-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Outlaws get speedy outfielder Carl Crawford from Rays
http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/...es/sox0815.jpg
The Outlaws acquired Crawford (80/82) in exchange for home run king Barry Bonds (75), RP Jesse Carlson (76/79), relief pitcher prospect James Humphrey (47/85), and 4,000,000 dollars
This trade marks the end of the brief Baroids Bonds experiment in Fresno. The Outlaws acquired speedy Carl Crawford in exchange for DH Barry Bonds, lefty reliever Jesse Carlson, talented prospect James Humphrey, and 4 million dollars.
The trade isn't terrible for the Rays, but it does make you wonder. Carl Crawford had been the face of the franchise since he'd been in the league and was a big time fan favorite in Tampa, and Tampa was clearly heading in a positive direction with a 15-6 record and a one game lead and trading Crawford would seem to be counterproductive. However, Bonds does supply the team with a very, very good patient veteran hitter, something they lack besides Cliff Floyd, who matches up in no way besides character and baggage to Bonds. Jesse Carlson is also a huge asset to the bullpen. The Rays bullpen had been mediocre at best this season, and Carlson is a young, talented lefty who had been solid this season with the Outlaws. The book on Humphrey is still yet to be written, but the cash never hurts.
On the Outlaws side it looks very good. With Crawford and Kershaw the Outlaws are now a team with an identity, a face, and hope. Crawford is a fantastic defender, a 60 stolen base threat, an excellent contact hitter, solid power, has no health concerns, and is an awesome clubhouse guy. He should step in immediately and become one of the team's leaders and prevent what happened with the Rays, that feeling of imminent losing for so many years, from ever happening in Fresno. On the trade Crawford said, "I really loved my time in Tampa, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I am today, and I really wish they would've liked to have been there for the new chapter in the franchise. However, this marks a new chapter for my own life. This team has shown that it has good management, a bright GM, and a good direction and I look forward to my future here as well."
NOTE: My scouting is pretty bad (+/- 7) so its possible/probable that the ratings I gave are off.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
YEAH DAAAAWG
Would someone fire Colletti already...hey, that rhymes. And if it rhymes, it must be made so.
Can I get an update on the trash that the Dodgers got back...
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Sure, but you're not gonna like it :p.
Wandy is 0-3 with a 5.30 ERA in three starts in 18 2/3 innings as a Dodger. Hes walked 10, K'd 11, and allowed 24 hits.
Enriquez is a 95 peak and in his only start since the trade, at Rookie ball, he went 7 2/3 innings and allowed one run.
Robb has made one start, is an 83 peak, and has a 2.08 ERA in 4 1/3 innings in that one start.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Yeah...i don't see equal value here...:rolleyes:
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
They offered it to me, I just made the players available.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
I like the Crawford trade. Losing the $4 million will hurt, but the players you gave up should be marginal at best.
Also, Kershaw looks like a stud. I wonder if he'll be touted "the next Sandy Koufax" :D (sorry filihok, I couldn't resist)
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PotatoOfCouch13
I like the Crawford trade. Losing the $4 million will hurt, but the players you gave up should be marginal at best.
Also, Kershaw looks like a stud. I wonder if he'll be touted "the next Sandy Koufax" :D (sorry filihok, I couldn't resist)
Yeah, the 4 mil hurts, but I liked it too. I think Carlson will be a good major leaguer though, and I sold super, super low on Bonds, he was still hitting in the .120's or so at the time of the trade. He'll heat up though, after I simmed that week the first time (before not saving and turning my computer off) he caught fire and was hitting .350 or something with like 5 homers in his last 10 games and walking a ton, even had a 4-4 game.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
(NOTE: Usually I do these at the end but I should do it at the beginning this time. I really screwed up with the number of games and how many deep I simmed this time. What I didn't realize last time was that the Orioles series was a four gamer and it kind of messed me up for the rest of the month. So this update won't cover the fourth and final game of that series. It will cover the three game series I played against the Mariners and the three game series against the Red Sox, that took me to May second. To simplify things from here on out I'm going to sim two series at a time, not a week at a time. Also note that I'm trying a few little additions to my general format this time around to see how I like them.)
This was an ugly week for the Outlaws in Boston and Seattle. The Outlaws managed to hang in there for most of most of the games, but lost two of three to both the Red Sox and Mariners.
The first game of the Mariners series went our way, but the last two got a little ugly.
Game 1: Outlaws 6 - Mariners 1
Game 2: Outlaws 1 - Mariners 4
Game 3: Outlaws 1 - Mariners 8
Darrell Rasner threw an absolute gem to help us to the win in game one. Rasner went the distance, gave up only one run, three hits, two walks, struck out two, and had a no hitter going through 6 2/3 innings. Two RBI's from Cash and Thames, who also hit a homer, also helped us to the win, as well as Carl Crawford going 2-4 in his second game as an Outlaw. Game two was a slightly different story. Baek didn't pitch terribly, going 7 2/3 innings, allowed four earned runs, K'd nine, and allowed 12 hits, but Felix was really on his game and we could barely touch him, as he allowed only one run, five hits, four walks, and struck out nine in 7 innings of work. We never really managed to get anything going, not even getting multiple runners on base until the seventh inning, Felix's last inning and the only one in which we scored, and our lone run came off a Norris Hopper double to plate Johnny Mac. Game three was an utter embarrassment, as we struggled to get just one run out of Miguel Batista in 8 2/3 innings. Kuo pitched six solid innings of four run baseball, but Batista was dominant, or maybe we were just pitiful. Our single run came on a triple by Brooks Conrad.
Our series against the Red Sox, which took us through May 2, was largely more of the same. We lost the first two and had to scrap for a win in game three to avoid the sweep. We managed to keep the games fairly close, however.
Game 1: Outlaws 2 - Red Sox 4
Game 2: Outlaws 4 - Red Sox 9
Game 3: Outlaws 5 - Red Sox 2
Game one saw Carl Crawford whack his first homer as an Outlaw and a solid start by Kershaw, 6 innings, four runs, 8 K's, but not much else in favor the Outlaws. Kevin Cash had an ugly, ugly game, going 0-4 with 3 strikeouts, my 1-2 combo of Norris Hopper and Willy Aybar went a combined 0-9, and Ross Gload went 0-3 with a walk and saw his batting average drop to .262. Daisuke had Outlaw hitter befuddled all night and allowed only two runs and never let us get anything going, in addition to punch 6 guys out. Game two was even more ugly for us. Sean Marshall was pitiful and allowed seven runs in five innings, Kevin Cash continued his recent strikeout trend, going 0-3 with a walk and two strikeouts, nobody managed more than one hit, and if not for a four run top of the eighth inning, capped by a Marcus Thames three run bomb, it would've been even uglier. Varitek and Manny both hit home runs off us and besides that eighth inning Beckett was completely dominant, going 7 2/3 innings and allowing four runs, all in the seventh inning. We did, however, managed to avoid a sweep with our game three run. Rasner was again brillant, he went 8 innings, allowed one run, and struck out six, while walking four and giving up 5 hits. Crawford hit his second homer as an Outlaw in 7 games, compared to one in 21 with the Rays, and also hit a double and knocked in three runs. The rest of the lineup was largely deficient, with Willy Aybar and Johnny Mac getting our other two RBI's. Buchholz was shaky in four innings for the Sox, allowing three runs (two earned), and throwing 72 pitches in those 4 innings.
