Centurion comes...to OOTP5 - Page 6

darkcloud4579 · 07-09-2003, 12:27 PM

PORTLAND - As normal after a Emeralds loss, the lumber comes out and the teams responds. After losing 3-0 to the Giants Wednesday night in San Francisco, the Ems returned home to Oregon to a sellout crowd at Paul Allen Ballpark.

With ace Mark Prior on the mound, the club faced another one of the many former Emeralds on the Giants squad Tyler Walker, who ended up here en route from Colorado (where sent him a while back).

In 4 1/3 innings, Walker gave up 7 earned. Jared Pressley and Oneximo Espino went deep, Espino's a three-run shot. Prior pitched 7 1/3, giving up one earned on five hits and struck out seven to give the Emeralds a 4-1 lead in the Series, in their 11-1 victory in Friday night's game.

They go for the clincher tomorrow night.

"We're thrilled to be in this position again," said Prior after earning the win. "We just want the guys to go out there tomorrow and back Timmy [Hudson] up, to give us the best chance to finish this thing off", he added.

FORMER EMERALDS PLAYING IN THE SERIES
It's been mentioned before that there are a number of former Emeralds players on the San Francisco Giants roster. Some, were sent there directly, while others took a more round-about route.

Let's see the former players.

2B Bernabel Castro Played on last year's World Series team. Became a free agent, signed by Indiana and was released. Then picked up by the Giants.

Orval Hajek Hajek was traded for the Giants first round pick that year (2008), Todd "Thumper" Brunet, who is on the 25-man roster this year.

Ken Griffey, Jr. Traded from Cincy, to Oregon then to San Francisco in 2004.

Will Smith Was traded to Anchorage in 2006, for two players, of whom include current Ems player Darin Erstad.

Tyler Walker Was in Oregon the longest of any of the players on this list. Played in parts of four seasons with the Ems winning 32 games as a member of the club. He was traded to Colorado last season and signed with San Francisco this past off-season as a free agent.

darkcloud4579 · 07-09-2003, 12:48 PM

PORTLAND - Oregon starter Tim Hudson pitched six strong innings yielding just 1 run on three hits, to bring his playoff record this year to 3-0. Justin Kaye, pitched a marvelous three innings of no-hit ball in relief, bringing his playoff ERA to a microscopic 0.60, as the Oregon Emeralds defeat the San Francisco Giants 5-1, capturing the 2009 WORLD SERIES TITLE!!

The Ems lead all the way through, but in the bottom the eighth, up 2-1, they tacked on three runs to cushion the lead and give themselves all the room necessary for the win.

"We're thrilled that this has happened. All the years of hard work, that get you to this moment, are unparalleled to the feeling and sense of accomplishment once you reach it," said Will Hetfield who was named Player of the Game.

The Giants were dejected, being the first team ever to lose in the Modern Era in just six games. "We're obviously not happy about the loss. We got here, this team is strong and we lost. The better team won, but that doesn't make our accomplishments this season worthless", said Ken Griffey, Jr., who said he never imagined he'd get the opportunity to play in a World Series.

When asked if they would be back, "We never anticipated being here this year. Things clicked. I'd love to see this team back. I might not be back next season, as its that time in my life where I need to decide what comes first", said Griffey.

So another season is in the books, folks. The Oregon Emeralds are your World Series Champions.

darkcloud4579 · 07-09-2003, 03:24 PM

CENTURION SPORTS MGT. ANNOUNCES 2010 WILL BE LAST SEASON IN OREGON
PORTLAND - The Centurion Sports Management Group, which has owned and managed the Oregon Emeralds since their inception in 2003, announced today that next season will be their last in Oregon.

"We've made it known that while it is very bittersweet for us to move on and do something different, it is very much time for us to do so. We do so without regret, knowing that we have a job to do this year, that is winning a third World Series," said Dark Cloud.

Rumors began immediately swirling about where the group would end up next. At least half a dozen teams have contacted Centurion, none being able to retain the organization's services until next year, though there is no exclusivity clause in the deal that would prevent them from picking a club in the NL, since the majors have not merged and the deal with Oregon only indicates that no team in the "league" would be concurrently owned.

"We're looking at a number of options, but ultimately, our goal is to be competitive and to take a new franchise under our wing to develop and ultimately build a champion," he said.

While he gave no indication of where the group would end up, he did say that he was inclinded to go someplace "different, somewhere we haven't been before".

In a previous league, Centurion won 16 World Series titles over a 29 year period. Centurion clubs were in Tampa, Nevada, Cleveland, Virginia, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, OR.

There is no indication as to whether they would choose a large market or a smaller one.

darkcloud4579 · 07-09-2003, 03:35 PM

HARRY POTTER COMES TO BASEBALL
LONDON, ENGLAND - In a stunning move, JK Rowling bought the Detroit Tigers today. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, jumped in to buy the team, after signing a deal with Paramount to make a new movie, "Harry Potter goes to the Majors", a touching story of how the boy wizard goes from the field of quidditch to the catherdals of Yankee Stadium.

