Included below are all the Top 10 Matchups, as determined by the Power Rankings, over the next week of play. The date and cycle listed are the first game of the series.
Sept. 1 PM - #5 Cincinnati Boomers @ #3 Minnesota Antichrists, 4 games
Sept. 2 AM - #7 New York Monarchs @ #2 Tucson Pilots, 3 games
Sept. 2 PM2 - #5 Cincinnati Boomers @ #1 Montgomery Biscuits, 3 games
Sept. 2 PM2 - #9 Los Angeles Dodgers @ #3 Minnesota Antichrists, 3 games
Sept. 3 PM2 - #1 Montgomery Biscuits @ #9 Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games
Sept. 3 PM2 - #8 Memphis Blues @ #2 Tucson Pilots, 4 games
Sept. 5 AM - #9 Los Angeles Dodgers @ #5 Cincinnati Boomers, 3 games
Sept. 6 AM - #5 Cincinnati Boomers @ #6 Vancouver Renegades, 4 games
Sept. 6 PM - #8 Memphis Blues @ #10 Colorado Springs Millenium, 3 games
Toughest Schedule: #5 Cincinnati Boomers
Easiest Schedule: #4 Huntington Guyandottes
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Power Rankings, Week 1
Every Sunday we will try and release a new issue of the Power Rankings: an assemblage of the Top 10 teams in the Double Mendoza Baseball League based purely on performance on the field. Though the season has just begun and Opening Week often features a lot of unique storylines, there is often no better barometer of how the division standings will shake out than to look at teams against their division-mates. As 2 such series are in the books for all teams, we can draw some early conclusions about this year's races.
1. Montgomery Biscuits (7-2)
The early pacesetter of the Double Mendoza Baseball League in terms of trophies, the Biscuits look poised to infiltrate the nightmares of NL also-rans yet again this season. Rookie CF Lonny Radmanovich has announced his arrival to the big leagues with authority, hitting .407 with 6 HRs and 11 RBIs through the first 9 games. The Biscuits starting staff is as staunch as ever; they are a combined 7-0 thus far.
2. Tucson Pilots (6-3)
Yes they've only played 2 games at home to this point, but the Pilots team ERA of 2.74 is still turning heads. They have allowed the fewest runs of any AL team, and a lot of the thanks goes to SP Colby Cunningham who has jumped to a 2-0 start with a 1.29 ERA. The far-feared offense looks in tact still, as 8 different players have already gone deep. Their schedule may have been a bit soft out of the gate, but you can only beat who you play, and the Pilots have taken care of business in that regard.
3. Minnesota Antichrists (7-3)
The Antichrists have been lurking quietly in the NL North for a few seasons, and now they may have finally turned the corner. 2B Alex Gonzalez, who has already solidified himself as a star in this league, is tied for the most RBIs in all of baseball with Huntington's Ivan DeSoto at 17. A player to keep an eye on on this team is SP Dale Howe. In an effort to reward the acclaimed pitcher with a Cy Young award, GM DodgerBlue13 is getting him as many reps as he can: so far that's resulted in 3 starts and 17.2 innings of work.
4. Huntington Guyandottes (6-4)
Rewarded this spot mainly for their 3-to-1 series win over the always gritty Hartford Hartattacks, Huntington is hoping the series win is a launching pad towards dethroning the Hartattacks from their 4-year hold on the AL East crown. DeSoto's fast start has already been mentioned, but the pitching has been a little suspect. Their team ERA is 4.96, which is managable in the AL if their offense can keep up with it. So far, so good as 3 players are hitting better than .400, including newcomer 2B Danny Brunette, formerly of the Nashville Sounds.
5. Cincinnati Boomers (7-3)
The alternating of NL and AL teams here in the Rankings continues at 5, where the Boomers check in. SP Junior Posada has been a pleasant surprise, as he of the 4.50 career ERA has spun 2 gems, including a complete game shutout of the Toledo Mud Hens. Offensively, 10+ RBI contributions from RF Ben Mohler, 1B Sherman Seo, and LF Ed Parnell have led the way. After tasting the playoffs despite a losing record a year ago, these Boomers are experienced and hungry.
6. Vancouver Renegades (6-3)
A couple of lopsided losses are the only blemishes so far for the NL's 2nd best team from a year ago. The offense has yet to start churning at full speed, but when it catches up to the efforts the Renegades are getting from reigning Cy Young SP Jerome Guerrero and rookie RP Blaine Fife, watch out. Guerrero has a WHIP of just 1.00 and Fife has started his major league career with 8.1 scoreless innings thanks to an 8-to-1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. Impressive stuff from the 24-year-old.
