The Baton Rouge Riverboats

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 12:50 AM

Hey all, kind of new to this, but these dynasty reports are something that have interested me since I began playing OOTP, and even before with baseball games. Reading TigerFan's fictional
report has made me want to give that kind of thing a shot so here goes. Thanks ahead of time to TigerFan, who has inspired many aspects of this (Thought I'd get that out of the way here,
to avoid having to do so specifically whenever I use his ideas.)
Anyway, I'll be using a fictional league, and taking TigerFan's excellent idea of simming 30 seasons to build a history. The team is the North American Baseball Coalition (NABA), and consists
of two leagues of two divisions of four teams. The layout is as follows (Apologies for the low-end effects, I have no idea how to insert images. If this threat ends up working well I'll learn how.)

2003 Season Standings
Western League
West Coast
Vancouver- 85-77 (Won Coalition Cup)
Portland- 84-78
Honolulu- 83-79
San Francisco- 74-88

Midwest
San Antonio- 88-74
Phoenix- 84-78
Denver- 76-86
Minneapolis- 74-88

Eastern League
East Coast
Miami- 86-76
Charleston- 78-84
Boston- 71-91
Manhattan- 71-91

South
Memphis- 96-66
Atlanta- 91-71
Louisville- 78-84
Baton Rouge- 77-85

The league has been around since 1975 and is beginning it's 2004 season. Neither team uses the DH, and the numbers put up have been pretty much as per real life. If there is any
interest expressed in this thread I will go into more detail on league history.

After perusing the teams I've decided to take over management of the Baton Rouge Riverboats, a team that has never been a consistent powerhouse looking to build a dynasty in a strong division without a constant favorite. They last finished with a 77-85 record, and haven't put together two consecutive winning seasons since 1993-1994. They have a payroll of about 60,000,000, third lowest in the Coalition, and, more alarmingly, the second worst minor league system, making the rebuilding process even more difficult. They have a good market, and fair fan loyalty, considering the model of inconsistency they have displayed over the past decade. I'll adda new post later going over the team's players and my plans with it. Please post any criticisms, suggestions, or just anything at all so I know people are reading.

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 01:33 AM

I forgot to mention, as per TigerFan's brilliant idea, in order to more recreate the realism of managing, I've turned off all the ratings except for the gold and blue stars.
Pitching

While the Riverboats have been generally mediocre, it is the pitching that needs the most immediate help. Their team ERA of 4.57 is below average, even considering that they are in
a hitter's league, and that high number is despite relatively solid bullpen work.

Starting Rotation
The Riverboats only legitimate upper rotation pitcher, hometown boy Les Descoleaux is at the end of his contract and has expressed interest in "testing the waters", bad news
for the low-payroll team. Joining Descoleaux in the exodus are journeymen starters Corey Tye and William Blane, though they are less likely to be missed. Left behind are only two starters,
and ideally bottom rotation ones at that.

SP Kim Singleton- The 30 year old righty is a converted reliever but, before the last couple of seasons had posted pretty solid numbers. Last years 8-18 record with an ERA in the sixes left
a lot to be desired, but management has faith he'll bounce back to his usual self, which isn't saying much.

SP Gary Dunphy- The 32 year old journeyman has posted steadily mediocre numbers being juggled between the active roster and AAA. Ideally he is a spot starter, but on the lousy Riverboat
staff he's practically the ace.

Alarmingly, there is no real talent at the starting pitcher position in Baton Rouge's minor league system, something that will have to be dealt with in the next draft.

Bullpen
The bullpen is more of a strong point, and fortunantly so, as they seem to pitch more innings than the starters. Anchored by closer Sabas Ahumada, they are one of the few areas that doesn't need upgrading.

Bobby Alden- This 38 year old lefty has done alright as a spot starter and long reliever, and his 4.98 ERA belies his effectiveness. He is signed until 2006, but his relatively low salary
will keep him from being too much of a dead weight if his performance falters.

