A blended history of baseball

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 08:16 PM

"Statistics are the lifeblood of baseball." - Leonard Koppett in A Thinking Man's Guide to Baseball (1967)

One thing that always bothers me when doing a 'history of baseball' from the beginning is the different eras, the different game lengths, and being able to measure things in a consistent manner. Not to mention that this is really attempt number three at doing this dynasty after doing:
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...00-3000-a.html

Then:
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ilestones.html

I don't have anything against the earlier era, but after two attempts I never really get to the players or era that I know best, so rather than just start from the beginning of baseball and follow the same handful of players once again I'm going to try and doing something differently this time. I'm still going to focus primarily on the numbers, and how players did compared to real life, but with some differences -

1) League Totals - There will be consistent settings throughout the league. No deadball era, no steroid era, and the settings in the beginning will be the settings in the end, and the middle. I wanted league totals to come out to what I remember when I first started following baseball in the early 80's. I've run several tests and I'm going with 1986. Apologies to Red Sox fans for choosing the 'Bill Buckner' year, but those totals felt right during testing.

2) Teams - I always have trouble getting past things like George Brett playing for the Pirates, or Tony Gwynn playing for the Orioles, or Cal Ripken playing for anybody but the Orioles. But I want a draft, so instead of the teams we all know and love (or hate) I'll be introducing 2 leagues with 2 divisions of 5 teams each, so we'll get 20 new teams. They won't be in areas where a team exists today, and hopefully they'll take on their own feel. I won't rule out expansion at some point, but it will be a ways off.

3) Players - I'll be using the Spritze database, and introducing players into the league randomly. I like the "you never know what you are going to get" factor. It's more fun to be surprised when Babe Ruth appears in the draft class, instead of knowing exactly when he'll show up.

4) History - I wanted to get some history in the league before we begin. I'm starting in 1871 and will sim up through 1901. That means setting the base with fictional players, but I'm ok with that. In fact I expect that some fictional players will be sprinkled in throughout history. Will Clifford Thompson become the all-time home run king, or will someone like Ruth, or Bonds, or someone like Sean Berry.

5) Rules - I'll highlight some of the major ones -
a. Free agency - this will be set to 5 years from the beginning.
b. Minor leagues - no minors and I'll be using reserve rosters, limited to 25 players
c. DH - this will be on in both leagues. I wanted this either on or off for both leagues, and while I originally was leaning towards it being off I won't force pitchers to hit.
d. Trading - the trading deadline is set for June 1st to prevent too many late season trades. Most teams shouldn't be out of it by June 1st and it forces teams to address any weaknesses in the offseason or early in the season.
e. Playoffs - no wild cards, each division winner will square off in a best of 7 League Championship with the winner advancing to the World Series
f. Hall of Fame - we'll have a 5 year waiting period and everyone will be manually inducted
g. Other than that everything is pretty much default, but if there are specifics you want to know feel free to ask.

I'll start with a look at the teams, some history, and then it's on to 1902 where the inaugural draft class of real players will import.

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 08:34 PM

Things are broken down into two leagues, the Eastern League and the Western League, with teams grouped accordingly for the most part. With only 20 teams there are some areas of the country I ignored for now, and there are also no Canadian teams (yet).

Eastern League
Northeast Division
Buffalo Blizzard
Columbus Condors
Hartford Predators
Newark Bears
Providence Power

Southeast Division
Charlotte River Otters
Louisville Spiders
Nashville Sounds
Orlando Wizards
Raleigh Aeros

Western League
Southwest Division
Albuquerque Crusaders
Austin Rattlers
Oklahoma City Tornadoes
Salt Lake City Bees
San Antonio Missions

Western Division
Las Vegas Aces
Long Beach Sharks
Portland Sea Dogs
Sacramento Sting
San Jose Jaguars

dynaboyj · 07-06-2012, 08:56 PM

This sounds great. I like the idea of setting real players into a fictional universe, and I'm really glad you used random debut. I followed The Milestones closely, and I will do its successor the same. I hope this attempt is successful!

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynaboyj

This sounds great. I like the idea of setting real players into a fictional universe, and I'm really glad you used random debut. I followed The Milestones closely, and I will do its successor the same. I hope this attempt is successful!

Thanks! I really like the random debut feature, so i'm excited to see how that turns out. I feel pretty good after testing that I didn't do anything stupid this time around, so I'm hoping that things go well.

