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[Thunder044]

JD Boom has fared better than Hansen behind the dish, hitting .177 in 62 ABs, but without a HR or an RBI to date. His eye has been quite the feat, garnishing him 14 walks to only 11 K's (both high, but he's on base). His OPS is .562, impressive for a man that hasn't brought anyone in. The 22 year has only tossed out 33% of the attempts against him, though. Too bad Quebec City is the worst team in the WWBA right now (10-18).

I wouldnt mind if the name was changed to JD Bum

[GoCubsAndJays]

Originally Posted by Jazzmosis

Lil' China Chiang finds himself in another heated battle with Vancouver for tops of the division, and he is doing everything he can to help the Knights topple the Heroes. In 89 AB, he's hitting a team-best .225, with a NA best 4 home runs, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs scored. He's also riding a 6 game hit streak, best in the the NA as of right now. He's K'd 22 times, which is nearly half of what he did in 387 ABs last year, but he's also walked 9 times. He's swiped 2 bags, and has played second flawlessly thus far, fielding 108 balls without error. He looks to set career highs in many categories, most noticeably HR and RBI in his 4th year.

Come on Chiang! Must finally take London over the hump.

[Jazzmosis]

And here we are, the All-Star game of the WWBA! The divisions are shaping up nicely, with a few twists along the way! The date: June 24th, 2043.

In USA Division, it's a new face on top, as Arlington leads the pack with a 45-30 record, complete with a 4 game lead over New Orleans. Meanwhile, Bismarck is mired in their obscurity and Ocean City has had a tumble from grace, sitting 13 games back with a paltry 32-43 record and being donned the cellar dwellers.

In the Canada Division, it's alllllll Vancouver (4 years solid, baby). London and St. John's posed a threat, but the Knights had a brutal 5 game losing streak while Vancouver pulled away, and St. John's got as close as 4 games but rest 7 behind, although they snuck by London. Vancouver's got the WWBA's best record at 46-29, compared to 39-36 (STJ) and 36-39 (LON).

The Mexico Division has been the most interesting, as the lead changed between 3 teams over the 2 months (La Paz, Veracruz, Tijuana), but four teams remain in the hunt (those 3 + Guadalajara). Tijuana, at 44-31 , currently has a 3 game advantage over Guada, but Veracruz is only 4 back and La Paz has been up there all year, but currently has slipped to 7 back. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

And the Japan division, it's been one team since May 1st: Sendai. They also happen to be the only team above .500 in the division, at 40-35. Sapporo, Kyoto (currently on an 8 game Win Streak), and Fukuoka are 3-4 games out, and even Tokyo, the WWBA's doormat and universal stupid-decision team, is within range at 8 back. This should be interesting, although Sendai hasn't given up the position since taking it.

Now, the OOTP players! For once, there's some news and shufflings!

Doc Watson is back where he belongs: the starting SS for the NL All-Stars. And it's well deserved, too. Doc's been back with avengence as he's batting .206 with 30 runs scored (2nd, 1st [WWBA]), while walking 60 times in 223 AB to only 11 K's! He's also knocked in 18, some of which are courtesy of his 5 bombs, and he's even swiped 8 bases. All of these are in the top 3 on his club, and undoubtedly are a big reason for Vancouver's success. However, Watson's real stardom is in his OPS this year: He leads the NL with a .710, 32 points more than his closest competitor.

X-Man, woe is X-Man. This guy can't catch a break. Not only does his team suck unexplanedly, he got snubbed from the ASG because of one bad month. His ERA is 1.52, but at the start of the month it was 1.06. His record is 8-4, Which is impressive considering the crap of Ocean City, and he's K'd 123 in 142.1 innings, giving up a measely 75 hits and only 22 walks, compiling a 0.68 WHIP (right on his career average.) He's had 17 starts, and is 4th overall for K's in the NL. Don't look for him to be challenging for the lead anytime soon though (I'll explain at the bottom of this report).

Jade Moungey should be made into a statue of himself, because he is solid gold. I'll just rattle off what statistical categories he LEADS for the entire IL: AVG, OPS, RS, SB. Yes, is it any wonder he was the starting 3B in the ASG? Moungey's hitting a dominating .262, with a .720 OPS (1st in WWBA for both, incidently), he's scored 32 times (1st, WWBA), and has stolen 29 bases (1st, WWBA...again). He's also jacked 7 round-trippers and brought in 17, while walking 13 times in 262 AB (his only downfall, really). The 22 year old supersensation has 14 doubles in his 68 hits, complete with 47 K's. His steals have put him as the all-time leader with 158 swipes, a number that is sure to rise as he has a good 15 years left on him. . . incidentally, Kyoto has the top 3 run scorers, but is still below .500. And Moungey's fielding is at .931 (12E, 175 chances), so it's good to know he doesn't rule at absolutely everything. Too bad Kyoto can't win, eh?

