The IBL's Chicago Iron Pigs

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IBL TO EXPAND!!!
The IBL has announced the forming of 2 new professional baseball teams for the upcoming 2021 season.
The San Jose Sharks will enter the IBL and play in the, now 5 team, Coastal League Pacific Division. The Hawaii Warriors will enter the league in the Frontier Leagues Western Division.
The El Paso Diablos will move to the Coastal Leagues Lone Star Division, creating an enormously strong 6 team division.
Word has it that there is an agreement for the Frontier League to take on 2 more clubs before the league halts franchises.

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The expansion draft has been completed, and both clubs have signed their 2 former MLB prospects.
San Jose has signed SP prospect Brandon Webb and 3B Miguel Cabrera, and Hawaii has signed SP prospect Roy Oswalt and 2B Alfonso Soriano.

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12/23
Ron Miller has signed a 6 year 91.2M dollar free agent deal with the Corpus Christi Hooks. Good for him, I couldn't pay him, and he certainly deserved an every day spot. I'll now regain the pick I lost signing Hudson, but with the 2 new expansion clubs I will be drafting in the 3 slot, instead of 1st overall.

12/27
San Jose has signed 34 year old Closer Ivan Lopez to a 3 year 19.8M dollar deal. Lopez is 43-46 with a 3.14 ERA and 298 career saves.

Hawaii has signed 38 year old Closer Colton Courtney toa 2 year 16.6M dollar deal. Courtney has 131 career saves.

Jake Ellison has signed a 3 year 20.7M dollar deal with the Boston Bombers. He will assume their closers role.

12/29
Hawaii has signed former Iron Pig Walt Thompson to a 2 year 28.3M dollar contract. Thompson is 145-81 3.41 lifetime, with an IBL record 2091 K's.

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1/3
El Paso has signed 2B Rafael Cuesta to a 5 year 80M dollar contract extension. The 30 year old is a career .259 hitter with 178 HR's. He was the FL leader in 2019 with 45.

San Jose has signed MR Dave McLean to a 3 year 19.5M dollar deal. He's 21-25 3.59 with 69 Saves and 360 K's in 388.2 IP.

1/7
Corpus Christi won the sweepstakes for 35 year old Closer Alex “Fly By Night” Browne, giving him 19.8M over the next 3 seasons. Browne is 58-54 with 97 Saves and a 3.26 ERA in 837.2 IP with 931 K's. If you've paid VERY CLOSE attention you may remember him from the 2016 season, after we acquired him from Edmonton. He was traded at years end for Chance Holt.

Below is a look at the prospects Martin and the scouts have managed to sign in the past few months.

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1/11
New York has signed 'one of their own', bringing NY, NY native Jeff Bentley home with a 2 year 14.3M dollar deal. Concerns around his stamina have kept him in the pen the last 6 seasons but the Knights have inserted him into their rotation. He's 30-22 4.33 in 343 games lifetime.


1/12
Right hander Salvador Guzman has signed a 6 year 74.1M dollar contract with the San Jose Sharks. The final year is a 15.6M dollar player option. He was 14-12 4.94 last season and is 63-45 4.56 lifetime, all with the 51's of Las Vegas.

1/29
Some minor signings and deals in the past two weeks, but a major trade today.
Los Angeles gets-Glenn Hanna CL, 36, 43-43 2.97 234 Saves. 740 K's 596 IP over 540 games.
Corpus Christi gets:19 year old SP Mike Bishop (1*) 22 year old RF Gustavo Hernandez (1.5*) good wheels, good D in right, cannon for an arm and possibly might hit enough to be a 4th or 5th OF, 24 year old IF Brian Bradley (1*, minor league filler) 21 year old 2B David Reynolds (1*, insane speed, outstanding defender, couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat)

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2/17
A ton of 1-2 year deals, no big money getting thrown around this late in the off season. Until today. San Jose signed CF Jose Martinez to a 4 year 44M dollar contract. He's a .279/.345 career hitter with 175 2B's 41 3B's and 66 HR's.

2/24
Hawaii has jumped into the big money fray, signing the last real big free agent out there. RF Felix Torres has agreed to terms on a 5 year 48.8M dollar deal. He's a .260 hitter with 164 HR's in 1257 games.

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2021 SPRING TRAINING

3/6
OUCH! Former #1 P prospect Gabriel Pimentel went down last August with a torn labrum. Trainers and rehab folks were thinking he'd be back something in July of this year. Yesterday it was learned there was a setback, and he's expected to be out the entire 2021 season. He was the 4th pick overall in 2014 by Arizona and made 103 IBL starts, going 42-35 4.41 with 610 K's in 683 IP, and a stunning 557 walks.

3/19
Another HUGE ouch. Boston Ace Pat Kelley will miss at least the next 11 months after major shoulder surgery today. Kelley signed a 3 year 24M dollar extension last winter. He's 37-48 3.36 in 114 starts.

