S19 Prospectors Preview

Salt Lake City Prospectors

S18 record: 108-54
2010 final payroll: $ 89 million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $96 million

Offseason action:

Gone are Starting Pitchers Dennis Nation, Hugh Aldridge and Josias Martin. Both had their moments Martin still has a few moments left. Former closer Tarrik McGee had a few good seasons and it is a surprise he was not re-upped or even picked up in FA. New are Cy Young starter and most sought after free agent Ryan Perry and by trade Tony Iglesias who is a step down from McGee.

Reality check
The Prospectors are one of the most balanced attacks in the league. This is why they had the most wins in season 18. Anthony Allen is a 25/25 guy. He is a tweener on defense though and will try his hand at CF. Carlos Santiago has the same problem at SS and has been a 20/20 guy the past 3 seasons. David Tejada could be the best choice for CF, but is slated for 2B to shore up the weak infield. Tejada could have the best potential of a 30/60 season among the players in SLC. Edgar Tarraga is the power on this team, but also contributes with 40 base stealing speeds. Add in power man Scott Clarke and this team is hard to get through the batting order without trouble.

Ryan Perry Salt Lake City Prospectors Age: 34 B/T: R/R Born: Russell, KY Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The rotation has one of the better 1-2 punches in the league Ryan Perry is a 4-time Cy Young Winner. He could be a 1st ballot Hall of famer with his credentials already. Marty Hooper has not been as glamorous, but he still is a 2 time all-star who has put up great numbers in his career peaking last season at 17-4 record with a 3.10 ERA. 2nd year man Jack Coke had mixed results in season 18. He has the skills, but lacks the stamina if he gets extended too much he falls apart and gets rocked. If he gets his command early and controls his pitch count he could be a huge X factor in Season 19. Hector Tarasco is a cult hero in Salt Lake City. He's a guy who did next to nothing in other markets. He never pitched all that effective, yet in SLC he's 40-15 with a 3.75 ERA. I'm not sure how long he can keep that illusion up, but ride that train as long as you can. Eric Erickson has also had a lot of success in SLC and has carved a nice niche that I don't think can be translated onto another team. The Pen is well established with the likes of Eugene Overbay and Trenidad Guerrero providing efficient relief. Closer Wilson MacRae Seems to be transitioning to a setup role, but has shown success as a closer. The current configuration is a closer by committee approach.

Summing it up with Quote:

"No comment." SP Hector Tarasco When asked about the mysterious substance under the bill of his cap and the file like attatchment on his belt seen numerious times the last 2 seasons.

S19 Spyders Preview

Cleveland Spyders

S18 record: 107-55
Finish: First Place, AL East
2010 final payroll: $ 127 million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $116 million

Offseason action:

3 seasons ago Rafael Otanez Would is in the running to be one of the top closers, now he is without a job. After a tough season 17 he has not gained his confidence back. It's been 10 seasons since his CY Young now Vladimir Rodriguez is holding on for any job in season19. An injury might get him a shot somewhere. Gone as well are C Charlie Marion and his noodle arm, RP Cap Rose who still has life in his arm, and 4 time Cy Young winner Ryan Perry. Perry will be missed heavily.

Added are 3B Tim Swann via rule 5 draft. A young and talented prospect with huge power numbers in the minors. Swann might find the Ml to be tough this season. Also picked up on the Rule 5 was Clyde Martin. Not as talented as Swann, Martin will find playing time even more difficult. Free Agent Starter Lou Lamb signed with Cleveland on a 1 year 790K contract. Lamb spent most of season 18 on the DL with a broken arm. Reports are that he lost something. The bigger catch might be Daryle Davis who at 37 is far from his prime, but still is useful in the right controlled role.

Reality check:

CF Heath Peterman is the best centerfielder in the game; he combines top tier fielding with an amazing bat. Some point to his higher than average strikeout totals as a negative, but he's a legitimate 40/40 threat so what if he strikeout out once a game.