Alan Liao has had his dream come true: He won the starting job at shortstop for Ocean City. Although I think this is the Hurricane's mistake for not bringing back their usual starter after his injury, Liao has turned his season around and is now batting .195 from the cleanup spot, leading the club with 5 HRs, and second with 18 RBI's. He doesn't yet qualify for the batting titles, but his OPS is .664 (169ABs), as in his 33 hits, 26(!!) have been for extra bases. He's only K'd 15 times, but has also only walked 8. He should enjoy this run, as I don't think it'll last. But hey, you never know!

Pete Kahle was an obvious choice for the All-Star Game, although under what position? He's played 27 as 1B, and 46 under 3B. The ever-changing defender has hit .180 in 255 ABs, but has 8 HRs and 16 RBI. His OBP is .261, and the 24 year old has also walked 25 times (46K's). Sapporo has been playing realitively well and are in the hunt for the playoffs, so if his bat picks up just a bit more, they'll probably be in.

Scotty Menza was easily an All-Star, as the Centerfielder once again is putting up some of the best offensive numbers in the league. He's hitting .214, which is far lower than his norm, but he's also brought in 20 teammates and parked two HR's. While these numbers are a bit lackluster compared to his usual performance, he's walked 24 times and only K'd 16... in 255 AB's. He's also swiped 7 bags, making him a triple threat. He made his first error in 3 years in center, but still has a .995 FP in 187 chances (70G). And for once, the Sacramento Masons are ABOVE .500, at 38-37! ..Still third, though. Better than 4th. They're only 7 out from Arlington, so they've got a shot!

Will "AAA" Ntsky threw a massive party on the 2nd, as Tijuana came a-callin with great news: He's been called up to AAA. He went up and threw a CGSO 3 hit masterpiece, but then was shuttled back to AA. This, in my professional opinion, is the absolute DUMBEST move in the history of the Tijuana Diablos Rojos, as in AA Ntsky has a 1.33 ERA with 8 CG's in 15 starts, combining to a 5-9 record. Hey, it's not his fault he has no run support. In 122 AA innings, he's K'd 101, and only walked 36. Hopefully Tijuana will get their head out of their asses and call him up to AAA for good.

Paul Grant has had a career-changing move: he was put on waivers by Tokyo. Usually this spells a washed up player, especially when he was only in A ball, but not in this case! After being humilated in Tokyo for 4 years, he was informed he was on waivers. Grant, who was hoping for a shot in Japan, suddenly found himself on another coastline: Ocean City claimed him, and he was gone from the sunny Japan shores and the fangirls (although he didn't have many, being in A and all...). However, the Hurricanes called him straight to the active roster, giving him the shot he's deserved for 3 years: And he's stuck, albeit as a backup. In 25 AB for Ocean City, he's hitting .160, with 2K's and a walk. He's scored once, which totals his offensive output (4 hits, total). The rest are all zeros, but when interviewed, he was quoted "I'm just happy to be in the bigs - and I vow to never play for Tokyo, ever, ever, ever again." Well said, Vicious. Well said.

Lil' China Chiang was a surprising snub from the ASG, although he has collapsed with the Knights. Not as much as the rest, though. He's hitting .190 (1st) with 6 HR's (2nd), while bringing in 21 and scoring himself 21 times. In 242 AB, he's K'd 55 times and walked 24, which may have kept him out of action, and his defense hasn't been as sharp this year, as he's dropped from .990 to .978, making 7 errors in 314 chances. Still not bad, though. It's just surprising to see London struggling so mightly.

Kit Pellows has been riding the wave of optimism and hope that the rest of his St. John's teammates have. His position is questionable, as he's played in LF, RF, and 1B. He seems to be making a transition to first as he's started 29 games there, but then again, he's started 40 in left as well. Either way his defense has been good in both positions, and his offense isn't bad either. The third-year 20 year old player is hitting .176 in 261 ABs, with one home run and 12 RBIs. He's also got 19BB's to 43 K's, and has scored 22 times, which may mean he's spending some time at the top of the order. His OPS is a disappoinint .453, though. His gap power is nowhere to be found, as in 46 hits only 7 haven't been singles. Who knows, though? St. John's may topple Vancouver (although I doubt it).

