Season 10 - AL Preview

With the litany of talent that changed hands in the offseason, year 10 looks to be one of change in Sharkey's World. The grading scale is harsh but I tried to say something positive about every team and hope nobody is offended. There is definitely some Kansas City bias so beware. Also Kalikgod was a major help in getting this thing put together so without further adieu, I give you the season 10 AL preview:

AL NORTH

1. New York Moon Shots

• Rotation: Willie Robinson, Mule Einertson, Charles West and Daniel Kozlowski makeup a solid group of starters that will eat innings and keep their team competitive. Einertson, the most talented of the bunch, has gone 28-17 over the past two seasons and posted a 3.63 ERA. Grade: C+
• Bullpen: Closer Juan Lugo converted 38 of 44 save opportunities last season, posted a 2.72 ERA and earned his third career All-Star appearance. Getting to Lugo may be a problem as the rest of the pen is pretty shaky. Grade: C-
• Lineup: William Martin is one of the ALs most promising young backstops. The 25 year old Martin hit .289 last year and drove in 75 runs. New York hit .271 as a team and was below the league average with just 210 home runs. Phenom Ray Dunn could be a late season call up and would instantly make an impact. Dunn raked at the AA level last year, hitting .352, 46 HR, 166 RBI and stealing 37 bags. Grade: C-
• Outlook: The defending AL North champs have a tough task ahead of them. Trenton and Fargo have closed the gap in a wide open division and the Moon Shots didn't really add anything of note. That being said, I still think New York can weather the storm and finish on top, largely due to the fact that they were the best fielding team in the ML last year with a .987 fielding percentage.

2. Fargo Nines

• Rotation: Pinky Whiteside and Larry Brumfield represent two top-of-the-rotation type starters. Both Whiteside and Brumfield posted sub 3.85 ERAs last season, however, the two only combined to pitch 307 innings. The severe lack of depth is a concern. Grade: C-
• Bullpen: Jack Koch is one of the ALs premier closers and should rebound from an un-Koch like ERA of 3.19. Fernando Veras, BC Nunez and Rule 5 draft pick Hideo Chen should make this unit strong despite the loss of elite relief pitcher Turk Huson. Grade: B+
• Lineup: Fargo ranked 7th in OB% last year led by 12 year veteran Dennis Flanagan's .390. Gone are the days of 71 HRs for former MVP Darin Kingland but his 37 long balls and 106 RBI were enough to lead the team in both categories. Mateo Vidal looks to be ready for the bigs and will help this offense a great deal. Grade: C+
• Outlook: The offense has enough depth to compete and doesn't rely on any one player too heavily. The extreme lack of innings in the starting rotation will be a problem come All-Star break and will prevent this team from making the playoffs unless another arm is acquired.
  

• 3. Trenton Terror
  Rotation: Clearly the weakness of the team is the starting rotation. Even if newly acquired Dennys Shin is deemed an SP, the staff lacks depth and innings. Trenton's team ERA ranked 27th in season nine with a 5.76. Jimmie Diaz's masquerade as an ML pitcher should end shortly. Grade: D
  Bullpen: The pen has some big talent with Ramiro Jimenez, Joe Hancock and Mr. Do Everything, Ricardo Gongora. Look for this trio of relievers to keep a lot of ballgames close. Look for Josias DeRojas to be called up sometime this season. Grade: B+
  Lineup: Trenton's offense led the majors with 305 home runs last season, 25 more than the next team. Happy Adkins, whose 47 HR led the team, will have to hit better than .252 if the offense expects to overcome the loss of Henry Cashman. Rookies Sergei Kerr and Wes Bryant should provide the Terror with some solid depth. Grade: B
  Outlook: Kingdean's offseason acquisitions of future HOFs Dennys Shin and Ricardo Gongora show that he is serious about making a run for the division title this year. However, because of the gaping holes in the starting rotation, the Terror are still a ways off.

4. Detroit Tigers

• Rotation: Dave Locke is this unit's leader and he went 6-15 last season with a 6.26 ERA. Nuff said. Grade: D-
• Bullpen: Speechless. Grade: F
• Lineup: Omar Castilla is a beast at first base. The 26 year old launched 38 bombs last year and hit .280 with absolutely no protection. Castilla could be an MVP candidate on other teams. "Shortstop" Fonzie Conway is just 24 years old and should begin to cash in on some of his potential. Rumors out of Detroit have management changing Conway's position to 3B due to his 45 errors at short last year. Grade: D
• Outlook: The #2 pick in the draft and a projected total of about $35 million in International money promises to fetch the Tigers at least two cornerstones for the future.

AL EAST

1. Charlotte Knights

• Rotation: The biggest move in all of Sharkey this offseason was the Knights acquisition of seven time Cy Young award winner Chris Ramirez. Ramirez gives Charlotte the true ace that they have lacked in years past. Joining C-Ram is Billy Ray Poppell, Edgardo Trevino, Blade Ott and Spud Reed, a group that combined to win 58 games in season 9. Grade: B+
• Bullpen: CJ Counsell was a monster last year, posting a 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA. Willie Coronado notched 44 saves and won the AL Fireman of the Year award. This pen looks to be one of the ALs best. Grade: A
• Lineup: This lineup can mash. Ranking 5th in runs scored last year, Charlotte's lineup is stocked with young bats that you don't want to face. Horacio James barely missed a 30/30 season last year, cranking 28 homers and stealing 34 bases. James' .321 average was enough to earn him the Silver Slugger award at third. Johnnie West will be missed but in this lineup it shouldn't matter. Grade: A-
• Outlook: Dawgfan has done an impressive job with this franchise and is ready to start reaping the benefits. Bringing in Chris Ramirez to anchor the staff has other AL owners worried. The sky is the limit.