George Moore- The 36 year old right-hander has posted steady numbers as a middle reliever since being claimed off waivers in 1999. His ERA over the last four seasons is a little under
3.50, and he has proved capable of throwing more than 100 innings in a season. He is very valuable pitching to hold a deficit, something that is more common in the Baton Rouge organization
then we'd like.

Alonzo Benitez- 32 year old righty just starting to bring it all together. After a horrendous few years playing for Manhattan he has done just fine in the Riverboat bullpen, filling the
same roll as George Moore.

William Encinas- The younge 26 year old fireballer is an interesting case. If he can bring it all together his consistantly high 90s fastballs could earn him a closer job. The previous
management certainly thought so, having signed him to a $1 million plus contract. He has struggled a bit with control, but is still young and the organization has high hopes for him.

Sabas Ahurmada- This 36 year old right-hander has been one of the greatest success stories in the league. After being claimed off waivers in 1999 Ahurmada flourished in the closer role. He has saved 65 games in the past two seasons with an ERA around two. While he is a solid presence in the bullpen, he is also some of the Riverboats' better trade bait, as his $3 million dollar contract will expire after the 2004 season.

The Baton Rouge minor league system also has several decent relief prospects, at AAA New Orleans, reliever Scott Center has excelled throughout his minor league career and may make the active roster at some point during 2004. At AA Galveston relievers Erich Boules and John Howard are considered long shot prospects and at A Shreveport Japanese phenom Hyuutarou Michihiro has scouts whispering about closer potential.

As you can see, pitching is where the Riverboats will have to make their biggest free agent moves. If Descoleaux can't be resigned the staff needs a solid starter to be their ace. Fortunantly, the bullpen looks to be solid for years to come.

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 02:40 AM

Lineup

The Riverboat's lineup, while aging, is in much better shape then their rotation. The only worry is their injury prone outfield. If the lineup stays healthy, the offense should have little to worry about in 2004. As per pitchers, however, there are very few position player prospects in the organization.

Catcher
This is one of the more worrisome positions, I'm thinking I may just let Salinas start for this year and hope that Rippeon will be ready by 2005.

Clayton Straker- The starting catcher for 2003 was a big dissapointment, batting only .204-.257-.320, and, even worse, only throwing out 11 of 88 runners. His days on the active
roster may be numbered.

Baltasar Salinas- The backup for Straker didn't surprise with the bat going .230-.282-.314, but did throw out 14 of 39 baserunners and swipe 7 bags. I'm inclined to start him, but he still hasn't proved he can hit major league pitching.

(AA) Thomas "Deuce" Rippeon- The Riverboat's best overall prospect, Rippeon has posted solid numbers in the minors while showing good power potential. The only worry is that his arm isn't
much of an improvement over Straker's. I'm hoping he'll make AAA early in the season and be able to start in 2005. This may be too much to ask for, as the high school phenom is only 19 years old.

First Baseman
Perhaps the strongest position in the Riverboat organization, I foresee no difficulties here as long as Labounty remains with the club.

Leroy Lebounty- The Louisiana native has done outstandingly with the club. He won the MVP in 2002 and nearly broke the single season home run record of 60 with 57. The perennial All-Star has clubbed 40 or more longballs for the past three seasons, and, other than a dissapointing .267 last year, normally hits at around a .300 or better clip. He is only 34, and may make the Hall of Fame if he continues playing at his current level. He is also an outstanding fielder, winning 5 Gold Gloves at first base.

Second Basemen
Last years midseason trade for Alvaro Martinez was a bit of a flop, as his .344 average wasn't enough to get the Riverboats to the playoffs. Since it's unlikely Baton Rouge will make any attempts to resign him the job returns to Dale Hoffman.

