Cleveland, Ohio
News out of Cleveland is that many of the major league players are on the trading block and are available. OF Sparky Andrews, starting RF Pat Crow, starting LF Hank Baker, starting 2B Nick Field are all said to be available on the offensive side of the ball. Nick Field, a young promising 2B, said that the trade rumors are all apart of the business and do not bother him, while Baker said that a change of scenery would be nice be will still play his heart out in Cleveland. Crow and Andrews were not available for comment.
Also a team source, who declined to give his name, stated that a couple of pitchers from the team where also available to be dealt. The team source, stated that SP Keith Adams, SP Al Fisher, and RP Heathcliff Quinn are all on the trade block.
General Manager ajb_101 said that "we as an organization are always looking at possible deals that will help our team improve." He went on to say "Any deal presented to us by other teams is given a serious look at before any answer is given." When asked about what the team is looking to acquire the general manager said, "As always we have a long term game plan, so we want younger players that can help us in the future."
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Fire Sale on the way in Cleveland?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wright Hot Stove Report
Augusta is shopping some of their long in the tooth veterans to attempt to beef up their farm system this season.
Cincinnati is looking to add some offense to their team. So far they haven't had many exploratory talks but expect that to change in a few weeks.
Columbus is tearing everything down and starting from scratch. They have made it known that every position player on their major league roster can be had for the right price in prospects.
The Florida Sharks have placed closer Tim Guerrero on the market. The asking price appears to be a equal talent swap but the position desired is not known.
Delino Beltran is also being shopped by the team in a effort to pick up a #2 type starter.
Scranton is looking to send 1B Carlos Velazquez packing for a pair of prospects in the near future.
Wright World Press Power Rankings
Hot off the presses we unveil the new Wright World Press power rankings.
They are the very first of the 16th season of Wright.
1.San Diego Padres
2.New York New York
3.Santa Cruz Banana Slugs
4.Cleveland Burning Rivers
5.Chicago Chargers
6.Tacoma Expos
7.New Orleans Perpetual Hangovers
8.Wichita Wind Sizzlers
9.Burlington Coat Factory
10.Cincinnati Marauders
11.Colorado Crushers
12.Atlanta Fairfax
13.Boise Land Sharks
14.Detroit Tigers
15.Montgomery Mudskippers
16.Washington D.C. West Wingers
17.New York Giant Killers
18.Scranton Blues
19.Augusta Masters
20.Chicago Bleacher Bums
21.Florida Sharks
22.Monterrey Pit Vipers
23.San Antonio Sandbaggers
24.Charleston Confederates
25.Columbus 92ers
26.Tampa Bay Tic-Tacs
27.Texas El Chupacabras
28.Portland Rainmakers
29.Salem Blue Jays
30.Boston Braves
31.Toledo Lugg Nutts
32.Sacramento Hornets
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Coney Dog Debate
It has recently come to my attention that there is a very serious issue going on in our country today.
A issue that if not resolved could shake this country down to the very foundation that our forefathers created. It's a emergency if not a near tragedy.
What is it you ask? Improper topping of a coney dog.
There are those who would violate and bastardize one of the true American traditions that this country in known for.
There is a sect with some kind of patently childish belief that you cannot add ketchup to a coney dog.
This is just absolutely wrong and almost blasphemous against coney dog 101.
This is no different than adding relish,hot sauce or mayo to a normal dog.
When you buy a hot dog of any kind you top it with anything you desire.
BUT!!!!!! You cannot exclude the most delicious of all condiments and discard it as nothing more than something for children.
In closing... Ketchup is a must on coney dogs.
Anything else in Un-American.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Hail To The Victors!
Congratulations to the new Wright world champions the Burlington Coat Factory.
Owner boydndahood has cultivated a era of winning for the franchise by making shrewd moves and key signings.
They defeated the very game Santa Cruz Banana Slugs 4-2 in what was a showdown between two of the best teams in Wright for the past 5-6 seasons.
In the end kj's team didn't quite have enough to come out on top but it was a great showing.
Now the question is... Can either repeat their success for the upcoming season?
Executive Of The Year Award
And the award goes too....
Wichita Wind Sizzlers owner zsiegri. He is now recognized as the 5th award holder in Wright world history.
He took over a 60-102 franchise that was last in the division the year before.
He then guided them to a 98 win season, a division title and berth in the NLCS.
Not bad for the first season in Wright wouldn't you say?
Congratulations to the new award winner on their success and hopefully many more successful seasons to come.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wright Hot Stove Report
With the trade deadline coming up tomorrow.
Teams are working the phone lines trying to wheel and deal.
some are one piece away from a championship.
others are simply out to get value for their players to build on for years to come.
