As is the case every year, the Fargo-Moorhead Twins went on an acquiring spree prior to the draft to fill holes in next years lineup. This year was no different as the Twins traded top prospect Wade Davis to the Millers for the first overall selection. With that pick the Twins draft veteran first baseman, Dmitri Young. Young is having a great year and will become the Twins first baseman for at least one season.
The Braves followed the Twins by selecting Blue Jays reliever Jeremy Accardo. Accardo brings the Braves another young player in their rebuild process and provides them with a strong bullpen as he will team up with Heath Bell.
The Posse, who acquired the Rampage's first round pick, drafted the Colorado Rockies closer Manny Corpas. Corpas will not get many opportunities to accumulate saves in the MDBL with current Posse closer Joe Nathan. He will become the teams eighth inning closer and with his age he should be around for many years.
The following are the results from the IWD Draft,
1st Round
Fargo-Moorhead Twins (from Millers) - Dmitri Young
Milwaukee Braves - Jeremy Accardo
Oak Ridges Posse (from Rampage) - Manny Corpas
Fargo-Moorhead Twins (from Clowns) - George Sherrill
Melbourne Beach Manatees - Marlon Byrd
Connecticut Charter Oaks - JC Romero
Beechurst Blues - Tomas Perez
Portland Sea Dogs - Jason Bergmann
Eureka Tigers - Cody Ross
Cambridge Porkers - Saul Rivera
Purgatory Creek Superbas - Rudy Lugo
Fairfield Pioneers (from Vigilantes) - Dave Borkowski
Boston Spiders - Rick Helling
Chatham Ironman - Brian Tallet
Winchester Cannons - David Newhan
Lancaster Black Pelicans - David Weathers
Minneapolis Millers (from Blue Ox) - Angel Pagan
Batavia Muckdogs - Damaso Marte
Somerset Sun Devils - Matt Herges
Fairfield Pioneers - Freddie Bynum
Chicago Monarchs - Lenny DiNardo
Red Deer Rampage (from Twins) - Jason Grilli
NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers - Tim Salmon
Oak Ridges Posse - Brian Sweeney
2nd Round
Minneapolis Millers - Damian Jackson
Milwaukee Braves - Tony Clark
Red Deer Rampage - Jeff Karstens
Indianapolis Clowns - Todd Hollandsworth
Melbourne Beach Manatees - Jimmy Gobble
Connecticut Charter Oaks - Luis Matos
Beechurst Blues - Jeromy Burnitz
Portland Sea Dogs - Abraham O. Nunez
Eureka Tigers - Brian Wilson
Cambridge Porkers - Shawn Chacon
Purgatory Creek Superbas - Mike Stanton
Mission Viejo Vigilantes - Joe Randa
Boston Spiders - Todd Pratt
Chatham Ironman - Ron Mahay
Winchester Cannons - Carl Everett
Lancaster Black Pelicans - Mike Timlin
Bangor Blue Ox - Chris Woodward
Milwaukee Braves (from Muckdogs) - PASS
Somerset Sun Devils - Kyle Snyder
Fairfield Pioneers - PASS
Chicago Monarchs - Sean Green
Fargo-Moorhead Twins - PASS
NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers - Mike Myers
Red Deer Rampage (from Posse) - PASS
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Rating the 2007 offenses
After running 10 2007 MDBL simulations I was able to predict the offenses for each team in the MDBL. Leading the league with an .874 team OPS is the Oak Ridges Posse. The Posse have had the top offense in the MDBL the past two seasons, and a lineup of Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Aramis Ramirez, Bobby Abreu and Derek Jeter should make them #1 again. Following the Posse in second place is the Lancaster Black Pelicans who had a team OPS of .853 and were led by the likes of David Ortiz, Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday and Joe Mauer. Rounding out the top three were the Bangor Blue Ox who are led by a great young infield of Justin Morneau, Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez and Ryan Zimmerman.
