The American Baseball League

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INTERNATIONAL FREE AGENTS

• A list of a dozen or so but none have I got a good handle on scouting-wise. The one that most interests me is Ryokan Kawata, an infielder from Japan. He's 24, hits RH, and has track star speed. His intangibles are off the charts but I need a better assessment of his talent. He plays 2B, SS, 3B, and LF all above average, and is a legitimate 50 steal baserunner.
• He has a great approach at the plate but I don't know what his contact skills and power look like with any confidence right now.

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FREE AGENTS FILE
A good-looking crop of talent is out there with some potential monster contracts in the offing.

Top Names:

1. Travis Buono C RH (29) .330/.388/.477 10-64 last year at Las Vegas
2. Romeo Pirelli LF LH (30) .335/.394/.507 17-94 with New England 6'7” 205
3. Alan Monson C LH (26) .228/.335/.421 22-76 at Charlotte and a gold glove defender
4. Jerry Steimel 1B RH (29) .294/.357/.551 37-116 in Providence bricks for hands
5. Tom Anderson LF RH (37) .304/.398/.493 14-37 404 AB's at Pittsburgh 100+ BB guy
6. Greg Hartzler LHSP (26) 16-6 2.81 211.1 IP 247 K 34 BB 2015 Koufax winner (saw enough of him in the WS)
7. Bob Shrader LHSP (31) 17-13 2.98 226.1 IP 252 K 33 BB with Lexington 2015 Koufax winner
8. Dave Skelly RF LH (27) .306/.355/.479 18-85 with Buffalo
9. Jack Terhune RF LH (28) .305/.364/.467 18-94 with Dallas. Sign anywhere BUT our division, please
10. Sam Reyes IF RH (25) .268/.410/.505 23-80 36-43 SB Might get the biggest contract of the position players

[gehrig38]

AUSTIN RUSTLERS OFF SEASON

• 3B Luis Orozco exercised his player option for 2017 at 7.5 million. The team holds an option for 2018 at the same amount.
• I was actually desperately hoping he'd opt-out. This is going to be an issue as I can't get anyone to bite on the contract unless I eat a ton of it.
• 1B Nick Archer exercised his option of 8.25 million. He will make that same base next year, then 9.25 for '19 and 20 before another player option in 2021 and 2022 at 11.25 million.
• Traded SP Chris Lach to Detroit for RP Tim Boland and a 2016 2nd round draft pick
• Signed OF Tommy Dziedzic to a 7 year 53.15 million dollar contract extension.
• Signed FA SP Justin Wilson to a 3 year 11.45 million dollar contract
• Signed International FA IF Ryokan Kawata to a 1 year 830K deal
• Traded P prospect Hiroshi Mishima and a 2016 3rd and 8th round draft pick to Denver for P prospect Dave Tillery and the Saints 2016 3rd round draft choice.
• Claimed RP Larry Held off waivers from San Francisco
• Claimed SP/LF Dave Zupan off waivers from Denver
• Traded RP Ralph Collins to Buffalo for 25-year-old RP Mike George
• Traded P Jake Pierce to Buffalo for former Rustler P Barrett Lopez
• Traded P Brian Hruska and 18 yr old P Josh Coleman (1.5*) to Philadelphia for C Julio Jaramillo (3*) and a 4th round draft choice.
• Traded RP Larry Held to New England for 25 yr old OF Josh Nicolls (2.5*) and 25 yr old 1B Trent Gatewood (2.5*)

BACKROOM CHATTER

• Well, I guess the owners are going to be pissed. I did literally the exact opposite of signing Chris Lach to a contract extension.
• When Justin Wilson hit the market I felt he was insanely underpricing himself for his talent level. After some talks, I managed to get him to agree to what I think will be highway robbery for a contract. He'll slot into the 4th spot and give us an even deeper and more talented rotation than last year.
• Tim Boland wcould be our closer. It was a deal of free agents to be. He's left-handed and sports a career line of 19-16 45 SV 2.77 ERA 214.1 IP 163 H 300 K and 61 BB with just 18 HR given up. He went 6-7 42 SV 2.51 in 2014 and made the all-star team. He's just 26 and if things work out I will work on an extension as the season progresses.
• The Orozco situation will work itself out, I hope. Feliciano, barring injury or a spring that sees him hit .050, is the 3B of the future. What Orozco will allow me to do is to ease Feliciano into the role as the season goes on.
• The Dziedzic extension was sort of a no-brainer. I might have given him a bit more than he could have gotten in arbitration next year but I'll save it on the back end if he's half the player I think he is. His base goes to 6.3 in 2019, then 8.6 for the remainder of the deal, through 2024. The 2024 season is a team option with a 2.6 million dollar buyout. He's a 15m a year talent. So I bought 3 years of arbitration out and up to 4 years of free agency. Huge steal.
• The Kawata signing could be huge if he pans out. Legit leadoff type hitter with insane speed and an outstanding defender across the infield as well as the ability to play every day in left should something catastrophic happen. He'll get ABs in camp and compete with Andriani for the 5 IF spot.
• The Mishima trade was all Denver. They approached us and our scouts think Tillery is going to be a better pitcher than Mishima in the long run. He's 6'5” and a rock-solid 200 pds. Outstanding at stopping the running game with a mid to top of the rotation projection at 23. Mishima was the ABL's 83rd ranked prospect, Tillery #69. Tillery was Denver's 3rd rounder (75th overall) out of Harvard in 2014. Mishima was signed by Lexington in 2012 out of Japan and we acquired him in the deal that sent Steve Bradbury and prospects to the Rebels.

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BALTIMORE BLACKBIRDS

• Acquired RP Kyle Kurtz and 695K in cash for C Mark Tarbush
• Signed FA RP Philip Brinkley to a 1 year 1.1 million dollar deal
• Signed FA C Travis Buono to a 2 year 5.84 million dollar deal (Wow! Think he was expecting 3-4x that annually!)

