Sunday, April 27, 2008
What a Start
Through four games, the Brooklyn Moabs are perfect. An undefeated start has given the organization the momentum which has been missing the last few seasons. Jacoby Ellsbury and Ichiro Suzuki are hitting wild atop the lineup. There are some questions that Ellsbury's start may make injured Curtis Granderson expendable. Other's claim that Jason Bay is now expendable. Regardless the crowded outfield may be a problem if Ellsbury continues to get on base. The Moabs are getting good starting pitching and are winning games.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Day One
Moabs win opener on road in Las Vegas. Fausto Carmona pitched very well limiting one of the league's best offenses. A 5-3 victory is a very good start to the season, as Brooklyn hopes to find the playoffs again. Helping Carmona was Ichiro Suzuki and Miguel Cabrera, who each had four hits.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Early Predictions!
Good News Brooklyn Fans
Early predictions have the Brooklyn Moabs as the team to beat out East. Easily the toughest division in BARB, the East looks to outscore many opponents. The bullpens are quite even, although Brooklyn has the least depth and talent in the pen. Please note that Brooklyn is missing Mike Gonzalez and Joel Zumaya. Their addition in the middle of the season will be great for the team down the stretch. But the difference maker is the starting rotation. Brooklyn has the most depth in the rotation with playable arms. In the long run, this will be a bitter battle of Easterners, but Brooklyn hopes that the longer the season lasts the more important the depth comes into play.
Early predictions have the Brooklyn Moabs as the team to beat out East. Easily the toughest division in BARB, the East looks to outscore many opponents. The bullpens are quite even, although Brooklyn has the least depth and talent in the pen. Please note that Brooklyn is missing Mike Gonzalez and Joel Zumaya. Their addition in the middle of the season will be great for the team down the stretch. But the difference maker is the starting rotation. Brooklyn has the most depth in the rotation with playable arms. In the long run, this will be a bitter battle of Easterners, but Brooklyn hopes that the longer the season lasts the more important the depth comes into play.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Two Adds to Depth
Brooklyn has completed a pair of deals with the hopes of improving the outfield. Jason Bay had an injury plagued season a year ago and now Curtis Granderson, acquired on Draft Day for top pick Yunel Escobar and change, will begin the season on the DL and could miss up to a month with a broken hand. GM Eric Caskey viewed the question marks as potential obstacles to winning the East.
On Draft Day, Brooklyn selected at least five starting pitchers to improve the team's depth. It made Jeremy Bonderman, a Moab since day one, expendable. Brooklyn dealt Bonderman and Kendry Morales to Casselton in exchange for OF Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury will be the team's fourth outfielder as he adds speed and contact at the bottom of the lineup. Cox believes that there is power in his future as well, "Clearly Ells has a wonderful stroke. He has a good body to help his slight uppercut produce 10 to 15 homers annually." The Moabs also took Jarrod Washburn to clear Bonderman's salary. Washburn returned to the Moabs for only five minutes.
In the second deal, the Moabs swapped Jarrod Washburn and Joel Guzman to Black Mesa for outfielder Austin Kearns. While Granderson is on the DL, then Kearns and Ellsbury will platoon in right field. Kearns will also see some at-bats against lefthanders with DH. Since Brooklyn will not be using a DH at home, the New Yorker's front office wanted a strong bench. With Molina or McCann, Aki Iwamura, Jhonny Peralta, Jacoby Ellsbury or Austin Kearns, and Travis Buck, there is tremendous depth as well as lefties and righties. This bench paired with a dynamite lineup featuring all-stars at every position could have Brooklyn having the last laugh this season!
Crash Jackson
The Aftermath
On Draft Day, Brooklyn selected at least five starting pitchers to improve the team's depth. It made Jeremy Bonderman, a Moab since day one, expendable. Brooklyn dealt Bonderman and Kendry Morales to Casselton in exchange for OF Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury will be the team's fourth outfielder as he adds speed and contact at the bottom of the lineup. Cox believes that there is power in his future as well, "Clearly Ells has a wonderful stroke. He has a good body to help his slight uppercut produce 10 to 15 homers annually." The Moabs also took Jarrod Washburn to clear Bonderman's salary. Washburn returned to the Moabs for only five minutes.
In the second deal, the Moabs swapped Jarrod Washburn and Joel Guzman to Black Mesa for outfielder Austin Kearns. While Granderson is on the DL, then Kearns and Ellsbury will platoon in right field. Kearns will also see some at-bats against lefthanders with DH. Since Brooklyn will not be using a DH at home, the New Yorker's front office wanted a strong bench. With Molina or McCann, Aki Iwamura, Jhonny Peralta, Jacoby Ellsbury or Austin Kearns, and Travis Buck, there is tremendous depth as well as lefties and righties. This bench paired with a dynamite lineup featuring all-stars at every position could have Brooklyn having the last laugh this season!
Crash Jackson
The Aftermath
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Is Darwin Brewing Drugs?
Yet another Darwin Finch was suspended for human Growth Hormone. Last season, Jeremy Jeffress and Juan Salas were suspended for steriod usage. This time, it is top prospect Jordan Schafer. Schafer, an elite prospect in the Braves system, had hopes of reaching the majors this season. So it begs the question: Is Darwin the BARB version of Oakland/San Francisco?
