TSTBL Hits One (Long...Too Long)

[Driver 8]

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Today, August 2, 2003, is the one-year anniversary of the TSTBL, and I would like to thank all of the league's GMs, past and present, for making this such an enjoyable experience. When I created my first league (A historical recreation starting in 1901) some 13 months ago, I received no responses and exactly one e-mail when I posted the formation of the league. Undeterred, I decided to go forward with the TSTBL.

The concept of the league was simple enough; Using 2002 rosters, I deleted all players 26 and older and reassigned the remaining players to 20 new franchises based in minor league cities. Based on this concept, I felt all 20 owners would be able to come into the league on the same basic footing, being allowed to control their franchise and allow the basic look of their team to remain intact for as little or as long as they'd like. No owner would have to step right in and assume control of a franchise with 10 players over 35 waiting to retire.

Overall, I think the concept was solid enough, and there was only one major concern out of the gate. Using such a young talent base, most players weren't ready for extensive major league action which did result in some obscenely low batting averages, but overall things were good.

2002

Our first season played out well, with established major league players having the upper hand. The two biggest stories in the league were Portland's Albert Pujols and Memphis' Barry Zito. Absolutely on fire during the first-half, Pujols (Portland) hit the All-Star break with a .411 average to go with his 21 homers and 84 RBIs, good enough for the league lead in all three categories. In the East, Memphis' Barry Zito was just 1-2 after 5 starts to start the season. In his fifth start, Zito allowed 7 hits and 3 runs in 5.2 innings against New Orleans on April 22. It would prove to be the last time Zito would lose in '02 as he promptly reeled off 22 consecutive wins to finish at 23-2, with a 1.62 ERA. Zito's incredible season more than earned him the EL's Most Valuable Pitcher Award, as well as the Commissioner's Award. Zito's Western League counterpart was Tucson's Mark Mulder. Although not as dominating, the 24-year-old Mulder still pitched very well in compiling a 19-10 records with a 2.18 ERA. Pujols also was a double-winner in the West, grabbing Most Valuable Hitter honors and the WL Commissioner's Award. In the end, Pujols didn't win the triple crown that he was in the running for at the break, he did win two legs, hitting .368 with 149 RBIs; his 39 homers were one short of tying Salt Lake's Troy Glaus for the WL lead. In the East, New Orleans OF Pat Burrel grabbed Most Valuable Hitter honors by hitting .339 with 38 homers and 122 RBIs. Rookie Of the Year awards were given to Edmonton's Pedro Feliz (.274-30-110) and Charlotte's Grant Roberts (9-6, 2.54, 45 saves).

In the mid-season classic, the Western League easily handled the East, winning 6-0 as the East could only manage a pair of hits in the contest. The game's starting pitchers, Albuquerque's Roy Oswalt (18-8, 2.81) and Rochester's Kerry Wood (16-9, 2.49) combined to allow just one hit and a walk over the their combined 6 innings, while fanning 10.

On the field, Portland (97-65) ran away with the WL North by 20 games, while the South was a little closer as Colorado Springs (97-65) edge the Albuquerque Dukes by 5 games. In the East, the Charlotte Knights (93-69) held off the Indianapolis Indians in the North, while the New Orleans Zephyrs (90-72) won the South by just one game over the Nashville Sounds and three over the Memphis Redbirds. With Colorado Springs and New Orleans both advancing after 4-1 series victories, Eric Lindblad and the Colorado Springs SkySox claimed the first TSTBL championship by defeating the Zephyrs in 7 games. After losing the first two games in New Orleans, the Sox held court as the series shifted back to the Springs to take a 3-2 lead. The Zephyrs did manage to put up a fight, winning Game Six 8-7 in 10 innings. The Sox, however, proved to be too much they blasted the Zephyrs 10-4 in Game Seven.

Notable: Edmonton's Ruben Quevedo and Wascar Serrano combined to no-hit Oklahoma on May 17...On August 27, Durham's Jay Gibbons hit 4 homers in one game, the only player in league history to do so...Barry Zito's (MEM) 1.62 set the TSTBL record...Rochester's Kerry Wood set the EL record with 282 strikeouts...Louisville's 3.22 ERA set the TSTBL record.

