Tournament of Champions: Promotion, Relegation, and Forced Relocation

[StLee]

Thursday, October 9 - Game Five



. . . . . .

Montreal, Quebec -

Montreal countered a five-run Phoenix eighth to score two runs of its own, stopping the Firebirds' rally and winning Game Five, 9-7. The win gives the Saints a 3-2 series lead heading back to Phoenix for the sixth and possibly seventh game of the Tournament of Champions.

Wilson Ramos was the game's MVP, going 2 for 2 with two home runs, two walks, two runs scored, and five runs batted in. His home runs in the second and fourth innings accounted for the first five runs for the Saints.

After Phoenix rallied to tie the game, 7-7, in the top of the eighth, Montreal countered with two of its own. With Robbie Weinhardt in as a relief pitcher for the Firebirds, Jesus Ruiz singled to lead off the inning. After the next two batters were retired, Garrett Atkins, who was the MVP of Game One, doubled to score Ruiz. Carlos Ortiz then hit an RBI single for the 9-7 advantage. Weinhardt was the losing pitcher in the game.

The Firebirds' big inning came in the top of the inning, ruining the Saints' Matt Cain's chance at a win. Cain was responsible for all of the runs scored by Phoenix. He walked Brett Wallace to lead off the inning. Then Alejandro Rico and Edgar V. Gonzalez hit back-to-back singles to load the bases. Starlin Castro then singled in Wallace to cut the Saints' lead to 7-3. After Axel Darke popped out to second, Alex Avila singled in Rico to make it 7-4. With two outs, Nolan Reimold doubled in Gonzalez and Castro to cut the Montreal lead to 7-6. Cain was then replaced by Blake Wood. Wood then threw a wild pitch, scoring Avila from third and blowing the save opportunity. Wood ended up getting the win due to being the pitcher when Montreal sealed the game.

For Cain, his final stat line was not impressive due to the poor eighth inning. In 7 2/3 innings. he allowed seven runs, six earned, on 10 hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Wood earned the win by getting a ground ball out. Dana Eveland retired all three batters he faced in the ninth to earn the save.

Phoenix's A.J. Burnett also had a bad day. In three innings, he allowed five earned runs--all on Ramos home runs--on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Weinhardt suffered the loss by allowing two earned runs on three hits with a strikeout in just 2/3 of an inning. The Firebirds used four relief pitchers in the game after Burnett was chased.

Montreal took its first lead in the second inning. With one out, Ian Kinsler singled. That was followed by Ramos' first home run, a towering 387-foot home run to left field.

The Firebirds quickly answered in the third. With one out, Wallace singled. Burnett then bunted him over, and Gonzalez singled him in. That cut the Phoenix lead to 2-1.

The game seemed to get away from Phoenix in the fourth. Burnett walked Ortiz to lead off, followed by a Kinsler single. Ramos then went to the opposite field, hitting a 336-foot home run down the right field line for a 5-1 Montreal lead. That chased Burnett from the game, bringing William Sanders on in relief.

Montreal tacked on two more runs in the fifth for a 7-1 lead. Kole Calhoun singled to lead off. Sanders then walked Atkins and plunked Ortiz. Kinsler followed with a two-RBI double. After Sanders intentionally walked Ramos to load the bases, he settled down and retired the next three batters, two via strikeout.

The Firebirds were able to get a run back in the sixth. With two outs, Cain walked Castro. After Castro stole second base, Darke singled him in for a 7-2 Montreal lead that would hold until the dramatic eighth inning.

Other than Ramos' big day, two other Saints had big offensive days. Atkins finished the game 2 of 4 with a double, a triple, two runs scored, an RBI, and a walk. Kinsler was a perfect 4 for 4 with a double, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.

For Phoenix, Reimold had the biggest day at the plate. He was 3 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in. Reimold's double was the Firebirds' only extra-base hit in the ballgame. Gonzalez was 2 for 5 with a run and two RBI. Five other batters each had a hit.

[StLee]

Saturday, October 11 - Game Six



. . . . . .