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 16-12
- Los Angeles Angels 14-16 3GB
- Texas Rangers 13-17 4GB
- Fresno Outlaws 11-18 5.5GB
- Oakland A's 9-20 7.5GB
Team Notes:
- Word is that Sean Marshall's struggles may lead to him either being relegated to mop-up duty or an outright demotion to AAA if he doesn't correct things soon.
- Despite Kershaw's relative struggles management is still happy with the way hes pitched, citing that in each of the last two starts it was the last inning that got him in trouble and that his DICE is a respectable 3.77, especially for a twenty year old kid.
- The team is reportedly unhappy with the way the top of the batting order has performed and may look for a young upgrade. GM John Monahan has long coveted Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury, and also may take a look at Felix Pie, Callix Crabbe, and Reggie Willits. The team won't look for a pure speed guy for the top, however, they will likely want a player capable of grinding out at bats and drawing a walk.
- Their are rumblings that the team may be looking to move Marcus Thames fairly soon, and he could come into play in looking for a leadoff/#2 hitter.
Monthly update will be next. I'm not entirely certain how I'm going to do monthly ones yet so I'll probably play with it quite a bit before I actually get it written, but it should be done sometime tonight. Can I get some feedback on these series-ly updates as well? It seems to me like they're not very good and I'm not sure what to add/do. Could they use more detail or something maybe? Any feedback/constructive criticism is welcome and anticipated.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
YEAH DAAAAWG
The Outlaws acquired Crawford (80/82) in exchange for home run king Barry Bonds (75), RP Jesse Carlson (76/79), relief pitcher prospect James Humphrey (47/85), and 4,000,000 dollars[/CENTER]
4,000,000?!?!?! Ever hear of a guy named Billy Beane?
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
The first month of play for the Outlaws went surprisingly well. They posted a not good, but not awful record of 11-18. However, their play was terribly inconsistent at times, too often when they pitched they didn't hit, and when they hit they didn't pitch. The team did make two good trades, getting Kershaw and Crawford, and already appears headed in the right direction.
Offensively, the team is anemic despite the fact that most of the starting players have solid individual numbers. An injury to Dallas McPherson near the end of the month may have actually helped the offense, as Dallas had been struggling badly, not hitting for the power the team had expected, and gave the team an excuse to play Willy Aybar at third and put Brooks Conrad at second. Conrad has not disappointed and may have earned himself the second base gig for a while with his .294/.368/.441/.809 line, his defense isn't particularly good, but his bat is valuable to a team that couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. Kevin Cash started out the season extraordinarily hot, hitting over .330 at one point, but has cooled off significantly lately, seeing his average drop to .295 by hitting only .125 in his last 10, and striking out 36 times this season, to lead the league. Norris Hopper has also hit well, but he too is in a major slump with a .205 average in his last 10. Willy Aybar hasn't "hit" very well this season, but hes walking a ton and has had a few hot streaks this season. Nobody thats been with the team all season and started for most of the season has been very impressive, but Carl Crawford has impressed in his time with the Outlaws, holding a .313/.333/.586/.919 line in 29 at bats with the team.
Lineup:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...lawsLineup.jpg
The pitching hasn't been too bad. However, one of the pitchers that was hoped to be a leader for the staff, Sean Marshall, has been the worst starter on the team, hes made it through the sixth inning only once this season, and has failed to make it through five twice, as well as holding an 8.19 ERA in 29 2/3 innings and a .333 opposing batting average. Darrell Rasner has been the best starter on the staff by far, having allowed more than two runs in a start only once, when he allowed 5 in 2+ innings against the Twins. He hasn't been posting big strikeout numbers and he hasn't been doing it the "sexy" way, but he does have a 2.59 ERA in 41 2/3 innings with a .192 BAA. Baek and Kuo also have solid ERA's of 3.19 and 3.94, respectively. The bullpen, however, has been incredibly inconsistent. At time it has been extremely effective, but at other times it seems like they're pitching batting practice, not in the 7th inning of a two run ball game.
Pitching:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...wsPitching.jpg
Division Leaders:
AL East: Tampa Bay Rays 19-9 (Boston Red Sox 18-10, 1 GB)
AL Central: Detroit Tigers 18-10 (Minnesota Twins 17-12, 1.5 GB)
AL West: Seattle Mariners 16-12 (Los Angeles Angels 14-16, 3 GB)
NL East: New York Mets 18-10 (Atlanda Braves 19-12, .5 GB)
NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnatti Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros 16-13 (Chicago Cubs 13-16, 3 GB)
NL West: Colorado Rockies 21-9 (San Diego Padres 16-13, 4.5 GB)
AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox 18-10 (Minnesota Twins 17-12, 1.5 GB)
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves 19-12 (Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres 16-13, 2 GB)
AL League Leaders:
Batting Average: Miguel Cabrera (DET) .410
Home Runs: Jim Thome (CWS) 14
RBI's: Jim Thome (CWS) 36
Steals: Carlos Gomez (MIN) 12
Wins: Justin Verlander (DET) 6
ERA: James Shields (TBR) 1.64
Strikeouts: Felix Hernandez (SEA) 47
Saves: Jonathan Papelbon (BOS), Troy Percival (TBR) 9
NL League Leaders:
Batting Average: Willy Taveras (COL) .394
Home Runs: Jeff Francoeur (ATL), Ryan Braun (MIL), Ryan Howard (PHI), Pat Burrell (PHI) 10
RBI's: Todd Helton (COL), Ryan Howard (PHI) 32
Steals: Rajai Davis (SFG) 14
Wins: Tim Hudson (ATL) 7
ERA: Johan Santana (NYM) 1.17
Strikeouts: Jake Peavy (SDP) 56
Saves: Manuel Corpas (COL), Jose Valverde (HOU), Matt Capps (PIT) 10
Miscellaneous (Milestones, contracts, trades, etc.):
Adam Dunn (CIN) signed a 5 year 13.5 million dollar contract extension
Ryan Howard (PHI) signed a 3 year 10.1 million dollar contract extension
Vladimir Guerrero (LAA) signed a 4 year 14.6 million dollar contract extension
Kevin Youkilis (BOS) signed a 3 year 5.8 million dollar contract extension
John Smoltz (ATL) signed a 2 year 16.9 million dollar contract extension
Erik Bedard (SEA) signed a 4 year 8.9 million dollar contract extension
Derek Lowe (LAD) signed a 3 year 15.8 million dollar contract extension
Mark Teixeira (ATL) signed a 4 year 13.3 million dollar contract extension
Chipper Jones (ATL) signed a 3 year 11.6 million dollar contract extension
C.C. Sabathia (CLE) signed a 5 year 10.6 million dollar contract extension
Jay Bruce (CIN) Hit for the cycle
Tim Hudson (ATL) Threw a no hitter
Ivan Rodriguez (DET) got his 2500th hit
Magglio Ordonez (DET) got his 1000th RBI
John Smoltz (ATL) got his 3000th strikeout
Barry Bonds (FRE) got his 2000th RBI
Norris Hopper (FRE) had a 20 game hit streak
Vladimir Guerrero (LAA) got his 2000th hit
Edwin Encarnacion (CIN) retired at age 25
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Well, it is an expansion team, you're going to get some stiffs, cast-offs, has-beens, and never-weres. You're definitely doing a good job for the talent levels that you have, and the pitching should (i hope) improve.
