Worst to First - The Sequel

[NYY #23]

I didn't really talk about my offseason plans yet, but my goal is to shake things up in Mexico City as we go for it. So while I promise a big move or two to Mexico City fans we need to start somewhere, and today we announced four moves that aren't exactly what I'd consider big.

The first was announcing new manager Jason Allen. The 45 year old was a former catcher with the Houston Astros, hitting .241 in 29 career at-bats. He's a first time manager, but there weren't many alternatives.

The next move was signing Santiago Guillen as our Assistant General Manager. He was our fourth choice, with the first three not having any interest in working for Mexico City.

37 year old reliever Marlon Clark also agreed to a one year $1.3 million extension after going 2-2 with a save and 2.16 ERA in 25 innings.

Then last a trade. It's not often I accept a deal that's offered to me without modifying it, but I did so with this trade. 24 year old shortstop Ruben De Jesus and 20 year old centerfielder Jose Rojas were sent to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for 25 year old reliever Dale Blevins. Blevins was 4-8 with 19 saves and a 3.33 ERA in 81 innings last year for Milwaukee. I wasn't looking for bullpen help, but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up for two marginal (at best) prospects.

[NYY #23]

After going 19-4 with a 3.19 ERA last year Joe Bauer was due for a big raise in arbitration, and with my owner really wanting to turn a big profit I figured now was a good time to cash in when his value has never been higher. I really hate doing that, but with both Luis Zintel and Josh Banks pitching out of the bullpen I feel like I can take that risk.

There were several teams interested, but I ended up dealing Bauer to the Phillies along with 1B Juan Zaragoza, minor league reliever Javier Romero, and 3B Francisco Padilla. The $20 million man had to go if we were going to turn a profit, and outside of a bad first year he hasn't been too bad in Mexico City, hitting .283 with 12 home runs last year while providing solid, but declining defense.

The Phillies wanted him and we were able to increase our return. The headliner in the deal is 23 year old Andrew Shockey, who was 12-7 with a 2.91 ERA in AAA and was rated the number 22 prospect in baseball. He'll get thrown into the mix with Zintel and Banks, and one will win the final spot in our rotation.

Also coming back to Mexico City was 27 year old left fielder Fernando Ramos, center fielder Jesus Parra, and right fielder Augusto Ortiz. Ramos hit .251 with 9 home runs and 33 RBI last year in an injury plagued season, while Parra is just 22 and hit .278 with 13 home runs and 52 stolen bases. Oritz hit .327 last year in a reserve role, and we'll look to him to play the corner outfield positions, and if we started the season today he'd be our backup first baseman.

I feel good about our outfield now, and still feel good about our rotation. What I don't feel good about is third base and second base, but both are on my to-do list, along with a catcher, and the offseason is still young.

[NYY #23]

It's always nice to see when one of your former players wins an MVP Award, but this one was a little bit unusual. Doug Richards of the Vancouver Kodiaks won MVP after hitting .293 with 35 home runs, 106 RBI, 114 runs scored, and a WAR of 10.4. He was drafted during my time with the Kodiaks, and I'd love to take credit, but he was an eighth round draft pick, so he was really auto drafted.

I always like the guys who seem to come out of nowhere, which Richards did. Hitting just .209 with 14 home runs his first year as a starter last year as a 26 year old, and exploding this year. Richards beat out former Expos, and current free agent Howard McDonald, who hit .328 with 31 home runs and 93 RBI. The 36 year old is a free agent for the first time in his career, and it looks like the Expos are going to let him walk. I'd love to have him in Mexico City, even at his age, but we can't afford his $33 million asking price. With 435 career home runs and 2321 hits his next contract could be a historic one though.

Not surprisingly the Conquistadors weren't in consideration for any awards.

[NYY #23]

After working on several moves it seemed like everything came together pretty suddenly for our offseason plans. First up is the acquisition of catcher Danny Weaver, who hit .240 with 26 home runs and 79 RBI last year in a 3.9 WAR season for the Royals. Going back to Kansas City was catcher Darby Mosher, catcher Bob Dyer, and shortstop prospect Carlos Diaz. I expect Weaver will be an upgrade at our catcher position.

