The IBL's Chicago Iron Pigs

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Tied at 2 games apiece, Ken Lee throws at a batter in the 1st inning and gets ejected? That could have significant repercussions on the series, and on his time in Chicago if this doesn't turn out well.

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And so it goes..

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MINOR LEAGUE AWARDS AND HONORS
AAA Gold Gloves- Jeremy Hamlyn 2B, Andy Davis LF
AA Gold Gloves- Jesus Garcia CF
A(S) Gold Gloves- Adrian Alvarez SS, Marvin Yates LF, Jorge Santos RF
A(N) Gold Gloves- Ash Carter 1B
Rookie League Gold Gloves- Michael McGee LF
Outstanding A(S) Pitcher- Jose Martinez 17-7 2.02
Outstanding AAA Pitcher-Orlando Rea 18-4 2.52
Outstanding SS Pitcher- Carl Walker 9-1 1.55
Outstanding SS Hitter- Michael McGrath .294-15-56

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LEAGUE NEWS

Due to a clerical error in our front office, Ken Lee has 'failed' to meet his vesting option criteria, and short of an extension or him accepting arbitration, he can become a free agent. He is worthy of a compensation pick as well. Instead of 112 Starts, it was listed in his contract as 112 PA.....

Our marketing department has notified the front office that the recent fan survey has shown an increase in fan loyalty to 'above average'. Great news.

2022 Budget-Mr. Marquis has set our 2022 budget at 122 million with a draft allocation of 6.8. That's up from 116M. Our current payroll is projected to be 104.2M with another 25+ million in expenses. We've got some work to do.

Pitching Coach Bob Hill has decided to retire. AAA Pitching coach Flavio Leon will get the gig and we'll look to promote from within and hire someone younger for an entry level minor league job. The entire organization's pitching coach group is promoted from A, to AA, to AAA. Heaveners coach is promoted to Denison, and we are looking to fill his spot as the only open position.

Arbitration-We have 1 case, and 1 free agent case. Pedro Garcia is making 1.65, looking for 3, and we'll take that one given the trades we're pushing right now (looking to open up some room in the system as we have a glut of arms in the upper levels) and Ken Lee's. We will definitely offer him arbitration, and maybe he stuns us and accepts, otherwise we'll get the pick. He's going to be looking at 15 or so, minimum. Still a significant amount of conversation around his actions in game 5 of the World Series, which many feel was the most selfish thing they'd ever seen, and many also feel it ultimately cost us the series.

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FIRINGS/HIRINGS and MUSICAL CHAIRS:
Arizona fired GM Elmer Simms after 9 seasons. He spent 2012 as the Tulsa GM before taking over in Arizona. They moved quickly, hiring 1st time GM, 64 year old Elmer Williams.

That ties into the 2nd piece of news, where Philadelphia fired GM Glenn Wilhelm, and at the same news conference announced the signing of Simms as their new GM to a 4 year 3.4M dollar deal. Wilhelm had been the GM in Philadelphia since the franchises founding.

Wilhelm then turned around and landed in New York where GM Tomas Hernandez's contract was not renewed at seasons end. The Knights gave Wilhelm a 4 year 4M dollar deal.

In what seems to be an incestous circle, Hernandez then accepted a 5 year 4.75M dollar deal from Columbus to become their new GM after their former GM Danny Thornton announced his retirement.

Edmonton fired Manager Fernando Sanchez after just 3 seasons on the job. Sanchez was immediately offered the managing job in Columbus after Roberto Lopez and the team could not come to terms on an extension.

Hawaii fired manager Tim Brown after just 1 season. Brown was immediately offered the vacant PC's job in Baltimore and he signed that deal for 3 years.

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I didn't have ANY input on awards this year since the game hosed the seasons end, and quite honestly I didn't think Martinez deserved the FL Koufax. But here are this years winners.

Both MVP's were a few pts of avg away from triple crowns, Arod missed by just .002.

