Dark Cloud's Moneyball Dynasty - Page 13

darkcloud4579 · 05-24-2004, 02:45 PM

I'm still playing this thing out, just have less than regular web access since I'm visiting the folks. So, the next time I can get on, I'll go ahead and post all the updates I've written out.

Just wanted to let you all know.

Vris · 05-24-2004, 08:57 PM

I'm still here, waitring patiently...

darkcloud4579 · 05-25-2004, 02:23 PM

SILVERHAWKS SOARING HEADING TO DEADLINE
The Silverhawks won 14 of 15 to end June and begin July, which gave the club a huge lead in the AL West. “We’ve been streaking like that off and on all year,” said Silverhawks Manager Cito Gaston.

The Silverhawks currently lead the AL West by 12 games over the Texas Rangers, who are tied with Kansas City for the AL Wild Card. Cleveland leads the AL Central by a game a half. Hartford leads the AL East over Orlando by 3.5 games.

Meanwhile, in the National League East, the resurgent Atlanta Braves are back and better than ever. They have a nine game lead on Washington. In the Central, Houston has a 10 game lead on the Cubs and in the West, the LA Dodgers are 7.5 games ahead of Wild Card leading Arizona, with Colorado 10 games back.

DEADLINE MURMURS
With most of the races not really being “races,” attention is already being focused on the Wild Card. The Texas Rangers, seeking their third playoff appearance in five years are looking to bolster a pitching staff currently ranked near the bottom of the majors.
The Yankees are just 5.5 out of first in the AL East, so look for the club to go for a run at it, hoping to up the ante on the team’s pricetag – since the team has gone up for sale this year.

They will also be seeking pitching help, but might also go after a bat if they can find one.

darkcloud4579 · 05-26-2004, 08:44 PM

Three of the top six closers in the majors so far this year are either current or former Silverhawks. Former Silverhawks Scott Williamson is leading the majors with 28 saves for the defending WS champion Hartford Knights. Recently acquired Carlos Artilles is 2nd in the majors with 25 saves and last season’s closer Virgil Destefano has 22 saves for the Cincinnati Reds, good for a three-way tie for 1st in the National League.

darkcloud4579 · 05-26-2004, 08:45 PM

D’ANTONA THE REAL DEAL – WILL DC BOLT?
After an MVP and Rookie of the Year season in 2009, Jaime D’Antona returned in 2010 with a new position (from third to first base) and doubts over whether his outstanding rookie season was a flash in the pan. Well, with 30 homers (tops in the AL) and 65 RBI (12th in the AL), he’s showing everyone that he’s the real deal. “We honestly knew he’d be talented. But I can’t say when we acquired him (in 2005 from St. Louis) that anyone had ideas he’d be this good,” said Silverhawks President Dark Cloud.

D’Antona is arbitration eligible this season, but no indications have been made over whether he’ll be resigned, since unconfirmed reports have Dark Cloud leaving Nevada for the New York Yankees in some sort of franchise swap. “I’m not going to gratify those comments with any sort of response,” said a spokesman for Dark Cloud in a recent call to the Silverhawks offices. “Look, we’re here for the long haul,” said Dark Cloud when asked about it in April.

But, more reports continue to point to Dark Cloud purchasing the Yankees and YES Network from George Steinbrenner and say that Tennis Hall of Famer Andre Agassi is interesting in purchasing the Silverhawks along with a group of investors. Agassi owns a small share of the club currently and is often seen at Silverhawks games with his wife and fellow tennis great Steffi Graf. “It’s great entertainment, they’re a great team and I think anyone who owns such a club is making a great investment,” he said in 2006 after purchasing a share of the team rumored to be at about 5%.

The Silverhawks paid an expansion fee of $415 million to join MLB and MGM Grand Ballpark at Silver Mountain was paid entirely by private financing. In 2009, Forbes valued the team at $615 million, fourth highest in baseball after the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. “For a team that’s supposedly in one of baseball’s “smallest markets,” the Silverhawks have created a family first, fun atmosphere for their club that emphasizes the fans and creates a “theme park environment,” reads the profile of the club in Forbes.

Nothing has been reported out of the Yankees camp, but the sale was precipitated after the club failed to secure a new ballpark in New York. Steinbrenner wanted the club in “good hands” and felt now was the time to “move on,” though he should go down as one of the most successful owners the game has ever seen.

darkcloud4579 · 05-26-2004, 08:45 PM

The Yankees acquired 2B Jermaine Rossler from the Minnesota Twins, a 25-year old five-star prospect for SP Emilio Gomez and Henry Aurand, a minor league pitcher who was drafted in 2008 by Pittsburgh before being signed a FA. The Yankees also sent cash in the deal.

