Spring Training is time to get the rust off the Vets and give some ML experience for the minor league players that have a ML future. This is some of the do's and don'ts.
Starting Pitchers, set their TPC and MPC so they pitch no more than 3 or 4 innings max. You really want their IP total some where near 10. The same can be said for the pen, but here you want about 8 IPs'. Also you don't want your starters pitching in the last two Spring Training games if you can help it, especially opening day and day 2 starters. When Spring Training ends there are no off days where pitchers can rest before the start of the season, even for the minors.
Starting Positions, play them about 25 AB's, catchers about 20 AB's or 4 to 5 starts.
The reason, if you over extend them in Spring Training, you risk injury and becoming fatigued more easily in regular season games. Other than getting the rust off and getting experience, Spring Training actually has little bearing on how a player will actually perform during the regular season. I have seen players that hit .350 in Spring Training and barely hit .250 in the regular season.
For those that don't know, fatigue is not based on AB's but PA's. A PA report can be gotten through the Player's Statistics using the extended function. This formula: (730 * .Durability = approximate PA's during the season) It is pretty close to accurate. Normally about mid season is when players may go into fatigue status if they do not have any regular game days off. BTW, Spring Training Games count. Normally those with a durability with 85 and above are not that prone to go into fatigue status unless they hit in slot 1 thru 5, because these lineup slots receive the most PA's. Those with durability below 80 is the ones that you must worry about the most and need the most game days off.
For those that need help setting a lineup, I have found this the most convenient way of doing it.
Slot 1 - Your best OBP guy that is not a power hitter. Speed is a plus but not necessary.
Slot 2 - I put in the guy on the roster that has the best walk to strike out ratio that is not a true power hitter.
Slot 3 - Can vary a little, you can either put in your best AVG hitter (second best if you used him for slot 1) or your best power hitter.
Slot 4, 5, 6 or (3 thru 6) - Needs to have your best power hitters.
Slot 7, 8, (9) - The remaining. I would suggest Contact over Eye then adjust after the first 20 games for best fit.
The object is to get runners on so the power hitters get them home with the long ball otherwise you get a lot of solo shots.
Minor league pitching fatigue happens but we frown on constant dead pitching. The best way to combat it is to have five starters and 4 long relievers that could be starters and maybe 1 inactive. It doesn't matter how good they are as long as they can chew up innings when needed. Also you can have spare pitchers inactive just in case, I usually carry a couple ugly spares. If you try and run a bunch of short relievers, they will get chewed up quick.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Yo Adrian, I did it! - Balboa Cashes In
By KYLE KEOUGH
CANSECO COURIER
Hector Balboa, formerly of the Philadelphia Athletics, was unsurprisingly the prized free agent catch of this off-season. The 30-year-old third baseman agreed to terms yesterday, ending speculation as to where he would finally end up.
The lucky recipient? The Arizona Destroyers.
This season saw what will soon become an alarming trend come to fruition: players are opting to test free agency rather than sign extensions at a much higher rate than previously experienced. Seasons ago, a player of Balboa's caliber might never have made it to the open market.
Now, however, he's raked in the dough as the Destroyers' newest addition. With the franchise's first division title and 96 wins in its immediate rear-view mirror, new owner bpang kept spirits high and proved he was committed to continued success all in one fell swoop.
Balboa, 30, is listed as a second baseman, but could very easily play Gold Glove-caliber third base, adequate center field, and occasionally fill in at shortstop. The Destroyers entered the off-season looking for a little offensive help, and they'll more than receive it in Balboa.
The pricetag, naturally, will be high. Balboa's 5-year deal is worth an estimated $87.5 million; that's just short of the Courier's prediction of 5 years and $90 million, but still an astronomical sum. Still, the three-time All-Star has proven to be one of the top players in baseball over the course of his career.
CANSECO COURIER
Hector Balboa, formerly of the Philadelphia Athletics, was unsurprisingly the prized free agent catch of this off-season. The 30-year-old third baseman agreed to terms yesterday, ending speculation as to where he would finally end up.
The lucky recipient? The Arizona Destroyers.
This season saw what will soon become an alarming trend come to fruition: players are opting to test free agency rather than sign extensions at a much higher rate than previously experienced. Seasons ago, a player of Balboa's caliber might never have made it to the open market.
Now, however, he's raked in the dough as the Destroyers' newest addition. With the franchise's first division title and 96 wins in its immediate rear-view mirror, new owner bpang kept spirits high and proved he was committed to continued success all in one fell swoop.
