1) Salary Cap: I think we should keep it at $120. I will settle for $110, but $100 flat is too drastic a shift from one year to the next. We saw what happened last season when we increased the salary cap $20, it was too much. If we decrease it the same amount, we'll have the same result, too much of a change. Yes, the salary cap was too large last season but MLB salaries seem to be on the increase this season. A $10 reduction is acceptable as its a compromise. It's not too drastic but enough to make a difference. Essentially $10 is more than any of my starting pitchers.
2) Expansion: MUST fill current team vacencies prior to deciding on expansion. It does the league no justice to have a 'dead' team. The void left by Stanhill, or whoever, means that there are only 10 teams to trade with. If you are an owner like myself that does not like to trade within division, you are down an additional three teams, now only 7. SO, expansion only occurs if we have owners waiting for a team. We need to make sure that our eyes are not bigger than our stomachs.
3) Protection: I agree with Andrew's philosophy that protection should be based on say $45. In doing so, a team can protect a high profile player or two and the investments the team's made over the year. By investment I mean the players that were scouted and drafted as unestablished, that will be established this season. Every year in baseball, a team will couple 3 or so prospects and trade them to a failing team for a superstar. This season, for example, the Atlanta Braves traded 5 prospects (Andrus, Harrison, Saltalamacchia, Beau Jones, N. Perez) for Texeira and Mahay. This type of deal occurs every year in MLB, in fact just occurred when Swisher was dealt for three prospects. The question, why would any BARB team make this type of deal when the owner is unsure whether the investment can be protected? I feel the only to fairly protect such investments would be to have a $45 protection cap. In the end this should create parity as players enter the league making little then as they progress, so does their salaries. In BARB, bad teams (Example Eliminators a few years back), have high salaries but don't win, so rebuild with overall team salary of $30 (No joke look up Worcestor a few years back), then now a few years later as a contender, lots of salary questions. Best and most important off season question and solution.
3B) Can protect only 10, I have changed my position based on points I had overlooked. I do not buy into the fact however, that protecting only 10 creates "parity." Success by any team comes through drafting and trading. Sorry Jeff (I use because he admits it every time he's asked about it), a team's success comes from drafting Pujols over Polanco, not vice versa. By protecting 10, the idea is that it prevents any team from becoming to powerful.
4) For the Draft, I propose that multiple picks can be swapped for more or less picks. Again speaking to parity, teams must realize that in order to rebuild it takes more than one season.Some teams may realize their time to win is now. By having Team A allowed to trade for Julio Franco and Team B picking up a 10th and 12th round selection, both teams address needs. Also, look at the successful teams this season. All had a lot of players (41-Frostbite, 44- Brooklyn, 40- Worcester, 50- Yuma, 57- Darwin). Why? What does it mean? It means that for the duration of the season, injuries and bad trades do occur, thus depth is crucial. Its vitally important not just to replenish one's team, but to trade for a player when injuries do occur. Also think of it this way, by having more picks, it increases the probability of a bad team finding a diamond in the rough.
4B) Although MLB does not permit trading of draft picks, I think it would do BARB well to copy NFL's system. In the NFL, teams may trade one or more picks for one or more picks. For example, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings swapped draft picks in the early nineties. The Vikins gave up something like 8 picks and 5 players for one player. The one was former Georgia RB Herschal Walker, who was overshadowed by the draft picks the Vikes gave to Dallas. Dallas selected Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Michael Irvin among others. Essentially the trade resulted in the Dallas Cowboys dominance in the 90s with Aikman and Jimmy Johnson. My point with this NFL lesson, is that MLB has 53 rounds in an attempt to get it right. BARB at most will have 12 rounds to get it right. As a GM, we need some flexibility to make trades and improve our ballclubs. Some teams have admitted taht they tend to have less time to scout players in preparation for the draft. They will have flexibilty to trade for players by swapping picks for players.
4C) Penalties during Draft: I think if a player is selected off another team, then not only is the next pick forfeited, but there is a 25% markup if seelcted in 1st round, 20% second, 10% third. This will be especially valuable if we had a $45 cap entering the draft. That is an X number of players can be protected as long as its under $45. It should benefit rebuilding teams.
GM Eric J. Caskey
Memo to BARB GMs
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Rocker: "I have ..."
Admits His Usage
In a statement that was required by ownership and the front office, Brooklyn Moabs' reporter, John Rocker admits he used steriods. Rocker's statement included where, when and how he acquired the illegal substances.