The Phoenix Firebirds hit four home runs and pulled away from the Montreal Saints, 12-4, in Game Six of the 2014 Tournament of Champions final series. Both teams now move on to play a final game to try to claim the Bowl.

Starling Castro earned player of the game honors after his 4 for 5 day with a home run, three runs scored, three runs batted in, and two stolen bases. His teammate, Morgan Ensberg, homered twice, going 2 for 4 with two runs and four RBI to finish a close second in player of the game voting.

The Firebirds started the game hot, scoring 11 runs in the first four innings. In the first inning, they got things started, never allowing Montreal in the game. After Saints' starter Will Smith retired the first two batters, Phoenix took off. Nolan Reimold singled, followed by Ensberg's first home run to make it 2-0. Castro then singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Alex Avila then singled him in for a 3-0 score after one.

Phoenix extended its lead to 7-0 in the second. Foppe Spitsbaard, the Firebirds' starting pitcher, led off with a single. Axel Darke then reached on an error by Saints' shortstop Jose Altuve. With one out, Reimold singled to load the bases. Ensberg then hit a sacrifice fly to score Spitsbaard. Castro finished the inning by hitting a three-run home run for the four-run second.

With Kunihiko Samurakami in on relief for the Saints in the third inning, Phoenix continued its offensive onslaught. Urbano Peixeiro led off the inning with a single and then stole second. After Brett Wallace's ground out advanced Peixeiro to third, Samurakami walked Spitsbaard. Darke then hit a sacrifice fly to score Peixeiro for an 8-0 lead. Julio Ortiz followed with his first hit, a two-run home run, to push the lead to 10-0 after three innings.

Morgan Ensberg led off the fourth inning with his second home run. In all, the Firebirds hit four home runs and had 15 total hits in their 12-run performance. Eleven of the 15 hits came in the first four innings.

Montreal's only big inning came in the sixth when they scored four runs. Garrett Atkins led off with a single, followed by Spitsbaard walking Carlos Ortiz. A passed ball allowed both runners to advance, and then Ian Kinsler knocked in Atkins on an RBI ground out. With two outs, Spitsbaard issued back-to-back walks to Drew Stubbs and Cliff Pennington to load the bases. Pinch hitter Victor Rivera then hit a two-RBI single to cut the Phoenix lead to 11-3. Altuve followed with an RBI single to chase Spitsbaard from the game and cut the lead to 11-4.

Spitsbaard was the winning pitcher in the game. In 5 2/3 innings, he allowed four earned runs on six hits with five walks and five strikeouts. He also was 1 for 2 at the plate with two runs scored and a walk. William Sanders and Scott Feldman finished the game for the Firebirds, allowing only one hit combined with a walk and three strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.

Smith suffered the loss for the Saints. He gave up seven runs, three earned, on eight hits with three strikeouts in just two innings. Four relief pitchers finished the game for Montreal.

In addition to Castro and Ensberg's big day batting, Peixeiro and Reimold also added multiple hits. Peixeiro was 3 for 4 with a run, RBI, and walk. Reimold was 2 for 5 with two runs scored.

Kinsler and Stubbs were the two most successful Saints at the plate. Kinsler finished 2 for 5 with a double and RBI. His double was the only extra-base hit for Montreal in the game. Stubbs was 2 for 3 with a run and walk.

[StLee]

Sunday, October 12 - Game Seven



. . . . . .

Phoenix, Arizona -

The Vance Worley Syndrome came to a pleasant end for the Phoenix Firebirds as they edged the Montreal Saints, 4-3, to win the 2014 Tournament of Champions Bowl.

Worley was the game-winning pitcher, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts in six innings. He also went 1 for 2 at the plate with a run and RBI. It was his first win in three tries in the series, and it was the win that counted most.

Ricky Romero was the losing pitcher for the Saints. In eight innings, he allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits with four walks and six strikeouts.

Three pitchers pitched the final three innings for Phoenix, allowing only two hits and striking out four in three shutout innings. Rex Brothers earned the save, striking out two batters in the ninth.

Phoenix never trailed in the game. Their first runs came in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, Nolan Reimold hit a single. Morgan Ensberg followed with another single. Then Starlin Castro hit a two-RBI triple to put the Firebirds up 2-0 heading to the fifth.

