Dickel's Nickles

WHAT IS A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH --An unscientific look at high paid free agents

Anthony Boudreau (Sea) 9 games started 57.1 ipp  oav .237 Pitchers ops(pops).604

Aurelio Wong (ElP)  avg-.261 ops .881 runs scored +rbi -58

Clarence Paul (Van) 3 relief appearances oav.- /350 inherited runners scored-0

Willie Schalk (Har) 7 games started 38.2 ipp     oav .236 (pops).623

Rey Jung (Boi)  avg-.289 ops-.941 rs-rbs 53

Top 5 teams by run differential   record                    run differential %

  Seattle Super Troopers                                                  .750

  Louisville Duoz                                                            .688

  Detroit Deer Campers                                                   .672

  Charleston Wharf Rats                                                  .613

  Boise Rogue One                                                          .601

Hitting Streaks                                                          Runs scored+runs batted in

Sherman Naquin (BOI)  16 games -active                         55

Santiago Vargas (FAR)  15 games - 1 active                     16

Eric Knight (HON)         15games - inactive                     35

Edgardo Blanco (JAC)   15games- inactive                      33

Alfredo Lee (AUG)        14games- 4 active                      32

Rookie Hitters                     average      OPS                  

Alfredo Lee (AUG)            .306           .865

Esteban Prieto (BUR)         .301           .899

Ray Bennett (NY1)             .292           .892

Charles Banks (HOU)         .292          1.137

Max Campos (ELP)            .289           .910

Pitchers with the lowest batting average allowed

                                       Ipp      .ovg

Delino Gimenez (HOU) 39.2    .126

Wyatt Winston (NY2)   42.0     .141

Slim Stewart (CHR)     47.0      .174

Sammy Oliva (SFE)     38.2       .176

Cole Burriss (FAR)      40.0       .179

  

  Another Saturday night drinking with the stars at the Barleymoe

      Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jim Beam, George Dickel,  and Jose Cuervo.

Elijah:  Fellas what do you think is the biggest story of the new season.

Jose: Elijah it always runs. Runs win games. 

Jim: The league average is 4.8 runs per game. Also 39.3 % of baserunners score this season.

George: Well that is 39.3 of the players who get a hit or a walk. That percentage goes down when you look at guys who get on base on errors.

Jim: There you go again George, you just love talking about unearned runs.

Jose: George has a point. And even if George is negative it doesn't have to be negative. Jim what do Madison Page, Troy Benjamin, Miguel Fernendez, and Geovany Diaz have in common.

Jim: I have no idea.

Jose: They all are hitting over .267 and haven't committed an error this season. The lowest ops for this group is .785. These four players each have played the most innings at their infield position without an error.

George: I looked at the outfielders and they haven't hit quite as well as the infielders. But Barry Owen, Cliff Lee, and Vasco Henriquez have the highest innings without an error in the outfield and Henriquez has started a double play.

Elijah: So how are the teams doing this season.

Jim: The average team has given up 6 unearned runs so far, but the Metro Authority has only given up 1 unearned run and Santa Cruz has given up 2.

George: It's early in the season and there have already been 85 one run games. That is more than one quarter of the games played this season.

Jose: Elijah the league leader in fielding percentage is the Santa Cruz Scream with a .993 record.

Elijah: I think we have exhausted this topic. Jim call the uber.

                                             Dickel's Nickles

WHAT IS A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH --An unscientific look at high paid free agents

 1  Anthony Boudreau signed by the Super Troopers for 18.5 million

     season stats: 3 games started    era- 0.92   pitching OPS .617                wins-3    strikeout % .309

2  Aurelio Wong signed by the Marty Robins for 17.6 million

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  7                                           batting average  .156      OPS  .518

3  Clarence Paul signed by the Voodoo for 16 million 

     season stats:  2 relief appearances     era-  0.00                                     pitching OPS .640    inherited runners scored 0

4  Willie Schalk signed by the blue frogs 15.3 million

     season stats: 2 games started    era- 2.70                                               pitching OPS .576         wins-1 

5   Rey Jung signed by Rogue One for 15.0 million

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in 18                                          batting average  .382     OPS  1.029

Rookie Hitters

 1   Charles Banks of Houston

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  19                                      batting average  .435     OPS  1.711

 2  Alejandro Lugo  of Burlington

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  5                                        batting average  .200     OPS  .600

 3  Esteban Prieto of Burlington  

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  8                                        batting average  .250     OPS  .740

 4  Ricardo Melendez of Houston

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  12                                      batting average  .333     OPS  1.201

 5  Ray Bennett of the  Empire

     season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  8                                        batting average  .423    OPS  1.038

Top 5 teams by run differential   record      run differential percentage

  Seattle Super Troopers                6-2        0.795

  Houston Dropouts                       7-1        0.708   

  Detroit Deer Campers                 7-2        0.698

  Louisville Duoz                           5-4        0.663

  Boise Rogue One                        4-5        0.647      

Hitting Streaks

  Jo-jo Carpenter of St. Louis  9 games

   season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  18                                        batting average  .541    OPS  1.388

  Albert Hitchcock of Santa Cruz  9 games

    season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  15                                       batting average  .410    OPS  1.042

 Damaso Nunez of Chicago  9 games

    season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  15                                       batting average  .390    OPS  1.088

  Rey Jung of Boise  9 games

    season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  18                                       batting average  .382   OPS  1.029

  Eric Knight of Honolulu  9 games

    season stats: runs scored + runs batted in  16                                       batting average  .351  OPS  1.026

Pitchers with the lowest batting average allowed

 Wyatt Winston of the Metro Authority  .080     27 batters faced

   season stats: 1 games started    era- 0.00                                            pitching OPS .235       wins-1    

 A.J. Moreno of Las Vegas   .089

  season stats: 3 games started    era- 3.18                                             pitching OPS .371       wins-2

 Freddie Perez of Pawtucket .094

  season stats:  5 relief appearances     era-  0.94                                   pitching OPS .096    inherited runners scored 1

Jose Cordero of Hartford  .109

 season stats: 2 games started    era- 0.96                                            pitching OPS .282       wins-1

Farmer Christenson  of Burlington  .115

 season stats: 2 games started    era- 0.00                                            pitching OPS .399       wins-1

   

                  Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Johnny Walker

Elijah: Fellas we start a new season tonight. Anybody got any good questions to pose for season 55?

Johnny: Elijah, this isn't so much about the season. I'd like to know why we always meet here at the Barleymoe?

Elijah: A long time ago we tried to meet at Rosa's Cantina but bwb53 wouldn't hear of it. He said it was a nice place and drunken scouts would ruin the ambience of the place.

Jack: I sure hope bwb53 will explain ambience to us in the chat forum; god only knows how many other places we ruined. We might not do it if we knew about it.

Jim: I'm not sure I like ambience but I sure like Feleena.....

Elijah: Let's get back to the season fellas who has questions.

Jack: I think we should spend some time talking about the 15 type-A free agents.

Johnny: Elijah the type A's received over 521 million dollars; the average for one season was 9.48 million.

Jim: The Shamrocks got hit the worst.They lost Keith Jenkins, Rick Silva, and Miguel Margot. However they will have 11 picks in first 100 selections. ( 19,24,27,39,45,48,50,51,59, 90 and 100)

Jack: How is that even possible?

Jim: 6 compensation picks for type-A, 3 compensation picks for type-B and their own pick in the first and second round.

Elijah: How many teams signed more than 1 type-A free agent?

Jack: Augusta, Albuquerque, and Seattle signed 2 each.

Johnny: The  highest contract went to Aurelio Wong at 5 years for 91 million and Anthony Boudreau got 90.5 million for 5 years.

Elijah: All those numbers makes my brain numb. Please call the uber.

Johnny: Elijah was it the numbers or the bourbon?

    The New Jersey Gaming Commission has posted the odds for the up coming Stickball 55 season.