In big news, the IBL's all time home run leader Travis Bryant has left the only team he's ever known, the Baltimore Railcats, and signed with division rival Philadelphia for 3 years 33.4M. Bryant is a .276 hitter with 364 HR's.

Columbus inked 1B Christian Schall to a 5 year 85M dollar contract extension. He's hit .277 with 239 HR's in his career.

Signed just 13 days ago, OF Jamie Hilton (AZ) will miss the 2021 season after breaking his elbow.

New York signed 3B Troy Glaus to a 4 year 64M dollar contract extension.

Former MVP, and the only hitter to ever win an IBL triple crown, Bill Hill, signed a 1 year 4.7M dollar deal with LA today to come off the bench and DH.

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Couple house cleaning items.
Since the league expanded, my schedule is now obsolete, so I had to go to a balanced schedule with no interleague play.
That sucks but until I have the time to create a new one, it'll have to be.

Mr. Marquis expects a playoff appearance, which I'll tell you would be a woeful end to this teams season.

Our budget is at 114, with 3M in cash. Our expenses are 119 as of today. Clearly the post season money is vital.

Fan interest is at 83, the market has grown to very big and the owner is happy. Below are the top prospects, and the systems ranked 1-30 at the end of camp. I have dynamic rankings on now.

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In the Frontier league.
What jumps out first, 5 of my 9 hitters in the top 10 or my entire starting rotation? This is CLEARLY the year to keep folks healthy.
Has us crushing the Midwest Division, but I don't see Columbus as an 84 win team, who knows?
Luis Chavez a 40/40 guy for a 3rd straight season? Those numbers would net him a 3rd MVP too.

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The Lone Star looks insane. San Jose to have a year you'd expect from a new club. New Hampshire turning into a Keystone powerhouse?
Vegas and LA back at it, but I expect Sacramento to say something there.
Some monster seasons at the plate, Arod, Becerra with 53?
Angelo Esparza...Can he really be better?

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Numbers I put little stock in, just making it through camp healthy, and we did.

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This past season, after my return from the break, went by quickly and I feel like I 'lost touch' a bit with my players. Never one to be afraid to pull the trigger, the names and faces are changing.

I wanted to take a minute to catch anyone new, up to date on the current Chicago Roster, and prospects, with a "how they got here" and "who they are' post.

MANAGER, COACHING STAFF AND OTHER PERSONNEL:
Bartolo Romero is the manager. After 8 years in Sacramento he signed prior to last year, through the 2024 season at 850K a year. He was the CL Manager of the year in 2017, and managed the River Cats to the 2018 World Series Title. His teaching skills are legendary, and players rate him anywhere from good to outstanding in handling them on a day to day basis.

Bench Coach-Jonathan Martin is signed through this season, and we've let him know, and he let us know, this will be his final year on the field.
Pitching Coach-Bob Hill is in his 3rd season as the PC here. He was in Staten Island for 7 seasons in the same job and has helped this staff to a 3.79 and 3.73 ERA the past 2 years. At 66 he's signed through 2023 at 320K. He's an excellent teacher and outstanding at working with players.
Hitting Coach-Ron Glass is in his 7th season as HC here. He's been at the helm of the games best offenses the past few years. He started his career as the HC in Tulsa, and has failed to make the post season just once in the 9 years in the league. At 45 he already has a legendary reputation as a hitting instructor, and he's signed through 2024 at 320K per year.
Head Trainer-66 year old Ricco Cotichini has been the head trainer here since the team was founded. He's signed through 2024 at 760K per year.
Head Scout-Martin Cintron has been the head scout since 2012. At 54 he loves his job and he's damn good at it. He's all about what you can SEE, and hear, and HATES the word 'potential' and 'projection'. His contract runs out this season but there's already an offer to extend him on the table.

PITCHING STAFF

STARTING ROTATION: You're ace, and the 2020 Koufax Award winner is 22, your #2 is 24, 2 of your other starters are 23 and 25 and you're oldest pitcher is 31 and likely your most consistent arm outside your #1, you're feeling good about your chances.

1) Stan Hall (L) 22-Acquired-From San Antonio for 4 players and a 4th round pick.
The 22 year old undisputed Ace, and a true #1. He's 25-7 3.10 in 40 career starts with 262 K's in 267 IP. His SHO in the divisionals last year was one many will never forget.
2) Roberto Martinez (R) 24-Acquired-2014 Amateur Draft 1st round (8th overall).
2 All Star appearances in his first 3 seasons. 48-28 3.90 in 96 starts. He might be the most improved arm on the staff coming into this year. He's a monster at 6'5" 235, has a great work ethic and is a great teammate. went 19-7 3.35 last season.
3) Ken Lee (L) 31-Acquired-From New York for OF Alfredo Lozano in 2015.
A 3 time all star. Was the ace until last season. Pitched way better than his 13-13 record would indicate. 94-48 4.09 in 162 starts (221 games). Has won 20 twice (20-4 in '16 and 20-8 in '10). Is signed through this season with a vesting option for 1 more year at 8.5M.
4) Andy Morgan (R) 23-Acquired-From Buffalo for 4 players and a 2nd round pick.
The staffs hardest thrower. Just 23 years old he's making strides and could easily be a 1 on most other staffs. 14-13 3.98 in 33 starts to date. 236 K's 105 BB's in 212.1 IP.
5) Jorge Trujillo (L) 25-Acquires-2016 Amateur Draft 1st round (4th overall).
Took a regular turn for the first time last season, going 13-12 3.92 in 32 starts and 197.2 IP. K'd 149 to 81 walks. Bowling ball sinker with a great cutter and forkball. Defense is key for him, as he gets grounders at almost a 75% clip.