Friday, April 4, 2008
Completed Trade for an Ace
Looking to upgrade Brooklyn's starting rotation, management went out and re-acquired stud Justin Verlander. Verlander was traded two years ago straight up for Ryan Howard. Now Brooklyn dealt third starter Jeremy Bonderman, long reliever Scott Baker, fireballer Jeff Niemann, and prospects Joel Guzman and Jose Tabata. Clearly, Black Mesa was desperate for depth in the starting rotation and acquired three arms who will contribute for years to come. In addition, Black Mesa added a utility player in Guzman, who can play first, third, left and right. He has unbelievable raw power. And, Black Mesa adds Jose Tabata, who might get a September callup this season. He can be a real asset in the offseason.
Coming over with Verlander is OF Franklyn Gutierrez. GM Eric J. Caskey is proud of his scouting department: "Clearly this deal would not have been done without the accumulated depth of prospects from past drafts and deals." Baker was added as a player to be named later in which Brooklyn dealt young shortstop Stephen Drew for Joe Kennedy. The other four were acquired in past drafts, as Jeremy Bonderman has only known the Moab uniform: "We hope JB all the best. He was a joy to work with and hopefully the change of scenary will jumpstart his arm." For the short time, Gutierrez will serve as a platoon RF with Travis Buck. Both men are playing in a platoon until Curtis Granderson returns. Caskey also claimed that Brooklyn is now the team to beat in the East, "We have improved the starting rotation as Wang will be the team's fifth starter despite winning 19 games in the American League. Carmona will serve as the third starter behind Oswalt and Verlander, and Carm won 18 games and had the lowest ERA in the second half last season. Our rotation should be able to compete and could endure injuries better than ever before despite dealing three pitchers for Verlander. The bullpen is deeper than ever before as Brooklyn barely missed out of the playoffs a year ago with Bob Wickman and Joe Kennedy setting up. Now those two would have been cut from the roster. Also, the lineup is just as good if not better with Granderson, Jason Bay and Troy Tulowitzki."
Coming over with Verlander is OF Franklyn Gutierrez. GM Eric J. Caskey is proud of his scouting department: "Clearly this deal would not have been done without the accumulated depth of prospects from past drafts and deals." Baker was added as a player to be named later in which Brooklyn dealt young shortstop Stephen Drew for Joe Kennedy. The other four were acquired in past drafts, as Jeremy Bonderman has only known the Moab uniform: "We hope JB all the best. He was a joy to work with and hopefully the change of scenary will jumpstart his arm." For the short time, Gutierrez will serve as a platoon RF with Travis Buck. Both men are playing in a platoon until Curtis Granderson returns. Caskey also claimed that Brooklyn is now the team to beat in the East, "We have improved the starting rotation as Wang will be the team's fifth starter despite winning 19 games in the American League. Carmona will serve as the third starter behind Oswalt and Verlander, and Carm won 18 games and had the lowest ERA in the second half last season. Our rotation should be able to compete and could endure injuries better than ever before despite dealing three pitchers for Verlander. The bullpen is deeper than ever before as Brooklyn barely missed out of the playoffs a year ago with Bob Wickman and Joe Kennedy setting up. Now those two would have been cut from the roster. Also, the lineup is just as good if not better with Granderson, Jason Bay and Troy Tulowitzki."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Brooklyn's Draft
Please contribute on how Brooklyn drafted in 2008. Since I commented on everyone, I feel that it woud be helpful for everyone to comment on Brooklyn's New York Moabs' draft.
Yunel Escobar* Traded for C. Granderson
Rafael Betancourt
Ubaldo Jimenez
Adam Wainwright
Micah Owings
Manny Parra
Ross Detwiller
Jhonny Peralta
Bengie Molina
Matt Lindstrom
Chris Coghlan
Hank Conger
John Meloan
Let me know...
Yunel Escobar* Traded for C. Granderson
Rafael Betancourt
Ubaldo Jimenez
Adam Wainwright
Micah Owings
Manny Parra
Ross Detwiller
Jhonny Peralta
Bengie Molina
Matt Lindstrom
Chris Coghlan
Hank Conger
John Meloan
Let me know...
Pottsylvania's Draft Results
Team's Good Picks:
Clearly addressing the bullpen and starting rotation was crucial, but the biggest draft improvement was the acquisition of SS Jose Reyes. Drafting Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen in the second and third rounds was great. This adds depth to a horrible bullpen from a year ago. Now, Billy Wagner has two legitimate setup men in front of him, but little depth beyond that. The selection of Gil Meche adds a stable back end rotation starter who will eat lots of innings, but is very expensive in the next couple of years. Lastly, Carlos Gomez is a fun player to watch. Next season, Pottsylvania will have a dynamic duo atop the lineup with Reyes and Gomez. Combined, they could steal 150 bases alone.
Team's Bad Picks:
Everyone else. Ryan Theriot is a nice player that fills many roles, but he is not worth a fourth round selection. Much more could have been done with that draft slot. In fact he could have been on the board around the time of Brendan Harris' selection. Brian Barton was a horrible selection to start the sixth round. He was essentially let go in the Rule 5 draft from Cleveland, so why would he be drafted as high as he did. Brooklyn's management was considering the outfielder as a last pick overall if the draft had gone Brooklyn's way. It's a bad sign when he could get more playing time in BARB than in MLB!
