GW2 Noteworthy Games

No-hitters

Season 1

Jayson Bagwell: 1 BB, 5 K in Iowa City's 2-0 win over Atlanta, 3/30/09PM2
Bucky Kelly: 5 BB, 6 K in Louisville's 10-0 win over Oakland, 4/28/09PM2

Season 2

Bucky Kelly: 3 BB, 4 K in Louisville's 6-0 win over Wichita, 8/25/09AM

Season 3

Kenny DiSarcina: 4 BB, 5 K in Minnesota's 6-0 win over Boston, 10/13/09PM2
Earl Buckley: 1 BB, 6 K in Oakland's 3-0 win over Seattle, 10/25/09PM2
Zeus Webster: 3 BB, 6 K in Nashville's 6-0 win over Scranton, 11/13/09PM
Charles Franco: 4 BB, 6 K in Fargo's 6-0 win over Atlanta, 11/29/09PM2 (postseason)

Season 4

None

Season 5

Neil Castillo: 2 BB, 9 K in Helena's 3-0 win over Vancouver, 5/5/10AM

Season 6

Posiedon Lamb (8.1 IP) and Carlos James (0.2 IP): 3 BB, 3 K (all by Lamb) in San Antonio's 6-0 win over Philadelphia, 7/14/10PM

Season 7

Ed McMillan (perfect game): 7 K in Austin's 1-0 win over Minnesota, 12/15/10PM2 (postseason)

Season 8

Ariel Andujar (perfect game): 5K in Helena's 1-0 win over Baltimore, 1/3/11PM
Pat McGee: 1BB, 7K in Pittsburgh's 10-0 win over Nashville, 2/18/11AM

Cycles

Season 1

David Mora: 4-for-5, 2 R, 4 RBI in Chicago Manual of Style's 16-1 win over Trenton, 4/12/09AM

Season 2

Chan Dong: 4-for-5, 3 R, 6 RBI in Trenton's 14-8 win over Los Angeles, 7/11/09AM

Season 3

Eric Allen: 4-for-6, BB, 2 R, 5 RBI in Toledo's 9-7 win over Florida, 10/13/09AM
Cliff Carter: 4-for-8, 3 R, 2 RBI in Hartford's 26-16 win over Kansas City, 10/29/09PM
Hal Price: 4-for-5, 3 R, 2 RBI in Louisville's 11-2 win over St. Louis, 11/22/09PM

Season 4

Roger Barclay: 4-for-6, 2 R, 2 RBI in Fargo's 11-3 win over Iowa City, /28/10AM

Season 5

Cliff Carter: 4-for-5, R, 3 RBI in St. Louis' 6-1 win over Helena, 5/7/10PM

Season 6

Guy Nicholas: 4-for-5, 4 R, 5 RBI in Austin's 12-1 win over Wichita, 7/5/10AM

Season 7

None

Hit milestones

Season 1

6 - Jeromy Wingo 6-for-6, 2B, 5 R, 3 RBI in Honolulu's 23-5 win over Chicago Apple Hurlers, 4/16/09AM

Season 2

6 - Brendan Borland 6-for-7, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI in Scranton's 6-5 win over Mexico City, 7/1/09AM

Season 3

6 - Quentin Cepicky 6-for-6, 3B, 2 HR, 3 R, 4 RBI in Hartford's 13-12 loss to Kansas City, 10/31/09AM

Season 4

7 - Timo Smith 7-for-7, 2B, HR, BB, 6 R, 8 RBI in San Antonio's 36-1 win over Nashville, 1/24/10PM
6 - Hal Price 6-for-6, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI in Louisville's 12-4 win over Austin, 2/7/10PM
6 - Alex McGee 6-for-7, 4 HR, 4 R, 7 RBI in Durham's 27-7 win over Nashville, 1/26/10AM
6 - Bartolo Lee 6-for-7, 3 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 6 R, 11 RBI in Oklahoma City's 37-7 win over Nashville, 1/16/10PM

Season 5

5 - Accomplished at least 15 times

Season 6

5 - Accomplished at least 10 times

Season 7

6 - Parker Lennon 6-for-6, 3 HR, SB, 5 R, 6 RBI in St. Louis' 15-1 win over Nashville, 10/19/10PM

Season 8

6 - Blake Kennedy 6-for-7, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI in Helena's 8-7 win over Madison, 2/27/11PM2
6 - Alberto Crespo 6-for-6, 2 2B, 4 HR, BB, 6 R, 10 RBI in Austin's 20-3 win over Oakland, 1/15/11PM

HR milestones

Season 1

4 - Carlos Martinez 4-for-4, 3 BB, 5 R, 8 RBI in Fargo's 28-9 win over Wichita, 4/14/09PM2

Season 2

4 - Norman Sutton 5-for-5, 2B, 4 R, 8 RBI in Florida's 11-4 win over Philadelphia, 7/11/09PM
4 - Emilio Moya 5-for-5, 1B, 5 R, 7 RBI in Los Angeles' 13-1 win over Florida, 8/12/09PM2

Season 3

4 - Albert Gonzalez 4-for-6, BB, 5 R, 8 RBI in Durham's 26-5 win over Hartford, 10/14/09PM

Season 4

4 - Alex McGee 6-for-7, 4 R, 7 RBI in Durham's 27-7 win over Nashville, 1/26/10AM

Season 8

4 - Bryan Butler 4-for-5, 4 R, 8 RBI in Fargo's 11-6 win over Scranton, 1/11/11PM
4 - Alberto Crespo 6-for-6, 2 2B, BB, 6 R, 10 RBI in Austin's 20-3 win over Oakland, 1/15/11PM
4 - Omar Andrus 4-for-4, 4 R, 5 RBI in Austin's 11-9 win over Pittsburgh, 3/4/11PM

RBI milestones

Season 1

9 - Vic Javier 3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R in New York's 14-0 win over Augusta, 3/30/09PM2

Season 2

9 - Ted Wakeland 3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R in Louisville's 18-8 win over Boston, 8/13/09PM2

Season 3

9 - Matthew Forbes 3-for-4, 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 3 R in Fargo's 19-3 win over Nashville, 10/18/09AM