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 10:02 PM

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Team: Providence Power
League: Eastern
Division: Northeast
All-time Record: 2368-2654
All-time Winning Percentage: .472
All-time Rank:20
Playoff Appearances: 2
World Series Championships: 0
1901 Record: 80-82

The Power have been anything but powerful, and have lost more games than any other team in the league. They are also in the midst of a 12 season streak in which they haven't finished with a winning record, but did have been getting better the past several seasons.

The Power have several holes to plug in free agency, with their ace Pat Glenn (17-12, 2.92 ERA) hitting free agency along with starting pitcher Hoyt Shaffer (11-15, 4.35 ERA) and clean-up hitter and starting center fielder Alfonso Ramirez (.256/.292/.438, 15 HR, 69 RBI).

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 10:11 PM

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Team: Albuquerque Crusaders
League: Western
Division: Southwest
All-time Record: 2423-2600
All-time Winning Percentage: .482
All-time Rank:19
Playoff Appearances: 4
World Series Championships: 2
1901 Record: 72-90

Albuquerque started out the gate strong, winning 2 of the first 3 World Series, and hasn't been really good, or really bad since then, although they've obviously lost more games than they've won.

They last reached the playoffs in 1899, and have been going up and down the past two years. They finished 32 games out of first place, and will be looking to replace 6 starters during free agency.

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 11:22 PM

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Team: San Antonio Missions
League: Western
Division: Southwest
All-time Record: 2425-2597
All-time Winning Percentage: .483
All-time Rank:18
Playoff Appearances: 5
World Series Championships: 0
1901 Record: 87-75

San Antonio is one of four teams that have never won a World Series, although they did make the playoffs four consecutive years from 1888-1891, and made a return appearance in 1893.

The Missions have finished their third straight season in second place, but resigning free agent starting pitcher Ferrie Est will be key. Est was 16-13 last season with a 3.76 ERA as the #2 starting pitcher.

NYY #23 · 07-06-2012, 11:23 PM

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Team: Oklahoma City Tornadoes
League: Western
Division: Southwest
All-time Record: 2432-2592
All-time Winning Percentage: .484
All-time Rank:17
Playoff Appearances: 5
World Series Championships: 0
1901 Record: 77-85

As we count down from worst to best the Tornadoes are the third team from the Southwest Division, which is a good sign for either Salt Lake or Austin. While Oklahoma City has less holes to fill due to free agency than other teams, they did rank 6th in runs scored and 6th in runs allowed, so they need some help.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 12:12 AM

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Team: Orlando Wizards
League: Eastern
Division: Southeast
All-time Record: 2447-2576
All-time Winning Percentage: .487
All-time Rank:16
Playoff Appearances: 3
World Series Championships: 1
1901 Record: 67-95

The Wizards had some early success, winning the World Series in 1875, but it appears that it's time for them to replace their wands (and bats) because they've finished in last place in the Southeast in four of the past five seasons. Their 114 losses in 1887 is the most by any team in a single season.

They have a very young team though, and 24 year old first baseman Matt Schneider enjoyed a breakout season last year, hitting .255 with 25 home runs. They'll need Schneider to continue to improve as the Wizards were last in runs scored in the Eastern League.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 12:17 AM

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Team: Austin Rattlers
League: Western
Division: Southwest
All-time Record: 2446-2576
All-time Winning Percentage: .487
All-time Rank:15
Playoff Appearances: 7
World Series Championships: 2
1901 Record: 66-96

Austin won the first World Series in 1871, and again won in 1896, but it's been a long five years since as they've finished last in the Southwest in 4 of the 5 years after winning it all.

Their pitching has been not only terrible, giving up more runs than any other team, but they feature a 37 year old, 36 year old, and a pair of 31 year olds. With no in house options the Rattlers will need to become active in the free agent marketplace or try and swing a trade to improve their rotation.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 08:16 AM

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Team: Columbus Condors
League: Eastern
Division: Northeast
All-time Record: 2456-2566
All-time Winning Percentage: .489
All-time Rank:14
Playoff Appearances: 5
World Series Championships: 0
1901 Record: 57-105

The Condors have the distinction of being tied for the most playoff appearances without winning the World Series, and being one of four teams without a championship.

Their 57-105 record last season was the worst in their history and Bobby Rhodes, who's .282 batting average led the team, is a free agent.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 08:28 AM

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Team: Portland Sea Dogs
League: Western
Division: Western
All-time Record: 2481-2542
All-time Winning Percentage: .494
All-time Rank:13
Playoff Appearances: 3
World Series Championships: 1
1901 Record: 65-97

The Sea Dogs finished in last place last year, and have been spiraling downward since winning the 1898 World Series.