BULLPEN

SETUP/MIDDLE MEN:
Brandon Andre (L) 26-Signed a 4 year 2.36M free agent contract in 2019. 1st year he's breaking camp with the big club. Triple digit guy who loses very little to RH hitters.
Pedro Garcia (R) 28-Signed as a minor league FA in 2012. Had a great year last year (2-3 1.65) and was the 8th inning guy down the stretch.
Chance Holt (R) 29-Acquired in 2017 trade with Alaska for RP Alex Browne and a 3rd round pick. Stumbled for the first time last year. 6-1 1 SV 5.09 after 3 seasons with an ERA in the mid 2's. Gopher ball got him last year. A power sinker guy who relies on his defense, hoping he works his way back to the 7th and 8th.
Bill Jones (R) 27-Acquired in a trade with San Antonio for 1B Jake Preston, a 4th and 9th round pick.
Was in the IBL from 2016-19 but we had him at AAA Tulsa for most of last season. A career 2-7 3 Saves 4.89 in 218 games. Upper 90's fastball who can dominate RH hitters.
Jorge Pacheco (L) 23-Acquired in a trade with Baltimore, along with a 1st and 2nd round pick, for SP Spike Davis, a 1st, 3rd and 718K.
The 2nd lefty and young pup. Got a small taste last September and pitched great. Loses very little to RH hitters. With Ellison and Pennington leaving, Andre and Pacheco are the guys I need to take over.
Masafumi Watanabe (R) 27-Signed as a minor league FA in 2018.
A behemoth at 6'7". While I'll say control is his biggest weakness, he was dominant last season going 0-1 with 2 Saves 2.65 ERA in 68 IP he punched out 78 and walked 26. Hopeful that between he, Garcia and Holt Dave Winston's spot can be taken care of.
CLOSER:
Ernesto Cruz (R) 35-Drafted in the 7th round (148th) of the 2012 inaugural draft.
I'll just post stats. A 6 time all star, 24-22 1.89 ERA in 466 games. He's thrown 504.1 IP, struck out 591 and walked just 80. Is the all time leader with 347 saves in 389 chances, for a career .897 save percentage. Recipient of the 2013 and 2017 Mariano Rivera Award as the Leagues Outstanding Closer. Has 2 years and 21.3M remaining on his contract.

NEXT UP, THE POSITION PLAYERS.....

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INFIELD:
1B-Pedro Salinas (R) 28-Drafted #1 overall out of Oklahoma State in 2015.
2017 Rookie of the year, 2 time all star. Played in 146 games in 2019, no less than 160 in any other year. An offensive wrecking machine from the right side. A career .299/.404/.532 hitter with 137 homers to just 153 K's in 2395 AB's over 638 games. Will hopefully play his entire career in a Chicago uniform.

2B-Jeffrey Hudson (L) 28-Signed to a 6 year 105M dollar free agent contract this past winter.
2017 Hank Aaron Award winner, 2016 Gold Glove winner and 6 time all star. Since becoming a regular in 2015 has never played in less than 150 games. A career .300/.388/.519 hitter with 219 homers 184 2B's 745 RBI's and just 391 K's in 3957 AB's.

3B-Raul Miranda (R) 25-Acquired in huge trade with El Paso, along with 1B Earl Shaw, SP's Terry Howell and Dan Pallard and a 2nd round pick for 2B Paul Riggs 1B Gonzalo Rios and 3B Alberto Rivera and a 2nd pick.
A former 1st rounder who's coming into his own. Runs ok, 5-10 SB a year, very good defender with the strongest infield arm in the IBL. The big concern is keeping him on the field, but he's smart and a great teammate who scouts believe will become a 3 hole hitter soon. Hit .278-9-61 with a .373 OBP last year. He's a career .280/.373/.400 hitter in 179 games.

SS-Andre Blakeway (R) 26-Acquired in a trade with Buffalo for Wes Webb and a 3rd rounder.
He was a 2020 all star and is a 2 time Gold Glove winner at short. He's a machine at the plate too. Runs fine but his glove at SS and 3B is golden. Is a career .293/.396/.407 hitter in 620 games. Has hit 132 2B's 48 3B's and 13 homers while stealing 46-69 bases. Hit .351/.437/.519 in 61 games after the trade last year. He's under contract for 2 more years at 17.5M total.

