Tuesday, December 1, 2009

World Series -- Season 7

And here we go, down to the final two squads. From the National League, the number one seed Oakland Ownage, who won 109 games this season, just one win behind Albuquerque from the AL. From the American League, we get the New York Yankees, who entered the playoffs as the number three seed. The Yankees won their division for the 7th season in a row, but with their lowest win total in those seven seasons (89), putting themselves in a situation where both wild card teams had more wins than this division winner.

Despite their regular season dominance and first round bye, Oakland has struggled in the playoffs, going the full five games in the divisional series, and then the full seven games in the NLCS. The pitching staff posted a regular season best 3.59 ERA, and while that number has not exactly ballooned, it is certainly higher during the playoffs, as they sport a 3.91 ERA during those 12 games. Meanwhile, the Yankees are going the other direction. A 4.43 regular season ERA has dropped to 3.43 in 13 games this fall. The Yanks made short work of Memphis in the Play-in Series, then did the same with number two seed Kansas City, and it only took them five games to oust Austin after they had upset number one seed Albuquerque. So despite having to play an extra series, the Yankees' staff only has one more game under their belt than that of Oakland, so there should be no tired arms when the series gets going.

When it comes to hitting, NY and Oakland were top five in the world in almost every relevant category during the regular season. Batting avergae, OPS, runs scored, etc. But in the playoffs so far, NY has dominated. An .820 OPS, 27 HR's, 79 runs scored, they are just killing the ball. Oakland is not exactly slouching either, as they have posted a .776 OPS, 18 HR's, and 64 runs scored, but the Yankee offense is the talk of the town.

At press-time, NY is showing that they will throw out Kazuhiro Lim (11-14, 4.88 ERA regular season -- 1-0, 4.34 ERA postseason) for their game one starter, while Oakland has tentatively announced Brandon Carter (20-5, 2.78 -- 3-0, 3.05) as their starter.

In their series with Jackson, Oakland won their home games and lost all of their away games. Against Jacksonville, they were 2-2 at home, while managing to take 2 out of 3 on the road. On the other side, NY has been 4-2 at home, while sporting an amazing 6-1 record on the road, including three in a row to seal the series with Austin. The World Series opens with Oakland playing two at home, then we go to New York for (theoretically) three games, before possibly playing the final two in Oakland.

So how does this play out? New York has shown that they don't care where they play, they are going to score runs. They scored 9 runs in two games at Memphis, which is very much a pitcher's park, while only allowing the home team to knock in two runs. Granted, Memphis does not have the same sort of pitching staff as Oakland. But I think the New York pitching staff and batters are better than that of Jackson and Jacksonville, and those two teams took Oakland the distance. It's going to be a good series.

I think the teams split the two games in Oakland, then New York wins two of three at home, and then they get one of the final two in Oakland. New York wins in either 6 or 7 games.

Friday, November 27, 2009

LCS predictions

ALCS - New York Yankees vs Austin Argonauts

After Austin got rid of the number one seed Albuquerque squad, anything can happen here. Wilfredo Mesa only pitched once in that series, and it looks like he will get the nod in game 1 of the ALCS, while the Yanks are most likely starting their ace, Kazuhiro Lim. Since I have to make a pick here, I'll go with the Yankees winning the series in 6 games.

NLCS - Oakland Ownage vs Jacksonville Jimmies

We nearly got #1 vs #2, but Jacksonville edged out Buffalo by one run in the final game of their series. And the Jimmies are no push-over. They won 95 games during the regular season, swept Cincy in the first round, then beat the number two seed. Meawhile, Oakland cruised through the regular season, but were then forced into five games against the number five seed in the divisional series. With all of that said, I think Oakland is just too much, they'll hit their stride in this series, and they'll take out Jacksonville in just five games.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009



You can actually see my foot in this picture, and the model is wearing a bikini designed by my GF. Which means that I frequently have models coming over to my house. I lead a blessed life.