Overall: C
This is a draft and pre-draft grade. I thought the acquisition of Jose Reyes, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima were some of the best in BARB. The selection of Gil Meche was nice, but the loss of Adam Wainwright was worse. With the only experienced OF being Juan Pierre, who is not seeing regular playing time in MLB, the selection of Carlos Gomez gives Pottsylvania a dynamic young outfield with Felix Pie and Matt Kemp. If that was all of Pottsylvania's draft, then an 'A' might be warranted. But, this is not all of the draft. The rest of the draft has poor positioning and draft slots. I do like the selection of Mark Mulder, only .25, but not so high. He would have been available later in the draft. Another good draft like this could propel Pottsylvania into the playoffs.
Clearly addressing the bullpen and starting rotation was crucial, but the biggest draft improvement was the acquisition of SS Jose Reyes. Drafting Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen in the second and third rounds was great. This adds depth to a horrible bullpen from a year ago. Now, Billy Wagner has two legitimate setup men in front of him, but little depth beyond that. The selection of Gil Meche adds a stable back end rotation starter who will eat lots of innings, but is very expensive in the next couple of years. Lastly, Carlos Gomez is a fun player to watch. Next season, Pottsylvania will have a dynamic duo atop the lineup with Reyes and Gomez. Combined, they could steal 150 bases alone.
Team's Bad Picks:
Everyone else. Ryan Theriot is a nice player that fills many roles, but he is not worth a fourth round selection. Much more could have been done with that draft slot. In fact he could have been on the board around the time of Brendan Harris' selection. Brian Barton was a horrible selection to start the sixth round. He was essentially let go in the Rule 5 draft from Cleveland, so why would he be drafted as high as he did. Brooklyn's management was considering the outfielder as a last pick overall if the draft had gone Brooklyn's way. It's a bad sign when he could get more playing time in BARB than in MLB!
Overall: C
This is a draft and pre-draft grade. I thought the acquisition of Jose Reyes, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima were some of the best in BARB. The selection of Gil Meche was nice, but the loss of Adam Wainwright was worse. With the only experienced OF being Juan Pierre, who is not seeing regular playing time in MLB, the selection of Carlos Gomez gives Pottsylvania a dynamic young outfield with Felix Pie and Matt Kemp. If that was all of Pottsylvania's draft, then an 'A' might be warranted. But, this is not all of the draft. The rest of the draft has poor positioning and draft slots. I do like the selection of Mark Mulder, only .25, but not so high. He would have been available later in the draft. Another good draft like this could propel Pottsylvania into the playoffs.
Casseroles
The Team's Good Picks:
Brandon Phillips was the best pick in the draft. He is a clear upgrade to every secondbasemen other than Chase Utley. He has tremendous range and great hands, could have played shortstop too. Phenomenal pick especially with Orlando Hudson playing behind him. It's nice have a switch hitting defensive wizard off the bench. Geovanny Soto is another terrific pick as he could start right away. He has great power from the catcher position. Sergio Romo is another sleeper player who can really hurl. The reliever provides depth to a pitching staff that was horrible a season ago.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Ken Griffey Jr and Kelvim Escobar are really risky picks. I feel that Escobar had the kind of year that everyone thought he should have every year. He has tremendous feel for pitching. He will likely miss the entire season this year and that does not bode well for the future. He is a legitimate ace though if healthy and this team could make a run at the postseason. Griffey is the same way. Clearly management addressed the lack of lefthanded power with Griffey, but its a big 'if' if he plays 140 games. An outfield consisting of Hunter, Dye and Griffey is experienced and has some good bats.
Overall: A-
Very very good first draft for Landon. In fact there are many owners that could look at what he did. He drafted the best player for the weakest position. In that I mean that 2B is a weak fantasy position, and he took the second best player (best available). That was smart. He then selected the next Miguel Cabrera in Angel Villalona. On teams that are contending, which Casselton is a year away, selecting a keeper player like Villalona is a bad idea. On a rebuilding team, it is crucial to build around. Romo and Faustino De Los Santos are great picks. Santos has a cannon and could be a building block for the young Athletics team. Soto was another great pick. I like LaPorta but I wonder how LaPorta will fit into the Brewers' long term plans now that they have moved Braun to left. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to draft players that can help now, in the near future, and a few years down the line. Very good draft that more teams need to look at.
Brandon Phillips was the best pick in the draft. He is a clear upgrade to every secondbasemen other than Chase Utley. He has tremendous range and great hands, could have played shortstop too. Phenomenal pick especially with Orlando Hudson playing behind him. It's nice have a switch hitting defensive wizard off the bench. Geovanny Soto is another terrific pick as he could start right away. He has great power from the catcher position. Sergio Romo is another sleeper player who can really hurl. The reliever provides depth to a pitching staff that was horrible a season ago.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Ken Griffey Jr and Kelvim Escobar are really risky picks. I feel that Escobar had the kind of year that everyone thought he should have every year. He has tremendous feel for pitching. He will likely miss the entire season this year and that does not bode well for the future. He is a legitimate ace though if healthy and this team could make a run at the postseason. Griffey is the same way. Clearly management addressed the lack of lefthanded power with Griffey, but its a big 'if' if he plays 140 games. An outfield consisting of Hunter, Dye and Griffey is experienced and has some good bats.
