The Franchise Best Men

[Nick Soulis]

NEW YORK METS



Manager: Davey Johnson
Park: Shea Stadium
Hall of Famers: 1
2 World Championships, 4 Pennants, and 7 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Mike Piazza (.308, 36, 108)
1B- Keith Hernandez (.286, 13, 83)
2B- Edgardo Alfonso (.284, 16, 80)
SS- Jose Reyes (.285, 12, 66)
3B- David Wright (.309, 30, 113)
RF- Darryl Strawberry (.259, 34, 102)
CF- Lenny Dykstra (.285, 10, 51)
LF- Cleon Jones (.281, 12, 70)
DH- Dave Kingman (.235, 37, 101)

Pitchers
Tom Seaver (16-11, 2.86) HOF
Dwight Gooden (16-9, 3.51)
David Cone (15-10, 3.46)
Ron Darling (12-11, 3.87)


Closer
John Franco (5-5, 2.89, 26 SV)

The Mets feel they can compete for the division win anchored by a strong pitching staff in Seaver, Gooden, and Cone. The question remains if the Mets can score enough runs and will need big contributions from Piazz, Kent, and Strawberry. David Wright should also see a good amount of time at third base, and Kevin Mcreynolds will be seen as a key pinch hitter as well.

Prediction: 3rd

[Nick Soulis]

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES






Manager: Gene Mauch
Park: Citizens Bank Park
Hall of Famers: 6
2 World Championships, 7 Pennants, and 12 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Bob Boone (.255, 8, 59)
1B- Ryan Howard (.279, 50, 141)
2B- Chase Utley (298, 29, 108)
SS- Larry Bowa (.260, 1, 38)
3B- Mike Shcmidt (.268, 37, 107) HOF
RF- Chuck Klein (.321, 28, 111) HOF
CF- Richie Ashburn (.307, 2, 43) HOF
LF- Lefty O'Doule (.341, 19, 91)
DH- Dick Allen (.292, 33, 104)

Pitchers
Steve Carlton (15-11, 3.22) HOF
Pete Alexander (20-11, 2.56) HOF
Robin Roberts (15-13, 3.41) HOF
Curt Simmons (13-12, 3.54)

Closer
Tug McGraw (8-7, 3.14, 14 SV)

An incredible pitching staff with three of the very best ever at the top of the rotation, this team will be tough to beat. The bullpen is a bit unpredictable with McGraw and Mitch Williams on the back end. The lineup is balanced but surely has some holes. There is great depth on this team with the likes of Jimmy Rollins, Greg Luzinski, and Darren Daulton on the bench. The Phillies are expected to compete.

Prediction: 2nd

[Phantom9in]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

NEW YORK METS



Manager: Davey Johnson
Park: Shea Stadium
Hall of Famers: 1
2 World Championships, 4 Pennants, and 7 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Mike Piazza (.308, 36, 108)
1B- Keith Hernandez (.286, 13, 83)
2B- Edgardo Alfonso (.284, 16, 80)
SS- Jose Reyes (.285, 12, 66)
3B- Howard Johnson (.249, 24, 80)
RF- Darryl Strawberry (.259, 34, 102)
CF- Lenny Dykstra (.285, 10, 51)
LF- Cleon Jones (.281, 12, 70)
DH- Jeff Kent (.290, 27, 107)

Pitchers
Tom Seaver (16-11, 2.86) HOF
Dwight Gooden (16-9, 3.51)
David Cone (15-10, 3.46)
Ron Darling (12-11, 3.87)


Closer
John Franco (5-5, 2.89, 26 SV)

The Mets feel they can compete for the division win anchored by a strong pitching staff in Seaver, Gooden, and Cone. The question remains if the Mets can score enough runs and will need big contributions from Piazz, Kent, and Strawberry. David Wright should also see a good amount of time at third base, and Kevin Mcreynolds will be seen as a key pinch hitter as well.