Our second trade was sending former top prospect Julian Silva and reliever Frank Allen to the Marlins in exchange for second baseman Antonio Rodriguez and catcher Chris Jackson. Jackson will take over backup catcher duties while Rodriguez will be our new starting second baseman after hitting .319 with 4.0 WAR for the Marlins. Trading the 22 year old Julian Silva is a risky move. I remember having similar feeling about Howard McDonald with Montreal and keeping him, and he went on to what I think was a Hall of Fame career. I don't think Silva will have the same luck, but it is still a risk trading him.

Jackson will have some competition at backup catcher with the signing of 28 year old Javier Souza, who is strong defensively, although only an average hitter at best.

Then finally we signed 1B Jaime Rivera to a two year $4 million contract. Rivera his .243 last season with 13 home runs and 52 RBI and will backup Carlos Ramirez at first, although as a lefty he could see action against righties.

[rjl518]

Don't give up NYY#23, the MC Conquistadors will triumph soon!!

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by rjl518

Don't give up NYY#23, the MC Conquistadors will triumph soon!!

Thanks you! Although I do hate my owner I won't give up. I feel pretty good about the Conquistadors and think we're capable of going to the playoffs again. The finish line o's in sight!

[JaBurns]

Mexico hasn't been as kind to you as Canada but I know you will get the job done in spite of the owner! Is it something in the water?

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by JaBurns

Mexico hasn't been as kind to you as Canada but I know you will get the job done in spite of the owner! Is it something in the water?

Montezuma's revenge! Canada really was two fun team's back to back. It's hard to top that.

I think it's really my owner that I dislike. Other than 2049 things haven't been too bad in Mexico City. Still don't know what happened there. If I keep reaching the playoffs one of these years everything will click.

[NYY #23]

Former Carolina Knight Ramon Galindo was appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, and as expected he dropped off the ballot after receiving just 2.5% of the vote. Galindo won a ring with Carolina when he hit .309 as a 26 year old third baseman. For his career he hit .275 with 96 home runs, 745 RBI, and 888 runs scored.

His teammate in Carolina the year we won the World Series was also on the ballot, 2B Pete Woolford, who faired a little better. Woolford hit .236 that year with 26 home runs and hit .233 with 432 home runs during his career. He'll stay on the ballot after receiving 17.7% of the vote.

Two players did make the Hall of Fame this year though.



Second baseman Ben Holland was the leading vote getter with 90.6% of the vote. Holland won an MVP Award in 2029 when he hit .366 with 34 home runs and 100 RBI. Holland was an eight time All-Star who won three Silver Slugger Awards while hitting .318 for his career with 270 home runs. Holland's JAWS score and HOF Standards score were both above the average Hall of Famer.



Also joining the Hall of Fame this year was catcher Jim Green who was inducted with 80.8% of the vote in his fourth year on the ballot. Green hit just .234 during his career with 454 career home runs. A seven time All-Star Green won one Silver Slugger Award and two Gold Gloves during his career. Green had a HOF Standards score above average.

Hall of Fame Results:

2B Ben Holland 90.6 (2nd year) Inducted HOF
C Jim Green 80.8 (4th year) Inducted HOF
CL Tommy Albracht 64.5 (3rd year)
SP Luis Varerla 54.7 (8th year)
CF Grant Murphy 33.5 (4th year)
CL Johnny Stewart 30.5 (1st year)
C José Carlos Escobar 25.6 (2nd year)
2B Pete Woolford 17.7 (1st year)
RF Martín Castro 17.2 (9th year)
SP Luis Rosas 10.3 (4th year)
1B Steve Shepard 8.9 (5th year)
SP José Ortega 8.4 (1st year)
RF José Cavazos 8.4 (1st year)
2B Robbie Raines 8.4 (8th year)
CL Sloan Stewart 8.4 (1st year)
CL Roberto Sandoval 7.9 (5th year)
2B José Sepúlveda 7.4 (3rd year)
SS Christian Lee 7.4 (4th year)
2B Albert Wilcox 6.9 (4th year)
SP Pedro León 6.4 (4th year)
SP Bob Thomas 4.9 (1st year) Dropped
3B Ramón Galindo 2.5 (1st year) Dropped

