The Team's Good Picks:
Corey Hart obviously! He provides a difficult matchup for many teams. The multi-tooled outfielder has a cannon defensively and covers a lot of ground. He can fill in in CF for the oft-injured Carlos Beltran, give a day off to Magglio Ordonez in RF, or play alongside the two as an upgrade in LF. In the lineup, he could bat leadoff, second or sixth through eighth. His versatility in power, speed, average, and ability to make contact makes Hart one of the best picks of the draft!
The Team's Bad Picks:
A couple questionable picks, Jason Heyward, Brett Anderson, and Tanner Scheppers are all keeper prospects. None will contribute in the next two to three yeas. These type of players are going to have huge upside, great picks in last year formats, but take away degrees of freedom. Since the Squirrels invest time and energy into the three, it may be harder to cut these players if the organization needs a spot for players who may have less upside but can contribute.
Great Picks:
Besides Hart, Chris Perez and JR Towles were great picks. Both players have upside and will likely contribute this season. Perez will likely pick up a few saves this season but should be the favorite for saves next season. Towles is a hard nosed catcher who can hit and should provide depth at catcher and provide a day off for Victor Martinez, but keep Martinez's bat in the lineup.
Overall: B
Hart is vital, simply brings the grade up to a B by himself. Management did little to address middle infield depth and starting pitching. Jeff Kent and Edgar Renteria are counted on to provide many games alongside Michael Young. For the most part Kent has been healthy in his career, but his body has taken a toll as his defense has suffered in past years. Renteria cannot be counted on to play more than 100 games, but he is highly productive when in the lineup. If both get injured, will Reid Brignac be ready? And for the starting pitching, the team is still counting on Brad Penny and Ben Sheets to compete and fill out this rotation. At least one is counted on at a time to compliment a strong rotation of Felix Hernandez, Rich Hill, Tim Lincecum, and Shawn Hill. When both Sheets and Penny are in the rotation, this is a very strong and possible best rotation in BARB.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Darwin's Draft Recap and Grade
The Team's Good Picks:
Clearly Darwin's management believes that the lineup needed an upgrade in the outfield to assist Jeff Francouer. The steals of Josh Hamilton and Rick Ankiel will provide some left handed power in the lineup. The pre-draft trade to acquire Milton Bradley for Josh Sweeney allows for some depth for the lineup down the road. PZ Myers will hope for 15-20 jacks from Josh Hamilton and solid defense and 20-27 homers from Ankiel. What cannot go underestimated is the defensive contributions of the two. Ankiel, a former pitcher who's story is well documented, has the league's second best arm, only to teammate Francouer. Hamilton, who can play center, can cover plenty of ground and has a very good arm.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I do not think there was enough done to address the bullpen. The Finches' Owner, S Hatfield, criticized other owners for some draft picks spent on bullpen arms. Well, Kevin Gregg cannot be counted on. The startingrotation has seen many injuries to start the season and the bullpen has had a lot of wear and tear, so injuries should be anticipated. Jeremy Accardo will be crucial to assist JJ Putz and John Broxton, but not enough was done here.
Questionable Picks:
The Finches selected 3B Pedro Alvarez who has several roadblocks. To be honest, Alvarez was not a player on many "lists" so his talent is somewhat unknown. From my understanding, he is in the Dodger's system. IF so, then he is behind Andy LaRoche, Nomar Garciaparra, Blake DeWitt, and Josh Bell. He must be a keeper prospect, but the 40 man rule kills keeper prospects, so this is a risky pick.
Great Picks:
The selection of Catcher Bryan Anderson was a terrific pick. He has a smooth left handed approach as a catcher. He is still a year or two away as the Cardinals do not need to rush him because of the defensive prowess of Yadier Molina, also a Finch. Be aware that there is a potential that all three catching prospects, Jeff Clement, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Anderson may move to first base, which I am guessing the management took into account as there is little long term depth behind David Ortiz and Lance Berkman. Both Ortiz and Berkman have had long injury issues and health concerns, so depth at both positions are crucial.
Overall Grade: C+
There was more depth concerns with this ballclub that management realizes. John Smoltz, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Chuck James have had injury concerns before the start of the season! Yet, little was done to pick up some depth at the position. Franklin Morales and Johnathan Sanchez could fill in for a few starts, but should not be counted on in the rugged East. Chad Billingsley is likely going to start the season as the 3rd or 2nd slot in the rotation, which is asking a lot of a young player.
