7Mickey7

THE FINAL POWER RANKINGS

2009-06-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

THE ELITE TEAMS

1) Dover Destroyers (102-60) (PW – 2) (Points = 216.31) (AL East Division Champion)
The Destroyers moved up one spot to take the number one spot for the season. The Destroyers scored 6.95 runs per game while giving up 4.43 runs per game. The team had the 2nd best offense, 7th best pitching staff, 23rd best defense and played in the toughest division in the league.

2) Philadelphia Wings (112-50) (PW – 1) (Points = 209.18) (NL East Division Champion)
The Wings fell one spot to finish the season in the second spot. The Wings scored 6.11 runs per game while giving up 4.19 runs per game. The team had the 9th best offense, the best pitching staff, 8th best defense and played in the second hardest division in the league.

THE GREAT TEAMS

3) Albuquerque Apaches (104-58) (PW – 6) (Points = 155.15) (AL West Division Champion)
The Apaches moved up three spots to finish the season in the third spot. The Apaches scored 6.94 runs per game, the best in the league, while giving up 5.61 runs per game. The team had the best offense, 19th best pitching staff, 25th best defense and played in the third toughest division in the league.

4) Norfolk Southern (96-66) (PW – 7) (Points = 134.09) (NL Wildcard Team)
The Southern moved up three spots to finish in the fourth spot. The Southern scored 6.07 runs per game while giving up 4.77 runs per game. The team had the 10th best offense, 6th best pitching staff, 28th best defense and played in the second toughest division in the league.

5) Santa Fe Slammers (93-69) (PW – 3) (Points = 130.00) (AL South Division Champion)
The Slammers fell two spots to finish the season in the fifth spot. The Slammers scored 6.90 runs per game while giving up 5.36 runs per game. The team had the 3rd best offense, 26th best pitching staff, 20th best defense and played in the seventh toughest division in the league.

6) Chicago Knights (93-69) (PW – 9) (Points = 127.31) (NL North Division Champion)
The Knights moved up three spots to finish the season in the sixth spot. The Knights scored 6.16 runs per game while giving up 5.17 runs per game. The team had the 7th best offense, 12th best pitching staff, the best defense and played in the fifth toughest division in the league.

7) Scranton Scrubs (95-67) (PW – 11) (Points = 119.76) (AL Wildcard Team)
The Scrubs moved up four spots to finish the season in the seventh spot. The Scrubs scored 6.20 runs per game while giving up 5.35 runs per game. The team had 5th best offense, 13th best pitching staff, 29th best defense and played in the toughest division in the league.

THE ABOVE AVERAGE TEAMS

8) Las Vegas Gamblers (95-67) (PW – 5) (Points = 108.70) (AL Wildcard Team)
The Gamblers fell three spots to finish the season in the eight spot. The Gamblers scored 6.14 runs per game while giving up 5.49 runs per game. The team had the 4th best offense, 17th best pitching staff, 16th best defense and played in the third toughest division in the league.

9) New York Crankees II (90-72) (PW – 12) (Points = 106.45)
The Crankees II moved up three spots to finish the season in the ninth spot. The Crankees II scored 5.99 runs per game while giving up 5.06 runs per game. The team had the 8th best offense, 9th best pitching staff, 15th best defense and played in the toughest division in the league.

10) Arizona Pumas (89-73) (PW – 4) (Points = 102.31) (NL West Division Champion)
The Pumas fell six spots to finish the season in the tenth spot. The Pumas scored 5.54 runs per game while giving up 4.96 runs per game. The team had the 14th best offense, 3rd best pitching staff, 21st best defense and played in the fourth toughest division in the league.

11) Oklahoma City Cowboys (87-75) (PW – 10) (Points = 100.03) (NL South Division Champion)
The Cowboys had the 21st best offense, 4th best pitching staff, 14th best defense and played in the sixth toughest division in the league.

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TEAMS

12) Chicago Maulers (89-73) (PW – 19) (Points = 91.67) (AL North Division Champion)
The Maulers had the 6th best offense, 20th best pitching staff, 19th best defense and played in the easiest division in the league.

13) Buffalo Bisons (90-72) (PW – 8) (Points = 87.05) (NL Wildcard Team)
The Bisons had the 20th best offense, 8th best pitching staff, 9th best defense and played in the fifth toughest division in the league.

14) Wichita Wimps (79-83) (PW – 20) (Points = 79.98)
The Wimps had the 27th best offense, 2nd best pitching staff, 7th best defense and played in the fourth toughest division in the league.

15) Salem Sleepers (89-73) (PW – 14) (Points = 79.35)
The Sleepers had the 26th best offense, 5th best pitching staff, 18th best defense and played in the fourth toughest division in the league.

THE BELOW AVERAGE TEAMS

16) Toronto Kids in the Hall (86-76) (PW – 13) (Points = 76.43)
The Kids in the Hall had the 16th best offense, 14th best pitching staff, 3rd best defense and played in the easiest division in the league.

17) Houston Cavaliers (82-80) (PW – 16) (Points = 59.01)
The Cavaliers had the 19th best offense, 11th best pitching staff, 5th best defense and played in the sixth toughest division in the league.

THE FIGHTING FOR RESPECT TEAMS

18) Little Rock Raiders (78-83) (PW – 15) (Points = 23.51)
The Rock Raiders had the 17th best offense, 23rd best pitching staff, 2nd best defense and played in the seventh toughest division in the league.

19) Hartford Posse (77-85) (PW – 18) (Points = 19.25)
The Posse had the 12th best offense, 25th best pitching staff, 6th best defense and played in the toughest division in the league.

20) Seattle seattle earthquake (74-88) (PW – 21) (Points = 16.66)
The seattle earthquake had the 25th best offense, 21st best pitching staff, 4th best defense and played in the easiest division in the league.

21) Washington D.C. Crooks (76-86) (PW – 17) (Points = 9.25)
The Crooks had the 28th best offense, 10th best pitching staff, 12th best defense and played in the second toughest division in the league.

THE WHAT HAPPENED TEAMS

22) St. Louis Redbirds (67-95) (PW – 30) (Points = -26.25)
The Redbirds had the 15th best offense, 27th best pitching staff, 26th best defense and played in the third toughest division in the league.

23) Pawtucket Buffalos (67-95) (PW – 28) (Points = -28.32)
The Buffalos had the 23rd best offense, 16th best pitching staff, 17th best defense and played in the second toughest division in the league.

THE HAPPY THE SEASON IS FINAL OVER TEAMS

24) Cincinnati Chili (69-93) (PW – 23) (Points = -39.94)
The Chili had the 29th best offense, 18th best pitching staff, 24th best defense and played in the fifth toughest division in the league.

25) Salt Lake City Utes (70-92) (PW – 25) (Points = -44.55)
The Utes had the 31st best offense, 22nd best pitching staff, 27th best defense and played in the fifth toughest division in the league.

26) El Paso Drug Mules (65-97) (PW – 27) (Points = -44.64)
The Drug Mules had the worst offense, 15th best pitching staff, 11th best defense and played in the sixth toughest division in the league.

27) Nashville Sounds (63-99) (PW – 24) (Points = -50.17)
The Sounds had the 24th best offense, 24th best pitching staff, the worst defense and played in the sixth toughest division in the league.

28) Anaheim Rangers (70-92) (PW – 22) (Points = -55.97)
The Rangers had the 22nd best offense, 28th best pitching staff, 31st worst defense and played in the third toughest division in the league.

29) Huntington Healeys (64-98) (PW – 26) (Points = -58.53)
The Healeys had the 13th best offense, 29th best pitching staff, 22nd best defense and played in the seventh toughest division in the league.

THE HOPELESS TEAMS

30) Kansas City Bo Knows (70-92) (PW – 31) (Points = -72.15)
The Bo Knows had the 18th best offense, 30th best pitching staff, 13th best defense and played in the fourth toughest division in the league.

31) Monterrey Malditos (61-101) (PW – 29) (Points = -91.50)
The Malditos had the 11th best offense, the worst pitching staff, 30th best defense and played in the seventh toughest division in the league.

32) Augusta Timbermen (49-113) (PW – 32) (Points = -174.31)
The Timbermen had the 30th best offense, 31st best pitching staff, 10th best defense and played in the easiest division in the league.

OKLAHOMA CITY TAKES GAME ONE IN EXTRA INNINGS

2009-06-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma City, OK (7M7AP): A walk-off line-drive double by Cowboy third baseman Henry Post in the bottom of the 13th inning proved to be the game-clincher, as Oklahoma City (1-0) defeated the Norfolk Southern (0-1), 10-9, in game one of the National League Division Series. Horace Garcia (1-0) was given the win.

Oklahoma City drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run by lead-off hitter, Jose Jimenez.

Norfolk answered in the top of the second inning with two runs of their own. With the bases loaded and one out, Cowboy catcher Virgil Villalona couldn't handle a pitch from starter Omar Gomez, advancing all runners and scoring first baseman Corey Brush. The next batter, T.J. Wallace, hit a sac fly to left center field. Though Cowboy right fielder threw the ball on the mark at home plate, Brandon Epstein beat the throw to give Norfolk the lead.

Oklahoma City took the 5-2 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Villalona made up for the passed ball in the prior inning by hitting a sacrifice fly to score Jimenez. Alex Valentin and Post then hit back-to-back home runs give Norfolk the three-run lead.

After triples by Heathcliff McBride and Villafuerte scored two runs each, catcher Karl Martin hit a two-run home run to give Norfolk the lead, 9-5.

The offensive onslaught continued as doubles by Epstein and Villalona cut the Southern lead in half, with the score, 9-7. They closed the gap to one run off of a groundball hit by Epstein in the eighth inning.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a man on second base, center fielder Al Cedeno tied the game with a groundball single to left field scoring Rob Simpson.

The Cowboys had the opportunity to close out the game in the bottom of the twelfth inning with a man on first and third with only one out, Southern reliever Walter Koplove struck out pinch hitter Clyde Cambridge and got Jimenez to fly out to right center field.

In the bottom of the thirteenth, Villalona hit a single to left center to get on base. After a failed attempt by Valentin to move him to second, Post smoked a line drive to right center field for a double. It was a close play at home, but Villalona was able to beat out the throw to help the Cowboys take Game 1, 10-9.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Henry Post
Oklahoma City
Cowboys
Age: 35	B/T: R/R
Born: Sparrows Point, MD
Position(s): 3B/C/1B/COF/DH
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4-FOR-7, ONE RUN, TWO RBI, DROVE IN GAME-WINNING RUN

BAKER ROUGHED UP; BUFFALO TAKES GAME 1

2009-06-18T13:15:00.001-07:00

Phoenix, AZ (7M7AP): Buffalo (1-0) ace John Mullaney pitched six strong innings, and the Bisons scored four runs in the first inning to take Game 1 of the National League Division Series, 10-4, this morning. Mullaney pitched six innings, giving up only three hits and four walks while striking out three batters for the win.

Buffalo punched Arizona (0-1) in the gut with a four-run first inning, including a three-run home run by center fielderClarence McGraw and a line drive single by catcher Lou Arnold. The Bisons also scored a run in the top of the third inning with a solo home run by Garret Banks to take the 5-0 lead.

Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the third inning with a double by right fielder Rob Kerr to score lead-off hitter Pedro Silva.

Bison first baseman Hector Guerrero blew the game out of the water with a three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning, giving Buffalo the commanding 8-1 lead.

Arizona scored two runs in the seventh and one in the bottom of the ninth but were not able to come back, with Buffalo taking Game 1, 10-4.

Losing pitcher Jim Barker (0-1) pitched six innings, giving up nine hits, eight runs (five earned), while walking two and striking out three. He gave up three home runs in the game.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Hector Guerrero
Buffalo
Bisons
Age: 27	B/T: S/L
Born: Noord, AW
Position(s): 1B
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2-FOR-5, TWO RUNS, 3-RBI

TWO HOME RUNS BY WILFREDO DOOMS MAULERS IN GAME 1, 11-7

2009-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Chicago, IL (7M7AP): Victor Wilfredo's two home runs and five RBI and Pete Lee's perfect ninth inning helped the Las Vegas Gamblers (1-0) defeat the Chicago Maulers (0-1), 11-7, this morning.

The Chicago Maulers' first playoff appearance in team history started out well as they put the first run on the board in the bottom of the first inning off of a single by shortstop Stuart Rhodes, scoring Maulers leadoff hitter, Louis Bieser.

Las Vegas responded in the top of the second inning, taking the 3-1 lead off of doubles by Javier Mercedes and lead off hitter Tommy Knoblauch, as well as a sac fly by Alfredo.

The Gamblers continued to rough up rookie pitcher Sal Long (0-1, 9.53 ERA) in the top of the fourth inning, tagging him for three more runs off of a two-run homer by Wilfredo and a solo home run by catcher Matt DePaula.

The Maulers cut the lead to two runs with a double by Bieser, scoring first baseman Jake Cooper and second baseman Vince Wood.

Chicago's problematic bullpen struck again with Santiago Candelaria giving up three runs on four hits in two innings, as well as aging long-reliever Glenallen Williamson giving up a run on three hits and one inning, giving the Gamblers the 11-7 lead in the top of the ninth.

The Maulers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning on a three-run home run by Orber Rios, but it was too little, too late for Chicago. Las Vegas took the game, 11-7, and the one-game series lead.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Victor Wilfredo
Las Vegas
Gamblers
Age: 25	B/T: S/R
Born: Saint James, LA
Position(s): LF/1B/2B/RF/DH
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3-FOR-4, TWO HOME RUNS, FIVE RBI

SANTA FE'S SEVEN-RUN SECOND INNING LEADS THE SLAMMERS TO VICTORY

2009-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe, NM (7M7AP): Rafael Franco had two home runs and knocked in six runs on four hits as the Santa Fe Slammers decisively defeated the Scranton Scrubs, 14-8, in the opening round of the American League Division Playoffs this morning.

The Slammers wasted no time putting runs on the board with a four spot in the first inning. Franco hit a 3-run homer to center field and designated hitter Willis McGee tased a laser beam double into center field.

After a three-up, three-down inning for Santa Fe winning starter, Joaquin Ayala, the Slammers tagged the Scrubs for seven more runs. With a man on first and second base with two outs, Franco came through big with a single. After a single by Santa Fe first baseman, Norm LaRocca, Scranton losing pitcher, Fred Flores, walked in center fielder Buddy West. After McGee grounded a single to score Franco and LaRocca, third baseman Luis Cortes crushed a three-run homer to right center to give the Slammers the commanding 11-0 lead.

The Scrubs posted their first two runs in the third inning off of an error by Slammers shortstop Taylor that plated Ray Elster. Tony Justice smoked a line drive single to left field to bring in Omar Cross. The Scrubs tried to stage a late-game comeback, scoring three runs in the eighth and two runs in the ninth, but the Slammers held them off, posting the 14-8 victory.

Santa Fe leads the series, 1-0.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Rafael Franco
Santa Fe
Slammers
Age: 30	B/T: L/R
Born: Moca, DO
Position(s): 2B/IF/OF/DH
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4-FOR-5, TWO HOME RUNS, THREE RUNS SCORED, SIX RBI

#1 Overall Pick, Bierbrodt, to the DL

2009-05-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Preston Bierbrodt
Chicago
Maulers
Age: 21	B/T: R/R
Born: Hazel Green, WI
Position(s): P (SP1)
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Chicago, IL (7M7AP): Just four games into his young professional career, 7Mickey7 number one overall pick, Preston Bierbrodt, was put on the 60-day disabled list with a torn groin muscle, but is expected to be out for more.

"Welcome to the world of professional baseball," dejected Maulers owner Nick Carita commented. "I'd rather him be injured now and recover than to be in our starting lineup in the playoffs and go down with an injury."

Bierboldt was off to a great start in his professional career, with a 3-0 record in four appearances. He's held his opponents to a .219 batting average and posted a 3.64 ERA.

Week 5 Power Rankings

2009-05-26T10:37:00.001-07:00

1) Philadelphia Wings (69-29) (PW – 1) (Points = 143.95)
The Wings remained in the top spot this week after posting a 14-4 record in 18 games. The Wings are scoring 6.28 runs per game while giving up 4.17. The Wings have given up the fewest runs so far during the season, and they also hold the best home and away records in the majors.

