American Baseball Association.

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LCS
All 4 teams are playoff tested but the Bears are the only club here without a world series win. The clubs have a combined 47 playoff appearances and 6 titles (Detroit 3, Vegas 2, Pittsburgh 1)

San Francisco took just 5 games to oust Pittsburgh. Series MVP Zainal Montebon hit 3 home runs and drove in 7

Detroit and Vegas took it to 7 with Detroit 2B Luis Castaneda hitting 2 home runs and driving in 3 in the pivotal game to lock up series MVP honors with a 12-26 5 HR 12 RBI 9 R performance

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In a thrilling World Series that went 7 games, San Francisco took home their first Title behind World Series MVP Arturo Guerrero. The Bears 1B went 9-25 hitting 4 home runs and driving in 10.

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ABA SET TO EXPAND FOR THE 2007 SEASON
Commissioner Renba Yadelbuod has announced that the American Baseball Association will once again expand by two teams for the 2007 season.
The Buffalo Nickels and the Austin Colts will begin play in 2007 as National League Clubs.
The Nickels will join the NL East and the Colts will join the NL Central.
Both clubs also announced their farm systems.
Buffalo will run their minor league system out of Connecticut with teams in Bridgeport (AAA) Danbury (AA) Hartford (A) Meriden (SS) and New Britain ® while Austin will run theirs out of Iowa. West Des Moines (AAA) Waterloo (AA) Sioux City (A) Iowa City (SS) and Dubuque ® will house the Colts prospects.

The league will once again hold an expansion draft and ABA clubs will be allowed to protect 30 players who have acquired 3 or more years of professional baseball service.

HIRINGS AND FIRINGS

• Minnesota fired Manager Mike Griffin after his 3rd season. The Huskies finished 66-96 and he has a career 381-429 record including 2 years as the skipper in San Diego.
• St Louis pulled a rather quick trigger in firing 1st year GM Jared Donaldson after the teams 65-97 season. Donaldson helped steer Oklahoma to a world series title in 2000 and was fired just 26 games into the 2005 season where St Louis then signed him last winter.
• In the “no surprise” category Phoenix has fired GM Yi-Chung-Hung after just one season, albeit a dismal 59-103 one at that and Manager Steve Singleton. Singleton had moved from the Bench Coach spot into managing in 2005 but the teams have failed to finish .500 in all but one season of his 10 there.

PHANTOM SOLD TO SHIPPING TYCOON
Billionaire shipping magnate Juan Barrios has purchased the ABA's most valuable franchise in acquiring the Detroit Phantom. The “Yankees of the ABA” as they are known reportedly were acquired for the tidy sum of 2.2 billion dollars. Juan has made it clear this is a 'for profit' venture and he will be totally hands off on baseball ops and open with the pocketbook. For a team already operating with the largest budget in the game (70m) and the games 2nd highest payroll (45m), it's not going to get easier for the American League, especially the Phantoms opponents in the AL East.

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POSTSEASON AWARDS
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Makata Hiyashi (FLA) .251-45-132
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Isoruoku Yamabe (POR) 15-9 4.36
AL HANK AARON AWARD – Domenic Loetzsch (2) (LV) 321-54-145
NL HANK AARON AWARD – Rob Anderson (POR) .322 -52-146
AL SANDY KOUFAX AWARD – Winton Alward (CHI) 18-10 3.45 348 K
NL SANDY KOUFAX AWARD – Mike Lloyd (SF) 16-3 2.83
AL MARIANO RIVERA AWARD – Rory Berg (2) (DET) 7-5 44 SV 2.26
NL MARIANO RIVERA AWARD – Mike Kelly (2) (SF) 12-4 44 SV 2.00

AL SILVER SLUGGER AND GOLD GLOVES
P – Dwain Milazzo (3) (CHI)
C (SS) – Luo-lang Koo (7) (MEM)
C (GG) – Chris Burdette (OH)
1B (SS) – Eric Hecht (MEM)
1B (GG) – Jeff Breitenstein (LV)
2B (SS) – Luis Castaneda (4) (DET)
2B (GG) – Maddox Bedlecom (PHX)
3B (SS) – Yulieski Gurriel (3) (MIL)
3B (GG) – Esteban Guerrero (STL)
SS (SS) – Naoaki Fuchigami (3) (DET)
SS (GG) – Sam Deaton (2) (MIL)
LF (SS) – Jahiem Kouassi (DEN)
LF (GG) – Jeff Green (OH)
CF (SS) – Mike Haupt (3) (FLA)
CF (GG) – Sergio Robles (2) (OH)
RF (SS) – Domenic Loetzsch (2) (LV)
RF (GG) – Andrew McCutchen (PHX)
DH (SS) – Guiomar Cortezo (BRK)

NL SILVER SLUGGER AND GOLD GLOVES
P – Geoff Philpott (TEX)
C (SS) – Mike Paul (SF)
C (GG) – Yadier Molina (POR)
1B (SS) – Chris Beard (2) (SAN)
1B (GG) – Jeff Boles (OK)
2B (SS) – Rob Anderson (3) (POR)
2B (GG) – Alain Delahaye (3) (WAS)
3B (SS) – Chris Letts (KC)
3B (GG) – Evan Longoria (SD)
SS (SS) – Leith McNayr (5) (SAN)
SS (GG) – Ian Desmond (2) (SF)
LF (SS) – Wing-fung Huie (SAN)
LF (GG) -Juan Villa (OK)
CF (SS) – Zainal Montebon (SF)
CF (GG) – Tim Taylor (LA)
RF (SS) – Juan Burruel (3) (WAS)
RF (GG) – Doug Schneider (KC)
DH (SS) – Chris Wright (KC)

There were no offensive records set this season.
On the mound the following records were set
Most CG 11 Chris Kantor (MEM)
Most IP 251 Chris Kantor
Most Hits Allowed 280 Chris Kantor
Most HR Allowed 62 Jorge Gonglas (OH)
Most K's 351 RJ Stanton (CHI)
Most K/9 14.36 RJ Stanton
Lowest OPP AVG .187 Mike Lloyd (SF)
Lowest OPP OPS .580 Mike Lloyd

[gehrig38]

First things first. No matter what I say in the following summaries 2006 was a win in every possible way. I absolutely felt like the pre-season predictions of 81-81 was an insanely optimistic but outstanding goal for the entire organization.

Winning 90 games wasn't even in the galaxy much less on the radar. Having said all that the end was both disappointing and eye-opening. We have a good team. Good. Not great, good. This league, the AL, is stacked. This division has some hurdles most others don't the first of which is the bottomless pockets and rabid fanbase of the Detroit Phantoms.

That is by no means an excuse. Las Vegas beat the snot out of us and it never felt like a series from the 13-3 pounding onward.

So now we look back, dissect and delve into the numbers prior to the winter and see what we need, where we need it and what's out there to possibly meet those needs.

Here is our offensive numbers.



Mike Haupt was everything I'd hoped (although Sergio Robles had a monster year too!). Rookie of the Year Makata Hayashi started out dreadful in April but for my money was the best power bat in the game from May 1st on. Luis Figueroa had a very good season but as you will see there are problems just under the surface here.
Jon Harris provided that up the middle glove and actually hit a bit more than I expected. Josh Klatt was steady and his defense as you will see was outstanding. The Grider deal was a must and maybe it did hurt, but he ended the year hitting 32 and driving in 100 at 1B while Juan Barranco had another outstanding year at the plate. I had really hoped to see Max Ramirez hit a bit in September but that didn't happen. Right now the plan is for Max to be the opening day backstop for years to come. I've extended a 1-year offer for almost no money to veteran Bryan Holaday who provides defense in spades. The more important piece is the clubhouse. Apparently, Max Ramirez was a clubhouse presence and a leadership presence that no one saw coming and that was a great piece of the September puzzle we never saw. The clubhouse was never settled this year and the lack of a leader was the reason why.
There's a position by position breakdown to be down heading into the offseason but I wanted to put the offensive numbers out there as I try to break it all down.



