The Something Annual Owner of the Year Award, the OotY!

Normally I've held a poll to determine the OotY, but this season, as I was coming up with the candidates, one performance just stood out from all the others and that is the job done by bobkordecki in Rochester, congrats, you get a $25 dollar GC sometime in the near future, once we've filled.

I'm very impressed with how bobkordecki and Rochester made me look like a freakin' moron in my Preview Prediction. A) I contradicted myself in the 76 win prediction because in the blurb I say something about improving on the previous seasons 81 wins, d'oh. And B) I predict a fourth place finish, despite saying they are a wildcard possibility, double d'oh. The acquisition of Pep Choo mid-season, other trades and some savvy FA signings, turned the Mountain Dwellers into a 94 win team and division champ.

Pictured: bobkordecki

Holiday Babes

Merry Christmas, Assholes

And a happy new year!!!

Season 23 Prospect Report!

I'm in the doghouse, yet again, so might as well kill some time before the Walking Dead and go through the teams and see who make my top 10 list of BPF's top current prospects (spoiler alert: I got the best hitting kid). Interesting in how few pitchers there are on the way up, of any value. This used to be a very pitching rich world, and kind of is currently. I also, firmly believe that Whatif has watered down the quality of prospects. When I first started playing HBD, drafts seemed more consistently stack, at least at the top 10 or so, and there were more top line IFAs coming down the pike. We're seeing some of our world, former stud prospects, now fade into glory and legend, and there's not a lot coming up behind them. But there are these guys, though.

Number One:

Hardball Dynasty's

Rico Guerrero

Future monster masher, except he's my guy so expect a chronic .250 hitter with 20 homers in a good year. Seriously though, this kid will put up huge numbers, play less than stellar defense at catcher, or, hopefully, DH. Could play and contribute now, at 19, but, knowing me, will get three full seasons of minor league seasoning.

The rest, in no particular order:

Hardball Dynasty's

Raul Johnson

Great hitting 2B prospect. Defense might translate more to corner outfield, or a GG type firstbagger. Should get a couple of years in the minors before making the bigs

Hardball Dynasty's

Jolbert Neruda

Damn fine firstbase htting type kid. Won't b a huge overall type kid, and should probably be a DH, but will be a silver slugger type kid.

Hardball Dynasty's

Bubba Aldridge

Not outstanding in anyone category but solid in all. Won't win a gold glove at short, but will generate enough offense to be a good number two hitter at second or third.

Hardball Dynasty's

Arthur Washington

Will be a CY candidate in a couple seasons.

Hardball Dynasty's

Clayton Hamilton

While control is an issue, splits aren't and there's a little heat on the pitch. Pitching in the NL will help Hamilton put up some gaudy stats.

Hardball Dynasty's

Kory Carson

While he may not be another Ozzie Smith, his bat puts him at short, if his defense can get close enough. Otherwise a nice 2B/3B type prospect.

Hardball Dynasty's

Diory Figureoa

While his splits may not be too impressive, this kid has a nice combination of power and eye, and will give pitchers fits in upcoming seasons.


*EDIT*

How I missed this kid, I dunno:

Hardball Dynasty's

Albert Salinas

Dynamite late inning type kid, that I overlooked. Bluegrey has a deep system.



Ok, here's the thing: I said a top ten, but I lost a pitcher and, in the highly likely event I've overlooked other candidates, send a trade chat in regards to a prospect you feel I missed. I will update this thang.

AL Preview S23

First point of order.  Be careful with what you click on when you do a google search for "teen bikini."  Public service announcement.

AL North:

Milwaukee, 87-75 last season, Fire Sale!!  Fire Sale!!  Wait, no, just kidding, we're still spending $80M on players, with Pep and Jarvis still on the roster!  A little short on innings eaters, but wow they've got some bats.  Defense is pretty solid, but not sure if it'll be enough to help the pitchers.  This should be an interesting season for these guys.

