Pasttime: An Alternative MLB History

[The Just]

Originally Posted by darkcloud4579

The Boston Yankees

Oh my mother ****ing God what the ****?!?!?!?!

Sorry, my mind is blown. Just, wow... WHY?! NO! WHY?!

[Sagitta]

ITT Dark Cloud traumatizes both New York and Boston baseball fans.

[darkcloud4579]

Isn't it awesome!? I mean, seriously..who would EVER think to write a dynasty like that?

I'm totally tempted to end this dynasty here and start a completely separate sequel. Because I know enough people aren't going to know that I've done this and won't get the gumption to sift through to find out.

But it's the most delicious idea ever!

And what's funny is, I didn't plan to do it this way. I promise. I was actually thinking Indianapolis first, after our one friend posted about Indiana. Then, I was consider Wyoming or the Front Range area of Colorado. Because it's where I currently reside.

But after thinking more and more about it, I thought, "what's more Yankee than New England?" NOTHING.

It's perfect and after all, this is an alternative history. The Yankees of this dynasty never stepped foot in New York as the home team. They went from Wyoming (as the Rockies) to Tampa, Florida. Which is ******ed, I know.

But...anyway....



The RL Blue Jays fan in me is also loving this idea too.

[darkcloud4579]

DH to begin in 2008

Starting in the 2008 season, rosters are going down to 25-man (from 27) and we're adding the designated hitter in both leagues.

It will spike offense, yes. But..frankly, OOTP doesn't handle hitting pitchers well and short of editing it to make them better (which I've been tempted to do), this will make things more interesting generally for me.

And that's all that I care about.

On a more serious note, league average ERAs have been around 4 runs per game since the 1950s. So I'll be curious to see what the change will do, because save for the change from 4-man to 5-man rotations and the increased load of closers the past season (none of which had a noticeable impact on scoring), this will be the biggest wholesale move we've made to the rules since the league was founded in 1901.

[darkcloud4579]

December 1, 2007

I don't forsee any major changes to the lineup for next year. I'm going to stand pat this off-season and if I make a signing at all or a deal, it'll be something that even surprises me. I just don't know what we should do, really. But I think last year sorta set us up to be okay for a few years down the road.

I'd like to be successful our first year in Boston to set the tone for the franchise in its new home, but...I don't want to press too much. Plus, realize the Boston faithful haven't seen a team in the post-season since 1980 and have never witnessed a World Series on their home turf.

We want to excite them early on, but also be smart enough to keep the run going year after year.

The fun, will be seeing how it pans out.

Coming next, the pre-season report.

[darkcloud4579]

OPENING WEEKEND 2008

In a fate of irony that not even the funniest scheduler could've predicted, the opening weekend matchup for Boston's new team -- The Yankees -- will pit them at their new home against the old team from the city of Boston, that moved to Denver, Colorado this season -- the Colorado Rancheros.

[The Just]

New Boston team vs. the old residents.

Oh, ho, ho.... awwwwkwarrrrd...

Keep doing your thing. I like it.

[darkcloud4579]

I mulled over whether to keep writing this story, because I didn't know if it had any interest and I having such a good time with it, that I didn't want to slow it down if people weren't paying attention.

Anyway...the 2008 season is in the books.

The Yanks won the AL East title, but fell short in the playoffs, being upset by the Washington Senators, who were making their first playoff appearance in franchise history.

The Sens went all the way, knocking off the New York Heroes in seven games, to capture their first World Series in just their 7th major league season. I haven't checked the records yet, but it just might be one of the fastest in history of any expansion club.

In other news, we've had some more issues with teams moving. Baseball is a sport of regional markets and this league is no different. Teams were concentrated in locales that didn't really allow them to take advantage of their regional market better than others and so, a few teams have opted to shift elsewhere for the 2009 season, after being heavily wooed by a variety of familiar cities (to us) that have gone without major league baseball either forever or for at least, a very long time.

I'm considering starting a rival third league, not because it was part of the story -- it wasn't -- but because it actually makes a lot of sense given how many markets are just downright neglected (Keokuk has a team but Minneapolis doesn't?) and how that sound of groundswell would exist in real life.

Plus, there are just tons of players in the game that sit on minor league shelves without being touched and don't play much and I'd rather see them put to good use.

MLB won't expand any further is the main point, though. Which is why such a thing might be necessary. It won't be next year though.

