A Synopsis Of World Series

As vaguely recalled by the commish.

Season 1
The devonjain's New York Yankees (97-65) surged to a 3-0 lead. Just like in real life they folded, and jubalado's Louisville Madness (95-67) emerged as the first World Series champ. This collapse was great fodder for the next couple seasons. it's still kind of funny. *chuckle* Lose four in a row after building a 3-0 lead to lose the World Series. *chuckle*
AL 0-NL 1

Season 2
After loading up one young players in season 1, hbdgirl and her Pawtucket Red Stockings (101-61) took the series of the creatively named San Antonio Fresh(102-60) owned by misterfresh. This series again went seven games though I can't recall how it played out. Both owners are long since gone. San Antonio is now two time defending WS champ Memphis and Pawtucket relocated to Hartford, both under new ownership. misterfresh was a good guy we were sorry and surprised to see him go. hbdgirl...
AL 0-NL 2

Season 3
In another seven game series devonjain and his Yanks' (103-59) kicked the sting of season one's loss. Vanquished was tsufugazi and his Baltimore Stallions (also 103-59). devon knew all along it was only a matter of time. Baltimore is now Wichita, owned by the curiously named rootgargle which sounds like something the team in Kansas City might do. Or he's a dentist, I dunno.
AL 1-NL 2

Season 4
misterfresh bailed after season 3 for some reason. Sved came in and, even though the franchise had it's least impressive regular season win total, won the World Series with his Memphis Mad Dogs (93-69), beating Louisville 4-1 (105-57). jubalado was unable to bottle lightning twice.
AL 2-NL 2

note: right before roll-over into season 5, league charter member sagacious, owner of the then Scottsdale Swingers, died tragically and unexpectedly. He's not forgotten and his presence is missed. Respect.

Season 5
In yet another seven game series Memphis (103-59) edged out a stiff challenge from playboy33's Jackson Generals (101-61).
Sved's second straight SMBPF World Series title. We could easily see this match up again.
AL 3-NL 2

NL Preview

Let's see who bitches and whines, oh wait, already did Burlington in the AL.

NL North:

Buffalo Wooden Nickle
Last Season: 65-97 3rd
Payroll: $73.3 mil
Offense: C
Pitching: C+
Defense: C
Overall: C
Outlook: Should see a slight improvement over last season, but won't challenge for the division title. Or maybe they will.
Season 6 Record: 70-92

Iowa City Corn-ish Hens
Last Season: 91-71 1st
Payroll: $100.5
Offense: C
Pitching: B-
Defense: C
Overall: C+
Outlook: I can't see 90 wins again, but then, apparently, I don't know what I'm talking about anyways. Biggest issue is a lack of power in the line-up.
Season 6 Record: 85-77

Cincinnati Red Thumpers
Last Season: 86-76 2nd
Payroll: $28.9 mil
Offense: B-
Pitching: C
Defense: B-
Overall: B-
Outlook: Pitching is what's holding back the Thumpers from elite club status. My pick to finish first in the division.
Season 6 Record: 92-70

Minnesota Salvation
Last Season: 62-100 4th
Payroll: $48 mil
Offense: C-
Pitching: C
Defense: C
Overall: C
Outlook: 70 wins is a realistic goal, but stilllooks to finish fourth in the division.
Season 6 Record: 70-92

NL East

Hartford Insurance Men
Last Season: 94-68 2nd
Payroll: $72.7
Offense: B-
Pitching: C+
Defense: C+
Overall: C+
Outlook: Much the same as last year, could use another power hitter in the mix
Season 6 Record: 92-70

Dover Destroyers
Last Season: 64-98 3rd
Payroll: $65.3 mil
Offense: C-
Pitching: C
Defense: B+
Overall: C
Outlook: The solid gloves on this team won't be enough to pull Dover into a playoff spot, but there should be an improvement on last seasons record
Season 6 Record: 72-90

Durham Bulls
Last Season: 46-116 4th
Payroll: $77.6
Offense: C
Pitching: C-
Defense: C-
Overall: C-
Outlook: Another season to build for the future
Season 6 Record: 56-106

Wichita Thunder
Last Season: 96-66 1st
Payroll: $103.5 mil
Offense: B-
Pitching: B
Defense: A-
Overall: B
Outlook: Another division title is in the cards, one more power bat would be a huge plus to the line-up
Season 6 Record: 95-67