Season 4

11 - Bartolo Lee 6-for-7, 3 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 6 R in Oklahoma City's 37-7 win over Nashville, 1/16/10PM

Season 5

8 - Pedro Nunez 3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R in Fargo's 14-1 win over Atlanta, 4/29/10PM
8 - Hamlet Henry 3-for-3, 2 HR, SF, 3 R in Washington's 12-6 win over San Antonio, 5/5/10AM

Season 6

8 - Nicholas Hollingsworth, Jack Hoffman, Orel Sierra, Miguel Carrara

Season 7

8 - Louie Martin, Sammy Barrett, Benji Flores

Season 8

10 - Alberto Crespo 6-for-6, 2 2B, 4 HR BB, 6 R in Austin's 20-3 win over Oakland, 1/15/11PM


Stolen base milestones

Season 4

6 - Bobby Towers 4-for-5, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI in Iowa City's 9-3 win over Los Angeles, 1/11/10AM

Strikeout milestones

Season 1 (NL)

13 - Whitey Nichting in Wichita's 13-8 loss to St. Louis, 5/18/09PM2
13 - Glen Herzog in Baltimore's 11-3 win over Fargo, 4/13/09PM2

Season 1 (AL)

12 - Jon Cedeno in Iowa City's 5-0 loss to Texas, 4/2/09AM
12 - Louie Jackson in Atlanta's 7-0 win over Seattle, 5/17/09AM
12 - Marc Rolison in Los Angeles' 4-3 win over Wichita, 4/22/09PM2

Season 2 (NL)

13 - Darby Butler in Louisville's 8-4 win over Minnesota, 8/8/09PM

Season 2 (AL)

11 - 6 pitchers (Salem's Peter Larson, New York's Antone Hill, San Antonio's Pat Tipton, Atlanta's Jayson Bagwell, Durham's Willie Castilla, Chicago's Wilfredo Martin)

Season 3 (NL)

12 - 4 pitchers (Louisville's Bob Trammell, St. Louis' Dante Walker, Louisville's Bucky Kelly, Baltimore's David Flores)

Season 3 (AL)

12 - 5 pitchers (Colorado Springs' Lon Cashman, Salem's Cole Perkins, Florida's Cliff Perez, N.Y. Yankees' Antone Hill, Kansas City's Jon Cedeno)

Season 4 (NL)

13 - Sam Ganzel in Austin's 3-1 win over Boston, 1/30/10PM

Season 4 (AL)

13 - Pat Tipton in Toledo's 2-0 win over Kansas City, 1/12/10PM

Season 5 (NL)

13 - Jon Cedeno in Vancouver's 1-0 win over Wichita, 5/13/10PM

Season 5 (AL)

14 - Antone Hill in Washington D.C.'s 7-3 win over Boise, 5/22/10PM

Season 6 (NL)

12 - Andy Atchley in Rochester's 11-0 win over Baltimore, 7/8/10PM2
12 - Jumbo Gil in Oakland's 3-0 win over Atlanta, 8/13/10PM2

Season 6 (AL)

14 - Clint Clark in Iowa City's 5-2 win over Cheyenne, 8/21/10PM2
13 - David Telemaco in Philadelphia's 2-1 win over Toledo, 7/6/10PM2

GW2: Trenton Dirty Jerz Season Review

With the season winding down I thought it would be interesting to take a look at my club. Without further ado: The Trenton Dirty Jerz Season 3 Review.

Going into the season I had a couple of goals:
1. Improve from 70 wins in season 2 to closer to 80 wins in season 3.
2. Add 1 Star quality player and 1 Good regular through the draft and International and some supporting players.
3. Keep all my future core players healthy.

Well, the first goal didn’t come to fruition, but I can take some comfort in scoring more runs than I allowed so my team is improving.

I lost 2 of my 5 projected starting pitchers to injuries before they made 10 starts. While Richard Glanville is no world beater he was a useful 5th starter last year and looked like he would be bad to OK this year as well. His injury forced me to go rung deeper on the starting pitcher depth chart, a rung I really wanted to stay away from, but frankly at that point suck is suck.

The starting pitcher injury that really hurt me and caused some chaining impact on my pitching staff was Trenidad Marquez who made 2 starts in AAA before being lost for the season with a labrum tear. This will likely cause him to miss at least spring training next year. He will compete for a rotation spot during season 4, with his effectiveness and sloting largely dependent on how much he bounces back from injury. As I mentioned the loss of Marquez had some chaining implications I used the pitcher I had penciled in as Long A Mike Marte and the pitcher I had penciled in as Long B RJ Stroud into a tandem role for most of the season. Both were rule 5 picks and pitched well and may break camp with the club in season 4, but will have to compete for a spot. Pepe Sierra, another rule 5 pick this year also pitched well as the Dirty Jerz's top setup man.

Bryan Ball one of last year's Rookie of the year finalist had a sophomore slump as his ERA jumped a point and half as he struggled to adjust to a four and a half man rotation. Justin Brooks continued his consistent performance as a reliable starter and Matt Frye had a nice rookie year and will be penciled in for the number 2 or 3 slot in the rotation next year. Weldon Brooks made the club after Glanville's injury and pitched well in a number of roles from starter to closer and will also compete for a spot to make the club out spring training next year. I'm optimistic at being able to improve the pitching staff with internal options next year.

On the offensive side of the ball the team ran in place despite strong rookie years by David Johnson and BC Tucker and surprisingly strong first year by veterans Mike Browne and Michael Baker. Young veterans Chan Dong and Juan Mendoza continued to be excellent and good players receptively. Based on those comments alone you would expect an offense considerably better than last season, however, Pedro Perez fell off a cliff going from silver slugger to 675 OPS while at a less demanding defensive position. Mule Holmes 800+ OPS and 300+ BA dropped to 660 and 250. Alving Gonzalez hit with good power in his debut year but didn’t do much else. Dan Crawford's offense didn't improve as hoped and the tandem of Paul Howington and Gary Johnstone sucked worse than expected at shortstop.