Crazy Taito and his Thunderstick joined the party at the ASG, and Taito currently leads the WWBA with 11 bombs. He's also got 29 RBI and a .202 batting average, while scoring 25 times in 252 ABs. He's walked 20 times to 38 K's, which are both low, so it's a wash. But with his growing power outrage, one has to wonder if he'll turn into the giant of the IL? Him and Zubin Glavin Jr seem to be battling it out for most HR's (Glavin Jr being the All-time leader at 46, Taito at 33 but with a year less of experience). Taito's also got a .676 OPS.

Backup-Monkey Williams is still with Tokyo, and missing his former partner in crime, Paul Grant. However, WIlliams is thriving as a backup for the cellar dwelling Kotei, hitting .195 in 159 ABs. The 24 year old Englishman has 1 HR and 9 RBI complete with 27 Ks and 19 Walks - showing that he free swings, but can also pick his pitches. Although he's started playing games at 2B. . . consistently, and looks like he's about to be handed the leadoff spot and starting job, seeing as Tokyo doesn't appear to have a 2B anymore...

Stonehenge, everyone's favourite youngster catcher, has been handed the fulltime job behind the dish.. at 18 years young. He hasn't done much with it, hitting .150 in 160 ABs (the other C is injured, if you're wondering) with no round trips and only 6 RBI, but has also scored 10 times for his 24 hits. He's also got only 3 extra base hits, and it's left many wondering why he's still in the bigs. . . but then they realize he's thrown out 44% of would be base-stealers.

JD Boom plays for the worst team in the WWBA, the Quebec City Imperials. It may amuse you to know that while he's only hitting .165, if he qualified for the batting titles he'd be leading his club. In 170 ABs, he's got 1 HR and 4RBI, scoring 9 times, which is only one more than he has in doubles (8). He's shown a decent eye, walking 22 times to 32 K's, and has thrown out 31% of attempted stealers. But my god, do the Imperials suck!

Dave Devereux, recent draftee by Mexico City, is in A ball. Don't panic though, he's new, and doing well. He's hitting .198 with 17 (!!!) HR and 53 RBI in 252 AB, while scoring 44 times. He's walked 45 times and K'd 52, but these are some of the best offensive minor league numbers...ever. The Leftfielder has also swiped 9 bags, so I would expect that he gets either a promotion next year to the bigs or AAA, or he get a September callup.

Now for a few extras: Out of total curiousity (I like to have fun with this league), I've created a few players (Zubin Glavin Jr is my best success.) I have a Catcher-turned-reliever named Kamo "The Duck" Shizukahana, who only throws 75-80MPH, but was picked up by Sacramento and was recently called up: He's 0-3 with a 4.02 ERA in 15.2 innings.. ouch. He can catch, and hit, though!

And now for the thing I said I'd explain (from X-Man's quip). The reason that X-Man has no chance for the K title this year is because of a pitcher named Carter Shane, who, ironically, pitches for Sacramento. He was the first overall pick from 2041, and at 25, leads the K count in the WWBA with 197 in 147 innings. For those wondering, that's 64 strikeouts then the closest pitcher, who has 133. I've only just started watching his career, but it seems pretty likely that he'll be 1) The best pitcher in the league for 10 years, 2) The all-time leader in K's when he retires (after wrestling that from X-Man), and 3) still have a crappy W-L record (He's currently 8-6). Just for reference, last year, when I lost 2 months of stats, he STILL had 243 K's in 24 starts. I think if I didn't lose those two months he'd have 350 for the year. Also, his WHIP this year is 0.59.

Fun, useless facts from the Career leaders board: X-Man has 844 K's, 30 more than Gimenez (814) for first. Three guys just passed 100 career saves, and there should be another 4 by the end of the year. Ironically, 5 of the 7 play for teams that are below .500 right now. The all-time Wins leader is on Sendai (Cart Hazley) with 57, Harris has 47, and Clutch and Mike Kent (the two Heroes pitchers) have 53 and 54 (4th and 3rd, respectively). Kent has the all-time lead in CG's with 70 (in 107 Career starts), but Hazley has 28 CGSO's for the lead. Nobody's pitched 2000 innings yet. X-Man and Kent are the closest with 887 and 911. The rest are all 850 IP or less.

Jeffrey Huneycutt is the leader in hits with 377, which is only 7 more than Moungey (who is in 2nd, obviously). Doc Watson and Valer are 1 and 2 in the career walks (275, 252), and they both play for Vancouver. Neither are in the top 25 for hits (Valer isn't on anything else), while Watson is on the HR board (19th) and Runs Scored (154, 3rd). Jeffrey Huneycutt actually appears on every statistical leader board for offensive performance. Moungey's on all of them except walks. Huneycutt's the closest to 2000 AB with 1627, and Moungey's got 1567. Both should pass 2K next year. Moungey should lead the thing, but I could be wrong. Moungey's career AVG is .236. Huneycutt's the only palyer in the WWBA to get to the ASG game every year, and he's 32, playing every year for Tokyo (of all teams).

