|
February 9,
2007
2007 Season Preview
The
Thunder Bay Baseball League is about to begin their 4th full season of
operation. In each of the first three seasons, the TBBL has
crowned 3 different champions (Richmond, Los Angeles and Kentucky).
One of the more
concerning issues for most leagues, including the TBBL, is the amount of innings
and plate appearances available during the draft. With 40 man rosters,
teams have the luxury of stashing away many young players while building for
their future. In the inaugural draft of 2004, a total of 100 off disk or
aaa players were drafted allowing teams to begin their building process.
|
Year |
Off Disk/aaa Players
Drafted |
Total Draft Picks |
% of Off Disk/aaa |
| 2004 |
100 |
800 |
13% |
| 2005 |
51 |
269 |
19% |
| 2006 |
85 |
371 |
23% |
| 2007 |
94 |
329 |
29% |
|
 |
In the 2005 free
agent draft, a total of 51 Off Disk/aaa players were drafted and in 2006 a
total of 85 Off Disk/aaa players were drafted. The above table shows
the percent of Off Disk/aaa players has increased each year since the TBBL
began, meaning more and more owners are researching the younger players
during the off season. In 2007, the TBBL drafted the most aaa players
(based on percentage) ever further cementing the notion of owners scouring
the lower levels and colleges for the next great player.
|
2006 Final Power
Alley (Top 12) |
| Kentucky |
23.00 |
| San Francisco |
21.75 |
| Los Angeles |
21.25 |
| Richmond |
19375 |
| West Orange |
19.38 |
| Stone Mountain |
18.63 |
| Carefree |
17.75 |
| Smith Mills |
15.50 |
| Jersey |
14.75 |
| Moon |
14.63 |
| Philadelphia |
14.13 |
| Salem |
13.00 |
Some great owners are in place
for the 2007 season, which will likely make this the most exciting season to
date. On February 9, 2007, we
ran a simulated season, which will be compared to the real results at seasons end. There
is a link to the simulated finish in each teams report below.
The season was simmed using computer generated manager profiles for all
teams with regard to player ratings or team supplied manager profiles.
This is the
direct
link for the sim results.
Our comments are
made for fun, I hope everyone can enjoy them while reading.
Please feel free to
share your thoughts or
comments in our
forum under the 2007 Season Preview topic.
Jump to:
AL East |
AL West | NL East |
NL West
|
|
Team: Las
Vegas Diamonds |
|
Owner:
Nite Mahan |
|
2006 Record: 101-63 (1st place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Jason LaRue |
|
1B
|
Adrian Gonzalez |
|
2B
|
Ronnie Belliard |
|
3B
|
David Bell |
|
SS
|
Willie Bloomquist |
|
LF
|
Andre Ethier |
|
CF
|
Jim Edmonds |
|
RF
|
Trot Nixon |
|
DH |
Craig Monroe |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Roy Halladay |
|
SP2
|
Pedro Martinez |
|
SP3
|
Brad Radke |
|
SP4
|
Ian Snell |
|
SP5
|
Tohma Ohka |
|
CL
|
Kyle Farnsworth |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Brian Anderson, Cory Kasto, John Mayberry, Joe
Koshansky |
|
Strengths: Pretty
good starting pitching 1 through 4 this year; Ethier did well in
his rookie season |
| Weaknesses:
Where's the BEEF? Team
underwent makeover in off-season and power will suffer.
Losing Radke to retirement and Pedro to injury will hurt
team in 2008 |
| Prediction:
6th
place. The
Diamonds may have a tough year ahead of them. They
will be battling it out for last place with the Devils
most of the year. Nite is in for the long haul
though. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Diamonds finished
6th in the AL East in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Jersey Damage Inc. |
|
Owner: Rob
Capizzano |
|
2006 Record: 93-69 (2nd place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Brad Ausmus |
|
1B
|
Jason
Giambi |
|
2B
|
Dan
Uggla |
|
3B
|
Omar
Vizquel |
|
SS
|
Troy
Glaus |
|
LF
|
Alfonso
Soriano |
|
CF
|
Coco
Crisp |
|
RF
|
Manny
Ramirez |
|
DH |
David
Ortiz |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Matt Cain |
|
SP2
|
Jason Schmidt |
|
SP3
|
Freddy Garcia |
|
SP4
|
Jake Westbrook |
|
SP5
|
Jon Leiber |
|
CL
|
Billy Wagner |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Lorenzo Cain, Nolan Reimold, Van Pope, Angel
Villalona, Chase Headley, Dellin Betances, Wil Inman and
Gaby Hernandez |
|
Strengths: Offensive team with
decent starters.
