TSTBL: Opening & 2010-2011 Off-Season Activities

[Driver 8]

The TSTBL is about to enter it's 10th season, 2011. Twenty-three of our 24 owners are returning for this season, meaning we do have one opening.

The Durham Bulls were a 2nd-place team last year, but finished well off the place. Previous ownership built a very good, young team.

The core of the parent club is a nice mix of veterans and younger players who are ready to put this club over the top. On the mound, the team returns three very good starters in Denny Bautista (14-17, 4.07), Dan Haren (12-4, 2.96) and Kelvim Escobar (14-6, 3.89). The fourth (and fifth?) spot are currently open, but there's a couple of options at AAA in Todd Freit (AAA: 12-9, 3.09) and Edgar Lalonde (AA/AAA: 11-8, 3.54). Solid prospect Mario "The Terminator" Romano (AA/AAA: 11-6, 3.80) appears to be about another year away, but the 23-year-old does appear able to live up to his first-round selection. Free agency begins Sunday, so that's an option as well.

Behind the plate, Omar Falcon (.251-15-86), 28, has been a solid performer in his 4-years as a starter, but will be pushed this season by 24-year-old Daniel Holtman (.331-6-30), who provides a potent offensive threat as well as a cannon for a throwing arm.

The team's strong suit is likely their infield. The top-overall pick in the 2004 amateur draft, Dominic Charlie (.281-26-100), proved that his season-ending injury in his sophomore campaign of '09 is behind him. At just 25, look for Charlie to have many all-star campaigns in front of him. At second, former all-star SS Andy Marte (.242-23-97) is keeping the position warm in anticipation of the arrival of highly-regarded Khalil Greene (AAA: .274-9-72, 44 2B). Thirdbase is ably manned by 4-time all-star Morgan Ensberg (.280-12-62), a former Most Valuable Hitter and Commissioner's Award winner, as well as a former two-time Silver Slugger honoree. In the 5 years prior to last year's slump, Ensberg averaged .306 with 33 homers and 109 RBIs. Team scouts indicate that last year's down-year was an abberation and there's no reason to think he won't return to the league's elite.

In the outfield, 26-year-old Stacy Hammons (.227-6-59) made adjustments in his sophomore campaign, but work's still needed. Fortunately, he displayed good discipline at the plate and draw 80 walks. He has very good range in the outfield, with good hands and a very strong arm. Speed seems to be his biggest asset right now, but he should continue to develop into a very servicable CF. Leftfielder Marcus Thames (.289-8-70) had another solid season and won his second Gold Glove. Rightfield is wide-open, but 2008 first-round selection Domingo Vivas (AAA: .301-27-92) appears ready to jump in. Although he doesn't have great range, he will catch most anything hit his way. Long-term, Vivas could be a contender for the EL homerun title by mid-decade.

The league operates with an $80 million salary cap, but the team currently has only a $38.2 million payroll, creating plenty of flexibility. Of the team's potential free agents, Marte and Haren seem to be sure keepers, while Falcon and reliever Rene Miniel could be nice holdovers at reasonable prices.

As stated previously, the team does have plenty of cash ($48.8 million) to play with in the free agency market this year, and the opportunity to bolster this franchise is great. Durham selects 10th in the upcoming amateur draft and the league's scouting service lists 12 players that they give a 4-star rating (or better) to, indicating additional youth is forthcoming as well.

The league has a great group of owners who submit rosters at a rate exceeding 88% and actively participate in voting for Hall Of Famers, season-ending awards and "special" awards like the recently announced All-Decade Team. In the 9 years of simming, we've had 5 different champions (Portland 3 times, Toledo and Colorado Springs twice each, Memphis and Louisville), and at least 15 of 24 teams this season have a very good chance of fighting for a playoff spot. I would imagine close to 10 teams, including Durham, could work their way to the World Series.

The league utilizes the DH in both leagues, no scouts and sims three times a week, and has never missed a scheduled sim in the 14 (real) months of it's existence. If it matters, as the commissioner, I don't run a team in this league.

If you are interested in running the Durham Bulls, please drop me an e-mail.

[Driver 8]

LOUISVILLE (AP) - In conjunction with the 2010 TSTBL World Series festivities, the league office has released the All-Decade squad, as voted upon by league owners. The league began play in 2002, meaning that the first All-Decade Team covers just eight seasons, and honorees were named and recognized in festivities immediately prior to the opening pitch of Game One of the Series.

In a near unanimous vote, catcher Stephen Wilcoxson was named to the starting squad. The former back-up quarterback for the San Diego Chargers was the first player selected in the 2003 amateur draft. Jumping straight to the majors, Wilcoxson wasted no time in establishing himself as a formidable presence in the middle of the Toledo Mudhens line-up.

