Extreme Baseball League: Resurrection

[pat]

Background

A billionaire, who’s an avid fan of baseball, has found a creative solution for his regressing company – a porno industry. His business was a hit in the late 60’s up to the early 80’s. In the last four years, though, it started to decline since their target market for mature women, their “specialty”, has significantly dropped. Even so, he has accumulated a good chunk of cash in a score and a few years his business has been operating.

Start a new baseball league.

Cornelius Grant, the wealthy (and horny) businessman from Tennessee has decided to take on a new industry – baseball.

“This will be better than MLB,” exclaimed Grant. “We’ll feature 8 teams from all over America. Baseball will be back on your TV screens, radio and anywhere you could think of.”

One reporter asked about Canada, immediately Cornelius said, stopping his sentence, “No, no. They have a very poor fan base and hockey has resurrected, baseball will die down again to the Canadians. Expanding it to other nations will be discussed later on.”

“What about the MLB players, Mr. Grant?” a goofy-looking male inquired.

“What about them?” Grant replied. “They’ll never play in my league.

“I’ll be the commissioner as long as the blood in my vines is running,” he proclaimed. “People, this will not be a semblance of XFL. Vince McMahon’s so greedy that’s why it flopped, that will not happen here, I assure you that.’

“What are the teams, where would they play?” a hot female reporter raised the query.

Grant paused. He scanned her body and responded, “The cities are official, and the nicknames would be based on the discretion of the owner. I’m accepting application for ownership now. The clock starts ticking. All owners from the MLB teams would not be allowed to bid on a team.”

Mr. Grant waved and head off the press conference room looking excited.

*I'm going to resurrect my old dynasty, this time, with a fewer teams (8) and I'm hoping to go live after 18 seasons, where Cornelius' son will join the draft.
*8 teams, 2 divisions
*Playoff: First two teams of each division qualifies.

[pat]

Mr. Grant unknots the curtains. Seated were 8 individual. The dimness of the area makes it blurry for the eyes to notice them.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” started by the founder. “These guys will run the show in the XBL.

“Some of them applied, some of them I called, and they did not disappoint. Folks, here are the owners. Turn on the lights, please.”

The reporters were shocked and left in awe to see the countries billionaires. From the Microsoft co-founders to the FedEx “father”, the crowd just started to clap.

During the open-forum, a writer asked about how Mr. Grant persuaded Bill Gates.

“He’s an acquaintance of mine,” Gates avowed. “Too bad he didn’t make it to the “Forbes 400 Richest in America”, and he’s just one spot away (401). Anyhow, he just informed us that this league will thrive with billionaires like us, to assist and invest in it. I enjoy baseball too and owning a team in the XBL will open up more things to Microsoft.”

The throngs of critics were left with loads of issues on the tip of their tongues, Mr. Grant just murmured, “Thanks for coming,” and the curtains blocked their spectacle.

List of owners:

Cincinnati Kings – Richard Farmer
Seattle Brewers – Paul Allen
Washington Grays – Bill Gates
St. Louis Crusaders – Jack Taylor
Los Angeles Robins– Lawrence Ellison
San Francisco Broncos– Frederick Smith
Milwaukee Rangers – Samuel Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers – Henry Hillman

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Cincinnati – Davidson Ballpark

Located near the Fountain Square, the centerpiece of downtown, the Tyler Davidson Fountain, has come to symbolize the city as a whole.

The park is considerably smaller than other parks in MLB, making it a haven for home runs. In right center field, two riverboat-inspired smoke stacks flash lights, emit smoke and launch fireworks to incite or respond to the home team's efforts.

Seating Capacity – 43, 027

Dimensions

Left-field line: 299 feet
Left-field power alley: 385 feet
Center field: 394 feet
Right-field power alley: 313 feet
Right-field line: 294 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 95
3B: 72
AVG RHB: 103
HR RHB: 110
AVG LHB: 109
HR LHB: 129

Seattle –Alki Field

Over 150 years ago, Arthur Denny and a ragtag crew arrived at Alki Point and became the first white settlers on this section of Native America. Located about 15 minutes west of Downtown Seattle, this Seattle stadium offers superb views of the city, the Space Needle and Mount Ranier.

It is the only stadium in the XBL to be located near a beach – so near that it can trek the shores and the ocean itself. It enables power-hitters to splash a ball to the waves coming in. Securities made it sure that no visitors of the said beach will be hit.

