LA Makes deal for bullpen vet

Los Angeles today traded IFA reliever Del Martin to Tampa Bay for bullpen vet Mateo Martinez. Martinez, a fomrer Fireballer of the Year and 6 time All-Star, joins a Hollywoods team poised for a World Series run.

Major IFA Signing

The Norfolk Nala Dogs today signed Korean slugger David Wanatabe to a minor league deal with a $20 million bunus. Wanatabe projects as one of the better power sluggers in the game if he can stay healthy and on the field.

7/19 AM Notes

ML
Burlington 11 - Durham 7
Angel Bonilla drives in 3 runs
ML
Hartford 8 - Norfolk 4
Josh Floyd goes 6.0 innings for the win
ML
New Orleans 11 - Oklahoma City 3
Butch Jordan drives in 5 runs
ML
Scottsdale 10 - St. Louis 5
Rogers Torrealba drives in 4 runs
ML
Cleveland 3 - Chicago 0
Cristobal Molina goes 8.2 innings for the win
ML
Florida 7 - Tampa Bay 3
Junior Batista homers in victory
ML
San Antonio 5 - Jacksonville 4
Alex Ainsworth drives in game-winning run
ML
New Britain 6 - Columbus 0
Steve Blank collects 3 hits
ML
Santa Cruz 4 - Salem 3
Kory Catalanotto homers in victory
ML
Atlanta 11 - San Juan 4
Jimmie Aquino drives in 3 runs
ML
Montgomery 11 - Houston 1
Brian Klingenbeck drives in 5 runs
ML
Montreal 8 - Cincinnati 7
Tommy Forster drives in game-winning run
ML
Dover 4 - Buffalo 3
Benjamin Hall drives in 3 runs
ML
Honolulu 10 - Arizona 7
Milton Simmons collects 4 hits
ML
Los Angeles 6 - San Diego 0
Victor Merrick tosses a 5-hit shutout
ML
Pittsburgh 5 - Kansas City 0
Mitchell Cameron tosses a 3-hit shutout

Game one notes:

ML
Hartford 5 - Norfolk 0
Brendan Watson collects 4 hits
ML
Arizona 4 - Honolulu 3
Vic Milton collects 3 hits
ML
Cleveland 10 - Chicago 4
Bernie Tejada drives in 3 runs
ML
Santa Cruz 3 - Salem 1
Alfredo Nieves homers in victory
ML
Florida 5 - Tampa Bay 3
Harold Bolick goes 7.0 innings for the win
ML
Montreal 6 - Cincinnati 5
Tommy Forster drives in game-winning run
ML
San Juan 6 - Atlanta 1
Corey Whitaker homers in victory
ML
San Antonio 9 - Jacksonville 7
Alex Ainsworth drives in 4 runs

Top Rotations

As rated by average overall rating -

1. Montreal 82
2. San Juan 79
3. Cincinnati 78
4. Buffalo 78
5. Los Angeles 76
Jacksonville
7. Burlington 75
Santa Cruz
Hartford
10. New Orleans 74
New Britain
Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Houston
15. Durham 73
San Antonio
17. Honolulu 72
18. Montgomery 71
Dover
Oklahoma City
Tampa Bay
22. Norfolk 70
23. Columbus 69
24. Chicago 68
Florida
Atlanta
27. Salem 67
Scottsdale
29. St. Louis 66
30. Kansas City 64
31. Arizona 63
San Diego

Opening Day!

The blog would like to wish everyone luck as Season 17 begins in 1530Homer.

Feel a Draft? Season 17 Rule 5 Edition

Welcome, one and all, to Feel a Draft, a seasonal review of the Rule 5 and Amateur Baseball Draft in the 1160Bob1360TheSportsAnimal1530HomerESPN League. For those of you newbies who may not speak the Rule 5 "Jive", there is some helpful information located in the Players Guide here.

This year's Rule 5 Draft saw 27 players selected from various franchises around the league. Here is a review of the top ten selections.