7. New York Monarchs (5-4)
The record probably isn't where GM themojoking wants it, but the Monarchs are 2 games up on last year's division winner, Chicago, so not all is bad in the Bronx. 1B Rafael Canseco is the lone standout thus far, hitting .400 with 3 HRs and 11 RBIs, all 3 of which lead the team. LF Armando Romo and DH Charlie Freeman can't stay cold forever, as both are boneified sluggers.
8. Memphis Blues (5-4)
It's been very tough to handicap the AL South thus far, as the teams have been cannibalizing each other into mediocre records. Memphis still looks like the frontrunner though, despite the offseason noise from the Nashville Sounds and the respectable starts from the New Orleans Pelicans and Little Rock Lobsters. Memphis has yet to lose a series, and that's with 2-time Cy Young SP Rico Parra off to a 1-2 start, and an ERA near 5.
9. Los Angeles Dodgers (5-4)
The defending World Champions didn't make it easy on themselves a year ago, winning from the 6-seed. And so far this season, they aren't making it easy on themselves either. The offense has been anemic, scoring just 37 runs, good for 15th in the National League. SP Charles Martin and SP Wil Sele are carrying the team though, as they are responsible for all 5 Dodger wins. Sele's 0.95 WHIP has been most impressive, and the 26-year-old's ERA is an equally noteworthy 1.98.
10. Colorado Springs Millenium (6-4)
They've allowed more runs than any other team in the American League, but when a team takes 2 of 3 from both Tucson and Huntington, they deserve some acknowledgment. Their bullpen has been the true culprit in terms of the Millenium allowing 6.9 runs per game. But with veteran and former Cy Young winner RP Christian Casey in the fold, management is hoping things get better. SP Oswaldo Guerrero has forced the flimsy bullpen into a lot of action--in 2 starts, he's never lasted more than 2.2 innings.
1. Montgomery Biscuits (7-2)
The early pacesetter of the Double Mendoza Baseball League in terms of trophies, the Biscuits look poised to infiltrate the nightmares of NL also-rans yet again this season. Rookie CF Lonny Radmanovich has announced his arrival to the big leagues with authority, hitting .407 with 6 HRs and 11 RBIs through the first 9 games. The Biscuits starting staff is as staunch as ever; they are a combined 7-0 thus far.2. Tucson Pilots (6-3)
Yes they've only played 2 games at home to this point, but the Pilots team ERA of 2.74 is still turning heads. They have allowed the fewest runs of any AL team, and a lot of the thanks goes to SP Colby Cunningham who has jumped to a 2-0 start with a 1.29 ERA. The far-feared offense looks in tact still, as 8 different players have already gone deep. Their schedule may have been a bit soft out of the gate, but you can only beat who you play, and the Pilots have taken care of business in that regard.3. Minnesota Antichrists (7-3)
The Antichrists have been lurking quietly in the NL North for a few seasons, and now they may have finally turned the corner. 2B Alex Gonzalez, who has already solidified himself as a star in this league, is tied for the most RBIs in all of baseball with Huntington's Ivan DeSoto at 17. A player to keep an eye on on this team is SP Dale Howe. In an effort to reward the acclaimed pitcher with a Cy Young award, GM DodgerBlue13 is getting him as many reps as he can: so far that's resulted in 3 starts and 17.2 innings of work.4. Huntington Guyandottes (6-4)
Rewarded this spot mainly for their 3-to-1 series win over the always gritty Hartford Hartattacks, Huntington is hoping the series win is a launching pad towards dethroning the Hartattacks from their 4-year hold on the AL East crown. DeSoto's fast start has already been mentioned, but the pitching has been a little suspect. Their team ERA is 4.96, which is managable in the AL if their offense can keep up with it. So far, so good as 3 players are hitting better than .400, including newcomer 2B Danny Brunette, formerly of the Nashville Sounds.5. Cincinnati Boomers (7-3)
The alternating of NL and AL teams here in the Rankings continues at 5, where the Boomers check in. SP Junior Posada has been a pleasant surprise, as he of the 4.50 career ERA has spun 2 gems, including a complete game shutout of the Toledo Mud Hens. Offensively, 10+ RBI contributions from RF Ben Mohler, 1B Sherman Seo, and LF Ed Parnell have led the way. After tasting the playoffs despite a losing record a year ago, these Boomers are experienced and hungry.6. Vancouver Renegades (6-3)