BROOKLYN BLACKHEARTS

• Signed FA SP Matt Creason to a 2 year 2.96 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Sang-Kuk Yeon to a 1 year 1.96 million dollar deal

BUFFALO BISON

• Signed FA SP Ernesto Aguilar to a 7 year 49.4 million dollar contract
• Signed FA SS Abel Ward to a 7 year 41.38 million dollar deal
• Signed former Lexington CL Charles Smith to a 1 year 1.82 million dollar contract
• Signed FA SP Tim Soledad to a 1 year 1.16 million dollar contract
• Signed FA C Alan Monson to a 1 year 6.9 million dollar deal
• Acquired RP Ralph Collins from Austin for 25-year-old RP Mike George
• Acquired P Jake Pierce from Austin for P Barrett Lopez

CHARLOTTE CYCLONES

• Fired GM Matt Rose after 7 seasons. Rose guided Charlotte to 2 division titles and a WC appearance in his 7 years at the helm. He was the GM for the Punishers from 1995-2009 helping them to 8 playoff appearances including 5 straight division titles.
• Hired New England Scouting Director Chad Munn as their new GM. Munn was the Lexington Rebels SD from 1990, their inaugural season, until 1998 when New England hired him to be their SD. He's been in the league all 27 years of existence.
• Signed FA C Steve Passler to a 4 year 32.3 million dollar deal
• Traded 1B Jim Madden, OF's Andy Logsdon, Ilia Vaupshasov, and P Dan Quackenbush to Ohio for P Craig Collins
• Signed FA 2B Sam Reyes to a 4 year 47.9 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Andy Wolfe to a 2 year 1.34 million dollar deal
• Traded 21 year old OF John Cruz (2,5*) 19 yr old LHP Ismael Romo (3*) to Ft Worth for 27 yr old SP Sandy Nieves (10-13 4.16)

CHICAGO HITMEN

• Fired Manager Josh Vautor after a 2nd straight 95+ loss season. Chicago was 63-99 in 2015 and 64-98 last year. In 2013, his first season, they made the playoffs at 88-74 and he was awarded the Casey Stengal trophy as manager of the year. They dropped to 79-83 in 2014.
• Hired Arlington Stars (AAA) manager Craig Carroll with a 3-year contract.
• Traded C Bert Owings to New England for 3B Alvin Juliani a 3B prospect Steve Halsey
• Lost CF Stephen Antonucci to Ohio in the Rule 5 Draft
• Signed FA CL Ken Przybyla to a 1 year 1.12 million dollar contract
• Traded RP Brent Blair and IF prospect Manato Miyake to Green Bay for P prospect Reynaldo Alarcon and minor league 1B Luis Mendoza
• Signed FA 1B Sean Hoffman (.241-27-71) to a 1 year 930K deal.
• Traded SP Jeremy Buttitta to New England for 23 yr old C Alex Chavez (2*) 24 yr old 1B Tadaatsu Yamamoto (2.5*) and 23 yr old C Victor Garcia (2*).

DALLAS TEXANS

• Signed FA RP Kyle Burkes to a 3 year 7.16 million dollar deal
• Signed FA SP Bob Shrader to a 6 year 71 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Ben Ehlers to a 2 year 3.28 million dollar deal
• Resigned FA RP Ruben Castillo to a 2 year 2.32 million dollar contract extension
• Signed FA SP Pat Madison to a 3 year 10.68 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Hila Kula to a 3 year 3.6 million dollar contract
• Signed FA OF Dave Skelly to an 8 year 76.8 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Dave Myers to a 1 year 990K deal

DENVER SAINTS

• Fired Manager Phil Howell after 4 dismal seasons in which the team never won more than 73 games.
• Hired former ABL Catcher and 7x All-Star Bill Leffler on a 6-year deal.
• Sent star CF Omar Torres to Green Bay for RP Nate DeHaven and P prospect Nate Ramirez. Denver will retain a portion of Torres' contract. He has a 9.2 million dollar player option for 2019. He's an MVP, 10x All-Star, and a 6x silver slugger as well as a winner of two gold gloves in CF. Denver will pick up 6.1 million in 2017 and 5.5 million in 2018 if he picks up the option.
• Lost LF Rich O'Donnell to Green Bay in the Rule 5 Draft
• Traded SP Kyle Moore to Lexington for C Omar Diaz 2B Alberto Narvaez and RHP Pete Sugano.
• Lost SP/LF Dave Zupan to Austin via waiver claim
• Signed FA RP Ben Bentley to a 2 year 1.76 million dollar contract
• Signed FA SS Felipe Acosta to a 1 year 640K deal

DETROIT CHARGERS

• Traded CL Tim Boland and their 2016 2nd round pick to Austin for SP Chris Lach.

FT WORTH COWBOYS

• Lost RP Chris Parry to Ohio in the Rule 5 Draft
• Acquired 21-year-old OF John Cruz (2.5*) 19 yr old LHP Ismael Romo (3*) to from Charlotte for 27 yr old SP Sandy Nieves (10-13 4.16)

GREEN BAY BLIZZARD

• Acquired SP Aaron Peterson the NY Punishers for C Jeff Bingham
• Acquired star CF Omar Torres from Denver for RP Nate DeHaven and P prospect Nate Ramirez. Denver will retain a portion of Torres' contract. He has a 9.2 million dollar player option for 2019. He's an MVP, 10x All-Star, and a 6x silver slugger as well as a winner of two gold gloves in CF. Denver will pickup 6.1 million in 2017 and 5.5 million in 2018 if he picks up the option.
• Sent 2B Brock Conner to Mexico for SS Matt Ivory and 2 minor league prospects. Ivory is projected to be their leadoff hitter with Torres slotted in the 2 hole.
• Acquired LF Rich O'Donnell from Denver in the Rule 5 Draft
• Signed FA SP Bobby Dare to a 4 year 9.28 million dollar deal
• Signed FA OF Romeo Pirelli to a 4 year 37.8 million dollar contract
• Acquired RP Brent Blair and IF prospect Manato Miyake from Chicago for P prospect Reynaldo Alarcon and minor league 1B Luis Mendoza

HOUSTON ROUGHRIDERS

• Took RP Mason Brule (SJ) in the Rule 5 Draft
• Signed FA SS Jimmy Lilliquist to a 2 year 5.12 million dollar contract