2) Dover Destroyers (59-39) (PW – 4) (Points = 124.07)
The Destroyers moved up two spots after going 12-6 for the week. The Destroyers are scoring 6.97 runs per game while giving up 4.47. The Destroyers are now 4-13 in close games but, when you have the second best offense in the league, the close games aren’t really going to hurt you.

3) Santa Fe Slammers (59-39) (PW – 11) (Points = 93.03)
The Slammers moved up eight spots this week after going 11-6 in that span. Santa Fe is scoring 6.91 runs per game while giving up 5.56. The Slammers return to the top five after a bad week last week, and I think they should remain in the top 10 for the rest of the year.

4) Arizona Pumas (59-39) (PW – 14) (Points = 92.97)
The Pumas moved up ten spots this week after going 12-5 during the week. The Pumas are scoring 5.54 runs per game while giving up 4.48. Arizona also made their return to the top 10 this week after a bad week last week. They've been highly successful in their division this year, posting a 13-4 record.

5) Las Vegas Gamblers (59-39) (PW – 13) (Points = 92.88)
The Gamblers moved up eight spots this week after posting a 14-3 record, the best record during the week. The Gamblers are scoring 6.37 runs per game while giving up 5.48. Las Vegas made it three straight wins to crack the top ten this week and, with another good week, they could jump into the third spot next week.

6) Albuquerque Apaches (61-37) (PW – 3) (Points = 83.79)
The Apaches fell three spots this week after going 10-7. Albuquqerque is scoring 7.19 runs per game, the best in the league, while giving up 5.95. They are still leading the league in scoring, even if they have slowed a little last week.

7) Norfolk Southern (57-41) (PW – 6) (Points = 80.30)
The Southern fell one spot this week after posting an 11-7 record. They are scoring 6.26 runs per game while giving up 4.91. The Southern still need to improve their performance in close games if there going to catch the Wings, as there 7-16 now in one-run games. It does look like a wildcard spot will be in store for the team.

8) Buffalo Bisons (56-42) (PW – 10) (Points = 73.83)
The Bisons moved up two spots after going 11-7 during the week. The Bisons are scoring 5.82 runs per game while giving up 4.83. The Bisons are just doing the two step jump in the rankings each week. With another solid week by Buffalo and another bad week from the Knights, first place in the National League North could be in their future.

9) Chicago Knights (59-39) (PW – 2) (Points = 67.00)
The Knights fell seven spots this week after going 7-10 during the week. The Knights are scoring 6.17 runs per game while giving up 4.88. The Knights where cruising until their offense seemed to go missing, dropping nearly half a run less per game.

10) Oklahoma City Cowboys (53-45) (PW – 7) (Points = 65.81)
The Cowboys fell three spots this week after going 10-7. The Cowboys are scoring 5.77 runs per game while giving up 4.84. The Cowboys had a solid week, but with a couple teams having a great week, they saw themselves fall in the rankings.

11) Scranton Scrubs (58-40) (PW – 8) (Points = 64.70)

12) New York Crankees II (54-44) (PW – 9) (Points = 63.20)

13) Toronto Kids in the Hall (56-42) (PW – 15) (Points = 61.65)

14) Salem Sleepers (51-47) (PW – 12) (Points = 20.25)

15) Little Rock Raiders (47-51) (PW – 18) (Points = 15.95)

16) Houston Cavaliers (48-50) (PW – 19) (Points = 13.71)

17) Washington D.C. Crooks (49-49) (PW – 17) (Points = 12.82)

18) Hartford Posse (51-47) (PW – 5) (Points = 12.48)

19) Chicago Maulers (47-51) (PW – 20) (Points = 9.53)

20) Wichita Wimps (42-56) (PW – 21) (Points = 8.55)

21) Seattle seattle earthquake (46-52) (PW – 16) (Points = -5.18)

22) Anaheim Rangers (45-53) (PW – 22) (Points = -14.03)

23) Cincinnati Chili (43-55) (PW – 25) (Points = -17.75)

24) Nashville Sounds (41-57) (PW – 28) (Points = -21.11)

25) Salt Lake City Utes (43-55) (PW – 23) (Points = -22.94)

26) Huntington Healeys (34-64) (PW – 31) (Points = -32.70)

27) El Paso Drug Mules (39-59) (PW – 26) (Points = -35.68)

28) Pawtucket Buffalos (39-59) (PW – 24) (Points = -37.88)

29) Monterrey Malditos (38-60) (PW – 29) (Points = -39.69)

30) St. Louis Redbirds (37-61) (PW – 27) (Points = -40.88)

31) Kansas City Bo Knows (37-61) (PW – 32) (Points = -93.98)

32) Augusta Timbermen (32-66) (PW – 30) (Points = -95.72)

INDIVIDUAL PITCHING FORMAT FILE

2009-05-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

WINS
1) Robert Gil - Philadelphia (16)

Robert Gil
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 28	B/T: R/R
Born: Goshen, IN
Position(s): P (SP3)
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2) Gene Stockton - Hartford (13)
3) Archie Hines - Albuquerque (12)
4) Harry Ozuna - Las Vegas (12)
5) Alan Locko - Wichita (12)

STRIKEOUTS
1) Robert Gil - Philadelphia (159)

Robert Gil
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 28	B/T: R/R
Born: Goshen, IN
Position(s): P (SP3)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2) Gene Stockton - Hartford (126)
3) Omar Campos - Anaheim (131)
4) Omar Gomez - Oklahoma City (122)
5) Alan Locko - Wichita (122)

ERA
1) Alan Locko - Wichita (2.41)

Alan Locko
Wichita
Wimps
Age: 29	B/T: R/R
Born: Johnstown, OH
Position(s): P (SP4)
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2) Yamid Pena - Wichita (2.49)
3) Anthony George - Philadelphia (2.74)
4) Michael Pedersen - Cincinnati (2.81)
5) Gene Stockton - Hartford (2.89)

SAVES
1) Gary Koch - Arizona (25)

Gary Koch
Arizona
Pumas
Age: 27	B/T: L/L
Born: Pflugerville, TX
Position(s): P (ClA)
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2) Micah Smith - Hartford (25)
3) Victor Tejada - Little Rock (24)
4) Darryl Wooten - Seattle (24)
5) Gordon Richardson - Houston (22)

OPPONENT AVERAGE
1) Yamid Pena - Wichita (.198)

Yamid Pena
Wichita
Wimps
Age: 24	B/T: L/L
Born: Pembina, ND
Position(s): P (SP5)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

2) Terrence Delaney - Las Vegas (.216)
3) Alan Locko - Wichita (.223)
4) Al Sinclair - Chicago NL (.224)
5) Omar Gomez - Oklahoma City (.227)

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS 5/25

2009-05-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

HOME RUNS
1)Grant Bradley Dover - (43)

Grant Bradley
Dover
Destroyers
Age: 26	B/T: R/R
Born: Goshen, IN
Position(s): 1B/DH
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2) Julius Lawson - Philadelphia (41)
3) Freddy Rollins - Nashville (39)
4) Heathcliff McBride - Norfolk (39)
5) Bruce Dickens - Dover (37)

BATTING AVERAGE
1) Julian Castro - New York (.389)

Julian Castro
New York
Crankees II
Age: 25	B/T: R/R
Born: Villa Gonzalez, DO
Position(s): LF
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2) Vinny Kennedy - Hartford (.376)
3) Valerio Calderon - Albuquerque (.374)
4) Carmen Golub - Albuquerque (.362)
5) Al Torres - New York (.360)

RUNS
1) Bruce Dickens - Dover (98)

Bruce Dickens
Dover
Destroyers
Age: 27	B/T: R/R
Born: Wilton, NH
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
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2) Vinny Kennedy - Hartford (95)
3) Ryan Walker - Santa Fe (95)
4) D.T. Wagner - New York (94)
5) Valerio Calderon - Albuquerque (90)

RBI
1) Julius Lawson - Philadelphia (111)

Julius Lawson
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 23	B/T: R/R
Born: Cedarhurst, NY
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
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2) Mateo Nunez - Albuquerque (109)
3) Grant Bradley - Dover (103)
4) Heathcliff McBride - Norfolk (101)
5) Carmen Golub - Albuquerque (96)

STOLEN BASES
1) Craig Maduro - Pawtucket (104)

Craig Maduro
Pawtucket
Buffalos
Age: 24	B/T: L/R
Born: Santa Monica, CA
Position(s): 2B
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2) Hipolito Rodriguez - Pawtucket (67)
3) Tito Aoki - Cincinnati (61)
4) Omar Cross - Scranton (52)
5) Keith Ratliff - Monterrey (51)

HUGE TRADE

2009-05-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

USMLBAP - The Little Rock Raiders agreed to trade closer Victor Tejada to the Arizona Pumas in exchange for minor league first baseman Kevin Mailman tonight. The trade is dependent on Tejada agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.

Hardball Dynasty's

Victor Tejada

Tejada will bring a great set-up/closer to the Puma lineup. With him, Tejada brings in a 1.76 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .237 ERA. He will be a welcomed addition to a set-up staff who, combined, have a 3.84 ERA. He may even replace current Puma closer, Gary Koch, who is 24-for-30 in save situations with a 4.85 ERA.

Hardball Dynasty's

Kevin Mailman

For the Raiders, Kevin "the Mailman" Mailman will probably spend some time at Triple-A but could very well be called up to the big leagues when the playoffs arrive. Mailman does not feature a ton of power, but with a great batting eye and contact rating, he will be a mainstay on the base paths. Mailman will fit in very well to the Pumas organization.

7MICKEY7 10-YEAR TEAM (PITCHERS)

2009-05-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

STARTING PITCHERS

Hardball Dynasty's

Gene Stockton

7 All-Stars, 5 Cy Young Awards

Hardball Dynasty's

Fred Allensworth

9 All-Stars, 6 Cy Young Awards, 1 Silver Slugger and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Robert Gil

8 All-Stars, 5 Cy Young Awards

3 All-Stars

4 All-Stars and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Juan Arias

4 All-Stars, Rookie of the Year, 1 Silver Slugger

4 All-Stars

2 All-Stars

CLOSERS

Hardball Dynasty's

Gordon Richardson

6 All-Stars, 3 Firemen of the Year Award

Hardball Dynasty's

Bernard Thompson

6 All-Stars, 1 Firemen of the Year award

4 All-Stars

4 All-Stars

RELIEVERS

Hardball Dynasty's

Archie Hines

4 All-Stars, 1 Silver Slugger and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Archie Mientkiewicz

2 All-Stars, 1 Cy Young Award

1 All-Star

1 All-Star, 1 Cy Young Award

Hardball Dynasty's

Dwight Huff

3 All-Stars

7MICKEY7 10-YEAR TEAM (Position Players)

2009-05-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

FIRST BASE

Hardball Dynasty's

Don Woo

6 All-Stars, 3 MVP's, 5 Silver Sluggers and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Jamie Chang

6 All-Stars, 2 MVP's, Rookie of the Year, 3 Silver Slugger and 1 Gold Glove.

Hardball Dynasty's

Heathcliff McBride

3 All-Stars, 2 MVP's, 2 Silver Sluggers and 1 Gold Glove

SECOND BASE

Hardball Dynasty's

Rafael Franco

8 All-Stars, Rookie of the Year, 1 Silver Slugger and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Dennys Cheng

7 All-Stars, 6 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Vinny Kennedy

4 All-Stars, 1 MVP, 3 Silver Sluggers and 1 Gold Glove

THIRD BASE

7 Gold Gloves

3 All-Stars, 2 Silver Sluggers and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Harry Colome

4 All-Stars, 2 Silver Sluggers

SHORTSTOP

Hardball Dynasty's

Henry Post

6 All-Stars, 1 MVP, 4 Silver Sluggers and 1 Gold Glove

Hardball Dynasty's

Herman Kydd

5 All-Stars, 5 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Luis Segui

2 All-Stars, 2 Silver Sluggers and 2 Gold Glove

LEFT FIELD

Hardball Dynasty's

Tuck Neagle

4 All-Stars, 1 MVP, 2 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Bucky Carpenter

2 All-Stars, 2 MVP's, 2 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

John Keeler

2 All-Stars and 4 Gold Gloves

CENTER FIELD

Hardball Dynasty's

Buddy West

10 All-Stars, 3 MVP's, 6 Silver Sluggers and 8 Gold Gloves

Hardball Dynasty's

Carlos Ibarra

4 All-Stars, 4 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Mitch Rivera

5 All-Stars, 3 Silver Sluggers

RIGHT FIELD

Hardball Dynasty's

Desi Santos

7 All-Stars, 1 MVP, 4 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Jae Dong

6 All-Stars, Rookie of the Year, 3 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Alex Martinez

2 All-Stars, 1 MVP, 2 Silver Sluggers

CATCHER

Hardball Dynasty's

Luther Vining

3 All-Stars, 5 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Karl Martin

5 All-Stars, Rookie of the Year, 3 Silver Sluggers

Hardball Dynasty's

Justin Paige

4 Gold Gloves

DESIGNATED HITTER

Hardball Dynasty's

Tanyon Aurilia

5 All-Stars, 5 Silver Sluggers

7MICKEY7 MOST SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISE RANKINGS

2009-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

As we have just finished our tenth season as a league, tomjames has put together the "7MICKEY7 all-time franchise rankings" for our clubs.

1. Norfolk Southern - Tied for the most winning seasons (10), tied for the most 90 win seasons (10), tied for the most 100 win seasons (7), 6 division championships, 4 wild card berths, 3 trips to the World Series, 1 World Series win, the most Cy Young awards (6).

2. Oklahoma City Cowboys - Tied for the most winning seasons (10), 8 divisions championships, 3 trips to the World Series, 2 World Series wins.

3. Philadelphia Wings - Tied for the most winning seasons (10), 4 division championships, 5 wild card berths, 4 trips to the World Series, 2 World Series wins.

4. Las Vegas Gamblers - 9 winnings seasons, 8 division championships, 3 trips to the World Series, 1 World Series win.

5. Santa Fe Slammers - Tied for the most winning seasons (10), tied for the most 90 win seasons (10), 10 division championships, 1 trip to the World Series, the most MVP awards (6).

6. Houston Cavaliers - Tied for the most winning seasons (10), tied for the most 90 win seasons (10), 2 division championships, 8 wild card berths, 1 trip to the World Series, 1 World Series win.

7. Dover Destroyers - 8 winning seasons, 6 division championships, 2 wild card berths, 2 trips to the World Series.

8. Kansas City Bo Knows - 9 winning seasons, 6 division championships, 1 wild card berth, 2 trips to the World Series.

9. Augusta Timbermen - 4 winning seasons, 4 division championships, 2 trips to the World Series, 1 World Series win.

T-10. Toronto Kids in the Hall - 7 winning seasons, 4 division championships, 1 wild card berth, 1 trip to the World Series.

T-10. Albuquerque Apaches - 7 winning seasons, 1 division championship, 5 wild card berths, 1 trip to the World Series, 1 World Series win.

12. Cincinnati Chili - 6 winning seasons, 6 division championships.

13. Hartford Posse - 7 winning seasons, 2 division championships, 2 wild card berths.

14. Scranton Scrubs - 8 winning seasons, 2 division championships, 4 wild card berths.

15. Buffalo Bisons - 6 winning seasons, 3 division championships.

16. Wichita Wimps - 4 winning seasons, 1 division championship, 1 trip to the World Series, 1 World Series win.

17. St. Louis Redbirds - 4 winning seasons, 2 wild card berths.

18. Seattle Earthquake - 5 winning seasons, 2 division championships, 2 wild card berths.

19. Salem Sleepers - 4 winning seasons, 3 division championships.

20. Little Rock Raiders - 4 winning seasons, 1 wild card berth.

21. El Paso Drug Mules - 2 winning seasons, 1 wild card berth.

22. Huntington Healeys - 2 winning seasons.

23. Chicago Knights - 3 winning seasons, 1 division championship.

24. Pawtucket Buffaloes - 2 winning seasons.

25. Arizona Pumas - 3 winning seasons, 1 wild card berth.

26. Salt Lake City Utes - 1 winning season.

27. Monterrey Malditos - 2 winning seasons, 1 wild card berth.

28. New York Crankees II - 1 winning season.

29. Washington D.C. Crooks - 2 winning seasons.

30. Chicago Maulers - 2 winning seasons, the most 100 loss seasons (6).

31. Anaheim Rangers - 1 winning season, 1 division championship, the most times in the division basement (9).

32. Nashville Sounds - the only team without a winning season, the most losing seasons (10), the most 90 loss seasons (9).

