Power Pros Forum

AL EAST ROSTERS

The Rays have the makings of a team that can win with power or speed. In the outfield, Geoff Jenkins (DBEDDC) should patrol right field while Shane Victorino is in center and Johnny Damon in right, with Joey Gathright backing up. M Itzuris (DDBDCD) should start at shortstop with Mike Lamb at 3rd and Brandon Phillips (DBCECF) at second, unless he DH's, in which case either Jamie Cairo or Jose Lopez (each with B. speed) playing second. Todd Helton will man first while Dioner Navarro and Kelly Shoppach catch. Scott Kazmir is there only starter with A stamina although Mark Pryor can also be effective. The Rays will likely rely on their relievers to throw a lot of innings, and they did pick up a lot of quality relievers, including Keith foulke (90 BE SL – two, SP – two, CH – five), Eric Gagne, closer Jose Valverde (96 CE SL – two, SP – three), Brandon League (98 FE SL – two, SP – two), Eric O'Flaherty (93 SL – two CB – three CH – two) and Hideki Okajima.

The Orioles seem to have a good combination of power, speed and defense, with some nice depth, too. David Wright should start at third and Brad Hall (DBBADD) should get the nod in center with Chris Duncan (DBCFFD) manning one of the corner outfield spots. Rafael Furcal (DDBABD) should play solid shortstop and add speed, as should Ray Durham (DDBEDC) at second. Sean Casey (CC BCA) is solid at first, as it is AJ Pierzynski at catcher. Although Chris Duncan is a defensive liability in the OF and their third outfielder will likely also be a weakness, they have nice depth with Elijah Dukes serving as a defensive replacement, Wes Helms, who can play either corner infield spot (DDBBDC), and Kevin Frandsen (EDDDEF) backing up at second and serving as a pinch hitter. The Orioles should have a solid rotation with Jake Westbrook, Barry Zito, Francisco Liriano, and John Lieber leading the way, and Pat Neshek, JC Romero and Joe Nathan pitching the late innings.

The Blue Jays picked a few players able to provide offense and defense (OF Melky Cabrera, 3B Mike Lowell, and 1B Lance Berkman), 3 players who are better suited for the DH role (OF Maglio Ordonez, Ryan Braun and 2b Jeff Keppinger), a good catcher (C Michael Barrett (DDCEDB, good catcher)) and a weak-armed SS (Louis Hernandez (FEEECE)). The Blue Jays will probably regret having to field both a weak-armed armed shortstop and a second baseman with limited range, although their pitching may be able to cover up some of those weaknesses. The Jays have four "quality starters" (starters with A or B stamina and at least one pitch at level three or higher), including Matt Kane, Kenny Rogers, and Noah Lowry (90 D.A. SL – three, CB – two, CH – three). The Blue Jays also have three relievers that should be effective, either because they throw in the 90s or because they have solid breaking pitches, leading up to closer Bobby Jenks.

Yankees and Red Sox will likely be the teams most-affected by the dream draft, as they generally fielded virtual all-star teams.

The Yankees will still have power throughout their lineup, (Jeff Francore, Luke Scott, Adam LaRoche, Great Hart, and Jim Thome), and while it will be difficult to imagine the Yankees without Derek Jeter at short, Jose Reyes (DCACCC) is a good replacement (although not an upgrade). Jay Payton (DDDDCD) is an average centerfielder who will not be able to cover up for the lack of range in left, whether it is Luke Scott or Great Hart playing that position. Hank Blalock or Hart will play a solid third-base, although Yankees fans may finally appreciate having Alex Rodriguez there. The Yankees have a weak starting staff, with only two quality starters (pictures with A or B stamina, top speed over 90 mph, and at least one breaking pitch at level 3 or better) - Brian Bannister and Zach Duke. Their relief corp has the potential to be average, with Bret Tomko, Jason Frazier (95 CE SL – one, CB – two, SP – two) and Eddie Guardado (90 DE SL – two, CH – two, SP – four) handling the middle innings for two effective late-inning relievers: Dan Wheeler (93 BA SL – four, CB – two, SP – three) setting up Cla Meredith (90 BE SL – four, CH – four, SFB – three).