David Ortiz (287-54-137), Manny Ramirez (321-35-100) and Alfonso
Soriano (277-46-95) make great 3-4-5. Team will score
runs! |
| Weaknesses:
Brad Ausmus is all glove and no hit.
CF could be a problem if Crisp struggles. Middle
relief could be better for a team hoping to win it all
in 2007 |
| Prediction:
1st
place. Its time to take this thing to the next level.
Trades made Jersey stronger, now its time to put up. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Damage Inc. finished
4th in the AL East in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team: Los
Angeles Halos |
|
Owner:
Greg W. |
|
2006 Record: 102-60 (2nd place-NL West) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Paul LoDuca |
|
1B
|
Nick Johnson |
|
2B
|
Jose Lopez |
|
3B
|
Alex Rodriquez |
|
SS
|
Jason Bartlett |
|
LF
|
David DeJesus |
|
CF
|
Brian Anderson |
|
RF
|
Vlad Guerrero |
|
DH |
Adrian Beltre |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Johan Santana |
|
SP2
|
Aaron Cooke |
|
SP3
|
Joe Blanton |
|
SP4
|
Livan Hernandez |
|
SP5
|
Tom Glavine |
|
CL
|
Mariano Rivera |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Brian Barton, Carl Pavano, Colby Rasmus, Donald
Veal, Michael Bowden, Yuniel Escobar, Mike Hinckley,
Humberto Sanchez |
|
Strengths: This is
another good American League offensive team; Best SP in
baseball, hands down. Santana 2.77 ERA and 245 K's; Best
closer in baseball history also part of staff. |
| Weaknesses:
Rotation depth. Livan Hernandez
usually is a punching bag in DMB and Blanton (+50
Hits/Innings) may get pounded. |
| Prediction:
2nd
place. Greg should make the playoffs with his squad, but may
not get out of the 1st round. The American League
is a better league with the Halos in it. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Halos finished 2nd
in the AL East
in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Midlothian Mashers |
|
Owner:
Matt Maher |
|
2006 Record: 77-85 (3rd place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Brian McCann |
|
1B
|
N Garciappara |
|
2B
|
Mike Lamb |
|
3B
|
Joe Crede |
|
SS
|
Jack Wilson |
|
LF
|
Garret Anderson |
|
CF
|
Juan Rivera |
|
RF
|
Milton Bradley |
|
DH |
Frank Thomas |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Kris Benson |
|
SP2
|
Curt Schilling |
|
SP3
|
Claudio Vargas |
|
SP4
|
Juan Cruz |
|
SP5
|
Casey Fossum |
|
CL
|
Bobby Jenks |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: None |
|
Strengths: This
has become a really good team in 2 years. Matt has added a
great balance of power and pitching; Jenks and Gagne could be
great 1-2 punch in future. H2H play is outstanding |
| Weaknesses:
The farm is bare; IF has little power
outside of Crede; Starts could be an issue as the year
closes |
| Prediction:
3rd
place. The Mashers won 77 games in 2006 and should exceed that
total this year. A very tough division could be
the downfall for the Mashers though. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Mashers finished 5th
in the AL East
in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Florida Devils |
|
Owner:
Marc Kramer |
|
2006 Record: 53-109 (5th place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Mike Piazza |
|
1B
|
Jim Thome |
|
2B
|
Josh Barfield |
|
3B
|
Scott Spezio |
|
SS
|
Orlando Cabrera |
|
LF
|
Matt Murton |
|
CF
|
Steve Finley |
|
RF
|
Ichiro Suzuki |
|
DH |
Kevin Millar |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Vincente Padilla |
|
SP2
|
Anibal Sanchez |
|
SP3
|
Orlando Hernandez |
|
SP4
|
John Koronka |
|
SP5
|
Ricky Nolasco |
|
CL
|
Tak Saito |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: John Danks, Scott Elbert, Neil Walker, Chris
Volstad |
|
Strengths: Jim
Thome (288-42-109) and Ichiro (322-45 SB) make the offense go.
Saito is a great closer for the 2007 season |
| Weaknesses:
Many positions are questionable
heading into 2007; Rotation is average at best: This pro
bowler has to pick up the spare in the 10th frame to
make a move this year |
| Prediction:
5th
place. The Devils are in the midst of building for the future.