Minnesota, 81-81 last season, lots of consistency for these guys over the last ten seasons.  A very average roster, lots of guys in the 70's, so they don't look impressive.  I like the pitching, but the offense is very average, while the defense is really lacking.  Did I say this same thing last season?  I feel like I did.  So I'm gonna predict the same.....prediction.  .500 ball for these guys, yet again.

Madison, 79-83 last year, blapo comes in after paranoid destroyed a 100 win team.  These guys are getting older, but they're still really good.  Defense is pretty good, pitching is still quite solid (thanks for the draft picks for Felsen), and have some stud hitters with Carlos, Tom, Chipper, the other Carlos, and Geraldo.  If the pitching staff can keep the opposition under 10 runs, the offense could get them back up into the 100 win range.  Maybe.  Possibly?  

Fargo, painfully bad last season.  Seriously, gmurph, make the playoffs.  What is going on over there?  I am just perplexed by this squad.  Overall, they're average.  Defense, average.  Pitching, average.  Hitting, average.  Lots of average going on here, looks like another top 5 draft pick.  

Order of finish - Madison, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Fargo

AL East:

Syracuse, 98 wins last season, most since S8 when it was devon and the Yankees.  I miss devon.  Kinda.  Anyway......these guys are really fucking good.  When Max Bautista is getting $20M to be the mopup pitcher, you know you're in good shape with your pitching staff.  But the bullpen has a few holes, so hopefully the starters give up no runs and make life easy on those poor slubs out in the pen.  Good hitters, with below average defense.  Could be really great this year, or it could blow up in their face.  

Louisville, 82 wins, jubs is back!!  You shouldn't get too excited about 84 wins and 82 wins on consecutive seasons, but when the seven previous were sub .500, you get excited about being middle of the field.  Defense down in LVille is pretty solid, pitching staff is decent and might be what carries these guys, while the hitters are going to really beat the shit out of the ball.  Like for serious, I'm too lazy to look it up, but they might set a new record for HR's in one season.  

Cincy, 67 wins last year, $42M payroll, uh oh.  Average defense, below average pitching, one good hitter and that's about it.  Yikes.  That's all you get.  Yikes.

Chicago, 60 wins last year, these guys are in major rebuild mode.  I mean.......wow.  They're really not good.  A couple of guys who can actually play SS/CF, but then the pitching is horrible, and the hitting is quite below average.  Look for $40M+ in prospect this year, as they slash salaries yet again.  It's gonna be bad.

Order of finish - Syracuse, LVills, Cincy, Chicago, just like last year

AL South:

Richmond, 91 wins, jcarver has got his shit together.  More gloves than they know what to do with, some really solid pitching and innings eaters, and some stud hitters.  Where did these guys come from?  They're not winning the world series, might not even get past the first round, but they'll be good.

Houston, 83 wins last season, these guys are one of the more consistent franchises in the last ten seasons.  $110M in salaries, this might be the last year of crazy money being spent on players.  Bobby Slaughter is good, Johnny and Malik will get it done at the plate, but the defense will struggle.  They'll contend for a playoff spot, but this might be the last year that they try for that, and next year might be when they start rebuilding.

San Antonio, 72 wins last year, root is back!  $75M, he ain't fucking around with a rebuild or anything.  Good defense, good pitching, good offense.  Well, average offense.  Mac Collins is still alive.  Who knew?  I'm rooting for San Antonio.  Get it?  Rooting.  Root.  Shut up.

KC, 60 wins last year, what the fuck.  Ever since the 90 wins back in S18, it's been a pretty steady decline for the faggots.  Benny Lopez helps for sure, but at $20M/year, yikes.  The defense is going to struggle, but the pitching might take some of the heat off of them.  And if that doesn't work, I think the hitting will take even more heat off.  Especially if they hit as many HR"s as I think they might.  They might rival Louisville in that category.