Overall: A-
Very very good first draft for Landon. In fact there are many owners that could look at what he did. He drafted the best player for the weakest position. In that I mean that 2B is a weak fantasy position, and he took the second best player (best available). That was smart. He then selected the next Miguel Cabrera in Angel Villalona. On teams that are contending, which Casselton is a year away, selecting a keeper player like Villalona is a bad idea. On a rebuilding team, it is crucial to build around. Romo and Faustino De Los Santos are great picks. Santos has a cannon and could be a building block for the young Athletics team. Soto was another great pick. I like LaPorta but I wonder how LaPorta will fit into the Brewers' long term plans now that they have moved Braun to left. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to draft players that can help now, in the near future, and a few years down the line. Very good draft that more teams need to look at.
S-Marks the Spot
The Team's Good Picks:
James Shields and Brian Wilson are terrific picks. I question how Shields' changeup will translate into BARB. None the less, Shields is a great upgrade for Smart's rotation. Brian Wilson can be really effective for the valley's team. Let's just say Izzy and Fernando Rodney are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida List. Wilson could end up being the set up man on this team. He's a good pick that provides some bullpen depth.
The Team's Bad Picks:
The fact the team only had 5-6 picks. What happened? Two really horrible picks by this team are Miguel Tejada and JC Romero. First Romero is not unestablished, he has pitched for many years now. Romero is one of the more overrated players and his changeup could get rocked really easily. It seems to me that he wasn't really effective against lefties, thus does not help the team much. And where do I begin with Tejada? He may hit 35 jacks in the JuiceBox but seriously will be a result of the ballpark. Tejada also has some legal obligations with the Mitchell Report. Despite having the Iron Man award for baseball earlier in the decade, concerns about lingering wrist problems made him expendable from Yuma. He arm is also getting older, as there are concerns he can make some throws. Very risky pick.
Overall: D
SMart almost received an F. The youthful pick of James Shields and Brian Wilson saved the grade. Again how was there only 6 picks for this team? There is absolutely no middle infield depth, no starting pitching depth, and with injuries in the pen, no bullpen depth. I take it back, the infield has no depth at all. Prospects do not look good at all despite have a tremendous 3B. Perhaps he should try to trade the best player in the game and get anything he wants.
James Shields and Brian Wilson are terrific picks. I question how Shields' changeup will translate into BARB. None the less, Shields is a great upgrade for Smart's rotation. Brian Wilson can be really effective for the valley's team. Let's just say Izzy and Fernando Rodney are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida List. Wilson could end up being the set up man on this team. He's a good pick that provides some bullpen depth.
The Team's Bad Picks:
The fact the team only had 5-6 picks. What happened? Two really horrible picks by this team are Miguel Tejada and JC Romero. First Romero is not unestablished, he has pitched for many years now. Romero is one of the more overrated players and his changeup could get rocked really easily. It seems to me that he wasn't really effective against lefties, thus does not help the team much. And where do I begin with Tejada? He may hit 35 jacks in the JuiceBox but seriously will be a result of the ballpark. Tejada also has some legal obligations with the Mitchell Report. Despite having the Iron Man award for baseball earlier in the decade, concerns about lingering wrist problems made him expendable from Yuma. He arm is also getting older, as there are concerns he can make some throws. Very risky pick.
Overall: D
SMart almost received an F. The youthful pick of James Shields and Brian Wilson saved the grade. Again how was there only 6 picks for this team? There is absolutely no middle infield depth, no starting pitching depth, and with injuries in the pen, no bullpen depth. I take it back, the infield has no depth at all. Prospects do not look good at all despite have a tremendous 3B. Perhaps he should try to trade the best player in the game and get anything he wants.
The Oakey Doakies
The Team's Good Picks:
Ivan Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are good picks for this team. Pudge provides a reliable catcher with fantastic defensive skills. With Andrew Jones, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Lowell, Mark Ellis/Howie Kendrick, Eric Byrnes and even Nick Swisher, this team could be Barb's best defense. Pudge has a cannon and so does Cabrera and Jones. Pudge provides a very good veteran bat to a lineup taht could have some potential. Cause for concern would be Mike Lowell as there is a reason big years by veterans are called "Career Years" they don't happen every year. As for Gio Gonzalez, the little lefty can really rack of the strikeouts. If Oakland is a contending team, then Gonzalez's late season callup could rival Liriano and Gallardo's efforts in past years. Gonzalez, since there is depth in this rotation, could be used to find another hitter, perhaps Yuma's Adam LaRoche or Pottsylvania's Lyle Overbay.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Dan Ortmeier and Dana Eveland were poor draft selections. At most Ortmeier will be a role player, despite consistant playing time with MLB's worst franchise. Generally role player would be good, but the team already has Conor Jackson. I thought there are more durable and versatile players, like Casey Blake that could have filled Ortmeier's role better. And for Eveland, the lefty is overrated. I think his numbers will be good at home, but when Oakland travels, he will get rocked.
