Centurion comes...to OOTP5

[darkcloud4579]

Well, we didn't win the big one. But a President's Trophy isn't too bad either. The best team in the majors for the second straight year, we're pleased with their regular season effort, but want translate that into a championship.

So...with that said, let's go over the year that was.

HIGH POINTS
- Second straight AL West title
- Advanced to the ALCS for the second straight year
- C Josh Eagan wins the first Gold Glove in franchise history
- RF Vladimir Guerrero wins the AL MVP (third consecutive MVP honor), first in franchise history

LOW POINTS
- Swept in ALCS by Yankees
- Increased payroll by over $22 million from 2004.
- Failed to establish solid five-man rotation


I can't complain really. This is a fairly young team and most of our contracts are tied up for a number of years. I just like to win.

We'll retool, acquiring at least one major free agent for the pitching staff. Basically, we need to move our guys down each a spot and get someone to complement Pedro.

If we can find someone.... We'll be back!

[darkcloud4579]

The Milwaukee Brewers were moved to New Orleans, LA and become the Pelicans. They will play at brand-new Lexus Field and will be owned by former Saints Quarterback Aaron Brooks.

"I love baseball and this is a great move for me and the city of New Orleans." he said. Along with Brooks, five NFL players and 3 from the NBA joined together to create baseball's first minority owned club. The initiative was started by Bud Selig last year, who after being forced out as owner, urged the league to consider his minority partnership plan. By involving former athletes, he hopes to build a bridge to other players in the sport who want to own.

"This is the player's game, we want them to feel like they have a stake in making it better, as owners someday." said Selig.

The other franchise move, was the Anaheim Angels, who were sold to Ivie Moreno and his partnership. The team was sold and will move to Anchorage, Alaska and become the Sky Chiefs. The Sky Chiefs will play at Exxon's Exploration Field, a retractable roof stadium, where the team will have such events as "Midnight baseball", starting the latest major league game in history, after the annual midnight baseball game held annually in the state.

"Alaska is a baseball state, even though we don't have the best weather for it." said Moreno, a military veteran who moved to Alaska 40 years ago and built a billion dollar coal empire.

[darkcloud4579]

While the Wild Card is great for baseball in some sense, I think a championship is just that, a championship. And in baseball, I believe a team needs to win its division to qualify for the playoffs.

So I made the logical step, with 2-16 team leagues to create 4, 4-team divisions. While it might seem a little watered down - trust me, I hate it - contraction in this league isn't a viable option, mainly because...I like the locations I have teams in and I think baseball can sustain it.

Here is the new alignment for the majors:

AL North
------
Toronto
Minnesota
Detroit
Boston

AL East
------------
New York
New Jersey
Indiana
Cleveland

AL South
-----------
Raleigh
Texas
Baltimore
Chicago

AL Pacific
-------------
Anchorage
Seattle
Oakland
Oregon


NL East
-----------
New England
Philadelphia
New York
Washington

NL Central
---------------
Cincinnati
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
Chicago

NL South
-------------
Atlanta
Arizona
New Orleans
Houston

NL West
----------
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
Colorado

[darkcloud4579]

Also, starting with the 2007 Amateur Draft (which is held in the pre-season), the draft will be shortened from 10 rounds to 5 rounds, to maximze talent and ensure teams have a shot at better players overall.

[darkcloud4579]

Interleague Play
This season, I generated a 152-gm schedule and then added two experimental inter-league games in this year's schedule for each team. Not all are against "natural" rivals since with moves many don't have "natural" rivals. It's for the fans...but will never be implemented on a wide scale like MLB.

[darkcloud4579]

Last season wasn't a told waste. The Galesburg (IL) Steamrollers won the Class A title last year.

So, at least our season wasn't a total wash. They're leading again.

Speaking of, the League Site is up dated.

[darkcloud4579]

NEW YORK - When you spend the most in baseball, it yields results. That's the story for this year's New York Yankees, who lead the shredded version of the AL East by a whopping 38 games. That's right, 38. Their magic number on August 1st is 9. That's right, the Yankees are merely a handful of games away from clinching their division title faster than any team in baseball history. All in a days work, says Joe Torre.

"We're pleased with the way the guys are playing", he said of the defending champs. "But we won't be satisfied until we go all the way. We want another title and we're working hard to get to that goal. These guys don't want second best." said Torre.

Despite the fact that none of their players want second best, the rest of the league wants nothing more than to beat them.

