Power Pros Forum

I'm going to go with the Rockies.

Zero, do you have any preference on a team for Royal?

I thought they were all going on your team.

But yeah, I wanna play for your team.

Name: Danny McKnight
Team: Dodgers
Age: 24
DOB: August 9, year that makes him 24, I would assume 1981
Position: SS/3B
B/T: L/R
Appearance: White, brown hair, clean shaven
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs
Body Build (Skinny, Athletic, or Heavy): Skinny

Strengths: Contact, Speed, Fielding
Weaknesses: Power, Arrogance, struggles against lefties

Bio (optional): Cooler than cool, he'll prove to be a thorn in the side of the Rockies. New to the Dodgers, and with oodles of talent, Danny is looking to impress both his coaches, and the ladies (winkwinknudgenudge).

Skittle, have you decided on a team?

Yeah, I was just waiting for you to pick your team. I'll choose the Diamondbacks

Can I hop on with Zero and the Dodgers, please?

Name: Blake Carter
Team: San Fran Giants
Age: 23
DOB: 7/3/82
Position: RF (OF)
B/T: L/R
Appearance: White, dark blonde hair, small dark blonde goatee
Height: 6'5
Weight: 230 lbs.
Body Build (Skinny, Athletic, or Heavy): Athletic

Strengths: Above-average power, solid contact, good arm strength
Weaknesses: Average fielding, not too speedy a runner

Bio (optional): Blake was the star of all the leagues he played in as a kid, and with each age level he moved up, his confidence grew. He's dominated each minor league level as well. With his exceptional raw power that scouts are all drooling over, along some decent contact ability and average fielding which can be improved upon, most think Carter has all the makings of a multi-time All-Star or maybe even a Hall-of-Famer down-the-line. The cocky Carter seems to like that idea, although he does try to keep modest and work hard at his craft to live up to his potential. After all, most prospects end up failing to make their mark in the bigs and are swept under the rug. The Giants have quite an interesting talent on their hands who could help make a big rival for Michael Cathaway and the Rockies.

February 19th, 2005

Michael Cathaway set down his copy of The Denver Post and took a sip of his coffee. It was nearly 9:00, and Michael set in his sleepwear on a leather chair in the presidential suite of the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. He still found it quite a surreal experience to read about himself, and shifted uncomfortably at the thought of being judged by thousands of people he did not know. He shook the thought from his head and headed over to the wardrobe. He pulled out a light blue dress shirt and khakis, along with a spotless Colorado Rockies ball cap. Grabbing his room key and car keys, he headed outside.

Twenty minutes later, Michael pulled up to Salt River Fields in his black Lincoln MKS. A crowd of around ten had gathered to watch the Rockies players prepare for the season, and Michael was glad to see that his presence went unnoticed among the spectators. He joined them and watched alongside them for ten minutes. There wasn't a whole lot to see, with pitchers and catchers being the only ones to report thus far, but Michael enjoyed watching nonetheless. While watching Jeff Francis throw a bullpen session, he heard his name being called,

"Mr. Cathaway!"
Michael turned to his left and saw Clint Hurdle, the team's manager, lumbering towards him. Michael waved.
"Please, call me Michael."
Clint nodded. "The season's approaching quickly, eh?"

Michael agreed, and expressed optimism about the team's performance. Clint seemed reluctant to agree, and Michael suspected Clint's hopes were not particularly high. The two men made small talk about the team for a few minutes more, before Clint excused himself and went to talk to other members of the coaching staff. Michael was glad to again have time to himself. He smiled inwardly as he leaned against the fence and began to relax.

"Mr. Cathaway!"

Michael drew in a deep breath and turned to see a small man, about 5'10", standing before him. He appeared to be in his mid-to-late thirties. His hair was short, brown, and unkempt. He wore a Colorado Rockies polo and carried a small pad of paper, which he held at the ready while smiling widely at Michael.

"Yes?"
"My name is Zachary Bluth. I write for The Denver Post. I was wondering if I could have a word?"
Michael initially searched his mind for an excuse to decline, as he had done so many times in the past, but then realized who he was speaking to: The man who had written about him in the morning's issue of The Denver Post. Michael felt that it would be nice to have someone in the media on his side, and Zachary Bluth seemed like the perfect candidate. He forced a smile.
"Sure."
"Great! First, I was hoping to address that matter of the pitching staff, which is perhaps the biggest worry for the Rockies in the upcoming season. Do you feel that the Rockies have the arms necessary to compete in a division with the great offenses of the Dodgers, Giants and Padres? Are you at all concerned?"
Michael mulled over the question, choosing his words carefully. Finally, he answered.
"Obviously, in a city like Denver, pitching is going to appear worse than it really is. We feel that Joe Kennedy will have a great year leading the pitching staff, and that Aaron Cook is a solid #2. Even if the staff were to struggle, there are multiple prospects in AAA that we feel can be promoted on a moment's notice. So, no, I'm not concerned about the pitching."
Zachary scribbled furiously while muttering to himself. Once he finished writing, he looked back up at Michael and spoke.
"That raises another question: How do you feel about the state of the minor league system? Do you feel that the Colorado Rockie organization is set up for long-term success?"
Michael answered this question more quickly.
"I am extremely confident in the state of our minor league system. The Sky Sox finished last season 78-65 last season and only figure to get better; meanwhile, Tulsa went 71-68. There are several players I and the rest of the front office are excited about on both of these rosters."
Zachary nodded and wrote feverishly. He prepared to fire off another question, but Michael stopped him; just the two questions had him feeling anxious and tired.
"I'm sorry, will you excuse me?"

