Winter Meeting Preview Part IV

The Michigan Miracles have released a press statement which states that their first round pick, 1.5, is available. The Miracles firmly believe that Lincecum/Halladay/Fielder/Kemp will be the first 4 players off the board, in no particular order. The logical pick at #5 seems to be Chase Utley but with Ian Kinsler already in the fold drafting Utley would be unlikely. Those teams that would like to trade up to acquire pick 1.5 send me your best offer. It would require your first round pick and either a player or another pick. The lower your first round pick is the better the second part of the deal will have to be. There is also no truth to the rumor that Ian Kinsler is on the block in order to draft Utley. While I don't plan on moving Kinsler the fact remains that I am always open to moving any player under the right circumstances. Discussions on acquiring a 3 yr contract are ongoing as well. It is becoming slightly difficult to have some conversations regarding players as back room deals have already gone down. Let's open the Winter Meetings now!!!

Winter Meetings UPDATE!!!

FOX News reports that another document has surfaced on the WikiLeaks website. A secret Miracle Memo was posted that states that the Michigan Miracles have several players targeted as potential acquisitions during the upcoming Winter Meetings. The players the Miracles are targeting all have 3 year contracted associated with them. The players listed include...

1--Stephen Drew
2--Jason Bartlett
3--Carlos Beltran
4--Carl Crawford
5--Lance Berkman
6--Justin Morneau
7--Alfonso Soriano
8--Billy Butler
9--Scott Kazmir

Two former Miracles are also on this list and include

10--Alexei Ramirez
11--Curtis Granderson

Miracle President/GM Chris Renner would not confirm or deny that this list even exists but did release this brief statement.

The Miracles are always very active during the Winter Meetings and will be again this coming year. We have always known that most of the rumors that circulate around the eMLB are usually generated by Commissioner Steve Berg but we have just determined that our current commissioner may in fact be Julian Assange of WikiLeaks infamy. We had a computer analyst compare Berg with Assange and it was determined that there is a 50% probability that they are one and the same person. We were also told that there is a +/- 50 margin of error.

Any of the owners of those listed players may contact Renner regarding the availability of said player. The Miracles will still be trying to perhaps move an OF during the meetings but would like to acquire one or more of the listed players for a draft pick.

As a footnote Renner also says that Ian Kinsler is not actively being shopped around. Looks like another example of Berg/Assange stirring the proverbial pot.

Winter Meetings Preview Part III

With the 5th pick in the first round of the eMLB draft the Michigan Miracles select ??????? After discussions with fellow owners Sankey and Berg while in Las Vegas the Miracles are of the opinion that the top 4 picks will be Kemp/Lincecum/Halladay/Fielder in no particular order. If this comes to pass the Miracles will be looking to trade out of the 5th spot with an owner who is wanting to draft Chase Utley. With Kinsler firmly entrenched at 2nd base for the Miracles there is no need to draft Utley. The Miracles will be willing to entertain offers and drop down somewhat in the first round while picking up another pick or player in the process. More to come as the draft gets closer.

Vegas Trip

Three of the current eMLB GM's will be spending time in Vegas soon. Renner and Sankey will get plenty of time to discuss issues and possible trades while in Sin City. Berg will also be in town but has already obtained tickets to Donnie and Marie along with Cher, so Bergs availability for discussions will probably be limited. Although enjoying retirement Renner is looking forward to the four day distraction before really getting down to planning for 2011. More to come.

Winter Meetings Preview Part II

With still better than 2 months until the much anticipated eMLB Winter Meeting continued rumblings are making the rounds in the Miracles front office. This is a very exciting time of the offseason Renner was quoted as saying this morning from his penthouse offices in the RenCen. in downtown Detroit. We have already been contacted by multiple owners in regards to players we would be open to move over the winter. We look forward to continued conversations with all of the owners this offseason. Renner did state that Ian Kinsler/Michael Young would probably be the only players that would be considered untradeable this offseason.