The Silverhawks acquired former All-Star infielder Jose Vidro from the Baltimore Orioles along with touted minor league pitcher Marat Naumov from Estonia, who is vying to the first major leaguer from that country. The Silverhawks sent C Keith Cash,
to Baltimore, who were looking to dump Vidro’s salary. He’s hitting just .205 this season, well below his career average of .310. Vidro played over four seasons in Nevada, notching All-Star seasons in each of his full seasons with the club. He signed a three year deal worth close to $20 million with Baltimore in the off-season after finishing 2009 with San Francisco. “We picked him up in the hopes he could find what he might have lost since leaving,” said Dark Cloud, who made it known that he hopes to deal Vidro after the season if he can hit. “We’re not really in the market to fulfill the entire contract. But, we think he could help us get to the top this year. He wanted to be part of that and naturally, as one of the first players in our franchise’s history, we thought he ought to be.”

The ‘Hawks sent three minor leaguers along with cash to Baltimore in exchange for Vidro and Naumov, who was assigned to Double-A Southern Illinois.

darkcloud4579 · 05-26-2004, 08:50 PM

In addition to a deal to acquire another rookie, the Silverhawks dealt cash, SP Brett Prinz and SP Hector Garcia to Hartford for SP Mitchell Willis. The 22-year old Willis was a 4th round pick of the Knights in 2010. Prinz was 33 and disgruntled at losing a spot in the Silverhawks starting rotation, while Garcia, 27, seemed to lose the form that earned him a 16-6 record last season. The former first round pick should find a place somewhere in the Hartford rotation, while Prinz is unlikely to do so, but his $2 million salary was dumped in the deal.

The Silverhawks moved Aaron Pfeifer and Chad Van Allen to the majors from AAA and both could see some time in the rotation before the season ends. "These guys have lots of upside. We want to see what they can do," said Manager Cito Gaston.

Speaking of getting an early start, Diran Ichiyo was just an amateur trying to get into the minors two months ago. Now, he's a major leaguer. The 13th-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, 385th pick overall is the first draft pick from the 2010 draft to make it to the major leagues. "We're predicting big things for Diran in the future," said Dark Cloud of the upstart pitcher who was acquired in a trade earlier this year for SP Josh Beckett.

darkcloud4579 · 05-26-2004, 08:54 PM

PLAINFIELD - The Yankees might get a new owner and a new stadium, according to the Newark Star-Ledger yesterday. According to the paper, the Yankees will move to Plainfield, a community of about 45,000 – located about 30 miles from New York and 30 minutes via train to a new stadium to be financed privately.

“We’re exploring our options,” said Plainfield Mayor Ray Van Blake, who said he was contacted by several ownership groups about a possible stadium deal. The attractiveness of the city, he says, is investment in recent years which has made the 50s bedroom community to New York an attractive option because of rail connections to New York. Though the city is about 40 miles from the Bronx by car – about 40 minutes by rail – he said that he didn’t see a scenario that would deter most Yankees fans. “Look, I think the average fan is going to want a situation where the team plays in a first class ballpark. I don’t think anyone will ever mistake them for the New Jersey Yankees. We’d love to have them here, if they want to do it, we’ll do our best to make it happen,” he said.

The fact that the city is the birthplace of Dark Cloud, current owner of the Nevada Silverhawks is not lost on anyone watching this play out. But Dark Cloud is saying nothing on the record. “Mums the word, gang,” he said recently on his way to the Silverhawks offices.

darkcloud4579 · 05-26-2004, 09:40 PM

Back in 2004, the Silverhawks signed players to stock the team's original minor league system. We introduced you to them, but then you've heard little about them since then. Let's find out where they've ended up six years later.

~DC

The cards are uploading. So I'll link them later. But they're on the way and at this site

Randy Beam, L, 6-3, 205, Florida Atlantic
28-26, 3.76 ERA in 3+ ML seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Traded from Nevada in January 2005

Jeff Niemann, R, 6-9, 260, Rice
1-5 5.66 ERA in 11 ML starts (19 appearances) for Nevada & Brooklyn Dealt to Brooklyn June 2010 for Dontrelle Willis

Jered Weaver, 6-6, 200, 14-4, 1.96, Long Beach State
Not in affiliated baseball

Steven Register, Auburn, 6-1, 162, 3-3, 16 SV, 61K
Not in affiliated baseball

Luis Rivera, Florida International, SS
Playing in Mexican League

Mark Lowe, Texas-Arlington, RHP
Playing in Italy's Serie A Baseball League

Sebastien Boucher, OF, Bethune-Cookman
No longer in baseball

Chris Grider, RHP, Eastern Kentucky
No longer in baseball

Craig Candeto, Navy, OF
After being released, was called back to serve naval service committment

Matt Daley, Bucknell, RHP
Currently a reliever in the Silverhawks system. Split time between A and Double-A. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this season

Jeff Frazier, OF, Rutgers
Playing in The Netherlands

Jim Fasano, 1B, Richmond
Playing for Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League

James Avery, Niagara, RHP
Was injured, voluntarily retired

Calvin Beamon, OF Southern Nevada JC
Starting CF for the Nevada Silverhawks. In his second full ML season, hitting .354 with 8 HR and 45 RBI. Hit .338 in 464 ABs during rookie year, was 3rd in ROY voting.