Prediction: 3rd

P--Koosman, Matlack, McGraw
C-Carter(Unless he is stuck with Montreal/Washington)
1B/OF--Kingman
1B-Kranepool
OF--Agee, Staub
IF--Harrelson, Millan

Just a few you might have missed or have on the bench and didn't post.

[Eugene Church]

David Wright is much superior to Howard Johnson at 3B for the Mets... both offensively and defensively... a .953 fielder to .929 for Johnson... .308 hitter to .249 for Johnson... no contest.

Jeff Kent should be a San Francisco Giant. He played 900 games with them and 500 for the Mets... He played 521 for the Dodgers.

Keith Hernandez played 1165 games with the Cardinals and about 900 with the Mets.

[Eugene Church]

I would play Rollins over Bowa at SS for the Phillies... his bat is much superior... defense not quite as good.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Phantom9in

P--Koosman, Matlack, McGraw
C-Carter(Unless he is stuck with Montreal/Washington)
1B/OF--Kingman
1B-Kranepool
OF--Agee, Staub
IF--Harrelson, Millan

Just a few you might have missed or have on the bench and didn't post.

Yes Gary Carter is on the Nationals and Piazza is likely the best hitting catcher of all time. Ed Kranepool is the back up first baseman. Staub is also on the Nationals to help them out. Agee, Harelson are both on the Mets bench for use.

Thanks to your input the following change was made, Jeff Kent will play for the Giants and Dave Kingman will step in as the Mets DH. Also David Wright will replace Howard Johnson.

Bowa keeps the job in Phillie with Rollins waiting in the wings.

[Phantom9in]

Staub should be a Met. The Expos/Nats have:
1B: Andres Galarraga
2B: Jose Vidro+, Delino DeShields*
SS: Wil Cordero, Orlando Cabrera
3B: Larry Parrish, Tim Wallach
LF: Tim Raines+, Marquis Grissom
CF: Andre Dawson, Rondell White
RF: Vladimir Guerrero, Moises Alou
C: Gary Carter, Darrin Fletcher*
SP: Steve Rogers
SP: Bill Gullickson
SP: Jeff Fassero*
SP: Stan Bahnsen
SP: Joe Hesketh*
RP: Jeff Reardon
RP: Ugueth Urbina
RP: Mike Marshall
RP: Mel Rojas
RP: Tim Burke
RP: Woodie Fryman*

*Left-handed batter or pitcher
+Switch-hitter
ALSO, you could add: Warren Cromartie (OF), Ellis Valentine (OF), John Wetteland (RP)

Staub should be a Met.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Phantom9in

Staub should be a Met. The Expos/Nats have:
1B: Andres Galarraga
2B: Jose Vidro+, Delino DeShields*
SS: Wil Cordero, Orlando Cabrera
3B: Larry Parrish, Tim Wallach
LF: Tim Raines+, Marquis Grissom
CF: Andre Dawson, Rondell White
RF: Vladimir Guerrero, Moises Alou
C: Gary Carter, Darrin Fletcher*
SP: Steve Rogers
SP: Bill Gullickson
SP: Jeff Fassero*
SP: Stan Bahnsen
SP: Joe Hesketh*
RP: Jeff Reardon
RP: Ugueth Urbina
RP: Mike Marshall
RP: Mel Rojas
RP: Tim Burke
RP: Woodie Fryman*

*Left-handed batter or pitcher
+Switch-hitter
ALSO, you could add: Warren Cromartie (OF), Ellis Valentine (OF), John Wetteland (RP)

Staub should be a Met.

Vlad is on the Angels
Alou is on the Marlins

I have decided to put Rusty Staub on the Astros, as they need outfield help and he played 833 games with them, also started his career with them. The idea for me again is to get a player where he will play and contiribute the most adding to the competitive side of this league.

For fun I also threw Satchal Paige on the Indians, I will have his younger stats so he will be in the rotation.

Thanks!