As of today, Nate Ramirez is the 2007 Opening Day starter. What a year he had. The rotation, given my health concerns at the seasons start, performed so far beyond expectations I cannot complain. The Barlow trade was a turning point and not in a good way. I felt the club barely kept its head above water and while I won't publicly say much I am unsure I can blame them. We were almost 10 games up in the WC and still clinging to Detroit when I dealt Barlow and Benoit. Benoit was, in hindsight, the far bigger loss. He didn't pitch all that well after the deal but our pen struggled until the youngster showed up in September. I expect Sam Ginn to be the closer here moving forward. Juan Madrid is not a closer, he doesn't have the mental makeup, but he sure as hell can shut down the 8th inning. I fully expect he and Brad Turner to be the bridge next year. Brad was up and down all year long but the tools and ceiling are, to me, unmistakable. He may even become a closer, but he's far better than the year he had.
Jake Grab, being a rule 5, was a disappointment even though I wasn't relying on much. The 21 homers are a concern but we'll see how it goes this winter and the market.
I always feel you can build an entire bullpen from the market and minors in the winter so having that ironed out, while important, isn't the top priority. Sorting out the rotation, fixing defensive issues and solidifying the roster and the prospect list comes first.



The yellow numbers are the top scores in ABA, the entire league. Where there are more than one I've listed the top 'couple' of finishers when a player is so far ahead of the league as to be an anomaly.
The red boxes are numbers of concern, green is where we are in good shape, blue we are one of if not the best. Yellow is potentially a place of concern
What it all boils down to is this.
Our corner infield defense is beyond atrocious. If we aren't going to lead the league in K's as a staff or these two positions aren't going to hit .350 or 40+ HR's these are areas that must be addressed long term.
Jon Harris is one of the games better 2B.
Josh Klatt makes the plays on balls he gets to. Josh Klatt does not get to near enough balls.
Ron Turner is potentially an outstanding defensive shortstop and right now a great defensive option as my 4th infielder.
Mike Haupt is a gold glover in waiting
My corner outfielders are horrible. They have no range and Hayashi doesn't have a very good glove. Geoff Gilmore is potentially a very good right field option.
This is where a GM wins or loses in my opinion. Fighting like hell to strike a balance while never giving either option away. An all-glove no-hit shortstop like Davey Concepcion isn't an option in a league that hits like this one.
Just as unusable is the guy who hits 35+ HR's but lets in 20 more runs than league average.
The player I need to start 'shopping' without anyone catching on is my third baseman. Figueroa hit well this year, but not 19 errors well.
One of two things has to happen in right as well. Makata needs to get better defensively, a lot better, or I need to find a right fielder with a big bat that could move the kid to DH.
He's so damn young that I hate to move him into the DH role before trying to make him a better outfielder.
Josh Klatt does not hit enough, not even close if he's not going to be a top 5 shortstop defensively.

Now the hard part. How to solve ALL of those problems in one offseason? Or do I make it a multi-year project

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I have 9 players who are Super 2 eligible or better. The ABA Arbitration rule is actually Super “1” since the requirement is the top 22% of players with 1+ years. Down from 2+, the league began with.
Here are the players, their salary and our offers

1. Jeff Chase 225,000 / 1.47m ( I am currently in discussion on a contract extension)
2. Nate Ramirez 128, 000 / 2.2m (Currently discussion an extension)
3. Mike Allen 475,000 / 550
4. Juan Noriega 128 / 200
5. Brad Turner 134 / 190 (thinking about talking to him about an extension)
6. Juan Barranco 134 / 333, 500 (I'd like to possibly extend if I can get team friendly numbers just to make him more attractive to others as well)
7. Ernesto Rodelo 134 / 200
8. Josh Klatt 134 / 200
9. Mike Kaupt 128 / 3.5m

Mike has presented a very unique and challenging situation. In early discussions about an extension, which somehow leaked this week, his agent basically made two things clear. Both stunning.
His ask is 10 years 67 million with a player opt out after year 4 and Mike is interested in having himself posted.... Yes, Mike has interest in playing overseas and would like to explore that option. He has 3 years service time so I have him for 2 more seasons barring an extension.
Over the course of the year some things, warts you might call them, popped up.
1) His work ethic. Not sure what to say about it other than it's just not there. He was born this way, a natural 5 tool athlete who can jump out of bed and play the game at a level few on the planet can.
2) He 'doesn't “care”. I don't mean he doesn't care in that way, but win or lose his engine doesn't seem to change gears in a very JD Drew-like fashion. It's not something he hides, and the fans see it. Fans here and around the game love him and really what's not to love? He shows up, does amazing things and goes home. They are not privy to this behind the scenes stuff and honestly I don' think they care. They won't, until they do. Much like MLB's Boston Red Sox had to deal with Manny Ramirez. They're worth every penny until the day they aren't and the day they aren't they become kryptonite because the exposure to the behind the scenes stuff sheds light on things no team wants, much less so with an enormous contract. One thing is clear. There is no chance I offer him anything near 10 years at an AAV of 6.7 million. I've countered with 2 different offers of 7 years at AAV's in the mid 5's and they have not moved off the 10 year ask. Worst case? Today that would be him playing out the 2 years and me getting a comp pick. Best case? He agrees to a deal that is within reason (5-7 years 30'ish million total) and has a change of heart. I don't see the latter happening. Does dealing him become an option? Unless I can get back an entire farm system no. The fans would revolt, and rightly so after the July deadline deal many are still upset with. On the plus side Kevin and Mike are on very good terms.

One other thing in talking about 3B Luis Figueroa. It has been brought to my attention he isn't a real popular guy in the clubhouse. Very much a '2 for 4 what's the score” type player. He, Ajani Foggie and Josh Klatt were the 3 guys who, over the course of the year, did or said some things that found their way to me and none of them were positive.
Right now our clubhouse leadership group consists of reliever Tony McKinney, 2B Jon Harris and OF Juan Tovar. Like I said earlier Max Ramirez is one that I think we could see ascend to a leadership/captain sort of position if he can get his bat going.
While these aren't sexy things, they are at the heart of building a winner, building a dynasty. Clubhouse chemistry is absolutely a thing free agents look into. They call each other, they call players, clubhouse guys and anyone who might be 'in the know' to find out particulars as it is a much more important factor than folks who watch the game, and the Ivy League Sabermetricians know or can calculate.

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TARPONS, CHASE AGREE TO EXTENSION
The Florida Tarpons have announced the signing of starting pitcher Jeff Chase to a 3 year 3.76 million dollar contract extension with a 1.8 million dollar 4th-year club option. Chase was headed to arbitration but both sides had expressed a desire to find common ground beforehand.


GENERAL MANAGERS OFFICE
His 1.47 million arb number this year, while not daunting, wasn't a number I felt ok with. He stayed healthy all year for the most part and his 221 innings were a career high. Signing a guy like this at 27 to a contract like this is a no lose. It's incredibly team friendly and the 4th year option is reasonable money for a 31-year-old #3 if that's where he is. He also had a career low WHIP and BB/9 so kudos to pitching coach Ismael Guerra.

VETERAN BACKSTOP HOLADAY GETS 1 MORE YEAR IN FLORIDA
36-year-old Catcher Bryan Holaday has agreed to a 1 year deal with the Florida Tarpons. Holaday Spent the latter half of 2006 backing up in Florida and September he was seen as a significant factor in the maturation of young Max Ramirez. Both sides are said to be happy with the deal

GENERAL MANAGERS OFFICE
It's 1 year at 192 K. Colbus Nabbe is arbitration eligible guy who if I don't tender I lose. There's just no way I tender a catcher who is average at best behind the plate and a .240 hitter a 4.24 million dollar offer. I will lose both him and Jonathan Doherty to free agency as neither is close to talented or valuable enough to warrant a contract of that size.

TARPONS LOCK UP RAMIREZ
28 year old Nate Ramirez will don the Tarpon blue and red for the next 4 years as the club announced the righty had agreed to terms on a 4 year 10.94 million dollar contract extension. Both sides had hoped to avoid arbitration and both had expressed interest in finding a deal before then. The deal will pay Ramirez 1.485 million next year, 2.485 in 2008 and 3.485 in 2009 and 2010. He also has a 500,000 dollar Koufax Award bonus.
Ramirez had a breakthrough year setting career highs in almost every category. He went 16-5 3.81 and finished with a Tarpon record 253 strikeouts. He was 5th in the league in wins, 2nd in winning %, 6th in strikeouts, 7th in ERA, 3rd in WHIP 6th in K/BB and 2nd in H/9. He led the league in quality starts and quality start % while finishing 5th in WAR for pitchers and 4th in K/9.