"I felt like it would be better to reach out to America's children by bringing this team to my nation and showing our boys and girls the game of America", she said after purchasing the team.

A deal to buy the team by a different media mogul, fell through and she decided to purchase the club, which despite a new stadium, built several years ago was sagging in attendance and had recently fired its General Manager.

Rowling has reportedly made contact with Centurion about running the club, but made no comment about this during the press conference.

Dark Cloud made this statement, "It's very unlikely that we would opt to go to London, if the Tigers are moved," he said.

The Tigers have been renamed the London Wizards, after the boy wizard Harry Potter. Opting for a different look, the mascot is not Harry Potter himself.

darkcloud4579 · 07-09-2003, 08:23 PM

PORTLAND With the Emeralds changing hands at the end of the season, Centurion officials were conducting what they call "the dump before the storm". However, because most of the money on the team is tied up into extensions and rookie contracts, the team has yet to do much dealing.

"We're in a transitional process that generally occurs around this time. We won't change the character of the team or do anything that jeopardizes the future. But we also recognize that once we go away, things are different and we need to ensure the viability of the club to sustain itself after we're gone," said Dark Cloud.

Most notably, if a Centurion team has a huge payroll, but fails to keep winning after the group goes away, this will cause huge shortfalls and cause the team to become insolvent. "To prevent this, we try to keep salaries in a realistic range."

The group expects to cut salary to about $112 million, which is about $20 million less than its at presently and lower than in past years, where payroll has hovered around $140-150 million.

The team traded Aaron Heilman, a starter who had been with the club since 2003, back to the NY Mets, where he came from for SP Andrew Miller, a highly touted pitcher, who was making the rookie minimum, while Heilman was making $6.7 million this season.

The club also lost 1B Josh Pressley, 30, who was a five-time All-star and had three straight years of 160+ RBI and is the 2-time defending AL MVP, signing with Texas for 7 years/$167 million.

Free agent Odalis Perez, whom they acquired from Boston last season was allowed to leave to Orlando signing a five year deal worth over $53 million.

Despite the players missing and the slow start by the team's pitching staff, Dark Cloud says the club will contend for its third straight World Series title. "We're not going to go for broke and win, but we will be strong contenders", he said.

The club is expected to retool, since Dark Cloud forgot to set the lineups for the first month of the season, in which the team is 16-16, 2 games behind Sacramento for the Pacific division lead.

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 12:02 AM

BASEBALL CHANGING OF THE GUARD
The Modern Era has been home to some of the greatest to ever play the game. Names like Guerrero, Bonds, Johnson, Sosa, and more, will go down in history and be remembered like Ruth and Mantle of the bygone era.

As these aging stars retire, a new set of young players, those bred on the Modern Era have emerged.

Let's take a look at the stars of the future, as they continue to make history:

Josh Pressley, 1B, Texas Rangers This guy is the real deal. Only 30 years old, his player card is longer than that of five or six players. Having played with the greats like Vlad Guerrero on the Oregon Emeralds, have helped this young star to develop into argubaly the best player in the majors today. He can do it all, hit for power, average and defensively, he is unmatched.

The two-time defending AL MVP, Pressley recently signed a mega-deal with the Texas Rangers, but has no desire to stop his winning ways. "I'm just trying to enjoy what I've been given and using my God given talent to the best of my ability", said the humble star.

His career batting average is .352, he's got 210 homers and 808 RBI in just 7 1/2 major league seasons. He's one of reasons the New York Mets are scratching their heads when they sent this budding star to Oregon. "We had no idea he would turn out to be this good", said Dark Cloud, who orchestrated the trade for the young talent. "Trading him for Jason Repko, tells you how talented he was, but we also got Larry Walker in that deal. Look who turned out to the guy who got us to a World Series," he said.

(Walker ironically, helped the NY Yankees win a World Series title, after being traded away from Oregon.)

1B Zach Tucker, NY Yankees

If there was a photo in the dictionary next to the word consistency, there would be a picture of Yankees first baseman Zach Tucker. Tucker, 28, in his eight major league season, has had six straight 100+ RBI seasons and has a string of six straight .300 seasons to his credit as well. This star, who has only played in one all-star game so far in his career, has been outshined by flashier players, but few managers in the game would want anyone on first base playing for them.

"Zach Tucker is the real deal," said Mets manager Willie Randolph, who was a third base coach for the Yankees for a number of years. "He's everything you want, consistent, hard working and talented."

"I'm not out looking for all the praise. I just want to help my team win", said Tucker. Tucker is the consumate professional, who should continue powering the Yankees offense for many years to come.

SP Jason Arnold, Colorado Rockies
When the Toronto Blue Jays traded Jason Arnold to Colorado, you could hear a collective gasping sound throughout the offices of every major league team in the Modern Era.

This young star, has been a consistent performer throughout his career. A three-time all-star, Arnold was 17-3, in 2006, the year the Rockies won their first World Series in franchise history.

