast part of his season. One of a group of 3 similar players this season, he is the best of the group. Great durability and health means he rarely misses a game. Has decent speed but is only vaguely aware what order he needs to run the bases, he’s quoted as saying “I’m glad those guys are next to the bases telling me where to go all the time!” Will dominate righties, earn walks, hit for contact and power, and flail wildly against lefties. A good fit for a team looking for some offensive firepower. A great arm and decent range means he isn’t a liability in the field.
3. Hunter Sizemore - Sizemore sure picked the wrong season to have a down year. His contact, power and eye almost dictate he has to be in the lineup against righties, even though he’s not likely to solve their mysterious nature. Has a good arm and decent accuracy and could likely help someone who is looking for an offensive catcher, but they had better have exceptional pitching to put him behind the plate. Average durability means he won’t get into much more than 140-150 games no matter where you put him. Should rebound to hit in the .270s with 35+ home runs.
4. Ryan Laxton - The second catcher and 2nd of 4 New Yorkers to make the top 10 list, Laxton is held back by average durability. He is average on defense as a catcher, and is another example of someone whose power and eye make it necessary to have him in the lineup against righties, even given his deficiencies against them. Let’s talk his bat, He can hit home runs, destroy lefties, and work a walk, but righties will eat his lunch. Won’t strike out too much. Should hit between .240 & .270 each year, with around 25-30 home runs. Not a bad pickup if you need a catcher who isn’t a liability on defense, especially if you can get away with platooning him against righties.
5. Glen Theriot - A second baseman by trade, Theriot could help solidy a number of positions, as he has the range and arm to play 3rd as well as second…could help a team in the corner outfield spot without hurting the offensive production. Doesn’t do anything exceptional on offense, but he does a lot of things well. Can hit for power, contact, won’t hurt you against lefties or righties, can work the count as well as stretch singles into doubles and score from first when necessary. Had 23 steals in 33 attempts for a running team this season.
6. Wendell Matusz
7. Spike Dresden
8. Randy Gordon
9. Otto Sorrento
10. Mitch Harris
PITCHERS (C-, C+)
1. John Tomlinson - His ratings say he has the potential to be an ace, but his performance sure stuck. Should be able to eat lefties alive while not getting crushed by righties. He’s a groundball machine with a top-notch sinker and change-up. Great control means he won’t walk a lot. Should be able to start 32-35 games a season with his combination of great durability and above average stamina.
2. Dario Keefe - The top reliever on the market, Keefe could be a “save situation only” closer for a team. He has great control, and his ability to work them inside and out gives batters from either side of the plate fits. Won’t throw it by you, but he has a good fastball, and average curve and slider, so he can get some strikeouts. Average at inducing grounders. His poor durability and stamina combination could end up costing him some money in the marketplace.
3. Gerald Satou - Another good reliever available, Satou could possibly close for a team looking for help at the back-end of the rotation. With his durability and stamina, he could be a 2-inning closer, a 2-inning set-up guy, or a 1-inning super reliever. Should see between 70-100 games a season, with around 110 innings. Struggles with control at times and has an average fastball that can get on you quickly. A great screwball and the ability to force hitters into groundballs is what sets this guy apart. Can have slight issues against righties.
4. Chris Sowders - Another guy whose durability and stamina will concern his potential suitors in the marketplace. He has two great pitches, a 4-seamer and a change-up, and his cutter will get him hurt big-time, so being paired up with a good pitch-caller behind the plate would be advantageous. Great control and solid versus righties, he has trouble hitting the locations against lefties. Can induce important ground balls nearly at will. Should help a team looking for specialists at the back-end of the bullpen.
5. Mark Tomko - Another reliever on the list, Tomko has the combination of stamina and durability to be a real valuable asset to a team. Great control and a tremendous ability to coerce batters into hitting grounders offset his inability to consistently keep balls out of the hitting zone against righties. Doesn’t throw hard, but has an exceptional sinker, a very good cutter, and an average slider to keep batters off balance. Could do some real damage at the back end of a bullpen, working 70-100 games and 100-110 innings while keeping runners off the basepaths.