Pedro Osuna Cleveland Spyders Age: 32 B/T: R/R Born: Bonao, DO Position(s): 1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The pressure is pretty low when you are surrounded by the likes of Max Mills, Jose Park, Pedro Osuna and Albert Frazier. All of which are capable of being a superstar on their own team. That's 5 superstar starters. Add in RF William Stewart who's good for 20/20 and LF Alan Shields who has stolen 50+ bases the past 2 seasons and you can understand why this team is one of the top offenses in the league. The biggest hole might be a catcher where 30 year old Josh Hargrave has been a career backup because of his endurance issues. When he plays the team will cruise, if he is on the bench they will have a hole. Not that the pounding this team can put on the opposition will change all that much by losing one big bat.

The rotation is led by all-star CY Young monster Alex Wang. The Wang has been a dominating forces most of his career. That will not change this season. With the offense behind him and his own skills, he should be in line for another CY young season. Jim McMahon looked great in the first half of the season, but faded in the 2nd half. He needs to bring a full season effort or his high win total will be dismissed as the result of the killer offense. Juan Escuela looked great last season in his 1st year as a full-time starter. He should continue that trend this season. Trent Boone and Lou Lamb will have the benefit of getting to pitcher behind murders row here in Cleveland. They will not complain when their ERA's are checking in around 5, but still have 13-18 wins this season. The Pen has a few guys who use to be league elites. Ellis Watson even last season was a dominant closer who controlled the 9th inning and struck fear into the hearts of men. Now he is a shadow of that man, but still a competent reliever. Julio Arias is coming off a career season where he held opponents to a .230 OBA and seemed to have a handle of the 8th inning. Torey Kirk who is currently slated at Closer suffered through his worst season of his career. The new role might be a chance to find his niche on this super powered team.

Summing it up with a Quote:

" About time I get to coach the big boys" Hitting coach Ted Torres after 10 seasons in the minors.

S19 Organizational Fillers Preview

Colorado Springs Organizational Filler

S18 record: 103-59
Finish: First Place, NL West
2010 final payroll: $ 79million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $80 million

Offseason action:

1B Adrian Cassidy is gone after a productive season in CSP, but he wasn't the future just a filler. Joe Wall spent 2 productive years with the fillers, CSP might be sorry not to have him back. Sp Pokey West is also gone. One of the most productive starters in season 18, he signed for a song in CHI 2 year 10.4M. Henry Barrett was retained, he might have been the cheaper option, but he's a step down. CSP also brought in fresh blood DH/1B Todd Scott is a solid hitter, but poor defender. 1B David Tatis was also brought in for competition.

Reality check
All-star Pedro Cela is a dream at the plate, but lacks the defensive prowess in CF, he needs to be moved over the 3rd at this point. Starter at 3B Walt Harris might improve the corner outfield and help the pitchers get more outs. 3rd year 2B Lewis Tucker could also move to the outfield and Cela might see time there as an alternative. CSP should organize his team around Cela if they want to succeed again. LF Manuel Gonzalez isn't going anywhere and powers a lot of offense from his spot in the order and field. Jesse Walton still has the skill to be the starter in RF, The best solution might be a trade to get an elite CF'er for the team.

Ismael Perez still is one of the more effective pitchers in the NL, lacks the strikeout punch and holes in the defense have kept him from reaching his potential. SP Henry Barrett was brought back to be a starter, but is a better choice for the pen as a long reliever or setup where he can pitcher more games. His stamina will limit his innings. Everett Roosevelt has the same issues. Victor Lopez threw 4 complete games last season. You have to love that kind of effort from a pitcher. Sp Tyler Throneberry played extremely well last season, but most scouts believe he will be due for a correction this season. Probably not a bad #5 guy though. The Bullpen will have their times. Santos Cedeno has shown good improvement the past 3 seasons and though he throws like a girl he gets people out. Eduardo Campos played himself out of his closer role by blowing almost half his save opportunities. He will have to relearn that position on the mound because it will not be handed to him. Rookie Joaquin Sosa will get a full season to see if he is really good enough to be here. Experts think he does. Last season Pep Dransfeldt finished the season as the closer and might get the chance out of the gate to keep the job. He has had his moments that have done the Fillers proud, but he has had the moments to make the fans cringe as well. York Bradford has also shown promise as the closer. He might be a more natural selection for the team and a smart gambler would bet on him to win the job in the spring.