The Red Sox seemed to prioritize their infield and forgot about their outfield until the later rounds. They nabbed two all star shortstops in Derek Jeter and Michael Young and solid corner infielders in Ed Encarnacion and Connor Jackson (DBECFC). Jason Giambi should be a productive DH. Harry Kendrick (CDEEEC) should start at second base even though he has a weak arm and limited range, but the outfielders are defensive replacement-types, at best, with the probable starters being Endy Chavez (DEBDCC), Reid Johnson (DEBDCC), and Ryan Rayburn (DDEDDC). The Red Sox only have three quality starters, none with level A stamina, although Dustin McGowan (97 DA SL – two, CB – two, SP – two) throws so hard that it might overcome his lack of strong breaking pitches. The Red Sox have several hard throwers to serve as middle relief, the most notable being Zach Miner (94 CE SL – two, CB – two, CH – three) but their set up man and closer should be strong, as those roles will probably be filled by Jonathan Papelbon and Tom Gordon.

PREDICTIONS

1. Orioles (the most complete team in the division)
2. Rays (solid at the plate and in the field; solid defense and relievers will make up for weak starting pitching)
3. Blue Jays (hitting and pitching will cover up some of their weakness at the middle-infield positions, but not all)
4. Red Sox (the infielders will put runs on the board and their set-up man and closer should protect close leads)
5. Yankees (weak pitching will be tough to overcome)

APRIL GAMES

Angels – 4/11–13

After getting blown out by the Angels, 6–0, in game one, the Angels take a 6–0 lead in the second inning of game two, but the Bobcats hit four homeruns, including Josh Bard's first homerun of the season and two homeruns by Suarez that included the game-tying homerun. Suarez later singled in the go-ahead run before the Bobcats blew the game wide open, taking game two, 9–5. In game three, a 0–0 tie is broken in the sixth inning when Josh Bard drives in Brian Barton against Angels ace Aaron Harang. Meanwhile, Franklin Morales uses a tricky slow curve and solid infield defense to shut down the Angels until Jacques Jones tied the game with a leadoff homerun in the bottom of the eighth. The Angels scored a walk off, winning run on a double and two fielders choices in the bottom of the ninth. Game 3 final score: two – one, Angels

4/17: In the rubber game against Wandy Rodriguez and the Texas Rangers, the Rangers score 2 runs in the first inning on a Garrett Anderson homerun and another two runs in the fourth against Bobcats starter Shawn Hill, but a big fifth inning capped by a Josh Bard three run homerun ties the game. With the bases loaded and one out in the sixth, Shawn Hill got a huge strike out on Adam Everett before inducing an inning ending ground out to second. The 4–4 tie entered the 10th inning, and in the bottom of the 10th, Bobcats relief pitcher Nolasko allowed runners to reach first and third on leadoff singles to speedsters Juan Pierre and Freddy Sanchez. Gary Sheffield flew out to a drawn-in outfield and Gary Anderson popped out to second, bringing Jermaine Dye to the plate. Dye deposited the first pitch he saw over the centerfield fence for a walk off three run homerun. Final score: 7–4, Rangers

4/19: Angels starter Harang kept the Bobcats off the board, even though his team committed two errors, until the bottom of the ninth when he surrendered a leadoff single to Kochman before Suarez hit a game-tying homerun. The 2–2 tie entered the top of the 12th when the Angels pushed run across on two singles and an error on Stephen Drew. In spite of their other more experienced relief pitchers, including Kerry Wood, the Angels have been using rookie pitcher, Sparks (88 CC SL – one, CU – three, CB – one, FO – three) as their closer, and he retired Bobcats in order. Final score: 3–2, Angels

4/19: MID-APRIL REVIEW

While we will save most of our analysis for a month-end review, following is a quick rundown of the Bobcats starting lineup and how they are performing:

1. SS Drew (ECBCCD – two): 333, seven RBI – Drew struggled the first week of the season, but once he focused on making solid contact, he has been the player the Bobcats hoped he would be. He is also been excellent in the field

2. CF Barton (DCDEDC-2): 338, 11 RBI – has been performing very well at the plate and adequately in the field. Has been particularly solid with runners in scoring position

3. C/DH Bard (DCFEDB-2): 343, 4 HR, 13 RBI – Bard was initially moved up to the three spot from number six because of the solid contact he was making, but it seems that putting him in the three hole as inspired him at the plate as all four of his homeruns came after that move

4. 1b Kotchman (CBEDDC – three): 247, 5 HR, 14 RBI – Kotchman has been struggling to make solid contact, but when he connects, he brings the power

5. 3B Suarez (EBE DEG – four): 371, 4 HR, 12 RBI – his power is not unexpected, but his consistent contact is. He has been playing great, all-around

6. C Grindell (ECFCCC – two): 333, three RBI: Grindell has been making solid contact and his performance, combined with the lack of performance from Brandon Harris, had the Bobcats move Grindell up to number six from his seventh spot yesterday. He has not had as many opportunities with runners in scoring position, but should perform well, and he has shown excellent defensive skills behind the plate.

7. 2b Harris (DBGDDE – two): 152, two RBI – Harris has been absolutely terrible at the plate, erasing other baserunners by hitting into double plays and just being generally overmatched, although he has hit the ball hard many times, but always right at the defenders. He was finally moved down to the seventh hole and could potentially continue to fall. He has been playing a good second base for the Bobcats

8. RF Rijo (FDDEEE – three): 446, four RBI: Rijo and his fellow corner outfielder have been amazing at getting on base. Neither has shown any extra base power, but the bottom of the lineup has been a strength

9. LF Denham (FDEEEE – two): 393, four RBI – Denham's average has actually fallen to 393 over the past week. See comments, above, for Rijo

*Grudzialanek.

Keep it up, this is a fun read.

Dude, I was so close!!!



Thanks, man. I'm having fun.

*Grudzielanek.

this is good. I like the no-trades thing.

It definitely would've been hard for me to resist making some easy trades to get a strong team right away.

Using a dream draft with a no trade rule – it seems to have instilled some parity across the league. It's still early, but I don't have a few teams with top records and a bunch of teams with poor records. I'll probably do a "record" analysis later in the season, but right now (again, the first month is not even done yet), I have three teams tied for the best record in baseball, six teams tied for the third best record in baseball, four teams tied for the fourth best record in baseball, six teams tied for the fifth best record in baseball (which is 11–11, meaning 20 teams at 500 or better), and four teams tied for the six best record in baseball.

APRIL GAMES

4/22: After the Bobcats won a tight game against Athletics, in part due to a Josh Bard homerun, game two wound up being a tough pitching duel. Suarez broke a scoreless tie with a solo homerun in the fourth, and then Kotchman drove in a run in the seventh while Kyle Kendrick took a five hit shutout into the eighth even though he was in blue condition. The Athletics tied up the game on a Victor Martinez double that brought in two runs in the eighth and pulled ahead on a Nick Swisher double. By the time the inning ended, the Bobcats were on their 3rd pitcher and allowed five runs. RBI singles from Suarez and Grindel in the bottom of the eighth brought the Bobcats to within a run and put runners at first and third. This triggered a call to the Athletics bullpen, and they called in their closer, Saito (94 DE 2SF – two, SL – five, CB – four, SP – five), to face the struggling Brendan Harris. Harris, in spite of his G speed, was able to get an infield hit when he hit the ball slowly off his hands, too far away for the pitcher to retrieve it and too slowly for the SS, playing back, to make the play. Saito was immediately replaced by Aaron Heilman, who walked in the tying run on five pitches. The Bobcats scored another two runs when Denham hit a soft single over a drawn in infield. Drew singled in the sixth run of the inning. Kevin Hart closed out the ninth inning, ending the game on a strike 'em out, throw 'em out double-play with Grindell's assistance. Final score: 8–5, Bobcats

