Gehrig World

Top 10 HOF Candidates

2011-12-18T10:35:00.003-05:00

Season 22: Wrap-up

2011-12-05T14:56:00.001-05:00

If you were a fan of the Fresno Mendozas for the past five seasons, you had to imagine this day would come sooner or later. After four trips to the World Series that fell just short, the Mendozas claimed their first World Series championship by beating the two-time defending champions Charlotte Driskills in five games.

Indeed, there could not have been a better way for the Mendozas to claim their first title. The Driskills were coming off the best regular season to date in Gehrig, having amassed 119 wins. The Driskills were also gunning for their third-straight title after having defeated the Mendozas the past two seasons. It just wasn't to be for the Driskills.

After splitting the first two games of the Series, in which the winning team shut-out the opposition, the Mendozas, lead by World Series MVP Emilio Alberro (9 RBI on 8 of 16 ABs), took off scoring 22 runs in the last three games of the series.

Notes:

The Mendozas reached the World Series after being pushed to five games by the Burlington Tree Huggers in the NLDS, and then seven games by the St. Louis Jalowitzians.

This was the fifth World Series trip in a row for the Mendozas, and third for the Driskills.

For cwiddoes this marks his first Gehrig World Series title and first title in Hardball Dynasty.

The Mendozas also broke a streak of six World Series titles going to the AL.

This is the first title for the NL West, leaving the AL West as the only division without a World Series win.

Congratulations to cwiddoes and the Mendozas management on another wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL
Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL
Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL
Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL
Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL
Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL
Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL
Season 10. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL
Season 11. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL
Season 12. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL
Season 13. Durham Donkeyfish (armst24) - AL
Season 14. Scranton Schrutes (mookie79) - AL
Season 15. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL
Season 16. Durham Donkeyfish (armst24) - AL
Season 17. Rochester North Stars (hypnotoad) - AL
Season 18. Atlanta Swabbies (graybeard) - AL
Season 19. Richmond big tunas (bigtuna5) - AL
Season 20. Charlotte Driskills (infamy) - AL
Season 21. Charlotte Driskills (infamy) - AL
Season 22. Fresno Mendozas (cwiddoes) - NL

Breakdown:
AL - 14 World Series
NL- 8 World Series

Season 21 Wrap-Up

2011-09-04T15:09:00.002-04:00

In a World Series featuring a re-match from Season 20, and again featuring the top teams from the AL and the NL respectively, the Charlotte Driskills came back from being down two games to three to beat the Fresno Mendozas in another wild seven-game series.

Few would have predicted another season coming down to a game seven for both the Driskills and the Mendozas, but these two teams sure make for an entertaining match-up. The Mendozas got to the World Series following a regular season campaign that saw them win 107 games, and easily advanced to the World Series after only dropping one game in both the NLDS and the NLCS. The Driskills, on the other hand, dropped one game in the ALDS, but were pushed to a game 7 in the ALCS by the Fargo Wood Chippers.

The Driskills, with their back against the wall, and needing to win both games six and seven at Fresno, got timely pitching and hitting to pull off the comeback. On the top of the seventh inning, with the Driskills holding a tenuous 4-1 lead, Hugh Magnusson ripped a bases-loaded two-out double that put the score at 8-1, and was just too much for Fresno to overcome.

For infamy, one of the Gehrig's original team owners, this marks his second Gehrig World Series title, and is only the 2nd owner (cpkung being the other on seasons 4 and 5) to win back-to-back titles.

This marks the sixth season in a row that the World Series has gone to the AL, who now lead the all time series 14 championships to 7 over the NL.

The only two Divisions that have yet to claim a World Series are the AL and NL West.

Congratulations to infamy and the Driskills management on another wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL
Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL
Season 10. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL
Season 11. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL
Season 12. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL
Season 13. Durham Donkeyfish (armst24) - AL
Season 14. Scranton Schrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 15. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Season 16. Durham Donkeyfish (armst24) - AL

Season 17. Rochester North Stars (hypnotoad) - AL

Season 18. Atlanta Swabbies (graybeard) - AL

Season 19. Richmond big tunas (bigtuna5) - AL

Season 20. Charlotte Driskills (infamy) - AL

Season 21. Charlotte Driskills (infamy) - AL

Breakdown:
AL - 14 World Series
NL- 7 World Series

Draft Picks and Bonuses

2011-07-15T11:47:00.009-04:00

With the Season 21 draft having just transpired, I wanted to look at what the highest bonuses paid for a drafted player. The following is a list of the highest bonuses paid by each franchise to a draft pick.

Not surprisingly, the vast majority of players on the list are first rounders, with nine franchises having awarded their highest bonus to a player outside of the first round. That is, about 28% of the players on the list are not from the first round. One franchise, Syracuse, has two players topping off at $7M and are represented with an "*" next to their bonus.

The highest bonus goes to the ninth overall pick in Season 20, Chuck Allen, at a whopping $12.9M. While you could argue that Allen is worth every penny, that bonus was more than the starting Prospect budget for 16 of the 32 teams that season. In other words, half the teams wouldn't have started with enough Prospect monies to pay Allen the bonus. One other interesting stat, only one first overall pick is on the list, Chip Greenwood.

The lowest drafted player on the list, Jeromy Milton, signed for almost $5M and never saw the majors. However, the biggest bust has to be Detroit handing over $9.7M for Hal Bacsik. Bacsik, drafted in season 6 in the 4th round and 129th overall, never amounted to much.

The most perplexing case goes to Ismael Hernandez. Taken, by then Philadelphia with the 4th overall pick. Hernandez was signed to a $7.5M bonus, but retired the following season after what appears to be a mysterious case of having never been assigned to a minor league squad. What a waste.

100 Win Seasons: Season 20 Update

2011-06-20T15:38:00.005-04:00

Season 21 went to the Charlotte Driskills, giving infamy his 2nd World Series title in a row in Gehrig.

In 21 seasons, 68 teams have 100 wins or more in a season, with 30 from the NL and 38 from the AL. Of these 68 teams, only 11 teams have ended up winning the World Series. This equates to a 52% success rate of winning the championship after recording 100 or more wins.

Click on the image for a larger, and easier to read, image.

2011-06-20T12:24:00.001-04:00

Season 21 AL Preview

AL NORTH
FARGO:
FA signings: Antone Howard (RH setup), Mitchell Langerhans (OF), Fernando Romano ( C), Dee Helms (RH SP/LR), Ben Jackson (RH setup), Hector Almonte (SS)

Bullpen upgrades were needed - hard to believe when a bullpen has Luis James, but it’s true - and addressed in the offseason with new righthanded relievers. Jackson could close for many teams, while Howard is older but still valuable. Helms can contribute as a starter or in the pen. Langerhans will add power from either the outfield or third base while Almonte brings a Gold Glove to the shortstop position. Romano’s durability might be an issue but is talented.

Trade Acquisitions: Kevin Weathers (RH setup), Jay Throneberry (SP),
Weathers is yet another solid addition to the pen. Throneberry arrives from Charleston where he was a very effective starter.

Losses: Richard Tanaka, Raul Guillen, Orlando Molina, Harry Beltre, Felipe Lopez, Will Phelps, Sammy Mesa
Quite a few names here, including starter Phelps and the disappointing young Tanaka.

Last season: 78-84, 2nd place in the AL North
Runs: 779 +32 from last season (9th in AL)
ERA: 4.48 +0.14 from last season (11th in AL)
Fielding: .985 (11th in AL) 92/13 +/-

Conclusion: Last year was a disappointing one for Fargo. Most of the departures have been answered with either free agency or trade acquisitions. Although there’s not much at AAA, two young position players are in the mix (David Lee, Zephyr Anderson) and should contribute significantly.

BUFFALO:
FA Signings: None
The Bulldozers did re-sign a couple of vets - the venerable Dave Barnes and first baseman Alberto Santos.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: None

Last season: 76-86, 3rd place in AL North
Runs: 757 -87 (11th)
ERA: 4.41 -0.17 (10th)
Fielding: .986 (T7th) 22/74 +/-

Conclusion: The status quo appears to be good enough for Buffalo for the second year in a row. There are 2 good looking pitchers in AAA (especially David Gao), but for the most part the roster appears to be somewhat unchanged. This is a fairly wide open division so Buffalo certainly has a shot with the players they have.

CLEVELAND (was Philly):
FA Signings: Mateo Rosado (RH Closer), Don Perez (LH SP), Lorenzo Cordero (RH Setup)
Rosado and Cordero are both relievers signed away from the Colorado (formerly Vancouver) franchise. Perez is a future hall-of-famer but still an effective pitcher at age 39.

Trade Acquisitions: Brant Martin (1B), J.R. Benson (RH SP)
Martin is an effective young slugger while Benson will be making his MLB debut at 25.