Friedel Pinkston, RHP, Chipola (Fla.) JC
Released after first season

Cesar Yepez, Warner Southern (Fla.) NAIA
Released after 2007 season. Hit .268 in 3 minor league seasons. Made to Triple-A.

Mark Roth, Delaware Valley (PA) D3, 1B
Starting third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Was the lone player from group to be a starter during 2005 expansion season. Made AL All-Star team in 2006. Traded to the Boston Red Sox for P Jeff Sborz in June 2008. Released the next day. Signed to a 4-year deal by the Cincinnati Reds in February 2009. Released in April 2009. Signed to a minor league deal by Arizona in July 2009. Currently hitting .289 in 301 ABs, with 1 HR and 23 RBI.

darkcloud4579 · 05-29-2004, 10:13 PM

The deadline has come and gone. Here are the major deals for players who can help teams make an impact:

SS Thomas Vidaurri, Pittsburgh
Vidaurri, 28, is a free agent at the end of the season. He's coming off his first all-star season this year, but had 29 HR/101 RBI last season and is following that up with a 23 HR/91 RBI season and there are still two months left. Needless to say, he'll be hotly pursued.

Dealt to Atlanta for SS Jorge Cantu and 3B Bill Scott

Austin Bilke, Anaheim
Bilke, 30, already doubled his career win total this season with a 13-2 record. He has a 3.03 ERA with 86 strikeouts in 21 starts this season. He, too, will be a free agent and hopes to cash in after making just over $900,000 this season.

Dealt to Washington for SPs Alden Wilson and Girado Osuna

darkcloud4579 · 05-29-2004, 10:19 PM

We're going to simulate to September 1st, to see what's happening and to see where the pennant races end off and such alike.

Wanna know something? Post it and I'll get your answer. The site is updated from the last update, but not again until the end of the season like normal.

darkcloud4579 · 05-29-2004, 10:34 PM

The NY Yankees are on a roll. They've won 9 of their last 10 games, they'll pulled within a game and a half of the AL East lead, still maintained by Hartford.

The Orlando Rays are just a game out in the division.

In the AL Central, Cleveland leads Kansas City by 4.5 games.

In the AL West, Nevada leads Texas by 14.5 games.

Kansas City leads the Wild Card by a game 1.5 over Texas

In the National League, Atlanta leads Washington by 7.5 games in the East.

In the Central, Houston has a 10 game spread on the Cubs and Cardinals.

In the West, Los Angeles has a 5 game lead on Arizona.

Arizona leads the Wild card by 5.5 games over Washington.

darkcloud4579 · 06-01-2004, 06:36 PM

HAWKS TOPS IN MAJOR CATEGORIES
The Silverhawks are 2nd in the majors in ERA and batting average, a far cry from past years, when the team offense is among the league best, but pitching is sub-par.

"We're thrilled at what we've managed to do this season," said Manager Cito Gaston. The Silverhawks have clinched their second straight AL West title and will likely face the defending World Series champion Hartford Knights in the first round, who currently lead the AL East by 11.5 games over the NY Yankees.

Two Silverhawks, Ryan Sweeney and Jesse Foppert lead the AL in wins (19) and are 1st and 3rd respectively in ERA. Ironically, a former Silverhawks pitcher Nick Touchstone is 2nd in league ERA this season, for Minnesota.

Defending AL MVP Jaime D'Antona is tied for 3rd in the AL in homers with 36.

DIVISION LEADERS
The Pride of Cleveland lead the AL Central by six games over the Kansas City Royals. Their magic number is 6.

The Atlanta Braves lead the NL East by 10.5 games and have a magic number of 3 over Washington.

Houston leads the NL Central by 10 games over Chicago.

Los Angeles leads the NL West by 6 games over Arizona.

Texas leads the AL Wild Card by 2.5 games over Kansas City
Arizona leads the NL Wild Card by 4 games over Chicago

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:50 PM

In addition to a deal to acquire another rookie, the Silverhawks dealt cash, SP Brett Prinz and SP Hector Garcia to Hartford for SP Mitchell Willis. The 22-year old Willis was a 4th round pick of the Knights in 2010. Prinz was 33 and disgruntled at losing a spot in the Silverhawks starting rotation, while Garcia, 27, seemed to lose the form that earned him a 16-6 record last season. The former first round pick should find a place somewhere in the Hartford rotation, while Prinz is unlikely to do so, but his $2 million salary was dumped in the deal.

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:51 PM

2010 PLAYOFFF SERIES

AL DIVISION SERIES

(4) Hartford (91-71) v. (1) Nevada (109-53)
(3) Texas (94-68) v. (2) Cleveland (98-68)

NL DIVISION SERIES

(4) Arizona (89-73) v. (1) Houston (96-66)
(3) Atlanta (92-70) v. (2) Los Angeles (94-68)

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:52 PM

A rematch of last year’s ALCS has an improved Silverhawks club facing off against a club that managed to win the AL East again, but isn’t nearly as good as it once was. The Knights sport the 6th lowest batting average in the majors, though they were 9th in homers. The Knights pitching staff ERA is rated 11th at 4.14. Scott Williamson, arguably the best closer in the majors over the past several years was again the top closer in the majors with 39 saves.