BACKUP INFIELD:
Massimiliano Lorenzelli (R) 29-Acquired in a 2013 trade with New Hampshire along with SP Will Butler and a 1st round pick for SS Joreao Tio MR Bill George 2B Greg Bartlett and OF Thomas Wise and our #1.
Entering his 10th season in the IBL. Has been invaluable as a 'filler' for anyone going down on the infields left side. The .266 career average won't scare you, but he's hit 249 doubles and 41 triples to go with that. He's played in 993 games, stolen 129 of 171 bases and driven in 395 runs. Has 2 years left on his 3 year 3.1M dollar deal.

INFIELD PROSPECTS:
1B-Antonio Salas (L 20) 2018 3rd Round Draft Pick (96th overall)
Has some legit pop, waiting to see if it pans out. More likely a DH if the bat comes around.
1B Michael Bailey (R 24) 2018 4th Round Draft pick (111th overall)
Hit 28 HR's in A ball, 30 last year in AA. At 24 he's a bit past the 'prospect' stage but he continues to show improvement. Will play with/behind Gabere in Tulsa.
2B Matt Cook (S 21) 2018 Supplemental Round 1 (34th overall). #36 prospect (up from #91 last year).
50+ steal legs, potential gold glover who switch hits. Better from the left side. Hit 14 HR's and stole 27 bases in A ball last year.
IF John Overhill (R 22) Acquired in a 2018 trade for SP Bryant Thomas (who's flat out dealt since this trade)
Elite runner, borderlie elite defender at 2B, 3B and SS. This is the year scouts are saying it clicks. Solid in every possible way with a bat in his hands. A 4.5* player if he maintains.
2B/SS Cipriano Alonzo (R 22) 2017 2nd Round Draft Pick (43rd overall)
Another elite runner with a potential gold glove at SS. Can play a well above average 2B too. Last two seasons at AA and AAA the bat has shown itself. Hit .322/.382/.472 at AA last year and .313/.395/.460 after being called up to AAA. He will hit few HR's but has huge gap power (30 2B's 7 3B's last year). Stole 25+ each year in the minors.

The other potential prospects are too far away to put any serious projections too right now.

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OUTFIELD:
OF-Dennis Ash (L) 26-Acquired in 2019 trade with Baltimore, along with a 1st and 2nd pick, for Lester Jones, Gabriel Fies, Ricardo Estrada, Pat Brown a 1st and 3rd round pick. Took home the FL batting title in his first full year. An elite defender, and runner, he's the leadoff hitter vs RHP for the next few years. Hit .345 with 37 2B's, stole 32 bases and scored 85 times in 131 games.
CF-Hugh Collins (L) 31-Original Iron Pig, drafted in the 32nd round of the 2012 inaugural draft. Became a free agent in 2019 ,signed with Edmonton and we had to back up the brinks truck to re-acquire him, along with 1B/DH Gonzalo Rios.
A 5 time all star and 2014 Gold Glove winner in Center. He's finished in the top 5 in MVP voting more than once. Was 30/30 from 2014 to 2016, missing 40/40 by 3 HR”s in 2014 and 9 SB in 2016. As much an offensive force as any player in the game when healthy. Has hit .300/.383/.559 in 1087 career games with 215 2B's, 40 3B's and 264 HR's with 205 SB's and 850 RBI's.
RF-Luis Chavez (L) 26-Acquired in a 2015 trade with Edmonton, along with SP Tony Childs, for SP Dan MacFadden.
The reigning FL MVP 2 years running, simply put he's the best player in the game right now and showing zero signs of slowing up. A 4 time all star, he led the league in TB's the past 2 seasons, Runs, was the 2019 FL Batting Champion and led the league in OPS as well. In his first full 5 seasons (16-20) he has the following HR/SB totals: 37/27 39/32 32/30 41/46 and 42/42. The past 2 seasons he became the first IBL player to go 40/40, and then the first to do it in consecutive years. He's a career .317/.393/.544 hitter with 208 HR's and 646 RBI's in 864 games. 7th in all time batting average at .316.
DH-Earl Shaw (L) 23-Acquired from El Paso in the monster deal this past November.
One of the keys to the Diablos trade as, at 23, he makes an already young offense, younger, and has huge upside. 40-50 homer pop, he could be a .320-45-150 hitter this season. He runs well but is a great base stealer without blazing speed. Hit just .247 last season with 25-82 in 158 games, but had a .379 OBP and slugged .434. Needs to cut down on K's (180) but showed the great eye (105 BB's).