"I acquired the steriods from Jason [Grimsley] on two occasions. The first was when I finished my rookie season. The second was before an interview, now infamous, with Sports Illustrated in New York. I apologize to my teammates and fans. It is a bad decision for any youngster to take performance enhancers. Again, the decision effected more than just me, which I apologize for."
There is no decision from the Brooklyn ownership as to what is the proper course is for the organization. Rocker and Andy Pettitte were named in the Mitchell Report. Pettitte announced yesterday that he used HGH in 2002 to rehabilitate his surgically repaired elbow.
Bob Eucker
The Aftermath
In a statement that was required by ownership and the front office, Brooklyn Moabs' reporter, John Rocker admits he used steriods. Rocker's statement included where, when and how he acquired the illegal substances.
"I acquired the steriods from Jason [Grimsley] on two occasions. The first was when I finished my rookie season. The second was before an interview, now infamous, with Sports Illustrated in New York. I apologize to my teammates and fans. It is a bad decision for any youngster to take performance enhancers. Again, the decision effected more than just me, which I apologize for."
There is no decision from the Brooklyn ownership as to what is the proper course is for the organization. Rocker and Andy Pettitte were named in the Mitchell Report. Pettitte announced yesterday that he used HGH in 2002 to rehabilitate his surgically repaired elbow.
Bob Eucker
The Aftermath
Thursday, December 13, 2007
What A Mitch-ell...
Report
ON the day the Mitchell Report was released, General Manager Eric J. Caskey and Principle Owner Shawn Carter spoke to reporters outside the "Bunker." Caskey displayed his dismay for the comments made about lefty ace, Andrew Pettitte. The dismay though, was about Pettitte. The Brooklyn Moabs have been the most vocal team against the use of performance enhancing drugs. Caskey, for one, stated that no player that is found guilty of such usage will play for the Moabs. He continued his stance today: "I feel bad, really bad. Andy's one of the good guys in the league and one of my heroes in the game. If he is innocent, then shame on the trainers and media, because he is going to go through hell for a year or more. If he is guilty, shame on him. He will be suspended upon any guilty knowledge, and the team will explore options." Caskey cleverly meant that he will be traded if there are any suitors, or released if not. Shawn Carter, a hip-hop artist, has been one of the few business rappers. He has built Roc-A-Fella empire on integrity and smarts: "The Moabs and myself will have nothing to do with cheaters. I grew up on a block of cheaters, now look where I am."
Regardless, the Mitchell Report is a good thing for baseball. As a man that had trouble throwing strikes, it really angers me that people could be cheating to get ahead. Regardless of who did what, it's not fair. The players, including Andy, could complain that they were indicted without fair objection to the evidence before George Mitchell, but the matter of fact that will only be a few players actually acquitted; therefore, this is fair for those who lost roster positions to those on juice!
John Rocker
The Aftermath
ON the day the Mitchell Report was released, General Manager Eric J. Caskey and Principle Owner Shawn Carter spoke to reporters outside the "Bunker." Caskey displayed his dismay for the comments made about lefty ace, Andrew Pettitte. The dismay though, was about Pettitte. The Brooklyn Moabs have been the most vocal team against the use of performance enhancing drugs. Caskey, for one, stated that no player that is found guilty of such usage will play for the Moabs. He continued his stance today: "I feel bad, really bad. Andy's one of the good guys in the league and one of my heroes in the game. If he is innocent, then shame on the trainers and media, because he is going to go through hell for a year or more. If he is guilty, shame on him. He will be suspended upon any guilty knowledge, and the team will explore options." Caskey cleverly meant that he will be traded if there are any suitors, or released if not. Shawn Carter, a hip-hop artist, has been one of the few business rappers. He has built Roc-A-Fella empire on integrity and smarts: "The Moabs and myself will have nothing to do with cheaters. I grew up on a block of cheaters, now look where I am."
Regardless, the Mitchell Report is a good thing for baseball. As a man that had trouble throwing strikes, it really angers me that people could be cheating to get ahead. Regardless of who did what, it's not fair. The players, including Andy, could complain that they were indicted without fair objection to the evidence before George Mitchell, but the matter of fact that will only be a few players actually acquitted; therefore, this is fair for those who lost roster positions to those on juice!
