Playoffs are getting close. I have added playoff prognosis for each team.
1. New York Burros
Last Week: 1
Record: 78-41 (11-6)
The Skinny: Ace Tim Garcia is 20/24 in Quality starts. Not to shabby for a "down" year.
POWER INDEX: 154.0 (+8)
Magic Number: 16
2. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Week: 2
Record: 73-46 (13-4)
The Skinny: This is the year of the Wang.. Sp Alex Wang Leads the Nl in Wins and SO. He could be the front runner for the NL Cy Young
POWER INDEX: 146.75 (+1.25)
Magic Number: 18
3. Texas Outlaws-
Last Week: 3
Record: 69-50 (7-10)
The Skinny: If Sam Miller takes the NL SB lead it will happen this week or never.
POWER INDEX: 129.625 (+.975)
Magic Number: 20
4. Philadelphia Balboas -
Last Week: 4
Record: 69-50 (11-6)
The Skinny: C T.J. Little is the hardest Catcher in the Nl to steal on. He throws out 33% of the potential runners.
POWER INDEX: 110.125 (-.625)
Magic Number: 20
5. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Week: 6
Record: 61-58 (9-8)
The Skinny: Edgardo Lima has been clunk once every 30 abs. Ouch!
POWER INDEX: 109.875 (+6.875)
Magic Number: 22
6. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Week: 5
Record: 61-58(9-8)
The Skinny: Vic Gil is on pace for 60+ Home Runs which will put him in Elite company.
POWER INDEX: 108.875 (+2.125)
Magic Number: 22
7. Florida Marlins-
Last Week: 7
Record: 64-55 (11-6)
The Skinny: Top to guys in the NL in Walks reside in Florida. Now they need to find away to get them scored more often.
POWER INDEX: 88.0 (-8.5)
Magic Number: 21
8. Houston Labs -
Last Week: 8
Record: 54-65 (6-11)
The Skinny: Lab coaches and administrators needed to look into Sp Graham Green's shoulder before they traded for him a month ago. Before coming to Houston he posted a respectable 2.35 ERA, after the trade a 5.06. Now a sore shoulder....hmmmm suspicious.
POWER INDEX: 93.75 (-6.125)
Magic Number: 29
9. Seattle Warbirds-
Last Week: 10
Record: 60-59(9-8)
The Skinny: this is one team the NL North needs to watch for. All they need is for 2 or 3 hitters to get hot and poof, they are in the thick of it.
POWER INDEX: 84.75 (+9.5)
Magic Number: 24
10. Atlanta Braves-
Last Week: 9
Record: 58-61 (8-9)
THE SKINNY: MIL trades away SP Jack Sanders. Sander's ERA drops by almost 2 points when arriving in Atlanta. Its all abou the coaching, Baby!
POWER INDEX: 86 (-4.375)
Magic Number: 26
11. San Diego Surf -
Last Week: 11
Record: 58-61 (10-7)
The Skinny: hiking back up into the thick of a divisional race, It might be to late for this season though.
POWER INDEX: 74.75 (+5.375)
Magic Number: 26
12. Richmond Revolution-
Last Week: 12
Record: 53-66 (7-10)
The Skinny: Rookie RP Geraldo Silva's 4.88 ERA is decieving he is 14/36 letting inherited runners score in 46 innings of work. Not to shabby for a rookie.
POWER INDEX: 69.625 (-5.975)
Tragic Number: 32
13. Burlington Ballbusters-
Last Week: 14
Record: 54-65 (8-9)
The Skinny: Improving, but this a long way to go to be competitive.
POWER INDEX: 66.625 (+.125)
Tragic Number: 33
14. Milwaukee Blues -
Last Week: 13
Record: 53-66 (5-12)
The Skinny: Sad thing is 3 weeks ago and this team was competing for the divisional title. How quickly thing change in sim world.
POWER INDEX: 63.625 (-5.475)
Tragic Number: 32
15. Rochester Raging Reverends--
Last Week: 15
Record: 45-74 (5-14)
The Skinny: Reserved 2B Parker Riggs is out over 200 days with nerve irritation in his forearm with only 139 ab this season, he sure didn't just this injury on the field... hmmmmm
POWER INDEX: 44.625 (-.975)
Tragic Number: 24
16. Omaha MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Week: 16
Record: 45-78 (7-14)
The Skinny: Vic Mullen's Makes it to 500 Career HR.
POWER INDEX: 37.125 (-.125)
Tragic Number: 28
Sunday, September 7, 2008
AL Power Rankings, Week 4
The season is now entering its home stretch, with just over a quarter of the year left to play. That means the focus shifts to the playoff picture. No more expected win%... it's a straight ranking based on record.
Each team currently in position to play in the postseason will be listed with its magic number to clinch a playoff spot, its division, a first-round bye or home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Each team currently on the outside looking in will have its playoff chances examined.
1 Madison Massas
Record (Since Last Rankings): 87-32 (16-4)
Last Week: #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 21
Magic # To Clinch Division: 21
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 34
Magic # To Clinch Homefield Advantage: 43
2 Oklahoma City Chickens
Record (Since Last Rankings): 86-33 (17-3)
Last Week: #1
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 22
Magic # To Clinch Division: 23
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 35
3 Wichita Sizzlers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 77-42 (12-8)
Last Week: #3
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 31
Magic # To Clinch Division: 31
4 Monterrey Acero
Record (Since Last Rankings): 65-54 (8-12)
Last Week: #4
Currently Wild Card #1
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 43
5 (tied) Kansas City McCoys
Record (Since Last Rankings): 64-55 (8-12)
Last Week: #5
Currently Tied For Wild Card #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 44
5 (tied) New York Bombers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 64-55 (13-7)
Last Week: #7
Currently Tied For Wild Card #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 44
7 Chicago Bearcubs
Record (Since Last Rankings): 62-57 (12-8)
Last Week: #9
Playoff Prognosis: Completely out of the divisional race, but currently sitting just two games out of the last wild card spot. Seven games against Monterrey in the next week could go a long way toward pushing one of these teams into the postseason.
8 Boston Badasses
Record (Since Last Rankings): 61-58 (8-12)
Last Week: #6
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 40
Magic # To Clinch Division: 40
9 (tie) Washington DC Old School Warriors
Record (Since Last Rankings): 57-62 (7-13)
Last Week: #10
Playoff Prognosis: Struggling to get back above .500. However, the good news is that .500 might win the AL East this year. Currently sitting just four games back of division-leading Boston. Only three games remain against Boston, all on the road during the final week of the season.
9 (tie) Charlotte Winstons
Record (Since Last Rankings): 57-62 (9-11)
Last Week: #8
Playoff Prognosis: Posterboys for "sometimes life's not fair." If they were in the East, they'd be four games out of first. Since they're in the south, they're 29 games back. They sit seven games out of the last wild card slot and would have to leap-frog three teams to get in. They're not dead, but they will probably need something like a 15-5 week to stay in the picture.
