Orcin's Story

[Orcin]

CBA STANDINGS
Friday, May 20, 2005



No team is really dominating in the Federal League. It’s too early to handicap any of these races. It’s a really competitive league.



The Patriot League, on the other hand, is dominated by two teams. New York finally appears to be getting a return on the CBA’s largest payroll.
Charlotte made a big off-season trade to add depth to their pitching staff, and that move has really paid off for them. (Yeah, I know who the other team was.)

[Orcin]

LEAGUE LEADERS
Friday, May 20, 2005





Yes, that is our old friend Eddie Payne, atop the leader board for batting average.

[Orcin]

LOUISVILLE COLONELS
Friday, May 20, 2005





Some of our big hitters (Morgan, Brown) are beginning to produce. Martinez has been our best hitter so far, and he was moved up to #3 in the order during his hitting streak. Dominguez is playing every third day in center field in order to get a good look at him before McGlone comes back. Jaramillo is off to a terrible start with the bat but he still plays great defense.

The pitching has been inconsistent, but Davidson is pitching much better in May. The bullpen has been pretty good other than the 17-run disaster against Houston that killed the ERAs of Sherman and Brooks.





I like to compare a pitcher’s ERA to his FIP. If FIP is lower than ERA and BABIP is over .300, the pitcher usually improves. Davidson, Wilson, Garza, Brooks, and Sherman all fall in this category. That’s a good sign that our pitching is not as bad as it may seem. O’Daniel is low on innings because he was assigned to the closer role at a time when we weren’t winning many games (so no appearances). He should see more action in the setup role.

[Orcin]

May 23, 2005

Subject: Week 7 Notes

Record: 23-20, .535, 4.5 GB
Position: 4th place (behind St. Louis, Milwaukee, Indianapolis)
Runs Scored: 189 – 10th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 176 – 7th in Federal
Defense: .694 – 9th in Federal
Power Ranking: 99.3 (11th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Delighted; Fan Interest: 93/100

• Last week (4-2): 2-1 vs. Milwaukee, 2-1 at San Diego
• 05/16: LOU 4, MIL 1 – Davidson 8.1 IP, 1 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 7 K; Brown 3-run HR
• Charlotte 1B Jon Schultz (age 29) hit HR #300.
• 05/17: MIL 9, LOU 5 – Alexander 5.1 IP, 7 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 6 K
• Lexington RF Jose Cruz hit for the cycle.
• 05/18: LOU 8, MIL 1 – Castro 7 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K; Brown 2-5, HR, 3 RBI
• We catch rival San Diego struggling at 22-19. Their pitching has been inconsistent.
• 05/20: LOU 11, SD 2 – Jaramillo 3-4, DBL, HR, 4 RBI
• 05/21: SD 2, LOU 0 – hard to win when you only get two hits
• 05/22: LOU 5, SD 4 – Olivares 3-4, HR, RBI
• This week: 3 at Cleveland, 4 at Denver


Phoenix really wanted rid of left-handed MR Bill Ward for some reason. I picked him up in trade for an outfield prospect who had already reached his ceiling in my opinion.

Ward, age 25, was a 2002 second round draft pick out of college. Candelaria has him rated at 4.5 stars. He pitched very well at every level until last year when the Coyotes rushed him from AA to the majors. He had a poor year and fell out of favor. Ward is a cutter/curve ground ball pitcher with a live arm. He has three options left, so I can let him get his confidence back in AAA. Manager Chris Ray wants to try him as the closer.

It pays to shop minor-league players around because you never know who other teams value until you ask. Their scouts can be wrong on players in other organizations. On the other hand, our scout could be wrong about Ward, but I didn’t give up much to find out.

