Sunday, December 30, 2012
Winter Meeting Prep
The 2013 eMLB season has the Michigan Miracles entering it as the defending champions for the first time in history. While the current roster of Miracle contracts forsees an empty cupboard in 2014 this upcoming season still holds strong possibilities of another title run if the draft can be profitable. The offense it still in capable hands with Pujols, Headley, Morales and Desmond. The SP are in good shape with Dickey Latos and Wilson. The back end of the bullpen is anchored by Papelbon. While the weak link in the offense seems to be Francouer the Miracles staff has every confidence that he will have a bounceback season while manning RF in Kansas City. There currently doesn't seem to be any viable options to replace him currently since trading Myers earlier in the offseason. While Pujols, Morales, Latos, Wilson and Papelbon could all bring in draft picks that could help rebuild for the future the Miracle braintrust has to decide if this core is enough to make another title run. In a recent WSJ article on Up and Coming Superstar GM's Renner was asked about the status of the Miracles going into the offseason and what moves needed to be made. His response was a simple one. We are the Champions. We are solid going into the draft. While some might view this as cocky, this writer looks at the current roster and doesn't see much activity for them in the meetings. Renner has always been one to trade and trade often but this might be the year he simple stays pat. Time will tell.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Miracle Update and Pre Winter Meeting Mock Draft
It's been awhile since there has been a posting from the Michigan Miracles. In week 2 of the 2012 season owner Chris Renner found out that the webmaster we had hired (family member of commish Steve Berg btw) had been skimming money off the concessions take each week. Having no choice but to fire his fat ass we were left without someone to post weekly updates. As it turned out that may have been the good luck the Miracles needed as they went on to post the best record in the league and steamrolled the competition on their way to their first eMLB Championship. Word out of Michigan is Renner is still drunk but is prepping for the 2013 eMLB Draft.
Pre Winter Meetings Mock Draft---
1--Charlotte--Having little trouble is finding a trade partner to take Brett Lawrie off of his hands, Broskey selects Miguel Cabrera. Nobody will find this as a surprise. What will surprise everyone is if he trades out of this spot. 5 year contract for sure.
2--Julian--I was fortunate to find someone who could help me win in 2012 by taking Hunter Pence off of my hands. Hoyle will likely try to find someone as well. Ryan Braun is a no brainer here and in no one will take Pence he may sniff around and try and move Zimmerman. Not giving Braun a 5 year would almost be a disappointment.
3--San Antonio--The Fire Ants and their much maligned owner Sankey will probably try to shed a contract or two but in the end will draft Carlos Gonzalez and slap a 5 year on him. This will provide him with an outstanding OF going into 2013.
4--Gaylord--I could see Wagner actually trading out of this spot for picks but if not David Wright seems to be the player to head to northern Michigan. A 3 year contract will be well spent here.
5--Atlantic--I could see a SP being moved in order to grab an extra extension and they drafting NL MVP Buster Posey. the only question is whether he gets a 5 year contract or not.
6--Arizona--The cupboard is bare in Arizona. Only 4 guys under contract and one of them is Dee Gordon. This pick could be anyone but the man to lead the Arizona comeback will be none other that Justin Verlander (I guess this means he won't fall to me at 16...damn it). Does he dare put a 5 year on arguably the best pitcher in the league???? I would....but then I'm always in the lottery so what do I know??? Oh wait...I'm the Champ. Never mind. Put the 5 year on him and enjoy. Don't enjoy like Berg does with the Fat Head of Clay Matthews...enjoy the 100+ wins and 1000+ K's over the next 5 years.
7--Mid Michigan--With several low average hitters already on board I see Curtis Granderson joining the ranks. Will he continue with the uppercut swing for 40+ homers or will he try to raise the average a bit. Time will tell but a 3 year contract is not out of line.
8--Dallas-- By the time the draft rolls around I believe that Doyle will come to realize that Pineda won't be ready, Lynn is average and Bumgarner isn't the next coming. That being said I think that David Price comes back to Dallas and snatches up another 3 year contract.
9--North Texas--If Adrian is going to win it had better be this year. With only Derek Holland on staff the choice here is Felix Hernandez. The third stud pitcher taken so far in this first round. Once again a 3 year contract is not out of consideration.
10--Toledo--As the new kid on the block there are some nice pieces here especially on the SP front. OF is a bit sketchy and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Toledo won't be a homer in round one at least and here select Matt Holliday. Contract length is TBD.
11--Hackensack--I think Ben will be very active in the winter meetings and will shop several players like Hosmer, Lincecum and Wilson....that being said I say he goes off the board here and puts Yoenis Cespedes into his OF alongside Stanton. First time that name has popped up in round one but it could happen.
12--Flying Squirrels--Wasn't sure where to go with this pick but every time I looked at it the same name kept coming up...and that selection will be Jimmy Rollins. Whether he is still worthy of a contract will determine if he goes this high.
13--Oviedo--Reynolds will undoubtedly shop Sizemore and probably his RP's and will as usual not find many takers. At the end of the day I believe he will be ecstatic in selecting Aramis Ramirez. Value in the veteran....I can hear it now.
14--Olivet--Another team that is pretty thin is the eMLB runner ups. I won't soon let Larry or anyone else forget the shutout I posted in the Championship...but second place isn't bad, just ask Doyle. Lots of needs and Billy Butler will land in Olivet country and probably get a 3 year contract as well.
15--South Texas--I think Berg will be another owner very active this winter. I sure he looks at his roster and throws up a little bit every time. The players he returns could be fantastic or horrible. Having said that I think Berg returns to the well and brings back a former Heat standout. That player is Michael Bourn and will get at least a 2 year contract.
16--Michigan--This will be an interesting year for the defending champion Miracles. There are enough players in camp to perhaps make push deep into the playoffs. If thins go real bad come August I may be looking at potential lottery picks like Longoria/Votto/Strasberg/Pujols. I don't see me returning to the lottery just yet. Needing OF help and being a homer my pick will have to be between Torii Hunter and Austin Jackson. Or perhaps Carlos Beltran.
If I forgot some significant names I'm sure someone will point that out to me. But I'm old so what can I say. Updates will be made as trades are made....good luck to all in 2013.
Pre Winter Meetings Mock Draft---
1--Charlotte--Having little trouble is finding a trade partner to take Brett Lawrie off of his hands, Broskey selects Miguel Cabrera. Nobody will find this as a surprise. What will surprise everyone is if he trades out of this spot. 5 year contract for sure.
2--Julian--I was fortunate to find someone who could help me win in 2012 by taking Hunter Pence off of my hands. Hoyle will likely try to find someone as well. Ryan Braun is a no brainer here and in no one will take Pence he may sniff around and try and move Zimmerman. Not giving Braun a 5 year would almost be a disappointment.
3--San Antonio--The Fire Ants and their much maligned owner Sankey will probably try to shed a contract or two but in the end will draft Carlos Gonzalez and slap a 5 year on him. This will provide him with an outstanding OF going into 2013.
4--Gaylord--I could see Wagner actually trading out of this spot for picks but if not David Wright seems to be the player to head to northern Michigan. A 3 year contract will be well spent here.
5--Atlantic--I could see a SP being moved in order to grab an extra extension and they drafting NL MVP Buster Posey. the only question is whether he gets a 5 year contract or not.
6--Arizona--The cupboard is bare in Arizona. Only 4 guys under contract and one of them is Dee Gordon. This pick could be anyone but the man to lead the Arizona comeback will be none other that Justin Verlander (I guess this means he won't fall to me at 16...damn it). Does he dare put a 5 year on arguably the best pitcher in the league???? I would....but then I'm always in the lottery so what do I know??? Oh wait...I'm the Champ. Never mind. Put the 5 year on him and enjoy. Don't enjoy like Berg does with the Fat Head of Clay Matthews...enjoy the 100+ wins and 1000+ K's over the next 5 years.