Balboa, 30, is listed as a second baseman, but could very easily play Gold Glove-caliber third base, adequate center field, and occasionally fill in at shortstop. The Destroyers entered the off-season looking for a little offensive help, and they'll more than receive it in Balboa.
The pricetag, naturally, will be high. Balboa's 5-year deal is worth an estimated $87.5 million; that's just short of the Courier's prediction of 5 years and $90 million, but still an astronomical sum. Still, the three-time All-Star has proven to be one of the top players in baseball over the course of his career.
Rule 5
Ever wonder what another owner looks for in the the Rule 5 setting? This is my personal scouting report on the best players by position.
C - After looking over the top 4 catchers, they are really posers. I would consider Jim Higgins as a backup and maybe even a starter. May not hit well but he will give the pitchers the best chance of success with his pitch calling and defense. There are a couple others listed way down the list I would consider just as good if you need a quality defensive backup.
1B - Eddie Reese is rated by my scouts as the best, but I wouldn't even consider drafting him due to fact he is not ready for the ML.
Michael Tamura his hitting and fielding could grow into the position, he is not really ready for ML action and I wouldn't consider drafting him due to his health.
Ryan Moreno is actually the best of the three in my books, he is not ready for the NL either and I wouldn't consider him with his low makeup.
2B - Junior Mendoza probably comes on most boards as the best but I would only consider him for COF. My board is littered with wannabes but none can play the position well enough to be considered, and most would be hard pressed for an OF position.
3B - I didn't even find one at the listed position that deserved the time of day.
SS - There are several available that would make great IF/OF utility bench players but none of them will wow anybody at the plate. Since there are so many I am not going to list them and they are all about the same.
LF - If your looking for a power hitter, even a stop gap moldy one, forget it. I didn't even find a player I would consider drafting even for 1B.
CF - There isn't a player I would even consider a bench player at any position let alone play the position.
RF - Theo Darwin is the first one that comes up on the list. He is intriguing due to the fact that he could be a walk machine.
Weldon Reynolds could be an interesting choice with his power.
P - Danys Bournigal is probably the only player in Rule 5 that should have been protected. He is ML ready though I would be hard pressed to use him as a closer with his lack of durability. He can give you up to 70 innings a season easy in a setup role but not every day.
Coco Sweeney would make a good long reliever as I don't think he is quite ready as a starter. He could be good in the future on the right team.
Marty Cameron would be an interesting pick but is not ready for the ML at this time.
Kiki Carrara interests me because he is ready but suffers from the lack of durability.
Junior Torres would be a good choice as a long reliever and emergency starter.
There are several pitchers that could are good enough to be used as stop gap measures that could surprise everyone but no one I would consider consistent.
C - After looking over the top 4 catchers, they are really posers. I would consider Jim Higgins as a backup and maybe even a starter. May not hit well but he will give the pitchers the best chance of success with his pitch calling and defense. There are a couple others listed way down the list I would consider just as good if you need a quality defensive backup.
1B - Eddie Reese is rated by my scouts as the best, but I wouldn't even consider drafting him due to fact he is not ready for the ML.
Michael Tamura his hitting and fielding could grow into the position, he is not really ready for ML action and I wouldn't consider drafting him due to his health.
Ryan Moreno is actually the best of the three in my books, he is not ready for the NL either and I wouldn't consider him with his low makeup.
2B - Junior Mendoza probably comes on most boards as the best but I would only consider him for COF. My board is littered with wannabes but none can play the position well enough to be considered, and most would be hard pressed for an OF position.
3B - I didn't even find one at the listed position that deserved the time of day.
SS - There are several available that would make great IF/OF utility bench players but none of them will wow anybody at the plate. Since there are so many I am not going to list them and they are all about the same.
LF - If your looking for a power hitter, even a stop gap moldy one, forget it. I didn't even find a player I would consider drafting even for 1B.
CF - There isn't a player I would even consider a bench player at any position let alone play the position.
RF - Theo Darwin is the first one that comes up on the list. He is intriguing due to the fact that he could be a walk machine.
Weldon Reynolds could be an interesting choice with his power.
P - Danys Bournigal is probably the only player in Rule 5 that should have been protected. He is ML ready though I would be hard pressed to use him as a closer with his lack of durability. He can give you up to 70 innings a season easy in a setup role but not every day.
Coco Sweeney would make a good long reliever as I don't think he is quite ready as a starter. He could be good in the future on the right team.
Marty Cameron would be an interesting pick but is not ready for the ML at this time.