"We see their record, but it doesn't mean much. New league alignment allowed them to pounce on a much easier schedule. I mean, c'mon, Indiana? Cleveland? JERSEY?! You're kidding me. We could beat up on those guys too. We'll see how it goes in the playoffs." said Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little.

Despite the criticism at the new league alignment, Board of Governors Chairman Sandy Alderson contends that its provided pennant races where there would be none. "There are teams like Raleigh, New Orleans and others that would have never been able to contend under the old system. This system is fairer. Sure, you may have a situation where a better team ends up not being in the playoffs. But those are aberrations when you recognize that this system gives the fans something to get excited about. Its Year 1, give it time." he said.

[darkcloud4579]

Originally posted by TC Dale
Enjoying this a lot. Please continue. This is good stuff!

Thanks for the feedback. It makes me know people are actually reading the thread.

[Jordan]

I also sat here for a half hour amazed at the realness of your writng....keep it up, we love it

[darkcloud4579]

WHITE SOX RUMORED TO BE LOOKING ELSEWHERE
CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago White Sox ownership have been reportedly looking at other options for the club, for as early as 2007. After a recent accident at US Cellular Field, involving a beam falling onto the field during a game, officials have said the park is the result of shoddy construction when the park was built almost twenty years ago. As a result, White Sox officials are exploring other options, given that Owner Jerry Reinsdorf has said, "I've had enough of this baseball {expletive}"

Though team officials will not confirm nor deny they are shopping the club for other sites, they did release a statement. "We are doing what's best for our players, our fans around the world and ultimately, Major League Baseball."

Attempts to contact the legions of White Sox fans worldwide, were not immediately returned.

Rumors have the Sox considering Birmingham, Ala., Louisville, Ky., and Jacksonville, Fla.

[darkcloud4579]

Wondering who'll be the stars of tomorrow? Let's go down to the farm and check out whose growing up like a beanstalk.

IT'S COLIN'S WORLD
It's not everyday that you talk of the 84th pick in the draft as though he's going to be an impact player. But not every player is Colin Curtis, though he's had his cup of coffee in the majors, Curtis is a well grounded player. Presently the #4 rated prospect in the Baseball America propsect rankings, Curtis hits for average and has some pop in his bat. Raleigh expects him to be a solid hitter when its all said and done.

"He's only 22, but his potential is certainly there. He's taken his time through the organization and we're looking for him to be a contributor in the near future." said Blue Stripes GM Dan Duquette. Curtis played HS baseball at Scotch Plains HS in Scotch Plains, NJ and recently donated $25,000 to the school to help them build a new baseball field. "I just want to give back", says Curtis, the 3rd round pick of the Blue Stripes in 2004 Amateur Draft.

STILL YOUNG, STILL WORKING
Oregon Emeralds farmhand Delmon Young is still plugging away in his third professional season. Young, the 3rd pick of the 2004 draft, said he never expected the Emeralds to be as successful as they were. "When I was drafted, the expectation was I was going to a expansion team. I didn't know we were going to be this good. I had no idea." he says. Because of the success of the Ems, the team has not had to speed along the progress of a player they consider to be very integral to their future.

"We're thrilled with Delmon's progress." said Dark Cloud. Young still swings at too many bad pitches, but his offensive production has progressed faster than the Emeralds staff expected. "He's a hard worker and wants to get better. That's all you can ask for in a young player." added Dark Cloud.

Young, the #79 player on Baseball America's 100, is expected to enroll in the Frank Thomas Off-Season Program and he expects super results. "You see some of the guys who've come out of that program in the past two years and its crazy. Frank has really done an excellent job as a teacher and I'm looking forward to working with him." said Young.

Frank Thomas' Off-Season Program trains players through a regime of hard work exercises and teaches them the value of their talent. Many players go and are able to get a better perspective on the game. "I created this because I know what its like to slump and to feel like you're never going to make it back." said Thomas. Ken Griffey, Jr., who was floundering, approached Thomas with the idea after he was traded to San Francisco from Oregon. "That put me back on track." said Griffey, who has had a few decent seasons since going. The player most affected by Thomas' camp was Cordell "Nelly" Haynes, Jr. Nelly went to Thomas' camp the spring before he turned pro and has had amazing results. Nelly was the 247th player taken overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005.