I feel there are some improvements that can be made on the offense next year largely by replacing the sink hole at shortstop, however, it may be tough to get too much better than league average Crawford will need to develop into a solid top of the order on base threat, and Gonzalez will need to get his onbase percentage into an acceptable range.
From a player procurement perspective the season was a big success. I was able to add impact talent through both the draft (historically strong draft) and international (inspite of myself). On the international side I added potential work horse in Louie Hernandez. The Venezuelan is a major league starter now with 70 control, 82/62 splits and 2 league average pitches. The 20 year-old who dominated Hi-A in 100 innings has a lot of growth potential as well with potential strong splits versus both sides and a dominant sinker combined with strong control and the ability to pitch deep into games, on short rest.

With the 6th pick I was able to snag the player I had rated 3rd overall (didn't see a couple players) Richard Blackmon. Blackmon won't be able to stick at SS but depending on how his glove develops he may be able to play CF, 3B, or 2b. Blackmon looks like an elite hitter with excellent power and excellent splits a solid eye and solid contact. He had an excellent year in Low A as an 18 year old. The rest of the draft was largely a bust as my round 2 and 5 pick wouldn't sign and my 3rd and 4th round picks didn’t translate well or develop. I was able to add 3 pitchers through the rule 5 draft who posted solid ERA's, in 350 combined innings.

From an injury perspective the most severe is to Marquez, but considering his ceiling it's not a significant injury to the future of the organization. Thought it cost me a couple of wins last year and will cost me a couple in season 4 and 5. Mike Marte also got injured in the last start of the year, which will have a somewhat minor impact on the team going forward.

Top 15 Prospects:
1. Phillip Holtz: LHP - Drafted in season 2 with the third pick Holtz dominated HiA. He is a major league pitcher now with 72 control, 76/68 splits and 87/67 top 2 pitches, and is developing well with 4-6 points in every major category since spring training looks to be a good bet to get close to his projections: 93 control 89/88 with top pitches of 100 and 81. With 87 health he doesn't have much injury risk associated with him.

2. Louie Hernandez: LHP - Signed as an international in season 3, Hernadez dominated HiA. He is a major league starter now with 70 control, 82/62 splits and first two pitches of 72 and 68 pitches. With only 100 innings as a pro it's tough to gauage his development pace but he looks like a good bet to develop into a number 1 starter who could throw 275 innings, though likely not as dominant as Holtz. 90 Health Rating.

3. Felipe Hernandez: SH, C - An international signed for $20mm out of season 2. Hernadez is an MVP bat whose receiving skills leave much to be desired and may end up at DH depending on how the other catchers in the system develop. Hernadez got solid development this year gaining 4 points across the board and is currently at 70 contact 89 power splits of 88/78 and an eye of 45. That eye is always going to hurt his performance but mid to high 90's power with 80's contract and high 80's splits will go a long way to compensate for the problem. The time table on Hernandez is a little clouded he certainly will spend next year and the first 20 games of season 5 in AAA, however, weather he repeats the full year or comes to the show will be dependent on how the team plays in season 5. Health rating 94.

4. Richard Blackmon: RHH, Inf - Drafted 6th overall in season 3 Blackmon looks like an allstar bat at either 3b, 2b, of CF with great power and great splits. Like most players with no pro-experience he got little progression but lit up Low-A while getting acclimated. Blackmon is sitting at: 72 power, 61/53 splits and 61 control, his bat control is his weak point at only 34. My best guess is he will end up with low 90's power and mid 80's splits and an above average eye. Defensively he projects to be very sure handed with average range for most positions with an arm passable for all positions but SS. 84 health rating.

5.Felix Nomo: LHP - Nomo signed in season 1 as an international with a $26mm bonus has been somewhat of a disappointment. While he has developed and looks like he will debut in game 21 of season 5 he isn't turning into the dominant pitcher I thought I was getting. After 2 full years of development he is sitting at: 77 control, 75/64 splits and 92/76 first two pitches with great velocity and a strong groundball tendency. His pitches, his control and versus LHP is still developing but if his versus RHP doesn’t get a good 3rd year jump he is not going to be the impact player I had hoped for. Health rating 64.

6. Albert Puente: RHP - Acquired 9th overall in the season 1 amateur draft Puente doesn’t have the upside of either Holtz or Hernandez but looks like he will be a high end SP going forward. Puente is further along in his development than either Holtz or Hernandez as he has had more developmental time and is a year older. Puente is a soft-tosser without a dominant outpitch but will have good control and work both sides of the plate. He currently sits at 81 control, 62/68 splits and 74/78 top 2 pitches and developed 4 points in most major categories with his big 3rd year of development ahead hopefully he will get a needed bump in his pitches and will continue to develop his control and splits. 94 Health Rating

7. Dick Hull: RH, SS - Signed by Vancouver as a $13.9mm international in season 1 and was acquired via trade early in season 2. Hull list here at SS and is even money to land somewhere else as his defense even if fully developed is stretched at SS. Hull looks like he will be a top of the order player with a strong eye and very good on base skills. Currently his ratings are 52 contact, 56 power, 72 vs L, 67 vs R, 83 eye. It looks like Hull will be ready for a regular role 20 games into season 5, however, if he can't play SS where he will play is somewhat murky, perhaps playing center or 2b and pushing Dong to left or 1b. Heath rating 82

8. Kevin Matthews: LHP: Drafted in the supplemental round of the season 1 draft. A college closer Matthews has all the stuff to be a great closer in the bigs but struggled at Low and High A before having a solid season in AA this year. Matthews will probably be limited to a traditional 1 inning closer role. Currently, has a control of 76 splits of 67/68 and pitches of 86 and 96. It's likely he will hit mid 80's control mid 70's splits with dominant pitches. Matthews looks to debut in season 5. Health 60.

9. Victor Prieto: LHP: Prieto the one inherited player in the top 10 will challenge for a job in the bullpen next year after a dominant season in AA and slowing development. Prieto will never walk less than 3 per 9 but outside of below average control he is a the total package for an RP. 50 stamina, 28 durability will get him over 100 innings a year splits at 84/82, a fastball 83 and a sinker at 86 his weakness is his 54 control. He probably has a point or two of development left which he may get at the major league level. Health 56.