How's life down on the farm? Any prospects we should keep our eye on?
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
No, no one special, a couple low 80's guys. As you may have seen earlier, however, I decided to lottery the top 12 picks and I ended up with #6 or #8 I think and theres a couple guys I have my eyes on. I was actually gonna do an Outlaws Draft Preview post to give people an idea of who I'm looking at at this point, probably sometime tonight I'll do that post.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Thanks Potato...
Daawg, since you're messing with your format; my suggestion and one that a lot of dynasty writers use (including myself) is to write-up each game with two or three sentences just to give us a feel. You don't need to tell us all the stats from the game, just give us a fell. CatKnight does it very well. You should check him out if you haven't.
As for simming. I think it works well to sim 2 or 3 full series then write it up. That way you can add in your thoughts, feelings, happenings from around the league.
The one thing I do like about your dynasty (not the trades Colletti makes-that's for sure) is the way you break your team down and give your thoughts about what's going on.
A top of the order of Crawford and Ellisbury would be impressive.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Thanks filihok, I'll try to do that more. The problem, though, with me doing that is that I'm not incorporating any storyline, its all supposed to be editorial/journalistic, so if I only have a couple lines about each game this would be a very dry dynasty, wouldn't it?
When I was originally putting that package on the block, the one that got me Crawford, I was more or less trying to draw the Red Sox out and get them to offer me Ellsbury, but I could only get Brandon Moss and J.D. Drew out of them, neither of whom appealed to me.
I plan on putting Rasner, and some others, on the block and selling high on him so maybe I can Ellsbury then, I'll try not to rip off the Dodgers this time around, no promises though :) ;).
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Fresno continues to add to their solid young core of players with their latest trade. The Outlaws get a very good, complete hitter in Travis Buck, in exchange for starting pitcher Darrell Rasner, outfielder Marcus Thames, catching prospect Cam Hales, and 1,500,000 dollars in cash.
This is a pretty fair trade for both sides, but lets look at Oakland's side first. The A's were a team loaded with young, talented outfielders, so it comes as no surprise that they would decide to trade one of them. They were also an offensively deficient team with almost no power, and Thames helps cure that immediately. After Blanton and Harden atop the rotation the rotation was extremely mediocre, with Chris Gissell (68) as their fifth starter. Rasner has been excellent this season, with a sub-3.00 ERA, but even if he comes back down to earth, which he should, he'll still be a solid 3 or 4 starter. Hales is a solid prospect and cash never hurts as well.
As for Fresno, Buck is an excellent addition, and Thames is an excellent subtraction. Thames is very much a TTO guy, and not a guy that will help a team like the Outlaws much. Buck is an upgrade now and for the future. He is an excellent defender in right, and also allows Carl Crawford to move back to left field, his natural position. In addition, Buck is a complete player at the plate. He had hit .325/.336/.579/.915 with 6 homers, seven doubles, two triples, and a steal in 25 games with Oakland prior to the trade, and despite the relatively low OBP, in comparison to his batting average, he does have a very good eye and did walk 39 times in 82 games last season. Buck will step right into Thames old spot in the batting order, but will move across the field to right, where he is an adept defender.
After the trade, the Outlaws announced the signings of two veteran relievers, Jay Witasick (73) and Bob Wickman (70), to refill the pitching staff.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
With the MLB first player draft around a month away, and the Outlaws in possession of a top 10 pick, it would seem a good time to breakdown who the Outlaws are interested in, who they may pick, and what they're looking for.
The Outlaws are reportedly looking for a college bat in this draft. A position player that could be major league ready in a season or two and could step in and contribute at a strong level as soon as they are called up. If they can't get that, they reportedly want to get a starting pitcher of the same mold, one that could be ready soon. GM John Monahan is known to value control pitchers who can go deep into games highly, so don't expect them to pick a guy who just stands on the mound and throws "unhittable" fastballs all day.
The indications are that these are their top 5 targets, that could realistically be available when they pick, in (general) order of interest:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...ustinSmoak.jpg
Pluses:
- Arguably the best offensive prospect in this draft
- 40-50 homer potential
- Could be ready in a year or two
- Excellent all around bat
Minuses:
- Very, very poor defender
- Not very fast
- May never develop a very good eye/plate discipline
Projection:
I project him as a .280-.300 hitter with 40-50 home runs annually. His eye isn't very good now, but if it progresses as I think it will he should post a high .300's to low 400's OBP. His defense probably will never be any better than average, but even if its slightly below average his bat more than makes up for it.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k.../TysonRoss.jpg
Pluses:
- Good power
- Good control
- Excellent fastball and change
- Good curve
- No major health concerns
- Excellent defender
Minuses:
- Lacks movement
- Unlikely to slip to our pick
Projection:
This kid has the potential to be a front of the rotation starter. To be honest, I'd be surprised if he DIDN'T end up becoming an ace in this league. I think he'll be a 15-20 game winner and post ERA's in the three's for a long time in this league.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...rettDeVall.jpg
Pluses:
- Good power
- Good control
- Very advanced
- Fastball and sinker are both very, very good
- Decent curve and knuckle curve
Minuses:
- Health is a pretty big concern
- Lacks movement
- Doesn't field his position well
Projection:
If not for his health concerns he'd rank ahead of Ross on this list, and maybe even ahead of Smoak. If he can stay healthy and keep himself on the mound, he'll be a helluva starter and the best in this draft. However, I'm skeptical he will be able to stay healthy. If it came down to him and Ross for this pick, I think the Outlaws would take Ross since hes more likely to stay healthy and become something.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...eSkipworth.jpg
Pluses:
- Decent contact
- Decent power
- Decent eye
- Excellent throwing arm
- Solid game caller and plate blocked
- Very young with plenty of room to improve
- No health concerns
Minuses:
- Not very fast
- A boom or bust pick
Projection:
Skipworth would be a solid pick. He could become a .280, 20 home run hitter at the major league level, with Gold Glove caliber defense behind the plate. However, there is a lot of boom or bust here. He'll either be a star, or a career minor leaguer.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...droAlvarez.jpg
Pluses:
- Smoak's best competition for best offensive prospect in this draft
- Very complete hitter
- Good contact
- Good power
- Good eye
- Health isn't a huge concern
Minuses:
- Extremely poor glove
- Below average at best defender
- Not very fast
- Eye may not come along
Projection:
Hes a potential .330, 40+ homer hitter. Arguably the best hitting prospect in this draft, and almost unquestionably the most complete. However, his defense is a huge concern, and he is unlikely to become even average.