6. Jesus Hernandez
7. Omar Calvo
8. J.C. King
9. Victor Duran
10. Sherman Hernandez
The free agent class this season is weak in comparison to the overall talent of the world. Only one star is available, while the very good players only total 8. The rest of free agency is pretty barren. Pitching is deeper than hitting this season, while the top 5 and 6 out of the 7 players are hitters. Once you get below the top 6 hitters, the talent level drops significantly. There is only one thing to say to teams looking for impact players in this free agency…good luck.
ML TALENT: B
FA TALENT: C
MLP TALENT: B-
FAP TALENT: C-
MLH TALENT: B
FAH TALENT: D
** (OVERALL GRADE OF TOP 70 FA; TOP 10 GRADE)**
HITTERS (D, B-)
1. Andres Tabaka - Tabaka may not realize that he’s supposed to call a game behind the plate, that’s what the coaches are for. They are glad to help as he is far from lost when he’s in the batter’s box. The premier free agent in this season’s class, he is also the only “Star” available this year. Makes great contact, hits with power, and can work a walk, he will dominate lefties. Good durability, he played in 145 games this season, catching in 141 of those. For those looking to jumpstart their offense, he could be a fit at C, 1B, or DH.
2. Javier Lucano - The #2 hitting free agent this season, Lucano split time between Anaheim and New York, he struggled with the east coast part of his season. One of a group of 3 similar players this season, he is the best of the group. Great durability and health means he rarely misses a game. Has decent speed but is only vaguely aware what order he needs to run the bases, he’s quoted as saying “I’m glad those guys are next to the bases telling me where to go all the time!” Will dominate righties, earn walks, hit for contact and power, and flail wildly against lefties. A good fit for a team looking for some offensive firepower. A great arm and decent range means he isn’t a liability in the field.
3. Hunter Sizemore - Sizemore sure picked the wrong season to have a down year. His contact, power and eye almost dictate he has to be in the lineup against righties, even though he’s not likely to solve their mysterious nature. Has a good arm and decent accuracy and could likely help someone who is looking for an offensive catcher, but they had better have exceptional pitching to put him behind the plate. Average durability means he won’t get into much more than 140-150 games no matter where you put him. Should rebound to hit in the .270s with 35+ home runs.
4. Ryan Laxton - The second catcher and 2nd of 4 New Yorkers to make the top 10 list, Laxton is held back by average durability. He is average on defense as a catcher, and is another example of someone whose power and eye make it necessary to have him in the lineup against righties, even given his deficiencies against them. Let’s talk his bat, He can hit home runs, destroy lefties, and work a walk, but righties will eat his lunch. Won’t strike out too much. Should hit between .240 & .270 each year, with around 25-30 home runs. Not a bad pickup if you need a catcher who isn’t a liability on defense, especially if you can get away with platooning him against righties.
5. Glen Theriot - A second baseman by trade, Theriot could help solidy a number of positions, as he has the range and arm to play 3rd as well as second…could help a team in the corner outfield spot without hurting the offensive production. Doesn’t do anything exceptional on offense, but he does a lot of things well. Can hit for power, contact, won’t hurt you against lefties or righties, can work the count as well as stretch singles into doubles and score from first when necessary. Had 23 steals in 33 attempts for a running team this season.
6. Wendell Matusz
7. Spike Dresden
8. Randy Gordon
9. Otto Sorrento
10. Mitch Harris
PITCHERS (C-, C+)
1. John Tomlinson - His ratings say he has the potential to be an ace, but his performance sure stuck. Should be able to eat lefties alive while not getting crushed by righties. He’s a groundball machine with a top-notch sinker and change-up. Great control means he won’t walk a lot. Should be able to start 32-35 games a season with his combination of great durability and above average stamina.