Zachary seemed disappointed, but allowed Michael to leave. Michael hopped into his car and soon found himself at a local pancake house, where he thankfully went unrecognized. Sipping his coffee and munching on pancakes, Michael's heart rate slowed and his stomach left his throat. After eating, Michael returned to his hotel room, where he remained for the rest of the day.

Can Grossman be on the Rockies?

pls i beg you

Can Grossman be on the Rockies?

pls i beg you

Well, the season mode file was already made, but I'll make it a point to work out a trade for him.

MLB.com

Pre-Season Power Rankings
April 2nd, 2005

With the 2005 season a mere two days away, we feel that it's time to take a look at the league and what teams we believe are best geared for success.

1. Boston Red Sox
2004 record: 98-64
Pitching: 3rd
Hitting: 1st
Fielding: 11th
Running: 27th

Last year, the Boston Red Sox broke an 86-year old curse, and based on the amount of returning personnel, we feel are prepared to repeat as world champions. Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Curt Schilling... the cast of stars on this team is too long to list, and the Red Sox should be near shoo-ins for the 2005 playoffs.

2. Chicago Cubs
2004 record: 89-73
Pitching: 5th
Hitting: 4th
Fielding: 3rd
Running: 16th

With a pitching rotation headed by emerging superstar Carlos Zambrano and future hall-of-famer Greg Maddux, it's no surprise that the Cubs made it into the top five in pitching, and with Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, and Sammy Sosa, who combined for 103 home runs last year, this lineup has no shortage of power. The Cubs missed the playoffs by three games last year, but the acquisition of shortstop Nomar Garciaparra may be what it takes to push the Cubs back into the playoffs. In 2004, the Red Sox broke baseball's second longest World Series drought; perhaps it's time to break the first?

3. New York Yankees
2004 record: 101-61
Pitching: 1st
Hitting: 6th
Fielding: 20th
Running: 12th

Everyone's favorite team to hate, the New York Yankees, were the best team in the American League in 2004 and nearly advanced to the World Series before the Red Sox erased a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS. While the Bronx Bombers may be aging (3 of 5 starting pitchers are over 35, youngest starting position player is 29), this is still an incredible team that should figure to see the playoffs in 2005.

4. St. Louis Cardinals
2004 record: 105-57
Pitching: 9th
Hitting: 2nd
Fielding: 5th
Running: 15th

The St. Louis Cardinals were the best team in baseball in 2004 and were favorites across the country to win the World Series, but were ultimately swept by the underdog Boston Red Sox. In 2005, the look of the Cardinals is largely the same: Pujols at first, Rolen at third, Edmonds in center, and Carpenter on the mound, but the addition of starting pitcher Mark Mulder will be key to their 2005 success. If Mulder pitches well, the Cardinals will go far.

5. San Francisco Giants
2004 record: 91-71
Pitching: 7th
Hitting: 3rd
Fielding: 7th
Running: 25th

After failing to make the playoffs in 2004, the San Francisco Giants are hungry for success. Obviously, outfielder Barry Bonds will lead the charge offensively, and starting pitcher Jason Schmidt will head the team's pitching staff. With many of the team's top players approaching their fortieth birthday (Moises Alou is 38, J.T. Snow and Omar Vizquel are 37), the window of opportunity maybe closing, so 2005 will be a year of high expectations.

6. Detroit Tigers
2004 record: 72-90
Pitching: 15th
Hitting: 8th
Fielding: 4th
Running: 7th

The Detroit Tigers are only two years removed from losing the most games in a season in the history of the American League. Last year, they improved by 23 games and finished at a less embarrassing 72-90. This is a team that is trending upward, and with the return from injury of 40-year old starting pitcher Ryan Techer, the veteran leadership of catcher Ivan Rodriguez, and the thunderous power swing of rookie catcher/deisgnated hitter JohnCarlo Stanton, the Tigers may see the playoffs for the first time since 1987.