Other players that could be selected, should these 5 be gone or feelings change between now and June 7th, would be SS Brandon Crawford (67/98), 1B Yonder Alonso (59/93), SS Gordon Beckham (63/91), SP Aaron Crow (62/96), SP Kyle Lobstein (61/95), or Dennis Raben (61/91).
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
I'll probably do one or two more of these draft previews before the draft, as players ratings fall/rise and things change.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
After the ugly last week against the Mariners and Red Sox the Outlaws were out for blood, and they made Sweeney Todd look like Mother Theresa in that goal. They took the first two from the Mariners, and lost game three, and took the first three from the Yankees, before losing game four.
The Outlaws got their revenge against the Mariners in games one and two of this series, and nearly earned the sweep in game three.
Game 1: Outlaws 8 - Mariners 7
Game 2: Outlaws 9 - Mariners 5
Game 3: Outlaws 3 - Mariners 6
Game one was a high scoring squeaker. Baek got roughed up, allowing five runs in 2+ innings, but the bullpen came in and locked it down, with Aardsma, Schroeder, League, and Jones combining for 6 2/3 innings, one unearned run, one hit, no walks, and one strikeout. Travis Buck went 1-4 with an RBI and a walk in his Fresno debut, but the big hit of the night was the walk-off RBI single by Brooks Conrad to score Buck in the bottom of the ninth. Game two was a much easier win, despite a less than stellar start by Kershaw (6 innings, 10 hits, five walks, five runs, 3 strikeouts), even though he still got the win. Kevin Cash got his second homer of the season, Garrett Guzman had a two run pinch hit single, and everyone in the starting lineup except Carl Crawford collected at least one hit. Sean Marshall pitched poorly once again in game three, allowing 5 runs in 6 2/3 innings. Bedard was dominant in this game, allowing just three runs and striking out nine in seven innings. We did manage to mount a few rallies, but couldn't really get anything from them.
The Yankee series was ever so sweet for the Outlaws, as they held the the Yankees to two runs or fewer in three of the four games, and won all the games in which they did.
Game 1: Outlaws 5 - Yankees 0
Game 2: Outlaws 4 - Yankees 2
Game 3: Outlaws 11 - Yankees 2
Game 4: Outlwas 3 - Yankees 5
David Wells brought his A+ game for game one, throwing a complete game shutout, allowing nine hits and striking out four. Carl Crawford also went 1-4 with a homer, and Travis Buck went 3-4 with a homer as well. Baek had a fantastic start in game two as well. Baek went 8 innings, allowed six hits, one run, and struck out four. Aybar and Hopper were fantastic at the top of the order, going a combined 5-8 with a steal and three runs. As had been characteristic of this season, the starter, Kuo, turned in a fantastic start, going seven innings, allowing four hits, two walks, one run, and seven K's. We really started this game on the right foot, with the first five batters collecting hits, capped by a Ross Gload homer to end the run of hits. Everyone in the starting lineup collected a hit and Carl Crawford seems to have snapped out of his mini-slump with his 3-5 game. We failed to secure our first sweep in game four, but Kershaw pitched 6 2/3 solid innings of four run ball, and Aybar raised his batting average to .301 in the game. We absolutely couldn't hit Wang, as we just kept pounding sinkers into the ground and he held us to four hits, a walk, and two runs for the game. We managed to load the bases and get a run of Mo' Rivera, but couldn't push the runs we needed across and left the bases loaded.
Team Notes:
- Willy Aybar is on fire, hitting .359/.432/.615 in his last 10, and has raised his batting average on the season to .301
- Travis Buck is hitting .370/.419/.741 with a homer, five doubles, a triple, and eight RBI's in seven games with the Outlaws so far
League Notes:
- Rich Harden (OAK) will miss 3 weeks with an ankle stress fracture
- Greg Maddux (SDP) got his 350th win
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 19-15
- Los Angeles Angels 19-18, 1.5 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 16-20, 4 GB
- Texas Rangers 15-21, 5 GB
- Oakland A's 12-23, 7.5 GB
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Oh, by the way, I want your guys feelings of the 5 guys I have as my top 5 guys for the draft. What order you would rank them, if you would draft them, what you think of them, stuff like that. I'm going to take some your advice and opinions on them to heart when drafting, assuming things don't change TOO much for them.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
This week didn't go nearly as well as the previous one did. We lost two of three to the Royals in Kansas City, and were swept by the Tigers, at home no less. The thing that really makes it sting is the fact that every game we lost, we lost by a single, solitary run every time.
We went to extra innings in every single game of this series, but the Royals still managed to win the first two, and we narrowly avoided the sweep in the third game.
Game 1: Outlaws 4 - Royals 5
Game 2: Outlaws 6 - Royals 7
Game 3: Outlaws 11 - Royals 7
The first game was personified by excellent pitching on both sides. Sean Marshall allowed three runs, 10 hits, and four walks in 7 1/3 innings, and in opposition Zack Grienke allowed three runs (2 earned), six hits, two walks, and struck out seven in seven innings. We led going into the ninth inning, but Geoff Jones couldn't shut the door and allowed Alex Gordon to drive home the tying run and very nearly lost the game on his own, if not for Mark Teahan grounding into a 5-2-3 double play. The Royals would win it three innings later despite, on a Tony Pena RBI double to score David Dejesus off Chris Schroeder. Unlike the first game, this game was characterized by offense. Brooks Conrad had himself a ballgame, going 3-4 with a homer and three RBI's and falling a triple short of the cycle. It would prove to be for naught however, as the Royals again won in extras, this time on a Dejesus double to score Billy Butler. Our one win in the series comes in a high scoring affair. Baek didn't pitch too badly, only two earned runs, but poor defense led to four unearned runs and a total of six runs allowed, and allowed him to make it through only 4 innings. But the bullpen really came in and locked it down, with Brandon League, Randor Bierd, Bob Wickman, and Chris Schroeder combining to go the last seven innings of the game and allowing only four hits, three walks, a run, and five K's. We managed to take the lead in the top of the 10th, but Wickman quickly gave it back in their half of the tenth on a solo homer by Jose Guillen. We teed off in the 11th though, scoring four runs on two hits and two errors. Offensive highlights were Willy Aybar's 4-6 two run night and Travis Buck's 2-6 3 RBI game.