2003

The league's second season was highlighted by the worst-to-first Toledo Mudhens and incredible offensive performance of Charlotte's Adam Dunn. Winning the EL's Most Valuable hitter Award and Commissioner's Award, Dunn lead the circuit in average (.363), hits (210), homers (52), RBIs (139), Runs (137), extra base hits (92), total bases (410), on-base percentage (.476) and slugging (.708). In the west, Tucson's Carlos Beltran (.349-32-118) also picked up the dual honors as WL MVH and Commissioner's Award winner. In the Most Valuable Pitcher category, Louisville Bat Javier Vazquez (19-10, 2.51) won in the East, while his Western counterpart was Albuquerque's Roy Oswalt (19-7, 2.68). Rookie Of the Year honors went to Toledo catcher Stephen Wilcoxson (.337-33-112) and Colorado Springs' Francesco Santa Cruz (.301-28-131).

The All-Star game proved to be a classic as the West was victorious once again, taking the East 3-2 in 12 innings. In postseason action, three of the four participants were newcomers. The Salt Lake City Stingers (83-79) easily won the North as the Las Vegas 51's and Colorado Springs SkySox battled all season, with Las Vegas escaping with a 2 game lead at the end of the season. Things were tight in the East as well, as the New Orleans Zephyrs (85-77) repeated in the EL South, once again by just one game. In fact, Louisville finished one game back, with Memphis just one game behind them. In the North, Toledo (98-64), losers of 97 games the previous year, beat Indianapolis by 5 games. In the WLCS, offense was figuring to be at a premium as baseball's top-ranked staff (LV) faced the fourth-ranked (SLC). With neither team ranked in the top-15 in team average, every run would prove to be important as 3 of the seven series games were decided by one run and the other four were decided by two runs. In the end, Las Vegas was able to put together a 6-4 win in the seventh game to advance to their first World Series. In the ELCS, underdog New Orleans was able to muster a token effort against the Toledo juggernaut, but fell in 6 as Toledo continued towards their mission. Las Vegas' awesome pitching and mediocre offense proved to be little challenge for Toledo who had baseball's best offense and second-ranked pitching. Vegas managed victories in Games Three (9-7) and Five (8-5, 10 innings), but otherwise looked anemic while being shutout in Games One (3-0), Two (7-0) and Four (6-0). In Game Six, Toledo took the Series with an exclamation point, blasting the 51's 17-4, for their first TSTBL title.

Notable: CC Sabathia threw the league's first complete-game no-hitter when he beat the New Orleans Zephyrs on May 8...Colorado Springs' Hank Blalock hit .379 and had a 41-game hitting streak, both TSTBL records...Adam Dunn's .708 slugging percentage sets the TSTBL standard...Cesar Izturis (ALB) set the TSTBL record with 26 triples...Adam Dunn (CHA) totaled 410 total bases, an EL record.

2004

By '04 the talent base, league-wide, had pretty much settled and the league saw a third champion. But, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. As usual, the league's best hitter, Portland's Albert Pujols (.360-43-146) continued to dominate on his way to his 2nd Most Valuable Hitter Award. Unlike his in his award-winning season of '02, Pujols was beaten out by Albuquerque's Roy Oswalt (25-5, 1.77) who won his first Commissioner's Award and his second Most Valuable Pitcher Award. In the East, 2003 triple-crown winner Adam Dunn (.313-47-132) of Charlotte repeated as MVH, but lost out to Toledo OF Corey Patterson (.316-35-149) in the race for the Commissioner's Award. Toledo sophomore pitcher Ricardo Rodriguez (22-7, 3.40) won the Most Valuable Pitcher Award. Rookie Of the Year honors were dispensed to Memphis' Neil Turin (18-9, 2.54) and Albuquerque C Richard Hankerson (.343-35-123).

In what was becoming an regular event, the Western League once again beat the EL in the All-Star game, this time 2-1. MVP honors went to Pujols who hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the tenth off Toledo's Fireman Of the Year winner, Byung-Hyun Kim (8-3, 2.97, 42 saves). In postseason action, Portland (97-65) captured their second division title in three seasons. Their counterpart in the West was the 2002 TSTBL champion Colorado Springs SkySox (100-62). Despite jumping out to a 2 games to nothing lead, the Sox would eventually drop the series in seven games. Back east, the upstart Memphis Redbirds (87-75) had easily outpaced the two-time defending division champion New Orleans Zephyrs for their first division title. In the North Division, three teams finished the season with 90+ plus victories and failed to make the playoffs thanks to an incredible performance by the Toledo Mudhens (114-48). On paper, the Memphis squad appear outmatched in every respect. Memphis' 87 wins would have only placed the squad 4th in the EL North, but that was of little consequence as the Redbirds outscored Toledo 25-9 in sweeping the Hens in the biggest upset in TSTBL history. Unfortunately for the Memphis faithful, that's where the miracle ended as the Portland Beavers jumped out to a 3-0 lead en route to winning their first TSTBL title by downing the Redbirds 4-1.