7. Anaheim Angels
2004 record: 92-70
Pitching: 21st
Hitting: 5th
Fielding: 2nd
Running: 1st

The 2004 AL West champion Anaheim feature some of the best position players in the majors. Vladimir Guerrerro, Garret Anderson, and Steve Finley round out an outfield that is perhaps the best in the world, and the speed of infielders Darin Erstad, Orlando Cabrera, and Chone Figgins help make this team the fastest in the majors. The pitching staff, however, is mediocre; Bartolo Colon, Jarrod Washburn, and John Lackey all slumped to ERA's over 4.50, and ace Kelvim Escobar finished with one at 3.93. In the bullpen, closer Francisco Rodriguez was forced to carry the load, pitching 84 innings over the course of the season. If the pitching staff improves, the Angels figure to see a lot of success in 2005. If not, it will be a bumpy road to the playoffs.

8. Minnesota Twins
2004 record: 92-70
Pitching: 4th
Hitting: 22nd
Fielding: 6th
Running: 3rd

A youthful team, the Minnesota Twins are headlined by starting pitchers Johan Santana and Brad Radke. The tandem posted 2.61 and 3.48 ERAs, respectively, last season, and will likely only improve. On offense, youngsters Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau help out 29-year old outfielder Torii Hunter and should combine to keep Minnesota competitive for years to come.

9. Oakland Athletics
2004 record: 91-71
Pitching: 17th
Hitting: 9th
Fielding: 9th
Running: 10th

Billy Beane has made a splash as the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics, and while the team has yet to see postseason success, he is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. Young starting pitchers Barry Zito and Rich Harden should help push this team to new heights in 2005, while offensive stars Eric Chavez and Erubiel Durazo will provide plenty of runs. Look for the Athletics to challenge the 7th-ranked Angels for the AL West division title, and perhaps even overtake them in the coming season.

10. New York Mets
2004 record: 71-91
Pitching: 8th
Hitting: 18th
Fielding: 21st
Running: 6th

Despite a disappointing 2004, Mets fans have plenty to be excited about. Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, and Victor Zambrano serve to make this pitching staff one of the best in the bigs, and Carlos Beltran is a fantastic five-tool player that should be an MVP candidate for years to come. Playing in a weak NL East, the Mets have an excellent opportunity to make the 2005 season a great

11. Florida Marlins
2004 record: 83-79
Pitching: 13th
Hitting: 17th
Fielding: 10th
Running: 4th

While average in 2004, the Florida Marlins' youth figure to help the team improve in the upcoming years. Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera represent the new era of the Marlins, so long as they aren't traded away for some odd reason.

12. Seattle Mariners
2004 record: 63-99
Pitching: 19th
Hitting: 13th
Fielding: 1st
Running: 5th

The Seattle Mariners were awful in 2004, but the additions of Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson should help the team compete in 2005. As always, right fielder Ichiro Suzuki is one to watch.

13. Chicago White Sox
2004 record: 83-79
Pitching: 12th
Hitting: 16th
Fielding: 15th
Running: 9th

The Chicago White Sox are decent on the mound, at the plate, in the field, and on the bases, but not particularly great at any of the three. While Freddy Garcia and Mark Beuhrle are some of the best in the business, and first baseman Paul Konerko and Frank Thomas are fantastic power hitters, it will take some over performing on the part of the team's weaker players if the team expects to see the playoffs.

14. San Diego Padres
2004 record: 87-75
Pitching: 14th
Hitting: 11th
Fielding: 22nd
Running: 18th

The San Diego Padres were a good team in 2004, and will be a good team in 2005. Starting pitcher Jake Peavy has exploded onto the scene as one of the best young players in the game, and steady offensive production from outfielder Brian Giles, first baseman Phil Nevin, and second baseman Mark Loretta make the team's offense a good one.

15. Baltimore Orioles
2004 record: 78-84
Pitching: 16th
Hitting: 10th
Fielding: 27th
Running: 14th

Thanks to Miguel Tejada, Javy Lopez, and Melvin Mora, the Baltimore Orioles have an opportunity to overcome their pitching struggles and be extremely average in the 2005 season.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers
2004 record: 93-69
Pitching: 2nd
Hitting: 24th
Fielding: 17th
Running: 26th

Between Jeff Weaver, Odalis Perez, Derek Lowe, and Brad Penny, many feel that the Dodgers are a team with four aces. However, the loss of Adrian Beltre, Steve Finley, Paul Lo Duca, César Izturis, and Shawn Green has left the offense a shell of its former self. While the club has high expectations for rookie shortstop Danny McKnight, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking at a mediocre record in 2005, barring some sort of miracle from new players such as Dioner Navarro, Hee Sop Choi, and Jose Valentin.

17. Philadelphia Phillies
2004 record: 86-76
Pitching: 23rd
Hitting: 7th
Fielding: 18th
Running: 13th

The Philadelphia Phillies have an extremely talented offense headlined by Jim Thome, Bobby Abreau, and Jimmy Rollins; however, the starting pitching leaves a lot to be desired, and the Phillies may struggle to post a winning record in 2005.