Atlanta --
The Fairfax are looking to board Larry McCovey on a flight to another city. the 25 y/o 2B is toiling in AAA and wants to make a move to get to the majors.
Burlington --
The Coat Factory is truly the place for more than great coats.
They have let it be known that for the right price they will move any SP on their roster not named Seneca or Pan.
Cincinnati --
The Marauders have a glut of SP they are looking to flesh out.
Nash Cobb & Darrell Long are available. as is lefty reliever Bernie Sierra.
The team is said to be seeking OF,SS,3B & C help back.
Monterrey --
The PV's are looking to deal away Christopher Milner. The assumption is that it is for prospects though the team hasn't come out and said so.
Montreal --
The Moose are currently dangling the biggest prize of the deadline.
They have made former AS & GG Walter Mulder available for the right price.
Toledo --
The Lugg Nutts have put setup man Vladimir Vallarta on the block. It's said they're seeking a prospect or two in return for the right-hander.
Wichita --
The Sizzlers are dangling "former lottery pick." Eric McFeely for a big bat at 3B or a SP.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Wright World Press Power Rankings
Official WWP Power Rankings --- 7.25.10
Unlike with the WCS rankings - which only takes playoff position into account.
The WWP rankings places the best teams in the highest spots based upon a specific formula.
1.Wichita Wind Sizzlers
2.Salem Blue Jays
3.Burlington Coat Factory
4.Cincinnati Marauders
5.Rochester MCA
6.Texas El Chupacabras
7.Boise Land Sharks
8.Atlanta Fairfax
9.San Antonio Sandbaggers
10.San Diego Padres
11.Philadelphia PnBs
12.New York New York
13.Santa Cruz Banana Slugs
14.New Orleans Perpetual Hangovers
15.Colorado Crushers
16.Cleveland Burning Rivers
17.Chicago Chargers
18.Tacoma Expos
19.Florida Sharks
20.Montreal Moose
21.Washington D.C. West Wingers
22.Monterrey Pit Vipers
23.Tampa Bay Tic-Tacs
24.Boston Braves
25.Portland Rainmakers
26.Scranton Blues
27.Charleston Confederates
28.Montgomery Mudskippers
29.Detroit Tigers
30.Toledo Lugg Nutts
31.Sacramento Hornets
32.Chicago Black Sox(Under the former GM)
Wright World Annual Amatuer Draft Review - Season 15
This season saw the amateur draft yield a impressive crop of talent.
Overall it was strong draft with very few horrific selections made(none in the top 32 this season).
Now the onus will be on the franchises who selected to talent to cultivate and develop them into the future of their ML ball club.
Who will be master of their domain and who will be the court jester?
First Round
1.Charleston Confederates - Robert Kinsler $5,720,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Evan Longoria(minus the power)
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ****
2.Montgomery Mudskippers - Kenneth Smith $3,910,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: B.J. Upton(the good version)
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ****
3.Detroit Tigers - Anthony Hanrahan $3,820,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Rich Harden
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Major League Projection: *** 1/2
4.Wichita Wind Sizzlers - Willard Gaston $3,720,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Stephen Drew
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ***
5.Toledo Lugg Nutts - George Waterson $3,992,350 MILB/STI
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Drew Stubbs
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: *** 1/2
6.Scranton Blues - Emmett Durbin $4,814,500 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Michael Young
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
7.Cleveland Burning Rivers - Tom Gordon $3,440,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: David DeJesús
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: *** 1/2
8.Boston Braves - Aaron Ramsay $3,350,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Ian Kinsler
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ***
9.Sacramento Hornets - Roscoe Stearns $3,250,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Alex Rodriguez
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Major League Projection: **** 1/2
10.New Orleans Perpetual Hangovers - Steve Witt $3,160,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Adam Wainwright
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ****
11.New Orleans Perpetual Hangovers - Dick Gagne $3,070,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: AJ Burnett
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection:
12.Atlanta Fairfax - Rex Rice $2,970,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: George Sherrill
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
13.Montreal Moose - Edwin St. Clair $2,880,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Chad Cordero
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: *** 1/2
14.Portland Rainmakers - Lonny Stein $2,790,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Joba Chamberlain
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: **** 1/2
15.Washington D.C. West Wingers - Banjo Reed $2,690,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Josh Beckett
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ****
16.Cincinnati Marauders - Pedro Valenzuela $2,600,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Josh Hamilton
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ****
17.New York New York - Endy Iwamura $2,500,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Miguel Cairo
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ** 1/2
18.Monterrey pit vipers - Rico Paz $2,410,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Oliver Perez
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ***
19. Scranton Blues - Harry Armas $2,320,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Dan Haren
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ***
20.Tampa Bay Tic-Tacs - Ed Dodd $2,220,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Bronson Arroyo