The Team's Best Pick:
Not trading the organization's young players. Oakeyland has the finest young nucleus in Andy LaRoche, Stephen Drew, Howie Kendrick, Carlos Gonzalez, with Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, and Dice K. All of these players will see significant playing time by year's end at the latest. I seriously doubt too many fanchises will have this kind of contribution from youthful players.
Overall: C+
Although the talent from Oakeyland's draft wasn't great, it filled team needs. The team's catching situation was pathetic. Pudge fills the defensive needs of the team and can produce offensively. For the future, Oakeyland must focus on getting a more youthful catcher, like John Buck perhaps. The excess middle infield talent allows the team to trade some players if the situation is needed. Getting younger should have been a focus for this team. The only player that could produce at a high level in three years time was Gonzalez. With only a handful of picks, youth should have been the focus after acquiring Pudge. Jackson is also a good pick for this team but Ortmeier was overkill.
Ivan Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are good picks for this team. Pudge provides a reliable catcher with fantastic defensive skills. With Andrew Jones, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Lowell, Mark Ellis/Howie Kendrick, Eric Byrnes and even Nick Swisher, this team could be Barb's best defense. Pudge has a cannon and so does Cabrera and Jones. Pudge provides a very good veteran bat to a lineup taht could have some potential. Cause for concern would be Mike Lowell as there is a reason big years by veterans are called "Career Years" they don't happen every year. As for Gio Gonzalez, the little lefty can really rack of the strikeouts. If Oakland is a contending team, then Gonzalez's late season callup could rival Liriano and Gallardo's efforts in past years. Gonzalez, since there is depth in this rotation, could be used to find another hitter, perhaps Yuma's Adam LaRoche or Pottsylvania's Lyle Overbay.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Dan Ortmeier and Dana Eveland were poor draft selections. At most Ortmeier will be a role player, despite consistant playing time with MLB's worst franchise. Generally role player would be good, but the team already has Conor Jackson. I thought there are more durable and versatile players, like Casey Blake that could have filled Ortmeier's role better. And for Eveland, the lefty is overrated. I think his numbers will be good at home, but when Oakland travels, he will get rocked.
The Team's Best Pick:
Not trading the organization's young players. Oakeyland has the finest young nucleus in Andy LaRoche, Stephen Drew, Howie Kendrick, Carlos Gonzalez, with Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, and Dice K. All of these players will see significant playing time by year's end at the latest. I seriously doubt too many fanchises will have this kind of contribution from youthful players.
Overall: C+
Although the talent from Oakeyland's draft wasn't great, it filled team needs. The team's catching situation was pathetic. Pudge fills the defensive needs of the team and can produce offensively. For the future, Oakeyland must focus on getting a more youthful catcher, like John Buck perhaps. The excess middle infield talent allows the team to trade some players if the situation is needed. Getting younger should have been a focus for this team. The only player that could produce at a high level in three years time was Gonzalez. With only a handful of picks, youth should have been the focus after acquiring Pudge. Jackson is also a good pick for this team but Ortmeier was overkill.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Eliminated the Competition?
The Team's Good Picks:
The team had an excellent draft so there is a lot to choose from. George Sherrill, Matt Guerrier, Chris Marrero and Steven Pearce were the best from the solid crop. Sherrill and Guerrier provide depth to a depleted bullpen. Both have tremendous bullpen matchups. Sherrill is closing games in Baltimore and will be a nice set up man or middle reliever in the northeast. Chris Marrero is a great prospect that will provide some trade bait and make a splash. Also, Pearce is a flexible player who can play in the outfield and first, with a solid bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I think Peter Moylan's numbers were far better than what will happen this season. He is ruthless on righties and has developed a changeup this spring. If he can use the change effectively, he may be a very good pitcher against lefties. Moylan does not project long term due to his frisby style technique. Also, despite Heath Bell's excellent numbers last season, he was worked very hard. I question whether his arm can hold up a few years. Owner's beware. Lastly Pedro Feliciano is deceptive and effective against lefties but is purely a situational lefty. If he is left in the game against Lexington's right handed lineup, yikes.
Overall: A-
Clearly depth in the bulllpen was crucial to a repeat run to the playoffs. Too many arms to list were drafted which creates favorable matchups late in games. Joe Thatcher could be a great pick as the Padres are phenomenal at scouting bullpen talent in their huge pitcher's park. The trade for Jon Lester will be a great deal for yaers to come. Lester will be a stable in the rotatoin and a great pickup against the left handed heavy Brooklyn's New York Moabs. I thought a little depth up the middle was needed, but the surplus of bullpen arms gives management tremendous flexibility in trade for more depth. Injuries should not be a problem for this team due to the depth.
The team had an excellent draft so there is a lot to choose from. George Sherrill, Matt Guerrier, Chris Marrero and Steven Pearce were the best from the solid crop. Sherrill and Guerrier provide depth to a depleted bullpen. Both have tremendous bullpen matchups. Sherrill is closing games in Baltimore and will be a nice set up man or middle reliever in the northeast. Chris Marrero is a great prospect that will provide some trade bait and make a splash. Also, Pearce is a flexible player who can play in the outfield and first, with a solid bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
I think Peter Moylan's numbers were far better than what will happen this season. He is ruthless on righties and has developed a changeup this spring. If he can use the change effectively, he may be a very good pitcher against lefties. Moylan does not project long term due to his frisby style technique. Also, despite Heath Bell's excellent numbers last season, he was worked very hard. I question whether his arm can hold up a few years. Owner's beware. Lastly Pedro Feliciano is deceptive and effective against lefties but is purely a situational lefty. If he is left in the game against Lexington's right handed lineup, yikes.