The series against the Tigers was extremely frustrating and disappointing. We got swept at home, but lost every game by only one run.
Game 1: Outlaws 5 - Tigers 6
Game 2: Outlaws 6 - Tigers 7
Game 3: Outlaws 6 - Tigers 7
Kershaw again pitched solid in the first game, 6 innings and four runs, but got victimized by facing a superior pitcher and the offense not managing to get anything, as D-Train went 8 innings and allowed only one run. We trailed 6-1 entering the bottom of the ninth, but put up a major four run rally, and if not for Mike Sweeney getting thrown out trying to tag up and go to third may have been a five or more run rally. Travis Buck had an ugly, ugly game, going 0-4 with 3 K's. Carl Crawford went 2-4 with a two run homer. Game two was not a game you'd want to show in an instructional video, with both teams making two errors and sloppy play all around. Marshall had his usual 6 inning, four earned run start. Willy Aybar had a great game in support of his pitching staff however, going 4-5 with a homer and driving in four of the team's six runs in the game. We held a one run lead going into the ninth inning of this game, but the first three batters of the ninth inning reached on a hit, an error, and a walk and Magglio Ordonez then singled home the tying and go-ahead runs before Geoff Jones worked himself out of the inning. We managed to get two on in our half of the ninth, but Travis Buck popped up to end the game. Game three was more of the same. Wells went 6+ innings and allowed five runs, and we managed to score two in the bottom of the eighth to tie the score, but they again scored in the top of the ninth to take the lead and prevent us from coming back.
Team Notes:
- After starting out his Fresno career with a .370 batting average in a week, Travis Buck has seen that average drop by nearly 100 points in the last six games, to .278
- Aybar experienced a vitals jump, from 77/79 to 78/85
- Clayton Kershaw is likely to see himself moved down to the #3 or #4 spot in the rotation once the team gets a chance to shake the rotation up
League Notes:
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 20-21
- Los Angeles Angels 21-22
- Texas Rangers 19-23, 1.5 GB
- Oakland A's 17-24, 3.0 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 17-25, 3.5 GB
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
IMO, I'd grab Skipworth. Personally, I like to have a cornerstone catcher, and if the defensive liabilities of Alvarez and Smoak are as great as you say they are, then this is the position player you want.
Of course, if Ross is still available, grab him. But I'd make my primary concern catcher.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Smoak just took a huge hit to his peak, from 93 to like 84, so hes pretty much off my radar at this point. A few other pitchers have caught my eye though, I'll do another draft preview like the day before the draft, which could be tonight.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
The Outlaws rebounded nicely after losing 5 of 6, to win 5 of 7 again. We took the last two games of our series against the Indians, in Cleveland, and took the first two and the last of the four gamer against Kansas City, to exact our revenge over them quite nicely.
We dropped game one to Cleveland, but took the last two games in good fashion.
Game 1: Outlaws 4 - Indians 7
Game 2: Outlaws 3 - Indians 2
Game 3: Outlaws 10 - Indians 3
The Indians won a game that they really shouldn't have to beat us in game one. They made three errors in the game and still managed to beat us by three runs. Baek got knocked around and allowed seven runs and gave up two homers in five innings, in comparison to Fausto Carmona's 6 inning two earned run (four runs total, two unearned) gem. Victor Martinez drove in four runs himself for the Indians. The next night would belong to Hong Chih-Kuo however, he spun a total gem going 6 2/3 innings, striking out 10, and allowed only two runs. Crawford, Conrad, and Repko drove in our runs. And then the third game saw Clayton's best start as a member of the Outlaws, a seven inning, three run, four hit, four walk, 10 strike out gem. Indians starter Chuck Lofgren had a much tougher time allowing 5 runs in 5 innings. Conrad's 7th inning Grand Slam highlighted the scoring on our side. However, we found out after game three that Baek was injured with a stress fracture in his hand and needed to be put on the DL. In order to fill the gap left in his absence the team signed SP Jeff Weaver.
After nearly getting swept by the Royals the last time we played we were out for revenge, and revenge we got. We took the first two, dropped the third by two runs, and took game four.
Game 1: Outlaws 10 - Royals 5
Game 2: Outlaws 5 - Royals 2
Game 3: Outlaws 6 - Royals 8
Game 4: Outlaws 10 - Royals 5
Sean Marshall had his usual frustrating 6 inning, five run start in the first game. However, the story of the game was the comeback the Outlaws mounted in the eighth inning. The team trailed 5-3 entering the inning with Ron Mahay on the mound, and things came unglued right from the start of the inning, the first three batters, Ross Gload, Brooks Conrad, and Jason Repko, all reached base on a single, a walk, and a hit batter. McPherson then pinch hit for Kevin Cash and struck out, but then Mark Sweeney came up to pinch hit for John McDonald and singled home the two tying runs, and from there things for worse. Before it was all said and done we would bat around and score seven runs on seven hits in the inning. Scroeder worked himself into some trouble in the top of the ninth by allowing the first two batters to reach on walks, but got out of it and clinched the 10-5 win. In game two David Wells helped us to the win with his eight inning, two run effort. The offense was highlighted by two run singles by Travis Buck, in the third, and Carl Crawford, in the fifth. Game three saw yet another extra inning affair between the Outlaws and Royals, as well as Jeff Weaver's Outlaws debut, a solid seven inning, four run effort. We actually trailed 6-1 entering our half of the fifth, but mounted a 5 run rally capped by RBI doubles from Willy Aybar and Travis Buck. We took the game to extras, but Bob Wickman allowed two in the top of the 11th on two run double by Alex Gordon that we couldn't come back from. In game four Kuo made somewhat decent start, going seven innings allowing five runs, and striking out seven, but the offense was really there tonight and it was enough to get the win. Offensively the star was Norriw Hopper, who went 3-5 with 3 RBI's and 3 runs. We got three runs in the 5th, 7th, and 8th innings, as well as one in the second.