7--Mid Michigan--With several low average hitters already on board I see Curtis Granderson joining the ranks. Will he continue with the uppercut swing for 40+ homers or will he try to raise the average a bit. Time will tell but a 3 year contract is not out of line.
8--Dallas-- By the time the draft rolls around I believe that Doyle will come to realize that Pineda won't be ready, Lynn is average and Bumgarner isn't the next coming. That being said I think that David Price comes back to Dallas and snatches up another 3 year contract.
9--North Texas--If Adrian is going to win it had better be this year. With only Derek Holland on staff the choice here is Felix Hernandez. The third stud pitcher taken so far in this first round. Once again a 3 year contract is not out of consideration.
10--Toledo--As the new kid on the block there are some nice pieces here especially on the SP front. OF is a bit sketchy and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Toledo won't be a homer in round one at least and here select Matt Holliday. Contract length is TBD.
11--Hackensack--I think Ben will be very active in the winter meetings and will shop several players like Hosmer, Lincecum and Wilson....that being said I say he goes off the board here and puts Yoenis Cespedes into his OF alongside Stanton. First time that name has popped up in round one but it could happen.
12--Flying Squirrels--Wasn't sure where to go with this pick but every time I looked at it the same name kept coming up...and that selection will be Jimmy Rollins. Whether he is still worthy of a contract will determine if he goes this high.
13--Oviedo--Reynolds will undoubtedly shop Sizemore and probably his RP's and will as usual not find many takers. At the end of the day I believe he will be ecstatic in selecting Aramis Ramirez. Value in the veteran....I can hear it now.
14--Olivet--Another team that is pretty thin is the eMLB runner ups. I won't soon let Larry or anyone else forget the shutout I posted in the Championship...but second place isn't bad, just ask Doyle. Lots of needs and Billy Butler will land in Olivet country and probably get a 3 year contract as well.
15--South Texas--I think Berg will be another owner very active this winter. I sure he looks at his roster and throws up a little bit every time. The players he returns could be fantastic or horrible. Having said that I think Berg returns to the well and brings back a former Heat standout. That player is Michael Bourn and will get at least a 2 year contract.
16--Michigan--This will be an interesting year for the defending champion Miracles. There are enough players in camp to perhaps make push deep into the playoffs. If thins go real bad come August I may be looking at potential lottery picks like Longoria/Votto/Strasberg/Pujols. I don't see me returning to the lottery just yet. Needing OF help and being a homer my pick will have to be between Torii Hunter and Austin Jackson. Or perhaps Carlos Beltran.
If I forgot some significant names I'm sure someone will point that out to me. But I'm old so what can I say. Updates will be made as trades are made....good luck to all in 2013.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Week Two Re-Cap
Week two had all the promises of a good week after coming off a terrific week one blowout (albeit a short week). However even with Pujols and Greinke having off weeks the rest of the Dinger crew stepped up and the Miracles stumbled to a 6-6 tie, but is sure felt like a loss to most of the Miracle players. Leading the entire week the weekend belonged to Gaylord who got production in exactly the places he needed in order to upset the Miracles. There were some bright spots for the Miracles in week two....
Hitter Halo goes to....Josh Willingham----Great week overall, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB and throw in a stolen base. What more could you ask for? GM Renner doesn't expect this kind of production week after week but is looking forward to an outstanding year for Josh after rescuing him from the hell that is Oakland.
Pitcher Halo goes to....Matt Cain----is there any other choice. He wins his game and comes one single away from pitching a perfect game. The dude was on. On top of that, throw in 11 K's to boot. He is really enjoying his new contract and Renner expects him to pay big dividends throughout the lifetime of his contract.
Hitter Pitchfork goes to....Ryan Roberts----the "tat man" is off to a slow start this season and if he doesn't pick things up soon may find he has a spot on the bench. 211 average just won't cut it. 0 HR and 1 RBI. He did chip in 2 SB and 5 BB. That may not be enough to keep him in the starting lineup.
Pitcher Pitchfork goes to....Heath Bell----Still looking to find his way in South Florida. 10.80 ERA and a WHIP of 4.20. The only good news is it was a very limited amount of innings. Look for bigger things ahead as he rights the ship in Miami.
This week the Miracles face off with the Flying Squirrels of Springfield. GM and Manager Chris Renner expect his players to step it up after a disappointing week 2. Anything less than a convincing win will have Renner looking for the key to the liquor cabinet. Stay tuned...
Hitter Halo goes to....Josh Willingham----Great week overall, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB and throw in a stolen base. What more could you ask for? GM Renner doesn't expect this kind of production week after week but is looking forward to an outstanding year for Josh after rescuing him from the hell that is Oakland.
Pitcher Halo goes to....Matt Cain----is there any other choice. He wins his game and comes one single away from pitching a perfect game. The dude was on. On top of that, throw in 11 K's to boot. He is really enjoying his new contract and Renner expects him to pay big dividends throughout the lifetime of his contract.
Hitter Pitchfork goes to....Ryan Roberts----the "tat man" is off to a slow start this season and if he doesn't pick things up soon may find he has a spot on the bench. 211 average just won't cut it. 0 HR and 1 RBI. He did chip in 2 SB and 5 BB. That may not be enough to keep him in the starting lineup.
Pitcher Pitchfork goes to....Heath Bell----Still looking to find his way in South Florida. 10.80 ERA and a WHIP of 4.20. The only good news is it was a very limited amount of innings. Look for bigger things ahead as he rights the ship in Miami.
This week the Miracles face off with the Flying Squirrels of Springfield. GM and Manager Chris Renner expect his players to step it up after a disappointing week 2. Anything less than a convincing win will have Renner looking for the key to the liquor cabinet. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Week One Re-Cap
The 2012 version of the Michigan Miracles did what no other Miracle team has ever been able to do. That is put up a +9 in the win column in a week. Having it done in week one and against what is one of the most powerful teams makes it that much more satisfying. Also putting up a +9 in our division is the much maligned San Antonio Fire Ants. After week one the Miracles share the best record in the league with a 10-1-1 mark after kicking the teeth in of the Rochester Red Sox. Each week the Miracle Management will give out some new awards. The top hitter and pitcher will receive the inaugural HALO of the week and the bottom hitter and pitcher will receive the PITCHFORK of the week....and the winners are...
Hitter Halo goes to....Ian Desmond----the easy choice would have been Prince Fielder with his two HR. in short week one but the nod goes to Ian who batted a solid 385 to go along with 2 runs scored 1 walk and a stolen base. An all around solid start for the Miracle SS.
Pitcher Halo goes to....RA Dickey----in what was a miserable week for Miracle pitching Dickey posted a solid start, garnering the only win of the week while striking out 3.
Hitter Pitchfork goes to....Ryan Doumit----although not a lot will be expected out of Doumit in the catcher slot a 0-7 week is not going to be put up with for too long. Renner believes he may have been putting a bit too much pressure on himself now that he is with a new team in a new league. He will have a pretty long leash from Miracle management to begin the season.
Pitcher Pitchfork goes to....Mariano Rivera----in what can only be described as a shock Mo took a giant BERG in his initial save opportunity. Management expects Mo to be perfect the rest of the year otherwise he will be asked to retire.
Week Two has the Miracles traveling to the Great Lakes division to face the always tough Gaylord Dingers led my Albert Pujols and Zack Greinke. Week one had the Texas Division totally dismantling the East Division by a total combined record of 35-8-5. This will be a tougher week since it contains a full slate of games. The short weeks, like week one, can always go either way but the Miracles were very happy to come out on the winning end.
Hitter Halo goes to....Ian Desmond----the easy choice would have been Prince Fielder with his two HR. in short week one but the nod goes to Ian who batted a solid 385 to go along with 2 runs scored 1 walk and a stolen base. An all around solid start for the Miracle SS.
Pitcher Halo goes to....RA Dickey----in what was a miserable week for Miracle pitching Dickey posted a solid start, garnering the only win of the week while striking out 3.