2. Atlanta City Slickers

• Rotation: Steve Giles' arrival in Atlanta gives the City Slickers staff veteran leadership and a rock solid #1 starter that should help the team ERA improve vastly from last year's 5.10 mark. Meanwhile, the much hyped youngster, Jamie Blackwell, although greatly improved, has yet to show he can pitch at the ML level. Grade: C
• Bullpen: Alejandro Rodriguez, Martin Martin and most likely aging superstar Willie Tapies will be good pitchers in relief situations but even with Tapies used as a RP the pen's depth is questionable. Grade: D+
• Lineup: Ronald Watson's 43 HR and 134 RBI led the team last year but don't be surprised if 23 year old DH Juan Beltre leads the team in power numbers in season 10. Anthony Lamb's .326 ob% isn't good enough for the type of five tool player that he is. Grade: B-
• Outlook: Atlanta heads into season 10 with a talented young offensive core and an aging pitching staff that should be enough to compete for a playoff spot.

3. Hartford Defenders

• Rotation: The callup of 21 year old Clay Sedlacek has created some excitement around Hartford. Sedlacek, a former fifth overall draft selection, features a nasty cut fastball and sinker ball combo that should keep hitters guessing. Last year in AAA, Sedlacek went 14-6 with a 3.96 ERA and made the All-Star team. The scary part is that he is still shooting up. Paired up with Sedlacek is 24 year old righthander Josh McConnell. Season nine was a forgetable one for McConnell but he will likely rebound. The irony in Hartford is that the "Defenders" committed 176 errors last year, the second most in all of baseball. Grade: C-
• Bullpen: The most surprising stat from last year is that Sam Mattingly converted 22/28 save opportunities while maintaining a 5.14 ERA. I don't see how any of these relievers can get the outs needed to compete. Grade: F+
• Lineup: John Mays hit 54 HR and drove in 120 runs in season nine. Mays' numbers are purely a product of the hitter's paradise that is Welch Park (2, 3, 1, 4, 4). This lineup has little to hang it's hat on. Grade: D-
• Outlook: The Defenders have done a fine job drafting talented pitching the past few years and that should pay dividends in the long run. Look for Hartford to pull down a much needed cornerstone offensively with this year's #5 overall pick.

4. Indianapolis Racers

• Rotation: This staff is expensive and old with mediocre talent. That being said, I have to believe that the rotation is better than the 6.15 team ERA (31st) it had last year. Torey Burks is probably the most talented pitcher on the team and he lost 15 games last year. Grade: D-
• Bullpen: My mother used to say, "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all." Grade: F
• Lineup: The loss of Darrell Cardona will be a big one for the Racers as he was their only true threat on the base paths. First baseman Josh Sexson came over mid-season in a trade with Rochester and will likely be a leader on offense. Grade: D-
• Outlook: This franchise is in disarray right now but I believe Cjwagner can right the ship. Indy has the fourth and seventeenth overall picks in this years draft with which to acquire talent. That coupled with a big international signing or two and the Racers will be on track.

AL SOUTH

1. Jacksonville Juggernauts

• Rotation: Reigning Cy Young Award winner Alex Olmeda has become the ace he was projected to be when he was selected number one overall by Jacksonville out of Auburn University. Olmeda has gone 42-11 the past two seasons and is still very much in his prime. Jacksonville lost Steve Giles to free agency but just yesterday acquired Max Hernandez via trade to lock up that number two spot in the rotation. Dude Johnson and Felipe Concepcion round out a deep pitching staff. Grade: B+
• Bullpen: Kevin Nakano and Orber Stokes are two of the finest setup men in the game. Combined, the two won 15 games last season and logged over 223 innings. Closing the door on the opposition is Jimmie Gentry. Gentry had a career year in season nine, saving 35/39 games and doing so with a 2.44 ERA. This pen may be the best in Sharkey. Grade A+
• Lineup: The Juggernauts scored 1040 runs last season which was good enough for the 7th most all time. Driving in 142 of those runs was third baseman Julio De La Vega. De La Vega is joined by four time AL MVP Nicholas Bryant, gold glove second baseman Ricardo Diaz and gold glove center fielder Sam Gonzales. Rookie Sidney Terrell is a sure fire ROY candidate and could very well make this offense even better than it was a year ago. Grade A
• Outlook: Jacksonville was one game away from winning the past three World Series titles but instead had to settle for a measley two. Unless the team plane disappears like an Air France jet, the Juggernauts have an excellent shot at another World Series trophy.

2. Houston Aggies

• Rotation: 33 year old righthander Kevin Seung led the team in wins (13) and strikeouts (178) last year. Michael Walters is probably the Aggies most talented pitcher but only logged 20 starts in season nine. Andrea Rivera is a decent addition from Huntington but he should get pounded by lefties. Grade: C
• Bullpen: Houston spent $37 million on Kansas City's former closer Benito Rosario. Rosario has 119 career saves, a 3.46 career ML ERA and should add some much needed depth to a previously thin bullpen. Grade: C-
• Lineup: Former #1 overall pick Esteban Rincon has matured into one of the best five tool players in the game. As a rookie last year Rincon hit 32 HR, drove in 121 runs, stole 18 bases and hit .301. The 23 year old Rincon also plays Gold Glove caliber defense at second base. Luke Romero led the team with a .309 average while hitting 31 homers and driving in 114 runs. Grade: B
• Outlook: The Aggies came up just short of the second wild card in season nine. They should be in the running again this year but may not have added enough to compete with the other big spenders in the AL.

3. Monterrey Cervezas

• Rotation: After Buddy Bako this staff gets thin in a hurry. Bako is the only top of the rotation starter in the group. That said Bako will provide them with many quality starts and and give the pen some much needed rest. Grade C-
• Bullpen: Benji Alverez is the kid in the pen at age 29. In fact the average age of the entire staff is 31, and only 3 guys have a durability over 50. Alverez should bounce back and have a better year, but the group is going to be hard pressed to find enough innings. One injury and this pen could be in shambles. Grade D+
• Lineup: The bats are a an decent group ordinary hitters. A few guys with a little pop, but no 50 HR guys. A few guys with good foot speed, but no real base stealers. The lineup will struggle against top pitchers in the league. Defense is where this group gets scary. I don't remember "weak up the middle" being an old baseball adage. The pitchers won't be sitting on the same end of the bench with these guys. Grade D
• Outlook: Unfortunately for Monterrey, they are not in a division where they could steal a title with 87 wins if they get hot. This will be a year to keep stocking the minors. The good news is there are some real good gloves in Ivan Pinzon and Don Felsen developing in the minors.