In his rookie year, Wilcoxson hit .337 with 33 homers and 112 RBIs, en route to claiming Rookie Of the Year honors. He was instrumental in helping Toledo to the first of their seven consecutive division titles to close the decade. An All-Star from his rookie season through the remainder of the decade, he enjoyed his best season in 2006 when he hit .349 with 31 homers and 137 RBIs and claimed a Gold Glove.

A six-time Silver Slugger winner during the decade, Wilcoxson lead the majors in walks (901) and on-base percentage (.438) during the decade. Despite not playing in 2002, the league's first season, Wilcoxson still finished in the top-ten in average (9th: .311), slugging (5th: .554), OPS (2nd: .993) and runs (4th: 894), over the course of the first decade in league history.

Wilcoxson's teams made 5 postseason appearances, with him contributing a .243 average with 6 homers and 20 RBIs over 42 games. In 2003 and 2005 Wilcoxson was a member of World Championship Toledo teams.

Also a near unanimous honoree, Carlos Pena was named the top firstbaseman of the decade. With a deeper talent pool at the position, Pena rose to the top by hitting .295 with 312 homers and 997 RBIs during the 8 years from 2002 through 2009.

Although never a major award winner, Pena staked his claim through consistency, winning three Silver Sluggers, making 4 All-Star teams and winning a pair of Gold Gloves. Pena hit 30 or more homers 6 times, including three seasons of 40 or more, and another with 52. On three occasions Pena drover in 140 or more runs, including a career high 154 in 2004.

No one in the decade played in more games than Pena's 1,271. For the decade he ranked in the top-ten in slugging (7th: .544), OPS (9th: .902), at bats (3rd: 4,997), runs (10th: 820), hits (5th: 1,474), total bases (3rd: 2,716), homers (4th) and RBIs (2nd).

Pena, a three-time silver slugger winner, made four post-season appearances with Colorado, including a pair of World Series tilts. During the post-season, Pena hit .284 with 7 homers and 28 RBIs in 37 games. His best post-season, coincidentally enough, was in 2008 when the Sky Sox were World Series victors. In 11 games, Pena hit 5 homers and knocked in 13 RBIs.

In one of the closer votes, Albuquerque's Cesar Izturis was named the secondbaseman on the All-Decade Team. In eight seasons, Izturis hit .303 with 76 homers and 582 RBIs.

A three-time All-Star and Gold Glover winner, Izturis won a Silver Slugger in 2004 when he hit .315 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs. A speedster, Izturis average 60 steals a year during the decade, equaling or bettering that total five times.

For the decade, Izturis lead the majors in triples with 115 and ranked third with 481 stolen bases. Although the Duke's never made it to the World Series, Izturis was an integral part of three division champs and hit .282 in 17 post-season contests.

Often considered the heart and soul of the Portland juggernaut of the last decade, shortstop Rafael Furcal was named the All-Decade Team's shortstop. Over the eight seasons, Furcal hit .305 with 177 homers and 770 RBIs. Furcal was named to five All-Star squads and has won three Silver Slugger awards. Furcal enjoyed his best season in 2005 when he hit .343 with 16 homers and 118 RBIs.

Over the course of the decade, no player in the league scored more runs than Furcal's 988. He also finished in the top-ten in at bats (2nd: 5,091), hits (3rd: 1,554), total bases (7th: 2,473), doubles (9th: 290), stolen bases (2nd: 487) and walks (10th: 646).

Furcal made it to the post-season every season during the decade, with the exception of 2003. During those seven post-seasons, Furcal hit .282 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 68 games. In four of those seasons Portland advanced to the World Series, and was victorious 3 times.

In another close vote, Aramis Ramirez was named the thirdbaseman of the All-Decade Team. Over the course of the decade, Ramirez clubbed 342 homers, or an average of 43 per season. Ramirez hit .288 during the decade and also averaged 118 RBIs per season. Aside from leading all thirdbasemen in homers and RBIs, he also paced third-sackers in slugging (.570) and OPS (.903).

In six of the eight seasons during the '00s Ramirez clubbed 40 or more homers, three times eclipsing 50. During the eight seasons Ramirez was named to the All-Star team six times.

Outfield spots (in order of voting) were claimed by Adam Dunn, Michael Preble and Corey Patterson.

Dunn, the Charlotte standout, was one of only two at any position voted to the team unanimously. Over the course of the decade, Dunn average .306 with 40 homers and 116 RBIs. During the decade Dunn was the EL Commissioner's Award winner three times, Most Valuable Hitter four times and was named to the All-Star team six times. Dunn also earned four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger during the decade. Dunn's best season was 2003, when he hit .363 with 52 homers and 139 RBIs to become the only player in league history to win the triple crown.

Twice Dunn lead Charlotte squads to the post-season, helping the Knights to division titles in 2002 and 2009. Although the team were first-round losers both times, Dunn did hit a combined .371 with 4 homers and 16 runs scored in 11 games. He also drew 12 walks, helping him to a .521 on-base percentage.

