CBL - Atlantic Confrence Preview

toanstrom · 08-12-2003, 06:11 PM

the following is a transcript from CBL Radio

Chip: Welcome to "Around the Diamond" CBL Radio's weekly look at happenings around the league. I'm Chip Winterbean and with me as always is expert analyist Chuck Deerborn. Well Chuck I guess, since we were going to take a look at the year ahead in the Atlantic Confrence we might as well start with the piece that "Big Ben" Folsom wrote in today's Charlotte Observer.

Chuck: That certainly was quite a piece.

Chip: Now Folsow, who is one of my favorite writers says that, and I'm quoting now, "I think that the Carolina Hogs management deserves some credit this year, this is the first year in a while that we have boys playin' here that we can be not just proud of but truly go Hog Wild for. I know it sounds crazy, but I think that the Hogs young talent might wind up walking a way with the confrence title this year."
Now, Chuck, what do you think is there any credit to his argument, I mean Norfolk and Philadelphia arent exactly gonna set the league on fire, Baltimore is getting awful old, and Washington just won 88 games last year? Could Carolina do it? With as young of a club as they have?

Chuck: Well Chip, this is certainly a vastly different club than the team that won 68 last year, I guess the problem is that we dont really know if it is going to be much better. That's the problem with rookies, is that you dont really know what kind of an impact their going to have until they play everyday. And Carolina is going to have three playing every day, along with two guys in just their second full year. They are the youngest team in the league, and that could be a big problem.

Chip: But given the way that Greensboro (Carolina's AAA team) demolished the competion last year on route to a the AAA title, dont we have an idea. I mean isnt it pretty clear that both Dwayne Parker [90 B.Jackson] and John Easland [91 L.Parrish] are going to be big stars? Mario Costa Jr. [01 Jo. Cruz] looks even better than his dad and he's only 19! And last year's rookies, Kharey White [99 Pr.Wilson] and Will Brownstone [97 D.Easley] both had nice rookie years.

Chuck: Look, I'm not going to argue with a lot of that, Brownstone, who we all remember from his two sport days at Duke, is the real deal. He could be a perininal all-star if he can get his average up a little. The outfield is all very talented, Parker is one of the next great stars i think, and we havent even mentioned Chris Coryn [87 G.Brett] who is a legitimate star and just entering his prime. That being said while Parker and Easland both finished in the top five in AAA in homers last year they also ranked 1 and 2 in strikeouts so it reamains to be seen how they will adjust to major league pitching. The same goes for the rest of the group. Brownstone is the only one who has put up good bb/k ratio's at this point at thats a pretty good indicator of future success.

Chip: So are you saying that this rookie class isnt quite as good as its billing?

Chuck: No I'm just saying that there are a lot of questions to answer before we go annointing them the next dynasty. And one of those, which you might notice hasnt come up yet is pitching. Other than Johnny Corneilus [94 Andy Benes] and Dave Padgett [90 Jack Armstrong], who are both rookies, there isnt anyone on the pitching staff who is much better than a 3-star hurler. And other than Ilya Vishnevski [99 Billy Koch], who despite his impressive finish to last season, is still just a 22 year old with 28 innings of experience, the bullpen is pretty bad.

Chip: So you dont think that Carolina has a chance to win the confrence?

Chuck: Not unless almost everything goes their way, no.

Chip: So who will win it?

Chuck: I'd have to put my money on the Washington Nationals.

Chip: And I hope you'll tell us why right after these commercial messages.

toanstrom · 08-12-2003, 07:03 PM

Will "Slick Willie" Brownstone
POS: 2B
AGE: 24

Range: A
Pct: .990
Speed: B
Base Run: B

Hits: 5
Homers: 6
Walks: 6

toanstrom · 08-12-2003, 07:03 PM

Will "Slick Willie" Brownstone
POS: 2B
AGE: 24

Range: A
Pct: .990
Speed: B
Base Run: B

Hits: 5
Homers: 6
Walks: 6

toanstrom · 08-13-2003, 12:59 AM

Chip: Well Chuck just before the break you told us that you didnt see the Carolina Hogs wininng the Atlantic Confrence that you would put your money, so to speak, on the Washington Nationals, who barely lost the Confrence last year with one win fewer than Baltimore, care to explain?

Chuck: Well Chip its pretty simple last years team was ravaged by injuries a problem that may not hit them as hard as last year. But the main reason I'm picking them is very simple. How many other teams can boast five legitimate superstars in their primes? Not many.