[Orcin]

May 30, 2005

Subject: Week 8 Notes

Record: 29-21, .580, 2.5 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 233 – 6th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 209 – 7th in Federal
Defense: .696 – 8th in Federal
Power Ranking: 115.4 (5th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 93/100


• Last week (6-1): 2-1 at Cleveland, 4-0 at Denver
• 05/23: LOU 4, CLE 3 – Bland 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI; his solo HR in the 8th won it
• Ray Alexander was cruising in the seventh when he gave up HB, BB, 3-run HR. He hit the next batter who charged the mound and both players were ejected.
• Alexander was suspended for five games for his part in the bench-clearing brawl.
• 05/24: CLE 1, LOU 0 – Tom John had all three of our hits; Pedro Castro was the hard luck loser
• 05/25: LOU 4, CLE 3 – Westaway 8 IP, 1 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K; King SV(7)
• 05/26: LOU 3, DEN 2 (13) – Bland 2-6, game-winning solo HR
• 05/27: LOU 6, DEN 3 – Bland 2-5, game-winning HR, 2 RBI
• 05/28: LOU 19, DEN 14 – yes 33 runs were scored; Morgan 2-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB
• 05/29: LOU 8, DEN 7 (10) – Morgan 2-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI; Dominguez 3-5, GW RBI
• The Providence Grays (14-37) fired their GM and field manager. No replacements were immediately named.
• Henry’s "ecstatic" mood was restored when we returned to second place.
• This week: 3 at Seattle, 3 vs. Indianapolis

[SkyeWalker]

Just posting to show my appreciation for one of the best dynasty reports around! And that's coming from someone who doesn't usually read fictional dynasties. I've been reading for a while but am only up to Page 27 so I can't comment on the state of your team now but I'll be sure to catch up soon!

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by SkyeWalker

Just posting to show my appreciation for one of the best dynasty reports around! And that's coming from someone who doesn't usually read fictional dynasties. I've been reading for a while but am only up to Page 27 so I can't comment on the state of your team now but I'll be sure to catch up soon!

Thank you! I really should give out medals for trudging through all 40+ pages.

[Stromson]

Originally Posted by SkyeWalker

Just posting to show my appreciation for one of the best dynasty reports around! And that's coming from someone who doesn't usually read fictional dynasties. I've been reading for a while but am only up to Page 27 so I can't comment on the state of your team now but I'll be sure to catch up soon!

I did the same thing a few weeks ago. It's well worth the read, and I'd hardly consider it "trudging". :-P

[Orcin]

June 6, 2005

Subject: Week 9 Notes

Record: 34-22, .607, - GB (18-10 in May)
Position: 1st place (1.5 game lead over St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 267 – t3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 233 – 8th in Federal
Defense: .697 – 8th in Federal
Power Ranking: 120.3 (4th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 93/100

• Last week (5-1): 2-1 at Seattle, 3-0 vs. Indianapolis
• 05/30: LOU 10, SEA 8 – Martinez 3-5, HR, 4 RBI
• The Sacramento Outlaws (11-40) fired their GM and field manager.
• 05/31: LOU 10, SEA 7 – Dominguez 2-5, HR, 4 RBI
• We have scored 47 runs in our last four games. Who ordered the slump-buster?
• Pitcher of the Month for May was Robert Westaway (4-0, 3.34). May’s Player of the Month was 3B Lucio Martinez (.315, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 21-game hitting streak).
• Veteran Phil Thompson is 6-1 with a 2.66 ERA since being signed to minor-league contract and was AAA Pitcher of the Month.
• Dayton closer Jorge Merced was AA Pitcher of the Month. He has a 2.38 ERA with 15 saves in 2005. Merced is #100 on the BNN Top Prospects list for pitchers.
• Providence named 39-year-old newbie Roberto Aguirre as their new GM.
• 06/01: SEA 6, LOU 4 – win streak snapped at 7; Davidson injured and will miss his next start with a sore elbow
• Providence hired the manager that Sacramento fired. Sacramento hired the GM that Providence fired. *sigh*
• We are only 11-11 at home, while going 20-11 on the road. It’s time to improve that home record as we start a 13-game home stand.
• 06/03: LOU 4, IND 0 – Alexander 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K, left after 117 pitches
• 06/04: LOU 2, IND 1 – Castro 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K; King SV(9)
• Pedro Dominguez tweaked a hamstring running the bases and will be out for two weeks. He was placed on the 15-day D/L.
• I took advantage of the available roster spot to call up SP Bill Jackson from AAA. He will take Davidson’s turn in the rotation in the next series.
• 06/05: LOU 4, IND 2 – Martinez 2-4, HR(13), 2 RBI(34)
• This week: 3 vs. Chicago, 4 vs. Dallas

[Stromson]

" Providence hired the manager that Sacramento fired. Sacramento hired the GM that Providence fired. *sigh*"

That's terribly annoying. Maybe you could flip over to commissioner mode and artificially boost one of them to be semi-competent?