Hitter Pitchfork goes to....Ryan Doumit----although not a lot will be expected out of Doumit in the catcher slot a 0-7 week is not going to be put up with for too long. Renner believes he may have been putting a bit too much pressure on himself now that he is with a new team in a new league. He will have a pretty long leash from Miracle management to begin the season.
Pitcher Pitchfork goes to....Mariano Rivera----in what can only be described as a shock Mo took a giant BERG in his initial save opportunity. Management expects Mo to be perfect the rest of the year otherwise he will be asked to retire.
Week Two has the Miracles traveling to the Great Lakes division to face the always tough Gaylord Dingers led my Albert Pujols and Zack Greinke. Week one had the Texas Division totally dismantling the East Division by a total combined record of 35-8-5. This will be a tougher week since it contains a full slate of games. The short weeks, like week one, can always go either way but the Miracles were very happy to come out on the winning end.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Division Predictions and Playoff Pairings.
EASTERN DIVISION
1. Rochester Red Sox*****
2. Oviedo Knights
3. Atlantic Surge
4. Dallas Redbirds
GREAT LAKES DIVISION
1. Olivet Killer Eagles*****
2. Gaylord Dingers
3. Mid Michigan Tigers
4. Charlotte Orios
TEXAS DIVISION
1. South Texas Heat*****
2. Michigan Miracles*****
3. Hackensack Bulls*****
4. San Antonio Fire Ants
WESTERN DIVISION
1. Arizona Desert Swarm*****
2. Julian Javelina
3. North Texas Rangers
4. Flying Squirrels of Springfield
First Round Playoffs...
Arizona will battle Hackensack for the right to play the Rochester in the semi's
Michigan will square off with Olivet and the winner will advance to play South Texes in the other semi's.
It's going to be a great season and for those who end up in the lottery you have Braun, CarGo, Cabrera and perhaps Verlander to choose from. I suspect if Keith or Chris end up in the lottery Verlander will be a possible choice. Lot's can happen between now and then and after all that's why they play the games. Best of luck to all and I look forward to seeing everyones predictions.
1. Rochester Red Sox*****
2. Oviedo Knights
3. Atlantic Surge
4. Dallas Redbirds
GREAT LAKES DIVISION
1. Olivet Killer Eagles*****
2. Gaylord Dingers
3. Mid Michigan Tigers
4. Charlotte Orios
TEXAS DIVISION
1. South Texas Heat*****
2. Michigan Miracles*****
3. Hackensack Bulls*****
4. San Antonio Fire Ants
WESTERN DIVISION
1. Arizona Desert Swarm*****
2. Julian Javelina
3. North Texas Rangers
4. Flying Squirrels of Springfield
First Round Playoffs...
Arizona will battle Hackensack for the right to play the Rochester in the semi's
Michigan will square off with Olivet and the winner will advance to play South Texes in the other semi's.
It's going to be a great season and for those who end up in the lottery you have Braun, CarGo, Cabrera and perhaps Verlander to choose from. I suspect if Keith or Chris end up in the lottery Verlander will be a possible choice. Lot's can happen between now and then and after all that's why they play the games. Best of luck to all and I look forward to seeing everyones predictions.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (1/2)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelina
#08--Gaylord Dingers
#07--Oviedo Knights
#06--Olivet Killer Eagles
#05--Hackensack Bulls
#04-- Arizona Desert Swarm
#03--Michigan Miracles
At number 2-----Rochester Red Sox
Above Average Categories---HR's, SB, ERA, K's, Saves, WHIP
Below Average Categories---None
The Red Sox made a strong run at the title in 2011 and will be right in the thick of things again in 2012. Big time HR power with Reynolds, Morse and CarGo. all should go yard 30+ times this season. A big chance was taken in the first round with Desmond Jennings being selected there. 15 HR and 55 SB are certainly possible. Lets just hope he gets off to a solid start. Another questionable pick was selecting Josh Johnson as high as he did. All indications are Johnson is ready to toe the rubber 30+ times...but who knows. That was a bad injury. Kershaw/Haren/Scherzer can certainly hold down the fort in case Johnson isn't quite up to snuff. Two returning closers in Kimbrel and Axford are joined by Venters. Let's see how the ATL duo fare after being used so heavily last year.
THAT BRINGS US TO THE LAST TEAM ON OUR LIST....
At number 1-----South Texas Heat
Above Average Categories---Walks, HR's, R, SB, K's, Saves
Below Average Categories---Average
Although I have Bergs team below average in Average the rest of his rankings are excellent. He is in the top 5 in every other category except Holds and ERA. Top to bottom just an outstanding team. With the exception of Bourn every starter has the potential to hit 20+ HR's and a handful probably 30+. Bourn may not go yard but he will chip in 50+ SB in 2012. Like I said pretty strong. Like the Miracles he doesn't have top names in starters but Shields/Marcum/Lester and the youngster Matt Moore are all terrific. My only question is can they all hold up to the pressure that is the AL East. Lot of offense in that division. Good closers in Putz and Bergs man crush Rafael Betancourt and the MRP are solid as well. This will be a helluva shootout most weeks in the Texas Division.
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelina
#08--Gaylord Dingers
#07--Oviedo Knights
#06--Olivet Killer Eagles
#05--Hackensack Bulls
#04-- Arizona Desert Swarm
#03--Michigan Miracles
At number 2-----Rochester Red Sox
Above Average Categories---HR's, SB, ERA, K's, Saves, WHIP
Below Average Categories---None
The Red Sox made a strong run at the title in 2011 and will be right in the thick of things again in 2012. Big time HR power with Reynolds, Morse and CarGo. all should go yard 30+ times this season. A big chance was taken in the first round with Desmond Jennings being selected there. 15 HR and 55 SB are certainly possible. Lets just hope he gets off to a solid start. Another questionable pick was selecting Josh Johnson as high as he did. All indications are Johnson is ready to toe the rubber 30+ times...but who knows. That was a bad injury. Kershaw/Haren/Scherzer can certainly hold down the fort in case Johnson isn't quite up to snuff. Two returning closers in Kimbrel and Axford are joined by Venters. Let's see how the ATL duo fare after being used so heavily last year.
THAT BRINGS US TO THE LAST TEAM ON OUR LIST....
At number 1-----South Texas Heat
Above Average Categories---Walks, HR's, R, SB, K's, Saves
Below Average Categories---Average
Although I have Bergs team below average in Average the rest of his rankings are excellent. He is in the top 5 in every other category except Holds and ERA. Top to bottom just an outstanding team. With the exception of Bourn every starter has the potential to hit 20+ HR's and a handful probably 30+. Bourn may not go yard but he will chip in 50+ SB in 2012. Like I said pretty strong. Like the Miracles he doesn't have top names in starters but Shields/Marcum/Lester and the youngster Matt Moore are all terrific. My only question is can they all hold up to the pressure that is the AL East. Lot of offense in that division. Good closers in Putz and Bergs man crush Rafael Betancourt and the MRP are solid as well. This will be a helluva shootout most weeks in the Texas Division.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (3/4)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelina
#08--Gaylord Dingers
#07--Oviedo Knights
#06--Olivet Killer Eagles
#05--Hackensack Bulls
At number 4-----Arizona Desert Swarm
Above Average Categories---Average, R, ERA, WHIP, W's
Below Average Categories---None
The fact that the Swarm doesn't come close to the bottom in any categories is the biggest reason he is slotted above the Bulls and Eagles. These three teams are fairly close in rank in my opinion. The defending champions are led by Kemp and Longoria. Not too shabby while the starting pitchers are led by Lee/Felix and Carpenter. Again...top end players abound here. The offense will have to be picked up by the likes of Avila, Sanchez, Ackley, Gordon. All young good players who will need to improve for the Swarm to again rise to the top of the league. The rest of the starters and relievers are good and Madson is very good and may be pitching with quite the chip on his shoulder this year. Initially it looks as though the Swarm will ride this cast of pitchers exclusively since the bench has only Vogelsong.