1B Mark Manley finished 9th in the league with a .303 batting average, and .394 on-base percentage.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 10:06 AM

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Team: Nashville Sounds
League: Eastern
Division: Southeast
All-time Record: 2483-2540
All-time Winning Percentage: .494
All-time Rank:12
Playoff Appearances: 4
World Series Championships: 2
1901 Record: 83-79

Nashville is just one year removed from winning the Southeast Division, and has a good core of players, including first baseman Sean Haddington, who is one of the best players in the league.

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NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 10:59 AM

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Team: Charlotte River Otters
League: Eastern
Division: Southeast
All-time Record: 2484-2538
All-time Winning Percentage: .495
All-time Rank:11
Playoff Appearances: 5
World Series Championships: 1
1901 Record: 88-74

I try and remain impartial when it comes to teams, but do have to admit that Charlotte is one of my favorites. The River Otters finished just two games out in the division and have a solid team with Clifford Thompson in the middle of the order hitting 38 home runs last year, and Gustavo Garcia leading the rotation with a 20-11 record and 2.82 ERA. 24 year old closer Nakamaro Matsuda led the Eastern Division with 44 saves last year.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 02:18 PM

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Team: Sacramento Sting
League: Western
Division: Western
All-time Record: 2511-2511
All-time Winning Percentage: .500
All-time Rank:10
Playoff Appearances: 9
World Series Championships: 2
1901 Record: 85-77

Sacramento is in the middle of a stretch of 11 straight winning seasons, in which they've finished either first or second in the Division every year except a third place finish in 1895.

The Sting are led by the best shortstop in the league, 26 year old Lawrence Nolan, who hit .278/.387/.505 with 29 home runs and 116 RBI.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 02:23 PM

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Team: Louisville Spiders
League: Eastern
Division: Southeast
All-time Record: 2512-2511
All-time Winning Percentage: .500
All-time Rank:9
Playoff Appearances: 8
World Series Championships: 2
1901 Record: 90-72

Louisville won the Southeast Division last year, but fell 4 games to 1 in the Eastern League Championship, when they made their first playoff appearance since 1894.

The Spiders scored 811 runs last year, the most in the league.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 03:00 PM

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Team: Newark Bears
League: Eastern
Division: Northeast
All-time Record: 2526-2496
All-time Winning Percentage: .503
All-time Rank:8
Playoff Appearances: 8
World Series Championships: 3
1901 Record: 83-79

Newark is one of three teams to win 3 World Series Championships, tied for the most in the league. They haven't won a World Series since 1890, but have made four playoff appearances in the past 10 years.

32 year old first baseman Nelson 'Vulture' Hernandez led the team with 31 home runs, 119 RBI, and was second with a .293 batting average. Hernandez is a 7 time All-Star and 4 time Batter of the Year.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 03:01 PM

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Team: Long Beach Sharks
League: Western
Division: Western
All-time Record: 2531-2491
All-time Winning Percentage: .504
All-time Rank:7
Playoff Appearances: 1
World Series Championships: 1
1901 Record: 75-87

Long Beach is the only team to win a World Series the only time they have reached the playoffs, doing so in 1879.

The Sharks are hoping that former number one overall pick Dustin Brown continues to show improvements in the league. Despite his poor win-loss record (9-17), Brown cut down on his walks while increasing his strikeouts, lowered his ERA (3.83 to 3.48), and FIP (4.38 to 3.39).

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 03:23 PM

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Team: San Jose Jaguars
League: Western
Division: Western
All-time Record: 2550-2472
All-time Winning Percentage: .508
All-time Rank:6
Playoff Appearances: 8
World Series Championships: 3
1901 Record: 80-82

San Jose is tied for the lead with 3 World Series Championships, and have qualified for the playoffs 8 times, including 1900.

The Jaguars lost starting pitchers Ernesto Ramirez and John Blakenship to injury last season, and were forced to give Pancho Guzman a shot in the rotation. Guzman ended up going 5-20 with a 6.18 ERA and an ERA+ of 68.

NYY #23 · 07-07-2012, 04:14 PM

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Views: 364
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Team: Raleigh Aeros
League: Eastern
Division: Southeast
All-time Record: 2607-2416
All-time Winning Percentage: .519
All-time Rank:5
Playoff Appearances: 11
World Series Championships: 2
1901 Record: 82-80

Despite a winning record last season Raleigh the Aeros finished in fourth place in what was top to bottom the best division in baseball. The Aeros have made more playoff appearances than any other team.