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One piece of team news, and a trade...
Ticket prices have been increased for 2022, from 24 to 26 dollars, and the ownership is putting about 25 million in renovations into the ballpark. Changing the playing surface over from turface, to grass, and adding 5500 seats in premium spots (well premium spots left anyway) around the ball park.

Chicago acquires Hawaii's #1 pick.
The Chicago Iron Pigs have sent 4 players and their 2022 3rd round draft choice to Hawaii for the Warriors 2022 1st round draft choice. Chicago sent relievers Chance Holt (30) Victor Ornealas (25) and Orlando Velez (30) as well as blue chip IF prospect Cipriano Alonzo, as well as the pick, to Hawaii.

Reasoning-We have a plethora of arms in the minors, especially bullpen arms. Alonzo was hard to give up as I hate giving up any player that we draft high (he was a 2017 2nd rounder 43rd overall) but any chance I can get a top 5 pick (which this will hopefully be even if the league expands) for players that will not make my 25 man, and I have depth behind, I will. Not to mention Alonzo's got Hudson and Blakeway, and Miranda, on the IBL roster.

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IBL's Final Expansion Teams announced, final realignment assignments

The IBL is proud to announce the final two franchises in the 32 team league.
The Providence Black Sox and the New Orleans Voodoo will complete the teams for the IBL.
Also, the Michigan Battlecats have changed their name to Wolverines.
The Baltimore Railcats have changed their name to the Baltimore Colts.
The Arizona Greyhounds have changed their name to the Arizona Rattlers.

The league will re-align as follows:
Both leagues will now contain 4 4 team divisions, there will no longer be a wild card entry into the playoffs.

In the Frontier League
The Empire Division will remain the same.

The new “Northeastern Division” will contain:
Michigan Wolverines
West Michigan White Caps
New Hampshire Fisher Cats
Providence Black Sox

The Midwest Division will now be:
Chicago Iron Pigs
Green Bay Blizzard
Columbus Clippers
Dayton Dragons

The FL Western Division will remain the same, with Arizona changing its name.

In the Coastal League.
The Keystone will now be:
Philadelphia Patriots
Boston Bombers
Baltimore Colts
Pittsburgh Bulldogs

The new “Southern Division” will be:
Dallas Texans
San Antonio Silver Stars
Las Vegas 51's
New Orleans Voodoo

The Lone Star will be:
Tulsa Drillers
Corpus Christi Hooks
Houston Roughriders
El Paso Diablos

And the Pacific will be:
Los Angeles Wizards
Sacramento River Cats
San Jose Sharks
Fresno Grizzlies

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by gehrig38

The IBL is proud to announce the final two franchises in the 32 team league.
The Providence Black Sox and the New Orleans Voodoo will complete the teams for the IBL.

Woohoo! Go Black Sox.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Glad to see you're keeping this going.

[gehrig38]

Hitting
Tony Greene (DAY) set the single season record for SLG% at .6985, breaking Bill Hill's 2012 record of .6950
Carl Crawford (GB) set a new record for AB's with 692, breaking Carlos Andrade's 2019 record of 683.
Tony Greene's 461 total bases broke Bill Hills record of 449, also set in 2012.
Thomas Hood (GB) walked 160 times, brekaing Lou Sparks record of 151 set in 2012.

Pitching
Angelo Esparza (SAN) won 25 games, breaking the record Vincent Bray set in 2015 of 24 (by the way, Bray retired at the conclusion of this season)
Esparza also broke the single season record for Complete Games with 17, breaking the record he held with Ruben Cruz ('15 and '19) of 12.
Esparza's VORP of 97.02 broke the record he set last season of 92.39. Prior to that Bray had the record at 91.27 set in 2015.

Team Records
Chicago's win total of 116 broke the record set by them in 2017 of 113.
Chicago's team Avg of .298 broke the old record of .297 set by them in 2015.
Chicago's .380 OBP broke the old record they set in 2017 of .378.
Chicago's team SLG% of .512 broke the record of .497 set by El Paso in 2015.
Chicago's 1108 runs broke the record of 1057 set by El Paso in 2015.
Chicago's 1715 hits broke the record they set in 2015 of 1700.