Notable: On August 3, Louisville's Javier Vazquez no-hit the Indianapolis Indians...Cristian Guzman's (TOL) .367 sets the EL standard...Albert Pujols' .696 slugging percentage sets the WL record...Roy Oswalt's 25 wins set a WL record, as did his 1.77 ERA.

2005

The league's 4th season, 2005, turned out to be another banner season for each league's premier slugger. For the third consecutive season Charlotte's Adam Dunn (.327-54-135) captued the Eastern League Most Valuable Hitter Award, while capturing his second Commissioner's Award. In the West, Portland's Albert Pujols (.344-49-146) captured his third MVH honor, but was an also-ran in the Commissioner's Award race, which was won by teammate Michael Preble (.369-30-134). Despite a midseason deal between Portland and Oklahoma, Kerry Wood (19-3, 2.59) never missed a beat en route to his first Most Valuable Pitcher Award. In the East, Toledo's Chance Capel (19-4, 3.28) captured the award. Rookie Of the Year honors went to Charlotte's Luke Allen (.319-22-91) in the East and Albuquerque's Willie Bloomquist (.292-12-78) in the West.

In the All-Star game, Indianapolis C Steve Lomasney (.299-21-92) captured MVP honors after hitting a 2-run pinch-hit homer in the 5th to help the EL to a 5-1 win, their first victory over the West. In the postseason, the Albuquerque Dukes (91-71) won their first division title and faced up against a powerhouse team from Portland (124-38) that set the TSTBL record for wins in a season. Despite all of the regular season wins, Albuquerque was up for the challenge, but fell just short, losing in seven games. The East was a rematch of the 2004 ELCS as the Toledo Mudhens (109-53) downed the Memphis Redbirds (86-76) in 6 games. In the highest profile TSTBL World Series to date, Toledo won their second title in three seasons, also in 6 games.

Notable: On June 22, Toledo's Ricardo Rodriguez became the first pitcher in league history to fan 17 batters in a game...Portland's Rafael Furcal scores 164 runs, a TSTBL record. Furcal also set a WL record with 86 stolen bases...Vladimir Timakov's 235 hits sets an EL record, while Portland's Michael Preble sets the TSTBL record with 244...Toledo's Alex Escobar strokes 22 pinch-hits, a TSTBL record...Adam Dunn (CHA) set the EL standard with 54 homers...Albert Pujols tied his own TSTBL record (set in 2004) with 429 total bases...Portland's Garret Atkins set the TSTBL record with 172 RBIs...Portland scored 1,216 runs and hit 284 homers, both TSTBL records...Sacramento's Geoff Geotz saved 45 games, a WL record...Memphis' Neil Turin set a TSTBL record with 294 strikeouts...Portland's 124 wins set the TSTBL record.

2006

The new season presented a changing of the guard, of sorts, as the 7 major award winners were first-timers. In the East, Toledo C Stephen Wilcoxson (.349-31-137), a former Rookie Of the Year, won his first Most Valuable Hitter and Commissioner's Award. Buffalo's Chris Capuano (22-7, 2.19) and Memphis C Koyie Hill (.339-13-108) won Most Valuable Pitcher and Rookie Of the Year honors, respectively. In the West, Albuquerque's Nick Johnson (.311-48-141) took MVH honors while Oklahoma's Eric Chavez (.333-37-120) grabbed the Commissioner's Award. Portland players grabbed the final two awards as Shawn Chacon (20-8, 2.71) was named Most Valuable Pitcher and Robert Pearson (.265-32-137) was named the top rookie.

In the All-Star game, Sacramento RiverCats 2B Orlando Hudson (.288-13-76) was named MVP after collecting 4 hits to help lead the WL to their 4th win five contests. In the playoffs, the four qualifiers from 2005 once again advanced. Portland (107-55) was able to once again advance after sweeping Albuquerque (101-61), but in the East, Memphis (100-62) turned back Toledo (111-51) in seven. For the second time in three seasons Memphis was left at the gate as Portland prevailed in 6 games.