06/03: LOU 4, IND 0 – Alexander 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K, left after 117 pitches

Thank goodness, he was due for a win. Feels like every time he trots out there is when the offense just completely disappears.

[Sal, The Barber]

Originally Posted by Orcin

June 6, 2005
• We have scored 47 runs in our last four games. Who ordered the slump-buster?

Sal will have to take the credit for this. Just a hobby Sal partakes of in his shed near his whiskey-making equipment. A couple of pins in the straw figures wearing the other uniforms. Add a little cork to the bats of the figures in the Louieville hats, etc., etc. Sal is a novice, really, but occasionally he hits the nail.

Are you happy with the weather? Sal does not usually take requests, but he has a weather potion he's been itching to try. All these things you can find at the neighborhood drug store, do not worry.

[Orcin]

June 13, 2005

Subject: Week 10 Notes

Record: 39-24, .619, - GB
Position: 1st place (4 game lead over Milwaukee)
Runs Scored: 309 – 2nd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 256 – 6th in Federal
Defense: .701 – 8th in Federal
Power Ranking: 120.4 (4th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 93/100

• Last week (5-2): 2-1 vs. Chicago, 3-1 vs. Dallas
• 06/06: CHI 6, LOU 5 – Simon 3-5, DBL, 3 RBI
• New York SS Brian Schmidt was diagnosed with a broken kneecap and is out for the year.
• 06/07: LOU 5, CHI 0 – Jackson 9 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 9 K, also 1-3, DBL, 2 RBI
• A one-hitter? That’s one heck of a major-league debut for Bill Jackson. Can I send him back down after that?
• Orlando signed some older free agents in the off-season, and I questioned the move. They traded one of them today for two good prospects. Dumb like a fox.
• Sacramento signed long-time AAA manager Dan Schneider to a five-year contract to be their new field manager.
• 06/08: LOU 7, CHI 4 – Simon 2-4, HR, 2 RBI; Dennis Morgan was injured and will miss one month with a torn meniscus in his knee.
• Morgan was placed on the 15-day D/L and Hugh McGlone was activated. I still have 13 pitchers, including six starters, and only 12 position players.
• Chicago placed star 1B Paolo Bogliolo on waivers so they could send him down. He makes $16M and is hitting .213/.270/.300, so he will probably clear.
• 06/09: DAL 10, LOU 5 – Castro 1.1 IP, 8 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 1 K (2-5, 5.66 ERA)
• I sense that Castro needs to regroup. I recalled 2B Ray Holliday for bench depth and sent Castro down to AAA.
• Bill Jackson will stay in the rotation for now. Phil Thompson could be added to the 40-man roster and brought up as another option.
• 06/10: LOU 8, DAL 1 – Westaway 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 7 K (9-1, 2.86 ERA)
• 06/11: LOU 9, DAL 0 – Wilson 8 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 7 K; also 1-2, DBL, 3 RBI
• Howard Archuleta hurt his back while running the bases and will be day-to-day for up to a week.
• 06/12: LOU 3, DAL 2 – Jesus Trejo pitched the eighth for the win (4-0, 0.68 ERA); George King SV(12) 2.03 ERA
• Cleveland SP Ken Mattison (6-5, 1.88 ERA) threw a no-hitter vs. Baltimore.
• Charlotte has won 11 in a row. They have the best record in the CBA at 49-15.
• This week: 3 vs. San Francisco, 3 at Sacramento

[MarkCuban]

Sacramento are the Los Angeles Clippers of the Federal League. They probably figured that by keeping payroll intentionally low, even with a crappy team, the team can make a profit even when they suck.

How many teams make a profit in your league? I'm interested in seeing how the "business" side of the league works.

Do you have Revenue Distribution, Luxury Tax, or neither?

Major props, I watch this page daily, it's one of the best around.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by MarkCuban

Sacramento are the Los Angeles Clippers of the Federal League. They probably figured that by keeping payroll intentionally low, even with a crappy team, the team can make a profit even when they suck.

You're right. They turn a small profit.