1. Florida- Dennis Rice, P, selected from Montgomery.

• Chosen in the first round of the Season 13 draft out of the U, Rice came with high expectations and the potential to be a front of the rotation starter for the Burns. Rice, whose temperment was a red flag for some teams, did not progress through the minors as he thought he should. There is some speculation that several clubhouse incidents took place between Rice and AA coaches, which may have led to his poor work ethic in Season 15. He has made only marginal improvement in the quality of his pitches since then, but the Gators were willing to take a flyer on him as the overall #1 pick in hopes that a change of scenery will revive his zest for the game.

2. Dover- Frank Sisco, P, selected from San Diego.

• A 12th round pick from Central Arizona College in Season 12, Sisco was not projected to make it as a Major League starter initially. Some scouts have changed their perspective on this 24 year old hurler, projecting he could potentially make a run at the majors in a few years. Other scouts believe he won't be able to develop his pitches well enough to get past AAA. He has the makeup and control of a solid starting pitcher, but his ability to get skilled hitters out will determine whether or not Dover made a good decision here.

3. San Antonio- Bobby Whitfield, P, selected from Honolulu.

• Another 12th round pick and coming from Bloomfield High School in Indiana, Bobby Whitfield was drafted by Honoulu to provide some down the road bullpen help for the major league club. His minor league numbers were solid, but Whitfield languished in A ball for 4 seasons while a part of the Tropics organization. His hard sinker and curveball are plus pitches, but he may struggle with control from time to time. Despite the lack of promotion Whitfield has continued to work hard, and will likely make significant contributions to the Smashboyz bullpen this season.

4. New Orleans- Art Miller, SS, selected from Florida.

• Miller was a supplemental pick out of Chattanooga State in Season 13. Like Whitfield he too put up great numbers in A ball, but stayed there until last season. He hit .346 with 29HRs and 144RBI between High A and Low A ball in Season 15, but he was not promoted until halfway through Season 16. This may have affected the confidence of lesser players, but not Miller. He has worked through adversity and should reach his full potential. Miller will be a role player for the Cajuns this year, while backing up 3B and OF positions.

5. Atlanta- Hoss Shirley, SS, selected from Florida.

• Florida leaves another quality player unprotected in Hoss "Don't Call Me" Shirley. A supplemental pick in Season 13, Shirley came out of high school with a reputation as a hard worker, but a bit of a loner. In 1200 minor league at-bats he hit .318, and spent most of his time in the field as a CF, SS, and 1B. A career .883 fielding percentage as a SS, and numbers at CF which aren't much better, Shirley could see time at the corner OF positions for the Lone Wolves. Projects as a bench player at the major league level.

6. Kansas City- Phillip Holliday, P, selected from Norfolk.

• Holliday was on the radar of many teams during this years Rule 5 draft, and KC decided to pull the trigger at #6. He didn't make it any further than High A ball for the Nala Dogs' organization, but put up fantastic numbers in the last two seasons, winning 34 games combined as a starter. He boasts great control, a good work ethic, and good velocity. With time Holliday can make an impact as a back of the rotation starter. His stuff isn't where it needs to be however, so he will likely serve in long relief or mopup this season.

7. Chicago- Russell Russell, SS, selected from San Diego.

• The man with two first names....or two last names, depending on how you look at it, was acquired via trade by San Diego on July 2nd. 5 days later he was selected via the Rule 5 draft. At 27 years of age Russell has been around the league, making stops in Pittsburgh and Texas before the trade to the Firemen. In 1185 ML ABs Russell is hitting .255, with 26HRs and 32SBs. Russell is a fine defensive player, but lacks the range to play a good SS. Smart selection for a team that needed some depth.

8. St. Louis- Lefty Yearwood, C, selected from Kansas City.

• Needing to add talented hitters to one of the worst offensive teams in the league last season, the Cardinals selected Yearwood at #8 to pair up with Hawk Hardtke. Lefty, who is right handed and got the nickname when he took the term 'punching cattle' a bit too literally, has good power, great eye at the dish, and hits left handed pitching very well. He's not tremendous behind the plate, but figures to spend some time there this season. Yearwood hit 17HRs in limited duty at AAA last season.