John Rocker
The Aftermath
Thursday, November 29, 2007
New Ownership
Mo-Roca Boys
After nearly a year of negotiations with several different groups, including ExxonMobil and Heineken, the Brooklyn Moabs have been bought by Shawn Carter. Carter, a local Brooklynite, has been seeking to purchase a Barb team for some time. As the last offer, Carter coupled nearly $500 million dollars to purchase the organization and Mother Of All Ballparks. Heineken's offer would not have included the purchase of MOAB due to its desire to move the team across the pond. Exxon's offer was tremendous, but felt that the team was not located in a financially secure area of New York, or the US, so a move was probably.
Carter, on the other hand, stepped in late and defended his city: "How could this franchise leave Brooklyn? It's our boys." The group, known as Roc-A-Fellas Records Inc., is headed by the rapper. Jay-Z sees the Moabs as a team that can compete with any team. Noting the allstars around the lineup, and their record number of runs, the Moabs focus will be the pitching staff. Having said that, the Moabs could potentially have four or five aces: "Any of them could win the CY." Carter's outlook is one of realistic optimism.
As for changes in the front office, Carter backs Eric J. Caskey as the team's General Manager: "I cannot see the organization without it headed by the wiz kid. I, unfortunately, do not know enough about the people within the organization, I will be meeting with Caskey to discuss changes in philosophy and personnel. I will re-organize the marketing department. It's likely that Hype Williams and I will take over the organization's propoganda." Regardless of the changes on the horizon, the Moabs look to be moving in a more youthful direction with a young GM and the league's youngest owner.
Bob Uecker
The Aftermath
After nearly a year of negotiations with several different groups, including ExxonMobil and Heineken, the Brooklyn Moabs have been bought by Shawn Carter. Carter, a local Brooklynite, has been seeking to purchase a Barb team for some time. As the last offer, Carter coupled nearly $500 million dollars to purchase the organization and Mother Of All Ballparks. Heineken's offer would not have included the purchase of MOAB due to its desire to move the team across the pond. Exxon's offer was tremendous, but felt that the team was not located in a financially secure area of New York, or the US, so a move was probably.
Carter, on the other hand, stepped in late and defended his city: "How could this franchise leave Brooklyn? It's our boys." The group, known as Roc-A-Fellas Records Inc., is headed by the rapper. Jay-Z sees the Moabs as a team that can compete with any team. Noting the allstars around the lineup, and their record number of runs, the Moabs focus will be the pitching staff. Having said that, the Moabs could potentially have four or five aces: "Any of them could win the CY." Carter's outlook is one of realistic optimism.
As for changes in the front office, Carter backs Eric J. Caskey as the team's General Manager: "I cannot see the organization without it headed by the wiz kid. I, unfortunately, do not know enough about the people within the organization, I will be meeting with Caskey to discuss changes in philosophy and personnel. I will re-organize the marketing department. It's likely that Hype Williams and I will take over the organization's propoganda." Regardless of the changes on the horizon, the Moabs look to be moving in a more youthful direction with a young GM and the league's youngest owner.
Bob Uecker
The Aftermath
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A Look to the Off-Season
What Will the New-Look Moabs Do?
The Moabs will look to improve the team's veteran leadership. As stated by the commissioner, S Hatfield, the Moabs have a plethora of prospects. Although GM Caskey has been reluctant to deal his youthful prospects for veterans, there is no indication that he will not go out and sign some free agents. Essentially the Moabs wasted $30 million last season, after a few seasons bordering the salary cap. This season, it is my belief, that Caskey will push the Moab salary to the limit in order to gain a middle of the lineup run producer or a high profile closer.
The Moabs, more than any team, has sought to acquire prospects over established players. This season look for him to bolster the bullpen and starting rotation. Aces Roy Oswalt and Fausto Carmona are sure to be protected. If the Moabs can bring back Chien-Meng Wang, Jeremy Bonderman, Mark Beurhle and Andy Petitte, the Moabs could have one of the most dangerous rotations. The bullpen, ravaged by injuries, was actually pretty deep coming into the year. Who knew the Moabs would experience the sleuth of injuries. Assuming those injuries do not hamper the next season, the Moabs could have one of the deepest pens in BARB.
Due to the overwhelming injuries that cost the Moabs a shot at the postseason, still finished fourth overall thanks to the top producing offense and seventh pitching staff, the Moabs look to to be one of the favorites coming into next season. Up next on the Look to the Off-Season, the Aftermath will rate the farmhands from big 6'7" Chris Volstad to the 19 year old phenom, Elvis Andrus.