Originally Posted by MarkCuban

How many teams make a profit in your league? I'm interested in seeing how the "business" side of the league works.

Well of course you are. You're Mark Cuban!

There are 30 teams. Ten are projected to show a profit this year. Six more are projected to lose between $200K and $1.5M, so let's call them breakeven. The other 14 are projected to lose money with the largest loss at $12 million. The entire CBA is projected to lose $50 million, presumably that comes from the owner's pockets. This thing is a hobby for some of them.

Originally Posted by MarkCuban

Do you have Revenue Distribution, Luxury Tax, or neither?

I have Luxury Tax. The exact settings are in post #10 on page 1. I have kept them constant for the entire 25 years of the league.

I am an accountant by profession, so you would think that I really dig the financials myself. The truth is that I do that stuff all day long, and I come here to run a baseball team to win. I still want to show a profit, because it would be embarrassing to me otherwise. But I don't obsess too much over the financials. Hence, I set them at a spot that looked good to me after a few test seasons and left them alone. As long as I can find some teams with budget room to make trades, I am satisfied.

Originally Posted by MarkCuban

Major props, I watch this page daily, it's one of the best around.

Thank you!

[MarkCuban]

You're welcome. I chose the name as a disgruntled Cub Fan after his bid to buy the team was squashed by Bud Selig.

Yeah, that's intentional tanking for ya. Only half the teams turn a profit, while the league overall is losing money.

Maybe the owner will sell/die and his sucessor will be more fun.

[Westheim]

Originally Posted by Orcin

I am an accountant by profession, so you would think that I really dig the financials myself. The truth is that I do that stuff all day long, and I come here to run a baseball team to win. I still want to show a profit, because it would be embarrassing to me otherwise. But I don't obsess too much over the financials.

We two seem to have more in common than I originally thought.

As usual, the Colonels seem to take up speed again, too.

[Orcin]

Louisville Colonels – Draft History and Analysis

The first-year player draft is coming up next, and I thought it would be interesting to see how my first four drafts have turned out. I will list the player drafted along with what was said about him at the time, then I will [comment on where that player is today]. This is a long post, so better get a cup of coffee.

2001 Draft – three high school players taken with early picks

Round 1A (#47 overall): RF Arlen Craig (age 17, bats L), Burlington MA, 4.5-star potential, contact hitter with speed [Today: Craig is currently starting in center field for Lexington (AAA) and batting .311/.362/.434, rated 1.5-star potential, Candelaria says “a little potential, but not much”. I still think he could become a decent leadoff hitter.]

Round 2 (#94 overall): 1B Michael Sampson (age 18, bats L), Waco TX, 3-star, high contact and power potential, decent fielder, normal INT and work ethic [Today: Sampson was released in June 2003 and retired after never getting above Class A.]

Round #3: SP Dale Reynolds (age 17, throws L), Chicago IL, 2.5-star, good movement, three decent pitches, decent stamina, good work ethic [Today: Reynolds is struggling as a reliever at Class AA Dayton after missing the 2004 season with an elbow injury. He looked promising before the injury, but now rated at 0.5-stars and probably done soon.]

2002 Draft – went for college players this time

Round 1 (#29 overall): C Edward Henderson (age 21, bats L), Georgetown University, 5-star potential, #1 position player on our board, contact hitter with outstanding power and a great eye, above average catching skills with a good arm, hit .302 with 13 HR and .979 OPS against top college competition, only knock on him is his work ethic – doesn’t seem to have his mind on the game. [Today: Henderson didn’t have his mind on the game. He has never hit above .225 and is currently the third catcher at Dayton. He is rated at 1-star potential.]

Round 2 (#115 overall): CF Ramon Rodriguez (age 21, bats L), Texas A&M-CC, 4-star potential, high contact, good eye, exceptional speed, great defensive outfielder, hit .294 with .353 OBP vs. good competition, great intangibles [Today: Rodriguez is starting in CF for Dayton and hitting .272/.381/.448. He is rated 1-star and almost 25 years old. Candelaria says “career minor leaguer”.]

Round #3 (#145 overall): SS Arnold Downey (age 20, bats R), Brown University, 4-star potential, above average contact hitter, very patient at the plate, hit .309 with .359 OBP against average competition, slick fielder, average speed, great intangibles [Today: Downey is fighting for playing time as a utility infielder in AA. He is rated 1-star because his offense is “sub-par”. He is minor league roster filler.