11 (tie) St. Louis Stampede
Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-67 (8-12)
Last Week: #11
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done. They're 34 games out in the division and 12 games out of the last wild card spot.
11 (tie) Cleveland Indians
Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-67 (14-6)
Last Week: #14
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done. They're 35 games out in the division and 12 games out of the last wild card spot. Still, following up a 2-21 week with a 14-6 one merits some applause.
13 Arizona Rattlesnakes
Record (Since Last Rankings): 49-70 (8-12)
Last Week: #13
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 28 out in the division and 15 back of the wild card.
14 Las Vegas Gamble
Record (Since Last Rankings): 47-72 (5-15)
Last Week: #12
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 30 out in the division and 17 back of the wild card.
15 Durham Bulls
Record (Since Last Rankings): 30-69 (10-10)
Last Week: #15
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 21 out in the division and 24 back of the wild card.
16 Baltimore Wiretappers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 24-75 (5-15)
Last Week: #16
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 32 out in the division and 35 back of the wild card.
Each team currently in position to play in the postseason will be listed with its magic number to clinch a playoff spot, its division, a first-round bye or home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Each team currently on the outside looking in will have its playoff chances examined.
1 Madison Massas
Record (Since Last Rankings): 87-32 (16-4)
Last Week: #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 21
Magic # To Clinch Division: 21
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 34
Magic # To Clinch Homefield Advantage: 43
2 Oklahoma City Chickens
Record (Since Last Rankings): 86-33 (17-3)
Last Week: #1
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 22
Magic # To Clinch Division: 23
Magic # To Clinch First-Round Bye: 35
3 Wichita Sizzlers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 77-42 (12-8)
Last Week: #3
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 31
Magic # To Clinch Division: 31
4 Monterrey Acero
Record (Since Last Rankings): 65-54 (8-12)
Last Week: #4
Currently Wild Card #1
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 43
5 (tied) Kansas City McCoys
Record (Since Last Rankings): 64-55 (8-12)
Last Week: #5
Currently Tied For Wild Card #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 44
5 (tied) New York Bombers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 64-55 (13-7)
Last Week: #7
Currently Tied For Wild Card #2
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 44
7 Chicago Bearcubs
Record (Since Last Rankings): 62-57 (12-8)
Last Week: #9
Playoff Prognosis: Completely out of the divisional race, but currently sitting just two games out of the last wild card spot. Seven games against Monterrey in the next week could go a long way toward pushing one of these teams into the postseason.
8 Boston Badasses
Record (Since Last Rankings): 61-58 (8-12)
Last Week: #6
Magic # To Clinch Playoff Berth: 40
Magic # To Clinch Division: 40
9 (tie) Washington DC Old School Warriors
Record (Since Last Rankings): 57-62 (7-13)
Last Week: #10
Playoff Prognosis: Struggling to get back above .500. However, the good news is that .500 might win the AL East this year. Currently sitting just four games back of division-leading Boston. Only three games remain against Boston, all on the road during the final week of the season.
9 (tie) Charlotte Winstons
Record (Since Last Rankings): 57-62 (9-11)
Last Week: #8
Playoff Prognosis: Posterboys for "sometimes life's not fair." If they were in the East, they'd be four games out of first. Since they're in the south, they're 29 games back. They sit seven games out of the last wild card slot and would have to leap-frog three teams to get in. They're not dead, but they will probably need something like a 15-5 week to stay in the picture.
11 (tie) St. Louis Stampede
Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-67 (8-12)
Last Week: #11
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done. They're 34 games out in the division and 12 games out of the last wild card spot.
11 (tie) Cleveland Indians
Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-67 (14-6)
Last Week: #14
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done. They're 35 games out in the division and 12 games out of the last wild card spot. Still, following up a 2-21 week with a 14-6 one merits some applause.
13 Arizona Rattlesnakes
Record (Since Last Rankings): 49-70 (8-12)
Last Week: #13
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 28 out in the division and 15 back of the wild card.
14 Las Vegas Gamble
Record (Since Last Rankings): 47-72 (5-15)
Last Week: #12
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 30 out in the division and 17 back of the wild card.
15 Durham Bulls
Record (Since Last Rankings): 30-69 (10-10)
Last Week: #15
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 21 out in the division and 24 back of the wild card.
16 Baltimore Wiretappers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 24-75 (5-15)
Last Week: #16
Playoff Prognosis: Effectively done: 32 out in the division and 35 back of the wild card.
Monday, September 1, 2008
NL Power Rankings Week 5
Thought it would be telling to add my scoring totals to the Power Ranking. The Index is a combination of team totals for Offensive( HR,SB, OBP, BA) Fielding (FA, +,-) and Pitching (W, ERA,WHIP, SO) and overall performance.
1. New York Burros
Last Week: 1
Record: 67-35 (12-7)
Expected Win %: .642
The Skinny: Best Pitching team in the majors. They are near the top in almost all pitching catergories. Some might credit the park... but then explain why they are 2nd in the Nl in HR.
POWER INDEX: 146.0
2. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Week: 2
Record: 60-42 (11-5)
Expected Win %: .607
The Skinny: Recovered from their tough last ranking and almost retook the NL Power ranking. Behind superior pitching and a reletive easy coarse through their own division.
POWER INDEX: 145.5
3. Texas Outlaws-
Last Week: 4
Record: 62-40 (12-3)
Expected Win %: .552
The Skinny: Best week in the NL and they climb back up to the 3rd spot.
POWER INDEX: 128.75
4. Philadelphia Balboas -
Last Week: 3
Record: 58-44 (9-7)
Expected Win %: .574
The Skinny: They had a chance to take the division the have dwindled it away to fall 2 games back.
POWER INDEX: 110.75
5. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Week: 5
Record: 52-50(7-9)
Expected Win %: .554
The Skinny: Vic GIl leads the NL in Homers( 40) 5 more than the next closest and with 50 less Abs than the rest of the competition.
POWER INDEX: 106.75
6. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Week: 10
Record: 52-50 (9-7)
Expected Win %: .517
The Skinny: An injury to 2B Chris Durbin will slow the Marmots climb up the power ranking and Slow down the Marmot'splay considerably
POWER INDEX: 103
7. Florida Marlins-
Last Week: 6
Record: 53-49 (7-9)
Expected Win %: .529
The Skinny: Lost some ground this week, But team is still deep in the playoff hunt. CL Stan Mason has improved on his rookie campaign already with 25/31 in saves
POWER INDEX: 94.5
8. Houston Labs -
Last Week: 9
Record: 48-54 (4-12)
Expected Win %: .444
The Skinny:
9. Atlanta Braves-
Last Week: 11
Record: 50-52 (7-9)
Expected Win %: .475
THE SKINNY:
POWER INDEX: 75.25
11. San Diego Surf -
Last Week: 12
Record: 48-54 (11-5)
Expected Win %: .483
The Skinny: Pitching is keeping this team floating, but the hitting has been near the bottom all season.