Though the Rockies have not been on top of the division of late, Arnold is still plugging along, having one of the best starts of his career this season (5-0, 1.81 ERA, 47K, 5 BB) and should be a name you'll hear about for many years to come.

SP Nicholas Rank, Philadelphia Phillies
The reason for the resurgence of the Philadelphia Phillies had nothing to do with offense, but was their work on the mound. It started with Nicholas Rank over the past eight seasons. Rank, 28, has shown his value in wins and having one of the lowest ERAs in the majors over the past decade. He's won at least 15 games in every season except one in his career and his career ERA is under 3.00 lifetime.

He's a perennial member of the pitching leaderboard and is fiercely loyal to the Phillies organization, signing a deal that will keep him with the club until 2012, despite big money elsewhere. While there are no guarantees he'll stay past then, everyone knows that Nick Rank will be the name you will see in the Phillies Hall of Fame someday, as well as Cooperstown.

With young stars like these, the Modern Era will be in good hands for many years to come. Got a player you want profiled? Let us know and stay tuned for the next edition of "Emerging Stars"

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 04:23 AM

PORTLAND - In a deal that should be characterized as more than just a salary dump, the Oregon Emeralds dealt RF Vladimir Guerrero, MR Justin Kaye and CF Jason Repko to Philadelphia for LF Pat Burrell, CF Sean Evans and ace Nicholas Rank. The deal gives Philly offensive power and allows Oregon to cut payroll down to about $116 million.

"Anytime you trade a future hall of famer like Vlad Guerrero and a star like Jason Repko, its hard", said Dark Cloud, who said he initially never considered trading Guerrero and his $26 million annual salary. But when Rank entered the picture, he felt the deal could help the ballclub. "This deal helps us pursue our goal of a third straight World Series title and I want to be sure that we keep that goal in our minds and within our reach. This deal does that and then some."

The Emeralds are beginning to rely more heavily on minor leaguers its farm system has developed over the years. And why not? The team has for years had the best farm system, seemingly to find diamonds in the rough and making great trades to acquire top young talent. Dark Cloud said, it makes sense to use those players, rather than always going after stars. "We've developed some talented young players over the years and we want to continue to do that. The time is now for us to jettison using trades and free agency to build up this club", he said.

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 12:59 PM

6/16/2010

PORTLAND - The situation facing Emeralds management was simple. Make a deal for starting pitching to bolster the staff for the stretch run. But don't increase payroll and don't trade too many prospects.

The answer ends up being in two different trades that should help the Ems down the stretch of the season.

Trade between Oregon and Cincinnati :
Cincinnati gets :
P David Greening
Oregon gets :
P Clint Nageotte

Greening is a young starter, who began the year in the rotation. He struggled a little in the past, but is 1-1 in 3 starts this year. He should turn into a fine pitcher for the Reds. Nageotte won 18 games in 2004 and has struggled since, but playing for this club couldn't have helped.

Trade between Oregon and New Jersey :
New Jersey gets :
P Tim Hudson
P Adam Loewen
3B David Fredericksen
Oregon gets :
P Ajani Russell

Hudson arguably had his best season in three years last year, helping us to our second straight title. He was here for both and has been effective. However, it was time for him to move on. Loewen was acquired from the Mets a few years ago and has fallen out of the top 100 prospects, he'll be a decent starter for some team, but he's lost some of his luster. Fredericksen was the deal maker. This young slugger was a third round pick in this year's draft and should put up great numbers for New Jersey. Russell won 19 games two years ago and has all the makings of a staff ace. He becomes ours and helps us solidify our rotation.

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 01:24 PM

Former rap star and current baseball star NELLY aka Cornell Haynes, Jr., is coming to Oregon!

No, there won't be a concert at Paul Allen Ballpark (well, maybe) its because the St. Louis Cardinals have traded the star to Oregon along with two-time Cy Young Award winner Jimmy Journell for LF Pat Burrell, who was having trouble adjusting to the AL, emerging star Mitch Capra, CF Dave Krynzel and SP Ajani Russell.

"This deal helps both clubs", said Dark Cloud. Nelly, who had a no-trade clause, waived it when he heard he'd have an opportunity to win a title. "The way I look at it, if St. Louis gets closer to a title, because they traded me to someplace else, then so be it. I'll always rep St. Louis and all my fans kno' that", he said. "And if it means I might get a ring too, that would be hot. A gold record and a gold ring. That would be off-the-chain man". he added.

Journell, a two-time Cy Young winner should provide stability for the Oregon rotation. He's 9-5 with a 3.36 ERA so far this season.

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 05:48 PM

Is the lack of reply saying "gee, this is going on too long?" or are people just intently reading? Just curious...

Jordan · 07-10-2003, 07:40 PM

IMO, no....were all trying to catch up....ya always have something new to the story so some people gotta catch up I think

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 07:49 PM

NEW YORK - An unconfirmed report from insiders of Major League Baseball have information stating the Centurion Sports Mgt. Group will sign a five year management deal with the New York Mets.

