Dark Cloud's Moneyball Dynasty

[darkcloud4579]

ZITO OUT FOR THE SEASON
BOSTON - (7/28/07) Boston's ace Barry Zito is out with a torn tricep and will be shelved for the rest of the year. Zito was 10-9 with a 2.92 ERA and was eighth in the league in wins at the time of his injury.

RAMIREZ HITS 500TH HOMER
OAKLAND - (8/5/07) Texas outfield Manny Ramirez hit his 500th homer against the Oakland A's.

JOSH KARP THROWS NO-HITTER, 2ND OF HIS CAREER
WASHINGTON - (8/29/07) Karp threw his second career no-hitter, this one against Arizona Diamondbacks at Capital One Ballpark. Karp, 27, is 10-5 with a 2.94 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 28 starts.

LEAGUE LEADERS
NL BATTING
RF Anthony Webster WAS .358
3B Scott Hairston ARZ .339
OF Todd Hollandsworth MIL .333

AL BATTING
2B Jose Vidro NEV .335
CF Laynce Nix TEX .334
3B Matt Holliday CLE .330

NL HOMERS
OF Lance Berkman HOU 37
OF Willy mo Pena HOU 36
OF J.J. Davis COL 33

AL HOMERS
OF Vladimir Guerrero BAL 39
LF Albert Pujols CHA 37
OF Laynce Nix TEX 34

AL RUNS BATTED IN
Laynce Nix TEX 115
Albert Pujols CHA 110
Vladimir Guerrero BAL 92

NL RUNS BATTED IN
Lance Berkman HOU 117
Willie mo Pena HOU 99
J.J. Davis COL 97

AL STOLEN BASES
CF Nook Logan BOS 55
CF Johnny Damon ANA 53
CF Carl Crawford TOR 38

NL STOLEN BASES
RF Anthony Webster WAS 54
2B Willie Harris MIL 43
CF Dave Krynzel MIL 42

PITCHING

NL WINS
Oscar Villarreal ARZ 13
Tyler Johnson PIT 13
Oscar Perez COL 13
Kevin Correia MIL 13
Frailyn Tejada FLA 13
Kris Benson LA 13

AL WINS
Billy Traber CLE 17
Jason Stumm CLE 16
Mark Prior NEV 16
Pedro Martinez TEX 16

NL ERA
Rafeal Soriano MIL 2.07
Ryan Vogelsong PIT 2.10
Oscar Villarreal ARZ 2.36

AL ERA
Billy Traber CLE 1.99
Mark Prior NEV 2.57
Jason Stumm CLE 2.73

AL STRIKEOUTS
Pedro Martinez TEX 227
Mark Prior NEV 223
Richard Salazar BAL 171

NL STRIKEOUTS
Brad Sullivan HOU 223
Macay McBride ATL 204
Kevin Correria MIL 189

NL SAVES
Paul Dunn COL 32
Alfredo Gonzales LA 30
Ugeth Urbina MIL 27

AL SAVES
Scott Williamson MIL 34
Jeff Zimmerman BAL 32
T.J. Tucker BOS 30

[darkcloud4579]

Major League Baseball officials today have announced that Commissioner Bud Selig will end his tenure as baseball’s commissioner. Selig, who was once the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers (that is, back when they sucked) will be leaving to take a different job.

Meanwhile, the candidates to replace him include former US Secretary of State George Mitchell, former National League President Leonard Hamilton, former Minor League Baseball President Jimmie Lee Soloman among others. The owners have convened a committee that will whittle down the list, in order to select a candidate by the Winter Meetings in December.

[darkcloud4579]

The Devil Rays were forced to move games on September 1st and 2nd against the Baltimore Orioles to Legends Field, the Yankees minor league complex after a power malfunction left three stadium crew seriously injured. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this problem,” said Facilities Director Kurt Kennedy.

This was preceded by minor explosion in a concession stand after a hot dog maker caught on fire. While no fans were injured, several were hit with debris including shrapnel and processed hot dog carnage.

