Join the WWBA

[Jazzmosis]

Now, when I said "later this week", I of course meant, 18-20 days later. Prove to me a week isn't 18 days and "I'll beat you..... to death with a tire iron" (+1 to anyone who knows where that's from and who said it)

Anyways, the first round of the playoffs!

Sacramento vs. Vancouver in the NACS!!

Game 1: Rich Burley vs. Dudley Henton. Opening in Vancouver to a classic sellout crowd, Burley and Henton exchanged goose eggs for 7 innings, each giving up two hits and walking a pair. However, Sacramento took advantage of an error by fill-in SS Brad Rupe to a runner on, then Laporte rapped a double off the Left-centre wall that brought in Burley himself. 1-0 Sacramento. In the top of the 9th, Henton out again for a CG, they took advantage of consecutive errors by 1B Fradera and with the 4th double in a row off Henton, both runners scored. When it was all said and done, Sacramento trotted out CL Kamo Shizukahana who got the final two outs and sealed a 3-0 victory over Vancouver. 1-0 Series lead for Sacramento.

Game 2: The matchup everyone wanted to see: Carter Shane vs. Clutch Delp. both threw CG's, and one guy K'd 10.. guess who? Shane? Wrong! Clutch K'd 10 guys, but was STILL outdueled by Shane, who simply just didn't let in the runs. Clutch gave up 2 runs, 1 in the fourth and 1 in the seventh, and Shane shut the door for 9 innings, giving Sacremento a 2-0 win and series lead.

Game 3: Evans vs. Martinez (Sac). With the series back in Sacramento, the crowd going crazy, the Masons scored early, plating three runs over 4 innings. Without Doc Watson, the team's offense can not score runs, and they fell 5-0 to Sacramento. 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: Henton vs. Burley, round 2. Down 3-0 in the series, Vancouver would have to conjure up some of that magic in order to have a chance to 3-peat. With Henton getting shafted in game 1, Sacramento squeaked 1 run past him in the second. Meanwhile, Burley looked magnificant, going through 8 innings and not giving up a run. He stepped out to the mound in the top of the ninth, looking to finish the sweep. He got the first out, then Valer singled. RF Ruvalcaba rocked a double to the corner on the next pitch, and suddenly there was runners on second and third with one down. Now, remember backup SS Brad Rupe, the error machine that cost game 1? He dug into the plate, got a 1-2 count... he had no runs or RBIs in the series. But Burley guttered his 119th pitch of the night and Rupe turned on it... driving it off the foul pole, and suddenly Vancouver had worked their magic. Vancouver sent in their reliever (the CL was injured for the series.. fun), Japanese born Youkichirou Yasujiro, to get the final two outs of the game after Henton got an out and gave up a single in the 9th... and Vancouver had some life and a fantastic comeback win, 3-1. 3-1 Sacramento series lead.

Game 5: Clutch vs. Carter Shane. The Heroes had who they wanted on the mound, and so did the Masons. Sacramento pounced out of the gate, Scotty Menza tripling home a run and then scoring himself in the first inning. They got more insurance in the 5th with another run... meanwhile, Shane was busy K'ing the hell out of the Heroes. However, in the top 8, Vancouver started some of that magic again, by getting a single and a walk with 2 outs. Then.. Richard Funke rapped a double, plating both runners. 3-2 Sacramento. Carter got his 12th K for the last out, and Delp stepped out to keep his team's momentum rolling. However, after one out, Scotty Menza blasted a 410 foot homerun, and just like that, 4-2 Masons. They entered the top 9th, 3 outs from the WWBACS. Brune got an out, And Kamo Shizukahana came in to slam the door. "The Duck", with his token 75 MPH "fastball" and his arsenal of a Knuckleball, Changeup, and slow-as-hell-Sinker (known as the 'Gravity Ball'), tossed a Knuckler against recent backup-God Rupe, who improved his postseason BA to .375 with a 2-out double. David Splawn, hitless in the series, came to the plate with a chance to be a hero. He grounded out to first, and Sacramento mobbed each other, as they had defeated the Vancouver Heroes and were heading to the WWBACS (only the second team in the NA to go).

Let's not forget our comrades in the ILCS, Fukuoka and Tijuana!

Game 1: Blackburn vs. Leyte (Tij). Dear god in heaven, these two teams would not give up on each other, opening the series in Mexico with a [b]21 inning[/i] affair that lasted 6 hours and 43 minutes!! Both Leyter and Blackburn threw SO's in 9IP, and after each exhausted their relief, they trotted out game 2 starters, Bechard (Fuk) and Sirios (Tij), who started throwing their new game...however, in the 21st inning, it was a walk and a single that did in Sirios, as Bruce Therrion rapped a 2-run double, and Bechard pitched a scoreless 21st to give Fukuoka the game one victory, 2-0. 1-0 series lead for Fukuoka.

Game 2: Henry vs. Figueroa. Fukuoka wasted no time jumping on Figueroa, blasting 3 runs in the 1st and adding another in the 2nd. Tijuana fought back with a run in the third, but Once again Fukuoka took that pack with the 5th run in the 5th inning. That was how the scoring ended, as Henry threw a CG with 6K's to put a 5-1 victory and a 2-0 series lead on the board for Fukuoka.

