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.