The Saints were able to answer in the fifth. After the first two batters were retired, Wilson Ramos and Drew Stubbs hit back-to-back singles. Cliff Pennington then followed with an RBI single to cut the Phoenix lead to 2-1.

In the bottom of the inning, the Firebirds found more of their offense. With one out, Brett Wallace tripled. Worley then hit an RBI single to make it 3-1. With two outs, Julio Ortiz walked. Reimold then reached on an error when Montreal center fielder Stubbs dropped a routine fly, scoring Worley from second. That gave Phoenix a 4-1 lead after five innings.

The Saints were able to answer again in the sixth. Unfortunately for them, they scored their final two runs of the game in the innings. Jose Altuve led off the inning with a single. Two batters later, Garrett Atkins hit an RBI double to cut the Firebirds' lead to 4-2. After Carlos Ortiz singled, Ian Kinsler followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 4-3. Worley was then able to strike out Wilson Ramos and get Stubbs to fly out to center to get out of a jam and preserve the lead.

The Saints' Carlos Ortiz led the game in hits, going 3 for 4 with a double. He was one of two Saints' players to have an extra-base hit along with Atkins' sixth inning double. Altuve was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Ensberg and Wallace had two hits apiece for the Firebirds. Castro led the team in RBI with two.

Final Brackets:



Tournament of Champions Bowl Banner:



Series Most Valuable Player:



It was a tough decision for series MVP, with a few people in the running: Phoenix's LF Nolan Reimold, 3B Morgan Ensberg, and SP Vance Worley, and Montreal's LF Garrett Atkins. In the end, the two finalists came down to Reimold and Atkins, with Reimold getting a slight nod with his team winning it all.

Reimold was named game MVP only once, Game Five, when he went 3 for 6 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored, and three runs batted in. However, he was a contributor every game on offense.

He was the only player to have at least one hit in all seven games, getting 1, 2, 3, 1, 3, 2, and 1 in order. He also tied for the series lead in doubles (3) and home runs (2). His two home runs equaled two other finalists, Ensberg and Atkins.

In 117 games in the regular season, he batted .256, going 76 of 297 as a part-time starter (67 GS). He collected 18 doubles, a triple, 17 home runs, 58 runs, 68 RBI, 36 walks, 67 strikeouts, and four stolen bases.

In the pre and post season tournaments, Reimold played in a total of 26 games. He batted a collective 26 of 95 (.274), with half of those hits coming in the Tournament of Champions final series. Of those 26 hits, he had five doubles, two triples, and five home runs. He scored 17 times, drive in 14 runs, walked eight times, and stole two bases.

The kicker for Reimold is that he wins the Series MVP award on his 31st birthday. Congratulations, Nolan!

[StLee]

A look at what 2015 will have for league structures:

Alpha League

Brooklyn Avengers
2010, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2011, AL, 8th place, Won Honors Cup
2012, AL, 9th place, Won Honors Cup
2013, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2014, BL, 3rd place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted

Charlotte Flyers
2010, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
2011, BL, 4th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
2012, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2013, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup
2014, BL, 7th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted

Chicago Brats
2010, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
2012, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2014, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted

Cincinnati Cyclones
2010, AL, 6th place, Lost Alpha Cup
2011, AL, 6th place, Lost Alpha Cup
2012, AL, 3rd place, Won Diamond Trophy
2013, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup final
2014, AL, 2nd place, Won Diamond Trophy

Dallas Tycoons
2010, GL, 8th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
2011, GL, 1st place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
2012, BL, 1st place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2013, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy
2014, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup

Kansas City Sting
2010, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
2011, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2012, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2013, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
2014, AL, 9th place, Won Honors Cup

Los Angeles Actors
2010, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
2011, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2012, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup
2013, AL, 6th place, Won Alpha Cup
2014, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup final

Miami Towers
2010, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2011, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2012, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2013, AL, 8th place, Won Honors Cup
2014, AL, 4th place, Lost Diamond Trophy final

Minneapolis Blizzard
2010, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
2013, GL, 1st place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
2014, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted

Montreal Saints
2010, AL, 7th place, Won Honors Cup
2011, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy
2012, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup
2013, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2014, BL, 1st place, Lost Gold Trophy final, Promoted

Phoenix Firebirds
2010, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup, Promoted
2011, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted
2013, BL, 5th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
2014, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy, Won Tournament of Champions Bowl

San Diego Slammers
2010, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2011, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2012, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup Final
2013, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2014, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy

Virginia Beach Neptunes
2010, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup
2011, BL, 9th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
2012, BL, 3rd place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
2013, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2014, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup

Beta League

Austin Savage
2010, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
2011, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup
2012, BL, 4th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
2013, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2014, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated

Denver Peaks
2010, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup
2013, OL, 4th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
2014, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted

Detroit Wolverines
2010, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2011, BL, 11th place, Lost Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
2013, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2014, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated

Memphis Hound Dogs
2010, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup
2011, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup
2012, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
2013, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
2014, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup

Nashville Country
2010, AL, 3rd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2011, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated,
2012, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2013, AL, 5th place, Lost Alpha Cup
2014, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated

New Mexico Suns
2010, AL, 4th place, Won Diamond Trophy
2011, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup final
2012, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2013, BL, 10th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
2014, BL, 8th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup

New Orleans Gators
2010, BL, 6th place, Won Beta Cup, Promoted
2011, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2012, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup
2013, BL, 2nd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2014, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated

Oakland Gorillas
2010, BL, 3rd place, Lost Gold Trophy, Promoted
2011, AL, 5th place, Won Alpha Cup
2012, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2013, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2014, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup

San Francisco Gold
2010, BL, 4th place, Lost Beta Cup
2011, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup
2012, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup
2013, BL, 6th place, Lost Beta Cup
2014, BL, 5th place, Lost Beta Cup

Utah Mustangs
2010, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2012, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2014, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted

Washington Presidents
2010, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2011, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
2012, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
2013, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, GL, 2nd place, Won Silver Trophy, Promoted

Gamma League

Atlanta Blazers
2010, GL, 3rd place, Lost Gamma Cup
2011, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted
2012, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, OL, 3rd place, Won Omega Cup Consolation, Promoted

Baltimore Bullets
2010, OL, 11th place
2011, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup
2012, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup
2013, OL, 5th place, Lost Omega Cup
2014, OL, 5th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted

Buffalo Bears
2010, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup
2011, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
2012, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2013, GL, 2nd place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
2014, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated

Honolulu Tropics
2010, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2011, BL, 1st place, Won Gold Trophy, Promoted
2012, AL, 7th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2013, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup

Houston Bulls
2010, AL, 1st place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2011, AL, 2nd place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2012, AL, 4th place, Lost Diamond Trophy
2013, AL, 11th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2014, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated

Las Vegas Dealers
2010, OL, 2nd place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2011, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2013, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted

Milwaukee Beers
2010, OL, 5th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
2011, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
2013, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted
2014, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated

Orlando Rockets
2010, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
2012, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2013, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, OL, 2nd place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted

Philadelphia Liberty
2010, OL, 12th place
2011, OL, 12th place
2012, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series
2013, OL, 6th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
2014, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup

Portland Pioneers
2010, AL, 5th place, Won Alpha Cup
2011, AL, 9th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2012, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2014, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup

San Antonio Buzzards
2010, BL, 9th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
2011, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup
2014, OL, 1st place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted

Toronto Thunderbirds
2010, AL, 8th place, Lost Honors Cup final
2011, AL, 12th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2012, BL, 8th place, Won Beta Survivors Cup
2013, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
2014, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated

Omega League

Boston Hawks / formerly: Boston Night Hawks
2010, BL, 8th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2012, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
2013, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, OL, 11th place

Bronx Bombers
2010, OL, 1st place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2011, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
2012, GL, 3rd place, Won Gamma Cup, Promoted
2013, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated

Cleveland Sluggers
2010, GL, 10th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, OL, 1st place, Lost Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2012, GL, 5th place, Lost Gamma Cup final, Promoted
2013, BL, 11th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated

Indianapolis Express
2010, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup
2011, OL, 2nd place, Won Bronze Trophy, Promoted
2012, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, OL, 12th place
2014, OL, 12th place

Louisville Thoroughbreds
2010, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup
2011, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup final, Promoted
2012, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup
2014, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup

Mexico City N/A / formerly: Edmonton Freeze
2010, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
2011, OL, 11th place
2012, OL, 12th place
2013, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
2014, OL, 4th place, Lost Omega Cup, Relocated

Oklahoma City Bandits
2010, OL, 6th place, Won Omega Cup, Promoted
2011, GL, 2nd place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
2012, BL, 12th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2014, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup

Pittsburgh Energy - Now on the chopping block. Must be promoted to survive relocation.
2010, GL, 12th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, OL, 3rd place, Lost Omega Cup
2012, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup
2013, OL, 10th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series
2014, OL, 6th place, Lost Omega Cup Promotion Series

Seattle Ports
2010, AL, 10th place, Lost Honors Cup, Relegated
2011, BL, 7th place, Lost Beta Cup
2012, BL, 9th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2013, GL, 6th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2014, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated

St. Louis Lions
2010, GL, 1st place, Lost Silver Trophy, Promoted
2011, BL, 10th place, Lost Beta Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, GL, 4th place, Lost Gamma Cup
2013, GL, 10th place, Won Gamma Survivors Cup
2014, GL, 9th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated

Tampa Sharks
2010, GL, 7th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2011, OL, 9th place, Lost Omega Cup
2012, OL, 7th place, Lost Omega Cup
2013, OL, 8th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
2014, GL, 8th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated

Vancouver Mounties
2010, OL, 10th place, Won Omega Cup Promotion Series, Promoted
2011, GL, 11th place, Lost Gamma Survivors Cup, Relegated
2012, OL, 11th place
2013, OL, 11th place
2014, OL, 8th place, Lost Omega Cup

[StLee]

Mexico City has narrowed its logo down to two. What do you think?

[Special note: in my world league, from where this dynasty has its base, I have two Mexico City teams, one of each below. So, the question is which one of the two I choose. I am leaning towards one over the other, but I am comfortable with either. I do need to tweak the jerseys of one, though!]

Mexico City Lobos



Mexico City Scorpions



First three votes for either is the winner. If I don't reach three votes for either, then it comes down to a coin toss.

[dynaboyj]

Scorpions.

[StLee]

Thanks for the vote!

[HGVoyager]

Lobos.

[abell1198]

Scorpions

[StLee]

Thanks for the votes!

I'll get a chance to write on the dynasty in about another 13 or 14 hours, so if anyone else wants to cast a vote, just post, and I'll choose the majority when I log in again.

[BradG223]

Scorpions

[NYY #23]

Scorpions

[StLee]

The people have spoken. The Mexico City franchise will be known as the Scorpions. Thanks for the votes!

[StLee]

In the five year history of the Champions Baseball Association, the San Francisco Gold stand out as a team unique in its sameness.
For five years, the Gold have played in the Beta League, the CBA’s second-best league. And in five years, the Gold have finished in the top half of the league, just outside of the playoffs, which would automatically promote them to the Alpha League.



Instead, San Francisco has qualified for the Beta Cup each season. In each of the those five seasons, they have failed to win the Beta Cup, resulting in having to remain in the Beta League. They are one of four teams to remain in one league for the entirety of the CBA: the Cincinnati Cyclones (AL), Baltimore Bullets (OL), and Edmonton Freeze (AL).

Baltimore has been promoted and will play in the Gamma League next season. Edmonton has been forced to relocate because of a five-year basement rule, so they will play in Mexico City beginning in 2015. That leaves just the Cyclones and San Francisco as teams that have yet to move either up or down.

One of the most perplexing moves in the past was the decision to trade away up-and-coming star Miguel Cabrera to the New Mexico Suns in 2010. While the Gold were still battling for a chance at being promoted to the Alpha League, they decided to move Cabrera for players center fielder Chris Ayloffe and pitcher Kevin Hart. While Ayloffe is still a productive member of the Gold, Hart was not re-signed following the 2010 season. The move was considered to be a cost-saving move to free up money for more free agents. However, Cabrera’s star factor could have made a difference in the Gold’s middling offense.