Notable: Tucson's Dennis Tankersley and Jason Karnuth no-hit the Las Vegas 51's on August 9, the league's second combined no-hitter...Stephen Wilcoxson scores 147 runs, the EL record...Nashville's AJ Pierzynski stroked 57 doubles to set the EL record, while Oklahoma's Eric Chavez sets the TSTBL record with 62....Toledo's Juan Rivera set the EL record with 160 RBIs...Louisville's Vladimir Timakov set the TSTBL record of 89 stolen bases and set an EL record by hitting in 39 consecutive games...Portland hitters accumulated a .314, the single-season TSTBL record...On September 26, Buffalo scored a TSTBL record 32 runs against Indianapolis.

2007

With Albert Pujols now residing in Toledo, Portland's Michael Preble (.332-37-136) had become the WL's premier offensive force, cemented by his first Most Valuable Hitter award and his second Commissioner's Award. Teammate Joel Opitz (.243-31-113) was a controversial winner of the WL Rookie Of the Year award as Oklahoma's Brian Castilleja (.268-37-99) finished second in the voting. The WL awards were rounded out by Most Valuable Pitcher Bud Smith (18-7, 2.83) of the Salt Lake City Stingers. In the East, Pujols (.295-31-147) barely skipped a beat, picking up EL Most Valuable Player honors. The big winner in the East was Buffalo's Chris Capuano (26-3, 2.19) who set a TSTBL record for wins in a season and grabbed the Most Valuable Pitcher Award and the Commissioner's Award. Durham's Dan Haren (13-7, 3.63) was named EL Rookie Of the Year.

The Eastern League picked up their second All-Star victory, in six tries, as they blasted the West 9-2. Buffalo's Scott Thorman grabbed MVP honors by going 3-3 with a double, homer and 4 RBIs. In Western League divisional races, Colorado Springs (84-78) held off Oklahoma and Albuquerque, who both finished with 81 wins. It was the Sox' third postseason appearance, and their first in three seasons. Colorado then proceeded to shock the Portland Beavers (108-54), coming back from a 2-1 deficit to win the series in seven. In the East, Memphis (95-67) and Toledo (115-47) met up for the fourth consecutive season in the ELCS, and for the third time Memphis came out victorious. After Memphis' 7-game victory in the ELCS, the Birds fought back from a 3-1 deficit to claim their first TSTBL World Series title.

Notable: On May 25, Buffalo's Chris Capuano fanned 17 hitters, the second pitcher in league history to do so. The feat has not been matched since...Albuquerque's George Lombard set a TSTBL record with 5 pinch-hit homers in a season...Toledo's 115 wins set the EL record...Indianapolis won 15 consecutive games, a TSTBL record.

2008

With six seasons in the can, the league took their first steps towards their eventual goal of six divisions and wildcards. Prior to the 2008 season, the WL expanded by two teams, adding the Lake Elsinore Storm and Iowa Cubs. For the second consecutive season, Portland's Michael Preble (.376-38-135) took home the Most Valuable Hitter (his second) and Commissioner's Award (third). While Preble's continued dominance was no surprise, the emergence of the Tacoma Rainiers was certainly one. The Rainiers had averaged 101 losses the previous 4 seasons, while never posting a winning record in the franchise's history. That would all change in '08 as Adam Eaton (22-7, 2.65) claimed the Most Valuable Pitcher Award, Frank McClain (.310-25-89) the Rookie Of the Year and George Munoz (8-1, 1.13, 43 saves) the Fireman Of the Year Award and the squad posted 102 wins. In the East, Durham's Morgan Ensberg (.352-43-136) parlayed his breakthrough season into the EL's Most Valuable Player and Commissioner's Award. Also breaking through was Louisville's Matt Wright (21-8, 2.48) who had a 5-7 record in his 3-year career heading into '08. Memphis' Prentice Redman (.292-26-116) grabbed EL Rookie Of the Year honors.

In the All-Star game, the Western League got back to their winning ways, defeating the EL 4-1 for their fifth win in seven seasons. The post season proved to be fairly predictable as all four teams repeated from '07. Once again, Colorado Springs (96-66) shocked the Portland Beavers (110-52) to advance to their second consecutive World Series appearance, their third overall. This year, however, they would match-up against the Toledo Mudhens (107-55) who swept Memphis (100-62) after meeting in the ELCS for the 5th consecutive season. Toledo's attempt at a league record 3rd TSTBL title was derailed as Colorado was victorious in 6 games. For Colorado Springs, who had previously won the league's first title in 2002, the title tied them with Portland and Toledo with 2 championships each.