 Seattle                         2-1                          Hartford                   5-2

 Ottawa                        3-1                          Burlington                4-1

 Jackson                       4-1                          Santa Cruz               6-1

 Pawtuckett                  6-1                          Santa Fe                   6-1

 Louisville                  20-1                          San Juan                20-1

 Charleston                 20-1                          El Paso                  41-2

 St. Louis                    21-1                          Las Vegas              43-2

 Toronto                      43-2                          Chicago                 22-1  

 Houston                     22-1                          Boston                   22-1

 New York Empire     45-2                           Albuquerque         45-2                                             

  Honolulu                  23-1                           Colorado               47-2

 Boise                         47-2                           San Francisco        25-1

  Detroit                      25-1                           Vancouver             40-1     

 Jacksonville               42-1                           Augusta                44-1 

  Toledo                       44-1                           San Antonio         85-1     

 Fargo                        100-1                           New York Metro    100-1

                         Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

  Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jose Cuervo, John Jameson, Uncle Val and Evan Williams

Elijah: Fellas, last night I had George, Jack, Johnny and Tito give me a preview of the National League. Tonight I want you guys to preview the American League. Uncle Val what can you say about the American League West.

Uncle Val:Last season the West won 246 out of division ball games; coming in second in the National League and fourth in all divisions. Santa Cruz won last season and probably has the most potent batters. San Francisco which had the best run differential in the division last season probably has the best pitching staff. If you were to ask me who the ace of the Colorado staff is I couldn't tell you. The Stickballers first three starters are all about the same; none of them aces but all of them studs. In Colorado you are always going to score so with them it's going to be about the pitching. The Islanders are going to pray that the young pitchers are better this year than they were last year. Only Santa Cruz and Honolulu have much money to spend in free agency. I'm sure the Scream will find a nugget to sign and I'm sure the Islanders will do their usual Tuesday Morning thing.

John J.: Tuesday morning have we've been drinking that long?

Uncle Val: No. The Islanders love to sign free agents after the rule five draft when the prices are lower. In my notes I always write them down as Tuesday morning not the Honolulu Islanders.

Elijah: How do you think they will finish the season.

Uncle Val: Giants, Scream, Stickballers, Mornings

Elijah: John we will give you time to sober up. Jose will you give me a report on the  National League East?

Jose: I'm happy to give you the run down. tmfran's Empire has won 6 out of the last 10 division titles. During that decade they have vanquished Rampage and Argonughts; been victorious over Stars and Steamers.How they will fair against Bandits we will just have to wait and see. Last year's run differential was very close between Boston and the Jacksonville team. Boston's team is solid but the Bandits are probably a little bit better depending on what the Beaneaters do in free agency. The Blue Hens have the second and third best bats in the division and the top two starters.

Elijah: Are you telling me that the Blue Hens have replace the ewoks in the battle to defeat the empire?

Jose: Maybe this year only but I have the Blue Hens, followed by the Empire, Beaneaters and the Bandits with none of the four winning fewer than 78 games.

Elijah: Evan what can you tell  me about the American League North?

Evan: Well the rebuild in Fargo is in its second season. The last time they had a rebuild in that franchise it only took 3 years. Season 35 100 wins, season 36  77 wins season39  83 wins.Season 53   98 wins season 54   69 wins. So maybe other franchises can have a little fun for a little while. Boise won the division last season but their run differential was 71 runs lower than Ottawa's. If the Bytowners can figure out how to become hometowners (home record 37-44, away 49-32) things could change this season. Ottawa's pitching is really strong certainly in the top five of the Stickball league. The Bytowners bats are lead by Phil Searle and Alex Otanez.  Boise has to two best hitters in the division: Rey Jung and Sherman Naquin. Boise also has good pitching depth so if the Bytowners don't play better in Lynx Stadium this could go down to the last week of the season. In Toledo second baseman Carson Beliveau and Donald Miles we give veteran leadership to a young team that has really stepped up it's scouting department in last few seasons--Adrian O'Connor and Furio Betemit.

Elijah: The order of finish please.

Evan: Ottawa, Boise,Toledo and Fargo.

Elijah: John can you do the South? Are you recovered?

John: Yea, I got this Elijah. Oh these people are trying to confuse me. Last season Jacksonville was in the National League, this year in the American League; and now there's a Jackson team. Which one am I doing Elijah; this would be hard even  if I were sober.

Elijah: It's Jackson , John, the old Monterrey team.

John: Okay I got this. Last season the old Monterrey team ran rough shod over this division with a run differential of 281. It was the only franchise in the division with a positive run differential. The Duoz  should be more of a challenge this season with a super strong bull pen. The two Texas teams have some really nice players but need a few more to compete. The shining light in San Antonio is left fielder Dan Brown. Look for Charles Banks to fill the Crawford boxes with baseballs as he win the National league rookie of the year. Order of finish: Herd, Duoz, Rustlers and Dropouts.

Elijah: John that was awful damn coherent for somebody who claimed to be drunk.

John: We all have our little games we play. I had a nephew who told me he never knew I drank until he saw me sober one time. The uber I called is here we better go.

                     Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

         Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by George Dickell, Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker and Tito.

Elijah: Fellas I thought tonight we could give a little preview of the upcoming season.

Tito: Free agency isn't even over. How can we be expected to make prognostications on a season that doesn't start for another 10 days.

Elijah: Tito I love to have you here but you got to know accuracy, relevance, and truth have nothing to do with our gatherings here at the Barleymoe.

George: Yea, if we can't upset one owner each meeting then we have waisted our time.

Elijah: Jack what do you think of the National League West?

Jack: As you know the NL west tied for the division with the most out of division wins last year with 263. That is going to be a pretty difficult goal for this group of owners this season. From what I can see so far Seattle is still loaded and still has 35 million to spend on free agents. I think Las Vegas has better starting pitching but unless my calculator broke, pimpbotlove  has used up his budgeted payroll. Vancouver has 26 million left to reinforce Hansel Fiers on the mound. The Dukes have 55 million left to spend. They very quietly are building up a strong group of arms on their staff, so most of that money will probably be spent on bats.

Elijah: Jack it's early but order of finish?

Jack: Same as last year.

Elijah: George what say you about the National League South.

George: Last season the NL South also had 263 out of division wins and I think they will top the 263 victories...

Tito: You just have to mess with Jack don't you George?

George: We are here to drink, talk, and have fun. What is more fun than sticking it to the Lynchburg lunatic.

Elijah: Could you please just give us a round up of the teams. 

George: As I was saying, I think Santa Fe has the best hitting. The 23 million they have left in their budget could provide a really good bullpen which seems to be their main weakness. El Paso has Max Campos and Vic Ingram at triple-A and they should really help out the Marty Robins. St. Louis has a steady group of ball players. They don't flash or sparkle but they play hard and win as a team. The defending Champs can go as far as the G's can take them (Enrique Gamboa-RF and Fausto Gonzalez-3B). The Rats have the least amount of money left for free agents with 7 million, all the other teams all have over 20 million.

Elijah: Order of finish please.

George: Charleston, Santa Fe, St.Louis and El Paso.

Elijah: Tito, you have the National League East.

Tito: The East is going to be tough this year Elijah.  Right now all four teams have between19 and 23 million to spend on free agents. From what I see Hartford will score the most runs with their loaded lineup. The pitching is almost as good. vdaino inherited a good strong group when he took over that franchise and he has a winners reputation so he should make it close. San Juan is always to tough and usually over looked in the preseason. mike1184 is laying the foundation of a dynasty like he had in seasons 32 through season 38 when he never won fewer than 100 games. The Augusta franchise went through  three owners last season, so joekendall, who is already committed to season 56 , is rebuilding around Theodore Cohen and Vic Mesa.

Elijah: How will they end up?

Tito:Hartford, Pawtucket, San Juan and Augusta.

Elijah: What do you know about the National League North , Johnny.

Johnny: This once proud division had the worst  out of division wins last year with 225. However the division has some of the best young talent in the minor leagues. Toronto has Stolmy De Paula  ready to bust into their lineup. Peter Donald heads up the staff that has a rock solid bull pen. Ryu and Sosa will provide plenty of runs for the Shamrocks. The Metro Transit Authority is in a rebuild. dherz_263 has done a remarkable job of drafting top pitchers so with this New York franchise it just a matter of time. I think the Detroit and Chicago franchises are good but not playoff bound this year. Both have talented lineups and some good starting pitching and are challenged in the bullpen. All 4 teams have a lot of money to spend on free agents so the situation in the north is fluid; and could change with each free agent signed.