Week 4 Power Rankings

2009-05-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

1) Philadelphia Wings (55-25) (PW – 1) (Points = 122.25)
The Wings remained in the top spot this week after going 15-4 during the week, tied for the best record during the week. The wings are scoring 6.31 runs per game while giving up 4.28 runs per game. The Wings really love playing on the road as there 29-11 on the road for a .725 winning percentage which is the best in the league.

2) Chicago Knights (52-29) (PW – 3) (Points = 99.57)
The Knights moved up one spot this week after going 13-6 during the week. The Knights are scoring 6.53 runs per game while giving up 4.91 runs per game. The Knights really love playing in front of there home crowd with a 26-13 record at home for a .667 winning percentage which is the best in the league.

3) Albuquerque Apaches (51-30) (PW – 5) (Points = 96.10)
The Apaches moved up two spots this week after going 15-4 during the week, tied for the best record during the week. The Apaches are scoring 7.36 runs per game, the best in the league, while giving up 6.15 runs per game. The Apaches have scored 39 more runs then next leading score team in the league.

4) Dover Destroyers (47-33) (PW – 6) (Points = 92-.19)
The Destroyers moved up two spots this week after going 11-7 during the week. The Destroyers are scoring 6.76 runs per game while giving up 4.46 runs per game. The Destroyers would really have a better record if they could win the close games as there 3-12 in one-run games.

5) Hartford Posse (47-34) (PW – 11) (Points = 68.07)
The Posse moved up six spots this week after going 14-5 during the week. The Posse are scoring 5.93 runs per game while giving up 5.51 runs per game. The Posse has really jumped in the rankings, as they started in the 22nd spot and has moved up 17 spots in two weeks.

6) Norfolk Southern (46-34) (PW – 7) (Points = 65.72)
The Southern moved up one spot this week after going 11-8 during the week. The Southern are scoring 6.25 runs per game while giving up 4.91 runs per game. The Southern will need to improve there performance in close games if there going to catch the Wings as there 6-13 in one-run games.

7) Oklahoma City Cowboys (43-38) (PW – 13) (Points = 62.62)
The Cowboys moved up six spots this week after going 12-7 during the week. The Cowboys are scoring 5.91 runs per game while giving up 4.90 runs per game. The Cowboys are the second new team to join the top ten this week.

8) Scranton Scrubs (48-32) (PW – 4) (Points = 60.38)
The Scrubs fell four spots this week after going 10-8 during the week. The Scrubs are scoring 5.59 runs per game while giving up 4.70 runs per game. The Scrubs look like there going to be in a dog fight in the toughest division in the league the American League East.

9) New York Crankees II (45-35) (PW – 8) (Points = 53.93)
The Crankees II fell one spot this week after going 9-9 during the week. The Crankees II are scoring 6.36 runs per game while giving up 5.25 runs per game. The Crankees II have the sixth best record in the American League but there still in fourth place in there division.

10) Buffalo Bisons (45-35) (PW – 12) (Points = 49.65)
The Bisons moved up two spots this week after going 9-9 during the week. The Bisons are scoring 5.78 runs per game while giving up 4.76 runs per game. The Bisons might be a team to look out for in the future as they're posting the same record each week, just waiting for the right time to put a good winning streak together.

11) Santa Fe Slammers (48-33) (PW – 2) (Points = 47.58)

12) Salem Sleepers (43-37) (PW – 14) (Points = 47.34)

13) Las Vegas Gamblers (45-36) (PW – 16) (Points = 46.80)

14) Arizona Pumas (47-34) (PW – 10) (Points = 46.36)

15) Toronto Kids in the Hall (34-27) (PW – 9) (Points = 45.02)

16) Seattle seattle earthquake (39-42) (PW – 22) (Points = 27.01)

17) Washington D.C. Crooks (42-38) (PW – 15) (Points = 18.96)

18) Little Rock Raiders (37-43) (PW – 24) (Points = 15.72)

19) Houston Cavaliers (39-41) (PW – 23) (Points = 11.96)

20) Chicago Maulers (39-41) (PW – 18) (Points = 9.62)

21) Wichita Wimps (34-47) (PW – 20) (Points = 1.70)

22) Anaheim Rangers (36-44) (PW – 19) (Points = -15.08)

23) Salt Lake City Utes (36-45) (PW – 17) (Points = -20.02)

24) Pawtucket Buffalos (34-47) (PW – 21) (Points = -21.75)

25) Cincinnati Chili (35-46) (PW – 25) (Points = -22.69)

26) El Paso Drug Mules (32-48) (PW – 28) (Points = -24.23)

27) St. Louis Redbirds (32-48) (PW – 29) (Points = -24.79)

28) Nashville Sounds (33-48) (PW – 26) (Points = -27.72)

29) Monterrey Malditos (32-49) (PW – 27) (Points = -36.29)

30) Augusta Timbermen (29-52) (PW – 31) (Points = -63.93)

31) Huntington Healeys (23-57) (PW – 32) (Points = -65.98)

32) Kansas City Bo Knows (29-51) (PW – 30) (Points = -98.16)

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 1-4

2009-05-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

PICK #1- PRESTON BIERBRODT(P)
CHICAGO MAULERS
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Stanford University
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Drafted out of Stanford University, Bierboldt is slated to be a very good starter for the Maulers down the road. With an above average stamina rating, Bierbold will be able to pitch through the seventh inning on several occassions for Chicago. He will have average control of his pitches, and will do very well against right-handed hitting. He will be pretty good against left-handed pitching as well. He features an above-average forkball and close to above-average curveball to compliment. He finishes out his arsenal with a slider, four-seam fastball, and change up. He will be a very healthy addition to the Maulers pitching staff as well.

THE BAD: Flat out... he is going to be a hot-head. He will have low patience, low make-up, and a hot temper. The Maulers will have to monitor his development and make sure he's ready for the next level before he is promoted... otherwise, they could stunt his growth within the organization. He has a long way to go on developing his curveball and may not hit the projection. His low durability will keep the Maulers organization monitoring his stamina throughout the years.

RECAP: The Maulers will have to be careful with Bierbold as he develops in the system. If they develop him the correct way, he will be a great pitcher for the Maulers for the long haul.

PICK #2- J.C. JARVIS (SS)
EL PASO DRUG MULES
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Woodbridge High School in Norco, CA
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: This talented shortstop will be lighting up the basepaths for seasons to come! He will have a huge bat for the El Paso franchise, if signed, and he will dominate left-handed pitching. He will be strong against right-handed pitching as well. Though Jarvis will require a couple of days off a season, the Mules will not have to be worried about injuries from Jarvis, as he is slated to be in unbelievable shape for his career. He will have some speed behind him as well. If you're looking for the consumate professional, Jarvis will be it. He will have a pretty level head when it comes to his temper, and he will be pretty focused on the task at hand when in tough situations. His patience may get the best of him here and there, but overall, he will be mentally strong. He will be an average defenseman.

THE BAD: His contact and batting eye ratings are what will keep him him from being a silver-slugger, unfortunately. He may have the power, but he won't have the average. Don't get me wrong, he will be hitting betweeh .260-.285 every season, but I'm not sure he will be one of the most dominant hitters in the game. Though he has some speed, he will make some poor decisions running the bases with his low baserunning rating.

RECAP: Jarvis was almost selected by the Maulers with the first overall pick, but the team's committment to improving pitching over the next few drafts took priority over a hard-hitting shortstop like Jarvis. The Mules picked a great player who may set records for home runs for years to come.

PICK #3- BROOKS HATFIELD- (2B)

Brooks Hatfield
Washington D.C.
Crooks
Age: 21	B/T: S/R
Born: Luverne, MN
Position(s): 2B
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of University of Southern California
- Signed on to a minor league contract with a $3,820,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: Hatfield will have a long career in the league with his high health rating and durability rating. He will require a day off here and there, but what player doesn't? His high make up and temper rating will ensure that Brooks will be calm and collect on the field no matter what the situation. He will be dominant against right handed pitching and is sure to be making good contact without striking out an exorbitant amount. He will have his share, but he won't have any 100+ strikeout seasons. Hatfield will hit around 15-20 home runs a year with his power rating. If he hits his projections, he will be extremely smart on the base paths. He will be an average defenseman at best.

THE BAD: It's too bad he won't have more than the speed that he currently has, or else he could have been a major threat on the base paths. Though he will have just under the average range that a second baseman requires, he will not have the best glove in the world.

RECAP: Hatfield will be an every day second baseman when he hits the majors. He's good enough to start in AA or AAA now, but D.C. has decided to bring him up the ranks slowly. He will be a strong addition to the Crooks organization.

PICK #4- ZEUS ROLLINS- (P)

Zeus Rollins
Cincinnati
Chili
Age: 20	B/T: R/R
Born: Cloudcroft, NM
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of SUNY - Morrisville
- Signed on to a minor league contract with a $3,720,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: Rollins is most likely going to be used in a middle relief roll with his stamina but will be called to make a spot start or two. He may be best used in a tandem roll with a strong middle reliever as well. He will have above average control of his four pitches. He will be throwing his above average fastball, and has a strong split finger fastball and slider to compliment his bread and butter fast ball. A combination of the three will be used to enduce a good amount of ground balls as his projections tell us. He uses a change-up to round out his list of pitches. He will be a healthy pitcher in his career, but his durability is a little low, which will have Cincinnatti watching his stamina through the season. He will be focused in tough positions with his projected make up rating. He will be a decent fielding pitcher as well which will help for bunts and hits that are going his way.

THE BAD: Even though he will do decent against right-handers, his vs. left is a little bit lower. This will not be a huge concern for Cincinnatti since his control will help to make up for that rating. He will not be as patient as the Chili would like, but his make up rating will help counter his low patience rating.

RECAP: Rollins is a nice addition to the Chili staff, and he will be in the league for years to come. He will not be a Cy Young winning pitcher, but he will be an integral part of Cincinnatti's bullpen.

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 5-9

2009-05-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

The 7MICKEY7 "Duff Beer" Amateur Draft is brought to you by:

PICK #5 - MATT CARTER (P)
Salt Lake City Utes
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Girard High School out of Girard, KS.
- Remains unsigned
-> Unfortunately, I do not have ratings for this player

PICK #6 - F.P. HAYNES - (P)

F.P. Haynes
Anaheim
Rangers
Age: 20	B/T: R/R
Born: Carrollton, TX
Position(s): P (SP2)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of North Lake College
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $3,540,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Haynes will be a starting pitcher but could possibly be used in a long-relief role depending on the organizational needs. He will have good stamina to be useful in both rolls but may require a tandem if he's used in a starting role. He has three pitches that he will use. He will have a great four-seam fastball which will have some good velocity behind it, as well as a great slider and decent curve ball. He will have above-average control of his pitches. If he needs more time to develop in the minors, Haynes will not be upset if he's sent down due to his near perfect make up level. He will also have great patience.

THE BAD: He is not the most durable pitcher in the league, and he will require a decent bit of rest in between starts. He is pretty healthy, and that will bode well for the Rangers, though he will hit the DL a bit.

RECAP: A great pick at the number six spot, Haynes will be a mainstay for the Rangers for the duration of his career.

PICK #7 - JIN MENG (P)
ST. LOUIS REDBIRDS
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of A. Crawford Mosley High School in Panama City, FL.
- Remains unsigned
-> Unfortunately, I do not have ratings for this player

PICK #8- LUTHER PEARSON (P)

Luther Pearson
Augusta
Timbermen
Age: 19	B/T: L/L
Born: Norridge, IL
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of Triton College
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $3,350,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Though Pearson has a long way to go in meeting his potential, he will end up a second or third starter overall for the Timberman. He will definitely be an innings eater for Augusta and will have great control of the four pitches in his arsenal. His number one pitch will be a slider that will feature great movement, and his four-seam fastball will have decent velocity. The curveball and cutter will round out his pitches. Pearson will have great make up which will help him to get through tough situations. He will be more dominant against lefties than he will righties, so this may limit his success.

THE BAD: He will have a hard time facing right handed batters, as his rating will not be very good. He will lean towards being a flyball hitter, so as long as he's in a deep park, the damage will not be as bad. His lower health rating will give him a bit of time on the disabled list as well.

RECAP: Pearson will be a successful second or third slot in the rotation, but he will struggle a bit on a daily basis. You can figure that lefties will not have much success against him. Overall, he will do pretty well.

PICK #9- J.D. COLLINS (3B)
NASHVILLE SOUNDS
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Longmont Christian High School in Eaton, CO
- Remains unsigned

-> Unfortunately, I do not have ratings for this player

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 10-14

2009-05-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

7MICKEY7 "DUFF BEER" AMATEUR DRAFT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

PICK #10 - LANCE FORD (P)

Lance Ford
Pawtucket
Buffalos
Age: 18	B/T: L/L
Born: Bedford, TX
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of Carrolton Christian Academy
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $3,160,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: Ford will end up a number one pitcher for Pawtucket once he hits his prime. He will have incredible control of all five of his pitches. He features a great fastball that will have some great velocity behind it, a slider that will have great movement, and a change up, screwball, and split finger fast ball. He will induce a lot of ground balls, and as long as Pawtucket has a great defense on the infield, Ford will excel. A great commodity in being a left handed pitcher, Ford will excel against left handed hitters. He will still do well against right handed hitters, though. His make up will be a great asset to Pawtucket in case Ford needs to be sent back down to the minors for more experience. His health will be an asset to Pawtucket as well, though he will hit the DL every once in awhile.

THE BAD: There isn't a lot that's bad with Ford's game. His durability leaves a little something to desier, and he's not going to be the most patience guy in the world, but that explains most of human existence.

RECAP: Ford will be a force to be reckoned with and could possibly end up with a Cy Young Award down the road.

PICK #11 - HAL BRISTOW (SS)
Huntington Healeys
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of University of Houston
- Remains unsigned

Unfortunately, I have no ratings for Hal Bristow

PICK #12- GLEN WINCHESTER (P)

Glen Winchester
Salem
Sleepers
Age: 19	B/T: R/R
Born: Angels Camp, CA
Position(s): P (ClA)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of Seminole State College
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $2,970,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to High A

THE GOOD: Winchester features two great pitches, with his slider and change-up being his two focused pitches. Both require skill and determination to master, and Winchester will do a great job with both of them. He will be near dominant against right handed batters and will be close to above-average against lefties. His slider will have great velocity, and his change up will keep the opposition guessing what will come at them next. He will not require a lot of time in between outings, and his high patience and make up ratings will help him stay calm in tense situations.

THE BAD: Salem will need to make sure that Winchester is complimented with set-up and long-relievers with good stamina since his own will not be high. His outings will need to be quick, as his stamina rating will not get any better. He is more apt to give up the longball in his outings, so he will see his a few home runs given up.

RECAP: Winchester is going to be an outstanding closer for the Scrubs, as long as they can manage his outings correctly with his supporting staff.

PICK #13- ISMAEL BELLIARD (P)

Ismael Belliard
Scranton
Scrubs
Age: 18	B/T: L/L
Born: Buffalo, NY
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of The Gow High School in South Wales, NY.
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $2,880,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: Belliard is slated to be a fantastic pitcher. He will be a number one or number two starter on the Scrubs staff, with his masterful control and devestating four-seam fastball and circle change up. His fastball will not be a fast one, but with his control, he will be able to place that pitch wherever he wants. As well, he will be able to place his curveball, slider, and forkball with ease. Belliard will be able to ease some of the burden off the bullpen with his high stamina rating. He will also be a healthy pitcher, requiring little to no time on the disabled list. He will be decent against batters on both sides of the plate, but his control will make up for that.
THE BAD: Belliard will require rest in between starts and will definitely need a little more rest as the season wears on. He will not be the most patient pitcher in the league, but with his projected higher make up rating, his patience level will be offset a bit. He may be ejected a time or two due to his temper as well.