At number 3-----Michigan Miracles
Above Average Categories---Walks, RBI's, ERA, Saves, WHIP
Below Average Categories---None
I have always tried to field a balanced team but have always fallen short along the way. This is another balanced team led by Prince Fielder and a very strong supporting cast of Pence/Victorino/Zobrist/Choo. There will be a strong balance along all offensive categories and I should compete is all of them throughout the season. My pitching is anchored by the relief corp. Rivera/Papelbon/Bell/Romo/Marshall together form I believe the strongest set of relief pitchers in the league. The starters are led by Matt Cain and are made up of other pitchers that lack the big name but have all the qualities you want. They all strikeout their share and have very solid ERA's and WHIPS. They can't compete name wise with the Bulls but will match up with them much of the time.
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelina
#08--Gaylord Dingers
#07--Oviedo Knights
#06--Olivet Killer Eagles
#05--Hackensack Bulls
At number 4-----Arizona Desert Swarm
Above Average Categories---Average, R, ERA, WHIP, W's
Below Average Categories---None
The fact that the Swarm doesn't come close to the bottom in any categories is the biggest reason he is slotted above the Bulls and Eagles. These three teams are fairly close in rank in my opinion. The defending champions are led by Kemp and Longoria. Not too shabby while the starting pitchers are led by Lee/Felix and Carpenter. Again...top end players abound here. The offense will have to be picked up by the likes of Avila, Sanchez, Ackley, Gordon. All young good players who will need to improve for the Swarm to again rise to the top of the league. The rest of the starters and relievers are good and Madson is very good and may be pitching with quite the chip on his shoulder this year. Initially it looks as though the Swarm will ride this cast of pitchers exclusively since the bench has only Vogelsong.
At number 3-----Michigan Miracles
Above Average Categories---Walks, RBI's, ERA, Saves, WHIP
Below Average Categories---None
I have always tried to field a balanced team but have always fallen short along the way. This is another balanced team led by Prince Fielder and a very strong supporting cast of Pence/Victorino/Zobrist/Choo. There will be a strong balance along all offensive categories and I should compete is all of them throughout the season. My pitching is anchored by the relief corp. Rivera/Papelbon/Bell/Romo/Marshall together form I believe the strongest set of relief pitchers in the league. The starters are led by Matt Cain and are made up of other pitchers that lack the big name but have all the qualities you want. They all strikeout their share and have very solid ERA's and WHIPS. They can't compete name wise with the Bulls but will match up with them much of the time.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (5/6)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelia
#08--Gaylord Dingers
#07--Oviedo Knights
We now leave the chop steak portion of the league and enter into the prime red meat section of eMLB.
At number 6-----Olivet Killer Eagles
Above Average Categories---Walks, HR's, SB's, Holds, Strikeouts
Below Average Categories---Saves
Larry had taken on a win in 2012 mentality early on and his first three picks in the draft reflected that. Bautisa/HanRam/Gallardo are three top quality players. Larry I'm sure is expectation a big bounce back season from Ramirez. Olivet will need big bounce back season from Morales/HanRam/Heyward in order to not only take the Great Lakes crown but to progress very far through the playoffs. The pitching is where the questions will come up. Punting saves always puts you in a hole from the outset and his starters and MRP may not be enough many weeks to squeak out wins against the better teams. The good news for Larry is the better teams are not in his division.
At number 5-----Hackensack Bulls
Above Average Categories---Average, HR's, RBI's, ERA, K's, Saves, Wins
Below Average Categories---Walks, SB, Holds
Based on the current roster you can almost conclude that the Bulls are punting Holds and Stolen Bases every week. This may well be his downfall when facing the Miracles and Heat three times each this year. On the flip side, nobody will look forward to facing CC/Freak/Strasburg/Darvish once or sometimes twice in week. That will be difficult. A couple of youngsters Ben drafted will help him this year and for years to come, specifically Mike Stanton and Eric Hosmer. This team has plenty of high octane hitting and pitching and it will be fun to see how this Texas Division plays out this year. I believe it will be the most competitive division in the league along with being the most powerful.
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelia
#08--Gaylord Dingers
#07--Oviedo Knights
We now leave the chop steak portion of the league and enter into the prime red meat section of eMLB.
At number 6-----Olivet Killer Eagles
Above Average Categories---Walks, HR's, SB's, Holds, Strikeouts
Below Average Categories---Saves
Larry had taken on a win in 2012 mentality early on and his first three picks in the draft reflected that. Bautisa/HanRam/Gallardo are three top quality players. Larry I'm sure is expectation a big bounce back season from Ramirez. Olivet will need big bounce back season from Morales/HanRam/Heyward in order to not only take the Great Lakes crown but to progress very far through the playoffs. The pitching is where the questions will come up. Punting saves always puts you in a hole from the outset and his starters and MRP may not be enough many weeks to squeak out wins against the better teams. The good news for Larry is the better teams are not in his division.
At number 5-----Hackensack Bulls
Above Average Categories---Average, HR's, RBI's, ERA, K's, Saves, Wins
Below Average Categories---Walks, SB, Holds
Based on the current roster you can almost conclude that the Bulls are punting Holds and Stolen Bases every week. This may well be his downfall when facing the Miracles and Heat three times each this year. On the flip side, nobody will look forward to facing CC/Freak/Strasburg/Darvish once or sometimes twice in week. That will be difficult. A couple of youngsters Ben drafted will help him this year and for years to come, specifically Mike Stanton and Eric Hosmer. This team has plenty of high octane hitting and pitching and it will be fun to see how this Texas Division plays out this year. I believe it will be the most competitive division in the league along with being the most powerful.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (7/8)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelin
At number 8-----Gaylord Dingers
Above Average Categories---Average, RBI, R, Holds
Below Average Categories---ERA, WHIP, Wins
A perennial stud in the Great Lakes Division may play second fiddle to Olivet in 2012. Nice up front power with Pujols and Ortiz but will need bounce back seasons from Weeks and Crawford to make any inroads in the division. OF will be a bit shaky but the infield will carry the team. The pitching is where the team seems to fall a bit short. Other than Greinke the rest of the starters are forgettable. The relievers on the other hand are pretty decent as long as your expectations are not too high. Andrew Bailey seems to be the only solid closer which begs the question why have him? The good news for Wagner is Mid Michigan and Charlotte are in the division with him. Three matches with each of them will net Gaylord close to 50 wins. It's the non division matches that will determine the winner of this division.
At number 7-----Oviedo Knights
Above Average Categories---BB, RBI, Runs, WHIP
Below Average Categories---SB
As usual Reynolds will field a very competitive team. The offense is filled with solid players who will all probably hit anywhere between 15-30 HR each although only Konerko and Hart will push the 30 mark. No real high averages and only a couple of real stolen base threats but overall pretty good. Pitching is where this Reynolds team differs from past years. This starting group led by Hamels, Beckett and Morrow is very good and the relief staff is solid if unspectacular. Look for Reynolds to be looking up at Rochester most of the season but a second place finish is where he should end up.
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
#10--Dallas Redbirds
#09--Julian Javelin
At number 8-----Gaylord Dingers
Above Average Categories---Average, RBI, R, Holds
Below Average Categories---ERA, WHIP, Wins
A perennial stud in the Great Lakes Division may play second fiddle to Olivet in 2012. Nice up front power with Pujols and Ortiz but will need bounce back seasons from Weeks and Crawford to make any inroads in the division. OF will be a bit shaky but the infield will carry the team. The pitching is where the team seems to fall a bit short. Other than Greinke the rest of the starters are forgettable. The relievers on the other hand are pretty decent as long as your expectations are not too high. Andrew Bailey seems to be the only solid closer which begs the question why have him? The good news for Wagner is Mid Michigan and Charlotte are in the division with him. Three matches with each of them will net Gaylord close to 50 wins. It's the non division matches that will determine the winner of this division.