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11/4
Houston brings RP back home
Former Iron Pig Sib van Bodegraven is returning to Houston as their closer. The 34 year old signed a 2 year 3.12M dollar deal to return. He's 26-28 3.77 in 493 games with 59 Saves. His best year was in Houston, 2017, when he saved 38 games. He was 1-2 14 Saves 2.57 ERA in 37 games with Dayton last year.

IBL CAREER LEADERS: COMPLETE GAMES
Ruben Cruz (-) 83
Chris O'Slattery (BAL) 68
Matthieu Cafasso (-) 59
Ed Lawson (-) 44
Walt Thompson (TUL) 40

11/8
Chicago acquires another 1st round pick
The Iron Pigs sent 4 players and their 2022 4th round draft choice to New Orleans for the Voodoo's 2022 1st round selection (#1 overall).
Chicago packaged veteran catcher, and gold glover, George Knox (31), 1B Ruberto Gabere (26), LF Jose Gonzalez (26) and RP Luis Quinones (25) as well as their 4th pick for the 1st overall selection in the upcoming 2022 amateur draft.

REASONING-I now own picks 1, 3 and 4, as well as pick 32, in the 1st round. I can absolutely deal picks if the draft pool is not deep, but more importantly I can possibly stockpile multiple franchise players within a matter of 4 picks. I have 2 young catchers ready to backup Jackson in Chicago, Gabere is going to remain behind Salinas and Shaw if he stayed, Gonzalez is a decent prospect who does a lot nicely, nothing great. Quinones is another RH power arm in a stable full of them already. Ya I did give up 8 players, and 2 later picks, to get just 2 draft choices, but that, imo, I can afford given how well my scouts have done bringing in talent.

11/9
New Orleans finds an ace
The Voodoo have made their first official free agent signing, today inking 4 time all star Vincente Romero to a 2 year 29.4M dollar deal. Romero, 34, is 154-96 3.53 in 324 starts lifetime.

11/11
Providence gets an ace of their own
The Black Sox today signed 29 year old Dale Hickman to a 4 year 49.1M dollar offer. The left hander is 80-66 4.33 in his career.

11/12
Houston slips in on Chicago
The Roughriders announced the signing of 25 year old Closer Shimei Ikarashi to a 2 year 22M dollar free agent deal. Ikarashi was 4-4 with 36 saves and a 3.21 ERA last season for San Antonio. Chicago was rumored to be talking to the young lefty as well.

On the tail of that signing Houston turned around and dealt 27 year old Closer Ron Pearson and 23 year old CL prospect Steve Scott (3.5* LH) to Edmonton for 26 year old 1B Albert Pujols. Pearson has a 19-26 record with 42 saves and a 4.46 ERA in 338 games. He was 3-7 33 Saves with a 4.33 in 68 games last year. Pujols will hit cleanup, and play 1st base, opening day for the Roughriders. He's hit .261 with 70 HR's and 278 RBI's in 445 games so far.

11/13
LA lands the big one
Many believe SS Jimmy Rollins is the prize on this years market for position players. Los Angeles made sure they landed that prize today, giving the 26 year old a 6 year 106.8M dollar deal to play SS and bat 3rd for the Wizards. Rollins has hit .276 with 87 HR's and 373 RBI's and stolen 334-443 bases in his career.

11/15
Buffalo inks Lee
The Bisons today announced a deal with 32 year old lefty Ken Lee that will pay him 29M over the next 2 seasons.

STUFF- Fan interest drops to 82, but we receive a comp pick, which means we now are picking 1, 3, 4, 34 and 37 in the first and supplemental rounds of the draft. Steve McKinley is tabbed to take over Lee's spot in the rotation.