RECAP: Belliard will be a great pitcher in this league, and 7Mickey7 should welcome him. He will have some fantastic outings, and the Scrubs are guaranteed some complete games from him. Belliard will be a strong addition to the Scrubs.

PICK #PICK #14- GAIL POTVIN (LF)
MONTERREY MALDITOS
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Northwest High School
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Potvin is going to be an exceptional hitter, featuring high power and contact ratings. Those ratings, coupled with his average vs. right hand rating, will make him a strong batter in the 7Mickey7 league. He will see his share of strikeouts, it will be a moderate amount. He will show some patience at the plate as well as in pressure situations.

THE BAD: The major concern with Potvin is going to be his health. With a projected 58 rating, he will see his share of potentially serious injuries which will garner him some major time on the disabled list. He remains unsigned, even though he's only asking for slot money, so this, to me, makes it seem that Monterrey is concerned about this portion of his game.

RECAP: When healthy, Potvin will put up great offensive numbers. He is potentially a 40-50 home run hitter and will most likely hit between .285-.300 for his career. He will have his share of .300 + seasons.

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 15-19

2009-05-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

7MICKEY7 "DUFF BEER" AMATEUR DRAFT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

PICK #15- PHILLIP POWELL (P)

Phillip Powell
Little Rock
Raiders
Age: 18	B/T: L/L
Born: Westlake, LA
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

- Drafted out of Alfred M. Barbe High School out of Lake Charles, LA
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $2,690,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Powell is will have great stamina and will most likely end up in a starting role. He will have above-average control of his five pitch arsenal, featuring what is slated to be a devastating forkball. He has a slider, change-up, curveball, and four seamer to compliment his forkball. With that many pitches, Powell will keep batters guessing. He will do well against left-handed batters, since he is a left-handed pitcher. For a pitcher, he does have a little bit of offense in his blood. He will make some contact with the ball and get on a base a little bit. Considering Little Rock is in the National League, this will give a little edge in offense when he's batting. Don't get me wrong, he will still strike out a ton, but here and there, he will get on base.

THE BAD: Powell will definitely require spot starts here and there considering his low durability rating that is not slated to get much better. He will definitely see a little bit of time on the disabled list. He will have some success against right-handed batters, but he will not be extremely affective unless he has a higher-rated pitch calling catcher. With that catcher, he could be very successful.

RECAP: If paired up with the right catcher, he will have success against right-handed batters, but look to him to keep lefties under control. He will be in the majors in about three to four seasons, and look for him to be a third or fourth starter on the Raiders staff.

PICK #16- CLEM JONES (P)

Clem Jones
Hartford
Posse
Age: 19	B/T: L/L
Born: Oklahoma City, OK
Position(s): P (SP1)
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- Drafted out of Northern Oklahoma College - Enid Campus
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $2,600,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Jones is going to be an innings eater, slated to have a very high stamina. Jones will also be a healthy option for the Posse pitching staff.

THE BAD: This was a tough pick to see go in the first round. His splits are not good at all, and he doesn't really have a ton of velocity. His pitches are not very good, with his best being his four-seam fast ball. It is not going to be a very good pitch, and I think that major leaguers will have an easy time getting hits off of Jones.

RECAP: I'm not too sure I see Jones having any success in the major leagues. At best, he could be used to eat up innings when the Posse are down by more than 10 runs. I'm not too sure that Hartford will be bringing him into the major leagues. At best, he may make it to AAA.

PICK #17- DARREL COFFIE (RF)

Darrel Coffie
Oklahoma City
Cowboys
Age: 20	B/T: L/L
Born: Absarokee, MT
Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH
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- Drafted out of Northwest College (which has no baseball program... go figure!)
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $2,500,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Triple A

THE GOOD: Getting a draft pick mid-first round that can be assigned to Triple-A right away is always a great pick. Coffie still has a ways to go on his defense if he's going to survive in the majors, unless he's going to be used in a DH role. If he hits his projections, he will be an average fielder out there in right field, but he will be a valuable offensive piece to the Cowboys plan. Slated to be excellent against right handers, he will make a fair amount of contact and will not be striking out much due to his superior batters eye... again, if he hits his projections. He will need some conditioning at Triple-A as his durability level isn't all that great starting out, but he will get better as time goes on.

THE BAD: Anyone's grandmother could run faster than Coffie, and his speed will not improve at all, whatsoever. On the basepaths, he will be a bit of a liability. Coffie will be spending some decent time on the disabled list as his health is not all that great. He will not be getting much better in that category either. He will see some time in a slump due to his make-up, but his patience will help offset that a little bit.

RECAP: Offensively, Coffie will be a contributor to the Cowboys, if they decide to hold on to him. Though he may contribute, rumors are that the Cowboys may not be looking at him in a long-term way.

PICK #18- FRED LITTLE (P)

Fred Little
New York
Crankees II
Age: 22	B/T: L/L
Born: Saddle River, NJ
Position(s): P (SP3)
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- Drafted out of Georgia College & State University
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract and a $2,410,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: The Crankees got a steal out of the 18th pick of the draft in Little considering how thin this draft was. Little will be great in middle-relief with high control of his potentially dominating four-seam fastball and above-average curveball. Considering his slider is potentially rated at 65, for a third pitch in his arsenal, this could be very good for the Crankees. He will have an above-average health rating, but he will see a little bit of time on the DL.

THE BAD: Little will be giving up the fly-ball almost as much as he will be giving up the ground ball. He will give up a bit more in the air than on the ground, though. Teams will have their share of home runs off of him. There are definitely going to be days where Little will need extra rest considering his low durability.

RECAP: Little will be a valuable commodity to the Crankees, most likely ending up in a middle-relief role. When the bench coach needs a good left-handed match-up, you'll bet Little will be called upon.

PICK #19- DORIAN FORREST (P)
CHICAGO KNIGHTS
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of the University of California
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Forrest will be an innings eater for the Knights and will feature an above-average curveball complimented with a four-seam fastball that will have some velocity behind it. He will have borderline above-average control of his pitches.

THE BAD: Forrest will not be a very durable pitcher, and as the season goes on, his health will be a question. His make-up is below average, which will cause him to lose focus in stressful situations. His splits are not projected to be very good. He will be a fairly patient pitcher, but I'm not sure that his patience will help him in tough situations.

RECAP: His control could help him out, but I'm not too sure that he will make it to the major leagues unless he is paired with a catcher with high pitch-calling ratings.

OWNER PROFILE - WICHITA WIMPS

2009-05-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Wichita Wimps

Screen name: purplehaze54

Real name: Rich

Age: 54

Current Residence: Newburgh, IN

Born in: Marion, KY

Occupation: Roll Grinder (work at aluminum plant)

Single? Married? Kids?: Been Married 35 years to the same woman - hard to believe anyone would want me that long! I have 2 daughters - my oldest daughter who is 30 lives in Indianapolis and she's breaking me by getting me to go to the Colts games with her. (ticket scalping is not illegal in Indiana and you pay dearly!) My youngest daughter who is 27 lives just up the road from us with her fiancee and her son....my grandson who is 4. He's my buddy!

How long have you been in HBD? I've been in HBD since it started; I followed several of the SIM guys on over to HBD when it was created.

What season did you join 7Mickey7? Been in since the 1st season.

What drew you to HBD? I really enjoyed playing SIM and just thought I'd try HBD when it started. Since then, I've been hooked!

What condition was your team in when you took over? My team was actually pretty decent when I got it but I did make some bad moves trying to improve my team. I didn't have a good set of prospects that I can remember but the ML team was decent.

What are your plans for your team this season? I would like to repeat as champs again but if the season goes like the 1st couple of weeks have been going, I don't think that's gonna happen. Last season, I don't recall having but one All-Star but the team just played great; especially in the playoffs. I hope to add some more players to the All-Star team and win my division.

Prediction for your team? The way BBMogul's team has been playing, it's gonna be tough to catch up to him.......for any of us. We have a tough division with Fregoe, Simsoxs, and BBMogul but if my team can start hitting the ball, we can catch up and take over.

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 20-24

2009-05-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

7MICKEY7'S "DUFF BEER" AMATEUR DRAFT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY... well...

Sorry guys, I do not have ratings for pick 20...

PICK #21- HARRY FRANCISCO (SS)

Harry Francisco
Arizona
Pumas
Age: 18	B/T: S/R
Born: Liberty, TX
Position(s): SS
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- Drafted out of Rayburn High School in Pasadena, Texas.
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $2,390,000 signing bonus.
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Francisco will be a dynamic defensive shortstop who will own left-handed pitching. Defensively, he will have a wide range with a strong arm and even better accuracy. He will feature an above-average glove, which is sure to help him to a lot of Gold Gloves in his career. Though he will need a couple of days off per season, his durability will help him to play in more than 130 games in the season. He will be a strong hitter against left-handed pitching. He will be patient at the plate and will make a good amount of contact with the ball.

THE BAD: The weakest part of his game will be his batting eye, especially considering his extremely low rating against right handed pitchers. He will be a slug on the base paths, and he has a long way to go in learning how to run the base paths safely.

RECAP: Francisco has a long way to go to reach his potential, and with the right management, he could blossom into a great defensive prospect. He will be a force against left handed pitching, but will that be enough to garner a starting spot on a team? He will see...

PICK #22- MORGAN SPRUILL (P)
Seattle Earthquake
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Central Missouri State
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Spruill will settle in to a starting roll once he develops and will feature an above average sinker and slider. His change-up will be an affective third pitch in his arsenal.

THE BAD: I'm not too sure that Spruill will make it into the big leagues, and I think Seattle realizes this, which may account for why he has not been signed. He may also be holding out due to the chance of choosing football over baseball. His durability will not get any better, and is very low. He does not feature very good control, and his splits are not great. Though he fares better against righties than lefties, I'm not sure his make up or durability will make him attractive to potential suitors. He will be, at best, a fourth or fifth starting option, or he will be a right handed specialist. He will need a decent amount of rest in between outings.

RECAP: It's hard to say if he will make it into the major leagues, and his lack of durability will hamper his use in a bullpen. Though he has an upside of great pitches and could eat some innings for a team, I'm not sure that he will make it into the majors.

PICK #23- Ken Davis (P)

Ken Davis
Wichita
Wimps
Age: 20	B/T: R/R
Born: De Soto, WI
Position(s): P (SP2)
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- Drafted out of Western Wisconsin Technical College
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $1,940,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: Davis, at only age 20, is not all that far away from reaching his potential and his possible debut in the majors. He will most likely be used in a tandem or a long-relief pitching role with the occasional spot start to give someone a break. Davis will have a close to above-average control of his pitches, which include a four-seam fast ball, decent slider, and the added change up, curveball, and cutter. Davis is already in good shape, so his health will not be all that much of a concern to the Wimps, though they will have to monitor his arm due to the lower durability rating. As long as the Wimps can establish a good defense, Davis' ground ball rating will come in very handy for the Wimps as he will induce his fair share full.

THE BAD: Though Davis will be a health player in his career, the Wimps management staff will have to give him a little extra time off due to his low durability rating. He will feature a little bit of a lower rating against hitters, but the control of his pitches may make up for the low rating.

RECAP: Ken Davis could see his way into the majors in about three to four seasons and will most likely be a B-side long reliever. Only time will tell how he will fare against the opposition.

PICK #24- Jeff Dawley (SS)

Jeffrey Dawley
Arizona
Pumas
Age: 18	B/T: R/R
Born: Brownsville, TX
Position(s): SS
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- Drafted out of Bay City High School out of Bay City, Texas
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $1,850,000 bonus.
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Dawley better build additional shelves in his new house due to the amount of gold gloves awards he will be showcasing on them! Dawley is projected to be an outstanding defensive shortstop, with an amazing range and arm strength rating as well as his throw accuracy. Though his glove isn't going to be as great as the other facets of his defensive game, he will still have a great one! He will be able to withstand the length and rigor of a full major-league season once he gets to the peak of his conditioning.

THE BAD: He is not going to be an offensive force... by any means. His low contact rating, low power rating, and low batter's eye is not going to be helping offensive prowess. He has below average speed, so this aspect of his game will not help him in his quest to the majors.

RECAP: At best, Dawley will be a defensive superstar with no place in the heart of a line-up. For those teams that need timely defense, Dawley will fit right in. He will most likely be a defensive replacement off of a team's bench.

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 25-29

2009-05-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by:

PICK #25 - Bob Arnold

Bob Arnold
Albuquerque
Apaches
Age: 18	B/T: S/L
Born: Kingsville, ON
Position(s): P (SuA)
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- Drafted out of Denby High School in Detroit, MI
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $1,7500,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Bob Arnold, the son of Kevin Arnold who was featured in the real life documentary, "The Wonder Years" in the 80's, will initially start out in a set-up role and could possibly branch out to a long-relief roll. Though his 4-seam fastball will not have a ton of velocity behind it, Arnold will find creative ways of using the pitch to deceive his opponents. He will most likely use it with his potentially above-average curveball to keep hitters guessing. With the possibility of masterful control of his pitches, Arnold could be a reliable pitcher in the majors. If he hits his projections, he will be a force against left-handed hitting. If the Apaches have good defense, Arnold will be invaluable to Albuquerque as a ground-ball hitter.

THE BAD: He will have a tough time against right-handed batters, which is obviously the dominate side of the plate that pitchers face. He will require a good bit of time to recover from his outings due to his low durability rating, and he will be spending a decent amount of time on the disabled list. His make up will grow as he matures in the minor leagues, but it will not be the best facet of his game.

RECAP: Arnold would be best used as a left-handed specialist if he makes it to the majors. He will be dominant in that role and could compliment the Albuquerque full-time bullpen.

PICK #26- ESWALIN CRUZ
Toronto Kids in the Hall
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Southern High School in Eden, NC
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Cruz has the potential to be an absolute stud set-up man or closer, if he hits his projected numbers. He could potentially have master control over his projected above-average sinker and good curveball. He will also sport an decent change-up. He will have his share of injuries, but it will not be a constant problem. He will be able to recover fairly quick from his outings.

THE BAD: His make-up will disturb his progress through the minors, and he will not be a very patient pitcher. He doesn't feature a fastball at all in his arsenal, and as a pitcher with a good change up, he doesn't have an overpowering pitch to pair that to.

RECAP: Cruz could potentially be a perennial all-star pitcher if the organization brings him up through the minors slowly. He very well could have a major league career ERA of between 2.00 and 3.00.

PICK #27- ESMAILYN BENNETT

Esmailyn Bennett
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 18	B/T: S/R
Born: Round Rock, TX
Position(s): P (SP1)
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- Drafted out of Hyde Park Baptist High School in Austin, TX
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $1,570,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to Rookie League

THE GOOD: Bennett will feature a dynamic fastball that's sure to keep hitters guessing. He will most likely be used in a middle-relief or set-up capacity with his stamina rating, and will have above average control of his pitches. Bennett will also have a decent slider as well as a palmball. He will be pretty healthy in his career and is already almost peak shape. He will be one of the most patient pitchers out there and will be able to keep fairly focused when it counts. He will be a groundball pitcher, though he will end up giving up his share of home runs as well.

THE BAD: His splits are not the best, and the Wings are counting on his control to make up for that. He will not be extremely durable and will need the occasional long-reliever for a spot start late into the season.

RECAP: Bennett will be a decent number two or three starter for the Wings. His control of his fastball, slider, and palmball will help him through the season, but he will have a fair share of four and five-run outings.

PICK #28- KIRT SHERMAN

Kirt Sherman
Las Vegas
Gamblers
Age: 18	B/T: R/R
Born: Tulsa, OK
Position(s): 1B/LF/DH
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- Drafted out of Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, OK
- Signed on 5/12/09 to a minor league contract with a $1,470,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to Low A

THE GOOD: Sherman will be dynamic against left handers, with a projected 92 rating. Sherman will also display above average power with a fantastic batting eye. He will not strike out often. Sherman still has a lot to learn as far as his baserunning skills, but if he hits projections, he will be a master on the base paths. He will have his share of injuries, but it will not happen extremely often.