4. Little Rock Big Rocks

• Rotation: This is a solid staff that is extremely young, Crespo is only 20! While there isn't a Cy young type pitcher, they send out a good pitcher every day to give them a chance to win. Time is definitely on the side of this staff and a couple of them should see progression even at the ML level. Grade B
• Bullpen: Walters is a good closer with two big pitches, but getting to him might be tricky. A quality setup man would improve this team by 10 wins. Grade C-
• Lineup: Again the theme is youth here, no players are older than 27. This is a real good lineup top to bottom with a couple studs in Coco and Samuel. They will definitely score runs. But then they forget to grab their gloves when they hit the field. This defense is in absolute shambles. I think the DH is even going to commit an error on this team. This team will lead the league in unearned runs. Grade B-
• Outlook: Keep looking. Down the road, with the addition of a few pieces to plug the holes, this team will head to the playoffs often. For now, look for another big international splash.

AL BEST

1. Kansas City Shuffle

• Rotation: Sal Freeman and his $39 million contract join the Shuffle with high hopes. Kansas City's staff lost a ton of talent last season by dealing away Dennys Shin, Chad Jones and Paul Cooper. Remaining from the glory years is 32 year old Rob Aldridge who boasts a career 136-54 record. Youngsters Gerald McConnell, Manuel Romero and Edguardo Sosa round out a solid rotation with a big upside. Grade: B+
• Bullpen: Despite losing Ricardo Gongora, Scott Whiten and Benito Rosario, the bullpen should be a strength for the Shuffle this season. Rookie Curtis Blalock will take over the closer's role while Julian Hearn and newly acquired Brad O'Toole will pitch in the setup spot. Grade: A-
• Lineup: Danys Castillo and Billy Hernandez were acquired via free agency and trade respectively. Castillo and Hernandez are two of the most dominant offensive players in all of Sharkey. Rookies Andres Ortiz, Javier Chavez and Ron Fisher all should make a huge impact in what looks to be the best offense in the majors. Grade: A+
• Outlook: The AL Best has been the toughest division in the league for several seasons now and looks to remain that way. Kansas City's 25 man roster will feature 18 new faces this season, many of which are first or second year MLers. If the Shuffle's rotation can stay healthy this team could win their 9th AL Best title.

2. Fresno Fire Dragons

• Rotation: Chad Jones, Paul Cooper and Geronimo Limon make up one of the best one through threes in the majors. Jones had a career year in season 9, going 21-8 with a 3.16 ERA. Grade: B+
• Bullpen: Quinn Cedeno comes over from a deal with Little Rock and should be a force. Closer Victor Simmons has 271 career saves which ranks 3rd all time in Sharkey. Grade: B
• Lineup: Juan Carrasco is one of the best players in Sharkey and at age 24 could be on the road to winning multiple league MVPs. The loss of Danys Castillo will hamper the top of the order some but Fresno clearly has the bats to score a ton of runs. Grade: A-
• Outlook: Fresno made the moves it takes to win a championship in season nine but came up short. They aren't far behind the Shuffle in my opinion and could just as easily win this division and a World Series title.

3. Cheyenne Chilipeppers

• Rotation: Felipe Soto and Sammy Cordero remain as rock solid starters. Losing Jim Standridge however, weakens this staffs depth quite a bit. Grade: C
• Bullpen: The pen features several very good arms and is led by closer Ichiro Nakamura who recorded 26 saves in season nine. Grade: B-
  
• Lineup: Former MVP Pat Tamura should do the AL a favor and just retire. Tamura continues to be an elite hitter who plays almost everyday. Pat The Bat's career .313 average and 324 homers make him a sure fire Hall of Famer at the age of 28. Joing Tamura is another former MVP, Jose Rodriguez and several other very talented hitters. Grade A-
• Outlook: Unfortunately Cheyenne didn't add much in Sharkey's historical offseason and may suffer because of it. Never count Snarfuller out though as he is known to be a crafty owner with a few tricks up his sleeve.

4. Scottsdale T's

• Rotation: Hello Jason Owen. He gets a warm welcome to the town as they now have a real nice 1-3 with Robinson and Amaro. Owen was the perfect fit for this team to post big innings pitching totals and give the middle relief some days off. After the big three it gets a little rough, but those guys won't see innings in the playoffs. Grade B+
• Bullpen: Closer extraordinaire Brad Tankersley, is one of the best in the business. He was a perfect 26/26 last season. They just need to get him more opportunities. Myette and Gardner give them the ability to matchup against righties and lefties in the setup role. One more quality arm in the pen here would help bridge the gap on days when they are fatigued. Grade B
• Lineup: The lineup is solid with Pete West anchoring them as an everyday catcher that can mash the ball. They might struggle hitting for average consistently, but they can compete against the best pitching. They are missing the big home run bat that could put the offense over the top. Defensively they have a big hole at SS where Max Cortez is looking to move to another position. CF is also an issue, Norm Swann just can't cover the ground that he used to. Grade C+
• Outlook: This could be the year that they finally crack the 90 win mark....and finish last in the division again. The team is built well for a playoff run ala Rochester last year, but they need to go out and buy a couple pieces to get there.

Predicted Playoff Seeding

1. Kansas City Shuffle
2. Jacksonville Juggernauts
3. Charlotte Knights
4. New York Moon Shots
5. Fresno Fire Dragons
6. Cheyenne Chilipeppers

Round 1

• Charlotte over Cheyenne
• Fresno over New York

Round 2

• Kansas City over Fresno
• Jacksonville over Charlotte

Round 3

• Jacksonville over Kansas City

Award Predictions (No particular order)

MVP Candidates

1. Juan Carrasco (FR)
2. Louie Samuel (LR)
3. Juan Beltre (ATL)
4. Pat Tamura (CHY)
5. Pete West (SCOT)
6. Ronald Watson (ATL)
7. Sidney Terrell (JAX)
8. Billy Hernandez (KC)
9. Horacio James (CHAR)
10. Andres Ortiz (KC)

CY Young Candidates

1. Alex Olmeda (JAX)
2. Chris Ramirez (CHAR)
3. Sal Freeman (KC)
4. Jayson Owen (SCO)
5. Chad Jones (FR)

ROY Candidates

1. Andres Ortiz (KC)
2. Ron Fisher (KC)
3. Sidney Terrell (JAX)
4. Kenny Bennett (FR)
5. Horacio Gonzales (FAR)

Fireman Candidates

1. Brad Tankersly (SCO)
2. Jimmie Gentry (JAX)
3. Willie Coronado (CHAR)
4. Juan Lugo (NY)
5. Jack Koch (FAR)

Offseason Recap

This is just based off your Team's Transaction page at the ML level for this offseason. If no losses/additions are listed, that means there were either none made, or any that were made I didn't consider them to be "key."