As for the team moves here they are:

Memphis Blues become the Cleveland (OH) Blues.

Portland Beavers become the Carolina (Raleigh-Durham, NC) Pirates.

Fresno Grizzlies become the Texas (Dallas, TX) Wranglers

Montreal Royals become the San Diego (CA) Marines.

NAME CHANGES

The Brooklyn Kings became the Brooklyn Athletics in 2008.

The Keokuk Comets became the Keokuk Cardinals in 2008.

HISTORICAL FACT
The only original franchise (1901-) playing in its original city are the Los Angeles Angels. Birmingham was founded in 1924 and have never moved, either.

REALIGNMENT 2009

The shifts of teams meant there need to be some semblence of realignment for 2009.

San Diego moves to the NL West.
Kansas City moved to the NL Central
Carolina moves to the AL South
Washington moves to the AL East

I'm sure that's somewhere between confusing and you're like "yeah, so?" But...I'll recap where the teams are once we get into next season

[darkcloud4579]

GET INTO THE GAME?
It's always fun when people sign up to put themselves or a character they can follow into the game and watch him develop -- or bust -- into something.

I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to sign up to play in this particular dynasty, too. To the point where you can even sign up with the team you want to play for. Players will start off young for the most part, but some will be further along than others.

So, what do you say?

List your name/position/birthplace and I'll get you in the game.

Also,
I've begun saving box scores and game logs from every game starting last season, so I'll try to eventually start to focus with more detail on individual players, teams and looking more at the history of the league and such alike.

[Powderguy]

I like this dynasty so far, nice concept. I'd enjoy seeing how I would perform also.

Name: Chad "Powder" First
POS: SS
Born: PA

[darkcloud4579]

The Atlanta Firecrackers signed you. I just created the free agent, edited his name and info and you got signed the next day. Unscientific, but sorta like real life I guess.

You got assigned to Triple-A and we'll monitor your progress!

[darkcloud4579]

Takuya Yamasaki (.271/6/28 in 229 ABs in 2008) is a good playe and has been solid for us since we acquired him from San Francisco back in 2007.

But, we decided to deal him, along with reliever Jacob Roberts and a prospect to Keokuk for 34-year old right fielder and Massachusetts native Frank Lord.

Lord is a future hall of famer with 650 career home runs and a career .296 hitter. The Malden, MA native has played his entire career in Keokuk and has one year left on his career, plus a player option for 2010.

He hit 30 HRs last year with 97 RBI and a .258 average. He could very well be on the decline to some degree, but we believe getting him and bringing him back home will invigorate the fan base AND help him as he heads towards 700 career home-runs and beyond.

[darkcloud4579]

2009 MLB ALIGNMENT
----

AMERICAN LEAGUE
---
EAST
--
Boston Yankees
Columbus Clippers
Washington Senators
Chicago Cyclones
New York Highlanders

WEST
---
Seattle Pilots
Los Angeles Angels
Arizona Sidewinders
Nevada Silverhawks
San Francisco Seals

SOUTH
---
Birmingham Barons
Carolina Pirates
Austin Red Sox
Miami Marlins
Houston Generals

NATIONAL LEAGUE
---
EAST
---
Philadelphia Blue Jays
New York Heroes
Atlanta Firecrackers
Toronto Marlies
Brooklyn Athletics

WEST
---
Texas Wranglers
San Diego Marines
Colorado Rancheros
Vancouver Canadians
Los Angeles Stars

CENTRAL
---
Chicago Whales
Keokuk Cardinals
Kansas City Elites
Cleveland Blues
Detroit Mustangs

[Powderguy]

Originally Posted by darkcloud4579

The Atlanta Firecrackers signed you. I just created the free agent, edited his name and info and you got signed the next day. Unscientific, but sorta like real life I guess.

You got assigned to Triple-A and we'll monitor your progress!

Nice, one more thing, can you make my number #1 instead of 7

[darkcloud4579]

My goal all along was about spreading the wealth in terms of where teams were located, while also being representative of population trends current and future, throughout the country.

I think right now, we have an alignment that's setup better than at any time in the history of the game.

Here's a map that has points of all of the cities that currently have teams.

The most glaring omission you'll see by viewing the map is probably that there are no real teams in the Upper Midwest (Wisconsin, Minnesota) and so, those teams probably have to overly rely on Chicago as base to root from.

You might argue the southeast is overrepresented with four teams now and argubaly, six if you count Baltimore and DC.