Game 3: Vilardebo (Tij) vs. Osborn (Fuk). The series went to Japan, with Fukuoka trying to pull a 3-0 lead and perhaps take a sweep in front of their home crowd. This game was a gem, as both pitchers came out dueling. Osborn's lapse came early, giving up 4 singles in the first that amounted to 3 runs. That was all he gave up, and threw 8 more innings without a hit. HOWEVER, Vilardebo realized the situation was grim and came out even stronger, going the distance without giving up a run...... or a hit. He had to face 29 batters, walking 3 and striking out 5 en-route to a clutch victory for Tijuana. And with the first ever Playoff No-No, Vilardebo etched his name into stone. 2-1 Fukuoka series lead.

Game 4: Leyte vs. Blackburn. A rematch of Game 1 starters, who both started the 21 inning supermarathon. Well this game only went 9 innings, but it was an error in the 7th that changed the game. Tied at 2 apiece, Leyte had a runner on second and 2 outs. Ashbrook broke for third on the pitch, and he was dead at third. However, C Leo Sanchez air-mailed the ball over third, and the go-ahead run scored. Leyte finished the 8th but the damage had been done, and Blackburn's 8 innings plus Blodgett's two out save, even though Tijuana had runners on first and second, gave Fukuoka a 3-2 win and a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: Figueroa vs. Henry. With their backs against the wall, Figueroa had to throw a gem. He'd been roughed up in the previos game, and Henry was out with his killer ERA. Henry gave up 5 hits in 9 innings... but did not give up a run (0.50 ERA). Figueroa went 7 innings and gave up.. 1 hit. Then it was the relief staff's job to keep the game 0-0. Adan Gonzales got 5 outs before handing the ball over to 23 year old John Dominguez. He got the last out of the bottom of the 9th. Blodgett came back out and got the 3 outs of the top 10. Dominquez walked slow-as-hell catcher Valverde. Then, Valverde made a surprise move and STOLE second base - his first stolen base of the postseason. The next batter was intentionally walked. LF Thomas Goodsell then rapped a single to RF... Valverde rounded third, Evangelista hurled the ball to the plate. . . offline. Valverde slid in, and Fukuoka mobbed the 23 year old catcher... they'd knocked out Tijuana, and were heading to the WWBACS for the first time - also the first Japanese team to go as well.

WWBACS: Sacramento Masons vs. Fukuoka Samurai. Coming tomorrow!

[Jazzmosis]

Sorry about that, it's finished now (and edited). Enjoy!

[UGADawgs123]

Position: 2B, secondary SS
Name: Brett Evans
Nickname (if any): Muscles
Age and Day of Birth (MM/DD): 02/02
Birthplace: Savannah, GA
Height: 5'11
Weight: 180
Area of strength: Contact
Secondary strength: Avoid Ks, Eye/Discipline
Loyalty: Strong Loyalty
Desire for Winner: Needs Winner
Throwing arm: average
Batting side (R/L/S): Right
Throws: Right

good at bunting, speed, and stealing...leadoff type guy..

[Jazzmosis]

Okay so "tomorrow" turned into 5 days, but whatever.

WWBACS!!! Sacramento Masons vs. Fukuoka Samurai!

Game... 1: N. Osborn (Fuk) vs. L. Martinez (Sac). The first game saw two pitchers nobody's ever herad of facing off against each other. And like in the Vancouver/Sacramento series, the Masons did what won them a spot in the CS, by getting on the pitcher early. Menza's 1st inning double was cashed in by Cillinan's 2-bagger, and by the end of the first inning Sacramento had a 3-0 lead. That was all Martinez needed, as he went out and pitched a masterful gem, scattering 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out a career high 12 in a CGSO. Masons 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: L. Blackburn vs. C. Glidewell (Sac). Blackburn looked to ride his success in the ILCS and even up the series for Fukuoka, but 2 runs in the second inning by the Masons looked to be his end, as Glidewell did his name through 8 innings, giving up only one run in the 5th inning. However, when closer "The Duck" Shizukahana came in to lock the door with one down in the top of the ninth, a timely hit, followed by a stolen base, which was followed with a two out clutch RBI single, tied the game up and gave The Duck a blown save. It wasn't until the 11th where Fukuoka took advantage of this, as CF Lewandowski rapped a leadoff triple and scored the go-ahead run, which became part of a 3 run 11th. Blogdett, the only recognizable name on Fukuoka, did was The Duck couldn't and saved the game off, giving Fukuoka a 5-2 victory and a 1-1 series tie.

Game 3: Carter Shane vs. M. Henry (Fuk). Finally, the pitcher all of Sacramento wanted to see. Too bad they were in Japan. Shane did his team proud, though, going 9 innings and giving up only 1 hit, while K'ing 12 and walking none.. there were only two things keeping him from a perfect game: the hit, and the fact that Henry kept the Masons off the board. This one went into extras, the bullpen once again being relied on. Blodgett waltzed out for the second night in a row to pick up his bullpen, but 3B Nelson Morales denied him on the first pitch by rocking a fastball over the LF fence. (Morales is 6 for 15 in the WWBACS, btw.. unreal). But once again, it was The Duck that couldn't hold it, giving up the tying after a leadoff double in the 11th. Tied back up. The game went to the 15th inning, before hero Morales came back up, rapped a 1 out RBI double that put the Masons ahead again, and Quijada, sent in from the 13th inning, kept the Samurai from striking a fatal blow. 2-1 victory, 2-1 Masons series lead.