Overall: A-
Clearly depth in the bulllpen was crucial to a repeat run to the playoffs. Too many arms to list were drafted which creates favorable matchups late in games. Joe Thatcher could be a great pick as the Padres are phenomenal at scouting bullpen talent in their huge pitcher's park. The trade for Jon Lester will be a great deal for yaers to come. Lester will be a stable in the rotatoin and a great pickup against the left handed heavy Brooklyn's New York Moabs. I thought a little depth up the middle was needed, but the surplus of bullpen arms gives management tremendous flexibility in trade for more depth. Injuries should not be a problem for this team due to the depth.
It's Still Hot in the Desert
Only because this is Yuma, read Devil's Highway...
Team's Good Picks:
There are a lot to choose from. Rafael Perez and Rohrbaugh are great picks. Obviously Perez was thought highly of as he was a first round selection. Rohrbaugh is a Braves farmhand who was a draft and follow. That means he was selected out of high school and chose not to sign with the Braves, but went to a junior college. This allows the Braves to sign him before he is eligible for re-entry into the draft. He is a good lefty who is the leader of a new young class of Braves arms. Daniel Moskos could rise quickly in the Bucs organization. He throws hard and is left handed and in my opinion would be a fantastic set up man like BJ Ryan. Another highlighted pick is Johnny Cueto. Cueto is a bulldog type pitcher which is probably necessary in the Great American Smallpark.
Team's Bad Picks:
Really none, but I would say that Matusz is the weakest pick. He is only in this category because he is still in college. As I have said before, drafting college players is bad in the 40 man roster era of BARB. Matusz, despite being a highly regarded arm, is still going to take a few years to reach the pros. He takes away a degree of freedom from roster flexibility.
Most Underrated Selection:
Carlos Carrasco could be this season's version of Yovani Gallardo. He has tremendous stuff and is in an organization that sorely needs arms. This was a great pick and beat Brooklyn to the punch.
Overall: A
There is little that gets past Chris come draft time. He had a phenomenal draft and continues to add players taht can contribute now, the near future, and down the line a few years. This creates a stable organization that makes the playoffs year after year. The depth that was created through solid deep drafts allows Yuma to trade an All-Star OF for a young shortstop and not miss a beat. Another excellent draft in the desert.
Team's Good Picks:
There are a lot to choose from. Rafael Perez and Rohrbaugh are great picks. Obviously Perez was thought highly of as he was a first round selection. Rohrbaugh is a Braves farmhand who was a draft and follow. That means he was selected out of high school and chose not to sign with the Braves, but went to a junior college. This allows the Braves to sign him before he is eligible for re-entry into the draft. He is a good lefty who is the leader of a new young class of Braves arms. Daniel Moskos could rise quickly in the Bucs organization. He throws hard and is left handed and in my opinion would be a fantastic set up man like BJ Ryan. Another highlighted pick is Johnny Cueto. Cueto is a bulldog type pitcher which is probably necessary in the Great American Smallpark.
Team's Bad Picks:
Really none, but I would say that Matusz is the weakest pick. He is only in this category because he is still in college. As I have said before, drafting college players is bad in the 40 man roster era of BARB. Matusz, despite being a highly regarded arm, is still going to take a few years to reach the pros. He takes away a degree of freedom from roster flexibility.
Most Underrated Selection:
Carlos Carrasco could be this season's version of Yovani Gallardo. He has tremendous stuff and is in an organization that sorely needs arms. This was a great pick and beat Brooklyn to the punch.
Overall: A
There is little that gets past Chris come draft time. He had a phenomenal draft and continues to add players taht can contribute now, the near future, and down the line a few years. This creates a stable organization that makes the playoffs year after year. The depth that was created through solid deep drafts allows Yuma to trade an All-Star OF for a young shortstop and not miss a beat. Another excellent draft in the desert.
Oh No, Another
Darwin closer JJ Putz has landed on the DL. THis is yet another Finches arm to hit the Harden-Hermida List. Could this be the year the overacheiving Finches miss out on the playoffs. If they do it'll be because of the pine.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
What Happens in Vegas Gets Praised!
The Team's Good Picks:
Kose Fukedome and Kelly Johnson are great picks. Matt Holliday, Alfonso Soriano, and Manny Ramirez have never dazzled anyone defensively, so a fourth outfielder is crucial in late innings. Fukedome fills that position well and his left handed bat could be a real asset off the bench. As for Johnson, he fills a gaping hole at secondbase. He can leadoff or bat lower in the lineup with tremendous patience, despite strikeouts. His defense is better than advertise. The one caution, although minor when it comes to a weak offensive position of second, is his streaky bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Clearly selecting a 35 year old catcher in the first round and paying him 30 percent more was a risky investment. What is worse, management did not target a younger catcher to grow into the new position. Michael Barrett does not start and is not a defensive catcher. Last year he fought with Big Z in Chicago, prompting a trade. He does have a good bat, but he is getting older as well and does not have a starting spot with the Padres. Also, the team is really shallow on the corners. Alex Gordon is a young stud who really struggled last season, but Prince Fielder is really coming into his own. If either suffers an injury, a trade is crucial to salvage the position. Lastly, the team did nothing to address lefty arms. Come late innings against Brooklyn, a team with heavy left handed bats, not having a lefty out of the pen could kill playoff hopes and runs.