Frank Huffman hit .291 with 38 home runs and 140 RBI last season

07-06-2012, 08:16 PM	#1
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	A blended history of baseball "Statistics are the lifeblood of baseball." - Leonard Koppett in A Thinking Man's Guide to Baseball (1967) One thing that always bothers me when doing a 'history of baseball' from the beginning is the different eras, the different game lengths, and being able to measure things in a consistent manner. Not to mention that this is really attempt number three at doing this dynasty after doing: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...00-3000-a.html Then: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ilestones.html I don't have anything against the earlier era, but after two attempts I never really get to the players or era that I know best, so rather than just start from the beginning of baseball and follow the same handful of players once again I'm going to try and doing something differently this time. I'm still going to focus primarily on the numbers, and how players did compared to real life, but with some differences - 1) League Totals - There will be consistent settings throughout the league. No deadball era, no steroid era, and the settings in the beginning will be the settings in the end, and the middle. I wanted league totals to come out to what I remember when I first started following baseball in the early 80's. I've run several tests and I'm going with 1986. Apologies to Red Sox fans for choosing the 'Bill Buckner' year, but those totals felt right during testing. 2) Teams - I always have trouble getting past things like George Brett playing for the Pirates, or Tony Gwynn playing for the Orioles, or Cal Ripken playing for anybody but the Orioles. But I want a draft, so instead of the teams we all know and love (or hate) I'll be introducing 2 leagues with 2 divisions of 5 teams each, so we'll get 20 new teams. They won't be in areas where a team exists today, and hopefully they'll take on their own feel. I won't rule out expansion at some point, but it will be a ways off. 3) Players - I'll be using the Spritze database, and introducing players into the league randomly. I like the "you never know what you are going to get" factor. It's more fun to be surprised when Babe Ruth appears in the draft class, instead of knowing exactly when he'll show up. 4) History - I wanted to get some history in the league before we begin. I'm starting in 1871 and will sim up through 1901. That means setting the base with fictional players, but I'm ok with that. In fact I expect that some fictional players will be sprinkled in throughout history. Will Clifford Thompson become the all-time home run king, or will someone like Ruth, or Bonds, or someone like Sean Berry. 5) Rules - I'll highlight some of the major ones - a. Free agency - this will be set to 5 years from the beginning. b. Minor leagues - no minors and I'll be using reserve rosters, limited to 25 players c. DH - this will be on in both leagues. I wanted this either on or off for both leagues, and while I originally was leaning towards it being off I won't force pitchers to hit. d. Trading - the trading deadline is set for June 1st to prevent too many late season trades. Most teams shouldn't be out of it by June 1st and it forces teams to address any weaknesses in the offseason or early in the season. e. Playoffs - no wild cards, each division winner will square off in a best of 7 League Championship with the winner advancing to the World Series f. Hall of Fame - we'll have a 5 year waiting period and everyone will be manually inducted g. Other than that everything is pretty much default, but if there are specifics you want to know feel free to ask. I'll start with a look at the teams, some history, and then it's on to 1902 where the inaugural draft class of real players will import.

07-06-2012, 08:34 PM	#2
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	The 20 Original Teams Things are broken down into two leagues, the Eastern League and the Western League, with teams grouped accordingly for the most part. With only 20 teams there are some areas of the country I ignored for now, and there are also no Canadian teams (yet). Eastern League Northeast Division Buffalo Blizzard Columbus Condors Hartford Predators Newark Bears Providence Power Southeast Division Charlotte River Otters Louisville Spiders Nashville Sounds Orlando Wizards Raleigh Aeros Western League Southwest Division Albuquerque Crusaders Austin Rattlers Oklahoma City Tornadoes Salt Lake City Bees San Antonio Missions Western Division Las Vegas Aces Long Beach Sharks Portland Sea Dogs Sacramento Sting San Jose Jaguars

07-06-2012, 08:56 PM	#3
dynaboyj Major Leagues Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Baltimore Posts: 307	This sounds great. I like the idea of setting real players into a fictional universe, and I'm really glad you used random debut. I followed The Milestones closely, and I will do its successor the same. I hope this attempt is successful!