Chip: Five guys do not a pennant winner make though, is that fair to say?

Chuck: I would agree with that as a general statement sure but with the five superstars and strong supporting cast they'll be tough to beat. I mean you just go down that lineup and its flat out scary. Orlando Dawkins [99 R.Henderson] is one of the best leadoff men in the league. Ronny Guilford [99 R.Durham] is a stud at second. And then you get to the scary part.

Chip: I take it the next three guys, those are the superstars your talking about?

Chuck: Thats right, I think its hard to find a better 3,4,5 than "Automatic" Andy Edwards [99 T.Helton], Neil Johnson [99 C.Jones] and Marshall Underwood [00 K.Griffey]. And the rest of the club aint shabby. Johnny Ibanez [96 J.Lopez] is a borderline allstar.

Chip: But Washington's always been able to score runs, what about the pitching?

Chuck: Well I think they are not bad. Certainly not as bad as Baltimore. I mean Joe "Big Dog" Bullock [92 Schilling] burst on to the scene as a legitimate ace last year. Ron Strine [94 D.Wells] and Shaun White [88 D.Gooden]are both horses, and if the kid Mike Castillo [01 Zito] pitches as well as he did last year, then he could be one of the best lefties in the league in the years to come.

Chip: And the bullpen? Is it a difference maker? It sure wasnt last year.

Chuck: Thats something that they focused a great deal on. Juwan Scott is one of the top five closers in the league. And the rest of the bullpen has been upgraded considerably. I think that if they can stay off the DL more than they did last year, they'll improve their win total by 10+ games from last season. And cruise to a confrence title.

Chip: Cruise?!? Baltimore won it last year, and they've been the dominant team in the confrence for the past five years. you dont think they can keep winning?

Chuck: No, I seriously doubt Baltimore can keep up with Washington anymore.

Chip: Wow. We'll you'll have to tell us why when we get back from commercial.

toanstrom · 08-13-2003, 01:07 AM

"Automatic" Andy Edwards

POS: 1B
AGE: 27

Rng:B
PCT:.990
RS: C
BR: D

Hits: 9
HR: 9
BB: 8

toanstrom · 08-14-2003, 01:40 AM

Chip: Well Chuck, before the break you said that Baltimore's run atop the Atlantic Confrence was over, that Washington was the top dog in the Confrence. Now, I'm inclined to agree with you on that point, I dont think Baltimore has the pitching, but I was wondering what your reasoning was?

Chuck: Well Chip I think you hit the nail right on the head. The Cannons just dont have the arms. The rotation has some good horses. "Hoss" McCormick [89 Clemens] has the makings of an ace but walks too many batters and Benny Tuaolo[S.Fernandez], The "Throwin' Samoan" could be a big star, no pun intended, if he can keep his weight down and stay healthy. But thats a lot of ifs in the rotation and the bullpen is shaky.

Chip: What about the famed offense, I mean thats been the Cannons backbone in recent years.

Chuck: Look that offense is very talented, Steve Corr [95 M.Piazza] is, without a doubt the best catcher in the Eastern League and Dave Stern [94 Buhner} maybe the best rightfielder in the EL. Leo Sancristobal [96 Ju.Gonzalez] and Theo Hill [89 Alvin Davis] are both stars as well. But the supporting cast just isnt there and the defense is bad all the way around the diamond.

Chip: So no pennant.

Chuck: Not unless they are going win a lot of 9-7 ballgames, assuming their bad pen doesnt blow the leads the do get.

Chip: Geez, you seem REALLY down on the Cannons chances.

Chuck: I'd be surprised if they even took second.

Chip: WOW! really you think one of the three rebuilding teams will pass them THIS year.

Chuck: Yes, I do.

Chip: I assume thats Carolina?

Chuck: No, I actually like the club that they've put together in Philly.

Chip: Youve heard in hear first folks the Philadelphia Patriots will finish ahead of the Baltimore Cannons this year, and youll hear why Chuck Deerborn think that right after this commercial break.

toanstrom · 08-14-2003, 01:45 AM

Steve Corr

POS: C
AGE: 28

Arm: D
PCT: .990
SPD: E
BR: B

Hits: 8
HR: 11
BB: 5

toanstrom · 08-20-2003, 01:00 AM

Chip: Now Chuck before the break you said that you thought that the Philadelphia Patriots would beat out the Baltimore Cannons for second place in the Atlantic Confrence. What makes you think that the PhiPats, with a seemingly punchless lineup knock off the mighty slugging Cannons.