They return with last year’s Cy Young award winner SP Adam Adamek, who had a strong follow-up season going 16-8 with a 2.83 ERA and 195 strikeouts. The Knights are also expecting another strong post-season from 1B Jason Stevens who had his second straight 100+ RBI season. RF Dwight Hill was acquired from Minnesota a few days before the trade deadline and for his part, was the other member of the Hartford club to have 100 RBIs.

On the other side, the Silverhawks are facing a similar scenario. They have the best record in baseball for the second straight season, but will it be enough for the club in the post-season? It’s anyone’s guess. But no one can argue the team hasn’t retooled and has the best season in the six year history of the Silverhawks franchise.

The Silverhawks pitching staff ended the season with the best ERA in the majors, lowest opponents average and 2nd lowest homers allowed, a far cry from past years when the club was among the worst pitching teams in baseball. They sport two 21-game winners in Ryan Sweeney and Jesse Foppert, who had nearly identical numbers. Sweeney, 26, is the leading candidate for the AL Cy Young going 21-2 with a 2.02 ERA and 179 strikeouts. Foppert, 30, was 21-2 with a 2.42 ERA with 182 strikeouts. The Silverhawks sport a top closer in Carlos Artilles who was fourth in the majors and 2nd in the AL with 37 saves this season and an ERA under 2.00

On the offensive side, the Silverhawks bring a balanced attack. No one had over 100 RBI this season for the Silverhawks, but they have seven players who had at least 20 homers and eight players with at least 80 RBI, while Hartford only has four of the former and two of the latter.

PREDICTION: Silverhawks in Four

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:53 PM

The Rangers sport a five-man rotation with four lefties, which gives opposing teams a lot of trouble. Yet, the Wild Card winners pack a powerful punch on the offensive side. With likely MVP CF Laynce Nix having his second straight 50+ homer, 130+ (143 this season) RBI season, to go along with a .305 BA, the Rangers are in capable hands at the plate. They also have four other players with at least 90 RBI this season, tops in the majors.

The Pride have a balanced attack, featuring a Top-15 offense and a pitching staff that was 4th in ERA this season at 3.99. SP Jason Stumm won 17 games this season after winning 18 last year. 3B Aramis Ramirez hit .297 this year with 32 HR and 100 RBI. The teams are evenly matched, with Cleveland having a slight edge because it has a star ace, while Texas brings a power offensive punch.

This series should go down to the wire.

Prediction: Rangers in 5

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:54 PM

LAS VEGAS – It was a familiar scene for the ‘Hawks. Facing elimination, the Silverhawks managed to get it done, knocking off the defending World Series champion Hartford Knights to move on to the 2010 ALCS against the Pride of Cleveland last night. Seven Silverhawks hit home runs in the win and Jesse Foppert lowered his post-season ERA to a microscopic 0.52 in the drubbing.

“We’re not where we want to be and we won’t be until we’re holding the Commissioner’s Trophy,” said Manager Cito Gaston who has won two previous titles with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992-93 and is headed to his sixth ALCS.

The Pride knocked off the Texas Rangers to win their Division Series.

In the National League, Houston swept the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles dispatched the Atlanta Braves in three straight to setup a meeting against the Astros in the NLCS.

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:56 PM

The Silverhawks are appearing in their first World Series in franchise history. While that’s only a whopping six years, the team had the best record in baseball for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers had won their second division title since 2002. The Dodgers are making their first World Series appearance since 1988.

GM 1: Dodgers 7 Silverhawks 3
The Dodgers take the first game at home, after 2B Edward Varela knocked in 4 RBI and 2 dingers. Dodgers pitcher SP Chris Smith pitched 5 2/3 giving up one earned and five strikeouts.

Silverhawks hurler SP Ryan Sweeney is having a rough playoffs. He’s 0-2 with an ERA of 8.31 and gave up five earned in five innings.

darkcloud4579 · 06-04-2004, 08:56 PM

GM 2: Silverhawks 3 Dodgers 2 (10 inn.)
The Silverhawks knot the series at one apiece going back to Nevada. The Hawks scored a run in the top of the tenth to get the win. Carlos Artilles gets the win, while starter Jesse Foppert hit a double and struck out three batters in six innings of work, lower his ERA to 0.57 ERA.

05-24-2004, 02:45 PM	#241
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	I haven't forgotten... I'm still playing this thing out, just have less than regular web access since I'm visiting the folks. So, the next time I can get on, I'll go ahead and post all the updates I've written out. Just wanted to let you all know.

05-24-2004, 08:57 PM	#242
Vris Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: somewhere where I don't know where I am Posts: 3,251	I'm still here, waitring patiently... __________________ None Blog it.