9. Hartford- Mark Chen, C, selected from Salem.

• Chen, a 7th round selection in Season 12, put up terrific offensive numbers at every level until a dissapointing Season 16 which saw him hit .220 in almost 200ABs. He is a solid defensive catcher, however, and calls a good game. If he can stay healthy Chen can provide some pop (33HR at AA in Season 15) to the Hartford lineup, but likely won't hit for much of an average. Chen draws comparisons to Jason LaRue.

10. Cincinnati- Sergio Rigby, 2B, selected from San Antonio.

• Hailing from Sulphur Springs, TX, Rigby was selected in the 2nd round of the Season 13 amateur draft. He has great defensive skills for a man his size, and plays 2B like a natural. He never made it out of A ball, however, even after hitting .297 with 17HR and 75RBI in Season 15. Cincinnati decided to offer him back to San Antonio after the draft, but the Smashboyz declined. Sergio was then waived by the club, and claimed by New Orleans on July 10th. He figures into their plans as a backup CF/2B.

Durham (over?)spends for IFA

The Durham Tar Heels, not wanting to go a third straight season without an impact IFA, signed Don Iwamura today to an ML deal with an almost $18 million bonus. The Tar Heels are in a rebuilding mode and Iwamura projects to a #3 or #4 starter that should reach the bigs in two seasons. The Tar Heels have 3 of the first 43 picks in the upcoming draft and appear to be done in the IFA market.

Where are they now? Bullpen

This list was done in Season 13 and here is a "where are they now" update on the Top 5

1. Bernie Pena Burlington – IntlFASea12 – Proj: 87 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
Late season IFA steal for the Coat Factory that should join one of the league’s best teams in the next season or so. Stamina should allow for spot starts, but the bullpen is the home for this late season IFA steal.

Now
Season 16 all star traded to Cincinnati in the offseason. Best long reliever in the game.

2. Randall Scott Anaheim – DraftSea13Rd1 – Proj: 82 – ETA: Season 17 –

Then
The first reliever taken in the Season 13 draft, the flamethrowing righty has a chance to win multiple Fireman awards and close for any team in the league. Hall of Fame potential .

Now
Two time minor league all star may never reach his full potential. Should join the ML team this season.

3. Tomas Mesa Los Angeles – DraftSea10Rd1 – Proj: 84 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
NL AAA Fireman of the Year winner should make his mark next season for the ML squad. Good stamina for either long or short relief duties, but should excel as a closer for the Hollywoods.

Now
32 wins and 11 saves in three ML seasons. Career 3.26 ERA and a mainstay in the LA bullpen.

4. Adam Tucker Charleston – DraftSea10Rd1 – Proj: 79 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
This ML ready talent should ease into the Closer role for the Chews next season. All-Star talent.

Now
77 for 87 career ML saves. Traded to San Juan in the offseason to anchor one of the best teams in the game.

5a. Rafael Telemaco New Britain – DraftSea11Rd1 – Proj: 83 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
This former Tar Heel could make it to the bigs next season in a long or short relief role, although the Red Coats seem to be bringing him along slowly. His impressive career stats should translate well to the ML level, whenever he gets there.

Now
Has not produced as expected. A career 4.59 ERA, he could use a change of scenery (Durham maybe?).

5b. Bert Throneberry Pittsburgh DraftSea9Rd1 - Proj. 85 - ETA: Now -

Then
Made his debut in the Season 13 playoffs, and hopefully will be able to recover from the shelling he took at the hands of the Tropics. Outstanding temper, patience, and makeup to go along with average splits and a lack of a quality #2 pitch. Regardless, should have a long career closing for the Partymen.

Now
Season 14 all star with 15 wins and 85 saves. A mainstay at closer for the Partymen.