Seating Capacity – 48,126

Dimensions

Left-field line: 312 feet
Left-center: 355 feet
Center field: 428 feet
Right-center: 375 feet
Right-field line: 357 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 97
3B: 104
AVG RHB: 103
HR RHB: 105
AVG LHB: 94
HR LHB: 92


Washington – Lincoln Memorial Stadium

It's said that Lincoln's countenance changes with the daylight, but the classic Greek temple setting will awe no matter what time you visit the imposing footman of the ballpark.

The stadium is ideal for concerts and other major events. Locker and lounge areas are modernized. It’s also an open air arena.

Seating Capacity – 54,600

Dimensions

Left-field line: 308 feet
Left-center: 386 feet
Center field: 406 feet
Right-center: 386 feet
Right-field line: 357 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 101
3B: 107
AVG RHB: 103
HR RHB: 99
AVG LHB: 94
HR LHB: 87

St. Louis – Anheuser Stadium

What self-respecting beer drinker wouldn't pay homage to the masters of the American mass-brew? If you come to St. Louis without visiting the birthplace of red, white and true Budweiser, you are legally banned from watching the American Series ever again.

The stadium is basically a two-deck facility with about half its seats in each deck. The seats completely surround the field without posts or columns to obstruct fans' views.

Seating Capacity – 46,990

Dimensions

Left-field line: 369 feet
Left-center: 393 feet
Center field: 410 feet
Right-center: 366 feet
Right-field line: 341 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 99
3B: 120
AVG RHB: 90
HR RHB: 83
AVG LHB: 94
HR LHB: 86

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LA - Griffith Stadium

The name Griffith is honored because the Griffith Park is one of the biggest in LA. Covering more than 4000 acres, L.A.'s biggest park makes NYC's Central Park look like a median strip. The park features two golf courses, pony rides, a train museum and the stunning L.A. Griffith Observatory.

It offers a magnificent view of downtown Los Angeles, a large video screen and out-of-town scoreboards.

Seating Capacity – 55,000

Dimensions

Left-field line: 390 feet
Left-center: 389 feet
Center field: 408 feet
Right-center: 378 feet
Right-field line: 333 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 103
3B: 121
AVG RHB: 85
HR RHB: 76
AVG LHB: 99
HR LHB: 91

Pittsburgh – Heinz Park

Named after a wealthy businessman, John Heinz, who donated large sum of money to local educational and cultural institutions in his time.

A 30-by-50 foot LED video board, offers high-resolution replays and graphics, even in direct sunlight. In the left-field stands a 34-by-80 foot Matrix scoreboard displaying animation and cheer graphics, lineups, stats, and game info.

Seating Capacity – 43,280

Dimensions

Left-field line: 347 feet
Left-center: 366 feet
Center field: 357 feet
Right-center: 336 feet
Right-field line: 296 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 94
3B: 78
AVG RHB: 93
HR RHB: 107
AVG LHB: 106
HR LHB: 127

San Francisco – Golden Gate Stadium

It was built adjacent to the historic Golden Gate Park. A pair of Dutch-style windmills can be seen over the left-field side. These pumped water throughout the park providing clean water for everyone to use.

A big glove on the far-end of the right-field wall suggests catching a ball every time it went that direction.

Seating Capacity – 43,280

Dimensions

Left-field line: 353 feet
Left-center: 413 feet
Center field: 396 feet
Right-center: 392 feet
Right-field line: 299 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 105
3B: 108
AVG RHB: 90
HR RHB: 80
AVG LHB: 105
HR LHB: 86

Milwaukee – Calatrava Park

The stadium is located near the visually prominent cultural attraction, Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The museum includes a "brise soleil," a moving sunscreen that quite literally unfolds like the wing of a bird.

Calatrava also designed the ballpark putting a retractable roof, with the roof panels opening and closing simultaneously in a sweeping manner from the first base and third base sides towards center field.

Seating Capacity – 43,280

Dimensions

Left-field line: 263 feet
Left-center: 342 feet
Center field: 442 feet
Right-center: 398 feet
Right-field line: 360 feet

Park Factors:
2B: 97
3B: 97
AVG RHB: 116
HR RHB: 130
AVG LHB: 94
HR LHB: 95

[pat]

http://65.78.148.37:5080/~bombers/XBL/index.html

I haven't updated the logos, division names, etc. but you can check out the free agent crop, who are available for the initial draft.

As always, thank you, jazzrack, for the space.

