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February 17, 2008

2009 Season Preview

     The Thunder Bay Baseball League is about to begin their 6th full season of operation.  In each of the first five seasons, the TBBL has crowned 5 different champions (Richmond, Los Angeles, Kentucky, Chemung and Carefree). 

     I can honestly say that in 2008 I didn't see the Coyotes coming.  They were picked to finish 3rd in last years preview and at the time I thought they were a playoff bubble team. Great managing by Carefree and Osama got their teams to the World Series but in 2009 there is exactly ONE team that I feel is a lock to win it all.  There isn't a better team on paper than the Chemung Crawdads, the 2007 league champion.  Their lineup includes Jose Reyes, Derek Jeter, Carlos Quentin, David Wright, Carl Crawford and Magglio Ordonez.  Their top four starters are Tim Linecum, Dan Haren, Matt Garza and Ricky Nolasco.  These four starters combined for a 60-30 record with an ERA just over 3 runs per game.  Closing out games for Chemung will be Jonathon Papelbon, Brian Fuentes and BJ Ryan (combined 103 saves).  There are no holes in this team and they are once again my pick to win the 2009 World Series. 

     Other teams that will be very good in 2009 include the Los Angeles Halos, Florida Devils, Newark Eagles and Osama Camel Camp.  Salem and Midlothian along with Beartooth and Carefree are the wildcards this season.  They could either be very good or not make the playoffs either.  I had a particularly tough time predicting who would finish behind the Halos in the AL East.  Florida looks to be a really good team but with the H2H play of Salem and Midlo anything can happen.

     We have a new owner once again in 2009 as the Las Vegas Diamonds have been transitioned to Jeff Thomas and are now called the California Volcanoes.  We have had just 2 owner changes since 2007 and I am very happy to have this great group of owners on board for 2009.

     The TBBL is one of the deepest leagues I have ever seen.  Last year I ran a comparison to see how many off disk players have been drafted each year and have once again updated the table below. 

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%
2008 78 324 24%
2009 77 333 23%

     In the 2005-2007 free agent drafts, a total of 230 Off Disk/aaa players were drafted  Many of them are currently in the TBBL proving the farm system is a very important part of our league.  The above table shows number compared to the percent of aaa players picked and for the second straight year the number decreased.  In 2009, the TBBL drafted 77 off disk players and we even saw our first 15 year old draftee in Bryce Harper, a catcher now part of the Beartooth organization.  When will a player from the Little League World Series be picked?

2008 Predcitions
Team 2008 Finish 08 Prediciton Team 2008 Finish 08 Prediction
Scythe 1 1 Coyotes 1 3
Halos 2 2 Rangers 2 1
Mashers 3 4 Rats 3 2
Damage 4 3 Smackdown 4 5
Diamonds 5 5 Gladiators 5 6
Devils 6 6 Wildcats 6 4
Team 2008 Finish 08 Prediction Team 2008 Finish 08 Prediction
Crawdads 1 1 Camel Camp 1 2
Eagles 2 3 Raiders 2 4
Confederates 3 2 Paddlers 3 1
Mammoths 4 5 Seals 4 3
Loggers 5 6 Bitteroots 5 6
Panthers 6 4 Komets 6 5

     Each year, this Season Preview allows me to take a look at each team and forecast where they may end up at the end of the season.  The table to the right displays how my forecasting ability did in 2008.  I picked the Crawdads to repeat in 2008 and I was way off, as the Carefree Coyotes came up with the hardware.

     On February 17, 2009, 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.  in 2009, I received just 14 owner originated manager profiles.  10 teams MP's were simmed.  This is the direct link for the sim results.      

     Our comments are made for fun, I hope everyone can enjoy them while reading.     