Kiki Carrara interests me because he is ready but suffers from the lack of durability.
Junior Torres would be a good choice as a long reliever and emergency starter.
There are several pitchers that could are good enough to be used as stop gap measures that could surprise everyone but no one I would consider consistent.
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Royal Rumble
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Originally the franchise was founded in Cincinnati and called the Coneys. Current management purchased the team in season 2 and moved them to New Britain and named them the Naughty Kitties, a common moniker there. In New Britain the team had little success in its first two seasons but took the division crown in season 4 and a wild card berth in season 5 with a matching 90-72 record, the fans were ecstatic. Both times they were ousted in the first round by some very close games. After a dispute with the New Britain Stadium group, management was forced from their comfy confines and found a suitor in Rochester and the newly renovated Frontier Park. The players on the team actually came up with the new nickname of Royal Rumble after the bitter dispute in New Britain.
Team song: Royal Rumble...what else.
Team Mascot: The Hulkster..who else.
Management, of course, expects nothing less than a World Series title in season 6, getting there will be very tough as 162 plus games and at least 19 teams stand in our way. The players are loose and ready to play and want nothing less than that title. The new fans are excited as all home dates have been sold out already.
Coaches - All ML coaches were either rehired or were hired from within the organization.
The team roster stands as follows before the Rule 5 Draft:
C - Charles Nakano returns for his sixth season as primary backstop. Pedro Valentin was called up mid season last year when things went badly for Furio O'Brien who retired in the off season.
1B - Ed Wood who was newly acquired a few minutes ago will take over the duties from Vic Seneca.
2B - Rafael Perez will get the start again after his Gold Glove performance last year.
3B - Orval Varitek and his gold Glove will assume the duties for another year.
SS - Esteban Izturis happily returns after last minute FA negotiations that broke down early in the off season.
LF - Aubrey Speaker returns for another season.
CF - Al Mendoza who was called up mid season last year in an emergency situation wowed teammates and coaches alike. He provides comic relief when the team is in need.
RF - Vic Seneca was the 1B most for most of last year, but was called upon late in the season to take over the RF duties and performed admirably. With the recent release of Clint Mercedes and the signing of Ed Wood, the move was made permanent for this season.
Bench at the moment consists of Alex Flores, Trent Flores (no relation as far as we know), Junior Alicea
SP - Oscar Chang (season 4 Cy Young winner) an Mario Swift will be the number 1 and 2 starters for season 6, however the other three positions will have to be earned this season.
Joining the SP fight will be: Clarence Branson, Roger Allen, Christopher Krause, Alton Francis, Benji Lopez, Stuart Carver and Ira Richard.
Long Relief and Setup: Darrin Dipoto, Karim Parra, Carlos Gonzalez, and Julio Torres
Departures for last season: RP - Andy Walsh, RF - Napoleon Bowles, RF - Clem Davis who signed with the Burlington Mean Green, C - Furio O'Brien who retired, Geraldo Moreno who was released, and RF - Clint Mercedes who was recently released as a last minute option.
It is doubtful the Royal Rumble will participate in the Rule 5 draft. Drafting 21st and from the looks of things at the moment a possible 17th pick, makes it look bleak. Although we will be checking things out from top to bottom. What we look for in the Rule 5 draft is players that are better than the current roster and that is hard to come by.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Santa Fe Fireworks
The Santa Fe Fireworks, formerly known as the El Paso Libere El Taco Rosado, have historically been a good franchise that has fallen on hard times only recently. In season one, El Taco Rosado finished with a 106-win mark and advanced to the World Series. Since then, however, the Fireworks have yet to win a second division title; seasons two and three were marked by two wildcard appearances and subsequent early exits from the playoffs, and the Fireworks have not been back in the playoffs since.
Captained by owner fumanchu for the first four seasons, the team was bought by Keosawa in season five and suffered through its worst season to date, a 73-89 mark. Located in WhatifSports field, Santa Fe's stadium boasts limited seating but guaranteed fireworks, hence the moniker. However, a high-octane offense has yet to have a positive effect on the team's win total.
The Fireworks are led by veteran third baseman Harry Torres, power-hitting second baseman Kyle Briggs, and up-and-coming starter Matty Tracy.
Team Awards
AL South Champions (season one)
ALCS Champions (season one)
Team Hall of Fame
Is this something that players are interested in doing?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Free Agent Flurry: Coomer, Chavez, and Hardy Inked
By KYLE KEOUGH
CANSECO COURIER
A mad dash for free agent pickups resulted in three of the off-season's biggest names signing long-term contracts today, as the free agency season capped off with a bang.