Atlanta City Slickers
Key Losses: Kevin O'Shea
Key Additions: Steve Giles

Charlotte knights
Key Losses: Jose Guzman, Johnnie West, Bernie Delgado
Key Additions: Christopher Ramirez, Jose Camacho

Cheyenne Chillipeppers
Key Additions: Butch Scheffer,

Cleveland Steamers
Key Additions: Julio Tavarez, J.R. Lankford, Tomas Gonzalez, Luis Pulido, Footsie Burnett

Colorado Springs AltiDUDES
Key Losses: Mickey Redding
Key Additions: Henry Mackowiak, Henry Cashman

Detroit Tigers
Key Additions: Gerald Martin

Fargo Nines
Key Losses: Turk Huson, Ronald Podsednik,
Key Additions: Horacio Gonzales, Darrell Cardona, Placido James, Hideo Chen

Fresno Fire Dragons
Key Losses: Dick Medina, Danys Castillo, Orlando Rosa
Key Additions: Kenny Bennett, Tony Martin, Kris York, Bob Kennedy, Quinn Cedeno

Hartford Defenders
Key Losses: Bo Stein
Key Additions: Sarma Buck, Clay Sedlacek, Paul Hara, Orlando Belliard

Houston Aggies
Key Additions: Andrea Rivera, Ricardo Rosario, Benito Rosario

Huntington Cousins
Key Losses: Bob Kennedy, Andrea Rivera, Timothy Christiansen, Del Cortez, Chance Cox
Key Additions: Jesse Russell, Geoff Hunter

Indianapolis Racers
Key Losses: Darrell Cardona,
Key Additions: Steven Henley, J.P. Lee, Alejandro Carrara

Jacksonville Juggernauts
Key Losses: Shane Kelly, Dennys Shin

Kansas City Shuffle
Key Losses: Benito Rosario, Bret Kubenka, Scott Whiten, Ricardo Gongora
Key Additions: Sal Freeman, Danys Castillo, Brad O'Toole, Ernie Spradlin, Troy Webb

Little Rock Big Rocks
Key Losses: Quinn Cedeno
Key Additions: Davey Costilla

Memphis Hound Dawgs
Key Additions: Chance Cox

Monterrey Cervezas
Key Losses: J.P. Lee, Randall Chance,
Key Additions: Edgard Amaral, John Inouoe, Warren Sabathia, Claude Nixon

New Orleans Breeze
Key Losses: Martin Baek
Key Additions: Del Cortez, Dicky Davis, Richard Kim, Donaldo Baez, Orlando Rosa

New York Moon Shots
Key Losses: Warren Sabathia,
Key Additions: Furio Mercedes

New York Thunder
Key Additions: Albert Chavez, Jamey Woods, Jim Standridge, Shane Kelly, Ronald Weber

Norfolk Nomads
Key Losses: Julio Tavarez, Chris Anderson
Key Additions: Mark Barber, Bret Kubenka, Shooter Taylor

Pawtucket Polythene:
Key Losses: Christopher Ramirez, Henry Mackowiak, Geoff Hunter, Brad O'Toole, Sal Walker
Key Additions: Johnnie West, Jesus Pineda, Brian Morris, Jose Guzman, David Walker, Deivi Machado

Richmond Moonshiners
Key Losses: Mark Barber, Olmedo Uribe, Miguel Guzman
Key Additions: Jimmie Alomar

Rochester Raging Rhinos
Key Losses: Donaldo Baez, Jonathan Cummings
Key Additions: Doug Smith, Bo Stein

Salt Lake City Dodgers
Key Losses: Jayson Owen, Lonnie Purcell
Key Additions: Jonathan Cummings, Martin Baek, Bruce McNamara

San Francisco Sourdoughs
Key Losses: Jose Camacho
Key Additions: Bernie Delgado, Sal Walker, Alex Masato, Chris Anderson

Scottsdale T's
Key Additions: Jayson Owen, Olmedo Uribe, Rafael Estrella

Scranton Dunder-Mifflins
Key Additions: Timothy Christiansen, Mickey Redding, Lonnie Purcell, Miguel Guzman, Scott Whiten

St. Louis Birdnals
Key Additions: Dean Wilson, Manuel Delgado, Del Henry

Texas Tittyballs
Key Losses: J.R. Lankford, Luis Pulido, Footsie Burnett, Sal Freeman
Key Additions: Turk Huson, Darrel Palmer, Miguel Astacio

Trenton Terror
Key Losses: Henry Cashman
Key Additions: Ricardo Gongora, Wayne Lowe, Dennys Shin

Tuscon Turbocors
Key Losses: Alejandro Carrara, Claude Nixon

C-Ram Traded!

Associated Press - In a stunning move the Pawtucket Polythene trade perennial All-Star and 7 time Cy Young king Christopher Ramirez to the Charlotte Knights for first baseman Johnnie West, minor league relief pitcher Wilt Green, and minor league pitcher Geraldo Quinones.

Ramirez’s dominance over the last 8 seasons has been nothing short of spectacular. In a feat we may never see the like of again, C-Ram was able to win a shocking 7 of 8 NL Cy Young awards for perennial powerhouse Pawtucket. His career numbers are simply astounding. 181 wins with only 68 losses, an astonishing 84 complete games, along with a miniscule .214 Opponent Batting Average, 1.05 WHIP, and a sparkling 2.69 ERA.