Round #4 (#175 overall): CL Jeff “Refund” Carver (age 17, throws R), Stuart FL, 4.5-star potential, elite bullpen prospect, fastball/changeup, exceptional stuff with great movement and control, 2.26 ERA and 1.13 WHIP vs. average competition [Today: Carver struggled early in his career but has finally made it to AA where he has a 1.50 ERA in limited work. Candelaria says “fuhgeddaboudit”, but I still hold out hope.

Not doing too well so far, are we?

2003 Draft – mostly college players

Round 1 (#29 overall): RF José Cruz (age 21, bats L), San Diego State, 5-star potential, contact hitter with outstanding power and a great eye, good defensive skills with strong arm, good speed, hit .300 with .820 OPS against good competition, excellent intangibles [Today: Candelaria suddenly woke up one morning and said, “Cruz sucks.” This was after he hit .320/.402/.495 at AA and .317/.380/.620 at AAA last year. So far in 2005, he is .257/.342/485 at AAA and fighting for playing time. I think Cruz took one of those famous OOTP “development hits”. He still looks like a possible backup outfielder to me.]

Round 2 (#106 overall): MR Francisco Rodriguez (age 22, throws L), Pepperdine, 5-star potential, good stats (7-2, 1.98, 1.10 WHIP, 9K/9ip) against great competition, sinkerball pitcher with 73% GB ratio and great pick-off move, great intangibles [Today: Rodriguez is the setup man for Lexington with a 3.26 ERA. He still has 4-star potential and might be on the 40-man roster next year.]

Round 3 (#137 overall): SP Jorge Merced (age 18, throws R), Culver City, CA, 5-star potential, completely dominated average competition, throws 89-90 mph fastball, screwball, undeveloped changeup, good intangibles [Today: The changeup hasn’t developed but he has been moved to the bullpen where he has a good future. He was just named AA Pitcher of the Month. He is rated BNN pitcher prospect #100.]

That’s a much better class. And before we give Candelaria too much grief, don’t overlook those international signings. Some of our best prospects from 2001-03 (most notably Dominguez and Garza) came via that route.

Now finally the 2004 Draft – it’s hard to judge these guys yet, but let’s do it anyway.

Round 1A (#52 overall): 3B Larry Marshall (age 21, bats R), Duke, 5-star potential, superb contact hitter with some pop, good defensive skills, plays all infield spots plus corner outfield, great base stealer, hit .327 with .864 OPS against great competition, great work ethic. Candelaria projects him as a Hall of Famer! [Today: Marshall missed almost all of last season with a leg injury. He just returned in early June and is hitting .185 at AA. Candelaria still says 5-star potential, but OSA says he is a complete bust. This one will be interesting. His ability to play multiple positions well is a big plus.]

Round 1A (#63 overall): SS Wilson Hernandez (age 18, bats S), Hudson NY, 5-star, sky-high ceiling, projects to be an elite power hitter, superb speed, good defense, could convert to corner infielder, OPS of 1.324 against average HS competition, intangibles are a concern, worth all of the risks. [Today: Well, maybe not. Hernandez is hitting .121 at Evansville (A) and will probably be sent down to Rookie ball when their season starts. Candelaria now says 1.5 stars and suggests that he “will require a lot of development to have and sort of career as a hitter.]

Round 1A (#67 overall): CF Gerald Blair (age 21, bats L), Kennesaw State, 5-star, a five-tool player with .993 OPS against average college competition, work ethic is a concern [Today: Blair was off to a good start at Evansville when broke his hand. He is currently on the disabled list and due back in July.]

Round 1A (#69 overall): CL Bruce “Fat Cat” Brooks (age 21, throws R), LSU, 5-star, best reliever in the draft, current rating of 3.5-stars and considered ready for AAA now, sinker/slider pitcher with 78% GB ratio, 1.49 ERA and 0.92 WHIP as a starter against great college competition, great work ethic and leadership skills. [Today: He is in the major league bullpen where he has a 4.20 ERA in 17 appearances. He is only 22 and looks like a future 5-star closer to me. Candelaria says “an elite bullpen prospect”.]