[darkcloud4579]

CHICAGO – The newly created BBR or Business of Baseball Review, a semi-monthly magazine that profiles the sport and the business surrounding it, have complied a list of ten potential expansion sites. Though there has been talk of expansion by any officials connected to Major League Baseball, the review said that “baseball is a fertile sport that could easily sustain more teams,” said Editor Adam McGraw.

The cities were ranked for population, economic growth prospects, entertainment competition, potential fan base and media market size. Previous reports have stated the NY Metropolitian area could sustain four teams and the report concurred, saying that the area could actually sustain two more teams, citing Brooklyn (1) and Northern New Jersey (4) in the top ten.

Other cities were: 2) Charlotte 3) Portland 5) Indianapolis 6) Boston 7) San Antonio 8) Mexico City 9) Davenport, IA 10) Vancouver

The report was met with skepticism by some. Boston Red Sox ownership scoffed at the notion the city would support another team. “The Red Sox have the hearts and minds of this faithful town and region. With a team in Hartford, New England fans are well satiated on the fix of baseball. We don’t need another team here.”

Portland was selected by the Oakland A’s as their destination of choice, pending the approval of the owners this winter. Brooklyn is also on the list of potential sites for a National League team that is mulling a move. With the proliferation of new stadiums, most teams have not considered seriously moving.

Thus, the only way to expand baseball to fertile markets like Mexico City is expansion. The players union supports expansion because of the created jobs, but again, ownership is mum. When a new commissioner is chosen, this will hasten the decision process.

[darkcloud4579]

Here is the league's web site

Player cards were not uploaded to save time and web space, but everything else is.

To allow fans to get a better glimpse of league action, I’ve decided to create a league web site that will be updated at least twice a season, at mid-season and at the end for sure. There might be other updates as time permits and of course, the dynasty will remain here.

[darkcloud4579]

SILVERHAWKS PREPARE FOR THE STRETCH RUN
LAS VEGAS - The Silverhawks are gearing up for a run at the top. Just 11 games out in the AL West and still solidly in third place, the 'Hawks are going to see if some late-season callups can't provide a spark to the club.

"We want to be careful bringing up players that might detract from what we're doing. But in the past two seasons, we had kids come up here and make a real contribution. We're looking for that again," said Dark Cloud.

The team called up 1B Casey Kotchman who has been dubbed "First Baseman of the future". He hit .388 in 121 AAA At-bats. Originally from the Angels organization, the 24 year old is poised to be a star.

Will the 'Hawks be able to make it? There is an uphill climb, but we will see.

[darkcloud4579]

From the simulated edition of the Las Vegas Review-Journal
September 17, 2007
By Bob Batten

Does Dark Cloud have a clue? How does a team whose payroll last season was somewhere in the middle of baseball, go to the top five in baseball, then that team fails to compete? As he is always quick to point out, the Silverhawks have the best farm system in baseball - hands down. So, what's the deal with trying to rush the process to making this team good?

To get bodies in the seats, of course. He thinks we're too fickle to understand that an expansion team will have its bouts with losing, but that greener pastures are ahead.

Someone needs to let DC know that Nevada fans want no parts of one-hit wonders like Arizona, Anaheim or the flash in the pan Florida Marlins. We want a homegrown, talented team in the mold of the Yankees. Give us that and you'll have the fan base you're looking for.

As we're about to end another season, will this high priced Silverhawks team - that's worth its weight in silver - produce at least a winning record? It doesn't matter. Dark Cloud is spending this team into oblivion and the only way to stop it, is to go back to the Moneyball mode.

We will be there, but it takes time. Nothing less is acceptable to our fans.

[darkcloud4579]

Do you agree with the columnist above? Is he dead on or do you think DC's strategy will pay dividends later?

[darkcloud4579]

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Silverhawks Team President Dark Cloud responded to criticism in the local press of late regarding the team faltering down the stretch, despite the fourth highest payroll in baseball. The Silverhawks ended their season 17 games behind AL West champion Texas and 8 games behind Wild Card winner Oakland.