"Look, I was in good shape before. But Frank really taught me the art of baseball and hitting. I feel like a real player now. Not a playa, but a player. And its hot man." said Nelly. Nelly is in the Top 10 in five major categories so far this season.

[darkcloud4579]

While Sandy Alderson might be touting the new league setup as "the Great Equalizer", so far its been nothing but a whitewash.

The Yankees have clinched the AL East, The Emeralds have clinched AL Pacific and St. Louis has clinched the NL Central. The other five division races, with the exception of the absymal AL South, features a division leader that has at least an 8 game lead on their opposition.

"We'll see how it goes in the playoffs", said Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Twins manager. The Twins lead the AL North by 8 games over Boston. "We obviously favor this format, but we're also just getting used to it. I think it can work." he said.

The most interesting thing about the schedule thus far, is that all four division leaders in both leagues are the best teams in their league. Thus, there is no situation this season, where the "Wild Card" would have eclipsed a division leader with a better record, but still be left out of the playoffs.

"We anticipate that will happen at some point." said Alderson. "But we're banking on the fact that teams will adapt and start to develop teams that can compete within in their divisions. That's the beauty of the game, other leagues do it to perfection and I'm confident we can make it work. Baseball is still unique in that, only eight of the 32 teams we have make the playoffs. The post-season still means something and we want to cherish that." Alderson added.

[darkcloud4579]

A one-game division playoff for all the marbles has come about in the first year of the new alignment, to crown the first ever AL Southern Division Champion.

The Texas Rangers and Raleigh Blue Stripes both finished the year at 80-74. Raleigh won seven of their last ten down the stretch to catch the Rangers and force the playoff.

"This is the best part of what baseball is about," said Blue Stripes manager Tony Pena.

Does it bother him that under the old alignment, his club would've clinched the AL Central title with today's win? "No, because who knows how different things would be. You can't say. So I am pleased and we will triumph." he added.

Rangers manager Buck Showalter says that while he expected better things from his club, at least they're in a position to advance. "Last year, we would've been out of the race with Oregon kicked everyone else into the ground. Now we get a crack at them in a series if we can win this thing."

[darkcloud4579]

The Division Series was full of upsets, as the New York Yankees fell to the Minnesota Twins in six games.

While this would normally be good news, a pitching change in Game 6 of the Division Series by yours truly sealeed the fate for the Emeralds as a two-run homer off Dick Wantz gave the Rangers the win and sent the Emeralds home, for yet another year.

More updates later.

[darkcloud4579]

DENVER - The Colorado Rockies are on top of the world. After a win in Game 9 of the World Series, the Rockies captured the World Series title for 2006 over the Texas Rangers. Texas, who finished their improbable season in a one-game playoff, just for the right to be in the playoffs, knocked off the Oregon Emeralds and then beat the Minnesota Twins, who defeated the defending champion New York Yankees.

After losing in the World Series last year, Colorado management took the team with the 9th lowest payroll in baseball and retooled, now ranking 3rd just behind New York and Oregon. "We're thrilled to be able to bring this to our loyal fans." said Rockies owner Jerry McMorris.

Despite the loss, Rangers GM Jon Hart expects them to be back. "We've turned this franchise around," he said of the 2003 World Series Champions who previously had never won a playoff series. "We're going to be contenders and we're not satisfied with just getting here. We want to win it." he said.

[El Caballo]

I just want to say keep up the good work. This is very interesting, and it is written extremely well.

[darkcloud4579]

Originally posted by El Caballo
I just want to say keep up the good work. This is very interesting, and it is written extremely well.

I appreciate your feedback, very much.

Thanks for reading!

[darkcloud4579]

LOUISVILLE (AP) - Information recieved today from the Associated Press confirms that the Chicago White Sox will be ending their 106-year association with the city of Chicago, moving to Louisville, Kentucky beginning in the 2007 season.

While team officials could not confirm these reports, several documents were obtained and a lease for the new "Sluggers Field" in downtown Louisville, next to the Louisville Slugger bat company were reportedly signed last week.

The team would be sold to John P. Moors, owner of the Louisville Slugger company, from Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who has publicy stated he is "tired of the baseball treadmill". The team is reportedly worth $250 million, according to Forbes Magazine's most recently list of sports franchise values.

"They've taken a hit in that market for quite some time." said Daniel Leher, a sports economist. The value of the deal in Louisville is the team can capture the market in Kentucky, Tennessee and other areas not generally considered "major league caliber". "The strength of this deal, is that they're packaging the team regionally. While it will carry the moniker of Louisville, the team will be able to represent the whole region and give fans something to be happy about." Leher added.