Monday, November 23, 2009

NJ's Division Championship Series Picks

AL #1 Albuquerque 66ers vs AL #5 Austin Argonauts
After averaging nearly 6 runs per game in the first round against Montreal, Austin showed that their offense is ready to get it done when the pitching fails. Albert Cairo lead that offense, batting .300 with 4 HR's in the series. Will Ward and Rico Arias both batted over .450 in the series, to lend Cairo a hand.

Facing the Argonauts will be the often criticized Albuquerque franchise, who played sub .400 baseball in the league's first two seasons, before rising from the ashes and earning a playoff spot in the fifth season. The team missed the playoffs in season six, but showed the world this season that they are not to be messed with, as they posted a whopping 110 wins, almost as many as seasons one and two combined. Led by five batters who drove in more than 100 runs each, the offense is no joke. The heart and soul of the team is Lance Morris, who was the 6th overall pick in the second season. The pitching staff is clearly led by McMillon and Alcantara, who combined for 36 wins and a sub 4.00 ERA this season. Defensively, they are no slouches either. Willing to give up some offense in order to have good enough defense in the right spots, Albuquerque will not give up dumb errors.

Prediction - Albuquerque in 4

AL #2 Kansas City ***gots vs AL #3 New York Yankees
Memphis tried to give NY a run for their money, but in the end the Yankees pitching staff was just too much. Only giving up 3 runs per game in the four game series, the Yankees staff made up for the general lack of offense (just over 4 runs per game), as only two batters managed to hit over .300 for the series.

Making the playoffs each of the first five seasons, last year KC missed out for the first time. So they made no mistake this year, winning 95 games and winning the division. Led quite obviously by their amazing tandem of Paul Harris and Jumbo Long, who won a combined 38 games this season, the pitching staff is the highlight of the team. Offensively, they try to spread what little wealth there is, as 7 players drove in 50 or more runs this season. Other than lacking a true SS, the defense is more than good enough to get the job done.

Prediction - This really could go either way. Don't expect any big offensive explosions, and if I have to pick someone, I'll take the Yankees in 5.

NL #1 Oakland Ownage vs NL #5 Jackson Generals
Wichita gave Jackson a hard time in the first round, but the Generals pitching staff was just too much. With only one hitter who was consistent during the first round (Jermaine O'Rourke - .421 avg, 2 HR's and 4 RBI's), the pitching staff had to take it up a notch, as they only gave up 4.5 runs per game during the series.

In the other dugout is an Oakland franchise that won 100+ games for the second consecutive season, and the third time in four seasons. But with the highest payroll in the entire league, nobody is shocked that the Ownage have the number one seed in the National League. Led offensively by Hall, Hornsby and Baez, the entire team hits for power and average, while also having some speed on the base paths. On the mound, their top three are Carter, Lombardi, and Wayne, who combined for 48 wins this season. In the field, they do enough to not hurt themselves, but the infield is not what we would call "sound."

Prediction - Oakland is on a mission, and is just too much for Jackson. The Ownage in 4 games.

NL #2 Buffalo Wooden Nickel vs NL #3 Jacksonville Jimmies
The Jimmies made short work of Cincy, sweeping the Red Thumpers, and giving the pitching staff an extra day or two off. Scoring 6 runs per game, despite Julius Neal being very quiet, the offense got the job done. The pitching staff only gave up 8 runs in the three games, and Cincy committed 7 errors. Those numbers are all that you really need to sum up this series.

Buffalo has slowly improved since BBMogul took over, posting nearly 100 wins this season. Led by Bohanon and Crawford at the plate, with Dolan and Matthews on the mound, the Wooden Nickel's have played very quietly over the years. Maybe the best part of the entire team is their bullpen. Both Dolan and Matthews are getting older, and can't go 9 innings every night. The bullpen might be what carries them to the next level.

Prediction - This is Buffalo's season (or at least their series), the WN win it in 4 games.







Sunday, November 22, 2009

Drew's Picks - The Whole Shebang

First Round Winners - AL: Montreal, New York -- NL: Jackson, Jacksonville
Divisional Winners - AL: Albuquerque over Montreal (sorry mira), New York over Kansas City -- NL: Oakland over Jackson, Jacksonville over Buffalo
ALCS - Albuquerque over New York
NLCS - Oakland over Jacksonville
World Series - Oakland over Albuquerque in 6 games, "totally crushing camden's fragile ego."