Winter Meetings Preview

Early rumblings coming out of the Miracles upper management meetings has GM Chris Renner leaning toward drafting a SP with his first round draft pick. Renner has stated that much of his offense is already under contract for next year but he has also historically been very active during the winter meetings and moving a contract or two is not out of the question. He may be looking on taking on a 3 yr contract from another team along with possibly moving an OF. Adam Jones or Austin Jackson could possibly create some interest. Jackson should soon be named the AL Rookie of the Year and Jones had a resurgance at the plate following Buck Showalter taking over the helm in Baltimore. Some in the organization are trying to convince Renner that SS Jimmy Rollins could be a long term solution for the club at SS. More updates are to come as we get closer to the Winter meetings.

Week Two Predicitions

WEEK 2 will end up this way...

7.....Mid Michigan
5.....Michigan

8.....Julian
4.....Carolina

6.....Dallas
6.....South Texas

10....ES
2.....Encinitas

8.....Wisconsin
4.....Olivet

7.....New Jersey
5.....Flying Squirrels

10....San Antonio
2.....North Texas

10....Rochester
2.....Gaylord


Week 2 standings

East

18-6.....Rochester
16-8.....New Jersey
9-15.....Flying Squirrels
7-17.....Carolina

Great Lakes

14-10.....Mid Michigan
13-11.....Wisconsin
10-14.....Olivet
8-16......Gaylord

Texas

14-10.....San Antonio
14-10.....South Texas
13-11.....Dallas
10-14.....Michigan

West

17-7.....ES
13-11.....Julian
10-14.....Encinitas
6-18.....North Texas

Power Rankings Week 1

Updated power rankings after week 1 look like this.

1. 133.6 E.S. Blacksox
2. 127.0 Julian Javelina

3. 117.8 Dallas Redbirds
4. 115.0 Mid Michigan Tigers
5. 113.6 New Jersey Mets
6. 113.4 Rochester Red Sox
7. 109.4 San Antonio Fire Ants
8. 107.8 South Texas Heat

9. 100.0 Michigan Miracles
10. 95.4 Wisconsin Brewers
11. 90.8 Encinitas Beach Bums
12. 89.2 Gaylord Dingers
13. 87.6 Flying Squirrels of Springfield
14. 86.4 Carolina Yankees
15. 81.6 Olivet Killer Eagles

16. 63.4 North Texas Rangers

Currently ES and Julian are the class of the league and after the top 8 the dropoff is dramatic.

Week One Predictions

WEEK 1 will end up this way.
Divisional matchups make this a key week.

7.....Dallas
5.....Michigan

8.....South Texas
4.....San Antonio

9.....New Jersey
3.....Carolina

8.....Encinitas
4.....North Texas

6.....Olivet
6.....Gaylord

8.....Rochester
4.....Flying Squirrels

7.....E.S
5.....Julian

7.....Mid Michigan
5.....Wisconsin


Week One Standings

East

1. 9-3.....New Jersey
2. 8-4.....Rochester
3. 4-8.....Flying Squirrels
4. 3-9.....Carolina

Great Lakes

1. 7-5.....Mid Michigan
2. 6-6.....Gaylord
2. 6-6.....Olivet
4. 5-7.....Wisconsin

Texas

1. 8-4.....South Texas
2. 7-5.....Dallas
3. 5-7.....Michigan
4. 4-8.....San Antonio

West

1. 8-4.....Encinitas
2. 7-5.....E.S
3. 5-7.....Julian
4. 4-8.....North Texas

After each week I will edit the previous week to keep a running total of my predictions versus the actual results. Probably won't be too close but I will enjoy doing this throughout the season.

GO DETROIT TIGERS AND MICHIGAN MIRACLES !!!!!!!

Pre Season Predictions

My most recent and last set of predictions before Opening Day. First the easy part. Next seasons lottery teams will be.

1. North Texas Rangers
2. Carolina Yankees
3. Flying Squirrels of Springfield
4. Encinitas Beach Bums

The Championship playoffs will include the following teams....