[pat]

1. Jason Marty - Cincinnati Kings

A good-looking guy on the outside, but a dolt inside. He isn't all that bright, to say the least. But he is sociable and friendly, he works his way with his charms and charisma. He was raised in a small town

He thinks very, very highly of herself, to the point that he dismisses other peoples beliefs or ideas if he doesn't happen to agree with them. He is a bit opinionated as well. Superstitions are in his dictionary, he doesn’t take a bath every Friday the 13th, just to name one.

STEALING: 4
HIT AND RUN: 7
SAC BUNT: 6
SQUEEZE BUNT: 6
BUNT FOR HIT: 5
PINCH HIT (PP): 5
PINCH RUN: 9
PULL SP: 4
PULL RP: 6
PITCH AROUND: 8
INTENTIONAL W: 4
FAVOR L/R: 4
GUARD LINES: 3
PLAY INF/COR IN: 2


2. Gary Wooten - Seattle Brewers

Gary’s devoted to alcohol and gambling but he’s determined to change his ways. He’s inconsiderate to the point of taking for granted the rights or feelings of others. This guy takes advantage of opportunities.

He’s proud of his full beard, he thinks it’s good luck. Also, he’s a frustated singer. He can’t help singing in the dugout.

STEALING: 7
HIT AND RUN: 7
SAC BUNT: 5
SQUEEZE BUNT: 4
BUNT FOR HIT: 7
PINCH HIT (PP): 3
PINCH RUN: 6
PULL SP: 5
PULL RP: 5
PITCH AROUND: 5
INTENTIONAL W: 5
FAVOR L/R: 4
GUARD LINES: 4
PLAY INF/COR IN: 3


3. Larry Ferraro - Washington Grays

Larry is one hell of a cunning manager. He is known as a shrewd business man. He loves the spotlight and is more than willing to play up to it by being showy and colorful in his dress, speach and behaviour. But he has a general lack of emotion or concern for anything.

He got his nickname, Goat, for he always chew a gum on and off the field. When a player jokingly called out Goat, Larry will look thinking he yelled coach.

STEALING: 8
HIT AND RUN: 6
SAC BUNT: 4
SQUEEZE BUNT: 4
BUNT FOR HIT: 6
PINCH HIT (PP): 2
PINCH RUN: 6
PULL SP: 4
PULL RP: 6
PITCH AROUND: 6
INTENTIONAL W: 6
FAVOR L/R: 6
GUARD LINES: 5
PLAY INF/COR IN: 8

4. Tony Gillenwater - St. Louis Crusaders

Tony is unpredictable in his actions. Even if the guy is slumping, he would keep him on his card, while if the guy his waxing hot, he doesn’t care. Has extraordinary intellectual power. Graduated as magna cum laude. He lacks spirit, or zest, a bit sluggish in his action.

He has a scar on his forehead, reminisced by his stupid childhood days where he would accidentally bump his head into something. One time, while he’s on the backseat of the car, his father slammed on the brakes real hard and he was litterally thrown to the gear and gauge in front. Even if he has the scar, he always look in the mirror and consider himself as vain.

STEALING: 6
HIT AND RUN: 6
SAC BUNT: 5
SQUEEZE BUNT: 5
BUNT FOR HIT: 5
PINCH HIT (PP): 7
PINCH RUN: 7
PULL SP: 7
PULL RP: 7
PITCH AROUND: 6
INTENTIONAL W: 3
FAVOR L/R: 4
GUARD LINES: 5
PLAY INF/COR IN: 5

*I used Malleus Dei's random manager generator, btw.

[pat]

5. Jeffery Griffis - Los Angeles Robins

He is not committed or faithful to an organization or person. Not the trustworthy type, though somehow he usually get others to believe he is. Alleged to be insane, not mentally stable. A full blown schizophrenic. He has a hard time trusting anyone and is willing to leap at the slightest indication that people are not trustworthy.

He does not eat meat, or perhaps only eats fish. Citing moral issues regarding his vegetarian status. A proud member of PETA.

STEALING: 6
HIT AND RUN: 5
SAC BUNT: 7
SQUEEZE BUNT: 5
BUNT FOR HIT: 2
PINCH HIT (PP): 4
PINCH RUN: 4
PULL SP: 5
PULL RP: 5
PITCH AROUND: 7
INTENTIONAL W: 5
FAVOR L/R: 5
GUARD LINES: 6
PLAY INF/COR IN: 5

6. Ryan Berg - San Francisco Broncos

Willing to serve in subordinate capacity. He does not want that kind of responsibility. He is just a follower by nature. He is also a character that lacks character. Submissive, patient, non-violent.