[NYY #23]

The final moves of our offseason occurred today with the signings of 2B Ki-seop Park, SS Paco Garcia, 3B David Sandoval, and 3B Tae-hyang Kim. Park hit .255 last year with 6 home runs for the Dodgers and can play second base, third base, and shortstop. Park signed for just over $1 million on a one year contract.

Garcia signed a similar contract and hit .238 with 11 home runs last year for the Angels and is capable of playing shortstop and third base. Sandoval is capable of playing second and third base, and maybe shortstop in a pinch, and signed for just under $1 million. He hit .256 last year for the Dodgers.

The last signing was South Korean import Kim, who signed a minor league deal with a $900,000 signing bonus. While we don't have room for them all they do provide depth, and I expect one or two on the roster. I think we're ready for the season to begin.

Former Expos' first baseman Howard McDonald signed a two year deal with the San Antonio Texans, making $30 million per year.

[NYY #23]

Mexico City started the season with a 17-10 month, tied for second with the Padres and just one game behind the Rockies. Not everything has gone right for us, but there has been some encouraging signs.

After an Opening Day massacre Vic Shufflebottom has lowered his ERA from 13.50 to 4.75 and hasn't lose a start. The rookie Andrew Shockey won a spot in the rotation and has gone 3-0 despite a 5.08 ERA. The high ERA is largely a result of giving up 5 runs in two no decisions, but he's done well as a 23 year old in the majors.

New catcher Danny Weaver has gotten off to a solid start hitting .280 with 5 home runs, while new second baseman is hitting .284. At least at this early part of the season we are hitting well as a team.

Our owner wanted Brian Mewhinney signed to an extension, and we agreed to terms on a four year $50 million contract. We also completed an unpopular deal sending CF Roberto Alou to the Blue Jays in exchange for right fielder Ryan Holbrook. Holbrook is a few years younger and has hit .228 with 10 home runs during his career. Neither our superstars, but getting younger and cheaper without losing value is appealing.

Mario Benitez of the Texans pitched a no-hitter this month in a 2-0 win over the Gators. Benitez is 2-0 with a 2.80 ERA this year. Mark Graves of the Carolina Knights picked up the 2000th hit of his career.

[NYY #23]

On the field the Conquistadors went 17-11 in May and are just a 1/2 game behind the Padres in the NL West. While we currently hold a Wild Card spot the NL East is hot right now with the Reds (41-14), Braves (39-16), and Cardinals (35-20) all playing well. It's a long season though, and if we can keep this pace I think a return to the postseason should be possible.

It's somewhat surprising that we're fourth in runs scored, but ninth in runs against. I don't think that will stay that way come the end of the season though, but hopefully we've done enough offensively to keep scoring some runs.

[NYY #23]

The Conquistadors have struggled in June going 6-7 for the month. Hopefully we'll be able to turn things around and get back on the right track.

The Conquistadors were drafting 28th in the first round, and we drafted third baseman Victor O'Donnell in the first round. In the second round we selected centerfielder Kenny Hussey and rounded out the top five selecting shortstop Eddie McCauley, reliever Andrian Sanderson, and centerfielder Justin Blake.

Following the draft we completed a trade sending 1B Carlos Ramirez, reliever Lorenzo Gonzalez, two minor league relievers, and $500,000 to the Angels in exchange for reliever Derin Terry (2-1, 17 SV, 1.14 ERA) and reliever Angelo Jimenez (3.86 ERA, 14 IP).

That led to sending shortstop Paco Garcia, catcher Ruben Vargas, starting pitcher prospect Juan Jose Munoz and minor league outfielder Chase Lambright to the Astros in exchange for 23 year old first baseman Gordon Stewart and catcher Julio Sanchez.