"Look, we're in our third year and we're going to have our first winning season. We've got the fifth best record (84-78) in the American League. To put it in perspective for you, if we were in the NL, this team would've finished just a game out of the Wild Card. So, check out the difference" he said.

Dark Cloud said he was proud of the team for its progress and accomplishments including leading the majors for the second time in three years and finally relinquishing the title of worst pitching staff in baseball, though he admitted the team needed work in that area.

"We've always relied on home grown talent to build this team and we'll continue to do that. We play in altitude and as a consequence of youthful players and our surroundings, its going to take some time to adjust. But we're on the rise, not the decline," he said.

On the tune of whether he should've signed some of the veterans he has, such as Shawn Estes, who was later dealt among others, DC said this, "I was trying to do what I could to surround our players with talented veterans. That's how these kids will learn how to be poised. Did some of our deals fail? Sure. But what team doesn't absorb bad contracts at times? We've had a lot more hits than misses thus far, I'll tell you that."

[darkcloud4579]

Division Series:
Oakland (3) against Texas (1)
Cleveland (3) against Boston (0)
Chicago (N) (2) against Arizona (3)
Milwaukee (1) against Florida (3)
League Championship:
Oakland (4) against Cleveland (2)
Florida (4) against Arizona (3)
World Series:
Florida (4) against Oakland (2)
WINNER : Florida

Tuesday 10/30/2007: Arizona's Villarreal named Cy Young
Cleveland's lefty Billy Traber was untouchable all year long. His work paid off today as the American League named him the Cy Young winner! In 33 starts this year Billy struck out 202 batters in 250.2 innings of work. His ERA is 2.15, his record 21-6. Billy has pitched 4 shutouts and 5 complete games. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 2nd in wins! Arizona's right-hander Oscar Villarreal was untouchable all year long. His work paid off today as the National League named him the Cy Young winner! This season Villarreal compiled an ERA of 2.26, going 17-6 in 31 starts. He fanned 203 while giving up 171 hits in 227 innings. He has 4 complete games and 3 shutouts. He's 2nd in the National League in ERA and 1st in wins!

Tuesday 10/30/2007: Nix (TEX) and Berkman (HOU) win League MVP
The 2007 American League League MVP winner has been announced. It's Texas' centerfielder Laynce Nix who really had a great offensive year. Laynce is hitting .315 this year, with 180 hits in 572 at bats. He has driven in 133 runs, slugging .589. He's 4th in the American League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 2nd in RBI! The National League League MVP goes to Lance Berkman this year. He had an extraordinary season as well! Lance is hitting .313 this year, with 157 hits in 501 at bats. He has driven in 131 runs, slugging .639. He's 8th in the National League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 1st in RBI!

Tuesday 10/30/2007: Florida's Akers named Rookie Of The Year
The 2007 American League Rookie Of The Year winner is from Texas this season. Ruperto Donato put together impressive numbers for a rookie en route to win the first major award of his career. Let's hope more will follow for this 22 year old ballplayer. His season numbers are: .284 AVG, 151 hits, 25 doubles, 5 triples and 22 longballs, along with 97 RBI and 90 runs scored. The 2007 National League Rookie Of The Year winner is from Florida this season. Phil Akers put together impressive numbers for a rookie en route to win the first major award of his career. Let's hope more will follow for this 25 year old ballplayer. Phil has a record of 11-9 this season, with an ERA of 2.53. In 181.1 Innings he was able to strike out 193 batters. He has 4 complete games and 4 shutouts.

[darkcloud4579]

Division Series:
Oakland (3) against Texas (1)
Cleveland (3) against Boston (0)
Chicago (N) (2) against Arizona (3)
Milwaukee (1) against Florida (3)
League Championship:
Oakland (4) against Cleveland (2)
Florida (4) against Arizona (3)
World Series:
Florida (4) against Oakland (2)
WINNER : Florida

Tuesday 10/30/2007: Arizona's Villarreal named Cy Young
Cleveland's lefty Billy Traber was untouchable all year long. His work paid off today as the American League named him the Cy Young winner! In 33 starts this year Billy struck out 202 batters in 250.2 innings of work. His ERA is 2.15, his record 21-6. Billy has pitched 4 shutouts and 5 complete games. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 2nd in wins! Arizona's right-hander Oscar Villarreal was untouchable all year long. His work paid off today as the National League named him the Cy Young winner! This season Villarreal compiled an ERA of 2.26, going 17-6 in 31 starts. He fanned 203 while giving up 171 hits in 227 innings. He has 4 complete games and 3 shutouts. He's 2nd in the National League in ERA and 1st in wins!