05-26-2004, 08:44 PM	#244
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	TALON TALES - 28 July 2010 Three of the top six closers in the majors so far this year are either current or former Silverhawks. Former Silverhawks Scott Williamson is leading the majors with 28 saves for the defending WS champion Hartford Knights. Recently acquired Carlos Artilles is 2nd in the majors with 25 saves and last season’s closer Virgil Destefano has 22 saves for the Cincinnati Reds, good for a three-way tie for 1st in the National League.

05-26-2004, 08:45 PM	#245
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	'HAWK TALK - 29 JULY 2010 D’ANTONA THE REAL DEAL – WILL DC BOLT? After an MVP and Rookie of the Year season in 2009, Jaime D’Antona returned in 2010 with a new position (from third to first base) and doubts over whether his outstanding rookie season was a flash in the pan. Well, with 30 homers (tops in the AL) and 65 RBI (12th in the AL), he’s showing everyone that he’s the real deal. “We honestly knew he’d be talented. But I can’t say when we acquired him (in 2005 from St. Louis) that anyone had ideas he’d be this good,” said Silverhawks President Dark Cloud. D’Antona is arbitration eligible this season, but no indications have been made over whether he’ll be resigned, since unconfirmed reports have Dark Cloud leaving Nevada for the New York Yankees in some sort of franchise swap. “I’m not going to gratify those comments with any sort of response,” said a spokesman for Dark Cloud in a recent call to the Silverhawks offices. “Look, we’re here for the long haul,” said Dark Cloud when asked about it in April. But, more reports continue to point to Dark Cloud purchasing the Yankees and YES Network from George Steinbrenner and say that Tennis Hall of Famer Andre Agassi is interesting in purchasing the Silverhawks along with a group of investors. Agassi owns a small share of the club currently and is often seen at Silverhawks games with his wife and fellow tennis great Steffi Graf. “It’s great entertainment, they’re a great team and I think anyone who owns such a club is making a great investment,” he said in 2006 after purchasing a share of the team rumored to be at about 5%. The Silverhawks paid an expansion fee of $415 million to join MLB and MGM Grand Ballpark at Silver Mountain was paid entirely by private financing. In 2009, Forbes valued the team at $615 million, fourth highest in baseball after the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. “For a team that’s supposedly in one of baseball’s “smallest markets,” the Silverhawks have created a family first, fun atmosphere for their club that emphasizes the fans and creates a “theme park environment,” reads the profile of the club in Forbes. Nothing has been reported out of the Yankees camp, but the sale was precipitated after the club failed to secure a new ballpark in New York. Steinbrenner wanted the club in “good hands” and felt now was the time to “move on,” though he should go down as one of the most successful owners the game has ever seen.

05-26-2004, 08:45 PM	#246
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	DEADLINE DEALS - 30 JULY 2010 The Yankees acquired 2B Jermaine Rossler from the Minnesota Twins, a 25-year old five-star prospect for SP Emilio Gomez and Henry Aurand, a minor league pitcher who was drafted in 2008 by Pittsburgh before being signed a FA. The Yankees also sent cash in the deal. The Silverhawks acquired former All-Star infielder Jose Vidro from the Baltimore Orioles along with touted minor league pitcher Marat Naumov from Estonia, who is vying to the first major leaguer from that country. The Silverhawks sent C Keith Cash, to Baltimore, who were looking to dump Vidro’s salary. He’s hitting just .205 this season, well below his career average of .310. Vidro played over four seasons in Nevada, notching All-Star seasons in each of his full seasons with the club. He signed a three year deal worth close to $20 million with Baltimore in the off-season after finishing 2009 with San Francisco. “We picked him up in the hopes he could find what he might have lost since leaving,” said Dark Cloud, who made it known that he hopes to deal Vidro after the season if he can hit. “We’re not really in the market to fulfill the entire contract. But, we think he could help us get to the top this year. He wanted to be part of that and naturally, as one of the first players in our franchise’s history, we thought he ought to be.” The ‘Hawks sent three minor leaguers along with cash to Baltimore in exchange for Vidro and Naumov, who was assigned to Double-A Southern Illinois.

05-25-2004, 02:23 PM	#243
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	SILVERHAWKS SOARING HEADING TO DEADLINE The Silverhawks won 14 of 15 to end June and begin July, which gave the club a huge lead in the AL West. “We’ve been streaking like that off and on all year,” said Silverhawks Manager Cito Gaston. The Silverhawks currently lead the AL West by 12 games over the Texas Rangers, who are tied with Kansas City for the AL Wild Card. Cleveland leads the AL Central by a game a half. Hartford leads the AL East over Orlando by 3.5 games. Meanwhile, in the National League East, the resurgent Atlanta Braves are back and better than ever. They have a nine game lead on Washington. In the Central, Houston has a 10 game lead on the Cubs and in the West, the LA Dodgers are 7.5 games ahead of Wild Card leading Arizona, with Colorado 10 games back. DEADLINE MURMURS With most of the races not really being “races,” attention is already being focused on the Wild Card. The Texas Rangers, seeking their third playoff appearance in five years are looking to bolster a pitching staff currently ranked near the bottom of the majors. The Yankees are just 5.5 out of first in the AL East, so look for the club to go for a run at it, hoping to up the ante on the team’s pricetag – since the team has gone up for sale this year. They will also be seeking pitching help, but might also go after a bat if they can find one.