Losses: Rip Palmer (1B), Enrique Lunar (LH closer), Fausto Ramirez (RH setup)
Rip is a huge bat to lose but Martin is a nice replacement.

Last season: 61-101, 4th place AL North
Runs: 794 -30 (7th)
ERA: 5.77 +0.46 (15th)
Fielding: .979 (15th) 21/97 +/-

Conclusion: Everything got worse for a bad squad in season 20. The new owner did manage to do well in replacing the talented but departing Rip Palmer with a very good batter in Brant Martin. It looks like there still is a lot of work to do with this franchise, but bullpen additions and 2 new starters in Perez and Benson should improve things in Cleveland (Philly last season).

DETROIT:
FA Signings: Vance Surkamp (1B/LF), Don Buckley (1B/OF)
Surkamp is another speedy slugger, the kind of player that Detroit seems to favor lately. Buckley looks to play more a bench role.

Trade Acquisitions: Rafael Baez (OF/1B)
Not as busy on the trade front this year, the North Stars obtained just Baez from Santa Cruz. He’s a speedy guy who can get on base to go at the top of the order.

Losses: Tony Atkins (SP), Marty Steele (C/DH)
The oft hurt Atkins declined his option, while Steele was a sturdy platoon player.

Last Season: 98-64, 1st place AL North
Runs: 824 -10 (5th)
ERA: 3.97 -0.91 (3rd)
Fielding: .988 (T4th) 75/35 +/-

Conclusion: Last year’s success was a complete surprise to North Star fans and management. The pitching staff really improved. The core of that overachieving team is still intact; it remains to be seen if they are capable of winning close to 100 games for a second season in a row.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Fargo
2. Detroit
3. Buffalo
4. Cleveland

AL EAST
JACKSONVILLE:
FA Signings: Rodrigo Tavarez (RH SP)
The 29-year-old Tavarez was brought over from St. Louis on close to a max contract. He’s a Cy Young caliber pitcher that will be returning to the AL. Jax also re-signed 2 important pieces, Jeremy McCall and Butch Michaels.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Norberto Hernandez (3B), Pablo Gabriel (RP), Vic Barcelo (SP), Vincente Ibarra (RP)

Last Season: 92-70, 1st place AL East
Runs: 790 +35 (8th)
ERA: 4.23 -0.11 (6th)
Fielding: .986 (T7th) 81/39 +/-

Conclusion: Jacksonville improved both offensively and defensively last season, which meant an 11 game jump, a division title and a return to the playoffs for one of the most successful and consistent franchises in Gehrig. Tavarez is a huge addition to a starting staff that lost some aging vets. There doesn’t seem to be much help at AAA, so replacing Hernandez at third base will be done by someone at the major league level.

TRENTON:
FA Signings: Brace Clinton (SS), Keith Heath (RH LR), Troy Denny (RH LR/SP)
Clinton was finally used as a shortstop by Vancouver the past couple of seasons and looks to do the same in Trenton. Both pitchers are not impact pitchers but should look to stabilize or improve last season’s 13th best staff.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Brian Wilkins (RH Closer), Al Pinzon (LH RP), George Taylor (RH SP)
The underperforming bullpen takes a hit, which might not be a bad thing.

Last Season: 74-88 3rd place AL East
Runs: 773 -84 (10th)
ERA: 4.97 no change (13th)
Fielding: .981 (T13th) 70/39 +/-

Conclusion: Last season Trenton slipped in the standings, outpaced by a surging Pittsburgh team. The relatively few offseason moves may be balanced by several good pitchers in AAA that may make an appearance this season in the majors.

BOSTON (was Cleveland):
FA Signings: Jerome Cooper (RH RP)
Cooper last played in AA; Boston did resign Clarence Ramsey (P).

Trade Acquisitions: Stu Huson (RH SP)
Huson is a good looking young pitcher who should have no problem improving a pretty sorry pitching staff.

Losses: Brant Martin (1B), Carlos Melendez (RP), Skip Allensworth (RP)
Martin is a solid bat and not an easy one to replace.

Last season: 60-102 4th AL East (as Cleveland)
Runs: 706 -43 (16th)
ERA: 5.33 +0.20 (14th)
Fielding: .980 (14th) 90/13 +/-

Conclusion: More subtractions than additions might actually be a good thing in Boston. Huson is a nice addition, but Martin is also a big loss from the lineup and there doesn’t seem to be anything at AAA to help out.

Pittsburgh:
FA Signings: Rip Palmer (1B), Rob Holbert (LH Setup)
Palmer is a big-time bat, while Holbert was rescued from the Arizona desert .

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Yoo-nah Masato (RP), Hooks O’neill (OF), Alberto Cervantes (3B/SS)

Last season: 84-78 2nd in AL East
Runs: 798 +135 (6th) (big jump)
ERA: 4.25 -0.68 (7th) (nic jump)
Fielding: .988 (T4th) 77/23 +/-

Conclusion: Easily the most improved team in the AL last season., they only get better with the addition of Palmer. The losses are marginal. There’s a future superstar at AAA in Sherman Fleming; it remains to be seen if we’ll him in season 21. This is a young team that is still improving and should really push Jacksonville for the title.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Jacksonville
2. Pittsburgh
3. Trenton
4. Boston

AL SOUTH
RICHMOND:
FA Signings: Norberto Hernandez (3B),Harry Jensen (DH), Victor Estrada (RH setup), Terrell Wheat (OF), Dude Lanigan (CF), Enrique Lunar (LH setup),
Pretty busy time for Richmond, re-tooling after an unsuccessful defense of a world’s championship. None of these players are blockbusters but all are solid additions.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Harry Delgado (SS), Robert Barker (OF), Odalis Garza (RP)

Last season: 93-69, 2nd place AL South
Runs: 747 -169 (12th)
ERA: 3.96 no change (2nd)
Fielding: .989 (T1st) 82/17 +/-

Conclusion: The offense took a huge hit in season 20, but a strong pitching staff carried the team to another playoff appearance. That looks to be the same formula this season - although the offense should be improved, pitching remains the team’s strong point. In almost any division but this one they might be favored.

ATLANTA:
FA Signings: Trot Andrews (RH SP)
Andrews will be given a shot , his first chance at the majors since season 19.

Trade Acquisitions: Malcolm Rivera (OF)
He is a power bat and will be given a chance in Atlanta.

Losses: Ray Gray (P), Neil Mercedes (OF)

Last season: 86-76, 3rd Place AL South
Runs: 835 +49 (4th)
ERA: 4.37 +0.50 (8th)
Fielding: .989 (T1st) 65/16 +/-

Conclusion: This Atlanta team looks to rebound from a slip to 3rd place in the tough AL South. A bit of a rebuilding effort took place in season and the results showed as the team scored more runs, but also saw the pitching fall. There are several players in AAA who may have a chance to contribute in the majors this year.

CHARLOTTE:
FA Signings: None

Trade Acquisitions:

Losses: Wilfredo James (3B), Al Chantres (1B/DH), Edwin Lush (OF)

Last Season: 110-52, 1st place AL South; WS Champs
Runs: 965 +122 (2nd)
ERA: 4.10 no change (4th)
Fielding: .988 (T4th) 78/22 +/-

Conclusion: A huge year; a world series win; why change anything?

SANTA FE:
FA Signings: Diego Abreu (RH RP), Ivan Soto (IF)
Neither look to contribute much to a sorry Santa Fe team.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Diego Soto (RP)

Last Season: 40-122, 4th place AL South
Runs: 722 +54 (14th)
ERA: 6.83 +0.55 (16th)
Fielding: .973 (16th) 60/63 +/-

Conclusion: This is a young team that played horrible ball last season. There is talent at AAA, and several rookies in the majors that can make a difference, but ownership needs to supplement the youth with free agents to field a more competitive team.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Charlotte
2. Richmond
3. Atlanta
4. Santa Fe

AL WEST
ARIZONA:
FA Signings: Lonny Fryman (LH P), Odalis Garza (RH P)
Both players are 36 so really shouldn’t be considered part of any future plans.

Trade Acquisitions: Davey Arrojo (RH SP)
Arrojo is a nice righthanded SP coming over from Salem.

Losses: Fernando Romano ( C), Rob Holbert (P), Don Perez (P)
Perez was still pitching solidly last season despite his age (38).

Last Season: 78-84, 3rd place AL West
Runs: 746 -41 (13th)
ERA: 4.37 -0.14 (9th)
Fielding: .986 (T7th) 65/31 +/-

Conclusion: The offense declined last season, but young Luther Evans awaits in AAA, perhaps as soon as this season. It’s doubtful though that Evans alone can change the fortunes of the Sun Devils in a tough AL West.

