Monday, December 22, 2008

Ok, here are picks 21-32....I know it is already Season 11, but thought this should be posted. Be aware that this was done without projections....so, I did my best in projecting them (I think I'd do alright, since I've played 50 or so seasons!)

enjoy!


21.
Vernon Kydd
Burlington
Black Sox
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Southaven, MS
Position(s): P (LRB)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The first rookie to make the ML's, Kydd got a ML contract right from college and blazed through the minors on his way to 1 appearence for The Burlington Black Sox big league squad. Kydd will be a very good starter, but we have to wonder if the rapid promotion will retard his development any.
ETA, uh, season 10
Grade: B+

22.
Arnold Curtis
Colorado
Orangemen
Age: 19B/T: S/R
Born: Lima, NY
Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Curtis looks to be a good fit for the Colorodo franchise with plus power for a 2B. He should be able to stay there, but the 19 yr. old has a long way to go. He was a rookie league star pounding 24 HRs and hitting .384. He'll move to Low A for season 11 and looks to be on the right track.
ETA: Season 14
Grade B+

23.
Ajax Alexander
Cincinnati
Red Legs
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Chandler, AZ
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Currently a closer, Alexander could make a potential move to the rotation if his durability improves. If not, that won't diminish his prospect status entirely ans he has 2 plus pitches in a fastball and hard-slider that allow him to handle both LH and RH pitching. Alexander needs to alter some mechanics to become less of an injury risk, but he seems athletic enough to make the adjustments.
ETA: Season 14
Grade: B

24.
Michael Grace
Milwaukee
Beers
Age: 23B/T: S/R
Born: Mansfield, MO
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The tall LSU product hailing from Missouri is a quality selection at #24. He should progress rapidly and seems to be in-line for a #3 spot in the rotation in a couple of years. Grace has good tilt on his pitches using his height as an advantage. He doesn't throw hard, but his arm angle allows him to get strikeouts.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: B

25. Francisco Canseco, not signed.

26.
Carlos Chavez
Philadelphia
Santa Haters
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Chula Vista, CA
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Chavez is a questionable selection here, as his ability to blow both LH and RH hitters away is seriously in doubt. Both handed hitters get good looks at his pitches and there isn't much deception, meaning there are a lot of hard hit balls coming at the defense. On the plus side, Chavez is 19, has a few years to develop and can be an innings eater.
ETA: Season 15 (if at all)
Grade C

27.
Nipsey Fischer
Portland
Rainmakers
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Tucson, AZ
Position(s): P (SuA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Nipsey is going to be a quality setup man. A little high to take a pure RP, but he has an outside shot to be a closer at some point. He does hav ea rubber arm and should be able to pitch against both LH and RH batters with equal effectiveness.
ETA: Season 14
Grade: C+

28.
Luis Arias
Helena
Bombers
Age: 22B/T: R/R
Born: Le Mars, IA
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Luis Arias is an excellent selection at #27. He has a plished game from Kansas state and can progress to AA this season with a shot at the ML's next year. Luis has a solid defensive game with improvement needed on his fielding and glovework. On the offensive side, he is a free swinger but has power to add value. He may strikeout, but the power provided at 2B will be enough to make him valuable.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B+

29.
Douglas Busby
Augusta
Lobsters
Age: 21B/T: S/R
Born: Monument, CO
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Antoher of the 1st round closers/RP's, Busby can carve out a good RP career, but doesn't look to have star written over him. The Brusnwick Community College (NC) product has a durable arm, able to pitch for extended outings while rebounding very well. He'd often come into games in the 4th or 5th inning and pitch the rest of the way in one nigh, and then close the next. His main pitch is a hard sinker but his secondary pitch is a fringe curveball. That combo might keep him from closing, but he should be an effective Su man.
ETA: Season 14
Grade: C+

30.
Babe Kershner
Vancouver
Whitecaps
Age: 20B/T: R/R
Born: Castro Valley, CA
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Babe Kershner is a 6-7 RP with deceptive movement. While you'd think he is a hard-throwing RP, he actually is more precise using great movement on his fastball and slider to get hitters out. As he matures he will become better at locating his pitches and therefore he could see his "stuff" improve over time, though not really becoming a flame-thrower.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: B