Dale Hoffman- The starting second baseman for many years with the Riverboats returns to his usual position after signing a 3 year contract for about $1.8 million a year. Before slumping and being replaced last season he had posted 20-30 taters and 80-100 RBIs a season while hitting at a .270 clip.

Third Baseman
The hot corner is still up for grabs as the Riverboats have had trouble finding a consistant starter at third. Barring any free agent signings the position will probably go to Santo Aguilar who hit well at AAA last year. At 31 years old he is no longer considered a prospect, but has never had more than 100 major league at-bats in a season and has shown the capacity to hit balls out of the park, even with a reputation for swinging at the resin bag.

Shortstop
Another position with a strong but aging player in it. I may have to concentrate my draft on position players as much as pitching.

Jed "Graveyard" Badillo- The 37 year old New Mexico Native has been a fan favorite in Lousiana, but probably doesn't have more than a few seasons left in him. He posts solid HR numbers and hits for a good average, in addition to being an excellent fielder with 2 Gold Gloves in a very competitive position.

Outfield
I'm not sure whether I should worry about this position or not. The players are all quality,but past their prime and injury prone. I'm thinking that I should pick up a young outfielder and try to trade away one of my current ones.

LF Daniel Frisbie- A Hall of Fame career is beginning to wind down for legendary slugger Daniel Frisbie. Even at the age of 38 Frisbie still has it and should be good for a .290 average and 30 home runs. The only worry is his health, and his steadily climbing strikeout totals over the past few seasons.

OF Roberto Lopez- This 35 year old has never earned a starting job, but has been valuable off the bench as a pinch hitter and can play any of the outfield positions, albeit rather poorly. He should be a solid fourth outfielder, something important considering the ages of the other three.

CF Nicanar "Mr. Miracle" Vargas- The 38 year old centerfielder is slipping, and probably only has one or two more years left in him. Hopefully he'll be able to improve on last year's uncharacteristic .239-.327-.386.

RF Joe Blevin- The starting right fielder for 8 years should be around for a few more. He is the youngest starting outfielder at 36 and has posted solid batting numbers for his entire career. Even better, he is an outstanding fielder and has one the last three Gold Gloves in right field.

Okay, so, all in all, I think the lineup should win more games than it does, it just needs some quality pitching. My only worry is the age of the players, and I'm considering trading away Daniel Frisbie for some young blood. I'll probably sign a third baseman in case Aguilar doesn't work out, but my free agent money and draft picks will concentrate more on pitching.

So, there you have it, the Baton Rouge Riverboats going into the 2003 off-season. Comments, suggestions?

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 04:04 PM

Well, just finished the free agent signing this year and I thought it
went very well. The Riverboats did have some money to play with,
but I felt it would be better to try to keep spending low.

In the pitching department, I feel we improved greatly. Our rotation is still a bit below average, but with our lineup I think we
will be able to compete in 2004. I re-signed our ace Les Descoleaux to a bargain 1 year deal, as there weren't many free agent pitchers available. I was also able to pitch a 3 year deal to former Denver Eagles pitcher Laverne Baltazar. He is a bit overpriced, but his ERA has been in the low fours despite pitching in a hitter's park. So, with Descoleaux, Kim Singleton, and now Baltazar, I think our upper rotation pitching will be enough to compete. I also added middle reliever John Broderson to replace the retiring Bobby Alder.

I didn't really do any free agent signing of position players, but I did manage to pull an off-season trade that I think I really got the better of. The large market Memphis Skeeters were looking into signing a star centerfielder and were willing to trade me 4 star prospect Melvin McDaniels for aging backup Nicanar "Mr. Miracle" Vargas and cash. McDaniels has paid his dues in the minors and will get the starting centerfielder nod on the Riverboat team.

Next up, the rookie draft. The Riverboats have the sixth pick (They finished with an okay record, but it is their weak minor league system that makes them a challenge).

And, if you're reading this, post something even if you don't like it, so I know what to fix.