The following are the results for the whole league
1. Oak Ridges Posse - 0.874
2. Lancaster Black Pelicans - 0.853
3. Bangor Blue Ox - 0.852
4. NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers - 0.846
5. Fargo-Moorhead Twins - 0.840
6. Connecticut Charter Oaks - 0.837
7. Chicago Monarchs - 0.829
8. Fairfield Pioneers - 0.820
9. Somerset Sun Devils - 0.819
10. Winchester Cannons - 0.794
11. Chatham Ironmen - 0.790
12. Boston Spiders - 0.787
13. Purgatory Creek Superbas - 0.787
14. Beechurst Blues - 0.785
15. Indianapolis Clowns - 0.780
16. Batavia Muckdogs - 0.776
17. Eureka Tigers - 0.769
18. Minneapolis Millers - 0.759
19. Mission Viejo Vigilantes - 0.752
20. Portland Sea Dogs - 0.752
21. Cambridge Porkers - 0.750
22. Melbourne Beach Manatees - 0.745
23. Milwaukee Braves - 0.738
24. Red Deer Rampage - 0.686
The following are the results for the whole league
1. Oak Ridges Posse - 0.874
2. Lancaster Black Pelicans - 0.853
3. Bangor Blue Ox - 0.852
4. NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers - 0.846
5. Fargo-Moorhead Twins - 0.840
6. Connecticut Charter Oaks - 0.837
7. Chicago Monarchs - 0.829
8. Fairfield Pioneers - 0.820
9. Somerset Sun Devils - 0.819
10. Winchester Cannons - 0.794
11. Chatham Ironmen - 0.790
12. Boston Spiders - 0.787
13. Purgatory Creek Superbas - 0.787
14. Beechurst Blues - 0.785
15. Indianapolis Clowns - 0.780
16. Batavia Muckdogs - 0.776
17. Eureka Tigers - 0.769
18. Minneapolis Millers - 0.759
19. Mission Viejo Vigilantes - 0.752
20. Portland Sea Dogs - 0.752
21. Cambridge Porkers - 0.750
22. Melbourne Beach Manatees - 0.745
23. Milwaukee Braves - 0.738
24. Red Deer Rampage - 0.686
MDBL Preview and Predictions
Each year I run 10 simulations of our league and average the results out to predict how things will finish in the MDBL. This year should be an interesting season as some of the usual contenders (Indianapolis and Winchester) have started to rebuild, allowing for some new comers to the playoffs (Somerset). The unfortunate part of the simulation this year is that the results were pretty much the same each year with the same four teams winning their division almost every year, and by a wide margin. The following are my predictions...
DamnYankee Division
Oak Ridges Posse (114-48) - The Posse consistently had the top rated offense led by a bunch of veterans and surprising consistently had one of the top two pitching staffs.
Lancaster Black Pelicans (97-65) - This team underachieves every year compared to my predictions due to inactive ownership and HAL managing games.
Beechurst Blues (83-79) - Similar the Black Pelicans, they should make the playoffs but probably will not due to inactivity.
Batavia Muckdogs (82-80) - If Joe can smell the playoffs then he will do something to get in there. Young core will be solid for years.
Cambridge Porkers (70-92) - Arroyo, Konerko and Young need some more support to get this team to .500
Boston Spiders (70-92) - Solid offense is unable to produce wins because of a horrible pitching staff.
FrigidClimate Division
Somerset Sun Devils (89-73) - New owner extremely active in offseason and earns his first division title.
Portland Sea Dogs (83-79) - Surprisingly Portland had a very good ERA, but the bats did not produce.
Purgatory Creek Superbas (81-81) - The young foundation is there, including a new owner not afraid to make a move to get better now.
Minneapolis Millers (70-92) - And the climb begins. Millers are getting ready to challenge for the division.
Indianapolis Clowns (68-94) - After years of dominating this division, the Clowns dumped a ton of guys and start the rebuild.
Mission Viejo Vigilantes (66-96) - New ownership needed to support some of the young talent (Hall, Baldelli, Rios)
BiCoastal Division
Fargo-Moorheard Twins (110-52) - The defending champs should make the finals for the third year in a row with a great pitching staff and good lineup.
NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers (98-64) - The Pears have been able to make the playoffs before...now they have the team to start going after championships.
Winchester Cannons (76-86) - The best of a really bad remaining division. Funding issues caused the loss of ARod.
Connecticut Charter Oaks (72-90) - Oaks finish in fourth again, but with alot less wins and a much weaker team. Team has to improve the pitching staff badly.
Milwaukee Braves (63-99) - The Braves need some stars to get them up to the next level...maybe the minors can produce them.
Melbourne Beach Manatees (57-105) - Ownership is promoting big things, but it looks like a mirage.
TexasPlus Division
Bangor Blue Ox (102-60) - Blue Ox transformation is complete. They are now led by a very strong, young, infield.