THE BAD: Sherman's range is about five feet. The Gamblers will want him nowhere on the field unless he's running the paths offensively... even then, he will be very slow. His durability will be somewhat suspect, so as he's conditioning in the minors, he will see his share of resting time on the bench. His make up will get the best of him, as he will not be very focused while in the minors.

RECAP: Sherman will have a long way to go if he ever hopes to make it to the majors. His make up will hurt his progress, but if he can stay focused, he has a chance of putting up at least 25-35 home runs a season. He will be a power threat.

PICK #29- DOMINGO ALVAREZ
Norfolk Southern
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of University of Missouri
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Alvarez will be a defensive star in center field with his great range and fantastic glove. He will be able to play 95% of the season with his high durability rating and will not be an injury threat to the Southern. Alvarez also possesses very good speed.

THE BAD: Defensively, Alvarez will have some trouble throwing to home on any play and will not be very accurate. His lower make up rating may hamper his progression in the minors. Offensively, he will have a below average contact rating, and his worst rating is his batting eye. He will see a lot of strike outs in his time.

RECAP: The only way that Alvarez will make it to the major leagues is based on his defense. His low batting eye will make him an easy target for pitchers to strike out. The only position he could possess with a team is for a defensive replacement. I have a feeling that the Southern will not sign him.

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 30-32

2009-05-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

In what was thought of as a "thin" draft by many owners, here is a recap of the first round of the Season 11 7MICKEY7 "Duff Beer" Amateur Draft.

PICK #30 - BILL BELL

Bill Bell
Houston
Cavaliers
Age: 22	B/T: R/R
Born: Ipswich, MA
Position(s): P (SP1)
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- Drafted out of the University of South Alabama
- Signed on 5/12/2009 to a minor league contract with a $1,300,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to the Rookie League.

THE GOOD: Bill Bell has the potential to be a great starter for the Houston franchise. Like Borders, Bell will be a junk ball pitcher. His best pitches are his change up and curveball, and he is projected to have close to master control of each pitch. He has some work to do on his curve, but all indications are that he will be able to place those pitches wherever he choses. Bell will not be an injury issue for his team. He will do well against right-handed batters.

THE BAD: Bell's make up is not very high, so he may get into trouble when he's in a jam. He wil not recover as quick as Houston would like from his outings, and he will not fare very well against left-handed batters. Though he is projected to master his control, he has a long-way to go before he gets to that level. If he leaves a curveball over the plate, you can expect it to be cracked out of the stadium since he is more of a flyball pitcher. The Cavaliers may want to watch when he's used... they will not want him to pitch in ball-parks like Santa Fe and Philadelphia.

RECAP: Bell has the potential to do really well if he is fostered well in the minor leagues. You can expect that, in neutral and larger ballparks, Bell will be a great pitcher against right-handers, but watch out if he's not having a good outing.

PICK #31- RALPH BORDERS
Salt Lake City Utes
(no picture available)
- Drafted out of Georgia Southern University
- Remains unsigned

THE GOOD: Borders will most likely be a relif pitcher who may be called on for a couple of spot starts throughout the season. He will be a bit below average in his splits, but he will have above average control of his pitches. Borders will be known as a "junk" pitcher, and he is slated to feature an above-average sinker. His cutter and split finger fastball will not be all that affective, but he will be picking and choosing his corners. The Utes will not have to worry about Borders going on the DL very often, as he is projected to have a high health rating. Even if Borders gets into tough situations, his make-up and patience ratings will help him keep his head and focus in the game.

THE BAD: Borders will tire fairly quickly in the season, and the Utes will have to monitor his pitch counts and innings pitched as the season goes along. His lack of pitches past the sinker may be a big downfall to his production.

RECAP: Borders will do well out of the bullpen as a mop-up or long-relief pitcher and will throw some good innings for the Utes. His control will help him in the long run with being able to pick corners for a decent amount of strikeouts.

PICK #32 - CLAY WISE

Clay Wise
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 19	B/T: R/R
Born: Everett, MA
Position(s): P (SuA)
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- Drafted out of the Community College of Rhode Island
- Signed on 5/12/2009 to a minor league contract with a $1,100,000 signing bonus
- Assigned to the Rookie League

THE GOOD: Wise is projected to have an average 4-seam fast ball, with a cutter and change-up in his arsenal as well. Though his pitches aren't projected to be anything to write home about, he will have close to above-average control. He will feature decent velocity.

THE BAD:The Wings will have to worry a little bit about injuries, seeing as that his health rating is lower than most would like it to be. For a set-up man, he has a decent durability rating, so that may counter the health rating a bit.

RECAP: Wise will be an above-average set-up/closer. He will hit the disabled list a bit in his career, but if he stays healthy, he will be a great option for the Wings' bullpen.

PITCHER OF THE WEEK (3)

2009-05-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

PITCHER OF THE WEEK - Anthony George

Anthony George
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 35	B/T: S/R
Born: Olivet, MI
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Philadelphia, PA (7M7AP): 7MICKEY7 announced today that Philadelphia starting pitcher Anthony George has been awarded Week 3's Pitcher of the Week.

As Philly's fourth starting pitcher in the rotation, George has been dominant in the past week. In his last four outings, George is 4-0 with a 2.67 ERA. He struck out 30 batters and walked only 14.

"George has been very solid in our fourth slot all season," Wings coach Bernard Mullin commented. "Though his win-loss record doesn't look so attractive, he has been pitching a solid ball all season."

Solid is right. George is 7-4 this season with a 3.10 ERA, and has held batters to a .239 batting average.

"In the fourth slot, you're hoping your pitcher can provide some solid innings and put the team in a good position to win," Mullin explained. "On any other team, Georgey would be second in the rotation."

Philadelphia will finish their series with Huntington tonight then hit the road to Monterrey to take on the Malditos (25-39).

PLAYER OF THE WEEK (3)

2009-05-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Carmen Golub

Carmen Golub
Albuquerque
Apaches
Age: 26	B/T: L/L
Born: Enumclaw, WA
Position(s): 1B/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Albuquerque, NM (7M7AP): 7MICKEY7 has announced today that Apaches first baseman/designated hitter Carmen Golub has been named Week 3's Player of the Week.

The Albuquerque slugger was 32-for-76 in 19 games this week, good for a .421 batting average. Golub hit nine home runs and drove in 23 runs in that span. Golub has hit safely in 19 of the last 24 games and scored 24 runs in that time frame as well.

"Golum is one of the best hitters on our team, and it's always good to be rewarded with this type of honor," Apaches bench coach Lucas Casian commented. "He continues to be dominant for us, and he's always a hitter we can count on in clutch situations."

Albuquerque will finish up their series in Salt Lake today and will take a day off before hitting the road to Buffalo to take on the Bisons (37-27)

POWER RANKINGS WEEK 3

2009-05-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

1) Philadelphia Wings (40-21) (PW – 6) (Points = 94.77)
The Wings moved up five spots this week after going 15-4 during the week, the best record during the week.

2) Santa Fe Slammers (40-21) (PW – 3) (Points = 83.73)
The Slammers moved up one spot this week after going 13-6 during the week.

3) Chicago Knights (39-23) (PW – 4) (Points = 74.78)
The Knights moved up one spot this week after going 13-7 during the week.

4) Scranton Scrubs (38-24) (PW – 5) (Points = 68.25)
The Scrubs moved up one spot this week after going 13-7 during the week.

5) Albuquerque Apaches (36-26) (PW – 12) (Points = 66.88)
The Apaches moved up seven spots this week after going 14-6 during the week.

6) Dover Destroyers (36-26) (PW – 2) (Points = 61.18)
The Destroyers fell four spots this week after going 10-10 during the week.

7) Norfolk Southern (35-26) (PW – 9) (Points = 56.00)
The Southern moved up two spots this week after going 12-7 during the week.

8) New York Crankees II (36-26) (PW – 7) (Points = 53.65)
The Crankees II fell one spot this week after going 11-9 during the week.

9) Toronto Kids in the Hall (34-27) (PW – 17) (Points = 46.96)
The Kids in the Hall moved up eight spots this week after going 13-6 during the week.
10) Arizona Pumas (39-22) (PW – 1) (Points = 43.62)
The Pumas fell nine spots this week after going 7-12 during the week.

11) Hartford Posse (33-29) (PW – 22) (Points = 41.02)

12) Buffalo Bisons (36-26) (PW – 11) (Points = 39.64)

13) Oklahoma City Cowboys (31-31) (PW – 21) (Points = 36.61)

14) Salem Sleepers (31-30) (PW – 15) (Points = 23.77)

15) Washington D.C. Crooks (33-28) (PW – 10) (Points = 22.31)

16) Las Vegas Gamblers (34-28) (PW – 8) (Points = 16.73)

17) Salt Lake City Utes (29-33) (PW – 26) (Points = 14.02)

18) Chicago Maulers (30-31) (PW – 13) (Points = 6.01)

19) Anaheim Rangers (27-35) (PW – 16) (Points = 4.28)

20) Wichita Wimps (27-34) (PW – 19) (Points = 3.89)

21) Pawtucket Buffalos (25-36) (PW – 29) (Points = -6.57)

22) Seattle seattle earthquake (27-34) (PW – 24) (Points = -10.36)

23) Houston Cavaliers (30-32) (PW – 14) (Points = -11.53)

24) Little Rock Raiders (26-35) (PW – 20) (Points = -18.73)

25) Cincinnati Chili (26-36) (PW – 28) (Points = -23.32)

26) Nashville Sounds (25-37) (PW – 25) (Points = -24.43)

27) Monterrey Malditos (25-36) (PW – 27) (Points = -28.29)

28) El Paso Drug Mules (23-39) (PW – 30) (Points = -31.25)

29) St. Louis Redbirds (27-35) (PW – 18) (Points = -32.85)

30) Kansas City Bo Knows (27-34) (PW – 23) (Points = -47.78)

31) Augusta Timbermen (22-39) (PW – 31) (Points = -51.37)

32) Huntington Healeys (17-44) (PW – 32) (Points = -62.17)

MALDITOS SIGN DIAZ

2009-05-11T15:17:00.001-07:00

Jesus Diaz
Monterrey
Malditos
Age: 20	B/T: L/L
Born: Santo Domingo, DO
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Monterrey, CA (7M7AP): The Monterrey Malditos announced the signing of international free agent pitching prospect Jesus Diaz to a three-year minor league contract. In the contract, Diaz earned an $8,000,000 signing bonus. Diaz was assigned to Low A upon agreement to the contract.

"We are very pleased with this signing," Monterrey bench coach Jimmy Dorsey said. "We just added a gem of a prospect to our organization, and we can see him being our ace in the future."

ANALYSIS: Diaz is a great signing considering their pitching woes this season. As a team, the Monterrey major league staff is in the bottom half of the league in ERA (6.21), OBA (.309), home runs given up (107), and OBP allowed (.377).

Their minor league starting pitching prospects feature high stamina and control, but their vs. left and vs. right catagories are not very strong. Diaz is a welcomed addition to their organization.

Player Profile - Robert Gil

2009-05-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Robert Gil
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 28	B/T: R/R
Born: Goshen, IN
Position(s): P (SP5)
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He is, by far, the most dominant pitcher 7Mickey7 has ever seen.

180 wins over eight seasons...
Has had an ERA of less than 4.00 in six of his eight seasons...
Double-digit losses in only two of his eight seasons...
Under 200 strikeouts in one of his eight seasons...
Allowed opponents to hit over .250 only twice in his eight seasons...
Seven major league All-Star appearances...
Four major league Cy Young awards...

"Yes, I've been eating my Wheaties" remarked a playful Gil.

His opponents are definitely not playful or even joyful when they think about Gil. He has baffled opponents for eight seasons, and even at age 28, other teams have not been able to figure him out.

With a 4-seam fastball that's faster than lightning, masterful control of a great sinker and split-finger fastball, Gil continues to baffle the opposition.

Growing up in rural Goshen, Indiana, Gil grew up on a farm in the sparsely populated city. City census showed a population of 17,871 in 1970... to put that into perspective, if you fit the population of Goshen in 1970 into the Wachovia Center, the adjacent arena that houses the Flyers and Sixers, you would still have 1129 seats left over in the 19,000 capacity arena.

"I never thought about it that way," Gil remarked. "I knew we were a small town, but wow..."

All of the success has not gone to Gil's head. He's still as humble as he was when he was growing up.

"We didn't have much growing up. We lived on a farm, we lived off the farm. We had a hard day's work every day. My dad really instilled a great work ethic in us growing up."

That work ethic paid off when it came to baseball. Drafted out of high school, Gil was slated to be a dominant pitcher, but no one expected him to be this dominant.

Gil has spent his entire career with the Wings. After being drafted by the El Paso organization, Gil was traded in his first season in the minors.

Who was he traded for? The now retired pitcher Al Schmidt, who began his career with decent numbers but never turned into anything special, current free agent setup man Victor Munoz, who posted lower than a 4.50 ERA in only four of his nine major league seasons, and current Drug Mule Miguel Rodriguez who, until recently, has come in to his own. Seems like it was a good decision to me.

Some believed it was a great trade, some thought the GM gave up way too much, including "Baseball Tonight" co-hosts, Karl Ravech and John Kruk. Broadcaster Buster Olney had an answer for both of their concerns... here's a snippet of the trade analysis segment on "Baseball Tonight" the night the trade broke -

Karl Ravech: Buster, what can you tell us about Robert Gil?

Buster Olney: Well, he is an 18-year old kid from Goshen, IN. Most scouts say that he already has three major-league quality pitches--a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, and a slider--and another one that could actually develop into his best pitch, with a little work--a splitter. He throws in the upper-90's with a solid command of the strike zone. He has never had a serious injury and absolutely loves the game of baseball. From what I've heard, he has that "it" factor.

Karl Ravech: What is his upside?

Buster Olney: Several scouts have told me that he has not only the potential to be a Cy Young pitcher, but the potential to be one of the best pitchers in baseball. You know the old cliche "the sky is the limit"... well, that seems to ring true with Gil. Then again, he is only 18. A lot can happen between now and stardom, and the Wings sure did give up a lot to get him.

John Kruk: Buster, why would the Wings--a strong, contending team, with guys in their primes right now--give up on three very good prospects in their early- and mid-20's for an 18-year old that, at best, is 4 years away from helping this club win.

Buster Olney: That is the big question here, Krukker. GM "robinhood" has made a very bold play here that might come back to bite him if the Wings find themselves one or two players away in any of the next couple of years. In fact, all three of these guys were slated to slide right in to this roster in the next couple of years. The pitching staff is good, but aging, with Tomas Perez, Clyde Miller, and Glen Collins all north of 30, who is going to join Anthony George in the rotation two or three years from now? Al Schmidt is not going to be a star, but he is sure going to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation guy. And, Victor Munoz has closer stuff. But, the real gem of the deal for Iowa City is centerfielder Miguel Rodriguez. And, that is another question for Hood--with Ozzie Romano slowing a bit, who is going to succeed him in center? That was supposed to be Rodriguez, but now he's in Iowa City. It sure is a risk, and I'll tell you what, as the very first move of a new GM, Hood better hope that 18-year old stays healthy and becomes the pitcher people think he will or his first move might be the one that sinks him.

When GM "robinhood" was asked what Robert Gil means to the organization, he commented, "What can I say about Robert? He is the consummate professional. He has been the face of the franchise ever since he was a baby-faced 20-year old winning 19 games for the defending World Series champions. He has far exceeded even my own expectations (which were quite high) and he probably still has another decade in the maroon and gold. All the accolades aside, do you know what the best part about Robert is for his GM and manager? The fact that no matter what happens, no matter what else can possibly go wrong, Robert Gil will always make his start and almost always give you at least 6 solid innings. Win or lose, just the fact that we never need a swing starter and never need more than 3 innings of relief every 5 (or oftentimes 4) days is a manager's dream."