GENERAL MANAGERS OFFICE
Could not be more pleased. At 2.2 million in arbitration, I was fairly certain that not only did he deserve it but he was likely to get it. This deal locks him up for 4 years, and if he is anywhere near the pitcher he was it's a bargain. While it would be fantastic to see higher innings per start number he's a top of the rotation power arm and hitting his prime.

In other news, I managed to fill the one minor league vacancy I had open. Short Season Hobbs needed a new pitching coach and I aggressively pursued a guy who had done nothing but makes winners out of his pitchers in the Mexican League since 2002. Mike Couchee agreed to a 4-year contract. His ability with young pitchers is well known and eagerly anticipated as we continue to work on stockpiling arms throughout the system.

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Here is a look at our top prospects and our minor league system as we head into the winter

SP Kinnon Mendelson (18) 6' 175 ABA 8th ranked prospect (#3 pitcher) #1 Tarpon Prospect
Spent most of the year at the rookie complex but made 2 starts for Rio Rancho in the seasons final weeks. A top of the rotation power arm who shows no signs of sliding. All year his stuff, control and other tools got better. He'll open at Rio Rancho.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2010

SP Juan Portio (19) 6'4” 190 ABA 29th ranked prospect (#13 pitcher) #2 Tarpon Prospect
Big bodied righty who has yet to fill out. Has the ability to be a 1 with 230+ inning potential. Upper 90's with 5+ pitches. Showed improvement all year long across the board. Hoping he's ready to kick off 2007 as a starter in rookie ball
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2010

SP Kody Pollock (23) 5'11” 190 ABA 38th ranked prospect (#18 pitcher) # 3 Tarpon Prospect
Rounds out our top 3 and hopefully, they are the top 3 guys in a rotation as well. A 4 pitch lefty with low to mid 90's fastball and an exceptional forkball/slider mix with a changeup that's still behind in development. He spent the year in AA compiling a 14-7 4.30 record over 28 starts and 180 innings. Yielded 200 hits, punched out just 93 to 62 walks. Appears ready in every way to kick off 2007 at AAA Alamogordo. Need to see more swing and miss this year. Shuts down the running game as well as anyone.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL SEPTEMBER 2007

SP Chad Willoughby (25) 6'3” 200 ABA 40th ranked prospect (#19 pitcher) #5 Tarpons Prospect
Made his debut this past September and tossed 18.2 innings over 3 starts with a 1-1 4.34 record. 14 hits, 20 K's to 7 walks. A 4 pitch righty with what many already think is one of the premier curveballs in the game. Barring something horrible I expect Chad to break with the big club as a starter next year.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL OPENING DAY 2007

3B Luis Salinas (21) 5'11” 175 #6 Tarpons Prospect
Started the year at short season Hobbs where he hit .411/.458/.594 in 39 games with 3 HR 33 RBI and 15 SB. Already an above average 3B on defense and his speed is 70 steal plus. Our scouts have his arm at ++. Still has issues with defense but figures to have that as a ++ skill in a few years. Just 21. Hit .290/.338/.496 in 31 games after his call-up with 5 3B 5 HR and 12 SB. His bat projects as a .300 40 2B 10+ 3B with the only issue being his inability to take a pitch. He won't walk, but he also rarely swings and misses. A potentially viable replacement for Figueroa depending on how quickly the bat comes.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2009

OF Juan Guerra (18) 6'2” 180 #7 Tarpons Prospect
A 2006 international sign out of Venezuela with a 5-star bat. Right now our scouts project him as a .320/.450/.600 ceiling hitter with 50 HR potential and possible triple crown numbers. He's a corner outfielder, runs well and has a good arm. He was promoted to Rio Rancho as a 17-year-old in June and spent the year there before a final week call-up. He his .341/.408/.500 in 55 games with 6 HR 38 RBI in 240 plate appearances. He hit .317/.341/.439 in 9 games with Hobbs at the end of the year. That's where we expect him to start the 2007 season.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2010

SS Satoshi Kumagai (17) 6'1” 175 #8 Tarpons Prospect
Blew our 2005 international bonus money on this kid. Projects to be a ++ defender at short possessing every tool to be a gold glover. His bat is potentially off the charts. Right now he looks like a potential 3 hole guy from the right side (only because he doesn't run well enough to hit higher) who will hit for average, power and contact. His awareness of the zone is coming, but even now he does not swing and miss much. When we look down the road this is the kid all our scouts put in the shortstop role.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2010

SP/3B Arturo Mendoza (23) 6'3” 195 #9 Tarpons Prospect
Drafted in 2005 as a true two-way talent. Our 2nd round pick (30th overall) out of Kansas U. Had a very up and down 2006 as he was switched to a starting pitchers role exclusively. After this year, and many meetings with him, we have decided to reverse ourselves and let him try the two-way approach. This decision was based on two things. The first being our overall organizational depth in the minors on the mound as well as our potential need for a 3B solution moving forward. He's already a better defender at 3B than anyone not named Klatt or Harris here. His arm is pure fantasy. An upper 90's fastball with 4 other pitches he has yet to really develop. He will open 2007 at AA Clovis.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL 2008

1B Ajanie Foggie (26) 6'2” 210 #10 Tarpons Prospect
Right-handed power bat who had a horrible start to 2006, went to Alamogordo and appears to have fixed it. Hit just .193 over 61 games in Florida but his demotion to AAA saw him hit .298/.375/.549 over 85 games with 18 HR and 64 RBI. A good defender who can fill in on the corners in the OF in an emergency. Runs well above average. Was Barranco's defensive replacement in September. His lack of defensive options makes him 'available' as far as trades are concerned but he's a far better hitter than he has shown, I think. Right now he projects as an opening day roster guy who could be a late inning defense guy as well as RH DH option.

RP Jake Grab (25) 6'3” 205 #11 Tarpons Prospect
Took him in last years rule 5 and he had a rough season. Punched out 80 in 75.1 innings but the 78 hits, 35 walks and 21 homers all contributed to the 6.21 ERA. An upper 90's right-hander with a devastating sinker the hope is this winter he gets right and arrives next spring and takes a relief job in the middle of the pen.

1B/LF Ismael Saldana (23) 6' 185
He hasn't gotten enough time to hit anyone's prospect charts but when he does it's likely to be a top 10 spot in the ABA. The 1st overall selection in the 2006 draft out of Texas Tech and he did nothing but rake from day 1. Hit .321/.422/.641 in 72 AA games with 21 HR and 65 RBI and then hit .579-2-4 in 4 AAA games to end the year. There is a legitimate chance this kid is in left field for the Tarpons on opening day next year. At the very least he's hitting 3rd and playing left in Alamogordo.

OTHER PROSPECTS
OF Cletus Owry L/L (26) Hit .303/.375/.526 with 23 HR 95 RBI and 25 SB in Alamogordo. Non rostered right now and likely a guy we may lose in the upcoming expansion draft or subsequent Rule 5. Olympic speed and outstanding defender across the outfield.

OF/1B Jim Shelley L/L (24) Acquired in the winter meeting deal with Memphis last year he sort of took us by surprise. Hit .284/.365/.560 with 32 HR and 105 RBI's in 137 AAA games. A September call-up he his .297-3-5 in 11 games. He's a legitimate corner outfielder and a ++ defender at both spots as well as being a very good center fielder. Also has 1B as an option where he is a good defender as well. As of today, he's likely our 4th outfielder coming into camp.

OF Tim Rohloff L/L (26) Acquired from St Louis last December. He hit .306/.434/.406 with 18 2B 6 3B 2 HR and 29 stolen bases. Struck out 59 times to 79 walks. A corner outfield with blazing speed. Our guys think he's a 4A player but we will certainly find out what other teams think this winter.

IF/OF Eric Hartley L/R (26) Hit .273-24-95 with 85 K 75 BB at AA. Acquired from Detroit last December. Another guy who might fall into the 4A category but his bat is much more of a weapon than Rohloff to our scouts. Has hit 45 homers the past 2 seasons at AA. Unique in that he can play 2B, SS LF, and RF. None at an ABA level right now. 2007 will see him at AAA to begin the year.

OF Teagan Ivany R/L (27) Acquired from LA in December last year. Had a huge season at the plate. Hit .366/.446/.553 om 64 AA games with 11 HR 63 RBI. Called up to Alamogordo he hit .366/.432/.535 with 3 HR 9 RBI in 23 games. He's a + defender on the corners and likely a 4A guy given he's already 27

C Jonathan Roller R/R (24) Acquired in a December '05 deal with LA. Hit .278/.383/.517 in 68 games at Clovis with 12 HR 47 RBI. He's got a gun, can already handle big league pitching and an eye that projects to be a potential .375+ OBP guy. Not sure how much the bat has left but right now he can't handle big league velocity. He's slated to start in AA again next year.