POWER INDEX: 74.75
12. Richmond Revolution-
Last Week: 13
Record: 46-56 (8-8)
Expected Win %: .454
The Skinny: 1B Douglas Payton has returned to the form which got him a 5.8M contract in S5
Last Week: 7
Record: 48-54 (4-12)
Expected Win %: .444
The Skinny: Big Time injury to Sp Gregg Barker hurts this team. Barker was in the middle of a career year for the Blues. Slid almost more than 15 points on the index beacuse of the hard week.
POWER INDEX: 69
14. Burlington Ballbusters-
Last Week: 14
Record: 46-56 (8-8)
Expected Win %: .438
The Skinny: Team has only commited 60 erros all season. Fielding is not a concern in Burlington.
POWER INDEX: 66.5
15. Rochester Raging Reverends--
Last Week: 15
Record: 40-62 (7-9)
Expected Win %: .397
The Skinny: 3B Fausto Guzman is having a down year with only 54RBI and 19HR
POWER INDEX: 45.5
16. Omaha MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Week: 16
Record: 38-64 (8-8)
Expected Win %: .353
The Skinny: 3B Rod Lewis has worked well since coming to Omaha in the Harding deal.
POWER INDEX: 37.25
1. New York Burros
Last Week: 1
Record: 67-35 (12-7)
Expected Win %: .642
The Skinny: Best Pitching team in the majors. They are near the top in almost all pitching catergories. Some might credit the park... but then explain why they are 2nd in the Nl in HR.
POWER INDEX: 146.0
2. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Week: 2
Record: 60-42 (11-5)
Expected Win %: .607
The Skinny: Recovered from their tough last ranking and almost retook the NL Power ranking. Behind superior pitching and a reletive easy coarse through their own division.
POWER INDEX: 145.5
3. Texas Outlaws-
Last Week: 4
Record: 62-40 (12-3)
Expected Win %: .552
The Skinny: Best week in the NL and they climb back up to the 3rd spot.
POWER INDEX: 128.75
4. Philadelphia Balboas -
Last Week: 3
Record: 58-44 (9-7)
Expected Win %: .574
The Skinny: They had a chance to take the division the have dwindled it away to fall 2 games back.
POWER INDEX: 110.75
5. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Week: 5
Record: 52-50(7-9)
Expected Win %: .554
The Skinny: Vic GIl leads the NL in Homers( 40) 5 more than the next closest and with 50 less Abs than the rest of the competition.
POWER INDEX: 106.75
6. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Week: 10
Record: 52-50 (9-7)
Expected Win %: .517
The Skinny: An injury to 2B Chris Durbin will slow the Marmots climb up the power ranking and Slow down the Marmot'splay considerably
POWER INDEX: 103
7. Florida Marlins-
Last Week: 6
Record: 53-49 (7-9)
Expected Win %: .529
The Skinny: Lost some ground this week, But team is still deep in the playoff hunt. CL Stan Mason has improved on his rookie campaign already with 25/31 in saves
POWER INDEX: 94.5
8. Houston Labs -
Last Week: 9
Record: 48-54 (4-12)
Expected Win %: .444
The Skinny:
POWER INDEX: 93.75
9. Atlanta Braves-
Last Week: 11
Record: 50-52 (7-9)
Expected Win %: .475
THE SKINNY:
POWER INDEX: 86
10. Seattle Warbirds-
Last Week: 7
Record: 51-51(6-10)
Expected Win %: .512
The Skinny: Bob Hattenberg is in the top 5 in Strikouts. The team as a whole is ranked next to last in strikouts.
10. Seattle Warbirds-
Last Week: 7
Record: 51-51(6-10)
Expected Win %: .512
The Skinny: Bob Hattenberg is in the top 5 in Strikouts. The team as a whole is ranked next to last in strikouts.
POWER INDEX: 75.25
11. San Diego Surf -
Last Week: 12
Record: 48-54 (11-5)
Expected Win %: .483
The Skinny: Pitching is keeping this team floating, but the hitting has been near the bottom all season.
POWER INDEX: 74.75
12. Richmond Revolution-
Last Week: 13
Record: 46-56 (8-8)
Expected Win %: .454
The Skinny: 1B Douglas Payton has returned to the form which got him a 5.8M contract in S5
POWER INDEX: 74.5
13. Milwaukee Blues -Last Week: 7
Record: 48-54 (4-12)
Expected Win %: .444
The Skinny: Big Time injury to Sp Gregg Barker hurts this team. Barker was in the middle of a career year for the Blues. Slid almost more than 15 points on the index beacuse of the hard week.
POWER INDEX: 69
14. Burlington Ballbusters-
Last Week: 14
Record: 46-56 (8-8)
Expected Win %: .438
The Skinny: Team has only commited 60 erros all season. Fielding is not a concern in Burlington.
POWER INDEX: 66.5
15. Rochester Raging Reverends--
Last Week: 15
Record: 40-62 (7-9)
Expected Win %: .397
The Skinny: 3B Fausto Guzman is having a down year with only 54RBI and 19HR
POWER INDEX: 45.5
16. Omaha MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Week: 16
Record: 38-64 (8-8)
Expected Win %: .353
The Skinny: 3B Rod Lewis has worked well since coming to Omaha in the Harding deal.
POWER INDEX: 37.25
Sunday, August 31, 2008
AL Power Rankings, Week 3
There's a virtual tie for the top spot... OKC is a little ahead in expected record and runs allowed, Madison is a little ahead in actual record and runs scored. Between them and Wichita, the AL Playoffs will be a war.
1 Oklahoma City Chickens
Record (Since Last Rankings): 69-30 (17-6)
Expected Record: 73-26
Last Week: #1
Notes: Slim Edwards has grounded into 28 double plays this season, most in the AL.
2 Madison Massas
Record (Since Last Rankings): 71-28 (18-5)
Expected Record: 68-31
Last Week: #2
Notes: They are #2 by the absolute slimmest of margins. Two games better than OKC in actual record, one game better in the last week. They have scored 25 more runs than the Chickens, but have given up 74 more as well. Their magic number to clinch the division sits at 41.
3 Wichita Sizzlers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 65-34 (14-9)
Expected Record: 66-33
Last Week: #3
Notes: SP Carlos Fuentes leads the AL in strikeouts.
4 Monterrey Acero
Record (Since Last Rankings): 57-42 (13-10)
Expected Record: 57-42
Last Week: #4
Notes: Craig Witt leads the AL with pinch-hit at bats. He's just 2-for-14 off the bench. Albert Sanchez is tied for the AL lead with seven "plus" plays.
5 Kansas City McCoys
Record (Since Last Rankings): 56-43 (14-9)
Expected Record: 59-40
Last Week: #5
Notes: Tied for worst in the AL with a .973 fielding percentage.
6 Boston Badasses
Record (Since Last Rankings): 53-46 (15-8)
Expected Record: 54-45
Last Week: #6
Notes: 2B Darrell Richardson has just one "plus" play and 11 "minus" plays this season.