1. New Jersey Mets
2. Mid Michigan Tigers
3. Dallas Redbirds
4. ES Blacksox
5. Julian Javelina
6. Rochester Red Sox

Numbers 1-4 are the division champs and 5/6 are the wild cards.

Strongest division is easily the Texan division. This division contains 4 of the top 9 teams in my power rankings but will only contain 1 playoff team.

Weakest division is the Great Lakes division. Other than the playoff team (Mid Michigan) this division contains 3 of the weakest 7 teams including a lottery team.

My pre season division breakdowns...

Eastern Division

1. New Jersey Mets.....115 pts***
2. Rochester Red Sox.....109 pts***
3. Flying Squirrels of Springfield.....87 pts
4. Carolina Yankees.....81 pts

Great Lakes Division

1. Mid Michigan Tigers.....116 pts***
2. Gaylord Dingers.....95 pts
3. Olivet Killer Eagles.....93 pts
4. Wisconsin Brewers.....89 pts

Texan Divisions

1. Dallas Redbirds.....127 pts***
2. San Antonio Fire Ants.....109 pts
3. Michigan Miracles.....108 pts
4. South Texas Heat.....100 pts

Western Division

1. ES Blacksox.....131 pts***
2. Julian Javelina.....124 pts***
3. Encinitas Beach Bums.....89 pts
4. North Texas Rangers.....64 pts.

***Championship Playoff Teams


Pre Season Power Rankings

1. ES Blacksox
2. Dallas Redbirds
3. Julian Javelina
4. Mid Michigan Tigers
5. New Jersey Mets
6. Rochester Red Sox
7. San Antonio Fire Ants
8. Michigan Miracles
9. South Texas Heat
10. Gaylord Dingers
11. Olivet Killer Eagles
12. Wisconsin Brewers
13. Encinitas Beach Bums
14. Flying Squirrels of Springfield
15. Carolina Yankees
16. North Texas Rangers.

I will update the rankings as the season progresses.

Miracle Draft Recap

Now that it is about 2 months removed from the 2010 eMLB draft here is a look back at my draft and how I think I did.

Round 1.3--Ian Kinsler--2B.....a top tier 2B to be sure. Could be one of the best in the majors if he can put together 2-3 years without getting injured. The good news is that even at 140 games he is better than almost all other 2B out there. Kinsler will be given a 3 year contract by the Miracles.

Round 2.4--Michael Young--3B.....as consistent as you would want for a 3B but does lack the power you usually find there. 3B was very thin in this years draft and I feel pretty good about the numbers that Young will put up for me the next two years.

Round 2.10--Tommy Hansen--SP.....I really can't add anything that hasn't already been said about Hanson. He, along with an injury free season from Chris Carpenter (that's right, injury free), will give me a very strong 1-2 punch in starting pitching. Hansen will also be given a 2 year contract.

Round 2.16--Jay Bruce--OF.....In a draft without a lot of big boppers Jay Bruce presented me with an interesting choice. If I hadn't taken him I would have been left with the Wells and Harts of the league. I didn't want that to happen. The upside with him is unlimited, he just has to get the average up. So far this spring things look pretty good. 2 year or 3 year contract will be given to Bruce.

Round 4.4--Kurt Suzuki--C.....With Posada going 2 slots before mine I was pretty sure Suzuki wouldn't be there in round 5. If Posada hadn't been taken before me I might have waited and selected Rodriguez the Mets closer. I'm pretty happy the way this turned out. 2 year contract perhaps??

Round 5.4--Bobby Jenks--RP.....Closers had been going fast, about 8 in the last 20 picks or so. It was take Jenks and build closers around him or just go cheap late. I decided to jump in. He is a lot lighter this spring, had a little twinge in the leg but seems to have things going in the right direction as Opening Day looms.

Round 6.4--Carlos Marmol--RP.....Really wanted Hoffman here but he didn't make it to me being taken 2 spots earlier. On a Cubs club that should be pretty good Marmol is the closer. Has looked pretty damn bad so far this spring though.

Round 7.4--Randy Wolf--SP.....A solid innings eater for my #4 starter. Thought about Lidge, Mags and finally settled on Wolf.