A couple of lopsided losses are the only blemishes so far for the NL's 2nd best team from a year ago. The offense has yet to start churning at full speed, but when it catches up to the efforts the Renegades are getting from reigning Cy Young SP Jerome Guerrero and rookie RP Blaine Fife, watch out. Guerrero has a WHIP of just 1.00 and Fife has started his major league career with 8.1 scoreless innings thanks to an 8-to-1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. Impressive stuff from the 24-year-old.7. New York Monarchs (5-4)
The record probably isn't where GM themojoking wants it, but the Monarchs are 2 games up on last year's division winner, Chicago, so not all is bad in the Bronx. 1B Rafael Canseco is the lone standout thus far, hitting .400 with 3 HRs and 11 RBIs, all 3 of which lead the team. LF Armando Romo and DH Charlie Freeman can't stay cold forever, as both are boneified sluggers.8. Memphis Blues (5-4)
It's been very tough to handicap the AL South thus far, as the teams have been cannibalizing each other into mediocre records. Memphis still looks like the frontrunner though, despite the offseason noise from the Nashville Sounds and the respectable starts from the New Orleans Pelicans and Little Rock Lobsters. Memphis has yet to lose a series, and that's with 2-time Cy Young SP Rico Parra off to a 1-2 start, and an ERA near 5.9. Los Angeles Dodgers (5-4)
The defending World Champions didn't make it easy on themselves a year ago, winning from the 6-seed. And so far this season, they aren't making it easy on themselves either. The offense has been anemic, scoring just 37 runs, good for 15th in the National League. SP Charles Martin and SP Wil Sele are carrying the team though, as they are responsible for all 5 Dodger wins. Sele's 0.95 WHIP has been most impressive, and the 26-year-old's ERA is an equally noteworthy 1.98.10. Colorado Springs Millenium (6-4)
They've allowed more runs than any other team in the American League, but when a team takes 2 of 3 from both Tucson and Huntington, they deserve some acknowledgment. Their bullpen has been the true culprit in terms of the Millenium allowing 6.9 runs per game. But with veteran and former Cy Young winner RP Christian Casey in the fold, management is hoping things get better. SP Oswaldo Guerrero has forced the flimsy bullpen into a lot of action--in 2 starts, he's never lasted more than 2.2 innings.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Where Are They Now?
The #1 overall pick every year in the Amateur Draft has a lot to live up to. If the right player comes along, an entire city's fortune can shift. When drafting at #1, it is critical to select a "can't-miss" type player. In addition to the skills that make scouts salivate, GMs also like to see good work ethic and healthy living habits, to ensure those skills will survive for many years to come. So, let's find out how that has worked out for top picks overall of seasons' past.
Season 1 - SS Lawrence Shelley, drafted by the Boston Beaneaters
The Beaneaters, who have since moved and become the Durham Blue Devils, took Shelley ahead of a trio of impressive SPs due to his impressive discipline at the plate. Though he's still learning the ins and outs of the SS position, he hit .349 in his first full campaign to ensure his playing time. He actually cracked the majors as early as Season 2, in September call-up fashion. Shelley has already proven worthy of the 1st overall pick, but those selected behind him, SP Brady Reed of the New York Monarchs and SP Nomar Johnson of the Ottawa Filibusters, are making their debut this year. So true judgment on his value against the rest of his class can now begin in earnest.
Season 2 - SP Houston Clark, drafted by the Cincinnati Boomers
Clark has not yet reached the Major League, but at just 21, that's no surprise. He is an impenetrable prospect: it is impossible to nitpick any flaw in Clark's golden arm. Beginning this season in AAA, it is rather likely he'll toss some innings for the big club by the time 162 games have gone by. Though SP Trey Marshall of the Helena Caribou Barbies at pick #2 and RF Rick Vander Wal of the Chicago Gangsta' Chimps at #3 were equally impressive, there's no faulting the Boomers' choice in Season 2.
