Orcin's Story

[Sal, The Barber]

Sal likes the freewheelin' Bob Dylan--I mean, Otto Orcin. Well, Sal likes Bob Dylan too. In any case, Sal thinks moving the young fellow Dominguez out of the leadoff spot was smart and picking up a true leadoff hitter is even smarter. Where now will See-moan bat once he is fixed?

Jeffrey Jackson goes back to OF #4, right? But when Olivares comes back is Olivares the odd duck out? With Dominguez and Hartman you have two very fine, young guys to chase the fly balls.

(If Olivares is the odd duck, then watch Mr. Orcin make duck soup. Perhaps another bullpen arm at the deadline?)

[5cards]

Just wanted to note that Sal is reply #1,000. Congratulations, Orcin, on having a thread reach the century mark for replies!

[Orcin]

Slamet Nitisastro is hitting around .300 with power at AAA. He is ready and waiting in case Morgan gets hurt. I am knocking on wood as I type this.

Yep, Jackson goes back to being the fourth outfielder with newcomer Juan Gonzalez as the fifth. Gonzalez is right-handed and I like him so far, so he isn't going anywhere. Olivares vs. Jackson? Yes, that's a problem all right. As Jack Benny said when the robber demanded his wallet or his life... "I'm thinking it over." If you aren't old enough to know who Jack Benny is, just keep reading.

Pierre-Louis Simon will bat... yes, that's another problem. Nice problem to have. I plan to bat him leadoff against left-handers.

[Orcin]

May 15, 2006

Subject: Week 6 Notes

Record: 27-11, .711, - GB
Position: 1st place (5.5 game lead over Milwaukee)
Runs Scored: 194 – t3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 122 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .699 – 5th in Federal
Power Ranking: 132.9 (2nd in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• 5-1 last week: 3-0 vs. Salt Lake City, 2-1 vs. Chicago
• 05/09: LOU 6, SLC 3 – Morgan 1-4, HR (15), 3 RBI (30); GWRBI 3-run HR in 8th
• 05/10: LOU 3, SLC 2 – Davidson 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 4 BB, 4 K, W (3-3, 2.81)
• Salt Lake City 2B Thomas Barron had 5 of the 8 hits against Davidson.
• 05/11: LOU 6, SLC 3 – Morgan 2-4, HR (16), 2 RBI (32), SB (2)
• Morgan leads the CBA in home runs and he is tied for fifth in RBIs.
• Ron Hartman signed a 4-year extension worth $8 million (average of $2M/year). His current arbitration estimate is $4.8 million. Guys like to play for a winner.
• The first game of the Chicago series features Robert Westaway vs. Brian Wilson.
• 05/12: LOU 7, CHI 1 – Westaway 7.1 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K, W (6-0, 1.82)
• 05/13: CHI 6, LOU 5 – Alexander finally had a bad outing, giving up 6 runs in 4.2 IP
• Reliever Leonard Sherman was injured in the game – diagnosis pending.
• 05/14: LOU 12, CHI 6 – John 5-5, DBL, HR, 5 runs scored (ties league record)
• This week: 3 vs. Houston, 3 vs. San Diego


Subject: John Torches Cougars for 5 Hits

There are moments in a player's career that are etched into their memories forever. Tom John of the Louisville Colonels had one of those moments when he went 5 for 5 at the plate today in the 12-6 win over the Chicago Cougars at Colonels Field.

The 26-year-old second baseman told reporters in the postgame interview, "This is a day I won't forget soon, but I'll settle to just get a hit or two every day... enough hits to hang around the league a little bit longer." Local fan Sal the Barber said, “This Tom John has made me notice him.”

Tom John doubled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, hit a solo-shot off Will Lewis in the 5th, singled in the 7th and hit an RBI single in the 8th. This year John is hitting .411 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs, has scored 18 times and gotten on base at a .448 rate.