07-06-2012, 10:02 PM	#5
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Providence Power League: Eastern Division: Northeast All-time Record: 2368-2654 All-time Winning Percentage: .472 All-time Rank:20 Playoff Appearances: 2 World Series Championships: 0 1901 Record: 80-82 The Power have been anything but powerful, and have lost more games than any other team in the league. They are also in the midst of a 12 season streak in which they haven't finished with a winning record, but did have been getting better the past several seasons. The Power have several holes to plug in free agency, with their ace Pat Glenn (17-12, 2.92 ERA) hitting free agency along with starting pitcher Hoyt Shaffer (11-15, 4.35 ERA) and clean-up hitter and starting center fielder Alfonso Ramirez (.256/.292/.438, 15 HR, 69 RBI).

07-06-2012, 10:11 PM	#6
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Albuquerque Crusaders League: Western Division: Southwest All-time Record: 2423-2600 All-time Winning Percentage: .482 All-time Rank:19 Playoff Appearances: 4 World Series Championships: 2 1901 Record: 72-90 Albuquerque started out the gate strong, winning 2 of the first 3 World Series, and hasn't been really good, or really bad since then, although they've obviously lost more games than they've won. They last reached the playoffs in 1899, and have been going up and down the past two years. They finished 32 games out of first place, and will be looking to replace 6 starters during free agency.

07-06-2012, 11:22 PM	#7
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: San Antonio Missions League: Western Division: Southwest All-time Record: 2425-2597 All-time Winning Percentage: .483 All-time Rank:18 Playoff Appearances: 5 World Series Championships: 0 1901 Record: 87-75 San Antonio is one of four teams that have never won a World Series, although they did make the playoffs four consecutive years from 1888-1891, and made a return appearance in 1893. The Missions have finished their third straight season in second place, but resigning free agent starting pitcher Ferrie Est will be key. Est was 16-13 last season with a 3.76 ERA as the #2 starting pitcher.

07-06-2012, 11:23 PM	#8
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Oklahoma City Tornadoes League: Western Division: Southwest All-time Record: 2432-2592 All-time Winning Percentage: .484 All-time Rank:17 Playoff Appearances: 5 World Series Championships: 0 1901 Record: 77-85 As we count down from worst to best the Tornadoes are the third team from the Southwest Division, which is a good sign for either Salt Lake or Austin. While Oklahoma City has less holes to fill due to free agency than other teams, they did rank 6th in runs scored and 6th in runs allowed, so they need some help.

07-07-2012, 12:12 AM	#9
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Orlando Wizards League: Eastern Division: Southeast All-time Record: 2447-2576 All-time Winning Percentage: .487 All-time Rank:16 Playoff Appearances: 3 World Series Championships: 1 1901 Record: 67-95 The Wizards had some early success, winning the World Series in 1875, but it appears that it's time for them to replace their wands (and bats) because they've finished in last place in the Southeast in four of the past five seasons. Their 114 losses in 1887 is the most by any team in a single season. They have a very young team though, and 24 year old first baseman Matt Schneider enjoyed a breakout season last year, hitting .255 with 25 home runs. They'll need Schneider to continue to improve as the Wizards were last in runs scored in the Eastern League.

07-07-2012, 12:17 AM	#10
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Austin Rattlers League: Western Division: Southwest All-time Record: 2446-2576 All-time Winning Percentage: .487 All-time Rank:15 Playoff Appearances: 7 World Series Championships: 2 1901 Record: 66-96 Austin won the first World Series in 1871, and again won in 1896, but it's been a long five years since as they've finished last in the Southwest in 4 of the 5 years after winning it all. Their pitching has been not only terrible, giving up more runs than any other team, but they feature a 37 year old, 36 year old, and a pair of 31 year olds. With no in house options the Rattlers will need to become active in the free agent marketplace or try and swing a trade to improve their rotation.

07-07-2012, 08:16 AM	#11
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Columbus Condors League: Eastern Division: Northeast All-time Record: 2456-2566 All-time Winning Percentage: .489 All-time Rank:14 Playoff Appearances: 5 World Series Championships: 0 1901 Record: 57-105 The Condors have the distinction of being tied for the most playoff appearances without winning the World Series, and being one of four teams without a championship. Their 57-105 record last season was the worst in their history and Bobby Rhodes, who's .282 batting average led the team, is a free agent.

07-07-2012, 08:28 AM	#12
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Portland Sea Dogs League: Western Division: Western All-time Record: 2481-2542 All-time Winning Percentage: .494 All-time Rank:13 Playoff Appearances: 3 World Series Championships: 1 1901 Record: 65-97 The Sea Dogs finished in last place last year, and have been spiraling downward since winning the 1898 World Series. 1B Mark Manley finished 9th in the league with a .303 batting average, and .394 on-base percentage.