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 05:04 PM

The rookie draft was somewhat dissapointing, but our first round pick will hopefully play in the future.

First Round
With the sixth overall pick we chose Venezuelan high school phenom David Ramirez. He is ranked at three and a half starts, but the scouts are raving about his potential.

Second Round
This was a big dissapointment as I accidently clicked on computer pick while trying to access the draft log and ended up with collegiate catcher Benji Berenguer. Not only is he not a pitcher, but he is a pick for a position I already have a good prospect in. Oh well, maybe he'll surprise me.

Third Round
College pitcher Kurt Cabrales is considered a long shot prospect, but will get a shot with our team.

The rest of my picks went mostly to pitchers in the hopes that one of them would be a sleeper star.

I didn't make any Rule V aquisitions and my lineup and rotation are pretty much set for the 2004 season.

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 05:22 PM

Our Active Roster for 2004 will be:

Rotation
1- Les Descoleaux
2- Laverne Baltazar
3- Kim Singleton
4- Gary Dunphy
5- William Blane

Bullpen
LR- Corey Tye
MR- George Moore
MR- Alonzo Benitez
MR- Kenneth Douglas
MR- John Broderson
SU- William Encinas
CL- Sabas Ahumada

Lineup
1- CF Melvin McDaniel
2- SS Jed "Graveyard" Badillo
3- 1B Leroy Labounty
4- RF Joe Blevins
5- LF Darrel Frisbie
6- 2B Dale Hoffman
7- 3B Santo Aguilar
8- C Baltasar Salinas
9- Pitcher slot

Bench
C Clayton Straker
OF Roberto Lopes
COF Marvin Tammaro
MIF Edward Hafner
CIF Donald Steck

I have high hopes for Melvin McDaniel in his first full major league season, and if the pitching can hold it together I think we can finish with a winning season.

The owner type is is Bad Dude, but he only expects .500 ball in 2004 something I think we can handle.

Coming up, Opening Day 2004!

UngratefulDead · 06-14-2004, 06:24 PM

From the Baton Rouge Tribune:

April 1st, 2004

Opening Day for the Baton Rouge Riverboats

Final Score: Memphis 8, Baton Rouge 2

The Riverboats opened their season with a frustrating loss to the division powerhouse the Memphis Skeeters. Baton Rouge ace Les Descoleaux gave a good effort, surrendering three runs in six innings pitched, but the bullpen was unable to keep it close. The game was unfolding in to an old fashioned pitchers duel into the sixth when Memphis rightfielder Angelo Delmonte singled and stole second. While replays showed that Delmonte was out, he scored on a single and the Skeeters added two more with a two run blast off the bat of Joseph Tibbits. The game went downhill from there with the Skeeters scoring five more runs off relievers Alonzo Benitez, John Broderson and Kenneth Douglas. Rookie Melvin McDaniel went 0 for 4. The Riverboats only highlight came in the top of the 8th inning when after pounded a 3-1 pitch just foul to right first basemen Leroy Labounty ripped a tape measure shot 453 feet to dead center field. When reached for comment future Hall of Famer Daniel Frisbie, who was 1 for 3 with a walk, said, "You can't judge a season from the first day. We're a great team, we've got quality players and I'm sure we'll come around."

UngratefulDead · 06-15-2004, 12:05 AM

Series Wrap-Up

Well, the series against the Memphis Skeeters didn't go so well, in fact, it would have been difficult for it to go any worse. Swept
4-0, the Riverboats also have relievers Alonzo Benitez and John Broderson day to day for the next few weeks with minor injuries. The pitching had problems with control (18 walks in the series) and the longball (12 home runs allowed in the series). The offense had problems making unproductive outs, a lot of pop flies and a whole lot of strikeouts). Sabas Ahumada also blew his first save in his only opportunity this season.

At the minor league level Thomas "Deuce" Rippeon is 1 for 12 and Michihiro has blown a save, but my first round draft pick David Rameriz pitched a complete game shutout.