Portland's Preble is the only positional player on the All-Decade Team to not play in all eight years. As a matter of fact, Preble only played in 103 games in his rookie season of 2003, hitting .197 with 9 homers and 50 RBIs. Over the ensuing six seasons, Preble averaged .339, 32 homers, 126 RBIs, 65 steals and 134 runs scored. Preble was a three-time Commissioner's Award honoree and Most Valuable Hitter winner, three time Silver Slugger and was named to five All-Star teams.

Preble's best season was 2008 when the then 26-year-old hit .376 with 38 homers, 135 RBIs, 149 runs scored, 65 steals and had an OPS of 1.080.

In six post-season appearances, Preble hit .310 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs, spread over 63 games. Four of those six appearances lead to World Series competition, with Preble participating for three Portland World Series championship teams.

Much like Preble, the third outfielder, Corey Patterson, is no stranger to post-season play. A member of six Toledo division champions, Patterson played in a pair of World Series and helped the Mudhens to a world championship in 2005. The EL Commissioner's Award winner in 2004, he actually enjoyed his best the season the next year, when he hit a league-leading .362 and chipped in 33 homers, 139 RBIs, 132 runs and 223 hits.

During the decade, Patterson hit .319 and averaged 22 homers, 110 RBIs and 108 runs. Patterson lead all outfielders in hits with 1,538. Aside from his Commissioner's Award, won three Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove and was an All-Star five times.

Like Dunn, Portland and Toledo standout Albert Pujols was the only other unanimous selection to the All-Decade squad. Pujols started his career at third for Portland, but was soon moved to Designated Hitter, and spend more time in that role. The only player named to an All-Star team every year in the decade, Pujols won a Commissioner's Award in 2002 and was named his league's Most Valuable Hitter four times. He won a Silver Slugger as 3B in 2002, and won five more as a DH over the course of the rest of the decade.

During the decade Pujols hit .318 and averaged 37 homers, 144 RBIs, 122 runs scored and 197 hits per season. Pujols hit .368 in 2002 to win his only batting title, but also hit .360 in '04 and .344 in '05.

With the exception of 2003, Pujols made a post-season appearance every year from 2002 through 2009. In 61 post-season games Pujols hit .273 with 11 homers and 45 RBIs. On two occasions, 2004 and 2009, Pujols hit walk-off homers in the All-Star game.

Two of the league's best hurlers, Albuquerque's Roy Oswalt and Buffalo's Chris Capuano, were named the All-Decades right-handed and left-handed (respectively) starting pitchers.

Oswalt, the league's all-time leader in wins, won a pair of Most Valuable Pitcher awards, as well as the Commissioner's Award in 2004. In that 2004 season, Oswalt set a WL record for wins in a season when he posted a 25-5 record with a 1.77 ERA. A six-time All-Star during the decade, Oswalt was named the WL starter in four contests, including the first three years, 2002 through 2004.

During the decade, Oswalt averaged 17 wins, against 7 losses for a .709 winning percentage. Oswalt also lead all RHPs with a 2.76 ERA. In 6 post-season starts covering 3 divisional series, Oswalt split his decisions going 3-3 with a 2.98 ERA.

Like Preble, Capuano did not play in the entire decade. In 2002 and 2003 Capuano compiled a 24-19 record in the minors, hardly the stuff of legends. In a September call-up in '03, he went 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA. Starting the 3rd season of the decade in the minors, Capuano went 4-1 in AAA before being promoted to Buffalo once again, this time to stay. In 20 starts that year, he went 13-3 with a 3.04 ERA, giving a glimpse of things to come. Capuano then averaged 21-7, 2.77 over the next five seasons. In his best season, 2007, Capuano won a TSTBL record 26 games en route to capturing the Commissioner's Award and Most Valuable Pitcher award, an honor he won three times during the decade. For the decade, the five time All-Star went 118-41, for a TSTBL record .742 winning percentage. His 2.72 ERA is also the TSTBL standard.

The final honoree was closer Byung-Hyun Kim. The four-time All-Star twice lead the league in saves, including a record 57 in 2008. All told, Kim made 508 appearances, compiling a 50-41 record with a 2.34 ERA. His 300 saves during the decade were the most in the league as well.

[maddmaxx]

I've been in several leagues, this is definetly one of my favorites. I believe the Durham squad is still available, I'm surprised no one has jumped on it. If you love this game, and you enjoy online leagues. This is one of the best.

Jeff Cox

Indianapolis Owner

[bigsmooth]

I can't understand why this opening hasn't been filled yet. The TSTBL is a solid and well ran league. It was the first TSTBL league that I joined, and although I am a constant cellar dwelling team, I thouroughly enjoy the league, the GM's and the owner/commissioner activity. Don't wait, jump onboard and take on a solid Durham team.

Rob Tomlinson
Iowa Cubs - TSTBL

[Driver 8]

Originally posted by bigsmooth
I can't understand why this opening hasn't been filled yet.

It is now.

Thanks, everyone.