10. Justin Romero: RH, 1B - Aquired through trade in season 1. Nothing special as a player. More or less fully developed and ready to take a full time role next season as DH. Won't be a world beater but should be a reliable 800 OPS player until a better option is available through the farm or free agency. Currently 70 contact, 60 Power, 79/63 splits, 67 eye. Health 77.

11. Paul Marte: RH, C - An inherited player may be squeezed for a job despite having good hitting skills. This all bat catcher is ready to hit in the bigs now despite only being in HiA this season. Marte is a solid but unspectacular 62 contract, 74 power, 57/62 splits and 80 eye. Defensively his game calling leaves a lot to be desired as does his arm. With better catchers, 1b and DH's sprinkled throughout the system he may be trade bait or a bench bat. Health 78.

12. Migue Cruz: RH, 2b - a second round draft pick is developing nicely and had a strong year in LowA. Cruz's bat is progressing quickly and looks like it will be solid if he can continue to develop. He will never be a star, but can be a regular at 2b or CF. His bat stands at 61 contract, 41 power, 62/53 splits and 62 eye and advancing quickly. With 79/84 range/hands projection he could be a regular for a long time. Health 58.

13. Bryan Cordova: LHP - An inherited player who looks like he will be a solid back of the rotation starter on a short term basis. His development has slowed considerably this year, but he will compete for a job in the big league rotation next spring. He has solid unremarkable control, solid unremarkable pitches and below average control. Contol 62, 60/52 splits and pitches 79/73/50/67. Health 87.

14. Phil Riggs: RHP - Traded for in season 1, another young pitcher whose development has stalled. Solid control and tough on righties with a good outpitch Riggs has some weaknesses in so much that he doesn't throw all that hard, doesn't induce all that many grounders and doesn't have much after his good fastball and league average curve. Currently at 79 control, 51/72 splits with 83/68 first two pitches and not blessed with an arm that is very rubbery. He will compete for a spot on the staff next year. Health 92

15. Albert Martin: RB SS: An inherited player who has the inside track on the starting SS gig next year. He isn't much of a hitter 27 contact, 47 power, 43/37 splits and 46 eye but a solid defender currently at 87/83/88/89. While nothing to write home about an improvement over the current situation and if he can stay healthy next year he may get 600 PA's starting on opening day. Health: 39

Others of Note: Miguel Terreo, Steve Farley, Nicholas McKiney, Denis Thornton, Kordell Kirby, Harry Cora, Luis Martin, Brent Ransom, Tori Thomas, Trenidad Marquez, Juan Deleon, Nigel File, Mark Duncan, Eli Segui

Projected Season 4 Roster

1. C: Juan Mendoza (season 3)
2. 1b: Mike Browne (season 3)
3. 2b: Chan Dong (season 3)
4. 3b: BC Tucker (season 3)
5. SS: Albert Martin (AAA)
6. LF: Alving Gonzalez/Luis Martin platoon (season 3)
7. CF: Dan Crawford (season 3)
8. RF: David Johnson (season 3)
9. DH: Justin Romero (AAA)
10. C: Michael Baker (season 3)
11. Util: Pedro Perez or FA upgrade (season 3)
12. SS/CF: Gary Johnstone (season 3)
13. Platoon Gonzalez/Martin (AAA)
14. Free Agent
15: SP1 Justin Brooks (season 3)
16: SP2 Bryan Ball (season 3)
17: SP3 Matt Frye (season 3)
18: SP4 Marquez/Cordova/Riggs (DL/AAA/AA)
19: SP5 Marquez/Cordova/Riggs (DL/AAA/AA)
20: Long A: Prieto/Mike Marte /Riggs (AA/season 3)
21: Long B: Mike Marte/Cradle/RJ Stroud/Brooks (season 3)
22: SetA: Prieto/Nicholas Mckiney (AA)
23: SetB Pepe Sierra/Mike Marte/Cradle/RJ Stroud/Brooks (season 3)
24: SetB: Pepe Sierra/Mike Marte/Cradle/RJ Stroud/Brooks (season 3)
25: Cl: Dennis Thornton (AA)

Overall, I think the club will be better next year. Hopefully up near 500. My payroll looks be less in season 4 than season 3 as the last of the bad inherited contracts will roll off the books. I’m not opposed to adding talent via trade, however, I would want to add talent at spots of organizational weakness that would fit into my long term plans. Relieve pitcher and SS/CF and perhaps corner outfield or 1b are areas that I would improve with the right move. I like my organizational starting pitching even if it is a little far away.

Goals for season 4

1. 80 wins.
2. Keep the prospects and young veterans healthy.
3. Add 2 impact players in player procurement.
4. Add some depth system wide and perhaps trading some AA and AAA prospects for Low A prospects to restock the lower part of the farm.

GW2: Season 3 win requirements

Here is a list of win requirements this season for teams that won fewer than 75 games last season:

Minnesota: 60
Rochester: 53
Austin: 64
Trenton: 55
Cheyenne: 52

Minnesota Bloggers' firesale

Thanks to my No. 1 starter, No. 3 starter, and No. 1 prospect all going down with season-ending injuries already I'm giving serious thought to just blowing the whole team up for a full-on rebuilding effort. Rather than list everyone on the message board, I thought it might be easier to post a blog entry laying out my most valuable players for trade. If you're interested in anyone listed below, please let me know as soon as possible via trade chat, e-mail, or instant message.

Don Murray - 32 years old, reliever
A workhorse reliever with 45 stamina and 66 durability, he can basically pitch every day for you in a late-inning role with 81/74 splits, 91 control, 87 velocity, and 86/99 pitch ratings.

Harry Oliva - 31 years old, second baseman
One of the top 20 hitters in GW2, Olivo has 81 power and 79 eye to go with 66/61 splits and decent contact. He's also a passable defender at second base with 88 durability, and is hitting .280/.319/.636 with 10 homers through 26 games. Signed for the next two seasons at $6.5 million per year, he'd be a middle-of-the-order threat in any lineup.

P.T. Beltre - 33 years old, starting pitcher
A very nice mid-rotation starter who can eat a ton of innings with 83 stamina and 30 durability to go with 78 control and 62/59 splits. An impending free agent with a 75 overall rating, you'll get a draft pick when he signs as a Type B free agent.

