The AllTime Baseball Alliance

[EMSoccerCoach]

New YorkHeroes


Offense: Second baseman Eddie Collins is the only position player ranked in the top half of the ABA on a position strength basis...he's rated #3. There's future potential here...Hanley Ramirez, 20-year-old Negro League stars Spotswood Poles and Benjamin Boyd...but the present, barring accelerated development by that trio and phenomenal seasons by Collins and 1B Todd Helton, means that pitching must carry the day.

Pitching: Well, there's lots of it. The Heroes start the season carrying 15 pitchers, and though that will likely change, it's an interesting scenario. Much as with the lineup, the pitching staff is probably a few years away from peaking, but ace Johnny Vander Meer should be hitting his prime. He's backed by Negro League star Ray Brown, Mario Soto, Ben Sanders and Jeff Tesreau. But the bullpen is made up of a lot of guys who can give valuable innings...Frank Viola, Paul Splitorff and Danny Cox among them. This pitching could be good in a few years, but it's not strong enough to carry what's expected to be a weak lineup.

Prospects: All Baseball America Top 10 prospects for the team are on the major league roster. The organization as a whole is ranked 6th out of the 32 teams in the ABA, placing five players in the Top 100, led by Benjamin Boyd at #5.

Age: Todd Helton is the oldest player on the major league squad at 29. While the prospects are good, it's hard to rationalize Roger Cedeno at 24 starting over Ichiro Suzuki, or for that matter Cesar Geronimo, both of whom are 27 and sit waiting at AAA.

Rotation

Johnny Vander Meer
Mario Soto
Ray Brown
Ben Sanders
Jeff Tesreau

Closer

Brad Penny

Lineup

CF Roger Cedeno
RF Benjamin Boyd
2B Eddie Collins
1B Todd Helton
SS Hanley Ramirez
3B Buddy Lewis
C Mike Scioscia
DH Steve O'Neill
LF Spotswood Poles

[EMSoccerCoach]

Providence Whalers


Offense: There's balance here, though a lot of it depends on how fast 20-year-old Cool Papa Bell matures into a top leadoff man. George Sisler is expected to anchor the offense, while Turkey Stearnes and Babe Herman offer support. A bench led by switch-hitting Eddie Murray and John Mayberry should prove useful in close games.

Pitching: A very interesting staff, where I suspect roles will change as the year goes on. The rotation is Max Lanier, Juan Guzman, Kid Nichols, Andy Pettitte and Scott Kazmir. But expect Carlos Zambrano to break into that at some point, and Negro League star Dizzy Dismukes, currently the setup man, could move either into the rotation or to closing (currently occupied, strangely, by Joe Magrane).

Prospects: This is the top rated minor league system in the ABA, with all Baseball America Top 10 prospects for the team are on the major league roster. William Malone, an oft-forgotten Negro League star, starts in the bullpen, but is 17 years old. Cool Papa is 20, catcher Pete Hill is 21, Nichols is 20 and Kazmir is 22.

Age: The prospect synopsis pretty much covers this. This team is young, but there are lots of veterans currently slated for the minors but who will likely make their presence felt. An example...I mentioned Joe Magrane closing. I don't know if I have to adjust roster management settings or what, but down in the minors there's a man by the name of Mariano Rivera. Keith Hernandez, Al Oliver, Craig Biggio and Buck Weaver all sit at AAA, and all should see relevant time in the bigs.

Rotation

Max Lanier
Juan Guzman
Kid Nichols
Andy Pettitte
Scott Kazmir

Closer

Joe Magrane

Lineup
CF Cool Papa Bell
SS Hubie Brooks
1B George Sisler
RF Babe Herman
LF Turkey Stearnes
DH John Mayberry/Pedro Guerrero
2B Buddy Myer
3B Billy Nash
C Jason Kendall

[EMSoccerCoach]

Virginia Beach Vipers




Offense: Taking Ted Williams with the #4 pick in the draft was great. Getting Joe DiMaggio in the third round was incredible. Add Jason Giambi, tentatively being considered for the outfield or as DH; Barry Larkin to lead off and a battle between Joe Torre and Gary Carter for catching duties, and you're talking about a lineup with serious potential.