    

Jump to:
AL East | AL West | NL East | NL West
Team Jersey Damage Inc

Team Report
Owner Rob Capizzano
2008 Record 73-89 (4th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
CF C. Crisp J. Lackey
LF M. Teahan M. Cain
2B D. Uggla J. Bonderman
DH D. Ortiz K. Rogers
3B T. Glaus C. Silva
1B J. Giambi

Bullpen
RF A. Dunn G. Sherrill
C P. Bako S. Shields
SS W. Harris W. Ohman
Bench D. Sanchez
OF H. Matsui D. Willis
2B M. Antonelli D. Wheeler
OF R. Baldelli J. Niese
OF G. Sheffield O. Dotel
IF R. Aurillia J. Sowers
On the Farm: Angel Villalona, Carlos Triunfel, Austin Jackson, Desmond Jennings, Will Inman, Andrew Brackman, Rick Porcello, Jarrod Parker, Brett Wallace and Tim Alderson
Strengths: The farm team is by far the strength for Jersey, with arms like Porcello, Parker, Brackman and Alderson looking to debut around 2011.  Some power in the lineup as well
Weaknesses:   Starting pitching outside of Lackey and Cain is horrific.  Lots of opportunities for the mop up guys in 2009.  HIGHEST PAYROLL ... eghhh what happened!!!!
Prediction: 5th place.  By far my worst team, will finish last or next to last
Simulated Finish:  The Damage finished 5th in the AL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Los Angeles Halos

Team Report
Owner Greg W.
2008 Record 110-52 (2nd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
CF R. Sweeney G. Meche
RF D. Span A. Wainright
ss H. Ramirez J. Saunders
3B A. Rodriguez A. Cooke
1B C. Pena A. Sonnastine
DH V. Guerrero

Bullpen
LF D. DeJesus T. Wakefield
2B P. Polanco M. Rivera
C Y. Molina M. Capps
Bench B. Shouse
C R. Barajas J. Carlson
IF K. Morales J. Nelson
IF M. Izturis P. Coke
OF G. Kapler J. McDonald
OF R. Freel M. Bowden
On the Farm: Dustin Ackley, Daniel Bard, Yu Darvish, Aaron Hicks, Matt LaPorta, Drew Stubbs, Michael Welgarz, Bryan Anderson, JP Arencibia
Strengths: The offense is very good for Los Angeles and the starters are decent; Mariano at the back end of the pen is second to none; staff may pitch above their heads
Weaknesses:   Outfield isn't great defensively and lacks some power; hard to find weaknesses
Prediction: 1st place.  The Halos should win the division but will always battle it out with Salem and Midlo.  Team should make the ALCS at a minimum in 2009.
Simulated Finish:  The Halos finished 1st in the AL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Salem Scythe

Team Report
Owner Mark Davis
2008 Record 111-51 (1st place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B B. Phillips AJ Burnett
C J. Mauer F. Hernandez
1b L. Berkman J. Contreras
DH L. Thome S. Feldman
CF C. Ross  C. Gaudin
RF J. Upton

Bullpen
LF N. Swisher P. Feliciano
SS O. Infante F. Rodriquez
3B C. Figgins L. Hernandez
Bench D. Thompson
3B H. Blalock J. Valverde
C B. Inge M. Lowe
OF M> Cabrera D. Meyer
2B K. Matsui J. Garcia
OF M. Cuddyer --
On the Farm: Ike Davis, Kelvim Escobar, Matt Walker and Adam Miller
Strengths: Very solid offense featuring Berkman, Mauer Upton and Thome; K-Rod and Valverde nice combo
Weaknesses:   The starting staff may be the weakest in years with old reliable Livan Hernandez knocking on the door for a spot
Prediction: 3rd place.  Offense is too good to let this team slip out of the top 3.  I think LAH has too much for Salem but Mark's H2H play will benefit his team.  Will battle Midlo all year
Simulated Finish:  The Scythe finished 3rd (tied) in the AL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Florida Devils

Team Report
Owner Marc Kramer
2008 Record 51-111 6th place
Pos Player Pitching Staff
RF Fukodome C. Lee
SS O. Cabrera J. Santana
LF P. Burrell J. Danks
DH N. Johnson H. Kuroda
3B M. Mora C. Volstad
1B K. Millar