06-14-2004, 12:50 AM	#1
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	The Baton Rouge Riverboats Hey all, kind of new to this, but these dynasty reports are something that have interested me since I began playing OOTP, and even before with baseball games. Reading TigerFan's fictional report has made me want to give that kind of thing a shot so here goes. Thanks ahead of time to TigerFan, who has inspired many aspects of this (Thought I'd get that out of the way here, to avoid having to do so specifically whenever I use his ideas.) Anyway, I'll be using a fictional league, and taking TigerFan's excellent idea of simming 30 seasons to build a history. The team is the North American Baseball Coalition (NABA), and consists of two leagues of two divisions of four teams. The layout is as follows (Apologies for the low-end effects, I have no idea how to insert images. If this threat ends up working well I'll learn how.) 2003 Season Standings Western League West Coast Vancouver- 85-77 (Won Coalition Cup) Portland- 84-78 Honolulu- 83-79 San Francisco- 74-88 Midwest San Antonio- 88-74 Phoenix- 84-78 Denver- 76-86 Minneapolis- 74-88 Eastern League East Coast Miami- 86-76 Charleston- 78-84 Boston- 71-91 Manhattan- 71-91 South Memphis- 96-66 Atlanta- 91-71 Louisville- 78-84 Baton Rouge- 77-85 The league has been around since 1975 and is beginning it's 2004 season. Neither team uses the DH, and the numbers put up have been pretty much as per real life. If there is any interest expressed in this thread I will go into more detail on league history. After perusing the teams I've decided to take over management of the Baton Rouge Riverboats, a team that has never been a consistent powerhouse looking to build a dynasty in a strong division without a constant favorite. They last finished with a 77-85 record, and haven't put together two consecutive winning seasons since 1993-1994. They have a payroll of about 60,000,000, third lowest in the Coalition, and, more alarmingly, the second worst minor league system, making the rebuilding process even more difficult. They have a good market, and fair fan loyalty, considering the model of inconsistency they have displayed over the past decade. I'll adda new post later going over the team's players and my plans with it. Please post any criticisms, suggestions, or just anything at all so I know people are reading.

06-14-2004, 04:04 PM	#4
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	Free Agent Period Well, just finished the free agent signing this year and I thought it went very well. The Riverboats did have some money to play with, but I felt it would be better to try to keep spending low. In the pitching department, I feel we improved greatly. Our rotation is still a bit below average, but with our lineup I think we will be able to compete in 2004. I re-signed our ace Les Descoleaux to a bargain 1 year deal, as there weren't many free agent pitchers available. I was also able to pitch a 3 year deal to former Denver Eagles pitcher Laverne Baltazar. He is a bit overpriced, but his ERA has been in the low fours despite pitching in a hitter's park. So, with Descoleaux, Kim Singleton, and now Baltazar, I think our upper rotation pitching will be enough to compete. I also added middle reliever John Broderson to replace the retiring Bobby Alder. I didn't really do any free agent signing of position players, but I did manage to pull an off-season trade that I think I really got the better of. The large market Memphis Skeeters were looking into signing a star centerfielder and were willing to trade me 4 star prospect Melvin McDaniels for aging backup Nicanar "Mr. Miracle" Vargas and cash. McDaniels has paid his dues in the minors and will get the starting centerfielder nod on the Riverboat team. Next up, the rookie draft. The Riverboats have the sixth pick (They finished with an okay record, but it is their weak minor league system that makes them a challenge). And, if you're reading this, post something even if you don't like it, so I know what to fix.