At number 7-----Oviedo Knights
Above Average Categories---BB, RBI, Runs, WHIP
Below Average Categories---SB
As usual Reynolds will field a very competitive team. The offense is filled with solid players who will all probably hit anywhere between 15-30 HR each although only Konerko and Hart will push the 30 mark. No real high averages and only a couple of real stolen base threats but overall pretty good. Pitching is where this Reynolds team differs from past years. This starting group led by Hamels, Beckett and Morrow is very good and the relief staff is solid if unspectacular. Look for Reynolds to be looking up at Rochester most of the season but a second place finish is where he should end up.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (9/10)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
At number 10-----Dallas Redbirds
Above Average Categories---Average, K's, Wins
Below Average Categories---Walks, HR, RBI's, Saves
In typical Redbird fashion, Doyle has put together a solid starting staff anchored by Price/Garza. Pineda will be a nice pick and will certainly get his share of wins in NY but pitching in the AL East may take its toll on the youngster later in the year. Too many offensive question marks will make it difficult to be anything but a consolation team this year and if Reyes goes down things become more difficult. Tex will give him solid power numbers but his average is continuing to slide down. Ellsbury will probably not duplicate last years numbers and who knows what if anything he will get from Morneau. Lot's of ifs here.
At number 9-----Julian Javelina
Above Average Categories---SB, Holds
Below Average Categories---HR's, RBI's, Saves
You can't argue with Hoyle's #1 pick of Adrian Gonzalez. Having him in my lineup last year you always wondered if he was really having a good year because he never seemed to have many if any great weeks, unlike Tulo for example who literally carries a team some weeks. At the end of the year AGon's number will be as good as anyones. He is just rather vanilla. Some nice speed is there with Crisp/Ichiro and Aybar (I liked that pick) but they are all rather one dimensional. Can Berkman repeat 2011, can Gordon improve and Wilson Ramos in an early round I didn't quite see it. This is another team that I will be interested to see when he puts his contracts.
My rankings had distinct gaps in the levels. Teams 13-16 were well below everyone else. Teams 8-12 were in the next group. Teams 4-7 were in the tier just below the top three teams. So tomorrow we get into the second best group of teams with picks seven and eight. Until then.....
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
#12--North Texas Rangers
#11--Atlantic Surge
At number 10-----Dallas Redbirds
Above Average Categories---Average, K's, Wins
Below Average Categories---Walks, HR, RBI's, Saves
In typical Redbird fashion, Doyle has put together a solid starting staff anchored by Price/Garza. Pineda will be a nice pick and will certainly get his share of wins in NY but pitching in the AL East may take its toll on the youngster later in the year. Too many offensive question marks will make it difficult to be anything but a consolation team this year and if Reyes goes down things become more difficult. Tex will give him solid power numbers but his average is continuing to slide down. Ellsbury will probably not duplicate last years numbers and who knows what if anything he will get from Morneau. Lot's of ifs here.
At number 9-----Julian Javelina
Above Average Categories---SB, Holds
Below Average Categories---HR's, RBI's, Saves
You can't argue with Hoyle's #1 pick of Adrian Gonzalez. Having him in my lineup last year you always wondered if he was really having a good year because he never seemed to have many if any great weeks, unlike Tulo for example who literally carries a team some weeks. At the end of the year AGon's number will be as good as anyones. He is just rather vanilla. Some nice speed is there with Crisp/Ichiro and Aybar (I liked that pick) but they are all rather one dimensional. Can Berkman repeat 2011, can Gordon improve and Wilson Ramos in an early round I didn't quite see it. This is another team that I will be interested to see when he puts his contracts.
My rankings had distinct gaps in the levels. Teams 13-16 were well below everyone else. Teams 8-12 were in the next group. Teams 4-7 were in the tier just below the top three teams. So tomorrow we get into the second best group of teams with picks seven and eight. Until then.....
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (11/12)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
At number 12-----North Texas Rangers
Above Average Categories---Avg, SB, Holds
Below Average Categories---RBI, Runs, K's
Leave it to Adrian to go and get his Rangers. He has to be happy with who he was able to acquire this year. The problem is after he makes his first 2/3 picks we don't see him for about a half a dozen rounds. That makes for a big drop in talent. Lots of big thump...Napoli/Votto/Kinsler/Cruz/Braun but then you have Andrus/de Aza/Revere/Rodriguez who will give you very little in terms of power. Lots of SB's in this lineup as well. Pitching wise you have Halladay, Papa Grande and a bunch of other guys that you wish were on the opposing team when you play them. The Rangers will have some good weeks when all the real Rangers are clicking and will have some dismal weeks as well.
At number 13-----Atlantic Surge
Above Average Categories---WHIP
Below Average Categories---Average, HR, R
Recently noticed that the Surge management was looking to deal pitching in order to upgrade a very average offense. OK....below average offense. He could have made I'll bet a dozen trades during the meetings for a couple of his starters. As it is the starters will have to carry this team. The down side is I have to believe that his big three of Verlander/Hudson/Kennedy will probably not all be able to duplicate 2011. Having to have his offense carry him in any given week will be difficult. Other than first round pick Justin Upton there are not many sure things. Good things, Davis--if he comes back from injury, Trumbo--does he find a position, LoMo, BJ Upton. Nothing that will strike fear into opposing teams.
Tomorrow we break into the top 10
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
#14--Flying Squirrels of Springfield
#13--San Antonio Fire Ants
At number 12-----North Texas Rangers
Above Average Categories---Avg, SB, Holds
Below Average Categories---RBI, Runs, K's
Leave it to Adrian to go and get his Rangers. He has to be happy with who he was able to acquire this year. The problem is after he makes his first 2/3 picks we don't see him for about a half a dozen rounds. That makes for a big drop in talent. Lots of big thump...Napoli/Votto/Kinsler/Cruz/Braun but then you have Andrus/de Aza/Revere/Rodriguez who will give you very little in terms of power. Lots of SB's in this lineup as well. Pitching wise you have Halladay, Papa Grande and a bunch of other guys that you wish were on the opposing team when you play them. The Rangers will have some good weeks when all the real Rangers are clicking and will have some dismal weeks as well.
At number 13-----Atlantic Surge
Above Average Categories---WHIP
Below Average Categories---Average, HR, R
Recently noticed that the Surge management was looking to deal pitching in order to upgrade a very average offense. OK....below average offense. He could have made I'll bet a dozen trades during the meetings for a couple of his starters. As it is the starters will have to carry this team. The down side is I have to believe that his big three of Verlander/Hudson/Kennedy will probably not all be able to duplicate 2011. Having to have his offense carry him in any given week will be difficult. Other than first round pick Justin Upton there are not many sure things. Good things, Davis--if he comes back from injury, Trumbo--does he find a position, LoMo, BJ Upton. Nothing that will strike fear into opposing teams.
Tomorrow we break into the top 10
Friday, February 17, 2012
Pre-Season Power Rankings (13/14)
Up until this point...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
At number 14-----Flying Squirrels of Springfield
Above Average Categories---HR's
Below Average Categories---Avg, BB, R, SB, ERA, WHIP
Squirrels went young and went young early. Lawrie/Freeman/Trout would be a great haul if if was 2015...but it isn't. Wainwright needs to be 100% for this team to get out of the basement in their division. Marmol finding the plate on occasion wouldn't hurt either. Since I'm going to follow the Astro's a bit closer this year I'm hoping Martinez has a bit of a breakout year. Word has it that Robinson Cano has already asked to be traded to a contender.
At number 13-----San Antonio Fire Ants
Above Average Categories---Holds
Below Average Categories---BB, HR, R, K's, Saves
Projected to finish last in the Texas Division this Fire Ant team has less sting to it than actual fire ants. Sankey didn't have a lot to begin the Winter Meetings but some trades gave him some decent players. It cut down on his draft picks and the players he did draft, well let's just say it will be interesting to see who he contracts. It will be a long year for the Aint's having to face the rest of the Texas Division who I see as all being top 5 teams in the league this season. Don't worry though Keith I'll occasionally buy you a beer, which of course is a lot more than Berg will do.