18. Houston Astros
2004 record: 92-70
Pitching: 6th
Hitting: 21st
Fielding: 25th
Running: 30th

The 2004 NL Wild Card winning Houston Astros are approaching the end of an era. With Roger Clemens at 42, Jeff Bagwell at 36, and Craig Biggio at 39, the Houston Astros are appraoching the end of the line and need to perform this year if they expect to win a World Series in this decade.

19. Cleveland Indians
2004 record: 80-82
Pitching: 11th
Hitting: 19th
Fielding: 28th
Running: 24th

The Cleveland Indians are exceedingly mediocre, perhaps more so than any other team in the league, but possess several bright spots. Travis Hafner is a fantastic hitter, Victory Martinez is a great young switch-hitting catcher, and Jake Westbrook and CC Sabathia represent the future of the team's pitching staff. True, the Indians may not quite be ready to win the division, but given a few years and smart decisions by GM Mark Shapiro, the Indians could become something special.

20. Atlanta Braves
2004 record: 96-66
Pitching: 10th
Hitting: 26th
Fielding: 14th
Running: 19th

Along with the LA Dodgers, the Atlanta Braves are staring a huge drop in win percentage right in the face. Even in the relatively weak NL East, the Braves will likely not see the playoffs in 2005.

21. Cincinnati Reds
2004 record: 76-86
Pitching: 20th
Hitting: 15th
Fielding: 16th
Running: 23rd

Aside from All-Stars Ken Griffey Jr., Sean Casey and Adam Dunn, the Cincinnati Reds roster is relatively weak. 2005 may be better than 2004 for this team, but it may also be much worse.

22. Washington Nationals
2004 record: 67-95 (As Expos)
Pitching: 28th
Hitting: 14th
Fielding: 13th
Running: 8th

23. Texas Rangers
2004 record: 89-73
Pitching: 27th
Hitting: 12th
Fielding: 24th
Running: 20th

Mark Teixera and Michael Young are excellent hitters on a good-hitting team, but this pitching staff is just downright awful.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates
2004 record: 72-89
Pitching: 24th
Hitting: 20th
Fielding: 23rd
Running: 17th

Aside from Jason Bay, not a single name on the Pirates will strike fear into the heart of any pitcher, even if the Pirates are playing the Rangers.

25. Toronto Blue Jays
2004 record: 67-94
Pitching: 18th
Hitting: 30th
Fielding: 19th
Running: 11th

Roy Halladay and Ted Lilly are fantastic, and Vernon Wells is one of the best outfielders in the game, but the praise stops there. The Toronto lineup is absolutely terrible, and will struggle to create any runs support at all for the two perennial Cy Young candidates.

26. Colorado Rockies
2004 record: 68-94
Pitching: 26th
Hitting: 23rd
Fielding: 8th
Running: 28th

The Colorado Rockies, under new owner and general manager Michael Cathaway, figure to see little to no improvement from 2004 to 2005. The team is largely the same, with the exception of a few, and while the roster is fairly young, doesn't figure to see a whole lot of improvement; however, the team's minor league system has several prospects that have the front office excited.

27. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
2004 record: 70-91
Pitching: 30th
Hitting: 25th
Fielding: 12th
Running: 2nd

Terrible.

28. Arizona Diamondbacks
2004 record: 51-111
Pitching: 22nd
Hitting: 29th
Fielding: 26th
Running: 22nd

The Diamondbacks have been on a steady decline ever since their 2001 World Series victory, but really can't go anywhere from 2004 but up. At least, we hope so.

29. Milwaukee Brewers
2004 record: 67-94
Pitching: 25th
Hitting: 27th
Fielding: 30th
Running: 29th

Ben Sheets and Carlos Lee are fantastic ballplayers, but the good things about this team stop right about there.

30. Kansas City Royals
2004 record: 58-104
Pitching: 29th
Hitting: 28th
Fielding: 29th
Running: 21st

The only good thing about this Kansas City Royals roster is starting pitcher Zack Greinke, who at age 21 is already one of the best in the league. Other than him and first baseman Mike Sweeney, the team is horrible in all aspects. On the bright side, the AAA Omaha Royals are one of the best.

A few things
1. This is just nitpicking, but the Red Sox actually had the third longest drought. The second longest belonged to the other Chicago team, who, go figure, broke the drought in 2005.
2. The Nats have no description.
3. Matthew Weaver must certainly know how terrible the D-Backs were. At least they have a top pitching prospect

1. In this case, I suppose assuming has made an ass out of... me and me.
2. Yeah, I was getting lazy and decided to skip them.
3. I considered making a Weaver reference, but decided against it. These two logs may or may not take place in the same timeline. I haven't decided.