Chuck: Well first off as I explained earlier I'm not that high on Baltimore. Secondly, the Philadelphia lineup is far from punchless. They might not hit as many homers as the Cannons but they will score runs. The middle of the Pats order is very good, Pete Brumley [99 Taubensee], Ron Thompson [93 P.O'Neill], and Henry Chretein [96 J.Olerud] are all lefty swingers who can hit for some power and average. Don Huson [95 C.Curtis] could easily be a twenty-twenty theat and will probably score 80+ runs.

Chip: Still not a very intimidating offense. Not one will hit 25 jacks on that club.

Chuck: First of all, they may not have a 25 homer hitter but they could have 6 with 20+. Also It isnt their offense that will win ballgames. The defense is excellent with 3 guys who could all win fielding awards.

Chip: But thats not gonna be enough to get them past B-More is it?

Chuck: If all they had was theyre offense and Baltimore's pitching then there's no way I would pick them but they have some great pitching. After his stellar debut last year Julio Mota [90 R.Martinez] looks like a real ace. If lefty John Plummer [88 T.Browning] can keep the ball in the park he gives the PhiPats another big weapon in the rotation and both Will Seigen [92 C.Bosio] and Deng Wan [92 R.Darling] have the stuff to be solid winners. The bullpen is very strong and Carl Lhereux [97 M.Wholers] throws hard and when he can control his awesome fastball he is a dominant closer.

Chip: So the Philly pitching staff is enough to knock off Baltimore?

Chuck: Yeah I do.

Chip: So whats your final predicted finish in the Atlantic? Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Carolina, Norfolk?

Chuck: Close but I like team Norfolk has put together more than Carolina.

Chip: Well you'll have to tell us why after these messages.

toanstrom · 08-20-2003, 01:07 AM

Julio Mota

POS: SP
AGE: 22

Thr: R
Dur: A

Avoiding Runs: 7
Avoiding Hits: 7
Avoiding HR: 6
Avoiding BB: 6

08-12-2003, 06:11 PM	#1
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	CBL - Atlantic Confrence Preview the following is a transcript from CBL Radio Chip: Welcome to "Around the Diamond" CBL Radio's weekly look at happenings around the league. I'm Chip Winterbean and with me as always is expert analyist Chuck Deerborn. Well Chuck I guess, since we were going to take a look at the year ahead in the Atlantic Confrence we might as well start with the piece that "Big Ben" Folsom wrote in today's Charlotte Observer. Chuck: That certainly was quite a piece. Chip: Now Folsow, who is one of my favorite writers says that, and I'm quoting now, "I think that the Carolina Hogs management deserves some credit this year, this is the first year in a while that we have boys playin' here that we can be not just proud of but truly go Hog Wild for. I know it sounds crazy, but I think that the Hogs young talent might wind up walking a way with the confrence title this year." Now, Chuck, what do you think is there any credit to his argument, I mean Norfolk and Philadelphia arent exactly gonna set the league on fire, Baltimore is getting awful old, and Washington just won 88 games last year? Could Carolina do it? With as young of a club as they have? Chuck: Well Chip, this is certainly a vastly different club than the team that won 68 last year, I guess the problem is that we dont really know if it is going to be much better. That's the problem with rookies, is that you dont really know what kind of an impact their going to have until they play everyday. And Carolina is going to have three playing every day, along with two guys in just their second full year. They are the youngest team in the league, and that could be a big problem. Chip: But given the way that Greensboro (Carolina's AAA team) demolished the competion last year on route to a the AAA title, dont we have an idea. I mean isnt it pretty clear that both Dwayne Parker [90 B.Jackson] and John Easland [91 L.Parrish] are going to be big stars? Mario Costa Jr. [01 Jo. Cruz] looks even better than his dad and he's only 19! And last year's rookies, Kharey White [99 Pr.Wilson] and Will Brownstone [97 D.Easley] both had nice rookie years. Chuck: Look, I'm not going to argue with a lot of that, Brownstone, who we all remember from his two sport days at Duke, is the real deal. He could be a perininal all-star if he can get his average up a little. The outfield is all very talented, Parker is one of the next great stars i think, and we havent even mentioned Chris Coryn [87 G.Brett] who is a legitimate star and just entering his prime. That being said while Parker and Easland both finished in the top five in AAA in homers last year they also ranked 1 and 2 in strikeouts so it reamains to be seen how they will adjust to major league pitching. The same goes for the rest of the group. Brownstone is the only one who has put up good bb/k ratio's at this point at thats a pretty good indicator of future success. Chip: So are you saying that this rookie class isnt quite as good as its billing? Chuck: No I'm just saying that there are a lot of questions to answer before we go annointing them the next dynasty. And one of those, which you might notice hasnt come up yet is pitching. Other than Johnny Corneilus [94 Andy Benes] and Dave Padgett [90 Jack Armstrong], who are both rookies, there isnt anyone on the pitching staff who is much better than a 3-star hurler. And other than Ilya Vishnevski [99 Billy Koch], who despite his impressive finish to last season, is still just a 22 year old with 28 innings of experience, the bullpen is pretty bad. Chip: So you dont think that Carolina has a chance to win the confrence? Chuck: Not unless almost everything goes their way, no. Chip: So who will win it? Chuck: I'd have to put my money on the Washington Nationals. Chip: And I hope you'll tell us why right after these commercial messages. Last edited by toanstrom; 08-12-2003 at 06:44 PM.