SALT LAKE CITY:
FA Signings: None
Re-signing Lou Luke was certainly the focus in the off season.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Gary Fielder (LH setup), Stuart King (RH setup), Kordell Bradshaw (RH closer)

Last Season: 94-68, 2nd place AL West
Runs: 862 -51 (3rd)
ERA: 4.20 +0.39 (5th)
Fielding: .989 (T1st) 63/26 +/-

Conclusion: The Burners took a step back last season. The bullpen will be young and volatile and could be this strong team’s weakest point.

COLORADO (was Vancouver):
FA Signings: Lloyd Williamson (LH SP), Chipper James (CF)
Williamson is a good, if pricey, starting pitcher while James is a speedy veteran centerfielder.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Mateo Rosado (RP), Brace Clinton (SS), Al Vazquez (P)

Last Season: 107-55, 1st place AL West

Runs: 976 -78 (1st)
ERA: 3.72 -0.01 (1st)
Fielding: .986 (T7th) 60/17 +/-

Conclusion: As talented a team as they come, Colorado (previously Vancouver) will need to try and put it together in the hitter’s park that is Coors Field. They have very strong starting pitching, but traditionally this team’s weakness has been it’s relievers. The bullpen, as in Salt Lake City, could be this team’s undoing.

SANTA CRUZ:
FA Signings: Timothy Boyd (OF)
Only one signing but a big one - Boyd is a terrific slugger, coming over from San Juan with over 460 carreer homers.

Trade Acquisitions: Marty Steele (C/DH)
Steele crushes lefties, but will also have a hard time as a backstop.

Losses: Rafael Baez (1B/OF), Dan Strange (P), Cy Corcoran (3B), Geraldo Vargas (P), Slash Mills (P), Octavio Lugo (IF)

Last Season: 74-88, 4th place AL West
Runs: 707 +27 (15th)
ERA: 4.66 +0.12 (12th)
Fielding: .984 (12th) 56/31 +/-

Conclusion: With young talent already at the big league club and at AAA, combined with the addition of slugger Boyd, Santa Cruz looks poised to make a move but it will still be a struggle to stay out of the basement in this tough division..

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Salt Lake City
2. Colorado
3. Arizona
4. Santa Cruz

Hypno’s division winners: Fargo, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Salt Lake City
Hypno’s Wildcard picks: Pittsburgh, Richmond
Hypno’s Pennant Pick: Charlotte

Season 20 Wrap-up

2011-06-06T14:37:00.003-04:00

In a World Series featuring the top two regular season teams, the Charlotte Driskills jumped to an early lead int he series and beat up the Fresno Mendozas in a fun seven-game series.

The Driskills cashed in what was the dream season. Following a franchise high 110 regular season wins, the Driskills put the cherry on top of the cake by beating the Mendozas and taking home the World Series hardware. The Mendozas, on the other hand, will be disappointed to go home without the championship after another stellar season that saw them fall short in the World Series.

For infamy, one of the Gehrig's original team owners, this marks his first Gehrig World Series title.

This marks the fifth season in a row that the World Series hardware has gone to the AL, who now lead the all time series 13 championships to 7 over the NL.

The only two Divisions that have yet to claim a World Series are the AL and NL West.

Congratulations to infamy and the Driskills management on a wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL

Season 10. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Season 11. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 12. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Season 13. Durham Donkeyfish (armst24) - AL

Season 14. Scranton Schrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 15. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Season 16. Durham Donkeyfish (armst24) - AL

Season 17. Rochester North Stars (hypnotoad) - AL

Season 18. Atlanta Swabbies (graybeard) - AL

Season 19. Richmond big tunas (bigtuna5) - AL

Season 20. Charlotte Driskills (infamy) - AL

Breakdown:
AL - 13 World Series
NL- 7 World Series

New Power Rankings

2011-04-07T22:24:00.006-04:00

Season 20 Preview - AL West

2011-03-21T09:19:00.001-04:00

ARIZONA:
FA Signings: Diego Abreu (P), Rob Holbert (P)
Both players are over 30 but can still contribute to the Sun Devils. Holbert and his sub-4.00 ERa was taken from division rival Vancouver; Abreu is another refugee from the NL via Burlington.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Elmer Fabregas (OF), Jose Mercedes (3B)

Last Season: 85-77, 3rd place AL West
Runs: 787 (9th)
ERA: 4.23 (6th)
Fielding: .981 (11th) 65/35 +/-

Conclusion: Not many changes in the desert, despite the error prone defense and an inconsistent offense. This is a loaded division and Arizona has a tough assignment in getting past either Salt Lake City or Vancouver.

SALT LAKE CITY:
FA Signings: None

Trade Acquisitions: Midre Owen (3B), Santos Bennett ( C)
Owen is a powerful experienced bat, replacing the young Richard Tanaka. Bennett is an offensive minded Catcher who is coming off a career year in Scottsdale.

Losses: Ernie Bichette (1B), Arthur Clement ( C), Richard Tanaka (3B)

Last Season: 101-61, 2nd place AL West
Runs: 919 (2nd)
ERA: 3.81 (2nd)
Fielding: .989 (1st) 77/20 +/-

Conclusion: It’s hard to imagine the Burners getting better, but it looks like they did by upgrading at Catcher and Third Base. Loaded with stars and with no holes in their game they will probably be looking at another 100+ win season.

VANCOUVER:
FA Signings: Rick Mills ( C), Hector Espinosa (RP), Daniel Leach (P), Louie Delgaldo (RP), Brian Yosida (RP)
Rebuilding the bullpen would appear to be the priority in Vancouver this off season. Although none of the signed are aces, they should all strengthen the ‘maniacs pen. Mills is a defensive backstop.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Rob Holbert (RP), Marino Martin (SP), Cy Corcoran (3B), Rafael Guillon (C/DH)

Last Season: 116-46, 1st place AL West

Runs: 1054 (1st)
ERA: 3.71 (1st)
Fielding: .986 (T3rd) 90/13 +/-

Conclusion: Vancouver’s days of playing Candyland in the regular season (only for it to turn into grandmaster-level chess in the playoffs) may be over. Martin is as solid a starting pitcher as Corcoran is a third baseman, and Guillon is an elite bat. All are no longer present. There is some young talent here, and the bullpen has been upgraded - no doubt this is still an elite team. The contests with SLC should mimic the Yankees-Red Sox in the ratings.

SANTA CRUZ:
FA Signings: Rico Rosa (RP), Cy Corcoran (3B), Edgar Estrada (2B), Anthony Moore ( C), Brandon Bell (SS), Geraldo Vargas (P)
The infield is both transformed and upgraded with the additions of Estrada, Corcoran and Bell. Rosa is an effective RP but will only pitch 30-40 innings. Moore is a defensive catcher. Vargas is returning ‘home’ at age 38.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Brian Hyun (SS), Angel Cedeno (RP), Mark Delucci (IF)

Last Season: 68-94, 4th place AL West
Runs: 680 (13th)
ERA: 4.54 (7th)
Fielding: .980 (12th) 49/46 +/-

Conclusion: Most teams would finish 4th in this division, and El Santas Loco are no exception. Although they have taken great strides in addressing their biggest problems from last (offense and fielding), I doubt it’s enough to catch up with Arizona.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Salt Lake City
2. Vancouver
3. Arizona
4. Santa Cruz

Season 20 Preview - AL South

2011-03-20T22:39:00.000-04:00

RICHMOND:
FA Signings: Wilfredo James (3B), Justin Miles (3B/SS)
Nothing big here - the Really Big Deal is re-signing the incomparable Damon Prinz to a max contract. He’s won 2 Cy Young’s already and if he stays healthy will surely be in the running for another.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Yoo-nah Masato (RP), Sammy Mesa (OF), RJ Torres (3B/SS), Pedro Santos (SS)

Last season: 99-63, 1st place AL South; WS champs
Runs: 916 (3rd)
ERA: 3.96 (4th)
Fielding: .986 (T3rd) 65/46 +/-

Conclusion: With the resigning of Prinz, people can safely ignore any ideas of ‘rebuilding’ in Richmond for season 20. Still a very strong team, the immediate question is can James and Miles replace the value of Torres and Santos. It is a young team at the ML level, but not much is available in AAA. Bigtuna has done a fantastic rebuilding job in Richmond worthy of study by all potential rebuilders.

ATLANTA:
FA Signings: None

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Vincente Ibarra (P), Deion Long (RP)

Last season: 92-70, 2nd Place AL South
Runs: 786 (10th)
ERA: 3.87 (3rd)
Fielding: .988 (T2nd) 83/11 +/-

Conclusion: Pitching and defense have been the hallmark of Swabbie play through the years and season 20 should be no exception. Just one year removed from a world championship, Atlanta remains almost unchanged from last years team. They do have some talent in AAA, but not of the impact variety.

CHARLOTTE:
FA Signings: Yorvit Sojo (OF)
A big time, MVP-like bat, Sojo comes to the AL via pitcher friendly Burlington. His numbers will be due to jump up.

Trade Acquisitions: Pedro Santos (SS/3B)
The 2nd big bat to be added to the lineup - look out AL South pitching.