Where are they now? Position Players

This list was done in Season 13 and here is a "where are they now" update on the Top 10

1. Jonathan Gload Cincinnati – CF – DraftSea11rd1 – Proj: 94 – ETA: Season 15 –

Then
Outstanding ratings in almost every category, although only average in durability, health, and batting eye. Surprisingly, his career OPS in the minors has yet to creep over 1.000, although it should only be a matter of time. If he can stay on the field, he will be a Hall of Famer.

Now
Durability is the only thing keeping Gload from the MVP. In two ML seasons, he has batted over .300, slugged over .525, and might be able to go 35/35.

2. Benji Neill Chicago – 2B – DraftSea10Rd1 – Proj: 95 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
The first pick in Season 14, he should be a yearly contender for the batting crown. He will crush lefties and be above average against righties due to his tremendous eye and ability to get the bat on the ball. In AA in Season 13, he got on base half of the time, an amazing feat that will translate well to the bigs. Consummate #3 hitter.

Now
Two time all star and silver slugger and another candidate to go 35/35. career .330 hitter and an OPS over 1.000. A stint on the DL thwarted a run at the MVP in Season 16.


3. Jose Segui Burlington – 3B – IFASea10 – Proj: 91 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
Acquired from the Knee Bucklers for two top prospects, he should crack the Coat Factory’s lineup next season and be a nice replacement for the departing Brent Sabel. No apparent weaknesses, other than having to fill some pretty big shoes.

Now
Gold Glove and Silver Slugger 3B in Season 15, he should rebound from a sub-par (for him) season last year.

4. Quinton Trammell Chicago – SS – DraftSea13Rd1 – Proj: 91 – ETA: Season 18 –

Then
Another stud in the Chicago system, this Ute has it all – intangibles, glove, durability, batting eye. Not an excellent hitter, but should be an All Star.

Now
Slowly moving through the Chicago system, should be a regular contributer at the ML level this season or next.

5. Derek Burgess San Juan – SS – DraftSea13Rd1 – Proj: 90 – ETA: Season 18 –

Then
This slick fielding SS has solid intangibles and above average hitting ability. Will be one of the few defensive SS in the league with the ability to hit.

Now
Should join his Norfol teammates this season and contribute. Career .300 in the minors.


6. Rube Swann Los Angeles – SS – Draft12Rd1 – Proj: 90 – ETA: Season 17 –

Then
Contact, power, and vs. lefties in rare company. May be better suited as a 3B, and may not be as effective vs. righties. Otherwise, an amazing prospect and future stud for LA.

Now
AAA MVP should be joining the Hollywoods this season and contribute to a run at the World Series.

7. Wendell Reed Burlington – SS – DraftSea9Rd1 – Proj: 90 – ETA: Season 14 –

Then
A marginal SS but terrific prospect regardless. Hampered by injuries, but should be a mainstay in the Coat Factory line-up for years to come. All Star potential.

Now
Season 14 ROY had an off year in Season 15, but still was an All Star and Silver Slugger CF.


8. Kelly Hinch Chicago – 2B – DraftSea11Rd1 – Proj: 90 – ETA: Season 16 –

Then
Extremely talented first pick of the draft that needs more seasoning before entering the big stage. Gold Glove caliber 2B, with excellent speed and above average hitting. A lock for multiple All Star teams.

Now
A Gold Glove and All Star in Season 15, he looks to rebound from an off year last year. He needs to improve on his K ratio to become a star.

9. Alan Flair New York – 2B - DraftSea13rd1 – Proj: 89 – ETA: Season 17 –

Then
Should hit for average and power and be a contender for multiple All-Star games. May struggle vs. lefties and strike out too much, otherwise a very good prospect.

Now
Season 16 all star still hampered by an average eye and difficulties vs. lefties. Demoted to AAA to regain his form.


10. Don Chen Vancouver – LF – IFASea13 – Proj: 89 – ETA: Season 18 –

Then
Inexplicably rushed through the minors, this Japanese outfielder has much to prove to the critics of his 28.1 million signing bonus. Eventually, he should hit for average and power and be a threat for the triple crown. Hopefully, the Otters will be patient with his development.

Now
Thrived in the high altitude in Denver, postinf over 100 rbi's and an OPS over 1.000. Now in Santa Cruz, his number are sure to fall but still a solid player.