Round 8.4--Dexter Fowler--OF.....Not going to give me much power, but plays the game well. Won't hurt me in avg/sb/r. He will start for me off and on depending on who is hot.

Round 9.4--Ben Sheets--SP.....People are pretty easy to read on this one. It will either be a great pick or a shitty one. If he has a good season and gets traded to a contender (forgone conclusion most people think) most will wish they had taken a chance. If he bombs people will say "I told you that was a crappy pick". I'll take my chances in round 9, especially with no pick until round 11. Would he have still been there?? I don't think so.

Round 11.4--Martin Prado--1B/2B/3B.....Really like the versatility with multiple positions, pretty good bad on a good Atlanta team. Will start for me now and then.

Round 12.4--Fernando Rodney--RP.....Initally drafted as a Holds guy and he will get some of those until the Angels realize that a closer who makes people swing and miss is better than Fuentes. To start out though.....holds.

Round 13.4--Matt Lindstrom--RP.....Another one like Rodney, has lights out stuff just a really high ERA/WHIP. New pitching coach in Planet Houston has him going in a better direction. With Lyon as the closer Lindstrom is another swing and miss guy. Just a matter of time if he has things straightened out.

Round 14.4--Alfredo Aceves--RP.....A lot of cheap wins last year, I won't expect that again but will be a solid reliever and spot starter for the Yankees.

Round 15.4--Luis Valbuena--2B/SS.....another multiple position player would be a solid backup for the Miracles if I had kept him. Dropped for an up and comer.

Round 16.4--Aaron Cook--SP.....Solid if unspectacular starter for the playoff bound Rockies. Fills out my starters nicely.

Round 17.4--Orlando Hudson--2B.....During the draft the ODog was without a team. Now having signed with the Twins and hitting in front of Minnesota's M & M boys, he should score a bushel basket full of runs. I won't have any problem starting Hudson if Kinsler isn't ready to start the season.

Round 18.4--Kevin Jepsen--RP.....Potentially a solid Holds guy with a nice K/9 rate. I think so much of him that I have already dropped him.

Round 19.4--Homer Bailey--SP.....Another guy that I like and don't like at the same time. I have already dropped him once and have already picked him up again. Let's see how the season starts in that launching pad they have in Cincy.

Round 20.4--Drew Storen--RP.....Storen will be very good but probably not this year, at least for me. Another casuality for me. Dropped.

Round 21.4--Madison Bumgarner--SP.....During the draft this looked like a really good pick for me, currently...AAA bound. Not a good spring. Gone from the Miracle roster.

Replacing my dropped players are Colby Lewis (SP), Freddy Garcia (SP), Sean Rodriguez (OF) and Randy Ruiz (UTL).

Vazquez packing his bags...First Round pick

The Michigan Miracles made a move yesterday to help their future. Popular pitcher Javier Vazquez was shipped to the defending champion ES Blacksox along with the Miracles 10th round pick for the Blacksox second round pick which is 2.16. We believe now having 4 picks in the first two rounds will allow us to contract some people who will help us not only this season but further down the road, GM Renner was quoted as saying. We wish Javier only the best for next season with the Blacksox. Renner also came out and stated that after weeks of internal discussions the Miracles have decided to select Ian Kinsler with their first round pick. Even after signing Alex Rios to a 5 yr contract the Miracles simply won't be able to pass up on Kinsler. Renner simply hopes that for the next 3 yrs or so Ian will be in the best shape of his career and will be out on the field for 150+ games a year. If that happens the Miracles will reap the rewards.

Mock Draft #2 and Trade Options

At the halfway point of the 2010 Winter Meetings there has been a tremendous amount of activity. Huge names changing teams and lots of picks flying around. Much more active than in recent memory. A lot of this must be attributed to having an influx of new blood. The league is really starting to come together. Perhaps with just a few more tweaks we may have an unbelievable league that will be together for years to come.