BENCH:
Eric Coates (L) 29-Drafted in the 2nd round (32nd overall) in the 2013 First Year player draft.
Was the 2016 FL Rookie of the Year. Made the 2018 All Star team, won the FL Batting Title as well (.336). An outstanding all around player. The IBL's 3rd all time hitter at .3279, .0001 ahead of former teammate Gonzalo Rios. He's almost finding himself as a 'tweener', lost enough speed to be moved out of the leadoff role, not enough power to hit 5th. His corner defense and ability to man center in a pinch are huge. He's really a 4th outfielder in a revolving 4 man outfield, though all 4 are all stars. That depth allows me, even with injury, to patrol the OF with 3 studs. Has 2 seasons remaining on his 5 year 32.5M dollar deal he signed back in 2018.
Ernesto Martinez (R) 23-Signed out of Mexico, by Brooklyn, in 2016, released and signed by us as a minor league FA in 2017.
Our only RH OF bat. Plays a very good LF, marginal RF and can stand in CF in an emergency. Just starting to come into his own. Very good speed, learning as a base stealer with a good bat, getting better. 10-15 HR guy but batting title contact, decent gap power, and an eye and plate discipline that are already well above average and getting better. Is actually the perfect replacement to RH OF Ron Miller.

OUTFIELD PROSPECTS:
The organizations bread and butter. Our best prospects in the field, on the bases and at the plate are in the outfields of our minor league system.

RF-Ramon Castro (L 22) Acquired in a 2020 winter meetings trade with Boston, along with C Alex Vela, for SP Eric Arnold IF Vinicius Montaury and a 4th round pick.
The IBL's #29 prospect and a hitter with a Chavez like bat. Doesn't have quite the discipline, but everything else grades to a 17+. Right now is an ok defender in right, strong arm, but needs work. He's a soon to be 3 hole hitter in an IBL lineup.
LF-Andy Davis (L 24) Signed in 2017 as a minor league FA.
The IBL's #34 prospect. Outstanding defender already, ++ runner too. Bat projects across the board, 15-20 HR power. Potential 1-2 hitter.
LF-Michael McGee (R 20) Drafted in the 2nd round (52nd) of the 2019 draft.
IBL's #71 prospect. Light tower power, already won a minor league GG, and 50+ steal speed. Has a fantastic eye but swings and misses too much right now.
RF-Ted Russell (L 22) 2020 Supplemental pick (37th overall).
Good speed, good base stealer, decent defender. Jury is out on the bat right now. Thought to have massive power out of college, but not seeing it bear out yet. Hasn't taken a pitch in what seems to be 2 years.
CF-Cesar Cordero (S 22) 2020 1st rounder draft pick (18th overall)
Likely heir apparent to Hugh Collins. Took home Short Season MVP with a .279/.413/.456 season, hitting 18 2B's 10 HR's and stealing 31 bases in 70 games. A gold glove defender across the outfield, today. 50+ steal speed and hits from both sides equally well. Future MVP in waiting if the bat continues to progress.

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WEEK 1
RECORD: 2-2
OVERALL: 2-2 1 GB
RUNS SCORED: 31 1st
RUNS AGAINST: 19 9th
OWNERS MOOD: Happy
FAN INTERST: 83/100
SCHEDULE: 3 vs Edmonton/1 @ Alaska

4/1 EDM 9 CHI 7 (13) Hall struggled early and often. Pen tosses 8 innings. Collins 3-6 2 2B's Knox HR (1)
4/2 CHI 13 EDM 3 Collins 4-5 2 HR's (2) 5 RBI's (7) Salinas 2-4 HR (1) 3 runs 3 RBI's (5) Jackson 3-5 2 RBI's (2)

PERSONNEL NEWS-Head scout Martin Cintron has agreed to a 5 year 450K per year contract extension.

4/3 CHI 6 EDM 1 Ash 2-4 HR (1) Salinas 2-4 3B 2 RBI's (7) Morris (EDM) 3-3 Lee 7.1-7-1-1-1-1 W (1-0)

GREAT GAMES-Hawaii Warriors SP Ken Porter beat Dayton 8-1 today and Porter struck out 15 in the win. Tim Davis managed the Warriors first 5 hit day ever as well.

4/4 ALK 6 CHI 5 Pen blows 4-0 lead in the last 2 innings. Morgan 6.2-4-2-2-1-9, leaves winning 4-0 2 on, pen folds. Cruz BS (1) .2-2-1-1-0-1 HR. Blakeway 3-4 Hudson 2-5 HR (1) Ordonez (ALK) 3 run gw HR off Cruz in the 8th.

SIGNINGS- LA has signed former Patriot closer Dave Gibbons to a 2 year 6.4M dollar deal. He was 6-6 with 36 Saves last season.

WEEK 1 SUMMARY

WEEK 1 POWER RANKINGS
1) Houston
2) Baltimore
3) Alaska
4) Dallas
5) Green Bay

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WEEK 2
RECORD: 5-2
OVERALL: 7-4 +1
RUNS SCORED: 65 (34)
RUNS AGAINST: 41 (22)
OWNERS MOOD: Happy
FAN INTERST: 83/100
SCHEDULE: 2 @ Alaska/3 vs Arizona/2 @ Brooklyn

4/5 CHI 6 ALK 2 Knox 3-5 Chavez 2-4 3 RBI's (5) Miranda 2-3 3 runs HR (1) Lewis (ALK) 3-4 Trujillo 6.2-7-2-2-2-7 W (1-0) Holt 2.1 IP SV (1)

CONTRACT TALKS-Las Vegas signed star OF and 2 time batting champion Jesus Andrales to a 1 year 6M dollar extension.