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Major League Projection: ***
21.Salem Blue Jays - Diego Quinones $4,823,000 Bonus MLB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Eric Gagne(The Cy Young Version)
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Major League Projection: **** 1/2
22.Salem Blue Jays - Reagan Kennedy $2,040,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Ian Kennedy
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection:
23.New York New York - Carl Sizemore $2,370,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Chase Headley
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
24.Tacoma Expos - Travis Swindell $1,850,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Jayson Werth
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: *** 1/2
25.Rochester MCA - Harry Pescado $1,750,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Orlando Cabrera
Injury Concern Level: 4.0
Major League Projection: ***
26.San Diego Padres - Howard Duvall $1,660,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Erick Aybar
Injury Concern Level: 4.0
Major League Projection: ***
27.Colorado Crushers - Robert Townsend $1,570,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Juan Pierre
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
28.Texas El Chupacabras - Jesus Abreu $1,470,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Brett Myers
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: *** 1/2
29.San Antonio Sandbaggers - Cla Bellinger $1,380,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Carlos Quentin
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
30.Colorado Crushers - Morgan Benson $1,290,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18
Major League Comparison: Cristian Guzmán
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Major League Projection: ***
31.Boise Land Sharks - Junichi Nomo $1,550,000 Bonus MILB/STI
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: Scott Podsednik
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
32.Philadelphia PnBs - Moose Paronto $1,200,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 19
Major League Comparison: N/A
Injury Concern Level: 3.0
Major League Projection: ***
33.Burlington Coat Factory - Branch Overbeck $1,000,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA:
Major League Comparison: Matt Cain
Injury Concern Level: 2.0
Major League Projection: ***
34.Rochester MCA - Miller Vaughn $960,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA:
Major League Comparison: Craig Counsell
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ***
35.Santa Cruz Banana Slugs - Esmailyn Morlan $920,000 Bonus MILB Contract
Major League ETA: Season 18-19
Major League Comparison: José Bautista
Injury Concern Level: 1.0
Major League Projection: ***
Star Ranking System & potential
***** - Hall Of Famer
**** - Perennial All Star
*** - Solid Major League Contributor
** - AAAA Type
* - Minor League Roster Fodder
Health Concern
5.0 - 0-44 Severe health issues. Potentially projection affecting.
4.0 - 45-59 Very serious health concerns with DL trips likely mutiple times during a season.
3.0 - 60-74 Average health but nothing that should be woefully alarming.
2.0 - 75-89 Solid health and shouldn't make many trips to the DL
1.0 - 90-100 Outstanding health with injuries few and far between. Not likely to be severely injured.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Post-Draft Q&A With DeaconSoule
With the Season 15 draft in the winds we sat down with the general manager of the Cincinnati Marauders to get his thoughts on the draft outcome.
Questions ranging from how he feels about their first round pick as well as how they determine who to take.
TWWT.com: Let's get right to it - What stood out to you about your first round pick Pedro Valenzuela?
DeaconSoule: We saw a kid with a lot of potential with the bat.
He has a great makeup and is constantly at work trying to get better.
We've been scouting him since he was a high schooler so we know quite a bit about what he can do.
He comes from a good background so that makes it easier to spend 2+ million on signing him.
TWWT.com: That seems to be a theme amongst your most recent draftees as of late.
DeaconSoule: Oh definitely, if you are going to invest the money into scouting these kids and bring them into the organization you have to know it will be a sound investment.
You don't want to draft a kid and then see him getting more publicity for off the field antics than on the field play.
We expect that when we draft you that you will represent the organization with pride.
TWWT.com: This selection was controversial to fans and the media as you guys passed up on some of the more lauded prospects in the draft to take him.
What would you say was the vibe on him amongst the scouts in the game?
Deaconsoule: I would say that it's far too early to get upset or excited about a pick from a outsider's perspective.
You have to understand that we don't not go off of what a baseball publication or so called insider says.
Our ways of scouting are completely different and I have to trust the guys that tell me "Hey, this kid is a major league ball player.".
Those concerns come secondary to us and me especially when it comes time to make the pick.
We knew that we were only going to have one pick in the top 4 rounds so we had to make it a home run. And for my money we did just that.
TWWT.com: If you had to make a comparison to a major league player for Pedro who would it be.
DeaconSoule: That's a tough question. He has so much potential with his bat that he could resemble a number of players.
But if i had to choose just one i would peg him as a Josh Hamilton type of player.
TWWT.com: Wow that's pretty high praise considering "insider" opinions of him before the draft.
DeaconSoule: As i said before. We have a certain way of doing things that don't show up in "insider" rankings.
We went into the draft hoping that someone in our top 10 would fall to us.
We had Pedro ranked fairly high and of the picks made in the first round.