11/16
World Champs find a new closer
Corpus Christi signed 28 year old Closer Raymond Peters to a 1 year 11.9 million dollar deal, making him their closer for 2022 and moving former closer Alex Browne into a setup role. Peters was 4-7 2.62 with 37 saves last year and has 192 in his career.

11/17
Hawaii lands a backstop
The Warriors announced the signing of 28 year old Catcher Craig Massey to a 4 year 28.74M dollar deal today. Massey is a career .261 hitter and was a 2021 All Star.

11/19
Trappers make big splash for SP
Edmonton has signed 30 year old SP Sixto Morales to a 6 year 94.5M dollar deal. Morales is 88-77 4.64 in 228 lifetime starts. The 2 time All star (19 and 20) had his best year in 2020 when he went 19-7 3.28 for Buffalo. Morales spent the his first 5 IBL seasons in Edmonton and was reportedly excited about returning.

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DAY 1

Las Vegas retains Harris
Las Vegas opened the meetings by announcing they'd signed 3B Chandler Harris to a 4 year 46M dollar extension. Harris is coming off a .279-43-129 season and has 261 career HR's. He's a 3 time Gold Glove winner and was a 2018 All Star.

El Paso re-signs its ace
The Diablos announced the 5 year 90M dollar extension for ace Jim Morris today. The 26 year old is 72-94 3.94 in 234 career starts and coming off his best season, when he went 14-8 2.74 in 34 starts.

Chicago lands another pick
The Irons Pigs sent 24 year old SP prospect Terry Howell and their 18th round pick to Dayton for the Dragons 2nd pick in the upcoming draft (pick 39 right now) and 21 year old RP prospect Orlando Perez.

REASONING- I have a full 40 man roster, and Dayton is in rebuild mode. Perez is a big time arm that will serve as insurance, and the pick solidifies my ability to corner the market on this draft talent.

Dallas and Alaska make a deal
Dallas has sent former Iron Pig Dave Winston and 2.96M in cash to Alaska for 4 prospects. 19 year old Bruce Gardner (1B/3B 4.5* 2021 1st rounder) 24 year old P prospect Manuel Mendez (RP 2.5* LHP) 23 year old Auerlio Lopez (IF 2* decent bat) and 24 year old P prospect Peyton Mcallister (RP 2* power righty). Winston will close for Alaska in 2022 and the cash will cover his contract for the season. He has 1 year after this at 3.32M.

Dallas deals SP Pace for 2021 top pick
The Texans sent Bill Pace to Los Angeles for 19 year old P prospect Josh Harvey. Harvey was LA's 1st round draft pick in 2021 (14th overall). Pace, 10-26 5.77 lifetime, is a guy many clubs drool over for the arm. If he can corral the command he's a top of the rotation starter. He'll slide into the 5th slot in LA's rotation.

DAY 2

2021 RotY changing addresses.
Allen Hunter, the 27 year old 1B who took home the Coastal Leagues RotY is heading to West Michigan as the Patriots dealt him for 33 year old RP Jose Valencia and 19 year old SP prospect Boyd Jackson (11th overall pick in 2020 and the #3 prospect in 2021!). In 158 games Hunter is a .275-27-107 hitter.

The Patriots then sent 20 year old P prospect Fernando Aguilar (dealt 3 times since being taken in the 3rd round of 2019 draft, 66th overall) to Arizona where the Rattlers returned 27 year old SP Doug Russell (13-16 5.32 lifetime, 12-7 4.97 in 2020)

Edmonton acquires top prospect for 2 players and cash
The Trappers managed to deal for El Paso 3B Antonio Sandoval, sending 29 year old Closer Jose Martinez, 20 year old OF prospect Thomas Brown (4th overall pick in 2019, 2021 #13 prospect) and 2.71M in cash. Martinez will take over the closers role in El Paso, while Brown is a 5* prospect and just 20. Sandoval has just 31 games in the IBL, but figures to play 3B every day out of camp in 2022. He's a 2 time minor league all star, 2 time minor league gold glove winner and was the AAA MVP in 2021 after hitting .321-31-110 in 120 games. Was El Paso's 1st pick in 2014, and a top IBL prospect the past 6 years.