08-12-2003, 07:03 PM	#2
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Will "Slick Willie" Brownstone POS: 2B AGE: 24 Range: A Pct: .990 Speed: B Base Run: B Hits: 5 Homers: 6 Walks: 6 Attached Images

08-12-2003, 07:03 PM	#3
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Will "Slick Willie" Brownstone POS: 2B AGE: 24 Range: A Pct: .990 Speed: B Base Run: B Hits: 5 Homers: 6 Walks: 6 Attached Images

08-13-2003, 12:59 AM	#4
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Chip: Well Chuck just before the break you told us that you didnt see the Carolina Hogs wininng the Atlantic Confrence that you would put your money, so to speak, on the Washington Nationals, who barely lost the Confrence last year with one win fewer than Baltimore, care to explain? Chuck: Well Chip its pretty simple last years team was ravaged by injuries a problem that may not hit them as hard as last year. But the main reason I'm picking them is very simple. How many other teams can boast five legitimate superstars in their primes? Not many. Chip: Five guys do not a pennant winner make though, is that fair to say? Chuck: I would agree with that as a general statement sure but with the five superstars and strong supporting cast they'll be tough to beat. I mean you just go down that lineup and its flat out scary. Orlando Dawkins [99 R.Henderson] is one of the best leadoff men in the league. Ronny Guilford [99 R.Durham] is a stud at second. And then you get to the scary part. Chip: I take it the next three guys, those are the superstars your talking about? Chuck: Thats right, I think its hard to find a better 3,4,5 than "Automatic" Andy Edwards [99 T.Helton], Neil Johnson [99 C.Jones] and Marshall Underwood [00 K.Griffey]. And the rest of the club aint shabby. Johnny Ibanez [96 J.Lopez] is a borderline allstar. Chip: But Washington's always been able to score runs, what about the pitching? Chuck: Well I think they are not bad. Certainly not as bad as Baltimore. I mean Joe "Big Dog" Bullock [92 Schilling] burst on to the scene as a legitimate ace last year. Ron Strine [94 D.Wells] and Shaun White [88 D.Gooden]are both horses, and if the kid Mike Castillo [01 Zito] pitches as well as he did last year, then he could be one of the best lefties in the league in the years to come. Chip: And the bullpen? Is it a difference maker? It sure wasnt last year. Chuck: Thats something that they focused a great deal on. Juwan Scott is one of the top five closers in the league. And the rest of the bullpen has been upgraded considerably. I think that if they can stay off the DL more than they did last year, they'll improve their win total by 10+ games from last season. And cruise to a confrence title. Chip: Cruise?!? Baltimore won it last year, and they've been the dominant team in the confrence for the past five years. you dont think they can keep winning? Chuck: No, I seriously doubt Baltimore can keep up with Washington anymore. Chip: Wow. We'll you'll have to tell us why when we get back from commercial. Last edited by toanstrom; 08-13-2003 at 10:34 AM.