05-26-2004, 08:50 PM	#247
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	SILVERHAWKS MAKE ADJUSTMENTS In addition to a deal to acquire another rookie, the Silverhawks dealt cash, SP Brett Prinz and SP Hector Garcia to Hartford for SP Mitchell Willis. The 22-year old Willis was a 4th round pick of the Knights in 2010. Prinz was 33 and disgruntled at losing a spot in the Silverhawks starting rotation, while Garcia, 27, seemed to lose the form that earned him a 16-6 record last season. The former first round pick should find a place somewhere in the Hartford rotation, while Prinz is unlikely to do so, but his $2 million salary was dumped in the deal. The Silverhawks moved Aaron Pfeifer and Chad Van Allen to the majors from AAA and both could see some time in the rotation before the season ends. "These guys have lots of upside. We want to see what they can do," said Manager Cito Gaston. Speaking of getting an early start, Diran Ichiyo was just an amateur trying to get into the minors two months ago. Now, he's a major leaguer. The 13th-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, 385th pick overall is the first draft pick from the 2010 draft to make it to the major leagues. "We're predicting big things for Diran in the future," said Dark Cloud of the upstart pitcher who was acquired in a trade earlier this year for SP Josh Beckett.

05-26-2004, 08:54 PM	#248
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	PAPER SAYS YANKEES DEAL CLOSE TO DONE PLAINFIELD - The Yankees might get a new owner and a new stadium, according to the Newark Star-Ledger yesterday. According to the paper, the Yankees will move to Plainfield, a community of about 45,000 – located about 30 miles from New York and 30 minutes via train to a new stadium to be financed privately. “We’re exploring our options,” said Plainfield Mayor Ray Van Blake, who said he was contacted by several ownership groups about a possible stadium deal. The attractiveness of the city, he says, is investment in recent years which has made the 50s bedroom community to New York an attractive option because of rail connections to New York. Though the city is about 40 miles from the Bronx by car – about 40 minutes by rail – he said that he didn’t see a scenario that would deter most Yankees fans. “Look, I think the average fan is going to want a situation where the team plays in a first class ballpark. I don’t think anyone will ever mistake them for the New Jersey Yankees. We’d love to have them here, if they want to do it, we’ll do our best to make it happen,” he said. The fact that the city is the birthplace of Dark Cloud, current owner of the Nevada Silverhawks is not lost on anyone watching this play out. But Dark Cloud is saying nothing on the record. “Mums the word, gang,” he said recently on his way to the Silverhawks offices.

05-26-2004, 09:40 PM	#249
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	WHERE ARE THEY NOW: THE ORIGINAL 30 SILVERHAWKS Back in 2004, the Silverhawks signed players to stock the team's original minor league system. We introduced you to them, but then you've heard little about them since then. Let's find out where they've ended up six years later. ~DC The cards are uploading. So I'll link them later. But they're on the way and at this site Randy Beam, L, 6-3, 205, Florida Atlantic 28-26, 3.76 ERA in 3+ ML seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Traded from Nevada in January 2005 Jeff Niemann, R, 6-9, 260, Rice 1-5 5.66 ERA in 11 ML starts (19 appearances) for Nevada & Brooklyn Dealt to Brooklyn June 2010 for Dontrelle Willis Jered Weaver, 6-6, 200, 14-4, 1.96, Long Beach State Not in affiliated baseball Steven Register, Auburn, 6-1, 162, 3-3, 16 SV, 61K Not in affiliated baseball Luis Rivera, Florida International, SS Playing in Mexican League Mark Lowe, Texas-Arlington, RHP Playing in Italy's Serie A Baseball League Sebastien Boucher, OF, Bethune-Cookman No longer in baseball Chris Grider, RHP, Eastern Kentucky No longer in baseball Craig Candeto, Navy, OF After being released, was called back to serve naval service committment Matt Daley, Bucknell, RHP Currently a reliever in the Silverhawks system. Split time between A and Double-A. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this season Jeff Frazier, OF, Rutgers Playing in The Netherlands Jim Fasano, 1B, Richmond Playing for Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League James Avery, Niagara, RHP Was injured, voluntarily retired Calvin Beamon, OF Southern Nevada JC Starting CF for the Nevada Silverhawks. In his second full ML season, hitting .354 with 8 HR and 45 RBI. Hit .338 in 464 ABs during rookie year, was 3rd in ROY voting. Friedel Pinkston, RHP, Chipola (Fla.) JC Released after first season Cesar Yepez, Warner Southern (Fla.) NAIA Released after 2007 season. Hit .268 in 3 minor league seasons. Made to Triple-A. Mark Roth, Delaware Valley (PA) D3, 1B Starting third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Was the lone player from group to be a starter during 2005 expansion season. Made AL All-Star team in 2006. Traded to the Boston Red Sox for P Jeff Sborz in June 2008. Released the next day. Signed to a 4-year deal by the Cincinnati Reds in February 2009. Released in April 2009. Signed to a minor league deal by Arizona in July 2009. Currently hitting .289 in 301 ABs, with 1 HR and 23 RBI.