4/6 CHI 8 ALK 6 ALK 5 unearned in the 1st. Hall 6-5-6-1-3-3 W (1-0) Cruz SV (1) Hudson 3-5 Salinas 2-4 2B's (4) Shaw 3-5 Miranda 3-5 3B 4 RBI's (6) Chavez HR (1)

FREE AGENTS-Former Iron Pig Dave Winston has signed a 3 year 8.84M dollar deal with the Dallas Texans.

4/7 CHI 11 AZ 2 Hudson 2-5 2 HR's (3) 3 RBI's (6) Knox GS (2) 5 RBI's (7) Martinez 7.2-3-2-1-2-6 W (2-0)
4/8 CHI 4 AZ 3 Hugh Collins 8th inning 3B breaks 3-3 tie. Knox HR (3) Ash SB (4) Lee 8-7-3-3-1-9 W (2-0) Cruz SV (2)

NOTABLES- The San Jose Sharks won their 1st game in franchise history today. After starting 0-7 SP Ed Lawson tossed a 6-hitter for the CG 5-0 win over Corpus Christi.

INJURIES-Tulsa will have to make do without Closer Otto Hunter for at least 3-4 months after he underwent exploratory surgery on his shoulder today. Hunter saved 42 games with a 1.52 ERA during Tulsa's title run last year.
Close call. San Antonio ace, 2020 Koufax and Rookie of the Year winner Angelo Esparza will be down for 1-2 weeks with elbow inflammation. He punched out 13 in an opening day 3-1 loss, and had to leave after just 1.1 IP today.

4/9 CHI 4 AZ 3 Collins 3-4 2B and walk off HR (3). Chavez HR (2) Morgan 6.1-7-3-3-0-9 ND. Andre 1st IBL win (1-1).

INJURY NEWS-The Knights will have to get by without the serices of 33 year old all star closer Julio Gonzalez for the next 3 months as he deals with elbow issues. He saved 43 games with a 2.69 ERA las season in 73 games. In the same press release the Knights announced 3B Troy Glaus will miss the next 5-6 weeks with a strained groin.

4/10 BRO 3 CHI 0 Medina (BRO) 8-6-0-0-0-4 W (2-0) Wheeler (BRO) SV (2) Taylor (BRO) 3-4 Raul Miranda came out with a tight hamstring, and will be dtd for a few. Lorenzelli will get some time at 3rd.
4/11 BRO 3 CHI 1 Barrios walk off HR (1) off Pacheco. Hall 8-4-1-1-1-6 ND. Salinas HR (2)

WEEK 2 SUMMARY
FL POTW-Norm Crawford (NY) 15-27 5 RBI's (.488-0-8)
CL POTW-Lance Berkman (SAC) 14-25 2 HR's 9 RBI's (.452-3-11)

WEEK 2 POWER RANKINGS
1) Brooklyn
2) Houston
3) Los Angeles
4) New Hamphshire
5) Edmonton

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WEEK 3
RECORD: 2-4
OVERALL: 9-8 3 GB
RUNS SCORED: 103 (37) 4th
RUNS AGAINST: 70 (29) 3rd
OWNERS MOOD: Happy
FAN INTERST: 83/100
SCHEDULE: 1 @ Brooklyn/Off Day/3 vs Green Bay/2 @ Columbus

4/12 CHI 10 BRO 2 Hudson 3-5 HR (4) 3 runs Shaw 3-5 2 2B's (6) HR (1) Salinas 4-5 2B (5) Ash HR (2) 3 RBI's (5) Martinez 7-6-2-2-1-6 W (3-0)
4/13 Off Day
4/14 GB 5 CHI 4 (10) Ken Lee goes down in the 2nd, the pen has to muster 8. Chavez 3-5 HR (3) SB (2) D.Walker (GB) 3-4 HR (4)

INJURY NEWS-Lee has a strained oblique and it's looking like 3 weeks at least. Steve McKinley is recalled.

4/15 GB 7 CHI 6 (10) Up 4-0 in the bottom of 6, Morgan allows 3 singles to load the bases, then walks 3 in a row... 5-4-4-4-3-9 outing. Pen surrenders 3 homers over final 3. T.Hood (GB) 4-5 2 2B's (5) Shaw HR (2) 3 RBI's (10) Jackson 4-5
4/16 GB 6 CHI 4 Trujillo 6.1-8-4-4-3-3 ND, Pacheco L (0-2) Jones gives up HR to Gonzalez to break tie.

INJURY NEWS-Hawaii's Walt Thompson will miss the next 4 weeks with a shoulder issue.

MILESTONES-San Jose fans were treated to history today. Closer Ivan Lopez notched his 300th career save in their 4-3 win over Las Vegas. Lopez is 43-46 with a 3.13 ERA in his career.