07-07-2012, 10:06 AM	#13
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Nashville Sounds League: Eastern Division: Southeast All-time Record: 2483-2540 All-time Winning Percentage: .494 All-time Rank:12 Playoff Appearances: 4 World Series Championships: 2 1901 Record: 83-79 Nashville is just one year removed from winning the Southeast Division, and has a good core of players, including first baseman Sean Haddington, who is one of the best players in the league.

07-07-2012, 10:59 AM	#14
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Charlotte River Otters League: Eastern Division: Southeast All-time Record: 2484-2538 All-time Winning Percentage: .495 All-time Rank:11 Playoff Appearances: 5 World Series Championships: 1 1901 Record: 88-74 I try and remain impartial when it comes to teams, but do have to admit that Charlotte is one of my favorites. The River Otters finished just two games out in the division and have a solid team with Clifford Thompson in the middle of the order hitting 38 home runs last year, and Gustavo Garcia leading the rotation with a 20-11 record and 2.82 ERA. 24 year old closer Nakamaro Matsuda led the Eastern Division with 44 saves last year.

07-07-2012, 02:18 PM	#15
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Sacramento Sting League: Western Division: Western All-time Record: 2511-2511 All-time Winning Percentage: .500 All-time Rank:10 Playoff Appearances: 9 World Series Championships: 2 1901 Record: 85-77 Sacramento is in the middle of a stretch of 11 straight winning seasons, in which they've finished either first or second in the Division every year except a third place finish in 1895. The Sting are led by the best shortstop in the league, 26 year old Lawrence Nolan, who hit .278/.387/.505 with 29 home runs and 116 RBI.

07-07-2012, 02:23 PM	#16
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Louisville Spiders League: Eastern Division: Southeast All-time Record: 2512-2511 All-time Winning Percentage: .500 All-time Rank:9 Playoff Appearances: 8 World Series Championships: 2 1901 Record: 90-72 Louisville won the Southeast Division last year, but fell 4 games to 1 in the Eastern League Championship, when they made their first playoff appearance since 1894. The Spiders scored 811 runs last year, the most in the league.

07-07-2012, 03:00 PM	#17
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Newark Bears League: Eastern Division: Northeast All-time Record: 2526-2496 All-time Winning Percentage: .503 All-time Rank:8 Playoff Appearances: 8 World Series Championships: 3 1901 Record: 83-79 Newark is one of three teams to win 3 World Series Championships, tied for the most in the league. They haven't won a World Series since 1890, but have made four playoff appearances in the past 10 years. 32 year old first baseman Nelson 'Vulture' Hernandez led the team with 31 home runs, 119 RBI, and was second with a .293 batting average. Hernandez is a 7 time All-Star and 4 time Batter of the Year.

07-07-2012, 03:01 PM	#18
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Long Beach Sharks League: Western Division: Western All-time Record: 2531-2491 All-time Winning Percentage: .504 All-time Rank:7 Playoff Appearances: 1 World Series Championships: 1 1901 Record: 75-87 Long Beach is the only team to win a World Series the only time they have reached the playoffs, doing so in 1879. The Sharks are hoping that former number one overall pick Dustin Brown continues to show improvements in the league. Despite his poor win-loss record (9-17), Brown cut down on his walks while increasing his strikeouts, lowered his ERA (3.83 to 3.48), and FIP (4.38 to 3.39).

07-07-2012, 03:23 PM	#19
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: San Jose Jaguars League: Western Division: Western All-time Record: 2550-2472 All-time Winning Percentage: .508 All-time Rank:6 Playoff Appearances: 8 World Series Championships: 3 1901 Record: 80-82 San Jose is tied for the lead with 3 World Series Championships, and have qualified for the playoffs 8 times, including 1900. The Jaguars lost starting pitchers Ernesto Ramirez and John Blakenship to injury last season, and were forced to give Pancho Guzman a shot in the rotation. Guzman ended up going 5-20 with a 6.18 ERA and an ERA+ of 68.

07-07-2012, 04:14 PM	#20
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112 Blog Entries: 17	Team: Raleigh Aeros League: Eastern Division: Southeast All-time Record: 2607-2416 All-time Winning Percentage: .519 All-time Rank:5 Playoff Appearances: 11 World Series Championships: 2 1901 Record: 82-80 Despite a winning record last season Raleigh the Aeros finished in fourth place in what was top to bottom the best division in baseball. The Aeros have made more playoff appearances than any other team. Frank Huffman hit .291 with 38 home runs and 140 RBI last season