These final two teams are without a doubt, in this journalist's opinion, not only the cream of the crop in 2013 eMLB but they are far and away the best two teams. It will be a joy to see them battle it out three times this year and also to see how the Javelina fare against them as well. It will be those match ups that determine if Jamie's squad slides into that 5 or 6 spot in the playoffs. Good Luck in the West.
#2---Flying Squirrels of Springfield
Strengths--Avg/HR/RBI/R/ERA/K/Wins
Weaknesses--SB/Saves
Adam has put together an extremely talented group for 2013. His only weaknesses this preseason are SB and Saves and those are the two categories that are very easily adjustable throughout the season. Well done Adam. Five 20+ HR guys and a pair of 30+ HR guys anchor a solid offense. My only question is can several players like Moose, Pence, Willingham, Konerko, Jeter continue to either improve or keep father time from catching up with them. Will Trout get better or will there be a regression? This spring he looks like he should be playing TE for the Chargers not roaming the OF in Mickey's backyard. If I was a switch hitter (like Berg) I would have my eye on Trout. On the pitching side bounce backs from Haren and Halladay are a must. Wainwright and King Felix anchor a solid staff and Minor is an up and comer for sure. Saves are a bit sketchy with only Grilli and he is pretty long in the tooth. Can he hold up all season? A bounce back from Soria would be nice and I do have to say....Bell and Valverde....WTF. I'd rather see Sankey and Femmel in your bullpen instead of these two stiffs. MRP is hardly an area to be too concerned about. There were just too many ifs and I hopes for this team to take down the eventual West Champion and my pre season favorite for the 2013 eMLB title who is.....drum roll please
#1---North Texas Rangers
Strengths--Avg/R/SB/Holds/WHIP/Wins
Weaknesses--NONE
By far the most well balanced team in the league this year. Perhaps this was the year that Adrian decided that although it was fun to root for a team with mostly Rangers it didn't turn out too well in the standings. He did go out on a limb and take Profar, who I'm sure he will probably give a three year contract to but for the most part he avoided Rangers, probably since there were not a lot to get too excited about this year. On offense he doesn't have the elite power like he once did but 6 guys who will hit 20+ HR's isn't a bad start. Lot's of speed and that's with Cabrera on the bench. Bench is a little thin currently with three rookies sitting there. Won't contract them all so adjustments can be made. On the pitching side six 10+ wins anchored by Jared Weaver. Solid start. Excellent holds guys and saves could be a bit thin but again, those can be found along the way. Not many teams have seven starters with 150+ K potential along with three guys who will drive in 100+ runs. This is the team that I will be shipping the Championship Trophy to at the end of the year. Great team Adrian and good luck.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 3/4
I'm down to my final two posts. The two teams slotted in here were tied for third so again the tiebreak went to the team that will win it's division.
#4---Julian Javelina
Strengths--ERA/WHIP
Weaknesses--K's
Although Jamie's team does not turn in many really high rankings he has outstanding balance throughout his team, especially on offense. Five guys will go yard 20+ times and Bautista will probably reach the seats 40 times as well. Pena will probably chip in 20 but will have a difficult time getting off the pine as long as he finds it hard to get up to a 200 average. There is very little not to like about this offense other than perhaps the bench is a little thin. The only other downside it the division he plays in. Other than Arizona this division is stacked. On the pitching side six starters will get 10+ wins anchored by the great, opps, the GREAT Justin Verlander. His value simply cannot be overstated. CJ Wilson is the only other starter with high K potential but the others are ok at around 6 per 9. The relievers are good although the saves may be dicey with League, Pestano (at least for awhile) and Mo, provided he retains his old form and there really isn't any reason not to believe he can. Jamie may have to get some saves later in the year. This could be the second year in a row that one division places 3 teams in the Championship Playoffs. It will be tough but it could happen. That sixth team will certainly not come from the East or Great Lakes division contrary to what some may think.
#3--Gaylord Dingers
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/R/Saves
Weaknesses--SB/Holds
Being in the Great Lakes Division will certainly be of benefit (again) to Mike (the gay lord) Wagner. Always wondered where that team name came from, now we know. Like several other teams the offense is loaded for bear. Six 20+ HR guys and a couple more will chip in 30+ IMO. Ortiz is an early question mark for this team. The big man may be hobbled for quite some time and that would hurt the Dingers. In this division it won't hurt as much though. Other than Upton there is very little speed on the roster that will play much. almost certainly will be punting this category each week. On the pitching side he may be in the same boat with holds. Very few with solid holds among their track record but holds are pretty fickle from year to year so you never know. Three solid 10+ winners and very good K potential along with some other solid starters. If Buckholz and Garza can return to form this staff goes from good to very good. The only downside is having two Cub starters. Will diminish their value for sure. They would look better if we had QS, but I digress. That's a topic for next winter...again. The division will be wrapped up soon after the All Star break and once again Mike will cruise into the playoffs.
#4---Julian Javelina
Strengths--ERA/WHIP
Weaknesses--K's
Although Jamie's team does not turn in many really high rankings he has outstanding balance throughout his team, especially on offense. Five guys will go yard 20+ times and Bautista will probably reach the seats 40 times as well. Pena will probably chip in 20 but will have a difficult time getting off the pine as long as he finds it hard to get up to a 200 average. There is very little not to like about this offense other than perhaps the bench is a little thin. The only other downside it the division he plays in. Other than Arizona this division is stacked. On the pitching side six starters will get 10+ wins anchored by the great, opps, the GREAT Justin Verlander. His value simply cannot be overstated. CJ Wilson is the only other starter with high K potential but the others are ok at around 6 per 9. The relievers are good although the saves may be dicey with League, Pestano (at least for awhile) and Mo, provided he retains his old form and there really isn't any reason not to believe he can. Jamie may have to get some saves later in the year. This could be the second year in a row that one division places 3 teams in the Championship Playoffs. It will be tough but it could happen. That sixth team will certainly not come from the East or Great Lakes division contrary to what some may think.