Pitching: Eddie Plank, Tom Seaver and Bill Donovan are the makings of an excellent rotation, while Eppa Rixey and Jack Morris, though currently slated for the bullpen, offer rotation depth if needed.

Prospects: Ranked 14th out of 32 farm systems, the 23-year-old Splendid Splinter is the only prospect in the top 100, but he's #3. He and Ruben Sierra, also 23, are the only prospects on the list younger than 24. By ABA standards, this team is built for now.

Age: Really covered in the prospects writeup, but the Vipers have no pitchers younger than 25 and only 3 position players - Williams, Sierra and Mark Teixeira - younger than 25.

Rotation

Eddie Plank
Tom Seaver
Bill Donovan
Dolf Luque
Ray Collins

Closer

Danny MacFayden

Lineup

Barry Larkin SS
Ruben Sierra RF
Ted Williams LF
Jason Giambi DH
Joe Dimaggio CF
Bob Bailey 3B
Joe Torre C
Fred McGriff 1B
Tony Lazzeri 2B

[kenyan_cheena]

Damn, they look dangerous. Helluva lineup.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Damn, they look dangerous. Helluva lineup.

Yeah, the idea of Dimaggio and Williams hitting together is kind of frightening. It's fun doing this preview stuff because it gives me a sense of the teams, too. And this team looks fun.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Goofed up, and did Omaha as an edit or Virginia Beach. Usually I copy the formatting to a new reply...trying to do too many things at once. I'll redo Virginia Beach.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Omaha Steers





Offense: The power potential here is a bit dizzying, with Reggie Jackson, Roger Maris and Albert Pujols forming the heart of the order. Leadoff man Nap Lajoie could score 125+ runs with this heart of the order.

Pitching: Pete Alexander leads the charge, backed by Bert Blyleven, Bill Gullickson and Wes Ferrell. The bullpen here is very questionable and, whereas many teams loaded up on starters and let some of them fill the pen, the Steers go with real relief specialists (Luis DeLeon, Mark Littell, Mike Holtz and Jay Powell).

Prospects: Pujols is their top prospect, and their #2, 1B Mule Suttles, is waiting in the wings, as is 22-year-old outfielder Sam Crawford. The system is ranked 9th out of 32 by Baseball America.

Age: Only 3 players over 25 on the expected Opening Day roster (Alexander (27), LaJoie (29) and SS Roger Peckinpaugh (27). Potential is there for this team to be good for a long time.

Rotation
Pete Alexander
Bill Gullickson
Bert Blyleven
Steve Busby
Wes Ferrell


Closer
Mark Littell

Lineup
Nap Lajoie 2B
Jimmy Crutchfield CF
Albert Pujols 3B
Reggie Jackson DH
Roger Maris RF
Geoff Jenkins LF
Wally Pipp 1B
Ed Bailey C
Roger Peckinpaugh SS

[EMSoccerCoach]

Portland Metros



Thanks to StorminZ for the logo.


Offense: The game's best shortstop, Honus Wagner, was taken in the 4th round, likely a function of his age (33). But the Metros believe he can lead the way. Joining him is Sammy Sosa, also in his 30s (32), posing the rare pair of top stars in their 30s on a given team here in the ABA. Tommy Holmes in CF is very highly regarded, and the future potential of 2B Ryne Sandberg and 3B Troy Glaus and 1B Buck Leonard offer what now should be solid, but in a few years could be a dynamic lineup, assuming Wagner and Sosa hold up.

Pitching: Lefty Gomez, Dizzy Dean and Ron Guidry lead the way here on a staff rumored to have 14 to start the season. The depth, if this trio pitches to potential, could be unnecessary.