4/23: Sean Hill started off the game by allowing runners reach first and third on leadoff singles, before striking out the next three Athletics, but he was unable to stop the Athletics from scoring in a second, third, and fourth, as the A's took a 4–0 lead that they held until the sixth and seventh innings when the Bobcats chipped away by scoring one run in each. In the bottom of the ninth, down by three runs, the Bobcats offense came to life against the Athletics closer Saito, with their three leadoff batter's singling and ultimately tying the game, which went into extra innings, when Suarez hit a walk off to run homerun. Final score: 7–5 (12), Bobcats

4/28: after going 1–2 against the Rays (5–3, 2–3, 1–6), the Bobcats travelled to Oakland to finish their month off against the Athletics. The Bobcats scored quickly, as Stephen Drew led off with a single, stole second, scored easily on a Josh Bard double off the right centerfield wall and then, one out later, Suarez hit his 8th homerun of the season. The Athletics struck back in the second against spot starter Ricky Nolasco, after Suarez booted what may have been an inning ending double-play ball. Instead, the inning continued and 3 Athletics scored on doubles from Brian Schneider and Randy Weeks. The score remained tied until the sixth inning, when Casey Kochman hit a solo homerun. The Bobcats held onto their one run lead until the bottom of the eighth when Juan Uribe hit a solo homerun into the left-field stands. The score remained tied heading into extra innings. In the top of the 11th, the Hickories first two batters reached base on singles and then against reliever Aaron Heilman, pinch hitter Dawley (DEDDCE) hit a shallow single that left bases-loaded with no one out for Stephen Drew. Drew popped out and then Brian Barton hit into an inning ending double-play. In an unusual move, when the bottom of the inning started, backup catcher Obervitch (DEFDCE) was in left field over backup outfielder Bridges (DFEFEE). Said the Bobcats manager after the game, "Bridges has really only played center field, and even though leftfield is more similar to center, we thought that Obervitch's better defensive skills overall made him a better choice." The Athletics threatened, but failed to score in the bottom of the 11th, and each team threatened one more time without scoring in the next two innings until the top of the 14th when Aaron Heilman surrendered the go-ahead home run to Casey Kochman with two outs. This was Kotchman's second go ahead home run of the game. Suarez then drove the ball just inside the third-base line and reached second as his shot rolled all the way to the left-field wall, scoring when Grindell singled up the middle. Bobcats closer, Kevin Hart (94 EE SL – four, CV – four, CH – three) was not sharp, surrendering a leadoff single before Rijo made a great catch in the outfield, and then striking out Randy Weeks in a six pitch at-bat before inducing an infield the ground out from the last Athletics batter. Final score: 6–4, Bobcats

NOTES: Casey Kochman was easily the player of the game, having hit two homeruns, both of which gave the Bobcats leads. Suarez also had an amazing game, going 5/7 and missing the cycle by a triple. Nolasco really picked up the pitching staff, stepping in and allowing three runs over 5–1/3 innings, but only one of those runs was earned.

Hey, folks! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer! After my post at the start of May, not only did work pick up, but I started cooking some more and had to take that time away from my evening "Wii Time." I also redirected some of my weekend "Wii Time" to bike riding with my kids. I didn't play a game for at least a month and a half, and didn't have time to edit any of my notes about the rest of my April games or my May games into a post. I went on an incredibly poor offensive streak when I returned – only winning 25% of my June games, and rarely scoring more than two runs per game. At some point I checked and while my starting pitchers had over 50 "quality starts" on the season, there were less than 25 wins between them. I got my groove back somewhat in my July games, but was still only one game over 500 for that month, so I just finished the first season with the computer playing most of my games. While I am finding time to play, I still don't really see myself being willing to take the time to make and edit posts, so this blog is pretty much done for the time being.