IF Diory Hernandez R/R (22) Singed as a minor league FA in July. Hit .331/.382/.544 in 43 games with 9 HR and 34 RBI. Stole 14 bases in 18 tries. The guys a gold glove defender at 2B, SS, and 3B today. 50 steal speed. All that hampered by what our guys think is a well below average bat. He's just 22 and if by some chance could develop into a .275/.350 guy he's a 4th infielder tomorrow. I wouldn't hesitate to call him up today as a defensive guy he's that good.

RF Dave Weller L/L (23) One of the organizations biggest surprises. Drafted in the 7th round (163rd overall) in 2005 he had a great '05 (.311/.403/.521 12 HR 41 RBI) rookie campaign. This year he hit .273/.356/.541 with 29 HR's and 106 RBI 24 stolen bases and 56 walks to just 53 K's in 118 games at Farmington. He will open the year at AA but he's firmly entrenched on our prospect radar.

1B/LF Nate Bosse R/R (21) Our 5th round pick this year out of UCLA he hit .361/.457/.617 in 71 games with Hobbs hitting 19 HR and driving in 66. He's a big boy (6'4” 215) who will start 2007 at Class A Farmington.

1B/3B Jeff Duncan R/R (22) Nate Bosse's teammate at UCLA and our 8th rounder this year. He hit .290/.446/.543 with 10 HR 28 RBI in 63 games. He's a ++ defender at 3B with a great awareness of the strike zone. Will start 2007 with Bosse at Farmington.

SP Roku Higuchi RHP (20) A minor league free agent signed in the winter of 2004. He went 6-0 2 SV in 15 games and 5 starts with Rio Rancho. In 50.1 IP he punched out 59 while giving up 37 hits. He throws in the upper 90's and sort of exploded onto the scene after an unremarkable 2005. He will open the season starting with Hobbs.

SP Mike Carpenter RHP (23) Our 3rd rounder in 2005 (56th overall). Mike is a 6'7”230-pound horse. He struggled mightily last year and didn't burn the house down this year either. Going 5-1 4.71 in 15 starts covering 93.2 innings. He punched out 85 and gave up 97 hits but also walked 53. That's the issue, his control. He'll open the year again at Hobbs.

SP Robbie Givens RHP (24) Our 18th round pick in 2005 out of Kansas State. A pure knuckleballer. Had another rough year. Had some really good outings but they were few and far between. His 145 walks in 182 innings are clearly the hurdle he has to jump to get to the next level. He's punched out 179 hitters. He'll start next year at Hobbs, and that's likely the make or break point for him with this organization.

SP Tristan Ellison LHP (22) Drafted in the 3rd round this year (79th overall) out of Stanford. He went 5-5 5.06 in 15 starts over 90.2 innings. Gave up 100 hits and 32 walks while punching out 83. Hasn't done anything to dissuade the scouts from thinking he's a future ABA starter but all signs point to him starting 2007 at SS Hobbs once again.

OF Zach Astor R/R (21) Acquired from Oklahoma in a deal that saw us send 3 players and our 5th round pick to the Drillers. Our scouts are beyond high on this kid. In 60 combined games of rookie ball, he hit .351/.475/.659 with 17 HR and 66 RBI's. He was Oklahoma's 3rd rounder out of Texas Tech. Right now he's slated to open 2007 at Hobbs. His defense lags far behind his bat and the hope is he makes a significant improvement there. Absolutely a cleanup sized bat if he continues to mature.

SS Jeremy Jones L/R (22) Drafted with our 9th round selection out of Baylor this year he's a ++ defender. Runs well above average. Hit .311/.407/.484 in 66 games at Rio Rancho with 16 2B 2 3B 9 HR and 56 RBI.

1B/2B Billy Howard R/R (21) Picked in the 19th round out of Clemson Billy hit .326/.471/.528 in 65 games for Rio Rancho. He hit 14 2B 10 HR and drove in 42. Struck out just 38 times while walking 58.

CF Jamie Okereke (22) S/R Scouts across the game say Jamie is already the best defensive center fielder in baseball. Taken with our 2nd pick (33rd overall) he hit .232/.377/.430 with 9 2B 4 3B 10 HR and 53 RBI in 61 games of rookie ball. Struck out 51 times to 55 walks.

[gehrig38]

ARBITRATION RESULTS
Josh Klatt asked 320,000 offered 200,000 Club won
Brad Turner asked 320,000 offered 192,000 Club won
Mike Allen asked 687,500 offered 550,000 Club won
Mike Haupt asked 3.5 M and we offered 3.5 M.......
Juan Noriega asked 320,000 offered 200,000 Club won
Ernesto Rodelo asked 320,000 offered 200,000 Club won
Juan Barranco asked 362,500 offered 333,500 Club won

2006 EXPANSION DRAFT

OF Juan Tovar was taken by Buffalo
SP Juan Bonilla was taken by Austin
OF Eric Hartley was taken by Austin

[gehrig38]

SIGNINGS
Pittsburgh re-signed star reliever Mark Mundschenk to a 3 year 12.2 million dollar extension


FREE AGENCY
Memphis signed former Texas SS Chi-ming-Xie to a 3 year 17.7m dollar offer (AAV = 5.9 m). The contracts third year is a vesting option based on AB's. 34 year old is a career .302 hitter with 159 home runs. He signed as an international free agent with San Antonio in 2000. He was the 2001 Jackie Robinson award winner, the World Series MVP and Silver slugger. (He has since won 3 more SS awards). He is a 6-time all star.

Kansas City superstar Doug Schneider has found a new home. The 28 year old slugger agreed to a 5 year 25.5 million dollar contract with the San Antonio Broncos today. The 2-time gold glove winner will take his career .299/.351/.467 slash line and 80 HR and 348 RBI's in 598 games to division rival San Antonio.


TARPONS SNAG SAMVDIO
Florida Tarpon GM Gehrig Schilling opened their winter meetings by announcing the signing of a 1 year contract with free agent SP Luis Samvdio. Luis was a New York Punisher and the club did not offer him arbitration, allowing the 24 year old to declare free agency. Sources say the deal is well south of 1 million for the 2007 season. Those same sources have said the Tarpons are at the table working on a long term deal with the young hurler.

CUBAN DEFECTER LOOKING FOR AN ABA HOME
27 year old fireballer Luis Anguiano has a story to tell. His winter began on a raft off the coast of Cuba and today, in New York, has come full circle. The lefty is said to be fielding a bevy of offers from no less than 16 ABA clubs. The rumor mill is circling around 3 possible destinations. The Phantoms are working their bottomless pockets as are the Storm in LA. The dark horse appears to be the upstart Tarpon club and the story is that Luis has a strong desire to play on the east coast and if possible would like to be near his family in Ft Lauderdale.
The deal he is seeking appears to be one of 4+ years and 3+ million per year.

TARPONS, BEARS SWAP PLAYERS AND PICKS
The San Francisco Bears acquired relievers Juan Madrid and Jorge Esparza as well as the 4th round draft choice of the Tarpons in the upcoming draft while sending 23 year old P prospect Leith Southorn 26 year old LHP Jon Nacleiro and SS prospect Harland Bolduc and their 2007 1st and 2nd round draft choices to Florida in return.
Madrid was the 2006 Goose Gossage Award runner up and went 8-6 7 Saves with a 2.48 ERA and 87 K's in 58 innings while Esparza was 1-2 3.68 in limited tim with the big club this season.
Southern is the leagues #80 prospect. He was signed out of Canada in 2002 and features one of the games better change ups.
Naclerio was the 15th overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Michigan State by the Bears. In 2005 he was 12-3 with 6 Saves in 76 games out of the bullpen but many think he's going to be after a starting role in Florida. He was 8-10 in 24 AAA starts this year before being called up and being a part of the Bears 1st world series title.
Barlouc was also the Bears 1st round pick, 19th overall in 2006 and he also hails from Michigan State. He is rated the games best defensive prospect at shortstop. His bat hasn't projected but he has hit at each of his minor league stops.
The draft choices now mean Florida will pick 26th and 30th in round 1, 23rd, 28th and 29th in round 2.