Prospects: The system is ranked 20th out of 32. All of the Top 10 are currently expected to crack the big club, with Buck Leonard (#37) and Dizzy Dean (#43) the leaders of the pack.

I've deleted the "Age" entry, as it's pretty much the same for everyone in a league formed like this...most guys will be in prime ages. The differences are big enough to warrant a breakdown for each team that will look pretty similar.

Rotation
Lefty Gomez
Dizzy Dean
Ron Guidry
George Pipgras
Al Orth


Closer
Charlie Buffinton

Lineup
Ryne Sandberg 2B
Buck Leonard DH
Honus Wagner SS
Tommy Holmes CF
Buck Freeman 1B
Sammy Sosa RF
Goose Goslin LF
Wally Schang/Chris Hoiles C
Troy Glaus 3B

[EMSoccerCoach]

Sacramento Stingers




Offense: If any duo is going to give the Williams/Dimaggio pairing Virginia Beach throws out there a run for its money, it may very well be Sacramento's selection of Hank Aaron and Stan Musial. Add Joe Sewell at SS, the underrated Ken Williams in CF and the potential of Will Clark at 1B, and the Stingers should be able to score.

Pitching: Frank Smith, Nip Winters and Billy O'Dell lead the way, a weak crop by ABA standards. Keep an eye out for Negro League star Jose Mendez, who at 22 could be stud as the ABA advances.

Prospects: The system is ranked 5th out of 32, led by the Top 15 status of both Aaron and Musial (who start at 21 and 22, respectively). Winters and 20-year-old Dontrelle Willis also crack the top 100. John Candelaria also waits in the minors.

Rotation
Frank Smith
Nip Winters
Billy O'Dell
Pete Donohue
John Denny

Closer
Don Nottebart

Lineup
Joe Sewell SS
Mo Vaughn DH
Stan Musial RF
Ken Williams LF
Will Clark 1B
Harlond Clift 3B
Baby Doll Jacobson CF
Carlos Baerga 2B
Bill Carrigan C

The current plan of playing Aaron against only lefties is expected to be cast aside in short order.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Wichita Brigade


Thanks to Justafan for the logo

Offense: On a personal note I love this team as it contains some of my favorite players ever. On a "positional strength" basis, 4 players rank in the top 10. George Brett at 3B, Ken Griffey Jr. in CF, Mickey Cochrane at C and Ted Kluszewski at 1B. While Kluszewski's staying power as a Top 10 1B is questionable, he's a nice fit in a lineup that also includes Gary Sheffield and Lance Berkman.

Pitching: One word: Pedro! Martinez leads the way, and he, Warren Spahn and Mike Mussina make a very formidable rotation, each in their mid-to-late 20s with plenty of prime left.

Prospects: The drawback to this team is that it is the worst rated farm system in the game, with only Berkman as a Top 100 prospect (#84). The price of an older team, with several players in their 30s and only 3 on the current assumed 25-man roster younger than 25.

Rotation
Pedro Martinez
Warren Spahn
Earl Moore
Mike Mussina
Jack Pfiester

Closer
Jake Weimer

Lineup

Gary Sheffield LF
Lance Berkman DH
George Brett 3B
Ted Kluszewski 1B
Ken Griffey Jr. CF
Mickey Cochrane C
Wally Moses RF
Jose Vidro 2B
Miguel Tejada SS

[EMSoccerCoach]

Columbus Explorers




Offense: Hack Wilson leads the way here, but the guy to watch is 20-year-old Josh Gibson. Not sure how good he'll be right now, but he is projected to be the league's top catcher in short order. George Foster and old-timer Jeff Heath will support the offense that also includes Sliding Bill Nicholson and John Olerud.

Pitching: Hard to see this staff competing with the other lineups in the ABA. Lefty Leifield, Lon Warneke and Mel Harder are the top 3...which just doesn't measure up in a league like this.

Prospects: The #2 farm system, driven by Gibson (the ABA's top prospect), pitcher George Stovey (#19), Heath (#47) and P Claude Hendrix (#88).