Ryan loves to eat, and he'll eat to the point of excess. It stemmed from a childhood where food was scarce and now that he has it he eats as if it will be taken away again. Also, he wears glasses, a la Harry Potter thick glasses.

STEALING: 5
HIT AND RUN: 9
SAC BUNT: 3
SQUEEZE BUNT: 4
BUNT FOR HIT: 8
PINCH HIT (PP): 5
PINCH RUN: 6
PULL SP: 6
PULL RP: 4
PITCH AROUND: 7
INTENTIONAL W: 5
FAVOR L/R: 4
GUARD LINES: 2
PLAY INF/COR IN: 1

7. Phillip Broaddus - Milwaukee Rangers

He rarely shows feeling or passion in response to events especially in regard to pain and distress. He is practically in love with himself. Nothing is too good for him, no one is more beautiful, attractive or charming. Phillip may constantly muse over sad and depressing things. A rather introverted type.

If one lie will suffice ten are even better. Sometimes he lie just for the sake of lying. Phillip has an accent, which originated from his hometown.

STEALING: 6
HIT AND RUN: 6
SAC BUNT: 5
SQUEEZE BUNT: 5
BUNT FOR HIT: 5
PINCH HIT (PP): 5
PINCH RUN: 7
PULL SP: 7
PULL RP: 5
PITCH AROUND: 6
INTENTIONAL W: 7
FAVOR L/R: 4
GUARD LINES: 4
PLAY INF/COR IN: 6


8. Jeffrey Farr - Pittsburgh Steelers

Jeffrey is very loyal. When he makes an oath he keeps it no matter what the cost to himself. Extremely careful in attending to details. Farr wants things done right and usually wants it done right the first time. Measure twice (or five times) and cut once is his motto. He is also a revered faithful for religion and God.

He is allergic to animals, especially with furs, he sneeze when a dog or cat comes along his way.

STEALING: 6
HIT AND RUN: 5
SAC BUNT: 7
SQUEEZE BUNT: 5
BUNT FOR HIT: 4
PINCH HIT (PP): 7
PINCH RUN: 5
PULL SP: 4
PULL RP: 6
PITCH AROUND: 3
INTENTIONAL W: 4
FAVOR L/R: 5
GUARD LINES: 7
PLAY INF/COR IN: 4

[pat]

[pat]

[pat]

Round 1

St. Louis pick: P Silvio Cifuentes


Cifuentes has four dominating pitches-a 94-MPH fastball, an 87-MPH slider, an 80-MPH curveball and a 76-MPH changeup. The changeup is the most devastating, because it comes out of his hand looking just like his fastball. When it arrives 18 MPH slower than the heater, hitters swing and miss by embarrassing margins.

Seattle pick: P Gary Dawson


When he's on, Dawson has the best stuff on the Brewers staff, and he's the hardest of their pitchers to hit. It all starts with hard, moving two-seam and four-seam fastballs that regularly check in at the mid-90s. He also has a cannonball of a sinker that he throws with a split grip. The "heavy" pitch often gets beaten into the ground.

Washington pick: P William Mathena


With a loose-armed, three-quarters delivery, Mathena delivers a fastball that ranges from 91-94 MPH. He also has a plus change and a curve he'll throw in any count. His changeup arguably is his best pitch. He's an intense competitor with great focus, and he rarely lets hitters escape with a mistake once he gets ahead.

Milwaukee pick: P William Holbrook


Although his repertoire has broadened and Holbrook has become more of a pitcher than a thrower, he's still a power guy. His best pitch, and the one that sets up everything else, is a fastball that consistently registers in the low to mid 90s. Holbrook’s curveball also is among the best. It's over-the-top with a sharp downward break. Holbrook has a well-earned reputation as a pitcher who will come inside, but most of his hit batters come on a still-developing changeup.

Cincinnati pick: P Jimmie Aiken


When he's on, Aiken is that rare breed of power pitcher who has exquisite command. He has a fastball that clocks in the low- to mid 90s, a good curveball and a still-developing changeup.

Los Angeles pick: P Conrado Hernandez


Hernandez regularly cranks it up to 99 MPH and regularly works inside. His slider doesn't have quite the wicked break but he has better command of four pitches. Hernandez also throws a change that can get him a groundball.

Pittsburgh pick: SS Sandy Smith


Smith generates his home-run power to left and left-center field. His doubles power ranges from foul line to foul line. Smith’s swing is more compact, yet he struggles with soft-tossers. Finesse pitchers are able to keep him off stride and reduce his power. His slight uppercut swing allows groundball pitchers to keep the ball in the park and have success against him.