S7 First Round Predictions

Is it too late to make first round predictions? No, of course not. Especially when "anything can happen in a short series." Camden can't make any predictions, since he's in the playoffs, so someone has to step in and give his unsolicited two cents.

AL #4 Montreal Maroons vs AL #5 Austin Argonauts.
After losing 100+ games in each of their first four seasons, Montreal flirted with .500 in Season 5, hit right on it in Season 6, and posted a franchise record 83 wins this season. Generally, this information would not give you a warm, fuzzy feeling, until you look at the team's payroll over those years. With subpar owners those first three seasons, the team's payroll rose and rose, until 21mira21 took over in Season 4. Since then, the team's payroll has been between $14-28M each season, with this season marking a new "low" as the team has only spent a little over $14M in player salaries. There are 7 individual players in the world making that much money or more. Chew on that for a minute. Montreal has three or four good SP's that can make a difference, and they also have potential ROY in Max Singleton, who drove in a whopping 165 runs this season. Offensively they are sound, defensively they are above average, and the pitching is pretty solid.

Historically, Austin is the exact opposite of Montreal. Their payroll has gone up and up over the last five seasons, while they have only had one sub .500 season in seven attempts. Unfortunately, they are in one of the toughest divisions in the world, where winning 90+ games doesn't mean a whole lot. Led by 4-time MVP Albert Cairo, the team has plenty of offense, with four players driving in 80+ runs, and five scoring 80+ runs. The starting pitchers are not amazing, but are more than good enough for a short series.

Prediction - Austin in 4 games.

AL #3 New York Yankees vs AL #6 Memphis MAD DOGS
Is anyone else tired of the Yankees? Seven time division champs. This season was the franchise's first season with less than 95 wins. Three World Series appearances, with one championship to their name. $112M in salary, the third year in a row that the team has gone over $100M. A decimated minor league system that posted an overall record of 145-507. What's funny is that if this team had any other name, I probably wouldn't care about any of this. With stud hitters to spare, and pitchers with tremendous control, their only potential weakness is the team's defense.

Memphis has been a powerhouse since the world's inception, and continued that trend this season, winning 90+ games for the seventh consecutive season. Another big spender, with franchise payroll going over $100M for the fourth season in a row, the squad has five or six batters who scare every pitcher they come up against. The pitching isn't bad, but it's not elite either. Defensively, they're in the same situation as NY, where nobody is horribly out of place, but there aren't too many players who have to worry about finding space in their living room for a Gold Glove award.

Prediction - NY in 5 games.

NL #4 Wichita Thunder vs NL #5 Jackson Generals
Winning their division for the 5th year in a row, Wichita is another example of "if you spend it, we will win." With a hair under $108M in salary, the team won 95 games, making up for last season's sub .500 record. Led offensively by Francisco Santos and Dave Wilkerson, the team also sports possibly the best pitching staff in the playoffs. Edgar Frias is a potential Cy Young winner, and the other three pitchers who are hoping to get a starting nod in this first round all have ERA's of 3.50 or less. Seriously, this pitching staff is unreal, and worth every penny that the team has spent on them. Defensively, Kevin Sandberg is a bit of a liability at 3B, but otherwise they are very sound.

After not making the playoffs last season, Jackson roared back in Season 7, winning 93 games and earning the top wild card spot. This also marked the first year that the team went over $100M in salary, as they topped out at $109M, nearly $20M more than what the team spent last year. It seemed to work out, as three players drove in 100+ runs and hit 30 or more bombs. On the mound however, the team is lacking. Only two guys won 10 or more games, and the team gave 7 different pitchers a start during the season. Jermaine O'Rourke and Orval Sullivan have been absolute disasters on the left side of the infield, and could be a major liability during these playoffs.

Prediction - Wichita in 4 games.