05-29-2004, 10:13 PM	#250
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	MAJOR DEADLINE DEALS The deadline has come and gone. Here are the major deals for players who can help teams make an impact: SS Thomas Vidaurri, Pittsburgh Vidaurri, 28, is a free agent at the end of the season. He's coming off his first all-star season this year, but had 29 HR/101 RBI last season and is following that up with a 23 HR/91 RBI season and there are still two months left. Needless to say, he'll be hotly pursued. Dealt to Atlanta for SS Jorge Cantu and 3B Bill Scott Austin Bilke, Anaheim Bilke, 30, already doubled his career win total this season with a 13-2 record. He has a 3.03 ERA with 86 strikeouts in 21 starts this season. He, too, will be a free agent and hopes to cash in after making just over $900,000 this season. Dealt to Washington for SPs Alden Wilson and Girado Osuna

05-29-2004, 10:19 PM	#251
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	Heading to September We're going to simulate to September 1st, to see what's happening and to see where the pennant races end off and such alike. Wanna know something? Post it and I'll get your answer. The site is updated from the last update, but not again until the end of the season like normal.

05-29-2004, 10:34 PM	#252
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	Yankees on a streak - August 21, 2010 The NY Yankees are on a roll. They've won 9 of their last 10 games, they'll pulled within a game and a half of the AL East lead, still maintained by Hartford. The Orlando Rays are just a game out in the division. In the AL Central, Cleveland leads Kansas City by 4.5 games. In the AL West, Nevada leads Texas by 14.5 games. Kansas City leads the Wild Card by a game 1.5 over Texas In the National League, Atlanta leads Washington by 7.5 games in the East. In the Central, Houston has a 10 game spread on the Cubs and Cardinals. In the West, Los Angeles has a 5 game lead on Arizona. Arizona leads the Wild card by 5.5 games over Washington.

06-01-2004, 06:36 PM	#253
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	High Flying Hawks - September 21, 2010 HAWKS TOPS IN MAJOR CATEGORIES The Silverhawks are 2nd in the majors in ERA and batting average, a far cry from past years, when the team offense is among the league best, but pitching is sub-par. "We're thrilled at what we've managed to do this season," said Manager Cito Gaston. The Silverhawks have clinched their second straight AL West title and will likely face the defending World Series champion Hartford Knights in the first round, who currently lead the AL East by 11.5 games over the NY Yankees. Two Silverhawks, Ryan Sweeney and Jesse Foppert lead the AL in wins (19) and are 1st and 3rd respectively in ERA. Ironically, a former Silverhawks pitcher Nick Touchstone is 2nd in league ERA this season, for Minnesota. Defending AL MVP Jaime D'Antona is tied for 3rd in the AL in homers with 36. DIVISION LEADERS The Pride of Cleveland lead the AL Central by six games over the Kansas City Royals. Their magic number is 6. The Atlanta Braves lead the NL East by 10.5 games and have a magic number of 3 over Washington. Houston leads the NL Central by 10 games over Chicago. Los Angeles leads the NL West by 6 games over Arizona. Texas leads the AL Wild Card by 2.5 games over Kansas City Arizona leads the NL Wild Card by 4 games over Chicago

06-04-2004, 08:50 PM	#254
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	SILVERHAWKS MAKE ADJUSTMENTS In addition to a deal to acquire another rookie, the Silverhawks dealt cash, SP Brett Prinz and SP Hector Garcia to Hartford for SP Mitchell Willis. The 22-year old Willis was a 4th round pick of the Knights in 2010. Prinz was 33 and disgruntled at losing a spot in the Silverhawks starting rotation, while Garcia, 27, seemed to lose the form that earned him a 16-6 record last season. The former first round pick should find a place somewhere in the Hartford rotation, while Prinz is unlikely to do so, but his $2 million salary was dumped in the deal.