Bullpen
CF C. Young J. Beilmel
2B J. Carroll S. Proctor
C G. Zaun V. Chulk
Bench S. Elbert
2B J. Barfield C. Wade
1B N. Johnson T. Percival
OF M. Murton T. Hoffman
IF J. Uribe T. Saito
C C. Coste A. Sanchez
On the Farm: Joel Guzman, David Huff, Fautino De Los Santos, Donald Veal, NEil Walker and Jess Todd
Strengths: Best pitching staff in the TBBL?  Killer "T"'s in the pen with Pervical, Hoffman and Saito
Weaknesses:   Offense is definitely the weak link IMHO; Not much depth either
Prediction: 2nd place.  The Devils are perhaps the most improved team in the TBBL.  Predicting their finish was tough for me but they could surprise.  Pitching should carry them in 2009.
Simulated Finish:  The Devils finished 3rd (tied) in the AL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Midlothian Mashers

Team Report
Owner Matt Maher
2008 Record 98-64 (3rd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
CF BJ Upton T. Wellemeyer
3B J. Crede P. Martinez
RF M. Bradley D. Cabrera
1B C. Tracy B. COlon
C B. McCann D. Rasner
LF G. Anderson

Bullpen
DH E. Brown F. Garcia
SS J. Wilson J. Cruz
2B F. Sanchez E. Gagne
Bench C. Bradford
OF J. Rivera M. Thornton
1B M. Lamb K. Wood
3B Garciappara B. Jenks
C R. Castro G. Balfour
IF L. Rodriguez J. Banks
On the Farm: Henry Owens
Strengths: Milton Bradley will play a huge role in the offense this year; Upton and McCann get better each year
Weaknesses:   Again the pitching staff for this team is a question mark; Mashers are hopeful they can out hit just about everyone
Prediction: 4th place.  I still think the Mashers are a good team but this division is tough.  LAH, Salem and Florida have better teams on paper but Matt is a seasoned veteran and plays all H2H
Simulated Finish:  The Mashers finished 2nd in the AL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team California Volcanoes

Team Report
Owner Jeff Thomas
2008 Record 52-110 (5th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
C R. Martin Z. Grienke
Cf W. Tavares U. Jiminez
Rf A. Ethier J. Marquis
1B A. Gonzalez I. Snell
2B A. Ramirez J. De La Rosa
LF L. Gonzalez

Bullpen
DH W. Betemit A. Heilman
SS B. Crosby K. Correjia
3B C. Izturis K. Farnsworth
Bench M. Gurrier
3B J. Bautista C. Durbin
IF A. Callaspo C. Balester
OF B. Jones J. Hanranahan
C J. Mathis D. Braden
3B J. Fields W. Wright
On the Farm: Chris Carter, Dale Iorg, Jason Donald, Chris Marrero, Jake Arriettam, Troy Patton and Sean West
Strengths: Russ Martin has another great year and the Volcanoes improve on last years 52 wins; Adrian Gonzalez and Zach Grienke may be best players on team
Weaknesses:   The pen isn't that strong but with a good top 3 starters should be able to hold their own; Hole at 3B waiting for Fields
Prediction: 6th place.  New ownership has the team looking up as does the good young pitching.  Team could finish higher this year but still misses out on the playoffs.
Simulated Finish:  The Volcanoes finished 6th in the AL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Kentucky Wildcats

Team Report
Owner Rocky Hall
2008 Record 66-96 (6th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
RF A. Kearns B. Webb
CF T. Hunter A. Harang
1B J. Votto B. Arroyo
C R. Hernandez H. Bailey
2B G. Blum J. Chamberlain
DH T. Hafner

Bullpen
SS K. Greene M. Gonzalez
3B B. Hall H. Street
LF W. Pena E. Ramirez
Bench R. Hill
3B E. Chavez JJ Putz
CF J. Edmonds J. Motte
C JR Towles --
OF D. Fowler --
OF C. Dickerson --
On the Farm: Lars Anderson, Blake Beaven, Tim Beckham, Michael Burgess, Trevor Cahill, Michael Main, Matzek (HS), Aaron Poreda, Josh Vitters and OScar Tejeda
Strengths: Brandon Webb and pray for rain; Choo, Votto, Hunter and Fowler key to future of offense; Joba will close for team in 2009
Weaknesses:   Team needs both starts and at bats to make it through the year; did I mention at bats and starts?  Hafner needs to get healthy
Prediction: 6th place.  Team failed to make playoffs in 2008 and looks like 2009 will be the same; building it up for a run in 2010 looks promising
Simulated Finish:  The Wildcats finished 6th in the AL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Michigan Rangers