Losses: Wilfredo James (3B), Al Chantres (1B/DH), Edwin Lush (OF)

Last Season: 90-72, 3rd place AL South
Runs: 843 (6th)
ERA: 4.10 (5th)
Fielding: .984 (T8th) 74/30 +/-

Conclusion: Talented newcomers in Sojo and Santos, plus good young players who cut their teeth last season or who start the year in AAA should make a big difference for the Driskills this season. Is it enough to hurdle past both Atlanta and Richmond?

SANTA FE:
FA Signings: None

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Brian Shinjo (CF), Sidney Tessmer (SP), Enrique Mendez (RP), Tony Yamamoto (SP)

Last Season: 61-101, 4th place AL South
Runs: 776 (11th)
ERA: 6.28 (14th)
Fielding: .978 (T13th) 59/82 +/-

Conclusion: With 14 players on the ML roster having under a years’ worth of ML experience, it is hard to figure Santa Fe out. Eight Rule V selections were made, and many very high draft picks were obtained through trading. This year may not be the year they figure it out in Santa Fe, but look out AL South over the next few seasons.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Richmond
2. Charlotte
3. Atlanta
4. Santa Fe

Season 20 Preview - AL East

2011-03-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

JACKSONVILLE:
FA Signings: Vincente Ibarra (P)
The 40-year old Ibarra signed cheaply towards the end of spring training.

Trade Acquisitions: Lenny Small(OF), Jose Lopez (RP), Miguel Mendez (CF), Bucky Byrnes (RP)
Small still has some pop in his bat (27 homers last season in Detroit, a pitchers’ park). Lopez is a quality closer, swapped with Detroit for last years closer Meyer. The speedy Mendez has won 2 Gold Gloves in center.

Losses: Nigel Walker (SS), Chris Mayer (RP), Kevin Weathers (RP), Miguel Mondesi (CF), Orlando Molina (3B), Rickey Reed (OF)

Last Season: 81-81, 1st place AL East
Runs: 755 (12th)
ERA: 4.34 (8th)
Fielding: .988 (T2nd) 57/30 +/-

Conclusion: The betelnut lost their last 8 games of the regular season in season 19, and then promptly got swept in the first round of the playoffs. The offense will need to improve to better last years record, in the regular season as well as the post-season.

TRENTON:
FA Signings: George Taylor (P), Mac Davis (IF)
Taylor was signed away from Pawtucket where he worked in the bullpen. Mac Davis has a fantastic agent.

Trade Acquisitions: Dude Lanigan (CF)
Dude roamed the center field in St. Louis with his below average glove. He looks to do the same in Trenton.

Losses: None

Last Season: 79-83 2nd place AL East
Runs: 857 (4th)
ERA: 4.97 (13th)
Fielding: .984 (T8th) 62/36 +/-

Conclusion: Several good young players in AAA may be the difference for Trenton. They should still be able to score runs, but I think the pitching staff will need more than a pedestrian George Taylor to significantly improve from season 19’s ERA.

CLEVELAND:
FA Signings: Daniel Groom (P), Skip Allensworth (RP), Timothy Hall (2B)
None of these players are impact players.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Don Matheson ( C), Eddie Trammell (SP)

Last season: 69-93 3rd AL East (as Dover)
Runs: 749 (11th)
ERA: 5.13 (12th)
Fielding: .984 (T6th) 64/24 +/-

Conclusion: The 9 Rule V selections this season telegraph the rebuilding intentions of the Lake Shores. They should not content for the division title.

Pittsburgh:
FA Signings: Yoo-nah Masato (RP)
Masato struggled a bit in Richmond last season, but should do well for the Pushovers.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Omar Fernandez (SP), Brandon Bell (SS), Will Davis (2B/CF)

Last season: 53-109 4th in AL East
Runs: 665 (14th)
ERA: 4.93 (12th)
Fielding: .985 (T5th) 72/27 +/-

Conclusion: The young Pushovers aren’t quite ready yet. They do have some pieces at AAA. They do continue to maintain a quality defense, even as the rest of the team lags behind in production.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Jacksonville
2. Trenton
3. Pittsburgh
4. Cleveland

Season 20 Preview - AL North

2011-03-20T15:13:00.004-04:00

FARGFARGO:
FA signings: Luis James (closer), Orlando Molina (3B/IF), Sammy Mesa (OF), JR Hamelin (SS)

James is merely the best closer in the history of all HBD. Maybe his most special quality at this point is that his ratings really haven’t taken a hit with his age (37).
Molina and Mesa are both vets in their mid-30’s, but can still be effective role players on the right team.
Hamelin looks to be an effective fielding SS, albeit with a below average glove for the position. Although signed to a $3.5m contract, he has not played above AA.

Trade Acquisitions: Jamey Williams (SP), Richard Tanaka (3B)
Williams is in his prime and could challenge for the Cy Young in the AL. Tanaka, only 24, is the prototypical third basemen with power, but with the added bonus of playing excellent defense.

Losses: Felix Suppan, Midre Owen, Brian Yosida

Last season: 79-83, 2nd place in the AL North
Runs: 747 (14th in AL)
ERA: 4.34 (7th in AL)
Fielding: .983 (11th in AL) 56/33 +/-

Conclusion: With the addition of Williams and James, finishing below .500 again is an unlikely outcome. The offense needs to pick it up and Tanaka at 3rd should help replace the departing Suppan. There are 2-3 high quality players in AAA that may begin with the team or contribute as the season progresses. They may be the factor that wrests the division away from Buffalo.

BUFFALO:
FA Signings: Deion Long (P)
A quiet off-season for the reigning division champs, Long is a 36 year old SP most recently with Atlanta.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Rodney Franklin, BC Cabrera

Last season: 85-77, 1st place in AL North
Runs: 844 (5th)
ERA: 4.58 (10th)
Fielding: .982 (12th) 32/84 +/-

Conclusion: Not much has changed with Buffalo and that may not be a good thing as Fargo looks poised to do something about the Bulldozers championship.

PHILADELPHIA:
FA Signings: Don Matheson ( C),
Matheson is a solid backstop, but not much more. The 33 year old signed for $7m over 2 years.

Trade Acquisitions: Sidney Tessmer (SP), Yorman Rijo (OF), Tony Porter (OF)
Tessmer is a top of the rotation SP, and should immediately help a struggling staff. The 2 position players are both young and should contribute.

Losses: Scott Prior (DH), Roy Morgan (P)

Last season: 61-101, 4th place AL North
Runs: 824 (8th)
ERA: 6.23 (13th)
Fielding: .978 (13th) 22/100 +/1

Conclusion: The run production looks to remain roughly the same. The addition of Tessmer would be huge to any staff, but is especially important to the lackluster Hawks squad. However, it’s not likely to make impact in the standings, especially with so few prospects in AAA.

DETROIT:
FA Signings: David Dong (1B/LF)
Dong looks to platoon with Marty Steele - that’s right, a Steele/Dong combo worthy of Burroughs (or Becker and Fagen).

Trade Acquisitions: Chris Mayer (RP), Damion Tabaka (RP), Lon Hampton (SP), PT Rosario (2B), Nigel Walker (SS)
Busy on the trade front but not in free agency, the North Stars will have some new faces for season 20. Mayer (a lefty) was swapped to Jacksonville for a similar RH closer. Tabaka has not pitched in the majors but looks to hold down a setup B role. Hampton is a veteren RH SP who may have control issues, but he should pitch a lot of innings. Rosario hopes to steal 100 bases again, while Walker looks to improve defense at the SS position.

Losses: Marcus Simontacchi (SP), Wayne Barrett (SP), Chipper James (2B), Lenny Small (OF), Ramon Ryu (SS/3B)

Last Season: 78-84, 3rd place AL North
Runs: 834 (7th)
ERA: 4.88 (11th)
Fielding: .986 (T4th) 70/32 +/-

Conclusion: The bullpen looks strong, and the rotation looks a little better as well so maybe the pitching will do well enough to improve upon last seasons’ franchise worst record. The lineup composition is different but not radically so.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Fargo
2. Buffalo
3. Detroit
4. PhillyO:
FA signings: Luis James (closer), Orlando Molina (3B/IF), Sammy Mesa (OF), JR Hamelin (SS)

James is merely the best closer in the history of all HBD. Maybe his most special quality at this point is that his ratings really haven’t taken a hit with his age (37).
Molina and Mesa are both vets in their mid-30’s, but can still be effective role players on the right team.
Hamelin looks to be an effective fielding SS, albeit with a below average glove for the position. Although signed to a $3.5m contract, he has not played above AA.

Trade Acquisitions: Jamey Williams (SP), Richard Tanaka (3B)
Williams is in his prime and could challenge for the Cy Young in the AL. Tanaka, only 24, is the prototypical third basemen with power, but with the added bonus of playing excellent defense.