Year-by-Year Beta Cup Results

2010: Lost in first round to Kansas City Sting, 2 games to 0
2011: Beat Austin Savage in first round, 2 to 1; Lost final to Charlotte Flyers, 2 to 0
2012: Beat New Orleans Gators in first round, 2 to 1; Lost final to Austin Savage, 2 to 1
2013: Lost in first round to Phoenix Firebirds, 2 to 1
2014: Beat Memphis Hound Dogs in first round, 2 to 0; Lost final to Charlotte Flyers, 2 to 0

Now the Gold needs to find some cash to improve themselves. They have three high-priced free agents, which may mean they have money to pursue some free agents for the 2015 season. The highest-paid player is long-time second baseman Dustin Pedroia ($5M), followed by shortstop Javier Sanchez ($3M) and pitcher Carl Pavano ($2.6M). Those three players accounted for 38% of the 2014 player payroll.

Pedroia was the highest-paid player in San Francisco, but he struggled in his contract year. He hit for a career-low .243, and he will probably have to find a new home next season.

PEDROIA STATS


Like Pedroia, Sanchez was an overpaid chump for the Gold in 2014. Besides having a hard time staying on the field—he played in only 96 of a possible 132 games—Sanchez’s bat was ice cold all season (.192). It is highly unlikely he will be back in 2015.

SANCHEZ STATS


Pavano is a different story. Though his numbers were not great, they were not terrible, either. Still, he will be 39 next season and looks to have been just a one-year plug in. There’s little doubt the Gold will try to get younger next season.

PAVANO STATS


With moves to secure another quality starter and to shore up the middle of the infield, the Gold may have a chance to improve in 2015. There are certainly some quality players on the team. But the question still remains for the Gold: Can they turn average seasons into gold?

GOLD TEAM LEADERS

2010


2011


2012


2013


2014

[StLee]

The Champions Baseball Association has been alive for five years, and now there are a number of changes coming for the 2015 season. Some changes are huge, while others are tweaks to the system.

DRAFT

First off, the 2014 draft will feature a true bottom-top order. Therefore, the last place team in 2014 in the Omega League will be picking first, with the next eleven spots going to Omega League teams. Next, the last place team through first place teams will be picking 13th through 24th. The Beta League last place team will pick 25th through the first place team picking 36th. Finally, the last place team of the Alpha League will pick 37th through the first place team will pick 48th. In the second round, teams will revert to records and compensations.

So, for 2014, the top five picks will be:
1) Indianapolis
2) Boston
3) Louisville
4) Las Vegas
5) Vancouver

San Diego will pick 48th.

SPRING BOWL

The popularity of the Spring Bowl has demanded an expansion. Instead of last year's number of 24, up from the original number of 12, all 48 teams in the CBA will participate in the double elimination tournament. That means that even the Indianapolis team has an opportunity to win a banner!

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

The CBA has reduced the number of teams allowed to be promoted and relegated each year. There will be more changes coming in time, but for now these are the changes:

AL: WAS 4 teams relegated; NOW 3 teams relegated
BL: WAS 4 teams promoted and relegated; NOW 3 teams promoted and 2 teams relegated
GL: WAS 4 teams promoted and 5 teams relegated; NOW 2 teams promoted and 3 teams relegated
OL: WAS 5 teams promoted; NOW 3 teams promoted

More changes may be coming in future seasons, especially if the CBA goes through with league expansion.

PLAYOFFS

Each league has changed the structure of its post season, with the Omega League making minimal changes.

OL: The Bronze Trophy will still be between the top two teams. Both teams automatically get promoted to the Gamma League the following season. Now the Omega Cup will be a winner-take-all affair where only the winner is promoted to the Gamma League. Before, the top three finishers in the Omega Cup tournament were promoted.

GL: The Silver Trophy will now be a battle between the top three teams. The second and third seeds play in the first round in a five-game series, with the winner playing the first seed in the final round in a seven-game series. Both finalists are automatically promoted. The loser of the first round must then await the Gamma Cup winner for the right to be promoted.