Our top 10 all went before pick #30.
TWWT.com: I know that it's not exactly standard issue for teams. But could you talk a little about some of the guys you had pegged as potentially going before your first pick?
DeaconSoule: Of the guys that we were hoping but didn't expect to fall to us.
I would say that Rosco Stearns & Steve Witt would have been the biggest prospects from an impact standpoint. We didn't have them as #1 & #2 on our board but i would say they will likely have the biggest impact out of this draft.
TWWT.com: That's certainly some high praise for guys that you didn't have #1 & #2.
DeaconSoule: Well it's deserved as they are legitimate prospects for their respective clubs.
TWWT.com: Alright so back to your club now. Tell me a little about your draft strategy and focus.
DeaconSoule: Our strategy is to take the best player available whenever out pick comes up.
Regardless of position or need at the big league level.
If you take the player that you feel will be the best long term prospect then everything else will work itself out.
TWWT.com: Would you say you lean more heavily towards college or high school?
DeaconSoule: Honestly if you look at our history it's kinda obvious(laughs). We don't hide it very well at all.
We tend to lean heavily towards the high schoolers in the draft.
We love to grab high upside players who have the projectability to give us a high end player in the future.
TWWT.com: It's widely known that there was a huge revamping of your minor league system as a whole a while back. Can you delve into why that occurred.
DeaconSoule: Well to be honest it was badly needed.
We had started to miss badly on some of players we had taken. A lot of them got into the system and then flamed out before even sniffing the major leagues.
That simply could not continue to happen with this team. We were getting worse as far as record wise on the major league side.
So we had to start placing a serious value upon getting kids with high upside and cultivating them into the core of our future.
TWWT.com: Would you say that the plan going forward is to grab the best value at each pick in the draft?
DeaconSoule: Absolutely. There are often times where you have a guy slide due to the position he plays or because he projects as a RP instead of a starter.
This organization has thrived on getting guys like that either at the top or at the back end of the draft.
Often times you will see a dynamic power hitting first baseman or a polished college reliever fall to the mid to low 20's and you really can't pass up that top of top 10-15 talent to grab a need.
TWWT.com: Just one last question before we let you go. Do you expect your focus to be on the major league or minor league side going forward.
DeaconSoule: I would say it's going to be a lot of both. We don't plan on ignoring either side of the coin.
We are grabbing high quality prospects that could be part of the future of the club or valuable assets to trade for help on the major league side.
It will be a process of assessing the value and determining how to best help the organization.
If it's making a trade like we did with Jesus Leon then we will. If it's not making a move and keeping our farm hands then we will do that as well.
But the goal is make this team into a championship contender and deliver a winner to our loyal fans. Our ownership demands it, the fans expect it and we plan to deliver it year in and year out.
Some Musing On My Part
As a looked around the worlds I am currently a part of.
I asked myself a singular yet complex question.
What are the most prized prospect positions in HBD?
Now to answer this question i had to think back to not only my first season in Wright. But also back to all the seasons i've played.
It was always a constant theme of superficial lust and outward gluttony.
Why do I use such terms you ask? It's a simple answer, it's the truth.
As I combed the deep caverns of my overly active and imaginative mind.
I came to the conclusion that HBD is much like real life in the evaluation of prospects.
Starting pitching is the most highly sought after off all in HBD.
The thought process that really good pitching beats great hitting transfers to the game.
A top 3 starter prospect is worth their weight in gold and then some in the game.
I've noticed that having a top starter is like being handed a blank check.
You can name your price and almost always it will be met by someone.
It's the one thing you can never really overpay for. The right starter can push you from wildcard contender to a potential world series champion(See Pedro Seneca or Darryl Brower).
It's not some brand new revelation i've had however, i've known this since my second season of HBD.
Starting pitching is like the QB or PG of HBD. It makes everything go and having a great one can get you over the hump.
It's the rarest gem in the draft, international free agency, free agency and on the trade market.
Once it has been acquired the chances of the starter being moved are very very low unless a freak of a player comes onto the trade market.
After starters the main position of interest also can be the pitcher's best friend.
The golden glove, silver slugging, base stealing short stop.
One could argue that having the right all around SS is just as valuable as a top tier starter.
The SS for the most part anchors your infield defense.
If they are a true SS they can save your pitcher many heart breaks and headaches.
That grounder up the middle becomes a out. That screaming liner turns into a inning ending double play.
That softly lofted hit becomes a over the shoulder catch for the out.
Less pitches, less opportunities, more outs leads to more wins.
Of course the fielding ratings are moot if the SS is left handed as the game punishes the lefties with more errors(since in real life left handers can only play 1B in the infield.)
Then if the bat is capable of say a 20-100-.280 season.