More news later...

El Caballo · 07-10-2003, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by darkcloud4579
Is the lack of reply saying "gee, this is going on too long?" or are people just intently reading? Just curious...

Nope, I am still reading this. This is great, one of the best written things, if not the best I have seen on these boards.

darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 09:37 PM

ok..thanks

I'll keep it up. Honestly, I do this for my own amusement. But I do like to know that people are reading - all those views aren't me, so i know y'all are. i just want to make sure its enjoyable.

~DC

Louisiana Ligers · 07-10-2003, 10:56 PM

Nelly in baseball....Rowling buying the Tigers. Good stuff as always!

Fifty bucks on London for the Series!

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darkcloud4579 · 07-10-2003, 11:58 PM

THE BRITS TAKE AMERICA'S PASTIME BY STORM
LONDON - Imagine for a second, if an American soccer club were invited to play in the English Premier League. (Okay, stop laughing). Imagine for a second if that team, were to win the Premier League (okay, you can stop rolling on the floor).

While the absymal Detroit Tigers aren't quite Manchester United, this club has taken the UK by storm and introduced America's game to a whole new group of followers.

"We were skeptical when we heard about it. But its a really exciting game", said Rhonda Moore, a professor at a university in London.

The London Wizards - nee Detroit Tigers - have not only had their best season arguably since 1984, they have a fan base squarely behind them.

The Wiz drew nearly 1 million more fans this season than last. Average attendance rose from 28,581 to 40,097 in London. The club has also increased revenue per game to over double last year's amount.

It probably doesn't hurt that unlike the Canadian or Japanese clubs in the Modern Era, the Wizards are actually helped by a strong exchange rate - thus meaning their pounds are worth more than the dollars they pay out to players.

Despite spending LESS on players (11th lowest in baseball), the team managed to win the AL East against the free spending NY Yankees, New Jersey Cyclones and emerging Baltimore Orioles, upsetting all pundits who didn't see the club doing what it managed to do.

AlanThomas · 07-11-2003, 02:41 AM

As someone who has lent his name to players in DC's leagues, I can say that I'm used to the quality of the writing, which is a good thing.

Alan Hainkel
3B
Texas Rangers

4-time AL Gold Glove winner
1 AL Batting Title (2003 as a rookie)
3 AL All Star team selections

darkcloud4579 · 07-11-2003, 02:57 AM

EMERALDS TAKE WIZARDS TO A GAME 7
DETROIT - Even though the name has changed, fans in Detroit and in London are cheering. A schedule snafu (well, actually I just forgot to change their stadium this year) has the Wizards playing at their old ballpark in Detroit, due to a rock concert reunion of the Spice Girls at Heineken Park, where the Wizards will play their home games in 2011.

In the meantime, fans are packing Comerica Stadium for Game 7 of the AL Division Series between the London Wizards and the Oregon Emeralds.

The two-time defending champs were on the ropes, down 3 games to 2, when in typical fashion they came up big in Game 6 and tied the Series at 3-3, after a 6-0 win.

But now, Game 7 is a different story. Will the Ems be able to continue their dream season on the road of the 3-peat or will the Wizards stop them in their tracks?

Stay tuned...

darkcloud4579 · 07-11-2003, 03:03 AM

DETROIT - Down 1-0, the Ems managed to tie in the top of the sixth. After some lineup changes, Mark Prior turned on the cruise light and started fanning.

A 2-run homer by Miguel Tejada, put the Ems up 3-1 in the seventh. In the top of the ninth, the Ems added another run and K-Rod came onto close the game.

In the end, the Ems use their experience to defeat the upstart London Wizards in seven games. One can expect to see the Wizards in this position again at some point in the future.

A great effort by both teams.

darkcloud4579 · 07-11-2003, 03:08 AM

AL CHAMPIONSHIP

Oregon v. Texas

NL CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Louis v. Pittsburgh

Check back for updates, analysis that will come later.

However, the site will probably be updated - with box scores - if you read this in the morning.