NL South

New Orleans Posse
Last Season: 72-90 4th
Payroll: $73.4 mil
Offense: C+
Pitching: C
Defense: C
Overall: C
Outlook: Won't be an easy win by any means, but a ways to go still, before playoff contention.
Season 6 Record: 76-86

Jackson Generals
Last Season: 101-61 1st
Payroll: $82.2 mil
Offense: A-
Pitching: B+
Defense: B+
Overall: B+
Outlook: With the rise of Jacksonville, a fifth straight division title will be less than guaranteed. Still a formidable squad and WS favorite
Season 6 Record: 100-62

Louisville Madness
Last Season: 92-70 3rd
Payroll: $62.9 mil
Offense: C+
Pitching: B+
Defense: A+
Overall: B+
Outlook: I might be under rating the offense, but it appears to be the slightest weakness for what is otherwise a solid ML squad. Could be tough to land a WC berth, but Louisville will be in the mix
Season 6 Record: 94-68

Jacksonville Jimmies
Last Season: 92-70 2nd
Payroll: $86.6 mil
Offense: A
Pitching: B+
Defense: B
Overall: B+
Outlook: Possibly the class of the NL and a WS favorite. No real weakness. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Season 6 Record: 104-58

NL West

Colorado Swingers
Last Season: 84-78 2nd
Payroll: $77.7 mil
Offense: C+
Pitching: C
Defense: C
Overall: C
Outlook: A big power line-up should send the ball flying out of Coors, but might struggle on the road.
Season 6 Record: 81-81

San Diego Toreros
Last Season: 96-66 1st
Payroll: 84.3 mil
Offense: B-
Pitching: B-
Defense: B
Overall: B-
Outlook: Will face a challenge from Oakland for the division title, but still a dangerous team.
Season 6 Record: 94-68

Oakland Ownage
Last Season: 76-86 3rd
Payroll: $67.6 mil
Offense: A
Pitching: A
Defense: C+
Overall: B+
Outlook: Last seasons debacle should be erased, a serious threat for the WS title this season, especially if Oakland lands that SS and CF it seeks
Season 6 Record: 104-68

Las Vegas Bandits
Last Season: 72-90 4th
Payroll: $50.9 mil
Offense: C
Pitching: C
Defense: C
Overall: C
Outlook: For the first time in this franchise's history it has the same owner for consecutive seasons, so a direction can be given to this team. Will be an also-ran, but should be able to add some prospects this season.
Season 6 Record: 76-86

Season Preview

Burlington Northerns;
Last season 76-86 3rd in division
Payroll: $91.1 million
Offense Grade: C
Pitching Grade: D
Defense Grade: C
Overall: C-
Season Outlook: In a weaker division anything is possible, but my feeling is that it's going to be a long season for Burlington. The addition of Roosevelt Brower will add some much needed pop to the line-up, but pitching is weak.
Season 6 Record: 78-84


Montreal Maroons:
Last season 76-86 2nd in division
Payroll: $30.2 million
Offense: C-
Pitching: C+
Defense: C+
Overall: C
Outlook: Finally getting some stable ownership, the team is building for the future while still improving the present.
Season 6 Record: 72-90

Cleveland Eagles:
Last season: 72-90 4th in division
Payroll: $102.5 mil
Offense: D
Pitching: C-
Defense: D-
Overall: D
Outlook: Not good.
Season 6 Record: 65-97

Detroit Drive:
Last Season: 76-86 1st
Payroll: $78.2 mil
Offense: C+
Pitching: B
Defense: C+
Overall: C+
Outlook: Should finish first in division again, by a wider margin this time.
Season 6 Record: 90-72

AL East

Chicago Black Holes:
Last season: 44-118 4th
Payroll: $70.8
Offense: C-
Pitching: C-
Defense: C-
Overall: C-
Outlook: Surprisingly not as bad as last year's record, may not lose 110+ games with an owner in possession of a clue.
Season 6 Record: 62-100

New York Yankees:
Last Season: 95-67 1st
Payroll: $108.3
Offense: A-
Pitching: B+
Defense: B
Overall: B+
Outlook: Perennial contender looks strong again.
Season 6 Record: 95-67

Trenton Enforcers:
Last Season: 76-86 3rd
Payroll: $101.3
Offense: B
Pitching: C+
Defense: C-
Overall: C+
Outlook: Should see an improvement this season, though it may be a stretch for a wildcard berth:
Season 6 Record: 82-80

Syracuse Spedie Sandwiches:
Last Season: 95-67 2nd
Payroll: $81.4 mil.
Offense: B
Pitching: B
Defense: C
Overall: B-
Outlook: Will once again finish runner-up to the Yankees, definite wildcard contender.
Season 6 Record: 94-68