[Nick Soulis]

WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Formally Montral Expos


Manager: Felipe Alou
Park: Nationals Park
Hall of Famers: 2
1 Playoff Appearance

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Gary Carter (.263, 23, 86) HOF
1B- Andres Gallaraga (.287, 29, 102)
2B- Jose Vidro (.298, 15, 75)
SS- Hubie Brooks (.269, 15, 81)
3B- Tim Wallach (.258, 19, 82)
RF- Andre Dawson (.279, 27, 98) HOF
CF- Tim Raines (.294, 11, 63)
LF- Alfonso Soriano (.282, 36, 95)
DH- Al Oliver (.304, 15, 91)

Pitchers

Pedro Martinez (17-8, 2.93)
Dennis Martinez (13-10, 3.70)
Steve Rogers (14-11, 3.17)
Jeff Fassero (9-9, 4.11)



Closer
Jeff Reardon (6-6, 3.16, 28)

The Nationals brought much of their recent past from the Expo teams of yesterday and have actually had some real legends play for them. The Nats definately wont be a push over with a good pitching staff and a very strong bullpen with Reardon, Rojas, and Wetteland. If this team had some money and could have retained all these players for a while, then who knows....but now at least they get a chance. Sorry Red Sox fans, for this league Pedro resides in Canada.

Prediction: 5th

[Phantom9in]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

Vlad is on the Angels
Alou is on the Marlins

I have decided to put Rusty Staub on the Astros, as they need outfield help and he played 833 games with them, also started his career with them. The idea for me again is to get a player where he will play and contiribute the most adding to the competitive side of this league.

For fun I also threw Satchal Paige on the Indians, I will have his younger stats so he will be in the rotation.

Thanks!

OK, Staub on the 'Stros is good, they need OF help. Forgot Alou and Vlad were on teams already. Having Satch with the Indians is a GREAT idea...as long a you have Jackie on the Dodgers( of course I know you will )

BTW...great idea for a league

[Left-handed Badger]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

Ok In response to some of the comments and my decisions:

• Dan Wilson is on the Mariners and is sure to get a good amount of playing time.
• Why all the Kent Hrbeck haters? Brining on Ed Yost and moving Killabrew would bench Hrbeck, and Yost being a career .254 hitter with no pop, I will stick with Hrbeck who led the team to a championship and was extremely popular. Justin Morneau is actually a good argument here.
• Finally the Braves 2nd base dilemma. Red Schoendist, although a great option and a hall of famer, didnt play much at al with the Braves and it just wouldnt be right to make the move. SO im going with Bobby Lowe from the early century! I looked him up and he is not bad at all and played almost his entire career with the franchise. Thanks so much for finding him.

Well, I had to try for Yost. It wasnt the .254 BA, so much as the .394 OBP, dude was a walking machine. I didnt expect it. But, I did figure he was good bench potential for the team.

[Left-handed Badger]

Originally Posted by Phantom9in

P--Koosman, Matlack, McGraw
C-Carter(Unless he is stuck with Montreal/Washington)
1B/OF--Kingman
1B-Kranepool
OF--Agee, Staub
IF--Harrelson, Millan

Just a few you might have missed or have on the bench and didn't post.

Well, I figure Carter has to go to the Nationals. It's him or Brian Schneider.

Staub could go either way. Larry Walker probably takes Staub's spot. Unless Walker goes to Denver.

Agee really had a short peak.

[Left-handed Badger]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Manager: Lou Boudreau
Park: Progressive Field
Hall of Famers: 7
2 World Championships, 5 Pennants, and 10 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Johnny Romano (.255, 23, 75)
1B- Jim Thome (.279, 41, 112)
2B- Nap Lajoie (.339, 5, 104) HOF
3B- Al Rosen (.285, 30, 111)
SS- Lou Boudreau (2.95, 7, 78) HOF
RF- Albert Belle (.295, 40, 130)
CF- Earl Averill (.318, 23, 113) HOF
LF- Rocky Colavito (.266, 33, 102)
DH- Manny Ramirez (.314, 41, 133)