Losses: Felix Suppan, Midre Owen, Brian Yosida

Last season: 79-83, 2nd place in the AL North
Runs: 747 (14th in AL)
ERA: 4.34 (7th in AL)
Fielding: .983 (11th in AL) 56/33 +/-

Conclusion: With the addition of Williams and James, finishing below .500 again is an unlikely outcome. The offense needs to pick it up and Tanaka at 3rd should help replace Suppan. There are 2-3 high quality players in AAA that may begin with the team or contribute as the season progresses. They may be the factor that wrests the division away from Buffalo.

BUFFALO:
FA Signings: Deion Long (P)
A quiet off-season for the reigning division champs, Long is a 36 year old SP most recently with Atlanta.

Trade Acquisitions: None

Losses: Rodney Franklin, BC Cabrera

Last season: 85-77, 1st place in AL North
Runs: 844 (5th)
ERA: 4.58 (10th)
Fielding: .982 (12th) 32/84 +/-

Conclusion: Not much has changed with Buffalo and that may not be a good thing as Fargo looks poised to do something about the Bulldozers championship.

PHILADELPHIA:
FA Signings: Don Matheson ( C),
Matheson is a solid backstop, but not much more. The 33 year old signed for $7m over 2 years.

Trade Acquisitions: Sidney Tessmer (SP), Yorman Rijo (OF), Tony Porter (OF)
Tessmer is a top of the rotation SP, and should immediately help a struggling staff. The 2 position players are both young and should contribute.

Losses: Scott Prior (DH), Roy Morgan (P)

Last season: 61-101, 4th place AL North
Runs: 824 (8th)
ERA: 6.23 (13th)
Fielding: .978 (13th) 22/100 +/1

Conclusion: The run production looks to remain roughly the same. The addition of Tessmer would be huge to any staff, but is especially important to the lackluster Hawks squad. However, it’s not likely to make impact in the standings, especially with so few prospects in AAA.

DETROIT:
FA Signings: David Dong (1B/LF)
Dong looks to platoon with Marty Steele - that’s right, a Steele/Dong combo worthy of Burroughs (or Becker and Fagen).

Trade Acquisitions: Chris Mayer (RP), Damion Tabaka (RP), Lon Hampton (SP), PT Rosario (2B), Nigel Walker (SS)
Busy on the trade front but not in free agency, the North Stars will have some new faces for season 20. Mayer (a lefty) was swapped to Jacksonville for a similar RH closer. Tabaka has not pitched in the majors but looks to hold down a setup B role. Hampton is a veteran RH SP who may have control issues, but he should pitch a lot of innings. Rosario hopes to steal 100 bases again, while Walker looks to improve defense at the SS position.

Losses: Marcus Simontacchi (SP), Wayne Barrett (SP), Chipper James (2B), Lenny Small (OF), Ramon Ryu (SS/3B)

Last Season: 78-84, 3rd place AL North
Runs: 834 (7th)
ERA: 4.88 (11th)
Fielding: .986 (T4th) 70/32 +/-

Conclusion: The bullpen looks strong, and the rotation looks a little better as well so maybe the pitching will do well enough to improve upon last seasons’ franchise worst record. The lineup composition is different but not radically so they shouldn't do any worse on offense.

Hypno’s Projected Order of Finish:
1. Fargo
2. Buffalo
3. Detroit
4. Philly

100 Win Seasons: Season 19 Update

2011-03-04T11:34:00.003-05:00

Season 19 went to the Richmond big tunas, giving bigtuna5 his 1st World Series title in Gehrig but his 3th overall Hardball Dynasty title.

The Vancouver NewMoneyManiacs also tied the record for most wins in a season, established Season 12 by the San Juan Myrmidons, with 116 in Gehrig.

In 19 seasons, 59 teams have 100 wins or more in a season, with 25 from the NL and 34 from the AL. This means that an average of 3.1 teams record 100 wins every season. Of these 59 teams, only 9 teams have ended up winning the World Series. This equates to a 47% success rate of winning the championship after recording 100 or more wins.

Click on the image for a larger, and easier to read, image.

Season 19 Wrap-up

2011-03-04T10:06:00.004-05:00

In a World Series featuring two franchises that not that long ago were more likely to lose 100 games than see playoff success, the Richmond big tunas took home the championship after defeating the Fresno Mendozas in a thrilling seven-game series.

The big tunas took advantage of a six-run fifth-inning, propelled by a Grand Slam by Sammy Mesa, to win Game Seven and claim the first World Series championship in franchise history. The number 2 seed in the AL, the big tunas won all four games at Fresno. Interestingly enough, the big tunas also required all seven games to defeat the Salt Lake Burners in the NLCS.

The win, marks an astounding turnaround by a Richmond franchise that was a perennial 100-game loser in Gehrig. Before bigtuna5 took over the team, the franchise had amassed ten seasons of 100+ losses in only fifteen seasons. Bigtuna5, however, only required four seasons to turn around the franchise and claim his third Hardball Dynasty title.

For the Mendozas, this marked another season of improvement, but also a season that fell short of a title. The Mendozas also made it to the World Series in Season 18, but fell in five games to the eventual winner Atlanta.

This marks the fourth season in a row that the World Series hardware has gone to the AL, who now lead the all time series 12 championships to 7 over the NL.

The only two Divisions that have yet to claim a World Series are the AL and NL West.

Congratulations to bigtuna5 the Swabbies management on a wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Power Rankings Update

2011-01-29T17:10:00.004-05:00

Hall of Fame Stats

2010-12-18T20:23:00.003-05:00

I thought this might help with HOF voting. Stats highlighted in yellow are top 5 career records.

Max Contracts - Position Players

2010-12-15T19:00:00.010-05:00

With that said, I wanted to see how players who earned max contracts performed under those contracts. Do they put up good stats? How do those stats compare to the offensive performance of the team and replacement players? Do teams win more games after handing out these contracts? Maybe answering these questions will give us a little more insight as to whether big contracts produce a suitable return.

I thought there would be more info available going into this. I could only find 4 max contract position players. It probably has something to do with the olden days, where players rated 90 overall would sign $8 million extensions with their controlling franchise.

I've defined a max contract as any contract that totaled $80 million or more. I only found four position players, but please let me know of anyone I missed.

So here are our four candidates with their average seasonal performances:

It certainly looks like Lou Luke is working out well. The 50 HR's and .324 BA are quite attractive. When comparing Chip Greenwood to the rest, it should be noted that he is the only skill player of the group. Greenwood played the last two seasons at SS, and looks like a 3B for the next few seasons. His low BA (.268) doesn't bode well, but 30 HR's from the SS position is quite nice. Aaron Gonzales has some nice pop, and Jesus Park has an attractive BA & OBP.

Let's compare these players to replacement players. WIS doesn't make it easy to research and find a replacement players, so I had to do some digging on my own. This is extremely arbitrary. I found one guy, Vic Bolivar, who is probably better than a replacement player, and signed a substantial contract (5 years $5.6 per). I used two more guys who were signed for cheap, and could be had by anybody (Elmer Fabregas and Ernest Bichette). I think these guys encompass the "replacement player" theory better than Bolivar. (Aside, nice signings, GM's.)

Now let's look at each player's Runs Created, how that compared to the total runs their teams scored, and how much money these runs cost.

How about that Lou Luke? He's managed to create about 18% of his team's runs during his max contract, well above the production that Gonzales, Greenwood, and Park contribute. And when you compare their RC to their contract, Luke looks even better, costing "just" $113,163 per run created last season. Compare that to Gonzales' lowest of $184,070, Greenwood of $180,978, and Park of $135,510.

I found it interesting that the "replacement players" scored a significant amount of their team's runs. Bolivar scored 12%, which is comparable or better than Gonzales' rate, at a fraction of the cost. This information also tells me that the first 50-80 runs are cheap, the next 25 runs are marginally more expensive, and from there the costs rises steeply.

OK, final topic. A quick look at how these contracts impact wins. I'll be the first to admit that we are dealing with a small sample size in all data accumulated thus far. It's even more so with a team's win total. Lots of outside factors can cause giant swings in a team's win total from year to year. I'm not putting too much weight in this data, but thought it would be a good idea to get it down for the record. As we accumulate more information, maybe we will start to see a pattern.

Final analysis: It looks like Luke is earning his contract and then some. Park, in my opinion, looks pretty good. I think if he can keep his RC over 120, his contract will be justified. Greenwood, as I said, is a SS and should be evaluated differently. He has spent some time on the DL these last couple of years, so if he can stay healthy going forward, he could pay some dividends on his GM's investment. Finally, Gonzales, well, that contract doesn't look good. I think Luke, Park, and Gonzales show us what we can expect if we sign a good, medium, and poor max contract.