For Charlotte, adding a pitcher of Ramirez’s stature to an already dangerous team makes them an early frontrunner for a championship and demonstrates General Manager dawgfan1974’s willingness to go for broke. The move leaves a bit of a hole at first base for Charlotte, but look for them to call up Dave Starr from AAA, or reach into the Free Agent pool to bring in a solid bat as a replacement. The only serious order of business left for the Knights is the decision in center field. All signs point to All Star Ramiro Gabriel’s intention to find out his worth on the free agent market. If the Knights can convince him to resign, or bring in another fielder of Gabriel’s caliber, then it could be a banner year for the Queen City.

In Pawtucket, meanwhile, it’s a time of mourning for the Ramheads. But, while Ramirez’s exit would leave an irreplaceable hole in any organization, the Polythene seem comfortable handing over the primary pitching duties to Stan Jenner and newly resigned Joaquin Beltre. West’s bat at first base should be an upgrade over the aging Ramon Jang (who will almost assuredly be traded), and their bullpen remains one of the league’s best even with the loss of set-up man Brad O’Toole. Even after the current moves, Pawtucket should remain in the hunt for the division, and as we saw last year, once you get to the dance, anything can happen.

Season 10 Free Agent All-Star Team

The following players are all available in the upcoming Free Agent class...

C J.P. Lee, Montreal
1B Victor Ozuna, Memphis
2B J.R. Lankford, Texas
3B Orlando Rosa, Fresno
SS Max Cortes, Scottsdale
LF Bret Kubenka, Kansas City
CF Danys Castillo, Fresno
RF T.J. Caruso, Colorado Springs
Bn Darrell Cardona, Indianapolis
Bn Jonathan Cummings, Rochester
BnFrank Ogawa, Texas
Bn Ramiro Gabriel, Charlotte
Bn John Yosida, Scranton

SP Jayson Owen, Salt Lake City
SP Footsie Burnett, Texas
SP Sal Freeman, Texas
SP Osvaldo Johnson, Pawtucket
SP Dennys Shin, Jacksonville
SP Jim Standridge, Cheyenne
RP Luis Pulido, Texas
RP Ricky Ellis, Tuscon
RP Manny Dong, Texas
RP Ricardo Gongora, Kansas City
Closer Brad O'Toole, Pawtucket
Closer Martin Baek, New Orleans

Playoff Coaching Victories Career List

1. pvc4twenty 70
2. sharkeyke 53
3. longdayintro 46
4. badercubed 35
5. kalikgod 34
6. rmkelley 23*
7. ohiopirate 21
8. landmanatee 16*
9. loganru 15
10. johnderasmo 14
11. snarfuller 12
12. dupala 11
12. nnurmo 11
14. dawgfan1974 10
15. dubabe401 9
15. mhoffa1382 9*
17. benny b la 8
18. canes628 7**
19. krs96 5
19. ripnsnort 5
21. gregg21 4*
21. jtruelue 4
21. irishfury01 4
21. hallgren 4
25. rockybill1 2
26. esf242 1*
26. vladyhop 1

*no longer in league
**returning for season 10

Season 9 World Series Recap

Game One: Rochester 3 - Jacksonville 6
Rochester playoff hero Max Hernandez gives up 5 runs in 4.2 innings of work, Jacksonville takes game one 6-3.

Game Two: Rochester 10 - Jacksonville 5
Rochester explodes for 8 runs in the top of the 9th, ties series at 1-1.

Game Three: Jacksonville 5 - Rochester 7
Jonathan Cummings and Felipe Pujols homer early as Rochester jumps out to 5-0 lead, hangs on for 2-1 series lead.

Game Four: Jacksonville 12 - Rochester 2
Domingo Gonzales hits 3 home runs, Jacksonville ties series at 2.

Game Five: Jacksonville 7 - Rochester 0
Alex Olmeda throws six scoreless innings, Juggernauts head back to Florida with 3-2 series lead.

Game Six: Rochester 1 - Jacksonville 2
Sam Gonzales hits solo home run in bottom of 10th inning for first Sharkey's World walk-off World Series victory.

World Series MVP: Sam Gonzales
8 for 24, 6 runs, 4 home runs, 7 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, game 6 walk-off HR
All 8 hits in Jacksonville victories.

League Championship Series Highlights

#1 Jacksonville (111-51) sweeps #2 Cheyenne (107-55)
Game One: Cheyenne 2 @ Jacksonville 3
Jacksonville leaves 34 men on base in 14 innings, still wins 3-2.
Game Two: Cheyenne 1 @ Jacksonville 2
Alex Olmeda goes the distance, giving up one run, as Jacksonville takes 2-0 series lead.
Game Three: Jacksonville 8 @ Cheyenne 5
Bonk Stuart hits two home runs, Jacksonville wins game, takes 3-0 series lead.
Game Four: Jacksonville 7 @ Cheyenne 5
Ricardo Diaz hits 7th inning grand slam, Jacksonville completes sweep with 7-5 victory; wins 3rd straight AL Pennant.

#4 Rochester (81-81) beats #3 Pawtucket (100-62) 4-2
Game One: Rochester 6 @ Pawtucket 9
Christopher Ramirez gives up 6 runs in first inning, ties game in 4th with Grand Slam; Pawtucket wins game one 9-6.
Game Two: Rochester 2 @ Pawtucket 0
Glen Burnitz throws 7 innings of shutout ball as Rochester wins 2-0, evens series at one.
Game Three: Pawtucket 2 @ Rochester 5
Brent Curtis breaks apart a tie game with a 3-run shot in 7th inning, Rochester wins 5-2.
Game Four: Pawtucket 1 @ Rochester 2
Both teams score in 1st inning, Brent Curtis hits RBI single in bottom of 12th to give Rochester 2-1 victory, 3-1 series lead.
Game Five: Pawtucket 7 @ Rochester 3
Edgard Amaral gives up one run in 6.1 innings of relief, Pawtucket forces 6th game.
Game Six: Rochester 10 @ Pawtucket 3
Christopher Ramirez gives up 5 runs without recording an out, Rochester clinches NL Pennant with 10-3 win.

Season 9 League Divisional Series Recap

#1 Jacksonville (111-51) defeats #5 Fresno (104-58) 3-1
Game One: Fresno 0 @ Jacksonville 7
Jacksonville scores 6 in 3rd, takes game one 7-0.
Game Two: Fresno 5 @ Jacksonville 1
Fresno has big 3rd inning this time, scoring 4 runs; ties series with 5-1 game two victory.
Game Three: Jacksonville 5 @ Fresno 2
Jacksonville hits 3 home runs, wins 5-2; leads series 2-1.
Game Four: Jacksonville 6 @ Fresno 5
Jacksonville takes lead for good in top of 8th, beats Fresno 6-5; advances to 3rd straight ALCS.