Team Report
Owner Peter Brooks
2008 Record 88-74 (2nd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
Rf B. Abreu CC Sabathia
1B J. Loney C. Wang
DH J. Dye C. Zambrano
3B A. Huff F. Liriano
C R. Doumit L. Hochevar
LF J. Kubel

Bullpen
2B J. Kent T. Bucholz
SS Betancourt C. Carpenter
CF A. Rowand J. Isringhausen
Bench J. Zumaya
2B L. Castillo G. Geary
3B P. Feliz J. Listch
OF S. Hairston R. Pinto
OF C. Mayebin T. Miller
IF A. Escobar J. Colome
On the Farm: Matt Dominguez, Chris Ray, Kyle Banks and Jemele Weeks
Strengths: Team has the arms to make it to the Series in 2009; Sabathia is a stud and Liriano looks like the Liriano of old; Abreu and Loney nice top of the order
Weaknesses:   Farm may be the weakest part of Michigan's team; the pen could use a stud in it as well
Prediction: 1st place.  2009 will be the year of the Ranger in the AL West (sound familiar?).  I really like Peters staff and wish I had a few of his guys
Simulated Finish:  The Rangers finished 1st in the AL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Lincoln Tunnel Rats

Team Report
Owner Robert Woertz
2008 Record 86-76 (3rd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
SS J. Rollins E. Bedard
2B M. Avilles Jr. Weaver
LF M. Holiday G. Maddux
Rf B. Hawpe J. Moyer
DH M. Joyce J. Lester
1B T. Helton

Bullpen
LF Wiggington M. Albers
C C. Iannetta J. Lannan
3B Kouzmanoff C. Baek
Bench B. Morrow
1B J. Cantu R. Soriano
IF N. Punto E. Hurley
IF M. Loretta J. Niemann
OF D. Young B. Wagner
IF B. Moss P. Moylan
On the Farm: Ivan DeJesus and Casey Weathers
Strengths: Another very talented offensive team with guys like Helton and Kouzmanoff on the bench; Matt Holiday perhaps the best LF in baseball
Weaknesses:   Starting rotation is the hole in the Rats cheese; Bedard really disappointed in 2008;
Prediction: 3rd place.  I think the Rats could be a 3rd place team or a 5th place team depending on how well they pitch; tough to predict for me
Simulated Finish:  The Rats finished 3rd in the AL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Carefree Coyotes

Team Report
Owner Dave Pittner
2008 Record 96-66 (WORLD CHAMP)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B R. Durham R. Halladay
RF M. DeRosa D. Bush
3B M. Reynolds N. Blackburn
LF J. Cust D. Eveland
C M. Napoli J. Garland
DH L. Scott

Bullpen
RF R. Winn H. Bell
1B M. Jacobs J. Nathan
SS C. Guzman B. Penny
Bench J. Soria
OF R. Church J. Karstens
2B A. Hill W. Ledezma
IF B. Zobrist M. Stetter
OF M. Thames R. Tronosco
IF R. Branyan R. Seanez
On the Farm: Matt Latos, Jordan Zimmerman, Jordan Walden, Chirs Withrow
Strengths: Defending champ has pretty good staff with great closers in Bell, Nathan and Soria;
Weaknesses:   Lots of whiffs in the lineup between Cust and Reynolds;
Prediction: 2nd place.  Defending champion never gets enough credit but the Coyotes will make the playoffs and could come out of the AL again if all goes well with pitching
Simulated Finish:  The Coyotes finished 2nd in the AL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Philadelphia Smackdown

Team Report
Owner Noel Langlois
2008 Record 71-91 (4th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
CF J. Damon Dice K
3B B. Buscherer R. Johnson
DH A, Ramirez W. Rodriquez
LF E. Hinske T. Redding
1B D. Lee V. Padilla
RF G. Gross