The Michigan Miracles have made a couple of moves and are poised to make a few more perhaps. We are currently in a position to award 4 contracts after our draft which will allow us to have two extensions at the end of the season. Taking on another contract is possible (but doubtful) unless one or more contracts are moved. I am happy with how my team is currently set up so if no other moves are made, no worries. That being said I still have some contracts available for those interested. Also some have inquired about my first round pick 1.3 I will consider trading this pick with my asking price starting at your first round pick and second round pick. That won't change. This draft is topheavy....picks 1-5 are worthy of 5 yr contracts, after that the dropoff is dramatic and quick.

Rick Ankiel>>OF>>10th rounder>>projection>> .250/20HR/60RBI
Matt LaPorta>>1B/OF>>7th rounder>>projection>> .270/20+HR/70+RBI>>Huge Upside
Travis Snider>>OF>>5th rounder>>projection>> .275/20+HR/80+RBI>>Huge Upside
Rick Porcello>>SP>>5th rounder>>projection>> 12W/4.00ERA/1.30WHIP/100+K
Javier Vasquez>>SP>>2nd rounder>>projection>>15W/3.60ERA/1.20WHIP/200+K

Here is my updated mock draft. I'm sure this will probably change by tonight the way things are going.

#1 Wisconsin Brewers--Evan Longoria--3B. He still remains at the top of the draft and I don't see this pick changing at all.

#2 Julian Javelina--Ryan Zimmerman--3B. Hoyle has stated that this is his pick, period. I believe him. Outstanding choice.

#3 Michigan Miracles--Kevin Youkilis--1B/3B. I have stated all along that this will be my choice. Ian Kinsler is an interesting option with tremendous upside but I have tried this approach before with poor results. Youkilis is a much safer choice and you know what you will get with him. Is Kinsler a possible choice here, yes. Right now it's 60/40 Youkilis.

#4 Carolina Yankees--Ian Kinsler--2B. If I decide at game time to select Kinsler at #3, this mock could change quite a bit in the next few picks. At this point Kinsler is still the choice here.

#5 South Texas Heat--Joey Votto--1B. With the trading of Konerko, Votto is an easy choice here. I don't believe Berg wants to have Swisher or Davis at 1B for the entire year. If either of them shows they can bat above .240 maybe that changes but right now Votto becomes his new man crush.

#6 Dallas Redbirds--Zack Greinke--SP. I still think Doyle goes SP here. Who better than Greinke? Really, I don't think he would go wrong with 2 or 3 of the big stud SP's, but Greinke is the choice today.

#7 Flying Squirrels of Republic--Brandon Phillips--2B. Similar to Kinsler but a notch below. Injuries and average are still a concern with him. New owner Adam will be very happy with this selection.

#8 Mid Michigan Tigers--Ichiro--OF. Lots of opinions on which OF the Tigers will choose. I still see Ichiro going here. He has returning power but little speed. There is little downside to Ichiro, you know exactly what you will get and it's damn good.

#9 North Texas Rangers--Felix Hernandez--SP. If Adrian is unable to trade up in the first round Felix is an excellent option. Felix gives him a true stud with lots of ???? still surrounding Webb this would be an easy choice.

#10 Encinitas Beach Bums--Brian Roberts--2B. Still don't understand the Aviles trade but he will need a 2B at the beginning of the year and Roberts is the clear choice at this point.

#11 Wisconsin Brewers--Carlos Lee--OF. I don't see this choice changing either. He will consider Ethier at this point but may stick with the longer track record.

#12 Encinitas Beach Bums--Shin-Soo Choo--OF. Not much discussion about this guy but at 27 and coming off an outstanding season, this would not be a stretch.

#13 Olivet Killer Eagles--Justin Verlander--SP. Changed my mind on this one. Originally had Bourne here for speed on a team with little if any but I'm going with the homer pick instead and pair him with CC to make a deadly 1/2 punch.

#14 Julian Javelina--Dan Haren--SP. After selecting Zimmerman earlier in the round Haren will be on his way to Julian. A hammer is needed as a SP and Haren is it.

#15 New Jersey Mets--Billy Butler--1B. An additional big bat to add to his already potent line-up. Reynolds has some options but this makes good sense to me.