Tuesday 10/30/2007: Nix (TEX) and Berkman (HOU) win League MVP
The 2007 American League League MVP winner has been announced. It's Texas' centerfielder Laynce Nix who really had a great offensive year. Laynce is hitting .315 this year, with 180 hits in 572 at bats. He has driven in 133 runs, slugging .589. He's 4th in the American League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 2nd in RBI! The National League League MVP goes to Lance Berkman this year. He had an extraordinary season as well! Lance is hitting .313 this year, with 157 hits in 501 at bats. He has driven in 131 runs, slugging .639. He's 8th in the National League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 1st in RBI!

Tuesday 10/30/2007: Florida's Akers named Rookie Of The Year
The 2007 American League Rookie Of The Year winner is from Texas this season. Ruperto Donato put together impressive numbers for a rookie en route to win the first major award of his career. Let's hope more will follow for this 22 year old ballplayer. His season numbers are: .284 AVG, 151 hits, 25 doubles, 5 triples and 22 longballs, along with 97 RBI and 90 runs scored. The 2007 National League Rookie Of The Year winner is from Florida this season. Phil Akers put together impressive numbers for a rookie en route to win the first major award of his career. Let's hope more will follow for this 25 year old ballplayer. Phil has a record of 11-9 this season, with an ERA of 2.53. In 181.1 Innings he was able to strike out 193 batters. He has 4 complete games and 4 shutouts.

[darkcloud4579]

American League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Boston 100 62 .617 - 96-66 4 48-33 52-29 7-3 23-18 * W1 6-4
New York (A) 83 79 .512 17.0 84-78 -1 40-41 43-38 9-7 27-20 - L1 4-6
Toronto 83 79 .512 17.0 81-81 2 40-41 43-38 9-8 27-24 - W1 8-2
Tampa Bay 82 80 .506 18.0 85-77 -3 45-36 37-44 9-5 23-20 - W2 5-5
Baltimore 81 81 .500 19.0 79-83 2 40-41 41-40 5-6 21-19 - W3 4-6
Hartford 64 98 .395 36.0 63-99 1 25-56 39-42 7-10 16-22 - W1 5-5

Central Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Cleveland 95 67 .586 - 99-63 -4 51-30 44-37 4-11 20-20 * W3 5-5
Minnesota 80 82 .494 15.0 73-89 7 38-43 42-39 8-6 27-18 - L6 4-6
Detroit 79 83 .488 16.0 80-82 -1 41-40 38-43 2-4 20-21 - L1 5-5
Kansas City 75 87 .463 20.0 73-89 2 44-37 31-50 4-11 24-20 - L1 4-6
Chicago (A) 57 105 .352 38.0 66-96 -9 33-48 24-57 6-9 12-35 - W1 3-7

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Texas 101 61 .623 - 100-62 1 55-26 46-35 6-5 26-18 * W1 8-2
Oakland 92 70 .568 9.0 90-72 2 47-34 45-36 15-4 29-18 - L1 3-7
Nevada 84 78 .519 17.0 83-79 1 40-41 44-37 5-5 22-22 - L1 6-4
Anaheim 77 85 .475 24.0 80-82 -3 39-42 38-43 3-6 18-27 - L2 6-4
Seattle 71 91 .438 30.0 71-91 0 34-47 37-44 13-9 18-30 - L4 4-6