Bullpen
SS M. Tejeda M. Delcarmen
2B B. Dewitt J. Johnson
C I. Rodriquez C. Marmol
Bench J. Masterson
IF J. Keppinger T. Pena
OF M. Bourne S. Romo
IF R. Cedeno E. Guardado
IF J. Baker J. Geer
C W. Vieves ---
On the Farm: Yonder Alosno, Carlos Carrasco, Netafili Feliz, Hodges, Jeffress, Ryan Kalish, Mike Moustakas, Josh Reddick, Steven Strazburg and Michael Taylor
Strengths: Strong pen with the emergence of Carlos Marmol; Josh Johnson looked great in limited action in 2008; Pretty good starting 5
Weaknesses:   The defense may not be sound in Fenway this year with guys like Damon in the OF; catching is something to look at in 2009
Prediction: 4th place.  I really like this team on paper and they could be an impact team in 2009; Top of rotation is their key
Simulated Finish:  The Smackdown finished 4th in the AL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Colorado Gladiators

Team Report
Owner Casey Siller
2008 Record 70-92 (5th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
LF F. Lewis J. Duchscherer
2B Iwamura J. Blanton
DH C. Floyd J. Sanchez
3B A. Beltre G. Perkins
C R. Paulino G. Olson
1B C. Kotchman

Bullpen
CF M. Kotsay S. Lewis
SS J. Bartlett S. Schoenweiss
RF C. Gomez R. Betancourt
Bench C. Park
IF E. Aybar G. Rusch
1B D. Johnson C. Rosa
SS J. Lowrie K. MCClellan
C M. Ramirez M. Owings
OF T. Buck --
On the Farm: Pedro Alvarez,  Jeremy Hellickson, Jyhoulis Chacin, Todd Frazier, Michael Stanton, Carlos Santana, Beau Mills, Gorkys Hernandez and COlby Rasmus
Strengths: Trader Casey has been busy this past year; pretty good farm team in the makings
Weaknesses:   Pitchers have seen better days despite Duchscherer at the top; No catching in the bigs this year
Prediction: 5th place.  2009 may be the last year the Glads are looking at the playoffs from the outside
Simulated Finish:  The Gladiators finished 5th in the AL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Chemung Crawdads

Team Report
Owner Brendan McCormick
2008 Record 106-56 (1st place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
SS J. Reyes T. Lincecum
2B D. Jeter D. Haren
LF C. Quentin M. Garza
3B D. Wright R. Nolasco
RF M. Ordonez S. Marcum
1B P. Konerko

Bullpen
CF C. Crawford F. Carmona
C AJ Pierzynski B. Fuentes
Bench S. Marshall
C

J. Clement

 J. Papelbon
OF L. Milledge BJ Ryan
OF C. Headley C. Young
2B R. Weeks D. Price
IF G. Dobbs J. Hampson
IF S. Casey F. Francisco
On the Farm: Jesus Flolres, Buster Posey, Kyle Skipworth, David Cooper, Havens, Aaron Crow, Brandon Holt and Alex White
Strengths: This is getting ridiculous with Chemung, who is going to better than them this year ... NO ONE!  Best pitching staff in league top to bottom; batting order is off the hook
Weaknesses:   THERE ARE NONE
Prediction: 1st place.  The Crawdads will roll in 2009 and will win another title.  Time to dismantle this team Brendan and give some others a chance
Simulated Finish:  The Crawdads finished 1st in the NL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Stn Mtn Confederates

Team Report
Owner Joe Anglin
2008 Record 80-82 (3rd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B Y. Escobar R. Dempster
3B C. Jones S. Olsen
CF J. Hamilton D, Davis
1B R. Howard K. Davies
LF A. Soriano B. Zito
Rf R. Ankiel

Bullpen
C B. Molina M. Acosta
SS M. Young J. Rauch
Bench S. Gallagher
OF

J. Guillen

 J. Smoltz
OF J. Pierre C. Morton
C J. Saltalamachia J. Samardjia
C L. Marson JA Happ
LF L. Montanez J. Crain
2B H. Kendrick B. Tallet
On the Farm: Gordan Beckham, Kensin Kawakami, Andrew Lambo, Brian Matusz, Vin Massaro, Logan Morrison, Donavon Tate, J. Teheran and Dayan Vicedo
Strengths: Very good offensive team with Chipper and Howard in the middle of the order; This team once again has depth with Guillen and Young potentially on the bench
Weaknesses:   Rotation is not very good and could be difference in August and September games
Prediction: 3rd place.  I couldn't believe the Confederates finished last in the sim but anything can happen.  I would be really surprised if they did that bad.
Simulated Finish:  The Confederates finished 6th in the NL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Ridgewood Loggers