06-14-2004, 01:33 AM	#2
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	I forgot to mention, as per TigerFan's brilliant idea, in order to more recreate the realism of managing, I've turned off all the ratings except for the gold and blue stars. Pitching While the Riverboats have been generally mediocre, it is the pitching that needs the most immediate help. Their team ERA of 4.57 is below average, even considering that they are in a hitter's league, and that high number is despite relatively solid bullpen work. Starting Rotation The Riverboats only legitimate upper rotation pitcher, hometown boy Les Descoleaux is at the end of his contract and has expressed interest in "testing the waters", bad news for the low-payroll team. Joining Descoleaux in the exodus are journeymen starters Corey Tye and William Blane, though they are less likely to be missed. Left behind are only two starters, and ideally bottom rotation ones at that. SP Kim Singleton- The 30 year old righty is a converted reliever but, before the last couple of seasons had posted pretty solid numbers. Last years 8-18 record with an ERA in the sixes left a lot to be desired, but management has faith he'll bounce back to his usual self, which isn't saying much. SP Gary Dunphy- The 32 year old journeyman has posted steadily mediocre numbers being juggled between the active roster and AAA. Ideally he is a spot starter, but on the lousy Riverboat staff he's practically the ace. Alarmingly, there is no real talent at the starting pitcher position in Baton Rouge's minor league system, something that will have to be dealt with in the next draft. Bullpen The bullpen is more of a strong point, and fortunantly so, as they seem to pitch more innings than the starters. Anchored by closer Sabas Ahumada, they are one of the few areas that doesn't need upgrading. Bobby Alden- This 38 year old lefty has done alright as a spot starter and long reliever, and his 4.98 ERA belies his effectiveness. He is signed until 2006, but his relatively low salary will keep him from being too much of a dead weight if his performance falters. George Moore- The 36 year old right-hander has posted steady numbers as a middle reliever since being claimed off waivers in 1999. His ERA over the last four seasons is a little under 3.50, and he has proved capable of throwing more than 100 innings in a season. He is very valuable pitching to hold a deficit, something that is more common in the Baton Rouge organization then we'd like. Alonzo Benitez- 32 year old righty just starting to bring it all together. After a horrendous few years playing for Manhattan he has done just fine in the Riverboat bullpen, filling the same roll as George Moore. William Encinas- The younge 26 year old fireballer is an interesting case. If he can bring it all together his consistantly high 90s fastballs could earn him a closer job. The previous management certainly thought so, having signed him to a $1 million plus contract. He has struggled a bit with control, but is still young and the organization has high hopes for him. Sabas Ahurmada- This 36 year old right-hander has been one of the greatest success stories in the league. After being claimed off waivers in 1999 Ahurmada flourished in the closer role. He has saved 65 games in the past two seasons with an ERA around two. While he is a solid presence in the bullpen, he is also some of the Riverboats' better trade bait, as his $3 million dollar contract will expire after the 2004 season. The Baton Rouge minor league system also has several decent relief prospects, at AAA New Orleans, reliever Scott Center has excelled throughout his minor league career and may make the active roster at some point during 2004. At AA Galveston relievers Erich Boules and John Howard are considered long shot prospects and at A Shreveport Japanese phenom Hyuutarou Michihiro has scouts whispering about closer potential. As you can see, pitching is where the Riverboats will have to make their biggest free agent moves. If Descoleaux can't be resigned the staff needs a solid starter to be their ace. Fortunantly, the bullpen looks to be solid for years to come.