31.
Darryl Shirley
Charlotte
Racers
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: East Point, GA
Position(s): CF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The East Point Georgia native has the makings of a solid CF/4th OF as his power or defense are not elite to carry him. He will be a solid contact guy, but might not make a regular starting job. The LH does have great speed and already solid glove so his value as a 4th OF will still be in demand.
ETA: Season 24
Grade: B-

32.
Farmer Sosa
Baltimore
orioles
Age: 22B/T: S/R
Born: London, ON
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Farmer has a long way to reap the rewards from his talents. He may never be a full-time starter
like Shirley (above), but his speed, defense and hitting will allow him to hold a bench role. He strugles to pick up pitches from both LH and RH hitters often guessing, which leaves him flat footed and with his small frame and already limited power, he can't produce as a hitter. When on base though Sosa is an adept base-runner with great speed and already solid instincts. He'll be a utility player off the bench, able to support at 2B/LF/ CF mainly.
ETA: Season 14
Grade: C+

That wraps up the first 32 picks in the draft. This season, I'll start after the draft instead of waiting till nearly the playoffs.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Ok, here are picks #11-20. I hope you enjoy!

11.
Braden Bird
Scranton
Scrotes
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Mitchell, IN
Position(s): SS
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The High School SS will make the move to 3B at some point, as his glove and footwork won’t cover the ground need at the ML level. However, his bat will allow for the switch and make him a productive player regardless. He’s got great power potential and could hit 30+ HRs per year. Not very fleet of foot, he makes the plays necessary and with his SS arm can make all the throws. Bird was signed to a ML contract and an over-slot bonus, however, it he pans out, it will be well worth the cost.
ETA: 14
Grade: B+


12.
Deacon Turner
Minnesota
Twins
Age: 19B/T: L/L
Born: Mountain Brook, AL
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The slim LH by way of Lawson State CC has turned in a solid 8-3 recod in 14 RL games. Not only tall, but well-built, Turner can light up a radar gun at 90+ and should reach 95+ with good movement later on. His curveball is solid, but he lacks a 3rd plus pitch. He could reach the MLs as a #2/3 SP.
ETA: 13
Grade: B


13.
Johnnie Cox
Seattle
Steamers
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Smyrna, DE
Position(s): C/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Steamers grabbed the first Catcher of the draft at #13 in Cox. He is a solid all-around C, with good footwork behind the plate and a reliable arm. Cox is a smart player and won’t clog the bases as a runner and is patient at the plate. He has a solid approach though he’ll hit better vs. LH pitching as RHs still can get inside on him and jam his hands. Overall, he’s a good value at #13 as a solid future C.
ETA: 14
Grade: B


14.
Colby Stanley
Wichita
Wimps
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Winchester, MA
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Colby Stanley is a mature 19 yr. old and could move fast for the Wichita franchise. His ceiling is as a #3 SP as none of his offerings wow you, but his command and pitch-ability allow him to be competitive. He is able to work both sides of the plate against both LH and RH hitters and his bulldog mentality will serve him well as a future SP’er.
ETA: 13
Grade: C+


15.
Ramiro Sanchez
San Juan
Pirates
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: La Crosse, WI
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A steal at #15, Ramiro Stanley has the ceiling of a future #2. Though a little short, he still gets on-top of his pitches. He throws a cut FB to keep hitters honest, but his meal ticket is a drop-off-the-table changeup. The depth and late break allow him to be effective vs. both LH and RH hitters. Add in his top durability and stamina, as he pitched 7 innings on 3 days rest twice in the Minnesota High School class AAA tournament, and Sanches is a great pick here.
ETA: 14
Grade: A

16.
Gene Herman
Colorado
Orangemen
Age: 18B/T: S/R
Born: Kiowa, CO
Position(s): 1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Gene does one thing very well….hit. Out of Gateway HS in Auroroa Col. the Colorado Orangemen have known about him for many years, especially since his legendary batting practice at Coors field for his county All-star squad. The local kid is a switch hitting machine. His power rates as a 70 on the 30-80 scout scale and he can hit both RH and LH hitting, though his LH stroke is more fluid. He also commands the zone very well from either side of the plate and looks to be a perfect fit for Coors field.
ETA: 15
Grade: B+