The value increases even further as the SS becomes the all around SS we talked about earlier.
Clean up hitters are the next most prized amongst prospects.
The power bat who can anchor the lineup is sought after regardless of position.
Normally there is a glut of them at 1B,LF & DH but depending on the league you play in and how special the bat is.
Teams will still seek out a great bat by any means necessary.
Those bats are normally the easier of the prospects we will describe today.
The reason being that the focus is more solely placed up SP,SS and C.
It doesn't stop the need for teams nor does it end the supply and demand.
But the assumption is much like in the NFL draft. You take the rarer prize even if it has less talent, because if it works out the reward is higher.
The final position we will look at is Joe Mauer.
Ok fine we mean catcher but Mauer is exactly what you mean when you talk about a complete catcher.
Outside of a true number one SP, catcher is probably the rarest of all in HBD.
Not just at the prospect level(you may find 1-2 great ones every 2 seasons)but also in the major leagues.
When they are found they do not get moved for anything outside of a true number one.
Most owners are satisfied with a guy who can call a good game and hit .250 without killing their lineup.
But if you can find a true franchise player at the catcher position.
Someone who can mesh with your pitching staff while giving your lineup a elite bat.
I myself would argue that it is the most premier prospect you can have.
Now i realize that some will not agree with me.
Some will ask, "what about RP,CF,2B or 3B?"
I would tell them that while those types of prospects are sought after.
The amount of guys that you can get to play those positions well dilutes the demand for them.
I wouldn't dream of saying that the players at those positions don't deserve credit as a valued farm hand. But in reality the owners of the worlds make
the rules of demand.
Those that were not listed don't make the cut.
But the great news is, more often than not those positions are readily available in trade so getting them is usually easier than chasing anything else.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Great Debate
If you had to choose one. If you had to give the ball to just one.
If it was game 7, world series title on the line, career in jeopardy...
Who do you pick to toss those all important innings?
Simply put, the question is - who is the best pitcher in Wright?
To say that this question has caused some uproar in the past few seasons would be a severe understatement.
The ace of the Banana Slugs staff. Just 24 years old & will be embarking on his second season in the majors. Coming off of ROY & ASG honors.
Career Numbers:
35 GS, 25-5, 230.2 IP, .231 OAV, 174 K's & a 2.93 ERA
The Chicago Chargers ace is coming off his best season as a pro and the vet isn't looking to slow down. A dominant innings eater who has never failed to reach 272 IP in a full injury free season.
Career Numbers:
335 GS, 77 CG, 167-93, 2,494.2 IP, 2,278 K's, .230 OAV & a 3.05 ERA
The apple of Burlington fans eye. The 27 year old ace is entering the prime of his career and sure to get better. He has posted a winning record & sub 3 era every season after his rookie year. he has had many accomplishments even though he is still young. 4 Cy Young Awards, 4 ASG & 1 GG.
Career Numbers:
205 GS, 13 CG, 105-47, 1,418.1 IP, 1,450 K's & a 2.23 ERA.
Ozuna is a player who just keeps surprising you. He was not as heralded as teammate Jocko McDill(who you will see later on in this column). But he just goes out and gets it done.
He is poised for a enormous break out season this go-around.
Career Numbers:
117 GS, 11 CG, 55-30, 827.2 IP, 576 K's, .221 OAV & a 2.61 ERA.
This is a guy who went from "16 million a season for Kiki Astacio? Are you serious, that's insane."
To immediate impact for Cincy last season. He tore through the NL & was on pace for a 25-2 record with a sub 2 ERA before faltering late.
He like most of the pitchers listed is poised for a big year.
A 4 time AS & 1 time Cy Young winner.
Career Numbers:
343 GS, 13 CG, 158-99, 2,245 IP, .257 OAV, 1,637 K's & a 3.86 ERA.
He was at one time tabbed as the best pitcher in world history. Even before he pitched a inning of his career.
His career has finally started to come around after faltering early on.
He notched his first 20 win season & 2nd all star selection last year. Should get better as he is only 26.
Career Numbers:
132 GS, 23 CG, 63-43, 992.1 IP, 853 K's, .240 OAV & a 3.42 ERA.
Not a name you would expect to be on this list. But Moreno has the talent to be among the league's best SP.
He had a rough year last season but should bounce back this year.
Career Numbers:
131 GS, 2 CG, 50-42, 803.1 IP, 669 K's, .249 OAV & a 4.18 ERA.
Considered but did not make cut:
Darrell McIntyre,Ariel Carrasco,Albert Ordaz,Kevin Wayne,Jesus Leon,Trey Broome,Kennie Sewell,Julian Mercado & Junior Tavarez Read More »»
Wright World Hall Of Fame Snubs
Earlier we listed the new class for the hall of fame.