100 Win Seasons: Season 18 Update

2010-12-02T10:37:00.003-05:00

Season 18 went to the Atlanta Swabbies, giving graybeard his 1st WS title in Gehrig but his 7th overall Hardball Dynasty title. Season 18 was the season of parity as only two teams, Vancouver in the AL and Fresno in the NL, won 100+ games. This also marks the first time since Season 13 when a team won the World Series with less than 100 wins.

Click on the image for a larger, and easier to read, image.

Season 18 Wrap-up

2010-12-01T16:42:00.005-05:00

In a World Series matching up two franchises vying for their first championship, the Atlanta Swabbies took care of the Fresno Mendozas 4 games to 1 to cap and unlikely run to the title. The Swabbies, the AL six seed, started their playoff run by defeating Season 17 champions Rochester in five games, then defeated #2 seed Richmond also in 5 games, before winning four in a row after dropping the first game of the ALCS to Jacksonville. The Mendozas, coming to the World Series as the #1 seed in the NL and having amassed the second best record in the ML, lost the first two games of the series in extra innings and never quite got their bats going.

This marks the third season in a row that the World Series went to the AL, who now lead the all time series 11 championships to 7 over the NL.

Congratulations to graybeard and the Swabbies management on a wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

100 Win Seasons: Season 17 Update

2010-08-30T18:07:00.003-04:00

Season 17 went to the Rochester North Stars, giving hypnotoad his 1st WS title in Gehrig, and 3rd overall. This marks the 9th season that a team with 100+ wins has taken the title home, and fourth season in a row.

Click on the image for a larger, and easier to read, image.

Season 17 Wrap-up

2010-08-28T22:07:00.003-04:00

It took the North Stars 11 seasons to come back to the World Series, but after having failed to win it all back in Season 6, the North Stars captured the hardware after defeating the Charleston Chitlins in an exciting 7 game series. The North Stars, the AL #2 seed also required 7 games to capture the AL pennant, and they did so after being down two games to one in both series. The North Stars unofficial playoffs MVP had to be Cap DiSarcina, who went 6-0 pitching 46 and a third innings with a 2.33 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 7 games. More importantly DiSarcina won both his starts against the Chitlins while throwing 15 scoreless innings.

This marks back-to-back World Series championships for an original franchise of Gehrig World as well as back-to-back titles for the AL.

Congratulations to hypnotoad and the North Stars management on a wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 16 Wrap-up

2010-05-29T15:32:00.002-04:00

The Durham Donkeyfish cruised to their 2nd World Series title after defeating the NL Champs San Juan Myrmidons four games to one. The Donkeyfish outscored San Juan 32-20 during the series, and just offered a balanced game of solid pitching and hitting that the Myrmidons could not overcome.

The Donkeyfish, one of Gehrig's original franchises, have turned into a perennial powerhouse. After only going to the playoffs once in their first 11 seasons, they have made the World Series 3 of the last 5 seasons and claimed two championships.

Congratulations to armst24 and the Donkeyfish management on another wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

100 Win Seasons: Update

2010-05-29T15:15:00.005-04:00

Season 16 went to the Durham Donkeyfish, giving armst24 his 2nd WS title in Gehrig. This marks the 8th season that a team with 100+ wins has taken the title home, and third season in a row.

Click on the image for a larger, and easier to read, image.

Bullpen Effectiveness

2010-05-02T20:03:00.002-04:00

Season 16, through May 2 AM

Team IR IRS IRS %

Burlington 85 19 22%

Rochester 145 34 23%

Charlotte 155 37 24%

Salem 94 23 24%

Pawtucket 262 66 25%

Vancouver 108 27 25%

Atlanta 92 23 25%

Oklahoma City 183 49 27%

Arizona 147 40 27%

NY Mets 121 33 27%

Salt Lake City 145 40 28%

Mexico City 137 39 28%

Richmond 142 41 29%

San Juan 141 41 29%

Seattle 111 32 29%

St Louis 145 44 30%

Indy 117 35 30%

Boise 109 33 30%

Fresno 133 43 32%

Helena 121 39 32%

NY Skyscrapers 113 36 32%

Santa Cruz 105 34 32%

New Orleans 108 36 33%

Scranton 96 32 33%

Jacksonville 186 63 34%

Durham 118 40 34%

Philly 148 55 37%

Charleston 136 50 37%

Wichita 136 51 38%

Ottawa 119 45 38%

Little Rock 140 54 39%

Chicago 118 51 43%

Season 15 Wrap-up

2010-03-01T11:13:00.002-05:00

The San Juan Myrmidons won their third Gehrig World series after beating the Vancouver NewMoneyManiacs four games to one. Freddy Garcia got 2 of the 4 wins for San Juan, providing a fitting end to a season that saw Garcia win his 6th NL Cy Young.

The Myrmidons cruised to the title, winning 8 of the next 10, after struggling to beat the Salem Witchhunt in five games of the Division Championship Series.

Congratulations to doontristy and the Myrmidons management on another wonderful season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

100 Win Seasons: Update

2010-02-28T10:22:00.002-05:00

Season 15 went to the San Juan Myrmidons, giving doontristy his 3rd WS title in Gehrig. This marks the 7th season that a team with 100+ wins has taken the title home, with San Juan accounting for 3 of the 7 teams.

Click on the image for a larger version.

A New Era

2010-01-15T22:09:00.003-05:00

The end of the PED era has meant a strong reduction in the amount of offense, as seen specifically in Runs scored (R) and Home Runs (HR) hit. But just how much of an adjustment and how does any of this compare to the MLB numbers the last 15 years (1995-2009 seasons)?

First off, the MLB averages for R, HR, stolen bases (SB), Slugging percentage (SLG), and On base percentage plus slugging percentage (OPS) have not varied that much over the last 15 years. This may make you wonder whether that is because we are still in the PED era.

On the other hand, the end of the PED era in Gehrig has taken a dramatic hit. The catch comes in that we have only played about half a season (76 games exactly) in Gehrig, but so far the trends are dramatic. Averages for runs scored are down from 5.21 per game on season 14 to 4.55 per game this season. Average HRs are down from 1.44 per game, season 14, to 0.93 per game this season. SLG is down from 0.443 on season 14, down to 0.396 this season, whereas OPS is down from 0.780 to 0.730 this season.

A statistic that should not be affected by PEDs, at least in Gehrig, SBs remains pretty constant from the last few seasons.

A cursory look at other numbers like 2Bs (1.44 per game season 14, 1.39 this season) and 3Bs (0.167 per game season 14, 0.145 this season), also suggest that the main effect is being seen in HRs, but not in other extra base hits. This is somewhat interesting in that if the ball is kept in the park more, maybe extra base hits would have been expected to at least move up a bit.

The take home point? It's a great year to be a pitcher.

100 Win Seasons: Update

2009-11-29T10:06:00.005-05:00

Season 14 saw the Schrutes become the 6th team to win the World Series after posting a 100+ win season.

Season 14 Wrapup

2009-11-29T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Scranton Schrutes are back atop the Gehrig world after finishing up another stellar season by defeating the San Juan Myrmidons in 6 games. The Series got off to a wild start with the Schrutes, courtesy of Damon Prinz, throwing a no hitter in Game 1. Game 2 saw more of the same with the Myrmidons being shut out. But doontristy's boys made it a series with a 3-hit shutout in Game 3. However, mookie79's boys were too much and after taking a commanding 3-1 game lead, the Schrutes closed the deal in Game 6.

This is the Schrutes second WS title, and only the first back-to-back WS titles for the AL since Season 5. It was a nice ending to a season that saw the Schrutes win 109 games and claim the #1 seed in the AL.

Congrats to the Schrutes and their management on a great season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

100 Win Seasons: Update

2009-09-09T18:16:00.005-04:00

Winning 100 games in a season is a great achievement, but it does not always translate into winning the World Series. In Gehrig only 5 of the 13 previous WS champions won 100+ games during the regular season.

Season 13: Wrapup

2009-08-29T13:25:00.003-04:00

Season 13 ended, for the second year in a row, in a memorable World Series that went to a game 7 between the Indianapolis Hoosiers and the Durham Donkeyfish. The Donkeyfish, a Gehrig world original franchise, were coming into the season 13 with high expectations after losing the season 12 WS in seven games. The AL #2 seed Donkeyfish, had to come back to defeat the Rochester North Stars in the ALDS and the Jacksonville Betelnut in the ALCS before facing the #1 NL seed Hoosiers. The Hoosier ran up to a 3-2 series lead before losing the Donkeyfish in 7. This is armst24's first WS title. The win brings the hardware back to the AL after the NL had won the previous 5 WS.