"He will easily be a first ballot Hall of Famer" 7Mickey7 commissioner "7Yankees7" said. "At only 28 years old, he has made a tremendous impact on our league."

At only age 28, Robert Gil still has a lot of years ahead of him. Opposing teams have been warned...

5/7 Transactions

2009-05-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

- The Las Vegas Gamblers promoted Alvin Krause from AAA and added him to the 40-man roster. To make room for Krause on the roster, the Gamblers released Jason Patterson from the organization.

- The Chicago Knights placed right fielder Bryce Stoops on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained quadricep.

- The New York Crankees II placed second baseman Hipolito Gomez on the 60-day disabled list due to a torn ligament in his ankle. To replace him, the Crankees signed free agent short stop Matty Gonzalez to a one-year, $900,000 contract.

- The Chicago Knights promoted relief pitcher Harold Toombs from AAA and added him to the 40-man roster.

5/5 Transactions

2009-05-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

- The Earthquake claimed pitcher Alex Limon off of waivers from the Anaheim Rangers and was placed on the 40-man roster.

- The Dover Destroyers placed recently activated pitcher Reginald Fick on the 15-day disabled list. The Destroyers promoted Stephen McMillan from AAA to take his place on the roster.

- The Las Vegas Gamblers activated Ricardo Furcal from the inactive list and released him from the organization.

- The Las Vegas Gamblers signed free agent pitcher Pat McConnell to a one-year, $1,002,685 contract.

- The Toronto Kids in the Hall promoted pitchers Andrew Antonelli and Al Baerga from AAA.

- The Toronto Kids in the Hall signed free agent pitcher Wascar Pena to a one-year, $407,407 contract.

- The Scranton Scrubs promoted pitcher Yank Morgan, catcher Sterling Anderson, and right fielder Miguel Mercado from AAA.

- The Huntington Healeys promoted pitcher Charlie Stein from AAA.

PITCHER OF THE WEEK (2)

2009-05-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

CINCINNATI STARTER NAMED PITCHER OF THE WEEK

PITCHER OF THE WEEK - Michael Pedersen

Michael Pedersen
Cincinnati
Chili
Age: 32	B/T: L/L
Born: Glasgow, ST
Position(s): P (SP1)
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Cincinnati, OH (7M7AP): The Cincinati Chili's number one starter, Michael Pedersen, was named Pitcher of the Week for week two of the young 7Mickey7 season. In 25 innings of work, Pedersen was 4-0 in four appearances and gave up seven runs while striking out 25 batters. Pedersen walked only five batters in that span.

"There's a reason why Pedy is our number one starter," Chili bench coach Aaron Carver said. "He proved it last week."

The Chili are hosting the Norfolk Southern (23-20) for a three-game set before taking a day off.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK (2)

2009-05-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

CRANKEES NOT WHINING AS JULIAN CASTRO NAMED 7MICKEY7 PLAYER OF THE WEEK

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Julian Castro

Julian Castro
New York
Crankees II
Age: 25	B/T: R/R
Born: Villa Gonzalez, DO
Position(s): LF
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New York, NY (7M7AP): New York Crankees left fielder, Julian Castro, was named 7Mickey7's Player of the Week for Week 2. Castro batted .487 in 20 games this week while driving in 20 runs. Castro had at least one hit in 17 of the 20 games.

"Castro has been a hitting machine for us so far this season," an excited Crankees coach Al Frascatore commented. "As of late, he's been producing a lot more runs for the ball club. We're lucky to have him."

The Crankees will host Albuquerque (23-20) for three games at Yankee Stadium (II) before hitting the road to Toronto for a three-game stint against the Kids in the Hall.

POWER RANKINGS WEEK 2

2009-05-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

1) Arizona Pumas (32-10) (PW – N/A) (Points = 102.16)

2) Dover Destroyers (26-16) (PW – N/A) (Points = 76.52)

3) Santa Fe Slammers (27-15) (PW – N/A) (Points = 73.26)

4) Chicago Knights (26-16 (PW – N/A) (Points = 59.21)

5) Scranton Scrubs (25-17) (PW – N/A) (Points = 59.11)

6) Philadelphia Wings (25-17) (PW – N/A) (Points = 58.48)

7) New York Crankees II (25-17) (PW – N/A) (Points = 56.55)

8) Las Vegas Gamblers (25-17) (PW – N/A) (Points = 53.34)

9) Norfolk Southern (23-19) (PW – N/A) (Points = 45.41)

10) Washington D.C. Crooks (24-18) (PW – N/A) (Points = 44.94)

11) Buffalo Bisons (23-19) (PW – N/A) (Points = 30.35)

12) Albuquerque Apaches (22-20) (PW – N/A) (Points = 29.45)

13) Chicago Maulers (21-21) (PW – N/A) (Points = 13.86)

14) Houston Cavaliers (22-20) (PW – N/A) (Points = 12.54)

15) Salem Sleepers (21-21) (PW – N/A) (Points = 11.29)

16) Anaheim Rangers (20-22) (PW – N/A) (Points = 11.07)

17) Toronto Kids in the Hall (21-21) (PW – N/A) (Points = 10.68)

18) St. Louis Redbirds (21-21) (PW – N/A) (Points = 10.48)

19) Wichita Wimps (19-23) (PW – N/A) (Points = 1.42)

20) Little Rock Raiders (20-22) (PW – N/A) (Points = -5.76)

21) Oklahoma City Cowboys (19-23) (PW – N/A) (Points = -5.94)

22) Hartford Posse (20-22) (PW – N/A) (Points = -7.11)

23) Kansas City Bo Knows (21-21) (PW – N/A) (Points = -8.95)

24) Seattle seattle earthquake (19-23) (PW – N/A) (Points = -13.28)

25) Nashville Sounds (18-24) (PW – N/A) (Points = -15.28)

26) Salt Lake City Utes (17-25) (PW – N/A) (Points = -27.65)

27) Monterrey Malditos (17-25) (PW – N/A) (Points = -29.65)

28) Cincinnati Chili (17-25) (PW – N/A) (Points = -29.92)

29) Pawtucket Buffalos (15-27) (PW – N/A) (Points = -35.43)

30) El Paso Drug Mules (14-28) (PW – N/A) (Points = -35.90)

31) Augusta Timbermen (16-26) (PW – N/A) (Points = -40.58)

32) Huntington Healeys (11-31) (PW – N/A) (Points = -60.00)

WICHITA WIMPS SECURE NEW BALLPARK

2009-05-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

Wichita, KS (7M7AP): Sources tell me that the Wichita Wimps have secured a stadium deal in the city of Puncanton, Kansas, ensuring the Wimps' presence in Kansas for years to come. The stadium, known as "Brown Nugget Ballpark" is the epitome of "modern day ballparks" in the small city, and will become the standard in small market baseball. (pictured below)

"We are very pleased to announce the new stadium deal that we have struck with the great town of Puncanton", 7Mickey7 Vice President of League Expansion Yonkers McMullin commented. "The stadium deal secures a permanent home for the Wichita franchise for years to come. "

The new stadium will feature a sizable outhouse in the fields out back, featuring a urinal track that spans half of the bathroom area. It will also feature two enclosed bathroom stalls with team colored toilet paper."

The grounds will feature poultry shows daily, as well as games for the kids, such as cow puck tic-tac-toe and duck poo bingo.

The grounds will also feature farming marketing booths and demonstrations. On opening night in the stadium, the Future Farmers of America will show you the latest in pig and cow slaughtering techniques as well as new ways to clean up horse poo.

After the demonstration, the food and beverage department will feature fresh hot dogs and hamburgers, corn, mashed potatoes, and biscuits available for purchase as $40 per plate.

"We're talking fine dining here, only available at our ball park," commented Puncanton Mayor Cletus Jones.

Opening night will also feature an "Abe Lincoln" bobblehead, and he will be on-hand to bring relievers out from the bullpen to the pitching mound, a permanent part of the game night presentation. (pictured below)

The first 100 fans to the opening of the stadium will receive a free styrofoam shovel emblazoned with the Cowboys logo.

The Wimps presence in town will also help the town of Puncanton financially.

"The arrival of the franchise will help this city develop into a mid-market city in about 57 years," Mayor Jones commented. "We've already started to sketch out some of the new housing developments." (pictured below)

The team front office employees will be moving to a brand new office, featuring central-air (when the windows are open), the best in computer communications (smoke signals), as well as a TV that will greet their fans as they enter the offices (8 inch black and white).

The team will begin the relocation process at the conclusion of Season 11.

(7M7AP): "Brown Nugget" Ballpark

(7M7AP): The "Abe Lincoln" call to the bullpen.

(7M7AP): Housing Development

(7M7AP): Front Office

5/4 Transactions

2009-05-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

- Toronto placed starting pitcher Enrique Sojo on the 15-day disabled list today due to a stiff groin.

Sojo has been a strong pitcher since his promotion into the majors back in Season 8. He has posted a 3.70, 4.61, and 3.55 ERA in the past three seasons while holding opponents to .210, .278. and .239 batting average respectively.

Sojo was off to a slow start this season, posting a 7.25 ERA and allowing opponents to bat .308.

"I could tell something was wrong since the beginning of the season," Sojo said. "I wasn't feeling like myself... my groin wasn't right, but I thought I could battle through it."

Toronto called up AAA reliever D'Angelo Parra to replace Sojo on the roster.

5/3 Transactions

2009-05-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Transactions for 5/3:

- Chicago Maulers released relief pitcher Jeromy Steinbach after an altercation with owner "sharkyaz" after his dismal performance in the morning's game.

"We need someone who is going to stop blaming his issues on everyone else but himself," owner "sharkyaz" commented. "I'm sick and tired of his lip and his horrible performance. It's like any business... if he's not performing, and hasn't been performing, it's time for a change."

After the game, AAA reliever Benjamin Osborne was promoted to the majors to replace Steinbach.

- Anaheim placed reliever Alex Limon on waivers.

- Hutington signed free agent shortstop Victor McDowell.

- Huntington placed center fielder Archie Griffin on the 15-day disabled list.

5/2 Transactions

2009-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Transactions for 5/2:

- Dover Destroyers reinstate Reginald Fick from the inactive list. Fick was promoted to the majors.

- Jorge Ozuna claimed off of waivers by the Anaheim Rangers from Houston.

- El Paso placed Ugueth Tarasco on the 15-day DL. To replace him, the Drug Mules called up Alex Ramirez from AAA.

- Monterrey signed International Free Agent first baseman R.J. Espinosa to a minor league contract with a $50,000 signing bonus.

- Washington D.C. signed free agent catcher Andre Musial to a one-year, prorated $1,927,901 contract.

- Pawtucket signed International Free Agent pitcher Oswaldo Nunez to a minor league contract with a $1,600,000 signing bonus.

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL PITCHING LEADERS 5/2

2009-05-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

WINS
1) Robert Gil - Philadelphia (7)

Hardball Dynasty's

Robert Gil

2) Everett Knight - Arizona (5)
3) Archie Hines - Albuquerque (5)
4) Jim Barker - Arizona (5)
5) Erick Walters - Dover (5)

STRIKEOUTS
1) Robert Gil - Philadelphia (59)

Hardball Dynasty's

Robert Gil

2) Gene Stockton - Hartford (55)
3) Juan Montero - Salem (47)
4) Anthony George - Philadelphia (46)
5) Alex Adkinson - Philadelphia (46)

ERA
1) Gene Stockton - Hartford (1.15)

Hardball Dynasty's

Gene Stockton

2) Yamid Pena - Wichita (1.46)
3) Alan Locko - Wichita (1.53)
4) Don Aoki - Houston (1.64)
5) Valerio Ramirez - Kansas City (1.90)

SAVES
1) Gary Koch - Arizona (11)

Hardball Dynasty's

Gary Koch

2) Micah Smith - Hartford (10)
3) Gordon Richardson - Houston (10)
4) Al Johnson - New York (10)
5) Brady Moss - Santa Fe (9)

OPPONENT AVERAGE
1) Terrence Delaney - Las Vegas (.150)

Hardball Dynasty's

Terrence Delaney

2) Gene Stockton - Hartford (.167)
3) Al Sinclair - Chicago K (.186)
4) Yamid Pena - Wichita (.187)
4) Gerald Nation - Arizona (.197)

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS 5/2

2009-05-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

HOME RUNS

1) Heathcliff McBride - Norfolk (17)

Hardball Dynasty's

Heathcliff McBride

2) D.T. Wagner - New York (17)
3) Corey Brush - Norfolk (16)
4) Grant Bradley - Dover (15)
5) Freddy Rollins - Nashville (15)

BATTING AVERAGE
1) Julian Castro - New York (.429)

Hardball Dynasty's

Julian Castro

2) Reagan Walker - Philadelphia (.398)
3) John Keeler - St. Louis (.389)
4) Valerio Calderon - Albuquerque (.387)
5) Freddy Finley - Las Vegas (.381)

RUNS
1) Valerio Calderon - Albuquerque (42)

Hardball Dynasty's

Valerio Calderon

2) D.T. Wagner - New York (40)
3) Bruce Dickens - Dover (39)
4) Corey Brush - Norfolk (39)
5) Brad Freeman - Philadelphia (38)

RBI
1) D.T. Wagner - New York (45)

Hardball Dynasty's

D.T. Wagner

2) Felipe Villafuerte - Norfolk (39)
3) Corey Brush - Norfolk (38)
4) Grant Bradley - Dover (37)
5) Freddy Rollins - Nashville (37)

STOLEN BASES
1) Craig Maduro - Pawtucket (30)

Hardball Dynasty's

Craig Maduro

2) Tito Aoki - Cincinnati Chili (23)
3) Chris Pedersen - Huntington (22)
4) Hipolito Rodriguez - Pawtucket (21)
5) Keith Ratliff - Monterrey (16)

Rumor Mill

2009-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Outburquerque? - It is believed that the Alburquerque Apaches have already decided to pack up for the season and look towards the next. My inside sources tell me that most of their team is on the block and that the team is looking for young starting pitching in return.

"The Apaches have had a very successful existence, having had winning seasons in seven out of the last eleven seasons," my source indicated. "They're playing just under .500 ball, so I wouldn't expect drastic changes just yet."

What owner "thedudeno7" will do remains to be seen.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey - Rumor has it that the #1 prospect in the Chicago Maulers organization is on the trading block. Fonzie James apparently is log jammed at the LF position in the Maulers organization behind Spud Daly.

"We are deep at the left field position, and we feel that there are other needs within our organization that we need to take a look at," Maulers owner "sharkyaz" claims. "We are neither confirming or denying that James is on the block... but he really is..."

Take my money... PLEASE! - It's rumored that the Oklahoma City Cowboys are dangling Brandon Epstein, Emmanuel Valdes, and Cookie Rosado in an effort to get top tier young prospects.

"I'm told that the Cowboys are looking to take younger prospects that, in the long run, will ensure long-term success for the club," my source told me. "They're looking to lessen their payroll in order to get younger as well as go after higher paid free agents as they look towards next season."

5/1 Transactions

2009-05-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Dover Destroyers claimed Ernie Mitchell off of waivers today from Pawtucket.

"We've been disapointed with the offensive output of our right field position all season," says owner "Mike999". "Mitchell still has some juice left in him, even at 34 years old."

OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Philadelphia removed Scooter Brock from the 15-day DL.

Oklahoma City removed Brandon Epstein from the 15-day DL.

Houston signed international free agent second baseman Cristobal Beltre.

Pawtucket promoted Dude Steele and Donnie Robinson from AAA to the big league club.

CHICAGO MAULERS AT SCRANTON SCRUBS 4/29PM2

2009-04-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

	4
	16

Scranton, PA (7M7AP): The Scranton Scrubs took advantage of young reliever Jonathan Hansen's inexperience, tagging him for six runs in one inning, on their way to routing the Chicago Maulers, 16-4, at Lackawana County Stadium, Thursday night.

Hansen, only 23 years old, has been tagged for the second time this season. Not known for his control, Hansen struggled in his only inning of the game. He gave up a three-run double to Scrubs left fielder James Anderson in the fifth inning and a three-run home run to second baseman Alex Caufield in the sixth.