06-14-2004, 02:40 AM	#3
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	Lineup The Riverboat's lineup, while aging, is in much better shape then their rotation. The only worry is their injury prone outfield. If the lineup stays healthy, the offense should have little to worry about in 2004. As per pitchers, however, there are very few position player prospects in the organization. Catcher This is one of the more worrisome positions, I'm thinking I may just let Salinas start for this year and hope that Rippeon will be ready by 2005. Clayton Straker- The starting catcher for 2003 was a big dissapointment, batting only .204-.257-.320, and, even worse, only throwing out 11 of 88 runners. His days on the active roster may be numbered. Baltasar Salinas- The backup for Straker didn't surprise with the bat going .230-.282-.314, but did throw out 14 of 39 baserunners and swipe 7 bags. I'm inclined to start him, but he still hasn't proved he can hit major league pitching. (AA) Thomas "Deuce" Rippeon- The Riverboat's best overall prospect, Rippeon has posted solid numbers in the minors while showing good power potential. The only worry is that his arm isn't much of an improvement over Straker's. I'm hoping he'll make AAA early in the season and be able to start in 2005. This may be too much to ask for, as the high school phenom is only 19 years old. First Baseman Perhaps the strongest position in the Riverboat organization, I foresee no difficulties here as long as Labounty remains with the club. Leroy Lebounty- The Louisiana native has done outstandingly with the club. He won the MVP in 2002 and nearly broke the single season home run record of 60 with 57. The perennial All-Star has clubbed 40 or more longballs for the past three seasons, and, other than a dissapointing .267 last year, normally hits at around a .300 or better clip. He is only 34, and may make the Hall of Fame if he continues playing at his current level. He is also an outstanding fielder, winning 5 Gold Gloves at first base. Second Basemen Last years midseason trade for Alvaro Martinez was a bit of a flop, as his .344 average wasn't enough to get the Riverboats to the playoffs. Since it's unlikely Baton Rouge will make any attempts to resign him the job returns to Dale Hoffman. Dale Hoffman- The starting second baseman for many years with the Riverboats returns to his usual position after signing a 3 year contract for about $1.8 million a year. Before slumping and being replaced last season he had posted 20-30 taters and 80-100 RBIs a season while hitting at a .270 clip. Third Baseman The hot corner is still up for grabs as the Riverboats have had trouble finding a consistant starter at third. Barring any free agent signings the position will probably go to Santo Aguilar who hit well at AAA last year. At 31 years old he is no longer considered a prospect, but has never had more than 100 major league at-bats in a season and has shown the capacity to hit balls out of the park, even with a reputation for swinging at the resin bag. Shortstop Another position with a strong but aging player in it. I may have to concentrate my draft on position players as much as pitching. Jed "Graveyard" Badillo- The 37 year old New Mexico Native has been a fan favorite in Lousiana, but probably doesn't have more than a few seasons left in him. He posts solid HR numbers and hits for a good average, in addition to being an excellent fielder with 2 Gold Gloves in a very competitive position. Outfield I'm not sure whether I should worry about this position or not. The players are all quality,but past their prime and injury prone. I'm thinking that I should pick up a young outfielder and try to trade away one of my current ones. LF Daniel Frisbie- A Hall of Fame career is beginning to wind down for legendary slugger Daniel Frisbie. Even at the age of 38 Frisbie still has it and should be good for a .290 average and 30 home runs. The only worry is his health, and his steadily climbing strikeout totals over the past few seasons. OF Roberto Lopez- This 35 year old has never earned a starting job, but has been valuable off the bench as a pinch hitter and can play any of the outfield positions, albeit rather poorly. He should be a solid fourth outfielder, something important considering the ages of the other three. CF Nicanar "Mr. Miracle" Vargas- The 38 year old centerfielder is slipping, and probably only has one or two more years left in him. Hopefully he'll be able to improve on last year's uncharacteristic .239-.327-.386. RF Joe Blevin- The starting right fielder for 8 years should be around for a few more. He is the youngest starting outfielder at 36 and has posted solid batting numbers for his entire career. Even better, he is an outstanding fielder and has one the last three Gold Gloves in right field. Okay, so, all in all, I think the lineup should win more games than it does, it just needs some quality pitching. My only worry is the age of the players, and I'm considering trading away Daniel Frisbie for some young blood. I'll probably sign a third baseman in case Aguilar doesn't work out, but my free agent money and draft picks will concentrate more on pitching. So, there you have it, the Baton Rouge Riverboats going into the 2003 off-season. Comments, suggestions?