Tomorrow, #11 and #12...
#16--Charlotte Orios
#15--Mid-Michigan Tigers
At number 14-----Flying Squirrels of Springfield
Above Average Categories---HR's
Below Average Categories---Avg, BB, R, SB, ERA, WHIP
Squirrels went young and went young early. Lawrie/Freeman/Trout would be a great haul if if was 2015...but it isn't. Wainwright needs to be 100% for this team to get out of the basement in their division. Marmol finding the plate on occasion wouldn't hurt either. Since I'm going to follow the Astro's a bit closer this year I'm hoping Martinez has a bit of a breakout year. Word has it that Robinson Cano has already asked to be traded to a contender.
At number 13-----San Antonio Fire Ants
Above Average Categories---Holds
Below Average Categories---BB, HR, R, K's, Saves
Projected to finish last in the Texas Division this Fire Ant team has less sting to it than actual fire ants. Sankey didn't have a lot to begin the Winter Meetings but some trades gave him some decent players. It cut down on his draft picks and the players he did draft, well let's just say it will be interesting to see who he contracts. It will be a long year for the Aint's having to face the rest of the Texas Division who I see as all being top 5 teams in the league this season. Don't worry though Keith I'll occasionally buy you a beer, which of course is a lot more than Berg will do.
Tomorrow, #11 and #12...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Miracle Post Draft and Pre-Season Power Rankings
The Michigan Miracles went into the 2012 draft with a plan in mind for his team. With only two closers and a handful of position players under contract going into the winter meetings the Miracles had their work cut out for them after an extremely disappointing 2011 campaign. The first part of the revamped team came by trading away their lottery pick for four years of Prince Fielder. Assorted other moves and the Miracles were ready for the draft. The main plan was to draft a solid OF with their first pick and then take the next best hitter with their second pick. That second pick turned into Matt Cain. Cain being available was totally unexpected at the end of the second round and taking him was necessary. That pick was followed by two more SP's and a third closer in Jonathan Papelbon after which the rest of the lineup was filled out. For the most part the Miracle braintrust was happy with their picks but would have liked one more impact bat. That being said the Miracles feel that they will be very competitive in the Texas Division this year and with a little bit of good fortune can make their first appearance in the Championship Playoffs. Big goal considering the track record of the team the past few seasons.
GM Chris Renner has ranked the 16 teams based on how he feels they stack up at this point of the year. Renner will release his rankings two at a time beginning here.....
At number 16-----Charlotte Orios
Above Average Categories---None
Below Average Categories---Average, RBI, ERA, Strikeouts, WHIP, Wins
A questionable draft led the Orios to this position. First four picks of Beltre/Mauer/Quentin/Beckett were ok/way early/OMG/ok. Overreach for Bryce Harper and an extremely weak set of starting pitchers pretty much assure the Orios of a long season.
At number 15-----Mid-Michigan Tigers
Above Average Categories---None
Below Average Categories---SB, ERA, Holds, Strikeout, Wins
The Tigers may have been better served in trading Miguel Cabrera for perhaps a player and a couple of picks considering the chances of them competing in 2012 are slim at best. As with the Orios the top portion of the draft after Jay Bruce was ok. Overpaid for Howie Kendrick to start at 2B and also starting Escobar and McGehee you get an idea that the offense will be average at best...and that is with Cabby. The pitching has a lot of high 3 and 4+ ERA's and most weeks it will not be pretty. With Charlotte in the same division at least they may not finish last. Good news is, they may get Miguel Cabrera back next year.
A quick note--above average for me would be in the top 4 teams in a category and below average would be in the bottom 4 teams in a given category. Tomorrow I will round out the potential lottery teams of 2013.
GM Chris Renner has ranked the 16 teams based on how he feels they stack up at this point of the year. Renner will release his rankings two at a time beginning here.....
At number 16-----Charlotte Orios
Above Average Categories---None
Below Average Categories---Average, RBI, ERA, Strikeouts, WHIP, Wins
A questionable draft led the Orios to this position. First four picks of Beltre/Mauer/Quentin/Beckett were ok/way early/OMG/ok. Overreach for Bryce Harper and an extremely weak set of starting pitchers pretty much assure the Orios of a long season.
At number 15-----Mid-Michigan Tigers
Above Average Categories---None
Below Average Categories---SB, ERA, Holds, Strikeout, Wins
The Tigers may have been better served in trading Miguel Cabrera for perhaps a player and a couple of picks considering the chances of them competing in 2012 are slim at best. As with the Orios the top portion of the draft after Jay Bruce was ok. Overpaid for Howie Kendrick to start at 2B and also starting Escobar and McGehee you get an idea that the offense will be average at best...and that is with Cabby. The pitching has a lot of high 3 and 4+ ERA's and most weeks it will not be pretty. With Charlotte in the same division at least they may not finish last. Good news is, they may get Miguel Cabrera back next year.
A quick note--above average for me would be in the top 4 teams in a category and below average would be in the bottom 4 teams in a given category. Tomorrow I will round out the potential lottery teams of 2013.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Pre Draft Power Rankings
I what can only be described as a very active 2012 eMLB Winter Meetings I now present the "Miracle Pre Draft Power Rankings".
Texas Division
1. Michigan-5
2. South Texas-6
3. Hackensack-6
4. San Antonio-4
Eastern Division
1. Rochester-6
2. Oviedo-6
3. Atlantic-4
4. Dallas-5
Great Lakes Division
1. Gaylord-5
2. Olivet-5
3. Charlotte-4
4. Mid Michigan-4
West Division
1. Arizona-5
2. North Texas-4
3. Julian-6
4. Springfield-5
Number after team is the total draft picks each team has in the first 5 rounds....if I kept up with them correctly that is. Top 4 teams Pre Draft (no particular order) Arizona/Michigan/Rochester/Gaylord. Botton 4 teams Pre Draft (no particular order) Springfield/Julian/Dallas/San Antonio. As Berg has stated a number of times this will change greatly simply because the lower ranked teams generally have the fewest players, currently, and the strongest teams have the most players. With my ranking I took into account the players I thought would be on a teams bench and those players I did not factor into a teams strength. Example being Julio Borbon, even though he may accumulate some stats throughout the season it's doubtful he will ever leave my bench. Note: he is still available and I'll toss in a 15th rounder for anyone who wants him.
Texas Division
1. Michigan-5
2. South Texas-6
3. Hackensack-6
4. San Antonio-4
Eastern Division
1. Rochester-6
2. Oviedo-6
3. Atlantic-4
4. Dallas-5
Great Lakes Division
1. Gaylord-5
2. Olivet-5
3. Charlotte-4
4. Mid Michigan-4
West Division
1. Arizona-5
2. North Texas-4
3. Julian-6
4. Springfield-5
Number after team is the total draft picks each team has in the first 5 rounds....if I kept up with them correctly that is. Top 4 teams Pre Draft (no particular order) Arizona/Michigan/Rochester/Gaylord. Botton 4 teams Pre Draft (no particular order) Springfield/Julian/Dallas/San Antonio. As Berg has stated a number of times this will change greatly simply because the lower ranked teams generally have the fewest players, currently, and the strongest teams have the most players. With my ranking I took into account the players I thought would be on a teams bench and those players I did not factor into a teams strength. Example being Julio Borbon, even though he may accumulate some stats throughout the season it's doubtful he will ever leave my bench. Note: he is still available and I'll toss in a 15th rounder for anyone who wants him.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Weekend Update....