LAS VEGAS 51's

• Acquired P prospects Akiro Sato and Chris Braeutigam from the NY Empire for SS Miles Lindley
• Signed FA 3B Victor Herrada to a 4 year 27.6 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Kyle Purtee to a 2 year 1.31 million dollar deal
• Signed FA 2B Jose Rivera to an 8 year 68.7 million dollar contract
• Signed FA C and former Rustler Greg Cowan to a 1 year 1.3 million dollar deal

LEXINGTON REBELS

• Signed FA SP Mike Desmond to a 2 year 7.76 million dollar deal
• Traded LHP Jeremy Bigney 1B Bobby Reese OF Paul James and RHP John Queen to Philadelphia for LHP Randy Hodgson
• Signed FA RP Mike Curry to a 2 year 1.89 million dollar deal
• Signed FA 1B Josh Graham (.291-9-40) to a 1 year 1.44 million dollar contract.
• Acquired SP Kyle Moore (13-13 4.83) from Denver for C Omar Diaz 2B Alberto Narvaez and RHP Pete Sugano
• Traded 19 yr old OF Jerry Watts (3*) 24 yr old OF Manny Garcia (3*) 21 yr old P Chi-hyeon Kim (3*) 19 yr old 1B Bryan Gallo (2.5*) and 23 yr old P Mike Whiting (2*) to the New York Punishers for 3x Koufax winner Josh Viens (17-12 3.87).

LOS ANGELES STORM

• Lost SP Nick Morrison to Ohio in the Rule 5 Draft
• Sent RP Kyle Kurtz and 695K in cash to Baltimore for C Mark Tarbush
• Signed FA RP Jesse Bartsch to a 1 year 1.32 million dollar deal

MEMPHIS BLUE SOX

• Tech wiz Juan Jimenez purchased a controlling interest in the Sox from Jamie Fawcett. Jimenez is a very demanding personality who has made it clear he'll be in control of the $$.
• Sent SP Mike Hunter and P prospect Tim Oliver to Philadelphia for LHP Mike Schoenfeld and LHP Andrew Taylor
• Traded SP David Guillion (17-10 2.91) to Mexico for 22 yr old 3B Tony Fowler (2.5*) 20 yr old P Tim Jackson (3.5*) 23 yr old OF Charlie Butcher (2.5*) and 19 yr old P Chris Looney (.5*). Guillion is due 10.5m in the final year of his contract and apparently, Memphis was unable to get an extension worked out.

MEXICO BLACK BANDITS

• Signed FA OF Gerardo Espinoza to a 4 year 40.3 million dollar deal
• Acquired 2B Brock Conner Green Bay for SS Matt Ivory and 2 minor league prospects. Ivory is projected to be their leadoff hitter with Torres slotted in the 2 hole.
• Signed FA SP Robby York to a 1 year 3.38 million dollar deal
• Acquired SP David Guillion (17-10 2.91) from Memphis for 22 yr old 3B Tony Fowler (2.5*) 20 yr old P Tim Jackson (3.5*) 23 yr old OF Charlie Butcher (2.5*) and 19 yr old P Chris Looney (.5*)

MONTREAL PARAGONS

• David Luntz ended up selling the franchise to Miguel Vargas. Vargas made it clear he will be hands on and a very fiscally sound while understanding the game isn't easy and mistakes will be made. As long as they aren't repeated.
• Luntz fired GM Mike McLaughlin the next day. After 4 years on the job and a 332-316 record with 0 post-season appearances.
• Hired former San Antonio GM, Jamie Addis, to an 8 year3 million dollar contract.
• Signed FA SP Jonathan Powell to a 2 year 5.48 million dollar deal
• Signed FA CL Jason Knudson to a 2 year 6 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Sung-Hyun Jung to a 1 year 640K deal

NEW ENGLAND MINUTEMEN

• Acquired C Bert Owings from Chicago for 3B Alvin Juliani a 3B prospect Steve Halsey
• Signed FA C Jamie Hensley to a 4 year 32 million dollar contract
• Signed FA 1B Alonzo Rodriguez to a 7 year 51.1 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Stefan Filizat to a 1 year 1.18 million dollar deal
• Traded 1B prospects Jeremy Martinez and Mike Weichart RHP Chase Dowdell to Philadelphia for LHP Alex Cuevas
• Acquired SP Jeremy Buttitta from Chicago for 23 yr old C Alex Chavez (2*) 24 yr old 1B Tadaatsu Yamamoto (2.5*) and 23 yr old C Victor Garcia (2*).
• Signed FA P Brent Worley to a 1 year 1.24 million dollar deal
• Acquired RP Larry Held from Austin for 25 yr old OF Josh Nicolls (2.5*) and 25 yr old 1B Trent Gatewood (2.5*)

NEW YORK EMPIRE

• Fired GM Tyler Gagne after 5 seasons and 1 playoff berth (2013)
• Hired 37-year-old Victor Reyes who immediately became the youngest GM in baseball. A Harvard graduate with no prior front office experience.
• Traded 2 P prospects to Las Vegas for SS Miles Lindley
• Acquired RP Sadafumi Fujimoto (SAN) in the Rule 5 Draft

NEW YORK PUNISHERS

• Sent SP Aaron Peterson to Green Bay for C Jeff Bingham
• Signed FA SP Chris Jones to a 3 year 8.16 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Dane Davis to a 1 year 840K contract.
• Signed 2B Dennis Montanez to a 4 year 40 million dollar contract extension
• Signed FA RP Jesus Banuelos to a 1 year 740 K contract
• Signed FA RF Jack Terhune to a 5 year 47.7 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Dusty Pink to a 1 year 510K deal
• Acquired 19 yr old OF Jerry Watts (3*) 24 yr old OF Manny Garcia (3*) 21 yr old P Chi-hyeon Kim (3*) 19 yr old 1B Bryan Gallo (2.5*) and 23 yr old P Mike Whiting (2*) from Lexington for 3x Koufax winner Josh Viens (17-12 3.87).