Pitchers
Bob Feller (17-10, 3.25) HOF
CC Sabathia (16-10, 3.62)
Bob Lemon (17-11, 3.23) HOF
Gaylord Perry (15-12, 3.11) HOF
Satchal Paige HOF

Closer
Doug Jones (6-6, 3.30, 24 SV)

With 3 Hall of Famers and one possibly to be in their starting rotation the Indians may have the best rotation in the American League. The hittng is almost just as impressive with a genuine balance of average and power. Looking for a weakness on this team is like finding a flaw in Marylyn Monroe, but if there is any it just may lie in the bullpen. In any case the Indians should be competing for a title.

Prediction: 1st

Relooked at this since you mentioned Satchel. Is Larry Doby on the team?

[Nick Soulis]

CHICAGO CUBS






Manager: Leo Durocher
Park: Wrigley Field
Hall of Famers: 7
2 World Championships, 10 Pennants, and 16 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Gabby Hartnett (.298, 19, 96) HOF
1B- Mark Grace (.302, 12, 83)
2B- Ryne Sandberg (.285, 21, 79) HOF
SS- Ernie Banks (.275, 33, 105) HOF
3B- Ron Santo (.277, 25, 96)
RF- Sammy Sosa (.273, 42, 115)
CF- Andy Pafko (.285, 19, 85)
LF- Billy Williams (.291, 28, 96) HOF
DH- Hack Wilson (.308, 29, 128) HOF

Pitchers

Fergie Jenkins (15-12, 3.34) HOF
Mordecai Brown (20-11, 2.06) HOF
Rick Sutcliffe (14-11, 4.08)
Kerry Wood (11-9, 3.68)


Closer
Lee Smith (5-6, 3.03, 32 SV)

A very well balanced team all around the Cubs have a chance to make some noise and contend. The defense is great and the top of the rotation is even better, it is very hard to find a weak link on this team. The division will be hard fought with the Cardinals and the Reds, but maybe the Cubs can finally win with all their legends intact (yes I am a Cubs fan).....

Prediction: 2nd

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Left-handed Badger

Relooked at this since you mentioned Satchel. Is Larry Doby on the team?

Yes of course, Larry Doby will be the first man off the bench.

Interesting about Cleveland, I honestly think they may have the best team of all, I never realized how good they are and am really excited about watching them play.

Satch is in the rotation, I didnt inlcude his 162 game averages as they obviously were on the down side of his career.

[golander40]

Might check out Phil Cavaretta at 1B,think you might be surprised-.355
Probably Mr. Cub before Banks
Gil The Ancient One

[Nick Soulis]

CINCINNATI REDS



Manager: Sparky Anderson
Park: Great America Ball park
Hall of Famers:5
5 World Championships, 9 Pennants, and 12 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Johnny Bench (.267, 29, 103) HOF
1B- Tony Perez (.279, 22, 96) HOF
2B- Joe Morgan (.271, 16, 69) HOF
SS- Barry Larkin (.295, 15, 71)
3B- Pete Rose (.303, 7, 60)
RF- Eric Davis (.269, 28, 93)
CF- Eddie Roush (.323, 6, 81) HOF
LF- Vida Pinson (.286, 17, 77)
DH- George Foster (.274, 29, 102)

Pitchers
Eppa Rixey (15-14, 3.15) HOF
Dolph Luque (14-13, 3.24)
Johnny Van Dermeer (13-13, 3.44)
Mario Soto (13-12, 3.47)


Closer
Rob Dibble (5-4, 2.98, 16 SV)

The Big Red Machine and more as the Reds franchise can stack up with almost anyone in the National League. This is a hardnosed group that will make you bleed to beat them with the likes of Pete Rose and Edd Roush. The picthing will need to come through as there is little doubt the hitting will be there. No one would be suprized if indeed the Reds took home the division title after; after all is said and done they just might out punch their opponents.