Team Notes:
- If Jeff Weaver pitches decently the rest of the time Baek is injured he very well could replace Marshall in the starting rotation once Baek comes back, assuming Marshall doesn't get things right by then.
- Expect the Outlaws to shuffle the starting rotation a little at their next off day.
- Because of Jason Repko's miserable .230's batting average, the team is considering starting Mark Sweeney in left field and moving Carl Crawford to center, where his speed and range would be more of an asset
League Notes:
- The Yankees will be without Robinson Cano for about a month, after he went down with a wrist stress fracture on May 22nd
- Bill Hall hit for the cycle on the 11th of May
- On the same day, Ken Griffey reached the magical 600 home run plateau
- On May 23rd Manny Ramirez reached the 500 home run milestone
AL West Standings:
- Los Angeles Angels 26-24
- Seattle Mariners 23-25, 2 GB
- Oakland A's 22-26, 3 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 22-27, 3.5 GB
- Texas Rangers 21-27, 4 GB
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
YEAH DAAAAWG
League Notes:
- On May 23rd reached the 500 home run milestone
Who?
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JeepGuy63
Who?
Whoops, nice catch, fixed :D.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
P.S. I want to keep this one brief because after the monthly review for May is the draft and I'm excited for that and I'd like to get it done tonight.
The Outlaws had an up and down few series the past week and a half. The team recorded its first sweep, over the Brooklyn Crusaders no less, but were swept in the very next series against the Rangers at home, and then split a four game series with the division rival Oakland A's.
The team's first sweep in franchise history, and over the franchise it came into the league with a couple months ago!
Game 1: Outlaws 5 - Crusaders 2
Game 2: Outlaws 7 - Crusaders 3
Game 3: Outlaws 3 - Crusaders 2
Game one featured a solid start from young ace Clayton Kershaw. He went six innings, allowed only two earned runs, and struck out nine, however he did walk nine. The offensive star of the game was Ross Gload and his 2-4, 3 RBI, home run night. Game two saw Sean Marshall actually make a solid start, a six inning, three earned run, five strikeout endeavor. We sealed the victory with an RBI single from Norris Hopper and a sac fly by Carl Crawford to extend our lead to 7-3. With the team's first sweep on the line the team turned to veteran David Wells, and he did not disappoint. Wells turned in eight innings of two run ball, with only two walks, nine hits, and four K's. Willy Aybar and Carl Crawford went back-to-back with home runs in the 6th, and Crawford's proved to be the game winning run. The team was jubilant after it completed the sweep, and David Wells said of the sweep "Its nice to be part of a first for a team like this. This team is definitely headed in the right direction with Crawford, Buck, and Kershaw. Its still got a ways to go, but they have a bright future, for sure."
After the sweep in Brooklyn we came home for three against the Rangers, and came down hard. The Rangers swept us at home immediately after our first sweep in franchise history.
Game 1: Outlaws 4 - Rangers 5
Game 2: Outlaws 4 - Rangers 8
Game 3: Outlaws 4 - Rangers 5
Jeff Weaver pitched a nice game in game one, going eight innings, allowing three runs, and striking out 6, but it wasn't enough. Kevin Millwood made it through only four innings, but the Texas bullpen shut us out for the final five innings of the game, and allowed us only five hits. Ross Gload had two RBI's, otherwise, it was a mediocre offensive night. Game two was much uglier, with Kuo only making it through five and allowing six runs (five earned) and only striking out two. The Rangers got on the board early and we couldn't rebound, as they scored six runs in the first four innings. Game three, although a loss, featured a very, very encouraging start by Kershaw. Not only did he allow only two earned runs in six innings, while striking out five, but he allowed NO walks for only the second time this season, but the bullpen coughed it up, giving up three runs in three innings. Buck was the offensive star, going 3-5 with 3 RBI's and a homer.
Finally we headed a bit north to play our division rival A's, and bookended the series with wins.
Game 1: Outlaws 9 - A's 4
Game 2: Outlaws 2 - A's 4
Game 3: Outlaws 5 - A's 8
Game 4: Outlaws 5 - A's 4
I didn't watch game one in PBP and since I'm trying to keep this brief we'll skip that one :D. In game two David Wells got hit with the loss, despite turning in a solid eight innings and allowing only four runs, and striking out six. The offensive star was Brooks Conrad going 3-4 with two RBI's. Weaver got rocked in game three, making it only 4 2/3 innings and allowing 6 runs (5 earned) and nine hits. Travis Buck had a really strong game, going 3-5 with a homer, three runs, and two RBI's, Brooks Conrad also went 2-3 with 3 RBI's. Lastly, game four featured another excellent start by Kuo, going eight innings allowing one run, one walk, seven hits, and 4 K's. The A's rallied for three in the ninth to tie it at 4, but we came back with a run in the top of the 10th on a RBI single by Norris Hopper to score Jason Repko and his leadoff double to start the inning.
Other stuff will be in monthly review.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
May was an excellent month for the Outlaws. They posted their first .500+ month in the two month history of the franchise, with their 16-14 record for the month. In addition, they find themselves in contention at the end of the month. Pundits will say that its due to how bad the AL West is, not how talented the Outlaws are, which is true in part. The Outlaws don't have a team built to win games consistently for 162 games and they did play some soft competition this month (Yankees 29-31, Indians 30-28, Royals 26-33), but contention is contention is it not. I don't expect them to continue to contend, especially once they have to get in with the big boys like the Tigers, Rays, and White Sox this month, the law of averages is bound to take effect eventually. However, may as well enjoy the success while it lasts. Repko isn't hitting the way the team would like, but he plays excellent defense at an up-the-middle position, so assuming he doesn't get any worse offensively, hes unlikely to lose his starting job.