Elijah: The order of finish please.

Johnny: Toronto,Chicago squeezing past Detroit  after they promote Angelys Alvarez and Francisco Chavez late in the season and New York,

                      Another night  drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe       

      Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Jose Cuervo

Elijah: Does anyone here know anything about the new owners?

Jose: I thought you would would want to talk about the guys who mysteriously are no longer in the league.

Elijah: Well we can do that if you want.

Jack: No! No! he's going to start with that Captain Morgan stuff again. It's urban legend stuff. It never happened.

Jose: Really Jack, sportsguy93 had played 68 seasons of HBD and now he's not in any leagues.

Jack: In 26 seasons of the Stickball league he had 21 winning seasons. Until the last two season he had never had back-to-back losing seasons. He just got bored and is taking sometime off from his Cleveland teams.

Jose: You silly Americans. The Captain, he uses some of ports in my native Mexico. We talk from time to time and I know his ways. If a manager like sportsguy93 disappears between seasons you should consider that the captain is taking hostages and accepting ransom for their relief.

Jim: I believe Stickman has had opportunities in the past to enhance his recruitment of new owners, so maybe what you say is true.

Jack: The Stickman has never paid a ransom and he has never admitted to being asked to pay a ransom.

Jose: Jack, there is a reason why the DiMaggio League is short 14 managers. Commissioner Officialism4 refuses to pay the Captains price and can't recruit anymore manager because the Captain continues to capture his managers.

Jack: I know for a fact that bagpipes28 is in two other leagues.

Jose: That's true but brad11 has disappeared just like sportsguy93. The captain doesn't get them all but he gets most of them.

Elijah: Maybe we should talk about the new guys.

Jim: Well we finally got POKEYSAN to join the league. After 478 season he's finally joined our league.

Jose: How has he managed his teams in the past.

Jack: He has usually operated with really high payroll. Somewhere between the mid nineties to a hundred and forty million per season.

Jim: Well this season he only raised the payroll by 11 million. He's at 114 million this season.

Jose: Doesn't that give him the fourth highest payroll for the season?

Jim: Yes but it falls within the usual high payrolls of the league, historically.

Jose: That is a tough division. All the managers have over a.500 winning percentage. They all budget a  good amount in salary.

Jim: trapapoodle, usibjc, and bwb53 may not be excited by adding him but as a scout I am.

Jack: We also had an original manager rejoin the league, vdaino. In 24 seasons on our league he won his division 7 times.

Jose: Anything you know about him?

Jack: He has a .529 winning percentage. 4.7% world series percentage. 30% playoff percentage.

Jim: The last new manager is dan2044 has only played 15 seasons but made the playoffs a third of the seasons he 's been in HBD.

Elijah: It seems like we got a really good set of new managers. We should have really good season. Time to call the uber Fellas.

            Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

   Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Johnny Walker, Jose Cuervo and Evan Williams

Elijah: We'll fellas it time to talk about the changes to the the Stickball league in season 55.

Evan: Elijah we have some new ballparks.

Jose: Elijah the good citizens of Pawtucket have a franchise for the first time in 19 years.

Evan: About the ballparks the Powderfingers will loose a little bit of the power they had in Jacksonville.

Johnny: Evan both those parks are pitcher parks so it's not going to affect the league much.

Jose: Johnny, try telling that to Marvin Scheffer who hit 41 homers last season  at the baseball grounds of Jacksonville. That dead air in Pawtucket is going to cost him some dingers in his first arbitration year. All the the power hitters are signed long term so its only Marvin who will take an immediate pay cut for the move.

Johnny: The franchise was ninth in homers last year and it's not like they were playing in Hartford or Santa Fe. They will be fine. Are we trying to make a mountain out of a molehill?

Elijah: You guys are bickering just to hear your own voice. If I wanted this I would have invited Jack and George. I believe the baseball grounds Jacksonville have a new tenant.

Evan: Yes, iam4real moved leagues not cities.

Johnny: Elijah has that ever happened before?

Elijah: Not that I remember.

Jose: Are you telling me that the Jacksonville Bandits are now in the American League?

Johnny: Yes. iam4real took over the Cleveland franchise and moved them to Jacksonville. That's not much of a playing change. The fences are a little farther back in Jacksonville. The outfielders have more room to cover so maybe the batting average goes up a little.

Evan: The other franchise move is from Estadio Monterrey to Boon Stadium.

Jose: That is  great Evan where are you talking about.

Evan: Monterrey's team is now in Jackson.

Johnny: So the second best hitting team is now in a pitchers park. I'm shocked that Glen Martin was willing to make the move with the franchise. He's a great hitting coach but now he has a great challenge. I'm sure Gabriel Javier is happy about the move. He should be considered an early candidate for the Cy Young award this year.

Elijah: Didn't we have four franchises change leadership?

Jose: Yes we did but new owner POKEYSAN chose to keep the team in Santa Fe.

Elijah: Time to uber up guys. Lets have another drink and call it quits for tonight.

                                                 Season 54 Awards

THE Stickball League names our awards after retired owners.

The McBain award is not an annual award. To win this award you must exceed the previous high season win total of 135 wins. McBain was active in our league for 12 years , seasons 22 through 33. He's retired from HBD. In 207 seasons McBain made the playoffs 170 times while winning 20,618 games.The current holder of the McBain awards is the Fargo franchise and thebigdogs.

The Dean award is given annually  to the comeback player of year. Dean spent 21 years, and thousands of pixels on the chat board, in our league. Dean retired, due to poor health, in season 46. Knowing that our world chat lacked his presence Dean returned to the league in season 50. Like McBain, Dean is retired from HBD.

This years winner of the Dean award is Peter Donald. Donald, a season 49 international signing by the Shamrocks. Won 19 games last season after two rough seasons. Season 52 saw his era climb into the 4.60 range.Season 53 started in the 4.60 range until he was demoted to triple-A. Donald did his work and got back to the big leagues. Peter lead the team in starts, innings pitched and wins(19), allowing the Shamrocks to reclaim the National League North Championship.

The final award is the Branch Rickey award given to the franchise that wins the most games from their teams at all levels. mannytanner's Hartford Blue Frogs won 555 games; 7 more than the previous season. also in so intention for this award were renrog's Scream and dyoungquist's Rogue One.

                                               Season 54  Louis Roederer Report

         How Charleston won the world series in season 54

Total Coaches Payroll: 9 million

Total Payroll: $80,324,965

Number of pitchers with significant innings- 10

Number of position players with over 250 at bats- 9

Players Acquired through the draft: 12

Number of first round picks on the team: 9

Players Acquired by International signings: 2

Players acquired by trade:2

Players acquired as free agents:2

Player acquired through he rule 5 draft-1

Diamonds in the rough -3

                Another Saturday night drinking with thew scouts at the Barleymoe

     Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by George Dickel, Jack Daniels, and Jose Cuervo

Elijah: A while back pimpbotlove commented about the internationals being a stronger group than normal. I thought we should chat about it tonight.

Jose: It just wasn't pimpbotlove, dyoungquist and dherz_263 also commented about the IFA's.

Elijah: Well it too early to grade this group; but do you guys think this is a better class than previous years?

George: Looking back 8 years it seems good but not outside the norm. 10 IFA's got a bonus over $9.9 million which is about average. In 4 of the 8 years that was the case. 3 other years had 9 hitting that figure. Only season 50 was really bad with 6 players.

Jack: But this season's $177.4 million is much higher than the previous years. And none of those players approached the amount thuggis gave Wladimir Campos in season 53- $37 million.

Jose: A lot of money was spent on the top players but it is nothing like season 52, when 4 shortstops got the highest bonuses.

Elijah: Well that is two years playing time. We can compare how they are doing. Jose tell me who those players are.