Shawn Coomer was perhaps the biggest winner of the early year, with a 5-year deal worth an estimated $46 million. 4 years and $36 million of said deal is guaranteed for the 30-year-old 3B, who will now look to improve the lineup of the Washington D.C. Generals.
Coomer was perhaps the best pure power hitter available this off-season: in five seasons, he has hammered 238 career HRs to go along with 623 lifetime RBIs.
The Scottsdale Snipers inked 33-year-old Vladimir Chavez to the surprisingly reasonable tune of 4 years and $35.2 million. Chavez is coming off a lengthy deal that paid him $94 million.
Chavez, known as one of the best pure hitters in the game, is a lifetime .340 hitter.
Wil Hardy, 30, become the third of a trifecta of big-name hitters to sign today, as he found an interested party in the Detroit Badasses. Hardy was signed to a 5-year deal worth an estimated $35.4 million.
Hardy was one of the few legitimate centerfielders on the market this season, and despite recent on-field struggles, has the talent to be a key contributor for the Badasses this season.
All three signings seem to suggest that owners in Canseco will take a spendthrifty approach to free agency; all three signings were below predictions made at the Courier.
CANSECO COURIER
A mad dash for free agent pickups resulted in three of the off-season's biggest names signing long-term contracts today, as the free agency season capped off with a bang.
Shawn Coomer was perhaps the biggest winner of the early year, with a 5-year deal worth an estimated $46 million. 4 years and $36 million of said deal is guaranteed for the 30-year-old 3B, who will now look to improve the lineup of the Washington D.C. Generals.
Coomer was perhaps the best pure power hitter available this off-season: in five seasons, he has hammered 238 career HRs to go along with 623 lifetime RBIs.
The Scottsdale Snipers inked 33-year-old Vladimir Chavez to the surprisingly reasonable tune of 4 years and $35.2 million. Chavez is coming off a lengthy deal that paid him $94 million.
Chavez, known as one of the best pure hitters in the game, is a lifetime .340 hitter.
Wil Hardy, 30, become the third of a trifecta of big-name hitters to sign today, as he found an interested party in the Detroit Badasses. Hardy was signed to a 5-year deal worth an estimated $35.4 million.
Hardy was one of the few legitimate centerfielders on the market this season, and despite recent on-field struggles, has the talent to be a key contributor for the Badasses this season.
All three signings seem to suggest that owners in Canseco will take a spendthrifty approach to free agency; all three signings were below predictions made at the Courier.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hitters Look to Dominate Free Agent Spending
By KYLE KEOUGH
CANSECO COURIER
Despite hard fiscal times, there's no money shortage inside Canseco. These players hope to prove that brand of rhetoric correct by "making bank," as they say, this offseason.
I've ranked some of the big-name free agents based on how much money I think they might receive. Remember, this isn't about what they deserve, but rather, what they'll get paid. Those two concepts, my friends, are not always exclusive to one another:
Hector Balboa, 30, 3B: The stars are all aligned for Balboa to be perhaps the most expensive free agent of season six. He's in his prime (30), a very strong defensive player for his position (3B), the victim of only two DL stints in five seasons, capable of logging over 140 games a season, and an excellent hitter. The three-time All-Star will more than likely force some poor soul to guarantee five years. It's possible he'll earn a max contract, depending on the market, but there's too much good offensive talent elsewhere in free agency for that to be anywhere near a sure-thing.
Prediction: 5 Years, $90 Million
Vladimir Chavez, 33, RF: Pontifications about Chavez' value are more than likely all over the place: some might believe the 33-year-old could attain a contract rivaling his massive original deal struck with the Pie Lovers in season one, while others would be hard-pressed into believing Chavez could warrant anything more than two years at the going rate for players of his age. I'd like to believe Chavez will end up somewhere in between, with a three-year contract with a high annual salary. An absurdly talented player, Chavez will command close to a max deal, but likely won't see as long a contract as others.
Prediction: 3 Years, $55 Million
Wil Hardy, 30, CF: The 30-year-old Hardy could potentially draw a lot of interest this off-season, given that he's a good player at a premium position with speed. However, he's also struggled his way through two consecutive anemic seasons, and he has never proven to be anything more than a pretty good hitter. Teams looking for a potential leadoff CF might consider breaking the proverbial piggy bank for Hardy's services. Others might be scared away by a batting average from last season that fluttered around .250.