FINAL DAY

West Michigan grabs a big bat
The White Caps sent 25 year old RP Devin Taylor and 2021 1st rounder (16th overall) C John Copeland to Philadelphia for slugger Bernardo Montoya. In 194 games Montoya is a .251 hitter with 45 HR's and 133 RBI's. He was the AAA MVP in 2020. Taylor looks to be a filler in the pen, while Copeland would appear to be the Patriots future every day backstop. He's just 20 and already defensively an above average player. His drawing card, is his projected pop, of which many think he'll be a left handed #4 bat.

Leduc on the move, again.
Hawaii has sent much traveled 1B Drew Leduc to Arizona for 3 very good prospects. 21 year old Galimberto Riario (2.5 big time speed, ++ defense and a big bat) 20 year old Bohuslav Vojtasek (2.5+ power arm, possible closer) and 3B prospect Roy Rice (1.5* decent speed, decent bat). Leduc has not managed to stay off the DL since 2012. Arizona will be his 7th team (Michigan, Las Vegas, Houston, San Antonio, Staten Island, Hawaii, Arizona). He had the best year of his career last year (.309-31-99) and was an All Star for the 1st time.

[Hendu Style]

Originally Posted by gehrig38

LEAGUE NEWS

Due to a clerical error in our front office, Ken Lee has 'failed' to meet his vesting option criteria, and short of an extension or him accepting arbitration, he can become a free agent. He is worthy of a compensation pick as well. Instead of 112 Starts, it was listed in his contract as 112 PA.....

Our marketing department has notified the front office that the recent fan survey has shown an increase in fan loyalty to 'above average'. Great news.

Fire whoever made that clerical error. Your loyalty as a GM may be "below average" but that's a costly error!

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From the league office, the Providence Black Sox and New Orleans Voodoo have submitted the contracts of the former MLB prospects they have come to terms with.
The Black Sox have signed 16 year old Domincan outfielder Manny Ramirez and 20 year old left handed starter, 6'10" Randy Johnson.
While New Orleans has signed 20 year old Roy Halladay, a RH starting pitcher, and a young domincan 2B named Robinson Cano.

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ROUNDING OUT THE YEAR
If you are checking out the winter moves, take a look at Vegas and what they did this month. I've seen this one other time, I think Philly did it a few years back and it backfired badly.

11/29
Trappers sign Gallegos
A day after trading for their young 3B of the future, Edmonont signed 30 year old 3B Alfonso Gallegos to a 4 year 44M dollar contract. Gallegos apparently will play 3rd while Sandoval DH's, though many believe Sandoval is/will be, the far superior defender. Gallegos has played in 946 games, hitting .271/.329/.428 with 176 2B's, 124 HR's and 522 RBI's between Dayton, Arizona and New Hampshire.

11/30
Dayton in full rebuild mode.
The Dragons have sent their best SP, Ling-lai Lou to Fresno for 4 players. Lou was 12-10 3.55 in 33 starts for a team that finished 71-91 last season. Dayton receives 19 year old OF Jesus Mercado (3* 2020 supplemental pick, 31st overall, power bat, top of the order legs outstanding defender) 19 year old 3B Christian Holland (2* 2020 5th rounder, 2021 GG winner in SS, power projected bat) 21 year old MR German Gallegos (2* power arm with control issues, 2021 AA all star) and 21 year old OF prospect Thomas Mayfield (1* 2018 2nd rounder, 48th overall)

12/2
Changing of the guard in West Michigan?
The White Caps today announced the signing of 29 year old closer Stephen Watkins, to a 1 year 12M dollar deal. Watkins told press that he's been assured the closers role, leaving many to wonder what Tom Conklin, a man with 317 career saves (and 44 last year) is going to think. Watkins is 34-27 2.80 with 150 career saves.