Season 3 - 1B Sherman Seo, drafted by the Cincinnati Boomers
Cincinnati was back for more a year later and got another gem in Seo. Seo provides a powerful bat from the right side of the plate, and even has some speed on the basepaths, though he has never quite gotten the hang of getting good enough jumps to steal bases. Seo is actually 2 years older than Clark, and is on the Opening Day roster for the Boomers this season. Though it's early, Seo has 3 jacks in 4 games, and has his average at .357. Obviously a pace this torrid is unsustainable, but Seo has MVP potential, so atmospheric numbers will not be unfamiliar territory for Seo as his Major League career unfolds. And it's always saying something when a 1B goes before 2 SS's, as did Seo in front of SS Gus Harper of the Oakland Oaks and SS Geronimo Pena of the Jackson Ardillas de Muerte
Season 4 - SP Derrick Mitchell, drafted by the Charlotte Knights
Last year's draft was pretty bizarre. The Richmond Wild Rumpus (who have since moved to Baltimore) actually had the top overall pick, but thought the top of the class was rather lacking in star power. As such, they selected P Alton Estes, who they knew was unsignable, in order to get a compensation pick the following year. So SP Derrick Mitchell became the highest draft pick to sign, and he is currently at the AA level. Mitchell is a finesse pitcher, relying on control and movement rather than gas. Though he can put pitches where he wants to, his offspeed pitches don't appear to have as much bite as scouts would like. After Mitchell, the strange draft continued, as two RP went back to back in RP Vic Chase to the Texas Longhorns and RP Omar Cruz to the Cincinnati Boomers. The thin-at-the-top Season 4 draft class will have a lot to prove as they move forward.
The Toledo Mud Hens will make the historic first selection in this year's upcoming Amateur Draft, and they will be followed by the Baltimore Wild Rumpus and Charlotte Knights. Only time will tell if the Season 5 draft will go down as one that changed the entire landscape of the Double Mendoza Baseball League, or if Season 4 will repeat itself.
Season 1 - SS Lawrence Shelley, drafted by the Boston BeaneatersThe Beaneaters, who have since moved and become the Durham Blue Devils, took Shelley ahead of a trio of impressive SPs due to his impressive discipline at the plate. Though he's still learning the ins and outs of the SS position, he hit .349 in his first full campaign to ensure his playing time. He actually cracked the majors as early as Season 2, in September call-up fashion. Shelley has already proven worthy of the 1st overall pick, but those selected behind him, SP Brady Reed of the New York Monarchs and SP Nomar Johnson of the Ottawa Filibusters, are making their debut this year. So true judgment on his value against the rest of his class can now begin in earnest.
Season 2 - SP Houston Clark, drafted by the Cincinnati BoomersClark has not yet reached the Major League, but at just 21, that's no surprise. He is an impenetrable prospect: it is impossible to nitpick any flaw in Clark's golden arm. Beginning this season in AAA, it is rather likely he'll toss some innings for the big club by the time 162 games have gone by. Though SP Trey Marshall of the Helena Caribou Barbies at pick #2 and RF Rick Vander Wal of the Chicago Gangsta' Chimps at #3 were equally impressive, there's no faulting the Boomers' choice in Season 2.
Season 3 - 1B Sherman Seo, drafted by the Cincinnati BoomersCincinnati was back for more a year later and got another gem in Seo. Seo provides a powerful bat from the right side of the plate, and even has some speed on the basepaths, though he has never quite gotten the hang of getting good enough jumps to steal bases. Seo is actually 2 years older than Clark, and is on the Opening Day roster for the Boomers this season. Though it's early, Seo has 3 jacks in 4 games, and has his average at .357. Obviously a pace this torrid is unsustainable, but Seo has MVP potential, so atmospheric numbers will not be unfamiliar territory for Seo as his Major League career unfolds. And it's always saying something when a 1B goes before 2 SS's, as did Seo in front of SS Gus Harper of the Oakland Oaks and SS Geronimo Pena of the Jackson Ardillas de Muerte
Season 4 - SP Derrick Mitchell, drafted by the Charlotte KnightsLast year's draft was pretty bizarre. The Richmond Wild Rumpus (who have since moved to Baltimore) actually had the top overall pick, but thought the top of the class was rather lacking in star power. As such, they selected P Alton Estes, who they knew was unsignable, in order to get a compensation pick the following year. So SP Derrick Mitchell became the highest draft pick to sign, and he is currently at the AA level. Mitchell is a finesse pitcher, relying on control and movement rather than gas. Though he can put pitches where he wants to, his offspeed pitches don't appear to have as much bite as scouts would like. After Mitchell, the strange draft continued, as two RP went back to back in RP Vic Chase to the Texas Longhorns and RP Omar Cruz to the Cincinnati Boomers. The thin-at-the-top Season 4 draft class will have a lot to prove as they move forward.