Steve Dobson - 33 years old, reliever
Solid setup man with 70/58 splits, 85 velocity, and three usable pitches. He has a 13/3 K/BB ratio through 11 appearances as my Setup B.

Harry Lopez - 30 years old, starting pitcher
A nice mid-rotation starter with 78/66 splits who's making just $1.6 million.

Mike Cashman - 34 years old, shortstop
Top-notch defensive shortstop with 81 range and 90 glove, plus 44 power, 55/42 splits, and 47 eye.

Miguel Nunez - 26 years old, shortstop
Switch-hitter who can play anywhere defensively and offers decent ratings across the board offensively. Signed cheaply for the next two seasons.

GW2 International Free Agents Update

The amateur draft scouting results are just one week away in GW2, but three owners already have invested large pieces of their prospect budget into players they hope will be big time contributors down the road. It's been discussed on the league message board that the big checks being cut are the result of having too much money to spend. Hopefully this Int'l FA Bubble doesn't have detrimental affects down the line.

Dennis Kuo Augusta Whitewash Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Inchon, KR Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Kuo is your typical top International FA with a huge overall rating requiring a big league contract and a huge signing bonus, a check with August GM Sickchangeup had no problem writing. Armed with a $29 MM prospect budget, the Whitewash got a RF with great power, a keen eye, decent contact, and above average versus ratings. Kuo isn't even a a liability in the field. One does wonder if promoting the 18-year old Korean to the show right off the bat was the right move as he's at least 30+ points away from his projections.

Willie Diaz Minnesota Bloggers Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: St. Thomas, VI Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Bloggers have the early lead on the top pitcher coming off the international market. While Willie Diaz will never be a workhorse arm; he projects to have great control, can bring the heat, possesses solid ratings against both righties and lefities, and brings two solid with him to the mound. GM Aaron Gleeman also had a nice war chest available to sign prospects using $20.1 MM of his $25 MM available to sign Diaz to a minor league deal. The lefty from the Virgin Islands will start his pro career in RL.

Felix Nomo Trenton Dirty Jerz Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Yokosuka, JP Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The most intriguing international free agent so far is Felix Nomo. As franchises were still submitting bids for Kuo and Diaz, GM mrauseo stepped up to the plate and signed Japanese prospect Nomo to a 3-year minor league deal worth $26.1 MM. Placing the 18-year-old in LoA to start the season, early reports suggest he'll develop good control and dominate lefties. It's hard to say whether or not Nomo is worth the money, as the Dirty Jerz currently only have 900k left to fill out their system in the draft.

Remaining International Free Agent Buyers
(Teams with $14 MM Invested into Int'l Scouting)

• Los Angeles Anteaters of Irvine $30 MM (#1 and #42 picks)
  
• Vancouver Rubes $26 MM (#69 is first pick)
  
• Wichita Worgs $22 MM (#14 and #56 picks)
  
• Atlanta Orphans $20 MM (#12, #33, #39, #54 picks)
  
• Chicago Apple Hurlers $20 MM (#16 and #58 picks)
  
• Seattle Slews $20 MM (#10 and #52 picks)
• Colorado Springs Eternal $20 MM (#19, #41 and #61 picks)
• San Antonio Banderas' $16 MM (#22 and #64 picks)
• Tampa Bay PoisonArrowDartFrogs $16MM (#13 and #55 picks)

NL West: Tight Race Expected

Oakland Killdeer (NL) broadwayevns View Hardball Dynasty Profile

GM Broadwayevns took over the Killdeer and thought one thing--start the youth movement now. The new GM has had success with his other franchise, making the playoffs 50 percent of the time and saw the talent there to win now. Al Sutton is one of the call-ups and has the makings of a go to closer. Miguel Lopez is the final key call-up as a player who has been up and down for the franchise, but should be there to stay as a competent catcher and big bat.

Position Players

Lopez is a nice part of a lineup which also includes a classic CF contact hitter Erik Graffanino, along with steady bats SS Allen Harris, 3B Ted Haynes, and their best player who has already signed an extension LF Duke Shunick. The Bloomfield, NM native doesn't provide much help defensively and will play in left, but he is a balanced bat with nice speed. Les Clark is really the only power threat in the lineup, but this team is built to play in the wide open spaces of Network Associates Coliseum (-1, -2, -2, -1, -1)

Pitching Staff
The youth movement applies to the pitching staff as well. Vic Cruz is call-up to the rotation, and while he gives up a lot of flyballs he should do okay with the extra room in the ballpark. Oswaldo Franco is also another key starter in the youthanization movement, Franco rates pretty well in GW2 and should see his fair share of innings with the Killdeer. Although the true strength of this team is its international aces Pascual Esposito and Fausto Castillo. The Dominican and Venezuelan are both young and should give division rivals fits seeing them every couple days.

In the System
While there's not a lot of power in the bigs, there is some sitting in AAA. Randy Stewart was left in the minors to delay his ML service time and will likely be called up sometime during the season. The Hobart, OK native has patiently been bidding his time in the minors for 7 years and should contribute quickly if the Killdeer can find a position for him to play.

Prediction 90-72

Honolulu Anuenue Koa Pu'ali (NL) morneau33hr View Hardball Dynasty Profile

While some GMs like to sit back and try not to over-manage their rosters, GM Morneau33hr loves to tinker. Building his lineup for his first season as GM, he called up six prospects from the system, signed five free agents, acquired three major leaguers by trade, and claimed a player off the waiver wire. He even found time to lock up two of his players to long term deals. Time will tell whether he regrets parting with Albert Gonzalez, but a balanced lineup and strong staff will have the Koa Pu'ali competing from opening day.

Position Players

Louis Sikorski is a great player to have behind the plate, Sikorski has great fielding skills for a player with his bat although he might strikeout more than a manger would like. 2B Chuck Karl, 3B Ron Francis, SS Eduardo Ramirez, and MIF Horacio Rodriguez make up a solid infield for the Koa Pu'ali--all bring good gloves and good bats. The outfield might be a weakness in Honolulu, but not because of Mariano Lee. Lee has tremendous glove and rare power for a center fielder--he'll sure make a lot of plus plays in the field and pound out HRs at the plate.