Congrats to the Donkeyfish and their management on a great season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

#1 Draft Picks for a Dozen Seasons

2009-06-09T20:13:00.006-04:00

8 of the 12 picked were pitchers
9 of the 12 were out of college

Season 1: Kenneth Teut (IF), out of Auburn by Santa Cruz (gydk)
2 time All Star; career OPS .780 (9 ML seasons, mostly with SEA/HAR/DOV, now a FA)

Season 2: Hal Schoeneweis (P), out of HS by Jacksonville (cpkung)
56-58 5.10 ERA in 10 ML seasons (now with ROC)

Season 3: Ellis Ingram (P), out of Richland College by Syracuse (capilla)
33-44, 16 SV 5.52 ERA in 7 ML seasons (all with OTT, now a FA)

Season 4: Danys Lopez (P), out of the Coll of Charleston by Seattle (threester)
2 time All Star; 94-46 3.95 ERA in 7 ML seasons (all with SCR)

Season 5: Desi Maduro (P), out of Kentucky by Colorado (offroadx)
42-50 5.20 ERA in 6 ML seasons (now a FA)

Season 6: Freddy Garcia (P), out of Kankakee CC by San Juan (doontristy)
3 time Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, 4 time All Star; 74-35 2.66 ERA
in 4 ML seasons (all with SJ)

Season 7: Chip Greenwood (IF), out of Miami(OH) by Vancouver (camden68)
All Star; career .907 OPS in 3 ML seasons (all with NYM)

Season 8: Brady Simmons (IF), out of HS by Vancouver (camden68)
1st ML season; career Minor League OPS is 1.000+ (now with VC)

Season 9: Buster Simpson (P), out of Sonoma St by Richmon (jacoby66)
1st full ML season; career Minor League ERA < 4.00 (now with TB)

Season 10: Rodrigo Tavarez (P), out of HS by San Antonio (phildirt)
1st full ML season; career Minor League ERA 3.16 (now with NYM)

Season 11: Dan Hollins (P), out of LSU by San Antonio (phildirt)
currently at AAA Nashville with career Minor League ERA of 3.15

Season 12: Al Iglesias (OF), out of UConn-Avery Point by cwiddoes (Fresno)
currently at High A Fresno, has OPS of 1.292

Season 12 Wrapup

2009-05-30T09:21:00.006-04:00

Season 12 ended with a 7 game World Series thriller that gave the San Juan Myrmidons their 2nd World Series title in Gehrig. The Durham Donkeyfish, making their first appearance in the Series, tried to pry back the hardware from the National League but just fell short. San Juan had a dream season, leading the NL with a franchise best, league best, and Gehrig World best 116 wins.

After an early domination by the AL, the NL has countered with 5 straight World Series titles, and 5 out of the last 6. The AL and NL are now tied with 6 World Series titles each. This is also owner doontristy's second WS title in Gehrig, and joins cpkung, tooly_mctool, and threester as owners of 2 World Series rings.

Congrats to the Myrmidons and their management on a great season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL

Season 10. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Season 11. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 12. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Top Seasons

2009-05-23T19:04:00.005-04:00

Winning 100 games in a single season is usually a sign of a great season. Some interesting facts about the 100+ win teams:

33 teams have posted 100+ wins in 12 seasons of play, 22 from the AL and 11 from the NL.
Every division except for the NL West has had a 100+ win team.
Season 2 was the only season without a 100+ win team in either league.
The NL did not have a 100+ win team in season's 2, 6 and 7 (NL won WS Season 6).
Of the 33 100+ teams only 5 (15%), two from each league, have won the WS.
2 Wild Card teams have won 100+ teams, both in the AL.
The Scranton Schrutes lead the AL with five 100+ seasons.
The San Juan Myrmidons lead the NL with four 100+ seasons.
The two best records took place in season 12: San Juan (NL-116 wins) and Scranton (114-48).

Below is a list of all 100+ winning seasons. The list is sorted from most wins to least. NL teams are highlighted in blue and AL teams are highlighted in Red. World Series (WS) winners are noted by an "X" and Wild Card teams are noted by an "*". You will have to click on the image to view the entire data set.

Season 11: World Series Champs

2009-02-28T09:01:00.004-05:00

Season 11 ended in a 4-1 World Series win for the Monterrey Pepper Jacks over the Santa Cruz Crazy Santas. The Pepper Jacks outscored the Santas 31-14 in the 5-game series.

The Pepper Jacks went into the postseason with a 99-63 record, which was good enough for an NL South title and a #3 seed for the playoffs. They swept the #6 Montgomery Freedom Riders and the #2 Ottawa Sundragons before beating the #1 San Juan Myrmidons in an epic 7 game series.

After an early domination by the AL, the NL has countered with 4 straight World Series titles, and 4 out of the last 5. This is also owner tooly_mctool's second WS title in Gehrig, and joins cpkung and threester as owners of 2 World Series rings.

Congrats to the Pepper Jacks and their management on a great season.

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL

Season 10. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

Season 11. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

The Strange Case of Kent Corbin (as re-told by HP Lovecraft)

2008-12-31T14:23:00.003-05:00

Kent Corbin
Rochester
North Stars
Age: 30	B/T: R/R
Born: Swampscott, MA
Position(s): P (LRA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The fevered, nightmarish dreamscapes began haunting young Mr. Corbin in his western Massachusetts cabin prior to Season 9. Every night, without exception, saw the man sit bolt upright in his bed - covered in sweat and a healthy sense of foreboding. The cabin itself, it's rustic sensibilities telling of its extreme age, was quiet but for the insistent sounds of whippoorwills.

Each morning over coffee he would entertain the possibility of driving to Arkham to see the alienist at Miskatonic University, but would quickly dissuade himself from this frantic notion by the time his morning workouts were completed.

Corbin was a major league pitcher for the Rochester Red Royals at the time, and, by all accounts, a rather good one. In the 'Bullpen' as the vernacular would describe it, Corbin would relieve starting pitchers of their assignments, and proceed to get opposing batters to make an out with regularity. But starting in season 9, this would no longer be the case.

His fragile mind, possessed by horrific images that haunted what should be his restful night-sleep, would parade themselves in his waking mind, disrupting his conscious thought to an irreparable degree. Atop the pitching mound, in a situation that previously saw him inducing batsmen to ground the baseball to an infielder, Corbin would now issue a poorly thrown ball that the batsman would now drive to the outfield, uncaught. Runner after runner would score, spoiling the efforts of the starting pitchers and causing harm to the Rochester side.

This continued game after game, with each progressive season becoming worse and worse for Corbin. Team-mates and coaches alike tried to counsel Corbin, but none could draw forth the horrible truth from the beleaguered baseballer. Nevertheless, the Rochester organization continued to employ Corbin, much to the dismay of fans throughout Western New York.

To this day, in season 11, Corbin is still plagued by these unspeakable montrosities.
Formless mounds of evil, be-tentacled things with multiple eyeballs revolving in loathsome sockets - batrachian minions eager to tear at Corbin's flesh - these appeared night after night, and haunted his appearances atop the baseball pitching mound.

Afraid to tell anyone, and unwilling to seek professional counsel, Corbin may be doomed to this downward statistical spiral until the visiting night gaunts are called off.

As to why Corbin is accursed, one may investigate the sailing misadventures of his great grandfather Charles Dexter Ward Corbin, who brought back many amulets and oddities from the South Seas, and expired on his death bed rattling on about a mysterious place called 'Dagon'.
Of course, the place of the elder Corbin's passing was the very ancestral cabin that the younger Corbin has been suffering through thse haunting nightmares!

World Series Champs

2008-11-26T07:24:00.001-05:00

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL

Season 10. San Juan Myrmidons (doontristy) - NL

A new type of international FA

2008-11-24T21:53:00.003-05:00

For those of us in dire need of international free agents we can always hope that the WiS folk will see the light and follow in the footsteps of the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise. Yes, the storied franchise turned to India in the form of a talent contest looking for new talent. Then again, these guys may simply be the myriad of international FAs that our scouts find with a ceiling overall rating in the 40's that the scouts sell as great tallent.

Red Royal Radio

2008-11-08T10:36:00.003-05:00

(What follows is an excerpt of the "2 Vexed Dudes" radio show on WHAM, Rochester, New York
in late September)

Carl Lovejoy, aka Big C: Hello and welcome to another airing of the Dudes.

Bob Heinz, aka The Sauce: Hey there. What a mess, huh?

L: No kidding. What the hell happened here? I used to enjoy following the Royals.

H: A whole lot of craptacular stuff happened, and we want some callers here to vent, because
I'm about all vented out.

H: The latest agony - a 22-1 slaughter at the hands of the hated Schrutes - in the words of
that guy who played Ike in "The Longest Day" - 'too bitter to contemplate'.

L: This could be "The Longest Season". But contemplate we will. That game was a disgrace. I mean that's the kind of stuff you expect in Vancouver, or some weird Canadian city, not here in glorious Rochester.

L: Let's get a few words in and we'll be right back with Hugh from Spencerport.

(7 minutes of commercials, weather updates and traffic reports follow)

H: Alright! We're back; let's hear from Hugh.