[Orcin]

CBA STANDINGS
Thursday, May 18, 2006



The division leaders are familiar names. Milwaukee and Denver chasing the wild card is somewhat of a surprise.
St. Louis was expected to contend, but they have the worst offense in the league and their pitching has been hit with injuries.




The Patriot League Southern Division is led by… Orlando? All those top draft picks spent on pitching were bound to pay off eventually, and they have the #2 staff in their league.
The Atlantic Division should be a good race again, with only perennial doormat Providence under .500.

[Orcin]

LEAGUE LEADERS
Thursday, May 18, 2006




Look who is leading the Federal League in batting, home runs, stolen bases, wins, saves, ERA… there are Colonels all over the leader board this time.
And, for once, we are not haunted by ex-Colonels on this board.

[Orcin]

LOUISVILLE COLONELS
Thursday, May 18, 2006




If you had told me that Chris Brown and Duncan Bland would have 4 homers between them at the 40-game mark, I would have bet heavily against a .700 winning percentage.
Pedro Dominguez has picked up a lot of the slack, and Tom John has been amazing.

Pierre-Louis Simon is just starting a rehab assignment in AAA, which explains why he is not on this page anywhere.

The minor league teams are very competitive this year – a good sign for the future.




There will be a tough decision to make when Olivares returns from the disabled list. Juan Gonzalez has been outstanding off the bench, and it is very handy to have a right-handed outfielder that can play all three spots to give the left-handed hitters a day off. Olivares can play all three spots also and hits for more power than Jackson. Jeffrey Jackson has done everything we have asked of him, but his role is pretty limited and he has an option remaining.

The infield decision is much easier. Gonzalez and Martinez have not played as well as Bennett. Martinez has the right to refuse a minor league assignment and he is out of options. Gonzalez does not have right of refusal, and he has an option remaining. He won’t like it, but Gonzalez will go down to AAA and work on his approach at the plate.

A few things jump out at me when I study the pitching stats:
• Ray Alexander is clearly my #2 starter.
• The trade for Aaron Wilkerson might be my best off-season move.
• Luna and Davidson are both still very young and I must be patient.

[Orcin]

May 22, 2006

Subject: Week 7 Notes

Record: 32-12, .727, - GB
Position: 1st place (7.5 game lead over Milwaukee)
Runs Scored: 229 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 144 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .697 – 6th in Federal
Power Ranking: 140.9 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100


• Last week (5-1): 2-1 vs. Houston, 3-0 vs. San Diego
• 05/16: LOU 7, HOU 1 – Davidson 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K
• Cristo Rodriguez hurt his thumb running the bases and will be out for a week.
• 05/17: HOU 7, LOU 1 – Wilkerson was shelled early in this one
• Leonard Sherman was diagnosed with a fractured elbow. He will miss four months, which means that he could come back in late September.
• Sherman will go on the 60-day D/L and newly-acquired Rob Bryant will be called up to replace him (temporarily).
• Pierre-Louis Simon begins a rehab assignment at AAA tomorrow.
• 05/18: LOU 10, HOU 6 – Dominguez 2-5, HR (10), 3 RBI (30), SB (14)
• 05/19: LOU 10, SD 4 – Morgan 3-5, HR (17), 5 RBI (40)
• Terrence Banks had 5 hits for Washington in a 12-6 win over Philadelphia.
• Reliever Phil Davies (2.16 ERA in 25 IP, age 25) was acquired from Cleveland in exchange for a minor leaguer. Davies will replace Bryant in the bullpen.
• 05/20: LOU 4, SD 3 – GWRBI Juan Gonzalez walk-off pinch-hit 2-run double
• 05/21: LOU 3, SD 1 – Davidson 7.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (5-3, 2.42)
• Salt Lake City SP Alberto Rios pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Hawks.
• This week: 3 at Seattle, 3 vs. Los Angeles

[Orcin]

