AP--The San Francisco Sourdoughs have taken their first series of the season, three games to one, against divisional rivals Tuscon . . . with offense?
The Sourdoughs, built this offseason around a philosophy of pitching and defense to take advantage of the dimensions of SBC Park, scored an impressive 24 runs in their four game season-opening series. Leadoff hitter Bo Scott busted out of his Spring Training long slump to collect 9 hits in 18 at bats, while Achilles Mitchell continued the torrid stretch from last season extending his career high hitting streak to 31 games while collecting 5 RBI.
"It's a nice start," Mitchell said, "but I'm not going to read too much into it. We're not Texas . . . we're San Francisco. We're not going to roll over teams all year long. We're happy we put up 24, but disappointed we gave up 18. It's not where we want to be."
Mitchell also seems to be adjusting well to his new role in right field, a move he wasn't happy about initially. "I want to win."
GM John Derasmo is pleased with the start, and is cautiously optimistic. "I think we can compete, but it's a long season. We open up with 13 division games, and there are no pushovers in the NL West.
Still, fans of the Sourdoughs can't help but feel a little optimistic for the first time since season 2.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Huntington Hot Again
The NL East's Huntington Cousins are once again off to a hot start this season. The perennial cellar-dwellers in their division have taken the first 3 games of their 4 game set against division rival Scranton.
"Oh obviously, it always feels better to be playing winning ball," says star shortstop Mark Abercrombie.
The team, which finished last in the division for the second straight year in season 4, has high expectations for season 5.
"It's no secret we're stockpiled on young talent. We won 80 games last year, and should only be better this season."
Many experts feel if this team were in any other division, it would be a surefire first or second place team. As it is, there are still many who feel it can push for 90 wins.
"Definitely," rival GM Kevin Sharkey said. "Call it divisional pride or foolishness, but I'd take away the NL South's guaranteed playoff spot & just put all four NL East teams in the playoffs if it were up to me."
Maybe the team won't win 90 games yet this season, but it will sometime soon. And if this opening series is any sign of things to come, the NL East is no longer a 3-team race.
"Oh obviously, it always feels better to be playing winning ball," says star shortstop Mark Abercrombie.
The team, which finished last in the division for the second straight year in season 4, has high expectations for season 5.
"It's no secret we're stockpiled on young talent. We won 80 games last year, and should only be better this season."
Many experts feel if this team were in any other division, it would be a surefire first or second place team. As it is, there are still many who feel it can push for 90 wins.
"Definitely," rival GM Kevin Sharkey said. "Call it divisional pride or foolishness, but I'd take away the NL South's guaranteed playoff spot & just put all four NL East teams in the playoffs if it were up to me."
Maybe the team won't win 90 games yet this season, but it will sometime soon. And if this opening series is any sign of things to come, the NL East is no longer a 3-team race.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Ramon Jang Moves to Left Field
Acquired in the off-season, Ramon Jang of the Rochester Raging Rhinos is leaving the position he has played his entire career in order to provide his new team with more line-up flexibility. The move from 1st Base to the outfield allows Rochester to keep 23 year old Josh Sexson in the lineup on an everyday basis. Sexson hit .297 with 29 homers and 100 RBI last season playing full-time at 1st.
In order to complete this transition, Jackson Crosby is moving back to 2nd Base, the position he began his career at. Lenny Pierre, a career .297 batter and full-time starter the past 4 seasons, will move to the bench providing a solid bat available for the late innings.
In order to complete this transition, Jackson Crosby is moving back to 2nd Base, the position he began his career at. Lenny Pierre, a career .297 batter and full-time starter the past 4 seasons, will move to the bench providing a solid bat available for the late innings.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Kansas City Shuffle Season 5 Preview
The Kansas City Shuffle open Season five with high expectations. Coming off of their third World Series appearance in franchise history, the Shuffle look to be an early favorite to return to the top. Anything short of another ring will be considered a disappointment.
Key Additions: Catcher Wascar Aguilar. This two-time gold glove comes over from Fresno and instantly gives the Shuffle some depth at catcher and some much needed pop with his bat. Justin Fyhrie will see time against lefties.
Key Changes: Three-time MVP Nicholas Bryant makes a move from RF to LF to allow room for Bret Kubenka. Taking over at third for Kubenka will be Earl Pritchett. The world's career batting average leader, Tomas Hernandez, moves from 1B to DH to adapt to the new changes involving range. Javy Park takes over at 1B and should excel in the field.
Things to watch: Will this be the season that Bryant gets caught stealing? The 31 year old hasn't been thrown out in his past 265 stolen base attempts. How will two-time Cy Young Award winner Orlando Javier adjust to his move from starter to long relief? This will be Chad Jones' first full season in a KC uniform. Look for the 25 year old right hander to contend for the AL Cy Young.
Prediction: The talent is there. Barring a terrorist attack on the KC locker room, the Shuffle should have no problem cruising in the AL West and probably to a first round bye. From there it's anybody's game, but Kansas City must recognize that the clock is ticking for it's team that is beginning to get a little long in the tooth.
Key Additions: Catcher Wascar Aguilar. This two-time gold glove comes over from Fresno and instantly gives the Shuffle some depth at catcher and some much needed pop with his bat. Justin Fyhrie will see time against lefties.
Key Changes: Three-time MVP Nicholas Bryant makes a move from RF to LF to allow room for Bret Kubenka. Taking over at third for Kubenka will be Earl Pritchett. The world's career batting average leader, Tomas Hernandez, moves from 1B to DH to adapt to the new changes involving range. Javy Park takes over at 1B and should excel in the field.