#3--Gaylord Dingers
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/R/Saves
Weaknesses--SB/Holds
Being in the Great Lakes Division will certainly be of benefit (again) to Mike (the gay lord) Wagner. Always wondered where that team name came from, now we know. Like several other teams the offense is loaded for bear. Six 20+ HR guys and a couple more will chip in 30+ IMO. Ortiz is an early question mark for this team. The big man may be hobbled for quite some time and that would hurt the Dingers. In this division it won't hurt as much though. Other than Upton there is very little speed on the roster that will play much. almost certainly will be punting this category each week. On the pitching side he may be in the same boat with holds. Very few with solid holds among their track record but holds are pretty fickle from year to year so you never know. Three solid 10+ winners and very good K potential along with some other solid starters. If Buckholz and Garza can return to form this staff goes from good to very good. The only downside is having two Cub starters. Will diminish their value for sure. They would look better if we had QS, but I digress. That's a topic for next winter...again. The division will be wrapped up soon after the All Star break and once again Mike will cruise into the playoffs.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 5/6
Now we get down to the heart of the matter...potential Championship Playoff teams. Spots 3-8 are all damn close which tells me that this season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Checking in at
#6---Dallas Redbirds
Strengths--SB/WHIP
Weaknesses--HR/RBI
One of the most maligned managers in eMLB history is about to field one of his stronger teams in recent history. The question is and always has been, will this be the year that Steve puts on his big boy pants and makes that trade or two at the deadline to get his team over the top or will it be business as usual? Already losing Tex appears to hurt but I think that Jones will have numbers just about equal to Tex's. So I don't think it hurts all that much. Just shortens his bench a bit. Certainly nobody knows why he drafted so much speed throughout the draft since you can only win a category once per week but it is what it is. He will have a difficult time trading speed for power which is where he is deficient. Really only two guys with 20+ HR potential now that Tex is laid up for awhile. He will probably be a third once he returns. As usual the Redbirds strength is in his pitching. A solid relief corp is flanked by Cain, Bumgarner, and Hellickson who should all win 10 or more but he has another half dozen that could close in on 10 wins as well. It helps that he is in the East where the competition is not as hazardous as in a couple of the other divisions. Overall with the exception of power he has a well balanced team.
#5--Michigan Miracles
Strengths--ERA/Saves/WHIP
Weaknesses--NONE
The Miracles are #5 in the rankings but I know we are #1 in your hearts. I went with a slightly different approach last year in my draft and it turned into my first championship. This year I tried to follow roughly the same script and was overall very happy with the outcome. I always try to field a well balanced team and this one will be no exception. Early moves were done in order to move up and draft Carlos Gonzalez since OF was by far my weakest area pre draft. I have six starters on offense who should hit 20+ HR and the rest should go 10 or more. Very good but no huge guns. On the pitching side I'm very happy with my closers and MRP's. Very good up and down the list. RA Dickey leads my starters and I should have six with 10 or more wins. Most all should have very good ERA's and WHIPs. and three of them should have 175+ K's. Now all we have to do is get the games started. If everything works as planned I will be in a trading mood at the deadline in order to shoot for back to back titles.
#6---Dallas Redbirds
Strengths--SB/WHIP
Weaknesses--HR/RBI
One of the most maligned managers in eMLB history is about to field one of his stronger teams in recent history. The question is and always has been, will this be the year that Steve puts on his big boy pants and makes that trade or two at the deadline to get his team over the top or will it be business as usual? Already losing Tex appears to hurt but I think that Jones will have numbers just about equal to Tex's. So I don't think it hurts all that much. Just shortens his bench a bit. Certainly nobody knows why he drafted so much speed throughout the draft since you can only win a category once per week but it is what it is. He will have a difficult time trading speed for power which is where he is deficient. Really only two guys with 20+ HR potential now that Tex is laid up for awhile. He will probably be a third once he returns. As usual the Redbirds strength is in his pitching. A solid relief corp is flanked by Cain, Bumgarner, and Hellickson who should all win 10 or more but he has another half dozen that could close in on 10 wins as well. It helps that he is in the East where the competition is not as hazardous as in a couple of the other divisions. Overall with the exception of power he has a well balanced team.
#5--Michigan Miracles
Strengths--ERA/Saves/WHIP
Weaknesses--NONE
The Miracles are #5 in the rankings but I know we are #1 in your hearts. I went with a slightly different approach last year in my draft and it turned into my first championship. This year I tried to follow roughly the same script and was overall very happy with the outcome. I always try to field a well balanced team and this one will be no exception. Early moves were done in order to move up and draft Carlos Gonzalez since OF was by far my weakest area pre draft. I have six starters on offense who should hit 20+ HR and the rest should go 10 or more. Very good but no huge guns. On the pitching side I'm very happy with my closers and MRP's. Very good up and down the list. RA Dickey leads my starters and I should have six with 10 or more wins. Most all should have very good ERA's and WHIPs. and three of them should have 175+ K's. Now all we have to do is get the games started. If everything works as planned I will be in a trading mood at the deadline in order to shoot for back to back titles.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 7/8
Now we move to the upper half of the teams which at this point seem destined for excellent seasons. I actually had a tie for 6th place so to break the tie I gave a tiebreak vote to the team that would be winning their division, at least IMHO. Slotted in at
#8--Hackensack Bulls
Strengths-- Avg/K's/Wins
Weaknesses--BB
Across the board the Bulls look very solid. If they can dodge the injury bug that plagued them last year it just might be their year. Curtis Granderson has already become their first casualty and Ben has to be wondering if his team is simply snake bitten. With Grandy out for a stretch they can't afford to lose many more offensive players. The big question is can Carl Crawford actually play? Castro has had early hammy issues and someone explain to me why any pitcher would even give Stanton a decent pitch to hit this year. All that being said they field 4 guys with 25+ HR power and Stanton probably pushes the mid 40's. Solid speed with Altuve/Castro/Ichiro and a good bench. The only big question for me on offense is Youk. He is a shadow of his former self but the Bulls sure need him. Over on the pitching side what else can you say except WOW!! Decent MRP, nothing spectacular, good closers with Motte/Johnson bringing in around 70 saves between them. With the Bulls it's all about the starters. 6 guys will win 10 plus game and Strasburg, Darvish, and Lincecum will probably exceed 200 K's each. The biggest problem for this team is it resides in the Texas Division. Always a tall order. IF everything goes right this team could easily walk away with the Division Title. Gotta stay off the DL though. That's the key for each team in this division.