7 New York Bombers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 51-48 (15-8)
Expected Record: 59-40
Last Week: #9
Notes: Finally starting to get the bounces necessary to catch up with their impressive expected record. They still stand five games out of the last playoff spot. Potentially a very tough playoff opponent for someone. The Bombers have the top 3 pitchers in the AL in WHIP (Doug Tobin, Everett Roosevelt and Lyle Becker). Rudy Atchley is 6th. No other team has more than one pitcher in the top 10. Yorvit Castillo leads the AL in OBP and OPS.
8 Charlotte Winstons
Record (Since Last Rankings): 48-51 (11-12)
Expected Record: 58-41
Last Week: #8
Notes: Playing 10 games worse than their expected record, the biggest gap in the AL. Plenty of that can be chalked up to the Winstons' 19 one-run losses. Tino Chang leads the AL in opponent slugging percentage allowed.
9 Chicago Bearcubs
Record (Since Last Rankings): 50-49 (11-12)
Expected Record: 47-52
Last Week: #7
Notes: Ryan World's version of the NY Yankees: big payroll, big names, some very impressive individual stats... but a real shortage of wins.
10 Washington DC Old School Warriors
Record (Since Last Rankings): 50-49 (15-8)
Expected Record: 42-57
Last Week: #13
Notes: Hamlet Leonard is tied for the AL lead with five sac flies.
11 St. Louis Stampede
Record (Since Last Rankings): 44-55 (10-13)
Expected Record: 42-57
Last Week: #12
Notes: They can certainly work a count-- Trent Thompson is fourth in the AL in number of pitches seen per plate appearance. Charles Coles is sixth. Ivan Cortes leads the majors with a whopping 40 errors.
12 Las Vegas Gamble
Record (Since Last Rankings): 42-57 (11-12)
Expected Record: 46-53
Last Week: #14
Notes: Steven Latham has the best GB/FB ratio in the AL this year at 2.15. Of course he also walks four guys every nine innings, which wipes out a lot of the good stuff. Del Prieto leads the AL with 12 intentional walks received.
13 Arizona Rattlesnakes
Record (Since Last Rankings): 41-58 (6-17)
Expected Record: 41-58
Last Week: #11
Notes: How does a team go from close to .500 to a 6-17 stretch? An absentee owner certainly helps. Once a replacement is in place, they should bounce right back. Jack Serafini leads the AL with 15 HBP. What happens when you play a catcher at 3B? Peter Murata is proof that he'll lead the AL in "minus" plays.
14 Cleveland Indians
Record (Since Last Rankings): 38-61 (2-21)
Expected Record: 40-59
Last Week: #10
Notes: The 2-21 mark is the worst week ever posted in AL Power Ranking history. Soooo... congrats for that. The fire sale began this week when the Indians picked up P Roger Forbes and 2B Ralph Lee for closer Kevin Burke. With the roof falling in, the Indians need to keep getting rid of the old and bringing in some new talent.
15 Durham Bulls
Record (Since Last Rankings): 30-69 (7-16)
Expected Record: 31-68
Last Week: #15
Notes: Diego Mieses has a GB/FB ratio of 61, but has still tied for worst in the AL with 30 HR allowed.
16 Baltimore Wiretappers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 24-75 (5-18)
Expected Record: 24-75
Last Week: #16
Notes: The Pythagorean record and actual record are both equally bad, which is kind of remarkable. There's reason for hope now that there's an experienced owner in charge instead of... well... no one.Josh Brantley and Greg Coleman have combined for a 2-25 record this season.
1 Oklahoma City Chickens
Record (Since Last Rankings): 69-30 (17-6)
Expected Record: 73-26
Last Week: #1
Notes: Slim Edwards has grounded into 28 double plays this season, most in the AL.
2 Madison Massas
Record (Since Last Rankings): 71-28 (18-5)
Expected Record: 68-31
Last Week: #2
Notes: They are #2 by the absolute slimmest of margins. Two games better than OKC in actual record, one game better in the last week. They have scored 25 more runs than the Chickens, but have given up 74 more as well. Their magic number to clinch the division sits at 41.
3 Wichita Sizzlers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 65-34 (14-9)
Expected Record: 66-33
Last Week: #3
Notes: SP Carlos Fuentes leads the AL in strikeouts.
4 Monterrey Acero
Record (Since Last Rankings): 57-42 (13-10)
Expected Record: 57-42
Last Week: #4
Notes: Craig Witt leads the AL with pinch-hit at bats. He's just 2-for-14 off the bench. Albert Sanchez is tied for the AL lead with seven "plus" plays.
5 Kansas City McCoys
Record (Since Last Rankings): 56-43 (14-9)
Expected Record: 59-40
Last Week: #5
Notes: Tied for worst in the AL with a .973 fielding percentage.
6 Boston Badasses
Record (Since Last Rankings): 53-46 (15-8)
Expected Record: 54-45
Last Week: #6
Notes: 2B Darrell Richardson has just one "plus" play and 11 "minus" plays this season.
7 New York Bombers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 51-48 (15-8)
Expected Record: 59-40
Last Week: #9
Notes: Finally starting to get the bounces necessary to catch up with their impressive expected record. They still stand five games out of the last playoff spot. Potentially a very tough playoff opponent for someone. The Bombers have the top 3 pitchers in the AL in WHIP (Doug Tobin, Everett Roosevelt and Lyle Becker). Rudy Atchley is 6th. No other team has more than one pitcher in the top 10. Yorvit Castillo leads the AL in OBP and OPS.
8 Charlotte Winstons
Record (Since Last Rankings): 48-51 (11-12)
Expected Record: 58-41
Last Week: #8
Notes: Playing 10 games worse than their expected record, the biggest gap in the AL. Plenty of that can be chalked up to the Winstons' 19 one-run losses. Tino Chang leads the AL in opponent slugging percentage allowed.
9 Chicago Bearcubs
Record (Since Last Rankings): 50-49 (11-12)
Expected Record: 47-52
Last Week: #7
Notes: Ryan World's version of the NY Yankees: big payroll, big names, some very impressive individual stats... but a real shortage of wins.
10 Washington DC Old School Warriors
Record (Since Last Rankings): 50-49 (15-8)
Expected Record: 42-57
Last Week: #13
Notes: Hamlet Leonard is tied for the AL lead with five sac flies.
11 St. Louis Stampede
Record (Since Last Rankings): 44-55 (10-13)
Expected Record: 42-57
Last Week: #12
Notes: They can certainly work a count-- Trent Thompson is fourth in the AL in number of pitches seen per plate appearance. Charles Coles is sixth. Ivan Cortes leads the majors with a whopping 40 errors.
12 Las Vegas Gamble
Record (Since Last Rankings): 42-57 (11-12)
Expected Record: 46-53
Last Week: #14
Notes: Steven Latham has the best GB/FB ratio in the AL this year at 2.15. Of course he also walks four guys every nine innings, which wipes out a lot of the good stuff. Del Prieto leads the AL with 12 intentional walks received.