That said, don't be surprised if you see teams considering break for the Upper Midwest OR Texas.

If you were wondering and can't count, here are the teams by state (in states with multiples)

CALIFORNIA 4 (LAS, LAN, SD, SF)
NEW YORK 3 (BKN, NYA, NYN)
OHIO 2 (CLE, CLB)
CHICAGO 2 (CHA, CHN)
TEXAS 3 (HOU, TEX, AUS)

BY REGION
---
MID-ATLANTIC (7): BOSTON, PHILLY, NY, NY, BKN, DC, TORONTO)

SOUTHEAST (4): ATLANTA, CAROLINA, BIRMINGHAM, MIAMI)

MIDWEST (7): DETROIT, CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS, CHICAGO, CHICAGO, KEOKUK, KANSAS CITY)

SOUTHWEST (5): TEXAS, AUSTIN, HOUSTON, ARIZONA, LAS VEGAS

CALIFORNIA (4): LA, LA, SAN DIEGO, SAN FRANCISCO

NORTHWEST (3) COLORADO, SEATTLE, VANCOUVER

[darkcloud4579]

Originally Posted by Powderguy

Nice, one more thing, can you make my number #1 instead of 7

Done. I had them send you to Winter League (there are only two levels of minors. Triple-A during the regular season and a winter league that runs after the season) and since you just signed, it'd be interesting to see how you do down there.

[darkcloud4579]

BALTIMORE ANNOUNCES MOVE TO AUSTIN, TX
Despite winning the World Series in 2005, the Baltimore Colts ownership have confirmed what many had been thinking for weeks -- that the DC metro market just isn't big enough for two teams in the same league. Ownership today confirmed that the team would relocated to Austin, Texas for the 2009 season, becoming the 5th team to move this season.

Commissioners Office officals said that the owners are "okay" with the moves, the Commisioner himself is livid, believing that it will "hurt fan support" long-term of the sport, while others are echoing what many have been saying for years, that baseball's new economics are part of a 'market correction' that should've occurred thirty years ago.

"The sport is placed in bottlenecking regional markets. It's a game that's got national appeal and yet, the teams are ignoring certain markets. MLB has stated it will not expand again for at least twenty years, but how can they really hold onto that idea, when teams are just going to markets when being offered relocation deals, new stadiums and renovation deals," said Fred Marchand, a sports economist at Dartmouth.

Baltimore owners were confident their move to Texas would approved because it wouldn't require anymore realignment. MLB officials just released the 2009 alignment and it was unlikely that a team move to a geographic region outside of a team's division would get approved at this late stage of the game.

With just three months until catchers and pitchers report, fans throughout the country are wondering "is my team next?" But most owners have gone on record as saying, "we're not all being bought and sold. Some of us have integrity and others are out to make a quick buck," said New York Highlanders owner Mark Lansing.

But quickly defending a team's right to move was Boston minority owner Paula Witmore, whose team moved from Tampa, Florida after a World Series title and close to a century in the same city.

"Businesses move all of the time. People act like this doesn't happen in real life. When Maytag moves to Mexico, people get upset. But this isn't anything like that. It's about sports and about putting teams in a position to be appreciated by their fans and also, to play in conditions that allow ownership to succeed on and off the field. It's got to be a tandem deal or else, it simply doesn't work."

When MLB spokesman said three years ago that we shouldn't expect anymore moves, most believed him. But it seems like many things these days, reality doesn't always match up with what ought to happen.

[darkcloud4579]

I went through the current list of the top 35 or so metropolitan areas in the U.S. without teams and that are distinct enough generally not to be considered part of current team's market area.

Here are the distances these markets are from a major league team and their ranking among the top metro areas in the country.

Riverside, CA (14th) - 59 minutes to Los Angeles

Minneapolis, MN (16th) - 6 hours to Keokuk or Chicago, 6 1/2 hours to Kansas City

St. Louis (18th) - 3 hours to Keokuk

Tampa (19th) - 4 hours to Miami

Baltimore (20th) - 1 hour to Washington, D.C.