In what can only be considered an unusual Winter Meetings really took a left turn for the Miracles on Thursday. With the Miracle braintrust firmly committed to taking Tulo in the draft and putting Ian Desmond on the bench, those thoughts quickly changed. In a long conference call with Ian, GM Chris (I love to trade first round picks) Renner again did just that. Ian emphasized to us that he is in the best shape of his life and assured us that putting him center stage this year would not be a mistake. That being said the Miracles traded their first round, and lottery pick to the South Texas Heat. The Miracles and Heat have had their history of trading in the past and Miracle GM Renner states that our beloved commish continues to be one of the more difficult GM's to work with. When asked to elaborate Renner simply stated that it is easier to get Berg to buy a round of beer than it is to get him to compromise on a deal. Nevertheless pick 1.3 is now in the hands of the Heat with the Miracles getting Prince Fielder, now of the Detroit Tigers along with an 8th round pick. With the Miracles now left without a first round pick Renner went to work reacquiring a pick in round one and found a willing partner in fellow Texas League GM Keith Sankey. After hours of working the phones the two GM's worked out a deal. The Miracles were able to acquire pick 1.12 from the Fire Ants along with a couple of picks for Andre Ethier, recently acquired Carlos Pena (who became somewhat unneeded after acquiring Fielder) and another couple of picks. Both GM's were very happy with the way the trade finally came together. Renner got back into the first round and Sankey picked up a couple of solid players for this year and also snagged a couple of good draft picks as well. Now the question becomes....who do the Miracles select with the 12th pick in round 1? We have a group of names we like but we will just have to see who drops down to us in that slot. It's impossible to determine at this time who that player would be but we know we will be very happy with who we are able to get at that point. We believe that we are probably done dealing but as always are open to listening to offers. We would consider, for anyone who would like an extra late round pick, trading off Julio Borbon along with a 15th round pick to whoever would like him and has room for him this year.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Miracle Changes
In what was anticipated to be a non active winter meetings for the Miracles turned out to include a surprise move and another move not totally unanticipated. On the opening day of the meetings the Miracles traded their 8th round pick for Carlos Pena. Renner was quoted to have said that Pena will give us average to above average number in all categories with the exception of average. Does this mean the Miracles will not draft a 1B. We will soon find out. In their other move the Miracles moved 2B Aaron Hill and picked up a 10th round pick for him. Aaron just wasn't going to get a lot of playing time with us having Zobrist ahead of him on the depth chart. Better to move him to someone that may give him a better oportunity to play. The Miracle GM also stated that Ian Desmond may also be on the move. We like Ian a lot but with the chance of drafting Tulo in round 1 Ian could be expendible. We will have to see. The only other Miracle rumored to be on the trading block is Andre Ethier. He is another player we like a lot and this being a contract year we expect big things from him. As of now we plan on Andre being a Miracle this year and possibly next year as well.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Surprises
The Miracle braintrust has been spending the week before the Winter Meetings huddled in the beautiful Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. Between karioke marathons and trying to watch sports on grossly outdated CRT's in the "awesome" IP Sports book the Miracle management has been holding high level meetings in order to turn around what has been horrible early round drafting in recent years. Having one of the top three picks in round one garantees the Miracles a cornerstone player. It has been determined in these meetings that unless something very unusual happens the Miracles will be standing pat and will not be making any trades. That, in and of itself would be very different from previous years. It has been a forgone conclusion that the top four players...AGon/Cano/Bautista/Tulo would be gone quick. Matt, from the Surge has said that he may go for a young slugger and after a long week of discussion the Miracle GM Renner has gone on the record as saying he would like to take someone with 30 HR and 100+ RBI potential for the next 5 years. Whether this means he sticks with Tulo or goes with the young stud Stanton remains to be seen. Jose Bautista, who the Miracles really like, is unlikely to get a 5 year contract being that he is already 31 but it is really difficult to ignore his numbers the last couple of seasons. As we get closer to the lottery and the winter meetings I'm sure all these questions will get answered.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Miracle Mock Part 2
The bottom half of the first round is not quite as easy to pin down as the top half was so there is the possibility of having some interesting picks here. With such a strong draft owners are wanting to make sure they grab someone who they can place that 5 or 3 year contract on. Coming in at ......
1.9 Oviedo Mets--(or is it the New Jersey Knights???).....tough to figure out here. We have a split personality owner here who on the one hand is an outstanding owner with a tremendous grasp of the game and more often than not makes the right moves at the right time. On the other hand we have the mind numbing whining complainer who is at serious odds with another owner whose name will not be mentioned here (Doyle). How these two personalities co-exist in the same body is beyond me, but I would sure like to be his pharmacist. I would have been able to retire long ago. The pick here is Mark Teixeira. Probably not worthy of a 5 year contract which is why I see Mike trying to move up in round 1. If he wasn't so "set" at OF as he says he is I could see him taking Upton or Stanton and dropping a 5 year on one of them. Doesn't seem to be his style though, but hey, who knows.
1.10 Mid-Michigan Tigers--Justin Upton.....This young star OF will get a 3 year contract from Keith unless he decides to move Miggy in the last year of his contract and place a 5 year on an up and coming star. I'm sure there would be some interest from those of us with empty 5 years should he decide to go that route. Otherwise Upton next to AJax in the OF would sure look nice.
1.11 Gaylord Dingers--Mike Stanton.....There have been some rumblings that a young stud may be taken real high up in this years draft. If it happens, this could be that guy. If not, Mike grabs Mike. Not too different from what happens most cold nights in Gaylord...at least according to the Herald Times gossip section. If Pujols stays put Stanton garners a 3 year.
1.12 San Antonio Fire Ants--Cliff Lee.....This could have been virtually anyone of the top 20 players and they would help the seriously depleted Fire Ants. Going all out last season put Sankey in a bind to start off 2012. Lee will at least give him a solid one/two along with Tommy Hanson. No way a five year goes here so other options may be explored.
1.13 Dallas Redbirds--Hunter Pence.....General consensus here has Hamilton/Cruz slotted to go to Dallas but with Doyle always sniffing around the championship playoffs will he really want to take on either of those injury risks in the first round. Pence is quirky but all he does is flat out rake. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Regardless of the pick I'm sure his bitch buddy will have something to say about it.
1.14 Rochester Red Sox--Paul Goldschmidt.....With Reynolds at 3B and Phillips at 2B this young star will shine brightly in Rochester. Thought perhaps Lawrie here and slide Reynolds over to 1B or possibly even Andrus to man SS but in the end I decided along with my buddy Glen Beck to buy Gold.
1.15 South Texas Heat--Brett Lawrie.....As much as I hate to see this guy end up in South Texas it will be a huge steal if he drops this far. First full year I could easily see 25+ HR, 90+ RBI and 25+ SB to go along with a solid average in a really good lineup in Toronto. With a Fathead already on his den wall, this pick is a lock.
1.16 DEFENDING CHAMPION Arizona Desert Swarm--Cole Hamels.....With a solid offense returning, with the exception of Beckham Josh takes the second best arm in the draft behind Lee and pairs him with King Felix and Chris (my arm is about to fall off from overuse) Carpenter. No 5 year contract given but a 3 year is not out of the question.
Any negative comments made toward owners was done for entertainment purposes only. I hold you all in the highest regard I look forward to other mocks coming out in the near future and certainly look forward to Reynolds tearing them all apart and saying how stupid we all are. There will be a ton of great talent available in the second round and I may even post a mock second round since this has been so much fun.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Miracle Mock Part 1
I'll post the first 8 picks in the upcoming draft based solely on who seems to be a good fit for each team. I don't have any inside info from any owners so as usual I will probably not get many of these right. Big surprise...but then again who does. Of course that statement will prompt a post from someone telling everyone how good they did in last years mock draft or in 2010's or so on and so on. Berg has posted quite a bit throughout the Hot Stove season regarding several players (or groups of players) and also provided a Draft Guide for all to peruse. Thanks for all the info Berg. I'm sure I speak for many of the owners in that regard. That being said there are a few player that will go higher in the draft than they should and some that may fall farther than they should. Was this the plan from Berg all along or was he just being helpful to all his fellow owners. Maybe he is just an evil genius. Anyway, I digress....on to the picks.
1.1 Hackensack--Adrian Gonzalez....Not really noticed day to day or even week to week but at the end of the year the stats are awesome. AGon will wear the Bulls jersey for the next 5 years. Congrats AGon on the mega-deal.