The Toledo Mud Hens will make the historic first selection in this year's upcoming Amateur Draft, and they will be followed by the Baltimore Wild Rumpus and Charlotte Knights. Only time will tell if the Season 5 draft will go down as one that changed the entire landscape of the Double Mendoza Baseball League, or if Season 4 will repeat itself.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Caveat Emptor
Baseball teams are always looking to strike gold by sending scouts overseas. But, like gold, these prospects are not cheap. A couple of signings have already made a splash at this early junction of Double Mendoza's 5th season. The Line on Mendoza is here to pass judgment on both.
18-year-old SP/RP Victor Jose
acquired by the Toledo Mud Hens for $8.7M
This right-handed hurler commanded a hefty sum, and a lot of GMs we surveyed are wondering why the Mud hens forked it over. Scouts think Jose will have a difficult time eating enough innings to become a starter in the bigs someday. He relies on his control, but batters put a lot of balls in play off of him. His sinker will induce some groundballs, but he also has a habit of leaving it too high in the zone, which is always bad news. He'll likely earn a roster spot some day, but there are far better ways to spend $8.7M
18-year-old C Ignacio Lee
acquired by the Chicago Gangsta' Chimps for $9.0M
Speaking of better ways to spend almost $9.0M, we have Ignacio Lee. For an extra $300K compared to Jose, most scouts tout Lee as a potential all-star slugger some day. He is defensively sound enough to play C, but if he remains in the AL, is a perfectly good option to DH. He's a patient hitter already who victimizes left-handed pitching rather routinely. He'll need to hit the weight room if he hopes to be an everyday player someday, but Chicago's coaching staff will see to that, I'm sure.
So, buyer beware on the international market. It's very easy to overspend on unproven talent, so make sure the bang is really there when you part from your buck.
18-year-old SP/RP Victor Joseacquired by the Toledo Mud Hens for $8.7M
This right-handed hurler commanded a hefty sum, and a lot of GMs we surveyed are wondering why the Mud hens forked it over. Scouts think Jose will have a difficult time eating enough innings to become a starter in the bigs someday. He relies on his control, but batters put a lot of balls in play off of him. His sinker will induce some groundballs, but he also has a habit of leaving it too high in the zone, which is always bad news. He'll likely earn a roster spot some day, but there are far better ways to spend $8.7M
18-year-old C Ignacio Leeacquired by the Chicago Gangsta' Chimps for $9.0M
Speaking of better ways to spend almost $9.0M, we have Ignacio Lee. For an extra $300K compared to Jose, most scouts tout Lee as a potential all-star slugger some day. He is defensively sound enough to play C, but if he remains in the AL, is a perfectly good option to DH. He's a patient hitter already who victimizes left-handed pitching rather routinely. He'll need to hit the weight room if he hopes to be an everyday player someday, but Chicago's coaching staff will see to that, I'm sure.
So, buyer beware on the international market. It's very easy to overspend on unproven talent, so make sure the bang is really there when you part from your buck.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Memphis looking for season V
The Blues start their first season in Double Mendoza with a team record of 111 wins. Since that, their wins total is decreasing.
The last season was their worst season, with 94 wins, but they manage to win their division title.
The fifth season is starting soon, and the Blues will be on the run to win another division title, but the improvements of Nashville may give them hard time.
The Blues GM made some interesting moves. He decides to trade the second baseman Felipe Gonzalez, and catcher Hideo Suzuki for starting pitcher Timothy Lanning.
Gonzalez is a future ML infielder, and Suzuki may reach the same level soon.
Memphis has improved their pitching staff with Lanning, but this one may start the season in AAA. Therefore, there's a big chance to see him in the ML rotation somewhere in the season.
Also, the Blues recently trade Del Marquez for Will Koehlert and D'Angelo Castro. The trade is in the process to be approuve by the other owners of Double Mendoza.
On the free agent market, Memphis gave a two years contract to third baseman Nigel Kelly for a total value of 10.8 millions. A recent addition was Louie Villano who may help the ML bullpen as a setup man or closer.
Rico Parra, Roosevelt Gant and Christy Gold will be the top 3 starting pitchers for the Blues. The remaining spot are still not decided. Napoleon Tapani will start as the official closer of the team. Tapani got more than 40 saves in his last three seasons.
The Blues got some power at bat with Donte Kirwan, Andres Vizcaino, D.T. James and Pablo Suarez. Three of them hit more than 40 home runs, and Kirwan was near to reach that stage with 38.