4/17 COL 3 CHI 2 (10) Blakeway 3-5 Ramos (COL) 3-5 2B (2) 3B (1) Hall 6-6-2-2-1-9 ND Sandoval (GB) 7.2-6-2-2-6-6 ND. Jones L (0-2)
4/18 CHI 12 COL 6 Ash 3-5 2B (2) Salinas 2-5 HR (3) 3 RBI's (15) Hudson 3-5 3 RBI's (14) Martinez 3-4 Collins 3 RBI's (13) B.Ryan (COL) 3-4 HR (4) Martinez 6.2-9-2-2-1-6 W (4-0)

WEEK 3 SUMMARY
FL POTW-Fred Gill (BUF) 13-20 3 HR's 7 RBI's (.467-5-16)
CL POTW-Jesus Becerra (LV) 11-27 4 HR's 9 RBI's (.307-6-16)

WEEK 3 POWER RANKINGS
1) Green Bay
2) New York
3) Dallas
4) New Hampshire
5) Houston

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WEEK 4
RECORD: 6-1
OVERALL: 15-9 3 GB
RUNS SCORED: 161 (58) 1st
RUNS AGAINST: 93 (23) 1st
OWNERS MOOD: Happy
FAN INTERST: 83/100
SCHEDULE: 1 vs Columbus/3 vs Hawaii/3 @ Dayton

4/19 CHI 8 COL 6 Hudson 2-5 HR (5) 4 RBI's (18) Ash 3-4 2 2B's (4) Miranda 2-5 2 2B's (4) Debesa (COL) 3-5 3 runs 3B Schall (COL) HR (6) 3 RBI's (18) Gomez (COL) 3-4 HR (4) McKinley 7-9-4-4-1-6 W (1-0)
4/20 CHI 9 HW 1 Chavez 2-3 2B (5) HR (4) 3 runs Hudson HR (6) 3 RBI's (21) Ash SB (5) Morgan 7-1-0-0-6-5 W (1-0)

INJURY NEWS-Andy Morgan left the game in the 8th with a tight shoulder. Post game analysis concludes he's got a tired arm, and could pitch if need be, but will be sore for 1-2 weeks. We'll hold on a few days and if things don't seem better, DL him. Problem is the guy we were going to call up, Dan Pallard, just went on the DL with a sore elbow, and could miss up to 3 months.

4/21 CHI 10 HAW 4 Ash 3-5 2B (5) 3B (1) SB (6) 3 RBI's (10) Chavez 3-4 HR (5) 5 RBI's (17) SB (4) Trujillo 6.2-6-4-1-3-4 W (2-1) Jones SV (1)
4/22 CHI 8 HAW 5 Chavez 3-5 2B (6) HR (6) Shaw 2-3 2 HR's (4) 3 RBI's (15) Jackson 2-2 2 HR's (2) 3 runs Hall 6-3-4-4-7-8 W (2-0) Cruz SV (4)
4/23 CHI 12 DAY 3 Ash 3 RBI's (14) Shaw HR (5) Jackson 3-5 Martinez 7-7-3-0-0-8 W (5-0)

DL NEWS-Andy Morgan isn't going to be ready. He could pitch, but there is no way I'm risking that future. He'll be DL'd, and Brett Blanchard will be added to the roster and recalled. If you are paying close attention you might recall Brett was a supplemental pick (32nd overall) in the 2018 draft out of West Valley College.

4/24 CHI 11 DAY 1 Hudson 3-3 HR (7) 3 RBI's (25) Salinas 4-5 2B (8) HR (4) 3 RBI's (20) Collins 2-4 HR (4) 3 RBI's (18) McKinley 8-4-1-1-1-3 W (2-0)

TRADE NEWS-Some big names changing hands. Joel Downs, 2014 Koufax Award Winner (21-7 3.41) and 2020 1st rounder SP Mark Allen (18) were dealt to Philadelphia today in exchange for 3 time all-star Valentin Maitani. Maitani is a career .260 hitter with 309 HR's and 846 RBI's in 1213 games. He has 2 years and 19.9M left on his contract after this season. It appears to be a swap of salaries, though Downs is a free agent at the end of this year, with Philly getting a top pitching prospect in return.

4/25 DAY3 CHI 1 Watanabe 2 H 1 BB HR 3 ER 0 IP BS (1) L (0-1). Blanchard 6-5-0-0-2-5 in IBL debut. Lou (DAY) 8-3-1-1-1-4 W (2-1) Villa SV (2) Flores (DAY) 2-4 HR Gonzalez (DAY) 3-4

WEEK 4 SUMMARY
FL POTW-Luis Chavez (CHI) 14-31 3 HR's 10 RBI's (.323-6-19)
CL POTW-Steve King (BOS) 12-29 4 HR's 9 RBI's (.370-4-18)

ORG POTW:
AAA Ramon Castro (OF) 12-27 3 HR's 10 RBI's (.303-7-28)

WEEK 4 POWER RANKINGS
1) Green Bay
2) Boston
3) Buffalo
4) Houston
5) Chicago

MINORS POWER RANKINGS:
Tulsa (1)
Bakersfield (6)
Belleview (1)
Denison (6)