#7--South Texas Heat
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/Saves
Weaknesses--Avg/Wins
In typical Berg fashion he has put together a team with a low batting average, lots of power, lots of walks and address the pitching later. It seems like every year he does the same thing and every year he comes up short. Could this be the year? Sure, why not. Big time power everywhere you look. 7 guys sure to go yard 20+ times and another 5 could go 15 or more. Gardner and Kipnis take care of steals with JHay chipping in a few. Very little not to like about this offense, that's for sure. On the pitching side, if Madson comes around and closes his save totals will be elite. I think Madson will probably get as many holds this year as saves as they ease him back into that roll. That's not a bad thing on this team. Robertson and Crow are solid MRP and others can be picked up as the need arises throughout the year. The key is the starters, specifically Sale and Moore. I think Moore will have a nice bounce back season getting 12 or so wins with lots of K's. Sale I'm simply not sold on this year. If he stays off the DL he will be the ace of this staff. For Steve's title hopes, that must happen. the rest of his starters are fairly pedestrian. If Burnett can repeat 2012 that would be a big boost. Lots of K's from him as well. Like with the Bulls if all the pieces fall his way the Heat will take the division.
#8--Hackensack Bulls
Strengths-- Avg/K's/Wins
Weaknesses--BB
Across the board the Bulls look very solid. If they can dodge the injury bug that plagued them last year it just might be their year. Curtis Granderson has already become their first casualty and Ben has to be wondering if his team is simply snake bitten. With Grandy out for a stretch they can't afford to lose many more offensive players. The big question is can Carl Crawford actually play? Castro has had early hammy issues and someone explain to me why any pitcher would even give Stanton a decent pitch to hit this year. All that being said they field 4 guys with 25+ HR power and Stanton probably pushes the mid 40's. Solid speed with Altuve/Castro/Ichiro and a good bench. The only big question for me on offense is Youk. He is a shadow of his former self but the Bulls sure need him. Over on the pitching side what else can you say except WOW!! Decent MRP, nothing spectacular, good closers with Motte/Johnson bringing in around 70 saves between them. With the Bulls it's all about the starters. 6 guys will win 10 plus game and Strasburg, Darvish, and Lincecum will probably exceed 200 K's each. The biggest problem for this team is it resides in the Texas Division. Always a tall order. IF everything goes right this team could easily walk away with the Division Title. Gotta stay off the DL though. That's the key for each team in this division.
#7--South Texas Heat
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/Saves
Weaknesses--Avg/Wins
In typical Berg fashion he has put together a team with a low batting average, lots of power, lots of walks and address the pitching later. It seems like every year he does the same thing and every year he comes up short. Could this be the year? Sure, why not. Big time power everywhere you look. 7 guys sure to go yard 20+ times and another 5 could go 15 or more. Gardner and Kipnis take care of steals with JHay chipping in a few. Very little not to like about this offense, that's for sure. On the pitching side, if Madson comes around and closes his save totals will be elite. I think Madson will probably get as many holds this year as saves as they ease him back into that roll. That's not a bad thing on this team. Robertson and Crow are solid MRP and others can be picked up as the need arises throughout the year. The key is the starters, specifically Sale and Moore. I think Moore will have a nice bounce back season getting 12 or so wins with lots of K's. Sale I'm simply not sold on this year. If he stays off the DL he will be the ace of this staff. For Steve's title hopes, that must happen. the rest of his starters are fairly pedestrian. If Burnett can repeat 2012 that would be a big boost. Lots of K's from him as well. Like with the Bulls if all the pieces fall his way the Heat will take the division.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 9/10
This segment will finish off the teams I believe will end up in the bottom half of the league. Last years projections were pretty darn good, if I say so myself so here we go...
#10---San Antonio Fire Ants
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/R/Holds
Weaknesses--SB/ERA/K's/WHIP/W
While everyone kept applauding Keith's draft, which at the time I thought was pretty good myself, when I take a closer look my only thought is...does Keith know there are 12 categories. Many weeks he will destroy his opponent in his strength categories but if his hitters take a week off his stats may look a little like Berg (fugly). If chicks dig the long ball (another reference to Berg) then the Fire Ants are the team for them. Five guys with 20+ homers and somewhere between 2 and 4 of them will probably go yard 30+ times. This of course is not the problem with this team. The problem is, can Sankey address his weak categories during the season enough to climb up the ladder in the Texas Division. You can be assured that the teams above him will be doing exactly that. But let's see...Braun, Napoli, Hamilton, Panda, Zobrist. Wow, imagine if Alvarez could hit Pandas weight and if Melky can come back? This offense will be off the charts good. Now...turn the page to the pitching. While it's true that you can draft good pitching late and can scour the WW during the season, neither of these is Keith's strength. He has three hopeful 10+ game winners in Miley, Parker and dare I say Porcello?? His ERA and WHIP across the board is bad. I really like his closer Wilhelmsen but what is the use of having only one. His other MRP's could vulture a few saves but the strength here is Holds. I would trade the closer and punt the category if I were him or hang on and maybe and injury occurs and one of his other guys becomes a closer. That happens quite a bit throughout the year. He does have some innings eaters but that is the only upside to the staff. For this team to turn the corner of 2012 he will have to sweep offense most weeks and hope for the best from his pitching.