Rotation
Lefty Leifield
Lon Warneke
Mel Harder
Claude Hendrix
George Parago

Closer
Carl Mays

Lineup
Howard Johnson SS
Alejandro Oms CF
John Olerud 1B
Bobby Murcer DH
Jeff Heath LF
Bill Nicholson RF
Harry Steinfeldt 2B
Josh Gibson C
Eric Chavez 3B

[EMSoccerCoach]

Louisville Racers




Offense: Mickey Mantle as the anchor of a lineup that also boasts Lou Boudreau and Billy Williams. Ryan Howard at 1B is certainly capable of big numbers, and he, Mantle and Williams as the heart, if all are hitting well, will be very hard to work around. A young catching tandem of Ray Schalk and Ted Simmons - though it's assumed Simmons will do the bulk - could provide some pop. 3B John Beckwith is considered the team's top prospect.

Pitching: Roger Clemens, Rube Waddell, Carl Hubbell, Billy Pierce and Josh Beckett. It's quite possible this is the strongest rotation 1-5 reviewed thus far.

Prospects: The #11 system in the ABA, which some think should be even higher. Mantle ranks #23, while Clemens ranks #80...both seemingly too low. Negro Leaguer John Beckwith is the team's top prospect according to Baseball America at #20, while Waddell (#56) and B.J. Upton (#99) round out the list.

Rotation
Carl Hubbell
Billy Pierce
Roger Clemens
Rube Waddell
Josh Beckett


Closer
Denny Neagle

Lineup
Mitchell Page DH
Paul Waner RF
Mickey Mantle CF
Ryan Howard 1B
John Beckwith 3B
Charlie Maxwell LF
Lou Boudreau SS
B.J. Upton 2B
Ray Schalk/Ted Simmons C

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Sacramento Stingers




Offense: If any duo is going to give the Williams/Dimaggio pairing Virginia Beach throws out there a run for its money, it may very well be Sacramento's selection of Hank Aaron and Stan Musial. Add Joe Sewell at SS, the underrated Ken Williams in CF and the potential of Will Clark at 1B, and the Stingers should be able to score.

Pitching: Frank Smith, Nip Winters and Billy O'Dell lead the way, a weak crop by ABA standards. Keep an eye out for Negro League star Jose Mendez, who at 22 could be stud as the ABA advances.

Prospects: The system is ranked 5th out of 32, led by the Top 15 status of both Aaron and Musial (who start at 21 and 22, respectively). Winters and 20-year-old Dontrelle Willis also crack the top 100. John Candelaria also waits in the minors.

Rotation
Frank Smith
Nip Winters
Billy O'Dell
Pete Donohue
John Denny

Closer
Don Nottebart

Lineup
Joe Sewell SS
Mo Vaughn DH
Stan Musial RF
Ken Williams LF
Will Clark 1B
Harlond Clift 3B
Baby Doll Jacobson CF
Carlos Baerga 2B
Bill Carrigan C

The current plan of playing Aaron against only lefties is expected to be cast aside in short order.

You have got a good dynasty here. I look forward to following it.

This will be my team. Stan "The Man" Musial is my all-time favorite player.
I had an All-Time All-Star Association that I played for 8 seasons, but lost it in a computer hard drive failure and didn't back it up. Broke my heart.
I took the top 25 players for each original franchise and included Negro greats and Japanese greats as well.

Yankees, Athletics, Tigers, Cubs, Cards, Pirates and Giants were the top teams.

Ken Williams and Baby Doll Jacobson are two of my favorites, too.
Williams should be in the Hall of Fame.

I like your logos, too.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Louisville Racers




Offense: Mickey Mantle as the anchor of a lineup that also boasts Lou Boudreau and Billy Williams. Ryan Howard at 1B is certainly capable of big numbers, and he, Mantle and Williams as the heart, if all are hitting well, will be very hard to work around. A young catching tandem of Ray Schalk and Ted Simmons - though it's assumed Simmons will do the bulk - could provide some pop. 3B John Beckwith is considered the team's top prospect.