Game 4: Martinez vs. Osborn again! The two game 1 starters went head to head again, and Martinez was staking his below 1.00 postseason ERA on the line. And when I say below 1, I mean.. his ERA was 0.00. He'd thrown back to back CGSOs. Once again these two pitchers were matched the whole game, until finally, Martinez proved that he was partially human by giving up an RBI double in the bottom of the 8th to give Fukuoka a 1-0 lead. Taking no chances, the Samurai put Blodgett out for the third game in a row, and this time he did the job, getting the final two outs, but also making it scary by giving up two singles in the top 9... but regardless, he picked up his 3rd postseason SV and gave Fukuoka a series tie after a 1-0 W. 2-2 series tie.

Game 5: Glidewell vs. Blackburn... again. The key to keeping the Masons quiet was keeping them off the board early, and this time Blackburn did just that. And more. In fact, Blackburn gave up only 3 hits all game, and K'd 7 (0 BB), while Glidewell slipped on his own silkly smoothness in the (you guessed it) 8th inning, giving up back to back RBI singles. It was the BB's that killed Glidewell, as he walked 5 in 8 innings, while K'ing only 1. This was Blackburn's to win, and instead of putting Blodgett out again to see his arm literally explode from overuse, Blackburn took the 9th inning himself, becoming the starter, middle relief, and closer all in one in a CGSO victory. 2-0 win, 3-2 Fukuoka series lead, heading back to Sacramento.

Game 6: Henry vs. Carter Shane. Sacramento needed the clutch performance from the WWBA's best pitcher to give them a shot at game 7, but be damned if Henry wasn't going to make it tough. There were no extra base hits from any pitcher in the game. In fact, there was only a total of 6 hits and 11 base runners. But the Masons backed up Shane in the bottom 4, with a timely single that brought home Morales from second (who had walked). All they needed was for Carter Shane to keep this magic rolling. And let me tell you, there's not another guy you'd want on the mound. The 25 year old superwonder, who pitched 303 regular season innings and gave up a total of 31 earned runs (a 0.92 ERA, for those of you keeping score), showed why he was the first overall selection of 2041 and why he never threw in the minors by blanking Fukuoka and K'ing 10 batter in a clutch CGSO 1-0 win (He went 3-0 in the postseason with a ridiculous 0.51 ERA and 42 K's in 35 innings). 3-3 series tie, this baby was going to a decisive game 7. Can you taste the excitement?

Game 7: Osborn vs. Martinez, take three. ...The excitement tasted like brick. I could not think of a better matchup, as everything went down to the rubber. These playoff duelers were 1-1, both solid in the postseason, the same age (32.. Martinez was 31 at the time of the game but born in the same year), and both relied on their defence more then the K's... and both were control pitchers with good Groundball rates. There was a sellout crowd in Sacramento, bleachers packed.. bars in the city filled to maximum capacity, there was no standing room because it had been filled by anyone that could watch the game... to experience what could be the Mason's first WWBA Championship. Martinez went one-two-three in the top of 1, and then leftfielder William Laporte rapped a leadoff single, then proceeded to steal second base. Morales grounded out, Menza hit a laser single, and Laporte was on third base. RF Takakazu, ironically a Fukuoka native, hit a groundball to first base, and beat out the DP relay to help score Laporte and give the Masons first blood. Osborn settled down until the 4th. 2B Cullinan, who had been red hot in the postseason, rapped a two out double. Then Osborn walked Catcher R. Kegley on 5 pitches. It was time for heroism. 33 year old Venezuelan born Florentino Leal took a hotshot to the corner in rightfield - Cullinan plated easily, and Kegley was waved. Bill Anderson sent a bullet that beat slow-as-hell Kegley to the plate, but it was offline, and Kegley beat the tag. The crowd roared in approval as the Masons had padded their way to a 3-0 lead. But in the top 5, Fukuoka were determined to not slip away. Bruce Therrien started the inning with a single, and then Osborn used his key bunting skills to move him to second. Martinez then got a flyout from SS Clark, and he looked to be out of the inning when he went up 0-2 on G. Melendez. However, Melendez proved to be a gamer as he fought and fought and finally rapped a bloop single. Therrien trotted home from third, and suddenly the tying run was at the plate in power-hitter Todd Goodsell. Goodsell already had a hit on the night, and he continued to baffle Martinez with a single. Now the go-ahead run was at the plate, and it looked that after 5 hits in 4.2 innings, Fukuoka was starting to figure out their opposing pitcher. But Anderson, who couldn't quite get the out at the plate a half inning before, whiffed on a 2-2 changeup, and the threat was over. From this point on, Martinez went on cruise control. However, with two outs in the top of the ninth, Martinez walked Melendez, and Goodsell dug back into the plate. 124 pitches had gone through Martinez's arm, and the skip decided to pull him and bring in September callup, 23 year old Steffen Louis, who had all of 3 regular season innings and 3 outs in the postseason to get the final out against the hottest hitter Fukuoka had in the postseason. Pressure much? First pitch: Curveball outside. Second pitch: Inside strike, changeup. The crowd was roaring in approval - all they needed were two more strikes, and the Masons had won. Third pitch: Gutterball - the pitch Goodsell had been waiting for and sitting on. A 1-1 fastball. The ball hurked into the air, dead centre. Scotty Menza tracked back.. back... to the track... this ball had enough... Menza went one step from the wall, and made a fantastic running catch, as the ball died not 3 feet from being a tie-game homerun ball. Menza crashed into the wall, but kept the squeeze on the ball. Laporte mobbed him from rightfield, as the Masons had done it, and Steffen Louis had picked up his first big league save.. in game 7 of the WWBACS. The crowd went crazy in celebration, as a dejected Goodsell had been robbed and walked silently to the dugout. All throughout the streets of Sacramento, the chant of "Masons win!" could be heard in the night and well into the morning hours. Final score: 3-1 Sacramento. 4-3 Series win.