Things to watch: Will this be the season that Bryant gets caught stealing? The 31 year old hasn't been thrown out in his past 265 stolen base attempts. How will two-time Cy Young Award winner Orlando Javier adjust to his move from starter to long relief? This will be Chad Jones' first full season in a KC uniform. Look for the 25 year old right hander to contend for the AL Cy Young.
Prediction: The talent is there. Barring a terrorist attack on the KC locker room, the Shuffle should have no problem cruising in the AL West and probably to a first round bye. From there it's anybody's game, but Kansas City must recognize that the clock is ticking for it's team that is beginning to get a little long in the tooth.
Sharkey's World Power Rankings
These will come out every Tuesday during the season. Usually I'll have a little blurb next to each team. But since it's pre-season and these are basically done according to last seasons standings (with a little tweaking here & there), I'll just give you the 32 for today.
1. Pawtucket Polythene
2. Kansas City Shuffle
3. Rochester Raging Rhinos
4. Colorado Springs AltiDUDES
5. Norfolk Nomads
6. Louisville Freezer Monkeys
7. Fargo Nines
8. Scranton Dunder-Mifflins
9. Cheyenne ChiliPeppers
10. Texas Tittyballs
11. Iowa City Kaysons
12. Chicago Smooth Horses
13. Charleston Rebels
14. New York Moon Shots
15. San Francisco Sourdoughs
16. Tuscon Turbocors
17. San Antonio Border Jumpers
18. Huntington Cousins
19. Memphis Hound Dawgs
20. Detroit Tigers
21. Charlotte knights
22. Scottsdale T's
23. Little Rock Big Rocks
24. Tampa Bay Tarpons
25. Atlanta City Slickers
26. Salem Dodgers
27. Fresno Fire Dragons
28. Burlington Chills
29. Cleveland Steamers
30. New Orleans Breeze
31. St. Louis Birdinals
32. Houston Aggies
Good luck this season to all!
1. Pawtucket Polythene
2. Kansas City Shuffle
3. Rochester Raging Rhinos
4. Colorado Springs AltiDUDES
5. Norfolk Nomads
6. Louisville Freezer Monkeys
7. Fargo Nines
8. Scranton Dunder-Mifflins
9. Cheyenne ChiliPeppers
10. Texas Tittyballs
11. Iowa City Kaysons
12. Chicago Smooth Horses
13. Charleston Rebels
14. New York Moon Shots
15. San Francisco Sourdoughs
16. Tuscon Turbocors
17. San Antonio Border Jumpers
18. Huntington Cousins
19. Memphis Hound Dawgs
20. Detroit Tigers
21. Charlotte knights
22. Scottsdale T's
23. Little Rock Big Rocks
24. Tampa Bay Tarpons
25. Atlanta City Slickers
26. Salem Dodgers
27. Fresno Fire Dragons
28. Burlington Chills
29. Cleveland Steamers
30. New Orleans Breeze
31. St. Louis Birdinals
32. Houston Aggies
Good luck this season to all!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
32 teams, 32(give or take) free agents
Atlanta City Slickers signed zero free agents.
Burlington Chills resigned RP Doug Hines to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Hines pitched only 7 innings all of last season, and will be counted on to be a bigger contributor this season.
Charleston Rebels signed zero free agents.
Charlotte knights signed RP Gary Prior to a three-year, $10,8 million contract. Prior has a 4.75 career ERA in 216 ML innings, but had a career best 3.16 ERA last season.
Cheyenne Chilipeppers signed CF Darrell Hennessey to a two-year, $2.8 million contract. Hennessey has never played a game in the majors. He has 155 steals in 175 attempts in 497 career minor league games.
Chicago Smooth Horses resigned 3B Willie Skinner to a three-year, $26.5 million contract. Unable to sign Skinner, who is 4th in Sharkey's World history with 813 hits, during the allotted time, Chicago was forced to dish out more money to keep him away from other teams, a move necessary to get Chicago into the playoffs.
Cleveland Steamers signed 37 players to minor league contracts.
Colorado Springs AltiDUDES resigned SS James Dorsey to a one-year, $2.9 million contract. Dorsey has spent his entire career with Colorado Springs, batting .296 in 616 games. He batted over .320 in each of the first two seasons, and under .270 in each of the last two.
Detroit Tigers signed RP Deivi Machado to a three-year, $14.8 million contract with a $5.5 million signing bonus. The 35 year old Machado is 3rd in Sharkey's World history with 145 career saves.
Fargo Nines resigned C Eugene Washington to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The 34 year old C has been Fargo's starter for three full seasons now, and statistically seems to be improving with age. He's excited to give it one more go with the Nines.
Fresno Fire Dragons signed C Dick Medina to a two-year, $3 million contract. The defensive catcher has excelled in his career, throwing out 114 batters while only allowing 11 passed balls in 4000 career innings.
Houston Aggies signed P Hideo Ishii to a three-year, $14.4 million contract. The 34 year old pitcher has slipped in recent years, having only 17 of his 50 career victories in the last 2 seasons. He still has the skills, though, and hopefully a change of league will bring out the best in him.
Huntington Cousins signed zero free agents.
Iowa City Kaysons signed 1B Richie McGowan to a one-year, $6 million contract with a $1 million signing bonus. The 31 year old had a career low 220 at bats last season after losing his starting job, but belted a career high 41 home runs in season 3, his last full season as a starter.
Kansas City Shuffle signed zero free agents.