OHIO GENERALS

• Signed FA SP Tomohiro Masuda to a 4 year 27.6 million dollar contract.
• Acquired 1B Jim Madden, OF's Andy Logsdon, Ilia Vaupshasov, and P Dan Quackenbush from Charlotte for P Craig Collins
• Took SP Nick Morrison (LA) RP Chris Parry (FW) and CF Stephano Antonucci (CHI) in the Rule 5 Draft
• Signed FA SP David Andrade to a 7 year 20.72 million dollar contract

PHILADELPHIA PATRIOTS

• Owner Seth Swier passed away on November 10th and his son Seth Swier Jr has assumed control of the team. His son is known to be a spender and a very laid-back kid. Will be interesting to see their winter.
• Signed FA SP Tony Rostro to a 3 year 10.35 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Cody Lytle to a 2 year 6.88 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Joel Compton to a 3 year 2.83 million dollar contract
• Signed FA SP Mark Rioux to a 3 year 7.88 million dollar deal.
• Signed RP Jason Koehler to a w year 2.44 million dollar deal
• Signed 6x Gold Glove winner SS Izzy Guzman to a 4 year 23.9 million dollar deal
• Acquired SP Mike Hunter and P prospect Tim Oliver from Memphis for LHP Mike Schoenfeld and LHP Andrew Taylor. Philadelphia would then signed Hunter to a 7 year 66 million dollar deal in Spring Training
• Acquired LHP Jeremy Bigney 1B Bobby Reese OF Paul James and RHP John Queen from Lexington for LHP Randy Hodgson
• Signed FA RP Daniel Clermont to a 1 year 670K contract
• Signed FA SP Joe Farmer to a 2 year 6.48 million dollar deal
• Signed CF Seung-Hyeon Kim to a 4 year 27.2 million dollar extension
• Acquired 1B prospects Jeremy Martinez and Mike Weichart RHP Chase Dowdell from New England for LHP Alex Cuevas
• Signed FA OF Brian Lundy to a 1 year 6.3 million dollar deal
• Acquired P Brian Hruska and 18 yr old P Josh Coleman (1.5*) from Austin for C Julio Jaramillo (3*) and a 4th round draft choice.

PITTSBURGH MINERS

• Signed FA SP Greg Hartzler to a 7 year 95 million dollar deal
• Lost 1B Tony Diaz to Providence in the Rule 5 Draft
• Signed RP Tyler Clarke to a 2 year 1.66 million dollar deal

PROVIDENCE BLACK SOX

• Fired Manager Bobby Flores after 5 years and 5 consecutive playoff appearances. After 22 seasons in Rookie ball and Short-Season as a manager, he managed for 5 years and helped the team to 2 division titles and 3 Wild Card appearances.
• Hired former ABL OF Chad Sayes on a 4 year 950K contract.
• Acquired 1B Tony Diaz (PIT) in the Rule 5 Draft

SAN JOSE HAWKS

• Fired GM Mike Curl after 6 seasons and 2 playoff appearances (2013-14).
• Hired Bobby Lindsay as their new GM. He has zero prior front office experience.
• Lost RP Mason Brule to Houston in the Rule 5 Draft

SAN ANTONIO BRONCOS

• Traded RP Billy Collins to San Francisco for P prospect Bao-qing Fong and 1B prospect Nolan West
• Lost RP Sadafumi Fujimoto to the NY Empire in the Rule 5 Draft

SAN FRANCISCO BEARS

• Sent RP Billy Collins to San Antonio for P prospect Bao-qing Fong and 1B prospect Nolan West
• Signed FA RP Jose Herrera to a 1 year 610K contract
• Signed FA SP Omar Trinidad to a 3 year 6.6 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Adam Jenney to a 2 year 1.94 million dollar contract
• Signed FA RP Rich Bowman to a 2 year 4.88 million dollar deal
• Signed FA RP Francisco Monge to a 3 year 3.99 million dollar contract
• Signed FA SP Tim Keen to a 2 year 5.12 million dollar deal
• Signed FA SP Michael Cawthon to a 2 year 1.6 million dollar deal
• Signed FA SP Paul Bradburn to a 1 year 600K contract
• Lost RP Larry Held to Austin via Waivers
• Signed FA RP Scott Bradley to a 1 year 1.48 million dollar deal

[gehrig38]

Subject: Spring Training Preview –Austin Rustlers (117-45 1st)

Coming off their best regular season ever, which was followed by 2 grueling playoff rounds and then a stunning 4 game sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Blackbirds, the Austin Rustlers return most of their record-breaking roster. 2016 Koufax winner Tim Collins and Co-Ace Steve Forney (Koufax runner up) will now (fingers crossed) be joined by Ace and himself a former Koufax winner Matt Behrens for an entire season. A 3-headed monster with few comparables. Austin veteran Dave Steele (15-5 3.47) will move to the 5th spot in the rotation to adjust for the signing of 29-year-old free-agent Justin Wilson (12-16 4.84 Mon/Phil). The 2013 LCS MVP and world champion was signed to a 2 year 7.1 million dollar FA contract this winter.

Key Acquisitions: Justin Wilson (SP), Tim Boland (RP), Barrett Lopez (P)
Key Losses: Sam Reyes (2B) Jake Pierce (SP) Chris Lach (SP) Ralph Collins (RP)

Rotation:2016 Koufax winner Tim Collins (21-2 2.05) and Co-Ace Steve Forney (19-2 2.51 and Koufax runner up) will now (fingers crossed) be joined by Ace and himself a former Koufax winner Matt Behrens (12-7 3.15) for an entire season. A 3-headed monster with few comparables. Austin veteran Dave Steele (15-5 3.47) will move to the 5th spot in the rotation to adjust for the signing of 29-year-old free-agent Justin Wilson (12-16 4.84 Mon/Phil). The 2013 LCS MVP and world champion were signed to a 2 year 7.1 million dollar FA contract this winter. This rotation is the deepest and most talented in the ABL.

Bullpen: 25-year-old lefty Nate Scott (6-2 4 SV 1.34 87/9 K/BB 53 IP) will take over the closer's role. 2016's closer Ranan Laskey (7-3 45 SV 2.93) and former Detroit reliever Tim Boland (6-3 2 SV 1.20 72/12 K/BB 52.2 IP 26 H) will serve as the RH/LH setup tandem. A couple of younger arms will head into camp with no options and limited choices. Victor Huerta (RH 3-1 3 SV 2.08 AAA) Barrett Lopez (LH 4-2 4.43 at Buffalo) Manny DeSanto (RH 3-3 2 SV 2.44) Alex Arregui (RH 8-4 25 SV 1.94 AAA) and lefty Masakazu Matsui (1-3 3.97) will round out the bullpen.