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APRIL SUMMARY
FL HITTER- Tony Greene (DAY) .427-9-22
CL HITTER- Curt Whimster (TUL) .375-9-27
FL PITCHER- Roberto Martinez (CHI) 5-0 2.40
CL PITCHER- Mike Lewis (CC) 4-0 2.13
FL ROOKIE- Mario Gomez (COL) .314-5-18
CL ROOKIE- Raul Carmona (LA) .267-7-27

ORG POTM
AA Pitcher Alberto Rocha 4-0 1.67
A (S) Mike Carpenter 5-0 2.57

April Records (Bold = new record this year)
AVG .479 Todd Helton (GB) '16
HR 14 Jesus Becerra (LV) '21
RBI's 39 Todd Helton (PHI) '19
SB's 17 Carl Crawford (GB) '18 Jimmy Rollins (PHI) '20
Hitting Streak 25 Joe Rowe (FRE) '14 Jorge Saucedo (HOU) '18 Chris Harvey (HOU) '20
Wins 6 Raul Gonzalez (HOU) '13 Chris O'Slattery (BAL) '14 Barry Zito (EP) '19
Saves 18 Michael Ross (HOU) '13
K's 61 Ramon Roa (PIT) '19

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WEEK 5
RECORD: 4-2
OVERALL: 19-11 2 GB
RUNS SCORED: 200 1st (39)
RUNS AGAINST: 119 1st (25)
OWNERS MOOD: Happy
FAN INTERST: 84/100
SCHEDULE: Off Day/3 vs West Michigan/3 @ Buffalo

4/26 Off Day
4/27 CHI 3 WMI 2 walk off error on WMI. Coates huge 2 out PH in the 9th. Blakeway 3-4 3B (1) Trujillo 8-7-2-2-2-3 ND Lawson (WMI) 8-7-2-2-0-9 ND Andre W (2-1) Conklin (WMI) L (1-2)
4/28 CHI 14 WMI 7 Hall 3.2-6-7-7-2-2 leaves down 7-2. Pen 5.1-2-0-0-0-1 Watanabe W (1-0). Chavez 3-5 2 HR's (8) 4 RBI's (23) Shaw 3-4 Collins 3-4 GS (5) 6 RBI's Lopez (WMI) 3-5 2B (5) 2 HR's (3) 4 RBI's (13)
4/29 CHI 8 WMI 6 Down 5-0 after 1. Cy May (WMI) GS (5) Boswell (WMI) 3-3 Collins 3-5 2 RBI's (26) Shaw HR (6) Martinez 5-10-6-4 1-4 ND Pacheco W (1-2) Cruz 5 out save (5)
4/30 CHI 6 BUF 1 McKinley CG 9-3-1-0-2-7 W (3-0) Hudson HR (8)

CONTRACT TALKS-In keeping with his personality, George Knox has signed a 2 year 2.8M dollar extension. He absolutely could have gone out and tried for more, but it's clear he believes in what's happening here and wants to be a part of it, even after being told he'd likely move into a defensive and back up role as this season progresses and Shane Jackson continues to mature.

5/1 BUF 6 CHI 5 (10) Walk off error on Chavez. Blanchard held 4-0 lead into the 5th before Hernandez GS (6). Chavez 3-5 2 2B's (8) Ash 4-5 SB (9) Hernandez (BUF) 4 RBI's (23)

GOOD GAMES-CL pitcher of the month Mike Lewis opened May the same way he finished April. He tossed a 3-hitter, punching out 9 in a 4-0 win over San Antonio. He's 5-0 1.81 in 7 starts with 4 CG's.

5/2 BUF 4 CHI 3 Cruz 2 walks 2 hits BS (2) L (0-2) Trujillo 7-5-2-2-2-6 ND. Salinas 2-3 2 RBI's (23)

ROSTER NEWS-Ken Lee is off the DL, and will start today, giving everyone an extra day this time around. Brett Blanchard threw very well, all things considered, and will head back to Tulsa.

WEEK 5 SUMMARY
FL POTW-Ricardo Lozano (MICH) 12-22 2 HR's 6 RBI's (.287-5-15)
CL POTW-Alejandro Villanueva (PIT) 10-20 5 HR's 7 RBI's (.273-9-14)

ORG POTW
A (N) Matt Cook 2B (21) 12-27 2 HR's 7 RBI's (.381-4-25)

IBL CAREER LEADERS: TRIPLES
Rich Stone (HOU) 119
Vincente Soto (WMI) 79
Orlando Rios (BOS) 65
Jesus Andrales (LV) 64
Mario Orosco (BAL) 62

WEEK 5 POWER RANKINGS
1) Green Bay (1)
2) Las Vegas (8)
3) Chicago (5)
4) Buffalo (3)
5) Boston (2)
OUT Houston (10)

Tulsa (2) -1 22-8 +5
Bakersfield (7) +1 18-12 2 GB
Belleview (2) -1 23-7 +5
Denison (5) +1 20-10 3 GB