Little Rock Big Rocks signed a Sharkey's World record 47 free agents.
Louisville Freezer Monkeys resigned SS Benito Jose to a three-year, $21.3 million contract. The 31 year old SS has a .322 average in three seasons as the Freezer Monkey's starting SS, while starting 475 of 486 games.
Memphis Hound Dawgs signed LF Pat Becker to a five-year, $49.3 million contract, with a $4.0 signing bonus, the largest contract handed out this FA period. The 30 year old led Norfolk to within one game of the World Series last season, batting .310 while scoring 14 runs in 15 postseason games.
New Orleans Breeze signed 2B Mark Jones to a five-year, $25 million contract. The 26 year old Jones hasn't been a ML starter in over two seasons, and only has a .253 career batting average. He's hoping a fresh start in the Big Easy will revitalize his career.
New York Moon Shots signed CF Cookie Nieves to a two-year, $5.6 million contract. After losing out on prize Pat Becker in the 11th hour, Moonshots GM was sent scrambling, and all things considered found himself with a nice bargain in the steadfast Nieves.
Norfolk Nomads signed RF Robert Franco to a one-year, $3.9 million contract. Also losing out in the Pat Becker sweepstakes, after failing to resign him before he became a FA, Norfolk found a steal of their own in the form of a 35 year old who has never batted lower than .306 or hit less than 20 home runs.
Pawtucket Polythene signed RP Louis Serrano to a one-year, $1.1 million contract. The 34 year old has a 3.67 career ERA in 199 innings, but only pitched 7 innings for Fargo last season.
Rochester Raging Rhinos signed P Woody O'Leary to a two-year, $5 million contract. O'Leary has a 40-28 record in 109 career starts, and gives Rochester flexibility with their 5th starter/long relief slots.
Salem Dodgers resigned CF Philip Petrov to a one year, $750,000 contract. The former All star had a 56 home run, 150 RBI season 3 years ago, but has steadily declined with age since then.
San Antonio Border Jumpers signed zero free agents.
San Francisco Sourdoughs signed RP Joe Baldwin to a two-year, $9.2 million contract. The pitcher won Fireman of the Year in season 1 while with San Fran, left for the big lights of Chicago in free agency, and now returns to San Fran to setup their latest Fireman of the Year, Brad O'Toole.
Scottsdale T's signed LF Carlos Gomez to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The former Silver Slugger has 159 career round trippers, never having blasted less than 33 in a single season. He joins rookie GM Jlinch's young T's as a stop-gap in LF, in hopes of not letting KC run away with the division again.
Scranton Dunder-Mifflings sign C Jamey Brown to a one-year, $450,000 contract. The 35 year old catcher was out of baseball last season, and joins the team as a late inning defensive specialist.
St. Louis Birdnals sign P Darrel Cooper to a three-year, $15.6 million contract. Cooper is slated to be the Birdnals 5th starter. The 31 year old had an 11-8 record last year with Louisville as a long-relief pitcher, and hasn't been a fulltime starter since season one.
Tampa Bay Tarpons signed zero free agents.
Texas Tittyballs signed RP Wally Collins to a one-year, $2 million contract. The reigning NL South division champions finally focused on pitching this offseason, bringing in the 36 year old setup man, who had a 2.49 era last season, to help him in those late inning slugfests against rivals Tampa Bay & Memphis.
Tuscon Turbocors signed zero free agents.
Burlington Chills resigned RP Doug Hines to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Hines pitched only 7 innings all of last season, and will be counted on to be a bigger contributor this season.
Charleston Rebels signed zero free agents.
Charlotte knights signed RP Gary Prior to a three-year, $10,8 million contract. Prior has a 4.75 career ERA in 216 ML innings, but had a career best 3.16 ERA last season.
Cheyenne Chilipeppers signed CF Darrell Hennessey to a two-year, $2.8 million contract. Hennessey has never played a game in the majors. He has 155 steals in 175 attempts in 497 career minor league games.
Chicago Smooth Horses resigned 3B Willie Skinner to a three-year, $26.5 million contract. Unable to sign Skinner, who is 4th in Sharkey's World history with 813 hits, during the allotted time, Chicago was forced to dish out more money to keep him away from other teams, a move necessary to get Chicago into the playoffs.
Cleveland Steamers signed 37 players to minor league contracts.
Colorado Springs AltiDUDES resigned SS James Dorsey to a one-year, $2.9 million contract. Dorsey has spent his entire career with Colorado Springs, batting .296 in 616 games. He batted over .320 in each of the first two seasons, and under .270 in each of the last two.
Detroit Tigers signed RP Deivi Machado to a three-year, $14.8 million contract with a $5.5 million signing bonus. The 35 year old Machado is 3rd in Sharkey's World history with 145 career saves.
Fargo Nines resigned C Eugene Washington to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The 34 year old C has been Fargo's starter for three full seasons now, and statistically seems to be improving with age. He's excited to give it one more go with the Nines.
Fresno Fire Dragons signed C Dick Medina to a two-year, $3 million contract. The defensive catcher has excelled in his career, throwing out 114 batters while only allowing 11 passed balls in 4000 career innings.
Houston Aggies signed P Hideo Ishii to a three-year, $14.4 million contract. The 34 year old pitcher has slipped in recent years, having only 17 of his 50 career victories in the last 2 seasons. He still has the skills, though, and hopefully a change of league will bring out the best in him.
Huntington Cousins signed zero free agents.