Pitching Staff

Wilfredo Nunez is the big man out of the pen, but he may suffer from being rushed to the bigs. The rotation is headed by Neil Castillo, Troy Rivers, and Esteban Flores. The trio form a nice potential playoff rotation, although they are all very young and don't have a lot of support after the first five innings.

In the System

The Koa Pu'ali were blessed with a lot of talented middle infielders, and the best might be Ernie Lowell. The Iowan native has played three years of minor league ball and there's no need to rush the young man up to the majors as the five-tool SS develops his fielding to an acceptable level.

Prediction 89-73

Helena Handbasket (NL) frymaster23 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Helena GM Frymaster23 was one of the more active franchises in the offseason and maybe they did enough to make something happen. The franchise brought in five players by trade and seven by free agency.

Position Players

Gookie Michaels is the captain of the infield for Helena and provides a pretty steady bat and glove for GM Frymaster's squad. He has the ability to play all 162 games, but will struggle a bit against righties. Marc Stephens came in a trade during the Anteaters of Irvine Firesale 2009 and should provide solid offensive production in LF for years to come. Zachrey Daniels is a competent bat in the other corner outfield spot and will provide similar production. Scott Lowry might be the team MVP though as he will compete for a gold glove and hold his own at the plate.

Pitching Staff

The problem for Helena will be pitching and the GM knew it coming into the season. Four arms were brought in via trade and seven through free agency, but when Buster Riske is your number one starter there could be issues. Time will tell whether the 13-man staff can keep Helena in the division race, but there's not a lot of sand in the hourglass.

In the System

There are two young arms in the system though worth being patient for to develop. Ruben Alicea has two years under his belt and has some solid stuff coming together this year in LoA. Clint Darnell came into the system at the same time and has the makeup to contribute in the show.

Prediction 80-82

St. Louis Belgians (NL) bryanbecker View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Belgians are loves of high alcohol beer and their roster. GM Bryanbecker didn't do much to his roster in the offseason adding a CF in the free agent market, but staying away from the trade market and focused on browsing the beer selection at the Four Firkins. Still, the Belgians have enough talent on their roster to be competitive.

Position Players

The Belgians have few quality bats which will hold them back, they have a few good on-base guys, but they lack the slugging guys to get 'em in. 2B Orlando Campos, 3B George Shaw, and free agent signing CF Brian Perry can all get on base. Yet they'll be relying on 1B Jim Rooney to drive them in... time will tell if that lineup can generate enough offense, but this pundit thinks it won't.

Pitching Staff

GM Bryanbecker is going to have some tough decisions come the trade deadline. He's got some good aging arms, but whether they be pitching will enough leads is TBD. Tito Veres and Miguel Herrera are the top two starters for the Belgians and both are steady veteran arms. The strength of the staff is in the bullpen though. Don Murray, Red Reed, and call-up Frank Shigetoshi can all come into tough situations and deliver--so any leads the Belgians happen to have should be safe.

In the System

While they might be faced with having to decide if they're buys or sellers at the deadline, they already know they have at least one player with a great chance at the show. Ted Park looks to develop into a fine option out of the bullpen with some nasty pitches and great movement.

Prediction 70-92

GW2 AL East Preview: Season 1

The AL East is an early contender for the worst division in GW2. Two of the teams are openly rebuilding and the other two appear to be mediocre at best. Here's a look at how the division should shake out.

Augusta Whitewash

Unhappy with the talent at the ML level, GM sickchangeup went about unloading some of his best players, trading Hal Price and George Bailey for prospects. But Augusta hasn't completely blown up its big league team, and the Whitewash made a savvy trade for Jose Belliard while also signing discount deals for Steve Sweeney, Corban Thompson and Tracy Gaillard.

While the Whitewash won't be contending for a playoff spot, the team isn't completely devoid of talent. The rotation has three quality starters in Richie Wolf, Andy Reagan and Thurman Brown, though none of them will be able to shoulder a ton of innings. The back of the rotation will be more problematic and the bullpen is a two-man show, with Belliard and Paul Wanatabe.

The lineup has only one complete hitter: DH Ed Howell, who likely will spend the first 20 or so games of the season in AAA. 2B Barry Peterson is a nice hitter for his position and could grow into a true star. Outside of that, the team will rely on flawed sluggers like Luis Pizzaro, Andre Fitzgerald and Eric Witt. And you don't even want to consider how bad a hitter CF Virgil Wright is going to be.

Augusta has pockets of talent here and there, but probably not enough to be even average on either side of the ball.

Prediction: 68-94

New York Yankees

The Yankees didn't have an overly active offseason, although they did make a few moves. They traded away a couple talented players in Charlie Moran and Frank Chen and acquired a nice starting pitcher in Ray Hall, and they also signed a couple minor free agents.

Hall joins the clear strength of the team: a starting rotation that also includes Antone Hill and Bert Hughes. Even the back end of the rotation isn't terrible with Kenny Bollea and Gene Doyle.

The bullpen also has several promising pitchers in it, including Javier Romano, Kirk Relaford, Luther Brock and Wilt Root.

The starting lineup has strong hitters where you would expect them: 1B Orber Johnson and DH Vic Javier. But it has serviceable hitters, at worst, throughout the rest of the field and the defense seems competent as well.

All in all, the Yankees should be an above average pitching team and maybe average or a bit above on offense.

Prediction: 86-76, AL East champions

Tampa Bay PoisonArrowDartFrogs

Tampa Bay's biggest moves in the offseason were to trade away one of its better hitters in Jesus Arroyo and to sign a decent aging OF in Lucas Hunter.

Hunter, despite his diminished range, appears to be the team's starting CF. The defense will be much better in the middle infield with Paul Bang and Juan Lee. The team lacks a true star hitter, though, as corner outfielders Miguel Alcantara and Jeffrey Morgan are merely OK and 1B Johan Bates and Arnold Abbott both have flaws that will detract from their obvious strengths.

The rotation is fine at the top with Hideo Tamura and Randy Thurman, and even Zeus Webster and Greg Levis have the potential to be serviceable. Carlos Silva, however, is a disaster waiting to happen in the fifth spot.

The bullpen has a couple respectable pitchers in Troy Anderson and Willie Sierra, but not a lot else.