17.
Alberto Villarreal
Philadelphia
Santa Haters
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Middletown, NJ
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The son of Dominican immigrants, Villarreal has been on the scouting radar for a few years as well. The Baylor Jr. was originally drafted by Norfolk in the 35th round in season 7, though he did not sign. Villarreal is a tall RH’er with great movement on his hard sinker and a solid curve to back it up. He is durable and with his solid control should be able to be a 200+ inning guy in the MLs. His limiting factor is the lack of a true out pitch, which will limit him to a #3 SP role.
ETA: 13
Grade: B


18.
Frankie Weeks
Iowa City
Hawkeyes
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Wilson, AR
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Frankie Weeks is another short pitcher with big-time ability. AT 5-9, weeks gets his whole body in his motion, but isn’t violent and should be a durable pitcher. Stuff wise, he could have the best FB/Slider movement of the draft. Only topping 89 and 78 respectively, the two pitches work very well together and allow Weeks to be very effective regardless of his radar speed. If he continues to improve he could be a quality #2/3 SP’er and could make a few all-star teams.
ETA: 15
Grade: B


19.
Bubba Rivers
Kansas City
FC Dinamo
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: Logan, UT
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The university of Missouri Sr is poised to make a quick run to the MLs. The LH is already in HiA, and doing quite well. His FB has excellent movement and his slider limits RH hitters, allowing him to work both LH and RH hitters. With a great health record, Rivers needs to tune up his control and could be making his debut in late season 12.
ETA: 13 (full-time)
Grade: A-


20.
Emil Phillips
San Antonio
Rebels
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Collegedale, TN
Position(s): RF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Phillips is a solid all-around RF with a strong, accurate arm and the speed to cover any RF. His bat though, is more tailored to the leadoff/#2 spots than the traditional middle-order RF’er, but San Antonio’s stadium isn’t any old ballpark, and is much more defense and OB% oriented, which Phillips fits right into. As a RH hitter, he’s actually better vs. RH pitching and just needs to see more LHs, though they are able to get by him low-n-in with sliders and change-ups, which he tends to pull-off of.
ETA: 15
Grade: B-

Power Rankings 11/24

Power Ranking
1 (1) Augusta Lobsters .6945
2 (2) Charlotte Racers .6796
3 (3) Florida Refugees .6424
4 (4) Vancover Whitecaps .6044
5 (5) Helena Bombers .5907
6 (6) Houston Hardballs .5826
7 (7) San Antonio Rebels .5825
8 (9) Cincinnati Red Legs .5675
9 (10) Buffalo Fatties .5670
10 (8) Baltimore orioles .5605
11 (11) Boise Hail Stormers .5456
12 (12) Arizona Blue Moons .5374
13 (14) Philadelphia Santa Haters .5228
14 (13) Iowa City Hawkeyes .5221
15 (15) Milwaukee Beers .5219
16 (16) Burlington Black Sox .5148
17 (17) Kansas City FC Dinamo .5013
18 (18) Memphis Moleratz .4936
19 (22) Minnesota Twins .4787
20 (19) Sioux Falls Warriors .4714
21 (21)Cleveland Clubbers .4713
22 (20) San Juan Pirate .4700
23 (24) Colorado Orangemen .4553
24 (23) Seattle Steamers .4337
25 (25) Wichita Wimps .4335
26 (26) Scranton Scrotes .4332
27 (27) Norfolk Armada .4188
28 (28) Atlanta BarnStormers .3964
29 (29) Mexico City Beaners .3513
30 (30) Richmond Runts .3433
31 (31) Trenton Hammers .3215
32 (32) Honolulu jadcon2 .3067