Iowa City Kaysons signed 1B Richie McGowan to a one-year, $6 million contract with a $1 million signing bonus. The 31 year old had a career low 220 at bats last season after losing his starting job, but belted a career high 41 home runs in season 3, his last full season as a starter.
Kansas City Shuffle signed zero free agents.
Little Rock Big Rocks signed a Sharkey's World record 47 free agents.
Louisville Freezer Monkeys resigned SS Benito Jose to a three-year, $21.3 million contract. The 31 year old SS has a .322 average in three seasons as the Freezer Monkey's starting SS, while starting 475 of 486 games.
Memphis Hound Dawgs signed LF Pat Becker to a five-year, $49.3 million contract, with a $4.0 signing bonus, the largest contract handed out this FA period. The 30 year old led Norfolk to within one game of the World Series last season, batting .310 while scoring 14 runs in 15 postseason games.
New Orleans Breeze signed 2B Mark Jones to a five-year, $25 million contract. The 26 year old Jones hasn't been a ML starter in over two seasons, and only has a .253 career batting average. He's hoping a fresh start in the Big Easy will revitalize his career.
New York Moon Shots signed CF Cookie Nieves to a two-year, $5.6 million contract. After losing out on prize Pat Becker in the 11th hour, Moonshots GM was sent scrambling, and all things considered found himself with a nice bargain in the steadfast Nieves.
Norfolk Nomads signed RF Robert Franco to a one-year, $3.9 million contract. Also losing out in the Pat Becker sweepstakes, after failing to resign him before he became a FA, Norfolk found a steal of their own in the form of a 35 year old who has never batted lower than .306 or hit less than 20 home runs.
Pawtucket Polythene signed RP Louis Serrano to a one-year, $1.1 million contract. The 34 year old has a 3.67 career ERA in 199 innings, but only pitched 7 innings for Fargo last season.
Rochester Raging Rhinos signed P Woody O'Leary to a two-year, $5 million contract. O'Leary has a 40-28 record in 109 career starts, and gives Rochester flexibility with their 5th starter/long relief slots.
Salem Dodgers resigned CF Philip Petrov to a one year, $750,000 contract. The former All star had a 56 home run, 150 RBI season 3 years ago, but has steadily declined with age since then.
San Antonio Border Jumpers signed zero free agents.
San Francisco Sourdoughs signed RP Joe Baldwin to a two-year, $9.2 million contract. The pitcher won Fireman of the Year in season 1 while with San Fran, left for the big lights of Chicago in free agency, and now returns to San Fran to setup their latest Fireman of the Year, Brad O'Toole.
Scottsdale T's signed LF Carlos Gomez to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. The former Silver Slugger has 159 career round trippers, never having blasted less than 33 in a single season. He joins rookie GM Jlinch's young T's as a stop-gap in LF, in hopes of not letting KC run away with the division again.
Scranton Dunder-Mifflings sign C Jamey Brown to a one-year, $450,000 contract. The 35 year old catcher was out of baseball last season, and joins the team as a late inning defensive specialist.
St. Louis Birdnals sign P Darrel Cooper to a three-year, $15.6 million contract. Cooper is slated to be the Birdnals 5th starter. The 31 year old had an 11-8 record last year with Louisville as a long-relief pitcher, and hasn't been a fulltime starter since season one.
Tampa Bay Tarpons signed zero free agents.
Texas Tittyballs signed RP Wally Collins to a one-year, $2 million contract. The reigning NL South division champions finally focused on pitching this offseason, bringing in the 36 year old setup man, who had a 2.49 era last season, to help him in those late inning slugfests against rivals Tampa Bay & Memphis.
Tuscon Turbocors signed zero free agents.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
A Look at the Record Book through 4 Seasons
Let's take a look at Sharkey's World career leaders through 4 seasons:
Batting Average: .350 Tomas Hernandez (hit .377 for KC last year when he made just his first all star appearance surprisingly)
Hits: 864 Nicholas Bryant (career high 240 hits last year!)
Home Runs: 209 Steve Randolph (hit a career high 62 dingers last year for Scranton to overtake Troy Harper for the career lead. Harper has 207 for his career)
RBIs: 590 Steve Randolph (163 RBIs last year led Randolph to his 4th all star appearance and his 4th silver slugger 2B award. Will this be the year he wins the elusive MVP award?)
SBs: 367 Nicholas Bryant (with 170 more steals than the next highest, Bryant will probably hold this record for a LONG time)
Wins: 84 Dennys Shin (a 26-3 record en route to his first Cy Young award last year allowed Shin to overtake his KC teammate Orlando Javier's 83 career wins for the career lead)
Saves: 156 Martin Baek (Baek has made the all-star team for Scranton all 4 years of the league's existence and was rewarded with a new 5 year contract this off-season)
Batting Average Allowed: .230 Henry Mackowiak ("The Mack" came over to the NL in season 3 and picked up where he left off in the AL. Mackowiak is a 3 time all-star and won his first Cy Young award last year while helping Pawtucket to the WS title)
ERA: 2.57 Henry Mackowiak (Mackowiak posted a 1.96 ERA last year and is about a half run ahead of Charleston's Braden Maxwell and his 2.99 career ERA)
Strikeouts: 737 Joshua Beamon (Despite missing a number of starts last year due to elbow surgery, Beamon held on to his career strikeout lead with 154 K's last year)
Most MVP awards: 3 (Seasons 2, 3, and 4)
How will the record book look at the conclusion of season 5? The season kicks off in a little over a week...stay tuned!