Providence grabs star 2B
More news that has something to do with West Michigan. Their 2 time gold glove winner at 2B, Antonio Rojas, today signed a 5 year 71M dollar free agent contract with the Providence Black Sox.

12/5
Fisher Cats get Ubadah
New Hampshire announced the signing of 28 year old 1B Wazir Ubadah to a 4 year 30.4M dollar deal. Ubadah. A 2020 all star, is a career .271 hitter in 713 games with 135 2B's and 149 HR's.

51's sign veteran closer
37 year old closer Glenn Hanna has agreed to terms on a 2 year 16.2M dollar free agent deal with the Las Vegas 51's. Hanna has 262 career saves in his 10 year career.

12/8
Vegas fortifies their pen again
3 days after grabbing their closer, Las Vegas convinced 32 year old Craig Trent to come to town and set up. Craig Trent agreed to terms on a 3 year 22.4M dollar deal. The righty has 139 career saves.

LA extends Ramos
29 year old CF Luis Ramos has agreed to terms on a 5 year 65M dollar contract extension to remain in LA. Ramos is a career ,288 hitter with 124 HR's in 524 games.

12/12
New Orleans lands SP Cruz
Ruben Cruz has agreed to terms on a 2 year deal with New Orleans. The 34 year old will receive 8.3M per season. He's 129-118 4.70 lifetime and has thrown 2157.1 IP to date.

12/13
Bisons land speedster
Buffalo announced the signing of LF Carl Crawford to a 3 year 23.1M dollar deal today. The 25 year old is a career .272 hitter with 136 2B's 67 3B's and 76 HR's. He's stolen 295 bases and scored 499 runs in 761 career games.

12/14
Chicago tabs lefty reliever
The Iron Pigs announced the signing of left hander Jake Carlson to a 3 year 9M dollar deal today. Carlson, 29, is 37-26 3.81 in 368 games with 459 K's in 430 IP.

REASONING-I am determined to break camp with 3 lefties 3 righties this year. I have that as a goal every spring but never seem to develop, or draft, lefties to make this happen. I was after Pennington, trying to bring him back, but that didn't work out.

12/19
Silver Stars grab veteran SP Allen
Jason Allen has agreed to terms on a 4 year deal with the Silver Stars. The 33 year old will earn 27.1M over the next 4 seasons. He's 108-88 4.42 in 1640 career IP. He was 13-13 3.95 for Michigan last season with his best year coming in 2014, when he was 17-4 3.68 for El Paso.

12/22
Las Vegas continues the arms race
The 51's have announced a 1 year deal with reliever Arturo Rodriguez. The 5.5M dollar contract means Las Vegas now has both Rodriguez and Craig Trent, both closers in their own right, setting up for lefty Glenn Hanna.

12/30
Las Vegas grabs another arm for their pen
Las Vegas has signed 36 year old RP John Miller to a 3 year 15.1M dollar free agent contract. Miller has 92 career saves and is 36-32 3.80 in 578 career games.

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1/1/22
Dobson leaves for basic
31 year old IF Pat Dobson has stayed true to his word. The slugger has gone on the voluntary retired list as he enters basic training for the USMC at Paris Island. Contrary to many pessimists this move is clearly not for publicity or anything else, as both Dobson and the Colts have refused interviews and media access.

1/12
World Champions snag former rookie of the year
Vincente Elisary has signed a 6 year 70.8M dollar free agent contract with the World Champion Corpus Christi Hooks. The 30 year old Elisary is coming off a great 2021, when he went 16-10 3.69 for Las Vegas. He's scheduled to slide into the #3 spot in the Hooks rotation.

1/31
IBL RULE CHANGE
The IBL has changed a 40 man roster rule after bargaining with the players association. The league has removed the right for veteran players to refuse a demotion to the minor leagues. In exchange the association has received the ability to allow 4 former MLB players the right to enter the 2023 IBL free agent market.
It's believed the players now understand that while some jobs could be at stake, the ability to bring brand names, and star quality talent to the IBL, is a major reason the league has flourished.