06-14-2004, 05:04 PM	#5
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	The rookie draft was somewhat dissapointing, but our first round pick will hopefully play in the future. First Round With the sixth overall pick we chose Venezuelan high school phenom David Ramirez. He is ranked at three and a half starts, but the scouts are raving about his potential. Second Round This was a big dissapointment as I accidently clicked on computer pick while trying to access the draft log and ended up with collegiate catcher Benji Berenguer. Not only is he not a pitcher, but he is a pick for a position I already have a good prospect in. Oh well, maybe he'll surprise me. Third Round College pitcher Kurt Cabrales is considered a long shot prospect, but will get a shot with our team. The rest of my picks went mostly to pitchers in the hopes that one of them would be a sleeper star. I didn't make any Rule V aquisitions and my lineup and rotation are pretty much set for the 2004 season.

06-14-2004, 05:22 PM	#6
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	Our Active Roster for 2004 will be: Rotation 1- Les Descoleaux 2- Laverne Baltazar 3- Kim Singleton 4- Gary Dunphy 5- William Blane Bullpen LR- Corey Tye MR- George Moore MR- Alonzo Benitez MR- Kenneth Douglas MR- John Broderson SU- William Encinas CL- Sabas Ahumada Lineup 1- CF Melvin McDaniel 2- SS Jed "Graveyard" Badillo 3- 1B Leroy Labounty 4- RF Joe Blevins 5- LF Darrel Frisbie 6- 2B Dale Hoffman 7- 3B Santo Aguilar 8- C Baltasar Salinas 9- Pitcher slot Bench C Clayton Straker OF Roberto Lopes COF Marvin Tammaro MIF Edward Hafner CIF Donald Steck I have high hopes for Melvin McDaniel in his first full major league season, and if the pitching can hold it together I think we can finish with a winning season. The owner type is is Bad Dude, but he only expects .500 ball in 2004 something I think we can handle. Coming up, Opening Day 2004!

06-14-2004, 06:24 PM	#7
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	From the Baton Rouge Tribune: April 1st, 2004 Opening Day for the Baton Rouge Riverboats Final Score: Memphis 8, Baton Rouge 2 The Riverboats opened their season with a frustrating loss to the division powerhouse the Memphis Skeeters. Baton Rouge ace Les Descoleaux gave a good effort, surrendering three runs in six innings pitched, but the bullpen was unable to keep it close. The game was unfolding in to an old fashioned pitchers duel into the sixth when Memphis rightfielder Angelo Delmonte singled and stole second. While replays showed that Delmonte was out, he scored on a single and the Skeeters added two more with a two run blast off the bat of Joseph Tibbits. The game went downhill from there with the Skeeters scoring five more runs off relievers Alonzo Benitez, John Broderson and Kenneth Douglas. Rookie Melvin McDaniel went 0 for 4. The Riverboats only highlight came in the top of the 8th inning when after pounded a 3-1 pitch just foul to right first basemen Leroy Labounty ripped a tape measure shot 453 feet to dead center field. When reached for comment future Hall of Famer Daniel Frisbie, who was 1 for 3 with a walk, said, "You can't judge a season from the first day. We're a great team, we've got quality players and I'm sure we'll come around."

06-15-2004, 12:05 AM	#8
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	Series Wrap-Up Well, the series against the Memphis Skeeters didn't go so well, in fact, it would have been difficult for it to go any worse. Swept 4-0, the Riverboats also have relievers Alonzo Benitez and John Broderson day to day for the next few weeks with minor injuries. The pitching had problems with control (18 walks in the series) and the longball (12 home runs allowed in the series). The offense had problems making unproductive outs, a lot of pop flies and a whole lot of strikeouts). Sabas Ahumada also blew his first save in his only opportunity this season. At the minor league level Thomas "Deuce" Rippeon is 1 for 12 and Michihiro has blown a save, but my first round draft pick David Rameriz pitched a complete game shutout.