San Francisco pick: 1B Mitchel Raphael


He can occasionally appear anxious on offspeed pitches away. And it is sometimes possible to jam Raphael with high, hard stuff. However, he turns on the best hard stuff with amazing regularity, and pitching him away runs the risk of him using his remarkable power to the opposite field. Rapahel has always been an outstanding breaking-ball hitter, and his mastery of the strike zone improves each year.

*I'll probably recap until Round 10.
*I'll update the site and provide links sometime. I'm actually confused right now. There's just too much on my mind. If you want to know, it's on my blog.

[pat]

San Francisco pick: P Peter Prettyman



Prettyman is a prototypical crafty lefthander, changing speeds and location to keep hitters off balance. His best pitches are a cut fastball and a slow curve.

Pittsburgh pick: 1B Rodney Hoag



Hoag is a bona fide No. 3 hitter who could move to the cleanup spot because he has the ability to expand his strike zone when it comes time to drive in runs. He has the hand-eye coordination to handle all types of pitching, and when he is swinging the bat properly he is especially strong driving the ball to left and left-center field. He has taught himself to anticipate situations and turn on the inside pitch. He is a good contact man for a run producer, and an excellent two-strike hitter who does not make concessions with his swing.

Los Angeles pick: C Willie Devita



The right-handed-hitting Martinez, with more power left-handed, swings for contact and would just as soon get a runner home from third on a grounder as a hit. He has a quick, even swing from both sides of the plate, but can be beaten by splitters and sliders.

Cincinnati pick: 1B Eugene Davenport



Davenport has a flat swing and keeps his hand inside the ball well, often going to left field. He stays balanced and has a quick stroke, allowing him to be a good contact hitter. He recognizes pitches well; drawing a decent number of walks, but does not generate much home-run power with his swing.

Milwaukee pick: C Antonio Romero



Romero is downright lethal from the right side of the plate. Batting right-handed, curveballs tailing inside can tie him up, but from either side of the plate he has few holes and possesses good power to all fields. Romero is a patient hitter who averaged more than four pitches per plate appearance in 2004. Yet, he hacks if he sees a first pitch he likes.

Washington pick: 1B Bob Manzi



Manzi often took a big cut in his swing, making him susceptible to breaking pitches. Also, he’s a combative hitter who can draw walks when pitchers try to work around him. Manzi has tremendous power when he pulls the ball, but he can hit for average as well, and seems to be at his best when he waits on the ball and drives it to left-center and right-center.

Seattle pick: RF Cory Edwards



The strength of Edwards’ hands and wrists is second to none. To violently shake the bat as he does and still explode on good fastballs is no easy task. Edwards also creates great torque with his hips, which help propel his tape-measure home runs. When his hands and hips are out of concert, he is still strong enough to muscle balls for hits. Pitchers usually take the hard-in, soft-away approach against him, with soft-away more regularly coming later in the sequence. Edwards continues to be a selective hitter with good strike-zone understanding.

St. Louis pick: RF Michael Carroll



He swings at nearly every pitch he sees, particularly the first one in an at-bat. Considering that, it's amazing he walks 50-80 times in a season most years. That's how much respect pitchers give him. He continues to be one of the best bad-ball hitters in baseball, so pitching around him can be tricky. He doesn't need to see strikes to get hits.

*I've updated the site. Also, you can check out the players as I've provided the link. I forgot to put their photos yet, so you can just check out here what they look like.

[pat]

St. Louis pick: 1B Boyce Jasinski



He's smart, patient and hits home runs. He habitually works counts in his favor and then looks one spot for a pitch to pound. If he doesn't get that pitch, he takes, oftentimes drawing a walk. He hits both righties and lefties well and is proficient at hitting with power to the opposite field.

Seattle pick: 3B Moses Adams



Adams is considered a very good contact hitter with excellent hand-eye coordination. He has a picture-perfect swing, usually keeps his approach simple and will hit singles to all fields. He is very good with the game on the line, when he seems to intensify his concentration and frequently come up with big hits.

Washington pick: SS Wilfredo Colon



Colon aggressively attacks pitches early in the count. His ability to stay inside the ball and let it get deep is well documented. Colon will use the whole field, but his power stroke is the opposite way. Pitchers habitually challenge him on the inner half, trying to expose holes, especially down and in. He effectively inside-outs many of these pitches and is capable of getting the bat head out front when needed

Milwaukee pick: CF Theo Conlan



Conlan generally is very patient, but he will swing at a first-ball fastball if it's left over the inner half. Conlan is somewhat susceptible to pitches on the outer half, usually down and away, but he will make contact if it's in the strike zone. This year, he concentrated on pulling the ball more, hammering pitches down and in especially. His power comes from his strong, quick wrists, so even on bad swings Conlan can hit the ball for extra bases. His contact rate went down some, but he can get a bunt down when needed.