Hansen wasn't the only Maulers reliever who struggled. Sean Lukasiewicz gave up six runs in his three innings as well.

"Our relievers have to wake the hell up," said irritated Maulers coach Steven Ledee. "Not that Duran did much to help out, but our relievers gave up twelve runs in four innings. That's not going to help you win ball games."

"Yeah, I flat out stunk tonight," said a dejected Lukasiewicz. "What I did tonight was embarassing."

Caufield went 3-for-4 in the game with a triple and a home run, while knocking in five runs.
Anderson went 4-for-5 for Scranton with a double, a home run, and a stolen base. In the game, he scored two runs and knocked in five.

"We were seeing the ball really well at the plate," an elated Anderson commented.

NOTES: James Anderson is 6-for-10 in his first two games back in the majors... Sean Lukasiewicz has given up six runs in an appearance twice this season... Scranton scored three runs in five out of eight innings in the game... After the game, the Maulers demoted Hansen to AAA.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Hardball Dynasty's

Alex Caufield

OWNER PROFILE - SharkyAZ - Chicago Maulers

2009-04-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

This will be a weekly installment, hoping it will give us all a chance to get to know each other a bit and create sort of a tight knit league.

Screen name: sharkyaz

Real name: Nick

Age: 32

Current Residence: Oklahoma City, OK

Born in: Lansdale, PA

Occupation: Director of Merchandise for the Oklahoma City Thunder (contracted through XP Events)

Single? Married? Kids? - Have a girlfriend back in Seattle

How long have you been in HBD? Third season

What season did you join 7Mickey7? Season 8

What drew you to HBD? I saw it the year it started, but I was working for an expansion hockey team... I wouldn't have the time to devote to it, so I didn't join. Last season, when the Sonics had left, we had nothing to do. I saw HBD again and decided to join.

What condition was your team in when you took over? The team had a decent minor league system, but the team hadn't had a winning season 3. I had a pretty harsh learning curve, but I feel like I'm getting much better at managing my team. I had only done one trade since I started, but this season, I've done two or three. I feel like I made smart trades, and my team has started out 12-5. I'm hoping they can keep it up!

What are your plans for your team this season? I have a lot of superstars in the making that are starting to be called up to the majors. I brought up Spud Daly and Phil Beckett to start out with, and Daryl Lockwood will make it up at some point this season. I made a free agent acquisition in Louis Bieser, an absolute speedster, and I'm hoping to get him up here as well.

By no means did I think my team would start how they are, but I'm hoping they'll keep it up!

Prediction for your team? Wild Card, won't make it past the first round.

Pitcher of the Week

2009-04-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Rangers Starter Named Pitcher of the Week

Omar Campos
Anaheim
Rangers
Age: 26	B/T: L/L
Born: Oakley, CA
Position(s): P (SP1)
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Anaheim, CA (7M7AP): Rangers starter Omar Campos today was named the 7Mickey7 pitcher of the week for week 1.

Campos has given up only four runs in his first five appearances this season, striking out 23 batters and walking only nine over 37 innings. Campos' season era is .097, and he has earned four wins in five appearances.

"We're excited that Campos has earned this great honor," said Rangers manager Troy Waters. "He's off to a career start this season, and we're excited to see how he will do the rest of this season."

The Rangers will travel out to Santa Fe to take on the slugging Slammers for four games before traveling to Huntingdon to take on the Healeys for a three game set.

Player of the Week

2009-04-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Ariel Cervantes named 7Mickey7 Player of the Week

Ariel Cervantes
Chicago
Knights
Age: 26	B/T: R/R
Born: Bonao, DO
Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Chicago, IL (7M7AP): Chicago Knights second baseman Ariel Cervantes was named the 7Mickey7 player of the week for week one of the season.

For the week, Cervantes batted .357 with six home runs, 15 RBI, and two stolen bases. Cervantes has it safely in 18 of 20 games, while hitting ten of his 15 RBI's within the first five games.

"We're very proud of Ariel and what he accomplished in the first week," Knights manager Tom Ensberg. "His contributions are a lot of the reason we are currently leading the division."

The Knights host the Kansas City Bo Knows starting tomorrow morning.

Injury Update

2009-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Tommy Kreuter Lost for the Season

Tommy Kreuter
Philadelphia
Wings
Age: 35	B/T: R/R
Born: Seffner, FL
Position(s): 3B/1B/2B/COF/DH
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Philadelphia, PA (7M7AP): The Philadelphia Wings lost right-handed slugger, Tommy Kreuter, today in the sixth inning of their morning game against the Salt Lake City Utes, a game in which Philadelphia was victorious, 5-0.

"Tommy took a weird turn at first base on his flyout to left field," Philly coach Bernard Mullin explained. "It was a very strange injury, how he tweaked his neck, but we'll have to pick up and move on."

Kreuter hasn't been on the DL since Season 1 when he had shoulder surgery.

"This is a tough injury to swallow... especially since it happened in such an odd way," Kreuter lamented. "I battled back from my shoulder surgery in Season 1, and I'll do it again and be ready for Season 12."

"It will be hard to replace his leadership, but we will move on and continue to be successful," Mullin added.

Injury Update

2009-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

O.J. Tracy placed on the 60-day DL

O.T. Tracy
Little Rock
Raiders
Age: 26	B/T: R/R
Born: Fairless Hills, PA
Position(s): P (P)
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Little Rock, AR ( 7M7AP): The Little Rock Raiders lost a vital part of their pitching staff today when O.T. Tracy (1-0, 2.93ERA) went down with a shoulder ligament tear in the second inning of their game against the St. Louis Redbirds this morning. The Raiders placed Tracy on the 60-day DL.

"That's obviously a huge blow to our team," Raiders manager Red Nixon commented. "Any time you lose your number one starter, you know your team will have a tough time down the road."

Tracy was off to a great start this season, posting a 2.93 ERA in five starts and holding opponents to a .264 batting average.

"This is very disappointing for me, personally," Tracy said. "I've been feeling great all season long, and this injury came out of left field."

Tracy is slated for surgery on Tuesday and will be out for at least nine weeks.

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL PITCHING LEADERS

2009-04-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

WINS
1)Robert Gil - Philadelphia (4)

Hardball Dynasty's

Robert Gil

T-2) 10 players tied at 3

STRIKEOUTS
1)Robert Gil - Philadelphia (30)

Hardball Dynasty's

Robert Gil

2)Alex Adkinson - Philadelphia (25)
3)Matthew Hamilton - Pawtucket (24)
T-4)Archie Hines - Albuquerque (22)
T-4)Joaquin Ayala - Philadelphia (22)

ERA
1)Eduardo Bennett - Washington D.C. (0.46)

Hardball Dynasty's

Eduardo Bennett

2)Sean Price - Scranton (0.60)
3)Omar Campos - Anaheim (0.93)
4)Don Aoki - Houston (1.00)
5)Mike Wagner - New York (1.04)

WHIP
1)Sean Price - Scranton (0.53)

Hardball Dynasty's

Sean Price

2)Terrence Delaney - Las Vegas (0.60)
3)Bret Fisher - Chicago (AL) (0.76)
4)Gene Stockton - Hartford (0.78)
5)Eduardo Bennett - Washington D.C. (0.81)

SAVES
1)Gordon Richardson - Houston (6)

Hardball Dynasty's

Gordon Richardson

T-2)Gary Koch - Arizona (5)
T-2)Micah Smith - Hartford (5)
T-2)Happy Traynor - Washington D.C. (5)
T-5) 2 players tied with 4

OPPONENT AVERAGE
1)Terrence Delaney - Las Vegas (.077)

Hardball Dynasty's

Terrence Delaney

2)Sean Price - Scranton (.083)
3)Bret Fisher - Chicago (AL) (.111)
4)Gene Stockton - Hartford (.128)
5)Gerald Nation - Arizona (.145)

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS

2009-04-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

HOME RUNS
T-1 - Vladimir Sanchez - Arizona (7)

Hardball Dynasty's

Vladimir Sanchez

T-1 Bruce Dickens - Dover (7)
T-1 Karl Martin - Norfolk (7)
T-1 Julius Lawson - Philadelphia (7)
T-1 Tim Stewart - Toronto (7)

BATTING AVERAGE
1) Bip Fisher - Monterrey (.428)

Hardball Dynasty's

Bip Fisher

2)John Keeler - St. Louis (.475)
3)Matt DePaula - Las Vegas (.444)
4)Dennys Cheng - Norfolk (.419)
5)Miguel Matos - Little Rock (.418)

RUNS
1)Brad Freeman - Philadelphia (22)

Hardball Dynasty's

Brad Freeman

2)Cyrus Snelling - Philadelphia (18)
3)Valerio Calderon - Alburquerque (16)
T-4) 7 tied at 15

RBI
T-1)Felipe Villafuerte - Norfolk (22)

Hardball Dynasty's

Felipe Villafuerte

T-1)Albert Calles - Salt Lake City (22)
T-3)Vladimir Sanchez - Arizona (21)
T-3)Julius Lawson - Philadelphia (21)
5)Julio Henriquez - Chicago(NL) (18)

STOLEN BASES
T-1)Tito Aoki - Cincinnati (10)

Hardball Dynasty's

Tito Aoki

T-1)Craig Maduro - Pawtucket (10)
3)Omar Cross - Scranton(9)
4)Wesley Nation - Little Rock (8)
5)Sergio Sanford - Hartford (7)

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

2009-04-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Matt Simon

Matt Simon
Santa Fe
Slammers
Age: 34	B/T: R/R
Born: Islip, NY
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Slammers lured Simon away from the Arizona franchise with a 4-year, $35.2 million deal, and who could blame them? Though Simon is not the pitcher he once was back in seasons 5, 6, 7, and 8, Simon is still a force to be reckoned with. Last season, with Vegas, he put up a 3.03 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .247 average. His velocity is not what it used to be, but Simon still has very good control of his pitches. The combination of his 4-seam fast ball and change-up will continue to stifle the opposition.

Clayton Surhoff

Clayton Surhoff
Buffalo
Bisons
Age: 30	B/T: R/R
Born: Heidelberg, MS
Position(s): CF/CIF/2B/OF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

After having spent ten seasons with only two teams in his career, Surhoff decided to bolt from the city of brotherly love out to Buffalo, having signed a five-year, $49.3 million deal with the Bisons. Averaging just under 28 home runs a year and 86 RBI over the last six seasons, Surhoff was sure to be a highly sought after free agents.

Philadelphia GM "robinhood410" commented on the loss of Surhoff:
" It is a sad day in Philadelphia, as management has decided not to match Buffalo's offer for long-time Wings centerfielder, Clayton Surhoff ," commented hood. "Surhoff has patrolled centerfield at Citizens Bank Ballpark for 5 years now and has been one of the best players in the history of the franchise. He will be missed, but the whole organization wishes him the best of luck on his new team."

Commented Buffalo GM "hooner65", "too bad, so sad."

Felix Floyd

Felix Floyd
Dover
Destroyers
Age: 31	B/T: R/R
Born: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Much like the Seattle Supersonics, Floyd bolted from the Northwest for a better deal, joining the Dover Destroyers with a four-year, $32 million deal.

"After the Sonics left, I knew it was time to go", said sharkyaz... er... Felix Floyd. "There was more money to be made, and I had to make the best decision for my family."

Floyd pitches well against right-handed batters, and features a two-pitch arsenal. With his high durability and health rating, along with his almost superior control, Floyd is a welcomed addition to the Destroyers.

Antonio Holdridge

Antonio Holdridge
Salem
Sleepers
Age: 30	B/T: S/L
Born: Tekonsha, MI
Position(s): P (P)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Holdridge signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Salem Sleepers. Holdridge has held opponents to under .250 batting average in six of his ten seasons, After suffering an injury that put him on the 60-day DL, Holdridge is seeing some improvement in his 4-seam fastball. Holdridge will continue to work towards full recovery from his injury this season.

GAME RECAP

2009-02-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia (AHBDP) - Baltimore ended Philadelphia's six-game winning streak Monday night, defeating the Wings, 3-2, in the bottom of the ninth inning in front of a sold out crowd.

The Red Sox started the scoring in the fifth inning, putting up two runs on the board off of a sacrifice fly by James Anderson, and a ground-out by Matt DePaula.

The Wings cut the lead in half off of a solo home-run to centerfield by Clayton Surhoff to lead off the top of the seventh inning.

Philadelphia tied the game with two outs in the top of the ninth inning with a double off of Red Sox Closer Emmanuel Diaz, scoring Clayton Sufhoff.

James Anderson came through in the clutch for the Red Sox in the bottom of the ninth inning, knocking a linedrive single to center field, plating Baltimore CF Jared Cox for the game-inning run. Anderson was a perfect 4-for-4 on the night, leading the Red Sox to the victory.

Top Draft Picks

2008-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

The next series of posts will take a look at the top 30 draft picks of Season 8. We will dive into why the team picked them when they did and take a look at how their first professional season is starting off.

Deion Branson 2B (Anaheim Rangers): The scouted rankings on Branson tell it all -he's going to be great defensively as well as offensively! His projected above average defensive skills will come in handy at the second base position, and his batting eye coupled with his "vs" ability will propel him to one of the elite hitters in the game!

Being assigned to the rookie league, Branson has started out fairly well. He's had at least one hit in 20 of his first 26 games, good for a .295 average. Branson has not committed an error yet.

Daryle Lockwood RF (Minnesota Maulers): Having a minor league system that is extremely short in right field prospects, the Maulers elected to use their second overall pick on a Junior College student out of Geronimo, OK, Daryle Lockwood. Lockwood is and will be an average outfielder at best, but you can guarantee he was not drafted for his outfield abilities.

Lockwood was brought in to be a masher. With a projected 100 power rating, coupled with his vs. righty rating as well as his above average batting eye, Lockwood was brought in for one purpose... to be a home run machine. His contact rating may hamper his development a bit or his ability to consistently hit round trippers, but his upside is much higher than his down side.

Assigned to the rookie league after the draft, Lockwood batted .333 with a home run and 10 RBI
in eight games. Feeling confident with his abilities, the Minnesota brass promoted him to Low A where he's hitting .263 with five home runs and fourteen RBI in 57 plate appearances. It looks as if Lockwood will be spending the rest of the season with the Low A team as he continues to improve on his already established skills.

Stu Holt P (Washington D.C. Crooks): Holt is considered to be one of the top prospects in the game and one of the best players to come out of the draft in a long time. Drafted out of Belle Mead, NJ, Holt showed absolute domination in the high school ranks which propelled him to the third overall pick.

Scouts say that Holt has will posess an almost perfect control and will be able to eat up a lot of innings to help keep the bullpen fresh. He will be tough to hit against for right handed hitters, and his velocity will keep hitters guessing. He possesses an above average 4-seam fastball as well as a good curveball.

So far, in the rookie leagues, Holt has posted a 3-1 ERA and has yet to give up more than three earned runs in any of his six starts, sporting a 2.38 ERA. He has walked more than three batters in five of his six starts, but with experience, we're sure that his hits and walks will be lower than his current 1.50 WHIP. In his last two starts, he has struck out 12 batters.

Troy Owen SS (Nashville Sounds): The first shortstop taken in the draft, Owen is projected to be outstanding at short for the Sounds. With an exceptional range and an accurate arm, he will be a staple at the short stop position. His average power rating won't help him be a masher, but he will definitely be putting up respectable numbers.

In Nashville's rookie level, Owen is showing everyone why he was the number four overall pick, putting up big numbers. He's hitting .438 with seven home runs and 51 RBI. He's only struck out 14 times in 96 at bats. He is very deserving of a promotion to Low A ball soon.

Patrick Wengert SS (Salem Sleepers): Wengert was not drafted for his defensive prowess. He was drafted for his offense.

Wengert is going to be extremely strong against right handed pitchers and still strong against lefties. He won't be hitting a ton of home runs but will be putting the ball in play a good amount of the time. He will have his share of strike outs, but he will not be another strikeout king like Jose Cruz Jr.

Wengert started out in rookie ball and earned a promotion to Low A after batting a .384 in 112 plate appearances. He hit three homers and 29 RBIs in that span. After his first nine games in Low A, he's hitting .275 with a home run and five RBIs. The Sleepers will be looking forward to his offensive contributions in the majors in four to five seasons.