Prediction: 5 Years, $50 Million
Shawn Coomer, 30, 3B: Coomer's weaknesses--a mediocre glove and a tendency to strike out--are greatly outweighed by his strengths, which include a strong pedigree at Tampa Bay, in which he hit over 40 HRs and 120 RBIs in each of his first five seasons, as well as power that is almost exceedingly rare at his position. Some teams will scoff at a mega-deal for a player whose durability has started to regress at the age of 30, while others will rejoice in attaining a middle-of-the-lineup corner infielder. Chances are, Coomer will wrangle four years out of some team, and $12 million per season is not out of the question.
Prediction: 4 Years, $48 Million
Enrique Batista, 36, RP: Considering Rob Parker's humongous signing last season, this year's premiere closer free agent, Batista, is in a favorable position. Working against him is his age and health concerns, though Batista to this point has aged remarkably gracefully. A three-time Fireman of the Year winner, he won't receive Rob Parker money, but chances are, someone will overpay for his services. A deal in which Batista wrangles 3 years and $48 million out of some poor sap is a very real possibility, which would put Batista just a few million behind Parker in terms of per-year pay rate ($16 million a season).
Prediction: 3 Years, $48 Million
Justin Campbell, 30, LF: Campbell, a very talented doubles hitter and basestealer with a little pop to his bat to boot, is one of the better contact hitters in Canseco. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glover, Campbell unfortunately doesn't play a sexy position, nor does he have a sexy playing-style, either. There are some minor questions about how his speed and durability hold up as he enters the wrong side of 30. Still, it's likely he'll warrant a four-year deal worth $10 million a season.
Prediction: 4 Years, $40 Million
Walter Young, 35, CF: Young's days at CF are likely behind him now, and his decline has been precipitous over the last several seasons. Yet he is still an intriguing player because he is still dangerous at the plate and can possibly make the transition to second base. It's very possible that he'll be waiting on the sidelines for a while, just like fellow 35-year-old Bonk Lemaster. two years will likely be in the cards for Young, but his better defensive play will help him outearn Lemaster.
Prediction: 2 Years, $22 Million
Bonk Lemaster, 35, LF: Lemaster, in his mid-30s, is now an antique by baseball's standards; with that said, he's still a valuable antique, and the appraisal for him's likely going to be rather high. Odds are, Lemaster will sign for a shorter deal, possibly for two years. Type A compensation concerns might keep him from signing with the right team for a while, though eventually he'll find a home. There will likely not be a great deal of competition for his services, but for a player with a lifetime .318 batting average, $10 million over two seasons is not out of the question.
Prediction: 2 Years, $20 Million
There are others who could very well make a fair sum this off-season. Lon Barber's value has diminished because there are a number of quality LFs already on the market, though he remains a quality batter nevertheless. Jack Skinner, 24, is the rare free agent with youth and major league potential, which could create a stir; the same goes for Al Martin, 25. And finally, there are a bevy of reliable relievers who could, if the market so demands, be receiving pay raises very soon.
CANSECO COURIER
Despite hard fiscal times, there's no money shortage inside Canseco. These players hope to prove that brand of rhetoric correct by "making bank," as they say, this offseason.
I've ranked some of the big-name free agents based on how much money I think they might receive. Remember, this isn't about what they deserve, but rather, what they'll get paid. Those two concepts, my friends, are not always exclusive to one another:
Hector Balboa, 30, 3B: The stars are all aligned for Balboa to be perhaps the most expensive free agent of season six. He's in his prime (30), a very strong defensive player for his position (3B), the victim of only two DL stints in five seasons, capable of logging over 140 games a season, and an excellent hitter. The three-time All-Star will more than likely force some poor soul to guarantee five years. It's possible he'll earn a max contract, depending on the market, but there's too much good offensive talent elsewhere in free agency for that to be anywhere near a sure-thing.
Prediction: 5 Years, $90 Million
Vladimir Chavez, 33, RF: Pontifications about Chavez' value are more than likely all over the place: some might believe the 33-year-old could attain a contract rivaling his massive original deal struck with the Pie Lovers in season one, while others would be hard-pressed into believing Chavez could warrant anything more than two years at the going rate for players of his age. I'd like to believe Chavez will end up somewhere in between, with a three-year contract with a high annual salary. An absurdly talented player, Chavez will command close to a max deal, but likely won't see as long a contract as others.
Prediction: 3 Years, $55 Million
Wil Hardy, 30, CF: The 30-year-old Hardy could potentially draw a lot of interest this off-season, given that he's a good player at a premium position with speed. However, he's also struggled his way through two consecutive anemic seasons, and he has never proven to be anything more than a pretty good hitter. Teams looking for a potential leadoff CF might consider breaking the proverbial piggy bank for Hardy's services. Others might be scared away by a batting average from last season that fluttered around .250.