Batting Average: .350 Tomas Hernandez (hit .377 for KC last year when he made just his first all star appearance surprisingly)
Hits: 864 Nicholas Bryant (career high 240 hits last year!)
Home Runs: 209 Steve Randolph (hit a career high 62 dingers last year for Scranton to overtake Troy Harper for the career lead. Harper has 207 for his career)
RBIs: 590 Steve Randolph (163 RBIs last year led Randolph to his 4th all star appearance and his 4th silver slugger 2B award. Will this be the year he wins the elusive MVP award?)
SBs: 367 Nicholas Bryant (with 170 more steals than the next highest, Bryant will probably hold this record for a LONG time)
Wins: 84 Dennys Shin (a 26-3 record en route to his first Cy Young award last year allowed Shin to overtake his KC teammate Orlando Javier's 83 career wins for the career lead)
Saves: 156 Martin Baek (Baek has made the all-star team for Scranton all 4 years of the league's existence and was rewarded with a new 5 year contract this off-season)
Batting Average Allowed: .230 Henry Mackowiak ("The Mack" came over to the NL in season 3 and picked up where he left off in the AL. Mackowiak is a 3 time all-star and won his first Cy Young award last year while helping Pawtucket to the WS title)
ERA: 2.57 Henry Mackowiak (Mackowiak posted a 1.96 ERA last year and is about a half run ahead of Charleston's Braden Maxwell and his 2.99 career ERA)
Strikeouts: 737 Joshua Beamon (Despite missing a number of starts last year due to elbow surgery, Beamon held on to his career strikeout lead with 154 K's last year)
Most MVP awards: 3 (Seasons 2, 3, and 4)
 |
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How will the record book look at the conclusion of season 5? The season kicks off in a little over a week...stay tuned!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The Lull In The Life
While the offseason may be extremely important, there is no denying that the time from your team getting eliminated (or winning the World Series, if you're me!) until opening day is extremely boring, and if you're like me, it makes life just a little less exciting.
No box score in the morning to check. No stats to obsess over.
Just waiting for coaches to tell you that they decided to sign with another franchise, even though they've been with you for four years, you offered them a ridiculous amount of money, and chances are your better than the other team. But it doesn't matter, and now you're stuck getting some crappy coach to run your team, which makes you just a little worse off.
Yup, I hate the offseason.
This blog also hates the offseason, as there's really nothing to write about.
New guy jlinch has requested to be added as an author on here. Don't forget, if you want to be (I wouldn't have a problem if all 32 of us were) just give me your e-mail addy, and I'll add you.
Can't wait for February 27!
No box score in the morning to check. No stats to obsess over.
Just waiting for coaches to tell you that they decided to sign with another franchise, even though they've been with you for four years, you offered them a ridiculous amount of money, and chances are your better than the other team. But it doesn't matter, and now you're stuck getting some crappy coach to run your team, which makes you just a little worse off.
Yup, I hate the offseason.
This blog also hates the offseason, as there's really nothing to write about.
******
New guy jlinch has requested to be added as an author on here. Don't forget, if you want to be (I wouldn't have a problem if all 32 of us were) just give me your e-mail addy, and I'll add you.
Can't wait for February 27!
Coaching Feeding Frenzy
Coaching is in demand every season, but is this the season teams fight it out more for the men outside the bases than the ones inside the bases? All indications point to another hot coaching war going on behind the scenes, with contracts flying in at an alarming rate. As for the players? They seem to be in a holding pattern, as if they're waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Indeed, teams seem to be much more interested in running toward the trade block to plug that potential hole more than the Free Agents Market, with a flurry of trade activity taking center stage over what had already been called a weak Free Agent class.
When asked about his relative quiet on all fronts Sourdoughs GM John Derasmo offered a terse no comment as he headed into yet another closed door negotiation.
In other Sourdoughs news, NL Fireman of the Year Brad O'Toole skipped arbitration and signed a whopping 5-year contract for $7.75 million per season, after tying the team record with 46 saves and a .920 save percentage last season.
When questioned about the new contract, O'Toole said, "the team said they'd take care of me if I performed, and they showed to be men of their word. I look forward to being here for the next five seasons, and most importantly, to bringing a championship to San Francisco.
Indeed, teams seem to be much more interested in running toward the trade block to plug that potential hole more than the Free Agents Market, with a flurry of trade activity taking center stage over what had already been called a weak Free Agent class.
When asked about his relative quiet on all fronts Sourdoughs GM John Derasmo offered a terse no comment as he headed into yet another closed door negotiation.
In other Sourdoughs news, NL Fireman of the Year Brad O'Toole skipped arbitration and signed a whopping 5-year contract for $7.75 million per season, after tying the team record with 46 saves and a .920 save percentage last season.
When questioned about the new contract, O'Toole said, "the team said they'd take care of me if I performed, and they showed to be men of their word. I look forward to being here for the next five seasons, and most importantly, to bringing a championship to San Francisco.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Busy First Cycle
A mere 8 hours are in the books for season 5 of Sharkey's World, and already activity is through the roof.
14 players have already been signed to longterm contract extensions.
"This shows a commitment to winning by our owner, and proves to me and all my teammates that this is the only spot we want to be for the remainder of our careers," pitcher Matt Henry of the Charlestown Rebels said. Charleston also resigned Braden Maxwell & Jumbo Montegomery, as well as second baseman Darrell Cardona and catcher Dustin Walker. "Keeping the core of us here ensures we'll be players in the AL for years to come."