Summing it up with a Quote:

Samuel Brinkley Colorado Springs Organizational Filler Age: 35 B/T: L/R Born: Kalamazoo, MI Position(s): DH/C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

" I know the Fillers have not forgotten he, they are just biding their time until they recall me" - Samuel Brinkley former starter (S9-S16) now working out in Rookie ball for 8K a season.

S19 Amon-Ra Review

Memphis Amon-Ra
S18 record: 99-63
Finish: First place, NL South
2010 final payroll: $88 million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $85 million

Offseason action:

After a successful season in Relief, Memphis made the difficult decision on Bing Milligan and released him. Though he showed production in all 5 of his seasons in Memphis, the Amon-Ra wanted to save money. Instead the team went after and signed veteran closer Mitch Matthews to take his place in the pen. Matthews could put up comparable HOF numbers to other Long tooth relievers.

Reality check

3B Eugene Walker is in his big year of his contract at 18.5M for this swan song , he is hardly value, but he was paid for what he brought in the first 4 years of his contract with this money. He will be splitting time at the hot corner with Jimmy Christiansen. The big battle might be at 2B where starter Wilfredo Cabeza will be challenge for time by Dave Nicholson. Nicholson saw limited action in season 18, but he might bring the complete package to the table something the one dimensional Cabeza lacks at the plate. LF Rafael Bolivar might also provide better offense and is capable of moving from LF to 2B if needed to add a bigger bat. The resident monster bat belongs to 1B Kimera Newman who is capable of blasting 40HR if he can get some power behind him in the order to protect him better. Having CF James Jefferies batting ahead of him for the full season will help some, but Jefferies is only in his 2nd season and is still growing into his role. SS Gerardo Arroyo is a defensive stopper, but is offensively challenged. When he does get on base he is a threat, but he is at best a .240 hitter with limited power who could win a gold glove. What Memphis needs is to add one more big bat to balance the order, even if that bat serves as a pinch hitter for the season. For a while Memphis has been able to get away with a superior defense and good speed and things have worked out well, but as others in the division develop into hitter monsters this might start to crack.

Osvaldo Azocar Memphis Amon-Ra Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Worthington, MN Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Osvaldo Azocar is a true ace, the only thing holding him back is his lack of strikeout punch. He is crafty and a guy any team would be pleased to have, Mike Fitzgerald is a perfect #2 guy not extremely dominant in his pitching, but he does everything right. As a result he was unhittable in season 18 earning a well-deserved Cy Young and all-star accolades for the 1st time. Albert Hernandez and Albert Montanez just plain gets guys out, they puts a lot of balls in play, but with Memphis's defense backing them up they have no problems controlling the game. When Daniel Smith is the weak link of the rotation, you probably don't have to worry much about the starting rotation.

The Pen added Mitch Matthews to offer Juan Cabrera some veteran assistance. Cabrera struggled in Season 18 to find his rhythm , with Matthews now in the fold the Amon-Ra will not have to lean so heavily on him.

Summing it up with A Quote: " really how hard can it be to teach a professional team how to catch a ball. stop a line drive, cut off a throw. I taught my dog to catch, reaaly!" - 1st year field coach Douglas Street who has never coached before

S19 Marmots Preview

Cheyenne Marmots

S18 record: 99-63
Finish: Second place, NL West
2010 final payroll: $ million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $ million

Offseason action:
Long-time Starter and more recently bullpen stud Kiki Soto abandons ship and moves to Seattle. At 40 he still seems to be going strong, but his control issues are becoming more apparent.