13 Arizona Rattlesnakes
Record (Since Last Rankings): 41-58 (6-17)
Expected Record: 41-58
Last Week: #11
Notes: How does a team go from close to .500 to a 6-17 stretch? An absentee owner certainly helps. Once a replacement is in place, they should bounce right back. Jack Serafini leads the AL with 15 HBP. What happens when you play a catcher at 3B? Peter Murata is proof that he'll lead the AL in "minus" plays.
14 Cleveland Indians
Record (Since Last Rankings): 38-61 (2-21)
Expected Record: 40-59
Last Week: #10
Notes: The 2-21 mark is the worst week ever posted in AL Power Ranking history. Soooo... congrats for that. The fire sale began this week when the Indians picked up P Roger Forbes and 2B Ralph Lee for closer Kevin Burke. With the roof falling in, the Indians need to keep getting rid of the old and bringing in some new talent.
15 Durham Bulls
Record (Since Last Rankings): 30-69 (7-16)
Expected Record: 31-68
Last Week: #15
Notes: Diego Mieses has a GB/FB ratio of 61, but has still tied for worst in the AL with 30 HR allowed.
16 Baltimore Wiretappers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 24-75 (5-18)
Expected Record: 24-75
Last Week: #16
Notes: The Pythagorean record and actual record are both equally bad, which is kind of remarkable. There's reason for hope now that there's an experienced owner in charge instead of... well... no one.Josh Brantley and Greg Coleman have combined for a 2-25 record this season.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
NL rankings week 4
Sorry these are late... but better late than never.
1. New York Burros
Last Week: 2
Record: 58-28 (21-6)
Expected Win %: .645
The Skinny: Back on the top and truely seperating themselves from the rest of the NL. The Burros are an incredicle 17-6 in 1 run games. Pitching is the name of the game in NY.
2. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Week: 1
Record: 49-37 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .590
The Skinny: Tough 2 weeks with big series losses to the entire NL East. The divisional games after the All-star break are crucial now.
3. Philadelphia Balboas -
Last Week: 5
Record: 49-37 (17-10)
Expected Win %: .590
The Skinny: Great 2 week period where they have not lost the last 6 series against opponents. the Division is theirs for the taking after the all-star break.
4. Texas Outlaws-
Last Week: 3
Record: 49-37 (13-14)
Expected Win %: .526
The Skinny: New owner set to pull this team off cruise control and direct them deep in the playoffs. It helps when you have 3B Pedro Roque hitting .350 with 28 homers.
5. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Week: 4
Record: 45-41 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .571
The Skinny: Top team in the formly dominant NL West. Tough week, but they have the tools to be more than 4 games over .500. Expectations are high in CSP.
6. Florida Marlins-
Last Week: 6
Record: 46-40 (14-13)
Expected Win %: .562
The Skinny: Even with the injuries, This team could press for the NL South Crown. Only 4 games back going into divisional play. They need to improve on their 2-7 record in division though.
7. Seattle Warbirds-
Last Week: 9
Record: 45-41 (15-12)
Expected Win %: .538
The Skinny: Could possible have the most dominating pitching staff in the NL, but the hitting is less than fearsome. Which atribtes to their 12-14 1 run game record.
7. Milwaukee Blues -
Last Week: 7
Record: 44-42 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .514
The Skinny: 6-1 in extra inning games, they will need more of those if they want to continue to compete. Team is heading in the right direction, but still at least a season away.
9. Houston Labs -
Last Week: 10
Record: 44-42 (14-13)
Expected Win %: .514
The Skinny: SS DT Hutch already has been charge with 25 Errors this season.
10. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Week: 8
Record: 43-43 (10-17)
Expected Win %: .490
The Skinny: bad week, but on a positive note Chris Durbin is on pace for a 2nd straight 100 sb season.
11. Atlanta Braves-
Last Week: 13
Record: 43-43 (18-9)
Expected Win %: .481
THE SKINNY: Team not only had a great 2 weeks but also has 80 more walks than the next closest competitor.
12. San Diego Surf -
Last Week: 11
Record: 37-49 (10-17)
Expected Win %: .440
The Skinny:
13. Richmond Revolution-
Last Week: 12
Record: 38-48 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .438
The Skinny: 19 out of 32 in save opportunities.
14. Burlington Ballbusters-
Last Week: 14
Record: 38-48 (13-14)
Expected Win %: .413
The Skinny: Only 74 homers so far this season. There is a definate power drain in Burlington. 107 behind league leading CSP.
15. Rochester Raging Reverends--
Last Week: 15
Record: 33-53 (11-16)
Expected Win %: .410
The Skinny: almost a full two runs less in ERA than last season. A great move in a positive direction.
16. Omaha MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Week: 16
Record: 30-56 (14-13)
Expected Win %: .331
The Skinny: Former All Star Vic Mullens still sits at 498 HRs The watch continues
1. New York Burros
Last Week: 2
Record: 58-28 (21-6)
Expected Win %: .645
The Skinny: Back on the top and truely seperating themselves from the rest of the NL. The Burros are an incredicle 17-6 in 1 run games. Pitching is the name of the game in NY.
2. Cincinnati Bowties -
Last Week: 1
Record: 49-37 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .590
The Skinny: Tough 2 weeks with big series losses to the entire NL East. The divisional games after the All-star break are crucial now.
3. Philadelphia Balboas -
Last Week: 5
Record: 49-37 (17-10)
Expected Win %: .590
The Skinny: Great 2 week period where they have not lost the last 6 series against opponents. the Division is theirs for the taking after the all-star break.
4. Texas Outlaws-
Last Week: 3
Record: 49-37 (13-14)
Expected Win %: .526
The Skinny: New owner set to pull this team off cruise control and direct them deep in the playoffs. It helps when you have 3B Pedro Roque hitting .350 with 28 homers.
5. Colorado Springs Organizational Filler-
Last Week: 4
Record: 45-41 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .571
The Skinny: Top team in the formly dominant NL West. Tough week, but they have the tools to be more than 4 games over .500. Expectations are high in CSP.
6. Florida Marlins-
Last Week: 6
Record: 46-40 (14-13)
Expected Win %: .562
The Skinny: Even with the injuries, This team could press for the NL South Crown. Only 4 games back going into divisional play. They need to improve on their 2-7 record in division though.
7. Seattle Warbirds-
Last Week: 9
Record: 45-41 (15-12)
Expected Win %: .538
The Skinny: Could possible have the most dominating pitching staff in the NL, but the hitting is less than fearsome. Which atribtes to their 12-14 1 run game record.
7. Milwaukee Blues -
Last Week: 7
Record: 44-42 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .514
The Skinny: 6-1 in extra inning games, they will need more of those if they want to continue to compete. Team is heading in the right direction, but still at least a season away.
9. Houston Labs -
Last Week: 10
Record: 44-42 (14-13)
Expected Win %: .514
The Skinny: SS DT Hutch already has been charge with 25 Errors this season.