Team Report
Owner Mark Phelps
2008 Record 66-96 (5th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B B. Roberts D. Lowe
LF J. Inglett G. Smith
CF G. Sizemore Od. Perez
1B C. Delgado Z. Duke
SS S. Drew Z. Miner
3B M. Lowell

Bullpen
RF S. Schumacher J. Broxton
C G. Laird J. Grabow
Bench J. Germano
OF

D. Erstad

 S. Torres
C M. Treanor J. Wright
SS J. Lugo J. Bennett
3B I. Stewart D. Wachetar
OF E. Chavez A. Hishaw
IF R. Vasquez M. Chico
On the Farm: Brett Cecil, Nick Hagedone, Mark Schlereth and Koji Uehara
Strengths: Grady Sizemore is an outstanding talent in CF; Stephen Drew came into his own in 2008; Derek Lowe getting better with age
Weaknesses:   Injury to Lowell will hurt Loggers in 2009; Age of starters a concern for the cabinet maker in northern CA
Prediction: 6th place.  If you read last years prediction, ditto for 2009.  Looking at another year of rebuilding
Simulated Finish:  The Loggers finished 5th in the NL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Newark Eagles

Team Report
Owner Mike Witkowski
2008 Record 99-63 (2nd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B I. Kinsler J. Shields
3B C. Utley M. Mussina
1B L. Overbay C. Billingsly
Rf R. Ludwick M. Pelfry
LF R. Braun O. Perez
C K. Suzuki

Bullpen
CF C. Gonzalez B. McCarthy
SS T. Tulowitski Y. Gallardo
Bench K. Gregg
C

K Shoppach

 C. Rapada
C C. Snyder B. Wilson
1B L. Overbay D. Purcey
SS B. Wood JC Romero
3B D. McPherson C. Bucholz
OF C. Jackson S. Green
On the Farm: Phillipe Aumonte, Matt Moore, Dominic Brown, Chris Coghlan, Freddy Freeman, Grant Green, Greg Hallman, Mike Montgomery
Strengths: Another very good NL pitching staff with newly acquired ace James Shields at the top; Gallardo may have been the key player in the Bruce deal in the long run
Weaknesses:   Bulpen could be better but with starters potentially going deep in games may not be an issue; Finding playing time for the 3 catchers (trade one to me!)
Prediction: 2nd place.  This Carteret legend managed his team to the playoffs in 2008 and will be back again; beating Chemung would take a minor miracle though
Simulated Finish:  The Eagles finished 4th in the NL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Smith Mills Mammoths

Team Report
Owner Joseph Hudgions
2008 Record 76-86 (4th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B D. Pedroia K. Lohse
3B D. Mintkiewc B. Tomko
Cf J. Werth B. Looper
LF J. Willingham J. Suppan
C G. Soto J. Berhgman
1B X. Nady

Bullpen
RF H. Pence B. Bosner
SS D. Eckstein C. Merdith
Bench R. Ramirez
SS

F. Lopez

 R. Mahay
1B J. Valentin C. Qualls
1B K. Ka'alhue A. Brown
IF A. Cora E. Stults
MI C. Gomez K. Kendrick
OF C Denorfia P. Mitsch
On the Farm: John Shelby and Nolan Reimold
Strengths: American League MVP Dustin Pedroia will be in the middle of the order for SMM in 2009; Soto and Pence continue to develop this team will be good
Weaknesses:   Rotation is so so with middle of the rotation guys; 3B is a need for SMM
Prediction: 5th place.  A 3rd place finish in the sim is possible for SMM but I think they miss out on the playoffs this year; looks good for future however
Simulated Finish:  The Mammoths finished 3rd in the NL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team West Orange Panthers

Team Report
Owner Craig Morancie
2008 Record 62-100 (6th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B M. Ellis R. Harden
Rf J. Francouer J. Guthrie
CF V. Wells A. Gallaraga
1B M. Teixeira J. Jurjiens
3B J. Pheralta S. Kazmir
LF D. Murphy