And updating on Theodre Musselwhite's career, who was the first-rounder Tokyo traded for some crappy-ass MR, he's still in Bismarck's AAA with a 2.43 ERA. Delapena (the MR) is in the FA pool.

Also, Vancouver's team market DROPPED to tiny after they won their second championship.. WTF's up with that? 2 rings and 3 appearances not good enough?

Hope you've enjoyed that, those are just some tidbits I thought you followers would like. Now, my predictions:

Vancouver is a lock. They're about the only lock. So expect to see them (again) in the playoffs. Arlington and New Orleans are all over each other, but I think Arlington will take it. Although, Sacramento has a shot if those two slump.
Mexico, I have no goddamn clue. I'm going to guess Veracruz, since I want a 4th division winner in 4 years . Plus, that means more OOTP players in the playoffs.
And Japan? I think Sendai will hold on Kyoto, who I think will be the only sticking threat. Kyoto's got an awesome offense, but Sendai's been on top all year. Go Moungey!

I'm probably wrong.

Stay tuned!

[Jazzmosis]

Wow.. that's a ton of writing, and took two hours to write. Huzzah!

[Jestor]

If the rest of Kyoto doesn't start stepping up, I'm gonna have to steal everyone's underpants and fly them on the stadium flagpole so that they're all pissed off they start playing better so we can win this thing.

[Xenimus0]

Hopefully we keep up this 8 game win-streak . Great writeups Jazz.

[ifspuds]

Great job on the writeup, Jazz. Nice to see Vancouver is back where they belong. Kicking ass and taking names.

[metsgeek]

I haven't checked in on this league in a while....and I'm regretting it. Looks like I'm doing well, though

[Jazzmosis]

Just to let everyone know, I haven't forgotten about this league, I just had some personal things to work out and a final essay to write.

But I have 3 days off coming up, so there'll be an update soon!

[Jazzmosis]

And after a far too long of a delay, I bring you the WWBA update! This one takes us to September 1st, 2043. However, before I get to the usuals, I'd just like to point out a trade that went down over the deadline:

Vancouver TRADED Michael Kent, one of their stud pitchers, to Bismarck for Darryl Evans, a starting pitcher that isn't quite a good (there is almost no difference in any of their stats, but Kent has a slight ERA edge). This trade makes absolutely no sense to me, as both pitchers are 31, make the same money, are in the same state for their arbitration, and have virtually identical stats this year. For the career, Kent has more wins (a symptom of playing for a better team), and a 1.43 ERA to Evans' 1.83. Seems like a winner for Bismarck, even though at this point Vancouver had a 9 game lead on the division, while Bismarck was 12 back. Strange. This move was a bigger slap in the groin fro Vancouver as the next day their ace Clutch went down for 5 weeks with an injury.

Now.. the league! In the USA division, while Arlington had the lead and is playing spectactularly, Sacramento.. yes, our loveable losers, Sacramento put on a 40 win duplex of months to storm up the standings and take over the lead at 76-54, 6 above Arlington. They've got a definite advantage with Carter Shane and his 359K's (122 more than closest WWBA competitor).

In the Canada division, it's alllllllllll Vancouver still, now with a commanding 12 game lead in the division over Edmonton, at 75-55. Funny fact: They're the only team above .500 in that division. They've benefitted from local God Jeff Watson and another of his unholy seasons...

Mexico remains as turbulent as ever, but Tijuana still keeps their slim lead. La Paz faded away, but Guadalajara is only 3 games back (69-61 to 75-58), while Veracruz could bring it in with a strong month, as they are 6 back. This'll be fun to watch.

And just as fun has been the Japan division, as there has been a change of leadership. No, not Kyoto. Fukuoka locked horns with Sendai and came out on top, at 69-61 and with a 3 game boon. Sapporo is 4 back, and Kyoto is 6 back. Any of them can take it, although Kyoto will need more than MVP candidate Moungey to rise the hump. Toyko, as expected.. sucks.