We now give you the biggest snubs from this years vote.
Strictly in my opinion, but Brown,Montana and Santiago should have been in this class.
321 home runs, 1,045 rbi's, .310 batting average, 2 time AS, 3 time SS CF, 2 time GG(1 CF, 1 LF)
265 home runs, 986 rbi's, .308 batting average, 487 stolen bases, 7 time AS, NL MVP, 4 time SS LF & ROY.
16-38, 263 saves, 358 K's, 4.38 career era, 5 time AS and 2 time fireman of the year.
478 home runs, 1,305 rbi's, .270 batting average, one time AS and two time GG 1B Read More »»
Wright World Hall Of Fame - Class 2010
We here at Wright are proud to announce the inductees into the 2010 baseball hall of fame.
It was through hard work, perseverance and dedication that they achieved their greatest feats.
They will now take their rightful place as the first members of the hall of fame.
7 Time All Star, 1 Time Gold Glove RF, 2 Time MVP, 2 Time Silver Slugger 3B, 6 Time Silver Slugger SS, 1 World Series Ring and career home run leader(659) at retirement
9 Time All Star, 1 Time Gold Glove LF, 4 Time MVP, 5 Time Silver Slugger LF, 2 Time Silver Slugger P/DH, 2 Time Silver Slugger RF, 1 World Series Ring and second all-time in career home runs at retirement.
Read More »»
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wright World Annual Ownership Opportunities - Season 15
American League
North
Salt Lake City Jazz
Last Season:90-72 1st Place
Major League Overview: Contender
The Jazz have a solid offensive core to compete & likely win the division.
Their issue(which has been for seasons now) is the lack of pitching depth.
Before they can compete for a championship they will have to beef up the rotation & pen.
Minor League Overview: Woeful
Clint Blanks(76/89),Ellis Drew(59/77),
Outlook: Division Winner
Toronto Toilet Bowls
Last Season: 73-89 2nd
Major League Overview: In Flux
The team is right now stuck between two places.
A potential contender for the division.
A potential rebuild, if that path is chosen.
Pitching is a concern, however the team has some depth there.
The offense really needs a few upgrades to get going.
Minor League Overview: Poor
Bud Broome(54/81),Josias James(63/76),Julio Park(47/73)
Outlook: Middle of the pack.
Chicago Heatseekers
Last Season:63-99 3rd
Major League Overview: Tepid
The main issue with this squad is that they don't have enough pieces.
They don't have enough offensive talent to make up for the lack of pitching.
It will take a owner with patience to set this club on the right path.
Minor League Overview: Solid
Burt Cloud(63/86),Napoleon Rogers(70/79),John Mathis(57/77),Dion Weatherford(54/79),
Outlook: Slight Rebuild
Minnesota McGees
Last Season:59-103 4th
Major League Overview: Tepid
Yet another team without enough good to outweigh the poor in other areas.
You will have a future star in 23 y/o Delina Mendoza, but little else.
More than likely this will be a rough patch team for 2-3 seasons.
Minor League Overview: Solid
Vasco Borbon(68/80),Tony Perez(54/76),Dale Witt(73/84),Brett Collins(63/80)
Outlook: Complete Rebuild
South
Oklahoma City Truck Bomb Massacres
Last Season: 56-106 4th
Major League Overview: On Life Support
This club will need a complete turnaround before it gets better.
There is ok talent is spots but minimal at best.
Holding the #2 overall draft choice is crucial to the future of this franchise.
Minor League Overview: Barely Ok
Tomas Velez(52/77),Joe Marshall(67/75),
Outlook: Complete Rebuild
West
Las Vegas Immortals
Last Season:96-66 3rd
Major League Overview: On the cusp
This is a good team that is stuck in the toughest division in Wright.
96 wins was only good enough for 3rd place. But when the teams in front of you win 122 and 100 respectively, you might be able to not hang your head.
There will need to be a few moves made here and there however.
Minor League Overview: Ok
Sergio Hennessey(78/87),Tony Villarreal(70/76),Julio Ortiz(53/76)
Outlook: Contender
National League
North
Chicago Chargers
Last Season: 86-76 2nd
Major League Overview: Solid
The good news is that you'll have the best pitcher in the world.
But the bad news is that you'll have to beat Burlington for the division.
A definite playoff contender for sure.
But to solidify a berth a few additions need to be made.
Minor League Overview: Poor
Ted Rigney(66/72),Randy Schmidt(67/82),
Outlook: Contender
Syracuse Trail of Tears
Last Season: 60-102 4th
Major League Overview: On Life Support
Years of free spending for the sake of titles caught up to this club.
It is now in the place of most dynasties after the first run ends.
There will need to be a major overhaul of the franchise.