Travis Buck really sparked the offense when he was acquired. Hes hitting .320/.353/.566 with five homers, 31 RBI's, 11 doubles, two triples, 21 runs, and four steals in 29 games with us. Willy Aybar and Norris Hopper have also proven to be a force to be reckoned with atop the batting order, combining for a .318 batting average, 8 homers, 14 steals, with a .367 OBP, and 80 runs in the one and two holes. Brooks Conrad has been a very pleasant surprise since taking over at second base when Dallas McPherson went down with an injury, and has cemented himself as the starting second basemen with his .291/.353/.450, as well as three homers, 25 RBI's, three steals, 11 doubles, and two triples. Whether or not he can maintain this success over the rest of the season remains to be seen, but hes reminding the team a lot of Dan Uggla right now.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...MaySeason1.jpg
The pitching has been up and down, but usually its more up than down. Kuo has been one of the best pitchers on the team all season and could see himself moved up to the #1 or #2 spot when the rotation gets shuffled. His 3.84 ERA leads the team, as do his 4 wins and 59 strikeouts. Kershaw hasn't been great, but hes only 20 and was bound to struggle. Hes been excellent lately though, with a 3.29 ERA and 24 K's in his last three starts, however he has also walked 13 in those starts three starts, including nine in a start against Brooklyn on the 24th. Sean Marshall has been an embarrassment though, and will likely see himself pulled from the rotation once Baek returns in around a week. His 6.78 ERA is simply unacceptable, and he hasn't shown any improvement lately. Expect the rotation to be shuffled and look something like:
- Hong-Chih Kuo
- David Wells
- Clayton Kershaw
- Jeff Weaver
- Cha Seung Baek
In the not too distant future. The closers role has been a complete disaster this season. Everyone who has been given the role has struggled once they were put in it, even veteran Bob Wickman crumbled once named closer. However besides the closers role the bullpen has been pretty solid all-around.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...MaySeason1.jpg
Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston Red Sox 39-19 (Tampa Bay Rays 29-27 + Toronto Blue Jays 30-28, 8.5 GB)
AL Central: Detroit Tigers 35-22 (Chicago White Sox 34-25, 2 GB)
AL West: Seattle Mariners 30-27 (Texas Rangers 28-29, 2 GB, Frenso Outlaws 27-32, 4 GB)
NL East: New York Mets 34-24 (Atlanta Braves 32-36, 2 GB)
NL Central: Pittsburgh Pirates 31-25 (St. Louis Cardinals + Cincinnati Reds 32-27, .5 GB)
NL West: Colorado Rockies 39-20 (San Diego Padres 32-25, 6 GB)
AL Wild Card: Chicago White Sox 34-25 (Minnesota Twins 33-25, .5 GB)
NL Wild Card: San Diego Padres 32-35 (Atlanta Braves 32-36, .5 GB)
AL League Leaders:
Batting Average: Miguel Cabrera (DET) .393 (Norris Hopper .335, 5th)
Home Runs: Jim Thome (CWS) 24
RBI's: Howie Kendrick (LAA) 58 (Travis Buck 55, 3rd)
Steals: Carlos Gomez (MIN) 28 (Carl Crawford 27, 2nd, Norris Hopper 10, 5th)
Wins: Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) 9
ERA: Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) 2.40
Strikeouts: Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), Erik Bedard (SEA) 80
Saves: Jonathan Papelbon (BOS) 20
NL League Leaders:
Batting Average: Willy Taveras (COL) .363
Home Runs: Albert Pujols (STL) 18
RBI's: Todd Helton (COL), Ryan Braun (MIL) 51
Steals: Rajai Davis (SFG) 28
Wins: Tim Hudson (ATL) 10
ERA: Jake Peavy (SDP) 1.63
Strikeouts: Jake Peavy (SDP) 106
Saves: Matt Capps (PIT) 20
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
I wasn't able to manipulate the draft the way I thought I could and was unable to pick in the draft. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to manually re-pick the first 32 picks of this draft, as in on paper, adding in the Outlaws and the Crusaders where I originally lotteried them to and make the picks for each team, and then trade the players around as needed.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Doubtful. Kershaw actually recently received a ratings boost to 81/98, from around 77/98, recently. None of his power, control, movement vitals went up, but his fastball went from a low 70's to a pretty solid 77, his change went from around a 65 (I think) to a 70, and his curve even went from around an 81 to an 85. If anything I'd probably be looking to bring anybody whose remotely ready up when/if I fall out of contention.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Since the draft is going to be my next article I'll hint at it now. If I'm out of contention by September, or god forbid I end up somehow clinching a playoff berth early, my first (and only) pick stands a good chance to get called up and possibly even start at his position. ****, hes already almost major league ready, if he develops quickly enough he could be one of my every day players before the end of the season.
I doubt I stay in contention though. That would require everyone on my team playing as well or better than they are now. I'm not expecting Norris Hopper to continue to hit .340, Conrad to continue flirting with .300, Buck to continue hitting .340, Kuo to stay in the high 3.00's with his ERA, Wells to stay around 3.40, or anything like that. Eventually the law of averages has to kick in because theres no way they can keep this success up. Plus it would also require Seattle and LA to continue to underachieve, which I really, really doubt they will, they're both way too talented and they're a hot streak away from putting me to bed for good.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
The Outlaws were granted only one pick in this draft, due to their status as a first year expansion team, but they made the most of their one pick, getting UCLA shortstop Brandon Crawford, arguably the prospect from this draft closest to MLB ready, but also possibly possessing the highest ceiling of anyone else in the draft.
Although the team highly coveted Brandon, he wasn't even on their draft board because they weren't anticipating him slipping all the way to #6. But when he was still available when they were picking at #6 they decided to forgo other players that had been on their list that were still available, including C Kyle Skipworth, SP Tyson Ross, and 1B Justin Smoak. GM John Monahan was ecstatic that he slipped to #6 and they were able to get him, giving the following comment of the pick:
"When we were scouting players and drawing up our list and what we wanted to get out of this draft, we knew we wanted to get someone who could be ready for the bigs sooner rather than later, but someone who also had a great deal of upside, and Crawford is just that. Crawford was arguably not only the most ready prospect from this draft, but the one the most potential. We are extremely excited to have him in this organization and look forward to seeing him as a cornerstone player for this franchise in the near and distant future."
With the likelihood of the Outlaws staying in contention for the full season being slim to none and the fact that the middle infielders on the Outlaws are mediocre at best, expect to see Brandon playing shortstop for the Outlaws very, very soon, if he progresses at the team expects him to. Probably before the end of the season depending on if and when the team falls out of contention.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...onCrawford.jpg
Pluses:
- Has game-changing speed
- Excellent contact hitter
- Solid power hitter
- Good eye
- No health concerns
- Fields position well
- Strong arm
- Near ready
Minuses:
- At 6'2" he could outgrow the position
- Range could be a question mark
- Eye and power may not come along as expected
- Defense may not improve enough to warrant keeping him at shortstop
Projection:
Brandon projects very, very well. He could become a .310-.330 hitter, with the potential to steal 50 or more bases. In addition, he could even hit as many as 25-30 homers and post a .400 OBP, and if his defense comes along as expected he could also be a Gold Glove defender. 10 years from now he very well could be the best player to come out of this draft.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
I had to re-do this draft on paper so I could get a pick out of it and I swear I wasn't trying to fix the draft to get him. I didn't even notice he was on the board until my pick and I couldn't resist taking him.
In any case, I'm gonna do a rundown of the top 10 picks next, but that won't be until tomorrow afternoon sometime probably.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
YEAH DAAAAWG
I had to re-do this draft on paper so I could get a pick out of it and I swear I wasn't trying to fix the draft to get him. I didn't even notice he was on the board until my pick and I couldn't resist taking him.