May 29, 2006

Subject: Week 8 Notes

Record: 36-14, .720, - GB
Position: 1st place (8 game lead over Milwaukee)
Runs Scored: 259 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 168 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .698 – 6th in Federal
Power Ranking: 138.6 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (4-2): 1-2 at Seattle, 3-0 vs. Los Angeles
• 05/22: SEA 7, LOU 3 – Wilkerson 2.2 IP, 7 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 1 K
• Pedro Dominguez sprained his ankle while making a running catch at the wall and will be out for a month. Simon will be activated to replace him on the roster.
• 05/23: LOU 12, SEA 8 – Bland 2-5, HR (5), 3 RBI (14)
• 05/24: SEA 3, LOU 0 – Alexander 8 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K, tough L (8-2, 2.93)
• Lorenzo Olivares was activated and returned to the lineup. Mariano Gonzalez was optioned to AAA (effectively the roster spot consumed by Simon).
• 05/26: LOU 9, LA 4 – Morgan 2-5, HR, 3 RBI; Bland 4-4, DBL, RBI
• 05/27: LOU 3, LA 2 (16) – Morgan 3-7, HR (21), 2 RBI (51), GWRBI-single in 16th
• Dallas CF Eddie Payne suffered a ruptured medial collateral ligament in his knee and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.
• 05/28: LOU 3, LA 0 – Wilkerson 8.1 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (4-3, 4.33)
• This week: 4 vs. Seattle, 3 at Milwaukee


Subject: Louisville’s Morgan Federal League Player of the Week
There's nothing like being in the prime of your baseball career -- and playing like it. Just ask Dennis Morgan, the Louisville left fielder, who swung a sweet bat all week to pick up the Federal League Player of the Week honors. Morgan piled up 11 hits in 24 at-bats (.458) with 4 home runs and 10 RBIs. He is currently hitting at a .298 pace, with 22 home runs and 54 RBIs (leads the Federal League in both categories).

Subject: Valdez Named AA Player of the Week
Dayton Flyers CF Rafael Valdez is the AA Player of the Week. Valdez rocked opposing pitchers for a .462 average (12-26) with 4 home runs and 9 RBIs. For the season, Valdez is hitting .328 with 8 HR and 37 RBIs in 42 games.

[Orcin]

Dear Readers,

I have started a new league for a dynasty report this weekend, and I like how it is going. It is based on the MLB quick start. I expect to be posting the new thread today.

This new idea is one that has been in my head for a few weeks, and the time has come for me to either do it or not. If I don’t start it now, there won’t be enough time to advance it to the conclusion that I seek before the next game version is released.

I am not abandoning this dynasty! I intend to keep playing this league, and I have a couple of new updates already written. I will split time between the two projects, which means this one may move a little slower. There is always a chance that the MLB quick start will become my fictional league of choice over time. If so, I promise that I will bring this one to some conclusion. I would never abandon a league with this much history in mid-season. There is also a reasonable chance that the new one will die or finish while this one continues into OOTP14.

Thanks in advance for being patient with me if this one seems to lag a bit in favor of the new one. I have a busy month coming at work, football season has started, and the baseball playoffs will be here soon. However, OOTP is my primary hobby, and I always seem to find time for it. My wife usually goes to visit her mother in October rather than suffer through all of these distractions at once. She always comes back… so far.

If you choose to follow the new one, and I hope you do, please treat it as if there were no connection to this one. I suspect the audiences will be different, because there are people that don’t like to follow fictional. The context of the new one will be different. I am not writing it as a fictional character, so your real-life comments will be most welcome.

Thanks for reading and participating in this thread. It has been, and continues to be, a blast for me!

Regards,
Orcin

[SkyeWalker]

A new Orcin dynasty? Sign me up! Will be eagerly following both your dynasties for sure. In fact, I toyed with the idea of running two concurrent dynasties a while back (right around when I won the World Series to be specific) but decided that I don't currently have the time to update both at the same time as often as I'd like. The other project is almost ready though and I will probably launch it in a few months when my schedule clears up. Hope you find success with both your dynasties!