When I have the time, I'll post the OOTP playoff reports, as well as the season-ending awards. Should be within the week. How's that for excitement?

[Jazzmosis]

Actually, here's the awards.. I was pretty much spot on for some of my predictions, and once again Kyoto sported a kickass defensive team. What did surprise me was Gareth "Uber-Monkey" Williams taking the ROY in the IL.


North American League WWB Top Rookie:
Don Bussell (EDH)!
He batted .204 in 519 AB, with 11 homers and 42 RBI.

International League WWB Top Rookie:
Gareth Williams (TOK)!
He batted .172 in 360 AB, with 3 homers and 23 RBI.

North American League Master Pitcher:
Carter Shane (SAC)!
He had a record of 20-9 with an ERA of 0.92 and 11 shutouts.
In 35 games started, he pitched 303.2 innings, fanning 408 and walking 50 batters.

North American League Incredible Batter:
Gale Pease (EDH)!
He batted .238 in 504 AB, with 15 homers and 48 RBI.

International League Master Pitcher:
Nicholas Osborn (FKS)!
He had a record of 17-3 with an ERA of 1.16 and 9 shutouts.
In 31 games started, he pitched 263.2 innings, fanning 169 and walking 55 batters.

International League Incredible Batter:
Tim Moungey (KYO)!
He batted .273 in 513 AB, with 11 homers and 44 RBI.

North American League Defensive Gem Winners:
Pitcher: Walter Muñiz (QCI)
Catcher: Randal Kegley (SAC)
First Base: Darwin Garza (NO)
Second Base: Clyde Remy (ARL)
Third Base: Lesley Adams (LON)
Shortstop: Hung Lawrence (NO)
Leftfield: Ernest Carson (QCI)
Centerfield: Kenneth Franson (BIS)
Rightfield: Robert Vaughn (BIS)

International League Defensive Gem Winners:
Pitcher: Jerry Harkins (FKS)
Catcher: Dennis Boden (KYO)
First Base: Eloy Prados (KYO)
Second Base: Michael Derrick (KYO)
Third Base: Hugh Leiva (VER)
Shortstop: Trenton Martinez (GDL)
Leftfield: Mark Goddard (MEX)
Centerfield: James Washington (SSF)
Rightfield: Truman Evangelista (TIJ)

[Jazzmosis]

Time for the OOTP Postseason Players report! For once, it's somebody other then Doc Watson to report about!

Doc didn't play due to his injury, and Vancouver was knocked out in 5. Coulda used him, no?

Scott Menza, the 26 year old centrefielder, a guy characterized by his loyalty to the Masons and their constant failure, finally got what he deserved: The ring. He started all 12 games of the postseason, accumulating 49 ABs and rapping 9 hits for a .184 postseason average. He also clubbed a HR (game 5 vs. Van) and brought in 3 (the other 2 were game 3 vs. Van), but in the WWBACS he didn't bring in anyone, but he had 4 hits. He also didn't score in the series, but overall he had 4 runs, 1 double and triple, while BB 3 times and K'ing 7. This was good for a .231 OBP and a .537 OPS. What is more surprising is that he didn't utilize his speed, not attempting a SB (while he had 15 on the regular season). Look for him to be back in Sacramento with a 6+ million arb contract. Getting close to FA!

..Surprisingly, he's the only OOTP to get a mention. Strange, I thought there was more. Oh well.

Here's some random tidbits before I proceed to next season:

Doc Watson is now 30 years old.

X-Man is 28, and still leads the K list with 997 career strikeouts (in 1038 IP). Carter Shane is 8th with 799 (and a season less of pitching).

Some guy named Lonny Maughan is the first batter to reach 2000 career AB, and he's got a .203 average to show for it.

Moungey is the all-time leader in hits with 442, one more then Huneycutt.

Kahle is 3rd on the career HR list with 51, 5 less then leader Zubin Glavin Jr. Meanwhile, Crazy Taito is tied for ninth with 39, but he's also played a year less then the others.

Moungey's career avg is .243 after 1820 AB, which is about .020 points higher then the closest competition (that I could find). He's also 1st in triples (31) and 4th in doubles (92, leader has 118). He's also got the most career SB's (185).

Doc leads the career free passes with 319, 30 more then second placed man and also teammate R. Valer (is it any wonder Vancouver scores alot?). Marcus Chiang squeaks on the all time board in 23rd with 151.