Bullpen
C D. Ross A. Laffey
SS B. Harris S. Rivera
Bench D. Oliver
IF

A. Casilla

 L. Hawkins
C M. Redmond A. Aceves
OF D. Murphy K. Gabbard
OF R. Shealy R. Ramirez
C D. Ryan B. Carlyle
OF J. Anderson S. Shell
On the Farm: Mike Carp, Hank Conger, Delois Guerra, Brett Lawrie, Ryan Perry, and Dan Swarzak
Strengths: Rich Harden had great 2008 with alot of starts; Teixeria is worth the price of admisison and will pair nicely with Vernon Wells
Weaknesses:   Pen is weaker than the rotation and corner OF positions could be better but this team is improved
Prediction: 4th place.  These guys could be tough if they get in the playoffs with Harden and Jurjens at the top; Tex Mex on roids?  Nahhhh!
Simulated Finish:  The Panthers finished 2nd in the NL East in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Mad City Paddlers

Team Report
Owner Scott Lewis
2008 Record 85-77 (3rd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
CF I. Suzuki J. Beckett
2B K. Johnson R. Oswalt
LF M. Ramirez E. Santana
1B J. Mornuea A. Pettite
RF JD Drew E. Jackson
3B E. Longoria

Bullpen
SS E. Renteria F. Cordero
C J. Kendall S. Downs
Bench B. Wolfe
3B

C. Blake

 C. Perez
LF R. Ibanez D. Geise
OF C. Hart A. Lopez
C J. Baker S. McClung
SS R. Santiagi C. Villaneuava
2B A. Hernandez M. Scherzer
On the Farm: Madison Bumgarner,  Chris Tillman, Bret Anderson, Chirs Perez, Tyler Robertson, Jose Ceda, Jonathon Melancon and Ethan Martin
Strengths: Man oh Manny Ramirez will take the Paddlers to the next level; Bench strength with Casey Blake and Raul Ibanez
Weaknesses:   Not having MADBUM in the rotation yet :); Catching is weak but rest of offense will carry team
Prediction: 1st place.  MCP will be playing ball in October again this year and I see an NLCS showdown with Chemung; Great offense that could set some records
Simulated Finish:  The Paddlers finished 1st in the NL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team San Francisco Seals

Team Report
Owner Jack Whalen
2008 Record 78-84 (4th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
CF S. Victorino J. Peavy
3B C. Guillen M. Buehrle
LF J. Bay P. Byrd
1B A. Pujols B. Moehler
Rf B. Giles S. Ponson
SS M. Prado

Bullpen
2B G. Atkins J. Blevins
C B. Schneider J. Lewis
Bench B. Bruney
3B

C. Gillespe

 L. Nunez
IF J. Castillo A. Eaton
IF C. Counsell G. MOck
IF M. Grudzelanek T. Clippard
OF -- H. Okijima
IF -- ---
On the Farm: Julio Borbon, Evereth Cabrera, Jose Cardenas, Castro, Ross Detwiler, Tyler Flowers, Kyle Drabek, Esmalyn Gonzalez and Jesus Guzman
Strengths: Albert Pujols is the best player in the game and should get walked about 200 times in SF this year
Weaknesses:   Decent 1-2 starters but significant drop-off after that; offense is lacking to some degree
Prediction: 5th place.  Trading off the stars in 2009 (hint hint Jack) will drop this team down the standings a bit
Simulated Finish:  The Seals finished 5th the NL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Moon Raiders

Team Report
Owner Tom DeCola
2008 Record 95-67 (2nd place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
1B J. Bowker J. Vazquez
Cf C. Beltran T. Lilly
Rf N. McLouth B. Sheets
LF C. Lee B. Myers
3B S. Rolen P. Maholm
SS A. Amezaga