Hugh: Hello?

L: Go ahead Hugh.

H: Your last name isn't Jass is it?

(snickering)

Hugh: No it is not.

L: Sorry Hugh. Go ahead.

Hugh: Yeah, um, this teams stinks so bad it makes me wish Buffalo was still around.

(muffled chortles)

L: I hear ya pal.

Hugh: Why'd they let Melo walk 10 guys? Are they nuts? What were Hypnotoad and Hubbard

[Hubbard is the Rochester pitching coach] thinking?

H: Melo started out horrible this year after being acquired from Scranton, then started pitching well - and then I don't know. Really inexplicable.

L: I think they put a Wii in the clubhouse and were playing Rock Band.

Hugh: Really? Are you serious?

L: Of course not Hugh.

L: Let's go to Jerry in Greece. Jerry?

Jerry: Hey guys. First time long time.

H: Great.

L: Super. What's up?

Jerry: Well, not the Red Royals. Think they can get back on track?

L: Not next year. They got some good hitters down in High A right, but they're at least 2
years away from making an impact on the major league club.

Jerry: What about Cesar Amaro down in AA? I hear clubs were hot for him earlier in the year.

H: I think Amaro's as close to an 'untouchable' as you can get without actually belonging to
the hindu caste of the same name.

L: Yeah, ownership is still stinging from trading Luis James all those years ago - they're not going to do that again. He might be up next year.

Jerry: Thanks guys.

L: Thanks Jerry. Now Melissa from Rochester.

Melissa: Hey Sauce and C. I keep hearing rumors that the owner wants to move the team to
Dayton, Ohio. I wish he would.

H: I think the only hold up for the move is building a big enough park in the Gem City. He's
said flat out that will move from this city as soon as Dayton passes a bond issue.

L: Kinda unbelievable Dayton wouldn't pass a levy to bring in major league ball, but there
you -

H: Not major league as much as the Red Royals though -

L: Ouch. Thanks Melissa.

(end part 1)

World Series Champs

2008-05-27T07:33:00.006-04:00

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993) - AL

Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79) - AL

Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung) - AL

Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput) - NL

Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester) - AL

Season 8. Monterrey Pepper Jacks (tooly_mctool) - NL

Season 9. Ottawa Sundragons (sundragons) - NL

2008 NL League Leader wrap-up

2008-05-10T19:48:00.003-04:00

NL:

HR:
David Baez (Burlington) 60 - The highest total in either league, Baez made a lot of happy hippies in Burlington this season. Let's hope he wants to be paid in granola bars.

RBI:
Larry Butler (Ottawa) 159 - Butler has had (another) monster season, and has established himself as perhaps the best young hitter in the game.

SB:
Alex Pujols (Charleston) 145 - Caught just 9 times - he must make Vince Coleman look like Harmon Killebrew.

Batting Average:
Sherm Bradshaw (Santa Fe) .345 - Bradshaw bested teammate Kirk Winston by just 2 points. Any other ballpark - they hit around .280 (just kidding KP! I'll be expecting the trade offer shortly).

OPS:
Larry Butler (Ottawa) 1.056 - See his previous entry.

Wins:
Bob Stargell (Monterrey) 17 - A very good year from a very good young lefty. A Pepperjacks mainstay for a while, I'd wager.

Saves:
Miguel Rodriguez (Oklahoma City) 42 - Only blew 5 chances, and the Bombers (boo!) only won 68 games. I suspect a statue of him has been erected in OKC, albeit nowhere near the old Federal Building.

Strikeouts:
Felipe Feliz (Santa Fe) 224 - The enigmatic and well-traveled Feliz finally finds his comfort zone in Santa Fe, of all places.

ERA:
William Taft (Philadelphia) 3.01 - *No*, no *that* William Taft, this one is a veteran pitcher having a career year, not a morbidly obese President who introduced the bathtub to the White House.

Season 8 AL League Leader Wrap-up

2008-05-10T19:26:00.006-04:00

AL:

Homers:
Ryan Cannon (Rochester) 58 - Who? I know, a pretty one dimensional hitter, but that is a pretty good dimension. Edged out the much better known William Washington by 1 homer - both homered in the last game of the season.

RBI:
(tie) Javier Chavez (Buffalo) and William Washington (Seattle) 146 - These two will ultimately settle the tie via deathmatch, as their owners would like to in real life.

SB:
Dorian Alred (Little Rock) 105 - Got caught just 18 times, which, unfortunately, is a pretty high CS rate for HBD right now. Just edged out the amazing Fred Simms of Scranton who had 102.

Batting Average:
Andre Martin (Rochester) .355 Big Andre had a late surge to surpass Cesar Cortazar's .353 for Jacksonville.

OPS:
Andre Martin (Roc) 1.133 I included this to piss off William Washington.

Wins:
(tie) Cap DiSarcina (Pittsburgh), Eli Santana (Charlotte), and Piper Jackson (Jacksonville) 20 - All 3 quite obviously had exceptional seasons, although Jackson has trouble keeping up in the ERA department.

Saves:
Michael Choi (Jacksonville) 50 - Wow. A very impressive number, only blowing 8 of save opportunities. This is also a new single-season record for saves.

Strikeouts:
Eli Santana (Charlotte) 260 - 7 fewer than last year, although I doubt that infamy is complaining.

ERA:
Vic Cruz (Seattle) 2.25 - So much for switching leagues/ballparks. Cruz improved his performance from last year for his new Seattle team.

My 7-year long dinner with Andre....

2008-03-05T11:40:00.003-05:00

A similar thing here with high priced sluggers.
There are certainly other worthy batters in the league, but this only concerns the highest paid sluggers.

This does highlight Andre Martin's Ruthian presence, but take a look at the underrated Pedro Cruz of the Yankees. And pity poor Mike Bradley.

Not at all like that old Kinks song....

2008-03-04T09:18:00.002-05:00

..."Low Budget".

You'll have to click the image to get a better look.

This list above has the higher priced/more effective Starting Pitchers of Gehrig's first 7 seasons.
I started with some obvious ones, and then also checked the prior Cy Young award winners and checked the career leaders in some key categories.

Someone broke a mirror in the state of New York

2008-03-01T15:14:00.004-05:00

More chart *nerdiness* here. Above are the win totals, per year, for all the teams still run by their original owners.
New York has more wins than anyone in this 7-year span, with 671. They are followed closely by Rochester with 665.

However, all these wins have amounted to just 2 LCS championships, by NY all the way back in season 1 and by Rochester last year.

Budget Fun, part deux

2008-03-01T06:58:00.003-05:00

Above is the payroll history of the entire AL for the past 8 seasons.

The highest average payroll for this period belongs to the Kansas City franchise - a little over $108 million. KC has a checkered past to be sure - 3 different teams in the Lone Star state, plus stops in Louisville and Tampa Bay. This high payroll has resulted in no post-season appearances.
Good luck eric!

The lowest average payroll belongs to the near-ubiquitous threester and his Seattle Pilot franchise (under $72 million). This cheapskate has produced 2 World Series championships.
But good news everyone - his payroll shot up this year so maybe we have a shot.

Hypnotoad out.

Budget Fun

2008-02-29T21:13:00.005-05:00

Here's a Player Payroll history for the AL North - I'll try to cover the rest of the AL when I have some more time.

There are 3 World Series championships here - Seattle in seasons 2 and 7; and Scranton in season 3.

Although Rochester and Seattle have remained in place, the other two teams have a more transient history.
Scranton played in Minnesota for the first 2 seasons. Montreal started out as the first Pittsburgh Pirates, then moved to Buffalo and Augusta, before finally finding a home in French Canada in Montreal.

New Blood

2008-02-26T13:49:00.009-05:00

Just wanted to formally introduce the new blood to the Gehrig world. Just remember that is normal for domi to talk about hot tubs.

In the AL South:

Kansas City Kansans (ericbergson)
Richmond Rebels (jacoby66)

Making a comeback to Gehrig in the NL North:

Pawtucket Rainbows (spit_ballerz)

In the NL East:

Indianapolis Hoosiers (schindlerjm)
Philadelphia Phillies (spanglerb_02)

In the NL South:

Charleston Harbor Kings (socalzamboni)

In the NL West:

San Diego Friar Tux (tyd2k1)

World Series Champions

2008-02-24T17:47:00.000-05:00

Season 1. San Juan Clementes (mazz993)
Season 2. Seattle Pilots (threester)
Season 3. Scranton Shrutes (mookie79)
Season 4. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung)
Season 5. Jacksonville betelnut (cpkung)
Season 6. Wichita Wallabies (jdbkaput)
Season 7. Seattle Pilots (threester)

Welcome

2008-02-24T17:36:00.000-05:00

Hopefully we'll be able to post good stories and stats off the Gehrig world of WiS. If any of you have any ideas as to what you'd like to see on here please let me know.