Defending champion Pawtucket resigned three key contributors from last years team to 5 year deals, avoiding arbitration with starter Charles Randall, closer Frank Harris & second baseman Victor Martin. They were also involved in the first trade of the season by adding former allstar outfielder Frank Douglass and a prospect in exchange for a prospect.
Cleveland resigned two good young bats in Bryce Davis & Fred Lorraine.
Other's resigned include Norfolk's Ariel Estrada, Huntington's Orlando Rosa, Memphis' Jerome Stein, and Atlanta's Quinn Johnstone.
14 players have already been signed to longterm contract extensions.
"This shows a commitment to winning by our owner, and proves to me and all my teammates that this is the only spot we want to be for the remainder of our careers," pitcher Matt Henry of the Charlestown Rebels said. Charleston also resigned Braden Maxwell & Jumbo Montegomery, as well as second baseman Darrell Cardona and catcher Dustin Walker. "Keeping the core of us here ensures we'll be players in the AL for years to come."
Defending champion Pawtucket resigned three key contributors from last years team to 5 year deals, avoiding arbitration with starter Charles Randall, closer Frank Harris & second baseman Victor Martin. They were also involved in the first trade of the season by adding former allstar outfielder Frank Douglass and a prospect in exchange for a prospect.
Cleveland resigned two good young bats in Bryce Davis & Fred Lorraine.
Other's resigned include Norfolk's Ariel Estrada, Huntington's Orlando Rosa, Memphis' Jerome Stein, and Atlanta's Quinn Johnstone.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Geoff Hunter Anxious
Geoff Hunter of the defending champion Polythene is ready to get the new season started.
"Yeah, February 27 can't come soon enough," he told reporters. "Four games to open the season against Norfolk, yeah, that's going to be sweet."
Last year after game one of the NLCS, a still unnamed member of the Nomads was quoted as saying they'd headhunt for Hunter if the oppurtunity presented itself.
"But they were too scared. And, as you all know, we proved the better team when we won the series. The only disappointment in this whole thing is they won't be on hand to see us raise our championship banner during our home opener [as the series vs Norfolk is in Virginia]."
Other noteworthy dates on the early season schedule:
February 29; Iowa City vs Fargo (2 division championships each... who gets 3 first?)
March 5-6; Louisville vs Kansas City (ALCS rematch)
March 7; Kansas City vs San Antonio (team of today vs team of tomorrow)
March 10-11; Norfolk vs Rochester (can Rochester win more than one?)
"Yeah, February 27 can't come soon enough," he told reporters. "Four games to open the season against Norfolk, yeah, that's going to be sweet."
Last year after game one of the NLCS, a still unnamed member of the Nomads was quoted as saying they'd headhunt for Hunter if the oppurtunity presented itself.
"But they were too scared. And, as you all know, we proved the better team when we won the series. The only disappointment in this whole thing is they won't be on hand to see us raise our championship banner during our home opener [as the series vs Norfolk is in Virginia]."
Other noteworthy dates on the early season schedule:
February 29; Iowa City vs Fargo (2 division championships each... who gets 3 first?)
March 5-6; Louisville vs Kansas City (ALCS rematch)
March 7; Kansas City vs San Antonio (team of today vs team of tomorrow)
March 10-11; Norfolk vs Rochester (can Rochester win more than one?)
Successful World Rollover!
Season 5 is upon us. Welcome to our one new owner, jlinchec. After 4+ seasons in the Lasorda World, he has decided to join our world and hopefully be our last new owner to join as we have been successful in keeping owners. Good luck on the new season everyone!
On another note, I have decided to hold off on the season previews for teams until after free agency to make for more accurate previews.
On another note, I have decided to hold off on the season previews for teams until after free agency to make for more accurate previews.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
31 return
As we approach rollover, 31 of our 32 owners are returning for season 5, a new high for this world (beating last seasons high of 28).
The Dirty Dog is the only owner who will not be returning, citing a clear unwillingness to try & beat KC in his division. Some people would rather things just be handed to them on a silver platter.
jlinchec will be taking his place. Welcome. jlinchec has put in 4 seasons as the Chicago Cubs in World Lasorda, winning 2 division titles, 1 wildcard, and 2 trips to the NLCS while compiling a 380-268 career record.
Hopefully (s)he will be the missing piece that this world needs to complete a perfect rollover.
Can't wait for season 5!
The Dirty Dog is the only owner who will not be returning, citing a clear unwillingness to try & beat KC in his division. Some people would rather things just be handed to them on a silver platter.
jlinchec will be taking his place. Welcome. jlinchec has put in 4 seasons as the Chicago Cubs in World Lasorda, winning 2 division titles, 1 wildcard, and 2 trips to the NLCS while compiling a 380-268 career record.
Hopefully (s)he will be the missing piece that this world needs to complete a perfect rollover.
Can't wait for season 5!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Pawtucket Crowned Champions
The sleepy Colonial town of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has something to celebrate. It's beloved Polythene are the world champions.
The Polythene defeated the heavily favored Kansas City Shuffle 7-2 last night to win the best of 7 series 4-2 and capture their first World Championship.
"What a feeling," said third baseman Louis Sanders. "To be stuck in the minors for three years, get traded in the offseason and finally get a chance to play is a lifelong dream. But to win a World Championship, this is something I'll never forget."
The 24 year old was one of four players involved in a KC-Pawtucket trade in the offseason. He had spoken out against Kansas City several times, and how they wouldn't promote him when he believed he was ready. Now the 5th place finisher on the NL Rookie of the Year ballot has a World Series ring, and the series winning home run to boot.
