New England Baseball League (Random Historical Player League)

[Driver 8]

League name: New England Baseball League
League URL: html/history
League type: Sixteen-team league set in NE with players imported randomly from MLB history
Special league rules: TBD
Number of teams: 16
OOTP version: 2007

I have started a new OOTP league and am looking for owners. This league, the NEBL, is a 16-team league featuring players drawn from throughout baseball history. In the past, I ran a league called the TSTBL, which simmed 17 seasons in 2+ years (real time). We simmed like clockwork, never missing a scheduled sim.

To stock this new league, I randomly imported about 50 players per team and did a draft. To level the playing field a bit, I have simmed three seasons to establish service time and bring the players to arbitration, and in some cases, the beginning of free agency. Every season I randomly import 150 players into a feeder league, which then stocks the amateur draft the following season.

The most recent all-star teams featured Jackie Robinson, Vladimir Guerrero, Huston Street, Kirk Gibson, Ty Cobb, Jim Palmer, Joe Medwick, Derek Jeter, Pete Alexander, Andruw Jones, Tony Gwynn, Fernando Valenzuela, Ted Williams and Tim Raines.

Available teams include:

Bangor Ducks (3-year record: 204-282) UNAVAILABLE

The Ducks have the makings of a solid pitching staff with Harry Howell (13-19, 3.39) and Jim Palmer (15-14, 2.96) at the major league level and Jim Gott at AAA Pittsfield. Hank Blalock (.271-22-85) heads the offense for the Ducks, which has the 3rd-ranked farm system. The team has the 2nd-overall pick in the amateur draft, where an abundance of talent awaits.

Bar Harbor Flyers (3-year record: 269-217) UNAVAILABLE

The Flyers made the playoffs in 2007 and 2008, before finishing second last season. The team doesn’t have the deepest farm system, but their major league roster features Cy Falkenberg (15-16, 3.74), Curry Foley (15-12, 2.79), Bump Hadley (17-8, 3.37), Rob Dibble (2-3, 1.35, 36 saves), Rick Wilkins (.228-18-54), Ron Cey (.222-24-82), Ken Singleton (.299-17-54), and Kirk Gibson (.279-23-80). Gibson is the league’s single season and career homerun leader with 43 and 100, respectively.

Bridgeport Whalers (3-year record: 250-236) UNAVAILABLE

Bridgeport finished 3rd in 2007 and second the last two seasons. The team features a well-balanced attack and figures to be on the verge of making noise in the immediate future. The team features Pete Alexander (18-13, 3.19), Gene Packard (14-13, 2.90), Jesse Orosco (7-4, 2.38), Al Holland (5-9, 4.28, 40 saves), Johnny Bench (.213-7-31), Tim Raines (.317-19-90, 72 SBs), Tony Gwynn (.346-5-76) and Harold Baines (.279-19-79).

Burlington Lake Monsters (3-year record: 268-218) UNAVAILABLE

Burlington won their division in 2007 and 2008, and won it all in ’07. The team returns Gaylord Perry (12-16, 2.95), Tom Henke (4-9, 2.47, 32 saves), Rene Rivera (.309-4-43), Zeke Bonura (.278-10-45), Troy Glaus (.233-20-62), Don Hurst (.336-18-90), Earl Averill (.310-14-66) and Jose Canseco (.230-25-90). Sophomore Roy Campenalla (.231-5-18) figures to push Rivera this season.

Dover Cannons (3-year record: 239-247) UNAVAILABLE

The Cannons slumped to a 76-86 record last season, and will need some offensive help to rebound this year. Offensively, the team is led by Vernon Wells (.280-24-80) and Vladimir Guerrero (.246-27-81). On the bright side, Mario Soto (12-12, 2.19), Stan Perzanowski (11-12, 3.35), Jack Cronin (15-12, 3.23) and Buck Freeman (6-7, 3.01) all appear to be capable of pitching well at this level.

Hartford Wolf Pack (3-year record: 237-249) UNAVAILABLE

After a 3rd place finished in ’07 and ’08, the Wolf Pack made the playoffs for the first time last season. Ed Ruelbach (17-12, 2.49), Zeke Wilson (15-12, 2.54), Robb Nen (5-2, 2.05) and Bobby Jenks (5-2, 1.62) head up a solid pitching staff, while Pedro Guerrero (.273-13-72), Derek Jeter (.253-12-74) and Kip Selbach (.290-6-67) lead the offense.

Lowell Spinners (3-year record: 228-258) UNAVAILABLE

The Spinners finished last in ’07 and ’08, but bounced back to win their division last season after strong performances by Watty Lee (24-8, 2.10), Mudcat Grant (15-6, 3.44), Tom Glavine (13-13, 2.78), Donnie Moore (6-6, 2.86, 36 saves), Ty Cobb (.349-8-88), Bing Miller (.282-12-99) and Jackie Robinson (.295-9-61). Their farm system includes Brian Giles and Moises Alou.