NL #3 Jacksonville Jimmies vs NL #6 Cincinnati Red Thumpers
The defending world champs had a tough go of it this season, "only" winning 95 games en route to their second consecutive division title. Could this be due to the team cutting $18M in salary from last season to this one? Maybe, maybe not. The team still has Julius Neal and Rick Halama and Don Krivida, and their .925+ OPS. On the mound, Blake and Calles continue to prove their worth, while recently acquired Brad Evans went 9-0 for his new squad, with a sparkling 2.21 ERA. Like many other teams in the playoffs this season, Jacksonville is trying to prove that defenses don't necessarily win championships, as their D leaves a little to be desired.

Owner statman527 has quietly put together a strong franchise, as the Red Thumpers make the playoffs for the second year in a row. Art Walker, Flash Bass, and Joel Bichette put up huge numbers this season, anchoring an offense that gives more than enough support to a constantly improving pitching staff. Defensively they have some holes in the infield, which could prove fatal. Can the offense do enough to keep the pitching staff ahead of the game, and let the defense off the hook if/when they make a mistake?

Prediction - Jacksonville in 4 games.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Trade Offer Etiquette

When making trade offers I feel it is best to not offer a deal you would never accept yourself. It shows the proposed trade partner you think he/she is an idiot, and for me ends any further negotiations. If you are going to make a bid on a stud, you should genuinely feel like you are offering a lot and you should have doubts, it shouldn't be easy for you giving up players.

Don't offer based on overall rating. I'd rather have me a 76 ovr guy with monster splits/power/control/eye, than some high 80 guy with mediocre talents but high health and durability.

Everyone has a price. "Untouchable" only means a player with a very high price tag.

An solicited trade proposal does not automatically require a response if rejected. I'm sometimes guilty of this, but it's good form to respond to trade inquiries via TC. If someone inquires to me, I'll have a look through their system, and let them know whether there's a deal to be had. If I don't see anything I say I can't find a deal I'd be comfortable with. If I find something I like I'll send an offer.

Anyhoo, that's my time on the soapbox now a hottie:

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Your Team's Best Draft Pick

Albuquerque 66ers
Season 2, 6th pick

AL Rookie of The Year season 5

Austin Argonauts
Season 1, 21st Pick

AL Fireman Of the Year season 6

Buffalo Wooden Nickle
Season6, 5th Pick


Burlington Northerns
Season1, 13th pick


Chicago Black Holes
Season 6 1st Overall


Cincinnati Red Thumpers
Season 3, 2nd Pick


Colorado Swingers
Season 3, 3rd pick


Detroit Drive
Season 7, 9th pick


Durham Bulls
Season 5, 7th pick


His best pick may have been last draft, but hasn't signed yet.

Hartford Insurance Men
Season 4, 21st pick


Honolulu Harpoon
Season 5, 8th pick


Iowa City Corn-nish Hens
Season 5. 22nd pick


How did he fall to 22nd?

Jackson Generals
Season 2, 19th pick


Jacksonville Jimmies
Season 4, 4th pick


Kansas City Faggots
Season 2, 31st... 31st! How the f...?


Ok, try and get this done...

LAS VEGAS BANDITS
Season3, 1st pick


LOUISVILLE MADNESS
Season2, pick 25


Most would probably have picked someone else, but this guy has the best chance to win an award. Dynamite closer.

MEMPHIS MAD DOGS
Season2, 32nd pick


MILWAUKEE UECKERS
Season 7, 1st pick


MINNESOTA SALVATION
Season 6, 3rd pick


MONTREAL MAROONS
Season 5, 1st pick


NEW ORLEANS POSSE
Season 4, 5th pick


NEW YORK YANKEES
Season 1, 9th pick


OAKLAND OWNAGE
Season 1, 2nd pick


Rookie of the Year season5

RICHMOND INFORMERS
Season 7, 3rd pick


SAN DIEGO TOREROS
Season 5, 16th pick.