#2 Cheyenne (107-55) sweeps #6 Kansas City (91-71)
Game One: Kansas City 6 @ Cheyenne 7
All World RP Ricardo Gongora gives up 4 runs in 2/3 inning; Cheyenne beats KC 7-6 in game one.
Game Two: Kansas City 0 @ Cheyenne 1
Jim Standridge throws 4-hit shutout, Cheyenne wins 1-0, leads series 2-0.
Game Three: Cheyenne 8 @ Kansas City 1
Cheyenne completes sweep of rival Shuffle; advance to first ever ALCS.

#4 Rochester (81-81) defeat #1 Colorado Springs (109-53) 3-2
Game One: Rochester 5 @ Colorado Springs 6
Charles Xaio's 3-run home caps 5 run 8th, Colorado Springs wins 6-5.
Game Two: Rochester 7 @ Colorado Springs 4
Max Hernandez pitches admirably on short rest, Raging Rhinos win game 7-4, tie series at one.
Game Three: Colorado Springs 1 @ Rochester 14
Rochester explodes for 7 runs in first inning, beats Colorado Springs 14-1 for 2-1 series lead.
Game Four: Colorado Springs 8 @ Rochester 4
Colorado Springs scores 7 runs in 7th inning, defeat Rochester 8-4 to force 5th game.
Game Five: Rochester 2 @ Colorado Springs 0
Max Hernandez starts his second game of the series at less than 100%, throwing a 2-hit shutout; leading Rochester to third NLCS.

#3 Pawtucket (100-62) sweeps #2 New Orleans (108-54)
Game One: Pawtucket 6 @ New Orleans 4
New Orleans ties game in bottom of 8th, Pawtucket scores twice in top of 9th, wins 6-4.
Game Two: Pawtucket 4 @ New Orleans 3
Game enters 9th inning tied again (2-2), Pawtucket scores 2 in top of 9th again, holds on to win 4-3.
Game Three: New Orleans 2 @ Pawtucket 3
Pawtucket breaks tie in bottom of 8th inning, beat New Orleans 3-2 to advance to 7th NLCS in 8 seasons.

Season 9 First Round Recap

#6 Kansas City (91-71) defeats #3 Charlotte (104-58) 3-0
Game One: Kansas City 8 @ Charlotte 5
Kansas City scores 3 runs in top of 9th, beats Charlotte 8-5.
Game Two: Kansas City 4 @ Charlotte 2
Charlotte ties game in bottom of 9th, KC scores twice in top of 10th, win 4-2; take 2-0 series lead to Kansas City.
Game Three: Charlotte 4 @ Kansas City 7
Javier Chavez hits walk-off 3 run home run, KC sweeps Charlotte; faces Cheyenne in ALDS.

#5 Fresno (104-58) defeats #4 New York (82-80) 3-2
Game One: Fresno 1 @ New York 4
Todd Twitchell hits walk-off RBI Double, New York upsets Fresno 5-4.
Game Two: Fresno 3 @ New York 1
Fresno evens series with New York at 1 game apiece thanks to 3-1 game two victory.
Game Three: New York 4 @ Fresno 1
Moon Shots score 3 runs in top of 12th, defeat Fire Dragons 4-1; lead series 2-1.
Game Four: New York 0 @ Fresno 4
Geronimo Limon and Marvin Mathews combine to shut out Moon Shots, Fresno forces 5th game.
Game Five: Fresno 2 @ New York 1
Fresno wins second straight game, beating New York 2-1; faces Jacksonville in ALDS.

#3 Pawtucket (100-62) defeats #6 Norfolk (90-72) 3-1
Game One: Norfolk 1 @ Pawtucket 2
Christopher Ramirez throws 8 innings in 2-1 Pawtucket victory, records 22nd career playoff victory.
Game Two: Norfolk 9 @ Pawtucket 2
Norfolk crushes Pawtucket 9-2, ties series at 1.
Game Three: Pawtucket 2 @ Norfolk 0
Erubiel Ortiz, Henry Mackowiak, and Frank Harris combine to throw 3-hit shutout as Polythene defeat Nomads 2-0; Pawtucket leads series 2-1.
Game Four: Pawtucket 4 @ Norfolk 3
Paul Reese hits two-run homer in top of 15th inning, Polythene beat Norfolk 4-3; win series 3-1, advance to play New Orleans.

#4 Rochester (81-81) defeats #5 Texas (101-61) 3-2
Game One: Texas 3 @ Rochester 2
Clinton Rollins hits 12th inning solo shot, helps Texas take game one 3-2.
Game Two: Texas 6 @ Rochester 3
Texas beats Rochester 6-3, takes 2-0 series lead back to Texas.
Game Three: Rochester 11 @ Texas 9
Texas blows 8-2 lead, walks in tying run with 2 outs in 9th, loses 11-9 in 11 innings; Still lead series 2-1.
Game Four: Rochester 7 @ Texas 5
Rochester holds off Texas 7-5, forces a 5th game back in New York.
Game Five: Texas 2 @ Rochester 4
Rochester, down 0-2 in series, comes back to eliminate Texas, winnings deciding 5th game 4-2.