Catcher: The tandem of veteran Scott Comerford (.249/.311/.467 18 HR 58 RBI) and Nick McGuire (.247/.329/.400 6 HR 32 RBI) will comprise the catching. Veteran Julio Jaramillo was acquired from Philadelphia this winter to serve as a mentor to 23-year-old C prospect Jeremiah Bidet at AAA Warren and serve as a 3rd option should we have injury issues in Austin.

Infield: Sam Reyes was let go and inked a mega-deal with Charlotte to make room for 2 of the game's top IF prospects. Xavier Feliciano and Luis Orozco will start the season sharing 3B duties in the hopes of Feliciano becoming what we thought he would be when we dealt for him. Orozco is in the final year of his contract at 7.5 million and likely won't like it but the contract has drawn very little interest in trade partners. Perennial all-star Joe Tighe will move from SS to 2B to allow 24-year-old Mike Davis (.282/.447/.565 AA) a chance to become the everyday SS. Veteran leader Nick Archer coming off a career-high .329/.385/.526 and an ABL leading 134 RBI's (25 HR's) anchors the club on and off the field. The 7x all-star is signed through 2022 with the final 2 seasons being 9.5 million dollar player options. One of the games best 4th infielders, Brian McLaughlin (.356/.414/.445) will serve as the utility man and spell the regulars as needed.

Outfield: The ABL's best OF returns everyone. 2X MVP Andy Adrian (.345/.392/.589 29 HR 122 RBI 66 SB) anchors the offense and defense in CF while MVP runner up and CL Batting champion Dave Nolasco (.352/.413/.602 33 HR 115 RBI 42 2B) will play RF. 2015 Jackie Robinson winner Tommy Dziedzic (.286/.332/.540 32 HR 38 2B 110 RBI), the owner of a new 7 year 53.1 million dollar extension will patrol RF at 23 years old. The switch-hitting tandem of Kyle Brill (.229/.288/.321) and Jeff Hanna (.320/.394/.507 9 HR 30 RBI) will serve as PH options and reserve OF's. 23-year-old Alfredo Razo (.295/.364/.449 12 HR 55 RBI 40 SB AAA) will start the year in Warren but be available as a call-up option should something happen.
The AAA OF will have top prospects Brad Hathaway, Dave Zupan, Cody McNutt, and recently signed Jason Dziedzic (yes, that Dziedzic, Tommy's 27-year-old brother)

Top-Rated Players: None in the top 20!
Top-Rated Pitchers: Matt Behrens (9) Tim Collins (10) Steve Forney (17)
Projected 2008 Finish: 95-67 1st in the Sam Houston Division

[gehrig38]

Spring Training Recap

• The spring training record was 20-10
• No major injuries but some things that will need to be dealt with as the season opens
• OF Alfredo Razo was having back spasms and had to sit the final week of camp. He was still unsure of a return on opening day so he was DL'd. With pending trades and potential waivers, the roster is at 25 with only 4 outfielders and that will be the setup going into opening day.
• Razo was supposed to be the “6th” outfielder at Warren but....
• Dave Nolasco has a herniated disc. Breathe.... It's not long-term, not yet anyway. He'll be out for at least the first 2 weeks of the year which necessitated keeping Razo on the roster. That's out now so for opening day there will be just 4 outfielders.
• The next few moves were all done at the end of camp as Austin pared down its opening day 25
• Traded RP Ralph Collins to Buffalo for RP Mike George. Collins was out of options and one of many RH options and George is LH and younger with far more club control left. George is a popular guy around the league and fan interest jumped at the news.
• Traded Jake Pierce to Buffalo and re-acquired former Rustler Barrett Lopez
• Traded P Brian Hruska and 18 yr old P Josh Coleman (1.5*) to Philadelphia for C Julio Jaramillo (3*) and a 4th round draft choice.

Around the League

• New England P Zach Steelman will miss at least 5 months with shoulder issues.
• Lexington signed Closer John Guerin (8-11 31 SV 3.99) to a 2 year 12.6 million dollar extension.
• Philadelphia signed Mike Hunter (acquired this winter via trade with Memphis) to a 7 year 66 million dollar extension.
• The Patriots signed veteran CF Seung-Hyeon Kim to a 4 year 27.2 million dollar extension the next day
• San Diego lost 24 year old RP Chris Harkness for 4-5 months with shoulder issues
• Philadelphia lost 3B Wan-hua Jong for at least 5 months with a shoulder injury
• Mexico acquired SP David Guillion (17-10 2.91) from Memphis for 22 yr old 3B Tony Fowler (2.5*) 20 yr old P Tim Jackson (3.5*) 23 yr old OF Charlie Butcher (2.5*) and 19 yr old P Chris Looney (.5*). Guillion was unwilling to sign an extension and is in the final year of his contract for 10.5 million.
• In a true blockbuster, Lexington did what it always has done, and acquired elite pitching. Trading 19 yr old OF Jerry Watts (3*) 24 yr old OF Manny Garcia (3*) 21 yr old P Chi-hyeon Kim (3*) 19 yr old 1B Bryan Gallo (2.5*) and 23 yr old P Mike Whiting (2*) to the New York Punishers for 3x Koufax winner Josh Viens (17-12 3.87). Viens rebuffed NY's extension offers and will make 11.5 million in the final year of his contract. Viens 3391 K's are 2nd among active pitchers (John Del Bianco 4610 is the all-time leader and active leader) and 10th all time.
• As if they weren't forward-thinking enough, the very next day Lexington learned 25-year-old SP Kyle Moore would be lost for the season. Moore was 13-13 4.83 last year in Denver before Lexington dealt for him in January from Denver

[gehrig38]

CAREER LEADERS IN TOTAL BASES

1. Mike Murphy RET 5885
2. Brian Lundy (NYP) 5320
3. Ralph Helf RET 5280
4. Micah Tufts RET 4858
5. Omar Torres (DEN) 4809

[gehrig38]