Davey Devereux's 34 HRs came in 3 months in the minors, he also somehow accumulated 420 ABs, meaning he got up an AWFUL lot since getting drafted June 1st.

New season coming up! (Brett Evans will be put in the next draft).

[ifspuds]

Originally Posted by Jazzmosis

Time for the OOTP Postseason Players report! For once, it's somebody other then Doc Watson to report about!

Doc didn't play due to his injury, and Vancouver was knocked out in 5. Coulda used him, no?

Naw. I'd just have ended up choking anyway.

[Sarcastic]

How on earth did this get to page three? For shame, Jazz. For shame.

(please note sarcasm)

[Jazzmosis]

Oh wow, it's been a LONG LONG time since I've had enough spare time to write this up... but lo and behold, WWBA is making a random comeback!

The first thing is the draft of 2044. There were some serious monsters in the draft class this year (power hitters galore, and let's not forget the domination of the pitchers), but rookie Brett Evans was drafted in the 3rd round, 47th overall pick.... by Kyoto. He starts his career in hopes of finding a starting position on the big club, but for now he's in A ball.

We start after the first two months of 2044: And WOW, what a surprise it's been so far. In the USA league, Ocean City (33-25) has a slim 2 game lead over Sacramento (fueled by Carter Shane, as usual). Meanwhile, the biggest surprise is in the Canada division, where London (36-22) has a 4 game lead over... Quebec City! Yes, the preannual cellar dwellars are fighting for some glory this year. And where's Vancouver in all this? Tied for 3rd, 8 games back, and below .500 (28-30)!. Mexico City (34-24) is back in the driver's seat in the Mexico division, with a large 6 game lead over Tijuana. And finally, Sapporo is making a guest appearance in the always rocky Japan division, who at 36-22 have a 4 game spread over Tokyo. Look for Tokyo to crash like they normally do. Kyoto is 5 back (31-27).

Doc Watson, the 30 year old fan favourite in Vancouver, has been around, but his presence has not been felt. He's struggled to only a .161 average, although he's walked 40 times to 12 K's and has roped 5 HR's. However, all of his numbers are down from their usual glory, as his OBP of .315 is a far cry from the .372 he posted just a year previous.

X-Man is back with Ocean City to defend his active K lead over Carter Shane, and for a while the two pitchers were neck and neck (just like the teams in the standings.... what a surprise!), swapping the K lead per start. However, X-Man missed one start and Shane pounced on that opportunity, taking 30 K's in two starts while Harris only whiffed 9. However for the year X-Man is 7-2 in 13 starts, spanning 101.1 Innings with 108 K's, to a mere 18 free passes. His ERA is a career-best 1.15 and his WHIP is a miniscule 0.64. The most impressive factor is that he's only given up 47 hits so far, which has translated into him throwing 8 CG's and 5 CGSO's... almost half his starts are 9 inning goose eggs. While Shane may have 131 K's, Ocean City and X-Man still have the division lead.

Tim Moungey has been on fire all year. He lead the WWBA with a .306 average (50 points higher then 2nd), while he's knocked in 21 with 4 HRs and an OPS of .822. He's also swiped 19 bases, scored 19 times, and tallied 19 Extra-base hits (out of 60 total). Even his walks are up, at 17 in 196 ABs. He's K'd 28 times.

Alan Liao is still a pile of glorius success since taking over the starting role in Ocean City, and although he's hitting a respectable but not fantastic .200 in 190 AB's, he's absolutely mashed the ball when he does hit it, racking up 10 HR's and 24 RBI, both second overall in the NAL. He's also scored 24 times, and walked as many times as he has struck out (16). His OPS of .700 leads the Hurricanes. Not to mention his 6 stolen bases (station to station, much?).

Pete Kahle has rebounded after a poor 2043. So far in '44 he's hitting the ball at a .238 clip, complete with 10 HRs, 28 RBI, 16 Runs, and an OPS of .718. This all leads Sapporo's charts, but his high K's (39 in 214 AB) is still a concern. He seems to make up for it with his 10 doubles though. If he could drop the K's he would be an absolute powerhouse.

26 year old Scotty Menza is up to his usual tricks, hitting .228 with only 1 HR and 13 RBIs from the leadoff spot. He's only stolen 3 bags, but he's scored 13 times and his OPS of .612 is leadoff worthy. He's actually walked (18) more than he's K'd (16), which is helpful for Sacramento as they continue the chase on Ocean City. Look for Menza to be dropped in the order when some hot prospects develop, however. He's 1 more season away from free agency...

Will Ntsky's career is going nowhere, as he takes his 5th tour of AA in Tijuana. He's already made an AAA start, getting that pointless callup out of the way. This time, he got roughed up. Meanwhile in AA he's sporting a brutal 2.72 ERA, complete with a 4-6 record in 11 starts, which have totalled 86 innings and 72 K's (28BB). He does have 4 CG's (5 if you include his AAA start), but his WHIP of 1.01 isn't desireable. They're not hitting off him (59 hits), but his walks are killing him. Look for him to move on when he becomes a MLFA.

Paul Grant continues to play backup 3B for the Hurricanes, but he's still on the active roster, which is all he's wanted. In 27 ABs, he's hitting .185 with 0 HR and 0 RBI (hot!), not to mention 0 runs, 0 Stolen bases, 0 caught stealing, and a fantastic 1 walk. (5K's, 5 hits). Not much else to say, although his AVG isn't embarrassing. Just the rest of his 0s are.