Ah, OOTP players:

Doc Watson has played through a stiff shoulder, and Vancouver couldn't be happier with his performance. Watson leads the NL with a .717 OPS, while he's only 1 run from the top of the runs scored chart (45 to 46). Meanwhile, he leads the almighty Heroes with a .206 AVG. He's also pounded 9 HR's (2nd), stole 14 bases (2nd.. uncharacteristic of him too), and brought in 27. He's set a career high in BB already, with 93, but also in K's with an astronomical 24 in 378 ABs (compared to his previous career high of 22 in 2042). By the end of the regular season, he projects to set career highs in: HR, Hits (done already), 2B, Runs, K's (done), BB (done), SB (done), and ABs. How do you spell "Greatest?" D-O-C. Look for his offensive dearth in the playoffs!

I'll always remember X-Man as the 24 stud when he first arrived. However, now he's 24 and the all-time leader in K's. While Shane may take that from him in the next few years, X-Man is once again putting up sick numbers for his offensively-challenged Ocean City, as he leads his club with 13 wins, and is second in the WWBA (to guess who!) in K's with 237. That's in 253 innings. In 30 starts, he's only walked 45, sporting a whip of 0.72. His ERA is a "sportlich" 1.57, and he's got 13 CG's and 3 CGSOs. The highest paid player in the WWBA (at 8.7 million from Arb) has also only given up 138 hits. Too bad the Hurricanes are 11 back and in 4th. Only 1 GB from 3rd, though!

Jade Moungey is my odds-on favourite for IL MVP. These are the leader boards he's on: 1st for AVG (.268, 1st in WWBA), OPS (.750, 1st in WWBA), Runs Scored (56, 1st in WWBA), Stolen Bases (47, 1st in WWBA)... in fact, he leads every category except HR's and RBI. And those he has 10 of with 36 teammates scored. In 437 AB, he's walked 30 times and K'd 72, both setting up to be career highs. It's just a shame Kyoto is 63-67.

Alan Liao is enjoying his fulltime SS job for Ocean City. He leads the team with 11 bombs, 40 RBIs, and is second with 35 runs scored. However, he's only hitting .164. In 359 ABs he's BB'd 21 times to 42 K's. He's finally stretching his legs a bit, with 12 SB's (3rd). His defense at short is nothing spectactular, as in 89 games he's made 18 errors and has a .945 FP.

Pete Kahle and his CI dominance has not translated entirely into his expected offensive production. The 24 has seen his average slip for the 3rd straight year, and is currently hitting .166 on the season for Sapporo. His power is still there, as he's hit 15HRs (a career high), but only brought in 30 runners. He's walked 44 times, which puts him at .249 for OBP, but his 83 K's in 452 AB leave much to be desired. If he turns it up a notch with the little hits he could push Sapporo into the postseason for the second time in the WWBA's existence. Sapporo's got the best pitching, but the worst offense...

Scotty Menza has seen his loyalty and perserverance pay off at long last with the Masons, as they're on top (for now). Not only are the Masons the best team in the WWBA, they've got probably the strongest (next to Vancouver) balance of Offense and Pitching. Menza's helped the O greatly, as he has a .219 AVG with 19 doubles. He's not particularly hitting the longball, but he's doing all the little things right. It's added up to 35 RBIs in 442 AB (97H). He's also scored 41 times (2nd), and swiped 12 bags (2nd). His OPS is .581, good for a guy with only 3 HR's. However, Sacramento is a small ball team (17th in HR with only 46). Here's to their postseason hopes!

Will "AAA" Ntsky put up a strong AA campaign, which resulted in him getting a September callup (even though he probably won't be used). He has a chance to help out his playoff-hopeful team. In 27 starts at AA, he went 11-15, with with a 1.37 ERA. His 223 innings he totalled 209 Ks with 51 walks, throwing 16 complete games with 3 CGSOs. Let's see if he helps out his club!

Paul Grant is still getting adjusted to post-Tokyo management, and he's struggled in his backup role for Ocean City. In 39 games, he's had 55 ABs, but only 7 hits (.127). He's only got 2RBI, but thankfully, he knocked in his first WWBA home run, on August 18th. He's walked once, and K'd 6 times. We'll see if Ocean City keeps him or lets our down-on-his-luck Vicious go in the offseason.

Big Chiang's year hit a brutal snag on August 1st, as he strained his bicep and has been out since. He's still got about 3 weeks of recovery left, which puts him at a return for the last few games of the season. His numbers were impressive, which makes this loss even harder. In 104 games he hit .186 with 11 HR's and 28 RBIs (349 AB), both of which are still 2nd on the club. He scored 29 times (1st), swiped 3 bases, but K's 73 times to 35 walks. Amusing fact: Only two players quality for batting on London because they've been plagued with injuries this year and platooned alot of guys. It's probably why London is 60-70 and 15 out.