Cincinnati pick: 2B Jose Lozano



He has an extremely short, compact swing which is something hitting instructors try to teach all players. He gets the barrel of the bat to the strike zone very quickly and pitchers know he can hit any fastball in either league.

Los Angeles pick: 3B Robert Nott



He hits the ball to all fields, does equally well against right-handers and lefties, and hits for both power and average. He shows rare patience at the plate for a 30 year old. Big league pitchers do not intimidate Nott, and he does an excellent job of working deep into counts. He has a knack for getting big hits, and his power should increase as his body is in his prime.

Pittsburgh pick: P Richard Bogen



Bogen succeeds by keeping it simple. He attacks hitters with a low-90s fastball and a plus-plus changeup, working fast and throwing strikes. He used those two primary pitches to set up a cut fastball that sometimes comes and goes, but was generally in his 2004 arsenal.

San Francisco pick: LF Herman Laureano



Laureano is a left-handed-hitting, line-drive hitter who chokes up on the bat, sprays the ball around and likes to bunt.

[pat]

San Francisco pick: P Thomas Earp



With the amazing speed differential of his fastball and curve, Earp has long been expected to be among baseball's best pitchers. He throws his striking fastball at 89-92 MPH, and then comes in with a curve in the 70s to strike hitters out, often making them look bad in the process. He also went to throwing his curve at different speeds last year, further confounding hitters. He improved his slider and used it more last season, and is developing a sneaky changeup.

Pittsburgh pick: P Herbert Ibarra



Ibarra is a fastball-slider pitcher who relies on his slider as his primary pitch. He throws 91-94 MPH and tops out at 96 with his fastball, and can overwhelm some hitters with it. But he has developed the slider into such a devastating pitch; he can throw it at will. He disguises it, making it look like a fastball upon delivery, but it breaks late, leaving many hitters looking silly. He also throws it in and out of the strike zone and generally baffles hitters with it. He has been known to throw several sliders in a row and hitters still can't touch it when they know its coming.

Los Angeles pick: P Troy Tewksbury



The velocity of both his two- and four-seam fastballs was consistently in the 88-91 MPH range, and he regained the sharpness on what has always been one of the better curveballs in baseball. Tewksbury also developed excellent feel and command on his off-speed pitches. His control was outstanding, and his staying power increased with each passing week.

Cincinnati pick: P Donald Ibarra



Ibarra is a serious competitor when on the hill. He possesses a good low-90s fastball, along with an excellent changeup and slider. Those who do make contact generally whack the ball into the ground, as Ibarra secured twice as many groundouts as fly outs in his career. That's a well-established ratio that works in Ibarra’s favor.

Milwaukee pick: SS Eric Yuan



When Yuan stays within his game, he can spray the ball around the field with enough power to hit it into the gaps. He also has the speed and ability to scratch his way onto base with bunts and infield hits.

Washington pick: P Ivan Bourgeois



He moves around the two-seamer, four-seamer and slider to both sides of the plate and changes speeds on them. But his split-finger has become his most devastating pitch, and possibly the best splitter in the business. It runs in at 87-90 MPH and looks like a fastball until the bottom drops out at the last instant. He probably has a better plan for each game than any pitcher in baseball and is unshakeable under pressure.

Seattle pick: P Eddie Bates



Bates throws a fastball and a split-finger that is probably his best pitch. He throws the split-finger to both sides of the plate and also has a good curve and a changeup, and he moves all of his pitches in and out at varying speeds. Bates can throw in the low 90s but rarely had his normal velocity most of last season. He depended much of the time on moving the ball in and out and trying to coax hitters into swinging at bad pitches.

St. Louis pick: P Major Habib



He works quickly and throws strikes. Habib can run it up there in the low 90s and offsets his fastball with both a slider and changeup away. Using his slider as an out pitch has made him notoriously tougher on right-handed batters, but against lefties he has to be more fine, opting instead to back-door the slider and fade the changeup.