The Gamma Cup will now be a double elimination tournament, except for the first round series, which is an elimination series. The 11th and 12th seeds will play in a three-game series with the winner moving on to the Gamma Cup tournament. The loser is automatically relegated the following season. Then the eight seeds play single games, with the two teams losing their first two games being relegated to the Omega League the following season. The final winner (the only team without two losses) wins the Gamma Cup. That team will then move on to play the first round loser in the Silver Trophy for the right to be promoted. There is no longer a Gamma Survivors Cup.

BL: The Beta League has expanded the Gold Trophy tournament to four teams. In that tournament, the winners of the five-game series first round move on to the right to win the Gold Trophy in a seven-game series and automatically get promoted. The losers of the first round must meet in a five-game series for third place. The winner of the consolation series is promoted to the Alpha League.

The Beta Cup, which features 5th through 12th place teams, will attempt a unique tournament beginning in 2015. They will play a triple elimination tournament where the final team standing will be crowned the Beta Cup winners. The first two teams to lose three games will be relegated the following season. The Beta Cup winner is no longer promoted to the Alpha League. Also, like in the Gamma League, the Beta Survivors Cup is no more.

AL: The Diamond Trophy tournament will remain the same with the top four teams playing for the championship of the Alpha League, except that the first round will now be a seven-game series instead of a five-game series. However, the Alpha Cup and Honors Cup have changed. The Alpha Cup now features four teams. The first round will be a three-game series, while the final round will be a five-game series. For the Honors Cup, it will be a four-team playoff, with only the winner of the cup escaping relegation.

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

The Tournament of Champions is also expanding. Before, ten teams made the tournament: each of the leagues' champions, as well as the 2nd-4th seeds in the AL, 2nd-3rd seeds in the BL, and the 2nd seed in the GL.

Now, each league will add a team to the tournament, making the tournament a 14-team tournament. The top five seeds of the AL, the top four seeds of the BL, the top three seeds of the GL, and the top two seeds of the OL all get a shot at winning the Tournament of Champions Bowl.

Like before, the first round will be a five-game series. Now the top two seeds get a bye in the first round while all other teams play. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are all seven-game series.

TEAMS

A few teams have plans to change team names. More announcements will be made as they make those changes.

[StLee]

Not all of these uniform changes are new, but I have never updated the original pictures.

So here are nine teams that have changed their uniforms within the last few years:

Louisville Thoroughbreds



Tampa Sharks



Bronx Bombers



Portland Pioneers



San Francisco Gold



Oakland Gorillas



New Orleans Gators



Washington Presidents



Chicago Brats

[StLee]

One team has decided to change its team name and now the newest team has shown its uniforms.

The Baltimore Bullets have been under societal pressure to change their name. Much like the Washington Bullets basketball team did, the Baltimore team was heaped in history. However, times are always changing, and the Baltimore team felt they could get better support and find more team success and revenue by changing their team name. Thus, introducing...



Also, a fan vote of the two finalists for the Mexico City name resulted in the Scorpions being chosen as the team mascot. Their uniforms below:

[StLee]

As much as I love the OOTP franchise, I hate that a change here and there can cause unexpected results. Perhaps it was all my fault. When I was selecting award winners, I absentmindedly forgot to check the rookie suggestions. Thus some people who were not rookies were selected as Rookie of the Year in the Gamma and Omega leagues. So, I loaded a backup and redid the player awards, including my brand new awards: "X League Man of the Year."

Unfortunately, a few things are now off. For one, I noticed that a lot of the logos and uniforms did not carry over properly. So, I spent time redoing all of those.

Then, I simmed ahead to the draft time. Well, no draft pool ever came. All I had were 33 players who refused to sign the previous draft. So, I just let it be. I'll just pretend there was some hold up with the draft due to some rule changes, maybe a union blockage because current players are not getting fair compensation. Whatever. If it doesn't come back, I'll find a work around.

Now, in the 2015 season, I notice that my graphic screen with 2014 standings, statistical leaders, and award winners is minus the award winners. That has to be OK, too. I can just grab all of the awards winners' stories in my email inbox.