Overall: A
The pitching rotation is solid with Ian Snell, Jered Weaver, AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Brett Myers is one of the stronger rotations. Durability will be a concern as Weaver opened last season on the DL. Lowe and Burnett are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida Lists. Brett Myers will be crucial if Liriano returns to a healty rotation, as he may move to the bullpen with Rivera, Gagne, Qualls, Heilman and Morrow. The lineup can swing for the fences with the best of them (East teams and Yuma). There will be plenty of strikeouts but the team can make up for that with the stolen base with Soriano, Rollins, and Gordon. Depth and lefty arms should be a source of concern, but Vegas has the potential to challenge for a crown with this team healthy (but big question mark with health).
Kose Fukedome and Kelly Johnson are great picks. Matt Holliday, Alfonso Soriano, and Manny Ramirez have never dazzled anyone defensively, so a fourth outfielder is crucial in late innings. Fukedome fills that position well and his left handed bat could be a real asset off the bench. As for Johnson, he fills a gaping hole at secondbase. He can leadoff or bat lower in the lineup with tremendous patience, despite strikeouts. His defense is better than advertise. The one caution, although minor when it comes to a weak offensive position of second, is his streaky bat.
The Team's Bad Picks:
Clearly selecting a 35 year old catcher in the first round and paying him 30 percent more was a risky investment. What is worse, management did not target a younger catcher to grow into the new position. Michael Barrett does not start and is not a defensive catcher. Last year he fought with Big Z in Chicago, prompting a trade. He does have a good bat, but he is getting older as well and does not have a starting spot with the Padres. Also, the team is really shallow on the corners. Alex Gordon is a young stud who really struggled last season, but Prince Fielder is really coming into his own. If either suffers an injury, a trade is crucial to salvage the position. Lastly, the team did nothing to address lefty arms. Come late innings against Brooklyn, a team with heavy left handed bats, not having a lefty out of the pen could kill playoff hopes and runs.
Overall: A
The pitching rotation is solid with Ian Snell, Jered Weaver, AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Brett Myers is one of the stronger rotations. Durability will be a concern as Weaver opened last season on the DL. Lowe and Burnett are not strangers to the Harden-Hermida Lists. Brett Myers will be crucial if Liriano returns to a healty rotation, as he may move to the bullpen with Rivera, Gagne, Qualls, Heilman and Morrow. The lineup can swing for the fences with the best of them (East teams and Yuma). There will be plenty of strikeouts but the team can make up for that with the stolen base with Soriano, Rollins, and Gordon. Depth and lefty arms should be a source of concern, but Vegas has the potential to challenge for a crown with this team healthy (but big question mark with health).
Black Mesa Ain't Gonna Be's
The Team's Good Picks:
Catcher Jason Varitek was the team's best pick. Clearly Doug Mirabelli was not the answer behind the plate. To get a switch hitting catcher that is a leader is huge for a young team. He can also provide the lineup with some depth behind Kevin Youkilis, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, Hideki Matsui and Justin Morneau. Despite many strike outs, this team will put up some runs and getting an offensive catcher is a tremendous steal.
The Team's Bad PIcks:
Instead of going with the favorite pick of Reed Johnson, or even Youkilis, I will criticize the draft strategy. On a rebuilding team, at least should be rebuilding, select offensive players from other teams kills the potential to add pitching depth and youthful players. Management did not address the team's pitching depth. The three man rotation of Justin Verlander, John Maine, and Ted Lilly is good enough to compete in the Central? but Kei Igawa is not an answer in the 4 hole. Who knows who is going to be in the fifth role. The thing that is for sure, the long reliever may end up with the most innings pitched on this team.
Overall: D+
The lineup will be a force in the weak Central?. If by some miracle of BARB Black Mesa reaches the playoffs, the rotation of Verlander, Maine, and Lily could be dangerous. The closer is as close to a sure thing with John Papelbon. He is set up by Takashi Saito, Brian Fuentes and Gustavo Chacin, which is pretty good. Clearly the problem is depth and I look for this team to trade some of the hitting depth for some pitching. Perhaps Ronald could approach Nick for SS Rafael Furcal!
Catcher Jason Varitek was the team's best pick. Clearly Doug Mirabelli was not the answer behind the plate. To get a switch hitting catcher that is a leader is huge for a young team. He can also provide the lineup with some depth behind Kevin Youkilis, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, Hideki Matsui and Justin Morneau. Despite many strike outs, this team will put up some runs and getting an offensive catcher is a tremendous steal.