#9---Toledo Mud Hens
Strengths--Avg/SB/ERA/K's
Weaknesses--BB's/HR/RBI/R
2013 ushers in the Mud Hen era in eMLB. Welcome again to the league Brent. The first year or two always has a sharp learning curve but you are picking it up pretty quick. Brent inherited a pretty good team especially on the pitching side with Lee, Gio and Kershaw. No worries there. Moved up to draft Posey, which at the time I think was a bit of a jab at yours truly, but it worked out best for both teams. He got the NL MVP and I got the player I coveted as well. Things always have a way of working out. The downside to this team is passing over quality veterans in favor of unproven rookies. There are simply too many of them. If we could keep players forever, that would be one thing but what will he do with Hamilton, Myers, Gyorko, Olt, Rutledge, Castillo, Rondon, Bauer? He can't contract them all, or can he??? He still has the players to makes some moves but after the rocky introduction he received, will he? The possibility is there to perhaps challenge the Redbirds in the East but many of the rookies would have to get out of the minors and start to rake early and often. As it stands now the power is non existent beyond Pujol/Posey. The PP boys. Lots of SB's and a very good big 3 starting pitchers but after that, ugh....Decent Holds guys and only one closer. Rondon may or may not take that step into the Tiger closer role, but it may not happen right away. Brent is going to figure out that you can't have so many players on your roster that are not helping at all. He has no margin of error on offense since there is really no bench to speak of. I do like Homer Bailey to continue his late season surge from last year and perhaps join the ranks of top quality pitchers and Smyly could surprise as well. Some moves will have to be made, it's just a matter of when that happens. Wait too long and he could drop further in the rankings by the end of the season. Time will tell.
#10---San Antonio Fire Ants
Strengths--BB/HR/RBI/R/Holds
Weaknesses--SB/ERA/K's/WHIP/W
While everyone kept applauding Keith's draft, which at the time I thought was pretty good myself, when I take a closer look my only thought is...does Keith know there are 12 categories. Many weeks he will destroy his opponent in his strength categories but if his hitters take a week off his stats may look a little like Berg (fugly). If chicks dig the long ball (another reference to Berg) then the Fire Ants are the team for them. Five guys with 20+ homers and somewhere between 2 and 4 of them will probably go yard 30+ times. This of course is not the problem with this team. The problem is, can Sankey address his weak categories during the season enough to climb up the ladder in the Texas Division. You can be assured that the teams above him will be doing exactly that. But let's see...Braun, Napoli, Hamilton, Panda, Zobrist. Wow, imagine if Alvarez could hit Pandas weight and if Melky can come back? This offense will be off the charts good. Now...turn the page to the pitching. While it's true that you can draft good pitching late and can scour the WW during the season, neither of these is Keith's strength. He has three hopeful 10+ game winners in Miley, Parker and dare I say Porcello?? His ERA and WHIP across the board is bad. I really like his closer Wilhelmsen but what is the use of having only one. His other MRP's could vulture a few saves but the strength here is Holds. I would trade the closer and punt the category if I were him or hang on and maybe and injury occurs and one of his other guys becomes a closer. That happens quite a bit throughout the year. He does have some innings eaters but that is the only upside to the staff. For this team to turn the corner of 2012 he will have to sweep offense most weeks and hope for the best from his pitching.
#9---Toledo Mud Hens
Strengths--Avg/SB/ERA/K's
Weaknesses--BB's/HR/RBI/R
2013 ushers in the Mud Hen era in eMLB. Welcome again to the league Brent. The first year or two always has a sharp learning curve but you are picking it up pretty quick. Brent inherited a pretty good team especially on the pitching side with Lee, Gio and Kershaw. No worries there. Moved up to draft Posey, which at the time I think was a bit of a jab at yours truly, but it worked out best for both teams. He got the NL MVP and I got the player I coveted as well. Things always have a way of working out. The downside to this team is passing over quality veterans in favor of unproven rookies. There are simply too many of them. If we could keep players forever, that would be one thing but what will he do with Hamilton, Myers, Gyorko, Olt, Rutledge, Castillo, Rondon, Bauer? He can't contract them all, or can he??? He still has the players to makes some moves but after the rocky introduction he received, will he? The possibility is there to perhaps challenge the Redbirds in the East but many of the rookies would have to get out of the minors and start to rake early and often. As it stands now the power is non existent beyond Pujol/Posey. The PP boys. Lots of SB's and a very good big 3 starting pitchers but after that, ugh....Decent Holds guys and only one closer. Rondon may or may not take that step into the Tiger closer role, but it may not happen right away. Brent is going to figure out that you can't have so many players on your roster that are not helping at all. He has no margin of error on offense since there is really no bench to speak of. I do like Homer Bailey to continue his late season surge from last year and perhaps join the ranks of top quality pitchers and Smyly could surprise as well. Some moves will have to be made, it's just a matter of when that happens. Wait too long and he could drop further in the rankings by the end of the season. Time will tell.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 11/12
Today I'll identify my last lottery team and the second team to join Oviedo in the Consolation Playoffs.