Notable: Never previously had more than one no-hitter been tossed in a season, but 2008 saw three pitchers toss masterpieces. On April 16, Las Vegas' Frederick Grant no-hit the expansion Lake Elsinore Storm, while the very next day, Tacoma's Clint Nageotte no-hit Tucson. On September 16, Nashville's Kip Wells tossed the third no-no of the season, this one against Indianapolis...On July 17, Tucson's Carlos Beltran collected 7 hits, in 8 at bats...Tucson's Justin Morneau set the TSTBL record with 60 homers...Louisville's Byung-Hyun Kim saved 57 games, a TSTBL record...Edmonton's Tim Raines won his record-setting 6th consecutive Gold Glove.

2009

For season 8,currently at September 1, the league now has 24 teams, having added the Jupiter Hammerheads and Long Island Ducks the previous offseason. With five weeks to go in the regular season, the Albuquerque Dukes (73-59) have regained their winning ways, leading the WL South by 12 games. In the WL Central, Colorado Springs (74-58) seeks their third consecutive postseason appearance, but first must turn back the upstart Sacramento RiverCats (70-62), who they lead by just 4 games. In the North, Portland (94-38) is once again cruising, holding a large 16 game edge over second-place Tacoma (78-54). Tacoma does have the edge in the WL wildcard race, holding an 8-game lead over Sacramento and Edmonton. Tacoma has never participated in the postseason, while Portland (6 appearances), Colorado Springs (4) and Albuquerque (2) are all veterans of postseason play. In the East, Charlotte (81-51) seeks their first postseason appearance since the league's inaugural season as they work on fending off Memphis (73-59), who are in danger of having their 5-year streak of postseason play snapped. In the Central, Indianapolis (73-59) holds a 5-game lead over Louisville, neither of whom have made a postseason appearance. In the North, Buffalo (77-55) has been chasing Toledo (84-48) for several seasons in search of their first postseason berth. If Toledo prevails, it would be their 7th consecutive division title. However, Buffalo does lead the wildcard race by 3 games over division rival Rochester.

Notable: Portland GM J.L. Andercen holds the TSTBL record with 744 wins...Colorado Springs 3B Hank Blalock is the TSTBL's career leader in hitting (.343) and hits (1638)...Aramis Ramirez (SAC) holds the TSTBL record for career homers (332)...Toledo's Albert Pujols is the TSTBL's career leader in RBIs (1,132)...Oklahoma's Eric Chavez is the career leader in doubles (405)...Cristian Guzman (TOL) is the career leader in triples (113)...Louisville's Stephen Wilcoxson is the career leader in walks (884)...Rafael Furcal of Portland is the career leader in runs scored (967)...Louisville's Vladimir Timaov is the career leader in stolen bases (491)...Buffalo's Chris Capuano is the career leader in ERA (2.72) and complete games (53)...Roy Oswalt (ALB) is the career leader in wins (137)...Oklahoma's Kerry Wood is the career leader in strikeouts (1,819)...Byung-Hyun Kim (LOU) is the career saves leader (294)...Oswalt and Capuano are tied for the career lead in shutouts (17).

[darkhorse]

Originally posted by Driver 8

Notable: Portland GM J.L. Andercen holds the TSTBL record with 744 wins

I'd inquire as to whom holds the TSTBL record for most losses, but I have a pretty good idea who the individual might be. In a wholly unrelated question, does Durham seem likely to post its first ever winning record this season?

By the way, splendid post, Brent!

[Driver 8]

Originally posted by darkhorse
I'd inquire as to whom holds the TSTBL record for most losses, but I have a pretty good idea who the individual might be. In a wholly unrelated question, does Durham seem likely to post its first ever winning record this season?

By the way, splendid post, Brent!

Thanks!

Anyway, no, I bet you probably wouldn't guess who holds the record. It's another long-time owner who inherited a really bad team. His team's have never reached .500 until now...They're currently 16 games over and have a really bright future.

As far as Durham's concerned, they're 62-70 right now. Not entirely inconceivable for them to reach .500, but not necessarily likely, either. They got hit with some tough injuries this year. But I do like the team that's being built over there.

[AccardoOutfit29]

Excellent writeup Brent! It's been a lot of fun being in the TSTBL with such a great group of owners and a commish as dedicated as yourself.

[bacon21]

From worst to first and I haven't looked back in 8 seasons! Great job Brent, you do a bang up job...especially for not having a team. To all the Toledo haters, rebuilding is 1-2 seasons away

[bigsmooth]

I haven't had much success in this league, with Edmonton and now the scrub team in the league (IOWA CUBS), but I would recommend this league to anyone. The commish is dedicated, the owners are active. This league rules....I you see a post from Driver looking for owners jump onboard the train!!


Rob