06-04-2004, 08:51 PM	#255
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	2010 PLAYOFFF SERIES AL DIVISION SERIES (4) Hartford (91-71) v. (1) Nevada (109-53) (3) Texas (94-68) v. (2) Cleveland (98-68) NL DIVISION SERIES (4) Arizona (89-73) v. (1) Houston (96-66) (3) Atlanta (92-70) v. (2) Los Angeles (94-68)

06-04-2004, 08:52 PM	#256
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	ALDS PREVIEW: HARTFORD V. NEVADA A rematch of last year’s ALCS has an improved Silverhawks club facing off against a club that managed to win the AL East again, but isn’t nearly as good as it once was. The Knights sport the 6th lowest batting average in the majors, though they were 9th in homers. The Knights pitching staff ERA is rated 11th at 4.14. Scott Williamson, arguably the best closer in the majors over the past several years was again the top closer in the majors with 39 saves. They return with last year’s Cy Young award winner SP Adam Adamek, who had a strong follow-up season going 16-8 with a 2.83 ERA and 195 strikeouts. The Knights are also expecting another strong post-season from 1B Jason Stevens who had his second straight 100+ RBI season. RF Dwight Hill was acquired from Minnesota a few days before the trade deadline and for his part, was the other member of the Hartford club to have 100 RBIs. On the other side, the Silverhawks are facing a similar scenario. They have the best record in baseball for the second straight season, but will it be enough for the club in the post-season? It’s anyone’s guess. But no one can argue the team hasn’t retooled and has the best season in the six year history of the Silverhawks franchise. The Silverhawks pitching staff ended the season with the best ERA in the majors, lowest opponents average and 2nd lowest homers allowed, a far cry from past years when the club was among the worst pitching teams in baseball. They sport two 21-game winners in Ryan Sweeney and Jesse Foppert, who had nearly identical numbers. Sweeney, 26, is the leading candidate for the AL Cy Young going 21-2 with a 2.02 ERA and 179 strikeouts. Foppert, 30, was 21-2 with a 2.42 ERA with 182 strikeouts. The Silverhawks sport a top closer in Carlos Artilles who was fourth in the majors and 2nd in the AL with 37 saves this season and an ERA under 2.00 On the offensive side, the Silverhawks bring a balanced attack. No one had over 100 RBI this season for the Silverhawks, but they have seven players who had at least 20 homers and eight players with at least 80 RBI, while Hartford only has four of the former and two of the latter. PREDICTION: Silverhawks in Four

06-04-2004, 08:53 PM	#257
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	ALDS PREVIEW: TEXAS V. CLEVELAND The Rangers sport a five-man rotation with four lefties, which gives opposing teams a lot of trouble. Yet, the Wild Card winners pack a powerful punch on the offensive side. With likely MVP CF Laynce Nix having his second straight 50+ homer, 130+ (143 this season) RBI season, to go along with a .305 BA, the Rangers are in capable hands at the plate. They also have four other players with at least 90 RBI this season, tops in the majors. The Pride have a balanced attack, featuring a Top-15 offense and a pitching staff that was 4th in ERA this season at 3.99. SP Jason Stumm won 17 games this season after winning 18 last year. 3B Aramis Ramirez hit .297 this year with 32 HR and 100 RBI. The teams are evenly matched, with Cleveland having a slight edge because it has a star ace, while Texas brings a power offensive punch. This series should go down to the wire. Prediction: Rangers in 5

06-04-2004, 08:54 PM	#258
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	Silverhawks move on, win decisive Game 5 10-0 LAS VEGAS – It was a familiar scene for the ‘Hawks. Facing elimination, the Silverhawks managed to get it done, knocking off the defending World Series champion Hartford Knights to move on to the 2010 ALCS against the Pride of Cleveland last night. Seven Silverhawks hit home runs in the win and Jesse Foppert lowered his post-season ERA to a microscopic 0.52 in the drubbing. “We’re not where we want to be and we won’t be until we’re holding the Commissioner’s Trophy,” said Manager Cito Gaston who has won two previous titles with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992-93 and is headed to his sixth ALCS. The Pride knocked off the Texas Rangers to win their Division Series. In the National League, Houston swept the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles dispatched the Atlanta Braves in three straight to setup a meeting against the Astros in the NLCS.

06-04-2004, 08:56 PM	#259
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	2010 WORLD SERIES - GAME 1 The Silverhawks are appearing in their first World Series in franchise history. While that’s only a whopping six years, the team had the best record in baseball for the second straight year. Meanwhile, the Dodgers had won their second division title since 2002. The Dodgers are making their first World Series appearance since 1988. GM 1: Dodgers 7 Silverhawks 3 The Dodgers take the first game at home, after 2B Edward Varela knocked in 4 RBI and 2 dingers. Dodgers pitcher SP Chris Smith pitched 5 2/3 giving up one earned and five strikeouts. Silverhawks hurler SP Ryan Sweeney is having a rough playoffs. He’s 0-2 with an ERA of 8.31 and gave up five earned in five innings.

06-04-2004, 08:56 PM	#260
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	GAME 2 - 2010 WORLD SERIES GM 2: Silverhawks 3 Dodgers 2 (10 inn.) The Silverhawks knot the series at one apiece going back to Nevada. The Hawks scored a run in the top of the tenth to get the win. Carlos Artilles gets the win, while starter Jesse Foppert hit a double and struck out three batters in six innings of work, lower his ERA to 0.57 ERA.