#12---Charlotte Orios
Strengths--Walks
Weaknesses--ERA/Holds/K's/WHIP
Anytime you have Miguel Cabrera on your team your offense is going to be pretty good. Chris has assembled an excellent offensive team. Cabrera and Davis could both hit 30+ HR with Cespedes and Harper chipping in with 25+ as well. Good speed with Maybin, Harper and Eaton should all get 20+ SB's. Some decent power and speed are on the bench as well. The problem with this team I believe is on the pitching staff. While four or five starters could garner 10+ wins the ERA and WHIP will leave something to be desired. Question marks all over here with Dempster/Johnson/Lester and newcomer Ryu. A lot has to break his way for this team to escape another trip to the lottery. I don't believe it will happen. Although Charlotte/Oviedo/Arizona are all very close in my rankings I give the edge to the Knights in missing the lottery on shear determination alone.
#11---Mid-Michigan Tigers
Strengths--Wins
Weaknesses--Avg/Holds
Top to bottom this team is a good size jump above the three teams below it. It's the first team I have previewed that has balance across the board. He should field 6 guys with 20+ homer potential with Bruce going over 30. Good start. Butler and Bruce should go over 100 RBI's as well. The downer on this team, IMO, is Hanley Ramirez. I don't see a big rebound for him. I'm not a fan. Decent speed with DeAza and HanRam swiping 20 bags but the interesting player may become Darin Mastroianni. Well over 30 SB's is possible here. Five starters project to win 10 or more games and Chapman, Scherzer and Sanchez could all fan 180 or more. Buehrle and Hudson round out a solid starting staff. The weakness will be the bullpen with Perez already injured and Francisco is no ones favorite and may not get the saves in NY. A second place finish in the Great Lakes Division is probable but many things, like retooling the bullpen, would have to break his way in order to catch the Dingers.
#12---Charlotte Orios
Strengths--Walks
Weaknesses--ERA/Holds/K's/WHIP
Anytime you have Miguel Cabrera on your team your offense is going to be pretty good. Chris has assembled an excellent offensive team. Cabrera and Davis could both hit 30+ HR with Cespedes and Harper chipping in with 25+ as well. Good speed with Maybin, Harper and Eaton should all get 20+ SB's. Some decent power and speed are on the bench as well. The problem with this team I believe is on the pitching staff. While four or five starters could garner 10+ wins the ERA and WHIP will leave something to be desired. Question marks all over here with Dempster/Johnson/Lester and newcomer Ryu. A lot has to break his way for this team to escape another trip to the lottery. I don't believe it will happen. Although Charlotte/Oviedo/Arizona are all very close in my rankings I give the edge to the Knights in missing the lottery on shear determination alone.
#11---Mid-Michigan Tigers
Strengths--Wins
Weaknesses--Avg/Holds
Top to bottom this team is a good size jump above the three teams below it. It's the first team I have previewed that has balance across the board. He should field 6 guys with 20+ homer potential with Bruce going over 30. Good start. Butler and Bruce should go over 100 RBI's as well. The downer on this team, IMO, is Hanley Ramirez. I don't see a big rebound for him. I'm not a fan. Decent speed with DeAza and HanRam swiping 20 bags but the interesting player may become Darin Mastroianni. Well over 30 SB's is possible here. Five starters project to win 10 or more games and Chapman, Scherzer and Sanchez could all fan 180 or more. Buehrle and Hudson round out a solid starting staff. The weakness will be the bullpen with Perez already injured and Francisco is no ones favorite and may not get the saves in NY. A second place finish in the Great Lakes Division is probable but many things, like retooling the bullpen, would have to break his way in order to catch the Dingers.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 13/14
The next three teams in my rankings are all very close to each other. One of the teams listed today is obviously in the bottom 4 but I don't see them in the lottery. Checking in at
#14---Arizona Desert Swarm
Strengths--Saves
Weaknesses--HR/RBI/Runs/Holds/WHIP
Price Wright and Kimbrel were certainly solid additions to the Swarm lineup and will be great contracts heading forward. I like Cueto and thing Romero has a nice bounce back season ahead of him. Beltran is real good when playing but I think Rios may have shot his wad (don't get excited Berg, just a figure of speech) last season so I see regression there. I really like the Carter pick. Josh happened to be in the right place at the right time to snag him after the trade...and Simmons could be a star in the making. I really like this team moving forward just not this season. Swarm contracts will be very interesting to see who gets what. Only three guys with 20+ HR power although Longoria could exceed 30 and Carter could as well, huge power there but will the Swarm put him out there with his 240 average? Longo will probably reach the 100 RBI plateau but will be the only one. On the pitching side I see 3 10+ winners along with 1 great closer and two good ones. Fujikawa should close in Chicago and we will see about Broxton. Weave his way through this year and 2014 looks really good especially if Josh ends up in the lottery again which is where I foresee him.
#13---Oviedo Knights
Strengths--SB/Holds
Weaknesses--K's/Saves/Wins
I can just see Mike getting wound up like a clock reading this but it is what it is. Being as active as he is will allow the Knights to not be in the lottery...but this team is not nearly as good as he thinks it is, at least right now. Last year he got a major bump from the fact that his division was so bad. Out of his division he got his ass handed to him most weeks. But that was last year. This year--I've never been a fan of E5 but his numbers last year were off the chart and I still see solid numbers for him this year. 30+ HR and 100 RBI should be in the cards for him. Reynolds and Gomez will drag his average down as will Maxwell and Machado when/if they are in the lineup. Lots of speed with 4 guy getting 20+ SB's. Crisp probably grabs 40 or so on his own. 5 guys getting 20 or more HR's along with some solid power on the bench. McCutchen is the star here and the offense is middle of the road in most categories. On the pitching side is where I believe the Knights fall short. Perkins gets 20+ saves and is underrated as a closer. Anderson and Hamels get him 10+ wins but that's it. Hamels probably fans 200 or so but none of the others even approach 150. Ogando could nab 10 wins or so and will be in the starting lineup most of the time. MRP is a strength of this team. I really like Henderson and Burton. We will see how long Marmol is on this team if he doesn't close somewhere. Please Detroit, do not trade for this guy.