Manchester Fisher Cats (3-year record: 256-230)

The Cats have finished second in their division all three seasons, but appear to be poised to make a run for the post-season. Pitchers Ed Lopat (15-13, 3.71), Henry Gruber (16-15, 2.88), Harry Feldman (12-9, 2.46), Bob Stanley (8-14, 3.43), Rip Jordan (5-5, 2.69), Buddy Schultz (8-4, 1.46, 39 saves) and Kent Tekulve (5-1, 1.90) all return. Offensively, the team is thin, and was led in hitting last season by Patsy Dougherty (.282-1-25) and Moose McCormick (.282-3-60). Nineteen-year-old Heath Ricks hit .357 at AAA Nashua last season and appears to be on the fast-track to the majors.

New Haven Ravens (3-year record: 238-248) UNAVAILABLE

Randy Jones (10-11, 3.02), Clay Kirby (10-13, 2.69), Hod Eller (9-16, 2.86) and Mariano Rivera (5-6, 2.83, 36 saves) lead what should be a solid staff this season, but the team will need more production from Benito Santiago (.236-19-79), Rafael Furcal (.242-13-81) and Ginger Beaumont (.324-0-37).

Newport Seahawks (3-year record: 247-239) UNAVAILABLE

The Hawks won the NEBL championship in 2008 with a 87-75 record, but finished 3rd in their division last season with the same record. The team features one of the best staffs in the game with Fernando Valenzuela (19-10, 1.66), Johan Santana (17-10, 3.01), Chris Carpenter (17-11, 2.51), Jesse Barnes (13-11, 3.32) and Pete Vuckovich (1-8, 2.93, 45 saves). Offensively, the team needs help supporting Al Simmons (.331-17-61).

Portland Sea Dogs (3-year record: 243-243) UNAVAILABLE

After playing sub-.500 ball last season, the Sea Dogs figure to be much better in 2010. Their rotation is solid: Gary Peters (18-11, 2.81), Russ Ortiz (8-11, 3.49), Clyde Wright (10-9, 3.35), Mike Bruhert (14-9, 3.42) and Cy Barger (8-6, 3.01). Should one of these starters falter, or get injured, Sid Fernandez (6-7, 4.55) could jump back into the rotation, where he went 25-16 through 2007 and 2008. Offensively, the components are there, now it’s just a matter of production. Gary Carter (.240-8-66), Gil Hodges (.269-21-83), Bob Aspromonte (.277-9-68), Jack Wilson (.253-3-22), Les Bell (.313-13-53) and Kurt Abbott (.274-21-76) all return.

Portsmouth Sea Wolves (3-year record: 219-267) UNAVAILABLE

The Wolves lost 104 games in 2007, but turned the franchise around and won the NEBL championship last season. Pud Galvin (17-8, 2.51) was the main beneficiary of a powerful attack led by Alvin Davis (.287-28-86), Rico Petrocelli (.251-28-89), Kevin Mench (.228-29-84), Jose Hernandez (.197-17-48), Wally Post (.218-18-51) and Rondell White (.281-13-48). This all-or-nothing bunch should keep things exciting in Portsmouth.

Providence Islanders (3-year record: 261-225)

The Islanders won their second division title in 2009 behind the pitching of Blue Moon Odom (14-5, 2.65), Alejandro Pena (15-10, 2.56), Moe Drabowsky (13-12, 2.59), Rick Aguilera (13-12, 2.85) and Chad Codero (9-7, 3.11, 41 saves). Youngster Curt Simmons (8-7, 3.33), 20, looks to step into the rotation full-time this season.

Springfield Hornets (3-year-record: 225-261) UNAVAILABLE

The Hornets finished out of the cellar for the first time last season, but expect big things in 2010. Pitchers Steve Carlton (11-15, 3.05), Jim Devlin (17-15, 2.64) and Vean Gregg (12-14, 3.72) head a promising staff, while Ivan Rodriguez (.245-10-59), Craig Biggio (.236-14-60), Hugh Duffy (.294-7-64), Joe Medwick (.298-19-80) and George Selkirk (.300-24-82) form the basis of a solid, young offense.

Waterbury Defenders (3-year record: 230-256)

The Defenders won a division title in 2007, but have been in a down-hill slide ever since. Jack Killilay (7-16, 3.45) is the best of a very thin pitching staff, while Andruw Jones (.215-33-106) was the only bright spot on offense. The team will select first in a very robust draft class.

Worcester Tornadoes (3-year record: 257-229) UNAVAILABLE

The Tornadoes have had a winning record all three seasons and feature starters Sonny Siebert (17-8, 3.42), Fred Link (18-6, 3.18) and Don Aase (12-13, 2.29). Three-time MVP Ted Williams (.356-32-89) heads a powerful squad that features Dave Hostetler (.224-32-98), Jorge Posada (.244-19-78) and Aaron Rowand (.217-18-69).