"There's no love lost between these two teams. Sure, their general managers may have a respectable working relationship with no hard feelings towards each other, but to the players this is personal. The players realize this series was about staking a claim as the greatest team in the world. Unfortunately, we lost, but we'll be back next year, and I'm not so sure Pawtucket can say the same thing [in the highly competitive National League]," Kansas City pitcher Rob Aldridge, formerly of Pawtucket, said.
Two time Cy Young winner Christopher Ramirez was named Series MVP, as he threw 2 complete game victories against the most potent offense in the league. As a whole, the Polythene pitching staff won the battle of best pitchers vs best bats, holding the vaunted KC offense to a mere 16 runs in 6 games.
"For now, we celebrate. But in a few days, it'll be all business again. Kansas City still has one more championship than us, a distinction we plan on putting an end to next season," Ramirez said.
The Polythene defeated the heavily favored Kansas City Shuffle 7-2 last night to win the best of 7 series 4-2 and capture their first World Championship.
"What a feeling," said third baseman Louis Sanders. "To be stuck in the minors for three years, get traded in the offseason and finally get a chance to play is a lifelong dream. But to win a World Championship, this is something I'll never forget."
The 24 year old was one of four players involved in a KC-Pawtucket trade in the offseason. He had spoken out against Kansas City several times, and how they wouldn't promote him when he believed he was ready. Now the 5th place finisher on the NL Rookie of the Year ballot has a World Series ring, and the series winning home run to boot.
"There's no love lost between these two teams. Sure, their general managers may have a respectable working relationship with no hard feelings towards each other, but to the players this is personal. The players realize this series was about staking a claim as the greatest team in the world. Unfortunately, we lost, but we'll be back next year, and I'm not so sure Pawtucket can say the same thing [in the highly competitive National League]," Kansas City pitcher Rob Aldridge, formerly of Pawtucket, said.
Two time Cy Young winner Christopher Ramirez was named Series MVP, as he threw 2 complete game victories against the most potent offense in the league. As a whole, the Polythene pitching staff won the battle of best pitchers vs best bats, holding the vaunted KC offense to a mere 16 runs in 6 games.
"For now, we celebrate. But in a few days, it'll be all business again. Kansas City still has one more championship than us, a distinction we plan on putting an end to next season," Ramirez said.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
World Series Tied 1-1, Headed to Pawtucket
The two best teams in the majors have played a pair of games in Kansas City and each team is walking away with one victory. Now the series shifts to Pawtucket, where the Polythene are only 4-3 in these playoffs. On the flip side, Kansas City has seen minimal competion on the road during the playoffs.
In Game 1, Pawtucket was able to come away victorious thanks to a terrific game on the mound by Chris Ramirez (CG, 3H, 3R, 5K) and a ninth inning homer by Victor Martin. Game 2 was dominated by a former Pawtucket farmhand as well. However, Rob Aldridge (CG, 5H, 0R, 4K) was on the other side of the competition, throwing for Kansas City in dominating fashion.
With 3 games in Pawtucket, there is little chance this series will not be moving back to Kansas City for the final games.
In Game 1, Pawtucket was able to come away victorious thanks to a terrific game on the mound by Chris Ramirez (CG, 3H, 3R, 5K) and a ninth inning homer by Victor Martin. Game 2 was dominated by a former Pawtucket farmhand as well. However, Rob Aldridge (CG, 5H, 0R, 4K) was on the other side of the competition, throwing for Kansas City in dominating fashion.
With 3 games in Pawtucket, there is little chance this series will not be moving back to Kansas City for the final games.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The World Series & Super Bowl
The Patriots set an NFL Record for wins this year.
The Shuffle set a Sharkey's World record for wins this year.
The Giants made the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, and choked the previous two.
The Polythene made the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, and choked the previous two.
The Patriots, a defensive team, retooled their offense in the offseason.
The Shuffle, an offensive team, retooled their pitching in the offseason.
The Patriots weren't challenged in the playoffs.
The Shuffled haven't been challenged in the playoffs.
The Giants barely escaped with wins in the 2nd & 3rd rounds, including one against their biggest rival.
The Polythene barely escaped with wins in the 2nd & 3rd rounds, including one against their biggest rival.
The entire world expected the Patriots to win the Championship, because they're a dynasty, and the Giants are just happy to be there.
The entire world expects the Shuffle to win the Championship, as they're the dynasty, and the Polythene are just happy to be here.
And the biggest similarity, Michael Strahan of the Giants has a huge gap in his smile. Bingo Brownson of the Polythene has a huge gap in his smile.
The Shuffle set a Sharkey's World record for wins this year.
The Giants made the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, and choked the previous two.
The Polythene made the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, and choked the previous two.
The Patriots, a defensive team, retooled their offense in the offseason.
The Shuffle, an offensive team, retooled their pitching in the offseason.
The Patriots weren't challenged in the playoffs.
The Shuffled haven't been challenged in the playoffs.
The Giants barely escaped with wins in the 2nd & 3rd rounds, including one against their biggest rival.
The Polythene barely escaped with wins in the 2nd & 3rd rounds, including one against their biggest rival.
The entire world expected the Patriots to win the Championship, because they're a dynasty, and the Giants are just happy to be there.
The entire world expects the Shuffle to win the Championship, as they're the dynasty, and the Polythene are just happy to be here.
And the biggest similarity, Michael Strahan of the Giants has a huge gap in his smile. Bingo Brownson of the Polythene has a huge gap in his smile.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Congrats NYGand Game 7
Congrats Sharkey and the New York Giants on the Super Bowl victory.