[pat]

St. Louis pick: P Michale Stocks



Stocks rely on a 90-MPH fastball that he locates precisely, but his best pitch is his sinker, which he throws with the same arm speed and motion as his fastball. It comes in at roughly 87 MPH. Stocks often gets popup and fly balls. He also throws a slider that plays well off his fastball, but he's at his best when he delivers well-located fastballs to get ahead in the count and then uses his sinker as an out pitch. His combination of control and determination to avoid walks means he gives up some home runs, but few big innings.

Seattle pick: 1B Justin Novotny



Novotny is a slashing, line drive hitter who hits the ball to all fields. He likes to get his arms extended, and he can be tied up inside and with high pitches. His manager before uses Novotny as high as the No. 2 spot in the order because of his intelligent approach at the plate.

Washington pick: P Herman Christensen



Christensen has a solid sinking fastball in the low-90s but has been unable to complement it with another plus pitch. His curveball can be a good pitch, but he does not command it well enough.

Milwaukee pick: P Michael Frigo



Frigo has all kinds of movement in his impressive arsenal, highlighted by a hot dancing fastball and a wicked splitter. His control is sharp. Has trouble with runners aboard and tends to take an inning or two to find his best stuff.

Cincinnati pick: LF Paul Courtemanche



Loves to crank the ball into the gaps for doubles and will occasionally deposit one in the seats. His great pure strength allows him to muscle the ball out over any fence. Swings well against righties and lefties.

Los Angeles pick: P William Loch



He's an economical pitcher who locates his pitches well. Right-handed hitters find him particularly tough. Needs to work on his ability to pitch beyond late innings and isn't as effective from the stretch with runners on.

Pittsburgh pick: P Paul Leber



Though his fastball can reach the 90s, it's not his strongest weapon. That title goes to his nasty curve, over which he exhibits sterling control, as he does with all of his pitches. Defensively, having Leber on the mound is like having a "short-shortstop" playing in the middle of the diamond and he can keep runners close to the bag.

San Francisco pick: P Jim Daggett



Is durable, doesn't walk many batters and usually saves his best for big games. Has a solid repertoire of fastball, slider and an outstanding change-up. Would be able to further dominate hitters with a solid fourth pitch.

*Season will commence shortly.
*My other dynasty will still get the updates but I'll try this to be my primary dynasty for now.

[pat]

Cincinnati Kings

The highest-paid player, starter Jimmie Aiken, who is owed $10,790,000 every year until the 2006 season, will banner the rotation for the Kings. But Cincinnati invested their funds in hitting, no matter what the age, as long as the players can play.

39-year old Jose Lozano will man the second base spot and hitting #3, followed by 37-year old Kenneth Wanamaker who will handle the hot corner.

Strengths:
- Power
- Eye
- Infield

Weaknesses:
- Catcher
- Bullpen

Watch out for: Right fielder, Scott Holderman, 20 years old

- Scott will set the table for the Kings. His brilliant eye will produce a lot of walks and a lot of hits but his lack of speed needs some work as a lead-off man.


Pittsburgh Steelers

The 1-2 punch of Rodney Hoag and Sandy “The Lawyer” Smith in the lineup will give a lot of headaches to opposing pitchers, especially when they’re hitting back-to-back, 3rd and 4th respectively.

Closer Herbert Ibarra will shut out the gates in the later innings but there’s still a question mark if he’ll get enough save opportunities.

Strengths:
- Contact
- Bullpen
- Infield

Weaknesses:
- Outfield

Watch out for: Starting pitcher, Richard Bogen, 24 years old

- Bogen will have a lot of load on his shoulder as he’ll carry the young rotation solely. Even though he’s just 24 he has honed his skills up to the extent of his maximum potential.


San Francisco Broncos

One of the best power-hitting team, the Broncos will try to out-hit every team they’ll face. Headed by first baseman Mitchel Raphael, San Francisco will rely more on the offense.

“Revenant” Prettyman has more than good looks, as suggested by his name, and will overpower batters with his sinking fastball which produces groundball 60% of the time.

Strengths:
- Power
- Eye
- Corner Infield

Weaknesses:
- Pitching


Watch out for: Second baseman/Shortstop, Eduardo Renteria, 23 years old

- The fans will notice him as the brother of former MLB player Edgar Renteria. He’ll showcase his power in the Golden Gate Stadium.


St. Louis Crusaders

The knights will get on base regularly and will look for Michael Carroll to drive them home as he’s the lone power-hitter in the bunch.

The rotation is considered as top-tier with “Magnum” Cifuentes spear-heading the staff. Cifuentes is known to blow past hitters with his fastball, hence the nickname “Magnum”. Right hander Michale Stocks hopes his beard will distract the opposing batters.