National League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Florida 92 70 .568 - 97-65 -5 47-34 45-36 6-13 25-25 * W1 7-3
Atlanta 79 83 .488 13.0 82-80 -3 35-46 44-37 11-5 22-25 - W1 5-5
New York (N) 79 83 .488 13.0 79-83 0 39-42 40-41 14-11 25-28 - W1 3-7
Philadelphia 75 87 .463 17.0 78-84 -3 36-45 39-42 4-9 24-21 - L1 7-3
Washington 71 91 .438 21.0 71-91 0 40-41 31-50 4-10 25-28 - L3 1-9

Central Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Milwaukee 88 75 .540 - 85-78 3 48-34 40-41 5-6 26-17 * W1 5-5
Chicago (N) 87 76 .534 1.0 83-80 4 41-40 46-36 6-4 29-20 - L1 4-6
Houston 82 80 .506 5.5 91-71 -9 37-44 45-36 6-11 25-28 - W2 4-6
St. Louis 81 81 .500 6.5 73-89 8 40-41 41-40 6-7 24-24 - W3 7-3
Pittsburgh 78 84 .481 9.5 80-82 -2 39-42 39-42 10-11 33-26 - L1 3-7
Cincinnati 66 96 .407 21.5 74-88 -8 31-50 35-46 9-5 18-34 - L1 4-6

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Arizona 93 69 .574 - 89-73 4 44-37 49-32 7-7 27-23 * W1 7-3
Colorado 85 77 .525 8.0 86-76 -1 47-34 38-43 5-9 27-31 - W3 8-2
Los Angeles 80 82 .494 13.0 76-86 4 41-40 39-42 13-6 25-28 - L2 5-5
San Francisco 77 85 .475 16.0 80-82 -3 43-38 34-47 10-9 27-26 - L3 4-6
San Diego 76 86 .469 17.0 67-95 9 44-37 32-49 9-5 23-22 - L1 8-2

[darkcloud4579]

SILVERHAWKS 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

LAS VEGAS - The Silverhawks capped off their best season in their short history this year, with emerging home grown talents, mixed in with established veterans, making fans excited about a 2008 that might result in a playoff berth in just the fourth year of the team's existance.

But if it happens, Team President Dark Cloud will not be surprised, he'll just be satisfied since that was his goal. "Our goal was to make the playoffs before Year 5 and to become a regular contender at that time. We were contenders this season, so we're ahead of schedule," he said.

SS Josh Schwartz was named Team MVP this season, breaking the two-year run of 2B Jose Vidro, who had a great season. Schwartz, 22, established himself this season as an emerging talent on the scene, hitting .319/15/91 with 30 steals. "He's really making himself a star," said Manager Ryne Sandberg. Though, Schwartz needs to work on his defense, (26 errors this season, 25 last year), the Silverhawks are happy with his production at the plate. "He's just a kid and had little to no time in the minors. So, what he's doing is outstanding," said Dark Cloud.

With success comes overpaying players and Schwartz was signed to a 3 year extension worth $24 million. Vidro, 33, made his third consecutive All-Star game and registered his ninth straight season hitting above .300. "He's a real star and we're so glad that we managed to sign him," said Dark Cloud.

Other notables included LF Harold Clerk, who in his second full ML season, is turning into an offense force himself. He hit .287 with 27 homers and 98 RBI. But, he is eligible for arbitration this season. CF Joe Borchard, who was acquired mid-season finished the year with .277 with 27 homers and 97 RBI. He signed a 5 year extension worth $30 million.

On the pitching side of the house, the team wasn't worst in pitching. But, they were close. This is problematic, to be sure, but there was hope. Kurt Ainsworth, 29, went 17-7 with 222 strikeouts, both franchise records. "He's worth every penny," said Dark Cloud.

Mark Prior, who came over before the trade deadline excites many around the organization, after turning in a 17-6, 3.14 season with 268 strikeouts. He was 5-4 with 130 strikeouts since coming over to Nevada from the Cubs.

Scott Williamson had 14 saves in August and September as the team's closer and will enter next season in that role.

REVIEW
The team's first winning season (84-78) is progress indeed. Though salary is continuing to increase, the team is hoping that getting more fans in the seasons if the team is in a pennant race will justify the expenses.