Rafael Montanez and Nigel Kelly may produce a lot of RBI. With his new contract of 22 millions for three years, Von Byrne will have a more important role this year.
Bryan Guerrero and Victor Bonds may split time in the left field and also as leadoff hitter.
With all this being said, the Blues are looking positively at the fifth season of Double Mendoza. There will be a race with Nashville for the division title.
We may also see New Orleans and Little Rock involve in that race. In any case, it will be interesting.
The last season was their worst season, with 94 wins, but they manage to win their division title.
The fifth season is starting soon, and the Blues will be on the run to win another division title, but the improvements of Nashville may give them hard time.
The Blues GM made some interesting moves. He decides to trade the second baseman Felipe Gonzalez, and catcher Hideo Suzuki for starting pitcher Timothy Lanning.
Gonzalez is a future ML infielder, and Suzuki may reach the same level soon.
Memphis has improved their pitching staff with Lanning, but this one may start the season in AAA. Therefore, there's a big chance to see him in the ML rotation somewhere in the season.
Also, the Blues recently trade Del Marquez for Will Koehlert and D'Angelo Castro. The trade is in the process to be approuve by the other owners of Double Mendoza.
On the free agent market, Memphis gave a two years contract to third baseman Nigel Kelly for a total value of 10.8 millions. A recent addition was Louie Villano who may help the ML bullpen as a setup man or closer.
Rico Parra, Roosevelt Gant and Christy Gold will be the top 3 starting pitchers for the Blues. The remaining spot are still not decided. Napoleon Tapani will start as the official closer of the team. Tapani got more than 40 saves in his last three seasons.
The Blues got some power at bat with Donte Kirwan, Andres Vizcaino, D.T. James and Pablo Suarez. Three of them hit more than 40 home runs, and Kirwan was near to reach that stage with 38.
Rafael Montanez and Nigel Kelly may produce a lot of RBI. With his new contract of 22 millions for three years, Von Byrne will have a more important role this year.
Bryan Guerrero and Victor Bonds may split time in the left field and also as leadoff hitter.
With all this being said, the Blues are looking positively at the fifth season of Double Mendoza. There will be a race with Nashville for the division title.
We may also see New Orleans and Little Rock involve in that race. In any case, it will be interesting.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
New faces in Nashville.
Lots of changes in Nashville this winter, they trade one of the best hitter in both leagues, Danny Brunette, in order to improve their rotation.
They gave a lot? But, they hope they get a lot in return too.
Let's take a look.
Brunette, Ray Randolph, Steve Withem, Sal Saunders, Glenn Sisler and Taylor Black are all gone.
But Coco Casey, Benji Reyes, Robert Knight, Marino Berroa and Bonk Lieber are coming.
Of course, Brunette, a 2 times All-Star, a 1 time MVP and in the top 5 in hits, runs and RBI's, will be hard to replace but the Sounds GM, thinks that Christopher Goldberg, Adam Huff, Dernell Carpenter and Cy Crawford should lead the offence, with help coming from rookie power hitting catcher Tim Barnes and newly acquire Reyes and Berroa.
The rotation should be much better with the acquisition of Casey and Knight who will join Ron Moran in one of the best top three SP in both leagues.
The Sounds also lost Bartolo Ortega to free agency, but they hope Lieber will be able to replace him effectively.
After 4 seasons finishing second to Memphis in the AL South, the Sounds hope this year they will finish first and that they will play late in the playoffs.
They gave a lot? But, they hope they get a lot in return too.
Let's take a look.
Brunette, Ray Randolph, Steve Withem, Sal Saunders, Glenn Sisler and Taylor Black are all gone.
But Coco Casey, Benji Reyes, Robert Knight, Marino Berroa and Bonk Lieber are coming.
Of course, Brunette, a 2 times All-Star, a 1 time MVP and in the top 5 in hits, runs and RBI's, will be hard to replace but the Sounds GM, thinks that Christopher Goldberg, Adam Huff, Dernell Carpenter and Cy Crawford should lead the offence, with help coming from rookie power hitting catcher Tim Barnes and newly acquire Reyes and Berroa.
The rotation should be much better with the acquisition of Casey and Knight who will join Ron Moran in one of the best top three SP in both leagues.
The Sounds also lost Bartolo Ortega to free agency, but they hope Lieber will be able to replace him effectively.
After 4 seasons finishing second to Memphis in the AL South, the Sounds hope this year they will finish first and that they will play late in the playoffs.
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