Kit Pellows and St. John's have the same record as London, but Pellows has been consistent if not spectactular. He's hitting .168 (3rd), with 2 HRs and 18 RBI from the leadoff spot (447 AB). He's scored 35 times (2nd), and has stolen 10 bags (2nd). He's K'd too much though, at 77 times to 30 BB's. Not much to report, but the numbers aren't bad.

Crazy Taito has really grown into a complete ballplayer with Veracruz, and he proved it with the Batter of the Month award for July. Magastu hit .269 with 4HR and 9 RBI that month, and for the year the 25 year old leftfielder is batting .213 (3rd) with 16 HR (1st, 2nd WWBA) and 45 RBIs, while scoring an equal amount. In 425 AB, he's K'd 62 times (borderline average), while walking 42 (good). As a result, he has an OPS of .686 (1st). Here's the thing: Veracruz has the best offense (BA), but the second worst staff (ERA). They're still in the hunt for the playoffs though! Also, Taito has 28 doubles, most in the league.

Uber-Williams is still playing for the trainwreck Toyko Kotei, and he's playing right on about their average since taking over the starting 2B job. The 24 year old is knocking at a .171 clip, with 3 HRs and 23 RBIs, all in 340 AB. He's in the shadow of Huneycutt (hitting .242), but is scoring thanks to him (39, 1st). He's also burning the basepaths with 38 steals, but with 11 snags. He's K'd alot (61), but also is showing a good eye (43). Now, like every player in history of the WWBA, he needs out of Tokyo.

Stone(cold)henge is also in Tokyo, as the platooning catcher. He's also hitting .171, but with 240 ABs, no HRs and 13 RBI. He's scored that many times too. He hasn't K'd that much (35), and has even stole a base (1). His OBP is .213, which isn't impressive, but the 18 year old makes up for it by throwing out 42% of would be stealers. He's a defensive gem, and his youth still gives him more than enough time to develop into something special.

JD Boom plays for the worst team in the WWBA right now. They are the worst offensive team. (20th in AVG and Runs), but he's hitting 30 points better than his team average with a .188 average in 309 AB. If he qualified, he'd lead the team for that stat. He's also parked 2 moonlighters, and brought in 12 while scoring 18 times. He's also ran the 90 feet while nearly getting bulleted once (1 SB), And has an OBP of .267 (.543 OPS). Now leave the Imperials. He's got 4 more years with them...

Davey Devereux is actually the only OOTP player in the minors now, but that's understandable since he was 3 months ago. But in 3 months, feast your eyes on his HRs in A: 34. He's been up to the dish 451 times, bringing in 98 guys, while walking 70 times. These numbers are pretty inhuman, and projects for him to have an incredible run if Mexico calls him up. He's hitting .224, by the way. I haven't seen numbers like that from any player in the league. Lookout, Devereux's on the rise!

Predictions! Vancouver is the lock (still), as they only have to win 9 games to clinch. I figure Sacramento's got the USA division, which will bring up one hell of a matchup in the postseason. In the Mexico division... wow. I think Tijuana will hold on but I really don't want them to (go Veracruz). And in Japan, I feel that Kyoto's still got some fight, but they may just be too far out. I'm calling them, though.

FYI: I know I forgot the 2042 OOTP player of the year award, I'll put it up with the 43 one. Suspense!

[Jestor]

Damn I'm just sizzling! Hopefully I'll be able to live up to the pressure of a favourite for the MVP award

And come on, Kyoto! Let's get this thing going!

[Sarcastic]

Hm, 34 homers. Not too shabby. Now he just has to repeat this at a higher level.

What was the major league single season home run record?

I guess Mexico City isn't going anywhere this season, though. And why haven't they called Devereux up yet?

[Jazzmosis]

In 2041, Mark Goddard hit 17 Homeruns for the record. But he's already beaten that this year as he's hit 19 with one month to play. He's a Cara Cara.

Ironically, he's also, from what I can see, the reason Devereux wasn't called up. They're both LF, although Goddard can play RF just as well. Goddard's only 26, while Devereux is 22. I wouldn't worry about Devereux too much though, seeing as how guys like Gareth Williams got called up with far less impressive totals. It's probably something to do with how Devereux's only been drafted this year. Trust me, it won't be long...

EDIT: I was nearly right about Kyoto. They started out the month hot by winning 5 in a row, coming to 4 games back, but then tailspinned to 7 straight losses. That put them 8 back, They won 3 in a row, but lost 2, won 2, but were eliminated at this point. Then they lost 5 in a row again. They finished 10 back and in 4th. Who won? I'll never tell. But in the Mexico division, Guadalajara and Tijuana went to the last game to decide...