2016 Opening day 40 man roster (37-40)
Pitchers (18)-Antonelli-L, Behrens-R, Castro-R, Collins-L, Forney-R, Stanley-R, Steele-R, Wilson-R, Zupan-L, Arregui-R, Boland-L, DeSanto-R, Hobart-L, Huerta-R, Laskey-R, Lopez-L, Matsui-L, Scott-L
Catchers-(4)-Bidet-LH, Comerford-LH, Jaramillo-SH, McGuire-RH
Infielders-(9)-Archer-RH, Bopp-RH, McLaughlin-LH, Tighe-SH, Feliciano-RH, Orozco-RH, Andriani-RH, Davis-RH, Kawata-RH
Outfielders-(6)-Dziedzic-LH, Razo-LH, Adrian-LH, Brill-SH, Hanna-SH, Nolasco-RH

I would like to see another IF that is a dominant LH bat as Tighe is a filler in all honesty vs LHP.
I like the mix of arms on the 40 man as far as pitching goes.
The one thing I don't have in the entire system is a legitimate talent at Catcher. The outfield feels thin with just 6 but they're all ++ talents and I have quite a few guys at AAA Warren who will need to be added to dealt in the coming 1-2 years.

[gehrig38]

CAREER LEADERS IN ERA

1. Jon Castillo RET 2.64
2. Alex Correa RET 2.70
3. Matt Behrens (AUS) 2.80
4. Jesus Banuelos (PHI) 2.88
5. Tomohiro Masuda (LEX) 2.93

[gehrig38]

BNN TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. LHP Jeroen de Vos (20) Mexico 2014 scouting discovery
2. RHP David Corral (18) Ft Worth 2016 Draft (4th overall)
3. SS Mike Davis (24) Austin 2011 Draft (168th overall, Lexington)
4. 3B Xavier Feliciano (23) Austin 2012 scouting discovery (Providence)
5. RHP Erwin Van Daalen (20) Buffalo 2012 scouting discovery
6. RF Juan Juarez (16) San Diego 2016 scouting discovery
7. CF Shing Jen (21) Buffalo 2013 Int. FA Signing
8. LHP John Ganley (19) Philadelphia 2015 Draft (26th overall)
9. RHP Gary Strachan (22) Brooklyn 2012 Draft (37th overall)
10. CF Tabito Tsutsui (18) New England 2016 Int. FA Signing

[gehrig38]

SINGLE SEASON RECORD ERA

1. David Faulkner (DAL) 1.731 2002
2. David Faulkner (DAL) 1.896 2003
3. Xi-li Au-Yong (LEX) 1.923 2010
4. Hiromoto Ito (SAN) 1.974 1993
5. Chris Greene (CHA) 1.985 1998

[gehrig38]

Austin Top Prospects and Leagues Minor League Systems


Something I noticed and is worth paying attention to. The complete lack of stud P prospects in Austin. Our rotation is absolutely insane, but beyond that, there is little organizational depth.

[gehrig38]

SINGLE SEASON RECORD AVG.

1. Mario Santiago (MEM) .3922 (2005)
2. Mario Santiago (MEM) .3845 (1998)
3. Andrew McGlasson (SJ) .3829 (2011)
4. Andy Palmer (PIT) .3792 (1995)
5. Mario Santiago (MEM) .3778 (1999)

[gehrig38]

PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER-SEASON EXPECTATIONS
Curt,
I hope the off-season has treated you well. This is a reminder that you should win it all this year!
Brandon Wilson

BACKROOM CHATTER

• Well, that's ambiguous. In all honesty, it's exactly what I expect. Health will always play a part but barring catastrophic health issues I think we have the depth to handle anything.
• The biggest question mark for me is on the left side of the infield. It's enough to break in a rookie to an everyday job much less 2. Both are impact talents who need to, at worst, maintain some consistency offensively while playing great defense.
• Nolasco missing two weeks will allow me to possibly see a few of the younger kids and their debuts early on.
• I fully expect the rotation to be the anchor and strength of this team and the thing that will not see any prolonged losing streaks.

[gehrig38]

PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS

• Baltimore, San Jose, Brooklyn, and Mexico are the PL predicted winners with New England, Austin, and Charlotte/Green Bay/Memphis in the CL. The Charlotte/GB/Memphis trio is expected to see the WC come out of there. Interesting that an expansion team gaining credibility this fast and also very interesting to note Lexington is predicted to miss the post-season.
• I'm not buying that. Their trade to acquire Viens to me makes them the favorites.
• The World Series is set to be a rematch of last season, Baltimore vs Austin.

PRE-SEASON AWARD PREDICTIONS
MVP
PL-Taichiro Kimura SS (BRK)
CL-Arturo Mino 1B (OH)
KOUFAX
PL-Jim Duffy SP (MEX)
CL-Brendon Biernacki (BUF)
RIVERA
PL-Jeff Baker (PHI)
CL-Nate Scott (AUS)
ROOKIE
PL-Evan Woods SP (LA)
CL-Xavier Feliciano 3B (AUS)

[gehrig38]

OPENING DAY LINEUP

1. 2B-Joe Tighe (S)
2. 3B-Xavier Feliciano (R )
3. CF-Andy Adrian (L)
4. 1B-Nick Archer (R )
5. LF-Tommy Dziedzic (L)
6. RF-Jeff Hanna (S)
7. C-Scott Comerford (L)
8. SS-Mike Davis (R )
9. P-Tim Collins

• One rookie at the top, one at the bottom. The hope is that Feliciano will hit the ground running. This lineup should score, a lot. The ability to slot R/L all the way down is big given how sabermetrics are driving so many bullpens.
• When Nolasco returns he'll hit 6th most likely. Which makes this lineup incredibly deep.

[gehrig38]

WEEK 1

• RECORD: 3-0
• STANDINGS: 3-0 (t-1st)
• RUNS SCORED: 19 (2nd)
• OPS: .868 (2nd)
• RUNS AGAINST: 10 (t-9th)
• DEFENSIVE EFF: .706 (9th)
• SP ERA: 3.92 (11th)
• BULLPEN ERA: 0.00 (t-1st)
• OWNERS MOOD: Ecstatic
• FAN INTEREST: 100
• POWER RANKINGS: 1st

THIS WEEK: 3-0 @ Ohio

• Tim Collins got stuck in traffic on the way to the park, arrived 20 minutes before game time. Matt Behrens took the opening day start. There was nothing nefarious about the event, it was apparently the result of a chicken truck overturning and over 2000 chickens were roaming the freeway between his house and the ballpark. Collins lives locally.