The Team's Bad PIcks:
Instead of going with the favorite pick of Reed Johnson, or even Youkilis, I will criticize the draft strategy. On a rebuilding team, at least should be rebuilding, select offensive players from other teams kills the potential to add pitching depth and youthful players. Management did not address the team's pitching depth. The three man rotation of Justin Verlander, John Maine, and Ted Lilly is good enough to compete in the Central? but Kei Igawa is not an answer in the 4 hole. Who knows who is going to be in the fifth role. The thing that is for sure, the long reliever may end up with the most innings pitched on this team.
Overall: D+
The lineup will be a force in the weak Central?. If by some miracle of BARB Black Mesa reaches the playoffs, the rotation of Verlander, Maine, and Lily could be dangerous. The closer is as close to a sure thing with John Papelbon. He is set up by Takashi Saito, Brian Fuentes and Gustavo Chacin, which is pretty good. Clearly the problem is depth and I look for this team to trade some of the hitting depth for some pitching. Perhaps Ronald could approach Nick for SS Rafael Furcal!
Where's Samuel Adams?
The Arizona Lexington Diamondback somethings....
The Team's Good Pick:
Reliever Joba Chamberlain was the team's best draft pick. His talent is unhittable when he wants it to be. Will it be over the entire season? We will find out. The problem there are a lot of question marks concerning Chamberlain's role, future role, and durability over an entire season. IF he becomes a starter, can he throw 220 IP, which would be 21 IP less than CY Young winner CC Sabathia, and still be able to throw 97-100 mph? We simply don't know. Good pick in that you want to own Chamberlain and wait to figure out how he will dominate the most. The bad, giving up SS Jose Reyes, a catalyst to the offense and leader on defense. His replacement is the fading JJ Hardy. Perhaps, David Wright could lead off because Lexington could be this year's version of the SF Giants-- great starting pitching weak hitting!
The Team's Bad Pick:
This team better not get the injury bug that Darwin has this season, Brooklyn and Frostbite had last season, because there is ZERO depth on this roster. The bad pick is clearly Rich Harden. Where I like the gamble, I do not think it warrants a third round pick. Harden has proven two things. First, tremendous talent that can strike whoever he wants out. Second, sadly, is that Harden has proven to be permantly seated on the HARDEN List, with teammate Jeremy Hermida.
Skipping to OVERALL: C-
Before people jump on this evaluation, Ronald traded All-Star STUD SS Jose Reyes. The most important position player is most commonly considered the shortstop. He is a great player at such a young age. He is a switch-hitting leadoff man, with tremendous speed and suprising power, good average, a cannon for an arm, and amazing range. For Joba? He has not reached his talent, and won't for a year or two. Needed to address depth more than getting the league's best set up man down the stretch for the league's best shortstop. Really, Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Montero behind the plate, yikes! The outfield consisting of BJ Upton, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee is very talented. Lex might have six to seven right handed batters in a eight man lineup. The only lefty might be light hitting 2B Luis Castillo, yet management will likely opt for youthful Rickie Weeks. Lastly, the rotation, when healthy is likely the best in BARB, but concerns over health should be driving management nuts. Be on the lookout for the injury bug that has hampered the East contenders over the years. Since Lex changed cities in an attempt to get into the stiff East, they might get the East's BUG.
The Team's Good Pick:
Reliever Joba Chamberlain was the team's best draft pick. His talent is unhittable when he wants it to be. Will it be over the entire season? We will find out. The problem there are a lot of question marks concerning Chamberlain's role, future role, and durability over an entire season. IF he becomes a starter, can he throw 220 IP, which would be 21 IP less than CY Young winner CC Sabathia, and still be able to throw 97-100 mph? We simply don't know. Good pick in that you want to own Chamberlain and wait to figure out how he will dominate the most. The bad, giving up SS Jose Reyes, a catalyst to the offense and leader on defense. His replacement is the fading JJ Hardy. Perhaps, David Wright could lead off because Lexington could be this year's version of the SF Giants-- great starting pitching weak hitting!
The Team's Bad Pick:
This team better not get the injury bug that Darwin has this season, Brooklyn and Frostbite had last season, because there is ZERO depth on this roster. The bad pick is clearly Rich Harden. Where I like the gamble, I do not think it warrants a third round pick. Harden has proven two things. First, tremendous talent that can strike whoever he wants out. Second, sadly, is that Harden has proven to be permantly seated on the HARDEN List, with teammate Jeremy Hermida.
Skipping to OVERALL: C-
Before people jump on this evaluation, Ronald traded All-Star STUD SS Jose Reyes. The most important position player is most commonly considered the shortstop. He is a great player at such a young age. He is a switch-hitting leadoff man, with tremendous speed and suprising power, good average, a cannon for an arm, and amazing range. For Joba? He has not reached his talent, and won't for a year or two. Needed to address depth more than getting the league's best set up man down the stretch for the league's best shortstop. Really, Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Montero behind the plate, yikes! The outfield consisting of BJ Upton, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee is very talented. Lex might have six to seven right handed batters in a eight man lineup. The only lefty might be light hitting 2B Luis Castillo, yet management will likely opt for youthful Rickie Weeks. Lastly, the rotation, when healthy is likely the best in BARB, but concerns over health should be driving management nuts. Be on the lookout for the injury bug that has hampered the East contenders over the years. Since Lex changed cities in an attempt to get into the stiff East, they might get the East's BUG.
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