Pitching: Roger Clemens, Rube Waddell, Carl Hubbell, Billy Pierce and Josh Beckett. It's quite possible this is the strongest rotation 1-5 reviewed thus far.

Prospects: The #11 system in the ABA, which some think should be even higher. Mantle ranks #23, while Clemens ranks #80...both seemingly too low. Negro Leaguer John Beckwith is the team's top prospect according to Baseball America at #20, while Waddell (#56) and B.J. Upton (#99) round out the list.

Rotation
Carl Hubbell
Billy Pierce
Roger Clemens
Rube Waddell
Josh Beckett


Closer
Denny Neagle

Lineup
Mitchell Page DH
Paul Waner RF
Mickey Mantle CF
Ryan Howard 1B
John Beckwith 3B
Charlie Maxwell LF
Lou Boudreau SS
B.J. Upton 2B
Ray Schalk/Ted Simmons C

Another really strong lineup there, plus an incredible rotation. These guys will contend, no doubt.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

You have got a good dynasty here. I look forward to following it.

This will be my team. Stan "The Man" Musial is my all-time favorite player.
I had an All-Time All-Star Association that I played for 8 seasons, but lost it in a computer hard drive failure and didn't back it up. Broke my heart.
I took the top 25 players for each original franchise and included Negro greats and Japanese greats as well.

Yankees, Athletics, Tigers, Cubs, Cards, Pirates and Giants were the top teams.

Ken Williams and Baby Doll Jacobson are two of my favorites, too.
Williams should be in the Hall of Fame.

I like your logos, too.

Thanks a lot, Eugene. As someone who has seen your work here, the compliment means a lot. I read your Alltime league, and it was one of the reasons I went this route instead. The roster set I have is an updated/modified version of the old Franchise Stars roster, which is each franchise's best plus some Negro League players. But you had set the standard for such a thread, so I went for the alltime greats but as an open draft. It's fun to see these guys mixed up a bit (though some of the position changes and lineup decisions the computer AI makes are making me cringe a bit...I may end up controlling all teams).

I'll do a Franchise-based league, too, but I probably won't keep that one on here.

The logos are all from CephasJames' fantastic photobucket site unless otherwise noted.

Thanks for coming by. I appreciate the interest and support.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Another really strong lineup there, plus an incredible rotation. These guys will contend, no doubt.

Yeah, the rotation is outstanding. Hubbell comes in at 29, Pierce is 27, and the other three are 24.

The thing about having imported guys based on their best season with the team originally assigned in Franchise Stars is that everyone is at their best...potentials are based on the rest of their career after that point, so some guys may be great in year one and go downhill quickly. That's what makes some of the draft choices so much fun to watch in this, because there is an element of variability instead of just having guys be at their peak forever. Now the game will get to have some kind of impact on their evolution, which is pretty cool.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Philadelphia Ringers


Logo in development

Offense: Hank Greenberg and the oft-underrated historically Heinie Zimmerman will have to carry an offense that doesn't quite seem to measure up. There's some potential with SS Jimmy Rollins and OF Ross Youngs, but by ABA standards this group doesn't seem as though it will be able to hang with some of the other mashers.

Pitching: Johan Santana should end up the ace, and Negro League star Hilton Smith is solid, but the team's real force is in its bullpen, loaded with legit relief specialists Billy Wagner, Felix Rodriguez and Joe Sambito.

Prospects: The system is rated 19th out of 32, with only Smith (#11) and Santana (#83) placing in the top 100. Outfielder Roy Thomas and pitcher Dean Chance have drawn some raves as well.