In any case, I'm gonna do a rundown of the top 10 picks next, but that won't be until tomorrow afternoon sometime probably.
Shenanigans! I call shenanigans! :D
That was quite a coup. Getting a player of that caliber will go a long way to making your team a contender. If I owned a team with one of the first 5 picks, I'd fire my scouting director, because they just gave you a potentially great player!
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
In the actual draft that the computer ran, he didn't go until #9 over to Houston. I actually did notice him right before my pick, at Florida's, but they already have HanRam and it wouldn't be fair for them to have two immensely talented shortstops.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
2008 MLB Draft Review
Tampa Bay Rays, #1 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...aronShafer.jpg
Pluses:
- Best RP in the draft
- Very, very near ready
- Good power
- Decent control
- decent movement
- No health concerns
- Great fastball
Minuses:
- A RP #1 overall?
- No satidfactory #2 pitch yet
- Doesn't field his position well at all
- Not a ton of upside
Projection:
Shafer is an excellent RP prospect and the best one in this draft. He could be a Brad Lidge type that strikeouts a ton of batters as a closer, but he needs to develop some sort of second pitch if hes going to be a successful major league closer. But, drafting a closer #1 overall, even if that is a need, is questionable. (This was the Rays actual first overall pick when the computer did the draft, and I didn't know what else to give them since they don't really have any holes.)
Pittsburgh Pirates, #2 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...oAlvarez-1.jpg
Pluses:
- Excellent all around offense
- Not too many health concerns
- Good power, contact, and eye
Minuses:
- Not very fast
- Defense is a big, big concern
Projection:
Alvarez is the best offensive prospect in this draft. He could be a .320-.330, 40 home run hitter, and post OBP's in the .400's once he develops fully. However, his defense is an enormous question mark and he may have to move to a less strenuous defensive position, such as left field. Reminds me of a young Miguel Cabrera.
Baltimore Orioles, #3 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k.../AaronCrow.jpg
Pluses:
- Best SP prospect in the draft
- Great power
- Good control
- 3 good pitches
- No health concerns
Minuses:
- Lacks movement
- Doesn't field position
Projection:
Easily the best SP prospect in this draft. Already has great power and solid control, and three pitches that project very well. Will need to improve his movement to reach his potential. Could be a Cy Young winner down the road.
Kansas City Royals, #4 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...leLobstein.jpg
Pluses:
- Great power
- Great control
- Fastball and curve are very good
Minuses:
- Movement isn't good at all
- Health could be a little concern
- Lacks a third pitch
Projection:
Probably the second best SP behind Crow in this draft. Very good power, and almost equally good control. His curve and fastball both should be very, very good pitches at the ML level, but he'll probably need a third pitch as well. Movement is very lacking.
Florida Marlins, #5 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...ttDeVall-1.jpg
Pluses:
- Very good power and control
- Good fastball and sinker
Minuses:
- Poor movement
- Health concerns
Projection:
One of the top three starting pitching prospect in this draft. Very, very advanced for a 17 year old. Should develop into a #1, or #2 starter at worst.
Fresno Outlaws, #6 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...onCrawford.jpg
Pluses:
- Has game-changing speed
- Excellent contact hitter
- Solid power hitter
- Good eye
- No health concerns
- Fields position well
- Strong arm
- Near ready
Minuses:
- At 6'2" he could outgrow the position
- Range could be a question mark
- Eye and power may not come along as expected
- Defense may not improve enough to warrant keeping him at shortstop
Projection:
Brandon projects very, very well. He could become a .310-.330 hitter, with the potential to steal 50 or more bases. In addition, he could even hit as many as 25-30 homers and post a .400 OBP, and if his defense comes along as expected he could also be a Gold Glove defender. 10 years from now he very well could be the best player to come out of this draft.
San Francisco Giants, #7 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...ennisRaben.jpg
Pluses:
- Good all-around offense
- Excellent eye
- No health concerns
- Solid fielder, project well
Minuses:
- Not much range
- Not very fast
- Offensive game not well suited for LF
Projection:
Well balanced offensive game. Good contact, power, and eye. Could become a .310, 30 home run, .410 OBP type. Solid defender. His offensive value may require a switch to RF, however.
Brooklyn Crusaders, #8 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...nderAlonso.jpg
Pluses:
- Tons of power
- Good eye
- No health concerns
Minuses:
- Contact hitting could be an issue
- Defense is questionable
Projection:
Has loads of power. Could be a 40+ home run hitter. His contact hitting is a bit of a concern, may only be a .270-.280 hitter at best.
Chicago White Sox, #9 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...TimBeckham.jpg
Pluses:
- Well rounded offensive game
- Advanced for an 18 year old
- No health concerns
Minuses:
- Defense could be a big issue, could prompt position change
Projection:
Very good offensive prospect. Could become a .300, 30 homer, 30 steal type player. However, defense could be a problem, could lead to a switch to the outfield down the road.
Cincinnati Reds, #10 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...kipworth-1.jpg
Pluses:
- Solid offensive player
- Extremely good defensive catcher
- No health problems
Minuses:
- Not very fast
- Offense may not be any better than below average once fully developed
Projection:
Should be a solid offensive catcher. Could hit .270-.280 with 20-25 homers at the major league level. His real strength is his defense. Could be a Gold Glove defensive catcher.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Quote:
Originally Posted by
YEAH DAAAAWG
Fresno Outlaws, #6 Overall
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...onCrawford.jpg
Pluses:
- Has game-changing speed
- Excellent contact hitter
- Solid power hitter
- Good eye
- No health concerns
- Fields position well
- Strong arm
- Near ready
Minuses:
- At 6'2" he could outgrow the position
- Range could be a question mark
- Eye and power may not come along as expected
- Defense may not improve enough to warrant keeping him at shortstop
Projection:
Brandon projects very, very well. He could become a .310-.330 hitter, with the potential to steal 50 or more bases. In addition, he could even hit as many as 25-30 homers and post a .400 OBP, and if his defense comes along as expected he could also be a Gold Glove defender. 10 years from now he very well could be the best player to come out of this draft.
I wouldn't worry about him outgrowing the position. You know who's 6'3"?
These guys:
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/2...ckies15di4.jpg
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/3...leyiconzi0.jpg
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/7...ergettyib6.jpg
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Fair enough, lol. But if he makes it to 6'5" he playing 3B :p.
In all seriousness. I'm not in the least concerned about his height, just the way his eye and defense are going to come along really.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
People keep growing when they're 20?!?! :eek:
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Guys can keep growing until their early 20's.
-
Re: Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws
Do people grow in this game? I never thought about it.