Jose: The four guys are: Willie Espinosa $21.6 by Louisville Duoz

                                        Alejandro Lugo $21.0 by Burlington Blue hens

                                        Francisco Chavez $17.4 by Chicago Charge

                                        Stolmy De Paula $17.1 by Toronto Shamrocks

Elijah: George what do you know about De Paula?

George: Elijah, De Paula is at triple-A, still a shortstop and probably will stay there. his cumulative batting average is .306. Might be in the bigs next year.

Elijah: Jack what about Lugo?

Jack: Lugo has only made it to double-A so far. He's more of a power hitter; having won a silver slugger this year. Has an average of .292 in his career. Lacks a little bit of range and may have to move from shortstop.

Elijah: Jose give me some information on Espinosa.

Jose: Espinosa made the majors this season. His minor league average was .305. He has already moved off the shortstop position to third base. He hit a homer every 16 at bats in his age 21 season.

Elijah: Fellas, I'll  cover Chavez. He has been on the DL in each of the last two seasons. He has a .352 minor league batting average and is a true shortstop. If redsox666666 can keep him healthy I think he might be the best. I guess we will know in about 10 years. Time to go fellows until next time.

                       Another late night at the Barleymoe with Elijah Craig                                                                

                    Joining Elijah tonight are Johnny Walker, Jim Beam and John Jameson

Elijah: We'll fellas its been awhile since we've gotten together. I thought we should talk about the American  League west race.

Johnny: Yes, pimpbotlove and jc44 are really going at it ---again.

Jim: With 13 games left they both have won exactly the same number of games this season as last.

Elijah: So Seattle has a three game lead.

Johnny: Yes but it doesn't look like it can hold up. Las Vegas finishes at home and has a slightly easier schedule.

John: Do you think these guys hate each other yet or are they saving that for next season. 

Jim: They probably should hate each other with both having made the playoffs for the last 7 years.

Johnny: And in 5 of those seasons they met in the playoffs. jc44 has a 12-6 advantage in those matchups.

Jim: It gets worse, this season, pimpbotlove won only 4 of the 10 games. The teams split the two extra inning games, Seattle winning a 10 inning game and Las Vegas winning the 14 inning marathon.

John: It's even closer than that if you look at some of the stats. In the ten games Seattle outscored Las Vegas 41-36 but 7 of Seattle's runs came in one inning in a come from behind 8-4 win for jc44.

Jim: That was the game they had just a couple of days ago. Paul Young had that bad inning, His blown save in that game was half his blown saves for the season.

Elijah: It's been great being with you guys tonight. 

Meet Your Hall of Famer: Reynaldo Soriano

 

Bio:   Reynaldo Soriano was born in Toledo, OH (Pop. 287,208).  He attended Rogers Senior High School (Nickname: Rams) where he was a 3-sport athlete (Football, Basketball and Baseball). After high school he attended Henry Ford Community College (Nickname: Hawks) in Dearborn, MI. He was a 2-time NJCAA All-American and played in the NJCAA World Series his Sophomore year.

Draft: Was the 3^rd pick in Season 32 by Charleston (bwb53).  

Scout Nick Brown- “He is an average hitter with decent power.  He is a very good corner infielder and could win a gold glove someday.  Has average speed.”

Career: Soriano was drafted in Season 32 by Charleston and broke into the Majors in Season 34.  He played 13 of his 17 seasons with the Charleston/El Paso organization.  During his time, he was a 5-time All-Star and won 5 Silver Slugger Awards at 3B (36, 38, 40, 42, 45).  His best season was Season 45 when he hit .300, .904 OPS, 98 R, 28 2B, 40 HR, 109 RBI and stole 11 bases.   He used that season to accumulate career stats of .278 Ave, .837 OPS, 1488 R, 2742 H, 402 2B, 33 3B, 545 HR, 1523 RBI, and 180 SB.  He still holds the Charleston/El Paso career records for hits (2143), runs (1185), and walks (768).

Speech Highlight- “I have enjoyed my time in this game at every level.  It has been one great experience after another, from making the Little League World Series to spending 17 years in the big leagues.  I owe my parents a great deal for introducing me to this sport at an early age, and all my coaches and teammates from various levels for getting me into the Hall of Fame.”

Meet Your Hall of Famer: Pete Pryor

 

Bio:   Pete Pryor was born in Blaine, MN (Pop. 57,186, North part of Minneapolis metro area.)  He attended St. Louis Park High School (Nickname: Orioles) where he led the Orioles to back-to-back high school finals, in which they won the Championship his Senior year.  He was also an All-Class Super Stater as a Senior.

Draft: Was the 24^th pick in the first round in Season 32 by Louisville (xmasjjm).  

Scout Ken Post- “He was a tremendous defensive CF and at 6-3 we knew he would his bat would continue to get better.  And oh yeah he had 6.7 speed in the 60-yard dash.”

Manger (mike1184)-  "After working through bouts of inconsistency when Pete first arrived in the Major Leagues, his gold glove defense and well-rounded offensive game while patrolling Center Field helped him become an anchor for 2 San Juan World Series victories.”  As far as the San Juan Expos are concerned, his jersey number has been retired since Pryor hung up his cleats, and the club has plans to mummify and display his body after 'ol Pete kicks the bucket.

Career: Pryor was drafted in Season 32 by Louisville, then was traded in Season 33 to San Juan where he spent 11 MLB season after breaking in during Season 35.  He finished his MLB career with 4 seasons in New York.  During his time, he helped win back-to-back World Series rings for San Juan in 36 and 37.  He also accumulated 8 All-Star appearances, 4 CF Gold Gloves (36, 41, 42, 43), and 1 CF Silver Slugger award (40).  His best season was Season 40 when he hit .303, .883 OPS, 104 R, 32 2B, 31 HR, 86 RBI and stole 29 bases.   He used that season to accumulate career stats of .279 Ave, .812 OPS, 1229 R, 2278 H, 482 2B, 83 3B, 311 HR, 1140 RBI, and 293 SB.  He still holds the record for triples in a season (11) and in his career (62) for San Juan. He also holds the career mark of 348 doubles for San Juan.

Speech Highlight- “I grew up going to Twins games and always dreamt of playing in the big leagues.  My parents help completely supported me when I chose to chase my dream out of high school.  I owe a great deal to them.  I also a big thank you to the San Juan organization and city for taking a chance on me.”

                                  An afternoon at the Barleymoe

                  Today Elijah Craig is joined by Henry McKenna

Elijah: Henry thanks for stopping by. I wanted to discuss the leagues' history.

Henry: What do you want to know Elijah.

Elijah: Which league has won the most World Series?

Henry: The National League leads the American League 28 to 25. The Nationals are lead by Las Vegas with 7 championships in eleven appearances.

Elijah: Is the big dog in the American League thebigdogs?

Henry: You just couldn't help yourself on that one Elijah; could you.

Elijah: No, I couldn't.

Henry:You're right thebigdogs have won 5 world series in 10 appearances.

Elijah: Have the two franchises ever met in the World Series.

Henry: Yes in fact it happened in season 30. The Fargo franchise was located in Montreal that year. Las Vegas won the Series 4 game to 2.

Elijah:What do you find interesting about this league?

Henry: Two franchises have the same owners for all 53 seasons. Mr.Stickball has run Colorado and bwb53 has run El Paso all 53 seasons. In fact these two franchises played in the league's first World Series.

Elijah: What franchise has had the most owners?

Henry: It is actually two franchises. Both Hartford and Charleston  have had 13 owners. In Hartford mannytanner has only run the franchise three seasons and he's already 4th in career wins. This season he will pass Charleston's trapapoodle for third in wins.

Elijah: Are you trying to confuse me?

Henry: trapapoodle has run three franchises this league. Not only has he run the Hartford and Charleston but he had 3 season with the Cleveland franchise. In total trapapoodle has won 1107 games in this league.

Elijah: Any other guys run more than one franchise?

Henry; Probably too many to mention. the most notable is mike1184. Mike ran the Vegas franchise for the first 26 seasons. Mike took season 27 off. When he came back in season 28 pimpbotlove  had that franchise so he tool over the San Juan franchise. mike1184 has 2447 franchise wins with the Vegas franchise and 2325 wins the Expos. Actually there are another 7 guys running multiple franchises.