Prediction: 3rd

[Nick Soulis]

HOUSTON ASTROS






Manager: Larry Dierker
Park: Minute Maid Park
Hall of Famers:
1 Pennant and 9 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Alan Ashby (11, 61, .245)
1B- Jeff Bagwell (.297, 34, 115)
2B- Craig Biggio (.281, 17, 67)
SS- Miguel Tejada (.289, 25, 102)
3B- Ken Camminiti (.272, 22, 90)
RF- Jim Wynn (.250, 25, 81)
CF- Lance Berkman (.298, 34, 111)
LF- Carlos Lee (.289, 30, 108)
DH- Rusty Staub (.279, 16, 80)

Pitchers
Mike Scott (13-11, 3.54)
Roy Oswalt (17-9, 3.21)
Larry Dierker (14-12, 3.31)
Joe Niekro (13-12, 3.59)


Closer
Dave Smith (6-6, 2.67, 24 SV)

The Astros have their work cut out for them indeed with a lineup that lacks the depth and pop at this level. The Stros are being predicted by many to finish among the bottom in the National League and will need super performances from the Killer Bee's and their pitching staff. Major holes at catcher and a mediocore outfield at this level will make wining consistently a challange. Can Houston suprize with a good showing?

Prediction: 6th

[Nick Soulis]

MILWAUKEE BREWERS





Manager: Buck Rogers
Park: Miller Park
Hall of Famers: 2
1 Pennant and 3 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- BJ Surhoff (.282, 13, 81)
1B- Cecil Cooper (.298, 21, 96)
2B- Paul Molitor (.306, 14, 79) HOF
SS- Robin Yount (.285, 14, 80)
3B- Ryan Braun (.301, 44, 125)
RF- Sixro Lezcano (.272, 19, 74)
CF- Ben Oglive (.272, 22, 83)
LF- Gorman Thomas (.225, 30, 88)
DH- Prince Fielder (.278, 26, 99)

Pitchers
Teddy Higuera (15-10, 3.61)
Mike Caldwell (12-11, 3.81)
Pete Vuckovich (13-10, 3.66)
Moose Haas (13-11, 4.01)


Closer
Rollie Fingers (8-8, 2.90, 24 SV) HOF

The Brewers havent changed their gameplan once in their short franchise history, they like to swing for the fences and not focus the world on defense and small ball. Gorman Thomas and Prince Fielder will keep that trend going but the hope is that stars Paul Molitor and Robin Yount will do enough to get on base often. The team lacks real depth especially instarting pitching, Teddy Higuera just isnt an ace at this level. So the Brew Crew may struggle but should hit some tape measure bombs at Miller Park.

Prediction: 5th

[Nick Soulis]

PITTSBURGH PIRATES







Manager: Chuck Tanner
Park: PNC Park
Hall of Famers: 6
5 World Championships, 9 Pennants, and 14 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Smoky Burgess (.294, 12, 94)
1B- Willie Stargell (.281, 33, 106) HOF
2B- Bill Mazeroski (.260, 10, 64) HOF
SS- Honus Wagner (.327, 6, 100) HOF
3B- Pie Traynor (.320, 5, 106) HOF
RF- Roberto Clemente (.318, 16, 87) HOF
CF- Paul Waner (.333, 7, 83) HOF
DH- Ralph Kiner (.279, 41, 112) HOF
LF- Dave Parker (.289, 22, 98)

Pitchers
Babe Adams (16-11, 2.76)
Deacon Phillipe (19-11, 2.59)
Doug Drabek (13-12, 3.73)
John Candelaria (13-9, 3.33)

Closer
Kent Tekulve (6-6, 2.85, 12 SV)

An excellent team thanks to their 100 plus year history the Pirates are quietly one of the stronger teams in the National League. The lineup is amazing with the likes of Clemete, Kiner, and yes of course Honus Wagner who may have been the best shortstop to ever play. With all the hitting it will come down to the way this team pitches, Drabek and Canderlaria cant be overmatched and need to provide quality innings. There is much hope in Pittsburgh.

Prediction: 4th