Minor League Overview: Very Good
Donne Goodwin(56/83),Eric McFeely(67/88),Wiki Padilla(67/76),Amos Kennedy(61/74),Brian Jordan(40/69),Max Nunez(45/68)
Outlook: Complete Rebuild
South
Jackson Mets
Last Season: 83-79 3rd
Major League Overview: In Flux
A very very aging team at present.
You can win with this team and compete for the playoffs.
It will mostly depend upon the new owner's viewpoint as to how this team goes.
Minor League Overview: Poor
Paul Blank(47/79)
Outlook: Potential Contender
Houston Councils for Foreign Relation
Last Season: 83-79 4th
Major League Overview: Solid
They certainly have the offense to put up some numbers.
Anytime you have a superstar like John Jones, you will put up good offensive numbers.
The pitching staff however needs work for sure.
Minor League Overview: Slightly Ok
Tony Miranda(74/80),Ken James(61/74)Tomas Sojo(66/77),Luis Guapo(66/72),Jerry Sutton(61/82)
Outlook: Contender
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Season 14 Amateur Draft Review
A weak draft overall in comparison to previous seasons.
Very top heavy with talent but it fell off in terms of talent at the back end.
There were some very very questionable selections(Matt Bush over Justin Verlander type questionable).
Some teams lucked out into franchise changing players because of it.
We won't truly see the spoils until these talents reach their maturation.
But here is a look at how the teams that selected in the top 32 fared.
1.Toronto Toilet Bowls
Bud Broome ***
A solid #2- #3 type SP for the rotation.
Definitely not good enough to be the #1 overall selection.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
2.Toledo Lugg Nuts
Rudy Cook *
And the Oscar for WTF?! moment goes too...
The worst top 5 selection in the history of HBD.
Major League Debut ETA: Never(Unless the team is 0-162)
3.Sacramento Hornets
Alfonso Sanchez *****
Dynamic hitter at a position that doesn't normally produce them.
If he can remain at C for the duration of his career he will be a HOF player.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 16
4.Cleveland Burning Rivers
Wayne Towers ****
Very good hitter who will struggle against lefties.
Should develop into a 30-110-.280 guy in the majors.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
5.Syracuse Trail of Tears
Donne Goodwin *****
Best player in the draft hands down. future HOF player.
As long as he does not get a major injury bug.
This pick will go down as potentially the biggest steal in league history.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 16-17
6.Boston Braves
Damian Young ***
Will be a solid ML defensive player who will hit.
He's a solid all around player but not great at any one thing.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
7.Minnesota McGees
Alan Osting **
Terrible pick in the top 10. will set the franchise back 3+ years.
Some terrible scouting inside the top 10 this season.
Will take some time to recover from this pick.
Major League Debut ETA: Never
8.Charleston Confederates
Andres Tarraga ***
Very good defensive SS who will not bog down the lineup with his bat.
Should be a solid contributor for several seasons in the majors.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 16-17
9.New Orleans Perpetual Hangovers
Rick Winchester(Did not sign) ****
Elite type hitter as a C. perennial all star in the future.
Huge gamble to take, had it paid off though...
Major League Debut ETA: Season 16-17
10.Tampa Bay Tic Tacs
Lazy Taschner ***
Should be a very good hitter and more than adequate SS.
A common theme amongst the top 10 this season.
Draft solid players who should make the majors.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
11.Sacramento Hornets
Robinzon Manzanillo ***
Should be a solid middle of the rotation starter in the future.
Won't light up the world or win 25 games.
He'll be solid and may have a spike year here and there.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
12.Cincinnati Marauders
Barney Evans ***
Solid hitter in the corner outfield. will struggle to hit righties.
Has a very good shot at becoming a big time ML hitter.
If the power can overcome the struggles against RHP then he will be a 12+ season vet.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
13.Portland Rainmakers
Ray Graham ***
Solid defensive SS who lacks a polished bat.
Not a big time wow guy but can get the job done.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
14.Chicago Heatseekers
John Mathis ****
Has the chance to develop into quite the closer at the ML level.
Put him in the all-star game at least every other season. his potential is that good.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 16-17
15.New York New York
Asdrubal Perez(Did not sign) ***
Future is at 3B with a solid bat.
Probably won't stay in the lineup long enough to be a huge force.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
16.Jackson Mets
Paul Blank ***
Power hitting SS who will struggle to stay off the DL.
Good fielding potential with huge power.
It's sound nice but he only has power and barely will be able to make enough contact to make it worthwhile. Minor league HOF player though, should hit 40-50 HR's in the minors.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
17.Salt Lake City Jazz
Ellis Drew ***
Power hitting OF who is a bit too much of a free swinger.
Very nice power potential with the bat.