Just a nice cliffhanger until I update again

[Jazzmosis]

I couldn't leave this on such a cliffhanger, and I certainly wouldn't let this die. We're moving onto better things, people! The end of the season report! Sorry about the long-ass delay, the last few weeks have been busy.

HOWEVER!! The playoff teams are decided!

Sacramento rode on Carter Shane and his inhuman 408 strikeouts to take the USA division with an 85-65 record. They'll be matched up against, you guessed correctly children, Vancouver, who had the best record in the WWBA at 90-60. They won the division by 15 games. This'll be a huge matchup. Prediction: Vancouver wins.

In the IL, Tijuana held on to the division by winning the final game of the season. They finish with a 83-67 record, compared to Guadalajara's 82-68. Tijuana meets Fukuoka, who finished at 81-69. They held off a 8 game charge by Sapporo, who finished 78-72. Prediction: Tijuana wins.

I'm predicting a repeat matchup of 2041.

The OOTP gods!

Doc Watson was pacing his club with a .203 average until the unthinkable happened: The 30 year old got injured on the 14th and was placed on the DL. He's got 3 days left, which means he'll miss the first two games of the NACS. He put up some solid power numbers in the season, jacking 11 homeruns and driving in 30. He scored 48 times (2nd on the team) and stole 15 bases (2nd), while pacing the NA with a .721 OPS. He became the first player to eclipse the century mark in walks, with 104 on the season to 29 K's. Defensively, he played 130 games at short, making 14 errors in 1137 innings for a .974 FP. Defensive Gem? Possibly. And of course, we'll see his familiar face in the playoffs. Don't look for more than 4 hits though.

X-Man K'd 276 on the season, good for second in the league. And for a team with 76 wins, the 27 year old won 15 games (11 losses) and sported a 1.72 ERA. In 293 innings he walked only 50, had a WHIP of 0.71 (his 2nd worst of his career), but had 16 complete games (4 CGSO) to bring his total up to 65 (23) over 123 starts. He'd be the obvious choice for the pitching award if Carter Shane wasn't around.

Jade "MVP" Moungey walked all over the International League all year, and in my opinion is the shoe-in for the Incredible Batter Award. This guy could bat against God and still get a hit. He wrapped 140 on the year, a WWBA record (by alot) and winning the player of the week award (3rd batter to do that) on September 20th by hitting .478 for the week with 1HR and 7 RBI. He finished the year with a .273 average, 11 HR's, and 44 RBI. He scored a WWBA record 61 times (513 AB) stole 56 bases (1st, WWBA) and had an OPS of .758 (1st, WWBA). His only downfall is that he K'd 89 times to only 37 walks. But then again, he had 28 doubles and 11 triples. This 22 year old just needs to get out of Kyoto.

Alan Liao was given the starting SS job, and he flashed his Tunderstick with 12 HRs (1st) and 44 RBI (2nd), but only hit .167 (425AB, 71H). He scored 42 times (1st), and swiped 13 bags (3rd) to 5 snags. He K'd 56 times, an okay amount, but only walked 25. His OPS is a low (but understandable) .579. And in case anyone's wondering, Ocean City pulled into second place with a 76-74 season (hot September, anyone?). No postseason though.

Pete Kahle and Sapporo came close, but it was too little too late. Kahle can't really be blamed though - the team's offense was brutal (.169). Kahle didn't impress much with his average (.170), but he broke the WWBA record for HRs with 23 on the year (40 RBI). 24-year old Ronin K'd 94 times in 530 AB to 46 walks and 46 Runs scored. He even stole 3 bases. His running speed is 11, people. He also played 146 games, a team high. Won't win any defensive awards though, as he split between 1B and 3B (84G/60G). Played them damn well though (.996/.994 FP).

Scotty Menza joins Carter Shane in the celebrations, as he makes his first trip to the postseason. Menza hit .223 (2nd) in 521 AB, complete with 4HR and 39RBI, while scoring 44 times (2nd) and stealing 15 bags (2nd). Offtopic: I just realized their leader in saves was Kamo Shizukahana.. with 2. Anyways, defensively the 26 year old CF made 3 errors in 358 tries to sport a .992.

Will Ntsky looks like he'll be finding a new team for 2044, as Tijuana placed him on irrevokeable waivers. They also have him listed as a reliever, but in his Tijuana AA year he went 11-15 with a 1.37 ERA and 16 CG's. He threw 223 innings and K'd 209 (61BB) over 27 starts, so if you ask me, anyone who picks up Ntsky looks to have a potential steal. The 24 year old can't stay in AA forever.