#16 ES Blacksox--Andre Ethier--OF. A young stud OF will be signed by the defending champs. In this scenario there are lots of ways he could go but it would be difficult passing up on Ethier. I still see the champs making a trade down or up. The silence from the champs has been deafening.

Mock Draft #1 and Trade Options

On the eve of the eMLB Winter Meetings, Michigan Miracles General Manager Chris Renner weighs in with his version of the first round of the draft. Here is one mans opinion of how this plays out....

#1 Wisconsin Brewers--Evan Longoria--3B. Most have felt that this pick was a forgone conclusion for quite some time. Wisconsin doesn't disappoint and locks Longoria up for 3 years.

#2 Julian Javelina--Ryan Zimmerman--3B. Another strong corner infielder to play opposite Adrian Gonzalez. He should also be locked up for 3 years. Eric Byrnes anyone???

#3 Michigan Miracles--Kevin Youkilis--1B/3B. As stated in his blog Renner selects the best 3B available. Even at 30 years old, Youk will get a 3 year contract slapped on him.

#4 Carolina Yankees--Ian Kinsler--2B. The top 2B available is too much to pass up. The upside on Kinsler is through the roof, just stay on the field. With a Hamilton bounce back and Cruz and Vlad behind him, how many runs will he score?

#5 South Texas Heat--Joey Votto--1B. The upside on this kid is too much to pass on. Berg is collecting multi position eligible players so he will figure this out. Word has it Berg will trade Konerko for a case of Leinenkugel.

#6 Dallas Redbirds--Zack Greinke--SP. If Doyle is unable to trade up in the first round he will have his choice of stud starting pitchers. Greinke's overall numbers are simply outstanding. Question is what kind of contract does he put on Zack.

#7 Flying Squirrels of Republic--Brandon Phillips--2B. The first of our three new owners selects the next best 2B in this years draft and drops a 3 year contract on him.

#8 Mid Michigan Tigers--Ichiro--OF. With 9 players under contract already this year (no OF's) Baker selects the best overall outfielder available. Believe it or not there was a Mid Michigan sighting on AIM this afternoon. No really, there was.

#9 Encinitas Beach Bums--Brian Roberts--2B. With only 4 players under contract the Bums need.....well, everything. Roberts is into his 30's but will still probably warrant at least a 2 year contract.

#10 Rochester Red Sox--Felix Hernandez--SP. Our second new owner, already having shaken up his roster selects a flat out manster in King Felix. 3 year seems reasonable with this kid.

#11 Wisconsin Brewers--Carlos Lee--OF. Along with already having selected Longoria at #1 the Brewers add some more thump to his lineup with Lee. Only question is does he really want two Astro OF's in his lineup?

#12 San Antonio Fire Ants--Dan Haren--SP. The last of our new owners has 10 players under contract and who knows what Sankey will do. I see him selecting Dan Haren here and week after week will trot out Santana/Johnson/Haren. That is quite the trifecta.

#13 Olivet Killer Eagles--Michael Bourn--OF. Olivet has put together an interesting collection of players whose speed is measured not by a stopwatch but by a calender. Bourn will inject some much needed speed into this lineup.

#14 North Texas Rangers--Justin Verlander--SP. North Texas selects the anchor of the Tigers staff who will become the anchor of the Rangers staff for at least 2 plus years.

#15 Gaylord Dingers--John Lester--SP. Another team in need of a #1. John Lester fits the bill for Gaylord although he would prefer to have one of the previous 4 SP's drop to him.

#16 ES Blacksox--Billy Butler--1B. The defending champions have no corner infielders and will select Butler who can flat out rake. At the end of round 1 this is an outstanding pick.

Again this is one mans opinion.

With the Winter Meetings beginning tomorrow I have the following players available and what I will be looking for in exchange for them. At most I would trade one of the OF and one SP.