AL South:

Memphis Mad Dogs:
Last Season: 103-59 WS winner, 2nd consecutive
Payroll: $101.7 mil
Offense: B
Pitching: A-
Defense: C+
Overall: B
Outlook: Still a contender but a threepeat will very tough. Will face a challenge for the division title.
Season 6 Record: 97-65

Austin Argonauts:
Last Season: 101-61 2nd Wildcard
Payroll: $71.7 mil
Offense: B+
Pitching: B
Defense: B+
Overall: B+
Outlook: Might be the class of the AL, only weakness may be pitching depth, but some very excellent hurlers at the top end.
Season 6 Record: 100-62

Richmond Informers:
Last season: 67-95 4th
Payroll: $71.6 mil.
Offense: C
Pitching: C-
Defense: C-
Overall: C-
Outlook: Will be a long season for Richmond, but a good chance to start building a future winner. The most remarkable thing about this team will be the lack of walks handed out by Informers pitchers.
Season 6 Record: 65-97

Kansas City Faggots:
Last Season: 100-62 3rd Wildcard
Payroll: $97.8 mil
Offense: A-
Pitching: B+
Defense: C+
Overall: B
Outlook: The strongest AL division will see quite the battle for the 1st spot. IF everything goes the Fag's way they could easily make the World Series.
Outlook: 99-63


AL North:

Albuquerque CrippledPitchers
Last Season: 91-71 1st
Payroll: $28.4 mil.
Offense: A-
Pitching: B
Defense: B-
Overall: B
Outlook: The kids are maturing, but pitching depth is a concern. Will be challenged for the division title by Tucson, and a wildcard spot will be hotly contested.
Season 6 record: 92-70

Tucson Terrors:
Last Season: 87-75 2nd
Payroll: $74.4 mil
Offense: A
Pitching: B+
Defense: B-
Overall: B+
Outlook: Another candidate for best team in the AL. Solid, solid hitting, good pitching depth. Will probably finish 1st in the division.
Season 6 Record: 102-60

Honlulu Harpoon:
Last Season: 78-84 3rd
Payroll; $40.5 mil
Offense: C
Pitching:C
Defense:C+
Overall: C
Outlook: Very middle of the road team, building up the minors.
Season 6 Record: 80-82

San Francisco Sea Bass:
Last Season: 66-96 4th
Payroll: $52.3 mil.
Offense: C+
Pitching: C
Defense: C+
Overall: C+
Outlook: Will improve on last year's record, but a ways to go, yet.
Season 6 Record: 82-80

A History of Top Draft Picks

Season 5, Montreal selected a SS with a slightly below average glove, but fairly decent offensive skills. A Silver Slugger/All Star type.

Humberto Alarcon Montreal Maroons Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: North St. Paul, MN Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Season 4, This is a cautionary tale. Never, ever promote a player to the bigs right after the draft. Skill sets similar to Alarcon, drafted as a SS, but should really be a Gold Glove second baseman or wild armed 3B, with plus power. Lack of minor league development time means Reid will never hit righties with as much authority. Stupid reigny.

Stuart Reid Chicago Black Holes Age: 23 B/T: R/R Born: Vici, OK Position(s): 3B/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Season 3. The best overall prospect in SMBPF, and soon to be the best pitcher, maybe. Was a lock for those title before McMillon suffered a 360 day injury (F*CK) season 4, dropping 10-18 points on all his critical ratings, so he's behind a year in development. Still his make-up should have him closer to projections by the start of next season. May yet win a CY Young, but no longer a guarantee.

Curtis McMillon Albuquerque CrippledPitchers Age: 23 B/T: S/L Born: Tioga Center, NY Position(s): P (T1A) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Season 2 One of orabbi's gems, already listed as one of the best young hitters in SMBPF. MVP type skill sets, not a great glove but who gives a crap. A potential 50/50 man. I'm sooooo jealous.

Dizzy Allen Tucson Terrors Age: 24 B/T: L/L Born: Danbury, TX Position(s): 1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Season 1 The cause of much discussion. durantw must have seen something the rest of us didn't. He's not horrible by any stretch, but a first overall? No. Will never reach split projections due to mismanagement his first two seasons.

Willie Diaz Montreal Maroons Age: 23 B/T: L/L Born: Canute, OK Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hopefully we have a deep pool this season and alogman can land some hope for that team.