Elijah: Any managers that stick out to you?

Henry: Yea, bigfrank84.

Elijah: bigfrank84? Who the heck was he.

Henry: bigfrank84 ran the Hartford franchise back in season 7. He won 100 games made the playoffs as a wildcard. His team lost its only playoff series and quit the league; actually quit HBD.

Elijah: Henry, you've given me tired head with all these stats. It is time for a drink. You want to drink your stuff or my stuff?

                                New people and places for season 54

We lost only one manager to the captain this season. buddy996 has been replaced by Frozenherd. Frozenherd is veteran owner playing in 21 leagues over 134 seasons. He has made the playoffs 47 times winning two World Series while compiling a .510 winning percentage in regular season games.

We will have a few new ball parks. The old Milwaukee franchise is in New York. I think technically it is New York one, and New York Empire is New York two but I've never understood the one and the two about the New York franchises. When dherz_263 moved from Miller Field to Shea Stadium, that's sure to have made Ralph Collier and his pitching mates happy. Last years Brewers era of 4.90 is sure to be lower for the transit Authority this year at Shea.

fdarby moved the Dakota's from Sioux Falls to Toledo and renamed them the Blades.  The big winner in this move is Wayne Butler. Fifth Third Field is still a pitcher friendly park but not as bad as Razavi Field.Butler certainly will be able to hit .300 this season.

Frozenherd moved his franchise from Montreal to Detroit. This is the most dramatic change. Olympic Stadium was ranked by SCAT as the sixth easiest venue to score runs in. CoAmerica Park is ranked fifth in suppressing runs.

With the new ball parks there should be a decrease in runs scored in the National League.

One team changed their name. The old Santa Fe Raiders have been rebranded as the Santa Fe Fernandez MVP Tour. 25 year old Alex Fernandez is now not only the face of the franchise but also the name. In three full major league seasons Fernandez has made 2 all star games, one silver slugger and hit for the cycle.

                          Season 53 awards

THE Stickball League names our awards after retired owners.

The McBain award is not an annual award. To win this award you must exceed the previous high season win total of 135 wins. McBain was active in our league for 12 years , seasons 22 through 33. He's retired for HBD. In 207 seasons McBain made the playoffs 170 times while winning 20,618 games.

The current holder of the McBain awards is the Fargo franchise and thebigdogs.

The Dean award is given to the comeback player of year. Dean spent 21 years, and thousands of pixels on the chat board, in our league. Dean retired, due to poor health, in season 46. Knowing that our world chat lacked his presence Dean returned to the league in season 50. Like McBain, Dean is retired from HBD.

This years winner of the Dean award is Daichi Brea of the Jacksonville Bandits. Brea was signed as an international free agent in season 37 for $12.3 million by NormanW5. In eleven major league seasons Brea won 110 games with an era of 4.18. At the age of 34 Brea, in his free agent season , went on the disabled list with a strained elbow. Brea , facing Tommy John surgery and decreased value as a free agent considered retiring but his wife's aunt Hilda suggested that Daichi see Damachi Xi a local acupucturist. Xi worked her magic and Brea won 19 games for the Bandits.

The final award is the Branch Rickey award to the franchise that wins the most games from their teams at all levels. brad11's Santa Fe franchise won 552 games narrowly beating out mannytanner's Blue Frogs by 4 games.

 Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jim Beam, Johnny Walker and Jack Daniels

Elijah: Fellas we've got three tight division races.I'd like your thoughts on the races.

Jim: Well I'd argue with you about having three races. Seattle and Vegas are close in the National League West but the Super Troopers aren't blowing a three game league with five to play.

Jack: I agree with Jim. That one is over,  Elijah.

Johnny: The two American League races are real. The Stickballers have a two game lead on the Scream.

Jack: The Stickballers only had a one game league until they beat the scream last night 5 to 3.

Jim: Yea, Mr. Stickballer shortened  his rotation from a 5 man to a 4 man rotation. That allows him more leeway to get the pitching matchups he thinks gives him an advantage.

Johnny: Still if renrog wins the next two; it could come down to who plays Honolulu and San Francisco.

Jack: The Stickballers finish the season at San Francisco. The Giants are 12-6 in their last 18 games losing only to Louisville and Santa Cruz.

Jim: Those two games they lost to the Scream last week are looking huge right now. The Giants are only 2 back in  the wild card race trailing the Santa Cruz.

Johnny: The Scream finish in Honolulu. The Islanders probably can't wait for the season to be over. Given the schedule I think Mr. Stickball has to hope to finish off the Scream in the Rocky Mountains rather than hope for a good outcome in last series of the season. If the Stickballers can't finish the off the Scream they have to try to clinch it in San Francisco.

Jim: The American League north is the real nut cracker. One game separating Fargo and Ottawa with five games to go.

Jack: Both their seasons end in Ottawa in a three game series not only to determine the North Winner but also home field advantage for the American League Playoffs.

Johnny: It looks to me that the pitching matchups will be:                                                                                                                                          Pressley (9-8/3.15 era)   vs. Alberro (11-10/4.38 era)                                                                                                                           Cox (6-9/4.43 era)          vs. Urbina (20-7/2.39 era)                                                                                                                                                 Quiroz (11-8/3.11 era)    vs. Finley (9-10/3.49 era)

Jim: I bet thuggis is happy he won't face Carlos Chantres.

Jack: Ottawa has a better run differential but Fargo has the lead it will be a hell of a series

 Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Tito, Evan Williams and Uncle Val

Elijah: Good evening draft nerds. What have you got for me tonight.

Uncle Val:  Well Elijah we got a report from the Stickball Council Assessing Talent (SCAT).

Evan: It is a very thorough report comparing the last 6 drafts. the three of us thought we should make you aware of the findings.

Elijah: How did you get a copy. I thought those reports were for members only?

Tito: I hadn't been deleted from the from the membership list when the report was sent out.

Elijah: Why exactly are you no longer a member? Did you forget to pay your dues?

Tito: Not exactly.

Evan: Hell Tito just tell him.

Tito: No, I'd rather not.

Uncle Val: Let me tell. Elijah, this was the best meeting SCAT ever had.  Elijah, do you know who Rudy Munoz is?

Elijah: I think he's the scout, who sells up players that are hard to sign. Wasn't he the scout on Jeimer Telis and Wayne Newman. He just never warns the owners about these guys not being ready to sign.

Uncle Val: Rudy is that and more Elijah. Not only is he a scout but on Sunday mornings he is the head pastor at the First Redemptorist Church of the Divine.

Elijah: Well that is good to know that there is a man of faith scouting for teams; but it still doesn't explain why Tito got kicked out of SCAT.

Uncle Val: Well Rudy was always asking about why Tito drank so much water at SCAT meetings.

Elijah: Did you or Evan switch water glasses, so Rudy was drinking Tito's Vodka?

Evan: Elijah, you know they kicked us out of SCAT after season 48.

Uncle Val: Rumor has it that Rudy'd daughter was a little tired of the fire and brimstone. She had begged her dad to let her serve refreshments at the meeting. She made the switch.

Tito: I never knew those meetings were so boring until I had to sit through one sober. But I did get a date with Celeste.

Elijah: So the reverend got drunk and you got a date with his daughter?

Tito: That is how I remembered it.

Elijah: What did the SCAT report say.

Evan: Well it really just compared this year's draft with the previous 5 drafts. The average player picked in the first 10 picks got a score of 83.25 for the six seasons of the study. This year the average picks scored an 86.1.

Uncle Val: So the top end of this year's draft was unusually strong. SCAT ranked drafts in groups of ten, through the top thirty picks this year's draft was better than normal. After that if fell off and was pretty near the norm.

Tito: The report did say that the 41 through 50 picks were a little higher than the norm but pointed out that was due to Seventy_77 and vegascowboy both making unusually strong picks at that stage of the draft.

Evan: SCAT, ranked vegascowboy's pick of Dan Brown with the third pick as the best player chosen. They also thought that renrog's selection of Coco Ramirez with the in the 31st to 40th picks for all 6 years.

Elijah: What else did the report say.