They should be a bottom of the division team in 2007,
mainly battling the Diamonds for the basement. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Devils finished 3rd
in the AL East
in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Salem Scythe |
|
Owner:
Mark Davis |
|
2006 Record: 72-90 (4th place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Joe Mauer |
|
1B
|
Lance Berkman |
|
2B
|
Chone Figgins |
|
3B
|
Brandon Inge |
|
SS
|
Brandon Phillips |
|
LF
|
Nick Swisher |
|
CF
|
Melky Cabrera |
|
RF
|
Michael Cuddyer |
|
DH |
Richie Sexson |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Kelvim Escobar |
|
SP2
|
Felix Hernandez |
|
SP3
|
AJ Burnett |
|
SP4
|
Cliff Lee |
|
SP5
|
Aaron Sele |
|
CL
|
Francisco Rodriquez |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Michael Aubrey, Dan Meyer, Adam Miller and Justin
Upton |
|
Strengths: Well
balanced club with some intriguing players. Berkman
(315-45-136) is a true stud and Mauer didn't win the batting
crown by sleeping on the job. King Felix is on verge of
busting out. |
| Weaknesses:
Starting pitching is average; not
many holes on this team though |
| Prediction:
4th
place. This team could go either way in my view. I see
them battling it out with the Mashers most of the year.
Team could be very good next season if Felix blows up. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Scythe finished 1st
in the AL East
in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Kentucky Wildcats |
|
Owner:
Rocky Hall |
|
2006 Record: 114-48 (1st place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Ramon Hernandez |
|
1B
|
Travis Hafner |
|
2B
|
Bill Hall |
|
3B
|
Melvin Mora |
|
SS
|
Khalil Greene |
|
LF
|
Barry Bonds |
|
CF
|
Torii Hunter |
|
RF
|
Dave Dellucci |
|
DH |
Ken Griffey |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Brandon Webb |
|
SP2
|
Bronson Arroyo |
|
SP3
|
Roger Clemens |
|
SP4
|
Kenny Rogers |
|
SP5
|
Jon Garland |
|
CL
|
Todd Jones |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Uhh, too many to list; Homer Bailey class of
group |
|
Strengths: Rocky
may be best on field manager in the TBBL; Bonds (270-26-77) and Hafner
(308-42-117) will be tough to deal with in the middle of the
order; Webb outstanding
starter |
| Weaknesses:
Kenny Rogers wont have pine tar to
use in DMB so his numbers may suffer some; where is the
pen? |
| Prediction:
2nd
place. The
Wildcats are like the Yankees, you cant count them out.
Every year when I write this I have questions about the
team, but they win 100+ games each time. This
could be the toughest year for them with the way the
division has improved. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Wildcats finished
1st in the AL West in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Philadelphia Smackdown |
|
Owner:
Noel
Langlois |
|
2006 Record: 90-72 (2nd place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Ivan Rodriquez |
|
1B
|
Derek Lee |
|
2B
|
Ryan Freel |
|
3B
|
Aramis Ramirez |
|
SS
|
Migeul Tejeda |
|
LF
|
Moises Alou |
|
CF
|
Mike Cameron |
|
RF
|
Jay Gibbons |
|
DH |
Johnny Damon |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Randy Johnson |
|
SP2
|
Josh Johnson |
|
SP3
|
Tim Hudson |
|
SP4
|
Rich Hill |
|
SP5
|
Woody Williams |
|
CL
|
Trevor Hoffman |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Eric Campbell, Carlos Carrasco, Bryce Cox, Jeremy
Jeffress and Daisuke Matsuzaka |
|
Strengths: Another
very good American League lineup; DICE-K is coming!!!!