Lil' China Chiang's average is dipping once again (.170 from .189 last year), but his power numbers have increased (8 HR in 194AB to 11 in 355 last year), and so have his RBIs. He's got 20 of those, 8 shy of his last year total. He's walked 20 times to 32 K's, while scoring 16 times out of his 33 hits. What's concerning is his serious lack of extra base power, with only 4 doubles after his HR's. Hopefully he'll improve some more, helping to keep London on top and making them the first non-Vancouver team to go the postseason in the Canada division.

Kit Pellows and St. John's are back from London, but still within striking distance. Tied for third, Pellows is helping his club out with a .198 average (2nd), 17 runs scored (1st), 13 stolen bases (1st), and an OPS of .480 (2nd). His power is the usual non-existent self, with only 2 HR's in 202 ABs and only 10 RBI on the season. He's K'd 28 times and only walked 9, and like Chiang, his XB hits aren't anywhere to be seen, as he's got only 6 in 40 hits. But at least he's scoring. If St. John's wants to get up in the standings though, they'll need Pellows to start rapping the doubles. He's doing everything else they expected.

Crazy Taito has become one of the bigger threats in the WWBA, as with Veracruz he's pacing the club with a .220 avg (45/205), complete with 7 HRs and 20 RBIs. He's even stolen two bases, but he leads his club with 23 runs scored, as well as with a .710 OPS. And his 16 doubles are a pleasant extra, as his BB:K ratio is nearing 1:1 (24:28). Too bad Veracruz is nowhere to be seen in the Mexico division (4th, 27-31, 7GB).

Last year's top rookie Gerald Williams is having a sophomore year to remember, as in a platoon role he's hitting .226, with 2 HRs and 7 RBI, while he's stolen 9 bases in his 24 hits and 14 walks. He's K'd 20 times (nearly once every 5 AB), which is probably keeping him from becoming an everydayer at 2B or SS, but he has scored 10 times. Quite the enigma, and with Tokyo still in the race, look for him to either get alot more playing time, or none at all.

Stonehenge was sent from the active roster back to A by Tokyo to start the year. The 19 year old was bummed out after a few years at the show, but he's learning well in A, hitting .264 with 10 HR and 29 RBI in 57 games (212 AB). He's got an OPS of .811, and is slugging an impressive .472. His 19 walks have put his OBP to .339, which should give him a promotion to AA to AAA soon. Then again, it IS Tokyo A ball - where careers go to go.... nowhere.

JD Boom, meanwhile, is enjoying life as a Catcher in Quebec City, hitting a career high .213 in 144 ABs as the lead catcher. He's got 1 bomb and 11 RBI, while walking 22 times (28 Ks), and finding the gap nicely (9 doubles in 30 hits). He's also throwing out 40% of base stealers, good for tops in the WWBA among backstops. This undoubtedly is helping the Imperials to stay on London.

Davey Devereux, what did I tell you! After only a year in the minors, Mexico City called him up in a backup OF role. He's not doing much right now, hitting only .143 with 2 hits in 14 AB, complete with only 1 RBI (0 HR), but he's yet to K and he has walked twice and scored 3 times. He may not be getting on alot, but he's making the most of the basepaths when he is. His first career hit came May 9th, a single. His callup straight from A ball was deserved, as in 29 games in he was hitting .208 with 8 HRs and 15 RBI in 106 AB, with 6 doubles and 3 triples. His great gap power should keep him in the bigs for some time, as the 23 year old has been a can't-miss spec since draft day.

Brett Evans is still getting his bearings right in A ball Kyoto, but at least he's living up to his nickname. "Muscles" has 6 bombs in 36 hits, and despite only hitting .169 in 213 AB, he's scored 28 times and stolen 11 bases (22 walks would help), He's got 11 RBIs and 7 doubles (4 triples), which should negate to him turning into a great hitter when he develops. He's K'd 33 times.

My predictions?

Shane and X-Man finish 1-2 in the K's this year (currently 1-3). Vancouver turns it around but can't overpass London, Mexico City walks all over their division, and Stonehenge spends the year in Tokyo A, despite Tokyo's predictable collapse. Kyoto will win the division (I just have a feeling about this one).

[GoCubsAndJays]

C'mon Lil China! Starting driving things into the gap!

[Jazzmosis]

6 months later, but after what just happened...

Yeah yeah, I abandoned this project - but I just recently found the league file (still in tact!) and played out a few seasons out of random curiousity. MY first mistake to reviving this project, because I was still following all the players created. And lo and behold, interesting things happened, and I felt guilty for not writing it up. So I kind of left it around mid-2044, and I've simmed up to the beginning of 2046 now, so I figure I'll just.. write up everything here. I figure I should give this a proper burial, and not just some cheap "oops, I forgot to update since June of last year," so I've decided to finish up the careers of all the people that created players, because some are on the path to destiny (one in particular, which I'll get into later), and I've got a few guys around that I created that were just pet projects and I'd like to see how they finish (including my knuckler CL that throws 80MPH (I love that creation loophole..). Anyway, without further adue, here's the Reader's Digest version of the last two years, proving that I like to revive my dead projects:

Doc Watson spent a decent '44 campaign with Vancouver, setting a career best in BB with 105 free passes, and equalling his '43 year in RBIs (30) and Runs (48). Doc turned 31 late during the season, but his average suffered to a career-worst .163, while his OBP remained respectable at .327. He had 8 HRs and 11 snagged bags, right near his career average, but he set a career high in K's with 40, 11 more than his previous high. He played in a career high 147 games (out of 150), and got a career best 455 ABs, which helped him to set a career high in doubles with 22. His 74 hits tied for second-best in his career, but despite his overall average season, which included another Defensive Gem award at short, his first one since 2040, Vancouver struggled to their first losing season ever at 70-80, 13 games adrift of London in the Canada division.