CUBAN STAR “LANDS” IN FLORIDA
The Florida Tarpons and left handed star of the Cuban National team Luis Anguiano have agreed to terms on a 5 year 17.875 million dollar contract. The deal, the richest ever for a Cuban born player, will keep the lefty in South Beach for the next 5 seasons at 3.575 million a year. There were tenious moments leading up to the signing as the Tarpons had to fight off 12 other ABA clubs vying for the southpaws services.
Through his translator Anguiano commented on how grateful he was to all the teams in the process and how bad he felt for the 11 other clubs as “I'm happy for Tarpons, who get me. The other teams will have to wait 5 year to win tropy again”

A quick rundown of trades this offseason



And a look at the WAR +/- for all 28 ABA teams



NEW FACES IN OLD PLACES
Minnesota replaced Mgr Mike Griffin with baseball lifer and career minor league Mgr Dick Shannon. Supposedly a very good guy with young players who favors older school tools and approach.

32 year old Jorge Colon became the ABA's youngest GM in league history when he signed on with St Louis this winter.

The Surge also took on former Husky Mgr Mike Griffin to be their 2007 field general. Griffin is signed through 2011

Phoenix hired veteran front office man Darrell Woodard and have given him a 3 year deal to turn that despondant club around.
Darrell immediately hired bench coach Kohei Tanaka as the Roadrunner manager for the 2007 season.

BIG NAMES CHANGING PLACES (#) = Stars *
1B Guiomar Cortezo (3.5) traded from BRK to LA
RF Andy Burgett (3) traded from LA to BRK
SP Dwain Milazzo (3.5) left CHI signed with LA
1B Mike Mayo (2.5) traded from DEN to PIT
RP Luis Alfaro (4) traded from PIT to DEN
RP Juan Madrid (5) traded from FLA to SF
SP Talib bin Musa (2.5) left JAX for LA
3B Chris Letts (4) left KC signed with ALK
CF Doug Schneider (4) left KC signed with SAN
SP Ben Paulsen (2.5) left KC signed with SF
C Chris Yoder (2.5) left LV signed with OK
SP Ted Barlow (3.5) left LV signed with DET
CF Harland Legge (2.5) left LV for Japan
SP Tyrese Lawal (2.5) left LV signed with MEM
SP Kymani Hogues (2.5) traded from MIL to LA
SP Teagan Savoie (2.5) left OH for Japan
C Whip Sonier (2.5) left OK for LV
CF Maxence Brun (2.5) left OK for ALK
3B Chris Van Wagner (2.5) left POR for BUF
RF Zach Hogue (3) left POR for Tawain
SP Alfredo Rogers (2.5) left POR for MEM
2B Kevin Van der Werff (3) left SAN for Japan
SP Lupe Quintana (2.5) left SD for DEN
CL Mike Kelly (5) left SF for PIT
LF Jeff Lively (2.5) left STL still a FA
SS Chi-ming-Xie (4) left TEX for MEM
CL Bobby Patterson (4.5) left TEX for LV (out 5 months with torn UCL)
1B Jaquan Piggue (3) left WAS for LV

[gehrig38]

STARTING ROTATION
Entering camp with a plethora of starters. Nine to be exact.Ramirez, Agresta, Camp and Chase are the four definites barring trade or injury. Anguiano is the leader for the 5 spot, with Naclerio, Samvdio, Southern and Willoughby vying for the 5th that final spot as well as potential bullpen roles.
Free agent signing Ernesto Galindo is the closer and rookie Sam Ginn and Brad Turner will hopefully be the bridge. Tony McKinney is the only bullpen arm that will make the club or be traded as he's out of options.
The plan as of today is to break camp with 12 pitchers.

Jeff Burwell was claimed off waivers last week so I enter camp with just 2 catchers amongst the 50 players reporting. That cannot be allowed to go much longer. I am on the lookout for a veteran guy who will be ok with AAA playing time.
I am hoping Ramirez hits enough this spring. To be honest, looking back at this winter, it's a need I failed to address.

Ideally the 13 position players would breakdown as 2 C, 6 IF 5 OF.
Right now the IF looks like Barranco (1B), Harris (2B) Klatt (SS) Figueroa (3B) Rodelo (IF) and Rob Turner, Foggie, Stapp, Dusty Barber fighting for that 6th spot. Defensive versatility will be a huge factor.

Rand, Haupt, Hayashi are the locks. Ismael Saldana throws a wrench in the rest, in a good way. I think he'll hit enough to break camp with the big club but if not AAA at bats will be fine. Wherever he starts the year it needs to be playing everyday.
Gilmore, Jim Shelley, Tomiji Takimoto are in the mix as well.
The DH needs to come from the 4 extras in the IF/OF.

[gehrig38]

TARPONS, BRONCOS SWAP
The Florida Tarpons have sent 31 year old Luca Martignoni and reliever Juan Noriega as well as their 2007 10th round draft choice to the San Antonio Broncos for 27 year old C Cisco Mendoza and 26 year old infielder Bobby Trumble. The Broncos have given Martignoni a role in their rotation, something that was not going to happen apparently, in Florida.

GM'S OFFICE
Mendoza is that catching depth I was after. He's a legit option if Ramirez doesn't show up this spring. Trumble is a versatile and above average defender around the infield and can hit a little bit too.
This is all being done with Ismael Saldana destroying ABA pitching this spring . 6 HR and 10 RBI's through 13 games while the pitching has been atrocious.

20 games into spring training we were 4-16. We ended the spring 13-17. The pitching was horrid but Ismael Saldana missed a spring triple crown by .005 pts. He hit .361-11-28 with a 1.315 OPS. Bobby Trumble led the AL with 8 stolen bases while Mike Haupt hit .327-6-22.

[gehrig38]

The roster today is beyond any expectations I had even a year ago. It happened fast and I don't think there's any fluke in this. We worked hard this winter and end camp with 10 guys who we could take “north” as starters. Our AAA rotation is going to be stacked, as is the rest of that squad.

STARTING PITCHING
One new name. Ramirez opening day followed by Jeff Chase, Luis Anguiano, Tim Agresta and Jace Camp.
The means our Alamogordo rotation will be Luis Samvdio, Chad Willoughby, Jon Naclerio, Kody Pollock and Leith Southorn. 5 26 or younger starters and all talented.

BULLPEN
Made a decision late in camp to go north with 11 instead of 12. We feel good about the rotation and the ability to get deeper into games.
Long man will be Jorge Longoria, Mendoza and Turner will be the middle guys with Sam Ginn and Jake Grab setting up Ernesto Galindo.
Jake had an outstanding spring, much to everyone's relief and that allowed some moving around of pieces.
Our AAA pen is deep as well and we leave camp with our pitching, organization wide, in what I think is a great place.



Here's the opening day lineups and ya, there are som surprises. Bobby Trumble blew everyone away on both sides of the game this spring. He was outstanding defensively and he lead the entire ABA in stolen bases. Ismael Saldana shocked the world by destroying all kinds of pitching.
Ernesto Rodelo had a great spring and as you can see the 13 position players allow for almost a perfect split/platoon in some cases.
Max Ramirez hit .250 this spring, not a real hard .250 either. However his defensive game is at a level we will manage that.TJ Rand was the 'victim' of Ismael's great spring.
Mike Haupt did what Mike Haupt does. There were some rumblings late in camp about a clubhouse dust up but nothing came of it.



Word is out that the baseballs are not going to be wound as tight this year and that that will have an enormous impact on offensive as well as pitching stats.



If this model is anywhere near close it's true. I am a bit stunned at what amounts to a 4 game improvement. We were projected at 81-81 last season and just 85-77 this year. Given that we won 90 and added the games best young hitter and some quality arms that implies much of last year was a fluke to the “experts'.





Not without a ton of work but we are rated as BBA's #1 minor league system.



3 teenagers on this list. Just how I like it, first 5 spots are starting pitchers!