Career Coaching Victories

1. pvc4twenty - 964 (107.1/season)
2. sharkeyke - 922 (102.4)
3. longdayintro - 867 (96.3)
4. dupala - 809 (89.8)
5. badercubed - 793 (88.1)
6. snarfuller - 788 (87.6)
7. ohiopirate - 771 (96.4)
8. johnderasmo - 728 (80.9)
9. jtrueblue74 - 699 (77.6)
10. rockybill1 - 689 (76.6)
11. krs96 - 685 (76.1)
12. kalikgod - 681 (85.1)
13. dubabe401 - 678 (75.3)
14. hausenpfeffe - 672 (74.6)
15. telecasting - 660 (73.3)
16. bearclan1 - 659 (73.2)
17. mhoffa1382 - 644 (92.0)
18. hallgren - 644 (80.5)
19. loganru - 604 (86.2)
20. dawgfan1974 - 596 (85.1)
21. irishfury01 - 588 (73.5)
22. ripnsnort - 572 (81.7)
23. peteskin - 571 (63.4)
24. rmkelley15 - 569 (94.8)
25. nnurmo - 532 (88.6)
26. dave23 - 508 (84.7)
27. gregg21 - 498 (83.0)
28. benny b la - 491 (70.1)
29. vladyhop - 463 (77.2)
30. landmanatee - 439 (87.8)
31. jlinchec - 377 (75.4)
32. thedirtydog - 227 (75.6)
33. frog06 - 225 (56.3)
34. ejcory - 173 (86.5)
35. canes628 - 169 (84.5)
36. mcrobbyj - 158 (79.0)
37. baf 38 - 140 (70.0)
38. wgs3 - 137 (68.5)
39. tiffy - 136 (68.0)
40. flippen - 134 (67.0)
41. cjwagner - 132 (66.0)
42. kingdean - 86 (68.0)*
43. esf242 - 85 (85.0)
44. vacoarrfb - 84 (84.0)
45. pete0713 - 83 (83.0)
46. kjmulli - 81 (81.0)
47. mfrone - 80 (80.0)
48. drnick77 - 78 (78.0)
49. oardarby - 75 (75.0)
50. brickyard9 - 75 (75.0)
51. bigbuc40 - 73 (73.0)
52. scottjdumais - 73 (73.0)
53. weeba - 69 (69.0)
54. stewart UK - 69 (69.0)
55. btmills - 67 (67.0)
56. geltzig - 67 (67.0)
57. darnmosquito - 66 (66.0)
58. elduderino - 66 (66.0)
59. tjeut - 65 (65.0)
60. fequreshi - 64 (64.0)
61. mickeym53 - 41 (41.0)
62. johncfremont - 40 (40.0)
63. bentnschride - 34 (34.0)

bold owners competed in season 9
*kingdean got 18 wins in 40 games in season 8, which counts towards his win total, but does not affect his average wins/season.

32 Predictions Revisited

Prediction: Atlanta's Juan Beltre, who two months ago yesterday in real-life time was signed as an international FA, will explode onto the ML scene, and find himself on the ROY ballot at seasons end.

Actually: Incorrect. Beltre only got into 111 games, recording 377 at bats. He did belt 28 home runs and drive in 72 runs, but his .255 average and lack of games kept him off the ROY ballot.

Prediction: The Charlotte knights will win more games than the previous season for the third straight year, and that will this time result in them getting a first round bye.

Actually: Half-correct. With 1 game to play, the knights have 103 wins, one more than last season. Mathematically still in the running for AL's #2 seed with two games to go, the knights now find themselves locked into #3 in the AL.

Prediction: Sammy Cordero will prove that he's a product of Colorado Springs, as he has his first 4+ ERA since season 3 this year, his first in Cheyenne.

Actually: Correct. Snarf argued this one quite strongly early in the season, and although Cordero finished the season with a very nice 16-10 record, his 1.48 whip & 4.47 ERA were both the highest marks he's ever had in his career.

Prediction: The return of Gregg does nothing for Chicago, as they once again finish last in the NL North.

Actually: Correct. Gregg lasted a mere 10 games in Chicago before getting the boot (and subsequent perma-ban from Sharkey's World). JohnCFremont stepped into a disaster, and did an admirable job guiding the Smooth Horses/Orphans to next seasons #1 overall draft pick.

Prediction: The Cleveland Steamers eventually get over the loss of John Bird. Getting over finishing within 5 games of the playoffs and missing out for the second straight year is a little more difficult.

Actually: Incorrect. Cleveland loses 12 (or 11, depending on tonights PM2 game) more games than last season, and finishes 10 games out of the playoffs.

Prediction: The Colorado Springs AltiDUDES win 95+ games again. Win their division again. And don't make the NLCS, again.

Actually: True, true & a potential NLDS matchup with Texas makes part three of that prediction possible.

Prediction: The Detroit Tigers win at least 61 games for the first time since season 4.

Actually: Incorrect. The Detroit Tigers are 50-111 with 1 game to play.

Prediction: The acquisition of Henry Etherton went mostly unnoticed, but it helps Fargo win their division for the 6th time in 7 seasons, an accomplishment only Colorado Springs, Texas, Pawtucket & Kansas City have been able to achieve.

Actually: Incorrect. Etherton finishes the season with a .308 average, 29 home runs & 75 RBIs, but the Nines fall to 78-83 (one game to play) and finish 4 games out of first place.

Prediction: Billy May doesn't quite make his way onto the ROY ballot, but he has a very solid season, and his speed helps fans of the Fire Dragons get over the impending loss of Danys Castillo.

Actually: Correct. Getting over losing a player of Castillo's ability is never an easy task, but May lives up to his end of the bargain. He somehow gets robbed of a spot on the ROY ballot, but finishes the season with a .309 average, 89 runs scored, 16 home runs, 92 rbi's & 38 SB's in 156 games played.

Prediction: Hartford finishes last in the division again, but wins 10 more games than the 54 they had last season.

Actually: Incorrect. Hartford sits at 56 wins with one game to play, but is two games ahead of the Indianapolis Racers in the AL East.

Prediction: Houston's Esteban Rincon wins Rookie of the Year, the first of many awards he wins throughout his career.

Actually: Potentially correct. Rincon almost helped the Aggies make the playoffs for the first time since season one. He is currently second on the AL's ROY ballot, and finished his freshman season with a .301 average, 103 runs, 31 home runs & 121 RBIs.

Prediction: Michael Chang returns to the bigs in Huntington, where this time its for good, as he saves 30 games for the up & coming Cousins.

Actually: Semi-correct. Chang did complete the entire season at the ML level, pitching 72 innings out of the 'pen, and the Cousins definitely proved they are up & coming, but Michael never made it into the closers role, saving only one game in six chances.

Prediction: The Indianapolis Racers, who finished above .500 6 times in 6 seasons under rmkelley, finally get back to that level of play for the first time since his unexpected departure.

Actually: Insanely incorrect. The Racers 54-107 mark puts them in 15th place in the American League.