Strengths:
- Contact
- Eye
- Outfield

Weaknesses:
- Infield

Watch out for: Second baseman, Kerry Harris, 31 years old

- Harris is the scrappiest player on the league. He’ll get on base, he’ll utilize his speed, he’ll dazzle you with his glove, what more can you ask for?

[pat]

Los Angeles Robins

“Will” the duo of old shortstop Paddock and young catcher Devita, provide enough firepower? The answer is easy, it’s in the affirmative. They are bounded with a lot of skilled players like Juan Leon, Robert Nott and Paul Wallace who could bear the load themselves.

Aging staff wouldn’t hurt as most of them are on their prime already and might decline soon. Only Troy Tewksbury is under 30 years old (27) which is a plus as the other vets could hand some experience and tips to him.

Strengths:
- Contact
- Eye
- Infield

Weaknesses:
- None

Watch out for: Right fielder, Paul Wallace, 26 years old
- He’ll wallop doubles everywhere. It’s like spraying extra-bases like Da Vinci.

Milwaukee Rangers

They have a youthful lineup, no player over 30 years old, but would their age have an effect and play a major role in the field? All-around offensive prowess will carry them as they only have a couple of holes in the lineup. The said holes were not even deep as Theo Conlan will be the catalyst.

Aside from William Holbrook, the other pitcher falls into #3 kind of starters, average, low stuff and high movement pitchers. Setup man Isidro Rondon from Dominican Republic will go hand-in-hand with closer Jorge Navarro from Honduras.

Strengths:
- Contact
- Eye

Weaknesses:
- Leftfield
- Third base

Watch out for: Right fielder, Larry Doman, 21 years old
- A versatile player. Doman could pitch and hit but he’s better at the plate. His pitcher experience made him work the count more and learned a lot about the art of hitting through pitching.

Seattle Brewers

Playoff is brewing in Seattle as the lineup features many of the league’s premier hitters. Fronting the offense, right fielder Cory Edwards will deliver the goods at the plate. Moses Adams and Quentin Bahr will help Edwards drive in runs for the Brewers. A logjam at first base looms in the horizon, Justin Novotny and Larry Crittendon, both contact hitters but Novotny has more pop but Crittendon could amaze you with his glove, but who would care about defense at first?

The lefties’ staff comprised of four southpaws with only Brenton Motto throwing with his right hand. The 1-2-3 slots are covered nicely by “Noodle” Dawson, “Cobra” Bates and Eric Stem, all are tough against right-handers but exceptionally tough against lefties.

Strengths:
- Contact
- Eye

Weaknesses:
- Back-end of the rotation

Watch out for: Starter, Eddie “Cobra” Bates, 32 years old
- Even though he’s 32, he could still bite you and poison your senses at the plate. Batters beware.

Washington Grays

No obvious holes in the lineup but the call up of 24-year old catcher Emil Guasch could cost them something. Rated as a talented prospect, he may not hone his skill playing back-up.

Anything that has to do with animals has flourished in the rotation with “Grasshopper” Mathena and “Duck Hunter” Bourgeois pilot the Grays. Mathena is no small grasshopper, standing 6’4” but weighing just 185 pounds, got the nickname for his speed in his younger days. They say he’s like a grasshopper hopping along the bases with ease.

Strengths:
- Contact
- Eye
- Outfield

Weaknesses:
- Back-end of the rotation

Watch out for: Shortstop, Wilfredo Colon, 24 years old
- Colon will put a mark for his Venezuelan countrymen. He kills lefties with superiority and his tandem with future backstop, Guasch will be a thing to watch in an imminent date.

[canadiancreed]

defiantely a nice start here, although if you had better management (aka no Loria's), baseball in Canada would do just fine

[MikeSlugga]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

defiantely a nice start here, although if you had better management (aka no Loria's), baseball in Canada would do just fine

haha, agreed. Good read so far, keep it up!

[pat]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

defiantely a nice start here, although if you had better management (aka no Loria's), baseball in Canada would do just fine

Thanks Chris. We'll see if this thing expands.

Originally Posted by MikeSlugga

haha, agreed. Good read so far, keep it up!

Thanks Mike.

Well, I'm wondering if I should wait for the new game to continue this dynasty. What do you think? It's alright for me, I could do all of their pictures at that time, at least those on the active roster.

[MikeSlugga]

Couldnt you transfer everything after say 1 season or somthing ?
Or would that be too much of a hassle? Either way, do what you gotta do!