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 1 NOTES
SCEHDULE:
3 @ New York
3 vs Denver
1 @ Milwaukee

RESULTS:

• 4/2: FLA 4 NY 3 (10) Haupt GW 1B 3-5 3 SB Ramirez ND 6.1 IP 5 H 7 K 2 ER Galindo BS W 1 IP HR 1 ER
• Saints opening day starter Winton Alward came out of the game in the 7th with and undisclosed elbow issue. No Diagnosis as of now.
• Sean Cockley (TEX) threw a 2-hitter in a 6-0 opening day win.
• Phoenix claimed RP Tony McKinney
• 4/3: NY 5 FLA 2 Chase L 5.2 IP 11 H 3 ER Rodelo 3-5
• Arturo Cervantes (OK) threw a 3-hitter punching out 6 in a 6-0 win over Austin.
• 4/4: FLA 2 NY 1 Anguiano 6 IP 5 H 1 ER Grab 2 IP 3 K W Galindo SV (1) Figueroa 3-3 HR (1)
• Memphis received devastating news as SP Rodolfo Del Carmen was diagnosed with a torn labrum and will miss the 2007 season. He was 12-7 4.55 last year.
• 4/5: FLA 5 DEN 2 Agresta W (1-0) 8 IP 9 H 7 K 2 ER Galindo SV (2) Barranco 3-5 HR (1) 5 RBI
• Khamani Hummons (CHI) held Milwaukee to just 3 hits in a 6-0 win.
• 4/6: DEN 2 FLA 1 (10) Camp ND 6.2 IP 7 H 6 K 1 ER

TARPONS CLUBHOUSE TURMOIL
In a shocking post game interview newest Tarpon Bobby Trumble was quoted as saying “It's hard when we're all busting our asses and then you have a guy like that who can't even run out a ground ball”. When he said “guy like that” he pointed to a teammate 2 lockers down, star Centerfielder Mike Haupt.

The beat writers sought out Haupt who was not shy at all about responding. “He needs to mind his own business, “ Haupt said. “running your mouth about me isn't going to help us in any way on the field. If he's got an issue he knows where my locker is”.

Tarpon GM Gehrig Schilling was curt in his reply “The players police themselves and if Kevin feels the need to step in then that's what he'll do”.

• 4/7: DEN 5 FLA 2 Zaire Kirlew W (1-0) 8.1 IP 2 H 1 ER Luis Alfaro SV (3) Tony Stockwell 4-4 2B 2 RBI
• San Diego RF Tye Eagleton was lost for the season today after a jarring collision with the wall in right as he was trying to make a catch. He dislocated his left shoulder and will undergo surgery and be out the entire season. Eagleton hit .241-23-73 last year for San Diego, his first season after signing as a free agent.
• Zach Greinke (ALK) shut out Ohio punching out 7 in an 1-0 win.
• 4/8: FLA 7 MIL 3 Saldana 2-4 2 HR 5 RBI Chase W (1-1) 5 IP 3 ER
• Erik Leonard (SD) went 5-6 in a 4-3 win over New England.

AL POTW - Eric Mitchell (CHI) 14-27 4 HR 9 RBI
NL POTW – Kevin Manning (TEX) 12-28 2 HR 8 RBI

RECORD: 4-3
PLACE: 1st +1
RUNS SCORED: 23 12th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 21 2nd
DEFENSE: .674 12th
OWNER MOOD: Uncertain

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 2 NOTES
SCHEDULE:
2 @ Milwaukee
3 vs Alaska
OFF DAY
1 @ Memphis

RESULTS:

• 4/9: MIL 9 FLA 2 Anguiano L (0-1) 5 IP 6 H 3 HR 7 ER
• Andy Farrington (BUF) throws the first CG and first SHO in Nickels history in a 4 hit 5 K 4-0 win over San Antonio
• Luis Cuellar (TEX) tossed a 6 hitter in shutting out Austin 3-0
• 4/10: FLA 4 MIL 2 (12) Agresta ND 7 IP 5 H 2 ER Galindo W (2-0) Turner SV (2) Barranco 3-3 2B (3) Haupt 3-6 SB (6)
• Las Vegas RP Gerjan Fredericks will miss the next 5-6 weeks with a strained hamstring
• 4/11: FLA 6 ALK 3 Camp W (1-0) 7 IP 3 ER Galindo SV (3) Holaday 3-4 2B HR 4 RBI
• Steven Wright (PHX) shut out Las Vegas punching out 5 in a 4-0 win
• 4/12: ALK 4 FLA 3 Greinke W (2-1) 7.2 IP 10 H 3 ER
• Barranco 3-4 2B Saldane Error (3) 1-5 (.139-2-8) Ramirez L (0-2 5.51) 5 IP 7 K 4 ER
• Nate Vellero (BRK) tossed a 3-hitter to beat Milwaukee 3-0
• Teagan Beairston (AA) went 4-7 3 3B 6 RBI (.348-1-9) in a 17-8 win
• 4/13: FLA 7 ALK 6 (10) Shelley 2-4 2B 4 RBI (.324-1-7) Trumble 3-5 2 SB (6) 3 R
• There's clearly been a seismic shift in the game. Offensive numbers are way down and pitching is insane this first week.
• Ziven Eliseikin (POR) punced out 5 in a 6-0 win over Pittsburgh
• Sean Newcomb (AUS) threw the Colts 1st ever SHO in a 4-0 4-hitter
• 4/14: OFF DAY

TARPONS CLUBHOUSE IN TURMOIL?
For the 2nd time in two weeks news out of Miami has the Florida clubhouse as anything but serene. Rumors surfaced that infielder Bobby Trumble and star CF Mike Haupt got into a shoving match after the teams 7-6 win over Alaska on Friday. Apparently, Trumble was overheard questioning Haupts 'effort' running out a 4th inning ground ball. The two had to be separated by teammates.

• 4/15: MEM 1 FLA 0 (10) Anguino 7 IP 5 H 7 K Lawal 9 IP 5 H 4 K
• Galindo 3 pitch relief appearance turns into Talbot Pottle walk-off HR
• Knuckleballer Robbie Givens went 8 and punched out 11 walking 0 in a 4-3 12 inning win for Farmington
• Kansas City closer Jon Carruth is out at least the next 7 weeks with an undisclosed shoulder issue
• Nobunori Yamaguchi (SF) fanned 5 in a 16-0 crushing of Texas.

AL POTW - Luis Aguirre (DEN) 8-15 2 HR 6 RBI (.344-3-7)
NL POTW – Juan Mercado (SF) 9-19 3 HR 7 RBI (.384-3-7)

Farmington 3B Luis Salinas went 15-31 HR 7 RBI to take home Class A POTW

RECORD: 3-3 (7-6)
PLACE: 3rd 1GB
RUNS SCORED: 45 13th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 46 2nd
DEFENSE: .710 7th
OWNER MOOD: Uncertain

GM'S OFFICE
It's just 13 games but I am concerned. Saldana is hitting .128-2-8 with that output coming in one game. Ramirez .139 and Klatt .118 with Trumble at .217 makes the bottom of the lineup a sinkhole. The offense is down all over the league but this is a bit much. If there is no pickup for the next 2 weeks I'll make some moves.

The bigger problem for me is this clubhouse issue. Apparently, Trumble pulled Haupt aside and tried to fix this 1 on 1. That clearly didn't work. As I think about 'options' I start to wonder if there is anything that can be done.

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 3 NOTES
SCHEDULE:
2 @ Memphis
3 @ Detroit
2 vs Las Vegas

Big boys on tap this week.

RESULTS:

• 4/16: FLA 15 MEM 4 Haupt 3-4 HR 3 R 4 RBI SB (7) Saldana 3-5 HR 2 RBI 3 R Trumble 4-5 2B 2 R SB (7) Ramirez 3-4 2 R RBI Agresta CG 11 H 4 ER (2-0 3.00)
• 4/17: MEM 6 FLA 5 (10) Galindo L (2-2) Rand 3-5
• Eric Hecht 4-5 2B 3 R
• 4/18: DET 9 FLA 6 Jim Brooks W (2-0) 6 IP 7 K 1 ER Noaki Fuchigami 8th inning grand slam
• Harris 3-5 HR (1) 2 RBI Ramirez L (0-3 5 IP 4 R Turner 6th inning meltdown 1 IP 4 H HR 4 ER
• Jorge Hurtado (NE) punched out a career high 15in an 8-1 win over Portland.
• Curt Hanning (SAN) tossed a 4-hit SHO in an 11-0 win over Austin
• 4/19: FLA 1 DET 0 Chase W (2-1) 8 IP 3 H Galindo SV (4)
• Former Tarpon Ted Barlow L (1-2) 7 IP 5 H 1 ER
• I was in some backroom chats with Denver on a couple things before last nights game. In the game star OF Nate Aucoin came up with an arm issue that many think will sideline him for 6-7 weeks.
• Gabe Clark (BRK) went 5-5 4 RBI in an 11-3 win over Memphis
• And from the “Rich get Richer department” Detroit signed FA Closer Brad Bedell to a 1 year 1.46 million dollar deal. He was 5-6 34 Saves 3.41 last year. He will move into a setup role for Closer Rory Berg who saved 44 games last year.
• Chad Willoughby went 8 last night in a 4-3 loss. He got an ND going 8 giving up 2 earned. He's 1-1 1.90 through 3 starts and 23.2 IP, 20 K 5 BB.
• The defensive wiz we acquired this winter, Harland Bolduc went 3-5 with a HR and 3 RBI's today. He's hitting .457-3-13 through 12 games with a .554 OBP. 18-year-old star in the making Juan Guerra was 2-3 and is hitting g.404-1-11 through 12 as well.
• 4/20: DET 2 FLA 1 (10) We had 2 hits total. Mattingly 8 IP 2 H 3 K
• Anguiano ND 7.1 IP 7 H 1 K 2 BB 1 ER Galindo L (2-3)
• 4/21: LV 2 FLA 1 Joe Weiss W (2-1 3.60) 7.1 IP 6 H 1 ER Sergio Godina SV (6)
• Agresta L (2-1 2.90) 7 IP 4 H 6 BB 2 ER
• I'm letting this week play out. But I am going to make some moves here soon, both to shake up the back end of the Pen and shuttle some bats back and forth.
• 4/22: LV 6 FLA 1 Tim Richardson CG 4 H 4 K 1 ER (2-2 2.83) Johnny Dewitt 3-5 2B RBI
• Jace Camp came out in the 2nd with an apparent arm issue. TBD just 4 hits.
• Juan Villarreal (PIT) tossed a CG 5-hit shutout in a 3-0 win over New England

AL POTW - Luis Herrera (STL) 11-22 HR 5 RBI (.348-1-11) I think this is the first Surge player to win a weekly award
NL POTW – Alpha Malveaux (OK) 14-28 3 HR 4 RBI (.432-5-12)

Farmington 3B DJ Boyd went 9-18 3 HR 9 RBI to win POTW

RECORD: 2-5 (9-11)
PLACE: 4th 3 GB
RUNS SCORED: 75 12th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 75 t-4th
DEFENSE: .711 6th
OWNER MOOD: Undecide

SHAKEUP IN FLORIDA
Tarpon General Manager Gehrig Schilling called a meeting post game after the latest defeat at the hands of the Aces. Another anemic night of offense apparently was 'the straw' in all this.
“I'd like to announce a few roster moves. We are awaiting word on Jace so there's really no news there. We have optioned catcher Max Ramiez to Alamogordo, and recalled Catcher Cisco Mendoza.
We have optioned shortstop Josh Klatt to AAA as well, and recalled infielder Ron Turner.
Also Kevin has a few quick things to add.
“As of tonight I have spoken with the staff so none of this will come as a surprise to them. Jake (Grab) will take over the role of closing. Ernesto will move into his setup role. Our bullpen is far better situated with our lefties in these roles anjd Ernesto and Brad in their new spots.

POST CONFERENCE SCUTTLEBUTT
Word out of the clubhouse is that Gehrig had a post game closed door meeting and no one was spared. Galindo is rumored to be very unhappy at the role change, as apparently he was 'promised' the job of closing. In this closed door meeting another rumor surfaced saying the GM and star CF Mike Haupt got into a loud shouting match in front of the entire club.

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 4 NOTES
SCHEDULE:
1 vs Las Vegas
3 @ St Louis
OFF DAY
2 vs Phoenix

Cisco Mendoza will take over the everyday catching job hitting 7th vs RHP and 8th vs LHP.
Ron Turner will take over at SS and hit 9th vs RHP

RESULTS:

• 4/23: LV 9 FLA 3 Mike Bayler 3-5 2 HR Grand Slam 7 RBI Tousei Sato W (1-1) 7 IP 4 H 2 ER 9 K
• Nate Ramirez L (0-4) 5 IP 5 K 6 H 5 ER
• Jamie Watkins (PIT) fanned 5 in a CG SHO of New England 4-0
• 36-year-old Zach Greinke (ALK) 4 hit the Saints in a 1-0 CG win. He's 3-2 2.19
• 4/24: FLA 7 STL 2 Chase W (3-1) 7.1 IP 5 H 0 ER Haupt 2-4 HR 3 RBI Grab SV (1)
• Jace Camp has an issue with his intercostal. That's not a thing to mess with. He's out at least a month. He's put on the 10 day and Luis Samvdio is recalled. Luis was 1-0 2.01 in 4 AAA starts.
• Ted Barlow (DET) tossed a 6 hitter in a 14-0 drubbing of New York
• 4/25: STL 5 FLA 4 L Galindo (2-4) BS (3) Anguino 6.2 IP 3 K 1 ER
• Braedon Belmore (MIL) went 5-5 in a 6-5 win over Alaska.
• Alamogordo moved to 13-4 behind 8 scoreless from Chad Willoughby who is now 2-1 1.42 over 4 starts and 31.1 IP he has 27 K.
• 4/26: STL 7 FLA 2 Jonathan Watkins CG 9 H 2 R (5-0 3.94) Ben Chase 3-4 2 HR 3 RBI (.308-4-12)
• 4/27: OFF DAY
• Knuckleballer Robbie Givens threw a no-hitter for Farmington today. He punched out 10. It was his 1st win of the season.
• 4/28: FLA 2 PHX 1 Ramirez W (1-4 5.51) 6.1 IP 4 H 5 K 1 ER Grab SV (2) Hayashi HR (2)
• Steven Wright CG L (3-2 2.80) 5 H 2 ER
• SP Joe Weiss (LV) will likely miss the remainder of the season after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery today. 28-12 the last 2 seasons, he was 2-1 3.33 so far this year.
• 4/29: PHX 1 FLA 0 Chase L (3-2 2.56) 7 IP 5 H 1 ER just 3 total hits. 5 Roadrunner pitchers shut us out.
• Jamie Watkins (PIT) tossed a 1-hitter fanning 8 in a 2-0 win giving him back to back shutouts and a 4-2 1.94 April.
• The Bears learned SP Jorge Castro will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery today. The lefty was 2-2 2.70 on the year. He joins Ace Mike Lloyd on the DL for San Francisco who, despite losing 3 pitchers for the 2007 season, have managed a 15-11 April to stay just 3 GB of LA at 18-8.
• 4/30: FLA 5 PHX 4 (13) Grab BS (1) pushes it to 13 Figueroa 3-6 HR (4) RBI Gilmore 3-6 RBI Samvdio ND 6 IP 5 K 5 BB 4 H 2 ER

AL POTW - Korey Rick (MIN) 11-18 2 HR 7 RBI (.389-4-17)
NL POTW – Ernie Taub (SAN) 14-23 HR 6 RBI (.327-2-11)

RECORD: 2-4 (11-15)
PLACE: 4th 6 GB
RUNS SCORED: 93 10th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 100 7th
DEFENSE: .710 7th
OWNER MOOD: Uncertain

[gehrig38]

Horrible? Putrid? Embarrassing? I am sure there are more adjectives than that but you get the message. I could have drawn up 1000 different April outcomes and a putrid offense would have been 1001. A .235 team average with a .312 team OBP? Offense is down drastically this year, but this is ridiculous.



Offensive numbers are way down and these prove how much. ,Also noticing strikeouts are way down as well. The one thing it appears we can do it steal bases....



Of course, the team jumping out of the gates in the AL is our division rival Detroit. With the exception of NY and Phoenix, everyone is within 6 and most are within 2 of the division lead.



LA is off to a big start and SF injuries are not going to help. San Diego off to a decent start and Austin has 11 wins, I think we had 11 around June 1st our 1st expansion season.