3/31: AUS 7 OH 3 Behrens (W) 7 IP 8 H 2 K 2 ER 1-3 Adrian 3-5 2B (1) SB (1) 2 R Tighe 2-5 R RBI (1) Archer 2B (1) 3 RBI (3) Comerford HR (1) 2 R 2 RBI (2) Mino (OH) 3-4 2B (1) HR (1) R 2 RBI (2)
4/1: AUS 5 OH 3 Collins (W) 8 IP 8 H 9 K 3 ER Scott SV (1) Feliciano 3-5 3B (1) R Adrian HR (1) 2 R 2 RBI (2) SB (2) Dziedzic HR (1) 3 RBI (3)
4/2: AUS 7 OH 4 Forney ND 5.2 IP 6 H 7 K 4 ER Huerta (W) 1.1 IP Scott SV (2) Brill PH HR (1) 2-2 2 RBI (2) Archer 2B (2) 2 RBI (5) Masuda (OH) 5 IP 6 H 6 K 4 ER ND

NEXT WEEK: OFF DAY 3 @ Charlotte (2-1) 3 @ Green Bay (2-1)

ABL HAPPENINGS:
3/31:

• Mike Benoit (SAN) needed just 96 pitches in a 2-hit 1-0 win over New York on opening day. Juan Rio (NYE) took the loss giving up a run on 3 hits over 6.

4/1:

• Tsuruki Tanioka (FW) punched out 10 and walked 1 in a 3-hit 1-0 win over Providence. Juan Esquerra (PRO) took the loss allowing a run on 3 hits in 6 innings.
• Lexington claimed 1B Steve Alvey off waivers from Ohio. The 25-year-old hit .225/.331/.454 at AAA Little Rock last year with 29 HR and 94 RBI.
• Jerry Steimel went into the off-season expecting big things. He hit .294-37-116 last year so that was no surprise. The surprise was that the season began and he had found no home. That changed today as the Denver Saints signed the 29-year-old to a 1 year 2.24 million dollar deal.
• Dallas signed FA RP Joel Compton to a 2 year 4.96 million dollar contract.

RUSTLER NEWS
4/2:

• Reliever Masakazu Matsui was optioned to AAA Warren after the game and OF prospect Brad Hathaway was added to the 40 man roster and recalled. With the depth of our rotation and the experience, it was felt the bat was far more urgent of a need rather than having an extra arm in the bullpen.

[gehrig38]

WEEK 2

• RECORD: 4-2
• STANDINGS: 7-2 (½ GB)
• RUNS SCORED: 46 (1st)
• OPS: .705 (3rd)
• RUNS AGAINST: 26 (4th)
• DEFENSIVE EFF: .687 (14th)
• SP ERA: 2..97 (8th)
• BULLPEN ERA: 1.96 (4th)
• OWNERS MOOD: Ecstatic
• FAN INTEREST: 100
• POWER RANKINGS: 4th

THIS WEEK: OFF DAY 3-0 @ Charlotte (2-1) 1-2 @ Green Bay (2-1)
9 game road trip to open the season

4/3: OFF DAY
4/4: AUS 8 CHA 2 Wilson in debut (W) 7 IP 4 H 8 K 1 ER Feliciano 4-5 2B (1) R 2 RBI (2) Hanna 2 H 2 RBI (3)
4/5: AUS 4 CHA 1 Steele (W) 6 IP 5 H 3 K 0 ER Scott SV (3) Feliciano 3-5 2 RBI (4) E (1) Adrian 3-5 Hanna 2-4 HR (1) R RBI (4) Hathaway 1st ABL hit PH R
4/6: AUS 8 CHA 1 Behrens (W) 8 IP 4 H 5 K 1 ER 1-4 R (2-0 1.80) Tighe 3-4 2B (2) 3B (1) 2 R Orozco 2-4 2 HR (2) 2 R 3 RBI (3)
4/7: AUS 4 GB 1 Collins (W) 7.2 IP 3 H 4 K 4 BB (2-0 2.30) Laskey (H2) Scott SV (4) Tighe 3-5 R 2 SB (3) Adrian H RBI (5) 2 SB (5) Comerford HR (2) 2 RBI (4)
4/8: GB 4 AUS 1 Forney (L) 5.2 IP 8 H 6 K 3 ER Reed (GB) (W) 8 IP 4 H 5 K 0 ER Vance (GB) SV (5) Contardi (GB) 3-3 R Pirelli (GB) 3B (1) HR (1) 2 R RBI (4)
4/9: GB 7 AUS 2 Wilson (L) 5.2 IP 10 H 5 ER (1-1 4.26) Beckers (GB) (W) 7 IP 5 H 5 K 2 ER (2-0 1.88) Pirelli 3-5 2 2B (3) 3 RBI (7)

NEXT WEEK: OFF DAY 3 vs Ohio (4-6) 3 vs Dallas (3-6)

ABL HAPPENINGS:
4/4:

• Sean Greenwald (LA) was 3-5 slamming 3 solo HRs in a 4-3 win over San Jose.

4/5:

• The NY Punishers signed 34-year-old closer Roy Fearon to a 2 year 4.24 million dollar deal. Fearon had 2 saves in his 1st two days with the club.
• Jon Jones (BAL) allowed 6 hits and struck out 8 in a 3-0 CG SHO of Chicago.