Reality check:
Leadoff Man Chris Durbin isn't as fast as he once was, but the guy still can motor and steal on the league's best. Count him good for 30-40 bags this season. His bigger challenge will be fending off 2nd year man Eddie Slusarski who hits and has better speed, but doesn't have Durbin's savvy on the bases. C Edgardo Lima at 34 is still good for 36hr a season. 2B Travis Stokes has the sweet swing and should be the guy the Marmots build around for the future. The future might also be with newly anointed 3B Ed Bailey who should rank as one of the more powerful bats in the league when he gets it heated up. With last year's starter Joey Forrester breathing down his neck, don't expect too much room for error. Both Tony Hartzell and Don Li are defense only specialist
Eduardo Feliz is the team ace. He coming off one of his worst seasons, but it was more likely a fluke than a sign of his decline. Feliz should show a big bounce back this season. Phil Morgan enters his 3rd full season after being almost unhittable in season 18. The Marmot has to hope he follows the same thread this season. If he does he could be in Cy Young Contention. David Estrada has struggled the last 3 seasons and has failed to live up to expectations. A fly ball pitcher who leans heavily on his defense, Estrada might need a change of scenery to live up to his potential. Jimmie Sullivan has put up his 1st winning season last year, but still struggled at time with his control and finding his pitches. Too often is the hitter dictating the count with him, resulting in him getting rocked.
Closer Matt O'Malley was a monster in season 18. O'Malley has shown time and again that he is an elite closer in this league. His setup corps. Is equally as effective with Howard Leon, Rodrigo Blanco and Babe Allen returning and providing sub 3.50 ERA support. Newcomer Derek Waters will be the wildcard, after spending 8 seasons in the minors he finally gets his ML chance this season.

Summing it up with a quote:

Kiki Soto Seattle Fainting Goats Age: 40 B/T: R/R Born: Hermosillo, MX Position(s): P (T1A) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

"I am Cheyenne, and dem bitches turned their back on me, What? Enjoy watching me on TV!" Former all-star Kiki Soto

S19 Loudmouth Preview

Louisville Loud Mouths

S18 record: 97-65
Finish: World Series Champions, AL South
2010 final payroll: $ 82 million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $86 million

Offseason action:

Louisville could pass Sp Gustavo Redondo through waiver wires, but it was no huge loss for the world champions. Also gone is part-time starter C Wascar Solano who was a solid DH will try his catching skills out for the Pirates in Season 19. The Loudmouths did retain former Rp all-star Stan Mason who should continue to be among one of the leagues better pitchers and backup 1B Stubby Wilson. The Rule 5 draft brought in Al Lopez. Not much of a barnburner here.

Reality check

Coming off an all-star 1st half and a solid second half, Sean Swan tore the acl in his knee and will be shelved much of the season. Tough break for a guy who showed guts at the plate and in the field. Don't cry too hard for the World Champs as they have the players to replace him already on the team. Last season rookie Glen Lemon might get a shot as the starter at SS or in CF with the opposite position going to 20M man Kurt Morgan. Both are 40+ hr bats with solid speed and capable of hitting .300 on the season. Roger Post might be a weak defensive choice for 3B, but his offense is undeniable. Hitting 35 hr and just missing knocking 100 runs.

Sven Kinkade Louisville Loud Mouths Age: 24 B/T: R/R Born: Woodsville, NH Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The real gem is at 2B Sven Kinkade could be in the talk for league MVP in season 19. A career .333 hitter he could knock in 130 RBI and slam 35HR.He has speed to get those extra bases as well. LF Theo Stearns showed he could be a 20/20 man and potentially could be a 30/30 man this season. The player that St Louis might be most excited about is rookie Catcher Emilio Batista, he has shown a clean glove and although he struggles at the plate at time he still could be a .260 type hitter with 25HR potential.