Paul Grant did not adjust to big league pitching at all. In the backup role for Ocean City, over 65 ABs (44 games), Vicious totalled 7 hits (.108). However, he's got all the firsts out of the way. HR, RBI, BB... K's (9). But I wouldn't look to see him stick for next year. Maybe, but Vicious was ruined by Tokyo's management it seems...

Lil' China Chiang bombed, just like the rest of London. The Knights finished 4th (67-83), and Chiang hit .189 with 11 bombs (2nd) and 28 RBI (2nd..ouch) while scoring 29 times (1st.. OUCH). His 355 ABs resulted in 36 walks to 73 K's, while his OPS was an average .605 (not disastorous). But it appears London is going into rebuilding mode.

Kit Pellows doesn't have much more to be happy about, as the Vikings finished 70-80 on the year, and in the bottom half of EVERY stastical category in the league (except avg.. they were 7th). Pellows himself hit .170 with 3HRs and 21 RBI from the leadoff spot, totalling 13 stolen bases (9 catches), but he did scored 46 times (1st). His OPS was a brutal .436 (3rd.. ouch) and he K'd 91 times in 512 AB (33BB). And for some reason, it looks like St. John's is turning him into a 1B, as he played 42 games there. Strange - he's better suited as a LF.

Veracruz ended the year in style: 8 straight losses. Crazy Taito didn't have much to do with that, as he hit .210 on the year with 17 bombs (2nd) and 50 RBI (1st, 3rd IL). He crossed the plate 46 times (2nd), while pacing the club with a .671 OPS (1st, 3rd IL). In 504 ABs he K'd 78 times with 48 walks. He did have 33 doubles though.. nice. And he just may win the defensive gem award in LF, as he made 3 errors (.990) in 1200 innings.

Gerald Williams won the starting 2B job while Tokyo continues to suck. In 360 AB, he hit .172 (62H), with 3 jacks and 23 RBI, but he walked 48 times (good) and K'd 64 times (bad). He also scored alot (41 times) considering his ABs. He also swiped 38 bags. If it wasn't for his rugged looks though, Tokyo wouldn't be bagging him any fangirls. Lucky SOB.

Stonehenge had been improving slightly as the year has finished, and the 18 year old hit .167 in 275 ABs from the backstop. Still without a HR, but he brought in 14 and scored that many times as well. He also only K'd 39 times (but only walked 11). He still threw out 40% of would be stealers, giving him some defensive credit if nothing else. Plus, to be 18 in Tokyo... delectable!

"Playing for a last place team is like getting repeatedly kicked in the junk." JD Boom, September 23rd, 2043 in an interview to SI. While people would be angry, it's Quebec and nobody seems to care about the team (just like the Expos... sad). Regardless, the Imperials and their cellar dwelling ways didn't particularly effect Boom's play, as in 368 ABs he hit .171 with 2 HR and 14 RBI (what's with the similiarity between Stonehenge and Boom?) He crossed the plate 21 times, and even hauled his slow ass to second for a stolen base at some point in the year. He threw out 25% of runners, and walked 36 times (66 K's). The 22 year old is still developing, but playing for Quebec isn't helping. They do have good pitching, if nothing else.

Davey Devereux made the Cara Caras look like geniuses for drafting him, as in A he whalloped 34 HRs and brought in 98 with a .224 average. However, he didn't get a callup. So repeating his stats are pointless. He may (and should) get the callup next year.

While I'm calling Vancouver vs. Tijuana, I'm going to think that the series will go to 7 (all of them). Prediction: Vancouver wins it all.. again. Nothing like 3peating. Regardless, the Heroes have already built a huge dynasty.

The NACS and ILCS will hopefully come later this week. Thanks for your patience, everyone!

[ifspuds]

Woohoo! Go Vancouver (again)!

The Heroes won't miss me in the first 2 games anyway, right?

[Thunder044]

Hahahahaha, Quebec still sucks! Looks like Boom and the team are a perfect fit.

[Jestor]

Damn, it's the story of my life.

Amazing ability and true talent, stuck in a sh*tty situation.

Oh well, at least the girls in Kyoto are hot.

[statfreak]

thanks for the update jazz!

Damn that Carter Shane... hoping there's a CEI on the horizon so X-man can keep the all-time strikeout record.

[Xenimus0]

Hopefully I can up my average. I've been spending too much time in the clubs . Maybe a nice change of scenery will help me *wink*please Kyoto managment*wink*

[Jestor]

Tokyo and Kyoto are anagrams of each other, I just realized.