Order of finish - Richmond, KC, Houston, San Antonio

AL West:

Colorado Springs is the new Milwaukee/Montreal.  114 wins last year was a "down" season for these guys, after 118 and 116 the prior two seasons, including a WS in S21.  tenacious, you had ONE job!!  This roster is just stacked.  Gloves, arms, bats, speed (Jack Bergen was a 40/40 guy last season), they've got it all.  And I wish I could say that they were an aging ballclub that needed to do something in a quickly closing window, but nope, they're all in their 20's.  Assholes!  A couple of guys will have arb issues coming up next year and the year after, but that just means a little drop in $ in another category, which these guys already don't care about, since they're already slashing the medical and training budgets.  Hands-down, the favorites to win it all this year.

Honolulu, 102 wins last year, not really sure how they did that.  Did we vote ice_rat as owner of the year?  We should have, going from 81 wins to 102 wins in just one season, that's the kind of thing that makes you a legend in town.  Too bad this town only cares about bikinis and beaches.  Wait, that's not too bad.  That's what all of us should care about.  Anyway, they've got some decent gloves, some decent pitching, some decent hitting.....again, how did they win 102 games last year?  What am I missing?  I can't see it happening again this year, at least not in that division.

Vancouver, you know you're in a tough division when you win 100 games, but still end up third in your division and have to settle for a wild card spot.  A lot of talent from top to bottom, with a good mix of vets and young guys.  Lunsford, Belinda, Alarcon, they're getting it done on offense, while the pitching staff is still one of the best in the AL.  But can they get over the hurdle that is Colorado Springs?

Scottsdale, 68 wins last year, the fewest since S12.  Still spending money on a handful of studs, but these guys are clearly in dramatic rebuild mode.  Not a single fuck was given about defense, as the best glove is a 78, and there is no help in sight, unless Workman, Barr, or Smith get called up from AA.  The pitching and hitting actually aren't that bad at the top, but the drop-off after the first two or three guys is pretty bad.  Could be a really long year in Scottsdale, hopefully they can land a $10M IFA to help keep the spirits up.

Order of finish: Colorado Springs, Vancouver, Honolulu, Scottsdale

Now more boobs:

Season 23 NL Preview, Unassailable and Vicious

Screw the preamble, let's just do this bitch...bareback.

NL West

Arizona Outlaws (NL) bbwinksdaddy View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With all the Hispanic players having shown their proof of citizenship or work visas to the Sheriff Joe, the Outlaws are ready to steal some wins, kill some teams, and cause general extra-legal mayhem. This is a strong defensive squad, ample in fielding skills and abilities. While not the most patient group of hitters, there is some power throughout the order, and enough contact and splits to generate a few runs. Pitchers are high control/velocity types, and should be successful, along with the defense, at run prevention. There is definite playoff potential to this squad. A team on the rise, fo sho.

Oklahoma City Victory Dolls (NL) njohnson78 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Though aging, Buck Cain can still get it done at the plate. One of BPFs top three all time hitters, he is coming off the worst year of his career. A truly awful season, but if he'd played for me, would have been just an average year. Should break the 2000 RBI mark this season and is a couple seasons away from 3000 hits. Lance Foster, on the other hand, is in the prime of his career. Beyond those two in the line-up there's not much to get excited about. Runs might be hard to come by, unless Foster and Cain can hit .450 apiece. can they? No. Pitching appears to be the strength in Okey Dokey City, but defense definitely isn't. I'm not seeing a fourth consecutive division title in this team, or even a second place finish. It has been a remarkable run for this franchise since season 10, having never finished worse than second, with three World Series appearances and one victory, dolls.

Las Vegas Corn Dogs (NL) buffalo_rob View Hardball Dynasty Profile

You know, I've never had a corndog. They just don't tickle me fancy none. Never had Cheez Whiz, either, just looks wrong. And I am an award winning, world class chef (though, admittedly, now basically a breakfast chef, but once upon a time...). Plus, there's no graceful, non-fellatio appearing way to consume one of those fried, tubular abominations. Evidence:

Anyhoo, back to matters at hand. buffalo_rob is a newcomer to BPF, so let's give him our usual warm reception and courtesy reach around in the showe. Thanks for joining our group of puerile miscreants, you have no idea what you've got yourself into, or maybe you have by now, I dunno. After stonewalter bailed, reducing his active team count to a paltry 34 (way to go sergei, how dare you mention he's in one of your worlds on the forums, which, according to ol' stoney, was tantamount to running his life (I shit you not, he said that to me), proving sensitivity and thin skin are detrimental to being in BPF). This has been the definition of the .500, also-ran team the past couple seasons, and looks to be more of the same this year. Ivan Barcelo and Midre Brandt are a formidable one-two punch in the rotation but it falls off dramatically after that. As long as opposing hitters hit ground balls to short, the Corn Dogs will do well in run prevention. Beyond shortstop, the defense is not stellar, to put it mildly. Offense could be an issue as well. Not horrible, but not great.

San Francisco Barking Seals (NL) rocketcy View Hardball Dynasty Profile

For three seasons now, rocketcy has managed this squad beyond my expectations. Very strong defensively, speedy on the basepaths, and patient at the plate. Little power in the line-up so this team will have to rely on 80s Cardinals style small ball. Pitching is the heart and soul of this team, strong splits, man. If the line-up can generate 2.48393546789211478 runs per game, this team could win 100 games on defense and pitching alone. Definitely a team built for it's ballpark. rocketcy knows what he's doing.

Probable order of finish:
Arizona 92-70
San Fran 88-74
OKC 85-77
Vegas, baby 80-82


NL South

Jacksonville Jimmies (NL) bnags View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A season removed from breaking the NL record for team wins (I think), and winning the World Series and the OotY, bnags is flush with credits and cash. AS compared to the hitters, pitching might seem a little off, but holy smokes the hitters. Goodness gracious, this is a potent order, runs a gogo. Should win 100+ easily, again, really not much to say. Just a very, very good team, and still a low payroll.

Jackson Generals (NL) playboy33 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Oh lord. Johnny and Roseanne are reconsidering going to Jackson, because, for the past few seasons, it has not, in fact, been hotter than pepper sprout. Praying that 48 wins is the absolute bottom for this team and we can get through a season without dead pitchers. But with, currently, nine pitchers, that appears, sadly, unlikely. Not sure why this has to be. There's no power in the line-up and defense is lacking. This was once a proud franchise, and now is the stain on BPF's tighty whiteys.

 'Nuff said.

Atlanta Bullochs (NL) bluegreyjay View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Formerly the powerhouse of the south, Atlanta now takes a back seat, if not rides in the trunk, to Jacksonville. Joel Harvey continues to mystify with his inability to hit for average, it's like he's on my team, but is a huge power threat, and could easily be an MVP if he could get his shit together. There's actually three huge power bats in Silva, Twitchell, and the aforementioned Harvey. Pitching isn't especially deep, maybe a notch below J-ville's. The fielders are good where they have to be. All in all, a solid Wildcard team, that in many other divisions in BPF would be the champ.

Tampa Bay Grays (NL) keithjs View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With a $39 million payroll, and only nine, not very good pitchers and little offense, this team might be challenging the 40/60 rule. Defense is good, but with this collection of hurlers, the fielders will be very busy. They will get to a lot of balls, but not all, and there will be a lot put in play. Offense won't generate a lot of runs. Jackson could have a challenge for the bottom.

Jacksonville 108-54
Atlanta  93-69
Tampa Bay 64-98
Jackson 51-111

NL East

Rochester Mountain Dwellers (NL) bobkordecki View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Welcome back bobk. Not sure what you've got yourself into with this team. With more power this would be a monster offense, hopefully the speed in the order can generate enough runs to compensate. Defense is solid and so is the pitching. I see a definite improvement over the 81 wins registered, last season. I don't see a World Series, though. Could be in the wildcard mix, if everything goes Rochester's way.

Chicago Wet Bandits (NL) jstnklly View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Heinie "Chief Runningjoke" Cormier does exactly what I expected he would once he wasn't playing for me anymore. MVP. Fucking MfuckingVfuckingP. And he continues to improve at age 29. If I had him still he would have remained a .250/25 HR guy. You're welcome jstn. On the other hand my team's record has improved since I dealt his pantywaist arse. The focus of this offense is contact and power, and good results should come. Defense is good, but not outstanding. Pitching will be stronger against righties, and isn't at the same level as the offense. This franchise hasn't finished worse than second in the division since season 8, which is a pretty impressive run.