08-13-2003, 01:07 AM	#5
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	"Automatic" Andy Edwards POS: 1B AGE: 27 Rng:B PCT:.990 RS: C BR: D Hits: 9 HR: 9 BB: 8 Attached Images

08-14-2003, 01:40 AM	#6
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Chip: Well Chuck, before the break you said that Baltimore's run atop the Atlantic Confrence was over, that Washington was the top dog in the Confrence. Now, I'm inclined to agree with you on that point, I dont think Baltimore has the pitching, but I was wondering what your reasoning was? Chuck: Well Chip I think you hit the nail right on the head. The Cannons just dont have the arms. The rotation has some good horses. "Hoss" McCormick [89 Clemens] has the makings of an ace but walks too many batters and Benny Tuaolo[S.Fernandez], The "Throwin' Samoan" could be a big star, no pun intended, if he can keep his weight down and stay healthy. But thats a lot of ifs in the rotation and the bullpen is shaky. Chip: What about the famed offense, I mean thats been the Cannons backbone in recent years. Chuck: Look that offense is very talented, Steve Corr [95 M.Piazza] is, without a doubt the best catcher in the Eastern League and Dave Stern [94 Buhner} maybe the best rightfielder in the EL. Leo Sancristobal [96 Ju.Gonzalez] and Theo Hill [89 Alvin Davis] are both stars as well. But the supporting cast just isnt there and the defense is bad all the way around the diamond. Chip: So no pennant. Chuck: Not unless they are going win a lot of 9-7 ballgames, assuming their bad pen doesnt blow the leads the do get. Chip: Geez, you seem REALLY down on the Cannons chances. Chuck: I'd be surprised if they even took second. Chip: WOW! really you think one of the three rebuilding teams will pass them THIS year. Chuck: Yes, I do. Chip: I assume thats Carolina? Chuck: No, I actually like the club that they've put together in Philly. Chip: Youve heard in hear first folks the Philadelphia Patriots will finish ahead of the Baltimore Cannons this year, and youll hear why Chuck Deerborn think that right after this commercial break. Last edited by toanstrom; 08-20-2003 at 03:37 AM.

08-14-2003, 01:45 AM	#7
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Steve Corr POS: C AGE: 28 Arm: D PCT: .990 SPD: E BR: B Hits: 8 HR: 11 BB: 5 Attached Images

08-20-2003, 01:00 AM	#8
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Chip: Now Chuck before the break you said that you thought that the Philadelphia Patriots would beat out the Baltimore Cannons for second place in the Atlantic Confrence. What makes you think that the PhiPats, with a seemingly punchless lineup knock off the mighty slugging Cannons. Chuck: Well first off as I explained earlier I'm not that high on Baltimore. Secondly, the Philadelphia lineup is far from punchless. They might not hit as many homers as the Cannons but they will score runs. The middle of the Pats order is very good, Pete Brumley [99 Taubensee], Ron Thompson [93 P.O'Neill], and Henry Chretein [96 J.Olerud] are all lefty swingers who can hit for some power and average. Don Huson [95 C.Curtis] could easily be a twenty-twenty theat and will probably score 80+ runs. Chip: Still not a very intimidating offense. Not one will hit 25 jacks on that club. Chuck: First of all, they may not have a 25 homer hitter but they could have 6 with 20+. Also It isnt their offense that will win ballgames. The defense is excellent with 3 guys who could all win fielding awards. Chip: But thats not gonna be enough to get them past B-More is it? Chuck: If all they had was theyre offense and Baltimore's pitching then there's no way I would pick them but they have some great pitching. After his stellar debut last year Julio Mota [90 R.Martinez] looks like a real ace. If lefty John Plummer [88 T.Browning] can keep the ball in the park he gives the PhiPats another big weapon in the rotation and both Will Seigen [92 C.Bosio] and Deng Wan [92 R.Darling] have the stuff to be solid winners. The bullpen is very strong and Carl Lhereux [97 M.Wholers] throws hard and when he can control his awesome fastball he is a dominant closer. Chip: So the Philly pitching staff is enough to knock off Baltimore? Chuck: Yeah I do. Chip: So whats your final predicted finish in the Atlantic? Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Carolina, Norfolk? Chuck: Close but I like team Norfolk has put together more than Carolina. Chip: Well you'll have to tell us why after these messages.

08-20-2003, 01:07 AM	#9
toanstrom Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 277	Julio Mota POS: SP AGE: 22 Thr: R Dur: A Avoiding Runs: 7 Avoiding Hits: 7 Avoiding HR: 6 Avoiding BB: 6 Attached Images