Chicago Monarchs (92-70) - Corner position bats and Chris Carpenter lead the Monarchs to the playoffs.
Chatham Ironmen (91-71) - 90 wins and they miss the playoffs. If they only spent some of the $10 million in cash they have on free agents.
Fairfield Pioneers (82-80) - The hitting is still there, but the pitching drop off means no playoffs this year.
Eureka Tigers (81-81) - Injuries set the Tigers back this year. Age may force them to start a rebuild.
Red Deer Rampage (47-115) - Talking about rebuilds. Rampage are collecting youngsters, playing "unlimited" players and will lose a ton of games.
DamnYankee Division
Oak Ridges Posse (114-48) - The Posse consistently had the top rated offense led by a bunch of veterans and surprising consistently had one of the top two pitching staffs.
Lancaster Black Pelicans (97-65) - This team underachieves every year compared to my predictions due to inactive ownership and HAL managing games.
Beechurst Blues (83-79) - Similar the Black Pelicans, they should make the playoffs but probably will not due to inactivity.
Batavia Muckdogs (82-80) - If Joe can smell the playoffs then he will do something to get in there. Young core will be solid for years.
Cambridge Porkers (70-92) - Arroyo, Konerko and Young need some more support to get this team to .500
Boston Spiders (70-92) - Solid offense is unable to produce wins because of a horrible pitching staff.
FrigidClimate Division
Somerset Sun Devils (89-73) - New owner extremely active in offseason and earns his first division title.
Portland Sea Dogs (83-79) - Surprisingly Portland had a very good ERA, but the bats did not produce.
Purgatory Creek Superbas (81-81) - The young foundation is there, including a new owner not afraid to make a move to get better now.
Minneapolis Millers (70-92) - And the climb begins. Millers are getting ready to challenge for the division.
Indianapolis Clowns (68-94) - After years of dominating this division, the Clowns dumped a ton of guys and start the rebuild.
Mission Viejo Vigilantes (66-96) - New ownership needed to support some of the young talent (Hall, Baldelli, Rios)
BiCoastal Division
Fargo-Moorheard Twins (110-52) - The defending champs should make the finals for the third year in a row with a great pitching staff and good lineup.
NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers (98-64) - The Pears have been able to make the playoffs before...now they have the team to start going after championships.
Winchester Cannons (76-86) - The best of a really bad remaining division. Funding issues caused the loss of ARod.
Connecticut Charter Oaks (72-90) - Oaks finish in fourth again, but with alot less wins and a much weaker team. Team has to improve the pitching staff badly.
Milwaukee Braves (63-99) - The Braves need some stars to get them up to the next level...maybe the minors can produce them.
Melbourne Beach Manatees (57-105) - Ownership is promoting big things, but it looks like a mirage.
TexasPlus Division
Bangor Blue Ox (102-60) - Blue Ox transformation is complete. They are now led by a very strong, young, infield.
Chicago Monarchs (92-70) - Corner position bats and Chris Carpenter lead the Monarchs to the playoffs.
Chatham Ironmen (91-71) - 90 wins and they miss the playoffs. If they only spent some of the $10 million in cash they have on free agents.
Fairfield Pioneers (82-80) - The hitting is still there, but the pitching drop off means no playoffs this year.
Eureka Tigers (81-81) - Injuries set the Tigers back this year. Age may force them to start a rebuild.
Red Deer Rampage (47-115) - Talking about rebuilds. Rampage are collecting youngsters, playing "unlimited" players and will lose a ton of games.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Braves Select Duncan to Kick-Off the SWD
The SWD is under way and Miwaukee Braves owner Dave Scott nabbed slugging outfielder Chris Duncan to start the draft. Other selections to-date:
2. Chatham Ironment - Cla Meredith, P
3. FM Twins - Scott Spiezio, 3b
4. Indianapolis Clowns - Luke Scott, of
5. FM Twins - Greg Norton, of-1b
6. Purgatory Creek Superbas - Eliezer Alfonso, c
A surprise to see Luke Scott fall to number four and to see Alfonso taken early at number six but the Superbas are in need of a catcher.
2. Chatham Ironment - Cla Meredith, P
3. FM Twins - Scott Spiezio, 3b
4. Indianapolis Clowns - Luke Scott, of
5. FM Twins - Greg Norton, of-1b
6. Purgatory Creek Superbas - Eliezer Alfonso, c
A surprise to see Luke Scott fall to number four and to see Alfonso taken early at number six but the Superbas are in need of a catcher.
