Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Outlaws rebound with another 5-2 week, backed by strong pitching

Kuo has begun to emerge as the ace of the staff, leading the team in wins (4) and ERA (3.75) so far this season

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:

1. Los Angeles Angels 26-24
2. Seattle Mariners 23-25, 2 GB
3. Oakland A's 22-26, 3 GB
4. Fresno Outlaws 22-27, 3.5 GB
5. Texas Rangers 21-27, 4 GB

[JeepGuy63]

League Notes:

• On May 23rd reached the 500 home run milestone

Who?

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Who?

Whoops, nice catch, fixed .

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Outlaws complete first sweep, over Crusaders

Travis Buck has been leading the offense lately, hitting .341/.370/.636 with 3 homers and 9 RBI's in his last 10

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 . 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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

May in Review

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.



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:

1. Hong-Chih Kuo
2. David Wells
3. Clayton Kershaw
4. Jeff Weaver
5. 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.



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

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Fresno Outlaws Draft Review

The Outlaws first, and only, pick was speedy UCLA shortstop Brandon Crawford

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.



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.

[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.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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!

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!

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

2008 MLB Draft Review

Tampa Bay Rays, #1 Overall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.