He received the same arbitration award of 6.8 million in '45, but his average continued to slide, as he hit only .157 on the season in 146 games. He also posted his lowest OBP at .292, complimented by 83 walks. He struck out 50 times, increasing his high by another 10. He did pull off 76 hits, which is his second-highest season total, but this was helped by 483 AB, 28 more then his previous high. He hit a career low 6 HRs, but drove in a career high 36 runs, and stole 13 bases (2nd best in his career). He also hit 23 doubles, inching his career high along. One thing that wasn't failing him is his glove, as he bagged his third Defensive Gem award and second in a row at shortstop. Despite his offensive troubles, at the end of 2045 he lead the all-time board in walks by 99, totalling 507. His struggle was epitomized by Vancouver's second straight sub-par season, as they again finished 70-80 and this time 14 games back of Quebec, who'd improved drastically over the last few years. He also left Vancouver fans heartbroken by declaring for free agency after the end of the season.

He starts 2046 by signing a 4 year deal worth 6.8 million dollars per with Sacramento in his first, and likely only taste of free agency. The Masons don't appear to be much of an upgrade over Vancouver, as they finished with the same record in '45 and finished dead last in a tough USA division. Perhaps they'll both turn their fortunes around. However, he local god Carter Shane on the club.

X-Man spent 2044 pounding out victories, his 19 helping Ocean City to a pennant over New Orleans by 5 games and a 83-67 record. His ERA of 1.24 was his second best, as well as his 286 K's in 290 innings. He stayed with good control, walking only 56 and pounding out 21 complete games with 7 shutouts, both keeping him in the top 5 on the all-time list. He also compiled a solid 0.69 WHIP, right on his career average. He racked up an All-Star appearance, his second ever, and finished with a 19-9 record, putting his career at 74-48. Those 19 wins ranked in a three-way tie for the best in the WWBA. He capped off the season by signing a lucrative contract extension with Ocean City: The deal? A then-record 12.3 million dollar per year for another 5 years.

He strided into '45, both he and the team looking for another playoff appearance. His numbers were by no means bad - he typically stayed near the best in the game with his season, but his 14-12 record was a disappointment at best. His 1.60 ERA was above his career average, but he set a career high in starts (36), IP (303.1), HA (166), WHIP (0.75), and BB (61). His K's remained consistent at 286, and he threw 20 CGs with 6 CGSOs as sidekicks. Ocean City fell 6 games short of playoff contention however, finishing with a 78-72 final record.

His career numbers put him on the fast track to the hall, and it's only helped by his all-time lead in Ks with 1567, 99 more than his closest competitor. And at 30 years old, he's undoubtedly got many more good years in him. His career boasts a 88 (3rd AT)-60 record in 1631.1 IP (1st AT), with 106 CGs (6th) and 36 CGSOs (4th). This is all in 194 career starts and games.

Jade Moungey set all kinds of unheardof records in 2044. Apart from his career-best 147 games and 48RBIs with 50 walks, he also stole 58 bases (1st), had a league-record 169 hits, knocked out 9 dingers, and rapped 28 doubles and 12 triples in 536 ABs. This was all complimented by his absolutely incredible .315, a ridiculous 56 points higher than anyone in the WWBA. He went through steroids testing but came up clean. This ticker-tape season pushed Kyoto to their first pennant, and he picked up his second Incredible Batter of his career. He posted two Batter of the Month awards, June and September, but his biggest surprise came shortly after. After declaring as a free agent, one of the pioneers to do so in that department (at least as an unrestricted free agent), he shattered all contract records in the history of organized professional baseball (dating all the way back to the time of the Major league baseball association), at an incredible 29.3 million dollars each year for the next 4 years. This was signed with local enemy Sendai, as Moungey chose to stay in the country that loved him so. This was all quite incredible for a player that was only 23 years old.

With his lucrative contract brought high expectations to Sendai, and despite his continued success, they finished a sad 74-76, and behind Kyoto (75-75), as well as 12 games behind Fukuoka. Don't blame Moungey, though. He went to the All-Star game for the 5th time in a row, and set career highs in HR (14), RBI (58), SB (61), and BB (53). However, this was overshadowed by his 103 strikeouts, a number that had been steadily increasing over the years. That was dismissed, however, as his 160 hits and .311 average resulted in 3 Batter of the Month awards and his third-straight Incredible Batter award. Like a true class act, he did not criticize Sendai for a tough season, he merely looked forward to the next season. Humble for a player that is only 24, and setting the bar for incredibility. He's totalled 771 hits and a .269 average over his career, the hits being 138 more then 2nd place on the all-time list. He's walked 227 times (21st AT), and stolen 304 bags (1st, 66 more than 2nd). His 254 RBIs ranks 4th all time, while his 56 bombs sitting at 13th. He leads the doubles all time ranks with 144 and triples with 54, as well as runs with 319. Nobody doubts his talent - everyone simply wonders how high he can go, and what numbers he'll ultimately finish with. The Hall of Fame seems made for him, under the title of "best offensive player ever."