Depending on how much they can limit Silva's innings, the PADFs could be a solid pitching team with a just below average offense.

Prediction: 77-85

Trenton Dirty Jerz

Trenton had one of the busiest offseasons of any team in the league. The Dirty Jerz traded away some of its best players, including J.P. Alonso, Rob Kirby and Cliff Carter and traded for solid but unspectacular infielders Pedro Perez and Louie Cabrera. They also made a whole slew of discount free agent signings: Cristobal Sanchez, Allen Hamilton, Jesus Rivera, Dee Butler, Ricardo Posada, Louis White, Art Newson and Carl Moran, each for less than $2.5 million a year.

The end result isn't pretty, but it shouldn't be the worst team in the league either.

2B Chan Dong is far and away the best player on the team and the only really good hitter. Of the players above who were acquired in the offseason, Newson, Perez, Cabrera, White and Hamilton all figure to find their way into the starting lineup.

The rotation features just one quality pitcher, and he's still in AAA at the moment: Justin Brooks. It gets ugly quickly after that with the above-mentioned Sanchez, Jack Barry, Pete Wilkerson and an as-yet-unknown fifth starter.

The bullpen's just as big a mess, with Keith Moss probably the only decent pitcher out there.

Trenton can expect to be significantly below average on the pitching side, and just slightly better offensively.

Prediction: 64-98

GW2 AL West preview: Season 1

The AL West is one of the more fiscally responsible divisions in GW2, as none of the teams have committed more than $79 million to their player payroll so far for Season 1. Here's a look at how this season should shake out for the four teams.

Cheyenne Morning Stars

The Morning Stars didn't do anything crazy one way or the other in the offseason, which is probably a good idea for a novice GM. Cheyenne traded away an intriguing pitcher (Amp Dickerson), traded for a few pitchers (Rafael Bonifacio, Eduardo Ortega and Orval Merrick) and signed a couple infielders (Carlos Rodriguez and Trent Schmidt).

The only certainty about the Morning Stars is that their games are going to be long and sometimes frustrating for their fans to watch. The rotation to start the season is Earl Ferrell, Butch Parker, Ivan Rodriguez, Bonifacio and Willie Saenz. While some of them have the potential to be solid pitchers, their control ranges from mediocre to terrible and there figures to be a lot of Cheyenne opponents taking a casual stroll down to first base this season.

The bullpen is a little better, with Rafael Elcano, Virgil Aguilera, Tony Keats and Ortega. B.C. Baez could also help at some point this season.

The lineup has some very impressive players, led by MVP candidate Jimmy Forsch, a solid defensive SS who can hit for average, has good power and patience and is a big threat on the basepaths. He should get help from 1B Tony Viriato, LF T.J. Simpson, OF Al Baerga and C/DH candidates Artie Harris and Albert Ortega.

Defense may be a bit of an issue for Cheyenne, as well. Baerga doesn't really have the range for CF, but he doesn't have the arm for RF either and Cheyenne's best defensive option for CF (Zephyr Mattes) is a huge liability against righties. Also, the Morning Stars need to decide which of Harris and Ortega is the least bad option to catch.

Overall, the offense appears to be above average and the pitching staff seems below average.

Prediction: 81-81

Colorado Springs Eternal

The Eternal had a pretty quiet offseason, with the only move a trade for decent SS Alex Izquierdo. Izquierdo joins a lineup that might be a bit on the weak side.

1B Earl Mulholland and DH Nash Stephens are the team's best hitters, but neither one looks like a real star at the plate. The catching tandem of Ricardo Rincon and Gail Meyer is solid and Bob Walbeck is a fine hitter for a second baseman.

The outfield is the real problem spot, though. RF Vic Rodrigo should hit a bunch of homers, but might not provide much else. LF Troy Oliver and CF Bruce Davis are fantastic defenders, but their bats leave something to be desired.

The rotation would have three very strong pitchers if Alex DeSoto, Theodore Walters and Quilvio Garrido had a better assortment of pitches. Instead, they just have the potential to be solid mid-rotation types.

Those three will be joined by Matt James, with Jeff Meadows and Vladimir Marrero also available to start.

The bullpen features a solid trio in Octavio Sardinha, Stu Coffman and Luke Owen.

The pitching looks like it has a chance to be a bit above average, and it will be helped by what appears to be an excellent defense. The offense is more questionable, although the only player who looks like a truly easy out is Davis against lefties.

Prediction: 84-78

Los Angeles Anteaters of Irvine

The Anteaters didn't have much talent to start with, and they traded away most of what they did have. Tiny Kelley, Cap Vernon, Chief Lewis, Juan Manzanillo, Marc Stephens, Joe Benson and others were all sent packing. What's left is a motley crew of misfits, rejects and Rule 5 picks.

The lineup is built around a bunch of one- or two-tool players. 1B Tony Pena is probably the team's best hitter, but he doesn't have much power for a first baseman. LF Julio Palmeiro, RF Jorge DeSoto and DH Emilio Moya all have power, but they're all flawed in at least a couple areas.

Not only is the offense lacking in the lineup, the defense isn't anything great either. 2B Tony Gibson, 3B Kareem Wright and SS Ross Mills all appear to be significantly below average defenders.

The rotation doesn't have any truly terrible pitchers, but it also doesn't have anybody who'd be anything more than a No. 3 starter on a good staff. Eric Howard, Marc Rolison, Buzz White, Vladimir Cedeno and Garrett Gordon shouldn't be the worst rotation in the AL, but it's certainly not good enough to prop up such an uninspiring lineup.

The bullpen is more of the same: pitchers with some talent but with serious flaws as well. Davey Marichal, Juan Castro and Chuck Mullin will pitch as much as they're able to, and Wallace Watson will be asked to eat up a lot of innings.

Prediction: 57-105

Salem Trout

The Trout had an exceptionally quiet offseason, declining to add even a single player from outside the organization to the ML roster. Instead, they'll take their chances with a strong rotation, a solid lineup and an acceptable bullpen.