Braves Select Duncan to Kick-Off the Spring Waiver Draft
The Spring Waiver Draft is under way and Milwaukee Braves owner Dave Scott tabbed slugging outfielder Chris Duncan with the first overall pick. Other picks to-date:
2. Chatham - Cla Meredith, P
3. Fargo-Moorhead - Scott Spiezo, 3b
4. Indianapolis - Luke Scott, of
5. Fargo-Moorhead - Greg Norton, of-1b
6. Purgatory Creek - Eliezer Alfonso, c
The first surprise was Luke Scott falling to number 4 in the draft. Indianapolis owner John Skillings was happy to nab Scott. The next surprise might be the selection of Alfonso in the sixth slot by the Superbas but they were in need of a catcher.
2. Chatham - Cla Meredith, P
3. Fargo-Moorhead - Scott Spiezo, 3b
4. Indianapolis - Luke Scott, of
5. Fargo-Moorhead - Greg Norton, of-1b
6. Purgatory Creek - Eliezer Alfonso, c
The first surprise was Luke Scott falling to number 4 in the draft. Indianapolis owner John Skillings was happy to nab Scott. The next surprise might be the selection of Alfonso in the sixth slot by the Superbas but they were in need of a catcher.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Rampage acquire Jordan Walden
The Red Deer Rampage have acquired pitching prospect Jordan Walden from the Bangor Blue Ox for a 2007 1st round SWD selection and a 2007 2nd round MD selection. Walden was a top pitching prospect in the 2007 draft who fell to the Angels when he has a poor senior season and then signability issues were raised as many thought he would head to Texas. Instead he attended Grayson County JC and extended his signing rights to end of May.
This trade makes sense for both team. Rampage are working on building through youth and Walden does have a very high ceiling. Blue Ox are looking to fill in some of their holes with role playing major leaguers which they should be able to accomplish through the SWD.
This trade makes sense for both team. Rampage are working on building through youth and Walden does have a very high ceiling. Blue Ox are looking to fill in some of their holes with role playing major leaguers which they should be able to accomplish through the SWD.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
SWD Reminders
A reminder that only teams that have less than 30 players on their Major League roster may participate in the SWD. A team cannot select players beyond the 30 player limit during the SWD.
Teams may release players in advance of the SWD to allow for particpation in the draft. No releasing of players will be allowed after March 6 to allow for a static pool of players for the SWD.
Teams may release players in advance of the SWD to allow for particpation in the draft. No releasing of players will be allowed after March 6 to allow for a static pool of players for the SWD.
Blue Ox start process of accumulating draft picks
The Bangor Blue Ox started the process of accumulating selections in the MDBL SWD draft as they purchased the Batavia Muckdogs 2nd round selection for $10K.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
SWD Draft moving to bulletin board
Last year was the first year of running the SWD as more of a "real-time" draft and not relying on lists. It went very well but there were issues with using the YahooGroups mailing list to run the draft. Those issues have led us to use a bulletin board site to run the draft this year. The downside of that decision is that it adds yet another website for the league but we think it will smooth out the rough spots and be worth the troubles of having everyone register on the MDBL bulletin board. Please register for our league bulletin at http://mdbl.jconserv.net/index.php.
Sun Devils conclude exit strategy from Spring Waiver Draft
Earlier today the Somerset Sun Devils announced they have traded their first and second round selections in the MDBL SWD draft to the Portland Sea Dogs. "We had no roster spots for the players we could have acquired with those picks so we decided to gain some currency.", stated GM Alan Kaplan. The Sun Devils received $60K as compensation.
Sun Devils deal excess pitching to Rampage
The last week was very successful for the Somerset Sun Devils as they signed numerous free agents, but that caused one problem. They have 3 too many players on the roster and no backup catcher. The solution, trade excess pitching away for a backup catcher.
Today the Sun Devils announced they dealt pitchers Jason Marquis, Pedro Astacio, and Billy Traber to the Rampage for catcher Gary Bennett, prospect Brad McCann and $100K.
Today the Sun Devils announced they dealt pitchers Jason Marquis, Pedro Astacio, and Billy Traber to the Rampage for catcher Gary Bennett, prospect Brad McCann and $100K.
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