SAN FRANCISCO SEA BASS
Sason 3, 23 rd pick

ST LOUIS BUSCH WHACKERS
Season6, 4th pick


SYRACUSE SPEDIE SANDWICHES
Season 5. 17th pick


TRENTON ENFORCERS
2nd season, 14th pick


TUCSON TERRORS
season 2, pick 1


Season 6 Rookie of the Year

WICHITA THUNDER
Season 1, 18th (?!) pick


Season 6 AL MVP



WICHITA

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

All "Franks" Team

Here now I, the Beloved Commish, present a list of the best of the best by position in our crazy, nutty, perhaps even, dare I say, madcap world. Starting at the pivotal role of catcher for the SMBPF All Franks Team is
Julius Neal
Jacksonville
Jimmies
Age: 24B/T: R/R
Born: Brooklyn, NY
Position(s): C/1B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


A second pick overall in season 1 by the missed sagacious (respect), was ridiculously traded to the Jimmies in season 5, and helped Jacksonville win the WS. Tremendous hitter and very capable behind the plate and handling pitchers. Perhaps the single most valuable player in our world.

Covering first base:
Albert Cairo
Austin
Argonauts
Age: 28B/T: R/R
Born: Bani, DO
Position(s): 1B/OF/DH
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The World's all time leader in HRs, RBIs, SBs, slugging percentage, runs, and others. Close with Dizzy Allen, but I put him as DH.

At second base another close call, but if I pick:
Alejandro Lee
Hartford
Insurance Men
Age: 22B/T: S/R
Born: LaConcepcion, VE
Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


An IFA in season3. Signed for 22.6 million buckaroos. I'd say rushed to the show, but is rounding into a potential, perennial
MVP candidate.

At shortstop, I'd want to send out:
Pedro Aguilera
Trenton
Enforcers
Age: 25B/T: S/R
Born: Central Tinguaro, CU
Position(s): SS/3B/2B/OF/DH
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A little Jeterish on defense, but 'roid aided Tejada-like offense, especially power.

At third I'd send out "Sarge" as he's now known to his teammates according to me:
Aaron Spahn
Colorado
Swingers
Age: 26B/T: R/R
Born: Florence, CO
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


A great combination of defense and batting prowess, a rocket arm and very capable bat. Could win Gold Gloves and Silver sluggers for seasons to come.

manning the fence in left would be:
Rick Halama
Jacksonville
Jimmies
Age: 33B/T: R/R
Born: San Bernardino, CA
Position(s): LF/CIF/2B/OF
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He's getting up there one of the world's all-time hit leaders is still producing.

Patrolling centerfield would be Flash "The cash, Mr. smallmouth" Bass:
Flash Bass
Cincinnati
Red Thumpers
Age: 25B/T: L/L
Born: Newland, NC
Position(s): CF/1B/OF/DH
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2nd pick in season 3, having a monster season currently. Decent in the field with huge power, and good speed.

Rightfield may be this World's most inglorious position. Rob Dickerson, a three time MVP, would have been a shoe in a couple seasons ago but his position has been handed over to:
Carlos Diaz
New York
Yankees
Age: 25B/T: R/R
Born: Jarabacoa, DO
Position(s): RF/1B/2B/LF/DH
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Could win an MVP if everything fell into place but as is, Diaz will win many silver slugger and all star accolades.

My DH: would have to be:
Dizzy Allen
Tucson
Terrors
Age: 25B/T: L/L
Born: Danbury, TX
Position(s): 1B/RF/DH
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First overall pick in season 2. Power, eye, speed. Will win an MVP at some point.

There are a great deal of upper echelon candidates at every position, I made my picks based on defense and offense ratings, total career stats and current stats, as well as whatever potential there may be.

My starting pitcher would be:
Chris Matthews
Buffalo
Wooden Nickle
Age: 34B/T: R/R
Born: Edmond, OK
Position(s): P (SP1)
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I think I picked another pitcher over Matthews last season in my pitcher rankings, but he continues to dominate.

There were many great pitchers to choose from, a lot on Oakland's staff. KC's Jumbo Long was my second pick and Oakland's Morgan Brow third.

That's it. Feel free to comment and/or critique on the chat. When i get a chance I'll do each franchise's best draft pick next.