The rotation is clearly the best in the division with Cord Thompson, Neifi Maradona, Rafael Benitez and Cole Perkins. The only problem is that there isn't a workhorse in the bunch. The good news is that Salem has plenty of help available in AAA, including Junior Spencer, James Martin, Peter Larson and J.C. Black. If anything, Salem probably has a surplus of starting pitches.

The bullpen features Luis Cruz, Alex Mateo, Sid Kingland and Carlos Terrero. Again, there's help available at AAA from George Stearns.

The lineup has a couple big boppers in C Yeico Carreras and 1B Lance Frazier, as well as a few good all-around hitters in LF Ricky Hernandez, Carlos Valentin and DH Pedro Ontiveros.

The Trout also have one of the most intriguing players in GW2 in SS Brandon Key. He's an elite defender with good contact and power and excellent patience. Unfortunately, his approach at the plate is terrible against lefties and even worse against righties. It will be interesting to see how much he can produce.

In all, Salem seems to have an above-average offense and an above-average pitching staff, making it easily the most complete team in the AL West.

Prediction: 92-70, AL West champion

NL South: Differences From Top to Cellar Dweller

Mexico City Feathered Serpents (NL) coolio4433 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Feathered Serpents are the team to beat in the the NL West. Coolio4433 already has two world series titles in his trophy case and has tried to make enough improvements to the FS roster to make a run for a third.

Position Players
Coolio inherited a roster with a farily solid position infield: Brad Ramsay, Aaron Coles, Rob Koch, and Bud Terry. All of them are under 30 and none of them have atrocious contacts--something not all teams in GW2 can say. Unfortuantely the FS outfield isn't as talented, could hold the franchise back from making any real progress, so much so that management took a rule 5 flier on Mike Cedeno.

Pitching Staff
GM Coolio recognized that to make his team viable he needed to make some moves to improve his staff. The first step in the process was acquiring Juan Manzanillo from the Anteaters of Irvine, who were in sell mode before they even set their budget. The deal forced the Feathered Serpents to move their best assest, Adam Ducey, which they could regret down the road. However, combined with their $60 MM FA signing Sean Benson the Feather Serpents aren't looking ahead to the future, because the future is now. Mix in Ben Gose and Michael Kobayashi and you've got a pretty nice rotation going, maybe even a good playoff rotation considering the talent level in GW2.

In the System
Pat McGee might be one of the better prospects in the system since they've already moved Ducey, but there don't appear to be any players immediately ready to step up to the bigs. With the 24th pick in the draft, $16MM in prospect money, and $13MM in college and high school scouting--GM Coolio is hoping that he can add a few more players in season one.

Prediction: 92-70 NL South Champs

Louisville Lugnuts (NL) scottie3234 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Predicted to finish a close second to Mexico City is GM Scottie3234's Lugnuts. Wasting no time in changing the roster, the Lugnuts brought up three players from its minor league system, signed two free agents, and added two players via trade. It's hard to say whether the prospects have been rushed too soon into action or whether it'll be enough. Either way it'll be fun to watch.

Position Players
Dan Healy was brought over to be a threat at the top of the order in a trade with August for Octavio Cordero. The young arm might be a contributor down the road, but Louisville does need help in their lineup now which is why they also added Dan Healy with a four year $16MM deal. Those two join Lance Jenkins and Hal Price to form a decent top half of the order.

Pitching Staff
Bucky Kelly is the headline act of a staff that depends on its starting pitching and Gary Hawkins is the man coming out of the pen--the only man as there isn't much else for Sparky to go to back there. Tom Kraemer, Earl Lofton, Al Osuna, and Darby Butler round out the staff. It's a good mix of young and old, but the cupboards might be too bare in the bullpen to make it through the season.

In the System
Lucas Spence is the future star in waitng within the Lugnuts system. It'll be tough to hold back the young left fielder who is in his second year of pro ball.

Prediction: 88-74 NL Wildcard contender

Wichita Worgs (NL) illinidrew View Hardball Dynasty Profile

It's time for a youth movement in Wichita. Illinidrew avoided the free agent market and the trade market, and promoted from within. The Worgs brought up seven players from the minors and have parted ways with five veterans. It looks like with Mexico City and Louisville making moves that Wichita will have to wait a season or two before making an impact.

Position Players
Raul Flores is the big threat in the Worg lineup and Jose Gonzalez is a nice SS to have, but there isn't much to make opponents worry when seeing WIC on the schedule.

Pitching Staff
Michael Brennan is the ace of the staff, but Sparky will be going to the bullpen pretty quickly considering the talent of the other four projected starters. Luckily the bullpen is fairly decent. Denny Floyd, Zoltan Perez, and Rob Hayes make up a pretty competive trio of arms to turn to this season.

In the System
Alfredo Vega might just be a future fireman for the Worgs if they stay patient with the youngester. The second year pro hasn't officially been promoted to the LoA squad, but time will tell if the 20-year-old develops. Wichita has maxed their scouting budgets for the season, had the 14th and 56th picks in the draft, and has $18 MM to spend on prospects--time will tell how many quality players they can add.

Prediction: 70-92 3rd place in NL South

Austin Paradise (NL) sl__72 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Austin will be anything but a paradise in season one of GW2, and sl_72 hasn't done much to change that so far. The team has some pretty good prospects in the system who have a chance to develop faster than expected, and maybe a few potential all-stars.

Position Players
Chad Skinner looks like the best player on the Austin roster and the only question seems to be how long will he stay in Austin. Younger postion players Happy Thurman and Armando Tatis will probably still be with the team for the future, but this squad will definitely go through some growing pains.

Pitching Staff
The Paradise don't have their official staff quite figured out yet as only eight arms are currently on the roster, and fans might want to follow the advice of Theo Ransom and wear shades before watching the Austin staff take the field. There aren't many brightspots to focus on here, so lets move on to the minors.

In the System
Sam Ganzel is one to watch this season. The 22-year-old is in his fourth season of pro ball and is scheduled to start the season in High A. Ganzel has tremendous control, velocity, and two great out pitches. Lucky for Austin they get to add to their system with the 15th, 40th, and 57th picks in the draft. GM sl_72 has set aside $20 MM to spend on propsects for which they've invested $12 MM in their high school and college scouting, and $8 MM on international scouting.

Prediction: 50-112 NL Cellar Dweller