Bob Uecker
The Aftermath
The Moabs will look to improve the team's veteran leadership. As stated by the commissioner, S Hatfield, the Moabs have a plethora of prospects. Although GM Caskey has been reluctant to deal his youthful prospects for veterans, there is no indication that he will not go out and sign some free agents. Essentially the Moabs wasted $30 million last season, after a few seasons bordering the salary cap. This season, it is my belief, that Caskey will push the Moab salary to the limit in order to gain a middle of the lineup run producer or a high profile closer.
The Moabs, more than any team, has sought to acquire prospects over established players. This season look for him to bolster the bullpen and starting rotation. Aces Roy Oswalt and Fausto Carmona are sure to be protected. If the Moabs can bring back Chien-Meng Wang, Jeremy Bonderman, Mark Beurhle and Andy Petitte, the Moabs could have one of the most dangerous rotations. The bullpen, ravaged by injuries, was actually pretty deep coming into the year. Who knew the Moabs would experience the sleuth of injuries. Assuming those injuries do not hamper the next season, the Moabs could have one of the deepest pens in BARB.
Due to the overwhelming injuries that cost the Moabs a shot at the postseason, still finished fourth overall thanks to the top producing offense and seventh pitching staff, the Moabs look to to be one of the favorites coming into next season. Up next on the Look to the Off-Season, the Aftermath will rate the farmhands from big 6'7" Chris Volstad to the 19 year old phenom, Elvis Andrus.
Bob Uecker
The Aftermath
A Switch From the Swoosh
Today, the Brooklyn Moabs Team President and General Manager, Eric J. Caskey, announced the Moabs will be wearing BARB's first Underarmour uniforms. Inspired by Click-Clack movement and the new dedication of Underarmour to baseball, the switch was announced today. Like in Major League Baseball, BARB teams wear Nike.
But like the New York Yankees, who wear Adidas, the Moabs sport the fashionable UA. Not only does Caskey own stock in UA, but the weather specific uniforms will give his team an advantage. In the late month or two of the season, Brooklyn is a cold place to be. Wearing UA's heatgear will keep us warm.
The Moabs will also have a wide variety uniform combinations. Inspired by the University of Oregon's football combinations, the Moabs will unveil red, blue, black, white, grey, and purple uniforms. The caps will be blue, black, white, grey, purple and red. All can be interchanged. Also the shirts are cut-sleeves so the Underarmour compression shirts will be interchangeable as well.
John Rocker
The Aftermath
But like the New York Yankees, who wear Adidas, the Moabs sport the fashionable UA. Not only does Caskey own stock in UA, but the weather specific uniforms will give his team an advantage. In the late month or two of the season, Brooklyn is a cold place to be. Wearing UA's heatgear will keep us warm.
The Moabs will also have a wide variety uniform combinations. Inspired by the University of Oregon's football combinations, the Moabs will unveil red, blue, black, white, grey, and purple uniforms. The caps will be blue, black, white, grey, purple and red. All can be interchanged. Also the shirts are cut-sleeves so the Underarmour compression shirts will be interchangeable as well.
John Rocker
The Aftermath
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Update Time
After his second rehap start at Flint Stones AA affliate of the Brooklyn Moabs, Joel Zumaya feels confident that he can return to the Moab bullpen, which has been sorely overworked lately. Zumaya pitched three innings giving up one homerun and two hits. He struck out four and walked one. Manager Mark Lemke said that the most important thing was his location. "He hit the mit and hit the 100 mark, so you can't argue too much with the jack he gave up," said Lemke.
Also, the Moabs GM has been on the record of saying that if the team does not meet playoff expectations, expect to have some changes. Now no word if that means coaching staff or players, but Caskey has kept his teams intact over the years avoiding temptation to move the players. On the other hand, he has also kept his coaching staff intact. Regardless, the team must step it up and take control of their actions. "The team is built to win, they are getting healthy, I need results now!" said Caskey.
Also, the Moabs GM has been on the record of saying that if the team does not meet playoff expectations, expect to have some changes. Now no word if that means coaching staff or players, but Caskey has kept his teams intact over the years avoiding temptation to move the players. On the other hand, he has also kept his coaching staff intact. Regardless, the team must step it up and take control of their actions. "The team is built to win, they are getting healthy, I need results now!" said Caskey.
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