#14---Arizona Desert Swarm
Strengths--Saves
Weaknesses--HR/RBI/Runs/Holds/WHIP
Price Wright and Kimbrel were certainly solid additions to the Swarm lineup and will be great contracts heading forward. I like Cueto and thing Romero has a nice bounce back season ahead of him. Beltran is real good when playing but I think Rios may have shot his wad (don't get excited Berg, just a figure of speech) last season so I see regression there. I really like the Carter pick. Josh happened to be in the right place at the right time to snag him after the trade...and Simmons could be a star in the making. I really like this team moving forward just not this season. Swarm contracts will be very interesting to see who gets what. Only three guys with 20+ HR power although Longoria could exceed 30 and Carter could as well, huge power there but will the Swarm put him out there with his 240 average? Longo will probably reach the 100 RBI plateau but will be the only one. On the pitching side I see 3 10+ winners along with 1 great closer and two good ones. Fujikawa should close in Chicago and we will see about Broxton. Weave his way through this year and 2014 looks really good especially if Josh ends up in the lottery again which is where I foresee him.
#13---Oviedo Knights
Strengths--SB/Holds
Weaknesses--K's/Saves/Wins
I can just see Mike getting wound up like a clock reading this but it is what it is. Being as active as he is will allow the Knights to not be in the lottery...but this team is not nearly as good as he thinks it is, at least right now. Last year he got a major bump from the fact that his division was so bad. Out of his division he got his ass handed to him most weeks. But that was last year. This year--I've never been a fan of E5 but his numbers last year were off the chart and I still see solid numbers for him this year. 30+ HR and 100 RBI should be in the cards for him. Reynolds and Gomez will drag his average down as will Maxwell and Machado when/if they are in the lineup. Lots of speed with 4 guy getting 20+ SB's. Crisp probably grabs 40 or so on his own. 5 guys getting 20 or more HR's along with some solid power on the bench. McCutchen is the star here and the offense is middle of the road in most categories. On the pitching side is where I believe the Knights fall short. Perkins gets 20+ saves and is underrated as a closer. Anderson and Hamels get him 10+ wins but that's it. Hamels probably fans 200 or so but none of the others even approach 150. Ogando could nab 10 wins or so and will be in the starting lineup most of the time. MRP is a strength of this team. I really like Henderson and Burton. We will see how long Marmol is on this team if he doesn't close somewhere. Please Detroit, do not trade for this guy.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Miracle Power Rankings 15/16
In the first installment of my power rankings I examine two of the teams that I believe currently will be in the Lottery next season.
#16---Atlantic Surge
Strengths--Holds
Weaknesses--Avg/BB/HR/RBI/R/ERA/Saves/WHIP/Wins
This team without a doubt is at the bottom but has no place to go but up. It just won't be this year. First round picks of Jackson and Middlebrooks I was not a fan of but will get contracted for sure. Second round picks of Harvey and Hunter were also question marks for me. At least this early on. This team will be OK in Holds simply because they don't have any solid Saves guys. Cishek is the only option to close but it's on a bad Miami team and who knows how that will play out. The best news is Atlantic will still have their 5 year contract open for 2014 and they can fill it with a real impact player, assuming they don't trade the pick away. Votto, Longoria, Strasburg or Pujols could really help this team in the future. I see potentially only three 20+ HR guys and nobody near 100 ribeyes and only possibly 3 guys who may steal 10+ bags. Dyson may be nice trade bait for someone looking for cheap steals late in the year but even he won't crack this lineup most weeks. On the pitching side you have Greinke winning more than 10 games and a future star in Harvey and the rest is pretty forgettable. Long year for sure in the North East US of A.
#15---Olivet Killer Eagles
Strengths--K's
Weaknesses--Avg/BB/RBI/R/SB/ERA/Saves
Olivet sold out last year to try and win it all and came up just a bit short. Starting with a pretty blank canvas Larry did a decent job of beginning the rebuilding process. Picking up Lawrie and Young will help beyond 2013 and some potential good contracts like Perez will help the process along. It seems like his trades had a focus on the future but some of his picks didn't. I really don't like the Uggla pick but does give power at 2B and everyone seems to lust after that in this league. Can Reddick repeat? Rumor has it LaRoche has contacted former manager Renner and begged him to trade for him so he could return to a winning team and Chris Young has not cleared out his locker in South Texas. He still can't believe where he is going to have to play this year. The starting pitching is thin at best with Gallardo the only starter who will break 10 wins and he may trot out 6 or 7 of them each week to try and capture wins and K's. Holds are OK but saves are non existent. I'm sure that was by design. 5 potential 20+ HR guys and 3 10+ steal guys leaves you with little hope for 2013 but brighter days are ahead for this team.
#16---Atlantic Surge
Strengths--Holds
Weaknesses--Avg/BB/HR/RBI/R/ERA/Saves/WHIP/Wins
This team without a doubt is at the bottom but has no place to go but up. It just won't be this year. First round picks of Jackson and Middlebrooks I was not a fan of but will get contracted for sure. Second round picks of Harvey and Hunter were also question marks for me. At least this early on. This team will be OK in Holds simply because they don't have any solid Saves guys. Cishek is the only option to close but it's on a bad Miami team and who knows how that will play out. The best news is Atlantic will still have their 5 year contract open for 2014 and they can fill it with a real impact player, assuming they don't trade the pick away. Votto, Longoria, Strasburg or Pujols could really help this team in the future. I see potentially only three 20+ HR guys and nobody near 100 ribeyes and only possibly 3 guys who may steal 10+ bags. Dyson may be nice trade bait for someone looking for cheap steals late in the year but even he won't crack this lineup most weeks. On the pitching side you have Greinke winning more than 10 games and a future star in Harvey and the rest is pretty forgettable. Long year for sure in the North East US of A.