Prediction: 5 Years, $50 Million
Shawn Coomer, 30, 3B: Coomer's weaknesses--a mediocre glove and a tendency to strike out--are greatly outweighed by his strengths, which include a strong pedigree at Tampa Bay, in which he hit over 40 HRs and 120 RBIs in each of his first five seasons, as well as power that is almost exceedingly rare at his position. Some teams will scoff at a mega-deal for a player whose durability has started to regress at the age of 30, while others will rejoice in attaining a middle-of-the-lineup corner infielder. Chances are, Coomer will wrangle four years out of some team, and $12 million per season is not out of the question.
Prediction: 4 Years, $48 Million
Enrique Batista, 36, RP: Considering Rob Parker's humongous signing last season, this year's premiere closer free agent, Batista, is in a favorable position. Working against him is his age and health concerns, though Batista to this point has aged remarkably gracefully. A three-time Fireman of the Year winner, he won't receive Rob Parker money, but chances are, someone will overpay for his services. A deal in which Batista wrangles 3 years and $48 million out of some poor sap is a very real possibility, which would put Batista just a few million behind Parker in terms of per-year pay rate ($16 million a season).
Prediction: 3 Years, $48 Million
Justin Campbell, 30, LF: Campbell, a very talented doubles hitter and basestealer with a little pop to his bat to boot, is one of the better contact hitters in Canseco. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glover, Campbell unfortunately doesn't play a sexy position, nor does he have a sexy playing-style, either. There are some minor questions about how his speed and durability hold up as he enters the wrong side of 30. Still, it's likely he'll warrant a four-year deal worth $10 million a season.
Prediction: 4 Years, $40 Million
Walter Young, 35, CF: Young's days at CF are likely behind him now, and his decline has been precipitous over the last several seasons. Yet he is still an intriguing player because he is still dangerous at the plate and can possibly make the transition to second base. It's very possible that he'll be waiting on the sidelines for a while, just like fellow 35-year-old Bonk Lemaster. two years will likely be in the cards for Young, but his better defensive play will help him outearn Lemaster.
Prediction: 2 Years, $22 Million
Bonk Lemaster, 35, LF: Lemaster, in his mid-30s, is now an antique by baseball's standards; with that said, he's still a valuable antique, and the appraisal for him's likely going to be rather high. Odds are, Lemaster will sign for a shorter deal, possibly for two years. Type A compensation concerns might keep him from signing with the right team for a while, though eventually he'll find a home. There will likely not be a great deal of competition for his services, but for a player with a lifetime .318 batting average, $10 million over two seasons is not out of the question.
Prediction: 2 Years, $20 Million
There are others who could very well make a fair sum this off-season. Lon Barber's value has diminished because there are a number of quality LFs already on the market, though he remains a quality batter nevertheless. Jack Skinner, 24, is the rare free agent with youth and major league potential, which could create a stir; the same goes for Al Martin, 25. And finally, there are a bevy of reliable relievers who could, if the market so demands, be receiving pay raises very soon.
Hey There, Big Spenders: A Who's Who List of Who Has Money to Burn
By KYLE KEOUGH
CANSECO COURIER
With a drought of free-agent pitching talent, season six's off-season free agency class seems poised to offer quite a bit for those high bidders looking for a little "oomph" in their lineup.
A stable arm in their rotation? Not so much.
The list of free agents was finalized at midnight last night, and this year's crop includes several big-name sluggers and a handful of reliable bullpen options.
As teams jockey for position in the mad dash that is the free agency period, let's look at which teams, at present, have the most payroll space, and which teams have the least.