The Rotation gelled last season and played above their head in the playoffs. Achilles Perez was 17-6 last year and showed why he could be the team's ace. 17M man Tino Chang pitched well, but found himself out of decisions early because of pitch counts. If he can trust his fielders and throw the ball the way he is capable he might increase is win total in season 19. Mike DeJean is young and still growing, he probably is not good enough to be the staff ace yet, but has the potential to shine in a few seasons. He does already have a World Series ring. Neifi Lopez on the other hand is probable already a bon-a-fide starter. He showed good progress from season 17 to season 18 and should build on that momentum. #5 starter Pedro James is a hit or miss guy, when he has his command he strikes out the side when he's off he gets lit up. He still better than most other teams #5 guy.

Jim Small returns as the closer after hi all-star season. He gets a new setup man in former closer Stan Mason who is a great stabilizing force for the Loudmouth pen. Mason will join Arthur Wayne and veteran Bruce Hernandez. Hernandez has struggled more and more each season and the loudmouths have to hope he bounces back his season. Jiggs Baez scares the mascot, who refuses to work when Jiggs is on the mound.

Summing it up with a Quote: "I have working on the record for most consecutive free plays in a league" - Booshie73

S19 Tornadoes preview

Texas Tornadoes

S18 record: 96-66

Finish: Second place, AL South
2010 final payroll: $ 80 million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $80 million
Offseason action:
Rp Pedro Lee after a productive season in Texas got a 2 year extension. Dh Todd Scott found a better offer in the NL. SP Ronnie Leach had a bad season and played himself out of a job in Texas. Ronnie leach will be a huge impact in Tucson. LF Brian Mouton coming off a career year is still sitting on the free agent wires. Coming off a 27hr and 99RBi season, you would think there would be some interest in him. Added was Speedster 2B Edgardo Trinidad. He might find a home at the bottom of the Texas lineup and add some speed from the bench in key spots.

Reality check

Aurelio Espada Texas Tornadoes Age: 31 B/T: S/R Born: Rio San Juan, DO Position(s): 3B/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

All-star third baseman Aurelio Espada has missed an average of 50 games a season the past 2 years. If he can play 20 more games Texas might be 100 game winners. 26 year old Ivan Crespo hit more than 45hr last season; expect more of the same as he might see action all over the field. 1B Vicente Arias no longer has an MVP form, but still has a lot of value in the lineup with his speed and power combo. He might not be worth his 14M contract, but he is still valuable to this team. SS Jared Malone might find his playing time everywhere but SS where he struggles in the field. His bat is great and can't be forgotten in the lineup. Backup Gerald Wang might allow them the luxury of starting Malone at SS and pulling him when defensive is critical. Pedro Veras will serve a similar role throughout the season. CF Howie Grace has received 2 September call-ups but hasn't shown a lot in his opportunity. This season he starts out of the gate as the heir apparent in CF. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, but he has the Texas softball bat required to play here. Last season's starter Javier Martin might find a home at 2B where his defense will be a better match and his bat can still be a factor.
The rotation is set behind Ace 3rd year man Diego Gomez, veteran Vin Delgado who is coming off should issues in season 18, 20 game winner Danny Young and prospect starters Barney Russ and Davey Gonzalez. Both Russ and Gonzalez have shown talent but have lacked consistency in their starts and have spent time in the pen as a result. Mark Voyles and Bert Sosa will be the long relief corps and should be ready to jump in for a spot start or two if needed. Benito Cortez will return as the late inning nail along with his 2 exceptional setup men Armando Segui and newly resigned Pedro Lee. If Texas can control their workload and not overwhelm them this pen will be in for good things and Cortez could be looking at a 40 save season.

Summing it up with a Quote:
"I'm ready to put up the numbers I was signed to do, my arm is completely healthy this season" -SP Vin Delgado