07-09-2003, 12:27 PM	#101
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	GAME 5 - EMS BRING OUT THE LUMBER PORTLAND - As normal after a Emeralds loss, the lumber comes out and the teams responds. After losing 3-0 to the Giants Wednesday night in San Francisco, the Ems returned home to Oregon to a sellout crowd at Paul Allen Ballpark. With ace Mark Prior on the mound, the club faced another one of the many former Emeralds on the Giants squad Tyler Walker, who ended up here en route from Colorado (where sent him a while back). In 4 1/3 innings, Walker gave up 7 earned. Jared Pressley and Oneximo Espino went deep, Espino's a three-run shot. Prior pitched 7 1/3, giving up one earned on five hits and struck out seven to give the Emeralds a 4-1 lead in the Series, in their 11-1 victory in Friday night's game. They go for the clincher tomorrow night. "We're thrilled to be in this position again," said Prior after earning the win. "We just want the guys to go out there tomorrow and back Timmy [Hudson] up, to give us the best chance to finish this thing off", he added. FORMER EMERALDS PLAYING IN THE SERIES It's been mentioned before that there are a number of former Emeralds players on the San Francisco Giants roster. Some, were sent there directly, while others took a more round-about route. Let's see the former players. 2B Bernabel Castro Played on last year's World Series team. Became a free agent, signed by Indiana and was released. Then picked up by the Giants. Orval Hajek Hajek was traded for the Giants first round pick that year (2008), Todd "Thumper" Brunet, who is on the 25-man roster this year. Ken Griffey, Jr. Traded from Cincy, to Oregon then to San Francisco in 2004. Will Smith Was traded to Anchorage in 2006, for two players, of whom include current Ems player Darin Erstad. Tyler Walker Was in Oregon the longest of any of the players on this list. Played in parts of four seasons with the Ems winning 32 games as a member of the club. He was traded to Colorado last season and signed with San Francisco this past off-season as a free agent. Last edited by darkcloud4579; 07-09-2003 at 12:30 PM.

07-09-2003, 12:48 PM	#102
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	GAME 6 - EMS VS. GIANTS PORTLAND - Oregon starter Tim Hudson pitched six strong innings yielding just 1 run on three hits, to bring his playoff record this year to 3-0. Justin Kaye, pitched a marvelous three innings of no-hit ball in relief, bringing his playoff ERA to a microscopic 0.60, as the Oregon Emeralds defeat the San Francisco Giants 5-1, capturing the 2009 WORLD SERIES TITLE!! The Ems lead all the way through, but in the bottom the eighth, up 2-1, they tacked on three runs to cushion the lead and give themselves all the room necessary for the win. "We're thrilled that this has happened. All the years of hard work, that get you to this moment, are unparalleled to the feeling and sense of accomplishment once you reach it," said Will Hetfield who was named Player of the Game. The Giants were dejected, being the first team ever to lose in the Modern Era in just six games. "We're obviously not happy about the loss. We got here, this team is strong and we lost. The better team won, but that doesn't make our accomplishments this season worthless", said Ken Griffey, Jr., who said he never imagined he'd get the opportunity to play in a World Series. When asked if they would be back, "We never anticipated being here this year. Things clicked. I'd love to see this team back. I might not be back next season, as its that time in my life where I need to decide what comes first", said Griffey. So another season is in the books, folks. The Oregon Emeralds are your World Series Champions.

07-09-2003, 03:24 PM	#103
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	CENTURION ANNOUNCEMENT CENTURION SPORTS MGT. ANNOUNCES 2010 WILL BE LAST SEASON IN OREGON PORTLAND - The Centurion Sports Management Group, which has owned and managed the Oregon Emeralds since their inception in 2003, announced today that next season will be their last in Oregon. "We've made it known that while it is very bittersweet for us to move on and do something different, it is very much time for us to do so. We do so without regret, knowing that we have a job to do this year, that is winning a third World Series," said Dark Cloud. Rumors began immediately swirling about where the group would end up next. At least half a dozen teams have contacted Centurion, none being able to retain the organization's services until next year, though there is no exclusivity clause in the deal that would prevent them from picking a club in the NL, since the majors have not merged and the deal with Oregon only indicates that no team in the "league" would be concurrently owned. "We're looking at a number of options, but ultimately, our goal is to be competitive and to take a new franchise under our wing to develop and ultimately build a champion," he said. While he gave no indication of where the group would end up, he did say that he was inclinded to go someplace "different, somewhere we haven't been before". In a previous league, Centurion won 16 World Series titles over a 29 year period. Centurion clubs were in Tampa, Nevada, Cleveland, Virginia, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, OR. There is no indication as to whether they would choose a large market or a smaller one.

07-09-2003, 03:35 PM	#104
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	IF HOCKEY HAS THE DUCKS... HARRY POTTER COMES TO BASEBALL LONDON, ENGLAND - In a stunning move, JK Rowling bought the Detroit Tigers today. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, jumped in to buy the team, after signing a deal with Paramount to make a new movie, "Harry Potter goes to the Majors", a touching story of how the boy wizard goes from the field of quidditch to the catherdals of Yankee Stadium. "I felt like it would be better to reach out to America's children by bringing this team to my nation and showing our boys and girls the game of America", she said after purchasing the team. A deal to buy the team by a different media mogul, fell through and she decided to purchase the club, which despite a new stadium, built several years ago was sagging in attendance and had recently fired its General Manager. Rowling has reportedly made contact with Centurion about running the club, but made no comment about this during the press conference. Dark Cloud made this statement, "It's very unlikely that we would opt to go to London, if the Tigers are moved," he said. The Tigers have been renamed the London Wizards, after the boy wizard Harry Potter. Opting for a different look, the mascot is not Harry Potter himself.