Where are they now? Pitchers

This list was done in Season 13 and here is a "where are they now" update on the Top 10

1. Sammy Iglesias Montreal – DraftSea12Rd2 – Proj: 90 – ETA: Season 15 –
Then
Another reason for all of us in the AL to envy our French Canadian foe. In the discussion for best SP prospect in the game, he should move to the top of the Garde’s rotation in a couple of seasons, and be greeted to the collective groan of the rest of the league.

Now
Season 16 Rookie of the Year won an impressive 19 games in his first year in the bigs. Currently the #1 starter for Montreal

2. Ivy Latham Scranton – DraftSea13Rd1 – Proj: 90 – ETA: Season 17 –

Then
This top pick in Season 13 is arguably the top prospect in the game. A perfect pitching prospect if he had a better temper and one less pitch. Should anchor the Nala Dogs for a very long time and compete for multiple Cy Young awards.

Now
Traded in Season 15 to Scottsdale, Latham should make his way to the majors this season or next.

3. Geraldo Mendez Houston - IntlFASea13 – Proj. 90 – ETA: Season 17 -

Then
Top of the rotation fireballer with the ability to compete for multiple Cy Young awards. Another reason the rest of the NL despises the Hangovers. An absolute steal on the IFA market for the Hangovers.

Now
Sub-2.20 ERA and sub 1.00 WHIP should earn him a spot in teh big this season or next.

4. Louis Melville Los Angeles – DraftSea10Rd1 – Proj. 90 – ETA: Season 14 -

Then
ML ready SP that will fit in nicely at the top of the Hollywood’s rotation next season. May struggle at times vs. LH dominant line-ups but should have a long career at the top of the rotation.

Now
Two time all star and anchor of the LA staff. Should be in the picture for the Cy Young.

5. Wascar Franco Scranton – DraftSea12Rd1 – Proj: 85 – ETA: Season 16 –

Then
A lock for the top of the rotation, this #1 draft pick in Season 12 should be in line for multiple All-Star games and in the discussion for a couple of Cy Young awards. This lefty excels against righties, a quality that is hard to find.

Now
A 9 win rookie campaign in Season 16 does not tell the whole story. Should be an anchor for years to come.

6. Bubbles Judd Cincinnati – DraftSea13rd1 – Proj:89 – ETA: Season 18 –

Then
Tremendous talent that might be limited as a Starter due to his low stamina ratings. Could be a 20 game winner out of the bullpen.

Now
AAA level with an eye on the majors. Most likely to never be a starter at the ML level.

7. Juan Vincente Scranton - IFASea13 - Proj:86 - ETA: Season 17 -

Then
the embarrassment of riches continues for Scranton. Along with Franco and Latham, should have the Nala Dogs competing for multiple WS titles. Might have the best career of the three.

Now
Traded in Season 15 to San Juan, Vincente now is the #2 starter for one of the most improved teams in the game.

8. Brant Riggan Cincinnati – DraftSea12Rd1 – Proj: 86 – ETA: Season 16 -

Then
#1 or #2 SP prospect with excellent control and stamina. Versus LH and the development of a 3rd and 4th pitch may be the only things that keep him out of the Cy Young discussion.

Now
After two years in AAA, Riggan is poised to join the Cincy club later this season. May never reach full potential .

9. Henry Stearns Buffalo – DraftSea11Rd1 – Proj: 84 – ETA: Season 16 –

Then
Tremendous patience, temper, and makeup will keep him in the majors for a very long time, assuming he can stay healthy (a big assumption). Average pitches, in addition to poor health, keep him from being elite.

Now
19-16 in two years at the ML level. Very good IP/K ratio and solid ERA and whip.

10. Anthony Patterson Baltimore – DraftSea13Rd1 – Proj:84 – ETA: Season 17 –

Then
Has all the stuff to be an effective SP for any team. Below average pitches keep him from being a top of the rotation starter.

Now
2 time minor league all star should sniff the bigs this season. career ERA of 2.68.