None of these things are dynasty killers, but they are annoying to the nth degree.

[NYY #23]

First I like the changes that are coming. Second, I hate when things like that happen. I've had similar problems with logos and jerseys for some reason. What I've started doing is placing the logos/jerseys in a folder, and then setting that as the default location. So far that has worked wonders for me.

One suggestion on the draft is on the free agent screen you can create fictional players and make them draft eligible, chose the settings, and pick how many you'd like. At least in 15, so I'll throw both of those out there in case they help.

[StLee]

Awards

Heavy Cannon Pitcher Award

2014 Heavy Cannon Pitcher Award Winner Announced: The Heavy Cannon Pitcher Award for 2014 has been presented and the Alpha League winner is Cole Hamels of Cincinnati.

"It's always nice to receive an award like this," said Hamels. "I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again," the Cyclones star told reporters.

Hamels excelled with an impressive 19-3 record in 27 starts. In 195.2 innings he yielded 152 hits and 22 walks, while striking out 193 and compiling a fine 2.62 ERA.Jose Fernandez of the San Diego Slammers finished second in voting, while Jordan M Zimmermann of the Dallas Tycoons finished third.

Launch Pad Hitter Award

AL's Premier Hitter, Puig of San Diego: There's something special about a guy who can stride up to the plate and put the ball anywhere -- in the stands, off the wall, into the gap, down the third base line. You name the place and Yasiel Puig probably put it there on his way to winning the Alpha League Launch Pad Hitter Award for 2014.

The San Diego right fielder belted out 151 hits in compiling a .345 batting average and racked up 24 doubles, 4 triples, 31 home runs, 81 RBIs and 78 runs scored.Bryce Harper of the Nashville Country finished second in voting, while Andrew McCutchen of the Miami Towers finished third.

Outstanding Rookie Award

Arenado Is AL's Best Rookie: Nolan Arenado put together some impressive numbers for Cincinnati to garner enough votes for the Alpha League Outstanding Rookie Award.

The Cyclones third baseman took the honor by hitting .297 in 108 games this season and finishing with 110 hits, 8 home runs, 38 RBIs and 51 runs scored.Manuel Machado of the Austin Savage finished second in voting, while Alex Wood of the Nashville Country finished third.

Kitchen Mitt Awards

Top Fielders Honored by Alpha League: It's been said that the best offense is a good defense. That's why contending teams are always looking to improve on the defensive side of the game. Keeping runs from scoring is just as good as driving them in. The top fielders have been chosen in the Alpha League for 2014. Here are the Kitchen Mitt Award winners:

Pitcher: Tetsu Ikarashi (Virginia Beach Neptunes)
Catcher: Brian McCann (Los Angeles Actors)
First Baseman: Ike Davis (New Orleans Gators)
Second Baseman: Kyle Seager (Virginia Beach Neptunes)
Third Baseman: Cristián Silva (Detroit Wolverines)
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (Cincinnati Cyclones)
Left Fielder: Mike Trout (Miami Towers)
Center Fielder: Carlos Gonzalez (Virginia Beach Neptunes)
Right Fielder: Bryce Harper (Nashville Country)

Alpha Man of the Year

The Alpha Man of the Year Award honors a player who both had an outstanding regular season and excelled in the Champions Baseball Association playoffs and tournaments.

Only a limited number of players are eligible each season, so this award can be considered the overall MVP award for the Alpha League.

Cincinnati's Morneau First Alpha Man: Cincinnati first baseman Justin Morneau helped the Cyclones to a second place finish in the Alpha League. And then he took over, winning series most valuable player awards in the first and final rounds in leading Cincinnati to the Diamond Trophy.

In the regular season, Morneau finished with a .308 average, with 27 doubles, a triple, and 22 home runs. He scored 65 runs, drove in 81 runs, walked 58 times, and struck out 73 times.

In 18 postseason games, Morneau batted .297 (22 of 74) with four doubles, five home runs, 13 runs scored, and 21 runs batted in. He also walked four times and struck out 12 times.


Leaders