10. Cheyenne Marmots-
Last Week: 8
Record: 43-43 (10-17)
Expected Win %: .490
The Skinny: bad week, but on a positive note Chris Durbin is on pace for a 2nd straight 100 sb season.
11. Atlanta Braves-
Last Week: 13
Record: 43-43 (18-9)
Expected Win %: .481
THE SKINNY: Team not only had a great 2 weeks but also has 80 more walks than the next closest competitor.
12. San Diego Surf -
Last Week: 11
Record: 37-49 (10-17)
Expected Win %: .440
The Skinny:
13. Richmond Revolution-
Last Week: 12
Record: 38-48 (12-15)
Expected Win %: .438
The Skinny: 19 out of 32 in save opportunities.
14. Burlington Ballbusters-
Last Week: 14
Record: 38-48 (13-14)
Expected Win %: .413
The Skinny: Only 74 homers so far this season. There is a definate power drain in Burlington. 107 behind league leading CSP.
15. Rochester Raging Reverends--
Last Week: 15
Record: 33-53 (11-16)
Expected Win %: .410
The Skinny: almost a full two runs less in ERA than last season. A great move in a positive direction.
16. Omaha MILE HIGH CLUB -
Last Week: 16
Record: 30-56 (14-13)
Expected Win %: .331
The Skinny: Former All Star Vic Mullens still sits at 498 HRs The watch continues
Friday, August 22, 2008
AL Power Rankings, Week 2(ish)
The not-quite-weekly AL Power rankings return near the mid-season mark with a new #1, but the same trio of teams standing head and shoulders above the rest of the league. Apparently, frequent updates aren't all that necessary, since not much has changed in the last quarter of the season (42 games). The top three have continued their torrid pace, and the next four teams have all stayed in the same spot in the rankings.
Still, parity is the story of the season. If you take away the top three and bottom two teams, 10 of the 11 in the middle finished within 4 games of .500 over the last 42 games.
1 Oklahoma City Chickens
Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-24 (28-14)
Expected Win %: .710
Last Week: #3
Notes: Have scored more runs than any other AL team (their 541 is just one more than Wichita's 540) and have also allowed the fewest runs of any AL team. That pretty much makes them #1 automatically.
2 Madison Massas
Record (Since Last Rankings): 53-23 (28-14)
Expected Win %: .623
Last Week: #2
Notes: Roosevelt Hanson is one of the guys to watch in the second half. His batting average currently sits at .401, and he is one of three Massas with an OPS over 1000.
3 Wichita Sizzlers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 51-25 (25-17)
Expected Win %: .656
Last Week: #1
Notes: Own a nine-game lead in their division thanks in large part to an 8-2 divisional record an a completely insane 13-2 record in one-run games. Having three bullpen guys with ERAs under 3 (Edgardo Vazquez, Cody Post and closer Luther Matthews) goes a long way toward explaining that mark.
4 Monterrey Acero
Record (Since Last Rankings): 44-32 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .596
Last Week: #4
Notes: The "best of the rest" in the AL, following the dominant trio above. Jimmie Valentin pitched in parts of five previous ML seasons and never posted an ERA under 4.50. This year, he sits at a very solid 1.98 with an equally-impressive 0.98 WHIP. B.J. Kipling is getting a crack at the rotation after a very good first half in the bullpen. He replaces Erick Savage, whose 7.58 ERA is about right for a guy with splits in the 20s.
5 Kansas City McCoys
Record (Since Last Rankings): 42-34 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .576
Last Week: #5
Notes: David Seanez has managed to stop tying helpless women to train tracks long enough to post another spectacular season. He seems likely to finish with an OPS over 975 for the sixth straight season. Butch Brush continues his remarkable consistency. While he has never topped 15 wins in a season, he has already reached the 10-win mark for the eighth straight year. He has a good shot at setting a career-high, and an outside crack at 20.
6 Boston Badasses
Record (Since Last Rankings): 38-38 (19-23)
Expected Win %: .510
Last Week: #6
Notes: Their 20 "minus" plays in the field are tied with the butchers from Baltimore for the worst in the majors. Glenallen Bell continues to have an awesome season on the mound. His 2.75 ERA is more than four runs better than a year ago. The offensive attack has been very balanced. Six players have at least 11 HR, but no one has more than 15.
7 Chicago Bearcubs
Record (Since Last Rankings): 39-37 (21-21)
Expected Win %: .492
Last Week: #7
Notes: They're second in the AL with 150 homers... and dead last in the majors with 2 stolen bases. It's just another typical year on the north side. Last year, the Bearcubs jacked 295 homers and stole six bases all season. The year before that, it was 330 dingers and one stolen base. Why risk getting thrown out when you know there's a pretty good chance the guy at bat is going to hit one onto Waveland?
8 Charlotte Winstons
Record (Since Last Rankings): 37-39 (23-19)
Expected Win %: .562
Last Week: #11
Notes: How do you move three spots up the rankings? Pitching, pitching, pitching. They lead the AL in quality starts. Max Milliard and Vladimir Rodriguez are both still in their 20s and throwing well. This team has a very solid foundation.
9 New York Bombers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 36-40 (23-19)
Expected Win %: .551
Last Week: #10
Notes: Currently tied for last place in the AL North despite posting the seventh-best expected win % in the league and second-best in their division. Going 1-9 against one's division mates doesn't help matters. The pitching has allowed the seventh-fewest runs in the AL and the hitting has scored the fifth-most runs in the AL. There's ample reason to believe this lousy season is nothing more than a product of bad luck.
10 Cleveland Indians
Record (Since Last Rankings): 36-40 (20-22)
Expected Win %: .449
Last Week: #9
Notes: Tied for the ML lead with a .301 batting average. The other two teams at .301 are Madison (#2 in the AL Power Rankings) and Wichita (#3). The teams at .300 are Oklahoma City (ranked #1 in the AL) and Cincinnati (#2 in the NL). The difference between Cleveland and the rest of those teams? Pitching -- the Indians have a 5.76 team ERA.
11 Arizona Rattlesnakes
Record (Since Last Rankings): 35-41 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .447
Last Week: #13
Notes: Matt Messmer has been great in his setup role, posting a WHIP of 1.10 and an ERA of 2.08. Six different guys have made at least 10 starts for the 'Snakes this year. Two have been good, two have been decent and Harry Romero and Ed Karl have been completely awful.
12 St. Louis Stampede
Record (Since Last Rankings): 34-42 (20-22)
Expected Win %: .435
Last Week: #12
Notes: Catchers have thrown out a remarkably low 10.7% of opposing base-stealers. Yorvit Cortes is the primary culprit, allowing 90.1% of would-be stealers the free base.