[Stromson]

I will absolutely follow both dynasties, just don't burn yourself out! Looking forward to the MLB quickstart and seeing where it goes.

[mpejkrm]

Funny how I was actually considering doing a fictional dynasty or minor league one myself! Love reading this, but I will probably be able to relate more with the MLB Quickstart! Good luck, and watch lots of football...

[Orcin]

June 5, 2006

Subject: Week 9 Notes

Record: 40-17, .702, - GB (19-8 in May)
Position: 1st place (9.5 game lead over Milwaukee)
Runs Scored: 300 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 199 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .699 – 7th in Federal
Power Ranking: 131.3 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100


• Last week (4-3): 2-2 vs. Seattle, 2-1 at Milwaukee
• 05/29: LOU 2, SEA 1 (11) – Westaway 9 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 8 K, no decision
• 05/30: SEA 7, LOU 5 – Bland 2-4, 2 RBI
• 05/31: SEA 9, LOU 6 – Luna ejected in 2nd inning for brawl, suspended 5 games
• Player of the Month for May was Duncan Bland (.395/.515/.741, 7 HR, 16 RBI). Pitcher of the Month was Chip Davidson (4-0, 1.64 ERA).
• 06/01: LOU 8, SEA 0 – one-hit shutout by Chip Davidson 9 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 11 K, W (6-3, 2.10), Chip is on a roll
• 06/02: LOU 8, MIL 2 – John 2-5, HR, 3 RBI; rain delay of 69 minutes in the 4th
• 06/03: MIL 3, LOU 2 (12) – Simon 2-5, TPL, 2 RBI
• 06/04: LOU 10, MIL 9 (10) – Simon 2-4, HR, 4 RBI, SEE-moan is back
• Washington RF Terrence Banks was named Patriot League Player of the Week.
• Charlotte made 3 trades on the same day, acquiring 36-year-old SP Ken Mattison for two minor leaguers and some prospects for two players on the trading block.
• This week: 3 at St. Louis, 4 vs. Dallas

[5cards]

I also look forward to seeing how you take on the majors. I am curious... what team are you going to play as?

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by 5cards

I also look forward to seeing how you take on the majors. I am curious... what team are you going to play as?

This one: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3379613

[Orcin]

June 12, 2006

Subject: Week 10 Notes

Record: 44-20, .688, - GB
Position: 1st place (9.5 game lead over Milwaukee)
Runs Scored: 357 – 1st in Federal
Runs Allowed: 232 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .696 – 7th in Federal
Power Ranking: 123.8 (2nd in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (4-3): 3-0 at St. Louis, 1-3 vs. Dallas
• 06/05: LOU 20, STL 1 – Juan Gonzalez 4-5, DBL, 2 HR, 8 RBI; Brown 3-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI; Davidson cruised to an easy win and left early
• 06/06: LOU 7, STL 6 – Brown 3-5, DBL, HR, 3 RB1
• Ron Hartman is 2-22 in the past 5 games. Jeffrey Jackson (who is hot) will play CF for a few days; maybe a rest will help Hartman.
• 06/07: LOU 4, STL 1 – Wilkerson 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K, W (5-3, 3.98); Cristo Rodriguez bases-loaded double, 3 RBI
• 06/08: DAL 10, LOU 7 – Bland 2-4, HR (9), 3 RBI (27)
• Jeffrey Jackson was injured while throwing the ball, and diagnosed with elbow ligament damage. He will have surgery and is done for the season.
• Jackson was placed on the 60-day D/L and CF Arlen Craig was called up to spell Hartman in CF if needed. Dominguez should be back in 1-2 weeks.
• 06/09: LOU 12, DAL 4 – Olivares 2-5, HR (7), 4 RBI (35)
• 06/10: DAL 6, LOU 4 – King 1 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, L (3-1), BS(1)
• Lexington RF Juan Cortez (.351, 15 HR, 38 RBI) hit for the cycle.
• 06/11: DAL 5, LOU 3 – Garza 2.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, L (3-1, 4.32); rain delay of 65 minutes in 3rd inning
• Garza has a 1.56 FIP and a .411 BABIP, so he has been the victim of incredibly bad luck. He has 28 K, with only 4 BB and 0 HR allowed in 25 innings.
• This week: 3 vs. San Francisco, 3 at Sacramento