We'll try to upgrade the pitching staff again this off-season, but ultimately, we're going to attempt to keep this core of players together and proceed from there.

[darkcloud4579]

RF Vlad Guerrero ORIOLES
Three of his four years in Baltimore, he was an all-star. He hit 40+ homers three of the four years there. He's making $19m now, so I can only imagine what he'll go for this off-season.

SP Brandon Claussen YANKEES
He made his first all-star game this season and had a career high 16 wins. I could've acquired this handy lefty before the trade deadline, but I was concerned that he wouldn't be able to play in Nevada. So, who knows what we'll do. He'll probably command a pretty decent size salary.

3B Eric Hinske BLUE JAYS
He didn't make the All-Star team this year, after three straight years on the team. He also ended a streak of three straight 100+ RBI seasons. That will mean he'll command a little less on the open market, than he would've otherwise. Does that make him a viable option? Who knows....

SP Adam Wainwright ROYALS/BLUE JAYS
He's got 32 wins over the past two years. He was traded to the Jays before the deadline, but its unlikely he'll remain there. We're probably going to make a big push for his services, since he's a power pitcher (4 straight seasons over 150+ K) and we need a solid third starter. He shouldn't get into "major" free agent range.


2B Brandon Phillips DIAMONDBACKS
He'll be another target of ours. We need to upgrade at SS and if we sign him, we might move Josh Schwartz to another team, especially after signing him to that ill advised contract extension. Because of his numbers (30+ homers 3 out of the last four years) he'll probably near "major" free agent numbers if the computer teams with money decide to raise the price up, as they are want to do.

RF J.J. DAVIS ROCKIES
What does a breakout season of 40+ homers at Coors get you? Most likely, a big contract. Davis, 29, is hardly a youngin and he's Jeffrey Hammonds waiting to happen. He hit 41 homers, but only had 115 RBI. That might be in part because no one else was there for him to knock in, but what's more telling is his home/road splits. At home, his batting average was .301 with 30 homers, on the road, he hit .225 with just 13 homers. But that's not going to stop someone, you can believe.

OTHER NOTABLES
SP Javier Vasquez, RANGERS/DODGERS (14-8, 3.55)
3B Chris Woodward WHALERS/PADRES (16 HRs/60 RBI)
SP Jimmy Journell CARDINALS (14-9, 4.49, 230K)

[darkcloud4579]

SILVERHAWKS PLAN TO CUT SALARY
LAS VEGAS - With several big contracts on tap, the Silverhawks are planning to cut as much as $10 million from their current off-season payroll. Their projected payroll for 2008 is close to $100 million, which would be tops in the majors. Dark Cloud has said that number is "not acceptable."

So, the team considering deals that will cut payroll. "Simply put, we took on too many bad contracts in the "get rich quick" vein," said Dark Cloud. He said the team would be working on more financial discipline in absorbing bad contracts for players who have not always helped the club long term.

"We've been a little rash, which is understandable when you're trying to win. But we can't do that forever," he said.

[darkcloud4579]

THE TRADES BEGIN
The Silverhawks dealt 3B Joe Crede to the Milwaukee Brewers for a minor league pitcher. (LH Manny Parra)
Crede was acquired last season from the Dodgers, with the hope he could provide some pop in the offense. But his salary is the only thing that's popped us up to this point.

SCHWARTZ DEALT TO NEW YORK
The Silverhawks traded SS Josh Schwartz to the New York Mets for MR Tyler Walker. Schwartz, 22, will no doubt be a star. But his price tag was too much for the Silverhawks to bear. "This trade hurt us immensely. But we need to flexibility to move forward and this deal helps us do that," said Dark Cloud.

The truth is....I made a mistake. I should've let him just get arbitration. It obviously wouldn't have been so much. But I mistakenly thought I'd lose him unless I signed him to a deal. So, I overpaid. Then it occured to me what I did and recognized that with all the errors he makes, there is no way I could justify paying him so much. So, as a result, I had to deal him.