Uncle Val: It was pretty boring typical SCAT stuff.

Elijah: Thank you guys for your hard work. I'll see you guys next year.

                       Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

            Tonight Elijah is joined by Jim Beam, Jose Cuervo and Jack Daniels

Elijah: Well fellas if you read the  email you know that tonight I want to discuss the 2 American League teams and 3 National League teams doing much better than last year.

Jack: I didn't read the email. What teams are we talking about.

Elijah: In the American League it's Colorado and Burlington. In the American League its San Juan, Augusta and Albuquerque.

Jim: Can we start with Burlington?

Elijah: Sure, why not. Did you think I wanted you to do in alphabetical order?

Jim: Burlington's improvement has all been with the bats. The pitching is getting the same good results. In season 52 they allowed 3.56 per game. That hasn't changed much; it's 3.41 runs this season. The Blue hens are scoring 1.31 more runs per game this year.

Jose: They have a new catcher, third baseman and right fielder this year and they are making a difference.

Jack: I disagree Jose, returning players Emilio Jose and Emil Vazquez are leading that offense. Both these players have seen their OPS rise by about 100 points this season.

Jose: So your point is that the star players in Burlington are shining bright this season?

Jack: Thanks Jose, I couldn't have said it any better.

Jim: Jose and Vazquez are both under 25. That shining may last a long time.

Elijah: Can we cover the improvement in Colorado? Looks to me like the Stickman has rebuilt this pretty quick.

Jack: We should be used to that by now.

Jim: Colorado has improved both on the rubber and at the plate, though the hitting has been better than the  pitching; what you would expect in that ballpark.

Jose: Who would have thought at age 34 Bill Sullivan would be having a career year.

Jack: That guy is amazing. For his career he is .260 hitter with a .400 on base percentage.

Jose: He's third all time in Colorado for walks. He has 1045 walks in his career.

Jack: James Kwon is all time League leader in walks with 1595.

Jim: I guess if he plays until he's 40 we can all forget about James Kwon because Sullivan will have the record.

Jose: Another guy having a career year is Irving Astacio. He has raise this OPS 100 points this season.

Jack: The Stickman also brought back Stolmy Castro. Castro has been in the majors since season 39 and this is his second tour in Colorado.

Elijah: It is getting late. Can we start on the National league.

Jim: Two of the teams were really bad last season. Augusta and Albuquerque have a long way to go if they want to make the playoffs. 

Jack: Foreigner82 took over that mess in Augusta and he's already turning things around. Shortstop AJ Morris is 27 and is having a fine season. Tony Funaki and Albert James have also turned it around this season.

Jose: The problem in Augusta is the pitching. At least it's old pitching.

Jack: What is good about having old pitching?

Jose: The team knows that they need to replace these guys. What is frustrating is a team that counts on young pitching and they never fully develop. Foreigner82 sees what is in front of him, what needs to change.

Jim: Albuquerque is another story. they are the second youngest team in the National league. Rule 5 draftee, Otto Gibbons, has settled in as the centerfielder of the future.

Elijah: And that leaves you fellas to talk about San Juan.

Jose: mike1184 is in tough division. His run production is up about a run per game. Hitting coach Johnny Vasquez is really getting good at bats from every player.

Jack: Arthur McPherson and Miguel Gomez, both in their second year in the majors, seemed to have blossomed into major league hitters.

Jim: The two of them and catcher Watty Quackenbush with veteran Jamie Wang gives the Expos a potent offense.

Elijah: Call the uber. It is time to call it a night.

 Report to: Elijah Craig

 From: Hiram Walker

 Subject:  dherz_263

    Elijah, unlike the previous owner of the Milwaukee franchise,  dherz_263 is en experienced HBD manager with over 100 seasons and 10 World Series championships. 

He was born in New York but now resides in Atlanta. His favorite sport is baseball, favorite team is the Mets. 

Doesn't have a set way to build a team. Likes to have flexibility on player acquisitions. Doesn't favor trading, drafting, or free agent signings. Seems like he will use all three in the right situation.

What little I've found out about  dherz_263, leads me to believe this guy is all business-no silly stuff here.

Meet Your Hall of Famer: Sean Woodson

 

Bio:   Sean Woodson was born in Tishomingo, OK (Pop. 3034, 123 miles SE of Oklahoma City.)  He attended Tishomingo High School (Nickname: Indians) where he made Baseball America’s top 25 recruits before attending Wake Forest.  At Wake Forest he led the Demon Deacons to the College World Series in his Junior year.

Draft: Was the 31^st pick in the first round in Season 31 by St. Louis (usibjc).  

Scout Ken Post- “He had above average velocity, but his best attributes are how he could control both his fastballs (4-seam/Cutter), and both moved.  Hard combo to find from a left-handed pitcher.”

Manger (usibjc)- “One of his best abilities was availability. My teams play of bunch of one-run games during the season and sometimes a string of them in a row. He rarely missed a save opportunity having 67 and 65 of them during the seasons he had a record high 59 saves.”

Career: Woodson was drafted in Season 31 by St. Louis, he spent all but 2 years of his career when he finished in El Paso.  He broke into the Majors in Season 34 and retired after Season 48.  During his time, he was an 11-time All-Star and won 5 Firemen of the year awards.  He appeared in 744 games while winning 17 and getting the save in 566 (4^th All-Time).  He held opponents to a .236 Batting average, 1.20 Whip and an ERA of 3.13.  His best season came in Season 42 where he pitched in 54 games had 51 Saves, and OBA of .186, Whip of .96 and ERA of 2.06.  He won his 3^rd Fireman of the Year award that season.  He is tied for the Season Save Record with 59 (twice Season 36 and 38), and Career Record of 565 Saves for the St. Louis Franchise.   

Speech Highlight- “I owe everything to this game.  It gave me so many opportunities.  Coming from small town in Oklahoma to playing on the JR Olympics team, to Wake Forest, to the Majors.  I owe a great deal of gratitude to the St. Louis Organization for their belief in me and my long career with them.”

Meet Your Hall of Famer: Jeffrey Dresden

Bio:   Jeffrey Dresden was born in Burlington, NJ (Pop. 9920, suburb of Philadelphia, PA across the Delaware River).  He attended Burlington City High School (Nickname: Blue Devil’s) where he was famous for driving in 15 runs in a single game, a state record.  After graduating he attended Hostos Community College (Nickname: Caiman) in Bronx, NY. (Hostos only has Basketball and Esports for male sports)

Draft: Was the Top Pick in season 28 by Burlington (milton7).  

Scout Ken Post- “He was a natural hitter with a textbook left-handed swing and had leadership qualities that got the most out his teammates.”

Manger (milton7)- “We knew we had something special his rookie year. He had 23 plus plays, no minus. His fielding percentage was 1.000 and his range factor was 11.05 in 135 games. He was the Brooks Robinson of first base.”

Career: Dresden broke into the Show in Season 31 for 1 game, in which he went 2-4 with 2 doubles and the rest as they say was history.  He was an 8-time All-Star and won 7 Gold Gloves (1B) and 6 Silver Slugger awards (1B x 6, LF) while playing for 3 different organization (Burlington, Toronto, and San Francisco).  He was also the Rookie of the Year in Season 32.  His best season came with Burlington in Season 37 where he hit .317 with 29 2B, 49 HR, 144 RBI, and scored 108 runs.  Those totals help accumulate a career BA of .313 with 471 2B, 401 HR, 1412 RBI and 1261 Runs.  He still holds career marks for Burlington in BA (.314), Doubles (318), Hits (1779), Runs (869), and RBIs (975).

Speech Highlight- “I am an example that anything is possible, from playing MLB The Show on Hostos Esports team, to being drafted 1^st by Burlington.  You could not write a better story.”

                           Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

                Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Tito, Evan Williams and Uncle Val

Elijah: You guys are my draft nerds. What do you think is going to happen on Wednesday.

Uncle Val: I think the quality of hitters is a bit better but the quantity pitchers are not up to last season standards.

Evan: Tito, it's almost impossible to know all the top prospects. I bet you only have seen 4 or 5  the top ten picks. Don't be so negative. The draft always produces fine players.