#15---Olivet Killer Eagles
Strengths--K's
Weaknesses--Avg/BB/RBI/R/SB/ERA/Saves
Olivet sold out last year to try and win it all and came up just a bit short. Starting with a pretty blank canvas Larry did a decent job of beginning the rebuilding process. Picking up Lawrie and Young will help beyond 2013 and some potential good contracts like Perez will help the process along. It seems like his trades had a focus on the future but some of his picks didn't. I really don't like the Uggla pick but does give power at 2B and everyone seems to lust after that in this league. Can Reddick repeat? Rumor has it LaRoche has contacted former manager Renner and begged him to trade for him so he could return to a winning team and Chris Young has not cleared out his locker in South Texas. He still can't believe where he is going to have to play this year. The starting pitching is thin at best with Gallardo the only starter who will break 10 wins and he may trot out 6 or 7 of them each week to try and capture wins and K's. Holds are OK but saves are non existent. I'm sure that was by design. 5 potential 20+ HR guys and 3 10+ steal guys leaves you with little hope for 2013 but brighter days are ahead for this team.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A LOOK BACK
Before I roll out my preseason predictions for 2013, let's take a look back on my success rate from 2012
Power Rankings
16. Charlotte...ended up...16...good start
15. Mid-Michigan...ended up...10...not bad
14. Flying Squirrels...ended up...3...way off...great job squirrels
13. San Antonio...ended up...13...ding ding ding
12. Atlantic...ended up...8...not bad
11. North Texas...ended up...14...still ok so far, 5 out of 6 pretty good.
10. Dallas...ended up...11...I'm still chugging along.
9. Julian...ended up...15...must have been the sell off.
8. Gaylord...ended up...7...call me Karnac.
7. Oviedo...ended up...4...nine match ups with division opponents sure helped here.
6. Olivet...ended up...2...congrats again Larry.
5. Hackensack...ended up...5...damn I'm good. No injuries he would have been better.
4. Arizona...ended up...9...had a tough time in the West last year.
3. Michigan...ended up...#1 BABY...Hail to the Victors!!!
2. Rochester...ended up...12...this team fell apart but allowed us to welcome in Brent.
1. South Texas...ended up...6...never seems to live up to expectations.
With the exception of Squirrels and Arizona and the abortion called Rochester (who nobody picked to implode) I think I did pretty good for an old man. Don't mess with the man with the AARP card. Be good to see if this year I do as well.
Power Rankings
16. Charlotte...ended up...16...good start
15. Mid-Michigan...ended up...10...not bad
14. Flying Squirrels...ended up...3...way off...great job squirrels
13. San Antonio...ended up...13...ding ding ding
12. Atlantic...ended up...8...not bad
11. North Texas...ended up...14...still ok so far, 5 out of 6 pretty good.
10. Dallas...ended up...11...I'm still chugging along.
9. Julian...ended up...15...must have been the sell off.
8. Gaylord...ended up...7...call me Karnac.
7. Oviedo...ended up...4...nine match ups with division opponents sure helped here.
6. Olivet...ended up...2...congrats again Larry.
5. Hackensack...ended up...5...damn I'm good. No injuries he would have been better.
4. Arizona...ended up...9...had a tough time in the West last year.
3. Michigan...ended up...#1 BABY...Hail to the Victors!!!
2. Rochester...ended up...12...this team fell apart but allowed us to welcome in Brent.
1. South Texas...ended up...6...never seems to live up to expectations.
With the exception of Squirrels and Arizona and the abortion called Rochester (who nobody picked to implode) I think I did pretty good for an old man. Don't mess with the man with the AARP card. Be good to see if this year I do as well.
Division Preview 4
Did I save the best for last? Do you really have to ask. Without a doubt the Texas Division, top to bottom, will be the strongest division in 2013 eMLB. Any of the four teams here would challenge for the division title in all but probably the West division this year. In reality any of the four teams could win the division and any of the four teams could end up in last place. But even in last place the worst that will happen is a Consolation Playoff slot. Last but certainly not least...
1...Michigan Miracles--To be the man you have to beat the man. The defending champion Miracles deserve this spot, preseason anyway and it isn't a stretch to see them end up here at the end of the season. Another balanced offense and solid pitching was the Miracle Cure last year and we'll see if it works again in 2013. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Hackensack Bulls--Injuries killed Ben last year but the Miracles had their share and overcame them. Things have already started sketchy for the Bulls but I think they will pull it together and slide into the playoffs along with the Miracles. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
3...South Texas Heat--every year the story begins the same for our beloved commissioner Steve. I always begins....will this finally be the year? Some would say that he continues to build the same kind of team that continually falls short each year. Some would say he is too inflexible when it comes to trading. At some point we are going to have to say Congratulations. Is this the year? Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
4...San Antonio Fire Ants--Can Keith climb the ladder to the top of the division? It is very possible. A very good draft and solid returning vets make the present and future much brighter than it has been in recent history in SA. More that any other division the difference from top to bottom will be injuries and week to week work. Of all the predictions this division was the most difficult. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
Tomorrow begins my Power Rankings beginning with 15/16. Good luck this year to all and stay tuned.
1...Michigan Miracles--To be the man you have to beat the man. The defending champion Miracles deserve this spot, preseason anyway and it isn't a stretch to see them end up here at the end of the season. Another balanced offense and solid pitching was the Miracle Cure last year and we'll see if it works again in 2013. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Hackensack Bulls--Injuries killed Ben last year but the Miracles had their share and overcame them. Things have already started sketchy for the Bulls but I think they will pull it together and slide into the playoffs along with the Miracles. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
3...South Texas Heat--every year the story begins the same for our beloved commissioner Steve. I always begins....will this finally be the year? Some would say that he continues to build the same kind of team that continually falls short each year. Some would say he is too inflexible when it comes to trading. At some point we are going to have to say Congratulations. Is this the year? Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
4...San Antonio Fire Ants--Can Keith climb the ladder to the top of the division? It is very possible. A very good draft and solid returning vets make the present and future much brighter than it has been in recent history in SA. More that any other division the difference from top to bottom will be injuries and week to week work. Of all the predictions this division was the most difficult. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
Tomorrow begins my Power Rankings beginning with 15/16. Good luck this year to all and stay tuned.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Division Preview 3
This preview takes a brief glance at the West Division. I believe while it may not be the most balanced team in the league it does have three of the strongest teams, at least pre-season. Heading up that list is...