Top Five Pitchers

1) The question becomes who would you want starting game seven of the WS. This was a tough one, they're both very similar, one's still young, one is old, but with all that I would want:

Chris Matthews Jacksonville Jimmies Age: 33 B/T: R/R Born: Edmond, OK Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2) Quite the second prize, great bargain at $8 mil.

Jumbo Long Kansas City ***gots Age: 28 B/T: R/R Born: Central City, NE Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

3)At the end of his career but still great

Oscar Dunham Cleveland eagles Age: 35 B/T: R/R Born: Kenner, LA Position(s): P (SP6) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4)Aided a bit by pitching in sunny San Diego, but still, that's a sweet career WHIP

Rico Rivera San Diego Toreros Age: 23 B/T: L/L Born: San Luis, CU Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

5)This guy night be a surprise to some, probably his last time on this list as I expect Dummy Wayne and a couple others maybe, will push some names down, next season.

Brad Evans Detroit Drive Age: 35 B/T: S/R Born: American Falls, ID Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

World Rules

Well not rules so much, as an expectation that every owner has a responsibility to ensure that they are fielding the best possible team they can. I'm not going to set up minimum win/maximum loss thresholds, but I don't want any reigny-type hijinks. Long losing streaks are indications of an effort to lose and won't be tolerated. Admin acted surprisingly swift when I pointed out juniorwisby's jackassery, and removed him without me actually requesting his expulsion, I was just inquiring as to what my options were. So let's have a hard fought, competitive season. 

Also, trash and smack talk are encouraged, but if you are going to dish be prepared to take it. Let's not get into supremely adolsecent I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I's. Family, politics, and religion (or lack thereof, in my case) are off limits. Keep real disputes (if you have to have one) to trade chat, and let me know of any issues privately. Let's keep the chatboard RSF free.

I'm a little freer with time, so I'm going to try and post prospect rankings and player profiles, draft news, that kind of crap, to the blog. No promises. If anyone wants to contribute something or has an idea, shoot me a chat.

Thanks folks, playball.

Camden

Commissioner, Sag's Memorial BPF

Chef/Owner, Coastal Cafe

People's "Sexiest Man Alive" 1989,90,92,94,95,96,98,99,2001,03,04,07,09

tanking vs rebuilding

There is much debate on the forums regarding this topic. Though I find it funny how worked up some people get, it is a valid discussion. We all know that HE-WHO-KNOWS-ALL, thinks any form of rebuilding equals tanking. Personally I find that assertion totally ridiculous. Tanking to me is using non ML quality players, playing pitchers in the field and throwing fielders on the mound. If that were to happen in this world that owner would very much get the boot.

I do think, though, that recognising that your team isn't going to make the playoffs, and so trading assets for prospects that can help in future seasons only makes sense and is done around the world, in every sport, in every league. In HBD this, to me, indicates a commited owner who will return season after season. As the world commish, I would rather see that than someone coming in signing a bunch of FAs to over valued contracts, and trading prospects to win now. If that owner fails to win the WS, chances are he/she is going to bail, leaving a mess behind.

It has to be recognised that not all owners are the same. Not everyone has the time to spend hour upon hour micro-managing their minors, changing their settings each game.Some owners are succesful at the Yankees way of doing business, others prefer the Oakland A's way. I don't have a problem with either, the unfortunate part is that there is no guarantee (or even enforcable obligation) that an owner will re-up. I think the Yankees philosophy does more harm than the Devil Rays approach.

The notion of penalising teams that lose 100 games is even more damaging, could you imagine trying to find an owner (or keeping an owner) for a team that has had punitive restrictions placed on it, that give the team a decided disadvantage in the season ahead. This, to me, would absolutely kill leagues.

We are given 185 mil to spread over nine departments, some like to go balls out with a high ML payroll, others (myself included) are (at least attempting) to field competitive teams with as low a payroll as possible and being aggresive in acquiring future talent. There is no stipulated minimum payroll, nor should there be. For me, developing prospects is the most enjoyable aspect of the game, since I'm, so far, clueless playoff time.

I also think the mandating of loss maximums is lacking foresight. I'm in Gehrig world, after five seasons of developing talent, signing IFAs, and pretty good FAs, I'm still looking at 100 losses again. I hate losing. seriously hate it, so the frustration is growing. In many other worlds this team would be competitive, but Gehrig has a lot of long term owners who have also worked to improve their teams, so it seems the status quo is the norm season after season. But I will not go out and sign someone to a 20mil contract just so I lose 95 games instead of 100.

Anyhoo, I just thought I'd get on a soapbox. Carry on.