Pawtucket and Norfolk go into a deciding Game 7 in the AM Sim. Good luck to both teams.
Pawtucket and Norfolk go into a deciding Game 7 in the AM Sim. Good luck to both teams.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Answers in the AM?
Both LCS #1 Seeds can end their respective series' before everyone wakes up Super Bowl morning. With both Pawtucket and Kansas City holding a 3-1 edge, the stage is all but set for the World Series that every anticipated. Even with a loss, these teams would be traveling home for two more chances to end their series.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Louisville Keys for Game 2
What must Louisville do to even the series at one going back to the bluegrass state? Quite simply, continue what they started in game one.
If it weren't for two poorly timed errors by third baseman Dicky Tucker & shortstop Benito Jose, back to back no less, which instead of producing a 1-2-3 fourth inning, helped produce a Nicholas Bryant grand slam, Louisville would have taken game one from the Shuffle.
"These aren't the New England Patriots," second baseman Bobby Parris said. "They can be beat, and we can beat them. We don't have to play perfect to do that, but we can't have stupid mistakes. I'm not throwing Dicky & Ben under the bus, they know what they did. But they're major leaguers, and before this series is over, they'll both make up for their game one errors."
Game two begins in just under a half hour from now.
If it weren't for two poorly timed errors by third baseman Dicky Tucker & shortstop Benito Jose, back to back no less, which instead of producing a 1-2-3 fourth inning, helped produce a Nicholas Bryant grand slam, Louisville would have taken game one from the Shuffle.
"These aren't the New England Patriots," second baseman Bobby Parris said. "They can be beat, and we can beat them. We don't have to play perfect to do that, but we can't have stupid mistakes. I'm not throwing Dicky & Ben under the bus, they know what they did. But they're major leaguers, and before this series is over, they'll both make up for their game one errors."
Game two begins in just under a half hour from now.
Norfolk Notes
Prior to Game 2 of the NLCS, an unnamed source described the mood in the Nomad clubhouse:
"Let's just say that the idiotic comment by Pawtucket GM Kevin Sharkey about our 'shaky bullpen' is taped up in every reliever's locker. I get the sense you might see a shaky fastball aimed at Geoff Hunter's head. These guys are out for blood."
"Let's just say that the idiotic comment by Pawtucket GM Kevin Sharkey about our 'shaky bullpen' is taped up in every reliever's locker. I get the sense you might see a shaky fastball aimed at Geoff Hunter's head. These guys are out for blood."
A Game One For The Ages
In what will surely go down as one of the best postseason games in Sharkey's World history, the upstart Norfolk Nomads got every bit of magic they needed against divisional rival Pawtucket.
Midseason acquisition Bernard Jamison pitched a better than good game, going 7 innings and striking out 7 while allowing only 5 hits & 3 runs.
Lockerroom leader Corey Franco hit a 2-run, inside-the-park home run in the top of the 4th to give his team a 2-1 lead over Cy Young candidate Chris Ramirez.
Trailing by 1 in the bottom of the 8th, young star Wes Robertson belted a solo home run off Joe Smith, the highest paid setupman in the league.
And in between the 8th & 13th innings, Norfolk's shaky bullpen allowed 3 hits, 2 walks & no runs in 6 innings, while striking out 7.
All in all, the Nomads did everything they needed to do to beat Pawtucket. And they had the Polythene on the ropes, in danger of falling behind 0-1 with playoff disaster Stan Jenner set to take the mound in game 2.
The only thing Norfolk couldn't account for was Pawtucket's depth. In a game that saw the Polythene collect only 10 hits over 14 innings, 5 were by bench players, including the game winning double in the bottom of the 14th, on a pinch hit by Parker MacPherson. The previous batter, defensive replacement Otis Cash, collected his second hit of the game with a double of his own.
And the epic was complete.
In a game that had it all, and could have easily gone either way, the Norfolk Nomads set the tone for an entire series, by controlling almost 14 innings of baseball, and failing to win.
Midseason acquisition Bernard Jamison pitched a better than good game, going 7 innings and striking out 7 while allowing only 5 hits & 3 runs.
Lockerroom leader Corey Franco hit a 2-run, inside-the-park home run in the top of the 4th to give his team a 2-1 lead over Cy Young candidate Chris Ramirez.
Trailing by 1 in the bottom of the 8th, young star Wes Robertson belted a solo home run off Joe Smith, the highest paid setupman in the league.
And in between the 8th & 13th innings, Norfolk's shaky bullpen allowed 3 hits, 2 walks & no runs in 6 innings, while striking out 7.
All in all, the Nomads did everything they needed to do to beat Pawtucket. And they had the Polythene on the ropes, in danger of falling behind 0-1 with playoff disaster Stan Jenner set to take the mound in game 2.
The only thing Norfolk couldn't account for was Pawtucket's depth. In a game that saw the Polythene collect only 10 hits over 14 innings, 5 were by bench players, including the game winning double in the bottom of the 14th, on a pinch hit by Parker MacPherson. The previous batter, defensive replacement Otis Cash, collected his second hit of the game with a double of his own.
And the epic was complete.
In a game that had it all, and could have easily gone either way, the Norfolk Nomads set the tone for an entire series, by controlling almost 14 innings of baseball, and failing to win.
TournamentStadium.com
Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know that Kalikgod and myself have just opened registration for our fantasy website: www.tournamentstadium.com. Teams are $50 for one, $80 for two and $100 for three. We should have at least a $5,000 pot this year. It's never too early to start thinking about fantasy baseball!
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