1.2 Olivet--Jose Bautista.....Although Larry may be busy in the Winter Meetings making trades (or not) this big bat will slide nicely into third base for the Killer Eagles. I wasn't much of a believer after one big season but I am now. Only question is does Olivet place a 5 year contract on him.
1.3 Michigan--Troy Tulowitzki.....With Ian Desmond under contract for 2012 this pick must still be made. Tulo is a game changer. As opposed to AGon who flys under the radar most weeks, Tulo's stats jump out at you many weeks. Single handily he can carry a team for entire weeks. If the draft plays out like this, Michigan will entertain offers for this 3rd pick. Let it be known that the price will be staggering. But if this is the player you "must" have we can talk. There are a couple of teams that I think should try and trade up to get a 5 year player and a couple of teams I think would want to trade up to this spot. That being said I have offers written down for each team under mine that I would accept for this pick. Don't be shocked by what I would want in return for this pick. Believe me I will be very happy to see Tulo in a Miracle jersey from 2012-2016. Right smack dab in the prime of his career.
1.4 Atlantic Surge--Robinson Cano.....The offensive cupboard is pretty bare for the Surge so I could see Matt trading off a pitcher or two for picks or players to help out the cause. Cano won't walk much or steal you many bases but in the other categories he is very elite, especially for second sackers. A nice 5 year gets dropped on Cano here.
1.5 Julian Javelina--Jose Reyes.....Jamie has many options available to him here. An elite Reyes gives you a ton of runs, SB's and average. HR's RBI's and walks won't kill you if Reyes has a great year. But if he doesn't have a great year or spends quite a bit of time on the DL this pick could look ugly early. Could be a great 3 yr contract or turn out to be a Dunn/Morales contract from last season.
1.6 Flying Squirrels of Springfield--Andrew McCutchen.....Like Hoyle, Adam could go many ways. Having a 5 year contract open this looks like a very solid option although I could see Justin Upton being taken here as well.
1.7 North Texas Rangers--Mike Napoli.....Everyone knows Adrian fondness for Rangers and having to choose between Napoli, Hamilton, Cruz will be difficult. This is fantasy baseball not real baseball so I take Napoli over the others. He can be slotted in at catcher to give him one of the best two catchers in baseball, fantasy wise, along with Santana. The stats for a catcher will be off the charts with 30+ HR's a distinct possibility.
1.8 Charlotte Orios--Hanley Ramirez.....Trading him away last season, Chris later tried to get him back in trade. He selects him here and gives him a 3 year contract. Nice infield in place with Butler/Utley/HanRam/Wright.
Nothing real earth shattering with these 8 picks although Napoli slotting at 1.7 will raise some eyebrows. The other seven would probably be at or near the top of everyone's mock draft. Tomorrow I post the rest of the first round with some other picks that you may not have seen coming.
1.1 Hackensack--Adrian Gonzalez....Not really noticed day to day or even week to week but at the end of the year the stats are awesome. AGon will wear the Bulls jersey for the next 5 years. Congrats AGon on the mega-deal.
1.2 Olivet--Jose Bautista.....Although Larry may be busy in the Winter Meetings making trades (or not) this big bat will slide nicely into third base for the Killer Eagles. I wasn't much of a believer after one big season but I am now. Only question is does Olivet place a 5 year contract on him.
1.3 Michigan--Troy Tulowitzki.....With Ian Desmond under contract for 2012 this pick must still be made. Tulo is a game changer. As opposed to AGon who flys under the radar most weeks, Tulo's stats jump out at you many weeks. Single handily he can carry a team for entire weeks. If the draft plays out like this, Michigan will entertain offers for this 3rd pick. Let it be known that the price will be staggering. But if this is the player you "must" have we can talk. There are a couple of teams that I think should try and trade up to get a 5 year player and a couple of teams I think would want to trade up to this spot. That being said I have offers written down for each team under mine that I would accept for this pick. Don't be shocked by what I would want in return for this pick. Believe me I will be very happy to see Tulo in a Miracle jersey from 2012-2016. Right smack dab in the prime of his career.
1.4 Atlantic Surge--Robinson Cano.....The offensive cupboard is pretty bare for the Surge so I could see Matt trading off a pitcher or two for picks or players to help out the cause. Cano won't walk much or steal you many bases but in the other categories he is very elite, especially for second sackers. A nice 5 year gets dropped on Cano here.
1.5 Julian Javelina--Jose Reyes.....Jamie has many options available to him here. An elite Reyes gives you a ton of runs, SB's and average. HR's RBI's and walks won't kill you if Reyes has a great year. But if he doesn't have a great year or spends quite a bit of time on the DL this pick could look ugly early. Could be a great 3 yr contract or turn out to be a Dunn/Morales contract from last season.
1.6 Flying Squirrels of Springfield--Andrew McCutchen.....Like Hoyle, Adam could go many ways. Having a 5 year contract open this looks like a very solid option although I could see Justin Upton being taken here as well.
1.7 North Texas Rangers--Mike Napoli.....Everyone knows Adrian fondness for Rangers and having to choose between Napoli, Hamilton, Cruz will be difficult. This is fantasy baseball not real baseball so I take Napoli over the others. He can be slotted in at catcher to give him one of the best two catchers in baseball, fantasy wise, along with Santana. The stats for a catcher will be off the charts with 30+ HR's a distinct possibility.
1.8 Charlotte Orios--Hanley Ramirez.....Trading him away last season, Chris later tried to get him back in trade. He selects him here and gives him a 3 year contract. Nice infield in place with Butler/Utley/HanRam/Wright.
Nothing real earth shattering with these 8 picks although Napoli slotting at 1.7 will raise some eyebrows. The other seven would probably be at or near the top of everyone's mock draft. Tomorrow I post the rest of the first round with some other picks that you may not have seen coming.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Winter Meetings Preview
With the annual eMLB Winter Meetings less than three weeks away the Michigan Miracles are well prepared to put the abortion of 2011 in the rear view mirror. With a strong showing during the Vegas"11" trip, Renner hopes to continue his winning ways during the upcoming meetings.
Needing to fill their 5 yr contract and having one of the first three picks in the draft, the chances of trading out of that spot will be slim. I have never been one to back away from an opportunity, Renner was quoted as saying, but this year will be tough to trade down. Let's just say that the Miracles will be something like the Chicago Cubs in what they would want for their pick. If someone would offer their first, second and third round pick for my lottery pick that would certainly get my attention....otherwise we will gladly draft one of the top four players on our board.
There are some Miracle players that will be available via trade and a couple that could be available via trade. Aaron Hill 2/12 and Julio Borbon 3/12 are the players that fall into the former category and Ian Desmond 2/12 and Andre Ethier 3/12 fall into the latter. We are not especially looking to trade either Desmond or Ethier but there has been some recent interest in those players and I'd be remiss if I didn't at least listen to any offers.
Moreso than in previous years there is a good chance the Miracles won't be big players during this years meetings....but when all 16 of us get together who knows what will happen.
Needing to fill their 5 yr contract and having one of the first three picks in the draft, the chances of trading out of that spot will be slim. I have never been one to back away from an opportunity, Renner was quoted as saying, but this year will be tough to trade down. Let's just say that the Miracles will be something like the Chicago Cubs in what they would want for their pick. If someone would offer their first, second and third round pick for my lottery pick that would certainly get my attention....otherwise we will gladly draft one of the top four players on our board.
There are some Miracle players that will be available via trade and a couple that could be available via trade. Aaron Hill 2/12 and Julio Borbon 3/12 are the players that fall into the former category and Ian Desmond 2/12 and Andre Ethier 3/12 fall into the latter. We are not especially looking to trade either Desmond or Ethier but there has been some recent interest in those players and I'd be remiss if I didn't at least listen to any offers.
Moreso than in previous years there is a good chance the Miracles won't be big players during this years meetings....but when all 16 of us get together who knows what will happen.
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