07-09-2003, 08:23 PM	#105
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	EMS CUT SALARY IN OFF-SEASON PORTLAND With the Emeralds changing hands at the end of the season, Centurion officials were conducting what they call "the dump before the storm". However, because most of the money on the team is tied up into extensions and rookie contracts, the team has yet to do much dealing. "We're in a transitional process that generally occurs around this time. We won't change the character of the team or do anything that jeopardizes the future. But we also recognize that once we go away, things are different and we need to ensure the viability of the club to sustain itself after we're gone," said Dark Cloud. Most notably, if a Centurion team has a huge payroll, but fails to keep winning after the group goes away, this will cause huge shortfalls and cause the team to become insolvent. "To prevent this, we try to keep salaries in a realistic range." The group expects to cut salary to about $112 million, which is about $20 million less than its at presently and lower than in past years, where payroll has hovered around $140-150 million. The team traded Aaron Heilman, a starter who had been with the club since 2003, back to the NY Mets, where he came from for SP Andrew Miller, a highly touted pitcher, who was making the rookie minimum, while Heilman was making $6.7 million this season. The club also lost 1B Josh Pressley, 30, who was a five-time All-star and had three straight years of 160+ RBI and is the 2-time defending AL MVP, signing with Texas for 7 years/$167 million. Free agent Odalis Perez, whom they acquired from Boston last season was allowed to leave to Orlando signing a five year deal worth over $53 million. Despite the players missing and the slow start by the team's pitching staff, Dark Cloud says the club will contend for its third straight World Series title. "We're not going to go for broke and win, but we will be strong contenders", he said. The club is expected to retool, since Dark Cloud forgot to set the lineups for the first month of the season, in which the team is 16-16, 2 games behind Sacramento for the Pacific division lead.

07-10-2003, 12:02 AM	#106
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	NEW STARS ARE EMERGING... BASEBALL CHANGING OF THE GUARD The Modern Era has been home to some of the greatest to ever play the game. Names like Guerrero, Bonds, Johnson, Sosa, and more, will go down in history and be remembered like Ruth and Mantle of the bygone era. As these aging stars retire, a new set of young players, those bred on the Modern Era have emerged. Let's take a look at the stars of the future, as they continue to make history: Josh Pressley, 1B, Texas Rangers This guy is the real deal. Only 30 years old, his player card is longer than that of five or six players. Having played with the greats like Vlad Guerrero on the Oregon Emeralds, have helped this young star to develop into argubaly the best player in the majors today. He can do it all, hit for power, average and defensively, he is unmatched. The two-time defending AL MVP, Pressley recently signed a mega-deal with the Texas Rangers, but has no desire to stop his winning ways. "I'm just trying to enjoy what I've been given and using my God given talent to the best of my ability", said the humble star. His career batting average is .352, he's got 210 homers and 808 RBI in just 7 1/2 major league seasons. He's one of reasons the New York Mets are scratching their heads when they sent this budding star to Oregon. "We had no idea he would turn out to be this good", said Dark Cloud, who orchestrated the trade for the young talent. "Trading him for Jason Repko, tells you how talented he was, but we also got Larry Walker in that deal. Look who turned out to the guy who got us to a World Series," he said. (Walker ironically, helped the NY Yankees win a World Series title, after being traded away from Oregon.) 1B Zach Tucker, NY Yankees If there was a photo in the dictionary next to the word consistency, there would be a picture of Yankees first baseman Zach Tucker. Tucker, 28, in his eight major league season, has had six straight 100+ RBI seasons and has a string of six straight .300 seasons to his credit as well. This star, who has only played in one all-star game so far in his career, has been outshined by flashier players, but few managers in the game would want anyone on first base playing for them. "Zach Tucker is the real deal," said Mets manager Willie Randolph, who was a third base coach for the Yankees for a number of years. "He's everything you want, consistent, hard working and talented." "I'm not out looking for all the praise. I just want to help my team win", said Tucker. Tucker is the consumate professional, who should continue powering the Yankees offense for many years to come. SP Jason Arnold, Colorado Rockies When the Toronto Blue Jays traded Jason Arnold to Colorado, you could hear a collective gasping sound throughout the offices of every major league team in the Modern Era. This young star, has been a consistent performer throughout his career. A three-time all-star, Arnold was 17-3, in 2006, the year the Rockies won their first World Series in franchise history. Though the Rockies have not been on top of the division of late, Arnold is still plugging along, having one of the best starts of his career this season (5-0, 1.81 ERA, 47K, 5 BB) and should be a name you'll hear about for many years to come. SP Nicholas Rank, Philadelphia Phillies The reason for the resurgence of the Philadelphia Phillies had nothing to do with offense, but was their work on the mound. It started with Nicholas Rank over the past eight seasons. Rank, 28, has shown his value in wins and having one of the lowest ERAs in the majors over the past decade. He's won at least 15 games in every season except one in his career and his career ERA is under 3.00 lifetime. He's a perennial member of the pitching leaderboard and is fiercely loyal to the Phillies organization, signing a deal that will keep him with the club until 2012, despite big money elsewhere. While there are no guarantees he'll stay past then, everyone knows that Nick Rank will be the name you will see in the Phillies Hall of Fame someday, as well as Cooperstown. With young stars like these, the Modern Era will be in good hands for many years to come. Got a player you want profiled? Let us know and stay tuned for the next edition of "Emerging Stars" Last edited by darkcloud4579; 07-10-2003 at 12:05 AM.