• AL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – Eric Mitchell (CHI) .376-9-25
• NL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – Arturo Guerrero (SF) .333-7-26
• AL PITCHER OF THE MONTH – Rory Berg (DET) 2-1 10 SV 1.13
• NL PITCHER OF THE MONTH – Sean Cockley (TEX) 5-0 2.18
• AL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH – Elvis Andrus (CHI) .340-3-16
• NL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH – Steve Eisentrout (NE) .290-8-18
  
• AAA SP Kody Pollock won Pitcher of the Month going 4-0 3.38

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK NOTES
SCHEDULE:
1 vs Phoenix
3 @ Ohio
3 vs Chicago

RESULTS:

• 5/1: OH 3 FLA 2 Jorge Gonglas W (2-2 4.17) 8 IP 6 H 2 ER 3 Run 7th
• Anguiano L (0-2 3.03) 6.2 IP 7 H 3 ER
• Mike McMillen (NE) went 5-5 2B HR 2 RBI in a 5-4 win over Texas
• Zach Greinke (ALK) was off to a great start, just 3-3 but with a 2.00 ERA and 2 shutouts. That all came crashing down today as he was diagnosed with a torn labrum. The 36-year-old will have surgery this week and miss the remainder of the season.
• 5/2: OH 10 FLA 4 Luis Santillan 2-4 Grand Slam 4 RBI
• Agresta 8 ER 4.2 IP L (2-3 5.23) Harris 4 RBI
• Arturo Livas (BUF) tossed a 3 hitter in a 3-0 win over Pittsburgh
• Omezo Yamamura (MIL) tossed a 3 hitter in a 12-0 whitewashing of Detroit
• Kevin Pollock went 8 strong, striking out 9 in a 5-2 win over Ann Arbor
• Knuckleballer Robbie Givens was beaten 7-4 today. He gave up 6 earned and walked 4 to continue the roller coaster. He's 1-3 5.54 in 5 starts over 37.1 IP he has 39 punchouts and a career-low 4.1 BB/9 as well as a 1.10 WHIP.
• 5/3: OH 5 FLA 2 Ernesto Banderas (OH) W (4-1 2.68) 6 IP 8 K 0 BB 1 ER Sergio Jaquez 3-3 3B HR 3 RBI
• Ramirez 5 IP 6 H 3 K 2 ER
• RJ Stanton punched out 14 and allowed just one hit in an 8-0 win over Minnesota to move to 5-1 1.67 with 66 K's in 54 innings for the Hitmen.
• Shing Ying (SF) threw a 4-hitter beating Austin 2-0 today.

TARPONS FIRE JACKSON
In a stunning, quickly called press conference General Manager Gehrig Schilling announced the club had fired Manager Kevin Jackson and hired former Oklahoma Driller Skipper Kevin Burgess. The 48-year-old is 1251-1160 with one world series title (2000). The contract was a 5-year deal reportedly worth 2.75 million total.
“Where this team is I take responsibility for on the field. I put the best team I thought I could together. To this point, I cannot explain the level of disappointment in the club I have. The last few weeks have been trying ones on and off the field. I can work with the team on the field, the effort, from most guys, is there. The stuff happening off the field, in the clubhouse and elsewhere is unacceptable. We give these guys every possible tool to succeed and this is and always will be a “name on the front' organization. I felt that wasn't being addressed or handled properly and so, not being able to fire players, the managers/coaches end up taking the brunt of a fall like this. I sincerely appreciate everything KJ did here and wish him nothing but the best.”

GM'S OFFICE
The players, to a man, have come to me and spoken in very excited tones. I don't think any of them blame Kevin, they, for the most part, took responsibility, but they also felt like he had 'lost the clubhouse' and that's a fired manager waiting to happen. We will see.....

(I am giving him full autonomy with the team and lineups, even though I am not a fan of his lineup wishes I'll defer, and let him do the job until there is a need to step in.)

• 5/4: FLA 4 CHI 3 Chase W (4-2 2.84) 5.2 IP 3 ER Grab SV (3) Mendoza 3-4 RBI Haupt 2-4 2 SB (13)
• Masahiro Tanaka L (2-3 2.92) 7 IP 9 H 2 ER
• Dave Weller (Hobbs AA) went 3-5 drilling 3 homers and driving in 7 in a 13-7 win. He's hitting .278-9-26 in 26 games
• Chris Edge (SF) beat San Diego 1-0 on a CG 7-hitter to move to 4-2 1.74
• 5/5: FLA 5 CHI 0 Samvdio W (1-0) 2 hit shutout 9 K's Harris 3-4 SB (4) Haupt 3-4 2 2B RBI
• Former Tarpon Ted Barlow twirled another one. Beating Alaska 9-0 on a 4 hitter to go 4-2 1.85
• Josh Mutschler (MEM) punched outan12 in a 11-0 win over Minnesota
• 5/6: CHI 5 FLA 4 Dan Risdale 9th inning HR off Grab Anguiano ND 6 IP 6 K 4 H 3 ER

AL POTW - Luis Santillan (OH) 12-26 2 HR 10 RBI (.336-5-22)
NL POTW – Mike McMillen (NE) 14-33 2 HR 11 RBI (.301-8-31)

Dave Weller took home AA POTW honors going 11-27 4 HR 11 RBI

RECORD: 3-4 (14-19)
PLACE: 4th 7 GB
RUNS SCORED: 119 11th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 130 7th
DEFENSE: .714 5th
OWNER MOOD: Undecided
POWER RANKINGS:
1) Los Angeles
2) Ohio
3) Detroit
4) San Francisco
5) Pittsburgh
…..
24) Florida

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 6 NOTES
SCHEDULE:
3 vs Minnesota
OFF DAY
3 @ Brooklyn

RESULTS:

• 5/5: MIN 7 FLA 2 First overall pick in 2005, Joe Linn went 8 IP 3 H 3 K W (4-2) Korey Rick 3-5 HR 3 RBI
• Agresta L (2-5) 5.1 IP 10 H 7 K 5 ER Offense managed just 3 hits.
• Veteran readers will remember Linn as our 1st pick in the 2005 draft and the central piece in the trade with Minnesota that brought Mike Haupt to Miami.

TARPONS SEND TOP PICK SALDANA TO ALAMOGORDO
1st overall selection in the 2006 draft Ismael Saldana who blew onto the scene with a monster spring has been demoted to AAA Alamogordo after 34 games. The slugger has been mired in a slump since opening day and after today's loss is hitting .173 with 5 HR and 14 RBI's.
1B Ajani Foggie has been recalled. Foggie was hitting .333/.438/.602 with 5 HR and 24 RBI in 27 games.

• 5/8: MIN 3 FLA 0 Tim Kerr W (2-5 5.05) CG 5 hit SHO 7 K
• Ramirez L (1-5 4.95) 6 IP 3 K 5 BB 5 H 2 ER
• Tyshawn Ogarro (MIL) went 5-7 2 R 4 RBI in their 10-9 11 inning win.
• Saldana 2-4 HR in AAA debut Pollock 7.2 IP 5 H 8 K 1 ER ND
• 5/9: FLA 9 MIN 3 Chase W (5-2 2.94) 7.2 IP 6 H 3 ER Harris 4-4 2 2B 2 RBI Mendoza 3-4 3 RBI (.311-1-11)
• Dave Weller continues to mash. He hit his 11th HR and drove in 3 for Clovis. He's hitting .285-11-32 in just 30 games.
• Jeff Faulkner went 8, gave up 9 hits and 4 earned to move to 2-0 since his promotion
• 5/10: OFF DAY
• 5/11: FLA 4 BRK 3 (11) Samvdio ND 7.1 IP 10 H 3 ER Grab W (2-1 0.72) Haupt 2-6 HR (5) SB (14)
• Dave Young ND 8 IP 8 K 0 BB 2 ER
• 5/12: FLA 11 BRK 4 Anguiano W (1-2 3.38) 6 IP 8 K 0 BB 3 ER Harris 3-6 Haupt 1-3 2 BB HR 3 RBI Hayashi 3-5 2 RBI
• Saldana was 2-4 BB HR and is hitting .350-2-4 in 5 games
• 5/13: BRK 9 FLA 7 Agresta L (2-5 6.79) 9 ER 10 H 3.2 IP
• Gabe Clark 2-2 2 BB HR 3 RBI (.344-6-28)

AL POTW - Zaire Stimage (DEN) 10-24 4 HR 8 RBI (.327-7-18)
NL POTW – Juan Mercado (SF) 13-21 2 HR 8 RBI (.312-7-21)

RECORD: 3-3 (17-22)
PLACE: 4th 10 GB
RUNS SCORED: 152 11th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 159 7th
DEFENSE: .703 10th
OWNER MOOD: Undecided
POWER RANKINGS:
1) Detroit
2) Los Angeles
3) Kansas City
4) Alaska
5) Las Vegas
…..
22) Florida