Prediction: The Jacksonville Juggernauts win their third straight AL pennant, and play one of the two teams they've already played (Texas/Pawtucket) in the season 9 World Series.

Actually: Yet to be determined, although the Juggernauts are the current favorites to win the World Series in this years playoffs.

Prediction: The Kansas City Shuffle, still very much good, but quietly aging/losing key underrated players, win 100+ games again, and make the playoffs, again. But they do not win the AL West.

Actually: Semi-correct. Two out of three ain't bad. The Shuffle sit at 90-71, did not win the AL West, and are in the playoffs.

Prediction: Andres Pineda, Vicente Crespo, Matty Plata, and Andy Thomas join the aforementioned John Bird as rookies on Litle Rock... and the next great AL Dynasty is born (although still a year or two away from being seriously dangerous).

Actually: Maybe. The Big Rocks won 24 games more than they did a season ago, but still only sit at 74-87. Time will tell if they will be the next great dynasty.

Prediction: Achilles Mitchell and Kevin Ball turn out to be a lot of money thrown around for not a lot of results, and Memphis once again finishes 7th in the NL.

Actually: Correct. Mitchell's numbers closely resemble his career averages, while Ball had major drops in most statistically categories, most notably his average dropping from .359 in season 8 to .283 in season 9. The Hound Dawgs, who also had trouble with this prediction early in the season, finish with the 6th best record in the NL, but due to divisional rules, technically find themselves as the NL's #7 seed, and out of the playoffs.

Prediction: The Monterrey Cervezas quietly collect their 9th straight season of .500 or better ball.

Actually: Incorrect. A 73-88 record ends the Cervezas run of above .500 ball.

Prediction: The New Orleans Breeze challenge Texas for the division championship all season long, losing out in the last few days, but take the 5th seed in the NL playoffs, possibly with the 2nd or 3rd best record in the NL.

Actually: Incorrect. The Breeze finish with the 2nd best record in the NL (or possibly tied for the first), and win the NL South.

Prediction: The New York Moon Shots don't come close to reaching the same level of improvement they showed in season 8, when they won 14 games more than season 7. But they do improve, 4 games more than season 8, and get to 90 wins.

Actually: Semi-correct. The Moon Shots actually don't improve, losing 3 more games than a year ago, but do manage to win the AL East, something they didn't do a year ago.

Prediction: The Norfolk Nomads return to the playoffs after a one year absence, and once again play Colorado Springs in the first round.

Actually: Semi-Correct. The Nomads are back in October baseball, but they play division rival Pawtucket in round one.

Prediction: Cy Young Ramirez breaks at least 3 of these milestones/league records: 300 IP, 300 K's, 28 wins, 0.89 whip, 1.82 ERA.

Actually: Incorrect. Ramirez, for the second straight season, breaks his own ERA mark, finishing with a 1.72, but his league-leading 256 IP, 278 K's, 0.98 whip and 23 wins do not come close to making this prediction correct.

Prediction: Tony Pelaez has his best season to date in Richmond, but still doesn't throw more than 140 innings due to his atrocious durability concerns.

Actually: Correct. Palaez's 4.21 ERA is his best mark during his ML career, but in 19 starts (and 24 total apperances), Palaez is only able to throw 104 innings.

Prediction: The Rochester Raging Rhinos join Fargo in their quest of joining Colorado Springs, Texas, Pawtucket & KC as the only teams to win their division at least 6 times in a 7 season stretch... and succeed.

Actually: Correct. The Raging Rhinos finish below .500, but win the NL North.

Prediction: The Salt Lake City Dodgers 63 wins in season 8 were 13 more than their 50 in season 7. They match that improvement in season 9 as they win 76 games.

Actually: Correct. The Dodgers currently sit at 79-82 with one game to play.

Prediction: The San Francisco Sourdoughs finish 16th in the NL, as its full-fledged rebuilding time in the Bay Area.

Actually: Incorrect. The Sourdoughs actually finish 14th in the NL, with Chicago & Scranton behind them.

Prediction: The Scottsdale T's win 90+ games. Which may or may not be good enough to finish 3rd in the AL West.

Actually: Incorrect. The T's are 76-83, 4th in the AL West.

Prediction: The Scranton Dunder-Mifflins give San Fran a serious run for their money in the battle for last place. The entire Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area is officially on R-Pod watch, and will continue to rebuild until the kid is ready for the bigs.

Actually: Semi-correct. The Dunder-Mifflins turned out to be far worse than San Francisco, but far better than Chicago, which ran away with worst in the NL.

Prediction: The St. Louis Birdnals continue to prove that their season 6 divisino championship was a fluke attributed solely to the MVP season of Steve Randolph, as they lose 95 games for the second straight year.

Actually: Correct. The Birdnals are currently 66-95 with one game to play.

Prediction: The Texas Tittyballs do not win their 4th NL Pennant.

Actually: Yet to be determined, but as the #5 seed in the NL, the odds are stacked against them.

Prediction: The Trenton Terror more than double their season 8 win total, as they win at least 75 games in season 9.

Actually: Incorrect. The Terror's 67 current wins are 30 more than last seasons 37, but are not double, nor more than double.

Prediction: Tuscon at least matches their 86 wins of a season ago, but does not make the playoffs this time around.

Actually: Incorrect. Tuscon's 76 wins are 10 less than a year ago, the the Turbocors easily missed the playoffs.

Prediction:

Division Champions
Fargo Nines
Charlotte knights
Jacksonville Juggernauts
Fresno Fire Dragons
Rochester Raging Rhinos
Pawtucket Polythene
Texas Tittyballs
Colorado Springs AltiDUDES

Wildcards
Kansas City Shuffle
Cheyenne Chilipeppers
Norfolk Nomads
New Orleans Breeze

LCS
Jacksonville Juggernauts over Fresno Fire Dragons
Pawtucket Polythene over New Orleans Breeze

World Series
Jacksonville Juggernauts over Pawtucket Polythene in 5


Actually: 5 of 8 division champions correct, missing on Fargo (2nd to New York), Fresno (2nd to Cheyenne), and Texas (second to New Orleans). 11 of 12 playoff teams correct, missing only on Fargo.