Bear in mind that these figures are being calculated before the arbitration period has been finalized, so payroll numbers could--and almost certainly will--increase for certain clubs:
Scottsdale Snipers: $52.9 Million
Monterrey Sultans: $51.8 Million
Augusta Analbum Covers: $47.2 Million
Burlington Mean Green: $43.8 Million
Pittsburgh Penguins: $39.9 Million
Boise Beagles: $38 Million
Hartford Scrogg-Kings: $30.5 Million
Atlanta Vipers: $29.3 Million
Washington D.C. Generals: $28.7 Million
Houston Hackers: $27.4 Million
Chicago Dark Knights: $26.7 Million
Detroit Badasses: $25.6 Million
Richmond Spiders: $24.2 Million
Philadelphia Athletics: $24 Million
Arizona Destroyers: $23.2 Million
Mexico City Cuachicqueh: $18.5 Million
Cincinnati Reds: $17.8 Million
Helena Mustangs: $16.5
Jacksonville Canes: $13.6 Million
St. Louis st.louis: $13.5 Million
Tampa Bay dingo: $12.9 Million
Santa Fe Fireworks: $12.1 Million
Chicago Fainting Goats: $11.1 Million
Rochester Royal Rumble: $9.5 Million
Salt Lake City Dead Bunnies: $8.1 Million
Louisville Thoroughbreds: $7.2 Million
Anaheim Sluggers: $5.8 Million
New York Roid Rage: $5.5 Million
Dover bushwacking crackercrookers: $5.2 Million
Minnesota Bagwell Bashers: $2.9 Million
Cleveland Pronksters: $2.1 Million
Oakland Stars: $0.6 Million
CANSECO COURIER
With a drought of free-agent pitching talent, season six's off-season free agency class seems poised to offer quite a bit for those high bidders looking for a little "oomph" in their lineup.
A stable arm in their rotation? Not so much.
The list of free agents was finalized at midnight last night, and this year's crop includes several big-name sluggers and a handful of reliable bullpen options.
As teams jockey for position in the mad dash that is the free agency period, let's look at which teams, at present, have the most payroll space, and which teams have the least.
Bear in mind that these figures are being calculated before the arbitration period has been finalized, so payroll numbers could--and almost certainly will--increase for certain clubs:
Scottsdale Snipers: $52.9 Million
Monterrey Sultans: $51.8 Million
Augusta Analbum Covers: $47.2 Million
Burlington Mean Green: $43.8 Million
Pittsburgh Penguins: $39.9 Million
Boise Beagles: $38 Million
Hartford Scrogg-Kings: $30.5 Million
Atlanta Vipers: $29.3 Million
Washington D.C. Generals: $28.7 Million
Houston Hackers: $27.4 Million
Chicago Dark Knights: $26.7 Million
Detroit Badasses: $25.6 Million
Richmond Spiders: $24.2 Million
Philadelphia Athletics: $24 Million
Arizona Destroyers: $23.2 Million
Mexico City Cuachicqueh: $18.5 Million
Cincinnati Reds: $17.8 Million
Helena Mustangs: $16.5
Jacksonville Canes: $13.6 Million
St. Louis st.louis: $13.5 Million
Tampa Bay dingo: $12.9 Million
Santa Fe Fireworks: $12.1 Million
Chicago Fainting Goats: $11.1 Million
Rochester Royal Rumble: $9.5 Million
Salt Lake City Dead Bunnies: $8.1 Million
Louisville Thoroughbreds: $7.2 Million
Anaheim Sluggers: $5.8 Million
New York Roid Rage: $5.5 Million
Dover bushwacking crackercrookers: $5.2 Million
Minnesota Bagwell Bashers: $2.9 Million
Cleveland Pronksters: $2.1 Million
Oakland Stars: $0.6 Million
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Extension Rundown
By KYLE KEOUGH
CANSECO COURIER
With the first day of Canseco now winding down, teams are committing long-term extensions to some players, and letting others walk. Here is a recap of some of the bigger extensions doled out on day one:
16-game winner Rollie Ross has cashed in on a career year with the Philadelphia Athletics: Ross will remain with the A's for 3 years at $15.85 million.
Jerry Fiore (15-9, 3.95 ERA), one of Washington's standout starters last season, will re-up with the Generals. He's slated to be paid $5 million this year, $5.5 million the next, and $6 million in a third season, guaranteeing him a total of $16.5 million over three seasons.
Joe Carlson (11-9, 3.31 ERA) was one of the off-season's biggest earners, netting a 4-year deal worth a reported $24 million from the Louisville Thoroughbreds. Carlson, 27, has pitched over 190 innings in each of his first Major League seasons, totaling a 47-46 lifetime record.
Despite a subpar season, Al Ozuna became one of the highest paid offensive players in this season's offseason re-signing period: Ozuna will make a reported $36.5 million over the next five seasons. The 28-year-old CF was a AAA All-Star but a lifetime .256 hitter in the majors.
100-RBI man Valerio Gutierrez will return to St. Louis for three seasons at an estimated price tag of $18.75 million. Gutierrez, 28, has now averaged over 100 runs, 100 RBIs, and 35 home runs in the previous two seasons. Likewise, Bartolo Chavez (28 HR, 90 RBI) will also be back in St. Louis this season.