Rotation
Jack Powell
Hideo Nomo
Johan Santana
Hilton Smith
Chris Short

Closer
Billy Wagner

Lineup
Roy Thomas CF
Ross Youngs RF
Heinie Zimmerman 3B
Hank Greenberg 1B
Zack Wheat LF
Hal Trosky DH
Darrell Porter C
Jimmy Rollins SS
Grady Hatton 2B

[EMSoccerCoach]

Toronto Titans



Offense: Oscar Charleston, Wade Boggs and Carl Yastrzemski are an impressive trio. A lot will depend on whether 1B Fred Luderus and OF Bobby Veach play to their peaks. If they do, and 2B Jeff Kent plays to his abilities, this lineup could be better than some think, but there are a lot of questions.

Pitching: One of the reasons I remodeled the old Franchise Stars roster and the aging system...Cy Young, 38 in that roster set, is 25 here, with plenty of good years ahead of him. He leads the way here, with Doc White, Harry Howell, Al Leiter and Matt Morris tentatively rounding out the rotation. Doc White's career looks great until you adjust it for era. So does Howell's. This rotation, despite Young, is not overly impressive.

Prospects: The ABA's 15th rated system, the highest of any system with only two prospects in the top 100 (Charleston (#4) and Young (#74). Five of their top 8 are in AAA, a rarity in the ABA.

Rotation
Cy Young
Doc White
Harry Howell
Al Leiter
Matt Morris

Closer
Cy Morgan

Lineup
Oscar Charleston CF
Wade Boggs 3B
Carl Yastrzemski LF
Bobby Veach RF
Fred Luderus 1B
Javy Lopez DH
Rudy York C
Jeff Kent 2B
Melvin Mora SS

[EMSoccerCoach]

Chicago Hitmen



Offense: Enos Slaughter and Eric Davis are the main bullets in the gun here with the unheralded Chick Stahl, a turn-of-the-century Red Sox star likely to give some support. Jorge Posada and Negro Leaguer's Candy Jim Taylor will have a big say in how good this team can be.

Pitching: Dwight Gooden and Sam McDowell are a solid 1-2, but Mike Caldwell and Fritz Peterson at the 3 and 4 spots is lacking a bit. But the Hitmen are another team that went with legit relievers rather than starters in the bullpen, with Bruce Sutter, Mark Davis, Bill Caudill and Steve Howe working the back end - a potentially potent setup.

Prospects: Ranked 17th out of 32, led by Taylor (44), Gooden (52), Bobby Doerr (61) and Vic Willis (62). Negro Leaguers Quincy Trouppe (C) and Frank Grant (2B) await at AAA.

Rotation
Dwight Gooden
Sam McDowell
Fritz Peterson
Mike Caldwell
Vic Willis


Closer
Bruce Sutter

Lineup
Eric Davis CF
Enos Slaughter LF
Don Hurst 1B
Mike Epstein DH
Jim Taylor 3B
Chick Stahl RF
Bill Dahlen SS
Jorge Posada C
Bobby Doerr 2B

[EMSoccerCoach]

Indianapolis Engines



Thanks to Truthserum for the logo

Logo in Development


Offense: Mike Schmidt, Bill Dickey and Rocky Colavito are the main names here, with Jim Bottomley adding some power as well. 19th Century SS Sam Wise is strong, and will play 2B here for the Engines.

Pitching: Christy Mathewson and Smoky Joe Williams are an impressive 1-2, backed by 3 of a foursome of Jim Kaat, Larry Dierker, John Tudor and Jack Taylor. Tom Gordon, Jay Tibbs and Moose Haas handle the bullpen, though as of now the closer is set to be a former starter, Mike Flanagan.

Prospects: The #3 rated system, led by Leon Day (10), Williams (18), Mike Tiernan (38) and Mike Schmidt (72). A bit away, but down the line look for Negro League star Dobie Moore.

Rotation
Christy Mathewson
Smoky Joe Williams
Jim Kaat
John Tudor
Jack Taylor


Closer
Mike Flanagan

Lineup
Sam Wise 2B
Vic Wertz RF
Mike Tiernan CF
Jim Bottomley 1B
Bill Dickey C
Rocky Colavito LF
Ken Phelps DH
Mike Schmidt 3B
Jim Fregosi SS