Uncle Val: You're right about that but I  compared this years draft notes to last year notes it tells me that pitching is in short supply in this draft.

Tito: That is certainly a problem for clubs that only have one pick, like Chicago, Albuquerque and the other eleven. Elijah, did you know that Santa Fe has 6 first round choices.

Evan:  Tito how the heck did that happen?

Tito: brad11 had four free agents signed by other  teams. 2 typeA and 2 typeB. He lost 3 pitchers including his closer from season 52. How, the heck, he's leading his division is a riddle to me.

Evan: What other teams are getting multiple choices?

Tito: Louisville have 5, Toronto St. Louis and Ottawa have 4. Some others have two or three.

Elijah: Does that seem like the first round is almost the second round?

Uncle Val:  We have 65 picks this year in the first round. Last year there were 63 picks. In season 50 the low was 58 and the high was the season before that with 79.

Elijah: Well it will be exciting to see what happens on Wednesday.

                          Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

     Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Johnny Walker, Jim Beam and Jose Cuervo

Elijah: Are you fellas ready to pick who will be the rookies of the year?

Jose: That is quite a dilemma this season. The league has 99 rookies this season and who knows how many more will be called up by season end.

Elijah: Just deal with the guys who in the bigs so far.

Johnny:Seattle has two good rookies

Jim: Yes they do! I think Lester Gonzalez is the better of the two. jc44 signed Lester as an international for $12 million dollars in season 48. He was a Triple-A All-Star last season. The Super Troopers are using him as a set up man out of the bullpen.

Johnny: I like the other young arm in Seattle's bull pen, Lonnie Bichette. Bichette was the 21st pick in the season 47 draft. In the minors he was a starter making the season 49 All-Star team in Hi-A.

Jose: You guys are making it easy on me. both young pitchers are working out of the bullpen this season, as long as Renato Hernandez is healthy neither will get many save opportunities...ergo, no rookie awards. My choice for National League rookie of the year is Albuquerque's Otto Gibbons. Gibbons was the 10th choice in the season 49 draft. The Duke's chose him in the rule 5 draft this season.  He has over 100 homers in the minors in a 500 at bats. Power always gets the votes.

Elijah: What are your thoughts on the American League rookies?

Jose: I'm liking George Brock of the Stickballers. He is getting regular playing time at second base. He plays really good defense and makes contact at the plate. What more would you want in Colorado? Brock was the 79th pick in the season 43 draft, which makes him a little more experienced and mature compared to the rookies. Stickman chose him the rule 5 draft of season 48. He made it through waivers and the Stickballers have been doing their Paul Mason thing for 4 seasons. "We will promote no player until he is ready".

Jim: I'll take the dropouts' Zachary Fitzgerald. Fitz already has 12 homers and as Jose said power always gets the votes. Fitzgerald was chosen with he third pick in the season 49 draft.

Johnny: I'm betting on Magglio Garza of the Blue hens. He hasn't given up an earned run yet this season, saved 10 games in 10 opportunities. The Blue hens look like they are going from worst to first this season in their division. Winning teams get votes too! milton7 signed Garza as an international in season 51 for 15 million.

Meet Your Hall of Famers: Chi-Chi Costilla

 

Bio:   Chi-Chi (his parents met at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant) was born in Angier, NC (Pop. 5253, 22 miles south of Raleigh).  After setting the North Carolina small school record for career batting average (.653) he attended Valparaiso University.  He was an All-American in his Senior season. 

Draft: Taken with the 3^rd pick (Donald Miles 1^st, Clarence Paul 2^nd) in season 33 by Boston (NormanW5).  

Scout Anthony Becker- “Chi-Chi was not the biggest guy, he had some speed, but man could the KID HIT”

Career: Chi-Chi made his debut in Season 35 with Boston and played his full career with 3 organizations (Boston, New York, Hartford).  Over that time, he became a 9 time All-Star, and won an MVP award in Season 42.  He also won 3 Gold Gloves (LF, RF x2), 2 Silver Slugger Awards (2B, RF) and the World Series in Season 41 with Tampa Bay.  Although he won the MVP in Season 42 (.323, 28 HR, 122 RBI) his best season was Season 40 when was traded from Boston to Florida in midseason. That year he accumulated 38 HR, 153 RBI 131 R and hit .323 between the two organizations.  Over his career he had a lifetime BA .316 which totaled 2707 hits, 580 2B, 393 HR, 1600 RBI and 253 Stolen Bases.  He still holds Season records for New York with 49 2B (44), and Boston 54 2B (37).

Speech Highlight- “This day is the greatest of my career..because I am reminded of those that helped me get here.”

                                                       Report

To: Elijah Craig

From: Hiram Walker

Subject: Foreigner 82

    Elijah , I spent some time talking to F82 and he seems like a really interesting fellow and a good pick-up for the league. As you guessed he will turn 39 this summer. Also as you guessed he is a European and a bit of an athlete. He is a three time German champion in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

He told me his favorite sports were baseball and hockey but his favorite teams were Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.

He said he learned about the game on an episode of the FanGraphs podcast.

When I asked him how he thought he would build his team, he said he liked trading but prefer to draft players and develop them.

I should have spent more time talking to this fellow seems like a good guy. I think the league got lucky.

   Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe.

Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by George Dickell,  Jack Daniels and Jim Beam

Elijah: Tonight is the night you guys make your predictions. Who wants to go first?

Jack: I believe George is one who sets the odds for the New Jersey gaming commission. We know that he's already picked a Boston Seattle world series.

George: The gaming commission hasn't disclosed who set their odds, so don't go blaming me.

Jack: George we all know you will do anything for an extra buck. I'm sure it's you.

Jim: Elijah, you've been real good about not having both of them here at the same time. All they do is argue with each other. Where is Johnny tonight.

Elijah: I sent Johnny and Jose to find the captain. I heard that pirate wasn't just holding jbnels for ransom. I heard some really bad stuff that was happening to him.

Jack: If mike1184 is right about the May 2nd date, jbnels didn't even make it to budget day. Whatever torture the captain is doing to that guy isn't enough. 

Elijah: That is a little harsh. Can we get back to predictions.

George: I think until someone beats the big dog you have to pick him in the American League. In the National League I'll take San Juan. The Expos are 5 and 0 on one run games  so far. It's early but sometimes fate has as much to do with who wins as anything else. Fate is smiling on the Expos. It's their year.

Jack: You've said a lot of stupid things at the Barleymoe but fate--you're deciding on fate. Geez, how much have you been drinking?

Elijah: Jim what are your picks.

Jim: In the American League I'm going with mfran and the New York Empire. When a team spends 85 million on free agents it has an advantage. In the National League I'm not going to pick a team but I think the winner of the NL South will be the last National League standing. All the teams in that division are competitive. I don't see that division getting a wild card team but that division race will be so tough that whoever makes the playoffs will win the World Series.

Elijah: George is into fate, Jim is into competition what are your thoughts Jack.

Jack:  I think the two most talented teams are Boston and Seattle.I think Seattle will repeat as the World series winner. It will be the first repeat winner since season 49 when Fargo threepeated.

Meet Your Hall of Famers: Buddy Lowe

Bio:  Buddy was born in St Francisville, LA (Pop. 1765) and made the 50-minute drive south to attend Tara High School in Baton Rouge, where he was a 2-time all-state baseball player.  Also lead his high school to back-to-back football championships as the starting RB.

Draft: Taken with the 2^nd pick (Jeffery Dresden was 1^st) in season 28 by Memphis (xmasjjm).  Memphis moved to Louisville in season 31 where Buddy spent his entire career. 

Scout Phil Coleman- “I noticed Buddy as an 8^th grader and his speed and athleticism was ready for pro ball then.”

Career: Buddy broke into the Bigs in season 30 and never looked back.  He was a 10-time All-Star winning a Gold Glove (2B) and 3 Silver Sluggers (2B x2, CF).  He was the catalyst for a Louisville team that had 7 straight 100-win seasons in the 30’s and 3 World Series titles (38, 40, 44).  When he retired in Season 47, he had accumulated 2123 hits, 478 2B, 359 HR, 648 SB and 1670 R, with his best season coming in Season 41 where he hit .297 had 32 HR and 41 2B while stealing 35 bases and scoring 119 runs.  He still holds the Louisville records for runs scored in a season 133 (38) and 2 career marks for SB 648 and 3B 80.