13 Washington DC Old School Warriors
Record (Since Last Rankings): 35-41 (18-24)
Expected Win %: .367
Last Week: #8
Notes: From the last rankings, "Expected win % suggests they won't maintain their .500 play." This is why I include that stat. Their expected win percentage actually went UP a little and the team still plunged five spots in the rankings. They're a very solid 13-6 in one-run games, thanks in large part to three relievers with ERAs under 3.50. However, that means they're 22-35 in games decided by more than one run. Having all five starters post ERAs of 5.00 or higher will do that to you.
14 Las Vegas Gamble
Record (Since Last Rankings): 31-45 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .437
Last Week: #16
Notes: Up two spots since the last rankings, thanks to suddenly decent play. Had the season started after the first rankings came out, they'd place somewhere near the middle of the league. Their 77 errors are worst in the majors.
15 Durham Bulls
Record (Since Last Rankings): 23-53 (13-29)
Expected Win %: .318
Last Week: #15
Notes: Richie Cormier continues to absolutely rake for the Bulls, following his 59 HR season with an OPS over 1000 this year. Mike Durrington and Pedro Ortiz have combined for 13 homers in just over 100 total at-bats. But oh, that pitching. No Bull has an ERA under 4.50 and three starters have posted ERAs over 7.50.
16 Baltimore Wiretappers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 19-57 (7-35)
Expected Win %: .294
Last Week: #14
Notes: I'm not sure what can illustrate this team's struggles better than their 7-35 record over the last quarter season. Their 611 runs allowed are 92 worse than any other AL team. Willie Gonzalez has posted an almost impossibly bad 23.85 ERA this season, thanks in part to throwing at 0(0) in his last 24 appearances. In fact, 9 ML pitchers have the big red bagel in their % column at the moment. That may have something to do with the fact that the owner hasn't checked in since 8/14.
Still, parity is the story of the season. If you take away the top three and bottom two teams, 10 of the 11 in the middle finished within 4 games of .500 over the last 42 games.
1 Oklahoma City Chickens
Record (Since Last Rankings): 52-24 (28-14)
Expected Win %: .710
Last Week: #3
Notes: Have scored more runs than any other AL team (their 541 is just one more than Wichita's 540) and have also allowed the fewest runs of any AL team. That pretty much makes them #1 automatically.
2 Madison Massas
Record (Since Last Rankings): 53-23 (28-14)
Expected Win %: .623
Last Week: #2
Notes: Roosevelt Hanson is one of the guys to watch in the second half. His batting average currently sits at .401, and he is one of three Massas with an OPS over 1000.
3 Wichita Sizzlers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 51-25 (25-17)
Expected Win %: .656
Last Week: #1
Notes: Own a nine-game lead in their division thanks in large part to an 8-2 divisional record an a completely insane 13-2 record in one-run games. Having three bullpen guys with ERAs under 3 (Edgardo Vazquez, Cody Post and closer Luther Matthews) goes a long way toward explaining that mark.
4 Monterrey Acero
Record (Since Last Rankings): 44-32 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .596
Last Week: #4
Notes: The "best of the rest" in the AL, following the dominant trio above. Jimmie Valentin pitched in parts of five previous ML seasons and never posted an ERA under 4.50. This year, he sits at a very solid 1.98 with an equally-impressive 0.98 WHIP. B.J. Kipling is getting a crack at the rotation after a very good first half in the bullpen. He replaces Erick Savage, whose 7.58 ERA is about right for a guy with splits in the 20s.
5 Kansas City McCoys
Record (Since Last Rankings): 42-34 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .576
Last Week: #5
Notes: David Seanez has managed to stop tying helpless women to train tracks long enough to post another spectacular season. He seems likely to finish with an OPS over 975 for the sixth straight season. Butch Brush continues his remarkable consistency. While he has never topped 15 wins in a season, he has already reached the 10-win mark for the eighth straight year. He has a good shot at setting a career-high, and an outside crack at 20.
6 Boston Badasses
Record (Since Last Rankings): 38-38 (19-23)
Expected Win %: .510
Last Week: #6
Notes: Their 20 "minus" plays in the field are tied with the butchers from Baltimore for the worst in the majors. Glenallen Bell continues to have an awesome season on the mound. His 2.75 ERA is more than four runs better than a year ago. The offensive attack has been very balanced. Six players have at least 11 HR, but no one has more than 15.
7 Chicago Bearcubs
Record (Since Last Rankings): 39-37 (21-21)
Expected Win %: .492
Last Week: #7
Notes: They're second in the AL with 150 homers... and dead last in the majors with 2 stolen bases. It's just another typical year on the north side. Last year, the Bearcubs jacked 295 homers and stole six bases all season. The year before that, it was 330 dingers and one stolen base. Why risk getting thrown out when you know there's a pretty good chance the guy at bat is going to hit one onto Waveland?
8 Charlotte Winstons
Record (Since Last Rankings): 37-39 (23-19)
Expected Win %: .562
Last Week: #11
Notes: How do you move three spots up the rankings? Pitching, pitching, pitching. They lead the AL in quality starts. Max Milliard and Vladimir Rodriguez are both still in their 20s and throwing well. This team has a very solid foundation.
9 New York Bombers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 36-40 (23-19)
Expected Win %: .551
Last Week: #10
Notes: Currently tied for last place in the AL North despite posting the seventh-best expected win % in the league and second-best in their division. Going 1-9 against one's division mates doesn't help matters. The pitching has allowed the seventh-fewest runs in the AL and the hitting has scored the fifth-most runs in the AL. There's ample reason to believe this lousy season is nothing more than a product of bad luck.
10 Cleveland Indians
Record (Since Last Rankings): 36-40 (20-22)
Expected Win %: .449
Last Week: #9
Notes: Tied for the ML lead with a .301 batting average. The other two teams at .301 are Madison (#2 in the AL Power Rankings) and Wichita (#3). The teams at .300 are Oklahoma City (ranked #1 in the AL) and Cincinnati (#2 in the NL). The difference between Cleveland and the rest of those teams? Pitching -- the Indians have a 5.76 team ERA.
11 Arizona Rattlesnakes
Record (Since Last Rankings): 35-41 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .447
Last Week: #13
Notes: Matt Messmer has been great in his setup role, posting a WHIP of 1.10 and an ERA of 2.08. Six different guys have made at least 10 starts for the 'Snakes this year. Two have been good, two have been decent and Harry Romero and Ed Karl have been completely awful.
12 St. Louis Stampede
Record (Since Last Rankings): 34-42 (20-22)
Expected Win %: .435
Last Week: #12
Notes: Catchers have thrown out a remarkably low 10.7% of opposing base-stealers. Yorvit Cortes is the primary culprit, allowing 90.1% of would-be stealers the free base.
13 Washington DC Old School Warriors
Record (Since Last Rankings): 35-41 (18-24)
Expected Win %: .367
Last Week: #8
Notes: From the last rankings, "Expected win % suggests they won't maintain their .500 play." This is why I include that stat. Their expected win percentage actually went UP a little and the team still plunged five spots in the rankings. They're a very solid 13-6 in one-run games, thanks in large part to three relievers with ERAs under 3.50. However, that means they're 22-35 in games decided by more than one run. Having all five starters post ERAs of 5.00 or higher will do that to you.