Rick Ankiel--OF--10th rounder
Matt LaPorta--OF--7th rounder
Travis Snider--OF--5th rounder
Rick Porcello--SP--5th rounder
Javier Vasquez--SP--2nd rounder

My first round pick is also there potentially for the right price. If you draft in the top half of the round I will consider trading you my pick for your first and third rounder. If you draft in the bottom half of the round I will consider trading you my pick for your first and second rounder. This would be the minimum cost and we can go from there. With this being said I anticipate still having this pick at draft time. For those serious about moving up shoot me an I.M., being retired I am on there more often than not, although I will be out of town from Sat. morning until Mon. afternoon.

Uggla Packing His Bags.....

....and heading to Rochester. Late last night the Michigan Miracles decided to cut ties with 2B Dan Uggla. Uggla's three year contract, big power and low average will be headed east to the Red Sox. In return the Miracles will receive Rochesters second round pick (2.10). Moving Dan will give us a little more flexibility in the first couple of rounds, GM Chris Renner explained. We hated to lose Dan. He was a stand up guy with tremendous player but overall his low average and high strikeout numbers were something we wanted to improve upon in the offseason. With the draft looming large in front of us this move creates some options for us in the first and second round. We may not be tied down to selecting a 3B in the first round. This will also give us some contract flexibility in 2011 and beyond.

Lottery Results

The eMLB Lottery was held Wednesday evening. The results were

#1 Wisconsin Brewers
#2 Julian Javelina
#3 Michigan Miracles
#4 Carolina Yankees

As stated in a previous post GM Chris Renner fully intends to draft a 3B with his first round pick. Leading up to the Winter Meetings and the Draft there will always be discussions surrounding teams trying to move up in the first round. You have to believe teams realize there are very few impact position players in this years draft. Although there are several "STUD" starting pitchers in this draft, none of them are expected to be in the top 5 picks. Renner states that he will field offers right up until it is his turn to draft but would have to be "blown away" by an offer to trade this pick. The Miracles are still having internal discussions regarding the possible trading of 2B Dan Uggla. Renner has recently held discussions with two different teams willing to trade their second round pick for Uggla. The Miracles have some decisions to make in the next 10+ days. As always in the eMLB "Business will definitely pick up" once the Winter Meetings begin and trades start becoming official.

2010 Preparations

The Michigan Miracles eMLB Baseball team are currently in preparations for the upcoming 2010 Winter Meetings and the 2010 eMLB draft. After two dissapointing seasons, where they have ended up in the lottery, the Miracles hope to turn things around in the upcoming season. While holding one of the top 4 spots in the draft the Miracles have every intention of drafting a 3B with that pick. While the obvious choices are Evan Longoria, Ryan Zimmerman, and Kevin Youkilis, if one of them are not available when it is time for the Miracles to draft they may be hitting the phones in hopes of moving down in the first round while acquiring an additional draft pick or two. Leading up to the Winter Meetings there has been some discussion with several teams concerning the availability of two key 3 year players for the Miracles. Those players are Curtis Granderson, OF, formerly of the Detroit Tigers (Bless You Boys) and new member of the NY Yankees and Dan Uggla, 2B, currently of the Florida Marlins, but who knows where he may be come opening day. Although talks have been ongoing with several teams regarding these players, GM Chris Renner of the Miracles assures us that these two key members of the Miracles will be on the field for us come April. Renner stated earlier today that when other Owner/GM's call we at least need to listen to all proposals. While never shying away from a trade he felt could help his team in the past, Renner seems to be playing it a little closer to the vest this offseason. Overall this seasons draft does not seem to be as strong as it has been the last few seasons so trading out of the top of the draft seems unlikely. The one Pre Winter meetings deal that has included the Miracles has Renner trading his third round pick (3.4), and #36 overall to the New Jersey Mets in exchange for SS Alexei Ramirez. Renner feels that getting a SS of this quality in the third round or lower, or even in this years draft at all, was extremely unlikely and is confident that Aiexei's third full year will have him blossoming in what wll be a strong White Sox line-up. We feel that 20 HR, 20 SB, 80 RBI and a .275+ AVG is not out of the question for Alexei in 2010.