Two trades that I hope allow us to continue to get better, younger, and cheaper. The trade of Ramirez saved us some money and brought back a reliever that I really like in Terry, who should help our bullpen. Ramirez played well, but we were paying too much money for a platoon first baseman.

That allowed us to bring on Stewart as a backup first baseman, and first baseman of the future. Ruben Vargas has been outstanding this year as our backup catcher, but he's not a .350 hitter. He's probably not even a .250 hitter. So hopefully we sold high on Vargas and Sanchez can take over as backup catcher with some better defensive skills.

[NYY #23]

Mexico City wrapped up the month 14-13, and we're still in second place, 2 1/2 games behind the Padres. Looking at this team I can't really help but think of it offensively as Manuel Gallegos, and a collection of spare parts. Surprisingly it's worked pretty well so far. That's probably not fair to some players though, like Antonio Rodriguez.

Looking at our owner goals for this year:

1) Achieve a winning record (currently 48-34)
2) Improve home runs (was 15th, currently 1st)
3) Extend Brian Mewhinney (completed)
4) End with $17 million profit (projected $18.6 million)
5) Reach the World Series by 2054 (?)

We'll have to see what my owner thinks when I get my mid-season report card.

[NYY #23]

We completed one trade this month sending minor league third baseman Orlando Quintero to the Braves in exchange for outfielder Larry Sison and $1.4 million in cash. We get an expiring contract who will help give us outfield depth, and the cash to not have a budget impact. The Braves get a decent third baseman who was pushed out of the picture.

It's a little ironic because I thought we had too many outfielders at the beginning of the year, but with three on the disabled list we're getting thin, so is Sison can help us for a few weeks I'll feel much better about our outfield situation.

On the field the Conquistadors went 15-9 for the month and moved into first place in the NL West, leading the Padres by one game. Two of our players were selected to the All-Star Game, Brian Mewhinney and Danny Weaver. While Manuel Gallegos was on the disabled list I think he was snubbed. He's hitting .355 with 18 home runs, 63 RBI, and a WAR of 4.1.

Alfredo Lopez of the Astros picked up the 2000th hit of his career this month.

[JaBurns]

Leading the league in defensive efficiency, this has led to good things in the past!

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by JaBurns

Leading the league in defensive efficiency, this has led to good things in the past!

That is definitely a good sign! I'm hoping we can keep it up with our pitching and defense and see what happens in the playoffs!

[NYY #23]

Mexico City continues to lead the NL West, expanding our lead over the Padres to 2 1/2 games. That leaves us in a good position to win the division, with a 10 game lead over the Rockies for the final wild card spot.

Angelo Jimenez has been pretty surprising as a starting pitcher going 5-1 with a 2.22 ERA. As someone who has never made a start in the majors I didn't count on him as a starter, just a throw-in reliever. With the struggles of Luis Zintel, Josh Banks, and Jamie Ramirez he's been a nice addition.

During the month we agreed to an extension with Francisco Rojas. He's 14-8 with a 3.01 ERA this year, and agreed to a six year $49 million extension to remain with Mexico City.

Around the league Barry Colbert hit the 300th home run of his career. James Murphy of the Dodgers saved the 300th game of his career. In Atlanta Ramon Ramirez pitched a no-hitter this month in the Braves 2-0 win over the Twins.

[NYY #23]

The Conquistadors will be heading to the playoffs for the second straight year after winning the National League West for the first time. We finished September with a 16-10 record, and went 2-1 in October to beat the Padres by three games.

With both Antonio Rodriguez and Manuel Gallegos out for the next week we really needed to win the division and get as much time off as possible. Luckily the Yankees have one more game left because of a rainout, and if they win they would tie the Orioles for the final playoff spot in the American League. We'll root for the Yankees today, and await our playoff opponent.

[NYY #23]

We struggled this year against the Cubs, our opponent in the Division Series. In six games against the Cubs this year we lost five of them, but we had a slightly better pitching staff, while their offense holds the edge.

I do know that if we play our best we are capable of beating the Cubs though.