Pittsburgh (22nd) - 2 hours to Cleveland, 3 hours to Columbus

Portland (23rd) - 3 hours to Seattle

Cincinnati (25th) - 1 hr 45 minutes to Columbus

Orlando (27th) - 3 hours 42 minutes to Miami

San Antonio (29th) 1 1/2 hours to Austin

Indianapolis (33rd) 3 hours to Chicago, 2hrs 45 minutes to Columbus

Norfolk (34th) 3 hours to Carolina, 3 hours to DC

[darkcloud4579]

BARONS HEAD NORTH, COMMISSIONER FURIOUS
Normally, baseball has a flurry of moves between players going to different teams during the off-season. This off-season, the cities have been working with the teams to create a whole shadow free agency movement.

The sixth team to move this off-season, the Birmingham Barons, who have been in that city since 1924, set off a firestorm of emails, calls and notice from cities that have lost teams, prompting baseball's governing authority -- the Commissioner's office -- to issue a warning to team owners.

"We have the trust and faith of communities, that are often identified by their teams. We have an interest to do our best to ensure that long-standing relationships remain in order, for that reason."

The Barons were on the block for the past four years, but no one seemed to want them and local owners were rebuffed, as current ownership didn't want the team to stay in the city. Their last World Series win was in 1980 and they've made one post-season appearance since 1985.

Minnesota on the other hand, had been wooing teams for much of the past thirty years with no success, until a referedum passed three years ago, prompted the city to begin building a new ballpark - Metropolitan Field - near the downtown area. This led to a ramping up of efforts to attract a team, especially after a local ownership group was secured.

The discussions had been on-going and much like the Tampa to Boston talks, these were pretty much off the radar.

MLB's scheduling office approved a move to realign the division prior to the schedule being released next month (January 2009). The realignment will be another one that shifts teams across leagues.

The Cleveland Blues will move to the AL East from the NL Central, the Washington Senators go back to the AL South and the new Minnesota Mets will head to the NL Central, a division that itself is now full of interesting rivalries.

One team does stick out among them all though. The Keokuk Cardinals are obviously the smallest market in any major sport in the U.S., but the team cannot move, due to its corporate form which was setup in the 1960s, after their team won its first of several World Series titles.

Based on the original "Articles of Incorporation for the Keokuk Community Professional Baseball Club" put into place in 1965, if the Keokuk franchise was sold, after the payment of all expenses, any remaining monies would go to the Keokuk National Cemetary." This stipulation was enacted to ensure the club remained in Keokuk and that there could never be any financial enhancement for the shareholders. At the November 1997 annual meeting, shareholders voted to change the beneficiary from the Keokuk National Cemetary to Southeastern Iowa Community College.

The Keokuk TV market obviously doesn't exist, but the team's games are broadcast throughout Iowa, Western and Central Illinois and stretches all the way west to Omaha and as far south as St. Louis and recently, Memphis TV networks and radio started covering Cardinals games.

Speaking of money, here are the team budgets heading into 2009.

TEAM BUDGETS

Rank	Team	Current Budget
1	Brooklyn Athletics	$415,900,000
2	Los Angeles Stars	$408,400,000
3	New York Highlanders	$387,600,000
4	Chicago Cyclones	$382,900,000
5	Toronto Marlies	$344,900,000
6	Keokuk Cardinals	$322,300,000
7	Boston Yankees	$303,900,000
8	Austin Red Sox	$295,700,000
9	Texas Wranglers	$290,200,000
10	San Diego Marines	$289,500,000
11	Cleveland Blues	$255,500,000
12	Detroit Mustangs	$236,700,000
13	Chicago Whales	$235,300,000
14	New York Heroes	$224,800,000
15	Houston Generals	$222,600,000
16	Carolina Pirates	$220,700,000
17	Columbus Clippers	$220,200,000
18	Nevada Silverhawks	$218,800,000
19	Kansas City Elites	$218,400,000
20	Philadelphia Blue Jays	$216,200,000
21	Vancouver Canadians	$215,300,000
22	Minnesota Mets	$213,900,000
23	Atlanta Firecrackers	$207,600,000
24	Seattle Pilots	$207,600,000
25	Colorado Rancheros	$191,200,000
26	San Francisco Seals	$189,700,000
27	Miami Marlins	$189,700,000
28	Washington Senators	$186,800,000
29	Arizona Sidewinders	$171,800,000
30	Los Angeles Angels	$169,400,000

[darkcloud4579]

I'm going to try in 2009 what I couldn't do in 2008. I'm going to try the game-by-game thing. I don't know if it'll create more interest in what we're doing or more connection to the players, but...I'm going to try it nonetheless, complete with box scores and stuff. We'll see how it works out for this season and if it does, I'll continue it.