Young closer Humberto Arias will be returning to the Salt Lake City Dead Bunnies with a yearly salary that averages out to just over $7 million a season, making him one of the highest paid young closers in the league.
All-Star Phil Ogawa raked in the dough with Cleveland: for 5 years and $29 million, the Pronksters will retain Ogawa's services. Ogawa, 27, is coming off his best season as a professional and his first Major League All-Star birth.
Talented young 2B Luis Sanchez will return to the Helena Mustangs for the relatively low price of $22 million over 4 years. Sanchez, 25, broke out last season with a .303 average and 98 runs batted in.
CANSECO COURIER
With the first day of Canseco now winding down, teams are committing long-term extensions to some players, and letting others walk. Here is a recap of some of the bigger extensions doled out on day one:
16-game winner Rollie Ross has cashed in on a career year with the Philadelphia Athletics: Ross will remain with the A's for 3 years at $15.85 million.
Jerry Fiore (15-9, 3.95 ERA), one of Washington's standout starters last season, will re-up with the Generals. He's slated to be paid $5 million this year, $5.5 million the next, and $6 million in a third season, guaranteeing him a total of $16.5 million over three seasons.
Joe Carlson (11-9, 3.31 ERA) was one of the off-season's biggest earners, netting a 4-year deal worth a reported $24 million from the Louisville Thoroughbreds. Carlson, 27, has pitched over 190 innings in each of his first Major League seasons, totaling a 47-46 lifetime record.
Despite a subpar season, Al Ozuna became one of the highest paid offensive players in this season's offseason re-signing period: Ozuna will make a reported $36.5 million over the next five seasons. The 28-year-old CF was a AAA All-Star but a lifetime .256 hitter in the majors.
100-RBI man Valerio Gutierrez will return to St. Louis for three seasons at an estimated price tag of $18.75 million. Gutierrez, 28, has now averaged over 100 runs, 100 RBIs, and 35 home runs in the previous two seasons. Likewise, Bartolo Chavez (28 HR, 90 RBI) will also be back in St. Louis this season.
Young closer Humberto Arias will be returning to the Salt Lake City Dead Bunnies with a yearly salary that averages out to just over $7 million a season, making him one of the highest paid young closers in the league.
All-Star Phil Ogawa raked in the dough with Cleveland: for 5 years and $29 million, the Pronksters will retain Ogawa's services. Ogawa, 27, is coming off his best season as a professional and his first Major League All-Star birth.
Talented young 2B Luis Sanchez will return to the Helena Mustangs for the relatively low price of $22 million over 4 years. Sanchez, 25, broke out last season with a .303 average and 98 runs batted in.
Season Six Commences
By KYLE KEOUGH
CANSECO COURIER
The first day of season six has commenced, with GMs forced into tough decisions regarding which free agents and coaches to re-sign, and which ones to let go.
From newly annointed World Series Champions the New York Roid Rage on down, the objective is the same: to make the correct off-season decisions.
Similarly, the Canseco Courier has also officially opened its doors today, after a trial run in season five that was met with magnanimous (okay, perhaps that's too strong of a word) reception. Here's what's slated for the Courier's off-season program:
1. Coverage of the off-season trade talks. This involves not only coverage of the "big" trades, but also occasional "Rumor Mills" which speculate as to which teams might be interested in dealing such-and-such players or acquiring a certain someone.
2. Detailed coverage of free agency. More news will be available in a few days on this, once rosters start to shake out.
3. Owner interviews with some--or perhaps all--of our new owners.
Best of luck to all teams this off-season, and be sure to keep checking the Courier for news and updates.
CANSECO COURIER
The first day of season six has commenced, with GMs forced into tough decisions regarding which free agents and coaches to re-sign, and which ones to let go.
From newly annointed World Series Champions the New York Roid Rage on down, the objective is the same: to make the correct off-season decisions.
Similarly, the Canseco Courier has also officially opened its doors today, after a trial run in season five that was met with magnanimous (okay, perhaps that's too strong of a word) reception. Here's what's slated for the Courier's off-season program:
1. Coverage of the off-season trade talks. This involves not only coverage of the "big" trades, but also occasional "Rumor Mills" which speculate as to which teams might be interested in dealing such-and-such players or acquiring a certain someone.
2. Detailed coverage of free agency. More news will be available in a few days on this, once rosters start to shake out.
3. Owner interviews with some--or perhaps all--of our new owners.
Best of luck to all teams this off-season, and be sure to keep checking the Courier for news and updates.
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