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Power Rankings

Power Rankings Through Nov. 22 AM games

1. Augusta Lobsters .6955
2. Charlotte Racers .6806
3. Florida Refugees .6414
4. Vancover Whitecaps .6024
5. Helena Bombers .5868
6. Houston Hardballs .5866
7. San Antonio Rebels .5785
8. Baltimore orioles .5706
9. Cincinnati Red Legs .5705
10. Buffalo Fatties .5620
11. Boise Hail Stormers .5556
12. Arizona Blue Moons .5394
13. Iowa City Hawkeyes .5311
14. Philadelphia Santa Haters .5238
15. Milwaukee Beers .5230
16. Burlington Black Sox .5029
17. Kansas City FC Dinamo .4939
18. Memphis Moleratz .4917
19. Sioux Falls Warriors .4783
20. San Juan Pirates .4764
21. Cleveland Clubbers .4705
22. Minnesota Twins .4696
23. Seattle Steamers .4457
24. Colorado Orangemen .4383
25. Wichita Wimps .4305
26. Scranton Scrotes .4304
27. Norfolk Armada .4148
28. Atlanta BarnStormers .3984
29. Mexico City Beaners .3523
30. Richmond Runts .3363
31. Trenton Hammers .3285
32.Honolulu jadcon2 .3127

Monday, November 17, 2008

Draft Review, Picks 1-10

Ok gents here is the review of the first round of the Season 10 Draft, in 10 pick chunks. Please take a look, I hope you enjoy, and if not, then contact Richelle, he let me on here! Seriously, let me know what you think, and I do hope you like it. I know there is a way to link the players, and I'll have to figure that out.

Note....draft grades are based on position in draft and needs of the team, while also slightly considering players drafted ahead or behind them.

Pick #1,
Stewart Peterson
Mexico City
Beaners
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Cottage Grove, MN
Position(s): 3B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The High School Sr. is making hsi way to Mexico City, and from reports had a long night after his introductory press conference. Drafted as a 3B, he faces a sure move to LF or 1B in the future, though that will not be a problem for him as his bat is his calling card. The RH hitter is equally adept at hitting RH or LH pitching and has power, contact and a great eye thrown in. To further add to his tools he will have plus speed. He'll have to prove he's durable, but still should make 500+ at-bats and looks like a future MVP.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: A+

Pick #2,
Bruce Craddock
Honolulu
jadcon2
Age: 21B/T: L/L
Born: Granite City, IL
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Honolulu went with the college closer in Craddock at pick #2. From TCU, Craddock set numerous Mountain West Conference records over his time there. As a LH closer he is actually more adept vs. RHs, with a hard sinker that RHs swing right over. He looks to be a fast riser and could make Honolulu by season 12.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B+

Pick #3,
Neil James
Buffalo
Fatties
Age: 19B/T: R/R
Born: Grand Rapids, MI
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Buffalo went to the community college ranks and plucked 2B Neil James at #3. He has top flight power for a 2B, and if he needs to move to 3B or the OF will still be a dangerous hitter. He crushes LH pitching, and looks to become at least proficient against RH with a good eye. His power/patience combo will allow him to be a productive middle of the order hitter.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: B+

Pick #4,
Bubbles Cooper
Memphis
Moleratz
Age: 21B/T: S/L
Born: Laredo, TX
Position(s): RF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Bubbles projects as a power RF with solid defense. He has great contact and projects to be able to drive the ball out of any part of the field. He is patient and can hit from both sides of the plate, the he has a more fluid LH stroke. His contact rate should help him as he does have some trouble picking up the ball out of the pitchers hand. Once he improves that he'll be able to square balls up on the barrell and produce more line drives. The Auburn College JR. could move quickly and has already advanced to Low A, after a brief stop in Rookie ball.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B

Pick #5,
Tony Espinoza
Kansas City
FC Dinamo
Age: 20B/T: S/R
Born: Temple, OK
Position(s): SS
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The switch hitting SS looks to have two career paths, depending on his development. If he's able to improve his arm strength and keep his defensive projections, he could be a perenial All-star SS. If he has to make a move to 2B or 3B his bat projects lower and he will definitely be a solid player, but not upper-echelon. His next few years of development will go a long way to determining; 'Franchise SS' or 'Solid ML vet'.
ETA: Season 13
Grade: B