Clearly Darwin's management believes that the lineup needed an upgrade in the outfield to assist Jeff Francouer. The steals of Josh Hamilton and Rick Ankiel will provide some left handed power in the lineup. The pre-draft trade to acquire Milton Bradley for Josh Sweeney allows for some depth for the lineup down the road. PZ Myers will hope for 15-20 jacks from Josh Hamilton and solid defense and 20-27 homers from Ankiel. What cannot go underestimated is the defensive contributions of the two. Ankiel, a former pitcher who's story is well documented, has the league's second best arm, only to teammate Francouer. Hamilton, who can play center, can cover plenty of ground and has a very good arm.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I do not think there was enough done to address the bullpen. The Finches' Owner, S Hatfield, criticized other owners for some draft picks spent on bullpen arms. Well, Kevin Gregg cannot be counted on. The startingrotation has seen many injuries to start the season and the bullpen has had a lot of wear and tear, so injuries should be anticipated. Jeremy Accardo will be crucial to assist JJ Putz and John Broxton, but not enough was done here.
Questionable Picks:
The Finches selected 3B Pedro Alvarez who has several roadblocks. To be honest, Alvarez was not a player on many "lists" so his talent is somewhat unknown. From my understanding, he is in the Dodger's system. IF so, then he is behind Andy LaRoche, Nomar Garciaparra, Blake DeWitt, and Josh Bell. He must be a keeper prospect, but the 40 man rule kills keeper prospects, so this is a risky pick.
Great Picks:
The selection of Catcher Bryan Anderson was a terrific pick. He has a smooth left handed approach as a catcher. He is still a year or two away as the Cardinals do not need to rush him because of the defensive prowess of Yadier Molina, also a Finch. Be aware that there is a potential that all three catching prospects, Jeff Clement, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Anderson may move to first base, which I am guessing the management took into account as there is little long term depth behind David Ortiz and Lance Berkman. Both Ortiz and Berkman have had long injury issues and health concerns, so depth at both positions are crucial.
Overall Grade: C+
There was more depth concerns with this ballclub that management realizes. John Smoltz, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Chuck James have had injury concerns before the start of the season! Yet, little was done to pick up some depth at the position. Franklin Morales and Johnathan Sanchez could fill in for a few starts, but should not be counted on in the rugged East. Chad Billingsley is likely going to start the season as the 3rd or 2nd slot in the rotation, which is asking a lot of a young player.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Draft Day 2K8, K!
In the first round, Brooklyn's New York Moabs selected IF Yunel Escobar with the eigth overall selection, one spot ahead of the desperate Yuma Firebirds. The Moabs had two first round selections, and the second went to Rafael Betancourt. Betancourt will bolster a much maligned bullpen that really struggled getting the ball to Francisco Rodriguez, an all-star closer. "Clearly, the issue last season was getting the ball from the starters to the closer, we didn't" stated Manager Bobby Cox.
After the first round, the Moabs clearly focused on Starting Pitching as Ubaldo Jimenez, Adam Wainwright, Micah Owings, Manny Parra, Ross Detwiller, and Tom Gorzelanny went in succession. Rumor has it that Gorzelanny may be on his way out of Brooklyn. GM Eric Caskey commented on the starting pitching: "Clearly we wanted to upgrade our pitching all the way around. We feel that youthful depth in BARB is the new way to win."
The Moabs also risked losing several players, and brought back backups SS Jhonny Peralta and C Bengie Molina. Peralta thanked ownership for their offer, "There's no other place that I would like to be than here. We can win it all after this draft."
To complete the roster, the Moabs also drafted relievers Matt Lindstrom and Johnathan Meloan. Both players give the Moabs considerable flexibility as both are unestablished and both throw really hard. In addition to Meloan, the Moabs drafted two other prospects, Chris Coghlan and Hank Conger. Coghlan is a converted 3B who now plays 2B and has a textbook inside out swing, which allows him to take a lefthanded Derrek Jeter approach to the game. Conger is a switch hitting catcher who has a tremendous work ethic. Caskey believes that Conger can be a run producing, switch-hitting, defensive reliable, and leader. He also has the luxury to move slowly, as he is likely to start in AA Syracuse, as a result of Brian McCann's youth.
After the first round, the Moabs clearly focused on Starting Pitching as Ubaldo Jimenez, Adam Wainwright, Micah Owings, Manny Parra, Ross Detwiller, and Tom Gorzelanny went in succession. Rumor has it that Gorzelanny may be on his way out of Brooklyn. GM Eric Caskey commented on the starting pitching: "Clearly we wanted to upgrade our pitching all the way around. We feel that youthful depth in BARB is the new way to win."