[darkcloud4579]

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Royals today acquired pitchers Eric Gagne, Simeon Merino and platoon player 3B Julian Benevedez from the Nevada Silverhawks for 3B Jared Sandberg, SP Jimmy Barthmeier and 2B Bobby Hill.

Gagne was the closer for the Silverhawks until mid-season of last year, when the team acquired Scott Williamson from the Cubs. Gagne will assume the closer role in KC and brings a fereocious arm to the mound. He has logged 100+ strikeouts four times in his career and had two 20+ save seasons with the Silverhawks. Merino, 24, was once rated one of the best propsects in Baseball America. He will likely get a shot to enter the Royals rotation in 2008, making him the third former Silverhawks farmhand pitcher to make the majors.

On the flip side, the cornerstone of the deal is 3B Jared Sandberg, who hit 35 homers last season with 89 RBI. He was in the first year of a five year deal worth $6.55 million per season with the Royals. Barthmeier is one of the top rated pitching prospects in the Royals organization. He was 9-10 with an ERA under 4.00 last season and had 136 strikeouts.

"We're delighted to acquire such talented players," said Dark Cloud after the deal was announced. "But, we're far from done," he said.

[darkcloud4579]

OWNERS DISCUSS FRANCHISE RELOCATIONS
NEW ORLEANS - The baseball owners met in New Orleans this week for the Winter Meetings. Their first topic of dicussion was the notion of franchise relocations.

The last team to move was the Washington Senators to Texas after the 1971 season. Major League owners have little recourse other than to block the moves, after the passage of the "Baseball Bill" in Congress last year. Info on the bill, here

"We're going to be able to reject these flurry of moves, if they are not in the best interest of the game. But I can't see that in these cases," said Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

The Oakland A's have an official proposal to move to Portland, Oregon after next season. But one National League team has also submitted a bid to move, rumored to be the Florida Marlins. To exaspeate the situation, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are having stadium problems and have explored the legal ramifications of exiting their stadium lease.

[darkcloud4579]

LAS VEGAS - The Silverhawks have formed the Mountain Diamond Partnership with the NBA expansion Nevada Shox to create a local cable network, along with the World Cup of Poker Series sponsored by several local casinos.

"We do not sanction or support gambling. But it is a fact of life and we don't think anyone should be ashamed of it, so long as they're not gambling on us," said Dark Cloud of the deal. The team had to pay a $7 million penalty to FOX to exit the original TV deal signed during the club's first season.

The network will be called The Vegas Network. The network plans to show syndicated television shows, famous gambling movies and possibly, reality television shows centered around Las Vegas. "We're going to make this one of the best networks, not just about sports, but we want to expand our reach," said Dark Cloud, who will be the President of the Network.

The deal will be for three years and will start on a rising scale, based on the network's success. The present value of the deal is close to $50 million. "We're excited about this opportunity," said Dark Cloud.

[darkcloud4579]

I figured that before the free agency period gets started, that you fans would want to know, how much money these teams have to spend on free agents this off-seasonjust free agents, not extensions.. and the number is rounded)
(in millions)
BALTIMORE: $79.378
BOSTON: $95.688
HARTFORD: $87.324
YANKEES: $202.036
TAMPA: $66.506
TORONTO: $52.280
WHITE SOX: $53.455
CLEVELAND: $19.007
DETROIT: $45.137
KANSAS CITY: $40.196
MINNESOTA: $17.615
ANAHEIM: $48.521
NEVADA: $63.316
OAKLAND: $62.216
SEATTLE: $74.929
TEXAS: $36.096
ATLANTA: $40.526
FLORIDA: $68.945
METS: $71.637
PHILADELPHIA: $51.585
WASHINGTON: $66.784
CUBS: $146.262
CINCINNATI: $44.462
HOUSTON: $57.401
MILWAUKEE: $62.907
PITTSBURGH: $60.545
ST. LOUIS: $65.993
ARIZONA: $56.356
COLORADO: $46.036
LOS ANGELES: $55.146
SAN DIEGO: $48.000
SAN FRANCISCO: $48.838