Subject: Federal League Player of the Week
Reserve outfielder Juan González sent shock waves through Continental Baseball Association last week with an eye-popping performance that brought him the Federal League Player of the Week Award. A newcomer to the league, the Louisville Colonels 24-year-old right fielder made the establishment sit up and take notice by punishing opposing pitchers for a .700 average (7 hits in 10 at-bats) with 3 home runs and 10 RBI. For the season, González is batting .368 with 25 hits, 7 home runs, and 27 runs batted in. (Maybe he should be in the starting lineup more often!)

[dawg_gone]

New fan here. Started on page one, currently on page thirteen. Might be playing winter ball by the time I reread this, but I'm enjoying the great read and the lesson in sabermetrics.

[Orcin]

You made me check to see what was going on back on page thirteen. I was still using OOTP12 (v13 had yet to be released). I was thinking about bringing Ray Alexander up from the minors and Lucio Martinez had just signed a contract that has already been extended. Wow, that seems like a long time ago.

[Orcin]

Louisville Colonels – Draft History and Analysis

The draft is this week, so I will take a last look at Candelaria’s drafts. I will grade the picks that were among the top 125 players taken each year and let you be the overall judge.

2001 Draft
• Round 1A (#47 overall): RF Arlen Craig (age 17, HS), currently fourth outfielder at AAA, on 40-man roster, grade=B-
• Round 2 (#94 overall): 1B Michael Sampson (age 18, HS), out of baseball, grade=F

2002 Draft
• Round 1 (#29 overall): C Edward Henderson (age 21, college), AA backup catcher, grade=D
• Round 2 (#115 overall): CF Ramon Rodriguez (age 21, college), AAA backup outfielder, victim of over-crowding at his position, grade=C

2003 Draft
• Round 1 (#29 overall): RF José Cruz (age 21, college), AAA backup outfielder, grade=D
• Round 2 (#106 overall): MR Francisco Rodriguez (age 22, college), AAA setup/closer, grade=B+

2004 Draft
• Round 1A (#52 overall): 3B Larry Marshall (age 21, college), AA starter @ 3B, still has potential but far less than advertised, grade=C+
• Round 1A (#63 overall): SS Wilson Hernandez (age 18, HS), hitting .199 in A, little potential, grade=F
• Round 1A (#67 overall): CF Gerald Blair (age 21, college), AAA starter @ CF, still has potential to contribute at major league level, grade=B+
• Round 1A (#69 overall): CL Bruce “Fat Cat” Brooks (age 21, college), MLB setup man, excellent major league pitcher, grade=A+
• Round 2 (#75 overall): LF Juan Moran (age 21, college), currently RF for Cleveland hitting .233 with 7 HR in 103 AB, has good potential, brought major-league outfielder back in trade, grade=A

2005 Draft
• Round 1 (#32 overall): SP Jamie Moreno (age 17, HS), now rated at half-star potential, 4-5 with 3.78 ERA in rookie ball, looks like a bust, grade=D
• Round 2 (#68 overall): SP Jose Gomez (age 21, college), good year @ A in 2005, currently 4.73 ERA in AA, grade=B-
• Round 3 (#103 overall): 3B Michael King (age 20, college), backup 1-star infielder at AA hitting .167, grade=D

Total=14; A=2; B=3; C=2; D=4; F=2
The distribution is interesting – half are good and half are bad, but no real star players. That’s probably not unusual, but I expected more out of my top picks.