4/6:

• The NY Empire claimed 26 year old closer Ivo Portalis off waivers from Lexington. Off to a 2-7 start the Empire will be without closer Bobby McDermott (32 SV last year) for at least another month. A 6.88 bullpen ERA probably urged the move on as much as anything.
• Lexington also learned starting SS Bob Giombetti would miss at least the next 5 weeks after being HBP and suffering a fractured finger.
• Brendon Biernacki (BUF) threw a 2-hitter for his 1st win of the year and beat the Empire 2-0. He fanned 7 and made Juan Rio (NYE) a tough-luck loser for the 2nd start in a row (7 IP 4 H 1 ER 0-2 1.38)

4/7:

• HOF'er in waiting Omar Torres (GB) became just the 2nd player in ABL history to attain 3000 career hits. Torres 6th inning 2B off Josh Viens was the tally that helped him achieve the milestone. The 10x all-star and 2004 MVP is a career .339 hitter (4th all-time) with 682 2B (1st all-time) 89 3B (14th all-time) and 321 HR with 1273 RBI's (18th all-time) and 1376 runs scored (13th all-time).
• Providence lost 31-year-old, RP Troy Blackledge, for the rest of the year with a torn rotator cuff. Blackledge was 7-8 37 SV for Montreal last year.
• Charlie Angwinn (SD) went 3-4 with 3 HRs and 5 RBI's in a 9-8 win over Mexico.

4/8:

• Denver lost SP Brendan Taylor to a torn UCL. The 37-year-old will miss at least the next 12 months.
• Elard van Liere (NYE) tossed a CG 4-hit SHO to beat Memphis 2-0 and win his 1st of the season. The top P prospect is 1-1 1.69 through 2 starts.

PATRIOT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Randy Lane 1B (PHX) 9-19 3 HR 6 RBI
COLONIAL LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Larry Peet 3B (PRO) 9-23 4 HR 9 RBI

[gehrig38]

SINGLE SEASON RECORD CG

1. Dakota Eddleman (BRK) 12 (2016)
2. Chris Nosal (DET) 12 (2012)
3. Jason Keeton (DET) 12 (2015)
4. John Del Bianco (DET) 12 (2013)
5. Brendon Biernacki (BUF) 11 (2016)

CAREER LEADERS CG

1. Josh Viens (NYP) 61
2. John Del Bianco (NE) 59
3. Jeff Alexander (PHX) 55
4. Ryan Logan (BUF) 54
5. Chris Nosal (DET) 54

[gehrig38]

WEEK 3

• RECORD: 4-2
• STANDINGS: 11-4 (+.5)
• RUNS SCORED: 70 (4th)
• OPS: .730 (4th)
• RUNS AGAINST: 45 (1st)
• DEFENSIVE EFF:
• SP ERA: 3.02 (4th)
• BULLPEN ERA: 2.45 (5th)
• OWNERS MOOD: Ecstatic
• FAN INTEREST: 100
• POWER RANKINGS: 2nd

THIS WEEK: OFF DAY 2-1 vs Ohio (4-6) 2-1 vs Dallas (3-6)
Home opener this week!

4/10: OFF DAY
4/11: OH 6 AUS 5 (11) Steele ND 6 IP 9 H 6 K 5 ER DeSanto (L) Sorenson (OH) 3-6 walk off HR 3 R RBI (1) Wells (OH) 4-5 3 2B (5) R 2 RBI (6) Archer 4-5 R RBI (9) Feliciano 0-1 4 BB R
4/12: AUS 4 OH 1 Behrens (W) 8 IP 6 H 8 K 1-2 R RBI (1) (3-0 1.57) Tighe 2-3 R BB SB (4) CS (2) Scott SV (5)
4/13: AUS 3 OH 2 Collins ND 8 IP 3 H 13 K 1 ER Scott BS (1) W Hathaway PH walk off HR (1) RBI (1)
4/14: AUS 4 DAL 3 Forney (W) 6.2 IP 4 H 7 K 0 R Laskey 1 IP 4 H 3 ER Nolasco HR 1st game back 2 RBI Davis 1st career HR 2B (1) 2 R RBI (3) Adrian 2-4 R RBI (7) CS (1)
4/15: AUS 3 DAL 1 Wilson (W) 6 IP 3 H 3 K 4 BB 1 ER Scott SV (6) Tighe leadoff HR (1) R RBI (4) Nolasco 2-4 3B (1) R RBI (3) Adrian SB (8) Feliciano 2 H E (2)
4/16: DAL 6 AUS 5 Steele (L) 3 IP 8 H 5 ER 0 K (1-1 6.00) Feliciano 5-6 HR (1) R 2 RBI (6) (.463 leads CL) Davis 1-1 4 BB (ties team record) R Archer 1-2 3 BB (10 team walks)

NEXT WEEK: 3 vs Phoenix (11-4) OFF DAY 3 vs Charlotte (11-5)

ABL HAPPENINGS:
4/13:

• Mexico 3B Andy Campbell will miss the next 5-6 weeks with an oblique strain. The 22-year-old was the 5th overall selection in 2013.

4/14:

• Phoenix claimed 24-year-old RP Jeff McCain off waivers from LA. The fireballing righty was expected to close in LA but infighting apparently caused issues and the Storm waived him.
• Tony Diaz (PRO) went 5-5 with 2 HR and 5 RBI in a 9-3 win over Buffalo

4/16:

• Ohio lost RP Billy Clark for the year with a torn labrum. The 22-year-old former 1st round draft choice (2015 20th overall) is expected to miss 9-10 months.
• Bobby Adamson (PRO) went 3-5 and slammed 3 solo HR's in the Black Sox 7-3 win over Buffalo.

4/17:

• Providence star Chris Whitten will miss 5-6 weeks with bone chips in his elbow. Whitten, a 6x all-star, is coming off a .279-40-93 campaign.

RUSTLER NEWS:
4/14:

• Dave Zupan (AAA) tossed a no-hitter in his 1st AAA start. He fanned 6 and walked 3. (see next post)

4/16:

• Xavier Feliciano went 5-6 and drove in 2 in a 6-5 win and is now leading the CL with a .463 average. The platooning will stop for a bit even though Luis Orozco is hitting. Want to get as much of this hot streak as I can. (though maybe the hot streak is BECAUSE he's platooning?)

4/17:

• Signed as a leader for our AA club 27-year-old 1B Byeong-min Yook took home AA PotW honors going 14-30 4 HR 9 RBI.

PATRIOT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: John Ventre CF (BAL) 10-26 5 HR 10 RBI
COLONIAL LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Abdul-Muta'al Rhodes RF (NE) 9-22 4 HR 7 RBI 6 R