He remains on Sendai's roster for 2046.

Liao's career seems safe in Ocean City, but he's established himself as a power hitting second baseman who can drive in runs when needed, but nothing much else. In 2044, he ranked 5th overall in HRs with 19, but hit only .174, league average at best. He had 90 hits and 49 RBIs (4th, NA), but was celebrated with an All-Star appearance. His gap power is impressive, as he pummelled 31 doubles and sprinted out 8 triples, while stealing 16 times. He walked 56 times, and lead the league in runs with 60. With X-Man, he crusaded into the playoffs with high hopes.

He brought on '45 by doing more of the same, breaking the NA-record for HRs at the end of the season with his 22 on September 23, ultimately tying a certain someone who he was in competition with all season. He once again scored 60 times (1st), and hit 23 home runs, driving in 57 (3rd). He also stole a career-high 19 bases (9th), increasing his career total to 54, but his walks declined to 37 and his K's increased to 77 in 475 AB (not his most). He hurt his knee in August and missed two weeks, which made him finish with 134 games on the season, and his 71 hits tied his 2043 season. However, his average plummeted to a paltry .149, and his OBP was only .214. He also didn't get an invite to the Mid-summer classic, but that isn't a "norm" for him, as he's only gone in '44. His 23 career triples ranks 14th all-time, and his 58 four-baggers puts him comfortably in 10th. His power-hitting ways was deemed worthy of keeping despite his worrysome number patterns (he's looking a lot like a power hitter of the 1990's would) and he signed a 3 year extension with Ocean City in August, securing his future through his first taste of Free Agency. His age? Only 26, so he's got plenty of time to improve, or watch his career fade away before he's ready.

Pete Kahle spent '44 with Sapporo, fighting it out with Kyoto for the division crown before ultimately dropping the final two games of the season while Kyoto won their final two, resulting in a heartbreaking finish that left them only 1 game behind. He did all he could, hitting .200, his best average since 2041, with 110 hits (8th, IL), and 19 HRs. He also set a career-high 26 doubles and brought in 49. He scored 39 times and walked 44, all near his career average. His strikeouts were a career-worst 99, but weren't particularly higher than his career average. This was all forgotten by the 25 year old's third All-Star appearance, but then remembered by his declaring for free agency, breaking Sapporo's heart a second time. Simply put, he couldn't handle the rough loss, and instead signed the second highest contract in FA history with Arlington at 10.9 million for 4 years. His hopes? To bring playoff hopes to the otherwise dwindling team.

'45 brought just that, and he adjusted to the new division with ease, quickly joining Liao and one other in a HR chase for the leader board. He would ultimately finish short with 22 HRs, but was the first to break the record with his 22nd blast on September 17. He only hit .174, but led the league with 61 RBIs. He walked 38 times to his career-worst 106 Ks, and scored 45 times (8th). He racked up 91 hits and 23 doubles, but like many others in the NA division, he sacrificed some average for some power. Not like anyone cared though, as by the end of the year his 92 home runs had tied Zubin Glavin Jr for 2nd All-Time, while his 571 hits ranks 9th. He's third on the RBI list with 254, and his 112 doubles ranks him 16th overall. And despite his so-so eye, he ranks 22nd all-time with 225 walks. And of course, he's scored 230 times, which ranks 12th. With his power-laden season, he propelled Arlington to their first ever postseason appearance.

Wow... that's a lot of writing. I'll pick this up soon with the following names (in an edit):

Scotty Menza

Will Ntsky

Paul Grant

Lil' China Chiang

Gareth Williams

Crazy Taito

Stonehenge

JD Boom

Davey Devereux

Brett Evans

[Jazzmosis]

Wow, that was a TON of writing. But it's done... and ready to be restarted probably by the end of the weekend. Does anyone still read this?

EDIT.. I hate myself. I wrote it all down and then hit "post reply" instead of "save". Kill me now, there's no way I'm rewriting all of that.

Ughh.. fine, here's the quick version:

Brett Evans got a career ending injury in 2045.

Taito's a monster, he set the HR record in 44, but lost it in 45.

Boom and Quebec won it all in 45, Kyoto won it in 44.. both swept the finals. Williams is still a backup, Stoney is in A, Devereux is a backup on the big league club for Mexico, Menza signed some massive deal with a team I can't remember anymore (St. Johns!), Chiang won the Incredible Batter and Defensive gem in 45, as well as setting the HR record with 23 in the NA (Taito hit more, but he's in another league. The all time best in 36, hit by a rookie). Paul Grant was claimed off waivers in 44 and got a starting job in 45, got a contract extension and is on St. Johns. Ntsky finally got the promotion to AAA.

Yeah, it's a ripoff, but I lost about 3 pages of edited write up. God I could stab myself right now.