Season 17 Preview

The blog predicts the top 12 teams for Season 17 -


12. Montgomery Burns

Any team with MVP Ken Daly must make this list. Would be higher on this list with a better pitching staff and more help at the AAA level. Prediction: NL Wild Card

11. Cleveland Wahoos

Very little change to the Season 16 Division Champ. Louis Spense and Rafael Soriano return to lead a potent offense, while Derrek Peters and Junior Ozuna anchor a solid pitching staff. Prediction:NL Wild Card

10. Jacksonville TIMUACANS

A risky pick, but some solid offseason moves will take this squad from worst to first in a very even AL South. Newly acquired Bill Reed and Ramon Chen add to an already solid pitching staff, while 2B Royce Aven leads an offense in need of another star. Prediction: AL South Champion

9. Chicago Panthers

Chicago was active in the off season and made some very good free agent moves. Benji Neill and Kelly Hinch anchor an offense that could use one more big bat. FA Cesar Almanzar will anchor a rotation that could surprise Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Prediction: NL North Champion

8. Buffalo Bisons

Outfielders Robert Stern and Pepper Griffin were acquired in a trade that adds some pop to a line-up led by Francis Herzog and Allen Nichols. Veteran pitchers Joe Raymond and Flip Bones were added to the pitching staff anchored by 4 time all star Cory Clark. Prediction: NL East Champion

7. Santa Cruz Border Patrol

A revolt from the pitching staff sent the Colrado team south to the friendlier confines of Vaniglia Stadium, where Phil Pride and Timothy Crawford will excel. This blog predicts a Cy Young for Phil Pride. Prediction: AL West Champion


6. Monreal Garde Imperiale

Montreal lost Acquino, Ortiz, and Glover, but will most miss the big bat of the recently traded Steven Starr. Iglesias, Forrester, Woods, Lynch, and Conigliaro make up the league's best rotation, while Melfi, Gagne, Gabriel, and Saez lead an outstanding bullpen. Dupler, Roosevelt, Clifton, and Bufurd headline one of the AL's most potent offense. Prediction: AL Wild Card

5. Cincinnati Redlegs

Cincy will pose a major threat to the reign of Montreal this season, and this blog predicts that this will be the season that they finally break through. A stong pitching staff could be bolstered by the mid-season promotions of AAA stars Brant Riggan and Bubbles Judd. Jonathon Gload should win his first of many MVP's while protected by off-season acquisition Jesus Pineda. Prediction: AL North Champion

4. Houston Hangovers

NL pennant winner Houston will be strong as usual, and returns its squad relatively in tact. It boasts one of the league's best pitching staffs anchored by soon to be 200 game winner Dave Darr, and one of the most balanced offenses lead by former MVP Esteban Owen. Prediction: NL South Champion /NL Pennant Runner-Up

3. Burlington Coat Factory

One of the most successful clubs in 1530 history, the Factory underwent some major changes in the offseason. They lost All-Star Bernie Pena, but didn't have a spot for him in the rotation anyway. Their offense should be much improved with the signing of 2B Juan Johnson from rival Durham, and the absolute theft of CF Angel Bonilla. Prediction: AL Wild-card / AL Pennant Runner-Up

2. San Juan Cangrejeros

have long lived in the shadow of the Durham/Burlington domination of the AL East was active on the trade market and added Cy Young winner J.R. Beckett, Bullpen Ace Adam tucker, and All-Star Sandy Ramsey. San Juan also promoted some high-quality AAA talent and might be the team to beat in a very tough AL East. Prediction: AL East Champion / AL Pennant Winner / World Series Runner-Up

1. Los Angeles Hollywoods

The Hollywoods have been built into a contender and this is the year that they should finally dethrone Houston. Victor Merrick and Leonardo Inge lead a strong pitching staff and Lee, Sabel, and Morales should be joined by SS's Rube Swann and Carson Hardy to make LA into one of the best fielding/hitting combnations in the league. Prediction: NL West Champion/NL Pennant Winner/World Series Champion