But the batting eye is the main question, can he reign it in?
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
18.Washington DC West Wingers
Julius Kennedy ***
Elite defensive SS who lacks the bat. but the glove makes up for it.
He may not have a great bat but man can he play some SS.
Gold glove potential for this young man.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
19.Tacoma Expos
Miguel Jose ***
Dangerous hitter who should develop into one of the better 2B in the world.
Tough to gauge this one. Has the potential to be an all world hitter.
Should definitely be a top 15-20 2B in the majors.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
20.Oklahoma City Truck Bomb Massacres
Tomas Velez ***
Will develop into a #3 type of rotation starter.
He's solid but not a guy that will make a huge impact.
He can eat innings and get some W's.
But if you count on him to be your #1 or #2 then get ready to win about 50 games.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
21.Texas El Chupacabras
Thomas Ryan ***
Solid future setup man in the majors.
Won't have the tools to be a closer but should be a nice weapon out of the pen.
He'll be shaky at times but he should be worth it.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
22.Chicago Chargers
Alex Anderson **
Solid player with corner outfield potential. lacks a top bat.
Not the ideal bat for a corner OF but he'll do.
Should wind up at a LF but has the potential to play a bit of RF.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
23.Texas El Chupacabras
Jose Belliard ***
Will be a very nice closer/setup type at the ML level.
Could play either role. Main setup man or closer.
He has the tools to get it done but won't be a elite guy.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
24.Cleveland Burning Rivers
Napoleon Tulowitzki **
Future slick fielding 3B with a solid bat.
Will play in the Majors for defensive reasons.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
25.Houston Councils For Foreign Relations
Lenny Bush **
Future pinch hitter at the ML level. Outside of that there is not much value to this selection. definite AAAA star though.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17-18
26.Atlanta Fairfax
Graeme Siddall *
Second worst pick of the first round behind the #2 overall pick.
Will not amount to much. If he plays in the majors the team is in trouble.
Major League Debut ETA: Never
27.Jacksonville PnB's
Bo Schultz **
Perfect AAAA player. outside of that, can't really say much.
Major League Debut ETA: Never
28.Boise Land Sharks
Ivy Ryan ***
A very very polished hitter with a chance to be a .330 type doubles machine in the future.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
29.San Diego Padres
Clarence Brush **
Solid all around player but lacks power to be a force on offense.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17
30.Boise Land Sharks
Nash Gagnon **
Very solid hitter at 1B but lacks the conditioning to be a steady player in the lineup.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17-18
31.Rochester MCA
Harry Vazquez(Did not sign) ****
Has the potential to be the best closer to come out of this draft.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 16-17
32.San Antonio Sand Baggers
Bill Henry **
Should do well in the future as a setup man.
Major League Debut ETA: Season 17-18
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wright Hot Stove Report #2
The Cleveland Burning Rivers have let it be known that they are willing to wheel and deal.
They have made a majority of their major league roster available for trade.
Not to mention that they are willing to take on bad contracts to gain some prospects for the farm.
The management is said to be hoping to come out of this season with a loaded farm system so they can compete in the near future.
Scaling back the payroll and getting younger is said to be the priority right now.
Wright Hot Stove Report #1
Rumors out of Cincinnati today have the team being very active in trade talks.
Reportedly they are in discussions with as many as 15 teams.
The talk amongst our TWWT sources is that they are after more pitching upgrades.
The spent was very active in Free Agency as they have already spent well over 42 million in signings this off season.
"They're going the Yankee route this season. Sign a bunch of pitchers, spend a lot of money and see what sticks." One source was quoted as saying.
The owner was said to be highly upset about the finish to last season.
He reportedly told his entire brain trust to do whatever it took to make this team a winner.
The team is certainly following through on that demand.
The owner has opened the checkbook and his cross checkers are spending it like it was water.
Stay tuned during the day as we here there may be several deals completed by the team today. Including a potential blockbuster.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Hey Big Spender
Breaking news ---
This just in to our TWWT studios.
The top two free agent pitchers have now signed with new ball clubs.
The Tampa Bay Tic-Tacs have agreed to terms with LHP Dave Tucker.
The deal is reportedly 4 years and in excess off 52 million.
Also the Cincinnati Marauders have come to terms on a deal with LHP Kiki Astacio. The pitching starved Marauders signed him to a 5 year deal worth a reported 84 million with the last year being an option.
The club also signed LHP Nash Cobb to a 3 year 15.6 million deal.
Executive Of The Year Award
And the award goes to...
UtahCubs for doing a phenomenal job in turning around his club.
He engineered a 20 game improvement over the previous season and took the #1 seeded Immortals to 4 games.
So congratulations to the Salt Lake City Jazz organization and their prestigious general manager.