Round 2 (#75 overall): LF Juan Moran (age 21, bats L), UC-San Diego, 5-star, true superstar potential with outstanding intangibles, average defense, great speed and power, OPS of .946 against average college competition. [Today: Moran blew through A, AA, and is now hitting .307/.366/.667 in 19 games at AAA. Candelaria says 9/10 in every offensive category with 5-star potential. OSA has him rated 8/9. He sure looks like a superstar to me. The really interesting thing here? He plays Morgan’s position.]

**********

So, in summary, drafting is not an exact science. Our minor league system is rated #29, yet our best prospect (Moran) is not even rated by BNN because he has developed so rapidly. Marshall could still be the best of the bunch, or he might flame out and become Hernandez. Cruz was looking like Moran and then suddenly crashed. Guys get hurt too.

The trick is to know your scout. Candelaria is a tools guy. Thus, I look for “ability” in trades. It’s much easier to find ability, because there is a history to evaluate and teams don’t mind giving those guys up. It’s a lot harder to find a Moran in a trade. I let my scout point me to the possible tools guys in the draft, hoping to hit it big on one or two.

The one major player development failure so far is starting pitchers. I blame that on our low drafting position. It is really hard to get a good starter at the end of round 1. It is even harder if you don’t draft pitchers with your top picks. In case you did not notice, I have never drafted a starting pitcher above the third round. I keep taking best player available, but that may need to change.

[Sal, The Barber]

Originally Posted by Orcin

Louisville Colonels – Draft History and Analysis

This is a long post, so better get a cup of coffee.

Sal does not mind keeping his customers waiting!

[Orcin]

June 15, 2005

Subject: First-Year Player Draft

The Milwaukee Eagles had the first overall pick in yesterday’s draft, and selected RF Jim Davis, a 19-year-old high school player. Davis projects to be an outstanding leadoff hitter with blazing speed.

Louisville selections:

Round 1 (#32 overall): SP Jamie Moreno (age 17, throws R), Santo Domingo DR, 4-star potential, relies on a curveball and forkball, fastball only 87-89 mph but young enough to gain velocity, impressive stats against average competition, hard worker and a team leader, should be easy to sign for slot

Round 2 (#68 overall): SP Jose Gomez (age 21, throws R), Stanford, 4.5-star, conventional fastball/slider/change pitcher with 91-93 mph velocity and good movement, average stats against top-level competition, should be ready to start at Class A, poor work ethic and a difficult agent kept him from going earlier

Round 3 (#103 overall): 3B Michael King (age 20, bats R), Florida Atlantic, 5-star, five-tool player, superb speed, good defense with strong arm, could convert to corner outfielder, OPS .862 against good competition, great intangibles, could be tough to sign

Round 4 (#133 overall): SP Artie Foster (age 22, throws R), Yuba College, 2.5-star, a borderline prospect but his development is pretty far along and his intangibles are super, curveball and changeup are above average and he will need them to succeed

Round 5 (#163 overall): SP Rick Morrison (age 22, throws L), Boston College, 2.5-star, left-hander that changes speed well, needs to increase the fastball velocity (87-89) but movement is good, good intangibles, rated extremely hard to sign

The focus of this draft was pretty obvious. I was determined to come away with a good group of starting pitchers. I invested a lot of picks in position players over the past few years. I felt that I could afford to go for pitching this time and it was important to do so.

Moreno was a stretch in the first round, but he was the one pitcher that Candelaria and OSA both had rated highest. Some were higher with each scout, but I got Candelaria’s #1 in the second round anyway. I have time for Moreno to develop considering all of the college pitchers that I took later.

I don’t worry too much about the signing difficulty on some of these guys because I can over-pay slot after taking an easy first-rounder.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by Orcin

• 06/09: DAL 10, LOU 5 – Castro 1.1 IP, 8 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 1 K (2-5, 5.66 ERA)
• I sense that Castro needs to regroup. I recalled 2B Ray Holliday for bench depth and sent Castro down to AAA.

Pedro Castro came out of his first AAA start after five innings with elbow pain. He will have season-ending surgery to remove a bone spur. It is unclear whether this injury occurred earlier and may have been the cause of his bad final start in Louisville.