07-10-2003, 04:23 AM	#107
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	EMS SEND REPKO AND GUERRERO TO PHILLY PORTLAND - In a deal that should be characterized as more than just a salary dump, the Oregon Emeralds dealt RF Vladimir Guerrero, MR Justin Kaye and CF Jason Repko to Philadelphia for LF Pat Burrell, CF Sean Evans and ace Nicholas Rank. The deal gives Philly offensive power and allows Oregon to cut payroll down to about $116 million. "Anytime you trade a future hall of famer like Vlad Guerrero and a star like Jason Repko, its hard", said Dark Cloud, who said he initially never considered trading Guerrero and his $26 million annual salary. But when Rank entered the picture, he felt the deal could help the ballclub. "This deal helps us pursue our goal of a third straight World Series title and I want to be sure that we keep that goal in our minds and within our reach. This deal does that and then some." The Emeralds are beginning to rely more heavily on minor leaguers its farm system has developed over the years. And why not? The team has for years had the best farm system, seemingly to find diamonds in the rough and making great trades to acquire top young talent. Dark Cloud said, it makes sense to use those players, rather than always going after stars. "We've developed some talented young players over the years and we want to continue to do that. The time is now for us to jettison using trades and free agency to build up this club", he said. __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-10-2003, 12:59 PM	#108
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	EMS BACK IN FIRST..MAKE A DEAL 6/16/2010 PORTLAND - The situation facing Emeralds management was simple. Make a deal for starting pitching to bolster the staff for the stretch run. But don't increase payroll and don't trade too many prospects. The answer ends up being in two different trades that should help the Ems down the stretch of the season. Trade between Oregon and Cincinnati : Cincinnati gets : P David Greening Oregon gets : P Clint Nageotte Greening is a young starter, who began the year in the rotation. He struggled a little in the past, but is 1-1 in 3 starts this year. He should turn into a fine pitcher for the Reds. Nageotte won 18 games in 2004 and has struggled since, but playing for this club couldn't have helped. Trade between Oregon and New Jersey : New Jersey gets : P Tim Hudson P Adam Loewen 3B David Fredericksen Oregon gets : P Ajani Russell Hudson arguably had his best season in three years last year, helping us to our second straight title. He was here for both and has been effective. However, it was time for him to move on. Loewen was acquired from the Mets a few years ago and has fallen out of the top 100 prospects, he'll be a decent starter for some team, but he's lost some of his luster. Fredericksen was the deal maker. This young slugger was a third round pick in this year's draft and should put up great numbers for New Jersey. Russell won 19 games two years ago and has all the makings of a staff ace. He becomes ours and helps us solidify our rotation. __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-10-2003, 01:24 PM	#109
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	NELLYMANIA COMING TO OREGON!!! Former rap star and current baseball star NELLY aka Cornell Haynes, Jr., is coming to Oregon! No, there won't be a concert at Paul Allen Ballpark (well, maybe) its because the St. Louis Cardinals have traded the star to Oregon along with two-time Cy Young Award winner Jimmy Journell for LF Pat Burrell, who was having trouble adjusting to the AL, emerging star Mitch Capra, CF Dave Krynzel and SP Ajani Russell. "This deal helps both clubs", said Dark Cloud. Nelly, who had a no-trade clause, waived it when he heard he'd have an opportunity to win a title. "The way I look at it, if St. Louis gets closer to a title, because they traded me to someplace else, then so be it. I'll always rep St. Louis and all my fans kno' that", he said. "And if it means I might get a ring too, that would be hot. A gold record and a gold ring. That would be off-the-chain man". he added. Journell, a two-time Cy Young winner should provide stability for the Oregon rotation. He's 9-5 with a 3.36 ERA so far this season. __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-10-2003, 05:48 PM	#110
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	Is the lack of reply saying "gee, this is going on too long?" or are people just intently reading? Just curious... __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-10-2003, 07:40 PM	#111
Jordan All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chi Suburbs now... Posts: 1,991	IMO, no....were all trying to catch up....ya always have something new to the story so some people gotta catch up I think