For anyone curious about how I am enjoying my "no trades" setting, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, trades are a lot of fun and would have definitely made me more competitive in my first season. In addition, based on who I picked up during the off-season free-agent period and how my players improved during spring training, I would want to make some trades this season, too. On the other hand, the fantasy draft really made every team strong. Not only did it seem to improve the parity, but the way the computer set lineups seems to have been better. I expect this parity to continue since trades are not allowed. without that prohibition, it seems that every year one team makes a terrible trade to another team that allows that other team to become a powerhouse. Plus, it is very hard for me to control myself from trading myself into a perennial powerhouse but gets pretty boring. I am hoping that after my 1st season, which I did not enjoy, the lack of trades will result in continued parity and more fun for the next several seasons

If any of you have used the league wide draft in season mode, I would be interested to know if you had league parity for the duration of your playing.

A few comments on how the Mojave bobcats are faring, with game one of my 2009 season awaiting me, after spending most of 2008 and the offseason working on improving my defense:

- my Graybar catcher, who started at ECFCCC, increased to ECEBBC, so I converted him to shortstop and he replaces Stephen Drew
- my Graybar backup shortstop, who started at DEDDDE, increased to DEDCCD and is set to replace Brendan Harris at second
- in the fantasy draft, and my July regular draft, I picked up 3 Graybar third baseman with E. C. Contact and Power. The third baseman who, at the end of spring training, had DEC arm, fielding, and error resistance has been converted to a first baseman, and will be the primary backup at 3rd and 1st. the one with CDD arm strength, fielding, and error resistance will be my starting right fielder. My starting 3b is a graybar player with DBECED stats.
- during free agency, I picked up Eric Byrnes (DBCCBC), who can play left or center. With my right fielder having CDD defense, my centerfielder (Brian Barton) improving his defense to DCC, and the Byrnes pick up, I hope to give up a lot fewer extra-base hits in my cavernous outfield.
- one of the weird side effects of my improved outfield is that my rookie of the year Graybar right fielder, who actually lost a power setting and did not improve his defense as much as my third basemen during the off-season, and my Graybar leftfielder who won outfielder of the year, but only improved his error resistance and arm strength 1 notch to level Ds, are in the minors now
- relief pitcher Kevin Hart, who was used as my closer last season, was fantastic. Even though my team had the fewest wins in the majors, he led the league in saves, and returns as my closer
- I have a bit of a logjam at catcher. While last year's starting catcher will now be my starting shortstop, my backup catcher/DH, Josh Bard (DCFEDB), returns, minor-league catcher Obradovic has improved to EEFCCD, and I picked up free-agent catcher Mike Redmond (DDFCCB). Obradovic will start the season in the minors and Redmond and Bard will split time. Also, a Graybar first baseman, who will probably not ever see the light of day with FDGEFC stats, was converted to catcher, also. My other graybar 1b who will probably be a career minor leaguer (FDFEED) was converted to a LF.
- pitching was a strong point for me last year – I did well with pretty average pictures. I didn't do too much in my off-season, but several of my Graybar pictures have improved to the point where I expect to work them into the bullpen.

Not that it is really a comment on my team, but in the 2008 All-Star team, where I had 0 players appearing, it was the only All-Star game in any of my league years in which Marriano Rivera had not been voted in and Derek Jeter was also not on either of the teams.

I had fun during the spring training games, and With my team's improvements, I hope to be more competitive and have more fun with my 2009 season.

Well, that's what's happening with my team. When I play the game, I still announced the game in my head and think about how I might reported in my blog, but I think the time I spent in the past on doing my blog will continue to be devoted to other things.

Take care.

...darn it. Sorry to hear that you don't have the time for this any more. Your previous log and this one too always went extremely in depth, making sure we knew everything going on and how it happened. It's a shame to see you go!

This. Family is the most important thing, though

Yeah. This was great ERISA, and we're all sad to see it to, but we understand why.

hey, ERISA, thanks for making reading these blogs an enjoyable experience. I also enjoyed how detailed they were, seems like you really cared about every part that comes with Season mode and got very into your teams.

wish you the best with the family.

Thank you for your comments, guys. This forum was a great creative outlet for me and helped me enjoy the game even more than I would, otherwise