Bullpen
2B R. Cano J. Affeldt
C N. Hundley J. Frasor
Bench R. Springer
1B

D. Barton

 C. Richard
C J. Molina S. Sarfate
OF R. Johnson B. Buckner
C J. POsada R. R-Smith
IF W. Venable N. Masset
MI E. Bonafacio H. Kuo
On the Farm: Sergio Mitre
Strengths: Very potent middle of the order (Beltran-McLouth-Lee); Ben Sheets is a big time pitcher but his arm injury in September could be costly
Weaknesses:   Posada's injury will hurt Moons chances; echo from above pen isn't great
Prediction: 3rd place.  Sheets and Vazquez should be enough pitching to get Moon into the playoffs; good offense is key to teams 2009
Simulated Finish:  The Raiders finished 4th in the NL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Beartooth Bitteroots

Team Report
Owner Mike Bush
2008 Record 74-88 (5th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
SS R. Theriot E. Volquez
2B M. Fontenot J. Cueto
RF J. Bruce M. Parra
1B P. Fielder J. Maine
3b A. Gordon S. Baker
LF K. Griffey

Bullpen
Cf A. Jones J. Francis
C J. Buck M. Corpas
Bench JP Howell
OF

A. Jones

 M. Adams
2b J. Lopez B. Howry
MI R. Brignac S. Linebrink
OF M. Byrd B. Bray
IF A. Boone B. League
OF N. Cruz F. Morales
On the Farm: Elvis Andrus, Bryce Harper, Jason Heyward, Andruw McCutcheon, Jose Tabata, Tommy Hanson, Eric Hosmer, Cole Rohrbough and Sosa
Strengths: Very good very young rotation plus Jay Bruce is the blue chipper on offense; Prince Fielder will benefit from Bruce in the lineup the most
Weaknesses:   Catching hole with Martinez injury from last year and Andruw Jones ... he has to be a weakness
Prediction: 4th place.  Bitteroots have a pretty solid club in 2009 and most likely will be a playoff bubble team; I expect them to make it to the dance in 2009
Simulated Finish:  The Bitteroots finished 2nd in the NL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Osama's Camel Camp

Team Report
Owner Scott Paris
2008 Record 97-65 (1st place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B O. Hudson D. McGowan
CF A. Rios T. Hudson
RF N. Markakis J. Verlander
1B M. Cabrera C. Hamels
3B C. Davis C. Kershaw
LF M. Kemp

Bullpen
C M. Olivo R. Madson
SS W. Aybar A. Miller
Bench N. Adenhart
OF

J. Ellsbury

 D. Marte
OF A. Lind B. Lidge
3B R. Zimmerman A. Rhodes
C P. LoDuca R. Franklin
C K. Cash J. Julio
-- -- J. Veras
On the Farm: Matt Weiters, Jesus Montero, Fernando Martinez, Jordan Schafer, Chris Davis, Deliln Betances, Wade Davis, Derek Holland and Michael Inoa
Strengths: Starters are deep and offense is very good; finding playing time for Kemp/Ellsbury will be interesting
Weaknesses:   Not having Matt Weiters behind the dish yet; Verlander down year could hurt chances of winning the division
Prediction: 2nd place.  A finish below 2nd will be a disappointment in my eyes ... just like Scott's Sawx in 2009 --- GO YANKEES!!!!
Simulated Finish:  The Camel Camp boys finished 3rd in the NL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 
Team Fort Wayne Komets

Team Report
Owner Stan Shawinski
2008 Record 54-108 (6th place)
Pos Player Pitching Staff
2B A. Cabrera G. Floyd
SS JJ Hardy K. Slowey
CF C. Granderson B. Bannister
3B K. Youkilis An. Reyes
1B A. LaRoche J. Pieniero
C D. Navarro

Bullpen
Rf J. Hermida T, Gorzeanny
LF G. Blanco B. Burress
Bench I. Kennedy
C

Y. Torrealba

 B. Boyer
OF G, Matthews C. Hansen
C M. Montero J. Rupe
1B B. Butler RA Dickey
IF J. Arias Hendrickson
1B T. Ishikawa J. Hammel
On the Farm: Junichi Tazawa
Strengths: Pretty good young team in the making with some rising stars; Granderson is the teams best all around player
Weaknesses:   Team is missing a closer but will work from within; may need some farm guys in 2010
Prediction: 6th place.  An improvement from 54 wins in 2008 but not nearly enough to make any noise in the NL West.
Simulated Finish:  The Komets finished 6th in the NL West in the February 17 simulation.  Click here for team stats. 

 

 

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