The Moabs also risked losing several players, and brought back backups SS Jhonny Peralta and C Bengie Molina. Peralta thanked ownership for their offer, "There's no other place that I would like to be than here. We can win it all after this draft."
To complete the roster, the Moabs also drafted relievers Matt Lindstrom and Johnathan Meloan. Both players give the Moabs considerable flexibility as both are unestablished and both throw really hard. In addition to Meloan, the Moabs drafted two other prospects, Chris Coghlan and Hank Conger. Coghlan is a converted 3B who now plays 2B and has a textbook inside out swing, which allows him to take a lefthanded Derrek Jeter approach to the game. Conger is a switch hitting catcher who has a tremendous work ethic. Caskey believes that Conger can be a run producing, switch-hitting, defensive reliable, and leader. He also has the luxury to move slowly, as he is likely to start in AA Syracuse, as a result of Brian McCann's youth.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Twelve Moabs
Brooklyn's NY Moabs have unveiled its protected players. Ryan Howard and Francisco Rodriguez are the franchised Moabs, players that cannot be traded for the duration of their contract. The protected five, who cannot be traded for this season and get a salary reduction, are Chase Utley, Brian McCann, Ichiro Suzuki, Miguel Cabrera and Roy Oswalt. Lastly, the tradeable 10, who are protected and can be traded but do not have a salary reduction, are Chien Meng Wang, Damaso Marte, Jeremy Bonderman, Joel Zumaya and Jason Bay.
At the present time, the office has no comments on these players, more to come after FINALS....
At the present time, the office has no comments on these players, more to come after FINALS....
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Name Change
The Brooklyn Moabs have been inspired by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Moab organization has changed its name to Brooklyn's New York Moabs. There was some debate in the organization to keep the team Brooklyn Moabs, as there was also support for New York Moabs of Brooklyn. To keep it simple, the organization encourages the league to call the Moabs, Brooklyn Moabs.
Eric J. Caskey
General Manager
Eric J. Caskey
General Manager
Fly Away?!
Brooklyn ships LHP Mark Buehrle to Pottsylvania. The Moab GM, Eric J. Caskey suggests a steal. Brooklyn shed $13 Million in overall salary, while adding a mere 1.2 in Aki Iwamura. In addition to the utilityman, Brooklyn acquires two midround picks. Brooklyn picks up a 5th round pick and 7th round pick. Now, Brooklyn has two 1st rounder, two 4th rounders, two 5th rounders and gets back into the 7th round. "Aki will provide a much needed utility between 3rd and 2nd base, and provide as a defensive replacement for Miguel Cabrera late in games," stated Caskey.
Buehrle, on the other hand was not as happy: "First Edgar is traded to Frostbite, now I am traded to Pottsylvania? Where are these places? Is this some kind of joke?" The Moabs have stated repeatedly that the organization will forever be indebted to Mark Buehrle and Derrek Lee for their service to the organization.
Buehrle, on the other hand was not as happy: "First Edgar is traded to Frostbite, now I am traded to Pottsylvania? Where are these places? Is this some kind of joke?" The Moabs have stated repeatedly that the organization will forever be indebted to Mark Buehrle and Derrek Lee for their service to the organization.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Farewell, And Do not Hurt US
Slugging gold glove firstbaseman Derrek Lee has been traded to a rival. Upper management has been frustrated with recent productions in trade talks especially since there have been numerous lengthy discussions. Finally a trade was completed in less than ten minutes of negotiations. In exchange for Lee, the Moabs receive a 1st round and a 4th round pick for Lee and a seventh round selection. GM Caskey stated that it was an economical decision: "Lee was going to be exposed in the upcoming draft and the team was not going to pursue his services at the hefty price of 13.00. He is a great player that never seemed to fit comfortably in the Moab lineup, despite hitting anywhere from the 2 hole to 9th."
Ryan Howard is making less than 1 million for tremendous production. Lee never seemed to have the average the team was looking for. Hitting Coach Dave Magaden stated that Lee was even more expendable due to the renege of DBacks owner Ron Melkonian for Miguel Cabrera.
The Moabs acquired some flexibility to pluck from other teams and add customary prospect depth.
Ryan Howard is making less than 1 million for tremendous production. Lee never seemed to have the average the team was looking for. Hitting Coach Dave Magaden stated that Lee was even more expendable due to the renege of DBacks owner Ron Melkonian for Miguel Cabrera.
The Moabs acquired some flexibility to pluck from other teams and add customary prospect depth.
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