Manager Comment (xmasjjm)- "From what I remember he usually started every year real slow, then took off.  A few times in the playoffs he was a beast.  Fun player to have." 

Speech Highlight- “I just want to Thank my parents for all the support.  My Dad taught me the game and my Mom took us out for ice cream to remind us to have fun.”

                  Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Johnny Walker

Elijah: I thought you guys could tell me about the free agency signings.

Johnny: We should start with Josmil Corpas; he signed for the biggest contract, 5 years for 52 million. xmasjjm  seems to have gone all in a closer. Last year Louisville's closer was Marwin Arroyo. It was his first year as a closer and he blew 11 saves last year.

Jim: Almost like musical closers Josmil Corpas replaced Marwin Arroyo in Louisville. Arroyo replaced Julio Franco in Burlington.

Jack: Franco had a bad year last year. After 180 major league saves he now is setting up for Arroyo. 

Johnny: Arroyo signed only for one year at 1.9. Marwin must be hoping for a career year in Burlington because at 34 years old; he probably only has a chance for one more big contract.

Elijah: Who else got big bucks, fellas?

Jim: El Paso signed Fritz Fleming for 5 years for 38 million. Seems to me that Fleming replaces Daichi Brea in their rotation.Brea went to Jacksonville;1 year 4.4.

Jack: Bronson Cassevah signed with San Juan for 5 years at 28.5. Which surprised me because mike1184 has a few young shortstop types.

Jim: It's hard to find a good bat in the middle infield.

Johnny: Seventy_77's Shamrocks missed the playoffs last year by one game.  He signed Yan Nunez for one year at 8.35 . Nunez created 137.42 runs last year for Louisville. I'm sure Seventy_77  believes he is the one player to push the Shamrocks past the Blood Gushers this year.

Elijah: Any other observations about the free agent signings.

Jim: We only had 9 type-A free agents switch teams this year. I think that seems low.

Elijah: The next time we get together be ready for some predictions. Time to call the uber

   The New Jersey gaming commission has posted the odds for the up coming Stickball 53 season.

     Seattle   3-7                                                     Boston  1-2

     Santa Fe  3-1                                                   Jacksonville 7-2

     New York 7-2                                                 Toronto 4-1

     Ottawa 5-1                                                      San Francisco  5-1

     Hartford  6-1                                                   Las Vegas 11-2 

     Santa Cruz 13-2                                              San Juan  13-2        

     Burlington 13-2                                               Monterrey 13-2

     St. Louis 7-1                                                    Fargo  7-1 

    Charleston  7-1                                                 Cleveland 15-2                                           

     Montreal 15-2                                                  Houston 10-1                                                  

     Vancouver 21-2                                                El Paso 21-2

     Albuquerque  11-1                                           Louisville 11-1

     Honolulu 23-2                                                  Colorado  12-1

     Sioux Falls 12-1                                               Boise 13-1  

     Milwaukee 13-1                                               Chicago  15-1

     San Antonio  15-1                                            Augusta 33-2                                                            

                                                

    

        Another Saturday night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Johnny Walker, Jose Cuervo, and John Jameson

Elijah: It's been awhile since we discussed the international signings. So let's discuss signings since season 49 through the season 52.

John: I think the most surprising thing to me is that the top money is going to position players not pitchers.

Jose: If you're a shortstop you go straight to the bank. 8 guys scouted at shortstop got over 20 million .

Johnny: The highest amount paid a pitcher is 19.0 mil for Adys Alberro and Peter Donald.

Elijah: Anything else you've noticed about the international signings?

John:  Only one corner outfielder, Alex Fernandez, was signed to big money in the last 5 years. So this season will probably have 3 or 4.

Elijah: Who are the big spenders?

Jose: Las Vegas, Seattle and Ottawa

Elijah: So you think that the money is going to be spent on shortstops and corner outfielders and a little on pitching this year.

Johnny: Yes, that wraps it up. Lets have another round of drinks.

    DICKELS PICKLES-----TOP EIGHT FREE AGENTS

1.) Yan Nunez (L) eight time all star; one time  MVP, asking for 5 years at 8,350,000 per year -type A

2.) Willie Schalk (R) two time all star, one time world series winner, asking 4 years at 7,250,000 per year----type A

3.) Randy Davis (S) asking 4 years at 7,250,000 -no compensation

4.) Luigi Cruz (R) two time all star, one world series ring, asking 4 years at 7,125,000 - Type A

5.) Maikel Zorrilla (L), one world series ring, asking 4 years at 6,000,000 - Type -B

6.) Rich Mateo (R), two-time all star, one world series ring,  asking 4 years at 6,000,000 - Type -B

7.) Josmil Corpas (L) one time all star, asking 3 years at 6,750,000 - Type-A

8.) Jason Williams (R) asking 5 years at 6,650,000- Type-A

                      Another night drinking with the scouts at the Barleymoe

     Tonight Elijah Craig is joined by Jose Cuervo, Johnny Walker and Jack Daniels

Elijah: Fellas we need to give a couple of awards, talk about new managers and new teams tonight. But as always we need to address Captain Morgan and  who he kidnapped from the league this season.

Jack: yes we lost toddemayer, burton2231, and sport 65

Johnny: Elijah, are you ever going to pay the ransom to the captain to get these guys back?

Elijah: No, he always lets them go. toddemayer has been in the league for three seasons. He was Trenton in season 24, San Antonio in season 43 and Cincinnati last season. The Captain always lets them go although I heard a rumor that a few years ago a league paid him the total of all the money spent on advance scouting to get kcg67 back.

Jose: Nobody spends much money on advanced scouting. If it's that cheap why don't you pay.

Elijah: This is a good league, good managers, we always rollover pretty fast. We don't need to pay the ransom.

Jack: burton2231 had been in league since season 24. He had 1814 wins in the league. It's sad the captain got him.

Elijah: The replacement owners are two rookies (Reds20211 and jbnels) and redsox666666 came back. redsox666666 was in the league from season 18 through season 31 winning over a thousand games.

Jose: You think the rookie managers will know enough to be patient with their teams?

Jack: Hopefully none of the experience managers will try to take advantage of the new guys.

Johnny: If I was a new guy in the national league, I think I would look for an experienced guy in the american league to bounce ideas off of.

Jose: There is so much to learn and interpret with the ratings. If they want to make a trade  at least trade bench depth to get used to the system.

Johnny: We also have some new ball parks that will affect some players. One team left Wrigley field and another one picked it for its home field. Other new ball parks are in Augusta and Milwaukee which both seem to be moves to slightly more pitcher friendly.

Jack: What awards to do have this year, Elijah?

Elijah: Well as you know we give the Branch Richey award to the manager who wins the most games throughout their system. This year the award goes to mannytanner. His  Blue Frogs won 545 games in season 52. Both dyoungquist and am4real also won over 500 games.

Johnny: Do we have a Dean comeback player of the year winner this year?

Elijah: Of course we do . Renato Viriato broke his arm in season 51, making only 16 starts and winning 6 games. He was a signed as a free agent by San Juan, made 35 starts with 18 wins.

Jose: Do you have anything new this year, Elijah?

Elijah: I do, but not an award we give out every season. It's the Joe Quinn award.

Jack: Wasn't Joe Quinn the guy who managed the Cleveland Spiders to that horrible  record in 1899.

Jose : Who deserves the award and how did they manage to get it?

Elijah: Junichi Yoon won 2 games as double-A manager for the Rising Storm last season.

Johnny: Are we done or should I order another drink?

Elijah: Almost done. 4 teams crossed the 4000 win mark in season 52: Boise, Monterrey, Montreal, and El Paso.

Jack: Anybody close?

Elijah: Yes. Augusta is 5wins short, Santa Fe is 23 wins, San Antonio 24 wins, and St. Louis is 30 wins away 4000 victories. Call the Uber it is time to go.