1...North Texas--Adrian has assembled a tremendous team this season and it will be his best chance to win it all in a long time. Outstanding offense all around and above average pitching. If he makes whatever moves he needs at the deadline this may be a championship team in 2013. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Flying Squirrels--The matchup of the week every time he plays North Texas. The Squirrels are very very good as well. Adam is in it to win it, for sure this year. Great offense and great pitching equal a great year in Springfield. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
3...Julian Javelina--A step below the top two teams is the Javelina. Jamie is saying to himself, "if only I was in the GLD". But he isn't and third place is where he will end up. solid O and pretty good pitching. A great top three in this division for sure. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
4...Arizona--Josh drafted solid early on and it will be interesting to see his contract selections. This will probably be a long year but as history has shown anything can happen and usually does. Prediction--Lottery
1...North Texas--Adrian has assembled a tremendous team this season and it will be his best chance to win it all in a long time. Outstanding offense all around and above average pitching. If he makes whatever moves he needs at the deadline this may be a championship team in 2013. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Flying Squirrels--The matchup of the week every time he plays North Texas. The Squirrels are very very good as well. Adam is in it to win it, for sure this year. Great offense and great pitching equal a great year in Springfield. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
3...Julian Javelina--A step below the top two teams is the Javelina. Jamie is saying to himself, "if only I was in the GLD". But he isn't and third place is where he will end up. solid O and pretty good pitching. A great top three in this division for sure. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
4...Arizona--Josh drafted solid early on and it will be interesting to see his contract selections. This will probably be a long year but as history has shown anything can happen and usually does. Prediction--Lottery
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Division Preview 2
This installment we take a brief look at the Great Lakes Division. My expectation is this will be in the bag for Mike's Dinger squad by the All-Star break. Expect trade offers from Chris starting about that time as he looks forward to 2014. Taking out Gaylord and we have 3 of the 6 lowest ranking teams on my list. Here we go...
1...Gaylord--the gap between first and second place in this division will be greater than the gap between first and last place in the Texas Division. That's how balanced the Texas Division and how bad the rest of Gaylords division is. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Mid-Michigan--Keith has some decent parts here. Having him in second place was a bit of a stretch considering how active he is during the season but the other two teams at least this year are just not real good. I'd like to see the team if Keith was really able to put his heart and soul into it. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
3...Charlotte--on the plus side Chris does have Cabrera. The question becomes how long will he have him? Lots of decent parts but overall nothing to get too excited about. Prediction--Lottery
4...Olivet--selling out to try and win last year left the cupboards bare for Larry. Has done a nice job of starting over but this will be a long seaon in Olivet. Prediction--Lottery
1...Gaylord--the gap between first and second place in this division will be greater than the gap between first and last place in the Texas Division. That's how balanced the Texas Division and how bad the rest of Gaylords division is. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Mid-Michigan--Keith has some decent parts here. Having him in second place was a bit of a stretch considering how active he is during the season but the other two teams at least this year are just not real good. I'd like to see the team if Keith was really able to put his heart and soul into it. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
3...Charlotte--on the plus side Chris does have Cabrera. The question becomes how long will he have him? Lots of decent parts but overall nothing to get too excited about. Prediction--Lottery
4...Olivet--selling out to try and win last year left the cupboards bare for Larry. Has done a nice job of starting over but this will be a long seaon in Olivet. Prediction--Lottery
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Division Preview 1
My division previews will be very simple. Extended previews of each team will follow the division previews. First up...EAST Division.
1...Dallas Redbirds--this division is Steve's to lose. If this is the year he makes the moves at the deadline he should walk away with this division. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Toledo Mud Hens--already the new owner has taken the heat and is still standing...shrugging off initial difficulties will allow him to focus on his team which isn't bad. A strong returning core and some good draft picks will allow Brent to finish in second place if he learns from the past and makes shrewd pickups during the season. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
3...Oviedo Knights--never lacking in confidence Mike believe this will be yet another championship team at the end of the year. I fail to see it although at my advanced age my vision is going. What helps him is he is in by far the weakest division and he will constantly be on the lookout for pickups and trade possibilities. Regardless he will fall short of Dallas. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
4...Atlantic Surge--Matt had an uphill battle with his draft and had to be looking toward 2014. With good contract selection and solid extensions 2014 could look bright considering... Prediction--Lottery
1...Dallas Redbirds--this division is Steve's to lose. If this is the year he makes the moves at the deadline he should walk away with this division. Prediction--Championship Playoffs
2...Toledo Mud Hens--already the new owner has taken the heat and is still standing...shrugging off initial difficulties will allow him to focus on his team which isn't bad. A strong returning core and some good draft picks will allow Brent to finish in second place if he learns from the past and makes shrewd pickups during the season. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
3...Oviedo Knights--never lacking in confidence Mike believe this will be yet another championship team at the end of the year. I fail to see it although at my advanced age my vision is going. What helps him is he is in by far the weakest division and he will constantly be on the lookout for pickups and trade possibilities. Regardless he will fall short of Dallas. Prediction--Consolation Playoffs
4...Atlantic Surge--Matt had an uphill battle with his draft and had to be looking toward 2014. With good contract selection and solid extensions 2014 could look bright considering... Prediction--Lottery
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