2. Dario Keefe - The top reliever on the market, Keefe could be a “save situation only” closer for a team. He has great control, and his ability to work them inside and out gives batters from either side of the plate fits. Won’t throw it by you, but he has a good fastball, and average curve and slider, so he can get some strikeouts. Average at inducing grounders. His poor durability and stamina combination could end up costing him some money in the marketplace.
3. Gerald Satou - Another good reliever available, Satou could possibly close for a team looking for help at the back-end of the rotation. With his durability and stamina, he could be a 2-inning closer, a 2-inning set-up guy, or a 1-inning super reliever. Should see between 70-100 games a season, with around 110 innings. Struggles with control at times and has an average fastball that can get on you quickly. A great screwball and the ability to force hitters into groundballs is what sets this guy apart. Can have slight issues against righties.
4. Chris Sowders - Another guy whose durability and stamina will concern his potential suitors in the marketplace. He has two great pitches, a 4-seamer and a change-up, and his cutter will get him hurt big-time, so being paired up with a good pitch-caller behind the plate would be advantageous. Great control and solid versus righties, he has trouble hitting the locations against lefties. Can induce important ground balls nearly at will. Should help a team looking for specialists at the back-end of the bullpen.
5. Mark Tomko - Another reliever on the list, Tomko has the combination of stamina and durability to be a real valuable asset to a team. Great control and a tremendous ability to coerce batters into hitting grounders offset his inability to consistently keep balls out of the hitting zone against righties. Doesn’t throw hard, but has an exceptional sinker, a very good cutter, and an average slider to keep batters off balance. Could do some real damage at the back end of a bullpen, working 70-100 games and 100-110 innings while keeping runners off the basepaths.
6. Jesus Hernandez
7. Omar Calvo
8. J.C. King
9. Victor Duran
10. Sherman Hernandez
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Season 2 - World Rules Refresher
World Rules
Competition Committee
There is a five person competition committee consisting of myself, bighead34, cmthieme, tk21775, and mikejuggalo. This committee exists to provide checks and balances on the commissioner (myself) so that I can not make changes unilaterally. The committee will review any rules violations and then vote and majority rules.
Anti Tanking Rules
1. More than 200 losses over a two year period and the owner will be asked to state their case as to why they should be allowed to stay. If allowed to stay the owner must reach 70 wins or be replaced.
2. Prospect Payroll can NOT exceed 30 million. (example, if you budget 20 million for Prospect Cash, then you can only transfer in up to another 10 million). Penalty - The player or players that are signed by going over the cap are inactivated for all of their first season so they don't develop and they are also added to the 40 immediately so they burn up all of their option and have to waive the player to pull them off. The team that goes over the cap can also not transfer in any cash to their prospect payroll for three seasons.
3. Extended losing streaks or trends at the end of the season will be reviewed above and beyond the 200-win requirement. Teams are expected to maintain a level of competitiveness throughout the entire season. It is not acceptable to lose towards the end of the season to secure a higher draft slot.
Gameplay Rules
4. Owners must keep their minor league teams intact. This includes having enough pitchers to avoid fatigued pitchers and also covering all of the positions. (Not enough money in the budget is not an excuse as budgeting is an important part of the game...you'll need to make some moves to free up payroll).
5. Using tandem pitchers for the specific reason of telling the AI who you want to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen is perfectly fine. However, it is not ok to deceive the other owner to gain a platoon advantage. Starting Pitchers should have their target pitch count set to at least 60. If you choose to not to use a target pitch count, then the max pitch count should be set to at least 60. (exceptions may apply in extreme circumstances)
6. If cash is included in a trade then the cash can NOT exceed the player salary going with it. (Example is player A makes 2 million...you can NOT trade 5 million and the player)
7. You must protect your players for the 40 man roster! Plenty of time to do so once budgets are set to protect your players for the Rule V Draft. There will be no "I had something come up, please take pity on me and trade me my player back."