07-10-2003, 07:49 PM	#112
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	THIS JUST IN... NEW YORK - An unconfirmed report from insiders of Major League Baseball have information stating the Centurion Sports Mgt. Group will sign a five year management deal with the New York Mets. More news later... __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-10-2003, 09:37 PM	#114
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	ok..thanks I'll keep it up. Honestly, I do this for my own amusement. But I do like to know that people are reading - all those views aren't me, so i know y'all are. i just want to make sure its enjoyable. ~DC __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-10-2003, 10:56 PM	#115
Louisiana Ligers Bat Boy Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 3	Nelly in baseball....Rowling buying the Tigers. Good stuff as always! Fifty bucks on London for the Series! -------------- Visit www.thehungersite.com & the other sites in the ring everyday. Sign up for free newsletters that also give aid. Heck and check out www.thebirthsite.com/othermenu.html while you're at it, turns out there's 100s of sites like this. Clicking on the company's ads also helps give as well. (Some of the best: Poverty Fighters and MCI LifeSaver, even give to Royal Flyng Doctors in Australia!)Definately use the Against Hunger Surf Bar...donate 1 cup of food every 3 minutes. http://www.againsthunger.org/games/surf/banner.html Click www.freedonation.com...20 clicks for 8 causes. Help to cure cancer with your screensaver! http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/curecancer.html __________________ <b>Louisiana Ligers</b> Visit www.thebirthsite.com/othermenu.html for free click-to-donate sites that help countless people in countless ways...all at the click of a mous

07-10-2003, 11:58 PM	#116
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	LONDON GEARS UP FOR PLAYOFF ACTION! THE BRITS TAKE AMERICA'S PASTIME BY STORM LONDON - Imagine for a second, if an American soccer club were invited to play in the English Premier League. (Okay, stop laughing). Imagine for a second if that team, were to win the Premier League (okay, you can stop rolling on the floor). While the absymal Detroit Tigers aren't quite Manchester United, this club has taken the UK by storm and introduced America's game to a whole new group of followers. "We were skeptical when we heard about it. But its a really exciting game", said Rhonda Moore, a professor at a university in London. The London Wizards - nee Detroit Tigers - have not only had their best season arguably since 1984, they have a fan base squarely behind them. The Wiz drew nearly 1 million more fans this season than last. Average attendance rose from 28,581 to 40,097 in London. The club has also increased revenue per game to over double last year's amount. It probably doesn't hurt that unlike the Canadian or Japanese clubs in the Modern Era, the Wizards are actually helped by a strong exchange rate - thus meaning their pounds are worth more than the dollars they pay out to players. Despite spending LESS on players (11th lowest in baseball), the team managed to win the AL East against the free spending NY Yankees, New Jersey Cyclones and emerging Baltimore Orioles, upsetting all pundits who didn't see the club doing what it managed to do. __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-11-2003, 02:41 AM	#117
AlanThomas Bat Boy Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1	As someone who has lent his name to players in DC's leagues, I can say that I'm used to the quality of the writing, which is a good thing. Alan Hainkel 3B Texas Rangers 4-time AL Gold Glove winner 1 AL Batting Title (2003 as a rookie) 3 AL All Star team selections

07-11-2003, 02:57 AM	#118
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	EMS V. WIZ EMERALDS TAKE WIZARDS TO A GAME 7 DETROIT - Even though the name has changed, fans in Detroit and in London are cheering. A schedule snafu (well, actually I just forgot to change their stadium this year) has the Wizards playing at their old ballpark in Detroit, due to a rock concert reunion of the Spice Girls at Heineken Park, where the Wizards will play their home games in 2011. In the meantime, fans are packing Comerica Stadium for Game 7 of the AL Division Series between the London Wizards and the Oregon Emeralds. The two-time defending champs were on the ropes, down 3 games to 2, when in typical fashion they came up big in Game 6 and tied the Series at 3-3, after a 6-0 win. But now, Game 7 is a different story. Will the Ems be able to continue their dream season on the road of the 3-peat or will the Wizards stop them in their tracks? Stay tuned... __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-11-2003, 03:03 AM	#119
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	EMS ADVANCE DETROIT - Down 1-0, the Ems managed to tie in the top of the sixth. After some lineup changes, Mark Prior turned on the cruise light and started fanning. A 2-run homer by Miguel Tejada, put the Ems up 3-1 in the seventh. In the top of the ninth, the Ems added another run and K-Rod came onto close the game. In the end, the Ems use their experience to defeat the upstart London Wizards in seven games. One can expect to see the Wizards in this position again at some point in the future. A great effort by both teams. __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)

07-11-2003, 03:08 AM	#120
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,689	2010 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS AL CHAMPIONSHIP Oregon v. Texas NL CHAMPIONSHIP St. Louis v. Pittsburgh Check back for updates, analysis that will come later. However, the site will probably be updated - with box scores - if you read this in the morning. __________________ ------ My Mods OOTP Advanced Stats & DFS Suite Managerial Strategy Pack Competitive Balance Tax Calculator Major League Women's Baseball (OOTP24) quickstart Indian Premier League \| 300+ years of baseball quickstart \| Expatriate League quickstart \| Off-Field Injuries Update \| Women's Name File for OOTP \| ---- Dynasty classics: Centurion comes to OOTP5 \| DC Moneyball Dynasty (2004)