The Louisville White Sox - not Sluggers, as the team was rumored to be named - will begin play at Sluggers field next year. "We think the goal was not to alienate old fans, by changing the name. Perhaps in time, the name will need to be changed. But the bridge has to occur slowly and its probably a wise decision." said Louisville sports writer Mike O'Hara.

Meanwhile, fans in Louisville are excited about the opportunity to have a major sports team in their state. The last major sports team in Louisville, was an ABA team during the 1970s. Since then, the NBA was rumored to be moving back, but never did. This move was a surprise to many, but Louisville had been stalking about a team for quite some time. "There are some deep pockets in this city, but you just have to get your hands on them. They're loyal to this region and they want to see their teams do well. This will be a nice, family activity. But it'll be a source of regional pride in Kentucky," said Nick Jeremiah, director of the Greater Louisville Chamber of Commerce.

League Site

[darkcloud4579]

Is this like Atlanta or something?
When I joined this expansion team in 2003, I built the franchise like I do all my franchises. Stars, with some young, developing talent to put together a juggernaut franchise. Going into our fifth season, I know what this club needs to win. The question is, can we do it?

Few teams would complain after cruising to three straight division titles. And I'm not complaining in the least. But we've got progressively worse in the playoffs each of the three years, despite "improving" the club.

2004: Lost in ALCS 4 gms. to 2 (NY Yankees)
2005: Lost in ALCS 4 gms. to 0 (NY Yankees)
2006: Lost in ALDS 4 gms. to 2 (Texas Rangers)

So...all the division titles in the world don't mean a thing, if we can't manage to win the big one.

GOOD TRADES..GREAT PROSPECTS
Like most expansion clubs, we here in Oregon have more than our fair share of veterans come and go. But the one thing we've done better than probably any team in the majors, is get talented young players from our vets.

The most recent Baseball America top organizations ranked the Emeralds farm system 3rd in the majors behind Boston and Raleigh. "We're delighted because it shows that we're working hard to develop top prospects." said Dark Cloud. Unlike other big money clubs like Colorado and New York, ranked 24th and 32nd (dead last) respectively, the Emeralds have a young club. The oldest player on the roster is Pedro Martinez, who is in his prime at 35. "A lot of people have looked at what we've been able to do and they think we're just stocking the roster with veterans. But we're really working hard to balance our club out." added Dark Cloud.

Part of the reason the club has had trouble winning in the post-season is because of the team's inexperience. Only two players on the roster - Hideki Matsui and newly acquired Marcus Giles - have won World Series rings in the modern era. (that is, since I started simulating)

"We know we're young, but our team is getting hungry. There was a time when we were just excited to be in the playoffs. But I think our guys are waning on that and really want to be able to get there and get over the hump," said Dark Cloud.


FREE AGENTS...GO ELSEWHERE
This season, unlike in previous seasons there were no major free agents signings. The club signed 2B Marcus Giles to a free agent deal, but other than that, the team has only made a few trades acquiring Tony Miller from Arizona and Robert Lane who is one of Baseball America's Top 100 prospects (#62). Who did we trade for him? The goat of the ALDS loss against Texas, RP Dick Wantz. Manager Ron Bronson, Jr., put Wantz in to relieve starter Aaron Heilman in the seventh. Wantz tossed up a two-run homer, giving the Rangers the series win. "Dick has been a good player and he'll do well in New Jersey." said Dark Cloud. "This was in no way a reactionary trade. It allowed us to get a highly touted player and improve our club. Nothing else." he said, in response to critics who said Wantz was used as a scapegoat, while manager Ron Bronson, Jr., was allowed to continue to manage the team. "Ron Bronson has taken a team that lost 100 games its first year (under Tommy Lasorda, who was hired as a one-year manager) and has led them to three straight division titles. No expansion club has ever done that. I don't think we need to discuss a different manager for this ballclub," he said.

Many major free agents spurned the Emeralds this year, which is another major reason the club failed to sign a marquee player. "We'll be back and make them sorry they didn't want to play here," said Dark Cloud.

[Jordan]

I have a question, have u ever played Front Office Football? I swear that I remember another Dark Cloud with the same writing vigor as you. He wrote about his 49ers franchise....Is that you by chance?