The league’s date is currently at March 1, 2010, set for the amateur draft. The top players in the draft include: Bobby Abreu, Chief Bender, Barry Bonds, Carlos Delgado, Bill Dickey, Addie Joss, Willie Mays, Larry Walker and Hal Trosky. Once the draft is complete, the fourth season will begin immediately.

The league html is here.

If you’re interested in joining, drop me an e-mail b_kick@yahoo.com or a message here.

[Driver 8]

Bangor, Bar Harbor, Bridgeport, Burlington, Dover, Hartford, Lowell, New Haven, Newport, Portland, Portsmouth, Springfield and Worcester are no longer available. One additional owner has committed, but hasn't chosen his team as of yet. E-mail [b_kick@yahoo.com] or message me to get a team before they're gone. Thanks.

[Driver 8]

Three teams open.

[Sudy Nym]

J. L. Andercen is back.

Some history.... Too bad those links don't still work!

[Grievous Angel]

I'm in two leagues already, one of which I co-commish, so I didn't think I'd want to join another league. But this premise sounds too cool. I'll send along an e-mail shortly.

[Driver 8]

Originally Posted by Grievous Angel

I'm in two leagues already, one of which I co-commish, so I didn't think I'd want to join another league. But this premise sounds too cool. I'll send along an e-mail shortly.

E-mail sent.

One team definitely still available.

[Driver 8]

The NEBL has about two weeks to go in their 4th season and are in need of someone to take over the Waterbury Defenders, who are currently 73-72. If you're interested, please send me an e-mail (b_kick@yahoo.com).

[Driver 8]

The NEBL has just finished their fourth season and are looking for someone to take over the Springfield Hornets. The Hornets finished 90-72, just a game behind the Worcester Tornadoes.

Offensively, the team is led by Hugh Duffy (.330-10-57), Chipper Jones (.285-17-76), Ivan Rodriguez (.282-27-90) and George Selkirk (.272-22-94). The team paced the Southern League in average, slugging, OPS and runs scored.

On the mound, the team had four starters win at least 10 games: Vean Gregg (19-11, 2.43), Jim Devlin (15-9, 2.91), Steve Carlton (14-11, 2.17) and John Roper (11-10, 4.35).

Brooks Robinson (AA: .343-10-46), Reggie Jackson (AA: .303-10-47) and Paul Blair (AA: .293-7-54) are among the team's top prospects.

The NEBL is a 16-team league featuring players randomly imported from throughout major league history. The next amateur draft class, held before the start of next season, will feature Lance Berkman, Deion Sanders, Kenny Lofton, Scott Rolen, Babe Herman, Willie Wilson, Richie Zisk, Eddie Mathews, Ernie Banks, Harvey Kuenn, Jimmy Key, Don Larsen and J.R. Richard.

A link to the league is in my signature. If you're interested, please e-mail me at b_kick (at) yahoo.com.

[kcroyalgm]

Where are the league rules and the descriptions of what options are on? Sim schedule?

[Driver 8]

The NEBL is looking for an owner to take over the Portsmouth Seawolves as we begin our fifth season Tuesday night.

The Seawolves won the NEBL Championship two seasons ago, but took it on the chin last year, finishing in 3rd with a 71-91 record. In a pitching-dominated league, four-time all-star Alvin Davis (.304-21-67) heads a decent line-up that features Kevin Mench (.265-27-76), Goose Goslin (.309-5-38) and Rondell White (.294-11-53). Lance Berkman, the 3rd overall pick in the current draft, could be poised to make the jump straight to big league roster.

On the mound, the team shows promise with the likes of Pud Galvin (15-9, 2.00), Walt Whittaker (16-9, 2.85), Jason Isringhausen (13-14, 3.10), Hal Newhouser (5-13, 3.74), Rich Gossage (1-4, 4.16) and Bill Hepler (2-10, 2.83, 32 saves).

The league began with a basic set of rules and modifies them through league vote during the off-season. Currently, we are voting on implementing a free agent compensation system that more closely mirrors MLB's system.

We don't use scouts or coaches, and ratings are on a 1-10 scale, based on league vote. As of now, because of the unique way the league was stocked, we do not use a salary cap. In two or three years, when we get a better handle on where salaries and payrolls will fall, we will be voting on that. We sim three nights a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

If you're interested, please e-mail me at b_kick (at) yahoo.com.

[Driver 8]

The NEBL begins their fifth season tonight and we're in search of two owners. Right now, both Portmouth (detailed above) and Providence are available.

Providence finished 2010 with a 75-87 record, but does have a pair of division titles in their first four seasons. The Islanders return David Dejesus (.271-9-77), Jimmy Ryan (.268-6-74), Milt Stock (.297-4-43) and Ron White (.286-4-44) on offense, and Rick Aguilera (13-10, 2.60), Chad Cordero (3-10, 2.73, 31 saves) and Curt Simmons (14-10, 2.56) on the mound.

The team also has some depth down on the farm with Hal Trosky, Willie McGee, J.R. Richard, Rick Rhoden and Jack McDowell.

If you're interested in either team, please e-mail me at b_kick(at)yahoo.com.