Hipolito Vazquez C (St. Louis Red Birds): Vazquez was slated to go number one overall in the draft, but the Red Birds were surprised that he fell to them at the sixth overall pick. Vazquez was gift wrapped for the Red Birds.

An HBD major league ready player, Vazquez is slated to be one of the best catchers in the league. With an arm that's ready for every day major league time behind the plate, Vazquez still has some work to do on his arm accuracy and pitch calling, which is why the Red Birds are starting him off slow in his building process.

Vazquez will be an offensive juggernaut with vs. right handed ratings and his contact ratings slated to be over 90. He's already maxed out on his power, but as his batting eye improves, so will his readiness to be an offensive machine in the major leagues.

Vazquez needed some time away to sort out some of his off-the-field problems, but he's now with the St. Louis organization. He was assigned to the rookie league affiliate for the Red Birds, and is already batting .464 in his first seven games. In that span, he has one home run and six RBI's. Be on the lookout for Vazquez getting the call to the major leagues in the next two to three seasons.

Andre Durocher LF (Toronto Kids in the Hall): Slated to have one of the best offensive outputs that this league has ever seen, Durocher was taken with the eighth overall pick by Toronto.

Durocher is going to be a master of left handed pitching as his vs. left handed ratings are going to be near perfect. He will still fare well against right handed pitching, but his mastery of left handed pitching will guarantee him playing time versus any left handed pitcher that will throw against Toronto. With a projected rating of contact at 95 and an above average hitters eye at 75, Durocher will be a mainstay on the base paths. With a strong power rating slated to be at 78, Durocher will have his share of home runs every season. In his prime, expect over 40 home runs per season in his time in the big leagues.

In his first professional season, Durocher is hitting .393 at the rookie level with five home runs and 27 RBI in his first 28 games. He's had seven extra-base hits in that span, and the Toronto front office is already considering a promotion to Low A ball.

Greg Beam P (Augusta Timbermen): The second pitcher taken in the draft, Beam will feature a strong 4-seam fast ball. His curve ball and slider will leave a bit to be desired, but expect Beam to throw with some great velocity.

He will be a starter with his stamina slated to be at 87, and he will have some decent control. He's stronger against left handed batters than he is against righties, and he will be more of a pop up pitcher than he will be a ground-ball pitcher.

Beam is already making his way up the ladder quickly. After sporting a 1.09 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP while winning three of his five starts, the Augusta front office thought it was time to promote him to Low A ball. Beam is doing better than he did in rookie ball, earning an ERA of 0.82 and a WHIP of 1.09 in his two starts. Opponents are hitting only .202 off of Beam in Low A so far.

Chris Ruffin SS (Montreal Canadiens): The third shortstop to be taken in the draft, Ruffin was selected by the Canadiens with the ninth overall pick. Projected to be an average fielder at best, Ruffin was taken more for his speed than his defensive prowess.

Ruffin will be a pretty durable player, and by the looks of his speed, he will be flying around on the base paths. Though his offensive splits feature a decent bit of power, he's definitely going to be making some good contact with the ball if he lives up to his projected contact rating of 88. Once on the base paths, Ruffin will be a smart runner. Not only will he steal some bases, but he will know when to and not to run, with a projected base running rating of 90. Ruffin will have his share of strikeouts, though, with a batters eye rating of 57.

After starting out in rookie ball with a .364 average, two homers, and 35 RBI to compliment his 17 stolen bases, Ruffin was promoted to Low A ball. He did, however, commit 19 errors in 33 games in rookie ball. In his first two games, Ruffin is hitting .250 with two RBI and two strikeouts. So far he has stolen one base and was caught stealing once as well. He has already committed one error in his first two games in Low A. Expect his offensive numbers to continue to grow as he gains more experience in the league.

Bruce Park SS (Scranton Ironmen): Park, coming out of Slinger, Wisconsin, was the fourth shortstop taken in this year's draft. He will be an average fielder at best, with an average range, but above average arm strength. He will not have be the best fielding shortstop in the league and will have a little bit of trouble with his throw to first.

Offensively, Park will have some pop in his bat. He will be a lot like Kris Monahan, who currently plays for the Minnesota Maulers. He will feature a low average, but when he makes contact with the ball, watch out. Expect Park, when on the base paths, to be active in stealing with a projected speed rating of 85, but he will be caught stealing a bit as well. His baserunning IQ isn't going to be the best, with a projected rating of 44.

Park is fairing pretty well in his first 35 games in rookie ball, hitting .309 with nine home runs and 30 RBI. He hasn't attempted too many steals as of yet, having successfully stolen four bases out of five attempts, but expect both numbers to grow as teams start to trust him with his decisions.

Relocation abound?

2008-08-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

MINNESOTA (AHBDP): The Associated Hardball Dynasty Press has learned that Minnesota Mauler coach, sharkyaz, is contemplating a relocation of the Minnesota franchise starting in Season 9.

We will bring you more information as we recieve it.

Hot Teams 8/4

2008-08-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today's post will take a look at the hot teams as we head towards the All-Star game, slated for 8/14.

Norfolk Southern (47-17)
Things are hot down in Norfolk, and we're not just talking about the weather. The Southern is the team to beat this year, posting a world best 47-17 record. They are 9-1 in their last ten games and have won their last twelve of thirteen games. They've lost just two series all season long.

How have they achieved this success? Let's take a closer look at their offensive team rankings in the world:

RUNS: 429 (2nd)
RBI'S:413 (2nd)
AVG: .296 (3rd)
HITS: 689 (4th)
HR'S: 109 (5th)
SB'S: 72 (7th)

Looking at these numbers, it's easy to assume that their offense has kept them at the top of the league. Not so fast... let's take a look at their pitching rankings as well:

ER: 234 (2nd)
ERA: 3.67 (3rd)
WHIP: 1.27 (3rd)
HR: 68 (3rd)
OAV: .253 (4th)
R: 266 (4th)
H: 567 (5th)

As you can see, team owner and GM "shambo2000" continues to maintain a strong team as he has since Season 1 of the world.

Leading the way for the Southern is 28 year-old, five-time Silver Slugger award winner, Dennys Chang. Chang is already looking at a career year having already belted 26 homers, good for fourth in the league. His home run tally matches his entire Season 6 tally. Chang has already batted in 73 runs this season, putting him second in the league, and is currently on pace for over 150 RBIS on the season.

On the pitching side, the Southern are lead by the dependable Fred Allensworth. Having a near perfect record of 10-1, a sultry ERA at 2.22 and a low WHIP at 1.12, Allensworth is continuing to improve his case for his unprecedented seventh NL Cy Young Award.

LOS ANGELES BROOKLYNITES (39-25)
Los Angeles is on a hot streak of their own. Not only are they 9-1 in their last ten games, but they are 14-4 in their last eighteen games. In their last ten games, they've outscored their opponents 77-27, including a twenty run outing against Salem earlier today.

The Brooklynites are the second best hitting team in the league, sporting a .298 batting average. They're sitting second in the league overall with 709 hits, while sitting seventh in the league with 390 runs scored.

They're pitching is not as good as their hitting, but their pitching is still very good. With a 4.22 team ERA (good for seventh in the world), the staff is holding opponents to a .258 batting average.

Desi Santos leads the offensive charge for LA, leading the world with 29 home runs, and sitting in third overall with 72 RBI's. Santos is looking for his third Silver Slugger award of his career.

Rookie firstbaseman Hector Guererro has made a great impact on LA's offense this season in his very first stint in the major leagues. After dominating the minors with a .317 average, 183 home runs and 622 RBI's in six years, Guererro is currently batting .297 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI's.

With a 6-1 record in thirteen starts, LHP Jay Clayton has given up less than two earned runs in nine of his starts this season. Clayton continues to dominate the league this season.

Prospect Watch

2008-07-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Charlie Adams
Minnesota
Maulers
Age: 24	B/T: L/L
Born: Page, AZ
Position(s): P (SP3)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

CHARLIE ADAMS (MIN)
It was time... With Minnesota's season slipping further and further away every day, Maulers first year GM Nick Carita saw that it was time to turn a corner and plan for the future.

"Our pitching staff was not performing to the level we expected coming into the season," Carita explained. "At this point in the season, it's time to give some of our 'close-to-major-league level' prospects the chance to get some big league experience."

Enter Charlie Adams. After being drafted with the 26th overall pick in the Season 2 amateur draft by the Philadelphia Wings, Adams earned his first promotion after his first three professional starts, going from Low A up to High A ball.

After three years in High A ball in the Wings' system, Adams was the victim of not one, but two Rule 5 picks. He was chosen by the Sycamores in Season 6 and with Toronto in Season 7.

"That was a tough time," Adams recalls. "As much as I enjoyed my time with the Sycamores and Blizzard on the major league level, I knew that I needed more time in the minors. Unfortunately, Rule 5 Draft pick rules prohibited me to go back to the minors with my new team right away."

Adams struggled in his first two seasons in the majors. With Pawtucket (recently relocated to Syracuse), Adams only started five games, posting an 0-4 record. Adams pitched only 26 innings all season, posting a 6.58 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP. When chosen by the Toronto Franchise (recently relocated to Minnesota), Adams had the worst season of his professional career, going 2-9 with an 8.03 ERA and a 2.03 whip.

"Those seasons were definitely tough ones, but I was able to recover from those two seasons pretty quickly," Adams reflects. "I had a great talk with the major league franchise front office, and I'm really blessed that they had faith in me."

Adams started Season 8 with Minnesota's AAA Franchise, the Nova Scotia Scoots of the Canadian League. After posting a 4.03 ERA along with a perfect 4-0 record, it was only a matter of time before the big league ball club called Adams to give him the good news.

The call arrived on 7/28 at 12:19 pm. This time around, Adams wasn't about to stumble out of the gates as he did in Season 6 and 7.

"Mentally, I was ready."

Adams has been spectacular in his first two starts, going 2-0, giving up two runs to the Brooklynites and one run against the Red Birds. How was Charlie able to stay focused mentally?

"I attribute my success to my role models. I've followed Darryl Strawberry's carrer, and wow... what a class act he was. He was a player that, no matter the circumstances, kept moving forward in his career. Jose Canseco showed me how to be unrelenting in any pursuit. Roger Clemens showed me how to keep my game face on, no matter the circumstances. Manny Ramirez showed me that, as long as I stay focused on the game of baseball, nothing can get in my way."

With such great role models, there is no way that Adams can fail. Adams' next test will be on 8/2 AM, when he takes on the Anaheim Rangers.

7/24 PM Game Recaps

2008-07-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

LOUISVILLE LIONS AT TORONTO KIDS IN THE HALL
Toronto, Canada: In there fourth straight game of seven matches against Toronto, the Louisville Lions won their third of four matches Friday afternoon with a 7-3 victory over the Kids in the Hall in Toronto.

Diego Martin scored the first run of the game with a rare solo inside-the-park home run into left field. The ball was hit down the third base line and bounced off of the wall which directed the ball towards center field. While Martin is not known for his speed, he was on his horse on this play, eventually completing his run around the bases.

The Lions would make it 2-0 in the top of the third inning when Lion SS Joseph Lee scored on a Toronto CF Juan Lee error.

With Toronto scoring a run in the bottom of the third, Louisville DH Chan Martin would put the game out of reach with a three-run home run to right center field off of Toronto starter Felix Gardner (3-3). Gardner was pulled after allowing his sixth earned run of the game.

Louisville starter Wayne Barker (2-0) pitched five innings and gave up only one earned run while striking out six to earn his second win of the season.

AUGUSTA TIMBERMEN AT AUSTIN HEALEYS
Austin, TX: Vincenzo Gordon (3-2) threw eight strong innings and CF Edgar Borges drove in four runs as the Timbermen defeated the Healeys, 5-2, at the Dell.

With the game knotted at two in the top of the seventh inning and two men on base, Borges hit a flyball three-run home run straight away to center field to put the Timbermen ahead for good.

Gordon threw eight strong innings, giving up only two earned runs while striking out five and walking two for his second straight win. Gordon has been on fire in his last four starts going 3-1 with a 1.28 ERA.

HARTFORD POSSE AT SEATTLE EARTHQUAKE:
Seattle, WA: The Hartford Posse earned their fourth win in five games on Thursday, taking down the Seattle Earthquake, 6-3, at Safeco Field in front of 28 fickle sports fans.

With the Posse up 2-1, C Justin Paige crushed a solo shot to centerfield to tie the game. All 28 fans went wild.

After Posse CF Sergie Sanford knocked in two runs on a double down the leftfield line, fourteen fans left the stadium... little did they know (or care) that Seattle LF Russell Girardi would bring the Earthquake back to within one run on a solo homer to left center field.

Though the Eartquake stayed within one run for most of the remainder of the game, Posse LF Justin Clark put the game out of reach with a linedrive two run home run to left center field.

Posse starter Wallace Moore (4-2) earned his third win in four games while Micah Smith earned his league-tying tenth save of the season.

NEW YORK METROS AT ALBUQUERQUE APACHES
Albuquerque, NM: The Apaches got on the board early and often, scoring seven of their 11 runs by the third inning, on their way to an 11-7 victory over the New York Metros at Isotopes Park. Four players accounted for two ore more RBI's in the game. Albuquerque has won six of their last eight games.

The Apaches played small ball in the first inning, scoring four runs on four individual hits. CF Mitch Rivera, the first batter New York faced, hit a flyball solo homerun to left field to start the scoring. After a walk to C Rob Costello and a single by SS Sammy Cruz, LF Luis Rincon hit a groundball single to bring in Costello. 1B BC Rivera scored Cruz on a line drive single. 2B Juan Prieto capped off the first inning with a double to score Rivera.

Though the Metros scored their first run in the top of the third inning on a solo home run by 3B Pedro Johnson, Albuquerque answered in the bottom of the third with a two-run home run by RF Jocko Ducey and a solo shot by Prieto.

Though New York would add three more runs to their total in the sixth, seventh, and ninth innings, Albuquerque scored four more runs to take the game, 11-7.

*NOTE: Luis Rincon now has 10 RBI's in his last five games.

7Mickey7

THE FINAL POWER RANKINGS

OKLAHOMA CITY TAKES GAME ONE IN EXTRA INNINGS

BAKER ROUGHED UP; BUFFALO TAKES GAME 1

TWO HOME RUNS BY WILFREDO DOOMS MAULERS IN GAME 1, 11-7

SANTA FE'S SEVEN-RUN SECOND INNING LEADS THE SLAMMERS TO VICTORY

#1 Overall Pick, Bierbrodt, to the DL

Week 5 Power Rankings

INDIVIDUAL PITCHING FORMAT FILE

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS 5/25

HUGE TRADE

7MICKEY7 10-YEAR TEAM (PITCHERS)

7MICKEY7 10-YEAR TEAM (Position Players)

7MICKEY7 MOST SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISE RANKINGS

Week 4 Power Rankings

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 1-4

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 5-9

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 10-14

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 15-19

OWNER PROFILE - WICHITA WIMPS

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 20-24

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 25-29

FIRST ROUND DRAFT RECAP - Picks 30-32

PITCHER OF THE WEEK (3)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK (3)

POWER RANKINGS WEEK 3

MALDITOS SIGN DIAZ

Player Profile - Robert Gil

5/7 Transactions

5/5 Transactions

PITCHER OF THE WEEK (2)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK (2)

POWER RANKINGS WEEK 2

WICHITA WIMPS SECURE NEW BALLPARK

5/4 Transactions

5/3 Transactions

5/2 Transactions

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL PITCHING LEADERS 5/2

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS 5/2

Rumor Mill

5/1 Transactions

CHICAGO MAULERS AT SCRANTON SCRUBS 4/29PM2

OWNER PROFILE - SharkyAZ - Chicago Maulers

Pitcher of the Week

Player of the Week

Injury Update

Injury Update

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL PITCHING LEADERS

TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

GAME RECAP

Top Draft Picks

Relocation abound?

Hot Teams 8/4

*Prospect Watch*

7/24 PM Game Recaps

Prospect Watch