Pick #6, TEd Scott (link unavailable), SS/IF, Atlanta
Unsigned at this point, Ted has the option of going back to college for his Sr. year. At Illinois Ted was a solid SS, but will have to move as his defense is marginal. Going to 2B or 3B would not be a big problem as his hitting approach is very sound, though I doubt he'll become a regular All-star.
ETA: N/A
Grade: C+

Pick #7, David Chang, SP (link unavailable), Trenton
Also Unsigned, Chang is a very projectable #2 SP, who could make the case as a #1 if he hits all his potential. He has some health issues due to his overuse as a High Schooler and even in the summer leagues, but his stuff is undeniable. He has an excellent curveball with great depth and it's easily his #1 pitch. His 4-seam FB has great movement and paired with his average-plus slider and change-up, he has 4 pitches to work with, all of which he commands in and out of the zone very well. Interesting that he wants slot money, but remains unsigned.
ETA: N/A
Grade: B+

Pick #8,
Manuel Polonia
Norfolk
Armada
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Foxborough, MA
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The 21 yr. old form St. John's U. was taken 8th and projects as a solid #2 SP. A closer his first 2 years in college, he has a good health record sand needs to improve on his stamina to round into the #2 potential he has. He is very good vs. RH with plus-plus movement on his FB and a sharp slider. His change-up allows him to be effective vs. LH showing good tumbling action down and away. He's moving quickly, posting 2 Rookie level starts and 6 Low A starts, going a combined 7-0.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: B

Pick #9,
Dann O'Brien
Richmond
Runts
Age: 18B/T: L/L
Born: River Grove, IL
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

O'Brien is slated to be a top-end closer. The lanky kid has a lighting FB thatt currently tops out between 88-92, but could reach 98. Pairing that with his drop-off slider at a projected 88, the combination could be lights out for many a Richmond opponent. While he projects to close games, Richmond has him starting in Rookie ball to get action, however his last outing saw him start the game tired and subsequently he got knocked around.
ETA: Season 14
Grade: B+

Pick #10,
Arthur King
Sioux Falls
Warriors
Age: 22B/T: L/L
Born: Sidney, NY
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A steal at #10, "The King"Arthur could have a lot of followers in Souix Falls before too long. The 22 yr. old from William and Mary is on the fast track and proving he should be. He has a great comination of size, health and stamina on the physical end, while his stuff is impecable. He projects as a #2 due to his lack of 'heat', but his control and deception are top notch. He compliments a plus-plus boring FB with a slider and curveball,both effective vs. RH hitters, allowing him to work all batters.
ETA: Season 12
Grade: A-

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Hall of Fame votes have been tallied

The winners of the Hall of Fame voting are Bigdozzer, Ruffleswest, and Da6nz6ig6. Congratulations to these 3 great owners. And thank you very much for participating in our worlds voting.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Owner Hall of Fame

I think a good idea would be to have an Owner Hall of Fame. This would be a nice way to award some of the great owners, and let the new owners know who they can trust and go to for good advice. The owners are Bigdozzer (8 division titles, 9 playoff appearances, 3 NL pennants, and 3 World Series Wins), Whboone (1 division title, 4 playoff appearances), Sportsfan34 (4 division titles, 6 playoff appearances, 1 NL pennant), Da6nz6ig6 (4 division titles, 6 playoff appearances, 4 NL pennants, 2 World Series Wins), Ruffleswest (8 division titles, 9 playoff appearances, 2 AL pennants, 1 World Series Win), Mookieskid (8 division titles, 9 playoff appearances, 1 AL pennant), Ronazbill (6 division titles, 9 playoff appearances, 1 NL pennant, 1 World Series Win), Thejam (5 playoff appearances, 1 AL pennant) and ParrishM (2 division titles). All of these owners are original owners accept for Da6nz6ig6 (8 seasons). Please vote for who you think is worthy of making the Hall of Fame. Since we are starting this in season 10, we will take the top three vote getters, and then every season after this one, we will take one.

Owner History

The Ford world has a great core of owners. We still have 10 original owners after 10 seasons. We have 7 more owners that have been here for between 7 and 9 years. 7 more that have been here between 2 and 6 years. This year we have 10 new owners, and I hope next year we dont have any turnover.