San Juan Giants (NL) coachbug View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Wow, that's a surprisingly strong offense you got there mr. coachbug. This team will be in the top 5 of  NL run production. Deep in all hitting categories. Pitching will be fairly stingy with the ol' bases on balls, but is kind of light in terms of splits. Enough defense to save some of the pitcher's asses. San Juan should see a huge improvement in fortunes this season, and so far, coachbug looks like he has the best shot at this season's OotY.

Boston Brewers (NL) m22pank View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Lending this world real life credibility, we have m22pank, an actual baseball mind. He should be doing the previews, I'm a chef, what the fuck do I know about actual team management, prospect development, or skills training. I can barely get my cooks to hold a knife by the handle, instead of the blade. Idiots. This squad is only three seasons removed from a World Series title, under rootgargle's management. Let's see if m22 can bring back the glory. Unfortunately, there is but one power bat, and it's not a big power bat, more like 25-30 homers. The pitching is good, though, and so are the fielders, so we could see some classic National League small ball. It's good to have both m22 and root back, so no matter what, we are all winners.

Chicago 93-69
Boston 84-78
San Juan 82-80
Rochester 76-86


NL North

Sioux Falls Canaries (NL) jibe View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hmmm, hard times in Sioux Falls. Not a super-duper squad by any means, and solidly in reconstruction mode. Defense and offense outclass the pitching, but then, so do I. Really strong in the field at shortstop, that's about the best I can say for this team. Will hit a couple dingers and swipe a couple bags, but not enough to come close to winning more than they lose. Hoping for a good draft, this season and next. Eventually this team will roll, I know it's in jibe's wheelhouse.

Wichita Jack Straws (NL) dhomard View Hardball Dynasty Profile

dhomard continues to impress, increasing the Straws win totals in each of his three seasons. If this world was Dora the Explorer, this team would be Swiper. Swiper, no swiping! Man I hate that irritating little c*nt. My kid loves Bubble Guppies and I love the Octonauts, but I digress. What I was getting at is that this is a line-up blessed with speed (bendecido con la velocidad). Not a ton of power bats, or even a half ton, to threaten opposing pitchers with. Defense at short is very solid, as seems to be the case with many NL teams, but not overly flashy at the other positions. Good pitching, though. Very good. Muy bueno. I see another season of improvement ahead, and this is a team that could be dangerous come playoff time, with an opportunistic hot streak.

Iowa City Corn-ish Hens (NL) hshack View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A team best described as remarkably unremarkable. Weakish defensively, except in centerfield. Did I say weakish defensively? I did? Good. Offense, Limited power and prone to strikeouts, but fairly good splits. Some sprinters, but not built for speed. Pitching ranges from lights out closer Christopher Garcia to ridiculously hittable Nap Dougherty, get what I'm saying.

New Britain Rock Cats (NL) macwetherbee View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hmm, seems macwetherbee is foregoing the whole concept of fielding, this season. That should be interesting. Also boasts a line-up of Mark Reynolds and Adam Dunn types. In other words it'll be a lot of "there's a swing and a miss", quite a few "there's ball four", and a good amount of "there's a homerun". Will also see the odd base stolen, but really the splits for most of the hitters are AAA quality. Pitching will be stingy with walks, but again, splits aren't in the Pedro Martinez range. Still remember that sinking, horrific feeling I had when I watched Grady Little walking back to the dugout, with Pedro still on the mound, in that game in the 2003 ALCS. This will be team I will keep my eye on. We will see just how important defense, power, and splits each are. Good luck, son.


Wichita 94-68
Iowa City 73-89
New Britain 71-91
Sioux Falls 63-99



Well that's it. I honour of Rememberance Day (Canada) and Veteran's Day (USA-USA-USA), I present a tribute to the troops in true BPF fashion. Hotties in Camo: Enjoy, and good luck in the season ahead.