8. If a team signs a "Type A" or "Type B" player than that player can NOT be traded until after the amateur draft.
9. When a trade is completed, any major league player involved is immediately to be moved to "Rest" and any minor league player involved is to be put on the inactive roster. This is to prevent fatigue and/or injury. If a starting pitcher (ML) is traded and is scheduled as next starter (therefore can not be rested), his pitch count should be set at minimum and then he should be placed on "rest" immediately thereafter.
Other Rules
10. Trade chats and proposals must be responded to in 48 hours...even if it is to say "hey, i saw your chat/proposal, but I'm busy, give me some time to get back to you." Please send me a private trade chat if this rule is not being observed.
11. Cities/Stadiums are not to be moved once you are in the world. All team names must look and sound professional.
12. The world chat is to be used for discussion and debate, however you must keep it civil. Personal attacks will not be acceptable.
13.. I reserve the right to add to these rules. Usually I'll put a matter up for a vote and we'll see what everyone thinks.
Competition Committee
There is a five person competition committee consisting of myself, bighead34, cmthieme, tk21775, and mikejuggalo. This committee exists to provide checks and balances on the commissioner (myself) so that I can not make changes unilaterally. The committee will review any rules violations and then vote and majority rules.
Anti Tanking Rules
1. More than 200 losses over a two year period and the owner will be asked to state their case as to why they should be allowed to stay. If allowed to stay the owner must reach 70 wins or be replaced.
2. Prospect Payroll can NOT exceed 30 million. (example, if you budget 20 million for Prospect Cash, then you can only transfer in up to another 10 million). Penalty - The player or players that are signed by going over the cap are inactivated for all of their first season so they don't develop and they are also added to the 40 immediately so they burn up all of their option and have to waive the player to pull them off. The team that goes over the cap can also not transfer in any cash to their prospect payroll for three seasons.
3. Extended losing streaks or trends at the end of the season will be reviewed above and beyond the 200-win requirement. Teams are expected to maintain a level of competitiveness throughout the entire season. It is not acceptable to lose towards the end of the season to secure a higher draft slot.
Gameplay Rules
4. Owners must keep their minor league teams intact. This includes having enough pitchers to avoid fatigued pitchers and also covering all of the positions. (Not enough money in the budget is not an excuse as budgeting is an important part of the game...you'll need to make some moves to free up payroll).
5. Using tandem pitchers for the specific reason of telling the AI who you want to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen is perfectly fine. However, it is not ok to deceive the other owner to gain a platoon advantage. Starting Pitchers should have their target pitch count set to at least 60. If you choose to not to use a target pitch count, then the max pitch count should be set to at least 60. (exceptions may apply in extreme circumstances)
6. If cash is included in a trade then the cash can NOT exceed the player salary going with it. (Example is player A makes 2 million...you can NOT trade 5 million and the player)
7. You must protect your players for the 40 man roster! Plenty of time to do so once budgets are set to protect your players for the Rule V Draft. There will be no "I had something come up, please take pity on me and trade me my player back."
8. If a team signs a "Type A" or "Type B" player than that player can NOT be traded until after the amateur draft.
9. When a trade is completed, any major league player involved is immediately to be moved to "Rest" and any minor league player involved is to be put on the inactive roster. This is to prevent fatigue and/or injury. If a starting pitcher (ML) is traded and is scheduled as next starter (therefore can not be rested), his pitch count should be set at minimum and then he should be placed on "rest" immediately thereafter.
Other Rules
10. Trade chats and proposals must be responded to in 48 hours...even if it is to say "hey, i saw your chat/proposal, but I'm busy, give me some time to get back to you." Please send me a private trade chat if this rule is not being observed.
11. Cities/Stadiums are not to be moved once you are in the world. All team names must look and sound professional.
12. The world chat is to be used for discussion and debate, however you must keep it civil. Personal attacks will not be acceptable.
13.. I reserve the right to add to these rules. Usually I'll put a matter up for a vote and we'll see what everyone thinks.
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