Aramis Ramirez is coming into his own and will help the Smack in
2007. |
| Weaknesses:
Derek Lee's injury will hamper 1b
production; The Unit wasn't very good in 2006; Hudson
needs to pitch better as well |
| Prediction:
3rd
place. The
Smackdown probably will finish behind the Cats again
this year. Another playoff appearance is a given
for this year. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Smackdown finished
3rd in the AL West in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Carefree Coyotes |
|
Owner:
Dave Pittner |
|
2006 Record: 89-73 (3rd place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Russ Martin |
|
1B
|
Chris Shelton |
|
2B
|
Aaron Hill |
|
3B
|
Chad Tracy |
|
SS
|
Eric Bruntlett |
|
LF
|
Ryan Church |
|
CF
|
Andruw Jones |
|
RF
|
Geoff Jenkins |
|
DH |
Marcus Thames |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Brad Penny |
|
SP2
|
Casey Janssen |
|
SP3
|
Matt Morris |
|
SP4
|
Cory Lidle |
|
SP5
|
Doug Davis |
|
CL
|
Joe Nathan |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Lars Anderson and Mark Reynolds |
|
Strengths: The
Coyotes and Wildcats battle it out in other leagues and will
continue their battle in the TBBL. Russ Martin (282-10-65)
and Chad Tracy (281-20-80) are two nice building blocks; Very
good pen |
| Weaknesses:
Matt Diaz and Darryl Ward only .300 +
hitters on team |
| Prediction:
4th
place. The
Coyotes continue to improve as the season progresses but
are on bubble for a postseason spot. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Coyotes finished
4th in the AL West in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Lincoln Tunnel Rats |
|
Owner:
Robert Woertz |
|
2006 Record: 85-77 (4th place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Jason Kendall |
|
1B
|
Todd Helton |
|
2B
|
Jose Valentin |
|
3B
|
Freddy Sanchez |
|
SS
|
Jimmy Rollins |
|
LF
|
Matt Holiday |
|
CF
|
Randy Winn |
|
RF
|
Geoff Jenkins |
|
DH |
Ty Wiggington |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Erik Bedard |
|
SP2
|
Greg Madduz |
|
SP3
|
Jamie Moyer |
|
SP4
|
Steve Traschel |
|
SP5
|
Jered Weaver |
|
CL
|
Tom Mastny |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Eric Duncan, Jacob McGee, Eric Hurley, Jeff
Niemann, Mark Worrell, Brandon Morrow, Johnathon Meloan
and Matt Radhames Liz |
|
Strengths: Matt
Holiday (326-34-114) and Jimmy Rollins (277-25-83) are two
premier players; Duffy 26 of 27 SB |
| Weaknesses:
Rotation age ... its getting up
there; No Closer, rest of pen decent but could be better |
| Prediction:
5th
place. The
Rats have a pretty solid offense but the pitching lacks
a bit. Bedard is an ace in the making but he can
only pitch once every 5 days |
| Simulated Finish:
The Rats finished
5th in the AL West in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
Michigan Rangers |
|
Owner:
Peter Brooks |
|
2006 Record: 67-95 (5th place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Josh Willingham |
|
1B
|
Rich Aurillia |
|
2B
|
Luis Castillo |
|
3B
|
Aubrey Huff |
|
SS
|
Y Betancourt |
|
LF
|
Pedro Feliz |
|
CF
|
Aaron Rowand |
|
RF
|
Bobby Abreu |
|
DH |
Jermaine Dye |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Carlos Zambrano |
|
SP2
|
Chris Carpenter |
|
SP3
|
CC Sabathia |
|
SP4
|
Francisco Liriano |
|
SP5
|
Chuck James |
|
CL
|
Chris Ray |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Luke Hochevar, Brandon Erbe, Cameron Maybin, Jeff
Samardzija |
|
Strengths: The
staff is excellent. Zambrano may be best SP in the NL;
Sabathia has great numbers as well; Liriano will dominate |
| Weaknesses:
Team doesn't hit lefties well; Role
players could bicker about playing time :) |
| Prediction:
1st
place. The Battle for the West will come down to the Cats and
Rangers, but I see the Rangers taking the West crown.
Peter did a real nice job with this club. |
| Simulated Finish:
The Rangers finished
2nd in the AL West in the February 9 simulation. Click
here for team stats.
|
|
|
|
Team:
California Gladiators |
|
Owner:
Kevin Hitt |
|
2006 Record: 58-104 (6th place) |
|
Projected
Lineup |
|
C
|
Ronnie Paulino |
|
1B
|
Greg Norton |
|
2B
|
Tad Iguchi |
|
3B
|
Tony Graffanino |
|
SS
|
Hanley Ramirez |
|
LF
|
Shane Costa |
|
CF
|
Kenny Lofton |
|
RF
|
Chris Denorfia |
|
DH |
Ryan Theirot |
|
|
Projected Rotation |
|
SP1
|
Jason Jennings |
|
SP2
|
Chris Young |
|
SP3
|
Tim Wakefield |
|
SP4
|
Shawn Marcum |
|
SP5
|
Chan ho Park |
|
CL
|
Justin Duscherer |
|
|
|
|
|
Team Report |
| On the
Farm: Daniel Bard, Adam Jones, Justin Orenduff, David
Winfree and Akinori Iwamura |
| | |