14 Las Vegas Gamble
Record (Since Last Rankings): 31-45 (22-20)
Expected Win %: .437
Last Week: #16
Notes: Up two spots since the last rankings, thanks to suddenly decent play. Had the season started after the first rankings came out, they'd place somewhere near the middle of the league. Their 77 errors are worst in the majors.
15 Durham Bulls
Record (Since Last Rankings): 23-53 (13-29)
Expected Win %: .318
Last Week: #15
Notes: Richie Cormier continues to absolutely rake for the Bulls, following his 59 HR season with an OPS over 1000 this year. Mike Durrington and Pedro Ortiz have combined for 13 homers in just over 100 total at-bats. But oh, that pitching. No Bull has an ERA under 4.50 and three starters have posted ERAs over 7.50.
16 Baltimore Wiretappers
Record (Since Last Rankings): 19-57 (7-35)
Expected Win %: .294
Last Week: #14
Notes: I'm not sure what can illustrate this team's struggles better than their 7-35 record over the last quarter season. Their 611 runs allowed are 92 worse than any other AL team. Willie Gonzalez has posted an almost impossibly bad 23.85 ERA this season, thanks in part to throwing at 0(0) in his last 24 appearances. In fact, 9 ML pitchers have the big red bagel in their % column at the moment. That may have something to do with the fact that the owner hasn't checked in since 8/14.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
AL North S9 Draft Recap
Needed from the draft: 1: C 2: SP 3: CF
18 | LF | 20 | JC | --- | --- | The Local kid would be at home at 1B at Cellular Field. He is a pure contact hitter with some power, but good speed. He will be a good #2 hitter or leadoff and setup man for Chicago's Reynolds and Shave. | |
64 | SP | 22 | COL | --- | --- | Borderline Mler, He has average control mixed with poor splits. It will be hard for him to pitch at a high level day after day | |
96 | RP | 22 | COL | --- | --- | Solid Reliever with 2 above average pitches, but slightly below average splits. He will struggle in the majors | |
128 | SP | 20 | JC | --- | --- | Excellent 4th rounder, he has 5 useable pitches and good control to go with average stamina. He is strong against righty, but will struggle at times against left hander | |
160 | SP | 20 | JC | --- | --- | Projects to be a career minor leaguer who will eat a lot of those innings but has little value out of the farm. |
Summary: Didn't look at either a good Catcher or CF, but did get a strong hitter in White. White might be setting the table nicely in a few seasons. Chicago Rushed Shave to the Majors in his first season, I would guess White will be similarly fast tracked. Nothing else of high was drafted in Chi-Town
Grade: C
Cleveland Indians:
Needed from the draft: 1: 3B 2: RP 3: C
1 | 2 | RF | 18 | HS | --- | --- | Could be the premier player in the draft. He has great strength and contact. Good speed and a true understanding of the game of baseball. Could be an all-star for many years if he signs. | |
2 | 48 | SP | 18 | HS | --- | --- | Wild pitcher who most likely will not sign. He has all the tools to succeed except control and a desire to play baseball. | |
3 | 80 | CF | 19 | JC | MILB | $425K | Speedy defensive specialist, he does not have much of a bat but could contribute with his glove and his feet. | |
4 | 112 | SP | 19 | JC | MILB | $350K | Another Wild pitcher with good tool everywhere else just can't seem to find the plate all the time. If you can take a lot of walks Guillen is your man. Good pick in the 4th round. | |
5 | 144 | SP | 19 | JC | MILB | $250K | Inning eating minor leaguer, he is not going to do much in the majors unless he DITRs his splits by about 40 each. He only has 1 marketable pitch. |
Summary: Ignored the team's needs almost completely and went with the best available player in the draft. Sutton was worth it. He is the type of player to build around for years to come. Still they need Relief help and a suitable backup catcher. Also threw caution to the wind and took to players who will have sign ability issues and two pitchers with control issues.
Grade: B
Needs from the draft: 1: CF 2: SS 3: C
1 | 32 | LF | 18 | HS | MILB | $1,100K | Smooth hitting and quick, but has the potential for injury issues down the road. Madison will need to be careful with him. | |
1 | 36 | SP | 18 | HS | MILB | $880K | Solid middle of the rotation pitcher, he is not going to dominate but he will be able to get consistent double digit wins for many years. He has 4 plus pitches and good control to boot | |
1 | 44 | C | 22 | COL | MILB | $600K | Average at best defensive catcher, his bat is what gets him drafted. He has a compact swing with good power; he can struggle to get into a groove at the plate at times. | |
2 | 50 | SP | 20 | JC | MILB | $550K | Solid Fly ball pitcher might struggle in hitter friendly Madison, but he has 3 desirable pitches and average control, he has good value for a 2nd rounder | |
2 | 78 | LF | 21 | COL | MILB | $550K | 2nd LF taken by Madison, this time it's a lanky power hitter who has issues with the strikeout but is developed enough to burn through the system. | |
3 | 110 | SS | 20 | JC | --- | --- | Junior College is top in his heart, He fields well enough to play in the pros, but his bat is well below average | |
4 | 142 | SS | 22 | COL | MILB | $350K | Defensive specialist who won't contribute much at the plate. His use is limited to late inning replacement at this point. | |
5 | 174 | CF | 19 | JC | MILB | $250K | Average hitter who is suited for 2nd or RF. He is a career minor leaguer if all stays as it is. |
Summary: Needed skill positions and took LF brutes; Madison addressed a need at catcher and added defensive stop gaps in the other positions, but did not improve them much. Overall the added bats and 2 capable pitchers will further solidify a strong team
Grade: B-
Needs from the draft: 1: CF 2: 2B 3: RP
1 | 25 | SS | 22 | COL | MILB | $1,750K | Solid yet unspectacular player. He is not going to dominate in any one area and might never be an all-star. He is not starting SS caliber and is better suited at 2nd, 3rd, or in the corner outfield. Huge reach In the 1st round. | |
2 | 71 | SP | 18 | HS | --- | --- | Wild pitcher with college scholarships on the table, He has the pitches and splits to be dominant but a sub-40 control is SCARY | |
3 | 103 | LF | 22 | COL | MILB | $425K | Average hitters with no speed who struggle against left handers are a dime a dozen in this league. | |
4 | 135 | LF | 22 | COL | MILB | $350K | Solid power hitter with good splits and average batting eye. He has a better chance than Bennett in seeing the majors. | |
5 | 167 | CF | 18 | HS | --- | --- | Slap hitting speedster, A good leadoff guy He has no power, but has the ability to fly on the bases. He also has Major sign ability issues. I like risky picks in the 5th round. He is a good pick here if he signs |
Summary: Might have blown the 1st round with Fox and the only pitcher the bombers took has a bit wild, this will be a tough draft to get value from. Almost all their holes still exist after this draft not a good thing
Grade: D+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)